Building and Facilities News Issue 1005

Tel: 0121 550 4593 ● www.buildingandfacilitiesnews.co.uk ● April ● Issue 1005

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The Range chooses

FUSION Sustainable

Water Heating

From Adveco

Page 12

Service

Sealing

Solutions

2

Velair

Group Ltd 6-7

Checkedsafe

24

Service Sealing Solutions is

the sole UK distributor for the

sealing industry’s top pioneering

manufacturers: DOYMA and HKD.

Service Sealing Solutions Ltd

Service Sealing Solutions Ltd specialises in highquality

service duct sealing systems for utility

services and watertight seals, offering a high level

of expertise to developers and specifiers for sealing

against water and gas ingress around service

entries in basements and high-rise buildings.

With over 50 years of experience, DOYMA

compile both their knowledge and skill

into their seal range, to create effective,

but simple solutions to meet all watertight

service sealing requirements. DOYMA

products provide the highest level of

safety when sealing buildings where

pipes and electrical cables pass through.

DOYMA stands on the front line when it comes to the development

of innovative, practical solutions for sealing and fire systems.

Their goal is to create safe building penetrations for pipes and

cables that seal off fire, gas and water. The rubber mouldings

are what ensure the gas and watertight features.

Here at Service Sealing Solutions, we supply HKD

service seals throughout the whole of the UK. HKD,

now owned by DOYMA, manufactures a wide range of

pipe sealing systems and service conduits – which is

forever growing. All seals in the range are guaranteed

to withstand up to 4 bars of pressure! Also available

in varying sizes and shapes for different access points.

HKD systems have a sealing solution for service conduits cast into

concrete without the sleeves. HKD service conduits are supplied ready for

use, requiring no site preparation work prior to installation. With options

such as KE Socketless service conduits, KG Wall Ducts and Floor Ducts,

together with KG Twin Sockets for installation in pump sumps and where

suitability for thin-walled concrete structures is vital.

For more information, please call us on 01952 510050

or visit www.servicesealingsolutions.co.uk

or email sales@servicesealingsolutions.co.uk

Editor’s Comments

Welcome to our April issue, where we dive into

the latest advancements, practical insights,

and groundbreaking innovations shaping the

building and facilities industries.

On pages 6-7, we feature Velair

Group Ltd as our Hand Dryer

Company of the Year. Known

in the industry for providing

innovative products and

solutions in the washroom

arena, we spoke to Matt

Anderson, CEO Velair

Group Ltd, who explained

to us how the last 12

months have been for the

company, and we delve into

some of the company’s most

popular products.

The Homebuilding and Renovating

Show 2025 was back with a bang

at the Farnborough International

Exhibition & Conference Centre from

the 18th-19th January this year.

On page 8, we have a full

review of the show, and

we feature some of our

chosen Top Exhibitors

from pages 8-10.

On page 24, we feature

CheckedSafe and its unique

software that has been

developed to provide simple

and inexpensive compliance

solutions that can be tailored

to any industry. We focus on

its primary offering – a paperless

Contents

Nicola Tromans

Editor & Office Manager

compliance system that facilitates

efficient defect reporting and fleet

maintenance, and shine a spotlight

on its innovative Lone Worker App,

designed to enhance the safety of

employees working alone.

Other show reviews: CIBSE

Build2Perform Live 2024.

Other topics covered: Health & Safety,

Site Management, Roofing, Cladding &

Insulation, Building, External Works, Interiors,

Doors & Windows, Heating, Ventilation &

Air Conditioning, Facilities Management,

Refurbishment & Renovation.

News to share?

gina@buildingandfacilitiesnews.co.uk

Building and

Facilities News

Refurbishment

& Renovation 4

Wallbed Systems Ltd

Alpha bed system is

available in standard and special sizes, vertical

and horizontal mounting.

Hand Dryer

Company of

the Year 6-7

Velair Group has supplied

over 350 businesses with hand

dryer packages, working via partners and

distributors who sell its range.

Homebuilding & Renovating

Show Farnborough Review 8-10

The Homebuilding

and Renovating Show

2024 took place at the

Farnborough International

Exhibition & Conference

Centre from the 13th-14th January last year.

Heating, Ventilation &

Air Conditioning 12-13

Panasonic Heating & Cooling Solutions has

entered into a new

partnership agreement

with British Gas, the UK’s

leading energy supplier.

On the

Cover

Adveco 12

Adveco Ltd. is the trusted specialist provider of bespoke, low carbon hot water and

heating systems to the building services industry. They provide a wide range of options

for gas and electric water heating, incorporating the latest gas water heaters and boilers,

thermal storage, heat pumps, solar thermal and heat recovery technologies.

Roofing, Cladding

& Insulation 22

UNI-DAM is a rainwater

management system

designed to control water

flow on the roof during

heavy storms and to help

prevent water ingress into the building.

Facilities Management 29

Fusion21 is pleased

to announce

the suppliers

successfully

appointed to its

national Workplace

and Facilities Management Framework.

Contacts

Editor & Office Manager, Nicola Tromans – 0121 550 4593

nicolatromans@buildingandfacilitiesnews.co.uk

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

Production Manager, Robert Sharp

production@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

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.

BFN is sponsored

by Jurassic Home

Solutions – see

them on page 9

Refurbishment & Renovation

Kingspan’s Phu My

Factory in Vietnam

achieves prestigious LEED

Platinum Certification

Kingspan’s Phu My

manufacturing facility

in Vietnam has been

accredited with the

industry-leading LEED

Platinum certification,

the highest level

of recognition for

sustainable building

practices.

The award was

granted by the US

Green Building

Council (USGBC) under its v4

Building Design and Construction:

New Construction and Major

Renovations rating system,

achieving a total of 86 of 110 points.

Located in Ba Ria-Vung Tau

province, the Phu My factory serves

as Kingspan’s insulated panels hub

in Asia, supplying high-performance

solutions across the wider Asian

region. The facility manufactures

QuadCore and K-Roc insulated

panels for use in architectural,

industrial, and controlledenvironment

applications such as

cold storage, clean rooms,

and food manufacturing.

Combining cutting-edge

technology with sustainable

practices at its core, the

factory is designed to deliver

operational excellence at every

stage. It operates under a rigorous

Integrated Management System

(IMS) and is certified to internationally

recognised ISO standards (ISO

9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001).

This comprehensive approach

ensures that every product

meets the highest standards of

quality, safety, and sustainability

reflecting Kingspan’s commitment

to innovation and responsible

manufacturing.

https://www.kingspan.com/gb/en

Canal walls and the

chocolate factory: Old Wharf

renovated and regenerated

A former chocolate

factory in West

London next to the

Grand Union Canal

had been earmarked

for regeneration.

Though an attractive

proposition for

housing developers,

the canal and the

poor condition of

the site’s wharf

posed clear

logistical

challenges

for any

redevelopment

works. With the

wharf requiring

repairs as part

of the planning

permissions

to build

apartments,

national

independent marine engineering and

maintenance experts The Rothen

Group was chosen to provide a

practical solution.

Built in 1913 on the banks of the

Grand Union Canal, the Hayes

chocolate factory in West London

had stood derelict since it4 closure

in 2014. Formerly the first

factory outside Switzerland to

manufacture the iconic Milky

Way chocolate bar, the site’s

proximity to the capital made it

ripe for regeneration. Seeing the

site’s potential, developers Barratt

London embarked on an urban

renewal project in 2022 to deliver

‘Hayes Village’ – 1,500 new flats

where the factory once stood, with

over nine acres of green space, a

light industrial commercial space,

a 200m running track and a 1.3km

trim trail.

For more information about

The Rothen Group, please visit:

www.therothengroup.co.uk

No compromise on safety,

comfort and ease of operation

Wallbed Systems

Ltd (WBS), based

in London, has

supplied wall bed

hardware globally

for over 20 years.

Known for spring

systems with safe,

adjustable tension,

WBS was initially a

major supplier to the

USA market, and now

serves 22+ countries.

Three of its most

popular products

globally include:

The Alpha bed – a best

seller design in 20

countries

Comes in standard and special sizes,

vertical and horizontal mounting,

with a choice of leg options

and a disappearing desk. The

lightweight frames feature robust

steel construction with reinforcing

stiffeners, available in single-king

sizes, and includes the adjustable

SBLM for safe fingertip operation.

Hallmarks of WBS design

WBS wall beds are easy to install and

fit mattresses up to 300mm. They

include a counterbalance spring

mechanism, frames, mountings,

pivot system, springs, and fasteners.

Library bookcase design for our NeXT bed

Powder-coated parts are ergonomic

and durable, and the beds open and

close with minimal effort.

NeXT bed

The latest NeXT bed offers an

immediate, ready-to-use solution

with or without a cabinet, providing

comfort like a conventional bed.

Products are stocked globally, with

advice available on options and sizes.

For more information,

please see below:

T +44 (0)208 704 5796

M +44 (0)7780 661958

jeremy.waller@wallbedsystems.co.uk

www.wallbedsystems.co.uk

Arts University Bournemouth

celebrates North Light

Studios renovations

On Wednesday

27th November,

Arts University

Bournemouth

(AUB) celebrated

the official launch

of its renovated

North Light Studios

following a c. £1.2

million investment

by the University.

First built in 2000,

the iconic buildings

operate as print,

letter pressing,

and fine art studios

for students. The studios were

originally designed to maximise

light from the north – hence its

name – by configuring horizontally

pivoting glazing for consistent levels

of daylight provision and natural

ventilation.

Further improvements to the building

included upgraded and new mounted

external lighting to provide more

security, installation of local extract

ventilation to the link spaces and

offices between each of the studios,

replacement of comfort cooling

installations, internal redecoration

and repairs, redecoration and

cleaning of the metal profiled roof

coverings to all studio structures,

replacement of guttering works and

some window replacement, repairs

to the metal roof and specialist

replacement to façade steel cladding.

In May 2024, the University completed

the installation of two Air Source Heat

Pumps (ASHPs) at the site, a crucial

part of the plan to lower fossil fuel use

on the campus and provide a clean

and efficient heat energy supply. By

heating water using renewable energy

and air, ASHPs are up to 300% more

efficient than a traditional gas heating

system and can help to reduce carbon

emissions by 12% each year.

Please visit: www.aub.ac.uk

4

BFN is sponsored by Jurassic Home Solutions – see them on page 9

Hand Dryer Company of the Year

From hand dryers to fragrance systems:

HAND DRYER

COMPANY OF THE YEAR

Award Winner

In this issue of Building & Facilities News, we are pleased to feature

Velair Group Ltd as our Hand Dryer Company of the Year

Since 2012, Velair Group has supplied over 350

businesses with hand dryer packages, working

via partners and distributors who sell its range.

Knowing everything there is to know about hand

dryers, you’ll find their dryers in almost every

sector of the market, including those with the

highest standards – Food Manufacturing and

Education.

Known in the industry for providing innovative

products and solutions in the washroom arena,

we spoke to Matt Anderson, CEO Velair Group Ltd,

who explained to us how the last 12 months has

been for the company.

“The past 12 months have been exceptional

across the group. We’ve successfully completed

every key project we set out to, while acquiring

new customers and deepening relationships with

our existing ones by delivering the high-quality

products and services they’ve come to expect

from us. Our growth rate remains strong at around

20% annually, and we continue to consistently hit

and in some cases exceed our sales targets.”

“Alongside this, we’ve expanded the team,

introducing more structure and bringing in highly

skilled personnel to support our growth and

alleviate pressure on our existing staff, who have

been working incredibly hard. Looking ahead,

one of our immediate priorities is securing a

larger warehouse to accommodate our continued

expansion.”

We then asked Matt how sales have fared in

comparison to forecast:

“Sales have significantly outperformed our

forecasts, particularly following the acquisition of

Enviro-Save (UK) Ltd – a globally recognised, bestin-class

fragrance system distributor known for its

continuous fragrance Oxygen-Powered delivery

systems. This acquisition provided a substantial

boost in sales and, coupled with the ongoing

success of our hand dryer division, allowed us

to not only meet but exceed our projections. In a

challenging economic environment, where many

companies have struggled, we’re proud to have

remained resilient and continued to grow. Overall,

we’re extremely pleased with our performance.”

The purchase of Enviro-Save 18 months ago has

been transformative for the business. Before this

acquisition, Enviro-Save was generating close to

£1.2 million at the time of purchase and is now

exceeding £2 million and growing rapidly under

Velair Group. The fragrance system mentioned

by Matt was originally developed in Dubai and

has proven to be a phenomenal success. The

product is exclusive to Velair Group in the UK,

6


Hand Dryer Company of the Year

Velair Group ® unstoppable growth

hand dryer brand, and a competitive force in the

electrical wholesale sector, which represents a

massive growth opportunity for us.”

and complements its already strong hand dryer

offering, further strengthening its position in the

hygiene sector.

“Additionally, we’ve expanded into the electrical

wholesale market with our state-of-the-art panel

heaters and domestic ventilation products,

allowing us to serve a broader customer

base across multiple sectors,” added Matt.

“Interestingly, our fragrance and electrical

wholesale divisions are currently outpacing the

growth of our core hygiene business, likely due to

the limited number of companies in the washroom

sector and the challenges of competing with

continuous-revenue paper sales. Nevertheless,

our comprehensive packages – offering solutions

across hygiene and electrical markets – have been

very well received.”

Another product that has revolutionised the

hand drying sectors is the Plug & Play system,

developed by Velair Group as the world’s first

multi-dryer Plug & Play ® platform, named The

Terra4 Docking Station ® .

“The Terra4 Docking Station ® supports 75% of

our hand dryers. It allows for effortless servicing,

upgrades, and replacements without the need for

skilled labour – anyone can do it. This innovation

has played a major role in expanding our market

share and has helped us secure key partnerships,

including our global collaboration with Rentokil

Initial. It’s a unique selling point that continues to

set us apart in the industry,” stated Matt.

The Terra4 Docking Station ® is the first multi-dryer

Plug & Play ® platform, revolutionising hand dryer

technology with its innovative design and userfriendly

features. Boasting unmatched durability

and performance, once installed, the Terra4

Docking Station ® becomes a fit-and-forget product,

providing unrivalled convenience and reliability.

This platform allows any Plug & Play ® hand dryer

to be easily installed, upgraded, or replaced within

seconds, without the need for skilled labour.

What’s more, the Terra4 Docking Station ® is made

from materials known for their durability, rigidity,

abrasion resistance, and thermal dimensional

stability. Whether in a high-traffic washroom or a

demanding commercial environment, the Terra4

Docking Station ® and Plug & Play ® hand dryer will

deliver consistent, robust and reliable performance

day after day.

“The uniqueness of our Plug & Play ® Terra4 Docking

Station ® is a standout benefit – it offers unmatched

convenience, efficiency, and cost savings. Similarly,

our fragrance system is the only one on the market

that guarantees consistent and continuous fragrance

delivery for 30, 60, or 90 days. In a space where

many products are similar, these innovations provide

our customers with tangible advantages and have

been pivotal to our recent success,” added Matt.

The Terra 4 Docking Station® is compatible with

the Pebble Mini Entry Level Plug & Play®, Pebble+

Plug & Play that removes 99.9% of bacteria and

viruses, and the brand new for 2025 F4 Eco Plug &

Play. Watch out – the future of hand dryers is here!

With numerous achievements under its belt, Velair

Group remains driven to accomplish even more.

We asked Matt about the company’s short and

long-term goals.

“In the short term, our focus remains on delivering

exceptional service, technical support, and marketleading

products, supported by strong marketing

– core strengths we’ve maintained for over 14

years. Long term, we’re investing heavily in R&D

and innovation, with several exciting product

launches scheduled for this year and next. These

new offerings will further strengthen our market

position. Ultimately, our goal is to be the leading

company in the fragrance market, the number one

Ensuring sustainability remains a core part of the

business, Velair Group is proud to mark its fourth

consecutive year as a Planet Mark Certified business.

This is a fantastic achievement that reflects the

company’s commitment to sustainability and

reducing its environmental impact.

“Velair Group has achieved Planet Mark Certified

Year 4 – Business by reporting its measured carbon

emissions, reducing Scope 1, 2, and core Scope 3

emissions per employee (market-based) by 12.3%

compared to the previous reporting period, and by

committing to expand its measurement boundary

to achieve a full carbon footprint.”

“Sustainability is at the heart of our business, and

being recognised for our efforts to create positive

change means a great deal to us,” said Matt.

In closing, we asked matt how he felt receiving

this award on behalf of Velair Group and everyone

involved.

“As a company, we’ve never actively pursued

awards, so being named Hand Dryer Company of

the Year is truly special. Most of our recognition

has come via platforms like Trustpilot, where

we’ve received incredible feedback – particularly

around our service, which is a point of pride for us.

To be acknowledged for doing something we love

is a wonderful achievement and a testament to the

hard work and dedication of our team.”

“Everyone at Velair Group is passionate about

what we do – it takes a certain kind of person to

work here, someone who loves the business as

much as I do – and this award is for them. I’d like

to take this opportunity to thank the entire team for

their continued commitment.”

For more information, please see below:

T 01425 616103

hygiene@velairgroup.com

Velair Hygiene: Hand Dryer Supplier – Hand Dryer

Manufacturer | Velair

Everything Electrical: Velair Group | We make

Everything electrical – Velair Group | We make

Everything electrical | Home

Enviro-Save UK: Oxy-Gen powered

BFN is sponsored by Jurassic Home Solutions – see them on page 9 7

Homebuilding & Renovating Show Farnborough Review – Top Exhibitors

The Ultimate Event for Self-Builders and Renovators:

South East Homebuilding and Renovating Show 2025

building a house or renovating a home. This area

gave them the opportunities to speak face to face

to impartial planners, builders, and architects

who reviewed their potential plans for free, and

delivered guidance on how to make their project

a success.

The Homebuilding and Renovating Show 2025

took place at the Farnborough International

Exhibition & Conference Centre from the 18th-19th

January this year.

From hands-on tips to inspiring insights and

cutting-edge products, the 2025 show delivered it

all under one roof, solidifying its reputation as the

ultimate event for self-builders and renovators.

No matter the stage of their project, visitors to

the Homebuilding and Renovating Show found

everything they needed to bring their vision

to life. The event offered tailored, one-on-one

advice and the opportunity to explore 1,000s of

innovative products designed to enhance any

home. Attendees were immersed in a wealth of

activities, from navigating planning regulations for

extensions and managing renovation budgets to

discovering the latest trends in kitchen design and

integrating underfloor heating.

Recognised as the premier event where selfbuild

specialists, renovation experts, and leading

brands unite under one roof, the Homebuilding

and Renovating Show 2025

excelled in presenting the

latest innovations while

tackling key industry topics to

help professionals make the most of their budgets.

Attendees had the opportunity to consult top

architects on everything from small plots to largescale

builds and immerse themselves in expert

insights, cutting-edge tools, and invaluable tips

from the brightest minds in the field.

A hot topic right now is energy, and how to

improve the efficiency of a home or building. The

Home Energy Academy were on form at the show,

offering free advice to visitors on how to make

the most of the energy in their homes, whilst also

saving money, reducing bills and carbon footprint.

The Home Energy Hour was a new addition to the

theatre line-up with talks that informed visitors

of the latest trends and advancements in home

energy, and advice on how to make a home

leaner and greener. The Advice Centre was also a

busy area of the show for those who were either

Why Electric Smart Heaters?

Selecting the right heater for a home is one

of many decisions to make when building,

renovating and converting. But how do you

know what to choose?

From trending technology

to traditionally handcrafted

materials – and the

people behind them, the

Farnborough show delivered

a platform where 100s of

brands showcased 1,000s of

products to a new and excited

audience. Brands specialising

in Energy Services, Furniture,

contracting services, Architecture, Air Quality

and so much more showcased their latest home

renewable energy products and services including

solar panels, battery storage, electrical vehicle

chargers, heat pumps, and more to homeowners

and developers from all over the region.

The Homebuilding and Renovation Show 2026

will take place on the 17th-18th January at the

Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference

Centre.

This is our pick of the best exhibitors from this year’s

event, listed here in alphabetical order: Gartec, Jurassic

Home Solutions & Scandinavian Trading. Further

details can be found on this page and the next.


https://farnborough.homebuildingshow.co.uk

Prioritise your indoor air quality

Ever noticed how heating sometimes affects the air

indoors? And did you know poor air quality affects

concentration, health, and overall wellbeing?

Heaters that burn dust, lead to unpleasant

smells and potential health irritants when being

released. This could be especially problematic

for those with asthma and allergies but also

effects concentration and learning abilities.

Beha Electric Smart Heaters address this

issue with an innovative design: an extruded

aluminium surface with perforations ensuring

temperatures stay below where the dust begins

to burn. Simply put, these heaters do not burn

dust and therefore does not affect the indoor air

quality of your home.

Control your heating

Each Beha Electric Smart Heater has an

independent in-built thermostat, letting you

customise the temperature for different rooms.

You can set up a weekly programme and adjust

this through an easy-to-use free app on your

smart phone or tablet, controlling your heaters

from anywhere, anytime. Only heat the rooms

you need, as much as you need.

These heaters can also be manually adjusted.

The set temperature will project with large clear

numbers onto the floor for a few seconds to

make it easy to see.

Your interior style and design choices

The range of Beha Electric Smart Heaters

includes heaters with traditional steel front,

modern glass front and an innovative paintable

front that also can be used ‘raw’ as it is. It is

your style and your choice. These heaters

not only come with different looks but also in

different sizes and power outputs so there is a

heater for all needs and interior styles whatever

room and type of project.

With our wide range of Electric Smart Heaters,

you can be confident that you will find the

perfect solution for your home. These heaters

stand out not just for their quality, but for

the sheer convenience and interior options

they bring.

Would you like to find out more?

Visit our website:

www.behaheaters.co.uk

8



Reliable, stylish, and sustainable:

Resin bound surfacing by Jurassic

You only have to go as far as the website to

see the dramatic before and after shots of

Jurassic Home Solutions’ incredible work.

From start to finish, Jurassic delivers

excellence that results in stunning results, a

spotless site, and a seamless experience. Get

Spring ready with Jurassic Home Solutions,

experts in transforming outdoor spaces,

gardens and driveways.

A well-designed driveway, patio, or pathway not

only enhances curb appeal but also adds value

to your property. With the expertise of Jurassic

Home Solutions, homeowners can enjoy the

benefits of resin bound surfacing while also

supporting a reliable, family-run business that

prioritises quality and customer satisfaction.

Jurassic Home Solutions stands out not only

for its expertise but also for its unwavering

commitment to customer satisfaction.

Understanding how important a family home

is, Jurassic works with each client to ensure

their unique needs are met. This could be a

specific style or preference for a driveway,

patio, or pathway, choose from an extensive

range of colours and textures to create a

surface that complements your home perfectly.

Specialists in resin bound installation, Jurassic

has a team of experienced professionals

who bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to

every project. Their expertise ensures precise

installation, guaranteeing a flawless and longlasting

finish.

In today’s fast-paced world, homeowners are

constantly looking for ways to enhance their

properties, not only for aesthetic appeal but

also for practicality and durability. Jurassic

Home Solutions has been at the forefront

of this transformation, carrying years of

experience, and a passion for excellence, the

company has carved a niche for itself in the

competitive world of surfacing solutions.

When it comes to surfacing solutions, there

are numerous options available such as

tarmac, concrete, block paving, and gravel.

However, resin bound surfacing has emerged

as a game-changer, offering a perfect blend of

style, strength, and sustainability.

Resin bound surfaces provide a sleek and

seamless finish, enhancing the visual appeal

of any property, allowing homeowners to

customise driveways, paths and patios

to match the overall look of their homes.

Whether you prefer a modern, contemporary

style or a more traditional, rustic appearance,

resin bound solutions can be tailored to suit

your taste.

Unlike traditional surfacing methods that can

contribute to water pooling and drainage

issues, resin bound surfaces are fully

permeable. This means that rainwater can

naturally filter through the surface, reducing

the risk of flooding and promoting better

drainage. This eco-friendly feature aligns with

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS)

regulations, making it a responsible choice for

environmentally conscious homeowners.

Resin is a cost-effective method for surfacing

as it has a life expectancy of over 20 years,

requiring little to no maintenance. This is

because the high-quality resin and natural

aggregates used in the mix create a robust

and flexible surface that can withstand heavy

foot traffic, vehicle pressure, and extreme

weather conditions, compared to traditional

paving solutions that tend to crack or become

loose over time.

What’s more, unlike gravel, that can scatter,

or even block paving that can develop weeds

and moss, resin bound surfaces are smooth,

with no areas or gaps for weeds to grow

through. To keep a resin surface looking and

performing its best, an occasional sweep and

power wash is all it needs.

Resin is also a safe choice, as it is classed

as non-slip, it ensures children or elderly

residents can confidently walk on it. Even in

the wettest of conditions, resin is the ideal

choice for pathways, pool surroundings, and

even door entrance areas.

UV radiation from the sun can also damage

outdoor surfaces over time, causing cracks,

erosion, surface deterioration, colour

fading, and weakened coatings. Jurassic is

committed to using the finest UV-stable resin

and natural aggregates available, to ensure

your new outdoor surface looks great and

lasts a lifetime.

What’s good about resin is that it doesn’t

cost the earth, and because of its longevity,

it’s completely cost-effective. Jurassic

Home Solutions understands that home

improvement projects are a significant

investment. That's why they offer transparent

pricing with no hidden fees. Clients receive

detailed quotes upfront, ensuring they get the

best value for their money.

If you’re looking for a stylish, durable, and

eco-friendly surfacing solution, resin bound

surfaces are the ideal choice. And when it

comes to trusted installation, Jurassic Home

Solutions is the name to remember. Transform

your outdoor space today and experience the

lasting beauty and performance of resin bound

surfacing with a company that truly cares.


T 0330 043 5166 and quote code ‘HBJHS’

www.jurassichomesolutions.co.uk



Elevate your home to new heights

Founded with a clear vision to

lead the platform lift industry,

Gartec has not only met this goal

but far surpassed it!

For over 30 years, Gartec has

been the UK’s leading supplier

of award-winning Aritco

platform lifts. Designed for both

commercial and residential use,

these lifts come with a five-year

warranty, and feature one of

the safest systems available –

including a built-in battery backup

in every model.

Gartec is a multi-award-winning

lift provider backed by a team

of industry experts with years of experience.

This collaboration ensures that

every aspect of your lift solution

is expertly handled, helping

to elevate your home to new

heights.

Gartec offers a stylish and

practical range of home lifts

designed to make everyday life

easier and more accessible,

whether you’re a wheelchair

user, elderly, or have limited

mobility, its solutions help

futureproof your home, making

it comfortable and accessible for

years to come.

The range includes the Aritco

HomeLift, a luxury, high-performance platform

lift that’s compact and quick to install; the

Aritco HomeLift Access, its most flexible and

customisable lift designed for private residences

and utilises the screw and nut technology which

drives the lift via an energy-efficient electric

motor; and the Aritco HomeLift Compact, which

provides the benefits of a lift in the space of a

wardrobe. For a more premium feel, the VIMEC

AR:IA offers a conventional lift experience with

telescopic doors, elegant styling, an array of

internal cabin finishes and bespoke sizes,

ideal for multi-level homes.

versatile and can be fully customised to suit your

business and environment.

Finding the right lift solution enhances operational

efficiency while saving both time and money.

Gartec offers a complete turnkey service,

guiding you from the initial consultation to the

final installation. With a dedicated maintenance

team, they ensure your lift operates at peak

performance, providing everything from routine

inspections to emergency repairs.

Choose Gartec for your next platform lift solution

– proud winners of the BUILD Design and Build

Awards 2024 for Best Platform Lift Supplier in the

UK and a Corporate Champion of the National

Paralympic Heritage Trust.

With Gartec, home accessibility is simple, stylish,

and built around your needs. Gartec also has a

range of lifts suitable for Commercial use that are

T 01296 397100

sales@gartec.com

https://gartec.com

Energy Efficiency

Blended Products unveils VeCO 2

TM

: The world’s

first vegan certified Anaerobic Digestion (AD)

Carbon Dioxide

Blended Products is proud to

announce that its Anaerobic

Digestion Carbon Dioxide –

VeCO 2

TM

, has been officially

certified as vegan by the

Vegetarian Society. This

milestone marks VeCO 2

TM

as

the first-ever carbon dioxide

product to receive the

prestigious Vegan accreditation

from the Vegetarian Society.

Partnering with a UK-based

AD plant, Blended Products

VeCO 2

TM

is made from plantbased

matter. This sustainable technology is

not only an eco-friendly alternative to traditional

carbon dioxide sources, but it is also the first-ever

carbon dioxide product to be

recognised by the Vegetarian

Society as fully vegan certified.

VeCO 2

TM

enables businesses to

operate more sustainably by

providing an ethical, plantbased

CO 2

alternative that

supports both environmental

and operational goals.

In collaboration with a

dedicated working group of

leading experts from the biogas

and carbon capture sectors,

Blended Products has been actively driving

progress in these fields. Partnering with a UKbased

AD plant, the company has developed this

innovative product. “VeCO 2

TM

enables businesses

to operate more sustainability by providing an

ethical, plant-based CO 2

alternative that supports

both environmental and operational goals.” said

Caroline Hunter, Head of Commercial at Blended

Products Ltd. “By opting for VeCO 2

TM

, businesses

can lessen their dependence on fossil fuel-derived

CO 2

and support a more sustainable future.”

The Vegetarian Society’s vegan certification

guarantees that VeCO 2

TM

is produced without any

animal-derived inputs, making it an ideal choice for

industries and consumers prioritising ethical and

sustainable solutions. This certification provides

additional reassurance to businesses seeking

to reduce their environmental impact without

compromising on their vegan and cruelty-free

standards.

VeCO 2

TM

offers a cleaner, greener, and more

sustainable alternative to traditional CO 2

sources,

and its certification sets a new benchmark for ecoconscious

innovation in the industry. As a versatile and

highly effective product, VeCO 2

TM

is suitable for a wide

range of applications, particularly food and beverage

processing. VeCO 2

TM

supports businesses aiming to

reduce their Scope 3 emissions, offering a certified

sustainable CO 2

alternative for various industries.

For more information about VeCO 2

TM

and its Vegan Certification, please visit:

www.blendedproducts.com or contact

Blended Products at: 01652 680555.

10


fortop UK becomes

distributor and systems

integrator for Eddicy’s

DC contactor range

A strategic partnership that is set

to bring cutting-edge DC switching

technology to the forefront of

industrial and energy sectors

has been announced by fortop

Automation and Energy Control UK

(fortop UK). Appointed as a distributor

and systems integrator for the Eddicy

range of DC contactors across the

UK, the partnership aims to empower

companies to accelerate their

transition to more efficient, reliable,

and sustainable energy solutions.

Eddicy, a Schaltbau brand offering

forward-thinking solutions in DC

innovation, is pioneering the shift

towards direct current technology,

which is increasingly recognised as

essential in achieving the energy

transition required for a low-carbon

future. DC systems offer significant

advantages over traditional AC

infrastructure, including greater

energy efficiency, reduced power

losses, and improved system

reliability; benefits that are

particularly crucial in industries

such as renewable energy, electric

mobility, and energy storage.

Eddicy’s mission to drive safety and

efficiency in energy and e-mobility

with direct current technology

aligns with fortop’s commitment

to delivering energy-efficient

and sustainable solutions to its

customers. By integrating Eddicy’s

DC contactors into their offerings,

fortop will help UK businesses take

advantage of the benefits of direct

current infrastructure, improving

energy efficiency and supporting the

shift towards greener, more resilient

energy systems.

For further information about

fortop’s solutions and its

collaboration with Eddicy,

please visit: www.fortop.co.uk

Energy & Power

The revolution of power

distribution: The enwitec

CentralConnect 500/800

In a time when the demand for

renewable energy is steadily

increasing, operators of solar and

battery storage systems face the

challenge of ensuring reliable and

efficient power distribution and control.

Especially in large, decentralised

off-grid systems, it is crucial that all

components work seamlessly together

to ensure a stable energy supply. This

is where the enwitec CentralConnect

500/800 comes into play – an

innovative solution specifically

designed for these requirements.

Problem Statement: Integrating

multiple power sources such as

photovoltaic systems, battery

inverters, and emergency generators

into a single system is a complex

task. Operators must ensure that

all sources and loads are protected

by integrated fuses or circuit

breakers and that non-critical loads

can be prioritised for shutdown

at low battery levels. Additionally,

the systems must be robust

enough to withstand high ambient

temperatures and be protected

against overvoltage damage.

Enwitec’s Solution: The enwitec

CentralConnect 500/800 offers a

comprehensive solution to these

challenges. As the main AC distribution

board, it forms the backbone of power

distribution and control in large,

decentralised off-grid systems. With

high-quality components, a wellthought-out

overvoltage protection

concept, and a central communication

control cabinet, the CentralConnect

500/800 ensures maximum availability

and safety. It is available in two power

classes (500kW and 800kW) and

three variants to meet the specific

requirements of operators.

For more information about the

CentralConnect 500/800, please

visit: https://enwitec.eu/en/career-6

ENERGYNEST signs commercial agreement

with LEONHARD KURZ to decarbonise industrial

manufacturing facility with its thermal storage

ENERGYNEST, the global leader in thermal energy

storage solutions, has signed a commercial

agreement with thin-film technology business

LEONHARD KURZ, to implement an innovative

power-to-heat system with thermal storage.

ENERGYNEST’s power-to-heat technology will

decarbonise over 70% of the heat demand at

KURZ’s Sulzbach-Rosenberg facility, reducing

natural gas consumption by more than 3.5GWh

per year, and cutting more than 700 tons of CO 2

emissions annually.

Industrial manufacturing including chemicals

companies like KURZ, and others in production

of food and beverage, and paper and pulp,

have heavy heat requirements and outputs.

ENERGYNEST’s thermal storage enables these

companies to draw electricity from the grid or

on-site renewables at times of low prices, create

heat on-demand and reduce reliance on higher

carbon gas, producing a positive outcome both for

these industries and for the environment.

ENERGYNEST CEO, Alex Robertson, said,

“Electrification of industrial heat is essential for

decarbonising global manufacturing and supply

chains. By partnering with LEONHARD KURZ,

ENERGYNEST is showcasing a scalable

and effective decarbonisation strategy

that can be replicated worldwide.

This agreement proves that industrial

energy transition is not simply a

necessity. It’s happening now.”

ENERGYNEST’s turnkey power-to-heat solution,

featuring a 3MWe electrical heater and a 12MWhth

ThermalBattery, will be integrated into KURZ’s

existing thermal oil infrastructure, providing stable,

on-demand heat while drastically reducing the

facility’s reliance on natural gas.

The landmark agreement is ENERGYNEST’s

first power-to-heat deal, and the first-of-its-kind

power-to-heat with thermal storage. The deal

demonstrates the scalability of ENERGYNEST’s

technology and shows that it can rapidly

decarbonise large swathes of hard-to-abate

industries. Front footed companies with ambitious

decarbonisation targets are getting ahead of the

curve using thermal storage – testing its applicability

and the carbon and cost savings and flexibility it

affords at their plants, well before mandatory net

zero targets start to bite.

As ENERGYNEST’s first commercial

thermal storage deal in the German

market, this milestone underpins

the Company’s growth in Germany’s

industrial manufacturing sector,

following successful deals including

with Yara, ENI, and Avery Dennison.

This project is a blueprint of how

to decarbonise energy intensive

industrial manufacturing sectors.

ENERGYNEST is in active conversation with

many of the players in food and beverage,

paper and pulp, chemicals, steel and cement,

focused on customers with a strong commitment

to decarbonising operations, stated net zero

ambitions and a commitment to the energy

transition.

Contact Mareike Schumm, ENERGYNEST,

T +49 152 0880 5725

msc@energy-nest.com

https://energy-nest.com


Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning

Upton boilers from

Hamworthy heating

installed at Doncaster

Racecourse

When Doncaster Racecourse needed

an efficient and space-saving

solution to replace its existing boilers

that had reached the end of their

operational life, a new Upton floorstanding

modular boiler system from

Hamworthy Heating was specified to

efficiently satisfy the high demands

placed on the venue, with minimum

disruption to the busy racecourse.

Following a site visit to Doncaster

Racecourse to evaluate the venues

requirements, Essex-based

contractor ProRite Ltd turned

to its local Hamworthy Heating

representative, who proposed

installing three vertically stacked

Upton UF900-3 floor standing

condensing boilers and a low loss

header kit with a combined air and

dirt separator.

Upton modular boilers from

Hamworthy Heating feature an

aluminium heat exchanger and can

deliver 1MW output from less than

1m² of floor space. Readily available

and delivered fully assembled to

site for easy installation, this design

makes optimal use of space in the

plant room at Doncaster Racecourse.

Additionally, its lightweight

construction means that there was no

need for costly cranes or heavy lifting

equipment during installation, which

helped to reduce costs and minimise

disruption at this popular venue.

For more information on the

Upton floor-standing modular

boilers, please visit:

www.hamworthy-heating.com

or call: 01202 662552.

Ventilating commercial

and industrial kitchens

Air Vent

Technology has

a range of fans

which is suitable

for installation

into those areas

where high

temperatures

can be expected.

There are three

fans in the range –

the ‘QBK,’ the ‘QMF-

HT’ and the ‘STR/

MOS.’ All these units

have their motors out

of the airstream

for improved

longevity – the

motors are out

of the extract

airflow avoiding

overheating and

direct contact

with dirt and

grease – therefore

less maintenance

and cleaning. They

are fitted with acoustic lining to

reduce noise breakout and have

operating temperatures from

80 o C to 180 o C. Performances

are from 0.10m 3 /sec to 7.40m 3 /

sec, single and three phase. All

Case study: The Range chooses FUSION

sustainable water heating from Adveco

models are offered in

a variety of sizes

and installation

configurations

to suit multiple

applications.

Accessories such

as attenuators,

cowls, antivibration

supports,

high temperature

flexible connectors

etc. are available. AVT

can design ventilation

schemes to ensure

that the very best

performance is

achieved in any

circumstances. And,

what’s more, AVT’s

Site Engineering

Services department

can remove old

items, complete

repairs where

necessary, install

and maintain equipment. A truly

comprehensive service.

Contact

T 01264 356415

sales@airventtechnology.co.uk

www.airventtechnology.co.uk

One of the UK’s most recognised and fastest

growing leisure and garden centre retailers,

The Range has more than 200 stores, recently

acquiring both the Wilko and Homebase brands.

A key function of its expansion would be a new

distribution centre with 356,600 square metres

of warehousing space for The Range & Wilco

located in Stowmarket, Suffolk. This new building

was to align with the retailer’s aims of increasing

sustainability and reducing lifetime carbon

emissions from its properties.

Part of the building specification required

the provision of domestic hot water (DHW)

for canteen and kitchen facilities, within the

distribution centre building, to support the

expected 1,650 employed across the vast site.

Recognising a need for specialist assistance,

mechanical and electrical contractor WM Building

Services Limited (WMBS) contacted commercial

hot water experts Adveco to advise on how to

meet the criteria in the specification.

With the need to maximise internal space for

distribution functions, Adveco proposed a lowcarbon,

electric-only response based upon its

FUSION T packaged electric water heating system.

This approach would help contribute towards

the building securing its BREEAM certification.

Adveco’s award-winning FUSION provides a

compact, highly efficient, low-carbon electric

water heater designed to deliver carbon reduction

and operational cost savings. This FUSION T

variant with Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) can cut

emissions by up to 56% compared to equivalent

gas-fired alternatives.

Adveco supplied 12kW FPi32 (ASHP) variants

of FUSION packaged with 500L ATST twin-coil

cylinders and ARDENT Premium 24kW Electric

Boilers, with all necessary controls. The ASHPs

feed into the lower coil of the ATST cylinder,

supplying low-carbon system preheat. The electric

boiler, plumbed into the upper coil supplies

necessary top-up heat to achieve safe working

temperatures for the commercial application,

as well as meeting peak demands as and when

required. The purpose-designed controls smartly

manage the balance between the two heat

sources, to maximise efficiency and reduce

consumption of electricity, reducing associated

carbon emissions and controlling operational

costs. There is also a highly significant level of

redundancy introduced by having a balanced

secondary heat source. This reduces strain on

all system elements, cutting wear and extending

the operation life of the system and reducing

maintenance demands.

For new, large commercial buildings such as The

Stowmarket Distribution Centre where regulatory

changes prevent gas connections, FUSION electric

water heating provides a clear response. Costeffective,

more sustainable and able to meet the

large-scale daily demands for hot water, FUSION

was able to contribute to the building securing an

‘Excellent’ BREEAM certification.

www.adveco.co

www.wmbuildingservices.com

12


Panasonic Partners with

British Gas to provide

service & maintenance

Panasonic Heating & Cooling

Solutions has entered into a

new partnership agreement

with British Gas, the UK’s

leading energy supplier,

to provide servicing and

maintenance for Panasonic

Aquarea Air Source Heat

Pumps installed across

the UK. This collaboration

ensures homeowners benefit

from British Gas’ network

of qualified, experienced

engineers trained to keep

Aquarea heat pumps running

efficiently and reliably for households

nationwide. With decades of

experience in heating homes in

the UK, Panasonic and British Gas

combine their expertise, earning the

trust of millions of homeowners.

As the UK makes significant progress

towards net-zero emissions,

homeowners require a reliable

support system. This partnership

merges innovation, scale, and

expertise to ensure that Aquarea air

source heat pumps remain the gold

standard in home heating year after

year. Partnering with one of the UK’s

most trusted home servicing and

maintenance providers, guarantees

that homeowners have access to the

highest quality service, and one of

the UKs leading network of heating

engineers, instilling confidence in the

transition towards sustainable heating.

British Gas engineers have

completed comprehensive, hands-on

training, equipping them with the

skills necessary for maintenance,

diagnostics, and repairs of the

Panasonic Aquarea Heat Pumps.

These engineers are dedicated to

ensuring systems operate efficiently,

enabling homeowners to reduce

energy costs while also enhancing

comfort within their homes.

To find out more, please visit:

www.aircon.panasonic.eu

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning

Sustainable heating:

Panasonic heat pump cuts

energy costs for rural 19th

Century Bedfordshire home

An environmentally conscious

retired couple in Bedfordshire

sought to replace their expensive

running and inefficient old traditional

heating system in their fourbedroom,

1890’s-built rural property

with a more sustainable heating

system. After consulting with

Clima Renewables, who had been

maintaining the old system, the

couple opted to install a Panasonic

Aquarea J Series T-Cap Monobloc

Air to Water heat pump unit. The

installation was completed with the

Panasonic Aquarea Smart Cloud

control system which allows the

couple and the installer to remotely

control the heating system.

Homeowners, Hilary and Peter Foot

commented, “We have lived in the

property for the last 34 years but

found the old heating system to be

very expensive to run. The Panasonic

heat pump system was installed in

August 2023, and we’ve noticed a

significant reduction in our energy

bills. At the same time our home

maintains a consistent, comfortable

warmth throughout. We also find the

Aquarea Smart Cloud app easy to

use to control the temperature, and

it’s useful to track historical data.”

The old heating system failed to

provide adequate warmth, often

forcing homeowners, Hilary and

Peter, to resort to using their open

fire on colder days. Wanting to

futureproof their home with a more

sustainable energy source, they

explored heat pump technology.

Having already installed 11 solar PV

panels and an energy storage battery

to help power their electric vehicles

and other household utilities, the

couple were open to transitioning

their heating system as well.

To find out more, please visit:

https://www.aircon.panasonic.eu/

GB_en

Thermablend-Lo: The next generation of highefficiency

heat transfer fluids

Thermablend-Lo is the brainchild of a

renewables specialist and a Technical

and Quality Manager at Blended

Products Ltd. This new product

becomes part of the Thermablend

range from Blended, which focuses

on increasing the efficiency of

heating systems that previously used

mono propylene glycol-based heat

transfer fluids.

Thermablend-Lo is a Non-Hazardous

heat transfer fluid with market-leading

thermal conductivity and low viscosity,

ensuring enhanced heat transfer and

reduced energy consumption. 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.

Key benefits to the heating

industry:

s Improved efficiency: The

superior thermal

conductivity enhances heat

transfer, reducing the energy

required to maintain optimal

heating performance.

s Lower operating costs: By

optimising heat transfer and

reducing viscosity,

Thermablend-Lo helps minimise

pump energy consumption and

system maintenance costs.

s Corrosion & scale

protection: Its

premium

multi-metal

corrosion and

scale inhibitors

prevent system

degradation,

extending the

lifespan of key

components.

s Enhanced

system hygiene:

The NSF-approved

biocide provides

long-term microbial control,

preventing biofilm formation and bacterial

contamination that can impair system

efficiency.

s Sustainability & compliance:

Thermablend-Lo supports

energy-saving initiatives and is

endorsed by the Energy Saving

Trust, ensuring compliance with

industry standards.

s Flexible application:

Available neat or diluted to

suit a range of system

requirements.

Suitable heating systems:

Thermablend-Lo is designed for

use in various mediumtemperature

heating systems

that operate up to 80° including:

s Heat pump circuits: Enhancing

efficiency in air-source and

ground-source heat pumps.

s Underfloor heating systems:

Providing consistent and efficient

heat distribution.

s District heating networks:

Optimising heat transfer in

centralised heating schemes.

s Commercial & industrial boilers,

with low flow temperatures:

Protecting closed-loop systems

against corrosion and scaling.

s HVAC systems: Maintaining

efficiency in heating and cooling

applications.

With its innovative formulation and industry-leading

performance, Thermablend-Lo sets a new benchmark

for heat transfer fluids in the heating sector.

Blended Products Ltd offers a range of fluids for the

HVAC industry, including refrigeration and air

conditioning water-based system maintenance fluids.

Speak to our Renewable Specialist for more

information or for a Thermablend-Lo quote:

Call: 01652 680555, email:

enquiries@blendedproducts.com

or visit: www.blendedproducts.com

Blended Products are attending Installer Show at

the NEC in June. Visit Stand 5B128 and say hello,

you can talk to our team face to face about our

range of heat transfer fluids.


Doors & Windows

Nine Zero sets a new

standard in timber

windows and doors

with SBD accreditation

Nine Zero Timber

Windows and Doors has

achieved Secured By

Design (SBD) accreditation,

reinforcing its position at

the forefront of secure,

sustainable and forwardthinking

construction.

This latest achievement

means Nine Zero’s timber

products not only meet

but exceed the rigorous

security standards

expected in today’s highperformance

building projects,

offering a competitive edge for

trade professionals, architects,

and specifiers – and even more

assurance for today’s increasingly

savvy homeowners.

While the industry is acquainted

with SBD, Nine Zero is adding the

accolade and stringent criteria to

its advanced CNC manufacturing

processes, FSC-certified

sustainable timber solutions,

exceptional quality products,

expertise and advice – to set a new

standard in a rapidly evolving and

highly competitive market.

“Achieving SBD accreditation is a

significant milestone for Nine Zero,

in an equally significant time,” says

Company Director, Steve Winscott.

For more information and advice

from Nine Zero Timber Windows

and Doors, please visit:

https://www.nine-zero.co.uk

SILKA celebrates 30 years

of innovation as part of

New World Developments’

landmark year

Sternfenster streamlines

window deliveries with

Podfather software

Sternfenster, one

of the UK’s largest

manufacturers of

uPVC and aluminium

windows and

doors, has boosted

customer service

whilst reducing

its environmental

impact using logistics

software from

Podfather. Electronic

Proof of Delivery

(ePOD) features have

eliminated hundreds

of thousands of

pieces of paper from the delivery

process and have reduced the backoffice

admin resource by around

5,000-man hours a year.

Serving hundreds of customers,

ranging from one-man operators to

its network of approved installers,

Sternfenster makes between 400

and 500 deliveries in an average

week. From its state-of-the-art

manufacturing facility in Lincoln,

its fleet of 18-tonne truck and

trailer units cover most of England

operating from Exeter to Margate,

and Portsmouth to Leeds.

Using Podfather, which includes

logistics planning, route

optimisation and proof of delivery

(POD) functionality, Sternfenster

has virtually eliminated paper from

its delivery operation. Windows

and doors are scanned onto each

truck, in accordance with the daily

schedule, and the driver, having first

completed a routine of Podfather

guided vehicle checks, simply logs

into the app to access details of the

first delivery.

Contact

www.thepodfather.com

www.sternfenster.com

SILKA and its parent company New

World Developments (NWD) are

celebrating 30 years of fenestration

innovation. Founded in June 1995

by Austin McGillian, the company

has evolved from manufacturing

PVC panels to pioneering highperformance

composite doors,

aluminium glazing solutions, and

cutting-edge smart home technology.

At the heart of this success is SILKA,

NWD’s most advanced, design-led

and exclusively aluminium range

to date – and a reflection of three

decades of expertise at the forefront

of the glazing industry. From its

full suite of super slimline

Aluminium Windows, Bifold

Doors, Sliding Doors, French

Doors and Rooflights,

to some very exciting

smart-enabled additions

to its Kärben collection of

Aluminium Hybrid Entrance

Doors launching this spring,

SILKA is a direct result of

the company’s commitment

to pushing boundaries in

design, technology, and

energy efficiency.

“Thirty years is an incredible

milestone, not just in terms of

longevity but in our ongoing drive

to set new industry standards,” says

Asa McGillian, Managing Director of

New World Developments, and son

of founder Austin. “Every step of our

journey has led us to the standard

of super-insulated, futureproof

SILKA products we are able to offer

homeowners in 2025.”

To find out more about SILKA and

the SILKAselect trade partnership,

please visit: www.silkawindows.com/

silka-trade-supply

14


From net zero to Cybersecurity:

The crucial conversations at

Build2Perform Live 2024

The ninth CIBSE

Build2Perform Live

event took place on

13th-14 November

2024 at London Excel.

Build2Perform Live has

been a mainstay in the

exhibition calendar

for many years and

is organised by the

Chartered Institution

of Building Services

Engineers (CIBSE).

The event is highly regarded as

THE meeting place for forwardthinking

industry professionals,

visionary speakers, leading industry

exhibitors, key decision-makers,

facility managers, consultants, senior

management, and young talent.

The LIVE event featured 125 expert

speakers, 100+ exhibitors, and

over 70 hours of approved CPD

through the CIBSE CPD accredited

programme that is carefully

curated by CIBSE Divisions, CIBSE

Special Interest Groups and the

Build2Perform Live Advisory

Committee.

The 2024 program was dynamic

and offered fresh insights and

groundbreaking perspectives from

a distinguished

lineup of experts

across the built

environment.

Attendees engaged

in a variety

of interactive

sessions, actively

participating in

discussions on a

broad spectrum

of essential

topics, from

Decarbonising

Heat to Sustainable Cooling.

As part of a long-term strategic

partnership between CIBSE

and Nineteen Group, CIBSE’s

Build2Perform Live will be aligned

with elementalLONDON for 2025

and beyond.

elementalLONDON’s leading event

will take place 19th-20th November

2025 at London’s ExCeL.

This is our pick of the best exhibitors

from this year’s event, listed

here in alphabetical order: Water

Management Society. Further details

can be found below.

Contact

https://elementallondon.show

Build2Perform Live Review – Top Exhibitors

The Water Management

Society (WMSoc)

Join WMSoc on 12th June at

Cranfield University for their summer

event, Are Counter Measures

Counter Productive?

This event emphasises the importance

of competent design, risk assessment,

validation, and verification when

choosing and implementing controls.

This needs to be considered from water

supply through to final delivery and

there is no one size fits all approach,

especially when considering low carbon

or other design ‘solutions’ which are

intended to improve water quality.

Topics include:

Recent Experiments with Expansion

Vessels

Presented by Graham Thompson

Private Water Supplies

Presented by David Clapham

Besa Tr19 (Air) Waterborne

Contaminants in Air Handling

Systems

Presented by Paul Downing

A Review of the Risks of Legionella in

Hot Water Heat Pump Systems

Presented by Dr Jodi Brookes & Dr

Helena Senior, HSE Science division

Domestic Water Engineering – A

Designers Perspective

Presented by Malcolm Atherton,

SoPHE Northern Branch

Chemical Compliance

Presented by Stuart Caldwell

Delegate and Trade Stand spaces

are available! For more information,

an up to date programme, and steps

on how to book visit WMSoc’s

website now!

https://www.wmsoc.org.uk/

events/1197

The biggest show yet!

Highways UK is the flagship

event for the people and

organisations involved in

the planning, designing,

building, operating and

future-proofing of the UK’s

road network. It was held

at the NEC, Birmingham

from 16th-17th October

2024, and included a

multi-stream conference

combined with a major

exhibition.

Highways UK is not a trade

show, but is positioned to

be the thought leadership

destination for UK road infrastructure

development, and hosted over 375

exhibitors from across the globe.

The event featured an impressive

line-up of senior industry leaders

from across the private and public

sectors, who gave seminars and

talks covering a range of topics

designed to explore the future, and

uncover new opportunities within

the industry.

The Big Thinking Stage showcased

some industry thought-leaders who

tackled the difficult conversations

across transportation infrastructure,

and The Local Authority Theatre

covered topics such as funding

models, active travel, best-practice

collaboration, carbon management

and network resilience.

Driving continuous improvement

across the supply chain is one of the

biggest challenges currently being

faced in the industry right now. Topics

covered at Connected Highways

included the implementation of cyber

security strategies, data collation and

management, lean and agile operations

and 5G, connectivity and AI.

Highways UK returns to

Birmingham’s NEC this year from

15th-16th October 2025.

https://www.terrapinn.com/

exhibition/highways-uk/index.stm

Highways UK Review – Top Exhibitors

Stocksigns: Your personal

signage expert

Messagemaker Displays is a

supplier of LED highways signs for

both permanent and temporary

applications. Their purpose is

to create innovative and energy

efficient LED signage solutions to

improve road safety work both road

users and road workers.

For an easy installation and

application, every sign is

engineered to be as low power

as possible whilst also being

compatible with existing protocols,

IoT integrations, power sources

and existing infrastructure.

The range of innovative solutions

covers:

s High speed signs

– MS1, AMI, LCS, MS4 and

MS4R

s Urban traffic calming

– Vehicle Activated Speed

Signs, Warning Signs, Full

Colour VMS

s Temporary traffic management

– Mobile VMS Trailers, Mini

Unit VMS

Innovation, Collaboration and

proving Exceptional Personal

Service are the key values of the

Messagemaker Displays team,

working alongside highways

contractors and solution providers

to makes our roads safer and more

efficient.

T 01737 774072

info@stocksigns.co.uk

www.stocksigns.co.uk

www.messagemaker.co.uk


Industry Excellence Award

Pioneering sustainability in the

water industry: Groundbreaker

Systems leads the way

In this issue of Building & Facilities News, we would like to feature Groundbreaker Systems as

the winner of our Industry Excellence Award in recognition of its innovative, sustainabilityfocused

products that are transforming the Water Industry

T H E G R E E N C O N N E C T I O N

“We were thrilled to find out that we were

receiving this award, it really does show

to all of us at Groundbreaker Systems that

our knowledge, experience and ultimately,

our products, are valued and trusted by the

industry to help solve problems. One of our

core objectives has always been to minimise

our environmental impact while delivering

life’s essentials – like the water that flows

from your taps. That’s why receiving an

environmental award is especially meaningful

to us,” stated Richard Leigh BEng CEng MICE,

Groundbreaker Systems.

Founded by Steve Leigh in 1999, the

company proudly celebrates 25 years of

innovation and problem-solving within the

Water Industry this year.

“Our team has over 200 years of combined

industry experience, we are able to use this

collective knowledge to quickly solve and

bring to the market solutions to

our customers problems. We

serve niche markets, providing

a range a bespoke solutions

to the Water and Construction

Industries to help them with

reducing leakage, reducing

water usage, improving data

transmission range and improving how new

and old properties connect to the public

water supply network. Put simply, we provide

smart solutions for water management and

connectivity, with a heavy focus on improving

water connections and flow management to

domestic properties,” stated Richard.

Headquartered in the village of Stuston near

Diss, Groundbreaker Systems also has a

wider team and network of manufacturing

partners spread across England, from

Wiltshire in the south to Caerphilly in

the west and Liverpool in the north.

Groundbreaker Systems delivers innovative,

industry-leading solutions that set a new

standard in the water sector. Its products

go beyond quick fixes as they’re designed

for durability, tackling long-term challenges

with lasting impact. Backed by extensive

industry experience and expertise, every

Groundbreaker solution is either born

from firsthand knowledge or developed in

collaboration with industry experts. The

result is a range of products that solve real

problems and enhance the efficiency and

effectiveness of essential, often labourintensive

water service tasks.

Groundbreaker is probably the only truly

SUSTAINABLE water management system,

eliminating the need for joints on PE pipe and

therefore creating a leak free system. We asked

Richard how does the company incorporate

sustainability into its products/operations:

“Sustainability is embedded in everything

we do. We’re particularly proud of our NRv2

LoFlo range of products, these have been

developed to help households reduce their

water consumption by up to 12% in a way

that is barely noticeable to the end user.

Saving water, saving energy and saving CO 2

through our products use is really important

to us. We have also designed the product

to be as small as possible, and allowing it

to be installed as part of new construction

and existing meter exchange programmes

significantly reduces the environmental

impact of its implementation.”

Groundbreaker’s NRv2 LoFlo is a surprisingly

simple method of working towards current

water usage reduction targets. NRv2 LoFlo

regulates the level of flow entering customer

premises – regardless of network pressure,

meaning a reduction in the level of water

used by customers when ‘variable use’

appliances are used. As the flow of water into

the premises is limited, then the amount used

by the customer is also limited – but without

16


Industry Excellence Award

as a Meter Exchange programme, to enhance

the savings that can be achieved prior to smart

meter role out – there is more information for

our customers on our website on this.”

providing a degradation of service, and more

importantly not requiring any intervention

or behavioural change on the part of the

customer, leading to ‘natural’ reduction in per

capital consumption.

While some water companies are offering

‘environmental incentives’ to developers to

build water efficient homes, and some local

planning departments are insisting on water

efficient homes designed to keep per capita

consumption (PCC) to under 100L per person

per day, this will not impact the consumption

of existing housing stock.

The NRv2 LoFlo can be easily and simply

fitted to any meter installation or retrofitted

on meter exchange or when upgrading or

remediating underground meter chambers.

Thus, allowing Water Companies to

manage demand with little or no impact on

consumers and at minimal cost to the water

undertakers.

A simple solution at approximately £20

per household, fitted on the normal meter

exchange/upgrade cycle could instantly

achieve the Governments recent challenge to

Water Companies of saving 8 litres of water

per person per day over the next 5 years!

“As far as the business operations are

concerned, we have a short and local supply

chain. All the businesses we work with share

our objectives of minimising our impact on

the environment. One supplier has recently

expanded and invested in roof top solar

power, significantly reducing their reliance

on network power and incorporated on-site

rainwater catchment to minimise the impact

on the local community,” added Richard.

Groundbreaker Systems is excited to

showcase its groundbreaking solutions at UW

Live from the 20th–21st May 2025 on Stand:

C22. If you haven’t already, you can register

for the event here: register.visitcloud.com.

“This really is an opportunity for members of

the industry to share any problems they have

with water management and connectivity with

us and to see how we can help them with our

existing solutions or, to at least think about

developing something new,” said Richard.

With a brand-new website expected to launch

early June 2025, we asked Richard what

strategic goals the company has for the rest

of this year and beyond:

“The UK water industry is focused on the

reduction of water consumption; the growing

domestic water usage and population will

leave the UK with a water deficit of 5,000

mega litres of water per day by 2050. One

strategy for achieving this reduction is to

rapidly expand the installation of smart

meters. The Groundbreaker product range

is ideal for supporting this role out – from

Groundbreaker, housings for meters to LoFlo,

flow regulators, for further reducing water

use and waste.”

“In addition, one key aim for this year is

to communicate to Water Companies the

environmental and economic benefits of

whole house flow regulation at the same time

Groundbreaker Systems has proven that

sustainability and innovation can go hand

in hand. With products like the NRv2

LoFlo, which quietly reduces household

water usage without affecting customer

experience, the company is enabling real,

measurable progress toward national water

consumption targets. Its commitment to

sustainable design, local supply chains, and

long-term solutions – not short-term fixes –

demonstrates how practical engineering can

drive environmental change across the Water

Industry. As the UK moves toward a more

water-conscious future, Groundbreaker’s

smart, efficient, and eco-friendly technologies

are set to play a vital role in safeguarding

resources for generations to come.


T 01379 741993

sales@groundbreaker.co.uk

https://groundbreaker.co.uk


Interiors

Better fit a FAKRO

At FAKRO, we are known for our knowledge,

trusted for our expertise, and celebrated

for our innovative solutions that redefine

the standards of architectural design and

construction. From our advanced roof

windows to our highly rated loft ladders,

every FAKRO product embodies our

commitment to quality, functionality, and

security. With a dedicated team of experts

ready to support you at every step, FAKRO is

simply a better fit for your next project.

Our roof windows are at the forefront of

innovation, offering intelligent features

designed to enhance both performance and

convenience. For instance, we strategically

position easy-reach handles lower on the

window frame, enabling the placement of

windows higher in a room. This thoughtful

Industrial-style victorian

bathrooms with Brunel

by Grange Design

Grange

Design, leading

UK-based

designers,

manufacturers

and specialist

distributors for

the bathroom

industry,

outlines why

its Brunel

Collection

is capturing the latest trend

for industrial-style Victorian

bathrooms in 2025.

Clive Griffiths, Manager at Grange

Design explains, “As classic

bathroom design continues to

be a rich source of inspiration

to UK homeowners, the latest

trends are tapping into the distinct

style of the Victorian era to add

decorative layers and a level of

superiority in the cloakroom, en

suite and master bathroom. In

today’s most popular Victorianstyle

décors, we are seeing

traditional products such as grand

bath fillers, elaborate basin taps,

design floods interiors with natural light

while ensuring accessibility. The V40p

automatic air inlet optimises the flow of

fresh air, maintaining a healthy indoor

environment while minimising heat loss.

Furthermore, our pioneering topSafe

anti-burglary system delivers an elevated

level of security, giving you peace of mind

without compromising style.

Beyond our product innovations, we

provide unmatched contractor support to

streamline your project from start to finish.

Our knowledgeable specification managers

offer tailored assistance with design,

costing, advanced scheduling, and technical

guidance. Whether you need detailed CAD

resources or access to our RIBA-accredited

CPD program, we are equipped to empower

your vision and help you achieve

exceptional results.

and water can shower heads being

paired with the very latest patterned

wallpaper, antique furniture, mirrors

and light fittings to create a look that

is opulent yet practical.”

The Brunel Collection by Grange

Design fuses the industrial design

style of the Victorian era where

its solid brass construction

is inspired by the UK’s rich

engineering past, as celebrated

and pioneered by prolific figures

in engineering history like Brunel

and his contemporaries.

For more information or to buy

online, please contact Grange

Design: www.grangedesign.com

At FAKRO, we understand that

every detail matters. That’s

why we offer an inspirational

range of colours and designs

to ensure our solutions

integrate seamlessly into your

architectural plans. It’s also why

our loft ladders combine ease

of use with robust construction,

delivering reliability every time

you step on them.

We pride ourselves on being

more than just a supplier – we are a partner

in your success. Our focus on combining

unrivalled security, exceptional performance,

and forward-thinking design is what makes

FAKRO the perfect choice for any project.

Whether you’re seeking innovative ways to

brighten a space, improve ventilation, or

ensure security, FAKRO delivers solutions

that exceed expectations.

Discover the FAKRO difference for yourself.

With our expertise, innovative features, and

steadfast support, FAKRO is the partner you

can rely on to bring your vision to life. For

your next project, make the better choice.

Better fit a FAKRO.

www.fakro.co.uk

www.linkedin.com/company/fakro-gb-ltd

www.instagram.com/fakrogb

www.youtube.com/@fakrogb997

Blackburn College

University Centre library

transformed as part of

campus improvement works

Blackburn College has unveiled

a new library interior following a

fit out by workplace consultancy

Blueprint Interiors.

As part of the College’s

enhancement works to its campus

on Feilden Street in the town,

the University Centre library has

been overhauled to create a more

engaging and contemporary space

for students to work and relax in.

Midlands-based Blueprint Interiors

were given the brief to fully reinvent

and refurbish the space, and to

bring to life the College’s vision to

make the University Centre library a

vibrant hub and a key element of the

campus.

Blueprint aligned its design to that

vision, delivering a transformative,

high-quality and modern learning

environment that has increased

footfall to the library by students

and staff.

Chloe Sproston, Creative Director

at Blueprint Interiors, said, “Having

worked with the team at Blackburn

College previously, we are proud

to have been selected to deliver its

library project.”

Blueprint Interiors follow the WELL

Building Standard; a universally

recognised benchmark which puts

mental wellbeing and emotional

health as key considerations when

creating productive workplaces.

The Standard helps organisations

to optimise their workplaces around

the health and wellbeing of their

people, which allows teams to be

their very best selves.

https://www.blueprintinteriors.com

https://blackburn.ac.uk

18


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

light-grey tones. The smooth, subtle

finish of Kebony 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 rustic-style 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 resins. These provide

a moisture, rot and insect-resilient

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.

External Works

Expert reveals essential

winter care guide for

natural swimming ponds

As British gardens face winter’s

challenges, Ponds by Michael Wheat,

creators of award-winning natural

swimming ponds, today released

their comprehensive Winter Pond

Maintenance Guide, offering crucial

advice for pond owners and those

planning their 2025 installations.

The guide arrives as more UK

homeowners seek sustainable

alternatives to traditional pools,

with natural swimming ponds

gaining popularity for their chemicalfree,

eco-friendly approach.

“Winter maintenance is vital for

protecting your pond investment,”

states Michael Wheat, whose work

earned recognition at BBC Gardeners’

World Live 2022. “Our latest guide

outlines three key areas of focus: water

quality management, protecting pond

life, and maintaining structural integrity.”

The company’s natural swimming

ponds, starting from £75,000,

integrate seamlessly with garden

landscapes while offering year-round

enjoyment. Recent installations

across Kent, Bristol, and Guildford

demonstrate the growing appeal of

these sustainable water features.

“Winter actually presents the perfect

opportunity to plan your swimming

pond installation,” adds Gavin Bent,

Marketing Executive, “With our

3-6 month project timeline, winter

planning ensures your pond is ready

for summer enjoyment.”

The company offers free pond

inspiration guides and discovery

calls with their design team for those

considering a 2025 installation,

seeking winter maintenance advice,

or information on their pond

maintenance packages.

Book a telephone consultation with

their team of pond experts and

start your journey today!

Contact

T 0116 218 5107

www.pondandgardendesign.co.uk

Protek ESP Panels: A game-changer for the

Timber Build Sector

In the ever-evolving timber build sector, the

introduction of Protek ESP Panels marks a

significant advancement in material preservation

and sustainability. Protek ESP (Edge Sealant

Protection) Panels is designed to combat one of

the most persistent issues in timber construction:

water damage and delamination.

Water ingress is a major concern for plywood and

other sheet materials used in construction. When

water penetrates the edges of these materials,

it can lead to swelling, warping, and ultimately,

structural failure. Protek ESP Panels address this

problem head-on by providing a robust sealant

that protects the edges of plywood, OSB, MDF,

and other sheet materials from moisture. This

not only extends

the lifespan of the

materials but also

enhances their

structural integrity.

Additionally, the

product has been

rigorously tested

and approved by BM

TRADA, ensuring it

meets high standards of

performance and reliability.

The application process is

straightforward, requiring

only a brush or roller to apply

the sealant to the edges of

the panels. This ease of use

makes it an attractive option

for builders and contractors

looking to improve efficiency

on-site. Furthermore, the

sealant dries quickly, allowing

for faster project completion

times.

Protek ESP Panels is available in various colours,

including a distinctive red that provides a clear

visual indication of treated areas. This feature is

particularly useful for building professionals and

inspectors, ensuring compliance with waterresistance

standards and regulations.

In conclusion, Protek ESP Panels represent a

significant innovation in the timber build sector. By

preventing water damage and delamination, they

enhance the durability and longevity of timber

materials, contributing to more sustainable

and resilient construction practices. As the

industry continues to prioritise sustainability,

products like Protek ESP Panels will

undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping

the future of timber construction.

T 01749 344697

sales@protekproducts.co.uk

www.esp-timbertreatments.com

www.protekwoodstain.co.uk


Building

engcon and

RodRadar

partner to

transform on-site

construction

automation

and safety

engcon,

the leading

global

manufacturer

of tiltrotators,

today

announced

a strategic

global

collaboration with RodRadar, the developers of

Live Dig Radar ® (LDR), a patented technology for

real-time underground utility strike avoidance.

This partnership will integrate RodRadar’s

innovative LDR system with engcon’s

quick couplers and tiltrotators, delivering a

seamless solution for contractors, utilities, and

municipalities. The result is a transformative

approach to safer, automated, and more efficient

excavation.

RodRadar’s LDR technology enhances excavator

operations by enabling real-time detection and

avoidance of underground utility infrastructure

during excavation, without the need for off-site

or offline expert analysis. The technology is

embedded in the LDR Excavate digging bucket

and complemented by an intuitive in-cabin

operator display unit.

“This collaboration is fantastic news for our

end customers,” said Sam Ryan, Regional

Director & Global OEM Manager at engcon. “By

integrating our advanced tiltrotator technology

with RodRadar’s Live Dig Radar, we’re enabling

safer, automated, and more efficient digging

operations while significantly reducing time and

costs on-site.”

Brenntag Specialties announces

exclusive distribution agreement

with 3M for Glass Bubbles

Brenntag, the globalmarket leader

in chemicals and ingredients

distribution, today announced the

expansion of its current exclusive

distribution agreement with

3M on Glass Bubbles from the

UK into France and Iberia. This

evolving relationship between

Brenntag Specialties and 3M, the

science-based technology company, will come in

force on January 1st 2025.

3M Glass Bubbles provide a high-performance

alternative to conventional fillers in a variety of

materials. These hollow glass microspheres are not

only offering weight saving opportunities but are

also contributing to functional benefits ranging from

dimensional stability to solar reflectivity. 3M Glass

Bubbles are made of soda-lime borosilicate glass,

which is a true glass with inherently greater water

and chemical resistance than

other hollow glass microspheres

made of sodium silicate glass,

also known as water glass.

Christine Bryant, President

GlobalMaterialScience and President

NA Brenntag Specialties, says, “The

3M Glass Bubbles will strengthen

our specialty product portfolio in France and Iberia.

We are proud to receive the confidence from 3M

to represent them in these additional countries.

Through our Innovation & Application Centers,

we will support our customers with formulation

work and technical advice, so that they can benefit

the most from the technical and sustainability

advantages that the 3M Glass Bubbles are offering.”

For more information, please visit:

www.brenntag.com

EIT RawMaterials-supported ‘El

Moto’ tungsten project completes

DFS, targets 2025 construction

The El Moto

project, located

in Abenójar,

central Spain,

crossed a major

milestone with

the finalisation

of its Definitive

Feasibility Study (DFS) showing a reserve of 91MN

tons of tungsten ore @0.44% WO 3

eq and 1.2MN

ounces of gold at the cut-off grade of 0.25% WO 3

.

The project targets bring it closer to the start of

construction in 2025. El Moto is supported by EIT

RawMaterials-led European Raw Materials Alliance

in securing funding, offtake agreements, and

technical expertise.

Europe is heavily

dependent on imports to

meet its tungsten demand,

which has been designated

a critical and strategic raw

material by the EU. With

its significant resources, El

Moto is positioned to make

Europe a major producer of tungsten, helping secure

its own requirements and become a leading global

supplier of tungsten, securing European supplies

for key industries, including steel manufacturing,

construction, as well as the aerospace sector.

Learn more at: www.eitrawmaterials.eu

Find out more at: www.mininghills.com

The integration of engcon’s tiltrotators and

RodRadar’s LDR system is poised to modernise

excavation processes, boost operator safety,

and drive project efficiencies.

“We are thrilled to partner with engcon,”

said Yuval Barnea, VP of Sales and Marketing

at RodRadar. “Their innovative solutions

perfectly align with our Live Dig Radar system,

creating a seamless integration that enhances

contractors' safety, precision, and productivity.

This partnership represents a significant step

forward for both companies, enabling us to

deliver unparalleled value to the construction

industry and set new standards for operational

excellence.”

The solution will allow contractors to upgrade

their engcon DC2 and DC3 systems with EC-Oil

technology, enabling seamless compatibility with

the RodRadar LDR system. The machine coupler

solution is available Q1 2025. The solution under

the tiltrotator will be available later in the year.

To learn more, please visit: www.rodradar.com

20


New study reveals

HydroGraph’s Fractal

Graphene TM enhances

cement performance

HydroGraph Clean

Power Inc. (CSE:

HG) (OTCQB:

HGRAF) (FRA: M98)

(the ‘Company’

or ‘HydroGraph’),

a sustainable

commercial

manufacturer of

pristine graphene,

has announced its

second research

study in partnership

with Arizona State

University (ASU) highlighting

the advancements in extending

the use of HydroGraph’s Fractal

GrapheneTM into cement and

concrete applications.

The report, co-authored by

Ranjith Divigalpitiya, CSO of

Hydrograph, validates the potential

of HydroGraph’s graphene in

revolutionising the construction

industry, with graphene-enhanced

concretes offering practical and

sustainable options for highperformance

applications, from

ultra-strong

construction

materials to

cutting-edge 3D

printing techniques.

According to

Mordor Intelligence,

the global cement

market is expected

to grow from 4.39

billion tons in 2024

to 5.96 billion tons

by 2030. With

cement production responsible for 8%

of global carbon emissions, concrete

producers face unprecedented

pressure to reduce both carbon

emissions and cement consumption.

HydroGraph and ASU have discovered

that ultra-low doses of Fractal

Graphene (0.02%) can enable higher

use of supplementary cementitious

materials (SCMs) while delivering up to

70% better early-age performance.

For more information about

HydroGraph, please visit:

www.hydrograph.com

Bruton Knowles secures

multiple public sector

contracts to drive future

growth

Bruton Knowles’ National Public

Sector Valuation Team is marking a

year of growth, driven by an array of

new contract wins and renewals with

public sector organisations across

the UK.

Building

Lights, camera, action

for BFI Southbank

roof refurbishment

The BFI Southbank is located

directly underneath Waterloo

Bridge, a Grade II* listed

heritage structure.

A 350m2 roof area running

on each side of the bridge

was in need of refurbishment.

The BFI’s in-house facilities

team stipulated that a coldapplied

liquid roofing system

for the project and consulted

with Martins Roofing, who

recommended the ARBOFLEX ®

PU waterproofing system from

CARLISLE; a versatile cold-applied

liquid roofing system.

Each of the GRP roof sections have

raised channels a few millimetres

high. Because of the undulations,

it was not possible to use the usual

matting as part of the ARBOFLEX PU

system. Instead, two additional coats

of ARBOFLEX PU were proposed for

the GRP roof sections, with each coat

allowed to cure prior to application

of the next.

A cure accelerator was added to

the ARBOFLEX PU liquid system for

the sections around the rooflight

apertures so that each new unit

could be fitted within an hour of the

waterproofing being completed.

For the vented vertical sections, the

ARBOFLEX PU system was applied

with the correct ratio of thickener,

providing thixotropic properties and

suitable viscosity and adhesion.

Duncan McKeich, head of facilities

at the BFI commented, “The solution

allowed us to carry on with our

normal operations with very limited

disruption and gives us confidence

in the roof again.”

info.uk@ccm-europe.com

www.ccm-europe.com/gb

Selco named one of UK’s

best places to work

Selco Builders Warehouse

has cemented its position

as one of the UK’s most

engaging and enjoyable

employers.

The leading builders

merchant, part of the

Grafton Group, has been

named the 11th Best Big

Company To Work For in

the Best Companies survey.

In the last few months alone, the

team has celebrated a series of

instructions, including securing

tenders for Ceredigion County

Council, Cambridgeshire County

Council, Pembrokeshire County

Council, Southampton City

Council, South Oxfordshire & Vale

of White Horse District Councils,

Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue and

Stratford-on-Avon District Council.

Adding to this momentum, the

team has successfully extended

contracts with West Sussex County

Council, East Sussex County Council,

Cambridge City Council, Nuneaton

& Bedworth Borough Council and

Northumberland County Council.

Highlighting these achievements,

the team has also been appointed to

deliver valuation advice to Natural

Resources Wales, the principal

environmental agency responsible

for managing and safeguarding

Wales’ natural resources, for 18 of

its freehold assets in the current

financial year. This high-profile

client reinforces Bruton Knowles’

reputation as a reliable partner for

public sector organisations.


www.brutonknowles.co.uk

Best Companies is an

independent award

decided by the workplace

surveys of thousands of

companies measuring

workplace culture

and engagement, with employee

feedback dictating the finishing

positions of a business.

In 2024, Selco has introduced a paid

volunteer day for each of its near-3,000

colleagues, allowing each member of its

workforce to take a normal working day

away from the individual’s traditional

environment to support a local good

cause or project under full pay.

The ‘EarlyPay’ scheme, a financial

wellbeing tool which allows

colleagues access to wages they

have already earned in advance of

pay day, has also been launched.

Selco’s commitment to offering

its colleagues career development

opportunities has been enhanced

further with the introduction

of a Women in Leadership

apprenticeship. More than 200

colleagues have now been involved

in apprenticeship programmes since

they were introduced by Selco.

With hundreds of trade brands

always in stock, Selco’s branches

are firmly focused on helping

tradespeople complete their jobs as

quickly and effectively as possible.

For more information on Selco,

please visit: www.selcobw.com


Roofing, Cladding & Insulation

UNI-DAM

During recent years there have been increasing

problems with gutters unable to cope with heavy

rainfall during storms and if these are in-board

gutters such as Valley and Parapet types this can

lead to overflows into the building.

It appears that the types of roofs most commonly

affected are metal profiled roofs on industrial,

commercial and retail buildings, very many of

which do have in-board gutters.

These metal roof sheets are non retentive in

terms of water absorption and have little frictional

resistance that could help slow down water flow.

It is quite common, following a change from Fibre

Cement roofing, including Asbestos Cement, to

metal profiled sheets during roof refurbishment

programmes, for problems to occur that did not

exist prior to the change.

This is because Fibre Cement has water absorption

properties and its surface has a rough finish which

provides frictional resistance to the flow of water.

The porous nature of the surface encourages mould

growth which also interrupts water flow and further

helps frictional resistance. This slows water flow,

allowing the gutters and outlets time to discharge.

Water retention, frictional resistance and

interruptions to the flow of water have been the

keys that have helped Fibre Cement sheets to

protect the building from water ingress and it is

these observations that has ultimately led to the

development of the UNI-DAM system.

1) UNI-DAM is a rainwater management system

designed to control water flow on the roof

during heavy storms and to help prevent water

ingress into the building.

2) During a heavy storm rainwater travels down

slope at increasing speed and depth whilst also

collecting the precipitation discharging to it. This

water, left unchecked, enters the gutter in such

volumes that it can overwhelm the drainage

capacity of the gutter system and is the effect

that can lead to overflows, particularly when the

gutters and outlets may have insufficient coping

capacity.

3) UNI-DAM does several things to prevent

overflows using a series of Blade-like Dams:

1) The Blades disrupt water flow decreasing its

speed

2) The Blades isolate areas of roof between

them, localising the rainfall and helping to

prevent water collection down-slope

3) The blades act as mini dams that store water

preventing the large volumes from reaching

the gutters for a period of time. The water

storage imposed load is kept within the

design snow loading.

4) The blades allow water to pass beneath at

a controlled rate, nominally 75mm/hour, by

virtue of small gaps whose size is determined

at the calculation stage and produced during

manufacture.

5) UNI-DAM also has water storage duration

well in excess of the normal expected

storm intensity period of 2 minutes. Storage

periods well in excess of 30 minutes are not

uncommon.

4) The blades are manufactured from materials

that are sympathetic to the original roof and are

profiled to suit the roof sheet.

5) They are fixed to the rib or upper corrugation of

the roof sheet and are fitted continuously along

its length and at right angles to the roof down

slope. The blades comprise two components,

the Brace angle and the UNI-DAM Blade. The

Brace angle is fitted to the roof sheet rib,

continuously along the length of the roof in 2.8

metre sections using Stainless Steel drill screws,

Gun Mastic seals are applied beneath each

fixing position. The UNI-DAM blade is fitted in

2.0m lengths over the Brace angle, small drill

screws are applied through pre-punched holes

at the rear of the blade and the front leading

edge of the Blade is secured with stainless steel

drill screws, again sealing beneath each fixing

position with Gun Mastic.

6) UNI-DAM blades are always positioned above

end laps and avoiding roof lights and unsealed

barge and verge flashings.

Each blade run should be positioned as near as

possible to existing purlin runs.

It may be prudent to check and if necessary

re-seal the side laps of the roof sheet as a

precaution.

7) The number and size of the blades are

determined by calculation using software

developed at the testing stage of the product.

The UNI-DAM software uses rainfall data from

BSEN12056-3:2000. By extending the data series

from the 2 minute event, to longer durations,

as per BSEN12056-3:2000 Annex NB, the

software is able to perform a dynamic storage

assessment in small time steps to evaluate the

maximum water level for any given storm return

period.

Flow out of the dam is based on physical test data,

undertaken on a full scale roof sheet mock up.

A design category can be chosen at the

calculation stage and this is normally category

2 and the storm return period in this Roof store

category is 60 years.

8) Each individual roof requires a separate

calculation.

In-put information required is:

1) Geographical Location

2) Length of roof

3) Slope length

4) Pitch of Roof

5) Valley or Eaves Roof Condition

6) Gutter and Outlet Capacities

The gutter and outlet capacities are required

to ensure that they can cope with the reduced

discharge from the blades which is based on

75mm/hour or 0.0208 litres/second/square metre.

Gutter and outlet capacities are calculated from

information provided at survey.

9) A survey proforma is available to help at this

stage; however, it is possible to provide a

calculation and budget quotation from Google

Earth information provided the building can be

accurately identified.

10) Provided that the gutters and outlets are able to

cope with the 75mm/hour rainfall discharging

from the blades (as most systems will) or have

been corrected to cope, then the UNI-DAM

will provide complete protection within the

confines of the design.

For more information or quote, please contact our

office on: 01384 252777.

Unrivalled excellence in gutter lining technology:

www.gutterliners.com

22


Reliable and experienced

piling installation

contractors

Leading the field as a proud

Scottish provider of piling

services, Burnside Plant Hire

Ltd.’s sterling reputation for

delivering high-quality work

throughout the UK comes

from its strong focus on

excellence and precision and

its commitment to quality

craftmanship.

Its team of skilled professionals

bring extensive knowledge and

experience to every job, providing

a leading service that has earned

them the trust and appreciation of

hundreds of clients across the UK.

As the go-to choice for exceptional

piling installation and additional

engineering, design and groundwork

projects, Burnside Plant Hire Ltd

supports all sizes of construction and

development projects specialising in

a variety of services including tubular

and sheet piles, driven piles, and mini

pile installations.

Equipped with the latest technology

and equipment, each project is

completed safely, efficiently, and to

the highest quality. Take their top-ofthe

line drilling rigs and equipment for

example, used to bore deep into the

ground, creating a secure foundation

that will last for years to come. Or,

their driven piles, that are installed

using a hydraulic hammer or vibratory

hammer, depending on the site

conditions and project requirements,

that deliver only the best results.

If you have a unique project that

requires a more bespoke or technical

design/approach, Burnside Plant Hire

Ltd can work closely with you using a

thorough site assessments and clear

communication, they can deliver

a tailored plan that meets your needs.

If you require piling solutions for

a project in Scotland or the UK,

please contact below:

T 0141 647 9331

enquires@burnsideplant.co.uk

https://burnsideplant.co.uk

Game, set, match: Jacksons

Fencing serves security at

West Beach Tennis Courts

Jacksons Fencing

successfully

supplied and

installed its state-ofthe-art

EuroGuard ®

Rebound sports

mesh fencing at

West Beach Tennis

Courts in Whitstable,

Kent. In partnership

with LTA Tennis Foundation, this

installation marks a key milestone in

Canterbury City Council’s initiative to

upgrade local sports infrastructure

while reinforcing Jacksons Fencing’s

reputation as a leader in high-quality,

long-lasting fencing solutions for all

applications including sports and

recreation.

Addressing security and durability

challenges

The key challenges for the fencing

were multi-faceted. First, security

was a priority. The courts needed

to be securely enclosed to prevent

unauthorised access and vandalism,

yet the boundary needed to remain

welcoming and accessible to the public.

Durability was another major

consideration, especially given the

coastal environment, where salty sea

air and strong winds could quickly

degrade materials

that weren’t up

to standard. The

fencing had to

withstand harsh

weather conditions

while maintaining

its integrity and

appearance over

time.

A tailored fencing solution

Understanding the unique demands

of the project, Jacksons Fencing

supplied and installed EuroGuard ®

Rebound sports mesh fencing,

an advanced system engineered

specifically for sports facilities.

Constructed from galvanised steel

mesh and finished with a marinegrade

polyester powder coating in

green RAL 6005, the fencing provides

superior resistance to corrosion,

ensuring longevity in the harsh

seaside climate. Its innovative mesh

configuration allows for excellent

ball rebound, minimising disruptions

during play while maintaining

clear visibility of the surrounding

landscape.

For further information

about this project, please visit:

www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk

Property & Site Management

Vericon Systems launches

new MouldSense solution

to help landlords and

tenants breathe easy

Vericon Systems,

a leading

manufacturer of

remote technologies

to manage and

control essential

building services,

has launched

MouldSense, a

new plug and play

solution to help

landlords monitor,

measure and

manage damp and

mould within their

properties and

ensure compliance

with Awaab’s Law.

MouldSense, part of Vericon’s

proven HomeHub series, includes

battery-operated temperature and

humidity sensors that can be placed

around a property to identify and

alert landlords of potential issues.

The sensors assess the risk in each

room, every five minutes, providing

accurate information about what is

really going on inside the property.

It enables landlords to decide if

fixing a fault is necessary or whether

educating tenants

about the health

risks associated with

damp and mould

will prevent an issue

occurring before it has

time to escalate. With

in-depth reporting and

analysis, MouldSense

also provides

landlords with a

complete and detailed

audit trail to further

ensure compliance.

It also comprises

Vericon’s Boiler

Control and Monitoring unit which

provides real-time information about

a boiler’s ‘health.’ The unit can detect

potential faults, from leaks to ignition

failures, in advance, and send the

data to the landlord in real-time to

inform preventative maintenance.

To download Vericon’s free guide

on how its MouldSense solution

can help ensure compliance with

Awaab’s Law compliance, go to:

https://vericonsystems.com/

mouldsense

Oakheart Property

expands as 5th Branch

opens in Chelmsford

Oakheart Property expands with

New Chelmsford Branch, bringing

its unique blend of traditional

values and modern innovation to

Essex’s County City.

Oakheart Property, one of the

region’s fastest-growing and

most dynamic estate agencies, is

delighted to announce the opening

of its newest branch in Chelmsford,

Essex. This exciting expansion

brings Oakheart’s award-winning

property services to the heart

of Essex, further cementing its

reputation as a trusted name in the

property market.

Located at 20 Victoria Road, the

Chelmsford branch will offer a

full range of services, including

residential sales, lettings, and

support for Oakheart’s recently

launched Land & New Homes

division. With a focus on delivering

exceptional customer experiences,

Oakheart combines the best of

traditional estate agency values

with a forward-thinking, modern

approach.

A growing presence across Essex

& Suffolk

The Chelmsford branch joins

Oakheart’s established network

of offices across Essex and

Suffolk, including Colchester,

Mersea Island, Sudbury, and Bury

St Edmunds. This expansion

reflects the company’s ambitious

growth strategy while maintaining

its commitment to delivering

outstanding service at every stage

of the property journey.

For more information

about Oakheart Property or

to get in touch with the

Chelmsford team, please visit:

www.oakheartproperty.co.uk or

call us on: 01245 800181.


Health & Safety

CheckedSafe: Revolutionising

compliance & safety in the

building and facilities industry

Multi-award-winning CheckedSafe offers a range of

health and safety solutions tailored for the building

and facilities industries.

CheckedSafe is unique in the fact that its

software was developed to provide simple and

inexpensive compliance solutions that can be

tailored to any industry. Combining a dedicated

team of developers and client account managers,

CheckedSafe provide comprehensive compliance

services across several platforms, including

commercial and plant hire vehicles, complete

fleets, and vehicles in the utilities sector.

CheckedSafe is a trusted

partner of several wellknown

brands, including

Enterprise, HITACHI,

QBE, and Northgate. The

company was founded by

Gary Hawthorne and Darran

Harris, both of whom bring

extensive expertise to the

industry. Darran specialises

in litigation, compliance, and

road traffic incidents, while Gary holds multiple

prestigious credentials, including Fellow status with

the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport,

the Society of Engineers, and the Institute of Road

Traffic Engineers. He is also a Commercial Mediator

and a DVSA Accredited Earned Recognition

Auditor.

Its primary offering is a paperless compliance

system that facilitates efficient defect reporting

and fleet maintenance. This innovative software is

also compliant with the DVSA Earned Recognition

scheme, enabling you to prove with ease that your

vehicles, drivers, and operations meet all necessary

standards, thus reducing the likelihood of your

vehicles being stopped for roadside inspections.

From the office, managers

can monitor user activity,

view comprehensive

maintenance reports in real

time, identify outstanding

tasks and vehicle defects,

and schedule services to

remain fully compliant. Comprehensive reports

include all details relating to checks and their

outcomes, including historical checks, and the

system is completely secure as all data is sealed

from editing, providing an end-to-end detailed audit

trail. What’s more, with the innovative scheduling

system, you have full visibility over the status of

your vehicles, enabling servicing and maintenance

to be scheduled accordingly, allowing you to

digitalise your wall planners.

This software is suitable for checks on HGV

walkarounds, daily van checks, vehicle pre use,

FORS, plant & equipment, and forklifts, and can

be tailored to create a template for ANY piece of

equipment you might have.

For the drivers, a brand-new app – GB Domestic

Hours, is a completely digitised upgrade to the paper

log books, allowing drivers to record and manage

their drivers’ hours directly from their smartphone.

CheckedSafe is the only UK company to develop and

launch the GB Domestic Hours app, bringing marketfirst

technology to UK vehicle fleets. CheckedSafe’s

portfolio of compliance tools – that includes the

much-celebrated Driver Licencing Checks, priced

at an unbelievable £1.60 per check and Fleet

Management Software – enables fleet managers to

efficiently oversee fleets of any size fully digitally –

eliminating the need for cumbersome paperwork.

In addition to vehicle compliance, CheckedSafe

provides a Lone Worker App designed to enhance

the safety of employees working alone. This app

allows lone workers to log their location and

complete risk assessments, ensuring employers

can monitor their safety effectively.

Ideal for those who work outside of normal working

hours, are remote from a central office, or even

for those who are not in frequent contact with

their employer, the CheckedSafe Lone Worker App

and monitoring suite is the number one App for

employers to ensure the safety of their employees.

Offering a completely customisable experience, the

system boasts an extensive library of DVSA, HSE,

Puwer, Loler, and UK Border Force check templates,

all of which can be tailored to suit the specific

requirements of your business. What’s more, if

a driver has no signal, defects can be conducted

from anywhere at any time. This is because all

failed vehicle compliance checks will automatically

generate a report which is stored in CheckedSafe’s

secure CMS, ready for further analysis.

Gary Hawthorne, Director & Co-Founder mentioned,

“Fleet managers can now oversee any size fleet with

mobile phones, rather than copious amounts of

paperwork (a laptop is useful to interrogate the data).

There is no need to store huge boxes of reports, plus

it’s all in real-time so any defects/issues can be resolved

quickly, reducing overall long-term costs and reducing

downtime as better repair planning can be achieved.”

All of this can be achieved for just £1 per vehicle

per week. Just think, how much more efficient

your business could be if your employees could

carry out customised vehicle checklists via a

downloadable app – even when drivers are off-grid!

To find out more about CheckedSafe or to access

the 30-day free trial, please contact below:

T 01282 908429

info@checkedsafe.com

https://www.checkedsafe.com

24


Health & Safety

Construction hoists that take you up in the world

Direct Hoist, is an ever-expanding construction

hoist hire and sales specialist, with an unrivalled

attitude towards impeccable safety standards and a

green revolution within the industry sector.

With a specialist team of hoist experts, Direct Hoist

offers cost-effective construction solutions and

no-nonsense advice, keeping your costs down and

productivity high.

Specialising in Electroelsa and GEDA hoists, which

have lifting capacities from 60kg to 5,000kg, Direct

Hoist’s fastidiously-maintained fleet is available for

sale or hire throughout the UK.

Perfect for roofing jobs and

installation of solar panels – the

simplicity of this hoist makes it one

of the best and most popular hoists

for roof repairs and installations, it

can also be used for entry through

a window. This GEDA hoist is highly

versatile with so many different

platforms to choose from Vario

platform (where the platform is

horizontal running up an incline), solar

panel platform, tipping skip platform,

sheet carrier, tile cage platform,

furniture and standard platform.

Installation and dismantling is handled by a highlyqualified

team – all SSSTS-certified, holding NVQ

Practical, portable and very flexible, the

hoist can be used in dozens of different

ways. Want to replace the labourintensive

work of carrying objects up or

down hills? No problem. Need to move

furniture through an upstairs window

in a house or flat? Get the GEDA.

Having trouble transporting objects

out of cellars? This lift is your friend.

In fact, the possibilities are endless…

Level 2 Blue or Level 3 Gold CSCS cards, who

arrive on-site in eco-friendly HVO-powered vans.

Direct Hoist’s company founder and managing

director Rob Wilson, is keen to ensure customers

can benefit from his firm’s growth by gaining

access to not just a wider range of products but a

one-stop shop for planning, supply and tuition for

the use of construction hoists.

One of Direct Hoists’ most popular small hoists is

the GEDA 200kg inclined ladder/rope hoist.

Direct Hoist can supply a GEDA

inclined hoist for your next project, to

buy or for hire at competitive prices and preferable

terms. Give Direct Hoist a call for the easy solution.

Direct Hoist takes you up in the world with

top-class construction hoists for any commercial

project, large or small. For your free advice

and site survey call: 01724 781647 or for more

information about these or other hoists available

for sale or hire, hoist servicing and repairs,

please visit: www.directhoist.co.uk, or email:

info@directhoist.co.uk.


Health & Safety

TB Davies achieves

ISO 14001 certification,

reinforcing sustainability

leadership

TB Davies, a leading UK supplier

of work-at-height safety solutions,

has achieved ISO 14001

certification, marking a significant

milestone in its ongoing

commitment to sustainability

and environmental leadership.

The internationally recognised

ISO 14001 standard validates

the company’s dedication to

robust environmental management

and highlights its proactive approach

to reducing ecological impact.

Established in 1945, the familyowned

business has long prioritised

environmentally responsible

practices, including harnessing

solar energy, reducing plastic

packaging, and introducing hybrid

vehicles. These initiatives form part

of the company’s ambitious goal of

reaching Net Zero by 2050.

This certification follows TB Davies’

development of an award-winning

carbon reduction plan in 2022, when

it participated in the Business Wales

Accelerated Growth Programme’s

Carbon Emission Reduction Pilot.

The pilot programme supported TB

Davies in creating a measurable plan

to significantly reduce its carbon

footprint.

Securing ISO 14001 certification

involved a rigorous assessment

and close collaboration throughout

the business. TB Davies accessed

essential external expertise through

the Business Wales Accelerated

Growth Programme, which

connected them with ISO specialist

Brian Taylor. His guidance helped

ensure the certification process

succeeded on the first attempt.


www.tbdavies.co.uk

Bull Products’ safety

solution displayed at

Fire Safety Live North

Bull Products, a trusted and

renowned leading provider

of temporary fire, safety and

access control solutions for

the construction industry

and other applications

exhibited at Fire Safety Live

North. The event took place

from 22nd–23rd January at

Manchester Central at stand

FC30, where Bull Products

showcased its temporary

fire solutions and innovative

wireless workforce

management and access

control solution, SITEGATE.

The Bull Products team were on

hand to discuss the company’s

innovative new product launch

SITEGATE, a cloud-based workforce

management and access control

system that includes turnstiles for

controlled site access. The SITEGATE

Turnstiles provide seamless, secure

entry for visitors, workers, and

vehicles, integrating effortlessly

with the SITEGATE online platform.

This cloud-based system is built

on three core modules: Workforce

Management, Online Induction, and

Delivery Management, offering realtime

data to enhance site security,

improve operations, and optimise

both time and cost efficiencies.

Fully wireless and compatible

with Bull Products’ SITENET and

SITEPROTECT ranges of wireless

fire detection and alarm systems,

SITEGATE is the perfect solution

for construction and development

sites of any size. Introducing

SITEGATE to its product portfolio

provides Bull Products’ customers

with one partner for fire and access

control, simplifying the process for

customers.


www.bullproducts.co.uk

Elta’s explosion

proof fans earn elite

IECEx Certification

Elta has gone above

and beyond to

provide peace of

mind for specifiers

of explosion proof

equipment, following

its attainment of the

IECEx Certification.

IECEx is the International

Electrotechnical Commission’s

(IEC) certification program for

equipment and services used in

explosive atmospheres. A globally

recognised standard, it ensures that

products and services comply with

the highest safety requirements for

use in hazardous environments.

In November 2024, Elta, a leading

specialist in air movement

equipment, achieved the certification

following a two-year auditing period.

Eurofins Scientific, a UKASaccredited

notified body and

provider of certification services,

awarded the certification to Elta’s

Fareham factory for its range of

direct driven axial fans. Already

ATEX-rated, the latest achievement

underscores Elta’s dedication to

providing reliable and safe solutions

for industries

operating in

potentially explosive

atmospheres such as

on offshore oil and

gas platforms, power

generation, and

chemical processing.

Although IECEx certification is

voluntary for manufacturers,

governments in Australia, New

Zealand, Singapore, and many

countries in South America already

adopt the IECEx certification as a

mandatory requirement to tender

for projects related to explosive

atmospheres.

Elta’s journey to IECEx certification

involved rigorous testing and

evaluation of its products and

processes. The certification process

included factory production control

audits, comprehensive assessments

of design, manufacturing, and

quality control procedures to ensure

compliance with IEC standards.

For more information about Elta and

its IECEx certified products, please

visit: eltauk.com

Health and safety expert

urges homeowners to

check gas appliances

before Christmas

With

Christmas

just around

the corner,

Derek

Bruce, a

leading

health and safety expert at SMSTS

Course, is issuing a timely warning

to homeowners: ensure your gas

appliances are in top condition to

avoid potential hazards during the

festive season. Faulty gas equipment

and overlooked maintenance can

lead to serious risks, including

carbon monoxide poisoning, gas

leaks, and fires.

“As the temperature drops and

homes gear up for the holidays, it’s

critical to make sure gas appliances

are safe and functional,” says Derek

Bruce. “A few simple checks can

make all the difference in keeping

your family warm, safe, and stressfree

this Christmas.”

Key gas items to check in your home:

1) Gas Boilers

Boilers work overtime during winter,

and a breakdown could ruin your

festive plans. Schedule a service

with a Gas Safe-registered engineer

to prevent leaks or malfunctions.

2) Gas Fires

Popular for creating a cosy

atmosphere, gas fires should be

inspected for signs of trouble,

such as yellow flames or unusual

smells.

3) Cookers and Ovens

With kitchens in high demand

for Christmas feasts, ensure your

gas cooker or oven operates

safely. Watch for uneven flames or

difficulty lighting burners.

4) Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Test or replace the batteries in

your carbon monoxide alarms.

These life-saving devices can alert

you to dangerous levels of this

odorless and colourless gas.

5) Gas Meters and Pipes

Inspect your gas meter and

exposed pipes for damage or

corrosion. If you spot anything

suspicious, contact a professional

immediately.

https://www.smstscourse.org.uk

26


Asbestos Management

Company wins gold trophy

at Wembley Stadium

An asbestos management

consultancy with bases in

Northampton, Cleckheaton,

London and Wolverhampton,

is celebrating after being

named Business of the

Year at a national awards

ceremony in London.

Acorn Analytical Services

won Gold in the category of

Business of the Year (more

than 50 employees) at the

Northamptonshire SME

Awards in May, before going up

against their national counterparts in

the National SME Awards.

The ceremony took place at the

iconic Wembley Stadium on Friday,

December 4th and saw hundreds

of people from businesses all over

the UK come together to see if they

had been successful at winning

one of the coveted trophies. Many

of the finalists – Acorn Analytical

Services included – made it through

to the grand final after winning their

category at a regional level earlier in

the year.

The win topped off an incredible

year for the company which

included moving to larger premises

at the end of 2023 and employing

an additional 12 people in 2024,

taking the team up to 70 staff. The

company also won numerous high

profile contracts, working with High

Street retailers, councils and schools

and raised just under £10,000 for

charity through various fundraisers

over the course of 2024.

Judges recognised these

achievements and the ‘outstanding

initiative, boldness and imagination

in the enterprise, as well as sound

management practices.’

For more information on Acorn

Analytical Services, please visit:

www.acorn-as.com

Abloy UK celebrates

Patrick Jefferies’ 30 years

of dedicated service

This year marks a remarkable

milestone for Patrick Jefferies,

Abloy UK’s esteemed Commercial

Director, as he celebrates 30 years

of dedicated service to the company

and the industry. Pat’s journey with

the company is a testament to his

unwavering commitment to safety,

compliance, and innovation in the

field of security solutions.

Starting as a Regional Sales

Representative in 1994, Pat’s

career with Abloy has seen him

progress through various roles,

including National Sales Manager,

Academy Director, and Commercial

Director in 2011. Throughout his

time with the company, Pat has

been dedicated to the company’s

growth and to advancing standards

in the security and access control

industry.

A major achievement during Pat’s

career was the establishment of

the Abloy Academy, which was

created to offer training programs

that focus on safety, compliance,

and best practices in security and

access control. The Academy

has helped educate installers,

specifiers, and other professionals

in the industry, supporting the

adoption of industry standards.

In recognition of his contributions,

Pat was awarded the Abloy Trusted

Advisor of the Year Award in 2022.

This award highlights his ongoing

commitment to the security

industry and his work in promoting

safety and compliance. He is also

Guild of Architectural Ironmongers

(GAI) qualified and became a

Bronze Medal Holder in 1999.

To learn more the Abloy

Academy and to view

upcoming course dates, go to:

https://bit.ly/3VAJwB3

Awards & Achievements News

Fresh shortlisted for

prestigious award

at the 2025 Global

Student Living Awards

Fresh, a leading specialist

third-party manager of

residential for rent homes, is

delighted to announce that

it has been shortlisted for

the Best Booking Experience

Award for the UK and Ireland

at the Global Student Living

Awards (GSL). The recognition

is a testament to Fresh’s

commitment to providing an

exceptional experience for residents,

starting at the point of booking.

The Best Booking Experience

shortlist was determined by the

ratings from residents in the Autumn

wave of the Global Student Living

(GSL) Index. As such, the results

reflect real student opinions and

experiences about their booking

experience with Fresh.

The GSL Autumn wave, which

ran from 21st October to 30th

November, was actively promoted

across all Fresh student properties.

Following the extensive and

successful campaign across the

student portfolio, an impressive one

third of Fresh’s residents participated

and gave ratings. The questions

focused on the students’ personal

experiences booking and moving

into their new accommodation.

The winners will be announced at

a ceremony in London following

the GSL Live event in October

2025. Fresh will now prepare for

the next GSL Index Wave in March,

with the aim of securing further

improvements to its scores follow its

focus on constantly enhancing the

student living experience.


www.thisisfresh.com

Atlas Copco scoops

Energy and Sustainability

Award at AMPS Awards

for Excellence 2024

This year’s Association of

Manufacturers and Suppliers of

Power Generating Systems (AMPS)

Awards for Excellence recognized

Atlas Copco’s ground-breaking ZSC

100-400 Portable Solar Container.

The awards, which celebrate

innovation and sustainable

solutions in the power generation

industry, was presented in late

November at a ceremony held

at the De Vere Grand Connaught

Rooms in London.

The coveted Energy & Sustainability

Award went to Atlas Copco’s

revolutionary ZSC 100-400 Portable

Solar Container. It represents a

leap forward in renewable energy

technology, offering a portable,

‘plug-and-play’ solar power

solution designed to meet the

demands of remote worksites,

construction projects, events, and

off-grid operations. Its innovative

design combines ease-of-use,

flexibility, and sustainability, making

it a game-changer for industries

seeking greener, more cost-effective

energy solutions.

With 200 solar panels delivering

clean energy and minimal

maintenance requirements, the

ZSC 100-400 is redefining the

possibilities for temporary and

remote power needs. Its innovative

design saves weeks of installation

time compared to traditional setups,

making it ideal for emergency

power deployment, brownfield or

greenfield operations, and versatile

worksites.

Please visit:

www.atlascopco.com


Facilities & Estates Management

Goland Recruitment

Here at Goland

Recruitment

Ltd, we have

extensive

network and

experience

in placing

exceptional

candidates

for the role

you require.

Whether

it be in

Construction,

Retail,

Hospitality or Commercial we

are at your disposal to do the

leg work for you.

Save time and money when

recruiting for temporary or

permanent/full-time position

as we spend a considerable

amount of time reading through

the specifications and searching

for exceptional candidates.

Please give us a call or drop us

an email today if you require

our assistance and we will do

our best to get you the right

person for the job at a rate that

suits your budget.

Our full time placements fees

are normally 12% to 15%

depending on the role and the

salary, we now however have a

set rate for all permanent roles

placements of 8% no matter

what the salary, but for your

first two placements we are

running a special offer of 5%

across the board so don’t

miss out.

Please keep us in mind for all

your Recruitment requirements,

much appreciated.

T 01908 102078

info@goland.group

www.goland.group

Gates for added

protection

For homeowners or businesses

looking to improve security, installing

a gate is a step in the right direction.

Gates are an important deterrent

in residential and business areas

against opportunistic burglary or

even vandalism, making homes

and properties less of a target for

criminals.

Castle Gates & Automation is a leading

bespoke gate installation company,

from wooden, metal to metal frames gates clad in wood or composite, with

many other options available. The company is based in Great Gaddesden,

Hertfordshire and can offer modern upgrading of existing gates, through to

installations of bespoke, new designs. With an extensive portfolio, customers

can choose from manual and automated gate options, with a further choice of

above-ground, or concealed underground automated gate motors. For level

driveways, homeowners can opt for sliding gates, if preferred.

For additional ease and convenience, each gate automation has a remotecontrol

fob access, with keyboard entry systems or audio/video systems

optionally available for added security measures. Intercoms have become

standardised now with many homes and businesses around the country and

Castle Gates & Automation can supply GSM Audio Intercoms, GSM Video

Intercoms, Wired Audio Intercoms and Wired Video Intercoms.

Installing state-of-the-art CCTV gives optimised security, day and night and

when you’re not at home or on holiday. Castle Gates & Automation provides

an extensive range of cameras including: short and long range, through to

wide-angles, so your whole property is always expertly covered.

Enquire today to find your perfect gate:

T 01442 253341

enquiries@castlegatesandautomation.co.uk

www.castlegatesandautomation.co.uk

M&E specialist Linaker announces new partnership

with international defence company BABCOCK TM

Following a five way tender process, Linaker has been awarded an eight figure contract that

will cover 26 army bases across the UK

Following a competitive five-way tender

process, Linaker has been awarded the

prestigious framework with Babcock

International Group (Babcock), the

defence company, to supply hard service

maintenance to its UK wide Defence

Support Group (DSG) portfolio. The new

partnership will see Linaker and Babcock

work together to create a new standard

of collaboration moving toward a

relational contract with shared goals and

values accredited to ISO 44001.

Linaker will deliver hard service

maintenance for Babcock at sites where

Babcock delivers critical equipment and

vehicle support services to the British

Army, thus making the importance of this

contract all the greater. Linaker tailors

its services to the unique needs of its

clients, always applying its pioneering

people-first, technology-driven approach

to form genuine partnerships that deliver

consistently high levels of service. It

is this approach that makes the new

partnership with Babcock so exciting as

they unite on a shared vision to accredit

their new relationship to ISO 44001.

The Babcock DSG portfolio will form the

first of many portfolios covered by the

framework and includes 26 army base

sites across the UK. This first portfolio is

going to focus on the building blocks of

culture and technology, working with the

current onsite team to ensure they are

fully immersed into the new partnership

via support and training, whilst a further

16 engineers will be brought on board to

facilitate contract delivery.

Please visit: www.linaker.com

28


Facilities Management

Fusion21 announces suppliers

appointed to £700 million Workplace

and Facilities Management Framework

Following a competitive tender process,

Fusion21 is pleased to announce the suppliers

successfully appointed to its national

Workplace and Facilities Management

Framework, worth up to £700 million over

four years.

A total of 45 specialist firms – 40% being

SMEs, have secured a place on the framework

– now in its third iteration due to its previous

success and designed to provide a range

of hard and soft facilities management (FM)

services to support the operation of public

buildings.

Providing regional and national coverage,

the framework offers access to supply chain

innovation and efficiencies and will facilitate

the outsourcing of building management

contracts, enabling organisations to focus on

their core activities.

The framework is split into four lots:

s Lot 1: Total Facilities Management

s Lot 2: Cleaning

Services

s Lot 3: Security

Services

s Lot 4: Building

Engineering Services

Peter Francis, Group

Executive Director

(Operations) at

Fusion21 said, “Having

listened to member

and supplier feedback,

we’ve streamlined

previous lots to create

a new generation of

the Workplace and

Facilities Management

Framework, suitable for

various building types

and covering single sites to national portfolios.”

“Working with a team of technical

procurement experts and pre-qualified

suppliers, our members will be supported to

deliver increased operational efficiency, while

benefiting from a fast route to market and

flexible call-off options.”

“As with all Fusion21 frameworks, this latest

framework enables our members to deliver

social value they can see in communities,

aligned with their organisational priorities.”

Successful suppliers appointed to

Fusion21’s national Workplace and Facilities

Management Framework:

s Amey Community Limited

s Atlas Maintenance Services Ltd

s BAM FM Limited

s Bellrock Property & Facilities Management

Limited

s CBES Limited

s CBRE Managed Services Limited

s Chase Services Group Ltd

s Chequers Contract Services Ltd

s City Group Security Limited

s Compact Security Services Limited

s D2 Facilities Ltd

s Diamond Facilities Support Limited

s Diamond UK Facilities Management Ltd

s DMA Maintenance Limited

s EJ Parker Technical Services (Scotland

South) Ltd

s EMCOR Group (UK) plc

s Equans Services Limited

s Eric Wright FM Limited

s G4S Facilities Management (UK) Limited

s Galliford Try Facilities Management Limited

s Graffins Services Limited

s Grosvenor Facilities Management Limited

s Guarding Professionals Ltd

s H.& J. Martin Limited

s Irwin M&E Limited

s ISS Mediclean Limited

s Kingdom Services Group Limited

s Lancer Scott Facilities Management Limited

s Lorne Stewart PLC

s M J Quinn Integrated Services Limited

s Mitie FM Limited

s Norse Commercial Services Limited

s OCS Group UK Limited

s Oracle Security Services Ltd

s Pareto Facilities Management Limited

s SBFM Limited

s SENCAT LTD

s Sewell Facilities Management Limited

s Spectrum Service Solutions Limited

s Supreme Protection Limited

s T3 Security Limited

s Tenon FM Limited

s Total Clean Services Limited

s Wates Property Services Limited

s Wetton Cleaning Services Limited

T 0845 308 2321

info@fusion21.co.uk

www.fusion21.co.uk


Classifieds

Waste Management Window Cleaning Commercial Cleaning

Construction Hoists

Screws & Fixings

Ventilation Specialist

Joinery

Security Solutions

Caustic Washout Solutions

01799 599995

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

The perfect gate for your castle

NeutraliZer CO 2

Caustic Washout Solution

Projects

Contact 01442 253341

info@castlegatesandautomation.co.uk

www.castlegatesandautomation.co.uk

Site Management

01422 363462 www.smartstormgroup.com

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

30


Sustainable Building

Horticultural Careers

Classifieds

Underfloor Heating

01743 298001

www.easyflow.org.uk

Commercial Ventilation

Control Solutions

Activation | Monitoring |

Supervision & 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

Waterproofing and Sealing Solutions

for Flat Roofs, Façades & Buildings

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

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 1005

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