Building and Facilities News Issue 994

Tel: 0121 550 4593 ● www.buildingandfacilitiesnews.co.uk ● May ● Issue 994
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The future is electric
Bradshaw Electric Vehicles
Page 25
Cibes Lift UK
10 phs Besafe
20
TruBlue
31

Roofing, Cladding & Insulation
2
BFN is sponsored by Baldwin Boxall – see them on page 15

Editor’s Comments
From Hardware to Cleaning & Hygiene, Doors,
Fittings & Windows, Site Management & Safety,
this month we cover a vast range of topics,
industry events and innovative approaches all
designed to enhance the construction industry.
We feature Baldwin Boxall as our chosen Life
Safety Company of the Month. In a post-
Grenfell world, optimised fire safety regulations
have galvanised the building
sector to push for the most
effective evacuation systems.
Since this incident, Emergency
Voice Communication (EVC)
systems have become a
talking point for a safer and
more successful evacuation
procedure. Baldwin Boxall
are manufacturers of lifesaving
equipment tailored towards
large buildings and for evacuation
purposes. We delve into its recent
patent-pending OmniCALL EVC
System, of which the company
showcased at the recent Fire Safety
Event. Find out more on page 15.
On page 11, we feature CorkSol UK Ltd, one
of our chosen Top Exhibitors
from Futurebuild Expo 2024.
The article uncovers the next
generational building material:
SprayCork, that is designed
for a greener era. We shine a
spotlight on SprayCork and hear
from Chris Heaton, Marketing
Manager at CorkSol UK Ltd, who
gives us more insight into the
product and its benefits.
Contents
Nicola Tromans
Editor & Office Manager
Show reviews in this issue:
Futurebuild 2024; UK Concrete Show
2024; KBB Show 2024; SPATEX 2024.
Other notable features include: invisible
wireless charging stations by Kew Labs
one of our selected Top Exhibitors at KBB
2024 on page 31; the new EULX10X20 Glove
from Manosun – marked as the ultimate
Construction and Scaffolders Glove on page
22; and we discover how Combilift’s innovative
solutions can transform materials handling
operations on page 28.
Don’t forget to send us your latest BFN updates
and news. Email us:
info@buildingandfacilitiesnews.co.uk
Building and
Facilities News
Futurebuild Review 8-11
Despite the
challenges currently
faced by the industry,
Futurebuild continues
to push boundaries,
leaving a lasting impact on the sector.
Site Management 12-14
DCON Safety
Consultants is
passionate & highly
committed to
continually improving
health, safety & wellbeing management
in collaboration with our clients.
Company of the Month 15
Baldwin Boxall
manufactures life-saving
equipment tailored for
large buildings and
evacuation purposes.
Company of the Month 19
Fusion21 is a national
social enterprise
specialising in efficient
and impactful public
sector procurement
that embed social value.
Contacts
On the Cover
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
The entire content of this publication is advertorial based.
To place an advertorial or an advert, please call 0121 550 4593.
Bradshaw Electric Vehicles 25
Bradshaw is the official UK distributor for Goupil, all-electric,
zero-emission light commercial road and utility vehicles. Goupil
was founded in 1996 and quickly established itself as a leading
manufacturer of electric utility vehicles.
Lighting & Electrical 23
Leading LED
lighting specialist,
Luceco, has new
lighting ranges,
downlighters and a
2.0 wall charger to
meet a wide variety
of needs.
kbb Birmingham Review
30-32
The UK’s largest
dedicated
kitchens,
bedrooms and
bathrooms exhibition kbb Birmingham,
returned from 3-6 March 2024.
BFN is sponsored
by Baldwin Boxall
– see them on
page 15

Landscaping & External Works
Tree surveys for
development
Barnes Associates Ltd – Providing
tree surveying to Architects,
Town planners and developers,
throughout the UK. Trees are our
speciality from Tree Constraint Plans,
Arboricultural Impact Assessments
and Tree Protection plans.
Arboricultural Method Statements
are often a conditional item these
need to be practical and involve the
whole team to be successful, we act
as retained arboricultural consultant
for site inspections.
Our associate ecologists provide
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
appraisals and associated reports,
landscape plans and management
plans are also provided.
We problem solve when building
near trees. Protected trees even with
TPO (Tree Preservation Orders) can
often be built near with the right
approach and techniques.
We work with your design teams
to ensure a smooth process for our
clients. Tree plans are provided in
CAD 2D and 3D along with drone
imagery if required.
Our tree surveyors are experienced
and qualified to high standards.
Our Tree Diagnostic team provide
Tree Root Radar scans providing
root mapping services, along
with Tree stability testing of trees
throughout the UK.
Contact Ian Barnes, Director and
Lead consultant, with your project
needs, in total confidence.
T 01423 322371
Whatsapp: 07483 116044
Email your project to:
info@barnesassociates.co.uk
www.barnesassociates.co.uk
Create wonder with water
OASE has had a passion for water and all
things aquatic since 1949. From idea to
implementation, from function to fascination,
from technical to biological – OASE offers
innovative presentations, smart products,
premium quality, and convenience, all under
one roof.
Headquartered in Germany, OASE
understands the importance to customers of
having a local presence. They believe that it
is vital to provide support for customers no
matter where they may be located. With 22
subsidiaries in Europe, Asia, and the USA,
as well as a network certified local partners,
OASE is a truly global brand.
You might think you don’t have
enough space for a water feature in
your project but think again. With
OASE’s range of water features, you
don’t need acres of space to add the
meditative sound of moving water.
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
OASE are on hand to help support
you through any project with
water – no matter the size. Smaller
features can still make a great
statement. Take the range of wall
spouts. These solid brass features
are perfect for adding to columns or walls.
They don’t even need to be part of a large
pool but can be used in conjunction with
OASE’s reservoirs
meaning there’s no
open water on show.
OASE even make
the perfect pumps
that power these
features, the Aquarius
Universal Premium
Eco 3000.
If you have a bit more
space to work with,
consider the range
of OASE Waterfalls.
These graceful
waterfalls are made
of robust, non-rusting
stainless steel and
come in 3 sizes. They
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.
make it easy to build an elegant and uniform
water display.
Alternatively, how about a feature that looks
good from every angle? Corten Steel Cubes
look stunning no matter the environment
they’re placed in. The 60cm cube can be part
of a pool or positioned on a hidden reservoir.
Water runs evenly down the sides and there’s
the option of a stand to give the appearance
of a floating sculpture.
Water should look just as good after nightfall
and lights make any of these features come
alive in the dark. OASE has designed LED
lights for each of these features to ensure
your water project never looks dull.
For more information about adding
water, be it big or small, speak to OASE
today on 01256 896886 or email:
enquiries@oase.com or head to:
https://social.oase.com/waterproject
4
BFN is sponsored by Baldwin Boxall – see them on page 15

‘Dedicated to offer the best mowing
system for maintaining large
area turfgrass’
Has clean cutting results in all weather conditions, improved
efficiency (at least 20% more fuel efficient), easy maintenance
& repairs and low cost of ownership
Please visit www.ecoclipper.com
Call +31 (0)646753560
Email info@ecoclipper.com

Facilities & Estate Management
Inclusive design
unlocks creativity
There is growing recognition
that we all perceive the world
differently and that to thrive, we
need to create spaces that meet
everyone’s needs. However,
the concept of inclusive design
often conjures up a notion of
compromise that curbs creativity
and leads to uninspiring solutions.
A new guide from Tarkett ‘Human
Conscious Design Principles’
is tackling this misconception
and argues that designing with
specific needs in mind can, in
fact, unlock creativity. That, by
interrogating the different ways in
which we experience and interpret
our surroundings, designers are
encouraged to explore new ideas
and solutions that they may not
otherwise have considered.
Making monitoring
& control mobile
GSM Activate is a UK-based
manufacturer and retailer of
high quality electronics and
access control devices, which
specialises in GSM (simcards)
based technology. Based in
West Sussex, UK, GSM Activate
provides reliable and durable
GSM enabled electronic
products.
GSM Activate
provides
equipment
which can
be used for
security,
monitoring
& control
solutions
for use in
customers’
homes or for
their business
needs. The company’s range
of products has been designed
to incorporate the use of a
simcard which enables the user
to use their mobile phone as
the key component in security,
access control and automation
In this guide, the global leader
in recyclable flooring, explores
the world through the lens of
neurodiversity with the particular
needs of individuals with an
ADHD, autism and dementia
diagnosis in mind.
It is estimated that one in seven
people are neurodivergent and
that a staggering 50 million¹
people are living with dementia
worldwide, a figure that is
expected to triple by 2050². With
an overview of each condition,
Human Conscious Design
Principles outlines key design
considerations across education,
the workplace, hospitality and
eldercare.
You can download your copy of
the Human Conscious Design
Principles here: https://digital.
tarkett.co.uk/en-gb/humanconscious-design-principles
¹ World Health Organisation, 23rd
March 2023
² The Global Burden of Disease
study published in the Lancet
Medical Journal 6th January 2022
applications. For example, GSM
diallers for phone alerts from
alarm panels, or sensors; GSM
switches to turn on appliances
remotely, etc.
Renowned for its reliability
opposed to WiFi, Bluetooth
and others, GSM is extremely
dependable
for signal and
there is no
limit to range,
enabling you
to control and
monitor your
electronics
from your
mobile,
wherever
you are in
the world.
GSM Activate
is able to
manufacture using the latest
hardware enabling connections
to 2G, 3G and 4G frequencies.
Contact
T 01273 462380
www.gsm-activate.co.uk
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
Activation | Monitoring |
Supervision & Control Solutions
GSM Auto Diallers
work with all alarm
panels as well
as hundreds of
other applications.
Connect it to your
alarm for text
and/or call alerts
when triggered.
The GSM Multi
Switch (240v) is a UK
manufactured GSM
Switch designed
to attach to your
electronics enabling
you to activate them
using your mobile
phone from anywhere
in the world.
sales@gsm-activate.co.uk
www.gsm-activate.co.uk
The GSM Intercom
allows you to
speak to visitors
at your gates and
allow access using
your mobile phone
as the controller.
6
BFN is sponsored by Baldwin Boxall – see them on page 15

Futurebuild Review – Top Exhibitors
Futurebuild 2024: Shaping the future of sustainable
construction with unprecedented impact
a pivotal section. Highly influential speakers at
the conference included Lord Callahan, tasked
with driving conversations and initiatives aimed at
making retrofit scalable and achievable.
Muyiwa Oki, President of the Royal Institute
of British Architects, held a session on the
environmental, social, and financial value
of architecture, which focused heavily on
sustainability, “Futurebuild is an extremely
important event because educators, people and
institutes such as RIBA come together to discuss
and share ideas. The event itself creates the
environment for change that we want to see.”
Despite the challenges currently faced by the
industry, Futurebuild continues to push boundaries,
leaving a lasting impact on the sector. As the 2024
edition comes to a wrap, the industry continues
to react to Futurebuild and its unwavering
commitment to sustainability, innovation, and
collaboration.
Sustainability takes centre stage
Futurebuild is the platform for leaders in
sustainability to converge and address critical
issues. As Futurebuild continues to ‘walk the talk’,
the winners of its first ever Sustainable Stand
Award were announced. The UK Green Building
Council (UKGBC) took home the inaugural award
with a shell constructed entirely from recycled
timber and OSB board alongside recycled,
carbon-negative carpet. Sustainability was also
at the forefront of conversations within the
National Retrofit Conference, which emerged as
Low carbon and low cost
Ambion Low Carbon Heat Panels offer a highperformance,
low carbon source of home
heating that allows residents to drastically
reduce their energy bills, while enjoying a
natural warm feeling and improved air quality.
As the name suggests, Ambion low carbon heat
panels are in line with the UK’s decarbonisation
goals. They are fully future-proofed to partner
with solar and battery solutions, as well as timeof-use
tariffs.
The quick, easy and hassle-free installation of
low carbon heat panels ensures that residents
experience minimal disruption, as no pipework
or radiators are needed.
Additionally, these panels have no moving
parts, which minimises the risk of breakage and
ensures that no maintenance will be required.
In fact, they have an impressive 33 years of
average active lifespan. For further peace of
mind, low carbon heat panels come with a
Endless innovation
Innovation is everywhere at Futurebuild, and a
major reason why so many people choose to visit.
A major hallmark of innovation at the event is The
Big Innovation Pitch, which showcases the latest
and most exciting developments each year. The
winner for 2024 was Adaptavate with its carbonnegative
alternative to plasterboard: Breathaboard.
minimum 10 year guarantee.
Ambion Low-Carbon Heat Panels unique control
system reduces both energy consumption and
carbon emissions whilst maintaining a warm,
comfortable heat. The control system uses
constant dynamic pulsing of electricity to each
panel – using up to 60% less electricity than
Fostering collaboration
Futurebuild is still the only event created by the
industry, for the industry, with 400 brands in
attendance, 80+ leading institutions contributing
to the knowledge programme and 550 speakers
sharing their expertise across two conferences and
six inspiring stages. With such a significant turnout,
it’s not surprising that exhibitors averaged over
183 leads each.
Futurebuild 2025 returns to London’s ExCeL from
4-6 March 2025, as a special event, marking its 20th
year of making an impact on the built environment.
This is our pick of the best exhibitors from this
year’s event, listed here in alphabetical order: Aico,
Ambion Heating, Cibes Lift UK, CorkSol UK Ltd,
540 WORLD & GeoShield. Further details can be
found on this page and the next three.
www.futurebuild.co.uk
conventional electric heating, reducing bills and
minimising carbon emissions.
Why Infrared?
Infrared heat panels are used because building
materials absorb and store infrared, releasing
it between pulses, making it the perfect partner
for the Ambion control system. Infrared
warms the materials within a room rather than
conventional convective heating that heat the
air, whilst providing a more natural, radiant heat
that feels like standing in direct sunlight.
Choose Low Carbon Heat Panels; a new era of
low-carbon heating.
s Carbon emissions cut by up to 60%
s Running costs up to 60% lower
s Happy, healthy homes – As infrared produces
a dry heat and warms the fabric of the home
rather than the air, Ambion Low-Carbon
Heat Panels reduce condensation at source
helping to reduce damp and the circulation
of dust
s No space constraints – Suitable for smaller,
multi-occupancy buildings
s Easy to install – Requiring no central boiler,
external unit or water-based delivery system
s Ready to retrofit
s Installed by any qualified electrician, with no
maintenance or hidden costs
sales@ambionheating.com
www.ambionheating.com
www.linkedin.com/company/64919350
8
BFN is sponsored by Baldwin Boxall – see them on page 15

Futurebuild Review – Top Exhibitors
It’s time to stop treating platform
lifts as a tick box exercise
Save space
Cibes platform lift solutions can be installed
in places where conventional lifts cannot.
Our platform lifts are incredibly spaceefficient,
with only a 50mm pit required, and
no machine room necessary.
Cibes Lift’s EcoSilent drive system ensures
our screw-driven lifts are virtually silent,
even when lifting loads as heavy as 500kg,
giving you extra flexibility on lift placement.
A Cibes lift can even be placed safely on the
outside of a building.
All the information and support you need,
fast
Every lift we provide is designed and
manufactured by our expert team, meaning
we can answer any questions you may have.
We have also recently renewed our ISO
9001, 14001 and 45001 accreditation, so you
know your project is in good hands.
Including a platform or cabin lift in your
project can be a matter of meeting
regulations. But that doesn’t need to mean
compromising on style and comfort for the
end user.
Installing a platform or cabin lift is often
a matter of necessity rather than choice;
whether to ensure Part M compliance or to
meet a specific brief from your client. This
fact, coupled with a perception that lifts are
always an eyesore, can lead to selecting
the most basic option. Here’s why you are
missing a trick if you do.
Platform and Cabin Lifts can add to the
building’s look and feel
If working with the right provider, gone are
the days that a platform lift has to look clunky
or out of place in a modern design. The right
lift can, in fact, serve as a centrepiece adding
the ‘wow factor’ to your client’s building,
whether you’re creating or renovating a
home, office or public space.
Not only does a modern platform lift add
to the decor, but they are customisable to
match your requirements. With a range of
colours, floors and glass finishes, Cibes
Lift UK can deliver
a platform lift as
unique as your
project.
With sleek lines,
customisable
finishes, and
minimalist design,
our lifts serve as
a statement piece
that can enhance
the overall look and
feel of your projects.
Providing your client
with the option of an
exciting, attractive
Cibes lift can really
help you to stand out
from the crowd, too.
For more information, simply call, email or
request a brochure via our website:
T 0800 085 0269
info@cibeslift.co.uk
www.cibeslift.com/en-gb
10
BFN is sponsored by Baldwin Boxall – see them on page 15

SprayCork: Next generational
building material for a greener era
Cold bridges (also known as thermal bridges)
are a major headache for social housing
providers: essentially a weak spot in the
insulation referred to as a thermal envelope.
The break in insulation continuity can be
caused by pipes/cables, windows/doors,
balconies, timber frame wall studwork or
roof/wall or wall/floor junctions. The resulting
moisture attaches to the coldest surface,
with black mould often the first sign around
windows or skirting boards.
What’s the solution?
Looking to the future, proactive design
and workmanship should prevent cold
bridging in new builds but where does that
leave existing buildings, especially housing
association ones?
Introducing SprayCork:
Multi-award winning CorkSol UK Ltd
was back at Futurebuild 2024 to engage
specifiers, housing associations and
other customers from across the wider
built environment with a sustainable and
innovative solution: SprayCork. This natural,
cork-sprayed coating provides a high-quality
finish to transform internal and external
walls, with the following benefits:
s Optimal thermal performance – helps
Aico: Innovation Partner
Aico attended Futurebuild 2024
as an Innovation Partner and
participated in the Innovation
Trail. Aico decided to get involved
with Futurebuild’s innovation
partnership as it aligns with further
efforts and commitments made by
Aico in the drive towards climate
action. The Innovation Trail was
a great way to
explore and learn
about the latest
innovations in
products and
solutions, and to
meet the people
behind these
advances.
Aico strives
to continue to
innovate and
drive the UK
housing industry
forwards,
meeting the
needs of our
customers
in novel ways, aligning with
sustainability and net zero targets,
with resident engagement and
wellbeing at the fore.
Aico showcased their HomeLINK
Environmental Sensors which
are designed to create better
maintained, healthier, more
prevent thermal bridges and reduces heat
loss through walls by up to 30%
s Robust and durable coating – prevents
cracking, even with UK weather conditions!
s Super-adhesive
s Good sound insulation – absorbs up to
38dB
s Fire-resistant – Euro-Class B – helps
prevent mould and damp
s Overspraying – cheaper than complete rerendering,
as long as the substrate is solid
s Sustainable – naturally sourced
s 28 colour options – with optional bespoke
tinting for bulk orders
s Rapid application – quick drying times
s Extended 25 year product warranty
Who are CorkSol UK Ltd?
The company was founded back in 2017 by
energy-efficient homes, placed
throughout the home to monitor
temperature, humidity and Carbon
Dioxide (CO 2 ).
Insights from the Environmental
Sensors on indoor environmental
conditions allow for preventative
measures and proactive
maintenance,
enabling
landlords to
adhere to
requirements
outlined in
Standards and
Legislation,
such as the
Homes (Fitness
for Human
Habitation) Act
2018 and PAS
2035, as well
as supporting
reaching netzero
targets.
Adding another
dimension to
home life safety, Aico strives to
create safer, healthier homes.
Aico looks forward to exhibiting
and attending Futurebuild 2025.
T 01691 664100
enquiries@aico.co.uk
www.aico.co.uk
Futurebuild Review – Top Exhibitors
540 WORLD
As a leading Innovation Partner
for Futurebuild 2020-2024, Circular
Design Consultancy, 540 WORLD
frequently see their Futurebuild
display as the most visited
collaborative showcase each year
and the largest annual display
of certified sustainable Cradle to
Cradle Certified ® products in the
UK.
C2C Certified ® is recognised as the
global standard for safe, circular
& socially fair products and 540
WORLD exclusively promote
verified, certified products and
materials for evidence-based, nontoxic,
circular design to directly
disrupt greenwashing, prevalent in
the built environment.
540 WORLD open their London
Clerkenwell Design Week
support with their ‘BEYOND
SUSTAINABILITY, World-class
Solutions to Safe, Circular &
Certified Sustainable Materials’
podcast, 22 May 12noon BST, with
live virtual seats available to book
free on this link, hosted by the
Institute of Interior Impact:
https://instituteofinteriorimpact.
com/the-beyond-interior-designlive-show/
You can watch the podcast
featuring 540 WORLD’s Founding
MD Joff Ward, upon discovering the multiple
benefits of SprayCork for sustainable wall
coating across the UK built environment. The
Halifax-based company distributes across
domestic and commercial sectors, including
many social housing associations and offers
monthly training to a growing nationwide
applicator network.
Spotlight on SprayCork
We spoke to Chris Heaton, Marketing
Manager, for more insight, “This sprayable
cork solution breaks the cycle of mould
growth and offers an innovative, sustainable
solution for properties where excess cold,
poor insulation, poor energy efficiency, air
tightness, small room sizes and those tricky
hard-to-reach places, or where cold bridging
are traditionally an issue.
“Our independent network of applicators can
transform cracked, stained and tired render
quickly without the need for complete rerendering.”
For more information or to speak to the
sales team, see the details below:
T 01484 442420
info@corksoluk.com
https://corksoluk.com
Partners as a recording from
end May on this link: https://
instituteofinteriorimpact.com/
beyond-interior-design/
540 WORLD and the Cradle
to Cradle Products Innovation
Institute are already working on
2024’s showcase to bring the
best of international knowledgesharing
and certified safe, circular
and socially responsible material
innovations to Futurebuild 2024,
5-7 March. 540 WORLD will
present world-first regenerative
projects including their work
with the Environment Agency’s
TEAM2100, free to read in the C2C
Design Directory from www.540.
world
info@540.world
www.540.world
BFN is sponsored by Baldwin Boxall – see them on page 15 11

Site Management
ModCon Cabin Trader Ltd
ModCon Cabin Trader was
formed in 2017 by Alan
Willetts of whom has 25 years’
experience of working for
some major manufacturers
in the Modular & Portable
Building Industry.
Being that all items produced are mostly built
on a jig and to customers own specification
we are open to undertaking bespoke
enquiries too so please feel free to engage
with us here at ModCon Cabins even if you
have a rather random enquiry for certain
products.
ModCon Cabins as it is also
known manufactures and
supplies Steel Anti Vandal
Portable Cabins, Containers,
Modular Buildings and all site
ancillary items associated
with the Portable Building
Industry. Please visit:
www.modconcabins.co.uk
Items such as Portable Offices,
Canteens, Toilet units, Drying
units, Storage Containers, Chemstores,
Smoking Shelters, Effluent Tanks, Staircases
are regular and repeat produced items that
we manufacture for our clients.
Based in Gloucestershire in the South West
we are logistically nicely placed around all
the major motorway networks for ease of
transportation.
Why not also take a look at ModCon Cabin
Traders other side of the business which is
an Auction/Resale website that allows all and
sundry to utilise the site to sell new & used
Portable Building products which operates
very similar to a well-known auction/resale
site we are all familiar with, however only for
products relating to our industry.
Contact
T 0333 404 8822
info@modconcabins.co.uk
www.modconcabins.co.uk
Quality bespoke steel
buildings and structures
Our workforce are all very skilled and
experienced fabricators of whom have many
years experience working within our industry
& so know the expectancy of our customers
requirements so you can be sure that if you
approach ModCon Cabins to undertake your
work you are in very good hands!
NeutraliZer CO 2 Concrete Washout Solution
Yorkshire-based Castle Steel
Buildings Limited is a leader in cold
rolled steel buildings in the UK. From
classic car garages to industrial units
and large warehousing, Castle Steel
Buildings work across commercial,
industrial and agricultural sectors
to create the very best design
solutions that last decades with little
environmental impact.
One of the key advantages of
steel buildings is their versatility in
design and Castle Steel Buildings
work to create and construct steel
buildings of all sizes and for a
variety of purposes. As steel can be
moulded into almost any shape or
size, it becomes easy to customise a
building to fit your specific needs.
Whether you need a small storage
shed or a large commercial
warehouse, steel buildings can be
designed to suit any purpose, and
with options including insulated or
non-insulated cladding, roller shutter
doors, personnel doors and many
other features, a client has potentially
unlimited options in the design of
their building.
In addition, Castle Steel Buildings
can design a structure that meets the
current legislative requirements on
fire protection and thermal insulation
giving clients reassurance and peace
of mind many cannot match.
Furthermore, Castle Steel Building’s
turnkey approach to design,
manufacture and installation allows
project managers to free up the time
they would usually spend estimating
and drafting a project and organising
the installation, to engage with other
aspects of their role.
If you would like to find out more,
contact Castle Steel Buildings
Limited on 01302 301402 or visit
the website for a free, no obligation
quote at: www.castlesteelbuildings.
co.uk/get-a-quote
■ Continuous processing system –
advanced in-line mixer
■ Skid-mounted – highly mobile –
small footprint
■ No hazardous chemicals or batch
treatment
■ Fully automated – user-friendly –
Plug and Go!
■ Rugged construction
■ Integral flowmeter – alarm
beacons (pH/out of gas)
■ Remote Cloud-based monitoring
■ Up to 80m 3 /h flow rate
Contact Smart Storm
01422 363462
www.smartstormgroup.com
12
BFN is sponsored by Baldwin Boxall – see them on page 15

A LEADING UK SUPPLIER & INSTALLER
CASTLE
STEEL
BUILDINGS
REQUEST A FREE, NO OBLIGATION QUOTE
IN-HOUSE DESIGN & INSTALLATION SERVICE
BESPOKE DESIGNED TO CUSTOMERS’ NEEDS
CONTACT US NOW
01302 301402
INFO@CASTLESTEELBUILDINGS.CO.UK
WWW.CASTLESTEELBUILDINGS.CO.UK

Site Management
Specialists in Safety
we welcome the opportunity
to bring such resources and
benefits to our clients.
DCON Safety Consultants is passionate &
highly committed to continually improving
health, safety & wellbeing management in
collaboration with our clients. The safety
and wellbeing of our people,
our client’s staff and those
around them is at the heart of
our business. DCON Safety
Consultants’ resources have
extensive experience in the
provision of health and safety
consultancy services and the
provision of specific health
and safety advisory services
in the large complex project
and development public and
private market environment.
Our unique approach to
the services we provide
is focused heavily on
assisting our clients, firstly
by obtaining confidence that you have
compliance and secondly, showing how
you might improve performance. The skills,
knowledge and experience of our staff places
them at the forefront of their profession, and
DCON Safety Consultants is
able to prioritise and specialise
in the highest levels of informed
and intelligent advice, senior
project resource allocation and
compliance assurance. DCON
Safety Consultants understands
that every project contains
both benefits and risks and
the company is dedicated to
helping assess each individual
clients needs, utilising its
team of highly experienced
construction
professionals
consistently
to ensure
each client’s
best interest
and statutory
conformity.
One of the main benefits of
engaging with DCON Safety
Consultants is its utilisation
and primary resource of its
exceptional team of technical
construction and safety
consultants who provide
team-oriented services on
an as needed basis. DCON
Safety Consultants uses both its experienced
team’s knowledge and support of its portfolio
of alliances with other key individuals
and organisations, to support clients in
matters involving all divisions of design and
construction safety.
Providing a transparent, reliable service,
DCON Safety Consultants has gained
a strong reputation for its responsible,
trustworthy and efficient service. Dedicated
to maximising quality, minimising risk
and managing compliance, DCON Safety
Consultants is well equipped to provide
integral advice and services for its clients.
Principal services provided by DCON Safety
Consultants includes that of a Project
Supervisor for the Design Process (CDM
Advisor Plus), Pre-Planning Compliance, Safe
Design Adherence, Health & Safety Strategy
Creation, Client Advisory Roles, Physical Site
Safety Auditing and Expert Witness. Through
these services, DCON Safety Consultants
support and influence the design of proven,
health, safety & wellbeing strategies that
seek to help its clients achieve high-quality,
cost-effective work for the safe design,
construction & operation of their assets.
DCON Safety Consultants provides its
services for a wide and varied selection
of customers, which includes public
sector departments, corporate owners,
real estate developers, main contractors,
design professionals and infrastructural
bodies. No project is too simple or too
complex for its team of high-quality PSDP
consultants. DCON Safety Consultants’ team
of consultants are construction professionals,
which individually average 20+ years of
experience in the built environment. This
vast knowledge base and skillset, enables the
company to provide tailored, distinctive and
innovative ideas born from traditional PSDP
service inputs and outputs.
For any further information on the company,
please see the details featured below or
give them a call on the number stated:
T +353 (0)1 611 1556
www.dconsafety.com
14
BFN is sponsored by Baldwin Boxall – see them on page 15

Leading the way to safety
In this issue, we would like to
welcome Baldwin Boxall as our Life
Safety Company of the Month
Life Safety Company of the Month
In a post-Grenfell world,
optimised fire safety
regulations have galvanised
the building sector to push for
the most effective evacuation
systems. During the months
leading up to June 2023
alone, there were 13,469
recorded building fires across
England according to GOV.
UK, stretching the fire service
and leading to countless fire
investigations.
What is EVC?
With this in mind, Emergency Voice
Communication (EVC) systems have become
a talking point for a safer and more successful
evacuation procedure. Designed to provide
vital communication functions in all manner
of emergency situations, EVC facilitates
communication with all disabled persons in refuge
areas, building management, firefighters and
emergency personnel. It gives added reassurance
that the safety of building occupants is a priority at
all times, with clear instructions and updates.
These are the primary reasons to install EVC
systems:
s Adheres to Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety)
Order – the EVC is the best system to enable all
persons to evacuate the building safely.
s EVC systems comply with building regulations
– helping communicate with disabled people
in refuge areas (temporary waiting areas for
disabled people to call for assistance and help
upon evacuation)
s Provides two-way communication, including
instructions, updates and reassurance
s Meets British Standards BSS5839-9 for fire
detection and fire alarms systems for buildings
– Code of practice for the design, installation,
commissioning, and maintenance of emergency
voice communication systems
s Save lives every day – fire marshals/building
managers can pinpoint who is or isn’t at a
disabled refuge point, streamlining evacuation
methods.
Putting people first
EVC systems are designed to facilitate personcentred,
real-time communication in the event of
an emergency, throughout the precise location
of people waiting at the refuge area. It helps
inform what to expect from the evacuation and
reassurance to someone who might be shocked or
dealing with a fight/flight response.
Baldwin Boxall: Centre of excellence
Baldwin Boxall was founded back in August
1982 by Terry Baldwin and
Dave Boxall from their own
front rooms. From humble
beginnings, the purpose-built
factory in Crowborough,
East Sussex is the heart of
operations, and recently
completed a large expansion
project to meet increasing
production demands. The
company manufactures lifesaving
equipment tailored for
large buildings and evacuation
purposes, a commitment that
transcends borders.
With a global footprint spanning
UK, Europe, the Middle East,
Asia, and Australia, Baldwin
Boxall operates and supplies
worldwide, ensuring safety and
security across diverse regions.
What’s in a voice?
Many of us have become
immune to sounds like car
alarms blaring in the night and if pushed, many of
us would admit that the sound of a conventional
fire alarm would not always raise an eyebrow. We
might convince ourselves that it’s a ‘test alarm’
or ‘false alarm’ and respond slowly, if at all. This
complacency has pushed Baldwin Boxall to action
groundbreaking research into the pivotal role of
voice communication in guiding personnel or
residents through an emergency. This emergency
could be a building fire, chemical spill or even a
terrorist attack.
“The science of voice communication is compelling
– providing absolute proof that ‘human connection’
is vital to timely and safe evacuations.
“Our portfolio encompasses
a range of products,
including voice alarm,
public address, emergency
voice communication,
disabled refuge, fire
telephone, and disabled
toilet alarm systems, all
meticulously designed
and crafted in the UK with
an unwavering focus on
longevity, which is why we
have the confidence to offer
our customers a seven-year warranty – an absolute
benchmark within the industry,” explained Nick
Baldwin, Sales and Marketing Director.
Spotlight on Baldwin Boxall
Baldwin Boxall distributes to distribution channels,
system integrators, and fire alarm installers, with
end-users across many large infrastructures in
many sectors including:
s Transportation
s Retail
s Stadium and arenas
s Public services
s Commercial
s Leisure
s Industrial and commercial
s Education
s Healthcare
“We work across-sectors, with
end-users as diverse as the new
Everton Football Stadium to the
Metro line across Paris. At the
recent Fire Safety Event, we
showcased our patent-pending
OmniCALL EVC System to
interested parties.
“This cutting-edge solution is
set to redefine safety standards
in the industry. Designed to
meet BS8893:2024 compliance, OmniCALL stands
out for its innovative feature: the integration of
two core loop, non-polarity dependent and radial
EVC system, a first of its kind. With touchscreen
control option, extended loop distance and even
inclusive Braille design and
luminescent text, we were
one of the top exhibitors at
the Fire Safety Event.”
What does the future have
in store
“We are excited to showcase
OmniCALL to all our new
and existing customers and
look forward to expanding
into more global markets
around the world.
“We take immense pride in not only the quality
of our products and services but also in our
commitment to our employees’ well-being. It’s
worth noting that we are a ‘Living Wage employer’,
ensuring that our staff receive fair compensation
for their hard work. Additionally, the testimonials
and feedback from our satisfied customers serve
as a testament to our dedication to excellence in
everything we do.”
For more information on OmniCALL and all
products, see the website below:
https://baldwinboxall.co.uk
BFN is sponsored by Baldwin Boxall – see them on page 15 15

Doors, Windows & Joinery
Energy saving solutions with
Hörmann Docking Before Opening
With energy costs continuing to have a
significant impact on UK business, the
Hörmann Docking Before Opening system
(DOBO) provides an energy saving solution
for loading bay operations. The DOBO system
has been designed to allow lorries to dock
on a loading bay before their rear doors
are opened, significantly reducing heat loss
through the bay doors along with providing
increased security and improved safety.
Drivers are guided into position on the loading
bay by the Hörmann docking assistance
system which operates via sensors in the loading bay door linked
to traffic lights. Green directs the driver to reverse onto the bay,
amber indicates when the lorry is nearly in position and red is for
the optimum position for docking. Safety is improved by removing
the need for the driver to get out of the cab to open the doors prior
to reversing onto the bay.
Once the lorry is on the loading bay an inflatable dock
seal surrounds the vehicle on three sides creating an
effective barrier against the external environment. The
vehicle is now docked with both the loading bay door
and the truck doors still closed.
With the Hörmann DOBO system the loading door
sits in a recess in front of the dock leveller and behind
the dock buffers. When the loading door is opened
the specially designed dock buffers can then be
positioned below the lower level of the vehicle doors.
This allows the doors to be unlocked and opened into
the recess in the loading bay area. The dock leveller
is then positioned so that the unloading/loading operation can
begin.
As an additional energy saving measure the DOBO system can
be used together with the Hörmann HTL2 ISO dock leveller.
Designed to reduce energy losses, the HTL2 ISO can provide
up to 55% improved thermal insulation when compared to a
standard dock leveller in both closed and loading positions.
Equipped with a 50mm insulation panel fitted below the
platform, the HTL2 ISO also offers a
unique, patent pending, insulated panel
under the moving lip. The lip features a
390mm overlap length which ensures easy
bridging of the gap between the leveller
and lorry, offering flexible loading options
while maintaining ambient temperatures.
All grooves, gap seals and vertical edges
have been optimally sealed to ensure that
no heat transference is possible at these
points.
The combination of the Hörmann DOBO
system and the HTL2 ISO dock leveller are particularly
suited for temperature-controlled applications such
as cold storage, and the DOBO is an ideal solution for
situations where security is of the upmost importance,
for example customs facilities and for high value goods
distribution.
To find out more about Hörmann loading technology,
visit Loading Technology | Hörmann (www.hormann.
co.uk) or call 01530 516868.
Quality, custom made joinery
Whether you are looking for a one-off custom made
gate, a staircase, or a production run of doors and
windows for a new housing development, or a new
interior for your pub, restaurant or office, we can
deliver exactly what you are looking for.
We have been manufacturing top quality, purpose
made joinery for the domestic and commercial
markets since 1972. In our 7,000 square foot factory
we can manufacture in hard or softwoods, and
veneered & painted panels. We have a modern spray
paint and lacquer facility, enabling products to leave
the factory in a fully finished state.
No article is too big or too small: In the past we’ve
supplied items as small as a 1m length of moulding;
but maybe the most unusual article we’ve produced
is 10m high oak hardwood catapult for a castle!
Tel: 01799 599995
Email: dee@bluerunltd.co.uk
Web: www.bluerunltd.co.uk
16
BFN is sponsored by Baldwin Boxall – see them on page 15

QUALITY HINGES FOR OVER 200 YEARS
AND A NUMBER OF BESPOKE SOLUTIONS
Gold & Wassall Hinges is the leading
name in hinge manufacturing in the UK.
Since 1790, our family owned
company has been manufacturing
hinges of all types, including continuous
hinges, heavy duty hinges, butt hinges
and special purpose hinges.
Our impressive stock range boasts over
25,000 continuous hinges and over
120,000 other hinges, all ready for
despatch on our next day delivery service.
With centuries of combined
expertise, our team has the skills
and knowledge to assist you with
all your hinge requirements.
GOLDWASSALLHINGES.CO.UK

Doors, Windows & Fittings
Illbruck’s FR Window
Sealing Membrane (ME010)
is awarded BBA Certificate
illbruck’s FR Window
Sealing Membrane
(ME010) has been
awarded a new
prestigious BBA
certificate for its
technical performance
and durability in service
and compliance with
building safety and
national Building
Regulations.
This system offers an assured,
robust solution, which has been
tested and assessed by the BBA,
a renowned and respected leader
in the independent approval and
certification of construction products
and systems.
Stuart Sadler, Technical Services
Director at Tremco CPG UK, explains,
“We are all very pleased to achieve
BBA approval and certification
for illbruck’s FR Window Sealing
Membrane (ME010).
“As well as meeting the fire
performance requirements as given
in the national Building Regulations,
our FR Window Sealing Membrane
also demonstrates its exceptional air,
water and weathertight properties
which are critical when designing
and protecting all building types.
“The product is water resistant (Class
W1+) and when tested in application
around projecting windows is airtight
and 100% weathertight at pressures
up to 1,200Pa – the equivalent
to driven rain in hurricane like
conditions!”
Where safety counts and system
performance matters, specifiers
can be assured that the selection of
ME010 FR Window & Door Sealing
Membrane provides a fully complaint
solution meeting Class B-s1, d0 to EN
13501-1, when used in conjunction
with SP025 FR Membrane Adhesive.
Contact
hello@tremcocpg.com
Bespoke fire doors,
frames, windows
Founded in 2014,
Pandor is a Bespoke
Door and Panel
Manufacturer with over
40 years’ experience
in the door and panel
industry.
Whether you’re looking
for or in need of a
unique, challenging,
different or normal
requirement, Pandor
has excellent customer
service, expert knowhow
and industry
experience to deliver
exactly to your specifications.
Pandor’s extensive portfolio includes
fire doors and door sets – certified
to FD30/FD60/FD90/FD120 as
required, acoustic doors, joinery and
panelling, each made to your sizes
and finished either clear or in paint
as required. Each product comes
manufactured to superlative quality
with the upmost attention to detail
and delivered to you in the shortest
lead times.
Manufacturing out of its factory
in Sittingbourne, Kent, Pandor
has high-quality state of the art
machinery helping to achieve the
FD120 fire door test at 140 minutes!
best standard of manufacturing.
From the Holzher 5 axis CNC twin
bed router to heavy duty sanding
machines, veneer presses and
lipping & edge banding technology,
Pandor can achieve maximum
throughput, competitive lead times
and accurate, high-quality standards
to rival any large-scale competitor.
Quality, Service, more Quality and
more Service. Proud manufacturers
of BM TRADA Q Mark Scheme Fire
doors and doorsets.
T 020 8279 7611
mike@pandor.ltd
pandorltd@hotmail.com
https://pandor.ltd
nationwide louvre company
High quality louvre systems
Acoustic louvres
Louvred plant screens
Solar shading/brise soleil
01922 457204
sales@nlc-louvres.co.uk
www.nlcontracts.co.uk
18
BFN is sponsored by Baldwin Boxall – see them on page 15

Procurement Company of the Month
BFN is sponsored by Baldwin Boxall – see them on page 15 19

Cleaning & Hygiene
Textile industry urged to ‘step up and do the
right thing’ with toxic forever chemicals
The textile industry has been accused of
‘shirking its moral responsibilities’ by not
tackling the toxic ‘forever chemicals’ still
used in garment manufacture around the
world.
lowest possible cost. That usually means
using PFAS chemicals, which are cheap and
easily available, despite the risk they pose
to our planet and the end user,” added Rob
Piazza from phs Besafe.
Despite the known environmental and health
concerns of PFAS chemicals, the textile
industry continues to use them in garment
production because of their stain and water
repellent qualities, flame retardancy and low
cost.
“As one of the biggest contributors to the
PFAS problem, it is time that the textile
industry stepped up and took action. We
have a responsibility to do the right thing.”
said Rob Piazza, Sales Director at phs Besafe,
which provides commercial laundry services
and technical workwear, including high
visibility and flame-retardant garments.
“PFAS are everywhere. They are impacting
every aspect of our environment, including
our food and water supplies, and they have
made their way into almost every human’s
body. The impact is catastrophic, but the
government continue to lag behind the US
and Europe with legislation restricting
or banning their use. The textile industry
needs to do more to replace PFAS and do
the right thing.”
PFAS (Poly and perfluoroalkyl substances),
or ‘forever chemicals’, are a group of over
4,700 man-made chemicals that cannot
be broken down. Although they are used
in everything from frying pans to beauty
products, the textile industry accounts for
up to half of the total use of PFAS (*Ref:
1/2) due to their performance and liquidrepellent
and flame-retardant qualities on
clothing.
PFAS chemicals accumulate in the
environment and inside our bodies and are
known to cause damage to the planet and
serious health problems, including cancer,
infertility, immune problems and high
cholesterol.
“It is alarming to see and more needs to
Rob Piazza, Sales Director at phs Besafe
be done in the textile industry to fund
the necessary research and development
into more alternatives to PFAS, or to use
the alternatives that have already been
developed,” added Rob Piazza from phs
Besafe.
PFAS is often manufactured into the fabric
of garments and added to finished items
as an impregnation, finish or membrane to
repel stains, water and even chemicals. PFAS
re-treatment should be common practice
in commercial laundries which are washing
technical workwear and PPE in order to
ensure the garment maintains its water and
stain repellent properties.
phs Besafe has made the commitment to ban
or restrict PFAS from its services wherever
alternatives are available.
The team has been working with Ecolab,
a global sustainability leader that offers
environmental solutions to businesses, for
the last six years to ensure phs
Besafe has PFAS-free laundry
treatments for all the specialist
workwear it washes at its
commercial laundries.
They also have a long-term
partnership with industryleading
manufacturer Tranemo
Advanced Workwear to ensure
they can supply customers with
the highest quality, PFAS-free
workwear garments wherever a
PFAS-free alternative is available.
“Unfortunately, the general focus
in the UK is on manufacturing
and treating garments at the
“We don’t feel this is the way to do business
and we choose to work with partners that
share our sustainable and innovative ethos,
so we can start to make improvements in
the textile industry together. Someone must
make some noise about this.”
PFAS are not currently subject to many UK
restrictions.
“Sadly, we are still waiting for the UK to have
its ‘PFAS epiphany’,” said Danny Hemmings
from Tranemo Advanced Workwear, a textile
manufacturer which supplies phs Besafe,
and has become a world-leader in PFAS
alternatives in flame retardancy and other
PPE workwear.
“One of the issues is the UK’s current attitude
to textiles. They want them fast and cheap,
and quality and sustainability are further
down the list. We need a culture shift, where
value is placed on doing the right thing and
health, safety and well-being are the drivers
of the market.
“End users must look at the whole supply
chain and find out how garments are being
made, and then ask whether that kind of
manufacturing is acceptable.
“People need to ask questions about PFAS
and put pressure on manufacturers to make
changes and do better.”
Rob Piazza from phs Besafe added, “The
industry and the government need to take
responsibility and direct innovation and
funding towards sustainable alternatives to
help us to drive real change in this industry
and beyond.”
phs Besafe is one of the UK’s leading
suppliers of specialist PPE workwear and
laundry solutions, ensuring the safety and
comfort of thousands of people across the
UK.
Its in-house laundry and drying processes
are unique to the industry, offering a low
energy, high quality service using the
very latest eco-friendly technologies and
products.
T 0330 588 4100
besafesales@phs.co.uk
www.phsbesafe.co.uk
20
BFN is sponsored by Baldwin Boxall – see them on page 15

Health, Safety, Cleaning & Hygiene
Unprecedented deal
for business owners
Kärcher UK, a leading provider
of cleaning solutions, is thrilled
to unveil an extraordinary offer
designed to elevate both work
and home environments. From
now until August 4th, businesses
investing in one of Kärcher’s
electric hot water pressure
washers, specifically from the
innovative HD, HDS or HDSE
ranges, can claim
a FREE K4 or K5
pressure washer for
their home.
Kärcher, the
world’s number
one pressure
washer brand
delivers unbeatable
versatility with
hot or cold water
professional
pressure washers to suit your
needs, providing the solution for
whatever your cleaning challenge
may be.
The HD range of cold water
pressure washers provide
maximum mobility for cleaning
jobs where easy transportation
is essential. Kärcher even offer
battery powered professional
cold water machines for when
there is no water or power
supply, offering total independent
use. Meanwhile Kärcher’s HDS
range of hot water pressure
washers are ideal for those
requiring faster results and
shorter drying times – providing
a time saving of up
to 35%.
Don’t miss out
on this limitedtime
opportunity
to elevate
your cleaning
experience. Visit
here to learn more
about this offer and
how you can claim
your FREE K4 or K5
pressure washer today: https://
karchersalespromotions.com/
platform/buyonegetone/en-GB
Visit here to find what machines
are eligible for the offer: https://
karchersalespromotions.com/
platform/buyonegetone/en-GB/
qualifying
Trust Manosun to
safeguard your hands
with style and reliability
Introducing the EULX10X20 from
Manosun – the ultimate Construction
and Scaffolders Glove.
Engineered using cutting-edge
materials such as a seamless knit
for ergonomic fit, Manosun has
launched a version of
the most popular grip
glove with thumb
reinforcement.
Whether you’re
tackling delicate
tasks or heavy-duty
work, this glove has
already been tried
and tested by two of
the largest scaffolding
companies here in the
UK and has received
some amazing product
feedback!
Featuring intricate
craftsmanship such as
multiple wash-ability
and a reinforced crotch
that extends glove life, its
excellent flexibility and dexterity
solves industrial challenges such as
hand fatigue. The EULX10X20 also
incorporates a breathable back to
keep hands cool whilst working and
a crinkle surface that offers excellent
grip in both dry and wet conditions.
The EULX10X20 is ideal for use in
many industries and applications
that involves working with or
around assembly, logistics,
construction, aerospace,
cleanroom, laboratory,
engineering,
manufacturing, and
circuit boards.
Including a latex
coating and a
polyester liner that
is made up of 36%
recycled material
means the glove offers
close to a 50% saving
in comparison to others
on the market.
If you would like to
know more about the
Manosun glove range
or ask about a free
evaluation, you can try
them out for yourselves by reaching
out to the team at:
T 0191 300 8699
sales@manosun.co.uk
www.manosun.co.uk
22
BFN is sponsored by Baldwin Boxall – see them on page 15

NPC-UK
Revolutionise your lighting with LITE’s
groundbreaking partnership with Nordic Power
Convertors as they introduce the gamechanging
InviTrack to the UK market.
Crafted by Danish LED electronic experts and
exclusively distributed in the UK by NPC-UK
(Part of Lite Group), InviTrack redefines what’s
possible in the realm of lighting design and
manufacture of any track-based solution.
Thanks to the new InviTrack you can bid
farewell to cumbersome LED drivers and
track adaptors – with InviTrack, they vanish
seamlessly into the track, allowing your
luminaire designs to take centre stage.
InviTrack offers durability, versatility, and
unmatched style. Available as standard in
three colours – white, black, and grey – it
effortlessly complements any track-based
decor scheme.
With its certified ability to support luminaires
up to 1.5kg per driver, flicker-free operation,
and exceptional durability against overheating,
InviTrack sets a new standard in lighting
technology.
With a shared commitment to pushing
boundaries, the new NPC-UK division to the
LITE Group aspires to lead the industry into a
new era of innovation with new and exciting
product releases on the way.
For more information, contact: paul@npc-uk.
com and embrace the future of lighting
design with InviTrack today.
New modular Climate and
Luxpack Essence lighting ranges
When it comes to adaptability
and sustainability in lighting,
Luceco’s latest innovation
delivers on both fronts. It’s
two new LED lighting batten
ranges – Climate and Luxpack
Essence – designed for industrial
lighting applications, have been
developed to be kind to the
environment and are simple to
install – a real win for everyone.
The two ranges have been
designed to meet the differing
needs of the industrial lighting
market. Rugged Climate, being
IP65 rated, is ideal for outdoor
settings such as warehouses and
car parks, whilst the Luxpack,
with its white aesthetic and IP20
rating, is suitable for indoor
spaces such as offices & garages.
Conceived with sustainability
at its heart, both Climate and
Luxpack are designed to be
serviceable, with the LED board
and driver units being easily
replaced if required without the
Luceco’s new EV Wall Charger 2
is a ray of sunshine for installers
With more people choosing to switch
to an electric car, consumers are
demanding efficient ways to charge
their vehicles at home. Installing an EV
wall charger, such as the BG Sync EV
Wall Charger 2, now with integrated
solar charging, from Luceco – is
proving both a popular and money
saving solution for consumers as well
as a great upsell and customer lock-in
opportunity for installers.
Opportunities for installers
With over 20,000 UK homes per month installing
solar PV, an entirely new market is open to
installers who can now offer a truly efficient,
value-for-money EV charger where integrated solar
charging is already included.
Charging vehicles with solar energy
Ingeniously, thanks to the intuitive smartphone
app, homeowners can cut their home-based EV
New Luceco FType downlighters
The new range of FType downlighters
from leading LED lighting
specialist, Luceco is proving a
winner for electrical installers as
they combine end user demand
for style and value with easy, quick
fitting and ‘no-return’ reliability.
With Dim2Warm and four different white
colour changes, a choice of four bezel
colour finishes and options for flat,
adjustable and regressed fitting, the
three models in the new range combine
to provide an incredible 209 style and
colour combinations.
The new range is fully compliant with Building
regulations and is IP, Fire, Acoustic
and Air leakage tested for complete
confidence and peace of mind. It
has three-to-seven-year warranties
depending on the model and built on
proven base designs with improved
technology and features, ensuring
a ‘right first time’ approach to
any wiring installation. Based on
extensive installer research, the new
FType downlighters include timesaving
benefits enabling speed and
accuracy of installation, through
to energy efficient choices within
the lights themselves. The range
can span efficiently over multiple
applications and is adaptable to any
Lighting & Electrical
charging costs with the Sync
EV Wall Charger 2. By utilising
surplus solar energy from their
existing solar panels – with
no modifications to panels
required – instead of having any
surplus directed back to the grid,
homeowners can potentially
charge their electric vehicles for
free with Sync EV.
In addition, with personalised
settings such as scheduled
charging and optimised cut-off points, allowing
users to charge dynamically and maximise cheap
rates of electricity, the Sync EV Wall Charger
2 delivers a faster home charge compared to
plugging a charging cable directly into a 3-pin
socket which gives a very slow charge at a fixed
rate – both inconvenient and less cost effective.
www.luceco.com
project or space.
need for tools, just a few simple
clicks is all that’s needed to
remove and replace them – this
modular feature dispenses with
the need to replace the entire
unit, saving not only time whilst
on site but also significantly
reduces the amount of waste
ending up in landfill.
This is a great step forward
when it comes to sustainability
and leads the way for future
development.
Inbuilt power and colour change
switches add further flexibility
for both ranges with two simple
Plug and Play options allowing
for configuration on site and
eliminating the need to make
decisions ahead of time. Each
model or length has the ability
to add Microwave Sensor or
Emergency packs that simply
click into place, providing a host
of customisable options.
www.luceco.com
The range comes with PushFit connector blocks,
ClipFit closures to lock in wiring and reduces
potential for wiring or cable slippage. First and
second fix connectors are included.
LED specialist, Luceco is part of the Luceco
Group, which also includes the BG Electrical and
Masterplug brands. With over seventy years
of industry experience, the Luceco Group is
internationally recognised as one of the market
leaders across the key electrical categories.
T +44 (0)1952 238100
uk_sales@luceco.com
www.luceco.com/uk
BFN is sponsored by Baldwin Boxall – see them on page 15 23

Warehouse, Storage & Logistics
Union Industries rises
to the challenge
Union Industries, the UK’s leading
manufacturer of bespoke high
speed doors, has helped Britain’s
largest bakery brand overcome
adverse weather conditions with
the installation of three Bulldoors.
Led by the fifth generation of the
Warburton family, the company
approached Union to assist in
combating strong winds at its
Burnley site, which already has a
Bulldoor as well as two Matadoors
from the range.
It first approached Union Industries
in 2004 to install a Bulldoor, which
continues to operate effectively and
efficiently two decades later.
Union’s Bulldoors are often
regarded as the ‘reliable workhorse’
of rapid roll doors and are known
to perform more than 1.4 million
cycles per year, making it a popular
choice across multiple sectors.
They feature specialist ‘Crash-
Out’ and ‘Auto-Reset’ damage
protection facilities, and offer
control outputs for options such as
airlocks, traffic control systems and
remote monitoring, while aiding
temperature control for ambient
and chilled environments.
The market-leading, bespoke,
high-speed roller doors help to
prevent the severe drop of ambient
temperature in buildings, especially
evident in the winter months,
eliminating any potential impact on
production environments.
T +44 (0)113 244 8393
enquiries@unionindustries.co.uk
www.unionindustries.co.uk
West Suffolk Hospital
acquires fleet of tugs
from Bradshaw EV
West Suffolk Hospital, which is
managed by West Suffolk NHS
Foundation Trust, has recently taken
delivery of six all-electric PT400
pedestrian tow tractor tugs.
The fleet of tugs were supplied by
the UK’s leading manufacturers
and suppliers of industrial electric
vehicles, Bradshaw Electric Vehicles,
which has been operating since
1976.
All PT400 pedestrian tow tractors
have been leased on a 5 year
contract, with an option to extend
beyond the contract’s end.
Acquired as a part of a fleet
replacement programme, the Trust
took the decision to upgrade its
small taskforce of tugs after its
predecessors – a fleet of six PT300s
which were also procured directly
through Bradshaw nearly a decade
ago – had come to the end of their
lifespan.
Such was the extent of the use of
the previous PT300s that they had
clocked up over 100,000 miles, all
within the West Suffolk Hospital site.
Boasting a four tonne tow capacity
and a generous 500 kilogram
payload, West Suffolk Hospital’s new
PT400s are specifically designed
to tow large loads safely and
effortlessly.
As a result of their low speed and
exceptional manoeuvrability they
provided the perfect solution to
the Trust, who primarily use the
tugs for the delivery of meals for
the hospital’s patients as well as
transporting laundry, heavy medical
instruments and furniture within the
confines of the hospital building.
Contact
www.bradshawev.com
24
BFN is sponsored by Baldwin Boxall – see them on page 15

Warehouse, Storage & Logistics
Innovative long-term van rental solution
puts businesses in control of cost
With a clear focus on the financial pressures
businesses are currently facing, Europcar
Vans & Trucks has launched a new solution
for one or two year van rental. Designed
to provide certainty over costs, the rate for
the new package encompasses all costs,
including maintenance and servicing, with
the commitment-light benefits of rental.
Keith Shorter (pictured below), UK Vans
& Trucks Director at Europcar, explains,
“What we’re hearing from our customers is
that they need flexibility when it comes to
commercial fleet options. They don’t want to
commit to vehicles for 3 or more years that
they’re simply not sure they will need. They
also don’t want any unexpected surprises
when it comes to cost.”
Future-proofing
“Plus, many businesses want to step up to
the sustainability agenda in the longer-term,
bringing on low and zero emission vehicles
as Ultra Low Emission and Clean Air Zones
expand across the country. But they’re just
not certain that what suits their operational
needs now, will look the same in 5 years’
time.”
Addressing these challenges Europcar has
developed a solution that provides certainty
over vehicle supply and cost for one, two or
even three years, in a rate that encompasses
all the costs of vehicle usage, including
maintenance and servicing.
Part of Europcar’s Long-Term Van Hire
services, the new solution can be
applied to any of the van fleet including
short and long wheel base, Chapter
8 vehicles, crew cabs and specialist
bodied vehicles. It also provides the
option for variable mileage requirements
and includes free delivery & collection to
business or home addresses. Customers
must simply commit to a minimum of
12 months, and they will only be subject
to a pre-advised fee if they return the
vehicle early during the chosen second
or third year.
“Commercial vehicles play a critical role in
the UK economy. However, many businesses
are facing challenging operating conditions
and need as much certainty as possible over
their costs,” added Keith Shorter. “They
also want flexibility that means they’re not
directly committed to vehicles for the very
long-term.
“Our new long-term van rental solution
aims to offer the best of both worlds – the
flexibility of rental, with the certainty of
cost.”
To find out more about Europcar van
solutions, click here.
BFN is sponsored by Baldwin Boxall – see them on page 15 25

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
Ventilation for the
built environment –
combatting mould
It’s well known that poor
indoor air quality contributes to
respiratory and allergy problems.
Inadequate ventilation leads to
condensation and consequent
mould growth. Vectaire’s MVHRs
help solve these problems.
Incorporating
two fans
they deliver
low level
continuous
ventilation –
extracting stale,
damp air from
wet rooms,
and intaking
fresh air. The
two, separated
airflows pass
through a heat
exchanger, recovering heat from
outgoing air and filtering it before
transferring it to the incoming,
fresh air supply for ducting to
the living areas providing a
comfortable environment
The Midis, upright WHHRs, for
loft or cupboard installation,
are for residential properties up
to 170m 2 . They recover up to
94% of the heat from extracted
air with variable choice of
trickle, boost and purge speeds,
summer bypass and integral
frost-stat. They
are available
with or without
LCD and
humidistat. The
‘AT’ versions
(sound tested
by BRE)
operate almost
silently (sound
levels down
to <5 dBA).
The two other
models in this
range are the Maxi for areas up
to 250m 2 and the Maxi Plus for
areas up to 400m 2
T +44 (0)1494 522333
F +44 (0)1494 522337
sales@vectaire.co.uk
www.vectaire.co.uk
Green living
An environmentally conscious
couple turned to expert installer in
renewables, Plug Me In, to retrofit
their 1970s two-bedroom bungalow
in Birkenhead from a Combi-gas
boiler to a Panasonic Aquarea L
Series air-to-water heat pump.
Installer Plug Me In, a Panasonic
Pro-Partner
installing air
source heat
pumps on a
national scale,
recommended
a Panasonic 7
kW Aquarea
L-Series that
utilises R290
refrigerant
with a Global
Warming
Potential (GWP)
of only three.
The solution
includes a
Panasonic All-in-
One indoor unit
that houses both
the hot water tank and hydraulic
unit.
The Panasonic solution seamlessly
transitions from a combi-gas boiler
to a heat pump, using many of the
existing radiators to minimise costs.
The couple opted for the Panasonic
L Series as a climate-conscious
decision to enhance sustainability
and future proof their home.
Homeowner, Derek Softley,
commented, “It was an
environmental decision that we
researched extensively. On Plug Me
In's recommendation, the Panasonic
Aquarea L Series All-in-One heat
pump was
seamlessly
fitted in our
kitchen. Most
importantly, we
have a warm
house and hot
water.”
The Panasonic L
Series Aquarea
heat pump
has an array
of capacities
with a compact
footprint that
allows for
ease of indoor
installation.
Seeking a
product that fit the home’s size
restrictions, the All-in-One unit’s
subtle design and wide range of 5,
7 and 9kW capacities meant the unit
flawlessly blended into the couple’s
kitchen.
www.aircon.panasonic.eu
www.plugmein.com/heat-pumps
26
BFN is sponsored by Baldwin Boxall – see them on page 15

What is the
Fridgenius
Solenoid
Valve
Operating
Magnet?
The Solenoid Valve
Operating Magnet is
manufactured in the
UK and is available in
four sizes, 10mm, 15mm,
18mm and 20mm.
It is a must have
tool that converts
electrically operated
solenoid valves
into hand operated
valves in seconds
allowing service
engineers to operate
valves manually.
The magnet operates
by lifting the stem
assembly and plunger
to actuate the valve.
It is fast and efficient
and has helped
hundreds of engineers
save hours on jobs.
It can then be used to
assist during installation,
recovery of refrigerants,
test and troubleshoot, or
manually activate and
control a direct connected
or pilot operated 2-way
solenoid, 3-way reclaim
or 4-way reversing valve.
02381 550189 www.fridgenius.com

The UK Concrete Show 2024 Review – Top Exhibitors
Visitors flock to The 12th UK Concrete Show
The UK Concrete Show is the annual meeting
place for the trade to make invaluable
new contacts and reacquaint with existing
customers.
The concrete industry came together at the
NEC from 20-21 March 2024 at the annual
meeting place for the trade
to make invaluable new
contacts and reacquaint
with existing customers.
And by the time the
doors closed on Thursday
afternoon 4,759 unique
industry professionals had
registered for the event,
representing 33% visitor
growth on 2023.
Exhibitors were busy doing
business throughout the two days
of the show. There was standing
room only during the two morning
sessions at the seminar theatre
and the organisers are planning
a larger theatre set up next time!
The Innovation Hub was also well
received.
With over 20% growth in exhibitor
numbers show-on-show, there
was even more choice for visitors
this year from established market
leading brands, and new entrants
to the market. From volumetric trucks,
batching plants, and pumps to formwork,
admixtures and low-carbon concrete,
the exhibition is guaranteed to provide
something new that your business can profit
from for years to come.
The UK Concrete Show is committed
to providing a seminar
experience to enrich and
engage the visitor.
The Concrete Connect
Seminar Theatre, situated on
the exhibition floor, featured
over twenty free-to-attend
seminars including sessions
on: Meeting the challenge
of net zero; Prevention or
cure; Celebrating innovation;
and Keeping the concrete
industry safe. Hosted by Susannah Streeter,
a professional broadcaster and conference
moderator, each session concluded with a
panel and live Q&A with the audience.
The Innovation Hub is a curated gallery
showcasing the latest technology being
promoted by exhibitors at the show. Visitors
could vote for their favourite cuttingedge
product or service for the inaugural
Innovation Award. The Concrete Society
Awards Gallery at the show featured awardwinning
projects from the last 12 months.
The UK Concrete Show returns next year to
Birmingham’s NEC from 26-27 February 2025.
This is our pick of the best exhibitors from
this year’s event, listed here in alphabetical
order: Combilift. Further details can be found
on this page.
https://concreteshow.co.uk
Discover how Combilift’s innovative solutions
can transform your materials
handling operations
Combilift are the world’s fastest-growing
and largest manufacturer of multidirectional,
sideloading and articulated forklifts,
exporting to more than 85 countries with
more than 80,000 trucks in use worldwide.
No other manufacturer in the world can
deliver the same level of customisation and
adaptability, or cater so effectively to the
diverse needs of every individual customer,
whether their enterprise is large or small.
Combilift are known for their innovative
approach to materials handling solutions.
Their large portfolio of forklifts, raise
industry machinery standards with their
multi-directional capabilities, ability to
manoeuvre in tight spaces, ability to
increase storage capacity and efficiency.
warehousing, Combilift will find the right
materials handling machinery for you and
your industry.
Combilift has built a strong reputation for
quality and reliability over the years, working
with businesses operating here in the UK &
Ireland and internationally. Combilift can also
offer support to those looking to expand into
new markets, helping them to feel confident
in knowing they have the correct machinery
for the correct job.
T 003534 780500
info@combilift.com
https://combilift.com/
The company’s flexibility and customer
service play a huge part in its success and
unparalleled growth, which is why it can
offer such a broad range of customised
handling solutions seamlessly from any one
single manufacturer in the world.
From Builders Supply & DIY to Steel &
Aluminium, Concrete, Timber, PVC and
28
BFN is sponsored by Baldwin Boxall – see them on page 15

Finance
Tackling late payment by
getting back to basics
Philip King FCICM, former Small Business
Commissioner and advisor to PKF Littlejohn
Advisory, believes a ‘back to basics’
approach would help many businesses
overcome the late-payment challenge
Businesses across all sectors are under
pressure. One only has to look at the number
of failures in the construction industry to
know this to be the case. In fact, in the
last quarter alone, construction was the
only industry to suffer more than 4,000
insolvencies, putting it ahead of both the
retail and hospitality industries which are
under significant financial pressures. The
recent failures of Buckingham, the go-to
stadium builder in the industry, Kenham
Building and the Stewart Milne Group,
renowned housebuilders in Scotland, further
proves the point.
It is an established fact that companies
often become insolvent not because they
are inherently bad businesses, but simply
because they run out of cash. Poor cashflow
management, compounded by bad debts
and slow paying customers, are typically to
blame.
But while it is tempting to lay the blame
wholly on late payment, businesses must
shoulder some of the responsibility for their
own poor credit management practices.
Put another way, best practice credit
management can limit the amount to which a
business finds itself financially vulnerable.
So how can bad debts be avoided, and
payments accelerated? Much can be
achieved by getting back to basics and doing
the basics well.
Know your customer
First and foremost, even the most basic
checks can avoid potential embarrassment
later. Know your customer (KYC) should be
the mantra of every director, every sales
executive, and every individual in your credit
team. How well do you know the company
you are dealing with? What is their Company
Registration Number? Do they even have
one? What is their legal status? Are they a
limited company? A Partnership? A PLC?
LLP? All such information is important, not
least to ensure you invoice the correct legal
entity at the point your product/service has
been delivered.
Using data from reputable credit reference
agencies is always advised to supplement
the information stored at Companies House.
This enables you to dig deeper and get
beneath the company itself. It will help you
determine the amount of credit you want to
extend, especially since their success and
survival may depend on the stability of their
customers and other suppliers.
As well as published sources, there are
also other tactics you can use to discover
more about the company you keep. Looking
through their social media accounts
(LinkedIn, Facebook etc) and any comments
around them can give you hints about their
reputation and how they treat their supply
chain. Traditional media coverage through
google searches can also give you a better
steer on their financial viability. Google
Search can also show if the warehouse they
say they own, even exists!
So how can bad debts be
avoided, and payments
accelerated? Much can be
achieved by getting back
to basics and doing the
basics well.
Documented rules of engagement
Once a new customer is being onboarded,
the terms and conditions you agree
are absolutely critical. They should be
documented with explicit payment terms.
The concept of ‘30 days’ – a particular
favourite among politicians and the media
for denoting best practice – can still mean
different things to different people. Is that 30
days from date of invoice, receipt of invoice,
or end of month, for example? This needs
to be crystal clear or else 30 can so easily
become 50 or more.
When you are invoicing, make sure you
understand their payment and invoice
approval process and whether, for example,
a purchase order is required and what other
specific information may be needed. Make
sure the amount you are invoicing is also
correct in terms of what has been agreed;
even a penny difference can cause the
payment process to grind to a halt!
Customer interaction
In terms of how you interact with your
customers, build a strong relationship with
key people in the company; they could be
invaluable when you need to chase payment
ahead of other suppliers. At your end,
keep the ledger clean and have absolute
clarity about what invoices are outstanding.
Confusion is a great obstacle to payment
and can easily be exploited by those who are
seeking to delay paying what they owe.
Making contact in advance of the due date
to ensure the invoice has been received and
is correct will also reduce the likelihood of a
payment subsequently being held in dispute.
Keep large totals separate from smaller
ones; there is nothing to be gained for
having a £10,000 invoice comprising £9,800
for the product and £200 for the delivery
held up because the delivery charge is being
disputed.
Even if you have clear lines of communication
with the customers, always follow up on
the day the invoice is due; never wait and
hope for the best. Hope is not a strategy and
someone else will be being paid while you’re
left waiting. To that end, never be afraid to
escalate a late payment to your collections
team and/or a third-party activity sooner
rather than later. A customer that doesn’t pay
you isn’t a customer worth having.
Seek advice early
Such advice should not come as a surprise,
but in my 40 years in credit management, it
still amazes me how businesses are quick to
blame everyone else when they’ve ignored
many of the fundamentals themselves.
Getting back to basics may not always be
successful, but like winning the lottery, you
first have to buy a ticket. And if despite all
your best efforts, an insolvency may still be
looming, talk to the experts at PKF Littlejohn
Advisory. They might be able to help the
business avoid failure and, if the worst
happens, they can work with you for the
best outcome from the unfolding insolvency
process.
The advice in this article is derived from
Philip King’s five-step model:
https://philipking.net/five-step-model
BFN is sponsored by Baldwin Boxall – see them on page 15 29

kbb Birmingham Review – Top Exhibitors
The UK’s meeting place for the KBB industry
The UK’s largest dedicated kitchens,
bedrooms and bathrooms exhibition kbb
Birmingham, returned from 3-6 March 2024.
Taking place at the NEC, kbb Birmingham
featured over 230+ exhibiting brands from
across 26 different categories, featuring the
very latest innovations and cutting-edge
designs. The biennial event welcomed an
audience of over 15,000 visitors over the four
days, attracting senior decision-makers from
the residential, design, retail and contract
sectors.
kbb Birmingham featured a wide range of
Europe’s most established and prestigious
KBB brands. Exhibitors included Electrolux,
Aga Rangemaster, InSinkErator, Franke,
Roca, Hanex, Nolte, Nobilia, Leicht, Harrison
Bathrooms, Microvellum, Sachsenkuechen,
Hidealoo’s foldaway toilet mechanism proves a hit
Hidealoo is in the running for a third industry
award, as interest continues to grow
worldwide for its unique foldaway toilet
mechanism.
The patented Hidealoo frame is designed
to support homeowners and developers to
maximise the use of the space they have
available. It can be used with any standard
UK wall hung toilet and allows it to be moved
through 90 degrees, meaning it can be
hidden inside a cabinet, cupboard, or wall
space when not in use.
Bariperfil, Turkish Ceramics, Leda Bathrooms,
Sonas Bathrooms, Creada, St James
Collection, Tru Blu and many others. From
kitchen furniture and bathroom accessories
to components, surfaces and worktops,
kbb Birmingham presented the very latest
designs.
There were countless opportunities to
network at kbb Birmingham. Visitors
could meet key customers, engage with
actively specifying clients, gain unparalleled
exposure and generate valuable leads all
under one roof, explore the latest design
trends, see the newest launches, and enjoy
live demonstrations and multiple learning
opportunities throughout the duration of the
event.
Better Stands is kbb Birmingham’s parent
company Infoma’s landmark campaign to
reduce the waste that stands at exhibitions
toilet to be fitted within a utility
room cupboard, or in a cabinet
underneath loft eaves.
Since launching in the
UK in 2023, Hidealoo has
seen interest soar amongst
both trade and consumer
customers. The frame can now
be found in homes across the
world including Singapore,
Romania, Austria, Germany,
Slovenia, Ireland, and the USA.
can create. The team is working with
customers to phase out all disposable stands
at EMEA events by 2024. Better Stands also
shows how sustainable business can be
better business too. Reusable structures
not only reduce waste, but they can reduce
the time it takes to construct and take
down stands, reduce the cost of design
and construction and allow for investment
in higher quality and more successful
stands. All kbb Birmingham exhibitors are
encouraged to either reuse or recycle at
the end of the show, to help create a more
sustainable event.
March 2024 marked a decade of the kbb
Birmingham Innovation Awards. Now in
its tenth year, the Innovation Awards, in
partnership with Blum, returned to highlight
the most creative and ground-breaking
solutions from brands in the sector. Areas of
recognition included new methods and ideas
or products that demonstrate innovation.
The awards were open to all, with shortlisted
entrants displayed on the show floor and
winners announced at the event.
kbb will be back at Birmingham’s NEC from
1-4 March 2026. This is our pick of the best
exhibitors from last year’s event, listed here
in alphabetical order: Hidealoo, Kew Labs,
R-TECH Materials & TruBlue. Further details
can be found on this page and the next two.
www.kbb.co.uk
As well as creating more flexible floor
space, the frame provides an opportunity
for additional toilets to be installed where
adding a new bathroom may not otherwise
be possible. For example, by allowing a
Monty Ravenscroft, inventor
and founder of Hidealoo,
commented, “When people
first come across Hidealoo they often have
questions about how the system works. The
answer is, we’ve spent
many years engineering,
perfecting and testing
every element. From
our robust, flexible
waste pipe to the folding
mechanism itself, which
can take 400kg in weight
and has been tested
through 250,000 uses.”
He continued, “We
know from speaking
with industry that
Hidealoo’s ability
to open the door to
additional installations is really appealing.
For example, we’re seeing the creation of
multipurpose shower rooms and cloakrooms,
extra facilities being added to loft spaces and
within attic bedrooms, and the use of space
in compact bathrooms being maximised.”
Hidealoo is a finalist in the category of ‘Best
New KBB Product’ at the BKU awards. The
shortlisting follows hot on the heels of
Hidealoo picking up two other awards in
recent months – a kbb Innovation ‘People’s
Choice Award’, voted for by those in the
trades, and a Top Design Award at the
European Product Design Awards.
To find out more, email: contact@hidealoo.
com or call +44 (0)1420 557564 or visit:
www.hidealoo.com
30
BFN is sponsored by Baldwin Boxall – see them on page 15

Invisible wireless
charging stations!
kbb Birmingham Review – Top Exhibitors
Kew Labs was one of our selected
Top Exhibitors at kbb 2024 held at
the NEC Birmingham from 3-6 March,
showcasing its new UTS-2 hidden
wireless charging products for nonmetallic
surfaces (scheduled for a
mid-2024 release).
Renowned as a market leader, the
charger from Kew Labs is the only
product with product approval
status from eleven top countertop
brands: Neolith, Laminam, Cosentino
(Silestone, Dekton,
Sensa) Cambria, Inalco,
Coverlam, and Tristone.
With an eye on future
upgrades, it is the only
charger of its type with
built-in upgradable
software.
Kew Labs is a consumer
electronics brand
based in Ohio and subsidiary of
the Hana Microelectronics Group
and precision-focused on wireless
charging products and design
services for the next generation.
The company was awarded 2021
Honoree in the CES Innovation
Awards and the first generation
UTS-1 charger has received
countless industry recommendations.
Top publication WIRED branded
the charger ‘mind-blowing’ and a
game changer for invisible wireless
charging, especially with limited
desk space wining it’s ‘best Invisible
wireless charger’ 3 years running
from 2021 to 2024. The UTS-1
charging Qi compatible devices from
iPhones, Androids to Air Pods.
The charging table/counter needs
to be 8-12mm thick for optimised
charging (too thin and the charger
won’t turn on to prevent too much
power to the phone)
and thicker surfaces
than 12mm like typical
2-3cm worktops would
require a 100mm small
pocket to be routed.
Following feedback
from the kitchen and
construction industry,
Kew Labs have
developed their 2nd generation
UTS-2 charger, that is smaller and
easier to install with the same market
leading charging performance with a
release scheduled for mid-2024.
For more information for a project or
to become a dealer, see below:
info@kewlabstech.com
www.kewlabstech.com
www.linkedin.com/company/kewlabs
Following a hugely successful
debut at the 2024 kbb show,
Business management and
pricing solution, TruBlue will be
demonstrating their software
at the upcoming Installer show
at the NEC, Birmingham from
June 25th to 27th.
TruBlue is a Cloud-based
solution that makes it really
easy for kitchen, bedroom and
bathroom businesses to price,
quote & sell to their customers
thanks to their database of
more than 2.5 Million kbb
products across more than
1,250 catalogues from over 550
of the best kitchen, bedroom
and bathroom brands.
Having correct and contentrich
pricing data available
to quickly add to customer
quotations, removes the main
bottleneck when pricing jobs for
customers.
The application also contains
useful tools to help businesses
manage workloads more
effectively and nurture their
relationships with customers.
Managing Director, Leigh
Martin, commented, “We are
excited to be exhibiting at our
maiden installer show and look
forward to showing our product
to the installer community.”
Being completely Cloud-based,
TruBlue can be accessed
anywhere, anytime by devices
connected to the internet and
is great for managing business
on the go.
The company will be
showcasing a new version of
the software specifically aimed
at helping installers at the show
along with a special show deal
for attendees.
Contact
T 01335 453115
www.trublue.co.uk
Invisible Wireless Charging
info@kewlabstech.com
www.kewlabstech.com
TRY NOW!
BFN is sponsored by Baldwin Boxall – see them on page 15 31

kbb Birmingham Review – Top Exhibitors
Materials testing and consultancy
Built upon the knowledge and
experience of our growing team of
material scientists and professional
engineers, R-TECH Materials is a global
provider of expertise in materials
testing and consultancy. We exist to
service our clients with the accurate
information, quality service and indepth
knowledge they need, to stay at
the forefront of their industries; where
materials matter most.
Materials in concrete structures –
R-TECH Materials’ laboratory for testing
rebar (reinforcing steel) and related
products is recognised globally as one
of the leading, specialist laboratories
of its kind. Not only do we have the
capability to test the full range of
products, but our scope covers loads
up to 1,500kN (beyond the breaking
load of 50mm reinforcing bar).
Expert Witness – On some occasions,
a materials issue can lead to injury, death or
a significant financial loss. A claim or dispute
of this nature requires an expert in the field
to provide an independent opinion about
the facts of a case for insurance claims and
legal proceedings. Particular procedures
must be followed to ensure that no evidence
is damaged and all parties are given the
opportunity to view the evidence. When
destructive testing is required, this will occur
at an independent lab agreed by all parties.
Water Fittings Testing – The testing of
water fittings is central to demonstrating
that it satisfies the requirements of
Regulation 4. R-TECH Materials are an BS
EN ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory
for a wide range of mechanical testing of
water fittings. R-TECH work closely with
WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory
Scheme) to support their customers
in demonstrating compliance with
regulation 4.
Composite Materials – We have
experience in working with all types of
composite materials, from fibreglass to
cutting edge graphene infused carbon
fibre, or even metal matrix composites
and our highly trained expert staff will
give you the confidence you need to
trust us with your testing and R&D
projects. As a business we continually
strive to improve every aspect of our
composites testing capabilities each
and every day, to ensure that we are
able to deliver the testing that you
need as quickly and accurately as
possible.
Contact: Ben Capewell, Business
Development Manager
T +44 (0)1656 748000
F +44 (0)1656 670130
ben.capewell@r-techmaterials.com
SPATEX Review – Top Exhibitors
2024 – the year that
SPATEX went BIG!
Recotherm’s best year
yet at SPATEX 2024
MORE exhibitors, MORE
innovations, MORE new products,
MORE industry support, all added
up to MANY MORE visitors to
SPATEX 2024 (1,707 unique).
Celebrating its tenth anniversary at
Coventry Building Society Arena,
it is fitting that this milestone year
drew a record number of visitors,
with attendance figures almost
20% up on the previous year.
The 28th edition of SPATEX was
declared a resounding success.
Never have the aisles been so
packed, and it was gratifying that
many exhibitors remarked on the
steady flow of visitors throughout
the duration of the three day Show.
There was so much to see, with
the 115 exhibiting companies filling
their stands with new innovations
and products.You could even spot
the odd celebrity, with Olympian,
Colin Jackson, on the SpaFlo stand,
and Gladiator’s towering Giant
gracing the Passion Spas stand.
As SPATEX’s main provider of
education and training, the ISPE
workshop programme always
dovetails well with the exhibition’s
showcase, and this year was no
exception. A diverse number of
topics made up the informative
ISPE workshop programme in
Arena 1 and, likewise, that of the
seminar programme in Arena 2.
The two seminar arenas recorded a
total of 597 attendees.
SPATEX returns next year to
Coventry Building Society Arena
from 4-6 February 2025. This is
our pick of the best exhibitors
from this year’s event, listed here
in alphabetical order: Recotherm.
Further details can be found on this
page.
www.spatex.co.uk
Attendees flocked to
Recotherm’s stand at
SPATEX 2024, making
it our best year yet.
Pool contractors,
consultants and end
users were able to
speak to us in person to
see for themselves why
Recotherm’s expertise
and commitment
to technological
advancement in
swimming pool
ventilation is causing
a buzz in the industry.
With a proven track
record in delivering
reliable systems, Recotherm has
earned a reputation for providing
cutting-edge technology that ensures
optimal conditions in indoor pool
halls.
Recotherm’s unique Air Source Heat
Pump (ASHP) fed ‘boiler & buffer tank
-free’, Aerum ventilation unit, was
a hot topic reflecting the industry’s
hunger for innovation. The design not
only contributes to energy efficiency
but also addresses environmental
concerns, positioning the Aerum as
a leader in sustainable solutions for
indoor climate control.
Recotherm are set to mark a
significant milestone in 2025, their
40th anniversary! They are already
in discussions making exciting
additions to the stand for SPATEX
2025 to celebrate and hope attendees
with come and celebrate with us.
Recotherm stands poised to redefine
the industry time and time again,
shaping the future of a fresher pool
hall atmosphere solutions for years
to come.
Contact
www.recotherm.co.uk
32
BFN is sponsored by Baldwin Boxall – see them on page 15

Building Services
M&E specialist Linaker announces growth
of KFC partnership across UK & Ireland
The eight figure contract will cover a
large multi-site portfolio of over 200 sites
Following a successful partnership with
KFC’s equity business, which began in
February 2022, Linaker announces an
extension of this partnership with the
increase of over 200 additional sites
across the UK and Ireland. The new
£15m per year, three-year+2 contract
will include planned preventative
maintenance and reactive call outs for
KFC restaurants, drive-throughs and
high street outlets, further enhanced by
another £5m project management facility.
Linaker will continue with its core ethos
of self-delivering all building maintenance
and fire safety across the portfolio to ensure
KFC can continue to focus on providing its
customers with the best experience, whether
dining in or taking away.
Linaker has a people-first, technology driven
approach and the growth of their partnership
with KFC recognises the consistently high
level of service that’s provided. It is this
service, compliance and reactive response to
KFC’s equity sites that has set a benchmark
for the UK&I business.
Linaker will manage 18 carefully selected
key supply chain partners across all
specialist delivery elements, which they
will be expanding with the support of
their industry-leading sub-contractor hub.
The hub allows Linaker’s supply chain
to work direct from Linaker’s systems in
real time, ensuring enhanced accuracy,
compliance and efficiency. Forming part of
its pioneering technology-first approach,
Linaker will extend this leading data-led
method by implementing real-time budget
management at an asset fault level, which
will allow KFC to control site budgets from
their own, bespoke order values from the
very first moment of the call being placed via
automated dynamic predictive job costs.
Charlene Willoughby at Yum! says, “Linaker
has continued to deliver on its promise
and commitment of second-to-none
responsiveness and flexibility and we’re
excited to extend and grow our business
with them to maintain the highest level of
service across our sites.”
Claire Curran, Managing Director at Linaker,
says, “From day one, KFC has been a
fantastic partner, where our cultural and
business visions have aligned. The growth of
the portfolio means a great deal to us and is
an acknowledgement of the hard work and
time invested in the partnership. We can’t
wait to continue what we started and more.”
www.linaker.com
Denso Steelcoat Systems standing the
test of time in Pipebridge revisits
On recent revisits to two Steelcoat
100/400 System applications in the
Northeast of England, Winn & Coales
(Denso) Ltd. were proud to confirm that
both applications were
performing as expected,
providing exemplary
protection from
corrosion over a decade
since their installations.
The Steelcoat 100/400
System consists of
Denso Hi-Tack Primer,
Denso Profiling Mastic,
Denso Hi-Tack Tape,
Denso Ultraseal Tape
and Denso Acrylic
Topcoat and offers
an excellent long-term
coating solution for
exposed steel and
pipework – particularly
in areas faced with
damp conditions.
for use in remote or difficult to access
areas where preventing contamination
of the surrounding environment is of the
utmost importance.
Winn & Coales pride themselves on the
longevity and effectiveness offered by the
complete and correct applications of their
innovative products and systems.
The revisited
Steelcoat systems
– originally applied
in 2008 and 2010
respectively – serve as
demonstrable proof
of their enviable track
record of success and
affirms their position
as industry leaders.
Winn & Coales (Denso)
Ltd are leading
manufacturers and
suppliers of corrosion
prevention and
sealing systems and
celebrated 140 years
of service to industry
in 2023.
The system requires
minimal surface
preparation and is easy
to apply, making it ideal
Two examples that attest to Winn & Coales (Denso) Ltd’s commitment to provide
long-lasting, effective solutions to their customers
Contact
T 020 8670 7511
mail@denso.net
www.denso.net
34
BFN is sponsored by Baldwin Boxall – see them on page 15

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

Classifieds
Sustainable Building
Gutter & Roof Refurb Systems
Underfloor Heating
01743 298001
www.easyflow.org.uk
Site Management
Construction Software
Hassle-free Underfloor
Heating & Liquid
Floor Screed service
providers across the UK
Humidity Control
Experts in construction project
co-ordination and management
01924 255666 | 07483 164372
fennellgreenandbates@gmail.com
Control Solutions
The GSM Multi
Switch (12v)
From £90 excl. VAT
Activation | Monitoring
Supervision & Control
Solutions using your
phone as the remote
controller
Visit www.gsm-activate.co.uk
Call 0800 772 0783
Email sales@gsm-activate.co.uk
Water Heaters
Liquid Waterproofing
Waterproofing and Sealing
Solutions for Flat Roofs,
Façades and Buildings
01623 627285
info.uk@ccm-europe.com
www.ccm-europe.com/gb/
Safety Consultants
Leaders in Built Environmental
Safety and Health and Wellbeing
Consultancy
Boost products and productivity
with reliable humidity control
01372 571200
www.humiditysolutions.co.uk
Waterproof Floor Outlet
0203 286 7949
www.simonbox.co.uk
Simonbox IP66
Waterproof Floor Outlet
Facilities Management
Air Conditioning
+353 (0)1 611 1556
info@dconsafety.com www.dconsafety.com
Meters & Metering Equipment
KEEP YOUR PROPERTY
AND POSSESSIONS
SAFE AND SECURE
MX1 DOOR
JAMMER
MX2
REMOVABLE
JAMMER
PX3 FRENCH
DOOR
SECURITY BAR
SEE OUR FULL RANGE AT:
WWW.SECURIAN.STORE
INFO@SECURIAN.STORE | 0330 333 7279
36
BFN is sponsored by Baldwin Boxall – see them on page 15

Classifieds
Cleaning & Facility Services
Tree Consultancy Services
Joinery
Commercial cleaning and
facilities services across the UK
0161 972 3000 info@floorbrite.co.uk
www.floorbrite.co.uk
01423 322371
info@barnesassociates.co.uk
www.barnesassociates.co.uk
TREE SURVEYS
ADVANCED
ASSESSMENTS
PLANNING &
DEVELOPMENT
LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECTURE
01799 599995
dee@bluerunltd.co.uk www.bluerunltd.co.uk
Expansion Joints
Screws & Fixings
Ventilation Specialist
High Grade Expansion
Joints from ELAFLEX
ERV rubber expansion joints from ELAFLEX,
setting standards for decades and offering
the ideal solution.
Please visit www.elaflex.co.uk
01992 452950 • sales@elaflex.co.uk
Fixings
SWIFIX
AWARD-
WINNING
FIXINGS FOR
EWI & MMC
Mowing Systems
Fixings are available from
www.swifix.co.uk and from
various distributors and builders’
merchants throughout the UK
Security Solutions
Automated Gates, Barriers
& Access Control
T 01442 253341
info@castlegatesandautomation.co.uk
www.castlegatesandautomation.co.uk
Site Management
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 is the sole UK
distributor for the sealing industry’s top
pioneering manufacturers: DOYMA and HKD
Environmental Consultants
Hinges
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
Heating & Supply Technology
Outstanding
system
solutions
‘Dedicated to offer the best mowing system
for maintaining large area turfgrass’
Please visit www.ecoclipper.com
+31 (0)646753560 info@ecoclipper.com
Service Sealing Solutions Ltd
For more information, please call
us on 01952 510050 or visit
www.servicesealingsolutions.co.uk or email
sales@servicesealingsolutions.co.uk
www.reflex-winkelmann.com/en
BFN is sponsored by Baldwin Boxall – see them on page 15 37

Award-winning Maintenance
Management Software
Meeting the maintenance management needs of every sector, including:
Retail | Care Homes | Leisure Clubs | Race Courses | Charities
| Pub Chains | Office Management | Logistics
Mainteno is a complete, cost-effective
solution for task facilities management.
Whether it’s managing planned maintenance or dealing
with fault repairs, Mainteno simplifies the day-to-day
maintenance of almost any organisation. Our award-winning
CAFM software keeps everyone in the loop and archives all
your communication and documentation in one place. For
total control of your organisation’s assets, Mainteno also
seamlessly incorporates asset management and tracking.
Mainteno streamlines every aspect of the
maintenance management process, saving
your organisation time and money.
020 8798 3713 | sales@redro.uk | www.mainteno.com