Contract Flooring Journal articles from August 2003

Contract Flooring Journal archives from August 2003

Anger over direct sales. (Editor's Comment).(floor covering industry selling direct to project management organizations)(Editorial)
August 1, 2003... Most floorcovering manufacturers depend on the goodwill of flooring contractors. But some are losing it and arousing anger because they sell direct to companies which don't specify materials, such facilities management firms and builders, even...

There's no dice with a Cavalier carpet. (Installation Of The Month).(Cavalier Carpets designs and installs carpeting on the Ambassador II)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... A TEAM of no less than six designers was involved in creating exclusive bespoke carpets for one of America's largest and most impressive casino ships. CAVALIER CARPETS was commissioned to design and produce more than 7,000sq of 80/20...

'John Prescott says the CITB is a disgrace! I could not agree more!' (Readers' forum).(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2003... A flooring contractor, who has asked to remain anonymous, writes: I FIND it interesting that you reported on NVQ assessors needed for the CSCS Scheme--and opposite the headline 'CITB is a disgrace', quoting a speech from John Prescott (CFJ,...

Why glass flooring is really cool. (Readers' forum).
August 1, 2003... A big talking point among architects and designers currently is glass floors. Dr Greg Butler reveals some of the latest developments. GLASS floors are not new. They have been around since Victorian times, where early architects and building...

Moves afoot to tackle high insurance costs. (From the president).(Column)
August 1, 2003... This month's column is full of thanks to our many kind and generous members. Firstly, the charity raffle at our annual dinner and dance, held at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel in Accrington on Saturday May 31, exceeded all our expectations. We...

User-friendly guide to adjucation available. (From the director).(guide to Scheme for Construction Contracts Regulations)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The Scheme for Construction Contracts (England and Wales) Regulations came into force just over five years ago and included the right of any party to a construction contract to refer a dispute to adjudication (except direct contracts with a...

Training directory.(flooring industry)(Calendar)
August 1, 2003... fita FLOORING INDUSTRY TRAINING ASSOCIATION Aug 11-15 intensive carpet fitting; Aug 18-20 ceramic fitting; Sep 22 Ardex demonstration day; Oct 20-21 know your carpets; Oct 22-23 estimating and planning; Oct 27...

Try turning a complaint to your advantage. (Terry Wolfe's case book).
August 1, 2003... CFJ is fortunate in having occasional articles by excellent business advisors, so I usually restrict my column to interesting cases or technical matters. However, I recently came across the following piece, written by a Canadian business...

DDA compliance could be a bumpy ride. (The lowdown from Brian Newell).(Disability Discrimination Act)
August 1, 2003... Brian Newell, group chairman of the Shackerly (Holdings), board member of The Tile Association and its technical committee chairman, examines the challenges and potential business benefits for the flooring sector with the Disability...

Don't come unstuck by skimping on glue. (Ask Sid).
August 1, 2003... In his regular column, SID BOURNE, training and technical manager of Floorboards, answers questions from CFJ readers and shares some of his 25 years of installation experience. An experienced and authoritative source of hardwood flooring...

Can you tell when it's not advertising? (Problem solving).
August 1, 2003... When PR, marketing and advertising are confused or lumped together out of convenience, those of us that represent one of the very specific disciplines are inclined to cringe. As a PR practitioner, I am always frustrated when my work is...

Clients crack the whip on the selection of brands. (Barbour Report).
August 1, 2003... THE role of clients in making brand decisions has increased significantly in the last half dozen years, according to Barbour Index. In its latest survey Barbour considers the importance of the client in product selection. The message...

Game, set and Marley. (News file).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... THE BBC's Wimbledon TV set contains X Floors from MARLEY FLOORS. The products were laid within the main broadcast area where BBC Sports Anchorwoman Sue Barker was seated and interviews with tennis stars were conducted. Wimbledon set...

Officials called to account. (Retentions).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... THE House of Commons trade and industry select committee has called to account government official to explain the blanket rejection of most of the proposals contained in its report on retentions. The MPs' committee took the highly unusual...

Marmoleum pitted against MRSA. (News file).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... WITH public attention increasingly focussed on bacteria in hospitals, Marmoleum from FORBO FLOORING is claimed to possess inherent bactericidal properties. 'Bacteria do not breed on a Marmoleum floor,' according to the company....

Chemical weapons and GM food lumped in with construction. (News file).(MP Nigel Griffiths to oversee construction and genetically modified foods)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... NIGEL GRIFFITHS MP, the minister with responsibility for genetically modified foods, among other things, will also oversee construction. Mr Griffiths is parliamentary undersecretary of state for small business and enterprise. His other...

Timber sales up. (Business in brief).(James Latham Group)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... UK timber distributor James Latham Group has seen a 6.5% rise in sales to 91.8m [pounds sterling] according to preliminary annual results. Pre-tax profits were 1.64m [pounds sterling]. The company recently received the FSC Certificate.

Wood care firm. (Business in brief).(Regent)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Cleaning contractor, Regent, has established a new division for the cleaning, maintenance and renovation of wood flooring, offering sanding, re-sealing, restoration, cleaning, relining, and consultancy on repair and replacement. Tel: 01428...

Timbmet deal. (Business in brief).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Timbmet has Vincent Murphy's hardwood stock and will support Murphy customers from Timbet branches in Rochdale, Oxford and Glasgow. Tel: 01865 860636

FSC for BHK. (Business in brief).(Forest Stewardship Council awards contract to BHK (UK) Ltd.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The Forest Stewardship Council's certificate has been awarded to BHK (UK) by BM TRADA Certification. Tel: 0191 518 0451

Navan no more. (Business in brief).(Navan Carpets )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Irish Axminister manufacturer, Navan Carpets, is reported to have ceased trading.

Callidus for Dupont. (Business in brief).(Oakleaf Software of London contract with Dupont Flooring Systems)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Oakleaf Software of London has a contract with Dupont Flooring Systems in the USA to supply 28 sites with the Callidus planning system, www.getCallidus.com Tel: 01707 654025

Floorsales IT move. (Business in brief).(Realitex for IT system)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Horsham based flooring distributor, Floorsales, has chosen Realitex from Wharncliffe as its new IT system. 01226 298501

Price still rules. (Business in brief).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... A new SEC group survey finds that too many local authorities still go for the lowest price instead of procuring on quality.

Swing in finishes. (Business in brief).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... There has been a 44% rise in opaque wood finishes away from wood stains in the past three years, according to Robert Palmer. Tel: 020 8390 8131

Safety fines bid. (Business in brief).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Breaches of health & safety could cost employers 500 [pounds sterling] in fines, according to new proposals.

SATRA's 7m [pounds sterling]. (Business in brief).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... SATRA reports an annual income of 7m [pounds sterling], a 12% rise on last year.

Contractors' club quick off mark. (News file).(Association of Bona Contractors (ABC))(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... ABC, an association for contractors who use BONA KEMI's wood flooring products, has been established. The ABC (Association of Bona Contractors) comprises four regional groups, North & Scotland, South West & Midlands, North London & Anglia,...

Latham launches flooring division. (News file).(James Latham)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... THE UK timber distributor JAMES LATHAM has launched a new flooring division to be headed by John Mitchell. Having secured a number of exclusive UK distribution agreements, Mr Mitchell says: 'Our new portfolio will include an exclusive range of...

Amtico woos fitters. (News file).(training courses on Amtico's Stratica range of floor coverings)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... AMTICO is running training courses for flooring contractors around the country on the installation of its Stratica range, covering both practice and theory. The courses, which have so far involved more than 350 floorlayers, are only for...

Insurance moves. (Industry in brief).(Concrete Repair Association asking for insurance certification)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... In the light of rocketing insurance premiums the Concrete Repair Association is requesting insurance certification from CRA members and double-checking their authenticity with denoted insurance companies. This is to assure clients and...

NSCC expands. (Industry in brief).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The National Specialist Contractors Association has three new affiliated associations. A total of 27 organisations representing over 6,100 contractors now belong to the NSCC.

Carpet production. (Industry in brief).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Carpet production in the EU in 2002 totalled 1bn sq m with 60% of it being tufted, 30% fibre bonded and the remainder woven, according to new figures from the European Carpet Association.

Congestion call. (Industry in brief).(report by the Construction Products Association)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Over 85% of contractors and manufacturers and suppliers of construction products believe that commercial delivery vehicles servicing London's congestion charging zone should be exempt from the charge, according to the Construction Products...

Advice on stress. (Industry in brief).(Health and Safety Executives report on job stress)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Management advice on tackling work-related stress have been published by the Health & Safety Executive. www.hse.gov.uk/stress

Gong for Ucatt boss. (Industry in brief).(George Brumwell of the Union of Construction Allied Trades and Technicians)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... George Brumwell, general secretary of the construction union Ucatt, received a CBE in the Queens birthday honours for services to the industry.

CIRIA Award. (Industry in brief).(Construction Industry Research and Information Association)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The CIRIA Award 2003 has been presented to the Health & Safety Executive. Kevin Myers, HSE's chief inspector of construction received the award at CIRIA's AGM.

Big shots cash. (Industry in brief).(Furnishing Trades Benevolent Association's fund raising day)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The FTBA Big Shots day raised 10,000 [pounds sterling] for the charity. The next FTBA fund raising event is a sky diving challenge on September 14. www.ftba.co.uk

Wesbond updates IT. (Industry in brief).(Westbond Carpets)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Westbond Carpets is to replace its order processing, stock control, manufacturing and financials with Wharncliffe's Realitex ERP system. Tel: 01226 298501

A flock of awards. (News file).(British Wool Quality Awards)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... JOHN PATTON, chief executive for the Greendale Carpets and Floorcoverings, will again head the panel of judges at the British Wool biennial Quality Awards for the carpet industry. Other judges are Geoff Covey, editor CFR; Nina Hurst, editor...

Kindness to carpets rewarded. (News file).(Carpet Foundation presents awards)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... OVER 4,000 [pounds sterling] in prize money has been awarded to journalists by the Carpet Foundation. The Red Carpet Awards presentation at was held at Claridges on July 31 after this issue of CFJ went to press. Rupert Anton, marketing...

CSCS for the chop? (Have you heard?).(clamping down on employment of illegal immigrants)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... It is rumoured that the government is considering scrapping the CSCS scheme and replacing it with a national identity card. It is also examining whether such a card would be an effective way of clamping down on illegal immigrants working in the...

Carpets for good. (Have you heard?).(report by the European Respiratory Health Service on carpets and air quality)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Carpet can actually improve indoor air quality, says an EC-funded reported by the European Respiratory Health Service, contradicting reports linking carpet with allergies such as asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

Bye bye to PFI. (Have you heard?).(banks to pull out of PR funding)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Major banks are reported to be pulling out of PR funding and consultancy. The typical 25-year PR contract apparently conflicts with the banks' aim of making profit in the short term.

Indecent exposure. (Have you heard?).(rules regulating construction workers)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... While the government has instituted stricter vetting of construction workers in the face of the threat of terrorism, certain offences have reportedly been taken off the prohibited list. Sex offenders, for example, will apparently be allowed to...

Mixed porridge. (Have you heard?).(National Audit Office report and public and private prisons)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... PR prisons perform better than public prisons in areas related to 'decency and the activities of prisoners', but less well on safety and security, according to a recent National Audit Office report.

Made in Taiwan. (Have you heard?).(tallest building built in Taiwan for the Taipei Financial Centre Company)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... What is claimed to be the world's tallest building has just been completed. Situated in Taiwan, the 508m high, 101-floor building was constructed for the Taipei Financial Centre Company.

Specification guide. (Products in brief).(Heckmondwike FB Ltd.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Heckmondwike FB has launched a new specification guide including its full product range and information such as the NBS specifications. Tel: 01924 413610

Cleaning range. (Products in brief).(FAUK products)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... FAUK has extended its Master brand cleaning & maintenance range to include coloured sealants, PVAC glue and wood & laminate cleaner. Tel: 01704 878824

Moister meter. (Products in brief).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Tramex has launched the CRH moisture and RH meter for the flooring industry. The device has storage and recall of 900 records in and comes with PC interface for downloading to spread sheets. Tel: 003531 2823688

Click and glue. (Products in brief).(Floorboards Ltd.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Floorboards has introduced Bergflor engineered wood flooring with the Svedloc click and glue system. Tel: 0800 783 0265

Fun time for fitters. (Events in brief).
August 1, 2003... The NICF has a clay pigeon shoot, fun evening, BBQ, bar and trade stands at Ray Randerson Carpets in Warwickshire on Friday August 29 from 4-7pm. The event is open to members, non-members and guests. Tel: 01295 690721

Sars effected fair. (Events in brief).
August 1, 2003... CBD (China International Building & Decoration Fair) postponed due to SARS will be held from Sept 3-6. Around 87,000 visitors attended last year. Over 1,300 exhibitors are registered, www.cbd.merebo.com Tel: 0049 40 6087 6926

Wood science. (Events in brief).
August 1, 2003... The Institute of Wood Science conference is on Oct 9 in Newcastle Tel: 01494 565374

Contract seminars. (Events in brief).(James R. Knowles' seminars)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... James R Knowles has a series of autumn seminars around the UK on topics including improving cashflow and contractual rights. Contact Debbie Snelson. Tel: 08707 530630

Flooring Russia. (Events in brief).
August 1, 2003... UK companies are invited to exhibit at Flooring Russia in Moscow (Nov 18-20). Tel: 020 7886 3106

Brighton Show 2004. (Events in brief).
August 1, 2003... The Brighton Floorcoverings show will be held again from March 9-11, 2004. Tel: 01425 627499

Masonic carpet is 'great shakes'. (News file).(Associate Floorcoverings )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... ASSOCIATE FLOORCOVERINGS, of Essex, a member of the CFA, had a request a while back to make a Masonic carpet for a local lodge. Nigel Wallace, of Associated Floorcoverings, explains: 'When we saw the pattern we thought it looked...

Ready to take the floor at the CFA dinner dance. (News file).
August 1, 2003... Pictured at the recent Contract Flooring Association annual dinner dance: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ABOVE, left to right: Start Webb & Dorothy Davis, SR Webb Associates; Marina & Jeff Hardy, Jeff Hardy Floorcoverings; and Carol & Bob...

Diary dates.
August 1, 2003... NATIONAL FLOOR SHOW September 2-5 Harrogate Contact: CMP Information Tel: 020 7579 4326 (Paul Sweeney) Tel: 01756 797710 (David Wildman) STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS SHOWCASE September 11-12 NEC, Birmingham Contact: Venture Marketing...

Paul Sant, md of Pola Flooring, is the new chairman of the Resin Association (FERFA). (People).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... PAUL SANT, md of Pola Flooring, is the new chairman of the Resin Association (FERFA). Mr Sant founded Pola Flooring in 1985 and has a wealth of experience within the resin flooring industry. As a contractor he has supported the aims and...

Nexfor UK. (People).(Karl Morris )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... KARL MORRIS has been named as md of Nexfor's UK based operations. He will report to J Barrie Shineton, the former Nexfor UK md, who becomes executive vice president, wood products, of Nexfor Inc.

Tradewoods. (People).(Steve Clarke new national accounts manager)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... STEVE CLARKE has been appointed as national accounts manager for Tradewoods. He will continue to work along side architects, designers, shop fitters and hardwood flooring contractors.

Trevor Iles, a former British Cleaning Council chairman has become the council's new president. (People).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... TREVOR ILES, a former British Cleaning Council chairman has become the council's new president. This is only the second time in its 25-year history that the council, whose 16 member bodies embrace virtually every aspect of the industry, has...

John Perry, general manager-business development with Crown Timber, has been elected by the Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA) as chairman to succeed Geoff Shaw. (People).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... JOHN PERRY, general manager-business development with Crown Timber, has been elected by the Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA) as chairman to succeed Geoff Shaw. Mr Perry is a former director of the Timber Trade Federation.

Windmill. (People).(Simon Bennett new sales manager)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... SIMON BENNETT has been appointed by the flooring products division of Windmill as sales manager for the UK and Europe.

Lyn Peak has joined Bernard Povey Carpets. (People).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... LYN PEAK has joined Bernard Povey Carpets as sales consultant. With over 20 years' sales experience, Lyn has worked for companies including Harron Homes and Persimmon Homes.

The Glues brothers: the series.
August 1, 2003... The golden knee pads European championships Part 18 ITALY WIN--AND ENGLAND ARE DISTRAUGHT WAIT! MY GOLDEN AMULET IS TWITCHING--SOMETHING'S WRONG WE DEMAND AN INQUIRY--THE BIG FELLA--HE'S GOT MORE THAN IS TOOLS IN HIS BAG HE'S...

Burmatex boss is bound for Le Mans. (News file).(Richard Clark)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... THE md of BURMATEX, Richard Clark, recently made his fifth trip to Le Mans. Mr Clark, an ardent motor sports enthusiast is one of the few owners of the HRG British-built two seater sports car. Only 250 of this vehicle were built. It won the...

Work around the clock: flooring contractor Gary Purcell says his normal working day is from 6am to 7.30pm, although he occasionally has calls from clients out of those hours. (Sonia Roberts meets Gary Purcell).
August 1, 2003... IF proof were needed that flooring contractors don't work 9 to 5, there is Gary Purcell, md of Purcell Flooring. Based in Enfield, Middlesex, he is actually not bothered about being called out in the middle of the night to help clients whose...

Paul Cooper: associate director, Camberford Law *. (In the dock).(Interview)
August 1, 2003... ** Did you get into trouble at school? Yes, frequently, mostly for talking in class. I can still to this day remember the malice in which the Headmaster used his cane. ** What was your first part-time job? A butcher's boy at a small family...

Hooray for Harrogate: it's time again for the National Floor Show in Harrogate (September 2-4). Below is a little of what you can see. (The National Floor Show preview).(Calendar)
August 1, 2003... ARDEX UK(01440 714939) (Stand Q38) will exhibit its floor preparation products and services. New 3kg tins of Surface Damp Proof Membrane sit alongside the 6kg, and Ardurapid 45 repair mortar and feather finish smoothing and patching...

Visit CFJ and the CFA on Stand C39.(Contract Flooring Journal and the Contract Flooring Association to exhibit at the National Floor Show)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... CFJ (Contract Flooring Journal) and the Contract Flooring Association (CFA) will again exhibit at Harrogate (Stand C39 in Hall C). CFJ, official Journal of the CFA. Richard Wollerton, executive director of the CFA, will be at the show to...

Screed you must read: subfloor preparation is key in floorcovering installations. Below are some of the products available. (Subfloors and screeds).(Buyers Guide)
August 1, 2003... ACM (Advanced Construction Materials) supplies Pumpable Floor Screed PX-1, a cementitious self-smoothing compound. Mixed with water, the product is designed to produce a fluid, fast setting compound giving a hard wearing floor. The new...

Moisture--you can sink or swim! (Subfloors and screeds).(finishing floors)
August 1, 2003... Glenn Lister, a flooring consultant at Altro, underlines the importance of subfloor preparation. THE success of any floor finish invariably lies within the correct specification, installation and preparation of the subfloor. All too...

Mind your own business: flooring in offices can help to give a strong corporat message to both clients and staff. (Focus on offices).(Buyers Guide)
August 1, 2003... BURLINGTON continues its association with prestigious commercial interiors following the specification of its silver grey Brandy Crag stone flooring for the reception of Mayfair Place, a luxurious 160,000sq ft office development at 50 Berkeley...

Ready to click: a growing number of laminate flooring ranges are designed for contract. (Laminate flooring survey).(Buyers Guide)
August 1, 2003... FLOORBOARDS is now an exclusive supplier of the Swissclick range of laminate flooring produced by Kronoswiss. It has a connecting profile designed to make it quick and easy to install. The 7mm laminate flooring is lightly textured and suitable...

Charity trusts Brintons carpets. (School).(Blewcoat School)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... BRINTONS states its high quality carpet design and manufacture has played a major role in tile refurbishment of the National 'Dust's prime retail outlet. The Blewcoat School, London, built in 1709 was acquired by the National Trust in...

Shoppers receive the brush off. (Shopping Centre).(3M UK installs entrance mat system)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... 3M UK hasinstalled its Nomad Aqua 8500-17 entrance matting system in the redesigned main entrances of Templars Square Shopping Centre in Cowley, Oxfordshire. Due to Sunday trading, the footfall has increased by around 12%. To maintain the...

A Symphony of colour from CFS. (Religious Centre).(CFS Carpets)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... SYMPHONY, a textured loop pile broadloom from CFS CARPETS was recently fitted in the Amblecote Christian Centre in Stourbridge, West Midlands. Over 700sq m was installed in the reception area, main hall, staircase and nursery. CFS...

Premium is choice of the MoD. (Government Office).(refurbishing the Ministry of Defence)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... WHEN the Ministry of Defence refurbished one of its buildings in London, the floorcovering had to be smart, hardwearing and easy to clean. TARKETT SOMMER believes its Premium carpet tiles met all the requirements. Over 16,500sq m carpet...

Treadfast speeds refurbishment. (Hotel).
August 1, 2003... MODERNISING the Hilton Hotel Paddington, formerly the Great Western Royal Hotel, presented complex technical problems. These demanded the use of the Treadfast ES 3000 system to help to ensure foot finishes were installed on schedule...

Polyflor sheet vinyls in the movies. (Research Facility).
August 1, 2003... AROUND 2,000sq m POLYFLOR heavy duty and safety sheet vinyls and rubber floor tiles have been laid at a new research and development facility for UCB Films, Wigston which makes polyprop and cellulose films. The floorcoverings, fitted by SM...

Kahrs in dining room and kitchen. (Apartments).
August 1, 2003... KAHRS Walnut Linnea flooring has been chosen for installation throughout Stepney City, a development of luxury apartments within a converted Victorian school situated in London's East End. Featuring Kahrs glueless Woodloc joint, Walnut...