Contract Flooring Journal articles from August 2007

Contract Flooring Journal archives from August 2007

Rubbish is not to sniffed at!(Editor's comment)(waste management by small sized companies)(Editorial)
August 1, 2007... ARE you among the 74% of small company owners polled by YouGov who say 'good environmental practice is very important to small businesses'? Or are you one of the 97% of SME directors in another business survey, reported recently in CFJ, who say...

CFA firm faces tower of London.(Installation of the month)
August 1, 2007... A PRESTIGIOUS office contract within a stone's throw of the Tower of London was undertaken recently by a founding member of the Contract Flooring Association, DELTA COMMERCIAL FLOORING, of Essex. The new state-of-the-art Scottish Re...

Trade shows: how much do we really need them?(Points of view)
August 1, 2007... Polyflor marketing manager, Simon James, I puts his finger on a thorny issue and questions the real value of trade shows: THE editor of CFJ in his leader column (June, 2007) reeled off seven different statistics demonstrating trade...

Floorlayer applauds Sid Bourne's views.(Points of view)(Column)
August 1, 2007... Floorlayer Peter Davies agrees with Sid Bourne that the trade is going in a negative direction: HATS off to Sid Bourne, his help and advice column in this months issue says it all about the current state of play in the trade, not only...

'Thousands out there want to start in a trade'.(Apprenticeships)(Report)
August 1, 2007... Max Hamps, director of ConstructionSkills apprenticeship, urges the construction industry to stop turning away tomorrow's skilled crafts people: IN 2006 the construction industry in England missed out on at least 12,000 recruits due to the...

'Prices are rising, so is demand'.(Hardwood flooring)
August 1, 2007... David Hillier, md of Kahrs (UK), outlines the future challenges facing the hardwood industry: OVER the last year we have been seeing a steady rise in the price of raw material, in line with the growing demand for both hard and soft wood...

'Distributors have important role for contractors'.(Market research)
August 1, 2007... Richard Harris, marketing manager of F Ball and Co, reveals the results of the company's latest market research: MARKET research undertaken on behalf of F Ball and Co has once again emphasised the key role that continues to be played by...

How to avoid the moisture trap.(The president: Terry Wolfe)
August 1, 2007... WHEN I started writing for CFJ my articles were called 'Terry Wolfe's Casebook', my intention being to share experiences with you in the hope it will prevent you falling into the same trap as the contractor in the anecdote. When I received...

CSCS cards: funds for CFA members.(comment)(Public notice)
August 1, 2007... NSCC is offering supplementary funding of 100 [pounds sterling] per CSCS card gained via NVQ level 2 and above to CFA member companies. Members do not have to be in-scope to CITB--ConstructionSkills to receive this funding and their details...

Training directory.(Directory)
August 1, 2007... FITA offers CSCS status: FITA now offers assessment and certification recognised by CSCS for carpet tile fitters; wood floor sanding and sealing operatives; and surface subfloor preparation operatives. * T: 0115 9506836 * e-mail:...

The glues brothers.(Cartoon)
August 1, 2007... COSTS A FORTUNE TO GET RID OF ALL THE CARPET WASTE UNDERLAY AND PACKAGING [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MIND YOU TRADE'S BEEN THAT BAD WE HAVEN'T PAID FOR MUCH TO BE TAKEN AWAY RECENTLY [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] INFACT IT'S THE BOTTLE...

Staining skills will be highly sought after.(on the staining)(Column)
August 1, 2007... STAINS are definitely back in. Most suppliers are selling colourful floors from exotic species to smoked and stained products. Some species are quite expensive and beyond the budget of the majority of consumers. They then have a problem...

Using water on its own just won't wash.(on understanding the physics of soiling)
August 1, 2007... LAST Month, I discussed the concept of soil retention and mentioned in particular that two mechanisms--micro-occlusion, and oil bonding can only be overcome using detergents. Vacuuming alone is not sufficient. With this in mind, it is now a...

How to build your own IP tool kit.(on protecting your IP)
August 1, 2007... WHETHER you are a flooring designer, entrepreneur, manufacturer or inventor, you need to protect your intellectual capital or 'know how'. Many lose their businesses because of not understanding about IP rights. There are low cost and no...

Tilers need help to make sound choices.(on tiling onto acoustic floors)
August 1, 2007... A FREQUENTLY-asked question is: 'Can tiles can be successfully installed on to acoustic floors?' Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer. With appropriate tiling protection some acoustic floors will accommodate tiles, but others...

Training is more than learning to lay a floor.(on the importance of training)
August 1, 2007... LIKE all industries, the flooring sector is not static as new products are continually being launched and new or updated methods, whether as a consequence of these new products or through regulatory changes, are introduced. Training is...

Maintenance is one of the big questions.(on seeking technical advice)
August 1, 2007... I WAS in a petrol station recently, queuing up to part with what would have been 10 weeks wages for me back in 1967. I found myself second in line behind a man who was treating his car to a much needed bit of TLC and was trying to buy a carwash...

Dirty joints come under the microscope: why is a welding rod not supplied as a PUR material?(Questions from floorlayers ... Answer from experts)
August 1, 2007... Jeff Sharpe, of Flooring Southampton, writes: Q Since the introduction to our industry of easy clean materials, particularly PUR incorporated and PUR coated, nobody appears to have given any thought to the welded joints. In our...

Creating a finish that looks unfinished.(on treatments for timber floors)(Column)
August 1, 2007... I HAVE had many phone calls from specifiers and homeowners who are looking for a suitable treatment for their timber floor. Often the client has recently sanded an existing floor which for years has been neglected and, when sanded, reveals...

When you're laying--think of England!(News file)
August 1, 2007... YOUR country needs you! This is tire message from John Roberts (pictured right), of the NICF, to floorlayers from across the UK. John is preparing, to select a totally new British team to compete in the European Team Fitting Championships...

Sponsors are needed.(European floorlaying championsips)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... SPONSORS are vital to the European floorlaying competition. It costs about 36,000 Euros, equivalent to around 24,500 [pounds sterling], to organise the event. Additionally, 8,000 Euros (5,500 [pounds sterling]) is needed to run the selection...

Tarkett closes UK line.(Business in brief)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... Tarkett has closed its Auma 25 production line at Lenham in Kent and transferred it to Ronneby in Sweden, where the plant is designed to produce a large and complex mix of products as demand dictates. Some of the Auma 25 workforce were retained...

Bonar Floors is booming.(Business in brief)
August 1, 2007... Low & Bonar, parent of Bonar Floors, saw pre-tax profits almost double from 2.9m [pounds sterling] to 5.7m [pounds sterling] in the six months to May 31, while turnover rose 58% from 89.7m [pounds sterling] to 142.1m [pounds sterling].

Desso is snapped up.(Business in brief)
August 1, 2007... Carpet and carpet tile manufacturer Desso has been acquired by NPM Capital NV, a Dutch investment firm. The move is reportedly designed to promote faster growth and more product innovation. Desso will focus on the office, air transport, hotel...

Headlam sales are up.(Business in brief)
August 1, 2007... Headlam Group reports a 2.4% increase in sales on a like for like basis during the first 21 weeks of 2007 compared with the corresponding period last year.

Victoria is upbeat.(Business in brief)
August 1, 2007... Pre-tax profits at Victoria Plc jumped by 37% to 2.76m [pounds sterling], up from 2.01m [pounds sterling] last year. The annual report also revealed a 6% rise in group revenue to 55.43m [pounds sterling].

Johnson talks to Johnson.(Business in brief)
August 1, 2007... H&R Johnson is reportedly in talks with Johnson Ceramics International to set up a strategic global alliance. If accepted, the deal could help H&R Johnson boost its exports especially of high-end vitrified tiles in markets such as Africa, West...

Devi in new task force.(Business in brief)
August 1, 2007... The heating division of Danfoss, which includes Devi UK, the electric underfloor heating specialist, has set up a taskforce to focus on dialogue with legislators and institutions in indoor comfort and heating to be closer to discussions in...

Quote.(News file)
August 1, 2007... 'Once you decide to work for yourself, you never go back to work for somebody else' --Alan Sugar, millionaire 'Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new' --Albert Einstein, scientist 'Associate yourself...

Jockey for a big prize.(Two bonus offers for flooring contractors)
August 1, 2007... THEY'RE OFF for the second round of the ALTRO Horses for Courses prize draw in which flooring contractors and distributors can win a host of prizes, including a racing themed holiday. Top prize is a trip to New York to watch the world...

10 [pounds sterling] cashback on rolls of vinyl floorcoverings.(News file)
August 1, 2007... GERFLOR is offering 10 [pounds sterling] per roll cashback to flooring contractors who buy the new-look Tarasafe Standard range of vinyl floorcoverings. Prices on the product, which now has a new collection of colours, are being held at 6.95sq...

Floors-2-Go clinches exclusive deal with Pergo.(News file)
August 1, 2007... FLOORS-2-GO has agreed a deal with Pergo to supply an exclusive collection of laminates with surfaces which claim to be as tough as titanium and finishes to rival the look of real wood. The range comprises 27 products, including Beech, Oak...

Payment gets later.(Business in brief)
August 1, 2007... The time it takes UK businesses to pay bills--61 days on average--is the highest on record, according to new research from Experian. Among the worst payers are big construction companies which take an average of 86 days to cough up, compared...

United Carpets soars.(Business in brief)
August 1, 2007... Retail floorcoverings chain United Carpets Group reports a 23.6% rise in its full-year pre-tax profit. Turnover rose 10.7% to 19.55m [pounds sterling] for the period from 17.65m [pounds sterling] reported in the year-ago period. The company's...

Carpetright sales rise.(Business in brief)(Financial report)
August 1, 2007... Sales at Carpetright rose 5.4% to 475.9m [pounds sterling] in the year to April 28. The company reports profits before tax up 4.4% from 64.2m [pounds sterling] to 67m [pounds sterling]. An increase of 83 stores during the year took the total to...

Parador in top 100.(Business in brief)
August 1, 2007... Wood and laminate flooring manufacturer Parador has been named as one of Germany's 100 most innovative small and mediumsized companies (SMEs) in a nationwide poll. Parador's sales in 2006 were 112m [pounds sterling].

Certification extended.(Business in brief)
August 1, 2007... Following recent successful quality and environmental audits at flooring accessories manufacturer FN Neuhofer Holz, the company's ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification has been extended.

Speedy buys Hewden.(Business in brief)
August 1, 2007... Speedy Hire has snapped up Hewden Tools for 115m [pounds sterling], giving the combined group 540 depots across the UK.

Construction inflation.(Business in brief)
August 1, 2007... Building tender price inflation in London will rise to 6.5% in 2008, says consultancy EC Harris, with construction inflation in the capital rising by three times the rate of consumer inflation over the next two years, especially with most...

New twist at Wembley as Cup Final kicks off.(News file)
August 1, 2007... RYALUX has rolled out the red carpet for the first FA Cup Final at the new Wembley Stadium. Ryalux supplied a triangle of carpet from its V&A Twist range for the pre-match player line-up, which saw both Manchester United and Chelsea...

Gerflor goes on the internet with a flash.(News file)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... GERFLOR has launched a new website for the UK and Ireland. The new site is said to be bursting with product and technical information, case studies of installations, testimonials and information on Gerflor's commitment to the environment. It...

Interfloor invests 2.25m [pounds sterling] to be miles ahead.(News file)
August 1, 2007... INTERFLOOR is investing 2.25m [pounds sterling] in a three-year programme of improvements to it's delivery service. The 100-strong fleet of vehicles and trailers will grow, plus interior re-design will allow easier loading and unloading....

Parquet presses ahead.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... Hardwood flooring production grew by 2.02% in 2006 to a record volume of 98m sq m, according to the European Federation of the Parquet Industry. The consumption rise of 5.55% was thanks to higher demand in Eastern Europe as well as Belgium,...

Wood availability worry.(high production costs and wood availability might decrease output)(medium density fireboard productions)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... The European producers of wood-based panels, who met in Italy recently, expressed satisfaction about market conditions but worry about soaring production costs and wood availability. Particleboard production rose 4% to 37.2m cu m, while MDF...

Building orders up.(Industry in brief)(Report)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... Construction orders in the three months to May rose by 7% compared with the previous three months. During the same period there were rises of 27%, 16% and 8% respectively in orders from private commercial public non-housing and private housing....

More builders go bust.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... Insolvencies in the construction sector rose in the second quarter of 2007, according to new statistics from Experian. A total of 433 builders went to the wall, compared with 429 for the same quarter in 2006. So far this year 842 construction...

Ulster jobs boom aided.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... The construction industry is helping Northern Ireland to be the UK's fastest job growth region, according to a new Ulster Bank survey.

Two get 'A' rating for green achievement: 'best environmental practice'.(News file)
August 1, 2007... ALTRO Chrysalis smooth vinyl sheet flooring has received an A rating for sustainability under the Building Research Establishment (BRE) environmental profiling scheme using ecopoints. The BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) is the...

'Continuous improvement'.(Heckmondwike FB receives Green Guide 'A' rating )(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... HECKMONDWIKE FB has received a Green Guide 'A' rating for all its fibre bonded carpet and carpet tiles environmentally profiled by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), including Supacord and Broadrib. 'Environment profiles are...

Bissell sweeps up floorcare award.(News file)
August 1, 2007... BISSELL has won the best floorcare product category for its ProHeat 2X deep cleaner range at a prestigious UK electrical industry awards ceremony at the Belfry Hotel, Warwickshire. Independent electrical retailers nation-wide voted in the...

FITA offers CSCS status.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... FITA now offers assessment and certification recognised by CSCS for: Carpet tile fitters; wood floor sanding and sealing operatives; and surface subfloor preparation operatives. T: 0115 9506836 E: info@fita.co.uk

CIS penalty warning.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... From October 19, an automatic 100 [pounds sterling] penalty will be imposed for all CIS monthly returns not received by the monthly deadline. This will include 'nil' returns as well as any returns due from May to October not received by October...

NSCC extends deadline.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... CFA flooring contractor members now have until August 31 to submit their accident figures for 2006/07 after the deadline was extended. Firms are required to collect this information by law and, with the special NSCC website, submitting is quick...

Fair payment bid.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... NSCC will launch a campaign next month to improve construction payment practices. The Fair Payment Campaign will build on the ongoing review of the Construction Act and Fair Payment Charter to be adopted on all public sector projects from...

CITB boosts grants.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... A record 140m [pounds sterling] is being offered in CITB-ConsttuctionSkills Grants. This compares with 113m [pounds sterling] distributed in the 2006 financial year, which saw over 20,500 employers benefit. www.cskills.org/grant

Skills crisis warning.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... Construction labour shortages are at their highest level since 2005, the Federation of Master Builders' latest state of trade survey says.

Sharp output rise.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... Construction output saw its fastest increase for over three years, according to the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply. Construction orders rose at their fastest rate in six years.

Ryalux employee faces spin.(.. but it's cricket)
August 1, 2007... RYALUX is sponsoring employee Ian Walker to represent England in the Indoor Cricket World Cup in Bristol this September. Ian (pictured left) has worked at Ryalux's Mossfield site as stock controller for 10 years. He has played in three of...

Go karting plane sailing for carpenter.(News file)
August 1, 2007... FLOORING contractor and carpenter Guy Chandler (pictured right) won the fiercely contested BONAKEMI Go Karting Grand Prix at Daytona, Milton Keynes, in June, claiming the title of the UK's Fastest Flooring Contractor. Guy, of Guildford...

Mapei md hits 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds.(Mark Louch drives Radical SR3 Sportscar)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... MAPEI md Mark Louch has driven the Radical SR3 Sportscar, one of the fastest track cars ever built. Mark, a self-confessed motorsport fanatic was introduced to the revolutionary sportscar by tile industry colleague and Mapei products...

Health & Safety blitz.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... Health and Safety Executive inspectors conducted a sweep of workplaces across the South East region last month, looking at issues of falls and good order at construction sites. Inspections of other regions of the UK are to follow.

Waste proposal.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... The Chartered Institute of Building is calling for all construction projects longer than 30 total working days or 500 person days to have a Site Waste Management Plan to encourage more efficient use of materials.

Green manual launched.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... A new Construction Environmental Manual is designed to assist construction companies in the UK, including flooring contractors, to comply with their legal duties and improve how they manage environmental issues. Priced 125 [pounds sterling], it...

'Don't end fag breaks'.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... The TUC is urging employers not to stop cigarette breaks following the new law banning smoking indoors. However, the union is urging firms to hold 'stop smoking sessions'.

Women are put off.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... One third of women don't apply for construction-related jobs because they believe the sector is still too male-dominated with an unequal pay structure, says a new survey. Also, 21% of women actually working in construction said they had seen...

Bikes are banned.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... A Glasgow based engineering consultancy with offices all over the UK has reportedly banned staff from motorbiking or cycling to work because they are 'too dangerous'. Critics says this is contrary to the firm's environmental policy.

Fewer holidays taken.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... Nearly two thirds of construction managers admit they won't use their full holiday entitlement this year, according to a Chartered Management Institute survey. This is a 50% increase since 2004.

All eyes on Interbuild flooring demo zone.(News file)
August 1, 2007... INTERBUILD 2007 will again host one of its most popular attractions, the flooring demonstration zone in association with Contract Flooring Journal (CFJ). This live show is held in conjunction with the Contract Flooring Association (CFA)...

All change at construction.(News file)(appointment of Stephen Timms as construction minister)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... THE prime minister Gordon Brown has appointed a new construction minister in place of Margaret Hodge. He is Stephen Timms MP, formerly chief secretary to the Treasury. Mr Timms is the sixth minister for construction in six years, now under...

Big tick for InterfaceFLOR.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... InterfaceFLOR received the EDF 'Big Tick' for environmental impact at the Business in the Community Awards for Excellence 2007 for the second year. The company energy efficiency and renewable energy programmes are said to have resulted in a 60%...

CRL wins again.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... For the second year specialist main contractor Concrete Repairs Ltd won the Best Place to Work in Construction award in 2007. www.concrete-repairs.co.uk

Apply for an honour.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... Applications are invited for the annual Queens' awards for enterprise from UK-based businesses excelling in international trade, innovation or sustainable development. A previous winner was Polyflor. The deadline for entries is October 31...

RIBA picks Junkers.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... Hardwood flooring producer Junckers has been chosen by RIBA as part of its Core Curriculum, a new initiative designed to continue the knowledge of all RIBA's members in core construction products. Junckers has been providing RIBA-accredited...

Czech out the floors.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... The Building Centre in London is working with Czech Trade to introduce to the UK a series of Czech interior products, including metal and mesh flooring for industrial and commercial applications. T: 020 7692 4000 www.buildingcentre.co.uk

Finishing on site.(Industry in brief)(Website overview)
August 1, 2007... A new website from Wood finishes Direct offers quality wood care products, including stains, waxes, oils, fillers, varnishes, lacquers and sealers, www.wood-finishes-direct.com

Backing for BWFA.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... The British Wood Flooring (BWFA) has received funding support from UK Woodchain to establish a wood flooring training course and qualification to national occupational standards, www.bwfa.co.uk

Flowcrete has hand in top RIBA project.(News file)
August 1, 2007... A LANDMARK London building, brought back to the future with help from FLOWCRETE, has secured a major award. The Roundhouse, in Chalk Farm Road, a Grade II listed building, recognised as an outstanding example of mid- 19th century...

Polyflor bonus offer.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... By purchasing 20 full rolls or more of qualifying Polysafe products until September 30, flooring contractors can qualify for a Toshiba laptop computer--and bulk buyers of the Bevel Line Collection of luxury vinyl planks until November 30 can...

Victorian Wood tops.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... Victorian Wood Works, an established supplier of high quality wood flooring, also offers a range of premium quality timber solutions for walls and counter frontage, such as those installed recently at the Because florist shop in London. T: 020...

Carpets on the box.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... Online retailer UKCarpetsDirect.com has supplied 18 shaggy 100% wool rugs for the reality TV show Britain's Next Top Model, and a broadloom for a new daytime TV programme 60 Minute Makeover which airs next month, www.ukcarpetsdirect.com

Fast-track contractor.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... Dominic Evans, director of Peter Evans Flooring, a CFA member, owns Team XL Raceparts, currently second overall Class I of the EERC Production $1 Championship, the Britcar 24hr race at Silverstone and Dutch Supercar Championship. The team is...

Forbo backs students.(Forbo Flooring contributes 2500 pounds sterling for interior designing competition)(Brief article)
August 1, 2007... Forbo recently contributed 2,500 [pounds sterling] to sponsor a competition for design students in Scotland. Colin Sinclair from Glasgow Metropolitan College won the first prize of 500 [pounds sterling] and work placement. Glasgow School of Art...

SDEA election results.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... The Shop and Display Equipment Association has re-elected Ronald Cohen of Foxbarn as president and Geoff Fairfield of Fairfield Displays & Lighting as vice president. New executive council members are Chris Shoebottom of Albion Design &...

Joinery firm is fined.(Industry in brief)
August 1, 2007... Magistrates fined a Cumbrian-joinery 2,600 [pounds sterling] after an apprentice fell through an unprotected stairwell on a building site and suffered spinal injuries. The firm also had to pay 1,395 [pounds sterling] in costs.