Contract Flooring Journal articles from January 2004

Contract Flooring Journal archives from January 2004

Red card for the 'unskilled'.(Editor's comment)
January 1, 2004... IT really doesn't matter that the Major Contractors Group (MCG) failed to achieve its target of a fully qualified workforce on all its sites by January 1, 2004. An audit later this month will reveal just how far short it has fallen of the...

Don't talk down the exhibitions.(Trade Fairs)
January 1, 2004... DISCUSSIONS regarding the value of trade exhibitions will always draw varied reactions from exhibitions and visitors alike. Naturally, most views are coloured by personal expectations and experiences which, over the years, I have surmised...

The way to generate additional income.(Cleaning)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... YOU featured editorial in CFJ (October 2003) on how adding cleaning and maintenance services to a flooring contractor's portfolio could generation additional income. The very valid point was made that it was a logical and compatible...

What happens to your business after you die?(Making A Will)
January 1, 2004... MOST people running small businesses believe that on the death of one partner the other would inherit all the assets. Not so! Even when married only the personal goods plus the first 125,000 [pounds sterling] of the estate will pass to the...

Let's show optimism at the start of 2004.(From the president)
January 1, 2004... FIRSTLY, may I take this opportunity to wish all our members a very happy and prosperous 2004 and I trust you are sticking to all those sensible resolutions made on New Years Eve when the spirits were running maybe a little high. As I...

Amazing support for schools competition.(From the director)
January 1, 2004... THE new CFA National Schools Competition has captured the hearts and minds of school children across the country. We have had over 75 entries in November alone proving, that CFA members are clearly seizing the initiative and contacting the...

Training directory.(Directory)
January 1, 2004... FLOORING INDUSTRY TRAINING ASSOCIATION 2004 training dates Jan 26-30 Intensive carpet fitting Feb 2-6 Amtico fitting B Feb 9-10 Floating wood-laminate Feb 11 Ardex presentation day A Feb 12-13 Domestic vinyl fitting...

Diary dates.(Directory)
January 1, 2004... DOMOTEX January 17-20 Hannover, Germany Contact: Hannover Fairs Tel: 020 8688 9541 DESIGN INTERIORS & EXPOTILE January 18-21 NEC, Birmingham Contact: CMP Information Tel: 020 8742 2828 or 020 7921 8142 THE...

Wood flooring warts and all! Part 3: getting to site.(Terry Wolfe's case book)
January 1, 2004... In the last issues, I have discussed the selection of wood flooring--which species, which format and referred to methods of fixing--nails, glue etc. I want to add a few words here about environment and conditioning. When you go to survey a...

Don't go round in circles installing a logo.(Ask Sid)(Brief Article)(Interview)
January 1, 2004... 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. As well as being an experienced and authoritative source of...

Easing the application of smoothing compounds.(Focus on tools)
January 1, 2004... Martin Coles, of Laybond's Flooring Tools division, illustrates how the correct flooring tools can ease installations and overcome issues with smoothing compound application. THE application of a smoothing compound is an important part of...

How to crack it without cracking it!(Ian Knifton's tile talk)(Interview)
January 1, 2004... Ian Knifton, technical manager at Schluter-Systems, looks at solving tiling problems number of different types of subsbstrate which might be encountered during renovation work. Q I'm undertaking floor tiling as part of a major restaurant...

Crunch talks with minister on January 7.(News file)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... FOR the first time the arguments against retentions will be presented to a cabinet minister face-to-face at a meeting scheduled on January 7. The chief secretary to the treasury, Paul Boateng, has agreed to see the chief executive of the...

Nicobond moves into a large new home.(News file)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... NICHOLS & CLARKE GROUP, the independent builders' merchant, manufacturer and distributor, has a new six-acre site in north east London. Known to the flooring trade as N&C Nicobond, the company makes tiles, grouts, screeds and adhesives. It...

Lib Dems set for tough line on retentions.(CFJ Exclusive)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... THE Liberal Democrats could be the first major political party to call for the scrapping of retentions. This strong line--to be discussed by the party's policy-making bodies--could appear in the Lib Dem manifesto for the next general election....

Modulus merger.(Business in brief)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Gaskell Carpet Tiles and Modulus Flooring Systems have merged less than a year since their acquisition by Low & Bonar Plc. Brian Pringle and William Willmot head the northern and southern sales divisions respectively, reporting to Richard...

Online success.(Business in Brief)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Flooring Supplies claims to have increased its online business by 66% after developing a fully interactive website including 'Live Assist', enabling customers to see wood flooring samples online and consult expert advisors....

HDF plant set up.(Business in brief)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Balterio has a new HDF laminate flooring line at its plant in Vielsalm, Belgium. New decors in Balterio's clickxpress system will be shown at Domotex. Tel: 0032 56 628081

ISO for interface.(Business in brief)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Interface UK has achieved ISO 9001 2000 accreditation for its plants at Shelf in Yorkshire and Craigavon in Northern Ireland. The new standard monitors customer satisfaction to measure quality control. Tel: 01274 690690

Stand alone Tarkett.(Business in brief)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Tarkett has dropped Sommer in its title. The group will operate globally under the Tarkett banner. Tel: 01905 342700

Invista is sold.(Business in brief)(acquired by Koch Industries )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Koch Industries is buying Invista, formerly DuPont Textiles & Interiors, for $4.4bn, including the Antron brand portfolio.

New plant for Smee.(Business in brief)(Brenta band sawmill plant)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Hardwood importer Smee Timber has a new 500,000 [pounds sterling] Brenta band sawmill plant in Winsford, Cheshire. www.smeetimber.com

Manufacturer aid.(Business in brief)(Manufacturing Advisory Service)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The Government's Manufacturing Advisory Service has delivered a total added value of 28m [pounds sterling] to UK firms since April 2002, according to DTI boss Patricia Hewitt.

Award for Flowcrete.(Business in brief)(UNISYS and Management Today customer service excellence awards)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The Flowcrete Group received the runners up accolade in the UNISYS and Management Today customer service excellence awards presented in London recently, underlining what it says is its 'passion for customer care'.

Under-18s 'banned from sites'.(News file)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... FLOORING contractors are reporting that some building site managers are refusing to allow trainees onto their sites if they are under the age of 18. The Health and Safery (Young Persons) Regulations which came into force in 1997 requires...

4m snaps up B+J Contracts.(News file)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... 4M FLOORING UK has increased its turnover by 65% to almost 7m [pounds sterling] after purchasing the business assets of Manchester-based flooring contractor B+J Contracts weeks after setting up a dedicated commercial division. 4m now...

Here's something to your advantage.(News file)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Richard Wollerton writes: No two CFA regional meetings are the same. Contractors, manufacturers, distributors and consultants exchange frank views and Insights Into common problems. At Southampton poor site conditions and impractical...

Whitestone 1m [pounds sterling] ahead.(News file)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... WHITESTONE WEAVERS has invested 1m [pounds sterling] in state-of-the-art technology, more warehousing space and improved security at its premises in Middlesbrough. The company, which designs and markets its own carpers, has doubled its...

Do you stretch?(Industry in Brief, seeking feedback on work exercise practices)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Does your company encourage staff to do warming up or stretching exercises before starting work? If so, researchers working for the Health and Safety Executive want to hear from you for a new project. Limbering up is believed to help prevent...

Output is up.(Industry in brief)(non-housing construction)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... New construction work in the public non-housing sector in the year to the third quarter of 2003 rose by 19%, according to the DTI. Repair and maintenance work in the sector was up 8% over the year while the private non-housing sector was 5%...

Green guide.(Industry in brief)(Building Research Establishment's Environmental Assessment Method)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... BREEAM, the Building Research Establishment's Environmental Assessment Method for buildings has been revised. Tel: 01923 664462 e-mail breeam@bre.co.uk

Monitoring service.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Plimsoll has launched a monthly floorcoverings industry monitoring service based on 739 companies. Tel: 01643 626400

Quality rag.(Industry in brief)(launch of newspaper)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Construction minister, Nigel Griffiths, has launched a tabloid newspaper for builders in the North West promoting the Quality Mark Scheme.

Dust guidance.(Industry in brief)(handling combustible dusts safely)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The Health and Safety Executive has updated guidance on dealing with combustible dusts, and the safest way of handling them. Tel: 01787 881165

CSCS for safety.(Construction Skills Certification Scheme, health and safety testing)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The Construction Skills Certification Scheme was commended at the Working Well Together 4C Construction Awards 2003 for improving awareness of health and safety in the construction industry. Over 300,000 people have passed the health and safety...

Osmosis guide.(Industry in brief)
January 1, 2004... FeRFA offers advice on preventing osmosis blistering on resin floor surface coats, a problem that can be costly to rectify, www.Ferfa.org.uk Tel: 01252 739149

Workplace stress.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The HSE has published new guidance for employers on reducing stress in the workplace. Tel: 01787 881165

Gerflor adds support to Thomsit fitter colleges.(Training)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... GERFLOR is provide flooring for apprentices floorlayers at Thomsit Training Centres at the six UniBond Centre of Excellence colleges. The CITB backed scheme offers NVQ Accredited training to over 120 students annually. Gerflor will also run...

Relaunched 4textrade.com is simply 'quicker'.(News file)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... THE interiors' business-to-business internet trading system, 4textrade.com, has been relaunched. Used by flooring contractors, as well as retailers, interior designers and distributors, the latest latest version of 4textrade.com includes: ...

BBC casts Marley Pebbles in makeover role.(News file)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... BBC interior design programme, Big Strong Boys, used the pebble design from MARLEY FLOORS in a makeover. The kitchen-diner refurb was designed by Suzanne Barnes Design Partnership, drawing drew inspiration from the existing decor. Tongue...

H&R Johnson takes to the road with new livery.(News file)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... H&R JOHNSON TILES has invested in bright, branded livery for a dedicated commercial delivery fleet of 10 vehicles, operated by Browns Distribution, Tunstall, Stoke on Trent. Putting the H&R Johnson name back on the UK's roads for the first...

Levy unchanged.(Industry in brief)(Construction Industry Training Board)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... CITB training levy rates remain at 0.5% on PAYE and 1.5% on labour-only payments in 2004, even though training grants have risen 15% with 86.5m [pounds sterling] available, according to the CiTB. Flooring contractors with an annual wage bill of...

COSHH hard copy.(Industry in brief)
January 1, 2004... A paper version of COSHH essentials: easy steps to control chemicals is available to help smaller businesses dealing with the use of hazardous substances at work. www.coshh-essentials.org.uk

NSCC recruits.(Industry in brief)(Single Ply Roofing Association)(Rural Design and Building Association)(British Blind and Shutter Association)(National Services and Contracting Est)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The Single Ply Roofing Association, the Rural Design and Building Association and the British Blind and Shutter Association have joined the NSCC, of which the CFA is a member. NSCC represents 28 organisations with over 6,500 contractors.

ISO 9000 award.(Industry in brief)(Permaban)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Permaban has received ISO 9000 certification for exceptional quality of service, recognising its investment in people, www.permaban.com Tel: 01752 895288

Resin at school.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Ryebrook Resina laid a resin floor along corridors, concourses and stairways at the new Laban dance school. In the toilet and shower areas a solvent-free epoxy screed was dressed up the walls to ceiling height. Vanity units were also created,...

Fastrack projects.(Industry in brief)(completion of contracts)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Fastrack (Midlands) has completed a 26,000 [pounds sterling] contract refurbishing an industrial unit near Junction 2 of the M5 for Hovi Developments, and another 12,000 [pounds sterling] deal for an 890sq m production plant in Somerset....

Online support.(Industry in brief)
January 1, 2004... A new Network for Construction Collaboration Technology Providers has been formed to promote online technology tot collaborative working in UK construction, www.ncctp.net Tel: 020 7549 3300

Burmatex director.(Industry in brief)(Correction Notice)
January 1, 2004... Terry King of Burmatex was wrongly referred to in CFJ (November 2003) as sales & marketing manager. His correct title is sales & marketing director. We apologise tot the error.

74% hit by abuse of retentions.(News file)
January 1, 2004... RETENTIONS abuse is highlighted yet again in the latest state of trade survey produced on behalf of the National Specialist Contractors Association, of which the CFA is a member, by the School of the Built Environment, Northumbria University....

Resin awards announced.(News file)(Resin Flooring Association awards Hardwick Resin Flooring as a contractor of the year)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... THE Resin Flooring Association (FeRFA) contractor of the year is Hardwick Resin Flooring. This was one of three awards announced by the association recently. Best new product went to Degussa Construction Chemicals MBT-Ucrete for Mastertop...

Lightweight underlay.(Products in brief)(Thermoflex)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Floorboards' new Thermoflex lighweight moisture resistant thermal underlay is designed for floating floors. The product comes in flat packs for easier storage, lifting and fitting. Tel: 0800 783 0265

Wood look alike.(Products in brief)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Richard Burbidge Connect Profile Four features a bevelled profile along all sides of the board replicating natural grooves of solid timber floorboards along with a grainy texture. Tel: 01691 678300

Saw for floorlayers.(Products in brief)
January 1, 2004... The Exakt Precision one-handed power saw is designed for cutting thin materials, in particular laminate, linoleum and parquet flooring, in addition to tiles, plywood, plastics and metals, www.exaktpt.com Tel: 01224 643434

Drainage membrane.(Products in brief)
January 1, 2004... The polypropylene Oldroyd X low-profile drainage membrane for damp or contaminated floors is supplied by Safeguard Chemicals. Tel: 01403 210204

It's all go for the UK fitting team.(News file)
January 1, 2004... SIX sponsors have come forward to ensure that British team will participate in the European fitting competition at Domotex this month. The six sponsors known as this issue of CFJ went to press were: Ball and Young, Interfloor, F Ball...

Surfaces show takes the floor.(News file)
January 1, 2004... AMTICO, F Ball, Isocrete, Egger, Heckmondwike, Granwood Flooring, Harvey Maria, Vigers Hardwood Flooring, Rainleaf Flooring Company, CCS and Silestone are just some of the flooring companies signed on to exhibit at The Surfaces Show London. ...

Allergies: 'we have the answer'.(News file)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... BONAR FLOORS is presenting a life-size dustmite at locations around the country to 'raise awareness of how flooring can make a difference with allergies'. Bonar's Stuart White comments: 'Specifying the right textiles, including...

Far East success for British screed.(News file)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... A MAJOR contract in the Far East has been awarded to ISOCRETE COMMERCIAL FLOORING for its K-Screed system. More than 60,000sq m of Isocrete K-Screed has been ordered for Malaysia's Sungai Buloh Hospital, (pictured right) situated on the...

Design interiors.(Events in brief)
January 1, 2004... Over 160 companies, including those in floorcoverings, will exhibit at Design Interiors (January 18-21) NEC, Birmingham, running alongside The Furniture Show, Lighting Show, KBB2004, Expotile and Soft Furnishings, covering 17 halls with more...

Brintons to exhibit.(Events in brief)
January 1, 2004... Brintons will be one of more than $40 exhibitors at Retail Interiors and the International Display Week from February 16-18 at Earls Court, London. Tel: 020 7520 1774

Asia show grows.(Events in brief)
January 1, 2004... Domotex asia/Chinafloor is to make it's sixth appearance from March 24-26. The 2003 event attracted 350 exhibitors, of which 40% came outside of Asia, and 13,400 trade visitors, www.hannoverfair.co.uk

Incentive world.(Events in brief)
January 1, 2004... Incentive World 2004 will be held at Earls Court 2 from April 20-22, www.incentive-world.co.uk

FTBA all at sea.(Events in brief)
January 1, 2004... The Furniture Industry Sailing Challenge takes place at Cowes from June 11-13. Teams of seven or nine people can enter, although one boat is available for individuals who don't have a team. Tel: 02380 458900 www.britanniaevents.co.uk

Seatrade for 2005.(Events in brief)
January 1, 2004... The next Seatrade London international maritime convention is from October 18-20, 2005, at ExCel, London. www.seatradeqondon.com

British Wool Marketing Board.(People)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... TIM BOOTH has joined British Wool Marketing Board as product development manager. Tim has spent his entire working life in the textile industry, mainly testing and inspecting wool and other fibres. Previously with SGS United Kingdom, he...

Kronospan.(People)(new UK divisions)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Kronospan has formed three new UK divisions; manufacturing to be headed by SCOTT BRADY, distribution with JULIAN SHAW at the top, and retail to be run by JOHN GOMERSALL. Each division will operate as a profit centre and report directly to DAVID...

Gaskell Textiles.(People)(build a team of seven people who are reporting to sales manager)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Gaskell Textiles has expanded its underlay salesforce with a sales team of seven reporting to national underlay sales manager DAVID SHARE, including GORDON WEIR (Scotland); BRIAN SIGSWORTH (North East, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and East...

CFA.(People)(Contract Flooring Association)(Peter Evans Flooring promotes its staff)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Peter Evans Flooring, a member of the CFA based in south Wales, has promoted two key members of staff following expansion and development. DOMINIC EVANS becomes as operations director. Dominic is a keen rugby player and climber. NICK HEALINGS,...

FBSC president is big in a number of arias.(People)(Federation of Building Specialist Contractors)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... DONALD PILLEY of Pilley Construction is the new president of The Federation of Building Specialist Contractors. Mr Pilley undertook a five year apprenticeship gaining his City and Guilds and HNC in Bricklaying nearly 50 years ago. He worked in...

Flowcrete.(People)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... VIK VITHLANI has joined Flowcrete as sales manager for the Midlands and South West England. Based in Leicester, Vik says he aims to double the company's sales in his area over the next two years.

Exhibitor rush at Europarket.(News file)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... EUROPARKET 2004 will be double the size of the last event after unprecedented demand from wood and laminate companies. The organisers have been forced to add a fifth exhibition hall, making the total flour area 25,000sq m, twice the space...

Marley helps fund project in South Africa.(News File, Marley Floors South Africa provides flooring for Khatazile Primary School)
January 1, 2004... MARLEY FLOORS and its Premier Club funded a double classroom at Khatazile Primary School, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. The school had only five small rooms for 420 pupils, many of whom had to be taught outside because of lack of space. ...

Norris job at Jarvis.(Have you heard?)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Subcontractors who are trying to get their retentions back from main contractor Jarvis will be interested in what the firm is allegedly paying its new non-executive chairman Steven Norris, who is also Tory London mayoral candidate. It's a...

Mobiles in cars.(Have you heard?)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Lawyer Rudi Klein, says bosses could be held responsible it an employee causes an accident while on the phone on business, even on a construction site. He advises that, to be absolutely sale, bosses should tell staff not to have a mobile phone...

French out of favour.(Have you heard?)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... After the UK government appointed a French contractor to build the new 244m [pounds sterling] Home Office headquarters in London, there is a further row following the French management team's refusal to allow British union representatives onto...

400% profit on PFI.(Have you heard?)(Kent PFI Darent Valley hospital)
January 1, 2004... The main contractor Carillion is reported to have made 400% profit after disposing of its stake in the PFI Darent Valley hospital in Kent.

Gay rights on site.(Have you heard?)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Contractors who discriminate against workers on grounds of sexual orientation or religious beliefs face heavy penalties in new legislation.

Architects get a rise.(Have you heard?)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Architects fees increased 11% in 2003, according to a new report.

Mark Houlden: md, 4m flooring uk.(In the dock)(Interview)
January 1, 2004... * Did you get into trouble at school? Not in trouble as such I just made more time for my part-time job described in the next question than I did for studies. * What was your first part-time job? As a floorlayer, for a company called West...

Hallmark: James Bell's love of flooring was inspired by an uncle 40 years ago.(Flooring contractor profile)
January 1, 2004... THIS year heralds a new start for James A Bell, better known in the trade as Jim. His business, in partnership with his wife, Pauline, has a new name, JA Bell Flooring Ltd. A few years ago the couple moved from London to Wiveliscombe, near...

Flooring on a roll: opportunities for flooring companies should improve this year, according to the md of Gradus.(Manufacturer development)
January 1, 2004... WITH a general election likely in 18 months the Government is expected to get more of its promised health and education spending out into the market soon so that voters will see results. Alan Bakalor reports. During 2003 administrative red...

Hear what we say! Three flooring contractors and a distributor from the North East talk frankly in a forum organised by CFJ.(Taking the floor)(Panel Discussion)
January 1, 2004... The participants are: * Ian Staines, of Fresco Interiors, Leeds * Alan Howe, of Shirtcliffe Contracts, Sheffield * Geoff Dixon, of Grangefield Services, Leeds * Dick Thomas, of FM Birch, Sheffield Retentions Ian: It...

Heading for Hannover: last year over 2,000 people from the UK traveled to Domotex. A similar number is expected at this year's fair (January 17-20). Below is a taste of what's on show.(Domotex preview)
January 1, 2004... BALL & YOUNG (Tel: 01536 200502) (Hall 6, Stand E59) will feature Cloud 9 range of underlays claimed to be easy to handle and quick to install, with products for sound reduction under wood and laminate flooring and flame retardancy with...