Contract Flooring Journal articles from July 2004

Contract Flooring Journal archives from July 2004

No place for the race card.(Editor's comment)(Immigrants of Construction industry)(Editorial)
July 1, 2004... NEWSPAPER editors who exploit the immigrant issue for sensational headlines which drum up race hatred are doing Britain a major disservice. Indeed, some tabloid scare stories are blatantly absurd, like recent claims of a one-legged roofer and a...

Moisture: advice must be realistic: TRADA's flooring specialist Peter Kaczmar, weighs up the case for reviewing standards.(Standards)
July 1, 2004... OF all the issues associated with wood flooring none is debated more vociferously or voluminuosly than that of wood moisture relations and their effect on movement. I say this because not so long ago Terry Tulle, who also graces the...

Example of a green business: Peter Herbert, divisional manager of Tembec (Europe), congratulates the editor of CFJ on saying that every business decision must consider environmental impact (CFJ, June 2004).(The Environment)
July 1, 2004... I WOULD like to offer further evidence of the growing value of developing and pursuing environmentally sustainable business practices. Tembec is now the acknowledged leader in North America (arguably the world) of sustainable forest management....

We are the voice of the tile industry: Brian G Newell, founder and chairman of Shackerley Group, has written for CFJ for over two years. In this article he writes about his new responsibility as chairman of The Tile Association.(The Tile Association)
July 1, 2004... I AM delighted to have been elected to chair such a proactive and successful organisation that has achieved so much in a relatively short period of time. In just four years the TTA has established itself as the voice of the tile industry,...

I aim to be a champion of flooring contractors.(The president: Hamish MacGregor)(Contract Flooring Association)
July 1, 2004... WHAT an honour and a responsibility it is to become the first (I think, correct me if I'm wrong) Scottish president of the CFA. I make no apologies for proposing to frequently fly the Saltire flag throughout my two year term as president. ...

A dispute can actually become an opportunity.(The director: Richard Wollerton)(Contract Flooring Association)
July 1, 2004... AS the number and variety of contracts increases, so too does the potential for disagreement. Last year we at the Contract Flooring Association received a record number of requests for assistance to help resolve disputes between various...

Training directory.(Directory)
July 1, 2004... NVQ TRAINING UNIBOND THOMSIT NVQ Floorcoverings (Levels 1, 2, and 3) are offered at Thomsit Training Centres, with advice on new entrant training and on-site assessment and training programmes for experienced workers to obtain CSCS cards....

Over 250 at Karndean courses.(Training)
July 1, 2004... OVER 250 people nave participated in training courses by KARNDEAN since March 2003, according to the company. In response to demand, Karndean has added new training dates. While the basic course has been designed as an introduction to...

Flowcrete attracts a global audience.(Training)(ATB 300 anti-static screed)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... FLOWCRETE Corrosion Protection introduced its new ATB 300 anti-static screed to 300 specialist applicators at a recent training event. Designed for the pharmaceutical industry and other areas where there is an explosive risk, the new...

Diary dates.(Training)(Calendar)
July 1, 2004... NATIONAL FLOOR SHOW September 7-9 Harrogate Contact: CMP Information Tel: 0207 921 8435 www.nationalfloorshow.co.uk THE RESTAURANT SHOW September 20-22 Olympia, London Contact: Quantum Business Tel: 020 8565 4200 www.eco.co.uk LEISURE...

The glues brothers.(Training)
July 1, 2004... AT THE DUN.KNEELIN' REST HOME FOR CARPET FITTERS, RONNIE IS GETTING SOME ADVICE.... WE HATED THAT NEW FANGLED GRIPPER IN THE LATE FIFTIES IT'D CLOSE OUR WORKROOMS--PUT US LADS ON THE DOLE STUFF YERPROGRESS, PAL--THERE WAS ONE THING FOR...

Stopping stained floors failures.(on flooring)(Association of Bona Contractors Club)
July 1, 2004... IN April I was invited by BonaKemi, the well known floor seal and accessory manufacturer, to give a talk at the annual regional meetings of their ABC club (Association of Bona Contractors Club). I chose as my subject 'Relative Humidity.......

Making a cut: Martin Coles, of Laybond Products, discusses the use of cutting tools needed for sheet and tile format resilient floorcoverings.(on tools)
July 1, 2004... TODAY, more and more resilient floorcovering installations require design work to be incorporated into the job. Design work often takes the form of borders or quite intricate features in the centre of a floor. Typically, a commercial...

Do take care! David Gatfield, Altro technical services manager--Northern Region, looks at correct maintenance techniques for safety flooring.(on safety floor maintenance)
July 1, 2004... SAFETY flooring is not difficult to clean, but the correct procedures need to be followed to keep the floor looking good and to reduce the need for expensive maintenance in years to come. All floors require cleaning and with advances in...

Conservatory floors up close.(on tiles)
July 1, 2004... INSTALLING floors in conservatories comes with its own special set of problems. Many contractors get calls from customers unhappy with the floor tiles in their conservatory cracking and becoming debonded from the substrate. IAN KNIFTON,...

Did you talk about maintenance?(on wood floors)
July 1, 2004... In his regular column, SID BOURNE, independent trainer and consultant, answers questions from CFJ readers and shares some of his 25 years of installation experience. As well as being experienced and authoritative source of hardwood flooring...

How to hire the top performers.(on recruitment)
July 1, 2004... SO now you are recruiting--a matter of matching a person to a job--what could be simpler? Well actually most things are simpler! This is one of the most risk prone business decisions that many managers make and, in our opinion, far too many...

How to get your message across.(on marketing)
July 1, 2004... TALKING to contacts across the flooring market about how they see the role of marketing throws up a fascinating array of answers. Frequently responses refer to sales support, creating brochures, advertising, exhibitions and events, PR,...

College regrets 'fitter apathy'.(News file)
July 1, 2004... FLOORING contractors moan about a skills shortage yet apparently do nothing about it. Willie firms Complain about the poor calibre of applicants for vacancies, a college that can train apprentices to NVQ level 2 for free is failing; to...

For Carpets of Worth read Bond Worth.(News file)(Bond Worth)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... THE illustrious name of BOND WORTH is back on the carpet scene following the decision by Carpets of Worth to revert to its original corporate title. The company's md Tony Hinett emphasises that customers will enjoy service as usual while...

Kidderminster golf raises 17,000 [pounds sterling].(News file)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... THE Kidderminster carpet manufacturing golf tournament this year raised 17,000 [pounds sterling] for in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief and Furnishing Trades Benevolent Association. In 48 years the tournament has raised over 750,000 [pounds...

Manufacturing lift.(Business in brief)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Manufacturing output and orders are growing at their fastest rate in more than seven years with zero job losses, according to the latest survey by Engineering Employers' Federation. Chief economist of the EEF, Stephen Radley commented: 'These...

Output up again.(Business in brief)(United Kingdom. Department of Trade and Industry)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Construction output is up again according to the latest figures from the DTI. There was a 7% rise overall in the year to the first quarter of 2004. Repair and maintenance work in the public non-housing sector was 11% up in the same period with...

Many still shaky.(Business in brief)(United Kingdom. Department of Trade and Industry)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Construction firms are still going bust at the rate of six a day, according to the DTI. Construction is still the hardest hit sector after financial and business services.

Pay rise deal.(Business in Brief)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Building and civil engineering apprentices are reported to have been given a pay rises of up to 16%. First year hourly rates are up to 3.50 [pounds sterling] and second year rates to 4.48 [pounds sterling]. At the upper end of the scale, hourly...

A site better.(Business in Brief)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... The average pay for construction workers in the year to April 2003 rose 4.3% to 25,336 [pounds sterling], according to a survey for RICS. The average rise for British workers for the same period was 2.4%

Flooring deal.(Business in Brief)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Twintex Industrial Flooring is reported to have won a 290,000 [pounds sterling] contract for a distribution centre in Hull.

Scottish shortage.(Business in Brief)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... A new CITB survey shows that one in five construction employers in Scotland have vacanies.

Quote.
July 1, 2004... QUOTE: 'We think the Construction Act is working well' --An unnamed representative of a main contractor reported to be unhappy that the Act is being reviewed by Sir Michael Latham in relation to late payment QUOTE: 'The time has come...

Tories 'concerned' about retentions.(News file)
July 1, 2004... NEARLY three months alter writing about retentions to the Conservative Party leader, Michael Howard, the Contract Flooring Association has received a response. It was not from Mr Howard, but from the party's parliamentary spokesman for...

Be a winner.(News file)
July 1, 2004... TICKETS to top sporting events--including the 100m men's final at the Olympic Games from August 21-24, VIP hospitality at Silverstone on July 11 champsionship and the British Superbikes championship on September 12--are offered to users of...

Victoria is best again, twice.(News file)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... FOR the second year in succession, VICTORIA CARPETS has been voted by the members of Greendale Carpets buying group as supplier of the year and best product for 2003. The criteria that Victoria was judged on by members, covered the...

Anti-stress campaign.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... The Health and Safety Commission has launched a consultation campaign asking managers and employers for proposals to reduce work-related stress. A video explanation of the proposals is available via HSE's website and feedback can be delivered...

Retentions taskforce.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... The government has supported plans for a taskforce to consider problems for small businesses by retentions and late payment.

Watching you.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Big Brother-style CCTV cameras are reportedly being installed by contractors on building sites to ensure workers are com plying with health and safety laws.

Asbestos law.(Industry in brief)(Asbestos building materials)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... New regulations have come into force placing on the onus for managing asbestos on whoever is in charge of the maintenance of a building. Advice is available from the HSE. Tel: 08701 545500

Overworking.(Industry in brief)(Construction industry)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Small construction company bosses work up to 70 hours a week and skip holidays to keep their firms afloat, according to a new survey of 1,400 firms by insurance firm PremierLine.

Quality departures.(Industry in brief)(Floor covering industry)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Over a quarter of the firms in the government's anti-cowboy Quality Mark scheme have left since it was launched three years ago, it has been reported.

Karndean growth wins recognition.(News file)(Karndean International)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... KARNDEAN INTERNATIONAL has achieved a top 100 placing in the Deloitte Indy 100 awards for the UK's fastest growing companies, claiming to be the first flooring manufacturer to have won the national award. The competition, run jointly by...

Altro scores at Euro 2004.(News file)(Altro Group PLC)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... ALTRO features in the new 52,000-seater Sporting Lisbon stadium for Euro 2004, which reaches its climax as the July issue of CFJ rolls off the presses. AltroFlow resin was used AltroFlow resin was used in the main entrance, corridors and...

Top floor: news from Tandus Europe.(News file)
July 1, 2004... Tandus Europe has installed additional tufting capacity at its South Wales manufacturing plant. It will be used to manufacture a new range of FastTrak carpet the products available on short delivery times. First product off the line is Collins...

Hamish to head the CFA.(News file)(Hamish MacGregor)(Contract Flooring Association)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... THE md of one of Scotland's leading flooring contractors, Hamish MacGregor, has been unanimously elected as president of the Contract Flooring Association. At the association's AGM in Nottingham in May, Mr MacGregor thanked members for...

Antron causes a stir at Spectrum show.(News file)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... THE ANTRON Carpet Fibres stand at Spectrum is reported to have proved extremely popular with visiting interior designers, architects and facilities managers. Invista, formerly DuPont Textiles and Interiors, focused on Antron and its...

Safety flooring keeps catwalk models on their feet.(News file)(Altro Group PLC)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... THERE were no trip-ups at the London Fashion Week thanks to the use of ALTRO Maxis safety flooring on the catwalk. The company responded to an approach from fashion designer Katarzyna Szczotarska who wanted the flooring to complement here...

Data on waste.(Industry in brief)(Cement Admixtures Association)(Procedure manuals)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... A new information sheet has been released by the Cement Admixtures Association explaining how admixture waste and waste packaging should be disposed of within current national and European legislation. Tel: 01564 776362

School winner.(Industry in brief)(Monkseaton High School)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Monkseaton High School has earned 50,000 [pounds sterling] of building work, having won a design competition to encourage pupils to pursue a career in construction by redesigning their school's built environment for the 21st century. The...

25th SDEA annual.(Industry in brief)(Shop and Display Equipment Association)(Directory)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... The Shop and Display Equipment Association has published its 25th anniversary edition of its annual directory. www.sdea.co.uk Tel: 01883 348911

Junckers distributor.(Industry in brief)(Junckers Hardwood Inc.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Junckers has appointed STS to distribute its solid hardwood flooring in the South East of England. www.junckers.co.uk

BonaKemi move.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... BonaKemi has moved to 1 Radian Court, Davy Avenue, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes MK5 8PJ. The new phone number is: 01908 399740. Fax: 01908 232722 www.bona.com

Ronseal Quick Cure.(Industry in brief)(Correction Notice)
July 1, 2004... The report on the new floor seals from Ronseal, Contractor Quick Cure, in CFJ (May 2004) had an unrelated headline due to a printer's gremlin. We apologise for the error and commend readers to the Ronseal website for full details:...

Clean up after you, builders are urged.(News file)(Tony Sansom)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... NICF president Tony Sansom takes to task builders and other trades for not cleaning up on site after they have finished. Writing to NICF members, Mr Sansom talks about his relationships with builders: 'How many of you, when you arrive...

'Euro 2005' trials to be held at Harrogate.(News file)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... TRIALS will be held at the National Floor Show, Harrogate (Sep 7-9), for fitters wanting to be in the British team to compete in the European Team Floorcovering Championships at Domotex in Hannover (Jan 15-18). Floorlayers wishing to...

Laminate links.(News file)
July 1, 2004... Caption: BELOW: Ludger Schindler, left, president of the European Producers of Laminate Flooring (EPLF), greets Bill Dearing, president of the North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA), ahead of a meeting at the EPLF headquarters in...

Brand change at Ardex.(News file)(Ardex UK)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... ARDEX has simplified product names and improved packaging. Existing product names such as Ardurit, Ardit and Ardurapid will be dropped and replaced by Ardex followed by the product number or code. For example, Ardit K13 will now be Ardex K13,...

Wheelchair-proof.(Have you heard?)(British Paralympic Association)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... The British Paralympic Association is reported to be working with an aggregate company to develop a sports surface material which reduces resistance for wheelchair users and coloured for greater definition for the partially sighted.

Recycling saving.(Have you heard?)(Surveys of contractors)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Over 80% of contractors are unaware of the full cost savings they can make by recycling site waste, according to a new survey.

FATAL campaign.(Have you heard?)(Falls and Transport and Lifting)(Health and Safety Executive)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... FATAL (an abbreviation for Falls and Transport and Lifting) is a new campaign to raise awareness of safety issues on construction sites, launched by the Health and Safety Executive.

Olympics security.(Have you heard?)(Olympic Games)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Nearly 700m [pounds sterling] is being spent on security at the Olympic Games in Athens

Skills deficit.(Have you heard?)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Almost half Britain's construction consultants lack staff skills, including literacy and client handling, according to the Construction Skills Council.

Holyrood cost.(Have you heard?)(Scottish parliament building)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... The final cost of the Scottish parliament building is reported to be 450m [pounds sterling], 11 times the first estimate. The formal opening by the Queen on October 9 is claimed to cost 210,000 [pounds sterling].

Prescott honour.(Have you heard?)(John Prescott)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Deputy prime minister John Prescott has become an honorary fellow of RIBA. Mr Prescott has promised to give a keynote speech on 'the tremendous potential of architecture and design to create sustainable communities'.

What rugs Big Brother.(CFJ exclusive)(Amazing Rugs)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... AS the Channel 4 reality programme, Big Brother, nears its climax, CFJ has obtained exclusive details on the bespoke floorcoverings obtained for the set. Big Brother production company Endemol commissioned four exclusive rugs in a variety...

Interface.(People)(Karen Warner)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Interface has appointed KAREN WARNER as marketing director for the company's divisions in the UK, Ireland, Middle East, Africa and India just eight months with the company. Karen joined Interface as marketing manager and was responsible for...

Gary Cousins is to fill a new post of field sales director at Interfloor.(People)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... GARY COUSINS is to fill a new post of field sales director at Interfloor. Gary joined Duralay in 1988 as a sales rep and went on to become sales manager for key accounts. He now assumes responsibility of Interfloor's internal and external sales...

Allibert Helix.(People)(Jonathan Hardcastle)(Emma Fitch Kemp)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Allibert Helix has appointed JONATHAN HARDCASTLE as UK sales manager and EMMA FITCH KEMP as area sales manager across the South. Jonathan has worked for a number of well-known engineering companies, including Wavis and THK (UK). Emma is a fully...

Tandus Europe.(People)(Andrew Huckerby)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... ANDREW HUCKERBY has joined Tandus Europe as its representative for northern England, based in Blackpool. He will work with specifiers and contractors based in Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cumbria and Tyne & Wear. Andrew previously...

Fladgate Fielder.(People)(Gillian Birkby)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Law firm Fladgate Fielder has appointed GILLIAN BIRKBY as a partner. Gillian advises en all types of construction law, both contentious and non-contentious and has experience acting for clients from all sides of the industry including...

James Hardie.(People)(Roy Koning)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... ROY KONING has joined James Hardie as its new European marketing director. Roy holds an MBA in International Marketing and Trade and has previously worked for international companies, including Danone, SCA and British American Tobacco.

Mark Webster Furniture.(People)(Florida Transportation and Builders Association )(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... MARK WEBSTER, of Mark Webster Furniture in Nottingham has been elected FTBA national president.

The British Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing Association.(People)(Howard Marsh)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... The British Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing Association has elected HOWARD MARSH, of Timberwise UK, as its 29th president.

Grants available.(Industry in brief)(Trade shows)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... British companies can apply for grants of up to 2,500 [pounds sterling] for stand costs at overseas construction exhibitions, including Baltic Building Week, St Petersburg (Sept 14-17); Malbex, Kuala Lumpur (Sept 21-24); Big 5, Durbai (Nov...

Stone visitors.(Industry in brief)(Trade shows)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... Piedra, the international stone fair in May, organised by EFEMA in collaboration with the Spanish Natural Stone Federation, was attended by over 27,000 visitors viewing 581 exhibitors, according to the organisers. www.ifema.es

Surfaces success.(Industry in brief)(Trade shows)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... The Surfaces Show London at the Business Design Centre attracted 2,138 visitors with 45% of those classified as from architectural private practice and 22% interior design practice. Of the total 31% were md, chairman, director or partner. The...

Hardwood convention.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... The American Hardwood Convention is from October 20-22 in Venice. www.ahec-europe.org

Client desires.(Industry in brief)(British Contract Furnishing Association)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... What the client wants is the title of an exhibition and seminar by the British Contract Furnishing Association on November 11. Tel: 01494 896790

Floorlayers on track.(Industry in brief)(Certified Floorcovering Installers of America)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... The 2004 Convention of the Certified Floorcovering Installers of America is from July 2831 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Entertainment for delegates and spouses includes a water rafting adventure and rides on the famous Chattanooga Choo-Choo. All...

Marketing spend 'key to market growth': the growth of the resin flooring market will be limited over the next few years, according to a new survey.(Specialist Industrial Flooring Market)
July 1, 2004... THE report, by AMA search, covers the UK specialist industrial flooring market and defines the activities, identifies key suppliers and applications, types of products and systems used in new-build and refurbishment. It contains...

Carpet industry urged to innovate: there is bad new for the UK carpet market in a new survey.(Textile Floorcoverings Market)
July 1, 2004... CONTINUING decline in sales of carpets in the UK is forecast by MBD (Marketing & Business Development) in its 2004 UK carper market development report just published. The UK carpets market is anticipated to decline in real terms throughout the...

Ron Austin: business development divisional manager, Altro.(In the dock)(Interview)
July 1, 2004... * Did you every get into trouble at school? Constantly, usually for pulling some kind of stunt, prank, dare or just daydreaming. * What was your first par-time job? Paper round (I usually ended up doing two rounds most mornings). *...

On the cards: Colin Alexander, of CBA Contractors, in Salisbury, is proud to have a CSCS card.(Flooring contractor profile)
July 1, 2004... The value of the CSCS card simply as an instant means of identification should not be under-estimated, says Colin Alexander. Plus, it's a sign that you are qualified and trained to do the job. 'I always carry my CSCS card with me. And it...

Bag the best tools: using the correct tools and accessories can make a big difference to the job. Below are some of the leading suppliers.(Tools & accessories survey)(Buyers Guide)
July 1, 2004... BOSCH has introduced the GTS 10 table saw for precision cutting over a wide range of timber sizes. The benchtop tool has a 1,800-watt motor and 'square lock' technology with a parallel guide fixed in four locations. With the guide mounted on...

Action floor: flooring for sports activities is subject to several specific demands. Key suppliers are featured below.(Sports flooring survey)(Timberex)
July 1, 2004... ACM (Advanced Construction Materials) has been appointed UK supplier of Timberex to impregnate wood floors with natural oils and resins. Claimed to be fast to dry, Timberex is recommended on all types of wood floor and in different...

Made to order: accurate designs and colours can be incorporated into floorcoverings. Below are some of the key manufacturers.(Logos and bespoke designs)
July 1, 2004... ALTRO resin flooring products AltroCast TB Screed and Altrotect were used to create an innovative floor design in Journey Shoes' new Flagship store on Carnaby Street, London. Project designer Easy Tiger Associates wanted to create an urban...

Flamboyant colours brighten diner.(Hospital)(Marley Floors)(floor coverings)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2004... ECLIPSE and Elite floorcoverings from MARLEY FLOORS were specified by Stotts Flooring Contractors for a project at The Bradford Royal Infirmary. 'We chose these products because they are durable and easy to maintain,' says Martin Stott....