Contract Flooring Journal articles from June 2006

Contract Flooring Journal archives from June 2006

Injury costs can cripple you!(occupational safety and health)
June 1, 2006... IT was reported recently that some major contractors want to slash 'excessive' documentation--so-called red tape--in the construction industry. At first, this may sound like a good idea. In fact, it's short-sighted and irresponsible. ...

CFA flooring contractor picks a winner.(Fresco Interiors refurbishes William Hill Bookmakers' outlet)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... FRESCO INTERIORS, a member of the CFA, avoided taking a gamble with the flooring materials in the Glasgow outlet of William Hill Bookmakers. The client wanted a state of the art design for the interior of the premises, and Leeds-based...

'Record-breaking Domotex shows that exhibitions do work!': David Sansom, of Hannover Fairs, assures sceptical British manufacturers that exhibitions--especially international events--are one of the most effective parts of the marketing mix.(trade fairs)
June 1, 2006... DOMOTEX Hannover 2006 attracted more visitors than ever before. Over 50,000 professionals flocked to the world's largest trade fair for carpets and floor coverings, to check out the latest trends and products. This represented a 14%...

'Mike's Royal honour is well deserved'.(appreciating the carpet fitter)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... I HAVE known Mike for over 30 years from when he joined the company I worked for as the full time carpet fitter. His attitude to fitting has never changed, and I would personally like to thank him for his contribution to my own fitting...

'Where were the tool stands in London?'.(Readers forum)
June 1, 2006... Mark Dodge, of MRDFS, writes: You report in CFJ (April 2006) that the London Floor Show had an increase in attendance. But to be honest, I and many others were disappointed with the lack of tool stands, demonstrations and the fact that company...

'Wipe the floor with hospital infections': a clean floor is a safer floor, argues Polyflor marketing manager, Simon James.(Cleaning)
June 1, 2006... FLOORING, especially resilient, is increasingly presented by some as a panacea for the ills of the modern world. Two examples related to hospital acquired infections (such as MRSA) and slipping accidents--suggesting that the right choice of...

'Shrinking carpets: blame the Belgium Wilton': David Watson, of Hydro Dry Carpet Care, suggests that Belgium Wiltons are not suitable for pubs and restaurants because of moisture problems.
June 1, 2006... I HAVE followed the articles on the 'incredible shrinking carpet' with some interest and would like to share my thoughts and experience on Belgium Wilton carpet. As the director of Hydro Dry Carpet Care based in Liverpool, we seem to be...

'Oops! There were slips in the non-slip article!' Dr Malcolm Bailey writes to correct errors in an article on slip resistance in CFJ (April 2006).(Slip measurement)(Letter to the editor)
June 1, 2006... I REGRET to say that there are a number of inaccuracies in the article Let the pendulum swing it for you. It was stated that 'Finishes that are polished, inherently smooth or hard and lacking texture will not resist the shear forces of a...

The glues brothers.(Readers forum)(Cartoon)
June 1, 2006... CAN'T DO MUCH FOR YOU MAURICE--IT'S THE TIME OF YEAR SOLAR POWERED CALCULATORS DON'T GIVE DISCOUNTS IN THE WINTER IN FACT--IT'S TIME I GOT OFF HOME BEFORE IT GETS DARK [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

A higher profile for the CFA and training are my major priorities.(Contract Flooring Association)(Column)
June 1, 2006... MY mother was a little superstitious and would never celebrate a birthday a day before the actual date, I suppose in case you did not make it through the night! Well, I feel a little strange writing my first column as CFA president before...

Training directory.(Training)(Directory)
June 1, 2006... CENTRAL FLOOR TRAINING Independent floorlayer training centre based in Wolverhampton. * T: 01902 454790 * www.centralfloortraining.com HCTS MERSEY ACADEMY The HCTS floorcovering academy offers free apprentice training for...

Carpet cleaners at technical roadshow.(Axminster Carpets Ltd.)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... AXMINSTER Carpets in Devon hosted the first NCCA technical roadshow of 2006. Co-sponsors were Truvox and Solution UK. Simon Collins of Truvox began by explaining the Cimex Encapsulation cleaning process followed by a practical...

Flooring Guild introduces new diploma for retail staff.(Roofing Guild)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... THE Roofing Guild has been working closely with key flooring retailers to raise standards to achieve the formal recognition of competent and professional staff and give a competitive advantage to their employers. A new qualification, diploma in...

Getting a repair to look as good as new.(floor coverings repairs and installations)
June 1, 2006... SID BOURNE, technical director at Grundorf Terhurne, answers questions from CFJ readers based on his 25 years of installation experience. Q: I install lots of engineered three strip and planked flooring. These are of different...

This advice shouldn't be left to wear thin.(on specifying finishes)
June 1, 2006... AS a manufacturer of floor finishes, we occasionally get called to visit a site where there is the perception of premature wear. When the floor is inspected the source of the problem quickly becomes apparent and invariably relates to the...

Avoid making a rod for your own back.(welding tips)(Column)
June 1, 2006... I HAVE spoken before in this column about welding, but there are still plenty of people out there having problems, as Altro's technical hotline suggests, so I thought I'd address this again. We recently had a call from a contractor who was...

You must be committed for the long-term.(on successful exporting)
June 1, 2006... PETER ALLAN, export sales manager at Burmatex, begins a new series of advice to UK flooring companies on exporting. This month he discusses creating an export business plan. EXPORTING requires a lot of front-end preparation to give you the...

You're wrong to think 'one size fits all'.(Schluter-Systems)(Interview)
June 1, 2006... DURING the last four months IAN KNIFTON, technical manager at Schluter-Systems, has been looking at how flooring contractors should use stress relieving joints to overcome problems associated with differential movement between the substrate and...

Take your time to make the selection.(selecting smoothing compounds for flooring)
June 1, 2006... MARTIN CUMMINS, Laybond technical advisor, this month advises on the selection of smoothing compounds: SMOOTHING compounds are more than just about achieving a flat surface; their selection can influence much of the success of the final...

And if you aren't offered the job.(contract management)
June 1, 2006... DIDS MACDONALD, ceo of ACID (Anti Copying In Design), discussed pitching for business in a design selling situation last month. Here she looks at practical ways about what to do if pitches go wrong. ALWAYS approach any problem after an...

Now you too can reach for the stars.(feng shui astrology)
June 1, 2006... In the sixth part of our series on Feng Shui our very own 'Mystic Meg of the flooring industry', DAWN GIBBINS introduces hew Feng Shui astrology can help you understand yourself by analysing your stars. * Which of the 9 stars are you? ...

Mistakes stating a business?(financial planning of startups)
June 1, 2006... MANY floorlayers dream of starting their own businesses. But beware, businesses are most vulnerable to failure during the early years of trading, 20% of new firms fold within their first year and 50% within their first three years. On the...

Bright forecast for contact flooring.(News)
June 1, 2006... STEADY growth of 2-3% in the short-medium term is forecast for the UK contract floorcoverings sector in a new report by AMA Research. It says that commercial construction and refurbishment activities will provide the main impetus for growth....

PC Flooring joins CFA.(Business in brief)
June 1, 2006... PC Flooring (Southern), a specialist installer of proprietory floor screed systems, resins and underfloor heating, has joined the CFA. PC has ISO 9001:2000 certification and was awarded the Isocrete K Screed license in 1998 and is an approved...

4m in car pork approval.(Business in brief)
June 1, 2006... 4m flooring uk has become an approved applicator of Rowcrete Deckshield car park decking range. 4m already installs Flowcrete products, www.4m-flooring.co.uk T: 01270 251244

Resilient sales grow.(Business in brief)
June 1, 2006... A 9.7% rise in international sales of resilient flooring is reported by Tarkett, wood sales were up 2.2% and laminate soaring 51.6%. Turnover in western Europe climbed 7.7% with eastern Europe, including Russia, enjoying growth of 25.4%.

Interface sells fabric firm.(Business in brief)
June 1, 2006... Interface has sold its European fabrics division (Camborne Holdings) for $28m (15m [pounds sterling]), it is reported in the US.

Tarkett 'off to France'.(Business in brief)
June 1, 2006... Reports in Frankfurt say Tarkett is to move its headquarters from Frankenthal, Germany, to Paris.

Tender prices to rise.(Business in brief)
June 1, 2006... Consultants David Langdon expects tender prices to rise 4-5% in 2006 and higher as the Olympics approaches. It expects a 4.1% hike in the building cost index in the year to the first quarter of 2007.

Carpet spending hike.(Business in brief)
June 1, 2006... Carpetright had a strong quarter to April 22, with spending on floorcovedngs up 4%, it is reported.

Floors 2 Go picks director.(Geoff Brady appointed)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Geoff Brady, former chief executive of Allied Carpets, has joined the board of Floors-2-Go as a nonexecutive director. Currently deputy chairman of Matalan, Mr Brady has held senior positions at Woolworths, Supardrug and Sainsburys. He is also...

Contact Masland direct.(Business in brief)
June 1, 2006... The US manufacturer Masland Contract has not appointed T 1 as a UK agent as reported last month. For information about Masland Contract's broadloom or carpet tile products contact Robert Munisteri at: munisterir@maslandcarpets.com or visit:...

CFJ backs the winners.(Contract Flooring Journal honors building tradespeople at Interbuild)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... CFJ, the official flooring magazine at Interbuild, lined up with Mapei behind the winning team in the Test The Trades (TTT) competition, one of the show's highlights. Five teams--roofers, electricians, plumbers, builders and...

Interbuild boss thanks CFJ.(Contract Flooring Journal hosts Flooring Demonstration Zone )(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... CFJ played a key role at Interbuild, hosting the Flooring Demonstration Zone as port of the stand which featured the portfolio of Kick-Start Publications, including CFJ, TSJ (Tile & Stone Journal), WLJ (Wood & Laminate Flooring) and Haywood...

Shade card firm wins Queens award for trade.(Meritmill )(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... MERITMILL, an independent Yorkshire manufacturer of pattern books and shade cards, has won the Queen's award for international trade. The company opened a production operation in Poland in 2005. Joint md's Stephen Hubbard and Angus Shaw...

Upturn continues.(Industry in brief)
June 1, 2006... Construction orders in the year to March rose 8% compared with the previous 12 months, says the DTI. Private commercial orders in the same period were 12% higher, while private industrial orders 30%.

Fetim rings changes.(Industry in brief)
June 1, 2006... Fetim has combined two of its divisions to form Fetim Professional which will supply parquet flooring. www.fetimprofessional.nl T: 0031 20 5805285

Fun run sponsors sought.(Industry in brief)
June 1, 2006... Five Gerflor managers, including md Paul Kelly, will participate in the British Paralympics Association 10km fun run on July 2. Sponsors are sought. T: 01926 401500

Tacwise winners.(Industry in brief)
June 1, 2006... There were two winners of Tacwise master nailers in a free prize draw on the CFJ stand at Interbuild: Jim Gallagher, of SES (Cheadle); and Simon Rose of Sterling Building Systems, Bromsgrove.

Contact number for DCP.(Industry in brief)
June 1, 2006... We apologise for an error in the phone number for DCP in April. The correct number is 01538 361799

BHK has new surfaces.(Products in brief)
June 1, 2006... BHK Flooring has launched the Moderna Impuls and Inspiration with new technology Elano surfaces, using an electron-beam-lithographed laminate procedure. This is claimed to increase flexibility, durability and stability, and surface warmth....

'Bye bye beetles'.(Products in brief)
June 1, 2006... Belgian timber supplier, Hoebeek has patented Wave Guard, a microwave technology system designed to stop oak damage by insects. Wave Guard is claimed to sterilise oak in a sustainable and ecologically sound way via rapid volumetric microwave...

Contract carpet offer.(Products in brief)
June 1, 2006... Bluestone Carpets, established last year in Huddersfield, aims to expand flooring contractor clients, offering 80% pure new wool carpets combined with tri-lock technology for property renovations and new house builds. T: 01484 538400

Sebo brochure unveiled.(Products in brief)
June 1, 2006... The X Series brochure from Sebo covers its vacuum cleaner range. T: 01494 465533 www.sebo.co.uk

Gerflor in shops.(Products in brief)
June 1, 2006... Gerflor has a new brochure featuring its vinyl flooring for shopping environments. T: 0870 2647 581 www.gerflor.co.uk

STS 'fully recovered after fire'.(STS Flooring)
June 1, 2006... STS FLOORING has made a full recovery after the devastating fire at its Penge head office in March, according to operations director Ray Colgate. In a statement to CFJ, he thanks staff, customers and suppliers for their full-support which...

Milliken gets an 'A' rating.(Milliken Carpet, Building Research Establishment Ltd.'s environmental certification )(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... MILLIKEN CARPET has received an A rating in the BRE environmental certification for its premium loop pile products. The profiles are said to measure the product during manufacture and its use in the building over a lifecycle. Also measured...

Don't buy non-FSC wood floors, urges Green MEP.(News)
June 1, 2006... A LEADING UK and European Green campaigner, Caroline Lucas, right, is urging purchasers of wood flooring strongly avoid any products not certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). She also endorses the CFJ campaign calling for a...

Leading supplier bans Merbau.(distributors stopped supplying Merbau flooring products)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... FOLLOWING the publication of the EIA report in CFJ last month, one of the UK's leading wood flooring distributors has stopped supplying Merbau. Steve Rickers (above), supply chain director at IDS, states: 'As part of the Saint Gobain...

Tool company in the fast track.(IRWIN Industrial Tools sponsors Redline Racing in Porsche Carrera Cup)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... IRWIN INDUSTRIAL TOOLS is sponsoring Redline Racing and 1004 champion driver Richard Westbrook in the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain. Ian Watson, vice president of marketing for Europe at Irwin says: 'As an international company, the...

Shanghai records.(Events in brief)
June 1, 2006... DomotexAsia/ChinaFloor 2006 saw a 28% more visitors (32,424) with 4,315 from abroad. Exhibitors were up 41% to 833 and display space exceeded 73,000sq m, a rise of 58 %. The 2007 dates are March 29-31.

6,000 at Europarket.(Events in brief)
June 1, 2006... Europarket in Maastricht had over 6,000 visitors from 40 countries, but mainly Holland and Belgium. There were 218 exhibitors.

Wood expo record.(Events in brief)
June 1, 2006... The National Wood Flooring Association's recent education conference and wood flooring expo in the US attracted 4,500 delegates with 342 exhibitors, www.nwfa.org

Workplace seminar.(Events in brief)
June 1, 2006... Milliken has a 'workplace of the future' seminar on June 1 at CHQ in Dublin. T: 01942 612940 www.millikencarpeteurope.com

Building Centre show.(Events in brief)
June 1, 2006... To mark its 75th anniversary, the Building Centre has an exhibition on construction innovation until July 1. T: 020 7692 4000 www.buildingcentre.co.uk

Floor firm at In-Store.(Events in brief)
June 1, 2006... Ergo Floor Systems, supplier of PVC interlocking floor tiles and safety matting, is among 150 exhibitors at the In-Store Show incorporating IDW at Earls Court 2 from June 13-15. www.ergofloor.co.uk

Designers exhibit.(Events in brief)
June 1, 2006... Leading designers will exhibit at London Interiors from July 2-4 at Eads Court 1. T: 0870 329 5338 www.londonintedorsevent.com

Carpet-Burns on show.(Events in brief)
June 1, 2006... Carpet-Burns, supplier of heat treated carpet, exhibits again at 100% Detail (September 21-24) www.carpet-burns.com

FTBA golf events.(Events in brief)
June 1, 2006... FTBA golf competitions are being held around the UK. The national championship is on September 21 at De Vere Belfry in Sutton Coldfield. T: 0207 256 5954

Five years ago.(Contract Flooring Journal's readership survey)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... In June 2001 a flooring magazine readership survey of industry decision-makers by Palmer Market Research revealed that CFJ has 24% MORE flooring contractor readers than the next closest magazine. And in 2006 CFJ is still the clear leader. Proof...

Dawn is up for another award.(flooring executive Dawn Gibbins nominated for First Women Awards)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... SELF-confessed flooring guru Dawn Gibbins is shorlisted in the the First Women Awards, covering the manufacturing sector. Winners will be announced on June 7. Dawn is founder and chairman of Flowerete which has offices in 26 countries, as...

Whitestone puts Gaskell Mackay back in business.(Whitestone Weavers acquires intellectual property rights of Gaskell Mackay )(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... WHITESTONE WEAVERS has bought the intellectual property rights of Gaskell Mackay and will trade as Gaskell Mackays Carpets to be based at Whitestone's head office in Middlesbrough. The acquisition strengthens Whitestone's move into contract....

CFA member on the ball.(Elizabeth Waring of Amber Floors to sponsor rugby team Bramley Buffaloes)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Elizabeth Waring, md of Amber Floors of Leeds, a CFA member, tries a touch-down following her company's decision to sponsor the local rugby league side, Bramley Buffaloes. Elizabeth is pictured with club mascot, Billy the Buffalo. Amber Floors...

Blue chip.(News)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... TWO major chipboard producers, Puhos Board (UK) and Kronospan UK, have formally agreed to cooperate in maximising the quality and mutes to market of flooring products for UK builders' merchants and housebuilders. Kronospan offers a...

Jacob by Design is best of breeds.(Concept Manufacturing offers new range of rugs and carpets)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... BLENDING wool breeds enables CONCEPT MANUFACTURING to offers different colours in its Jacob by Design range without adding dye. Beige is created in the Jacob Velvet range by blending wool from the homed Jacob and the Shetlands Moorit sheep. The...

Ryan Flooring goes to school with Stopgap 700.(News)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... FACED with timber beams infilled with insulation and overlaid with plywood at Gorsey Bank Primary School, Wilmslow, Ryan Flooring used F BALL AND CO's new Stopgap 700 Flex fibre-reinforced smoothing underlayment before installing carpet tiles...

The new Farmer Tom retail show card from British Wool Marketing Board to promote British Wool carpets.(News)
June 1, 2006... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: The new Farmer Tom retail show card from British Wool Marketing Board to promote British Wool carpets. Tim Booth, British Wool product development manager, explains: 'Many people ask for a wool carpet but...

Beatrix Potter takes the floor.(Goodacre Carpets Inc. signs licensing agreement)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... GOODACRE CARPETS of Kendal has signed a licensing agreement as the only carpet and rug manufacturer to use Beatrix Potter characters. The new Beatrix Potter carpet collection will be unveiled next spring to coincide with the release of the...

Altro presents CPD on slips and trips.(News)
June 1, 2006... ALTRO has introduced a CPD on slips and trips. How to Reduce the Risk of Slipping explains the impact of the new CIRIA guidelines Safer Surfaces to Walk On on businesses. Ron Austin, (above) business development manager at Altro, says:...

The new Welsh Slate 'art gallery style' showroom in Belgium featuring its full range of natural slate paving, flooring, cladding and landscaping products plus displays of roofing slates.(News)
June 1, 2006... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: The new Welsh Slate 'art gallery style' showroom in Belgium featuring its full range of natural slate paving, flooring, cladding and landscaping products plus displays of roofing slates. It is situated in...

Blair, barking.(Tony Blair fires construction minister Alun Michael and appoints Margaret Hodge)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... TONY BLAIR, the Prime Minister (he was when we went to press), has fired the construction minister, Alun Michael. Industry leaderers are furious. It's a bad timing with the Construction Act review unfinished and contentious issues, including...

Diary dates.(Calendar)
June 1, 2006... RETAIL SOLUTIONS June 6-8 NEC, Birmingham www.retailsolutions2006.co.uk NEOCON June 12-16 Chicago www.merchandisemart.com/neocon IN-STORE SHOW June 13-15 Earls Court2, London www, instoreshow.co.uk ...

Lee Kidd.(PEOPLE)
June 1, 2006... LEE KIDD, the new Ardex sales and marketing director, has experience of business development in a wide variety of sectors, including Azko Nobel and house builder George Wimpey. In previous roles he has worked with DIY retailers, specialist...

David Kimber takes the new role of head of business development at Ardex while Harrison Gardner is promoted to marketing and customer service manager with the creation of a customer service department.(PEOPLE)
June 1, 2006... DAVID KIMBER takes the new role of head of business development at Ardex while HARRISON GARDNER is promoted to marketing and customer service manager with the creation of a customer service department. LAURA GAILLARD becomes marketing...

Phil Bevis is now responsible for the south west region for Ryalux.(Ryalux Carpets Ltd.)(Carpet International appoints Tim Brown)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... PHIL BEVIS is now responsible for the south west region for Ryalux. Phil was marketing manager at Carpet International for nine years before joining Ryalux as sales and marketing manager in 2003. Originally from Bournemouth, Phil returns to his...

Phillip Raby joins Cavalier Carpets as sales executive for the West Midlands and South Wales.(PEOPLE)
June 1, 2006... PHILLIP RABY joins Cavalier Carpets as sales executive for the West Midlands and South Wales. Philip has 16 years of experience in the flooring industry. He started with Westco before joining Pergo where he became UK contract manager.

Tessera has two new contract business area managers.(Espen Svendsen and Claire McKenna appointed)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Tessera has two new contract business area managers. ESPEN SVENDSEN is responsibility for Middlesex, the West End and north and west London. Norwegian born Espen has worked in the interiors market, in sales management roles. CLAIRE MCKENNA...

Derek Read has joined Illbruck Sealant Systems as national field sales manager for its TechSpec Division.(PEOPLE)
June 1, 2006... DEREK READ has joined Illbruck Sealant Systems as national field sales manager for its TechSpec Division. Derek has 25 years sales management experience in civil engineering and construction.

WoolSafe.(PEOPLE)
June 1, 2006... WoolSafe has appointed STELLA FULLERTON as marketing and operations administrator at its Yorkshire base. She has 25 years in the financial services industry and recently completed the WoolSafe Certified Operators training course and exam.

Flooring is Steve's old flame: Kimpton Flooring has been in business for 28 years, weathered three recessions and never laid off anyone. 'And I still enjoy coming to work.
June 1, 2006... The enthusiasm of Steve Kimpton for the contract flooring trade is unbounded. 'Its in my blood', be says, and it probably is as his lather Bill, uncle Lenny, brother Kenny and two nephews are all flooring contractors. Steve started young....

United against retentions: the editor of CFJ, Alan Bakalor, spoke to four flooring contractors at a recent meeting of the Anglia region of the Contract Flooring Association in Cambridge.(flooring contractor forum)(Discussion)
June 1, 2006... Alan B: First, are retentions still very widespread? Alan P: Yes. And I think they should be stopped. They were supposed to be about putting right defects, but if you work for the same builders all the time, as we do, and they know the...

Surface preparation.(Ardex UK and Flo-Dek (UK) teams up for a contract from Huyck (UK))(The Preparation Group launches blast cleaning machine)(Blastrac UK launches new floor grinding machine)
June 1, 2006... Ardex UK and Flo-Dek (UK) recently teamed up in a commission from Huyck (UK) to refurbish the factory floor area at its UK headquarters in Kent. Huyck, a subsidiary of Xerium Inc, wanted to change its 1600sq m factory from a manufacturing site...

Franz Lorenschitz: marketing manager, Tarkett-Marley Floors.
June 1, 2006... * Did you get into trouble at school? No? I always seemed to avoid being caught. * What was your first part-time job? Working at Tesco's on the checkout! * What did you speed your first pay cheque on? Records. * What was your...

Fibrebonded flooring.(Burmatex, Heckmondwike FB, and Tarkett offers carpet tiles and products for floor coverings)
June 1, 2006... Burmatex has relaunched four fibre-bonded carpet products. Six shades have been added to 4200 Sidewalk, Cordiale, 4400 Broadway and Academy, and two combined shade cards have also been produced Cordiale is said to be a durable, fine ribbed...