Contract Flooring Journal articles from March 2005

Contract Flooring Journal archives from March 2005

Tax avoidance the 'big issue'.(Editor's comment)
March 1, 2005... TAX has become a major issue in the forthcoming general election. It's also a big concern for flooring tractors, with the introduction of the revamped construction industry tax n 12 short months. The Tory approach of offering tax cuts by cuts...

Lumbering up in the dance studio.(End Grain flooring)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... DECORATIVE End Grain flooring from the solid Ted Todd & Sons range from EDWARDS CHESHIRE has been used to great effect in a variety of different areas in the exclusive Somerset hotel and spa, Babington House, which specified pre-lacquered Larch...

'Wood industry scores an own goal'; Sid Bourne urges the wood industry to stand together.(Common interests)
March 1, 2005... MORE than anything else manufacturers and distributors dread complaints. We all get them and sometimes they aren't even genuine. Very often we are held to ransom and they won't pay their invoice. A typical comment is that they only have...

'Look at science, not marketing'; Peter Kaczmar, TRADA's flooring specialist, discusses a new research project that could change the way flooring contractors specify lacquers and floor seals.(Lacquers performance)
March 1, 2005... A FEW months ago I wrote a piece about the distinction between curing and drying times in floor seal products (CFJ,, September 2004). I suggested then that the time immediately after application when the lacquer is still not fully cured and...

'You're digging up old stories again!' Michael Hardiman chief executive of the Carpet Foundation, comments on an item in CFJ (January 2005).(Carpet exports)
March 1, 2005... IT was disappointing, but not surprising that once again, the editor of CFJ has a go at the Carpet Foundation over our views on Domotex. It is of course the Domotex 'season' and a time to dig up old stories. The facts are that I have never...

'Don't be afraid of calcium sulfate'; Bob Mabbutt, development manager at Laybond Products, responds to the debate on anhydrite screeds in CFJ (February 2005).(Anhydrite screeds)(Contract Flooring Journal)
March 1, 2005... FLOORING contractors should not be daunted by anhydrite or calcium sulphate screeds. Apply the same logic of assessment as for all other types of subfloor. In refurbishment projects, satisfy yourself that, after removing the floorcovering,...

Talk among yourselves.(Anhydrite screeds)(Installation of floor coverings)
March 1, 2005... TO ensure the smooth installation of floor screeds all parties to the project should clearly understand the screed requirements and programming required and should consult at an early stage in the contract. * Curing: Do not subject the...

The power of knowledge is available via the CFA.(comment)(Contract Flooring Association)
March 1, 2005... THESE days having the right information can mean everything when it comes to running a business. No matter how large or small your company may be, knowledge equates to power when aiming to succeed in the 21st century. All companies whether...

More firms enjoy benefits of belonging to the CFA.(comment)(Contract Flooring Association)
March 1, 2005... THE past two years have seen steady growth in successful CFA membership applications. So why is CFA membership more appealing than ever? Certainly there are more rules and regulations in our industry than 30 years ago. The industry as a...

Training directory.(Calendar)
March 1, 2005... fita Flooring industry Training Association Feb 16-17 domestic vinyl fitting (L) Feb 2,1.-24 commercial vinyl fitting (L) Feb 284-Mar 4 intensive basic carpet fitting (L); Feb 28-Mar 1 know your carpets (N); Mar 2-3 estimating & planning...

Diary dates.(Training directory)(Calendar)
March 1, 2005... THE EDUCATION SHOW March 17-19 NEC Birmingham EMAP Education T:020 78740335 DOMOTEX ASIACHINAFLOOR March 22-24 Shanghai, China Deutsche Messe T: 020476 316761 NATIONAL HOMEBUILDING April 14-17 NEC Birmingham Centaur...

CPD courses.(Training directory)
March 1, 2005... Floor manufacturers offering CPD courses: Altro * T: 01462 489568 Amtico * T: 024 76861400 Antron * T: 07876 577317 Ardex * T: 01440 714939 Armstrong * T: 01235 554848 BAL * T: 01782 591100 Ball & Young * T:...

Leave it to the experts! It oftens costs less.(Help and advice)(Column)
March 1, 2005... AS you probably know, most of my work is involved in dealing with problems and disputes. As an ex-flooring contractor, I hate it when the fault lies with the installer, but my work has to be unbiased, so when blame lies in that direction, I do...

Some advice when you live on the edger.(on wood floors)(Column)
March 1, 2005... In his regular column, SID BOURNE, technical director at Grundorf Terhurne, answers questions from CFJ readers based on his 25 years of installation experience. I HAVE been running training in sanding and finishing for some years now, and the...

Do speak out against poor site conditions! David Gatfield, Altro technical services manager--northern, talks about how site conditions can affect an installation.(on getting down to the job)(Interview)
March 1, 2005... WHILST many aspects of the flooring industry have changed a great deal over the years, one has remained constant--site conditions. Often installers are expected to work on freezing cold sites with poor light, whilst jostling for space with...

Selecting the right materials for the job: this is the second in a series of advisory pieces on subfloor preparation exclusively wrtten for CFJ by Bob Mabbutt, development manager of Laybond Products. This month Bob looks at the importance of compatible subfloor preparation products and how to select appropdate products for an installation.(on subfloor preparation)
March 1, 2005... WHEN undertaking any project, careful planning of the job in hand requires you to consider the products and tools required for the installation. At this stage consider the compatibility of the system. Remember, the surface smoothness,...

How to fix movement joints the right way; most flooring contractors who install tiles know movement joints should be fitted at the design stage. However, some don't and damage can occur to the tile--and to the profile--because it's not been fitted correctly.(on tiles)
March 1, 2005... Ian Knifton, technical manager of Schluter-Systems, investigates what might have gone wrong. Q: What is the most common reason for installations failing, even when movement joints have been fitted? A: Assuming that the correct joint...

The glues brothers.(Help and advice)
March 1, 2005... THANKS TO OUR BRAND NEW, MULTI-MILLION POUND, STATE OF THE ART PRODUCTION FACILITY, WE CAN OFFER YOU AN ADVANCED WEAVING PROGRAMME THAT COMBINES TECHNICAL EXCELLANCE.... WITH A VERITABLE CORNUCOPIA OF CLASSICAL DESIGNS AND A SUBTLE BLEND...

UK carpet man organises aid after surviving Tsunami terror.(News file)
March 1, 2005... THE founder of Durham-based Wolff Contract Carpet Mills, Bob Wolff, has raised over 15,000 [pounds sterling] for the tsunami relief efforts after himself being caught up in the terrifying tidal waves on Boxing Day 2004. Bob Wolff was on...

Burmarex tackless landmine peril in Cambodia.(News file)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... BURMATEX is helping to clear landmines from a village in western Cambodia. The company carpeted the cobbled stretch of the London Marathon at Tower Bridge last April and, as a result, received 15 free entries to the event which it passed...

Victoria shock.(Business in brief)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Victoria Carpets is to stop making Axminster carpets in the UK with the loss of 85jobs. Axminster production, constituting 5% of Victoria's total sales, had been unprofitable for several years.

Hope for Stoddard.(Business in brief)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... A mystery buyer is reported to have launched a last-minute bid to save Stoddard, it was reported as CFJ was going to press. The company is in receivership after amassing debts of more than 9m [pounds sterling].

Ripe for picking.(Business in brief)(Plimsoll Publishing)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Over 100 floorcovering companies are identified as acquisition prospects in a new report from Plimsoll Publishing priced 499 [pounds sterling]. T: 01642 626400

Gaskell cruising.(Business in brief)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Gaskell Flooring has received the new Wheelmark allowing it to supply carpets for cruise liners, passenger ferries, charter boats and other seagoing vessels.www.gaskell.co.uk T: 0845 129 8950

IDS passes 100m [pounds sterling].(Business in brief)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... National distributor IDS passed the 100m [pounds sterling] sales barrier in 2004. Turnover has grown by 70%, since the company was formed in 1999. T: 08457 298298 www.idsurfaces.co.uk

Kahrs distributor.(Business in brief)(Ceco Flooring )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Kahrs (T: 01243 778747) has appointed Ceco Flooring (T: 02890 817272) as its new distributor for Northern Ireland.

Vinyl prices up.(Business in brief)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Price rises of up to 15% on vinyl composition tiles and contract sheet vinyl have been announced in the US by manufacturers including Armstrong, Mannington and Tarkett.

Forbo reports a rise.(Business in brief)(Forbo Flooring)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... The Swiss parent company of Forbo Flooring reports a net sales rise of 1.5% to $1.36bn (722m [pounds sterling]) in 12 months. The company's adhesives business was up 3.6% whereas flooring sales were said to be slightly below the previous year's...

Quote.
March 1, 2005... 'Sicknote Britain is an urban myth. We take less time off than most other countries, and public sector staff are less likely to take time for a short term illness' --TUC general secretary Brendan Barber 'We have no intention of merging...

Floorlayers can vie for top trade accolade.(Test The Trades at interbuild 2006)
March 1, 2005... CFJ, in association with Interbuild, the UK's largest building show is seeking the UK's most professional team of floorlayers for the inaugural Test the Trades showdown at Interbuild 2006. The top team will win a new 14,000 [pounds...

CFA contractor website wows.(News file)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... LOUGHTON CONTRACT CARPETS, a member of the CFA, has won the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) technology award. Loughton, one of the UK's largest flooring contractors, achieved the honour for Loughton Direct, a web-based...

BAL in tune with the chromium directive.(News file)(BAL (United Kindgom))(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... TILE adhesive manufacturer, BAL is changing its products to comply with a new European directive on maximum levels of Chromium (VI) in ordinary portland cement products, including cementitious adhesives, grouts and levelling compounds. The...

Building boost.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Construction orders in 2004 rose 6% compared with 2003, and were up 11% in the fourth quarter compared to the same period a year earlier, according to DTI. Private commercial orders in 2004 were 19% higher than 2003, although private industrial...

Profit hopes high.(Industry in brief)(Construction industry)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Construction industry profit expectations are at their highest levels for five years despite higher interest rates and rising material costs, according to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

Tender prices rise.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... UK tender prices rose by 4% to 7% last year, driven by higher demand and rising material prices, according to Davis Langdon.

Concrete growth.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... The concrete products market is expected to grow 29% in real terms by 2009, according to a UK Building Products Market Development study.

Concrete repair lift.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Total value of concrete repair work in the UK in the first six months of 2004 was 107m [pounds sterling], up almost 12% on the same period in 2003, according to the Concrete Repair Association.

Spotnails purchase.(Industry in brief)(Maestri Kear acquires Spotnails Inc.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Maestri Kear, supplier of electronic staplers and bradders, has been acquired by Spotnails, manufacturer of pneumatic tools and collated fastenings. T: 029 2086 0222

Carpetright surge.(Industry in brief)(Carpetright PLC)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Carpetright recorded pre-tax profits of 31.1m [pounds sterling] on a 235.9 [pounds sterling] turnover in the six months to October 30, 2004.

Iran exports rocket.(Industry in brief)
March 1, 2005... Exports of machine-made carpets from Iran rose 140% from March to December 2004 to reach 22m [pounds sterling], while 12m [pounds sterling] worth of Iranian yarns was sold abroad, according to Iran's Customs Administration agency.

China investment.(Industry in brief)(Rhodia)(Radici Fil S.p.A.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Two European nylon producers, Rhodia of France and Radici of Italy, are to begin production in China, it is reported.

World class sport event on Gerflor.(News file)(SPORT M from GERFLOR )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... SPORT M from GERFLOR was used in the futsal world championships for the partially-sighted at Manchester's Velodrome last December. Twelve countries competed in the event organised by Manchester Football Association (FA). Futsal is the...

Big contract at top golf hotel.(News file)
March 1, 2005... ABSOLUTE FLOORCARE, a division of Cleaning Systems UK of Fife helped in a major upgrading project at the five-star Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa in St Andrews, venue for the golf open championship this year. Wood floors refinished...

Burglar deterrent.(Industry in brief)(Floor covering industry)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Smart floor tiles that sound an alarm when an intruder enters or someone falls on them could discourage burglars and save lives, according to Professor Joe McGeough of Edinburgh University school of engineering and electronics. The 'intelligent...

Trainee target set.(Industry in brief)(Construction industry)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... CITB aims to treble numbers achieving NVQs through on-site assessment and training (OSAT) from 21,000 in 2004 to 60,000 by 2008. However, this depends on substantial additional extra funding.

Berry wins again.(Industry in brief)(Berry Floor)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... A US federal district court judgement for the Berry Floor Group penalises an American distributor for importing a Chinese made laminate infringing the Valinge patent. The distributor agreed to pay to Berry and Alloc significant royalties for...

Strutting advice.(Industry in brief)
March 1, 2005... TRADA Technology has revised its information sheet on timber floors strutting, including advice on installation. Strutting increases the horizontal stability of joists with vibration. TRADA members and registered users of the ask TRADA website...

TTA site updated.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... The Tile Association has updated its website with more pictures, more news, a glossary of tile terms and a situations vacant page. www.tiles.org.uk

Quality Mark II.(Industry in brief)(Floor covering industry)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... A new scheme, replacing the failed Quality Mark, entitles trade bodies, including the CFA, apply to become 'operators' to provide accreditation for member and non-member companies.

War on bullying.(Industry in brief)(Floor covering industry)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... The trade union Amicus has threatened to name UK companies which it believes tolerate bullying at work.

CFJ and CFA awards from Hell!(News file)
March 1, 2005... THE 2005 CFJ and CFA flooring industry awards will be presented at a four-course luncheon at Claridges Hotel next month. The invitation-only winners' lunch follows two months of voting by CFJ readers. Associated with Claridges is...

CFJ at London Stone Show.(News file)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... CFJ, with sister publication TSJ (Tile and Stone Journal) will exhibit at The London Stone Show (April 5-7) at Wembley Exhibition Centre. CFJ and TSJ are among 300 exhibitors at this show for specifiers, architects, designers, and...

Good news for construction.(News file)(Construction industry)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... POSITIVE results in the first quarter of 2005 are highlighted in new trade surveys by the Construction Confederation and the Construction Products Association. Michael Ankers, CPA chief executive, says: 'On balance 78% of manufacturers...

Ryalux on the box in mansion.(News file)(Ryalux Carpets Ltd.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... RYALUX supplied carpet and a helping hand to FIN'S 60 Minute Makeover programme for the renovation of a 25 room Victorian country hall near Leicester. Built in 1843, the premises had been left to ruin until Charlotte and Craig Neal saved...

Gold discs in tubs of Ultra ProStick win fleeces.(News file)
March 1, 2005... ADHESIVES and grouts manufacturer INSTARMAC is giving exclusive black fleeces embroidered with the Ultra logo to customers finding a gold disc inside UltraProStick HG buckets. Each gold disc has a unique reference number and contact...

Scam alert.(Trade in brief)
March 1, 2005... The HSE is again warning business to ignore demands for payment from firms claiming to regulate health & safety legislation in the UK. Contact the HSE infoline. T: 08701 545500

Sickness advice.(Trade in brief)
March 1, 2005... Advice for employers to help staff on sick leave return to work has been published by the Department for Work and Pensions. www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/rrs2004.asp

Check your performance.(Trade in brief)
March 1, 2005... An on-line tool to help small business assess how well they manage health & safety is to be launched by the HSE www.hspi.info-exchange.com

Freedom of Info.(Trade in brief)
March 1, 2005... The Health & Safety Executive has set up a Freedom of Information website complying with the new law. www.hse.gov.uk/foi/index.htm

TRADA website award.(Trade in brief)(MemCom 2005)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... TRADA has won the MemCom 2005 Award for best membership organisation website. Registered users include more than 29,000 architects, engineers and other construction industry professionals. www.asktrada.co.uk

Good neighbours.(Trade in brief)
March 1, 2005... Working with the community to benefit your business is the title of a new best practice guide from BRE. T: 01344 404407 www.brebookshop.com

Kemtile 25 years.(Trade in brief)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Kemtile is celebrating its 25th year as approved applicator of Ucrete, recently appointed preferred supplier to Northern Foods plc. www.kemtile.co.uk

Faus Berry license.(Trade in brief)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Faus has granted Berry a patent license on its embossed-in-register and JointGuard beveled edge patents. www.berry.be

Greener boards.(Trade in brief)(Puhos Board (UK) Ltd.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Puhos woodchipboard manufacturing plant in Eastern Finland is now powered by hydroelectricity. Puhos Board (UK) recently received BM TRADA chain of custody certification. Laminate climb continues

Laminate climb continues.(News file)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... THE 22 members of the European Producers of Laminate Flooring (EPLF) achieved worldwide sales of 417m sq m in 2004 compared with 386m sq m the previous year, a rise of 31 m sq m (+8%). EPLF members claim a 60% world market share. Western...

Witch guide to the Chatsworth range.(News file)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... RYALUX carpeted David Wood's stage adaptation of Roald Dahl's The Witches which opened at Birmingham's Repertory Theatre and is now on a nationwide tour until June with the Ambassadors Theatre Group including five-weeks in London's West End....

Wood on the web.(News file)(Victorian Wood Works)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... VICTORIAN WOOD WORKS has unveiled its new website which showcases its wide range of reclaimed, new and antique wooden flooring. Images can be enlarged and sent to friends or colleagues. The website boasts 'fast and simple navigation' with...

BCFA support.(Industry in brief)(The British Contract Furnishing Association)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... The British Contract Furnishing Association (BCFA) offers members preferential rates on display stands and exhibition design services from Dykas Event Solutions. T: 01923 811916

Karndean support.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Karndean International has given 10,000 [pounds sterling] for relief efforts in the areas hit by Tsunami and to assist find missing family members.

Lard Harris stake.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Lord Harris, chairman of Carpetright, is reported to have increased his stake in the company, giving him ownership of around 23% of the company's shares.

Award for N&C boss.(Industry in brief)(Nicholls and Clarke Group)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... The chairman of Nicholls and Clarke Group (N&C), Ken Forbes, has received the Diploma of the Danish Export Association and His Royal Highness Prince Henrik's Medal of Honour for his help in forging close trading links with Danish companies.

Engineer honoured.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Kronospan's senior mechanical engineer Keith Jones has become the company's 50th employee to complete 25 years with the company at Chirk, near Wrexham.

Green award.(Industry in brief)
March 1, 2005... Honeywell has received the Landfill Methane Outreach Program Project of the Year award for 2004 from the US Environmental Protection Agency for an innovative landfill gas recovery initiative. A 23 mile pipeline from a landfill site to the...

2m [pounds sterling] flooring deal.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Twintec Industrial Flooring is reported to have secured 2m [pounds sterling] contract for work at a new distribution centre for a supermarket chain near Scunthorpe.

Italian flair sweeps wool carpet awards.(News file)
March 1, 2005... BOTH the carpet and yarn competitions organised by Wool Interiors at Domotex were won by Italian companies. Carpet innovation was judged by a panel from Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the UK. Entries were received from 16 carpet...

Forbo wins top prize at ContractWorld.(News file)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... FORBO FLOORING and the Berlin-based design agency Graft, won first prize in the floorcoverings category at the 2005 Contract World awards for their Hotel Q project featuring an installation of Marmoleum. Fourteen winners were selected by an...

Surfaces records.(Events in brief)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Las Vegas was visited by 38,209 flooring retailers, manufacturers, distributors, architects, designers, builders and installers in January attending the Surfaces Show. This was a record, 6% up on last year. The number of exhibitors (1,054), a...

CFA dinner dance.(Events in brief)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... The 2005 CFA dinner dance is at the Thistle Hotel, Glasgow, on June 18. Details from Helen Tidmarsh. T: 0115 941 1126

CE Mark seminar.(Events in brief)(The Tile Association)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... The Tile Association is holding a seminar to explain the legal, commercial and technical requirements of CE Marking on March 22 at Ceram Research, Stoke on Trent. Tickets are 75 [pounds sterling] per person including lunch and copies of the...

Colour workshop.(Events in brief)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Interface and Heuga have a workshop on the power of colour in the commercial world presented by Angela Wright, founder of the Colour Affects Organisation in London on March 24. Contact Donna Cummings. T: 020 7490 3960

Part L update.(Events in brief)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... A seminar on the new Part L regulations for the design of all new and refurbished buildings will be held in London on March 28. Nine speakers include John Tebbit of the Construction Products Association. T: 020 7505 6044

At Ideal Home Show.(Events in brief)(Kamdean International)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Kamdean International is to exhibit at the Ideal Home Show this month showcasing its vinyl floorcoverings which emulate natural materials such as wood, slate, stone and ceramic. T" 01386 49902 www.karndean.com

Safety exhibition.(Events in brief)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... The Institution of Occupational Safety & Health (IOSH) will be held on April 27-28 at Harrogate. T: 020 7017 5521

Sound message.(Events in brief)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Noise is the theme for the European Week for Safety and Health at Work this year from October 24-28. http://agency.osha.eu