Contract Flooring Journal articles from May 2007

Contract Flooring Journal archives from May 2007

Football is another way to score!(Editor's comment)
May 1, 2007... FOOTBALL is naturally a passion for many in flooring. But in addition to individuals avidly supporting their favourite sides, some contractors encourage their fitters to enter five-a-side teams in local leagues (as Mary Murrell reported in CFJ...

Carpet a 'talking point' in conference centre.(Installation of the month)
May 1, 2007... OVER 650sq m of Axminster Carpet is a striking feature in the busy conference centre and banqueting hall of Paramount County Hotel, BAsingstroke. Accuracy of design and an ability to make an impact on the feet and eyes of visitors were the...

'Let's be clear about cards and qualifications'.(Training)
May 1, 2007... Brian Enderwitz, floorcovering tutor and NVQ assessor at Accrington & Rossendale College, writes to clear up any confusion about qualifications and cards for floorlayers: ALTHOUGH only becoming an accredited NVQ assessor fairly recently, I...

'We want to improve skills: are you playing your part?'.(Training)
May 1, 2007... Mike Bialyj, ConstructionSkills field director, explains what's being done to meet the UK skills crisis and what individual contractors can do to assist: THE UK is facing a massive demand for skilled workers. Around 7, 500 new projects are...

'The groove: is it just to get the boring out of the board?'.(Machining)
May 1, 2007... TRADA flooring specialist Peter Kaczmar throws the spotlight on the groove. Is it a case of stress relief or inducement?: OCCASIONALLY I like to dust off and revive old hobbyhorses. They serve, I hope, to draw attention to issues of concern...

Tributes to Richard Wollerton.(In memory)(Contract Flooring Association)(In memoriam)
May 1, 2007... Richard Wollerton, executive director of the CFA, died on February 24. These are some of the many tributes to him received by his widow, Val, and sons Robert and James: 'When I first met Richard, I was instantly struck by his warmth and...

Readers' talkback generates interest.(comment: The president)
May 1, 2007... I OFTEN get emails commenting upon my CFJ column. This month I should like to share some of these readers helpful comments with you. Firstly, some months ago, I was discussing underfloor heating and referred to a 'silent witness'--a device...

Flooring industry Training Association.(Training directory)(Calendar)
May 1, 2007... TEXTILE Basic carpet fitting May 14-18 (L); July 2-6 (L). Intermediate carpet fitting May 28-June 1 (N); July 23-27 (L). Advanced carpet fitting June 4-7 (L) Carpet tile fitting On demand. VINYL FLOORING Domestic...

Diary dates.(Training directory)(Brief article)(Calendar)
May 1, 2007... INTERZUM May 9-12 Cologne, Germany www.interzum.com DESIGN PRIMA May 15-17 Old Billingsgate, London EC3 www.designprima.co.uk FACILITIES SHOW May 22-24 NEC, Birmingham ...

FITA rubber backing.(Training directory)
May 1, 2007... THE Rubber Flooring Company has become a main sponsor of FITA, the Flooring Industry Training Association. 'We recognise that we have a responsibility to our customers to supply not only a very high quality product, but also a standard of...

Don't risk a 100,000 [pounds sterling] penalty.(Consumer Credit Act)
May 1, 2007... ANY flooring contractor or flooring retailer who holds a Consumer Credit Act Licence and who has not taken steps to prepare for the new rules, introduced last month, could face costs of up to 100,000 [pounds sterling]. Marc Egerton, md of...

The glues brothers.(Cartoon)
May 1, 2007... OLD ROGER THE REP'S OUT THE BACK HAVIN' A KID IN HIS MOTOR THAT'LL BE HIS MIDDAY CATNAP [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] RECKONS IT INCREASES HIS PRODUCTIVITY IN THE AFTERNOON--AND THE NEW CHINESE WOOD MOB HE WORKS FOR DON'T MIND ...

Poor staining will put a blot on your name.(on sanding and finishing)
May 1, 2007... Q: I have had a couple of complaints recently, relating to sanding and finishing. I only do this type of work and do not install prefinished material at all. I feel my work carries my 'signature', which is impossible to do with prefinished....

Mop before you drop! That's key advice.(on safety flooring)
May 1, 2007... SAFETY flooring cannot perform to its full potential if not properly maintained. It's vital that such requirements are not forgotten when specifying flooring to ensure it remains in prime condition and, more importantly, safe. It would be...

Slip problems: how to lick lacquer residues.(on improving slip resistance on wood floors)
May 1, 2007... I RECENTLY received a call from the manager of a popular family restaurant chain regarding the condition of one of the restaurant floors. The timber floor had been treated with Bona Traffic lacquer but, after several months, people began...

Stop leaks or you'll be left high and dry.(on stone flooring)
May 1, 2007... SOME stone fixers often feel that using a water-resistant adhesive or grout is good enough to provide a waterproof finish in bathrooms, shower rooms and wet areas which have stone on the walls and floors. But that's not the case. The fact...

For deep cleaning, vacuuming really sucks.(on preventative maintenance--colour & design)
May 1, 2007... IN RECENT issues of CFJ we have been discussing preventative maintenance. However, despite installing the longest most effective entrance mats; despite selecting the most suitable colours and patterns; and despite implementing a rapid...

Make a record, it will be your number 1.(on protecting your IP)
May 1, 2007... LAST month I outlined key steps prior to any meeting with retail design buyers who may be interested in your designs or products. This month I will give tips to be aware of during and after any meeting: DURING THE MEETING: Verbally...

Cleaning will keep your floor 'up to scratch'.(on maintenance and preventative measures)
May 1, 2007... OVER the last 10 years, Kahrs has invested in the development of surface coatings to protect the surface of the floors produced. Our most recent focus has been on improving the performance of the coating in the area of micro scratches, as...

PS. why do contractors love them so?(on pressure sensitive adhesives)
May 1, 2007... PRESSURE sensitive adhesives are becoming more and more popular. Contractors love them because you can paint a large area out, let it go dry and you're left with a nice sticky film to put your floorcovering in. A further benefit is that...

'Price focus drives gangsters': 'stolen wood floors seriously damage the environment'.(News file)
May 1, 2007... THE demand in the UK and the US for quality hardwood floors at ever cheaper prices is one of the factors driving criminal gangs to steal valuable endangered timber from the rainforests of Indonesia's remote Papua Province for sale as flooring,...

'Easy access' offered by new Heckmondwike website.(News file)(Website overview)
May 1, 2007... HECKMONDWIKE FB has a new website designed to provide instant information that can be easily accessed by any user. Registration is not needed and technical specification downloads are readily available, according to the company. Robert...

Tilers attend 'aid for trade' technical advice event.(News file)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... TILE distributor The Tile Source of Hampshire recently held an 'Aid for the trade' education event attended by over 40 contractors and DIY enthusiasts. Keith Williamson, (pictured left) showroom manager for Hampshire Tile Warehouse, says...

Headlam snaps up 3D.(Headlam Group PLC and 3D Rooring Supplies merger)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... Distributor Headlam has acquired 3D Rooring Supplies for 1.38m [pounds sterling]. 3D will continue to operate from Swansea, Cardiff and Taunton supplying flooring contractors throughout South Wales and the South West of England. 3D posted a...

Polyflor wins again.(Business in brief)(2007 Queen's Award for Enterprise)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... Polysafe vinyl safety flooring has won the 2007 Queen's Award for Enterprise for continuous product innovation and development--making it two in a row for James Halstead and Polyflor, who last year won the Queen's Award for outstanding...

Flaming nora! It's true!(Business in brief)
May 1, 2007... As CFJ reported in January, 2007, Freudenberg is said to be still keen to sell its floorcoverings division, including nora rubber. Negotiations were initially reportedly abandoned after fierce opposition from staff. Forbo is believed to be...

Life Sciences floored.(Business in brief)
May 1, 2007... CFA member Peter Evans Flooring of Mid Glamorgan installed floorcoverings in the new 12.5m [pounds sterling] Institute of Life Science building at Swansea University, including 3,000sq m of linoleum and 2,000sq m of carpet tiles...

Bid-rigging exposed.(Business in brief)
May 1, 2007... The Office of Fair Trading has uncovered evidence of bid-rigging in thousands of construction tenders totalling 3bn [pounds sterling] after a two year cartel inquiry.

Quote.(News file)
May 1, 2007... 'Cheapskate British building bosses would rather hire migrant workers who they can exploit, rather than train the British workers of tomorrow. If raising school leaving age is to be worthwhile, then the Government must force the employers to...

Environment: bosses think it's 'a big yawn!'.(News file)
May 1, 2007... ENVIRONMENTAL issues are not seen as a key future challenge to their businesses by most owners and senior managers of SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises). This alarming finding is contained in a new report. It flies in the Face of...

Burmatex 'Fix it' for design pupil.(News file)
May 1, 2007... BURMATEX helped turn the designs of a talented textile student into a reality as part of an Enterprise Day organised by business and education partnership provider, Compact Education Business Services. Pupils at Ossett School, near...

Car-2-Go for Kelly of Floors-2-Go.(News file)
May 1, 2007... A NEW Seat Ibiza Cupra was awarded Kelly Openshaw, the 2007 Floors-2-Go branch manager of the year. The annual award, based on a series of key performance indicators for the managers of all 140 Floors-2-Go stores nationwide during 2006, is...

Sales soar, says CPA.(Business in brief)
May 1, 2007... Construction product sales have reached their highest ever figures, with further gains expected from private sector investment and government funded work, according to Ernst and Young and the Construction Products Association.

Not so, says BMF.(Business in brief)
May 1, 2007... The Builder Merchants Federation finds a 3.3% drop in building material sales in the three months to February compared with the previous year. Lightside products fell only 0.1% and there were strong regional variations.

Private on parade.(Business in brief)
May 1, 2007... Private commercial construction orders rose 21% in the 12 months to February 2007, says the DTI. But there were falls of 7% and 1% respectively in public non-housing and private industrial orders.

Building on a high.(Business in brief)
May 1, 2007... Commercial property development in Britain hit a three-year high in March, with further gains expected in office construction this summer, according to property agency Savills.

Upturn on display.(Business in brief)
May 1, 2007... The latest half-yearly Shop and Display Equipment Association survey says 61% of respondents enjoyed higher sales in the second half of 2006 and 68% forecast higher turnovers during 2007.

Health gets 50m [pounds sterling] boost.(Business in brief)
May 1, 2007... The Government is investing 50m [pounds sterling] in community hospitals, two new and eight refurbished, alongside six new health centres. This is part of the Government's 750m [pounds sterling] five-year programme for the NHS.

Clicked at last.(Business in brief)
May 1, 2007... Beaulieu International Group says it and Valinge Innovation AB have settled their global patent dispute with Unilin, ending years of litigation.

'Put your money where your mouth is': the Tile Association slated for neglecting training.(News file)
May 1, 2007... THE Tile Association is facing a call to 'pull your finger out' after a revelation that training colleges accredited by TTA are facing a serious shortage of affordable materials for students. One such college is Dearne Valley, which has...

Altro starts hunt for winners in 'Horses for Courses' promo.(News file)
May 1, 2007... ALTRO is offering flooring contractors and distributors a chance to win a host of prizes in its new the Horses for Courses promotion. The winner will receive a holiday to the Czech Republic to watch the world famous Velka Pardubicka horse race...

Mapei shows its performance on the fast track.(News file)
May 1, 2007... MAPEI sponsored team XL Raceparts in Class 1 of the EERC Production S1 Championship at Silverstone in March. The Mapei logo was emblazoned across both rears sides of the team's white and blue BMW E36 M3. The season started well with driver...

CFA advertises for CEO.(Industry in brief)
May 1, 2007... The Contract Flooring Association is advertising for a chief executive officer. (See recruitement section of this issue starting on Page 91).

New CDM regs start.(Industry in brief)(Construction (Design and Management))(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... The new simplified Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM 2007) are now in force, designed to 'focus on managing risks on site, reduce paperwork, encourage team work, get the right people for the right job at the right time and...

Rush for CSCS cards?(Industry in brief)
May 1, 2007... A growing demand for CSCS cards is expected this month now that the new CDM regulations are in force. More construction clients are urging contractors to insist that all sub-contractors hold CSCS cards.

Construction enquiry.(Industry in brief)
May 1, 2007... The Trade and Industry Committee has launched an inquiry into the state of the UK construction industry including employment and payment practices; delivery of the Government's capital investment programme; UK dependence on imported labour and...

Bogus self-employment.(Industry in brief)
May 1, 2007... The construction union Ucatt is calling for a clampdown on the 800,000 workers alleged to be falsely claiming self-employment which it says is costing the Treasury 2.5bn [pounds sterling] a year.

Government 'shamed'.(Industry in brief)
May 1, 2007... The recent big rise in construction-related deaths should 'shame' the Government into reversing its decision to cut safety inspectors and inspections, says Ucatt. Provisional HSE data shows a 14% increase on last year coinciding with massive...

Survey verifies F Ball as 'adhesives leader'.(News file)
May 1, 2007... NEW research from Consulting Plus shows the level of dominance of F Ball and Co in the trade flooring adhesives market. There are 21 brands in this market but one brand, F Ball, stands head and shoulders above the rest, says Mel Budd of...

Armstrong lines up for Design Prima.(News file)
May 1, 2007... ARMSTRONG FLOOR PRODUCTS will display its latest designer carpets and carpet tiles at Design Prima contract interiors exhibition (May 15-17) in London. These Desso products including linear designs reflect the current trends in interior...

Woolsafe shines at Cleaning Show.(News file)
May 1, 2007... WOOLSAFE Organisation, dedicated to promoting quality care of wool carpets and rags in domestic and commercial interiors, featured at the Cleaning Show. Figures from Woolsafe took part in a series of Q&A sessions hosted by Chemspec Europe, Host...

Marathon record bid.(Industry in brief)(Martin Frankum and Ben Livermore raise money for the National Autistic Society and the Good Sports)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... The National Carpet Cleaners Association is sponsoring Martin Frankum, son of NCCA members Michael and June Frankum, and fellow athlete Ben Livermore in their attempt to be the first to complete all five major marathons--Boston, London, Berlin,...

Woolsafe green initiative.(Industry in brief)
May 1, 2007... The WoolSafe Organisation is to put an 'environmentally preferable' seal on its approved products that meet stringent 'green' criteria. An agreement with Green Seal Inc in the USA and Environmental Choice/EcoLogo in Canada will allow WoolSafe...

Creom winners.(Industry in brief)
May 1, 2007... Winners in the most recent Creom competition are: Gladys Jones of Kenton Jones, Welshpool, Powys, 1; Russell Brittle of Manor Carpets, Molesey, Surrey, 2; and Graham Robertson of A Robertson & Son, Rothesay, Isle of Bute, 3.

SDEA offers benefits.(Industry in brief)
May 1, 2007... LogBuy, which specialises in negotiating benefits in the form of discounts and deals on products and services, is now offering services to members of the Shop and Display Equipment Association. www.sdea.co.uk

Charity by the cup.(Industry in brief)
May 1, 2007... Five pence for every cup of tea or coffee at the three-day London Fabric Show in February went to the FTBA, raising a total of 150 [pounds sterling]. T: 020 7256 5954

FeRFA recruits.(Industry in brief)
May 1, 2007... FeRFA has welcomed Prestec UK and Fender as a contractor and an associate member, respectively. www.prestecuk.com www.fendersteel.co.uk

Extended backing plant keeps Cormar in front.(News file)
May 1, 2007... CORMAR CARPETS has enlarged its backing plant by 30% to improve quality and be more environmentally friendly. The backing plant oven, at Cormar's Brookhouse Mill site has been extended from 30m to 40m to reduce gas usage per unit of carpet...

Bonar Floors named as a 'flooring contractor'.(News file)
May 1, 2007... A NEW survey from Plimsoll Publishing, claims to cover the 'flooring contractor sector' but names Bonar Floors as one of 36 contractors 'actively seeking out acquisitions to strengthen their position in the market'. The survey claims that...

Spicy QS gossip.(Have you heard?)
May 1, 2007... Former Spice Girl Mel C (AKA Sporty Spice) is reported to be dating a quantity surveyor. Apparently she was impressed after he took her measurements, but the accuracy of this has not been verified.

Wolf whistles banned.(Have you heard?)
May 1, 2007... A leading house builder has banned its contractors from wolf whistling at women on building sites. A director for the company said women looking for a new home should not be made to feel distracted.

CIS first glitch.(Have you heard?)
May 1, 2007... After over a year of preparation, the new CIS construction tax system started last month with a glitch when computers at HM Revenue and Customs were turned off because the air conditioning had failed, Revenue staff are said to be praying for a...

Bosses misbehave behind the wheel!(News file)
May 1, 2007... CONSTRUCTION firm owners and managers, including flooring contractors, admit to breaking the law while driving with 23% confessing to eating & drinking and 24% to using their mobile phones without a hands free kit, despite the risk of...

Prominent exhibition stands that caught the eye: 'barcode' is the ticket.(News file)
May 1, 2007... ALTRO presented its trademark 'barcode' stand, at the Surface Design Show, showcasing new applications of its well established flooring and walling products. Colour was a predominant theme, with Altro presenting eight new colours in the...

Prominent exhibition stands that caught the eye: starring with stripes.(News file)
May 1, 2007... HARVEY MARIA exhibited at the Surface Design Show, featuring its newest collection, comprising Bold and Soft Stripes and Summer Flowers, now claimed to have superior wear qualities suitable for heavy duty areas such as offices, hotels and...

Distributors sought.(Industry in brief)
May 1, 2007... Ideal Heat is looking for distributors and installers for Roll 'n' Warm, its new underfloor heating system being launched in the UK and Ireland. T: 01795 876568 www.idealheat.com

Trade insurance offer.(Industry in brief)
May 1, 2007... Brighter Business, the direct insurance company, has launched an insurance product for tradesmen with premiums as low as 250[pounds sterling] and savings of up to 30% on existing premiums. Standard cover includes tools insurance, public...

SDEA exhibitor grants.(Industry in brief)
May 1, 2007... The Shop and Display Equipment Association has been awarded grants by UK Trade & Investment of up to 1,800 [pounds sterling] for UK exhibitors at EuroShop 2008 in Dusseldorf from February 23-27. The show attracts over 90,000 visitors and 1,600...

Fewer builders go bust.(Industry in brief)
May 1, 2007... Construction company failures fell by 6.6% in the first three months of 2007, according to Experian. It says 410 building and businesses went bust in the first quarter, a fall of 29 from 12 months previously.

Laminate in liquidation.(Industry in brief)
May 1, 2007... Laminate Flooring Direct is in voluntary liquidation with joint liquidators appointed.

Tool firms join forces.(Industry in brief)
May 1, 2007... Bahco has merged with Eurotools. Both part of Snap-on Inc, the newly merged companies will trade as SNA Europe. www.bahco.com

Last call for Wood entries.(Industry in brief)
May 1, 2007... The deadline for entries to the Wood Awards is May 25. Categories include commercial and public access, private, structural, and conservation / restoration. The shortlist will be unveiled at 100% Detail at Earl's Court in September....

Tile Style in Leeds.(Industry in brief)
May 1, 2007... Nicholls and Clarke has opened a 17,000sq ft branch of Tile Style in Gelderd Road Leeds LS12 6DR.

Dangerous dust warning.(Industry in brief)
May 1, 2007... Workers are ignoring the dangers inhaling work-related dust, according to a survey by Speedy Hire. It says 80% of site workers do not see dust as a serious health and safety problem, even though HSE suggests that work-related dust affects...

Asbestos breaches.(Industry in brief)
May 1, 2007... Two contractors and a company director have been ordered to pay a total of 145,000 [pounds sterling] for safety breaches which closed a Kettering school for six months after asbestos was released into the air during electrical maintenance work....

Cement probe ordered.(Industry in brief)
May 1, 2007... British Aggregates Association has invited specialist firm Cartel Damage Claims to investigate complaints about cement material shortages, high prices and lack of genuine competition among suppliers.

Higher tax bills for some.(Industry in brief)
May 1, 2007... Over 50,000 building workers paid through managed service companies now have to pay the same level of income tax and National Insurance contributions as directly employed staff following changes in the Budget which curbed all forms of composite...

Building control review.(Industry in brief)
May 1, 2007... The Government has published a major updating of the building control system seeing out a package of options including greater enforcement powers for local authorities to tackle persistent offenders, help with compliance, and a movement away...

Concrete standard set.(Industry in brief)(Concrete Repair Association)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... The new British Standards for Concrete Repair (BS 1504)is a prelude to mandatory CE marketing in most parts of Europe in 2009, according to the Concrete Repair Association (CRA). Materials for UK consumption only need not be CE marked, but must...

CITB name disappears.(Industry in brief)
May 1, 2007... The initials CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) have been dropped. The organisation will now be known as just ConstructionSkills.

Waste directory launched.(Industry in brief)(NetRegs)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... An online waste directory for small construction businesses to find licensed sites for recycling or waste disposal has been launched. The NetRegs waste directory is free, interactive and easy to use. With a postcode search, users can search by...

RICS energy plea.(Industry in brief)(Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors wants government to reduce value-added tax)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors is urging the Government to cut VAT from 17.5% to 5% for retrofit and refurbishment projects as well as a compulsory code for sustainable buildings instead of the current voluntary code. These are part...

Think about disasters!(Industry in brief)(Brief article)
May 1, 2007... UK businesses have not done enough to prepare for extreme events such as storms, flu pandemics and terrorist attacks, according to the Chartered Management Institute. Firms' main fears were losing staff and IT and communications coverage, it...

Homes before pensions.(Industry in brief)
May 1, 2007... People are investing 89% more money in home improvements than pension funds, with 73% of homeowners planning to fund their retirement by cashing in on the property boom, according to new research by Rated Tradesman. British homeowners spend an...