Contract Flooring Journal articles from November 2004

Contract Flooring Journal archives from November 2004

Staff will have to be consulted.(Editor's comment)(workers right to information)
November 1, 2004... THE ruthless 'hire and fire' tactics of some construction company bosses could be curbed in terms of a new European directive which holds employers more countable to employees. The new statute, based on the EC's information and consultation...

'Poor finishing is giving the wood industry a bad name'.(Wood Flooring)
November 1, 2004... EVEN the highest quality wood floors can be badly let down by poor finishing. One of my functions at TRADA Technology involves carrying out independent investigative consultancy work which takes me all round the country. One of the...

Controversy breaks out over underfloor heating comments in CFJ.(Points of view)
November 1, 2004... 'Not true to say that heat rises' MR McCall is absolutely 100% wrong when he says that heat rises. It does not, otherwise how would we get heat from the sun? Hot air rises and this is why electric underfloor heating is much more...

'Contractor's comments are no surprise'.(Customer Service)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... THE response from Wayne Bullivant comes as no surprise. His company SGP is Dalsouple's preferred installation contractor and therefore I doubt whether he has to pay pro forma for that company's materials, so he's probably not in the same...

Bad payers beware--the little guy has a big mouth.(The president)(paying your flooring contractor)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... LAST month I raised the issue of late payment, a vital matter for every flooring contractor. Here I'd like to continue on this theme. Everyone loses when you get paid late. No one wants the hassle of having to chase money for work we...

Support the British fitting team in the Euro contest.(The director)(European Floorlaying Championship)
November 1, 2004... WE have had a pretty impressive year. One of our best ever Olympics and even our cricket was something to write home about. Many of you will remember that the British Team also won the European Floorlaying Championships in January. If you...

Training directory.(Training)(Calendar)
November 1, 2004... fita Flooring industry Training Association Nov 29-30 sales & other personnel basic carpet days (N) Dec 1-2 sales & other personnel basic vinyl days (N) Dec 6-7 sales & other personnel basic wood days (N) 2005 Jan...

Anhydrite screeds: fact and fiction.(Help and advice)(Lafarge Gyvlon)
November 1, 2004... THIS year, in addition to my articles on common flooring problems I meet as a consultant, I have visited key manufacturers in the flooring industry to ascertain their views on problems contractors meet, and how they are helping to avoid them....

What to do before you start the finish.(on wood floors)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... In his regular column, SID BOURNE, technical director at Grundorf Terhurne, 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...

How to protect both tiles and resin flooring.(on tiles)
November 1, 2004... ALTHOUGH Schluter-Systems is more associated with providing tiling solutions it is frequently asked to advise on safeguarding the edge of resin installations, and creating individual movement zones within the floor, preventing the resin from...

Use chalk. It allows you to rectify mistakes.(on bespoke flooring designs)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... CUTTING bespoke designs into rubber, linoleum, vinyl and other flooring materials can range from very simple, basic geometric shapes to more difficult, intricate patterns such as a school's coat of arms, complete with motto. Some years...

How 'affinity marketing' can help your business.(on marketing)
November 1, 2004... HOW did Norwich Union gain access to over 5m loyal consumers without having to create their own extensive marketing effort? By providing insurance services on behalf of Marks & Spencers. Thomas Cook has grown its business from simply...

Pressure mounts to axe retentions.(News file)
November 1, 2004... THE days are numbered for retentions. That is the view of Rudi Klein, chief executive of the SEC Group and anti-retentions campaigner. Particularly encouraging IS the government target to eliminate retentions from 70% of its projects by...

Recycling breakthrough for Burmatex.(News file)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... BURMATEX has commissioned a bespoke plant capable of recycling carpet waste. This is part of Ethos, a novel approach to the disposal of carpet waste. Over the last three years Burmatex has invested money and time into researching various...

Red Carpet for the journalists.(News file)
November 1, 2004... John Duncan, chairman of the Carpet Foundation, with one of the winners of the Red Carpet awards to encourage greater media exposure for carpets. Lisa Allen (left) is editor of BBC Good Homes which won the best use of carpet in an...

Halstead doubles profits.(Business in brief)(James Halstead Group PLC)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... James Halstead doubled its pre-tax profits to 24.1m [pounds sterling] in the year to June. The company also increased turnover 5% to 104.7m [pounds sterling].

Balta is bought.(Business in brief)(Balta N.V.)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... A major European equity company, Doughty Hanson, is reported to have acquired 70% of the shares in the Belgian carpet manufacturer Balta for 600m Euros. The Balcaen family which owned Balta has retained 20% of the shares with the balance going...

Interface sales are up.(Business in brief)(Interface, Inc.)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Interface in the US reports a 9% year-over-year rise in sales to $254m in its second quarter 2004 results. Orders were up 13% to $258m. However, the net loss of $0.2m was significantly down on the $5.4m of the same quarter in 2003.

Victoria plc reports profit.(Business in brief)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Victoria plc, which makes carpet in the UK, Australia, Ireland and Canada, has reported a 39% rise in pre-tax profit to 4.19m [pounds sterling] in the year to April 3, 2004.

Headlam acquisition.(Business in brief)(Headlam Group PLC)(Kingsmead Carpets)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Kingsmead Carpets, which had sales of 7.15m [pounds sterling] in the year to April 30, 2004, has been bought by Headlam Group for 350,000 [pounds sterling].

Gradus partnership.(Business in brief)(Muraspec)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Gredus has set up a strategic partnership with Muraspec, the commercial wallcoverings manufacturer, www.gradusworld.com T: 01625 428 922

Alternative new owner.(Business in brief)(Chris Brammall gets appointed)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The Alternative Flooring Company chairman David Harris has retired after his business was bought by The Wilton Carpet Factory. The company's new md is Chris Brammall, joint owner of the Wilton Carpet Factory.

Offices in recovery.(Business in brief)(Interior Services Group)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Interior Services Group has reported a 25% rise in orders in the year to June, helped by the recovering office market.

Quote.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... "For a significant proportion of our members retentions remain both a legitimate and necessary business choice' --Christopher Morley, executive director of the Construction Clients' Group, on why retentions should not be scrapped ...

Flooring firms flock to Surface Design Show.(News file)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... FLOORING companies Altro, CFS Carpets, Milliken Carpers, Panaget, Porcelanosa, Tessera, Freudenberg and Weber Building Solutions are some of the new suppliers booked into next years' Surface Design Show 2005 (March 2-3, 2005) at the Business...

Gay website shock for German building fair.(CFJ exclusive)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... ORGANISERS of an international building fair in Munich, Germany, are apparently upset that a website for a gay bar in Munich has a similar name to their own internet site. They are worried that potential visitors to the BAU exhibition,...

Organisers battle for flooring exhibitors.(News file)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... COMPETITION between German exhibition organisers hots up next year when floorcoverings are given a bigger presence at Heimtextil in Frankfurt (January 12-15, 2005). Domotex in Hannover (January 15-18) has always had the lion's share of...

Goggles mandatory.(The trade in brief)(Wates Building Group Ltd.)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... After obliging sub-contractors to wear gloves on site, the main contractor Wates has now made the wearing of goggles by all compulsory, according to reports.

NICF council recruits.(The trade in brief)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Three new NICF council members were elected at the recent AGM, Jane Burton, Nigel Tucker and Gary Middleton. Phil Worrall is the new vice president. The president Tony Sansom was re-elected.

Cashback promo.(The trade in brief)(Polyflor products)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Flooring contractors can earn a 20 [pounds sterling] cashback reward for every full roll of selected Polyflor products bought in the 'Back a Winner' promotion until December 31. www.polyflor.com T: 0161 767 1111

Good news on levy.(The trade in brief)(Construction Industry Training Board)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Hundreds of small contractors could benefit by a CITB proposal to raise its payroll threshold for its training levy from 61,000 [pounds sterling] to 65,000 [pounds sterling].

Young turned off.(Tarmac survey)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... More than half (57%) of 16-24 year-olds surveyed by Tarmac recently regarded construction as a 'low value' job.

Accident cost.(The trade in brief)
November 1, 2004... Construction site accidents and work-related ill-health cost employers 1.9bn [pounds sterling] a year, according to the HSE.

Plant hire market.(The trade in brief)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The UK plant hire market was worth 2.37bn [pounds sterling] in 2003, according to AMA Research. A growth rate of 2-3% up to 2007 is forecast.

Equipment thefts.(The National Plant & Equipment Register)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... More than 3,500 equipment thefts worth a total of 35m [pounds sterling] were reported to the National Plant & Equipment Register in 2003. The South East accounted for 30% of the total.

Safety for hoists.(new EU directive)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Construction-site hoists, often used for flooring materials, are to be subject to tighter technical standards in a new EU directive.

10 things you ought to know about Domotex.(trade show)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... 1 Over 1,080 exhibitors from 55 countries will be at Domotex featuring their products and services. 2 Over 75% of exhibitors are from outside Germany. 3 Germany, the host nation, will field 270 exhibitors, followed by India (140),...

British team raring to go.(2005 European floorcovering fitting championship)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... THE British team for the 2005 European floorcovering fitting championships at Domotex in Hannover (January 15-18) has been announced. This year's winning UK team has 'retired' and three new members have been selected after closely contested...

Invista shows its metal at 100% Design.(formerly DuPont Textiles and Interiors)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... INVISTA, formerly DuPont Textiles and Interiors (DTI), showcased the latest Antron carpet designs, styles, colours and textures at 100% Design recently. Adopting three colour themes--bright, neutral and metallic--Antron featured 40 carpet...

US white oak surge.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Imports to the UK of white oak from the US were up 15% (worth $15m) in the first half of 2004. During the same period Ash was up 19% ($4.7m). www.ahec-europe.org

Cement prices to rise.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Cement prices could rise by up to 15% in the first quarter of next year, a leading supplier has warned.

Demand for CSCS.(Contract Security Classification Specification)(Construction Clients' Group)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The Construction Clients' Group is recommending that clients include a CSCS clause for contractors in procurement contracts in the Clients' Charter currently being reviewed.

Training backing.(Construction Industry Training Board)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The CITB spent 189m [pounds sterling] on training last year, including a 46% increase in ordinary training grants and a 20% rise in grants for new entrant training.

Construction orders.(floor covering industry)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Orders in the year to August 2004 rose by 2%. Orders in the three months to August 2004 rose by 11% compared to a year earlier.

Charity cycle ride.(Claire House Children's Hospice)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Mapei UK helped cyclists from the VEGA Corporation dress for a charity cycling event which raised 13,400 [pounds sterling] for Claire House Children's Hospice, Bebington, Wirral, after a journey from Lands End to John O'Groats.

FTBA supported.(Furnishing Trades Benevolent Association)(Associated Carpet Group)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The Associated Carpet Group raised 500 [pounds sterling] for the FTBA in a raffle at its annual dinner at the Stratford Manor Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon.

Rugmark recruits.(I Nemetnejad and Jacaranda Carpets)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Two more UK based rug importers, I Nemetnejad and Jacaranda Carpets, have become licensees of Rugmark, the charity promoting ethical consumerism. T: 020 7737 2675

Job for CFA member.(Smith & Sons)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... CFA flooring contractor member Smith & Sons of Exeter used Tremco's Treadfast One Coat Universal damp proof membrane when fitting out the new Helston Motors Land Rover sales and servicing centre at Matford Business Park in Exeter.

Falling profits alarm.(UK floorcoverings industry)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... SOME significant floorcoverings companies are chasing sales at the expense of profitability, according to a new Plimsoll report. Accusing 171 companies of overtrading, Plimsoll states that almost half of the 739 companies it has surveyed...

Putin on the quartz.(News file)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin (left) on board a St Petersburg Metro car during a ceremony to mark the official opening of two new metro lines following flooding. The metro trains are fitted with heavy duty slip resistant sheet vinyl for the...

Cavalier launches new website.(Cavalier carpets)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... CAVALIER CARPETS has launched a new website which includes a section on contract, featuring its stock and bespoke ranges in broadloom and tile with advice on obtaining the most suitable carpet for commercial interiors. The insurance section...

Industry awards issue: CFJ has no connection.(Contract Flooring Journal)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... THERE is apparently confusion in the flooring industry over whether CFJ is involved in so-called awards currently being arranged. A number of companies have told CFJ of their impression that these awards are offered only on condition that...

Historic wood floor protected.(News file)(Superfloor P & P Co)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... A WOOD block floor in Manchester University's historic Whitworth Building has been refurbished by timber flooring specialist Superfloor P & P Co (Manchester), using RONSEAL CONTRACTOR Quick Cure Floor Seal. Most of the pine blocks on the...

Calls to be assessor.(Industry in brief)
November 1, 2004... The shortage of assessors for NVQ in flooring was mentioned by Terry Wolfe in CFJ last month. Because of difficulties with the published number, anyone wanting details is asked to contact Richard Wollerton at the CFA. T: 0115 941 1126

Synthetic wood.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... SABIC has produced synthetic wood using proprietary extrusion and formulation technology, claimed to reduce distortion and discoloration in polystyrene profiles by incorporating a suitable UV stabiliser system. www.sabic-europe.com

Hotel intelligence.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Analysis of the top 100 UK hotel groups and top 20 hotel consortia is given in a new service from Emap Glenigan, Hotel Procurement Intelligence. T: 0800 093 7772 www.hotel-procurement.com

FM software.(Industry in brief)(facilities & property management software)
November 1, 2004... Service Works has new guidance on best practices for successful CAFM implementation in support of its QFM facilities and property management software. www.swg.com T: 08707 360000

Insurance offer.(Industry in brief)(British Contract Furnishing Association)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The British Contract Furnishing Association is offering members discounted premiums on specialist concessionary insurance from brokers RHG. www.thebcfa.com T: 01494 896790

Miss Marple floored.(Industry in brief)(Westco )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Westco supplied Floormaker Classic Parquet for Agatha Christie films for LWT starring Geraldine McEwan as Miss Marple to be on at Christmas.

Fitters up in arms.(Industry in brief)(Professional floorlayers )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Professional floorlayers in America are angry after a TV makeover show featured a 12-year-old child installing carpet tiles.

TTA 2005 schools award unveiled.(News file)
November 1, 2004... THE 2005 schools competition from The Tile Association is to be sponsored by CFJ and sister publication TSJ. The closing date for entries is March 31, 2005. Schools wishing to enter should check out the TTA website or contact the TTA...

IDS promotes Bruce.(Products in brief)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The IDS Master Showcase Dealer programme on Bruce hardwood flooring runs until December 31. For 149.95 [pounds sterling] a year, retailers receive new POS material, priority access to new sample boards, free sales brochures, plus enquiries for...

Carpet tile offer.(Products in brief)(Bollington Carpet Tiles )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Bollington Carpet Tiles is offering 'low cost' first, second and reject qualities, also second hand tiles, plus a printing to order service. The new company replaces Adlington Carpets Tiles, Macclesfield, forced to close after arson attacks on...

Carpets for cars.(Products in brief)(Automobile Trimmings Company)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Tufted rubber backed carpet for cars are offered by The Automobile Trimmings Company, Britain's oldest existing manufacturer of automotive carpet, it also supplies sound proofing felt pads and rolls, and rubber matting for cars....

Hardwood flooring.(Products in brief)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Atkinson & Kirby supplies Platinum 15mm pre-finished multi-layer flooring in 13 species with a 4mm wearlayer available in a 3-strip or a plank with six coats of anti-scratch UV lacquer. Silver Plus is 10mm prefinished multi-layer with a 2mm...

Carpets can be 'smart'.(Would you believe it!)(Canesis UK )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Canesis UK is developing a smart carpet to sense and react to environmental conditions and stimuli, such as temperature changes, light or electronic signals, or can be activated to perform functions such as switch on a light, monitor pulse rate...

Burmatex.(People)(Donald)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Burmatex has appointed DONALD as md, taking over from Richard Clark, who has been md since 1976. Mr Clark retires alter 37 at Burmatex. Mr Donald has over 24 years experience in textiles, including home furnishings, non-wovens, and...

F Ball.(People)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... F Ball has a new technical representative in Ireland, CHRIS MOORE. Formerly a technical consultant with Larsen Building Products, Chris has extensive practical knowledge of damp proof membranes and smoothing underlayments.

Pownall.(People)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Pownall has appointed MAXINE WHITHAM as product development director. She has been responsible for implementing new products and market initiatives at the company over the past two years. CARL QUAIL is Pownall's new sales director. Carl has 12...

Gaskell Flooring.(People)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... MICHAEL DUNN ihas joined Gaskell Flooring's underlay sales team in the North East of England and Cumbria. Michael was previously with Interfloor. He has also worked for Storey Carpets and Thursby's Furnishers during a 22 year career.

James Latham.(People)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... James Latham has a new sales representative for the Midlands region, TONY SHELDON, who has over 30 years of experience in the flooring industry.

Carpet Line.(People)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... CLIVE BECKETT is a new sales representative for Middlesbrough-based Carpet Line, covering Humberside, North and South Yorkshire. Clive has 12 years experience in retail, starting his career with a small independent retailer in Redcar in 1992....

Whitestone Weavers.(People)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Whitestone Weavers has appointed JOHN HINCHLIFFE as the company's sales representative covering Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Lancashire. John, who has been in carpet sales for the past 12 years, originally started out in furniture retailing...

BeA Fastening Systems.(People)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... SUE WARNETT has joined BeA Fastening Systems as heed of its customer services team. She has been in customer services for 20 years.

Working together.(Events in brief)
November 1, 2004... The CFA and National Specialist Contractors Council are hosting a joint event at the Building Centre, London, on November 25 to highlight how contractors and suppliers can work together successfully. CFA members willing to make a presentation...

Construction careers.(Events in brief)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The Construction Careers event will be held in London on November 5-6 and Manchester on November 18-19. www.censtructioncareersevent.co.uk T: 0870 429 4430

Construction courses.(Events in brief)(Construction Study Centre)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... A range of construction courses on different subject are held at venues around the UK by the Construction Study Centre. www.constructionstudycentre.co.uk T: 0121 434 3337

Wildlife concerns.(Events in brief)(Construction Industry Research and Information Association )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... CIRIA has organised a series of training workshops based on Its established working with wildlife training pack. www.ciria.org T: 020 7549 3300

Awards announced.(Events in brief)(Institute of Clerks of Works )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Entries are invited for the Institute of Clerks of Works biennial building on quality awards 2005 for projects completed between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2004. There are three categories. Judging will beheld during next summer. T: 01733...

Builders' holidays.(Events in brief)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The building trade shuts at close of business on December 24 and returns to work on January 10, 2005.

BBC shows return.(Events in brief)(British Broadcasting Corp)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... BBC Good Homes Show and DIY Show will be held on May 5-8, 2005, at the NEC. T: 020 7471 1081

Bathroom tiles.(Events in brief)(Pilkington Tiles)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Pilkington Tiles is one of the exhibitors at Bathrooms & Kitchens Expo to be held at ExCel, London from May 8-10, 2005. T: 020 8565 4200

Production show.(Events in brief)
November 1, 2004... FloorTek Expo (May 17-19) in Georgia, USA, is a flooring manufacturing trade show dedicated to the production and materials presented by the American Floorcovering Alliance. www.floor-tek.com

The glues brothers.(News file)
November 1, 2004... WHILSTOUR LADS REFIT HIS ROOM TREMBLIN' TOM TUCKER, RETIRED FLOORLAYER IS UNDER HOUSE ARREST SUSPECTED OF MURDERING BROTHER BILL DURING THE SUMMER OF '67 YOU WICKED OLD MAN--INSTEAD OF DOIN' FOR BILL, YOU SHOULD'VE BEEN WEARIN' FLOWERS IN...