Contract Flooring Journal articles from November 2006

Contract Flooring Journal archives from November 2006

Safety is not a laughing matter.(Editor's comment)
November 1, 2006... IT IS easy for detractors to undermine the whole basis for health & safety. They only need to quote recent examples of H&S quirks: A misguided local authority telling council estate residents to remove their door mats because they constitute a...

Knees down in church restoration as CFA contractor works in site open to heavens.(Rainleaf Flooring Company, Contract Flooring Association, All Saints' Church)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... THE Rainleaf Flooring Company, a member of the CFA, faced several major challenges and difficult site conditions when working on a huge restoration project at the magnificent All Saints' Church in Dulwich recently. The restoration followed...

'Assessor shortage blocks fast route to CSCS'.(Confusion over NVQs)(Construction Skills Certification Scheme)
November 1, 2006... NVQ assessor David Cheshire comments on the article 'Site ban ruling for floorlayers without CSCS' (CFJ October 2006): THE CITB makes the situation sound much more positive that it actually is. This new SkillsDirect service, they say,...

Safety flooring goes with the grain.(Product development)
November 1, 2006... Last month saw the launch of what is claimed to be the world's first true wood effect safety flooring. Joe Austin, UK marketing manager for Altro, explains how the new product was developed: AESTHETICS are becoming increasingly important in...

'China is going green, but it will cost us': David James, md of Tacwise, reflects on how businesses engaged in Asia need to reconcile ethical environmentalism with commerce as China--the manufacturing powerhouse of the world--faces an impending environmental crisis.(Trading with China)
November 1, 2006... ANYONE who has been to the more industrial areas of China lately--where many goods, such as power tools, for the UK are sourced--could not fail to be appalled by the incredible environmental spoilage that has taken place. Streams and...

RH and MC: the experts are at odds.(testing moisture content in floor coverings)
November 1, 2006... CFJ is very fortunate in having many excellent regular writers, experts in various fields, and I have no doubt that readers of this magazine learn much from them. One of the most outstanding is Peter Kaczmar of TRADA, who has a far greater...

Flooring Industry Training Association.(comment)(Directory)
November 1, 2006... 2007 Courses TEXTILE Basic Carpet fitting Jan 22-26 (L) Mar 5-9 (N) Intermediate Carpet fitting Feb 12-16 (N) Mar 19-23 (L) Advanced Carpet fitting Mar 26-29 (N) Carpet Tile fitting Feb 22-23...

BAL offers five-day floor AND wall tiling course.(Training directory)
November 1, 2006... BAL, which has three centres nationwide, has introduced a new five-day training programme, combining wall and floor tiling courses for the first time. David Rowley, of BAL, comments: 'Since the first Building Adhesives training centre...

Schluter-Systems opens national training centre.(Training directory)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... SCHLUTER-SYSTEMS has opened a purpose-built training centre for tiling contractors, distributors, retailers and stockists. Technical manager Ian Knifton says: 'With essential technical requirements of tiling changing from one installation...

Diary dates.(Training directory)(Calendar)
November 1, 2006... INDEX November 7-11 Dubai (British group stand run by BCFA) www.dmgdubai.com HOMEBUILDING SHOW November 10-12 Harrogate www.homebuildingshow.co.uk ORGATEC October 24-28 Cologne, Germany ...

The Glues Brothers.(Cartoon)
November 1, 2006... THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE EXPLANATION.... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ... IT'S THE GENERATION GAP BETWEEN ME AND OUR KID [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I MEASURED IN IMPERIAL AND HE'S FITTED IT IN METRIC [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

No signature on the paperwork may mean you not getting paid.(on protecting yourself, contract management)
November 1, 2006... THIS is a story about a contractor who did not bother getting the consumer's signature on the paperwork. It cost him a lot of money along with his reputation. The case in question happened some time ago; it involved two parties, an...

Out of sight, but not out of mind.(on underlayments)
November 1, 2006... SAFETY flooring has come a long way since its invention 50 years ago. It's now available in a vast array of colours, textures and finishes. But that is only part of the story. What is less well known is that there are materials available...

Stand by the standards: they will stand by you.(British Standards Institute's flooring standards)
November 1, 2006... THIS month I will tackle the all-too-often ignored area of standards and their importance to a successful installation. * Are standards necessary? Read almost all flooring product packaging, relevant adhesives, screeds and associated...

Don't let a bleeding carpet make you see red!(Cleaning Research International's services)(Company overview)
November 1, 2006... LAST month in CFJ I highlighted the problems encountered by carpet manufacturers resulting from a poor understanding of the requirements of carpet cleaning. This problem does not stop there. Many a time I have observed manufacturers being...

An away win creates a whole new ball game.(on catering for foreign tastes)
November 1, 2006... IF you intend to open up your products to an international market, it may come as a surprise to find that you might need to go right back to the drawing board in order to be successful. Whilst your design may have been tried and tested on...

How to respond when a copycat strikes.(on legal action to protect your intellectual property)
November 1, 2006... LAST month in CFJ I explained how design rights are conferred under UK and EU law on the creation of a new 3-dimensional design. An infringement of unregistered or registered UK or EU design right occurs where another design creates the...

Overtime limited by new working time law.(on the latest changes in employment law)
November 1, 2006... Legal advice for bosses FOLLOWING my first CFJ guide to employment law last month, I will highlight a few more recent changes that employers need to be aware of. * Calling time on a working time exemption: The flexibility employers...

Questions you may face after an accident.(on corporate manslaughter)
November 1, 2006... THE cases I discussed in CFJ last month illustrate the nature and breadth of prosecutions following a fatality. Let's examine these in greater detail. In OLL, insufficient training and failure to appreciate the hazards was the main driver....

When movement joints become obsolete.(on where to put your joints)
November 1, 2006... ARCHITECTS, specifiers and end-users often try to dissuade flooring contractors from putting movement joints in the correct places in tiled flooring, because they say it detracts from the installation's visual appeal. Often there can be...

'Don't let the big boys get the better of you'.(Bibby Financial Services Group's Andrew Dixon advises flooring contractors )
November 1, 2006... DON'T get your fingers burnt when working with the big builders! This is the advice to flooring contractors from Bibby Financial Services. Andrew Dixon, head of construction finance at Bibby warns against the temptation to take advantage...

The surf is up for Heckmondwike FB.(News file)
November 1, 2006... HECKMONDWIKE FB has had a starring role in the recent 'Men in White' series by Tiger Aspect Productions. The show featured the company's Iron Duke product for the 'carpet surfing' challenge in episode three of the series. Heckmondwike FB...

Halstead profits rise.(Business in brief)
November 1, 2006... James Halstead reportedly saw a rise in pre-tax profits for the year to 17.48m [pounds sterling] from 13.76m [pounds sterling] with sales also rising 12% to 126m [pounds sterling].

Tile firm invests.(Business in brief)
November 1, 2006... BCT is to treble production at its Devon factory following a deal with Stephens Investments Holdings. Construction will begin next year with additional manufacturing capacity coming on stream during 2008. www.bctltd.co.uk

Burmatex green award.(Business in brief)(Building Research Establishment's Environmental Profiles Certification Scheme)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... All of the carpet ranges made by Burmatex, including fibrebonded sheet and tiles and tufted tiles, have achieved an A-rating under the UK Building Research Establishment's Environmental Profiles Certification Scheme. All inputs and outputs from...

Trade account offers.(Business in brief)(ccount card scheme)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Floors-2-Go has a new account card scheme offering trade customers an exclusive price list, discounts on more than 180 packs of laminate and real wood flooring and a loyalty reward scheme with flights to New York, plus up to 60 days interest...

New Screwfix centre.(Business in brief)
November 1, 2006... Screwfix Direct is establishing a second distribution centre in Stafford with a trade counter. The 545,570sq ft site to open next June will initially lead to the creation of 300jobs. T: 01935 414100

Creditors advised.(Business in brief)
November 1, 2006... Potential creditors have been contacted regarding two flooring companies, Laminate Flooring Direct, which is in voluntary liquidation, and Furnitureland, in administration.

Godfrey Hirst buys Feltex.(Business in brief)
November 1, 2006... Australian carpet maker Godfrey Hirst is buying debt-laden New Zealand rival Feitex Carpets.

Quote.(News File)(Quotation)
November 1, 2006... 'When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people' --Abraham Joshua Heschel, American civil rights activist 'The ideas that have lighted my way have been kindness, beauty and truth' --Albert...

Get set to cheer for Matt, Chris and Steve.(Aiming to bring the trophy back home)
November 1, 2006... THE British team which came so close to winning the European team floorlaying championships at Domotex 2006 has been re-selected for the competition next January. Chris Poser, Matt Bourne and Steve Sydney will again endeavour to bring the...

British woven carpets are back at Domotex.(News file)
November 1, 2006... THE dwindling band of British exhibitors at Domotex next year (January 13-16) will be reinforced next year by an industry heavyweight, AXMINSTER CARPETS. After being absent last year, Axminster Carpets is to make a very welcome return. ...

Lano takes a Walk at Sleep.(News file)
November 1, 2006... LANO CARPETS, in conjunction with its UK contract partner, Natural Elements, will highlight diverse hospitality products at the Sleep, the European hotel design event, at Old Billingsgate Market, London, from November 7-8. Lano's Walk of...

Busier builders.(Industry in brief)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Construction orders wore up 10% in the 12 months to August 2006 compared with the previous year, the DTI says. During the same period private commercial, private industrial and public housing & housing association orders rose 40%, 19% and 36%...

Fake CSCS cards.(Industry in brief)
November 1, 2006... The Major Contractors Group claims to have uncovered a growing number of fake CSCS cards as its campaign for zero tolerance of unskilled workers on its sites gathers pace.

Vehicle crime soars.(Industry in brief)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Nearly one in five small businesses has been hit by vehicle crime costing 2.2bn [pounds sterling], according to a survey by insurance company Zurich. Vans contain an average of 3,000 [pounds sterling] worth of equipment, stock and personal...

Call to stop bullying.(Industry in brief)
November 1, 2006... Workplace bullying costs industry up to 2bn [pounds sterling] a year in sick pay, staff turnover and lost productivity, says Amicus. It has a new campaign highlighting the fact that only 2% of employers have a policy of zero tolerance towards...

Keeping it simple.(Industry in brief)
November 1, 2006... The HSC and HSE have published a simplification plan as part of their continuing commitment to better, smarter regulation to help business comply and so improve health & safety. The plan outlines initiatives to reduce the paperwork costs to...

Tackling back pain.(Industry in brief)
November 1, 2006... The Health and Safety Executive has launched a Better Backs campaign to improve manual handling in the workplace. Back pain is reported to cost the NHS, business and the economy over 5bn [pounds sterling] a year. www.betterbacks.hse.gov.uk T:...

Leading UK architect in the final at Contract World.(News file)
November 1, 2006... THE internationally respected British architect Norman Foster is one of the finalists at Contract World to be staged at Domotex flooring trade fair (January 13-16) in Hanover, Germany. The project submitted by Foster and Partners is the new...

100% Design response delights Altro.(News file)(Altro Floors')(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... ALTRO reports seeing thousands of visitors at this year's 100% Design Show. Exhibiting at the four-day event for the second time, Altro's stand boasted a sharp 'barcode' effect, created using a combination of its products, including safety and...

Strata Santa's sack is still full of tenners.(News file)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... THE POLYFLOR Christmas Comes Early promotion still has nearly three months to run. Until January 31, 2007, contractors can claim 10 [pounds sterling] cashback on every full roll of new Polysafe Strata sheet vinyl safety flooring purchased and...

EC investigates vinyl.(Industry in brief)
November 1, 2006... A new European Commission report, Life cycle assessment of PVD and principal competing materials, says there is little difference in terms of environmental impact between vinyl and linoleum of equivalent quality during the production phase....

Asbestos pay-out.(Industry in brief)
November 1, 2006... A carpenter suffering from asbestos related cancer has won 400,000 [pounds sterling] in damages from a previous employer. He claimed he was regularly exposed to asbestos dust and fibres while working on three tower blocks in Stratford, east...

Corruption hits UK.(Industry in brief)
November 1, 2006... ONE in four UK companies trading around the world have lost business in the last five years because of a corrupt competitor, according to a new survey. It reveals that Construction is one of the sectors more prone to corruption.

Law 'inadequate'.(Industry in brief)
November 1, 2006... Trade unions are criticising the proposed corporate manslaughter law, saying it is 'totally inadequate' and will lead to very few extra prosecutions.

Technical booklet.(Industry in brief)
November 1, 2006... The illustrated technical booklet Wood Floors with Under-floor Heating from Timber Floor Technology is being offered free of charge. CFJ readers can obtain a copy for only 2.50 [pounds sterling] (covering post and packaging) by writing to...

Wharncliffe is 25.(Industry in brief)
November 1, 2006... Wharncliffe Business Systems, supplier of IT solutions to carpet and floorcoverings companies, is celebrating a quarter of a century in business, www.wharncliffe.co.uk

Taylored Flooring.(Industry in brief)
November 1, 2006... WiseLoc end lock system was displayed at the National Floor Show last September by Taylored Flooring, and net Taylored Designs as stated in the CFJ event preview. www.tayloredflooring.co.uk

It's grow! grow! grow! for new show.(The Tile and Stone Show)
November 1, 2006... THE UK's first bespoke, standalone, exhibition to bring ceramic, porcelain and stone tiles under one roof, The Tile & Stone Shorn has been extended due to demand for space. The show organiser, Kick-Start Publishing, which also publishes...

Transfloor covers UK and Ulster with Cavalier.(News file)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... TRANSFLOOR is now serving all areas of the UK and Ireland with twice weekly carpet deliveries from a range of major manufacturers, including Cavalier Carpets and Ulster Carpets. Colin Hyndes, group production director, Ulster Carpets, says:...

NSCC member rewarded.(Industry in brief)(National Specialist Contractors Council)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... The National Specialist Contractors Council, whose membership includes the CFA, has given prizes worth 1,000 [pounds sterling] to the Association for Specialist Fire Protection for the most progress reported in qualifying the specialist...

Beating the cowboys.(Industry in brief)
November 1, 2006... A new guide for homeowners reveals how much work around the home should cost. The Property Makeover Price Guide is produced by the Building Cost Information Service of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. Costing 17.99 [pounds sterling],...

FTBA supported.(Industry in brief)
November 1, 2006... Associated Carpet Group (ACG) presented the Furnishing Trades' Benevolent Association with a cheque for 560 [pounds sterling] raised at its 21st anniversary dinner. FTBA also received 1,500 [pounds sterling] from the Flooring Industry Awards,...

Patent deals reached.(Industry in brief)
November 1, 2006... Beaulieu International Group and Unilin have settled five German patent cases--two involving validity and three about infringement of the German utility models DE 29710175U and DE 29724428U.

Timber frame boost.(Industry in brief)
November 1, 2006... A fifth of all new houses now have timber frames and that figure could rise to a quarter by 2008, according to the UK Timber Frame Association.

Migrant builders.(Industry in brief)
November 1, 2006... Only 4% of immigrants to the UK from Eastern Europe since the enlargement of the EU have gone into construction (16.670 out of 427,000), says the Home Office.

Minimum wage.(Industry in brief)
November 1, 2006... The national minimum wage has been increased to 5.35 [pounds sterling].

FMB new president.(Industry in brief)
November 1, 2006... Leeds builder Geoff Lister has been appointed present of the Federation of Master Builders.

The Queen honours Halstead.(News file)(Geoffrey Halstead of James Halstead Flooring Group )(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... TRIBUTES to the outstanding efforts of home and overseas companies and staff in helping to achieve a Queen's Award for enterprise were paid by James Halstead Flooring Group chairman Geoffrey Halstead, accepting the award from the Lord...

Vinyl recycling plan launched in Britain.(News file)
November 1, 2006... A RECYCLING scheme for vinyl flooring has been launched in the UK by RECOVINYL in conjunction with TARKETT-MARLEY FLOORS. Initially for large contracts, participating installation companies are supplied with cages to store the offcuts of...

Wood & laminate products make Harrogate debut.(News file)
November 1, 2006... WHILE exhibiting at the National Floor Show in Harrogate, STIKATAK has launched new products for the wood and laminate sector, including Flexible Gap sealant in four shades; Scotia and Skirting Adhesive; Moisture Guard joint sealant; Tidypipes...

Lean workshop.(Industry in brief)
November 1, 2006... Ukfirst has an interactive workshop on Lean Manufacturing on at FIRA in Stevenage November 8 aimed at managers in the furnishings sector. Sponsored by the DTI, this is a free workshop and places are limited. Details from Haley Flynn: ...

Bid for migrant curbs.(migrant workers in construction sector)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Construction union Ucatt is urging for a clampdown on bogus self-employment among migrant workers. Government figures say only 16,600 out of 427,000 workers from the eight accession countries which joined the EU in May 2004 are working in the...

Call for sexual equality.(Industry in brief)
November 1, 2006... The Chartered Institute of Building is calling for women and men to be treated as equals in construction to help ease the skills crisis.

Lords a leaping in NYC.(British architects Norman Foster and Richard Rogers contracted for building new skyscrapers at World Trade Center site)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Two leading British architects are involved with the building of new skyscrapers at the World Trade Center site in New York. Lord Norman Foster plans a 78-storey office block known as Tower Two including 143,000sq It of retail space, 60 floors...

Wood hungry China.(timber demand forecast)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... China's demand for tropical timber will skyrocket, according to local analysts. Its consumption of solid flooring is forecast to be up to 70m cu m, including up to 1.5cu m of tropical timber 2010. However, China's tropical timber imports have...

Iran exports 105m [pounds sterling].(Industry in brief)
November 1, 2006... Carpet and rug exports from Iran between March and September this year were worth around 105m [pounds sterling], according to the Iranian government.

Distributor 3D is winning in the west.(News file)
November 1, 2006... SOUTH Wales and West Country distributor, 3D FLOORING SUPPLIES has recently added a 5,000sq ft extension to its Penarth Road branch in Cardiff to incorporate additions to its wood and ceramic product ranges. Pictured above outside the...

NSCC president meets the new construction minister.(News file)(National Specialist Contractors Council)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... THE president of the National Specialist Contractors Council (NSCC) Graham Wren recently met the new construction minister, Margaret Hodge, to discuss various issues notably the role of specialist sub-contractors in government projects for the...

Flowcrete cleans up with Polygiene.(News file)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... FLOWCRETE is collaborating with chemicals and performance materials company Perstorp Chemicals AB to use their Polygiene thermosetting amino compound for state-of-the-art anti-microbial flooring systems. Polygiene is claimed to kill off...

Northumberland College tilers shine at Skillbuild.(floor tiling competition)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... THE gold and silver medals in the wall and floor tiling category at Skillbuild 2006 went to students from Northumberland College. Glenn Rourke won the top prize with his compatriot Stephen Elliott coming second. The bronze medal was won by...

T1 flooring website.(Products in brief)
November 1, 2006... T1 Commercial flooring sales agency has a new website and new products, featuring a clip 'n' fit range including ceramic, cork and vinyl flooring. www.t1-commercial.com

UFH guide launched.(Products in brief)
November 1, 2006... OSMA Underfloor Heating, part of the Wavin Group, has a new guide for heating installers: Underfloor Heating--The Hidden Advantage. This guide provides best practice advice for working with UFH systems in domestic and commercial applications,...

New products galore.(Products in brief)
November 1, 2006... German manufacturer MeisterWerke introduced no less than 450 new products to the UK market at the National Floor Show. Notable were Melango 20 laminate in 2m planks and Tritec 2.5 3-Strip bevelled parquet collection www.meisterwerke.com

Hardwood references.(Products in brief)
November 1, 2006... The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) has published a booklet, Hardwood References, showcasing the many species used in 12 recent internationally acclaimed architectural projects. www.ahec-europe.org

Exposing the truth.(Pergo AB's campaigns)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Five years ago in November 2001, CFJ interviewed Anette Kumlien, a director of Swedish laminate manufacturer Pergo, in the wake of claims by the Carpet Foundation of a 'dirty tricks campaign' against carpets in Britain, allegedly orchestrated...

Good news as product sales soar.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... CONSTRUCTION product sales, including flooring, strengthened during the summer, exceeding manufacturers' expectations, according to latest figures from the Construction Products Association. Manufacturers anticipate a further strengthening...

Makita doubles warehouse capacity.(News file)
November 1, 2006... POWER tool manufacturer MAKITA is doubling its warehouse capacity at Milton Keynes to meet accelerating demands of UK customers. A further 7000sq m stock holding and distribution facility is under construction alongside the existing...

Gareth bags FTBA golf trophy.(Gareth Parry of Highgate Carpets wins Furnishing Trades' Benevolent Association's golf championship)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... GARETH PARRY of Highgate Carpets in Cumbria was awarded the Jim Young Trophy at the Furnishing Trades' Benevolent Association (FTBA) national golf championship in September, at the Belfry, Sutton-in-Coldfield. The trophy was awarded to...

Birch International Carpets.(Ken Lavalette appointed)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Birch International Carpets, supplier of healthcare and contract carpets, carpet tiles and matting systems, has appointed KEN LAVALETTE as technical sales consultant for the North West of England. Ken has 25 years experience in the carpet...

Floors-2-Go.(PEOPLE)
November 1, 2006... Floors-2-Go has named ALISTAIR ANDERSON as insurance and contracts manager. He previously spent 15 years with Allied Carpets.

Axminster Carpets.(PEOPLE)
November 1, 2006... MIKE STEER, head of customer services at Axminster Carpets, has retired after 48 years with the company.

David Forbes.(PEOPLE)
November 1, 2006... DAVID FORBES, joint md of Nicholls & Clarke Group, is the new chairman of The Tile Association, taking over from Brian Newell.