Contract Flooring Journal articles from October 2003

Contract Flooring Journal archives from October 2003

The television 'splurge'.(Editor's comment)(Editorial)(Industry Overview)
October 1, 2003... The Carpet Foundation's autumn TV campaign kicked-off last month amid the sad news of Carpets International being placed in administrative receivership. Rescue packages for CI were being discussed as this issue of CFJ went to press, but the...

Don't try to operate on guesswork.(Readers' forum)
October 1, 2003... GOOD market research is the firm foundation upon which any business plan should be built. Without the information that market research provides, your business plans are bulk on the sand of intuition aim instinct and you are at the mercy of...

More old-fashioned trade skills, please.(From the president)(Editorial)
October 1, 2003... AS I write this (August)we are basking in the hottest heat wave since records began. It's a little difficult therefore to think clearly about cooler autumn days and the nights getting longer in October, when you are trying to enjoy the sun...

New law bans 'passing the buck' on asbestos.(From the director)
October 1, 2003... During the past few months I have received several telephone calls from flooring contractors regarding the removal of existing vinyl asbestos floor tiles. The general view of many in the industry appears to be that removing existing vinyl...

Training directory.(Directory)
October 1, 2003... NVQ TRAINING UNIBOND THOMSIT NVQ Floorcoverings (Levels 1, 2, and 3) are offered at the following Thomsit Training Centres, whereadvice can also be obtained on new entrant training schemes and on-site assessment and training...

Why transition profiles are needed on tiled floors.(Problem solving)
October 1, 2003... In the first of this new CFJ series on solving tiling problems, IAN KNIFTON, technical manager for Schluter-Systems, looks at how to keep tiled floors looking as good as the day they were installed, by using transition profiles. Q: six...

You can have your own website for as little as 200 [pounds sterling].
October 1, 2003... THE internet is possibly the most powerful communications tool available and with websites costing from as little as 200 [pounds sterling], one of the most cost effective. It is also fast growing, and as the net's users doable every 100...

Sheet vinyl welding from hell!(Terry Wolfe's case book)
October 1, 2003... IN my capacity as a flooring consultant, you may think I spend all my time solving mysteries involving strange ingresses of water or peculiar movements in screeds. Problem solving is certainly a large part of my work: Acting like a...

Make a moisture meter your new best friend.(Ask Sid)
October 1, 2003... Q: I recently resanded a wooden floor that had been flooded and was cupping. This was an insurance job but the company is now holding back my payment as the end customer is complaining about gaps. I've been back on site and yes, there's gapping...

Wet! wet! wet!(The lowdown from Brian Newell)
October 1, 2003... THERE has been huge progress in leisure pool design in recent years with wave machines, 'beaches', waterfalls, floating floors, chutes and wet play areas for young children. As a supplier to this sector, and as a member of the Institute of...

The glues brothers: the series.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... The golden knee pads European championships Part 20 AS EUROPEAN GOLDEN KNEE PAD CHAMPIONS WE'VE HIT THE JACKPOT--NO MORE SCRABBLIN' AROUND ON OUR KNEES TO EARN A CRUST. PICK AND CHOOSE WE CAN ONLY TAKE THE BEST--NO RUBBISH TOP...

Diary dates.(News file)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
October 1, 2003... CONSTRUCTION WEEK October 8-15 website: www.ncw.org.uk BUILT ENVIRONMENT October 14-16 ExCel, London Contact: CMP Information Tel: 020 7921 8142 FM EXPO Facilities Management Show October 14-16 ...

Carpet tiles are forecast to burst out of the doldrums.(News file)(BMW Associates report)(Industry Overview)
October 1, 2003... STRONG growth in carpet tiles in most world markets in 2004 and 2005 is forecast by BMW Associates following extensive research during 2003. A global demand of 92m sq m is projected with manufacturer billings in excess of 1.4bn euros. ...

Alarm rises over skills shortages.(News file)
October 1, 2003... THE shortage of skilled labour is becoming an increasing cause for concern, according to the latest state of trade survey conducted for the National Specialist Contractors Council by Ian Murdoch of the School of the Built Environment at...

Help support the UK team!(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... SPONSORS are urgently being sought for the UK team selected to participate in the first European Floorcovering Fitter of the Year Competition at Domotex next January. Companies can contribute to the success of the British team in this high...

VAT cut urged.(Business in brief)(Construction Products Association)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... THE Construction Products Association has renwed its call for cutting VAT to 5% on all domestic repair, maintenance and improvement work. A new report for the CPA by Capital Economics says imposing VAT on new house building will not be...

USF group acquired.(Business in brief)(USF Surface Preparation Group acquired by International Surface Preparation Corporation)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... The USF Surface Preparation Group, which has manufacturing and distribution facilities in 15 countries, including Altrincham, Ossett, Slough and Birmingham in the UK, has been acquired by the Colorado-based International Surface Preparation...

Carpet production.(Business in brief)(Brief Article)(Industry Overview)
October 1, 2003... Carpet now accounts for less than 50% of the total EU floorcoverings market alter a 6% fall since 2000, according to the European Carpet Association. Around 1bn sq m of carpet was produced in the EU during 2002 with consumption at 800m sq m.

Electronic analysis.(Business in brief)(software from Plimsoll Portfolio Analysis)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Plimsoll has introduced software for electronic financial analysis of the UK floorcoverings industry. www.plimsoll.co.uk Tel: 01642 626400

Lees snapped up.(Business in brief)(Mohawk Industries acquires Lees Carpets)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Lees Carpets, the US contract specialist, has been acquired by Mohawk Industries for $325m.

CITB drive for teens 'sexed up'.(News file)(Construction Industry Training Board recruitment drive )
October 1, 2003... THE CITB 2003 recruitment drive among school leavers includes a focus oil tile laying as a career with a picture of an curvy blonde (below). Described as the CITB's most ambitious advertising campaign, it was timed to hit teenagers as they make...

Insurance plan.(Industry in brief)(Association of British Insurers)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Cheaper liability insurance cover for construction companies is offered in a health & safety assessment plan by the Association of British Insurers.

Tiling contractor.(Industry in brief)(Domeview International by the Domeview Group)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Domeview (Yorkshire) Group, parent business of the tile, slate and stone retailer Tile Depot has launched a contract specialist, Domeview International.

Test laboratory.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... SATRA's 1.5m [pounds sterling] extension in Kettering will include a new floorcoverings test laboratory, planned for completion by early 2004. Tel: 01536 410 000

Hire market.(Industry in brief)(tool hire market)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Three firms--Ashtead, Aggreko and Hewden Stuart--have 52% of the tool hire market, says a new report.

Failing to settle.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Around 60% of tradesmen have bad debt problems while 45% say customers take over six months to pay, says a new Eagle Star survey.

Tender forecast.(Industry in brief)(Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Tender prices will rise at double the rate of inflation over the next five years, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Renew your site.(Industry in brief)(domain names )(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Companies with .uk domain names need to renew them every two years or face disappearing from the internet, warns the national Registry for .uk domain names, Nominet UK. www.nominet.org.uk

Manual handling.(Industry in brief)(Manual Handling Assessment Chart from Health and Safety Executive)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... HSE has launched the Manual Handling Assessment Chart (MAC) for employers. Over a million people every year are reported to suffer from work related back problems. www.hse.gov.uk/msd/mac

Safety inspections.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Local authority inspectors made 266,000 visits during 2001/2002, 11% fewer than the previous year.

Tile showroom.(Industry in brief)(Armatile )(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Armatile has opened a new showroom in Armagh, Northern Ireland. Tel: 028 3752 7007 www.armatile.com

NSCC on the move.(Industry in brief)(National Specialist Contractors Council)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... National Specialist Contractors Council has moved to Carthusian Court, 12 Carthusian Street, London EC1M 6EZ Tel: 0870 429 6351 Fax: 0870 429 6352

Growth for wood predicted to slow.(News file)(Industry Overview)
October 1, 2003... THE total UK wood flooring market is forecast to be worth 441m [pounds sterling] by 2006, according to a new survey. However, it predicts that the growth rate of the wood flooring sector will decline in the short to medium term. The...

For Dupont Interiors now read Invista.(News file)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... DUPONT Textiles & Interiors, a wholly owned subsidiary of DuPont, has become Invista. The name change represents the company's next step towards separating from its parent company and establishing a distinct independent corporate identity....

10,000 [pounds sterling] charity climb.(Industry in brief)(Chris Jenkinson)(Candlelighters Trust Charity)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Chris Jenkinson, procurement head at Polyflor, is planning to climb 19,340ft to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro this month, hoping to raise 10,000 [pounds sterling] for Candlelighters Trust Charity, which provides facilities for children with...

CITB revises grants.(Industry in brief)(Construction Industry Training Board)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... CITB says grants for short duration courses can now be claimed straight after their completion, reducing waiting times for payment from several months to 30 days. Over 14,000 companies applied for grants last year, only 32% of eligible...

First-aid views.(Industry in brief)(Health and Safety Executive )(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... The Health and Safety Executive is inviting views on proposals for regulating first-aid at work. The HSE website includes a questionnaire for return electronically. www.hse.gov.uk/consult/live.htm

Asbestos ban.(Industry in brief)(Asbestos (Prohibition) Regulations 1992)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Importing products containing asbestos is now banned with an amendment to the Asbestos (Prohibition) Regulations 1992.Tel: 08701 545500

Mobile offence.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... From December 1 anyone using hand-held mobile phones while driving will be liable to a 30 [pounds sterling] fine with three penalty points.

Tax leaflet.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... A new leaflet helps employers understand tax rules on the purchase of occupational health support, covering tax and National Insurance contributions, including those items that are tax deductible. www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ohindex.htm

Design handbook.(Industry in brief)(Interior Design Handbook )(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... The 21st edition of the Interior Design Handbook is now available, listing 7,000 products and 1,500 architects and designers. Tel: 01732 377211

FSC flooring.(Industry in brief)(Karl Danzer Furnierwerke Reutlingen und Kehl/Rh and Grupo-IG )(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Karl Danzer and Spanish producer Grupo-IG are promoting their FSC engineered flooring in the UK and Ireland, including T&G, glueless lock and click jointing systems in 1, 2, 3, and 4 strip; 2200 and 1080mm lengths; 14mm thick with 3mm Hardwood...

Business thrives after Neil takes over at 19.(News file)(Jack Carmichael (Flooring) proprietor Neil Carmichael)(Company Profile)
October 1, 2003... THE 40th anniversary of Jack Carmichael (Flooring) this year marks a special achievement for the proprietor. Neil Carmichael (pictured). Neil joined the company in 1992 as an apprentice, aged 16. But in 1995 his father died suddenly,...

Based in Wales, serving the UK and Europe.(News file)(Peter Evans Flooring contract with OGCbuying.solutions)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... CFA member Peter Evans Flooring, based in South Wales, has won a contract with OGCbuying.solutions, an Executive agency of the Office of Government Commerce in the Treasury. OGCbuying.solutions offers a professional procurement service to...

New broker for CFA members.(News file)(Layton Blackham insurance)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... THE insurance broker Layton Blackham is now serving the insurance needs of CFA members. The company is a Deloitte & Touche Indy 100 winner, offering 'award winning brokerage with the best broker innovation, best broker presentation; and...

Asthma workshops.(Events in brief)(European Week for Safety and Health at Work )(Brief Article)(Calendar)
October 1, 2003... Workshops on occupational asthma will be held in London on October 14 and 15 as part European Week for Safety and Health at Work from October 13-18. Tel: 01332 298101

Flooring Russia.(Events in brief)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Companies active in the UK are at Flooring Russia (November 18-20) in Moscow, including Gerflor, Kronofloor, Larodan and Unifloor. Tel: 020 7886 3106

Surfaces shock.(Events in brief)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... The world's two biggest flooring companies, Mohawk and Shaw, are rumoured to have pulled out of Surfacesin Las Vegas in January.

New with CFS.(Events in brief)(Floorspace at Contract Floor Show )(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... A new event, Floorspace, will run alongside the Contract Floor Show at London Olympia from February 17-18, 2004. It will feature top-end contract flooring and accessories. Tel: 020 7951 8185

Hirex at Interbuild.(Events in brief)(Hirex Ltd.)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... HIREX will be at Interbuild (NEC, April 25-29, 2004) and supported by the Hire Association Europe, representing 1000 companies. Tel: 01474 569840 www.interbuild.com

Let's name and shame!(Retentions)(retentions)
October 1, 2003... THERE are major differences between local authorities on the question of retentions. While some have already abandoned the practice or Intend to do so, most are apparently hanging on to retentions. Flooring contractors are invited to write...

Hardwood trade shop open.(News file)(Hardwood Flooring Supplies)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... HARDWOOD FLOORING SUPPLIES of Woking has opened of a new Trade Counter facility at Unit 20, Kings Park, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire WD4 8ST. The facility carries a comprehensive stock of hardwood flooring products, including Boen Parkett,...

'Business as usual' at CI.(News file)(Carpets International )(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... THE joint administrative receiver of Carpets International (UK), Roger Marsh, has told CFJ that he has received 'a number of expressions of interest' in the company. Mr Marsh, a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, is looking to see if one or...

Companies up for grabs.(News file)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... NEARLY 150 flooring companies ate described by Plimsoll as being ripe for aquisition. A new report lists 92 floorcoverings companies and 55 flooring contractors as being exposed to potential acquisition. The report also claims that 238...

Kemtile.(Contracts in brief)(Arla Foods )(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Kemtile, of Warrington, has begun a six months to install a massive 25,000sq m of Ucrete polyurethane flooring at a new dairy facility for Arla Foods in Leeds. www.kemtile.co.uk

Advance Screeding.(Contracts in brief)(Norwest Holst)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... A 150,000 [pounds sterling] screeding contract at Great Ormond Street Hospital in central London has reportedly been warded to Advance Screeding by Norwest Holst. The company is also involved in a development in Canary Central in east London in...

Twintec Industrial Flooring.(Contracts in brief)(B and Q PLC)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Twintec Industrial Flooring has reportedly won contracts worth 1.5m [pounds sterling] and 225,000 [pounds sterling] for work at a B&Q store in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, and at Topps Tiles in Leicester.

Rothound on site.(Have you heard)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... A house builder is using a specially trained sniffer dog for renovation work on Grade II listed buildings in Hampshire. The black Labrador called Lottey is trained to hunt for dry rot among timber beams.

Health & safety in Iraq.(Have you heard)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... The TUC is sending a delegation to Iraq to help unionise the labour force working on the rebuilding of the country. One issue will be to ensure proper health and safety standards are in place.

UK tops league.(Have you heard)(construction industry )(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... The British construction industry has outperformed its European counterparts for the second year thanks to the government's massive public spending on PR projects, according to a report by the European Construction Industry Federation. The UK...

South Africans here.(Have you heard; flooring industry)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Work permits are reportedly being issued for up to 20 South African engineers to work in the UK for the main contractor Costain following the company's recent recruitment drive in that country.

Creating jobs abroad.(Have you heard)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... British architectural design firms are reported to be out sourcing work to low-cost operators overseas

By George!(Have you heard; Iraqui contracts)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... British firms are reported to have won just 18% of the construction work in Iraq sub-contracted by the American 'main contractor' Bechtel.

Resilient launch by new company.(News file; Burmafloors International)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... BURMAFLOORS INTERNATONAL a new division of Burmatex, has launched four new contract ranges selected for their design appeal, heavy duty, high performance and easy maintenance. Sawmill is a natural wood effect resilient flooring, with its...

Former floorlayer steps up to the md's job.(News file; Associated Floor Coverings )
October 1, 2003... Caption: Nigel Wallace, right, is to step down after 32 years as md of Associated floor Coverings in favour of Steve Rogers. Nigel, pictured with Steve, will remain as company chairman. Like Nigei, Steve has been in the flooring industry for...

TTA distribution award for N&C Nicobond.(News file)(Tile Association annual awards)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Caption: BELOW: N&C Nicobond won an award for Excellence in Distribution at The Tile Association's annual awards. Pictured David Forbes (centre), md of N&C Nicobond, with Ian Roberts of Neptune Shipping Agency, who sponsored the award, and...

Contractor website offers virtual tour.(News file)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2003... FLOORING specialist 4M is using the latest 360-degree photographic technology on its new website giving a virtual tout of its work at Jaguar and RAF Cottesmore. Based in Crewe, 4m Flooring UK has invested heavily in the high-tech website,...

British Cleaning Council.(People)(Paul Pearce, chairman )(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... PAUL PEARCE has been elected chairman of the British Cleaning Council. He has been a member of the BCC for the past 10 years, where he has represented the National Carpet Cleaners Association, one of the eight trade associations which set up...

Ewbank.(People)(Bob Wainright)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... BOB WAINWRIGHT has been appointed general manager of the cleaning products company Ewbank. He is initially to undertake a major rebranding and marketing campaign to resuscitate the UK market for carpet sweepers.

Sika-Armorex.(People)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... MARTIN WALKER has been appointed area sales manager for the south of England for Sika-Armorex. Martin began his career in the construction business with Lafarge Readymix. He subsequently moved to Sika at Welwyn Garden City and for the past two...

Whitestone Weavers.(People)(Lara Winfield)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... Whitestone Weavers has appointed LARA WINFIELD as agent for the East Midlands area. Her predecessor VINCE FISHER has retired after 12 years service at the age of 69. Based in Nottingham home, Larah will cover Leicestershire, Derbyshire,...

Engineering honour for Brintons md.(People)(John Pilling)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2003... JOHN PILLING FREng, CEng, FIMechE, md of Brintons, has been elected a Fellow of The Royal Academy of Engineering. This honour follows Brintons victory in the Manufacturing Excellence Awards sponsored by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers...

The buzz is back.(2004 National Floor Show )
October 1, 2003... THE 2004 National Floor Show saw the return of the enthusiasm common in the industry in years gone by. Most exhibitors reported good business over the three days of the show. There was much to interest visitors, including a wealth of...

Graham Oakley: md, Floorboards.(In the dock)(Interview)(Biography)
October 1, 2003... * Did you get into trouble at school? When House Captain I selected the shortest team in history for the school basketball competition in protest at the standards of the referees in the previous match. Not only did we lose the match by a record...

Treading the boards: at school Jan Trevethan wanted to be an actress. Her career in flooring was through action of a major vinyl manufactures.(Flooring contractor profile; North Devon Flooring )
October 1, 2003... JAN Trevethan considered tile idea of performing in front of an audience. Now managing North Devon Flooring in Barnstaple, she admits being tempted to do a bit of acting as part of her sales pitch. 'Every good salesman or woman must have...

Dealing with damp: most floor failures are caused by moisture and many flooring contractors are still not taking adequate steps to address the problem. So says Stan Webb, an independent flooring consultant.(Advice to flooring contractors)
October 1, 2003... AS the new chairman of the southern region of the CFA, Stan Webb is determined to disseminate information to combat ignorance about moisture, which, he believes, widely exists within the construction industry. Stan worked for the adhesives...

The Armstrong army: customers of Armstrong DLW and Desso should be pleasantly surprised with the changes and enhanced offer following the companies' recent integration.(Manufacturer development)
October 1, 2003... THE new name for the company is Armstrong Floor Products UK, incorporating both Armstrong DLW resilient flooring and Desso carpet tiles and broadloom. The residential business will continue to operate as a separate business unit, under the...

Top of the world: Britain imports many industrial flooring systems, but one UK company, Sika-Armorex, is actually exporting growing volumes around the world. The company recently held a 'teach-in' for overseas visitors.(Training)
October 1, 2003... SIXTY marketing and technical managers from Sika companies in 24 countries around Europe and Israel, South Africa and Russia attended the three day training conference. The event was at the company's manufacturing facility at Lavenham in...

Pick your own epoxy: modern resin floors have a range of performance benefits. Here we survey some of the major suppliers.(Resin flooring survey)
October 1, 2003... ACM (Advanced Construction Materials) has introduced ACM Epoxy SL, a higher performance epoxy resin flooring system for locations such as laboratories. schools, plant rooms, factories and engineering workshops. ACM Epoxy SL is typically...

Q&A: Martin Parr, group technical director of Flowcrete, answers some of the most frequently asked questions on resin flooring.(Resin flooring survey)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2003... Q: can resin flooring took good? There are various options which do provide attractive finishes. Among these are the inclusion of colour coated quartz and coloured acrylic flakes and even metallic glitter. The most selective formulating...

Fastrack flooring versus moisture: Adrian Saxby of Permaban explains the functions of a resin surface damp proof membrane.(Resin flooring survey)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2003... MOISTURE movements and the transmission of water vapour may have catastrophic effects on coatings and floorcoverings. Initially adhesives and primers are affected, resulting in first local and then progressive de-bonding. In the longer term the...

Under cover: underlay can be crucial in the performance of carpet and other floorcoverings in contract installations.(Underlay survey)(Product/Service Evaluation)(Buyers Guide)
October 1, 2003... ANGLO FELT continues to innovate with recycled fibre. In 2002 it installed a new line to produce an underlay described as 'like the old Lanbond product'. Anglo has launched WoolSpring in response to contract customers concern over Health &...

Spick and span: proper cleaning and maintenance is key for the long-term performance of any floorcovering. Here we survey some of the leading suppliers.(Cleaning & maintenance)(Product/Service Evaluation)(Buyers Guide)
October 1, 2003... ALLTEC NETWORK offers portable carpet cleaning machines in 7,000 options, including different body sizes and styles; types of vacuum motors and solution pumps. Alltec also distributes Steam Way International track mount systems and manufactures...

Patients and staff opt for Altro.(Oncology Unit)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2003... AN oncology, unit featuring Altro High Performance flooring has been constructed at Alder Hey Children's Hospital following the 10m [pounds sterling] Rocking Horse appeal. Many suppliers, including ALTRO, Contributed. A group of...