Contract Flooring Journal articles from September 2002

Contract Flooring Journal archives from September 2002

PFI cracks starting to show. (Editor's comment).(Trades Union Congress and flooring contractors)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... ON September 11 last year the Trades Union Congress was in session at Brighton, preparing for a heated debate on the creeping privatisation of public services. That afternoon, as the horrific news was relayed from America, Tony Blair was about...

They refuse to supply us, then they want our help! (Carpet Foundation Advertising Campaign).(larger carpet manufacturers try to hinder smaller retailers)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Victor and Richard Brown, of Bridgford Carpet Co, Nottingham, says it is a bit rich for certain carpet manufacturers to `blacklist' smaller independent retailers, and now to ask for their financial support for the new Carpet Foundation...

Is there anyone out there who can re-finish cork? (Cork Floors).(shortage of flooring contractors)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Ray Bacon, managing partner of Siesta Cork Tile, says there appears to be a shortage of contractors able to re-finish cork floors. AS well established importers anddistributors of cork flooring, we are often asked if we know of firms who...

The job a floorlayer does is often misunderstood. (Training).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Flooring contractor Kevin Mountford, responds to the comments by another flooring contractor (`Floorlaying is too demanding for youngesters') in CFJ (June 2002). I RECENTLY attended an informal meeting to discuss various projects and the...

Its criminal if we don't target school-leavers. (Training).(UK construction trades)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Laura Drew, of Altro Floors Business Development Division, continues the theme of training: I READ with interest an article in a recent issue of Building entitled: Government backs plans to use ex-prisoners in building, which outlined the...

Do visit the CFA stand at the Harrogate show. (From The President).
September 1, 2002... FOR many people in our trade September means one thing in particular, The Harrogate Show. Talking to a number of people, there seems to be a tremendous amount of interest in the show and a confidence that this year's show will be very...

Do you know the law on restrictive practices? (The Director's Comment).(Column)
September 1, 2002... AS part of the service we offer to another trade association I have had cause to become involved with the Office of Fair Trading with regard to the Competition Act. This Act which came into force on March 1, 2000 outlaws restrictive...

Training directory.
September 1, 2002... NVQ TRAINING UNIBOND THOMSIT NVQ Floorcoverings (Levels 1, 2, and 3) are offered at the following Thomsit Training Centres, where advice can also be obtained on new entrant training schemes and on-site assessment and training...

Fail to acclimatise at your peril. (Terry Wolfe's case book).(Column)
September 1, 2002... ACCLIMATISATION. What does it really mean and what does it achieve? The Oxford dictionary says: `Accustom to a new climate or to new conditions.' Most wood flooring manufacturers or suppliers have a paragraph in their installation...

Taking the boo out of bamboo. (Ask Sid).(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2002... Q: I recently purchased unfinished bamboo flooring and although I sand and finish floors I have never finished a bamboo floor. I believe they are very difficult, so should I attempt to finish it and, if so, what is the best way to do this? ...

Calcium sulfate screeds are not well understood; a new series exclusive to CFJ. (The lowdown from Brian Newell).(information on how to deal with bases for ceramic tiles, UK)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... IT DOESN'T matter how good a tile is, or how well it's laid, if the base beneath it isn't right that tile simply won't perform as it should. Every professional tile fixer knows that. But it's worrying just how little in-depth understanding...

Amtico. (People).(Bryan Rigg appointed)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Amtico has appointed BRYAN RIGG to the position of group finance. Bryan, 38, a graduate of Cambridge University and chartered accountant, joins from Boots Healthcare International in Nottingham, where he was head of finance and strategic...

Mohawk International. (People).(appoints Gerard Leahy)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... GERARD LEAHY has been appointed by Mohawk International as contract specialist for the London market. Gerard will be responsible for promoting the Karastan, Durkan, Mohawk and Bigelow brands to the design community. Mohawk Industries has a...

Egger Floor Products. (People). (appoints David Bodley account manager).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Egger Floor Products (EFP) has appointed DAVID BODLEY as a new key account manager responsible for developing existing and new business with key distributors throughout the Midlands, North of England and Scotland for EFP's laminate flooring....

Floorboards. (People).(hires Barry Jackson, Estelle Lippit and Rosalind Spencer)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Floorboards has taken on three new key members of staff at its primary distribution centre in Tipton, West Midlands: Commercial manager BARRY JACKSON, operations supervisor ESTELLE LIPPIT and customer services assistant ROSALIND SPENCER, have...

Quadrant. (People).(appoints Vicki May)
September 1, 2002... Quadrant has announced the appointment of VICKI MAY as area sales manager in the northern home counties. She joins Quadrant after three years as a leading account manager with Interface UK. She is Quadrant's third acquisition in recent months...

Ronacrete. (People).(appoints Steve Taylor)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... STEVE TAYLOR has been appointed as technical support manager to Ronacrete. Steve previously worked for a major building, chemicals distributor, Adawall, and a specialist paint manufacturer. He joins the technical team headed by Norman Posner.

Floor Coverings International. (People).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Floor Coverings International has appointed MIKE KING and MEL BARRETT to operate the company's van based service west of London. Mike will serve southern Oxfordshire form his Didcot home while Mel will look after Berkshire from his Newbury...

Cormar Carpets. (People). (promotes Julia Sudlow to marketing director).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... JULIA SUDLOW, recently married, has is now also celebrating here promotion to marketing coordinator at Cormar Carpets. Julia, 29, has been with Cormar since graduating from Wolverhampton University with a degree in the design of carpets and...

Diary dates. (Events file).
September 1, 2002... INTOHOME September 1-4 NEC, Birmingham Contact: Trade Promotion Services Tel: 020 8277 5800 NATIONAL FLOOR SHOW September 3-5 Harrogate Contact: CMP Information Tel: 0208 987 7549 (Paul Sweeney) Tel: 01756 797710 (David...

Hello! (Picture page).
September 1, 2002... Hello! Richard Sheikh, chairman and chief executive of Camberford Law plc, meets The Princess Royal at the British Security Industry Association security officer awards ceremony luncheon at Grosvenor House Hotel recently. Insurance broker...

Rob Load: operations director, Cavalier Carpets. (In the dock).(Interview)
September 1, 2002... * Did you get into trouble at school? I got suspended for not wearing my uniform when out of school one lunch-time. I was in the pub at the time! * What was your first part-time job? Barman in a local club. * What did you spend your...

A better class: Status Flooring of Poole in Dorset finds that many educational establishments are upgrading to better quality floorcoverings. (Flooring contractor profile).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... SCHOOLS and universities often compete to attract students and need to show parents of prospective pupils an attractive interior environment, according to Gary Perkins, director of Status Flooring. `Schools which previously wanted only the...

Floorcoverings to be worth 2 billion [pounds sterling]. (Industry Survey).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... THE UK floorcoverings market was worth just under 2 billion [pounds sterling] at manufacturers selling prices in 2001, according to a new report from AMA Research only just released. The AMA report describes the floorcoverings market as...

90 days to pay. (Business In Brief).(how long big construction firms take to pay after receiving bill, UK)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
September 1, 2002... Large construction firms take an average of nearly 90 days to pay after the invoice, according to a new survey by Experian analysing the six months to the end of July. Big firms in the textile and timber industries average 73 and 75 days...

Credit management. (Business In Brief).(new Web site service, UK)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... The Better Payment Practice Group has launched a credit management letter template on its website to help businesses overcome problems with late payment from customers raising queries. The downloadable letter template is free....

Cash flow guide. (Business In Brief).
September 1, 2002... The Forum of Private Business has introduced a Cash flow tool, including information on the new Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act which allows small firms to charge interest at 8% above the base rate on debts from large...

Orders are up. (Business In Brief).(public nonresidential construction orders rise, UK)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
September 1, 2002... Public non-housing construction orders, including schools and hospitals, in the 12 months to June 2002 were 19% higher when compared with the previous 12 months, according to the DTI. Overall construction were 3% up during the same period.

Spending rises. (Business In Brief).(UK to spend more on education and the National Health Service)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
September 1, 2002... The chancellor's new spending plans include a rise from 54bn [pounds sterling] to 68bn [pounds sterling] for education by 2005/6 and a boost in the NHS capital budget from 2.2bn to 6.1bn during the same period.

Net discount offered. (Business In Brief).
September 1, 2002... Ashmount Flooring Supplies, the London-based distributor, is offering customers an additional 1% discount on most of its products for all orders placed through the 4textrade.com internet trading portal. It believes it is the first flooring...

PPG in campus deal. (Business In Brief).(Prospect and Peachgate Group gets contract for floorcoverings, UK)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
September 1, 2002... Prospect & Peachgate Group has secured the first phase of Rokbuild's new office campus at Ham Green close to the M5 near Bristol. The 35,000 [pounds sterling] contract calls for a variety of floorcoverings, including carpet tiles from Interface...

Victoria growth. (Business In Brief).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Victoria Plc reports a 2.5% rise in sales for the first three months of its financial year. Chairman Bob Gilbert expresses confidence that the UK business will continue to grow. However, export sales from the UK operation remain difficult with...

Administration. (Business In Brief).(G. Ratcliffe and Sons)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Underlay manufacturer G Ratcliffe & Sons (Felts) is in the hands of administrators and will cease production at the end of October. The directors plan to start a new company in new premises in the near future.

Realitex for Anchor Carpets. (Business In Brief).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Anchor Carpets has selected Realitex from Wharncliffe as its new order processing, stock control, production processing, analysis and finance system. Tel: 0800 9173061

Retentions abuse is suffered by 85%. (State Of Trade).
September 1, 2002... THE number of sub-contractors, including those in flooring, being affected by abuse of retentions continues to rise, giving yet more ammunition to those calling on the Government to scrap the system. This is revealed in the latest NSCC...

Moves on retentions. (Industry In Brief).(Morgan Sindall PLC to do away with retentions)
September 1, 2002... Another major company has decided to abolish retentions. It is Morgan Sindall fit-out arm of Overbury. This follows the lead of other big players including BAA, Tesco and John Lewis. Meanwhile contractors have until September 27 to put forward...

Sample service. (Industry In Brief).(Wools of New Zealand service for designers and manufacturers)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Wools of New Zealand has a new sample service for designers and manufacturers in contract with a 24-hour turnaround. WONZ has access to 6,000 colours. Designs can be supplied on disc or by using the WONZ design studio. Samples can be in...

Faster orders. (Industry In Brief).(4textrade.com's new ordering system)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... 4textrade.com has upgraded its facilities with a faster ordering system, a search facility on order enquiry and enhanced user help.

Top CFA member in major Scottish project. (News file).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
September 1, 2002... CFA vice president and flooring contractor Hamish MacGregor (right) has been involved in one of Scotland's biggest health projects this year, requiring a total of 13,000sq m of floorcoverings. The project undertaken by his company MacGregor...

Wilson supports adjudication. (News file).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
September 1, 2002... CONSTRUCTION Minister Brian Wilson, right, has urged the industry to try to resolve disputes quickly and cheaply through expert adjudicators rather than through the courts. New adjudication guidance announced by Mr Wilson follows a review...

Insurance crisis. (The Trade In Brief).(National Specialist Contractors Council's survey)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Some flooring contractors are facing soaring insurance premiums. A survey by the National Specialist Contractors Council found increases of up to 300%.

Pay rates revealed. (The Trade In Brief).(earnings of skilled trades people)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
September 1, 2002... Less than 5% of skilled trades people earn more than 30,000 [pounds sterling] a year, according to a new survey. In London a quarter of electricians are said to earn over 13 [pounds sterling] an hour and 16% of plasterers 15 [pounds sterling],...

Help with safety. (The Trade In Brief).(new Health and Safety Executive program helps small businesses)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... The Health & Safety Executive have launched the small firms assistance scheme, a pilot grant scheme to help small firms improve their health and safety performance, Tel: 08701 545500

Contractor grows. (The Trade In Brief).(MITIE Flooring opens Swindon office)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... MITIE Flooring (Southern) has opened a new branch office in Swindon run by Andy Dennis and Pete Snelgrove as manager and contracts manager respectively. Both were previously with Variety Floors. MITIE Flooring also has offices in Alton,...

Red tape to be cut. (The Trade In Brief).(Constructionline and the Contractors Health & Safety Assessment Scheme pair to create process)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Constructionline and the Contractors Health & Safety Assessment Scheme are to collaborate and introduce just one standard application process for contractors to pre-qualify.

Discount adhesives. (The Trade In Brief).(now sells Bison's Timber Max polyurethane adhesives)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Components Direct is now offering Bison's Timber Max range of polyurethane adhesives to the contract flooring trade at a 20% discount for a limited period. The products are said to be able to bond timber to concrete, metal and plastics. Tel:...

Terhurne UK HQ. (The Trade In Brief).
September 1, 2002... Terhurne has a new 10,000sq ft UK HQ, including showroom and training centre, near Droitwich. The new UK md is Koos Groenendijk with Tony Lancaster as UK sales manager. Tel: 01299 252474

Contact Mannington. (The Trade In Brief).(Correction Notice)
September 1, 2002... The phone number for Mannington in the August issue of CFJ was subject to a typographical error. We apologise. Mannington's correct number is: 01225 811476

Up to 75% saving on carpet tiles claimed. (News file).(Carpet Tile Brokers)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... THE Carpet Tile Brokers is offering leading brands of carpet tiles at prices claimed to be 75% less than the manufacturers' lists prices. Based in Bradford, the company says it holds over 1 m [pounds sterling] of stock in hundreds of...

Big names go with Priory Hardwoods. (News file).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... PRIORY Hardwoods, a new flooring firm has established major agreements with leading hardwood flooring companies, including Hoenig Parkett, with which it has an exclusive distribution deal, and Panaget. Based in Cumbria, the company is...

Forbo cashback offer. (Incentives).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Forbo-Linoleum has launched a cashback promotion for flooring contractors based on its adhesive ForboFix 696. Registered entrants can claim cash back for each tub of adhesive purchased. Tel: 01592 643777

Screwfix van prize. (Incentives).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... The latest Screwfix Direct catalogue (issue 68) includes special offers and the chance to win a Mercedes van. Next day delivery is offered on a range of tools, fixings and accessories. Tel: 0500 414141 www.screwfix.com

Cheers to Polyflor. (Incentives).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... The last Polyflor incentive promotion, enabling flooring contractors to claim a variety of gifts based on points for purchases of specific Polyflor products, resulted in some interesting findings. Fine wines were the most popular item, followed...

30% price cuts. (Products In Brief).(Rubber Flooring Company)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... The Rubber Flooring Company, the new UK importer of rubber flooring fully compliant with BS1711, claims its are products at prices up to 30% lower than competitors, including commercial materials. Tel: 07884 434632...

Anti-skid material. (Products In Brief).(Boston Chemical Co )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Boston Chemical Co has introduced Tecguard, which it claims can be applied to most surfaces to make them anti-skid. It is said to be non flammable and ecologically friendly. Depending on the porosity of the surface, it can be ready to walk on...

Improved DPM. (Products In Brief).(Isocrete Aqualock damp proof membrane)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Isocrete Aqualock damp proof membrane now has improved tolerance to high humidity and moisture and increased bond strength, combined with better low temperature cure characteristics, according to the company. Tel: 01270 753753

Hit the decks. (Products In Brief).(Quentsplass)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Q Deck is a new anti-slip coating system from Quentsplass for the decks of multi-storey car parks in various colours designed to be resistant to oil and brake fluids. Tel: 01937 843388

Brits can shine at Domotex in 2003. (News file).
September 1, 2002... BRITISH architects and interior, as well as manufacturers and designers have the opportunity to be in the spotlight at Domotex in Germany next year. Entries are being invited for Contractworld, which will be held for the third time at Domotex...

Cut, cut and cut some more! (News file).(floor coverings companies need to cut back)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
September 1, 2002... A NEW report from Plimsoll has stark advice for 160 companies in the floorcoverings industry: Retreat! Describing these 160 companies as `the walking wounded', they are urged to take three drastic measures: * Cut back on all non-profit...

Schluter shower makes a splash. (News file).(Schluter Systems waterproofing membranes)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... FLOORING contractors are reported to have expressed a great deal of interest in SCHLUTER-SYSTEMS' specialist waterproofing membranes and drainage system since seeing them displayed at Interbuild. Schluter-Systems technical manager Ian...

TTA calls for entries.
September 1, 2002... The Tile Association is calling for nominations for its awards scheme. Categories include projects, suppliers, products and individual achievement. Judging will take place during the autumn. Tel: 020 8663 0946

Reuse wood residues.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Reusing or recycling wood residues could add 4% to company profits, the annual TRADA members seminar in London recently was told by consultant Stan Terry. More than 400m [pounds sterling] of timber residues had been sent to landfill in 1999....

DuPont is greener.(Environmentally Preferable Product certification)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... DuPont Antron claims to be the first carpet fibre manufacturer to achieve Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP) certification in the US. EPP is defined to include products that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the...

BCTC celebrates.(British Carpet Technical Centre anniversary)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... British Carpet Technical Centre, formed in 1982 when the technical arm of the British Carpet Manufacturers' Association amalgamated with the floorings department of Wira, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Wira's links with the carpet...

New recycling law.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Carpet Recycling Europe, based in Germany, is alerting manufacturers to the new European Directive, effective from 2004-2005, that Carpet waste containing more than 5% organic materials will have to be pre-treated. Tel: 0049 2273 955620

BASF is upbeat.(increased profits)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... BASF reports improved earnings in its chemicals, plastics and fibres division, including carpet fibres. The company has undertaken a major cost reduction programme and closed its plasticizer plant in Tarragona, Spain. www.basf.com

Site deaths fall.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Deaths among UK workers fell from 292 to 249, according to the latest provisional statistics from the HSC.

Manufacturers are `failing on the web'. (Shock New Report).(Barbour Index survey)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
September 1, 2002... A STARTLING new report indicates that manufacturers have their work cut out if they are to attract more specifiers to their websites, according to the latest survey by Barbour Index. It reveals that hard copy formats, such as trade magazines...

Carol Vordeman's view of vinyl. (News file).(vinyl flooring from Karndean)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... THREE projects in the current ITV series of Carol Vordeman's Better Homes feature flooring from KARNDEAN. The locations in three homes include a kitchen/hallway, a conservatory/kitchen and a bathroom. These are areas for which certain other...

Geoff Wheeler: many ask about his health. (News file).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... MANY people have asked David Wildman about his long-time friend and colleague Geoff Wheeler who is ill. Geoff has been contract sales agent in the Leeds area for many years and has worked for a number of companies, including Wilton Royal,...

NICF golf day. (Events In Brief).
September 1, 2002... NICF golf day for members and patron members on September 18 at Beedles Lake Golf Centre near Leicester 20 minutes from the M1. The event is being sponsored by Ardex, Bestbase, Duralay, Eddie Wicks Tools, F Ball, Mapei, Stikatak, The Carpet...

Concrete support. (Events In Brief).(Concrete Show attendance)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
September 1, 2002... Attendance at the Concrete Show this year totalled nearly 3,000, 30% up on the previous event in 1999, while SED, which ran alongside reportedly received nearly 20,000 visitors. Orders for around 187m [pounds sterling] of construction and...

Marley to sponsor. (Events In Brief).(Marley Floors to sponsor Retail Interiors Show)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Marley Floors will be the official sponsors for the Art of Design feature at the Retail Interiors Show & IDW2 at Earl's Court (September 17-19) and provide flooring for the, using the Marley Premier Collection and X Floors ranges. Retail...

Decorex jubilee. (Events In Brief).
September 1, 2002... Decorex International (September 22-25, Royal Hospital Chelsea) celebrates its silver jubilee this year with increasing focus on contract. Tel: 020 7833 3373

FM conference. (Events In Brief).
September 1, 2002... FM Expo (Earls Court, October 22-24) offers visitors the choice of 17 optional half-day conference sessions. Tel: 020 7242 4141

Polyflor at Brighton. (Events In Brief).
September 1, 2002... Polyflor will make its first appearance at the Brighton Floorcoverings Exhibition March 4-6, 2003) flocusing on its luxury vinyl tile ranges. Tel: 01425 627499

Cleaning site. (Events In Brief).(website for The Cleaning Show)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... A website has been launched ahead of The Cleaning Show March 4-6, 2003) at the NEC. www.cleaningshow.co.uk

FTBA to hit ton. (Events In Brief).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
September 1, 2002... The Furnishing Trades Benevolent Association (FTBA)is aiming to raise 250,000 [pounds sterling] in 2003, its centenary year.

Constructionline grows by 17%. (News file).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
September 1, 2002... CONSTRUCTIONLINE, the DTI-owned register of qualified contractors in the UK, reports growth of over 17% in its number of clients--including government departments, local authorities, universities and NHS trusts--in the year to June 2002. ...

Bid to be number one. (News file).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... FLOORING ONE, the new group formed by Associated Independent Stores in association with Carpet One, a trading division of CCA Global Partners of America, says it will offer wider product ranges, more competitive pricing and higher customer...

Feeling the squeeze: some distributors fear being left out of the frame as competition hots up. (Focus on distribution).
September 1, 2002... IN THE past it has suited manufacturers to use distributors to market their products to contractors, as this has enabled finished goods to be moved out of factories quickly at minimum costs. In return for bearing the high charges associated...

IFDA members hear a presentation by Creom. (Focus on distribution).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... CREOM UK made a presentation at the July meeting of the Independent Floorcovering Distributors Association (IFDA) at Chilston Park Hotel, Lenham, Kent, featuring its moisture suppressant for concrete floors. Creom UK recently completed a...

New fleet for Carpet & Flooring London. (Focus on distribution).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
September 1, 2002... CARPET & Flooring London has a new fleet of 10 purpose built vehicles. Carpet & Flooring London is part of Landsdon Group, the UK's largest independent floorcovering distributor. The new fleet, which cost 500,000 [pounds sterling], is in...

Cue for a queue: the organisers expect a constant stream of visitors filtering into the National Floor Show in Harrogate (September 3-5). (Harrogate preview: the National Floor Show).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
September 1, 2002... DAYS before the start of the exhibition, enquiries were being received from companies still seeking to exhibit, while advance registrations from visitors planning to attend were flooding in. But the House Full sign has gone up. There isn't an...