Contract Flooring Journal articles from September 2003

Contract Flooring Journal archives from September 2003

High suicide rate scandal.(Editor's comment)(Editorial)
September 1, 2003... IN an average month 17 construction workers commit suicide. The annual total, according to the Samaritans, is over 200. These shocking figures (for men aged 20 to 64) are revealed just as the CITB starts its campaign this month to recruit...

When laminates don't come up to scratch.(Maintenance)
September 1, 2003... SPECIFIERS of laminates should be aware that any damage done through spilled liquids or dropped objects can drastically reduce the lifetime of the flooring. Appearance and functionality are key selling points and flooring has to be durable...

Get your kit off for flooring.(Readers' forum)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... NUDE women pictured in adverts for flooring published in CFJ last autumn provoked an outcry among female readers of this magazine, who wrote in large numbers complaining. Recently an advert in CFJ showed a man minus his boxers (pictured...

Our record is an example to others.(Sustainability)(Tembec Inc.)
September 1, 2003... I REFER you to our company's record in environmental issues. We see no other solid wood flooring manufacturer promoting itself on this basis. The Tembec Specialty Wood Products Huntsville flooring plant has achieved ISO 9001:2000 Quality...

Work-related stress law fingers bosses.(Legal Advice)
September 1, 2003... TACKLING sickness absence requires sensitive action, particularly if stress is indicated and there is a risk of suggestion that it may be work related. All employer has a duty to ensure that the health of an employee is not harmed by...

Manufacturers make no secret of their terms.(Readers' forum)
September 1, 2003... I REFER to the letter by Peter Gallon, a flooring contractor, saying that notwithstanding Iris cashflow was drained by retentions to the main contractor, the manufacturer who supplied him demanded payment by the 20th of the month following the...

'The PREL process is patented'.(Readers' forum)
September 1, 2003... BRIAN NEWELL appears to claim this as 'unique', though he will be aware that most Italian and Spanish Porcelain factories have this type of process for their ranges. Indeed we have been supplying such tiles from one of our Italian...

Spotlight put on the insurance industry.(From the president)
September 1, 2003... FIRSTLY, apologies for revisiting a subject I covered in August, but events have moved forward with regards to employers and public liability insurances since my article last month. A government report has now been published (June 2003) by...

New paperwork may request CSCS cards.(From the director, Construction Skills Certification Scheme)
September 1, 2003... WHEN you receive an invitation to tender from a main contractor it will sometimes be accompanied by a considerable amount of documentation regarding preliminaries and contract conditions. It is often the case that a large part of this...

Training directory.(Floorcoverings)(Directory)
September 1, 2003... NVQTRAINING 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...

Remember! Dirt is a four-letter word.(Terry Wolfe's case book)
September 1, 2003... HAVING read my articles (perhaps!) on testing for dampness, you prepare the subfloor correctly, lay the flooring in the right adhesive using the correctly notched trowel. The floor looks beautiful. Everyone is happy and the client pays your...

Involve your workforce.(Problem solving)
September 1, 2003... I HAVE previously considered how flooring companies can communicate effectively with external audiences. However, internal communication is, perhaps, even more important. Poor internal communication, a common staff criticism, can lead to...

Laying a solid wood floor on joists.(Handy hints)
September 1, 2003... SOLID wood floors, laid in strips, are becoming increasingly popular, according to WOOD FOR GOOD. Laying them is said to be easy and straightforward, but to do a good job it pays to follow a few basic ground rules 1 Make sure you start...

Planning for slippage: flooring contractors often face reduced fitting times because earlier trade miss their deadlines. Interior Harmony of bath pre-plans to cope with any slippage of schedules.(Sonia Roberts meets Ed Bosworth)
September 1, 2003... MOST current projects undertaken by Interior Harmony are new build housing in co-operation with various builders. 'One of the biggest problems we face is other tradesmen not finishing when they should,' explains Ed Bosworth, general manager...

80% suffer abuse of retentions: state of trade survey.(News file)
September 1, 2003... RETENTIONS remain a key reported factor in the NSCC State of Trade survey for Quarter 1 of 2003. Retention abuse is reported by 80% of all respondents followed a little way behind by Dutch auction (64%) and pay when paid (66%). Retentions...

Statement on CSCS.(News file, Construction Skills Certification Scheme)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... TONY MERRICKS, chairman of CSCS, has written to CFJ denying the rumour published in the construction press and reported in the August issue of CFJ, stating that the government is considering replacing CSCS with a national identity card. Mr...

Victoria buys Navan.(Business in brief)(Navan Carpets)(Victoria PLC)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Victoria Plc is paying 1.6m [pounds sterling] for certain brand names, plant and machinery of Navan Carpets in Ireland which recently went into liquidation. Navan was a major supplier to the hotel sector to such groups as Four Seasons. Naven...

Creditors in talks.(Business in brief)(Galacroft Hardwood Flooring Ltd.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The administrative receivers of Galacroft Hardwood Flooring are currently consulting creditors. Tel: 01455 557111

Kronospan invests.(Business in brief)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Laminate manufacturer Kronospan has invested 3m [pounds sterling] in a new flooring line at its UK headquarters in Chirk. Tel: 01691 773361

323,000 [pounds sterling] deal.(Business in brief)(Twintec Industrial Flooring)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Twintec Industrial Flooring is reported to have received a 323,000 [pounds sterling] contract for a paper mill in Sittingbourne, Kent.

Tender rises.(Business in brief)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Tender prices are forecast to rise above inflation until 2005, despite the slowdown in the commercial office market.

I'm still on the fence, ex-minister tells CFJ.(Retentions)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... 'I see both side of the argument on retentions.' THESE are the words of former construction minister Brian Wilson MP replaced by Tony Blair, allegedly so that he could spend more time with his family (Brian's family, not Tony's). CFJ...

Profit-makers exposed.(News file)
September 1, 2003... OVER 1,500 flooring contractors and floorcovering companies have been named by Plimsoll Publishing in a new report which identifies 'the leaders'. The report claims that 15 UK flooring contractors increased their collective market share by...

Innovation award.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The flooring division of specialist glass installer Roger Wilde has won the Business Innovation Award for inventing the first fire-rated glass flooring system which fully meets British and European standards. Tel: 01223 813700

Victoria upbeat.(Industry in brief)(Victoria Carpet Holdings PLC)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Victoria Carpets increased profitability following sales growth, shareholders were told at the recent AGM. The company's new carpet backing line is capable of producing widths up to 5m.

Card demand.(Industry in brief)(Major Contractors Group)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The Major Contractors Group is to include a clause in their contracts insisting that sub-contractors use fully qualified labour on their sites.

CSCS support.(Industry in brief)(Construction Skills Certification Scheme)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The Local Authority Task Force is advising Local Authorities not only register their operatives for CSCS cards, but also to require CSCS as part of procurement best practice.

Fewer deaths.(Industry in brief)(workplace fatalities )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Workplace fatalities fell by 10% in 2002/2003 when a total of 226 people were killed at work, say the Health & Safety Commission. It's reports that 6,000 people die each year from work-related cancers.

Vorwerk agreement.(Industry in brief)(Infineon Technologies)(Vorwerk Carpets)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Vorwerk will feature its new pact with Infineon Technologies at the National Floor Show and 100% Design Tel: 08700 10 44 84

FTBA in running.(Industry in brief)(Furnishing Trades Benevolent Association)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Eight members of the FTBA have entered the Great North Run in Newcastle this month to raise funds. Tel: 020 7405 7633

CITB 'is improved'.(Industry in brief)(Construction Industry Training Board)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The CITB has considerably improved its performance and become a more professional and customer focused organisation, according to a new review.

Trees for floors.(Industry in brief)(Timberland Flooring Co.)(Woodland Trust)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Timberland Flooring has a new arrangement with Woodland Trust, the UK's woodland conservation charity, whereby a tree will be planted and dedicated for every Timberland hardwood flooring. The partnership is forecast to result in 2,000 trees...

Contractor tells why he became NVO assessor.(News file)
September 1, 2003... HUNDREDS of floorlayers keel obtain CSCS cards ahead of the December 31, 2003, deadline are experiencing frustrating delays because of the shortage of assessors to meet the demand for On Site Assessment and Training (OSAT]. Chris Fox...

Negative views persist.(Training)
September 1, 2003... CONTRACTORS eagerly signing up their experienced workers to get GSCS cards have not changed their negative attitude towards training. According to college sources the vast majority of flooring companies are not committed to modeRN...

TRADA new members.(Trade in brief)(Timber Research and Development Association)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA) has attracted over 100 new members, predominantly architects and engineers, since launching its web-based knowledge resource, askTRADA. Tel: 01494 569600

Contractors' club.(Trade in brief)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... BonaKemi has set up an association for contractors who use BonaKemi's range of weed flooring products. Regular regional meetings involving both educational sessions and sporting or social activities will be supplemented by an on-line discussion...

Read small print.(Trade in brief)(Aquafire Systems)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Aquafire Systems is urging users of flame retardant coatings to check the small print in manufacturers literature, before deciding on materials to upgrade standard Medium Density Fibreboard or veneered MDF. The company claims that some...

Partnering contract.(Trade in brief)(Knowles Management)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... A contract for public sector construction projects procured on a partnering basis is offered by Knowles Management. The contract sets out the parties' rights and responsibilities with the necessary procedures in an accompanying toolkit....

50th anniversary.(Trade in brief)(BASF AG)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... BASF's PE wax plant is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The company produces polishes based on polyethylene wax used to protect wooden floors, linoleum, expensive flagstones and inexpensive PVC flooring from soiling and physical damage....

Bug off.(Ceramics vs Carpets)(Carpet Foundation)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... TWO major and contradictory advertising campaigns hit the media this autumn. The Carpet Foundation is spending 800,000 [pounds sterling] on a series of TV commercials (costing up to 120,000 [pounds sterling] each). The Tile Association,...

DuPont forecasts colour trends of 2002.(News file)(E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... DUPONT ANTRON Carpet Fibres has launched its colour trends for 2004. "Three topical themes are identified for next year: Fashion; Globalisation and Sustainability. * Fashion: Colour today takes on dimensional and form through texture and a...

Big Brother boost for installer.(News file, Flooring Supplier)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... BIG BROTHER, the Channel 4 reality series, has proved good for business for the installer who supplied and installed the flooring the BB House. Adrian Lee of Norfolk based Flouring Supplier explains: 'We were approached out of the blue by...

'Healthier carpet'.(Products in brief)(Wollimex)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Wollimex is offering Pura Air carpet as a stock contract range. It's claimed that a carpet treated with PuraAir converts health damaging substances, such as nicotine, formaldehyde and VOC into less hazardous substances, such as water and carbon...

Harvey Maria launch.(Products in brief)(100% Design)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Harvey Maria is to preview a new range of colourful contract vinyl floor tiles with designs at 100% Design (September 25-27). The company's new brochure is now available, www.harveymaria.co.uk Tel: 020 8542 0088

Three for Gradus.(Products in brief)
September 1, 2003... Gradus has launched three new carpet ranges, including two low level loops and a cut pile, two in Aquafil nylon and one in polyprop. Tel: 01625 428922

New vinyl tiles.(Products in brief)(ThermoFix vinyl tiles)
September 1, 2003... Images has introduced ThermoFix vinyl tiles reinforced with glass fibre available in 12 wood planks and eight tiles. Tel: 020 7633 0081

Screwfix catalogue.(Products in brief)
September 1, 2003... Solid wood and laminate flooring, carpet tiles, underfloor heating, flooring accessories and floorcare items are featured in the latest Screwfix Direct catalogue for next day delivery www.screwfix.com

Interbuild awards.(Events in brief)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... New Product Zones are to feature at Interbuild 2004 (NEC from April 25-29). Each of the items featured will be judged for a new product award. The closing date for entries is Friday November 28, CFJ and the CFA are organising the flooring...

Marketing Show.(Events in brief)(Shop and Display Equipment Association supports In-Store Design Marketing Show)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The Shop and Display Equipment Association (SDEA) is to support the In-Store Design and Marketing Show from June 15-17, 2004, at Earls Court, Tel: 01883 348911

Contract seminars.(Events in brief)(James R Knowles has autumn seminars)
September 1, 2003... James R Knowles has autumn seminars around the country on topics including improving cashflow and contractual rights. Details from Debbie Snelson. Tel: 08707 530630

Bob Lawton.... this is your laugh!(News file)
September 1, 2003... BOB LAWTON, CFJs cartoonist, has unveiled his humorous trade cartoon calendar for 2004. Bob's 'own label' calendars--with a different cartoon for each month of the year--have been popular in the carpet and floorcovering trade for several...

Distributor with a difference.(News file)(Floor Source)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... FLOOR SOURCE is a new distributor specialising in the sourcing flooring products from around the world. The md John Richardson (right) says: 'Our team has over 70 years experience in contract flooring, covering installation, maintenance...

Carpet Line improves customer service.(News file)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... CARPET LINE, a leading independent northern carpet distributor, has invested more than 500,000 in custom focused technologies. Seven fuel efficient specially built and liveried delivery vehicles, a new cutting table, floor sweepers, a fork lift...

Sky dive challenge.(Events in brief)
September 1, 2003... The FTBA's sky diving challenge will be held on September 14. The three main drop zones are in Lancashire, Nottinghamshire and Buckinghamshire. The day consists of half an hour training followed by the tandem jump. Tel: 01279 503553

Ulster at Docorex.(Events in brief)
September 1, 2003... Ulster Carpets is to unveil Chameleon, a bespoke carpet range, at Decorex. www.ulstercarpets.com/chameleon Tel: 028 3833 4433

Cleaning conference.(Events in brief)
September 1, 2003... The first national British Cleaning Industry Conference are September 24-25 at the Moat House Hotel, Stratford upon Avon organised by BICSc in association with The British Cleaning Council. www.britcleaneonf.co.uk Tel: 01564 826191

Slip seminar.(Events in brief)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... There are only a few places left at SATRA's flee slip seminar on September 24. Technical presentations will be led by Jeff Lane, head of SATRA's floorcoverings team. Various slip testing machines and test procedures will be demonstrated. Tel:...

100% Design.(Events in brief)
September 1, 2003... Over 400 'hand-picked' exhibitors will feature at 100% Design (Sept 25-28) at Earls Court. Flooring companies include Marley. Glass, leather and solid wood flooring will also be shown. Tel: 020 7713 7010

Damp roadshow.(Events in brief)
September 1, 2003... The Property Care Association, a division of the British Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing Association, is hosting a nationwide road show featuring papers from industry exports an exhibition stands. The next two seminars are on October 15...

Flooring Russia.(Events in brief)
September 1, 2003... UK companies are invited to exhibit at Flooring Russia in Moscow (November 18-20). Tel: 020 7886 3106

Brighton show is off.
September 1, 2003... The Brighton Floorcoverings show will not be held in 2004. A full statement is expected shortly.

Didn't they do well!(News file)
September 1, 2003... (1) Conren International's export sales director, Bernard Dennis, pictured with his wife Stephanie (left) and daughter Imogen after receiving an MBE at Buckingham Palace for services to international business development in Wales. Mr Dennis has...

Tandus unites its top brands.(News file)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... TANDUS (Europe) is strengthening its position in Europe by bringing together its leading brands, C&A Floorcoverings, Crossley Carpets and Monterey Carpets. This move is in line with Tandus Group's corporate strategy, co provide customers...

Knee padded trousers have fitters in mind.(News file)(ENGEL WORKWEAR)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... ENGEL WORKWEAR has launched in the UK a wide range of trousers designed for floorlayers. Available in 18 colours, the trousers are said to be smart, presentable and hardwearing. Features include: cordura knee pockets with two kneepad...

Airport inspires student's winning carpet design.(News file)(Priti Veja won a carpet design competition )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... LONDON City Airport was the inspiration for a student at Central St Martin's College, Priti Veja, who won a carpet design competition by MILLIKEN CARPET. The college's second year students on the (Honours) Textile Design course were...

Floorcare partnership formed.(News file)(Dowding and Phimmer)(Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... TWO leading floorcare companies 3M and DOWDING & PLUMMER are working together to provide customers with professional advice and cost effective solutions. 3M, produces industrial and commercial floor cleaning pads while Dowding& Phimmer...

TIFCON is big for carpets.(News file)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2003... CARPET industry leaders from all over the world are expected at the Textile Institute Floorcoverings Conference (TIFCON) on Sept 24. The afternoon session, sponsored by DuPont Antron Carpet Fibres, will be chaired by Peter Schwartze, md of...

Hot tips.(Have you heard?)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... During the August heat wave, the Health and Safety Executive urged site workers not to take off clothing in bright sunshine. Construction firms were also reminded that they are legally required to provide fresh drinking water on site.

Clever dick?(Have you heard?)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... It has been reported that some email addresses suggest hidden meanings. One example quoted is the email of Sir Peter Hall, director of University College London's Institute of Community Studies: phall@icstudies.ac.uk

Over-time, please.(Have you heard?)(construction workers )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... A recent Mori poll found that 57% of construction workers rate the ability to earn over-time pay as 'very important'.

Cowboys about.(Have you heard?)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... More than 22,000 complaints about cowboys builders were made to the OFT in 2002.

Winds of change.(Have you heard?)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The UK has the biggest wind resources in Europe, but at present, wind energy supplies only O.58GW of the country's power. Investment, rather than hot air, is needed.

Diary dates.(News file)
September 1, 2003... NATIONAL FLOOR SHOW September 2-5 Harrogate Contact: CMP Information Tel: 020 7579 4326 (Paul Sweeney) Tel: 01756 797710 (David Wildman) STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS SHOWCASE September 11-12 NEC,...

The Glues Brothers.(The series)
September 1, 2003... The golden knee pads European championships Part 19 by Bob Lawton THE ENTIRE EUROPEAN FLOORING TRADE HOLDS IT'S BREATH--HOPE COME THE ITALIANS WERE SO STUPID? CARRYING MORE THAN FIFTEEN TOOLS IN THEIR TOOL BAG! STAPLE HAMMER FIFTEEN...

Mountains to climb.(News file)
September 1, 2003... Caption: Charlotte Rule (above) of Steve Rule Flooring contractors at the Top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Her achievement in Trekking to line summit helped to raise 6,000 [pounds sterling] in aid of the Anthony Nolan Trust, a charity which provides...

100% Dsign for DuPont.(News file)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... THE Antron Innovate campaign from DUPONT ANTRON carpet fibres will feature the latest yarns and carpet styles from over 30 costumers at 100% Design (Sept 25-27) on stand C64. This technology combined with DuPont Antron fibres, is said to...

Obituaries.(Richafd Johnson, Kent Flooring Supplies)(Peter RIichmond, Drury Lane Carpet Co.)(Obituary)
September 1, 2003... RICHARD 'DICKIE' JOHNSON, died recently after a short illness. Dickie, who was 56, joined Kent Flooring Supplies as general manager 15 years ago after a long career at Marley Floors, where he worked both internally and on the road as a...

Becker Acroma.(People)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Becker Acroma has appointed JONATHAN ROBSON as md of its UK operation. He was previously sales & marketing director of Elementis Pigments.

Carpets of Worth.(People)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... BARRY CARRIGAN, who has been with Carpets of Worth for 33 years, has been appointed as the company's contract & export sales manager. He has been responsible for export for the last 23 years.

Stikatak.(People)(appoints Greg Copcutt)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... GREG COPCUTT, formerly national refurbishment manager at Isocrete, has joined Stikatak. Greg has been in the flooring industry for 12 years.

Ardex UK.(People)(Barry James and Kevin Jackson appointed)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Ardex UK has appointed BARRY JAMES and KEVIN JACKSON as technical services manager and area sales manager for the Midlands respectively. Barry has over 30 years experience of the flooring industry, including managing the technical division at...

Victoria Carpets Group.(People)(Caption)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Caption: ABOVE: Munster (central London), now part of the Victoria Carpets Group, has appointed a new contract sales executive BARRY SANDERS (seated), pictured with BRIAN WILKINSON, who will both be developing the Wilton products from Munster...

Bernard Povey Carpets.(People)(appoints Ted Collop)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Bernard Povey Carpets, a carpet specialist with stores in Stockton-on-Tees and in Hartlepool has appointed TED COLLOP as sales consultant. Ted has 30 years' experience in flooring retail and has worked in managerial roles for companies...

David Hillier md, Kahrs (UK).(In the dock)(Interview)
September 1, 2003... * Did you get into trouble at school? Yes, I did get into trouble--normally because I called the teachers by their christian names, not their surnames. * What was your first part-time job? Peeling potatoes and chipping them for a fish and...