Contract Flooring Journal articles from September 2004

Contract Flooring Journal archives from September 2004

Community spirit is the biz.(corporate social responsibility)
September 1, 2004... MAKING a profit, say traditionalists, is only duty of business. But many of today's most enlightened and successful companies realise the benefits of connecting with the wider community. The practice is called 'corporate social...

Prestigious job for CFA member.(Installation of the month)(contractor flooring assoaciation)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... A MEMBER of the CFA, Floorcraft Contractors, replaced some of the wooden flooring in London's new Foundling Museum and refurbished the original floors. Lacquers from BONAKEMI were used to finish and protect the museum's floors. Pictured...

Contractors confuse 'drying' and 'curing': TRADA's flooring specialist Peter Kaczmar clarifies the difference between 'drying' and 'curing' and urges lacquer manufacturers to be more forthcoming on curing times.(Floor Seals)(Timber Research And Development Association)
September 1, 2004... THERE still appears to be much confusion among flooring contractors about selecting the appropriate lacquer for wood floors. And the problem has taken on more significance than ever before, in the light of current pressures favouring the...

Ignore DDA and face court: many retailers have failed to make adequate provision for part three of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), which becomes law next month, says Paul Snee, a design specialist.(Disability Act)
September 1, 2004... EVERYTHING in the interior in terms of physical features, including flooring, is affected by the DDA. Retailers who fail to comply with the Act by not removing physical barriers that deny access for premises, goods and services face...

The 'secret' is out: Richard Harris, marketing manager of F Ball, reveals the secret of Styccobond F3.(F3 Is 40-Years-Old)
September 1, 2004... YOU may not be old enough to remember, but do you know what year it was when.... Muhammad All (Cassius Clay as then was) won his first heavyweight crown? When The Sun newspaper was launched? When Shirley Bassey was in the top 20 with...

Make a name for yourself on the Web: Derek Vaughan, md of The UK Trades Confederation, says the Internet can help small and medium-sized companies have an individual identity and enhance their places in e-business.(E-business)
September 1, 2004... THERE are approximately 3.75 million small to medium sized enterprises (SM E's) in the UK making them an important sector in UK business. However SMEs have limited resources and budgets compared with bigger companies and it is often...

Account closed.(Customer Service)
September 1, 2004... Peter Davey, a flooring contractor, writes with reference to the letter by Paul Smyth, another flooring contractor, in CFJ (June 2004). I have just read the letter in CFJ from Paul Smyth ('Total disregard for quality checks'). He did...

Sensational success for schools contest.(contract flooring association)
September 1, 2004... THE CFA national schools competition captured the hearts and minds of so many across the UK schools, teachers, parents, politicians, CFA members and of course school children. We received over 100 entries in only a few weeks. Our...

Training directory.(Directory)
September 1, 2004... Flooring industry Training Association Sep 20-24 solid wood fitting / sanding and sealing Oct 4-Sintensive basic carpet fitting Oct 18-19 know your carpets Oct 20-21 estimating and planning * Amtico courses Sep 13-17; and...

Marley CPD 'dispels the myths on sustainability'.(Training)(floor covering industry)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... SUSTAINABILITY, recycling and the environment are addressed by Marley Hours in its new RIBA accredited GPD presentation. It discusses the myths and perceptions attributed to vinyl floorcoverings and provides fully researched and accurate...

New floorlayer college opens in City.(Training)(Acton & West London College )
September 1, 2004... WHAT is claimed to be the largest and most up to date college for training building craft students opens in Acton this month (September). It will be the only college to offer both flooring and wall and floor tiling courses at NVQ level in...

Diary dates.(Calendar)
September 1, 2004... NATIONAL FLOOR SHOW September 7-9 Harrogate Contact: CMP Information T: 0207 9218435 www.nationalfloorshow.co.uk LONDON HOMEBUILDING & RENOVATING SHOW September 10-12 Wembley Exhibition Centre Contact: Centaur Exhibitions T: 01527 834456...

Setting the record straight on the CFA.(Help and advice)(Contract Flooring Association)
September 1, 2004... IN my work as a flooring consultant, I meet many excellent flooring contractors who are not members of the Contract Flooring Association. There are many reasons for this: Often they are unaware of the benefits to members of membership of...

The Glues Brothers.
September 1, 2004... IN THE DEPTHS OF THE CELLAR BENEATH THE DUNKNEELIN' RETIREMENT HOME FOR CARPET FITTERS, MAURICE MAKES A POIGNANT DISCOVERY... COME QUICK LADS CARPET POUFFES! WHO YERCALLIN' POOFS? YEAH--WATCH YER LIP, PAL NOT...

Magic carpet tools: Martin Coles, of Laybond, looks at the tools and accessories available today for modern carpet installation.(on tools)
September 1, 2004... MARTIN COLES, of Laybond, looks at the tools and accessories available today for modern carpet installation. TRADITIONAL carpet installation has until now not allowed for much variation in methods. However, today modern tools and...

It's common sense: David Gatfield, Altro technical services manager--northern, on setting out safety flooring.(on safety flooring)
September 1, 2004... DAVID GATFIELD, Altro technical services manager--northern, on setting out safety flooring SETTING out is another flooring discipline that, whilst relatively simple, can make or break an installation. There are no hard and fast rules...

It's important to template accurately.(on wood floors)
September 1, 2004... In his regular column, SID BOURNE, independent trainer and consultant, answers questions from CFJ readers and shares some of his 25 years of installation experience. As well as being experienced and authoritative source of hardwood flooring...

Training helps to prevents problems.(on tiles)(Schluter Systems)
September 1, 2004... Last month I looked at diverse training needs when problems occurred after tiles had been installed. There are many technically-engineered essential 'accessories'--including movement joints, uncoupling membranes, and waterproofing...

Time to appraise your appraisal technique.(on staff productivity)(floor covering industry)
September 1, 2004... ASSESSMENT of performance--an area for congratulation or punch up? Before we start, a few questions: 1. Have you ever hired someone who exceeded your expectations? 2. Have you ever hired someone who failed to live up to your...

Warning: customers are perishable!(on marketing)(floor covering industry)
September 1, 2004... THE headline above is a sign in the staff room of an American supermarket. Its message has great resonance far beyond the selling of fresh produce--it applies to anyone who wants a successful business. This was re-enforced to me last night...

Recovery seen to be kicking in.(State Of Trade Survey)(National Specialist Contractors Council)
September 1, 2004... SIGNS of a recovery, are revealed in the latest state of trade survey covering the first quarter of 2004 prepared for the National Specialist Contractors Council by Northumbria University. More respondents expect more enquiries, up from 16%...

Government spending boosts construction.(News file)
September 1, 2004... THE construction industry enjoyed sustained growth during the second quarter of this year, according to the Construction Industry Trade Survey, compiled jointly by the Construction Confederation and the Construction Products Association ...

Contractors specify more.(Barbour Index)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Contractors specify more Contractors now specify half of all new products used, double the level of four years ago, according to Barbour Index. Key issues now are health & safety and lifecycle costs.

Overheads highest.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Input costs for small and medium sized construction firms are at an all-time high, pushed up by rising prices of raw materials and increasing employment costs, says a survey.

Green tests stricter.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Contractors could be blacklisted from government projects if their environmental policies are not green enough, it has been reported.

10,000 [pounds sterling] pollution fines.(Industry in brief)(Environment Agency)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Fines of over 10,000 [pounds sterling] have been imposed on five construction companies for pollution, according to the Environment Agency.

500,000 pass H&S test.(Industry in brief)(Health and Safety Test)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Over 500,000 people have now passed the Health and Safety Test since its introduction in April 2000. T: 014845 577885

Standards advice.(British Columbia Treaty Commission)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... BCTC offers advice on the new European standard EN 14041 that defines the health, safety and energy saving requirements for all resilient, textile and laminate floorcoverings. It also covers requirements for CE marking and labelling to be...

Nylon price hike.(Industry in brief)(Honeywell nylon )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Prices of Honeywell nylon for contract and residential carpets were raised on August 1 by around 3p a lb, it was announced in the US. This is the fifth rise in 2004.

CFJ apologises.(Industry in brief)(Correction Notice)
September 1, 2004... We apologise for an error in the column written by Graham Sibley in the August issue referring to the new Tessera brand. The article should have named the partners as being Gaskell Carpet Tiles and Modulus. We regret any inconvenience caused.

Quote.
September 1, 2004... 'We're not about eliminating all stress or pressure in the workplace. Rather we want to help employers recognise and manage the risks sensibly' --Bill Callaghan, chair of the Health and Safety Commission 'I would like to take this...

Fitters battle for place in the UK team.(floor covering industry)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... THE heats for the UK team in the 2005 European team floorcovering fitting championships will be held in Harrogate at the National Floor Show. The actual championships take place at Domotex in Hannover from January 15-18 2005. Following the...

Mergers forecast.(News file)
September 1, 2004... AT least three of the UK's top floorcoverings companies will merge or be taken over in the near future. So says David Pattison, senior analyst at Plimsoll Publishing, commenting on a new Plimsoll survey. Mr Pattison says: "There is...

Palmer puts carpet down.(News file)(Palmer Market Research)
September 1, 2004... THE volume of broadloom carpet in the UK contract market fell by 22% between 2000 and 2003, according to Palmer Market Research. The total decline in the market was 7.6%. However, Palmer says broadloom still has 33% of the market. The new...

Contract for CFA member.(Industry in brief)(Millerfield Flooring)(Tremco Treadfast One Coat Universal )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... CFA member Millerfield Flooring recently installed sheet vinyl at a new production facility for one of the world's largest manufacturers of contact lenses. Tremco Treadfast One Coat Universal surface damp proof membrane was specified.

Headlam acquisition.(Industry in brief)(National Carpets)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... National Carpets has been acquired by Headlam for 3.4m [pounds sterling] with two further payments of 300,000 [pounds sterling] a year and two years after completion. National Carpets had 13.4m [pounds sterling] sales and a pre-tax profit of...

House of Lords appeal.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Berry says it is to appeal to the louse of Lords against the London Appeal Court decision on the old snap-profile joints, which Berry no longer produces. Berry says the litigation in no way affects current Berryloc-products. The action was...

Distributors welcome.(Industry in brief)( Concrete Repair Association )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The Concrete Repair Association is extending its membership to specialist distributors of concrete repair materials. Construction chemicals company, Resapol, is the first member in this category. www.concreterepair.org.uk T: 01252 739145

Bonar China.(Industry in brief)(Yihua Bonar Yarns and Fabrics Co)(Yihua Group of Sinopec Corporation)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Low & Bonar plc, parent company of Bonar Floors, has established Yihua Bonar Yarns and Fabrics Co in China in partnership with Yihua Group of Sinopec Corporation.

600,000 [pounds sterling] contract.(Industry in brief)(Twintex Industrial flooring)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Twintex Industrial flooring has received a 600,000 [pounds sterling] contract for a supermarket distribution centre in Bridgend, South Wales.

Waterproof degree.(Industry in brief)(Institute of Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing)(Structural Waterproofing (CSW) qualification)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The Institute of Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing now offers a Structural Waterproofing (CSW) qualification. T: 01332 225103

Don't go wrong on CSCS cards.(News file)(National Vocational Qualification)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... FLOORING contractors may be misinformed about procedures for obtaining a National Vocational Qualification and CSCS cards, says Richard Wollerton, director of the CFA He is concerned that some of the 'myths' being put around the industry....

Tile industry looks forward to the 2nd issue of TSJ.(News file)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... THE launch issue of TSJ (Tile & Stone Journal) in July, was widely welcomed right across the industry. An equally information-packed second issue is scheduled for publication on September 10. The main feature analyses key players and trends...

Managers are told to take a break!(News file)(Chartered Management Institute)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... MANAGERS in the construction industry are not taking enough time off, according to a new survey by the Chartered Management Institute. The findings include: * Only 58% of managers use their full holiday entitlement, with many blaming...

'Lies' by job applicants.(News file)( The Risk Advisory Group )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... EMPLOYERS are being warned to be more rigorous in checking new employees, following new research showing two-thirds (65%) of CVs submitted by job applicants in 2003 contained lies or inaccuracies. The statistics from The Risk Advisory Group...

Junckers discount.(Products in brief)(Junckers)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Junckers is offering up to 20% off its full range of 14mm floors from Maple and Ash to darker timbers like Merbau and SylvaColor Umbra until September 30. www.junckers.com T: 0845 230 9885

FSC reassurance.(Products in brief)(FSC Chain of Custody certification)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Floorboards now offers customers FSC Chain of Custody certification on a selection of its Berg & Berg products. T: 0121 521 1000

Sustainability comment.(Products in brief)(American Hardwood Export Council)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The American Hardwood Export Council says the lack of certification on certain American hardwood products does not imply lack of sustainability. www.ahec-europe.org

Engineered oak boards.(Products in brief)(Floorz.co.uk)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Floorz.co.uk has introduced a new range of wide and long Geant engineered oak boards in natural and aged variations for underfloor heating. T: 01892 678866

A-Plant hire guide.(Products in brief)(Tool Hire Shops Guide 2004 )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... A-Plant has launched its new Tool Hire Shops Guide 2004 covering over 1,200 tools, plant and construction products, www.toolhireshops.com T: 0870 086 0000

Evaluation software.(Products in brief)(Callidus 2004)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Callidus 2004 has upgraded its electronic reader allowing AutoCAD 2004 drawings, DWF and TIF files to be worked on directly and a new routine to fit cut lengths into stock rolls while minimising remnants. Callidus is available on monthly rent...

IAB Certification.(Products in brief)( Irish Agreement Board )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Gang-Nail Systems, part of Eleco plc, has secured Irish Agreement Board accreditation for its open web floor joist system, Ecojoist, said to be half the weight of solid joists, making it easier to handle on site. www.eleco.com/gang-nail

SDEA guide published.(Products in brief)(Shop and Display Equipment Association)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The Shop and Display Equipment Association 25th anniversary edition of its directory includes a guide for buyers of shopfittings and display. T: 01883 348911

Royalty at wool awards.(News file)
September 1, 2004... HRH The Duke of York in his role as special representative for UK trade and investment, attended a gathering of the carpet manufacturing industry at the British Wool International Quality Awards in Bradford recently. The Awards, devised to...

Carpets 'safer' for the elderly.(News file)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... HIP fractures in the elderly could be reduced dramatically if more carpets are used in residential, according to a new study. A team from the University of Warwick and the University of Edinburgh found carpets laid over wooden subfloors are...

Ardex gets stuck with new range of adhesives.(News file)(Ardex UK)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... ARDEX UK has launched a range of high performance solvent free, low odour and high yield floorcovering adhesives. AF 200 general purpose carpet adhesive is designed for textile floorcoverings including fibre bonded, needle punch, latex and...

Tile backerboard.(Products in brief)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... James Hardie has launched Hardibacker 250 Grid water resistant tile backerboard measuring 900mm by 1500mm by 6mm. Each board is marked with a 60 piece grid. www.JamesHardieEu.com

How to Tile guide.(Products in brief)(N&C Nicobond)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... N&C Nicobond has published a product specification brochure titled How to Tile. www.ncdirect.co.uk T: 020 8586 4600

Workwear fabric.(Products in brief)(Jobman)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Jobman has developed Granyte, a harder wearing fabric now being used to develop new workwear ranges. T: 02476 223522

Housing market.(Products in brief)(Pownall Carpets)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Pownall Carpets has launched a range of carpets for contractors in new residential projects. T: 01282 611711

JoYn importer.(Products in brief)(Floor Smart)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Floor Smart imports JoYn solid oak flooring which can be laid floating without gluing the groove due to the patented JoYn profile. T: 01268 775684

New Dandy mats.(Products in brief)(William Armes)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... New from William Armes is DandyMicrom doormats made from anti-bacterial microfibres, said to absorb up to 10 times their weight in water and dry a third quicker than conventional cotton mats, hand or machine washed. T: 01787 372988

Granite flooring.(Products in brief)(Daniel Platt)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Daniel Platt has a new range of precision-cut natural granite tiles in 10 colours in different sizes. T: 01782 577187

Decorative surface.(Products in brief)(Addagrip)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Addagrip has introduced Signinum, a decorative and polished marble-like surface from a screed. T: 01825 761333

Prestigious business award for flooringsupplies.co.uk.(And here are the winners ...)
September 1, 2004... A FLOORING business has made it to the final of The National Business Awards to be held in London this November. Flooringsupplies.co.uk is small to medium sized business of the year in the Midlands and East Anglia region. To win...

Karndean is IFDA best supplier for third year in a row.(And here are the winners ...)(Karndean International,Independent Floorcovering Distributors Association)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... THE title of floorcovering supplier of the year has been awarded to KARNDEAN INTERNATIONAL for a third year running by the Independent Floorcovering Distributors Association (IFDA). IFDA awarded Karndean directors the trophy together with a...

Memory of Enid Blyton helps flooring contractor to prize.(And here are the winners ...)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... A FLOORING contractor who read Enid Blyton's 'The Famous Five' stories as a lad, put his knowledge to good to win a home entertainment system courtesy of LAYBOND PRODUCTS. Richard Atkins of JO Master Flooring correctly named Timmy as the...

Martha Stewart floored.(Have you heard?)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Shaw Industries in the US had a problem after 'lifestyle guru' Martha Stewart was jailed recently far financial irregularities. Awaiting her appeal, Shaw is yet to decide about whether to withdraw its range of Martha Stewart Signature carpets.

Burning issue over Teflon.(Have you heard?)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The US carpet industry is responding to claims that Teflon is a health hazard. An industry observer is reported as saying: 'Unless you set fire to your carpet and take deep breaths of the fumes, you need not worry about the health effects from...

What a good idea!(Have you heard?)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Following the widely publicised CFA schools competition, Marley Floors has just announced a strikingly similar initiative, claimed to be 'unique'. Even more surprisingly, Marley Floors is actually a member of the CFA. (see page 12)

Tenders online.(Industry in brief)(Concrete Repair Association)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The Concrete Repair Association website now allows clients to post tender notices online. And it's free. www.concreterepair.org.uk

Stress counselling.(Industry in brief)(Health and Safety People)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The Health and Safety People is offering small and medium-sized construction firms a low cost stress counselling package to help staff and protect employers from stress related claims. T: 01767 682 800 www.healthandsafetypeople.com

Tenth anniversary.(Industry in brief)(Association of Concrete industrial Roofing Contractors)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The Association of Concrete industrial Roofing Contractors recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. www.acifc.org.uk T: 01926 833633

VITA is launched.(Industry in brief)(Virtual Interior Textile Academy)(Textiles & Roofing Institute in Germany, Wool Interiors/Canesis)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Virtual Interior Textile Academy, part of the EU professional training programme, is a new internet-based learning platform (from November) co-ordinated by the Textiles & Roofing Institute in Germany and supported by Wool Interiors/Canesis in...

Antron at 100% Design.(News file)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... INVISTA, formerly DuPont Textiles and Interiors (DTI), will showcase the latest Antron carpet fibre contract and residential yarns and carpet styles at 100% Design 2004 (September 23-26). Using products from over 30 Antron carpet fibres...

Dr Schutz is now in Britain.(News file)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... DR SCHUTZ products for cleaning, maintenance and renovation of all types of flooring are now available directly from the UK. Operating out of Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, Dr Schutz UK exclusively handles the sales, service, support and...

CF farewell--Mikes on their bikes.(News file)(Carpet Foundation, Michael Brinton, Mike Mills)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... THE Carpet Foundation (CF) said farewell to two of its former chairmen, both celebrated figures in the industry, Michael Brinton and Mike Mills. Mr Brinton was the BCMA president responsible for setting Up the CF. He was succeeded as...

Contract Flooring Association has a knees up.(News file)
September 1, 2004... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pictured at the recent very successful Contract Flooring Association dinner dance BELOW are CFA director Richard and Valerie Wollerton and RIGHT the new CFA president Hamish MacGregor in traditional Scottish attire,...

Bentley Prince Street UK.(Trudi Hart appointed)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... TRUDI HART has been appointed business development manager for Bentley Prince Street UK, a subsidiary of the US floorcoverings group Interface. Trudi was previously global accounts manager with Armstrong for two years, and prior to that global...

Flowcrete.(Klaus Bahn Daugaard,Michael Bahn Frederiksen appointed)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... KLAUS BAHN DAUGAARD and MICHAEL BAHN FREDERIKSEN (pictured right) have joined Flowcrete as sales managers in Denmark, to build on the company's presence in Northern Europe, including a factory and offices in Sweden, as well as offices in Norway...

Shop and Display Equipment Association.(Ronald Cohen,Nick Flack appointed)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The Shop and Display Equipment Association has elected NICK FLACK of Quinton & Kaines Holdings as its new president. RONALD COHEN of Foxbarn becomes vice president.

Skilltast-UK.(appointments)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Skilltast-UK has three new members of its workforce development team. RAAKHI LADWA, previously a management information analyst at the BBC, becomes research advisor; MARK CLAYTON, regional lifelong learning coordinator with the engineering...

Face Consultants.(Tony Hullet appointed)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Face Consultants, specialist in concrete floor flatness measurement, has appointed TONY HULETT as a senior consultant.

Concrete Society.(Hulett appointed)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... An expert on warehouse floors, Mr Hulett was with the Concrete Society for four years and previously held technical positions in a 30-year career with RMC, the concrete supplier.