Contract Flooring Journal articles from September 2005

Contract Flooring Journal archives from September 2005

Working time: fiction and fact.(Editorial)
September 1, 2005... UNSOCIAL working hours are an unfortunate way of life for many flooring contractors. So it is necessary to be aware of the much-maligned European Working Time Directive which prescribes a 48 hour week. Whatever certain politicians say...

Floorcoverings design is child's play.(Installation of the month)(Contract Flooring Association)
September 1, 2005... THE floor which woo the Contract Flooring Association's notional schools competition has been installed. It was designed by pupils at Elgol Primary School on the Isle of Skye. The children said in their application letter: 'We wanted to design...

Contractor warns on published data.(CREDIT CHECKS)(Dunn and Bradstreet)(contractor credit database )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... WE use Dunn & Bradstreet to check potential customers credit worthiness, payment and trading history before undertaking any work for them or offer them credit. D&B's letterhead states 'Decide with Confidence' and we truly believed this. ...

'Some product claims are plainly misleading': flooring performance claims and counterclaims continue to proliferate, but at the end of the day flooring choice is still all about brand values.(BRAND VALUES)
September 1, 2005... AS someone who is paid to communicate information about flooring products to all sectors of the market it is often with a mixture of frustration and sympathy that I look at the array of claims, counterclaims and figures bandied about to 'prove'...

Do your materials qualify for sale across Europe? Steve Ferry, floorcoverings team leader at SATRA technology centre, says British flooring manufacturers need to act on a European directive which could dictate whether their products qualify for sale right across Europe.(Points of view)
September 1, 2005... THE Construction Products Directive 89/106 EEC--EN 14041: 2004 Laminate, resilient and textile floorcoverings is one of the 'new approach' European Community laws to create a single European market by removing technical barriers to trade...

CITB supporter of the CFA is to retire.(Readers forum)(construction industry training board)(contract flooring association)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Tony Dugdale, or JAD flooring services and consultancy writes: AT a recent meeting of the City & Guilds/CITB external verifiers and asseesors in Llandudno, I met up with David Elvidge from CITB, who was my secretary when I was director of...

"Nothing is more exciting than an idea whose time has come": the Trendtime idea.
September 1, 2005... Desires for great interior design are of latent existence. Sometimes, all it takes for them to suddenly be in the middle of your living room is a tiny little kick. The desire for creative change stems from the need to turn our home into an...

Go for diversity and you can make a difference.(comment)
September 1, 2005... DIVERSITY is the buzz word in the construction industry at the moment but what does it mean and more importantly, does it go far enough? Put succinctly, diversity is about extending the boundaries of our recruitment in our companies to include...

Training directory.(Training)(Directory)
September 1, 2005... Flooring industry Training Association Natural floorcoverings fitting Sep 1-2 (N): Design tile fitting Sep 12-15 (N); Intensive basic carpet fitting Sep 19-23 (L); Domestic vinyl fitting Sep 29-30 (N); Intermediate carpet fitting Oct 3-7...

Site conditions suitable for timber floors.(answers a reader's questions)(humidity content in surrounding timbers)(Column)
September 1, 2005... I GET many emails from CFJ readers enquiring for specific information, and always reply as helpfully as I can. However, the following email from a reader was actually received in January, but because of its wide ranging subject, I have only...

How you can avoid customer complaints: Sid Bourne, technical director at Grundorf Terhurne, answers questions from CFJ readers based on his 25 years of installation experience.(on wood floors)
September 1, 2005... Q: I often get this question on how to avoid a complaint. A: I seem to write on complaints on a regular basis, but unfortunately it is the most asked question I get when I meet people. I often get people say they read an article I wrote,...

Oil or lacquer? Which one might you specify: Alec Stacey, technical manager of BonaKemi, discusses the pros and cons of these two different ways of finishing a wood floor.(on floor finishes)
September 1, 2005... OBVIOUSLY the surface of a wooden floor needs protecting to provide the aesthetic and durability characteristics required by the specifier and client. Available treatments vary tremendously and it is important that contractors are aware of the...

Just follow normal good flooring practice: Bob Mabbutt, development manager of Laybond Products, looks at subfloors for underfloor heating.(on underfloor heating and subfloors)
September 1, 2005... THERE is always a little apprehension and nervousness from many contractors when it comes to underfloor heating systems, but if normal good flooring practices are followed it is actually quite straightforward presenting little risk; in fact in...

A neat trick to make your mitres stronger: David Gatfield, Altro technical services manager-northern region, advises on the best ways to install flooring over a resin floor, and reveals a personal trick to make stronger mitres.(on resin floors)
September 1, 2005... MANY questions to our technical hotline are subfloor related and the answers can vary in complexity depending on how much information can be gleaned during the conversation. Occasionally a site visit by one of our technical services...

Getting sniffy about floorcovering installations: Neil Sanders, technical manager of F Ball and Co, continues his series exclusive to CFJ, offering solutions to common problems faced by flooring contractor.(on indoor air quality)
September 1, 2005... OUR sense of smell can alert us to dangers--when there is an unseen fire, for example, or when food or drink may no longer be suitable for consumption. So we should not be surprised if people complain about the odours that can sometimes...

The glues brothers.(Help and advice)
September 1, 2005... CAN'T YOU GET YOUR MISSUS OR SOMEONE TO HELP UNLOAD? I GOTTA BE IN TEWKESBURY BEFORE FIVE O'CLOCK [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Rate your staff training: this is another in the exclusive CFJ business briefing series based on the advice of experts.(Business briefing on getting value for money on training)
September 1, 2005... WHEN your firm has invested in skills or professional training, how do you know if it was a success? Did you get value for money? Evaluating training helps you to: * track the development of staff knowledge and skills; * find out...

Skills shortage crisis gets steadily worse.(Enquiries, orders and margins all decline)
September 1, 2005... THE concern about skills shortages is increasing, according to the trade in latest State of Trade survey (for the second quarter of 2005) produced for the National Specialist Contractors Council (NSCC) by Northumbria University. It reveals...

Quick-Step to go?(Business in brief)
September 1, 2005... The Quick-Step brand name could disappear following the acquisition of Unilin by Mohawk, according to the influential US trade magazine, Floor Coverings Weekly. It also suggests that, in America at least, Mohawk will sell its new laminate...

Tremco to buy illbruck.(Business in brief)(Tremco)(illbruck Sealant Systems)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Tremco is to buy illbruck Sealant Systems. The businesses' sales exceed Euro 160m (110m [pounds sterling]). illbruck employs over 700 people and has production facilities and sales offices throughout Europe, including the UK. T: 01753 505045

A-Plant acquisition.(Business in brief)(Howard Plant of Bournemouth)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... A-Plant has acquired the plant and tool hire business of Howard Plant of Bournemouth for 436,467 [pounds sterling]. T: 01925 281044

Devi wins business.(Business in brief)(Devi)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Devi, supplier of electrical underfloor heating, says it won 1.5m [pounds sterling] of new business between April and June 2005 mainly from residential accommodation developers. www.devi.co.uk

Carpet scraps to energy.(Business in brief)(waste carpet)(synthetic gas)
September 1, 2005... Shaw Industries is reported to have set up a $10m (5.6m [pounds sterling]) plant that will use carpet scraps to generate energy for one of the company's American factories. It's planned to convert 16,000 tons of waste carpet into a synthetic...

Upbeat forecasts.(Business in brief)(construction output)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... After London won its bid for the 2012 Olympics forecasters have updated predictions for construction output. Experian is reported to have 'unofficially' increased its anticipated 2007 growth figure from 3.8% to 4.2%.

Healthy office demand.(Business in brief)(Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Demand for office space, notably in central London, has risen despite a downturn in the overall commercial property sector, according to RICS.

If payment abuse by main contractors and builders is harming your business: don't let your MP forget it!(News file)
September 1, 2005... ANTI-RETENTIONS campaign Rudi Klein is appealing--through CFJ--for flooring contractors to contact their MPs now about the review of the Construction Act. Many MPs are in their constituencies this month awaiting the opening of Parliament...

Contractor buckets 'save the environment'.(oil spill control )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... INSTARMAC buckets are helping to avoid oil spills in sensitive environmental locations by catching fuel and containing waste after clean tip, according to Ian Hassell, national environmental manager for Environmental Special Operations Services...

Invitation to participate.(Industry in brief)(National Construction Week)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Flooring contractors are invited to participate in National Construction Week (October 6-13), an industry-wide awareness initiative designed to educate pupils and young people about career opportunities offered by the modern construction...

CSCS target set.(Industry in brief)(Construction Skills Certification Scheme)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The 12-member Major Home Builders Group is advising all its subcontractors that their workers must hold CSCS cards by December 2007 and be fully qualified by December 2010.

Sustainability brochure.(Industry in brief)(brochure)(climate neutral product)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Interface Europe has produced a brochure promoting what it claims is the world's first ever 'climate neutral product, Cool Carpet. www.interfacesustainability.com

Berry cycles to win.(Industry in brief)(awards of flooring industry)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Berry Floor recorded its seventh Tour de France win after sponsoring the Discovery Channel Pro cycling team. Berry won the event twice with the US Postal-Berry Floor team. www.berryfloorgroup.com

Cleaning catalogue.(Industry in brief)(Prochem)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Prochem's 2005-2006 cleaning chemical catalogue has product groups colour-coded for easy referencing. T: 020 8974 1515

EPLF goes into print.(Industry in brief)(European Producers of Laminate Flooring)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Companies which print directly onto flooring surfaces may now join the European Producers of Laminate Flooring. www.eplf.com

Laminate website.(Industry in brief)
September 1, 2005... Information on the Certified European Laminate Quality (CELQ) is available on a new website. www.celq.net

Freudenberg move.(Freudenberg Building Systems is in Lutterworth, Leicestershire)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Freudenberg Building Systems has new premises in Lutterworth, Leicestershire. www.nora.com T: 01455 200501

Exakt location.(Exakt Precision Tools has moved to Kintore)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Exakt Precision Tools has moved to Kintore in Aberdeenshire and has a new phone number. T: 01467 633800

Dawn holds sway with Feng Shui.(Inspiring business)(The Manufacturer Live 2005)(Dawn Gibbins)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... THE chairman of Flowcrete, Dawn Gibbins MBE, will outline the role of the flooring industry in global manufacturing at a major exhibition. Dawn is a guest speaker at The Manufacturer Live 2005, where she will explore how a platform...

Paragon plans to expand Yorkshire factory.(News file)
September 1, 2005... PARAGON BY HECKMONDWIKE is to expand its factory and warehouse at Wath-upon-Dearne, South Yorkshire, following reported 20% sales growth between 2003/4. The company has also appointed Barbara Speak as marketing manager to improve customer...

Sales rep raises 100,000 [pounds sterling] for charity.(Richard Wilson honoured as Macmillan Cancer Relief 'champions')(raises money for Macmillan Cancer Relief)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... RICHARD WILSON, North London sales rep for Cavalier Carpets has been honoured as one of Macmillan Cancer Relief 'champions' after raising over 100,000 [pounds sterling] for the charity. He made a pledge to help Macmillan after his father...

Good citizen Interface.(Industry in brief)
September 1, 2005... Interface is in the 100 Best Corporate Citizens list by US magazine Business Ethics. The survey recognises best practices in corporate social responsibility. www.business-ethics.com

CE Mark for stone.(Marshalls Natural Stone has the CE Mark for its Yorkstone product range)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Marshalls Natural Stone has the CE Mark for its Yorkstone product range comprising paving, setts and kerb. www.marshalls.co.uk

Back to work.(Industry in brief)(guide offering practical advice on long-term sickness absence and return to work issues)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... HSE has launched a new guide for safety and other trade union representatives, offering practical advice on long-term sickness absence and return to work issues, www.hse.gov.uk

Greendale--Metro link?(Industry in brief)(the two floorcoverings retailers will merge to increase buying power )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Two of the UK's biggest groups of independent floorcoverings retailers, Greendale and Metro, are considering a merger to increase their collective buying power. A majority of their combined total of 400 members are reported to be in favour.

Tender price fall.(Industry in brief)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Tender prices fell in the second quarter in response to a decline in workload, easing of materials prices labour supply difficulties, according to David Langdon. However, a rise is forecast later in a few months.

Building on the go.(Industry in brief)(construction industry orders growth)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... DTI figures show that construction orders in the year to June rose by 5% compared with the previous 12 months. Private housing orders in the same period were up 15%, public housing and housing association orders rose by 6%, infrastructure...

Counterfeit cards.(Industry in brief)
September 1, 2005... Police are reportedly investigating an international fraud ring allegedly counterfeiting CSCS cards.

'TV will spark a return to carpet': Victoria Redshaw, designer, tell CFJ.(News file)(covering industry trend )
September 1, 2005... CARPETS will be back in fashion in the next 12 to 18 months, says Victoria Redshaw, design consultant and colour trends forecaster. According to Victoria, who currently works for Goodacre Carpets, consumers will start spending...

It's official: Gaskell Mackay is back in tile.(News file)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... AS revealed in CFJ (June 2005) GASKELL MACKAY, the new independent contract carpet business formed as a result of a successful MBO at Gaskell and the subsequent acquisition of Hugh Mackay Carpets, has confirmed its intention to become a serious...

Carpet inspector courses.(Industry in brief)(Woolsafe Organisation and Cleaning Research International's training program )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Woolsafe Organisation, in collaboration with Cleaning Research International, is planning a network of carpet inspectors with two-day training courses for certification to be run by Dr Eric Brown of CRI. www.woolsafe.org T: 01943 850817

Anti-static flooring.(Industry in brief)(FeRFA's technical guidance note at www.ferfa.org.uk )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... A new FeRFA publication explains situations where anti-static grades of resin flooring are necessary and describes conditions for application and standard methods of measurement. This technical guidance note is available to download free from...

Concrete guidelines.(Industry in brief)(www.admixtures.org.uk)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The Cement Admixture Association's European Guidelines for Self-Compacting Concrete--Specification, Production and Use is available free on its website. www.admixtures.org.uk

Aggregate costs warning.(Industry in brief)( European Road Transport Directive implementation costs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... A 30% rise in aggregate costs could be needed to cover the costs of implementing the European Road Transport Directive limiting drivers' hours, producers claim.

CDM regulations.(Industry in brief)(Health and Safety Executive want to consolidate the regulations)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The HSE has a consultative document on proposals for consolidating CDM regulations across the UK. www.hse.gov.uk

Company profiles.(Industry in brief)(from Plimsoll Publishing Ltd.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Plimsoll Publishing's new floorcoverings industry analysis profiles 1,000 companies. The report, priced 305 [pounds sterling], is available to CFJ readers for a 5% discount. T: 01642 626400

Red Oak support.(Industry in brief)(American Hardwood Export Council's survey )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... A new American Hardwood Export Council survey finds a positive reaction to Red Oak among 95% of Italian architects. www.ahec-europe.org

Howzat!(Industry in brief)(Kronospan UK's donations to Chirk Cricket Club)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Kronospan UK has donated 1,000 [pounds sterling] to Chirk Cricket Club in Wales.

Last chance for TTT competition entries.(News file)(Test The Trades competition at Interbuild)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... THE deadline for flooring contractors to submit themselves for the Test The Trades competition at Interbuild is the end of September. One three-person team will be chosen from each trade, including bricklayers, carpenters and electricians. ...

Retailer wins 1,000 [pounds sterling].(News file)(Polyflor's marketing)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... FLOORING retailers Derek and Lea Rock, who run the Measures store in Pennington, Hants, won 1000 [pounds sterling] in a free draw promotion organised by Polyflor to mark the launch of Polysafe Hydro sheet vinyl safety flooring for continually...

Ryalux staff gain health & safety qualifications.(News file)(Ryalux Carpets Ltd.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... RYALUX has introduced management health & safety level qualifications for employees. Eight Ryalux health and safety representatives passed the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Managing Safety Qualification as delivered by the...

Ooops! Sorry, Hamish.(The trade in brief)
September 1, 2005... CFA President Hamish MacGregor has asked us to point out that the glamorous woman at his side at the CFA dinner dance recently is not his wife contrary to the caption. Sorry, Hamish! Recently divorced, Hamish assures his friends that he has not...

Shopfitters unite.(The trade in brief)(Shop and Display Equipment Association, National Association of Shopfitters will rejoin International Shopfitting Organisation)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The Shop and Display Equipment Association (sdea) and National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) are to rejoin the International Shopfitting Organisation (ISO), linking up with similar associations from France, Germany, Holland, Denmark, Norway,...

Carpet 'reduces dust'.(The trade in brief)(German Allergy and Asthma Society's evidence)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The German Allergy and Asthma Society has published evidence that the average fine dust concentration in rooms with smooth flooring is twice as high as indoor rooms with wall-to-wall carpet.

Defence agency floored.(Contracts in brief)(Peter Evans Flooring covers Defence Aviation Repair Agency's facility's floor)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Peter Evans Flooring, a CFA member, installed different floorcoverings for the Defence Aviation Repair Agency at its new multi-million pound facility at St. Athan in Wales, including 3,000sq m of Freudenberg 2mm thick rubber in conjunction with...

200,000 [pounds sterling] project for PC.(Contracts in brief)(PC Flooring's contracts from PFI Nursing Homes and Glebelands Retirement Home)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... PC Flooring (Southern) has won a 200,000 [pounds sterling] contract to apply self-levelling anhydrite screeds at the new PFI Nursing Homes project in West Sussex and another 50,000 [pounds sterling] contract, also for a specialist screed...

Van waiting to be won.(News file)(Summer Safety Spectacular by Altro floors )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... ALTRO has launched a 'Summer Safety Spectacular' to thank its safety floor customers and stockists after they voted Altro best safety flooring manufacturer for the sixth year running in the CFJ Awards. As part of its promotion Altro is...

QA Sales publishes new brochure.(News file)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... SPECIALIST supplier QA SALES has launched a new brochure highlighting its high performance wood floor substrates, carpet underlays and accessories. The company claims to be the UK's largest supplier of polyfoam-type underlays for wood and...

Blenheim puts spotlight on bespoke work.(News file)(Decorex)(Blenheim Group USA Inc.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... BLENHEIM CARPETS is one of the floorcoverings exhibitors at Decorex at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea (September 25-28). In addition to its stock collections, the company will feature samples of its custom-made products, notably for the hotel and...

Time wasting 'costs businesses billions'.(News file)
September 1, 2005... A NEW US survey reveals that the average worker admits to frittering away 2.09 hours per eight-hour workday, not including lunch and scheduled break-time. Personal internet use is the biggest cause with 44.7%. Socialising with co-workers...

Carpex will return.(Carpex and Windex exhibitions)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Carpex and Windex exhibitions for professional carpet and window cleaners return to ExCeL, London, from March 16-17, 2006, to be co-located with Hospital Hygiene 2006, a new show for healthcare professionals. The combined events are expected to...

US floor sales up.(The world in brief)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... American flooring sales rose 10.3% in 2004 and are forecast to grow an average of 2.8% a year to 2010, according to a new report. China is now the second largest source of US flooring imports, accounting for $800m (460m [pounds sterling]) of...

Power delays.(Have you heard?)(construction projects lose because of poor performance of privatised utilities)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... One in three construction projects lose time and money because of the poor performance of the privatised utilities, according to a new survey.

Cleaners assaulted.(Have you heard?)(street cleaners are abused)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Over two thirds of the UK's street cleaners have been physically and verbally abused while on the job--including attacks with guns, knives and drug needles, the British Cleaning Council has revealed.

Call on retirement.(Have you heard?)(Institute of Directors wants the official retirement age to be 70 )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... THE Institute of Directors wants the official retirement age to be 70 to fund a rise in the basic state pension. IoD director-general Miles Templeman says 'The notion that your last job is also your most senior role is wrong.'

Diary dates.(News file)(Calendar)
September 1, 2005... NATIONAL FLOOR SHOW September 6-8 Harrogate T: 020 7921 8415 www.nationalfloorshow.co.uk DECO CONTRACT September 10-13 Brussels, Belgium www.decosit.com ABITARE IL TEMPO September 15-19 ...

Ryalux.(APPOINTMENTS)(Tim Brown is export manager at Ryalux Carpets Ltd. )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Ryalux has appointed a new export manager at its HQ in Rochdale. TIM BROWN will be heading up the export department, which currently covers business in Europe and the US. Due to the complexities of the international market, Tim will operate a...

Armstrong Floor Products.(APPOINTMENTS)(Alan Cadzow)(David Smith)(Jill Hudson)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Armstrong Floor Products has recruited three new staff members. ALAN CADZOW joins as Scotlands regional sales manager after 15 years with Interface specialising in corporate and key accounts. DAVID SMITH become regional sales manager. He...

Shop and Display Equipment Association.(Victoria Clements appointed)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The Shop and Display Equipment Association has recruited VICTORIA CLEMENTS to focus on marketing and assist the director Lawrence Cutler. Victoria graduated in 2004 from Bournemouth University with a BA honours tourism management degree. She...

John Woolmore has resigned as md of Junckers.(managing director)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... JOHN WOOLMORE has resigned as md of Junckers, UK subsidiary of Junckers Industrier A/s, Europe's largest manufacturer of solid hardwood flooring. Mr Woolmore intends to 'pursue other business opportunities'. His resignation follows a...

Terry King, sales & marketing director at Burmatex, has retired after nearly 28 years with the company.(RETIREMENTS)
September 1, 2005... TERRY KING, sales & marketing director at Burmatex, has retired after nearly 28 years with the company. His early career began at his family's furnishing businesses before taking on the role of sales manager for London and the Home Counties for...

F Ball and Co area representative John Cooke has retired after after a 29 year career in technical sales at the company.(RETIREMENTS)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... F Ball and Co area representative JOHN COOKE has retired after after a 29 year career in technical sales at the company. Since joining F. Ball at its original London location in Garratt Lane in 1976, John has covered much of the South East...

Cleaning conference.(Events in brief)(Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The cleaning and restoration certification organisation IICRC has an industry conference on September 9-10 at Hinckley Island Hotel. T: 01883 334484

Prochem at CMS.(Events in brief)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
September 1, 2005... Prochem will exhibit at CMS international cleaning show in Berlin (September 20-23). www.cms-berlin.com

TRADA fire testing.(Events in brief)(Chiltern International Fire and BM TRADA Certification Ltd. conduct seminar)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... TRADA and Chiltern International Fire will stage one-day seminar and demonstration events in High Wycombe on September 27 and November 17 to explain the European fire testing and classification. The events are partly aimed at coatings...

Russia with love.(Events in brief)(Roofing Russia )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The US, Turkey, Switzerland, Greece and Denmark are planning to exhibit at Roofing Russia from October 11-13 in Moscow. T: 020 7886 3147 www.flooringrussia.com