| Click to see our list of approved traders. UK: PTS will be the headline sponsor of the 2012 PHEX exhibition in support of its vital role in opening communication between merchants and installers. Launched in 1993, PHEX is held at a number of locations across the UK and is specially designed for local plumbing and heating installers. PTS has exhibited for many years but chose to become the headline sponsor in recognition of how well-respected PHEX is within this industry. Nicky Clegg, head of marketing at PTS, said: "Since its launch, PHEX has gained respect from the industry and is attended by leading manufacturers and trade associations. PTS has always been a proud supporter of the show as it talks directly to local installers and keeps them up to date with the latest products and technologies in the plumbing and heating sector. Talking to installers and finding out exactly what our clients want is an important part of PTS" strategy so our sponsorship of PHEX was a great fit." PHEX 2012 is being held at Wembley on 24-25 April 2012, the Ricoh Arena 15-16 May 2012, Old Trafford 10-11 October 2012, Stamford Bridge 14-15 November 2012. |
Wednesday 21 December 2011
PTS lends support to leading industry exhibition
PTS lends support to leading industry exhibition
| Click to see our list of approved traders. UK: PTS will be the headline sponsor of the 2012 PHEX exhibition in support of its vital role in opening communication between merchants and installers. Launched in 1993, PHEX is held at a number of locations across the UK and is specially designed for local plumbing and heating installers. PTS has exhibited for many years but chose to become the headline sponsor in recognition of how well-respected PHEX is within the $PRIMARYCATEGORY$ services industry. Nicky Clegg, head of marketing at PTS, said: "Since its launch, PHEX has gained respect from the plumbing industry and is attended by leading manufacturers and trade associations. PTS has always been a proud supporter of the show as it talks directly to local installers and keeps them up to date with the latest products and technologies in the plumbing and heating sector. Talking to installers and finding out exactly what our clients want is a crucial part of PTS" strategy so our sponsorship of PHEX was a great fit." PHEX 2012 is being held at Wembley on 24-25 April 2012, the Ricoh Arena 15-16 May 2012, Old Trafford 10-11 October 2012, Stamford Bridge 14-15 November 2012. |
PTS lends support to leading industry exhibition
| Click to see our list of approved traders. UK: PTS will be the headline sponsor of the 2012 PHEX exhibition in support of its vital role in opening communication between merchants and installers. Launched in 1993, PHEX is held at a number of locations across the UK and is specially designed for local plumbing and heating installers. PTS has exhibited for numerous years but chose to become the headline sponsor in recognition of how well-respected PHEX is within this industry. Nicky Clegg, head of marketing at PTS, said: "Since its launch, PHEX has gained respect from the plumbing industry and is attended by leading manufacturers and trade associations. PTS has always been a proud supporter of the show as it talks directly to local installers and keeps them up to date with the latest products and technologies in the plumbing and heating sector. Talking to installers and finding out precisely what our customers want is an essential part of PTS" strategy so our sponsorship of PHEX was an excellent fit." PHEX 2012 is being held at Wembley on 24-25 April 2012, the Ricoh Arena 15-16 May 2012, Old Trafford 10-11 October 2012, Stamford Bridge 14-15 November 2012. |
Builders brace for higher prices - The Barrie Advance
| Click to see our list of approved traders. As of January, building code changes are going to make buying a home even more costly. Heljar Hansen, president of Pratt Homes, said things are at the point where value for money is becoming a concern for new homebuilders. The building code changes will make energy efficiency mandatory in homes, and Hansen said that cost will be passed on to homebuyers. He said the terminology used is EnerGuide 80, and Hansen said it was offered as an option for homebuyers, although few paid the extra for it in the past. "We welcome energy efficiency, we're all for it, but it's costly," said Hansen. "People are struggling to be able to afford a new home. We've been hit with development charge increases for the last few years, increases in electrical work, the HST and land costs because there are few lots left in Barrie." Hansen said mandating the high-efficiency regulation will add another $5,000 to a new home purchase. "Some of the costs will be offset by the fact that these homes are less costly to operate," he said. Other new rules to the building code include occupancy requests like it has to be bricked before a family can move in. Gord Allison, director of building services, said these new rules may mean more costs to developers for hiring extra workers or buying heaters to get the work done in the wintertime. "This means the builder can't wait until better weather to brick the home if the occupancy is scheduled for January, February or March," said Allison. And it also means new homebuyers should "experience fewer incomplete construction issues when they move in." For builders, like Pratt Homes, that regulation doesn't change much. Hansen said "we've always had our homes bricked before we move in." He said the only change for occupancy now is "a blower door test to check air tightness. It's $400 for the test, and it's more red tape and paperwork," said Hansen. Allison said to avoid extra costs, some builders may extend the closing date. And some builders "are submitting their permit applications for empty lots in advance of the new changes" so they are exempt from the Building Code update, said Allison. |
BMF reduces cost of membership
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UK: The BMF has confirmed new merchant subscription rates from 1 April 2012, which will see a large reduction in costs for most members. The cost of membership will fall by approximately 30% or more for many merchants, with no reduction in the services they most value. Other kinds of membership are largely unchanged i.e. suppliers, distributors and service members. This follows the BMF Board"s recent structural review of the organisation to ensure that the requirements of the merchant industry are best served for the next decade."" The consequent re-launch will see the BMF headquarters moving from London to a central Midlands location, and a renewed emphasis on the training and support services and lobbying activity that are most valued by members." Commenting on the subscription changes, BMF chairman, Terry Parker, said: "In today"s uncertain economic trading conditions everyone is looking for value for money and builders" merchants are no exception." We understand that margins are increasingly being squeezed, so we looked at how we could help by reducing the overall cost of BMF membership. "We are delighted that we are able to offer this immediate financial support but, just as importantly, the subscription bands are now clear, simple and predictable." The previous system involved a complex calculation based on each merchant member"s actual turnover, so they never knew in advance how much their subscription would be." He added: "We also hope to welcome back some members who left in the past owing to high costs and add new members now it is more affordable." The new simplified rates have just eight bands and merchant members can see at a glance their rate for the coming year. Merchant members might also choose to receive printed copies of all BMF publications by post for a flat rate charge of "85 per branch." Alternatively, they may receive the same information emailed in a digital format free of charge. Added Mr Parker: "I will be writing personally to each merchant member to explain their new subscription rate." We do not envisage any merchant member paying more under the new banding system." It is likely that mid-sized merchants, the core of our membership, will benefit most and typically the majority will pay 30 to 50% less than last year." |
Christmas comes early with Thompson Building Centres
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SUNDERLAND: Christmas came early for additional than 200 men, women and children across the North East thanks to the region"s leading independent builders" merchant. Thompson Building Centres and TAPS, which has branches throughout the North East and Yorkshire, continued its annual tradition of giving gifts to people currently in the care of hospitals, charities and support organisations in the region. Anne Ganley, managing director of the company, which is situated at Commercial Road, was joined by Santa Claus and an elf helper to hand out gifts at The Salvation Army at High Street East, Sunderland. They then headed to children"s wards at the city"s Royal hospital with presents for around 50 boys and girls before visiting the residents of Sunderland"s St Benedict"s Hospice and Newcastle"s St Oswald"s Hospice. Ms Ganley said: "This is a tradition that spans more than two decades and it really is the highlight of my Christmas. I always look forward to it and every year I"m humbled by the courage of the people we meet - I know our small contribution brings much joy." |
PTS lends support to leading industry exhibition
| Click to see our list of approved traders.
UK: PTS will be the headline sponsor of the 2012 PHEX exhibition in support of its vital role in opening communication between merchants and installers. Launched in 1993, PHEX is held at a number of locations across the UK and is specially designed for local plumbing and heating installers. PTS has exhibited for a long time but chose to become the headline sponsor in recognition of how well-respected PHEX is within the industry. Nicky Clegg, head of marketing at PTS, said: "Since its launch, PHEX has gained respect from the plumbing industry and is attended by leading manufacturers and trade associations. PTS has always been a proud supporter of the show as it talks directly to local installers and keeps them up to date with the latest products and technologies in the plumbing and heating sector. Talking to installers and finding out exactly what our clients want is an important part of PTS" strategy so our sponsorship of PHEX was the perfect fit." PHEX 2012 is being held at Wembley on 24-25 April 2012, the Ricoh Arena 15-16 May 2012, Old Trafford 10-11 October 2012, Stamford Bridge 14-15 November 2012. |
Plumb Center backs apprenticeships - Builders' Merchants News
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LEAMINGTON SPA: Builders' merchant group Wolseley UK has taken on 25 apprentices in its Plumb Center business. It hired the young trainees through its customer service apprenticeship programme with Intraining. Frank Clayton, operations training manager, Wolseley said: "The apprenticeship programme has given us the opportunity to bring people in with the right attitude, who are very happy to learn and train with us. We believe this is very much the model for successful employment." "The apprentices are developing skills that benefit not just themselves, but also the business. "They work at ground level, receiving deliveries of goods and talking to customers. They are developing an excellent understanding of customer service and what the business needs and I know they will do good things for us. "We are simply developing our talent with a peruse that in five years' time these young people will be in senior positions in the company, making decisions and perhaps taking charge." |
NEWEY & EYRE BACKS WIRED FOR SUCCESS INITIATIVE - Process & Control Today
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The company has supplied tool kits for a two year training programme initiated by the ECA in conjunction with L&Q Housing Association. The scheme is supplying the necessary knowledge and skills essential for 12 women candidates to work safely and competently in the domestic environment. When qualified, they will receive an NVQ Level 3 certificate in installing, testing and guaranteeing compliance of electrical installation within a dwelling.
In addition, the scheme is also set to demonstrate a clear qualification route into the commercial and industrial sector by taking a number of candidates through the one year follow-on process to make it possible for them to work in this environment.
Luke Biddle, marketing manager for Newey & Eyre, said: "Our industry is facing the very real possibility of a skills shortage in the future and we fully back the Wired for Success initiative to try and attract more women to train as electricians.
"At the moment less than one per cent of operatives in the sector are women and with 63 per cent of the electrical industry workforce being aged between 35 – 54 years, it is essential that we attract more electricians.
"The Wired for Success scheme will go a long way to demonstrating to women that becoming an electrician can be an exciting and rewarding career move. We're happy to be involved by providing these tools kits which we hope can help the candidates on their way to becoming qualified."
For further information on Newey & Eyre call 0800 783 6909 or call into any local branch. Alternatively, Newey & Eyre offers the additional facility to order online via Neweys Online. The web store offers a wide array of benefits including an extended service with a late 8pm cut-off time for next day delivery. Orders can also be placed online for the items to be collected next day from any Newey & Eyre locations nationwide.
Neweys Online holds a wealth of information to ensure that customers will make informed buying decisions and choose the right products for the job. Detailed product information is included and datasheets can also be downloaded. In addition, visitors to the site can access an array of useful information covering topics such as legislation, energy efficiency, site management and the 17th edition regulations.
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DRAIN DOCTOR'S TIPS TO AVOID TOILET STRESS THIS CHRISTMAS
Click to see our list of approved Plumbers companies. If you are hosting a Christmas party or family get together this year you'll wish to add preparing your kitchen and bathroom to your list of things to do. You don't need a plumbing disaster ruining the festive fun.Christmas is probably the largest single day of food consumption in the UK. According to statistics from the British Turkey Information Service, in the UK at Christmas we consume approximately 10 million turkeys, 25 million Christmas puddings, 250 million pints of beer and 35 million bottles of wine. Meanwhile, Santa chomps his way through roughly seven million mince pies left for him by children on Christmas Eve.At this time of year your family and friends cram into the property to assist eat all that food, which means your kitchen drains and toilets will likely be working overtime. Drain Doctor Plumbing and Drainage has some handy precautions that you can take before your guests arrive to aid keep your home's plumbing in good working condition: • Throw food scraps in the bin and put left over vegetable matter like sprout and potato peelings in the compost pile. • Avoid pouring grease down the drain, because grease hardens when it's in your pipes and can cause a blockage over time. • Wipe off greasy plates and pans with a paper towel before washing them. • Remove small objects from the top of your toilet tank which will fall in causing it to block up. • Make sure your rubbish bin is easy to see so guests won't flush paper towels, napkins or facial tissue down the toilet. • You may want to stock your bathroom with single-ply toilet paper, depending on the number of people attending your party. This can help to avoid a blockage.These tips can help keep your plumbing in good mechanical order. However, if you are unlucky enough to have a plumbing emergency, Click to see our list of approved Plumbers companies. Trade News selected by Local Linkup on 21/12/2011 |
Tuesday 20 December 2011
Making life easier !
| A NEW service is enabling older people in Banbury to live their lives with more freedom by giving them help with daily tasks. Age UK Oxfordshire's home support service, My Life, My Way offers support to older people and Age UK staff are inviting all elderly Oxfordshire residents who would really like a helping hand to contact them. By providing appropriate assistance, the service aims to support and fulfil the lives of those living in their own homes and communities. Brenda Lickerish, 83, of Banbury has been using the property support service for eight months and is visited by a property support worker for two hours a week. Mrs Lickerish said: "My life is so far easier now knowing that Paula, my home support worker, is coming to visit me and it also makes my daughter's life easier knowing that I am getting some extra help and support. "It makes such a difference to me around the house and I didn't realise how much I was struggling to do things until Paula arrived to aid me. "I was getting tired doing the everyday chores and now this tiredness has been lifted and things are made far simpler." The support workers help with a number of duties relating to the clients' needs, including: transporting and accompanying to health check-ups and appointments, undertaking light gardening duties, giving companionship to go out for a meal or cup of tea, taking a client to the shops or just assisting around the property with cleaning, ironing and having a chat. Mrs Lickerish said: "It is so nice to see a friendly face and to speak about different things and I really look forward to my visits." Age UK Oxfordshire staff are trained and experienced and can visit throughout the day at times convenient to the older person. Home support manager Tina Turvey, said: "My Life, My Way is growing rapidly within the Banbury area but we would love to raise awareness and contact those older people along with families that we have not been able to reach as yet. "The service is very flexible, and customers are not contracted to fixed hours, so it can be used as little or often as required. "For families the service is brilliant, as hours can be purchased as gifts for that much needed trip into town, or walk in the park, the list is endless". The Home Support Service is charged at an hourly rate. It costs £15 for the first hour and £10 per hour after that. However, it is hoped the charity may get funding for this service in the future. For additional information contact Tina Turvey on 01295 278040 or email tinaturvey@ageukoxfordshire.org.uk |
UK's first green building hub to provide energy efficiency training
| Thousands of construction workers are to be trained how you can make properties more energy efficient, thanks to the opening of the UK's first green building hub. The hub will also concentrate on training the next wave of construction workers and will feature courses for students as well as professionals. Communities minister Andrew Stunell claimed that the centre will provide a huge boost to those in the construction industry as the country prepares for the introduction of the Green Deal. "That's why this Government has wasted no time taking practical steps to pave the way for tenants and home-owners to retrofit their homes through Green Deal, and for businesses to provide the upgrades." |
Demand for new homes expected to be strong in UK in 2012
| The residential property market in the UK in 2012 will be challenging, but the streamlined new homes market is robust and well positioned to weather the wider economic storm, it is claimed. New home starts are expected to remain low, in the region of 120,000 units over the course of the year, with an increase in planning approvals anticipated in the latter half of the year when the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) comes into effect. Until then, the current stagnation in the planning system is expected to continue and average new house prices will experience nominal growth, in the region of 2 to 3% over the course of the year. SmartNewHomes anticipates that first time buyers can make a noticeable return to the market next year, supported by government schemes such as FirstBuy and the recently announced mortgage indemnity scheme, which enables them to buy a home outright with a 5% deposit. It is possible that those first time buyers who were about to buy when the recession began and mortgage products were withdrawn, have in numerous cases been saving for the last four years and now have a sizeable deposit that will put them in a good position to buy next year. 'House builders are facing further uncertainty as we approach 2012, with spending cuts, rising unemployment and downgraded growth forecasts impacting consumer confidence, but the majority of house builders have streamlined their operations and are in robust shape going forward,' said Steven Lees, director at SmartNewHomes. 'They are building in smaller volumes in areas where there is known as a tried and tested strong demand, selling quickly before moving onto the next project to limit exposure,' he added. He believes that the government is recognising that there is a major opportunity for the UK to construct its way out of recession, which is reflected in planning policy, housing strategy such as the Get Britain Building Fund and its commitment to major infrastructure projects announced in the Autumn Statement. 'We are hopeful that Government planning policy and investment in development will enable house builders to increase volumes, create jobs and offer a much needed boost to the economy next year,' he added. Trade News Selected by Local Linkup |
UK: Appointment of new Civil Service Commissioners
| The Civil Service Commission regulates appointments to the Civil Service making sure that they are made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition. Commissioners also promote and hear appeals brought under the Civil Service Code. The new Commissioners are: * Philip Augar * Kathryn Bishop * Christine Farnish * Moira Gibb CBE * Wanda Goldwag * Angela Sarkis CBE Sir David Normington, the First Civil Service Commissioner and Commissioner for Public Appointments said: "The open competition for these posts attracted an extremely strong field of candidates. I am delighted that we are able to appoint individuals with such a wealth of talent from across the public, private and voluntary sectors. Their experience and expertise will be a great addition to the team and I look forward to working with them." The new Commissioners announced today will join the Commission in April 2012. Commissioners work part-time, typically between four and eight days a month.
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UK fly-tipping has decreased by 13.5 per cent
| The official statistics on fly-tipping in England in 2010-11, recorded and collected by Defra, the Environment Agency and the Local Government Association, show: * Local authorities in England dealt with nearly 820,000 incidents of fly-tipping, a 13.5 per cent decrease from 2009-10. (Some of this reduction is due to changes in the reporting arrangements of some local authorities) * 63 per cent of fly-tips dealt with by local authorities involved household waste, 8 per cent commercial waste and a selection of categories where waste could be derived from either households or businesses e.g. construction, demolition and excavation waste, green waste, white goods, electrical items, tyres and asbestos. * 44 per cent of all fly-tips cleared by local authorities occurred on the highway. * Most fly-tips consisted of a small van load of material or less. * The estimated cost of clearance of illegally dumped waste reported by local authorities in this period was £41.3 million, a reduction of 9.8 per cent over 2009-10. * Local authorities carried out around 568,000 enforcement actions in 2010-11 to prevent, detect or enforce against fly-tipping at an estimated cost of £20.6 million. This is a 5.8 per cent increase in actions over 2009-10. * There were 2,400 prosecutions, of which 96 percent achieved a successful outcome. * A 9.8 per cent reduction in the amount local authorities had to spend on cleaning up mess left behind by fly-tippers (£41.3 million). * A 5.6 per cent increase in the cost of undertaking enforcement actions against fly-tippers (£20.6 million). Trade News Selected by Local Linkup |
Builders' merchant market optimistic about 2012
| UK: A new report on the builders' merchants market from MTW Research suggests that while growth has been erratic in 2011, sales of building products have continued to grow, with above inflation growth set to return in mid-late 2012 as government stimulus plans and refurbishment activity prompt growing optimism. MTW describe the builders merchants market as having experienced "4 distinct phases" since 2008, with the market troughing at 60% of its normal volume by mid 2009 followed by a stabilisation of market demand during H2 2009, modest yet tangible growth returned in 2010 followed by more erratic trading conditions in 2011. The report forecasts continued difficulties in the market for the first half of 2012 though highlights a number of opportunities and strengths which should underpin more positive performance from mid-late 2012 onwards. Builders' merchants have endured a challenging trading period since 2008, with more than "1.8bn being wiped off the market value since its peak in late 2007- early 2008 in real terms, according to the report. In addition, MTW states that customer characteristics and needs have changed significantly in the last 3 years, with a rapid shift toward a more "lightside" product bias as contractors" work increasingly comprised of second fix activity as opposed to new build projects. This change in market characteristics has had a dramatic impact and reinforced the need for merchants to respond quickly to these changing demands, as well as having immediate implications for building product manufacturers and distributors. The report forecasts that the builders' merchants market will grow in real terms from mid-late 2012 onwards, reflecting more positive demand patterns in terms of volume coupled with less price sensitivity across the industry. However, it illustrates that the builders' merchants market of 2012 will have very distinct characteristics to the "pre-recession" market. Critical success factors such as management flexibility, branch level decision making, enhanced service levels, back office efficiencies, organic growth, and higher levels of imports are considered pre-requisites by the report in order for merchants to maintain profit and sales growth in the challenging environment expected in the near term. In terms of longer-term prospects, the builders' merchants market is forecast to gain momentum from 2013 onwards, as macro-economic conditions continue to improve and consumer and business confidence strengthens alongside an improving construction market. Sales of building products and equipment through builders merchants are set to be worth some "2.4bn more by 2015 than current levels, with MTW forecasting steady increases in terms of both value and volume performance during the next four years. Despite the report"s assurances that the worst is over, a note of caution is raised with a review of the builders' merchants industry, finding that some merchants are unlikely to survive the current climate of low profitability. The research found that 5% of UK builders' merchants remained in the "low' or 'at risk" credit rating category in late 2011, suggesting that further business closures are likely in the sector in the short-term. However, MTW also points to the fact that more than 70% of merchants have a "good' or 'excellent" credit rating and that more than 90% of the industry has healthy balances sheets and are well placed to make use of the upturn in market conditions in 2012 and beyond. Trade News Selected by Local Linkup |