News

Vogue (UK) win 'Best UK Heated Towel Rail Manufacturer’ 2019

The UK’s largest British designer and manufacturer of design radiators and towel warmers, Vogue (UK), kick start the new year with a WIN, securing a 2019 Home and Garden Award for ‘Best UK Heated Towel Rail Manufacturer’ 2019.

The 2019 Home & Garden Awards is dedicated to rewarding the very best companies that specialise in technical innovation, product design and service and make-up the UK’s construction and property sector.

In affiliation with Build Magazine, the 2019 Home & Garden Awards recognise businesses that can make a house a home and include a cross-section of industry professionals: from creative minds in landscaping and interior design, through to carpenters and leading heating manufacturers.

Construction SMEs Need Protection from Payment Abuse

Alan Wilson on Construction SMEs Payment Abuse

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the construction sector are falling victim to payment abuse and deserve better protection, a leading trade association has warned.

In its submission to the Scottish Government’s Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee, which is undertaking an inquiry into the construction sector, SELECT took the opportunity to make the case that reform of the payment system should include provisions to ensure that retention monies are protected in trust.

Retentions are monies withheld from contractors by clients to ensure that all work is completed properly. The money is meant to be paid back in full once work is finished and confirmed compliant with industry standards.

Twyford launches new high performance shower valve range

Leading sanitaryware provider, Twyford, have launched a new range of thermostatically controlled shower valves. The high-performance Sola Thermostatic shower valves have TMV3 and WRAS approval, making them suitable for a range of commercial applications, including those in the healthcare sector.

With safety and innovation at the heart of the range, the shower valves distribute water at safe and stable temperatures. The valves also feature Antiscald Failsafe Technology – A rapid failsafe for protection against scalding or thermal shock in the event of water supply failure.

Ariston Introduces Aures - A New Electric Instantaneous Water Heater

Ariston has added the Aures Slim Multi to its portfolio of electric water heaters. Suitable for a wide range of applications, from bathrooms and kitchens to loft conversions and utility rooms, each compact unit can simultaneously supply multiple outlets – such as a sink and a shower – with instantaneous hot water. As a result, users no longer have to wait for the water to heat up.

The Aures Slim Multi has an ‘A’ class ErP energy rating, making it the most efficient method of providing water at the point of use. Plus, each unit is also supplied with a two-year warranty as standard.

Apprenticeship starts tumble

As the news breaks that apprenticeship starts are down by 26% - following the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in April 2017 - its clear that currently, the Government is falling a long way short of its target of 3 million apprenticeship starts by 2020.

On paper, the Levy delivers good value. All businesses with a payroll over £3m per annum have to pay 0.5% of their wage bill towards funding apprenticeships, (employers get a £15,000 fixed annual allowance to offset against the levy payment). Once employers have registered for an apprenticeship service account, they can use that money, plus a 10% government contribution, on apprenticeships within their own organisation.

Master Plumbers recognised on World Plumbing Day

On World Plumbing Day, 11th March, two proud members of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) received Master Plumber Certificates. Organised by the Livery Companies Skill Council (LCSC), the event was hosted by the Worshipful Company of Carpenters at the Carpenter’s Hall in London. Certificates on the day were awarded by The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor, Alderman Peter Estlin.

Jamie David Cousins and Lucy Mawer were both worthy recipients of the prestigious award, which is only attained by the highest of skilled members of the plumbing & heating industry. The ‘Charge’ which Jamie and Lucy accepted, was read out by Dame Fiona Woolf, the Master of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers.

Finding a decent tradesperson: Is the 'matchmaking' approach a winner?

The recent bad weather has seen a spike in demand for ‘trade-finder’ services, as strong winds caused millions of pounds worth of damage to roofs, fences, chimneys and gutters.

Tax Preparation Specialist Offers Recommendations for Making the Most of Tax Allowances before Tax Year End

With yet another tax year about to come to a close on 5th April 2019, taxpayers in the UK have been offered expert guidance on maximising their various tax-free allowances before the end of the tax year. Tax preparation specialist David Redfern, Managing Director of DSR Tax Claims Ltd, provided his timely advice in order to assist taxpayers in making the most of the various tax efficiencies available to them in the 2018/19 tax year.

Artline’s EKPR markers to leave indelible impression

Thanks to some expert industry knowledge, Artline believes it has created a product range to make an appropriately bold mark with thousands of professionals across a variety of trades.

Artline’s new EKPR series has been designed with all manner of tradespeople in mind, including builders, plumbers, gardeners, electricians and even odd-job men and women.

Individual markers in the collection are crafted to work on tough surfaces including fencing, piping, metalwork, stone and concrete. Each of the seven markers in the EKPR series also boast a clever, colour-coded barrel to make selection from the tool box simple.

Markers in the range include:

Specialised Valve Training Centre Created At Pegler

The leading manufacturer of Integrated Piping Systems, Pegler, has expanded its training facilities in Doncaster to offer an even greater interactive experience.

The specialised valve centre offers more hands-on training for individuals and companies to facilitate greater understanding and more experience in balancing and commissioning valves.

Glenn Schofield, Technical Training Support Manager, commented: “We have specifically designed this training facility to simulate real life situations. The whole room can be used at once or just certain sections to show what could happen in any commercial or domestic setting.”

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