Advertise Here
Advertise Here
Specify Hub (Everything Construction, One Click Away)
Home Blog Page 117

The Acoustics Store – A Sound Addition to QIC’s Growing Building Product Portfolio

By
admin
-
0

QIC has enhanced its market-leading interior building product offering with a range of acoustic solutions adept at creating a sound-controlled environment for improved workplace comfort, style and productivity.

The high-performance solutions are available via QIC’s sister company The Acoustics Store, a bold and innovative e-commerce venture that is designed to enhance quality of life through acoustic solutions. The Acoustics Store is no ordinary online shopping experience. It is a multi-functional digital hub that not only offers high-quality acoustic solutions to suit any fit-out, construction or DIY project, it includes a trove of expert advice and guidance to support customers throughout the procurement and building process.

Neil Miller, Sales and Marketing Director at QIC, said: “The Acoustics Store is a wonderfully new and exciting addition to the QIC business portfolio. The digital marketplace is growing at a phenomenal rate and with the Acoustics Store, we’re able to offer an e-commerce site that meets customers’ needs in an era when efficiency and accessibility are key.”

The Acoustics Store’s product range features an array of high-end solutions – from some of the sector’s leading acoustic brands – to suit the needs of contractors, architects and end-users alike. It includes acoustic wall panels, baffles, rafts, grids, screens, pods and pin boards. Each precision-design product is an enabler to transforming workspaces into serene, sound-controlled environments which inspire greater wellbeing and productivity.

In terms of technical support and additional customer services, The Acoustics Store includes a comprehensive Knowledge Share portal offering e-tools and specialist educational resources on the benefits of acoustic materials. Detailed installation guidance to ensure products are utilised to guarantee maximum performance is also available, whilst a team of dedicated acoustic advisors is on hand for online or in-person consultations. This exceptional service fulfils The Acoustics Store’s ‘Customer-First Ethos’, with the site containing a raft of ideas and solutions designed to inspire transformational interior building projects.

To support the product specification and procurement process, The Acoustics Store offers Trade Accounts, providing contractors with additional acoustic support, technical advice and improved credit terms. This ensures customers are provided with an acoustic solution that is appropriate for their project’s design – and thanks to the site’s transparent pricing policy – budget considerations.

QIC’s reputation as a supplier of superior interior fit-out products is hallmarked by its aluminium trims and its single and double-glazed demountable glass partitioning systems. The Acoustics Store continues the company’s development of solutions and services that will influence the way modern workplaces look and feel.

Katie Dimelow, The Acoustics Store’s Product Manager and E-commerce Specialist, said: “Although we’re only three months into our journey, being a part of building The Acoustics Store has been a pleasure, and the positive response in the marketplace has been fantastic. We want to be both a store and a hub of information, and the digital plans we have for future developments to ensure the user experience is as easy as it can be are exciting.”

For more information and to discover how The Acoustics Store can help transform you next interior building project, click here.

Advertise Here

JCB ‘SWISS ARMY KNIFE’ SLASHES COSTS FOR BRYSON RECYCLING

By
admin
-
0
JCB. Bryson Recycling

Two versatile JCB backhoe loaders have replaced static waste compactors across a group of recycling centres – saving the operator time and money.

Bryson Recycling operates five household waste recycling centres across Conwy and Denbighshire in North Wales where it traditionally used static waste compactors.

Now the company has invested in two versatile JCB 5CX PRO Wastemaster models which are able to complete the waste compacting requirements as well as a series of additional roles.

Using a jaw bucket attachment on the back actor, the backhoes can pick, sort and compress the waste within a container – fitting more waste in each and reducing the number of container collections needed to process the recyclable material. They can also move containers using an integrated skip hook at the front end and with excellent roading capabilities, they can operate across all five sites in Wales.

Bryson Recycling Site Manager, Dan McCabe said: “We chose JCB due to its long-standing reputation for quality craftmanship. We read in the trade press that the 5CX PRO Wastemaster was specifically designed for household waste recycling sites and that certainly spiked our initial interest.

“After seeing it in action at a demonstration event we were confident that the machine would have a positive impact on our operations and that has definitely proved to be the case. We refer to the 5CX PRO Wastemaster as a ‘Swiss Army knife’ as it has so many capabilities which benefit the waste management industry.

“Prior to this purchase we used static waste compactors which were expensive to maintain and run in comparison to the productivity they could achieve. By using the JCB models we have surpassed the capacity we could previously process with the static waste compactor and are reducing costs in the process. Furthermore, the 5CX models stand out for their ability to raise on four jacklegs for greater visibility, move waste containers with the front hook, while also having the added flexibility of driving the machine quickly from one site to another.”

With a 4-speed transmission (complete with Torquelock), the JCB 5CX Wastemaster can travel at up to 25mph (40km/h). JCB’s Smoothride System minimises bounce loadings; this means increased operator comfort, increased travel speed, reduced material spillage and reduces wear on the loader arms.

Bryson Recycling is the largest social enterprise recycler in the UK. It collects and processes recycling materials from over 50% of homes in Northern Ireland, operating 11 recycling centres in Donegal and Wales as well as providing collection services for gardens and residual waste.

Advertise Here

FLIGHT RISK: Access control to mitigate airport power outages

By
admin
-
0

Amidst recent news reports of power outages at a UK airport, Abloy UK is highlighting the need for effective access control solutions that maintain security even when the power supply is disrupted.

 

Steve Wintle, Head of Critical Infrastructure at Abloy UK, explains: “We cannot stress enough the importance of building in security and safety resilience within national infrastructure, particularly when it comes to areas such as access control.

 

“Even in cases where emergency back-up energy supplies are available via generators, the resultant power surges can cause not only chaos in the short term, but also long-term damage too.

 

“When power is restored, singular or multiple surges can cause damage to the physical infrastructure, which can then require extensive repair by engineers to become operational again.

 

“However, there are solutions that remain operational even during these types of incidents. By combining the PROTEC2 CLIQ system and electric locks from Abloy UK, airport security and facilities managers can build resilience into transport hub operations – even in the event of a power cut.”

Door magnets, which require a continual power supply, are often used in airport environments as part of the access control solution due to their simplicity of installation, but a power surge can render them useless and leave areas unsecure.

There are also fire risks associated with installing a magnet on a door which is used as a fire escape, as they require special arrangements to guarantee they are always fail-safe in the event of an emergency.

For example, some door magnets require an alarm or ‘request to exit’ mechanism to allow someone to exit, so there could be life-threatening delays for people needing swift egress in an emergency.

There are also a number of building regulation standards in place that relate to access control. It’s essential that these are adhered to, in order to ensure safety and security.

These include BS179 Emergency Escape (for when the building occupants are aware of the building environment), BS1125 Panic Escape (for environments used by the general public) and the new standard BS13637 Electronically Controlled Escape Systems (for use on escape routes). These standards state that even if a door is electronically controlled for access there must be a compliant mechanical means of escape in an emergency.

Electric locks therefore maintain security and safety without power, and without having to compromise security. If the PROTEC2 CLIQ solution is also installed as an override then facilities managers and airport security can maintain access control, as it requires no power and no infrastructure.

PROTEC2 CLIQ enables authorised timed access for staff and contractors, and the ability to enable and revoke key authorisation remotely and delete lost keys. This offers substantial time saved and operational efficiencies in key collection between airside and landside. The solution also provides full audit trail reports and can be integrated with permit to work systems, offering 100% control of all keys, 100% of the time.

Steve adds: “Airports are a vital part of our critical infrastructure, and service resilience is crucial. The recent power outages at a UK airport and the subsequent disruption have highlighted the need for better standards in security and access control provisions.

“With solutions available to mitigate risks and ensure continuation of services, now is the time to invest in effective reliable systems that are both scalable and flexible too.”

For further information on products and services available from Abloy, visit https://bit.ly/3RSQ6AW, call 01902 364 500, or email info@abloy.co.uk. 

Advertise Here

STEADY GROWTH: Ballymena-based Dowds Group announces record sales and return to profit

By
admin
-
0
Managing-Director-James-Dowds
DOWDS Group UK 27.8.20 Photo © SBurnett

A Ballymena Headquartered multi-disciplinary construction services group has achieved record sales and a return to profit for its financial year ending 31 March 2024.

JF & H Dowds Limited whose principal activities include mechanical, electrical and specialist construction contracting grew its turnover to £72.7m – up 37.4% on the previous year’s figure of £53.1m. The business generated a pre-tax profit of almost £1.5m.

The directors attributed the strong performance to increasing operational efficiencies and focusing on an enhanced end-to-end supply chain to mitigate cost increases. Meanwhile, the company’s Working Capital position and liquidity remains strong with cash at the bank at year-end of £6.6m (2023; £2.1m).

Managing Director, James Dowds said: “These results show a return to steady rate growth and profitability for the Company after previous years where results were constrained by Covid, war in Europe, inflationary pressures, and high interest rates, all of which impacted on company operations and slowed both private and public sector investment in the construction sector.

“We believe we are now seeing the rewards of having a wide service offering for our customers across the UK and Ireland.”

Dowds Group is providing M&E works at the Belfast Grand Central Station
Dowds Group is providing M&E works at the Belfast Grand Central Station

James Dowds said the directors were optimistic for the future with a multi-million-pound confirmed order book and pipeline for the next 18 months and line of sight further into 2026 and beyond.

He added: “A key strategic goal for the company is to keep people at the centre of what we do. In the past two years, the company has invested in new offices to ensure our teams can work collaboratively and efficiently in a creative working environment.

“The company invested in a new headquarters in Ballymena with occupation taken up in August 2023. As well as being Headquarters for the business, Ballymena is the hub for our Ireland and the rest of Great Britain operations. For London and the Southeast of England, the company purchased premises in Kings Cross, London. These significant investments demonstrate our commitment to our team employed in the various operating regions and our London investment has helped establish the company as a key player in the local market.”

James Dowds said the business had continued to invest in its recently launched Energy Services division with sales more than doubling in the last 12 months.  He said the directors believe this will continue to be a high-growth division over the next few years, adding the company will also continue to expand into the Fit-out sector through a joint-venture to seek out higher returns working direct to clients.

In the past year, JF & H Dowds Limited has completed a number of high-profile projects including:

  • Victoria & Albert Museum East Storehouse:  a 16,000m2 purpose-built home for over 250,000 objects, 350,000 library books and 1,000 archives. The project offers an entirely new museum experience, V&A East Storehouse will take visitors on a journey across time, through self-guided tours and changing displays.
  • London South Bank Technical College in Nine Elms – a newly built facility focused on teaching a range of newly developed technical courses from construction to robotics using a range of purpose-built hi-tech science, technology, and engineering facilities.
  • Alliance Healthcare Medical Diagnostic Imaging Centre Belfast – a new state-of-the-art healthcare facility offering a variety of scans including MRI, CT, US, X-ray and Dexa.
  • Henderson Retail – 1,494 solar panels were installed across 75% of the roof of the newest warehouse at the Group’s support office in Mallusk.

Ongoing and pipeline projects:

  • The company secured a place on the £545m Pagabo National Framework for Mechanical and Electrical Engineering provision.
  • Belfast Grand Central Station – M&E works ongoing.
  • Almac – M&E works continue on a new 100,000ft2 state-of-the-art multi-product Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility for Almac Pharma Services. This centre of excellence for manufacturing will house a custom-designed dispensary area, multiple production suites, process equipment wash facilities and a lineside warehouse for ambient, refrigerated, and frozen storage.
  • Queen Elizabeth Hospital London – Work is ongoing on this site to upgrade site-wide infrastructure works to improve the electrical infrastructure, oxygen supply and ventilation to live clinical areas.
  • Palm Capital Dublin – tender awarded for the extension and refurbishment of a logistics facility.
Advertise Here

HOW GREAT THOU ARK: Eco-inspired Green Ark project inaugurated at Belgium’s historic Meise Botanic Garden

By
pressoffice
-
0

THE Meise Botanic Garden in Belgium, one of the world’s largest conservatories of endangered plant species, has celebrated the completion of the Green Ark project, featuring the successful renovation of 7,600m2 of greenhouse complex and the installation of spectacular hyperboloid pavilion made with sustainable Kebony Clear wood.

Opening to the public in May 2024, the Green Ark project lies at the heart of 92-hectre Meise Botanic Garden and houses more than 10,000 species of endangered plants across 22 different greenhouses, each independently regulated to ensure optimal temperature and climate conditions for the diverse collection of flora. Other pioneering new technologies installed at the Green Ark include an irrigation system that recycles rainwater that falls on the building, while energy consumption has been halved in comparison to the old greenhouse facilities.

Creating a place to conserve and research vulnerable species, the Green Ark will also act as learning hub, educating the Meise Botanic Garden’s 240,000 annual visitors of the ever-increasing threat that climate change poses to the planet’s biodiversity and the innovations in place to protect the environment for future generations.

The design and construction of the Green Ark is the result of a collaboration between various groups working in alliance with the Meise Botanic Garden and the Flemish Government, including De Keyser Wood Industry, NU Architectuur Atelier, Archipelago Architects, Mouton and Van Poppel. Dually modified™ Kebony wood shingles were sawn into the roof of the pavilion, providing a natural finish that places the Green Ark in harmony with its botanical surroundings and enriches the visitor experience. In addition to the aesthetic viability, the use of Kebony wood also supports the Green Ark project

While hardwoods can take 80-200 years to grow, the fast-growing FSC certified softwoods used by Kebony are specifically planted for this purpose and grow to the desired sizes in a mere 25-30 years. During the growth of these trees, carbon is captured from the atmosphere, contributing to CO2 sequestration. The dual modification™ process permanently transforms the wood cell walls by forming locked-in furan polymers; the dimensional stability, durability, and hardness of the wood are all increased, guaranteeing both a long life and a high level of safety.

Gert Van Beeck, Sales Manager at Kebony, comments: ‘’The Green Ark embodies an innovation in the world of construction, creating a place where sustainability and aesthetics intertwine harmoniously. With a focus on Kebony wood, a viable ecological alternative to tropical hardwoods, this project demonstrates the successful symbiosis between modern architecture and ecological commitment, setting a model for more inspiring sustainable projects in Belgium and beyond’’.    

  

Advertise Here

FANTASTIC FOUR: Builders Merchant Group bolsters senior team to drive strategic growth across the island of Ireland

By
pressoffice
-
0

ONE of Ireland’s leading Builders Merchants Groups has made strategic appointments at the top of the business to further enable expansion across the island and drive growth.

Murdock Builders Merchants (MBM) – owned by the Murdock family from Burren – successfully acquired Merchant brand, Brooks Timber & Building Supplies (Brooks) in August 2021and has since invested heavily in facilities, IT systems and a revised senior leadership structure.

The Group is now making four key internal appointments to further strengthen its management team and leverage the significant customer and trade experience within the two businesses.

The changes will see new Managing Directors appointed to MBM and Brooks and two appointments into new Group roles operating across both brands.

Martin Farrell, currently Commercial Director within MBM, will take the helm as Managing Director for MBM across Ireland, following over 25 years with the business.    Pat Moore, an industry veteran who joined the Brooks senior executive team earlier this year, will now take the reins as Managing Director of Brooks.  His role will support current Brooks’ CEO Kieran Burke for an interim period.

James Higgins, Group CEO MBM said: “It’s an exciting time for the Group and these appointments reflect that. Bolstering the senior team with two experienced Managing Directors will further enhance our focus on customers. Martin and Pat will ensure we can successfully drive all-island growth, look to the future and make smart and informed decisions based on the combined merchanting and commercial experience of our new senior leadership team – they have unrivalled industry experience and will drive the Group focus of exemplary customer service and being of value to our customers.”

At a Group level, Peter Kelly will take up a new role of Group Finance Director, tasked with driving strategic growth through acquisition and within the existing 26 branches across NI and the ROI.

Reflecting the focus on the Key Dublin area market, Brendan Sammon, another industry veteran, will take on a new role of Group Regional Director East, responsible for building on and driving growth through the eight merchanting branches currently operating in the Greater Dublin region across both the MBM and Brooks brands.

James continued: “The Brooks’ acquisition was an important move for us as part of our ambitious growth plans.   Brooks has outstanding brand recognition among our trade audience in the ROI and particularly the key Greater Dublin area.  This acquisition, in conjunction with the four established Murdocks merchants in Dublin, has cemented our presence in a key trading market. The appointments of Peter and Brendan will drive collaboration across the two Brands.

With 26 locations across Ireland and more due to open in 2025, we will continue to have a focus on organic growth and further acquisitions. The four appointments draw on unrivalled industry knowledge to catapult us to the next phase of growth, driving further customer acquisition.   They will allow us to combine the wealth of experience and knowledge within the merchanting businesses, to support the growth of both brands individually and support the Group’s ambitious plans as we strive to cement our place as Ireland’s leading Independent Builders Merchant group.”

Advertise Here

THE GR-EIGHT ESCAPE: HeavyMovement Purchases Eight New Develon Wheel Loaders

By
pressoffice
-
0

MASON Bros, the Authorised Develon dealer for South and Mid Wales in the UK, has supplied an order for eight new Develon wheel loaders placed by the UK operation of HeavyMovement, headquartered in Barcelona in Catalonia.

The order for eight Develon wheel loaders comprises six DL420CVT-7 and two DL280-7 models. Most of the wheel loaders are also equipped with Develon’s unique Transparent Bucket safety system, that allows a wheel loader operator to see the bucket blind spots on the machine through the in-cab monitor.

HeavyMovement specialises in the management and operation of outsourced industrial services for heavy industry, mainly for the metallurgy sector. The company has over a decade’s presence in the market and has customers in Europe, South America, Africa and the Middle East.

Largest Steel Recycling Company in the UK:

The HeavyMovement contract covers a number of sites. The new Develon DL420CVT-7 wheel loaders have been supplied for use at the Melt Shop project for one the largest steel recycling companies in the UK. The DL280-7 wheel loaders are in use at two other locations as part of the contract.

The melt shop has the capacity to produce 1.2 million tonne of low emission circular steel annually, from UK sourced scrap metal. The Electric Arc Furnace is the lowest carbon technology route for making steel.

Richard Smart, UK Project Manager for HeavyMovement UK, said: “We chose the Develon wheel loaders based on our excellent experience with these products on previous projects including facilities in Santander and Catalonia in Spain and in Poland. The role of Mason Bros was also key – from the outset they have been very proactive on behalf of Develon and the project, providing us with brilliant support and back-up throughout.

Toni Llinas, CEO of HeavyMovement and Carwyn Bell, Sales and Branch Manager of Mason Bros in Pyle, Bridgend

“We work under the premise of improving productivity, ensuring the quality of processes and guaranteeing the maximum safety of our operations. So the high performance and fuel efficiency of the wheel loaders were very important and the added safety provided by the Transparent Bucket system was also key in selecting the Develon wheel loaders.“

Carwyn Bell, Sales Manager and Branch Manager of Mason Bros in Pyle, Bridgend, said: “We are delighted that HeavyMovement has chosen Mason Bros and the Develon wheel loader range for this contract. These award-winning products continue to prove themselves on industrial, recycling, waste, construction, quarrying and mining projects not only in the UK but across the globe.”

Utilising Innovation to Increase Safety

Owing to blind spots caused by the buckets on wheel loaders, the area in front of the machines has been considered an area of major concern in terms of safety. With the Develon transparent bucket function, however, the driver can easily check the blind spots in front of the bucket via the cab monitor, to increase safety and prevent accidents.

The patented system records images at the front of the wheel loader with two cameras mounted on the top and bottom of the machine and displays the combined images in real time on the monitor in the cab using a curved projection method.

As part of the company’s award-winning DL-7 series, the DL420CVT-7 Stage V compliant wheel loader from Develon is equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). With a maximum bucket capacity of 4.5 m3, the Develon DL420CVT-7 wheel loader is intended to meet a wide range of material-handling needs across a host of industries.

Up to 15% Additional Fuel Savings:

A CVT transmission is the result of a permanent combination of a hydraulic technology and a mechanical technology which provides a smooth and continuous speed variation. The CVT design combines the benefits of a hydraulic mechanical transmission and a hydrostatic transmission in the same machine.

The complete driving range, forwards and in reverse, is controlled by the CVT system. Low engine speeds ensure a high efficiency and the highest driving comfort irrespective of the traction speed. The power splitting continuously variable technology facilitates moving off softly and hydraulically. Furthermore, with the CVT, a fuel saving of up to 15% can be achieved.

Mason Bros:

Founded in 1952, Mason Bros is a family owned partnership whose management are second and third generation family members. The company specialises in new and used construction machinery sales and service, operating from two depots, the original headquarters in Lampeter Velfrey, just outside Narberth and a second site in Pyle, Bridgend.

Mason Bros is solely responsible for sales and servicing of the Develon range in South and Mid Wales. Customers benefit from a superb on-site service network, covering everything from emergency repairs to routine maintenance. The company’s factory-trained engineers have many years of hands-on experience of repairs and servicing of all types of plant and machinery.

Develon is one of the world’s leading construction, quarry and mining equipment manufacturers, offering a broad selection of products including crawler and wheeled excavators (with operating weights from 1 to 100 t), wheel loaders (covering capacities from 1.9 to 6.4 m3), articulated dump trucks (with maximum payloads up to 41 t), compact wheel loaders (from 3.5 to 5 t), dozers (up to 15 t) and products with alternative power sources.

For more on DEVELON, please visit the website: https://eu.develon-ce.com/en/

Advertise Here

COOKING UP A KITCHEN RENOVATION: The Panelling Centre reveals the latest kitchen trends to invest in for a timeless space

By
pressoffice
-
0

PLANNING to refresh your kitchen this year, and don’t know where to start? Thankfully, The Panelling Centre, Ireland’s leading destination for kitchens, wardrobes, flooring, and appliances, is here to help with a step-by-step guide on the latest kitchen innovations that are here to stay.

From getting the smaller tasks right such as finishes to taps and lighting, to bigger jobs such as changing the kitchen’s backdrop, the warm summer months provide optimal conditions for kitchen renovations and is the best time of year to give the ‘heart of the home’ a dream makeover. But, before you put your kitchen wish list together, here’s everything you need to know about creating a space that will remain stylish for years to come.

  1. Consider nature-inspired colours

Research by The Panelling Centre has previously revealed that one of the top five regrets homeowners have after completing a kitchen renovation was choosing the wrong colour scheme1. Tonal kitchens, however, are a timeless choice, and colours such as mid blues, earthy greens, off white and natural wood, never go out of style.

Three popular colour choices by The Panelling Centre’s clients this year are Reed Green, Bone and Charcoal, with demand high for finishings in these tones. The special-order Burbridge Finsbury kitchen in Reed Green and Chartwell kitchen in Charcoal are both popular, thanks to their modern style and shades which continue to stand the test of time. The Burbridge Fenton kitchen doors in these three colours will also soon be in stock at The Panelling Centre.

  1. Add in hints of contrast

The best kitchens are a perfect balance of function and flair. As the hardest working room in the house, where many people dine, work, and socialise the most, making sure your kitchen has a sleek design, layout and aesthetic is the least it deserves!

Stoneware flooring and Quartz countertops are great finishing touches to a kitchen that will also last. Gentle contrasts can soften the overall look of a kitchen, and for kitchens with sage green and charcoal tones, the team at The Panelling Centre recommend considering contrast colour taps, such as St James Living taps in gold, black and copper, for a subtle but impactful finish.

  1. Choose ambient lighting

When designing a kitchen, lighting should be a key consideration. Illuminating LED lights for drawers are a recent innovation that adapts a kitchen to different needs throughout the day. Layered lighting such as Hettich Avantech LED lights create a warm ambience suitable for any space and need, and are eye-catching and simple to install, coming with a clip that easily secures them to drawers.

In addition to the wide range of lighting solutions currently on display, The Panelling Centre will also soon stock a brand new range of innovative lighting solutions that can be added to cabinets, under counter or even incorporated into acoustic panels, that will give any kitchen an incredible glow.

  1. Make smart appliance choices

Downdraft hobs are a smart choice for anyone considering upgrading their kitchen appliances. These hobs are versatile appliances that seamlessly integrate the benefits of both induction cooking and a built-in downdraft ventilation system, which efficiently extracts cooking fumes and steam. The downdraft hob removes the need for a separate cooker hood, which is required on other types of hob appliances, for an overall sleeker look.

Several downdraft hob ranges from top providers such as Neff, Siemens, Bosch, and Elica, are available to order now at The Panelling Centre.

  1. Integrate hints of texture

Countertops and islands are a staple feature of kitchens, and the right finishings will provide hints of texture and add depth to the space. Feature end panels are worth considering for a simple and sophisticated touch, the panels are finishings at the end or side of any countertop or island, and rather than a standard or ‘tongue and groove’ style end panel, The Panelling Centre is now offering a new feature panel option that perfectly match with kitchen doors.

Commenting on the latest kitchen trends, Anthony Ridgeway, General Manager at The Panelling Centresaid: “From relaxing to entertaining, the kitchen is often at the centre of all the action at home, and it’s no surprise that people toil over what choices to make before starting a kitchen renovation. With so much information out there, it can be difficult to navigate through it all, but at The Panelling Centre, we strive to make homeowners’ lives easier with tried and tested recommendations that will ensure your kitchen renovation remains sleek and modern for years to come.

The Panelling Centre stocks an extensive range of kitchen, wardrobe materials, appliances, flooring, and wall panelling solutions too, and our team is here to help with all the information you need to get the job done right. Our team is here to help with all the information you need to get the job done right, so be sure to call and book an appointment in one of our showrooms on our website, panellingcentre.ie, and we will guide you on your kitchen makeover from start to finish.”

For more guidance on kitchen renovations, visit www.panellingcentre.ie to locate your nearest branch or do a walkthrough of the showroom virtual tour. All branches nationwide (Dublin, Limerick, Cork, Clare, and Galway) have extensive showrooms that are open to the public, either drop in to browse the wide range of kitchens available or book an appointment online to meet with an expert designer.

Advertise Here

AT YOUR SERVICE: MKM CEO Kate Tinsley awarded OBE for Services to Construction and Diversity

By
pressoffice
-
0

MKM CEO Kate Tinsley has been awarded an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her outstanding services to the construction sector and her commitment to promoting diversity within the industry.

Over 1,000 change-makers and innovators were recognised in HM The King’s Birthday 2024 Honours list, which was published by the Cabinet Office on Friday (June 14).

Ms Tinsley’s professional journey has been marked by a series of notable achievements and an unwavering dedication to advancing the construction sector. Starting her career as an Accountant with PwC and Deloitte, Kate progressed through various high-profile roles, including Finance and Operations Director of the Specialist Division at BSS Group, Finance Director and Managing Director and ultimately CEO of Buildbase in 2015.

After seven years at the Grafton Group, Kate made the leap back across the trade counter into manufacturing, when she joined Ibstock Plc. As Divisional Managing Director at Ibstock, Kate oversaw a litany of milestones for the business, including a significant rebrand and raft of new product launches, culminating in her appointment to the Plc Board, before taking the decision to re-join the merchant sector when she accepted the position of CEO with MKM.

Joining MKM in 2020, Kate brought her extensive experience to the UK’s proper independent builders’ merchant. Under her four-year stewardship, MKM has embarked on an ambitious expansion programme, growing to 129 branches nationwide. Her innovative approach and strategic vision have been instrumental in cementing MKM’s position as a leader in the industry.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ms Tinsley is deeply passionate about football. A lifelong fan of Notts County, she has devoted significant time to promoting grassroots football, coaching various teams and contributing to the sport’s development. In 2017, Kate’s dedication to football was recognised with her appointment as a Senior Independent Director on the board of the Football Association (FA), where she continues to drive positive change at the highest levels of English football.

On the announcement of her OBE, she said, “It is a huge honour to be recognised alongside so many brilliant individuals. For me, this award doesn’t just reflect my personal efforts, but the efforts of countless others. The power of teamwork has been a constant theme in my career, and I’ve seen first-hand how the collective efforts of a team can achieve far more than the individual. I’m deeply passionate about what I do, and this recognition fuels my commitment to continue striving for excellence in the construction industry and promoting diversity more widely.”

David Kilburn, co-founder of MKM, expressed his admiration for his CEO, stating, “Kate is a strong advocate of developing and continuing MKM’s unique business model. She is a proven operator with a high-class reputation, and her leadership has been a major asset to our business, I’m delighted she has been recognised on a national level.”

Kate’s recognition with an OBE is a testament to her exceptional contributions to the construction industry and her efforts to enhance diversity within the sector and beyond. Her story, from her first job as a paper girl at age 11 to her current role as CEO of MKM, exemplifies the value of hard work and dedication.

As MKM Building Supplies continues to grow and innovate, Kate Tinsley remains at the helm, driving the company towards new heights and ensuring that both employees and customers receive the very best experience.

Advertise Here

MARK OF DISTINCTION: National Federation of Builders Elects New Chairman

By
pressoffice
-
0

THE National Federation of Builders, the foremost professional association of builders, contractors and housebuilders have elected their new National Chairman for 2024/25, Mark Wakeford at their 2024 Annual General Meeting.

Serving the NFB for over 20 years, Mark is Chair of one of the solar sectors longest established UK solar businesses, EvoEnergy Ltd. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, with over thirty years in the construction industry, mostly at director level, for companies throughout the supply chain, from client through to subcontractor.

Mark now uses this experience to support construction sector businesses in his positions as Vice-Chair of Constructing Excellence Midlands, Governor at Moulton College, and now as NFB National Chairman.

NFB National Chairman, Mark Wakeford said: “As we step into a new era for the NFB, our focus will be on modernising our operations, elevating service quality for members, and continuing the vital work with our colleagues at the Scottish Building Federation to become one organisation

“It is a privilege to be elected National Chairman and I look forward to working with members to reshape our Federation to be more agile, efficient, and forward-thinking, ensuring we continue to lead from the forefront of our industry.”

The Annual General Meeting was an opportunity for NFB leaders to provide an update on some of the advancements being made including the imminent launch of the Federation’s new digital portal, Ask NFB.

Members celebrated key achievements including Chief Executive, Richard Beresford’s 10-years’ service to the National Federation of Builders and Membership Services Manager, Sean Houlston’s recognition with the CEO’s staff Award.

Advertise Here
1...116117118...185Page 117 of 185

Welcome to Specify Magazine, checkout all the latest in News, Innovation, Construction, Products and More

━ about

━ follow us

━ subscribe

© Specify Magazine - All rights reserved. Made with Design Stics