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HOUSE ABOUT THAT: Embracing innovation to drive high-quality housing

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OFFSITE construction company Remagin put Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) front and centre stage at the Housing 2024 exhibition.

Remagin, part of global building materials company Etex Group, was exhibiting at Housing 2024, at Manchester Central, that took place on June 25-27.

The UK-based company provides industry-leading, lightweight, factory-assembled panels and associated services, all based on sustainable, light gauge steel framing (LGSF) to the housebuilding and construction sector.

Scott Bibby, country manager Ireland and UK, explained: “As the UK grapples with an escalating housing crisis, innovative construction methods are coming to the forefront to meet the demand for affordable, high-quality homes. Offsite construction and, in particular, Light Gauge Steel Framing (LGSF), are proving to be game-changers in the sector.

“One of the most compelling benefits of offsite construction using LGSF is the significant reduction in build time. Components are manufactured in a controlled factory environment, minimising the delays caused by adverse weather conditions and other onsite challenges

“This speed not only accelerates housing delivery but also reduces labour costs, a critical factor in addressing the housing shortage.”

Bibby adds, factory-controlled production of LGSF components ensures a high degree of accuracy and consistency that is difficult to achieve with traditional building methods. This precision translates to better quality control, fewer defects, and higher overall standards of construction. Homebuyers benefit from improved durability and performance, which reduces long-term maintenance costs and enhances the value of the property.

Further benefits to the housebuilding sector include:

  • Sustainability and Environmental Impact
  • Cost-Effectiveness
  • Design Flexibility
  • Enhanced Safety

Remagin has a proven record of delivering modern, high-quality schemes for housebuilders and those operating across the social care and sheltered accommodation sectors.

In March this year, Remagin started on site for a new three-storey, 85-bed care home for Montpelier Estates, Trafford, Manchester. Working with Rowlinsons Construction on its first LGSF scheme, Remagin will install fully-fitted panelised system, complete with factory-fitted windows, EPDM, insulation, cavity trays, brick tie channel and fire barrier, massively reducing the overall construction programme.

Earlier this year Remagin completed 100 specialist independent living apartments for Vistry partnerships, three weeks ahead of schedule using its in-house capabilities to design, manufacture and erect its LGSF system.

Tim Hough, senior project manager at Vistry Partnership now says: “Having not worked with LGSF before, I was sceptical about the benefits of using it. With the frame now completed it has changed my opinion completely and would highly recommend this MMC, in particular where floor plates repeat.”

Scott Bibby adds: “The benefits of MMC and LGSF in terms of speed, quality, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, design flexibility, and safety make them an attractive option for addressing the country’s pressing housing needs. Embracing these innovative methods could well be the key to unlocking a new era of efficient, sustainable, and high-quality housing in the UK.”

More information about Remagin at www.remagin.world

HOT OFF THE PRESS: CDE unveils a new generation of filter press at Hillhead

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CDE, a leader in the design and engineering of sand and aggregate wet processing solutions for the waste recycling and natural minerals processing sectors, has unveiled its new ProPress high-performance filter press at Hillhead, adding to its state-of-the-art water management and recycling systems.

Developed to meet the evolving needs of the construction and demolition (C&D) waste recycling, quarrying, and mining sectors, the ProPress integrates the latest technological advancements to deliver exceptional operational efficiency and maximum water recovery.

Benefits of the ProPress:

CDE’s ProPress, which features patent-pending technology, benefits from a flexible design and variable throughput that can be scaled to fit the processing volume of any operation.

Unlike traditional filter presses, the system is dual feed, meaning sludge is fed from both sides of the ProPress for improved efficiency and faster cycle times. Optimised sludge feed pressure also allows for faster dewatering to increase overall throughput. This is further supported by an overhead beam design that ensures reliability by reducing stress on the unit and improving its durability.

The ProPress features plates that are 25% larger (2.5m x 2m). Greater chamber volume and overall fewer plates serve to provide maximum capacity on a smaller footprint and improve mechanical cycle times.

Safe and efficient maintenance is made possible by integrated plate-shaking technology which addresses filter cake build-up within chambers to help reduce the need for manual intervention. An access walkway provides clear and unobstructed means to carry out maintenance safely and efficiently, and flush mounted drip trays reduce material entrapment and lock in place to provide a secure maintenance platform for operators.

The smart design is supported by an innovative, multifunctional robot, which serves as the main workhorse for the ProPress, controlling plate opening, plate shaking, cloth washing, plate winch, and the maintenance platform.

The CDE ProPress is available in a range of different sizes to suit all markets and applications. Available globally, the ProPress is also largely pre-assembled to expedite commissioning, allowing operators to get up and running quickly to help achieve fast return on investment.

ProPress Process:

As materials are washed and graded, the water from that process accumulates silt and other residues to form a sludge. A challenging material to process, that sludge is pumped under high pressure into the CDE ProPress, which consists of a sequence of plates, the composition of which forms a series of chambers.

As sludge is pumped under high pressure through the press, solid materials build within the chambers to form a filter cake which is dewatered to maximise water recycling and recover a by-product with multiple applications.

With the CDE ProPress, owners and operators can recycle up to 95% of process water for immediate reuse in their wash plant while simultaneously cutting waste disposal fees by recovering a filter cake product that can be used for pipe bedding and landfill capping. This eliminates the need for settling ponds which typically require extensive maintenance, consume labour resources, and incur significant costs.

Engineering Excellence:

CDE’s business development director, Darren Eastwood, said: “Tackling the most challenging of materials is our expertise. We’ve poured over 30 years of engineering excellence into the development of the ProPress. We’ve listened to and worked alongside our customers around the globe to design a solution that is adaptable to their needs, be they in the waste recycling or natural minerals processing sectors.

“Those needs were clear: sustainable water management was key to minimise fresh water dependency and maximise water recycling, all while improving processing capacity, reducing operating costs, and minimising maintenance downtime. The ProPress is our response to all of this and more and it is already delivering for our customers. By the end of the year, the ProPress will be found on eight plants across three regions, processing around 1000tph of material.

“Our most significant product launch in recent years, the ProPress really encapsulates CDE’s purpose: to create our best world, a ton at a time. It represents a constant push for improvement to make our equipment, our customers’ operations, and the sectors we operate in more efficient and less wasteful. We’re very pleased to finally bring this latest innovation to the wider market to help maximise the availability of our natural resources and reduce the industry’s waste burden.”

Once the ProPress is commissioned, every customer is introduced to the CDE CustomCare team which provides aftersales support to help achieve maximum performance from their equipment. On any given day, the UK and Ireland team has eight service vans and six pick-ups on the road supporting customers to meet their production targets.

For more information about CDE and its wet processing solutions, visit CDE at Hillhead, where the team is located at stand A11, close to the registration pavilion. You can also request a meeting with the team via the CDE website: cdegroup.com/hillhead

LAKE ESCAPE: RENOLIT ALKORPLAN geomembranes provide innovative solution for water loss in a major shopping centre in Spain

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FOLLOWING a swift and comprehensive intervention, RENOLIT ALKORPLAN geomembranes have tackled the issue of significant water loss in the artificial lake of a prominent shopping destination in Spain, which boasts a completely open-air layout.

Just over a year post-launch, the centre encountered an unexpected challenge with its water management system, leading to the discovery of a critical problem that demanded an immediate and effective solution.

In an impressive display of technical and environmental problem-solving, RENOLIT ALKORPLAN geomembranes have successfully addressed significant water loss issues.

The complex has a surface area of more than 250,000 m², 100,000 trees and shrubs, 117 shops, 4,000 parking spaces and a wide range of leisure activities for everyone. The complex is arranged around its two lakes, which are surrounded by palm trees and waterfalls. In the central lake, a fountain show with light, music and fire is offered every half hour.

With more than 30 restaurants, an artificial beach and a coworking space, the shopping centre was designed to be a place that unites leisure, arts and events, and nature. However, soon after it opened its doors, the management started to notice significant water losses.

Initially, the management attributed high water consumption to the irrigation needs of the shopping centre’s green areas. However, water loss persisted into the winter, when irrigation was minimal, pointing to a different issue. Further investigation revealed extensive damage to the lake’s waterproofing system, characterised by widespread cracks and efflorescence.

The deteriorated state of the original waterproofing made it difficult to identify the exact material used. This situation was further complicated by the lake’s role as a water storage for the shopping centre’s fire extinguishing system and the presence of intricate features, including drains and outlets for a water, light, and sound show, which added critical points for potential water loss.

Successful waterproofing revamp: how RENOLIT ALKORPLAN geomembranes tackled the problem of water losses.

RENOLIT ALKORPLAN geomembranes’ approach to resolving this issue was multifaceted. After consultations with the installer and the property owner RENOLIT ALKORPLAN Hydro H 35254, a homogenous dark grey membrane, was selected for its ability to stop leaks without compromising aesthetic appeal. This solution was tailored to address the lake’s complex geometry, including its sinuous shape and a slope with a mid-berm leading to a vertical wall. It also allowed for individual waterproofing around valves, pumps, and drains.

The installation involved a multidisciplinary team of plumbers, structural metal specialists, and RENOLIT ALKORPLAN certified membrane installers. A critical initial step was the careful elevation of the metal structure supporting the central fountain, ensuring no damage to the underlying pipes. This was followed by the strategic placement of a 400gr/m2 polypropylene geotextile, the RENOLIT ALKORPLAN membrane, and additional protective layers.

The project, completed successfully over only four weeks, showcased RENOLIT ALKORPLAN geomembranes’ ability to navigate and resolve complex waterproofing challenges. The use of an automated robot significantly enhanced the efficiency of the installation process.

The shopping centre now benefits from a fully waterproofed and aesthetically pleasing artificial lake, which continues to serve both ornamental and practical functions, including fire safety and water storage.

RENOLIT ALKORPLAN geomembranes’ innovative solution not only resolved the immediate water loss issues but also demonstrated the company’s commitment to delivering environmentally responsible and technically sound waterproofing solutions.

THE PERFECT FIT: Esh Construction Secures £7.3m Northumberland Energy Park Contract

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A £7.3 million scheme that will complete the fit-out of the recently widened Ash Barge Dock at Northumberland Energy Park has been awarded to Esh Construction.

Northumberland Energy Park (NEP) is the premier offshore energy base, located near the Port of Blyth. The site is part of Energy Central, the UK’s unique port-based service, investment and growth cluster for companies operating in the offshore energy and subsea markets.

Working on behalf of Advance Northumberland, the scheme includes the construction of a 3,000m² piled concrete relieving slab behind the west and north quay walls at ground level. On completion, areas of the berth will provide a safe working load of 5,300kN to make the dock serviceable for the import and export of components and finished goods.

Esh Construction’s Divisional Director, Steven Garrigan, said: “The contract marks the start of a new relationship with Advance Northumberland, and we’re delighted to be bringing our expertise to this project which forms part of the wider Phase 1 enabling works plan to provide an extended and deep-water berth at the Ash Barge Dock.”

The work, to be delivered by Esh’s civil engineering division, will see more than 7,000m³ of concrete – the equivalent volume of 2.5 Olympic swimming pools – poured to replace sand and stone. A total of 183 long tubular piles will be installed to support the reinforced concrete slab.

Approximately 9,000m² of concrete paving will be laid and new drainage incorporated to take surface water run-off, while the existing mooring bollards will be upgraded to increase capacity to loads of up to 100 tonnes.

Neil Jukes, Head of Project Management at Advance Northumberland, said: “We are very pleased to get North East based contractor Esh Construction on board. This is the final stage of construction works at the NEP1 Dock after which time the facility can be prepared for final operation and be brought into use in 2025.

“It will serve the both the JDR Cables facility and wider Energy Park and contribute to the ongoing regeneration and job creation within the Energy Central cluster.”

About Esh Group 

Esh Group is a leading construction and built environment group of companies which operate across the North of England and Yorkshire. Through our main trading company Esh Construction, we provide civil engineering, commercial build, affordable housing, refurbishment, and retrofit to a wide range of private and public sector clients.

Led by teams of our experienced professionals, we work collaboratively with our customers and supply chain to find the most creative and innovative ways to deliver outstanding projects. We have an uncompromising focus on health, safety, and quality and continually invest in our workforce and new technologies to deliver the best results for our clients.

Committed to supporting the areas in which we operate, Esh delivers an industry-leading social value package through our ‘Constructing Local’ strategy.

TECHNOLOGICAL TOUR DE FORCE: Develon Europe Uptime Center is up and running in Prague

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DEVELON, formerly Doosan Construction Equipment, has confirmed its new Uptime Center for Europe is up and running at the company’s regional headquarters in the centre of Prague in the Czech Republic.

The Prague branch is now part of a global Develon Uptime Center (DUC) operation headquartered in Seoul in South Korea, with more branches around the world, including those in Dubai, Ghana, Brazil, North America and Indonesia.

The central focus of the DUC is to optimise machine uptime, ensuring that customers’ equipment operates efficiently and effectively. With the DUC, Develon aims to enhance customer productivity by comprehensively utilising digital-based service technologies and by quickly resolving remote support requests from customers and dealers/distributors.

Monitoring Digital Assets Globally

At its core, the Uptime Center serves as a centralised hub for monitoring the health and availability of various digital assets. Aggregating data from diverse sources provides Develon with a comprehensive and visual overview of the critical systems and services of the machines. This allows the company to gain insights into system performance, identify potential issues and to swiftly respond to any emerging problems.

The DUC aims to offer customers a pre-emptive approach, transitioning from an initial reactive stance, addressing issues as they arise, to offering a proactive strategy. This involves anticipating potential problems and preventing downtime.

The formation of the DUC is based on piloting of the company’s Machine Monitoring Center (MMC) that started in 2021 and officially opened as the DUC at the end of January 2024 with an expanded scope of work to include customer-oriented remote services as well as monitoring.

Incorporating New Technologies and Processes

The Uptime Center aims to be an indispensable tool designed to provide Develon with a comprehensive and visual overview of critical systems and machine services. The Uptime Center actively incorporates new technologies and processes into its operations. This commitment to innovation is key to achieving and maintaining high levels of machine uptime.

Regularly monitoring fault codes helps Develon to perform preventive maintenance and avoid potential failures. Examining data from oil analysis provides insights into the condition of machinery lubricants, helping to identify potential issues and optimise maintenance schedules.

Maintenance monitoring via the analysis of maintenance data allows for equipment upkeep tracking, ensuring that regular maintenance is performed on schedule to prevent unexpected breakdowns. Big data analyses include studying vibration and load measurements on components help in understanding stress points and potential failures, enabling proactive intervention.

Studying historical data on equipment failures aids in identifying patterns and root causes, informing strategies to prevent similar issues in the future.

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

We need to keep building towards sustainability says Graham Mercer, managing director of Rearo

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SUSTAINABILITY has been a central theme in the construction industry for decades. The movement began in the 1960s, gaining further momentum in the 1980s as the industry responded to growing environmental and social challenges.

With buildings responsible for 40% of global energy consumption and 33% of greenhouse gas emissions, the emphasis on sustainability is well justified, especially as the world aims for net-zero emissions by 2050.

So, there was widespread disappointment and concern when it was announced by the Scottish Government last month that it was abandoning its interim target of reducing carbon emissions by 75% by 2030.

Many companies which have changed their commercial frameworks, often at great expense, to align themselves with this target, will be justified in feeling a sense of frustration.

The 2030 target was introduced in 2019 by former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Ministers have missed eight of their last 12 annual targets and were recently informed by the Climate Change Committee that the 2030 target was unattainable.

The SNP had viewed Scotland as a world leader in climate action, with a more ambitious target than England’s 68% reduction by 2030. The party still aims for Scotland to achieve net zero by 2045, five years ahead of England’s 2050 target.

Ashley Campbell, policy and practice manager for the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Scotland, said was disappointing that the Scottish Government had decided to drop the target and criticized the lack of support for the housing sector.

The abandoned target had included a policy to ban all fossil fuel heating in homes by 2045 under the Heat in Buildings Bill.

Campbell added that it was essential for the Scottish government to a clear direction for energy efficiency and decarbonisation, supported with accessible advice, information, and assistance to ensure people can make informed decisions about upgrading their homes.

The industry itself also needs clear instruction, not only about the direction, but also about the pace of change needed to ensure that it maintains the right level of momentum to meet the 2050 target.

At Rearo, we follow the five principles of sustainable construction, sustainable design, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and use of sustainable materials.

We make a point of obtaining reputable certifications from recognised third-party organisations, to provide credibility and validation for our sustainable practices, and we have regular performance verification.

For this we use real-time data monitoring and analysis to verify the performance of sustainable initiatives and we produce comprehensive and transparent environmental reports, disclosing all aspects of a project’s environmental impact and the methods used to mitigate it.

We ensure that all staff, from executives to on-site workers, understand and commit to genuine sustainable practices with continuous education on the latest sustainability standards and technologies is essential.

Technology plays a crucial role in verifying and ensuring genuine sustainability in construction. Real-time monitoring systems, IoT devices, and advanced data analytics allow for continuous performance tracking of buildings and systems. This not only ensures compliance with sustainability claims, but it also identifies areas for improvement, thereby enhancing overall performance.

To help us achieve our environmental goals, we have enlisted the expertise of Ken Maxwell, a sustainability specialist at Scottish Enterprise, to help guide us through our net zero action plan.

Ken’s team has developed a qualitative tool that assesses our stance on key sustainability targets. Although this tool doesn’t calculate our carbon footprint, it provides a critical snapshot of Rearo’s environmental position.

Last year, we published a measurable carbon footprint report, led by our support services manager Daniel Danso, who underwent Net Zero Academy Training to enhance the strategy. This report allowed us to compare data from 2022 and to set precise targets for 2024.

We made steps to reduce waste, removing seven of the 30 polythene protective wraps on our Selkie panel decors.

All panels in the range used to be packaged with the wrapping as standard, but was it unnecessary, except to protect certain textured surfaces. After testing, we were able to remove the plastic packaging, saving around 1000sq metres per week or 50,000 sq metres of plastic per year. By January 2023, 98.46% of our physical waste was recycled.

Transforming to a more sustainable way of working cannot always be cost free and, occasionally we have had to absorb additional expense, for example when we transitioned from using urea formaldehyde to safer polyvinyl acetate glue.

In other instances, we have been able to lower costs, for example when we shifted timber sourcing from Russia to Ireland, shortening our supply chain and reducing its environmental impact. We have also started using more sustainable medium density fibreboard (MDF) as an alternative material.

Our green team and environmental committee, launched in 2022, have been pivotal in driving its sustainability efforts.

The committee has been working on the Zero Waste Scotland Green Champions certification and exploring eco-friendly options for wall panels. The team has introduced various green practices, including a digital-first, paperless office approach, recycling collection points, and the installation of energy-efficient machinery.

The future of sustainable construction:

The construction industry must move beyond mere intentions to verifiable actions to meet global sustainability goals. This involves a cultural shift towards transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

By integrating advanced technologies, adopting rigorous verification processes, and committing to genuine sustainable practices, the industry can close the gap between design intentions and actual performance.

Graham Mercer is managing director of Rearo Laminates, a Glasgow-based company, specialising in the manufacture and supply of bathroom and kitchen surfaces for UK trade and retail markets.

YOU GOT TO PUMP IT UP: Warmflow Zeno Air Source Heat Pumps installed at stunning new builds

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WARMFLOW, known for its range of high-efficiency home heating appliances is leading the way in renewable heating by supplying their state-of-the-art Zeno Air Source Heat Pumps to 4 brand new homes in Wigtoft, Boston.

The luxury homes situated in Boston, Lincolnshire are 2600 sq. ft with four bedrooms and three bathrooms; a demanding household for both heating and domestic hot water. Fitted with underfloor heating on the ground floor and radiators on the first floor, they are ideally built to enjoy the benefits of renewable technology in the form of an air-source heat pump.

The developers of these stunning new builds, S L Developments from Boston worked closely with heating engineers Multi Plumb and Warmflow to provide a modern heating solution for luxury modern homes. The design team at Warmflow worked closely with the installation team at Multi Plumb to ensure the correct sizing of the appliance for the property and discuss any special installation requirements.

X, Director at Multi Plumb commented, “The service from Warmflow throughout was exceptional. Niel and the team were able to advise us throughout this installation to ensure that our customer was getting the most efficient & reliable heating system for their new home. Warmflow was with us every step of the journey and the numerous on-site support visits both pre and during installation were invaluable. The Warmlink remote control technology was a deciding factor in determining which brand of heat pump to use. Not only does the Warmflow Zeno heat pump cover the heat demand of the property efficiently but the fact that we can monitor and control the heat pump remotely is a great additional feature. The colour is also great with the anthracite grey colour blending in perfectly to the aesthetics of the property.”

Heating Engineers Multi Plumb, installed each of the AS02 – R32 Warmflow Zeno Air Source Heat Pump units alongside a Warmflow Nero 290ltr Heat Pump cylinder. This pairing comes with a range of benefits to both the installation engineer and the end user. With the help of the team at Warmflow, Multi Plumb were able to commission each of the units using Warmflow Warmlink technology which is a 4g pre-installed modem which allows for remote monitoring, diagnostics and efficient fault finding, ensuring that the units are running smoothly without having to attend site for if an error occurs.

Warmflow’s Renewables Sales Manager, Niel Rumbold commented, “Warmflow are very proud that our Zeno Air Source Heat Pump installed in such modern, luxury homes which have been designed with the homeowner in mind. This type of heating system suits these homes perfectly and it was great to see Multiplumb successfully complete their first Warmflow Zeno Air Source Heat Pump installation”.

Warmflow Zeno heat pumps are available in 8kw, 12kw and 20kw modulating outputs and all come with built in Warmlink technology allowing for remote monitoring and controllability. For more information on design, installation and product training please contact the sales office on 01952 607750 or email salesgb@warmflow.co.uk

ALL HALE THE KINGS: McHale Plant Sales honoured with Metso ‘Best In Marketing’ Award

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Present to accept the award presented by Juha Yli-Petays (right) Senior Vice President, Global Distribution Management at Metso were (l to r) McHale Plant Sales directors, Tim Shanahan, Denis McGrath and Anthony Ryan

AT a recent European distributors conference hosted by Metso at their headquarters in Tampere, Finland, attended by members of their European distributors network, a ‘Best in Marketing’ award was presented to their UK & Ireland distributor, McHale Plant Sales.

Held in conjunction with the launch of their new electric-powered Lokotrack EC range, the award recognises the success in marketing and sales that the company has brought to Metso, the focus of which fell on the work done by McHale to communicate their appointment as their distributors in the UK, and in the years since 2015 in Ireland and Northern Ireland markets.

Integral elements in their marketing communications programme included the acquisition of premises in Tamworth and Edinburgh, an intensive schedule of customer contacts, exhibits at Hillhead and Project Plant exhibitions, and on-going advertising, public relations, website, and social media campaigns.

WHAT’S COOKING: Kitchen specialist Potter Cowan opens new state of the art showroom in Belfast

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Pictured at Potter Cowan’s new showroom are (L-R): Damien Treanor and Cormac McCloskey, co-owners of parent company Errigal, with Paul Lupari, Managing Director of Potter Cowan

POTTER Cowan, a leading name in kitchen solutions has announced the grand opening of its new cutting-edge showroom in Belfast. The milestone marks the culmination of a significant six-figure investment supported by the company’s trusted supply partners.

The expansive new interactive 3,000 sq ft working trade showroom, which is located at Potter Cowan’s head office in Duncrue Crescent in Belfast, features the latest on trend appliances, sinks and taps, worksurfaces, lighting and clever storage solutions.

The state-of-the-art showroom was launched at an event for customers, hosted by Potter Cowan’s new Managing Director Paul Lupari, who joined the business earlier this year. In addition to the launch of the showroom the business has also invested in a comprehensive brand refresh on its buildings, fleet, uniforms, marketing and website.

With over 75 years’ experience, Potter Cowan has a team of 50 staff working across their contracts and distribution divisions at branches in Belfast, Dublin and Cork, and a client base that reaches across the UK and Ireland.

Its contracts division has installed kitchens for local and national developers of large residential projects for over 20 years, building an excellent reputation in both London and Northern Ireland, where it counts many of the region’s largest developers, including Ballymore, Lagan Homes and Lotus Homes amongst its longstanding clients.

The company’s long-established distribution division supplies a wide range of kitchen products including kitchens and appliances, sinks and taps, work surfaces and accessories to trade customers, sourced internationally from renowned kitchen manufacturers such as Formica, Caple, Minerva, and Sycamore.

Paul Lupari, Managing Director of Potter Cowan, said: “We were proud to welcome customers to the new Potter Cowan showroom today. This investment demonstrates our commitment to driving innovation and delivering exceptional value to Potter Cowan’s clients. Our goal is to provide an enhanced, interactive experience that showcases the latest industry trends and cutting-edge products, reinforcing our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our customers.”

Representatives from Errigal, Potter Cowan’s parent company, who acquired the business in 2022, were also in attendance at the event. Errigal’s co-owners, Cormac McCloskey and Damien Treanor, emphasised the mutual benefits of this investment, highlighting the strengthened relationship and enhanced offerings for their clients.

Cormac said: “Errigal’s success is based on building strong and trusted relationships with clients and continually enhancing our offering to give them the best experience. Potter Cowan is a high-quality, well respected family business with great customers, and we believe that refreshing its brand and building this new showroom will position the business for further growth.”

Errigal acquired Potter Cowan for an undisclosed sum in 2022.

EDUCATION STATIONS: Chadwicks Partners with National Construction Training Campus to bring New Energy and Retrofit Mobile Centre to branches Nationwide

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DUBLIN, 19/04/2024: Pictured are David Shiel, Managing Director of YourRetrofit.ie, Justine Barrett, Programme Executive, Retrofit Business Development and Supply Chain at SEAI, Ollie Bartley, LOETB, and Patrick Atkinson, CEO of Chadwicks Group at the new energy and retrofit mobile education hub visiting Chadwicks branches across Ireland, in partnership with National Construction Training Campus. A collaboration between the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, the education centre will provide both tradespeople and homeowners with everything they need to know about the retrofitting process.

Chadwicks, Ireland’s leading builders’ merchants, has partnered with National Construction Training Campus to bring a new energy and retrofit mobile education hub to select branches nationwide.

A collaboration between the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), the education centre will provide both tradespeople and homeowners with everything they need to know about the retrofitting process.

For Tradespeople:

At the retrofit centre, tradespeople can expect to learn from SEAI representatives about the necessary requirements for becoming registered Insulation and Heat Pump Installers. This valuable resource will provide tradespeople with the knowledge and qualifications needed to meet industry standards and expand their professional capabilities.

For Homeowners:

The mobile retrofit centre will provide homeowners with step-by-step guidance on the retrofitting process, including details of the comprehensive range of energy saving products available in the Chadwicks branch network. There will be information provided on each SEAI home energy grant, and guidance on YourRetrofit.ie, an online platform offering free personalised advice on improving the Building Energy Rating (BER) of homes, with tailored roadmaps for home improvements.

llie Bartley, LOETB, Austin Nevin, Training Director, Heating and Plumbing at Chadwicks Group, Justine Barrett, Programme Executive, Retrofit Business Development and Supply Chain at SEAI, Patrick Atkinson, CEO of Chadwicks Group, David Shiel, Managing Director of YourRetrofit.ie and Cathal Bermingham, NZEB trainer at LOETB at the new energy and retrofit mobile education hub visiting Chadwicks branches across Ireland, in partnership with National Construction Training Campus

According to a recent survey conducted by Chadwicks, 76% of homeowners have either undertaken or plan to undertake energy efficiency improvements in their homes. However, 25% are uncertain about the most impactful measures, and 16% are unsure where to start. Over the coming weeks, the mobile retrofit centre, governed by LOETB, will be present at Chadwicks branches with no Education and Training Board (ETB) training centres nearby. Out of 16 ETB training centres nationwide, this will be a unique opportunity for locals to access a mobile education hub.

The new energy and retrofit roadshow will be situated beside the following branches from 9am to 4pm per day, with SEAI representatives on hand from 10am to 2pm on the first day at each location:

  • Chadwicks Carlow, 27th and 28th June
  • Chadwicks Kilkenny, 1st and 2nd July
  • Rooneys Home and Hardware, Kells, 4th and 5th July
  • Chadwicks Dundalk, 11th and 12th July
  • Chadwicks Tullamore, 15th and 16th July
  • Chadwicks Galway City, 18th and 19th July

Commenting on the new energy and retrofit roadshow, Patrick Atkinson, CEO of Chadwicks said: ‘We are delighted to partner with the Education and Training Board and be able to provide a one stop shop for tradespeople and homeowners alike to discover new and valuable advice on the retrofitting process. At Chadwicks, we believe everyone should have simple access to professional guidance on retrofitting, and that is why we have strategically chosen the centre to be at branches where other fantastic home upgrade learning resources such as ETB training centres are not as close by. Visitors to the new centre can expect to experience unrivalled expertise and get all you need to know to start or complete a retrofit, done’.