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News
CFA to feature in Mapei Tour
(Originally posted: Monday 8th February 2010)
The CFA are delighted to announce that we have been invited to feature in Mapei's 2010 UK tour. As part of days designed to explain the Mapei product range to contractors, distributors and specifiers, we have welcomed the opportunity to bring the message of the CFA and the benefits of membership to those who attend. So whether you are an existing member of the CFA and would like an update, or are interested in joining, come along and meet us at your local Mapei event.
Provisional Dates released are as follows:
| 25 | Feb | B'Ham - Mapei Head Office |
| 25 | Mar | Bristol - Bristol City FC |
| 29 | Apr | Cardiff - Millenium Stadium |
| 20 | May | London |
| 10 | Jun | Leeds |
| 24 | Jun | Liverpool |
The events are free and include RIBA accredited CPD seminars and prize draws. For more details contact Mapei on T: 0121 508 6970 or visit their website www.mapei.co.uk
EU ecolabel criteria for wood floors published
(Originally posted: Friday 15th January 2010)
At least 50% of solid wood and 20% of wood-based materials contained in floor coverings must come from sustainably managed forests, rising to 70% and 40% respectively from January 2013. The same criteria apply to wooden furniture.
The French competent body is preparing a user manual specifying how to implement these criteria. Green group EEB has called for clearer guidance on requirements for the proportion of wood not coming from sustainably managed forests.
Other criteria include energy consumption limits for the production of wood floor and bamboo coverings, laminated coverings and cork coverings. There are also limits on the amount of toxic substances in these products, such as arsenic, cadmium and mercury.
M&S to only specify CFA flooring contractor members
(Originally posted: Thursday 7th January 2010)
Following consultation in the summer of 2009, we are delighted to announce that leading high street retailer Marks and Spencer (M&S) has decided to only specify CFA flooring contractor members to install floors in their premises.
In addition, M&S engaged the training arm of the CFA, the Flooring Industry Training Association (FITA), to carry out an assessment programme for installers to establish a base line of competency and best practice.
M&S Construction Standards Manager Matt Edgell made the following comments regarding the objectives and experience of working with both the CFA and FITA:
“As part of a significant drive in 2009 to identify and eliminate a large number of poor quality flooring installation in its stores, M&S established a team whose challenge was to remove the identified issues. This challenge led to the development of a ten point Flooring Improvement Programme fully supported by the flooring industry itself. As part of this improvement programme M&S were introduced to the Contract Flooring Association (CFA).
We were impressed with their ability to represent leading contractors, manufacturers and consultants whilst remaining independent. We also like the additional reassurance and support that using a CFA member Flooring Contractor and Manufacturer provides.
Overall our experience of working with the CFA and FITA has been incredibly positive and we look forward to reaping the rewards of the relationship with an improved quality of installed floor.”
Grants available via ConstructionSkills - Briefing Paper
(Originally posted: Monday 21st December 2009)
A copy of the paper has been uploaded in the members area of this website in the Contractors Information section.
CFA Dinner Dance 2010 - change of date
(Originally posted: Monday 7th December 2009)
The venue is The Palace Hotel, Buxton, Derbyshire.
UK Contractors Group - Site Supervisors Policy
(Originally posted: Friday 13th November 2009)
In response to questions from a number of members, CFA have established the following:
Timescales
Despite some lobbying the policy will become effective as of January 1st 2010. However, we have had some indication that individual main contractors may offer some latitude if approached.
Training Provider
Our recommendation for training providers would be to use one of those recommended by the NSCC, who provide a Site Supervisors Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS). The UKCG have stated that the SSSTS course meets its standard and as an added bonus through NSCC, CFA members are eligible for a £50 discount on each SSSTS course booked through certain providers. For more information please contact NSCC on 0844 249 5351 mentioning you are a CFA member.
Gang Size
We have been successful in getting the UKCG to review its policy regarding gang size which will now be based on risk rather than a blanket requirement to have a supervisor for gangs of just two workers.
Should you have any queries, please contact the CFA office via info@cfa.org.uk or call us on tel number 0115 941 1126.
First Aid at Work - Changes to Regulations - October 2009
(Originally posted: Wednesday 4th November 2009)
The risk assessment involves consideration of workplace hazards and risks, size or the organisation, and other relevant factors to determine what first-aid equipment, facilities and personnel should be provided.
Two documents have been uploaded into the contractors section of the CFA website to help you with this, they are:
First Aid at Work Checklist
First Aid Risk Assessment
B & CE Benefit Schemes
(Originally posted: Thursday 8th October 2009)
You will no doubt be aware that B&CE Benefit Schemes provides an employee benefits package to the employees of the construction industry.
The cost of the benefits package can be offset by using the National Insurance Holiday Pay Concession. However this concession is only available to eligible employees in the construction industry until October 2012.
With effect from the 5th October 2009, B&CE has found it necessary to introduce a small charge (£1 per month per employee) on the employee benefits package to cover the administration cost of setting up new employer accounts. However, B&CE are very pleased to confirm there will be no administrative charge for new employer accounts where employers commit to matching their employee’s EasyBuild pension contributions in accordance with the CIJC Working Rule Agreement and permit B&CE to promote EasyBuild to all employees detailed on their monthly B&CE employee benefits schedule.
B&CE is dedicated to the personal and financial wellbeing of everyone in construction. By offering incentives (no administration charge) for employers that are willing to offer staff the opportunity to contribute into a pension and have their contribution matched in accordance with the CIJC rules, B&CE is promoting financial wellbeing and is prepared to administer these employers’ accounts for zero charge.
Whilst B&CE do not currently levy an administration charge on existing accounts, we cannot guarantee that we won't introduce a charge at some future date.
BRE - How green is green - Environmental Profiling explained
(Originally posted: Thursday 17th September 2009)
The above event is taking place on 26 October 2009 at BRE, Watford. For further details visit www.bre.co.uk/events.
Construction Trade Survey 2009 - Quarter 2
(Originally posted: Friday 4th September 2009)
This valuable and respected industry forecast to the state of trade - compiled and issued by the Construction Products Association - is available to CFA members free of charge as part of the member benefits package. (The document is normally is sold at £60).
A copy of the document is available for download from the members’ area of the CFA website (see the manufacturers information section).
False Self-Employment in Construction
(Originally posted: Thursday 3rd September 2009)
The Government is proposing to introduce legislation which deems workers that are neither directly employed nor genuinely self-employed as ‘workers in receipt of employment income’. This would mean that, for payment purposes, these workers would be liable for tax and employee National Insurance Contributions (NICs) whilst employers would be liable for employer NICs but the workers would not be covered by employment law rights such as holiday pay, PPE etc.
The National Specialist Contractors Council (NSCC) is consulting its Specialist Contractors with a view to providing a response to the proposals by the deadline of 12 October.
Your views are important and if you use self-employed or labour only sub-contractors these proposals will affect your business.
Details of the proposals and a link to an online questionnaire can be found in this (Microsoft Word) document. The online questionnaire can also be accessed by clicking here: False Self-Employment in Construction - Questionnaire.
The deadline for responses to reach NSCC is Friday 25 September 2009.
Hamish MacGregor elected NSCC President
(Originally posted: Wednesday 1st July 2009)
Hamish is an active CFA Council member and has worked with the NSCC on behalf of our industry for many years.
Trade credit insurance top up scheme
(Originally posted: Tuesday 30th June 2009)
The top-up scheme applies to all forms of credit insurance, whether it is for a manufacturer insuring credit offered to companies they supply with goods or indeed a contractor insuring themselves against bad debt from clients.
There is a limitation to the scheme in that it only applies where credit insurance still exisits. If it has been completely withdrawn then unfortunately there is no assistance offered.
To download the PDF document (181KB), click here.
Contractors plan waste crackdown
(Originally posted: Thursday 25th June 2009)
Wates and Bovis Lend Lease are among those working with the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), the government's waste quango, to cut the amount of waste sent to landfill by their supply chain.
The moves came as chancellor Alistair Darling announced in last week's Budget that landfill taxes would be raised by £8 a tonne every April until at least 2013. At that point the levy will have reached £72 a tonne.
Wates is at an early stage of developing a financial system with WRAP that would measure subcontractors' performance against "challenging" waste levels.
Rachel Woolliscroft, Wates' group sustainability manager, said: "Subcontractors would be incentivised both financially and through increased work on our projects; or penalised financially and through falling down our supplier list."
Wales ' Target: Zero programme aims to send no non-hazardous waste to landfill by 2010.
Woolliscroft added: "I think it's the only way to get subbies and suppliers to give more focus to this issue. Money talks."
Bovis has refused to rule out charging and relegating suppliers and specialists as it works out how to achieve a 70% cut by 2010 in the 600,000 of waste sent to landfill in 2007.
Paul Toyne, Bovis' head of sustainability, said: "Would it be the difference between getting the next job and not getting it? We are considering all options."
As of last year, all building projects over £300,000 have had to have a site waste management plan (SWMP) containing details on the type and quantity of waste generated on site.
Annual General Meeting - 19 May 2009
(Originally posted: Friday 22nd May 2009)
John Alcock of Bostik Ltd was re-elected as President and John Butler of John Butler Contracts Ltd was re-elected as Vice-President. Glyn Thomas of Peter Evans Flooring Ltd was elected to serve as Treasurer.
5 seats were available on the Council of the Association and 5 nomiations were received.
Ron Austin of Altro Ltd was re-elected to Council.
Karl Brannigan of Ultrafloor (Instarmac Group plc), A Dewhirst of Business Flooring Ltd, Beverley McFarlane of Tyndale Carpets Ltd and Tony Mathe of Hillside Contracts Ltd were newly elected members.
There is a full listing of the CFA Council in the 'About Us' section of the website.
George Rose who has recently retired from Quantum Profile Systems Ltd was awarded Honorary Memberhip of the Association for services to the CFA over many years.
Free commercial and contractual advice surgery
(Originally posted: Thursday 14th May 2009)
HILL INTERNATIONAL
Free commercial/contractual advice on construction issues.WHEN?
Third Friday of every month - One hours appointments bookable between 9.30am - 16.30pm.
WHERE AND WHEN?
Hill International: Birmingham Business Park, B37 7WY
15 May
17 July
21 August
16 October
20 November
WMCCE: 60 Church Street, Birmingham B3 2DJ
19 June
18 September
18 December
FOR WHO?
Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors, Engineers, Contract Managers, Commercial Managers, etc
To book an appointment in advance please call 0121 717 5770 or email louiseshorthouse@hillintl.com
NSCC News - April 2009
(Originally posted: Thursday 9th April 2009)
Fair Payment Survey
NSCC has launched a major survey on the Fair Payment Campaign. We would like to ask CFA contractor members to take part in the survey as it will provide crucial evidence to make the case for change on this issue. The survey can be completed at www.fairpaymentcampaign.co.uk
Clip Project
NSCC is looking for companies to participate in its next Construction Lean Improvement Programme (CLIP) project. There will be an initial meeting in London to discuss what is involved on Tuesday 2 June. If any contractor member is interested in finding out more or would like to attend the meeting please email jo.simcock@nscc.org.uk
The 2008/2009 accident survey is now up and running. To complete the survey please visit www.nscc.org.uk where there is a button on the right hand side labelled NSCC Accident Survey. The deadline for responses is Friday 31 July 2009. Please remember that even if your accident figures for the year are NIL you should still complete the survey.
Good news for members in the Sheffield area - a carpet waste recycling opportunity
(Originally posted: Thursday 9th April 2009)
We are pleased to inform members in the Sheffield area that there is a new opportunity for energy recovery from carpet fitting wastes.
Members with an S postcode can contact Veolia Environmental Services, Sam Greenwood, 0114 254 2720, for information about this service.
Veolia will take carpet and underlay fitting wastes as part of their commercial and industrial waste collection service, and ensure that this goes to their Energy Recovery Facility and not to landfill.
ConstructionSkills Grant Scheme changes
(Originally posted: Thursday 2nd April 2009)
The CFA has been informed that there have been some changtes to the Construction Skills Grants Scheme.
The link below to cskills website will give details about the changes that come into effect on 1st August 2009;
http://www.cskills.org/newsandevents/news/future-grants.aspx
Of the changes, the removal of grant for Health & Safety Touch Screen Test for CSCS Cards (£17.50) is probably the one that will affect most companies.
Payment in the construction products industry
(Originally posted: Thursday 2nd April 2009)
The document is entitled Snapshot Survey of Payment in the Construction Products Industry.
NSCC Payment Survey
(Originally posted: Monday 16th March 2009)
In order to find out how the current economic situation is affecting payment practices, NSCC has launched a major payment survey.
By responding to the NSCC survey, you can assist us in benchmarking current payment experiences amongst Specialist Contractors, providing us with ammunition to make our case to Government and others for change on this crucial issue.
To give us your views on the current state of payment in the industry, please click here to complete the NSCC Payment Survey.
Small firms urged to sign up for Government contracts
(Originally posted: Monday 16th March 2009)
Some industries are suffering more than others, but regardless of sector, businesses are focusing on government and competing for their share of a growing market expected to exceed £175 billion* this year within the UK alone.
Small firms across the UK are being urged to sign up to the Government's Supply2.gov.uk website and to take advantage of the thousands of public sector contracts available.
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said:
"Every year the Government spends many billions of pounds on public sector contracts. It is vital that we actively help small and medium sized companies take advantage of these business opportunities. In the current economic climate this is more important than ever. The Supply2.gov.uk website is a crucial tool for this.
"SMEs often have smaller overheads, local knowledge and great flexibility. Often they can offer the public sector better value for money than big business."
read the full release
Supply2.gov.uk – register for free
Register on www.supply2.gov.uk and receive free daily email alerts notifying you of opportunities relevant to your business. View more benefits.
Supply2.gov.uk also provides a platform where you can promote your business to public sector buyers and store all your company Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) information.
For further information visit www.supply2.gov.uk
2012 Olympics
(Originally posted: Monday 16th March 2009)
On this site you will find details of all contract information.
NSCC Adjudication Seminar - Edinburgh
(Originally posted: Monday 16th March 2009)
As part of the Fair Payment Campaign, NSCC is holding an exclusive seminar on Adjudication in Edinburgh on the afternoon of Tuesday 9 June.
The half-day seminar, which is being supported by AICA and Anderson Strathern, will help you understand how the adjudication process works and when you should use it to obtain monies owed to you. It will feature a mock adjudication meeting offering easy to understand advice for making the adjudication process work for you as well as invaluable tips to help you avoid the most common pitfalls.
Places at the seminar cost just £50 + VAT for NSCC members (£75 + VAT for non-members).
To book your place, please complete and submit the Scottish Adjudication Seminar booking form
Loan guarantee scheme for small and medium enterprises
(Originally posted: Wednesday 25th February 2009)
There is a loan guarantee scheme that is available for small and medium enterprises that are experiencing difficulties in obtaining finance during this difficult time for the industry.
Of the £20bn available from the fund, only £12 million has currently been taken up from the scheme since its initiation on 14 January 2009.
Further details of the scheme and advice on options contact Catherine Spode, Business Adviser at the Business Advice Bureau (c.spode@businessadvicebureau.com).
NSCC Credit Forum - 29 April 2009 - KPMG Office, Canary Wharf, London
(Originally posted: Tuesday 17th February 2009)
Following the success of the first meeting in January, NSCC in association with KPMG is holding another credit forum on Wednesday 29 April at 9:30am (breakfast from 9:00am) in Canary Wharf, London
The hour-long meeting will help Specialist Contractors share information and understand which of their clients may have adverse judgments against them and represent a risk to their businesses. This could prove an invaluable way of protecting cash flow in the current economic market.
To book your place at the meeting, please e-mail the following information to enquiries@nscc.org.uk
Company name:
Contact email address if different to sender:
Phone number:
Names of 3 ‘high risk’ clients that you would like further information on*:
1.
2.
3.
This information will be provided and reviewed anonymously at the meeting.
CFA Dinner Dance 2009
(Originally posted: Wednesday 21st January 2009)
Tickets are still available for the event - the deadline date for bookings is 24 April 2009.
The Green Guide
(Originally posted: Friday 12th December 2008)
A statement has been issued by the Construction Products Association (developed in conjunction with BRE Global) that is designed to make clear to users of the Green Guide and others in the industry that the Green Guide is precisely that – a guide and should not be taken as a prescriptive rule book. The full statement is available for download in the members area of this site.
Further information on the Green Guide can be found by visiting www.thegreenguide.co.uk
Members area - changes to login process
(Originally posted: Friday 21st November 2008)
Following feedback from regional meetings, access to the member’s area of the website has now become easier.
When the CFA website was launched we issued a unique username and password to each member company. But we have come understand that this isn’t particularly user friendly. The question “why can’t the username be an email address and the password be chosen by the user like other commercially operated websites?” was asked. So we had a look into it and there wasn’t any reason at all, so we’ve implemented the change.
There is now the opportunity to add up to four additional users if you would like your own personal login. Just email info@cfa.org.uk or phone the CFA office on 0115 941 1126 with your request. An added benefit is that there is also now a password recovery option on the login screen.
As with other websites you can now enter your email address in a dialogue box and a reminder of your password will immediately be sent to your email account. Clever stuff!
When you visit the member area, you will also find that we have re-organised things to make it easier to find the information you need. Four categories: General Documents, Technical Documents, CFA Guide and FITA, now give easier navigation.
We are aware that the email address assigned to your individual login may now be out of date and this may no longer give you access. If you have difficulties in accessing the member area, please don't hesitate to contact our office and we'll email you the details you need. Once logged in, you will be able to update any out of date information.
Increased discount on FITA courses for CFA members
(Originally posted: Thursday 20th November 2008)
This increased discount has been agreed in order to encourage more members to take advantage of the FITA training courses.
The discount does not apply to bespoke courses or any promotions.
HSE Safety Alert - Use of propane powered floor scraping machines in restricted spaces
(Originally posted: Friday 7th November 2008)
The document can be located in the members area in the contractors information section.
PR on behalf of our members
(Originally posted: Monday 29th September 2008)
We are pleased that in recent months we have commissioned advertisements to appear in the following publications to encourage architects, specifiers and main contractors to use YOUR services:
- Design Buy Build
- Inner Design
- NSCC Specialist Contractors in 2008
- Refurb and Renovation News
- RIBA Housing Specialist Sector Review
New Guidance Documents for Members
(Originally posted: Saturday 13th September 2008)
- Practical guidelines for evaluating a hardwood floor
- Practical guidelines for evaluating a resilient floor
- Practical guidelines for evaluating a site applied finish
The documents provide practical guidelines for dealing with potential queries arising when handing over a newly laid hardwood floor, a resilient floor or a site applied finish.
The documents may also be helpful when dealing with concerns at a later date.
The documents are available to CFA members and can be downloaded from the members area of the site.
CFA Helpline information
(Originally posted: Wednesday 9th July 2008)
National House Builders Price Reductions
(Originally posted: Tuesday 5th February 2008)
We have uploaded a template in the members section of the website to assist with a response should you be affected by this.
Annual General Meeting - 20 May 2008
(Originally posted: Wednesday 23rd May 2007)
John Alcock of Bostik Ltd was elected as President and John Butler of John Butler Contracts Ltd was elected as Vice-President. George Rose of Quantum Profile Systems was elected to serve a further year as Treasurer.
8 seats were available on the Council of the Association although only 6 nomiations were received.
Keith Carey (Consultant), Alan Gayle of A G Flooring Ltd and Hamish MacGregor of MacGregor Flooring Co Ltd were re-elected to Council. James Martin of InterfaceFLOR, Henryk Struzik of Courtis Contract (Nottm) Ltd and Glyn Thomas of Peter Evans Flooring Ltd were newly elected members.
There is a full listing of the CFA Council in the 'About Us' section of the website.
Anti Copying in Design
(Originally posted: Thursday 1st March 2007)
If you are looking for information on copyright theft please visit the ACID website using the link below.
ACID
Plywood/Particleboard Information
(Originally posted: Thursday 1st March 2007)
Man made board
Manufacturer Members - Ramp Test Link
(Originally posted: Thursday 1st March 2007)
Ramp Test
Building Regulations - Approved Document M
(Originally posted: Thursday 1st March 2007)
Approved Document M
CSCS Cards/NVQ
(Originally posted: Thursday 1st March 2007)
"You do not have to lay carpet, impervious and wood for the apprentice to qualify under NVQ. These are separate modules. Your trainee only takes two of the three and you can choose which two." WRONG You only have to take one of the disciplines.
"Your nineteen year old can not achieve a qualification by OSAT (on-site assessment and training). The trainee must attend college." WRONG OSAT is available to everyone irrespective of their age.
"Your trainee has five GCSE's and therefore can not take the NVQ course." WRONG National Vocational Qualifications are available to everyone whether they have any previous qualifications or not.
If you have any problems about how to achieve an NVQ the only route now available to obtain a CSCS card then talk to us at the CFA office.
CFJ - Contract Flooring Journal
(Originally posted: Thursday 1st March 2007)
CFJ
Layton Blackham - new web site for CFA members
(Originally posted: Thursday 1st March 2007)
The appointed CFA insurance brokers are launching a web site specifically for CFA members. The site will be live as from Wednesday 23 June 2004. www.layton-blackham.com/cfa
CSCS cards
(Originally posted: Thursday 1st March 2007)
If you are going to get your fitting operatives qualified for CSCS cards you may be able to obtain funding to support the assessment process (up to Level 2 NVQ)through your local LSC (Learning Skills Council).
Operatives under 18yrs - Refused entry to sites
(Originally posted: Thursday 1st March 2007)
Under the Health and Safety (Young Persons) Regulations which came into force in 1997 obligations are placed on employers to carry out a specific risk assessment for any employee under the age of 18. Certain types of work are also prohibited but generally speaking flooring installation will not be affected.
We are all aware how important it is to attract young people into the flooring industry and refusing to allow youngsters on to some sites will discourage employers from taking on 16 year old school leavers.
If you come across any sites banning under 18's do let us know.
