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The CFA Directory contains comprehensive details for all of our flooring specialist members. This includes flooring contractors by type of product fitted, manufacturers (including a quick product search), distributors and consultants.
News
Contract Flooring Association Annual General Meeting (AGM) - 22 May 2012
(Originally posted: Friday 11th May 2012)
The 2012 Annual General Meeting of the Association will be held on Tuesday 22 May 2012, at the Priest House Hotel on the River, Kings Mills, Castle Donnington, Nr Derby DE74 2RR, commencing at 2:00pm prompt.
We are pleased to confirm that Suzannah Nichol of the NSCC will be giving a presentation at the AGM on the Fair Payment Campaign, the No Retention Policy and a general update on the work of the NSCC.
We are aware that in the current economic climate many of our members are experiencing difficulties in key areas such as getting paid, retentions being withheld and poor site conditions, so we would like to encourage you to come along to hear the latest information from the CFA and to ask questions.
CSCS Appoints New Chief Executive
(Originally posted: Tuesday 17th April 2012)
CSCS Appoints New Chief Executive
CSCS has named Graham Wren as its new chief executive with effect from May 1st. Graham previously worked at Balfour Beatty for 29 years, latterly as managing director of Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering.
Graham is currently a board member of ConstructionSkills and chair of its Finance Committee. In the past he has been chairman of the Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS), president of the National Specialists Contractors Council (NSCC) and also sat on the Strategic Forum for Construction.
Commenting on his appointment Graham said:
“I was keen to continue my career in a role that involves the wider construction industry. In addition, I am very supportive of an industry that recognises the importance of training and qualifications to improve performance and to attract new recruits. On this basis the chief executive role in CSCS is ideal and I very much look forward to the challenges and eventual rewards.”
Registration fee for apprentices in Scotland to increase
(Originally posted: Monday 19th March 2012)
The CFA has been informed that as from June 2012 the fee for registering an apprentice in Scotland will increase from £35.00 to £50.00.
CFA Networking Events - Spring/Summer 2012
(Originally posted: Monday 27th February 2012)
CFA Networking Events - Book your place today!
As a result of feedback from our survey of contractor members in 2011 we are pleased to announce that we are holding 4 networking events over the coming months as follows:
Tuesday 24 April 2012 - EXETER
Mercure Southgate Hotel, Southernhay East, Exeter EX1 1QF
Buffet lunch 12.30pm / Meeting commences 1.30pm / Meeting closes 3.30pm (approx.)
Presentations from:
- KPMG LLP (UK) on Protecting/Managing Cashflow
- Philip Leach of Protimeter (GE Energy Services) on Tips and Tricks of Moisture Measurement (a practical guide)
Tuesday 15 May 2012 - DURHAM
Ramside Hall Hotel, Carrville, Durham DH1 1TD
Buffet lunch 12.30pm / Meeting commences 1.30pm / Meeting closes 3.30pm (approx.)
Presentations from:
- KPMG LLP (UK) on Protecting/Managing Cashflow
- John Holdsworth who will be talking about Setting up contracts - the dos and don'ts and How to handle a complaint when it is first received - the dos and dont's.
Thursday 28 June 2012 - WALTHAM ABBEY
Waltham Abbey Marriott Hotel, Old Shire Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN93LX
Buffet lunch 12.30pm / Meeting commences 1.30pm / Meeting closes 3.30pm (approx.)
Presentations from:
- KPMG LLP (UK) on Protecting/Managing Cashflow
- Sarah Elliott of Wedlake Bell who will be talking about The basics of setting up a contract - the dos and don’ts and How to initially respond to a complaint to protect yourself legally - the dos and don’ts.
Tuesday 10 July 2012 - DERBY
Hilton Hotel East Midlands Airport (Jct 24, M1), Derby Road, Castle Donington, Derby DE74 2YW
Buffet lunch 12.30pm / Meeting commences 1.30pm / Meeting closes 3.30pm (approx.)
Presentations from:
- KPMG LLP (UK) on Protecting/Managing Cashflow
- John Holdsworth who will be talking about Setting up contracts - the dos and don'ts and How to handle a complaint when it is first received – the dos and dont's.
* EVENTS ARE OPEN TO ALL MEMBERS IRRESPECTIVE OF REGION *
To book places at any of the above events please email either info@cfa.org.uk or admin@cfa.org.uk.
The deadlines for bookings are as follows:
Exeter - 16 April 2012
Durham - 4 May 2012
Waltham Abbey - 15 June 2012
Derby - 2 July 2012
CFA Summer Ball - Saturday 9 June 2012
(Originally posted: Tuesday 14th February 2012)
We are delighted that this year the CFA Summer Ball will take place at The Grand Hotel, Brighton on Saturday 9 June.
Entertainment for the evening will start during pre-dinner drinks with harpist Andrew Ballanthyne.
After dinner local band 'Sugar Shack' will be performing 2 lively sets of party music for guests to dance the night away and DJ Jez will also be on hand to spin all the classic tunes from the 60's through the era's and will bring the evening to a close at 1.00am.
The cost per ticket is £52.50 (inclusive of VAT).
To book tickets for the event or to request full details please email helen@cfa.org.uk or call 0115 941 1126.
(Deadline for booking tickets is 11 May 2012).
CFA Golf Competition - 9 June 2012
(Originally posted: Tuesday 14th February 2012)
We are pleased to announce that, following the success of the inaugral golf competition in June 2011, we are holding another competition this year.
The competition will take place on Saturday 9 June 2012 at the East Brighton Golf Club, Roedean Road, Brighton BN2 5RA.
Prizes will be awarded to the Winner and Runner-up, as well as Nearest the pin and Longest Drive.
If you would like to take part, please email helen@cfa.org.uk or call 0115 941 1126.
(Deadline for bookings is 11 May 2012)
NEW Moisture Disclaimer Launched by CFA
(Originally posted: Wednesday 21st December 2011)
The CFA are pleased to announce that we have recently launched a new disclaimer document for contrcator members. The new version has two options: The first is for general problems on site and is therefore generic to allow it to be tailored. However, a second version is now available that has been specifically worded for moisture issues. The phrasing has been legally checked and we are confident it provides a new approach to the ever too common problem of a sublfoor being found to be too wet to install a floor covering onto and where no provision has been made by the main contractor or client for a surface damp proof membrane.
Whilst best practice is never to install on to a floor that is not satisfactory or apply a surface dpm, the CFA disclaimer templates are designed to offer protection to the member in the event they are placed in a position where they feel they have no option but to proceed.
The new template is available to download from the members area of the website under the general tab. The document is called "NEW Disclaimer - General & Moisture Specific". It is also available by contacting the CFA offices via email at info@cfa.org.uk or by calling us on 0115 941 1126.
NEW Terms and Conditions Template
(Originally posted: Wednesday 21st December 2011)
The CFA are pleased to announce that we have recently uploaded a new version of the CFA Terms & Conditions Template on to the members area of the website. This updated document includes a review of legisation around all the common issues that require clarification and has obviously been legally checked for compliance. The new template is available to download from the members are of the website and is stored under "general documents". It is called "NEW Standard Terms & Conditions".
To compliment the main document that covers standard terms there is now also a document entitled "NEW terms and conditions - additional payment & adjudication clauses". This provides more specific infomation where required relating to the recent changes to the Copnstruction Act. It is reffered to in the standard terms as being available on request and so is not only a useful reference, but can act as further terms to refer to when required.
As with all information available to members, we are also happy to email it to members by contacting the CFA offices using info@cfa.org.uk or calling 0115 941 1126.
NEW 2011 CFA Guide to Contract Flooring - Now Available Digitally
(Originally posted: Monday 19th December 2011)
The new 2011 version of the CFA Guide To Contract Flooring is now available to download from the homepage of the CFA website.
Members can also get access to the Guide in individual sections from the members area of the website, by contacting the CFA offices on Tel 0115 941 1126 or via email from info@cfa.org.uk. This format is ideal to accompany quotations and a more convenient size for email attachments.
Hard copies are also available from the CFA offices. Postage may apply for bulk requests.
Construction Products Association - Autumn Statement Special
(Originally posted: Friday 2nd December 2011)
The Construction Products Association have issued a Weekly Notes - Autumn Statement Special which is now available to download from our members area.
The document is in the section for 'Manufacturers' but is available for all members to download.
Boost for Infrastructure Welcomed by Construction Industry
(Originally posted: Tuesday 29th November 2011)
The Construction Products Association welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement confirming an increase for investment in infrastructure projects in today’s Autumn Statement, although overall capital spending continues to fall.
Responding to this announcement, the Association’s Chief Executive, Michael Ankers said: ‘Improving the quality of our infrastructure has a key part to play in raising business competitiveness and stimulating economic growth and it is encouraging that the government has recognised this. Schemes like the improvement to the A14 trunk road will improve access to key ports from our manufacturing heartland and help our export drive. At a time when construction output is falling and forecast to continue to do so for the next couple of years, the additional investment on infrastructure will help create new jobs and generate as much as £75 billion of economic activity across the economy as a whole.
‘Today’s announcements, however, do little to reverse the sharp fall in government capital spending – from £62bn in 2010/11 to £45bn in 2013/14. The most important step for the long term is to underpin investment on infrastructure with private finance and so the announcement that an additional £20bn of funding from pension funds and capital markets is particularly welcome. Funding of this kind will help create a long term sustainable framework for investment in our infrastructure which is set apart from the vagaries of government spending cycles.’
Turning to other measures in the Chancellor’s statement, Ankers said; ‘We welcome the initial measures that the Chancellor has announced to help electro-intensive industries. Government has recognised that it has to balance retaining key industries in the UK with the measures it needs to take to ensure long term security of energy supply. Companies in our sector will benefit from the additional rebate on the Climate Change Levy, as well as measures to reduce the cost of the EUETS and the Carbon Price Floor. But these are only the first steps and we want to see help for companies that use gas as their major source of energy. In particular they would benefit from enhanced capital allowances for investments that improve energy efficiency and the treatment of process emissions in a similar way to other EU Member States.’
CSCS
(Originally posted: Tuesday 29th November 2011)
The future of CSCS was discussed at length by NSCC Council. Whilst the majority view was that members would like to see CSCS continue, it was recognised that a change of leadership was required and the scheme needed to focus on its core objective of qualifying the workforce. It was also agreed that NSCC should act in unison with the other employer owners of CSCS Ltd.
The employers, NSCC, UKCG, CECA and FMB, met with the Union members of CSCS Ltd, GMB, UNITE and UCATT, on 20 October. A constructive discussion took place and a further meeting has been arranged for 6 December with a view to moving CSCS forward.
Crossrail and NSCC Event
(Originally posted: Tuesday 29th November 2011)
NSCC is partnering with Crossrail on a ‘Meet the Contractor’ event which will offer Specialist Contractors the chance to meet directly with a range of Crossrail tier one contractors. The event will be held on Wednesday 29 February 2012 and NSCC members in those trades required for up and coming Crossrail contracts will be welcome to attend. The relevant trades will be confirmed as soon as possible and the appropriate NSCC member organisations informed.
Energy Act 2011
(Originally posted: Tuesday 29th November 2011)
With less than a year to go until the launch of the Green Deal in October 2012, the Energy Bill has now received Royal Assent. The Energy Act 2011 is a crucial step towards making the Green Deal a practical reality, establishing the framework to enable energy efficiency improvements to be made to UK homes and businesses at no upfront cost and repaid from the resulting savings on energy bills. The next step will be the launch of the consultation which is expected to take place on 11 November.
Desso launch 'Carpet Tile Take Back' scheme
(Originally posted: Monday 20th June 2011)
The CFA has been informed of a new carpet tile take back scheme which has been launched by Desso.
For details of the scheme please contact Desso on either 01235 554848 or by email to service-uk@desso.com
Governments Contracts Finder
(Originally posted: Thursday 14th April 2011)
In an attempt to increase the percentage of Government business going to SMEs, the Government has launched an online tool to help companies search for central Government contracts. The Contracts Finder displays every central Government tender opportunity from February 2011 with an email alert facility to notify businesses of new opportunities in their area as they arise. To log onto the Contracts Finder and start bidding for Government contracts, click here
Builder's Profile continnues to grow
(Originally posted: Thursday 14th April 2011)
The Builder's Profile has been updated to include a PAS 91 'view'. PAS 91 is a set of standard questions launched in December 2010 to pre-qualify suppliers on central Government contracts. The Builder's Profile PAS 91 view will enable sub-contractors signed up to the Builders Profile to use their stored pre-qualification data to satisfy the requirements of PAS 91 when requested to doso by a contractor or client.
The Builder's Profile continues to grow and Denne Construction, RG Group and T Gunning Ltd are the latest contractors to start accepting pre-qualification information from the Builder's Profile.
By using the online service, you can submit your company data to different organisations without filling in duplicate questionaires. To sign up to the Builder's Profile for the NSCC discounted annual rate of £199 + VAT please click here
Changes to CRB Check Rules
(Originally posted: Thursday 14th April 2011)
More than nine million prople working with children and vulnerable adults will no longer require Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks under new legislation.
The decision to curtail the Vetting and Barring Scheme will mean that only those in sensitive posts or those that have intensive contact with children or vulnerable adults will need to be cleared and undergoe CRB checks. The changes, which are included in the Protection of Freedoms Bill and should be introduced towards the end of 2012 are generally expected to relieve construction workers of the need for CRB checks.
NSCC currently works in partnership with Capita Recruitment Vetting Service to enable members to request CRB checks for their employees online for just £45.50 + VAT. For further information click here
Retirement Age Scrapped
(Originally posted: Thursday 14th April 2011)
The Default Retirement Age of 65 will end on 1 October 2011 and employers will no longer be able to retire workers just because they have reached the age of 65.
When an employer wishes to terminate the employment of an older worker, it will require a 'fair' reason for such as capability, conduct or illegality.
There will be a transition period of six months during which only workers notified before 6 April 2011 and whose retirement date is before 1 October 2011 can be retired compulsorily.
Floor Covering Apprenticeships at Erith
(Originally posted: Friday 18th March 2011)
We are pleased to inform you that from September 2011 the National Construction College will be running Floor Covering Apprenticeships at Erith if enough candidates are placed.
£5200 in apprenticeship grants are available to companies that are registered with ConstructionSkills.
If you would like to discuss this apprenticeship programme in more detail please contact Gerald Kelly at ConstructionSkills on 0300 456 5557 or email Gerald at gerald.kelly@cskills.org
To register an apprentice or find out more information about the programme please call 0344 994 4044 or visit www.bconstructive.co.uk
Fair Payment Campaign Website
(Originally posted: Friday 28th January 2011)
The new Fair Payment Campaign website is now live offering a wealth of information including step by step guidance, contact details and standard letters for achieving certainty of payment, 30-day payment terms and the elimination of cash retentions.
www.fairpaymentcampaign.co.uk and the page dealing specifically with retentions can be reached via www.no-retention.co.uk.
Fair payment feedback
(Originally posted: Friday 28th January 2011)
The Government has now made payment within 30 days throughout the supply chain a contractual requirement on central Government contracts, and Mark Prisk MP, Minister of State for Business and Enterprise, has invited NSCC Specialist Contractors to report non-compliance.
NSCC have created a feedback form and would be grateful if you would report poor payment practices on all their projects:
This will enable NSCC to provide collective feedback to the Minister and the Office of Government Commerce which is responsible for implementing the requirement.
Construction Recovery Peters Out as Economy Goes into Reverse
(Originally posted: Wednesday 26th January 2011)
The CFA have today received a press release from the Construction Products Association regarding the construction industry recovery faltering.
A copy of the press release has been uploaded in the Manufacturers Information section of this website and is entitled 'Construction Recovery Peters Out as Economy Goes into Reverse'.
B & CE Benefit Schemes - Autumn 2010 newsletter
(Originally posted: Friday 3rd December 2010)
The B & CE Benefit Schemes newsletter for Autumn 2010 is now available to download from the members area of the website.
Key items in this edition are:
- Pensions Reform – What next for employers?
- Are you keeping up to date – get along to one of our free pensions seminars
- Changes in pensions tax relief
- Don’t let employee absence harm your business
- Withdrawing Holiday Pay and contacting us over Christmas
CFA signs up to NSCC No Retention Policy
(Originally posted: Tuesday 26th October 2010)
The CFA has recently signed up to the NSCC No Retention Policy.
The policy states:
'NSCC believes that the withholding of retention is an outdated practice which is unnecessary in the modern consitrcution industry.
The best guarantee of quality lies in the choice of a competent and qualified supply chain and NSCC Specialist Contractors are comiitted to the highest standards in health and safety, training and technnical performance.
It is NSCC policy that, whilst its Specialist Contractors are free to negotiate their own contract terms, they should not accept cash retentions.
Adopted by members of the National Specialist Contractors' Council (NSCC) 1 September 2010
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.”
