Collaborating alongside long-standing director, Adrian Buttress, Duncan brings with him more than 30 years of experience in the roofing and building products industry, having held senior positions at the likes of Marley Building Materials, Icopal Limited and most recently as MD of Carlisle Construction Materials.  

Duncan said: “I’ve known of PermaGroup for many years and have always admired the business and Adrian’s vision for it. For me, now is the perfect time to take on this new challenge at a business that I really believe in. I just love roofing and have been passionate about it my entire career, but I’m equally excited to expand my knowledge to the other areas of the business including modular builds and fencing – I can see real opportunities to grow the group as a whole.”  

PermaGroup has plans to extend its products, services and training capabilities, with its successful PermaRoof Registered Installer Scheme potentially rolling out across other facets of the business.  

Duncan added: “With me being based in the south, I’ve got fantastic connections that can further expand PermaGroup’s presence down here and into London. Adrian and I already have ambitious plans that we can’t wait to action but for me, it starts internally.  

“Company culture is hugely important, and I’m eager to implement things that improve on what Adrian has already established across the group. Of course, no company growth can happen unless the employees and clients are brought on the journey too.” 

Duncan will take on much of the day-to-day activities working with Adrian on the strategic development plans.  

Adrian said: “Welcoming Duncan to the team is exactly the right move for us to take the next steps as a business. We both have the best interests of PermaGroup in mind, not just for the investors but for our team and clients too and we’re excited to unlock the business’ full potential. It’s fantastic to have Duncan’s expertise and a fresh pair of eyes on the PermaGroup, ready to drive it forward and I’m eager for us to start working together.” 

To find out more about PermaGroup, please visit: www.permagroup.co.uk/   

Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

The post Permagroup announces new managing director to spearhead growth  appeared first on BDC Magazine.

HydroPro Floor Paint boasts a unique formula that combines the strength of cross-linking technology with the convenience of water-based application. This innovation results in a tough, hard-wearing mid-sheen finish that’s ideal for a variety of spaces, from domestic garages and workshops to light-industrial environments. Once cured, HydroPro Floor Paint becomes resistant to oils, grease, and light industrial traffic, providing a long-lasting solution for a number of areas.

“We’re very excited by the launch of our new HydroPro Floor Paint with its superior drying and recoat times, this offers so many possibilities for the professional decorator and maintenance teams.  A real alternative for solvent based floor paints,” commented James Burton of HMG Paints. “This is the first product that is part of a new portfolio we’ve been putting together for the professional decorator and light industrial market and we’re excited to reveal even more in the coming months.”

One of the standout features of HydroPro Floor Paint is its remarkable fast drying times, allowing professionals to apply multiple coats within a single day. This not only expedites the painting process but also minimizes downtime, enabling quicker project completion. With HydroPro, efficiency and quality go hand in hand.

Key Advantages of HydroPro Floor Paint:

• Cross-linking Formulation: The cross-linking technology in HydroPro ensures exceptional adhesion and durability, making it suitable for both interior and exterior applications.
• Smooth Finish: HydroPro Floor Paint leaves behind a flawless finish that enhances the aesthetics of any space.
• Low Odour/VOC: Say goodbye to strong paint odours. HydroPro’s low odour and VOC content make it a preferable choice for enclosed environments.
• Quick Drying: HydroPro’s rapid drying times mean less waiting and more productivity.
• Stain Resistant: The paint’s resilience extends to its resistance and has been tested against everything from Diesel and engine oils to wine and coffee.

Available in a range of stock colours including Light Grey, Mid Grey, Dark Grey, Yellow, Tile Red, and Mid Blue. HydroPro Floor Paint lets you tailor the look of your floors to your specific preferences. Each colour is available in a convenient 5-litre size, ensuring you have ample coverage for your projects.

HMG Paints’ HydroPro Floor Paint redefines the standard for floor finishes, offering a blend of durability, efficiency, and aesthetics. Whether you’re a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, HydroPro is the ultimate choice for achieving stunning and enduring floor surfaces.

HydroPro Floor Paint is available directly from HMG via shop.hmgpaint.com or via their ever-expanding network of specifically chosen distributors. All of HMG Paints portfolio is Made in Britain certified and is produced entirely at its Riverside Works factory in Manchester. HMG has also launched a new Product Tester campaign where users can sign up to get early access to new HMG products you can sign up via.: https://shop.hmgpaint.com/product-tester-sign-up-page.

Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

The post HMG Paints launch cross-linked water based floor paint appeared first on BDC Magazine.

Customers within the construction sector are increasingly asking for EPDs as sustainability has become a key factor, with increased pressure being placed on specifiers to help minimise the environmental impact of a building and the materials required for its construction.

Based on third party-verified life cycle assessments (LCAs), EPDs provide details of the environmental impact of a product across its entire life, and enable building designers, planners, contractors, and developers to select the best products for their projects that also have the lowest carbon footprints.

Although currently manufacturers are not obliged to provide EPDs, Polypipe Building Services has taken the step to supply them as standard for all their products as part of their commitment to construction best practice.

Alex Ashton, environmental and sustainability manager at Polypipe Building Services said: “Providing detailed environmental information for our products marks an important milestone in supporting the UK construction industry to make more sustainable choices.

“The release of these EPDs follows our being awarded the BSI Kitemark for our BIM Level 2 Revit files. They also form part of our push towards providing complete product transparency, and the carbon data our customers need to achieve the government pledge to net zero.

“EPDs also play an essential part in producing accurate plans as part of a project’s ‘golden thread’ of information. Monitoring, measuring, and reporting in this way supports our drive to continuously improve our products and lower greenhouse gas emissions.”

The cornerstone of creating a circular economy at Polypipe Building Services has been the launch of their Terrain PVC pipes manufactured with up to 65% recycled materials and combining exceptional performance with enhanced sustainability standards. 

This significant investment in product development supports the commitment by their parent company, the Genuit Group, towards emission reduction targets through the Science Based Targets initiative, which was validated in April this year, and is the first to be made by a building products manufacturer within the UK as part of their ambition to be the low carbon supplier of choice into the industry. 

For more information about the EPDs available from Polypipe Building Services follow the product links and click on EPD at www.polypipe.com/commercial-building-services/technical-hub

Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

The post Polypipe Building Services supports product transparency with Environmental Product Declarations appeared first on BDC Magazine.

The Pavilion at Landmark Pinnacle, Canary Wharf

Part of a much larger scale project which includes the UK’s highest tropical garden, the Pavilion at Landmark Pinnacle is the work of Gillespies, Valley Provincial and Farrer Huxley. The green roof which swoops over the ground level commercial space at the foot of the 75-storey skyscraper, will provide much needed green space for those that live and work in the locality.  Whilst residents of Landmarks Pinnacle will have access to two sky gardens, this pavilion has been created for the wider community as a place to promote healthy, active and social living.  Sloped to the ground level the space is accessible to all. 

Zoned planting, which creates zigzagged walkways to a raised theatre-style seating arrangement at its highest point, has been supported by Boughton lightweight green roof substrates, Intensive IN 1 and the lightweight subsoil.

Boughton’s Intensive IN 1 was selected for its greater organic content and its ability to support larger plants and deeper planting depths. Not only this but IN 1 is perfect for schemes that optimise a more detailed and formalised planting scheme as that seen at the Pavilion, which allows for year-round colour and texture, an approach that has become Gillespies trademark at this project and has since gained them finalist status at the 2022 Landscape Institute Awards: Excellence in Horticulture and Planting Design category.

Joining the line-up was Boughton’s lightweight subsoil which created the perfect footprint for the application of Intensive IN 1.

Sheldon Square, Paddington

The Landmark Pinnacle project follows hot on the heels of the Sheldon Square project that also saw Boughton and Gillespies work together.

Located at the heart of Paddington Central, Sheldon Square is best known for its amphitheatre, where a range of activities take place every day. From lunch with colleagues and friends to a special location for live music and culture, Sheldon Square and its amphitheatre are much loved by those that live and work there.

In 2022 the area benefited from a makeover which saw improved facilities, better accessibility, a more dynamic performance space and a greener space added. New trees, sun-loving plants and over 40 colourful perennials were added to not only create a vibrant display but were chosen for their ability to reduce pollution, improve air quality and to increase biodiversity and climate change resilience.

Working with Gillespies, alongside main contractors, 8Build, and soft landscape contractor, Kingston Landscape Group, Boughton supplied over 80m3 of its ever-popular BLS 2 topsoil to site in bulk bags. Single-sourced, ‘as dug’ natural and screened, Boughton’s BLS 2 topsoil was specified for this project by Gillespies.

Battersea Power Station

Whilst not Boughton’s first large-scale project, Battersea Power Station certainly remains its most iconic.

Situated on a 39-acre site, the Grade II* listed former Power Station was subject to an incredible £9billion redevelopment project – one of the biggest schemes of this type anywhere in Europe.

It was within the scheme’s ‘Garden of Elements’ project that saw Boughton step-up, providing its green roof substrates to support the planting within this series of three garden spaces.

Positioned between the four chimneys that have become synonymous with the Battersea development, sits the ‘Garden of Elements’, which was designed by Andy Sturgeon and brought to life by six-times BALI Grand award-winners, Willerby Landscapes. Each garden is inspired by fire, water or air, harking back to the Power Station’s previous life. It is within these gardens, including the notable main podium garden ‘Boiler House Square’ that saw Boughton’s IN1 Intensive and Lightweight Green Roof Substrates, and Rootzone come into their own.

These garden spaces, full of cloud-like planting schemes are set within raised beds and tall grasses with vegetation designed to offer year-round interest with a mix of evergreens, Mediterranean and more exotic species. Boughton’s IN1 substrate was selected to support this scheme thanks to its ability to support larger plants and to be installed at depths from 100 – 500cm, thanks to its sandy texture. Additionally, Boughton’s IN1 substrate offers significant moisture retention qualities, making it the perfect choice when so many plants are vying for attention within this three-hectare site. IN1 from Boughton continues to meet and exceed all G.R.O guidelines.

Elsewhere Boughton’s Lightweight Substrate was used to provide growing media where weight loading for the green roof needed to be lighter than traditional green roof schemes. Finally, Rootzone completed the offering. Supplied as a ready-mixed solution, Rootzone provided better planting conditions throughout the scheme.

Product was supplied in both bulk bags and 25L bags, meaning the Boughton team had to go above and beyond to tackle the logistical challenges that delivering to a central location presented.

Talking during the construction of the horticulturally rich roof garden, Willerby Landscapes said: “Boughton were a pleasure to work with, being able to safely deliver the material to site despite the many logistical challenges that this prestigious, central London project posed. They supplied us with top quality substrates specifically approved by Tim O’Hare, as well as a service that’s hard to beat”. 

Find out more

To find out more about Boughton’s complete offering for the amenity, landscape and construction industries, please visit www.boughton.co.uk. To enquire about your next project, contact by calling (01536) 510515 or email sales@boughton.co.uk.

Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

The post Boughton takes London – the natural growing media experts enjoy growth within the capital appeared first on BDC Magazine.

The charity rally, that sets off in September, aims to raise money for four charities and awards competitors with points for various challenges along the 1,820 km route. Trevor, who is the MD of IBMG’s timber division, will drive a 19-year-old London taxi bought from Ebay for £460 to compete in the creatively challenging rally across Europe.

This year’s co-driver is Peter Saunders who Trevor met in 1991 when they were accepted onto a building supplies graduate training program and have been firm friends ever since. Peter’s son, Jake is also joining the team.

This is Trevor’s seventh time to take part –  finishing in first place in 2016 and 2019, and second in 2017 and 2018 – the team also won Best Dressed Car and Best Dressed Team.

Trevor said: “Our team is called ‘It’s Not About The Points’ because I have been accused of being prepared to do anything for points in previous rallies! Putting jokes aside,  the entire rally is about raising money for four very worthy charities  – and we’ll pull out all the stops to achieve some serious fund-raising for these excellent causes.

“Big thanks already go to Arrowsmith & Roberts, the hauliers, that collected the car from the seller for us and has stored it while the starter motor was replaced, tyres fitted, and the missing front passenger seat welding in! Also thank you to the apprentices at Channel Commercials, Ashford for the amazing makeover.”

The route runs from Ghent in Belgium, through France, Germany, Austria, Italy, and finishes in Monte Carlo on Sunday 11 September. You can sponsor the IBMG team by following this link: https://sponsorme.charitiestrust.org/event/816370e7-1d56-40f6-81c3-238537c9b201

The Pavestone Rally invites UK builder’s merchants to raise money for charity. The goal is to drive a car, worth less than £500, across Europe in four days, while in full fancy dress.  The rally is hoping to raise £175,000 for its chosen charities: Rainy Day Trust, Crash, British Heart Foundation and Variety The Children’s Charity. 

Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

The post IBMG’s MD takes on European charity rally for fifth time appeared first on BDC Magazine.

Ecocem, Europe’s leading independent provider of low carbon cement technology solutions for the cement and construction industries, has partnered with the UK’s largest and busiest airport to trial the applicability of novel lower carbon concretes at the airport, aiming to reduce embodied carbon compared to conventional mixes.

In 2019, Heathrow commissioned the Building Research Establishment[1] to review construction materials to reduce emissions and as such Ecocem and global building materials supplier Cemex were selected as viable partners to supply a lower-carbon binder.

Initially two low carbon solutions will be tested: a Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC) equivalent mix containing 50% Ecocem GGBS, and Ecocem Ultra – a lower carbon binder. Following extensive laboratory testing of the resulting concrete, led by Cemex, this week the partners conducted the first on site trial pour under the watch tower. This is part of a phased process to test its strength and durability in the field. Ecocem Ultra will be assessed for use in main airport areas, groundworks and auxiliary purposes with a common goal of both companies to provide viability of low carbon products for everyday concrete applications.

Combined, the cement industry (6%) and the aviation industry (2%) produce 8% of the world’s total carbon dioxide emissions. With this project Ecocem, Heathrow and Cemex, aim to demonstrate the viability of low carbon products, and tangibly reduce carbon emissions from construction at airports.

In order to reach its net zero aviation by targets by 2050, Heathrow is looking to cut at least 45% of on the ground carbon emissions by 2030. Working with Ecocem and Cemex on this project enables Heathrow to continue to lead the charge in advocacy and change on reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector. Demonstrating that its products and technologies can be applied to large scale infrastructure projects isn’t new to Ecocem. At present it is providing low carbon binder for use in concrete on the HS2 project in the UK and for the Metro extension project in Paris, connecting the city to its neighbouring areas.

Mark Till, UK National Sales Manager at Ecocem said: “Our technical solutions have long helped large scale infrastructure projects to reduce carbon emissions across Europe. Having the opportunity to partner with Heathrow airport on a project with huge potential in the UK and for the aviation sector, is a testament to the innovation of our products and team. We look forward to working with Heathrow and our other partners on these important trials.” 

Nigel Milton, Chief of Staff and Carbon at Heathrow said: “Heathrow is once again serving as a testbed for ground-breaking technologies, demonstrating global leadership with regards to sustainable travel. We’re committed to cutting carbon emissions on the ground as well as in the air and we’re delighted to be hosting one of the first airport trials in the world to test lower carbon alternatives. I hope that this trial will help radically transform the built environment at Heathrow in the years to come.”

Richard Kershaw, Technical Manager at Cemex said: “Cemex is renowned across the construction industry for its commitment to providing customers with more sustainable concrete solutions. We were the first supplier in the UK to launch a net-zero concrete product, making us ideally situated to support Heathrow with their low carbon concrete trial. We hope this trial will prove successful and demonstrate to the aviation sector the opportunities available to cut emissions during their development projects.”

1. https://bregroup.com/

The post Heathrow Airport partners with Ecocem and Cemex to support the airport’s net-zero ambitions appeared first on BDC Magazine.

Dalmia Bharat Limited (DBL), a leading Indian cement major under its wholly owned subsidiary Dalmia Bharat Green Vision Limited (DBGVL) announced the commencement of commercial production at its new Greenfield Cement Grinding unit in Sattur, Tamil Nadu. This new unit adds 2.0 million tons of cement capacity to the company’s overall installed capacity, bringing it to a total of 43.7 million tons. With an investment of Rs.686 crores, the new cement grinding unit will produce cement, supported for the clinker requirements from the existing Integrated plants in Tamil Nadu. This strategic move is part of the company’s plan to strengthen its market presence in the South and to cater to the growing demand in the region.

Dalmia Bharat’s strong bond with the region is rooted in its legacy, as the company’s first cement plant was established in Dalmiapuram, setting its foundation in the industry. The new cement grinding unit is equipped with the latest advancements in environmental-friendly technology for low carbon footprint. A 16 MW solar power capacity installation is in process to support its renewable energy initiative. With advanced automation and digitalization systems, the plant ensures higher operational efficiency and enhanced safety measures.

Commenting on the company’s expansion plans, Mr. Puneet Dalmia, Managing Director, Dalmia Bharat Limited, said, “Amidst a robust real estate cycle and a sustained push by the Government on infrastructure, we find ourselves in a dynamic and strong demand environment. South is a fast-growing market and we are expanding our capacity to meet the rising cement demand in the region.”

Dalmia Bharat has long-term growth and investment strategy aimed at expanding its installed cement capacity to a substantial 110-130 million tonnes by the year 2030-31. The company’s growth approach includes a judicious combination of organic and inorganic opportunities, with a focus on a well-planned and cost-effective organic route.

Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

The post Dalmia Bharat commences operations of 2.0 MnT Greenfield Cement Grinding Unit in Sattur, Tamil Nadu appeared first on BDC Magazine.

Having relaunched as a trade only brand in March this year, Hallstone, which is known for its premium landscaping products, has announced that sales of its bulk bag products are up over 50% on last year’s figures.

Hallstone supplies bulk bag products including premium topsoil, bark mulch, wood chippings and compost, to a network of over 400 trusted stockists across the UK. 

Taking the decision not to sell directly online, Hallstone instead updated its branding and website with the express intention of driving customers to trade stockists, a tactic that is working well for the firm – Hallstone’s merchant channel being 47% up on the previous year and the number of Hallstone stockists increasing by 63%.

 Hallstone, which has experienced the growth between March and June 2023, attributes the rise to the brand becoming a dedicated trade-only supplier, and to the new direction more effectively communicating the significant benefits of Hallstone to stockists and merchants. 

“We have a clear, simple focus; consistent, reliable, premium landscaping products to the trade, at competitive prices.” 

Jonathan Hill, Sales Director at Hallstone said, “We’re very pleased to see that our new approach is being so well received by trade customers, it speaks volumes about the products and the service we provide.”

Hallstone, which has also achieved a 99.3% customer satisfaction rate, forecasts a continued increase in demand and is confident that by providing reliable, consistent landscaping products that it can continue to meet and exceed market expectations.

For more information on Hallstone please visit: https://www.hallstone.co.uk

Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

The post Hallstone Announces Exponential Sales Growth appeared first on BDC Magazine.

A new facility has been set up at Kirkby-in-Ashfield and a further site in Erith converted solely to a Lintels platform alongside further investment in sites at Bolton and Westbury in Wiltshire with all sites offering an impressive range of stock from all key manufacturers.

Civils & Lintels works with its many regional and national housebuilder customers to develop tailored delivery schedules and can also offer help and advice on the selection of the best lintels for each development. The lintels hubs can also offer plot-banded deliveries if requested.

In addition to the technical knowledge that the teams have, Civils & Lintels can also offer bespoke fabrication services through its sister company: Harvey Steel Lintels. So, if the customers need something unique or extra heavy duty, Civils & Lintels can also manufacture it for them.

This fresh investment ensures that the business always has £30m plus of stock available to meet any needs customers may have.*

As a specialist lintels supplier, the Civils & Lintels teams are focussed on delivering not only excellent customer service, but the broadest depth of products from all key manufacturers so can assure our customers that the products will be delivered on time and in full.

Phil Sheldon, Head of Residential from Civils & Lintels, said: “This investment reflects the ambition that Civils & Lintels has as a business in the UK housing sector.

“We are already the largest distributor of steel lintels in the country and this investment will not only mean that we can continue to offer the best products, but we can also be even more efficient and flexible with our service proposition.”

Civils & Lintels is dedicated to servicing the construction industry and are proud partners of all the major manufacturers including Birtley, Catnic, IG, Keystone & Naylor. To view all Civils & Lintels products see https://www.civilsandlintels.co.uk/lintels.

Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

The post Multi-million-pound investment programme for Civils & Lintels appeared first on BDC Magazine.

Pushing boundaries

Recognising the need to extend this initiative beyond residential gardens, Jacksons Fencing is aiming to tackle the matter of hedgehog-friendly fencing in commercial sites too. The company aims to raise awareness among architects, specifiers, and end-users about the availability of hedgehog-friendly fencing options and the importance of incorporating them in their projects.

Certain commercial fencing types, such as mesh fencing with larger apertures: V mesh, twin wire panels, and chain link, for example, have recently come under scrutiny due to their potential to trap or endanger hedgehogs. Although attempts to create openings or holes in these fences have been made, they often prove ineffective as hedgehogs may not be aware of such access points or may not be able to navigate them safely. This revelation has prompted Jacksons Fencing to advocate for the species by highlighting alternative products that prioritise both wildlife preservation and high security requirements of sites which require security fencing, where suitable.

Safe and secure solutions 

Among the recommended solutions, vertical bar fencing emerges as the optimal choice, as it seamlessly integrates security and hedgehog-friendly features. With gaps between pales designed to adhere to anti-trap regulations, hedgehogs can navigate through the fencing effortlessly, ensuring their safety. These fences also feature sturdy construction, concealed, tamper-proof fixings, an attractive appearance, and minimal obstruction to visibility, making them an ideal choice for various applications.

Additionally, Jacksons Fencing highlights the advantages of high concealment mesh fencing, particularly their innovative EuroGuard® Combi product. This solution combines rigid V mesh panels with interlaced wooden slats, delivering both privacy and a natural aesthetic while upholding the strength and security expected from a steel mesh fence. The incorporation of timber slats effectively covers mesh gaps, preventing hedgehogs from getting stuck while still providing a secure enclosure.

A race against time

Considering hedgehogs have been listed as vulnerable to extinction since 2020, Jacksons Fencing is dedicated to actively raising awareness of this pressing issue and promoting the adoption of hedgehog-friendly alternatives.

Action is being taken by UK charities. A ‘Hedgehog Friendly Fencing’ campaign was recently launched by Hedgehog Street, a collaboration between People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS). Central to the campaign is the establishment of ‘Hedgehog Highways’ as the industry standard in garden fencing, which we applaud.

Peter Jackson, Managing Director, Jacksons Fencing says, “Jacksons Fencing has championed Hedgehog Highways for several years. We have updated our product literature, specifications, and online content to educate our customers and specifiers about the availability and benefits of wildlife-friendly fencing options. Prioritising hedgehog preservation and conservation, is just one example of our commitment to sustainability and the well-being of wildlife.”

For more information about hedgehog-friendly commercial fencing, please click here.

To find out more about the Hedgehog Friendly Fencing campaign, please click here.

The post Hedgehog Havens: commercial security fencing solutions for hedgehog protection appeared first on BDC Magazine.