Business London Press

Sales of insulation surge as construction industry reacts to new building regulations

Construction

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14/09/2023

Sales of insulation surge as construction industry reacts to new building regulations

National builders’ merchant Jewson has recorded an uplift in sales of its sustainable product ranges following the new Building Regulations, which apply to all construction projects in England.

Seen by many as the stepping stone to the Future Homes Standard in 2025, the grace period for the new Building Regulations ended in June this year, with Part F, Part L, Part O and Part S updates all relating to sustainability.

In the first half of 2023, Jewson – which has several London branches including Peckham, Dulwich and Hammersmith – has reported a rise in sales of enhanced insulation, sustainable cladding and wastewater heat recovery systems.

Sales in air source heat pumps have also risen, which are favoured in the Part L regulations, compared with traditional methods of heating.

Sustainable building solutions

Sales data from Jewson’s Making Better Homes range, which focuses on more sustainable building solutions, were 66% higher in the six months to June 2023, compared with the same period of 2022. The increase was mainly driven by a rise in sales of innovative insulation, which saw a huge 367% rise. Even when accounting for inflation, this demonstrates a significant uplift in demand.

Wastewater heat recovery systems also surged in popularity, with sales 276% higher in the first half of 2023, compared with the same period in 2022. Sustainable timber cladding sales rose by 18%, while sales of carbon reduction products, such as recycled cavity liners increased by 17%.

Challenging times

Matthew Handley, category innovation manager at Jewson, said: “We know the period leading up to the new building regulations was challenging for many of our customers and we have been working hard to help them navigate this as smoothly as possible.

“By presenting all the products and services in one place through the Making Better Homes range we aim to create a one-stop-shop for everything tradespeople and builders need to remain compliant and build more sustainably.

“The data suggests that insulation and wastewater heat recovery systems are proving particularly popular, but it will be interesting to see what other opportunities arise in the second half of the year, as the industry continues to adopt more sustainable solutions.”

Harley Street clinic expands to specialise in ACL injuries

News
Sports

News Desk

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14/09/2023

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Harley Street clinic expands to specialise in ACL injuries

A leading injury prevention, treatment and rehabilitation clinic is expanding its dedicated programme to specialise in ACL injuries.

London’s Isokinetic makes the move following the release of its co-founded research into hamstring injuries in professional female footballers across Europe.

The study – which features in the journal of Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology and Arthroscopy (May 2023) – unveiled 21 different risk factors over the 2020/2021 season.

It concludes that “most risk factors for hamstring injuries are extrinsic in nature and associated with the club, the team, and the coaching staff, and not the players themselves.”

The report cites; lack of regular exposure to high-speed football actions during training; playing matches 2 to 3 times per week; load on players; and lack of communication between medical staff and coaching staff.

Prevention is key

Dr Jesus Olmo, Isokinetic sports doctor and former Real Madrid CF medical director, said: “It is essential that as women compete in football in highly competitive and elite levels that we provide an infrastructure that is going to support them.

“We believe that prevention is key and it is crucial to assess players before they experience injury to better understand their unique movement patterns and strategise optimised ways of movement that will keep the individual healthy for longer. We are excited to bring globally recognised and technology advanced medical pathways to female athletes in the UK and Europe.”

Raising the expectations of conditioning and protection

Dr Matthew Stride, Isokinetic sports doctor and former club doctor, Brentford FC, said; “We need to protect our players! There are significant cultural, developmental and biomechanical differences in women’s football however this research is showing that the main contributing factor in women’s injury in elite sport is dependent on club and coaching staff and not on any factors around the player themselves.

“We’ve got a big job to do in raising the expectations of conditioning and protection of women players. They deserve better and we hope that this new dedicated programme can provide the support, foresight and protection that they need.”

Women’s injury programme

The women’s injury programme is based in a technologically advanced, doctor-led environment. Each patient journey starts with a doctor-led pathway beginning with a consultation with an expert sport science doctor who oversees ongoing treatment. The programme includes:

Analysis with a doctor in the clinic’s biomechanical lab (Green Room) measures of neuromuscular control by understanding each player’s movement patterns with the Movement Analysis Test (MAT test)
Targeted neuromotor training with augmented and real-time feedback on video-walls to optimise movements and neuromuscular control
Additional tests include Threshold test and the Isokinetic test, to check the resistance to fatigue and muscle strength
GPS tracking technology as a preventive measure to constantly track workloads throughout the entire competitive season and to have real data available, processed by a single device. Doctors can understand the work done by each athlete day after day, to better prepare a bespoke programme
Treatment and technology are housed in an extensively equipped five-storey Harley Street facility with hydrotherapy pool, treatment rooms and gym
The team rehabilitation mirrors a club environment providing a powerful mindset and mental health benefits to people with injury where patients will exercise with other professional athletes, ballerinas, rugby players and runners in a high-energy positive environment

The study was co-authored by Jan Ekstrand, Linkoping University, Sweden, the Football Research Group, Sweden, and Isokinetic Medical Group, London.

Mark A Preston’s ‘Training by Doing’ Initiative Aims to Revolutionise Corporate Growth Learning

News Desk

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14/09/2023

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Mark A Preston’s ‘Training by Doing’ Initiative Aims to Revolutionise Corporate Growth Learning

In a bold move to revolutionise corporate learning, Mark A Preston, a renowned Business Growth Trainer, Advisor, and Speaker, has introduced the ‘Training by Doing’ initiative. This groundbreaking initiative is set to bring a fresh, hands-on approach to business growth and SEO training within the UK’s corporate sector.

Charting a New Path in Corporate Education

The ‘Training by Doing’ initiative is designed to breathe new life into the corporate training landscape by emphasising practical experience and active learning. Unlike traditional learning methods, this initiative immerses marketing teams directly in their work environments, fostering a culture of collaborative growth and skill enhancement.

Mark A Preston explained, “At the core of this initiative is the belief that the best learning happens through active engagement and collaboration. It’s about fostering a collaborative space where teams can learn, innovate, and grow together, working towards common goals and tangible results,”

Key Features of the ‘Training by Doing’ Initiative:

On-Site Interactive Learning: Providing hands-on guidance within the workplace to facilitate real-time skill development.
Active Engagement Philosophy: Encouraging a dynamic learning approach where participants actively contribute to shaping strategies and solutions.
Customised Strategies: Crafting strategies tailored to meet each company’s unique goals and industry-specific requirements.
Process Enhancement and Innovation: Focusing on refining processes to sustain growth and productivity improvements.
Practical Marketing Education: Incorporating real-world elements into the training modules, with a specific focus on SEO and growth strategies.
Continuous Collaboration: Supporting ongoing partnerships to nurture long-term success and growth.

An Exclusive Opportunity for Forward-Looking UK Businesses

This forward-thinking initiative offers an exclusive opportunity for UK businesses eager to transform their approach to corporate success. It places a strong emphasis on real-world learning experiences that align with the dynamic nature of today’s business landscape.

For further information or to embark on this transformative journey, please visit www.markapreston.com/seo-training

Notts Sport Unveils Game-Changing ShockWave Collection

News Desk

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14/09/2023

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Notts Sport Unveils Game-Changing ShockWave Collection

Notts Sport, a renowned global leader in the design and supply of high-performance sports systems, is thrilled to announce the launch of its highly anticipated ShockWave Collection.

The ShockWave Collection marks a significant leap forward in sports system technology, offering exceptional and unparalleled performance characteristics alongside a strong focus on environmental sustainability. This collection delivers a wide array of benefits across various sports disciplines, with a primary emphasis on enhancing the player experience and optimising playing conditions.

Since its inception in 2014, ShockWave has been successfully installed in over 26 projects, with the number steadily increasing each year. One notable instance is the recent installation of a FA and World Rugby compliant 3G pitch at Preston School in Yeovil. This installation utilised Tarkett’s PureGrain as the surface infill, representing a notable stride towards a more environmentally conscious future by avoiding the use of rubber crumb infill, which has recently come under scrutiny and falls within an EU-wide ban on intentionally added microplastics.

Notts Sport’s Research and Development Department has been consistently advancing ShockWave technology since 2014, meeting the growing demand from customers across various sectors for the most sustainable design solutions for their sports pitch projects.

As a result of this continuous innovation, Notts Sport is proud to introduce an expanded range of ShockWave products:

ShockWave Onyx: Setting a new sustainability standard in artificial sports systems, this groundbreaking tile now contains a minimum of 35% recycled content. It leads the shock pad market by incorporating recycled materials while maintaining its 100% recyclable nature throughout the collection.
ShockWave Hockey X: Developed in collaboration with England and Great Britain Hockey star Sam Ward, ShockWave Hockey X Sam Ward is tailor-made for hockey. This denser and more robust tile offers GEN2 and Hockey Plus performance while retaining the core benefits of ShockWave technology.
ShockWave Platinum: Introduced in 2021, this innovation is 15mm slimmer than its predecessor, resulting in a sleek 40mm profile. It maintains unmatched critical fall height results of up to 2.5m. Its exceptional UV stability makes it an ideal choice for projects in warmer climates.

Duncan Bennett, Managing Director at Notts Sport, expressed his excitement about the ShockWave Collection, stating, “We are thrilled to introduce the ShockWave Collection which highlights the ongoing success of Shockwave in the sports pitch sector and bringing new technology and sustainable design solutions for a wider range of customers,” said Duncan Bennett, Managing Director at Notts Sport. “Our team has dedicated extensive research and development to create this shockpad that addresses the evolving needs of athletes, facility managers, and schools. ShockWave embodies our commitment to innovation, safety, and performance excellence.”

To learn more about the ShockWave Collection, you can join Notts Sport’s free webinar on September 25th at 12 pm. Sign up here.

Leading Talent Expert Anne-Sofie Lagander Joins Talentic Ltd’s Board

News Desk

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14/09/2023

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Leading Talent Expert Anne-Sofie Lagander Joins Talentic Ltd’s Board

Talentic Ltd is proud to announce the appointment of Anne-Sofie Lagander as its new Non-Executive Director, a move that bolsters the company’s position as a foremost talent acquisition platform within the tech industry. Anne-Sofie Lagander, renowned for her expertise in talent acquisition and organisational strategy, brings a wealth of experience to the team.

Anne-Sofie Lagander boasts a distinguished career marked by accomplishments in talent acquisition and the cultivation of high-performance cultures. She currently leads the Talent & People division at Ultraleap and has previously excelled in executive search and fostering high-performance cultures at IP Group, a FTSE250 venture capital firm.

Expressing her enthusiasm for her new role, Anne-Sofie Lagander remarked, “”I am delighted to join the Talentic Board and contribute to the growth of the company. As the tech industry continues to evolve, it is essential for companies to have access to innovative talent acquisition solutions. I look forward to being part of this transformative journey.”

With Anne-Sofie’s extensive background in the talent acquisition domain, Talentic is poised to further solidify its status as the preferred platform for tech companies seeking exceptional candidates. Her strategic insights and wealth of experience will play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s growth trajectory and strategic direction, enabling it to meet the evolving demands of the tech industry effectively.

Sir Hossein Yassaie, Chairman of Talentic, expressed his delight at Anne-Sofie Lagander’s appointment, saying, “I have had the privilege of working closely with Anne-Sofie for several years, and I am delighted to welcome her to the board of Talentic Ltd. Anne-Sofie’s expertise in Talent and People in the tech industry has consistently impressed me. With her knowledge and approach, I am confident she will greatly contribute to our revolutionary journey in this dynamic sector.”

As Talentic continues to innovate and enhance its talent intelligence platform, providing comprehensive talent acquisition solutions, the addition of Anne-Sofie Lagander as Non-Executive Director underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence in the tech industry’s talent acquisition arena.

Saman Aria-Nejad, CEO of Talentic, highlighted the significance of Anne-Sofie Lagander’s appointment, stating, “Anne-Sofie’s exceptional expertise in talent acquisition and organisational strategy will be invaluable to our board. As the tech industry evolves, having access to innovative talent acquisition solutions is crucial. With Anne-Sofie’s guidance, we are confident in our ability to further strengthen our position as a leading talent acquisition platform. Her strategic insights and experience will shape our growth and direction, ensuring that we continue to meet the evolving needs of the tech industry. We are delighted to welcome Anne-Sofie aboard and look forward to the transformative journey ahead.”

BMW Drives to Victory in UK’s Prideful Car Owners’ Rankings

News

News Desk

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14/09/2023

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BMW Drives to Victory in UK’s Prideful Car Owners’ Rankings

In a recent study conducted by the UK’s leading touch-up paint retailer, the question of which drivers take the utmost pride in their cherished vehicles was explored. This comprehensive research, which delves into the connection between car brands and maintenance practices, sheds light on the distinct pride and care habits exhibited by car owners throughout the nation.

Utilising both Chipex’s UK sales data and the DVLA‘s UK car registration data, Chipex devised an index, rating drivers on a scale from 0 to 200 based on their likelihood to purchase touch-up paint. This index allowed Chipex to determine the extent of pride exhibited by drivers of each car brand.

Key Insights from the Study:

Luxury Brands and Meticulous Owners: Owners of luxury car brands such as BMW, Tesla, Porsche, Jaguar, and others stand out for their diligent paint upkeep. This suggests a deeper sense of pride in their vehicle’s appearance and an aversion to imperfections. Remarkably, 11 out of the 77 car manufacturers included in the study achieved a perfect Chipex Index score of 200. Notable mentions include Porsche, Alfa Romeo, and Aston Martin.
BMW Trumps Mercedes in the Pursuit of Perfection: In the age-old rivalry between BMW and Mercedes-Benz, BMW owners demonstrate superior commitment to maintaining their vehicle’s appearance, boasting a flawless paintwork maintenance score of 200. In contrast, their Mercedes counterparts achieved a score of 130.
Electric Cars: Where Style Meets Sustainability: Tesla drivers, with a perfect score of 200, refuse to compromise on aesthetics, potentially reflecting their forward-thinking and eco-conscious mindset.
Everyday Cars Embrace Imperfections: Brands like Vauxhall (with a score of 39) and Toyota (scoring 51), as well as compact car owners, appear to adopt a more laid-back attitude towards minor blemishes. This reflects an acceptance of life’s inevitable small dings.
Family Cars Value Functionality Over Flawlessness: Family car owners prioritise the journeys of life over maintaining a spotless finish, cherishing functionality and the memories created with their vehicles over pure aesthetics. Popular family-focused SUVs such as the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage achieved scores of 38 and 37, respectively.

Johnny Graham, the founder of Chipex, offered his perspective on the findings:

“The study highlights a clear correlation between luxury car ownership and the quest for perfection. We sell touch up paint for all brands, but there is a need to educate drivers of ‘everyday runarounds’ that our product exists, it’s affordable and is easy to use. Not only can a quick touch up job help retain the value of your car, it can help instil a sense of pride for your beloved motor; whether it’s a top-of-the-range Aston Martin or a humble Skoda.”

For more in-depth information about the Chipex Index, additional insights from the study, and access to the raw data, visit the Chipex UK website.

New electric forklift fleet for Dufaylite

News

News Desk

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13/09/2023

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New electric forklift fleet for Dufaylite

To further cement its environmental commitment, manufacturer Dufaylite has ditched gas-powered forklifts for a new fleet of electric vehicles.

Dufaylite is the sole UK manufacturer of recycled paper honeycomb – a 100% recyclable material used in the signage industry and many industrial applications.

Its new reduced fleet includes three new electric forklifts and one electric stacking pump truck, thanks to the company improving workflows to reduce movement in the factory and a switch to sustainable power sources.

This move marks the first step in the manufacturer’s journey to switching to all electrical vehicles across the business, ahead of installing renewable energy sources in the form of solar panels at its factory in St Neots by the end of 2024.

Carbon neutral status

Managing director of Dufaylite, Ashley Moscrop (pictured on right) said: “After achieving carbon neutral status earlier this year, in partnership with Carbon Neutral Britain, we created a strategic plan to significantly reduce our carbon emissions across the business. This new fleet is a great addition to our warehouse and will help us to reduce our footprint even further.

“Whilst some may still be sceptical about replacing their machinery with eco-friendly alternatives, it was an easy decision for us to make as they come with so many benefits. Operationally they will reduce our maintenance and servicing costs, and will also help us to provide a cleaner, safer environment for our employees, improving welfare, reducing noise and emissions.”

A force for change

Dufaylite believes in being a force for change in the industry, by providing 100% recyclable solutions that make a measurable difference to its clients’ businesses. It proudly holds the ISO 14001 accreditation for environmental management.

This comes with a corporate social responsibility to help its clients become more environmentally aware, whilst offering them the opportunity to generate additional income from the standard cardboard recycling scheme.

The business holds FSC status, is Carbon Neutral and is the only honeycomb provider in the world to hold the BRCGS AA Global Food Safety Standard.

London conference set to answer digital ID adoption questions

Digital
News

News Desk

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13/09/2023

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London conference set to answer digital ID adoption questions

Open Identity Exchange (OIX) is holding a major conference this month to help organisations who may need to reply on digital ID.

‘Identity Trust 2023’ – hosted by OIX (the global community driving positive and inclusive developments for trusted digital identities) – will address how businesses will adopt, digest and operate within the rapidly-growing digital ID ecosystem.

Enormous transformation

This year is proving to be one of enormous transformation for digital identity across the globe.

More and more countries are moving towards digital ID in relation to accessing both public and private sector services.

The UK is catching up with other countries which solely rely on digital ID already, with many digital ID providers going through the government’s rigorous certification process to start servicing the businesses that will rely on them.

Game changer

Nick Mothershaw, chief identity strategist at OIX (pictured) said: “Digital ID will be a game changer for all employers, businesses and other bodies that will come to accept and rely on it as the primary way for their customers to access their services.

“However, there is hesitation among a significant proportion of organisations including banking, finance, travel, gambling, higher education, home buying and selling, rental and many more.

“Businesses will need to be in a position to start accepting digital ID soon and with confidence, but if do not fully trust or understand it, progress will be slow. And if they don’t start the journey now, they will get left behind. The barriers that still exist must be addressed and clarity must be provided before true progress can be made on digital ID adoption.”

Vital questions

Some of the key questions that will be answered at the conference include:

· How will ecosystems start accepting credentials from a user’s digital ID wallet with confidence and trust?

· How is digital ID taking working in key use cases, such as age verification, accessing finance, home buying and selling, travel and employment vetting?

· How will digital ID work across international boundaries?

· Why will dynamic, adaptable ‘smart wallets’ be crucial in meeting the requirements of each acceptor the user wants to interact with?

Tickets available

To find out if you are eligible for a free place at the conference, which takes place on Thursday, September 28 at County Hall in London, contact [email protected]

Leading the Charge: Phoenix 2 Retail’s Pioneering Effort to Recycle Single-Use Vapes

News Desk

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13/09/2023

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Leading the Charge: Phoenix 2 Retail’s Pioneering Effort to Recycle Single-Use Vapes

The escalating concern of improper disposal of single-use vapes in the UK has reached alarming proportions in the past year. Recent research by the BBC has unearthed staggering statistics, revealing that a mind-boggling five million disposable vapes are discarded weekly, marking a fourfold increase from the previous year. Equally worrisome is the fact that a mere 17% of vapers are responsibly recycling their vapes, painting a troubling picture.

In response to the mounting concerns voiced by consumers and retailers alike, Phoenix 2 Retail, the UK’s fastest-growing vape supplier, has taken a proactive stance to tackle this pressing issue head-on.

Chris Kelly, the CEO of Phoenix 2 Retail, asserted, “We know everyone sees the colossal impact single-use vapes have on the environment, which is why we have been working on a 360-degree recycling solution for retailers for several months. Phoenix 2 Retail is set to roll out over 200 recycling units this month, followed by a further 5,000 units by the end of the year, subject to retailer agreements. We aim to reach all 15,000 retailers by the following year, ensuring at least one recycling unit per store. This step is part of our company’s ongoing efforts to tackle the issue of improper vape disposal”.

By providing these accessible and convenient recycling units, Phoenix 2 Retail aspires to inspire vapers to adopt eco-friendly disposal practices. The company firmly believes that by simplifying the recycling process, more vapers will willingly embrace responsible vape disposal.

To ensure the proper disposal of collected vapes, Phoenix 2 Retail has forged a strategic partnership with a certified waste management company.

The mechanics of this initiative are straightforward for retailers: once the recycling units reach capacity, the waste management company takes charge of collection, promptly replacing them with empty units. Subsequently, all vapes collected through these units are meticulously recycled within the UK, assuring that each unit meets environmentally friendly disposal standards. This collaboration with a registered waste management company underscores Phoenix 2 Retail’s commitment to the environment and its customer base.

Phoenix 2 Retail’s unwavering dedication to addressing the issue of improper vape disposal is an integral facet of its ongoing mission to safeguard the vaping category in the FMCG sector. This initiative serves as a crucial step towards raising awareness about the problem and working collectively towards a sustainable future.

For further details on the Phoenix 2 Retail recycling rollout, do not hesitate to contact Jackie Reed, Head of Quality & Compliance, at [email protected].

Christian Warren Takes Helm at Bambini & Bo as Head of Business

Business

News Desk

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12/09/2023

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Christian Warren Takes Helm at Bambini & Bo as Head of Business

Prominent UK nursery retailer, Bambini & Bo, known for its range of nursery furniture, décor, and travel essentials, has recently confirmed Christian Warren as its new Business Lead.

Christian Warren, formerly the International Commercial Director for Dubai’s premier social media and influencer marketing agency, is set to introduce his extensive commercial acumen and brand leadership skills to Bambini & Bo, especially as the company launches into its boldest expansion phase yet.

Warren’s responsibilities will chiefly revolve around directing the growth of Bambini & Bo, cementing new alliances, and identifying avenues to break into fresh markets.

Warren, on discussing his new position, shared, “Throughout my career, I’ve been immersed in fostering collaborations that amplify brand innovation and progression. It’s a privilege to lead Bambini & Bo and I’m eager to be a part of its upward trajectory. We are already collaborating with new stakeholders and I envision vast potential to solidify our position at the pinnacle of the nursery retail domain.”

Recently, the Bambini & Bo delegation made their presence felt at the Kind + Jugend exposition in Cologne, engaging with patrons and fellow industry aficionados. Their participation garnered overwhelming success, setting the tone for a line-up of similar events throughout the remainder of the year and extending into 2024.

Sustainable building solutions

Challenging times

Prevention is key

Raising the expectations of conditioning and protection

Women’s injury programme

Carbon neutral status

A force for change

Enormous transformation

Game changer

Vital questions

Tickets available

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