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Contractor Pro, the new computerised estimating and invoicing system from Luckins, is designed specifically for smaller contractors working on domestic or light commercial jobs.

The system enables busy contractors to compile accurate, professionally presented estimates and invoices at the touch of a few keys. Contractor Pro users will be able to: win more work by responding quickly to every enquiry; improve profit margins by basing their quotations on accurate cost information; spend less time on tedious paperwork and more time on site; boost cash flow by invoicing promptly as soon as the job is complete.

Contractor Pro contains a selection from the Luckins product database (as used by most of the UK’s national wholesalers, distributors and contractors) and contains up-to-date trade prices and industry standard installation times for literally thousands of products. Discount data can be easily imported and the new related items feature, made possible through Luckins’ close relationship with manufacturers and suppliers, ensures that nothing is omitted when pricing each job.

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Eye-catching vibrancy, contemporary styles and minimal maintenance combine to add a touch of class to the new, top-of-the-range, Taralay Premium collection of vinyl floorcoverings from Gerflor.

Achieving new levels of flexibility, comfort and protection, Taralay Premium offers specifiers a huge choice of quality floorcoverings which are ideal for high-traffic retail outlets, schools, hospitals, offices and restaurants. The luxury range comprises eight design options: Forum, Arctic, Costa Rica, Zenium, Metallica, Fusion, Brazilia and Indiana.

The Taralay Premium range is tough enough to handle high-traffic areas and boasts visually striking designs. The new portfolio features the well-proven advantages of Protecsol®, Gerflor’s unique no-polish-for-life surface treatment and, together with Sanosol® anti-fungicidal and bacteria protection, long life good looks are ensured along with excellent whole lifecycle performance.

Meeting growing demands for greater environmental accountability, Taralay Premium is 100% recyclable and manufactured using environmentally sustainable raw materials and production processes. Independent tests show that the environment lifecycle performance of Taralay Premium is extremely good when compared to other flooring materials; even those made from “natural” materials.

The broad choice of vibrant colours in the Taralay Premium range is designed to allow for harmonious, warm ambiance in all types of environment. They are available with optional acoustic Very-High-Density (VHD) backings offering excellent resistance to static and dynamic loads as well as good sound absorption.

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Building products manufacturer and multi-environmental award winner, Hambleside Danelaw, has marked the official opening of its new state-of-the-art factory in Daventry with the publication of a new set of recommendations for developers and contractors to follow when ordering building materials that meet high environmental standards.

The new manufacturing facility for roofing and ventilation products was opened today by local MP, Mr Tim Boswell, who has actively supported the Group’s campaign for government measures to encourage the construction of sustainable public and commercial buildings.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony, Hambleside Danelaw’s chairman, David Yellop, said: “Today is the culmination of three years of management planning and the hard work of our staff to consolidate the production activities which at its peak reached nine smaller factories in Daventry into this modern, 50,000 square feet production and distribution facility. This will enable Hambleside Danelaw to distribute some 4 million roofing product units each year.”

The Group has published a new environment brochure which shows how the product manufacturer, designer, contractor, sub contractors and the developer can now work together to ensure that buildings constructed to the highest possible environmental standard, not only at the point of handover to the occupier, but throughout the service life of the building. Developers and contractors who are involved in new build and refurbishment projects should ask the following questions:

1. Are the manufacturer’s environmental policies independently verified?
2. Does the manufacturer incorporate its environmental policies into a wider corporate social responsibility policy?
3. Does the manufacturer have a greenhouse gas emission offset scheme?
4. Is that offset scheme independently certified and transferable to the customer?
5. Are the manufacturer’s carbon offset calculations independently verified?
6. Will the manufacturer take responsibility for products disposal at end of service life?
7. Does the product in use have a positive environmental impact, for example, replace lead, or provide a high degree of insulation?
8. Do the manufactured products have an element of sustainable or recycled materials used within their production?
9. Is it possible to source the products within the UK?
10. Can the products be traced back to the manufacturer for future reference and identification?
11. Do the products have a long service life built into their design to minimise replacement during the building’s service life?
12. Is there a clear, traceable route for the recycling of the product at end of life?

Pdf copies of the brochure can be downloaded from:
http://www.hambleside-danelaw.co.uk/environmental-affairs.html.

Latest R&D to focus on solar energy and emergency relief

Referring to the Group’s commitment to innovation which earned it a Queen’s Award for Enterprise last year, Mr Yellop said: “We are presently conducting research and development to harness the benefits associated with solar energy into building products – an exciting project that is likely to change the way we construct domestic and industrial roofs in the future. We are also working with agencies associated with disaster relief to manufacture and supply easily portable shelter accommodation to assist in the world’s areas of disaster.”

Chairman thanks local council for support

David Yellop added: “For an organisation, whose roots started to grow in 1966 from a desk, telephone and typewriter, we have much to be proud. None of our achievements would be possible without dedicated management and a staff which loyally worked with us over the years.

“We wish to express our particular thanks to the Daventry District Council for their investment and regeneration of Middlemarch and for working so closely with us to provide this new home of production and to achieve the smooth transition of our operations.”

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JS Air Curtains has updated its range with 10 new units being added to its 2008 catalogue. The range is now the widest available in the UK and includes air curtains for all applications from economic electric units to powerful industrial models that will seal huge doorways up to five metres high.

The new additions to the JS Air Curtains range includes the economic HeatScreen, which has a hand held remote control and starts at less than £300, the Mini Optima, an attractively styled low noise air curtain, the Rotowind for use on revolving doors and the Kool, an industrial unit for use on cool stores and freezers.

The 2008 catalogue features an easy-to-use selection guide that allows users to shortlist the most suitable models for their requirements based on their door height, preferred mounting option and heating type.

As well as an extremely wide range of standard air curtains, JS also offers a bespoke design service. JS works with clients to produce individually tailored air curtains that can blend-in with the architectural style of an entrance or stand out as a feature. They can incorporate other services like motion detectors, CCTV or emergency lighting enabling these elements to be hidden.

JS’ in-house installation division also provides a smooth, hassle-free installation and commissioning service that walks the customer through from design specification to post-installed product training.

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