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Machine quality, cost-effectiveness, security and the high standard of after-care available from its distributor were instrumental in the decision of Clements Plant & Tool Hire Ltd to upgrade its equipment fleet with a move to market-leading Kubota mini excavators.

Coventry-based Clements (www.clementsplant.co.uk) is one of the West Midlands' largest independent plant hire firms, with over 40 years' experience in the hire business. With mini excavators forming an increasingly popular part of the company™s portfolio, and a growing business base, Clements needed to expand its machine fleet but was faced with a difficult decision.

Issues relating to its existing mini excavator brands and suppliers “ including manufacturing faults, after-care problems and pricing factors “ led Clements managing director Jim Longstaff to research other machine options available on the market. Top of the list was Kubota, whose reputation Jim was well aware of given his long-term association with Ben Elliott, boss of local Kubota distributor BTE Plant Sales Ltd.

“I've known Ben for last 25 years, and we™ve worked together in the past, but until recently we've had no need to employ BTE™s services,” explained Jim. “Failures elsewhere in our supply chain opened the door, and BTE underlined its excellent reputation by helping us out.” BTE provided Clements with a trial machine, which proved to be ideal for the firm™s purposes. In particular, Clements valued Kubota's commitment to integrating customer-friendly features into its range, perhaps most notably the extra machine security and peace of mind provided by its unique 'ANTI-THEFT' system and their industry-leading three year warranty as standard.

Fitted as standard equipment, the Kubota 'ANTI-THEFT' device uses encoded keys to ensure that only authorised drivers can access and operate the vehicle. Having suffered incidents of theft in the past, Clements is well aware of the inconvenience and cost of having to replace stolen equipment. “It might seem a small thing, but the fact that this is a supplier trying to do things for the benefit of its customers is something in Kubota's favour. It™d be easy to have the attitude that, if the machine was stolen, we™d have to buy another “ but Kubota want us to get long-term usage, and that's a really attractive quality in a manufacturer.”

Clements purchased five Kubota machines initially, comprising three 1.5 tonne KX36-3 models and two 2.5 tonne U25-3 machines. The compact KX36-3 model has been developed to deliver efficient handling and performance over the broadest range of jobs. Versatility across all construction applications is achieved via a powerful bucket digging force, a long arm for increased dig depth and digging radius, and a well-protected boom cylinder.

For bigger jobs, the powerful U25-3 model adds further power with a travelling system designed for rough terrain, zero tail swing for working in even the tightest situations, and simultaneous operation of boom, arm, bucket and swivel.

Clements has been so impressed with the performance of the Kubota minis that it has since acquired a fourth KX36-3. Between them, the six models now account for around 25% of Clements™ mini excavator fleet.

“There™s a good reason why Kubota is No.1 in the market,” confirmed Jim Longstaff. “Overall, this was the best deal, both in terms of machine quality, cost-effectiveness and standard of after-sales service. Their machines tick all the boxes.”

Jim was also keen to underline the exceptional service it received from BTE. “Ben delivered everything he said they would and more. When we needed to make a small warranty claim, it was resolved immediately.

“It has been an extremely positive decision to opt for BTE. Subsequently, we™ve bought several other machines from BTE in classes not available from Kubota and they are now a preferred supplier.”

BTE, (www.bteplantsales.com), with its headquarters in Markfield, Leicester, prides itself on the quality and reliability of brands offered, together with unbeatable customer service. The official Kubota distributor for Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Lincolnshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Wirral and South/West/North Yorkshire, BTE won the Kubota Gold Service Award in 2008-9.

“I've been telling Jim how good we were for years, and I'm delighted he™s given us the opportunity to prove it!” stated Ben Elliott. “We look forward to a long and successful partnership between BTE and Clements.”

Richard Harrison, Kubota (UK) Ltd “ Construction Equipment sales & marketing manager, said: “This deal underlines the importance of providing mini excavator solutions that represents exceptional value for money. There must be a balance between the initial purchase and subsequent residual costs, long-term machine performance and reliability, and a robust after-care service and support package.

“BTE's reputation for taking care of its customers complements Kubota's own commitment to providing world-beating machines and offering added value to customers with standard features such as the ?ANTI-THEFT™ system and our three year warranty,” he added.

The UK, European and world leader in mini excavators, with 19 models spanning the weight range from 980kg to 8 tonnes, Kubota provides the widest choice of machines from a single manufacturer and the largest selection of increasingly popular zero tail swing minis.

Kubota excavators are well known and respected for their quality, performance, versatility, excellent residual values and exceptional dealer support, together with legendary reliability and durability

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Evolving in tune with modern tastes, the Aqualux bathroom range can fulfill even the most demanding of requirements and this is certainly true of the Organic Walk-In shower enclosure, part of the popular AquaSpace collection.

The enclosure measures an impressive 1400mm x 1000mm and 1900mm high. Light and capacious, the Organic Walk-In features a minimal silver effect frame and 6mm clear toughened glass. The trays for the conjoined bathing and drying areas are available in right or left hand options and come complete with a bamboo footboard. If a wet room look is preferred, the enclosure can be fitted to a pre-tanked floor with an easy fit wet floor conversion kit.

The enclosure features Aqualux's easy clean 'Aquagleam' coating, a special environmentally friendly coating which resists limescale and soap scum, which keeps maintenance to a minimum. Appreciated by the user, there is never any need to laboriously scrub the shower with chemical agents, as a simple, quick wipe of the panels after showering reduces bacteria and always leaves a sparkly, shiny finish.

The Organic Walk-In provides a luxurious and indulgent bathing experience, bringing a sense of warmth to the bathroom, providing a spacious setting for washing away the stresses of the day. The tone is set by the beautiful bamboo footboard and the unusual shower design is characterized by gentle flowing curves.

The Aqualux AquaSpace Organic Walk-In shower enclosure comes with a lifetime guarantee.

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There has been a lot of discussion recently in the press and on-line about RCBOs and, in particular, about the separate earth connection that is used by some of these devices. Unfortunately, a lot of the information that has appeared has been misleading and, in some cases, it is simply wrong. Given that the recent introduction of the 17th Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations is resulting in a big increase in the usage of RCBOs, it is important to clarify the situation.

One of the most misleading statements, but one that seems to be repeated time and again, is that in order to comply with BS EN 61009, RCBOs must have a separate earth connection. This is not true. Certainly, the standard specifies that an RCBO that does have a separate earth connection must behave in a certain way, but nowhere does it state or imply that a separate earth connection is mandatory.

In fact, RCBOs are currently available that have no separate earth connection, yet they achieve full compliance with the standard, supported with declaration of conformity documents.

Another often-made point is that, without a separate earth connection, an RCBO cannot detect an earth fault if the neutral becomes disconnected. This is true, but in reality it is not an issue worthy of consideration.

Losing the neutral connection is a rare event in itself, especially in the TN-C and TN-C-S systems that are almost invariably used today. The probability of losing the neutral and having an earth fault at the same time, a double fault condition, is vanishingly small – certainly so small that there is no reason to take it into account when specifying protection devices.

In spite of this, there are those who claim that it’s still better to use an RCBO with a separate earth connection, “just to be on the safe side”. This is not necessarily a good judgement call. The extra connection means that consumer units and distribution boards take longer to wire, which pushes up costs. Even worse, many contractors don’t seem to know what to do with the earth connection, as a search of the on-line electrical forums will quickly reveal. In fact, there have been suggestions that some contractors have actually been cutting off the earth wires, which has to be very bad practice for an RCBO that’s been designed and tested on the basis that it will be earthed.

Finally, there’s the thorny issue of testing. Most if not all manufacturers of RCBOs with earth connections insist that these connections are removed during insulation testing to avoid possible damage to the RCBO, and during loop testing to eliminate the possibility of misleading test results. Removing and replacing the connections adds more time and cost, of course, but there are also other concerns.

First, there is always the possibility that the contractor will forget to reconnect the earth wires, leaving the RCBO operating under conditions different from those for which it was designed. Second, disconnecting the earth wires goes against one of the basic principles of installation testing, which is that installations should in exactly the same state when they are tested as they will be when they are in service.

Claiming that a separate earth connection is essential on RCBOs is not only wrong, it also makes life unnecessarily complicated for contractors, while trying to protect against a risk that’s theoretical rather than real. Protection products should always be selected with care, but they should be selected on the basis of performance and reliability rather than on the basis of some invented and imaginary criterion.

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Permo® air, the most breathable air-open roofing underlay available, has been used in the refurbishment of Islington Arts and Media School. The late Victorian building had been in poor internal condition and in need of complete refurbishment and the target was set to achieve a BREEAM 'Very good' rating. Mark Walker of BDP Architects commented, “We needed an air open roofing underlay to solve the problems posed by the existing roof construction and Permo air's performance met our requirements. We also found that Klober's technical support set it apart from other roofing manufacturers, not least because they provided us with U-value calculations and a condensation risk analysis”. The project was undertaken as part of Islington Council's redevelopment work under the Labour Government's 'Building Schools for the Future' initiative. The work was protected from cuts as it was contracted before policy reversals in mid-2010.

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Wilo’s new Stratos PICO and Wilo-Smart A small circulators are proving to be the stars of the Wilo range in 2011.

The Wilo Stratos-PICO – the most energy efficient small pump you can buy, offering up to 90% energy savings over a standard pump – and the new Wilo-Smart A energy saving pump, offering up to 80% energy savings over a standard pump have captured the imagination, especially as low efficiency, uncontrolled pumps will be banned in the EU from the end of 2012. From 2013, low efficiency and standard stand-alone circulators will be banned from the marketplace. As of 2015 the minimum requirements will be tightened further and their scope extended to include boiler integrated circulators as well – those sold as part of a combi or system boiler set up.

This regulation on circulators will shift the market towards the intelligent, high efficiency circulators that Wilo has been championing for years, capable of adjusting their performance to meet the specific needs of the heating system. There are about 140 million small circulators in Europe running constantly, whether they are needed or not, resulting in a huge waste of energy and massive and unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions, generated for no good reason.

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Stelrad Radiators has launched ‘The Radiator Book’ – an impressive new publication that provides specifiers and installers, with the full Stelrad range of radiators – photographically and technically – providing every piece of information they could want – all in one place. It’s already being suggested as the number one radiator specifying source for designers, architects and installers across the UK.

“We have thought long and hard about this,” says Marketing Director Chris Humphreys. “We wanted to show all our products in one publication because sometimes people are not aware of the extent of our full range. We wanted to show how the radiators look in situ, so people can select the style they want and give them the technical details as well. So that’s what ‘The Radiator Book’ provides and initial response to it has been – quite aptly – extremely warm.”

Amongst the first to comment on ‘The Radiator Book’ is TV celebrity and property renovator supreme, Sarah Beeny. Sarah recently selected a range of Stelrad radiators for her renovation project at Rise Hall in East Yorkshire: “The Radiator Book from Stelrad seems to me to be an invaluable aid for people looking to select radiators for their homes or projects – it’s so helpful having all the designs there in one publication along with the technical information, so you can make an informed decision on what’s best aesthetically and practically.”

‘The Radiator Book’ vividly illustrates the massive range of options that Stelrad offers its customers – from standard panel radiators, through its premium panel radiators, its decorative ranges and its towel rail options. It also highlights the levels of expertise within the business, with the huge amount of technical information Stelrad is happy to share with customers. Stelrad prides itself on its core values – availability – at any one time, the company has in excess of 200,000 radiators in stock ready to be delivered – the range – ‘The Radiator Book’ illustrates this graphically – with the widest range of radiators available in the marketplace – the reliability of the products – based on exceptional design and manufacturing skills and value for money – with its highly competitive pricing strategy.

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VMZINC Shingles in PIGMENTO Red have been used on Module 1 of University Campus Suffolk's landmark development at Orwell Quay in Ipswich. The first of 6 phases has provided predominantly student accommodation within the rapidly transforming Ipswich Waterfront. The subtle red of the zinc provides a distinctive focal point which, because of its naturally developing patina, will not require recoating. PIGMENTO colours are chromate-free and achieved by adding mineral pigments to pre-weathered QUARTZ-ZINC®. This preserves the naturally grained texture of pre-weathered zinc without affecting its environmental properties.

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One of London’s newest luxury hotels is home to bespoke key card switches that perfectly complement its other electrical wiring accessories after Hamilton Litestat was commissioned to design and manufacture a special adaption from its Sheer CFX range of switch plates, sockets and lighting controls.

The Grange St Paul’s, which is located in the heart of the City’s financial district, is one of the area’s newest five-star hotels in which everything has been designed to elevate guests to new levels of luxury and elegance, down to the smallest detail.

Decorative electrical wiring accessories manufacturer, Hamilton Litestat, supplied its Sheer CFX range of switch plates and sockets throughout all of the hotel’s 400+ rooms; the ultra slim plates and patented concealed fixing system making stylish design statements out of what are often overlooked items within interior schemes. A bright chrome finish was chosen throughout to complement the hotel’s contemporary interior and a specially adapted key card switch, which integrates with a KNX building management system, was designed by Hamilton’s wiring accessories experts in the same chrome finish to meet the hotel’s energy saving specifications whilst blending aesthetically with the other accessories. The card switch also features a blue LED locator and an adjustable time delay, ranging from 10 seconds to five minutes.

“Our Sheer CFX range is one of our slimmest profile designs and has proved popular in very chic, contemporary settings because it sits almost flush to the wall, offering a particularly sleek appearance with no visible fixings,” said Ian Hamilton, Managing Director. “Whilst the range already holds a wide variety of switch plates, sockets and lighting control plates, we are always able to adapt products or design bespoke items from scratch, in order to fulfil specific requirements without losing the overall look and feel of the chosen design.”

This wiring accessories order for the Grange St Paul’s Hotel was supplied through the Islington branch of Senate Electrical Ltd.

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MX Group continues to take the shower sector by storm, with yet more impressive new offerings from its latest new product launch.

MX Group has launched its impressive new Atmos range of thermostatic mixer showers into the marketplace – with most models carrying TMV2 approval. All fully thermostatically controlled and with separate flow and temperature controls, they are all suitable for high and low pressure systems. They all come with either a three or five year manufacturer’s guarantee.

This new range is impressive both in looks and performance and provides an excellent choice of showers for any bathroom, with a selection of very traditional and modern, innovative designs to compliment exactly the look of any bathroom or wetroom. Within the range, there’s a selection of straight and curved riser rails, exposed and concealed valve options, traditional showers or those with diverters allowing a choice of a separate multi-mode handset or a large overhead spray – it’s always nice to have a choice!

Group Marketing Manager Sasha Davies says: “MX has a growing range of range of Thermostatic Mixer Valves. These TMV2 and WRAS approved valves mean that MX has now become a very influential player within this market sector.”

With more than 7 million products or components heading out into the market each year, from the MX Group, it’s a company to reckon with. A leading shower tray manufacturer, and a major supplier of shower accessories, it’s building an enviable reputation as a major player in the thermostatic mixer shower and electric shower markets too.

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