Xtralite joins BIM library

The national BIM (Building Information Modelling) library has proved hugely successful to architects and specifiers for both new build construction and retro-fit renovation projects with a wide variety of products available.

Now, a leading rooflight manufacturer has added a range of its products to the library so that this important element of allowing natural light into buildings, providing ventilation, and complying with associated standards and regulations can be addressed at the time of specification.

“BIM is a very useful tool and one that we are proud to be associated with,” said Jim Lowther, sales director Xtralite. “We appreciate the importance of the tool during the specification process and how it supports the digital construction process delivering greater efficiencies and flexibilities in building design.”

Many products, including Xtralite’s X2 range, are featured with National NBS BIM library which also includes all technical specifications such as UV ratings, dimensions and suitability statistics.

“Detailed architectural specification can be achieved at all stages of projects now and BIM permits those specifications to be amended with ease to ensure client, construction, historic property considerations and industry regulations are adhered to,” said Jim. “The range of products we offer through this facilitate a number of solutions to roof lights requirements and full technical details are provided to aid specification.”

The range of products available are from the leading X2 range which allows specification for differing roof insulation thicknesses that historically have proved problematic.

“Our X2 range offers greater flexibility with its unique design but also addresses requirements for increased sustainability and building performance,” said Jim. “Our involvement with BIM re-enforces our commitment to working with all sectors of the construction industry to promote better building design both aesthetically and practically.”

Further information can be found by visiting www.xtralite.co.uk or by calling 01670 354 157 or visiting www.nationalbimlibrary.com/xtralite
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New warehouse space at Reynaers Birmingham HQ boosts capacity

Leading aluminium systems company Reynaers has benefited from a brand new warehouse facility at its new premises in Birmingham.

More than £6 million has been invested by Reynaers into the new HQ in Hollymoor Way, Northfield, thanks to ongoing success in the UK market.

Hugh Moss, Head of Marketing at Reynaers, said “The new warehouse has meant that our stock holding capacity has increased by almost 150%. This has allowed us to stock a more comprehensive range of systems and colours, reducing lead times to customers and increased our offerings in terms of stock.”

A dedicated showroom featuring Reynaers’ commercial, trade and high-end domestic products is now being built, as well as a brand new Training Centre and new installation rig designed for development, training and testing.

Further reinforcing its presence in the trade sector, Reynaers also exhibited its products for the first time at last month’s FiT Show.

Visit Reynaers’ website to see the stand’s highlights and an interview with Reynaers’ Managing Director Justin Hunter. Contact 0121 421 1999, email: reynaersltd@reynaers.com, or see the website: www.reynaers.co.uk to visit the new HQ.
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Kingspan takes the devil out of detailing

Kingspan Insulation has released a new technical bulletin and RIBA approved CPD article, designed to support enhanced detailing. The documents explore the effects of linear thermal bridging around openings in the building envelope, and present new research on the subject, allowing specifiers to use Kingspan Kooltherm Cavity Closer as a premium performance, one-size-fits-most solution.

The CPD article and technical bulletin are based on a thermal modelling study of jamb details by BRE Scotland. The study covers a variety of cavity wall constructions closed using Kingspan Kooltherm Cavity Closer. The calculated ψ–values within the study are considerably better than those given in the SAP Table K1 “Approved” column (which reflect the values given in “Accredited Construction Details”) and, in the BRE’s opinion, are equally applicable to the equivalent sill details.

Importantly, the resulting ψ–values can also be used as a “safe approximation”, for frame depths and overlaps (between the frame and Kingspan Kooltherm Cavity Closer) for a broad range of constructions. This makes it simpler for designers to specify enhanced detailing around openings in the building envelope.

To quantify the level of improvement, Kingspan Insulation goes on to compare the transmission heat transfer coefficient (HTB) calculated using the “safe approximation” ψ–values from Table 1 with that calculated using jamb and sill ψ–values from the SAP Table K1 “Approved” column, for four different dwellings. The HTB calculated using the “safe approximation” ψ–values is significantly better (up to 13% better) than that calculated using ψ–values from the SAP Table K1 “Approved” column.

The accredited CPD article is worth double points to RIBA Chartered Architects and can be accessed from the RIBA CPD website. Alternatively, the full technical bulletin – including the safe approximation ψ–values and relevant constructions – can be downloaded directly from www.kingspaninsulation.co.uk/psidetails
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Metsec opens this year’s apprenticeship applications

voestalpine Metsec plc has announced its plans to offer five more apprenticeships, with applications now open until the end of June.

Having employed nearly 50 engineering apprentices over the last two decades, the Black Country-based firm is continuing its commitment to bridging the skills gap and developing the next generation of engineers with its renewal of the award-winning training scheme.

Steve Giles, environmental, safety and training manager at Metsec, said “As an organization, we heavily focus on skills and best practice. We’re actively working towards ensuring 20% of our workforce comes from apprenticeships, and this year’s applications are a further commitment to that figure.

“As a leading specialist in cold roll forming, we believe the way to maintain our position of strength in the market is by passing our knowledge down and what better way than to continue our focus on nurturing young talent with a new round of apprenticeships.”

The apprenticeship scheme has seen success for both Metsec and its staff since its inception in 1998, with employees now at managerial and even director level within the business having started their careers on the scheme. Successful apprentices will learn basic metal working skills in the first year, with the opportunity to continue onto an advanced apprenticeship and obtain an NVQ Level 3.

Metsec is one of the few engineering companies to run an in-house apprenticeship scheme without external support and has previously been named Express & Star’s ‘Apprentice Employer of the Year’ and ‘Business of the Year’ at the Business is Good for the Black Country Awards.

Applications for the Metsec apprenticeship scheme are open now until the end of June, for apprentices to start in September.

For more information visit http://www.metsec.com/sustainability/apprenticeships/
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Rinnai takes on Man V Machine challenge

Rinnai, manufacturer of the market leading Infinity hot water heating units, has started a challenge that puts its product against tough opposition in the form of super league rugby team Widnes Vikings.

Rinnai, an official sponsor of the Widnes Vikings rugby league club, put its Infinity water heaters head to head with the players in a contest of Man v Machine. The result is a series of YouTube videos that, right from kick off, see the Rinnai brand putting in a sterling performance.

The challenge laid down to the Vikings was:

  • Rinnai water heaters can produce 1000+ litres from a unit weighing just 31kg. How quickly can a professional rugby player pull this weight against his peers?
  • Rinnai water heaters are accurate to 1°C of the chosen set point but how accurate are the Vikings?

After putting the team members through their paces in two gruelling playoffs, Gil Dudson, Vikings front row, headed the leader board for the club overall on both tasks – pulling 180 kgs in 10.93 seconds (most stored hot water systems are considerably heavier that Rinnai’s sprightly 31kg) and kicking the oval ball at a Rinnai unit to test accuracy – and the Rinnai units won hands down for specifiers, installers and end users alike.

Chris Goggin, Rinnai, says: “Relentless durability is a key feature of the Rinnai range of gas fired water heaters and that is the message we are aiming to get across by pairing with Widnes Vikings for this YouTube campaign. This is a brand-heavy, mass media campaign targeted at increasing market awareness, albeit in a light-hearted manner.

“The videos have been viewed on various platforms more than 21,000 times to date and impressions from the joint campaign with Widnes Viking platforms have created more than 55,000 to our Twitter profile. We are encouraging our customers to use the Rinnai/Vikings YouTube videos in their marketing, too, to raise awareness of the Rinnai brand to their clients.”

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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The search for Britain’s Best Cafe 2017 is on!

Following the success last year of SIG Roofing’s national competition to find Britain’s Best Cafe, the 2017 campaign is now under way.

Announced with the help of last year’s winners, Gail and Chris Murray, from the Super Sausage Cafe in Potterspury, near Milton Keynes, the competition will once again inspire hundreds of the nation’s cafes to canvass votes from their local customers and supporters.

2016 really showed that cafe customers value their regular stop-off for a great British breakfast, a tasty lunch or simply a strong cup of “builders’ tea”. With support from SIG Roofing’s 120 branches nationwide, who will be encouraging their own customers to vote and support their favourite local cafe, this year’s cafes will be vying to win a glorious trip to Cuba – to sample the stunning sun, sea and local delicacies.

In November, after all the votes have been counted, Andrew Wakelin, SIG Roofing Managing Director, will present the lucky national title holder and 14 regional winners with their awards at a ceremony in a prestige London venue.

Commenting on the Britain’s Best Cafe competition, he said “With a network of local branches covering the length of the UK, from Inverness to Plymouth, we have long-standing and close relationships with contractors right across the country. Knowing them and their daily routine inspired the idea of supporting and promoting the cafes that help them through the working day. These are businesses which, like us, understand the value of great product along with high service standards.”

Marketing Manager Janine Brady was involved with every aspect of the 2016 competition and says that SIG Roofing and cafe customers alike can look forward to another exciting competition this year.

With voting opening in July, SIG Roofing and their branch teams are gearing up for the competition, which last year attracted 500 entries from cafes and tens of thousands of public votes.

Janine Brady concludes, “We’re delighted that our 2016 winners Gail and Chris Murray had such a great time in New York City and they are determined to defend their title in 2017. Everything points to a bigger and better turnout this year and we can’t wait to support all the cafes that enter through our local branches, with this national competition.”

For more information please visit www.sigroofing.co.uk.
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Rinnai scores with Widnes Vikings rugby league sponsorship

Rinnai’s sponsorship of one of the biggest names and contenders in rugby league – Widnes Vikings – is kicking off at the start of this season.

The sponsorship, by a UK leader in hot water heating units and systems, will see the Rinnai logo and brand name displayed on the back of all Widnes players’ shorts. This will be the first time both parties have taken this unconventional but innovative style of sports sponsorship.

Recently, as our pic shows, the players met with Rinnai personnel to do some filming at the Widnes Vikings home ground. Says Rinnai Associate Director, Chris Goggin: “We have been filming some of the players and our technical staff at the training ground with some of the products. These short films will make their way on to YouTube and other social media. We are absolutely delighted to take an active sponsorship with Widnes Vikings, one of the biggest names in Rugby League. We share a common belief and approach in terms of excellence, innovation and responsibility to the wider community, and together we will be putting in place a specific social responsibility programme that we absolutely believe in – it is the right thing to do, simple as that.”

Rinnai is a worldwide brand name and has taken some major global sponsorships – including the Queensland Reds, The World Club World Cup event held January this year in Tokyo, the World Ice Skating Championships and the US Nascar competition held in Daytona, Las Vegas and other major American venues.

“The Widnes Vikings are also local to our own UK headquarters so it is all an excellent fit. We look forward to working with the team and staff.”

For Widnes Vikings CEO James Rule says: “2016 has been another landmark year for us as we chase our highest ever league position in Super League history whilst leading pioneering community engagement initiatives such as the newly launched Game Changer programme.

“Our business and the success we produce on and off the field is driven by the quality of our people and it has been evident working with Rinnai that we are welcoming into the Widnes Vikings “One Club” family a committed partner staffed by quality people who buy into our vision and who want to play an integral role in moving forward with excellence”.

The sponsorship package will see the Rinnai name featured in several ’live’ televised games on Sky Sports and in TV shows such as BBC’s ‘The Super League Show’.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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Heat Network seminar accredited by CIBSE

With the introduction of a new UK Test Standard for HIU’s and advances in technology, the District Heating market is progressing rapidly. We have therefore updated our CIBSE accredited CPD seminar, to provide the opportunity to explore the topic in depth. Here we identify some of the key technical considerations that are fundamental to improving user satisfaction levels, and the overall efficiency of the network.

Our seminar entitled “Next Generation Heat Networks – Key Considerations” is accredited by The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and provides credits towards consulting engineers’ Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

The seminar includes topics such as:

  • Regulations and Guidelines
  • Heat Network Design Principles
  • Heat Interface Units (HIUs)
  • Network Pipework Sizing
  • Central Plant – Capacity Calculation
  • Metering, Billing and Revenue Management
  • Remote Surveillance

The seminar is ideal for M&E consultants, developers and housing associations, and can be held at client’s premises or at the Evinox Energy offices in Chessington, and at a time convenient to you. Our speakers are highly experienced in Heat Networks with relevant professional qualifications. A certificate will be provided to all attendees for obtaining CIBSE CPD points and refreshments will be supplied.

Please contact us on 01372 722277 or complete the contact form on www.evinoxenergy.co.uk for further information or to book a seminar.
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Going with the flow? Xpelair helps installers upskill with expert training courses

As a business committed to driving education within the industry, Xpelair is offering two levels of learning – designed to help customers to stay ahead of the game when it comes to modern ventilation and the opportunity it presents.

Installers and contractors seeking to develop their skillset can now benefit from three different BPEC courses, all of which conform to the new Summit Skills syllabus for ventilation and are certified by the independent training organisation (BPEC). Through both theoretical and practical training, attendees can learn about the main types of domestic ventilation systems and how to install them safely and efficiently, then test them afterwards. On completion of the BPEC training, installers are certified to install all four ventilation systems for five years – including mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR).

In addition, Xpelair is also offering a free, industry-approved CPD seminar which covers the principles of heat recovery, meeting Passive House standards and best practice for domestic heat recovery – ideal for those seeking to gain a basic understanding of the MVHR opportunity within a limited time frame.

The BPEC course is housed within Xpelair’s purpose-built state-of-the-art training facility in Peterborough, whilst the CPD seminars are delivered across the UK. Both courses are run by the business’ team of ventilation experts who provide support and guidance to attendees beyond the four walls of the classroom.

Lee Stones, Category Manager for Xpelair, said: “As one of the UK’s leading manufacturers and developers in ventilation systems, we feel it’s only right that we share our expert knowledge with the industry and our customers.

“As we all know, the ventilation category has changed drastically in recent years; amid legislation reforms, the rise of the green agenda and a shift towards MVHR systems – which many installers still have had little to know experience of.

“As such, we’ve developed these courses specifically to cut through the confusion, helping them to stay fully up to date with industry changes and best practice in developing new systems, such as MVHR. We’d encourage all customers to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure they have the right skillset to meet future demand and grow their business.”

For any enquiries regarding Xpelair’s BPEC training courses and CPD seminar please email designs@redringxpelair.com or visit www.xpelair.co.uk.
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Rinnai all a-twitter with real news

Rinnai, designer and manufacturer of the ErP labelled A-rated Infinity range of continuous flow gas fired water heaters (including the new Infinity Solo with storage), has been at the centre of a Twitter flurry on social media.

Installers and contractors are giving a new meaning to ‘digital’ media as their fingers glide across Smart phones to post glowing reports on their experiences with Rinnai’s units and customer service.

For example, one Twitter follower tweeted, “Rinnai products are hard to beat! Others should aim to be half as good!” while another said, on the subject of space heaters (Rinnai leads the field in energy efficient gas fired space heaters for large spaces) with this: “I wouldn’t consider any other space heater in a church or hall – also the little 309FTR (space heater) is working a treat”

According to social-media.co.uk the top five most popular social networks in the UK are Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Google+, in that order.

And it’s not just Twitter that is acting as a conduit for installers talking about Rinnai. LinkedIn is also playing its part. One contractor simultaneously used the platform with Twitter to post a pic of an Infinity 16i water heater installation with the comment “Awesome bit of kit!”.

Chris Goggin*, Associate Director, Rinnai UK comments: “I couldn’t get off Twitter one night because of the positive conversations and feedback. Most of the time people go on to social media to moan or complain – unless there is something great to talk about. Obviously as a group we are doing something right.

He goes on to say: “In the office we are focusing on customer satisfaction and the bedding in of the expanded sales team. This kind of feedback is heightening our service levels.

“It is good to know that installers recognise Rinnai is not only supplying the UK with the most reliable individual units on the market, it is also offering end-users the peace of mind that comes with having chosen the most efficient, cost effective and reliable hot water systems, too.”

Last word goes to one installer who tweets: “They (Rinnai) value the trade, answer the phone, quality product, don’t sell past us, or expect us to sort design flaws!”

*Chris himself is no stranger to social media. He recently used Facebook to record an interview with Alex Gerrard of Widnes Vikings. Rinnai is sponsor of the rugby league side. “An impromptu Facebook live interview with @agerrard1 and Chris Goggin about our sponsorship with @WidnesRLfacebook.com/widnesvikingsr.

For more information on the RINNAI product range please visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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