First 10,000 trees planted for Buildbase customers

As a direct result of Buildbase customers joining the company’s paperless invoicing scheme, some 10,750 trees - sufficient to cover almost six football pitches - are currently being planted by SCA Timber in the Buildbase Lifecycle Forest area on SCA land at Ljusåsen in mid-Sweden.

“This is a fantastic start,” says Buildbase managing director Stephen Thompstone. “We’d like to thank all customers who’ve so far helped the environment through this tree-planting and paper-saving initiative. Already 150,000 invoices have been sent electronically, reducing waste in the construction supply chain. Our likely annualised saving on this basis should be around 300,000 documents."

"There are many more Buildbase customers out there who could still join our paperless billing scheme, and for each one signing up, a further 10 trees will be planted in the forest area that SCA has dedicated to us.”

Swedish wood supplier and FSC-certified forest owner SCA Timber plans its timber harvesting around 100 years into the future. Its pine and spruce trees start life in the company’s own tree nurseries, the largest of their kind in the world, and absorb carbon while in active growth. They will be harvested to make wood products at maturity in 80 -100 years’ time. SCA’s Swedish forests cover an area slightly larger in total than the whole of Wales.

     
Top Left: The SCA planter takes a young plant from the pack at his side, creates a planting hole with a specially-designed tool, dropping the plant down the chute to take its place in the next generation of FSC-certified sustainable forests in Sweden.

Top Right: Regenerating forests, absorbing CO2 and reducing paper: the three key benefits of the Buildbase electronic billing scheme. This is one of the 10,750 trees now being planted by SCA on behalf of Buildbase customers who’ve already joined the scheme.

TOMMY WALSH LAUNCHES DANSAND AT BUILDBASE TRADE SHOW

Tommy Walsh was a popular personality at a recent trade show organised by Buildbase. He was demonstrating one of his favourite new products, Dansand, a revolutionary new jointing sand that prevents weeds.

Staged at a number of Buildbase branches at different times of the year, trade shows are organised for local people working in the building industry. The Johnsons Buildbase event in Oxford was held on the eve of the World Cup. Among other football themed attractions, a David Beckham lookalike was showing off his footballing skills and posing for photos with guests.

The show featured nearly a hundred trade stands from leading names in the building industry who demonstrated their latest products and innovations.  Held on an annual basis, the event is a major highlight for local tradesmen including builders, carpenters, painters and decorators. Some 1800 guests attended the event which also raised funds for two charities, Help for Heroes and Child Reach International.

David Robertson of Buildbase said: “It was a wonderful night with a World Cup theme but having Tommy Walsh was a highlight.  He’s a great ambassador for the Dansand product and spent much of the evening chatting with guests, entertaining them with stories and some useful DIY tips.

“Although rain was forecast the weather looked after us and we were very pleased with the turnout.  The building trade was badly affected by the downturn in the economy but we are seeing a recovery now, although it’s still a bit fragile.

“Our Trade Show is a chance to say thank you to our many loyal, local customers with some entertainment and hospitality.  It’s also a chance for them to speak to manufacturers about the newest products for the building trade and get some technical advice.”

For example, Tommy Walsh’s Choice, Dansand, is a new jointing sand being distributed in the UK by Bradstone.  It prevents weeds from growing in newly laid or renovated block paving, patios and driveways without using environmentally harmful herbicides.

Oxford United FC says thank you to longest running sponsor

Oxford United FC is thanking Buildbase for its ten-year partnership with the club. As the club’s longest continuous main sponsor, Buildbase will no longer be the shirt sponsor for next season, but will maintain its links with OUFC by continuing to have a corporate box at the Kassam Stadium and assisting with other advertising support. 

Buildbase first agreed the shirt sponsorship in the 2001/2 season when the club moved to the new Kassam stadium. The company has always recognised the importance of local community links and its long support for OUFC has had benefits for all parties involved.

“We have really enjoyed our long association with the club.  It has been a very positive experience for us and has certainly established the Buildbase name throughout Oxfordshire and beyond,” says Buildbase director, Kevin Middleton.

“After ten happy years we are looking to introduce our name to a wider audience because we are a national builders merchant with branches up and down the country.

“However we will be continuing our links with the club as we have strong local connections.  Our head offices are at Oxford Business Park and our longest established branch – Johnsons Buildbase – is a few minutes from the stadium. 

“The Wembley final was an incredible day for us and we’re so proud of the players and the coaching team for their inspired, match-winning performance.  To have our name on the shirts of the players and all the thousands of fans was a real honour.  The occasion is one that we’ll all remember for a long time. 

“It’s been a strong partnership and we’ve made so many friends at the club.  We do, of course, wish Oxford United huge success now and in the future.”

OUFC chairman Kelvin Thomas said: “We’d like to say a big thank you to Buildbase for their loyal support over the years.  Ever since I have been involved with the club Buildbase have been so supportive in many ways, and throughout all areas of the club.

“I am really pleased that they were the sponsors the season we have got back into the Football League, and even more pleased that they have committed to continuing to support the club with advertising and hospitality.  The Buildbase relationship is a very strong and positive relationship and we look forward for that to continue for many years to come, as the club try and climb the Football League.”

Buildbase helps medal-winning gardens at Chelsea

The two gardens supported by Buildbase at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show have been rewarded with medals. The Children’s Society garden was awarded gold and the University of Worcester received a silver-gilt medal.
The Children’s Society garden, designed by Mark Gregory, has won a gold medal for the third year running.  Mark’s landscaping business, Landform Consultants, also won the ‘Best Contractor’ award.  The award recognises the contracting team who maintained the tidiest site at Chelsea Flower Show.  As landscape contractors, Landform is a regular customer of the Buildbase branches at Heathrow and Chessington.

Materials for the construction of the Children’s Society garden were supplied by Buildbase at Peckham and from manufacturer Marshalls.

The garden design takes its inspiration from a Well-being survey published by the charity which showed that young people were happiest when spending time with family and friends.

It is the first year that the University of Worcester has taken part in the show.  Their silver-gilt medal-winning garden was designed by Olivia Kirk. It highlights the important work of the university-based National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit (NPARU), which is making a vital contribution to allergy research in the UK. The garden features low allergen plants and materials, including low-VOC paint and sustainably sourced timber.

Buildbase branches at Peckham and Worcester supplied materials to build the university’s garden and plant and machinery were supplied by Hirebase at Peckham.  Contractors Speller Metcalfe are regularly supplied by Bullock Buildbase in Worcester and Dunpark Civils at Bilston.
 “We’d like to congratulate everyone who has been involved in the creation of these wonderful gardens,” says Nigel Bullock, Buildbase product manager.  “We’re delighted to have played a part and helped them achieve these top medals at Chelsea.  

“The gardens are built from scratch in about three weeks so it’s vital that everything arrives at the right place, at the right time.  We’ve worked closely with the designers and contractors to make sure that we meet their requirements and give them a superb service. 

“When the finished gardens are awarded gold and silver-gilt medals, it’s a reflection of everyone’s hard work and commitment.”

WE DID IT! OXFORD UNITED FC BACK IN THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Buildbase would like to congratulate everyone who helped secure success for Oxford United and promotion back into the Football League. As the club’s longest continuous sponsors Buildbase is proud to have added its support and backing to OUFC over the past ten years.

Oxford United were victorious in the Conference League play-offs at Wembley, beating York City by 3 – 1. Around 33,000 travelling supporters had an incredible day at the home of football and filled the stadium with a sea of yellow.

“We must congratulate everyone who’s been involved in this amazing achievement – the players, manager, the chairman and, of course all the fans who turned out in their thousands,” says Buildbase managing director, Stephen Thompstone. “We are so proud to have played our part through sponsorship over the past ten years. It was an unforgettable day and the occasion seemed to bring together the whole of the county. A chance to go to Wembley and get a convincing win was like our own cup final success.”

Oxford United FC - Blue Square Premiership promotion final

Buildbase would like to wish Oxford United FC all the best for the Blue Square Premiership promotion final at Wembley on Sunday 16 May.  As the club’s longest continuous sponsor Buildbase has given its backing to the club for ten years and is delighted that OUFC has won this chance to return to the football league. 

Buildbase staff and customers will be among the thousands of loyal supporters who will be cheering for the U’s on Sunday.  It marks the club’s return to Wembley, 24 years after they won the Milk Cup in 1986.  The club has had a wonderful run under the skilled management of Chris Wilder and this has culminated in a place in the play-off final. 

It will be an incredible and thrilling day out and all the action will be televised on Sky.

Come on you Yellows!

Buildbase trial displays targeted at the trade

     
Four Buildbase branches are trialling a new European-style display concept to boost trade sales. The Buildbase Display for Professional Building Solutions has been installed at Gloucester, Cradley Heath, Portsmouth and Bolton branches.

The display has up to 22 panels, each featuring an individual supplier. The panels have been prepared with the manufacturer’s support and feature product information, new ranges, installation advice or working applications. Each panel has its own lighting and power and some have video screens for added interest.

They are located in the self-select stores area where there is maximum footfall. The target audience is the professional trade customer including homebuilders and renovators.

“We’ve been inspired by the way builders merchants in Europe promote their products,” says Martin Lee, Buildbase commercial director, who has masterminded the project. “In many European countries merchants combine their showroom and stores areas. They have more of these large product displays to keep trade customers posted on new products, advice on application and building solutions."

“It’s only practical where we have plenty of space, but the displays are a really attractive feature in the stores and we’ve already had some positive feedback.”

To increase awareness of the displays, all trade customers at the four branches will be contacted in April with a book of special offers relating to the products and suppliers featured. These trade offers will run for three months.

Product sales will be monitored at three, six and nine-monthly intervals to measure impact on sales. Based on their success the displays will be extended to other Buildbase branches throughout the UK.

Buildbase supports two gardens at Chelsea Flower Show

     
Buildbase will be supporting two exciting gardens at the 2010 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. A variety of building materials will be supplied for the construction of the University of Worcester’s low allergen garden designed by Olivia Kirk and also for the Children’s Society’s garden designed by Mark Gregory.

The University of Worcester Garden will highlight the important work of the University-based National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit (NPARU), which is making a vital contribution to allergy research in the UK.

The garden, which represents the university’s first attendance at Chelsea, will feature low allergen plants and materials, including low-VOC paint and sustainably sourced timber.

The garden will feature smooth stone pavings, which pass under a pergola offering shade and shelter with seating and small pools of water. The pergola has coloured glass pieces, which will reflect the changing light throughout the day and be picked up by the garden lighting in the evening.

After the show the garden will be transferred to the university for staff, students and visitors to enjoy. The NPARU produces all of the UK’s pollen forecasts, carries out vital research into allergens, provides a forensic service for the police, and carries out product testing.

Buildbase is working with the Children’s Society charity for the second year to provide materials for their show garden at Chelsea, designed for the modern family. Designer Mark Gregory has taken his inspiration from The Children’s Society’s Well-being report, giving teenagers a garden where they can spend time with their family and friends and relax in a safe and stylish environment.

The covered lounge seating area is an ideal place for the family to unwind around a safely designed fire pit. The area is vented and surrounded by curtains for privacy and warmth. The family can relax in the naturally filtered plunge pool or make pizzas in the large outdoor oven.

Multi-stemmed Acer campestre trees enclose the garden and provide dappled shade. Large Euonymuos and Viburnum shrubs sit alongside Aquilegia and foxgloves while ferns weave through the planting creating texture. Aquatic plants separate the large stepping stones around the naturally filtered plunge pool.

The Children’s Society Garden is a modern, urban retreat that takes inspiration from what makes children and young people happy and delivers it with style.

“For us, Chelsea Flower Show represents a good opportunity to showcase various garden landscaping products,” says Nigel Bullock, Buildbase product manager. “It is the UK’s best-known and best-loved horticultural event and is the first high-profile show in the gardening calendar.

“Olivia Kirk and Mark Gregory are both bringing innovative designs that are memorable and sure to draw lots of attention. The University of Worcester’s low-allergen garden is especially interesting because this is an aspect that many of us might incorporate when we are planning a garden.

“For the Children’s Society Garden, Marshalls will be supplying the main paving for the garden – a natural Yorkstone. Buildbase is pleased to be working with Marshalls as we are one of the UK’s biggest outlets for their products, especially through our Civils and Lintels branches.”

This years event runs from Tuesday 25th - Saturday 29th May 2010

Buildbase Champions of Distinction

     
Picture: Martin Watson of Days Buildbase, Portsmouth, receives the SCA Cup as the top graduate with the latest group of Buildbase Timber Champions.

Nine of this year’s Buildbase Timber Champions gained a Distinction and five gained Credits in the Timber Studies Award from IWSc: The Wood Technology Society. To celebrate their achievement, and to consolidate knowledge gained on the course, this latest group of Buildbase Timber Champions were taken to Sweden to visit SCA Timber’s forests, tree nurseries and wood production units. During the visit, the top graduate from the 2009-10 SCA course, Martin Watson of Days Buildbase, Portsmouth, was awarded the annual cup for the best student. He scored 91% in the course exam.

Buildbase takes delivery of RKL’s first TRADA Q-Mark plywood

Buildbase has taken delivery of the UK’s first delivery of Q-Mark plywood from leading importer, RKL Plywood. The delivery, which comprised Q-Mark Plywood in 9, 12 and 18mm thicknesses, was made to Coventry branch, Bailey Buildbase.

Since becoming the first company to receive Q-Mark certification for plywood, RKL has received a huge number of enquiries and interest in the product it has branded as ‘Q-Board’.

The Q-Mark certification, set by UK notified body BM TRADA Certification, is an internationally-recognised quality mark which goes beyond CE marking. The scheme is set out to show consistency in the manufacture and production of a product that is fully CPD (Construction Products Directive) compliant for use in structural application. Q board is the only hardwood throughout product that conforms to BS EN 13986 and BS EN 636 part 3.

Photo: Geraint Hawkes (left), RKL Plywood MD and Stephen Thompstone, Buildbase MD, mark the UK’s first delivery of Q-Mark plywood. The delivery was made to Bailey Buildbase in Newport Road, Coventry.

The Q-Mark scheme was introduced by BM TRADA Certification and sets the new bench mark for tropical hardwood plywood production, which is fully supported by comprehensive test data.

Buildbase will be the first builders’ merchant to supply the product. Stephen Thompstone, Buildbase managing director, said: “To take the UK’s very first delivery of Q-Mark plywood is a landmark for Buildbase and for the industry. The quality and provenance of building materials, especially timber and panels products, is important to us. Buildbase was the first national builders’ merchant to stock FSC-certified timber at all its branches in 2004 and the first to stock FSC hardwood plywood in 2006."

“We are confident that there will be a healthy demand for the Q-Mark Plywood because we now have complete assurance of its quality being certified by TRADA. This will definitely be the first delivery of many throughout our branch network.”

Geraint Hawkes, managing director of RKL Plywood, said: “We’re delighted to be making our first delivery to Buildbase and to be bringing first-rate products to market."

“RKL has experienced a surge in demand for high-quality products since being awarded the Q-Mark certification. Q-board ticks all the boxes and is the only hardwood plywood product that is specifically manufactured for the use on floors, ceilings and walls, both internally and externally.”

BUILDBASE AND SCA LAUNCH LIFECYCLE FOREST

Left to right: Anders Ek, international marketing director,
SCA Timber and Stephen Thompstone, Buildbase
managing director, at SCA’s Bogrundet tree nursery,
with some of the tree saplings that will become part of
the Buildbase Lifecycle Forest in Sweden.

For every customer who switches to electronic billing, Buildbase is sponsoring the planting of 10 sapling trees in a dedicated area of SCA Timber’s FSC-certified forests in Sweden. The ‘Buildbase Lifecycle Forest’ is to be located in the Ljusåsen area. Buildbase managing director Stephen Thompstone recently visited SCA’s Bogrundet tree nursery in Sweden to see the first saplings ready for planting.

This is the first time SCA Timber Supply has dedicated part of its productive forests to a specific customer. The saplings, which will be planted from this summer’s planting season onwards, will grow and absorb carbon until their maturity, and they will be harvested in 80-100 years’ time.

“Electronic billing saves cost and time as well as reducing waste,” says Buildbase MD Stephen Thompstone. “We’re thanking our customers with the planting of these new trees, promoting a cycle of new growth. We’re also supporting our customers by making available certified timber from responsibly-managed forests, which is much in demand.”

SCA Timber’s international marketing director, Anders Ek, adds: “Resource efficiency is a by-word at SCA, running through the supply chain from our 2.6 million hectares of forests to our finished wood products, delivered to Buildbase branches. We’re pleased to support the campaign for electronic billing, which in turn enables Buildbase customers to increase their own business efficiency.”

Buildbase actions on resource efficiency include establishing an Environmental Champion at each branch, responsible for achieving the company’s targets in the construction industry campaign to halve waste to landfill by 2012. Other environmental initiatives have included the Buildbase Go Green Roadshows staged during January.

As a company Buildbase adheres to a Sustainable Development Policy that ensures all its activities, plans, services and products are examined for their impact on the environment. It includes an environmental policy, corporate procurement policy, health and safety policy and charity/community policy.

BUILDBASE EXPANDS EQUESTRIAN BEDDING SUPPLIES

Thompson Buildbase in Miller Road, Preston, has been supplying top quality wood shavings for equestrian bedding for over 25 years. The product, known as Thoroughbred shavings, is now available from more branches around the UK.

Buildbase sources the shavings from Severn Timber and its parent company, SCA, who produce it as a by-product from timber machining. The Thoroughbred shavings are of superior quality, using only softwood which is soft and absorbent with minimal dust. SCA is renowned for its environmental credentials and, like its timber, the Thoroughbred shavings are FSC-certified.

With its proven expertise in this field Buildbase has extended its supply of the shavings to more branches within the UK to create a nationwide network. In the Midlands, for example, these include: Thrapston, Coventry (Holbrooks), Coalville and Telford.

CHESTERFIELD BUILDER WINS NEW VAN IN LUCKY NEW YEAR BOOST

Kevan Flanagan, national key account manager (left)
and Tim Reece, manager at BMB Buildbase (right),
present the van keys to local customer Michael Bunting.

A Chesterfield builder has celebrated a lucky start to 2010. He has won a brand new Iveco Daily Van worth £14,000. Michael Bunting, proprietor of Bunting Construction in Ashgate called into BMB Buildbase in Chesterfield, to collect the prize.

Buildbase joined forces with Lafarge Cement to run the national competition on Mastercrete in Plastic. Having bought the product during the promotion period, Michael’s name was drawn as the lucky winner.

“I received the phone call from Tim Reece at Buildbase just before Christmas and it was wonderful news” says Michael Bunting. “I’ve been in the trade for 20 years and last year was a rough year for us so this really cheered us up."

“Tim and the team at Buildbase are very professional and I enjoy doing business with them. I can’t remember the last time I won something so this is a wonderful start to the new year.”

BUILDBASE CHARITY SPORTING CALENDAR

The Buildbase 2010 sporting calendar is now available. The ‘Winning Team Sporting Calendar’ features 12 large colour photographs of dramatic sporting action. For each calendar Buildbase is requesting a £2 donation for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The images depict sports where Buildbase has supported teams through sponsorship such as the CM Buildbase MX1 motorcross, Honda Formula 4 Powerboat Series, the Coventry Buildbase Bees, the Buildbase Kawasaki British Superbikes, Oxford United and the Lotus Elite Trophy where David Harvey is sponsored by Buildbase Civils & Lintels. There is also a photo of Team Shetland who were sponsored by Buildbase in the Natwest Island Games.

“This is the fourth sporting calendar that we’ve put together and they’ve been really well received,” says Buildbase managing director Stephen Thompstone. “Almost all our customers, staff and suppliers follow one or more sports and we’ve managed to find some tremendous action photos. We’re sure everyone will be quite happy to donate a few pounds to Macmillan for a top quality sports calendar.”

Copies of the calendar, in wall or desk format, are available from branches of Buildbase and Buildbase Civils & Lintels, while stocks last.

BUILDBASE ‘GO GREEN’ ROADSHOW OPENS UP GREEN SALES OPPORTUNITIES

Tony Booth -
Product Development Manager

Buildbase is taking a roadshow around the UK to educate staff about the latest environmental legislation and products available. The ‘Go Green Roadshows’ will showcase key environmental products and help branches understand the changing demands of the construction industry driven by legislation, consumer demand and environmental concerns.

During January presentations will be held at five locations – Perth, Chester, Leicester, Bristol and Hatfield – with a complementary supplier display area involving ten companies specialising in environmental technology.

Over 350 representatives from Buildbase and other brands within Grafton Merchanting GB will be attending the half day events. Information and literature will then be provided for branches to support staff with their customer enquiries for sustainable products.

The roadshows have been co-ordinated by product development manager Tony Booth, who will be addressing delegates on new industry legislation including Code for Sustainable Homes, ISO14001 and the Chain of Custody.

Four suppliers will be giving presentations on their products including: Dave Hall of Grant UK (solar heating and solar PV); Peter Fergusson, Trianco (air source heat pumps); Neil Christer, Villavent (heat recovery and ventilation) and Kevin Roe, Kingspan (rainwater harvesting). Other manufacturers involved in the product display include: Brett Landscaping; IKO; Xtratherm; Fakro; Marley Eternit and Aggregate Industries.

Richard Coles, Buildbase lightside product manager, will be covering Buildbase green initiatives including what the business has achieved so far and future plans. Richard will speak about preferred suppliers, product categories, marketing, training, branch displays, Buildbase green rooms, the Go Green brochure and website and the intranet enquiry and order facility.

Speaking about the aims of the roadshow, Tony Booth said: “This is such an important, emerging market but there is a lot of information that can be confusing. The presentations will demystify the subject and give key staff the chance to learn and ask questions. The ultimate aim is to drive sales forward and give our branches the expertise to sell these products with confidence.”

The content of the presentations will be available on the website as a reference point for staff.

Buildbase has environmental champions at the majority of its branches who have a greater depth of knowledge in this field.

BRICK-MATCHING AVAILABLE ON-LINE

Buildbase now has a brick-matching service on its website called Brickbase.  To help customers choose from literally thousands of bricks available, the webpage gives options for colour, type, texture and size.  From these choices a list of brick types is given that most closely meet the specification.  When customers have selected a brick range, the enquiry is passed through to their nearest branch for follow-up.

“Many of our branches offer an excellent brick-matching service and some have comprehensive brick libraries, but we wanted to offer this to all customers, wherever they are based,” says Buildbase marketing manager, Tony Newcombe.  “Finding the right brick can be time-consuming so we’ve designed the website service to be as simple as possible. It’s proving popular so far, partly because the enquiry is followed up by the customer’s local branch to give the personal touch and ensure they are happy with the suggested match.”

Click here to visit www.brickbase.co.uk

HEALTH & SAFETY ROADSHOW VISITS HIREBASE BRANCHES TO HIGHLIGHT SILICA HAZARD

A roadshow will be visiting Hirebase branches between October and March 2010 to alert staff and customers to the dangers of silica.  The events are part of the government’s Working Well Together (WWT) campaign.

The awareness days will inform local builders, and staff working at Buildbase and Hirebase, about the risks of using crystalline silica.  The material is used by construction workers for kerbing and stonework and is particularly dangerous when being cut as the minute particles can be inhaled or irritate eyes and skin.  Advice on using PPE (personal protective equipment) such as goggles, gloves and masks will be given, together with guidance on the tools that can help to minimise the dust.

Crystalline silica is a major constituent of many construction products such as kerbing, paving blocks and concrete.  The act of cutting, drilling, grinding or polishing these products creates airborne dust and the smaller particles can be inhaled and enter the lung causing a number of serious health problems. 

It is now known exactly how many construction workers are exposed to this hazard but it is estimated that there may be as many as 10 deaths a week in the building industry.  Research suggests that silica is the second most important cause of occupational lung cancer after asbestos.

“We are pleased to be able to host these awareness days because many of our customers may not understand the full danger of working with silica,” says Adrian Watts, Buildbase hire manager. “As well as displays and a DVD explaining the key messages, there will be representatives to chat with customers and leaflets to take away as a reminder.
“Perhaps some of our customers are not as careful about wearing masks because they find them uncomfortable.  We can show them the latest designs that are easier to wear and, at the end of the day, where health is at stake, it’s vital that we get this message across.”

Dates will be well publicised at Buildbase/Hirebase branches in coming weeks.

ORANG UTANS HAVE BAGS OF FUN THANKS TO BUILDBASE

Bailey Buildbase in Nuneaton has found a new use for its bulk aggregate bags.  The branch has donated some of the jumbo bags to Twycross Zoo for the entertainment of its four Bornean orang utans.

“We had supplied some building materials to the zoo including some sand which was delivered in jumbo bulk bags as usual,” says Dave Adams, manager at Buildbase’s Nuneaton branch.  “We noticed with amazement that the empty sacks were a favourite plaything for the orang utans.  They climbed into them and hid, took them up into the branches and sat in them.  We could see how much fun they were having that we’re happy to give the sacks to the zoo.”

Twycross Zoo in Burton Road, Atherstone, has four Bornean orang utans, an endangered species in the wild.  Batu, aged 20, has been at the zoo for 14 years, Kibriah, 32 years, and Miri, 5, were both born at the zoo.  Malika, 16, came from Chester Zoo some 10 years ago.

Tanya Clayton, deputy section head of Asian apes at Twycross Zoo, said: “They may have taken a liking to the large sacks because of the size and they like to play underneath them.  Miri and Maliku will play under them and Batu will use it as a cloak.  Maliku uses the sacks as a hammock-like hanging chair. 

“They all use the sacks like a huge shopping bag and put lots of bark and grass in them.  They’ll bring all the items inside, empty the contents and start all over again!

“Our family of orang utans at Twycross Zoo get a lot of enjoyment from the sacks and it’s an ideal opportunity to recycle them.  The orangs will keep the sacks and play, carry and hide in them until they’re almost thread-bare.”

Bornean orang utans (pongo pygmaeus) are the largest tree-living apes.  They have distinctive long red hair all over their bodies.  The mature male has distinctive large flanges (cheek pads) and a throat pouch.  Both sexes have extremely long arms which they use for swinging through the trees. They are omnivorous with most of their diet consisting of fruit and leaves although they will take insects such as termites and small vertebrates like frogs.  A mature female will only breed every six years, giving her a maximum of four to five young per life-time.  This is one of the reasons they are declining in the wild.

GRAFTON COMMITTED TO RESPONSIBLE TIMBER PURCHASING

Grafton Group’s GB merchanting businesses have been recognised by the Timber Trade Federation for adopting the Responsible Purchasing Policy (RPP) for timber and timber products. Buildbase, Jackson Building Centres and Selco Builders Warehouses are some of the first builders merchants to commit to the TTF policy.

In 2004 Buildbase was the first national merchant to achieve FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification for all its branches. Buildbase and Grafton’s other builders merchants brands in Great Britain, namely Selco Builders Warehouses and Jackson Building Centres, are now at the forefront of procurement protocol by committing to the TTF’s RPP for timber and timber products.

The RPP is a tool that helps TTF members to implement the Environmental Code of Practice in the TTF Code of Conduct. This states that ‘members are committed to sourcing their timber and timber products from legal and well-managed forests’. It complements the UK/EU global policy objective to stop illegal logging.

RPP helps TTF members assess the risk of illegal and unsustainable wood products entering their supply chains. The policy is complementary to the internationally recognised environmental certification systems for wood products such as FSC and PEFC.

“We place great emphasis on responsible purchasing and made it a priority to commit to the TTF’s RPP,” says Kevin Middleton, managing director, Grafton Merchanting GB. “We are among the first merchanting organisations to take this progressive stance on timber procurement environmental issues."

“With greater awareness in the industry, more customers are enquiring about our procurement policy, particularly our partnering clients, and this interest in environmental issues will only intensify. At Grafton we are working hard with our suppliers to look into every aspect of responsible procurement.”

Within GMGB, L&G Forest Products and Hendricks Lovell’s specialist Timberline brand are committed to responsible timber purchasing and will shortly be adopting the TTF’s RPP. Timberline already has an Environmental Code of Practice authorised through Control Union Certification.

RAMS’ BOSS OPENS DERBY

A week of celebrations was held to mark the completion of an 18-month project to transform Lakes Buildbase in Derby.  The official relaunch was performed by Derby County FC manager Nigel Clough and club president Tom Glick.

Lakes Buildbase at Lake House, Parcel Terrace in Derby occupies a large five-acre site and has undergone a three-phase project to extend and improve the facilities for customers and the 50-strong workforce.  Although its history dates back nearly a hundred years in the area, today the branch is an impressive operation, supplying timber, roofing, plumbing and building materials to tradespeople and home improvement customers.  The branch also has Hirebase.

The main sales area, including building materials, roofing, Hirebase and offices, has been rebuilt and more than doubled in size.  The plumbing and heating area, previously run from a separate branch in Great Northern Road, has been relocated to Parcel Terrace and now includes a kitchen and bathroom showroom.  A fully-equipped timber service mill has been added and a new hard landscaping area has been created to display  the latest decorative paving, walling and fencing products.

There are long-standing links between the business and its local football club.  Each year Lakes Buildbase has staged a large customer event at the club and was the first commercial organisation to book an event at the new Pride Park stadium while it was still under construction.

“We’re delighted that Nigel and Tom joined in our celebrations,” says John Lake, Buildbase regional director.  “Many of our customers and staff are keen supporters and as a company we’ve given our backing to the club for decades. Nigel achieved such a lot with Burton Albion and now we’re proud that he’s come back home!

“Both Nigel and Tom are customers.  When he’s carried out home improvement work in the past Nigel has called in for building materials and, in recent months, Tom’s hired equipment from Hirebase.”

FIRE DOOR LICENCE SPEEDS UP DELIVERY

Buildbase at Milton Keynes can now cut and glaze fire doors in 7-10 working days, rather than the 6-8 weeks that it could previously take. Manager Keith Henley has gained ISO9001:2008 Quality Management Certification together with BWF-Certifire Certification for the modification of fire doors.

This certification enables the branch to cut and glaze apertures in Premdor or Jeld-Wen manufactured fire doors, under licence.

Milton Keynes branch already has a strong joinery business supplying doors to local builders and carpenters, as well as regional and national housebuilders.

“This was a natural step forward for us to take to capture some additional and profitable business and compete with the specialist joinery companies up and down the country,” says Keith. “Previously they could modify their own stocked fire doors and supply them to our customers a lot quicker than I could obtain them from a manufacturer.“

"Many more dwellings are being converted and built where fire doors are specified. There is also a need for communal area and lobby doors to be apertured and specially glazed. We’re now able to use doors from our own stock and modify them to meet this demand. It also benefits other branches because they can secure additional standard door business.”

Other applications where we can supply standard and modified fire doors include replacement doors for schools, colleges, hospitals, nursing homes, hotels and offices, where speed of supply is essential.

BUILDBASE SUPPORTS GREEN RACE CARS

Electric Race Car

Buildbase is supporting a race tournament for young people, driving electric cars.  As well as being great fun, the IMechE Greenpower competition promotes engineering and technology as an exciting career for those aged 9-25.

One of the cars is sponsored by Buildbase and signwritten with the logo.  The team technicians also wear Buildbase overalls which are sponsored by the company’s uniform manufacturer.

The car is taken to race meetings around the country and recently competed at the Rockingham Festival, followed by Goodwood.  There are further events throughout the summer and autumn.  The team came fourth at one meeting, just missing a podium place.

Kevin Johns who works at the Bow branch of Buildbase is involved in the Greenpower scheme.

“Two of my children were racing the cars at their school in Bexley and I started helping out,” says Kevin.  “Now I drive the trailer or the minibus when they have events.   We go all over the country and the racing is really competitive.

“It’s such a good scheme because the kids are entirely responsible for designing, engineering and racing the cars.  They learn a lot about engineering but it’s a very absorbing hobby that gets the whole family involved.”

The event’s green credentials and educational role have attracted lots of high profile sponsors including Ford, Prodrive and Shell.  It has three racing categories to suit primary, secondary pupils and those in further education.  There is also a Corporate Challenge where businesses can take part.

To see the race meetings and learn about Greenpower, visit www.greenpower.co.uk

BUILDBASE STAFF ARE TOP FUNDRAISERS FOR MACMILLAN

Macmillan Cancer Support is saying a big ‘thank you’ to Buildbase staff, customers and all friends and family who contributed to the impressive total of £106,549 that was raised for the charity in 2008/9.

Giant thank you cards are travelling around the branches as a very visible message for  employees and customers.  The centre of the card features photographs of some of the wonderful fundraising activities that helped Buildbase reach the final figure. 

There was special praise for each of the branches within Buildbase’s four divisions who raised the most funds per employee.  The winners were:  BMB Buildbase in South Kirkby (North); Edwards Buildbase in Redditch (Midlands); Islay Buildbase (Scotland) and BSG Buildbase in Barking (South).

The largest contribution from a single activity came from the ten runners in the Buildbase team who ran the Berlin Marathon last September.  Their contribution approached £20,000.

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT HELPED BY BUILDBASE

Buildbase is giving its support to a new community initiative that will clean up neglected areas of the local community and restore local pride. Northwich Buildbase is donating a variety of decorating and gardening products to RAP, the “Respect Action Program”.

Run by Cheshire West & Chester Unitary Authority and the Cheshire Probation Service, the project involves offenders carrying out community service in the local area. Work includes the clear up of unsightly areas in the locality. Workers will remove fly tipped rubbish, paint over graffiti, smarten up vandalised buildings and carry out landscaping and gardening.

The Northwich branch is backing the project by donating painting and decorating materials, cleaning materials and P.P.E, wheelbarrows, rubble sacks etc.

Stuart Burton, manager at Northwich Buildbase, said: “This is a really worthwhile project and we’re pleased to give it our backing and support in a practical way. As a local builders merchant we’re an organisation that has long-standing links with Northwich and the surrounding area. We like to help community initiatives where we can and this is clearly something which benefits lots of different groups and will restore pride in the local community.

“We’re constantly being asked to support charities and local events and have to say no to many of them, however, I believe this is particularly worthwhile because it benefits everybody living and working within Cheshire West and Chester. This is a relatively new initiative in this area and will attract a lot of attention.”

NEW MACKINTOSH INSPIRED KITCHEN IS A WORK OF ART

A new kitchen, inspired by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, is the highlight of the Select luxury showrooms at Johnsons Buildbase in Oxford. 

Mackintosh earned world acclaim as a visionary in furniture, interior design and textiles and was a major force in the Art Nouveau movement at the turn of the 20th century.  Now the Mackintosh philosophy has inspired a range of contemporary and practical kitchens that reflect his artistic lines and motifs.

The dramatic showroom display at Buildbase incorporates a distinctive s-shaped island unit at its heart, echoed above by a canopy that houses the LED lighting.  At one end of the ‘snake island’ is a sink and a raised breakfast bar at the other.   The unit has its own hidden power supply so all appliances can be used here without wires crossing the floor.

The technology of Formula One has been used to create the quartz and metallic minerals worktop.  The Silestone range by Fernando Alonso is an advanced quartz surface that is high resistance yet has added benefits including Microban anti-bacterial protection.

An elegant high-gloss ivory finish on the units complements the linear walnut veneer of the central island. For sleek lines the cupboard doors have no handles and are opened by gently pressing the corner of each door.  If handles are specified the range has a wonderful selection that reflect the design emblems so unique to the Mackintosh style.

Appliances including fridge, freezer, microwave and wine cooler are discretely housed in a bank of cupboards across one wall of the kitchen.  Another wall features dresser unit including a flat screen tv and lit display cabinets.

The Buildbase display has samples of all finishes including natural oak, gloss black, framed walnut, lissa oak and more. 

BUILDBASE SUPPORTS GOLD MEDAL-WINNING GARDEN AT CHELSEA

Designer Mark Gregory is celebrating a Gold Medal win for the second year running at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2009 with a garden for The Children’s Society, supported by Buildbase.

Mark’s vision of a chic, innovative and eco-friendly back garden to complement the Front Garden he built in 2008 impressed the judges with its host of ideas for how the modern family can live well while beating the credit crunch. Buildbase has supplied the majority of building materials used to construct the medal-winning garden.

The garden meets the challenge of the times with a recession-busting focus on recycling, water harvesting, space saving and growing vegetables without turning the precious plot into an untidy allotment.

Mark said: “It’s has been an emotional rollercoaster. I am delighted to win Gold for the second year in a row for The Children’s Society. I am immensely proud to come to Chelsea with a practical urban garden for the modern family and walk away with the highest accolade in the gardening world.”

Nigel Bullock of Buildbase, commented: “We give our warm congratulations to Mark and his team who certainly deserve this top award. Buildbase has a long and happy association with Mark and his business, Landform Consultants, supplying materials for many successful projects. The Children’s Society garden is a blueprint for how today’s families can enjoy their outdoor space and we are delighted to have been involved in its creation.”

This year’s event runs from Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 May 2009.

BUILDBASE SUPPORTS THE CHILDREN’S SOCIETY GARDEN AT CHELSEA

Buildbase has joined forces with The Children’s Society to help create a stylish and practical garden for the urban family at the 2009 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Designer Mark Gregory’s vision gets back-to-basics, providing fresh food for the table while allowing adults to spend quality time with their children. Buildbase has worked closely with the designer to supply the building materials used construct the garden.

The Children’s Society’s entry at Chelsea is a back garden to complement last year’s gold-medal winning Front Garden. It continues the story of a family who are very aware of where their food comes from and conscious about their environmental impact.

When putting together his garden, Mark Gregory took his lead from “A Good Childhood”, the landmark report of The Good Childhood Inquiry commissioned by The Children’s Society. The innovative design incorporates raised vegetable beds, a garden room for use as a playroom or home-office so that parents can work flexibly at home, is intended to embody some of the key things that children need to flourish. The report called for families to spend more time doing things together, for adults to pass on their learning and values to children, for children to contribute to the needs of others and for them to eat a healthy diet.

The garden is enclosed by pollution tolerant, multi-stemmed Ginkgo trees and vertical planting used as a living alternative to fencing. The vertical planting continues round the garden room, a quiet space for the family to play or work which houses a tool cupboard, a laundry dryer (lessening the family’s consumption of electricity) and discrete rain water storage. The garden’s stand-alone compost unit is built inside a smart herb-covered cupboard.

The raised vegetable beds and basalt water bodies stand alongside Buxus cubes, giving way to a gravel centre of the garden to help water run off and control snails and slugs. Cherry tomatoes, pak choi, salad leaves, beans and peas provide the family with fresh vegetables. Herbs and alpine strawberries nestle alongside ornamental planting, carefully blending the elements and making the most of the space available without sacrificing the garden’s contemporary style.

Buildbase has been involved in a number of memorable and award-winning gardens at Chelsea in the past. The builders merchant supplied building materials for two gardens designed by Julian Dowle, representing the Salvation Army in 2004 and the Chelsea Pensioners in 2005. The latter was awarded a Gold Medal, Best Show Garden and the RHS BBC People’s Choice award. In 2007 Buildbase sponsored Chris Beardshaw’s design entitled ‘Celebrating 100 years of Hidcote Manor Garden’ which won the RHS BBC People’s Choice.

This year’s event runs from Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 May 2009.

BUILDBASE COMMENDS AWARD-WINNING STRIKER

Striker James Constable pictured with Peter Butterfield
and OUFC chairman Kelvin Thomas.

The Oxford United FC Players’ Player award, sponsored by Buildbase, was won by star striker James Constable.  Buildbase director Peter Butterfield presented the award at the last match of the season and is pictured with OUFC chairman Kelvin Thomas.

James Constable was also named as Supporters’ Player of the Year and has just signed a three-year contract with Oxford United.  He was a major contributor to the performance of the club which finished just outside the play-off positions after a strong rally under manager Chris Wilder.

Peter Butterfield said: “We’re delighted that James won the award.  He’s such a central figure in the side who obviously inspires the other players and the fans.  It’s been a very exciting few months under Chris’s management and the U’s were ahead of all the Conference sides on recent form.

“We’re proud to be supporting Oxford United as main sponsor for the new season.  If we can carry forward the momentum it could be the best season yet.  Buildbase would like to add its support and belief to the club and its many loyal fans.”

CHARITY WINS AFTER PARTNERSHIP MATCH OF THE DAY

Rob Lofthouse (front left), captain of the CDHT team, receives the cup, with Stewart Rutter, captain of Buildbase Nantwich.

Nearly £300 was raised for the Countess of Chester Hospital as Buildbase took on Chester & District Housing Trust (CDHT) in a friendly football match at Chester FC’s Wood Farm training ground.

Family and friends watched colleagues from Buildbase’s Nantwich branch and CDHT.  Staff donated money to play and have raised money by selling cakes, muffins, pastries and bacon butties, with all proceeds going to the Children’s Ward at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

CDHT launched a new dedicated store in partnership with national builders’ merchant Buildbase in August last year. The store provides a dedicated trade counter service for the order and collection of materials for CDHT’s TrustWorks’ Maintenance Technicians, who are based at the trust’s Octavian Centre in Chester. 

Buildbase managed the store for CDHT. Brian Potts, Buildbase stores manager, came up with the idea of a charity football match and did much of the organisation.  He said:  “We played a full 90-minute game and, although CDHT won the match by 4 – 0, everyone agreed it was a really enjoyable event. Hopefully this will be the start of many charity football games to come, as CDHT hopes to start a mini-league in which local businesses can take part and play.”

Stella Williams, CDHT purchasing and performance manager, said: “All that training certainly paid off, as the crowd were treated to a decent game. Thanks very much to Chester FC for allowing us to use the training ground facilities, Chester Belles who provided a free after-match buffet and of course thanks to the players, who are members of staff who have given up their time to raise money for this great cause.”

MIKE IS TOP SCORING TIMBER CHAMPION

Timber champions visit SCA March 2009

Mike Small, who works at BMB Buildbase in Barnsley, has been named as the 2009 winner of annual SCA Cup for the highest performing Buildbase graduate completing the SCA Timber Supply IWSc Foundation course. He was presented with his trophy in Sweden where the latest group of 16 Buildbase and Selco IWSc graduates was visiting SCA’s forests, tree nursery and saw mills.

It is seven years since Buildbase and SCA began working together to train Timber Champions. Martin Lee, Buildbase commercial director, said: “It’s been a magnificent seven years of continuing skills improvement for our staff. The partnership with SCA has proved profitable for Buildbase, giving our employees the confidence to make use of the knowledge they’ve gained in their daily working lives.

“Buildbase was the first national merchant to stock FSC-certified timber in all branches and many of our businesses are known as timber specialists. The Timber Champions course reinforces our strength in timber and timber products.”

A photograph of the graduates was taken at Bogrundet, one of SCA’s three tree nurseries which between them grow around 85 million new trees per year. These operations plus the net growth in the company’s forests, which are slightly larger than Wales, combine to make SCA’s forest products more than double carbon-neutral. SCA is also celebrating 10 years of FSC certification in its forests this year.