54Evolution Tools and its R260DCTLi 36V cordless disc cutter
58Working faster and safer with hand protection
60Introducing Bobcat Safety Footwear
62Solid Gear Sonar WRP Low boots – reviewed
64The PB Podcast returns:
Professional Podcast
AND YOU CAN TOO, AS WE CATCH UP WITH SOME OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY’S MOST INTERESTING AND KNOWLEDGEABLE CHARACTERS ON THE NEW GROUND BREAKING PROFESSIONAL BUILDER PODCAST WITH LEE JONES AND EDWARD KELLY LEARN A NEW BUSINESS SKILL OR FINE TUNE AN OLD ONE FROM THE GUYS AND GIRLS AT THE SHARP END, WHO HAVE BEEN THERE, DONE IT AND GOT THE PB T-SHIRT TO BOOT!
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viewpoint
buy cheap, buy twice
The well-known adage goes: “Only a poor workman blames his tools”, but does this ring true in 2026?
Tools serve as the backbone of any tradesperson’s work. Whether it’s a trusty chisel, that hammer you’ve had in your toolbox for twenty years or the latest cordless multi-tool that you bought a few months ago, the contents of a toolbox are unique to its owner.
Tools themselves are almost like colleagues. They come and go and we all have our favourites. But when it’s time to buy a new tool and one of your trusty colleagues charges its last charge, how do you decide on what to buy next?
For some it’ll be a no-brainer. Indeed, there’s an almost tribal nature to tool brand loyalty amongst the UK’s jobbing builders, particularly where power tools are concerned. Whether you’re a die-hard Makita, DeWalt, Bosch, Festool or Milwaukee fan (or something else entirely!), a lot of tradespeople will attest to the brand they use and champion them above all else.
If you’ve used a power tool brand and it’s consistently performed well for you, that is now your evidence for its reliability, understandably so too. Power tools are no small investment, so the reassurance that what you’re getting is going to perform well for you is a welcome one. With battery-powered tools, there’s of course an added layer of vested interest now for the user as well, with brand-unique platforms encouraging this form of loyalty.
For those tradespeople not squarely set in the camp of one brand or another, the decision to buy a new tool might solely be placed on price and what’s on offer from their vendor of choice. While this is certainly understandable, (particularly given the added strain a lot of us are feeling financially) our advice at PB is never to just go with the cheapest option.
This goes beyond tools in general really and the same rings true for tool accessories (as you can read more about on page 64), building materials and
anything that you use for work really. This isn’t to say that going for the cheapest option is guaranteed to be a bad thing. The advice is not to base your decisions on that price alone. If something is going for an unbelievably low offer, just make sure to do your research on it. Otherwise, you may end up on the wrong side of “you get what you pay for”. Not everything is too good to be true, and you can definitely get a bargain out there that is more than worth your money. Just make sure you’re not basing a decision on price alone.
Indeed, you may find opting for the cheapest drill bits or screws without due research results in a return trip to buy something better when they all snap. While this can be a minor inconvenience on the smaller end, it’s a scalable problem. There’s been a lot of noise in the industry in the past few years with the rise of counterfeit products with forged certifications. This is particularly worrying for PPE and safety critical items like ladders. If these don’t perform on the day as expected, it can result in serious injury or even death.
It’s a problem that has been greatly exacerbated with the rise of third-party online merchants, where unscrupulous actors have a far easier job of selling something not up to standard and making a tidy profit off of your misfortune.
Online shopping is a great asset to have, but nothing will beat going into a brick-and-mortar store and dealing with someone tangible (not behind a screen) who can stand behind the products they’re selling with confidence and even offer a personal word or two of advice on what is best suited to your job at hand.
So, whether it’s replacing an old tool or buying some materials for a job, make sure you do your research and stay safe out there. For the best chances, make sure you’re buying from somewhere reputable. Head down to your local builders’ merchants and why not pick up the latest issue of Professional Builder while you’re at it?
BAND TO BUILD
Band of Builders releases schedule in the hopes of attracting more help
Band of Builders has released its schedule for the projects for the next months in the hopes more tradespeople will sign on to help to get them done. The fully registered construction charity helps tradespeople and their families battling illness or injury by completing various practical projects they need, free of charge.
Speaking about the decision to release their schedule, BoB’s Operations Director, Tony Steel, said “We know tradespeople have busy diaries, we’ve released our sixmonth schedule to give our volunteers as much notice as possible – plus details about what's involved in each project.”
FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBZ001
CARHATT ON TOP
Brand’s Gilliam Jacket named ‘Best for Durability’
Carhartt has celebrated the major success of its Gilliam Jacket, being named as the most durable in the Independent’s review of the best male puffer jacket brand. Carhartt's Gilliam Jacket outperformed its competitors in every capacity from wear and tear to being soaked, where the brand’s Rain Defender™ repellent finish on the jacket really came into its own. In any case the title is a major reassurance on both the quality and excellence of the Carhartt brand.
FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBZ002
POWERED
REDEMPTION
MIRACLE SAVE FOR CHURCH ROOF
Specialists step in to help save historic building
Pilbeam construction has offered to step in and help save the leaking roof of the All Saints Church in Lindfield. The Grade II historic building was in desperate need of repairs which will now be provided by Pillbeam who are specialists at restoring heritage sights.
Makita launch limited time XGT® battery redemption scheme
Makita have launched a new scheme where buyers can claim a free BL4040F battery for every £390 (excluding VAT) spent on qualifying XGT® products. Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK commented: “The new XGT® redemption promotion allows customers to claim a new battery when purchasing selected XGT® tools, helping them to get even more value from every purchase.”
FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBZ003
Commenting on the restoration, Pilbeam Construction managing director Alan Corbett said that: “It’s a real privilege to work on this landmark building again. As a local Sussex contractor our team loves making a difference to their local community.”
Jim and Debbie Gallacher with volunteers
FROM ROOM TO ROOF
New online platform helps speed up roofing specifications for contractors
Marley have released a new online Technical Tools platform which will help roofers find the correct specifications in a much easier way. The platform can calculate roofing specifications, material estimates and find various other bits of necessary information all from a single file upload. Dan Redfern, Head of Marketing Communications at Marley, commented: “Roofing contractors can significantly simplify the specification process by using Marley’s Technical Tools.”
SPANNER IN THE WORKS
Tool theft surges by 16% despite campaigns to prevent it.
Tradespeople in the UK have been warned to keep their tools safe as tool theft continues to rise. In 2025 around 30,848 offenses were recorded relating to tool theft, with the collective value of the tools stolen being around £19 million. Statistically this accounts for around 85 incidents everyday nationally, with some areas of the country being hit more heavily than others and having a higher percentage of tools being stolen.
Read more on the new platform on page 57.
NOT SO PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
BSIF data show widespread safety failures present during testing
The British Safety Industry Federation has revealed around 82% of PPE from non-registered suppliers failed in testing and compliance that took place from January 2025-2026. Out of all the PPE products that were tested, only 18% met all the safety requirements, the remaining percentage failed on various issues ranging from technical performance failures to invalid certification.
YOU SNEEZE YOU LOSE
Why it's important to stay well behind the wheel
Tempcover had warned drivers about the importance of staying healthy behind the wheel due to the rise in cases of adenovirus and the potential legal ramifications of driving while unwell. Unknown to most tradespeople, if you can be deemed by the police to be purposely driving below the standard of component driver while unwell you could be charged with ‘driving without due care and attention’. While mostly deemed a minor offence leading to a small fine or points deduction, in some instances, where an accident or serious incident has resulted from this careless driving, there is the potential for both driving disqualification and potential prison time.
THE PLACE
TO BE
Research reveals best UK city to be a builder
Construction software experts Redsky have revealed both the best and the worst places to be a builder in the UK, with some surprising results included. According to them, builders in Inverness have the best deal, earning around £55,237 which equates to £32,521 after living costs. On the other hand, builders living in London have it worse, as the average cost of living is around £56,556 while the average reported wage is around £37,257.
GONE IN 60 MINUTES
Direct Line research shows that a van is stolen every hour. Every 55 minutes a van is stolen, or at least that is the case according to Direct Line who have revealed that around 9,522 vans were stolen across the UK in 2025. The majority of these were never recovered and the total cost of these stolen vans is estimated to be around £77 million.
Eva-Sandstra Bennet, Van Product Manager at Direct Line, spoke about these thefts saying that “When a van is stolen, tradespeople aren’t just faced with the cost and stress of replacing their van, many also face almost immediate loss of income if they can’t work. With a van stolen every 55 minutes, the impact on hardworking professionals is severe.”
We give our verdict on new products in our unique site tests, but now we want to give you the chance to try them – AND KEEP THEM – for yourself! All you have to do to enter the free draws is simply just type in www.rdr.link followed by the unique code.
FREEFOR ALL!
5 X TAPE MEASURES
HULTAFORS
BRICK-MATE TAPES
Win one of five Hultafors BrickMate tapes, the smart way to set out brickwork fast and accurately. Designed specifically for bricklayers, the Brick-Mate makes gauging brick and block courses simple, saving time and reducing errors. Robust and easy to read, it’s built to withstand tough site conditions while helping you achieve precise, consistent results on every course. Trusted by the trade for over 20 years. Turn to page 44 for a closer look at this and Hultafors’ other tape measures. Use the link below to ‘tape’ a closer look at this great competition!
X PAIRS OF SAFETY FOOTWEAR
OVERLAND SHOES
BOBCAT SAFETY FOOTWEAR
We’ve teamed up with Overland Shoes to give three lucky readers the chance to win a brandnew pair of Bobcat Safety Footwear boots or shoes, worth up to £125. Built to endure relentless, real-world conditions, each design is engineered to withstand demanding environments, giving workers the confidence to perform at their best, shift after shift. When the going gets tough, the tough need seriously good safety boots.
1 X PRESSURE WASHER
JEFFERSON TOOLS 3000W 170 BAR
ELECTRIC PRESSURE WASHER
3
X LOW PROFILE MEDIUM ORGANISER
MAKITA
P-91051 MAKTRAK
Win one of Makita’s MAKTRAK Low Profile Medium Organisers - the ultimate solution for versatile tools and parts storage and organisation. With 11 removable organiser bins and bin dividers, it allows for increased compartment space and offers greater holding capacity than comparable storage options. Practical design features include a low profile, impact resistance, a clear lid, and a robust, comfort grip handle. What’s more, it comes with metal reinforced padlock eyelets and a hidden security tracker slot. Get organised with Makita!
This electric pressure washer is made for dependable, highperformance cleaning across demanding environments. Its induction motor supports long service life with minimal maintenance, while the 3-axial stainless steel piston wobble plate pump ensures consistent output. Delivering 6.7 litres per minute, it features Total Stop System technology, a built-in thermal protector, and durable accessories including. Use the link below. ‘Water’ you waiting for?
1X
CORDLESS DISC CUTTER KIT
EVOLUTION
TOOLS
R260DCTLI KIT
Evolution is giving away one of these great Disc Cutters.
Professional
Builder readers can win a fully loaded R260DCTLi kit, including the disc cutter, EvoMax thin kerf blade, 2 × 8Ah batteries and the dual fast charger. A kit worth £549.98. Read more about this PB Top Product Award Winner on page 54. Next month’s issue will feature the larger R350DCT - and yes, you can win that too.
Get your hands on this tool that’s a cut above the rest!
FOR
Roof Lantern
SLIMMER structure
FASTER and SIMPLER to install Improved THERMAL and SEAL performance
Fully Integrated LED option 10 Year Manufacturers Warranty ISO9001 Quality Manufacture
Design efficiency means LOWER COST
SECURITY
FINDING A WAY
FMB member launches platform for neurodiverse builders
For many in construction, juggling multiple software platforms while managing projects is just part of the job. But for neurodiverse professionals, this fragmented approach can be overwhelming. Now, one FMB member is launching a solution designed specifically to change that.
We spoke to Louise Tingley, founder of Tradeways Technologies Ltd for more.
Filling a critical gap
For Louise, the motivation behind Tradeways came from personal experience as a neurodiverse microbusiness owner in construction.
“I believe that there’s a lot missing for neurodiverse individuals within the building sector,” she explains.
Unlike existing solutions that force users to switch between multiple programs, Tradeways offers an all-in-one, end to end approach.
“At the moment, you have multiple platforms that you have to use for various different tasks in order to achieve the whole concept to completion phase,” Louise says. “This is doing it all-in-one, so everything from your social media marketing to your interior design floor plans and 3D modeling —there is a tool to do that from within the platform—so you don’t need to open 70 tabs in order to do one task.” (or get easily distracted scrolling, when you only logged on to post a single story, or struggle to learn
overtly complex systems designed to do those things)!
The struggle behind the solution Louise’s journey to creating Tradeways wasn’t straightforward. With a background in performing arts rather than construction, she found existing systems ill-suited to her business and brain’s needs.
“I was spending more time on administration than was necessarily needed. I was getting stressed when things (like reverse charge, VAT and CIS calculations weren’t functioning properly), and I was getting completely overwhelmed and fatigued,” she recalls.
“There were days when I knew that I was supposed to be doing something, but I couldn’t focus well enough to figure it out. The majority of systems that were available (specifically for construction) seemed to be overtly complicated or astronomically expensive for a micro business, with some taking weeks to learn how to use or designed for larger organisation, and costing thousands of pounds for a year’s subscription – which still didn’t have all the desired functions!” She tried various platforms. One was
excellent for invoicing and client databases and scheduling but lacked construction-specific features. “We couldn’t upload documentation like our RAMS, couldn’t upload photographs of the projects along the way. We couldn’t even communicate with the client or team through the system,” she explains.
Smart technology meets thoughtful design
Tradeways incorporates AI technology across three pricing tiers, from entry-level through to professional. The technology does more than just automate tasks—it actively helps users make better business decisions.
“The AI will help with anything and everything from text-to-speech right through to helping devise quotations or proposals,” Louise says. “It will also identify where there’s gaps in your
pricing. So if a client has come to you with a specific budget, the system has priced everything up for you using AI integration. The AI will actually flag that and say you need to increase your prices, or that you’ve got the ability to negotiate price with this client in this instance.”
With Making Tax Digital causing anxiety across the industry, the platform also addresses this head-on. “There will be a system in place for your accountant to be able to access everything, but there will also be an AI automation phase that will help to take that burden away, so even if your brain doesn’t understand the processes, you won’t be left behind.”
Designed for how brains actually work
What truly distinguishes Tradeways is its accessibility-first design approach. Every element has been considered through the lens of neurodiversity to support Dyslexic and ADHD users.
“It’s very visual, and every element of its design has been intentionally considered, even to the colour of the dashboard,” Louise explains. “The colours have been chosen to calm the brain rather than overstimulate the brain. We have a dyslexia font built into the system. So if people are dyslexic, they can choose dyslexia fonts to help read (or text to speech features when the eyes won’t
“I believe that there’s a lot missing for neurodiverse individuals within the building sector”
focus). We’ve got the colour tints, so you can tailor it for your accessibility needs.”
According to Louise’s research, this level of accessibility simply doesn’t exist elsewhere in construction software.
“There are platforms in other industries and universities that offer this kind of service, but nothing in the construction industry that I’ve been able to find.”
Added to this, most of the platforms available in the UK weren’t built in the UK or specifically for the UK market. Tradeways is 100% UK built for the UK industry, – especially those who identify as micro-business and sme’s!
Early Reactions
A beta phase for the platform was launched in mid-March to coincide with Neuro Diversity Week. Before that, Tradeways was open for beta registration and testing exclusively for FMB members and select industry professionals. Louise reports that early feedback from these sneak peeks was overwhelmingly positive.
they’ve become so savvy that they can kind of see when ChatGPT is writing posts because everything’s sounding and looking the same, and they don’t want to lose their unique vocal and brand identity to that.” she notes. “There’s a lot of excitement stirring behind the scenes about how AI can be a tool that supports and enhances rather than replaces.”
Looking ahead
With the beta phase officially launching during Neurodiversity Week and the platform moving toward full launch, Louise is optimistic about its potential impact. For an industry that has historically struggled with accessibility, Tradeways represents more than just another piece of software–it’s recognition that neurodiverse professionals bring valuable skills to construction but need tools designed to support how they actually think and work.
Whether they’re managing spreadsheets, coordinating with clients, or navigating Making Tax Digital, builders using Tradeways won’t need to fight their software anymore. Sometimes the best tool isn’t the one that does the most; it’s the one that works with you, not against you.
HOW ARE YOU?
How are you? How’s it going?
How was your weekend?
I can guarantee that all of us have been asked at least one of those questions, if not all of them, at some point during the current working week, let alone over the course of our lives. They are the standard, almost automatic questions we use with coworkers, friends, and family to show face, to put in a bit of effort, and to signal that we care—or at least that we’re trying to.
But as common as these questions are, I would ask a slightly different one: how are you actually doing?
How’s work? How are the kids? Your elderly parents? Whatever other stresses life has thrown your way?
There’s a world of difference between briefly asking someone how they’re doing and actually sitting down with them, listening, being a shoulder to lean on, and
being a friend who truly hears them. Sadly, the latter doesn’t happen often enough— even when it desperately needs to.
Mental health in the UK appears to be at an all-time low across the board, but nowhere is this more evident than in the building and construction industry. Data from the ONS (Office for National Statistics) found male construction workers are three times more likely to die by suicide compared to those working in other industries. To add to this, the Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB) report based on a survey of industry workers, Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025, revealed that 28% of respondents experienced suicidal thoughts at least once over the past year.
So why is mental health in construction so poor? What support is available, and what resources can workers access themselves?
The pressure of the job
The construction industry is defined by extremely hard work and relentless pressure. Anyone who is a builder—or comes from a family of them—knows that it is nothing like a typical nine-to-five where you spend a few hours at a desk before heading home to relax.
Construction is physically brutal work, carried out in all weather conditions, often over long and exhausting hours. The job carries constant physical risks, including serious injuries that can leave a worker unable to earn a living for weeks or even months. On top of that are the financial pressures, particularly for those in senior roles or running their own firms. When you have people relying on you for work, a failure to balance the books doesn’t just put your own livelihood at risk—it puts theirs at risk too.
With all these pressures weighing
PB’s Luke Cuneen looks at a serious issue facing the construction industry: mental health
“If you are a builder or construction worker struggling with poor mental health, while there are still far fewer services than the industry truly deserves, there are options available that can make a real difference.”
down on them, it is remarkable that builders continue to show up day after day. In our view, that is a testament to their professionalism, resilience, and work ethic. However, no one should feel they have to carry everything alone. If needed, there are initiatives and resources available to help builders take care of their mental health and prevent serious harm.
Help is there to be had
If you are a builder or construction worker struggling with poor mental health, while there are still far fewer services than the industry truly deserves, there are options available that can make a real difference.
Charities such as Mates in Mind and the Lighthouse Construction Charity are specifically focused on improving and protecting the mental wellbeing of construction workers. They work alongside key industry figures and established mental health organisations like Mind to raise awareness and improve access to support across the sector.
Even if your struggles are not work-related, organisations such as Samaritans are always available, alongside a growing range of NHS mental health services and resources. The key point is this: you do not have to face your demons alone. Help exists, and if you reach out for it, it will be there.
Help each other
Ultimately, while independent charities and professional resources are vital, one of the most powerful ways to protect mental health in construction is by supporting each other. Check in on your colleagues. Ask if something is stressing them out. Offer advice, or simply listen.
If everyone took just ten minutes a day to genuinely check in with the people they work alongside, it could go a long way toward improving mental health across the industry. So be a good colleague. Better yet, be a good friend—and together, we can all do our part to improve mental health in construction.
IF ANY OF THE TOPICS DISCUSSES IN THIS ARTICLE AFFECT YOU, OR YOU JUST NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO, 24/7 MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT CAN BE FOUND USING ANY OF THE LINKS BELOW.
MATES IN MIND: WWW.RDR.LINK/BBZ018
CONSTRUCTION CHARITY:
ROBORT WARS
Innovation, technology and efficiency seem to be the ever-pressing buzz words of the modern construction industry. The question no longer appears to be how well or thoroughly something can be done, but how cheaply and quickly it can be completed. Craftsmanship and skill, the principles that true tradies base their trade on, are increasingly being challenged in an era of impermanence. Perhaps latest on the block in the list of tech inventions taking on the trades is the potential development of self-operating robotic builders.
This concept, which once existed purely in the realm of science fiction, is now transitioning towards reality, with several companies experimenting with aspects of construction being carried out by robotic machines instead of humans. For many, this “great replacement” still feels far off in the future, with no immediate credible threat to the construction industry. Yet it does raise important questions. Could human tradespeople eventually be replaced by robots? Could automated development improve certain aspects of construction, particularly by handling more dangerous
PB’s Luke Cuneen looks into the rise of robotic builders and explains why they’ll never quite shape up to the real deal
tasks and improving site safety? And how soon could autonomous systems begin to enter the industry and compete with skilled tradespeople?
These are some of the issues this article will examine, as I make the case against the cheap automation of the industry and instead argue that machines will never match the flair, intuition and craftsmanship offered by professional builders.
Is It Possible?
With any hypothetical scenario, the first question must be: is it actually possible that machines could fully replace humans in the construction industry? The answer depends on how one defines “fully replace.” If you are imagining waking up tomorrow to find your bricklayer replaced by a mindless automaton skipping around site like the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz, there is no need to panic. That level of technology has not yet been properly developed, let alone implemented on a widespread scale.
“The homes produced so far may not be architectural masterpieces, but they demonstrate that automated construction is technically feasible.”
However, this has not stopped companies from experimenting and attempting to demonstrate how robotic builders might operate within the industry. One such project is DFAB HOUSE, an initiative by the Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR). Collaborating with numerous industry experts, the project has shifted many traditionally human construction tasks to automated machines. One robot is capable of moving and assembling structures using steel and concrete; another constructs timber frameworks; and ceiling slabs can even be created using 3D printing technology.
The homes produced so far may not be architectural masterpieces, but they demonstrate that automated construction is technically feasible.
Closer to home, a robot known as WLTR, or “Walter,” has been introduced to the UK by JT Lifestyle Homes. This machine can build walls up to three metres tall without scaffolding or human assistance. In essence, it is a robotic bricklayer which, if widely adopted, could threaten the livelihoods of many skilled
“Machines may enhance efficiency, but they cannot replicate the judgement, adaptability and craftsmanship that define true professionals.”
tradespeople across the country.
As the grandson of a bricklayer — part of a generational line of craftsmen — the idea of that tradition being replaced by a soulless machine is a deeply unsettling one.
Could It Make Life Easier?
While automation may represent a potential threat to jobs and livelihoods, there are areas where robotic assistance could prove beneficial — particularly regarding site safety.
Each year, thousands of serious accidents occur on construction sites, leading to long-term injuries and, tragically, fatalities. Many incidents involve the handling of heavy or dangerous materials, where a single mistake can have catastrophic consequences. In such cases, there is an argument that robotic systems could perform the most hazardous tasks, reducing risk to human workers and potentially saving lives.
After all, if steel beams fall on a robot, it can be repaired or replaced. The same cannot be said for a human being.
On Balance
Ultimately, robotic construction technology is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it poses a genuine concern due to its potential impact on employment and traditional craftsmanship. On the other, it offers opportunities to improve safety and reduce the physical strain associated with some of the industry’s most dangerous tasks.
If, or more likely when, such technology becomes more integrated into construction, it should serve to support skilled builders rather than replace them. Machines may enhance efficiency, but they cannot replicate the judgement, adaptability and craftsmanship that define true professionals.
OUT WITH THE OLD
If your toolbox is full but never quite has what you need, it’s time for a reset. Jason Cunningham, Product & Technical Support at KNIPEX, has five easy swaps to make your kit leaner and more efficient
Take a look in your toolbox. Be honest! How many tools in there are worn, duplicated or just taking up space because ‘they’ve always been there’? Most tradespeople build their kit over years and before you know it, you’re lugging around a metal box that weighs as much as a small generator and still doesn’t have what you need at the bottom when you’re in a hurry. If this sounds familiar, it’s time for a seasonal clear-out. Here are five swaps worth considering.
Ditch the metal box
Traditional metal toolboxes are tough but they’re not always practical. They’re heavy, awkward on stairs and usually end up as a bottomless pit of tangled kit.
The KNIPEX Modular X18 tool backpack offers a more organised approach. It opens fully at the front and back, so you can actually see what you’re carrying. Inside, there are 21 retaining loops and 37 pockets, plus separate
compartments for tools, test equipment or a tablet.
The waterproof moulded base keeps it upright on site and the durable recycled fabric is splash-proof and easy to clean. Add in MOLLE webbing and FIDLOCK® connectors for attaching accessories, and you’ve got a setup that adapts as your kit evolves. It’s also really comfortable to carry around from job to job.
Get set
Water pump pliers are one of those essentials that end up in every kit and they often come in different sizes. But carrying three loose pairs, all knocking together at the bottom of the bag, isn’t exactly organised. Tool rolls are your friend.
The KNIPEX Cobra® Water Pump Pliers, which self lock, grip securely
without slipping and have a fine adjustment for precise sizing, are available in durable polyester tool rolls that keep each size protected and easy to grab. The S9 three-piece set includes 150mm, 250mm and 300mm pliers, ideal for tight spaces through to larger pipework, the S8 three-piece set covers 125 to 250mm while the five-piece set has sizes from 125 to 300mm. If you prefer to build your own kit, empty Cobra® rolls are available in four or sixcompartment versions, keeping everything neat and ready.
Cut down the collections
How many metric and imperial spanners are you carrying? The KNIPEX Pliers Wrench can replace a full set. It combines pliers and wrench functionality in one tool, with smooth, parallel jaws that grip
without damaging plated fittings. You can work directly on chrome without leaving marks, push-button adjustment makes sizing quick and accurate and the parallel jaws provide a solid, backlash-free grip. It’s ideal for gripping, holding, pressing and bending and the ratchet-like principle speeds up tightening and release.
One Pliers Wrench can tackle a variety of jobs which means less weight and clutter but for those who want a broader range, the Pliers Wrench are available in a variety of sets and sizes.
Upgrade tired pipe cutters
Old pipe cutters can be hard work. Blunt wheels, awkward adjustments and limited access in tight spaces slow everything down. The KNIPEX TubiX® family solves those issues.
The TubiX® has a QuickLock one-hand locking mechanism, allowing independent holding and clamping on the pipe. Needle bearings on the cutting wheel and guide rollers make for smoother cuts and a spare cutting wheel is stored neatly in the handle. It cuts copper, brass and stainless steel pipes from 6–35mm in diameter up
pocket, cutting pipes from 3–30mm. For larger jobs, the TubiX® XL handles pipes up to 76mm diameter. One family of pipe cutters, multiple applications.
Personalise and organise
On busy sites, tools have a habit of wandering. When several trades are working side by side, it’s easy for grips or cutters to get mixed up. The KNIPEXtend ColourCode Clips offer a simple solution. These clip into KNIPEX tools with comfort handles via the KNIPEXtend interface and come in five colours: blue, grey, red, yellow and magenta. You can mark tools for personal identification or group them by task, red for cutting, blue for gripping, for example. It’s a small tweak, but it saves
time rummaging around and reduces the risk of kit going missing.
Organising your tools, replacing duplicated spanners with a Pliers Wrench, upgrading old cutters or swapping a metal box for a modular backpack all add up to a leaner, more efficient kit. So next time you’re hauling your kit onto site, ask yourself: does every tool in there deserve its place? If the answer’s no, it might be time for a spring clean-up.
As the company celebrates its 90th birthday, Chris Harvey, Marketing Director, Stelrad Radiators lets us know what’s new in the heating world
2026 marks Stelrad Radiators 90th anniversary. The company has come a long way in its nine decades of supplying vital heating products both in the UK and further afield particularly across Europe. The company has the largest market share of any manufacturer in six different European marketplaces including the UK and Ireland.
The provision of radiators in the replacement market is the largest share of Stelrad’s radiator output and builders and plumbers up and down the country rely on the huge range of Stelrad radiators to help replace individual radiators, add radiators to extensions, conservatories and loft conversions and add to properties needing additional heat around the homes of their customers.
Proper sizing
OF WARMTH
using the simple to use but sophisticated heat loss and radiator sizing calculators that are available for free to download from many web sites including Stelrad’s at WWW.RDR.LINK/BBZ023
Whilst the best-selling radiators range from Stelrad is its Compact series of panel radiators, the company is seeing huge growth in its premium panel ranges and in its decorative and designer radiators. Homeowners are having an increasing input to the selection of the radiators installed in their homes and see the attractive designer options installed on TV programmes that feature celebrities and aspire to the same levels of décor in their own homes, So as well as opting for designer and decorative radiators they are increasingly going for coloured radiators in their homes as well. This growing trend has seen Stelrad stock a number of the best-selling models and sizes in stock in a selection of colours so they can be delivered quickly – cutting the time you have to wait for delivery by weeks. The Stelrad National Distribution Centre in South Yorkshire has in excess of 320,000 radiators in stock at any one time, ready to be loaded on the lorries and delivered to your local merchants within days of the order – ready to install in homes up and down the country.
Modern radiators are better by design and Stelrad offers the widest range of radiators available – including ranges that have evolved in response to the needs of renewable heating systems – with K3 models in a number of ranges comprising
three panels and three sets of fins providing fifty per cent more heat than from a K2 radiator with the same radiator footprint. It has also developed ranges of vertical radiators which work well with heat pump driven heating systems and offer the widest range of decorative and designer radiators as well including a wide range of bathroom and kitchen towel rail type radiators.
Stelrad has recently launched its first ever range of electric radiators – the perfect solution for homes off the gas grid. The range is currently made up of 13 expertly selected steel and aluminium radiators and towel radiators, which provide unbeatable quality and design to suit any room or décor.
There is clearly a significant marketplace for ‘all electric’ heating in homes, despite the domination of gas
“The radiators in the Electric Series are aesthetically appealing and provide attractive options for the décor in the home and come with a five-year warranty on the heating parts and a two-year warranty on the electric components.”
advantages of an electric radiator, rather than extending their existing heating system which comes with the possibility of having to replace their boiler to cope with the additional heating requirements. The company’s pre-launch research suggested there was a market out there, but even they have been surprised at how extensive the potential demand has been.
As well as offering effective and functional heating in the home, as you would expect from Stelrad, the radiators in the Electric Series are aesthetically appealing and provide attractive options for the décor in the home and come with a five-year warranty on the heating parts and a two-year warranty on the electric components.
Stelrad has recently released its new Green Compact Range of radiators - the steel utilised in the manufacture of these Green Compact radiators is XCarb® recycled and renewably produced steel, which is made by ArcelorMittal in an electric arc furnace with high recycled content and 100% renewable electricity. Using this low-emissions steel results in a 66% reduction in CO₂ emissions per
tonne of steel, compared with using the same product made via the conventional steelmaking process.
The Stelrad range includes a number of models that have come about specifically at the request of installers or other customers. These include the heavy duty Deco and Planar models – designed for when the need is for a more robust radiator than normal – originally designed for use in a Post |Office sorting office environment where trolleys were in use and came into contact with the radiators. These designs have found a home in schools, hospitals and other environments where a robust structure is advantageous. There’s also a range of Compact Xtra Protection radiators available for areas of a building that may need additional protection from damp environments –such as changing rooms, and steamy environments like showers and wet rooms.
Stelrad has come a long way since its launch back in 1936. It’s uniquely placed to offer on-going radiator solutions –hopefully for the next ninety years too!
plumbing, bathrooms & wetrooms
PUMP ACTION
Neil Wilson, Head of Marketing, Tucson
Pumps explains how digital tools could help simplify pump selection
On a busy morning, with a job to finish by the end of the day, picking up the wrong pump isn’t just frustrating, it can add hours onto an already packed schedule. A return trip to the merchant, a delayed installation, or a system that doesn’t perform as expected can quickly eat into any job.
Whether it’s boosting shower performance or tackling low water pressure, installers want to identify the right pump quickly, fit it confidently and move on to the next job without delays.
As pump ranges continue to expand and system requirements become more varied, making the correct selection first time can be more challenging than ever. Installers are balancing flow rates, pressure demands, system compatibility and customer expectations, often while working against a short timeframe before it’s onto the next job.
With this in mind, Tucson has developed digital tools designed to take the guesswork out of pump selection and make the process faster, clearer and more intuitive.
Knowing the pump for your job
An advanced filter on the Tucson website allows installers to select key requirements specific to their shower or booster pump installation. By narrowing results down instantly based on specific criteria, unsuitable models are removed early in the process. However, selecting a pump that looks suitable on paper is only part of the decision. Installers also need confidence that it will perform exactly as
required once installed. To support this, interactive performance curves are available across Tucson’s shower and booster pump product pages. Rather than relying on static charts or printed datasheets,
installers can view how a pump performs across different flow rates and pressures in real time. By inputting the exact flow (L/min) and head (m) values required for the job, they can immediately see whether a specific model will achieve the desired operating point.
This instant confirmation helps prevent underperforming pump installations, giving installers clarity before the product is even unpacked.
Things to consider when installing shower pumps:
✔ Check pump type: To establish whether you’ll need a positive or universal head for the job.
✔ Check it meets flow rate and pressure requirements: digital tools make this easy.
✔ Look for included accessories: Like anti-vibration mats and flexible hoses.
✔ Back-up service: Be in the know about the type of after-sales support your pump manufacturer provides.
✔ Extra protection: Always fit a thermostatic protection device (mixing valve) to protect against scalding water, and a flange to prevent air entering the pump.
Things to consider when installing booster pumps:
✔ Build quality consideration: choose durable materials like stainless steel or brass for long-lasting performance.
✔ Back-up service: Be in the know about the type of after-sales support your
When it comes to cold water booster pumps, correct sizing is particularly important in properties with multiple outlets in use at the same time. Understanding peak demand and system layout helps ensure consistent pressure across the home, rather than fluctuating performance when taps and showers run simultaneously. Taking a few moments to assess outlet demand and installation conditions can make a noticeable difference to long-term system performance.
By focusing on practical, digital solutions that reflect real on-site challenges, Tucson is helping installers save time and minimise callbacks so they can focus on what matters most: delivering reliable performance for their customers.
case opt for a quieter pump. Check dB rating beforehand.
plumbing, bathrooms & wetrooms
‘WATER’ GOOD FIX!
Sanivite + provides solution for washing machine woes
The small village of Alton in Staffordshire is perhaps most famously known for the legendary Alton Towers theme park that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year. The village itself is a rural delight bordering the picturesque Churnet Valley area of the Staffordshire Moorlands and surrounded by wooded, rocky and craggy countryside.
Nestled among the traditional stone properties is a house that is situated in an elevated position over the driveway. At the lower level of the drive, a small traditional stone garage sits at the front of the property for use as a storage area. It also doubles up as a laundry room thanks to a grey water pump and some small discharge pipework.
With no access to any drainage
Saniflo to the rescue
A great solution, but one that necessitates the specification of the correct waste discharge solution.
Having purchased the property in 2025, new owners, Pru Bradley and Ed Shenton, used the washing machine, but suffered a flood after a malfunction of the existing unit; an incorrectly specified, unbranded macerator unit. Because the waste water was hot soapy grey waste
(rather than black waste that requires a macerating solution) the unit in-situ was not suitable for the application in hand.
Reluctant to replace like with like, Ed did his research and identified a Sanivite + from Saniflo – a powerful, domestic grey water pump that is one of the best-selling units in the UK for good reason. Easy to install, efficient and highly productive, the Sanivite + is designed to take waste from multiple kitchen appliances. The rugged,
reliable unit is manufactured in France using the highest quality materials and componentry to ensure durability and longevity.
Easy install
In Ed’s case the unit was required to discharge waste water from a single washing machine, but in future a cleaner’s sink to clean muddy boots and dog paws is in the offing which means the extra inlet on the Sanivite + will be put to good use.
A proficient DIY’er, Ed was able to install the unit himself after downloading instructions from the Saniflo website. A few tweaks to the existing pipework and the Sanivite+ was ready for its first test, which, thankfully, was a resounding success. He’s highly impressed with the solution;
“Prior to the flood in the garage I hadn’t given much thought to how waste water is discharged when the drains are above the height of the appliance, but I am now thinking about how useful a pump would be if we go ahead with a garden room in the summer. It would mean we could install a small kitchen and WC facilities. So that is definitely food for thought. In the meantime, the Sanivite+ has been a lifesaver as the other option was to move the washing machine upstairs, but that would have meant reconfiguring the kitchen. It’s a brilliant piece of kit that activates automatically once we put the washing machine on so we can forget about it until the cycle is finished. It was really straightforward to plumb in – from receiving the unit to a working washing machine in just half a day.”
Whilst the Sanivite + is located directly on the floor adjacent to the washing machine in Ed’s garage, it can also be concealed within a kitchen unit or behind a demountable panel for more discreet installation. With four inlets, the unit can be connected to several appliances and is able to pump up 5m vertically, 50m horizontally or a combination of both. It also offers quiet operation which is at the top of the wish list for most domestic customers.
IN HOT WATER
As space heating decarbonises, hot water is set to become the primary energy load in homes. Paul Ravnbo-West, market development manager at Triton Showers, discusses why it must not be overlooked in the Warm Homes Plan and outlines a scalable solution to driving crucial water and energy savings
The direction of both the incoming Future Homes Standard and the recent consultation on updating Part G of the Building Regulations is clear: homes must consume less energy and
households decarbonise and cut energy bills by adopting a trio of low-carbon technologies: heat pumps, solar PV and batteries.
While generally transformative in intent, the plan overlooks the importance of reducing hot water consumption, which accounts for a significant proportion of domestic energy use. Instead of being folded into the narrative on heat, it should be given its own strategic focus.
Hot water’s rising role
Despite the well-documented challenges associated with heat pumps, their uptake will continue to increase, helping to decarbonise space heating. Hot water will consequently become the primary energy load in homes. This begs the question: why is it not directly treated in the Warm Homes Plan?
It is mentioned, but almost always as a secondary load within those systems rather than as a first-order challenge in its own right. Even where the plan acknowledges that two-thirds of building emissions come from space heating and hot water, the policy instruments that follow overwhelmingly target the former. There is currently no equivalent of a hot water strategy, no demand-side framing and no explicit recognition that how hot water is generated can radically change peak loads, infrastructure requirements and household costs. Hot water shouldn’t be viewed as a subset of heat, and if the Warm Homes Plan fails to address this explicitly, measurably and without equal fairness, the solutions available will remain invisible in the national narrative.
The case for electric showers
As the largest domestic consumer of water and responsible for generating half of hot water demand, showers are a prime candidate for crucial savings. Instantaneous electric showers (IES) in particular provide instant hot water,
decoupling it from space heating, which eliminates standing losses and, perhaps most importantly, saves on space, energy and running costs.
Connecting an electric shower to a waste water heat recovery system (WWHRS) also presents a passive way to make additional gains. A WWHRS captures heat from the shower wastewater, which is usually lost down the drain, and uses it to preheat the incoming cold mains water to the electric unit.
Independent analysis undertaken by Talan estimates significant at-scale savings could be made from deploying high-efficiency models designed to connect to WWHRS (IES-HE). It predicts annual energy use can be cut by up to 51%, water consumption by 44% and carbon emissions by 37%, compared to one of today’s efficient eight-litre-perminute mixer showers.
This is especially relevant for ‘hard-totreat’ homes that face barriers when fitting heat pumps and hot water cylinders, such as flats and terraced houses, where space and technical constraints severely limit retrofit options.
Unlocking hot water decarbonisation
Triton’s latest report, “Hot Water Down the Drain: Unlocking Hot Water Decarbonisation Through the Warm Homes Plan”, calls on the government to include IES and IES-HE within major retrofit and energy efficiency funding schemes, namely the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund and Warm Homes: Local Grant.
“If adopted across the Warm Homes Plan schemes, these technologies could deliver up to 1,042 tonnes of CO2e savings in their first year and between 818 and 902 million litres of potable water savings over the next decade.”
If adopted across the Warm Homes Plan schemes, these technologies could deliver up to 1,042 tonnes of CO2e savings in their first year and between 818 and 902 million litres of potable water
traditional mixer showers, by 2035. Annual energy and water bills could also fall by up to £145 per household, with further lifetime savings delivered through lower maintenance and long-term operating costs.
To truly unlock hot water decarbonisation, there are several policy actions that must be enacted. These include integrating hot water decarbonisation into the UK’s net-zero strategy and incentivising consumers and housebuilders to invest in efficient shower technologies to meet upcoming water-use limits.
Policymakers must also consider updating EPC methodologies (SAP/RdSAP) to recognise IES-HEconnected WWHRS and removing green levies from electricity, which currently increase the unit price by 9.92%, to support switching to low-carbon, electricbased systems.
A nationwide solution
As we strive towards net zero, it’s essential that the role of hot water isn’t overlooked. Electric showers offer a simple, scalable and cost-effective solution to lower emissions, water usage and household bills across the nation. If actioned, these recommendations can play a critical role in both futureproofing housing stock and providing tangible savings to households today.
TO DOWNLOAD “HOT WATER DOWN THE DRAIN: UNLOCKING
SPACE RACE
Steve Skeldon – Above Ground Product Manager at Wavin –explains why demand for compact plumbing systems is increasing and that builders can better support customers using the latest plumbing innovations
With construction output under pressure and projects becoming increasingly costsensitive, builders and installers need products that help them work faster and more efficiently. Compact plumbing solutions are now a key part of this conversation.
While traditional water-seal traps have long been a staple on the shelf, builders are increasingly having to adapt to modern specifications and floorplans.
A
crowded compact space
Traditional systems rely on a retained water seal to block odours from entering living spaces. While these solutions have been used for decades, their bulky shape can create several issues that builders frequently hear about from trade customers.
Increased blockage risks
Conventional water traps can sometimes be prone to blockages created by the build-up of food waste, hair, and oil –common issues that can lead to frequent callouts for installers.
A water seal trap is only good if the water remains in place. Infrequent use, siphonage, evaporation, or even temperature changes can cause the trap to dry out, breaking the seal and allowing odours to enter the room.
Limited space
Bulky traps are often the cause of several spatial challenges on modern developments. Under-sink
storage has become a top priority when designing smaller kitchens, in a similar way that vanity units are now a standard feature in bathrooms. The shape and depth of a traditional traps play a huge role in how these units must be designed or cut around.
Dry and direct
Waterless traps, like Wavin’s Osma HepvO, are a modern solution for replacing traditional water seals. The traps’ self-sealing membrane prevents odours and gases from entering occupied spaces, without relying on standing water. Furthermore, the silicone membrane allows wastewater to pass through whilst forming a reliable, compact seal that isn’t compromised by evaporation, siphonage or movement.
In addition, the membrane design helps to stabilise pressure within the waste system, reducing the gurgling sounds often associated with traditional traps under negative pressure, and also removing the requirements for an additional AAV on the horizontal branch
The new and improved Osma HepvO waterless trap ensures installations are simpler and quicker to complete, with the latest version featuring smoother, modern lines and clearly marked directional flow arrows, helping installers align fittings more easily.
The compact design allows the fitting to be installed either vertically or horizontally, while its slim profile maximises space in cupboards, making underbath installations much easier for installers.
Traditionally, installing traditional water-seal trap often means that you would need to cut into the floor to accommodate the bend in the fitting, however the waterless trap’s compact design removes the need for this extra work.
Looking forward
For builders, choosing products that make installations quicker and more reliable has never been more important. With tight project schedules, limited space to work with, and increasing pressure to reduce costly callbacks, builders need plumbing components that support trouble-free construction from the start.
Waterless trap systems such as HepvO give builders a practical way to improve outcomes on site. By selecting a compact, easy-fit solution that removes the need for a traditional water seal, builders can avoid common issues like odours, siphonage, blockages and awkward under-sink configurations. This helps keep projects moving efficiently and reduces the likelihood of remedial work later on.
As modern homes increasingly prioritise maximising usable space, builders are looking for fittings that are both spacesaving and dependable. Choosing innovative products like HepvO ensures builds stay aligned with current standards while providing a long-lasting, future-ready alternative to conventional traps.
‘GRASS’ HALF FULL
Whether it’s installing a permeable paved driveway or building a retaining wall with inbuilt vertical landscape design, turning hard landscape areas into greener environments is central to everything Wakefield based Grass Concrete does.
Ground level
At ground level, the manufacturer offers a variety of permeable grass paving systems. Grasscrete is a cast-onsite system creating a grid-like reinforced concrete under-structure often used for car parks, fire access routes and flood attenuation ponds. Grassblock is a
trafficking that allows permeability and establishes good grass coverage. Both systems offer the strong hard landscape required whilst providing good grass coverage and Smart Permeability. The permeability features of grass paving directly address SUDs (Sustainable Urban Drainage systems) issues. Hard landscapes and block paving can provide too much run-off into the sewer network especially during heavy flash downpours. Whereas the more permeable grass
paving mitigates surface water run-off and its implications for the local storm water network.
Grass paving systems help store rainfall within the system with low risk of ponding, until the ground can naturally recharge. This lag time is beneficial; it helps prevent flooding and can be extended by adding an underlying drainage blanket to either attenuate permeation to the water table or be a vehicle for rainwater harvesting.
To achieve the best sustainable grass cover, a system that promotes permeability is required. The depth and shape of the soil pockets has a critical part to play if grass cover is to be sustained. Both Grasscrete and Grassblock offer substantial capacity for soils and root systems to
Smart Permeability, using source control to manage the rate of permeability both mitigates downstream impact and provides essential root nourishment for grass coverage.
The Grass Concrete policy is to guide
construction project, with careful consideration of grass paving types, particularly when likely to be subjected to frequent traffic and weights of vehicles. Talk to the experts at GC to find out more.
Going from Ground to Vertical
Builders can introduce retaining or border walls that combine reduced noise levels with attractive vertical landscapes, offering a real variety of planting options as an alternative to what would be otherwise dull and un-inspiring structures.
Grass Concrete has the Betoconcept range that brings different shapes and styles to accommodate planting on high or low walls. The simplest garden or boundary walls now feature: planting, colour, shape or textured finish.
Where garden space might be at a minimum a vertical landscape offers an attractive alternative.
Betoconcept blocks provide adequate soil pockets for all types of plants, shrubs and climbers with excellent drainage and water capture.
The dry built blocks interlock to form the required face angle and can be easily planted. Easy and quick to construct with a choice of plantable or stone-faced finishes. Builders can construct a freeform wall layouts in single or terraced wall format and can cope with complex curves, ground embankments and weight surcharges with various wall heights right up to 22m with different types to suit all kinds of housebuilding plots and surrounding hard landscaping.
MASONRY MANAGED
The hidden advantage in modern masonry: confidence.
By Jennifer Brickley, Business Development Director at Marshalls Bricks and Masonry
For small and medium sized builders and tradespeople, the biggest challenge isn’t material choice – it’s the reliability surrounding it.
Building is getting tougher – from skill shortages and supply hiccups to more paperwork and sustainability questions –all of which add pressure to SME builders working on extensions, conversions, refurbishments and one-off builds.
And unlike large developers, smaller teams don’t have the buffers to absorb unexpected disruption. That’s why materials now must do far more than look good. Moreover, they need to instil confidence in design, delivery and carbon.
Whether working on a single plot scheme or an extension, all it takes is one unreliable delivery or batch inconsistency to push a project off track. That’s why bricks that build certainty into the process – from supply right through to performance – are invaluable.
For SME builders, aligning a scheme visually with the surrounding area can be the difference between a quick approval and extended negotiation, which can extend project timelines significantly.
Today’s masonry ranges acknowledge this challenge by offering: extensive colour palettes, multiple finishes and textures, formats suited to varied architectural styles and tones developed to reflect regional look and feel.
A brick is only as dependable as the network that delivers it, and for many smaller contractors juggling tight project timelines and deliverables, even minor disruption can have major consequences.
Across the UK, masonry manufacturing has increasingly shifted towards more regionalised production models. By
making bricks closer to where they’ll be used and tailoring output to the colours and styles most in demand locally, manufacturers are helping reduce leadtime uncertainty and minimise transportrelated delays.
For builders, this typically translates into shorter, more predictable delivery routes, supporting smoother project scheduling. Greater consistency in quality and dimensional accuracy, helping to reduce rework, snagging and sequencing disruption. More accessible customer support, with teams based locally.
No longer are builders merely asked whether the materials they use are ecofriendly; they’re asked to demonstrate how they are eco-friendly.
While EPDs are becoming more widely recognised, full suite, independently verified data is still far from standard. In many cases, only partial information is published, or only selected products are covered, leaving a gap between what industry professionals need and what’s actually accessible.
Marshalls Bricks & Masonry is currently one of the few manufacturers taking a
whole portfolio approach, publishing Type III verified EPDs for every facing brick produced across all UK sites. These reveal significant embodied carbon reductions across the range – with average reductions of around 42%, and some products achieving up to 54%, depending on product type and specification.
For SME builders, this level of transparency allows for clearer conversations with clients, stronger evidence in planning submissions, and easier integration into PAS 2080 aligned carbon modelling.
Builders of today juggle three core pressures; local design requirements, tight programmes and increasing expectations around carbon performance.
A modern brick supports all three. For SME builders, this combination turns bricks from a commodity into a strategic advantage; a way to remove uncertainty, protect margins and build with confidence from that first sketch to final handover.
A FEW SMALL STEPS FOR LANDSCAPING
garden designers need to be fully prepared. As one of the UK’s leading independent suppliers of landscaping solutions, Talasey knows exactly what it takes to maximise the opportunities during landscaping season. Marketing Director Rebecca Hughes shares five essential steps that these trades should be taking right now
1
Talk to your merchants
Now is the time for builders, landscapers and garden designers to engage even more proactively with their local merchants about their upcoming projects. These conversations are essential for merchants to understand the material requirements for each project and get an idea of timescales for each
one. This will enable merchants to work behind the scenes to plan their stock ordering to ensure that they have the right materials readily available at the right time.
It’s also helpful to give merchants an indication of whether projects may expand into additional areas of the garden. Ordering full project quantities helps avoid practical issues such as batch matching, which is particularly important when supplying materials such as porcelain paving.
These conversations also create valuable opportunities for merchants to introduce builders and landscapers to innovative new ideas. Talasey has just launched Finishing Touches: a striking collection of architectural features designed to create real impact in any outdoor space. The only limitation is the
The Chameleon Landscaping team onsite in their Talasey hoodies
customer’s imagination, as we offer bespoke planters, screens, sculptures, fire pits and decorative drainage, as well as a number of customisable pergolas and lighting options.
2
Don’t forget the accessories Products like porcelain paving and composite decking may be the
masonry materials & landscaping
hero materials that will be installed to create a stunning outdoor living space, but to complete projects efficiently, it’s important that builders and landscapers have all the right accessories – so they aren’t wasting precious time making additional trips back and forth to merchants for bits they may have missed or overlooked.
Good merchants will stock an array of essential accessories and installation solutions. For example, those who stock decking should also stock the related fascias, edgings, clip systems and screws. When it comes to paving don’t forget to ask for the relevant jointing materials, spacers, wedges and priming slurry as these are project necessities.
And good merchants should go out of their way to signpost all the accessories because they recognise this is all part of the value-added service that makes them not just a go to but a keep-going-back-to destination for builders and landscapers.
3
Consider alternatives
Behind the scenes, merchants work closely with the suppliers in their supply chains to make sure there are consistent volumes of core landscaping materials. As a supplier that imports products from across the world, Talasey continually monitors global factors that can affect supply, and these typically
include Red Sea geopolitical tensions causing longer shipping routes, port congestion, extreme weather (e.g. monsoon seasons, which impact quarrying), and national and religious holidays (e.g. Diwali), when production pauses.
However, when availability issues do impact, a plan B is required. A simple example is considering a different thicknesses or size format of pavers. This year, Talasey has extended the Cava Stone porcelain range, with additional colours and a project pack format, which replicates the look and finish of four popular stone pavers, thus providing a great alternative should availability of the most common Indian Sandstone become an issue.
4
Stay ahead of landscaping trends
Keeping a finger on the pulse of the latest trends in outdoor living is vitally important. For 2026, homeowners are becoming increasingly drawn to lighter, neutral tones and more-natural finishes – a trend expected only to grow.
This trend has been reflected in a number of new ranges from Talasey, such as the newly launched pre-sealed Egyptian Limestone paving range, available in three size formats and three lighter colour tones. Each option offers a surface finish rich in character and charm, giving homeowners a natural aesthetic that is also simple to maintain.
5
Take advantage of technical support
Merchants should always be the first port of call for builders and landscapers with general questions about products – but there will be occasions where the merchant will signpost to the supplier for technical support.
Talasey has a multi-layered approach to providing support, from its head officebased customer service team, including product specialists, to offering dedicated product installation courses through the Talasey Training Academy. It also supports merchants with the Talasey on Tour programme of trade days at merchants’ branches.
These five simple, insightful tips from Talasey will help builders, landscapers and garden designers make the most of the coming landscaping season.
MEASURING SUCCESS
Super Towel and experienced bricklaying tutor, knows better than most that the right tools make all the difference. When it comes to measuring, he’s seen firsthand how a highquality tape can separate good work from exceptional work, and how Hultafors tapes have consistently earned their place on site
In bricklaying, accuracy is everything. You can’t talk about quality without talking about measurement. If you’re start, it shows by the time you reach the top. That’s why your tape of choice matters more than people sometimes
realise. It’s not just about reading numbers, it’s about confidence. Confidence that what you’re measuring is correct, and that each course and joint will line up exactly as it should.
As a bricklaying tutor as well as running Super Trowel, I see first-hand how important it is that learners understand measurement properly from day one. Gauge, perp joints, course
Putting Hultafors tapes to the test
Over the years, I’ve tried plenty of tape measures, but Hultafors stands out for real-world usability. Take the Stainless Brick-Mate. On site, tapes get wet, covered in mortar, dragged across walls and thrown back into the bag. The stainless-steel blade makes a real difference in those conditions. Its Class I accuracy is critical where millimetres matter. I’ve used it with learners too, and the clear, bricklayer-focused markings make understanding gauge intuitive. It feels solid, reliable, and genuinely designed with the trade in mind, rather than as a generic tape with a new logo.
The Classic Brick-Mate is my go-to for everyday work. Simple, robust, and easy to use, its layout just makes sense for bricklayers checking gauge and openings all day long. It’s ideal for entry level tradespeople and is perfect for reinforcing good measuring habits. Learn to measure accurately with a classic tape, and everything else becomes easier.
Then there’s the PR tape. It’s not flashy, but it’s a precision all-rounder. The
action is smooth, the lock is strong, and it retracts cleanly. You notice the quality in the small details. On a busy site, consistency matters more than aesthetics, and the PR delivers exactly that.
On site, Hultafors tapes hold up exceptionally well. They’ve been dropped, stood on, covered in dust and mortar, exposed to the weather – and they’ve still stayed reliable. That consistency is why they’re worth the investment. Cheaper tapes might save a few pounds upfront, but if you’re replacing them regularly or second-guessing measurements, you’re not saving anything. A tape is one of the most-used tools in a bricklayer’s kit, and when it’s accurate and built to last, it earns its keep.
If I had to pick a personal favourite, it would be the Stainless Brick-Mate. Durability and Class I accuracy make it unbeatable in a competition setting like Super Trowel, where there’s no room for error. For apprentices just starting out, I’d recommend the Classic Brick-Mate. It’s clear, durable, and teaches the importance of measurements from day one. Speed will come with experience, but accuracy must be taught.
Tapes might not be the most exciting tools in the bag, but they are among the most important. Everything in bricklaying starts with measurement. If your tape is right, your work has a chance to be right.
Backing the next generation
Hultafors has partnered with Super Trowel again this year, bringing their product quality and reliability to both new and experienced bricklayers. You need equipment you can trust and having used Hultafors for many years, I know this partnership fits seamlessly with the standard of excellence we strive for.
Seeing learners and professionals alike using tools that are precise and built to last reinforces the message I try to teach every day: measure right, build with confidence.
masonry materials & landscaping
QUALITY PICK
Across the UK, builders, landscapers and homeowners are pushing beyond the basics of brickand-mortar projects. Whether it’s reinventing garden spaces, transforming driveways or reinforcing the structural backbone of new builds, the demand for versatile, reliable masonry and landscaping materials has never been greater. Today’s projects need products that can deliver performance, durability, sustainability and ease of use – and at the heart of these demands are qualityassured materials.
Why it matters
In masonry and landscaping work, the right choice of material is fundamental. Traditional Portland cement remains the
Garry Gregory, Packed Products Director at Tarmac, discusses the key factors that make quality masonry and landscaping materials essential for successful, sustainable projects
backbone of renders, screeds and substrates, but modern formulations, such as Portland Limestone Cement (PLC), offer improved workability, better cohesion in mixes, and enhanced resistance to environmental stresses. These attributes are particularly valuable when integrating hard landscaping features such as patios, steps and retaining structures, where long-term durability is essential.
Builders and landscapers also need materials that can withstand heavy use and changing weather conditions while remaining reliable and safe. Efficient, predictable setting times and compatibility
with other construction materials, such as hydrated lime or tile adhesives, help ensure projects run smoothly from foundation to finish.
Tackling the challenges
One of the great challenges facing today’s builders and landscapers is balancing performance with environmental accountability. Selecting materials that reduce embodied carbon without compromising structural integrity has become increasingly important. Lowcarbon and blended cements, along with sustainable packaging, support these
“Builders
and landscapers also need materials that can withstand heavy use and changing weather conditions while remaining reliable and safe. Efficient, predictable setting times and compatibility with other construction materials, such as hydrated lime or tile adhesives, help ensure projects run smoothly from foundation to finish.”
objectives while helping professionals meet regulatory and client expectations.
But it’s not just about chemistry. Highquality masonry materials are part of a broader ecosystem that enables successful projects. They provide consistency in mix performance, predictability in setting times, and versatility across multiple applications, from foundations to decorative finishes. In landscaping, where the line between structure and design increasingly blurs, dependable materials allow professionals to combine creativity with practicality, ensuring patios, outdoor steps, and fencing installations remain secure and visually appealing.
equipment shaping how projects are designed and delivered. Innovations such as faster-setting concretes, self-levelling compounds, and improved cement blends allow professionals to work more efficiently, reduce waste, and achieve more consistent results. However, adopting these innovations isn’t just about keeping pace – it opens the door to higher-quality, longer-lasting builds and more creative landscaping solutions.
At the same time, these innovations can present challenges. Builders and landscapers need materials that integrate seamlessly with modern practices while still delivering the reliability and performance required on-site.
Adapting to innovation
The industry continues to evolve, with innovations in materials, techniques and
This is where trusted brands like Blue Circle come into play. By offering products that combine proven durability with modern enhancements - such as
“Over more than a century, Blue Circle has developed a reputation as one of the UK’s most trusted cement brands, supporting construction professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.”
improved workability, lower carbon impact, and versatile application optionsBlue Circle helps professionals embrace innovation confidently, knowing they can deliver both efficiency and lasting quality in every project.
Making the right choice
As practitioners look ahead to future projects and face the twin pressures of sustainability and productivity, now is the time to reflect on the materials that form the bedrock of built environments.
Choosing materials with the right balance of performance, sustainability, and user confidence isn’t just good practice - it’s essential for achieving outcomes that last.
Over more than a century, Blue Circle has developed a reputation as one of the UK’s most trusted cement brands, supporting construction professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Today, products such as Blue Circle Mastercrete, Multi-Purpose Concrete. Masterlay and Postcrete continue to provide the level of quality masonry and landscaping professionals expect - and deserve. From general-purpose cements to specialist mixes like extra rapid set and self-levelling compounds, these products provide the reassurance and versatility required for modern projects.
HOLDING FIRM
Particularly in damp UK conditions, decking screws work harder than most fixings. James Robinson, Sales and Marketing Director at Samac Fixings, explains how choosing the right fixings can mean the difference between a deck that lasts and one that doesn’t
It’s fair to say 2026 has been one of the wettest on record, so when the weather improves and attention turns to jobs like decking, the focus is often on board choice, layout and finish. But one of the most common causes of decking failure isn’t the timber or composite boards at all, it’s the fixings. In the UK’s damp, changeable climate, choosing the right decking screw is important for long-term performance, appearance and safety, because getting it wrong can lead to corrosion, board movement, rust staining and even structural failure.
A proper decking screw is very different from a general-purpose wood screw. A Type 17 cut point is one of the first things to look for. This sharp, selfdrilling tip slices into the timber fibres rather than forcing them apart, significantly reducing the risk of splitting.
Thread design also matters. A serrated thread helps the screw cut efficiently into timber, lowering the torque required to drive it in and reducing strain on tools and fixings. Paired with a coarse locking thread, the screw can pull the board down tight onto the joist beneath and hold it there. This clamping effect is crucial outdoors, where boards are constantly expanding and contracting with moisture and temperature changes. Without that locking action, boards can start to move, rub and lift over time. With it, the deck stays flatter and quieter underfoot.
Head
design
A countersinking head with countersinking ribs is a proven choice for timber decking. As the screw is driven, the ribs cut neatly into the surface of the board so the head sits flush without excessive force. Used correctly, this type
seasons.
A cylindrical-style countersunk head takes this a step further. Rather than relying on sharper edges to bite into the timber, a cylindrical head provides a secure, flat and stable seat, helping to prevent damage to the wood. Any loose material is concealed, and the screw can sit flush with, or just below, the surface so it’s less noticeable.
Fighting corrosion
Decking collects water and dries slowly. Standard bright zinc-plated screws aren’t up to the job, as they will corrode, lose strength and eventually fail as the deck moves. For treated timbers, corrosion resistance becomes even more important, so ACQ-resistant coatings are essential on decking screws. Without them, the protective layer breaks down quickly and rust sets in.
Stainless steel is often the safest option for decking screws, but not all stainless steel is the same. A2 grade (304) stainless steel is widely used for exterior fixings because it offers a strong balance of corrosion resistance, strength and durability. It performs well in damp environments, resists rusting and staining, and is far less likely to degrade beneath the surface. Over the lifespan of a deck, that reliability can significantly reduce callbacks and remedial work.
Putting it into practice
Samac’s Performance Decking Screws have been designed around these exact requirements. The original Performance Decking Screws combine a Type 17 cut point, serrated thread and coarse locking thread, along with an ACQ-resistant coating for use with treated timbers. A TX drive provides reliable engagement, while the overall design focuses on clamping boards securely without splitting or surface damage.
For more exposed applications, Performance Decking Stainless Screws have the same core design but are manufactured from A2/304 grade stainless steel. Alongside their superb corrosion resistance, they feature a deep, sharp thread with a strong locking action, helping to pull boards down tight and keep them there, especially when movement is a concern. The TX drive supports consistent tightening, and the cylindrical countersunk head delivers a clean, discreet and professional flush finish that looks great on the surface. They’re suitable for both timber and composite boards and are designed to cope with the challenges of outdoor environments where corrosion resistance is critical.
Decking is often a big investment for homeowners and a reputation builder for installers. By choosing screws designed specifically for UK conditions, with the right materials, coatings and features, installers can build decks that stay flat, secure and look great for years to come.
MIRACLE WORKER
The landscaping around a building can have a huge impact on its appeal and value. Here, Martin Beaumont, founder of Monty Miracle Outdoor Cleaner, looks at how different materials need to be cleaned and maintained for the long term
Your masonry paths and walls will need to stand the test of time, so your choice of building materials should be considered carefully, to ensure they will perform aesthetically and structurally, while staying within your budget.
Is the overall look traditional or modern?
Natural stone gives the most rustic look and works really well in low walls, pathways and rural gardens, while porcelain creates a more modern look, with a sleeker, more uniform finish. Brick provides a more classic, traditional aesthetic, perfect for walled gardens with curves. Concrete can mimic any of the above, as well as wood and marble, making it a versatile material that lasts well.
But no matter how good the finish, if the masonry is not properly maintained, its appearance and integrity will reduce over time. The weather, general wear, footfall and everyday use all contribute to a less professional finish and sometimes serious defects that not only look unsightly but can become unsafe.
be prevented, through the correct cleaning and maintenance, which will
“The weather, general wear, footfall and everyday use all contribute to a less professional finish and sometimes serious defects that not only look unsightly but can become unsafe.”
keep it looking good in the short-term and save on repair or replacement costs in the long-term.
Keeping it clean
Natural stone and brick are porous materials. Porcelain is non-porous and therefore more resistant to staining and discolouration, but still needs to be maintained, particularly where the tiles meet. The same kind of damage can
stone and splinters in wood. These gaps then trap even more dirt and moisture, which will go on to cause further deterioration.
Regular cleaning is key, but a deep clean once or twice a year is essential for long-term maintenance. Jet washing is not the best approach: it might force dirt, leaves and debris up and away but it can blast away the grout between tiles and stones, send gravel flying, deepen cracks in tarmac, splinter wood and actually remove the top surface of some softer stone materials, all of which would then leave that area even more vulnerable.
Before DuringAfter
Instead, Monty Miracle can be simply applied, gently agitated then left for between six to 10 minutes before being rinsed away.
Once clean, prevention is the best cure for masonry, as an exposed landscaped surface that gets a lot of traffic needs prevention and protection. This is where a good quality sealant comes in. It will form a strong bond to the surface, providing long-term stain resistance and reliability. This kind of product actively repels dirt and contaminants from almost all surfaceseven the most delicate surfaces, such as natural stone.
With proper care, surfaces can look as good as the day you built them. Regular cleaning and maintenance means they will remain resistant and protected, and the landscaping will look smart and be safe, for years to come.
Before After
“It will form a strong bond to the surface, providing long-term stain resistance and reliability. This kind of product actively repels dirt and contaminants from almost all surfaces - even the most delicate surfaces, such as natural stone.”
masonry materials & landscaping
PATIO PATTER
When installing a new patio for a client, it’s obvious that both you and your customer want to ensure you’re using the finest materials available — quality stone slabs, strong concrete and top-grade bricks. Yet in today’s world, these are no longer the only considerations. In an increasingly environmentally aware society, everything is being assessed for its sustainability and environmental impact — and landscaping is no exception.
According to UK gardening charity the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the materials traditionally used in garden landscaping, particularly for patios, can be extremely damaging to the environment. For example, cement — the key ingredient in concrete — produces around 1kg of carbon dioxide for every 1kg manufactured. Bricks generate approximately 250g of carbon dioxide per kilogram, and depending on the type, a square metre of stone patio can add around 47.5kg of carbon dioxide.
This creates a clear dilemma for anyone installing or building a patio: how can you construct a high-quality installation that satisfies your client while reducing environmental impact, especially when many of these materials have been used for centuries?
Fortunately, there is a solution in the form of eco-friendly patios. These patios are made from 100% sustainable and recycled materials, helping to reduce energy consumption and procurement costs while still delivering high quality. So, what are some of these alternative materials and how can they be used
The options
When constructing an eco-friendly patio, there is a wide range of sustainable and recyclable materials available.
One material that has recently gained popularity is bamboo. As a material, bamboo is flexible, strong and durable, having been used in construction across various cultures for thousands of years. It is also fast-growing and easily replenished, making it one of the most sustainable materials available with a relatively low environmental impact.
Materials such as reclaimed wood offer similar advantages. Because reclaimed timber is reused and recycled, it does not require the felling of new trees, helping to protect forests. At the same time, reclaimed wood retains its natural aesthetic appeal and can add charm and character to any patio design.
There are also more mainstream recycled materials available, including recycled concrete and slabs made from reused composite materials. These are particularly attractive options as they require minimal maintenance and do not rot in the same way some natural materials, such as wood, can over time.
The key point is that eco-friendly patios can be created using a variety of materials, giving both you and your client flexibility in terms of design and aesthetics while ensuring the finished result remains durable and high quality.
Long-term sustainability and cost
Choosing to construct an eco-friendly patio also brings long-term environmental and economic benefits.
In terms of durability, many materials
PB’s Luke Cuneen looks into eco-friendly patios and how they are set to become the next big trend in 2026
used in eco-friendly patios — such as recycled composites — are extremely robust and can last for many years without needing replacement. Even materials that may deteriorate over extended periods, such as bamboo or reclaimed wood, are widely available and relatively easy to replace.
From a financial perspective, using recycled and reusable materials often makes sense. These materials typically cost less than newly manufactured alternatives. Even in the case of bamboo, which is not recycled but is highly renewable, its rapid growth and availability make it affordable. As a result, opting for sustainable materials can reduce overall project costs while still delivering high standards of quality.
Where to source sustainable materials
If you’re considering building an ecofriendly patio and are looking for suppliers, you’re in luck. Many UK companies now offer a wide range of recyclable and reusable materials suitable for sustainable landscaping projects.
One example is EnviroBuild, a UKbased company specialising in landscaping products made from recycled materials. Their products are manufactured using renewable energy, and their porcelain and wood ranges of garden paving are designed to combine sustainability with quality.
Evolution Tools puts a spotlight on its multi-award winning R260DCTLi 36V cordless disc cutter
A CUT ABOVE
For over 30 years, Evolution has engineered reliable, high performance power tools built for real-world work - with electric disc cutting at the heart of our expertise. Designed in-house by our Sheffield based product development team, our tools support trades across steel fabrication, construction, landscaping and renovation. Backed by UK technical support and a 3-year warranty, Evolution tools are built to help professionals build what matters with confidence.
When it comes to cutting masonry, petrol machines have been the default for years - not because it’s convenient, but because deep cutting power used to mean engines, fuel and downtime. That gap has closed. Electric and battery powered disc cutters now deliver the performance trades need with none of the usual hassle: no pull cords, no servicing, no fuel bills and instant startup. Evolution disc cutters are purpose built for clean, controlled cuts through tough materials - a smarter alternative to both petrol saws and “make-do” grinders. This month’s featured tool is the multi-
award-winning R260DCTLi 36V cordless disc cutter. It’s already received recognition across the trade sector and won several industry awards, including a Pro Builder 2025 Top Product Award. It’s
groundworks and day-to-day repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) jobs that keep small teams busy.
The standout advantage is its combination of cordless freedom and
will handle 100mm (4”) blocks in a single pass - saving time by reducing flips and double cuts.
Runtime is where cordless cutters live or die, and the R260DCTLi is built as a system: a 36V brushless motor paired with Evolution’s EvoMax™ premium thinkerf diamond blade, designed for cordless efficiency. Less kerf means less load, faster progress and more cuts per charge. Evolution claims 40% more cuts per charge than leading competition, with the EvoMax blade engineered to cut 60% faster and last 4× longer than Evolution general purpose blades - plus up to 2,500 cuts per blade (tested on 450 × 450 × 30mm paving slabs).
Dust management is kept simple with automatic on/off water-fed dust suppression and flow controlsqueeze the trigger and water flows; release it and it stops, with the ability to set your preferred flow rate once and get on with the job.
Practicality is built in too: dual LED work lights for better visibility, electronic braking / motor protection, and a wheeled skid plate to support long, straight groundlevel cuts while reducing fatigue.
Already in the hands of Evolution customers here’s what they had to say about the new R260DCT-Li
“Nice and light to use, powerful and smooth cutting action… Dust suppression system works well. Being battery it’s very silent compared to the petrol engine ones.” (Ian H)
“Lightweight, super comfortable, and the battery life is unreal. I cut a full gable end and still had charge left! The best feature? Automatic water feed - makes cutting cleaner and safer with no hassle.” (Harvey – Builder)
“Battery life is impressive, and it delivers consistent power even on tougher jobs… I can’t see any reason why you’d want anything else. Highly recommended.”
(Andrew V –Stonemason)
“We use the Evolution grinder for all our brickwork… It’s light, not as noisy, it cuts the bricks at over 100mm… so you don’t have to go through again.”
(SJB – Builder)
SIMPLE SPECS
Dan
Redfern, Head of Marketing
Communications at Marley, outlines some of the critical features and benefits now available from a digital platform that can help make a real business difference
As professional builders undertake roofing projects, the launch of Marley’s new online Technical Tools platform will support busy tradespeople by providing quick access to accurate fixing specifications, precise material estimates and compliant NBS Specification documents.
And for the first time the platform also offers an integrated solar PV configurator as demand for the renewable technology soars.
The objective behind our new Technical Tools platform was clear. We wanted to simplify and speed up roofing specification for the building sector without compromising on regulatory compliance.
Based on our existing digital specification services, the Technical Tools platform brings together a comprehensive suite of tools in one easy-to-use online environment.
Builders can now generate compliant fixing specifications, accurate material estimates, NBS Specifications – as well as integrated solar PV layouts –from a single project file without the need to reenter data.
Platform users can choose to use individual tools as required or combine multiple tools within the same project, helping to reduce admin time and improve accuracy across the entire roofing specification process.
Fixing specifications and product estimates
For builders requiring robust fixing specifications and product quantity estimates, the platform automatically determines the minimum fixing requirements for a roof tile based on key project inputs such as building dimensions, roof pitch, tile type and site
location, as well as volumes of products required to complete the roof surface area.
All fixing specifications are produced in accordance with BS EN 1991-1-4 and BS 5534, giving builders total confidence that the final specification is fully compliant. Once generated, specifications can be saved and archived for future reference, supporting traceability and best practice.
Integrated solar PV configurator
With demand for rooftop renewables set to intensify following the announcement of the Government’s Warm Homes Plan, Marley’s Technical Tools makes planning integrated solar PV on roofing projects simple and straightforward.
For the first time, building professionals can design a solar PV array directly within the specification software using a simple configurator. The tool identifies panel quantities, required flashings and accessories, and provides guidance on expected kW output.
The integrated approach also automatically accounts for the reduction in roof tiles required, delivering a fully
NBS Specification
The Technical Tools platform also provides access to NBS Specification, detailing the full scope of works required for the roofing installation.
This includes confirmation of the suitability of the selected roof tile, fittings, systems and accessories, alongside a clear summary of key installation requirements presented in easy-to-manage bullet points. The NBS Specification supports accurate costing and underpins Marley’s 15-year system warranty.
Features and benefits
Additional features within Marley’s Technical Tools platform include:
✔ Automatic product compatibility: Only compatible tiles, accessories and colour options are available based on project location and roof design.
✔ Guided step-by-step workflow: Users cannot progress until errors or missing information are resolved, reducing mistakes.
✔ Multi-plot capability: Creating an account allows users to build fixing specs, estimates and NBS documents for multiple plots, house types or roof slopes within a single project.
✔ Project archive: Secure storage of previous projects for traceability, peace of mind and easy access.
A HELPING HAND
Why the right gloves make you faster, safer and more productive on site
There’s a lot to think about when choosing safety gloves, but for many tradespeople the first thought is simple: gloves will just get in the way. For years that may have been true. Bulky materials, poor fit and sweaty liners often meant reduced dexterity and frustration. But glove technology has moved on significantly. Today’s high-performance safety gloves are designed not just to protect your hands, but to improve comfort, precision and efficiency while you work.
Understanding a few key factors about how gloves are made will help you select the right pair for your trade, your environment and your tools, explains Clair Weston, head of marketing at uvex.
Fit: The foundation of performance
Correct fit is one of the most important, and most overlooked, elements of hand protection. Gloves that are too tight can stretch and tear, reducing their protective barrier and restricting circulation, which can cause discomfort or numbness over time. Gloves that are too loose can slip,
bunch up or reduce grip control, leading to fatigue and increasing the likelihood of mistakes or accidents.
Properly fitted gloves should cover the wrist fully, maintain dexterity and allow natural hand movement. When gloves feel right, workers are far more likely to wear them consistently, improving safety compliance across the job. In environments where contamination or hazardous substances are a concern, correct sizing also prevents gaps or leaks that could compromise protection.
Matching cut protection to the job
Not every task requires the same level of cut resistance. Choosing gloves with the appropriate protection level is essential: too little protection increases injury risk, while too much can reduce dexterity and add unnecessary cost.
Modern engineered yarns have transformed what’s possible. Advanced fibres such as HPPE, Dyneema Diamond
and blended steel or glass fibres deliver high cut resistance in lightweight, flexible designs. Compared to traditional materials like Kevlar, which often required thick layers to achieve protection, these new constructions allow for thinner gloves that maintain excellent grip and tactile feel.
For extremely high-risk environments, HexArmor, part of the uvex safety group, offers gloves featuring layered SuperFabric technology for exceptional resistance to cuts, punctures and abrasions. These products are tested to ANSI/ISEA 105 standards, which rate cut protection from A1 to A9, providing a clear benchmark for selecting the right glove for the hazard level. Understanding these ratings helps ensure you’re protected without sacrificing performance.
Understanding liners and coatings
The liner forms a glove’s structural base, affecting both protection and comfort.
Innovations like uvex Bamboo TwinFlex pair a cut-resistant outer layer for protection against sharp objects, helping to prevent injuries during tasks that involve handling blades, metal, or glass, with a soft bamboo inner layer that wicks moisture and keeps hands breathable and comfortable all day. Bamboo is soft and hypoallergenic, making the gloves gentle on skin even during extended wear. Breathable, lightweight liners reduce sweat and maintain grip and comfort for safe, all-day use.
Coatings further tailor gloves to specific conditions. Nitrile coatings provide strong grip in oily or wet environments, while breathable foam coatings improve dexterity for dry or slightly damp tasks. Water-based coatings offer flexibility and comfort for wet work, and specialised blends can add flame or
chemical resistance where required. Matching liner and coating technology to your working conditions ensures gloves support your performance instead of limiting it.
Modern construction sites often rely heavily on digital tools including tablets, scanners, machine interfaces and mobile devices. Removing gloves to operate screens interrupts workflow and exposes hands to risk. That’s why touchscreencompatible safety gloves are becoming an essential feature for many trades.
uvex integrates touchscreen functionality into selected glove ranges without compromising grip, flexibility or protection. This allows workers to interact with devices seamlessly while keeping PPE on, reducing downtime and minimising exposure to hazards.
Protection without compromise
The idea that gloves slow you down is outdated. With the right fit, appropriate cut level, advanced liner materials and task-specific coatings, modern safety gloves can actually enhance your work. They improve grip, reduce fatigue, maintain dexterity and can help you stay focused on the job.
Ultimately, choosing the right glove isn’t just about safety, it’s about working smarter. When protection, comfort and performance come together, you can stay productive, precise and protected.
THE CAT’S OUT THE BAG
Peter
P(PPE) is, of course, fundamentally about safety. Helping to provide a critical barrier between workers and on-the-job hazards, the reality is that, though sometimes undervalued, it can mean the difference between safety and injury, long term health and preventative harm and, in some cases, even life and death. To that end, it’s easy to understand why safety has long been the foremost priority when it comes to safety footwear. Ask any builder to describe traditional work boots and you’re likely to hear words like clunky, rigid and uncomfortable, as historically manufacturers focused almost exclusively on protection, often overlooking comfort and long-term wearability.
But that approach has come at a cost. Research conducted among UK construction site workers found that 63% say it takes up to a week to break in new work boots, causing “extremely painful and potentially dangerous consequences.” A further 40% say they put off buying new boots as a result. A separate study on workers’ gait and foot health found that a shocking 83.3% of participants reported discomfort when wearing safety footwear.
This isn’t just about sore feet at the end of a shift. Poorly fitting or
Lawson, Brand Manager for Overland Shoes, introduces Bobcat Safety Footwear
and explains why safety footwear is no longer just about safety – it’s also about comfort and style
uncomfortable footwear has been linked to long-term foot pain, callouses and wider musculoskeletal problems affecting the knees, hips and lower back. Moreover, ill-fitting footwear can inadvertently increase the risk of slips, trips and falls, undermining the very principle of what safety footwear is
designed to achieve. Research also shows that when safety footwear causes discomfort, workers are far less likely to wear it thus leaving themselves exposed to injury.
The arrival of Bobcat Safety Footwear brings a new offering into this space, making it possible for busy construction workers to protect their feet without compromising on wearability or aesthetics. After all, as we see it, who says you can’t feel and look good while staying safe on site?
Consistent support
Taking centre stage in this collection is our breakthrough Leaf-Spring Technology, that redefines how safety footwear supports the wearer throughout a demanding working day. Unlike conventional foam or gel insoles that merely cushion impact, this advanced spring-based system helps to disperse pressure and reduce shock with every step while maintaining balanced support across the entire length of the footbed. According to independent testing by the Shoe and Allied Trades Research Association (SATRA) it improves impact
shock absorption by up to 46%, delivering industry-leading protection and outperforming competing insoles by as much as 30%.
The result is reduced fatigue, improved posture and all-day comfort – a gamechanger for busy builders who spend long hours on their feet. This technology is particularly effective in reducing the risk of plantar fasciitis, a condition all too common among tradespeople who spend hours on unforgiving surfaces.
Within the range five outsole series –shown across 27 SKUs and S3 to S7 safety ratings - provide tailored solutions to meet the full spectrum of real-world requirements across different trades.
Take, for example, the athletic-inspired Delta work trainer series. For busy
the right balance: tough enough to handle the hardest jobs while keeping feet comfortable and protected all day. The Delta ticks all those boxes. Each shoe in the range is built with a non-marking, slip and oil resistant outsole that keeps you steady whether you’re indoors on smooth flooring or out on site. Lightweight in design and packaged in a slick, sporty design-handle, the Delta delivers strength, agility and enduring comfort.
Options aplenty
While the Delta range gives builders the lightweight flexibility they need for being constantly on the move and accessing hard-to-reach places, the Summit range adds ankle support, padded collars and a
Turn to page 10 for your chance to win a pair of Bobcat Safety Footwear. There’s three pairs up for grabs!
both indoors and out.
Then there’s the Forge range, which combines all the essential safety features with ladder grip zones built into the sole, giving extra security when climbing up and down all day.
Importantly too, the Bobcat Safety Footwear collection also includes purpose-built women’s styles - not merely smaller versions of men’s boots, but designs crafted on bespoke lasts to ensure a proper fit and superior support for the female foot. Meanwhile, across the board features such as lightweight materials, composite safety toe caps, metal-free construction and punctureresistant midsoles ensure maximum protection without sacrificing comfort. Combined with a range of bold, contemporary design handles and the result is safety footwear that not only performs but feels good and looks the part.
For today’s construction professionals, who often work longer hours on unforgiving surfaces, settling for uncomfortable or ill-fitting safety footwear is no longer acceptable. The latest generation of safety boots demonstrates that it is entirely possible to combine industry-leading protection with genuine comfort and contemporary style. By choosing footwear designed with both performance and wearability in mind, builders can take a better step forward in boots that look good, feel good and work as hard as they do.
WALK THE WALK
PB’s Luke Cuneen reviews the Solid Gear Sonar WRP Low boots, featuring the BOA fit system!
Choose the new Solid Gear Sonar WRP Low boots for a combination of maximum comfort, flexibility, and protection.
Working on various sites, it can be extremely difficult to find the right footwear that balances out personal comfort with the right amount of protection that is needed for the job at hand. Sometimes you are out in hazardous conditions where you need to have a durable set of boots that can handle anything thrown at them. Other times you may be working indoors and may not necessarily need a heavy pair of boots that may feel clunky and uncomfortable. And that is why finding a boot that can fit both needs simultaneously is such an advantage to
have, and this is where the Sonar WRP Low boots come into their element. While having the appearance of a pair of sports trainers rather than a pair of work boots, Solid Gear’s Sonar WRP Low boots are an extremely comfortable fit, with a sporty wide fit, two-layer insulated midsole, and an Ortholite Hybrid insole that makes your feet not only stay nice and dry, but comfortable as well, even while doing the most arduous tasks.The boots are extremely durable as well and offer good protection from both the elements and any obstacles that you may encounter, thanks to the upper material of the boot being made out of CORDURA and the toe cap using NANO technology that combines carbon nanotubes and fibre-glass, making the tip of the boot practically impervious to anything thrown at it. So if you’re someone who is always dropping something on your foot
“WRP Low boots use the BOA system to be as tight or loose as you want, with none of the faffing around and double knots that come with a pair of laces.”
you have stable footing on the job even in muddy and snowy conditions, where traditional boots would lose their grip.
BOA Fit System
However, the main selling point of Solid Gear’s new product is its unique and brilliant use of the BOA wrap fit system, which makes the boots extremely adaptable to each individual user. Instead of using a pair of laces that can be easily torn, especially on some challenging sites, the WRP Low boots use the BOA system to be as tight or loose as you want, with none of the faffing around and double knots that come with a pair of laces. How do they work? Well, all you have to do is press the dial on the boot, turn it until you feel comfortable, and before you know it,
had. Once you’re done, all you have to do is lift the dial up and then take your foot out just like that. The process takes a matter of seconds both ways and saves you the time it would usually take to tighten and loosen the laces on an average pair of work boots. This wraparound effect also gives a stronger heel hold and better fit on the midsole, while still providing ample toe and forefoot room.
Overall, Solid Gear’s Sonar WRP Low boots offer an excellent amount of comfort and flexibility while ensuring that your feet stay warm and protected. Thanks to the BOA Fit System, they also have a lifetime guarantee that covers the entire lifetime of the boots in which it is integrated meaning any issues with the
BACK TO BOSCH
PB’s Luke Cuneen talks to Bosch’s Chris Murray, Digital Product Training Manager to see if their products are up to scratch
In March's podcast we got the chance to talk to Chris Murray from Bosch about its exciting range of products such as the EXPERT SDS MAX-8X drill bits and EXPERT SDS Clean max-8X. We also got to ask Chris a few questions about the tricks of the trade ranging from what additional tools to buy to recycled materials in power tools. These insights are a great help to any tradespeople who hear them, so we thought it would be fun share some of Chris’s best answers.
QSo, Chris, when it comes to accessories, there are a lot to choose from, particularly with Bosch. In terms of a tool’s performance, how much do you think it comes down to an accessory? Or is it more the tool itself? CM: Yeah, I mean, it's a very difficult question to answer. It's one of those things that I can't easily talk about in terms of percentages. I think the best way of looking at it is: you can have the best tool in the world, but if you put a terrible accessory in it, you're probably not going to get your money's worth. You can have probably one of the most powerful expert power tools produced with the biggest, powerful bi-turbo brushless motor
technology but if your SDS bit is blunt or the tip's fallen off because it hasn't been welded on correctly, then essentially, you're just grinding dust. You're not going to get any productivity.
QSpeaking of investing in quality accessories, what sets Bosch’s newest SDS bits apart from others?
CM: What we've got with our 7x and our 8x bits is the fact that we are now using a full carbide head. The advantage of having a full carbide head is that, as carbide is the working part of the tool, and because carbide is extremely hard on the Mohs scale, it means that the drill bit will stay keener for longer. Essentially that just translates to it will last a lot longer. For both ones, SDS Max-7X and SDS Max8X, so the 7x and the 8x bits, you're at up to three times longer lifetime just from the actual carbide head itself.
What’s more, it’s got our special Bosch laser welding process for the actual attachment of the tip. So it's extremely robust. One of the issues you might have with SDS bits is that the tips might fall off, which doesn't help, especially if you lose that carbide tip at the bottom of the hole that you're trying to drill out. It's going to be very difficult to get that bit out!
One of the other very important things about these SDS bits is the fact that it is a
4 cutter. The advantage with a 4 cutter is that because of those four edges, it can't get stuck in or on rebar. If you do happen to hit rebar and you need to put a fixing in that exact spot, instead of having to remove the bit and find purchase or acquire a rebar cutter, you have the ability, although a little slower, to actually continue drilling without having to change the drill bit. So it'll actually cut through the rebar. The only thing I'd recommend is you switch off the hammer mechanism until you're through and then switch hammer back on once you're on the other side of the rebar and continue your job as normal.
QThe Expert SDS Clean Max-8X is clearly designed with dust management in mind. How important is dust management for both regulations and health and safety and how does that accessory help in those regards?
CM: Yeah, the Max-8X bits, essentially what you've got is a hollow drill bit, but it still retains the same qualities as the 7x and the 8x, which is a full carbide head with a 4 cutter. The difference is now, hopefully you can see that we've now attached a dust extraction port to it, and it's a hollow sleeve, the same diameter as the head. That means you're taking dust from the source.
Another advantage is the fact that if your
dust bit was to get blocked up, you can actually remove it into its component parts and clean the dust out, which is a really great benefit over some previous dust extraction drill bits that have been out there in the market. There's a massive focus from the HSE here in the UK and I think for the individual it's very important as well. Silica dust and silicosis, which is the disease typically associated with it, is a massive, massive topic and it's unlikely to go away anytime soon.
QBuilders are really under a lot of financial pressure currently, due to a lot of external factors. What would you say to a builder looking to buy cheaper products?
CM: From my perspective, we often see it as a false economy to buy cheaper products. From my personal experience, nothing would bother me more than wanting to start a job and either my tool isn't working, the battery's died, or I've got an accessory that just simply wears out too quickly and isn't up to the task. I know it's difficult out there. You know, I think that investing in good tools and accessories will generally pay for itself in no time. As we said with the accessories already, there’s less downtime due to poor quality products.
I'm a strong believer in you really get what you pay for.
ADVERTISEMENT INDEX
Here is a useful summary of all the adverts that appear in this issue of Professional Builder Each is listed with its page number and a direct URL that will get you straight to the relevant online information
This article will cover symptoms of prostate cancer, but also why we can’t totally rely on the PSA blood test to check for it.
Prostate cancer has made the news a lot in the last couple of years due to some high-profile people being diagnosed with it, and rightly, this has led to increased awareness of prostate cancer and its symptoms. From my experience, I think that men are talking about prostate issues more freely, which is great. A request for the blood test “just to check” the prostate is a common request, even if there are no symptoms.
So firstly, let’s recap the symptoms of prostate cancer you should be looking out for. In its early stages, when the cancer is small, there may be no symptoms. Symptoms can start when the prostate gland becomes enlarged, as this causes issues with the flow of urine. Symptoms might include:
• Straining to start the flow when peeing
• Having a weaker flow
• The flow of urine becoming stop/start
• Urgency and frequency of needing to pee
• Feeling like you haven’t completely emptied your bladder after a pee and need to go again
• Being up during the night to pee
Other symptoms of prostate cancer can include:
• erectile dysfunction (being unable to get or keep an erection)
• noticing blood in your urine or in your semen
• unexplained weight loss and pain in the lower back (these may be symptoms of advanced prostate cancer)
If you go to the GP with any of these symptoms, you should be offered an examination and will likely be offered the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test. PSA is a protein made by normal prostate cells and cancerous prostate cells. It is
THIS MONTH GP ALICE FITZGIBBON RETURNS TO A TOPIC THAT HAS BEEN HOT IN THE PRESS OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS: PROSTATE CANCER
normal for all men to have some PSA in their blood. Having the prostate gland examined is important; your health professional can feel whether the gland is enlarged and whether it feels irregular.
In 2025, the UK Screening Committee announced that the PSA test for prostate cancer screening would not be rolled out. Many people found this disappointing, but this was not really a surprise for the medical profession. Let’s find out why using the PSA blood test is not good enough for screening…
Screening tests are tests that pick up a potentially treatable condition at an early stage, before there are any symptoms, to detect changes that, if left untreated, could develop into a serious condition, like cancer. In the UK, we are lucky to have several good screening programmes- from the newborn heel prick test to check for conditions like cystic fibrosis, to breast cancer screening with mammograms and colon cancer screening with stool sample kits.
For a test to be used as a screening test, it needs to be reliable at identifying the specific condition, offer more good than harm to the population participating in the program, and be a test people are willing to take. Put simply, the PSA test is sadly just not a good enough screening
test- it is not reliable enough. High PSA levels can be caused by cancer, but also by urine infections or simply enlarged prostate glands. According to Cancer Research UK, a major study showed that 15 out of 100 men with a normal PSA had prostate cancer (15%) and out of 100 men with a raised PSA, 75 of them did not have prostate cancer (75%). These results are known as false negatives (testing negative when you do have the disease) and false positives (testing positive when you don’t have the disease). Because of this unreliability, the test is not suitable for screening everybody. The PSA test is still very useful when used with a history of symptoms, examination findings and knowing about individual risk factors for prostate cancer.
Screening tests can cause harm. False negatives that lead to false reassurance and potentially delayed or missed diagnoses cause harm. False positive results can lead to significant emotional stress and potential risks from further investigations. In the last few years, it has been great to see that many more raised PSA tests are able to be investigated noninvasively through MRI scans rather than skipping straight to prostate biopsies.
Go and speak to your GP if you have worries or concerns about your prostate. If you notice new symptoms or are worried as you are over 50 years of age with risk factors for prostate cancer such as having a family history, being of Black ethnicity or have a known inherited cancer gene called BRCA, then definitely come along and get checked. PSA testing is useful for assessing an individual rather than the general population.
HOT ON THE SCENE
Professional Builder is excited to announce the launch of Professional Builder Weekly a brand-new mobile first digital platform designed with the UK’s trades in mind.
Working in the construction industry often means being on the move a lot. The trades are out and about, not sat at a desk behind a computer screen. That means that when it’s time for a break, or you’ve got a spare 5 minutes when you get to a job too early, the main thing you’ll have to hand in the van to pass the time is your phone (or perhaps even the latest issue of Professional Builder!).
It’s with this scenario in mind that we’ve cooked up PB Weekly platform that is designed specifically for those who want to consume their content quickly, visually and on the move. It is a scrollable, fast, video rich, editorially-led mobile experience.
Features at a glance
✓ New exciting competitions and giveaways each week
✓ Videos of tool reviews, product tests and more
✓ Brand new entirely fresh and up-todate feed every 7 days
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✓ Questions and polls
Simple & practical
Being user-friendly was incredibly important when designing this new platform. There are few things as irritating as trying to navigate something incredibly complicated on your phone. As such, PB Weekly is laid out simply and clearly. It’s easy to read, with no pinching and zooming required and presented in a straightforward, sensical manner that boasts scroll-and-go layout, bitesized, fast-loading content. Those who sign up will be treated to a scrollable feed of content that’s been hand picked by the Professional Builder team to be worthwhile and interesting. It’s quick, easy and visual and works wherever you do –be that in the van, on site, or during a tea break.
SO, IF YOU’RE NOT ALREADY RECEIVING PB WEEKLY, WHY NOT SIGN UP AT PBWEEKLY.CO.UK AND JOIN THE 120,000 UK TRADESPEOPLE ALREADY MAKING THE MOST OF IT.
