Buildingtalk newsletter issue 281

The week's top stories from Buildingtalk - Issue 281

Written by the Buildingtalk editor Feb 1, 2010

Video is a great media for the building industry and still a hugely under-used marketing tool. A recent one minute video on how to install ceiling plasterboard had over 250k views on the web. Last week I saw a Knauf video featuring a 'race' comparing their MP 75 projection plaster with traditional manual plastering. Knauf was three times faster which means the finishing trades get in sooner and the building is completed quicker. Totally convincing and memorable.

You don't have to spend thousands on videos. Buildingtalk is offering to help and can even loan you a video camera. All you need then is a decent salesman to demonstrate a product in a well-lit room, or film the product installed on a recent project. We can edit the results into a useful promo. This can then be used on your website as well as being available on Buildingtalk.

We can also deliver your videos to our subscribers via our advertising EXTRA newsletter plus advise on other great opportunities to get them viewed. If you already have a video and want to make it more productive in reaching customers, do be in touch and I can send you details of how we can help.

We have used our own video preview to promote Ecobuild 2010, the world's biggest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment which opens at London's Earls Court on 2nd March. Take a look via the link on the first story featured below. This kind of news review is going to become a regular feature on Buildingtalk and I do promise to improve my on-screen delivery.

The Building Schools Exhibition and Conference (BSEC) is another good industry show. I visited it last year in Manchester and was impressed. This year it is at Excel in London on 24 - 25 February. With over 300 exhibitors it is the largest event for those involved in the design, construction and management of schools. For example, Dulux Trade will demonstrate their 'Transforming Schools' campaign first hand, recreating a working classroom divided into two areas, one side will be modern and stimulating, the other will be uninspiring. It will show how a simple, cost-effective paint job can improve a school and the learning experience for teachers and pupils.

Just a reminder that the Tax Office (HMRC) are moving away from paper returns which means businesses will have to file their VAT returns online. There are also new rules which will apply from April. Some builders will struggle, especially if they don't use a computer on a regular basis. HBXL, who provide estimating and accounts packages, discuss the issues and offer some advice. You can follow the link below to find out more.

Finally, I have included details of the Mitsubishi Electric's Ecodan air source heat pump which you can see close-up at Ecobuild. The system qualifies for both the boiler scrappage scheme and a Microgeneration Certification Scheme grant. However I have had correspondence from various sources challenging the value and wisdom of these government schemes. I aim to comment on this next week so if you have a view, do be in touch.

Top Products featured this issue

[1] BUILDINGTALK VIDEO PREVIEW OF ECOBUILD 2010

(Ecobuild, 29 Jan 2010)

Special Buildingtalk VIDEO preview of Ecobuild 2010, the world's biggest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment is at London's Earls Court on 2 Tuesday - 4 Thursday March 2010. Take a look by using the read more link below. A full and detailed Ecobuild 2010 PDF is available by clicking 'Quick link' below.

[2] DULUX TRADE PAINT IN EDUCATION IS SHOWING AT BSEC

(Dulux Trade, 26 Jan 2010)

Dulux Trade will be inviting delegates to experience its Transforming Schools campaign first hand, at the 2010 Building Schools Exhibition and Conference (BSEC). The stand will demonstrate how transforming a school's interior can change students' academic performance by recreating a working classroom environment.

[3] DECRA STEEL ROOFTILES ON SHOW AT BSEC

(Decra Roof Systems, 29 Jan 2010)

Decra Roof Systems will be exhibiting its range of lightweight steel roofing systems and accessories at BSEC. Decra rooftiles offer a cost effective roofing solution for new and existing school buildings, combining aesthetics with durability, security, ease of installation and sustainability.

[4] HBXL SUPPORTS CIA SOFTWARE TO MEET NEW LEGISLATION

(HBXL, 29 Jan 2010)

HBXL advises on new legislation which means businesses will have to file their VAT returns online and pay any VAT due electronically. The new rules will apply from April, firstly to businesses that are VAT registered and have a turnover of more than GBP100,000 or newly registering for VAT, with any turnover.

[5] FLOWCRETE'S SUSTAINABLE UNDERFLOOR HEATING CONCEPT

(Flowcrete Group, 27 Jan 2010)

Flowcrete along with specialist contractor KAN, have launched the Floorzone concept with Isowarm underfloor heating, at the SelfBuild exhibition in Belfast. The SelfBuild Show will feature new products and technologies to enable and promote sustainable building practices throughout Ireland.

[6] PROCTER PROVIDES FREE CAST STONE DRAWING DOWNLOADS

(Procter Caststone, 26 Jan 2010)

Procter Caststone now offer architects and specifiers free PDF drawing downloads for its range of standard cast stone products. Drawings can either be downloaded individually or in the form of a complete drawing pack.

[7] MITSUBISHI EXHIBITS LOW CARBON HEATING AT ECOBUILD

(Mitsubishi Electric Living Environmental Systems, 26 Jan 2010)

Mitsubishi Electric's Ecodan air source heat pump will be the central focus of the company's stand at Ecobuild. The system qualifies for both the boiler scrappage scheme and a Microgeneration Certification Scheme grant.

[8] HONEYWELL'S HOT WATER VALVE REDUCES WASTAGE

(Honeywell Control Systems, 28 Jan 2010)

Honeywell provides immediate hot water and reduces water wastage in buildings with multiple outlets through its low cost valve. The Kombi 4 throttle and balancing valve is installed in the secondary returns of constant hot water systems to balance the system.

[9] TREMCO ILLBRUCK ADVISES ON CONSTRUCTION GAPS

(Tremco illbruck, 26 Jan 2010)

Tremco illbruck's business development manager Steve Wild, considers and discusses joints and gaps in the construction of buildings. This includes issues arising from differential settlement with timber frame construction, plus solutions to this problem.

[10] REDLAND LAUNCHES INTEGRATED SOLAR ROOF TILES

(Redland, 29 Jan 2010)

Redland is going to be launching five new roof tile specific PV systems at Ecobuild. Redland will be the first company to offer a fully integrated PV solution for slate, plain tile and profile tile roofs.

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Howard Chapman

Buildingtalk editor

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