Building better mental health

Mental health is something of a taboo subject in the workplace, particularly in construction. Stuart Russell, commercial manager at CPI EuroMix, discusses the steps construction companies can take to remedy the symptoms of stress and poor mental health before the afflictions can take full effect.

Wallbarn’s secret touch turns flat roofs into gorgeous spaces

Turning unloved and little-used flat roof spaces into beautifully finished paved areas or lush green roofs is a speciality that Wallbarn has built its reputation upon. The business, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is a leader in both areas, but jokes that it is the really successful company that many people are unaware of. RCI spoke with Julian Thurbin, director at Wallbarn to find out more.

QBM invests in upskilling future generations

William Burgoyne, head of training and technical sales representative at Quality Building Materials (QBM), has spearheaded the training of over 200 roofing operatives and apprentices across Ireland since 2018 and is now delivering training courses as part of the company’s commitment to upskilling future generations in the roofing sector.

An opportunity our industry MUST take

With an open-led government consultation to review the ban on the use of combustible materials in and on the external walls of buildings, Paul Richards, managing director of Aquarian Cladding Systems, discusses why a balanced explanation is needed to enable stakeholders to make an informed decision on materials

Maintaining productivity levels during a period of disruption

Nick Howes, managing director at Leadership Management International UK, discusses how during a period of uncertainty, it’s important to instil confidence in your workforce and teach them essential skills like positive expectancy and persistence, to ensure that the work continues to the standards expected

Sale and leasebacks: sacrifice or a saviour?

Could a sale and leaseback deal be the key for businesses looking to survive the coronavirus crisis? James Polo-Richards, a real estate lawyer and partner in the commercial real estate team at law firm Wright Hassall, explains more to RCI readers.

Roofers urged to ask the ‘dipped or pressure-treated’ question

SR Timber is calling for roofers and contractors to ask their suppliers whether their timber roofing batten is dipped or pressure-treated with preservatives.

The road for innovative products can be long

For decades, Roofshield has been providing roofing contractors with the highest quality, pitched roof underlay, which is both air and vapour permeable. Iain Fairnington, technical director at A.Proctor Group, explains how the product has been embraced by the construction industry since its inception in 1996.

Is the construction industry finally getting back on its feet?

Thomas Bradley from Mobile Mini looks at whether the recent easing of lockdown restrictions and a £1.3 billion investment for the construction of new houses from the government are the first steps in a brighter outlook for the industry.

Laying a strong foundation with insulation

With so many types of insulation on the market, not all of them are suitable for every part of the building. Here, Joan Ferrer, technical sales manager at Ravago Building Solutions, discusses what to consider when selecting the right insulation.