ToolBUSINESS+HIRE


Is published 10 times a year by:


Airstream Business Communications Ltd, Wiston, Coppice Way, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 4NN, England, UK.


Annual subscription (UK): £35.00 Others on enquiry All Enquiries to the Airstream office: Tel: 01444 440188 Fax: 01444 414813 e-mail: info@airstream.co.uk www.toolbusiness.co.uk


Editor/Director Anne Hall


Advertising Manager Christine Williams Direct tel: 01444 450071


Production Manager David Paddick


Circulation Manager Linda Barker


Design and Artwork by DEP CREATIVE LIMITED


Printing by GEMINI PRESS LIMITED


A note from The Editor


As soon as we begin to experience some warm weather these days it seem that we are all made to feel guilty by reports of Global Warming and how this is affecting our planet! Climate change risk has an affect on the Global Economy, and this week I was sent some information from the Global Economy Research Program at the University of Ottawa, highlighting new research that will concentrate on how to focus industry’s resources toward an effective approach to mitigate climate change. The Construction Industry is bombarded with information on new products


on the market, to build more energy efficient houses under such headings as Solar energy, heat exchange units and reusable water storage systems to name but a few. Fergus Ewing, the Scottish Energy Minister recently opened a new centre in Cumbernauld called The CMS Innovation hub. It gives the building industry access to the greenest products and designs and is an opportunity for leading construction and supply firms to showcase the latest energy saving products. Solar panels are becoming more common – in fact I have some on my roof and


this increases my pleasure in a sunny day as I think of all the electricity being generated! However it is interesting to note how many are being installed by individual homeowners rather than the construction trade. The Solar Trade Association notes that although the latest building figures show a 28% rise in 2013 compared to 2012, a survey of new housing estates shows a distinct lack of correctly installed solar panels. Government targets require all new build housing to be zero carbon by 2016. New housing is going in the right direction with vastly improved insulation and energy saving installations but it is also important that careful consideration is given to renewable energy solutions. Solar has a powerful contribution to make to the energy mix in the UK and has a unique ability to give residential energy


users greater control over their bills and create their own energy supply. Certainly, my solar panels have made a significant reduction in my electricity bills. With the pressure growing for significant house building across the UK in the coming years, the parallel development of residential solar energy is an essential part of the UK’s energy infrastructure. The Government needs to look carefully at regulations controlling energy efficiency in new building for the future. The Voice of the Industry article this month highlights the dangers of Carbon Monoxide poisoning and the importance of


every household installing an audible carbon monoxide alarm – another consideration for those building new homes. In this edition of the magazine we have a contribution from Craig Phillips in our Celebrity Column Feature, discussing the


future of Power Tools. Peter Brett has written reviews on two products, an 18 volt planer from Hitachi and a FOX Paddle Mixer from Serracon. He has also been on his travels with two visits to Germany this month! Firstly he visited Wiha in the Black Forest region


and later in the month, Christine accompanied him on a visit to Metabo near Stuttgart. ToolBUSINESS+HIRE was privileged to be the only British Press invited to this launch of a new range of Metabo Angle Grinders, attended by many companies from all over the world. You can read his account of this and the Wiha visit later in the magazine. With features on Workwear, Building Trade Tools, Hire Tools and Equipment and the usual Product and Company News,


this edition has plenty to keep you reading! Visit our website www.toolbusiness.co.uk for more information and links to the contacts you need.


contents


Airstream Business Communications


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Unsolicited material is accepted on the understanding that Airstream Business Communications Ltd. is not liable for its safekeeping. Although every effort is made to ensure that companies included in this magazine are reputable, Airstream can give no guarantees in this regard and readers must deal with them at their own risk. Entire contents copyright ©Airstream Business Communications Ltd 2010 All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form without written consent is strictly prohibited.


telephone 01444 440188 B


Product News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Wiha Visit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Serracon Independent Review. . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Celebrity Guest Column. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Building Trade Tools/Power Tool Innovations 8 Hitachi Independent Review . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Voice of the Industry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12


If you wish to express any opinion on any subject covered by ToolBusiness+Hire magazine you can write to: ToolBusiness+Hire c/o the Editor, Anne Hall, or e-mail (info@airstream.co.uk)


Glee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Metabo Visit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Workwear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Hire Tools & Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Company News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Late News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 ToolBusiness Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28


Toolbusiness+Hire magazine receives editorial contributions from many different sources, we endeavor to ensure all information contained in the magazine, including claims about products’ performance and any company’s market position are accurate. However we cannot accept responsibility for any omissions or errors in material we reproduce in good faith, either in contributions from individuals or companies, or in advertising reproduced within Toolbusiness+Hire. All information contained within this magazine is provided for general information purposes only and on the understanding that none of the content herein constitutes legal or other professional advice. The application and impact of laws can vary widely depending on the specific facts involved. We have made every attempt to ensure that all information contained within this magazine and our associated web site has been obtained from reliable sources, but all such information is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness or accuracy. We provide no warranty of any kind, express or implied, as regards the information herein, and disclaim all liability and responsibility for any loss that may arise from reliance on information contained within this magazine. In the case of a specific problem or query, professional advice should be sought.


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