8 | UK News
Richard Burbidge chosen for Howdens’ first branded stairparts line
products from Richard Burbidge’s popular Elements stair system at all 778 Howdens depots across the UK.
The partnership marks a major new chapter for Richard Burbidge – which makes and supplies staircase parts, decking and decorative mouldings. The family-run business, based in North Wales, is working with Howdens to help its customers respond to consumer demand for high- quality, on-trend stairparts.
Above: The Elements line combines oak and metal
Howdens, the UK’s leading trade kitchen and joinery supplier, has chosen Richard Burbidge for its first ever offering of branded stairparts. From mid-June, tradespeople have been able to buy
Combining oak and metal, the stylish Elements range features clean lines, and is made using FSC-certified and sustainably sourced timber. Installation is quick and simple thanks to pre-cut balusters which simply slot into pre-drilled rails, meaning systems can often be fitted in a day. Builders, fitters, and other tradespeople have a choice of eight different Elements products: two handrails, two baserails, two black balusters (one for the stairs and one for the landing), and two fixing kits to secure the handrails to the newels. “This is a huge opportunity to further support the trade sector by working in
IDS acquired by Chiltern Capital Above: IDS MD John Bagshaw
Surface materials specialist distributor IDS has announced that it has been acquired by private equity investor Chiltern Capital. IDS has been owned by Saint Gobain Building Distribution for 23 years, during which time it has grown to be the UK’s largest distributor of decorative surfaces, doubled its turnover and reported revenues in excess of £120m in 2021. IDS will continue to operate with the existing management team under John Bagshaw, managing director, who has led the business since its formation from the merger of L Bloom and Meyer Laminates
TTJ | July/August 2022 |
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in 1999. The management team will be supported by the introduction of Tony Buffin as chair, who has previously held roles on the boards of Travis Perkins plc and Kingfisher plc and is currently the chair of HIG-backed Highbourne Group. “IDS has proved itself over two decades to be a strong business with an ambition for growth and we will be building on the support and infrastructure that being part of Saint Gobain has given us over 20 years,” said Mr Bagshaw. “It’s very much business as usual and we look forward to continuing our partnerships with our trusted customer and supplier base. With Chiltern and Tony’s support, we will build on our leading market position, as well as expanding our product offering, to drive faster growth.” IDS supplies over 12,000 product lines specialising in flooring, worktops, laminates, compact, panel products, solid surface and wall panelling to a large and diverse customer base, through a multi-channel business model servicing the kitchen, bathroom, flooring and construction sectors. The company has 11 regional branches, seven Makeover Centres and an online e-commerce platform.
partnership with an industry leader,” said Josh Burbidge, managing director of Richard Burbidge. “Howdens is an established and highly respected UK business, and this collaboration will enable us to expand our reach and build brand awareness.”
The Elements system is strength-tested to UK domestic regulations. The stairparts will feature in the next issue of Howdens’ trade catalogue and will also have a branded page on the company’s website. “We’re always looking to expand our product range and respond to our customers’ needs,” said Claire Toomey, head of category for flooring and joinery at Howdens.
“Metal stair systems are a big trend so there’s demand among homeowners, interior designers and property developers for this clean, stylish look.
“Richard Burbidge’s Elements range is the perfect choice for our first offering of branded stairparts. By stocking this line, our trade customers will be able to answer the demand from their own clients.”
Structural timber allowed between 11m and 18m
Structural timber use in exterior walls of 11m to 18m will be permitted after all, a UK government committee has ruled. The newly published Update to Approved Document B from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, has ruled that structural timber is approved for use within the external walls of buildings between 11 and 18m. It had originally proposed extending the combustibles ban from 18m in height down to 11m.
The government’s decision was in line with the response from the timber industry, led by the Confederation of Timber Industries working with partners including ACAN, which called for the government to take a risk-based approach, and to focus restrictions on “cladding rather than structure”.
All the details and changes, which come into force on December 1, 2022, can be accessed here
https://www.gov. uk/government/publications/fire-safety- approved-document-b
UK News
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