NEWSROUND
Bradfords ramps up training for Sustainability Champions
Bradfords Building Supplies continues to invest in developing the knowledge of its sustainability
champions, with a training day at the National Self Build and Renovation Centre (NSBRC) in Swindon on March 29.
The team enjoyed an update on the implications of the forthcoming Building Regulations Part L uplift and the Government’s Future Homes Standard courtesy of Xtratherm. This was followed by workshops looking at how to encourage more of the Bradfords team onto the environmental sustainability journey, and researching products at the NSBRC that solve environmental challenges.
Ehron Keast, Bradfords Sustainability Champion and a recently graduated apprentice at Bradfords’ Seaton branch, said: “I really want to be able to help our customers when it comes to building more sustainably, so a day like this is invaluable.” Lynda Moore, head of talent and development at Bradfords, said: “We know we’ve got to be ready for what’s coming down the line when it comes to environmental sustainability. So, this is an important new aspect to the training and development that we offer at Bradfords to ensure we’re ready as a business, and to be able to provide the service we need to for our customers.”
8 Travis Perkins introduces new bulk bag
In a first for the industry, Travis Perkins has introduced a new bulk bag which has a minimum 30% recycled content, ahead of the introduction of the Plastic Packaging Tax on April 1. Bulk bags, which are used to deliver aggregates will be subject to the new levy. The new tax means any business that manufactures or imports 10 tonnes or more of plastic packaging that contains less than 30% recycled plastic will be taxed at £200 a tonne.
This move follows the publication
from being used by making these changes to the bag. Travis Perkins has been working closely with one of their key suppliers, Centurion Industrial Packaging since April 2021, to develop a bulk bag that reduces the level of virgin grade materials.
of the company’s decarbonisation roadmap to achieve the Group’s SBTi approved carbon targets by 2035. In a year Travis Perkins estimates it will save in excess of 350 tonnes of virgin grade material
WCoBM recognises talent and achievement
On the 21st March, the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants’ (WCoBM) hosted its annual City & Awards lunch in the City of London.
BMF student winners were: Michael Church of City Plumbing, awarded Apprentice of the Year; Alun Thomas of LBS Builders Merchants for Best performing Diploma Student; and Joy Walker of JT Atkinson for Best BMF Online Student. The ‘Caring for the
Environment’ award acknowledges companies or individuals in the Livery whose efforts in areas of waste management, manufacturing processes, packaging or product development have resulted in greater sustainability or
resource efficiency. The winners were Polypipe Civils & Green Urbanisation and Bradfords Building Supplies. The Master’s Award was
presented to WCoBM’s Secretary Denise Llewellyn for over 25 years’ of outstanding service to the Company. The award is a distinct accolade introduced to acknowledge the commitment, efforts and contribution of individuals in the Company who have gone the extra mile and made a real difference through strong support to the Company.
h&b launches new training scheme
h&b has launched a new training scheme for its members, the h&b BMF Training Campus. The h&b BMF Training Campus
offers members subsidised access to the BMF’s made-for- merchants training platform and, as well as BMF courses and training bundles, the h&b BMF Training Campus will offer h&b
members access to specialist h&b content. As part of its focus on sustainability in 2022, h&b is providing participating members free access to the supply chain sustainability school content for the first twelve months, plus further subsidies to members under its Training Support Initiative.
The bags have passed both international independent safety standard tests, as well as Travis Perkins’ own rigorous internal testing processes. The bulk bags will be sold under Travis Perkins’ own label.
Chancellor reduces VAT on energy-saving
items, but not on energy
In his Spring Statement Chancellor Rishi Sunak scrapped VAT on energy-efficiency products such as solar panels, heat pumps or insulation, in a move described by Builders Merchants Federation CEO John Newcomb as a ‘ray of hope’ Newcomb said: “The Chancellor offered two rays of hope in his Spring Statement, with a temporary reduction in fuel duty and the removal of VAT on energy saving materials for the next 5 years. We have long supported zero-rated VAT on these materials, both to promote energy efficient upgrades to our existing housing stock and support the drive to net zero, and welcome the Chancellor’s announcement. “However, the potential impact of these positive measures must be considered within the broader context of building materials supply, where the outlook is much less certain. Even before the war in Ukraine, rising energy, freight and labour costs were reflected in price increases for building products. “I am sure a lot of building materials manufacturers, and their customers, would have been looking for more support.”
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net April 2022
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