Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the construction sector are falling victim to payment abuse and deserve better protection, a leading trade association has warned.

In its submission to the Scottish Government’s Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee, which is undertaking an inquiry into the construction sector, SELECT took the opportunity to make the case that reform of the payment system should include provisions to ensure that retention monies are protected in trust.

Retentions are monies withheld from contractors by clients to ensure that all work is completed properly. The money is meant to be paid back in full once work is finished and confirmed compliant with industry standards.

Aestus, a true manufacturer of quality handcrafted designer radiators and towel warmers in the UK, introduces its trend predictions for 2019. As 70s chic has hit the high streets, we are seeing the theme extend into the home, with velvet and fringed soft furnishings, floral patterns and funky shapes, awakening the UK’s love for seventies fashion. Heating solutions are adding to this vibe with circular, wavy, curved designs and bold black accents, creating an ‘Abstract Silhouette’ and a focal point in the room.

Boiling water taps – what are they all about?  Just a few years ago, they were either the preserve of upmarket kitchens or you might have found one in an office kitchen – albeit not necessarily delivering the full, 100°C monty.  Which might have been why you were there… Or perhaps it was because of the scale.  Or maybe its filter cartridge needed replacing.  

Following the launch of its 2019 Brochure, the UK’s leading manufacturer of designer radiators and towel warmers, Vogue (UK),introduce Cygnus Harmonique: a new and exclusive heating design which embodies the best of both worlds. 

Epitomising the future of contemporary heating design, Cygnus Harmonique by Vogue (UK)features a modern white vertical panel radiator which is set within a unique combination of Mild Steel looped towel rails. 

Evoking a sense of calm, the new Cygnus Harmonique innovatively combines form and function through an intricate sequence of linked coiled bars which provide ample towel hanging space, and a smooth flat-panel radiator for the warmth you need. 

Vogue (UK), the UK’s leading manufacturer of designer radiators and towel warmers continue to innovate the heating market with its latest new design for 2019, Focus Horizontal. 

A smart alternative to the customary upright models, the new Focus Hby Vogue (UK)is designed for optimal towel drying, owing to its horizontal arrangement with generous width and high heat output.  

Satisfying the market’s need for applied design where function is not limited by room size, Focus Horizontal is ideal above a bath, sited beneath a window to minimise chill factor or installed discreetly below a shelf to make use of every piece of available wall space. 

Leading UK based designer, manufacturer and specialist distributor for the bathroom industry, Grange Design, introduces the new 2019 Bathroom Brochure by MGS, featuring a host of solid stainless steel eco-friendly taps and shower solutions for the contemporary homeowner. 

Demonstrating a pioneering collection of taps and accessories where shape is central to design,Grangeoffer a range of brand new and existing stainless steel bathroom solutions by MGS that emanate the symbolic style and flair of Italian product design. 

What’s New?

Whether you’re a professional tradesperson or a keen DIY homeowner, you want to get the most out of your tools. There has been an ongoing debate about the rise in popularity of cordless power tools and how they may reign supreme over their corded counterparts. So, what are the pros and cons of cordless vs corded power tools and which will work best for your needs?

To weigh in on the debate, Toolden has created a brief guide for Plumbing Trade Magazine on the benefits of each power tool design.

Why Choose Corded Power Tools?

An interior design trend that will simply never go out of style is the visually appealing minimalism trend. Typically centred around a stripped-back look of clean lines and a strictly monochrome colour palette, minimalist interior design is easy to replicate in any room of the home. Minimalist bathroom design is a popular choice for those looking to keep things uncomplicated in the sanctuary of their bathroom.

So, what is next for minimalist bathroom design in 2019? In partnership with Plumbing Trade Magazine, luxury bathroom manufacturer Lusso offers its predictions.

Statement Baths

Leading sanitaryware provider, Twyford, have launched a new range of thermostatically controlled shower valves. The high-performance Sola Thermostatic shower valves have TMV3 and WRAS approval, making them suitable for a range of commercial applications, including those in the healthcare sector.

With safety and innovation at the heart of the range, the shower valves distribute water at safe and stable temperatures. The valves also feature Antiscald Failsafe Technology – A rapid failsafe for protection against scalding or thermal shock in the event of water supply failure. 

In an industry-first move, Salamander Pumps, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of domestic water pumps, has announced the launch of EVE - a new, twin-ended, universal shower pump featuring a variable bar rating, which can be changed with just the touch of a button.

The first of its kind, EVE uses a sensor to monitor the system water flow and detect any changes, while a brushless motor varies its speed to ensure a constant pressure, no matter how many outlets in the home are open at any one time. 

Launched in response to the increasing popularity of high-end bathroom refurbishments, EVE is the first pump on the market to fit into both positive and negative head situations, without the need for a pressure vessel and working with any gravity-fed system.