Tiles UK on the acquisition trail
Salford based tile distributor, Tiles UK Ltd, seeing the recession as an opportunity for growth have announced the purchase of The Tile Warehouse in Nottingham.
Apprentice Simon Wheeler is simply the best
Thames Valley University (TVU) Reading student tiler, Simon Wheeler, was presented with a £200 cheque after winning the 'Simply the Best' competition run by the college.
Tile Depot makes changes at the top
Earlier this month, Rob Gilbert, managing director and founder of Tile Depot became chief executive officer and chairman of the company. Financial director Danny Steptoe was promoted to the position of managing director.
Financial News
Travis Perkins' profit slumps 11%
TP's Chief executive describes trading conditions as 'most difficult' in group's history
Wolseley shares on the up
With an upbeat trading statement Wolseley expects profit to exceed forecasts of £326 for the year to July 2010.
Cut the VAT campaign
More than 24,000 jobs in the construction sector as well as an extra 31,000 other new jobs in the wider economy could be created in 2010 by cutting VAT to 5% on the labour element of repair, maintenance and improvement works for residential properties. So reveals the Cut The Vat Research Report, launched last Tuesday in the House of Commons by Experian on behalf of the 'Cut the VAT' coalition.
Insolvencies soar
Insolvencies last year (2009) were up by 25% on the previous year (2008). Emma Bridges, a Director at Top Service, thinks that insolvencies are set to climb further in 2010: "The recession coupled with the recent poor weather conditions has resulted in a bad start to the year for the construction sector. Our data indicates that insolvencies are unlikely to fall in 2010".
News on the economy
With the news that the pound is on the slide against the dollar as a result of worries about a hung parliament, details of the latest quarterly figures on orders does little to improve confidence in the sector.
Politics
Tories release planning green paper
The Conservative Party has laid out plans to scrap large elements of the planning system and replace them with a new system where local authorities set their own housing targets.
Business
New course to be requirement for all M&S construction contractors
ConstructionSkills, the industry's Sector Skills Council, working together with Marks & Spencer, has developed an innovative new sustainability course designed to enhance the skills of those working on construction and refurbishment sites across the country.
Ecobuild attracts over 1000 exhibitors
Running from 2-4 March at Earls Court London is what is thought to be the World's largest exhibition on sustainable construction.
What kind of boss are you
SME bosses can get instant tailored advice on managing their employment law obligations with a free new online tool from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
Situations Vacant
As part of its service to the tile industry, Tilezine publishes news snippets about job vacancies in the market, free of charge. If you would like us to publish details of your vacancies email us at news@tilezine.co.uk
Membership Recruitment Agent
As part of its continuing membership campaign, The Tile Association is looking for recruitment agents to target quality businesses in the wall and floor tile industry in Scotland, Wales, South East and South West England with a view to encouraging their membership application. The ideal candidate would be expected to plan and carry out sales visits initially within a defined area. The position will be a temporary six-month contract, which can be extended by agreement. The representative will receive commission payment for new members and may include travel expenses. For further information please contact The Tile Association, 02086630946.
