17th July 2020

July Edition of Trade Counter News.

FREEFOAM LAUNCH VIDEO TO ACKNOWLEDGE 30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Freefoam Building Products has now released a video to highlight and celebrate their 30 year anniversary. Featuring an informative interview with Chairman and founding Director Tony Walsh, and Managing Director Aidan Harte, the video brings the Freefoam story to life and highlights some of the key milestones in this inspiring 30 year journey. Tony and Aidan explain the principles behind the company and how Freefoam started from very humble beginnings in Cork with just one extruder and eight people and has expanded to become a business with three operational locations, Ireland, the UK and France employing over 300 team members.

READ MORE ABOUT THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

By partner Jon Cooper, and managing associate Ashley Borthwick, at law firm Womble Bond Dickinson

At the start of lockdown, the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) general approach was to work with employers to ensure compliance and to issue enforcement notices to help secure improvements where appropriate.

However, as the phased return to work has progressed, the general tone has changed. HSE is now making it plain that prosecution will be a consideration in appropriate cases. It has reported over 1,000 spot checks after it resumed inspections at the end of May.

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is pleased to announce the appointment of James MacPherson as Health, Safety and Environment Manager.

With a diverse and extensive background in the management of Health, Safety and Environment, James is a graduate member of IOSH (Institution of Occupation Safety and Health). During his 8 plus years’ experience in varying industries including manufacturing, distribution, healthcare and housing, James has gained a fresh perspective on safety, focused on delivering value for the people and the business.

James’ considerable experience extends to high risk fire management, explosive atmospheres, workplace transport, as well as being an accredited trainer.

The latest quarterly data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed a 39.8% fall in private repair and maintenance in the three months to May 2020. These sharp effects of the coronavirus crisis on local builders reflect the picture painted by the FMB’s own recent State of Trade survey.

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) recently attended the Government Work Stream on RMI (Repair Maintenance and Improvement) and raised several issues on behalf of GGF Members and the wider industry.