46 | OCTOBER 2021
Skills
Read online at www . proinstaller . co . uk
ONLINE LEARNING EVENT IS A HIT FOR FIT
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September 27 - 28 saw the launch of FIT Show ’ s inaugural live , online learning event , coinciding with what would have marked the return of its live show at the NEC .
Alongside sessions covering topics such as ‘ tackling mental health in construction ’, technical webinars covered ‘ changes to building regulations ’, ‘ the importance of performance ratings ’ and ‘ trends in outdoor living ’ delivered by RISA , BFRC and Renson UK respectively .
Social media was a prominent content theme within the programme . JC Media ’ s David Glenwright delivered two sessions covering ‘ LinkedIn for thought leaders ’ and ‘ how to create a visual brand presence on Instagram ’. Installers were also given an insight into ‘ how to work smarter , not harder ’ and ‘ avoiding the lost lead ’ in two sessions fronted by Elton Boocock of Business Pilot .
Lively panel debates , all expertly hosted by Nichola Reeder of 12th Man Solutions , saw the likes of Fit for Trade ’ s Joanne Taylor , Tracey Jackson of Howells , BABSI ’ s Justin Ratcliffe and Endeavour ’ s Joshua Thompson discuss the growing skills gap
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and how to attract and retain new talent into the industry .
Gio Laporta of SmartReady ® and Nick Dutton of Brisant-Secure shared their thoughts on smart home technology and how to better equip installers to sell the benefits of these innovations to homeowners on the closing panel of the day . This panel ,
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which also included Jey Jeshingham of ERA Home Security and Masterframe ’ s Alan Burgess , drove much engagement and debate . The launch of the virtual learning programme follows on from the announcement that FIT Show ’ s live event will be postponed until May 10 - 12 , 2022 , with over 75 % of space now allocated . |
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FIT Show event director Nickie West comments : “ We couldn ’ t have anticipated a better response to our online event this week . The response from our community has been fantastic - from our speakers and panelists through to the trade media and all of our online attendees .
“ Hundreds of people registered and logged on for the sessions - our conversion rate was over 60 % which is brilliant for an online event . We managed to utilise a large proportion of the content that we had planned to run at FIT Show .
“ By running this content online we have created a vital touchpoint in our campaign as we work towards our return to FIT Show next May . We ’ ve created brand awareness , dialogue with our audience and served our community in the process . It was a huge success and I would like to thank everyone involved .
“ We know that nothing beats the power of face-to-face interaction and bringing people together at live events , but we ’ ll be back to doing that at FIT Show 2022 next May !”
The full programme is available at www . fitshow . co . uk
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DHF SUPPORTS NEWLY-LAUNCHED CODE FOR CONSTRUCTION PRODUCT INFORMATION PACK
DHF , a member of Construction Products Association ( CPA ), is pleased to voice its support for the upcoming Code for Construction Product Information ( CCPI ). CPA has just launched the Code in a bid to drive higher standards in the presentation of construction product information in the manufacturing industry .
The new Code , viewed by DHF as an important part of the many initiatives emanating from the Grenfell Tower enquiry , promotes urgent positive culture and behavioural change in the approach and management of product information by the construction product manufacturing industry . It offers manufacturers the opportunity to demonstrate a progressive approach through their willingness to provide assurance for their product information , and recognition for their efforts to prioritise product safety .
The Code has eleven clauses covering critical aspects from responsibility for product information to transparency of information regarding performance , proof of stated claims and general information and competency .
In support of the Code , CPA has issued guidance and a ‘ Preparing for the Code ’ information pack to aid members of the manufacturing industry with the transition . “ The issue of the ‘ Code for Construction Product Information ’ ( CCPI ) has been frequently raised at DHF meetings , and therefore , we are very pleased that this initiative has now been published ,” explains DHF ’ s General Manager , Michael Skelding .
The Code aims to ensure that unscrupulous marketing practices and the provision of misleading product information becomes a
Further information about the Code can be accessed here : https :// www . cpicode . org . uk / https :// www . cpicode . org . uk / register-interest / https :// www . cpicode . org . uk / wp-content / uploads / 2021 / 09 / Code-for-Construction-Product-Information _ September-2021 . pdf https :// www . cpicode . org . uk / wp-content / uploads / 2021 / 09 / Code-for-Construction-Product-Information-Guidance _ Septemer-2021 . pdf
‘ thing of the past ’, and that those using products in the construction and maintenance of buildings – for example , specifiers , architects , consultants and contractors , as well as the ultimate end users of the building – can trust the information provided by manufacturers when making design decisions , installing and using and maintaining verified products . Manufacturers of construction products who choose to sign up to the Code are agreeing to abide by its clauses to give confidence to those in the supply chain using their product information , that it is clear , accurate , up-to-date , accessible , and unambiguous .
“ This is definitely a ‘ step in the right direction ’ in moving away from inaccurate product information being presented to customers , architect and specifiers and instilling integrity back into the industry ,” continues Michael . “ This initiative complements our long-standing advocacy of third-party certification for fire-resisting doorsets . In practice , it will be much easier to comply with CCPI if the products concerned are certified .”
With the ultimate aim of maintaining and raising quality standards throughout the industry , all DHF members must meet minimum standards of competence and customer service . They all operate within a Code of Conduct governing standards of workmanship , quality assurance , training , safety , business integrity and CE marking compliance .
www . dhfonline . org . uk