BAL have launched a new and improved flexible thick-bed tile adhesive for large format floor tiles.

Replacing BAL Pourable One on its range, BAL XL Floor One is a significant upgrade with XL-ent extended open time and XL-ent working time – taking some of the stress out of large format floor tiling.

Extended open and working times of the gel rheology of XL Floor One mean the adhesive remains wetter, smoother and creamier for longer – making for XL-ent workability.

BAL XL Floor One is easy to work with and apply and with an extended pot life of 90 minutes and open time of 60 minutes, fixers can confidently spread over larger areas for ease – have plenty of time to adjust tiles as they work – and ensure they have no product wasted by going off.

A true “overnighter”, BAL XL Floor One can be grouted in 6 hours, ensuring fast track project completion the next day.

Mixed with a reduced water content of just 4 litres per 20kg bag, BAL XL Floor One holds its high-gel shape when trowelled with ribs sitting proud even up to 25mm without any slumping – yet ribs will collapse easily when tiles are vibrated or twisted for solid bed coverage.

Crucially this means that back-buttering is not always required with flat backgrounds and tiles!

If needed, BAL XL Floor One can be built up to 25mm bed depth for levelling small areas or patch repair – while also making it perfect for uncalibrated natural stone where consistent bed depths can’t always be achieved.

With a flexible and strong bond, BAL XL Floor One is also suitable for laying BAL Rapid-Mat or BAL Flexbone VAried uncoupling mat when spread with a 4mm notched trowel.

External porcelain

Water and frost resistant, and with large bed-depths, BAL XL Floor One is BAL’s recommended tile adhesive for laying porcelain, ceramic or natural stone on external concrete beds.

Even on tampered concrete, BAL XL Floor One provides excellent coverage for 20mm porcelain pavers and other external tiles.

Alex Underwood, Head of Marketing, said: “After listening to our fixers and contractors, we have developed a new floor tile adhesive that provides better workability when tiling large format floor tiles and panels which are seemingly getting bigger year-on-year.

“The improved working and open times give fixers that bit longer to trowel, move, install and adjust large tiles and panels – without worrying that the adhesive may skin over on the floor or go off in the bucket. This may seem minimal – but in reality, this makes a huge difference within installations.

“BAL XL Floor One can be used up 25mm bed depths if necessary for small levelling or patch repair, while back-buttering is not always necessary either saving significant project time and costs.

“Smoother and creamier to use, contractors have praised the workability and usability of the product compared to other thick-bed floor adhesives – making for easier and quicker large format tiling.”

For more information on BAL XL Floor One visit www.bal-adhesives.com

Building Adhesives Ltd and ARDEX have celebrated award success at this year’s Tile Association Awards.

Held at The Hilton Birmingham Metropole on Friday (24^th June), this year’s awards were themed “Stronger Together”, and recognised the best of the best in the tiling industry.

Success began with David Wilson, UK Head of Standards and Specifications at ARDEX and Building Adhesives Ltd being presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his more than 35 years’ service to the tiling industry.

Chosen by the TTA Board, this award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution on the growth, promotion, technical or training areas of the wall and floor tile industry during their career.

A respected and leading industry voice, David first joined Building Adhesives Ltd as an R&D Chemist. A member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, David sits on numerous industry bodies including BSI B539 Technical Committee, CEN (European) Standards TC 67 WG3 and the TTA Technical Committee and has been responsible for helping to formulate many of the British Standards that tilers and contractors work to today.

Commenting on his award, Steve Brooks, UK Technical Director, said: “Congratulations to David for winning the 2022 Lifetime achievement award. David has made a tremendous contribution to both the Company as well as to industry over many years and this well-deserved award reflects this. David’s in depth technical knowledge and input into many technical documents has been invaluable.”

Success continued for Building Adhesives and ARDEX with Stacey Livett, UK Head of Customer Service, being awarded “Employee of the Year”.

Stacey was recognised for successfully integrating customer service and order management teams at Stoke-on-Trent and Haverhill, while facing major raw materials shortages, COVID restrictions and force majeures.

Despite these challenging conditions, she has helped deliver record orders for customers as well as ensuring end-users are supported with technical and product enquiries now fed into the joint team.

Commenting on her award, Darren Carty, Finance and Customer Services Director, said: Congratulations to Stacey for winning 2022 Employee of the Year award, Stacey has made a huge difference in the company over the past years and most recently since being appointed UK Customer Service Manager, we appreciate all your dedicated work, and this award is well deserved. Congratulations to you!”

Finally, ARDEX and Building Adhesives tasted success with “Highly Commended” in the Best Domestic Category, for a Dream Pool Project in Staffordshire by Rob Faulkner and his team from Abstract Pools.

The stunning swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa, massage room and changing rooms was completed using a full ARDEX fixing solution. The 590m2 project features a spectacular 3D feature wall with cut-in fountains, a metallic mosaic jacuzzi and changing rooms.

A very labour-intensive project, Rob carried out all the rendering, screed works, and installed the hand-built steam room, formed-experience showers, massage room and high-end changing room.

Peter Bell, Managing Director, said: “Congratulations to David and Stacey for their awards which are thoroughly deserved and a reflection of the huge amount of hard work, dedication and commitment to the company and the industry.

“We would also like to congratulate Rob for his award in the Best Domestic category. The Dream Pool project is a truly stunning example of the highest quality workmanship, and we’re delighted that he completed it with the backing of ARDEX products and on-site support.”

As well as winning three awards, Building Adhesives and ARDEX were also finalists in two others – Best Innovation for BAL Waterproof 1C, and Excellence in Marketing for BAL Grout consolidation.

Peter added: “With two of these awards being decided through a combination of a public vote and judging panel, to win is a significant achievement for everyone at both businesses, and an endorsement from customers and end-users in our products and personnel.”

-ENDS-

New look packaging for small powder products

To meet the demands of a changing market-place and provide leading solutions, BAL are excited to announce the launch of it’s new look small powders.

All powdered products 7.5kg and smaller are benefiting from a major investment into BAL’s manufacturing facilities in Stoke-on-Trent.

The new machinery is allowing BAL to move away from their current polybag packaging to new high-impact retail-friendly bags.

New packaging designs will maintain the core look of current products for easy transition and instant product recognition.

The most notable change is with BAL’s Micromax2 range of anti-microbial wall and floor grouts – where the design and style have been improved providing a number of benefits for end-user and stockist including:

• Clearly colour identity including clear circular design element to show the actual grout colour in the bag
• Cleaner front of bag design
• Circular element highlighting BAL Micromax2 has the colour locked-in to the formulation – there is no need to mix the full bag – as the pigments are fully blended for improved consistency every application.

Alex Underwood, Head of Marketing at BAL said:

“This new machinery is major step forward for our small powders manufacturing capabilities.

“The new bags provide high impact showroom friendly designs for stockists, plus easier product selection for end-users.

“The most visible change is with our Micromax2 product – where a new, fresh design really showcases it’s locked-in colour consistency and a clearer colour identity.”

“All products produced at Stoke-on-Trent 7.5kg and under will benefit from the new packaging – and with the new great look, the bags still contain the same great products – with no formulations changing with the introduction of the new packaging.”

He added that the new investment would also help the company to pursue its sustainable manufacturing goals

“The new machinery also allows us to use paper, plastic or PCR (post-consumer recycled) plastic packaging to ensure they continue to source the most sustainable packaging as part of our continued Sustainable Strategy.”

BAL’s new small powders will begin to hit the market this month (May) following through-sales of the old packaging.

Building Adhesives Ltd (BAL) and ARDEX UK, part of the global ARDEX Group, specialist manufacturers of construction materials for the tiling, flooring and general construction trade, have both achieved ISO 14064:1 (otherwise known as CEMARS) for the quantifying and reporting of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and removals.

Building Adhesives and ARDEX UK are the first companies in the ARDEX Group to achieve this standard and are believed to be the first companies in the tiling and flooring sectors to be reporting their GHG emissions through this internationally recognized standard.

This standard will assist both companies by providing accurate data to assess the impact of the various initiatives to be adopted in their efforts to deliver ambitious Carbon Neutral plans by 2030 (scope 1 and 2).

To achieve this internationally recognized standard, BAL and ARDEX UK worked with Achilles (an independent consultancy) to accurately measure their GHG emissions and create positive strategies to manage and continually reduce impacts.

Achilles’ Carbon Reduce (powered by Toitu) scheme highlights the necessary data required which is then measured, monitored and calculated under the ISO 14064:1,scheme. Following successful completion and assessment, executive reports are produced for independent verification.

Solutions to manage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at source were then provided, with external impartial auditors authorised to verify GHG inventories in accordance with the standard’s requirements.

David Shepherd, UK Operations Director and Corporate Lead on Supply Chain & Operations, said achieving ISO 14064:1 certification puts both companies on the path to Carbon Neutral Status by 2030 (scope 1&2).

“Against the backdrop of COP26 in Glasgow, we are all know the consequences on the planet of failing to reduce our carbon emissions.

“Every company in every sector of industry has a responsibility to reduce emissions with a goal of being carbon neutral. However, before you can act, you must be able to understand those emissions.

“Measuring GHG emissions under ISO 14064-1 including company vehicles, business travel, fuel and electricity, water and waste, helps us accurately identify areas of the business where we can reduce our emissions.”

Even before achieving ISO 14064:1, BAL and ARDEX UK have put in place several measures to reduce their carbon footprint including:

• Converting diesel forklifts to electric
• Partnering with a 100% renewable energy provider
• Replacement of energy inefficient lighting with more efficient LED systems
• Promoting the use of electric company vehicles and installation of EV charging points
• Reducing the use of “virgin” plastics
• Increasing the use of recycled raw materials

Witten, 21 September 2021. Ardex continues to grow: the Witten-based construction chemicals specialist is taking up a majority shareholding in wedi GmbH, a leading manufacturer of system solutions for high-quality wet room solutions domiciled in Emsdetten – it is the largest acquisition in the company’s history. The employees of both family-run companies have already been informed of the development. In this respect, the management made it clear that wedi will continue to operate independently. In addition, Stephan Wedi and Fabian Rechlin will remain in place as the manging directors of wedi. Stephan Wedi will also continue in his shareholder role.

For Mark Eslamlooy, CEO of the Ardex Group, this cooperation is a milestone in the development of the company – and his delight at the future collaboration with wedi is correspondingly great. “The Ardex Group is taking a major step forward with the acquisition of the market leader for watertight shower and construction systems. There could be no better way to enhance our systems competence – Ardex and wedi are two strong brands which complement one another in an ideal manner. As family-run companies, we also share a common understanding of the importance of customer proximity, innovation and quality. All in all it is the perfect basis for a successful cooperation.”

The managing directors of wedi, Stephan Wedi and Fabian Rechlin, also regard the cooperation as tremendously beneficial for the two companies. Above all the international Ardex network and the complementary strengths in the product areas were an important factor for wedi in reaching its decision. “Ardex is a perfect growth accelerator for us – one only has to think of the many global markets and the joint innovation potential. It was of tremendous importance to us that we find a partner with whom we can safeguard our independence and contribute our strengths to ensure joint growth. To this, we will also implement the already planned capacity expansions together with Ardex. The matter is one very close to my heart, and from the very outset my gut feeling about Ardex was extremely positive,” says Stephan Wedi.

wedi is already very successful in Europe, and in particular in Germany and France, and it is the market leader in North America – since 2017 with its own factory in Batavia, Illinois. The objective of the cooperation with the other companies in the Ardex Group is that of developing this position. “wedi and Ardex complement one another excellently, not just in Germany, but also in other core markets such as the USA, Australia and New Zealand, France, England, Austria, Switzerland or Benelux. The innovative strength of the Ardex Group is enormous, and as a result, we expect to make considerable advances,” adds Fabian Rechlin. “Our partners in the trade have long been encouraging us to take a major step forward. We are doing so now.”

Independent family-owned companies

Furthermore, for both companies it is important that they retain their independence in full. In the future wedi will be a stand-alone company within the Ardex Group – headed by its current managing directors Stephan Wedi and Fabian Rechlin. The trading name, location, brand name and marketing strategy will not change either. The same is true of the contact persons for clients and suppliers.

Inventor of watertight shower and construction systems

wedi is the market leader for watertight shower and construction systems in Europe and North America. The success story began in 1983 with the invention of a totally watertight building board – to this day the board with the blue core is still the company’s trademark. What began as a one-man operation in his garage at home is now an international company with more than 500 employees and a further production site in the USA.

The parties have agreed not to disclose the economic terms of the cooperation. Metzler Corporate Finance exclusively supported wedi in the transaction as M&A advisor.

About Ardex

Ardex GmbH is one of the global market leaders for high-performance specialty building materials. As a family-owned business, the company has pursued a sustainable growth path for more than 70 years. The Ardex Group now employs more than 3,900 staff and is present in more than 100 countries on all continents, with a virtually comprehensive presence in one of its core markets, Europe. With more than ten major brands, Ardex generates total sales of more than 930 million euros worldwide.

About wedi

wedi GmbH, based in Emsdetten, is a leading manufacturer of and systems provider for directly tileable, watertight construction elements in Europe and North America. The extensive portfolio is complemented by high-quality design surfaces which provide additional design options in the bathroom. With its innovative system solutions and guaranteed system reliability, wedi offers long-lasting, complete solutions for wet rooms. The family company, founded in 1983 by Helmut Wedi, currently employs around 500 members of staff and is active in more than 50 countries.

BAL have launched a new one-coat waterproofing solution for bathrooms, wetrooms and showers prior to tiling.

Available now, BAL Waterproof 1C is a ready-mixed tanking solution that can be used without priming on most common substrates* and is ready to tile after only two hours!

Formulated with fibre-strand technology for improved strength, it can be applied in one-coat on walls and floors with a brush, roller or 4mm notched trowel.

No additional tapes or matting are needed as it is crack-bridging from 2-3mm.

This innovative new product is lightweight with easy-to-apply rheology and provides excellent coverage of up to 6m² – making it suitable for domestic shower rooms, bathrooms or wetrooms.

BAL Waterproof 1C also has sustainable benefits with Low VOC and using 40% recycled materials.

As part of the launch, BAL is streamlining its current waterproofing solution by deleting BAL WP1 / BAL Waterproofing Kit – and old technology that will be replaced by the higher performing Waterproof 1C.

Continuing in the product range will be BAL Tank-it – a quicker setting 2-part powder and liquid product that can be tiled in only 90 minutes.

BAL Tank-it can also be used for large scale commercial projects and external waterproofing such as balconies and terraces.

Alex Underwood, Head of Marketing said: “BAL Waterproof 1C is a significant waterproofing innovation, greatly improving the performance of our former ready-mixed tanking solutions.

“In most instances, with no tapes or priming required, and being applied as a one-coat solution, BAL Waterproof 1C provides an easy waterproofing solution to ensure tiled wet areas are compliant with British Standards.”

“The latest British Standards clearly state the importance of waterproofing installations such as in BS 5385-1:2018, which states ‘In wet areas, e.g. showers, wet rooms and steam rooms, substrates should be protected with a suitable proprietary tanking membrane system’ and our new BAL Waterproof 1C provides the fastest and easiest solution to achieve this.”

“BAL Waterproof 1C applied as one coat with a minimum 0.8mm dry thickness – provides complete protection against water ingress, protecting backgrounds from water damage and erosion.”

Additional advice on waterproof tanking system requirements for domestic and commercial wet areas is also given in BS 5385 Part 4: 2015

* Priming is only required on plaster, cement boards and BAL Board on the tiling side. Where priming is required in these three instances, then prime all surfaces with one coat of neat BAL Primer 1C and allow to dry for 15-30minutes.

For more information visit https://www.bal-adhesives.com/products/bal-waterproof-1c/

BAL have been shortlisted as finalists in five categories for this year’s TTA Awards (The Tile Association).

In total, BAL have six submissions within five award categories as finalists – and now they are all open for a public vote to decide the winners!

The TTA Awards are the gold standard in the tiling industry, with the best-of-the-best recognized at a glitzy awards ceremony.

This year the Awards are being held at The Forest of Arden Marriot Hotel in Warwickshire on the 10^th September.

BAL have been named as finalists in a number of award categories including:

1. Best Innovation for BAL All Star – the unique, world-first ready-to-use adhesive for large format porcelain.

Vote – Best Innovation | TTA Awards

2. Excellence in Marketing for BAL’s Stay Positive, Back Stronger fixer engagement campaign during lockdown

Vote – Excellence in Marketing | TTA Awards

3. Best Heritage Project for Woodside Terrace, the restoration of a Grade 1 Victorian Townhouse in Glasgow by Heritage Tiling using BAL products which uncovered an original Maws of Broseley encaustic and geometric tiled floor from between 1862 and 1883.

Vote – Best Heritage Project | TTA Awards

4. Best Environmental Initiative for BAL’s Eight Pillar Commitment to Sustainability – this includes a number of initiatives including the switch to using PCR (post-consumer resin) recycled plastic bottles and buckets.
   Vote – Best Environmental Initiative | TTA Awards

5. Employee of the Year finalists of both Paul Vickers, Head of Contracts and Procurement and Steve Davies, Head of Training for their tremendous work through the Pandemic, Brexit and other obstacles respectively.
   Vote – Employee of the Year | TTA Awards

Peter Bell, Managing Director at BAL said: “To be nominated in five categories at the TTA Awards is a superb recognition of the outstanding work of everyone at BAL throughout the past 18 months.

“Staff in all departments have worked tirelessly through what have been difficult circumstances for everyone, and these award nominations are a testament to that.

“Now we’re hoping for the support of our fixers, friends and partners throughout the tiling industry in the voting process, to help our entries win on the night!”

CAN YOU PREDICT THE SCORES AT THIS YEAR’S EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS?

Play our  FREE BAL Euro 2020 Predictor League and predict the scores from every game, winning points in the process for correct scores and results!

Prizes available throughout the tournament for best group stage scores, best knock-out round scores and overall league winners! Plus winners for the best match-day scores!

SIGN-UP TODAY

The ARDEX Group is a global is leading solution and service provider of innovative building systems, with 55 subsidiaries and 3,450 employees in over 100 countries on all continents.

As part of the ARDEX Group of companies within the UK, both ARDEX UK and Building Adhesives Ltd (BAL) businesses are quite rightly very proud of their history and their own distinct cultures and it is this heritage we have been building on, to progressively develop one culture, with one mindset, with everyone acting as one team and sharing one vision.

At the beginning of 2021, ARDEX UK and Building Adhesives Limited (BAL) have moved ahead with the next phase of their “Stronger Together” strategy with a new leadership structure taking responsibility for the UK Commercial teams.

Reporting into David Hackett, General Manager – Building Adhesives Ltd (BAL), David Lyman, formerly BAL Sales & Marketing Director will take on the new role of UK Commercial Director with responsibility for the key functional areas of Tiling, Flooring and the Home Improvement Channel (HIC).

UK Marketing and Training will also report into David Lyman.  Andy Reid, formerly ARDEX Business Development Director takes on the recently formed role of UK Business Development Director overseeing major project specification selling across the UK for both ARDEX and BAL, also reporting into David Hackett.

Peter Bell remains as the Managing Director of both businesses and member of the ARDEX Group Global Management Committee.

As part of his pre-retirement plan until July 2021, Lee Kidd – ARDEX Sales & Marketing Director will provide support to the newly re-structured UK Commercial Team and support the business transformation with his vast experience of the respective markets.

The move consolidates the activities of all UK teams and more formally combines the forces of ARDEX and BAL for a stronger and more coordinated approach to the market.

A range of BAL tiling products are to feature in a new bathroom make-over show on Channel 5.

GSA Bathrooms were approached in October by PI Productions to feature in a new show: Kitchens and Bathrooms: You Won’t Believe Your Eyes, hosted by Mark Miller from DIY SOS fame.

A £23k bathroom renovation in Edinburgh, featuring a £10,000 hand-made bespoke Jacuzzi bath shipped over from Italy, was selected to be filmed as part of the program which will air later this year.

The full project took two months to complete due to COVID hold-ups, finally finishing in December last year. TV crews were on-site for 6 weeks.

As well as the £10k Jacuzzi bath, the project featured stunning 1200mm x 600mm Marble Wall Tiles and 600×600 Kingston Floor Tiles from CTD Tiles, plus Metro Carrara Tiles from Topps Tiles.

Mark Miller and Stewart Knox

The tiling was completed by KK Tiling Ltd from Edinburgh who used BAL Flex One – enhanced standard set tile adhesive for the wall tiling and BAL Rapid Flex One for the floor tiling. All the tiles were grouted with BAL Micromax2 Grout in Gunmetal.

The 1200x600mm Marble Wall Tiles were used to complete one wall of the bathroom and the Jacuzzi surrounds, where they were fixed with a mitre finish.

The back wall, window surrounds and niche were tiled using the Metro Carrara Tiles in an offset herringbone pattern which was a last-minute design change by KK Tiling.

Kevin Swinton from KK Tiling explained the design change and the pressures of tiling with a TV crew filming their every move.

“The original design focused on the 1200×600 Marble Wall tiles extending around the whole bathroom, but after some stock issues, we decided to create a feature wall using Metro Carrara Tiles in a offset herringbone pattern. It definitely creates a focal point in the room, and draws the eye.

“This project was definitely a different sort of pressure, knowing that your every move and everything you say was being recorded, but we got used to it after a couple of days. Probably the most stressful part of the whole project came down to the last tile to be cut – if it snapped the wrong way in the cutter we could have been in big trouble as we had no spares – luckily it went the right way for us!

Kevin has always been a big BAL user and chose BAL Flex One for the walls due to its versatility.

He added: “Flex One is a great product and gave us that little bit of leeway to build out, up to 15mm in isolated areas, which was particularly useful as some of the walls weren’t 100% flat in places and some of the wall tiles were slightly bowed in the middle.”

Stewart Knox from GSA Bathrooms said: “It was absolute privilege to have been asked to take part in this up and coming television project. Thanks to the customers – Billy and Tarek – who agreed to have their home over-run by tradesman and camera crew for six and our amazing team of trusted tradesman that go above and beyond week in week out to help us achieve these transformations.  It wasn’t just us, it was a collective effort.

“Special thanks to Kevin and Kyle Fee from KK Tiling who delivered a fantastic tiling project – the mitres on the bath panels are stunning – and constantly came up with great ideas – such as the herringbone wall.

“It’s been some journey for us all, but one we all chipped into and delivered too such a high specification once again, whilst being filmed throughout the entire process.”

Project Name:

Domestic Bathroom Renovation

Location:

Edinburgh

Description:

£23,000 bathroom renovation project

BAL products used:

ADHESIVE: BAL Rapid-Flex One (floors), BAL Flex One (walls)

GROUT: Micromax2

Tiles:

1200mm x 600mm Marble wall tiles

600m x 60cm Kingston floor tiles – CTD Tiles

200x100mm Metro Carrara Tiles – Topps Tiles

Project Partners:

MAIN CONTRACTOR: GSA Bathrooms – Stewart Knox and Alex Chapman

TILING CONTRACTOR:  KK Tiling Limited – Kevin Swinton and Kyle Fee

MATERIALS: CTD Tiles Edinburgh, Topps Tiles Edinburgh

BAL – the market-leaders in full tiling solutions – have launched a streamlined grout family including new BAL Grout Flex – a highly flexible grout with high strength and coming in five key colourways – packing a punch with a reliable finish.

It comes in narrow or wide joint versions – Grout Flex and Grout Flex Wide Joint – for use from 2-5mm (narrow) and 3mm to 20mm (wide) joints.

Easy to apply and mix up with colour consistency whatever the size of mix, it provides a smooth finish.

BAL Grout Flex is available in 5kg and 10kg bags in White, Jasmine, Light Grey, Mid Grey and Dark Grey – with colour consistency in both narrow and wide joint versions. These have been identified as some of the most popular grout colours on the market and ensures that Grout Flex is suitable for a whole host of tiling designs and projects.

With more than 2 hours pot life, BAL Grout Flex gives fixers more time to grout up without worrying that the grout will go off in the bucket – even in hotter conditions – and means larger areas can be grouted with one mix.

A 24-hour set time means longer time to wash off.

As a flexible grout with a high polymer content, BAL Grout Flex is recommended for hard-water swimming pools, power showers and for use with porcelain, ceramics, marble, and natural stone in dry or wet environments.  It can also be used for highly trafficked areas such as shopping malls, changing rooms, restaurants, and leisure centres.

The introduction of BAL Grout Flex and Grout Flex Wide Joint means that BAL have deleted a number of grouts from the range including: BAL Superflex, BAL Superflex Wide Joint, BAL Microflex and the colours of BAL Grout (BAL Grout will still be available in white only).

Micromax2 – still best in class

With the streamlined range of BAL Grout Flex, still best in class and in a division above is BAL Micromax2 – the undisputed champion of the UK market.

Weighing in at 2.5kg, 5kg and 10kg pack sizes, BAL Micromax2 provides a perfect smooth finish on walls and floors in more than 35 colourways.

Trusted for a crack-free, and efflorescence-free finish, BAL Micromax2 is also mould and mildew resistant with Microban anti-microbial protection.

Microban antimicrobial product protection is a built-in active ingredient that enables products to resist the growth of microbes such as bacteria, black mould, and mildew. Microban protection helps products stay cleaner, fresher, and last longer than products with untreated surfaces.

Micromax2 can be used from 1mm to 20mm joint widths and sets in two to three hours for fast track project completion. Abrasion resistant it can also be used in domestic and commercial projects including shopping mall, restaurants, changing rooms and leisure centres (not swimming pools).

BAL Micromax2 comes with the colour matched Micromax sealant range for a seamless finish.

A high-performance silicone sealant, Micromax is also formulated with Microban anti-microbial protection – ensuring clean sealant lines for years to come (with a regular cleaning programme).

Perfect for sealing movement joints in floor and wall tiling installations, it has a high adhesion strength, is waterproof and hygienic and is suitable for surfaces including acrylic, ceramic, fibreglass, glass, glazed and painted in dry or wet interior and exterior environments.

A knock-out finish

BAL’s new focused range of grouts provide peace of mind with a fantastic finish to any tiling project.

Perhaps you prefer separate narrow or wide-joint solutions – or one bag for all applications? Maybe you’re looking for a longer 2 hour working time or prefer a faster 30-minute working time and a fast track 2-3-hour set – we have the solutions.

Two champions to choose from, a knock-out finish from both.

Alex Underwood, Head of Marketing at BAL, explained the change:

“Our new range of grouts provides a simplified choice for fixers, contractors, specifiers and distributors – a pound-for-pound prize fighter, or a top heavyweight champion so to speak!

“Grout Flex is a solid wall and floor grout with key colourways, whereas Micromax2 is a premium grout with an extensive colour pallet and added benefits such as  Microban and efflorescence-free formula.

“Two easy choices for any budget or project requirements.”

In light of the new lockdown announced last night, we can provide the following update:

As a company that manufactures materials and provides support for the construction industry, we can confirm all our manufacturing facilities will continue to be fully operational for customers of Building Adhesives Ltd.

We want to reassure all our customers that we continue to operate the strictest hygiene and social distancing measures to provide the safe provision of materials and to protect our staff.

All our office teams are still available and working hard to support you – even remotely where possible – including Customers Services, Technical Advisory Services, Marketing, HR, Finance and Administration functions.

On-site Support

Our field-based teams including Areas Sales Managers, Training and Technical Support and Specification Teams are also available for branch visits, site query visits, specifications and screed tests if required and in adherence with Government COVID-19 guidelines.

Our teams continue to be fully contactable by phone, email and video calls to support you whenever needed.

In-person training at our Innovation and Technology Centre will continue to be postponed.

We wish all our customers, their family and friends all the best during this new lockdown and look to stay positive and come back stronger.

For Customer Service and Orders enquiries please phone 01782 591160 or email orders@building-adhesives.com

For our Technical Advisory Service helpline phone 03330 030160 or email info@building-adhesives.com

For General Enquiries phone 01782 591100, or email info@building-adhesives.com

For Marketing phone 01782 591100 or email balmarketing@building-adhesives.com

COVID-19 Company Update – 5th November 2020

As a company that manufactures materials and provides support for the construction industry, we are pleased to advise that all our manufacturing facilities will continue to be fully operational for customers of Building Adhesives Ltd.

We want to reassure all our customers that we continue to operate the strictest hygiene and social distancing measures to provide the safe provision of materials and to protect our staff.

All our office teams are still available and working hard to support you – even remotely – including Customers Services, Technical Advisory Services, Marketing, HR, Finance and Administration functions.

On-site Support

Our field-based teams including Areas Sales Managers, Training and Technical Support and Specification Teams are also available for branch visits, site query visits, specifications and screed tests if required and in adherence with Government COVID-19 guidelines.

Our teams continue to be fully contactable by phone, email and video calls to support you whenever needed.

Training

The only exception within our office premises is the continued postponement of training at our Innovation & Technology Centre facility.

In the mean time there are plenty of seminars, webinars and digital training experiences available on our website and YouTube channel, to allow any customers to develop their learning remotely, and we will continue to produce more content for you in the coming weeks and months.

In these challenging times, we will endeavour to do all that we can to support you the best we can in line with all the advice and instructions issued by the UK Government.

 SUMMARY

• All manufacturing fully operational as per Government guidance issued on October 31^st
• All office-based staff available and working from home where required
• All field-based staff continue to be available for on-site support, training and specifications
• All training on-site at Building Adhesives’ Technology & Innovation Centre postponed
• Strict hygiene and COVID-19 safety measures observed at all times on-site and off-site

BAL – market leaders for tiling solutions in the UK – have continued to develop its sustainable business focus with the introduction of more 100% recycled plastic containers.

From material sourcing, through to product launch, the environment impacts remain a key focus within all BAL’s processes and environmental management.

As a result, the business continues to remove the use of single-use plastics and transition wherever possible to 100% recycled plastics across all their product ranges where plastic is still required.

This has already been introduced to BAL’s liquid category with new PCR recycled bottles (grey bottle colour, rather than white) and now notable with their ready-to-use range of adhesives.

A greener “Green Star”

In the coming weeks, BAL will also be moving to 100% recycled plastic buckets and lids for their popular Green Star range of ready-mixed tile adhesive for small ceramic wall tiles.

This change will then be rolled out across further products in the coming months.

Alex Underwood, Head of Marketing and Customer Services at BAL, said: “The new packaging can be easily identified as the lid is now dark grey rather than the original green, with the first 10,000 units in the market having a printed lid with the “made using 100% recycled plastic” communication visible.

“As well as the sustainability benefits from not using virgin plastics, there is also an increase in the level of performance of the new buckets. The bucket’s base strength has increased from 65kg to 125kg meaning the product is now more resilient than ever.”

The increase in strength also provides the future option of possible higher product stacking on pallets which would also reduce transportation carbon emissions per unit.

As well as the entire bucket and lid being made from 100% recycled plastic, the original plastic handle has been replaced with a metal one which is 100% recyclable, recoverable and more robust.

Alex added: “The change in packaging will not impact on supply of Green Star or on our customer’s current operations, but offers distributors, contractors and fixers a more sustainable product.”

For more information on the change please email balmarketing@building-adhesives.com

In these times of climate change, sustainability must be a key focus for every manufacturer in the tiling and flooring market.

From material sourcing through to product launch, sustainability is a key focus for BAL.

Wherever possible, environmentally friendly raw materials are used with 12% of all raw materials made from recycled materials this year, up from 8.6% last year. Their target is to increase this to 20% by 2020.

Further to this 96% of their raw materials suppliers are UK-based and 50% of these are within 50 miles of BAL to reduce carbon footprint and emissions from logistics.

As well as the use of recycled raw materials in their products, BAL’s product development process dictates that any impact a new product may create – both positively or negatively – is cited in specific areas of new product proposals.

This includes impact from the raw materials or packaging used as well as any impact from the use of the product in the market.

“Sustainable innovation has led to key environmental gains within our product portfolio including Fibre Strand Technology (FST) developed and applied to core volume rapid-setting products allowing twice the working time and three times the open time,” says Alex Underwood, Head of Marketing at BAL.

“The use of FST in our core products means less product is wasted on-site. This technology now represents 45% of our adhesives and 97% of our levellers.”

BAL’s award-winning Rapid-Mat uncoupling mat also saves 1.5kg/m² (20%) of adhesive use compared to other market technologies. This product has saved circa 500T of adhesives use since its launch to the market.

The Stoke-on-Trent based manufacturer have also recently introduced a new uncoupling mat to the market – BAL Flexbone 2Easy – which saves approximately 2kg/m² of adhesive.

BAL Flexbone 2Easy is a unique floating uncoupling mat where no adhesive is needed underneath – a truly uncoupled system – and ensuring the saving on adhesive. Because it is floating, only basic preparation is needed – simply sweep or vacuum solid, level floors and lay the mat. No remove of residue, bitumen or laitance. No priming needed.

High yield adhesives that utilise re-useable material as a lightweight filler also form a key product category in BAL’s stable. Products like BAL Supercover and BAL Single Part FastFlex provide higher volumes of mixed product per kg (33% to 60% additional coverage is provided). These now represents 10% of their adhesives, with over 4,000T of alternate adhesive saved since their launch.  This is equivalent of a tiled area of 750,000m² – greater than the combined pitch size of every professional football team in all of the leagues in England, Scotland & Wales.

Further to this, despite being an American-based system, BAL has also developed LEED points data for specifiers for the full BAL range to ensure specifiers can consciously select a sustainable product for new builds using a standard with which they are familiar.

“While there is an internal focus on circular economy opportunities, our current deliverable focus is to extend building life with the use of our products,” says Head of Marketing Alex Underwood.

“This is achieved by offering a market-leading 25-year guarantee to ensure durable, long-lasting builds and enabling a much longer product life-cycle. Our free specification service also provides correct specifications to over 50,000 people each year.

“While there is still a long-way to go, we believe we are on the right track to providing as sustainable solutions as possible and doing our part to mitigate the impacts of climate change.”

Position?

Area Sales Manager for London

How long have you worked at BAL?

2 years.

What 3 traits define you?

Honest, hardworking, team player.

What is one interesting fact about you that people would be surprised to learn?

I trained to be a chef (I didn’t choose a “tile life”, a “tile life” chose me).

Where is the best place you have travelled to and why?

This will have to be two places – kayaking the Norwegian fjords and a road trip around America’s Southwest. Both for their epic landscapes, they were very different but both equally amazing.

How do you define success?

Roof over my head and food on the table (pie and mash and liquor, naturally).

If you could learn anything new, what would it be?

To fly a helicopter.

What three words would you use to describe BAL?

Integrity, solutions, market leaders.

What is your favourite thing about working in the tiling business?

How the industry is ever changing, never a dull day.

If you could invite three people, living or dead, to a dinner party, who would it be?

Micky Flanagan, Billy Connolly and Ricky Gervais. What a great night that would be?!

If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Pie mash and liquor (food of the Gods) it’s an East End thing.

Launching this month (February), Belvedere Stone is part of the Lovell Stone Group, a family-owned company who own and operate 5 quarries in the UK.

The company has taken its significant knowledge and technical expertise and applied that to source stones from around the world.

Belvedere Stone offers a collection of excellent quality, hard-wearing and versatile stone products. Stones are sourced from historical areas around the world from the Tuscany region of Italy, to the mountains of North Western Vietnam. Each stone takes its name from the surrounding cultural landscape – from the Taishan Mountains of Southern China, to the ancient Egyptian palace complex of Malkata.

They offer a full NBS fixing, sealing and maintenance specification for all of their stones for contractors to follow; ensuring their stones are installed according to current British Standards and that all tenders for installation will be like-for-like.

In addition, Belvedere has partnered with BAL – the market leaders in the UK for full tiling solutions – who offer high quality fixing materials; adhesives, grouts, sealants etc, plus industry-leading technical support, RIBA-approved CPD seminars, NBS specifications and on-site project consultancy.

Using their experience in the specification sector, Belvedere compiled a shortlist of the best adhesive manufactures operating in the UK. They interviewed and scored each company on quality, technical competence and warranty to find the most professional company, with research providing a clear winner in BAL.

Speaking about the launch of the new brand, Simon Willmott, Technical Sales Manager at Lovell Stone Group said: “With decades of experience in the tile and stone industry both as an installer and latterly a specifier, I became disheartened with the influx of stone products on the market in the UK which did not comply with Building Regulations, British Standards and European regulations.

“I had visited too many projects in the UK where low quality stone, poor installation and maintenance systems had resulted in disappointment for the end user; creating a misconception that stone was a problematic and difficult material to work with.

“Over the last year, countless samples of stone have been sourced, tested and dismissed from all over the globe, leaving us with a very robust and unique collection of stones. We have applied the same rigorous testing methods to fixing and sealing materials, which allows us to offer a complete, warrantied specification for stone installation.”

On the partnership with BAL, he added: “Belvedere Stone’s world leading expertise in stone is matched by BAL’s world leading expertise in adhesives, allowing us to provide complete and robust NBS fixing specifications for Architects and contractors.

“Being able to provide one specification for complete installation eliminates any incompatibility between products, and by being involved in projects at the design and specification stage, we offer warrantied systems alongside reduced build ups, reduced build programmes and reduced budgets.

“Architects will benefit from our free NBS specification writing service, contractors will benefit by ensuring that specialist subcontractors are quoting on a like-for-like basis, and homeowners will benefit from BAL’s 25-year materials warranty.”

Allan Garland, Specification Manager at BAL said: “We are delighted to have entered into this partnership with Belvedere Stone to provide a one-stop solution for their natural stone tiling products.

“With both companies excelling in product innovation, technical excellence and customer service, BAL and Belvedere Stone are natural partners.  Our company values are clearly aligned, with the additional benefit of both being British companies.”

To find out more about Belvedere Stone and their range of stone products visit www.belvederestone.com.

BAL – market-leaders in full tiling solutions – have signed a new 24-month energy contract with a 100% renewable energy provider.

Beginning this month, the Stoke-on-Trent-based manufacturer of tile adhesives, grouts, levellers and other ancillary tiling products will be supplied by Ørsted – a Danish company that leads the world in offshore wind.

Formed as DONG Energy in 2006 following the merger of six Danish energy companies, Ørsted have completed divested their black energy operations and have established themselves with a 25% market share in offshore wind operations.

On a global scale, they have built enough offshore wind to power 9.5 million people, with an ambition by 2025 to power 30 million people with offshore wind.

In 2017, Ørsted opened the world’s largest offshore wind turbines at Burbo Bank Extension in Liverpool Bay and continue to grow its offshore presence in UK waters.

Paul Vickers, Head of Procurement at BAL, said: “At BAL we are always looking at ways to cut our carbon footprint, from replacing our lighting systems with energy-saving LEDs to light detectors, replacement of steam boilers and new dedicated energy-saving air compressors.

“Moving to a 100% renewable energy provider is just another footstep on the path to being as carbon neutral as we can.

“Ørsted are a pioneering renewables firm – leading the world in offshore wind – and we are proud to have them as our energy provider.”

As well as numerous energy saving and waste recycling initiatives, BAL also supports Cool Earth – the environmental charity protecting rainforests worldwide.

Cool Earth works with local communities to protect imminently threatened rainforest and protectively blockades tens of thousands of acres of adjacent forest in the Amazon rainforest in Peru.

Alex Underwood, Head of Marketing added: “With our support, Cool Earth’s initiatives in the Ashaninka region have helped save 350 acres from deforestation.

“This means more than 80,000 trees have been protected with more than 90,000 tonnes of CO2 locked-in. This is particularly crucial has deforestation has played a massive part in the climate emergency we are currently dealing with.”

Encompassing all of BAL’s processes is continual improvement. The business is triple badges to all three management system standards (9001, 14001 and 18001) and it is currently working towards ISO 50001 Energy Management Standard.

A mosaic decorated life-sized Highland cow bench has raised £3,600 for the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance.

“Sweetie Annie” – designed by mosaic artist Katy Galbraith – was part of a Highland Cow art trail in the Perthshire town of Crieff.

Eleven of the Crieff cowches were placed around the Strathearn town by Crieff Succeeds this summer in an attempt to bring more tourists to the area.

The cowches were sold at a dinner event at the town’s Hydro for a total of £24,900.

Katy – who had lived in the town for 20 years – designed the cow around the theme of sugar mice as she was a sponsored by Gordon & Durward, a local sweet manufacturer and shop.

She worked primarily in recycled materials – including broken china and donated materials to keep costs down.

The project was particularly difficult due to the challenges involved with fixing due to the make-up of the cowch.

“Whilst I had been forewarned that the surface of the Cowch was textured, I hadn’t really realised just how textured it was – even the painters found it challenging,” she said.

“Every tile had to be cut down to fit the various curves. It was going to take longer than anticipated, so a call out to volunteers brought in friends and other mosaic artists to assist.  

“Many of the volunteers made a mouse using contact adhesive and mounting adhesive film as the transfer method.”

The mosaic was fixed with PU adhesive and grouted in BAL Micromax2 Pecan and Jade mixed with BAL Admix GT1 donated by Topps Tiles in Perth.

The stunning project took more than 260 hours over 30 days to complete, with a further 120 hours by volunteers.

Alex Underwood, Head of Marketing at BAL, said: “This is a fantastic project which took phenomenal skill and patience to complete. We are delighted that our versatile grout was a key part of this installation.”

Nick Harvey, SCAA’s director of Fundraising and Communication, commenting on the auction said: “We’re really heartened and grateful to companies, groups and organisations everywhere for supporting our aeromedical retrieval service.

“Working with Crieff Succeeds to help fund vital emergency response care for those most in need across the whole of Scotland has been a fantastic and rewarding partnership.

“SCAA is the people’s helicopter, and having the support of so many is humbling, we can’t thank the community enough for their unwavering support of this life-saving service.”

BAL’s charity partner Cool Earth has warned about the devastating impact of forest fires sweeping through swathes of rainforest.

Some 72,000 forest fires burned between January and August this year which is more than double the number recorded in the whole of 2013.

More than 9,500 rainforest fires were observed burning in one week since 15 August alone, mostly in the Amazon region. In comparison, there were fewer than 40,000 in the whole of 2018.

Areas of Brazil saw an 88% increase in deforestation in June 2019 compared to the same month in 2018. That’s areas of Amazon rainforest roughly the size of a football pitch now being cleared every single minute. 

As a result, more people are becoming aware of the impact that humanity is having on the world’s rainforest and the urgent need to keep them protected.

A spokesperson for Cool Earth, which works with indigenous people to halt deforestation, said: “Brazil’s Amazon rainforest has seen a record number of fires this year. This burning caused a thick layer of smoke to descend across Sao Paulo more than 1,700 miles away.

“Although the smoke may have cleared and media attention has passed, forest fires and deforestation will continue out of sight and mind if we fail to take global action now.

“Fires like this aren’t natural in tropical rainforests. Their permanently wet and humid state make them normally resistant to fast-spreading fires. But even the most water sodden rainforest is no match for the systematic and unrelenting clearing that is taking place in Brazil today. Coupled with severe drought, 50% less rainfall

and high temperatures, rainforest fires will begin to rapidly spread if action isn’t taken.

“Rainforest is undeniably our greatest safety net against catastrophic climate change. Areas of primary tropical rainforest, like the Amazon, can be thousands of years old and are crucial and irreplaceable stores of carbon. Once these forests are cut down or burnt, they may never return to their original state”.

The underlaying causes of forest destruction are largely driven by poverty. That makes it essential to ensure that local indigenous people are in control of their communities and areas and earn more from keeping the forest standing than they would otherwise earn from clearing them.

BAL supports Cool Earth’s Ashaninka project in the Peruvian Amazon and has helped saved more than 667 acres of rainforest, protecting some 46 million trees and prevented over 52 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Alex Underwood, Head of Marketing, said the recent fire in the Amazon were alarming.

“We have supported Cool Earth since 2011, recognising how important the Amazon rainforest is in carbon capture and the need to take direct action to keep trees standing.

“The devastating forest fires in Brazil and other tropical countries such as Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo in recent months are particularly worrying and highlight the need to continue supporting the amazing work of charities such as Cool Earth. Whatever sector we operate in, we all have a responsibility to safeguard the environment.

“In the face of increasing policies to burn, farm and log as much forest as possible, we have to place our support behind those who call this forest home. They have the most to lose out of any of us, yet their intrinsic knowledge of their forest is crucial in the development of programmes to reduce deforestation.”

In the face of these fires, Cool Earth has renewed its call for support, so it can work to take climate action, share local knowledge and develop the best ways to protect rainforest globally.

To donate visit www.coolearth.org.

Due to the success of its CPD programme, BAL are launching  nationwide tiling surgeries at architectural practices across the country.

These sessions offer architects, specifiers and design teams in-house technical support with tile and stone advice or a simple Q & A session on any aspect of tiled installations..

With more than 50 years’ heritage of providing specifications and technical support to architects, specifiers and contractors, BAL is well placed to ensure that tiling projects run smoothly from design stage to completion.

Stuart Ross, Head of Specifications at BAL, commented: “We have listened to the feedback and recognise the growing demand from architects and designers for opportunities  to focus on particular types of advice when it comes to current project work.”

“This might include focused topics such as British Standards for waterproofing or suitability of substrates.  Our team of experts are now going to be on hand for architects and specifiers to discuss tile and stone installations of all kinds outside of the learning environment and in the comfort of their practice”.

“This will run alongside our successful CPD programme whilst complementing some of the additional services we provide to specifiers”

BAL has a number of free tools available to architects and specifiers to assist them from project start to completion including M40 NBS Specifications and on-site project support.

Specifiers and architects can also take advantage of BAL’s free and dedicated Technical Advisory and Specification Service (TAS) for technical queries and Sample Testing Service to ensure the correct selection of tiles and fixing products during the specification process.

BAL can provide a solution for any background, environment or tile material and is trusted throughout the industry for its quality and lasting performance.

To book tiling surgery at your practice: https://www.bal-adhesives.com/specifiers/book-a-tiling-surgery/

For more information on BAL and their services for specifiers visit www.bal-adhesives.com/specifiers or call 01782 591120.

Colours have been used throughout history as an unspoken language understood by all humankind and are popularly connected to seasonality and to mood.

Detail makes all the difference on tiling projects, which is why BAL – market-leaders in full tiling solutions – have introduced a range of new shades to the Micromax2 grout range that take influence from the natural environment and the changing seasons.

The 11 new shades take inspiration from the world around us and nature through changing seasons.

Four new Graphic Greys include: Storm Grey, Tornado Sky, Dovetail and Taupe Grey which are influenced by deep winter visions of dark and dramatic skies in every hue of grey.

Warm Woods; Walnut, Hazel and Mahogany evoke the rustic browns and earthen tones of Autumn.

Vivid Views featuring Primrose, Peppermint, Cornflower White and Pink Champagne evoke shades of greens, soft yellows and the natural light and vibrant splashes of Spring and Summer.

As urban design and nature collide and contrast, an ultra-modern vibe is guaranteed to delight the mind and senses and provide the perfect finish to any tiling project.

To find out more about these new colours, why not download our digital flipbook at https://mailchi.mp/building-adhesives.com/closer-to-nature

Unmatched Quality

Alex Underwood, Head of Marketing at BAL said: “Developed as a result of extensive R&D carried out in collaboration with tilers nationwide, BAL Micromax2 offers a combination of previously unseen properties to make it ideal for virtually any wall or floor installation.

“Its versatility removes the need for different grouts within a single installation: as BAL Micromax2 suits both the floors and the walls.

“The new colours offers fixers, homeowners and distributors alike a comprehensive suite of shades to complement or contrast with any tile type and tiling project.”

Superfine, consistent, strong, flexible, the world’s first genuinely universal grout, it can be used for grout joints as narrow as 1mm and as wide as 20mm with no slumping, shrinking and cracking.

Smooth, fine, consistent, versatile with in-built Microban anti-mould and anti-mildew protection, it sets within 2-3 hours for fast track tiling completion.

Now available in 20 striking shades to complement or contrast any tile or colour scheme, it also comes with a range of colour-matched silicone sealants (excluding Vivid Views).

Unlock potential for the materials used in your next tiling project to be just that touch closer to nature with BAL Micromax2.

Become a YOU+BAL partner  to be kept in the forefront with our new innovations and order a Grout Sample case today at www.bal-adhesives.com

BAL have helped an Uxbridge school celebrate their 150^th anniversary by providing fixing materials for a special tiled mural.

The large mural on the side of the school features a tree made up of handprints from every one of the 250 plus pupils and staff.

The mural was presented during an afternoon celebration with families of pupils old and new, plus the Deputy Mayor of Uxbridge who cut a special cake.

Site manager Gerry McGuire tiled the mural using BAL’s new Flex One enhanced S1 standard set adhesive and grouted with Micromax2 in Snow.

Suitable for use internally or externally, BAL Flex One has revolutionised the standard-set category with a long open and working time, excellent non-slip properties and six-hour set.

BAL Flex One gives fixers the freedom to perform with a thixotropic and fluid formulation with shape memory, full wettability and super smooth gel rheology, plus use up to 15mm bed depth which aids building out in problematic isolated areas – such as this project on external render.

BAL provided the materials, plus a full specification and fixing guidance through it’s free Technical Advisory Service.

Nicola Edwards, Headteacher at St Andrews, thanked BAL for their support with the project:

“I just want to express my thanks and appreciation for the support BAL have given to St. Andrew’s CofE Primary School through supplying us with the materials for our mosaic.

“We are incredibly impressed with the final mosaic, which our Site Manager was able to install on the wall outside the school for our special 150^th Anniversary Celebrations.

“We had an amazing celebration afternoon last week when the final mosaic was unveiled and we have had so many positive comments about the wonderful, professional quality of the final result.

“Many thanks to BAL again for providing us with the materials which enabled us to make this a huge success.”

Alex Underwood, Head of Marketing at BAL added: “We were delighted to support this fantastic project celebrating 150 years of St Andrews School. The mural looks amazing and is a fitting dedication to the school’s rich history.”

BAL – the market leaders in full tiling solutions – have made moves to strengthen their sales and marketing teams with two new appointments.

Kathryn Hyde has joined as Marketing Manager, and David Moore as Area Sales Manager for the North West and North Wales respectively.

Kathryn brings with her a wealth of expertise in communications and customer engagement from a variety of sectors in the B2B arena.

Following her appointment, Kathryn said: “It is a pleasure to be joining a company with such a renowned reputation for quality products and the unique services it offers to the market. I look forward to supporting the business and its customers in ensuring that tiles remain the surface solution of choice.”

Alex Underwood, Head of Marketing at BAL said: “I am delighted to welcome Kathryn as Marketing Manager.

“Kathryn has extensive marketing experience especially in the tiling and general construction sector and is a natural fit for the business as we continue to invest in our growth strategy.

“Kathryn comes into the business with a track record of developing and managing high profile brands and will be crucial in developing our aims to strengthen our position as a market-leading brand.”

David Moore joins BAL from N&C Nicholls and Clarke where he worked as a Branch Manager. He has previous experience working in the builders’ merchants’ sector and is also a trained plumber.

David will work with BAL’s distribution network in the region, as well as supporting fixers and contractors with the company’s portfolio of tile fixing products.

David said: “I’m delighted to join such as well-respected and innovative business in the tiling industry. I look forward to working with the company’s vast distribution network as well as fixers and contractors in the region.”

Debi Boulton, Head of Sales at BAL said: “David has extensive experience in the tiling sector and will significantly enhance our ability to provide an outstanding support service to our distribution partners, contractors and end-users.”

BAL have bolstered their specification team with two new hires.

Mark Lambourn joins the team as Specification Manager covering the Midlands and Wales. He has extensive experience in the construction sector working with architects, house/modular builders, contractors and building owners to deliver high quality specifications.

Based in Derby, Mark joins BAL from A Proctor Group Ltd, where he combined commercial and technical expertise to promote a portfolio of technically advanced thermal, acoustic and membrane system solutions, from specification through to project delivery. 

Also joining BAL is Richard Milligan who will work as Specification Manager for the North of England.

Originally from Bangor in Northern Ireland, but now living in Newcastle upon Tyne, Richard joins BAL from TPG The Parkside Group where his role was as an Architectural Advisor / Project Manager.

He previously spent more than 10 years with EGGER (UK) in production, sales and specification roles delivering high value projects and presenting CPDs within architectural practices.

Mark and Richard will work with architects, designers and specifiers supporting them on M40/M20 specifications, providing project support and delivering BAL’s suite of RIBA-approved CPDs.

Stuart Ross, Head of Specifications at BAL said: “We’re delighted to welcome Mark and Richard to the team to support all stakeholders in delivering long-lasting and high-quality tiling projects across the whole of the UK as part of our continued development and investment in the specification sector..

“This investment confirms BAL’s position as a leading brand for projects large and small, providing high quality tiling products along with  a host of support services for designers, architects and contractors to assist them from design to build.”

BAL has several free tools available to architects and specifiers to assist them from project start to completion including the company’s industry-renowned free and dedicated Technical Advisory Service (TAS) for specifications, technical queries and Sample Testing Services to ensure the correct selection of tiles and fixing products during the specification process.

Specifiers and architects can also take advantage of BAL’s comprehensive online tools and support including BIM library, fast track project advice, grout selector, industry news, technical tips and more. Simply visit www.bal-adhesives.com/specifiers

BAL can provide a solution for any background, environment or tile material and is trusted throughout the industry for its quality and lasting performance.

BAL – market-leaders in full tiling solutions – are celebrating after their unique floating uncoupling mat was voted the Best Innovation at The Tile Association Awards 2019.

BAL Flexbone 2Easy is a truly uncoupled solution. The uncoupling mat is laid loose on the subfloor – preparation can be reduced to just a quick sweep of the floor, provided it is flat, level and sound. This means the product can be used over mastic asphalt, mixed substrates, bitumen, screeds with laitance, contaminated screeds and screed with cracks.

Designed with perforations, vapour channels and a mesh weave reinforcement, the system ventilates and uncouples the covering from the substrate in a single process – permanently and reliably.

Any residual moisture in the substrate is evenly distributed through a system of channels and then drawn off through the perforations in the mat via the grout joints. In this way, substrates that are still damp are not encapsulated.

This means the mat can be laid on fresh screeds including sand:cement when it’s walkable, and anhydrite screeds at 1.5% Carbide Method water content (usually minimum 0.5% CM water content is required before tiling). Saving on preparation can save up to 50% of the total installation time.

Alex Underwood, Head of Marketing at BAL, said: “We’re absolutely delighted and of course honoured that BAL Flexbone 2Easy has named as the Best Innovation of the year at the TTA Awards.

“BAL Flexbone 2Easy is a truly unique and innovative product for the British market – there are no other uncoupling mats out there that can be loose-laid over unprepared substrates – significantly saving time and money and overcoming sub-floor problems.

“The product has already seen a phenomenal uptake in the UK and an extremely positive reaction from fixers, contractors and specifiers, and this award is just testament to the innovative features of this product.”

As well as BAL Flexbone 2Easy, BAL also have three other uncoupling options on its range including BAL Flexbone VAried, a bonded waterproof system, BAL Rapid-Mat, a lightweight, thin uncoupling mat which one Best Innovation in 2015 and BAL Single Part FastFlex – a unique one-part S2 adhesive that also acts as an uncoupling layer

BAL – market leaders for full tiling solutions – are revolutionising the standard-set category with new adhesive technology; BAL Flex One.

Fixers always want to finish an installation as quickly as possible. Often rapid-setting adhesives are preferred to ensure grouting can begin quickly. However, this can provide challenges during installation.

With its ‘One’ rapid-set technology, BAL have previously helped fixers with its rapid-setting products that provide significantly longer open and working times than all other rapid-set products but are still ready to grout in 3 hours.

With ever larger tiles growing in popularity, complex designs required, possibly difficult or irregular backgrounds on-site and even hotter temperatures being experienced now in the summer months; the use of even improved rapid-set adhesives still may not provide enough open, working or adjustability time for a fixer.

The UK market has seen other ‘semi-rapid’ products also launched, which are essentially based on over-retarded rapid-set formulations.

When traditional rapid-set chemistry is retarded to get a longer open and working time, there is a limit on how much the cement chemistry can be retarded before strength development is adversely affected.

Heavily retarded rapid-sets may also have performance limitations or suffer in on-site conditions where the required  working and open times may not be achieved, as the product increases in viscosity and application becomes more difficult.

However, the new BAL technology is the first truly enhanced standard-set technology – developed from traditional standard-set chemistry as a basis. 

Long open and working time performance will always be achieved more consistently using a standard set adhesive, or a product using this chemistry as a basis.

In response to customer demand, BAL’s market-leading R&D team have developed an enhanced standard set adhesive with a long open time, excellent non-slip properties and may be grouted in as little as 6 hours. Something that has never been achieved before.

BAL Flex One provides a truly innovative technology that raises the standard.

Set Your Own Pace

BAL Flex One give fixers longer working and open times– but still has a faster setting time prior to grouting.

Outperforming other products with an excellent 2.5 hour working time and a 45-minute open time at 20°C – this allows more working time to fix in warmer conditions (and less wastage in buckets), more time to adjust larger tiles, and more time when working on particularly complex installations.

With a 6-hour set time, the new adhesive allows fixers to grout in the evening or early the next day – significantly cutting down installation time compared to traditional standard setting products that require up to 24 hours to set!

Freedom to Perform

Fixer friendly, BAL’s new standard set technology also provides outstanding usability – helping to overcome the many obstacles that face fixers on a modern project.

With one of the thickest bed depths on the market for standard sets up to 15mm and, the formulation helps fixers to overcome some background irregularities where isolated building out may be required.

What’s more, it utilises technology first developed by BAL including super smooth gel rheology, a thixotropic formulation with shape memory, and full wettability where there is no need to adjust the water content to get the full performance benefits.

The new adhesives also have superb non-slip performance, easily exceeding the requirements of EN 12004 for “T” rated adhesives.

A true all-rounder

Highly flexible with S1 deformability, BAL Flex One is suitable for use with all tile types including ceramic, porcelain, natural stone – mosaics, terrazzo, brick slips and uncalibrated stone (for floors).

Suitable for interior and exterior applications and in dry and wet environments, the adhesives are particularly recommended for large format wall and floor tiles and may be used for swimming pools and total immersion and showers.

Because of its flexibility, BAL Flex One can be used on installations subject to limited movement and vibration, plus underfloor heating, including heated cement; sand screed sub-floors and electric undertile floor heating cable systems.

BAL Flex One has excellent grab and can be used on existing soundly bonded unglazed ceramic tiles, quarry tiles, terrazzo and natural stone tiles .

The adhesives are white in colour, meaning that only one bag is needed whether you’re tiling with natural stone, ceramic or porcelain tiles.

BAL have been named as finalists in four categories at The Tile Association (TTA) Awards 2019.

Celebrating the best in the wall and floor tiling industry, the TTA Awards are this year taking place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on the 12^th April.

BAL Flexbone 2Easy has been shortlisted for Best Innovation

BAL have been nominated for:

• Best Innovation for BAL Flexbone 2Easy – a unique floating uncoupling mat for unprepared screeds
• Best Environmental Initiative for the company’s green credentials and support of the Cool Earth charity which helps save rainforests across the world
• Excellence in Marketing for BAL’s digital and social media marketing strategy
• Excellence in Supply and Servicing for the company’s radical approach to maintenance, Industry 4.0 and data management.

In addition, BAL has supported the entry by Wesley Geraghty from Atlas Tiling Ltd of The Gart – a stunning 19^th Century property in Callander, Scotland – which has been shortlisted for Best Domestic Project. BAL products played a crucial role in more than 500m² of tiling on three floors and seven bathrooms.

Alex Underwood, Head of Marketing, said: “It’s a real testament to the quality of our products and our people to be directly shortlisted for four awards at the TTA Awards, plus indirectly in the Best Domestic shortlist.

“Many thanks to all those who voted in the first voting stage, and we look forward to the awards evening.”

BAL, the market-leader for full tiling solutions,  has made a significant investment in its sales, support and specification teams to provide a greater service provision to tilers, contractors, specifiers and distributors.

Debi Boulton – BAL Head of Sales

Stuart Ross – Head of Specifications

Keith Pearce

The Stoke-on-Trent-based manufacturer has doubled its sales team, while additionally creating a new Training and Technical Support Team of five and adding to its Specification Support Team.

Joining the BAL team as Area Sales Managers (ASMs) are; Lewis Lupton (Northern England and Scottish Borders), Geoff Cavell (East Midlands), Michael Maher (M5/M40 Corridor, Beds, Bucks and Herts) , Richard Homan (Kent and Sussex) and Andy Oates (London).

Also joining is John Stewart who will act as Regional Sales Manager for Yorkshire while Simon Harding has been promoted to Regional Sales Manager for East Anglia. Both John and Simon will have additional responsibilities plus managing key accounts.

To accommodate the expanded team, current BAL ASMs have had their areas of responsibility reassigned as follows: John Hunter (Scotland to Central and Northern Scotland), Martin Chappell (M56 Corridor to Staffordshire, North West and North Wales), Keiron Birch (Midlands to West Midlands, Central, South and West Wales), and Nick Harman (London and South East to Hants, Berks and Surrey)

Paul Glover will remain as ASM for the South West.

In addition, BAL have appointed Debi Boulton as Head of Sales. Debi previously worked as Sales and Marketing Manager for sister brand Dunlop and has been with the business for nearly 20 years.

Commenting on the investment, David Lyman, BAL Sales Director said: “The addition of six new members of the sales team means that we can cover more areas of the country and provide a greater of level of support to our customers. This means more face-to-face visits, more trade events and more product training.

“As part of our investment, our Area Sales Managers will be getting more “hands-on” at trade events and work as a link between our distribution network and their customers including on-site project support and specifications where required.

“Debi joins having delivered significant sales growth for Dunlop and with a wealth of experience in the industry has the knowledge and skills to deliver for both BAL and our partners.”

The new Training and Technical Support team will be led by Dave Rowley, BAL Training Manager and will assist the Area Sales Managers for larger trade events, training for fixers and contractors and trade counter staff on-site, and technical support on larger projects.

The team will work nationwide as and when called upon – working closely with BAL’s Technical Advisory and Specification Service (TAS).

“Training and Technical Support continues to be at the forefront of what we stand for as the market-leader for full tiling solutions,” added David.

“Having a dedicated team means we can provide additional support for fixers, contractors and distributors – including the option to deliver more practical and bespoke training courses both on-site or at our multi-purpose and high spec Innovation and Technology Centre.”

Specification Support Team

BAL has expanded its Specification Team support with the appointment of Keith Pearce as Specification Manager for London and the South East.

Keith has nearly 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, including 26 years at CEMEX – one of the UK’s leading suppliers of cement, ready mix concrete, screeds and aggregates.

He held numerous roles including technical manager, training advisor and operations supervisor. Latterly involved in working with architects closely on specifications Keith brings a wealth of technical experience to the role.

In addition, BAL have promoted Stuart Ross to Head of Specifications. Stuart previously worked as BAL’s Technical Services Advisory Supervisor working closely with the Specification team over the years on some key projects, with previous experience as Business Development Manager for CPDs and Specifications.

Commenting on his and Keith’s appointment, he said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Keith to the team. Bringing with him a wealth of technical and architectural, solution-based knowledge and experience, Keith is a superb addition to our growing team of experts, complementing our strategic plans for the future of Specification at BAL.

“I am delighted to be appointed Head of Specifications. It is a role which is at the heart of our business. My own passion has always been working closely and responsibly with architects, whether supporting through CPD presentations or providing technical guidance to ensure that they achieve a small but no less important aspect of their design and vision.”

Commenting on the appointment, David Lyman said: “I am delighted that Stuart has taken up the position as Head of Specifications and the appointment of Keith as Specification Manager for the South.

“Both Stuart and Keith are vastly experienced in specification sales and will greatly enhance our specification capabilities.”

BAL are presenting innovative new tiling technologies including its unique Flexbone uncoupling mats on Stand 618.

Developed to protect floor tiling from lateral movement which occurs in problem substrates – such as heated floors – BAL Flexbone uncoupling mats provide a buffer layer between tile and substrate.

BAL Flexbone comes in two varieties – Flexbone VAried and Flexbone 2Easy. Unique to the UK, BAL Flexbone 2Easy is a floating mat system – where NO adhesive is needed underneath the mat system i.e. the mat is truly uncoupled.

Because no adhesive is needed under the mat, preparation is reduced to a quick sweep of the floor if the surface is flat, sound and level. No removal or residue, no removal of laitance and no priming of the surface is needed. This means that contaminated and stained floors, wooden floors, bitumen, cracked screeds and mixed substrates can be tiled immediately.

It can also be used direct onto difficult substrates such as bitumen, fresh sand:cement screeds or new anhydrite screeds that are not fully cured (up to 1.5% CM residual moisture).

Time trials indicate the removal of subfloor preparation for installations provides a circa 50% time saving.

BAL Flexbone VAried is a bonded mat system for heavily trafficked areas. Waterproof, it features patented GripLock Technology for superior adhesion and a unique bone structure for faster fixing than traditional cavity mat systems.

Less adhesive is required on the mat surface, and trials indicate adhesive can be spread on the mat surface circa. 30% faster

The bonded mat is perfect for high load-bearing and commercial areas such as shopping malls, airports, car showrooms, office building and hospitals.

As well as innovative products, BAL provides a full support service including free NBS specification writing, CPDs, on-site consultancy and more.

Odhran Connelly from Southern Regional College in Northern Ireland was victorious at the SkillBuild 2018 National Finals in Wall and Floor Tiling.

Odhran beat off stiff competition from silver medallist James Ackland (Cardiff and Vale College), bronze medallist Mariusz Kanjecki (City of Glasgow College),

Callum Pearson (Highly Commended from Leeds College of Building) and four other competitors.

The finals of the national construction competition for apprentices and trainees took place at the NEC from 15 – 17 November as part of the WorldSkills UK Live exhibition.

Throughout the three-day, 18-hour competition, contestants were asked to tile a wall and floor based on a 3D building design and 150mm x 150mm ceramic tiles.

Competitors fixed the tiles with BAL Max Flex Fibre and BAL Rapid-Flex One and grouted with BAL Micromax2 Snow including BAL Micromax Sealant for all movement joints.

Dave Rowley, BAL training manager and lead judge for SkillBuild 2018 said: “Many congratulations to Odhran for winning a hard-fought final competition. The standard of fixing throughout the three days was exceptionally high which made adjudicating very hard.

“As a company we are committed to training the next generation of tilers to a high standard, so supporting the SkillBuild competition is a priority of ours. Competitions like these help raise standards and give trainees and apprentices a focus and standard to work towards.”

SkillBuild is now in its sixth year and is run by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board). The competition sees the very best students from Regional Heats compete in ten construction occupations, including tiling, to be crowned the overall SkillBuild winner in their chosen trade.

As a national SkillBuild winner, Odhran is eligible to compete at WorldSkills 2019 being held in the Russian city of Kazan.

For information about entering SkillBuild 2019 please contact Dave Rowley on drowley@building-adhesives.com

BAL – market-leaders in full tiling solutions – have launched two new uncoupling mat solutions for problem floors.

Following the launch of the revolutionary and award-winning BAL Rapid-Mat in 2014, the Flexbone range offers two very different solutions to the UK market with the launch of Flexbone 2Easy and Flexbone VAried.

Unique to the UK, and bound to excite fixers, contractors and distributors alike, BAL Flexbone 2Easy is a floating mat system – where NO adhesive is needed underneath the mat system i.e. the mat is truly uncoupled.

David Wilson, UK Head of Technical at BAL said: “Because no adhesive is required, preparation of the substrate is reduced to a quick sweep of the floor. No removal or residue, no removal of laitance and no priming of the surface is needed. This means that contaminated and stained floors, wooden floors, cracked screeds and mixed substrates can be tiled immediately.

“It can also be used direct onto difficult substrates such as bitumen, fresh sand:cement screeds or new anhydrite screeds that are not fully cured (up to 1.5% CM residual moisture). Lengthy waiting times on new screeds can be avoided with no more projects on hold while new screeds are dry enough to be tiled directly, or fixed with a traditional bonded system.

“Fast track installation in possible as any residual moisture in the substrate is distributed evenly through a system of channels and can also ventilate via the covering joints through perforations in the mat.”

As well as time savings from the lack of preparation, materials costs are also significantly reduced with no need for primers, plus a massive adhesive saving of 2kg/m², when compared to laying bonded cavity mat systems.

Time trials indicate the removal of subfloor preparation for installations provides a circa 50% time saving.

Because BAL Flexbone 2Easy is laid loose as a floating system, it is perfect for heritage projects where it is necessary to protect historic, sensitive substrates, plus areas where the ability to change the floor regularly is a requirement – e.g. rental properties.

BAL Flexbone VAried is a bonded mat system, with the same installation process as other fixed cavity mat systems in the market.

Unique to BAL Flexbone is the patented GripLock Technology and unique bone structure.

The patented design has been independently tested to provide the highest shear strength (providing more accommodation of higher levels of lateral movement) and the highest tensile strength (to stops tiles ‘popping-off’ or cracking under pressure). These highly flexible and deformable properties ensure all tile installations are protected from lateral movement and pressures, while a special fleece provides for vapour pressure compensation.

“As well as providing long-term benefits in terms of strength and flexibility, the unique bone structure also makes for significantly faster installations as the design ensures the trowelling-out of adhesive on the surface layer is fast and easy,” added David Wilson.

“Fixer trials have shown that the unique bone-shaped cavities are much easier and faster to fill with adhesive than the conventional square or round cavities.

“Less adhesive is required on the mat surface, and trials indicate adhesive can be spread on the mat surface circa. 30% faster.”

BAL Flexbone VAried can be used anywhere – for a varied number of installation environments!

BAL Flexbone VAried provides a waterproof layer, meaning no tanking is needed in wet areas such as bathrooms, showers and wetrooms when BAL Flexbone VAried is installed.

The bonded mat is perfect for high load-bearing and commercial areas such as shopping malls, airports, car showrooms, office building and hospitals, as well as light or medium traffic areas.

Both mats are available in 20m rolls or easy to install 2x1m sheets (ideal for small bathrooms) or wetrooms – and are suitable for use with all tile types, including natural stone.

As with all BAL products, BAL Flexbone uncoupling mats come with the manufacturer’s unique 25-year guarantee – unlike other cavity mats available.

When used with BAL adhesives, grouts, and sealants, this provides a fully guaranteed tiling system.

BAL have launched a new improved epoxy grout specifically for floor tiling installations.

Available in new Smoke and Ebony colours, BAL Floor Epoxy is a three-part hygienic impervious epoxy resin grout for floors.

With a resin-based formulation comprising liquid resin, liquid hardener and powder filler, BAL Floor Epoxy offers numerous benefits for the contractor as it is particularly recommended for large-scale commercial projects.

Because the filler is available as a separate component, other colours are available to order on a project-by-project basis* to match your tiles or chosen colour-scheme.

Alex Underwood, Head of Marketing at BAL, said: “Hard-wearing and offering high resistance to abrasion and impact, BAL Floor Epoxy providing protection against bacteria and chemical attack making it perfect for installations including food preparation/processing plants, swimming pools/sports and leisure centres, shopping malls/supermarkets, hospitals and industrial/chemical plants.

“The ability to provide bespoke colours for this product makes it particularly attractive for specifiers and contractors on large commercial projects where aesthetics are vital.”

For joint widths up to 20mm, BAL Floor Epoxy cures in 24 hours and has a pot life of 60 minutes, meaning fewer mixes are needed producing cost and time savings.

What’s more, it is also suitable as a tile adhesive for chemical plants with metallic backgrounds, and for areas requiring chemical resistance.

*Minimum order quantities apply

BAL – the market-leading manufacturer of full tiling solutions including adhesives, grouts and ancillary products – have bolstered their specification and sales team with two new hires.

James Purrett

James Purrett joins the team as Specification Manager covering the Midlands and Wales. He has extensive experience in the bathroom sector, joining BAL from Venesta – the washroom and cubicles company – where he worked for six years as Specification Manager.

James’ previous roles include Design Engineer at Washroom Accessory Company and Product Designer at Venesta, Amwell & Bushboard. He is also a qualified CAD Technician and worked on large scale projects including the M1 widening scheme.

Also joining BAL is John Hunter who will work in Specification and Sales in Scotland. Edinburgh-based, John has more than 20 years-experience in the tiling sector including more than 16 years with Johnson Tiles.

John Hunter

John has strong relationships with contractors, distributors, regional developers, and architects across Scotland and NE England and joins BAL from Capital Tile Supplies.

James and John will work with architects, designers and specifiers supporting them on M40/M20 specifications, providing project support and delivering BAL’s suite of RIBA-approved CPDs.

John will also work with BAL’s distribution network in Scotland to boost sales and support fixers and contractors working with the company’s products.

David Lyman, Sales Director at BAL said: “We’re delighted to welcome James and John to the team as part of our continued development and investment in the specification and sales team to support all stakeholders in delivering long-lasting and high-quality tiling projects across the whole of the UK.

“This investment confirms BAL’s position as a leading commercial projects brand, providing high quality tiling product and providing a host of support services for distributors, designers and architects to assist them from design to build.”

BAL has several free tools available to architects and specifiers to assist them from project start to completion including the company’s industry-renowned free and dedicated Technical Advisory and Specification Service (TAS) for technical queries and Sample Testing Service to ensure the correct selection of tiles and fixing products during the specification process.

Specifiers and architects can also take advantage of BAL’s comprehensive online tools and support including BIM library, fast track project advice, grout selector, industry news, technical tips and more. Simply visit www.bal-adhesives.com/specifiers

BAL can provide a solution for any background, environment or tile material and is trusted throughout the industry for its quality and lasting performance.

In one of their most challenging builds, Nick Knowles and DIY SOS team recently built a brand-new gym for the Dale Youth Boxing Club which was previously housed in Grenfell Tower.

To support the build, Stoke-on-Trent-based BAL donated adhesive, tanking, grout and sealants with tiles donated by Walls and Floors (Kettering) Ltd.

Founded 60 years ago, Dale Youth Boxing Club had been based in the first floor of the Grenfell Tower since 1999. A valuable local resource, and one of the best boxing clubs in the country, the club has been credited with turning around the lives of many young people in the area.

Over the years, they have successfully nurtured more than 200 Amateur Boxing Association Champions as well as honing the skills of 2008 Beijing Olympic Gold Medallist James DeGale and current WBA Super-Middleweight champion George Groves.

Since the devastating fire in June last year, the club had been based in a car-park, but now it can flourish in a new custom-built facility on a site situated under the A40 Westway in West London.

The new facility took nine weeks to build and even had some royal help from Prince William, who took some time out of his busy schedule to help with some painting and meet volunteers and members of the community.

Earlier this year the BBC issued a call-out for volunteers to donate their skills, time efforts and companies to donate materials to help the DIY SOS team bring the new gym to fruition.

After hearing of the call, BAL kindly agreed to supply Single Part Flexible adhesive, BAL Tank-it waterproofing membrane, Micromax2 Grout Smoke and Micromax Sealant Smoke for changing rooms, toilets and a kitchen at the facility.

As well as providing materials, BAL also provided technical support to the tilers working on the project through Andy Oates, BAL Product Support Technician for the South East.

Alex Underwood, Head of Marketing at BAL said: “No one could have failed to have been moved by the terrible tragedy at Grenfell which claimed the lives of so many innocent people and devastated a community.

“The Dale Youth Boxing Club was an important community facility which was in desperate need of a new home after the fire.

“As the market-leader for full tiling solutions donating some adhesive and grout and the time of one of our support technicians was the least we could do for this fantastic project.”

Before completion of the project, Graham Gater, Chairman of the Dale Youth Club said: “After the Grenfell Tower fire, the club was in boxing terms knocked down but thanks to BBC DIY SOS and all the people who are volunteering and donating we are now able to beat the count, through their generous and immensely inspirational support. We are really looking forward to getting a new space.”

The DIY SOS team added: “We would like to thank the incredible generosity of the building companies, suppliers and volunteers who have helped on this huge project, without whom it would never have happened.”

The episode aired on Wednesday 5 September and is available to watch on the BBC iPlayer.

Tiled surfaces are ideal throughout any building. Durable, aesthetically pleasing and suitable for all dry, wet and hygiene areas. In areas like showers, bathrooms and kitchens, the humid conditions together with soaps and food residues can be the perfect environment for bacteria, mould and mildew to survive and thrive.

Microban technology helps keep bathrooms, showers and all tiled environments cleaner and fresher.

Only BAL’s range of grouts and sealants developed exclusively with global leader Microban technology will provide protection against black mould AND potentially harmful microbes and bacteria.

Because the Microban technology it is in-built within the BAL formulation’s, Microban protection provides continuous antibacterial and antifungal protection that lasts the lifetime of the products, helping to create a cleaner, fresher and more efficient building application.

Other products in the UK market promote hygiene ranges of grouts and sealants but these only actually claim to be anti-mould. They do not offer the anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties of BAL’s Microban range of grouts and sealants; including BAL Micromax2, BAL Microflex and BAL Micromax Sealant.

Alex Underwood, Head of Marketing at BAL, said: “As market-leaders in full tiling solutions, we are proud to offer a range of innovative products such as grouts and sealants with in-built Microban technology.

“We are the only tiling brand in the UK to offer finishing products which can provide protection against black mould AND potentially harmful microbes and bacteria.

“When microbes and bacteria come in contact with the product surface, Microban protection penetrates the cell wall of the microorganism and disrupts the cell, making the microorganism unable to grow and reproduce.

“What’s more, Microban protection is incorporated into the product formulation in the manufacturing process meaning it never leaves the product, keeping your tiling protected and looking great.”

BAL are proud to be sponsoring the UK wall and floor tiling competitor at EuroSkills 2018.

Daniel McBurney

Taking place in Budapest from 26-28 September, the members of Team UK will be taking on the best apprentices in Europe with the aim of being crowned champions in their chosen skills.

Representing the UK in wall and floor tiling is Mark Scott from City of Glasgow College. Mark won the SkillBuild National Final, run in partnership with WorldSkills UK, last year and is also part of the squad currently training with the aim of competing in WorldSkills Kazan 2019 along with Daniel McBurney from Southern Regional College in Northern Ireland.

Competitors in this year’s SkillBuild will be eligible to compete in WorldSkills Shanghai 2021 if they meet the competition criteria.

BAL has sponsored regional and national SkillBuild tiling competitions since 2004, while Dave Rowley, Training Manager at BAL, has acted as Lead Judge since 2009.

Dave said: “We are delighted to provide support and sponsorship to the Mark and City of Glasgow College as he prepares for EuroSkills in Hungary.

“At BAL we value training and innovation highly with more than 50 years of technological development and training experience behind us, so it is crucial to support competitions such as SkillBuild that help develop the skills of talented young tilers.

“Continuing professional development and training is key to ensuring the industry continues to meet the highest standards, which is why we invested in a state-of-the-art Innovation and Technology Centre where we hold regular training courses.”

The 2018 SkillBuild competition has recently completed the Regional Qualifier phase, with the UK National Final taking place at WorldSkills UK LIVE in November at the NEC in Birmingham.

For more information on SkillBuild visit https://www.citb.co.uk/careers-in-construction/experience-it/skillbuild/