LOCAL COMPANY OFFER ANSWER TO BUILDING SKILLS CRISIS

Housing authorities throughout the country need to achieve high quality long-life refurbishment to comply with "decent homes" standards.  Private house builders also face rising demand while traditional building skills are in short supply.  With the help of Darwen based Octaveward, Cobalt Housing in Liverpool and private builders throughout the UK are rising to the challenge.  

Octaveward bay canopies are single-piece GRP fabrications.  In appearance they match the traditional roofing closely, but provide a long-life zero maintenance solution that meets current building standards and add character to the property.  They are fabricated at Balle Mill Darwen in a quality assured certified environment and high levels of insulation are built in.  A 15-year guarantee is given.

The single piece canopy can be installed in a matter of hours rather than days as required for a typical joinery, felt and tile construction.  Octaveward can fabricate canopies to simulate most traditional roofing materials, including tile, slate and lead.  "Even to a trained eye it is often difficult to spot the difference between our single piece GRP canopy and the traditional alternative.  The big difference is the time saved, reduced dependence on skilled trades on site and the benefit of having buildings closed, secure and protected from the weather more quickly," explained Octaveward director Trevor Williams.  

The current programme with Cobalt has been running for two years and over 1000 properties have been renovated.  Capital projects manager, Nicola Smith commented, "We have a variety of objectives to meet.  Refurbishment needs to be of high quality to meet current and projected standards and avoid future maintenance.  We want to cause minimal disturbance to our tenants and we want to lift the appearance of the properties while retaining their essential character.  Octaveward and the other team members have helped us achieve this."  


More information: Trevor Williams, Octaveward Ltd, Tel. +44 (0)1254 773300 Fax. +44 (0)1254 773950 E-mail: info@octaveward.com Web: www.octaveward.com

High/low resolution images are on the web at www.ainsmag.co.uk/oc222/3888oc1a.htm

March 30, 2005