Clearview Midlands October 2013 - Issue 143 | Page 16

industrynews Metallic Designs Added to Range Bronze Platin and three metal brush effect designs; Aluminium, Silver and Heavy Metal, have recently been added to the RENOLIT EXOFOL range of exterior films. Their prestigious appearance in conjunction with the additional benefits provided by the EXOFOL FX formulation offer on-trend metallic designs in a long lasting construction, which is particularly well suited to commercial developments, modern new builds or grand renovation projects alike. The new designs incorporate special metallic pigments that contribute significantly to the overall level of realism and feature a satin- Silver Brush Effect, Bronze Platin, Aluminium Brush Effect, Heavy Metal effect surface finish with a corresponding fine brush metal emboss to complete the look. The results of recent research conducted independently by RENOLIT concluded that over 82% of UK fabricators found metal colours appealing and would be interested in stocking them if available. With grey and dark brown foils representing the top two selling colours in the UK, these new foils represent a modern alternative. RENOLIT EXOFOL FX is a highperformance film, which sets new standards in terms of colourfastness and protection. The film’s low surface tension makes it inherently dirt-repellent and therefore easy to clean. Even graffiti can easily be removed. To order a sample swatch call Tel: 01670 718222 or email: [email protected]. OUTPUT GROWTH REACHES TWO YEAR HIGH FOR UK MANUFACTURERS Manufacturers have seen a significant rise in production levels in the three months to August, alongside markedly improved order books, according to the latest CBI monthly Industrial Trends Survey. While firms have seen their positive expectations met on output, they anticipate an even greater upturn in the coming three months, the highest expected output figure since March 2011. The survey of over 400 manufacturers found that total orders and export order books also rose sharply, with total orders at their highest since August 2011. Output volumes rose across a significant number of sectors, with twelve of the sixteen sub-sectors reporting increases, and strong growth reported within some of the smaller sectors – building materials, metal manufacture and electrical goods. Nonetheless, output prices are expected to remain flat over the next three months - the most subdued expectation since July 2012. Stock adequacy was broadly in line with its long-run average. Stephen Gifford, CBI Director of Economics, said: “Manufacturers have seen a real upturn in fortunes this quarter, as output grew at its fastest pace for two years. “Domestic and export orders have rebounded almost across the board, and manufacturers expect this strength to continue during the next three months. “UK manufacturers seem to be experiencing a build-up in momentum, but risks in the global economy still mean that it won’t be plain-sailing for some time to come.” DAY OF ACTION WELCOMED Unite, Britain’s biggest union, has welcomed the TUC’s announcement of a coordinated day of action against blacklisting on Wednesday 20th November 2013. The day will consist of a lobby of the Westminster Parliament, the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Senedd, as well as a number of protests and lobbies across the UK. The unions will be calling on employers, which have or continue to blacklist workers, to Own Up, Clean Up, and Pay Up. Unite has described the blacklisting of construction workers as a national scandal on the scale of phone hacking and repeated 16 OCT 2013 its call for a ‘Leveson style’ inquiry, as well as action from policymakers, to toughen up the regulations against blacklisting. The union will be calling on activists up and down the UK to take part in activities to highlight the need for justice for the victims of this industrial scandal and to eradicate it from the construction industry and ensure that it can never happen again. Unite assistant general secretary Gail Cartmail said: “The burden of proof weighs heavily on workers who find themselves blacklisted and even where there is compelling evidence this is met with denial. Across construction there remains a staggering complacency, which must change. “Unite firmly believes blacklisting continues and we need politicians to act. The only way to consign this morally indefensible practice to the history books is to strengthen legislation against blacklisting to give the law real teeth.” To read more, visit www.clearview-uk.com