August 2009

Issue 165

THE TECHNICAL MAGAZINE FOR MANUFACTURERS, INSTALLERS, SPECIFIERS AND CONTRACTORS

PulseSecure™
The Ultimate Perimeter
Security System

Plus:
• Fencing Competition a
Great Success at Driffield
• We Visit Judge Jon Vicary
• East Anglia’s Finest :
Clarkes of Walsham

www.fencing-news.co.uk
 CONTENTS
Welcome to the
AUGUST edition
of Fencing &
Landscaping News
I am not going to mention the
weather too much, because when I
do it starts to rain!
However, we have been blessed with
sunshine at the two terrific shows we
p38 p30 have attended since June. The Great
Yorkshire Show at Harrogate was very
successful for both our publications.
We handed out over 800 copies of
Fencing and Landscaping News, so
hopefully all of our advertisers will get
MANAGING Director/ something from it.
EDITOR.
Simone Gallon. Driffield Show saw the launch of
Tel: 01274 610 101. our Yorkshire and North of England
simone@fencing-news.co.uk Fencing Championships and was a
fantastic new addition to the show,
AssiStant Editor. earning many plaudits. We had nine
Chris Berry. teams of two building 45 metres
Tel: 01274 610 101 of stock fencing and the standards
were extremely high as the judges
Feature WRITErs. commented. We are making this
Peter Walters, Chris Berry,. an annual event and plans are
Peter Mepsted, Rob Wilkinson, already in hand to make next year’s
Phil Read, Victoria Poolman competition bigger and better.
p8 Congratulations to Mike Ford and his
Sales/Subscriptions teams who travelled the furthest of
Manager. anyone at the show and were suitably
Ben Walton.

contents
rewarded for their magnificent efforts
Tel: 01274 610 101. with first and second places –see
benwalton@fencing-news.co.uk pages 8,9 and 64 for more details.

Advertising Account RINGFENCED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6 We are also featuring even more

ManagerS. FENCING COMPETITION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 companies throughout the UK
Nicola Robson. NEWS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 28, 51 – some of whom are proving that
nicola@fencing-news.co.uk. COMPANY NEWS. . . 12-15, 18-20, 23-24, 38-39, 47-49, 56, 60-62, 65 recession or not, they can make their
Tel: 01274 610 101 businesses pay. Yorkshire Fencing
HEALTH & SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17
Contractors have come up with a
Grahame Kraft. LANDSCAPING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 great solar fence product; we have
Tel: 01757 229 630. NEW PRODUCTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22, 37, 73 also been to Hampshire to see
grahame.kraft@btinternet.com CONTRACTOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-27, 54-55, 64 Equestrian Fencing and the unique
COMPANY PROFILE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-33, 44-45, 50-51, 72-73 service they offer; and to Wales
Admin/sales. where TG Howell and Sons operate
SECURITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Christian Gallon. several depots - see pages 26, 32,
TIMBER UPDATE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41, 66-67
Tel: 01274 610 101. 33 and 69 for more details.
christian@fencing-news.co.uk SAWMILLS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53, 69-71
TIMBER YARD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58, 68 Hope you all enjoy the rest of the
Design. FENCING INDUSTRY UPDATE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 summer and we will see you in
James Ockelford FORESTRY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 October, when it will probably be a
heatwave!
. MACHINERY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74-77
fencing & Landscaping News. FENCING PEOPLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78-79 Kind Regards
40 Stockhill Road, Greengates. BUYERS GUIDE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80-82 Simone
Bradford, BD10 9AX. simone@fencing-news.co.uk
Tel: 01274 610 101.
Fax: 01274 621 730.

GET YOUR COPY

Web: www.fencing-news.co.uk
We mail to over 8,000 industry contacts
with an approx readership of 20,000.
Each edition of Fencing News contains essential information about the fencing industry. As a subscriber you’ll get
Fencing News is published bi-monthly regular updates, a chance to voice your view – and much needed encouragement. Just fill in this form and send
by Little Red Marketing Ltd. All rights
reserved. No part of this publication may be with a cheque for £20 (payable to Fencing News) to: Fencing News, Office 1, 40 Stockhill Road, Greengates,
reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or Bradford, BD10 9AX or call Ben Walton on 01274 610 101, e-mail benwalton@fencing-news.co.uk
transmitted in any form by means electronic,
photographic, recording or otherwise,
without prior permission of the publishers.
Name ......................................................................................... Tel No. .............................................
Views expressed in Fencing News are not
necessarily those of Little Red Marketing Ltd.
Address ..................................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................................
Front cover courtesy of Harper Calice Ltd.
.................................................................................................. Postcode ..........................................

fencing news August 2009 

 ringfenced
BRETT LANDSCAPING’S
‘CHOCS AWAY’ PROMOTION
IS REALLY SWEET
Brett Landscaping is rewarding the
continued loyalty of its Approved
Installers by giving them a huge
5kg bar of chocolate as part of its
exciting ‘Chocs Away!’ promotion.
Along with the chocolate, members
will receive increased rewards
for each complete concrete block
paving project registered during
July, August and September.
The specially branded bar, which is
nearly twice as large as Hershey’s
legendary ‘Times Square’, and
which comes in a presentation box,
is being distributed personally to
Brett Approved Installers along with
reward details.
Mark Brown of MB Landscapes
comments; “This is the biggest bar
of chocolate I have ever seen. The
chocolate bar resembles a paving
slab, but it tastes far too good for
it to be used in any of my paving
projects!
“Brett Landscaping’s incentive
scheme for its Approved Installers
really does make a difference in
 fencing news August 2009
today’s working environment. With
price being such an important factor
for any job, it really helps that Brett
works with builders merchants to
support us. It’s great to have our
loyalty and hard work recognised by
Brett Landscaping.”
To find out about joining
Brett Landscaping’s Approved
Installer Scheme and benefit
from all the promotions please
call 0845 6080 578
Grand Designs
For Garages
When is a garage not a garage? residential units in a courtyard
When Rural Log Cabins designs formation.
it to make the most of roof space
Claire and Keith wanted the garages
for large, spacious workshops or
to provide additional space for
studios.
workshops and studios so Rural
When Claire and Keith Goodwin designed and constructed two-
undertook their multi-million pound storey buildings with access to the
property development project to upper floor via an outside stairway.
provide a number of private homes,
“This style of building is becoming
near the picturesque village of
increasingly popular for our
Gilmorton in Leicestershire, they
commercial builds,” says Steve
also knew that the garages could be
Missen, Managing Director of Rural
used to provide additional space for
Log Cabins. “Although they are
other activities.
used here as garages, they make
The Goodwins had acquired an old excellent workshops and studios
farmhouse which they rebuilt using and the extra space on the first floor
reclaimed materials in a luxury is ideal for offices or storage, or any
cottage style. They then undertook other purpose you can think of.”
two large barn conversions on
Visit www.rural-log-cabins.co.uk
the site, providing a number of
 ringfenced

Imants BV announce takeover of Koro Systems

One year before its 125th anniversary,
Dutch manufacturer Imants BV
has taken over the manufacture,
marketing and development of Koro-
Systems.
“The decision to expand the Imants
range of turfcare products with the
take over of Koro-Systems followed
intense discussions between all the
parties involved” explained Felix.
Peters, Managing Director of Imants
BV “The consensus was that working
together as one company would create
a stronger consolidated product base
that would ensure the continuation
and further market expansion of these Imants Shockwave, RotoKnife,
highly respected machines.” SandCat, RootPruner, RotoSweep
and Sleepraam. The amalgamation
Felix added “I am delighted that Ko
of these two companies will create a
Rodenburg will continue providing
formidable position for Imants in the
invaluable insight and participation in
turf care and sports pitch renovation
product development on a consultancy
market. The Koro name will form part
basis. The combined knowledge, skills
of the new product branding as ‘KORO
and experience of both marketing and
by Imants’ and will continue to be
development teams will lead to the
marketed through Campey Turfcare
introduction of many innovative new
systems Ltd.
products in the future.”
Both Koro-Systems and Imants are
For more information
world renowned for products such Ko and Clary Rodenburg,
visit www.imants.nl
as; Koro Fieldtopmaker, Topdrain, Felix Peters, Hans de Kort
Recycling Dresser, Cultirol and the

£1.25 million ROLAWN SUPPORT FOX

LandSkills winter
programme
A staggering £1.25m funding will
be available from this winter’s
LandSkills Yorkshire and Humber
winter activity programme.
Announced at the Great Yorkshire
Show in July, a 70% funding
contribution to farmers, foresters
and growers across the region is
being offered.
Lantra’s Regional Partnership
Manager, Jacqui Bruce, said: “ EID demonstration day for them.
It’s not every day that you can
announce there is such a large
sum of money available for industry
to access. We have allocated
£1.25million for the winter
programme, which ranges from
helping young people via the Fresh
Start Academy an all industry-led
initiative to encourage and support
new entrants into farming, funding
high level technical training such as
agronomy, using discussion groups
and demonstration sites to get the
latest technology and research out
to farmers, as well as funding all
sorts of activities for the livestock
industry. So there’s a huge amount
of activity over the winter”.
As some sheep farmers in the region
discovered recently, the Landskills
programme is demand-led. When
they wanted to find out more about
Electronic Identification (EID),
LandSkills were able to fund an
For more information contact the
LandSkills team on 01226 766
500, email LandSkills@lantra.
co.uk or register your interest
at www.lantra.co.uk/LandSkills.
HOLLIES SCHOOL &
PERFORMING ARTS COLLEGE
Rolawn, Britain’s largest turf grower Hollies commented “Thanks to
and leading supplier of safe, quality the generosity of Rolawn we have
topsoil has donated their Vegetable been able to fill our raised vegetable
& Fruit Topsoil to Fox Hollies School beds. This has created a wonderful
and Performing Arts College for their opportunity for all pupils to take part in
garden. growing their own fruit and vegetables
whilst learning about how food is
The official opening of Kings Heath
produced. Older students are also
Floral Trail by Alys Fowler, BBC
able to take an accredited Horticulture
Gardeners’ World presenter, took place
qualification which is a very popular
recently in the garden at Fox Hollies
subject.”
School which has been designed by
Winterbourne Botanic Garden and
has a fruit and veg focus. For more information visit
www.rolawn.co.uk
Paul Roberts, Headteacher at Fox

HARDWOOD SAWmiLL eSTABLiSHeD in 1984

THe FuRTHeST nORTHeRn HARDWOOD SAWmiLL in engLAnD

• Production of quality sawn

OAK timber - 1st and 2nd grade.
• Any size accomodated.
• OAK beams, posts, sleepers.
• Hardwood and Softwood, treated
and untreated, machined posts,
rails, pegs, wedges, sleepers.
• Reclaimed Railway Sleepers.
• Delivery nationwide.
Shed 25, Francismoor Wood,
Brampton Road, Longtown,
Carlisle, Cumbria. CA6 5TR
tgnorman@odysseydsl.net
www.tgnorman.co.uk
Tel : (01228) 791777
Fax : (01228) 791373

fencing news August 2009 

 ringfenced
No Digging
In Brazil
A £40,000 excavator that was just
days from being shipped to Brazil has
been seized by TER (The National
Plant and Equipment Register) after
being identified as stolen.
The used 21 tonne Caterpillar 320C
was sold by a major auctioneer in Leeds
in May to a buyer from Derbyshire.
Although TER did not receive the theft
data until after the event, a match
was quickly made with one stolen in
Coventry in January 2009. The insurer,
Allianz, was immediately notified.
“As soon as we received the data from
the auctioneers, we sent an investigator
to the buyer’s address in the centre of
a Derbyshire town,” says Tim Purbrick,
Manager of TER, which operates
Europe’s largest database of owned
and stolen plant and equipment.
Further investigations by TER revealed
that the machine was being refurbished
before being shipped to Brazil later that
week. TER is now awaiting completion
of police enquiries, after which the
machine will be sold on behalf of the
insurer. It is worth just over £40,000.
 fencing news August 2009
“This is a fantastic result for both the
insurer Allianz and for the various
police forces,” said Tim Purbrick.
“It is a demonstration to all concerned
of the application of TER’s knowledge,
skills and experience to recover a very
valuable machine.
“We would have preferred to have
prevented the sale going through
the auction, rather than disappoint a
buyer and cause the auctioneer the
administrative problems it will now
have to deal with,” he added.
“But, although we have a huge range
of data sources at our disposal, we
are reliant on the victims of equipment
theft or their insurers reporting thefts to
TER in a timely manner. In any event
we were pleased to be able to recover
the machine before The Boys from
Brazil acquired it as, once it had left the
shores of the UK for South America,
the chances of being able to recover it
would be below zero,” he said.
Visit www.ter-europe.org
TOOLSTATION BUCKS
TREND WITH FURTHER
EXPANSION
Recently Toolstation celebrated
the opening of its 50th Sales
Counter and a brand new central
distribution centre.
Located in York on Audax Road,
Clifton Moor, the new Sales Counter
is a key milestone in the expansion
of the low-cost trade supplier and
is on target with its plan to have 80
Sales Counters nationwide.
In Redditch, a new 140,000 sq. ft.
distribution centre at Arrow Valley
will support the growing number
of Sales Counters. Toolstation’s
Operations Director, Adam Keates
said, “ It takes over from the
Bridgwater site as the company’s
main retail replenishment centre,
ensuring that all of our 10,000
plus products lines continue to
be available as stock items at all
branches.”
These investments come in parallel
with the launch of Toolstation’s
latest catalogue 30, which sees
an impressive 500 new products
added. It is its most significant
product increase yet across a broad
product range from screws, fixings
and sealants through to lighting,
electrical, plumbing, janitorial and
ground maintenance equipment.
Toolstation continues to be one
of Britain’s fastest growing multi-
channel businesses. The multi-
channel approach means that
its regional Sales Counters are
integrated with its mail order
catalogue and online catalogue
(www.toolstation.com).
Customer orders placed online
or by telephone before 5.00pm
are despatched for delivery next
business day with free delivery as
standard on orders over £10.
Further information is available
by calling 0808 100 7211 or
visiting www.toolstation.com
 fencing competition

A Very Successful Fencing

Competition at the Driffield Show
Simone reports on the first Yorkshire and North fencing competition
We had a brilliant fencing 2nd Prize Mike Ford number 2
competition held on the 22nd Darren Price and Robert Little
July at the Driffield show. We had
3rd Prize Dan Critchlow and
nine teams of two turn up and the
Anthony Ollerenshaw
standard was very high and the two
young farmers did an excellent job! Have to say well done to Charlie
Wright and George Bridge at Front
Adam Lynch and Jon Vicary were
Row Fencing who came 4th and it
the judges and they said it was one
was their first competition ever!
of the highest standards of fencing
they have ever judged. Two young farmers Tom Skelton
and Philip Warters took part and
I would like to thank every one
did not let the side down. Other
involved making this a great success.
entries were Basil and Peter Wilson,
The sponsors were ArcelorMittal and
Robert Murtland and Paul Cockerill
Calders and Grandidge, tools were
from Yorkshire Fencing Contractors,
supplied by Gripple
George Mook and Ben Turnbull,
More importantly thanks for all the Richard Foxley and Jonty Hutchinson
contractors for entering and we from R.Foxley Fencing Contractors.
will make it a bigger and better
competition next year!
If you would like to sign
Congratulations goes to: up for next year email
simone@fencing-news.co.uk
1st Prize Mike Ford and nephew
or call 01274 610101
David number 1 team

Well done to Mike’s team

All ready tro go Mike’s fence perfection

 fencing news August 2009

 fencing competition
Adam, Angie and Little Red Lewis

What an audience

Keep going lads

fencing news August 2009 

 news

fencing news August 2009 11

 company news
Charlton’s supply
Glastonbury Festival
Somerset based A.J.Charlton & Sons
recently supplied the world famous
Glastonbury Festival with a range of
fencing, slabwood and woodchips.
Charlton’s have been a supplier to
the festival for over 25 years.
Post and Rail and Featherboard
fencing material are supplied in
quantity to keep the festival goers
within designated areas, while the
woodchips are an emergency measure
Greg the clown
12 fencing news August 2009
to keep the famous Glastonbury
mud at bay. The slabwood is used
in a variety of ingenious ways, from
fences to benches as can be seen in
the photographs.
It’s a tough job but someone must
represent Charltons at the festival.
That honour this year fell to a ‘shy’
Michael Charlton and IT Manager
Greg Charlton aka Coco the Clown.
Shy Michael!
 company news
Harper Chalice and
PulseSecure – simply
the best in security
Fencing News editor Simone Gallon talks
with Graham Harper
Graham Harper had an eventful
start 2009. Not only did Harper
Chalice move into their new offices
over the Christmas break, they also
suffered from flooding, due to a leak
coming from the ceiling. That’s all
behind them now, and Graham was
in a buoyant mood when I visited
recently. He’s also on the lookout
for a number of new dealers for a
range which he believes will become
even more popular in the months to
follow.
‘The new premises enable us to have
frequent demonstration days for our
customers, and we offer training on
design and installation and technical
support package on all our systems.
We are currently looking for more
dealers throughout the UK, especially
on the PulseSecure System’.
Along with Zaun, Harper Chalice has
won a contract for the 2012 Olympics
with the Pulse Secure system.
PulseSecureTM perimeter security
systems are a second generation of
electrified perimeter security systems
and meet the demands of all levels
of high security and exposed site and
application requirements.
This includes the protection of military
and government risks, economic key
points and potential extremist or
terrorist targets.
PulseSecureTM are continually
evaluated by leading government
authorities and test houses, and
it is the first (and to date the only)
electrified perimeter security system
to achieve SEAP Class 4, Highest
Security Specification. As a result
PulseSecureTM was the first perimeter
system to achieve: Secured by Design
Police Preferred Specification. For
appropriate authorities the Home
Office will make copies of evaluation
reports available.
Often PulseSecureTM perimeter
security systems are installed in
coastal and other exposed locations.
Knowing the problems experienced
by other systems, from the outset
all PulseSecureTM components have
been designed for the optimum life
expectancy and performance.
In addition, by design and the vast
number of installation accessories and
standard installation components,
14 fencing news August 2009
Harper CHaliCe Group limited
PulseSecure™
PulseSecureTM perimeter security
systems are simple to install and
maintain. Electrified Perimeter Security Systems
As with all other PulseSecureTM
components, Harper Chalice
Group have developed their own • Fully compliant with BS1722 part 17 and
PulsewireTM for the construction of BSEN 60335
PulseSecureTM systems.
• Secured by Design – Police Preferred
PulsewireTM is specially manufactured
Specification
from zinc and aluminium coated high
tensile steel wire. The result is a strong • A complete range of installation components
durable wire with superior corrosion
tools and fixings
and electrical characteristics.
PulsewireTM is guaranteed to last 4 • Full manufacturers product support at every
times longer than industry standard
stage
galvanised wire.
Each PulsewireTM is tensioned by a • Assistance with the production of specifications
special tension spring assembly to and quotations
provide uniform tensioning of each
wire and to prevent over tensioning. • In house installation training and technical
Because of the uniform system
support
tensioning, if wire displacement is
a concern, PulseSecure’s unique
tension alarms can be included in the For further information please contact:
system design.
For maximum life expectancy, all
PulseSecureTM post are hot dipped Harper CHaliCe Group limited
galvanised to BS729 and metal 8 Binns Close
fixing brackets and accessories are Coventry CV4 9TB
cadmium zinc plated and Delta coated
for superior corrosion resistance.
United Kingdom
24 month Warranty
Tel: 02476421 300
From date of certification all Fax: 02476 421 309
PulseSecureTM components carry Email: sales@harperchalice.co.uk
a full 24 month manufacturers Web: www.harperchalice.co.uk
warranty against material defects
and workmanship.
For more information contact
Harper Chalice on 024
7642 1300 or go to:
www.harperchalice.co.uk
 company news

Woodfab expand
their range
In recent years the thrust of the both the Irish and UK markets. Our
Woodfab Timber Ltd development main products include rail, weaves,
has been to modernise the arris rail, feather edge boards etc.,
processing capability and efficiency traditional decking with handrails
of the plant and to develop its range and balustrades. We are also a major
of value added products. supplier of roadside post and rail
fencing, manufactured to the IS 435
In doing so we have achieved the
standard. A subsidiary company,
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
Woodfab Structures Ltd. (www.
Chain of Custody certification (SW-
woodfabstructures.ie ) was formed
COC-340). All our products conform
in 2001 to manufacture a new range
to FSC-Mixed Status, meaning that
of fencing and acoustic barriers, all
they are derived from timber which
I.S. EN standards as specified by the
comes from well managed forests
National Roads Authority (NRA).
and controlled sources.
The plant now produces a wide range
www.woodfabtimber.ie
of fencing and decking products for

fencing news August 2009 15

 health and safety

updated First Aid requirements

Peter Mepsted of PHP Health and Safety Ltd considers the updated requirements

From 1st October 2009 new

guidance will come into effect
relating to the provision of First
Aid within the workplace.

This has come about as a result of

the Health and Safety Executive
(HSE) evaluating first aid in
the workplace and finding that
‘although first aid awareness and
penetration in the workplaces was
good, compliance was found to be
more “in spirit” rather than the letter
of the regulations and this exposed
some important deficiencies in the
format and content of the guidance
and in the proportionality of the
current regulatory requirements for
lower risk employees’.
Initially, it must be stressed that
existing certificates remain valid 2012. However someone whose and they will then fall into the new Currently there are two designations
until expiry. Hence someone taking certificate expires in November designation. for persons in relation to first aid.
the current First Aider course now 2009 will be required to take the These are Appointed Person and
So what are the new designations
will remain qualified until expiry in two day refresher (as is current now) First Aider.
and how are they different?

16 fencing news August 2009


An Appointed Person has the role
of taking charge in the event of an
accident or ill health, calling for an
ambulance or other medical service
and maintaining the first aid box.
An Appointed Person should not
administer first aid, unless suitably
trained to do so.
A First Aider not only has the same
requirement as an Appointed Person
but in addition has a level of training
suitable to administer first aid where
they feel it appropriate.
Under the new guidance there are
some subtle changes to the roles
and responsibilities as well as the
training.
The Appointed Person role remains
the same as it does now with the
training being able to be delivered
by non-HSE approved training
providers.
Introduced is the new designation
of Emergency First Aider in the
Workplace (EFAW) who will need
to undertake a one day training
course. This will differ from the
existing ‘appointed person’ one day
training in as much as this now has
to be delivered by an HSE approved
training provider. Additionally the
course content has also to be
approved by the HSE. Certification
remains in place for three years and
the EFAW will need to retake the one
day course again at the end of this
time. The course will include items
such as;
• The Health and Safety (First
Aid) Regulations 1981
• Managing incidents
• Priorities of first aid
• T
 reatment of an
unconscious person
• Resuscitation
• Shock
• Bleeding
• Common workplace injuries
The designation of First Aid at Work
(FAW) remains much the same as
Fence, Shed and Garden Product
Automation Systems
Our shed assembly system has one jig to manufacture 4-8ft Apex panels,
4-8ft Pent end panels, 6,7,8ft Apex and Pent fronts and backs.
The same jig can also hold roof and floor sections. Fully programmable
nailing positions and can produce panels at a rate 30 seconds each.
Whitworth, Rochdale, Lancs.
Tel: 01706 852 108
health and safety
HSE Launch FarmWise
the current role with changes to the
course content reducing the current
brochure for the
four day training requirement to
three days. The three day refresher
requirement of a two day course
Agricultural industry
after three years remains the same.
One significant new development
is the introduction of an annual
three hour refresher course for both
EFAW and FAW. This would need to In the last 10 years almost one
be taken at the end of the first and person per week has been killed
second years of the qualification. as a direct result of agricultural
There will be no need to undertake work. Many more have been
refresher training in the same year seriously injured or made ill by
as requalification. their work.
Whilst there is no mandatory This booklet has been prepared by
requirement to undertake this the Health and Safety Executive to
refresher, the HSE have identified help you:
‘skills fade’ as a factor and, in their • E
 fectively manage health,
words, strongly recommend that this safety and welfare
is implemented. In my opinion this
• Comply with the law
almost certainly means that failure
to attend a refresher would not meet • Carry out the risk
with approval! assessments that you must
do under the Management
What may lead to confusion is how
of Health and Safety at
the new EFAW role is perceived. The
Work regulations 1999
requirement for having Appointed The brochure forms the basis of
Person(s) remains the same as now • Work safely and healthily health and safety advice for the
and, as I have stated, they do not agricultural industry.
The brochure is relevant to every
have any regulatory requirement
one working on a farm, whether
to undertake first aid training. The
employer, employee or self- For more information go
HSE have indicated that having the
employed. It identifies the causes to HSE website
EFAW qualification will enable the
of the injuries and ill healths and www.hse.gov.uki/agriculture
person to act as the first aider in
eliminate hazards and control risks.
the workplace and this could lead to
organisations taking the easy route
and not having persons complete
the longer (and more costly) FAW
qualification. Are you compliant with health and safety legislation?
As always, the numbers of persons Do you need practical, common sense guidance?
and levels of training can only
be decided by each organisation If so, contact us.
complying with their legal
requirements by completion of a
risk assessment to identify and
make adequate provision for their
individual requirements.
Telephone: 0845 873 2990
.
For more information go to
Fax: 0845 873 2991
www.hse.gov.uk
Email: info@phphealthandsafety.com
SHED PANEL PRODUCTION WITH ONE MACHINE
giving
PERFECT REPEATABILITY WITH ONE OPERATOR.
fencing news August 2009 17
 company news
10,000 Combilifts
can’t be wrong
Combilift Ltd, the world’s leading
supplier of 4-way forklifts, celebrated
another milestone in early June
when the 10,000th machine to roll
off its production lines in Monaghan
was delivered to Weyerhaeuser, the
world’s leading manufacturer of
engineered lumber products.
Truck number 10,000 will be working
at Weyerhaeuser’s Parallam Mill in
Annacis Island near Vancouver, and
it was officially handed over to Chuck
Antonides, Weyerhaeuser’s Director
of Lean Processes, by Combilift
USA’s President Tommy Cadden. It
is also the first 10 tonne capacity
Combilift to be operational at a
Weyerhaeuser site.
Combilift MD Martin McVicar
commented: “Weyerhaeuser’s
case exemplifies how customer
feedback from the wide variety
of industry sectors we supply has
been instrumental in helping us to
continually improve the Combilift
concept.”
“Product development was based
on close collaboration between the
18 fencing news August 2009
two companies, with Combilift acting
constantly and quickly on feedback
from Weyerhaeuser personnel,” says
Tommy Cadden. “Within a six month
time frame from August 2007 to
January 2008, Combilift designed,
built and delivered the first of the
Weyerhaeuser 6 tonne units and
throughout 2008 Weyerhaeuser
ordered and took delivery of a total of
108 of these models.
A raft of features designed to ease
the handling of extreme loads and
to make life easier for drivers are
integrated into the C12,000WSL and
the C20,000WSL models, such as a
larger operator cab, sticker boxes and
containers for chainsaws and tools
fixed to the body of the truck, and an
integrated side shifting mast which
caters for the varying dimensions of
product..
Combilift Ltd., Co.
Monaghan, Ireland
Tel: 00353 47 80500
www.combilift.com
info@combilift.com

Self-locking security
and privacy gate
latch provides
unique features
The unprecedented success of D&D
Technologies’ LokkLatch®, a simple
yet highly effective and lockable
house and garden gate latch, has
fostered both the LokkLatch®
DELUXE and LokkLatch® PRO-SL
models.
The latter two models were
developed at the insistence of the
fencing industry, which declared a
need for heavier duty versions of the
latch and a higher degree of security
and locking.
The new LokkLatch PRO-SL is a
sturdy and reliable privacy and
security gate latch. The “SL” in the
name stands for “Self Locking”. Not
only can this latch be operated and
locked from either side of a gate,
but when the latch closes it will lock
automatically for added security.
This self-locking feature means a
key is required for both entry and
exit, providing an extra dimension of
security and making Lokk•Latch®
PRO-SL the ideal choice for
installation in apartments, housing
estates and other gated communities,
plus commercial and other security-
conscious properties.
Strong and proven moulded polymer
construction and stainless steel
components mean the latches will
never rust, bind, sag, stain, chip or
bend!
There are two different latch models
to accommodate metal, wood or
PVC gate materials. Side-fixing legs
on one model provide extra strength
and easy fitting alignment for metal
and wood gates.
While the entry-level LokkLatch
carries a simple wafer lock and key,
the PRO-SL and DELUXE models
company news
“The self-locking LokkLatch PRO-SL
gate latch from D&D Technologies
is the third model to be introduced
to this highly successful range”
feature two sturdy 6-pin security adjustment slots to help contractors
locks that can be re-keyed - by a and householders overcome ground
locksmith - to match most household movement and gate sag over time. A
doors. fitting jig is supplied to help reduce
installation time.
Designed to fit posts up to 150mm
(6”) in depth, installation is quick and As with all of D&D’s products, the
easy. The new polymer tail linking Lokk•Latch® PRO-SL is backed by
the two latch housings (i.e. the main a Lifetime Warranty.
latch body and the External Access
Button on the opposite side of the
For product availability or further
gate) means a single hole drilled
information contact Cathy Elliott
through the fence post is all that’s
at D&D Technologies’ on +31
needed to install and connect both
(0)30 291 9847 or celliott@
sides of this security latch system.
ddgroup.com.au, or visit D&D’s
Other simple fasteners are supplied.
website at www.ddtechglobal.com
The PRO-SL also features
convenient vertical and horizontal
fencing news August 2009 19
 company news
STRONG FOUNDATION AT SUFFOLK GATES
Suffolk Gates from Bury St.
Edmunds, are currently challenging
hard at both ends of the timber gate
market.
Over the last couple of years the
company has focused on providing
Iroko hardwood and Seasoned Oak
gates within the gate automation
market with considerable success.
Managing Director Hugo Corrie
comments: ‘Over the last couple of
years we have made a strong financial
commitment towards our Iroko
Hardwood buying. We are holding
much higher timber stocks levels
to produce standard and bespoke
products within a very attractive
20 fencing news August 2009
timescale while also maintaining Scandinavian timbers. Flexibility
competitive prices. This has allowed If you wish to discuss any of your
is also provided with both Brown
us to take a foothold in the market timber gate requirements please call
and Green ACQ pressure treatment
place and set a good strong foundation Hugo or Chris on 01284 388399.
options.
for us to build upon.’
This year the company
has placed investment into
machinery to challenge the
higher volume softwood
market, with particular focus
on pedestrian and hand gates.
As a result of this, Suffolk
Gates are now running volume
softwood products that
compete with many imported
goods, while maintaining
the use of more stable
 landscaping

Extended range for the Perfect Edge

Baxter’s Perfect Edge have extended
the range of their revolutionary
lawn and garden border design and
cutting system.
Gardeners and landscapers now
have several options to choose from
depending on how many designs
they want to create, and whether
they want to use their own edging
tools with the system. Baxters have
made available new packs of the
plastic templates that create the
garden border designs. The Perfect
Edge Design System 1 enables you to
create 41 different designs and costs
just £29.99 RRP. In the pack is a
series of straight, curved and angled
edges that are fitted together and,
secured with the pins provided, used
to create and cut the designs with
a traditional half moon cutting tool,
a spade or the Perfect Edge Lawn
Edger. If you don’t have an edging
tool the Perfect Edge Lawn Edger is
available separately or you can buy it
with the pack and make a saving of
up to £4.99.
More ambitious projects are catered
for with the different options available.
Design System 2 for example offers up
to 63 designs. Perfect Edge offers a
versatile solution to the old problem of
making a shaped border symmetrical
and can be used in conjunction with
block paving and brick to quickly
create paths and garden features.
www.baxtersperfectedge.com
info@baxtersperfectedge.com
Telephone 01926 497914

www.wildlifefencing.co.uk
THE UK’S LEADING SUPPLIER OF WILDLIFE FENCING
Newt • Badger • Rabbit • Water Vole

• Huge Stock of Wholesale Materials •

• Next Day Delivery •
Newt Fencing Systems
Badger Netting & Gates
Gripples
Pitfall Traps & Refugia
High Tensile Mesh & Wire
Plus Loads More Stock Items

• Order Now • 0114 273 1751

• sales@wildlifefencing.co.uk

Secure online or phone payments, all major cards accepted.

fencing news August 2009 21

 new products

Frontier Pitts Three

Distinct Product Ranges
Frontier Pitts introduces three distinct accordance to BSi PAS 68:2007.
product ranges; the PC Range The Anti Terra range has been impact
(Parking Control), the HD Range tested, stopping and immobilizing a
(Heavy Duty) and the PAS 68 Impact vehicle weighing 7500kg travelling at
Tested AT Anti Terra range. 50mph (80km/hour). Frontier Pitts has
developed the Anti Terra range to meet
The PC Range includes parking control
the requirements of our customers
equipment such as Automatic Rising
at Airports, Embassies, Palaces,
Arm Barriers, Parking Height Rising
Government Buildings and Military
Kerb with a lift height of 353mm, the
Bases around the World. The complete
SMT Rising Kerb with a lift height of
range includes the Terra Gate which is
300mm, sliding and hinged gates
the only gate in the World to be crash
suitable for commercial use and our full
tested in the fully closed and half open
range of manual equipment comprising
positions, and continue to operate
of manual barriers, road closers and
after both impact tests. For sites with
telescopic bollards, ideal for unmanned
restrictions on available foundation
sites without electrical services.The HD
depths, the new Terra Shallow Blocker
Range showcases high quality, heavy
and the Terra Mount Blocker are ideal
engineered products renowned by the
as the Terra Shallow Blocker only
Frontier Pitts name. The range includes
requires 300mm deep foundations,
equipment manufactured to a heavy
while the Terra Mount Blocker is bolted
industrial specification such as our
direct to the road surface, therefore
respected LoTracker and LiteTracker
does not require foundations. The Terra
Security Sliding Gates, Hinged and
Mount Blocker is the only successfully
Bi-folding Speed Gates, Security
crash tested surface mounted Road
Height Road Blockers with a lift
Blocker on the market that did not
height of 533mm or 800mm, Rising
move in impact.
Bollards with a lift height of 600mm
and Pedestrian Control Turnstiles &
Gates. The AT Range products have www.frontierpitts.com
been successfully impact tested in

22 fencing news August 2009


defending Petersfield
Cricket Club pavilion
Petersfield Cricket Club will not
be caught out by vandals thanks
to a new anti-intruder fence which
should prevent yobs clambering on
its pavilion roof.
The club has a long-standing problem
with vandals damaging the pavilion
on The Heath, soaking up resources
in repairs and undermining the use of
the club’s valuable facility.
However, it is hoped the new fencing,
bought with the aid of a £2,000 grant
from East Hampshire District Council,
will improve the club’s defence.
Dee Salmon, club secretary, said:
“We have had to do this because we
have had a series of break-ins and a
lot of vandalism.
“They have taken roof-tiles off to try
and get into the building. We ended
up having flooding problems and part
of the building became completely
company news
unusable. We had to do a lot of
work to fix that and our insurance
premiums increased. So we have
spent this money now to save on
repairs in the future.”
The club has over 120 young
players spread between six
youth teams from under
nines upwards.
Councillor Hilary Ayer, said:
“I’m pleased to see so many
young people playing cricket
and it is obvious Petersfield
Cricket Club has a thriving
youth section but we must
protect this pavilion from
vandals to secure its future.
Hopefully this new fencing
will help do that.”
For more information visit
www.vanguard.co.uk
fencing news August 2009 23
 company news

Lantra secures
funding
With an increasing need for the
environmental and land-based
sector to have a competent and
trained workforce, it is vital to have
an understanding of the needs of
industry. Lantra, Sector Skills Council
has today (3 August) announced that
it has secured funding to address the
level of skills and skills gaps in the
fencing industry in Northern Ireland.
Aimed at ascertaining the size and
structure of the fencing industry, this
research will identify the current skills
levels, the development and training
needs, and the specific training
provision currently available for the
fencing industry in Northern Ireland.
The project will also recommend ways
to deliver industry specific training
effectively and sustainably, as well
as supporting training events. David
Seffen, NI Partnership Manager said:
“This project, in conjunction with
the Fencing Contractors’ Association
(FCA) will provide a detailed analysis
of the fencing industry, and its skills
levels. The fencing industry, which
consists entirely of small and medium
sized enterprises (SME’s), requires
training provision which responds to
their needs, with practical, worked-
based skills. By having detailed
research, it will enable Lantra to work
to steer policy and call for action to
meet these needs identified.”
Tim Drew, National Training Manager,
Fencing Contractors’ Association
said: “The FCA is very pleased to be
working in partnership with Lantra to
undertake this research project with
the fencing industry. It will provide
a great opportunity to speak to
businesses about their requirements
and establish a robust foundation to
help support their future development
and training needs.”
Lantra works with fencing businesses
to recognise the importance of, and
encourage investment in skills and
business development to achieve
improved performance.
For more about this project
or any current work currently
being undertaken contact the
office on 028 7963 1304 or
email ni@lantra.co.uk.

24 fencing news August 2009

 contractor
Launching into the solar system
Chris Berry talks with Robert Murtland & Karen Hurrion
of Yorkshire Fencing Contractors Ltd
Although Rob Murtland started in the
fencing game in what he terms an
old fashioned way, with a well-used
tractor and post-hole borer, he is
certainly keeping more than up with
the times now from their base in East
Ardsley, near Wakefield.
‘My father had a rhubarb farm at
the time and myself and my brother
worked together, but neither of us are
doing that now. There was no real
money in the job for us and I didn’t
really know what I was going to do.’
Rob’s partner, Karen (Hurrion), pointed
him in the right direction. They’ve
been together for many years, however
despite the engagement ring on her
finger they’ve never married.
‘We’ve never had the time,’ says Rob,
while Karen puts it slightly differently
and with a smile on her face. ‘He’s too
tight,’ she says.
‘I just said why don’t you go and
buy that (meaning the post borer).
I’d always had an interest in horses
and had a lot of horsey friends. I
26 fencing news August 2009
just thought there would always be a
business in putting up fencing purely
from the number of people who have
horses. The first job Rob took on was
in my home village of Monk Fryston
and it paid for the machine.’
Rob also came out of rhubarb and
market garden farming for a much
more serious reason.
‘I used to do a lot of spraying of
vegetables, and I lost the top three
layers of skin from my hands and feet
through the pesticides I was using.’
Karen tells it even more acutely. ‘They Yorkshire Fencing Contractors Ltd
told him that if he carried on doing that (L to R) Paul Cockerill, Karen Hurrion, Rob Murtland
he’d be dead. It really was killing him.’
And that’s why Yorkshire Fencing
more into the security fencing market. is quite diversified and whatever it is
Contractors came to life 23 years ago
That kicked off for us about 15 years we’ll have a go at it. We normally have
with that first combination of older
ago and now I’d say our business is two other teams we can call upon at
tractor and post hole borer. Times
around 30% post and rail, and 70% busy times.’
have changed since then and Rob and
security. We’ve done a lot of work for
Karen’s business reflects that. But where Rob is now ahead of many
Leeds Council and a bit for Wakefield.
other fencing contractors is in the field
‘When we started it was mainly Two of our biggest jobs in recent
of solar-powered electric fencing, and
agricultural and equestrian work, but times have been for First Direct and
it certainly seems to be catching on
as time has gone on and the way when the new bypass was erected at
quickly.
agriculture has been, we have moved Ferrybridge power station. Our work

‘We started fitting solar powered
permanent electric fencing about four
months ago. The trouble with post
and rail is that horses rub on it and
chew it. They also lean on it, causing
the fence to become lop-sided. With
electric fencing the horses might touch
it once, but they certainly won’t touch
it again, so safety-wise it is perfect for
the owners.’
Of course electric fencing is nothing
new, but it is the solar side of things
that is set to become very useful and
much more economical.
‘We run galvanised wires through the
posts and a nylon tube is inserted into
the centre of each post. There are
gripples used on each post so that
you always have the right amount of
tension in the wires. The solar power
runs through a normal electric fence
unit and has battery back-up that is
charging all of the time. We use an
11 watt solar panel, which means
you don’t need mains electric running
in the fence and you never have to
worry about the battery going dead.
The beauty of this system is that one
sunny day can probably charge up the
battery for a month, so there are huge
electricity cost savings to be made.’
That doesn’t mean that if the sun
doesn’t shine your fence is not charging
though. What many people don’t
realise is that solar power is about
daylight, and it doesn’t necessarily
have to be a brilliantly sunny day to
charge it.
‘We buy-in the solar panels, but
everything else is what we have come
up with. We drill and tube hole the
posts and we stain everything white
so that horses can pick it out. We’ve
had the system running in our own
field, dividing the mares and foals, and
they haven’t touched it once. We have
contractor / news
now also put it in for a number of other Whilst Rob hasn’t much time for getting
horse owners.’ married he does play golf and has an
18 handicap. He also plays Texas Hold
Rob is keeping the cost of the solar
‘Em too. Karen is a renowned horse
panels at pretty much the cost price
breeder, breeding eventers mainly. She
of about £100 and he is confident that
also breeds Norfolk terriers.
many more will go with solar-powered
electric fencing in the future.
YORKSHIRE FENCING
‘The fencing looks really good and I’m
CONTRACTORS LTD
reckoning that if we show people how it
48 Main Street, East Ardsley
looks in a few years’ time, as opposed
Wakefield WF3 2AT
to how some post and rail looks after
the same amount of time, then it will Tel: 01924 823307
be my biggest advertisement. It’s a Fax: 01924 828355
very simple idea, but very effective. It Mob: 07860 174833
costs a third of the price of post and robert.murtland@lineone.net
rail and yet lasts 10 times longer. I
don’t think it can be beaten.’
Yorkshire Fencing Contractors Ltd
• MAINTENANCE FREE
• NO RUNNING COSTS
• IDEAL FOR HORSES,
CATTLE & SHEEP
At A price thAt won’t ShocK you!
For more information or free quote call
01924 823307 or 07860 174833

M&M TIMBER NO. 1 IN THE GARDEN

CENTRE MARKET
Midlands timber specialist M&M
Timber, a market leader in the
manufacture and supply of all-
British agricultural, landscaping
and garden products, will this year
be taking a more focused approach
to the fast-growing garden and
leisure side of its business.
Following a concerted effort
to establish leadership in the
garden centre market, which now
accounts for more than a third
of the company’s turnover, M&M
Timber has succeeded in signing
up well over 300 independent retail
garden centres over the last 2 years
alone. And the number continues
to grow. Talks are currently under
way with more independent retail
outlets, which could herald another
significant leap in the company’s
successes in the garden centre
market sector.
Building on its reputation for quality-
built products and a service second
to none, M&M Timber is backing its
sales drive with an unprecedented
range of innovative products to
satisfy the demands of the garden
industry.
Designed and manufactured at the
company’s 22 acre woodland site
at Clows Top, near Kidderminster,
the product range extends through
fencing and trellis panels, arbours
and pergolas, garden furniture and
planters, to the latest in thatched
gazebos, pavilions and garden bars.
All will be on show at the forthcoming
Garden & Leisure Exhibition at
Birmingham’s NEC (GLEE), where
M&M Timber will be filling a 150sq.
m showstand, its biggest ever. On
display will be enhancements to the
current range of ‘veggiebeds’, sheds
and pet ranges.
from both the trade and consumers the life of timber structures by up to
“We have some big surprises in
alike.” 15 years.
store too,” says Sales Director Ian
Rickhuss. “Our in-house designers All M&M Timber’s garden and leisure
products are designed and made in For more information visit
have come up with some real
Britain and feature a revolutionary www.mmtimber.co.uk
show-stoppers this time and we
new treatment process that extends
are anticipating tremendous interest

fencing news August 2009 27

 news

TiMBeR AgenTS SpeCiALiSing in
FenCing AnD gARDen pRoDuCTS
Fencing Material
Quality Red or Whitewood Decking
Machine Round Timber
Log Cabins, Bespoke & Standard Range
We are currently seeking cabin distributors in
selected areas, please call for further details
NEW NATIONAL
FENCING INSTALLERS
INDEX LAUNCHED
www.localtradesmen.ltd.uk
Local Tradesmen have launched Arranged alphabetically according
an index designed to include all to post code, identifying a local
British fence installers and make fence installer is much quicker that
this available to all specifying any other form of database and
authorities including national DOES NOT CARRY any form of
and local government, statutory advertisement other than that on
organisations e.g. water, gas and any member’s entry.
electricity and other companies
including, civil engineering,
Look on
public limited as well as private
www.localtradesmen.ltd.uk
individuals.
for more information.
It is now calling on any bona-fide
fence installer to register their name,
address, web site, email address
as well as a short summary about
themselves and their activities.

Scan UK Timber Ltd There is NO CHARGE for registering

Email: london@scanuk.co.uk unless there is a need to add a logo
or graphic to the entry when a small
www.scanuk.co.uk Tel: 01245 478 624 annual charge is made.

A. Hingley & Son Ltd

TIMBER MERCHANTS & SAWMILLS • ESTABLISHED 1876

• Restoration Timbers Nether Lane, Hazelwood

• Construction Timbers ENGLISH TIMBER Belper, Derbyshire DE56 4AP
• Industrial & Civil Engineering Timbers
• Bespoke Flooring & Decking IN ROUND OR CUT
• Air-dried & Kiln-dried Seasoned Oak Tel 01773 550 055
TO SIZE FENCING
• Fencing Fax 01773 550 543
• Gates AND CONSTRUCTIONAL
• Landscaping Timbers
• Wood chip TIMBER
• Treatment www.hingleytimber.co.uk

28 fencing news August 2009

 company profile

Plastic Fantastic
Victoria Poolman meets Chris Whiteley and Peter Creighton of Oxford Plastics,
to take a look at their innovative new fencing products
When Chris Whiteley started his own
business manufacturing traffic cone
bases back in 1987, no amount of
foresight would have allowed him to
predict the popularity of his products.
Made entirely from recycled plastics,
Chris began buying, compounding
and selling his eco-friendly bases and
barriers, way before the environment
became such an important factor in
business.
“It was for economical reasons that
we used recycled materials, but we’ve
expanded and developed hugely as the
motivation for using recycled products
has become more of an environmental
obligation,” says Peter Creighton,
Oxford Plastic’s Commercial Manager.
Indeed, soon after starting up,
Oxford Plastics bought out one of the
companies they were supplying and
from there the business has diversified
into barriers and safety fencing. Back
then, safety fencing was used for
purely practical reasons, though now
the implementation of strict health and
safety legislation has meant that Chris
made yet another good decision by
venturing into this field so early on.
The products Chris’s company provides
tick several boxes: environmentally-
friendly, easy on the old carbon
footprint, economic and due to his
choice of materials, Oxford Plastics
can also supply safety equipment
to places where 100% plastic is the
only option. With all the criteria met,
Chris has had the power to expand far
beyond anyone’s expectations.
Though selling through distributors
all over the country, Oxford Plastics
delivers directly to the end user
themselves. Chris tells me, “We’re
always on the lookout for more
Australia, America and make it both waterproof and strong.
Western Europe, but it In addition, with its unique unclip-
tends to be rather sensitive, and-fold-down design, the fence is
and exporting does have its compact and easily stored. Good
pitfalls.” news for anyone who needs a portable
barrier system which still looks the
However, Oxford Plastics
business.
needn’t worry about the
volatile nature of overseas Chris explains another benefit: “We also
trading, given the success offer a bespoke service, moulding our
they’ve seen here in the products to fit in with the customer’s
UK, having supplied fencing requirements. Corporate branding has
and barriers to the National been a huge bonus, as people like their
Trust, the Tower of London, barriers in their company colours with
the Greek Olympics and the their logo – it’s great advertising.”
Formula One drive through
The future looks bright (literally!), with
London. In addition, the
Chris hoping for more investment from
company is currently liaising
Chris Whiteley and Peter Creighton the government into the country’s
with a team to provide
infrastructure, which will impact his
products for the London
business considerably. And as the
distributors, and at the moment we’re Olympics in 2012.
threat of global warming looms and
particularly keen to find people in the
So what makes Oxford Plastic’s fences the world steps up its efforts to combat
agricultural sector to get involved.”
so popular? Though often described the damage done, it’s companies
Chris tells me: “Our new product is as temporary, this fencing will last like Oxford Plastics who can look
called Endurafence and really puts us for a considerable length of time forward to benefiting, alongside the
in the position to explore new markets. (sometimes even longer than a timber environment.
We launched it in June and so far it fence post!) The essence of the system
has been used for both corporate lies in its portability, its strength and
For more information visit
events and for livestock purposes – it its versatility. It can be erected,
www.oxfordplastics.cvom
makes a perfect sheep pen.” dismantled and manoeuvred quickly
With recent times being particularly and easily by one man. It’s also light,
tough on the building industry, the only bright and requires no treatments to
way to survive is to diversify, which is
exactly the reasoning behind Chris’s
new addition to the product range:
“House building is down 20% which
has affected us quite dramatically, but
our barrier systems are applicable to
other markets and they have become
our best-selling product, with us
now supplying 15 different kinds of
fencing.
“We’re hoping to develop our export
side in the future. Previously we’ve
Endurafence, the new barrier system from Oxford Plastics
exported fencing to Spain, Dubai,

Enquiries are welcome

Modern factory is located
near Chipping Norton
in Oxfordshire
Oxford Plastic Systems are the UK’s leading manufacturer of road cones and
barriers for the Traffic and Construction Industries. The company also designs
and manufactures custom-designed mouldings using a wide range of materials
including polyethylene, PVC and glass fibre.
Oxford Plastic Systems Limited
Traffic management, site safety and security products
Oxford Plastic Systems Ltd, Unit T2, Enstone Business Park, Enstone,
Oxfordshire, OX7 4NP, United Kingdom
Tel 01608 678888 / sales@oxfordplastics.com / www. oxfordplastics.com
Weltonhurst Limited
Centurion Way, Roman Road Industrial Estate
Blackburn, Lancashire BB1 2LD
Tel: 01254 671177
Fax: 01254 671717
Email: sales@weltonhurst.co.uk
Modern blow moulding facility offering a full range of Support Services
including Design Specification, Product Assembly, Packaging,
Screen Printing and Painting. 2 to 700 litres moulding capability
Weltonhurst Limited specialist Blow Moulding Manufacturers
are delighted to support Oxford Plastics and manufacture their
Fence Panels and other bespoke products

30 fencing news August 2009

 company profile
When horsing around is good
for business...
Victoria Poolman visits Dan Dennis of Equestrian Fencing in Southampton
Dan Dennis has two passions in
his life: horses and fences. So it’s
lucky for him that by combining the
two, he has built a business which
in just five years has a turnover
exceeding £1million.
However, it hasn’t come easy;
working an eighty hour week as
well as fitting in a tough exercise
programme in preparation for this
year’s point-to-point season, Dan’s
now awaiting the arrival of his fiancé
from Sussex, who will be moving
to the area to help Dan with the
business. And it’s not a moment too
soon...
Having been a contractor for twenty
years, at the age of thirty Dan
had to undergo a second shoulder
operation (which also came about
as a result of his two passions). He
realised that another six months off
work to recover meant he could no
longer rely upon contracting to earn
a living. So, using the money he had
earned, he chose to go down the
supply route instead, developing his
yard into a one-acre timber haven,
which opened for trade in 2003.
With his eight employees, several of
which have been with Dan for years,
the company’s initial timber range
soon expanded and he now holds
350k worth of stock, catering for
any fencing request and offering a
same-day bespoke service.
He tells me, “Most of our work has
been repeat custom or through word
of mouth, which I put down to our
flexibility and ability to provide what
people need quickly. We live in an
age now where everything has to
32 fencing news August 2009
be fast and generally speaking, if
someone wants something and Dan Dennis
you have it all ready, they’ll end up
buying it instead of waiting.”
That’s where having such a vast
range and an abundance of stock
comes in handy: Dan is ready for
anything. And due to some good
advice at a crucial point in his
business’ growth, he’s managed to
uphold this practice during the most
difficult of times:
“Thanks to having friends in the
right places, the timber shortage
of 2007 was the best thing that
ever happened to us. We were pre-
warned by Will of Trojan Timber
Supplies about what was happening
so we bought in 25 loads just as the
tide was turning. I owe both Will
and Sue Crane of Trojan a lot - we
wouldn’t have got to where we have
without their help and expertise.”
Although everywhere was short
of timber and the lifeblood of
flexibility, good service and quality acres and with the timber yard
contractors nationwide was at such
products important, and I only work taking up just one of those, the
a low, Dan didn’t take advantage of
with people I both know and like.” rest is occupied by a livery and
the situation to make a quick buck
It’s for precisely this reason that paddocks, which is currently home
– instead seizing the opportunity to
get his name in the marketplace and Dan has been a customer of Trojan to 28 thoroughbred horses. Having
keep it there. for eight years, with the two having ridden more than thirty point-to-
a great relationship. Indeed, when I point winners in his time, Dan even
“Though so many companies with met Dan he was preparing to fly over graced the front cover of Horse and
timber inflated their prices beyond to Ireland with Will to see U2 play: Hound back in 1999.
reason, we kept ours fair - we didn’t The pair have been on various jollies
“So much of our work has come
rip anyone off. Throughout the whole together over the last few years and
through the horses, but equestrian
year we only had one week where have also owned shares on the same
we were a bit short of stock, and by fencing is just a small part of what
racehorse.
passing on the good turn done to us, we do now”, he tells me. Indeed,
new customers came and stayed Which brings us to Dan’s other despite the company name, Dan
with us. passion... His site consists of 12 also supplies and sub-contracts out
“That’s why we stick with suppliers
like Trojan and Westbank. I consider

for agricultural, domestic, security
and commercial work:
“We have had some work through
various trainers, such as Nicky
Henderson, Brendan Powell and
for Jonjo O’Neil – and we also had
a big job at Cheltenham racecourse
recently. Through associations, we’ve
even had jobs erecting thousands of
metres of fencing in both France and
Belgium, which made a change from
the norm.”
Dan is used to dealing with big
numbers, having had some rather
sizeable jobs in the past, the largest
of which was 5000m of creosoted
post and rail which was erected for
TRACKED POST DRIVERS – A ONE MAN FENCING MACHINE,
SAVE LABOUR, FUEL AND TIME!!
FOR PROTECH SALES
PLEASE CALL HARTPURY, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GL19 3BG
ANDREW HOOPER
ON 07971079751
a paddock in Henley upon Thames.
“I hate the stuff,” he tells me, “I’m
glad I don’t work with creosote
anymore.”
Business has changed completely
this last year, with the months
before the economic plunge being
fantastic for contracting, and the
months following proving to be quite
the opposite:
“I think the contracting has dived
this year because everybody is
going with the ‘don’t move, improve’
philosophy.” However, where a
door closes a window opens, and
Dan’s team of five polish men who
build stables and shelters for him
Lt d
WE ARE PLEASED TOP BE
ASSOCIATED WITH
EQUESTRIAN FENCING
AND WISH THEM CONTINUED
SUCCESS FOR THE FUTURE
WOOLRIDGE FARM, GLOUCESTER ROAD
e-mail: protechmachinery@yahoo.co.uk
fax: 01386 750772
www.protechmachinery.co.uk
company profile
are busier than ever, and booked
up to the end of the year. Product-
wise, it’s also been an absolute
bumper year for decking, handrail
and spindle – as well as their new
softwood sleepers, of which they’ve
sold 500 in the last week.
“All the money we make goes straight
back into the business,” Dan says,
“we’re trying to build the company
up and we’ve got great plans for the
future.”
With Dan’s nearest and dearest
rallying round, Equestrian Fencing is
slowly becoming a family business:
in addition to his fiancé Caroline
coming on board next month, Dan’s
sister and Mum also help out in the
yard. Indeed, he’s made it rather
appealing for them to be around
by building a house for his mum
on site – and it’s quite the show
home, exhibiting stunning design
and plenty of Dan’s own products.
Having taken care of the roofing
themselves, as well as the decking
and garden furniture, even the beds
have been made with company oak.
The finishing touches have been
set off by friends of Dan’s, such as
the natural stone paving which has
come from Landscaping Supplies,
just down the road.
“My uncle has been a carpenter for
fifty years and has become more
involved to get us into the oak frame
market. My other uncle is in the
plant hire business, and my cousin
works for GEC Marconi and Astrium,
which is how we got into the security
fencing.”
Now with the business firmly rooted
into the ground, Dan is in a fantastic
position to start planning his next
move. “We’re going to re-tarmac the
entire yard, build lots of racking to
organise the different lines and make
the most of our yard space, and I’d
like to put up a steel-framed building
in order to protect the machinery.
I’m also hoping that in the New Year
we can open two retail outlets in the
Southampton area.”
In addition, planning permission
Importers and Distributors of Top Quality Timber Products
Soft and Hardwood Tree Stakes / Machined and Cundy Stakes
Fencing Materials / Oak and Softwood Sleepers
Stamped Roof Tile Battens / Timber Bogmats
We are pleased to be associated with Equestrian Fencing & wish them continued success
Tel 01842 878596
Email: sales@trojan-timber.co.uk Web: www.trojan-timber.co.uk
is currently being sought to knock
down several buildings at the front
of his site which date back to the
Second World War. Dan tells me,
“There used to be a search light
on the top of the field, and down in
the park there were big guns which
used to keep watch over the channel
and shoot down any approaching
enemies, so there’s plenty of war-
time memorabilia around. I want to
take the huts at the front down and
get my uncle involved to build some
really attractive buildings and make
a good display, as well as expanding
my office to 350square metres.”
There are exciting times ahead,
indeed. And it’s quite incredible
how much time, investment and
dedication it’s taken for Dan to be
in the position he is today. Whether
it’s down to good advice and being
shrewd or whether luck had a part to
play, Dan’s certainly achieved a lot.
He credits his best ideas as buying a
Protech banger (of which he is very
proud) and making his own panels:
“That was by far the best £1500 I
ever spent,” he tells me, “buying two
panel tables, two guns and some
compressor saws to enable us to
make our own panels and trellis was
a very good move as it happened
in January 2007, just when the
shortage came about. And it really
did pay off.”
It took three years for Dan to break
even after opening his yard, and he’s
taken some gambles along the way.
But now, with every type of wood
and fence in stock, he has plenty of
scope to expand.
“I think the reason we’ve done so
well is by being versatile.” He says,
“People like having one company
that they trust take care of the
whole job. We give good service and
quality products at a fair price, and
hopefully will continue to do so for
many years to come.”
For more information visit
www.equestrianfencing.co.uk
fencing news August 2009 33
 security
Identity theft can cause big
problems for businesses too...
Have you assessed your company’s risk?
By now everyone should know the
risk presented by the threat of so-
called ‘Identity Theft’, and if you
manufacture or sell shredders you
should have done well over the last
4 or 5 years as many households
at least now shred confidential
material.
But have you considered the threat
‘Identity Theft’ poses in the business
world where hundreds of thousands
of pounds are at stake?
As households and individuals
are becoming more aware of how
to prevent this type of crime, the
government and security experts are
now warning that ‘Corporate Identity
Theft’ is potentially the next big issue
to come from criminal world.
Identity theft involves fraudsters
obtaining sufficient information
34 fencing news August 2009
about a person to then assume their
identity and obtain goods, credit or
services under the falsely assumed
identity. Identity theft causes
enormous problems for individuals.
Identity theft can easily occur in
the business world as well. If a
fraudster can obtain sufficient
information about a business, which
is often more public and easier to
come by than a private individual’s
information, they may be able to
start defrauding a business; apply
for a corporate credit or debit
card, going on a spending spree.
Such cards can be readily used in
electronic transactions.
Corporate Identity Theft can
have appalling consequences
for businesses. For example, it
is possible to submit forms to
Companies House that will:
• c hange the registered address
of a business - form 287
• c hange the company secretary
or director - form 288c
• a
 ppoint new directors
- form 288a
Unfortunately, Companies House
will not notify the true company
secretary or directors that these
forms have been lodged. Neither
will they check any of the details for
validity.
The ‘new’ directors can open new
bank accounts, have goods delivered
to the ‘new’ address, and effectively
ruin the credit rating of the business
and leave it with massive charges to
clear.
Companies House are aware of this
problem and recommend businesses
use their Protected Online Filing
Scheme, or PROOF to eliminate
these risks.
So you could become a victim
through someone purporting to be
your company, running up lots of
bills, or you could be dealing with a
rogue company supplying goods and
services they have no intention of
paying for, bad news all round.
Business Link, the government
agency set up to help and support
businesses has recognised the risks
for some time and has identified
that it is often weak business
systems and practices that allow the
criminals the opportunities to steal
your corporate identity, and often
through poor IT practices.
USEFUL Links
Business Link: www.businesslink.gov.uk.
then search for ‘Identity Theft’
Home Office: www.identitytheft.org.uk/
about-us.asp
Companies House: www.companieshouse.
gov.uk/infoAndGuide/proof.shtml
The Business Link website offers a
useful online diagnostic tool; to both
assess your current risk and help
you create an action plan to remove
those risks altogether. It only takes
a few minutes for you to use the
tool and to complete and there you
have it, a ready made action plan to
secure your systems.
There is lots of support available.
Insurance Companies offer insurance
protection against the risks, and
private security companies have
recognised the issues and now offer
a whole range of services. One very
useful website is the Home Office
sponsored Identity Theft UK at www.
identitytheft.org.uk/about-us.asp.
This site offers lots of help and
advice as well as a business section
specially designed for corporate
issues. You can register online to
see how you can further protect your
business, and get regular updates on
the problem.
Identity Theft is only part of the wider
fraud crimes currently accounting
for £1.2 billion according to the
body advising the government the
National Identity Fraud Steering
Committee.
Trading conditions are tight and the
recession has hit the criminal world
too. As personal identity theft is
made more difficult criminals will
look at other weaker targets moving
onto Corporate Identity Theft. Act
now, strengthen your defences and
don’t become the next victim.
.
Article by Phil Read OBE – Security
Editor.
 For all your fencing needs
An independent supplier • All types of fencing and gate timbers
with over • Construction and specialist timbers
120 years experience… • All with the best protection
• A one-stop fencing shop

Linnell Bros Limited, Silverstone Fields Farm, Silverstone, Northants NN12 8TB
Tel: 01327 354 422 Fax: 01327 355 840 info@linnellbros.co.uk www.linnellbros.co.uk

Revolutionary new bracket set
to make its mark
Chris Berry talks with Garry Weaver about the new Weaver Bracket
Staffordshire-based Weaver Fencing
has come up with a simple, yet
revolutionary idea that is set to make
life much easier for those working
with gravel boards. It is a concept
that Garry Weaver and his team have
found extremely successful in their
own jobs and are now offering to all
other fencing contractors.
It is the Weaver Bracket, and Garry
tells of how it has worked so well for
his team:
‘In the past, if you wanted to fix the
gravel board into position on the
concrete post, the old bolt system was
clumsy, the gravel board was heavy to
hold the bolt kept working its way out
of the slot, ending up either breaking
the gravel board off or the gravel board
height would differ.
Our Weaver Bracket allows you more
flexibility and easy accessibility with
gravel boards, giving you control over
the length, gradients and horizontal line
The weaver Gravel Board Bracket
• Designed and used by fencing contractors
• Saves time and labour
The “weaver”
board Bracket
• Easy to use, giving more control to the fencing line and gradient
Pre-drilled access holes, lazer cut, back and front, zinc finished
to the whole installation; this means
that you have no bolts. The bracket
steps the gravel board out 10mm off
the rails. Set the close board lathes on
top of the gravel boards giving you a
perfect line top and bottom, something
that is very important to every fencing
contractor.’
‘We believe it will give your workforce
horizontal flexibility and controlled
movement within the fencing line to a
standard not seen or achieved within
the fencing industry before. We have
designed it ourselves and that means
that, as we are fencing installers too,
we understand thoroughly what is
needed to make the work even more
professional and economical. This also
means that close board fencing is far
easier to install and eases the strain.
All you will need is a drill, masonry
bit, ratchet and socket, tek screws
or thunderbolts and you’re up and
running.’
Garry tells of having received many
Gravel
new products
compliments from those who have in sharing their experience – and now
installed fences using the Weaver their own products.
Bracket and believes everyone will be
.
using it before long. This is the first
For more information contact
official launch of a Weaver Fencing
Garry Weaver
product – but even more are in the
WEAVER FENCING LTD
pipeline.
3 Moorcroft Close, Cheadle
Weaver Fencing is a family run business Staffordshire ST10 1HT
that started five years ago. Garry’s
Tel: 01538 756888
team believe that traditional values
matter and their customer’s positive Mobile: 07791 891837
feedback on completed projects counts Mobile2: 07989 157097
towards their thriving reputation within E-mail: sales@weaverfencing.co.uk
the fencing industry. They also believe
“All you’ll need is a
drill, masonry bits,
ratchet & socket, tek screws
or thunderbolts and
you’re up and running...
it’s that simple!”
For more information
contact Garry Weaver on
07791 891837
weaverfencing
@btconnect.com
fencing news August 2009 37
 company news
DESIGNED FOR
THE FLIRTY
TEENAGE QUEEN
reports louise tomlin
As soon as garden designer, Phillippa
O’Brien mentioned to me what
the theme of her show garden at
Hampton Court Flower show was
to be this year, I couldn’t imagine
it having any other panels than
Jackson’s new Paliframe panels.
We were chatting about Jacksons
sponsoring her garden earlier this
year and then she said she was really
excited at being chosen to do one of
the Six Wives of Henry VIII gardens,
Katherine Howard, his fifth wife. I
thought the theme was great and
“very Hampton Court” and Paliframe
immediately came to mind. The new
panels had evolved from traditional
Palisade (or what is also known as
picket fencing) we’ve been selling
traditional “rail and pale” Palisade for
years and also Palisade panels. We
explored putting the Palisade into a
frame and making them a full height
1.8m panel, which was fine but not
very exciting - the breakthrough came
when Danny Daniels, Jacksons Timber
Products Foreman, who was working
on the project, tried cutting every other
pale at an angle, in one direction then
another a short distance from the top
of the frame – the effect was terrific,
a delicate decorative panel that had
a vaguely medieval look, hence my
keenness to show them to Philippa, to
see if she’d like them for her Katherine
Howard garden.
They were a hit, not only with her, but
with visitors to Hampton Court flower
show in July. Her garden was awarded
a silver guilt medal and according to
Philippa, “The Paliframe was much
38 fencing news August 2009
admired, they are very attractive
and unusual panels, I haven’t seen
anything else like it. I particularly liked
how easy it was to get plants to climb
up it, because of the upright pales and
the spaces at the top of the panels, all
you had to do was twine a jasmine,
or other type of climber round the
uprights and the job was done. It
bridges the gap between a solid fence
and a trellis.
Another benefit is that was when we
came to install it, the boys who were
helping me construct the garden loved
it, it was so well designed and well
made it, all just fitted together like a
dream – it was so easy!”
Close up of Paliframe panel top
Sloping Paliframe panels custom
made for Philippa’s garden Designed
for the flirty teenage queen!
Of course there was a lot more to
the garden than the fencing, it was a
triumph, full of pink and white flowers
and a four-poster bed with flowering
thyme mattress, designed for the
flirty teenage queen, who was wife
number five and who was eventually
beheaded. Her sudden and untimely
death is represented by a black wall
at the back of the garden, which
contrasts starkly with the frothy girlish
colours of the planting.
.
For more on Paliframe visit
www.jacksonsfencing.co.uk
For more information on
Philippa O’Brien MSGD go to:
www.pipobriengardendesign.com

Another reading
according to St Calder…
Thou shall not specify treated timber without additionally
specifying what level of treatment you require!
If you were buying a new TV for
example, chances are that you
would want one which was digital
and as future proof as possible.
There are several very cheap deals
out there for LCD TV’s which, on
closer inspection, are analogue
only and will not work after 2012 –
or whenever the digital switchover
occurs – unless you attach a digi
box or similar. Now, the untrained
consumer, or indeed the wily old
retailer might just overlook the fact
that the TV in question only has a
limited life, but is comforted by the
fact that the price is right!
The same thing is happening all
across the UK fencing industry
– price is king and the lower the
better!
Usually most time consuming and
certainly the most critical aspect of
any fence is the installation of the
posts. The most time consuming
remedial work on any fence is
usually the replacement of the
posts! Certainly having posts which
are prepared and treated correctly
– even if they do carry a modest
premium - is a far more cost effective
option than the unbudgeted and
unexpected need to replace them
after precious few years of service.
Consumers and specifiers MUST
specify the hazard class to which
they want their material treated,
or all they will be given will be the
cheapest and least effective option
– which in most cases will not be fit
for purpose.
In short – if it’s to go in the ground
– MAKE SURE IT’S 4!! This is the
company news
only real way to ensure a fence life Class 3a .
of at least 15 years. Outdoor wood (coated) above
ground – e.g. window frames, doors,
The Wood Protection Association –
cladding
to which we would recommend any
bona fide treatment company to Class 3b .
join – will shortly be re-launching its Outdoor wood (uncoated) above
MSI4 (make sure it’s 4) campaign, ground – e.g. deckboards,
having been deluged with queries balustrades and fence rails
and requests for advice relating to
Class 4 .
inadequately treated fence posts.
Outdoor Wood in permanent ground
In summary the 4 hazard classes
or freshwater contact – e.g. fence
reflect the use classes as set out in
posts, deck posts & joists, pergola
BSEN331:1, viz:
posts etc
Class 1 .
May your new television give you
Internal timbers – low risk of
years of uninterrupted enjoyment!
wetting - e.g. first floor joists,
Here endeth the lesson…
glulam beams
Class 2 .
Internal timbers – risk of intermittent For more information visit
www.caldersandgrandidge.com
wetting eg roof timbers
fencing news August 2009 39
 timber update

Postsaver 25
Stopping the rot
at Saltex!
Postsaver 25 will be exhibiting their following the switch to arsenic-free
patented sleeve system - with 25 preservatives.”
year guarantee - to prevent ground
Remarkably, Postsaver 25 has a
rot in timber fence posts and poles at
typical on-cost of as little as 2% on
Saltex for the first time this year.
installed fencing with up to 200%
Postsaver 25 sleeves consist of a tough lifetime cost savings.
heavy-gauge outer polythene sleeve
Mark Vigrass, Fencing Contractor
lined with a meltable bituminous
(www.markvigrass.co.uk) is getting
sealant. The sleeves are applied using
100% uptake of Postsaver 25 from
a simple low-cost heat application
every one he offers it to. “The product
machine to the vulnerable ground-line
is faultless - it’s as good as it can get.
section of the post where decay rates
If it performs as expected it could be
are high.
potentially the saviour of the fencing
“It’s a second barrier,” says Jeff industry.”
Lewis from Western Log Group (www.
At Saltex you’ll have the chance to see
westernloggroup.com) “We use it for
the low-cost Pro-contractor application
the higher quality end of the market,
machine in action, applying sleeves
like play areas. And the markings on
to poles and posts. Demonstrations
the sleeves make it easy to fit.”
will continue throughout the show at
Richard George, Postsaver 25 Director Stand H 11.
adds, “We’re experiencing high levels
.
of interest and strong growth with over
For more information visit
twenty new customers so far this year.
www.postsaver.co.uk
This is a direct result of the increasing
failure levels people are experiencing

fencing news August 2009 41

 company profile
Golden sheds,
bikinis and a
guard-cat
Victoria Poolman meets Matt of Premier
Sheds and Fencing
As South London’s leading fencing
outlet, Premier Sheds and Fencing
have quite a reputation to uphold.
Since starting out twenty years ago
when Julian McManus decided to
put his experience to use with his
own business, the company has
earned its position as being one of
the key suppliers in the area.
Providing everything from sheds and
gates to garden lighting and play
products, Julian and his team now
supply and install a wide range of
products to both trade and domestic
clients within a sixteen mile radius.
And what a great site they’ve got
at Streatham Common: Having
Bringing your garden
to life
TAFS are pleased to be associated
with Premier Sheds & Fencing and
wish them continued success.
TAFS
Gower Street, St Georges, Telford TF2 9BQ
Phone 01952 617072
www.tafs-salop.ltd.uk
44 fencing news August 2009
grown used to visiting huge yards
and giant warehouses, it’s a real
novelty to visit the lads at Premier
and feel like I’m entering some sort
of Alpine retreat (until a siren goes
past, that is). Situated right next to
the train station, despite having only
a small area, the plot is jam-packed
with fencing, timber and sheds of all
shapes and colours.
Alas, if it’s a golden shed you’re after,
you’ll have to look somewhere else,
with the company having supplied
the Big Breakfast with what must
have been the only one in existence
back in the late 90s. Premier’s Matt
explains, “We’ve had a few shots at
Matt Craig
fame, with the Big Breakfast shed,
which was rather surreally collected
by a couple of bikini-clad women.
We’ve also made appearances on
Cash in the Attic and on Home
Improvements on the Discovery
Channel.”
A taste of fame hasn’t distracted
them from the main job, however.
With six members of staff and IT
man Matt working hard to develop
the company, Premier Sheds has
recently opened another site in
Leigham Vale.
“We’re currently in the process
of completing the new branch,
which will change things quite
dramatically. The site in Streatham
is becoming more of a stock yard,
whereas Leigham Vale will primarily
be a display site, with more of an
focus on our garden furniture”, Matt
says.
Indeed, with the display of sheds
and racks of timber at the original
site, considering the company’s
urban location, there are plenty of
materials here for customers to load
up and take away - and despite
the inevitable slowing of trade this
summer, there seems to be a lot
of comings and goings in the yard
when I visit.
Supplying fencing, gates, and a
variety of garden buildings to both
contractors and the public alike
isn’t where Premier Sheds rest
their laurels however, also having
contracts with local authorities,
schools, sports facilities and
property developers throughout the
capital. But it’s the bespoke service
which really sets the company apart
from the rest.
As Matt says, “You can buy a
fence or a shed from anywhere,
 company profile

Charlie the guardcat Charlie the guardcat

but when it comes to our bespoke
manufacturing facility on site,
you’d have to go a long way to find
such quality at a good price. We
specialise in creating any kind of
fence, gate, garden building or trellis
to suit the customer’s needs and the
site they’re designed for.”
With quality top on the list of
importance for Premier Sheds and
Fencing, they’ve not held back when
it comes to getting certificates on
the wall to prove their worth. The
business has TrustMark approval,
and is a member of the Health
and Safety executive, Environment
Agency and Construction Line. In
addition, Premier Sheds make it
their policy to only source their
timber from companies that are FSC
and PEFC accredited.
One man who knows the importance
of getting the company out there and
seeking the recognition it deserves
is Matt. Having spent the last two
months on a comprehensive new
website, he now has plans for a flyer
and catalogue to raise awareness
of the company’s products and
services.
He’s also acquired a company
mascot in the form of a Charlie: a
stray black cat with a penchant for
trellis. Indeed, not only is Charlie a
fantastic rat-catcher, he also makes
up for the lack of a guard dog, being
rather protective of his territory. If I
didn’t know any better, I’d even say
he’s rather defenceive (sorry...)
The future looks bright for Premier
Sheds and Fencing, with their new
branch and website marking the
company’s development into its
twentieth year. It’s always nice to
visit a site where there’s plenty of
good humour, as well as genuine
ambition for the continued success
of the business – especially when
that comes from the workforce as
well as the owner! For anyone who
pays this company a visit, it’s easy to
see why Premier is top of the pile.
.
For more information, call
0208 677 0459 or visit
www.premiersheds.co.uk

The new site at Leigham Vale Andover Branch

Snows Timber
Penton Sawmills, Penton Mewsey
Andover, Hampshire, SP11 0SP

Telephone 01264 735371

Fax 01264 735524

www.snowstimber.com

We are pleased to be associated with

Premier Sheds & Fencing and wish them
continued success for the future

fencing news August 2009 45

 company news

DRIVALL FENCING
PRODUCTS
Drivall offer an extensive range
of rugged professional fencing
tools which are complemented by
innovative and high quality products
procured through our contacts
worldwide.
An example of this is the range of
Ezepull crimping tools and sleeves
we distribute which are New Zealand
manufactured and of the highest
quality. Over the years the crimps
have been improved and now boast a
water resistant adhesive grit, allowing
installation in all weather conditions.
Ideal for the recent UK weather!
The unique quality of the finished
crimped joints means they are strong
enough to exceed the breaking strain
of high tensile wire. So when you are
considering the time spent on the job, - demand the very best – contact us
the cost of the materials being used for your nearest stockist.
and most importantly the health
and safety of the team – seriously
consider Ezepull Products – www. For a full catalogue please
drivall.com contact us on 0121 423 1122
or e-mail sales@drivall.com
Beware of imitations – look for
Ezepull New Zealand branded crimps

fencing news August 2009 47

 company news

NEW RAILWAY SLEEPERS FOR GARDENS

GIVE LONG LIFE WITH SPECIAL TREATMENT
A RANGE of new railway sleepers
has been launched by AVS Fencing
Supplies Ltd with the same long-life
treatment as their acclaimed timber
fence posts that have a 15-year
guarantee
Sleepers have traditionally been used
for raised borders and large outdoor
projects – and for soil retention in
major landscaping work.
Used railway sleepers (which are still
available and very popular) are treated
with creosote – excellent in outdoor
situations on large landscapes . . .
but not in situations where frequent
skin contact is likely. AVS Fencing ( www.avsfencing. AVS Fencing, says: “The secret is sleepers and garden fence panels
co.uk) has sourced and carefully that we choose the right species of (which they also supply) are selected
In smaller gardens, where children selected pine (redwood) which has timber and ensure it is properly kiln- to blend harmoniously for a superb
play, AVS Fencing recognised the been properly kiln-dried (to around dried before treating the sleepers.” professional finish for gardens and
need to provide new sleepers, deep- 28 per cent moisture content) before estates.
pressure treated with a process “All timber is cut from British pine,
treatment.
leaving no smell or residue. which is redwood, rather than spruce WIDE RANGE OF
This gives the railway sleepers (and which is whitewood – this allows FENCING AND GATES
As a result a special deep penetration fence posts) a guaranteed lifespan the treatment to penetrate more
ACQ treatment process has been With branches across the South
of at least 15 years – one of the few deeply into the timber, which is why
developed which gives sleepers of England, AVS is a major supplier
guarantees of its type in the fencing we insist upon it for ground contact
(and AVS fence posts) virtually total to the fencing industry - including
industry. products.”
protection from fungal decay and professional fencers, landscapers
insect damage. Mark Whiting, marketing director of The AVS Fencing range of railway and builders.

• Chestnut Fencing
• Post & Rail
• *NEW* Torry Post & Rail
• Contractors Fencing
• Hurdles
The Chalkpit, Lade Wood Hill,
Doddington, Kent, ME9 0ED

Tel: 01795 886020

Fax: 01795 886196
Email: chestnut@torryhill.co.uk

We hold good stocks of everything on our

price list as 95% of our chestnut is from our own
1,000 acre woodland

www.torryhill.co.uk

48 fencing news August 2009


Retail customers can also conveniently
buy online at www.avsfencing.co.uk.
“We pride ourselves on a very personal
service and supply every type of
fencing need,” says Mark, from the
head office at West Grinstead near
Horsham in West Sussex.
Managing director Ian Faires and
purchasing director Richard Norton
have years of experience in the
fencing industry and AVS is a major
supplier to corporate clients and the
construction industry.
Here the company is renowned for
its traditional timber fence posts as
well as concrete fence posts used
extensively in the housing industry
for new build and maintenance.
Timber for decking and decking
boards together with railway sleepers
also form a significant part of AVS
business.
AVS Fencing offers easy solutions
for procurement officers, quantity
surveyors and buyers looking to
purchase security fencing and all
types of fencing and gates for:
• Industrial Security
• Leisure Fencing
• Business premises
• Public Sector
• Transport Security
company news
• Infrastructure Security dedicated hauliers with articulated
vehicles.
Six fully-stocked branch outlets are
located at Henfield near Brighton The company’s large delivery fleet
(West Sussex), Guildford (Surrey), includes 7.5-tonne trucks, 16-tonne
Lewes (East Sussex), Rudgwick crane self-off-loading lorries and
(West Sussex), Peterborough transit pick-ups.
(Cambridgeshire) and Wokingham
With a highly-qualified team throughout
(Surrey).
the organisation, all fencing inquiries
Orders go out daily across London, and requirements can be met by AVS
Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Hampshire, Fencing Supplies Ltd.
Middlesex, Buckinghamshire,
.
Hertfordshire, Berkshire,
For more informastion visit
Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire
www.avsfencing.co.uk
and Lincolnshire.
or call 01403 740200
Large shipments are also made as far
afield as Ireland and Scotland using
fencing news August 2009 49
 company profile
Feeling chipper at Market
Weighton
University lecturers are often
thought of as being people who are
used to talking the talk, but who
perhaps haven’t put their thoughts
and ideas into practice enough to
walk the walk. Not so with Jon
Vicary of Market Weighton, who
switched from agricultural lecturer
at Bishop Burton College to
agricultural contracting some years
ago and is certainly doing far more
than most to put words into action.
You see Jon’s business encompasses
far more than the norm that you
would come to expect from an
agricultural contractor. He has been
at the forefront of the emerging
biomass sector, utilising woodchip,
since the early nineties and he has
seen his wood-chipping service
become a natural extension of what
his company was already supplying
on behalf of farmers and woodland
owners, as well as assisting with
their income.
50 fencing news August 2009
Chris Berry talks with Jon Vicary about his
burgeoning biomass business
Jon the judge
‘I am told that we are now one of
the biggest wood-chip contractors
in the country. Our wood chipping
Adam and Jon judging
machines are said to be doing strimming and harvest operations.
more hours service than any other I have six very competent full time
company in the UK,’ he says with staff who work with me and our
the degree of pride you might expect fence contracting work is nearly all
from someone who feels they have timber-based, with stock netting,
backed a winner. post and rail, and rabbit netting.
We work extensively throughout
At the outset Jon’s aim was to
the UK however the majority of
‘harvest’ farm woodland and small
the work is within a 50 mile radius
scale woodland areas to provide
of Market Weighton, but we also
the appropriate fuel stock, but such
have contracts with some of the
has been his success that he now
UK’s leading landscapers who we
supplies grid-connected power
work on behalf of, which take us
and also undertakes large-scale
on some pretty big jobs all over the
ground clearance work. But he
countryside. We’ve just landed two
hasn’t forgotten his roots and his
at once over in Liverpool.’
agricultural contracting business is
still very important to him. What Jon has added to his enterprise
is an opportunity for farmers and
‘Fence contracting still forms a
woodland owners to make more of
strong proportion of our business,
their woodland. The beauty of what
and we also offer plenty of other
he has achieved for his own business
services such as mowing, reseeding
has been in creating another strand
and highways work, tree thinning,
We are pleased to be associated with
J & S Vicary and wish them
continued success for tht future

that can operate in addition to his
normal agricultural contracting
business, without impinging on what
he is already doing.
‘We work closely with several well-
known estates such as Aske, Bolton,
Swinton, Drewton and Dalton in
Yorkshire, and our chippers – of
which we now have two – travel over
to Ireland, as south as Hampshire,
and to Scotland.’
Jon has invested hundreds of
thousands of pounds in the
equipment necessary to run a
successful chipping enterprise and
he is well respected by locally-
based Sembcorp, who he provides
with a very reliable chipping service
and woodchip at exactly their
requirements. The original chipping
machine a Jenz 560Z which Jon
purchased in 2003 was replaced
with a self-contained 500hp Jenz
561D unit which was purchased last
year. In addition Jon has just added
a further large chipper to his fleet,
in addition to these Jon has also
purchased a Jenz ‘Woodcracker’
which means that oversized and
unmillable stems can be split in-situ
and then fed into the chipper.
Fencing is still one of Jon’s passions
and he was delighted to judge the
inaugural Yorkshire and North
of England Fence Contractors
The Contractors Choice in Yorkshire
We are pleased to be associated
with J & S Vicary
• Post and Rail
• Mesh Systems
• Fittings
• Round Timber
• Chain Link
• Steel Palisade
• Stock/Rabbit
• Welded Mesh
• Gates
Easy access off A1/M62/M18 and M1
Tel: 01302 708706
Fax: 01302 707377
Email: enquiries@burnfencing.co.uk
www.burnfencing.co.uk
Competition at this year’s Driffield
Show.
‘This was a fantastic event organised
very professionally by the Fencing
News team, and the standard of
fencing made it the best fencing
competition I have ever judged. This
is a very worthy addition to the show
and I am sure it will grow year on
year.’
Whilst Jon has lived in the East
Riding of Yorkshire for many years
he is a Welshman by birth.
‘I was born in Pontypool and my
brother still farms there on the
family farm that runs to some 3,000
ewes.’
Jon’s wife Sue is also very well
known in the agricultural sector
having run her own accountancy
business for a number of years – and
is continuing having looked after
many farm accounts.
J O & S K VICARY
Bridgeholm Farm, Riverhead
Market Weighton
East Yorkshire YO43 4LY
Tel: 01430 872292
Mobile: 07802 907448
Email: jon.vicary1@tiscali.co.uk
Stocking
the materials
you use
Geith 50th
Anniversary
in World
Attachments
Market
Geith International Ltd, a world
leader in the manufacture of
buckets and attachments for
excavators in the construction,
excavation, demolition, waste
and recycling industries, is
celebrating the company’s 50th
Anniversary this year.
Originally called P. F. Doggett Eng.
Ltd, the company was established
in 1959 in Slane, Ireland by local
man, Peter F Doggett, to produce
buckets for the expanding land
drainage market in Ireland. The
company’s product for many years
and, even to this day in some
quarters, became widely known
as a Doggett Bucket.
The land reclamation industry
in Ireland and the UK continued
to be an area of growth for the
company from the 1960s to the
1980s. At the same time, Geith
expanded into the front loader
attachment market and agricultural
machinery, including custom made
attachments such as grapples and
jib arms for telehandlers.
In 1972, Geith set up the company’s
first base in the UK in Birmingham
in the West Midlands, followed
by operations in Manchester,
Tillicoultry in Clackmannanshire
in Scotland and Tredegar in South
Wales. With increasing success
in the US market, Geith opened
a new presence in the country in
1985.
In 1997, Geith was purchased by
news
Powerscreen International before
being bought by management the
following year. Further expansion
brought a new outlet near Paris
aimed at the French market in
2002.
Manufactured at the company’s
plant in Slane, the Geith range
includes general and heavy duty
mini-excavator buckets from 1–5
tonne; midi-excavator buckets
from 5-10 tonne and heavy
excavator buckets from 10-80
tonne. The range also comprises
ditching/grading buckets; angle-
tilt buckets; quick hitches and
speciality products such as
rippers, grapples, clamps and
riddle and trapezoidal buckets.
Overall, Geith produces 15
product families of buckets in 10
weight categories, with five styles
and bucket widths from 229-2133
mm (9-84 in) in 16 segments and
a wide variety of wearpart or GET
options. This provides over four
million possible combinations with
which the company covers over
30 makes of excavator.
The company’s engineering and
design expertise developed over
the last 50 years will ensure that
Geith continues to be a leading
worldwide provider of attachment
products for excavators from 1 to
80 tonne.
For more information visit
www.geith.com
fencing news August 2009 51
 sawmill

East Anglia’s finest deliver the

goods … fast!
Chris Berry talks with Martin Clarke, Clarkes of Walsham Limited
When Horace Clarke took over
his father’s business in the early
1900s, which is known today as
Clarkes of Walsham Limited, little
could he have thought that it would
grow into the size it has in 2009.
Currently the family company,
which still retains its roots with
third and fourth generations of
Clarkes at the helm, operates a
fleet of 16 lorries, makes up to
200 deliveries throughout East
Anglia every day and employs 100
people. It also publishes a 130+
page catalogue which includes
over 15,000 product lines.
Brothers Harvey and Martin
Clarke are directors, with Harvey
the managing director, and their
father Barry as chairman. Martin
tells of how they strive to maintain
the family friendly approach at all
times.
‘We like to think we’re offering that
kind of service. We have always
prided ourselves on our professional
through a rapid delivery service and Clarkes are now one of the largest size of order.’
attitude and I hope that comes
most of our lorries are fitted with independent suppliers of building,
across. We have grown steadily Clarkes stock a huge range of
HIAB cranes. We have worked hard farming, fencing and garden
over the years and operate out of machined turned fencing, peeled
to earn our reputation and we fully materials in their immediate area
a 10 acre site here at Walsham-le- and pointed stakes posts and
intend to maintain that for many which covers Norfolk, Suffolk,
Willows, near Bury St Edmunds. We featheredge boards, lap panels,
years to come.’ Cambridge, Essex Lincolnshire,
supply our customers’ requirements weathered tops, wire netting and
and the other adjoining counties.
deer, horse and stock fencing. Cleft
They have also begun making even
chestnut fencing and brand names
“we have worked hard to earn our more of a name for themselves by
delivering throughout the UK and
such as Tornado and Sentinel are
reputation and we fully intend to maintain their red and yellow liveried lorries
all available on a daily basis. Their
regular delivery area allows for
that for many years to come.” are now a familiar sight on the
motorways, highways and byways
most products to be distributed
within 24 hours.
of the whole of the UK mainland.
They also operate their own sawyers ‘Whilst we have such a wide
and joinery departments, with a variety of lines and product we
highly professional and extremely still do not forget that certain
experienced team manufacturing customers requirements are such
a massive range of timber into that they need bespoke materials
everything from oak posts, gates, and products themselves. We have
pig shelters, stairs, windows, always adapted our business to suit
garden furniture and fencing to the needs of our customers and we
sheds, stables, field shelters, log will continue to do so.’
cabins and summer houses. .
‘We have many different facets INFORMATION
to our business with very large CLARKES OF WALSHAM
stocks and that means we provide Walsham le Willows
great availability. We have found Bury St Edmunds
that providing one pack and single SUFFOLKIP31 3BA
pack deliveries on mixed loads has Tel: 01359 259259
become a niche market for us, so we Fax: 01359 258178
are just right for providing materials
to both contractors and the general Email: sales@
public. But we don’t limit ourselves clarkesofwalsham.co.uk
to that by any means and we are www.clarkesofwalsham.co.uk
happy to supply anyone with any

fencing news August 2009 53

 contractor

The Success of Stocks’ Fencing

Victoria Poolman travels to Kimblewick to meet David Stocks and his sons
It’s always a pleasure to see a
successful business kept within a
family; working together to build
a reputation whilst ensuring the
name is passed down the line and
the values upheld.
One such man who knows all about
the importance of keeping it in
the family is David Stocks of High
Wycombe. Having started out back
in 1985 as an agricultural contractor,
David built up his business ready
for the time when the little Stocks
would be big enough to give their
Dad a helping hand.
Working alongside his two sons, with
one of his three daughters keeping
the books and his wife being the
resident tractor driver, the family are
well-known throughout the area, and
never short of a workload or two.
David tells me, “We started off doing
agricultural contracting with a little
bit of fencing on the side, but as the
years have gone by, the contracting
has died away and the fencing side of
the business has really taken over.”
David Stocks with his two sons
Indeed, by way of natural evolution,
David Stocks became David Stocks
Fencing, though he’s most proud of mean a goldfish with a penchant for repeat custom. David’s eldest son, Luke, tells me:
the wide variety of services his team palisade). David explains: “Coombe Hill is so steep we couldn’t
And they certainly have a rather
can provide: use the machinery, so we did much
“We’ve had a few jobs recently interesting clientele, working for
of the job by hand, getting deliveries
“There is a fair bit of competition installing equestrian fencing around the likes of Lord Carrington, Sir
sent to the bottom and the top and
around our area but what sets us lakes. This is so that when the lakes Edward Dashwood (descendant of
carrying the posts the rest of the
apart is the range of fencing we can flood, the fish stay in the confines of the founder of the infamous Hellfire
way to drive them in ourselves.”
supply and erect, including equine, the fenced area and aren’t washed Club) and ‘Prince of Darkness’ Ozzy
domestic, security, agricultural away.” Osbourne (whose house is now Their affiliations with prestigious
and industrial. We also install all owned by the slightly less rocky names pays testimony to the
David still finds that 70% of the
types of metal and wooden gates, Robert Kilroy-Silk). Not to mention company’s general philosophy
work comes from word of mouth,
barriers and bollards – and do some the Stocks’ fencing of the Royal Farm of trying to respond quickly to
and particularly from agricultural
fabrication ourselves.” Shop at Windsor, the National Trust customer’s requests and providing a
customers who have been loyal for
local headquarters at Hughendon next-day service wherever possible
The versatility of the Stocks clan over two decades. A modest chap,
Manor, as well as one particularly - even when it means putting
has been demonstrated by their David puts that down to having the
tough job fencing 3500 metres themselves out and getting stuck in
work for industrial estates, private right kit to suit their kind of work,
around Coombe Hill, the highest first thing on a Sunday morning, just
cottage gardens, schools and even but it’s clear that the quality of
point in Buckinghamshire. to get the job done.
providing fish-fencing (and I don’t workmanship here is what wins the

54 fencing news August 2009

 contractor
David attributes their ability to fence
quickly and to a high-standard
down to his beloved collection of
machinery. He tells me: “My best
business move was in buying a
Bryce. It took some soul searching
as it’s a big investment, but it has
revolutionised our business - seeing
one working made my mind up!
Indeed, David and his sons
have been so pleased, they are
considering adding another Bryce to
their assortment of machines, which
includes a Massey Ferguson 5465
tractor, a Landini Vision 95 tractor, a
Quickfencer for unrolling, a Bostitch
nail gun, flail mower for cutting back
the fence line, a Ramfast staple gun,
tractor-driven auger and a manual
petrol auger for domestic fencing
– so, they’re certainly fully-equipped
to cope with almost anything.
Though Luke adds, “The machines
are only as good as the people who David attributes a good proportion of their success down to his beloved machinery
operate them; quality machines
don’t guarantee a quality fence, it’s
1½” rails with 4ft stocknet for the enquiries and have started taking be able to set a record by having
down to the operator.”
paddock of a large new-build in the on bigger jobs, more staff will be three generations on the job at the
Despite having such good faith in heart of the Chilterns countryside. required (let’s see if David can find same time, because there’s certainly
their machinery, their materials “Despite recent economic problems any long-lost relatives to fill any a solid future ahead for this team.
haven’t always been so reliable. people are experiencing, not much vacancies).
.
David says, “I don’t know where has changed around here”, David
Though David’s youngest son may be For more information, call
in the chain it goes wrong because tells me.
suggesting retirement in jest, David David on 07958 711903,
our suppliers give us the best they
Luke adds “We’ve just looked at a certainly doesn’t seem ready to hand visit www.davidstocks.co.uk or
have. The only thing I can think is
job which was 750meters of deer over the baton to the next generation email info@davidstocks.co.uk
that the turnaround for timber is so
fencing around a mansion to keep just yet. Who knows, they may even
quick these days, it can’t always be
a few deer in. The people buying
properly treated.
the property live abroad and only
“Quite often we’ll take down an old use the house a few months each
fence that’s lasted decades and I year. We’re lucky to live in such an
wonder if the fences that go in will affluent part of the country where
last as long, though a lot of that is there’s plenty of work around.
down to the restrictions recently put London is only half an hour away
in place regarding chemicals used in and it’s such a nice area that plenty
the treatment process. of commuters choose to live here.”
“Some customers are now sourcing Indeed, on my way to Kimblewick,
Class 4 timber and asking us to erect I couldn’t fail to notice some of the
it so they have the peace of mind of stunning properties dotted around.
a 15 year guarantee”. And though they enjoy the kind of
On a positive note, by keeping their work that puts them in the midst
standards high, David Stocks Fencing of the rolling hills surrounding High
is never short of work. When I visit Wycombe, the Stocks family are
David and his sons, they are busy hoping the future will bring more
erecting 500 metres of post and industrial and security fencing,
rail, using 6” by 3” posts and 4” by though as they receive more

Faster – Tighter – Easier – Safer

• Four strand barb wire unroller, will take 4x2000 mtr rolls
of barb wire. Can be retro fitted to existing machine
• Available with postdriver backshift. Choice of Masts.
• Bryce, Malone, Wrag and others
• All machines will take 2 x500 mtr or 2 x300, or 3 x100, rolls of net
• Horse and Deer version available
• Re-rolling attachment (roll wire back the same diameter) as the original
• 7 day money back guarantee (subject to terms and excludes return carriage)

Pleased to supply David Stocks Fencing and wish him continued success for the future

Please contact: John Mob: 07966 285240 or Steve Mob: 07931 511090
www.quickfencer.com • email: info@quickfencer.co.uk

fencing news August 2009 55

 company news
Gripple wins Best
SME at MX Awards
Each year, the Institute of
Mechanical Engineers hold the
Manufacturing Excellence Awards
– the UK’s premier awards for
business and industry. Dubbed ‘the
Oscars of the Manufacturing World’,
they exist to recognise and reward
company attributes that enhance
the manufacturing environment.
Gripple, the Sheffield-based pioneer
of the original wire joiner and
tensioner and overall winner of the
MX Awards in 2004, was positively
delighted to scoop two awards on
The Gripple T-Clip
56 fencing news August 2009
the evening – the BP Award for Best
Partnership between Business and
Education, and The National Skills
Academy Award for Best Small to
Medium Enterprise.
Starting out by designing and
manufacturing products for the
agricultural fencing market twenty
years ago and then expanding into
the world of construction, the multi-
award winning Gripple was shortlisted
in every MX category. The company’s
close ties to local schools, its highly-
automated manufacturing processes
and its empowered, enthusiastic staff
all contributed to the achievement.
The ceremony was held at the
Dorchester Hotel on London’s
Park Lane, with over twenty
companies from around the country
in attendance. Gordon Macrae,
Gripple’s Special Projects Manager,
said: “As the awards are widely
recognised as one of the hardest for
which to qualify and highly coveted
by many manufacturers, reaching
the finals is itself a testament to any
company’s excellence. To go on to
win Best SME was therefore nothing
short of a triumph – and it’s all thanks
to our commitment to continuous
improvement, people effectiveness
and innovative market expansion.”
Five years ago, when Gripple was last
a contender at the MX Awards, many
of the final judges said that they
wished they worked for the company
– a sentiment that was repeated at
the end of MX 2009. “This really is a
wonderful accolade for Gripple.” said
Managing Director Mark Edmonds.
“It’s just reward for all the hard work
that has been put in by so many
people right across the business.”
For more information visit
www.gripple.com.
Looking for value, flexibility
and quality?

Then try us…..

• Consistent quality with every delivery at very
competitive rates.
• The flexibility to respond to your needs -
Extensive workshops and manufacturing facilities,
standard and non-standard products including
timber cut and machined to order, gates, fence
panels, garden buildings all manufactured on
site, pressure treatment plant offering green and
brown treatment.
• High service levels, no false promises, flexible
delivery options – ask us about our part-load
service!
• Free colour brochure available – just call 01989
563614 or e-mail info@walfordtimber.co.uk

All this combined with over 60 years of experience in the

fencing and timber trade help us to deliver the products
that you need, when you require them. Our trained and
experienced staff are on hand to provide friendly advise
and competitive quotes....Call now on 01989 563614

- Full range of closeboard components held in

stock
- High quality pressure treated Closeboard and
Waney Lap fence panels – green or brown!
- Entrance, driveway and pedestrian gates made
on site by trained carpenters.
- Full range of timber carcassing and landscaping

Walford Timber Ltd Cheltenham Fencing & Landscaping Supplies

Main site - trade counter - nationwide delivery Trade counter - local deliveries only
Tel: 01989 563614 Fax: 01989 563639 Tel: 01242 526946 Fax: 01242 526480
E-mail: info@walfordtimber.co.uk E-mail: info@cheltenhamfencing.co.uk

www.walfordtimber.co.uk
 timber yard
Where the phone just keeps ringing…
Chris Berry talks with John Plater about his 35 years in business
‘When we first started it was all
about panels, back in the days
when we used to make interwoven,
wavy-edge garden panels. Before
that I had started as a shipwright
here in Grimsby, after leaving the
docks and going into partnership
with a building company which we
called Dixon Plater.’
John Plater went on to form JW
Plater Ltd in 1974, but tells of
fencing not having been the way he
thought his business would go when
he decided to start on his own.
‘The idea was to open up as a
joiners’ shop but the premises
we bought used to be owned by
a previous fencing company. Our
phone kept on ringing for fencing
panels and it has just grown from
there, and whatever has come on
to the market we have followed on
with. Fortunately for our business
everything has just grown naturally
for us. We have never rushed or
pushed anything, because we like
to keep things nice and steady.’
Today’s family-run business includes
both of John’s two sons, Richard
and Mark, whilst John’s daughter-
in-law Linda looks after the books.
They have two sites which include
their shop premises in Grimsby
and a 2-acre manufacturing site
at Marshchapel, between Grimsby
and Louth, and currently employ a
staff of around 22.
‘The boys came straight into the
business after leaving school and
they both did everything on the
shop floor. As we gradually built up
the staffing they moved on to the
management side. We do a lot of
local authority work, railways, gas
boards, electric boards.’
General public business and work
for the likes of authorities account
58 fencing news August 2009
for a fairly even spread, which John
believes to be around 50/50, and
their main trading area covers a
radius of around 40 miles, although
they go as far afield as County
Durham to the north and London to
the south.
‘We have some really good trade
customers and supply all of the
builders’ merchants and councils
in our area. At one time or another
we will have looked after some form
of fencing for every school in the
Grimsby area.’
The yard in Grimsby showcases
many of JW Plater’s timber products
such as garden sheds, garden
furniture, gates and fences. They
also manufacture summerhouses,
arbours, planters and all manner of
decking. This year’s new line is log
cabins, but John is quick to point
out that their ironmongery is also a
very strong suit to their business.
‘We stock a massive range of
ironmongery, probably the biggest
in Lincolnshire, with everything
relating to fencing.’
John has totally
committed himself to
the business since he
started it over three
and a half decades ago.
His one other passion
is boats, and he once
built his own which he
sailed all the way to
Spain. He is married
to Betty, and they
also have a daughter,
Melanie, who runs her
own kitchen shop and
clothes shop. He’s also
a proud grandparent,
several times over!
Grimsby has suffered
more than other
towns as its council
was one of those to
lose millions through
the Icelandic banking
disaster. Job losses
have been heavy with
one or two massive John and Richard
employers having shut
down their operations, and there ‘It’s been up and it’s been down,
has been a knock-on effect for a but I can’t complain about things
lot of businesses. But John tells of when I look where we are today.’
their business bucking the trend.
That’s not a bad result after 35
‘Yes, the councils are not spending years of trading!
at the moment, but the general
public is buying. It seems that .
people are now buying and putting INFORMATION
up their own fences. Maybe with a JW PLATER LTD
lot of lads being put out of work they Charlton St, Grimsby
are deciding to do it themselves.’ DN31 1SQ
+
The JW Plater tanalising plant is Church Lane, Marshchapel
working hard, their range of fencing DN36 5TW
includes everything from timber to
palisade, and they have expansion Tel: 01472 343459
plans for the future. John has been Fax: 01472 230630
happy with what they have achieved info@jwplater.co.uk
so far, and although times have not www.jwplater.co.uk
always been easy, he is clearly
happy with his lot.

Plenty of cash rich
to rescue the needy
1 in 6 companies in the UK Fencing
industry could change ownership
as a result of the current economic
climate, claims a new study by
leading financial analysts Plimsoll.
With a surprising number of “cash
rich” competitors waiting in the
wings, the market could be set for a
prolonged period of consolidation.
David Pattison, author of the new
Plimsoll Industry Analysis – Fencing,
explains, “I am sure any director
worth his salt would agree that, in
the current climate, there are simply
too many companies chasing too
little market. With many directors
eyeing the exit doors and highly
leveraged buyouts consigned to
history for the time being, it really
is a buyers market out there for cash
rich companies”
Pattison continues, “In the Plimsoll
Industry Analysis we have identified
115 companies that have a sizeable
cash reserve sat on their balance
fencing industry update
sheets that, due to record low per annum and have picked out 130
interest rates, is generating nothing. that are primed to be taken over.
One company has a £44 million cash Buying one of these businesses
pot; a whopping 80% of turnover. represents a massive opportunity for
These companies are now in the someone to enhance their share of
position to buy up large chunks of the market. Either way, the market
market share at rock bottom prices is set for a wave of takeovers in the
and make that money work for them. next months”.
They must be like kids in a sweet
The new Plimsoll Industry Analysis
shop at the moment – all those
– Fencing will tell you which
distressed competitors available at a
companies are set to be buying and
fraction of their true value”.
who will be selling.
“The UK Fencing market is still
widely regarded as one of the UK’s
most fragmented sectors. In our
report we analysed 327 companies
with a turnover of over £1 million
Readers of Fencing News are entitled to a £50 discount of this new
special edition of the Plimsoll Industry Analysis – Fencing.
Call 01642 626400 for further details and quote reference PR/AA42.
fencing news August 2009 59
 company news

Top marks for Timeless Timber

roof top terrace
The roof of a central cafe bar in East
Grinstead has been transformed to
provide customers with a head for
heights some fantastic views of
the historical town centre thanks
to BSW Timber’s Axxys Hi-Level
range.
CJ’s Coffee Bar, located in the
historic high street which aptly
contains the longest continuous
run of 14th Century timber framed
buildings in the country, opened
the newly timber decked balcony in
early May this year.
Owner, Chris said: “We are really
chuffed with how our new balcony
looks and we are getting some very
good responses from our customers

who are able to enjoy a great view of
St. Swithuns parish church that sits
adjacent to our roof top terrace. The
Timeless Timber Decking has helped
us create a friendly and very relaxed
environment which is exactly what
we were going for.”
Crestala Fencing, who supplied
the decking used BSW Timber’s
Timeless Timber’s newly launched
high performance elevated
balustrading system to achieve the
impressive look.
Trevor Roberts of Crestala said: “We
supplied Timeless Timber products
throughout this project because of
its high quality performance and its
obvious aesthetic qualities. Chris
wanted to continue the relaxed
dining environment out into the
outdoor space that was previously
unused while in-keeping with its
historic surroundings and I am
pleased to say that we achieved just
that and everyone is very happy with
the result.”
Bryan Crennell, marketing manager
for BSW Timber says: “This project
demonstrates brilliantly how you

60 fencing news August 2009


can dramatically improve the look of
any unused space and transform it
into an additional space to enjoy and
even, in this case, create an extra
space to encourage revenue stream.
“BSW’s Timeless Timber decking
offers a cost effective stylish
transformation, combining the
traditional appeal of natural
materials with modern design which
is ideally suited to this project in
East Grinstead.”
The Axxys Hi-Level range is ideal
for cafes, hotels and bars looking
to add a stylish outdoor setting to
their establishment. Strength tested
by Trada to BS 6180:1999, Axxys
company news
combines a specially designed range
of timber posts, rails and spindles
combined with satin aluminium
fittings for elevated decks of over
600mm.
1st for quality
Naturally hard wearing, Timeless
Fencing & Gates
Timber Decking uses top quality
European Redwood and deckboards
come in a range of lengths from
2.4m to 4.8m.
PRESSURE CREOSOTED TIMBER
For more information on • Treated to last longer
Timeless Timber or to find • Low maintenance
city decking ideas for your
own home, visit
• Life expectancy up to 30 years
On site pressure creosote treatment at HFS Timber provides quality timber products proven to stand the test of time.
www.timeless-timber.co.uk
Fencing materials Round timber Stock fencing
Gates Landscaping Products
Call our sales team on
01604 581444
Harlestone Firs, Harlestone Road, Northampton, NN5 6UJ
Or visit our website at www.hfstimber.co.uk
fencing news August 2009 61
 company news
Jacksons Fencing appoints Steel
Security Fencing Systems distributor
for Ireland
Jacksons Fencing, one of the UK’s
leading designers and manufacturers
of timber and steel fencing and gates
and integrated perimeter security
systems has appointed Breezemount,
of Belfast to distribute its range of
steel security fencing and gates in
both the North and South of Ireland.
hArdwOOd SAwmill ESTAbliShEd in 1984
ThE FurThEST nOrThErn hArdwOOd SAwmill in EnglAnd
• Oak & Softwood Timber for sale
• 2 years air dried squared edged
oak in stick
• 25,000 2ft by 2 inch by 2 inch
• Softwood untreated pointed pegs
Email: tgnorman@odysseydsl.net
All offers considered
62 fencing news August 2009
The agreement follows the completion
of numerous successful projects in
Ireland over the past 12 months
employing Jacksons fencing systems
and an increasing requirement for
local representation.
Jacksons Fencing design and
Tel: 01228 791 777
Fax: 01228 791 373
www.tgnorman.co.uk
manufacture a wide range of fencing and experienced company and look
and gate designs including vertical forward to providing clients for our
pale, ornamental and mesh systems. steel security fencing and gates,
All Jacksons vertical pale fencing and including our Government tested and
gates feature welded pale through rail approved systems, a much improved
construction for increased strength depth of service across all of Ireland”.
and resistance to forced entry, in
In concurrence with Richard Jackson’s
addition, all fencing and gates are
comments, Clive Gallagher, Manager
hot dip galvanized for longevity.
at Breezemount, added “Our sales
Mesh fencing systems from Jacksons
team identified specific needs of
include the EuroGuard Combi which
the security market and now we
combines the beauty of natural wood
have a dedicated team to deliver the
with the strength of steel mesh.
products, services and support for
Jacksons Fencing is ISO 9001certified
bespoke customer requirements. As
and a Secured by Design licensed
the new Irish distributor of Jacksons
company with a number of fencing
Fencing, we have a great opportunity
systems conforming to police preferred
to provide an innovative and cutting-
specification.
edge approach to perimeter security.”
Speaking of the appointment,
The distribution agreement between
Richard Jackson, CEO, Jacksons
the companies was signed on 7th July
Fencing said “As a family business,
we share the same attitude to
2009.
excellence in quality and service as
the team at Breezemount. We’re For more information visit
obviously delighted to be working in www.jacksonfencing.co.uk or
partnership with a well established www.breezemount.net
 forestry

Top of the forestry tree

Chris Berry talks with John Hepworth, Royal Forestry Society award winner 2009
When John Hepworth came to
Braemar Farm at Rolston, near
Hornsea on the east coast of Yorkshire
he never expected that one day he
would be receiving an award from the
Royal Forestry Society (RFS).
That’s exactly what happened at this
year’s Great Yorkshire Show when John
received the National RFS Exellence in
Forestry Award.
‘The judges pointed out that on my farm
in Holderness there wasn’t a tree there
when I first started. I knew nothing at
all about woodland in those days, and
I even put on 2000 tree guards upside
down! The Forestry Commission made
me take them all off and that was it, I
was involved with them.’
Ironically John began planting trees
under some duress.
‘When we bought a neighbouring farm,
Broomhill Farm, in 1972 I was told to
plant an acre and a half of woodland
because one of the buildings that was
on a hilltop. I usually protest about
anything I am forced to do, but I did it,
very reluctantly.’
It was to be the start of John’s love of
trees and although he didn’t know it
at the time his gradual moving away
from traditional agriculture. He had
run Braemar as a dairy farm and had
retailed his own milk, but his cows
went four years ago. He does keep a
few pigs, but it is woodland that now
interests him more.
‘Half of my farm is now covered in
woodland, that’s over 60 acres of trees
of one kind or another, including willow.
I do still miss my cows terribly, as I had
a dairy herd for many years, but things
like my community woodland and the
growing of willow have really got to me.
It’s one of those things that can be very
interesting for everybody. You can give
the public access, which is wonderful
because you meet so many interesting
characters in return. In 2006 I won the
Best Young Woodland in Yorkshire title
out of 400 entries, but this really tops
that. I’ve had some great help along the
way, from some of the best woodland
people in Europe and I truly love being
able to grow trees properly.’
John is finding that he is getting greater
personal fulfilment than ever from his
involvement with woodland and the
15 acres of wild flowers he has also
helped along.
‘It’s where I get my enjoyment. I’m not
going to find oil and gas here, but there
will soon be a tremendous amount
of woodland to chop as our first real
harvest of willow approaches, and with
wood chip currently riding high on price John Hepworth with his willow
that’s quite a fair thing. We’re now also plantation at Rolston
buying the best trees in the UK, from
Castle Howard. Nick Cook’s trees grow
wheat, and a lot of it. It’s certainly
miles better than anyone else’s – and
woodlands for me! I’m delighted to
I’ve ordered a log chopping machine
have received this award and I will
because now that the main woodland
cherish it for the rest of my life!’
is 20 years old we’ve trees to thin and
we can sell logs’ Fencing News congratulates John on
his enlightened approach and richly
John is one of very few farmers in
deserved award.
the plentiful crop-growing lands of
Holderness to realise the beauty, the
better environment he is creating and JOHN HEPWORTH
the long term benefits woodlands can Braemar Farm, Rolston,
bring. Even his son once said ‘planting Hornsea, East Riding of
trees on the best land in Holderness! Yorkshire HU18 1XH.
What a waste!’
Tel: 01964 532754
‘You can’t convince many farmers in Fax: 01964 532754
Holderness –their ambition is to grow

• QUICK & EASY TO INSTALL

• STRONGER AND LIGHTER
THAN CONCRETE POSTS

• UNIQUE NATURAL
WOOD-GRAIN FINISH
• DUAL FACED FENCING POSTS
AND GRAVEL BOARDS

• ENVIRONMENTALLY
For Sales & General Enquiries
FRIENDLY
Tel: 01977 689111 / Fax: 01977 689128
• LOW MAINTENANCE www.supalitefencing.co.uk

fencing news August 2009 63

 contractor

Fencing, horses, golf, football…

it’s all about winning!
Chris Berry talks with Devon-based Mike Ford of Chulmleigh
‘When you want a job doing always
give it to a busy man.’ That’s the
maxim that many of us have heard
over the years, and Devon-based
Mike Ford is just the sort of person
that saying seems tailor-made for.
You see Mike isn’t just a fencing
contractor. Oh no! He’s also a farmer,
and a thoroughbred breeder, and a
point-to-point trainer, and not content
with all of that, he is also one of the
UK’s leading fencing competitors, as
witnessed once again very recently.
Just prior to going to press Mike,
with his two teams, picked up first
and second place in the inaugural
Yorkshire & North of England Fence
Contracting Competition at this year’s
Driffield Show. Mike was in ebullient
mood over their success – and with
good reason, particularly with the
family emphasis.
‘The four of us travelled up from Devon
to take part and we were delighted
to finish both first and second in the
competition. I competed with my
nephew, David Ford. He’s 17 and
only been with me for the past twelve
months. This was the first event he
has ever entered so we were all thrilled
to do so well.’
Darren Rice and Robert Little made
up the other team. The success of
the Mike Ford Fencing Contractors
teams will come as little surprise to
many in the fencing world as Mike and
Darren also won last year’s top prize
at the Tornado Wire National Fencing
Competition held as part of the
National Sheep Association’s annual
event at Malvern in Worcestershire.
Mike is a born and bred farmer’s son,
one of a family of eight children from
a large mixed farming concern in
Chulmleigh which led him to branching
out on his own some years ago.
‘Myself and my wife Shirley now farm
60 acres, which I bought out of the
family partnership. We have 120
breeding ewes, all Mules, and I breed
Mike at Driffield
thoroughbreds. I started the fence
contracting business in 1988.’
Stock fencing and post and rail make
up around 80% of Mike’s fencing
business, primarily based in the
agricultural and equestrian market,
whilst security and private work
makes up the rest.
‘I started in fencing on my own after I
had spent three years with John Burge,
a specialist deer fencing contractor. I
learned the trade through John.’
With there being so many different
sides to Mike’s life it is difficult to see
where he gets the time to do everything
– but he has a simple answer.
‘I work a very long day,’ he laughs.
‘I’m out by 6 in the morning and work
right through to 9 in the evenings.
‘The sheep and contracting are the
business end with the thoroughbred
breeding being my hobby.’
Nonetheless, it seems success is
what Mike is all about no matter what
field he is in. His best horse to date
is Complete Outsider, who it seems
is anything but true to its name!
Complete Outsider has won 5 races
so far – 3 at Newton Abbott, 1 at
Mike with nephew David
Exeter, and 1 in Wales.
There is a very real competitive edge
about the Ford family with Mike’s son
and daughter both participating in
sport at a high level.
‘Our daughter Stacey (15) plays a
very high standard of golf and our son
Jordan (13) is on the books of Exeter
City’s Academy football team.’
One way or another it looks as though
the competitively-minded Fords of
Devon will be around on the fencing
competitions scene, horse racing
world, plus the football and golf
sectors for some time yet!
Fencing News congratulates Mike and
his teams on their outstanding success
at Driffield Show in July. Maybe we
should all have a flutter on Complete
Outsider in the future too!
INFORMATION
MIKE FORD FENCING
CONTRACTORS
Strelna, Chulmleigh
North Devon EX18 7EB
Tel: 01769 580472
Mob: 07808 871554

Woodbills Ltd
The Portsmouth Arms Sawmills, Burrington, Umberleigh, Devon
Tel: 01769 560223
The Portsmouth Arms Sawmill - supplier of
quality roundwood and fencing materials
- would like to congratulate Mike Ford on
winning Fencer of the year and wish him all
the best for the future

64 fencing news August 2009

 company news

Rural Log Cabins supplies second

building for Northamptonshire
llama farm
Northamptonshire’s Catanger
llama centre’s new visitor facility
opens later this year. The building,
designed and constructed by
Rural Log Cabins Limited, is a
purpose-built, eco-friendly facility
that provides accommodation
for school parties as part of their
national curriculum studies and
also for other visitors to the llama
trekking centre.
Catanger Llamas is run by owners
Mary and David Pryse. Last year
the couple asked Rural to build
them a log cabin as their own home
on the site.
Rural Log Cabins is one of the
country’s leading suppliers of
bespoke log cabins for a variety of
uses, from residential properties
and holiday homes to leisure
facilities such as visitor centres,
sports facilities and schoolrooms.
The Catanger Llamas visitor centre
reflects an important market
for Rural in building sustainable
solutions on sensitive rural sites
and choosing materials, styles and
technologies that fit in with the
environment.
Mary Pryse of Catanger Llamas
said: “We have been working
towards our dream of building a
centre for educational activities for
a long time, and the combination
of the llamas, the landscape and
the log cabin with its zero carbon
footprint just make it perfect.
Schools will be able to make so
much of the visit at all levels of the
curriculum and we are delighted
at how well all the environmental
aspects of the building have come
together.’
The llamas come originally from
South America and can be studied
for both geography and history.
Owner Mary Pryse will be able to
demonstrate traditional skills in
spinning, weaving and felting the
llama fibre, providing education for
design/technology and art together
with hands-on experience.
For Nature/Biology studies the
llamas themselves are, of course,
on hand to study, plus 20 acres of
native woodland established since
the Llama trekking began in the
1990’s. The trees, wild flowers,
pond life, birds and wild mammals
all provide opportunities to study
natural history.
Both the visitor centre and the
residential cabin will run on
renewable energy and will not
be connected to national grid
electricity. Power will be generated
by photovoltaic panels on the roof
of the residence and stored in
batteries with shortcomings topped
up by a back-up generator on the
rare occasions when this is needed
(although this is very infrequent).
Solar thermal panels on the roof of
the cabin supply ample hot water in
the summer months, whilst winter
heating, cooking and hot water will
all be provided through a wood-
burning stove and all waste goes
into a biogester.
The combination of all these
environmental features has
provided a zero carbon rating on
the SAP scale, the Government’s
Standard Assessment Procedure
for the Energy Rating of Dwellings.
The calculation has been made,
even assuming the worst air leakage
results, giving an environmental
impact estimated at the lowest
level for CO2 emissions and energy
consumption.
.
For further information please
visit www.rural-log-cabins.co.uk

FENCING
SYSTEMS
FROM
STOCK! URBAN ANTI-CLIMB 358

www.urbanfencing.co.uk Excellent quality systems at competitive prices!

First class delivery service!
Let US increase YOUR profit!
Call us today for a fast, no obligation quote!

Tel:01704 822 030

DB-6 Fax: 01704 337 171
sales@urbanfencing.co.uk

URBAN SPORTS REBOUND URBAN V1 DB-8

fencing news August 2009 65

Chris hambridge from mcveigh parker makes a few points on timber treatment
Stewardship schemes and the
government driven reward
schemes specify varying standards
for certain projects, but within
their own literature are failing to
address these problems, throwing
government money at projects
without a strict criteria or knowledge
of what is actually happening in the
marketplace. Especially given that
presently, government schemes do
not request proof of certification.
With the new treatments, can we
really expect softwood timber to last
twenty-five, fifteen, or even ten years?
Guarantees are being given but is it
just a simple numbers game? It was
possible to give guarantees in the early
days of CCA using their strict guidelines
and processes, but how do they fair
today? In my own experience, I have
been aware of several cases where
companies have washed their hands
of the guarantee or come up with a
suitable excuse to avoid honouring
If you would like to reply to either of the above please email simone@fencing-news.co.uk
(Views expressed are not necessarily those of Fencing & Landscaping News)
the promises which accompany their
products.
My thoughts are that those offering a
longer term or any kind of guarantee
are at least saying that the process
is more strict and guidelines are
being followed. CCA was a forgiving
treatment whereas the new treatment
needs stricter auditing, which comes
at a price – and it isn’t clear who
will have to pay. How are we going
to make the end user aware without
undermining past sales? Government
bodies need to be informed and act
on the findings to change the mindset
and way we spend both public and
private money.
The ‘sales of goods act’ tends to get
mentioned when any such claim
comes forward, leaving the contractor
to fight the supplier, who in turn has to
fight the manufacturer. Obviously the
manufacturer has bigger pockets and
can afford to pay expensive solicitors
to fight their excuses, leaving the
regular supplier to placate his loyal
customer at his own expense, with the
contractor in turn working for nothing
to appease his client.
The idea of insisting on treatment
certificates as a better form of
guarantee doesn’t not seem to work,
given that the buck stops with the
‘sale of goods act’ and ‘fit for purpose’
from the supplier, whether they be
the maker or the distributor. Why is it
that the best form of guarantee only
shows the process and timber used?
I suppose it backs up the company’s
advertising media, but surely if written
on the quote and paperwork, the
invoice is as good a proof of purchase
than anything?
There are many suppliers purchasing
from abroad - some buying treated with
certificates, and others purchasing
untreated timber and then treating
to their own strict guidelines at their
place of work. Without the imports
is there enough sustainable timber to
supply the UK market, especially in
selected redwoods?
This article seems to throw up more
questions than answers –
Where are we going with timber
treatment?
Is the treatment product suitable?
Of course they insist it is if the correct
procedure is followed, so why are we
getting early failures when it was the
job of the treatment companies to
audit their customers?
Are the chemical suppliers at fault or
does the problem lie in the treatment
process – or indeed, with the treating
companies?
Do we need a government body to
step in and lay down strict guidelines,
as BS8417 seems to be outdated
or out of touch with what is actually
available in the UK marketplace.

Treatment Quality Paramount
At Seminar
Following an opening statement and
welcome by Mr. Rolf Reinecke (MD
of Dr. Wolman GmbH) the first paper
was presented by Dr. Mihael Boras
who explained the history of the
company and its tremendous record
of achievement over nearly 100
years, consistently producing novel
and effective products for protecting
wood against insect attack and fungal
decay.
Dr Wolman GmbH has been at the
forefront of this trend, taking radical
decisions well ahead of legislative
pressures and adopting their own
internal ‘best environmental option’
criteria.
Dr Coggins (Wood Protection
Consulting) emphasised the importance
of controls at the treatment plant to
ensure the right type of wood is selected
and the appropriate preservative
penetration ect, is achived in line with
the customers’ requirements. A quality
scheme for use in context of ISO 9000
is available from the Wood protection
Association (WPA) and is used as the
basis for the Highways Agency ‘Sector
4’ scheme for motorway fencing. This
scheme could form the basis of an
industry-wide stamdard for controls at
treatment plants but is currently only
used at 4-5 sites in the UK.
Dr. Ed Suttie (BRE Timber) went on to
explain the achieving good durability
in softwoods was a key factor in
slowing the rate of climate change as
more carbon is ‘locked-up’ in wood-
in-service. But he highlighted that
there are many practical obstacles to
achieving the correct penetration and
retention (as recommended in BS8417)
in Spruce. He highlightedvarious
means of overcome these obstacles
(e.g. incising) and how, if good results
can be achieved, home-grown spruce
could provide long service in high
hazard environments. He also pointed
out that, commercial experience with
modern formulations has been starting
to show problems (early failures to
fence posts) so we need to ask, ‘why’?
Dr. Suttie proposed that, in addition to
site based Quality Controls as already
described by Dr. Coggins, consumers
timber treatment
(From Left to right) Dr Ed Suttie, Dr Mihael Boras, Dr Ernst Wormuth
could benefit from an independent
assessment of product quality to
ensure that treatment processes
deliver durable timber reliably and
reproducibly. In the UK at the moment
no such quality mark is available
although it is common practice in other
major timber consuming nations in
Europe (NTR in Nordic states, RAL in
Germany ect. ect.). In those countries
the availability of clearly recognised
Quality Mark underpins consumer
confidence in wood and enables any
stakeholder to establish treatment
quality independent of the supplier.
Dr Suttie showed how wolman’s Quality
Guidance document would enable
Treaters to develop internal controls
which would be a good first step
towards an independently assessed
scheme (including independently set
P&R criteria and sampling/analysis at
treatment sites). The reward for all this
effort would be a more sustainable
market for UK-grown spruce and
more transparency regarding product
warranties.
.
For more information visit
www.wolman.de/en
fencing news August 2009 67
 timber yard
SOUTH WALES’ FAVOURITE TIMBER
MERCHANTS... PROBABLY!
It’s amazing how often a business
gets started because of a meeting
between two people and the
resulting friendship that develops
from this. And what is even more
fascinating is that a high percentage
of companies ‘born’ in this way
survive the turmoil’s thrown at
them down the years and emerge
as profitable businesses with an
excellent trading reputation.
One such company is Gower Timber
located at Pen-clawdd near Swansea
and the Gower Peninsula in South
Wales.
When Byron Jones met Carlos Dias
in the mid nineteen seventies he
had been in the timber trade all
his life and Carlos had just begun
to learn the ropes as a travelling
timber salesman working for him at
Morgans Timber at Gorseinon near
Llanelli. The pair hit it off and the
future was already beginning to take
shape even if neither of them was
aware it at the time.
Byron was joint managing director
at Morgan’s and in time his position
took him to their Manchester depot
far from his routes in the South
of Wales. However, being made
redundant at the end of 1981, he
moved back to his home and got
together with Carlos again to form
Gower Timber which commenced
trading on 1st March 1982 – an
important day for all Welsh men as it
is St. David’s day. And yes, Carlos is
Welsh too (his father being Sardinian
but his mother from Wales).
“We started trading off at site on
Crofty Industrial Estate in the town
here,” Carlos told me when I visited
the business recently, “originally
there was just myself, Byron and his
High Performance Fencing Timber...
ready and waiting...
We are pleased to be associates with Gower Timber
and wish them continued success fior the future
For more information please contact us on:
Tel: 01239 682477 Fax: 01239 682881
JAMES DAVIES LTD • NEWBRIDGE SAWMILLS
CENARTH • NEWCASTLE EMLYN • CEREDIGION • SA38 9LA
68 fencing news August 2009
wife Elizabeth who did the books and
one employee. That original member
of staff is still with us today!”
Gower Timber commenced life as
a general timber merchant buying
stock off importers and operating
a small service sawmill (which is
still operational for them today)
where they cut be-spoke work, put
together joist sets and began to plan
for the future. Fencing was always
very much part of the companies
plan for its development and both
the partners realised there was a
growing market for it amongst the
numerous contractors and the local
authorities of the area.
They moved to better premises in
1985 and added a treatment tank
to the set up in 1986 allowing them
to become more independent and in
charge of their own destiny. Twenty
three years later they are now onto
their third tank!
The mark of
responsible foresty
CU-COC-807791
© 1996 Forest Stewardship Coucil A.C.
steve goodier visits
Carlos again. “Once we moved onto tend to stay with company – Dave
the new site the fencing seemed to is the longest serving employee and
snowball for us and today we stock he is sixty seven while rep, Mike is
just about everything a contractor or sixty nine!
erector could require from panels to
If you take a look at the companies
round and square posts, wire, gate
website (see below) you will see
accessories – the whole lot. We are
what a vast array of fencing and
very much a one stop shop in the
related timber products are available
South Wales area for fencing and
for immediate delivery from the site.
general timber needs and as we are
very versatile, we can offer standard The company has recently FSC and
and special cut stock as required. PEFC chain of custody certification
and, billing themselves as ‘South
The company bought the original
Wales’ Favourite Timber Merchant’,
site it started on about five years
they certainly seem to have a
ago and in March this year they
reputation for providing decent
added a further two acre storage
quality fencing delivered as and
yard with a seven thousand square
when it is required.
foot building.
For the future Carlos would like to
Sadly Byron died in April of last year
diversify into the roofing market and
but his two sons now work with
import tiles but for the present he
Carlos to ensure the business goes
is concentrating on keeping hold of
on as before.
the well established customer base
Currently Gower Timber employs he has.
eighteen staff and runs five lorries (a
“We sponsor a lot of local school
27 tonne Hiab and four flat beds –
sports projects,” he tells me as we
two 16 tonners and two 7.5 tonners)
complete a tour of the yard, “we are
and they deliver daily into an area
well known and respected locally
of South Wales encompassing
and that is the way we would like
most places between Cardigan and
things to stay.”
Newport.
The site at Pen-clawdd is about one
When you see what success twenty
seven years trading has brought
and a half acres and packed full of
them, it’s hard to argue with
not only everything you need for a
sentiments such as that.
fencing project but also most things
you could require for a general .
timber or building contract as well. GOWER TIMBER LTD
Their customer base rangers from PEN-CLAWDD, SWANSEA
builders to fencing erectors, local SOUTH WALES SA4 3XN
authorities to general d.i.y.ers and at
least 10% of the business is made
www.gowertimber.com
up of walk in cash customers. The TELEPHONE: 01792 851140
staff are all local from the village and FAX: 01792 850128

FAMILY FENCING EMPIRE SPANNING
HALF A CENTURY
Fifty three years of continual trading
in the fencing and timber industry is
an awesome record and that is just
what South Wales sawmiller and
fencing supplier T.G. Howell has
accomplished this year.
From humble beginnings way back
in 1956, the company has supplied
the fencing and timber needs of the
South Wales area (and often well
beyond this) for over half a century.
Originally set up by Geoffrey Howell,
father of the current owner Terry, in
an old quarry he had bought in 1947,
T.G. Howell has grown to a sizeable
four branch affair and currently offers
just about anything you could require
in the way of fencing or general
timber requirements and has on
site treatment facilities as well as
still operating a sawmill which gives
them the flexibility to be able to cut
exact specifactions as per customers
requirements.
“Dad was a butcher by trade but he
always messed around with a bit of
sawmilling,” Terry told me on my
recent visit to the sites, “and one day
a local chap asked him to make some
wooden ladders and from that he
progressed into producing wooden
extension ladders. Initially he was
buying in the components and
assembling then but it soon became
obvious he needed to be cutting the
wood himself. He already had the
quarry so he bought a circular saw
and went into business. I joined him
in the late fifties straight from school
as a young lad of fifteen and together
we learnt the art of sawmilling as we
went along. We soon had to buy a
log saw and picked up plenty of work
producing cover boards and chocks
for the local coal mining industry. We
still have that original quarry site at
Daunter Baker are proud to be associated with and suppliers to
T G Howell
and wish them continued success for the future.
Tel: 01495 740 100
Email: daunterbaker@btconnect.com
Clifton Sawmills today.”
Geoffrey stayed active in this business
until his death four years ago and
Terry, who is now sixty eight, intends
to do the same and his two sons,
Martin and Timothy, have followed in
his footsteps and now help him to run
the four sites.
The business soon expanded as
local builders and fencers found they
had a reliable timber outlet on their
doorsteps and the family added a site
at Risca in 1960 and in 1984 they
bought their Pontypool site which
already had a sawmills on it - they
needed more capacity to fulfil their
coal board contracts.
Terry again. “We bought Pontypool
on a Friday and the miners all went
on strike the following Tuesday and
that heralded the end of the coal
industry in South Wales. But that’s
life and as we could no longer cut for
sawmill
them we diversified into pallet timber, identify with that and although I am
featheredge and fencing products sure we are not finished growing yet,
often supplying stock nationwide.” my main aim for the future is to keep
us independent and maintain the
A further site was added at Newport
reputation we have.”
in 1988 and today T.G. Howell is one
of the biggest suppliers of fencing Half a century is a long time in any
material to the South and Mid Wales trade, but in the timber industry it
areas. is an exceptionally long time so you
have to admit they must be doing
Currently they employ sixty people
something right!
and run a total of sixteen lorries, the
majority of them with hiab off load. .
Deliveries can be undertaken just TG HOWELL DEPOTS:
about everywhere if there is enough
volume involved but the core of the
NEWPORT
business is still to the contractors and
MAESGLAS RETAIL PARK
fence erectors in the local areas and
NEWPORT NP20 2NS
also to the smaller builder merchants
SOUTH WALES
and timber merchants who find it
TELE 01633 246000
very useful having someone who can
FAX 01633 246824
cut and deliver odd packs of stock as
they require it.
PONTYPOOL
As well as fencing they are large
ALBION SAWMILLS
suppliers of carcassing timber and
ALBION ROAD, PONTYPOOL
four depots gives them a great deal
SOUTH WALES NP4 6AR
of buying power so Terry is able
TELE 01495 762849
to source just about anything he
FAX 01495 750755
requires and very quickly too!
The treatment tanks are based at the
CLIFTON SAWMILLS
Pontypool depot and the company
CLIFTON STREET
treats Protim either brown or green
ROGERSTONE
as required.
SOUTH WALES NP10 9YU
Clifton sawmills remains the biggest TELE 01633 246000
site and Terry would like to undertake
more be-spoke sawmilling in the
RISCA
future.
PARK ROAD, RISCA
“We have always been a family SOUTH WALES NP11 6PW
business,” Terry tells me, “my father, TELE 01633 612612
me, and now my sons and we aim to
keep it that way for the future. We
TELE 01633 612903
FAX 01633 619777
feel we are a very traditional Welsh
company and our customers can
fencing news August 2009 69
 sawmill

LOCKERBIE 3 GETS READY TO ROLL!

Rob Wilkinson takes a trip to see James Jones & Sons’ new Lockerbie sawmill
You suspect that James Jones would
be very pleased with the progress
made by the timber firm bearing his
name in recent years and justifiably
so as a brand new £22.5 million
state of the art sawmill takes
shape just yards from the M74 in
Lockerbie.
Founded in the mid 19th century,
James Jones & Sons Ltd is now one
of the UK’s biggest timber concerns
with six other sites dotted across
Scotland but it’s this new facility,
due to open in September that will
propel the firm to the next level in
terms of production capacity and
manufacturing flexibility.
It’s the third major construction
on the 35 acre site and replaces
the company’s Dumfries sawmill.
Lockerbie 3, as it’s been named,
complements the existing Lockerbie
1 sawmill and Lockerbie 2 processing
facility built since 2000 and forms
an integral part of the future for
an organisation that is defiantly
committed to quality and service.
carcassing timbers and it will offer each log and calculate optimal our Swedish-based sawline supplier.
If proof were needed as to the
us added flexibility to offer a range cutting patterns to within a tenth of
intentions of James Jones & Sons “The new facility secures employment
of specifications for the construction, a millimetre.
just ask Sales Manager Keith Ainslie both directly & indirectly for many
fencing, pallet and packaging markets
and Project Manager Rob MacKenna, “This site really is one of the people in the area. We hope to
complementing our existing product
both closely involved in the evolution most technologically advanced in transfer the majority of our remaining
offering,” he added.
of this ‘super site’. Europe and is the largest single staff from our Dumfries facility in
It’s an impressive site! Work began development project that the addition to the 58 staff we already
“When production begins in the
last September on what was formerly company has undertaken. It reflects have on site at Lockerbie.
autumn Lockerbie 3 will have a
wasteland and the scope and scale of our commitment to the long term
single shift capacity of 140,000m³ “This development also secures
the new build suggests it will be one partnerships we have with our
of sawn wood,” exclaimed Rob “and a great many jobs in associated
of the biggest in Europe. contractors and suppliers.
that more than doubles our capacity industries – road haulage, forestry
from this site. Rob continued: “Lockerbie 3 will also “Around 80 arctic loads of steel & timber harvesting. This is a really
deliver improvements in quality, yield have gone into the new site and it positive development for the industry
“Output from the new 100 metre
and production volumes (speeds) represented the single biggest order and the area!”
sawline will primarily focus upon
using 3D laser technology to scan in the history of Soderhamn Eriksson,
Keith is similarly enthused: “This is
a big step forward and cements our
company ethos and focus on quality
and service. It gives us a real edge
when supplying over 500 customers
across the length and breadth of.
the UK.

dsssssssssssssssssss

70 fencing news August 2009


“Around 90% of the timber we
use is spruce sourced from forests
across Scotland and Cumbria with
the remainder made up of pine and
Larch, our customer base ranges
from small fencing contractors to the
large retail multiples such as Jewson,
B&Q and Wickes,” added Keith.
The technology within Lockerbie
3 is tried and tested and will begin
rolling out customised products
from October 1st on a straight line
operation that maximises efficiency.
“The vision to expand on this site
began before Lockerbie 1 began
production in 2000,” commented
Keith “and represents a 140%
increase in capacity on the Lockerbie
1 line which produces 100,000 m³
predominantly for the pallet and
fencing market.
“Lockerbie 3 features very similar
technology with the added benefit
of being able to handle long length
cut production. It will be the biggest
site in terms of sawn output in
Scotland,” added Keith who has over
two decades of experience within the
timber industry.
Health and Safety is a major factor
in everything that takes place at
Lockerbie as Rob explained: “The
very latest design of saw enclosures
provide the highest possible
standards of safety whilst offering
environmental benefits through
improved dust containment. Health
and Safety is paramount and our
very low staff turnover is testament
to that.
“Everything we source comes
from FSC certified forests and
that offers added peace of mind to
our customers, backed up by our
ISO14001 commitment. We even
include the words ‘Committed to
Service and Quality’ on our logo and
it’s built into everything we do here.”
James Jones & Sons Ltd
headquartered in Larbert is privately
owned and managed and operates
sawmill
additional sawmills in Mosstodloch,
Kinnoir, Aboyne, and Kirriemuir and
is the only UK owned manufacturer
of engineered I-Joists branded as JJI-
Joists.
The company also runs a subsidiary
in Unit Pallets Ltd based near
Warrington, one of the UK’s largest
producers of wooden pallets and has
additional concerns in Canada as well
as involvement in a number of other
timber-related businesses. Since
being incorporated in 1905 James
Jones & Sons Ltd has grown both
organically and by acquisition.
The JJS Group had a 2007 turnover
of £89 million which has grown
steadily since 2000 when total sales
were around half of that. Production
has also shot up in the last nine years
with just over 200,000 m³ delivered
in 2000 and expected output to
reach 500,000 m³ in 2010. Round
timber purchase topped 850,000 m³
in 2008.
With Lockerbie 3 almost ready to
begin production it’s clear that the
aims of James Jones over 150 years
ago are moving forward apace. He
can look down in pride at what is
being done in his name!
For more information visit
www.jamesjones.co.uk
fencing news August 2009 71
 company profile

Jim’s recipe: The Spice of Life

Victoria Poolman meets Jim Smith of Broadmead Estates to find out why going stale
just isn’t an option...
If there’s one thing Jim Smith loves
about his business, it’s the variety.
Each job presents a new challenge,
a chance for him and his team to
flex their creative muscles and apply
a vast range of experience to the
project in question.
Broadmead Estates’ slogan promises
‘the complete service’ and they
certainly don’t take that oath lightly,
offering landscape design and
construction, grounds maintenance,
woodland and arboricultural
management, not to mention gates
and fencing, to people within 25
miles of Hungerford.
Since starting up in 2000, Jim has
pulled his broad range of expertise
together, integrating a workforce who
are equally as versatile and skilled in
order to take on any job and triumph
every time.
Jim explains:
“I grew up on a beef farm and studied
manager for English Landscapes. As in the Hungerford area, so I brought development, Jim has a workforce of
forestry and woodland management at
my work began to take me closer to together all my experience into one four full-time staff, who not only erect
college before working as a contracts’
London, I decided I wanted to stay company to go it alone.” fencing and restore riverbanks, but
also work on the farm when required,
Having done a lot of fencing on the
as well as building bridges, barns and
farm as a youngster and spent a
stables.
year developing those skills in New
Zealand, Jim saw it as a golden Jim tells me, “One of the best things
opportunity to base his business about Broadmead Estates is that
around fencing. Now catering for the work is never boring. I’ve always
a number of large private and wanted to do lots of different things
commercial estates around the areas and it works amazingly well with
of Reading, Abingdon, Swindon, the team I’ve got. One day we can
Winchester, Basingstoke and be erecting deer fencing or making
Salisbury, he’s certainly got some a bespoke gate and the next we’re
beautiful surroundings in which building a bridge – there’s nothing I’d
to implement Broadmead’s many turn down and say we can’t do, we
services! just get on and learn.”
Still having a 150 acre farm, where Though Jim and his team are
he keeps his beef herd of Murray constantly diversifying into new
Greys, and making use of his spare projects, there’s nothing amateur
Jim Smith
time by dabbling in the property about the work of Broadmead Estates.

72 fencing news August 2009


By combining quality materials with
good workmanship and a friendly
manner, Jim’s customers are more
than satisfied with Broadmead
Estate’s services and clearly value
his dedicated and down-to-earth
attitude.
Amongst his clients are names such
as Knight Frank (the country house
consultancy) and the owners of the
Benham Park Estate in Berkshire.
Having also done a good deal of
work on new developments for
Infinity Homes, it’s times like these
where having fingers in lots of pies
is a real safety net. Despite the lack
of construction work contracts about
at the moment, there’s no end to the
demand for post and rail, Equifence
and closeboard systems. Indeed, by
providing rabbit-proof fencing, deer
fencing and riverbank restoration
amongst other services, the future of
Broadmead Estates is secure.
When you make a promise to ‘do
the lot’, having machinery that’s as
versatile as your staff is absolutely
essential, which explains why Jim’s
three-tonne mini excavator with
Protech Post driver attached is very
close to his heart:
“We have to go through all kinds of
different terrain - woodland, gardens,
up and down hills and banks - but
that combination of machinery is
capable of going anywhere – which is
invaluable to us.”
Jim’s positive attitude applies to all
under the Broadmead Estates’ name,
from his machinery, to his staff, to his
everyday working life – he’s clearly
very happy with his lot. Spending half
his time working with the Broadmead
team, and the rest either in his
office on Hungerford High Street or
surveying, he enjoys the balance he’s
achieved. And though he’s recently
branched into estate management
side of things, he’s also very excited
about the future of Broadmead
Estates, as the company continues
to take on new and interesting new
projects. Jim tells me:
Proud suppliers to Jim Smith &
Broadmead Estate Services
All types of Fencing and Gates
SOUTHDOWN FARM, FARINGDON ROAD, LONGCOT, OXON
01793 783879 / 783887
webbswood.co.uk
“We’re currently building a barn and
have just completed some stables.
But in preparation for the winter, when
the ground isn’t so good for fencing,
we’ve just finished training everyone
up for NPCT spraying work. It’s a real
requirement around here, so we’ll be
able to run a small-scale spraying
operation to anyone that needs it, on
top of our other services.”
With no ambitions of expanding
hugely or becoming a household
name, Jim seems very content to
be trying his hand at all kinds of
things, keeping every job fresh and
new. Indeed, it’s a pleasure to see a
company who pride themselves not
on tradition and years of providing the
same service, but instead focussing
on constantly embracing new
challenges, developing themselves
and learning new skills.
. demand for our products this year
For more information, call
01488 686004 or email
jim@broadmead-estates.co.uk
new products
Forest turns
to Young
Black to boost
production
capacity
Forest Garden, one the UK’s
leading provider of timber
products for the garden, has
installed a new panel maker
machine at its Hartlebury
headquarters to meet increased
demand for its fencing products.
The new machine, which was
supplied by Swindon-based
Young Black Ltd., will be used to
manufacture both Forest’s close
board and feather edge panels in
various sizes. By automatically
nailing the panels before capping
and ejecting them for treatment,
the new machine will enable Forest
to offer clients consistent quality
along with increased capacity to
scale up production as required.
Peter Bytheway, operations
director at Forest Garden, said:
“We’re really impressed with the
new machine and are confident
it will allow us to provide an even
better service to our customers
moving forward.
“We’ve already seen an upturn in
L-R: “Brendan MacNamee (Young Black), Peter Bytheway
(Forest Garden), Paul Greenslade (Young Black) and Gerald
Gregory (Forest Garden) get to grips with the new machine.”
and, with more people deciding
to improve their property and
gardens rather than moving house
this year, we expect this trend to
continue meaning this investment
could not have come at a better
time.”
Paul Greenslade, national sales
manager at Young Black, added:
“Young Black has traded with
Forest Garden for many years and
we work very closely with their
management to identify areas of
the production process where
we think there is an opportunity
to improve output, quality and
costs.
“We have installed a number of
automatic machines in Forest
factories over the years and the
fact more are being installed is
a testament to the reliability and
performance of the machines we
are supplying.”
For more information visit
www.forestgarden.co.uk
fencing news August 2009 73
 machinery

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT THINGS COULDN’T

GET ANY BETTER AT KANGA LOADERS
“Just when we thought things line, and that it stays fully Australian “Of course, the real benefactors of time being, it’s very much business
couldn’t get any better!” was made. Furthermore, the Kanga this bringing together of two such as usual for us here in the UK”,
how Stuart Coar, National Sales product will clearly benefit from iconic Australian brands will be concluded Coar.
Manager of Kanga Loaders UK, Digga’s unquestionable strength our customers, who by virtue, will
.
welcomed the news of the recent in manufacturing, engineering profit from the optimal performance
For more details please contact
acquisition of the Kanga brand research and development, enabling benefits that designing and
www.kangaloaders.co.uk
and assets by fellow Australian the brand to maintain its market producing both the drive unit and
company, Digga Manufacturing. leadership now and well into the the associated attachments under
future”. the same roof brings. But for the
Digga Manufacturing is the largest
Australian manufacturer and
exporter of gearboxes and machinery
attachments such as auger drives,
trenchers, augers, brooms and
wear parts for the earthmoving
machinery industry.
“The acquisition of the
Kanga brand by Digga will
undoubtedly be good
for business, the
brand and our ever
growing customer
base” enthused
Coar, “and will
ensure the long
term prosperity
of our highly
successful loader

13hp Honda Engine Attachments: Buckets

20hp Honda Engine Augers
19hp Kubota Diesel Trenchers etc.

For more information please contact:

Tel: 0161 941 4141

0161 980 8080
Landscape and Highway Machinery Email: sales@sherpauk.com
sales@landmac.co.uk

74 fencing news August 2009

 machinery

Fencing opportunity from log processor

Established by Stephen Sufferin in
2005, S& J Contracts operates from
County Londonderry. Production
of pallets and bespoke timber sizes
for industry are now their primary
products.
Stephen tells how their business has
benefited. ‘In 2007 we had difficulty
sourcing locally sawn pallet wood so
we decided to mill our own timber to
guarantee supply and cut costs. In
2008 we invested in a large facility
to accommodate aWood-Mizer SLP
(Small Log Processing) line and semi-
automatic pallet assembly equipment.’
Stephen praises Dave Biggs, then
Wood-Mizer’s UK service manager.
‘Dave was a great when we had a few
little niggly problems on set-up. Now
Wood-Mizer’s UK Manager he is, in tough economic times. Sawn timber longer hostage to the prices demanded small round logs into useable square
my opinion the best man for the job.’ production on the Wood-Mizer SLP by sawn timber suppliers. Second, it timber – either for pallets or fencing
line and pallet manufacture are just can move quickly into sectors where is the same. If anything, the savings
The Northern Ireland businessman two of the operations the workforce profits are for the taking. are greater because fencing often
admits times are tough with demand are ready to undertake. Conversion needs a higher percentage of smaller
for pallets – and the price customers Even deadwood has been well tested
of slabwood into saleable products – dimensions than palletwood. It
are prepared to pay – down! on the decks of the new Wood-
dried firelogs and kindling – helps ride requires more sawing and therefore
Nevertheless, by milling his own Mizer SLP line at S& J Contractors
the rough period that the construction the SLP’s narrow band, thin kerf
timber he can retain his pallet buyers. and the machinery has proved more
industry is enduring. technology could bring savings and
His ability to supply, he points out, is than capable of turning it into usable
profit to the fencing business in
a consequence of acquiring the Wood- When it comes to battling the recession, produce.
‘interesting times’.
Mizer SLP line. the installation of the mill has given
As far as Wood-mizer is concerned it
Stephen Sufferin two new lines of
Stephen acknowledges that does not matter what the final product
defence. First, the business is no Visit www.woodmizer.com
adaptability is the key to surviving is for. The sawing process of converting

PROTECH MACHINERY
TRACKED POST DRIVERS – A ONE MAN FENCING MACHINE, SAVE LABOUR, FUEL AND TIME!!

TELESCOPIC MAST
OPTION FOR 10FT 250KG HAMMER
POSTS WEIGHT

800MM
TELESCOPIC
SIDESHIFT

COMPACT FOR
TRANSPORT

FOR PROTECH SALES WOOLRIDGE FARM, GLOUCESTER ROAD

HARTPURY, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GL19 3BG
PLEASE CALL e-mail: protechmachinery@yahoo.co.uk
ANDREW HOOPER fax: 01386 750772
ON 07971079751 www.protechmachinery.co.uk

fencing news August 2009 75

 machinery
Travis Perkins Takes
190 New Bobcat
Excavators and
Skid-Steer Loaders
Travis Perkins, the leading UK
Builders’ Merchant, has taken
delivery of new Bobcat micro- and
mini-excavators and skid-steer
loaders worth more than £3 million
from Doosan International UK Ltd.
The new Bobcat machines, which
include a mix of E08 micro-
excavators, 319 mini-excavators and
S100 skid-steer loaders, are part of
Travis Perkins’ ambitious expansion
plans in the hire market.
Product testing by Travis Perkins’
customers prompted the company to
make the purchase of 150 excavators
(comprising 30 E08 micro-excavators
and 120 319 mini-excavators), with
an additional 40 Bobcat S100 skid-
steer loaders.
Travis Perkins, one of the country’s
largest timber and builders’
76 fencing news August 2009
merchants, supplies building products
and materials to the trade, and has
invested heavily in its tool and plant
hire division over the last few years
to take a significant share of the hire
market. The company now operates
one of the UK’s largest tool and plant
hire operations with more than 300
outlets nationwide based within its
Travis Perkins and Keyline Builders’
Merchant businesses.
A key factor in winning the order
from Travis Perkins was the service
capability offered by Doosan
International UK Ltd via the Company
Branches in the West Midlands and
the North West. The new Bobcat
branch at West Bromwich significantly
enhances service for National and Key
Account Bobcat customers such as
Travis Perkins. From this central base
in the heart of the UK, the Bobcat
branch also forms a new resource
for Bobcat dealers right across the
country.
Andrew Hatton, General Manager
UK Branch Operations, said: “We
have a dedicated National and Key
Accounts team totally focused on
delivering industry leading service
levels by utilising in-house service and
administrative personnel coupled with
our distributor network in the UK.”
All the new Bobcat equipment is
being fitted with the Datatag security
system and registered with the
Construction Equipment Security
and Registration (CESAR) scheme.
The official CESAR scheme acts as a
powerful deterrent against plant theft
and aids identification and recovery in
the event of theft.
Easy to transport, the E08 and 319
models meet Travis Perkins’ exacting
standards for compact excavators,
offering an enviable combination of
high performance, operator safety,
ergonomics, stability and durability.
The E08 micro-excavator is the
smallest model in the Bobcat range,
with a machine weight of 1028 kg
and a maximum digging depth of 1.82
m. Like the E08, the 319 1.3 tonne
mini-excavator has an expandable
undercarriage, allowing access through
narrow passageways for work inside
buildings or entry into back yards and
gardens through narrow gates. The
319 offers a maximum digging depth
of 2008 mm and a maximum dump
height of 2281 mm.
The S100 skid-steer loader from
Bobcat meets a market need for a
compact, limited weight skid-steer
loader that can work in tight spaces
and is easy to transport. A key feature
for Travis Perkins was the great
versatility offered by the S100 with
50 l/min of auxiliary hydraulic flow
providing plenty of power for operating
over 30 different attachments. With
an operating weight with bucket of
just 1800 kg, the S100 offers a rated
operating capacity of 453 kg and a
tipping load of 907 kg.
.
For more information visit
www.travisperkins.co.uk

A-PLANT WINS TWO PRESTIGIOUS FOUR-YEAR
CONTRACTS FROM THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY
A-Plant, one of the largest non-
operated equipment rental
companies in the UK, has been
awarded two prestigious four-year
framework agreements with the
Environment Agency, covering both
the hire of tools and equipment and
the maintenance and servicing of the
Agency’s existing fleet of equipment.
A-Plant is one of the three suppliers
on the hire framework and has been
awarded a single supplier framework
agreement for the management,
maintenance and servicing of the
entire fleet of powered hand tools
and powered work equipment at the
Environment Agency.
Erik Broderstad, Key Accounts Sales
Director for A-Plant, said: “The new
contracts with the Environment Agency
are high-status appointments, which
will utilise our wide range of expertise
in the tool and plant hire market in
the UK. Under the new maintenance
and servicing framework, we have
sole responsibility for assessing
and advising on the inventories of
equipment held at over 160 locations
in the eight regions of the Environment
Agency around the country.”
To establish the procedures to be
used in this important contract,
A-Plant is carrying out three pilot
projects in the Thames West, North
West North and Midlands East areas,
based in three of the eight regions.
A-Plant will examine every piece
of equipment and submit a report
to the Environment Agency on the
inventory held at each location in
these areas, the age and condition
of the equipment and proposals on
whether the equipment should be
repaired or replaced. This process
will then be rolled out to all eight
regions to produce a national report
for the Environment Agency.
This is the latest in a raft of key
account wins by A-Plant which
recognise the company’s commitment
to enhancing service and efficiencies,
reducing costs and administration
and eliminating wastage and non-
value added transaction processes as
measured against Key Performance
Indicators (KPIs).
A-Plant is part of FTSE 250 company,
Ashtead Group plc, the leading UK
machinery
and US equipment outsourcer. A- Environment Agency are to protect
Plant is committed to providing the and improve the environment, and
best hire service in Europe and this is to promote sustainable development.
reinforced by the company’s website The Agency plays a central role in
at www.aplant.com, which provides delivering the environmental priorities
a definitive range of online services of Central Government and the Welsh
for the equipment hire industry. Assembly Government through its
functions and roles.
Many A-Plant customers utilise
the reporting capabilities available
through the company’s Extranet For more information visit
accessed through the website. They www.aplant.com
can obtain consolidated information
for all transactions with A-Plant,
regardless of what equipment was
hired and which A-Plant location was
involved, presenting the information
by operating region and by postcode
for particular sites. The ability to offer
weekly hire reports and consolidated
invoices meet the latest requirements
for management reporting.
The Environment Agency is an
Executive Non Departmental Public
Body responsible to the Secretary
of State for Environment, Food
and Rural Affairs and an Assembly
Sponsored Public Body responsible
to the National Assembly for
Wales. The principal aims of the
fencing news August 2009 77
 fencing people

ConFor elects new chairman

Colin Mann and Tony Willis (left to right)
Colin Mann, managing director
of Scottish Woodlands, has been
elected as the new chairman of
ConFor.
“I am delighted to take over as
chairman and will serve members as
best I can. It is a challenging time
and there is a lot to do” said Colin.
“ConFor has built a track record of
success, but there are always new
challenges and opportunities that
need to be tackled.”
Colin succeeded Tony Willis at
ConFor’s recent AGM. Tony will
continue as an ordinary board
member and, in stepping down, he
paid tribute to all those who had
gone before him, especially those
who had the “foresight and courage
to find the way forward”, creating
ConFor in 2004. “I am leaving this
post with ConFor in good shape”,
he said “and I look forward to
working with Colin who will make
an excellent chairman.”
Other changes to the board included
Mike Box replacing Gordon Little
as the representative of ConFor’s
subsidiary company organising
the APF International Forestry
Exhibition. Additionally, as part of
changes to strengthen representation
of members on ConFor’s board,
Lord Hamilton, Athole McKillop,
Raymond Henderson, Tim Kirk and
Will Anderson all joined as new
directors.
ConFor’s vice-chairman, John
Firn, retired from the board at the
AGM after a long unbroken period
of service, first as chairman of the
Forestry and Timber Association and
then, following FTA’s amalgamation
with ConFor, as vice-chairman of the
new body. John was thanked warmly
for his commitment and valuable
contribution over the years. It was
agreed at the AGM that a successor
to the post of vice-chairman
would be identified once the new
board had had the opportunity to.
settle in.
For more information visit
www.confor.org.uk

ROLAWN APPOINT Rolawn appoint

AWBS AS KEY Joseph Parr as Key
DISTRIBUTOR Distributor
Rolawn, the UK’s largest turf with partners that share similar
Rolawn, the UK’s
largest turf grower grower and leading topsoil principles which is key to our
and leading topsoil supplier have appointed Joseph philosophy in our drive to build on
supplier have Parr (Middlesbrough) Ltd as a our market leading position.”
appointed Adrian Platinum Partner distributor
White Building for Teesside, Cleveland and
Supplies (AWBS) as surrounding area.
a Platinum Partner Established on Teesside in 1972,
distributor for Oxford Joseph Parr (Middlesbrough) Ltd
and surrounding is part of the Joseph Parr Group
area. of companies. Founded in 1883,
From its head office at the group has grown to be one of
South Hinksey, AWBS the top 20 independent builders’
stocks an extensive merchants in the UK.
range of landscaping Adrian White, Managing Director
Under the new agreement, Joseph
products, supplying AWBS, Scott Denham, Regional
Parr will stock the complete
trade and retail as well Sales Manager, Rolawn
Rolawn range that includes turf,
as providing a design, lawn seed and fertiliser, topsoil
installation and maintenance service. and bark. In addition a delivery
“We are extremely pleased to
It also has branches at Yarton, Henley service for both trade and retail
appoint AWBS as we have enjoyed
on Thames and Swindon. customers will also be provided.
a long standing relationship and the
Under the agreement, AWBS will agreement will result in opportunities Cedric McMillan, Rolawn’s
stock the complete Rolawn range for development. The agreement also Sales & Marketing Director
that includes turf, lawn seed and highlights our desire to develop long commented “We are extremely
fertiliser, topsoil and bark. In addition term relationships which is key to our pleased to appoint Joseph Parr
a collection and delivery service for philosophy in our drive to build on our as their reputation for quality
both trade and retail customers will market leading position.” and service is well known. The
also be provided. agreement highlights our desire Cedric McMillan and David
to develop long term relationships Anderson (fronm left to right)
Cedric McMillan, Rolawn’s Sales www.rolawn.co.uk
& Marketing Director commented

78 fencing news August 2009

 fencing pEople

In the Hot Seat

ADAM lynch
Name: Adam Lynch
Married/Children: Engaged
Position/Company:
Owner A.L. Farm and
Forestry Services
Previous Employment:.
I started on an open farm at
nine years old and from there I
progressed to a larger open farm.
Then when I left agricultural
college I did six months on a mixed
farm that also had a landscaping
business. From there I moved to
a dairy and beef farm and was
there through the foot and mouth
outbreak when that was over I
set up on my own. Having done
various bits of landscaping and
fencing work for others to fit in
with my own work since then.
What do you consider the main
issues effecting the fencing and
landscaping industry?
Cash flow, quality of timber
and the price the customer is
prepared to pay for Quality. A
major shortage of skilled staff that
want to work hard and stay in
the industry and cowboys taking
work off well established firms
and then doing substandard jobs
and bringing the name of the
whole industry into disrepute.
What’s been your best idea?
Setting up on my own
And your worst
Setting up on my own it a double
edge sword but it would be nice to
some times be able to just switch
off. It has been and still is hard work
some times to keep it all going!
What do you like about Fencing
and Landscaping News?.
It gives me all the news gossip and
updates from the fencing industry
that I need to run my business.
Favourite film:
Snatch and the lord of
the rings trilogy.
Beer or Wine: Cider and red wine
Favourite Food:
Roast beef with all the trimmings
Favourite saying?
I fear its ____________
If you were stranded on a desert
island what 3 things would you
take with you?
My fiance Katie, My grafting
spade and my estwing hammer
Newspaper you read: Garden News
Favourite sport:Rugby
Pound or Euro? 100% pound

New Chair appointed NEW DIRECTOR

for Lantra’s WELSH ADDS GALLIC FLAIR
Council for Wales TO GRIPPLE’S
AGRICULTURAL DIVISION
Lantra, the UK Sector Skills
Council for environmental and
land-based industries, has today (6
July) announced the appointment
of Lionel Walford as Chair of its
Council for Wales.
His appointment is part of a wider
initiative to ensure the Sector Skills
Council remains fully employer-
led, by strengthening Lantra’s
four National Councils across the
United Kingdom.
Lionel Walford, a recruitment and
performance assessor for a variety
of government departments and
former Director of Agriculture
in Wales, has many years of
experience in agriculture and
agriculture-related organisations.
Lionel Walford said: “I am very
pleased to be given this opportunity
to assist in the further development
of Lantra’s strategic role within
Wales. The environmental and land-
based sector makes a significant
contribution to the economy of
Wales and will play an increasing
role in ensuring Wales meets future
targets related to climate change,
countryside management, food
and energy security.”
Kevin Thomas, Lantra’s National
Director Wales said: “We are
pleased to welcome Lionel on board
as Chairman of Lantra’s Council for
Wales. His experience will ensure
we will continue to develop our
engagement with employers and
key partners within the sector and
identify innovative ways to assist
training and skills development
during what are for many, difficult
trading conditions.”
Peter Martin, Lantra Chief
Executive commented, “Lionel’s
appointment in Wales is the next
step towards strengthening the
role of our National Council. With
so many education, skills and
rural policy decisions now made at
country level, we need to be at the
heart of the whole decision-making
process and ensure the right policy
outcomes are adapted which
benefit the sector.”
With five years’ experience as sales
manager of Gripple’s agricultural
division in central and Eastern
Europe, 39-year-old Frenchman,
Eric Laroche has been promoted
to sales director of the company’s
entire agricultural division.
Eric was born in Joigny in Burgundy
and has lived in the UK since
1992, prior to which he had gained
a Masters degree in industrial
marketing in France.
He is now responsible for promoting
the newly launched Gripple T-Clip,
which is designed to terminate fencing
in seconds rather than minutes, and
the Gripple Torq Tensioning Tool.
He is also involved in identifying
additional uses of the Gripple Plus
wire joiner and tensioner, millions of the Gripple Plus! We are working
of which are already sold across the very closely with our innovations
world to secure fencing, trellising and ideas team to ensure that every
and vines. product is suited to its purpose. At
Gripple, our philosophy is ‘think the
Eric, who lives in Nottingham with
unthinkable, do the impossible and
his family, said: “There seems
you will succeed’.”
almost no end to the potential uses

fencing news August 2009 79

 BUYERS GUIDE To obtain an entry in the Buyers’ Guide (£94.00 +VAT per Year)
Contact Simone Gallon or Ben Walton on 01274 610 101.

ACCESS BARRIERS
Alexandra Security Products 0870 8501112 Sales Traffic barriers, parking posts,bollards and traffic flow plates
Procter Concrete and Fencing Products 0113 2862586 Jason Torvill Manual traffic barriers, bollards etc. www.fencingmaterials.co.uk
CHAINLINK FENCING
Anderton Concrete 01606 79436 Sales Office Chainlink to BS1722 and fittings
Crowthorne Fencing & Timber Suppliers 01234 273077 Sales Office EXTENSIVE RANGEOF ALL THINGS CHAINLINK – the solution provider!
Gaurdian Wire Ltd 0161 6246020 Sales Dept Full range of chainlink fencing
John Chirnside & Sons Ltd 01732 882 367 Sales Full range of chainlink fencing & gates
Procter Concrete & Fencing Products 0113 2862586 Jason Torvill Chainlink, posts, fittings, barbed wire, razor wire www.fencingmaterials.co.uk
CHESTNUT PALE MANUFACTURERS AND STOCKISTS
CWP Fencing 07985 298221 Colin Roots Chestnut materials and fencing, Sussex post and cleft rail
Estate Fencing Ltd 0142 4882888 Sales Dept Chestnut fencing and stakes
E. J Holmes & Sons Ltd 0162 2842797 Sales Dept Chestnut fencing and stakes plus panels and sheds
Manchester Chestnut 0161 7772314 Sales Dept MANUFACTURERS – ISO9002 – ACCREDITED
Torry Hill Farm 01795 830245 Sales Dept Chestnut fencing manufacturers, cleft post and rails plus stakes
Jon Walker Timber Products 0115 9655150 Jon Walker Please take a look at www.jonwalkertimber.co.uk
CONCRETE POST MANUFACTURERS
Anderton Concrete 0160 679436 Sales Office An extensive range of garden & security fencing
Crowthorne Fencing & Timber Suppliers 01234 273077 Sales Office Full range of posts, panels and bollards
FP McCann 01455 290780 Sales Full range of fence posts and gravel boards
Procter Concrete & Fencing Products 0113 2862586 Jason Torvilll Full range of Concrete Posts & Gravel Boards www.fencingmaterials.co.uk
Stockport Fencing Ltd 0161 4770010 Sales Full range of concrete posts and panels available. www.stockportfencing.co.uk.
.
01630 672722
Welch Fencing 01772 336476 Sales Full Range of concrete posts and panels available www.garden-fence-panels.co.uk
COLOURED STEEL FENCE AND LATTICE
Kookaburra Fencing Ltd 01638 508640 Sales Coloured steel fencing systems
Climar Colourfence Ltd 01594 544276 Sales Hi-tensile Zincalume colorbond steel. www.climar.com.au
CLEFT FENCING
Jon Walker Timber Products 0115 9655150 Jon Walker Cleft chestnut fencing www.jonwalkertimber.co.uk
Winterbourne Zelston Fencing Ltd 01929 459245 Richard Bower Cleft fencing materials
CRASH BARRIER SUPPLIERS
Alexandra Security Products 0870 8501112 Sales Armco and Boxbeam
D & C Fencing 0800 5424037 Connor O’Brian Suppliers of all Crash Barrier Supplies including Armco
G & T Evans 01686 622100 Sales www.gtevans.co.uk
CREOSOTED FENCING AND TIMBER
Batsford Timber Ltd 01985 219555 Sales www.batsfordtimber.co.uk.
.
01608 651096
Calders & Grandidge 01205 358886 Sales www.caldersandgrandidge.com
HFS Timber 01604 581444 Sales www.hfstimber.co.uk
H J Webb & Son 01793 783879 Jez Webb www.webbswood.co.uk
DECKING AND ACCESSORIES
KDM International Ltd 01473 276900 Sales Importers, Stockist and Distributors of Deck boards, Spindles, Newels, Handrails .
and Joists
Smee Timber Ltd 01606 55 55 00 Sales Hardwood and Softwood Decking www.smeetimber.com
ENGLISH OAK SUPPLIERS
A & J Scott Ltd 01668 217288 Ian Barfoot Cut Oak beams, suppliers of all grades of Oak round timbers www.ajscott.co.uk
D & C Fencing Contractors 0800 5424037 David Fisher Suppliers of all Crash Barrier Supplies including Armco
John Brooke Ltd 01664 823103 Sales All oak fencing and beam requirements
Corwen Forestry Timber Products Ltd 01490 440316 Sales All oak fencing and beam requirements
A.J Charlton & Sons 0137 3812521 Sales All oak fencing and beam cut to required sizes
A Hingley & Son Ltd 01773 550055 John Hingley All oak fencing requirements
Linnell Bros Ltd 0132 7857217 Roger Linnell All oak fencing requirements
Morgan Timber 0163 4290909 Sales Dept All types, sawn or machined, from our sawmill
Nelson Butler & Son Ltd 01507 523451 Carl Butler Cutting Fencing, Joinery & Beam Oak, from our own sawmill
Jon Walker Timber Products 0115 9655150 Jon Walker www.jonwalkertimber.co.uk
EUROPEAN FENCING SUPPLIES
Ashley Timber 01274 832700 Sales Office Importers and distributors of European timber products. sales@ashleytimber.com
KDM International Ltd 01473 276900 Sales Importers, Stockist and Distributors of Screen, Gates, Lattice and Border panels
FITTINGS, TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES
British Gates & Timber Ltd 01580 291555 Sales Office All types of fittings, tools and accessories available
Corwen Forestry Timber Products Ltd 01490 440316 Sales All types Available
Crowthorne Fencing & Timber Suppliers 01234 273077 Sales Office The Solution Provider!
Procter Concrete & Fencing Products 0113 2862586 Jason Torvill Fence and Gate Fittings www.fencingmaterials.co.uk
Garden Furniture and Structures
KDM International Ltd 01473 276900 Sales Importers, Stockist and Distributors of Softwood Furniture, Arches and Pergolas
GENERAL FENCE MANUFACTURERS
Alexandra Security Products 0870 8501112 Sales Full range of fittings, tools and accessories
Akinsons Fencing 01977 550 441 Sales All types of timber fencing www.atkinsonsfencing.co.uk
British Gates & Timber Ltd 01580 291555 Sales Office High quality pressure treated fencing available
Charles Ransfords Sawmills 01588 638331 Sales Dept Domestic, agricultural and highways fencing. Specialist acoustic suppliers. .
www.ransfords.co.uk
Corwen Forestry Timber Products Ltd 01490 440316 Sales Full range of pressure-treated fencing
Derek Fox & Sons 01772 784626 Sales One stop suppliers and gate manufacturers. www.derekfoxtimber.co.uk
Gaurdian Wire Ltd 0161 6246020 Sales Dept All types of fencing available
GWR Agricultural Fencing Suppliers 01939 234880 Sales Traditional and peeled treated fencing
IAE Fencing 01538 755888 Sales Office Full range of standard & bespoke steel fencing
John Brooke Ltd 01664 823103 Sales Full range of pressure-treated fencing
A.E Evans 0197 8710455 Sales Office Machine rounded and traditionally peeled treated fencing
Western Log Group 0163 9896715 Tony Evans Pressure treated fencing
Carron Bridge Sawmill 01848 331661 Sales Office Full range of fencing slats and materials
Jon Walker Timber Products 0115 9655150 Jon Walker www.jonwalkertimber.co.uk
Stewart Timber Products 01236 727776 Sales Office www.stewartfencing.co.uk
Calders & Grandidge 01205 358866 Sales Office Residential, Agricultural, Highways Fencing – pressure treated
M & M Timber Co Ltd. 01299 832 611 Sales All Types of fencing available www.mmtimber.co.uk
Taylormade Timber Products Ltd 0191 3720524 Sales Wide range of Fencing components, including posts, rails, boards, feather edge,.
cappings & Panels www.taylormadetimber.co.uk
Watson Engineering 0113 3935522 Johnny Scott www.watsonengineering.co.uk
Home Offices, Lodges, Cabins and Garages
KDM International Ltd 01473 276900 Sales Importers, Stockist and Distributors of Scandinavian and European Home offices, .
Lodges, Cabins and Garages
HURDLES
Chairworks 0208 2473700 Sales Office All types of garden products. Mainly hurdles, trellis & other types of borders
IAE Fencing 01538 755888 Sales Office Traditional steel hurdles & continuous bar
KDM International Ltd 01473 276900 Sales Importers, Stockist and Distributors of Willow and Hazel Hurdles
LABELS AND TICKETS
Links, Labels and Tapes 01778 426282 Janice Scott Plain and printed labels and tickets for rough sawn or planed timber. .
Plus on-demand overprinting systems for variable data.
LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES
Crowthorne Fencing & Landscaping Suppliers 01344 885451 Sales Office Paving rockery and aggregate supplies
Crowthorne Fencing Timber Suppliers 01234 273077 Sales Office Paving, aggregates, sleepers and lots more
Listers Timber 01777 228 219 Sales www.listerstimber.co.uk
M & M Timber Co Ltd 01299 832 611 Sales All types of Landscape products www.mmtimber.co.uk
LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE

80 fencing news August 2009

 BUYERS GUIDE
Leightweight Solutions Ltd 0161 4770010 Sales Litecrete® full range of posts and gravel boards available. www.litecrete.co.uk.
.
01630 672722
ONE STOP SUPPLIERS
Batsford Timber 01985 219555 Sales Stocks of post, mesh, gates, railings, fittings .
.
01608 651096
Corwen Forestry Timber Products 01490 440316 Sales All fencing and landscape requirements
Crowthorne Fencing and Landscape Suppliers 01344 885451 Sales Office All fencing and landscape requirements
Crowthorne Fencing and Timber Suppliers 01234 275077 Sales Office Massive range – extensive stocks
Estate Sawmills 01274 487882 Michael Calvert Garden & agricultural fencing materials and decking. www.estatesawmills.co.uk
Marthall Tree Products 01565 650526 David Godsmark All fencing and landscape requirements
Procter Concrete & Fencing Products 0113 2862586 Jason Torvill Full range of materials for the Fencing Contractor www.fencingmaterials.co.uk
Timberstore Ltd 01494 671921 Ian Caldwell Every type of fencing IMAGINABLE!
Jon Walker Timber Products 01159 655150 Jon Walker www.jonwalkertimber.co.uk
M & M Timber Co Ltd 01299 832 611 Sales Quality British Timber. A range of products second to none. www.mmtimber.co.uk
Listers Timber 01777 228 219 Sales www.listerstimber.co.uk
Watson Engineering 0113 3935522 Johnny Scott www.watsonengineering.co.uk
PANEL AND SHED MANUFACTURER
Crowthorne Fencing and Landscape Suppliers 01344 885451 Sales Office Lap panels, thick boards and European screens and trellis
Golden Larch 01703 812411 R Giddings Quality British timber fencing panels, trellis & gates
Lewis Tyler and Sons 01707268 523 Alan Tyler Fencing Panels, timber gates, pressure trtd sftwd fncg
Listers Timber 01777 228219 Sales Fencing Panel manufacturers and Concrete Post suppliers
Meades Sawmills 01989 562162 David Sainsbury Quality fencing panels etc. home grown tmbr creosoted
Clarke Fencing Timber 01745 860228 Peter Clarke Quality timber, gates and sheds of all descriptions
Jon Walker Timber Products 01159 655150 Jon Walker www.jonwalkertimber.com
STOCK FENCE – HIGH TENSILE AND MILD STEEL
Corwen Forestry Timber Products 01490 440316 Sales Full range available
Crowthorne Fencing and Timber Supplies 01234 273077 Sales Office We’re fully wired up!
PANEL AND SHED MANUFACTURERS
WSK Fencing 0800 4488299 Sales Picket Panels
PLANNING CONSULTANTS
Acorus World Property Services 01977 682313 Iain Skinner The national rural property planning specialists www.acorus.co.uk
POST AND GRAVEL BOARD MANUFACTURERS
Procter Concrete & Fencing Products 0113 2862586 Jason Torvill Full range of Concrete Posts and Gravel Boards www.fencingmaterials.co.uk
Welch Fencing 01772 336476 Sales Full Range of Post and Gravel boards available. www.garden-fence-panels.co.uk
POST DRIVERS, POST HOLE AUGERS AND DIGGERS
Auger Torque Europe Ltd 01451 861 652 Sales www.augertorque.com
Bryce Contractors 01573 440314 Jock Bryce SUMA & VECTOR machines – five quality high performance machines on offer.
.
07970 730567
Corwen Forestry Timber Products 01490 440316 Sales Full range available
McArthur Group 01179 430500 Cyclone Dept KingHitter post drivers & spares and accessories
Microplant 0870 321 0256 Sales Full range available www.awmachinery.co.uk www.microplant.net
M.W. Plant Sales 01279 771803 M. Wilson SKIDSTER tractor & mini digger auger drive units
Wrag UK 01889 590275 Sales www.wrag.co.uk
PVCu FENCING MANUFACTURERS
Duralock Performance Fencing 01608 644988 Sales Office All types of pvcu fencing available www.duralock.com
Liniar 01332 883800 Sales Durable, low maintenance styles suitable for many applications. www.liniar.co.uk
Supalite Fencing 01977 689111 Sales Quality Plastic Post and Gravel Board Manufacturers www.supalitefencing.co.uk
SECURITY FENCING MANUFACTURERS
Alexandra Security Products 08708 501112 Sales Steel security fencing, anti-climb devices, pipe clamp
Brennans TCS Ltd 01236 725077 Office All types of security fencing available
C and W Fencing 01255 871300 I Kettle All types of fencing, gates, railings, ironwork
Guardian Wire 01616 246020 Sales Dept Full range of security fencing available
IAE Fencing 01538 755888 Sales Office Full range of mesh & railing systems
J.B. Corrie & Co 01730 262552 Maurice Hickman Steel security fencing
John Chirnside and Sons 01732 882367 Sales Steel security fencing
Orsogril UK 0131 441 1255 Sales Office Grating fences, mesh, louvred, stainless steel, railings, ballparks and gates
Loaninghill Fabrication Ltd 01506 858466 David McGowan All types of Security Fencing, gates, railings and ironwork
L M Bateman & Co 01538 361 326 Ian Darlington Palisade, bowtop vertical bar & mesh systems www.lmbateman.co.uk .
.
07801 303764
Procter Concrete & Fencing Products 0113 2862586 Jason Torvill Wide range of Security Fencing and Gates. www.fencingmaterials.co.uk
Steel Stud 01803 316161 Nigel Atkin Palisade Security fencing. D&W Profile Fencing all to BS
William Bain Fencing 01236 457333 Sales Manufacturers of Lochrin Palisades,plus gates,rails & safety barriers
NINS Trading (UK) 01656 842 400 Sales Manufacturers of Security Steel Palisade Fencing www.nins.co.uk
Watson Engineering 0113 3935522 Johnny Scott www.watsonengineering.co.uk
SOFTWOOD SUPPLIERS
A & J Scott Ltd 01668 217288 Ian Barfoot Sawmill producing quality fencing & landscaping timber. www.ajscott.co.uk
Balcas Timber 02866 323003Ireland Sales Office All types of sawn fencing, square & round. Nationwide. .
.
01606 737507 UK
Batsford Timber 01985 219 555 Sales Full range of round & sawn timber, plus special orders.
.
01608 651096
John Brooke 01664 823103 Sales All types of sawn and round timber pressure-treated
BSW Timber 08005 878887 Sales www.bsw.co.uk
Corwen Forestry Timber Products 01490 440316 Sales All types sawn and round FSC registered
Chairworks 02082 473700 Office All types of garden products. Many hurdles, trellis & other types of borders
Crowthorne Fencing and Timber Supplies 01234 273077 Sales Office Full range of timber components & carcassing
ETC Sawmills 01691 622441 Sales Dept Fencing materials. All n/w delivery
Ellis Timber 01603 755321 Mervyn Ellis All types of sawn timber/OSMOSE pressure treatment
A.E. Evans (Rounda) 01978 710445 Sales Office Machine rnd/half rnd peeled, sawn timber
R.F. Giddings 02380 813157 R Giddings www.rfgiddings.com
GWR Agricultural Fencing Supplies 01939 234880 Sales Round and half round peeled timber. Sawn and machined timber
James Davies Ltd 01239 682 477 Sales All types of sawn timber and both peeled and machined round timber.
.
01269 850 689
Linnel Bros 01327 857217 Roger Linnell Sawn mach & round timbers. Panels gates and fittings
Gwyddelwern Sawmills 01490 412241 Haydn Best Brit quality. Waney edged slats, battens, caps & feather edges
Lewis Tyler and Sons 01707 268523 Alan Tyler Fencing panels, timber gates, pressure trtd sftwd fncng
M&M Timber 01299 832611 Sales Dept Unipost machined rond & half round fencing
Charles Ransfords Sawmills 01588 638331 Sales Dept Complete range of general fencing and specialist machined materials. Nationwide delivery. .
FSC registered. www.ransfords.co.uk
Scanland UK 01519 222254 Sales Suppliers of pallet and fencing timber
South Bucks Estates 01494 671921 Ian Caldwell All types of sawn and round fences
Swan Timber 01892 611673 Andy Swan All sawn timber, peeled & machine rounded, contract (pressure) treatment
Western Log Group 01639 896715 Robert James Peeled and machined turned fencing & sawn timbers
Walford Timber 01989 563614 Gerry Smith All sawn fencing, stakes, gates, pressure treatment
Jon Walker Timber Products 01159 655150 Jon Walker www.jonwalkertimber.co.uk
Victoria Sawmills 01395 568060 Sales www.victoria-sawmills.co.uk
Calders and Grandidge 01205 358866 Sales Office All types of sawn timber
James Davies (Abercych) 01239 682477 Sales All types of sawn timer – pressure treated
A.J. Charlton & Sons 01373 812521 Sales Treated softwood fencing – buy direct from the sawmill for best prices
Taylormade Timber Products Ltd 0191 372 0524 Sales Every size of Sawn Softwood machined pressure treated. www.taylormadetimber.co.uk
STEEL GATE MANUFACTURERS
Alexandra Security Products 08708 501112 Sales All types of steel gates, rising arm barriers
C&W Fencing 01255 871300 I Kettle All types of gates, railings, fencings, iron works
IAE Fencing 01538 755888 Sales Office All types of steel swing/sliding gates

fencing news August 2009 81

 BUYERS GUIDE
J.B. Corrie & Co 01730 262552 Maurice Hickman All types of steel gates, fencing & general fabrications
John Chirnside & Sons 01732 882367 Sales All types of steel gates, fencing and general fabrications
Procter Concrete & Fencing Products 0113 2862586 Jason Torvill Hinged, Tracked Sliding and Cantilever Sliding Doors www.fencingmaterials.co.uk
Specialist Fencing UK 01519 334011 P Farrell www.specialistfencing.co.ukTELEGRAPH POLES
Timb-a-Haul 01603 754781 Graham Froud English oak beams, any size
Calders & Gradidge 01205 358866 Sales Office Extensive range of softwood poles – pressure treated
Watson Engineering 0113 3935522 Johnny Scott www.watsonengineering.co.uk
TEMPORARY FENCING (PLASTIC)
Liniar 01332 883900 Sales Easy to assemble Pickett style. www.liniar.co.ukTEMPORARY FENCING (STEEL)
Guardian Wire 01616 246020 Sales Dept Full range including MESH panel systems
TIMBER GATE MANUFACTURERS
British Gates & Timber 01580 291555 Sales Office High quality timber gates – all types, manufacturing for over sixty years
John Brooke 01664 823103 Sales Timber gates of all descriptions
A.J. Charlton 01373 812521 Sales Craftmanship and perfection in all types of gate
Corwen Forestry Timber Products 01490 440316 Sales Timber gates to your requirements
Crowthorne Fencing & Timber Supplies 01234 273077 Sales Office Full bespoke service available
Gatecraft 01245 401078 A Wright Timber gates of all description
Lewis Tyler & Sons 01707 268523 Alan Tyler Fencing panels, Timber gates, Pressure trtd sftwd fencing
Suffolk Gate Co 01284 388399 Hugo Corrie Timber gates of all descriptions
John Walker Timber Products 01159 655150 Jon Walker www.jonwalkertimber.co.uk
Calders & Grandidge 01205 358866 Sales Office Timber gates soft/hardwood. Bespoke service
TIMBER RAILWAY SLEEPERS
A. Hingley & Son 01773 550055 John Hingley New railway sleepers any quantity – nationwide
A & J Scott Ltd 01668 217288 Ian Barfoot Sawmill producing New Softwood Sleepers
John Brooke 01664 823103 Sales New railway sleepers of all size
Corwen Forestry Timber Products 01490 440316 Sales All sizes – new sleepers
Crowthorne Fencing & Timber Suppliers 01234 273077 Sales Office New/Used. Hard/Softwood sleepers.
James Jones & Sons Ltd 01324 562241 Sales Office New, first quality, mixed softwood or redwood landscape sleepers
M & M Timber Co Ltd 01299 832 611 Sales All Types of Railway Sleepers www.mmtimber.co.uk
Sleeper Supplies 01302 888676 Sales New/Used. Hard/Softwood sleepers. www.Sleeper-supplies.co.uk
South Bucks Est. 01494 671921 Ian Caldwell 8’ 6 x 9’’ x 6’’ pine sleepers
A. Hingley & Sons 01773 550055 John Hingley Hard/Softwood sleepers.
Jon Walker Timber Products 01159 655150 Jon Walker www.jonwalkertimber.co.uk
Calders & Grandidge 01205 358866 Sales Office New and Landscaping sleepers in soft and hardwood
Timber Playground CentrEs
KDM International Ltd 01473 276900 Sales Importers, Stockist and Distributors of Timber Playground Centers
TIMBER PRESERVERS
Batsford Timber 01985 219555 Sales Tanalised E pressure treated timber, creosoted treatment also available.
.
01608 651096
John Brooke 01664 823103 Sales Osmose Green/Brown & wax
Calders & Grandidge 01205 358866 Sales Office Pressure treatment creosote and Green/Brown to SS4
Corwen Forestry Timber Products 01490 440316 Sales Pressure Treatment Green/Brown
A.E. Evans (Rounda) 01978 710445 Sales Office ARCH oxide BS4072/5589
Fleet Timber Supplies 01945 881221 Sales Permawood Pressure Treatment. Green/Brown. www.deckingeastanglia.co.uk
Linnel Bros. 01327 857217 Roger Linnell Pressure treatment Green/Brown
Postsaver Europe Ltd 0845 6434089 Richard Sadler Tough dual layer sleeves that prevent ground rot in fence posts. www.postsaver.co.uk
Pressure Treatment Services 01536 373806 Sales Office Pressure treatment Green/Brown solvent
Charles Ransfords Sawmills 01588 638331 Sales Dept Pressure treatment Green/Brown to BSEN Standards, Sector Scheme 4, HA Specification
South Bucks Est. 01494 671921 Ian Caldwell Green/Brown to British Standards
Western Log Group 01639 896715 Robert James Pressure treatment to BS4072/5589
Jon Walker Pressure Treatment 0115 965 5150 Jon Walker Pressure treatment to British Standards. Green, brown and Double Vac.
WJ Timber Treatments 01482 338 950 Mark Eggleston Green/Brown and Double Vac.
VEHICLE SAFETY FENCE SUPPLIERS
Ashton Plant Hire 01902 661151 Rick Ashton ARMCO Safety fences, new or secondhand
D & C Fencing Contractors 08005 424037 David Fisher All safety fences, new or secondhand including ARMCO
WIRE PRODUCT MANUFACTURERS
Proctor Concrete & Fencing Products 01132 862586 Jason Torvilll Welded mesh and Chainlink rolls, mesh panel fencing
J & H Rosenheim 01270 585959 Debbie Fencing ring clips, tool, staples, BS443, Stainless Steel etc.
TRAINING
Rodbaston College 01785 712209 Training for Fencing Industry, Fencing NVQ’s and Legislative Requirements NPTC, .
.
City and Guilds and Lantra Courses
TQ Exel Ltd 01934 750066 Training Dept. Training many Lantra Sector Schemes including general, boundary and vehicle safety .
.
fencing NVQ’s, CITB plant, City & Guilds streetworks and alth & Safety Courses. .
.
E-mail: enquiries@tqexel.co.uk

To obtain an entry in the Buyers’ Guide (£94.00 +VAT per Year)

Contact Simone Gallon or Ben Walton on 01274 610 101.

82 fencing news August 2009

 ww fo
r
w. more
ed
wa infor
rd mat
str ion
ail
er visit
s.c
o.u
k

Moor Lane, Full Sutton, York, YO41 1HX

Tel: 01759 373062 / 01759 368563 (evening)
Fax: 01759 372929
Web: www.edwardstrailers.co.uk