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How to get the most out of your Multifix trial

If you are reading this article, you have likely agreed to start a trial period with Multifix. Naturally, this is great news and we want you to know that we are here for you.   Our designated customer service team and account managers will be in constant dialogue with you, of course, but we really want you to fully maximise your trial with us.   Of course, we’ll be putting in the work behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly for you. That goes without saying.    However, there are a couple of things you can do to really get the very most out of your service with us, which is ultimately what we want.   In this article, we will highlight these things and explain how they can really give you that full Multifix experience.   Make the most of the portal onboarding guides  There is a good possibility that when agreeing to trial with Multifix, you would rather conduct your business with us over the phone, or by email.   Of course, that is absolutely fine. If that is the case, then we will of course work with you on that and you can maybe disregard this bit.   If you are looking to do the bulk of your ordering online though, then you are going to want to become good friends with our customer portal.   Here, you can do a whole variety of things, including setting up requisitions, tracking your order and making a list of approved items for your team.   However, before diving in headfirst, it is wise to look at our portal onboarding guides, so that when you do opt for the portal, you are fully prepared.   We have three different portal onboarding guides, depending on what your role is. There is one for super users and office managers, one for site managers and one for site operatives.   As all of these types of users have different permissions, it’s important to get to grips with the guide that is best suited for you.   That way, when it does come to using the customer portal, you’ll know what to do, what you can and can’t do and how to get things up and running.   Get to know the team  Whether you’re using the portal or not, one thing we really value here at Multifix is relationships. We want to get to know you on a first-name basis and we want to know about you.  This is because if we have a relationship with you, it just makes everything easier. Our customer service team and account managers are always polite and courteous anyway, but getting to know you better just makes everything smoother.   You will have a dedicated customer service agent and an account manager to contact as standard, but these people are all extremely personable.   We believe that if you are made to feel valued and have people who genuinely care about you and your business, your experience is going to be a lot happier.   No-one likes being treated like a number, which is something we go out of our way to avoid making you feel like. It’s cold, it’s impersonal and it can be very off-putting.  We take a lot of pride in our customer service and how we treat our clients, so getting to know those working with you will help you get the full Multifix experience.   Extracting the most from your trial  Once your trial period with us is up, we want to have given you the best possible service so that you stay with us afterwards.   But regardless of that, we want you to have the full Multifix experience when you commit to a trial period with us.   With these two tips, you should be able to have that full experience during your trial period, which we hope will lead to a longer relationship.   After your trial period will be a trial review meeting. You can find out what happens at that trial review meeting here.  

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Article
How to ensure you’re getting a reliable delivery service

Whether it’s in construction, or in fact in any industry, it’s imperative that you have a reliable delivery service. You need supplies to do the job, so if your supplies don’t show up, the ramifications can be huge.   In construction especially, time is very much money. Without the products you need, projects can be delayed and the knock-on effects of that aren’t good, to put it mildly.   No contractor is going to enjoy having to explain delays. They are especially not going to be happy explaining delays when they’ve ordered something in good faith that it’ll arrive on a certain day at a certain time and it does neither.   However, these fears can be alleviated if you have a reliable supplier. We like to think that we are one – indeed, our own van delivery success rate is 99.3% - and with 30 years’ experience, we’ve picked a few things up along the way.   The things we have listed are things that we do ourselves, as we want to make sure that when you order with us, you have everything you need.   With that in mind, for this article, we are going to highlight some of the things that all reliable suppliers should be offering you. If they aren’t offering you these things as standard, then it may be time to reconsider who your provider is.   Being able to track your order  As a general observation, people are curious. They are also especially curious when they order things and want to find out when it’s going to arrive.  Not only is this because they need the goods in question, but it allows them to adequately prepare for when that delivery will be. A valued delivery provider will try to have your construction goods delivered before 12, but sometimes you need specifics.   When you can track your order, to the point you can pinpoint an estimated time of arrival, you can prioritise things accordingly depending on your project.   It allows you to be more time-efficient, as you can rearrange your work schedule to get things done in the meantime. Once you have your goods, you can resume what part of the project you need them for.   Having the option to be able to track your order though is very important. You’d expect it from Amazon, you’d expect it from Tesco and you should expect it from your construction supplier, too.   A heads-up that your order is about to be delivered  Let’s say that you’ve tracked your order and you can see that it is coming at 9am. You’re flat out at work, so you get on with the job and forget that the order is coming, because you’re so preoccupied with the project.   Then, you get a phone call from the driver. You’re told that your order is 10 minutes away and you’re asked to come out and pick it up.   In the event you can’t pick it up, you can explain where exactly you want it to go, so it doesn’t get lost, misplaced or damaged. Equally, you can get someone to meet the driver to pick up the goods.   Above all else, a phone call is just a common courtesy. It keeps you in the loop, allows you to plan more efficiently and if it’s a regular driver, even strike up a relationship with them.   This is a fundamental part of reliable service as, much like with anything in the world, communication is key.   Picture proof that your item has been delivered safely  Using the above as an example, let’s say you’ve asked the driver to leave your goods in a designated area and you’ll collect them later.   You then check your order and see that a photo has been added, not only showing proof of delivery, but also identifying exactly where it is.   Few things are more annoying than finding out your item has been delivered, but there is no picture to prove that.   It’s even more annoying when you then have to take time out of your day to hunt down exactly where it’s been left, with no way of contacting the driver.   As such, you should always be of the belief that your supplier is taking photos after dropping the goods off, especially in the event no-one can pick them up instantly.  A signature sign-off for every order  Lastly, sometimes you just need to know with certainty that the items you’ve ordered have turned up safely.   We’ve all heard and endured horror stories of companies saying something has been delivered when the reality is something very different entirely. It’s a dispute you don’t need and it’s time wasted.   As such, one thing you should always hope is that your supplier can provide a signature upon arrival rule with their delivery service.   This also adds accountability on your end, too. If you can’t sign off for whatever reason, you can see exactly who has. This also helps if you’re trying to hunt down the goods when you do need them.   Having the option to give a signature also allows you a brief period of time where you can assess whether the order is correct. Sometimes mistakes can happen, so if you can clock it early, that’s a bonus in an otherwise bad situation.   Making sure you get the very best from your supplier  We all know the importance of deliveries. Businesses rely on them to get things done, so if they’re having difficulties with their deliveries, then something needs to change.   If you are not having these four factors in your deliveries, then you should be asking why not. You should especially be asking this in the event your deliveries aren’t reliable.   The things we’ve listed should be seen as standard for delivery, but as we stated earlier, these are all things that we do ourselves.   If you would like to get in touch with a member of our team to discuss our delivery options, then you can do so here. Alternatively, if you’ve enjoyed this article and would like to see what else we have, you can see our article home base here.  

Read more → 5 min read
Article
Multifix – more than a family business

2023 is very much a landmark year for Multifix, as we celebrate our 30th anniversary. It’s fair to say we’ve come a long way since 1993 when our origins as a family business were formed.   However, the term ‘family business’ can come with negative connotations. They can be seen as unprofessional, lacking innovation and shut off to outsiders.   We accept that this is a stereotypical view of family businesses, however, we believe that we are something more than that.   We believe we’ve worked hard to quash those suggestions and really, we wouldn’t have been going for three decades had we not.   As such, the modern-day Multifix is a professional enterprise that services many different sectors, but has family values at heart.   This article will explain how we have developed over the last 30 years and how we are much more than a stereotypical family business.   Multifix is a place for everyone  The first stereotypical suggestion we will denounce is the notion that family businesses aren’t welcoming to others who aren’t in the inner circle.   We are very proud to have a team from all backgrounds working for Multifix, most of whom have been with us for many years.   It’s a great source of pride that our staff turnover for our Maidstone office is very, very low. The people we have want to work here and that makes a huge difference.   This extends to our warehouse in Barking too, with several people who have been working with the company for 15-20 years or more.   We have worked extremely hard to make Multifix a place for all, irrespective of background, with the hope that our employees stay with us and buy into our ambitions.   In fact, we even have a few staff members dotted across the globe, with some residing in Bulgaria and South Africa.   The family values are also customer values  When it comes to family values, you look after each other. You communicate well, you build up trust and provide.   Those are the same things we carry into our business, albeit in very different ways to a family life. We have put many measures in place for our own-van delivery to be as strong as possible and it currently has a 99.3% success rate.   You have the ability to track your order through the portal, while our drivers will call you when they are nearby to let you know your parcel is ready.   We have a highly trained customer service team, who are always happy to take your call, be it for product advice, to take an order or to provide information.   So, those core family values of trust, care and providing are all fundamental staples of how Multifix operates in the present day.   Multifix is a truly professional environment  No matter where you look at Multifix, be it at the warehouse or the office, you’ll find people who are trained and experienced in the roles they offer.   We are also a company that loves giving people a chance and training them, as per our apprentice scheme, but without a professional culture, none of that would matter.   The way in which we operate openly encourages professionalism in every aspect. This extends to keeping with the times, as we have a dedicated Innovation Manager to ensure we stay ahead of the curve.   Some of our staff members have been experts in their respective fields for decades, all of which are invaluable to us as we continue to progress with each year.   Going strong for 30 years and counting  Getting to the 30-year milestone is certainly a cause for celebration and for several different reasons. Not only does it highlight that we’ve achieved longevity, but it also emphasises how much we’ve grown in that time.   From an idea by two brothers to the company that we are today, the 30-year landmark is a true recognition of both our professionalism and innovation.  Had we operated solely as a family business, we wouldn’t have achieved what we have, or be where we are.   One of the things we have learned throughout our 30 years is to have a strong focus on sustainability. You can find out more about that here.  

Read more → 3 min read
Article
Three issues of working in the winter months – and how to fix them

Working in the winter is never fun. You’re leaving for work when it’s dark, coming home when it’s dark and the British weather is just a nightmare.   It’s cold, it’s wet, it’s windy and the halcyon days of British Summer Time feel a world away. If you’re working on a site, all of this is amplified by 100.   It’s one thing dealing with the above issues when you’re working indoors, but it’s a different beast entirely when you’re tasked with construction.   Sadly, it is impossible to mitigate all of the issues of working in the winter months fully, however, there are a few things you can do to help.   Most of these solutions come from external heat and light. No-one can control the weather or get Mother Nature to turn the thermostat back up, so having these appliances on a site will help.   In the interest if objectivity, we will state now that we supply both external heat and light options. However, that is not why we are writing this article.   In this article, we have picked three of the key problems when working in the British winter. In addition, we have suggested some solutions to combat them.  Problem one – safety issues  People tripping over things or slipping over can happen at the best of times, of course, but incidents are more likely in the winter.   With snow, rain and ice playing a part as the temperature gets colder, it’s little wonder the risks are much higher. No-one wants to suffer an injury from slipping over.  As such, it’s naturally very important to ensure that the area is kept as safe as possible. One way of dealing with this is by having external light sources, so people can clearly see where slip areas are.   Ironically, this can cause another potential slip risk with the cables, but having a well-lit area should be of the utmost importance. Visibility is key to construction sites, so having some unnatural lighting in place to keep sight clear can only be a good thing.   When the winter snap really kicks in, removing snow and ice from the site needs to be imperative too. However, this also needs to be treated with caution.   Shovelling snow isn’t a fun task and for those who maybe aren’t in the best shape, this can be dangerous.   The cold can make it harder to catch your breath after physical activity, so those who may consider themselves unfit should be careful. As such, great care needs to be taken with this, before grit is applied to keep the site safe.   Problem two – staying warm  We all feel the effects of the cold differently; the sight of a Premier League footballer wearing gloves with a short-sleeved shirt is proof of that.    However, while there are some with a grin-and-bear-it type of attitude, prolonged time spent in freezing conditions is dangerous.   The risks of hypothermia or frostbite in freezing conditions are no joke and are very real. There’s also a risk of tissue damage to forcing your way through in the cold as well.   One solution to this is wearing more PPE. Gloves especially are important, but it’s equally as important not to wear too much PPE in case you lose mobility.   As bizarre as it is to say, you can be over-protected from the cold and that can have an impact on your work capacity, too.   One solution to the cold is to have a designated warm area with portable heaters. This can breathe much-needed life into your hands and give you some time to recharge.   Also, having access to hot drinks is important for the cold. Whether it’s tea, coffee, hot chocolate or just hot water, having something warm to sip and to keep hands warm is always good.   Problem three – equipment performance takes a hit  One of the more frustrating aspects of construction in the winter is the tools you’re using themselves. This is especially relevant for carpenters, who are frequently using nail guns.   It’s no secret that in the cold, nail guns can be very difficult. They start to misfire more and they don’t seem to have as much power at times.   This is because the gas cell needs to be warm before use. As such, a frequent sight is of carpenters rubbing gas cells with their hands in an attempt to warm them up or taking them out from their pockets.   This is also where having a designated warm area can help. In the instance of the gas cells for the nail guns, you’d be able to get some heat into it first before going out, thus limiting any malfunction.   Naturally, we would add here that you don’t put a gas cell directly in front of a portable header, but being in a warmer environment will help it.   In addition, you may have building materials that need to be warm before use. Having a designated warm area can allow them to thaw first, thus saving time and resources trying to get it sorted.  In essence, this would be the same for any tool or material that needs some heat into it before use. By simply having a set area for warmth, output can still be very high, even in adverse conditions.   Another solution, especially in the case of nail guns, is to fire empty nail guns at 40 PSI. This will warm up the tool nicely before use, while using antifreeze tool oil for other pneumatic tools is also very helpful.    Winter construction is very challenging, but solutions can be had   Ultimately, there is a reason why most construction projects are done in the other three seasons of the year than winter.   It’s much easier, much safer and much more efficient. However, sometimes needs must and while working on a construction site in the winter can be daunting, things can still get done.   The importance of external lighting and heating cannot be underestimated, as having both in operation can help a lot.   Whether it’s keeping you warm or providing you with visibility, both solutions can really have a huge impact on safety, well-being and productivity.   Indeed, the purpose of this article is to keep you safe in challenging conditions. If you need any site heating or lighting, click here for heating and here for lighting. If you’ve enjoyed this article and want to see what else we have for you to read, you can find our article home base here.  

Read more → 5 min read
Article
Customer portal onboarding guides

Whether you’re intrigued by the portal or are having issues with it, we’re here to help. We have compiled three guides for different end users, all of which are designed to help you fully understand the portal.  The first one is for superusers and office managers. This is for those who have the most access to the portal’s features, especially in the case of superusers, who have full access to everything.  The second is for site managers. This is for those who have the second highest (or third, if you count office managers) level of access on the portal.  Finally, the third is for site operatives. This is for those who are in the thick of the action and with time of the essence, need to get things sorted without hassle.  Should you have any further questions about the portal though, please feel free to get in touch with us. You can book a meeting with us here. 

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Article
The Multifix customer survey – why we do it and why it’s important

To coincide with our 30-year anniversary, we are once again running our annual customer survey. This is something very important to us and your feedback really matters.   But why does it matter, you might ask? What about your feedback is so important? And why do we even do it?  The short answer is that your feedback helps us to be a better company. One that listens, one that cares, one that can service you.   The longer answer is somewhat more detailed than that, so in this article, we will explain why we do the survey and why your feedback matters.   The Multifix customer survey – what actually is it?  The Multifix customer survey is something we do every year and in it, we ask you to be completely honest with us.  We will ask you to give your feedback on our service, our delivery, your user experience on the website, how you find the portal and much more.   With this feedback and knowledge, we can then find areas that we can work on and improve, subsequently making our service better for you.   How exactly has it helped Multifix?  As a prime example, let’s look at the survey from 2022. In this survey, there’s a lot we wanted to know, but we especially wanted to know how you prefer to order.   While we were very proud to launch the portal, we knew that not everyone would be a fan of technology, so we wanted to see what you thought.   The results we got were vital for us, as they highlighted that while people were using the portal, there was still a sizable percentage who preferred a traditional way of ordering over the phone.  We were never planning on taking that option away, but the knowledge helped us. It allowed us to further focus on how our customer service team can assist and if there’s anything we can do better.   It also told us that the initial portal user experience was really good and really useful, which we have tried to expand upon in the following months.   As well as this, we got to find out more about the challenges you face and how you view our responsiveness to your concerns. All of this was vital for our growth.   What can I expect from this year’s survey? For 2023, we are being much broader with the questions we would like you to answer. By that, we mean there are more areas we’d like your thoughts on.   The questions you can expect to answer are related to our service, how you came to use us as a supplier, how we’re different and how we could improve.   As we are seeking to build and grow, we want to be the best Multifix that we can be. That means listening to all of your comments, good and bad, with the intention of learning from them.   As such, we’d love you to be as honest as possible. We’d like you to really expand on your points, so the questions you’ll be answering will be mostly open ones.   In terms of the questions themselves, they will all be directly related to our performance and things you’d like to see from us in the future.   We really feel that with you answering these types of questions in detail, we can be a better supplier for you.   What’s in it for me?  We wouldn’t expect you to just do this because you’ve got a spare few minutes! All those who partake in the customer survey will have a chance to win a £10 Amazon gift card.   There will be 22 winners, so one for every working day in November! All 22 of our lucky winners will be emailed directly to inform them of their prize.   If you’re wondering why 22 seems oddly specific, it’s because we are giving away 30 different prizes to celebrate our 30th anniversary!  The other eight are comprised of three £50 Devliveroo vouchers, which are distributed at random every Friday in November to anyone who spends £250 or more on the portal.   Then there are two £50 M&S gift cards, which can be won by visiting the Protecta stand at London Build 2023.  Finally, there are three opportunities to win a £50 M&S gift card and all you have to do is engage on our LinkedIn page!  Where can I take part in the customer survey?  Right here! By following this link, you can participate in our survey.   We can’t wait to see your feedback and we would like to thank you in advance for doing the survey, as you will help us grow as a company by doing so.  

Read more → 4 min read
Article
Does Protecta have tested details for using graphite on the FR Board?

When working with firestopping at any point, you will only be using products that have been regulated for the project at hand. This is for safety above all else, but it does mean that you have enquiries as to what is approved and what isn’t for certain tasks. One of our more recent queries relates to the Protecta FR Graphite and whether it has tested details for use with the FR Board. The answer to that question isn’t quite as cut and dry as you’d maybe hope. In short, it has tested details for use with metal and copper pipes, but it doesn’t yet for plastic pipes.   For those unaware, a tested detail is a certification that demonstrates the product is safe to be used for firestopping. In this article, we will fully explore the answer and explain the situation, what Protecta are doing about it and what could come next. It is also worth noting that we are partners with Protecta, but will remain objective. What exactly is FR Graphite and why is this important? Protecta’s FR Graphite is a firestopping solution that goes around pipes. The graphite expands to 40x its original size in the event of a fire, which effectively cuts off the pipe supply. This, in turn, protects you, as it stops smoke from coming through the pipe. The tested details for use with the FR Board are important as the graphite can be used with all types of pipes within walls. This includes cPVC (plastic), metal and copper pipes. In fact, graphite is advised for such projects. As such, some may understandably assume that graphite is fine for dealing with pipes within an FR board. However, that is not necessarily the case. Why can’t I use FR Graphite on cPVC pipes in an FR Board? The simple answer is that Protecta hasn’t found a way to get a tested detail yet. However, given recent events, it might not be too much longer until they do. In August 2023, Protecta revealed that they had found a way for the graphite to be used with “penetrating insulated metal pipes” with the FR board. According to Protecta, the EI fire rating varies depending on the type of insulation used, the diameter and the type of pipe. The EI fire rating itself judges integrity and insulation. So, while plastic, or cPVC, pipes currently aren’t compatible with the graphite, metal and copper pipes are. Is there a set date when this might change? At this moment in time, there is not. However, as mentioned above and given how frequently Protecta upgrades its own products, it’s likely on their agenda. Protecta constantly seeks to improve and upgrade its products, be it from a functionality standpoint or from a technical one; i.e., new ratings. Given the Protecta technical team will have likely been fielding the same enquiry, there’s a good chance they’re already working on ways to achieve the assessment detail. As mentioned though, there is currently no estimated time as to when this might happen, so it’s important for you to factor that in when purchasing. Is there anything else I need to know? Not at this moment in time, no. Hopefully, though, you’ll at least be more aware as to why you can’t use the FR Graphite with an FR board for a cPVC pipe yet. However, if something is to change, then we will update this article accordingly and inform you. Given the way Protecta operate, it may be sooner rather than later! If you would like to speak to a member of our expert team to discuss the FR Graphite or the Protecta range, you can get in touch with us here.  Alternatively, if you would like to see why Multifix has partnered with Protecta, you can read this article to find out more.

Read more → 3 min read
Article
Five different types of DPC (and what Multifix stocks)

Damp-proof course membrane, also called DPC, is very important for people who work in brickwork. Ultimately, it prevents dampness and stops moisture from rising through and without it, the structural integrity of a building is at risk. We care about your building’s safety, so we’re proud to sell Visqueen DPC, which is known as the best in the industry. We have five different types to choose from and each one has something unique to offer.  However, having five types can be confusing. If we’re asked on the phone “Can I have some DPC?”, we naturally follow that up with “What type?” and in some instances, you’re not fully sure. As such, we have put this article together to go through the five core types of DPC, which are the five that we stock. Come to the end of the article, you’ll know exactly what we can offer and what that type of DPC can do for you. 1. Standard DPC Ideal for small extensions or for garden walls, polythene DPC – or standard DPC – requires little maintenance and is water resistant. It is also highly durable, in that it has a very high resistance when it comes to degradation. If installed properly, you won’t have to worry about dampness impacting the property. It does have limitations in that it isn’t ideal for houses, but for smaller projects, such as an extension or a conservatory, it’s a go-to product. Multifix stocks polythene DPC from Visqueen in a number of different measurements, all of which come in a 30-metre roll. The measurements that we stock are 100mm, 150mm, 225mm, 300mm, 450mm and 600mm, which will all cover a wide range of smaller projects. 2. House grade DPC If you are working on a bigger project, then house-grade DPC is likely to be right for you, as it can be used for all residential housing projects. House-grade DPC is also very handy if you need something for sleeper walls that lie underneath a ground-floor construction. A perfect example of this would be a beam and block floor system. Our DPC range for house grade isn’t quite as big as it is for polythene DPC, but we still have three options for you to choose from. These are either 100mm, 450mm or 600mm, with all three options coming in a 20-metre roll. The pricing for this type varies slightly, too. The 100mm costs £9.54, the 450mm costs £42.91 and the 600mm costs £57.21. List prices shown are ex. VAT. You can see our house grade range here. 3. High-performance DPC (Zedex) The industry standard itself, the high-performance DPC from Visqueen, which is also referred to as Zedex, is what you’re likely to be working with.  Much like the house grade, it can be used on all residential housing projects, but there are a few things that make it stand out. The biggest difference between Zedex and house-grade is that ZX is radon gas-resistant, achieving a BBA 94/3059 rating.   It can also be used with Visqueen radon membranes to further protect from gas, but it’s part of the Visqueen Low Permeability Gas Membrane system. This means that it has been proven to offer gas protection to NHBC Amber 1 requirements. In addition, it’s also extremely tear-resistant and very strong. Furthermore, and perhaps most importantly, it can be used for masonry applications. This includes commercial buildings up to and including three-storey buildings.  It can also be used to construct a cavity tray in cavity wall construction. You can read our summary of the November 2022 NHBC Technical Guidance here. There are five different sizes of Zedex DPC that we stock, which are 100mm, 150mm, 225mm, 450mm and 600mm. Much like the house grade, it comes in a 20-metre roll. You can see the full Zedex DPC range here. 4. High-bond DPC Much like the Zedex DPC, high bond can be used for a number of masonry applications. These include residential and commercial up to and including three-storey buildings. However, what makes the high-bond DPC stand out is the way it bonds with the mortar. The mortar bonding is at its best with high-bond DPC, which is good for several reasons. The better the bond with the mortar, the better the waterproofing, the better the durability and the better the structural integrity. As such, high bond DPC has a lot of purpose and is very popular for good reason. We do list high bond DPC, however as it’s rather unique, it’s something you’d have to call up for to arrange a purchase.  5. Non-combustible DPC Lastly, if you need a type of DPC that will help you reach A2 fire classification, then Visqueen’s non-combustible DPC is your answer. It is designed for use for cavity wall construction and it can be applied in residential, commercial and multi-storey buildings. This also includes structural framing and is the most premium type of DPC that Visqueen offer. This is because of its non-combustible nature, as fire-preventing DPC is of high value. Much like the high-bond DPC, we do list it, but it’s not something you can buy from the website. If you are looking to purchase, you’ll need to do so by phone. Visqueen DPC to cover all grounds The main reason for putting this article together was to show you exactly what kind of DPC that we can provide you with. Whether it’s a conservatory or a three-storey building, we have a type of Visqueen DPC that can help you with your project. We can help you if you’re in a hurry too, as we offer next-day delivery on our DPC range, just so long as you order before 4pm. To find out more, whether it’s about pricing or other DPC-related questions, you can get in touch with us and our expert teams here. In any case though, it’s important that your brickwork supplier has what it takes to meet your needs. Find out what two things you need to look for in a brickwork supplier here. 

Read more → 5 min read
Article
What to expect at a Multifix trial review meeting

Within one to three months of Multifix supplying one or some of your sites, you’ll now know how we operate and what we’re like to work with. However, once that time is up, it’ll be time to make some decisions. As you’d have been made aware at the start of your trial run, a review meeting will be at the end of it. But what happens in this review meeting? What should you be preparing yourself for? Furthermore, what is the point of it? The short answer is that the review meeting is important as it determines the next steps for you and us. Come the end of it, we’ll both have a clear view of what comes next. As such, we have put together this article for you to help you go into your review meeting with 100% transparency of what to expect. We don’t want you to feel there are any hidden surprises or anything like that, so we hope this will help you. The point of a trial review meeting In short, the point of the trial review meeting is to determine whether or not you want to use us as a supplier moving forward. By this stage, we would have been regularly providing your supplies for one or more sites, so we would also expect and welcome any feedback on how we have performed. We want to hear your thoughts, whether they're positive or negative. We’ll use your feedback to improve our service, so please be completely honest during this meeting.  The meeting itself, much like the introductory trial meeting, will likely be conducted by one of the business leads and the Head of Sales and Marketing.  There is a possibility different personnel will be there, but it’s unlikely to be someone you’ve not met before. What happens if I want to keep Multifix as a supplier? Many clients want to keep working with us after the trial period. If that’s you, what will happen next is a continuation of the meeting, which will work out the logistics of this. We would understandably be keen to know whether you would want us to be your exclusive supplier, or whether we’d be sharing your business with another supplier. You can read an article on the pros and cons of splitting your business or using one supplier here. In addition, we would also provisionally map out the sites you would want us to be delivering to in the near future. In order for us to really give you the service you need, we feel this is an important step. Ultimately, we want to be fully aware of what you’ll be looking for in advance so that we can prepare accordingly. And what happens if I don’t want to keep Multifix as a supplier? Occasionally, clients in the trial period won’t want to keep us on as a supplier. If that’s the case for you and if you don’t wish to keep us on in any capacity after your trial, then we’ll both shake hands and move on accordingly. We would also thank you for giving us a try and for allowing us to help you with your site projects and keep the door open for a change of heart in the future. In the event you choose not to go with us though, we would like some detailed feedback on your reasonings. As we said earlier, this is for our benefit so we can take the criticism onboard and be better as a result of it. If there is something that has happened that we can improve upon, then we will naturally take the chance to do so. What happens if I need more time? In the event that you need more time after one to three months, unless told otherwise, we would safely assume something is going right. Even after a prolonged spell, it can be hard to know whether you’re making the right choice. As such, if you still aren’t fully sure or just need more time to think, we’ll continue working with you as a split supplier. If you would like this to change either way, then you can do so by either arranging a meeting or just letting us know by email. By this time, you’d be well versed with our staff members in your particular sector. They will very gladly hear your reasons one way or the other, when you are ready to make a decision. Prioritising your needs at the decision stage We hope that after some time with our service, you’ll choose to stick with us, but naturally we can’t guarantee that. That is why this meeting is so important, as in the event you don’t want to continue, you have a get-out clause if you like. However, in the event you do want to stick with us, the groundwork we can lay for the future will come out as a result of this meeting. To find out more information about the trial process, or to arrange one, you can get in touch with us here. Also, if you would like to see some of our customer testimonials, you can find those on this link. 

Read more → 4 min read
Article
The two main factors impacting on-site wastage

Wastage is a problem that has consistently plagued carpenters and keeping a lid on it can be tricky. In fact, if you’re working on a large project with 250 people, it can be very tricky. Here’s a stat for you. As per our sales data for Q1 and 2 for 2023, 33% of a carpenter’s fixings spend on average is on nails.  Whether it’s Paslode or Fischer, a third of your fixing spending will be on nails to get the job done. However, nails are also one of the biggest reasons for on-site wastage. This happens when half-full boxes are left in the rain, or strips of nails are just left on the floor. Knowing you have to spend more than planned to replace those products can be infuriating. As such, we have spoken to you about the problems faced in the field and have compiled an article outlining the two biggest examples of waste. While we may not have the perfect solution ourselves to fix these examples, we’ll offer helpful advice to cut your wastage percentage down. We may also have a few possible solutions ourselves. As and when we feel appropriate, we will suggest something that we offer that we feel could help.  Problem one – nails As mentioned above, nails are a huge potential contributing factor to waste on site. To help you visualise this, we’ll use the example of boxes being left out in the rain or seeing strips spread over the floor. If half a box is left lying on the floor or out in the rain, assuming a full box has a list price between £72-80, that’ll cost you around £35-40. Now, to some, that might make you go, “oh that’s not too bad. Just a round at the pub, I can deal with that.” Now apply that scenario to every box, where half of it is unusable for various different reasons. And picture that the overall fixings cost of the project was £100k. Out of that £100k, £33k would’ve been spent on nails, as per our data. If half of that has been wasted, you’ve essentially launched £16,500 into a bonfire. Not such a small sum now, is it? It’s worth noting that nail wastage is much easier to control on smaller sites and smaller projects, where there are fewer of you. The accountability level is much higher, as there are fewer people to manage. With a bigger project, however, it can be very difficult to keep track. Unsurprisingly then, this is when you’re most likely to see nail wastage. Solutions There are a few solutions, but sadly they are rather vague. Suggesting things like ‘only order what you need’ falls flat in the event someone misplaces a box of nails and you have to order a replacement anyway. That being said, it would allow a layer of accountability – even on a bigger project – as you’d likely know exactly who has the box. One possible idea is to have a QR code on everything and scan each item in and out with your phone. Some apps, such as PlanRadar or QR Tiger, could be a solution for you. The caveat to that is that it’s another cost and it would take some time to put a QR code on every product. However, if the pricing options cost less than what you’re frequently losing, it could be worth the time and outlay. Problem two – inventory shrinkage It’s a hugely difficult topic to discuss, but unfortunately, one that does happen with some regularity. Much like nail wastage, this is much more pertinent on bigger projects, but it remains a big issue. Generally speaking, out of a spend for a project, 95% will go towards labour. If you’re managing 10 people, the opportunity for shrinkage is naturally a lot lower, as there’s more accountability. However, as mentioned, the issues arise on bigger projects, when there are say, 250 people. These people aren’t necessarily loyal to your company, so some won’t have many issues taking items home and using them for other jobs. Naturally, this comes at a financial cost to you. Not only will you have to order things again, which can include very expensive products, but you likely won’t have any idea who has taken them. As such, shrinkage is a huge issue and one that can be especially detrimental to your budget. Solution Unlike nail wastage, there is more that can be done to limit shrinkage. The QR code option is also a possibility, but there are also other methods that can prevent things from being stolen. One possible solution is our customer portal. With the portal, we have a number of options that can limit the possibility of shrinkage. For a start, requisition orders can be policed or controlled by someone in the office. This then allows the Senior Manager to sign off, rather than letting site workers just order what they want on your card. You can also edit requisition requests, which prevents over-ordering and allows you to spot those who could be doing it. The portal also has a start and end date for your project, so you can mentally know how much should be spent around that sort of time. We can also provide you with detailed, monthly reporting on your spending. This allows you to see what’s being spent to the penny, so if there is anything odd, you can spot it and act accordingly. All of this contributes towards shrinkage as it gives you more control over what is being spent. With that, you can then hold your team to account more if something goes missing. Dealing with on-site wastage Managing these two problems can be very difficult. Even when putting in the most stringent of countermeasures, they can still happen. We know site managers fine those who contribute to wastage and fire those who contribute towards shrinkage, but it’s difficult. While we don’t have all the answers, we do believe that the portal can help you keep a firmer grip to prevent both. To find out more about the portal and what it can offer, you can read this article. Equally, if you would like to speak to one of our expert team to talk through the portal in more depth, you can do so here.

Read more → 5 min read
Article
Top three Ancon products (and what we stock at Multifix)

If the structural integrity of a building isn’t strong enough, the most extreme possibility is collapse.  Therefore, it cannot be stressed enough how vital the structural integrity of a building is; especially a high-rise building. Ultimately, it’s safety on the line. Without structural integrity, the damage possibilities are huge. In addition, the harm to your reputation for a poorly constructed high-rise would be catastrophic for you. Other legal issues could come from that, which will likely lead to fines or lawsuits. The building itself would lose value and residents may have to be evacuated while it gets sorted. All of this hassle, all of this financial expense and all of this reputational damage can be avoided if the right materials are used in the first place. This is one of the reasons we insist on stocking products of good quality, to prevent this issue. It’s also one of the reasons we stock Ancon products. Ancon’s products are renowned for their quality and above all else, for being trustworthy and reliable. In this article, we have cherry-picked our top three Ancon products and explored how they can help you. 1. The Ancon 25/14 channel system The 25/14 restraint system is designed to fix the outer leaf of brickwork onto a light steel frame. It can do so through any type of insulation. By doing so, it secures and stabilises the brickwork in a building. This in turn stops the brickwork from failing, in addition to stopping things like cracking or movement. The system comprises three parts: the wall ties, the high-thread fixing screws and the compression sleeves. The high-thread fixing screws are self-drilling and they go straight through the channel and insulation into the steel. The maximum combined insulation and backing board thickness is 220mm, while any insulation board that goes with it has a maximum thickness of 180mm. Multifix can deliver all three components for the 25/14 channel system; you can find the wall ties here and the fixing screws here. The compression sleeves are made to measure, but we can get them for you with some advanced information. As we mentioned earlier, Ancon products are renowned for their quality and they are more than happy to back that up. If you install a 25/14 channel system, you will have a 60-year warranty for that. 2. Ancon AMR Masonry Reinforcement If you need to strengthen masonry panels without thickening the wall, then the Ancon AMR Masonry Reinforcement is ideal. A fabricated steel reinforcement system, the Ancon AMR Masonry Reinforcement is located in the bed joint to bolster it. To make sure there’s always good mortar cover, even when used with wall ties or lapped, the longitudinal steel wires have been flattened. It also meets the requirements of BS EN 845-3:2003, which gives peace of mind as that rating is an NHBC requirement when it comes to bed joint reinforcements. The widths come in either 60mm, 100mm, 150mm or 175mm and are designed for use with wall widths from 100mm to 215mm. The Ancon AMR Masonry Reinforcement comes in packs of 20 and you can see our whole range for the product here. 3. Ancon IHR-V Internal Head Restraint The Ancon IHR-V Internal Head Restraint serves as a method of securing the upper part of internal walls, or the upper section of the inner leaf in a cavity wall. Designed with a sealed front to prevent mortar from entering, the stem channel is also able to allow for vertical movement between the blockwork and the structure. The restraint is made up of two parts – a moveable top section and a stem. The standard length of the sliding top section can accommodate a 50mm gap, however, extended sections are available. The extended sections will go to 75mm, which is very handy if you’re looking to incorporate a firestopping solution at the top of the wall. In addition, it’s useful if you’re expecting more deflection inside the floor. As for the stem, it’s perfectly suitable for a 215mm high block. If you are working on a taller block, then it is possible to request IHR stems that can do the job. However, it might not be possible to get a stem for a gap exceeding 40mm above the block. You can purchase the Ancon IHR-V Internal Head Restraint (IHR-V) here. Get the best Ancon products to help you As we said earlier, the structural integrity of a building must be not only kept but also protected. It is for that reason that we stock Ancon, as we really believe that their products will do a lot more than just tick a box. We only have a limited range of Ancon products for now, with a focus on the essentials, but we are looking to grow that. We will be the first to let you know when we add more products to the range. If you would like to see our Ancon range, you can do so here. However, whether you choose Ancon or another manufacturer, you will need a good brickwork supplier to get the job done. Find out what to look for in a brickwork supplier here.

Read more → 4 min read
Article
Is Multifix the right fit for you?

In the world of construction, it’s very important that you have a supplier whom you can trust, who is reliable and who understands your needs. After all, not having the right construction supplier can lead to many problems.  Above all else, it can be hugely detrimental to your work. Not having items turn up on time – or at all – can be costly, in more ways than one. At Multifix, that is where we step in. With speed, reliability and a personal touch at the heart of what we do, we have been supplying the construction industry for 30 years and counting. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that we are right for you.  Obviously, as a business first and foremost, we love having new customers onboard to supply the products for their projects. We love helping new people, seeing the progress you make and knowing we’ve been a small part of that along the way. But, we don’t cater for everyone. There was a time when Multifix tried to service nearly every sector, but we found we couldn’t provide the best service by spreading ourselves so thinly. Now we are more focused and can really tailor our solutions to our customers’ needs.  With that in mind then, here is an explanation of who we believe we’re a good fit for and who we aren’t. Who is a GOOD fit for Multifix? If you’re a:  specialist carpentry,  brickwork, or firestopping or refurbishment contractor then we absolutely can help you with whatever you need. This is especially the case with the three mentioned. Whether it’s first and second-fix carpenters or housebuilders, our products and service can be a great asset for you and your company. When it comes to carpentry, brickwork and passive fire, we specialise in these sectors. We have dedicated teams allocated to each industry to help you not only get the best service, but the best products for the job. If you work in refurbishment, we don’t cover that as broadly, but we still do have speciality areas we can provide for. The reason why we don’t cover it in as much depth is because we don’t have the product range for it. If you’re based in London or the south-east especially, we really can be of use. We have a 5pm cut-off time for our own van next-day delivery, with a fleet of our own drivers nearby to get your goods to you quickly. If it’s outside of our reach and going nationwide, it’s a 4pm cut-off time and we will send a courier. You can see a full breakdown of where we deliver to here.  Who is a BAD fit for Multifix? The short answer would be anyone that hasn’t been mentioned, as we don’t stock the specialist range of products the sectors need to complete projects. However, that is a slightly flawed response, as while we don’t have a full range of stock for the other sectors, we do still supply some products of note. One exception to this though, is mechanical and electrical. We simply don’t have the correct range of stock for that sector, as we’ve discontinued many of our mechanical and electrical product lines, so we are not a good fit for companies in that realm. When it comes to groundwork contractors or RC frame workers, we also don’t have the range. We do offer resins and basic hand tools, but we don’t supply much more beyond that for that industry. It’s a similar story with management-only main contractors. We do supply a wide range of PPE, which you can find out more about here, but the clothes and helmets are all unbranded. When it comes to clothing, we only offer non-branded items of PPE. The only slight exception to the rule is with the dry-lining sector. Unlike the others mentioned, we do have a wide range of fixings available for dry lining. We don’t have the more specialist items, but we do have a strong supply of dry-lining fixings. We also stock some metalwork, but the caveat to that is that, much like the PPE, it’s all unbranded. We also don’t stock British Gypsum, which we know can be a deal-breaker with the dry-lining sector. Factoring in everything, we are perhaps more of a partial fit for dry-lining, but not quite a round peg in a round hole. Making sure Multifix is right for you One of the main points of this article is that we don’t want to let you down. We don’t want you to waste your time asking us for products we don’t stock, for sectors we don’t cater for. It may mean we get fewer calls or emails as a result. However, if it means the ones coming in are from people who know we’re a good fit for them, that’s in everyone’s best interests. We take great pride in what we have achieved in the carpentry, brickwork and passive fire sectors, in addition to refurbishment. If you would like to browse our range, you can do so here. Equally, if you wish to speak to one of our expert teams about an upcoming project or anything else, you can do so here.

Read more → 4 min read
Video
Quick Set Up | Site Manager Guide

This is the first video in the series for the super user & office manager portal onboarding guide. See full guide: https://multifix.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/MultifixSharePointSite/Documents/EYpLt6wosqZNowqRkSIFYxIB8TvHqMgc0hA-yST-ZeQhZg?e=bTVqd2

Read more → 3 min watch
Video
Quick Set Up | Super User & Office Manager Guide

This is the first video in the series for the super user & office manager portal onboarding guide. For the full guide, download here: https://multifix.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/MultifixSharePointSite/Documents/EbLHnngZoclMo-oKzdv7V7EBeP3t9uNzAydqeQQID8gzQg?e=I01wme Contact us: 020 3248 4086 or [email protected] Book a demo here: coming soon.

Read more → 3 min watch
Article
Why has Multifix partnered with Protecta?

The passive fire protection sector is home to many outstanding companies. All of these offer revolutionary and life-saving solutions, which is hugely important.  In a strange way, that makes choosing the right one difficult. While there’s a lot of choice, you want to pick one that’s best suited for you and your needs.  As such, one question we get quite regularly is “Why have you partnered with Protecta? Why don’t you supply other fire-stopping products as well?” There are several reasons why we chose to partner with Protecta in late 2021 and it’s a decision that we believe has been an exceptional one. After reaching out to us because of our service, we’ve not looked back and it’s been a hugely productive relationship. In this article, we will highlight three of the main reasons why we wanted to partner with Protecta and how they can help you with your projects.  We want to give you full transparency as to why we’re doing what we’re doing, so this is one method of doing so.  1. We feel Protecta’s product testing is superior While the saying “if you stand still, you fall behind” is certainly true in most walks of life, it is especially pertinent in the PFP sector.  As such, Protecta are continuously testing to make sure they stay ahead of the curve when it comes to new regulations. Protecta has a dedicated testing facility in Norway, which is frequently used as they seek to add as many ratings as they can. In addition, they also regularly carry out tests at Warrington Fire. Whether it’s European Technical Assessments (ETAs) or CE-marked ratings, Protecta uses its testing facilities to the maximum to make its products as safe as possible.  In fact, every single Protecta product is CE-marked and all of them come with their own ETAs and UK Certificates of Competency (COCs).  2. Protecta are constantly developing their products Following on from testing, the development of Protecta’s products is continuous. As mentioned above, the company are always seeking to add additional ratings, thus making them safe in other aspects.  The result is that Protecta ends up with a host of innovative products, all of which comply with various fire ratings. Perhaps the most notable recent example is the 80mm FR Board. This has been developed to the point it outperforms some competitor products. The 80mm board has a 160kg density, but the FSi, Quelfire and Nullifire fire boards have a density of 140kg. This means that the Protecta board is sturdier, but it also makes it easier to cut as a result. As a rule of thumb, the denser the board, the easier it is to operate. That being said, some do prefer a lower-density board due to its flexibility when it comes to fitting into openings. However, the Protecta board will be easier to work with.  It has that improved aspect because Protecta is always working on upgrades, which is also why we have partnered with them.  3. Protecta’s technical support is outstanding As we have touched upon in our ‘The two key problems with technical support in the PFP technical sector’ article, we believe Protecta’s technical support is exceptional. Whether it’s providing assessment details with good communication, or being able to test something for you, Protecta is always on hand.  They aim to respond to all queries within 24 hours and if they can do an assessment detail, the wait time is generally three to five days.  Given time can be of the essence, having that kind of technical support on hand is a huge plus. In addition, the level of training Protecta provide is very good.  The training doesn’t cost anything and Protecta experts can be at your office to teach, or you can have access to them at an external site.  Besides doing product training, the Protecta experts excel elsewhere, too. They can also deliver RIBA-accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) seminars, which are useful.  We believe you can benefit from using Protecta While we try to be impartial and unbiased when we write articles, on this occasion it’s slightly different as we’re explaining ourselves.  Ultimately, the three things we’ve listed are all things we believe set them apart from what is a very competitive field.  We mentioned other fire-stopping contractors earlier. We know they have outstanding offerings that can very comfortably give you what you need.  However, we feel that Protecta’s offering is something that suits us and more importantly, can suit you as installers.  If you would like any further information about Protecta or its product portfolio, you can get in touch with a team member here. Equally, if you would like to read more about Protecta, you can find out more about their FR Acrylic here. 

Read more → 4 min read
Article
Polymer adhesive showdown: Stuck-It Extreme vs. the CT1

There are several things to factor in when picking what polymer adhesive to use. Cost, performance, what’s in it, smell…a lot of boxes must be ticked before deciding. It’s an important decision as it’s imperative that whatever polymer adhesive you use doesn’t lead to snagging. Snagging can cause you a lot of issues, which is inconvenient, to put it mildly. The last thing you’ll need is to spend more time fixing something that could’ve been done right the first time of asking. When time is money, this is an extra task you don’t need. As such, getting the right sealant is crucial. This is one of the reasons why Multifix opted to own-brand the Stuck-It Extreme. A premium performance polymer adhesive and sealant, it’s been used by you for many a project with great effect. In fact, it’s certainly proved popular with you as it’s on our top five most popular Multifix own-brand products list. However, it is not the market-leading product and nor would we pretend it to be. That honour lies with the CT1, which – like the Hoover – is so good that it’s the go-to name for polymer adhesive now. But how does it compare to the CT1? Can it match it in performance, can it beat it on price, is there anything it can do differently? Those are the questions we will be looking at for this article, as we explore the pros and cons of both products and how they fare against each other. While we own-brand the Stuck-It Extreme, we will be objective in our comparison. What are the pros for the CT1? The CT1 is a solvent-free polymer adhesive, which is UV resistant and can work in both wet and dry conditions. It doesn’t shrink after application, it’s weather resistant and it is also odourless. In addition, it is extremely resistant to chemicals and vibration, which makes it ideal for areas with lots of traffic or heavy winds. It is also fast curing and has a high-strength grab. What makes it very handy though is that it comes in a plethora of colours. You can get the CT1 in nine colours, including white, clear, black, beige and grey. There is no difference in cost for a different colour either, which is very useful. It has also acquired certification from the Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association. This further emphasises how safe it is to use in a household. And the cons of the CT1? The cost of the CT1 is significantly higher than either version of the Stuck-It Extreme. In fact, the clear Stuck-It Extreme is less than half the price of a CT1. Given that the CT1 is seen as the market leader, it’s possible these prices are set because of that. However, that isn’t especially helpful when you can get two similarly performing cartridges for the same price as one. With the CT1, you do get an excellent, brilliantly marketed product that has many strengths and can be used on a variety of surfaces. But that comes at a cost. We aren’t just talking about £1 or £2 difference, either. It’s either 41% or 55% more expensive than the Stuck-It Extreme, which is a big difference. What about the pros of the Stuck-It Extreme? The Stuck-It Extreme can do everything listed in the first two sentences for the CT1 pros. Performance-wise, there really isn’t a great deal between the pair and that is something that has taken a lot of effort. The main pro for the Stuck-It Extreme is its price tag. There are two variants of the Stuck-It Extreme that you can buy; white or clear. The white variant has a list price of £6.23 ex. VAT, while the clear version has a list price of £8.14 ex. VAT. Both cartridges are 290ml, which is the same as the CT1. For context, a 290ml cartridge of CT1 has a list price of £13.80, so the cost difference between the two is very notable. And what cons does the Stuck-It Extreme have? Unlike the CT1, the Stuck-It Extreme only comes in two colours – clear and white. In addition, the clear one has a higher list price than the white one, with a £1.91 difference between the two. By contrast, the CT1 has nine different colours and they are all priced the same. While the clear Stuck-It Extreme does cost more to make, it is a jump between the two and can be seen as off-putting. The lack of aesthetic choices does present a problem as well, which is a problem the CT1 doesn’t have, thanks to its wide selection. Finally, the mere fact it’s a competitor can be seen as a con, due to CT1’s brand superiority. As we touched upon earlier, no-one refers to a vacuum cleaner as that – they just call it a Hoover. It’s no different with a polymer adhesive, which people subconsciously refer to as a CT1. Shaking that is difficult as people want products that have stood the test of time for years. How do I choose between the two? The things we mentioned at the start of the article – performance, what’s in it and smell – are all pretty even. Both are solvent-free, both have very high performance levels and both are odourless. Choosing between the two will come down to two things; your budget and the materials you’re working with on your project. If you are working with something with a brown, oak or beige-coloured surface, then you can get a better aesthetic fit with the CT1. However, if price is your primary concern, then you can get a similarly performing product in the Stuck-It Extreme for much less than you’d pay for a CT1. If you would like to find out more about the Stuck-It Extreme, then a member of our expert team would be happy to assist you. You can find out how to do so here. Equally, if you would like to look at purchasing it, you can do so here.

Read more → 5 min read
Article
Why does Protecta FR Acrylic cost more?

When it comes to passive fire protection, the product price isn’t the be-all and end-all. The main thing that matters is safety, which you can’t put a price on.  However, if you can get a product that can keep people safe for cheaper, we understand this is a path you’re likely to take.  But, if you can get all the standards and proven quality, we believe that is worth a bit extra. That is why Multifix stocks Protecta’s FR Acrylic as, even though it costs more, we believe it’s worth it. Why do we believe it’s worth it, though? Why is the higher price justified? Why shouldn’t you just go with a cheaper option that does the same thing and is as safe? Those are some of the questions that we’ll be looking to cover in this article. We’ll explain why we value it the way we do, what it’s capable of and why it might be right for you. What is the price of Protecta FR acrylic? There are two versions of the Protecta FR Acrylic that we sell. The first is the FR Acrylic 310ml Cart 4Hr Intumescent Sealant, which has a list price of £3.06 ex. VAT. The second is the FR Acrylic 310ml Cart 4Hr Intumescent Pure White, which has a list price of £4.06 ex. VAT. The difference between the two is that the cheaper one is off-white, whereas the more expensive one is pure white. The pure white one is a better fit if cosmetics are a factor, as it’s not as obvious on the surface. Aside from that, it’s the same product. In addition, we also sell two foils to complement the FR Acrylic. The Eco-Foil is designed to reduce waste on-site, as you simply put the foils into the empty cartridges. Multifix stocks the 300ml and 600ml foils, which have list prices of £2.77 and £4.51 respectively, ex. VAT. How much more expensive are FR Acrylics compared to competitors? The answer ranges from a little bit, to quite a bit. The list price of the Quelfire QuelStop 310ml costs £2.95 ex. VAT, while the Nullifire FS702 310ml list price is £3.35 ex. VAT. Meanwhile, the FSi Pyrocoustic 310ml has a list price of £2.15 ex. VAT.  Equally, the Pyroplex Intumescent Acrylic Sealant costs £2.09 ex. VAT and the FS4 Fireshield AC Intumescent Acrylic costs £1.94 ex. VAT. It is worth noting that we do not stock any of these products.  As such then, only one of the five mentioned is more expensive than the FR Acrylic, while none cost more than the FR Acrylic in white.  Why is the FR Acrylic more expensive? There are two reasons why Protecta’s FR Acrylic is more expensive: It isn’t just exclusively used for non-combustible pipes, as it can also be used for cable bundles It can be used in pipes up to 32mm diameter The first point is arguably ample reason as is, given the versatility aspects can really help you when firestopping. However, it is the second point where the FR Acrylic really earns its value.  Whether non-combustible or combustible, FR Acrylic be used on pipes up to 32mm in diameter. This is a notable difference as none of the competitors listed can go to 32mm pipe diameter. Acrylics are suited for 10-30mm openings and for anything above 30mm, you would normally have to use graphite instead. Graphite is more expensive than acrylics; for context, a 310ml cartridge of FR Graphite from Protecta costs £6.04 ex. VAT.  Therefore, if you have a diameter space that the acrylic can fill instead of graphite, you’ll save yourself a lot of money in the long run. Is there anything else that makes it more expensive? Yes – the movement it offers. The QuelStop and Pyroplex can allow a maximum movement capability of 7.5%, but the FR Acrylic goes further and offers you 12.5%. The maximum movement capability is how much the sealant will expand in the event of a fire before cracking. The more it can expand, the better it can protect you, so to be 5% up on competitor products is huge. It has also been independently verified for use with cPVC pipes, such as the Blazemaster. It isn’t on the Lubrizol-approved list but is still cleared for use.  Is there anything another product can do better? In the balance of fairness, we will highlight a few areas where other products have something of an advantage over the FR Acrylic. The most notable one is the gaps for linear joints, whether they’re concrete or gypsum board. The FR Acrylic has a maximum width of 30mm; any wider than that and the product can crack and shrink. By comparison, the QuelStop is suitable for linear joints up to 50mm wide when it comes to concrete to concrete, steel or softwood. However, it only goes to 20mm wide for a gypsum board with a steelhead track. The FSi Pyrocoustic eclipses both as it also goes to 50mm wide gaps for linear joints but for all materials. Finally, when it comes to acoustic protection, there’s very little in it. That being said, while the FR Acrylic can offer acoustic protection of Rw 62 dB, both the QuelStop and the FSi Pyrocoustic can offer up to Rw 63 dB. Is the FR Acrylic worth the extra then? As we said at the start of the article, we do believe so. The extra 5% manoeuvrability is a big plus, but being able to use it for diameter gaps up to 32mm is huge. Also, the fact it can be used with cPVC pipes isn’t to be dismissed. When the alternative is graphite, the FR Acrylic is a cheaper option in the long run. The maximum width of 30mm for linear joints can be an issue, but considering everything, you’ll get your money’s worth with the FR Acrylic. You also get a lot of technical support with the FR Acrylic as well. To find out more about the technical support and what you should be looking for with it, read this article. 

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The cost of construction: four factors why Multifix isn’t the cheapest

The cost of construction isn’t cheap. Project prices are rising and we know that it is currently a difficult market for housebuilders at present. With this in mind, one of the main courses of dialogue we have is around pricing. Understandably, you want to know that you’re getting value for your hard-earned money. You want to know that the products you’ve bought will be more than good enough to get the job done. Risks can’t be afforded as time is money.  Multifix has always tried to be cost-effective in how we operate, however, we can’t always guarantee that we’re going to be the cheapest option on the market.  That leads to us being asked questions on occasion. You will have seen something somewhere else and understandably want to know why we are charging more.  With that in mind, we thought it would be best to be transparent with you and explain our reasons. We always want to be honest with you and that extends to how we run our business, too. In this article, we will highlight four factors why we don’t have the lowest prices and explain our reasoning. 1. We utilise our own fleet of vans To give you the best service, we have our own fleet of vans and our own drivers, who operate from our warehouse in Barking. It would be cheaper for us to only operate with couriers, but that comes with the risk of missed or late deliveries that result in generally poor service. As the old saying goes, if you want a job done right, do it yourself. Our van delivery success rate is 99.3% and we simply cannot guarantee that percentage with couriers. This impacts you because it means that, assuming you are within our geographic reach, you’re almost guaranteed to get your delivery on time. There is minimal risk of delay and 70% of the time, the delivery is with you before 12pm midday.  This means that you can get cracking straight away, without losing time and going a step closer to getting the job done.  Of course, we do use couriers for areas our fleet can’t get to if so required, but the vast majority of our deliveries are done by our internal fleet. That is one of the reasons why we aren’t the least expensive. In addition to paying our drivers a fair salary while maintaining and supplying our fleet, we’re also always looking to improve. 2. Centralised operations in Barking come with a higher cost of business We are very fortunate to be in a strategic location here in the southeast for our customers. However, that real estate does have its price tag. Put bluntly, our overheads for being located where we are in Barking are much higher than they would be for other parts of the country. However, being where we are is much more sustainable than being in another part of the UK. If we did, we would need to put absolutely everything on couriers, which would be much cheaper but wouldn’t give you the same service. As we mentioned above, having speedy deliveries that reliably turn up on time is so important. It’s something that we’re happy to pay the cost for, as it makes your lives much easier.  In addition, the environmental side of things is better as we can plot our routes with our sustainable focus in mind. As a company, we have pledged to be much more sustainable and have already made a lot of changes to try and ensure that we are doing so. You can find out more about that here.   We wouldn’t want to sacrifice our service by being anywhere else, but unfortunately, it is a factor as to why we aren’t super cheap. 3. Multifix only stocks products of very high quality A crucial factor contributing to overall cost is the actual products themselves. At Multifix, we insist on stocking good products of good quality, as we feel that is the very least you should be operating with. As such, we don’t go for the super cheap materials because we know they won’t do the job your standards demand. In addition, we also stock a plethora of big-name brands that have been supplying items for decades. This includes the likes of Paslode, Ancon, Bosch, Protecta and Visqueen, all of whom excel in their respective sectors.   This is perhaps the most straightforward reason for our prices not being the lowest, as we aren’t selling the cheapest products. That isn’t to say there aren’t bargains to be found, but everything we stock is of proven industry-level quality. 4. Our customer service team is always ready to help While we do have a 99.3% delivery success rate with our own vans, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Equally, maybe something has come up and you need advice quickly. In these scenarios, we would much rather you speak to a human being rather than wait for an email response. As such, we are proud to have a hard-working and knowledgeable customer service team, who are only a phone call away to field your questions. The option to talk through an issue with a human being isn’t something to be underestimated. We are also currently in the process of getting a live chat ready, as we understand the importance of time.  The quicker the response, the quicker you can get back to your tasks. The best way to give you a quick response is to speak to you in real-time, so that is why we insist on having a dedicated customer service team. When you have a query or an issue, we don’t want you waiting for an email response or to have bad service. It can disrupt your projects and that’s the last thing we want for you.  Ultimately though, it does come at a cost and that is one of the key factors why we don’t have the lowest prices.  A belief we are the best for the job Taking everything into consideration, we do believe that we offer fair and competitive pricing. We accept we don’t have the lowest prices, but there is a good reason for that. Hopefully after reading this article and seeing the four points in question, you’ll be more understanding as to why we charge what we do. If you would like to discuss our price options in further detail with a member of our expert team, you can find out how to do so here.

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October 2023 Portal Updates

The Multifix Customer Portal Multifix strives to continually build and improve our Customer Portal to ensure your procurement is an easy and simple process. Our quotation process is improving. Here's what that will mean for you: All quotations and order acknowledgments will now be automatically sent through email. The 'View Quote' button will then take you to your quote within our Customer Portal.  Note that if you are the company admin, you will see all company quotes. If you do not have a Customer Portal account, you will be able to view the quotations and order acknowledgments but you will not be able to do anything further.  Sign up to the Customer Portal now for full access. As seen above, you are then taken to your quote. At the bottom of each quote will be 3 buttons.  Reject Quote: This will then pop up a quick message asking the reasons for rejection.  Save For Later: This will save your quote so you can place it another time.  Edit & Confirm Quote: This will allow you to add or take items off your order and place your order once you are happy.  You can also add a comment under the 'Comments' section where you can ask any questions or queries which will go straight to our Sales team. What else has improved? Note: Spend limit is set within the user permission of each user. Requisitions have to be enabled on each user for this to work. Lastly, for our mobile users on the Portal, our footer has changed.  Your footer will now contain shortcuts to the most used items from our Portal interface

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