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Article
Hiring an apprentice as an employer - what's in it for you?

You may have seen our article explaining what budding apprentices need to know about Apprentice schemes, which you can read here.   But what about the other side of the coin? Why should employers take apprentices on? What’s in it for them, at the end of it all?  In this article, we will highlight several key things employers should take into consideration when looking to hire an apprentice, as, in our view, the pros vastly outweigh the cons.  Hopefully, by the end of this article, you will be of the same opinion, as there is a lot you can gain as an employer from having apprentices around.   You’re breathing fresh life into the industry  One of the main issues with construction in the UK is that there is such a skills shortage. According to Employment Solutions, the industry is a staggering 200,000 skilled workers down from where it needs to be.   They also claim that 20% of construction workers are in their 50’s, so there is palpable concern that we will soon reach a stage where demand vastly outweighs supply.  By taking on apprentices, you are helping to plug that gap. By giving them an opportunity to grow, you’re also giving the industry a shot in the arm that it badly needs.   With the tutelage of the experienced pros at construction firms and companies, thriving apprentices will be in good hands when it comes to progressing.   By giving them a chance too, you will earn their loyalty as they will be grateful for giving them the experience, meaning your business will be looked after well by the future generation.  You get a number of financial benefits  Taking on an apprentice can be seen as something of a risk, at least in the short term while they are still getting to grips with things, so there are things in place to counteract that.   As per gov.uk, if you have an apprentice under the age of 25 and earning less than £827 a week (£45,000 a year), you will not have to pay National Insurance Contributions when it comes to the apprentice’s salary.   However, if you have an annual bill of £3M or over, you will have to contribute 0.5% of your monthly bill to the Apprentice Levy.   This isn’t all bad though, as £15,000 of that, across the year, is deductible if you take an apprentice on.  If you do not have an annual bill of £3M or more, then you don’t get the £15,000 deduction – but, assuming you haven’t exceeded the funding band maximum, you will only have to contribute 5% to the cost of training. The government will make up the other 95%.  In addition, if you choose to train a 16-18 year-old as part of an apprentice scheme, both yourself as an employer and the provider will be eligible for a £1,000 payment.  This is to entice employers to give apprentices a chance, so that everybody in the scenario benefits.  Also, if you take on an apprentice aged between 19-25 and they have been in care or have a local authority education, health and care plan, you are also due a £1,000 payment as an employer.  Finally, if you are a member of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), you are eligible to other financial boosts from taking on apprentices.   This includes payments of £2,500 per year for attendance and a £3,500 payment upon successful completion of the full apprenticeship. More information on the CITB grants can be found here.   How to enrol an apprentice  Enrolling an apprentice is done in six steps. These are as follows:  Check the eligibility of the apprentice  Sign agreements (contract of employment, apprenticeship agreement, commitment statement)  Determine a training provider  Decide what type of apprenticeship it is  Identify end-point assessments  Certification  To find out more about these six steps in detail, you can find all the gov.uk advice here. You’re making a difference Ultimately, by taking on apprentices, you are making a big difference – for many different parties, including your own.   The industry gets young people on board at a time it badly needs it, you can oversee their development and ensure the future is in good hands and have you’ll have financial gain as a result.  Again using the gov.uk link from earlier in the article, productivity has been proven to increase 76% thanks to having apprentices. That will make a huge difference for you, the apprentice and the industry.   In addition, with the right supervision, 75% of apprentices end up actually improving the quality of the work that your company is doing.   Therefore, we fully believe the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to taking onboard new apprentices. It’s also one of the reasons we’re so active with the scheme ourselves.   If you would like to talk to a member of our team that has experience with apprenticeships for further information, please feel free to get in touch with us. You can do so by following this link.  

Read more → 4 min read
Video
What is the difference between Frog Tape and the tapes that Multifix stock

In this video, Daniel shows how what the different tapes do, what they are for and give you a demonstration of quality. Tapes used in this video: Multifix Pro Blue Masking Tape 50mmx50m: https://multifixuk.com/products/high-performance-blue-masking-tape-50mm-x-50m Buff Masking Tape 25mm x 50m: https://multifixuk.com/products/masking-tape-buff-25mm-x-50m-roll-general-purpose

Read more → 6 min watch
Video
What is an EPDM washer?

Daniel explains what an EPDM washer is and its benefits. Screws used in this video: https://multifixuk.com/products?product_query=tek+screws+hex+head

Read more → 1 min watch
Article
Construction and net zero – what’s going on?

One of the more regular phrases that is thrown about in the UK construction industry is ‘net zero’. A net zero target, net zero compliance, a net zero plan – these are all things you’ve likely heard or seen in the media.   You’ve also likely seen these used in a positive context, with some talking about how they are on track for their net zero goals and targets.   But what does it actually mean? What is net zero and how does it impact construction? Why is it such a big deal?  In this article, we will explain what net zero is, why it is important and how it directly impacts the construction industry in the UK.   In addition, we will also take a look at how much progress is being made in relation to some of the key targets set.   By the end of it, you’ll hopefully be more informed about net zero and understand why it’s such a hot topic in the construction industry.   So, what actually is net zero? What does it mean?  In its simplest form, net zero is designed to combat global warming. With it being proven that greenhouse gas emissions, including the likes of carbon dioxide, need to be reduced to deal with global warming, net zero was put in place to help.   However, taking away the use of greenhouse gases is pretty much impossible as it would cause everything to come to a halt overnight. For example, whenever we make steel, concrete or cement, we use greenhouse gases to do so.   As such, net zero will be achieved when we balance out what we use with what we give back. As an example, planting trees is a good way of trying to achieve net zero, or using solar power instead of fossil fuels.   Should we reach a point where what we give back to the planet is either as much or more than what we take out from it, then at that point, net zero would’ve been achieved.   But surely that’s going to be incredibly difficult with construction?  In short, yes. That is one of the reasons why it cannot be done overnight, as it just isn’t possible. As such, the target goal for net zero to be completed is by 2050.   According to the CITB, 40% of UK emissions are as a result of construction. In addition, there are 27 million homes that need retrofitting, but 80% of buildings that will still be safely habitable in 2050 are already built.   Those are some huge numbers, but ultimately, until we find more sustainable methods to produce the materials we need, it’ll struggle to come down.   As such, this is why there are 26 years to try and hit the target, as without the use of a magic wand, there’s no feasible way for it to be achieved sooner.   It also gives companies the time to figure out how they can give back to offset what they’re using, which is a more practical way of dealing with the matter in the short term.   Is the 2050 target achievable?  It is a huge challenge, but ultimately, it is possible. So much so that in Scotland, it’s 2045. It means a fair amount of change to existing processes, but it is doable.   For example, you might start to see new houses being built by using naturally grown materials, instead of the materials we currently use.   The issue is that while construction may achieve everything it sets out to do, that in itself may not be enough for the UK to hit net zero by 2050.   In June 2023, it was revealed that in addition to the Climate Change Committee declaring that the UK was no longer a world leader on climate issues, our progress is “worryingly slow”.   Naturally, this isn’t the best news, but there’s still time to rectify it and construction doing its fair share will go a long way to ensuring that.   Work to be done, but the right steps being taken What is pleasing though, is how open the construction industry has been to net zero and how aware it has been to the need to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.   Again as per the CITB, 70% of construction employees have a good idea of how to revamp and adapt their business, while 90% are more than willing to retrain if needed.   This is all positive and there may well be retraining needed, especially when it comes to using different materials, but the fact the intent is there can only be a good thing.   There will be a lot of new things to factor in as the years go by, but for now, the path to net zero does seem to be going well from a construction perspective.   Net zero is something we take seriously at Multifix. It’s caused us to rethink as a company about how we operate and that can only be a good thing. To find out more, you can see our sustainability pledges here.  

Read more → 4 min read
Article
What you need to know about construction apprenticeships

When it comes to getting into construction, one of the best ways to do this, whether it’s after leaving school or just to get into the trade, is as an apprentice.  Apprentices are the future of the industry. The tools and techniques they learn will hopefully see them pass on their wisdom years down the line to someone else in the position they once were.   The apprentice scheme is something we are passionate about at Multifix, with it being something that we follow.   The reason we do this is because apprenticeships are a great step for young people to take to get into the industry and sees them gain an education, while being paid to do so.   Therefore, in this article, we will outline the key information you have to take into account when you are looking for a construction apprenticeship.   What exactly is an apprenticeship? So, first and foremost, an apprenticeship is a paid job that lasts a minimum of 12 months and is applicable to anyone who is 16 or over.   It’s a mixture of practical and academic learning and you’ll be working under experienced staff members, who have been in the field for years.   If you have a full-time apprenticeship, you’ll be working 30-40 hours a week and during this time, you will be given tasks to do, in addition to your work duties.   On average, you’ll spend about six hours a week doing off-the-job training, which can include coursework.   How many types of apprenticeships are there available?  There are four different types of apprenticeships, varying in different levels of what they can unlock for you. These are:  - Intermediate (Level 2) - Advanced (Level 3) - Higher level (Levels 4, 5 and 6) - Degree level (Level 7)  Intermediate is the equivalent of five GCSEs at 9-4 level, or in old money, A*-C. Advanced is the equivalent of two A-Levels or a Level 3 Diploma and Higher level is the equivalent of a Foundation degree.   The degree level itself is the equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree. Each stage will have their own entry requirements, which will be made clear to you before you apply.   In this sense, it’s no different applying for a job that asks for x qualification or y years of experience, but naturally, with Intermediate, you are likely to find much fewer requirements than for degree level.   How do I get an apprenticeship? There are a few ways to get an apprenticeship sorted, but be aware that it is no different to applying for a job. There is a lot of competition and it’ll likely require applications to multiple companies.   Online is the best bet, especially on job-seeking websites like Indeed or TotalJobs. It’s also worth looking at LinkedIn, too.   Also, by using TalentView, you can directly apply for construction apprenticeships You can find out more and do so here.  If you’re still in school or college, it’s very much worth speaking to people there as they will be able to put you in contact with potential employers.   In the same manner, asking friends and family is another good way. So much of how the world works is based on who you know, so if you have a family friend or a relative who can maybe help you, it’s certainly a path worth exploring.   Another good way is to look at construction companies’ websites and see if they have any apprenticeship listings on there. Keeping your finger on the pulse of their social activity can help with that too, as some will post job listings on social media.   Finally, it’s worth noting that depending on certain circumstances, it’s possible that a hiring company can earn up to £14,000 by taking you on as an apprentice. They would earn this money through either the Construction Industry Training Board or the UK Government.  This can be used as a sales pitch by you, as if they get the full amount, that will offset a significant proportion of your wages.   If I get one sorted, what happens when it finishes? A number of things can happen at this point, but what is guaranteed is that you will get a qualification for completing your apprenticeship.   This makes you more employable and is something you can take anywhere with you. At the end of your apprenticeship though, your employer may wish to offer you full-time employment if they are happy with you.  Alternatively, you could be put onto a higher-level apprenticeship with them, which further bolsters your skills and gives you more strings to your bow. It’s also very likely that you’ll earn more money being on a higher-level apprenticeship as well, so that’s always a good thing.   Equally, you may feel as if you want to explore further options. You may want to pursue an apprenticeship elsewhere, or work for someone else. In this case, you’ll still have the qualification, so you’ll be well-prepped.   The future of construction Apprentices have a huge part to play in any sector, but that statement is especially prevalent in the construction industry.  Whether you want to be a carpenter, bricklayer, site manager or any of the other many, many roles within the sector, one of the best ways to go about it is via the apprenticeship route.   Hopefully after reading this article, you’ll have some more information about the scheme and who knows, maybe it’ll be the first step on what could be a long and successful journey in construction.   If you would like to find more information about Multifix’s apprenticeship scheme, which we mentioned earlier on in the article, you can get in touch with us here.  

Read more → 5 min read
Article
The pros and cons of going on trial with a supplier

There are a number of things that have to be considered when switching your supplier. Cost, range, service, experience – it all needs to be weighed up.   As such, it makes it extremely important that you make the right decision when you choose your supplier, otherwise you can encounter some unwanted surprises.  However, there is a way that you can gain all the information you need, without fully committing to a supplier from the jump.   By entering a trial period with a supplier, you can find out exactly what you need to know yourself, without fully committing.   But is this always a good idea? Is it maybe best to just take a plunge with someone and not get tangled up in a trial that may not go the way you want it to?  In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of trialling a new supplier and how it can benefit or hamper you.   It is worth noting that we do offer trial runs here at Multifix, but we will remain as objective as possible for this article.   Pros of going on trial with a supplier  As mentioned above, it’s so vital to get the right supplier for your business, but ultimately you won’t know which one is best until you try a few.   A trial period gives you a perfect opportunity to assess everything with a company before actually fully committing to it.   You will have the opportunity to meet their staff, find out exactly how they work and see what they can do for you.   A trial period can also be controlled well on your part. Not many suppliers would expect to take over all your business instantly, so you’ll be able to control what sites you’d be keen to test with the trial supplier.   This again gives you a chance to see with your own eyes how the supplier can integrate with your business, as opposed to taking someone’s word for it.  From this perspective, there are many positives to be had from a trial run with a supplier, as the knowledge it can grant you is huge.   It also allows you to build and grow relationships with the supplier, so if you do choose to stick with them, you’re already feeling comfortable with who you’re working with.   Cons of going on trial with a supplier  The main issue about trialling a new supplier is that if you have an existing one, it is likely to rock the boat with them a bit.   They are likely to notice a drop in revenue, which will happen if you allocate a trial site to the new supplier, so will be eager to speak to you about that.   As such, this can lead to some uncomfortable conversations. In addition to that, if you trial with an unreliable supplier, it can have a knock-on effect for you.   While you may only be giving a trial to one site, if you start to get delays or delivery issues, that will make that project very difficult to get done on time.   The flipside of that is you’ll know from the trial period not to work with that supplier, but knowing that for certain will come at the cost of possible disruption.   Is a trial run right for you?  While we cannot decide for you whether it is wise to engage in a trial period with a supplier, we are of the opinion that the pros outweigh the cons.   There is so much to be gained from a trial period with a supplier and ultimately, if you’re looking to be in business for many years, you’re going to need someone you can trust.   It’s incredibly difficult to just do that by picking a supplier, even with word of mouth recommendations, so a trial period is very helpful in that regards.   Even the cons that we have listed can be turned into positives, as if it goes wrong, you have that knowledge and that can only help you as a business owner.   As mentioned at the start of the article, we do offer trial runs at Multifix. If you would like to find out more about how to start one, please get in contact with us here.  

Read more → 4 min read
Article
Three types of fire door foam Multifix supplies – and what they do

Given its importance, one of the more common questions we get from carpenters is, “What fire door foam do you stock?”   Required by law, the use of fire door foam allows occupants vital time to escape a burning building safely.   But which one is best for you? If they all do the same thing, what makes the ones we stock any different?  At Multifix, we stock three different types of fire door foam, with all three proving to be very useful for carpenters.   In this article, we will go through the three types of fire door foam that we stock and explain why they are different and how they can help you.   Blue60 Intumescent Fire Foam (750ml)  A very reliable fire door foam, the Blue60 is one of the first properly tested fire foams for fire doors. It is a self-expanding fire foam and is also made up of environmentally friendly propellants, which stop it from burning into the ozone layer.   Providing up to 60 minutes of fire protection, the Blue60 has been tested in pretty much every possible combination of frame and wall materials.  It is to be used in conjunction with Blue60 fire-rated packers, which come in three different sizes. These are 1mm, 3mm and 5mm in thickness.   The polyurethane foam is ideal for sealing applications wherever fire resistance is required and also conforms to BS EN 1643-1 and BS476 Part 22.   You can purchase Blue60 Intumescent Fire Foam here.    Fire Door Foam for Fire Doors & Doorsets – Gun Grade (750ml)  Next up is the Fire and Acoustic (FAS) foam, which also offers up to 60 minutes of fire resistance, but it has also been tested with plastic packers.   This does give it something of a unique advantage, as it can be used with both plastic and timber packers.  The FAS fire door foam is suitable for use for cavity gap filling, perimeter pointing around fire doors, MDF, timber frames, softwood and hardwood.   It also has BS 476: Part 20 & 22:1987 and BS EN 1634-1 accreditation and has an acoustic rating of up to 60 dB Rw.  In addition, the FAS fire door foam has CF5839 Certifire approval and very much offers an all-in-one solution.  You can purchase FAS fire door foam here. Nullifire FF197 Fire Rated Expanding PU Foam – Gun Grade (750ml)  Finally, we move onto the Nullifire FF197 fire door foam, which is used to seal linear gaps throughout the fire-rated areas of a building. The Nullifire FF197 can also offer up to 240 minutes of fire resistance for linear gaps, while up to 60 minutes for fire doors.   It can also be used to seal door frames and window frames and can fill gaps of up to 35mm when being used for a fire door.   Like the FAS fire door foam, it can be used with plastic packers, but it has also been tested without architrave. The foam itself is pink, which is great for the installer as this makes it easily identifiable against other types of expanding foam that aren’t fire-resistant.   The FF197 has also been tested to BS EN 1634-1 and BS EN 1366-4 and can also offer an acoustic rating of up to 62 dB.  You can purchase Nullifire FF197 here.   A fair selection of fire door foam  While all three types of fire foam have their own unique differences, the main objective is the same – providing up to 60 minutes of fire resistance.   As mentioned earlier, this can be the difference between safety and disaster, so it’s imperative that whatever fire door foam you use, it is applied correctly.   With these three types of fire foam, you will be ensuring that properties are kept safe. Lives could be saved as a result of these foams, which is why they are so vital.   These three especially will be used up and down the country for a number of different sites; and with very good reason. They all have their own unique characteristics, but they all serve the same goal and do it very well.  If you need something versatile, then the Blue60 won’t let you down. If you need something that is fine with plastic packers, then the FAS foam is a great shout. Equally, if need something that can work without architrave, then the Nullifire foam will be a good fit for you.   If you would like to get in contact with Multifix to discuss fire door foam, you can do so by following this link.  

Read more → 4 min read
Article
Intumescent mastic or intumescent acrylic – what's the difference?

When it comes to firestopping in the construction industry, there is more often than not a big choice to make. Do you use intumescent mastic, or do you use intumescent acrylic?  Both are designed to stop the spread of fire and both prevent gases and smoke from moving through a building, but which should you be using?  The short answer to that is very dependent on your project, but you can rest assured that a good mastic or a good acrylic will keep residents safe.   To help you understand which is better for which scenario, in this article, we will explain the differences between the two.   In addition, we will highlight what their strengths and weaknesses are and what projects suit each other best.  What are the benefits of using an intumescent mastic?  Intumescent mastic is a product that can be very flexible when you choose to use it. For example, if you need to seal a gap that has something of an irregular surface, a mastic would be a great fit.   They also expand when they are exposed to heat, which makes them very effective as a firestopping solution. In the event of a fire, a mastic will expand to try and protect a door frame or whatever it is being used to protect.   As a result of their flexibility, a mastic is ideal for use in areas where movement is anticipated. As an example, somewhere where vibrations are rife or somewhere where structural movement could be a possibility.  They also provide a secure and lasting seal, which is just one reason why they are trusted by a great number of construction professionals.   Are there any downsides to using an intumescent mastic?  If aesthetics is something of a priority, then using an intumescent mastic may not be the best decision. The reason for this is that it can be a very messy application.  Because intumescent mastic is quite thick and paste-like, it can get everywhere and that could be an issue, depending on your project.   In addition, intumescent mastics aren’t normally clear. This means when they are applied to something, it is likely to be visible.  Again, if aesthetics aren’t a concern, then this isn’t really a problem. However, in situations where it is a concern, then it is a problem.  Finally, for whatever reason, intumescent mastics traditionally aren’t as adhesive on vertical surfaces. This could limit their performance somewhat.   What about the pros of using an intumescent acrylic?  One of the main pros about intumescent acrylics is that they are very versatile. They can be used to seal up a number of different applications, including pipes, cables and conduits.   You can also buy intumescent acrylics in clear, which is exceptionally helpful if you’re working on a project and aesthetics is a big factor.   They are also very easy to apply, with little to no mess. Intumescent acrylics are also generally very good at being resistant to UV light, so they can be used for outdoor applications as well.   Perhaps the main pro for the acrylic though is the strength of the product itself. Intumescent acrylics are revered for their strength and will make a very strong bond with a variety of surfaces.   It doesn’t matter what kind of surface it is, either. Whether it’s horizontal or vertical, intumescent acrylics are very consistent.   And does the intumescent acrylic have any cons?  Generally speaking, intumescent acrylics are much less flexible than mastics. Their range of movement is much less, so they’re maybe not best suited for areas that will have structural challenges or copious vibrations. As such, they are best suited for service penetrations.  This is also a factor when it comes to the event of a fire, too. The intumescent acrylic will likely expand to a certain amount, but it won’t expand to the same degree that the mastic will.   In terms of protecting you from a fire and giving you enough time to escape, intumescent acrylic is still a standout product. But, if it's for a linear gap seal, you may prefer to have something that expands more and can be seen to be doing more.   Intumescent acrylic is also more expensive than intumescent mastic on average. As an example, a 600ml cartridge of Everbuild Intumescent Mastic has a list price of £4.20. By contrast, a 310ml cartridge of Protecta FR Acrylic will have a list price of either £3.20 or £4.24.  Which of the two is best for me?  Both are great products and both do a tremendous job at keeping people safe, so it’s really very much dependent on what your project is.   If you have a project where aesthetics are a major factor, then the intumescent acrylic will undoubtedly be a better choice. It’s less messy and the option to choose clear ones make a huge difference.   Equally, if the building’s design shows that there could be a lot of vibration around where you’re looking to apply passive fire protection, then the intumescent mastic is a better choice.  It is better designed to deal with it, plus mastic is also very flexible, which can play a key role in your decision-making. However, if you’re looking to be neat and tidy, you’ll have problems using intumescent mastic. The other side of the coin is that it is better for linear gap seals.    Ultimately though – and most importantly – whatever you choose is going to play a huge part in providing residents with safety. Both can protect for up to four hours, so you’ll be in safe hands with either.   To look at some of the other articles that we have at Multifix, you can find our content homebase here.  

Read more → 5 min read
Article
Key tips to consider when changing suppliers

The decision to change your supplier isn’t an easy one. There are benefits, of course – some of which you can read here – but it’s not a decision you suddenly jump to.   As humans, we always want to be patient with people and give them a chance. It’s generally rare that people leave a long-standing supplier on a whim because of one isolated incident.   Instead, it’s a combination of many things. In our sector, it’ll be unreliable deliveries, a lack of product range, contentious pricing and an impersonal approach.   These won’t be one-off instances either, it’ll be prolonged to the point where you decide enough is enough and that you want to try something different.   But what do you do once you’ve decided to call it a day? How do you move from one supplier to another smoothly and without issues?  In this article, we will offer three key tips that you should bear in mind when you’re actively looking to change suppliers.   By taking them onboard, you will hopefully have an incident-free switchover!  Research, research, research The phrase “out of the frying pan and into the fire” is very applicable when looking to switch suppliers. The last thing you want is to have a honeymoon period and then discover you’ve got the same issues as before.   As such, it’s imperative you take the time to fully research your prospective new supplier before you make the switch.   Granted, this may take a lot of time, but it’s worth it as it protects you from repeating the same mistake twice.   Pore over every detail on their website and talk to people who use them and ask for detailed answers. Alternatively, you could even engage in a trial period if that’s something on offer.   By doing this level of research, you can find out exactly how that supplier works, so there are no hidden surprises if you switch to them.   To give another phrase, “fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” If you just switch to someone without researching, you run a huge risk.   Be bold with your communication  At some point, you are going to have to speak to your existing supplier and explain that you’re going to move to a new one.   It’s not exactly a comfortable conversation to have, but it’s one that you need to do. It’s also one that you could contractually have to do, depending on if you have a written agreement with them.   At this stage, your existing supplier will likely try to entice you to stay with them and one way of doing so could be by slashing your prices.   This will pose a new decision for you to have to make, but if you choose to stick to your guns and change all the same, then you will have to explain why.   Even if you don’t contact them first, they will likely get in touch with you when they realise that your spend has stopped. As such, the conversation is unavoidable, so it’s best to do it on your terms.   Outline a plan so it’s a smooth transition  With everything sorted, you’ll need to ensure that everything is in place for a smooth transition. It’s vital your business has as little disruption as possible, so you’ll need to be organised.   The biggest thing to sort out will be delivery times. Even though your logistics may be having some disruption in that you’re changing suppliers, your projects can’t.   It’s therefore best to outline at the start what projects you’ll be needing your new supplier for in the immediate short term, before planning longer-term projects with them.   Make sure everyone in your team is up to speed so they know what to expect, as certain operational things could be very different.   For example, they might have to sign for a delivery now, or be alerted by a driver that they’re 10 minutes out with your parcel.   Doing what’s best for you  As we said at the start of the article, deciding to switch suppliers isn’t an easy decision to make. It also indicates that you’ve been fed up for some time, which is something no-one wants.   However, by doing due diligence on a new supplier, you can remove all of those issues and find a more efficient method of doing your projects.   That’s what these three tips are designed to do as ultimately, we want what is best for you and want you to be happy with your supplier.   If you are interested in finding out what Multifix can offer you as a supplier, you can get in contact with a member of our expert team here.  

Read more → 4 min read
Article
What is the process for ordering at Multifix?

If you are here reading this, there’s a good chance that you’re prepared and willing to use Multifix as a supplier, which is brilliant news!  One of the things we love about being a supplier is playing a small part in some truly exciting and innovative projects. But how can you actually order with us?  The short answer is that there are four ways of note that you can order with us. They are by phone, by email, online or by using WhatsApp.   However, some of these options require a bit more than just calling up or firing over an email. This is especially the case for online and WhatsApp ordering.   In this article, we will explore the four ways you can order with us in a bit more depth, so that you are fully aware of your options.   1. By phone As has been the case for 30 years and counting, one of the main methods of ordering with us is via the phone. You can reach us on 020 3248 4086. When you call, you’ll be put in touch with one of our expert customer service team. Depending on what sector you’re in (brickwork, firestopping, carpentry, other), you’ll be directed to one of our specialists so they can take your call.  The reason why it’ll be pointed to a specialist is because we want to make sure that the order is 100% right.   Our specialists have extensive product knowledge, so if you’re unsure of the exact item you need, it’s useful to have someone who understands what you mean.   In construction, we use loose terms all the time to describe what we need, so it’s helpful to speak to someone who knows what you mean.   As a result of that, the chances of you getting an incorrect item on your order are very low. Our call times are 8am-5pm, Monday to Friday.   2. By email If you don’t want to physically speak to us for whatever reason, that’s more than fine as you can make the order via email.   If you would like to place an order by email, the email address to use is [email protected].   Much like with the phone system, depending on what sector you are looking to place an order in, your email will find the respective specialist.   From there, they will place the order for you and you will get an email confirmation soon after explaining some of the payment terms.   If you are looking for a quote, we aim to get all quotes back to you within 30 minutes, so keep an eye on your emails after you’ve made your request!  3. Online This is where things start to get a little more advanced. On our website, we have our entire catalogue online and you are free to choose whatever you’d like to order.   There are two ways of ordering online; the first is by registering an account and then by using our customer portal. The customer portal is a relatively recent feature that we have and allows you a huge amount of control.   Once you have signed up to the portal, you can place orders, set up requisitions, make a list of approved items and outline your favourite products.   In addition to providing control through requisitions and approved items, the portal also boosts speed. Once you have your favourite products set up, for example, you can place an order within 30 seconds.   You can also track your order, download order PDFs and find proof of delivery on the portal. To find out how to get set up with the customer portal and to see some of the features that it has, you can find our onboarding guide here.  However, you do not need to have an account to be able to place an order. If you wish, you can just go online, pick what you want and then check out, as you would with any other online store.  4. WhatsApp Finally, you can also place orders with us on WhatsApp. Our WhatsApp number is 07384 816482 and if necessary, we can set up a group with all relevant approvers for you.    Ordering via WhatsApp is no different to ordering by email, in that we will allocate our respective customer service specialists to your query, depending on what it is you’re ordering.   Much like with phones, our WhatsApp channels are operated between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. It works in the same way a live chat would, so you’ll have a human operator on the other end to assist you.   Speaking of live chat, we do have that as a function if you come unstuck using the portal at any point – that is also manned by the customer service team.   Giving you plenty of choice for ordering One of the reasons why we have tried to expand our ordering options, aside from moving with the times, is to give you as much choice as possible.   We understand that different people prefer to do things differently and in most cases, it’s generally what’s easiest for them.   The important thing though, is being versatile enough to offer you something different, so you aren’t pushed into ordering in a way that isn’t suited for you.   If you would like to know exactly where on the map our delivery range can reach, you can find out where we deliver to here.  

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Article
What your payment terms and credit limits are

As a customer, it’s only right and fair that you know absolutely everything beforehand. We don’t want you to have hidden surprises, so we’ll always be as transparent as possible.   We believe that honesty is the best policy, so wherever possible, we’ll always try and give you what you need to make an informed decision.   That certainly applies when it comes to buying from us, as there are a few things that we are asked with regularity before purchase.   In particular, the two things we frequently get are, ‘What are your payment terms?’ and ‘How much credit can I get with Multifix?’   The short answer to these questions is ’30 days net EOM’ and ‘depends on your credit rating’, however, the long answer is somewhat more nuanced.   As such, this article will explain our reasoning for both and by the end of it, you’ll hopefully be much more informed.   The Multifix payment terms At Multifix, we do like to trust our customers and give them some financial leeway when they come to use us as a supplier.   As such, regardless of whether you’re a first-time buyer or a loyal client, whether you’re buying one box of screws or a £25k order, we’ll always give you net 30 days end of month to pay.   This means that will have 30 days from the beginning of the following month to pay for what you have ordered with us.   We understand that sometimes, you need something urgently. As such, the buy now, pay later scheme can be very helpful.  That is why we have the policy in place, as ultimately, we want to make sure that you have the best service possible from us.   The Multifix credit limits  When it comes to credit limits, there are three different ways we can set your credit limit. The first is by asking credit insurers for a written limit. This is the most preferable way, however not the only one.   The reason why it is most preferable is that while we have three methods, the written limit is the only one that isn’t capped at £18,000, including VAT. There is no cap for a written limit, as we have more assurances in place.   The second method is a discretionary limit. In order to work this out, we will use a third-party credit intelligence company to determine what we can give you. We use Creditsafe, which is regularly used by other suppliers within the construction industry.   The third method is based on your trading history. We will take your biggest payment over the last 12 months, multiply it by 1.25 and use that figure to determine what we can allow you.   Being open with the financials  As we stated earlier, we want to be completely transparent with you when it comes to financial factors such as credit limits and payment terms.   It’s something that you need to know and we don’t want you to feel as if it’s something awkward to ask about.   Hopefully though, with everything in this article, you’ll know exactly where you stand when it comes to both of these topics. Should you wish to find out more about how your credit account works though, you can read more here.   If you would like to speak to Multifix to find out more about our credit limits or payment terms, you can get in touch with us here.  

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Article
How does my credit account work?

Why would I want a credit account? Having an account will allow you to be able to control and free up your cashflow. You can ask for flexible terms and receive ‘buy more, save more’ pricing. How do I open an account? Apply for a credit account by completing this application form. Once you have filled in your details, submit your application.   Your application will then be assessed - we use Credit Safe for all our credit intelligence.  As soon as it has been approved, you will be notified via email. Can I have a 60-day account? When you open an account, you will automatically be given a 30-day account. You can request a 45-day or 60-day account, but this will need to be approved separately. How will I know what to pay and when? Once your ordered goods have been despatched for delivery, an invoice is created. Your invoices will be emailed to you about once a week.  Twice a month (mid-month and the beginning of the month) you will receive a statement of your account.  If your account is a 30-day term account, you will need to pay the amount in the 60 day column. Payment is expected after you receive your beginning of the month statement. What must I do if I cannot pay my account? If you find yourself in a tight spot with cashflow and cannot pay your account, contact us at [email protected] and let us know.  We can only work with you if we know what the situation is. What happens if my non-payment continues? If no payment has been made for 60 days after its due date, we will unfortunately have to put your account on stop/hold until a payment is made.   This is as per our credit insurance policy. We really don’t like to get to this stage with our customers, but we need to follow this process to mitigate our risk. What happens if my account reaches 90 days non-payment? If still no payment has been made, we will now, as per our credit control insurance policy, unfortunately be obliged to report your account to our credit insurers.   When we report your account, we send a claim to our insurance company for your outstanding money, and they in turn will send you a claim with fees and interest.  Once we send our claim email to our credit insurers, we lose your credit limit and cannot easily get it reinstated.   We will then have to work with a tight discretionary limit or a cash account, dependant on your circumstances.   We really don’t like to get to this stage with our customers, as it’s a loss for both parties, but we do need to follow this process to mitigate risk.  At Multifix are happy to to do business with you. We are also happy to help your through tough times, so don’t hesitate to contact [email protected] and let us know your situation. We can work it through together.

Read more → 2 min read
Article
What are Multifix’s customer commitments?

Every company in the world has a set of core values. Values that define them, values that inspire them, values that they stick to, no matter what.   We see this all the time in construction with people pledging to do the best possible job or to go above and beyond for you. Core values, pillars, customer commitments – they all fall under the same bracket.   At Multifix, our core values are customer first, honesty, having a positive mindset, appreciation, to be responsible and to show humility. These have stood us in good stead and we believe will continue to do so.  But what are our customer commitments? What do we do that makes us stand out for you, as a buyer? What are the things we value most that are designed to help you? Why should you use us?  In this article, we will highlight our key customer values as a company and explain why we have them in place and how we have put your best interests at the heart of them.  Come the end of it, you’ll hopefully know exactly where we stand and what we can do for you as a construction specialist.   Speed  The saying goes that time is money and in construction, that is certainly the case. Things need to be done yesterday in some instances, with demands and expectations very high.   As such, one of our customer commitments is that we will always handle your order with the speed it needs. Indeed, one of our pledges is that you will have a quote within 30 minutes of asking.   We don’t want you standing around waiting, while you’re losing money because things aren’t in place for you to get the job done.   In addition, 75% of our own-van deliveries will be on-site before 12pm midday. In some cases, the order may even be there before you arrive!  Speed is also one of the reasons why our customer portal is set up the way it is. It is possible to get an order over to us within 30 seconds by using the portal, which can be done if you have favourite items set up.   We model our service on an Olympic relay team, in that each part of the ordering process is handled with speed, importance and as we'll come onto now, reliability.  Reliability  As much as we pledge to be fast, there’s no point being speedy if we aren’t reliable. We allow you to order quickly, because we know we can back it up with reliability.   We say this because 99.3% of our own-van deliveries arrive when we say they're going to. We have worked extremely hard to achieve that percentage and while it may be impossible to get 100%, we won’t stop trying.   Incorrect or late deliveries are the bane of your life, so we do our utmost to get them to you, when we say we’re going to get them to you.   We also put in a number of other reliability measures when delivering, too. Our drivers will ring you when they are 10 minutes out, so you know exactly when your parcel is arriving.   Also, by using the customer portal, you can track your delivery and see exactly where your order is. We also insist on a signature for every delivery, so there’s no leaving it on the side and hoping for the best.   Following that, we will also take a picture of the delivery, so you can see exactly where it is and have proof of delivery in the process.  If you’re not reliable, then you can’t be trusted – hence why it is one of our customer commitments to be as reliable as possible.   Personal service  As humans, we want to be treated like a person. We don’t want to feel like a number, or just a customer. It’s impersonal, it can be rude and it doesn’t strike as good service.   That’s why personal service is one of our customer commitments. Small things go a long way; for example, we’ll always remember your name. We’ll ask about your hobbies and interests and try to get to know you.  We want you to feel valued and looked after, so that you stick with us. Our customer service team are all very friendly and incredibly knowledgeable, being able to offer an expert view on matters.   Having that level of knowledge is extremely helpful, which is especially the case for you. The reason we say this is because the chances of you getting an incorrect item on an order are very slim.   It is very frustrating when you call up and explain what you need, only to get the wrong product. By making personal service a priority, we have done our very best to limit that.   Don't just take our word for it though; you can find our customer testimonials here.  Control  Finally, our last customer commitment is that we want to give you control. We want you to come to us in full confidence knowing that you’re in charge of the situation at hand.   This is also one of the reasons why the portal is set up the way it is. In the portal, you can set up an approved products list, which limits what people can order.   You can also set up requisitions too, so you have full sign-off on anything that comes through to us. These tools are very helpful in allowing you to budget, so you only spend what you need to.   We don’t want to accept orders that aren’t needed or will put you over budget. It would be easy for us to turn a blind eye to these incidents, but we want what is best for you.   As such, by allowing you control, you have the final say over everything. You can find our portal onboarding guides here.  Putting you at the forefront  We believe having values is important, as like we said earlier, it’s effectively giving your word to people.   How you treat people is hugely important and something we feel very strongly about, so that is why our four customer commitments have you front and centre of them all.   We believe that by putting you first, you can have something that is better for you on a personal level, as well as on a professional level.   If you would like to find out more about Multifix and how we can be of service to you, then you can get in touch with us by following this link.

Read more → 5 min read
Article
Is cost the key factor for your supplier?

When it comes to buying, there is always one thing we want to know – how much it costs. This could be for anything; it could be shopping at a supermarket, it could be buying something off Amazon, or it could be weighing up how much a round at the pub will set you back.   And in today’s society, with a cost of living crisis, cost normally wins. Let’s take the pub as an example and imagine you’re in London. Are you more likely to spend £8.50 on a pint, or find a nearby Wetherspoons and get the same thing for £5?  No-one likes being ripped off and everyone likes getting value for their money. This is especially the case in construction, where every penny needs to count.   This puts us in a somewhat strange situation. We know that we aren’t always going to be the cheapest supplier in the market, after all. However, is cost really the be all and end all?  In this article, we will look at whether cost always wins, or whether it can be worth paying a little extra in certain situations.   After all, in some circumstances, it can be better to pay a little more initially than to avoid paying double in the long run.   Does paying less guarantee you a good delivery?  Aside from cost, the next most important thing for a buyer is delivery. When will it turn up, will it turn up when I’m told it will and will it be delivered safely?  One of the reasons why we maybe aren’t the cheapest is because of our delivery services. We have a fleet of vans, which are operated by our own drivers and the results show we’re onto something good.   Our delivery success rate is 99.3% for own-van deliveries, while 75% of our own-van deliveries are delivered before 12pm midday. We understand that without deliveries arriving when stated, issues arise. Costs grow, projects can get delayed and the inconvenience can really hit you in the pocket.   No-one wants that. As such, if you’ve found something cheaper, be sure to check what the delivery service is like. If it’s unreliable and you end up losing money as a result, it may be worth paying the extra to ensure your order gets there.   Does paying less guarantee you product quality?  At Multifix, we are very proud to be in partnership with a number of outstanding brands. These include Paslode, Protecta, Visqueen, Ancon, Bosch and many others.  These brands are synonymous with quality and have proven over many years that their products turn a good job well done into a great job well done.   Now, if you can get products of this quality for a better price, then that’s completely fair enough. Ultimately, we want what is best for you.   However, if you are buying products on the basis that they are cheaper, then it may be wise to reconsider. This is especially the case in brickwork, where poorly manufactured products can have disastrous consequences.   If the products you’re buying are alarmingly cheap, there’s likely a good reason for that. In construction, more often than not, you get what you pay for when it comes to products.   Does paying less guarantee you customer service? Let’s say that you’ve found a supplier that can do your goods for you at a cheap price. You go to call up over the phone and explain what you’re after in vague terms, which as we know, have become industry standard.   Unfortunately for you, when your order arrives, it’s not what you asked for. The person at the end of the phone didn’t fully understand what you wanted, so you need to send it back and order again.   Or let’s say your order hasn’t arrived as planned. You want to check where your delivery is, go to phone and all they can say is that it’s on its way, with nothing further to reassure you.    Getting hold of people is imperative and essential, as you never know what is going to happen. And when you get through to these people, it’s important they know their stuff.   That is why we focus so heavily on our customer service team, who constantly have training to make sure their product knowledge is as extensive as you need it to be.   They also have the ability to track your order as well, so you’ll be able to find out exactly where your delivery is and when it will show up.   The reason we do this is because you never know when you need someone to physically speak to. If a cheaper supplier can’t provide you with adequate customer service, it won’t be worth the bargain.   Weighing up the finances We all love a bargain. However, as the saying goes, if something is too good to be true, there’s a good chance it is.   As such, while cost may well be the number one priority, you should weigh that up against what you’re getting for your money.  If you’re getting a product cheap, but don’t know if it’ll turn up on time or even be good enough for the task at hand, then it’s always worth spending extra.   To find out more about Multifix and the pricing options we have available, you can get in touch with us here.  

Read more → 4 min read
Article
A thank you from us to you

With 2023 coming to a close, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for everything over the last 12 months.   We’ve had a lot of interactions, a lot of feedback and delivered a lot of products! We really appreciate you and would also like to thank all of you who have filled out our customer survey.   Your views are really important to us and help us grow as a company, so we’re thankful you’ve taken time out of your busy schedules to partake. If you haven’t done so yet, it’s not too late – you can complete the survey here. Thanks to you though, we’ve been able to achieve some big milestones in 2023, which will help make our service even better.   In this article, we will recap some of our highlights from 2023 and explain how they can be of huge benefit to you.   We expanded our brickwork range  2023 saw Multifix expand our brickwork range! One specific example of this is the addition of Ancon high-rise solutions, which will help us be a better supplier.   Despite being relative newcomers to the sector, we’ve managed to team up with esteemed brands such as Visqueen and ARC, in addition to Ancon, as we look to offer a comprehensive range.   Behind the scenes, we’ve added a lot of specialist knowledge to our task force. This is so we can continue to give you expert advice on your queries and concerns. As a result of choosing this sector, we are determined to learn all about it so that we can provide specialist support.   By and large, it feels like we’ve largely done that and it’s been great to see you take to the new range well and trust us to be your supplier.   We’re still in the early stages of our brickwork project, but you can expect to see us add more to our product range over time.   We’ve expanded our own van routes  You asked, we listened! 2023 saw our own van service grow, as we have now successfully expanded our geographic reach.   These past 12 months have seen us send our fleet of vans to the south-west with regularity, including to Oxford and parts of Gloucestershire.   Expanding our van range has been something you always enquire about and something that we always try to do, so to be able to do so this year was momentous for us.   This is important as it means we can provide a better and more personable delivery service for you, while covering more parts of the country.   We’re always looking at ways we can expand our own van range we’re adding at least three more vans to our fleet, so keep an eye out on the roads in 2024 for a Multifix van!     We retained our FORS Silver accreditation   To add a level of buyer’s security to our delivery service, we have been FORS Silver accredited for a few years now. FORS stands for Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme and is a voluntary accreditation scheme that is designed to drive up standards.   Getting silver is important for many reasons, but it is perhaps best described by the description itself.   “Silver accreditation confirms that you employ good practice and comply with the requirements laid out by the FORS standard,” it reads, as per the FORS website. “By achieving FORS Silver accreditation, your fleet will be compliant with the CLOCS Standard for Construction Logistics and with TfL’s WRRR (Work Related Road Risk).”  As such, we were delighted to achieve Silver again in 2023 and at the very least, will be aiming to achieve the same result in 2024.   We’re putting things in place to deliver nationwide  Perhaps one of the biggest things that is of benefit to you is that as of 2023, Multifix are now primed to deliver all over the country.  It doesn’t matter if you are in Newcastle or Newquay, if you wish to order with us, we will help you, no matter where you’re situated in England.   There are two caveats to this, however. The first is that you will not necessarily have your goods delivered to you by our own vans. You can see their delivery routes here.  Instead, anything outside of our own van range will be delivered by courier. This enables us to cover the entire country, rather than limiting our services.   In a dream scenario, we will have own vans all over the country, but for now, couriers that we trust will be the order of the day.   The second is that this only applies to brickwork and firestopping. We are working on going nationwide for carpentry, but need to iron out a few details first.   We had our first exhibition  Finally, 2023 saw us exhibit at a major event for the first time in our 30-year history. We had our own stand at FIREX located next to our firestopping partners, Protecta.  This was groundbreaking for us and it was great to meet some of you in person to discuss the firestopping solutions that we stock.   Events of that scale always represent a brilliant opportunity to meet new people and explain what we do, with both events proving successful for us.   It remains to be seen whether we will be participating in any events for 2024, but it will certainly be something to think about.   We’d also like to thank all of those who came by our stand to find out more about us, Protecta and their firestopping solutions.   A very positive 12 months It’s been a big year of firsts for Multifix and all of those firsts were with you in mind. First forays into the southwest, first consistent nationwide deliveries and first exhibitions.  All of these steps have been taken to make sure that you get the very best service possible and we are very excited to see what we can achieve in 2024.   With all that in mind, we would like to thank you once again for helping us grow in 2023. We really do value your feedback and suggestions, so please keep telling us them.   The best way to get your thoughts over to us in the short term is through our customer survey. If you would like to partake, you can do so here.

Read more → 5 min read
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