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Steel roofing and cladding supplier Arcelor UK sprang into action when a customer urgently needed to replace a roof on a storm damaged supermarket. High winds ripped the aluminium sheet off the newly-completed store in Chester depositing it in the car park. Following a Sunday morning telephone call to Arcelor's managing director the company confirmed it was able to supply the material without delay. Arcelor supplied roofing contractor Blackwell Stanistreet with its Arclad R34 profiled steel sheeting to replace the lightweight aluminium which had been destroyed. The first sheet was supplied on Tuesday and both roofs were installed within just 12 days.

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Off-site construction specialist Yorkon has launched an exemplar design to demonstrate the architectural flexibility of its steel-framed modular building system. Developed in partnership with architects tp bennett, the designs have a wide range of potential applications The design also incorporates shaped modules and 12m clear internal spans for buildings up to six storeys high. The concepts suggest a six-storey linear building sitting alongside a curved building, both of which have been arranged around a central plaza and parkland.

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Independent Access Lifts has announced an upgrade of its Ambassador platform lift. Designed to provide access for disabled and mobility impaired people the new model has an increased load capacity of up to 630kg and now works using a screw and nut mechanism for a quieter and faster ascent. Like its predecessor, the lift's mechanisms are all self-contained in a side panel, eliminating the need for a separate machine room. There are an array of options for safety features, doors, and finishes.

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DR Services, suppliers of frameless glazing systems and architectural ironmongery, has launched a range of fittings for it railings and balustrades, that it expects to be used by architects in the leisure sector. The range is said to be distinguished by the wide component choice available, enabling specifiers to reflect the minimalist appeal of the patch fittings employed in frameless glazing, and will permit them to work with unusual logistical constraints.

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Waterproofing systems specialist Triton Chemicals has launched a comprehensive range of products designed for the protection and waterproofing of concrete structures. The new range includes a surface applied system which protects in depth, and a waterproofing and protection system for joints in concrete.

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The latest addition to Coram Showers' Acora range is a walk-in shower enclosure which the company says has been developed in order to offer a 'stylish, contemporary design which maximises the showering area.' The enclosure has been designed for both left and right hand installation, which makes stocking and installation much more straightforward. The walk-in enclosure can be installed in both corner and alcove situations. Coram marketing manager Charlie Wallis said: 'The biggest problem with many walk-in enclosures currently on the market is that they are difficult and complicated to fit. 'Also some have needlessly small showering areas resulting from the inclusion of a drying area. 'Our new walk-in enclosure has been specifically designed to address these issues'.

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Connector and structural systems specialist Simpson Strong-Tie claims to be talking the industry's language on an international scale as it becomes the first company of its kind to embrace the CE marking standard that is soon to be compulsory for many products across much of Europe. Despite CE marking not yet being a requirement of manufacturers in the UK, Ireland and Sweden Simpson is undertaking these changes alongside manufacturers in all other EC countries that must adhere to the new legislation.

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An outdoor show garden created using products supplied by leading deck manufacturer Arbordeck won a top prize at the 2007 BBC Gardeners World Live event at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. Created by Nottingham-based Halycon Garden Design, the decked garden was judged by a committee of judges from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and awarded a bronze medal for its striking design. The garden featured Arbordecks's reversible deck boards which were installed smooth side up in order to emphasise the attractive, flowing design of the spiralling decking. The company holds the deck mark, a quality assurance from the timber decking association, along with a 15 year performance guarantee. Boards are tanalith e treated in order to provide protection against fungal and insect attack. A wide selection of boards is said to be available, together with a range of ancillary products such as joists spindles, handrails and fittings.

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Water regulators from Aquaflow could keep water consumption under control, even if the pressure fluctuates wildly between one and ten bar. The regulators limit each outlet to a chosen, preset maximum flow rate. These are produced in stepped flow rates from 4 litres per minute for washroom taps, to 18 litres per minute for a bath. Because the products control flow with a minimal pressure drop, the company claims that users will be unaware of any change in service.

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The cable management portfolio of MK Electric has been strengthened with the launch of Prestige 3D skirting - a system that is said to deliver high quality, professional installations with greater ease and speed of fixing. Prestige 3D skirting is an extension of the Prestige 3D dado trunking range and its launch is claimed will bring similar levels of data transmission compliance, cost effectiveness and filter-friendliness to cable management contracts. One of the primary benefits of Prestige 3D skirting is a marked increase of speed and ease of installation. The company has undertaken internal trials that - in a typical office application - has found it over 30% faster to install than its own Prestige Plus and similar competitor systems. From the outset MK looked at what the market wanted and two needs were highlighted - the need for compliance with CAT 6 structured cable system and the desire for easier installation. Prestige 3D skirting meets both these demands, while maintaining the stylish, sculptured high aesthetics of Prestige Plus.

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