DELTA DRIVES SUPPLY CHAIN ENGAGEMENT AT CPD EVENT
Posted on 14th August 2017What do you get if you combine a BMW i8 with an in-house testing rig and an invited audience of construction sector delegates keen to engage with their supply chain?
An amazing day of ideas sharing and learning, that’s what.
As part of our Delta Academy initiative, which aims to drive learning both within Delta Balustrades and across our supply chain partners, we held a supply partner CPD training day last Tuesday, and what rewarding day it was. We took delegates from some of the UK’s foremost contractors on a journey to in depth understanding of balustrade design, specification, safety and compliance, delivered by our own team and our guest speakers.
Welcoming more than 20 delegates along with speakers from BSI and Fischer Fixings, we set out to demonstrate the value of a collaborative supply and delivery chain in raising quality and safety throughout the design, specification and construction process.
Managing director, Stephen Boyt kicked off proceedings with an introduction before handing over to Robert Hine from BSI to talk about safety and compliance and the benefits of specifying a Kitemarked product to underpin the highest standards of consistent and reliable safety performance.
Following a factory tour and live load test using our in-house test rig, delegates were fascinated by a presentation from our supply partner Fischer Fixings. The company’s technical manager, Mirka Valovicova, discussed the importance of specifying the correct anchorage system and fixing components and the safety critical role of compliant installation.
After a short presentation from our national specification manager, Stuart Hubball, on how we work with contractors to add value across design, buildability and installation and a break for lunch, the on-site testing continued with a glass slippage test. This test was an important reminder for delegates of the importance of using bolt through lugs in a compliant balustrade design to ensure glass infill panels are held securely in place.
Next came a summary of some recent installations from our senior pre-construction manager. Howard Cooper, with some valuable learning points on how contractors and the supply chain can reduce site challenges by working collaboratively. Our contracts director, Anton Boyt then outlined our Accredited Installer Scheme (AIS) training programme, highlighting our joined up approach to quality and accountability from design right through to finished installation.
Anton used a short video clip of a record-breaking Ferrari F1 pit stop to inspire delegates about the value of collaboration ‘where the tyre meets the track’.
With the formal part of the day over, there was only one thing left to do…try out the BMW i8 waiting outside – another great example of innovation, aesthetics and safety working together.