Business confidence in construction sector rises
The latest construction survey from Markit and the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply reveals the good news that confidence is the highest it has been for nine years within the construction industry. Roofers DPR, a local Pontefract firm with 20 years’ experience in the roofing services industry, welcome this news as an indicator of a potential upturn in business for all construction workers. Although the actual output from the sector in the preceding three months has fallen slightly, according to figures produced in the Purchasing Managers’ Indices, an industry standard calculator of performance for specific industries, still businesses report increased confidence for future growth. Senior Economist at Markit, Tim Moore, agrees that the economic recovery has slowed somewhat, though recovery overall is still steady.
Glenigan, a leading provider of UK construction project sales leads and market analysis, supports the claims that new business volumes have continued to rise throughout March this year. They point to the 36% increase over last year in projects receiving detailed planning approvals in January and February as indicating a potential surge in construction growth for the coming year. While some firms suggest uncertainty over results of the upcoming General Election is a cause for the recent slowing in construction output, Allen Wilen, Glenigan Economics Director, anticipates increasing growth following the election “especially if a credible Government emerges quickly”.
The increase in planning permission approvals, and increased opportunities for tenders, have led to 57% of those surveyed by Glenigan stating that they expect a rise in output over the next year. This increase in optimism for future growth is the highest for almost ten years. In addition, the survey has highlighted reductions in numbers of sub-contractors leading to increases in sub-contractor charges.
Of the three types of construction monitored in the Markit survey, housing showed the strongest results, followed by commercial projects. Output in the civil engineering sector has not shown such strong results. Pontefract roofing company DPR are pleased that housing is returning strong results in the Markit survey, indicating increased confidence in the house-building sector. This upturn in business confidence can only be good for the construction industry, and homeowners. As a leading local roofing firm, DPR welcome the news that there may be an increase in house building over the coming year. They advise homeowners not to neglect essential maintenance of existing homes in the meantime, though, and reassure Pontefract residents that they are available to provide prompt appointments for roof surveys, maintenance, and repairs. To enquire about the services of a professional roofer anywhere in the Pontefract area, speak to a member of the roofing repair team at Pontefract’s premier roofing company, DPR, telephone 01977 220016.
DPR secure contract at White Rose Shopping Centre
DPR Roofing department are delighted to announce we have successfully secured a contract to carry out maintenance and repairs at the White Rose Shopping Centre in Leeds.
The announcement comes after we have proven ourselves as leading commercial roofing contractors in the Yorkshire area over the past 4 years. This includes projects for SITA in Huddersfield, Wakefield College Estates and Unity Housing Association properties in Leeds.
The first roof which DPR will be repairing is that at the Boux Avenue lingerie store situated on the ground floor of the centre. They are suffering roof leaks via the air conditioning units sited on the roof and require this solving quickly before it makes trading unsafe.
Managing Director Darren Rickett is delighted that DPR has obtained this commercial roofing contract in Yorkshire and said: "Yet again DPR prove their credibility in the commercial roofing sector in gaining contracts from high end customers."
Commercial roofing work is becoming a speciality of DPR roofing and we have invested heavily in equipment over the past 12 months to allow us to offer a high quality service throughout. Through our high access boom we can safely carry out high level roofing work and with new vans and a digger which we have invested in recently, we can be more proficient on site reducing any impact we may have on trade and business opening hours.
If you own commercial property in Yorkshire and require a professional roofing company to carry out repair works then please do not hesitate to contact our team. We have a comprehensive portfolio of high profile projects which showcase our quality and professionalism so you can guarantee the level of service you will receive.
DPR awarded contract for REDS True Barbecue restaurants
DPR is proud to announce that we have been awarded a contract to carry out roofing works on the latest food sensation restaurant in Leeds.
REDS True Barbecue, situated in Headingley, has fast become the restaurant to visit in West Yorkshire and nationally the company has grown massively with other restaurants in locations like Nottingham and Manchester.
During recent works on their Leeds head office training centre, DPR roofers were delighted to be treated to a full BBQ meal at lunchtime instead of their usual soggy home-made sandwiches.
Speaking about the contract, DPR manager Neil Taylor said: "Its a credit to our trusted name that we are the chosen roofing services supplier for Reds True bbq restaurants. We are at the forefront in roofing techniques and accreditations which is what our prospective clients look for. Gone are the days when the man and a van turn up and offer poor quality and no guaranteed works."
This contract is one of a long line of commercial contracts which DPR has recently won. This includes work for Unity Housing Association and a brand new contract at the White Rose Centre in Leeds. DPR is delighted to be progressing in this marketplace and will continue to look at ways to develop our company in these areas.
Recently we updated our fleet of vehicles to allow us to support our staff better in all situations and this has enabled us to win more commercial contract work.
Should you be the property owner of a large commercial building and require a super reliable and honest roofing company with experience, accreditation and expertise in this field, please do not hesitate to contact one of our team on 0113 3470918.
We carry out commercial roofing work across the whole of Yorkshire including Leeds, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Barnsley and Pontefract and are never too far away.
DPR warning to homeowners after cowboy scam in Derby
DPR Ltd’s roofers would like to warn homeowners in the Leeds, Barnsley, Wakefield, Huddersfield and Pontefract areas of Yorkshire to watch out after complaints from a number of residents in Derby about a cowboy roofer scam.
Cowboy roofer scams are nothing new and there have been many over the years across the whole of the UK. Shows like ‘Don’t get Done, Get Dom’ and DIY SOS has exposed the poor work of some roofers in the past yet it appears some are still on our streets.
Recently in Derby a number of complaints have been made to the local paper claiming there is a spate of roofing scams in the local area and it is believed this is not as isolated incident. As a result, we are warning people to be on the lookout in Yorkshire for similar scams.
According to reports and letters in the Derby Telegraph, one woman said: “A coupe of days ago I answered a knock at my door and was faced by a presentable young man.
“He then proceeded to tell me a story about the state of the ridge tiles on my roof and that he’d noticed them when he’d done a job for my neighbour. He then invited me outside to see for myself.
“I couldn’t see anything wrong and told him so, also that I wasn’t having any issues with rain ingress, and had my own roofer who dealt with any necessary repairs anyway. Across the road, a white Transit van was parked. After they’d driven off, I rang my neighbour to ask if she’d had any repairs done by these people and the answer was no.”
This is not the first time this has been the case. DPR would like to remind you that no professional roofing company will ever knock on your door unless you have called them and that you should never exchange money or be drawn into contract with people who claim such a story.
If you are worried about a roofing scam or someone claims to work for DPR and they do this, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will put your mind at ease and deal with accordingly.
Urgent Works to Dangerous Glass Roof at XL call centre in Batley
DPR Roofing recently undertook urgent glass roof repair work at the XL Call Centre in Batley. The roof on the large commercial offices was in a very poor state and required immediate attention.
After an initial survey to ascertain the seriousness of the poor roof, DPR recommended and were then requested to remove the dangerous glass panel sections which were loose and were before removed a high safety risk, with the potential to fall inside the building.
To do this, DPR had to erect crawler boards for safe roof access and be very careful in the disposal of any of the glass roof sheets.
To eliminate the chance of this happening again, instead of using glass sheets, DPR recommended the following roof repair procedure: The creation of an industrial treated timber structure with GRP sheet roof and flashings. This is guaranteed against leakage for 10 years with life expectancy in excess of 50 years.
To conform to all new standards and to ensure the safety of all workers and staff, all waste is removed from site and disposed of in the correct ways.
DPR Roofing always takes health and safety very importantly too. Therefore during the work and before any work was carried out, our surveyor Darren Rickett made the following suggestions:
• Under no circumstances can persons be present below the work area during works. Falling glass, although unlikely, could prove fatal.
• We must stress that the office area beneath the glass sheet lights (under suspended ceiling) be not used during stormy weather, particularly high winds. We cannot be liable for any glass entry into the offices regardless of weather conditions prior to above works.
DPR are specialist roofing contractors in Yorkshire and specialise in the commercial and domestic markets. Our specialist GRP roof sheets are highly effective roofing materials and can be used in a range of applications.
Should you notice a problem with any of your roof and require urgent or scheduled roof repair work, please do not hesitate to contact us today.
DPR invest in brand new multi-use telehandler
DPR roofing has always been committed to developing our company and providing equipment which will make the jobs of our employees easier. As leading roofing contractors in Yorkshire, we believe excellence comes from progress.
At the beginning of this year, DPR invested in a brand new multi-use telehandler. The Avant 630 from Finland has 150 useful attachments available ranging from a fork lift, loading shovel through to road sweeper, jet washing and snow plough to name just a few.
DPR director Darren Rickett purchased the telehandler for multiple reasons. In a statement he said: "This little power house will be a huge time saver for us on jobs as it travels on our plant trailer and is used for the control of rubble to skips and fork lifting materials up on to scaffolds etc with its huge over 1 tonne lifting ability.
“The added snow plough and yard sweeper means we always have a safe place to work.
He joked that: “The heated seat is a delight to all too, in the cold weather".
It is anticipated that the new purchase will be hugely beneficial for many aspects of DPR Roofing and will work on both domestic and commercial jobs across Yorkshire.
For more information on the range of roofing services we offer in Yorkshire, including flat roof work, felt roofing, emergency roof repairs, commercial roof surveys and much more, please do not hesitate to contact us today.
DPR Roofing Identifies Problems with Felt, and other Issues for Flat Roofs
Flat roofs can suffer several problems, as the experienced team at DPR Roofing (Pontefract) Ltd know only too well. While felt is often chosen as a good low-cost option for a flat roof, it does require constant attention to changes in the condition of the fabric covering, to avoid the potential disaster of sudden leaks.
Pontefract roofers DPR Roofing, who provide a first class repair service for flat roof problems within the Pontefract area, identify the top five problems with flat roofs.
1. Installation problems. Although a flat roof is more accessible than a pitched roof, this does not make it any less of a skilled job to install, and poor preparation and fitting at this stage will lead to problems later on. It may seem tempting to tackle the job yourself if felt is the chosen covering, but the importance of competent installation cannot be overstated. DPR Roofing is able to offer a convenient and prompt roofing service for flat roofs in Pontefract to avoid these DIY pitfalls.
2. A flat roof must be installed with a slight slope, minimum gradient 1:40, to facilitate good drainage. This will reduce pooling of surface water, and prolong the life of the roof covering. Any standing water on a flat roof in Pontefract is a reason to call in professional roofing services company DPR Roofing without delay.
3. It is important that a felt roof should be protected by light coloured chippings or solar reflective paint, to reduce the effects of sunlight, which will eventually lead to damage from constant expansion and contraction (or ‘thermal movement’). If the covering is subject to excessive movement, this may lead to creasing, and ultimately cracking, and splits.
4. Felt roofs are prone to ‘blistering’ when a layer of moisture is allowed to penetrate the outer layers of the roof covering. The expansion within this blister caused by sunlight heating the evaporated moisture will lead to stresses and leaks. A blister on a flat roof is an indication that a skilled roofer, from local Pontefract roofing company, DPR, should be called out promptly to carry out urgent roof repairs.
5. Walking on a felt-covered flat roof can easily cause punctures. This is particularly problematic if the surface underneath the felt was not perfectly clean and grit free. This type of damage will almost always lead to leaks, and should be referred to DPR Roofing for attention.
DPR Roofing are aware that looking after a flat roof is an important part of building maintenance, and they are happy to provide advice and information about roof repairs for the Pontefract area.
For prompt professional attention to your flat roof from a company with more than 20 years’ experience in this field, call Pontefract roofers, DPR, telephone 01977 220016.
DPR sponsor local walker in aid of Leeds based St Gemmas Hospice
DPR Ltd are delighted to be sponsoring Jane Oddy from Whittle Jones who is carrying out a sponsored walk in aid of raising funds for the ever caring St Gemma’s Hospice in Leeds.
The walk takes place on Sunday 1st March and is held at Temple Newsam and Golden Acre Park.
Everyone at DPR would like to wish Jane well and Managing Director Darren Rickett said "Good luck Jane for your upcoming efforts. It’s a pleasure to sponsor you for such a caring organisation as St Gemma’s."
Jane will be joined on the walk by her pooch Sonny who will be helping her along the way.
DPR are going to support a number of charities across Yorkshire in 2015 as part of our commitment to giving back to the community.
Anybody who would like to support Jane and St Gemma’s Hospice can donate online by clicking on the following link www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Sonny5. If you have ever suffered the upset of cancer in the home with family/friends, you will know full well how hard it is to deal with and any donation, big or small, can go a long way to helping families cope.
DPR Expand Fleet with van number 34
DPR are delighted to announce we have purchased a brand new Mercedes sprinter van. The van is number 34 of our fleet and has become one of our flagship vehicles.
Over the past number of years, DPR has grown in size and stature and this new vehicle will allow us to continue maximising our growth. It is the biggest panel vehicle we have ever purchased, with a internal load length of 5m, and will be used mainly for large commercial work allowing us to remove things from site quicker and easier. It has been bought as an investment for our staff to make their workload easier whilst also allowing us to carry out bigger project work more effectively.
DPR has always been passionate about reducing the impact our vehicles have on the environment and this new vehicle features the very latest in Mercedes Bluetec Technology. According to Mercedes these are “intelligently coordinated measures aimed at a tangible reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.” This is something DPR thought long and hard about when buying the new van and we are delighted with the results.
Already the van has been out and about in Yorkshire as we have been providing work for Finlays Beverages, Unity Housing and XL Joinery Manufacturers. Everyone is delighted with the purchase and all the team have looked forward to using the new van each week. In fact they seem to get to work earlier to try and nab it before anyone else does.
DPR has always been committed to the development and quality of our team and this new purchase shows our dedication to providing high quality roofing services in Yorkshire (Leeds, Wakefield and Bradford). For more information on the commercial and domestic services we provide, please call us today on 0800 4587751.
Pictured is DPR dog Ted checking out our new addition to the team.
Changes to workers parental rights
There are to be two new changes coming into force in April which will help working parents. These two changes have been brought about by government initiatives to consider family-friendly regulations within the workplace.
At DPR Roofing, roofing specialists in Leeds, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Barnsley and Pontefract, we believe following the principles to great a happy working environment, and this includes making sure our employees are comfortable with their work and family life balance. We welcome the new changes which are going to come into place for our roofers. From the 5th of April the following will be enforced:
Parental leave
Parental leave, which currently is unpaid and extends only up to the child’s fifth birthday will extend until they are 18 years old. (To be eligible you must have completed one year’s services with DPR Roofing). The new rules allow parents to take up to 18 weeks of unpaid leave before the child’s 18th birthday. This can either be straight after the birth, after any maternity or paternity cover or just as they wish. All that is stated is that 21 days’ notice must be given. You should also take blocks of a week or weeks off rather than just the odd day here and there and you can only take a maximum of four weeks a year.
Shared parental leave
The second change is that shared parental leave is to come into force from April 5th too. This means that employees have the right to request shared parental leave and pay. Basically you can share the 52 weeks mother’s entitlement to maternity leave. Both parents can submit to the employer however the employer could ask that the blocks are shared on a monthly basis, rather than one employee taking six months then the second taking six months too.
Even if a couple opt for SPL, a birth mother must still take at least two weeks leave following the birth of a child. Fathers can also take two weeks statutory parental leave and pay in addition to any shared parental leave.
DPR roofing has always keen accommodating to the needs of our employees and welcome some of these changes. We believe that providing a high quality roofing service, which includes roof repairs and new roofs, starts with happy employees so we are always looking to help our staff.