Welcome to Professional Builder’s annual industry accolade where we celebrate the business–boosting solutions that have come to the aid of the trades on site
Throughout the year Professional Builder’s print and digital platforms are replete with all the industry’s latest products, ideas and innovations. Every December we recognise some of the highlights and in the following pages you’ll find our Top Products 2024. These are the solutions that can make you more profitable, productive and provide the peace of mind of a job well done. Merry Christmas to all our readers and here’s to a promising 2025!
The Innovation Award 2024
This year’s Professional Builder Innovation Award goes to Carl Harris and his builder-friendly Brick Bud solution
Invented by Carl Harris, the Brick Bud featured in Professional Builder’s June issue this year. Carl, like many of our winners past, comes from the trades himself and began as a bricklaying apprentice over 30 years ago. Unfortunately, an in-construction wall collapsed on him, leaving long-lasting injuries. While this brick wall was being propped up by a piece of timber it became apparently clear to Carl that this type of propping wasn’t fit for purpose, despite being widespread in the industry.
The next step for Carl was a huge amount of research, as he travelled up and down the country to sites where walls had collapsed, now with a bursting folder of image examples to show for it. The result of this research is the Brick Bud: a reusable engineered GRP frame that transfers weight through to the floor, designed to prop brick walls during construction. Instead of an improvised solution (such as a piece of timber), the Brick Bud is an engineered solution to the problem, that takes just a couple of minutes to assemble and can be done so by one person.
From Carl’s estimations, the UK is losing around 35 million bricks a year to walls blowing down in high winds. It’s a figure based on his experience in the trade and time since visiting sites across the country. Carl states that the major problem with getting an exact figure is a distinct lack in reporting. “When a wall falls, that site manager doesn’t want health and safety involved, the excessive paperwork, the reporting, the insurance premiums rising nor the mark on the site, the list goes on and on. I’ve had plenty of walls fall. I know as a bricklayer for 27 years and a site manager for the last 5 years what actually goes on on-site.”
Safety isn’t the only objective with the Brick Bud either, and the monetary savings could be huge too. Losing a wall of bricks on site isn’t free and the labour required to clear it all away and start again isn’t either, especially if there’s further damage to the surrounding areas or scaffolding. What’s more, everyone from private contractors to health and safety, bricklayers themselves and management are all liable for any failings and ensuing injuries that do occur.
Sustainability is of course, always a consideration with new products now as well, and the Brick Bud is certainly delivering on these credentials in abundance. Walls lost don’t just represent a financial loss, all the co2 required to create those bricks and get them shipped to site has gone to waste too.
All in all, the Brick Bud serves as a testament to the ingenuity of the trades. As our weather gets worse, with climate change and gale force winds increase in their frequency, having a frame like this that can withstand the equivalent of 72mph winds is sure to come in handy. Not only could it save a lot of wasted money and hassle, but it might also just save a life or too.
https://harrisbricksafetysystems.com/
AZPECTS
EASYJOINT PORCELAIN JOINTING COMPOUND
The public are still going potty for porcelain and Azpects has the perfect product. Its EASYJoint PORCELAIN Jointing Compound is available in two colours, White Gold and Silver. It offers superior resistance to the elements, ensuring that joints do not crack or degrade over time. This is paired with a virtually airtight seal that effectively prevents weed growth and deters pests.
EASYJoint PORCELAIN – Next-gen patio jointing compound
BRITISH GYPSUM
THISTLEPRO® FASTSET FINISH
It’s plaster but faster with this quicker setting finishing product. A 25kg bag of British Gypsum ThistlePro® FastSet Finish will cover approximately 10m2 and set in 60-70 minutes, when used in accordance with the installation guidance, whilst there’s is no need for additives. It’s the ideal solutions for patch work and repair jobs as well as smaller internal walls and ceilings.
ThistlePro FastSet Finish Plaster | British Gypsum
BUCKBOOTZ
WE SEE YOU™ COLLECTION
When it comes to safety, you want to make sure you’re getting bang for your buck. It’s a good thing then that Buckbootz We See You™ collection delivers that in spades. As the name would suggest, visibility is the key objective here with these waterproof, safety feature-full hi-vis work boots that will make sure you’re seen on-site, come rain or shine, night or day.
WE SEE YOU™ – The Hi-Vis Collection
CEDRAL
CEDRAL COLLECTIONS FACADES
Cedral has certainly understood the meaning of “home is where the heart is” with its Cedral Collections. The four colour palettes – Design, Expressive, Natural and Classic – are tailored to homeowner design preferences and location surroundings. The fibre cement cladding ranges are easy to install, increase energy efficiency and help reduce condensation and humidity.
ECLISSE
SLIDING POCKET DOOR SYSTEMS
By making installations as easy as possible, ECLISSE is opening the door to new business. Its range of sliding pocket door systems clearly understands the importance of efficiency and reliability in every installation. Its door kits come with comprehensive instructions for each step and components that are size specific and engineered to fit seamlessly together.
Eclisse Sliding Pocket Doors Online
FISCHER FIXINGS
MS HYBRID
The latest multi-purpose fischer innovation is a hybrid polymer adhesive, sealant and filler in one. Multi MS has high initial tack and is designed to bond a wide range of materials, including wood, metal, glass, ceramics, brick and concrete. It’s so versatile there is nothing this adhesive can’t stick together whilst it is waterproof, and mould resistant.
To view a Toolbox Talk video on the fischer MS Hybrid range visit LumiWarm UK V20 16×9 VO1 (youtube.com).
HBXL
BUILDPROJEX
BuildProjex is a HBXL cloud-based job management tool specific to small building firms. The ‘All Project’ dashboard provides valuable real-time oversight. A simple colour-coding system defines tasks as in progress, completed and overdue – and there’s a colour-coded calendar. You can exchange group messages whilst all the information on each job is automatically fed into a built-in Gantt Chart.
Try HBXL Building Software for Free – HBXL Building Software
HELLY HANSEN
OXFORD BOA COMPOSITE-TOE SAFETY BOOTS
The wide, roomie fit and soft, plush underfoot cushioning of the Helly Hansen Oxford line of safety footwear makes for happy feet. The metal free composite toe cap and puncture resistant plate protects whilst a waterproof nubuck leather upper and Helly Tech waterproof membrane keeps you dry. Added to all that is the convenience and security of the BOA Fit System.
Oxford Mid Boa S3 Waterproof Safety Boots | HH Workwear UK | HH Workwear
J-STRUT
TEMPORARY STEEL SUPPORT
This development on the Acrow concept is strutting its stuff in our Top Products 2024. The J-strut features a hollow pinion gear that fits on a standard impact wrench and interfaces with a modified collar and pin on the J-strut support. Simply locate over the locking pin and let the cordless power tool do the work. It’s safer, quicker and can easily be undertaken by one individual.
KGM
MUSSO PICKUP RANGE
As part of its recent corporate rebrand, KGM (formerly SsangYong) announced a revised model line-up. The Musso pick up-range offers a great option for those in the trades, with the perfect blend of functionality, practicality, performance, and comfort . With a 3.5 tonne tow limit and 1,025kg payload limit (whilst towing), lugging materials to site and back never looked so stylish.
https://probuildermag.co.uk/news/kgm-motors-uk-confirm-model-new-uk-model-line-up
MAKITA
40VMAX ROUTER XGT RP001G
Professional Builder’s Tibby Singh found this cordless tool to be a bit of all rout. The Makita 40VMax Router XGT RP001G is a 1/2” model that weighs just 3.3kg. Featuring a variable speed control from 1 to 5, it will move from 8,000 to 25,000rpm. It has a cutting plunge depth of up to 60mm, which can be locked, and there is a dust collection attachment.
Take a look at Tibby’s review here Makita 40VMax Router XGT RP001G – reviewed! – Professional Builder
MAN
TGE NEXT LEVEL
Level up with MAN’s TGE Next Level range of vans. The range lives up to its name with improvements to the cabin design and driver assistance systems among other things. The interior features include an ergonomic multifunction steering wheel, a MAN Media Van Navigation and infotainment system with a 10.4″ or 12.9” display and much, much more.
MIGHTON PRODUCTS
PROFESSIONAL SASH WINDOW WEIGHTS & BALANCES CALCULATORS
If you know you need window hardware – but you’re not exactly sure what – then Mighton Products is on hand with a sash hit! Developed over thousands of windows, its online toolkits allow the trades to find the perfect product to fit. Simply enter the properties and dimensions and its sash window weights & balances calculators will do the rest.
Product Calculators – Mighton Products
MILWAUKEE
MX FUEL™ FORGE™
Forge ahead with Milwaukee’s MX FUEL™ FORGE™ batteries, designed to enhance equipment with improved performance, power and runtime. With 2x faster charging, there’s less downtime and increased productivity for every application. The REDLITHIUM™ technology present in the batteries has also been incorporated into the lighter duty M18™ FORGE™ battery range too for the 18V requirements of the M18™ range that features over 290 tools.
ORIGIN
SOHO EXTERNAL DOOR
A bi-fold and French door system designed for the modern era is how Origin describes its Soho External Door. It not only boasts steel-look glazing bars and ultra-slim sightlines, but it is already 2025 Future Homes compliant. To create a heritage look, clients can specify more glazing bars, or for an industrial, steel look, customers can opt for fewer.
Partner with Origin | Join Our Trade Team | Business Account
OSC SALES
PRO DECK SCREW
The range of landscaping fixings from OSC Sales has decks appeal for every application. The Pro Deck screw, in lengths of 40mm 50mm 63mm and 75mm and 90mm, features a pressure-treated timber finish to maximise the visual appearance of the decking. The square head doesn’t cam out, plus you get a free drive tool in every pack.
Find a Distributor of Carpenters Mate Products
OX TOOLS
TOOLTREK STORAGE SYSTEM
With an IP66 rating, Ox Tools ToolTrek Storage System is waterproof and dustproof and, with a 100k load capacity, strong as an ox! It features a wide telescopic handle and sturdy 9” wheels covered in a thick layer of rubber too, offering easy transport over rugged terrain. As a bonus, M8 threaded inserts are on all tool boxes for the attachment of bespoke attachments.
To view our video review of the ToolTrek System, visit Ox Tools – ToolTrek Storage System Showcase
QUICKSLIDE
QUICKGLIDE INVISIFOLD DOOR
Making the most of the latest trend to glide into the industry is Quickslide, with its Quickglide Invisifold Door. Gone are the days of choosing between a bi-fold or sliding door. The slide and fold doors are manufactured in house from polyamide thermal break aluminium, feature “tap in” quick bead and use a high security cylinder & multi-point locking system.
Quick-Glide Slide and Fold Doors | Quickslide
ROCKWOOL®
THERMAL INSULATION CAVITY SLAB 32
Helping the trades through thick and thin, ROCKWOOL® released its 150mm Cavity Slab 32 to help those on-site meet the lower U-values in the latest thermal regulations. A 140mm Sound Insulation Slab has been added to the offering too, boasting acoustic and thermal application benefits in timber frame buildings. Both feature the updated environmentally friendly Trade Range packaging.
SNICKER WORKWEAR
ALLROUNDWORK, STRETCH TROUSERS WITH CAPSULIZED KNEEPADS AND HOLSTER POCKETS
Snicker Workwear is promising a world first in work trouser technology. Its AllroundWork, Stretch Trousers with Capsulized Kneepads and Holster Pockets feature built-in, certified kneepads which are completely integrated into the premium stretch garment. The Capsulized kneepad components comfortably deliver penetration protection and impact absorption.
Capsulized | Snickers Workwear
STANLEY®
FATMAX® TRADELIFT™
For those who find themselves working alone a lot, the STANLEY® FATMAX® TradeLift™ is certain to come in handy, or should we say footy? This versatile handheld tool can be operated by hand or foot and is designed for lifting, levelling, holding and spreading of heavy or awkward objects such as appliances, sheet materials or furniture up to 150KG.
STANLEY® FATMAX® TradeLift™ | STANLEY
TOTECTORS
WILLIAMS BOOT
It’s the Clarino upper lining in the stylish and lightweight Williams Boot from Totectors that makes it a step above the rest. Completely replacing the leather content, the material is 30 per cent stronger than leather and more resistant to abrasion. If that’s not enough then it’s also less affected by UV light, which prolongs the boot’s colour.
TUFFX
INFINITY ROOF LIGHT
With its energy efficient rooflight range, TuffX is taking sustainability to infinity and beyond! The Infinity rooflight offers a hassle free and easily installed opportunity to impress homeowners. Heat is kept in during the colder months, while still preventing unwanted solar gains during the summer. This leads to comfortable indoor temperatures all-year round, all while maximising natural light.
Glass Manufacturers UK | Leading Glass Suppliers – TuffX Glass
WAVIN
HEP20 KEYLESS
To key or not to key is the question with the launch of Wavin’s Hep2O Keyless. This addition to the push-fit plumbing system means no demounting key required and a smaller, streamlined design that comes out of the bag in a locked position for a speedy fit. Hep2O’s In4Sure technology ensures a 50-year guaranteed secure joint, every time.
