Although the next NAMM Tradex is not until 2025, The Blast Shop, which regularly exhibits at Tradex, is having open days that are a mini-exhibition at its premises in Pendlebury, Manchester (M27 8SS), 21-22 September. They are full days from 9am to 5pm.

When The Blast Shop held its first open day in 2015 it only expected it to be one day, but so many people wanted to attend it was extended to two days. All its open days since have been two days – although there has not been an open day since before the Covid lockdowns started in 2020.

This year, three presentations are lined up for each day. They concentrate on ‘The Customer Experience’, with the first one looking at how information gained from feedback forms can be used to implement new processes and technology for increased customer satisfaction.

The second presentation is of MOMS – The Blast Shop Memorial Order Management System. The demonstration will explain how Google is used to increase a presence online.

The third presentation will be more interactive, dealing with training and development. The Blast Shop wants to know what courses masons think would be useful as well as talking about current courses and those planned for the future.

There will also be a discussion about stains and how Stone Clear products are suitable for stain removal as well as stain prevention.

As with any such event, a main benefit is the opportunity to talk to fellow masons as well as The Blast Shop staff. It will also give masons a chance to try out products for themselves – like the Memorial Designer software package; blasting and painting PhotoBlast stencils with the dustless Goldmann machines; and the Tripod Gantry that allows you to manoeuvre memorials into position so easily with the turn of a handle on each of the legs.

But it’s not all about The Blast Shop. There are also other companies showing their products. Memorial wholesaler Odlings will be showing its memorials in the main warehouse, while C J Imports will show its memorials in the rear stock room next to the dustless demonstration area.

Armorgard will be outside with the electric sack truck it now sells after buying MGB Easy Handling. Next to it will be the Tripod Gantry that The Blast Shop introduced at last year's Tradex exhibition and which Rob Critchley, The Blast Shop proprietor, described as "a cool new lifting device".

Hodge Clemco will have a blaster and PPE (personal protective equipment) package; Graphtec will be supporting The Blast Shop, which is one of Graphtec's distributors, talking about its masking tape cutters; PFM Design Consultancy will cover all matters to do with drilling; and the National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM) will be represented.

There will be bargains aplenty, with staff in the Blast Shop offices throughout each day delighted to take your orders.

And they could be long days, so tea and coffee will be available throughout and lunch will be served from midday until 1:30pm.

Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders, has voiced concerns that the ULEZ expansion, which comes into force on 29 August, could not have come at a worse time, with the construction industry already being hit by inflation and the rising cost of living.

He said: "While addressing air quality is imperative, the ULEZ expansion feels like a tax rather than a strategic mission to improve the health of Londoners. Some older vehicles over 3.5 tonnes may be liable for more than £300 a day and others under that weight up to £127.50."

Speaking on Fix Radio, Mayor Sadiq Khan urged people to support the ULEZ expansion to avoid losing days from work due to ill health related to air quality. He also revealed that the van scrappage scheme has been increased to £7,000 – or £9,500 for those choosing an electric vehicle. The retrofit grant now stands at £6,000.

Retrofitting, which is run by the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme, will not cover pre-Euro 6 diesel vehicles, pre-Euro 4 vehicles or LPG.

When searching for ULEZ compliant vehicles within 60 miles of the city on Autotrader's website, it was discovered that the cheapest small form EV van was listed at £4,400 with a range of just 60 miles.

Cliveden Conservation, a recognised IHBC CPD provider is to partner with the Stone Federation to deliver a lime training day on 14 September 2023 at Reading Abbey ruins.

This will be an opportunity to learn more about lime mortar and put these skills into practice. The day will cover an introduction to using lime mortar including its chemistry and application followed by lunch. In the afternoon, there will be two hands-on sessions that will cover mixing mortars, techniques for pointing and consolidation and applying mortar to the walls of the Abbey ruins. 

Basic tools and materials will be provided and attendees are welcome to take their own small tools including trowels. The cost of the day is £200 plus VAT.

For more information and to book, email sara@stonefed.org.uk

Slab fabrication software company Slabsmith has launched a new version of its popular software that is now available from its UK distributor Stone Automation. 

The latest iteration of the software, 2023.6, offers enhanced 3D features as part of the Perfect Match layout module, allowing the user to implement complex 3D assemblies. There is the option to create full height walls, fireplace mantels and tackle other projects using a standard digital template. 

Other features of the new software include cost and pricing properties plus a live scan module to assist with inventory reconciliation. 

Lichfield Cathedral, the only Medieval three-spired cathedral in the UK, has joined eleven other institutions including York Minster and Westminster Abbey to become a member of Cathedrals' Workshop Fellowship (CWF).

Currently, Lichfield Cathedral is creating a works department and workshop facility within its grounds and this has been made possible thanks to support from the Hamish Ogston Foundation (HOF) and its Craft Training Programme – which has committed £3.5m to the training of craftspeople across the UK. As a result, Lichfield Cathedral will train two stonemasons. 

Frances Cambrook, Executive Director of CWF said: "The Cathedrals' Workshop Fellowships (CWF) is delighted to welcome Lichfield Cathedral as our twelfth member at this exciting time for both our organisations. As we witness a significant nationwide effort in the sustainable conservation of historic buildings and the acquisition and retention of craft skills, Lichfield's inclusion is a testament to the collective dedication to preserving our rich heritage."

DK Holdings, manufacturer and supplier of diamond tools and components has been awarded EcoVadis silver medal status. This award focuses on sustainability and once assessed, DK Holdings was confirmed to be in the top 18% of companies undertaking the survey in 2022/2023.

Speaking about the award, Finance Director, Darren Mills said: "We are extremely proud of our EcoVadis assessment with special mention going to our compliance department who worked tirelessly alongside the board of directors on implementing our environmental, stress and bullying and harassment policies, ensuring we achieve the silver medal status."

Installation of 585 solar panels at the production facility in Kent was just one of the ways the company proved its commitment to reduce environmental impact.