PCA Spring Conference

PCA members were treated to the fabulous surroundings of the new Wembley Stadium, when the trade body held its 2008 Spring Conference at the impressive venue.

From a rooms with a view over the famous sports ground, speakers tackled a number of varied and motivational topics.

Richard Rogerson of Sandberg Laboratories Group kicked off the proceedings with a presentation which examined the history of the development of concrete and then looked at the ways in which this widely used building material can deteriorate.  Some myths over ‘concrete cancer’ and high alumina cement were exploded and some specialised investigation techniques discussed.

‘Bats and Buildings’ was the title of the next presentation, which saw Dr Carol Williams from the Bat Conservation Trust give delegates an insight into how and why the built environment is so important for the preservation of these often misunderstood creatures.

A refreshment break then allowed for some networking and gave delegates time to visit the manufacturers’ stands located at the rear of the room, before Stuart Carter of TrustMark gave an update on the promotional activity undertaken by the organisation since its formation. Stuart went on to explain how TrustMark is delivering value for money to members such as the PCA and how the scheme is being brought to the attention of consumers.

Two short presentations on the theme of Alternative Technologies followed, with Teut Wiehn and Christian Kerber from MC Bauchemie introducing a range of materials that can be injected into and behind masonry and concrete structures in the repair of civil engineering projects - and also smaller scale commercial and domestic jobs.

Last but by no means least, the final speaker of the day was Ian Townsend of Dryair, who provided an interesting topic for discussion on the application of controlled heat into structures as a way of, amongst other things, drying out buildings following flooding and controlling insects without the need for chemicals.

With the speeches complete, proceedings turned to the presentation of awards.

Janice Carey, Chief Examiner of the CSRT presented James Hockey, of TRACE, with the CSRT Award and Neil Thompson of ProTen Services, with the CSSW Award.  The Technician’s Award was won jointly by Steve Ferrier and John Shaw, both from Intona, who had flown down to Wembley from Scotland for the day.

There also followed a presentation by PCA Acting Chairman, Mark Edwards, to past Chairman, George Hockey, who stepped down from the post at the end of last year.  George served the BWPDA and later the PCA for over 20 years in a number of different guises and worked tirelessly for improvement in standards of property care.

David Lambert, Managing Director of Safeguard, then presented Lewis Woodhouse and Dr Jon Tillott with Honorary Awards in recognition of their active work with the PCA.

Feedback from delegates, for what was PCA’s main conference for 2008, has been extremely positive The Association would like to extend a big thank you to all the speakers and the sponsors – Yellow Pages, Towergate Risk Solutions, Dryhome Condensation Ltd and GPI – without whom the day would not have been possible.