Back in 2008 when ARC Building Solutions Ltd was established, Encon Insulation was one of the first major distributors in the UK to stock the ARC range of cavity fire barriers. Nearly 15 years later, the first-class technical support and customer service that ARC continues to deliver has played a key role in the success of the partnership.
This case study explores the role of partnership and collaboration in innovation and product development – the importance of listening to customers and what they really need, and working collaboratively to come up with creative and inventive solutions.
With experience across market-leading brands, independent building materials distributor, Encon, works closely with builders, housebuilders, main contractors and specialist subcontractors to support their businesses and find the best solutions for their projects. Since 2008, a key part of Encon’s passive fire protection offering for the housebuilding market has been ARC’s comprehensive portfolio of cavity barriers.
John Pulham, Encon Regional Business Development Manager – South West, comments: “Cavity barriers play a fundamental role within an effective passive fire protection strategy. While ARC’s products are not the most glamorous, they are very clever in function and they are vital for our customers’ housing projects. All our branches across the UK stock ARC’s innovative range of solutions.
John Pulham, Encon Regional Business Development Manager – South West“In order for us to provide the best possible service to our customers, it is important that our sales teams are knowledgeable about the products we sell. ARC’s technical expertise and the ongoing support the team provides us is second to none. They take a hands-on approach, offer in-branch product training when required and they make it easy to understand. If we have any queries, we know that they are always happy to help. As a result, our team can confidently advise customers on the right cavity barrier solutions for their projects.”
ARC manufactures cavity barriers and cavity closers to stop the spread of fire and heat, and improve the thermal performance of party wall cavities in both masonry and timber frame construction. Popular ranges available at Encon include the ARC Cavity Stop Sock, TCB, Party Wall DPC, T-Barrier, Spandrel Barrier and U-Barrier, as well as the innovative Eaves Insulator. As part of ARC’s commitment to the continuous research and development of its products, the manufacturer is always open to feedback from various stakeholders.
John adds: “One of the main benefits of working with ARC is that we work collaboratively. We are in constant contact. Innovation is at the heart of the business and they are always looking to improve and develop its product range. And the best way to do that is by talking to and listening to those who use them: our customers. The company often provide me with samples for my customers to trial and ask for their feedback, which they then take on board. The solutions are smart; they have cavity barriers for various applications in housebuilding which work hand-in-hand and has provided us with margin opportunities from cross-selling.”
“While ARC’s product range is vast, we often get requests for solutions in non-standard sizes. No matter what the shape, size or length, the team at ARC is always very accommodating, while still supplying to us very quickly. The products really are fantastic, and this is backed with the accreditation it has received.”
ARC’s range of fire protection products have received the internationally recognised, UKAS accredited IFC certification, which assures performance, quality, reliability and traceability of fire protection products.
John Pulham, Encon Regional Business Development Manager – South West“I have worked with ARC since the company’s inception in 2008. From Andrew and Russell, the owners, to the team that we deal with now, I have a fantastic relationship with them all. While their opening hours might be 8-5, they have never been static to those hours. If we ever need to speak to them outside of these times, they will always try to help us. It’s the customer service as well as the technical support, we really couldn’t fault it. Long may the partnership continue.”
Aaron Sharp, Head of Sales and Specification at ARC, concluded: “Encon has always been a key partner for us and have played a pivotal role in our growth. Core principles such as exemplary technical expertise, customer support and ultimately an unwavering drive to provide the housebuilding industry with market leading products are mirrored across our respective businesses, which is the why the partnership has been such a great fit to date.”
“We look forward to working closely together with Encon in the future to further cement and develop our respective positions as market leaders in what we do.”
To contact ARC Building Solutions, please email sales@arcbuildingsolutions.co.uk
or call: 0113 252 9428
Fire product
ARC Cavity Stop Sock restricts the spread of smoke and flames within the cavity of external masonry walls.
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Fire product
ARC TCB restricts the spread of smoke and flames within the cavity of timber frame walls, while also minimising the effect of flanking noise pollution.
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Fire product
ARC Party Wall DPC enables the closing of an external cavity at either party wall or party floor junctions where building regulations require the use of mineral wool closer for acoustic insulation purposes.
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Fire product
The ARC T-Barrier Foundation is designed to provide a fire, thermal and acoustic break at the junction between the external cavity and the party wall cavity at foundation level.
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Fire product
ARC Spandrel Barrier seals the top of the party wall cavity, allowing a zero U-value to be achieved when used in conjunction with ARC T-Barrier vertically.
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Fire product
ARC U-Barrier is compressed between the top of the spandrel panel and underside of the roof covering, creating a fire and thermal break.
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Cold bridging product
The requirement for ARC Eaves Insulator elevated from the problem of heat loss through the roof membrane at the junction between the pitched roof and the top of the cavity wall.
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