Octonorm frames a ‘shed’ for Ordinance Survey’s think tank
The place where creative thinking is at its best is ... in the garden shed. That was the conclusion of the Research & Innovation department of the Ordnance Survey, who commissioned Frameworks exhibition contractors to create a ‘garden shed’ within their Southampton offices. Thanks to the versatility of the Octanorm modular aluminium system more usually employed in the construction of exhibition stands, Frameworks was able to build the shed, complete with pitched roof and rear wall window, within the allotted office space. Providing both physical and symbolic space for original thinking, the shed comprises Octanorm aluminium framing with infill panels decorated on the outside to resemble a traditional garden shed. Internally, the shed is equipped with seating, work surfaces, dry wipe boards and computer to aid the development and recording of new ideas for the marketing of the organisation’ s products.
Office Electrics and cable management for the workplace
Since its foundation in 1986, Office Electrics Ltd has operated its business on a policy of 'Service - Quality - Safety'. Adherence to these three parameters has enabled the company to achieve a highly respected reputation in the cable management market place that is unequalled. Operating as a family owned and managed business in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, Office Electrics undertakes the manufacture 'in house' by way of CNC moulding machines, all the plastics components required to produce its quality range of cable management products. Having total control over this manufacturing process allows quality of product to be maintained, which, in turn has the benefit of building confidence with the client. This has the desired affect of generating repeat business from satisfied customers. To enable this good working relationship to continue, to both old and new clients this production facility is constantly being appraised to ensure that supply can meet demand at any time, thereby strengthening the company's commitment to 'Service - Quality - Safety'. Office Electrics has succeeded in gaining a reputation for providing cost effective 'Solutions by Design'. This aspect of approach is highly regarded and appreciated by many 'blue chip' companies and their consultants. This ability to provide solutions for virtually any situation is of paramount importance, when IT and its associated cabling requirements, is at the heart of and a vital part of any transaction within the workplace. Because of this dependence on computer based technology, which Enables any business to function speedily and cost effectively, the need for complex cable management solutions increases. This is where product design and development play an integral part of the Office Electrics philosophy. A watching brief is constantly kept on advances in technology. Through the design process consideration is given on how to incorporate those advances into product, giving greater cost effectiveness and ease of installation and use. Allied to this, any cable management requirement should at all times be aligned with British Standards. This covers both the specifying and installation of product in the workplace. To give technical and practical advice regarding complying with relevant British Standards, Office Electrics can offer the expertise of their Technical Consultant, Peter Calver. This advice can be given on-site, if a problem has already been recognised, or through awareness presentations to architects, designers or sales teams. These presentations outline relevant British Standards, their application to the workplace and relevant products available to help give compliance. To enhance the necessity of compliance to standards all Office Electrics power and data distribution products are manufactured to BS5733 and have been fully tested and certificated by the British Standards Institute. Account Managers and their Sales Support Team at the base in Wakefield, back up the technical expertise and are the most experienced in the cable management industry. They will listen to clients needs and will provide the most cost effective and user friendly solutions. Office Electrics is proud of its reputation of supplying quality products and will continue to operate as a company who firmly believes in its philosophy of Service - Quality - Safety.
Office meetings survey is grim reading for facility Managers
UK Facility Managers are being warned to pay close attention to a shocking new survey that suggests most companies are wasting huge amounts of time, money and resources, each year, because of their inability to manage their own meeting rooms and associated resources. The survey, commissioned by London software developers RNM Systems Ltd, ahead of the launch of its new Condeco online business tool for booking and managing meeting rooms and resources, makes bleak reading for many Facility Managers, who are frequently relied upon to manage this vital business function. The national E-Media survey attempted to discover how businesses perceived the booking, cost and performance of their meeting rooms, as well as the process of sourcing materials for them, such as audiovisual equipment, IT services and basic refreshments. The main findings of our survey reveal that: * Only 9% per cent of PAs said they felt fully in control of meeting planning * A staggering 87% confessed they worried that things could go wrong when organising important meetings * Cost containment proved difficult with almost half (45%) saying they had little or no idea of the costs related to the meeting rooms and resources they routinely booked * 47% believed these services could be improved, with a similar percentage saying a specialist application would help them in the planning of meetings * Four out of five believed meetings played a crucial role in creating a good impression of their company The survey also turned up some very interesting operational information concerning the management of meetings in the workplace: * About 12% of companies used specialist room booking systems * A third of respondents have the basics of meeting scheduling available through diary systems like Microsoft Outlook * A third use a simple paper-based system * Amazingly, one in six had no systems at all One Facility Manager, said 'It's true. Our lack of properly managed meeting rooms and facilities does put us at a disadvantage when negotiating with external parties. They may not comment, but you can tell they're not impressed.' Condeco by RNM Systems Ltd removes all the uncertainty associated with the booking and resourcing of meeting rooms. It's a simple, web-based system, which allows Facility Managers, PAs, Reception or anyone with clearance - to check to see which rooms are available, allowing them to search multiple locations, floors, or even departments. Using special tick boxes and menus, every aspect of a meeting, such as the pre-ordering of refreshments, audio-visual equipment, or extra seating, can be arranged. Keeping tabs on costs is no problem either. The expenditure can be fully tracked and invoices offset against specific cost centres. Gone also is the worry of ensuring everyone knows where they should be. Condeco sends personal email invitations to attendees, informs hosts by SMS message when visitors arrive and lets suppliers know what they need to provide The Director of RNM Systems Ltd, Fraser Stevenson, said: 'Our survey reveals the level of frustration and annoyance over an everyday task that should be very straightforward. It is our understanding that Facility Managers want a system that puts them back in charge of their own buildings, and saves them precious time, money and resources. Is it any surprise that many of the people we spoke to felt a specialist application like Condeco could help them in the planning of meetings?'
Office outlook sunny for the Met Office
The completion of the new £80 million headquarters for the Met Office in Exeter, on time and on budget, marks the completion of one of the most successful recent Public Private Partnerships. The three-story site will include one of Europe’s most advanced IT facilities with two supercomputers , a training college, sports and recreation area and conference facilities as well as 13,000 square meters of office space.
Office equipment dealership Dovetail, part of WPP the worldwide communications services group, was responsible for working with main contractors Costain-Skanska, to provide the furniture for the offices which housed the 1400 staff. With showrooms in Bristol and London, Dovetail undertook the complex project to furnish the eight buildings over a five-month period. ‘Not only was the delivery schedule complex, coordinating with a wide variety of contractors and suppliers~ but the specification of furniture, which we did with architects Broadway Maylan, had to meet the needs of the multi-task orientation of the Met Office’s varied departments and work practises.” says Dan Alderson-Smith of Dovetail.
Storage was a key element in the office fit out. As well as budgetary considerations, Dovetail was looking for a supplier that could demonstrate a high build quality and, equally importantly, a product that was environmental friendly. The Met Office is justifiably proud of its environmental record and even developed an award-wining staff travel plan for the new location to encourage staff to use sustainable methods of travel to work” says Dan Alderson Smith, “so ensuring that our suppliers met the highest environmental standards was key to selection”.
Following extensive investigation of storage requirements and the creation of a number of mock-up’ working scenarios for staff to test, Dovetail opted for a solution based on the System File range for the UK’s leading steel storage supplier Bisley. The System File range comprises a choice of cupboards. tambours and combination units in five different heights and three different widths. Within the combination units, closures such as drawers, doors, glass sliding doors, tambours and flippers can be mixed to provide adaptable units for specific requirements.
The test workstations using Bisley units resulted in the staff opting for storage rather than extra desk space---in the final plan each member of staff was allocated three meters of filing space--and for the use of cabinets to act as space dividers instead of screens. By selecting a bright silver finish the units did not intrude and we were able to maintain a light, airy feel to the office,” adds Aiderson-Smith.
The different elements in the range allowed us to create exactly the layout required using, for example, double doors or tambours depending on the aisle space available and five or six-drawer tights to vary the degree of privacy. The variety of internal fittings meant we could meet all the working storage required and, indeed, the facilities management contractors, GSL, carry a stock of internals on-site so that they can easily alter the cabinets as user requirements change
The fact that Bisley was a UK-based manufacturer, while not a key element in selection, seemed to be of real benefit during the fit-out period. “Because of the advanced production facilities at the company’s Newport, factory, they were able to quickly meet any oranges in our needs. For example, when we found that we required an extra two-hundred cabinets to meet new needs they were able to respond very speedily. Also, with the clear communication channels we established together, Bisley were able to accommodate the complex. five-month delivery schedule” he says.
The official opening of the new building this year marked the 150th anniversary of the Met Office and provides a facility that will allow them to develop successfully well into the 21st century
Office vending more popular than ever
BKS Limited, one of the UK’s specialist fitted furniture producers, is experiencing an increasing demand for the production of vending storage areas, specified by architects and designers. As more and more offices move towards open plan layouts, so there has become a greater need for communal areas, with coffee, tea and cold drinks facilities. Over the last twelve months BKS has supplied vending units for corporate headquarter buildings, banks, airports, galleries and computer companies all around the UK and in particular London and the south east. With an almost completely automated, flat panel production unit, BKS manufactures to specifier requirements after producing a complete schedule of components drawn up from specified drawings. In this way, cabinets, fascias and worktops can be produced to any material specification and supplied to site. If required, BKS can provide an installation team for fitment of the vending units and it is also able to supply all makes of appliances including semi-commercial and commercial dishwashers and refrigeration.
Office-Shadow launch solution for SME market
Office-Shadow Limited, the leading business continuity solutions provider for the small corporate sector, has developed a fully integrated business continuity package for the small/medium enterprise (SME), the first time effective, affordable solutions have been made available to this sector.
Research* shows that 1 in 5 businesses will experience a crisis over the next 5 years, anything from a fire to a major IT failure. Of those that do, 60% will be out of business within 2 years. Smaller businesses are particularly susceptible with only 5% having any form of business continuity plan. Previously, because of cost, comprehensive business continuity options have been restricted, in the main, to financial institutions and large corporations.
Office—Shadow’s services for SMEs comprise crisis management consultancy and planning, a customer data security audit, off-site data back—up and replication, an IT recovery service and a crisis management centre, providing fully-equipped emergency office space.
Richard Green, CEO of Office-Shadow, commented: “As well as being good business practice, companies are coming under increasing pressure from customers and insurers to have procedures and contingency measures in place to help them mitigate the devastating impact of an operational crisis. In our current climate survival alone is often a company’s highest priority and business continuity planning significantly improves the prospects of survival in the event of a business interruption, reinstating ‘business as usual’ within a very short timescale. Furthermore, an effective crisis management plan can reduce the total loss by 90%.”
Office-Shadow’s business continuity package is being launched via a series of seminars called ‘Business Continuity for the SME’. The launch is being complemented by Office-Shadow customers who are actively advocating it to their own customers, forming the start of a potent reseller network. Current resellers include Star Internet Limited, Redwood Telecommunications, OMM (Office Machines and Maintenance) and Kingsbridge Insurance brokers.
David Chard, Director of Kingsbridge Risk Solutions, continues: “63% of companies who recently experienced crises were not adequately covered by insurance. Cover is becoming increasingly difficult to place and many insurers require business continuity planning and risk assessment, like that offered by Office-Shadow, as a condition of insurance. What’s more, companies with a crisis management plan are often rewarded with an effective reduction in their insurance premium.”
The SME market is huge, 95% by volume of all incorporated businesses. Office-Shadow estimates that, realistically, about 1 million companies could adopt its Shadow Planner~ crisis management software. Business Link for London (BL4L), the government-backed business improvement agency, estimates that 50,000 companies in London alone are relevant in size and sector for the complete Office-Shadow end-to-end solution. The organisation is currently considering a joint initiative with Office—Shadow to market crisis management planning to its 13,000 strong client database through its network of 400 business advisers, thereby enabling customers to qualify for grants, loans and subsidies.
Olson in the City
Modular mains distribution panels from Olson Electronics are rapidly becoming the system of choice with both electrical installers and end-users for computer-based equipment in dealing rooms throughout the City of London’s major financial centres.
With available office-space at a premium, high-density desk systems are being introduced in offices and dealing rooms with traders operating 2, 4 and 6 independent screens on each desk, increasing the number of mains connections required. Other ‘back-office’ areas are also introducing similar economies. The pressures on available space, the need to retain highly flexible office layouts and the huge increase in electronic systems has placed increasing emphasis on the need to provide a safe, secure and easily accessible means of connecting workstations and other critical equipment to the mains power supply. Olson’s increasingly popular concept of multiple socket outlets mounted on distribution panels, in conjunction with power track and trunking systems, provides a modular cable management system allowing direct, safe, secure, flexible and cost-effective connection of mains powered equipment.
Olympia Conference Centre, London, UK
101communications is pleased to announce the upcoming TDWI 2003 World Conference. The most comprehensive forum available today for business intelligence and data warehousing education will take place this June at London Olympia. TDWI 2003 will encompass two events in order to maximise the benefits for the attendees. The Conference will take place from 16th-19th June and its two-day exhibition will run alongside on the 17th and 18th June. David Wells, TDWI's Director of Education, explains, "TDWI is the leading education provider in the business intelligence (BI) and data warehousing (DW) industry, and takes great pride in delivering high quality, straightforward in-depth education. We are confident that any company attending our 2003 World Conference will find the four days extremely worthwhile for every member of their team." TDWI 2003 offers a wealth of vital information to its visitors via a number of carefully designed courses, all focused on the importance of providing objective and vendor-neutral information. All the topics are relevant and unbiased and the instructors have been carefully chosen for their broad base of knowledge and presentation skills. Mr. Wells adds, "They all have a proven background in BI and DW, so they can pass on their considerable expertise gained by operating in the 'real world'!" This year's Keynote Speakers include Barry Devlin, Distinguished Engineer at IBM who will cover where professionals should be going next in planning their investments during the coming years, and outline the need for faster, broader and deeper decision support. Mr Devlin will also be discussing where DW has been successful and where it has been less so and taking a look at new technologies and the opportunities they provide. Dr Johan Wallin, managing partner of the Synocus Group will be examining the three different types of orchestration strategies, and will cover the latest perspectives on the strategy for the extended enterprise. Dr Wallin will also introduce a selection of interesting cases where orchestration has been put into good practice. The Conference will feature a well managed and regulated exhibition hall so attendees can move around freely, acquiring the information they require from leading providers of BI, DW, and related technologies, and according to Mr. Wells, "Visitors will be able to gather these details, without having to endure the usual exhibition 'hype'. It's our mission to eliminate hype, fluff and bias from all our conferences. We just don't have any of them. Our exhibition is the perfect venue for visitors who need information on hardware, software or services - there will always be an exhibitor on hand to help." Mr. Wells concludes: "We take a very practical approach with our Conference and are convinced that TDWI 2003 will provide visitors with the tools and techniques to successfully implement, build and leverage their BI and DW projects in 2003 and beyond."
Olympic Challenge
Staging the Olympics will be a challenge to all those involved. The behind the scenes logistics necessary to deliver a successful Games between now and the opening ceremony on 27th July 2012 will have challenged an army of thousands of suppliers from a diverse range of background like no other project has before. Hoping to be part of this elite band is Grundfos Pumps. With an impressive national and international track record for delivering a wide range of pump solutions to sporting venues and large commercial projects over many years both in the UK and worldwide - this is one challenge they are really looking forward to being involved in. With an unbeatable portfolio of pump products covering the broadest range of applications including HVAC requirements, water supply, wastewater and packaged sets for pressurisation, water boosting and fire fighting - Grundfos have the correct pump solutions to deliver water - where it's needed, when it's needed.
Omega opens outstanding new offices
The UK’s largest lightning protection specialists, Nottingham-based Omega Red Group Ltd, is expanding its head offices into larger premises in Nottingham. Established in 1988, the company is expanding into new market areas such as rail engineering and power generation as well as maintaining its service to mechanical & electrical contractors, main contractors and clients in the public and private sectors.
Managing Director, Mike Flenshaw, commented “This significant expansion, along with our network of regional offices, enables us to continue our growth and maintain our presence as the UK market leader in the field of lightning protection and electrical earthing. Our new offices are close to the Ml motorway, rail and forthcoming tram links so we will be ideally located for staff, suppliers and our eighteen thousand-strong client base.”
The new offices at Dabell Avenue, Blenheim Industrial Estate, Bulwell will be opened on Friday 13 December 2002 at 2:00pm by Martin Briggs, Chief Executive of the East Midlands Development Agency, and will replace the existing head office at Colwick, Nottingham.
Omron-Yaskawa’s new frequency inverted designed specifically for lifts
With the introduction of the new L7 Varispeed frequency inverter, Omron-Yaskawa has made it much easier for lift designers and manufacturers to meet - and even exceed - today’s stringent demands for safety and ride quality. Developed specifically for the lift market, L7 Varispeed drives focus firmly on reliability, ease-of-use and smooth performance. They are available in power ratings from 3.7kW up to 55kW, and offer a cost-effective solution for almost all lift requirements. The L7 uses the latest proven technology to provide reliability and safety. This inverter ensures 3 million full-load starts during its lifetime! Furthermore, lift-specific features have been developed in response to market needs. These standard features include direct control of motor brake and motor contactor, short-floor operation, door-opening control and hardware base block. In addition, both open-loop and closed-loop vector control is available in the L7, providing the optimum speed regulation to suit the application. Ease of use has been considered from the outset, and the L7 contains all the relevant lift, function and sequence parameters. This allows it to be easily adjusted to every controller sequence available on the market. An LCD operator is standard, providing the user with a plain-text set-up and commissioning tool. Non-rotating auto-tuning measures all the necessary motor equivalent circuit data at start-up, so there is no need to disconnect the lift motor from the system in order to acquire data prior to operation. The PC commissioning tool, SYSDrive Configurator, ensures easy set-up, and option cards are available to integrate the L7 into communication networks such as CANopen, DeviceNet or Profibus-DP. The L7’s high current rating - even at high temperatures - enables the same kW rating to be chosen for inverters and motors. Its four built-in relays provide output signals that eliminate the need for extra components in the lift controller panel, and the relays control the motor brake and contactors directly. Safety is paramount in the L7 series. Even in the event of a power failure, the L7 will continue to bring the lift to a correct stop using external battery power or a UPS (uninterruptible power supply). The L7 features advanced IGBT protection, with five levels of over-current protection available before an over-current failure occurs. A brake and contactor control/supervision circuit guarantees safe operation. OMIRON Electronics Limited is a member of the OMIRON group of companies, which employs over 25,000 people worldwide, and has a turnover in excess of £2.8 billion. The company is an expert in the development and manufacture of a wide range of electronic products, including variable speed drives, programmable controllers, sensors and control components, all of which harness modern technology to deliver outstanding quality, value and performance.
One complete solution at Gatwick
Property support services company OCS, has retained a prestigious contract at Gatwick Road, Crawley to provide its one complete solution package to Dalkia and the National Air Traffic Control Services.
Despite fierce competition in the tendering process, OCS will continue to provide the site with daily cleaning, window and special cleaning, landscaping, laundering and day janitor services.
Chris Cracknell, chief executive of OCS, says, "OCS has held this contract for 11 years, and I am extremely pleased that our tailored package of services, together with competitive pricing, has appealed to our customer.
Our continued involvement with Dalkia and the National Air Traffic Control Services is a credit to the performance of the whole team on site."
The one complete solution package brings together multiple support services for a client. With just one point of contact customers are dealt with effectively, professionally and economically. Dalkia and the National Air Traffic Control Services are now able to benefit from support services at a lower cost by using just one service provider.
"The OCS team at Gatwick Airport has worked closely with both Dalkia and National Air Traffic Control Services over the past 11 years. They have worked hard to meet the customer's needs and to provide proactive solutions to adapt the services to match their requirements. For this reason I am confident that we will continue to provide an excellent service," concludes Chris.
The high security involved with location also means that all OCS personal have to have a level of security clearance to undertake the work on site.
Dalkia is one of the leading providers of energy and facilities to business throughout the UK whilst the National Air Traffic Control Services provides air traffic control services to aircraft flying in UK airspace.
One of London’s finest now becomes one of London’s safest
Deaf and hard of hearing guests of London’s Waldorf Hotel are now able to experience a special safety feature called Deaf Alerter, which is a fire alarm and messaging system specifically designed for Deaf and hard of hearing people. The fire alarm warning system has been installed as part of The Waldorf’s effort to make their extensive facilities fully accessible in time for the implementation of the final part of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) in October 2004. Fire safety for Deaf and hard of hearing guests, visitors and employees had previously been a major concern, but The Waldorf Hotel have eliminated any possibility of risk under the DDA, Health & Safety Legislation and Fire Legislation by installing a Deaf Alerter system. Deaf Alerter plc provides a radio-based warning system, which comprises a radio transmitter integrated with the fire panel and a vibrating portable receiver called an Alerter, worn by the user. Deaf Alerter is a most effective solution and it includes the following features recommended by BS5839-1: * When the fire alarm is activated, the transmitter automatically sends a radio signal to each Alerter in the building * This occurs within 5 seconds of the alarm trigger * Users receive the signal repeatedly until the fire alarm is reset * The power level of the transmitter is carefully selected to guarantee complete building coverage * The system continuously monitors its own health and reports faults back to the fire alarm control panel * Every site with a transmitter installed is licensed by the Radio communications Agency and is operated on a controlled and protected frequency As night-time poses an even greater level of risk through isolation and removal of hearing aids, the hotel provides a portable bedroom kit from Deaf Alerter called a Night Cradle. The Night Cradle can be located in any room, placing no restriction on the guest, unlike other hotels who discriminate by restricting equal access and only permitting occupancy of a specially allocated disabled room. The Waldorf Hotel’s latest initiative with Deaf Alerter Plc provides equality and safety for Deaf and hard of hearing guests, demonstrating their unrivalled commitment to best practice and ensuring they provide customers with the best possible experience in a safe and comfortable environment. This is just one of the many reasons why The Waldorf Hotel is recognised as a world leader within the hospitality industry.
One Powrmaster unit heats giant Carlton warehouse
A single Powrmaster TE unit heater has provided all the healing requirements for a warehouse the size of two football pitches.
The TE heater has been installed at the North London storage facility of Carlton International plc, the UK’s market leader of luggage and travel goods. The warehouse measures 4408 square metres and is 9.5 metres in height. The heater was supplied and installed by London-based Argonaut Heating Ltd, a Powrmatic customer for over 20 years.
After refurbishing the warehouse — in early 2002 Carlton International have completely transformed it into a state-of-the-art storage and distribution centre, including the latest racking and materials handling systems. The existing warm air heaters had to go, as they took up valuable space and could not meet the warehouse heating and energy efficiency demands.
Experienced heating contractors, Argonaut Heating Ltd, recommended installing a single Powrmaster TEG 61M unit instead of 8-10 conventional heaters. Argonaut’s Director, Terry Harris, says: “We chose the TE unit for its energy efficiency and because it enabled the customer to make maximum use of the building space. After looking at other successful Powrmatic installations of this kind, we considered the TE to be an ideal solution for the Carlton warehouse.”
The Powrmaster TE range of heaters have been specifically designed for the efficient heating of open plan areas such as warehouses and factories. It uses high efficiency axial fans to move large volumes of air at relatively low temperature, which gives heat distribution that cannot be matched by conventional warm air units. As well as reducing the number of heaters required, the TE eliminates the use of desertification fans and decreases installation costs.
Argonaut Heating are also installing a series of Powrmatic GAG 1000 heaters at Carlton’s head office in Enfield, Middlesex.
One stop shop for fire protection products
Kidde Fire Protection Services will be demonstrating its new Total Capability concept at this year’s FM Expo, which provides customers with the benefit of true ‘one-stop-shopping’ for all their fire protection needs - providing and maintaining active fire protection products and systems within every conceivable location.
This Total Capability concept encompasses:
• Fire Alarm systems, emergency lighting, extinguishers
• Sprinklers, fixed gaseous systems including HALON replacement
• Fire risk assessment and training
Also making its debut at the show will be a new range of CE-Marked portable fire extinguishers which comply with the latest stringent safety criteria as set out in the EU’s latest Pressure Equipment Directive. This comprehensive range addresses all applications including water, foam, dry powder, wet chemical and Co2 models.
Kidde Fire Protection Services operates throughout the UK and is an integral part of Kidde Plc, a world leader in the field of fire protection and safety.
One-Third Drop In Gas Consumption At Durham Land Registry With Condensing Boilers
Gas consumption for heating dropped by a third at the Land Registry, Durham (Southfield) Office during the first full year following replacement of the old gas-fired boiler plant with Broag high efficiency condensing boilers. Three eleven-section remeha Gas 3002 ECO boilers now provide heating for the four five storey blocks of the main building, while a separate Quinta wall hung boiler serves the creche. The plant was specified, as a result of a competitive tendering exercise, by consulting engineers Atkins Design Environment and Engineering (Atkins DE2) of Stockton-on-Tees. These energy efficient and environmentally friendly condensing boilers met both the client’s strict budget and their environmental policies. Atkins were also responsible for replacing the old single pipe radiator system by a comprehensive two-pipe low temperature hot water heating system circulating round the full perimeter of the building, utilising both active and ‘dummy’ panel sections to enhance office space aesthetics. “The existing plant dated from the building’s construction some 20 years ago,” said Richard Hancock, Local Facilities Officer of the Land Registry. “Not only had it become inefficient but the building was overheating, raising concerns among staff. We are now very happy with both building comfort and savings, approximately one-third reduction in gas consumption being very significant on a site of this size. Remeha Gas 3002 ECO floor standing boilers, with outputs ranging from 176 - 529 kW, are designed to provide a high annual efficiency of more than 95% GCV. Premix burners ensure ultra low emissions and a noise level of only 49 dBA measured at full load, 3m away. Each menu driven microprocessor-controlled burner is monitored by an all-electronic control system and an alpha-numeric LCD displays operating and service parameters. The Quinta wall hung range of condensing boilers is equipped with intelligent boiler controls and 100% pre-mix combustion. All are supplied with fully modulating burners, operating between 18% and 100% of output, offering high economies at part or full load as well as ultra low NOx and CO emissions. They can be supplied suitable for conventional or concentric room sealed flue systems.
On-line catalogue of over 5000 home and building control products
The world’s leading controls manufacturer Honeywell has published its complete detailed catalogue of over 5000 home and building control products online at http://ukhbc-catalogue-at.europe.honeywell.com. It provides an invaluable resource for all who maintain, design or specify buildings’ HVAC, water and other systems. Product categories include controllers and field devices, gas and water valves, actuators and filters, sensors and thermostats, burner and boiler controls, inverters and indoor air cleaners. Users will recognise many familiar, trusted friends from Honeywell’s vast range and are bound to discover many energy- and time-saving products and accessories they hadn’t associated with Honeywell. Navigation is simple using a tree structure. Product descriptions and details are displayed on the screen, while full technical specifications can be downloaded as PDF files.
Online tracking streamlines storage management
Roc Relocations, a leading provider of specialist storage, relocation and removals solutions, has launched a new web-based tracking service for use by clients. Developed in-house, it meets a specific client need for 24/7 access and control of stored inventories and will play a major role in reducing storage costs. Roc’s online inventory tracking service is available at no additional cost to clients and uses a simple and familiar shopping basket to select specific items held in storage. Powerful searches can be made based on 10 different customised criteria to quickly and easily locate items without resorting to time consuming and costly manual physical searches. The selected items can then be delivered by Roc at a confirmed time and place. Full password protection assures security throughout the process. As items are moved out of storage, the remaining inventory can be consolidated into fewer containers to optimise storage and give greater control of costs. According to Roger Bannister, Managing Director of Roc Relocations: “This new online service brings the storage industry into the 21st century and give clients access to information in a timely manner. It provides economical and rapid deployment of stored inventories and confirms Roc’s position as one of the UK’s leading providers of storage, relocations and removals solutions.”Roc Relocations is offering prospective clients a free online demonstration of this new tracking service which can be accessed at www.rocuk.net with username: 0128-001 and password: ZAkBAXcM
Opening the door on a new solution
A national timber firm has opened the door on a unique solution, which makes fitting internal doors much quicker and easier. Arnold Laver, the UK's largest independent timber merchant, has become the sole approved distributor of the new 'Rapid 21' off the shelf internal door kits, which are launched next week (4 May). Customers answer 21 questions to determine which type of kit they need, then a package is delivered to their doorstep complete with door, frame, architraves and factory fitted ironmongery within 21 days of them placing the order. David Oldfield, Group Joinery Products Manager at Arnold Laver, said: "The concept of 'Rapid 21' was developed because of an increasing demand from construction companies. The door frame might be the last component in a major build programme, so it's important that we can react quickly to company demands." The doorsets are produced exclusively for Arnold Laver by SH Nicholson Joinery Limited and are available nationwide. They are created from a set number of technical criteria, including frame thickness and widths, door veneer types, laminate faced doors, ironmongery packs, apertures and fire ratings. David added: "The door kits take away some of the need for trained labour, which there is a massive shortage of in this country. "Most door sets can take up to 14 weeks to arrive after placing an order, but Rapid 21 doors are already made up, so they can be delivered and fixed much quicker. It's a unique business solution"
Optima provides additional glazing package for the National College for School Leadership
Following the successful completion of a £300,000 glazing package from Optima Architectural Glass at the National College for School Leadership in Nottingham, a further package for a new wind lobby in the reception area is now in progress. Prime Minister Tony Blair officially opened the college last year. The new wind lobby, which is due for completion in early March, has been designed to provide a more comfortable draught-free environment for reception staff. It consists of Optima perimeter aluminium framing system with 15mm toughened, heat-soaked glass, complete with automatic glass sliding doors with an over head door mechanism bolted to the glass side and over panels. The doors are fitted with an emergency breakout facility for means of escape. Completed on time prior to the college’s official opening, the original glazing package included glass-partitioned offices constructed from I5mm heat-soaked, toughened glass with 12mm glass doors. Crosswall sections were built using Stadip Silence laminated 10.8mm acoustic glass with ironmongery also supplied by Optima. A patterned, acid-etched manifestation safety film was applied to the glass partitioning, with a 30mm horizontal band applied to the length of all doors. The main contractor was Laings. Optima Architectural Glass, part of the HLS Construction Group, is a specialist glazing contractor based in High Wycombe with more than ten years experience in the design, management and installation of glass. It provides an extensive range of services and products for all architectural glass applications. The National College for School Leadership was launched in November 2000 by the Prime Minister and is delivering training programmes, seminars and other leadership development activities regionally around the country and through NCSL’s online arm www.ncsl.org.uk. The college’s £28 million Learning and Conference Centre in Nottingham was officially opened by the Prime Minister in October 2002. It’s hoped that all school leaders will visit NCSL’s Learning and Conference Centre at least once in their career The college aims to: • provide a single national focus for school leadership development research and innovation • be a driving force for world class leadership in our schools and the wider community • provide support to and be a major resource for school leaders • stimulate national and international debate on leadership issues
Optimum carpet tiles specified for Pall Mall HQ
Carpet tiles from the new Optimum portfolio, recently launched by Gaskell Carpet Tiles, have been used to create sumptuous floorcoverings for the new headquarters of private developers, Alfred McAlpine plc. Artemis Design Partnership Limited was commissioned to style the luxurious interiors in keeping with the company’s new address - Kinnaird House at Number 1, Pall Mall. The modem flooring design was implemented using a combination of textured loop pile tiles in Stucco, plain cut pile tiles in Cappuccino and patterned cut pile tiles in Marble, all selected from Gaskell’s Optimum Create collection. Associate director at Artemis, Gillian Agnew, explained: “The Optimum range offers real flexibility to designers, making it possible to combine different types of tile on the one floor, as we did at Kinnaird House. As all the tiles in the Optimum Create range have the same pile height, we were able to use tiles with three different ‘finishes’, delineating floor spaces with curves consistent with the rest of the interior design scheme. “As Optimum offers a much wider range of colours and effects than a mn-of-the-mill carpet tile collection, we were able to put forward more experimental designs to our client. And our past experience of Gaskell gave us the assurance that the tiles would prove sufficiently hard-wearing to deliver the durability required in a busy office space.” The carpet tiles were installed by Berkshire-based carpet and flooring contractors, Pro Floor, who covered 850m2 of office floor space with the specified Optimum tiles. Their work was commissioned by fit-out specialists, Bluu Interiors. Optimum was launched by Gaskell Carpet Tiles to extend the design choices available to all designers, architects and specifiers working in commercial interiors. The collection is presented in three shadecards: Optimum Create, which brings together Plain and Pattern cut pile and Textured Loop carpet tiles; Optimum Contour, a selection of cut pile tiles with individual tufts providing accent colour; and Optimum Chroma, the 80-strong colourbank of cut pile carpet tiles underpinning the range.
Osmo gains ethical accreditation
Wood product specialist, Osmo UK is celebrating gaining status as an Ethical Company, the result of a successful application to the Ethical Company Accreditation Scheme. The Aylesbury-based company scored highly in an analysis of its approach to Corporate Social Responsibility, demonstrating Osmo's commitment to customers, staff, trade colleagues and shareholders. Osmo joins a growing list of over fifty UK businesses which currently hold the title. Applicants are subject to a stringent evaluation under the categories of Environment, Animals and People, gaining points under 15 criteria, covering topics such as environmental reporting, animal testing, and employees' rights. Ethical Company Accreditation is awarded to organizations which obtain an outstanding overall score in an evaluation of their Corporate Social Responsibility record, and which are successfully screened against other companies within their market sectors. Steve Grimwood, Managing Director of Osmo UK, commented, "We are absolutely delighted to add this acclaimed title to our achievements, particularly as it highlights our approach to our customers, colleagues, and the environment, of which we are immensely proud." The Ethical Company Organisation's research and screening process also applies to the applicant's ultimate holding company and any subsidiaries. The procedure is repeated annually to ensure that the record of companies holding the Ethical Company Accreditation award remains up to date. Successful applicants have license to use the Ethical Company Logo on letterheads, websites, and other promotional material. Osmo's commitment to providing products which are safe and environmentally friendly has contributed to previous awards and quality standards such as the successful certification according to DIN EN ISO 9001 (quality management) and DIN EN ISO 14001 (environmental management) by the TÜV (Technical Control Board) Rhineland.
Osmo takes care of it
For those of us who love a natural element to interior design, there is simply nothing that can surpass the appeal of a quality wooden floor it’s solid, comfortable and will add value to virtually any room in the house for many years to come. But wooden floors, whether solid wood or laminate, do need to be looked after to maintain their inherent beauty. Help is at hand however, with the new Opti-Set from specialists in wooden floors, OSMO. Opti-Set is a special maintenance set for all wooden flooring. It saves time, water and the use of traditional cleaning products. This four-piece set comprises a dust-mop, a micro-mop plush, an active fibre cloth and a telescopic handle, which extends to 1 .45metres. The dust-mop is easy to use and picks up dust from all wooden floors, the micro-mop plush is used for damp mopping the floor with Osmo Wash & Care and the active fibre-cloth is designed for simple application of a Liquid Wax Cleaner. Used in conjunction with Osmo Liquid Wax Cleaner for oil/wax treated wooden flooring, the set can be used to maintain and enhance the finish of quality wooden floors. It is the only recommended way to clean floors treated with Osmo Polyx-Qil. For everyday cleaning, a simple broom or vacuum cleaner is all that is needed. But for those all-too-often occurrences when the more stubborn stain appears, the answer is still simple, hassle free and effective. Mopping with a diluted solution of a quality floor wash-&-care product will help clean and maintain the floor. With a liquid wax cleaner, even the most stubborn of stains is no problem - just apply to the floor with a cloth or an Osmo Polishing Pad for amazing results. Osmo Liquid Wax Cleaner comes in a handy spray and is made from a natural vegetable wax, so an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. It both cleans and regenerates the floor and because Osmo Liquid Wax Cleaner is water-repellent it helps guard against damage from liquid spills.
OspreyDeepclean helps Manchester United out of a ‘sticky situation’
Discarded chewing gum is a problem everywhere. When current Premiership champions and ‘the world’s biggest football club’ Manchester United FC encountered the problem at their ‘theatre of dreams’ they contacted Power Care their supplier of floor cleaning equipment. With nearly 70,000 fans attending home games, chewing gum in the aisles was becoming a major headache. John Hughes, national sales manager at Power Care inspected the site and recommended the Evolution Vac steam cleaning machine from OspreyDeepclean. With on-board vacuum and a redesigned chassis to fit down the aisles the machine proved an instant success. The combination of steam at 180 degrees C and biodegradable detergent quickly and effortlessly neutralises stickiness and vaporises the gum, leaving aisles cleaned and residue free. Although the Manchester United stadium has a large capacity, so too does the Evolution Vac. The heating up time of only 9 minutes and continuous operating facility means that no job is ever too big. As well as for use on external surfaces such as pavements, concrete and stone, the gum removal process using steam is equally suitable for internal flooring, carpets, upholstery and entrance mats. As the amount of water used is so little the OspreyDeepclean machines can also be placed on trollies to create a completely mobile, generator driven, self-sufficient unit for both gum and graffiti removal. Manchester United FC is delighted with the results and Power Care is pleased to have solved a problem for a major client. OspreyDeepclean has the widest range of steam cleaning equipment in Europe and is sure to have a machine best suited to your application for both gum and graffiti removal or for all-round hygiene.
Otterbine Fountains add drama to lakes
Wyboston Lakes, the largest privately-owned training and conference centre in Europe, has found a way to add drama and beauty to its setting by installing a range of Otterbine water fountains and aerators on its lake. Based near St Neots, in Cambridgeshire, Wyboston's 350-acre site includes a hotel, conference centre and 18-hole golf course. Leisure services manager David Little explains the thinking behind bringing in the Otterbines. 'Wyboston is a busy, thriving operation and we're always looking to improve our offering to customers in terms of the experience they have when they come here. This includes enhancing the aesthetics of the surroundings. 'We work very closely with Otterbine's UK distributor Lely UK, in St Neots, who bring customers and staff here for training and business meetings. They were looking for the perfect location to set up a range of Otterbine fountains and aerators so they could show customers the products in a picturesque working environment. So it's a joint venture, really - a permanent display for Lely, and at the same time Wyboston and its visitors get the benefit of a beautiful water display." The range of Otterbine fountains at the site include a 15hp Polaris Giant Fountain - which shoots a thick, powerful column of water up to 30ft high - two Concept 3 Gemini aerators, which deliver a lovely trumpet spray, and a 3hp Concept 3 Tristar aerator, which can reach 16ft in height. 'We've had so many positive comments from visitors and I'm not surprised," adds David. "The fountains are very dramatic to look at and they are visible wherever you are on the site. Diners in the glass-fronted restaurant can watch them as they have their meals, and when they are lit up at night they are quite spectacular." Reg Vamey, from Lely, commented: "This reference site is ideal because it allows us to show customers the benefits of Otterbine products within an attractive setting. The products are really very impressive and we want our customers to see them in action. We can also use the site for training purposes, or take new employees to familiarise them with the actual working units."
Out with the old and in with the new
The combined strength of all Siemens’ fire detection technologies is being used to protect St George’s Shopping Centre in Preston, UK, where construction of a new two-storey extension has been taking place alongside the refurbishment of an existing shopping mall. “St George’s is unique in that it is the only site where our Collective, Analogue Plus, Interactive and new wireless TeleRex technologies are all being utilised together to provide a fire detection solution for the main public areas”, says Project Engineer Mark Gee from Siemens’ regional office in Stockport. “Our ‘flagship’ Interactive technology was ideal for use in the centre’s atria under which the coffee bars are situated and where the need to avoid false alarms is paramount.” St George’s is an enclosed shopping centre comprising 30,000 square metres of space taken up by 80 retail outlets plus a multi-storey car park. Siemens were asked to provide a fire detection solution to cover all the public areas in both the new and old parts of the building, using a system that could be interfaced with the separate fire alarm systems operated by individual retail tenants. Individual Siemens systems have also been installed in the majority of the shops. “The main challenge for Siemens was that because we were refurbishing an existing trading centre, the work had to be undertaken on a phased basis”, explains Tim Varley, Associate Director of the landlord company, Legal & General Assurance Society Ltd, who was responsible for overall project management. “As each phase was completed, the new fire alarm system was gradually expanded in terms of its area of coverage, but it still had to operate in parallel with the old system which was progressively being decommissioned. Once the refurbishment of the landlord’s areas was complete, the Siemens system became the principal fire alarm system for the whole building. But we could not disconnect the old system finally until the interfaces with tenants’ systems were in place.” “The work went a lot more smoothly than we anticipated”, he continues. “The nature of the work was such that we were having to deal with occupied premises where the existing fire alarm systems were not necessarily compatible with the new installation. It was not always possible to resolve compatibility issues until the work was actually being implemented. No matter how much we surveyed beforehand, we were concerned that there were still many problems to resolve. “In fact, the working relationship that Mark Gee and his team achieved with our centre management and tenants proved much more effective than we expected. I consider this a very satisfactory result.” The successful completion of this project complements the fire detection solutions that Siemens has implemented at other major UK shopping centres, including Bluewater and Lakeside. Siemens’ involvement at St George’s will continue, having secured an ongoing system maintenance contract.
Outsourced Facilities Management — What A Good Idea!!
By Steve Betts, General Manager, Taurus (Security) Ltd.
Yes, I am sure as facilities managers you have at some point been suddenly hit by the strap line above, as you are busily tendering for contracts. Then you are probably left with the thought, Security? Now what’s that about, I know I’ll buy in the expensive box of tricks that will do it. Risk assessment? No, don’t need that! Too expensive.
I am constantly amazed at the approach taken to a client’s security by facilities management companies, who have no expertise in that field, but undoubted expertise in their own fields of facilities management. At this years IFSEC I visited the FM stands, out of all those seen, only one had any reference to security provision, or security management services. I spoke to 4 different stands and security was not mentioned once. Sad, but indicative I feel.
The world of facilities management providers has changed radically, since the inception of the outsourced services concept. Clients have rightly become more demanding and similarly to security companies, FM companies have had to evolve to become integrated solution providers, as have security firms like mine, however here we are still trying to operate in isolation. FM companies must become more attuned to the security providers and utilise their skills within the FM environment, security companies that provide security management services must be seen as a strength and allay to the FM company.
Not all Facilities Managers will be aware of the effects of issues such as the Private Security Industry Bill, the Security Industry Authority or the implications of a fully embedded Working Time Directive, all of which will undoubtedly lead to the inherent cost of Man Guarding, rising significantly. Working practices throughout the security industry will therefore change dramatically and FM providers will require expert input to maximise security potential at value added cost.
The FM world is changing rapidly, The Security Industry is changing rapidly, don’t delay in ensuring that you have a security professional on your books to manage outsourced security within the FM environment.
Outsourcing, a variable practice - FMs have their say in 3rd PHS Survey
The breadth of the facilities role, with limited internal resources to manage it, makes outsourcing a valuable resource for the busy FM. In the third PHS Quarterly FM Survey - which is a regular investigation into the practices and opinions of UK facilities decision makers by workplace services provider the PHS Group plc -outsourcing practice was examined, revealing that uptake and management vary with company size and that some FM functions are farmed out more easily than others. From telephone interviews conducted with 202 in-house facilities management professionals across the UK in February this year, it emerged that 59% of FMs outsource some aspects of the role, and that uptake increases with company size (27% of companies with less than 150 employees outsource, compared to 71% with over 1,000 employees). The most popular functions farmed out are those of a specialist or technical nature, or those requiring work to be carried out daily and/or outside normal office hours. These included cleaning (listed by 72% of surveyed outsourcers), electrical and mechanical maintenance (65%), security (55%) and catering (53%). The Survey indicated that close supplier relationships are the key to getting the best from outsourcing, and this is where smaller companies tend to fare better. In bigger organisations, and as the role increases in complexity, FMs tend to use formal and longer term processes for reviewing their suppliers and are less likely to extend contracts, preferring to go through a competitive bid process. By comparison, FMs in smaller companies (who incline towards reviewing suppliers on a short term or ongoing basis) are more likely to extend contracts, with 58% of the reasons given relating to strength of relationship and service quality. Amongst smaller companies the tendency to track performance on an ongoing basis very likely improves the supplier relationship, in turn creating the opportunity for continual refinement of service levels to suit the FMs changing needs. Although outsourcing is popular, it is not a panacea for all. 21% of FMs surveyed said they had brought services back in house, which had previously been contracted out. The most common reason was that cost savings had not been realised, closely followed by unsatisfactory service levels, either directly (25%) or via difficulties managing the supplier (12%). The Survey confirmed that some services appear to work well on an outsourced basis, and some don’t. For example, for every company that outsourced IT and Data Management, the PHS Survey found another company that used to do so, but had since brought it back in-house. Peter Cohen, Chief Executive of the PHS Group plc, comments: “The PHS Quarterly FM Survey was launched for the benefit of our customers, to reveal interesting and relevant facts for Facilities Managers about their industry and about the practices and opinions of their peers. “Each quarter, there is a different topical focus to our Survey - looking at anything from career development to flexible working - and we also develop an FM trend indicator. Our FM Industry Tracker repeats key questions quarterly, keeping tabs on broader business indicators like budgetary increases and decreases, office relocations and departmental investments. By doing this we aim to reveal trend information of value and relevance to our customers.” PHS welcomes ideas from Facilities Managers on subjects they would like investigated in the future.
Over 50% choose MRC
What makes over 50% of Stannah’s passenger lift customers choose
the Stannah MRC?
Could it be because the space-saving MRC does away with the need for
a separate motor room?
Or is it the convenience of being able to locate the Machine Room Cabinet
up to 8 metres away from the lift?
Maybe it’s the smooth hydraulic ride?
Or is it the peace of mind that comes with knowing a hydraulic lift can be
lowered quickly and safely in the case of an emergency?
Perhaps it’s the peace of mind that comes with every Stannah Lift?
You choose - choose Stannah
Overall protection from safesite
Safesite’s Fall Protection Overall has been designed with an integral full body harness to ensure operative safety at all times.
The unique Fall Protection Overall incorporates the body harness within a protection boiler suite, guaranteeing that whenever the operative is wearing the boiler suite, he will also be wearing the harness. No adjustment is required to the harness as the overall is supplied in five different sizes -
The protection overall can be provided in standard fabric, high visibility fabric which incorporates reflective stripes in blue and orange or blue and yellow or in high visibility anti-flame retardant fabric with reflective stripes.
Safesite’s Fall Protection Overall has been designed to overcome the problems of operatives not wearing a full body harness when they have been instructed and trained to do so. This leads to the non-compliance of HSE legislation and can result in a heavy fine should an incident occur. The key advantage of Safesite’s integral harness design is that once the operative puts the boiler suit on, he is automatically wearing the harness.
The harness must always be inspected before use to ensure that it is operating correctly. Yearly inspections and services should also be carried out by the distributor or authorised service centre to guarantee that the Fall Protection Overall and Harness are in full working order.
As with all equipment of this nature, the Overall should only be used with approved forms of fall arrest or anchorage systems such as Safesite’s Horizontal Life Line or Mobile Man Anchor. The Fall Protection Overall should be used with structures which can themselves fall such as window cleaning units and with anchorage points which can not sustain a shock load of at least 15000kg.
Safesite Ltd is widely recognised as the market leader in the provision of roof safety equipment. The company is now running a series of CPD training seminars where advice and training is given on the correct use of products as well as compliance with the latest legislation, including HSG/33 Revised.
PAC launches PAC EasiNet
PAC is the UK's leading manufacturer of integrated electronic access control and alarm management systems used extensively in both the private and public sector for many years.
PAC designs and manufactures a range of easy to use, reliable and flexible solutions that allow PAC proximity electronic keys, used to gain access, to be added or deleted without the need to change locks or issue new keys to all keyholders. PAC's systems also integrate seamlessly with staff protection such as pagers and silent operation systems as well as with building facilities such as CCTV or fire doors. PAC EasiNet is a brand new network access control solution from PAC based around its new PAC 200 series of door controllers. Using the very latest technology including 32-bit Microsoft software and fast communications, the sophisticated PC-based system is incredibly quick and easy to install, commission and operate.
Rich in functions and features the PAC EasiNet software facilitates the management of large numbers of electronic keys with a host of functions offering far more flexibility than ever before. These include simple to program security levels, a greater number of time profiles, new holiday definitions and intuitive user interface. The latter provides a tailored interface for the different requirements of installers, operators and supervisors.
Offering maximum flexibility for the installer and end user, it can be economically expanded door-by-door. Upgrading is also cost effective and simple without the need to invest in new hardware as software and firmware (updates for the Access Point Door Controller) can be automatically downloaded from PAC's website.
Written using 32-bit Microsoft software and supporting all the latest Microsoft operating platforms, PAC EasiNet is very logical to use with a familiar Windows look and feel. And distributed intelligence using high speed RS485 communications makes decision making such as entry accepted/denied virtually instantaneous, as data is stored locally in the door controller using secure non volatile memory.
The system can support up to 20,000 keyholders and a wide range of reading technologies, including both PAC and KeyPAC proximity technology. The PAC EasiNet PC Administration software will be available in three versions supporting 32, 64 and 128 doors.
Package of ALRO Products adds hardwearing style to independent co-educational school
Altro Mondofutura and Altro Mondoflex have been used extensively in an on-going project at Bedford Modern School. The School chose Altro Mondofutura to replace all of the flooring in the communal areas because it offers better resistance to food and beverage spillages and high traffic when compared to traditional carpeting. More recently Bedford Modern School chose Altro Mondoflex for the flooring in a new fitness suite. Both installations made use of Altro’s design services by incorporating a two-colour contrast pattern into the scheme. “We decided to take carpeting out of all the communal areas in the School and replace it with something more hardwearing. Altro Mondofutura seemed ideal as it was easy to clean, durable and able to resist the trials of a busy School day,” said Tim Morley, Deputy Bursar. “We first used Altro Mondofutura in a busy corridor five years ago, and it still looks as good as the day it was laid. When we needed to find a flooring system for the new Fitness Studio, we turned to Altro because we knew that we would get a quality product. Put simply, we are absolutely delighted with both Altro products,” Altro Mondofutura is a high performance rubber flooring product, which offers excellent impact and slip resistance. The flooring is easy to maintain, and is ideal for high traffic areas where general soiling may be an issue. Altro Mondoflex is part of a range of flooring solutions for sports applications. Mondoflex is slip resistant, and a smooth rubber surface minimises abrasion injuries. Available in 4mm and 6mm thicknesses, it has excellent impact resistance and is ideally suited to mixed sport use. Altro Mondoflex is featured on a new sports flooring sample board which was launched in February. Altro’s high performance flooring, walling, door and ceiling solutions are designed to meet its customers’ needs for decorative appearance, practicality and ease of maintenance, with the highest standards of health and safety, hygiene, cleanability and durability. Installing Altro products is made easy with the help of a dynamic education-focused support team - which is highly experienced in relevant issues, legal requirements and demands. In 2004 Altro is celebrating its 50th Year of Innovation, marking the golden anniversary of its revolutionary invention of safety flooring. The company will mark this milestone with a series of special events and by continuing its innovative product and customer service developments.
Pacom GMS v3, People Counting, Bell Security’s National Focus
Bell Group is using IFSEC for the European launch of: version 3 of GMS - the enterprise monitoring and management software suite within its Pacom integrated security technology); an intelligent People Counter Pacom add-on; and a new, national focus on customer-driven solutions from Bell Security Ltd. Pacom GMS v3 features significant additions within the access control management modules alongside enhancements across the intruder, CCTV and managed response capabilities. A new Pacom ‘valued-added’ facility is an intelligent People Counter. Providing foot-fall and other statistics of special interest within retail market research, this is expected to boost Pacom’s major retailer appeal beyond its extensive, international retail banking user base. Under new Sales Director Steve Neville, Bell Security, Bell Group’s UK design, installation and maintenance subsidiary, is highlighting an intensive nation-wide focus on customer-driven solutions including EAS/CCTV/intruder/access systems.
Parkinson chosen for flagship Reebok Sports Club London £1.2 million building services contract
Members of the UK’s largest private sports and fitness complex, the Reebok Sports Club London, at Canary Wharf, will benefit from air conditioning and ventilation services provided by Parkinson Engineering Services Plc.
The company was selected to design, supply and install all of the air conditioning and ventilation services for the world class, flagship club, scheduled to open this Autumn, in a contract valued at £1.2 million.
It covers approximately 1 00.000 square feet over three floors in Canada Place. a six storey building on the east side of Canada Square in Canary Wharf in the heart of London’s Docklands. It is the first Reebok Sports Club to open in the United Kingdom, with others in New York. Madrid and Sau Paulo, Brazil.
As well as offering state-of-the art facilities, the clubs are used as testing centres for new fitness programmes, as well as providing educational teaching environments for Reebok University Master Trainers and other fitness professionals.
Designed to accommodate up to 10,000 members. the London club will provide extensive amenities. In addition to a fully equipped gym incorporating the latest exercise and training equipment and a Junior Olympic lap pool, it \vill have a basketball, soccer and volleyball court and a 1 3 metre rock climbing wall, plus a luxury health and spa centre in a 'country club’ environment.
The ventilation and air conditioning systems being provided by Parkinson will service every area of the club, including the offices. A team of engineers from the Staffordshire-based company began work on site in January and are well on target to have the equipment installed and commissioned before the club’s official opening in Autumn 2002.
“Being chosen to provide the ventilation and air conditioning systems for this highly prestigious club demonstrates our capability for handling the very largest and most demanding of mechanical services projects, from design through to installation,” says Parkinson Engineering Services’ Managing Director, Kelvin Beeston.
“With our extensive experience serving the leisure industry, we frilly understand their highly individual needs with regard to effective and efficient building services”, he adds.
Parkinson is one of the UK’s leading building services specialists, providing a comprehensive range of resources, including air conditioning, heating, ventilation, plumbing, gas and electrical installations, as well as hot water systems, power & lighting distribution, sprinklers and fire alarms.
With an extensive portfolio of blue chip clients, embracing the commercial, industrial and retail sectors, Parkinson also has considerable expertise in the leisure industry, having already completed fit-outs for more than 20 L-A. Fitness clubs throughout the UK in contracts worth around £8 million.
Parliament matters
The recent opening of the Scottish Parliament by Her Royal Majesty the Queen attracted a huge amount of media attention from all over the world. This historic occasion witnessed the return of a parliament to Scotland for the first time in almost 300 years.
The site at the foot of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile is now the permanent home of the parliament and uniquely combines historical, architectural and political perspectives which makes Holyrood complex the most significant project in modern Scottish history.
The work on the 4-acre site took place in stages, between 1999 and 2004. Involved at each stage of the development, Grundfos Pumps Ltd, working closely with RMJM Edinburgh, provided a total pump solution which delivered against The Building User Brief, which specified that wherever possible, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions should be used
In all, Grundfos supplied a total of 44 pumps – many of them electronically controlled, 5 variable speed booster sets and 5 pressurisation sets. The pumps supplied will undertake a variety of uses including providing chilled water, domestic hot water, underfloor heating, drainage and wastewater.
The build has not been without controversy – designed by the famous Spanish architect Enric Mirales, who died suddenly before construction work could begin, it has come in famously over budget.
However, none of this can detract from the incredible development that has been created.
George Reid, Presiding Officer for the Parliament summed it up succinctly “the opening marks a new beginning – an opportunity for all of us to concentrate on why we are here, not just to build a building, but to build a better Scotland”.
Grundfos Pumps Ltd are delighted to have been associated with such an historic landmark.
Pasma launches new safety video
PASMA’s new safety video The Guide to Safe Use of Mobile Access Towers is now available. Produced specifically as a supplement to the Association’s standard training course, it has been created for owners, hirers, users and operatives - in fact anyone who has any contact with mobile access towers, including site managers and health and safety specialists.
12 months in the making and taking as its theme “accidents don’t just happen; it features different mobile tower applications, highlights the various health and safety risks, and stresses the importance of safe systems of work. In a particularly dramatic sequence, it reinforces the importance of PASMA training, now accepted as the industry standard.
PASMA, whose members are the major manufacturers and suppliers of towers in the UK, are keen to point out that the video is not intended to replace formal training. Comments Peter Bond, chairman of PASMA: “The video is in addition and is a great introduction to the work, role and contribution of the Association to best practice in the industry.”
Passive smoking virtually eliminated in long stay units
When patients within psychiatric and long-stay hospital units smoke, how do you protect other patients and staff from the dangers of passive smoking - By installing Tornex. Tornex have been working along side both private & NHS Trusts to develop a range of products suitable for use with psychiatric and long-stay hospital units and have now completed their fifth installation, two for Leeds Mental Health Teaching NHS Trust. Smoking prevalence is significantly higher among people with mental health problems than the general population. Rates are thought to be as high as 80% among schizophrenics and 70% for those with psychiatric disorders residing in long-stay units. As all employers, the NHS has a legal and contractual responsibility for the health of their employees. Staff at work should be guaranteed, as far as possible, a smoke-free working environment. It is, however, acknowledged that the particular circumstances in psychiatric and long-stay units mean some smoke exposure is likely, for example, a member of staff may need to be close to a patient at all times for their safety. This is where Tornex's technology can help. Tornex technology has been established in the UK for the past 5 years and has installations from airports to offices and from hospitals to pubs. Due to its advanced 3-stage filtration system, it virtually eliminates ETS (Environmental Tobacco Smoke). The latest range of 'Mental Health' specification systems, both floor and ceiling mounted, have been carefully designed to be as ligature free and user friendly as possible. All Tornex systems are regularly maintained, by their trained engineers, to ensure continual and trouble free operation.
Patricia Hewitt Opens New Facilities For SGP
Patricia Hewitt MP, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry opened the new offices of specialist facilities management and property services group SGP in Leicester on April 2, 2004. SGP, which provides a range of property services to the retail industry, has moved to larger offices, following continued commercial success and the hiring of more than 40 employees in the last year. Leicester-based SGP provides a range of property services to the retail industry with clients including Woolworths, Adams, Topshop and Carphone Warehouse. The number of staff has grown by over 300% in the last four years, now employing over 170 employees, compared to just 30 staff in 2000. The company has also recently won several contracts with national retailers, including a deal to provide reactive maintenance for all 1,700 of Boots’ stores across the UK. The company offers a range of property services from a 24/7 HelpDesk, through to Building Services, and Store Development. The company has also recently launched a Property Consultants division, based at the company’s corporate HQ in Leicester, offering a full range of chartered surveyor services exclusively to retail clients across the UK. Rent reviews, lease renewal negotiations and property management services for clients all fall within the remit of the new division, along with a full retail agency offer covering disposal and acquisitions [TS1]. SGP has also recently introduced an expanding range of innovative employment policies, including private healthcare for all workers and a childcare allowance for all parents. It also allows employees to work flexible hours and is currently piloting a home working scheme for employees needing even more flexibility in their working arrangements. Comments Kevin Elliott, Managing Director of SGP: “At SGP, we offer an innovative one-stop shop for retailers’ property requirements, which has led to us winning contracts from major retailers including Adams, Arcadia Group and BHS as well as new clients including Boots and Shoe Fayre. As we continue to innovate and extend the range of services that we offer, we will push the boundaries across all the segments in which we operate and maintain our successful expansion well into the future.” Comments Patricia Hewitt MP: “SGP’s rapid growth makes it a significant asset to the commercial landscape of Leicester and an important local employer, especially in terms of the variety of jobs provided by the company and its flexible working policies. I am sure that the company’s plans for future growth and cross-sector extension will ensure that it continues to contribute to the local economy in the future.”
Pentagon Flimtek win contract to provide enhanced glazing system
The twin-faced 25-storey glass facade of Vienna's Ares Tower now has the benefit of enhanced glazing safety with the external retro-fit application of Pentagon Filmtek's FT800 bolted glass containment system. Working with project appointed Facilities Management Fritsch, Chiari and Partner ZT Gmb as specialists in glazing safety, approximately 2,500 panes of toughened glass weighing between 104 and 157kg each have been treated with the system as a safety precaution to unpredictable glass failure. As principal contractor, Pentagon Filmtek's expertise has included the organisation and carrying out of everything from access, replacement of glass where necessary and application of the FT800 glass containment film and bolted anchoring system without the disruption and extra cost of removal. Fritsch Chiari's Herr Tarafa Baghajati commented: "We are more than happy with the work carried out by Pentagon Filmtek and their installation teams, both in terms of the application of the system and also the efficient way in which they have progressed this project As specialists in glass containment window film and anchoring solutions, Pentagon Filmtek have a range of anchoring solutions suitable for many types of glazing including framed, bolted and an upgrade anchoring profile system, all of which have been successfully tested to provide enhanced protection and glazing safety and have done so for Eurostar's Waterloo International Terminal, Daily Mail and General Trust's Western Morning News site and Singapore's Changi Airport. Working closely with Fritsch Chiari and Amisola-Immobilien AG as property owners of Ares Tower, we have also designed and fitted a site specific profile to offer added protection.
Pentax PocketJet comes to the aid of Paris Firefighters
They speed through the city of Paris in their distinctive red vehicles, sirens wailing, bringing emergency medical assistance to persons in need. Providing urgent medical care is an important function of the Firefighters Brigade for the City of Paris. Their well-equipped aid vehicles, referred to as ‘ambulances for resuscitation’ provide medical assistance for persons enroute to being hospitalized. A medical doctor and trained medical assistants are onboard to provide lifesaving help. This function is similar to the medical services provided by the SAMU, another emergency aid service for the public. The urgent care sector of the Firefighters Brigade handles about 9,000 medical emergency calls per year. For every aid call, a medical case report For every emergency aid call, the firefighter-medic must complete a report that contains all pertinent information about the patient: where and under what circumstances the patient was contacted, the nature of the injuries, the medical assistance provided, etc. This report is given to the attending physician at the time of arrival at the hospital. The Firefighters Bridge of Paris uses an A3 format report form to record this vital information enroute to the hospital. A copy is retained for administrative purposes, to provide statistical details, and as documentation in case of possible legal action. These reports must be filed and indexed. Over time, the Brigade found it increasingly important to manage and store this information in an electronic format. A clerical assistant extracted pertinent details from the incident reports and entered this information in a coded format into a database. The new method enabled efficient tracking and recovery of statistical information and individual cases from the over 9,000 assistance calls made each year. The Brigade used this archival process for ten years, but the system began to show its limitations. The data coding and entry process was time-intensive and the original report was handwritten by the attending doctor. Often the writing was difficult to read or decipher accurately. REANIME: the solution for digital information exchange. The Brigade chose to invest in a completely new system called REANIME, (Réseau d’Accès Numérique aux Informations Médicales Extra-hospitalières) a network-based solution to digitally collect and transmit medical information. The concept is to replace handwritten reports by entering info via a terminal and using a printer. There are two key advantages: the information is conveniently stored in data terminal and a concise, easy to read report can be printed out as needed. The REANIME system was first installed in 2002 in two emergency aid vehicles. In January 2003, it was installed in 11 more ambulances. « The doctor enters the information into the terminal, which is installed on a special support within the aid vehicle, and connected to a printer, » explained Dr. Patrick Hertgen, responsible of the project. « Upon returning to the Brigade facility, the data is transmitted via Wi-Fi to a central computer. The electronic file offers a number of advantages, but can also be perceived as a constraint. Certain doctors considered the data entry to be an added chore and needed to become used to a new way of working. To successfully integrate REANIME, we had to position it as a ‘plus’ or added-value for the medical teams. Therefore, we integrated useful documentation into the system such as quick references for medical treatments, or the medicines on-hand in the aid vehicle, » he concluded. Thanks to the digital data entry, there is an accurate and accessible database of statistical information readily available. By phoning the emergency dispatch coordinator, a doctor can immediately know if a patient has previously been treated and for what specific medical problems. Pentax PocketJet offers full advantages of thermal printing. The Brigade’s printer requirements were demanding: easy to use, durable construction, rapid print speed, compact size and easy integration with the data terminal. The beta version of REANIME had been used with an inkjet printer. After considerable problems were encountered with the usage and print quality, the Brigade made the decision to switch to the Pentax PocketJet. They were assisted by Mégatron, the Pentax distributor in France. “There were a number of factors that led us to choose the Pentax PocketJet,” explained Lieutenant Jean-Marc Lecomte, project manager. “Above all, the speed factor". The PocketJet 200 is extremely fast compared to the previous inkjet printer— we’re talking about one minute, versus three minutes. Previously, we inserted letterhead paper for each report and this took extra time. But with the PocketJet, we can just print one time, without any extra effort. “The cost of ink supplies and the related print quality was another important factor in the Brigade’s decision to go with the PocketJet”. Their high volume printing needs meant ongoing replacement of the ink cartridges in the inkjet printer. Given the demanding and often stressful working conditions in a moving emergency vehicle, the last thing a medic needed was the hassle of trying to change an ink cartridge. Additionally, the ink was sensitive to weather (sun or rain) and heat conditions, and created runny, illegible copies. The thermal printing capabilities of the PocketJet were seen as highly positive, yet initially a concern in the evaluation process. Lieutenant Jean-Marc Lecomte explained “When we saw that it was a thermal printer, we were reticent because of concerns that the print would not last over time. But this wasn’t true anymore; we learned that thermal printing is well preserved by using a special paper”. Pentax’s paper is guaranteed for 5 to 8 years if it is saved under proper conditions. Therefore, we could find no more disadvantages due to rain or sun! “Another major benefit was that the PocketJet 200 prints from a single roll of paper”. The doctors can include graphics or pictures in the report and on A4 format paper, the images often get cut off on the page breaks. The convenient roll format equals about 100 A4 pages. The practical design and functionality of the PocketJet was another important consideration for the high-energy work environment inside an aid vehicle. The PocketJet has no moving parts and is solidly built. The printer is installed within a support base and connected to the data entry terminal by a cable. The Brigade is very satisfied with the REANIME system and the Pentax PocketJet printer. We have found a complementary combination of technical solutions and we look forward to making full use of them, “Jean-Marc Lecomte concluded.” From the perspective of the hospital personnel, who receive a clean, printed report instead of a hastily handwritten document, we have had nothing but positive response. About Pentax Technologies Corporation. Pentax Technologies Corporation, headquartered in Golden, Colorado (USA), with a subsidiary in Zaventem (Belgium), is manufacturer of computer periphery devices and optical components. Among the products of the company are the portable PocketJet printers, continuous laser printers, single sheet scanners, and the VersaCam Internet camera and other optical parts and building elements. Pentax Technologies Corporation was founded 1985 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pentax Corporation, Japan.
People focus paying off for OCSA new Human Resources programme
People focus paying off for OCS A new Human Resources programme designed to achieve a competitive edge by investing in staff development has won Investor in People (IIP) status for OCS Security Services, and achieved significant commercial benefits for the company. Motivated by two key industry traits - namely a high staff turnover and a work culture that involves staff spending a great deal of time with clients - 005 has implemented a programme of staff development and training aimed at making that all important difference to the service offered by the company. “As one of the UK’s leading security companies, we are acutely aware of the need to continually improve what we provide in order to maintain a competitive edge. Because of the nature of our industry, it is obvious that our differentiation has to be in the way our people provide the service and how they feel about being part of the 005 team”, says Chris Cracknell, chief executive of OCS. The series of changes implemented by the company to achieve this differentiating factor has involved a wide range of staff training and development initiatives which have combined to win lIP status for the company and its staff. “The key to all these initiatives has been effective communication, ensuring that all staff at every level feel valued and understand the contribution they are making to the success of our business” adds Chris. A radical new format for induction training has replaced classroom-based lectures with role-play and interaction with scenarios on video. A programme of informal ‘Job Chats’ is providing more regular and effective forums for staff appraisals, and for security officers on permanent night shift with little line manager contact morale has been boosted by access to a new 24 hour Help Desk. A new Communications Manual available to all staff at every operational site covers the OCS background, news, procedures, benefits and incentive schemes. A series of internal awards have also been launched to recognise and reward staff achievement. Success in commercial terms has already been forthcoming as a result of the programme. Contract extensions, new business recommendations and a key new contract has been gained because of the OCS focus on continuous staff development. With a turnover approaching £500 million and increasing expansion throughout the UK and across its international operations, OCS is one of the market leaders in the provision of property support services. Offering one complete solution from a single point of contact, its six divisions encompass technical, security, catering, transport, cleaning, hygiene, laundry and environmental support services.
People skills brings new city business for Certainty Group TFM
Clearstream International, part of the Deutsche Börse Group has awarded the contract for supply of facilities personnel at their prestigious Canary Wharf site to Certainty Group Total Facilities Management. A branch of Deutsche Börse Group, the company has confirmed a three-year agreement with Certainty Facilities, initially for facilities management expertise and customer service support. However, this is set to expand further into a range of managed services, including M & E, utilities management, cleaning, pest control, internal landscaping and vending. Certainty Facilities is also in discussions about organising a number of high profile client events at prominent locations across London. Central to the delivery of the new City-based contract will be the emphasis on staff training, and development of a multi-skilled operational team. Certainty Facilities' Director of Operations, Kevin Keil, comments: 'We base our approach to improving performance and motivation on investing in new skills and building a strong and coherent operational team at each location. Instead of pigeon-holing staff in specific services, we actively encourage transferability, backed up by strong management and training.' Chevalier Mario Libonati, Head of Facility Management Clearstream International adds: 'We were impressed from the start by Certainty Facilities' culture and professional approach. The mobilisation process for the contract has been efficient, and has helped create an effective team, which is vital to our operations at such a high profile site.'
Peran wins space race
Astrium, Europe’s premier space company has appointed Perstorp to supply the flooring for its state of the art UK satellite production facility. The company has some of the best appointed and most advance design facilities in the space industry.
Peran SE was supplied in Grey and Kingfisher Blue and installed in a clean room environment that covers some 2000 square meters. Whilst the floor is not required to be anti-static it does need to be extremely smooth for ease of cleaning. Phoenix Industrial Flooring one of Peran’ s approved installers installed the floor.
Ron Stanley Perstorp’s UK Business Manager said “ Projects such as this reinforce our premier position in the market as suppliers of high performance floors. Astrium recognise that there drive for excellence is mirrored by our own. We are very proud to be associated with the project.”
Perstorp’s Peran range of flooring products is customised to achieve a range of requirements for any environment. The seamless systems include non-porous, solvent free resin coating over a concrete base. The thermoset resin is inert and can be developed for heat, chemical and abrasion resistance with anti-slip characteristics.
Perfect pit stop refreshment from N&W Global Vending
Former Formula One racing driver Jonathan Palmer has developed a hugely successful business enterprise - puffing the thrills and spills of high speed driving into the hands of business executives. His 400-acre Bedford Autodrome venue resembles a giant ‘Scalextric’ race track and is where companies send their staff for an action-packed fun day out as they get to grips with the ultimate high powered ‘boys toys’ - hurtling around hairpin bends at the wheel of various authentic racing machines. There’s a team of experts on hand offering expert tuition to ensure nothing goes wrong, but participants are urged to push their driving skills to the limit, since the purpose-built complex has been specially designed for the corporate driver, with strategically placed ‘spin off’ areas combined with exhilarating track lay outs and spacious vehicle handling zones on which to perfect techniques. Companies pay thousands of pounds to attend the former Royal Aerospace airfield venue at Thurleigh, so there’s plenty of emphasis on quality corporate facilities as well as fun and driving excitement. Catering and refreshment facilities play a vital role which is why Palmer chose to introduce a range of high quality beverage machines from Europe’s biggest manufacturer, N&W Global Vending. The ‘Zenith’ models have been specially designed with his ‘PalmerSport’ brand graphics, and dispense a wide range of high quality drinks from a series of trackside hospitality lounges. From authentic bean to cup coffees and fresh brew tea, to beef and tomato soup, espressochoc and flavoured chilled water, the seven Zenith machines deliver optimum drinks choice and quality. Saul Bywater, the site’s Facilities Manager explained: “We’ve been running here for four years now and the company has been in operation for about 15 years. “We deal mainly with big company bookings, six days per week, looking after 100 people per day. In addition there are about 103 staff on site, so the vending machines get a large amount of use.” Guests usually arrive at 8am, and have a full breakfast which is followed by a morning briefing. They are introduced to their team leader and spend an hour on each of seven activities, including Caterham race cars, Palmer Jaguar models, Mitsubishi Evos and high performance Renault Clios. In between they have an hour for lunch, before a presentation ceremony brings the curtain down on their day-long visit. Saul explained: “The Zeniths are used throughout the day in each of the individual units around the circuit. Wherever the guests go throughout the day a high quality convenient drink is available. “Chocomilk and espressochoc are popular at the moment and in the summer it tends to be some colder drinks such as blackcurrant and also elderflower. There’s a good cross section available. “The racing thrill is the big attraction but the corporate hospitality side is equally important. The whole event is going up and up in terms of quality, facilities and vehicles. We are always trying to improve things in terms of how we operate and refreshment facilities play a big part.” According to Saul, the 900-cup capacity Zeniths are a vast improvement on the previous refreshment facilities. “We used to have the ingredient sachets lined up on the side - we did that for years - with hot water urns. It was messy, didn’t produce a nice drink and for the standard of clientele who are paying a lot of money to come here for the day, things need to be just right. “What we are getting now with the bean to cup drinks is in a different league. The quality is a 100 per cent improvement. It’s clean, fast and convenient and the Zeniths reflect our quality ethos. After all we are dealing with a very discerning audience. He added: The machines look good, are very reliable, have a huge cup capacity and are not labour intensive to look after. We stock and fill ourselves; I generally have a look at them every evening and they tend to need refilling every couple of days.” The Zeniths were introduced shortly after new hospitality suites were constructed in the Spring of 2003. PalmerSport wanted a machine that blended in with the new, state-of-the-art facilities. Palmer himself declared: “Our customers are very happy with the drink service. We have a lot of repeat custom and many remember the previous old-fashioned service and appreciate how things have dramatically improved - the quality is the most noticeable difference. “At the end of the event every guest fills in a questionnaire, with topics including catering, and the feedback has been very positive about the new vending equipment. I am delighted with our choice of the Zenith machines. I want everything at our events to be the best, from the cars to the hospitality facilities.”
Perfect public processing
Opex mail processing systems have established a very practical niche within the public sector, and a very tangible example is the Rapid Extraction Desk based within the mailroom at Bournemouth Town Hall. Covering nearly 50 sq km and with a population of approximately 165000, Bournemouth prides itself on being progressive and efficient, and the mailroom is at the hub of all activities. The Opex unit is no bigger than a conventional desk, and is ergonomically designed to be continually comfortable and easily accessible for the operator. As with all local authorities, there is a paramount need to open all incoming mail as quickly and expertly as possible for distribution and attention by the relevant department - and this technology allows for absolutely all of the post, amounting to several thousand items, to be processed within just an hour or so. Particularly of note, all manner of incoming payments are banked on the day of arrival, giving Bournemouth a very cost-effective item of equipment. The Opex RED can be set up for continual standard envelopes or mixed mail as appropriate, and it guarantees safe and sure removal of all contents. As Support Services Officer Geoff Burn observes "it really is essential for us to have this system and I couldn't see us without it. We never have any problems and it is very reliable. There are major savings in time and space and it is not difficult for staff training".
Perimeter protection from Siemens FSP
A new sensor designed to alert a site to a potential security breach of the perimeter has been introduced by Siemens Building Technologies, Fire & Security Products, (FSP).
Sentry Flex is a co-axial cable which can be attached to a perimeter barrier such as a fence, wall or ceiling, to act as a linear microphone which constantly monitors for any attempted break in.
An attempt to cut through or climb over the perimeter barrier creates a vibration. If the signature of the vibration is above a pre-determined signature in the processor, an alarm condition is activated. By pre-setting the criteria upon which an alarm is triggered, local environmental conditions can be accommodated, enabling the processor to differentiate between environmental and human disturbances.
A perimeter of up to 300 metres can be protected in a single zone configuration, with a dual zone processor for runs of up to 600 metres.
Features include indicators to provide easy recognition of the system’s current status, including monitoring for tamper, pre-alarm, fault, pulse count and calibration.
Sentry Flex is suitable for a wide range of metal fence types, from the high security weldmesh fences employed in facilities such as prisons and military bases to chainlink, expermet and palisade.
Perkins puts Fujitsu VRF Air Conditioners in the West End
Fujitsu VRF (variable refrigerant flow) air conditioning systems have been specified for a modern seven-floor office building in the West End of London. Supplied by distributor, FM Air Conditioning, and installed by R Perkins & Sons of London, the air conditioners have replaced an aged chilled water system.
Ten AOY9OTPAMF condensers, each with a nominal cooling capacity of 28.0kW and heating capacity of 31.5kW, serve the 48 ARY25 indoor ducted units. These ducted units fit neatly into the building’s ceiling voids supplying conditioned air to the space via unobtrusive diffuser grilles. Outside of the building the VRF condensers are equally discreet as they provide one of the smallest footprints available: each measuring a compact 1380mm high by 1300mm wide by 650mm deep.
The VRF condenser refrigerant circuit uses three different capacity scroll compressors incorporating new ‘power accumulation technology’ to ensure linear capacity control. This arrangement is more cost effective, reaches full capacity quicker and delivers higher EER (Energy Efficiency Rating) than most inverter-controlled systems.
“We recommended Fujitsu’s VRF to contractors, R Perkins & Sons, as it offered the most cost effective air conditioning replacement for the existing chilled water system,” said Giles Pratt of FM Air Conditioning. “An additional consideration was the fact that the building would remain occupied during the period of the project and the intrinsic design of this system enabled the installation contractor to plan a phased installation at minimum disruption to staff.”
A major strength of the VRF system is its ability to simultaneously undertake heating and cooling operations, allowing staff to select a working temperature to suit them. This ‘individuality’ also extends to airflow settings and time control.
Peter Jolliffe to take on company’s health and safety responsibilities
A decade spent with leading engineering, building and maintenance company Dartmouth has led to a new health and safety role for the firm’s quality manager Peter Jolliffe. In his new role, Peter, who has recently gained the industry recognised NEBOSH qualification, will be responsible for Dartmouth’s health and safety procedures whilst continuing to act as the company’s quality manager. During his 10 years with Fareham-based Dartmouth, Peter has implemented and managed the company’s quality procedures, leading to industry-recognised accreditations. These include the ‘Safe Contractor Approved’ scheme and the latest ISO 9001, which was gained in just two years instead of three, making Dartmouth one of the first company’s in the area to achieve the quality award. Stephen Benford, Managing Director of Dartmouth, says: “At Dartmouth, we recognise the vital importance of health and safety issues in relation to our customers and staff. During his 10 years with us, Peter has established an excellent track record, helping us to achieve many of our industry accreditations including the ‘Safe Contractor Approved’ scheme.” Dartmouth is a leading specialist in heating, ventilating, air conditioning and mechanical and electrical engineering work. Established for over 34 years, the company prides itself on offering a comprehensive building service together with maintenance support, meaning projects are undertaken with little or no disruption to customer operations. Working throughout the UK and Wales, Dartmouth is principal contractor to Tesco and has many other leading customers in the retail, leisure, industry and commerce sectors. These include Safeway, Sainsbury, Mitchells & Butlers plc, Scottish & Newcastle, Atkins and E C Harris.
Peter Ragnarsson joins Bell Group as President
Peter Ragnarsson has joined high-tech, security systems business Bell Security Ltd, from where he will operate as President of the UK and Ireland businesses of Bell Group, the former UK-listed plc acquired by Securitas AB in June 2004.
Peter has a BSc in Business Administration and an MBA. He commenced his career with Securitas from 1992-95. From then until earlier this year he had successive roles as President/CEO of two corporations listed on the Swedish stock market – involved in IP-based CCTV and optical storage media.
Bell Group’s co-founder and former CEO, Pat Curran, is now Chairman of the business, which has become the founding base of Securitas’ Security Systems Division in the UK and Ireland.
Commenting on his appointment Peter said: “I am really pleased to have been given the opportunity to work within Bell. This is a great business whose many strengths include a knowledgeable and enthusiastic workforce, plus a reputation that sets it apart in the marketplace. It is very exciting to join a business that is primed and ready to move forward, unhindered, into the next phase of its development.”
PFI Project prefers Nilfisk-Advance
Nilfisk-Advance is helping to keep a new PFI funded educational complex on Teesside clean and litter-free. Robertson FM, which operates the facilities management contract for Ingleby Barwick Community Campus, is using professional cleaning equipment from Nilfisk-Advance throughout the site. The t £12m development consists of impressive new primary’ and secondary schools plus a community nursery and library. Robertson FM’s team is responsible for cleaning over 1 7,000 square pus, ranging from special non-slip surfaces in science labs to lacquered composite wood in the assembly and sports hall. “Given the variety of floor types we need versatile equipment that gets the job done quickly and efficiently. We’ve used Nilfisk-Advance machines on similar contracts so knew they could meet this sort of challenge. They are also really’ easy to use, which means they are up and running with the minimum of training.” comments Toni Whitehead, Contract Manager at Robertson FM. Robertson FM is using a wide range of machines from Nilfisk-Advance at Ingleby Barwick, including compact walk-behind scrubber/dryers. single disc machines and backpack—style vacuum cleaners. Nilfisk-Advance’s SDS 424 two-speed single disc machine provides Robertson FM with the ideal solution to multi-purpose cleaning. Commercial vacuum cleaners also play a key’ role in maintaining hard and carpeted surfaces at Ingleby Barwick. Among the models specified for the contract is the Nilfisk-Advance GD 1 000 series, which combines high suction power and excellent filtration with a low noise level to allow daytime cleaning. Robertson’s cleaning staff also use the Nilfisk-Advance Backuum, which has proved particularly popular with the team. With its ergonomic, articulated design, this backpack vacuum cleaner flexes with the operator’s movements and is ideal for tackling hard to reach areas. Lightweight and with self-adjusting shoulder straps, the Backuum is designed for optimum operator comfort and ease of working for increased productivity. With the world’s largest selection of equipment for cleaning professionals, service contracts, on site training and finance agreements, Nilfisk-Advance offers complete, affordable solutions tailored to individual customer requirements, from hospitals and schools to airports and shopping malls.
PFI success or not…
One of the worries with the government Private Finance Initiative (PFI) was that it was always going to be difficult to judge if it was a success or not. After all the majority of PFI contracts run for around 25 years and not even politicians can read the future. Gordon Brown will be happy though as research carried out by the National Audit Office, released this month, has given the scheme the thumbs up. School teachers, nurses and civil servants can now breath a collective sigh of relief – if the research is accurate, then the future of their buildings is safe. Political opinion still remains divided though. A Green Party public services spokesperson said that it ‘came as no surprise’ for him when he read Audit Commission research that showed PFI schools were amongst those failing. He said that private companies would only ever become involved with schools for profit – never for altruistic reasons and that this profit could only ever come from cut-backs in services. The NAO research shows that when comparing PFI with other more traditional forms of procurement PFI projects tend to come out on time and under budget. Of the 37 PFI projects analysed only 24% came in over budget, where as 73% percent of the traditionally procured projects came in over budget. 70% of these projects were also completed later than expected where as only 22% of PFI projects ended up late. From a financial perspective the NAO figures look good and that will certainly keep Mr Brown happy, but would it not also be interesting to read whether or not PFI does have an effect on the way a school or hospital performs? This month also saw the Beeb hit the headlines with reports that rival contractors bidding to secure a £250 contract to redevelop Broadcasting House are falling out. Apparently some feel that Bovis Lend Lease has an unfair advantage in the race. Bovis’s rivals fear that because it acts as construction manager for the BBC’s White City site it will also be automatic choice for the Broadcasting House contract… They may all be falling out over Broadcasting House but over at the ‘Procure 21’ hospital building programme relations couldn’t be better. Contractors are queuing up to hold hands and form joint ventures and secure a piece of the action. Then again, we are talking a contract worth a cool £1.5bn a year. Procure 21 was launched to a fanfare of trumpets last December. Its aim is to gather together five or more of the strongest contractors and make them principal supply chain partners in a four-year deal starting this September. With so much money up for grabs (an estimated £300m worth of work for each partner) who can blame them? Some of the biggest players are joining forces to cement their claims. Laing, Costain, Shepherd, Gleeson and Kier are just a selection of those looking at the possibility of a joint venture.
Pfizer links with Legic to deliver successful access control solution
Staff at pharmaceutical giant Pfizer now find their working environment a much safer place thanks to an innovative new approach to security and access control.
LEGIC Identsystems AG, one of the world's leading suppliers of secure platforms for smart cards, working together with Time & Data Systems Ltd, Core International and Pfizer, has successfully implemented a new security solution that caters for a wide range of key requirements. These include secure access control; time and attendance management, emergency head counting, visitor/contractor management and a green transport system all operated via a single smart card solution.
Pfizer employs 8,000 people in the UK and has over 3,500 contractors, the majority of whom are based at the company's plant in Sandwich, Kent. The site consists of a manufacturing division, a research and development facility and related service departments and the company wanted an access control system for the site that would ensure both on-site security and safety for staff.
Key access control requirements were the ability to allow access restrictions to be imposed and updated by nominated personnel to monitor on-site movements and the provision of real-time online control and pre-set alarm conditions. To achieve this Legic licence partner Time & Data Systems Ltd used software from Core International, access control terminals from Initial Systems and other hardware from Kaba Benzing. Over 500 control devices have been installed across Pfizer's Sandwich and Walton Oaks sites.
Safety, as well as security is a top priority at Pfizer, and so the company were keen to ensure that any access control system fitted could also be used in conjunction with emergency procedures. To achieve this, as people enter and leave the site, a headcount screen is automatically updated enabling a report to be produced in the event of an emergency or evacuation with staff 'swiping when safe' at predetermined intelligent devices in a safe areas. The same software also produces a 'missing list', which is reduced as each person swipes at the designated safety points.
In addition to the above, to manage visitors and contractors working on the site safely, Pfizer also wanted the ability to pre-book visitors over the internet and quickly produce their own ID cards at their visitor centre. This would enable them to maintain visitor details, automatically log visitor movements and mark visitors on/off site. It would also enable contractors at the Sandwich facility to be verified against pre-approved contractor lists, and any ID cards issued to such personnel could be programmed to restrict or allow access subject to certain time restrictions if required.
Finally, having launched a green transport policy aimed at reducing the volume of car traffic by encouraging employees to use more environmentally friendly modes of transport, Pfizer instigated a parking cash-out scheme that was also to be controlled by the same card.
The scheme was established to reward workers who take part in car-share schemes or who utilise other modes of transport apart from motorcars. The system works by crediting points to staff each time they come to work by transport other than a car and deducts an equal amount of points every time they bring their car on-site. Any points accumulated are converted into a monetary value, which is then paid with the employee's salary.
To achieve all these tasks Pfizer were anxious to ensure ease of implementation and maintenance of their identity card system and wanted to adopt a single card for all functions. Legic proximity cards were used to integrate with Core software to cover all functions and a joint project team was established consisting of key staff from Legic, Time & Data Systems, Core International and the following areas of Pfizer: Facilities Management, Security, HR Management and IT services.
Frank Hart, Managing Director, Time & Data Systems, said: "Providing Pfizer with a single card solution to successfully fulfil a multitude of security and safety tasks was key. All the specialists involved in the project worked closely together to ensure the final result delivered the solution to Pfizer's needs."
Peter Mangeng, LEGIC Sales Manager West Europe, said: "We are very pleased that Pfizer selected Legic to help fulfil their access control needs. The flexibility of our contactless smart card technology has been instrumental in the successful implementation of this project."
Philips creates a brighter outlook for the DLO with energy savings thrown in too!
Building 300 is part of the Defence Logistics Organisation based in Andover, Hampshire. The building itself makes an impressive stand on the landscape with its glass roof and beautiful atrium. This, however, was not shown off to its full effect, as the existing lighting installation was almost 6 years old and therefore coming to the end of its productive life. By this time as many as 25% of the current luminaires were no longer giving their optimal performance. This therefore allowed the opportunity to consider alternative more functional and energy efficient options. Initially, only spot replacement was considered but calculations showed that in order to gain the best possible savings and an increase in lumen output a renewal programme of the entire scheme was the more viable choice. To prove the economic benefit of this Philips Lighting Solutions, Key Account Manager Darren Marsh, set up a trial installation, which clearly showed the benefits. “By switching from 100w SDW-T lamps to MASTERColour CDM-T 70w lamps we not only achieved the benefit of 30% lower energy consumption and a 50% increase in service life, thus reducing maintenance costs, but also we accomplished an overall lumen increase of 37%. When multiplied by the number of luminaires used which amounted to some 200 units in all the savings were clearly very substantial indeed” The use of MASTERColour lamps also had the additional benefit of enhancing the cooler tones of the blue terrazzo flooring and the whitewashed walls. White Son lamps traditionally are a warmer lamp source therefore this simple switch complimented the interior design much better giving the ambience a greater freshness overall. Using existing track the lamps were housed in Philips Musa spotlights. These were situated on all three floors of the atrium as well as along the corridors and walkways. The Musa luminaire combined the benefits of visual comfort and flexibility in terms of mounting and lighting effect. This was essential since the luminaires were mounted on two differing levels. On the higher levels any possibility of glare was therefore, reduced by the black- spot filter incorporated into the luminaire design. Some of the spotlights were also required to be surface mounted directly onto a baseplate. The ergonomic design of the Musa range again proved the best choice here since it reduced the risk of strain against the backing plates over time. Following the initial trial the Lighting Solutions Group at Philips Lighting provided a single point of contact by supplying all the components required and the total luminaire, lamp and gear package was installed within 4 weeks of the order being placed. Robert Kemp, Assistant Works Services Manager of Interserve Defence Ltd stated, “We are very pleased with the overall result. What we have now is a fresh welcoming well lit atmosphere as a result of the increased lumen package plus the benefits of increased energy savings and lower maintenance costs.”
Philips HF-Matchbox ballasts now in Cold start and Warm start versions
Greater energy saving opportunities, more design freedom in a wider range of Applications
Lighting designers and specifiers have been quick to appreciate the opportunities offered by Philips HF-Matchbox electronic ballasts. Now the application possibilities have been further enhanced with the extension of the range to cover both ‘frequent’ and ‘infrequent’ switching applications.
A new ballast has been introduced — HF-MatchboxRED. This ballast is optimised for use in applications where
high switching frequency is anticipated, delivering maximum lamp life. It is the ideal solution for use in systems using movement/presence controls or the default choice where the ultimate usage pattern is unknown or variable. The practical ballast lifetime is 50,000 hours.
The renamed version of ‘Cold ‘start type provides the most economical solution for lighting applications characterised by long burning hours and infrequent switching. Ideal for use in halls, gardens, stairways, in offices, bars, cafes and hotel applications. HF-MatchboxBLUE can also be used in home applications where intensity of use is Iimited.The practical ballast lifetime has been extended to 40,000 hours. HF-Matchbox has been designed especially for high-volume, low-cost market applications, enabling luminaire
manufactures to migrate from electromagnetic ballasts to a more eco-friendly electronic solution.
Two trends are driving luminaire design today — miniaturisation and energy conservation. Using HF- Matchbox allows system energy savings of up to 25% to be achieved, compared with conventional electromagnetic ballasts.
In areas such as task, orientation, ambience and outdoor residential lighting, the future will be a move towards discreet, compact designs.The exceptionally compact dimensions of the HF-Matchbox ballasts allow give luminaire manufacturers and designers the freedom to meet these demands, without compromising efficiency. Further increasing design freedom, HF-Matchbox ballasts can be supplied in linear or rectangular versions. HF-Matchbox ballasts are also available in non-encased versions as a bare printed circuit board for OEM integration into fully customised luminaire concepts.
As well as saving energy, HF-Matchbox ballasts offer users many of the benefits of electronic operation. These include immediate, flicker-free lamp starting, and absence of visible striations or stroboscopic effects.
There is none of the audible hum associated with electromagnetic ballasts and heat generation is much lower. All these factors help provide a more comfortable, safer environment, especially important in workplaces.
The HF-Matchbox ballasts cover a range of different linear and compact fluorescent lamp types - TL,’TL’D, ‘TL’5, ‘TL’5C, PL-C, PL-L, PL-S and PL-T - with power ratings from 4 W to 24 W. The HF -Matchbox ballasts conform to all applicable compliances and approvals, which are relevant to electronic control gear for system powers below 25 W. The products carry the CE, KEMA,VDE marks and ENEC for HF-MatchboxRED types
Philips installs DALI controls at Genzyme Pharmaceuticals
Genzyme Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company, which develops and markets innovative products and services designed to make a positive impact on the lives of patients with serious diseases. Having the right environment in which to work in and carry out research is therefore of vital importance. Lighting can play a significant role here but more than this, by harnessing lighting via control systems the energy saved can be reinvested in ongoing research development programmes. In an age of global warming there is also an ever-growing need for greater commercial accountability towards responsible energy usage. In the past, however, traditional switching and control systems have proved complicated, inflexible and uneconomic. With the advent of DALI, (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface), control systems have now become a more viable proposition. Thomas Holgeth, Design Director for High Technology Lighting Ltd, the scheme designers and luminaire suppliers comments. “The performance specification from the project M±E consultants Clean Design was exacting, as they have extensive worldwide experience of working for biotechnology companies, and have built a reputation at ensuring that clients’ M±E systems are optimised. This particular project’s lighting design remit ranged from testing laboratories, video conference suites, to dinning rooms and high rack warehousing. We had to offer a range of luminaires and a compatible control solution that could cost effectively be re-configured if required. The Dali system fitted the bill perfectly.” As with many organisations today, Genzyme’s operation in Haverhill Cambridge, is multifunctional. This meant that the lighting control scheme had to be flexible enough to compliment these differing functionalities as well as being easy to install. As Alan Beardsley, OEM Product Manager for Philips Lighting, explains, “The benefit of DALI is that it offers flexible, cost-effective room lighting control. It is based on individually addressable ballasts with switching and dimming functions activated via the control wire. This means luminaires on the same circuit can be controlled independently. In addition systems can be reconfigured simply whenever necessary, allowing easy layout changes without costly wiring alterations.” Genzyme’s main objective was to achieve maximum energy saving by both presence detection and constant light sensors. The DALI room controller proved the obvious choice for these requirements since any desired combination of DALI sensors, whether movement, daylight or infrared, can be plugged in. Whatever combination is chosen the sensors are powered by the controller, which automatically modifies the lighting to give optimum performance. Daylight linking allows maximum use of natural daylight by dimming and even switching it off completely without disturbance to occupants. The light sensors ensure that the desired lighting level is maintained at all times and the wide dimming range allows all daylight levels to be matched. Movement detectors can automatically switch off lighting in unoccupied areas. These functions mean that DALI cost effectively delivers the fully automatic switching and control as required by the client. Should the office layout change or a refurbishment be undertaken, the DALI system can be easily adapted even after installation since the circuits are programmed independently of the wiring. Infrared remote control replaces vertical switch wiring, so no wiring changes are needed when layouts are altered. In rooms with multiple lighting circuits, such as meeting rooms, preset lighting scenes can be changed at the push of a button by remote control.
Philips is proud to be official World Cup partner
As such, Philips Lighting is offering its trade customers a unique opportunity to be a World Cup winner. Simply spend £250 on Philips Lighting products at any participating wholesale stockist and customers will receive a World Cup Scratchcard. Each scratchcard allows the purchaser the opportunity to enter into the biggest Philips' World Cup lamp and luminaire trade promotion ever. A host of prizes are up for grabs including skillballs, TV/DVD combis, Micro Juke Boxes, and of course much coveted World Cup tickets. Once there, instant prizes can be won by answering a simple question correctly. It's that easy. Each £250 spent, qualifies for a further scratchcard. Multiple entrants increase the chances of winning. Entering 4 new card numbers in any calendar month and correctly answering a further multiple-choice question, allows customers automatic entry into that month's World Cup ticket draw. Lucky World Cup VIP winners will have match seats, complimentary drinks and flights. The prize even includes a hotel stay for 1 or 2 nights at a World Cup venue. The promotion will run through to April 2006 so there is ample opportunity to win one of these fantastic VIP packages on offer. No need to wait to enter the fun. Philips will give the first 10 reader enquiries a Philips World Cup Trade Up scratchcard. Second 10 reader enquiries will each receive a promotional item from the FIFA approved merchandise collection.
Philips launches DivarTM
Philips CSI, part of Royal Philips Electronics, announces its new DIVARTM family of digital versatile recorders designed to bring all the benefits of modem digital CCTV and recording within easy reach of facilities and building management users etc. DIVAR can be used as a simple stand-alone CCTV system for a single facility or expanded for easy remote CCTV monitoring of multiple locations such as regional offices and plants, service centres, warehouses and other distributed facilities.
The top of the range DIVAR model is a complete stand-alone digital video recorder with integrated multiplexer and switcher capable of handling up to 16-cameras. The range also includes smaller 9 and 6-channel versions. In larger applications, up to 16 DIVAR units can be managed as a single integrated CCTV system allowing up to 256 cameras to be controlled by just one operator. All models feature extensive alarm handling, search and playback capabilities, and include telemetry for controlling PTZ cameras including the popular Philips AutoDomesTM. Using a ‘Control Centre’ user interface, DIVAR can also be connected via a network or the Internet allowing users to access the system for remote viewing, playback and configuration from a central location.
DIVAR is a full-colour duplex recording system for simultaneous recording and playback. It has three recording modes (‘Linear’, ‘Circular’ and ‘Conditional’) with overwrite protection of marked video to prevent the loss of vital evidence material. Alarm functions include user- definable motion detection on all camera inputs, while alarms situations are coded for instant recall. The record rate and image quality are selectable for each camera to allow recording in high-risk areas at a higher quality (up to 50 images/second) than in lower risk areas. The system also has six user-programmable recording profiles, allowing different system behaviour during, for example, day and night.
DIVAR addresses concerns about evidence tampering and provides fully authenticated video evidence for use by police and courts by recording tamper-proof metadata with all video images. Alteration of either the image content or this metadata can be detected. The system also incorporates an Authenticity check for local and remote playback, and has a dedicated PC player for playback of secure video files. Other secure features include programmable user levels that restrict access to selected functions. Video c lips can be recorded to CD complete with viewer software and authentication, allowing easy viewing on any PC without the need for additional software.
There is a choice of built-in hard disk capacities to cover most requirements, but the storage capacity can be extended to an enormous l4TB (Terabytes) or 14,000 Gigabytes using high- capacity RAID drives. This means that all cameras can be recorded in high quality at real time for weeks and even months.
Using the Philips Video Manager, up to 16 DIVAR units can be managed as a single integrated CCTV system allowing up to 256 cameras to be controlled as a single system. The system can be further expanded simply by cascading up to 30 DIVAR units allowing a complete 480 camera system to be controlled by a single operator.
The network interface and the DIVAR’s Control Centre software enable live system viewing and configuration of any connected camera via any TCP/IP network, LAN, WAN or even over the Internet. The advanced graphical user interface provides extensive search, retrieval and playback of recorded video with a choice of icon-based, text-based or graphics-based video search. Up to six users can be connected simultaneously. The overall network bandwidth utilization of the DTVAR can be controlled, allowing it to be tuned for optimum performance and bandwidth for any network application.
To aid installation, a step-by-step guide with on-screen menus is provided in eight languages. A configuration tool is also supplied to remotely set up a system using a PC. DIVAR is fully compatible wit other observation equipment including Philips AutoDomeTM cameras, keyboards, Multiplexer Manager, the Philips AllegiantTM system and DVA storage arrays. DTVAR carries a 3- year warranty, and is part of Philips SWAP within 72 hours program. A helpdesk and hard disk upgrade service are also available.
Philips’ LightMaster 100 control system and tailor made luminaires
Philips Lighting’s LightMaster 100 control system has been installed in British Telecommunications offices at Leavesden Park near Watford. Leavesden Park is a media business park of regional, national and international importance with the quality of architecture and landscaping setting new standards. It is therefore fitting that BT wished to make use of the latest technology available to ensure that its complex, consisting of five but buildings and the main atrium, was as comfortable for their people to work in as it was for customers to visit the site. A family of networked controls, Philips LightMaster 100 was chosen for its monitoring system as well as its ability to offer simple and effective integration possibilities. This lighting control system is specifically designed to facilitate any changes required in the lighting installation through a powerful yet easy to use software suite. This flexibility ideally meets BT’s needs since not all the office space is currently utilised and will therefore be subject to layout changes as more people are accommodated. With building usage anticipated to change over the months and indeed years ahead, keeping the expense of reconfiguration to a minimum has to be an important consideration. The BT complex was installed with a LightMaster Message Server system controlling the six areas of operation, buildings 1 to 5 and the main atrium which links all the buildings together. The communication between the buildings is controlled via 6 TCP/IP Message Servers and 44 area controllers, which operate the 44 separate areas of lighting. LightMaster’s monitoring facility ranges from simple status indication to sophisticated event and run time logging. This again fitted in with BT’s requirements since the 44 separate areas of lighting are programmed with a variety of differing functions. The monitoring function allows BT to control maintenance and running costs enabling measurement of the output of the control system and providing exact information about how long lamps have been burning. This has two major benefits firstly by calculating energy costs per area and secondly by enabling efficient scheduling for lamp replacement. It can also help monitor the emergency lighting with tests being performed automatically, day or night, per luminaire. BT has ensured that its offices at Leavesden Park provide employees with exemplary facilities in order to improve the quality of their working life. A garden area, for example, has been created for staff to enjoy during lunch breaks. Here, solar sensors have been installed to ensure that if the natural daylight drops below a certain level the system compensates for this by activating the artificial light points. A pleasant, light and airy atmosphere is therefore maintained throughout the autumnal and winter months. In addition to the office and core areas there are also leisure facilities, a gym and three cafes. When areas of the building are not being used, the presence detector comes into its own responding to the movement of personnel within the specified zone switching the lights and cooling fans on or off as well as having a built in time delay to avoid unwanted switching. Not only this, however, the lighting control system has also been linked to the plasma screens which are automatically switched on as people enter the hot desk cell offices, conference suites or bar areas. To take advantage of the natural daylight that pours in through the windows of many of the offices light sensors link to the control system to automatically dim the luminaires so that a constant level of light is maintained in the working space. The luminaires may even be programmed to switch off as daylight takes over altogether. BT’s people do, however, have the opportunity to override the lighting control systems to accommodate their personal preferences and the tasks in hand. At BT’s Leavesden Park offices this is done via a simple request to the facilities management company, Monterey, which tailors individual requirements by commands to the front end PC. Alternative options to override the lighting control system also exist within the LightMaster solution by either, switches and dimmers wired to the lighting control module or, by wireless infrared controls. Here, a ceiling mounted receiver used in conjunction with a hand held or wall mounted remote transmitter can operate dimming and switching of groups of luminaires. Thus flexibility to set the lighting and revise it at any time can be assured. BT was keen to fully utilise the scene setting facility since it can be extended to pre-programme favourite lighting scenes. This feature is particularly beneficial for BT’s numerous meeting and conference rooms. Having programmed in the desired settings to compliment screen projections, face to face business discussions and presentations, it is simply a matter of pressing the right button so that the control system will reset all the luminaires to the desired settings to create the scene. “BT is a solutions orientated company providing solutions for its consumer and business customers. The Philips LightMaster 100 reflects this philosophy by providing flexible solutions as the business needs change. In addition BT can enjoy the energy efficiencies that the system offers without comprising the quality of the working environment. After all people think and work better in comfortable surroundings boosting productivity and ultimately profitability. LightMaster 100 has helped create this, which has to be a good thing.” Says Paul McGregor, engineering team leader of Monteray, facilities managers for BT. In addition to the control system Philips Lighting also supplied in the region of 1500 bespoke luminaires within the main office areas. Here, the challenge was the fact that air cooling elements were housed within the ceiling recess. Consequently, disruption to this system was of prime consideration ruling out the option of luminaires accessed from above. Working in close cooperation with the nominated ceiling manufacturer, Philips, therefore, designed a linear PL-L High Frequency efficient, low height product which could be clipped and locked into the ceiling tile from below. This proved to be the ideal integrated ceiling lighting solution. Having overcome the practical installation restrictions, the luminaire also met the aesthetic criteria by ensuring that the mirror reflector concealed the PL-L lamp cap from view. The luminaire was fitted with special addressable integrated self-contained emergency control gear which could be monitored through the control system from a central processor. The project at BT Leavesden Park demonstrates a total lighting solution delivered by Philips Lighting Solutions. Here it was essential to understand the requirements and expectations of the customer. In this way not only have the appropriate lighting levels and flexibility of the control system been taken into account but also the client has the benefit of low running costs and ease of maintenance.
Photo ID Cards – Online, On Time, Worldwide
Never before has it been so easy & cost effective to manage & produce staff photo ID cards. idcardsonline is a new & innovative web-based ID solution developed entirely by IDentilam. From now on users can take complete control over the management and printing of ID cards without the need to purchase specialist software and printers. idcardsonline can be used anywhere in the world, making it ideal for large organisations and multi sited applications.
idcardsonline, believed to be the most powerful and flexible ID card system in the world, allows the creation, issue and management of ID cards to be on a distributed shared basis. Cards can be printed locally using new or existing printers or sent to our bureau for production and rapid issue.
An internet connection is all that is needed to give you access to the unrivalled flexibility of idcardsonline any where in the world, 24/7.
Because the system is entirely web-based, there is no need to have a local application loaded onto your PC (except printer drivers if you want to print locally) and upgrades are seamlessly added, at no charge, invisible to the user.
All access by users is password controlled and industry standard security protocols are incorporated to ensure privacy of data.
Comprehensive user definable searching and reporting can be shared online enabling you to manage ID card production for many sites wherever you are.
Another major advantage of idcardsonline over traditional bureau services is the fact that the user still retains full control over the printing functionality.
Photo-Scan Defends London’s flood defences
New security and surveillance system installed at the Thames Flood Barrier. Photo-Scan plc has completed the design and installation of a fully integrated security and surveillance system on the Thames Flood Barrier. The installation also includes two associated remote flood barriers, the Barking Barrier and the King George V Barrier, which together make up London’s flood defences. The newly installed system includes more than 125 remote-controlled cameras, integrated burglar alarms, and access and perimeter controls all linked via a dual fibre optic video and data transmission system. The barrier’s control tower has also been upgraded by Photo-Scan. The Environment Agency is responsible for the structures and required a new, comprehensive security and surveillance system for the barrier. The project presented Photo-Scan with a number of challenges. Not least was the need to deliver men and equipment onto the eight storey-high piers by boat on ebb tides, before the fast-flowing Thames reversed direction. Specialist absailors were also employed to install cable on the piers. The security installation also covers a visitor centre, cafeteria, workshops and workers’ residential quarters at the main barrier.
Photo-Scan installs remote CCTV for ScotRail stations
Photo-Scan plc, the security and surveillance equipment specialist has installed remote CCTV monitoring and audio links covering 26 railway stations in the Strathclyde and southwest Scotland district for ScotRail. The £500,000 installation includes pan, tilt and zoom and fixed colour cameras to cover station platforms, ticket offices, shelters and car parks as well as access routes into the stations. Photo-Scan has also installed camera-monitored audio help points for members of the public to speak directly to the central control room in Paisley’s Gilmour Street station, both for train information and any other assistance. The Paisley centre is one of the world’s largest public space CCTV control rooms capable of controlling 1,500 cameras across 240 stations. So far some 80 stations are online. A similar CCTV and audio control centre at Dunfermline with the capability of monitoring 64 stations is responsible for the eastern area of Scotland. So far 22 stations are being remotely monitored in this region. Photo-Scan has supplied equipment to both areas. Jim Anderson, ScotRail CCTV Project Manager, said: “Passengers can feel safe in the knowledge that we are maintaining a security watch over all the public areas of our online stations and the help points put our passengers in immediate contact with the control centre.” Photo-Scan is a market leader in the application of networked security solutions and provides a full design, installation and support service throughout the UK. This includes CCTV, access control to areas and buildings, remote monitoring, perimeter protection and fibre optic infrastructures. Its clients include some of the largest retailers, property companies, manufacturers and financial services companies in the country.
Photo-scan launches innovative sale and leaseback programme
Photo-Scan Systems Limited, one of the UK’s leading electronic security systems integrators, has introduced an innovative sale and leaseback programme, Capital Release, covering all makes of electronic security and monitoring equipment. Photo-Scan’s unique offering delivers of state-of-the-art technology and first-rate service with an immediate cash injection.
In today’s increasingly competitive environment companies are focussing their managerial and financial resources on their core operations. Non-core assets are increasingly leased rather than owned, freeing up cash for investment in primary activities. Capital Release captures the essence of this philosophy.
Photo-Scan already has a strong track record in providing customised direct rental packages to the property and retail sectors that provide the client with a number of benefits, including: -
• Overcoming the problem of raising a lump sum of capital and releasing capital for reinvestment.
• Ensuring regular upgrades with state-of-the-art electronic security equipment.
• Providing equipment, finance and maintenance in one package thereby guaranteeing fixed annual costs and easy budgeting.
• Enabling rental charges to be incorporated into service charges for tenants.
Over the past year the company has been looking at new ways of working with its client base that incorporate the solid benefits of traditional rental but then can also deliver added value to a wider audience.
Photo-Scan’s Capital Release programme would involve buying all existing installed security equipment and providing a lump sum to the client in return for a fixed term, fixed price rental agreement. This provides the property owner with all the benefits of traditional rental as well as further advantages:
• It immediately provides capital for investment in the core business.
• It allows equipment upgrade and improved service to take place without an additional capital budget.
• It releases valuable time for the client to focus on core business activities, safe in the knowledge that electronic security across the estate is being managed.
• It offers significant tax advantages.
• It can save up to 30 per cent over the contract period in relation to outright ownership.
What is more, Photo-Scan is funding this innovative approach to electronic security from its own balance sheet without resorting to third party finance companies.
The Capital Release scheme is fully researched and approved and most importantly it adheres to accounting regulations. The concept is relatively simple, a full audit is taken of all security equipment from any number of suppliers and a value is placed on it according to age and condition. Photo-Scan then provides its customer with a lump sum payment for the full amount and charges a rental fee that encompasses technology upgrades and full service for a period of years. It is a programme that is particularly attractive to retailers and to shopping centre owners and operators
Capital Release has particular appeal for retailers as they purchase and manage a wealth of security equipment and face a unique set of problems. Retailers are keen to utilise technology to assist in the management of shrinkage and technology can particularly help with reducing staff theft and fraud. Rather than investing heavily in technology that is superseded within a couple of years, with Capital Release they can steadily upgrade their equipment to keep pace with new developments.
For shopping centre owners Photo-Scan can provide fibre optic networks that form the backbone for all telecom services such as telephones, computer data, CCTV and multi-media. The Cap dial Release proposition allows owners to embrace multi-media without incurring the up-front capital cost. This applies equally to new developments as well as existing centres in need of updating. Adopting multi-media provides the added benefit of additional income streams from advertising on public screens as well as providing real-time promotion.
Photo-scan wins security excellence award
Photo-Scan, a leading provider of security solutions for the modern business, won the ‘Best IT Initiative’ at the recently held Security Excellence Awards and also was named runner-up for the ‘Customer Care Initiative’ award. Below, Peter Hawksworth (centre), Chief Executive Officer of Photo-Scan Systems, receives the Best IT Initiative award from Brian Sims of SMT and Alan Hyder (left) of Security Installer. The winning product was Infonet, an Intranet system developed by Photo-Scan’s technical team to provide a company-wide information service. Infonet has proved particularly useful for remotely placed staff and engineers who are able to dial into the system for instant information on products and equipment. It also acts as a comprehensive central storage and backup for all documentation, eliminating the need to maintain large manuals on file.
PHS Greenleaf appoints new Regional Manager
PHS Greenleaf, the largest interior landscaping company in the UK, has promoted Maria Del Mar Jones to Regional Sales Manager for the South East. This newly created position is part of Greenleaf s initiative for further growth in the South East, and recognises Maria’s outstanding sales achievements within the company.
In her previous role as Executive Manager, Maria consistently surpassed her targets and was the top achiever for Greenleaf in 2001 (winning a busman’s holiday to Holland!). She also won a trip of a lifetime to Toronto last year for successfully reaching a very tough target - one of only a handful of sales staff to achieve this. Prior to her employment with PHS Greenleaf, Maria’s career took her to Barbados where she had her own business working as a personal fitness trainer!
Commenting on Maria’s new appointment Steve Gamston, Greenleafs National Sales Manager, said: “Maria was the natural choice for this new role, as she has a vast array of experience to pass onto her team of five people. Her responsibilities will include ensuring her team reach their sales targets - something Maria is somewhat of an expert at - as she holds the Greenleaf record for signing up the most business in one month.”
PHS Greenleaf, a division of workplace services provider the PHS Group plc, is the largest interior landscaping company in the UK and provides plant displays to a wide range of businesses. These can be designed to suit areas from the smallest reception to the largest interior landscaping project. The Greenleaf product range also includes exterior plant displays, hanging baskets and fully decorated Christmas Trees.
PHS Treadsmart’s range expands with new direct sales mats
PHS Treadsmart, the UK’s leading supplier of serviced mats, has launched a new and comprehensive range of semi-permanent flooring and matting products that are available to customers on an outright sale basis (rather than on a rental or service contract). This enables PHS Treadsmart to offer more products to suit the needs of more of its customers. PHS Treadsmart, which is a division of workplace services provider the PHS Group plc, has used its experience and expertise to select more than 45 products for its Direct Sale mat range. This means it can supply a flooring situation for all industry sectors -from pub kitchens to manufacturing applications, swimming pools to hospital clean rooms. • The range includes a variety of AntiFatigue Mats for all situations - from the food industry to manufacturing assembly lines. They help reduce staff fatigue and provide insulation from cold, hard floors in jobs that involve standing for long periods. • Entrance Matting helps reduce the amount of din being walked into the building, by removing debris from shoes, thus helping to protect your floors. There is a choice of mats available for use either inside or outside the building - including Coir and Rubber matting. Clean Room Mats effectively remove particulate foot-borne contaminants in ‘clean’ areas, such as laboratories and hi-tech electronics establishments. • The range of Sports and Leisure Mats provide matting for all areas - from swimming pools to ice rinks, and weight rooms to changing rooms - providing a slip resistant and cushioned surface. • Free Draining Mats provide excellent slip resistance by allowing drainage of spilt liquids and debris away from the mat surface, thus are ideal for catering applications such as bars and kitchens. Managing director of PHS Treadsmart, Lynne Vanes, commented, “We’ve launched this range in response to customer demand, as we became aware of a need for semipermanent flooring products that weren’t available in our standard service range. In choosing products for our new range, we ye tried to include a mat solution for every flooring situation. We’ve also made sure that all the Direct Sale matting products, are easy for the customer to clean and maintain, thus continuing the PHS campaign for hassle free products!”
PHS Washrooms links with WaterAid in vital campaign
PHS Washrooms, the UK’s leading Washroom services provider, has joined forces with WaterAid, the 2003 Charity of the Year, to offer a unique promotion. In an attempt to help save water in the UK and save lives in poorer parts of the world, PHS Washrooms will donate £5 to WaterAid for every contract signed for one of their Watermanagement Systems between April and July 2004.WaterAid is the UK’s only major charity dedicated exclusively to the provision of safe domestic water, sanitation and hygiene education to the world’s poorest people. Since it was founded in 1981, WaterAid has worked to provide a world where everyone has access to safe water and effective sanitation, and has helped over 772 million people to date.The PHS Watermanagement System (WMS) - which is a patented, technologically advanced design - helps to save water in mens’ washrooms by reducing the flush rate in urinals down to an hygienic and effective minimum. It does this by counting the number of urinal users electronically, and then adjusting the flush frequency to ensure just the right amount of water is used. The Department of the Environment estimates that uncontrolled urinal cisterns waste 250,000 litres of water every year, and recent trials with companies including The Spirit Group and Gala Leisure have shown that the PHS Watermanagement System can save businesses up to 97% on their urinal water usage.
PEtS Washrooms’ Managing Director, Ian Osborne feels that this promotion is one small way in which PHS can help: “Not only is the PHS Watermanagement System helping to save water in the UK, through this promotion PHS is also hoping to make a big difference to people’s lives in other countries. Water is a valuable and expensive resource and PHS Washrooms is proud to be working alongside WaterAid to help conserve it, both at home and abroad.” Emily Boyd-Carpenter, Corporate Fundraising Manager for WaterAid, says: “WaterAid is very happy to be associated with the PHS Group and is extremely grateful for their support. Every donation will help someone in need — it costs just £15 to provide someone in the developing world with a lifetime’s supply of safe water and adequate sanitation. This project won’t just help save water here, but will help us to bring the vital gift of water to hundreds of poor people in desperate need.”
PHS wins Camden in Bloom Award for Melia White House
PHS Greenleaf, the UK’s leading supplier of interior landscaping services, has just completed extensive interior and exterior landscaping at London’s Melia White House Hotel as part of a multi-million pound refurbishment project. The exterior work is so impressive that local residents successfully nominated the Hotel — which is a listed building just off Regent’s Park - for an award in this year’s Camden in Bloom competition.
The PHS Greenleaf project progressed through three stages, starting just over a year ago with the north entrance gardens at the rear of the Hotel, followed by interior planting and finishing with the front entrance and perimeter landscaping.
Steve Gamston, National Sales Manager for PHS Greenleaf, comments on the careful project management required to meet the Hotel’s completion schedule:
“Phase one was completed to a tight deadline because the Hotel required landscaping at the rear entrance to be completed and ready to welcome guests in November 2001, when it would serve as a temporary main entrance allowing refurbishment and landscaping of the front of the Hotel. This required methodical organisation and strict adherence to schedules on our part.”
The Melia White House was originally built as apartments in the 1930s. It survived the Blitz despite being something of a landmark and is, today, a beautiful privately owned hotel with over 500 bedrooms.
The management of the Hotel, which is part of the Spanish-owned Melia Group, specified colour and vibrancy as the theme for their new exterior landscaping. PHS Greenleaf took up the challenge with gusto, as Steve Gamston explains:
“We planted huge Magnolia trees in Versailles containers throughout the landscaped grounds and, along one side of the Hotel, a complete Hydrangea hedge in rich blues and pinks. This provides a vivid burst of colour which is very impactful.
“To extend the colour theme further, we planted blossoming Cherry trees and variegated shrubs into the landscape and edged the Hotel’s elegant lawns with Buxus. Ground floor window boxes are filled with conifers, bright summer bedding and trailing ivy.”
To contrast with a colourful exterior, the interior planting is simple and sophisticated with 1.5 metre Kentia Palms planted into the Hotel’s own architecturally commissioned containers. Twinkling chandeliers and a luxurious marble interior complete the air of timeless elegance, within the Hotel.
Alvaro Tejeda Schroeder, General Manager at the Melia White House plans to buy more planting from PHS, such is his satisfaction with their professionalism and workmanship.
Residents of the area were so impressed with PHS Greenleaf s exterior landscaping that they nominated the Melia White House for a prize in the Camden in Bloom competition and it was awarded a Certificate of Merit in the Best Business Frontage category.
Pickerings Lifts wins 'Business of the Year' at Tees Valley Business Awards
Leading independent UK lift manufacturer, Pickerings Lifts, has been named Tees Valley 'Business of the Year', taking the top honour at the latest North East Business Awards, held recently at Yarm, Cleveland. The company will now go on to the grand final of the North East Business Awards later this year. This award, sponsored by Deloitte, follows chairman, Donald Fothergill's success as Tees Valley Business Executive of the Year last year and, he believes, "reflects the company's ongoing commitment to the UK lift industry and growth of the business nationally." One of the first companies in the UK to manufacture lifts, Pickerings Lifts was praised in particular for its 'technological innovation, excellence in production and service and pioneering new markets throughout its 150-year history'. Most recently, Pickerings Lifts launched Unilift Control, a patented 'world first' in lift control technology which delivers significant cost savings, enhanced system reliability and outstanding ride quality. In the wake of the Disability Discrimination Act, the company has also established a new Access and Mobility Group. This provides comprehensive design, installation and nationwide maintenance support solutions to meet the growing demand for a complete service to solve access problems in new and existing buildings. In accepting the Business of the Year Award, Fothergill said it reflected the excellent progress Pickerings Lifts had made in recent years, "and is testament to the efforts and professionalism of all our staff."
Pickfords Business Moving Achieve over 90% Customer Satisfaction
Pickfords Business Moving was the proud winner of a Certificate of Merit in the recent BAR Commercial Mover Of The Year Awards held at The Belfry, Birmingham, UK. Certificates of Merit are awarded to entrants who consistently achieve over 90% Customer Satisfaction in their service delivery, assessed by the independent sponsors of the award, Hays Rentacrate. “Our decision to enter these awards this year was taken at a very late stage” said Mr Frank Hopping, Director – Pickfords Business Services, “I am, therefore, extremely pleased to have received a Certificate of Merit.” Pickfords Limited has been helping people move home within the UK for almost four hundred years. Today, with over 80 branches, they are perhaps one of the country’s most well know removal and storage companies. However, what many people don’t know is the complete range of products and services they now offer. Pickfords Business Services offer a range of services for Business Moving which includes: planning services and consultancy; on-site project management; employee briefings; packing services (including specialist equipment); de-commissioning of IT equipment; back-up of computer systems; cleaning services; furniture disassembly and reassembly; crate delivery and collection. In fact, a turnkey solution from porterage through to disposal of waste.
Pickfords gets a second GOLD
Pickfords Records Management (PRM) is proud to announce the award of a second GOLD ROSPA for Occupational Health & Safety. RoSPA - The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, is a registered charity that was established over 80 years ago. Providing information, advice, resources and training, RoSPA is actively involved in the promotion of safety in all areas of life - at work, in the home, etc, etc. The RoSPA Occupational Health & Safety Awards are not just about reducing the number of accidents and cases of ill-health at work, they are also about ensuring that organisations have good health & safety management systems in place. They help to reinforce the message that good health & safety is good business and clearly demonstrate an organisation's commitment to the achievement of high levels of performance in this crucial area Pickfords Records Management achieved a Silver Award at its first application in 2003, a GOLD in 2004 - and this year makes it two in a row! Matthew Beldam - Business Services Projects Manager, accepted the award on behalf of Pickfords Records Management at a special awards ceremony on the 19th May at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel. "Everyone has worked extremely hard to achieve this award and we are proud to have won GOLD for the second year in succession!" said Matt.
Pickfords Records Management (PRM) is proud to announce the award of a GOLD ROSPA
RoSPA - The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, is a registered charity that was established over 80 years ago. Providing information, advice, resources and training, RoSPA is actively involved in the promotion of safety in all areas of life - at work, in the home, etc, etc.
Pickfords Records Management achieved a Silver Award at its first application in 2003, and is proud to have achieved a Gold Award in its second year.
“Health and Safety is of utmost importance across all our sites” said Mr Andy Middleton, Head of Infrastructure & Projects for PRM in Europe “the award of a Gold RoSPA proves that all of our team have the same views, this is a great achievement for everyone concerned.”
Pickfords Records Management has recently launched its fully revised and updated website.
The new site, which has been redesigned in the new Pickfords corporate identity, is the final piece to the suite of literature, case studies and flyers that were developed throughout 2004 to aid better communication with Pickfords' extensive customer base. The fully interactive site provides a direct link to rmfasttrack, the company's web-based access tool for managing your data and records. Is your company vulnerable? Do you need a Business Continuity Plan? The Pickfords' site provides links to help you with this as well as brand new case studies, legislative updates and hot topics. You can visit the site by clicking www.pickfordsrm.com or by following the link from the main pickfords.com home page. Pickfords Records Management provide document management solutions from physical storage, media and tape rotation, retention scheduling and scan-on-demand services through to image hosting and web-based access.
Pickfords Records Management in top quartile for Customer Satisfaction
Pickfords Records Management, part of the SIRVA Group of companies, recently undertook its first ever customer satisfaction survey into this specific area of the market.
“We regularly conduct surveys in other markets” said Mr Frank Hopping – Director Business Services Europe “However, we wanted to ensure that the Records Management aspect of our portfolio was operating to the same exacting standards we apply across the Group. I am proud to say the feedback we received was exceptional.”
Pickfords Records Management (PRM) achieved an average satisfaction rating of 83.4%, with some geographical areas scoring up in the 88%+ range. This is an above average score, and puts it firmly in the top quartile of UK service companies.
The survey was conducted by an independent agency via in-depth telephone interviews between September 2003 and March 2004, and included customers from across the UK & Eire.
Pickfords scored exceptionally well in operational areas such as the competence of their staff, audit trails, accuracy of deliveries etc.
“We pride ourselves that our service delivery is outstanding, and this survey helps us go some way to proving this. We won’t stop here however, it is our aim to improve on this score year on year as we repeat the survey” summarised Frank.
Pickfords supports opening of new Bodmin Hospital
HRH Prince Charles, the Duke of Cornwall returned to the Duchy on Thursday 6th June, to open Bodmin Hospital - the first new hospital in Cornwall to cater for both mental healthcare and community hospital services on one site.
Following 66 weeks of construction and some £10 million investment, the site is ready to be opened. Teams from Pickfords Business Moving worked to install all medical equipment, beds and services in time for the Royal ceremony.
Colin McGregor, Head of Pickfords Business Moving comments, “It was a privilege to be involved in a project that will bring such an expellent new facility to the region. Hospital relocations are exceptionally complex undertakings and I am always proud that our specialist knowledge can help so many people.”
Pickfords Business Moving led the relocation of the hospital equipment over four days leading up to the Royal visit. A second phase will then be completed at the end of June for the administrative equipment and files, training, library and estates departments based on the old hospital site.
John Sumnall, Project Manager for the hospital said, “We are delighted with the new hospital and are most grateful to everyone involved, particularly Pickfords for helping us to relocate so quickly and with great efficiency. Thanks to Pickfords’ meticulous planning and expertise it was possible to complete the move on schedule and without any last minute stresses.”
Pilkington CIO presents prize to 'Activ in Architecture' competition winner
Fittingly The Brunswick Centre in Bloomsbury, London - the winning project of the 2005 'Activ in Architecture' competition organised by Pilkington - was the scene for a presentation ceremony at which Pilkington plc Chief Executive, Stuart Chambers, formally presented the prize to the winning entrant, architects for the project Levitt Bernstein Associates. Levitt Bernstein managing director, Matthew Gaulcher, accepted the presentation on behalf of colleague Peter Sanders who entered the project into the competition, which was run in association with RIBA Journal to find the most innovative and appropriate 'live' British projects for the world's most innovative glass. As the winning entry, the extensive stepped 'winter garden' glazing that characterises The Brunswick Centre will now benefit from a free upgrade to Pilkington Activ(tm) self cleaning glass. Neil Carron who represented Allied London, which owns the development, and representatives of The London Borough of Camden, which leases The Brunswick Centre, also attended the ceremony. Located between Kings Cross and Russell Square the grade-II listed Brunswick Centre was judged the clear winner of the competition due to its extremely unusual design and the complexity of its glazing. Originally conceived by architect Patrick Hodgkinson, the Centre is one of London's most recognisable and iconic buildings from the 1960s, providing low-rise high-density housing, shops, offices/studios, a cinema and car parking within a large concrete and glass mega structure comprising 314 individual winter gardens. The winter gardens have long presented a maintenance problem, with the rolling gantries installed when the Centre was built seldom working properly. Cleaning has therefore been undertaken by operatives clinging precariously to the guttering beneath each of the gardens. Some of the 314 properties are seven stories high and others quite inaccessible, which means that much of the glazing has not been cleaned properly for years. The project is expected to be completed by August 2006.
Pipeline repairs under pressure
Although it is standard practice in the utilities, many facilities managers are unaware that gas and water pipes can often be maintained or repaired by suitably trained operatives while the supply remains pressurised and in service. The opportunities for saving time, cost and inconvenience are explained in a new brochure from WASK, which has almost fifty years' experience of developing and manufacturing equipment for precisely this purpose. It features all the company's products for pipeline maintenance procedures, such as drilling and tapping; purging of gas and air; and by-passing a section of main in order to maintain continuity of supply.
Places for People picks Cannon
Cannon Hygiene is to become sole supplier of all washroom services at more than 700 sites across the UK, following an agreement with housing and regeneration agency The Places for People Group.
Cannon will handle services from feminine hygiene to roll towels at the Group’s outlets across the country, including homeless hostels, sheltered housing, care homes and
offices.
Cannon’s ability to provide such a varied range of products and services is due to the location and experience of staff at its distribution warehouses, waste transfer stations and laundries across the UK.
The account is a major step for Cannon in its drive to become the market’s first Single Source Solution, able to provide a customer’s entire washroom needs in-house. Traditionally washroom supplies have been divided among a number of companies.
Cannon’s managing director Oliver Weisflog said: ‘We are delighted to have won The Places for People Group account.
“It is a major and very complex account for Cannon to service, not only because of its size but also because of the varying needs of individual companies within the Group.
“For example a centre for families might need a nappy disposal unit, while a drop-in centre may need a unit for used needles, in addition to the standard washroom services we supply.
“But the account is also important because it demonstrates that Cannon is the first UK company able to provide a client’s entire washroom services in-house.
“It means our customers can have greater confidence in Cannon as we now have total control of our service quality, and can pass on savings from operating more efficiently.”
Pland stainless signs exclusivity deal with Haws
Pland Stainless, based in Leeds and best know for stainless commercial sinks and deep drawn pressings, has just signed an exclusivity deal with Haws Emergency Equipment. The deal means that Pland will be the sole distributor for Haws in the UK. Jim Cochrane, managing director of Pland, said, “Distributing Haws’products alongside our own is a perfect fit. Like Pland, Haws is a customer oriented business with excellent products at competitive prices.” The range of equipment includes emergency drench showers, eyewashes, eye-face washes, combination units, portable modes, hose and spray units, decontamination showers and tempered water systems. All products meet or exceed ANSI standards and OSHA rules and regulations. This is also an extensive range of drinking fountains and chilled water dispensers. Niklaus Wittwer of Haws AG commented, “We are delighted to have Pland distribute our products in the UK. They have the technical expertise, distribution channels and quality reputation that we were seeking. We’re looking forward to a long and beneficial relationship”. Cochrane concluded that he was confident that this partnership with Haws would enable the further development and expansion of Pland. The company has already made two strategic acquisitions since the management buyout just two years ago.
Planet FM contribute to January retail sales drives
FDS Advanced Systems Ltd continue their relentless drive on the retail shopping centre market with the announcement of two further installations of Planet FM at shopping centres managed by ACR Commercial Property. ACR is one of the most successful retail property managing agents in the UK. The company relies on its facilities management team to ensure that the assets within the shopping centres are maintained properly and the sites look their best.
As ACR took over the management of many more shopping centres, it became clear that they needed the best tools to help them operate the buildings more effectively and efficiently. Key to this strategy was to set up a facility Help Desk to manage the logging and resolution of reactive maintenance issues as soon as they came to light.
ACR chose Planet FM Facilities Management system for its advanced help desk functionality, its flexibility and extensive reporting capabilities. Mark Smith, Assistant Services Technical Manager at ACR is driving the use of Planet FM across many of their centres. Since deploying the system, Mark Smith has re-engineered the facilities business process. Staff at each shopping centre now actively spot and report reactive maintenance requirements and have seen a marked increase in the number of issues that are reported and resolved. The Churchill Square Shopping Centre in Brighton, run by Derek Maddison, has been established as a “centre of FM excellence” using Planet FM – a model for their other sites.
Mark Smith has experienced an increase in the profile of the FM team with ACR, in recognition of the contribution made to increasing the value of the portfolio of properties they manage. “Planet FM helps us ‘Wave the Flag’ for facilities management at ACR”, he said.
Planet FM is written and support by FDS Advanced Solutions. It is a leading CAFM system designed to manage planned and reactive maintenance, provide a centralised help desk and to accurately monitor budget expenditure.
Plastic replaces timber at primary school
Dilapidated timber at St Mary's Church of England Primary School in Dover, Kent has been replaced with 150mm white shiplap PVC-ue cladding from Celuform. The cladding creates a low maintenance deep fascia around the perimeter of the school buildings.
St Mary's has undergone extensive refurbishment including work to the roof, wall panels, windows and electrical systems. Summers PVC of Maidstone, who installed the shiplap, chose Celuform. James Summers, the company's operations director said, "The most important factor of this job is the quality of the cladding system. Celuform products are excellent, which is why we have stocked and installed them for more than 20 years."
Summers, who have been established since 1976, distribute cellular plastic products to local authorities and building contractors across southern England, with depots at Maidstone, Northfleet and Romford.
Celuform supplies stockists throughout the UK and Europe. The company was the first UK manufacturer of PVC-ue building products and is now a market leader.
Police pedal power
Walking around London can be difficult at times, and police often find that beat officers cannot attend incidents as swiftly as desired on foot. To combat this problem Snow Hill Police Station has launched a Cycle Squad of eight officers with the help of OCS Security, sponsors of the bikes.
The Cycle Squad will enable the police to provide a highly visible patrol that is able to respond swiftly to calls. Inspector Herriott, in charge of community policing at the City of London Police says: “The bikes are a very high profile solution to crime prevention and allow us to respond to calls much more quickly than officers on foots. They are also much more manoeuvrable in heavy London traffic than cars.
“We’re delighted that OCS have chosen to sponsor some of the bikes — the adaptations required for police use can be costly. Officers also have to be supplied with a marked police cycle helmet, lightweight body armour and appropriate clothing for each season.
The bikes have been modified for this specialist use and feature flashing blue lamps, two-tone sirens and Police markings. They also benefit from 21 speed gears, full suspension and front and rear disk brakes.
Richard Fenton-Jones, managing director of OCS Security said: “We’re keen to become involved with projects that help to prevent and reduce crime. The new Cycle Squad is a project that will enable the City of London Police to move around much more readily and I’m delighted that OCS can support such an important scheme.”
Polyflor extend reach with new rubber collection
Commercial flooring specialist Polyflor Ltd has launched a strong range of decorative rubber floorcoverings in a move aimed at further strengthening its leading position in the resilient flooring market.“Rubber satisfies current market demands in three key areas - design trends, customer choice and outstanding durability,” says Polyflor marketing manager Simon James. “Our new Saarfloor rubber collection - coming up alongside our established Noppe Stud Tile rubber range - responds directly to these demands and is a natural complement to our vinyl portfolio.“We now have a total of five rubber ranges suitable for a broad range of applications from high street retail stores, offices, healthcare, hotels and leisure facilities to the more traditional heavily trafficked areas such as airports and rail and bus station concourses.”The new Polyflor Saarfloor rubber collection comprises thee decorative sheet products - 2mm gauge Diamant, Uni and Star — and a range of 3.5mm gauge slate effect tiles.Saarfloor Diamant features an embossed surface and multi-coloured chip/stone decoration in 16 colours. Saarfloor Uni and Star also feature embossed surfaces, the former offering a choice of 12 single colour shades, the latter available in 12 new non-directional duotones.
In addition to outstanding durability, the Saarfloor rubber collection is cigarette burn resistant, soft underfoot for improved ergonomics and has excellent acoustic properties, its natural elasticity giving greater impact sound reduction. Sheet ranges meet the performance requirements of EN 1817 and the tile range performs to EN 12199. Fully tested to fire safety standard EN 13501-1, all are certified as Class Bfl-S1, achieving the criteria EN ISO 9239-1 = 8kw/in2 and the mandatory requirement of EN ISO 11925-2 pass.
Polyflor Kudos gets makeover and new coat
Commercial flooring specialists Polyflor Ltd have re-launched the Polyflor Kudos range of luxury vinyl tiles, introducing even stronger designs and natural effect surface embosses, as well as applying a polyurethane coating to assist in the ongoing maintenance of the floor.
Renamed Polyflor Kudos PU, the range now features 12 wood designs in 101x9l4mm plank sizes and 12 marble, granite, slate, sandstone, travertine and metallic effects in various tile sizes.
The introduction of the polyurethane coating, a specially formulated surface treatment, significantly reduces the maintenance costs of the product by improving the soil resistance and cleanability of the floor.
With a 0.55mm wear layer, Polyflor Kudos PU is aimed at commercial installations such as retail, education, specific healthcare areas and public housing. The Polyflor Kudos PU range also provides a choice of standard borders, corners and feature strips, plus the option of including bespoke inlays and features, to give designers even more unique decorative options.
Polyflor launch Classic Mystique
Commercial flooring specialists Polyflor Ltd have launched Polyflor Classic Mystique PUR to complement their highly successful heavy duty sheet and tile vinyl range Polyflor Mystique PUR. “Polyflor Mystique PUR, with its brighter colours and distinctive highlight chip decoration, has proved extremely popular, but there is still a strong demand, especially in the health care sector, for the more tonal “classic” decoration provided by original Polyflor Mystique,” says Polyflor marketing manager Simon James. “To meet these dual requirements we have taken eight of the most popular shades from original Mystique to create Polyflor Classic Mystique PUR, offering our customers the best of both worlds.” The new range is available in sheet form only but in all other respects provides the same benefits as Polyflor Mystique PUR, including its specially formulated polyurethane surface treatment which reduces mainteaance costs by up to 48% by improving the soil resistance and cleanability of the floor. Classic Mystique PUR meets the general performance requirements of EN649: 1996, and, fully tested to fire safety standard EN 13501-1, is certified as Class Bfl-S1. In common with all Polyflor sheet vinyls, Classic Mystique PUR can be welded at the seams and to coved skirtings to create continuous, impervious surfaces offering no sanctuary to din and bacteria.
Polyflor put 10K in at Glasgow
Some 10,000m2 of Polyflor 2000 PUR heavy duty sheet vinyl, Polyclad Plus wall and ceiling cladding and embossed Polysafe Standard sheet vinyl safety flooring -from commercial flooring specialist and Contract Flooring Association Manufacturer of the Year Polyflor Ltd - has been installed at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
Fitted throughout corridors and wards in the Emergency Receiving, Plastic and Burns Unit (E.R.P.B) by McGregor Flooring Ltd of Hamilton, Polyflor 2000 PUR heavy duty vinyl features a high quality polyurethane reinforcement which, combined with a superior closed surface finish, can reduce cleaning costs by up to 48% by facilitating a polish-free maintenance regime for the lifetime of the flooring.
Meeting the general performance requirements of EN 649:1996, Polyflor 2000 PUR, fully tested to fire safety standard EN 13501-1, is certified as Class Bfl-S1, achieving the criteria EN ISO 9239-1 > 8kw/in2 and the mandatory requirement of EN ISO 11925-2 pass.
Polysafe Standard - fitted in shower rooms and toilets - features an embossed surface for areas which are continually wet and meets the general requirements of EN649. Fully tested to fire safety standard EN 13501-1, the flooring is certified as Class Bfl-S1, achieving the criteria EN ISO 9239-1 > 8kw/in2 and the mandatory requirement of EN ISO 11925-2 pass.
Installed on the walls of shower rooms, Polyclad Plus is a sheet vinyl cladding specially developed for use on walls and ceilings in clean rooms, laboratories, food processing areas and other similar locations requiring high standards of hygiene where continuous, impervious and easily maintained floor, wall and ceiling coverings are required.
In common with all Polyflor sheet vinyl floorcoverings, Polyflor 2000 PUR, Polyclad Plus and Polysafe Standard can be welded at the seams and to coved skirtings to create continuous, impervious surfaces which offer no sanctuary to dirt and bacteria.
Polyflor tiles target new market sector
In line with their commitment to providing a comprehensive range of commercial vinyl floorcoverings at various price points, Polyflor Ltd have launched Polyflex VC Tile, a new vinyl composition tile range.
Polyflex VC Tile is aimed at the retail, education, healthcare, public housing and commercial markets and features 12 colourways, including neutral greys and beige shades together with mid to strong highlight colours.
Priced to provide an economical flooring solution when budgets are tight, Polyflex VC Tile features a homogeneous through-chip construction for 100% useful life, with ‘busy’ decoration for enhanced appearance retention and soil masking in large areas.
Available in 300mm x 300mm tiles with a 2mm gauge, Polyflex VC Tile meets the general requirements of EN654, has a Class 1 fire rating to the current BS476: Part 7 and, fully tested to EN 13501-1, is certified as Class BfI S1, achieving the criteria EN ISO 9239-1 > 10kw/m2 and the mandatory requirement of EN ISO 11925-2 pass.
Polyflex VC Tile is available in boxes of 55 tiles, providing 4.95m2 of coverage.
Polytred gets PU surface – and new colours
Specialist acoustic and sports flexible sheet vinyl floorcoverings from commercial flooring specialists Polyflor Ltd have been relaunched with a low maintenance surface treatment and a range of bright new colourways.
Both Polytred Acoustic PU and Polytred Sport PU now feature a specially formulated polyurethane (PU) surface treatment, reducing maintenance costs by up to 24%, and both offer an enhanced choice of modem marbleised decoration.
Polytred Acoustic PU is available in ten colours in 3nm gauge sheet, with a specially developed reinforced closed cell PVC foam backing providing durability, comfort underfoot and excellent impact sound reduction.
Ideal for multi-purpose sports halls, gymnasia and leisure centres, Polytred Sport PU - in five colours - combines a 2mm vinyl top layer with 3.5mm closed cell foam backing. The floorcovering is fully tested to B57044: Part 4 for rebound resilience, abrasive wear and slip resistance and to DIN 18032: Part 2 for impact resistance, ball rebound and residual impression. Line markings can be applied to the vinyl using adhesive tape or paint.
Both meet the general requirements of EN651 and, fully tested to fire safety standard EN 13501-1, are certified as Class Bfl-S1, achieving the criteria EN ISO 9239-1 ? 8kw/in2 and the mandatory requirement of EN ISO 11925-2 pass.
Polyx Hardwax-Oil Rapid from Osmo proves fast moving!
Leading wood finish specialist Osmo has launched a new formulation to its market-leading Polyx Oil brand. Polyx Hardwax-OiI Rapid is, as the name suggests, a superior wood finish offering rapid drying times, and is also proving to be a fast-moving stock item, as contractors and installers are quickly ordering supplies of this quality wood finish. Announcing this new product release, Steve Grimwood, Managing Director of Osmo UK, explains, "The high solid content of Polyx Hardwax-Oil Rapid gives a superior finish in extra-quick time. In fact the short drying time allows two coats to be applied in just one day - and there is no need to use a primer. And the wear resistance of treated floors even exceeds that of conventional parquet seals and varnishes." Suitable for use on all wooden floors (solid wood floors, laminated flooring, oriented stand-board etc), Polyx Hardwax-Oil Rapid can also be used on cork floors and for terracotta and other unglazed tiles. It is also well suited for the treatment of internal joinery and furniture such as tabletops. Polyx Hardwax-OiI Rapid has a clear, quick drying, durable finish, is water repellent and extremely tough and hard-wearing. It will protect against dirt and food & drink stains and renovating, even partially, is easy. Just clean and re-treat worn areas: there is no need for sanding, no repair marks, not even the removal of previous Hardwax-Oil finishes. One 2.5 litre can of Polyx Hardwax-OiI Rapid can cover approximately 30m2, it's excellent coverage setting it aside from other conventional oils available on the market. Polyx HardwaxOil Rapid is based on natural waxes and vegetable oils, and penetrates wood whilst retaining moisture, and allowing the wood to breathe. Easy to apply, it will protect and enhance wooden floors for years as the grain and texture of the wood are accentuated. Also available is PolyxOil White Foundation, which is designed to give a professional bleached or limed effect to wooden flooring. Available direct or from OSMO UK approved stockists nationwide, Polyx Hardwax-OiI Rapid meets all relevant environmental and performance standards. OSMO UK supplies a wide range of interior and exterior, high quality wood products including solid wooden flooring, laminate flooring and the OS GARD range of garden furniture, self-assembly pergolas, screens, trellis and fence systems, complete with all necessary fixing accessories. The company operates a policy of supplying only products which are safe and environmentally friendly during production as well as for application. This has resulted in the successful certification according to DIN EN ISO 9001 (quality management) and DIN EN ISO 14001 (environmental management) by the TLJV (Technical Control Board) Rhineland.
Pop goes the Weasel
In past times London Hatters used to pawn (or Pop) their wares (weasels) on a Saturday to fund their drinking. A bit risky if your customers were also clients of the Pawnbroker! The three brass balls (and all the bad jokes associated with them) aren’t such an important part of today’s business financial scene with almost universal bank accounts, credit accounts and easily available loan finance. The pledge made by the customer to repay cash advanced against goods was very specific and its repayment terms clear. The Pawnbroker made a valuation of the goods offered as security and would dispose of unredeemed pledges. Nice and simple. Today business finance in its many forms is far from cheap, but it is relatively easy to get, and it is commensurately easy to allow large credit balances (debts) to build up. All of us think we are careful when taking on the commitment of a new client who demands our highest quality services. Surprisingly, statistics suggest that we can still be as mad as hatters when offering credit. Bad debt is a disease that infects all businesses; as we pay for the margins set by the banks to protect their positions. Low interest rates have clouded the issue over recent years, but there is an increasing amount of bad debt in business, its impact being felt most by small firms and sole traders with narrower customer bases. Even indirectly associated matters such as the personal insolvency of a key figure within a business can hurt. Such events are a personal financial tragedy. But equally tragic is the clear link often made in other people’s minds to the conduct of that business. Credit can be withheld to associated businesses where previously it had been freely offered. The impact on those businesses is serious. The irony is that on reflection, if we are honest with ourselves, the signs were there for us to see: rubber cheques, “..payment in the post”, “..an error at the bank” “..you have missed our payment date”, “.. we can’t find your invoice”. When I suggest you view these and other blandishments as a warning, I speak as one who has suffered and learnt. When we are tailoring our service to clients needs, it is hard keep the appropriate level of detachment from his business problems, but it is essential. We are often working in their premises daily and regarded as a member of staff. It is however vital that we do maintain the strictest payment discipline compatible with good relations. The ability of a business under pressure to ignore contract payment terms knows no limits. In a business relationship one lie or rubber cheque is one too many. Having heard all the excuses and been the victim of downright deception and lies, you could go mad if you were not able to laugh at the pathetic excuses none of which produce the vital payment. Try the following on for size: * Set out your credit terms clearly at the outset – and stick to them. * Tailor credit/payment terms to your needs – avoid long payment periods. * Use as many ways of checking credit ratings as possible. Do this at regular intervals to suit your needs. Any good bank can advise on reliable sources of credit intelligence. * Build a rapport with your customer; submit invoices regularly and follow them up. Watch how his business is doing: monitor the length of payment periods; watch for tell-tale signs of imprudence like a string of new expensive vehicles when business had not been showing any real growth. * Listen for the lies and challenge anything that does not ring true for you. * Do not be frightened by threats of withdrawal of business into giving extended credit. If they are not paying you now, how much worse can it get? * A good firm letter from a Solicitor can do wonders for the cause and shows you mean business. An early separation is better than an acrimonious divorce. * Never take on new larger business with a bad payer. The offer of jam tomorrow seldom becomes a reality. Those London Hatters may have been unsophisticated in their financial dealings but they usually managed to redeem their pledges before the next weekend.
Portable air cleaner makes it easy to remove pollution
Honeywell's new portable F92C air cleaner makes it easy to remove airborne pollutants from rooms with an occasional problem, leaving a healthier and more pleasant environment. It is simply wheeled in when needed to remove pollutants such as cigarette smoke, volatile organic compounds, dust, allergens and viruses. By providing clean air even in smoking areas, it can allow smokers and non-smokers to meet without discomfort and alienation. Just like Honeywell's wall and ceiling-mounted air cleaners, the stylish portable Honeywell F92C uses electrostatic technology to clean the air. Larger particles are trapped by a mesh filter, then the tiny particles remaining receive an electrostatic charge and are attracted onto aluminium plates, like iron filings onto a magnet. Available in white or black, the portable Honeywell F92C is cost-efficient to run.
Portakabin blows away the competition-Again!
The latest independent test results published by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) have proved once again that PortakabinÕs buildings arenÕt just as good as traditional buildings - they’re even better.
The BRE tests have shown that Portakabin’s Ultima building is unbeatable when it comes to energy efficiency, exceeding the Building Regulations Part L air leakage index by 90%.
This is thought to be the best result for any office building, either traditional or modular build, ever tested.
The tests measure the amount of air lost through the fabric of the building to ensure that end users aren’t paying to heat air that then escapes. In addition to losing valuable heat, leaky buildings also allow unwanted external air in, increasing noise levels, pollution and causing heating and ventilation systems to work inefficiently.
As a result of uncontrolled air leakage, it is estimated that the majority of new non-domestic buildings constructed to comply with current regulatory requirements will leak as much as 50% of their heating energy. This heat loss-is not only a wasted expense but also damaging for the environment.
Portakabin launches first modular children's centre
With the Governments' 2006 deadline for providing 250,000 new childcare places fast approaching, Portakabin has built the first-ever modular children's centre in a bid to help local authorities achieve this target. The modular nature of Lilliput children's centres means facilities can be up and running fast. In fact, a modular children's centre can be completed in a fraction of the time of the traditional build alternative. This is welcome news for SureStart programme managers who need to get projects completed before the wave one March 2006 deadline. Rob Hall, Portakabin's Business Development Manager for Education, said: "The children's centres initiative, instigated by the Government as part of the SureStart programme, aims to provide children and parents with affordable, good quality childcare, family healthcare, legal and career clinics and parenting skills to help create stronger, safer communities for children to grow up in. "Our new Lilliput children's centre has been developed to provide a solution to all these requirements and has been designed to enable local authorities to start providing these facilities as quickly as possible." Portakabin is also able to provide a full turnkey package, which includes everything from taking care of planning permission applications and the foundations for the building, through to the furniture, carpets and dŽcor, therefore reducing costs and timescales. The specialist education team provide advice and guidance throughout the entire process with architects on-hand to help develop the design of the centre. Rob continued: "Our team of specialists have worked in the education sector for many years and are experienced in helping customers identify ways in which to fund projects. This can often help customers to save valuable time enabling the project to be completed on time and on budget." The Lilliput children's centres include a wide range of features that make them an ideal learning environment for both children and the wider community, they can be constructed as stand alone buildings or used as an extension to an existing building to enable all the facilities required of a children's centre to be provided. The design of the buildings has been inspired by the Reggio approach, the pioneering high quality childcare and education system developed in the Italian district of Reggio Emilia. This design philosophy is based around an open, community encompassing building, which is exactly what children's centres are all about. Children's centres must meet all permanent building regulations, Ofsted guidelines and National Daycare Standards. They provide facilities for the whole community including parenting support, employment advice, after school and breakfast clubs, as well as a base for childminders and social Rob continues: "Incorporating the latest thinking in the design of children's and community facilities, the layout of the buildings is made up of multi-functional, flexible spaces that flow into one another. In accordance with the Child Protection Act and anti-bullying policies, there are very few corridors, which also ensures easy access for all users. "Each Lilliput children's centre is designed to meet the individual requirements of the customer, which may include reception areas, pushchair parks, kitchens, breast feeding rooms, interview rooms, classrooms, and food preparation areas." A whole range of community friendly features can also be included in the buildings, such as a maze in the entrance hall to welcome children into a relaxed, fun environment, low level windows and seating, built-in storage for efficient use of space, high-level door handles and keypad entry to ensure child safety. Quiet areas are provided through raised sections, which reduces acoustic levels, rather than in partitioned rooms. The buildings are always designed to be user friendly for all. For example, colours are chosen carefully to ensure ease of use for people with visual impairments, and the layout of each centre is carefully considered to allow easy access for wheelchair users. In addition, Portakabin has recently announced another modular industry first by launching a pioneering warranty package, which now comes as standard with all new buildings. This means that all Lilliput children's centres buildings come with a 20-year structural warranty and a 5-year product warranty, never before seen in the industry. This gives customers the peace of mind that in the unlikely event of a problem occurring, work to correct the fault will be carried out quickly and at no extra cost.
Portakabin provide Redrow with the key to suite success
As demand for new homes remains strong it has become increasingly important for house builders to have high quality marketing suites in a bid to attract consumers in what continues to be a competitive market place.
With this in mind, Chris Pitt, Plant Manager at house builder Redrow, decided that purpose built marketing suites would offer the company a better environment to showcase new developments, so turned to Portakabin for advice.
The Portakabin team worked closely with Chris and his colleagues to design buildings that would give the company an all-important competitive edge.
The new suites feature an open plan area where a scale model of the development is displayed, which can also comfortably accommodate up to 30 people for a site launch event. It also provides a showcase for potential buyers to see the style of homes being built. In addition, they feature office space for the sales staff, as well as toilet facilities.
Chris explained: “It’s very important that marketing suites make use of as much natural light as possible and are spacious and airy for the sales staff and customers. We also need the exterior to be smart and modern to reflect the high standard of homes we build.
“The team at Portakabin worked very hard to provide us with a bespoke building design that included all these features and we’re very pleased with the results.
“More often than not, marketing suites are one of the first things that are put in place on a new site. They are crucial to the success of the development, as potential customers have to be able to visualise what the homes will be like when they are finished.
“We used to site our marketing suites in the space allocated for a double garage, which meant it would take several weeks before we could get them up and running. It also meant that we had to design them to fit in with the physical constraints of the space on offer, rather than what we really needed in terms of shape and size.
“We decided to look into the possibility of using modular buildings instead, as they can be constructed extremely quickly and provide a high quality environment for the sales staff. We invited four companies to tender, but Portakabin was the only one that demonstrated a high level of expertise and the ability to deliver a quality building solution to meet our requirements.
“We can have the new marketing suites up and running within two weeks, whereas it would have previously taken us around 12 weeks, which definitely gives us an excellent competitive edge as we can start marketing our homes on a particular development much quicker than our competitors can. We currently have 43 on developments around the country. The buildings are completely flexible so as well as being able to easily move them from site to site, which Portakabin does for us, if we feel that the layout of the suite needs to be changed to more closely reflect the homes being built in a particular area they can be easily adapted.
“Everyone is extremely happy with the buildings as they provide excellent environments for both selling and working,” concludes Chris. “These buildings are now our preferred choice whenever we’re building a high profile development.”
Potential of document production outsourcing revealed
UK businesses have a substantial opportunity to improve document production efficiencies and cut costs, according to research commissioned by Pitney Bowes Management Services (PBMS). The report found that the cost of document production amongst large UK organisations (over 250 employees) currently stands at €10.8 billion. This could be made less costly and more productive by outsourcing to a third party. Across larger British companies, the document production market is worth over 38% of the IT market. IT has been subject to major outsourcing efforts, with a current market penetration of 28.32%. However, at present, document production outsourcing represents less than half of this penetration level at 11.8%. “The situation in the US is particularly encouraging to document outsourcers as it represents 22% of all larger organisation production, over twice its UK equivalent,” comments Ashley Bailey, Managing Director, PBMS. “Whilst there is little doubt that it will take several years for the UK to reach comparable market maturity, the rate at which UK organisations will be grasping the advantages of outsourcing over this period is expected to be rapid – especially as management consultants increasingly recommend document outsourcing as an area for priority attention and straightforward gain. The report also highlights that integrating documents with the call centre is becoming increasingly important to call centre efficiency. If a call centre agent can retrieve and view documents in exactly the same format that they were sent to the customer, they will be able to resolve customer queries more satisfactorily. Bailey continues, “Many argue that document outsourcing carries less project risk compared with the IT equivalent. If this argument is accepted, then organisations under pressure to deliver cost savings, improved service delivery, and competitive edge, would be well advised to look carefully at document outsourcing in 2004 and beyond.”
Powermaster launches new high efficiency chiller range with world's first oil free compressor
Air conditioning specialist Powermaster Products has launched a new breakthrough range of energy saving chillers from Climaveneta, featuring the world's first oil-free, mini-centrifugal compressor. This major design innovation is guaranteed to bring to the UK building services sector, chillers with much higher operating efficiencies than those which use ordinary scroll or screw compressors. Powermaster TECS chillers are available as air-cooled units with capacities ranging from 210 to 1780 kW and as water-cooled chillers with capacities from 220 to 2400 kW. All chillers feature multiple (two, three, four, six or eight) independent refrigeration circuits. At the heart of these leading edge chillers is a fresh approach to compressor design. The minicentrifugal, oil-free compressor incorporates a high efficiency, inverter-driven motor and magnetic bearings. Combined with precise control of the water temperature leaving the evaporator and an optimized cooling circuit, these features allow the TECS chiller to achieve 40% higher efficiency (at part load) and 10% higher efficiency (at full load) when compared to chillers with scroll or screw compressors. As a result, installation of a Powermaster TECS chiller will significantly reduce fuel consumption, running costs and CO2 emissions in line with the new Part L of the Building Regulations and the EU directive 2002/91/EC. The chiller's asymmetric evaporator is also specially designed to generate optimum cooling performance using the minimum amount of RlS4a refrigerant. Powermaster's TECS chillers are designed for high reliability and minimal maintenance. The compressor design features only one moving component - the compressor shaft. Magnetic bearings keep this high-speed shaft suspended in the air and frictionless, so reducing wear, extending the chillers lifetime and keeping maintenance to an absolute minimum. The compressors are also oil-free. This not only helps keep maintenance costs down, but is also the key to sustainability by improving heat exchanger performance through the eltnination of oil film between the coolant and heat exchange surfaces. The new mini-centrifugal compressor also delivers on quietness of operation. The especially low noise frequency is possible thanks to zero-vibration, even at start-up, and the elimination of the tonal problems typically found in screw compressor chillers. For example, under standard Eurovent conditions, a Powermaster TECS 900kW air-cooled water chiller operates at a sound pressure of 68 dBA at 1.0 metre distance. Such impressive, low noise performance is likely to prove a major advantage in UK city centre locations, where noise levels for chillers are often very demanding. All Climaveneta chillers are manufactured at the company's hi-tech production facilities in Northern Italy. Units are built strictly in accordance with ISO 9001 I EN 29001 and every unit is rigorously and independently tested to the highest standards in purpose-built, climatic test chambers. Climaveneta chillers carry full Eurovent certification as a guarantee of performance criteria. With over 16 years in the HVAC industry, Powermaster has built its reputation on the supply of high quality air conditioning systems, technical expertise and prompt after sales back up service. The company has offices covering the Midlands, North, South and a Head Office in Scotland to provide full nationwide coverage for customers.
Powersave gets wired up to Bournemouth Borough Council
Powersave Ltd., one of the South’s leading mechanical engineering companies, has contracts with Bournemouth Borough Council to undertake the maintenance and upgrading of lighting and door entry systems at the Council’s residential and non-residential properties. The contracts were won through a competitive tender. Powersave will be responsible for maintaining all establishment lighting for the Council Housing Department. This will necessitate regular maintenance checks on all properties by Powersave’s extensive fleet of mobile engineers who will be responsible for repairing and replacing internal and external lights and fittings. In addition, Powersave has also won tenders to maintain, upgrade and carry out the installation of new door entry systems at the Council’s multi-occupancy blocks within the Borough. The electronic entry systems will offer greater protection to residents by controlling access via token entry. The work was carried out by Powersave’s Electrical Division, which undertakes a range of electrical installation and maintenance work including lighting and power, fire alarms, CCTV, data cabling and PAT testing. Established 14 years ago, Powersave Ltd is renowned for its experience and knowledge in a wide range of mechanical engineering arenas. Since 1987 the company, now based at the Woolsbridge Industrial Park, Wimborne, has evolved in size and stature acquiring air conditioning, refrigeration, electrical, swimming pools and water treatment as part of its portfolio of services to offer customers.
POWERSAVE PROVIDES ITS EXPERTISE TO DALKIA
Its ability to provide cost effective heating and air conditioning solutions at BAE Systems manufacturing plant in Southampton, has helped Wimborne based mechanical engineering company, Powersave Limited, win further business from their facilities management company, Dalkia plc. The continuation of a long-term business relationship that began in 1987, Powersave has recently received orders from Dalkia to install air conditioning systems and climate control at various locations within the (5-acre) site. Since first being awarded a contract from Dalkia 15 years ago, Powersave has undertaken a range of work at the Southampton site including heating, air conditioning and ventilation. The latest contract has resulted in the installation of 15 Fujitsu split air conditioning systems, 4 Daikin compact air conditioning systems and Airedale climate control for a number of BAE Systems clean rooms. Split air conditioning systems are particularly useful in the workplace as they are installed outside the building to ensure quiet operation. A remotely wired controller then provides flexible operation relating to time programmes and room temperatures. When pump technology is added, split air conditioning can also supply heat as well as cooling in the room as an economical alternative to central heating. Commenting, Paul Camp, Managing Director, Powersave Limited said: “We have always enjoyed a close working relationship with Dalkia which echoes our philosophy of providing quality, leading edge solutions. The decision to install the Fujitsu split systems is a prime example of Dalkia and Powersave working together to provide innovative technology to reduce costs”. BAE Systems is Europe’s largest manufacturer and supplier of infrared detectors to defence, industrial, scientific and medical markets. The company has ISO 9001 and Investors In People accreditation and offers customers advanced manufacturing and test facilities including 100 clean rooms. Originally founded by ex-National Coal board Chairman, Lord Ezra, Dalkia plc is now part of the Dalkia Group, an international organization active in 28 countries around the world. Providing a range of solutions to meet customer requirements, Dalkia has global sales of £2.2 billion and clients that include 2,500 industries and manufacturing businesses, 2,300 hospitals, 8,000 commercial and retail premises and 12,000 schools, sports buildings and other public service facilities.
Powersave turns up the heat through Government Initiative
Leading mechanical engineering company, Powersave Limited, has been contracted by Poole based Gendex Limited to carry out the installation of electrical heating systems under the Government funded initiative “Warm Front” schemes. Covering an area that encompasses the New Forest, Southampton, Eastleigh, Fareham Chichester, Gosport, Portsmouth, Salisbury and the Isle of Wight, Powersave will be responsible for installing night storage heating, full gas central heating as well as repairs and replacement boilers, cylinders and tank installations. Based in Holton Heath, Poole, Gendex is a member of the Eaga Partnership, a team of qualified installers, surveyors and referral agents who are working in association with the Government to implement “The Warm Front Team”, a Government funded scheme that provides a grant of up to £2,500 to make homes warmer, healthier, more energy efficient and secure. The grant is focused at households with the greatest health risk. These include the elderly, families with children under 16 and people who are disabled or have a long-term illness. “In addition to heating, the scheme also provides grants for cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, draft proofing, hot-water-tank installation as well as other measures such as energy advice,” says Graham Southey, Managing Director, Gendex Ltd. “We chose Powersave to partner us in this initiative as they have the infrastructure and ability to install electrical and gas heating systems as well as undertake boiler replacements for the large number of people in the area who are applying for the grant.” The Warm Front grants have been targeted towards households on certain benefits who may need help to keep warm and secure. The scheme has been split into two. Warm Front is aimed at people who are disabled or chronically sick and families with children under 16 whilst Warm Front Plus is aimed at people who are 60 or over. The grants are available to owner-occupiers and people who rent their homes from private landlords. Established 14 years ago, Powersave Ltd is renowned for its experience and knowledge in a wide range of mechanical engineering arenas. Since 1987 the company, now based at the Woolsbridge Industrial Park, Wimborne, has evolved in size and stature acquiring air conditioning, refrigeration, electrical, swimming pools and water treatment as part of its portfolio of services to offer customers.
Powersave wins environmental award for excellence
Leading regional mechanical engineering company, Powersave Ltd., has won the prestigious "Worcester Bosch 2010 Awards For Excellence" in the Environmental category for its specification work for Purbeck District Council. The eminent environmentalist, Dr David Bellamy, presented Powersave and Purbeck District Council with their awards at a special ceremony held at the National Trust's Waddeston Manor.
Funding for eight of the 62 boilers was made possible through "The Big Green Boiler Scheme", which is operated by the Energy Saving Trust on behalf of the UK Government. Powersave registered Purbeck District Council for the scheme, which enabled the Council to receive grants on the condensing boilers thereby increasing the number of boilers installed in its area. The A-rated boilers are the most environmentally friendly available and are designed to recycle heat, reduce heating bills and minimise the emission of polluting greenhouse gases.
Now in their third year, the "Worcester Bosch 2010 Awards " represent a long-term commitment to raising energy efficiency awareness within the domestic boiler sector. Designed as a ten-year rolling scheme involving installers, specifiers and households, it culminates in 2010 - the date targeted by the Kyoto Agreement for a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Last month, Powersave was the runner-up for the influential H&V News Awards, the "Oscars" of the HVAC industry. Powersave was one of three companies to be nominated for the "Contractor of the Year" award, which took place at the London Hilton Hotel in Park Lane. The company was chosen from a large number of quality entries, which were judged by a panel of 13 industry experts.
"Winning the Worcester Bosch Environmental award is the icing on the cake in what has been an exceptional 12-months for the company ", says Paul Camp, Managing Director of Powersave. "As a company we focus our attention on reducing our customer's energy costs which not only helps their 'bottom line' but also the environment".
Powrmaster provides healthy savings to Tree of Life
One single Powrmaster TE GE 61 has proved the ideal solution for a new purpose built 85,000 sq. ft distribution centre operated by Tree of Life UK Ltd in Stoke on Trent. As a key player within the Health Food Wholesaling/Distribution sector, Tree of Life offers over 7,500 lines of foods, drinks, vitamins, supplements, chilled and pre-packed produce. Powrmaster is a series of heaters designed for use in medium to large manufacturing or warehousing facilities. Like all good things the concept is simple, these units handle much higher volumes of air than conventional air heaters resulting in much lower leaving air temperatures. This in turn offers excellent heat distribution without the requirement of ducting and high level destratification fans. This heating concept is now tried and trusted offering clients significant savings on initial installation costs, but the real benefit is the longer term savings on energy and maintenance. Heating and air conditioning engineers, Service Systems of Newcastle under Lyme, specified and installed the system. Director Ken Brass, said: “We selected the Powrmaster because of the high levels of energy efficiency it offers combined with low installation and on-going maintenance costs.” Paul Husbands, Operations Director of Tree of Life UK Limited, said: “I never fail to be impressed with every aspect of the installation in our new facility. The warehouse has always been an area that is a major headache when it comes to efficient heating. I believe the reduction in energy that we will shortly be seeing will be of benefit both financially and environmentally.” The Powrmaster is guaranteed for both parts and labour for two years. The heat exchanger is guaranteed for a further three years and warranted for another fifteen years.
Powrmaster reduces costs for Ryobi
A single Powrmaster air rotation heater from Europe’s No.1 manufacturer of warm air heating equipment Powrmatic Ltd has helped Ryobi Aluminium Casting (UK) significantly reduce its energy consumption and heating maintenance bill.
Ryobi is part of a multi-national corporation and a leader in light die casting technology. The warehouse and despatch area at the company’s site in Carrickferg us, Northern Ireland, was originally heated by a number of radiant tube heaters, but these proved expensive to run and maintain due to the quantity of individual units and the difficulty in accessing them as they were located at high level above fixed plant and equipment.
Ryobi challenged local heating consultants Craigavon Heating Centre Ltd to recommend a cost effective alternative. Craigavon, with many years experience in the design of industrial heating systems, considered the many options available but it was only Powrmaster that met the challenge in all aspects.
They installed a single gas-fired Powrmaster air rotation unit handling high volumes of air at relatively low temperature; this reduces stratification and provides unrivalled heat distribution. A modulating gas-fired burner was specified along with a Eurotrol digital control system with optimum start feature. This combination ensures maximum efficiency and energy savings.
The floor mounted unit enables unrestricted access for servicing and maintenance and, because there’s only one, these associated costs are greatly reduced.
The Powrmaster range has a comprehensive two year parts and labour guarantee in recognition of quality and reliability. The heat exchanger has a five year guarantee and a further fifteen year pro-rats warranty.
Powrmatic reduces costs for RYOBI
A single Powrmaster air rotation heater from Europe’s No.1 manufacturer of warm air heating equipment Powrmatic Ltd has helped Ryobi Aluminium Casting (UK) significantly reduce its energy consumption and heating maintenance bill.
Ryobi is part of a multi-national corporation and a leader in light die casting technology. The warehouse and despatch area at the company’s site in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, was originally heated by a number of radiant tube heaters, but these proved expensive to run and maintain due to the quantity of individual units and the difficulty in accessing them as they were located at high level above fixed plant and equipment.
Ryobi challenged local heating consultants Craigavon Heating Centre Ltd to recommend a cost effective alternative. Craigavon, with many years experience in the design of industrial heating systems, considered the many options available but it was only Powrmaster that met the challenge in all aspects.
They installed a single gas-fired Powrmaster air rotation unit handling high volumes of air at relatively low temperature; this reduces stratification and provides unrivalled heat distribution. A modulating gas-fired burner was specified along with a Eurotrol digital control system with optimum start feature. This combination ensures maximum efficiency and energy savings.
The floor mounted unit enables unrestricted access for servicing and maintenance and, because there’s only one, these associated costs are greatly reduced.
The Powrmaster range has a comprehensive two year parts and labour guarantee in recognition of quality and reliability. The heat exchanger has a five year guarantee and a further fifteen year pro-rata warranty.
PPML Invests in Daikin
Established in 1990, PPML, specialist third party pension administrators, recently occupied extensively refurbished offices in the centre of the historic city of Salisbury. Renowned for its innovative approach to pensions and for satisfying the needs of a sophisticated personal and corporate market, it is perhaps no surprise that PPML demanded an innovative and sophisticated air conditioning system to ensure the comfort of its 450 employees in their new offices. Vail Williams, the Basingstoke based Building Surveyors and Project Managers was in charge of the overall building refurbishment and The Brinkfell Partnership of Woking was appointed to design the Mechanical and Electrical Services. The principal Contractor for the project was Brazier Interior Systems Ltd. Following careful consideration of the customer’s requirements, Daikin VRV systems supplied by Space Airconditioning plc were specified. A total of 21 Inverter VRV systems, predominantly featuring Daikin’s unique 3-pipe technology, are serving 120 fan coil units in the 4-storey building. Daikin’s modular VAM Heat recovery ventilation units (31 in all) and 3 split systems for the central communications equipment room were also incorporated into the design. The system includes a centralised VRV controller and Daikin’s Building Management system DBACS, modem linked to Space Air’s after sales department to enable remote monitoring of the system operation. The air conditioning equipment was supplied to Thermal Transfer (Southern) Ltd., who carried out the installation in several phases, successfully meeting the tight deadlines set for the project. Alan Easton for The Brinkfell Partnership explained that the property was originally purpose built for the Countryside Commission and significant modifications were necessary to convert it to the prestigious and flexible office accommodation now provided. A number of factors, including particularly low ceilings on the upper floors and the need to progress the project on a floor-by-floor basis, influenced his decision to specify Daikin VRV by Space Air. “Energy Efficiency is a key priority in all our specifications; in this regard Space Air showed us that Daikin VRV also offered an advantage – the added benefit being that the client will be able to claim useful enhanced capital allowances on the investment”. Mr. Easton observed.
Praybourne’s new XcelciusTM underwear covers the lot!
Praybourne, inventor of the unique light system Pulsarneon® is to launch a brand new range of underwear - “XcelciusTM, that offers complete protection for those who work in hot, cold and/or potentially combustible environments. This range further expands the range of clothing promoted by Praybourne that includes Pulsar® – hi-vis garments, Pulsarneon® – hi-vis garments with the electro-luminescent light system and Pulsarail® – a complete range of clothing, PPE and accessories specifically for the rail industry. The XcelciusTM range includes thermal underwear incorporating Viloft® , flame retardant underwear incorporating Protex®, cotton underwear and polyester viscose underwear. The thermal range is available in three different levels of protection - SuperThermTM, UltraThermTM and MegaThermTM, for those who endure moderately cold, very cold or freezing temperatures in a working day. To promote this exciting new range, Joan Willetts, formerly Sales Manager at Damart Commercial, has joined Praybourne, (effective Monday 3rd November). She brings with her a vast range of experience in advising on and supplying underwear for all commercial applications and will be introducing XcelciusTM to major distributors throughout the UK. Joan said, “I have always had strong links with Praybourne, and I am delighted that Stuart Jukes asked me to come on board to promote the new XcelciusTM range of underwear. Praybourne is an established manufacturer and distributor that has moved quickly and very successfully into a number of different markets and I’m looking forward to helping the company’s growth by establishing XcelciusTM within these markets. With this range, we have combined excellent quality garments to offer organisations an expansive choice of underwear to keep their staff warm, safe and comfortable, whatever temperatures or conditions they endure.” She continued, “The right underwear can make all the difference. From long-sleeved thermal t-shirts to flame retardant pants, XcelciusTM has it covered!” Stuart Jukes, Praybourne's Sales Director commented, "We are really excited about expanding our clothing ranges. We are now able to supply a complete ‘one stop shop’ of clothing and accessories direct to the rail industry, and our hi-vis and new range of underwear will be available both direct from Praybourne and major UK distributors. We can meet small and large order requirements to suit all environments and budgets and continually strive to meet all our customers' individual requirements with high quality, durable and competitively priced garments that can all be branded with a company's corporate logo."
Preliminary Results show continued progress
PHSC plc ("PHSC" or the "Group"), the OFEX traded Group providing health and safety consultancy and training services, announces its preliminary results for the year ended 31 March 2004. In his statement, Stephen King, Chairman and Chief Executive, said: "Since the Group's introduction onto OFEX in June 2003, PHSC has continued to trade profitably and to increase its client base. There have been notable contract gains throughout the year, and many clients have upgraded their existing contracts. In the first six months of the period, the profit on ordinary activities before taxation was below £100,000. In the second six months, they more than doubled to £213,000. The large difference is explained in part by the considerable costs associated with our OFEX launch. However, there is no doubt that underlying margins are being maintained. After our introduction onto OFEX, we appointed agents to assist us in the identification of suitable businesses for acquisition. The objective is to build upon the range of services presently offered. On 1 April 2004 we completed our first acquisition, and are presently in discussion with a number of other potential targets." On prospects, Stephen King said: "We remain very optimistic about the level of demand for health, safety and environmental services. As an established provider, we are in an excellent position to exploit opportunities for the type of services that we provide, both to the private and public sectors. The Board is confident that underlying profitability levels can be maintained, and significantly improved upon in the longer term. The outlook remains positive." Audited Financial Highlights * Turnover is £1,249,302 (31/03/03: £1,136,713) * Operating profit is £300,742 (31/03/03: £369,040) * Profit before tax is £310,593 (31/03/03: £373,327) * Earnings per share is 3.12p (31/03/03: 3.75p) * Net assets of £602,535 (31/03/03: £418,795) * Cash of £453,981 (31/03/03: £456,155) * NAV per share 22.15p (31/03/03: 19.03p) * Dividend of 1.0p per share to be paid on 14 July 2004 to members on the register as at 30 June 2004. The directors of PHSC accept responsibility for this announcement.
Premier league for Gaskell Flooring
East Lancs floorcovering manufacturer, Gaskell, has recently designed and manufactured 1900m2 of striking bespoke carpets for the suite of hospitality and function rooms and circulation areas at Ewood Park, the home of neighbouring Premiership football club, Blackburn Rovers.
The axminsters were designed specifically for the premises in designs that subtly reflect the blue and white colours of the Football Club. In the Premier and Centenary Suites and the Directors’ Guest Lounge, the carpets were designed to resemble large individual patterned rugs inset within blue borders. The finished effect is a distinctive ‘plaid-like’ geometric design, which adds interest to the large expanses of floorspace.
The corridors, staircases and other circulation areas have been carpeted in a mottled blue axminster, with particular attention paid to the lifts and landings where Gaskell has woven the Club’s insignia with its red rose of Lancashire and Latin motto ‘Arte et labore’ into the carpet.
Paul Hartley, Northern Area Sales Manager at Gaskell, says: “For the function rooms, our designers took the colours, Ink, Grey, Sand and Delphinium, and worked up four different designs for the Club to consider. The original inspiration for the patterned axminster finally chosen comes from our Infinity 4 range but they adapted the design and introduced a new colour combination specifically for Ewood Park.
“We then wove the body, border and outfill components, together with the Blackburn Rovers crests, in an ‘extra heavy contract wear’ construction of 1432gsm, on our high speed looms at Rishton. It’s this advanced weaving technology that allows us to supply small quantities of axminster to order, in bespoke designs, colourways and qualities, to meet precise specifications for individual projects like this.”
John Newsham, Stadium Manager at Ewood Park, added: “Blackburn Rovers Football Club needed a quality product as we are constantly on show to the public. The suites are not only used for matchday hospitality but also for a variety of functions including weddings and conferences so the carpet had to be appropriate for all these types of events. We were extremely impressed with the attention to detail the Gaskell team paid to this project and we’re all absolutely delighted with the finished results.”
It took just four weeks for Gaskell to design and manufacture Ewood Park’s bespoke carpets. They have been fitted throughout the stadium by AD Craggs and Son of Sale in Cheshire.
Premier sporting venue supported by OCS
Leading property support services company, OCS, has announced a new sponsorship deal with Surrey County Cricket Club.
From completion in May 2005, the new state-of-the-art stand at the Vauxhall End of the Brit Oval will be known as ‘The OCS Stand’. This modern redevelopment will provide improved seating; hospitality and media facilities; and a community space. The OCS Stand will be enjoyed by cricket fans and the local community alike.
The project, which involves considerable modernisation and investment by the Club, is essential if the Brit Oval is to maintain its status as one of the world’s leading Test venues.
Commenting on the sponsorship deal Chris Cracknell, chief executive of OCS, says: “OCS has a long standing relationship with Surrey CCC. Previous sponsorship has included the county’s Kwik Cricket competition, which encourages school children’s involvement in the sport, and sponsorship of Mark Butcher, Surrey’s new Club Captain and England batsman.
“In the past OCS has supported many different sports and we are keen to continue this trend. We are pleased to be able to support Surrey CCC in this landmark project and look forward to seeing and enjoying the benefits that The OCS Stand has to offer.”
Commenting on the sponsorship deal Paul Sheldon, chief executive of Surrey CCC, says:
“We are delighted to be able to announce this new partnership with OCS. We are looking forward to working closely with the OCS team in delivering this fantastic sponsorship opportunity. This new partnership could not have come at a better time as we have recently restarted work on the OCS Stand in order for it to be completed by the start of the International cricket season next year.”
The new facilities, which represent a £25 million investment, will house spectators, the community and the media. The work, which began in February of this year, has included demolishing the existing ad-hoc stands at the Vauxhall End and replacing these with a new stand covered by a lightweight roof. The OCS Stand will provide an additional 4,000 seats, taking the overall ground capacity to 23,000.
Preparing fire risk assessments
Richard Norman, managing director of Indepth Hygiene Services, looks at some of the key issues to consider when carrying out fire risk assessments of buildings with catering facilities.
Carrying out regular fire risk assessments is a legal requirement under the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.
The legislation requires all employers to assess the risks of fire and demonstrate that steps have been taken to minimise these risks. Places of work with more than five staff must keep a written record of the results of the assessment.
Like most health and safety legislation in the UK, the regulations impose a general duty of care rather than prescriptive rules specifying exactly what has to be done to ensure compliance with the law. The owner or manager responsible for the premises is required to ensure the potential risk of fire and its likely consequences for those in the workplace are properly assessed, and to take appropriate measures to reduce or eliminate such risks.
While larger establishments may require a professional risk assessment by independent consultants, this is not a legal requirement and there is enough guidance available for most small to medium sized businesses to enable them to carry out their own fire risk assessments in order to comply with the law.
A Fire Authority can require an employer to produce the fire risk assessment at any time, not just after a fire, and even if there are no other breaches of fire legislation failure to do so is an offence.
The requirement to carry out fire risk assessments is a general duty and applies to all places of work whether or not a fire certificate is also required by the Fire Precautions Act 1971.
Under these regulations, factories and offices with more than 20 employees or where more than 10 people work anywhere other than the ground floor must have a fire certificate issued by the local fire authority. The fire certificate contains details of the premises, means of escape, any hazardous materials used and details of fire fighting equipment.
Whilst most fire risk assessments usually include the obvious fire hazards and safety equipment such as fire doors, escape stairways and extinguishers, other hazards specific to catering facilities must not be forgotten.
“Fire Safety: An employer’s guide”, official guidance published in 1999 on procedures for producing risk assessments, contains the specific reminder that fire hazards can be reduced by keeping ducts and flues clean.
These would include the grease extract ventilation system that draws hot, grease-laden air from kitchen canopies and cooker hoods to an external vent. Unless removed regularly, grease deposits build up inside the ductwork and can be easily ignited by even a small flash fire on a cooker hob, fryer or grill.
These systems, which often run through the building hidden behind ceilings and encased in risers, are increasingly seen by fire authorities as a major fire risk if it is not inspected and cleaned on a regular basis. A failure to have the grease extract system thoroughly and regularly cleaned by a professional contractor is also likely to invalidate the building’s fire insurance.
New fire legislation proposed for later this year will pull together more than 100 existing separate laws into a single coherent set of regulations. One major change proposed is to scrap fire certificates and put greater responsibility on employers to carry out their own fire risk assessments. Rather than inspecting premises and fire safety equipment before issuing fire certificates, Fire Authorities will check that proper risk assessments have been carried out.
Employers who cannot demonstrate they have taken steps to assess and minimise risks can be ordered to do so, and a failure to comply with such an order would be a serious criminal offence leaving the person responsible liable to fines or imprisonment. While carrying out fire risk assessments for most areas of a building is usually straightforward, inspecting the grease extract system will in most cases require special access techniques.
Presenting IPVideoCenter, Any Camera, Anywhere, Any Time!
Computer Network Limited (CNL) are an innovative and experienced digital surveillance solutions provider. The company has become industry recognized as one of the leaders in digital security and system integration with a substantial number of successful installations in education, business, government, police and retail, including major blue chip companies. CNL are highly focused on leading products in the digital surveillance and security markets. As part their solutions offering they are launching an IP surveillance service at the IIPSEC Exhibition, 27th -29th January, on Stand B20. IPVideoCenter is a surveillance solution allowing any IP or network attached camera to be viewed from anywhere in the world. It’s easy to set up and operate, with familiar Windows style functions and is useful for many applications including: Security surveillance; Office/Retail premises observation; Warehouse/ manufacturing observation; Monitoring building sites & works; Employee monitoring (on site or remote); Danger-zone monitoring (e.g., machinery, environment or location), Facilities management, as well as for live information gathering, such as customer flow, traffic monitoring, weather checks. A demonstration of the IPVideoCenter service will be available on the CNL stand or by visiting www.IPVideoCenter.com. The role of CNL is to bring forward business opportunities by working closely with the client, listening to their requirements or the needs of their customer and delivering exactly to those business needs. This includes providing first class solutions backed up with outstanding pre and post sales support, as well as having a team of technical experts available to ensure the success of projects through to completion. CNL fills the knowledge gap and provides up to date solutions that represent outstanding value for money. CNL successfully combines the expertise and attention to detail only found in leading edge world-class businesses. Only through this level of excellence have we been able to secure representation of Sony, Axis, JVC, Milestone, Panasonic, IQinvision, Baxall, VCS and many other leading brands. Managing Director, Keith Bloodworth will be presenting a seminar on Video over IP for Surveillance Applications at the IIPSEC Exhibition, on 27th Jan 2004 - 14.30pm – 16.30pm.
Presents for all at Matalan
Matalan, the UK’s fastest growing fashion retailer, has celebrated its continuing rapid growth with a large gift to employees at the company’s head office in Skelmersdale, Lancashire; a brand new canteen and recreational building provided by Portakabin.
Dale Stokes, Senior Category Manager in Matalan’s Corporate Purchasing Department said: ‘We wanted to show everyone that we really appreciate all their hard work and dedication which has helped Matalan to achieve the success and growth it has experienced over the last few years.
‘By providing a building that offers a comfortable, relaxing environment where people can take a break we felt we were offering something for everyone. However, we wanted to do this quickly, so constructing a traditional building would have been too time consuming.
'Portakabin was able to provide an excellent quality building within two months, which offers the added benefit of future flexibility as it is easy to extend if we want to.’
Offering a comprehensive range of homewares, ladies’, men’s and children’s clothing and footwear, the Matalan philosophy is to provide high quality at reasonable prices. ‘We were looking for exactly these qualities in the new building for staff and were struck by the excellent environment that Portakabin buildings provide,’ explains Dale.
‘It was very important that the building offered comfortable surroundings or it wouldn’t fulfil its purpose, and we could see that Portakabin could quickly deliver this for us.’
The new two-storey building was designed and constructed in eight weeks, and provides over 530m2 of floor space. ‘Over 1,100 employees use the building and we’ve had fantastic feedback from staff who are all very impressed and really appreciate the informal and friendly environment it provides.’
Prestige training
A total of 700m2 of heavy-duty sheet vinyl and wood effect vinyl plank floorcoverings from commercial flooring specialists Polyflor Ltd have been installed at The Rangers Football Centre, Murray Park, Milngavie, Glasgow.
Fitted by Dalblair Carpets of Ayr, Polyflor Prestige PUR heavy duty flooring features in changing rooms and boot rooms while Polyflor Kudos has been installed in the Centre’s leisure rooms.
Chosen for its dark blue colour, which reflects the football club’s own, Polyflor Prestige PUR features a high quality polyurethane reinforcement, which, combined with a superior closed surface finish, facilitates a low cost, polish-free maintenance regime for the lifetime of the floorcovering.
Meeting the general performance requirements of EN 649:1996, Polyflor Prestige PUR has a Class 2 fire rating to BS476: Part 7 and, fully tested to EN 13501-1, is certified as Class Bfl-S 1, achieving the criteria EN ISO 9239-1 > 10kw/m2 and the mandatory requirement of EN ISO 11925-2 pass.
In common with all Polyflor sheet vinyl’s, Polyflor Prestige PUR can be welded at the seams and to coved skirtings to create continuous impervious surfaces, which offer no sanctuary to dirt and bacteria.
The Polyflor Kudos PU range comprises 12 wood designs in l0lx9l4mm plank sizes and 12 marble, granite, slate, sandstone, travertine and metallic effects in various tile sizes.
Polyflor Kudos PU features a specially formulated polyurethane surface treatment, significantly reducing the maintenance costs of the product by improving the soil resistance and cleanability of the floor.
Prestigious award for Dalkia
Dalkia, the UK’s leading Facilities Management, energy management and technical services company, has won a prestigious Regional Training Award — part of a national training awards scheme organised by The UK Skills Council.
Television personality Sue Barker presented the Award to Dalkia’s Training Manager Mike Perry (right) and Training Officer Derek Matthews at a special Ceremony recently in Winchester Guildhall, in recognition of Dalkia’s excellence in Energy Management Training.
The Dalkia course qualifies successful candidates for Affiliate Membership of The Energy Institute, further internal training to become Energy Management Technicians, and for those who aspire to further challenges, to become Energy Managers under the industry-recognised ‘TEMOL’ Training in Energy Management through Open Learning programme.
Over 140 Dalkia technicians and supervisors have already completed the course as part of their personal development towards responsibility for energy management contracts with major property owners and managers throughout the UK and Europe.
“This Award shows we’re doing all the right things and doing them well,” says Dalkia Group Training and Development Manager Mike Perry. “I think the judges liked the interactive nature of the programme. Derek Matthews and our colleague David Oakley, who run the programme, have been responsible for enhancing it during recent years —ensuring that it is right up to date and at the heart of Dalkia Energy Management.”
This independent recognition for Dalkia under the National Training Awards scheme certainly adds further strength to Dalkia’s acknowledged leadership in energy management services, which are contributing significantly to the achievement of national targets for environmental protection.
Prestigious BMW Dealer Embraces IP-Video Technology
Park Lane BMW is one of the UK’s most prestigious car dealership groups. As well as the traditional Park Lane showroom, the group has three other new purpose built BMW facilities in and around central London. The group has embraced the latest IP-networked technology, designed and installed by Intruder nternational Plc, to provide integrated CCTV, access control and intruder detection across all of its sites. Each showroom and service centre is interconnected via a dedicated wide-area-network (WAN). Intruder International designed an IP-based system that integrated all aspects of electronic security. This allows the group’s central control room to fully monitor the security situation at every site utilising the existing WAN. The main CCTV surveillance cameras on each site are connected to the IP-network via an ADPRO” FastTraceTM video digital recorder which provides storage and retrieval of the site’s CCTV images. Centrally managed Access control is provided by a networked Janus system, which again is connected to the IPnetwork and enables BMW to control and track movement of staff across all of its sites. The CCTV, intruder detection and access control systems provide remote alarm management. Whenever a PIR detector is activated out of hours the nearest high speed PTZ camera is automatically directed to that location at the same time as raising an alarm in the central control room. IP-network systems are very scaleable and can be easily expanded without the need for expensive additional cabling. BMW Park Lane has maximised the use of the network with IP telephony being used for all its internal telephone calls and an innovative video monitoring system to help it improve its customer service. Intruder International installed a number of internal cameras using IndigoVision’s IP-based video technology. The system produces high quality multi-cast digital video images that allow staff manning the central telephone reception to visually locate sales and service staff wherever they are at any site, ensuring their customers prompt service. The multi-cast capabilities allow video images from any camera to be viewed at any location without additional impact on the network bandwidth.
Preventing Thefts from Vehicles
Immobilisers have made cars more difficult to steal, but nothing short of unbreakable windows and bullet-proof cars can stop thieves getting into cars, and in the UK, a vehicle is broken into every 20 seconds (British Crime Survey). So instead of the whole car being stolen, today’s ‘car thieves’ are going for the contents. Basically, if something can be removed in short Thrift, it will be. In the UK over 250 laptops every day are stolen from vehicles. The headline cases happen when someone from MI5 has one stolen, along with state secrets, but industrial secrets and data are just as much at risk, and there are many other valuables at risk, such as high value sales samples. After having his own laptop stolen, David Rimer determined to do something to protect vehicle contents, and came up with the concept of selling a thief frustrator system in the form of ‘Autosafe (TM), a strong, lightweight, lockable steel safe that comes in three sizes - small, medium, and large. It is secured to the inside of the car boot or van body by an ingenious steel rope system that will deter all but the most determined thief, with specialist cutting equipment and a lot of time to spend on the theft. In other words, you can’t just smash and grab the AutoSafe. Rimer has recently formed a company to sell the product range, and it is already clear that the corporate market for his product is huge. The Autosafe obviously has more uses than just securing laptop computers, with valuables such as mobile phones, CD/Radio panels, cameras, and personal organisers being among the first things that people think of putting in the Autosafe.
Prima management team sells business 5 years after MBO
The management team at workwear and uniform suppliers Prima Corporate Wear have sold the company they bought five years ago. Along with Barclay Ventures (a leading UK mid market private equity house who supported the Management Buy Out in 1999), they have agreed a £4million cash deal with Bristol-based Alexandra plc, one of the country's largest groups supplying corporate clothing. The negotiations for the sale were conducted by independent corporate finance house Livingstone Guarantee who carried out a competitive sales process that generated worldwide interest, resulting in three firm offers for the business, one from South Africa. Nigel Morgan who led the negotiations says: "The management had created a business model and strategy that was attractive to potential buyers, particularly following the acquisition of Sharps Freeman in 2001. We received three firm proposals for the business but deemed Alexandra Plc the most deliverable purchaser under our timetable." The acquisition by Alexandra Plc will further strengthen Prima's position as a leading supplier of corporate wear, with a strong market position in the transport and security sectors. Prima provides corporate wear to a range of UK companies, including the Go Ahead Group, Morrisons, Rayners, Securitas Cash in Transit, OCS Facilities Management, Amey and GSL. Nick Atkinson, Managing Director, Prima Corporate Wear, comments: "The completion of the MBO and subsequent Sharps Freeman acquisition presented many challenges. This exit is an excellent result for all shareholders." Paul Taberner, Barclays Ventures, says: "The Prima management team has done an excellent job in driving out the benefits of the Sharps Freeman acquisition and consolidating its market leading position in the transport and security sectors." Nigel Morgan adds: "It has taken us less than six months to conclude a transaction that has provided Barclay Ventures with the exit they required and a significant return for the management team who were shareholders in the company. "Prima is a fine example of a company in the service industry that has proved an attractive acquisition proposition for a larger organisation. It is typical of the scenario we expect to be repeating itself in the coming months as there are many successful owner managed businesses across the country, similar to Prima, that would make serious acquisition possibilities for companies embarking upon expansion programmes."
Primary school get expresso treatment
To ensure that a new extension would blend in with the original building's timber finish, Celuform's Expresso Brown PVC-ue soffit and fascia was used at Undy Primary School, Monmouthshire. Tony Chapman, the head teacher, says: "I am very pleased with the finished result. It looks brilliant." Celuform offers a wide range of colours to suit all types of building styles and designs. The Expresso Brown helped satisfy planning requirements that the new nursery classroom must complement the other school buildings. Also, by using Celuform PVC-ue board, the local education authority's target to minimise ongoing maintenance has been satisfied. Timber has to be treated and painted on a regular basis, whereas Celuform products have a 10 year guarantee on foiled products such as Expresso Brown and 15 years on white boards. The nursery extension was built by contractor W D Turner, based in Cardiff, and Celuform stockist, DGS Caldicot, supplied the product. Celuform was the first UK manufacturer of PVC-ue building products and today is an industry leader. The company supplies stockists throughout Europe and the UK.
Principio wins UK FM contract with Charles Schwab
Bristol-based workplace solutions company Principio today announced it has been awarded the contract to provide facilities management services at the investment firm's three UK locations in Birmingham, Milton Keynes and Bishopsgate, London. Principio was successful in the tender process against three competing firms including incumbent global facilities management group Johnson Controls, who will continue to provide facilities management services to Charles Schwab in the US. For the duration of the contract Principio will act on behalf of Charles Schwab in the United Kingdom, with responsibilities to manage their property assets, provide full facilities management services, act as a landlord to existing sub-tenants, and maximise income generation from the real estate portfolio. "Professional and cost effective management of facilities and property is critical to any global business' success and having worked with Principio in the European market we know we are in safe hands," said Charles Schwab director facilities John Ringwood. "We have confidence Principio will manage our rental and leasing agreements with expertise and use their experience to pre-empt the needs of our business and our tenants." With the contract starting immediately, Principio will fully review building operations, existing leases, sub-tenant leases, and electrical and other service contracts with an annual value in excess of £4 million. The company's dedicated Charles Schwab team will also undertake building maintenance including window cleaning, landscaping, heating & ventilation systems, service changes and parts replacement. Principio has provided management services to Charles Schwab Europe for six years and is delighted to be awarded this prestigious contract to act for Charles Schwab Inc. "Principio plans a full review of all FM functions in the initial stage of the contract to ensure the cost of day-to-day management is kept to a minimum without sacrificing quality," said Principio managing director Justin Palmer. "We will be looking to improve service levels and our approach is to consistently look for ways to be innovative to the benefit of our client's business. This type of contract is ideal enabling Principio to operate as a true partner to Charles Schwab and act as a virtual member of their facilities operations." Other Principio clients include Nationwide Building Society, United Bristol Healthcare Trust, Ministry of Defence, Motorola, RAC Motoring Services, Cornhill Insurance, Fidelity Investments, Matthew Clark and Osborne. About Principio Principio was founded in 1984 and is based in Avonmouth, Bristol. Principio provides high quality workplace solutions to Times 1000 companies and the public sector throughout the UK. The company is unique in offering a complete portfolio of integrated services including work place consultancy, facilities management, space planning, refurbishment, interior design, furniture supply, relocation (through Reloc8 - its commercial relocation division), childcare solutions, and porter services. Principio is working to redefine the workplace with innovative solutions that have a positive and significant impact on business success.
Print and Encode yourself with Contactless Encoding Kits from DED
Nowadays, more and more businesses are wanting to move from traditional plastic badges to more sophisticated smart or proximity cards and to personalise their cards electronically on their own premises. Now, thanks to CEKs from DED Limited, they can do exactly that.
As an upgrade for the P310, P420, P520 or P720 Series of Eltron Card Printers, a CEK enables the printer to be updated so that a contact smart chip or a contactless proximity chip can be encoded in seconds as part of an inline process, while the card itself is being printed. Even combining two or more chip technologies into one printer is now possible.
Available for MIFARE, HITAG, LEGIC and I-CODE card types, the CEKs are easy to install, with the complete package - serial cable, installation guide, demonstration software and DLL file with programmer’s references - integrating smoothly into any existing software/hardware environment.
There is also a choice of upgrading methods. You can order the Kit and do-it-yourself or return your existing Eltron printer to DEDs Lydd Headquarters for a fast and economical retrofit. Alternatively, you can order your new Eltron Card Printers complete with your choice of Kit already built in.
Add value to your printer and your business with CEKs from DED Limited. DED - consistently at the forefront of printer and card technology.
Priva & Warner ‘Partner’ Controls Events
H Warner & Son Ltd of lpswich, together with building controls manufacturer Priva Building Intelligence, is staging a series of seminars aimed at promoting the influence of IT/Internet technology on building controls and introducing the benefits of legionella monitoring and UV dosing. The seminars are free and have been structured to provide a valuable insight into modem control systems, all arranged within a manageable morning or afternoon session. As Keith Roper, Manager of Warners explains, “Today’s control systems come complete with a wealth of monitoring and management capability that has been enabled thanks to the progress of IT technology. The only drawback is that so many consultants, contractors and end-users are often unaware of their power. The purpose of these short seminars is to give them an informative overview of the software tools available to them, together with their ease of use Warners are mixing the old and new by holding their series of seminars in the oldest building in lpswich. The Isaac Lord Building can trace its history back to 1420 when it was the home of a rich wool merchant. Since then it has been extended over the centuries to serve as a mill (much of the milling machinery is still in place), then a coal merchants and now a splendid promotional venue favourably located overlooking an attractive marina. Four seminars will be held over the 27k” and 28th April with a choice of morning or afternoon attendance. “Obviously, we are expecting the majority of delegates to come from the areas local to lpswich,” said Keith Roper, “but in view of the importance of the legionella monitoring and UV dosing, we hope to attract consultants and contractors working in the healthcare sector and, of course, hospital engineers and managers from further afield.”
Priva appoints its first ‘partner’
Since launching its range of Internet ready building controls last year, PRIVA Building Intelligence has been in discussion with a number of system integrators wishing to work alongside the company. The PRIVA business structure is built upon a network of ‘partners’: appointed system integrators employing PRIVA products in the design and installation of individual building management systems. The first UK appointed partner is CE Controls, a Yateley based company offering a full building controls design, panel build, installation and commissioning service, with follow-on project support and maintenance. Mark Carmody, Managing Director of CE Controls, explained his interest in the company. “PRIVA has built into their controllers a number of benefits for the system integrator. At a time when new build is declining, the fact that the PRIVA controllers can utilise existing wiring and terminal units, such as sensors, means that they are particularly price competitive in retrofit installations. As a large portion of the work can be carried out at the panel, the end-user experiences little, if any, disruption to staff while the controls upgrade is in progress and no additional expenditure in making good any d6cor that is damaged by having to install screened cable or new sensors. Furthermore, the controllers come complete with a standard graphics package and full documentation, which in my experience is exceptional, providing yet further added value to their controls package.” CE Controls has already completed PRIVA installations in the private and public sectors and is in discussion with other interested parties.
Priva provides a window on the working environment
Creating the perfect working environment has become even easier with TC Remote from PRIVA Building Intelligence. This clever software programme enables staff to control their personal workspace from the comfort of their own PC. TC Remote can be installed on everyone s work PC and communicates with the PRIVA controls network providing staff with an access window to heating, cooling, ventilation, humidity, light levels, and blinds, all of which can be adjusted by them for optimum comfort. Research has already shown that a good working environment can raise productivity and reduce staff absence due to illness. With TC Remote, PRIVA provides tools to adjust temperature, light levels and solar blind positions to meet their personal needs - and more. “All individual space options can be viewed and changed and not just the HVAC services. If required, the window can display a wide range of environmental information such as space temperature, humidity, whether the windows are open or closed, out of hours extension, even outside conditions such as air temperature, wind direction and speed, rain, etc. Of equal importance to the IT manager is the fact that this compact software program puts minimum load on the PC network, so the demands of both building and IT managers are satisfied,” explained Anders Noren, General Manager UK for PRIVA Building Intelligence BV. Using a PC to provide environmental control is a practical solution to managing the modern, flexible office because no wiring or cabling is involved. TC Remote has minimum effect on the PC network and once installed the building and system managers need to nothing more. Through Priva’s engineering software the operating window can be configures so that it only contains functions relevant to staff. And should the office layout change then TC Remote has the flexibility to adapt quickly and easily to the new arrangement.
PRIVA software combats legionella
PRIVA Building Intelligence has developed a fully operational system that monitors the risk of a water system being infected by the legionella bacteria and automatically treats the system. The PRIVA Legionella Indication Module (LIM) software monitors water temperature and the length of time that the system has been inactive. Using this data LIM calculates whether the risk of bacterial infection is present and if so will automatically take steps, by flushing or thermally disinfecting the system, to safeguard the building’s water system from contamination. Legionella bacteria can get a foothold in a very short space of time. According to regulations, water maintained within a temperature range of between 25oC - 45oC and that has been inactive for 48 hours should be considered as having first-degree contamination, i.e. have a contamination level of above 100kve/l. Consequently, monitoring water movement is just as important as monitoring its temperature. The company has already had significant success in Its home country of Holland where it is being applied extensively in sports halls and swimming pools. At one Dutch sports centre if LIM detects that the hot water system serving the showers has not been active in the last 24 hours then it automatically flushes out the system maintaining water temperature at a minimum of 63oC for at least five minutes. Consequently, the showers are thermally disinfected at the correct temperature without using an excessive amount of water. For the convenience of its members this is carried out between the hours of 3:00 - 3:10 a.m. If for any reason the flushing programme is not executed or maintained at the correct temperature or length of time, LIM records the failure and automatically sends an alarm message to the system operator, which can be directed to an off-site engineer via his mobile phone. The primary reason for automating the water protection system is of course health, but it can also have a positive effect on energy and water consumptions plus manpower costs. If water is being regularly used or is maintained at conditions that will kill bacteria, then LIM will curtail any excessive use of heating or flushing. In large sites, such as sports and leisure facilities, where a high number of showers have been installed, an automatic system is capable of maintaining safety standards without the need for extra manpower. LIM forms part of PRIVAs hot water system (HWS) software module for use with standard HWS and provides automatic monitoring, historical recording and alarm reporting. With existing PRIVA building control systems, legionella protection can be achieved without any additional equipment costs, simply by adding the required LIM software module
PRIVA technology cuts controls installation costs by a third
A review of the building controls system at Jackson House in lpswich enabled the system to be upgraded and extended and, by specifying PRIVA technology, has also cut the installation cost by a third. Jackson House had previously been the CEGB's nuclear power training centre. Now it provides office accommodation for Jackson's staff and a tenant, Suffolk County Council. Electricity is the only energy source available which, without good control, has the potential to be expensive to operate. The existing building controls were a mix of discrete controllers, predominantly controlling the air handing units, and two standalone outstations controlling the electrode boilers and chillers. Alan York, Jackson's Mechanical and Electrical Design Manager, was looking to replace the discrete control system as several of the controllers had failed and spares were no longer available. He consulted his PRIVA Partner to discuss his requirements. "The client already knew that he had to replace the discrete controllers and was thinking along the lines of a networked building management system (BMS) solution which would use the existing outstations," said PRIVA Partner Roger Coote. "He had appreciated that this would allow him an easier route to achieving his ultimate goals of introducing Intemet technology to the controls' communications, improving energy management and future-proofing the BMS. However, the costs involved far exceeded Jackson's budget." A PRIVA BMS was proposed as it would deliver all the features that were required. Leaving the existing field wiring and field peripherals (sensors, valves, dp switches, etc) in situ, a PRIVA HX8E replaced the obsolete system. A special feature of the PRIVA Compri HX is that it was designed from the outset to support TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) as standard and has an inbuilt Web browser. "PRIVA has really thought about the Compri product range and has not only considered tomorrow's requirements, but the company has also looked back at the existing building stock and realised that by designing the system electronics in a specific way, screened cables would not be required," explained Roger Coote. "Had the client gone down the original route, the cost of the controls wiring would have been around a third of the total job. Instead, by installing the PRIVA system we were able to eliminate this cost to the client." With the new control system installed and operating, the client is now considering the future development of the BMS. Since the original installation was completed optimisation of all five air handling units has been incorporated, together with on/off coil temperature monitoring, an improved frost protection strategy, and maintenance switches. In addition, PRIVA's TC Remote software has been recommended in order to provide the building's divisional managers with the capability to control their own environments from the comfort of their PCs.
Privacy provided by FAAC
Privacy plus security are assured for a Nottinghamshire couple courtesy of automatic gates featuring FAAC 770 swing and 748 sliding gate operators. FAAC approved installer, Mansfield Garage Doors, has fabricated and fitted a combination of automatic swing and sliding steel gates at the home of Mr and Mrs Beighton in the ancient village of Sutton-in-Ashfield.
The installation consists of a pair of swing gates to enter and a set of sliding gates to exit the Beighton’s property. Initially, the couple asked for close-boarded timber gates to ensure maximum privacy, but were concerned about maintenance and durability. Mansfield Garage Doors provided the ideal solution by fabricating gates from green colour-coated steel panels, pressed to give the appearance of ‘vertilap’ wooden fencing.
Being steel rather than timber, the Beighton’s gates required automation systems that could handle the load with ease and efficiency. For the swing gates into the property, Mansfield Garage Doors specified FAAC’s 770 electromechanical automation system, which is suitable for automating gates up to 500kg per leaf “And because these operators are concealed underground they don’t detract from the look of the gates,” comments Graham Kirk, Managing Director of Mansfield Garage Doors. The FAAC 770 system features a corrosion-proof casing that is highly resistant to atmospheric agents, combined with 11P67 rated waterproofing for protection of the operator. Maintenance requirements are reduced and made easier by the ability to access the operator without removing the gate. Electricity consumption is minimised by the 770’s inherent mechanical efficiency.
For the Beighton’s set of sliding steel gates, Mansfield Garage Doors recommended FAAC’s 748 compact automation system. This electromechanical operator transmits the leaf movement by means of a pinion engaging to a rack fixed to the gate. The motor and gear unit are housed neatly together with the electronic equipment in a compact housing. The Beighton’s new swing and sliding gates also benefit from an electronic anti-crush facility for optimum safety in use. Both systems lock automatically when the motor is not running, thereby eliminating the need for costly electric or magnetic locks. Access control is provided by a FAAC coded keypad fitted to the swing gates and includes single gate opening facility for pedestrian access, plus radio-controlled handsets for principal users.
FAAC is a world leader in gate and door automation. FAAC operators and full gate systems are available though a UK national network of over 700 approved installers, all trained to FAAC’s exacting standards.
Procurement Solutions for the Public Sector, 22 – 23 June, Earls Court, London
Procurement Solutions is the official OGCbuying.solutions and NHS PASA annual purchasing exhibition and conference. It’s the one-stop-shop for buyers and decision makers from throughout the UK’s public services.
A major area of focus is facilities and office management. Many of the exhibitors specialise in the facilities area, including office supplies, IT equipment, energy, furniture and the like. Moreover, many of the seminars look at how facilities managers can minimise their costs through smarter purchasing. Seminars looking at property and space planning, e-procurement and confederation purchasing are just a few of the sessions that facilities managers will find both interesting and useful.
Visitors will find approximately 150 vendors and an extensive series of FREE keynote and seminar sessions. In all, some 80 speakers will address almost 50 different sessions. Speakers include:
* Rt. Hon. Paul Boateng MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury
* Lord Warner, Parliamentary Secretary of State, Department of Health
* Paul Croft, President of Solace and Chief Executive, Purbeck District Council
* Mike Campbell, Director of Business Development, CIPS
* Hugh Barrett, Chief Executive of OGCbuying.solutions
* Duncan Eaton, Chief Executive of NHS PASA
Tailored specifically to the needs of everyone involved in public sector buying, from procurement specialists to those for whom purchasing is only part of their main job function, Procurement Solutions is the ideal opportunity to:
* Hear the latest thinking on - e-procurement, new frameworks, EU procurement directives and much more
* Build better relationships with suppliers
* Ensure value for money
* Source new products
* Get free advice on procurement issues
* Implement best practice techniques
The event ties in with the government’s view that smarter procurement can be the source of enormous cost savings. Visitors not only have the opportunity to examine the costs of the goods and services they buy, but also can explore ways to minimise the expense and complexity of the purchasing process.
Procurement Solutions runs alongside Government Computing Exhibition and Conference 2004 - the leading event dedicated to ICT in the public sector. Anyone involved in purchasing or specifying technology products and solutions for the public sector will find the event, which features another 150 specialist exhibitors and dedicated technology seminars, an invaluable learning experience. More details on what has grown to be the most important event of the government technology calendar can be found at www.gcexpo.com.
Keynotes and Seminars
A series of keynotes and seminars offer delegates the opportunity to learn from their peers and experts from throughout the public, and private, sectors. This year’s theme looks guaranteeing value for money throughout the procurement cycle.
The keynotes examine the strategic picture, while the best practice seminars focus on the day-to-day practicalities of successful procurement. Whichever you choose, and you can choose as many as you want, the range of subjects covered will help you to save money and buy better.
Some of the highlights include:
* Guaranteeing value for money in public service procurement
* Local government modernisation
* Building successful strategic partnerships
* Procurement perspectives from the private sector
* Driving progress in NHS transformation
* Developing staff resources in a demanding environment
* Developments on environmental quick wins
* Effective business transformation
* Successful IT project management
* GPC – procurement card revolution
* e-Auctions and e-tendering
* Energy purchasing
* Software procurement
* Confederation purchasing
For full details please visit www.procurementsolutions.gov.uk
Exhibitors
All 150 or so exhibitors will already be in the ogcbuying.solutions catalogues or will supply the NHS, making it the perfect opportunity to see the best, pre-approved vendors in the UK. The exhibitors represent the full range of sectors:
* Office supplies
* Facilities management and building supplies
* IT and communications
* Finance, legal, professional services and consultancy
* Catering equipment and provisions
* Furniture
* Accommodation products and services
* Property and construction management
* Recruitment, personnel and training
* Outsourcing solutions
* Utilities and energy
* Healthcare supplies
Register, or amend your booking, at www.procurementsolutions.gov.uk and you will receive a registration pack and badge before you arrive, enabling your fast track entry into the exhibition. You can also pre-book the seminar sessions online.
If you do not wish to register online, you can come to the show and register on the door, but you have a reduced chance of attending the seminars that most interest you.
Procurement Solutions for the Public Sector is your only chance to visit a full range of suppliers and hear the latest on smarter procurement all under one roof.
Professional Security installers vote Bosch ‘No.1 for Customer Care’ as a CCTV manufacturer
Professional security installers voted Bosch Security Systems top for Customer Care among all CCTV manufacturers in the UK. The company won the ‘Premier Award 2003 for Customer Care’ following the annual Professional Security Installer Magazine awards competition, now in its fourth year, which is one of the most prestigious accolades in the industry as all products ate nominated and voted for by professional security installers.
Nomination criteria included ease of installation, reliability, cost effectiveness, efficiency and suitability for its purpose — also for performing above the norm and offering a positive advantage for installers.
Bosch overcame some heavy weight competition in the CCTV manufacturer category to finish as the number one choice of professional installers for CCTV equipment including cameras, recording systems and video management.
Bosch Security Systems UK Managing Director Joe McCann said ‘Customer care is a major part of our offering to installers and customers, and helps differentiate us from other suppliers. We’re delighted to win this award which reinforces our philosophy of combining the best products with the best service. It means our customer services which include a 3 year warranty and swap-out service are recognised as the best in the industry - and the fact that the award is voted for by professional installers themselves gives it extra credibility.” he said.
Progressive view of FM in new study
The second edition of Total Facilities Management, by leading FM experts Adrian Brooks and Brian Atkin, has been published. A more global look at facilities management is introduced in the new edition, as well as a strong focus on customer satisfaction and best value. New chapters appear on Change Management and Workplace Productivity, as well as Innovation, Research and Development. The progressive nature of the industry and the subject matter is reflected by the fact the new book has an increase in pagination of more than 50 pages compared to the original. Published by Blackwell, the first edition was released in 2000. The book is aimed at both practitioners and researchers. Professor Brian Atkin is active in research, education and training in the fields of construction management and facilities management. He is the Director of Swedish national research and development programme, Competitive Building, and serves on other international advisory boards and committees for innovation and research centres and programmes. Adrian Brooks, a chartered quantity surveyor with an MBA from Cass Business School, is a director of Acuity Management Solutions, which has its headquarters in Keele, Staffordshire and offices in London and Cardiff. Adrian, Acuity's Director of Consulting, said: "The success of the first edition encouraged us to update and expand the treatment of the subject and to draw in a broader appreciation of how facilities management is practised in parts of the world other than the UK and North America." Details of the book are available at www.thatconstructionsite.com
Project chosen for jewel in the BT crown
A reputation for outstanding after-sales service, built up over many years, won the Rapide range from Project Office Furniture, its well-deserved place In the new BT Global Services building in Cardiff. The new purpose-built data centre, the first of its kind for BT, has been nominated for the prestigious Building of the Year Award 2004 and Is deservedly considered by the company to be the jewel in its crown. Designed by local architects I-tIM Cardiff, the BT Global Services building houses the BT servers for a number of the world’s most prestigious IT and communications-dependant businesses. As the company offers its customers a choice between managed and self- managed services, BT needed to provide what it describes as an “innovative and stimulating” working environment. It was therefore vital for the furniture to add functionality, without detracting from the feeling of spaciousness and airiness throughout the building. Working in close consultation with the architects and BT project managers, the Rapide engineering platform was chosen for its versatility and ability to deliver a good looking, practical solution, on time and within the budget. The solution was a combination of standard and specially designed Rapide furniture, which incorporated standard elements and shared components. This ensured the cost-effectiveness of the installation and allowed for additional design elements to cater for specific needs. These special designs included, a security pedestal that allows for the secure stowage of laptops when not in use. Web design areas also had their own special requirements. As operators need to use two screens, a standard desk was totally inadequate. So Project developed a workstation that comfortably accommodates two screens, and yet succeeds in retaining the clean lines that are the hallmark of the building. Standard Rapide 120-degree workstations were produced in two styles, both with glazed decorative panels and aluminium-trimmed screens to provide the special “tecky-touch”, so desired by BT Global Services. These screens included toolbars for accessories, while power towers and full cable management systems - fitted to every workstation - provided for the safe and efficient control of both IT and power cables. For those times when staff tjust need to get away’, Project created breakout areas. Using low-level screens, space was created near the work areas, close enough to make a few minutes away from the desk a practical proposition. Customer areas received their own special treatment. These included the Customer Experience Room, which is used for formal presentations, and the Customer Configuration Room that provides a comfortable and practical environment in which customers are able to maintain their own equipment. Steve Goodwin, one of the two BT Project Managers said; Customer Service is at the heart of this facility. Housing everything under one roof has meant that we can provide second-to-none facilities in a relaxing and practical environment.” He continued; “You bet our customers like it, but they are not the only ones. This building is run like a 5-star hotel and staff morale is very high.”
Project creates solution for Royal Mail customer contact centre
Haverhill-based Project has manufactured and installed office furniture for the new 4,000 square metre Royal Mail Customer Contact Centre in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Three floors of the new building have been space planned and furnished by Project with a total of 419 workstations. These feature a wave design that was developed for the Royal Mail from Project’s Primary Options offering, where the light oak worksurface is 1000mm deep at either end and 800mm deep in the middle. Flat screen technology has been adopted throughout the Centre, which has helped to ensure that the staff enjoys the maximum usable worksurface, without increasing each workstation’s footprint. Many of the workstations feature low-level, desk-attached upholstered screens, and incorporate oak personal storage drawer units. Bulk storage is provided in the form of mid and full height light oak units with grey tambour fronts. Cable management is achieved using under-desk cable channels that also conceal electrical sockets. As part of its solution, Project also supplied meeting and training facility furniture, breakout furniture and soft seating throughout the Centre. As a benchmark call centre that is critical to the Royal Mail’s commitment to customer service, Project says that particular attention was paid to achieving the highest ergonomic and comfort standard, along with ensuring full compliance with health and safety legislation. At the same time, the solution offered the Royal Mail the versatility and durability that would ensure that the furniture represents the best overall in-use cost. The new Customer Contact Centre in Stoke-on-Trent is one of the Royal Mail’s ten centres which between them handle up to 48 million customer contacts per year. Project carried out the phased installation over a three-week period as part of its national sole supply contract signed with the Royal Mail in 2001. This is the latest in a growing number of call centre solutions devised and implemented by Project. In fact, such is Project’s call centre expertise, that the company has encapsulated its capability in a piece of call centre-dedicated literature. It is aimed at facilities, premises and estates managers who are about to embark on their first call centre, or are planning to improve an existing facility. Project has an expanding blue-chip customer base that extends across industry, commerce and the public sector, and has showrooms and distribution centres that are strategically located throughout the UK and the Irish Republic. Further details on all of its solutions for the workplace can be found at
Project enhances primary options range
Project Office Furniture has introduced a number of enhancements to its best-selling Primary Options range that have significantly expanded the design, space planning and Layout options that are available to customers. These latest developments are aimed at expanding Primary Options appeal to embrace all levels of management, enabling one range that conforms to both the VDU and ergonomics regulations to cost-effectively satisfy the office furniture needs throughout an organisation. The offering is particularly suitable for small offices within the private sector, local and central government and the utilities.
The increased choice includes an expanded “cockpit” workstation that features flat and curved ends, along with new double-wave workstations that can each accommodate two computers, which should appeal to employees that use a laptop and a PC or those whose work requires more than one screen. Other additions to Primary Options include a new 120-degree workstation that can be linked using new narrow-profile pedestals, along with a shallow-wave workstation that comes into its own where floor space is at a premium and where a tight footprint is essential. A typical application being cited by Project is where a small call centre needs to be set up in an existing office.
Additional scope for creating more informal meeting areas is also now available. In addition to the original 800mm deep workstation extension, Project has introduced a version for 650mm deep desks and workstations. A bridging desk has also been introduced that enables 650mm deep workstations to be formed into a teamwork cluster, and a bridging storage tambour unit has also been added that makes possible the linking of curved-top desks.
Primary Options storage has also been increased to enable it to be incorporated into most spaces, greatly extending planning and design freedom and the ability to make the maximum effective use of the available space. At the same time as announcing these improvements, Project is also promoting the scope for combining Primary Options with its Freespace range, adding extra versatility to an already highly adaptable offering. Curved Freespace tables, touchdown units and docking extension have all been identified as offering the potential for improved interaction and communication. Project has an expanding blue-chip customer base that, in addition to the public sector, extends across industry and commerce. The company has two manufacturing centres in Haverhill, plus showrooms and distribution centres that are strategically located throughout the UK and the Irish Republic and further details on all of its solutions for the workplace can be found at www.project.co.uk
Project enhances Primary Options range
Project Office Furniture has introduced a number of enhancements to its best-selling Primary Options range that have significantly expanded the design, space planning and layout options that are available to customers. These latest developments are aimed at expanding Primary Options appeal to embrace all levels of management, enabling one range that conforms to both the VDU and ergonomics regulations to cost-effectively satisfy the office furniture needs throughout an organisation. The offering is particularly suitable for small offices within the private sector, local and central government and the utilities. The increased choice includes an expanded “cockpit” workstation that features flat and curved ends, along with new double-wave workstations that can each accommodate two computers, which should appeal to employees that use a laptop and a PC or those whose work requires more than one screen. Other additions to Primary Options include a new 120-degree workstation that can be linked using new narrow-profile pedestals, along with a shallow-wave workstation that comes into its own where floor space is at a premium and where a tight footprint is essential. A typical application being cited by Project is where a small call centre needs to be set up in an existing office. Additional scope for creating more informal meeting areas is also now available. In addition to the original 800mm deep workstation extension, Project has introduced a version for 650mm deep desks and workstations. A bridging desk has also been introduced that enables 650mm deep workstations to be formed into a teamwork cluster, and a bridging storage tambour unit has also been added that makes possible the linking of curved-top desks. Primary Options storage has also been increased to enable it to be incorporated into most spaces, greatly extending planning and design freedom and the ability to make the maximum effective use of the available space. At the same time as announcing these improvements, Project is also promoting the scope of combining Primary Options with its Freespace range, adding extra versatility to an already highly adaptable offering. Curved Freespace tables, touchdown units and docking extension have all been identified as offering the potential for improved interaction and communication.
Project Rescue Service offers ‘Mission Impossible’ solutions for office fit-out emergencies
A special service to ‘rescue’ companies who find their fit-out or relocation projects are running into problems has been introduced by Rische Interior Solutions.
The Project Rescue Service is designed to swing into action when work is falling behind schedule or the project has completely ground to a halt. It was born out of requests for last minute assistance and the Project Rescue Service has so far provided just-in-time solutions for property developers, public utilities and private companies.
Once a call comes in, Rische personnel aim to visit the site within 24 hours and give an assessment of the timescale for completion. Once the new timescale has been agreed Rische can have men on site and working the same day.
In a recent ‘rescue’ an office refurbishment was already 3 weeks behind schedule and the contractor was predicting at least another 2 weeks to finish it. The site owner called in Rische which assembled a multi-trades task-force to take over the project and completed the office in just 4 days of round-the-clock working.
Rische managing director Martyn Richards comments: “We have our own teams of salaried employees who undertake the work involved in fit out and relocation projects – including electrical and communications network cabling, reconfiguring air conditioning and joinery. That means we can be more flexible and responsive, and by also using our excellent network of trade contacts, we are able to provide the resources when a deadline just has to be met.
“Some of our blokes jokingly refer to the service as “Mission Impossible” but we are careful to give a realistic assessment and only promise what we can deliver. Some clients just can’t believe the turnaround time – and rush jobs are not something we want to do every day – but when it’s absolutely necessary we’re fortunate to have the people who will do whatever it takes to get the job done.”
PROJECT: chosen for city centre refurbishment
Project: has completed a major refurbishment at the London headquarters of Alexander Forbes, one of the world's foremost independent providers of financial and risk services. Due to the short contract timescale and the central London location, installation of more than 700 workstations was completed outside normal working hours, within three weeks. This was achieved using the Project: Rapide system that was modified to meet Alexander Forbes' particular needs. The Project: installation is spread over seven floors of the Alexander Forbes building and was completed to a brief that called for the creation of a stimulating, modern office environment; one that maximised the effective use of floor space, while meeting the company's sophisticated technology and international communications requirements. With a worldwide workforce of over 6,000 employees, Alexander Forbes is the eighth largest global insurance broker. The solution had to be able to meet the company's changing needs over the coming years; what the company describes as "future proof". The Project: team worked closely with Alexander Forbes' project management consultant, ISG Occupancy. This ensured that the furniture installation schedule was fully integrated with the extensive building work being undertaken at the same time, and that Alexander Forbes' cost constraints were adhered to. The Rapide system was chosen from a number of leading competitors' offerings because it was judged to best meet Alexander Forbes' design brief and budget. It features maple worksurfaces and elegant silver-finish I" frames, with a worksurface depth reduced to meet the floor grid requirements. This also allowed for the incorporation of continuous, steel cable trays along the rear of the linear worksurfaces, in place of the standard Rapide cable baskets. Project: also supplied mobile steel pedestal units for every workstation for staff's personal storage and a total of 650 tambour-fronted storage cupboards. Managers' cellular offices were furnished with rectangular Rapide desks similar to those used throughout the open plan areas. However, they incorporate a mesh modesty panel and a desk-high linked return that also incorporates a steel cable tray. A number of the workstations incorporate height-settable legs. Workstations in the open plan areas incorporate aluminium-trimmed, fabric covered, pinable screens that are fixed to the underside of the worksurface, rather than be desktop mounted. This decision was adopted to achieve an uncluttered appearance and to aid the neat positioning of cables along the rear of the worksurfaces. The use of shared, mid-run legs between workstations was a major factor in keeping costs within Alexander Forbes' budget, while the extensive use of common components satisfied the company's need for a ~future proofed" solution. Deborah Holland, Alexander Forbes' Purchasing Manager said: ~Alexander Forbes exists to create value for its shareholders so, naturally, we looked for value in the new furniture." She continued: "Our business is all about wealth creation, wealth protection and wealth management and we applied these principles to the office furniture. We sought the best solution for today's needs; one that will stand the test of time, and one that will represent the best achievable total lifetime cost." Commenting on the completed interior, Deborah Holland concluded: "With the new Rapide furniture, our London offices have been given a complete makeover. It has improved working conditions one-hundred percent and, as a result, staff morale has rocketed." Project: is one of a number of prominent brands in the UK office furniture market that are manufactured by Haverhill-based Workspace Office Solutions Limited, the others being Arc, Asher, Caplan and Elect.
PROJECT: Research creates exemplar call centres for Nationwide
A painstaking evaluation and research study undertaken by Project: has led to the creation of two state-of-the-art call centres for Nationwide Direct in Swindon and Northampton. Described by Nationwide as exemplar customer contact centres, both provide stimulating and efficient working environments for around 800 staff and superb levels of customer service for the retail financial services company's ten million customers. The remit was to create a bright, attractive working environment where employees would be more closely in touch with one another, while providing sympathetic rest areas for short breaks from work. It also called for the incorporation of facilities for private meetings without detracting from the open and homogeneous feel of the interior. An additional challenge facing the Project: Applications team was to keep the Swindon call centre, which operates around the clock, seven days a week, fully operational during the refurbishment. Prior to making its recommendations, the Project: Applications team embarked on an evaluation of all of the prevailing issues in the current call centres, using a research process known as Project: Insights. This comprised a communications exercise utilising questionnaires to ensure that every Nationwide employee had a clear understanding of Project: was aiming to achieve, followed-up by a series of interviews. Focus groups helped to provide a more detailed collective understanding of the way in which the centres operated and how work was allocated, processed and managed. Project: Applications team members also spent time in the existing call centres analysing working practices, space allocation, shift patterns and operational efficiency. Commenting on the Project: Insights findings, Nationwide's Project Manager, Karen Burns, said: "The research gave us the opportunity to prioritise issues such as noise levels and concerns over breakout areas, and this enabled us - for the first time - to address and rank the most serious matters and, ultimately, to make really creative use of our budget." Initial floor layouts and creative proposals were produced, based on the Insight findings. These recommendations included breakout zones for informal one-to-one exchanges, formal meeting zones that are glass walled to retain the feeling of connection with the call centre, and chill-out zones where call centre staff can briefly "recharge their batteries". Training zones - again glass walled to engender a feeling of integration - and bistro-style café vending areas also formed part of the Project: Applications proposals. The majority of the original desks in the centres were retained in the new scheme. However, the Insights study showed conclusively that they took up an excessive amount of floor space, so around one-in-four were replaced. In addition to freeing up space, this decision helped to ensure that the overall concept could be realised within the Nationwide budget. Another benefit was that creating dedicated printer zones reduced distracting noise, while cutting the number of printers from 30 to six. To present its proposals to various groups within Nationwide, the Project: Applications team produced a series of 3D images and an electronically-generated 3D "walk through" virtual image of the call centre. The work was generally undertaken during lower call volume times and the refurbishment programme ensured that at least two-thirds of the centre was fully operational at all times. Commenting on the completed installation, Karen Burns said: "The implementation was carried out with very little disruption, particularly considering the size of the project and the fact the centre remained in full operation every minute of the day." She continued: "Prior to the refurbishment, Nationwide already had enviably low call centre staff turnover - well below the 16 percent to 20 percent national average - which has certainly been improved by the Project: Applications solution. This is reducing our training costs and boosting team morale and efficiency."
Prolog Systems help Planned Maintenance Engineering keep their competitive edge
Prolog, one of the UK’s market leading providers of Service Management Software, today announced that it has won the contract to supply Planned Maintenance Engineering (PME) with its Metrix 4 Service Management System. PME is implementing the 150-user system on a national basis across 13 branches and 700 engineers and interfacing with Cognito’s GSM Mobile Data Service and the Dream Financial System.
Mike Tomlinson, Projects Director at PME, explained “the awarding of the contract followed a lengthy and challenging selection process, during which Prolog demonstrated a high level of understanding of the complexities involved in providing a fully integrated Service Management and Mobile Data Solution. Prolog consistently demonstrated a professional manner throughout our processes and built our confidence in their ability to meet our needs.”
The PME process judged the potential suppliers on their ability to meet current and future requirements, their costs and the ability to support and implement the solution. This process was concluded by a detailed scripted demonstration of the solution and how it addressed all of the PME business requirements.
The Metrix 4 web enabled Service Management System from Prolog covers field service asset management, planned maintenance, contracts, purchase ordering, customer self service and integration to financial systems. The integration with Cognito’s GSM solution allows structured information to be despatched from Metrix 4 direct to the engineer. The engineer completes a series of forms on screen to return the requested job progress and completion information directly to Metrix 4 in real time.
Mike Tomlinson stated “the prime business goals that we intend to achieve through the acquisition of the new system is to improve service delivery and reduce operating costs, which will combine to facilitate an increase in our client base.”
PME has undertaken the transition to the Prolog Service Management System and Cognito’s Mobile Data Solution as part of a strategic process re-engineering exercise to ensure that PME maintain their competitive edge over their competitors by reducing their overall operating costs with improved communication, improved service delivery, and improved efficiency.
Property Managers To Benefit From Revolutionary Insurance Product
Following excessive demand from property managers for simpler insurance management, Morrison Edwards has developed and launched* a revolutionary product that allows one renewal date for all buildings, 24-hour online access to policies and enhanced commission rates. Pi Property Insurance (a) is the result of months of rigorous research with existing clients and allows property managers to ensure that each and every building for which they are responsible is comprehensively covered under one scheme. Mark Horgan, Property Manager at Morrison Edwards Insurance Brokers said: “Pi Property Insurance (it) has been developed to counteract the major issues faced by property managers. “It offers clients an array of added service points, including wider cover for all eventualities, guaranteed 24-hour quotation turnaround on all properties and the ability to print their own certificates on insurers headed paper. “We firmly believe that this product will become the benchmark for all property insurance schemes.” Morrison Edwards Insurance Brokers has many years of experience in arranging insurances for Property Managers and already arranges cover for over £1 billion worth of Property in this sector. Property managers are invited to visit www.pi-propertyinsurance.co.uk* for more information or to see if they qualify.
Property marketing seminar reveals six golden rules
“Understanding client needs and building long-term partnerships are essential building blocks in developing a strong relationship between property services companies and their clients.” So says Roger Moore, Business Development Director of Dudley Bower Services (Dbs), the technical services arm of construction group, Mowlem.
Roger Moore was speaking at the Construction Marketing conference in the Shaw Park Plaza Hotel on 2 October to an audience of over 100 - construction marketers and specialists.
He outlined six key points in managing client expectations:
Developing a long-term strategy
Understanding the customer’s market position
Understanding the decision-making process
Building the appropriate level of relationship
Strengthening the competitive position
Prioritising and actioning opportunities
Understanding the customer is vital, according to Roger Moore, as only then can suppliers add value to the business. “Asking the simple question ‘what does the customer do to generate profit?’ is so obvious and yet so often forgotten,” says Moore. “Understanding how best to help your client comes from knowing their business and the issues they face”. The customer’s cost drivers, understanding what they are judged on, knowing what stakeholders expect and giving the customer direct support in building their market position, are all areas where good suppliers help their customers deliver.
The good suppliers not only understand these strategic needs at senior management level but promulgate the service requirements throughout their teams. “Understanding the customer at every level doesn’t happen by chance. Training of every member of the team and, if necessary, of sub-contractors, too, is essential to achieving the goal,” concludes Roger Moore.
Roger Moore went on to explain how it is necessary to understand the decision making process and how it varies depending on the type of decision. “For service providers delivering complex services it is vital that there a strong relationships in place — in this way contractors become part of the client’s team.
When implementing a process of key client management it is vital that there is senior management commitment to the process and that the information is communicated to all those involved,” he says. By adopting this approach Roger Moore says that working with clients can be more effectively managed and opportunities developed successfully.
Protect surfaces with Armaclad
Gradus has introduced Armaclad, a new medium duty protection strip for doors and walls available in two heights for maximum flexibility. Manufactured to reduce the impact of scrapes and dirt on surfaces, Armaclad offers the perfect solution for keeping public area facades looking better for longer and helping to reduce costs associated with maintenance and refurbishment. Part of Gradus Inpro range, a collection of wall, corner and door protection products, Armaclad is cost effective and easy to install. Designed with an optional factory applied foam tape, installers simply peel back the tape and adhere to the wall or door quickly and efficiently. The flexibility of the product allows it to function as a rubrail, kickplate or pushplate and makes it the perfect solution for a range of applications including nursing homes, schools, hotels and offices. Furthermore, the new range has been designed to meet a collection of performance classifications for fire, bacterial, chemical and fungal resistance. Manufactured from scratch and stain resistant PVC-u, Armaclad can be combined with other Inpro products to establish superior protection and is available in 20 colours to coordinate with a wide range of interior colour schemes. Furthermore, six of the colour options are Rapid Response colours, a service that enables contractors and specifiers to get hold of all stocked products and colours within 24 hours. Gradus offers customers three interior divisions — Gradus Accessories, Carpets and Fabrics. Designed with wall to floor co-ordination in mind, the Gradus Portfolio concept brings together all three of the divisions helping to co-ordinate products in terms of colour, texture and interior finishes. The overall Gradus offering includes complementary flooring accessories, entrance matting, wall protection and step and aisle lighting systems as well as a comprehensive range of contract carpets and upholstery and soft furnishings.
Protecting against crime from the inside out
One in ten businesses suffer theft by employees
With the cost of crime per business reaching an average of £8,000 per year, companies are pulling out all the stops to secure their premises. But many still risk becoming victims by failing to take precautions against internal crime.
To guard against people gaining access from the outside, alarms and CCTV are now commonplace, but many companies overlook the possibility of crimes being committed by those who already have access to the building.
Recent crime statistics show that 10% of businesses have suffered theft by an employee*. As well as taking measures such as the rigorous checking of references, another way to reduce this risk is by making sure that a uniform, master key locking system is installed throughout the premises.
Dion McAllister, managing director of Mul-T-Lock UK explains: “By making sure that the same, quality locking system is installed throughout a building, not only will this save hassle and expense when fitting new locks, but it will also increase the security of the building from within.”
A master key system allows some users to open all the locks in a building, while other users can open only designated locks. This can be invaluable in large companies where it may be important to restrict access to specific areas of a building, for example stock rooms or rooms where sensitive data is held.
“Companies can easily control who has access to different areas of the building and can even keep track of who has been where and at what times,” said Mr McAllister.
“And if keys go missing, or if staff forget to return them when they leave the company, individual keys can be de-activated. What’s more, with patent-protected systems, only authorised personnel are able to obtain duplicate keys.”
“By making an investment like this in security measures, companies will not only protect themselves from unauthorised intruders, but also from the possibility of crimes committed by those closer to home,” concluded Mr McAllister.
Protecting business-critical assets from fire? Macron has the answer
More and more businesses are becoming dependent on IT and communications, and the realisation is growing that debilitating fire damage to data processing or communication centres could cost the company huge sums in lost revenue, if not herald the demise of the business itself. To meet the challenge that this poses, and particularly in view of the fact that Halon 1301 installations – once the most popular firefighting suppressant for these applications - have now finally been made illegal, Macron Safety Systems is promoting its new fixed fire protection system, Novec 1230.
At the heart of the new system is a new high performance fire extinguishing agent called 3MTM NovecTM 1230 Fire Protection Fluid. Significantly for companies seeking a viable “green” fire suppressant agent, it has a negligible impact on the environment and an insignificant global warming potential - lower than any halocarbon agent acceptable for use in occupied spaces. So Novec 1230 will particularly appeal to companies needing to protect high value or critical business assets or in industries where environmental or toxicological considerations are high on the corporate agenda.
Macron is citing the banking and financial sectors as being among the many key target applications for its Hygood-brand solutions using Novec 1230 fluid. The company is also already making inroads in the on-shore and off-shore oil and gas industries, in the power generation sector and for more specialist applications such as protecting engine test cells, anabolic chambers and within the vehicle manufacturing industry generally.
According to the company’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Andrew Shiner, a number of Halon alternatives are coming under the environmentalists’ microscope and companies forced by legislation to find an alternative to Halon systems are concerned to ensure that the replacement system has long-term acceptability. Novec 1230 fluid, he says, uses sustainable, long-term technology that not only satisfies today’s regulations, it also meets all of those in the foreseeable future.
The extinguishant utilises new technology and has several end user advantages over other Halon alternatives, or extinguishants currently on the market with unacceptably high global warming potential. While it has a slightly larger storage footprint than FM-200 systems, this is nothing like the magnitude of inert gas systems that typically require up to seven times the storage space of FM-200. It also has the lowest level of design concentration - lower than such options as FM-200 and particularly inert gas systems - and the highest safety margin of any viable Halon 1301 alternative.
It also has impressive “environmental footprint” credentials with zero ozone depleting potential and a remarkably low atmospheric lifetime of just five days. This compares with an atmospheric life for Halon 1301 of a staggering 107 years.
Novec 1230 fluid is stored in cylinders as a low vapour pressure fluid that transmutes into a colourless and low odour gas when discharged for total flooding applications. Unlike other fluid fire suppressant agents, it can be used with absolute confidence to suppress fires involving electronic, computing or communications equipment. Typical total flooding applications use between four and six percent by volume of Novec 1230 fluid, which is well below the agent's saturation or condensation level.
When discharged, Novec 1230 fluid does not deplete the oxygen to anything near the level to cause discomfort or danger to the room’s occupants. It is dispersed through natural ventilation, leaving no residue to damage sensitive electronic equipment; it is also non-conductive and non-corrosive.
In addition to Novec 1230, Macron has also recently unveiled a new inert gas system, called Hygood i2, that is proving popular with building occupiers where specifying a zero ozone depleting, non-chemical product is of paramount importance.
The new system utilises an argon/nitrogen mix and is designed for total flooding protection of enclosed spaces such as archives, galleries and museums. It uses a stored high-pressure suppression agent that does not enter into chemical combinations with other elements or compounds so, in common with other clean agents, it does not leave sooty or greasy deposits to damage sensitive electrical or electronic equipment in tape stores and electrical cabinets, control rooms, switchgear enclosures and the like.
Macron is based in Great Yarmouth, and is a leading supplier of fire safety products and systems to the international fire trade and is part of Tyco Safety Products, the world’s largest fire protection group. In addition to its Hygood-brand fixed extinguishing systems, the
company’s current portfolio includes solutions for the professional firefighter, the facilities manager and specifier worldwide where the emphasis is on quality, compliance with international standards and service.
Protecting the plant room
A high specification finish was imperative to protect the critical high/low voltage switchgear contained in the plant rooms of the new seven-storey Abbey National head office in Regents Place, London NWI, as constructed by Skanska for British Land. Ryebrook Resins has been responsible for effectively sealing the areas against any risk of damage from moisture or water leakage, as well as providing a dust-free environment that is resistant to chemical spillages.
Offering nationwide coverage, Ryebrooks’ team of professionally trained resin floor installers has worked in partnership with Tremco Limited for many years. Experts in sealing plant rooms against moisture, Ryebrook has assisted in protecting equipment at Guys Hospital, as well as a number of high profile City establishments including the Guildhall. In addition, Ryebrook has over 30 years of specialist knowledge and experience in the formulation and application of their own branded seamless floor coatings.
Tretodek, a flexible waterproof membrane from Tremco Limited, was laid to 1200m2 of roof plant room area, with a 150mm high skirting being formed to the perimeter walls and concrete plinths. To tank the basement plant rooms, Tremco’s epoxy resin based coating, Drycote 100 was laid, with their Epoxyfloor Smooth being utilised where a smooth, more robust finish was required. The resulting floor is highly durable, offering chemical resistance whilst also promoting a dust-free environment. Further safeguarding the hitech systems housed in the basement, Ryebrook also recommended the added precaution of installing a waterproof membrane layer under the raised pedestal floor at ground level.
Protecting your investment with Johnson Controls
The 11th of September 2001 changed the world in many ways, some of which are only now becoming clear. The attitude of employers and building operators towards security changed immediately and fundamentally, though. No longer was it an issue concerned with the commercial consequences of unauthorised entry – whether of sensitive information or equipment – after this date it became a matter of personal safety and corporate risk management.
While it may not be possible for individual organisations to counter the kind of attack that unfolded just 18 months ago in New York, direct threats from individuals and groups, striking apparently at random, now need to be addressed by everyone with responsibility for security issues. Threats to personal safety have always on the agenda for security managers, but their relative importance has risen sharply since 9/11. The sheer unpredictability of such menaces – their targets, timing and execution – mean that much more effort must be put into planning for the unexpected. This is, of course, on top of more conventional security concerns, such as controlling and managing access to sensitive areas, maintaining site integrity and monitoring activity within buildings. And while expectations have increased dramatically, budgets usually have not. However, advances in computerised control technologies for building operations can now offer the security manager valuable added resources. System security Security systems have traditionally been considered separately from other aspects of building control. This has often been justified by the stricter security protocols that they demanded. Yet modern building management systems (BMS) are capable of incorporating sophisticated internal security safeguards to prevent unauthorised use or tampering. The old days when anyone with the ability to change a temperature set-point could also access every other aspect of the system are long gone. BMS developers will design their products to restrict or admit access to different areas of the network according to the client’s wishes. The vastly increased processing power of modern computer systems means much greater functionality is routinely built into relatively small systems. Augmented capability Using the full range of building management features can significantly enhance the capability of security systems. A comprehensive facilities management package will monitor and record thousands – in large buildings, hundreds of thousands – of separate events. When these are collated, analysed and interpreted, they add up to a continuous picture of virtually everything that is happening there. That can tell security personnel a great deal about who is using the different parts of the building and when. Unauthorised use will immediately become apparent. For example, the building management system can be configured to trigger an alarm if lights are switched on in an area which is supposed to be unoccupied outside office hours. This will alert security staff who can then investigate. In many buildings, occupancy sensing is used to switch on lighting and heating outside normal working periods: once again, this serves as a valuable enhancement of the security system. By integrating security and facilities management systems, a total picture of the life of a building can be generated. A total approach At the same time, it is important to remember that safety and security are only two elements within an overall approach to managing the workplace. Other aspects include control of the indoor environment, structural maintenance, utility management, equipment supply and maintenance, in addition to some which may be specific to the organisation or the location. Which particular combination of systems and capabilities is chosen is very much the choice of the individual company or organisation, according to Johnson Controls’ Director of Protective Systems for the UK, Neil Barron. “Every client has their own goals and business philosophy,” he says. “This means there can be no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to security and building management. The most effective systems are those that dovetail with the client’s chosen operational methods and business goals.” Johnson Controls are the world’s largest provider of FM services. With such a broad range of customers across most continents, they have found that customising systems to the needs of the client provides not only the best service but is also the most cost-effective way of delivering a total facilities management package. “While many of the elements of one package may be similar to many others, the key is to find the combination that works best for a particular organisation,” says Neil Barron. That initial exploratory stage will often involve a security systems assessment that will focus on three key areas: * an evaluation of risk in terms of the facility’s critical assets * a quantification of that risk * a determination of the measures – and their costs – needed to ensure that this risk is kept within acceptable levels A detailed proposal will then be prepared for consideration by the client. “We work with the client to understand exactly what they need – and just as importantly, how they operate and what their goals are” says Barron. “In this way, we can develop a solution that meets their present requirements while allowing for projected changes in business activity over the medium term. Then the FM package can accommodate these changes without any disruption.” Tailored solutions avoid the common problem of a system that appears to do far too much. As Mike Britnell, Johnson Controls’ Director of Security Programmes (Europe) acknowledges: “Too many businesses have vastly over-engineered security and facilities management systems. These will carry out a wide range of tasks and the client then chooses those that are relevant and ignores those that are not. This is not a cost-effective or resource-efficient approach. In addition, it can be confusing to in-house staff who are not familiar with the more exotic ‘enhancements’, not to mention the scope for software conflict in over-complicated suites of applications.” Through the identification of real (existing and anticipated) needs and appropriate system configuration, clients can take advantage of an elegant, streamlined solution to their needs without the complication of extraneous – and largely irrelevant – ‘bells and whistles’. ‘Legacy’ systems Just as these solutions take into account the way the client operates, so they also take into account the existing systems infrastructure. If some of the existing ‘legacy’ systems are still appropriate for their tasks, they can be integrated with any new systems through Johnson Controls’ Metasys? building automation system. Where a new, more robust solution is needed, the company is able to provide its own security solutions. This can provide sophisticated computerised access control, with photo-ID comparison against an employee database. The company’s Cardkey access control systems can be integrated with this to provide significantly enhanced security control. Other technologies can also be brought into an overall security and facilities management strategy. CCTV, perimeter intruder detection, digital video imaging and storage and smart cards can all play their part in an integrated security and facilities management solution, providing the best working environment for employees. The best facilities management solutions should fit the company seamlessly. As Neil Barron puts it: “Our aim is ultimately to be invisible. If the building’s facilities are being operated correctly, staff won’t even know we are there. Everything should run smoothly; the indoor environment should be comfortable, equipment should run correctly and staff should feel safe and secure.” Remote monitoring Indeed, in many instances, people are not aware of Johnson Controls’ presence because their facilities management functions are carried out remotely from one of their remote monitoring centres. At these centres, the company receives data from multiple locations around the clock. It monitors all the information on a continuous basis. Should any problems become apparent, the client’s technical staff can be alerted promptly with full details of the event. In the case of mechanical failure, an engineer can be despatched to the site with full details of the work that needs to be carried out – and the parts to fix it. Whether carried out in-house or remotely, the aim of all facilities management strategies is to provide a safe, secure and comfortable environment for staff to work in. This in turn will lead to a maximisation of productivity. By taking an overall, integrated approach to managing the facility – from environmental control to site security – all these separate functions can be directed towards the single aim of delivering the organisation’s business goals in the most cost-effective manner. JOHNSON CONTROLS – VITAL STATISTCS * A world leader in integrated building management systems, working with many FTSE 250 companies across Europe * 114,000 staff globally. $20.1 billion turnover in 2002 * Fortune 100 company * One stop source of protective systems expertise, services and products * Providing security solutions for more than 50,000 organisations, including many of the world’s blue chip companies. * 118 years experience of building management knowledge with 60 years in security SERVICE OFFERINGS * Access Control * CCTV * Alarm Monitoring & Management * Asset Tagging * Perimeter Intrusion Detection * Photo-ID * Biometric Recognition * Smart Card Solutions * Logical Security for PC Access * Turnstiles, Gates & Barriers * Digital Video Imaging and Storage * Time & Attendance * Strategic Consultancy BUSINESS BENEFITS * Total Integrated Solutions * Improved Lifecycle Value * Reduced Risks and Liabilities * Decreased Operating Costs * Increased Operating Efficiencies * Global Resources backed by local Service Support
Proud about digital
Within 6 months of installing the first digital video recorder at the Proudfoot supermarket in Withernsea the store’s crime rates were virtually eliminated. Now, two years on, the Proudfoot chain is planning to install digital video recorders throughout the other branches. Proudfoot is a supermarket chain of 6 stores, located in the north of England along the East Coast between Scarborough and Barton upon Humber. Drew Fussey, Security Manager, joined Proudfoot stores 3 years ago and is responsible for the security across all stores. His first task on joining the company was to improve the existing security system and reduce the levels of crime and loss suffered. With many years of experience in retail security, it didn’t take long before Fussey developed a new security strategy. He recalls how the CCTV system was ‘antiquated’. However, the managing director was ‘very keen’ on puffing in new equipment and had just installed a new standard time-lapse VCR in the Easifield, Scarborough, store the month Fussey joined Proudfoot.
“I was disappointed about this,” Fussey recalls: “because I felt we would be much better off using a digital recording system. Even though digital was not as prominent as it is now, I still believed it was the best technology for recording CCTV.” However, it took Fussey 12 months to convince the MD that digital video recording was the best way forward. He continues: “I’ve always been interested in technology advances in security systems and there are a lot advantages to digital recording. One of the main benefits from our point of view was that a digital video recorder would enable staff to review recorded video quickly and easily. Whereas in the ‘old days’ with a VCR it was so time consuming to find an incident on a tape that the staff probably would not have bothered. Also, it would eliminate staff having to deal with videocassettes!”
After 12 months and much research into digital video recording systems, Drew Fussey managed to persuade the MD to go digital and when he finally agreed, Fussey specified the OCTAR digital video recorder from Visimetrics. The first OCTAR was installed on the 16- camera system at the Withernsea store and 10 months later, 2 OCTARS were installed on a 20-camera system at the Barton store. Fussey explains: “I went for OCTAR because I felt it was the easiest system to use, especially bearing in mind that it would be used by staff who have no experience of using computers. It is so straightforward I can usually show someone how to use it once and they remember. The archiving system is also easy for people to use.
I’ve virtually never had a problem from any of the staff using OCTAR at either of the two branches where it is currently installed.”
Withernsea local Police commented that the digital recording system has stopped local criminals coming into the store. There is no longer a local problem. However occasionally they get the odd shoplifter from out of town, who is unfamiliar with the system. “When anyone is caught on the CCTV cameras, as long as they can be identified they will be charged with the crime,” adds Fussey. Withernsea town CCTV committee is also looking at upgrading to the digital system due to the success at the Proudfoot store and from reports from other neighbouring towns also successfully using OCTAR.
Within the first 6 months after installing the OCTAR system, shoplifting has been virtually eliminated and since that time the digital recording system is being used to maintain the effectiveness of the store’s security. Within the first month there were four separate arrests thanks to OCTAR. Fussey explains what happened: “When we first installed the OCTAR the local bad lads would come in and do a bit of shoplifting when there was no security around. We’d come back in the next day and spot some items had gone. We have a system of counting certain products to see if they disappear, things that shoplifters tend to like, so we know when something’s gone. If it has, then we review the footage on OCTAR, see the item disappearing and call the Police. They come in and review the recorded footage and as long as they know the person, they will print a copy showing that person shoplifting and confront them about the crime. These four local bad lads admitted their crimes and were charged. These individuals no longer come in to our stores to steal.”
The facility to print a picture recorded on OCTAR is a benefit that Fussey and the staff at Proudfoot use in different ways. “For example,” explains Fussey: “take Mr 89 year old pensioner who’s doing a bit of shoplifting that you don’t really want to involve the police with. However, you do want the staff to be aware of him and keep an eye on him when he comes into the store. We would keep a print of him at the back of the store — to help staff recognise him and stop him in future.”
Although Fussey had to justify the initial outlay to purchase the OCTAR system, it has since proven its value by saving the company time and money. The Newby I JDS branch will be the third store to be fitted with OCTARs on the 20-camera system. Fussey continues: “We are computerised in each branch and the OCTARs are networked together, which is brilliant. It is so easy to pass pictures or recordings of shoplifters to each store — instantly. Visimetrics have constantly upgraded the operating system software and kept me informed as a customer, which helps me to do my job better. When the second system was installed in the Barton store, Visimetrics supplied me with the latest software for the first OCTAR at Withernsea, to ensure that the two OCTARs were compatible for networking. We had a couple of teething problems at the start trying to network them, but Visimetrics’ technical staff came to see us and solved the problem and now it works absolutely fine.”
Both stores are networked to head office, where the company directors can also review footage using OCTAR replay software on any PC. It is proving to be a useful tool in keeping senior management informed, as Fussey continues: “An incident occurred at the Withernsea store, where there had been a large scuffle with a shop manager. This was captured on OCTAR and reviewed at head office shortly afterwards. Later the footage was sent to the other branches across the network to show staff how brilliantly the manager had dealt with the situation.”
At the time when Proudfoot only had one digital recording system in the Withernsea store a team of professional shoplifters were operating around the area. They first appeared at the Barton store and stole around £300 worth of goods. Next they turned up at both the Withernsea and Newby stores. “They seemed to be ‘working’ along the whole of the East Coast.” Recalls Fussey: “It was a big challenge to do something about stopping this gang who were probably doing around £3000-5000 worth of theft a day! Having OCTAR really helped. I was able to send pictures of the gang from shop to shop, to warn staff about them. It would have been almost impossible to do this with an analogue VCR. They were caught eventually.”
Fussey concludes: “The main thing about OCTAR is that it’s so simple to use and that’s what I like about it. I don’t need to sit in the control room reviewing videotape for hours and hours. I couldn’t put a value on the amount of time, but it has saved me a lot of time. Typically I can review footage on OCTAR within 5 to 10 minutes that would probably have taken 4 hours on videotapes. The store managers like it because it is so easy to review footage; they have no fear that it will take hours of their time to look for some incident because it is so quick and easy to use. It is a definite advantage for both security and retail management. Before, video was something that you spent a load of money on, put in a corner and no one ever looked at. OCTAR, however, is put in a corner and never left alone.”
Proven phone system technology adds IP networking
Samsung Telecoms has introduced a range of modular 'enterprise IP solutions' offering phased convergence of voice communications onto IP (Internet protocol) networks at an organisation's own pace. The new OfficeServ is a cost effective yet 'future proof' comms system combining the advanced 'conventional' functionality of existing Samsung keyphone systems with networked IP features, such as hot desking and 'plug-and-play' home or remote working via a broadband Internet connection.
OfficeServ supports the functional modules of Samsung's existing iDCS500 and DCS comms systems as well as a new range of IP system cards. New installations can be configured either as a turnkey converged voice-and-data system, or as a 'semiconverged' system that can be upgraded easily to support IP features, as and when they become part of an organisation's business plan.
Either way, OfficeServ offers a rich set of conventional voice system functions, including integrated voicemail, auto-attendant, DECT (digital enhanced cordless telephony), and a range of computer-telephony integration (CTI) packages.
OfficeServ handles all voice traffic through its own dedicated hardware, circumventing the instability inherent in the current generation of PC-based 'soft switches'. The system prioritises voice traffic over data, so there is no possibility of phone calls being disrupted while waiting, for example, for large email attachments to be downloaded.
OfficeServ's IP capability offers two main benefits. First, remote access to phone calls, voicemail and so forth over an ADSL or cable Internet connection. The system treats a remote worker just like any other extension, with direct routing of incoming calls, access to phone settings, and toll free calls to any other extension on the system. Second, a single network infrastructure is used for voice and data within each site, and it can be managed efficiently from a single point. Support for SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) will enable OfficeServ to add future third-party IP applications.
A new range of smart IP handsets is also available, programmed via Samsung's new EasySet browser-based programming interface. Individual user functions such as voicemail, call forwarding, speed dials and call registration can be programmed simply by clicking the buttons on an image of the handset displayed on a PC.
The capacity of OfficeServ is up to 360 conventional analogue or digital line extensions plus 240 IP extensions, allowing a total of 600 users. Any or all of the 240 IP extensions can be used for remote access, opening up the possibility of highly cost effective 'virtual call centre' implementations using CTI.
Proven ventilation for the hospitality from Vent-Axia
Right now, air quality is a big issue for the hospitality industry, which is facing potential legislation to control smoking in public places - a prospect which many in the industry see as a real threat to their businesses. The nationwide Air Improves Results (AIR) Campaign is actively encouraging the proprietors and managers of pubs, clubs and restaurants to upgrade the ventilation of their premises as the best way to protect their staff and customers from cigarette smoke, and to avoid the prospect of an outright smoking ban. Commercial ventilation market leader Vent-Axia, in close liaison with the hospitality industry, has developed the Intro 600 air input system, designed specifically to ensure much better air quality and healthier working conditions for staff behind the bar. It’s a highly practical answer to the demands implicit in the Health & Safety Executive Approved Code of Practice, drawn-up to protect hospitality staff from the potentially health-damaging effects of passive smoking. Removing cigarette smoke from pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants by means of powered ventilation is, of course, a long-established technique for improving the general air quality in such premises, where retro-fitted wall and window-mounted extract fans are a common feature. However, it has been rather more complicated to provide completely fresh air in problem areas such as the bar itself, where staff serving customers can routinely experience particularly smoky conditions for extended periods. Now, by ducting fresh air from outside the building direct to bar area, the Intro 600 provides a highly practical way to tackle the problem and is purpose-designed for very neat retro-fitting into the complex array of walls, beams, differing ceiling heights and interconnected spaces which characterise so many hospitality premises. The packaged centrifugal fan unit, which fits within the thickness of an exterior wall, is no more obtrusive than a conventional extract fan. Complete with an internal filter (which can be easily accessed for maintenance from inside the building) and an electric heating element (for tempering the incoming air) the Intro 600 delivers air through exceptionally low-profile flat rectangular ducting (featuring all the wiggles and bends you might need and a few more besides) and a further heating element (for winter comfort), to a wall or ceiling-mounted slim-panel diffuser behind or over the bar. At The Disraeli’ in High Wycombe, where bar food is a major attraction, the recently installed Intro 600 system is proving its worth. “The air quality is so much better, both behind the bar and throughout the pub,” says enthusiastic landlord Barrie Butler. “Our customers, non-smokers and smokers alike, really appreciate the improvement, and our bar and food sales are already showing a significant increase. Independently-accredited research also confirms the value of better ventilation. Carried out at ‘The Airport’ public house in Wythenshawe, Manchester under the aegis of the University of Glamorgan Centre for Consultancy and Professional Development, the research measured the staffs exposure to carbon monoxide and tobacco smoke particulates. The results are impressive. Gas and particulate levels in the bar are reduced by over 80%! Dr. Andrew Geens who managed the research said: “It is quite clear from these results that this type of ventilation system can work very effectively to clear the smoke and substantially improve working conditions. William Robinson, from ‘The Airport’ owners Frederic Robinson Limited, said: “We are delighted with this result. Both staff and customers are very pleased with the system and know that it works. Even so, it’s reassuring to see the research. We hope to use this style of system more widely in our estate as we upgrade and refurbish it.” “Publicans, hoteliers and restaurateurs, who are feeling very hard-pressed by the smoking issue, now have access to a well-proven and practical solution,” says Vent-Axia Marketing Manager Richard Hammond. “We’re very pleased to be able to assist the hospitality industry in its quest for improved air quality.”
Providing health and safety advice to companies
Leading property support services company Select Facilities Management is an authority in providing health and safety advice to companies, no matter what their size or business. With many years of business experience Select FM is qualified and has the expertise to provide professional advice on such serious issues. Having experienced many years generations of legislation, Select FM fully understands the changing needs of business and is equally dynamic in its approach to managing corporate disputes. There are two main reasons why companies decide to outsource the health and safety part of their business. Firstly, existing clients see the high standards of health and safety as adding value to their business, in the same way as effective facilities management has done. They understand the benefits including the reduction of cost and risk P5 their business without the need to increase headcount. Secondly, many organisations find it difficult, particularly on a cost basis, to employ their own qualified staff or find the time to deal with complicated health and safety legislation. Select FM builds close relationships with their clients, making the outsourcing of safety services much easier. Clients need to trust suppliers of safety services and Select is successful in building that trust. One of the many benefits of outsourcing is taking away the pressure that legal action can bring on the company and the individual involved. Paul Bullows, Health & Safety Manager at Select FM comments, “As well as damaging your company image, the person who is directly involved is liable to prosecution, which if successful, may result in a personal criminal record.” Mr Bullows continues, “There are many benefits of outsourcing health and safety services. By outsourcing this part of your business to Select you can concentrate your efforts on core business, freeing managers to carry out the work they are competent to do and therefore reducing costs. “Outsourcing to health and safety experts not only reduces the risk of prosecution and civil claims for damages in a cost effective way, but also removes the need to employ full time safety staff. Outsourcing allows for an independent and therefore more credible monitoring of safety performance and accurate auditing, benchmarking and review at single and multi-site operations. It also ensures continual improvement, which is so necessary in maintaining best practices in safety management” To ensure that Select FM adheres to current legislation, the health and safety service is managed and monitored by qualified and competent staff, who attend regular training courses and maintain CPD (Continuous Professional Development) standards which are pre-requisite to maintaining corporate membership of professional bodies and authorities. Select FM can advise and assist any company to put in place a robust safety management system; improve safety culture, identify hazards, assess, quantify and reduce the risks open to the business, enhance existing safety systems already in place, comply with legal requirements, reduce loss causing events and overall reduce costs.
PSSZ-2 Miniature Interface units
Tapeswitch have recently launched the PSSZ-2 miniature DIN-rail interface unit for safety mats, sensing edges and other ribbon-switch sensors. The PSSZ-2 is remarkable because of its small size. The unit has category 3 fail-safe monitoring but is similar in size to a DIN-rail terminal.
These interface units monitor the safety sensor by using a single two-wire lead, which reduces the complexity of the installation and is often the most practical solution. In fact in some four-wire applications it would be impractical or impossible to have leads fitted at each end of the sensor.
The PSSZ-2 has solid-state volt-free outputs which means that it is compatible with virtually any interface, including the input modules of bus systems such as AS-i. It also has an LED function, illuminating red or green, prominently displaying the sensor’s status.
Suitable applications for this product range from car park barriers, automatic gates and roller-shutter doors to general safety functions in manufacturing industry.
Public Sector suppliers take note of new changes in legislation
Recent changes in legislation from Central Government now require suppliers to Public Sector Authorities to undergo accreditation.
Exor Management Services, the leading Accreditation Body in the UK, providing Supplier and Contractor Accreditation Services to Public Sector Authorities (PSAs), urges contractors and suppliers selling into Central Government and the Public Sector to seek accreditation ahead of the new 2005 e-Government initiatives.
Recent initiatives and Central Government regulations have put into place additional controls to scrutinise how Public Sector Authorities (PSAs) select suppliers to provide products and services. This increased scrutiny applies to all businesses that currently work, or wish to work within, the Government Sector. This has led to a far more extensive and thorough set of procedures to be followed by Procurement Officers in checking the background and quality of the suppliers that they choose to work with. These checks or "accreditation standards" should be applied to all suppliers, whether existing suppliers or new. Exor Management Services is an established Accreditation Body providing Supplier and Contractor Accreditation Services for more than 10% of Public Sector Authorities (PSAs) in the UK. Exor is the only Accreditation Body providing a world-class capability across all categories of public spending and all types of supplier, from Sole Traders through to FTSE 100 Companies.
Marc Wood, CEO of Exor Management Services explains: "In the past companies seeking to work in the Government sector faced an uphill battle to be able to be considered for Government Contracts.
Recently introduced initiatives such as Best Value and the Local Government
Online Programme seek to make it easier for companies to work with Government and to make the selection process far more transparent and to seek to establish standards and processes understandable by all businesses from the self employed to the multinational company. Exor Management Services is helping to speed the process of establishing this environment."
The 'Accreditation Service' provided by Exor Management is fast becoming recognised as the 'preferred' standard and to date 45 Local Authorities across the UK have asked Exor to provide that much needed audit for supplier contracts, with more waiting to subscribe to the service.
Who should be accredited?
New Suppliers to the Government - Public Sector Authorities (PSAs) such as Local Government Authorities, Housing Associations and Police Forces represent a huge potential market for businesses of all kinds. This is a very predictable and secure yet very difficult market to break into. Once established as a supplier to the Government market, you will become part of an industry, which spends over £50 billion every year with businesses of all kinds. By becoming EXOR accredited you will significantly increase your chance of being considered for new business by our Public Sector Clients. Existing Suppliers to the Government - For those businesses that already work for the Local Government these new policies and procedures will apply equally, however, typically most authorities will select companies that are already proven and have also passed the necessary level of accreditation. The benefits of becoming an Exor Accredited Supplier:
To dramatically reduce administration cost and time in applying for tenders and bids to PSAs that are clients of Exor, by removing the pre-qualification section of tenders.
Accredited Exor suppliers are able to apply for inclusion in any of Exor's 30 plus clients' databases, enabling suppliers to gain more business. Each Exor database has a limited number of places for each category therefore increasing the likelihood of being awarded tenders or projects.
Pure water benefits from new stand-alone units
The innovative Norwegian PURE Water Company, delivering the benefits of filtered, chilled drinking water drawn from the mains supply, to locations where a centrally installed system would not be practical, has recently added stylish new independent units to their range. The new units were launched at FM Expo 2002, Earls Court, 22-24 October.
The Super 10 incorporates all the features of the original PURE Water concept - sophisticated triple purification and UV filter, plus cooling to a refreshing 4°-7°C and carbonation to provide the option of still or lightly sparkling water.
The compact unit is installed under a convenient counter top, and supplies are drawn from sleek cobra-style dispensers, either directly into cups or glasses, or into PURE Water’s distinctive designer bottles for executive restaurant or boardroom use.
The PURE SA is strikingly modern counter top dispenser unit which uses similar purification and UV filter technology, suitable for coffee points and break-out areas where still or sparkling water will be consumed right away. This unit also incorporates a supply of filtered water at ambient temperature.
Components can be installed either in a convenient cupboard below, or in an optional floor standing support unit. The PURE Super SA is ideal as part of a programme to enhance employee benefits, and is a logical upgrade from cumbersome bottled water coolers.
According to the PURE Water Company’s Lorna Lockhart, the free provision of fresh-tasting water, chilled to an ideal temperature for drinking, has been proved to boost staff morale and office productivity.
“Medical advice suggests we should drink at least two litres of water every day,” she adds.
“By ensuring that staff can drink plenty of water, employers can not only cut other catering costs, but help reduce absenteeism through sickness and fatigue. These new PURE Water stand-alone units make this possible in a much wider variety of locations.”
Pure Water clients include major banks and law firms, commercial companies and public bodies, conference centres and many leading restaurants.
Put safety first with integrated site management, says Transmitton
In this safety-conscious world, systems that can control and monitor sites like large factories, airports or railway stations are increasingly in demand. Which is why infrastructure software control company Transmitton believes its latest concept, a state-of-the-art Integrated Safety Management (ISM) system, heralds the way forward for large organisations seeking to manage risk. Current stringent safety regulations have made owners of industrial and commercial sites more aware of the need for incident management and the efficient operation of safety equipment. The public also expects there to be an effective safety system in place to meet any demand, from fire detection to explosive threats and toxic releases. Site managers need access to information on a real-time basis and events logged to provide historical incident information, all leading to minimise personal and commercial risk. But instead of being specifically designed for use as an integrated facility, safety command centres often simply evolve and tend to be limited in capability because single function systems are used to monitor specific hard-wired protection devices, such as fire panels. ISM, on the other hand, is an open fault tolerant distributed system, which is modular and simple to use with flexible, mixed communications. Proprietary sub-systems for fire security and voice alarm can be combined with inputs from more site specific, but equally critical, sources such as detecting toxic release, or monitoring lifts, to provide one unified system. It is also designed for a long field life with a clear development upgrade path. Operator workstations offer user-friendly data presentation for safety management staff - altogether a complete, ergonomically-sound solution for safety management at the low cost of lifetime ownership. A major UK pharmaceutical company has installed Transmitton’s ISM for over 3,000 points monitoring fire hazard and security alarms, logged centrally and displayed on a site map with building layout graphics. The system is fully redundant and has a hot-standby server, located in the standby command centre. Operations are supported by on-line access to emergency procedures and alarm-linked displays. The system also monitors the status of the safety equipment, including sprinkler systems and critical pumps. Transmitlon Business Development Manager Ron Foster says: “The site is anticipating significant change in the near future and ISM will assist the move towards a technically innovative future with safety, which is very much the way forward for developing organisations.” At the heart of ISM is the proven Cromos suite of real-time control software, which allows operations staff to monitor and manage site security through the multiheaded workstations. Benefits include upgradable sub-systems with the minimum of re-engineering and re-configuration costs; easy diagnosis and repair of sub-system problems almost independently of the command centre operation; site safety functions designed to continue in the unlikely event of a total computer system failure; a modular design making ISM understandable and engaging to use.
Putting a shine on the cleaning business
A manual of cleaning procedures, based on best practice, written and tested by Sodexho in Scotland, is being hailed as the definitive work on the subject.
“We need to look at cleaning differently,” said May Stark one of the authors of the new manual. “It needs to be seen as a professional discipline if we are ever to get away from the stigma associated with cleaning jobs.”
Mrs Stark Business Development Manager for Support Services with Sodexho in Scotland, had already written and produced several parts of the manual to help staff responsible for Sodexho’s £9 m of Scottish cleaning contracts.
“However, we began winning contracts which involved us employing the existing staff under TUPE regulations,” said Mrs Stark, “and there was obviously a need to standardise things.” She teamed up with colleagues Maureen Irvine, General Services Manager for Sodexho in Scotland and chair of the Scottish branch of the British Institute of Cleaning Sciences, as well as Karen Peacock the Operations Manager for Cleaning.
The end result was the manual - Cleaning Matters which sets performance standards and lays down procedures for all cleaning jobs. “Everything has been tried and tested, then refined and turned into best practice,” said Mrs Stark. “This means our staff can go from one contract to another with confidence and be doing exactly the same things.”
Added Mrs Stark: “The manual has now been tested over several months - and the feedback from cleaning staff has been wonderful. It has helped them achieve a high degree of professionalism as well as giving them more confidence in what they are doing.”
The manual was rolled out earlier this year by Sodexho’s Training Manager Denise Coulter at a conference in East Kilbride aimed at cleaning and support services managers and supervisors. Part of the conference involved team challenges, using extracts from the manual. The result was the team comprising dusters beat the polishers team and the buffers knocked spots off the scrubbers.
In Scotland Sodexho now has 43 assessors trained for the BICS qualification and every employee must go though part one of the certification. “The manual takes supervisors from initial recruitment, though mobilisation, and then the operation of individual aspects of contracts,” said Mrs Stark. “It’s been described as being like a road map for cleaners. I know of no other cleaning company with such a detailed manual and we believe it is the definitive work on the subject.”
Putting Land Registry in the picture
Land Registry is moving into the media-age, thanks to state-of-the-art audio-visual technology supplied by Saville Audio Visual. The government body, which guarantees the title to, and records the ownership of interests in registered land in England and Wales, is now using high resolution, large-screen presentation systems designed by Saville, the Audio Visual Company of The Year.
Following government procurement guidelines, Saville ShowStar multimedia systems have been installed at a number of Land Registry offices around the UK. ShowStar is a self-contained ‘media wall’ unit, operated from a high-tech, touch-screen hand control. In addition, a wireless RF mouse and keyboard can be used, allowing the presenter to move freely around the room. Manufactured and finished in high quality wood veneers at the company’s own factory, the units were fitted initially at Coventry and Telford prior to being purchased by other offices. Most include built-in videoconferencing.
Two installations have been completed at Nottingham East Land Registry. Facilities Manager Mick Barreft said: ‘The systems give us great flexibility when we’re presenting to both internal and external customers. As a government agency, we’re moving on a 10-year plan towards total registration and e-conveyancing and in dealings with lawyers and lending institutions; we need to be as professional as we can. The use of state-of-the-art presentation technology helps us to achieve this and it raises the profile of the Land Registry’.
Incorporating internal display of information from computers, video, the Internet or live videoconferencing, the result is bright, high-resolution images and an audio system that switches automatically according to the source material being used. An electronic visualiser on a matching lectern enables documents, maps, plans and other printed matter (as well as acetates) to be displayed through the projector - or in some locations on a large digital plasma screen.
The integral videoconferencing facility allows calls to be made via ISDN or through the Land Registry’s own telecommunications network via IP, greatly reducing the cost of conferencing between sites.
With all of the components fully integrated, images from the PC or visualiser can easily be shared during a videoconference meeting. It is also possible to host a multi-site conference without the need to use an external bureau, which could be expensive and compromising to security.
Saville Technical Manager, Cohn Etchells said: ‘A major benefit of the system is that it is powerful yet very simple to understand and to use. When itÕs not in use, the retractable doors slide out of the unit and close flat to create an attractive piece of furniture’.
With custom modifications and alternative veneers, the package has been used as a model for other corporate and public sector contracts, including HSBC Bank, Galhiford Construction, teaching hospitals and City Learning Centres.
QCom grows through Blazepoint acquisition
High-tech maintenance specialist QCom has extended its range of services following the acquisition of Blazepoint plc’s office equipment support service. The acquisition has seen Birmingham-based QCom take on Blazepoint’s current service maintenance contracts for office printers and become an Authorised Service Provider for the next three years. Blazepoint originally supplied office printers but has now developed into a leading supplier of rugged military printers, ticket printers and bar code printers. The sale of its office equipment maintenance service division follows this shift in company focus. The company has also welcomed two new engineers as part of the deal - Graham Shults and Mark Bradley. Graham is in charge of technical support and the integration of Blazepoint’s contracts into QCom, while Mark provides support in central London. QCom managing director Neil Anderson said: “With our nationwide network of highly skilled engineers, this acquisition was a perfect fit for QCom. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to expand our business by providing a dedicated office equipment maintenance service fat’ Blazepoint’s former customers. “We particularly welcome Graham and Mark to Q Coin and feel sure that their expertise will help us drive the business forward in this vital area.”
Quartz gets the ‘Royal’ seal of approval
Amber 230 fan coil units from Quartz, the market leader in fan coil unit design, manufacture and supply, are proving to be a sound investment for the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) at their new extension at Brindley Place, Birmingham. Situated at the heart of the thriving Brindley Place development, the new RBS premises will be one of four linked buildings designed provide the bank with a non-customer facing campus of approximately 40,000m2. Fitted out to ‘Grade A’ office space standard by specialist contractor Interior, occupant comfort at the building as well as operational cost savings, were the prime considerations for m&e contractor Shepherd Engineering Services when specifying for the four-pipe air conditioning system. ‘We wanted a fan coil unit that could provide optimum performance combined with excellent reliability in a cost-effective package,” says Andy Burgess of Shepherd Engineering Services. “Quartz Amber units had performed well on the original project, so it made sense to use them in the extension.” With an impressive central glazed atrium, 6 Brindley Place now has 94,000ft2 of mainly open plan office space laid out over seven floors. The four-pipe air conditioning system provides heating and cooling on all floors, with the horizontal Quartz Amber units installed in the ceiling voids of the new extension and throughout the building. The Amber series provides discreet and effective climate control to ensure that occupants enjoy a comfortable and productive working environment at all times. The Amber Series of waterside fan coils has been developed by Quartz following an extensive customer based research and development programme. The series offers a quiet, low maintenance and low energy air conditioning solution that is ideal for commercial environments. A newly designed filter has been developed to reduce airflow by 80% - the result being that filter service intervals are six times longer than comparative products. In addition, the highly efficient and compact, external rotor motor fans, combined with the ‘free flow’ stainless steel drain pan deliver excellent build quality, low maintenance and cost effectiveness. The Amber series is part of Quartz’s comprehensive fan coil unit range. These include the Diamor 230 mm airside, Amethyst 170mm waterside and Sapphire 270mm waterside units designed to suit wide variety of commercial air-conditioning applications and manufactured to the highest design and build quality standards. Units can also be tailor-made at the company’s Dudley plant to suit special project requirements.
Quick, quality Healthcare solution
The residents of Mawsley, Broughton and Cransley no longer have to travel into Kettering to visit their local GP, thanks to the opening of a new surgery provided by Portakabin. As construction of the three commuter villages continues to progress at a rapid pace, the need for a dedicated health practice became more urgent.
Angene Kane, practice manager, explains: 'around 20 houses a month are being built in Mawsley alone, with an average of 60 people moving into the village every few weeks. As the number of people continued to increase so quickly it became clear that we needed to get a surgery in place fast.
'A permanent building isn't due to be completed until February 2006, So we needed a high quality building for the interim period that could be up and running in a very short space of time.
'kettering NHS Trust recommended Portakabin to us as it is the only company they have found that is able to meet all the NHS' specifications for healthcare buildings in such a short space of time.
'within two weeks of the plans being finalised, Portakabin had constructed a 235m2 building, which includes two consulting rooms, a treatment room, a dispensary, customer and staff toilets, two general offices, a staff room and a waiting room.
'we are the only surgery in the Kettering NHS Trust area to have a dispensary and to get permission to have one we had to show that it would be fully secure. Portakabin was able to supply all the necessary measures for us to achieve this, such as a steel plated door and hatch.'
Angene continued: 'we are also very impressed with the acoustics of the building as it is extremely important in a doctor's surgery that patients feel they can talk in confidence in the consulting rooms without worrying they can be overheard.
'when we began the process, we had a shortlist of three suppliers who we met with to discuss plans, layout and timescale. It was very important to us that the company supplying the building was highly reputable and had a good track record in providing buildings to the healthcare sector.
'after visiting Portakabin's Peterborough Hire Centre and looking round a selection of the buildings the company has provided to other healthcare organisations, we felt that Portakabin was able to provide the best building and service in terms of quality and time scale.
'the team, headed up by Alan Paige, Portakabin's Regional Hire Manager, worked with myself and Dr Oliver, the practice's GP, to design a building that meets all of the necessary specifications.
'the service we have received from Portakabin has been second-to-none right down to the delivery of the modules. We were concerned that this would be disruptive for residents of the village, but Portakabin timed each delivery to make sure no inconvenience was caused to anyone.
'I would have no hesitation in procuring another Portakabin building or recommending them to others. Staff and patients alike are very pleased with the new surgery and I think we'll all be quite sorry to see it go when the time comes to move into the new building!'
Quiet and efficient electric vehicle proves ideal for caravan park
Islawrffordd Caravan Park, the family run luxury caravan park situated on the coast of North Wales between Barmouth and Harlech, has recently purchased a bespoke electric powered vehicle for general duties around the park. The new vehicle, a Cushman Diabline manufactured and supplied by Suffolk-based Ransomes Jacobsen, is being used primarily for early morning refuse collection around the complex. Traditionally, refuse was collected using a van or tractor with a trailer attached and this obviously created a noise issue as collections begin at 7.30am. The new vehicle is ultra-quiet and highly efficient as well as being environmentally friendly at the point of use. Commenting recently when Nigel Mansell officially opened the complex following a £500,000 refurbishment, Dylan Evans, a director of Islawrffordd Caravan Park said, "The park has been in the family for the past 52 years and we have always been aware of the special environment in the Snowdonia National Park in which we are situated. Our policy is to protect this environment at all times, wherever practicable, and some year's ago we purchased a small electric utility vehicle for general duties around the site. This demonstrated that we could use battery powered vehicle efficiently, but we realised we needed something bigger. "Last year, while visiting the Saltex Show at Windsor, I came across the Diabline on the Ransomes Jacobsen stand and made an enquiry. This was promptly followed up with a demonstration and it proved to meet our requirements exactly. We've had it painted in our corporate livery and it is doing an excellent job for us. "For years our regular customers have been aware of our early morning collections, but now most of them, apart from the early risers, are totally unaware that the collections have taken place." Islawrffordd Caravan Park is one of the few parks in the area that adjoins, and has private access to, the miles of safe and spectacular beaches that stretch along the North Wales coastline. The park itself consists of 216 holiday caravans set within 12 acres of level ground. There is a swimming pool on-site and it also has a slipway for small boats and other watercraft which is available to caravan owners. For those with an interest in fishing, this can be done directly from the beach or on daily fishing trips from Barmouth.
RAC 2003 — Not just an exhibition
Stand bookings for RAC 2003 continue in a steady stream with a number of new players and several returning absentees from RAC 2001 on the stand plan, which already has over 100 exhibiting companies occupying 4,500m2 of allocated space. This confirms the show’s pre-eminent status as the longest running in the UK commercial refrigeration sector and the only truly national air conditioning event.
The encouraging level of support for the show - still more than 6 months away - is evidence enough that both the Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Exhibition remains a central plank of both sectors’ promotional programmes. But “exhibition” is perhaps, no longer an apt description for this biennial spectacular.
Since its move to the NEC in 1995, the event has progressively developed into a broadly based business building environment that offers many spin off attractions and networking opportunities to both exhibitors and visitors alike.
Exhibitors for example, can look forward to numerous FREE ‘add ons’, such as unlimited personalised visitor invitations, coaches for customers, free parking, £6 parking vouchers and a serviced hospitality lounge for their selected VIP visitors, they also receive exposure on the RAC show website with links to their own sites and inclusion in the product locator, route planner and catalogue, given FREE to all visitors on arrival.
Further benefits include direct mail and sponsorship opportunities, a champagne breakfast on the first morning, press coverage in a wide range of publications and access (for the first time at RAC 2003) to the DTI sponsored mission of key middle eastern buyers and specifiers.
No other pertinent UK trade show can lay claim to better exhibitor value, particularly at an all in price of £161m2 for floor space and £182m2 including shell scheme.
Visitors meanwhile, can enjoy a FREE seminar programme consisting of 9 hard-hitting sessions featuring the hottest topics of the day — no mere product presentations these! Pre-registration and a comprehensive visitor pack, complete with catalogue and a unique CR ROM (valued at £2,000 plus) incorporating a special application engineering suite with refrigeration and air conditioning load calculations as well as many other programmes, also enhance the value of visiting the industry’s premier event.
RAC 2003 is designed to realise the objectives of exhibitors and visitors alike and has gone from strength to strength since its re-launch with the 1995 event - but then the RAC show is so much more than just an exhibition.
RAC 2003 to be the most end user friendly UK refrigeration & air conditioning show to date
Bookings for stand space at RAC 2003, the UK’s only national refrigeration and air conditioning exhibition, continue at a steady rate and allocated floor space now exceeds 75%. As well as first time UK based exhibitors Pastorfrigor, Bacharach Europe, Bond Group, Euro Controls, The Air Conditioning Company, Unico Systems, Wechillit, Axflow and Cognito, new entrants from overseas includes companies from France, Germany, Netherlands, USA and Republic of Ireland. The show also sees the welcome return of RAC 2001 absentees, Dean & Wood, J & E Hall and Goedhart and a further dozen or so well known names in both refrigeration and air conditioning are close to signing contracts.
As in previous years, the exhibition will be a broadly based showcase of commercial and industrial equipment. RAC 2003 however, will be different in that it promises to be the most end user friendly of its type to date. The recent extension of the Climate Change Levy 100% Enhanced Capital Allowance tax rebates to cover heat pump air conditioning systems, refrigerated cabinets, evaporative condensers, refrigerated controls and compressors will enable 50% or more exhibitors to promote these tax deductible products and others direct to commercial end users. RAC 2003 therefore, will offer visitors from the hotel and catering, supermarket, leisure, food and drink and general retail sectors an unrivalled opportunity to take steps to reduce their annual electricity bills by almost 15%!
This new and compelling end user attraction of course, merely represents an addition, albeit an important one, to the numerous trade visitor benefits traditionally on offer. Free seminars for instance — always well attended and growing in stature and topicality with each show. Also, the unique CD-ROM, complete with a wealth of refrigeration and air conditioning engineering application programmes and product selectors — available free to all visitors and generally considered to be worth over £2,000.
Sounds too good to be true doesn’t it? Then let the independent research figures tell the story. Over 90% of visitors to RAC 2001 indicated their intention to return in 2003, almost 60% of those attending admitted to visiting no other show and more than 70% occupy a key role in specifying and/or purchasing. The Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Exhibition as a whole clearly delivers the goods - RAC 2003 will deliver even more of them!
Racecourse finds the going dry thanks to Tremco
Refurbishing the betting halls at one of the southwest’s best known racecourses presented a flooring contractor with an unusual substrate on which to lay a sheet floor covering, and the company concerned had no hesitation in turning to Tremco’s Treadfast range to help overcome the practical problems.
The work at Newton Abbot Racecourse was undertaken by Torbay based Classic Floors and saw the contractor having to prepare mote than 1,000 square metres of old concrete paving which had been installed as the original flooring to the building, without any form of damp proof membrane underneath.
Accordingly, Brian Palk, Managing Director of Classic Floors, chose to specify Tremco Treadfast ES 3000 fluid applied membrane in combination with Arditex underlayment to level and waterproof the slabs. Not only has the specification formed a very effective barrier against damp, but the high quality linoleum, bonded down using Treadfast 141 adhesive, presents such a smooth appearance that observers would assume it covered a screeded or power floated slab.
Brian Palk comments: ‘Although the old slabs which had been down for many years were fairly clean, we abraised the surface to give a good key. Damp within such a surface was, inevitably, a real concern. We therefore specified Tremco’s Treadfast ES 3000, having used it successfully on several jobs in the past.
“A three millimetre layer of Arditex was followed by two coats of Treadfast ES 3000, and another four millimetres of Arditex gave us a pretty good surface to lay on. The end result now looks very attractive.”
Treadfast ES 3000 is a two-part epoxy damp proof membrane widely specified for sealing residual moisture in all types of concrete and screeds. A two coat treatment, as applied in the case of the Newton Abbot Racecourse betting halls, is effective on substrates with indicated RH readings of up to 97%.
Rackline Wins The Case For Storage
As one of the UK’s leading business lawyers for all corporate, commercial and business legal services in the UK and Europe, Eversheds generates enormous amounts of paper-based documents. Efficient storage and rapid retrieval of these files and documents is therefore top of the agenda, to ensure the most time-and-cost-effective use of both employees time and office space. Couple this with the requirement for extensive archiving and the whole process becomes particularly complex. Based in Bermondsey, the Eversheds London archive holds more than 330,000 folders, containing legal paperwork and other correspondence. Although there is no need to access all the documents on a daily basis, the folders must be easily reached, as over two hundred files must be referred to every day. Both manual and automatic mobile shelving systems have been installed by Rackline, specialists in storage solutions, providing high density storage for different sized archive boxes. Facilities systems manager, Chris Ledger, said, “The Rackline system had clear benefits over the others we considered as the bespoke design meant it could take four boxes of one size and five of another on each shelf – thus increasing capacity. Because there was more room between each box, access was easier and Health and Safety requirements were fully met.” Multitrak, and the automatic version Powertrak, is designed for carriages up to 15 metres long and with loads of up to 20 tonnes per carriage. A powerful guidance and drive system ensures each carriage remains perfectly aligned on the tracks. Nick Marchuk, Rackline’s national sales manager, said, “We have done lots of work for Eversheds, in their offices all over the country, and it is a testament to the quality and versatility of our installations that we were invited to tender once again.” Rackline is the leading manufacturer of mobile storage systems in Europe with an expanding portfolio of clients and 15,000 installations in a wide variety of sectors including architects, financial organisations, legal firms and the public sector.
Radar - the first mousetrap to kill humanely
Scientists at Rentokil Pest Control have invented RADAR, a mousetrap for the 21st Century tat kills mice humanely using carbon dioxide. •The newly patented rodent detection system ensures that trapped mice die in seconds; it also alerts pest control technicians that a rodent has been caught. •By capturing the mouse, RADAR assists in preventing the spread of diseases carried by rodents, such as Salmonella. Effective pest control also stops possible damage caused by gnawing; fires can be started by mice chewing through electric wires. RADAR works by playing on the natural curiosity of mice.’ An unsuspecting mouse is tempted to investigate a 30cm long dark tunnel. Once halfway along the tunnel it steps on an activation pad that triggers the battery operated unit to close its doors. The mouse is now trapped in the tunnel and a small, but fatal dose of carbon dioxide is released into the chamber. The rodent will lose consciousness in a matter of seconds and will die in under a minute. An indicator light is illuminated to show that a mouse has been caught and a pest control technician can then be called in to reset the trap. RADAR will be a boon to food processing and pharmaceutical companies who now have an alternative to laying down rodenticide. Companies seeking a way to prevent mice nibbling through cables and paralysing their computer networks will also welcome this new development.
Radford Launch 'High-tech' Turnstile Entrance Control Solutions for the Corporate and Leisure Market
The stylish new Elite range of turnstiles are motorised for higher throughput, near silent in operation and enable automatic free passage in emergency situations
Radford, a leading supplier of entrance control solutions, has announced the launch of their latest innovation in turnstile design: the two-armed Elite. Designed specifically for public admission and corporate entrance control environments, the Elite turnstile offers unique safety and permission-access features.
The Elite's motor drive system enables up to 25 percent more pedestrian throughput than traditional turnstiles. A unique, photocell 'eye' senses the approach of a person and automatically starts rotating the turnstile. Special software allows the speed of rotation to be adjusted to match the user's pace. In addition, the Elite's near silent operation makes it an ideal solution for any busy public access environment, including office complexes, museums and arts centres, or busy convention centres.
The Elite can be deployed by virtually any access control system, and when used with contact-less proximity readers, its motor drive and photocell activation allows for 'hands free' operation. This enables the free passage of authorised users without the need to push the turnstile arms – a great advantage for people carrying luggage such as briefcases or laptop bags.
The Elite’s innovative two-arm technology enables the turnstile to offer free and unhindered exit in an emergency situation. If the Elite is connected directly to a fire alarm system, the arms will automatically rotate into the 'open' position on alarm activation.
Paul Jackson, Sales Manager for Export, Leisure & Security at Radford comments;
"By combining our bespoke design skills with a proven and innovative two-arm mechanism, we’ve created a turnstile that not only looks good but excels functionally. Throughput and safety are key and the new Elite delivers both with style.”
Designed to provide superlative indoor admission and entrance control, the Elite turnstile also features low energy consumption and a virtually maintenance-free mechanism. It has been designed to reduce the number of barriers and readers traditionally required for environments that experience high volumes of pedestrian traffic. These figures significantly reduce the overall space requirements, installation investment and on-going operational costs required for the system.
Radisson SAS hotel achieves 70% energy savings on air handling units
The 4 star deluxe Radisson SAS Hotel Manchester Airport has set itself the target of achieving 5% reductions in energy and water usage year-on-year. As a first step toward this target, Tim Biss, the hotel’s Chief Engineer, looked at the air conditioning systems which represent a major part of the hotel’s energy consumption and how the energy usage of the air handling units (AHUs) and constant temperature (CT) pumps could be reduced by variable speed control of the fans and pumps.
The building, containing 31 function suites and 360 bedrooms, is controlled as a number of zones including the east and west wings, the kitchen, restaurant, public areas and the ballroom, as the major elements of the system. The whole building environment is controlled by an IMServ Europe BAS 2800+ building energy management system (BEMS)
IMServ Europe, formerly Satchwell and now part of the Invensys Group, have an ongoing Support and Energy Partnership with Radisson, as part of which they hold regular energy management meetings. IMServ called upon Danfoss, with whom they work regularly, to conduct a survey of the hotel’s climate control system and advise on the retro-fitting of variable speed controls to the AHUs and pumps.
The east and west wings of the hotel are served by AHUs 4 & 8, each comprising an 11kW forced draught fan and a 7.5kW extract fan, running on average 20 hours per day. Running costs for each of the systems were measured at £5478 per annum. Danfoss VLT 6000 variable speed drives were fined to these fans and linked into the IMServ BEMS.
Previously started direct on line, and run at constant speed, the drives are now commanded on / off via a time schedule (digital output) on the BEMS. Once enabled, the drives can then be initiated to run at a speed, controlled via a 0-10v analogue signal from the BEMS, varied dependant upon a pressure transducer located in the supply duct, reporting to the BEMS and maintaining duct static pressure at a set value.
Costs were also curtailed by selecting 1P54 VLT 6000 series drives which are specifically designed for this type of application. The drives were mounted on steel racks adjacent to the motors in the plant rooms and this made for a quick and easy low cost 3-wire in /3-wire out retrofit exercise. After the installation of the drives, energy costs were measured at £1634 per annum, a saving for each system of £3844 per annum - a huge reduction of 70%. Despite the relatively small ratings involved, the payback period was calculated to be only 10 months.
This simple low cost exercise and the significant savings achieved, prompted the addition of variable speed control to the 37kW constant temperature pumps. Again a Danfoss VLT 6000 unit was fitted adjacent to the duty and standby pumps and linked into the BEMS. The CT pumps run 23 hours per day, supplying cooling water to the air handling units, and prior to modification, were operating at 23kW absorbed power, costing £8244 per annum. Running on variable speed control, annual energy costs were down to £4670, a saving of 45% with a payback period of 1 year 5 months.
Subsequently, VLT 6000 drives have also been fitted to the 15kW motors powering the air handling units for the ballroom and public areas and the restaurant and kitchens are now also being fined with 15kW drives, with a projected payback period of 15 months. A further 6 drive systems will be filled over the coming months and the Radisson SAS Manchester Airport Hotel now hopes a major portion of the costs imposed by the Climate Change Levy will be offset simply by the adoption of variable speed control on their fans and pumps.
Rail Gourmet UK rely on Tremco flooring adhesive
Ease of use and the absence of taint have led to the specification of Treadfast Tretothane, manufactured by construction products specialist, Tremco Limited, for the creation of new food storage facilities to serve Virgin Trains’ rail network. New floors featuring high specification quartz tiles have been laid within warehousing areas operated by Rail Gourmet at London Euston, Plymouth and elsewhere across the country, with the tile manufacturer directing the use of the Tremco adhesive to help guarantee both performance and a long lifespan. The ‘R’ Floor Quartz Tiles have been installed by Key Floors Ltd from Hook near Basingstoke; working for Virgin Trains and its main contractors. The Sales Director for ‘R’ Floors, Robert Golding, comments: “Although we already specified Tremco adhesives for laying our products, the recently developed Treadfast Tretothane offers a better spread rate, which brings the cost down and it is also far easier for the floor layer to use in cold weather. This is of particular relevance in warehouse premises. “The Euston project was carried out in three phases, followed by another contract in Scotland while three more sites are being planned now. Both Key Floors Ltd and the clients have been very happy with the overall performance and the completed work.” In the case of the Euston contract where a detailed specification was required for the refurbishment of an existing work area, the original epoxy paint on the substrate was removed by means of vacuum sealed grit blasting equipment. Treatment with an acrylic primer was followed by the application of a water based underlayment to take out any irregularities before the Treadfast Tretothane was applied and the 600 x 600 x 3.2 mm tiles set in place. Mr Golding concludes: “Major accounts like B&Q are achieving lifespans in excess of 20 years with our ‘R’ Quartz tiles installed using Tremco adhesives. We rate Tremco as amongst the best manufacturers of flooring adhesives in the business and we won’t specify anything else.”
Randalls new portable waste compactor chosen for the BRIT School
Randalls newly launched Simpak PP10H portable compactor has been chosen for use at the BRIT School in Croydon, Britain’s only free performing arts and technology college. The Simpak PPI0H is a robust high-efficiency compactor with a capacity of 10 cubic metres, capable of processing approximately 1.5 cubic metres of waste a minute. This performance is achieved by a heavy-duty 5.5 kW motor which, coupled with a fast-cycling compaction blade, exerts a compaction force of 15,800 kg. The unit is used to dispose of approved canteen waste and a wide variety of paper, cardboard, plastic and timber generated by the school’s wide range of activities. Shredded paper waste is composted on-site with green waste from the gardens and other clean paper waste is collected for recycling. The school decided on a waste compaction system to avoid the problems of arson and vandalism that can arise when waste is on the premises in wheelie bins waiting for scheduled local authority collections. Compacted waste is collected by specialist contractors inmii4diately the unit is full. A portable compactor will be removed from the premises, emptied off-site and returned the same day. In addition, the Simpak PP10H unit has been designed with many safety and anti-vandal features. These include locating the power unit controls in an enclosed compartment on top of the machine, away from vandals and the deposited waste and including a vandal-resistant stop/start station with a simple key switch. The charging area is completely enclosed by two hinged, lockable doors steel doors that are safety-switched so that the machine cannot be operated when the doors are open. Fast, automatic cycling coupled with a low loading height makes the Simpak PP10H quick and easy to operate. It features a 50 litre oil reservoir, 18 litre/minute pump and pressure-relief switch with warning lights to indicate a blockage or full container. Waste is fed into the machine via a generous (2.7 cubic metre) charge box giving ample room for most objects. The BRIT School is an independent, state-funded City College for the Technology of the Arts and is the only one of its kind in the country. The school provides a general education for 14-19 year olds, together with vocational training for careers in the performing arts, media, art and design and the technologies related to these areas. BRIT stands for British Record industry Trust, which has provided finance and support for the school. There are currently 800 pupils and 90 staff.
Ranger equipment introduces new generation tracked access platform
Ranger Equipment of Chesterfield in Derbyshire has announced the introduction of the innovative and high specification Ranger RJ20 access platform which represents the next generation of track mounted, narrow access machines. Manufactured in Italy by Italmec, the RJ20 is a ground-up new design which joins the existing 4 model line-up of Ranger narrow access units which have already gained a reputation for high quality and an ability to reach confined or difficult terrain areas with ease. In the case of the RJ20, the closed height of the unit is 1.99 m and its width (with detachable rotating cage removed) is just 890 mm. In addition to a useful 1.8 m articulating jib, the new platform features a smooth and powerful, water cooled Kubota 3-cylinder diesel engine developing 13 kW (18 hp) for external use plus a choice of 380v, 240v or 110v AC mains motor for quiet and clean internal working. Whatever power source is used, a new Danfoss hydraulic control valve system gives fully proportional, multi-function control which not only allows all three booms to be operated simultaneously for rapid elevation but also provides exceptionally smooth track drive for accurate and safe on-site manoeuvring. The RJ20 has a maximum working height of 20 m and an outreach of up to 11.5 m with one person in the basket, reducing to 9.5 m with two on board. Also, with a weight of 2900 kg, the unit can be safely transported on a plant trailer coupled to a suitable 4x4 towing vehicle. Finally, like its 19 and 21 m reach stablemates, the new model is equipped as standard with fully automatic, self-levelling stabilisers and radio remote control.
Ransomes Jacobsen purchase manufacturing rights to french electric vehicle
Ransomes Jacobsen, the Ipswich-based manufacturer of turf maintenance equipment, compact sweepers and small utility vehicles has purchased the design, manufacturing and world wide distribution rights of the former Fior Diabline electric burden and passenger vehicle from Nogaro Technologies based in Nogaro near Toulouse in France. Steve Chicken, Managing Director of Ransomes Jacobsen said, “At Ransomes Jacobsen we believe that the way forward is to provide our customers with a range of products that reflects both their environmental commitment and that of our company. This latest acquisition demonstrates that Ransomes Jacobsen is determined to provide products, which are both highly productive and are also friendly to the environment. Not only that, through our ISO 14001 accreditation we will ensure that our manufacturing practices reflect environmental best practice and responsible management. “The acquisition of Diabline extends our product offering to specialist industry sectors and broadens our core business from the turf maintenance industry. We have been test marketing the Diabline under our Cushman brand for the past two years and it has proved to be a very successful addition to our product range. “We know that there is a growing niche for specialist, purpose-designed, road legal electric vehicles and this has been proven with sales to local authorities and their contractors for litter collection and maintenance duties in parks, gardens and inner city areas. Logistics companies have purchased Diabline for moving documents and small freight in emission sensitive areas and passenger terminal operators for moving people and baggage.” “This acquisition is also a great boost for our employees as it again demonstrates that we have a viable and productive business in Ipswich and are determined to continue moving forward for the benefit of everyone.” The Diabline electric utility vehicle has been designed with the ‘electric’ future in mind. It is the first all-electric vehicle with an aluminium monocoque chassis and integrated hydro-pneumatic suspension developed from racetrack competition technology. The use of this modern technology results in an exceptionally light, strong and stable load-carrying unit. The standard model is equipped with a 48v battery pack providing a loaded vehicle with an approximate range of 30 miles dependent on terrain and number of stop/starts. The range can be extended with a unique, optional Bi-energy version. With the specially designed petrol or LPG driven generator the vehicle is capable of 200kms or 124 miles, using a combination of stored and generated electricity. A range of body solutions is available including the standard load bed with unique low loading centre section accessible via side ramps; a side loading lift platform van; a drop side tipper available with litter cage and a standard van box. The vehicle has a patented tow hitch which accepts standard trailers. Richard Comely, Product Manager for the Diabline said, “The Diabline is aimed at the modern, urban utility market. It arrives on the market as city centres strive to meet emission regulations of the future. Its practical, simple design will attract municipalities, mail delivery and inner city logistic companies, airport and passenger terminal handling agents, airlines and theme park operators among many other users. It is also Powershift approved in the UK, which means that grants are available to assist with the purchase of vehicles that run on alternative fuel. Whole life running costs are proven to be less than an equivalent internal combustion engine vehicle”
Ransomes Jacobsen win prestigious environmental award
Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd, one of the leading manufacturers of golf and general utility vehicles powered by alternative fuels, has won a prestigious industry award from EAST (Environment & Sustainable Transport), sponsored by Lloyds TSB Autolease. Managing Director Dr Stephen Chicken received the Industry Market Leadership award at the gala dinner held at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden. The Industry Market Leadership award was won jointly with Honda and Ransomes Jacobsen was also runner up in two further categories: the Industry Innovative Design category for their LPG powered Parkway municipal triple mower and the Distribution & Service Fleet Operator category with their Cushman Diabline electric vehicle. The Parkway LPG is the first commercial ride on mower powered by liquid petroleum gas to be specifically designed for the municipal sector. It was developed at Ransomes Jacobsen's Ipswich manufacturing plant in conjunction with Ford. The Cushman Diabline is an innovative electric load or people carrying vehicle, extremely quiet and with zero emissions at point of use. It is powered by easy to maintain 12v batteries, has a speed of 30 mph and is homologated for road use across Europe. Dr Chicken commenting at the recent ceremony said, "This is a tremendous and remarkable accolade for the company and clearly demonstrates our commitment to Driving Environmental Performance, the business initiative that we have adopted over the past three years. The award emphasises that we are serious about our environmental product offering and to have won it jointly with a motoring industry giant like Honda is a fantastic achievement. "Ransomes Jacobsen is truly committed to the environmental agenda. We are the only company in the turf care sector to be awarded ISO14001, the international standard for environmental management. This demonstrates our environmental principles from manufacture right through to delivery of service, dovetailing with increasing client environmental objectives and obligations. "As you would expect from a company that's been around for almost three centuries, we continue to be innovators in the sectors in which we operate. Everyone in the business is committed to producing the right equipment to ensure that we meet our customers' diverse needs, particularly in relation to environmental matters."
Rapid deployment alarm system ideal for vacant property protection
Vacant properties, whether commercial or residential, are a constant concern for local authorities and measures to protect them against theft, vandalism and unlawful occupation are usually very involved and costly. Now, a new system introduced by PMR Products affords a simple and effective way of monitoring these properties remotely. The Vigilant Rapido remote alarm system provides a complete package for monitoring property and people over digital or analogue radio schemes and telephone networks. The Rapido can run off battery for up to 30 days without an electricity supply or phone connection to operate and is therefore ideal for vacant properties. It can be battery or mains powered and as the system runs over private radio schemes it reduces running costs. The Rapido alarm unit is completely self-contained housed in an IP54 plastic sealed case containing mains power supply, battery, radio, modem and micro processor controller. The unit is lightweight and can be deployed without any wiring using wireless alarms sensors with a 200 metre range. The Rapido remote alarm unit links with a control room where specially designed Vigilant management software operating on a Windows PC network, provides comprehensive features. For instance, the alarm screen shows receipt of alerts and a complete event log and archive of alarm activity. It also monitors its own status including tamper units, vibration detector, battery power level and mains power availability. The system is designed to work with a wide range of peripherals including PIRs, door and windows sensors, links to existing alarm systems, window smash and smoke detector alarms, personal attack key fobs, and wireless alarms. Indeed, up to 50 wireless alarm transmitters, 16 hard-wired inputs, and 8 outputs for enabling equipment and security equipment, can be identified and displayed on the Vigilant software status screen. Several Vigilant alarm units can be linked into a multi-user system for displaying all alarm unit information on control room PCs. As well as vacant properties, the system is ideal for the protection of plant and machinery in factories at remote or difficult locations, and as a warden call system for sheltered housing.
Rapid deployment CCTV solutions protect G8 Summit
Rapid deployment cameras from MEL Secure Systems played a key role during the recent annual G8 Summit held at Gleneagles on 6th-8th July. The Scottish Police and Security Services deployed the wireless CCTV solutions to provide perimeter protection at the main conference and other associated sites. The Hawk range of cameras was used in both analogue and COFDM digital formats to provide a flexible monitoring solution. According to Jon Bateson of MEL Secure Systems: "We are proud that we were selected for this prestigious, high security event. It confirms our position as one of the UK's leading providers of reliable and secure rapid deployment CCTV solutions." Picture: REUTERS/Jim Young
Rapid puts cartoon hero on the case
Portable air conditioning specialist RapidHeatbusters has put a Dick Tracy lookalike on the case for cooler premises with the launch of its new brochure. In true superhero style, Mr Heatbuster takes on Miss Dee Hydration and foils her bid to impose punishing conditions on sweltering office workers.
A division of Rapid Climate Control Ltd, currently celebrating its 25th anniversary, RapidHeatbusters specialises in the hire and sale of portable air conditioning and heating units. Marketing manager Graeme Thompson says: “Mr Heatbuster has been established as a brand icon for some time through a series of high profile advertising campaigns and the new brochure gave us the chance to really bring him to life. The brochure is very colourful and probably not something you would expect from our industry, which gives it even more impact. It very much draws on current popular culture, with films like Spiderman hitting the screen, and provides an ideal platform to reinforce our sales message with a strong strip cartoon approach.”
Recognising that most hirers will have to take a more conventional route to cooler premises than calling in the nearest superhero, the RapidHeatbusters brochure sets out the benefits of introducing portable air conditioning for staff comfort and productivity, outlines the range of equipment available and provides guidelines on how to get the most appropriate cooling solution.
Rapid resource booking with Quickbook
Integrated Solutions, the UK's leading developer of resource management solutions, has announced the immediate availability of QuickBook, a unique resource booking solution. Used in conjunction with Integrated Resources, the server-based central booking system, it allows large, unlimited numbers of staff to book corporate resources such as meeting rooms, hot desking, pool vehicles and sports facilities around the world. Being browser based, QuickBook enables staff to make rapid bookings from any computer or PDA with Internet access 24 hours a day without needing to speak to a booking clerk. Accuracy is assured as users are automatically prompted to specify the meeting date and time, number of attendees and room layout. Users can assign a cost code to each booking and specify the meeting attendees using the database contained within Integrated Resources. Additional resources that will be available at the time of this booking, such as audiovisual, catering or video conferencing can also be ordered. Catering services, from simple refreshments such as coffee and tea through to a full banquet, can be specified with quantities automatically allocated according to the number of meeting attendees. Users are prompted to confirm the times that these services are required. According to Jason Raffo of Integrated Solutions: "QuickBook is a powerful tool that gives large numbers of staff the ability to rapidly book corporate resources. It gives organisations a cost effective way of improving the resource usage whilst helping to control costs." Unique validation rules ensure that bookings can only be completed after all the required information has been provided. When finished, QuickBook notifies the system administrators so that bookings can be confirmed. If required, meetings can be quickly and easily rescheduled by cutting and pasting them complete with attendees and ancillary services to a new time. Users can also copy and paste previous bookings which saves time when organising similar events. Recurring meetings and block bookings are also easily booked. QuickBook also enables organisations to significantly reduce support and training costs, as it is exceptionally easy to use. In addition, because it is a thin client application, no software has to be installed on PDAs, desktops or portable PCs. This makes future upgrades a simple and straightforward process.
Rapidrop® system flexible sprinkler connections
IFI Fire, displayed their Rapidrop® system of flexible sprinkler connections at the Firex South exhibition 23rd and 24th of March and also the Rapidrop® Revolution, a new conceptual presentation designed to explain to architects, specifiers and consultants the benefits of this latest innovation for sprinkler systems.
Rapidrop® system flexible sprinkler connections are not only designed for quick and easy installation to position sprinklers in specific locations in ceilings but also offer many advantages compared to the traditional rigid pipe arm over connections
Alan Stimpson Managing Director of IFI Fire presented the Rapidrop® Revolution in the exhibitions seminar theatre highlighting the technical features, installation issues, and benefits compared to both the traditional rigid pipe armover and other flexibles which may look similar but do not offer all the benefits of using the Rapidrop® system. Following the presentation he answered questions from those present.
Alan Stimpson said “The response to the introduction of the Rapidrop® system has been extremely encouraging; it is now becoming the norm for connections to sprinklers in ceilings. Our presence at Firex South is part of a wide-ranging programme of exhibitions and seminars, supported by published case studies, to inform the fire industry and others on the benefits and efficency of the Rapidrop® Revolution”
Rapidrop® received LPCB approval in June 2002 and is still the only flexible connection approved by the LPCB following testing to their specific requirements in LPS1261 which includes testing in a suspended ceiling.
Rapidrop® wins Product Innovation Award for Fivalco & IFI Ltd
Rapidrop® came first in the International Fire Expo 2003 “Product Innovation Awards” sponsored by the Fire Industry Confederation.
Over 500 fire industry professionals applauded as Fivalco Director Alan Stimpson accepted the award at the Fire Industry Dinner held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on 20th May 2003. The awards promote the highest standards of excellence and innovation within the Fire industry and represent real appreciation and recognition to those companies which are bringing fresh ways of thinking to the industry.
Fivalco exhibited its Rapidrop® flexible sprinkler connections and other fire protection products at International Fire-Expo 2003. Visitors to the stand described Rapidrop® as the best new product for sprinkler systems which they had seen for many years.
Reaching new heights in cleanliness in the food processing industry
Specialist cleaning and hygiene services provider Hygiene is scaling new heights for its customers in the food processing industry. As health and safety issues turn high-level cleaning into a nightmare for in-house employees, Hygiene provides teams of trained staff capable to go as high as any customer might need.
Stephen Bailey, managing director of Hygiene explains: “Ensuring that every surface in a food production area is scrupulously clean is the first priority for any food processor —that includes those areas well above normal reach that could be harbouring dust and product debris. Health and safety issues, however, have made high level cleaning an increasingly difficult task to manage. In fact, if staff have to stand on anything higher than a set of small steps, special precautions have to be taken. For working at anything above two metres, safety harnesses are now mandatory.”
In the food industry there are particular issues with dust and product debris building up on pipes, ducts, lights and structural girders creating near-perfect environments for the development of potentially hazardous organisms. Whilst health and safety regulations dictate the need for high level cleaning, they also put barriers in its way by insisting on full risk assessments, training and specialist equipment before staff can undertake it.
The service that Hygiene offers addresses both of these areas. Its staff are fully trained in all aspects of both cleaning and safety and are certified on each piece of specialist equipment.
Steven Bailey continues: “Outsourcing high level cleaning can be far more cost effective than using in-house staff. For example, it can be a highly labour-intensive process to carry out as it remains mainly reliant on powerful vacuum cleaners, special tools and traditional hand cleaning. In addition, whilst a lot of high-level work can be carried out from the safety of powered access vehicles like scissor lifts and cherry pickers, there will always be higher, or more obscure, areas where cleaners have to use alloy towers, span deck systems and even ladders and ropes. Having to train in-house staff can be both costly and time consuming. These are routine tasks for our teams and they fully trained in all aspects of health and safety.’
Hygiene specialises in cleaning and hygiene services for the food and pharmaceutical industries. It operates from a national network of regional centres on twenty-four hour standby with over 900 full-time employees.
Ready for action – the folding desk from Desking Systems
Desking Systems’ new Folding Desk is ready for action in any emergency situation.
Innovatively designed and patented, the durable Folding Desk can be erected within just 60 seconds — single-handed.
Ideal for use in any disaster recovery situation where emergency office accommodation is required at short notice, Desking Systems’ Folding Desk design offers FMs a quick and effective solution which does not require special training — simply unfold the legs and modesty panel, then tighten the two bolts.
Incidents where Folding Desks would facilitate new office set-ups in just hours include creating a special call centre to deal with a crisis, or relocating staff to another building as a result of a major fire or flood.
Additional applications for the Folding Desk include using the desk for simple reconfigurations in training and conference rooms, or short term staffing needs. For example, if a retail company requires additional customer service support staff at its head office during the Christmas selling period.
Costing little more than a standard desk, the Folding Desk’s hard-wearing and flexible design ensures that it can be simply delivered, erected and stored away at the shortest notice. When not in use, the Folding Desk can be quickly and easily stored away in a minimum amount of storage space by stacking either side by side, or vertically.
And, because the Folding Desk is designed to be used time and time again, it can be assembled at least 300 times before coming to the end of its working life (unlike traditional desking, which is not designed to be moved or disassembled once built and can be easily damaged even by trained fitters).
At a time when the government is urging all organisations to have arrangements in place to deal with the impact or a major incident or disaster, safely stored Folding Desks at a separate location will help organisations to continue functioning if a building becomes out of action.
To ensure loose components can not be lost, all the Folding Desk’s fixtures and fittings are all incorporated into its design. Each Folding Desk also comes complete in a patented box which features handles for easy carrying and clips for simple opening. Designed to fully protect the desk during delivery, the box can also be reused to store the desk if required.
Available in a choice of desktops including straight, single wave, double wave or task shapes, Desking Systems’ Folding Desk will meet any office requirement without compromising on style. Customers can choose from a range of hard-wearing mfc finishes including maple, beech and oak.
The Folding Desk meets all BS4875 European standards (certified to level 4) relating to strength and structural rigidity, as well as cable management.
Real Estate & Facility Management with SAP
The “Real Estate & Facility Management with SAP” conference will take place in Birmingham. UK (18th and 19th September 2002) and is the event not to be missed if you are looking to optimise your facility management activities with a powerful integrated software tool.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to share the experiences of speakers from well-known UK companies (Royal Mail, Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council etc.) who are already using SAP to support their real estate and facility management activities.
The speeches will cover topics such as: Reasons for choosing SAP, Implementation experiences, Use of SAP for specific issues (contract management, service charges, building maintenance etc.) Business benefits of using SAP etc.ll... You will also benefit from best practise case studies from abroad (Dutch Railways, Frankfurt Airport, Toronto District School Board) and be given “first-hand” information about the recent initiatives of SAP by a senior member of the Product Development Team.
For thoses who are not familiar with the real estate & facility management solution from SAP, there is a pre-conference workshop (17th Sept.) to understand the basics. Those who would like to learn how to successfully implement SAP are reccommended to attend the post-conference workshop (20th Sept.) on this topic.To receive a free brochure or for further information please contact T.A Cook
Realigning in-line pumps
Grundfos in-line pumps have just taken a major step forward. The TP range has recently benefited from a complete upgrade. The new range offers dramatic reductions in Life Cycle Costs as a result of their ease of installation, reduced running costs, low maintenance and high levels of reliability. This versatile family of single-stage, centrifugal pumps provide the ideal solution across a broad range of requirements, including commercial building services, industry and water treatment. The range now boasts 2 and 4 pole motors, single and twin head pumps, 0.12-37kW and covers a temperature range of –25 to 140 degrees centigrade. Significant energy savings have been realised as a result of improved efficiency, and in the case of the TPE series, by integrating internal electronic speed control, which means the pump constantly adjusts to the demand. The range also benefits from high-quality cast-iron surfaces, that are cataphoretically treated, which makes them significantly smoother. This reduces friction and improves the pumps efficiency, (this treatment also virtually eliminates corrosion). All TP pumps with 1.1kW motors and above are fitted with a high efficiency EFF1 motor as standard. EFFI motors ensure the lowest possible energy consumption, even in part-load situations, and are much quieter and cooler as a result of operating at optimum capacity. Importantly these motors also qualify for the governments Enhanced Capital Allowance initiative. Reliability has been given a major boost on the high head TP pump, through a number of improvements, including the unique, mechanically optimised integration of the shaft and coupling, which reduces vibration, friction and wear. The integrated coupling and shaft has been uniquely resolved by having one assembly. This creates a completely stable mechanical unit, which reduces the wear on both motor bearings and the shaft seal. The hydraulically balanced impeller also significantly reduces wear on the motor. By realigning the TP range, Grundfos have ensured they have the perfect response for a wide range of in-line pump solution requirements.
Realise the conservatory’s potential — fit Llumar film
The addition of a conservatory to a residential or commercial property should add value to the property as well as providing extra living or leisure space — to be enjoyed throughout the year. But as owners of conservatories know only too well, they can often be unusable in summer — the time of the year it should be enjoyed the most: • All too often the conservatory becomes uncomfortably hot in summer months when the sun shines, often rendering it unusable. • Glare from the sun makes the room uncomfortable to use. • Ultraviolet rays can fade expensive fabrics and furniture. All too often the problems associated with such large amounts of glazing aren’t sufficiently addressed by conservatory designers and manufacturers. A conservatory is essentially nothing more than a greenhouse — and preparing the customer for the inevitable problems is the best way to add value to the project and prevent future complaints. If the conservatory is to add real value to the property and be of real use to the occupants all year round, you need to deal with the problems of un-wanted heat gain, glare and harmful UV. Material blinds are the traditional approach taken to deal with these problems, but they can be expensive (in large commercial greenhouses, the cost of installing blinds throughout can be prohibitive), they require periodic cleaning and maintenance, and they can substantially reduce the visible light levels within the conservatory. For many people this goes against everything a conservatory stands for — excellent visibility to enjoy the view and appreciate the feeling of being outside. There is an alternative. Llumar performance films ate technically-advanced solar control films that present a very cost-effective, unobtrusive and permanent solution. They require no maintenance other than normal window cleaning, and they effectively and efficiently address the issues of solar gain, glare and UV protection whilst allowing visible light to pass through. Llumar solar control performance films can reject as much as 790/o of un-wanted solar energy (which can mean a heat gain reduction of 71%), reduce solar glare by 83% and block out 99% of the harmful UV rays which fade fabrics and furnishings. The use of Llumar performance film in a conservatory can typically reduce internal temperatures by as much as 6-80C. Llumar film comes in a range of finishes. Tinted film will subtly transform the appearance of the conservatory, while reflective films will give a more dramatic look. Or minimise the impact with neutral film, which will blend into carefully planned designs and colour schemes. Llumar performance window film is the right choice for the conservatory. Llumar Performance Window Films The range of Llumar window films can be fitted to existing glass or windows to create a simple, cost-effective solution to most of the problems associated with ‘ordinary’ glass. Llumar films are all manufactured from an advanced, optically-clear micro-thin polyester. Each one is designed and developed for its special performance characteristics. They are finished with a patented scratch-resistant coating which is extremely tough and durable, and is currently the superior coating available within today’s demanding market. Professionally installed by a network of Approved Installers, the films are warranted against peeling and cracking by CPFilms, the world’s largest window films manufacturer.
Realise the potential of your network
Did you know that if you have an IT network, then you probably already have most of the infrastructure you need to build a state-of-the-art security system?
With IFS media converters and transmission products you can install a whole range of security systems from video monitoring and access control through to fire and alarm systems over your existing network cables. So, along with little or no impact on your IT network, you can save your organisation time, money and weeks of disruption.
The IFS range includes over 300 high-performance, video, audio and data products: managed and unmanaged, digital and analogue, fibre optic and copper; but if you’re more interested in what our products can do for your security system, here’s the facts:
* We can provide complete transmission solutions for an extensive range of security and automated building control systems.
* Our products are suitable for distances of 1m up to hundreds of kilometres.
* We back all our products with a comprehensive warranty.
All IFS products are designed for no on-site adjustments to make installation and maintenance simple and straightforward. They include single-point failure protection, and are built to withstand the harsh conditions and temperature variations of commercial, industrial and military applications across the globe. We use precision engineering techniques and test all products to meet and exceed CE and FCC standards. And for your peace of mind, our product warranties last a lifetime.
IFS engineers are available to offer help and advice about system design and installation, and we provide free training and post sales support. So, if you’re considering installing or upgrading a security system, please contact us to find out how we can make your job a lot easier.
Realistic training aids for fire services
Practical training is the ideal way to give Fire Officers the experience of dealing effectively and safely with real life casualties. Laerdal Medical has a range of realistic and cost effective training manikins, accessories and aids that are used extensively by Fire & Rescue Services and medical training centres all over the UK. South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service uses a substantial amount of Laerdal training equipment in its Training Centre and also in the 9 Area Commands within the County. Sub Officer Instructor Chris Clegg is delighted with the products. “Laerdal’s training aids allow students to practice without compromise, gaining experience by using a relatively life-like manikin in a range of simulated scenarios. We have purchased 9 Rescusi Anne manikins that will be sent out to all 9 Area Commands for additional Station CPR training, and we also have a number of accessories that we use for more extensive training in CPR, airway management, bleeding control and limb traumas.” “It is vital for Fire Officers to be proficient in the safe and quick rescue of people in emergencies. Although there is a difference between live and simulated casualties. Laerdal’s training manikins and add-on modules help to give a good basic understanding of the best way to treat casualty victims in real life.” To depict a wide range of traumas and scenarios, the Resusci Anne Modular System (RAMS) allows you to tailor make your manikin to meet the diversity of training needs.
Real-time data at your fingertips
Climate Controls Europe is launching a new web-enabled graphical user interface package that will give users unprecedented visibility of their HVAC installations. Satchwell VisiView makes real-time information from Satchwell MicroNet and Satchnet networked controllers available to users through their web browsers – making it easy to monitor heating, air conditioning and ventilation across single or multiple sites. VisiView uses the standard Microsoft Internet Explorer web browser (version 6 or later), and animated graphics mean it is intuitive to use. Network configurations are completely flexible, with sites residing on a client organisation’s own intranet or being accessed through modem connections. There is no limit to the number of users with access to system information and up to three users can log-on simultaneously By giving users instant access to real-time data on their own PC’s or laptops VisiView helps to make life easier and more productive for facilities managers and maintenance staff. As a cost-effective system, Satchwell VisiView is ideal for smaller organisations, particularly where a company or local authority connects multiple sites. The software is simple to configure and is customised for each individual installation. Bill McNamara, product management director at Climate Controls Europe said: “The Satchwell VisiView system is perfect for organisations needing to closely manage their budget. Everything can be viewed centrally reducing time spent travelling to check different sites. Facilities managers can be automatically alerted to problems via email, enabling issues to be sorted out quickly and minimising downtime.” Satchwell VisiView is suitable for use with Satchwell MicroNet and Satchnet networking controllers. Available in two versions - Standard and Lite - VisiView has also been designed to be easy to engineer using ‘plug and play’ technology. It can be programmed off-site and installed simply by running the deployment CD. “VisiView delivers the right information at the right time optimising building control and efficiency,” continued Bill McNamara. “In the future, Government legislation will require all buildings to be more transparent in their energy usage and meet strict efficiency targets. Satchwell VisiView will enable organisations to provide this information easily.” Satchwell VisiView runs using Microsoft XP Professional, with Microsoft Windows security giving managers the confidence that information is being transmitted securely over the internet. VisiView is a flexible and scalable system that will grow to meet the changing needs of any organisation.
Receiving load and clear from FAAC
FAAC is adding the new DL868 SLH transmitter to its gate automation and access control range, and has redesigned its Plus 1 868 Receiver. Ergonomically designed in a small, attractive unit FAAC’s new DL 868 SLH transmitter operates on 868MHz frequency and is fully compatible with existing SLEI systems working on that frequency. It features hopping code technology to avoid cloning. Designed to fit on a keyring, the transmitter is available in two and four button configurations. The DL868 SLH joins FAAC’s three other 868 MHz radio systems. A ‘traditional’ dipswitch version is available with one, two or three buttons (model 868 DS), and an innovative rolling code version has two- and four-button transmitters (model 868 SLH). Both have a transmission range of 70+ metres. FAAC recently added the long range 868MHz SLH LR to its product portfolio, which transmits signals up to 200 metres under normal conditions. FAAC has also redesigned the Plus 1 868 receiver which is now available in a small, compact housing. The receiver has a built-in bipolar aerial and can operate up to 50 channels by linking decoder cards in series.
Recipe for success at Troldahl
Troldahl, a major refrigeration, air conditioning and catering contractor, has always been well known and respected amongst industry professionals for its unrivalled service and products. The company recently acquired by Aga Foodservice Equipment (ARE) looks set to offer even greater levels of support for its catering, retail and industrial customers with the appointment of Steve Elliott as the new Managing Director. Despite his new position however, Steve is by no means new to the industry or to Aga, having run the AFE Serviceline in Stevenage for the past five years, which he continues to do alongside his new role. Over this time he has developed a keen understanding of the industry and of the needs of specifiers and end-users and this will help in his plans to grow and improve Troldahl further. Steve is responsible for all divisions and services of Troldahl, which include Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, Electrical Contracting and Catering Equipment Service and Maintenance. The company designs, installs and maintains projects of all sizes, from high street shops to major commercial developments. Steve commented on his new role: ‘The team at Troldahl are extremely enthusiastic and are constantly looking to stretch the boundaries in terms of both the products and the services they offer. I am delighted to have the chance to be part of Troldahl and look forward to building on its success and take it to even greater heights in the future.” Troldahl is full CORGI and NICEIC approved and have a network of some 60 service and installation engineers, providing 24 hour emergency service, 365 days a year to end users such as health authorities, supermarket chains and breweries.
Record performance by Quartz
Confirming its leading position in the fan-coil market, Quartz reports record results for the last quarter and a £1 million order book for the month of April, all successfully delivered.
“Our sales strength is now greatly enhanced since the integration with Vent-Axia, which has brought the twenty-plus-strong Vent-Axia Industrial Sales Force on-side for Quartz,” says Director of Industrial Sales Tim Creedon. “It’s meant that we’re able to give much closer attention to our customers’ needs.”
Representation out in the marketplace is backed-up by a special support team of over ten technical specialists based at Crawley and Dudley - providing in-depth applications advice and system design for the ‘Diamond’ 230mm airside, ‘Amber’ 230mm waterside, ‘Amethyst’ 170mm waterside and ‘Sapphire’ 270mm waterside fan-coil ranges.
Supporting the extra expertise, Quartz has invested heavily in streamlining its Dudley plant, bringing delivery times down to 2-3 working weeks for the most frequently requested configurations of equipment - pre-empting an otherwise common source of frustration in a highly demanding market.
The fresh financial impetus provided by Vent-Axia over recent months underlines the company’s long-term commitment to its valued Quartz operation - these latest successes being a further step in continuing growth for Quartz.
Recycling Answer
To meet the recycling needs in office environments everywhere, Glasdon UK Limited has launched the new Nexus range of internal recycling banks. This exciting new range has been designed to enhance office recycling initiatives, creating a one-stop recycling point for the collection of various recyclable materials, such as paper, cans or bottles. A container is also available with a key-lock, for the storage of confidential waste prior to recycling. The sleek, contemporary design of the Nexus range will complement any environment, with user-friendly colour-coded apertures and clear graphics. Available in a choice of two capacities: a compact, yet deceptively large 5Oltr capacity, which can hold up to 18kg of paper, or a substantial l4Oltr capacity container. Nexus recycling banks provide a variety of sitting options and can be supplied with post or wall mounted signs to further promote the recycling message. The company has developed the design of the banks to reduce manual handling concerns. All units have front-opening, removable doors, which allow easy emptying with minimal lifting. A spokesperson for Glasdon said: “More and more of our clients are adopting recycling initiatives and we have responded to their demand for an appealing, super efficient, internal collection solution. Customer response, following adoption of the system, has been excellent with user and corporate image benefits also very apparent.”
Rediweld 'Takpave' addresses DDA regs for access and guidance of visually impaired.
Takpave Tactile Surface Tiles, produced by Rediweld of Alton in Hampshire, are a quick, effective, robust yet cost-efficient method of compliance with the new DDA regulations concerning access, guidance and hazard warning for the visually impaired. Made from hard wearing rubber elastomer, Takpave tiles are available in light grey, buff and black and are available in four different patterns: - Corduroy for hazard warnings such as steps, stairs and ramps, Pedestrian Dot for pedestrian crossings, Platform Dot for platform edges and Dash for guidance paths. Takpave tiles can be as simple to install as adhering to most existing floor surfaces with adhesive. Alternatively they can be cut into tiled or carpeted surfaces and surface mounted for most external applications. Because of the substantial increase in demand generated by the new DDA requirements, Rediweld has installed a completely new manufacturing facility for Takpave to ensure supply.
Redstone helps launch a retail revolution at Bullring Birmingham
Redstone Communications will help take retail management into a new era with the launch of the UK’s most advanced retail communications network and Europe’s largest public access wireless hotspot at Birmingham’s new Bullring shopping centre in September 2003. Being developed by the Birmingham Alliance, a partnership between Hammerson plc, Henderson Global Investors Ltd and Land Securities plc, Bullring will be the single largest shopping development built in Europe for over a decade. It will house 130 new shops – including the largest Selfridges outside London – across 110,000 square metres in the city centre. Bullring will be connected via Redstone’s Smart B (Smart Buildings) intelligent buildings system, a comprehensive multi-Gigabit, 350km cable infrastructure linking every part of the development to converged voice, data and Internet communications services. With the capacity to deliver 100Mbps to each retail unit, the network will give Bullring management and retailers an unprecedented level of support for all IT and communications requirements. Services range from advanced telephony systems and high bandwidth dedicated Internet to secure data hosting, back-up and storage, video-conferencing, EPOS-linked networking and more, all under one roof. Marking the dawn of the paperless shop, every retailer will be linked via a computer terminal to a central Intranet system through which Bullring management will co-ordinate all communications and central services including 24/7 site maintenance, news alerts and health and safety management. The network can also support IP CCTV-based security as an additional service to safeguard premises. As a dedicated network infrastructure, Smart B is designed to support new value-added applications that will enable Bullring management and retailers to maximise revenue, improve customer service, extend choice and build loyalty. For example, by tracking shopping habits, retailers can respond rapidly to tailor promotions, strategies and stock to suit customer demand. Aside from the obvious attractions of an exciting retail environment, shoppers will benefit from access to up-to-the-minute local information about travel, job vacancies, events and special store promotions via 30 touch screen electronic kiosks and plasma screens located in the malls. Malcolm McGougan, product marketing and development director of Redstone Communications said, “The communications model developed for Bullring is the future of retail. As a complete integrated solution, we believe it is unique as a new-build shopping centre in treating the 130 retailers as a networked community with everything available under one roof. Whatever their needs, Bullring management and retailers will have instant hassle-free access to the most advanced communications and limitless potential to take advantage of the best in retail technology.” He continued, “Until recently developers and retailers looked to technology to reduce costs, but there is increasing demand for value-added services that maximise return on the landlord’s investment, equip retailers to satisfy customer expectations and give shoppers a memorable retail experience.” Bill Ives, IT project manager at The Birmingham Alliance added, “We chose Redstone because it has a proven track record in retail solutions and we regard Smart B as the most visionary building management system on the market. Redstone has enabled us to deliver a complete set of integrated products and services with limitless functionality that will put Bullring at the forefront of 21st century shopping.”
Redstone opens the door to smart buildings for business
To help ease the costs and complexities involved in setting up and managing business premises, Redstone Communications has launched Smart B (Smart Buildings) for business, a complete communications solution based on its market-leading intelligent building management system and services. Whether in privately leased or serviced office accommodation, the biggest business overheads can often be associated with finding the optimum technology infrastructure and maintaining the upkeep of premises. From simple maintenance bills to round-the-clock security, telecoms and Internet servicing, costs can add up much too quickly for most budgets. To redress this, Redstone’s Smart B not only reduces overheads but can also generate valuable revenue. Smart B combines the most advanced voice, data, internet and intelligent building technologies to transform the typical office into an integrated smart environment enabling organisations to effortlessly access information and services and manage their business more efficiently. With Smart B, Redstone can deliver a complete communications solution to support a range of applications from in-built broadband, wireless LAN connectivity, secure storage and back-up to web-based IP CCTV, voice and data services, and smartcard technologies, which can all reduce running costs and improve performance. Running IP CCTV over a local area network (LAN) saves costs on separate cabling for the IT infrastructure and security system. Maximum security is guaranteed by enabling all sites to be monitored cost-effectively from a central console with access to data from anywhere on the network. By linking alarms directly to security staff and local police, extra protection can be assured for valuable office resources, confidential documentation and data. With Smart B, smartcards can be utilised for numerous business operations such as access control - both for entering the office and logging on to computer networks. Profitable cashless vending can easily be installed giving staff access to a range of services from Internet access, photocopying and printing to lunch in the staff canteen. Malcolm McGougan, product marketing and development director of Redstone said, “Smart B meets the demands and future needs of business and is unique in delivering a complete communications infrastructure that not only helps to pay for itself every month, but also has in-built power to save money. The real beauty is that Smart B’s rich portfolio is modular and upgradeable, so you choose and pay only for the functionality you want, when you need it. And with smart revenue-generating opportunities, return on investment is fast.” Smart B is already well established as the leading intelligent building system for the retail sector. Many of the UK’s most prestigious shopping centres, including Meadowhall, Sheffield and West Quay, Southampton, are using Smart B solutions to reduce site management overheads, raise productivity and improve security while also creating new channels for revenue generation. Smart B for business is available from June 2003 and is being launched via a series of national seminars.
Reduce blocked drains - naturally
Levermore Workshop World have introduced bioactive grease trap treatment to their Roebic range of non-caustic non-acid drain care products.
Roebic GT-1 Grease Trap Treatment is a concentrated liquid containing naturally occurring, non-genetically engineered forming Bacillus bacteria, with active surfactants to make fats and greases more susceptible to bacterial breakdown, this means grease traps operate more efficiently and drains will flow easier. GT-1 contains an odour neutralising fragrance to prevent unwanted smells and is certified Salmonella and E.coli free.
Roebic GT-1 can be used straight into sink outlets, traps and gullies and is suitable for use with all auto-dosing systems. Available in both 3.78 litre and 5-gallon units, the 3.78 litre is a convenient size for smaller sites where kitchen space is at a premium, bars, pubs and clubs etc.
Reduced running costs for illuminated signage
A new lamp from Greenstock is set to vastly improve the efficiency and longevity of lighting used for illuminated signage.
The Aura Signette is a specially designed fluorescent tube using a 26mm diameter long life fluorescent lamp contained in a 38mm diameter outer glass tube which contains internal reflectors for optimum light distribution within the signs. Twin reflector versions of Signette are available for double sided signs and single reflector versions for one sided signage.
As the Aura Signette tubes are based on the Aura Luminette triphosphor fluorescent lamps, they have a guaranteed service life of up to 36,000 hours, three times longer than a standard lamp. Operated with electronic control gear for warm start, this is extended to a remarkable 45,000 hours.
And because the special reflectors are contained in an outer glass tube, this acts in the same way as the companyÕs Thermo fluorescent tubes, so that the lamps produce higher lumen output than normal fluorescent lamps at low ambient temperatures.
These Aura Signette long life lamps will make a big difference to those using illuminated signs, as they offer huge cost savings in the reduced labour needed to replace lamps which will be at longer replacement intervals. There is also a saving to the environment, with fewer disposals of old lamps containing sensitive substances and materials.
With patented cathode construction and inside protection layer, the Aura Signette lamp also produces 10% - 12% more light output than a standard fluorescent lamp as well as a better lumen maintenance throughout its service life. It has a high colour rendering index (CR1) of 85% and comes in 18w, 36w and 58w versions.
Reducing false calls with new Siemens Fire Panel
Siemens Building Technologies Ltd Fire & Security Products Division (FSP)1 have introduced a new series of fire alarm control panels specifically designed to reduce the number of unwanted Fire Brigade call outs. Available in 2, 4, 8, and 12 zone versions, the FC5000 features Siemens proprietary ‘Brigade Delay Concept’, which allows the system to operate in two distinct modes - manned and unmanned. Whilst in manned mode, zones can be programmed to operate the sounders only, giving the user time to identify and investigate the alarm before the Fire Brigade are called: if a Manual Call Point initiates the alarm the Brigade is called immediately. In unmanned mode, if any detector or Call Point is activated then the Fire Brigade are called straight way. The FC500C offers many capabilities that may seem unconventional in conventional fire alarm control panels. Additional functions and features include; zone, sounder and brigade isolate, code or key switch access, zones programmable for detector type, non latch zone option, fire/fault outputs, alarm verification option plus many other features. The new FC500C series has a Safe & Easy theme being particularly simple for the end-user to operate, offering effective protection, both night and day.
Reebok running with GSH
Reebok has awarded a long-term contract to George S Hall for the Facilities Management services at all Reebok sites nationwide.
Jo Thompson, Reebok Facilities Manager said “GSH has enabled Reebok to maintain in house control of the Facilities services whilst bundling and delivering blue collar traditional hard and soft services, the efficiencies made are real with impressive predicted costs savings”.
George S Hall will be providing in house mechanical and electrical maintenance, fabric and landscape maintenance, cleaning services, guarding, front of house services and the supply of all utilities to all Reebok properties nationwide. The contract also includes offices at the Reebok stadium due to be completed in March of next year.
Adam Clarke, GSH Sales and Marketing Director reported “George S Hall are delighted to be working with Reebok. The client is impressed by our ability to offer innovation, direct savings and real partnership through the direct delivery of all services. Efficiencies have been realised by our client dedicated team, through multi-tasking, accountability and ownership”.
Refurbishment made easy with Screwfix Direct
Solid wood flooring, basins and wardrobe doors are just some of the high quality, low cost refurbishment items that can be found in the latest Screwfix Direct catalogue and at www.screwfix.com. Combining next day delivery products with larger items for delivery in 7, 14 or 21 days anywhere in mainland UK, the catalogue also features thousands of screws, tools, fixings and other refurbishment accessories. Sourced from a sustainably managed forest and imported direct from the saw mill to minimise costs, Screwfix Direct Solid Wood Flooring is pre-sanded before the application of five coats of ultra-hard wearing satin varnish and can be laid onto existing timber floors or concrete. With tongue and groove on all sides to ensure strength and stability, it can be nailed or fitted as a floating floor and is available in birch, red or white oak or maple. Made from 100% recycled rubber, Interlock Tiles from Huega simply click together for easy installation and can be lifted and re-laid for cleaning underneath. With a stud or slate textured surface and futuristic appearance in silver or black, they are ideal for use in kitchens, bathrooms and cloakrooms. In addition to traditional bathroom fittings and accessories, Screwfix Direct offers a range of basins in frosted or clear glass with mono basin taps to complement modern bathrooms. Curved, chrome towel radiators and stainless steel tiles are also available to complete the look. For a contemporary, metallic look in bedrooms, the catalogue also features satin steel, antique brass or copper-effect curtain poles as well as metal-framed glazed and sliding wardrobe doors. Other traditional and contemporary wardrobe door designs are also included in the catalogue together with room dividers and internal French doors. Double glazing, garage doors, kitchen sinks and fireplaces are also available, as are a host of accessories such as door closures, window restrictors and a wide range of hand and power tools. Fully committed to customer care and support, Screwfix Direct is believed to be the UK’s leading mail order business for the supply of screws, fixings, tools and accessories to the trade as well as serious DIY enthusiasts. Dispatching, on average, more than 70,000 parcels a week, the company also offers expert technical advice and customer support and all products are supplied complete with the Screwfix Direct 30-day money back guarantee. Bulk rates and discounts of up to 10% are also available. Each item in the catalogue can be ordered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and all prices include VAT. Orders can be placed online via the award winning www.screwfix.com, or by freephone on 0500 414141 between 7am and 10pm from Monday to Friday, and 8am to 8pm on Saturday and Sunday, or by fax. For a free catalogue, call Freephone: 0800317004 or Freefax: 0800 0562256, for sales assistance Freephone: 0500414141, or visit the Screwfix Direct Internet site:
Re-launched total fm company offers leading edge approach
A leading edge approach to facilities management will provide greater business efficiency and allow companies to save costs and improve margins, according to an industry player re-launched recently. Bristol-based Certainty Total Facilities Management (formerly The Facilities Organisation) which is part of the Certainty Group, provides ‘traditional’ facilities management services. However, the company will also employ the latest business performance improvement methods to identify how the facilities management function can provide true bottom line benefits. With Certainty Total Facilities Management’s clients already including Shell, Dairy Crest, Interbrew, American Airlines, Scottish Courage and RHM, the company is confident its distinctive approach will allow it to add to this prestigious list. Bill Squires, managing director of the Certainty Group, said: “We have a rigorous process which allows us to fully understand the needs of a business. We dig deep to get to the bottom of problems and costs so we can provide service lines to fit precisely with an organisation’ 5 requirements. “At Certainty Total Facilities Management, we manage, co-ordinate and deliver a complete set of support services — allowing our clients to truly focus on and add value to their core business.” By taking time to assess where a client is now and where they want to be, Certainty ‘1 Total Facilities Management is able to provide a solution which bridges the gap and delivers outstanding results. Bill concluded: “We are providing the marketplace with a completely different set of solutions to those currently being offered. We have experience across a multitude of industry sectors, and we can bring that experience to bear when providing a variety of services.” Certainty Total Facilities Management is part of the Certainty Group, which also includes security provider Certainty Security Services. The Group employs over 240 people. Certainty Total Facilities Management’s services include cleaning, building maintenance and gardening services as well as administration and operational support.
Relax with the new GEA Comfortair
GEA Comfortair Ltd intends to make life easier for its customers with the launch of the GEA COM4 air-handling unit (AHU). The new range has been created to make selection and installation straightforward. Specification is carried out in just four steps, delivery is guaranteed within two weeks and maintenance is simplified with information accessible via mobile phones (using SMS messaging).
Chris Spires, Managing Director of GEA Comfortair, said, “The introduction of the COM4 to the UK marks a new level in standards for AHUs. Not only is it designed for long-life and efficiency, the selection process, installation and commissioning is easier than on any other AHU on the market today.”
The COM4 range includes six models with heating capacities up to 52kW and cooling capacities up to 65kW, dependent on conditions. All can be individually configured enabling specifiers to meet precise end-user requirements to maximise energy efficiency.
Air flow rate, supply air temperature and basic functions are selected, additional cooling/heating options are chosen, chiller requirements are assessed and finally the control system and any accessories are added. The system is finalised using GEA Comfortair’s designated design software. This provides full information on weights, connections, dimensions, etc., removing the need for laborious and expensive design calculations.
Following the guaranteed two-week delivery schedule, installation is simple and quick. The COM4 has fast action mechanical connectors and flexible mounting accessories. Controls and add-ons are plugged in using joints that cannot be confused. Compact dimensions ensure assembly is possible even where space is limited.
Once installed, commissioning is also straightforward. Plug in, switch on and the COM4 automatically checks all input parameters and hardware configurations to calculate the lowest cost operating program. Future changes can be made using the electronic ‘clear text’ set-up menu, avoiding the need for lengthy manuals.
Maintenance of the COM4 is simplified by a range of built-in communication devices that enable alerts to be issued to building controls systems, across the internet or via SMS mobile messaging. By continually monitoring all parameters and variables, the COM4 delivers long-term performance, and lifetime running costs can be projected using GEAs software, which includes climate data for all European regions. Expenditure is further reduced with an 85% efficiency GEA energy recovery system and low-consumption motor.
Relay bases enable security interface for smoke detectors
System Sensor Europe has announced three new relay bases for its ECO 1000 conventional detector family. The 24V latching version for fire systems enables ancillary devices such as door closers or fans to be switched when the detector goes into alarm. The latching and non-latching 12V versions allow the photoelectric, combined photo- thermal and thermal detectors to be controlled from a security panel operating at 12VDC.
The ECO 1000 detectors operate over a wide input voltage range of 8 to 30VDC, enabling the devices to be controlled from both 12VDC security systems and 24VDC fire systems. The 12V relay bases are available in latching and non-latching versions to allow the smoke detector to interface with the two commonly used alternative technologies employed in security system control panels. In the latching version, both detector and base permanently latch into alarm until the power is removed from the device; in the non-latching version, the relay changes state on alarm. The non-latching base resets by periodically removing and then re-applying power to itself. The relay then changes state back into alarm if the detector is still in an alarm condition.
The low profile relay bases measure 102mm in diameter and 21mm in height, and are compatible with most styles of European back box and conduit.
Remote Antarctic research lab uses Eurotherm 2416 for environmental control
A remote, self powered observatory, set up on an isolated site in Antarctica, is using a standard Eurotherm 2416 temperature controller to maintain internal temperatures within the unit. The international AASTINO project, set up by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to measure weather and sky emission, is controlled and monitored remotely using a satellite data link.
The AASTINO is a joint Australian-French-Italian-US experiment, sited at the French/Italian Antarctic Base at Concordia. It has been set up to categorise the qualities of the isolated site for a future astronomical observatory. The project is a self contained, self powered robotic observatory controlled by a GNU/Linux computer. It communicates with the Internet via an Iridium satellite phone. Equipment on site includes a web-camera, a sonic radar (SODAR), a sub-millimeter sky monitor, and associated experiments to measure the mid-IR sky emission and cloud cover. Power is provided by two on-site Stirling engines, plus two solar panels.
The Eurotherm 2416 at the site is used to maintain the internal temperature of the AASTINO enclosure. This is done via fans which introduce cold outside air and displace heated air from the interior via ducting. The primary source of interior heat is from glycol radiators, controlled independently by the site’s Stirling Cycle Generators. Scientists from UNSW who monitor and manage the site, can read and control data from the 2416 via an R5232 link and the AASTINO Supervisory Computer, which is in turn communicates via the satellite data link.
The Eurotherm Model 2416 is a high stability 1/16th DIN process controller, which despite its compact size offers a wide range of operating options. Measuring just 48 x 48 x 150mm (H x W x D), it can function with either PID, On/off or motorised valve control configurations. It also features advanced PID tuning algorithms to optimise control performance. A range of plug-in modules provide outputs for heating, cooling and analogue retransmission as well as logic telemetry.
Removable safety eyebolt is even safer
Premises managers and building owners can now specify an unobtrusive and cost-effective alternative to traditional safety eyebolts used during window cleaning and building maintenance work. Keyanka from Dunn & Cowe, one of the UK's leading fall arrest system manufacturers, comes as two components, a permanent wall mounted socket and an eyebolt carried by an operator on the end of a lanyard which keys into the socket whenever required. The Keyanka system offers significantly improved safety over previously available systems, as it requires five deliberate movements to lock and unlock within the socket so preventing unintentional release. Special cantilever versions of Keyanka are also available providing up to 125mm cantilever where required in steelwork or masonry. Recognising the need for the Keyanka sockets to be totally unobtrusive when not in use, Dunn & Cowe supply white flush fitting plastic covers to blend with most dŽcor, and brass and stainless steel covers can be supplied at no extra cost. Made from stainless steel, the Keyanka socket and eyebolt is a quality engineered unit, CE approved to the PPE directive and conforming to the product standards EN795 Class A1, ISO 14567 Class A1, and BS7883 Class A1. To further ensure the safety of end users, Keyanka is always installed by Dunn and Cowe nominated installers, and may be installed in situations where it would be loaded either in tension or in shear. Keyanka is normally available ex-stock for same day or next day despatch. As one of the longest established fall arrest manufacturers, Dunn & Cowe provides excellent technical backup to users and specifiers needing advice on a project.
Removals industry expert backs HSE calls for use of reputable removal companies
Award winning commercial removals company, Surrey-based Burton & Smith Moving Ltd, has backed calls by the Health & Safety Executive for companies to use only reputable suppliers to transport furniture and equipment during an office move.
Burton & Smith Managing Director Peter Burton says that lack of regulation within the industry and the potential for stern action from the HSE as a result of accidents occurring during the move, means that outsourcing the task to a reputable, experienced supplier is the only way forward for many companies.
“Currently, any individual can set up a removals firm, without the need for either directors or staff to undergo any formal training or hold certificates relating to areas such as health and safety.
“This means that these companies knowledge of and attention to health and safety issues may not be all that it should be - with greater potential for accidents.
“The key here is that there is no specific law dealing with this type of incident - the HSE considers each individual case separately and liability is dependent on a number of factors surrounding the circumstances of the incident.
“This means that if the HSE feels that the client company is at fault in not taking the necessary precautions, directors they could face swinging fines or even imprisonment.”
Burton also endorses the advice given by the HSE to companies considering outsourcing the moving process.
“If a company cannot handle the move in-house, the HSE recommends that client
companies check out a number of suppliers, based on their experience, references, and also their commitment to health and safety issues.
“Many of the most reputable companies are in fact members of the Commercial Moving Group of the British Association of Removers, the only organisation which establishes and maintains standards within the commercial removals industry.
“Member companies will before the move undertake a risk assessment of the premises, for example boarding up glass partitions on doors through which heavy objects have to be transported, to minimise risk during the move.
“Their staff will be fully trained in handling and moving heavy or awkward items and therefore comply with the HSE requirements in this area. Staff will be given an induction to ensure they adhere to the client company’s own health and safety regulations when on the premises.
“For more complex jobs, CMG members can even draw up a specific health and safety policy for that project. Every attention will be given to minimising as far as possible the potential for accidents and thus for intervention by the HSE.”
The message from Peter Burton is clear; “The cheaper option on paper may not be the best in the long term - just one accident occurring as a result of poor planning or negligence by the remover could bring major costs to bear on the client company. It is far better to trust the move to an experienced, reliable operator with a proper commitment to health and safety.”
Health and safety ramifications too significant to consider cheaper alternatives
Remsdaq powering up Drax
Remsdaq will shortly be providing access control equipment to Europe’s largest coal- fired power station at Drax in North Yorkshire.
Owned by ABS Drax Power Limited, the 4000MW power station is located in the Selby coalfields to the north-east of Barusley and the facility generates one tenth of Britain’s total energy demand.
ABS Drax has upgraded its existing access control facility to Remsdaq’s StarWatch system. The StarWatch card reader locations on the Drax site include perimeter turnstiles, barriers and gatehouses.
A crucial reason for the contract award was StarWatch’s provision of emergency mustering software. As staff enter the Drax plant their presence is recorded by StarWatch card readers. In the event of an emergency, personnel report to designated mustering points and show their cards to the readers which remove their names from a list of potentially missing people.
Mark Williams of Remsdaq comments: “The client is benefiting from the fact that StarWatch is one of the few systems to offer real-time, dynamically upgraded mustering data. Additionally, we were able to provide extra functionality which allows management at Drax to exclude 20 or so essential workers from the mustering list, allowing them to remain at post and implement emergency procedures.”
StarWatch has proved a flexible and cost-effective solution to clients needs at this project since it has been integrated into existing cable infrastructure, turnstiles and barriers. Additionally, StarWatch has fitted seamlessly into Drax’s existing IT systems while two sites not supported by the network have been connected via a wireless Ethernet LAN.
The contract award resulted from close links between Remsdaq and Kalamazoo Security Print.
AES, the world’s largest independent power producer, acquired the Drax power station in 1999. ABS’s generating assets currently include interests in 182 facilities totalling over 63,000 megawatts of capacity in 31 countries.
Rentokil maps a space savings solution to storage
Tracing its origins back to eliminating an outbreak of death watch beetles in Westminster Hall at the beginning of the last century, Rentokil has now become one of Britain’s most successful companies by providing a range of business support services to organisations throughout the world. In the UK, Rentokil Initial Cleaning Services is market leader with clients from government offices and airlines, to high street shops.
When the local authority in Dudley in the West Midlands decided to redevelop its town centre, Rentokil Initial had to move from its traditional offices to a new, purpose-built headquarters on the town’s perimeter.
The 18-month, £3.5 million project provided the company with its first real opportunity to undertake a full review of its working practises including its approach to paper handling. “As a service-industry company, our biggest investment and our biggest overhead is people, both full and part time. We have to keep a high volume of paper-based records, as well as the usual everyday paperwork that any organisation generates” says Steve Orr of Rentokil Initial who was responsible for the outfitting of the new offices. “We learnt of the experience of Sainsburys, a company known for its disciplined approach to filing and storage, and found that they used the “Mappei System” implemented by Enhanced Records Management (ERM), so we decided to investigate the same solution”.
The Mappei System is housed in a modular file-container that enables filing to be concentrated and can release a space saving of up to 80%.
“At first, everyone was very sceptical that one system could cope with all our different filing requirements, but on-site trials soon demonstrated the benefits” says Steve Orr. “We originally planned to house the Mappei System in wooden tambour storage units, but when Radmila Stulla, our ERM account manager saw our proposed solution she persuaded us to trial the system using Bisley LateralFile (BLF). She pointed out that, by using BLF, we would greatly increase the utilisation of our Poor space because of the compatibility between BLF and Mappei”. A Bisley Lateral File unit can hold 12 Mappei file containers per drawer giving six linear metres of filing per cabinet.
“As well as dramatic space saving, we also identified other benefits with the complete system. Quality of manufacture meant that, though this solution was more expensive, it offered greater value over the lifetime of the products, while its flexibility meant that it was “future proof’ too, able to cope with any changes in our working practices. And because we were able to use lower height cabinets, the Bisley Lateral File units allow light to flow throughout the work areas”, comments Steve Orr.
This argument led Initial to switch to Bisley Lateral File just a few weeks before the official opening of the new headquarters. “As the opening was being performed by our Chief Executive, it was vital that everything was completed and both Bisley and ERM worked to ensure the installation was fast and fault-free”.
So successful has this system been that now other parts of the company are looking at how they too can get the initial advantage”.
Repackaging Teacrate
It’s all change for Teacrate, the UK’s largest commercial crate rental company, as it rebrands itself PHS Teacrate, capitalizing on the reputation of parent company the PHS Group plc (PHS).
What’s in a name? Well a lot actually, if your reputation hangs on it! When Teacrate was acquired by leading workplace service provider PHS in 2002, it had an enviable reputation for high standards within the removals industry, built over some 15 years. Despite PHS ‘s own, good standing in the service sector, Teacrate felt the message of “business as usual” was best communicated to its removals customers by leaving the brand as it was.
PHS Teacrate’s managing director David Matthews explains: “When the PHS Group acquired Teacrate, we were keen to keep our name because it was so well known and respected within our industry. Two years down the line we feel the time is right to add the PHS badge, particularly as many of our crate end users, such as facilities managers, are also customers of the PHS Group. Our customers recognise the strength and experience both companies bring to their business.”
A significant new development at PUS Teacrate is the appointment of their new Sales and Marketing Director, David Wicks. David joins the company from PHS Waterlogic, also a division of’ the PHS Group, where he gained over several years experience as national sales manager, achieving massive sales growth for the division. Before joining the PHS Group, David was a sales manager for Chubb for many years and more recently held a sales directors position before moving to managing director of a business to business service rental company.
Commenting on his new role, David said: “I am really excited about joining PHS Teacrate and look forward to making a positive difference to the business. We will continue to support and grow our core removals market, through strong, focused customer service and sales activity (currently supported by an advertising campaign in facilities management journals). We are also keen to expand our impressive customer base and explore new opportunities which exist for crate rental and supply within the UK food production industry.”
One of the first changes David has made since starting his new role is to reposition PHS Teacrate as “The crate rental specialists”, a tag you’ll seen on new van livery from August and in time, the crates. David explains his reason for doing this. “It’s not the fact that we provide an excellent level of service (99.7% achievement of all service levels) or that we have the largest number and selection of crates to choose from. What makes us really stand out from the crowd is the way in which we respond to our customer needs and requests, however challenging or unusual they may be. That’s what makes us specialists and that’s what keeps our customers coming back to us time and time again.”
The PHS Group pie is one of the UK’s leading workplace service providers, offering everything from hand dryers and drinking water dispensers to dust mats and interior landscaping services. The Group employs over 3,000 staff throughout the UK and is a FTSE 250 listed company.
Repairing the damage
The Government has put a high priority on increasing investment in the UK school building stock; in order the address major repairs that are essential in many existing buildings and to significantly improve quality within the school building and maintenance programme. As far as the maintenance of timber is concerned, more specifiers are seeing the benefits of a total wood care solution, which not only offers high performance but long-lasting durability and significantly reduced maintenance requirements.
The School Building Capital programme currently in operation represents a tripling of investment in school buildings from £683 million per annum in the financial year 1996-1997 to over £2 billion in 2000-2001. There are further increases planned for 2003-2004 to £3.5 billion. What this means to school suppliers is that there is more money than ever before for both routine and essential school building improvement. Additionally, in the latest budget announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the government has allocated a funding of £85 million for school building repairs, a boost for repairs of almost £2,500 for a typical primary school, and over £7,000 for a typical secondary school.
For a number of older schools, timber forms a large part of the actual structure and this detailing inevitably needs attention. Woodstains have evolved dramatically over the past few years, with advanced production and manufacturing techniques providing a range of products for specific situations. Sikkens have formulated a number of product combinations in both their water-based or solvent-based ranges in either woodstain or opaque systems. The total woodcare solution is enhanced by further selecting from combinations of these Cetol products which are suitable for window frames and doors as well as rough sawn timber such as fencing and cladding.
The Cetol Novatech and Cetol Novatop system was recently specified for a new build school, Llanfaes School in Brecon, Wales, which has used the products for all exterior joinery and timber detailing. The new school which replaced an existing building on the site is almost complete, using a traditional construction method and designed by architect, Jim Swabey of Powys County Council. The exterior timber comprises fascias, soffits and window subframes, dual extruded with aluminium insets. The Sikkens total woodcare solution was specified for its long lasting durability, an essential consideration for budget-conscious local education authorities where high quality, low maintenance systems take precedence. The woodstain has been selected in two complementary colours to add aesthetic appear to the structure, in this case, Light Oak and Pine.
In the past few years, a new construction method has been successfully introduced into the school building market, Public Private Partnerships (PPP) and its offshoot, the Private Finance Initiative, which is increasingly emerging as a preferred building route. Under a PPP Consortium, one contractor provides the school then operates a range of specific services such as maintenance on behalf of the local education authority through a longer term contract In these partnership arrangements, schools commit part of their budgets over the life of the contract and in return, they are provided with specific levels of service that have been agreed in advance and clearly understood by all parties. Products and systems such as the Sikkens range that can fulfil the criteria for the length of these contracts are essential, and far more cost-effective in the long run than short fix solutions.
Sikkens Woodcare systems are formulated to offer enhanced protection to all timber over a longer period of time than has been previously expected. The change in direction with school construction means that long term performance, environmental compliance and aesthetic appeal are now expected, all of which are accommodated by the product range available from the company.
Resdev flooring specified for Leeds United
For health and safety reasons, the selection of flooring surfaces is of particular importance at locations such as sports grounds, to ensure the safe passage of large numbers of people. Resdev resin flooring products have been specified for use at Leeds United’s Elland Road football ground, providing hard wearing, non-slip safety surfaces that perform well in both wet and dry conditions.
The recent refurbishment of the North Stand at the ground - known as the Revie Stand - required officials to look carefully at the main corridor and toilet areas, where the existing flooring was soiled and damaged following heavy wear from foot traffic.
Resdev’s Pumadur MD polyurethane resin flooring was specified for the job, creating a durable surface in an attractive Leeds United blue colour, with an excellent aesthetic finish capable of providing positive slip resistance even in wet conditions.
Pumadur MD is a heavy duty flow applied flooring, creating a smooth, matt surface which is easily cleaned, yet offers excellent durability. The product is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, chemical and manufacturing industries throughout the UK.
Installed by industrial flooring specialists UltraSyntec Ltd, the flooring has now been in place for six months, providing a hygienic, slip resistant solution and maintaining its performance and appearance despite heavy pedestrian use.
Restored to full health
Design at Work, one of the UK’s leading independent space planning consultancies, has recently completed the refurbishment of private healthcare providers Western Provident Association (WPA). Covering an area of 12,000sq meters with 230 staff, Design at Work provided early consultation and planning advice prior to the construction of an excellent project team. Chief Executive, Julian Stainton is delighted. “Design at Work has provided me with not only an excellent, efficient solution to space utilisation, but as a result my staff are motivated, enthused and have a renewed commitment to the workplace. The whole project was managed superbly, invisibly.” Based in Bristol, Design at Work underlines the virtue of advising its client companies at an early stage. This early consultation process can result in significant overall reductions in costs. Clients enjoy all the benefits of a highly experienced, creative design and office space planning service, fully dedicated to the clients’ interests, leaving the client free to focus elsewhere with complete peace of mind. Established in 1988, Design at Work is a highly regarded design and space planning consultancy, contributing through its design and planning to the ethos, culture and efficiency of the work environment of its clients, which also include the BBC, Zurich, Bond Pearce, Allied Domecq and Wessex Water.
Retailer pioneers new approach to counter abuse
Unwins Wine Group together with Bell Security Ltd, and sister company Bell Managed Information Technologies (MIT), have developed a new retail staff ‘anti-abuse and intimidation’ system combining in-store technology with broadband communications and proactive, remote, two-way audio/visual management. Bell has now commenced a London trial with ASDA as part of the supermarket’s ‘Safe Place to Work & Shop’ project.
The results of the development programme at high-risk Unwins outlets have been impressive: there has been no working time lost from assault or stress during the last six months, turnover has increased by 30%, gangs no longer visit and the reported use of fraudulent cheque cards has shown a marked decrease. Staff confidence is now rated as ‘extremely high’ and opening and closing hours have stabilised - moving from ‘erratic’ to ‘above average’.
The ‘system’ developed from the programme is a combination of proven technical expertise married with a set of response routines and protocols appropriate to the retail outlet’s risk profile, day-to-day operational patterns and the heath and safety requirements of staff and customers. Bell Security’s integrated technology package combines overt and covert CCTV, intruder detection, audio and both Personal Attack and Suspicion alerts. Critical to the solution is the response and liaison role from Bell MIT’s two-way remote management and monitoring facility, staffed by retail bank-trained operators.
Bell’s Sales Director Steve Neville explained: “Our operators’ calmness and ability to interface with possibly hostile customers, and defuse potentially dangerous situations, has been the key to the project’s success. They have been trained to react to, and manage, potentially life-threatening situations. This experience is proving to be invaluable as we look to grow our retail security business through this innovation in dealing with crime and employee stress and personal safety issues.”
Revolutionary Abloy(r) electric lock technology to be launched at IFSEC exhibition
Abloy Security, leading supplier of high security products, will be offending IESEC to preview its latest range of multi-function electric DIN locks. For many years Abloy Security has been providing installers, specifiers and suppliers with a comprehensive range of high security solutions. Now, the company has extended its range of security products to include its new multi-function electric DIN locks, which provide optimum levels of security and safety while enabling stockists to reduce the cost and complexity of stocking multiple lockcase types, ultimately offering the potential to increase levels of customer service. As well as reducing the time required for both specification and installation, the range offers, among other benefits, the potential to reduce stockholding significantly throughout the delivery chain by up to 90%. Designed for the simplest specification and installation possible, the multi-function properties of the range cater for all possibilities in a single lockcase. The locks are nonhanded, 1 2-24V, fail locked or unlocked, with all of these options being easily field selectable during installation. In addition, the locks are available with a choice of motor or solenoid operation, can be fined to all types of timber and metal doors, and be used to retrofit their equivalent lockcase within the previous series. Having recognised that standards and guidelines are a key deciding factor when specifying electric locks, not only to ensure compliance but also to offer complete peace of mind, ABLOY has developed the range to comply with the latest EN standards. These include EN 179 and EN 1 125 for emergency and panic exit doors and EN 1634-1 for fire resistance. Additionally, the locks are CE marked and have been fully tested to the impending standards for burglary, prEN 1627, and mechanical resistance, prEN 12209-1. Alongside these Abloy will be exhibiting automatic swing door operators, offering solutions for standard, lightweight and heavy duty fire doors. With the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 coming into force in October 2004 the majority of public and commercial buildings need to provide easy access and egress as a legal requirement. When installed in conjunction with ABLOY motor locks or selected solenoid locks, our automatic swing door operators provide effective, hands-free access control without compromising on security. In addition, on display will be the first double action electric lock to meet the demanding prEN 13637 European Building Hardware standard. The Eff Eff 351 lock releases instantly and is ideal for use on swing doors and fire routes. The specification will satisfy both building control and fire safety officers as it will operate under extreme side pressure up to SOQON in the event of an emergency, but is also pressure resistant to intrusion ensuring security. To complement the range will be a selection of mechanical products including door cylinders, padlocks and mortice locks, plus the range of Eff Eff electro-magnets and electric strikes.
Revolutionary cleaning underfoot
The performance and flexibility of the Frontrunner entrance flooring system has been used at a new installation for IFDS in Laindon, Essex. For these refurbished circular door entrances, Frontrunner was specified because it fulfilled several requirements at the same time.
Obviously, the large revolving door required a matting which could be easily cut and curved for on site fitting. Because the entrance is very exposed, a scraper and weather-proof area was also required as primary defence against soiling. This was achieved by using 100% Pvc Frontrunner so that dirt falls through the open grid. The inner part of the doorway was then fitted with Frontrunner Plus, a similar mailing but incorporating absorbent inserts. This arrangement means that shoe soles are scraped, dried and cleaned as each visitor takes several steps through the entrance.
Because Frontrunner mailings have inherent flexibility and are relatively light in weight, they contour over any uneven substrate. In this case, the mailing beds down well over the door operating sensor pads located in the matwell and avoids the rocking or raffle associated with mats incorporating metal. The matting can also be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance of the automatic door controls.
The Frontrunner system, available in 75 colour combinations, can be easily cut to meet any geometric or curved shape for surface fixing or recessed in mat wells. Rolls are available up to 12m long and in widths up to I .2m. Other variations include external qualities and brush inserts for aggressive cleaning.
RIDI adds surface version to Miela-SG range
RIDI Lighting is pleased to announce a new surface version of the hugely successful MIELA-SG recessed series. The new addition offers the same level of performance, build quality and aesthetic theme as the current range, but can be surface-mounted on all types of ceiling. As an all-new feature, the complete range is now fitted with a variable internal baffle system to vary the vertical light control and tune the photometric performance. Easy to adjust on site, the baffle system significantly improves the overall photometric performance of the luminaire whilst ensuring cut-off compliance. The MIELA-SG range is designed for the lighting specifier who requires a fully compliant one-stop LG3a or LG7 lighting solution. Only previously available as a recessed luminaire, the new surface direct/indirect option will broaden the application possibilities for any suitable commercial office and public sector environments. Manufactured in Germany to a UK design, the MIELA-SG is specifically developed to liberate the office environment from poor light distribution and oppressive shadow patterns, the direct/indirect design incorporates a punchy parabolic micro-louvre set in the perforated primary reflector. This creates a balance of direct light combined with a wide spread uplight element. The design also includes an attractive, low glare reeded matt aluminium gull-wing reflector for excellent vertical light control. Lamp options are available for various T5 and TC-L fluorescent lamps. The range is available with a new range of integral 3-hour self-test emergency conversions available for the UK. In addition, all UK versions are fitted with HF control gear as standard with a wide range of dimmable gear and systems available to order. RIDI UK is part of the RIDI Group, which last has celebrated 50 years as one of Europe's leading manufacturers of affordable architectural luminaires for commercial building applications. Based in Germany, the RIDI Group range extends from simple bare batten fittings through to complex luminaire systems.
RIDI gets top marks at UCL
The scope of RIDI lighting’s product range and project expertise has been demonstrated once again at the recently refurbished Anatomy Lecture Theatre, University College London (UCL). Now upgraded to incorporate the latest audio visual technology, the 200-seat theatre is widely used for both student and public lectures.
Anatomy and Developmental Biology is one of the largest departments in UCL and by far the largest Anatomy department in the UK. In recent times, significant investment by the Wellcome Trust/Joint Infrastructure Fund has enabled major refurbishment of the department’s facilities to take place - including the entrance lobby to the Anatomy Building and the Anatomy Lecture Theatre. Designed by Nicholas Burwell Architects, the lecture theatre has been refurbished to include the latest audio visual presentation equipment as well a new lighting scheme designed in conjunction with RIDI.
The RIDI luminaires – supplied with Luxmate’s ‘Professional’ lighting management system – have equipped the theatre with a lighting scheme that delivers appropriate ‘lighting scenes’ to meet the various lecture and presentation needs of the auditorium. This is then integrated into a full audio-visual control system.
General illumination is achieved with over forty of RIDI’s single and twin lamp 26w EBD recessed circular downlights. This versatile luminaire features a white decorative trim and an opal glass cover, and comes complete with Tridonic Excel-Dali dimmable gear for optimum control.
This main theatre lighting scheme is further supplemented by a combination of RIDI luminaires for both accent and task lighting requirements. Twenty of RIDI’s new EBWF ‘LED’ recessed wall lights are fitted at low level, beside the steps that run alongside the seating. These luminaires ensure that the steps are lit softly and unobtrusively and ensure safe delegate circulation during lectures.
Installed in the ceiling cornice is RIDI’s LINIA VLG trunking system, which is employed as an uplighter to soften the potential dark areas in the stepped ceiling. In addition, four EBWE asymetric wall washers have been recessed in the ceiling to illuminate the lectern and presentation area of the theatre.
RIDI UK is part of the RIDI Group, which has over 50 years experience as one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of affordable architectural luminaires for commercial building applications. Based in Germany, the RIDI Group range extends from simple bare batten fittings through to complex luminaire systems.
Riello Galatrek launches new maintenance plans with TeleGuard remote UPS monitoring and control
Riello Galatrek, the UK subsidiary of Europe's second largest UPS manufacturer, has unveiled a series of brand new maintenance plans, designed to operate in conjunction with the company's innovative TeleGuard remote UPSmonitoring and control service. Each of the new plans offers customers enhanced response levels for critical sites, compared to those included in the standard product warranties. The plan response times are: ¨ Silver: next working day ¨ Gold: same working day ¨ Platinum: 4 clock hour with access to a manned 24/7 response team The new maintenance plans include free parts and repair labour cover, and operate across the UK and Eire through an extensive network of Riello Galatrek engineers. A UPS is a complex electronic and electrical device, incorporating surface mount PCBs that are designed for board swap out on site, flash Eproms and firmware, and consumables parts. Because of this, Riello Galatrek's maintenance plans include a preventative maintenance visit inside warranty and the option for one outside warranty, each performed by Riello Galatrek qualified engineers. For relatively new sites preventative maintenance visits offer predominantly an inspection function that can be systemised into a remote monitoring facility. However, as the age and complexity of a UPS installation increases preventative maintenance visits orientate towards physical inspection and potentially the replacement of consumable parts. A remote preventative maintenance visit is recommended after six months, for new systems inside warranty. This comprises an inspection by a Riello Galatrek engineer from within the service centre, using the TeleGuard remote UPS management system. Where necessary the Riello Galatrek service centre can arrange for a site visit with the correctly identified parts required to bring the UPS back to full operating efficiency. For older systems outside warranty, a Riello Galatrek engineer performs an annual site visit with a general emergency spares kit, laptop, and the necessary interrogation software and documentation to perform diagnostics. This is especially recommended for systems of three years and older, where battery ageing starts to become more physically evident. For the utmost security, customers with sensitive and mission critical applications can incorporate both types of preventative maintenance visit into their plans. The TeleGuard software package is a client/server application for the monitoring and control of UPS connected over networks or modem lines anywhere in the world. TeleGuard uses databases to store information on the monitored UPS, defined views, user rights and customers. TeleGuard key features include: ¨ 24/7 monitoring of UPS installations with specific alarm response actions. ¨ Defined alarm categories - Critical, Major, Minor - users can group alarms into categories. ¨ Alarm dependent actions - log to database, beep, sound (WAV file), local pop up message, network message, Run command (definable scripts), send email, send SMS, send fax, or voice call a pre-recorded message. ¨ Regular pre-set HealthCheck dial up times. ¨ Reports on UPS status issued via fax to remote locations. ¨ Multi-lingual, country, customer and location. ¨ Administration and user password controlled functions. ¨ Provides several screens including alarm event logs, data (monitored parameters) log, data graph features for the monitored UPS by country, customer and location. ¨ Compatible with PowerShield? UPS monitoring and control software - provides graphical displays, detailed data monitoring and status box screens, and UPS block diagrams. TeleGuard can automatically: ¨ verify on a weekly basis that communications is available between the UPS and TeleGuard system. Problems are automatically notified to the Riello Galatrek service centre and corrective action taken. ¨ service the UPS every six months. A Riello Galatrek engineer will download the UPS logs for recording and interpretation, clear alarm conditions and generate a site report. This is sent to the customer outlining any remedial action required. ¨ monitor the UPS on a 24/7 basis. Should an alarm condition occur, the UPS will notify the TeleGuard system and a customer dedicated response script will be activated. A Riello Galatrek engineer will then use bespoke interrogation software to fault find and either clear the alarm remotely or despatch an engineer to site with the replacement parts required to bring the UPS back to full operational efficiency.
Riello Galatrek unveils latest managed or user operated UPS monitoring and control solution
Teleguard, the latest UPS (uninterruptible power system) monitoring and control system from Riello Galatrek, is a powerful yet simple to operate UPS management tool that connects over networks or via a modem, enabling users remotely to supervise and control the status of their UPS installation in real-time. Teleguard is compatible with the Power Dialog Plus, Multi Dialog, Master Dialog and PowerCentre2 ranges of Riello Galatrek UPS, and is available either as a standalone product - allowing users to monitor their own installations - or as a complete service, offered through the Riello Galatrek UK service centre. Teleguard uses standard databases to store information about the monitored UPS, as well as user rights and customer details. Its 24/7 monitoring capability permits either the customer or the Riello Galatrek service centre to control UPS devices situated at any geographical location simply by using standard communications protocols. Customers can use the system to group audible alarms into defined categories, including Critical, Major and Minor. Depending on the severity of the alarm, Teleguard can be programmed to log the event to its database, sound, produce a local or network pop up message, run a script command, send a fax or e-mail or play back a pre-recorded message over the telephone. The software can also be set to contact the Riello Galatrek service centre for a health check at regular intervals. For users that prefer to specify a fully managed service, Riello Galatrek offers a series of Teleguard annual service packages, depending on the customer's individual requirements. Silver, Gold and Platinum schemes are available, offering respectively next day, same day and 4 clock hour response times. Teleguard is fully compatible with Riello Galatrek's established PowerShield2 UPS monitoring and control software. This enables the software to display information in the form of bar charts, and digital values for critical UPS data including mains voltage, UPS load and battery charge percentage. A graphical display provides detailed information on a wide range of UPS parameters, featuring an events log that retains details on and changes in UPS operating status, allowing users to check trends on input voltage, load applied and battery back-up. UPS devices that are linked to Teleguard via the PowerShield2 software can be configured with their own shutdown procedures to offer the highest levels of system security and power management. This enables the user to programme their preferred power off and power up requirements, which the system then initiates. Activity can be scheduled by day, week or any other appropriate timescale. This facility allows users to detail both a sequential or priority based UPS shutdown, in an orderly manner - especially important where critical file servers must be powered down in a particular order, in the event of mains failure.
Riello training proves popular
There are just a few places still available on Riello Burner Training Courses for 2004. Riello’s Technical Manager Barry Gregory said ‘the training schedule for this year has proved extremely popular, with a choice of one and two day courses covering domestic and commercial burners firing oil, gas and dual fuel. With pressure now on engineers and installers to prove competence, training is receiving additional focus within the industry.’ This year Riello is also running specific courses for domestic oil burners, which includes detailed technical information on their new RDB2 plus burners for condensing boilers. All courses cover burner selection, matching, theory and practical fault finding plus related health and safety issues. Also new for 2004, is Gas Boosters training which runs alongside the more specialized commercial courses including Dual Fuel and Modulation.
Riello UPS Purchases Advance Galatrek's UPS Business
As at the 1st March 2003, Riello UPS, Europe's second largest manufacturer of UPS equipment, purchased the uninterruptible power systems sales and service business of Advance Galatrek (Advance Electronics Ltd), the UK's leading provider of power protection solutions for the IT, comms, commerce and industrial sectors.
The new business will be known in the UK as Riello Galatrek Limited, and will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Riello of Italy, from new premises located on Wrexham Industrial Estate, just outside Wrexham. The remainder of Advance Galatrek's existing power quality management business, including voltage surge suppressor, constant voltage transformer and voltage stabiliser manufacturing will continue to operate from its current premises as Advance Electronics Limited, under the AEL Group brand.
The purchase of Advance Galatrek's UPS sales and distribution operation sees Riello Galatrek becoming the dominant force in the UK UPS market, with a presence in all key sectors, including telecoms, Internet, voice and data comms, industrial, manufacturing, healthcare, rail and banking. Thanks to the collective experience, knowledge and skill sets of both Advance Galatrek and Riello, existing and potential customers will receive the most comprehensive series of products and services available from any supplier. Products offered will include Riello designed and manufactured uninterruptible power systems, ranging up to 6MVA, complemented by UK sourced battery extension pack and UPS accessories.
As well as its exceptional product range, Riello Galatrek will capitalise on the substantial experience that Advance Galatrek has acquired in the UPS industry. This will enable the new company to offer even higher levels of service in the pre-sales, after-sales and support arenas. Because Riello Galatrek regards management continuity as an important element of customer service, Advance Galatrek's Robin Koffler has been appointed as General Manager of the new company. Three Phase Sales Manager Leo Craig and Service Manager Colin Griffiths will continue their respective roles within Riello Galatrek.
The significant economies of scale brought about by the purchase will allow Riello Galatrek to offer the best possible value to its customers, through initiatives that will include increased product modularity, combined with regular launches of new products and service initiatives.
According to newly appointed Riello Galatrek General Manager Robin Koffler, the new structure will allow the company to operate as a fully-fledged UPS power protection provider, with an integrated suite of products and services across the whole sector. 'Prior to the acquisition, both Advance Galatrek and Riello boards gave extensive thought to the advantages that a purchase would bring. The synergy that exists between Advance Galatrek's UPS business and Riello will provide the perfect springboard to give both existing and new customers the most complete uninterruptible power system offering available anywhere in the marketplace,' he stated.
'We are delighted at the way our business relationship with Riello has expanded since it was established in 1995, and are very much looking forward to working with Riello as a subsidiary, supporting its pan-European and global activities. In addition, we are certain that visits and training schools at the Riello factories in Verona and Milan will demonstrate both to new and potential customers the leading approach taken by Riello throughout its UPS activities,' concluded Koffler.
Roberto Facci, Riello UPS Sales and Marketing Director commented: 'The purchase of Advance Galatrek's UPS business provides us with a stable platform through which to support our UK partners and to grow our overall market share. Our philosophy of global reach, combined with local knowledge, means that Riello Galatrek will be able to capitalise on the key customer and supplier relationships that have been forged over the past few years, while calling on the vast resources of Riello UPS as global partner.'
Right on track - Dalkia wins Southern Rail energy contract
Train operator New Southern Railway Ltd has awarded a major new contract for energy management to Dalkia, confirming Dalkia's leading position in the specialised and technically demanding utilities sector. Building on Dalkia's newly restructured energy offering, the scope of the contract includes bill validation, meter reading and benchmarking across the whole of the Southern operation - targeting opportunities for significant savings in energy consumption whilst also ensuring that Southern gets best value from its utility providers. Throughout the implementation phase, Dalkia will be surveying key Southern locations with a view to confirming strategy for energy savings across the entire Southern estate of 161 stations and offices, from Warblington in the west to Rye in the east and from London down to the south coast. "We are hopeful that success with this contract will demonstrate the scale of savings which could be achieved across the entire UK rail network;" says Dalkia Energy Sales Manager Mike Sewell. "Something which potentially could reduce Southern energy costs by 12% and save over 1200 tonnes of CO2 emissions every year. In context of double-digit percentage increases in energy tariffs and with a sharpening focus on global warming, these savings become especially important," he adds. Paul Trevett, Southern's Head of Facilities says: "The significance of this contract cannot be overstated. The financial savings we hope to make will provide much needed resources to continue our work of improving train services for Southern's passengers.
Rinnai’s calling
The world’s largest gas appliance manufacturer, Rinnai UK Ltd, has been called into St. Anselm’s Church in Hayes, Middlesex, to install 13 Rinnai 1004T wall mounted gas heaters.
With a new system urgently required after the breakdown of the old gas heaters, the church was disappointed when two other appliance manufacturers, approached alongside Rinnai, were unable to carry out a survey.
Rinnai helped out with a prompt survey and engagement of local installers, R&L Paul. The installers were able to reorganise their work schedule in order to fit several of the heaters quickly, in time for a special forthcoming service. The full installation was completed soon after.
No stranger to Rinnai, the Priest-in-Charge of St. Anselm’s, who is also the Rector at St. Mary’s Church, was in a unique position to rubber stamp the installation, being in favour of using the tried and tested heaters. Nearby St. Mary’s Church was the first ever church in the UK to have Rinnai heaters installed some 22 years ago. Still working, they continue to keep a chill from the 13th century church.
Furthermore, the new system is warming the accounts as well as the congregation at St. Anselm’s. With maximum efficiency and features such as time control, frost protection and Smart Digital Technology, the Rinnai wall heaters automatically sense room temperature and self-adjust accordingly, providing an economical means of heating.
Since their introduction, over 1 million Rinnai heaters have been sold worldwide with numerous churches in the UK benefiting from the advanced product range.
Risk Assessment — Have you assessed the risks your employees are exposed to?
Working days lost due to injuries caused by slips, trips and falls cost employers £300 million a year*. This together with the fact that falls from height are the largest cause of serious accidents in the construction industry*, highlight how important it is to carry out regular Risk Assessments within the workplace and to ensure that measures are in place to protect your employees from potential injury. Under The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers’ have a legal responsibility to ensure that this occurs and to provide their employees with information on the risks to their Health and Safety. The new 2004 Safetyshop catalogue features 1000’s of products that will help you ensure the safety of your employees and inform them on how to minimise the risks to themselves. Useful advice on The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 are also given. Our extensive range of products includes: • Risk Assessment and Safety Training Software, Videos and Books. • Pocket Guides, Posters and Wallcharts that enable you to inform and train your employees on matters relating to their health and safety at work. • Slip resistant matting, anti-slip tapes and Safe StepTM paints. • Fall Arrest and Recovery Equipment including Body Harnesses and Winches. • The UK’s Leading Range of Safety Signs. Next day delivery, competitive prices, no minimum order charges, a 14 day no risk trial and comprehensive legislation advice are all part of the exceptional customer service offered by Safetyshop.
Risk control approach to fall protection
Health & Safety Executive statistics show that falls from height are still the major cause of fatalities and major non-fatal accidents in the UK and as such this remains a key area of attention for inspectors.
The Approved Code of Practice (AcoP) to the 0DM Regulations was issued in February this year by the Health & Safety Commission with the aim of clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the various parties involved in construction contracts. One of the key drivers was to ensure that designers and contractors took responsibility for ensuring safety of workers and the public throughout the life of the building, through correct design specification and installation of products.
Another factor that historically has sometimes been overlooked is where the design responsibility for a product or system lies. Normally this will be with the designer but if a specified product is substituted or an alternative is proposed then it is likely that the company or individual making this change takes on the role and responsibilities of the designer. Where design is sub contracted the designer or main contractor has to ensure that adequate information is available and that the company employed is suitably qualified and experienced to carry out the work.
To aid designers, HCL Safety, now part of the Latchways Group, after consultation with the Health and Safety Executive, have produced a Fall Protection System Selector chart to assist with the selection of the correct generic type of fall protection system for any application. The chart identifies some of the key criteria that should be considered at the design stage and provides a generic classification that can be included in a specification or sub contract enquiry.
RNM System works with Modulex to develop Ariadne digital signage solution
RNM Systems Ltd, the London-based software developers, has signed a partnership agreement to work with Modulex, the world leader in architectural signs and part of the LEGO Group, to interface a comprehensive room booking and resource scheduling system to compliment a dynamic indoor signage system named Ariadne. RNM Systems Ltd has interfaced its innovative Condeco online meeting management business tool into Ariadne, providing up-to-the-minute information on the status and resourcing of meeting rooms, directly to busy indoor environments, keeping visitors and staff informed, entertained, updated and moving in the right direction. Ariadne is meant for busy environments like company headquarters where traditional static signage may seem staid and printed paper signs can't be updated quickly enough to cope with last-minute changes. It is not an exaggeration to say Ariadne brings indoor signage into the modern era. "Ariadne automates many functions," says Ken Mikulsky from Modulex, "enabling you to manage large areas and flows of people with fewer personnel. And with its elegant design, it conveys a leading-edge image." Condeco takes the pain and uncertainty out of booking and resourcing office meeting rooms by allowing anyone to book and manage meeting rooms with the minimum of fuss. IT Managers, PAs, Facility Managers, or anyone with clearance, can check to see which rooms are available and search multiple locations, floors, or even departments. Using simple menus, every aspect of a meeting, such as the pre-ordering of refreshments, audio-visual equipment, or extra seating, can be arranged. Keeping tabs on costs is no problem either, as the expenditure can be fully tracked and invoices offset against specific cost centres. Gone also is the worry of ensuring everyone knows where they should be. Condeco sends personal email invitations to attendees that are automatically entered in to their diaries, informs hosts by SMS message when visitors arrive and lets suppliers know what they need to provide. The Director of RNM Systems Ltd, Fraser Stevenson, said: 'It's a thrill to be working with such a switched on and technologically advanced company like Modulex. Ariadne with its contemporary looks, streaming video, scrolling text and other features make Ariadne ideal for busy environments. In many ways, Ariadne is not dissimilar a product to Condeco: both are concerned with getting people where they need to get to without difficulty.'
Robbens underfloor heating combines flexible use with close control for Church development
A Robbens underfloor heating system is helping to Burgess Hill Baptist Church to play a new community role. Church buildings are now frequently called upon to provide for a whole range of activities, ranging from meetings to day care centres for the elderly and the very young. Completely concealed beneath the floor Robbens heating technology provides a perfect partner for such projects - combining safety and comfort with flexibility of use and control. The Church at Burgess Hill has been refurbished in a carefully phased programme. New toilet and kitchen facilities were installed as part of Phase 1 and the second Phase has seen the construction of a new church hall with teaching rooms at mezzanine level and a covered link to the adjoining manse where the minister lives. The new hall is designed for multi-purpose use, including providing a home for the local "Fish and Bricks" playgroup and a Church youth centre. All of the new areas are served by a Robbens underfloor heating system embedded in the screeded concrete floor. During installation, loops of Robbens' multi-layer pipework were fixed in position on the floor insulation material with the loop ends connected to discreetly located manifolds. The manifolds are connected in turn by flow and return services to the new gas-fired condensing boiler. After pressure testing, a sand and cement screed was poured to integrate the heating system into the floor structure and provide a smooth, even surface for the carpet tiles. The concealed system is completely safe and tamper-proof. Easy access is provided to all areas and all of the wall space is available for use. Robbens underfloor heating makes a perfect complement for modern condensing boilers. The low return temperatures keep the boiler in high efficiency condensing mode for maximum economy (see www.underfloorheating.co.uk). Occupancy levels in the Baptist Church building vary widely according to the day of the week and the time of day. To combine full comfort for everyone in all circumstances with minimum fuel consumption the Robbens system is divided into 5 independent zones. Each zone has a dedicated thermostatic control to monitor the temperature of water flowing from the manifold into the concealed pipework loops. Consultant for the Burgess Hill Baptist Church project was Michael Cade and the Robbens systems were installed by Moushill Contractors
ROC Relocations announces senior appointment
Roc Relocations, a leading provider of specialist storage, relocation and removals solutions, has announced the appointment of Tony Kemp as Operations Manager. He will be responsible for controlling all the day-to-day operational functions of the business including vehicles, personnel and warehousing. Tony Kemp, a resident of Canvey Island, has extensive experience of the removals industry and holds the RTITB for Overseas and Fine Art Packing accreditations along with the BAR Supervisory and Commercial Level II qualifications. He joins direct from Hoults and Freeborns and has previously worked for Premier Moves, Haggers Removals and Harrow Green Removals. According to Roger Bannister, Managing Director of Roc Relocations: “The appointment of Tony Kemp will play a major part in expanding the range of services provided by Roc Relocations”. His professionalism and depth of experience will enable us to optimise operations and provide an even higher level of customer service.”
Rocket sales for Skymaster
The ladder, widely regarded as an industry essential for theatres, lighting contractors and maintenance companies, can be used in six different ways to provide maximum functionality as a free - standing, two or three part extension ladder, trestle steps, work platform or stair ladder. It is the flexibility of the Skymaster for different tasks which has guaranteed its popularity for all sorts of access jobs since Zarges began distributing it in 1991. Sales of Skymaster have exceeded Travis Perkins’ expectations. Alan White, painting and decorating product manager says: “We’re constantly striving to give customers value for money. The three-part Skymaster is extremely versatile, offering several uses from just the one product” Zarges (UK) is a subsidiary of high-quality access equipment manufacturer Zarges GmbH, Europe’s largest ladder manufacturer whose products meet all relevant European health and safety standards. The company is currently working with major contractors to produce access solutions in advance of the Work at Height Regulations which come into force in 2004.
Rollalong choose NU-Star Power pushers
Rollalong Ltd. (a leading UK manufacturer of portable, temporary, semi-permanent and permanent buildings) has recently taken delivery of four Nu-Star Hi-Torque Power Pusher® units in order to move their pre-fabricated modular buildings during the manufacturing process at their site in Dorset. The Power Pusher is a pedestrian operated, battery powered, tug unit designed to push rolling loads up to 40,000Kg in weight. The unit enables a single operator to safely push large/heavy rolling loads that would traditionally require the use of larger, more expensive tractor-type units to move them. Safety and productivity are the key benefits for customers to use the Power Pusher in such circumstances. The Power Pusher, and it’s associated range of pedestrian operated electric tugs, has been available in the EU marketplace since October 2001 and are now being used in industries ranging from paper, glass and concrete to railways, plastics, food and automobiles. Nick Shorten, senior manufacturing engineer at Rollalong Ltd commented; “The Power Pushers enable us to move our buildings through the production process. Traditionally fork lift trucks have carried out this operation as our buildings can weight up to 13.5 tonnes. The Power Pushers are easy to use and small enough to manoeuvre between the work in progress, releasing valuable floor space. The pedestrian operation also reduced the health & safety risks associated with fork lift operations.” Steve Mather, Technical Director of Nu-Star Material Handling Ltd. explained; “The Rollalong application was challenging from a technical perspective, as we had to design a bespoke connection method to their products that enabled the operators to quickly and easily adjust the Power Pusher to deal with the wide variety of modular buildings that they manufacture.”
Roll-A-Ramp launches new range of accessories
The innovative portable and lightweight ramps from Roll-a-Ramp (Europe) Ltd. are now made even more adaptable thanks to an extensive new range of accessories, such as special mountings and handrails, allowing the ramps to be attached to specific surfaces and further customised to meet individual requirements. Amongst the new accessories is a wide collection of brackets for universal use in areas where extra caution needs to be taken to hold the ramp into place. A number of bespoke designs for installation in specific vehicles such as pickups and vans are also available. Adjustable supports are now available to enable use of ramps up to 20’ (6.m) long. Also worth mentioning is the specially designed handrail kit, which can be fitted on either side of the ramp — or on both if this is required. The lightweight banister, produced from aluminium tubing, is coated with ridged plastic for a more comfortable grip and can quickly and easily be attached/detached to/from the ramp whenever needed. The handrails are particularly appropriate for a semi-permanent access solution and complies with the DDA. The accessories, which were introduced at the beginning of September, can be purchased direct from Roll-a-Ramp or from your local dealer. “With this extended range of accessories we are now proud to say that we are no longer providers only of an access ramp, but of a whole ramping solution,” says Andrew Cohen, a director of Roll-a-Ramp. “We hope this will enable even more people to benefit from our ramps in the future.”
Roll-A-Ramp welcomes eminent scholars
Planners of the prestigious Rhodes Centenary Celebration, held at Rhodes House Oxford in July this year, left no detail neglected when, in order to guarantee adequate and prominent access for all, a lightweight, portable ramping system from Roll-a-Ramp was set up by all the major entrances. The ramp, which has proven extremely useful in a number of access and working environments since its launch, ensured that the day ran smoothly, safely and comfortably for the people with impaired mobility that attended. Four Rhodes scholars were presented with honorary degrees at the ceremony, as the Rhodes Trust celebrated 100 years since their scholarships were first awarded. Four ramps were ‘rolled out’ for the event at the House, which is the base for the newly established Mandela Rhodes Foundation. Says Andrew Cohen, a director of Roll-a-Ramp: “Being a listed building, it is both difficult and time-consuming to obtain planning permission to make any physical alterations to the edifice. Also, as there isn’t much room in front of some of the entrances, a solid ramp structure could prove obtrusive and impede other activities undertaken there. By choosing Roll-a-Ramp as an access solution, all of these problems were avoided, as the ramp is simply rolled out whenever needed and, when not in use, rolled up again for convenient storage.” The main building, which is renowned for having one of the greater libraries in the world for the study of imperialism and the former British Empire, still uses the ramps during special occasion. Not only dose it provide an appropriate and reliable access solution for wheelchair users, it also helps members of staff when transporting weighty and bulky items such as books and archived material. Complying with the DDA in most cases, the ramp will assist facilities managers all over the country, who are now responsible for making reasonable adjustments for disabled users, in line with the latest amendments to Part M of the building regulations. Sue Maynard Campbell, managing director of access consultancy Equal Ability, comments: “We have been impressed with the attention to good practice detail, such as the guard edges, reflectors and ridged non-slip safety surface Roll-a-Ramp provides. With its inherent flexibility, backed up by a 10-year warranty, Roll-a-Ramp is now the best solution to a wide range of access barriers that require adjustment under the Disability Discrimination Act.” The strong and durable ramp is available in two standard widths to any length required and comes with carrying straps for transportation and storage.
Roll-A-Ramps used at Palace for Paralympic reception
More than the red carpet was rolled out at Buckingham Palace on 2nd October this year when members of the ParalympicsGB team attended a reception hosted by Her Majesty The Queen. Roll-a-Ramp, the revolutionary portable ramp system, was in use to ensure smooth, safe wheelchair and scooter access at the event held a week after Paralympic Games medallists joined their Olympic counterparts in the Parade of Heroes through the streets of London. Among the 300 guests were athletes, sponsors’ representatives and members of the support teams that made a vital contribution to the success of the British team in Athens. The Earl of Wessex, 2004 Patron of the British Paralympic Association and President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, also attended.
The Property Manager for Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Palace contacted Roll-a-Ramp as he needed a flexible system that could be used not only for this event but at their other locations as and when required. The Roll-a-Ramp team visited the Palace prior to the reception to ensure all ramps were sited correctly. 10 ramps of varying lengths and widths were supplied for the event plus handrails, centre support stands, low van entry plates and positive lock pins.
Two huge 28 ft long x 30m wide ramps and two l0ft x 30m ramps, each with handrails, were positioned side by side in the Marble Hall. Two 18ft x 30in ramps were placed outside, leading up to the main entrance doorway, again with handrails, while two 1 6ft x 30in ramps were sited outside at the bottom steps, with another two 16ft x 12in ramps running alongside. This was a formidable installation indeed. On previous occasions, a cumbersome and complex arrangement of scaffolding and boards had been used. This had taken nearly a week to set up, could not be moved around for use in other locations and was expensive in labour time and materials.
Jeremy Cowan, Roll-a-Ramp Director, explains: “Although the ParalympicsGB team can celebrate achieving fantastic success at the Games this year, athletes still face the day to day obstacles - such as inadequate wheelchair access - that are encountered by any person with disabilities. This is exactly the kind of scenario where Roll-a-Ramp can help. It can be difficult to obtain planning permission for building work on listed buildings, or buildings of historical significance. With our system, costly permanent incline structures are often unnecessary.”
Fabricated of extremely strong anodised aerospace aluminium, the adaptable ramp holds over 900kg of distributed weight and comes with a 10-year warranty. For added safety, high visibility yellow rubberised pinch guards and reflectors are fitted between individual links. The Allen key and spanner provided are all that is needed to adjust the overall length of the ramp by removing or adding sections. Featuring built-in safety ridges to help prevent wheels from slipping, ramps are perforated to allow water to drain away in rainy conditions. They require minimal storage space and are easily moved around to provide access into and out of buildings and vehicles, as well as up and down steps and over awkward thresholds. Useful in a wide variety of situations both indoors and outdoors, they can be neatly rolled or folded up for convenient storage and offer an economically priced, versatile access solution for wheelchair and scooter users.
Roll-a-Ramp is available in 2 standard widths to any length required and comes with carrying straps for transportation and storage. Ramps and extra sections are available from Roll-a-Ramp dealers nationwide.
Rollclamp
Tractel’s Rollclamp is designed for personnel use and works on the top or bottom flange of a steel beam to provide a moveable anchor. It enables the user to move freely as it travels forwards and backwards on smooth running nylon rollers along the beam. Rollclamps are fitted with a webbing anchor point to which a lanyard can be connected and they are quick to attach and disconnect from the beam. The Rollclamp is ideal for use by steel erectors and also cradle installers who use the track as a continuous rail to which the Rollclamp is attached giving them complete safety without the need to install expensive temporary systems. It can be used on beams or cradle tracks with a minimum flange width of 100mm — adjustable up to 380mm. A larger version is available which is adjustable to 640mm. Tractel (UK) Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of height safety, suspended access and materials handling equipment.
Romec - A Simple Choice for Marks and Spencer
Romec, working in partnership with building services consultants Dowling Blunt, has been chosen to provide fire detection maintenance services for Marks and Spencer’s Simply Food stores across the UK.
The new contract is in addition to the security systems services that Romec already provides for the famous High Street retailer.
Tony Cahill, Romec’s Director of Electronic Security said about the new contract: "Through our close working relationship with Dowling Blunt, we have been able to identify the business needs of Marks & Spencer’s continuously changing estate and provide effective fire detection solutions."
Romec and Dowling Blunt are hoping to increase their involvement in this area through the continuing development of the Marks & Spencer estate.
Romec and Haden Building Management join forces on fire
Romec, one of the UK’S leading providers of integrated facilities management services, has taken on Haden Building Management Group’s fire and security team in a further demonstration of the existing partnership between the two companies.
Romec and Haden have provided fire detection services to customers for a number of years. The collaboration, which involved the transfer of 10 Haden engineers to Romec, will allow the company to provide a more efficient service.
The intention now, according to Tony Cahill Romec’s Director of Electronic Security is to expand the fire detection services to new and existing customers.
Tony Cahill said: “Whilst Romec has provided fire detection services to customers for some time, Haden’s experience in this area and the skills of their technicians will enable us to offer an increased and improved facility.”
Romec on the move with stationery bid
Print Solutions, the printing arm of national facilities management specialists Romec, has won an e-auction for a three-year contract to supply printed stationery to Royal Mail Group. Competing against five other companies Print Solutions took part in an on-line auction before emerging as the chosen supplier. The contract requires, amongst many other stationery items, some 9 million sheets of headed paper every year that will be printed and distributed from Print Solutions’ Swindon base. The printing works in Swindon, which has an annual turnover of approximately £3.5 million, handles around 320 individual print jobs every week, with some 700 projects being live at any one time. Customers include many different commercial clients in the public and private sectors. Peter Mendham, Print Solutions Manager, said about the contract win: “Whilst on-line auctions are always a tense affair at least you are aware of the outcome relatively quickly and given our competitive bid, as well as experience in stationery and form production, we were always hopeful of a successful result.”
Romec Pots Black
Iain Black has joined facilities management specialist Romec as Group Safety Health and Environment Manager.
Iain will be responsible for the practical interpretation of Romec’s policy on safety, health and environmental matters at the Company’s numerous sites throughout the UK as well as for employees working at customer locations.
Before his move to Romec Iain had a similar role with major brewing brands company Interbrew UK, although he originally began his career in the pharmaceutical industry as a chemical engineer.
Romec Revealed…
A new series of product sheets covering all the integrated FM services offered by Romec, one of the UK’S leading national providers, has been introduced by the company. The comprehensive guides include Building Services Installation, Electronic Security and Cleaning Services to Materials Handling Equipment, Building Services Maintenance, as well as Manufacturing and Print Solutions, the literature details every element of the products and services available. Romec already works with some of the biggest names in the UK, servicing over 15,000 sites on a 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year basis.
Romec takes a shine to Standard Life
The prestigious offices of Standard Life Healthcare in Stockport are now shining even more than usual as a cleaning team from Romec has moved in as part of a new three-year contract.
Some 400 Standard Life Healthcare staff occupy six floors of the landmark town centre building, providing private medical insurance and health cash plans to customers throughout the UK.
Romec is classed as a Standard Life Healthcare ‘informed supplier’ and as part of this function provided recommendations for improving the cleaning standards for the open plan offices, drawing up new specifications and also revising cleaning times around occupancy periods.
National Projects Manager for Romec, Anne Armstrong said: “We are committed to the provision of a first class and innovative service on behalf of Standard Life Healthcare and as part of that we are providing an emergency contact point as well as ongoing training for cleaning staff to ensure that the new specifications, standards and schedules are maintained."
Romeo - A chiller lovematch
Romeo is the very Italian name of the new remote chiller monitor from Aermec, Italy's leading air conditioning manufacturer and Europe's largest manufacturer of chillers. It makes all the operational information of a chiller available via a mobile phone. It delivers fault diagnostics to the phone which can then give commands back to the chiller, via Romeo, thereby reducing the necessity for site visits by service engineers. If a site visit is required, however, by showing the engineer what the problem is, he can take with him any parts that are needed to effect repair. Romeo will operate with any Aermec chiller.
Ronald McDonald House at Alder Hey
Alder Hey, founded originally in 1914, is regarded as the largest children’s hospital in Western Europe. It is the birthplace of modern paediatric anaesthesia and is one of the few hospitals with a University Institute of Child Care accreditation.
It serves a vast area, which includes providing specialist services to 20 health authorities, incorporating Staffordshire, North Wales and the Isle of Man, as well offering the local community a general paediatric service.
200,000 children are treated at Alder Hey each year, with families often having to travel long distances to access the specialist services provided by this international centre of excellence. In these circumstances the provision of a Ronald McDonald House, is vital. This unit currently provides up to 26 families with ‘home from home’ accommodation, which is of such key importance, where a family has a seriously ill child. This house at Alder Hey was the second to be built in the UK.
It is well recognised that the speed of a child’s recovery, is closely linked to the continuity offered through ongoing family contact and love. The Ronald McDonald House offers families of seriously ill children the opportunity to continue a semblance of family life, during a very difficult time Here, immediate family can stay in this purpose built house within the grounds of Alder Hey. Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities, the charitable arm of McDonalds Restaurants has been an enormous benefactor of this and similar projects all over the world.
With the huge demand for space, an extension to the Ronald McDonald House was badly needed. The work on this annex is now coming to a close and Grundfos Pumps Ltd are pleased to have been associated with such a special project. When completed, the new facility will be the biggest House in Europe and the second biggest in the world.
The costs of running of a house like this are huge (£400,000 pa), and with this in mind the MAGNA range of variable speed pumps, was the perfect solution for this project. MAGNA offers the end user reduced power consumption, over fixed speed pumps of at least 60%. This is obviously an important consideration when trying to minimise running costs. Add to this the ease of installation and the reliability offered plus the fact that the MAGNA offers the opportunity to function either within a network communication or as a standalone and it is clear why Contractors A+B Engineering and Consultants Terry and Partners both of Liverpool, were sure that the MAGNA offered the best solution. Grundfos also supplied a booster set to ensure sufficient water supply, regardless of demand.
Grundfos Pumps Ltd were so impressed by the scheme that they made a £1000 contribution to the fund which will be acknowledged through the ‘Tree of Life’, which is on display at the house
Roofline building products stockist opens South East branch
One of the UK's leading cellular plastic building products stockists is looking to substantially increase sales of soffit, fascia, cladding and window products following the opening of new premises in Maidstone, Kent.
Highline Building Plastics have grown steadily in recent years and the company is now targeting the south east. For many years the firm has been a principal supplier of Celuform building products to major developers and installers in the Midlands, north of England and Scotland.
Celuform supplies stockists throughout the UK and Europe. The company was the first UK manufacturer of PVC-ue building products and is now a market leader.
"To ensure that we keep providing the service our customers expect, it was time to expand," said Gavin Forsyth, who will be running the new branch, along with Simon Steele.
"Deliveries of Celuform and the other products we supply must be on time. Customer service is paramount. We have a particularly close relationship with Celuform, who are also based at Larkfield, and want to continue developing business with them," he continued.
Highline will be looking to maximise sales of two of Celuform's latest products: Duoliner reveal linerboard and Vanquish grooved fascia.
Roped access The best solution for Emley Moor
Leading roped access specialists, HRS Services, have just completed a contract to inspect and repair local areas of concrete to the NTL Emley Moor Transmission Tower, which is the tallest free-standing structure in the UK.
Situated on the moors overlooking Huddersfield, the Emley Moor Tower is owned and operated by NTL Broadcast and as conventional access methods such as scaffolding were impractical, they turned to HRS Services.
Using HSE ‘Good Practices’ techniques as set out in IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trading Association) guidelines, technicians from the Sheffield based company used rope access to position themselves around and under the tower’s working platforms, allowing them to first inspect and then carry out any necessary concrete and coating repairs.
All the HRS equipment is portable and extremely lightweight, allowing rapid set up and removal times. This speed and flexibility, combined with the safest method of working at height, makes rope access the preferred choice for difficult sites, such as Finley Moor.
This is not the first time that HRS Services has worked on the Tower. In 1997 they carried out a full inspection of both the internal and external faces of this nationally recognised landmark.
RoSPA & Safetyshop announce partnership
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and the UK’s leading safety product supplier Signs & Labels have announced a partnership between the two organisations. The aim is to provide better access to a wide range of safety products via the familiar Safetyshop catalogue and raise general safety awareness through access to new markets for the RoSPA message, training courses, consultancy and workplace resources. RoSPA members benefit from reduced prices when purchasing from Safetyshop and existing Safetyshop customers have the option of RoSPA membership. Frances Richardson RoSPA Marketing Manager comments, ‘RoSPA is a uniquely comprehensive safety organisation with a simple aim; helping to save lives and reduce the toll of injuries from accidents of all kinds. Our new partnership with Signs & Labels and their market leading Safetyshop brand will further our ability to fulfil this aim twofold; Transferring product retail and supply responsibility to Signs & Labels allows us to concentrate on our core competence of developing and delivering better safety information, products and training. Secondly, with over 100,000 customers the Safetyshop catalogue and on-line shop provides an excellent vehicle to increase awareness of our initiatives and message.’ Jon Walker, Marketing Manager of Signs & Labels adds, ‘Signs & Labels are a highly proactive safety company, with several members of staff sitting on government associated committees responsible for developing and implementing safety regulations. A link with RoSPA has been present for several years including collaboration on training courses and the Safetyshop catalogue carrying a range of RoSPA signs, posters and training videos. The official partnership now provides an opportunity for the two organisations to work more closely together to provide the public and industry with better safety tools and knowledge.’ Existing RoSPA members can enjoy a 15% discount on all 21,000 items featured in the Safetyshop catalogue. The current issue also contains news on the latest legislation including DDA and ATEX regulations; advise on BS standards and HSE guidelines. As such, it is now the UK’s largest single resource for safety equipment and signage solutions.
Rotherham company launches life-saving initiative
A pioneering electrical company is launching an initiative that will save businesses money, property - and lives. The Rotherham-based Lowe Group will mark its 10th Anniversary this year by launching the Electrical Inspection, Testing & Training arm of the group with a name change to NECTA (National Electrical Certification & Training Alliance). It comes with a stark warning from chairman Ted Lowe, who set up the company in 1995 and has grown it from just one employee to over 200: "Electrical fires are consistently number two after fires caused by arson, yet businesses don't take enough steps to protect their staff and property. "When we go into premises to carry out inspections we are amazed by the potential hazards we spot. Electrical accidents can ruin a business and kill people - it's as brutal as that. Often companies are unaware of the dangers until it's too late. "In our experience, more than 70 per cent of electrical installations over five years old breach current legislation. Our priority is to help change this with the launch of NECTA. It will take us to a new level and give us a national presence, which will also be good for Rotherham." Companies signing up to NECTA will benefit from having their premises fully electrically inspected and tested. NECTA's comprehensive service will also give companies the opportunity to access technical advice, consultancy services, comprehensive electrical inspection and testing programmes, a host of electrical training Courses, risk assessments and the development of Safety Policies. Once certified by NECTA, companies can have peace of mind, not only because the risk of an accident is greatly reduced but also because the certification is evidence of having a responsible safety management policy. This means that in the event of a serious incident, firms are less likely to have a problem with their insurance company or face the threat of being sued. Ted Lowe said: "Latest full-year figures show that fires due to electrical faults accounted for around 20% of all large loss insurance claims. A number of insurance companies are now refusing to underwrite new business or renew existing cover. We're working with insurance organisations to try to solve this and the launch of NECTA is something that the industry is interested in because we will be operating to the highest safety standards." It is intended that the launch of NECTA will be on the 1st July 2005. It is the latest stage in the Lowe Group's growth that has seen turnover this year exceed £15m, which has prompted plans to expand into additional nearby premises. The customer base continues to grow, with leading names such as Rank Hovis, JCB, MFI, Coors, BOC, British Sugar, Walkers Crisps, Nestlé, Caterpillar and British Gas. "Since we set up in the borough, Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO), the council's regeneration team, has supported us throughout our journey, with everything from grant applications to finding premises. This support gives you the extra confidence to develop," said Ted Lowe. The company also safeguards companies and their employees through a range of training programmes. These are aimed at engineers and supervisors as well as newcomers to the electrical trade, who need basic safety knowledge and technical awareness. Indeed, one of the more recent initiatives undertaken by the company is the re-training of redundant electricians from the MG Rover Longbridge Plant. Ted Lowe explained: "This is a natural progression, since we are currently in the process of opening our latest training centre in Coventry to complement our existing centres in Bracknell and Rotherham." RiDO's business development manager, Paul Woodcock, said: "It's always rewarding to see a company you've been involved with doing so well. Lowe Group is a real credit to Rotherham. The fact that it operates nationwide helps us spread the word and demonstrate that the borough is a great business location."
Royal Ashdown Forest ‘Pulls’ Twyford Bushboard in its changing rooms
One of the longest established golf clubs in Sussex, Royal Ashdown Forest has recently chosen Twyford Bushboard for its new changing rooms.
The architects working on the project, Peter Taylor Associates Ltd, chose Twyford Bushboard’s Baseline range. Baseline is the most economic version of Twyford Bushboard’s range of cubicle and washroom systems incorporating all the key functional qualities but not compromising on style or design.
Robin Chandler, Associate Director of Peter Taylor Associates comments, “We have used Twyford Bushboard on previous projects and they proved to be excellent both on product options and service.
Baseline was good value for money - providing robustness and a good selection of colours – and importantly, was available on Twyford Bushboard’s FastTrack 5 service, meaning it could be supplied within 5 days.”
In addition to the FastTrack 5, Baseline is also available on a next day delivery for really urgent projects.
The single piece partitions and slender aluminium extrusions of Baseline deliver crisp, uncluttered styling with robust construction and straightforward assembly. All panel components feature textured surfaces with DricorM performance, improving wear properties and significantly increasing moisture resistance.
To save on time and money the Baseline range is available as a ready plumbed module, delivering time and cost savings over traditional installation methods. With a Twyford Bushboard system all components, from the framing to the cubicles to the sanitary ware, is provided by one source. The factory built frames of the Baseline RPM are delivered pre-assembled with access panels, and sanitaryware, cisterns and pipework all attached.
Royal Mail delivers single-source contract
Two of Workspace Office Solutions' premier brands, Project: and Solutions@Work have jointly landed one of the industry's most prestigious term contracts. The two brands have secured the contract from Royal Mail to provide all of its furniture and shoulder responsibility for the repair and maintenance of its existing furniture stock for the next three years. This is the first time that Royal Mail has let the entire contract to one company. Previously it was split three ways, with desking and storage as one part - a contract already held by Project: - seating and other furniture as a second, and repair and maintenance as a third contract. The new deal will see Project: providing Royal Mail with workstations; storage; screening and office seating. It will also be meeting Royal Mail's occasional seating and furniture needs for dining areas, break-out zones and reception areas. The winning of the repair and maintenance part of the contract has meant that the Solutions@Work team is implementing a meticulously-planned logistics and service package for Royal Mail. Much of any repair work will be carried out on site, with only major repairs being undertaken at Workspace Office Solutions' factory in Suffolk. "This is precisely the type of work for which Solutions@Work was created," said Steve Cuthbertson, who is responsible for the brand. "It places the burden of responsibility for every aspect of the supply and management of Royal Mail's furniture in experienced hands, freeing-up Royal Mail personnel to devote their time to other tasks." Within the first month of the contract, Solutions@Work completed between 80 and 90 assignments. Commenting on the furniture supply element of the new contract, Jeff Osborne, Project:'s Southern Region Sales Director, believes that Project:'s performance throughout the previous Royal Mail contract played a major part in securing the new deal. He said: "While our remit then was limited to desking and storage, we were able to demonstrate our ability to perform on time and within agreed budgets." He continued: "We were also able to convincingly demonstrate our design, space planning and project management skills on such schemes as the 4,000 square metre Customer Contact Centre in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, where Project: space planned and furnished three floors of the new building with a total of 419 workstations." Project: and Solutions@Work are prominent brands in the UK office furniture market that are owned by Haverhill-based Workspace Office Solutions Limited, the others being Asher Arc and Elect. Showroom facilities are located throughout the country.
ROYAL MAIL POSTS BEST RESULTS IN INDEPENDENT SURVEY
Independent Research Reveals Special Delivery Provides the Most Reliable, Secure, Economic and Timely Service
Independent results announced today show that Royal Mail Special Delivery provides greater reliability, at the most competitive cost, with its packages in better conditions than its competitors. Results included Royal Mail Special Delivery’s record of delivering 98% of packages within the midday deadline, compared to just 53% of Securicor’s and 75% of TNT’s deliveries.
Reliable
Customers want reliability; they should choose Royal Mail for their important documents as 98% of items where delivered by noon the next day. In fact 63% of these arriving by 9.30am, well ahead of the guaranteed time of noon.
Royal Mail commissioned NOP to undertake the study to measure the comparative reliability of Special Delivery and a number of its competitors in the Guaranteed Next Day by 12-noon delivery market. In order to compare actual reliability, a number of businesses were recruited to send items by Special Delivery and its competitors.
Secure
Royal Mail Special Delivery scored highly on the condition of items arriving, with 95% of its items arriving with ‘no damage to the covering or contents’. This compares to an average of 78% for the competition surveyed. In fact, respondents receiving items from Securicor and TNT recorded 21% and 16% of items as having the ‘outer covering slightly damaged but not rewrapped’ whereas Royal Mail only had 3% of their items received in this way.
Value for Money
Special Delivery was also found to be the lowest cost relative to TNT and Securicor, and to a lesser extent CityLink, and this was especially the case where there was already a mail collection or multiple items were being sent.
Comments Wendy Thompson, Royal Mail Special Delivery; “The results of this survey are fantastic – they show that the Special Delivery service beats all of its major competitors hands down. Our prices start from £3.65 for anywhere in the UK – setting us apart from the other delivery companies. So, whether a package is travelling 50 miles or 500 miles, it’s still the same price. We believe the excellent results in this survey reflect our commitment to excellence, our unrivalled distribution network and local knowledge.”
Royal Park director welcomes LPG powered mowers
Seviceteam’s Landscape Division, part of the Cleanaway Group, has recently taken delivery of two Highway LPG ride on triple mowers from Ransomes Jacobsen. These low emission machines will be employed on their prestigious contract with the Royal Parks Agency and will be used in Regent’s Park and Hyde Park respectively. Speaking at the recent handover in Regent’s Park, Mike Fitt, OBE, Deputy Chief Executive Director of the Royal Parks Agency said, “Wherever possible we run as much of our equipment on low or zero emission fuel and encourage our contractors to follow our lead. This is an integral part of ISO 14001, the international standard for environmental management, which we have just achieved for the Royal Parks and these latest mowers certainly meet this requirement. Serviceteam are also ISO 14001 accredited and I understand that Ransomes Jacobsen have also achieved this milestone, the first turf equipment manufacturer in the UK to do so. This means that from manufacture through to delivery of service we are being true to our environmental principles.” The Highway LPG has been developed in collaboration with Ford and is powered by a 1335cc VS6413 engine. Two 35-litre tanks, mounted on the nearside of the machine, provide enough capacity to ensure that it can provide a productive day’s work, comparable to the diesel version. Fitted with standard Autogas connections, the tanks can be filled at any filling stations with an LPG facility. It has a transport speed of 15 mph and a maximum cutting speed of 7.5 mph. The cutting units consist of three 76.2cm (30”) reels, with 4 or 6 blades on the fixed head version and 8 or 11 blades on the floating head derivative. Philip Quelch, Fleet Director at Serviceteam added, “Legislation and pressure from clients will inevitably result in the requirement for ‘greener’ equipment and, in fact, we are seeing this already. For the Royal Parks contracts we run our vans and small trucks on LPG and also use a fleet of E-Z-GO electric powered utility vehicles for landscaping and grounds care duties. He continued, “These Ransomes Highways are the first commercial ride on mowers on the market to be powered by LPG, so we are at the forefront of current technology. We shall be monitoring them, with the assistance of the manufacturer, to measure their performance and productivity against the diesel powered Highways, but already the operators report that they are much quieter than the diesels and cut just as effectively.” “Ransomes Jacobsen has also included operator and technical training in the package, which will be undertaken within the parks and at their Ipswich manufacturing facility to ensure that everyone is competent with all safety and maintenance procedures.”
Royal recognition for Servern Trent Services
Winning a Queen’s Award for Innovation is one thing. Actually getting a member of the Royal Family to present it is quite another. Yet this is exactly what Severn Trent Services (STS) have achieved thanks to a visit by His Royal Highness The Duke of York.
STS won the award for the development of their highly innovative Eclox® Water Test Kit which can detect contaminants in just four minutes. Developed by STSfor the British Ministry of Defence there are now over five hundred of the portable
Eclox units in service with various military forces around the world.
The company are now turning their sights to a wide range of civilian applications where security of supply is an issue. This includes the many commercial and industrial applications where water is stored, used or processed.
The Eclox has been developed by the company’s highly successful Instrumentation operation, which designs and manufactures a wide range of equipment to monitor the quality of both drinking and waste water and its products are sold all over the world. The Water Test Kit is one of many innovative instruments now being marketed vigorously by the company as part of a major international sales drive.
In this context The Duke of York’s visit also highlights his role as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment. Since leaving the Royal Navy The Duke of York has taken on this new role in which he has worked extensively on behalf of UK Trade and Investment, the government body which supports British companies trading internationally with an extensive range of activities in the UK and overseas.
Commenting on the visit STS Managing Director Dr. Mike Ashley praised the
team led by STS Director of Instrumentation Dr. Rhys Lewis, which have developed the Eclox, “The Eclox” he said, “was a great example of the kind of flexible instrumentation solutions which are made possible with the depth of knowledge, experience and resources our company has today. The message I would like to now send out both in the UK and around the world is - now what can we do for you?”
Royston officially launches new power division
Tyneside-based Royston Engineering Group has officially launched an exciting new division aimed at the supply, installation and maintenance of stand-by diesel generators to provide emergency power to major companies nationwide. Royston Power will be the land-based side of the company, complementing the international reputation Royston Marine has gained as a specialist engineering company that carries out refurbishment, repairs and testing of marine diesel engines worldwide. As an arm of Royston for the past year, the land-based sector has already gained an enviable reputation among top companies, ranging from the Ministry of Defence, health authorities, pharmaceutical companies and laboratories to telecommunications companies, specialist cars dealers and the utilities sector. †More than 50 blue chip companies nationwide, like T-Mobile, Northumbrian Water (Entec), and Northern Rock use the services of Royston Power, with the latest success being the prestigious new Gate showpiece leisure complex in Newcastle city centre. Royston service manager Bryan Fryer explained: “If electrical power goes down it can cost businesses millions of pounds in lost revenue. Hence companies must be totally confident they have a back-up generator that operates within seconds should a power failure occur. “Now that we have established both an excellent reputation and client base we feel it is time Royston Power became a stand-alone division of the company.” ‘A crucial time for the power side of Royston was beating off nationally renowned competition to gain the T-Mobile contract a year ago. Today, Royston Power maintains and services T-Mobileís 51 generators within 27 sites throughout the UK - from Inverness to Norwich across to Bristol and down to Southampton, with several major cell sites in London. Mr Fryer added: “The contract involves four visits per year to undertake major and minor servicing also proof loading of each generator as well as remedial repairs. ìThe acid test was undertaking the servicing/repairs and making sure the job was correct first time. Weíre delighted to have successfully completed the first year and look forward to a successful second year” Sales engineer Kevin Griffiths said: ìRoyston has always had a good customer base, based on our reputation for top quality service plus after-sales support. We supply bespoke generators, install them and service them, providing a fully managed turnkey package to ensure quality and to fulfil the requirements within the time scale specified.” Mr Griffiths added: “We have unveiled a new six-van fleet for our pool of highly trained maintenance engineers, who offer 24/7 callout - without exception - to provide emergency cover. No job is too big for us. The latest addition to our resources is a 1MW mobile proof load tester, demonstrating the companyís commitment to invest in the future of the power business.”
Rubbair launches new range of impact traffic doors
Rubbair is proud to introduce its revolutionary range of impact traffic doors. The Quantum door is quality engineered and rugged yet attractive, offering excellent means for safely expediting material flow, and personnel movement. Over 50 years of experience combined with intelligent design features make the Quantum the door of choice for leading companies in commercial and industrial facilities.
The unique one-piece, rotationally moulded, polyethylene shell, is not only seamless but has a 50% increase in thickness at critical areas, offering outstanding resistance to impacts from forklift and pallet trucks. Door shells are injected with urethane foam for structural rigidity, plus a steel tube is encased along the spine for additional bracing and stability.
Quantum doors provide outstanding noise and thermal insulating properties making them ideal for noisy high exposure sites. With superior resistance to penetration by moisture, dust and chemicals these doors are suited to the most demanding of sanitised environments. Designed with Health and Safety in mind, double panel, polycarbonate vision panels, recessed into the door shell, provide clear vision of both sides of the door.
Smooth, hard wearing helix cam hinges, requiring no oil, grease, or bushes and bearings make the Quantum a low maintenance, long term investment. The Quantum door hinge allows up to 1250 of swing in both directions, even with bumpers attached to the door. The factory aligned helix assembly comprises a precision machined aluminium upper section and a high strength polymer lower cam. As the door opens, load and friction are spread evenly across the helix surface so that there are no points or edges of wear concentration. The stainless steel mounting hardware is durable and corrosion resistant. In addition, for extra heavy-duty applications, moulded polyethylene bumpers, and V-cam hinges can be utilised, while for openings over 2,440mm high, flexible transoms can be added.
Rubbair Quantum doors are available in a wide selection of colours and can be tailored to suit your specific requirements with simple and quick installation. With all these features, the Quantum door assures exceptional versatility in application.
Ruffler banks on Fujitsu VRF
Fujitsu has been successful in obtaining a VRF (variable refrigerant flow) order from within the specialised merchant banking sector. Ruffler Bank Plc, based in Epsom, Surrey, specified the VRF system following recommendations from installation contractor, Airtech Air Conditioning Ltd, and local air conditioning supplier, Ocean Air Distribution Ltd.
Airtech Air Conditioning was commissioned to provide a heating and cooling system for the newly refurbished offices, capable of serving 16 office areas including the main reception. FujitsuÕs VRF system proved the most suitable solution for this project through its ability to combine the use of its compact ceiling cassette units to serve the separate office areas. However, the greatest benefit of the VRF system is its ability to operate each cassette independent of one another providing heating or cooling simultaneously as demands require.
The two three-pipe VRF heat recovery systems mean that only two condensers serve the office accommodation, which is spread over two floors. Fujitsu has invested considerable design time into producing an efficient and compact condenser with a total capacity of 33.6kW. It also has one of the smallest footprints on the market measuring a compact 1380mm high by 1300mm wide by 650mm deep.
The VRF condenser refrigerant circuit uses three different capacity scroll compressors incorporating new ïpower accumulation technologyÍ to ensure linear capacity control. This arrangement is more cost effective, reaches full capacity quicker, and provides higher EER (Energy Efficiency Rating) than most invertermorel controlled systems. Other features are a large 590mm diameter fan for quieter operation (57dbA), a choice of four pipe connections for easier installation, R407C refrigerant, plus operating status and historical data available via the integral PCB.
RWM05 - the one-stop shop for recycling and waste management solutions
Recycling and waste management have become crucial issues for the FM sector thanks to recent legislative changes and increasing pressures from the public and commercial world who want to see that the venues and facilities they use are environmentally responsible. Increasingly managers of these facilities are introducing more sustainable waste practises by providing separate recycling bins for paper and cans for example or by specifying recycled products. The next 12 months will be arguably the biggest year of change with the implementation of the Hazardous Waste Regulations in July and the Waste Electronic Equipment Directive in January 2006. These Directives will bring a host of logistical issues for disposing of items such as fluorescent tubes (commonly used in strip lighting) and new laws governing the disposal of PCs and televisions. Not surprisingly interest in the UK's thriving recycling industry is growing and RWM05, the UK's leading exhibition for the recycling and waste management industry, is set to attract record numbers of exhibitors and visitors. Taking place at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham from 13-15 September, the Recycling and Waste Management (RWM) exhibition is recognised as the one-stop shop for solutions and contacts for anyone involved in the waste chain. Last year's show drew over 300 exhibitors, and the number of audited visitors rose by 20% to a total of 5,667. Organisers have already booked extra space to accommodate the expected growth, which will include suppliers of bins, paper recyclers and waste management companies. Interactivity is a key feature of RWM05, with live demonstrations of the latest products developments taking place in the Waste Demonstration area. Visitors can learn about legislation from industry experts in the free seminar sessions, which run throughout the show. They can also discuss their legislative queries in person with representatives from the Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs, the Environment Agency and the Department for Trade and Industry in the Legislation Zone, located at Stand 324. RWM is organised by Emap Maclaren and supported by the market-leading publication Materials Recycling Week. For more information or to pre-register, please visit www.rwmexhibition.com
Safe and secure with OCS Quickrates
OCS QuickCrates is the fast emerging name in office removals with a range of storage and removal equipment and a quality of service specifically designed to minimise the disruption of office moves.
Operating on a national basis, OCS QuickCrates supplies all types of crates and accessories for internal office moves and relocations. Working closely with facilities and project managers, removal companies and filing solution providers, the company provides that vital element in the moving process — the safe and secure transport of office contents, from paperwork and furniture to sensitive IT equipment.
The range of equipment hired out by the company at highly competitive rates includes lidded computer crates, weatherproof and sealed for additional security; standard lidded crates ideal for general filing and easy to carry, stack and seal; unlidded crates and industry standard ‘library’ crates for storage of books and contents of filing systems.
Also available for hire is a range of equipment to facilitate easy and speedy removal. This includes filing trolleys which can take the contents of a complete filing system and hold papers in their original order. Security rollcages for storage of valuable equipment and oversized articles, sack barrows and rubber topped dollies are all available as are identification labels and security seals - including seals which can be individually numbered for additional security.
The OCS QuickCrates delivery service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and particular attention is paid to delivering crates which are immaculately clean and free from previous labelling.
The company is quick to recognise how important good communication is to the efficient management of its delivery service. All drivers are in constant contact with OCS QuickCrates’ Head Office so that every delivery runs smoothly and to schedule.
“Over the years, OCS QuickCrates has benefited from a high level of repeat business”, says Chris Cracknell, Chief Executive of OCS. “As a new member of the 005 Group, this niche service opens doors for services offered by the rest of the Group and broadens the opportunities for our service to expand into new sectors”.
Safe and Sound with Grundfos
Every day in the UK 2 people are killed and another 50 are injured by fire. In 2001 there were more than 69,000 dwellings fires, an average of 190 each and every day. Smoke alarms have been perceived by the general public to be the main protection available to guard against this, possibly one of the most feared, phenomenon, that 1 in 5 people will experience at some point in their lives. Those most at risk are people who live in homes of multiple occupancy - they are eight times more likely to be killed than those who live in single-family dwellings. This puts purpose-built flats/apartments, homes in multiple occupation, homes run by registered social landlords, small hotels, nursing homes, homes for the disabled, care homes, student accommodation blocks and guest/boarding houses in the ‘high risk’ category. Sprinkler systems are not new; in fact they were first invented 140 years ago, but were mainly perceived as having value in protecting life and property in large industrial buildings. The advent of sprinkler heads that operate in seconds, rather than minutes, has led to an awareness of the value of sprinklers in smaller ‘dwelling’ type scenarios. Grundfos Pumps Ltd has recently made an important breakthrough in the war against fire deaths. They have developed a Fire SAFE (Safe Active Fire Equipment) Set, which is the first packaged fire system to introduce an ‘auto-run’ feature. This feature means that the system will self-test though an in-built timing mechanism each month, which will maintain the set’s performance and offer the peace of mind to the owners/residents that all is in working order, between annual service checks. This new set is fully compliant with British Standard DD251. This British Standard Draft for Development lays down recommendations for the design, installation, components, water supplies, commissioning and maintenance of fire sprinkler systems installed for life safety purposes. It covers residential and domestic properties including: apartments, residential homes, blocks of flats, boarding houses, dormitories, houses of multiple occupancy, nursing homes as well as individual houses, flats and transportable homes. The life saving potential of systems like these is enormous, a recent report from one US town - Scottsdale in Arizona, who have required all new homes to be fitted with sprinklers for the past 13 years has shown no fire deaths in a 10 year period. The UK is still many years from publishing results like this, however, through increased awareness and by producing a ‘low maintenance’ packaged fire set, Grundfos can try to assist in reducing the overall number of deaths and serious injury, from this, one of the most feared of all phenomena - fire
Safe from harm?
As Regulation 14 reaches its 13th anniversary, CPFilms explains the need to test and replace safety window film. In 1992 the Health and Safety Executive introduced Regulation 14 of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 with the intention of making all low level glass "safe" for staff and the general public. It states that glass must be safe, with the areas most at risk being below waist height in windows and below shoulder height in doors. One of the ways building owners could comply with the regulation is if their glass was enhanced with window safety film installed to BS6206 Class A or B. Under heavy impact conditions, cracked glass is held in place by safety film, providing protection against injuries from sharp shards of glass. CPFilms' LLumar(r) safety film is also widely used for bomb blast protection and anti-vandal security protection. In existing buildings, owners had until 1996 to comply with the regulations, resulting in a 4-year rush to get the work completed. Safety window film has a certain lifespan and warranty. With the 13-year anniversary of the introduction of Regulation 14 approaching, most of this existing installed safety window film will be out of guarantee and its safety effectiveness may now be seriously compromised - and should be replaced. CPFilms uses a patented peel test to determine whether films should be replaced, an effective method that involves minimum disruption to the buildings users. To keep the premises and staff safe in the event of an explosion, the simple peel test by CPFilms or one of its Accredited Installers will determine whether a new application of film is required. In general, one peel test should be done for every 500m_ of installed ASF. Some areas may pass the test whilst others fail due to the various environmental conditions that exist, e.g. higher exposure to the sun on southern elevations. If repetitive failures are encountered, peel tests should be done for every 50m_ to 300m_ depending upon the area of safety film installed, to establish a reasonable idea of the failed areas. At least one peel test should be done on each elevation (north, south, east and west). If your installation of safety films was installed more than 10 years ago then you would be advised to review each location and situation, and call in the experts for a more detailed assessment via a peel test. CPFilms is the world's largest manufacturer of window film. All films are produced to the toughest quality standards in the UK and the USA to give scratch-resistant, guaranteed performance year after year. The entire range is backed by a CPFilms warranty against cracking, peeling and delamination. For peace of mind and compliance with Regulation 14, the choice is clear - fit LLumar(r).
SAFed launches new safety reference point on the web
The Safety Assessment Federation (SAFed), the UK's leading trade body for the independent engineering inspection and certification industry, has launched its new website. Located at www.safed.co.uk, the site is aimed at all of those concerned with health and safety, particularly within the workplace. Richard Hulmes, SAFed's Chief Executive commented. "The new website represents a complete overhaul of the structure, content and navigation of the previous site to create an invaluable and user friendly safety reference resource. As SAFed's member companies operate across all industry sectors, this site will be of particular interest to all those responsible for health and safety within the workplace. Senior Management, Risk Managers, Health & Safety Offices, Duty Holders, Plant Managers, Engineers, Finance Directors and Regulators will all benefit from regularly visiting the site" New to the site is a public information page with free guidance documents, on topics as diverse as lifting equipment and cafe boilers, along with a useful FAQ page. The Publications page has been updated with the latest SAFed publications on industry guidance and best practice. For the first time the complete range of British Standards Institution's 38,500 publications can also be ordered alongside SAFed's own publications. Those interested in joining SAFed can find advice on the benefits of becoming a SAFed member, and explanation of the types of membership available, along with a list of current membership criteria and fees. Further advice on inspection services can be sought from SAFed member companies, whose contact details and websites are listed on the site. The website also provides useful links to recognised organisations such as HSE, BSi, dti, RoSPA and UKAS, as well as links to view the relevant legislation. An improved interface has made it quicker and easier to locate the relevant page, despite the site containing significantly more information. Richard concluded. "The SAFed website can be used as a focal point for all issues and concerns relating to the inspection and certification, safe use and operation of plant, machinery and equipment. SAFed aims to build on this and provide updates on relevant standards, guidance, best practice as well as domestic and European legislation so that the safety message can be delivered as widely as possible. Through the site, any individual or organisation involved with setting, maintaining or complying with standards for equipment inspection or safety in the workplace can get access to the relevant advice, guidance and information provided by a reputable source."
Safer car parks are a Certainty
A large car park adjacent to the Avonmeads Retail Park in south Bristol has been awarded Secured Car Park status thanks to the installation of a state-of-the-art CCTV system by the security division of Certainty Group.
Certainty Group were asked to design and install a system that would enhance the safety and enjoyment of visitors to the shopping centre. As a result the centre now has a sophisticated CCTV system that helps to create a secure environment for visitors. Five speed dome cameras are located around the car park and are linked to an on-site control room where security personnel can view live images or review video automatically stored on a digital video recorder.
The cameras which can be controlled by the operators, have in-built motion detection and can also be triggered to move to preset positions when an alarm is activated. The system operates 24 hours. At night images are transmitted to a remote night monitoring centre where operators can utilise a loudspeaker warning system to communicate with any unwanted visitors.
The Association of Chief Police Officers launched the Secure Car Park scheme in 1992 to encourage car parks to improve security standards. The scheme is supported by the Home Office and the British Parking Association and is administered by the AA.
Inspector Colin Salmon from Brislington police said: “The car park received the award as a direct result of the improvements in security due to the installation of the digital CCTV system. The CCTV has been a huge boost to the work of the police and the success of the site”.
Certainty Group Security Services specialise in the design, installation and maintenance of integrated fire and security systems. Their approach is based on control of risk, focusing on CCTV, Access Control, Intruder Alarm, Electronic Article Surveillance, Monitoring and Response and TCP / IP Solutions.
Within the Group portfolio of companies, Certainty Group Total Facilities Management specialise in the provision of soft service delivery through multi-skilled personnel, procurement services and premises management. Their approach is to drive costs down and drive service levels upwards through increased effectiveness, process re-engineering and best purchasing practice.
Safer with Samsung
Samsung Techwin Day/Night cameras have been chosen by ACD Safe &Security, who distribute, service and maintain high security safes, to monitor activity at their Basildon, Essex premises.
ACD Safe & Security commissioned Billericay based Complete Security to install an integrated system security solution that would provide the best possible protection of their building. Complete Security recommended that Samsung Techwin SDN-520 cameras, eight of which have been installed, should act as the eyes for the system.
The Samsung Techwin SDN-520 is a 1/3” colour CCD camera. During the day the camera operates as a high resolution colour camera but at night when light levels are low, the mechanically driven IR filter is automatically turned off and the camera produces sharp monochrome images.
“It is important that we monitor and record activity in and around our building 24 hours a day”, said Cindy Hinton, who is responsible for security at ACD Safe & Security. “At night it would have been difficult and expensive to provide adequate lighting for conventional CCTV cameras but that has not proved necessary with the Samsung cameras”
Safesmart offers free trial of SmartLog™ at FM Expo
Fire safety experts Safesmart Ltd will be exhibiting at the leading facilities management event, FM Expo for the first time this Autumn.
Safesmart will be giving live demonstrations of its new SmartLog™ system, a fire safety and legislation compliance management system designed to help companies manage their fire safety requirements and responsibilities. Experts will also be on-hand to offer information and advice regarding the impending changes to British fire safety legislation.
SmartLog™ enables both the remote and local management of all aspects of fire safety, training, prevention services and legislation compliance for any number of branch offices or satellite locations, from as little as £100 per annum per location. SmartLog™ customers can also benefit from high quality German manufactured replacement fire extinguishers from just £40 each.
Visitors to the stand will be offered a 30 day free trial of SmartLog™ to show how quickly and easily the system can simplify their own fire safety procedures and practices.
Mike Williams, chairman of Safesmart comments, “We chose to showcase SmartLog™ at FM Expo as the exhibition has an excellent reputation for being a well-targeted industry event. Facilities managers have an increasingly difficult job to do with growing responsibilities and on-going changes in legislation. We will be showcasing products and services that can both reduce costs and simplify the fire safety aspects of their work.”
With many years experience in fire safety and prevention, Safesmart provides training, risk assessments and equipment to companies in all industries across the UK. SmartLog™ has already proved a popular tool across a wide range of businesses, from public houses, clubs and restaurants, to fast food chains, distribution companies, housing associations and even golf clubs.
Safetrak(r) - Swift, Efficient Equipment Inspection
Visit us at Stand H40 of the Safety & Health Expo, 17 - 19 May The testing, inspecting, and even tracking of equipment is crucial for health and safety, and an efficient, reliable method of record and control is equally important. Safetrak(r) is an instant, computerised equipment management system, which can now operate over a wireless network. The system provides all the necessary information you require, including meter readings, calibration, and equipment alerts. You can build in specific information needs, too, such as checklists, and inspection and testing schedules. Information is easily stored and retrieved, and because the system uses mobile hand-held computers, the information is where you need it most - in your hand. The wireless format of the Safetrak(r) device now means you can distribute work orders instantly to other mobile workers, quickly and efficiently. It also eliminates the paperwork associated with manual methods of equipment control. Safetrak(r) is an inexpensive way of providing accurate information, and more and more companies are benefiting from its advantages. We supply modules which can be installed in the software, to customise the system for many industry applications including pressure vessels, electrical equipment, ladders, scaffolding, fire doors, lifting tackle, harnesses, chemical showers, fire systems, forklift trucks, and generic risk assessments. Whatever your equipment control needs, the Safetrak(r) system is perfect for you.
Safetrak(r) Saves £168,000
Oxford Instruments, a multi million pound manufacturer of super conducting magnets used primarily in scientific research and the pharmaceutical industry, purchased Safetrak(r) from Scafftag Limited, only four months ago as a means of preventative maintenance. Lez Chorley who heads up the Facilities Management Department explains how Safetrak(r) has helped them.
"The system we had prior to Safetrak was basically a paper based system which meant it was extremely difficult, in not impossible to keep track of thousands of pieces of equipment. What's more, it was impossible to service the equipment effectively and we had no effective means of ensuring contractors had serviced the correct equipment to the prescribed standards."
"Safetrak(r) is a visible system which clearly communicates whether a piece of equipment is fit for use. It enables us to ensure contractors are servicing the correct equipment and that they are following bet practise procedures."
"We are now able to effectively schedule serving of equipment which has increased productivity by 40%, a saving of £48,000 in operating costs. Plus in just four months we have saved £120,000 by being able to effectively service and control our pumps. Safetrak(r) has provided invaluable asset register and us with and as a result we have identified 200 pumps worth £1million alone.
"Safetrak is a fantastic system whose benefits are multi faceted. We are delighted with it's performance and will be extending the use of Safetrak(r) in other areas of our operations."
With such magnificent savings we are sure you'll be surprised to learn that Oxford Instruments have spent less than £5,000 on installing Safetrak(r) and tagging up hundreds of pieces of kit, as Andy White, Mechanical Maintenance Manager at Oxford Instruments commented:
"In total we have about 100 men involved with Safetrak(r). The system is easy to use and everyone form contractors to fitters and engineers are happy to work with the system. Safetrak(r) is working extremely well, everybody involved has given their full co-operation. Tagging up all our equipment is time consuming, but this is only a minor setback since the holders last about 10 years and the inserts are easily replaced on an ongoing basis. It's great that I can identify any piece of equipment now just by using the handheld, or create a management report at the touch of a button - I certainly don't miss all that paperwork."
SAFETY & HEALTH 19-22 May 2003, BRADY SIGNMARK
Brady is an international manufacturer and marketer of identification, safety and graphics solutions. We offer a wide range of existing products, from high-performance labels, signs and tapes to software and label-printing systems. At the Health& Safety show, 19-22 May Birmingham, Brady will present among others: Globalmark : Touch screen technology from Brady’s Industrial labelling systems .(jpg picture in attachment) Making your own signs and labels has never been easier, simply touch the screen and you’re away. Tactile technology and intuitive Windows CE operating system have been combined to achieve unequalled ease of use. Design your output on the colour monitor, edit if required and then press print – it’s as simple as that! Flexibility is certainly the key word with Globalmark. No matter the sector - industry, production, chemistry, construction, transport, administration, education or no matter the application – safety signage, information, directional, maintenance or any corporate communication…… Globalmark has the answer! Globalmark integrates efficiency and diversity. A powerful printer that offers three functions from one single machine: Monocolor, Multicolor, and Color & Cut.There are no technical limits to your creations. All of your labelling requirements can be met with ease and speed. Visit Brady SignMark in Hall 10, B80 !
Safety glazing made quick and easy by Bekaert Speciality Films
A Salvation Army Residential Home has successfully used Armorgard safety film from Bekaert Specialty Films to bring interior and exterior glazing into line with safety regulations. Bekaert dealer Paul Anthony Films Ltd. did this economically and with minimal disruption to staff and residents.
Rookstone Home, in Sydenham southeast London has 31 elderly residents and 40 staff. Regulation 14 of the Workplace Health, Safety & Welfare Approved Code of Practice requires all glazing in the home to be of safety material to at least waist height in windows and to shoulder height in, or adjacent to, doors. These included glazed partitions, dividing doors, French windows, interior and exterior doors and protective glazed stairwells. All of these were brought up to safety standards with the application of Bekaert’s 100-micron clear Armorgard film.
Centre manager Christine Fell comments: “We have metal window frames and it would have cost an arm and a leg to replace the glazing but window film does the job efficiently and economically and was installed with no disruption at al. We were more than happy with the service received from Paul Anthony Films.
Specialty safety film is an efficient, inexpensive and convenient way to upgrade existing glazing to the required standards. Film is manufactured from micro-thin polyester, which is professionally applied to the glass with special adhesive. If a pane breaks, safety film holds the glass fragments in place within the frame to help prevent injury and damage. High-grade safety films are effective even against explosions. Some safety films also have a solar control element and are available in a variety of tints and aesthetic finishes as well as clear.
Bekaert Specialty Films is a world leader in the development and manufacture of specialty window films. Armorgard is the trade name of its range of safety films. Other ranges include Solargard solar control films, which reduce heat gain and glare, Deco Gard decorative, and privacy films and GraffitGard. Films are guaranteed for up to ten years against cracking, peeling, discolouring and fading.
Safety is key at Turner Access
Traditional access solutions such as ladders, steps and tressles have commonly been used in the past in many Facilities Management applications. Recently however, heath and safety concerns have began to target working at height practices and this year sees the launch of the new Work at Height Regulations, which will highlight the need for safer access solutions.
In response to these growing concerns, access tower manufacturer Turner Access Ltd has developed a complete product range dedicated to ensuring user safety at all times. These products include the OCTO 250 tower and PlusGard? fall prevention system together with low level access towers Sigmadeck 250 and Omegadeck 250, and are particularly relevant in the FM sector.
The PlusGard? fall prevention system has been designed exclusively for use with mobile access towers and is compatible with all leading UK tower brands. Current regulations relating to mobile access towers specify the use of protective guardrails on towers whilst in use but, until now, there has been no effective means of ensuring the same levels of protection during the erection and dismantling of towers.
As the first product to offer a solution to this problem, PlusGard? has the potential to revolutionise the access tower market. Comments Gary Gallagher, Turner Access Managing Director, “We feel that PlusGard? is the most important development in the access tower market for many years. While simple to use it is the only way to fully protect tower users while they are at their most vulnerable – during assembly and dismantling.”
Sigmadeck 250 and Omegadeck 250 have been designed as safer alternatives to traditional low level access equipment such as ladders, steps and trestles. Sigmadeck 250 is a lightweight, easily transportable folding tower which provides effortless, safe and cost effective access in general low level applications.
Omegadeck 250 is the first mobile aluminium bridging system that provides safe, cost effective access up and over desks, workstations, machinery, or where ground level obstacles are to be spanned. Lightweight and portable, with a limited number of components, the Omegadeck allows tradesmen to cause minimal disruption and work quicker and safer in these situations.
Safety under pressure
A survey conducted by The Safety Assessment Federation (SAFed) has revealed that steadily increasing rates of serious defect detection in pressure systems has significantly contributed to a consistent fall in the number of pressure related incidents.
The SAFed survey covers the “in-service” inspection of pressure systems across a wide range of industries. Facilities managers need to be aware of their legal obligations, as the recently introduced Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR 2000) apply all types of pressure equipment meeting certain criteria, used within their industry.
The survey is based on records of in excess of 1 million inspections undertaken over a 3 year period. It shows conclusively that the number of serious defects found in all types of pressure systems inspected has risen year on year. That the number of serious defects found per inspection has also increased, whilst the number of reported dangerous occurrences has fallen K is a testament to the effectiveness of competent independent engineering inspection.
Safetyshop Covers you from Head to Toe
The brand new Safetyshop Catalogue from Signs & Labels features 1000’s of products to ensure that your company and your employees comply to the requirements of The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992. 100’s of new products have been added to our already extensive range of Personal Protective Equipment, including respirators and other breathing apparatus, more safety footwear, hi-visibility clothing and corporate wear. This year, we have frozen the prices of many of our best selling PPE products at 2003 levels. Products offered include: • Protective clothing including jackets, trousers, boiler suits and high visibility clothing from leading brands such as Regatta, Gore-Tex, Mascot and Faithful. • An extensive range of fashionable and practical safety footwear, all manufactured to EN 345. • High visibility clothing to EN471: Specifications for High Visibility Warning Clothing. • Head and Respiratory Protection — helmets, caps and masks, with many prices frozen at 2003 levels. Next day delivery, competitive prices, no minimum order charges, a 14 day no risk trial and comprehensive legislation advise are all part of the exceptional customer service offered by Safetyshop.
Safeway in safe hands with Hygiene Group
Hygiene Group, the specialist contract cleaning company, has secured a major contract to clean all of Safeway’s bakeries and staff kitchens in a swathe of the country stretching from the Shetlands and Orkneys to Northampton. And on the back of that win Hygiene, which specialises in the food and pharmaceutical industries, is also handling the cleaning of Safeway’s porticos and canopies nationwide. Hygiene, which had already been cleaning bakeries in 68 Safeway stores as part of a two-year trial, won the expanded account to clean more than 230 sites following a pitch against ISS and Initial. Hygiene’s specialist team dean the entrance portico at Safeway’s High Wycombe store. To handle the additional portico and canopy cleaning work, Hygiene set up two mobile teams working evening and night shifts, covering stores from the Northern tip of Scotland down to Devon. Mike Molloy, Safeway Contracts Maintenance Controller, said: “Hygiene demonstrated its capability and resources to us over a period when we closely and critically scrutinised its work. “Hygiene’s experience in the food hygiene sector was of key interest to us, as was its commitment to standards exemplified by being the first cleaning company to achieve ISO 9002. Safeway are confident that we are in safe hands.” Mark Bonnette, Hygiene’s Regional (South) Manager, headed the tender process and keeps close-supervisory responsibility on all Safeway operations. He said: “Accountability and open, well-structured lines of communication are essential. Hygiene’s specialist knowledge of the food industry is well recognised -but technical performance is only part of the service with a client like Safeway. “Safeway’s company and personnel structure is extensive: our on site team may be reporting in to a Safeway Area Surveyor; a Store Manager; the Bakery Controller; or the Night Deputy Manger. “Each cleaning to unforeseen enormous, and operation has clear specifications, but we must be able to respond needs, The diversity of intra-personnel communication is our 10 UK sites provide great regional support. But essentially, accountability, one authority - myself - so that logistics and communication must assemble with the system works fast and effectively.”
SAHS tunes into FM providers
An exciting new package for the Facilities Management industry is being launched by Safety at Height Services (SAHS) at Safety & Health Expo 2005. A first time exhibitor at the show, SAHS will be making the most of the opportunity to demonstrate its impressive expertise in the area of fall arrest capability management to a wider audience. Aberdeen-based SAHS is part of Capital Safety Group Northern Europe (CSGNE), whose extensive product range includes the world-renowned height safety brands of Sala and Protecta. As its specialist hire and maintenance division, SAHS provides users with a fully bespoke solution to their height safety equipment needs, including asset pooling and rent-to-buy options. Extending this full service capability of hire, service and repair to the Facilities Management sector will be the main focus on the stand. The comprehensive new package can be tailored to satisfy the needs of either the larger construction and new build groups who have a Facilities Management arm to project-manage material availability on site, or the more traditional Facilities Management companies responsible for building repair and maintenance. Laurence Reilly, SAHS' Commercial Director, says, "We want to meet potential partners who are looking to bundle outsourced solutions to their customers. As their expert fall arrest equipment specialists, we can offer complete peace of mind that their height safety programme is being managed correctly and efficiently. Safety & Health Expo also gives us the chance to extend awareness of the full SAHS offering to potential customers nationwide."
Sainsbury’s make life better with InfoLoop™ induction loops
In a move to satisfy some of the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) and provide assistance for the hard of hearing, the supermarket giant Sainsbury’s has appointed Contacta to supply and fit InfoLoop™ induction loop systems in all its 530 stores.
The supermarket retailer was particularly impressed by Contacta’s rapidly-growing retail client-base, as well as by its technical expertise and nationwide installation and maintenance network.
Importantly, the Contacta systems will assist both customers and staff – as required by the DDA and established in the recent landmark ruling in the Court of Appeal regarding teacher Gaynor Meikle. Employers refusing to make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees – such as fitting an induction loop - are risking thousands of claims for constructive dismissal.
At Sainsbury’s, Contacta Mini InfoLoop™ induction loops are being installed at all key positions of interaction between Sainsbury’s staff and customers including Customer Service Desks and selected Checkouts, as well as at Restaurant, Kiosk, Pharmacy and Petrol Station outlets where these exist.
Contacta Mini InfoLoop? systems are discreetly concealed under the counter so that there are no trailing wires. To hear speech clearly, customers simply need to switch their hearing-aid to the ‘T’ position.
Sainsbury’s are also considering providing each store with a Clipboard InfoLoop? so that staff can communicate with hearing-aid wearers anywhere in or outside the store.
SAMS - The new facilities management system from AMS Software
AMS Software Limited have launched what they believe is the answer to every Facility Manager’s prayer - an Oracle based software package designed by Facility Managers for Facility Managers!
Managing Director of AMS, David Howell, says” Priority has been given to the ease of use at all staff levels - SAMS is truly ‘user friendly’ and is the result of years of research and development within this specialist area.
The system has been designed with input from numerous engineers and FM specialists covering the widest range of associated trades and professions. The information SAMS provides will always be specific and relevant to each individual need.
The system includes a database of around 2,000 facilities management and engineering procedures and tasks, from lift maintenance and fire drills to catering hygiene and security cameras. The system can monitor one or many sites and can be used by the client’s contractors as well as their own staff.
Nine modules integrate to control both the operational and financial management of the facility.
These include Contracts - Manpower - Stock Control - Contractors - Utilities - Helpdesk - administration -Accounts and the Database itself.
SAMS has been in use now for over two years at two very different test sites.
A financial organisation based in Basildon and Southend with 2,500 people operating from ten buildings. The system covers engineering, cleaning, grounds, porterage, statutory requirements and a central helpdesk for all sites and buildings. Both the client and the main FM contractor use sub contractors in addition to the resident staff. The second test was at the new DHL European hub site at the East Midlands Airport. This covered not only facilities management for the Centre, but the maintenance of all the parcel handling equipment comprising 127 separate conveyor systems. Subsequently an additional terminal has been installed at Heathrow and DHL are presently looking at adding their 39 other UK sites to the system. At the end of these trial periods, both sites opted to retain their installations and have thus become the first customers for the SAMS system. Subsequent users include a large continental Bank, UK Headquarters in the City, a major property company in London’s West end and a leading publishing companies corporate headquarters.
Samsung delivers the office assistant that never misses a call
Easy, cost effective PC-based personal productivity tools allowing individuals to place and handle phone calls via call logs and industry standard contact management software have been introduced by Samsung. Used with Samsung’s OfficeServ business communications systems, the new OfficeServ Call application integrates with existing PC databases held in Outlook, Access, Excel and other common formats.
OfficeServ Call integrates functions such as call logging, call scheduling and screen popping to give a personal CRM (customer relationship management) environment that takes away the hassle and uncertainty of using a phone for business. Calls to database contacts can be set up automatically from the PC removing the need to remember, look up or dial a phone number.
When a call is received from a database contact, the caller is identified from CLI (Caller Line ID) data and a window ‘pops’ onscreen showing useful details such as the caller’s name, company and notes from previous conversations.
Samsung provide low cost solution for Mayflower School
Mayflower High School was one of the first schools in Essex to install a CCTV system. The school was determined to provide a safe and secure environment for their 1500 pupils and 120 staff.
The CCTV system proved to be very effective during the day but unfortunately at night, the quality of the images recorded left a lot to be desired.
The school called in CCTV specialists Complete Security who were quickly able to identify that the existing lighting was totally inadequate for conventional CCTV cameras. One of the obvious solutions was for the school to install additional lighting but this would have been expensive and would have eaten into the school’s limited budget.
Complete Security recommended that the school replace the existing cameras with Samsung Techwin SDN-520 Day/Night cameras. The SDN is a 1/3” high resolution CCD camera that operates as a colour camera during the day. At night when light levels are low, the mechanically driven IR filter is automatically turned off and the camera produces sharp monochrome images.
“We are delighted with the solution provided by Complete Security”, said Enzo Russo, Facilities Manager at Mayflower High School. “We could not afford the amount of additional lighting that would have been required but fortunately the Samsung cameras can provide good quality images even when it is dark. This means that we can now see what is going on around the schools 24 hours a day.”
Samsung Techwin — Investing in the UK
Samsung Techwin, as part of their increasing commitment to the UK CCTV, market have opened a distribution warehouse in Milton Keynes.
The new facility will ensure that all Samsung Techwin’s fast moving CCTV products are available ex stock.
Commenting on this investment in new premises, James Jeon, Head of UK Sales for Samsung Opto-Electronics UK Ltd who represent Samsung Techwin’s COW division in the UK said, “Until now we have been shipping products to customers in the UK direct from our overseas factory. During the last twelve months we have seen a significant increase in demand for our CCTV products and we recognise the need to make certain that our growing customer base can have delivery of our products without any delay”
The new warehouse will hold stock of all the existing popular products as well as the soon to be launched new camera range and a new high specification digital video recorder.
In addition to CCTV products Samsung Opto-Electronics UK Ltd is a major supplier of 35mm cameras and digital cameras.
Samsung Techwin - SHC 720/721 WDR colour cameras
Samsung Techwin have launched into the UK two new Wide Dynamic Range cameras which can deliver sharp and clear images even in severe lighting conditions. Both the SHC -720 and the SHC-721, a day/night camera, combine the use of a 1/3 inch double scan colour CCD and Samsung Techwin’s Super Vision LI digital signal processing technology offer a host of technically advanced features. Superior Back Light Compensation - The standard BLC method used by most Cclv camera manufacturers analyses just 20% of an image. This should produce a clear view of the area in focus but inevitably the remainder of the image can be dull. Samsung Techwins unique Super Vision technology creates two fields of each image. Bright areas which are captured at a high shutter speed are stored in one of the fields whilst a low shutter speed is used to store dark areas of the image in the second field. The two fields are then analysed and combined into one composite picture and the result is ultra sharp clear images. Other Key Features: • Low light Capability — The cameras work effectively at just 0.01 lux illumination with a F1.2 lens. • Dual Automatic White Balance — Samsung Techwin’s Dual Automatic White Balance technology ensures a true colour image without tending towards red or blue. • Motion Detection — The camera view can be divided into 48 detection zones and the sensitivity level set and adjusted via the on screen display. • Privacy Masking — Up to four separate zones of a camera view can be blocked out if there is a requirement that certain areasi!should not be under surveillance. • OSD functions — All camera functions can be easily set by switches on the side of the cameras or remotely via RS-232. • Day/Night Mode - The SHC-721 WDR camera had an integral ICR (Infrared Cut Filter) which automatically converts images from colour to monochrome when light levels are low to ensure the best possible quality of image.
Samsung Techwin launch new "Low Noise" Day/Night CCTV Camera
Samsung Techwin are launching a new CCTV camera that incorporates a major technological breakthrough to meet the challenge of producing high quality images in low light conditions. The new SHC-721A Wide Dynamic Range Day/Night colour camera from Samsung Techwin utilises their unique Super Noise Reduction (SSNR) technology. When lighting levels are low SSNR dramatically reduces both random and fixed noise and at the same time produces a high signal to noise ratio and no ghost effect. In simple terms the result is clear sharp images, even in the most severe lighting conditions. The absence of any "ghost" affect, that is normally quite common in low light conditions, offers a higher level of identification - a big plus where, as an example, there is a requirement to recognise number plates. An additional benefit of this technology is the reduced file size of the recorded images which are reduced by a massive 70% when using a MPEG format and by 40% when using a JPEG format. This offers potential costs savings in respect of the size of the hard disc that is used in the recording device. Day or Night - The SHC-721A's integral ICR (Infrared Cut Filter) ensures the best possible colour images during the day but maximises sensitivity to infra-red at night in monochrome mode. Samsung Techwin's Dual Automatic White Balance technology adds to the high performance of the superb camera by delivering a true colour image without tending towards red or blue whilst the built-in motion detection feature provides for the camera view to be divided into 48 detection zones.
Samsung Techwin on Stand Number M117 at IFSEC
Samsung Techwin are promising not to make too much noise at IFSEC 2005. Quite the reverse in fact, as visitors to stand M117 will have the opportunity to see how Samsung Techwin's SSNR technology eliminates the effects of noise on CCTV images. Samsung Techwin, who are establishing a reputation as the industry's low light specialists, were one of the first CCTV manufacturers to recognise the importance of cameras being able to deliver high quality images in any lighting conditions. Random and fixed noise is a constant threat to the quality of CCTV images, particularly when light levels are low. Quite often noise levels can be so high as to make images almost useless. SSNR (Super Noise Reduction) produces a high signal to noise ratio and no ghost effect and by doing so delivers clear sharp images, even in the most severe lighting conditions. The absence of any "ghost" effect offers a higher level of identification - a big plus where, as an example, there is a requirement to recognise number plates. An additional benefit of this technology is the reduced file size of the recorded images which are reduced by a massive 70% when using a MPEG format and by 40% when using a JPEG format. This offers potential costs savings in respect of the size of the hard disc that is used in the recording device "Although we will be showing for the first time a number of new products, the emphasis will be on demonstrating to existing and potential customers how the technology behind the products is advancing," said Simon Shawley, General Sales Manager for Samsung Techwin's CCTV division.
Samsung’s new multi-site DECT solution extends cordless phone range to 1 km
Samsung has introduced a new range of elegantly styled DECT (digital enhanced cordless telecommunications) solutions capable of providing cordless office communications for distances up to one kilometre. These work with any current Samsung business communications system — from small office systems such as the DCS408 right up to OfficeServ Enterprise IP solutions. Unlike previous DECT systems, a single new Samsung solution can simultaneously serve multiple sites up to 1 km apart. Two new DECT systems are available: the DECT 500, an entry-level solution with up to eight handsets, and the modular DECT 1500, expandable to cater for up to 250 handsets. Both are ideal for use in hotels, hospitals, warehouses, sports halls, concert venues, hot-desking offices, or any other environment where staff need to be contactable while moving around a site or between nearby sites. Both new DECT systems use the new D5000 wireless handset, smartly trimmed in black and silver to match Samsung’s existing 5000 series standard digital and IP handsets. Besides offering superior voice quality to previous DECT handsets, the D5000 is designed for ease of use with intuitive menu-driven navigation via an LCD screen. It offers a wide range of features including personal phonebook, redial function, multiple ringtones, silent mode, vibration alert, headset working, microphone mute and automatic log-in. System coverage can be extended up to 1 km from the host communications system using optional wireless radio repeaters. This compares very favourably with the standard DECT range of 20 m within a building or 300 m across open space.
Samsung’s voice call ‘dashboard’ cuts phone bills and boosts customer service
New call management and contact centre applications allowing business managers to improve staff efficiency and customer service while minimising telephone charges have been unveiled by Samsung.
The Samsung CMS application suite is scalable to provide anything from simple low-cost call reporting for small businesses right up to a large multi-site call centre environment. It is available across the entire range of Samsung Business Communications systems, from eight-extension keyphone systems up to advanced OfficeServ Enterprise IP solutions.
For businesses that simply wish to understand and control the cost of their voice, fax and mobile calls, an entry-level Samsung OMS configuration provides realtime call logging and historical reporting in a range of statistical formats. For example, a PC-based ‘soft wallboard’ display makes it easy to monitor system traffic for individual staff members or the system as a whole, pinpoint cost reduction opportunities and even detect possible misuse, with key information presented graphically as an intuitive ‘dashboard’ of pie charts.
An ACD (automated call distribution) option adds ‘informal’ contact centre features to the basic Samsung CMS package, ideal for businesses wishing to
focus on improving customer service. Using functionality within the host
Samsung communications system, this application enables workflow management and performance monitoring by displaying a dashboard of real-time data — number of calls waiting, group waiting times and so forth — either on a manager’s PC screen or on a call centre wallboard. Staff can be managed and reallocated according to call traffic conditions, resulting in optimised call handling and hence customer service.
On Samsung’s P enabled business communications platforms, ACD workgroups can be extended to home workers and remote sites via secure, toll free broadband Internet links or leased lines.
The top-end Samsung CMS package places all the above functions within a hierarchical client—server context, making access to monitoring and reporting functions location independent. Multiple systems at different sites can be monitored from a single location, either in real time over an IP network or by dial-up to a historical data store. Different levels of system access allow supervisors to monitor their own workgroups and individual staff to configure and run their own reporting procedures.
Wilf Wood, product manager with Samsung Business Communications, commented: “Business managers have a duty to ensure that their investment in communications equipment and services represents best value. The dashboard style of the new Samsung CMS application makes it much easier to understand how an enterprise’s communications are working and react accordingly.
“As it can be scaled to both functionality requirements and size of organisation, the result is cost and efficiency benefits for enterprises large and small.”
Samsung's multi-user phone operator application safeguards customer service during busy periods
Samsung Business Communications has introduced an intuitive PC-based telephone operator console that can share powerful call handling functions between multiple users located anywhere within an organisation. Used with Samsung's OfficeServ enterprise P communications systems, the new OfficeServ Operator application enhances customer service through the ability to handle all incoming calls efficiently and professionally, even during periods of high call traffic. The OfficeServ Operator is ideal for companies wishing to offer a centralised answer point, for serviced offices, or for any business wanting to provide a high level of service to incoming callers. OfficeServ Operator makes conventional operator functions and a range of additional call handling capabilities easy to use by any authorised employee on the system. Incoming calls can be connected simply by dragging and dropping to a list of user names on screen, while context sensitive prompts show inexperienced or temporary operators what to do in any situation. As a PC based application any user within the business can activate OfficeServ Operator, with a maximum of five operators being active at any time. This provides the flexibility for any staff member to act as an additional or temporary operator at busy periods without moving from their regular desk. Operators can be assigned from anywhere in an organisation - even home and remote workers connected to P-enabled OfficeServ systems - via leased lines and broadband Internet connections. For experienced users, a comprehensive system of context sensitive menus and keyboard shortcuts provides a familiar and intuitive way of working, while enhancing productivity through an expanded feature set based on intelligence within the host OfficeServ system. For example, OfficeServ Operator not only recognises incoming callers from CLI (caller line identification) data but remembers the extension to which each was transferred on the last three occasions. These transfers are presented as part of a menu of call handling options. Each operator can view the status of each extension on the system - active call forwards, 'do not disturb' and so forth - via an on-screen 'busy lamp field'. If an individual user is away, the operator can control these settings from the console. Calls can also be transferred straight to an individual voicemail box without the need to hold or call the extension first. When it is necessary to put a call on hold, the operator can append notes concerning the purpose of the call. The operator can also edit and save caller information to the OfficeServ contact database, and activate a basic one-touch call recording function through the voicemail system for emergency monitoring or note taking. Each operator can view a queue of current incoming calls and their status, including time waiting. Certain numbers - important customers, for example -can be specified as 'VIP' callers and flagged up by CLI for priority treatment. The system can also be configured to block calls from certain numbers. "Very often the first contact a customer has with a business is by telephone, so it pays to make a good impression," commented Phil Watts, Marketing Manager of Samsung Business Communications. "Using standard networked PCs, the OfficeServ Operator console provides an intuitive, flexible and cost effective way of making sure that your customers are not kept hanging on."
Sanitary disposal - A brand new unit on each exchange
Unlike other sanitary disposal units the revolutionary new unit from Forward Environmental is not emptied and cleaned after use and then redistributed, it is disposed of in its entirety by incineration at a clinical waste incineration plant. Each unit is made from high-density polypropylene which when incinerated it does not release any gasses harmful to the environment.
The fragranced vapour action kills off all bacteria and viruses thereby preventing the development of odours.
The unit is a cool colour and measures 12.5 cm x 37.7cm and 48cm and has a total capacity of 22.5 litres. This slimline unit fits easily into any washroom.
Our service is tailor made to your requirements, our discreet efficient service operative will report their presence to the nominated representative of the client company and produce identification. They will install a Brand New Unit in all designated washrooms and report back to your representative to complete the required transfer note previously provided.
They will discreetly remove the old units to be transferred for incineration.
If any problems occur between scheduled visits we will provide an effective emergency service.
Forward Hygiene Services are licensed under regulations transporting and disposal of clinical waste. Forward supply documentation completed each visit satisfying your own legal obligation
Our service enables your company to comply with the following regulations: -
The Environmental Protection Act 1990
Licensing Regulations 1994
Public Health Act 1936
Sanitary Convenience Regulations 1964
Duty of Care Regulations 1991
SANYO - Top of the Class in Falkirk
The security and safety of students and staff is always on the curriculum in the education sector but inevitably has to fight for a slice of a limited budget. When Graeme High School in Falkirk therefore turned to ADT for a solution to their security needs, SANYO's state of the art Video over IP solution got full marks, offering the benefit of low installation costs without compromising specification or performance. Graeme High School is a Comprehensive Six Year Secondary School situated in the Central belt of Scotland, half way between Glasgow and Edinburgh. The school has a strong tradition in education in technology and computing, and SANYO's IP network cameras interface perfectly with the schools previous investment in these areas. By exploiting Video over IP technology, considerable cost savings were made by avoiding the need to lay long runs of cable. The system is simplicity itself, with SANYO's VCC-WB2000P IP network cameras providing high resolution colour images for the majority of the monitored areas. For those zones requiring 360 degree coverage, SANYO's proven analogue dome cameras were installed and then digitally connected to the network via a SANYO VSP-SV200P IP video network server. In addition to simplicity of the installation and the benefit of utilising an existing network within the school, the Video over IP system offers the additional benefit of allowing senior members of staff to access images from any of the cameras from any PC on the network, doing away with the limitation of having just one single monitoring point. Images from all of the cameras on the network are recorded on to a central computer hard drive using SANYO’s VA-SW2000 archiving software.
Sanyo demonstrates solutions at IFSEC 2003
Visitors to Sanyo UK’s exhibition stand Q100 at this years IFSEC will have the opportunity to see a demonstration of the latest technology in “real life “situations.
“IFSEC is an important venue for us to show customers our latest products” said David Hammond, General Sales Manager for Sanyo UK’s CCTV division. “This year we want to show installers and customers how our CCTV products can interact with other security equipment to offer a comprehensive security solution”
Sanyo will be creating in one section of their stand a retail environment where visitors will be able to see and test how Sanyo’s camera, domes and recording equipment can work with electronic article surveillance equipment to detect and track would be thieves. In another part of their stand, Sanyo will demonstrate how their high performance digital video recorders can assist security managers in frustrating the efforts of the criminal fraternity.
Sanyo will also be exhibiting their new Video over IP products.
Reader Reply No.: 62180
Sanyo are one of the world’s leading manufacturers of CCTV equipment with a comprehensive range of digital video recorders, high resolution cameras (including high sensitive infrared cameras and low light mini domes) as well multiplexers, monitors and time lapse video recorders. Sanyo employ approximately 100,000 people worldwide with annual sales in excess of £10 billion.
Sanyo DSR-M800P — Digital video recorder
Sanyo have introduced into the UK a new digital video recorder that offers high quality one-week non-stop recording.
The Sanyo DSR-M800P can record at 25 frames per second with simultaneous playback. 168 hours (one week) of non stop recording can be achieved in high resolution mode whilst recording time can be increased to 336 hours by way of an optional additional HDD in the machine’s expansion bay.
Key features:
• Compact Size — The DSR-M800P is just 210mm wide providing an ideal solution for retail stores where space may be limited. Two DSR M800Ps can sit side by side in a standard 19” rack where a large number of DVRs are required e.g. Casinos.
• Digital Storage — The DRS-MSOOP is supplied with 120gb on board storage with the option to expand to 240gb.
• Audio Recording - MPEG-I Audio Layer2 technology provides audio recording with clear sound quality.
• Mirror recording — By adding an additional HDD, it is possible to record the same video images on two HDDs simultaneously providing an immediate back up
• Remote viewing and control — Recorded and liveimages can be viewed on a PC from a remote location via a LAN. The main functions of the machine can also be set up and controlled remotely.
• RS-485 Terminals — The DSR —M800P has built in RS-485 terminals. Up to 128 DRS-M800Ps can be controlled from a single Sanyo VSP 8000 controller via the RS-485 terminals.
• Expansion — Up to 1000 DSR-M800Ps can be monitored and controlled by using four POs.
• Search Functions — The DSR-M800P provides both Alarm and Date/time search facilities.
Sanyo DSR-M800P — Digital Video Recorder
The Sanyo DSR-M800P can record at 25 frames per second with simultaneous playback. 168 hours (one week) of non stop recording can be achieved in high resolution mode whilst recording time can be increased to 336 hours by way of an optional additional HHD in the machine’s expansion bay. • Compact Size — The DSR-M800P is just 210mm wide providing an ideal solution for retail stores where space may be limited. Two DSRM800Ps can sit side by side in a standard 19” rack where a large number of DVRs are required e.g. Casinos. • Audio Recording - MPEG-i Audio Layer2 technology provides audio recording with clear sound quality. • Mirror recording — By adding an additional HDD, it is possible to record the same video images on two HDDs simultaneously providing an immediate back up • Remote viewing and control — Recorded images can be viewed on a PC from a remote location via a LAN. The main functions of the machine can also be set up and controlled remotely. • RS-485 Terminals — The DSR —M800P has built in RS-485 terminals. Up to 128 DRS-M800Ps can be controlled from a single Sanyo VSP8000 controller via the RS-485 terminals. Expansion — Up to 1000 DSR-M800Ps can be monitored and controlled by using four PCs • Search Functions — The DSR-M800P provides both Alarm and Date/time search facilities.
Sanyo GHP provides perfect tonic for JD Wetherspoon
Sanyo's unique GHP technology has provided the ideal solution for pub chain JD Wetherspoon, who found electricity demand exceeding supply at the Wibbas Down Inn, Wimbledon. "The installation of Sanyo's GHP range has proved to be the perfect air conditioning solution for busy hospitality and leisure applications like ours," says Chris Payne, Director of Development at JD Wetherspoon. "Our outlets are open long hours so overheads such as electricity consumption can spiral out of control. The GHP range provides an efficient air conditioning solution, that is easily installed, achieves cost-effective performance, and lowers electricity bills - a winner all round." In its ten-year history, the Wibbas Down Inn has undergone much refurbishment and the air conditioning system, comprising 14 10kW Heat Pump split systems, had evolved during that time to serve the customer area and commercial kitchens adequately. The Wibbas is a typical Wetherspoons 'superpub' and as such, is bristling with electrical equipment, from refrigerated cabinets and ice-making machines in the bars, to extensive audio-visual and entertainment systems - not to mention a substantial amount of electrical load-intensive catering equipment. However, problems began to arise in the pub's operation that led to the replacement of half of the existing air conditioning units with a single Sanyo GHP VRF system. Associated Cooling Services Ltd was responsible for the planned maintenance and service for the pub: Managing Director, Joe Collins explains: "The Wibbas staff began to report total power failures, which led to the pub being forced to close, obviously a disaster for a busy bar. When we investigated, we found the power consumption exceeded the building's 200-amp supply, thus creating the failures." Working with JD Wetherspoon, building services consultant Beverley Design Services put together a solution featuring Sanyo's unique GHP gas-powered range. The GHP Range is a pioneering system that utilises mains gas or LPG as its main power source and single-phase electricity for start-up and fan operation. For such an installation as the Wibbas Down Inn, it provides the ideal solution as the operators were facing such a short-fall in power, but increasing demand in facilities. To provide the power savings required and reduce the initial capital expenditure, Beverley Design and JD Wetherspoon agreed a specification for the Wimbledon pub, replacing half of the existing equipment with a Sanyo system comprising just one 56kW outdoor unit. The gas service pipework, however is of sufficient capacity to allow the remaining seven systems to be replaced in future. The installation was then carried out by Associated Cooling Services with minimal disruption to the Wibbas Down, with the pub trading throughout the installation, and work areas being sectioned off from the customers. Joe Collins, Managing Director at Associated Cooling Services, takes up the story: "Installing the indoor units was straightforward, as we have completed many other VRF installations. However, Sanyo's GHP is significantly quieter than the seven units it replaces so, although noise wasn't a major issue here, the neighbours, who include the Wimbledon Theatre, appreciated the reduced sound levels." "The Wetherspoons installation is the perfect illustration of Sanyo GHP's ability to solve power problems," concludes Bob Cowlard, Sanyo Air Conditioners' National Sales Manager. "Electricity prices rose by around 15% last year and there are serious doubts as to whether the national grid can sustain the nation's increasing level of consumption. Gas will have a huge part to play in the future of VRF air conditioning and clients such as Wetherspoon experiencing the benefits will enable take up to continue at a pace."
Sanyo GHP provides perfect tonic for JD Wetherspoon
Sanyo's unique GHP technology has provided the ideal solution for pub chain JD Wetherspoon, who found electricity demand exceeding supply at the Wibbas Down Inn, Wimbledon. "The installation of Sanyo's GHP range has proved to be the perfect air conditioning solution for busy hospitality and leisure applications like ours," says Chris Payne, Director of Development at JD Wetherspoon. "Our outlets are open long hours so overheads such as electricity consumption can spiral out of control. The GHP range provides an efficient air conditioning solution, that is easily installed, achieves cost-effective performance, and lowers electricity bills - a winner all round." In its ten-year history, the Wibbas Down Inn has undergone much refurbishment and the air conditioning system, comprising 14 10kW Heat Pump split systems, had evolved during that time to serve the customer area and commercial kitchens adequately. The Wibbas is a typical Wetherspoons 'superpub' and as such, is bristling with electrical equipment, from refrigerated cabinets and ice-making machines in the bars, to extensive audio-visual and entertainment systems - not to mention a substantial amount of electrical load-intensive catering equipment. However, problems began to arise in the pub's operation that led to the replacement of half of the existing air conditioning units with a single Sanyo GHP VRF system. Associated Cooling Services Ltd was responsible for the planned maintenance and service for the pub: Managing Director, Joe Collins explains: "The Wibbas staff began to report total power failures, which led to the pub being forced to close, obviously a disaster for a busy bar. When we investigated, we found the power consumption exceeded the building's 200-amp supply, thus creating the failures." Working with JD Wetherspoon, building services consultant Beverley Design Services put together a solution featuring Sanyo's unique GHP gas-powered range. The GHP Range is a pioneering system that utilises mains gas or LPG as its main power source and single-phase electricity for start-up and fan operation. For such an installation as the Wibbas Down Inn, it provides the ideal solution as the operators were facing such a short-fall in power, but increasing demand in facilities. To provide the power savings required and reduce the initial capital expenditure, Beverley Design and JD Wetherspoon agreed a specification for the Wimbledon pub, replacing half of the existing equipment with a Sanyo system comprising just one 56kW outdoor unit. The gas service pipework, however is of sufficient capacity to allow the remaining seven systems to be replaced in future. The installation was then carried out by Associated Cooling Services with minimal disruption to the Wibbas Down, with the pub trading throughout the installation, and work areas being sectioned off from the customers. Joe Collins, Managing Director at Associated Cooling Services, takes up the story: "Installing the indoor units was straightforward, as we have completed many other VRF installations. However, Sanyo's GHP is significantly quieter than the seven units it replaces so, although noise wasn't a major issue here, the neighbours, who include the Wimbledon Theatre, appreciated the reduced sound levels." "The Wetherspoons installation is the perfect illustration of Sanyo GHP's ability to solve power problems," concludes Bob Cowlard, Sanyo Air Conditioners' National Sales Manager. "Electricity prices rose by around 15% last year and there are serious doubts as to whether the national grid can sustain the nation's increasing level of consumption. Gas will have a huge part to play in the future of VRF air conditioning and clients such as Wetherspoon experiencing the benefits will enable take up to continue at a pace."
SANYO Launch a Digital Video Recorder Designed Specifically for Retailers
Research has shown that the average CCTV system installed in a retailer environment has six cameras and yet most manufacturers of digital video recorders produce nine or sixteen channel versions.
Recognising this anomaly, SANYO have introduced the DSR-3506P, a six camera input DVR that takes full advantage of SANYO’s unique high performance 520 TV lines technology.
Retailers have a choice of ordering the DSR-3506P with one of four hard disc sizes. “For the majority of applications, because of the high quality of the images captured by our 520 TV lines technology, the DSR-3506P can be set up in standard mode and therefore the economic 80GB or 160GB versions will be sufficient. However in more demanding situations we would recommend ordering the machine with 250GB or 300GB video storage capacity”, said Bob Groom, SANYO’s CCTV Product Manager.
Live images from all six cameras can be viewed on a monitor in “real time” via the DSR-3506P on a split screen format whilst simultaneous recording and playback is achievable at 50 fields per seconds.
The DSR-3506P has a multitude of other flexible features and functions including three recording modes: alarm, timed or programmed, motion detection to record specific activities and audio recording.
Sanyo launches the next generation of VFR
Sanyo, the Japanese global air conditioning manufacturer, has announced the introduction to the UK of their latest generation 3 pipe VRF system, the ECOi 3-Way. By utilising the high efficiency refrigerant R41 QA, enhancements in system design and the very latest in DC inverter technology, the range provides dramatically improved energy efficiency, wider operating ranges and longer pipe runs than ever before. Designed to satisfy the most demanding specification criteria, the ECQi 3-Way Multi is a comprehensive, high performance 3-pipe range that brings impressive energy efficiency and environmental benefits. The ECQi 3-way VRF system is an incredibly flexible air conditioning solution. Up to 40 indoor units can be specified as part of one ECQi system providing simultaneous heating and cooling for an entire multi-storey building. Outdoor units are available in capacities from 8HP to I6HP and are suitable for both large and small scale projects as they can be grouped together to provide a single system of up to 4BHP (135kW). The outdoor units all have a small footprint which simplifies transportation, siting and installation. Contractors and specifiers can also select from up to 10 different styles of indoor unit offering up to 11 indoor capacities, and with a stylish new TouchScreen controller. The Range offers a high coefficient of performance (COP) as a guaranteed measure of fuel efficiency. For example, a 22kW (BHP) outdoor unit in heating mode will produce a COP of 4.09 -significantly better than comparable VRF brands currently on the market. Sanyo has also designed the new range with European environmental considerations in mind. It features the lowest outdoor unit sound levels in the industry (55dB(A)), ensuring easy specification of the system in urban locations where noise is often a key concem. It can also provide cooling at -1 Odeg C - again significantly better than comparable VRF brands. Bob Cowlard, National Sales Manager at Sanyo Air Conditioners comments: "In a fast moving market that is driven by performance, efficiency and reliability SANYO intends to remain at the forefront of product innovation. It is true to say, now more than ever, that you have to move with the times or move out of the way - if a manufacturer is not offering high efficiency electric R41 QA inverter systems and instead relying upon yesterday's technology, they will fast become a yesterday company. "SANYO has the advantage that from our strong market position in Japan, we develop products rather than copy others and we will therefore always be at the forefront of industry moves. With future developments such as using clean energy and the numerous changes in the various sales channels, I believe that the traditional manufacturers 'League Table' in the UK will change significantly over the coming years, but not as radically or as price-driven as claimed by some manufacturers recently." "The launch of the ECOi is the next step in our 5 year strategic plan of steady, controlled and continued growth in the UK market which we have enjoyed since 2001. Last year we dubbed as the 'year of choice' as we significantly increased our product offering whilst not trying to dictate to the installers what should they buy. The introduction of our SAP range of aggressively-priced R41 QA room air conditioners dramatically increased the number of contractors who have now used SANYO products and a significant number of those have gone on to buy our commercial R4IOA DC Inverter range. "In 2005, we will offer what we believe to be an all-round air conditioning solution for the consultant specifier and contractor to access. The ECOi range delivers the efficiency, flexibility and environmental benefits that clients are demanding and it is simple to apply, install and maintain. The range also qualifies for the Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme, so all in all, it makes a great decision all round!"
Sanyo provide Digital Recording solution for Council Control Room
Sanyo have been chosen by Ipswich Borough Council as their supplier of digital recording equipment for their recently upgraded control room. The existing VCRs in the control room have been scrapped as there was a requirement for higher quality recordings of incidents for evidence purposes. The control room, which was originally built in 1998, was upgraded with funds partly from the second Government CCTV Challenge competition. The award was subject to a condition that recordings must be readily available to the police and courts i.e. on tape. “We chose the Sanyo DTL-4800P because it provides all of the advantages of digital technology but records and stores images on S-VHS tape,” said Jim Manning, Borough Community Safety Officer for Ipswich Borough Council. Twenty DTL-4800P were installed in the control room together with a similar number of Sanyo multiplexers. The control room currently monitors and records images from 80 cameras but this number will be increasing during the next twelve months. As well as providing surveillance of shopping areas, bus stations and car parks in Ipswich town centre, the control room also monitors cameras located in Stowmarket, Hadleigh and Sudbury town centres. The equipment was installed by Waltham Abbey based Videcom Security Ltd. “We were pleased to recommend the DTL-4800P to Ipswich Borough Council” says Bill Mead of Videcom. “It provides a low cost digital recording solution utilising standard VCR technology which allows for an easy upgrade path for existing control rooms and simple operator interfacing.” Videcom also installed Sanyo multiplexers and cameras as part of the project.
Sanyo upgrade recording capacity of their range of Digital Video Recorders
Sanyo have increased the hard disc recording capacity of their ground breaking 520 TV lines digital video recorders to 500GB. Previously the Sanyo DVRs have had a maximum storage of 320GB.
Commenting on this substantial upgrade in the capability of the DSR-3009P, DSR-3016P and DSR-3000P, David Hammond, General Sales Manager of the CCTV division of Sanyo Europe, said “The cost/performance ratio of our DVRs has always been competitive but we have now reached a stage where our digital recording equipment is affordable for an extremely wide range of applications. This innovation has been introduced in direct response to demand from our customers who value the quality of our 520 TV lines machines but have wanted, additional storage capacity.”
The DSR-3000P is a single channel DVR, whilst the DSR-3009P offers nine channels and the DSR-3106P 16 channels. All three machines offer simultaneous record and playback without any interruption at 50 frames per second.
Recorded video can be transferred to a Compact Flash card, a Microdrive or onto a conventional VCR whilst remote control of all three machines is via RS232 or RS485 via Sanyo’s VSP-8000 Controller. The machines are supplied as standard with a free PC LAN card for networking.
Sanyo vandal resistant domes
Sanyo have launched into the UK a new range of competitively priced vandal resistant domes with integral cameras.
Each of the three new domes are available in two versions – surface mount or in-ceiling. The VDC-B1112FB has an integral 1/3” monochrome camera whilst the VDC-C1172FB has a 1/3” colour camera.
The top of the range VDC-D1185VP is supplied complete with a high performance 520TV lines Day/Night camera. The camera, which has a vari-focal lens, senses the prevailing light levels and automatically changes to day or night functionality. During the day the camera utilises a DSP (digital signal processing) circuit incorporating Sanyo’s proprietary algorithms to reproduce natural colours whilst at night the camera switches to black and white mode, working to a minimum illumination of 0.06 lux.
The new range is designed for banks, schools, prisons, hospitals, retail environments, subways and public buildings where high impact rugged enclosures are required. All three domes have IP66 rating.
Sanyo VCC-ZM400P - 520 TV lines day/night zoom camera
Sanyo have launched a new 520 TV lines DaylNight camera
with a built in auto-focus zoom lens.
Key features:
• DaylNight Function - As the camera senses the level of light available, it automatically switches an IR Cut filter on and off, thereby switching the camera from day time to night time use. The light level at which the camera switches can be adjusted depending on site conditions. In addition the camera can be manually switched from day time to night time use for specific applications.
• 352X Zoom — The camera’s 22x optical zoom and I 6x digital zoom can be combined to provide close observation of distant objects.
• Back Light Compensation — The VCC-ZM400P uses three different “intelligent” back light compensation methods to ensure sharp, true- colour images in any light conditions.
• Intelligent Motion Detection — When a moving object is detected the VCC-ZM400P can send an alarm signal and/or switch to optical zoom of between 1.4x and 6x.
• ACIDC Power Source — Input term ipals on the rear panel of the VCC ZM400P allow the camera to run on either 24V AC or 12V DC eliminating the need for electrical work at the point of installation.
Sanyo VDC-C1175VP - New Vandal Resistant Dome
Sanyo have extended their Dome range with the introduction of the VDC-C1175VP.
The VDC-C1175VP vandal resistant dome incorporates a high resolution 460 TV lines colour camera with an integral vari-focal lens. The dome casing is designed to withstand an attack with a hammer and as such it is ideal for indoor use in banks, schools, prisons, hospitals, retail environments, subways and public buildings where a high impact rugged enclosure is required.
“This new dome compliments our highly successful VDC-C1185VP Day/Night dome”, said Bob Groom, Sanyo’s CCTV Product Manager. “Our aim is to provide customers with a wide choice of domes to suit any application”
The VDC-C1175VP, which has an IP66 rating, is of waterproof construction and is therefore suitable for outdoor use. It can be either surface mounted or installed in a ceiling.
Sanyo: The most exciting range of digital dictation machines yet
The ICR-B 130 and Sanyo have produced the most exciting range of digital dictation machines yet. The ICR-B 130 and ICR-B 150 are designed to record dictation, meetings and conferences with exceptional high quality. Both models combine the familiar and easy operation of a traditional tape based dictation machine with the advanced features and versatility of a digital device. Storing up to 17 hours of quality recording, the voice files can be downloaded to a PC and e-mailed for storage, editing and transcription, using the on-screen PC software.
Finished in metallic silver, the lightweight design is shaped to fit comfortably in to the palm of your hand for hours of continuous dictation. The four position slide control allows single handed operation, moving straight from record to review and then into play in one smooth motion. A user friendly menu toggle is positioned at the front of the recorder, controlling all the advanced digital functions including voice activation, recording mode, folder selection, User ID, time/date and alarm setting.
Combining good looks with high quality recording, the machines feature three tiny but powerful microphones, maximising pick up while reducing background distortion. Playback on the unit is via an internal speaker which produces crisp, clean delivery of the recording and once downloaded to the PC, playback can be via your PC sound system.
Utilising removable multimedia cards, the ICR-B130 is supplied with a 16mb card (enough for 2 hours recording) and the ICR-BiSO with a 32mb card for over 4 hours.There is also an option to slot in a 128mb card for as much as 17 hours recording. Multimedia cards allow you to store recordings indefinitely or re-use them again and again as they are totally wear resistant.
A major advantage of digital voice processing is the ability to create finished, edited voice memos. The complete on-board editing function, enables the author to make changes to the existing recording by inserting or deleting words sentences or even whole paragraphs in an instant. A new thought or idea can quite easily be inserted into the existing voice memo or alternatively be recorded as a new file.
Both recorders include three folders for voice file management, capable of storing up to 99 messages per folder. Each recording is automatically stored with a time and date stamp and when the unit is being shared between authors, a User ID can be assigned. An alarm function with two pre-recorded voice messages is also available to remind you of those important appointments.
Voice files can be downloaded directly onto the PC using the USB cable supplied. Once the voice files are stored on the PC, they can be efficiently transferred via a network or by email to an audio typist for traditional transcription, possibly even the other side of the world. The professional transcription software provides the audio typist with a sophisticated approach to retrieving, archiving and transcribing digital dictation on the PC.
Sargents advertises the way to success
Sargents, the specialist office logistics business, has supported The AGA Group, the London-based marketing communications agency, during a major refurbishment of the latter's City headquarters. AGA, which recently won the IPA/PPA Award for B2B Agency of the Year, was looking for a partner who could provide logistics support including storage whilst a significant re-stack of its offices was undertaken to accommodate an expanding team which had virtually doubled in size since the agency moved within the City five years ago. Recognising the task was more than just a matter of ordering a few boxes, AGA undertook a review of potential suppliers before opting for Sargents. "Sargents has an excellent reputation in the City and works with a number of our own clients, so they came highly recommended," says Sean Feast, Executive Director in charge of the project, "and we also knew their senior management well, which gave us further confidence. "We gave Sargents quite a challenge. The building work was due to take six to eight weeks, but obviously being a busy agency we couldn't simply shut down during that time. Our creative department needed to be able to function without interruption, and our client services teams still needed access to important client information. It couldn't just be packed up and forgotten. "The solution put forward by Sargents enabled us to achieve exactly what we needed. Their teams not only helped with the basics of packing and storing in such a way that vital records could still be instantly retrieved, but also helped with the re-stack, providing useful advice in terms of moving computers and disconnecting power supplies in a way that did not interfere with our day-to-day operations. "In all it was a successful job, professionally undertaken. And at very short notice!" Jonathan Smith, Sargents' Sales Director adds: "This is a good example of a contract where we were able to use our considerable experience of working in the City to deliver a service quickly, and efficiently to the customer1s satisfaction. They listened to what we had to say and welcomed our approach which allowed the job to go so smoothly."
Sargents upgrades its Logistics Campus to reflect changing customer needs
Sargents, the specialist logistic solutions provider has recently undertaken a major reconfiguration and development of its Logistics Campus in South East London to meet increasing demands for a wide variety of storage requirements. In reconfiguring its Logistics Campus, which comprises an extensive 200,000 square feet of high quality warehousing, Sargents has also created an extra 1000 pallet spaces. Jonathan Smith, Director of Sargents, commented: "We have in the last year seen the needs of our customers change. With online access to inventory, businesses have a higher visibility of what they actually hold in storage and this has resulted in many re-evaluating their requirements - items are no longer being put into storage and forgotten about. "In addition to this, many of our customers are taking advantage of bulk buying opportunities which we store and deliver as when they are needed. This has considerably changed the nature of our business and over the last two years we have significantly invested in technology to provide our customers with the systems to manage their stock from their desktop." Sargents warehouse management system offers fully computerised inventory control, enabling customers to view their stock on-line and request retrievals and collections at the click of a mouse. Sargents stores an extensive range of items, ranging from carpet tiles and office workstations to building and fit-out materials, many of which are often business critical to Sargents' customers. Jonathan continues: "Items are often required at short notice, for example if an air conditioning unit breaks down, customers can interrogate their stock and order spare components over the web and we can deliver them to the City or West End within two hours."
Satellite link gives engineers immediate 24h emergency support
A satellite linked mobile phone has given submersible pump market leader ITT Flygt the option to use lone workers instead of two-man teams. The new Orbis Cybertrak phone takes the place of the second safety back-up man by puffing an emergency control room on-line to take control of the situation the moment the SOS button is pressed. Call operators can immediately pinpoint the phone’s whereabouts using on-screen mapping, assess the situation by listening in on an extra sensitive two-way microphone and summon the appropriate emergency services. ITT Flygt safety officer Paul Wood said: “Often engineers are working on isolated sewage treatments plants handling electrical and mechanical appliances. Before using this system it would have been impossible for us to send out engineers on their own to undertake service work.” If the situation warrants, the engineers can now set up regular safety checks on the phone. If they fail to respond every 10 minutes, the call centre will contact them. Paul said: “The scheme ensures that we can maintain our duty of care responsibilities for employees while they work alone. The initial introduction has gone well. We are now confident that we can know where engineers are and that they have the support of a 24 hours response team who can summon the emergency services. “Deployment is more efficient too. We can check who is nearest to a job at any one time on any internet linked computer using a password. This is one of the best lone worker systems we could find to protect our engineers in the field.”
Satellite watch on show-home sales consultants
Satellite technology is helping to protect sales consultants who work at one of the UK’s leading house builders, Redrow.
Many of the house builders sales consultants are opting to be equipped with one of the most advanced lone worker protection systems available, the Cybertrak GPS mobile phone and emergency resource link from Orbis Monitoring.
One push of the phone’s SOS button immediately opens up an extra sensitive microphone to the Orbis call centre. Operators are able to track the phone’s whereabouts using satellite tracking and listen in to the incident. They will then implement pre-planned security measures and if necessary call in the emergency services.
DVD records made of all calls can be used in courts as evidence.
Risk assessments by the house builder found that sales consultants were occasionally at risk on some of their sites where there were fewer staff and at weekends when construction staff had gone home. Marketing suites have already been adapted to provide an increased level of security with a back door exit and an inner office from which to see people entering.
As new sales sites come on stream, local sales teams complete risk assessments and opt for the most appropriate level of lone worker protection.
Robert Sayers, Redrow’s health and safety director says he was particularly impressed by Cybertraks tracking system. “We like the quick response by the call centre alerting us to an incident and importantly where it is. It is actually better than we first thought.”
The first eight phones are in use at developments in the south east. Several other regional offices have placed orders and there are plans to extend these to other lone workers within the company.
Save energy and reduce the impact of the Climate Change Levy
Last week’s free seminar at Aston Villa Football Club, Birmingham, looking at ways to cut energy costs and reduce the impact of the Climate Change Levy, was well attended by local businesses in the West Midlands.
Sponsored by Portakabin, the seminar explored how businesses can cut energy costs by up to 22% and outstrip the cost of the Climate Change Levy (CCL).
The seminar presented the reasons for the CCL, its impact on UK organisations, and the wider implications of the responsibilities and opportunities of the UK Climate Change Programme. Also covered at the event was the potential to achieve set energy targets and reduce energy costs, and the importance of establishing an energy policy and culture within an organisation.
Speakers included Alan Aldridge, executive director of ESTA (the Energy Systems Trade Association), Tim Ward, a senior scientist for BRE (Building Research Establishment) and Paul Blackwell, product development manager at Portakabin.
The seminar concluded with a look at the new amendment to Part L of the Building Regulations and Portakabins state-of-the art Ultima accommodation solution.
Amjad Khan from Birmingham City College who attended the seminar said: “The seminar was extremely informative, as it highlighted the key issues surrounding the CCL and offered practical and relevant advice on how to meet set energy targets and reduce energy costs.”
Save more with clever flushing from PHS
Workplace services provider, the PHS Group plc, can help businesses save even more on the cost of water flushed through their men’s washroom urinals, by installing an Intelligent Water Management System. PHS’s new System uses advanced infra-red technology to count the washroom traffic and automatically adjust flush frequency to 10 or 30 minute intervals, as appropriate. This flexibility maintains hygiene standards in the Gent’s loos while saving water and cutting bills by tip to 30% more than with PHS’s previous model.
The System also:
• is environmentally friendly, because it prevents unnecessary water wastage
• helps businesses comply with legislation affecting water supply
• avoids over-flushing for the number of washroom users, which can still be a problem with conventional water management systems
• maintains hygiene standards where washrooms are unoccupied for long periods, by flushing once every S hours
The potential cost savings are dramatic, as demonstrated in a trial carried out by Tom Cobleigh Pubs earlier this year. The trial compared two urinals and cisterns - one fitted with a PHS Water Management System and one with an uncontrolled water supply.
SAVE TIME WITH ALL-IN-ONE KITCHEN
Heatstore’s new Tea Stations are perfect for commercial offices and retail premises interiors where a compact and quick kitchen solution is required.
The Tea Stations are available nationwide on a next-day delivery service, and come as a complete unit comprising a sink and drainer, fridge and storage drawer with the option of either a dishwasher or microwave.
For busy environments where quick turnaround is vital, their all-in-one design saves valuable management time, as only one decision about specification is needed. It also makes the Tea Station quick and easy to install with little disruption to business.
As well as being a practical solution it is also a stylish kitchen solution that will complement any design-led interior. The Tea Stations match standard kitchen unit dimensions and are designed with clean lines in a stainless steel or durable powder coated finish.
Saville launches Communique
Saville Audio Visual has launched an exclusive new concept that blends audio visual and videoconferencing technology into a prestigious 'total communications' centre. Saville Communique combines the latest display and control techniques with state-of-the-art TANDBERG videoconferencing. It enables instant, multi-site virtual meetings plus presentations from computers, DVD, video or external broadcast sources, all with full stereo sound. The standard Communique package includes a custom-built panelled wall and credenza/cabinet, dual plasma displays, speakers and a VC camera, plus a matching veneered table and chairs. The installation means no trailing cables, unsightly brackets or stands. All the source equipment is fitted inside the credenza and operated from a single cordless control. The concept places meeting participants in the best possible position to see and hear - and to be seen and heard - using a layout designed to achieve the best possible sound capture and camera images. The Communique package can also be customised to fit other room shapes and sizes, with larger plasma screens if required. Saville Communique comprises the following key elements: • Fully veneered wall panels • Custom designed four-door credenza • Dual 42" plasma display screens • Matching speakers & mounting brackets • Saville Communique conferencing table • Choice of matching chairs • TANDBERG T3000 videoconferencing codec, camera & microphone • Optional AMX Viewpoint RF Touch Controller With a network of sixteen regional offices, Saville is the UK's largest audio visual and videoconferencing specialist and soon celebrates ten years as Platinum Partner for Tandberg. The company has collected eighteen national awards in the past six years, including Audio Visual Reseller of The Year four times.
Saville launches Expedite
Saville Audio Visual has launched Expedite, a range of solutions for the distribution of multi-channel VGA, RGB and YIC video and control data, using structured cabling systems.
Until now AV distribution has required many different types of expensive cables, each of which can only be run a certain distance without the need for additional amplification and bespoke interface panels. Once installed, traditional networks are also inherently costly to relocate, with inevitable disruption to the working environment.
Saville Expedite accepts most formats of audio visual signals, converts them to a common format and drives them up to 600 metres over the same structured cabling that IT and telephony share. Once installed, users and display devices can easily be relocated by a simple patching operation that an in-house IT support team can manage.
Audio visual information distribution is becoming increasingly common within the corporate environment, also in education and public information applications. Although few architects and designers provide suitable infrastructure to accommodate these requirements from day one, they do provide for structured cabling with up to 60% expansion capacity built in. This spare capacity can now be utilised to deliver images, sound and data - such as live videoconferencing - from end to end - ensuring that users get maximum convenience and return from their investment.
With more than 350 personnel in fifteen locations, Saville is the UK’s largest supplier of audio visual equipment, systems and services. In the past four years, the company has collected thirteen national awards, including Audio Visual Company of The Year twice.
Saville launches MagicMobile
Saville Audio Visual has launched a versatile new multimedia presentation system, designed to withstand the rigours of daily use and move easily from room to room. Saville MagicMobile provides a secure, easy-to-use presentation solution, including one of the latest high-brightness SVGA or XGA projectors plus leading-brand source equipment in a lockable steel cabinet. The system is delivered ready wired and tested, with on-site instruction included if required. Users only need to connect the projector to their computer and the system is ready for operation. Saville MagicMobile incorporates a range of quality components, including a Panasonic combined VHS/DVD player, Sony stereo amplifier and Tannoy stereo loudspeakers. The system also features a retractable ‘Power Tower’ that provides multiple mains, audio, video and data connections. The cabinet has a rear door giving direct access to cabling and connections, plus large, braked castors for smooth mobility and optional shelves that clip on easily at any height. Saville MagicMobile is one of many new products and services featured in the company’s new 2004 catalogue - Professional Audio Visual Solutions from Saville. For a free copy e-mail head.office@saville-av.com.
Saving Energy Online starts with Stark’s Savenergyonline
Today’s world produces more information than ever before and the energy industry is no different. For everyone tasked with energy management, managing the information may mean there is not enough time to manage the energy!
Stark Software has been helping energy managers for almost twenty years. Known for its innovative and flexible energy software solutions. Stark is now pleased to introduce Savenergyonline.
Customers of Stark always comment on the power of the software. Savenergyonline allows energy managers to ha mess this power via the simplicity of email and an Internet browser. Savenergyonline delivers sophisticated exception reporting which avoids data overload and pinpoints where action to prevent waste needs to be taken. “In fact” commented Howard Stark, CEO of Stark Software International Ltd “you can enter a parameter set unique to each of your meters!”
Accessing your energy usage reports via the Internet means no installation, configuration or learning new software. Savenergyonline reports are viewed using a standard Internet browser, Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 and above. These energy reports are the same powerful comprehensive ones you receive if you are running Stark RT AMR software.
Anyone who manages or controls energy usage. Savenergyonline is used by large multi-site organisations with over 400 meters and by small enterprises with just one or two meters.
Stark has recently installed Savenergyonline to a major hospital in the USA. Spread over 17 sites with 200 metering points Stark provided the complete solution with data loggers and meters connected to a LAN via terminal servers to collect and monitor all utilities.
SCA Hygiene Products confirms ulans to build state of the art AFH plant in Wales
SCA Hygiene Products, Europe’s leading tissue and personal care company, confirms plans to develop its site at Qakenholt, North Wales, with the addition of a state-of-the-art integrated production plant. The facility will enable paper production and converting to be carried out on one site. It will be a joint facility for SCA’s TORK and Pendigo and KSS products. The decision has been taken following a detailed research and investment study announced in September 2002. “This is an exciting development for SCA Hygiene Products and great news for our customers,” said Away Frome Home UK commercial director Gabriel Bennet. “UK production capability will shorten the supply chain and help us to maintain our already high service levels and our response to customer demand.” The building process will start in May this year and the inauguration of the new enlarged premises is expected to happen early in 2004. The decided investment will mean the closure of the Pendigo site at Birmingham and the KSS Leeds site affecting around 200 employees. SCA is committed to transferring the knowledge of the KSS and Pendigo organisation to the new site, which is to be built adjacent to the company’s existing mill and will create more than 100 new permanent jobs. “The Qakenholt plant will be our third biggest Away-From-Home site in Europe,” said SCA Hygiene Products’ Senior Production Manager Gunnel Montgomery responsible for the mill project. “It will have a manufacturing capacity of 75,000 tonnes and a converting capability of 35-40,000 tonnes.”
SCA Hygiene Products to sponsor Loo of the Year Awards
SCA Hygiene Products has become the first tissue manufacturer ever to sponsor the annual Loo of the Year Awards. The company has signed a three-year contract with the British Toilet Association, organiser of the internationally renowned awards. One of the UKÕs largest tissue companies, SCA Hygiene Products manufactures the Tork washroom range and is an advocate of clean, hygienic washroom facilities.
ÓThe aim of the British Toilet Association is to improve the quality of toileting generally,Ó said region marketing director of SCA Hygiene Products Brian Parkinson. ÓWe at SCA share these aims, which is why we are happy to sponsor them. By doing so we are underlining our own commitment to improve the quality and hygiene of away-from-home toilets.Ó
The Loo of the Year Awards is now in its 17th year. Categories of toilets eligible to enter include shops, hotels, restaurants, pubs and nightclubs. Recent additions to the list have been healthcare establishments, schools and offices.
Award-winning toilets can be nominated by staff, contractors or visitors. All nominations need to be in by the end of July and can be telephoned in on the British Toilet Association hotline (01962 850277) or posted on to the associationÕs website (www.loo.co.uk). Judging takes place during the summer and an awards ceremony is held at a London venue during the last week of November.
Director of the British Toilet Association Richard Chisnell said: ÓWe are delighted to have the sponsorship of such a key washroom supplier as SCA Hygiene Products. The one thing in a washroom that you canÕt do without is tissue, which means that manufacturers of high quality tissue products are vital to our aims. Regrettably there are still a lot of public toilet providers around who think that cheapest is best, but cheap tissue is not necessarily user-friendly and can cause problems in terms of blockages.
ÓSCA Hygiene Products has a long history of quality products and the Tork brand has greeted us in many of the toilets we have visited over the years. We are delighted to have them on board.Ó
SCA Hygiene Products manufactures the Tork range of products for away-from-home washrooms. These include T-Tork jumbo toilet rolls; hand towel systems such as Tork Matic, Tork Xpress and Tork Classic; and the Tork Mevon range of liquid soaps. All products come in a streamlined range of dispensers available in four colours.
Scalding safeguard system
A new system designed to cut the number of scalding accidents in hospitals and other care institutions is being launched by bar coding specialist GSM Printer and Label Systems.
Seventeen people died and 127 were seriously injured in scalding accidents in hospitals between 1996 and 2001.*
The new stand-alone system allows administrators to schedule the maintenance of every thermostatic mixing valve within the facility, record the results of maintenance tests and create a complete audit trail of every valve.
GSM Printer and Label Systems’ new tracking system, ValveCheck, will be unveiled at Healthcare Estates Conference and Exhibition in Harrogate at the end of September. The company has partnered with hardware specialist Intermec to produce ValveCheck.
General manager Martin Cameron said: "A single hospital may have as many as 3,000 thermostatic mixing valves or more, all of which have to be tested and have the results recorded on a regular basis.
"ValveCheck reduces the current high risk of litigation due to scald injuries from faulty and poorly-maintained valves by using a hand-held terminal to schedule the service and record the service history of each valve."
Hot and cold water temperatures are closely monitored by hospitals and similar institutions. Hot water has to be maintained at 60°C to control legionella bacteria, which can cause Legionnaire’s Disease, but, with such a high temperature, defective valves could result in patients being scalded.
Under the ValveCheck system, each thermostatic mixing valve is given a unique bar code number, and a record of its location and the due date for maintenance is stored within a central database. Reports can be run on forthcoming, due and overdue maintenance, either by print-out or on screen, and engineers alerted to the task.
The system allows the administrator to create a checklist of the maintenance routine so that the operative can be prompted with the tests that need to be carried out, such as pre-mix temperature, time to shut-off and post-mix temperature.
The host system allows checklists to be created to manufacturers maintenance guidelines and pass or fail results can be assigned to each question, either as results within a specific range or as yes/no answers. All the information can then be downloaded to the portable data collection terminal by the operative, negating the need for paper records. The terminal also contains the engineer’s work schedule for the day.
Throughout the process a detailed history is being created on the terminal, giving a complete audit trail of every valve entered on the system. When the day’s work has been completed, the information is uploaded on to the host computer. A comprehensive set of reports allows data to be extracted from the system.
Martin Cameron added: "There are around 750 hospitals in the UK and legislation says that every thermostatic mixing valve in all hospitals – every bath tap, bidet, shower and sink - has to be checked every six months to ensure that the output temperature is not more than 44°C.
"In a large hospital, this is virtually a full-time job for an engineer. ValveCheck will mean that anyone can carry out the tests, with the engineer carrying out replacement or repair work and re-testing where necessary."
GSM Printer and Label Systems specialises in providing label printing, bar coding and data capture solutions to a wide range of industries. The GSM Group is one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of printed labels and nameplates in metal and plastics and has manufacturing sites in Wales, Oxford and Yorkshire.
Schneider Electric expands into a new transparent building
The Schneider Electric Global Competence Centre for Transparent Building technology (webbased building management systems) is among the key activities which are housed in the company’s new purpose-built 10,000m2 extension to its existing Telford premises, which was officially opened on Thursday, 19th June 2003, by Henri Lachmann, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Schneider Electric SAS. Marking the latest phase in Schneider Electric’s ambitious ongoing programme of investment in the UK, which is aimed at delivering the highest possible standards of service, and best value, to its customers, the new extension also provides greatly expanded logistics, manufacturing and office accommodation. To maximise the energy efficiency of the newly expanded Telford site, in line with Schneider Electric’s commitment to protecting the environment, the whole complex is equipped with the company’s innovative Transparent Building systems, which represent the very latest in web-based building management technology. The diversity of operations on the site is such that no single energy management strategy would have been satisfactory. With Transparent Building technology, however, it has been possible to implement separate highly efficient energy management regimes for the office, existing warehouse and assembly areas, new warehouse, and low-voltage assembly areas. “For such a important investment in the UK, it is essential that we should have only the best and most effective systems,” said Gaël de la Rochère, managing director of Schneider Electric UK, “and this requirement is well satisfied by the Transparent Building systems.” “They will help us to ensure that our operation always runs at frill efficiency, thereby enabling us to offer exceptional and consistent customer service,” he continued, “and they will help us to keep our costs down - a crucial factor in allowing us to maintain our very competitive market position.” Schneider Electric’s new premises in Telford will house activities relating to all of the company’s major brands - Merlin Gem, Telemecanique and Square D - and to Sarel, a Schneider Electric company. The premises will also be used as a reference site for potential customers wishing to examine the possibilities provided by Transparent Building technology in alive, practical situation. Schneider Electric is the leading UK and world expert in the development and manufacture of products for the distribution and industrial applications of electricity. Through its three brands, Telemecanique, Merlin Gem and Square D, the company offers a full range of products and services for panel builders, OEMs, contractors, specifiers, the electrical supply industry, and end users of electrical equipment in the commercial and industrial sectors. In the UK, Schneider Electric operates from 18 industrial and commercial sites, providing employment for 2,000 people, and achieving an annual turnover in excess of £244 million. Schneider Electric is committed to protecting the environment, and to setting up environmental management systems in accordance with, and assessed to, the ISO 14001 international standard, for all of its operations worldwide.
Schneider Electric keeps you in touch with your building
With Schneider Electric’s latest web-based Transparent Building technology, building services and installations can be monitored and controlled remotely from any location where Internet access is available. Not only does this allow property managers and owners to ensure that their assets are being used effectively, without the need for regular visits, it also allows the remote diagnosis and, in some cases, correction of faults.
Unlike remote building access products offered by other suppliers, the Schneider Electric solution features outstation controllers which have embedded web server capabilities. This eliminates the inconvenience and cost associated with using separate PC-based web servers running dedicated software, while making it easy to provide access to data from any computer, local or remote, which is on the same local area network as the controller.
Since Transparent Building installations are based on cost-effective industry-standard Ethernet components, they are economical to implement, as well as simple and inexpensive to upgrade. They are also readily supported by existing IT departments, and they can be easily integrated with existing Ethernet systems.
Compatibility is also provided for all major manufacturers’ network protocols to ease the transition from proprietary systems to the full power and flexibility of the web-based solution provided by Transparent Building technology.
The Transparent Building system offers total integration of building services, including lighting, fire alarms, security and energy management. In addition, remote monitoring and control facilities for electrical switchgear are provided, allowing data, such as trip status, protection settings, energy consumption and maintenance information, to be accessed in real time via an Internet connection.
Other powerful features offered by Transparent Building installations include alarm handling and wireless access. Standard user interfaces are supported, and the use of standard browser software makes Transparent Building systems truly platform-independent, allowing them to run under all versions of Windows, including Windows CE.
Schneider Electric Makes An Alliance For Service!
Local access to proven technical and commercial expertise, combined with maximum reactivity and flexibility to meet current requirements and challenges, complemented by the assurance of worldwide support are among the crucial benefits which customers will enjoy as a result of Schneider Electric’s new and innovative System Integrator Alliance. The alliance is the latest development in Schneider Electric’s established and highly successful philosophy of growing business by building partner relationships. It will form the foundation for a worldwide network of System Integrator Partners for Automation and Control, all of whom will work within the same commercial framework. This framework will facilitate the co-operative working of the partners and Schneider Electric on clearly defined win-win business plans, which will not only result in the enhanced development of both businesses, but will also ensure that both parties focus on maximising the benefits available to end customers.In addition, the framework has been carefully formulated to provide assurances that Schneider Electric will never act as a direct competitor to its intermediaries, a clear differentiating factor which sets Schneider Electric apart from many of its competitors. Prior to becoming a member of the System Integrator Alliance, all candidate companies will undergo a searching investigation of their technical and commercial competencies, and a detailed evaluation of their particular areas of expertise. For end users, this means that, by working with members of the alliance, they will substantially reduce their commercial risk, as they can be sure that their chosen supplier is a sound expert, and well placed to meet their particular requirements. Further, since alliance members trade on preferential terms with Schneider Electric, they are in a position to offer their customers exceptionally competitive solutions. For the system integrator partners, an important benefit is that all alliance members around the world will be working with the same tools and applications. This will enable them to improve their competitive position by exchanging information and sharing guidance on best practice throughout the network. For Schneider Electric, the establishment of a worldwide network of system integrator partners will enable the organisation to provide competitive and cost-effective turnkey solutions locally, as well as to its global accounts
Schneider Electric is the leading UK and world expert in the development and manufacture of products for the distribution and industrial applications of electricity. Through its three brands, Telemecanique, Merlin Germ and Square D, the company offers a full range of products and services for panel builders, GEMs, contractors, specifiers, the electrical supply industry, and end users of electrical equipment in the commercial and industrial sectors. In the UK, Schneider Electric operates from 18 industrial and commercial sites, providing employment for 1,900 people, and achieving an annual turnover of around £250 million. Schneider Electric is committed to protecting the environment, and to setting up environmental management systems in accordance with, and assessed to, the ISO 14001 international standard, for all of its operations worldwide
Schneider Electric Realigns For Customer Service
Following careful evaluation of feedback received from customers, Schneider Electric has realigned the operations of its Industrial Systems & Solutions group to better meet their evolving requirements and expectations. Key elements of the realignment include the integration of specialist sales roles - such as those associated with drives - into the main sales operation, the addition of a new layer of customer contact management, and the grouping of engineering and marketing skills around customer needs. “The Industrial Systems & Solutions group was already achieving substantial success with its targeted commercial approach,” said David Nicholl, the group’s director. “It’s clear that customers benefit from access to a complete offer, and from dealing with people who offer a broad selection of products to meet their application requirements. We address these points exceptionally well, since, through brands like Telemecanique, Merlin Germ and Sarel, we have the broadest offer of automation, power and control products and services.” “Despite our success, however,” continued Nicholl, “customer feedback showed that, in some areas, our skills mix and approach were below the optimum which we would wish to achieve, so we have re-shaped our organisation. By making these changes, we will continue to grow our market share while, at the same time, improving customer satisfaction.” Nicholl concedes that, initially, the most visible effect of the changes is the loss of several specialist sales roles, but confirms that this, in no way, represents any change of commitment to particular products or product ranges. “Essentially what we’ve done is to invest more in those application, sales and marketing resources which are most appropriate to our customers’ needs,” he said. “Our offer remains as broad as ever, and over the coming months, you can expect exciting new introductions which support our “Simply smart” strategy, in all product areas.” Schneider Electric is the leading UK and world expert in the development and manufacture of products for the distribution and industrial applications of electricity. Through its three brands, Telemecanique, Merlin Germ and Square D, the company offers a full range of products and services for panel builders, GEMs, contractors, specifiers, the electrical supply industry, and end users of electrical equipment in the commercial and industrial sectors. In the UK, Schneider Electric operates from 18 industrial and commercial sites, providing employment for 1,900 people, and achieving an annual turnover of around £250 million. Schneider Electric is committed to protecting the environment, and to setting up environmental management systems in accordance with, and assessed to, the ISO 14001 international standard, for all of its operations worldwide.
School dinners through OCS Catering
With the recent campaign for better school dinners, OCS Catering, part of OCS, the largest privately owned property support services company, is pleased to hear that 10 Downing Street has promised to spend £280 million to improve school dinners across the country. The better school dinner campaign includes the ban of junk food from school dinner menus, and aims to get fresh, tasty and, above all, nutritious food back on the menu. The promise of backing from the government is excellent news for all dinner ladies, parents and most importantly for the children to whom it matters the most. What we eat affects everything; mood, behaviour, health, growth and even our ability to concentrate. A lunch time meal should provide anyone, but especially a growing child, with one third of their daily nutritional intake. If this is not followed it can in some cases cause obesity, lack of social skills, behavioural problems and a general lack of food knowledge. Chris Cracknell, chief executive of OCS, said: "At OCS we continuously look at improving the services we offer through our Catering Division and this specific campaign is a brilliant opportunity of showing our support to improve school dinners across the country. "Healthy eating options need to be made more appealing and we believe cooking should be put on the school curriculum to interest youngsters from an early age and maybe to educate the chefs of the future." Healthier meal options are available through OCS Catering, including fat reduced meals, as well as sugar free jelly and salads with dressing on the side, enabling people to chose on the amount of dressing used. The campaign will make school dinner catering companies look at their foodservice offering and ensure that healthier options are made available in the future, in the process perhaps banning junk food from school dinner menus altogether, an idea also backed by the government. "We're going to take action...to meet concern over school meals," said the PM in the Observer (20th of May 2005). "It will draw on the remarkable work of Jamie Oliver in schools, of the Soil Association in encouraging the use of organic and local produce in school meals, and on the best advice on nutrition and eliminating processed foods."
School gets heavy duty cover
New Polyflor XL PU heavy duty sheet vinyl flooring - the latest innovation from commercial flooring specialists Polyflor Ltd - has been installed at Turnbull High School, Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire. Fitted in corridors and locker rooms by Dalblair Carpets of Ayr, Polyflor XL PU features a specially formulated polyurethane surface treatment which significantly reduces the maintenance costs of the product by improving the soil resistance and cleanability of the floor. The range is available in 24 attractive colourways and a choice of two gauges - 1.5mm and 2mm - to suit differing traffic levels. In common wit all Polyflor sheet vinyl floorcoverings, Polyflor XL PU can be welded at the seams and to coved skirtings to create continuous, impervious surfaces which offer no sanctuary to dirt and bacteria.
Science Museum launch for Tyco’s new Sapphire
Tyco Fire & Security is using the Science Museum in London as the launch venue for its new Sapphire fire suppression system. The event, which is being hosted by Professor Colin Pillinger of Beagle II fame, takes place on 27 October, and inserted in this edition of PFM is an invitation for readers to attend. Here Andrew Shiner, Director of Marketing, Europe, Middle East and Africa for Tyco Fire and Security’s Fire Suppression Products Group gives a sneak preview of just a few of the surprises in store for guests.
Chances are that if you are looking for a fire suppression system for a computer suite or telecommunications centre, your first inclination would not be to opt for a fluid-based system! After all, the fluid that surely springs to mind is water, and we all know the consequences of mixing water with electrical equipment.
So how do you go about showing beyond doubt that your new fluid-based system is not only safe for occupants and has environmental credentials that are the envy of other Halon 1301 alternatives, but also that it will do absolutely no damage to the very assets you are determined to protect?
The answer is to prove it. But how do you convince the sceptics? One way, of course, is to discharge the suppressant over a piece of equipment, but the more cynical among us are sure to rationalise that there was some “sleight of hand”. So we are going to take the plunge (no pun intended) and immerse a laptop computer into a tank of Sapphire fluid. And we are not merely going to show that the laptop still works after the dunking. Oh no, we are going to show it working while it is still immersed in the tank.
At this point, the ultra-cynical may switch their suspicions to whomever is conducting the demonstration. So we have sought the support of someone whose integrity is surely beyond doubt, Professor Colin Pillinger, best known for his leadership of the recent Beagle II project to land a probe on Mars.
NON IT-BASED ASSETS.
When business computing was in its infancy, we were told to expect the day when paper was banished from the office. Well, it never happened and the majority of businesses would still be crippled if their documentation were destroyed. Plus, there are some organisations where paperwork is the very reason for the organisation to exist.
I am referring, of course, to document archives and libraries, but the same need for protection also applies to photograph collections, museums and galleries. So we have another demonstration lined up to show that, not only can you immerse a document in the Sapphire fluid without damaging it, the ink will not even run!
SAFETY FIRST.
One of the challenges when you make these types of dramatic demonstrations is that, memorable though they are, it is easy to lose sight of the other important features of whatever it is you are presenting. In Sapphire’s case, it is the impressive environmental credentials.
Sapphire has zero ozone depleting potential and a remarkably low atmospheric lifetime of just five days. This compares more than favourably with an atmospheric life for the now outlawed Halon 1301 of a staggering 107 years. It has the lowest level of design concentration and the highest safety margin of any viable Halon 1301 alternative. At between five and six percent design concentration - well below the agent's saturation or condensation level - Sapphire is lower than many HFC options and compares particularly favourably with inert gas systems where the concentration is between 38 and 40 percent. Its safety margin of between 67 and 150 percent contrasts well against inert gas’ seven to 13 percent.
Sapphire transmutes into a colourless and low odour gas when discharged for total flooding applications. It does not deplete the oxygen to anything near the level to cause
discomfort or danger to the room’s occupants. It is dispersed through natural ventilation.
SEE FOR YOURSELF.
So, the launch at the Science Museum is all about giving facilities managers the chance to see for themselves. We feel sure that it will interest anyone responsible for data processing and communication centres, museums and archives, the on-shore and off-shore oil and gas industries and the power generation sector.
The event starts at 11.00am and includes lunch, and should be finished by around 2.30pm. And as it is half-term, we thought that many guests might like to make a family day of it. So we have arranged for partners and children to enjoy a tour of the museum, followed by lunch in the museum.
Of course, places are going to be limited. So if you would like to attend, it is vital that you reply to the invitation enclosed with this edition of PFM or call Nicky Mullen on 01202 639277 or email at sapphire-launch@magna-communications.com.
Colin Pillinger: The instantly recognisable face of Professor Colin Pillinger, who will be hosting the Sapphire launch event at the Science Museum.
Submerged laptop: Tyco’s demonstrations will prove conclusively that Sapphire causes no damage to sensitive electronic equipment.
Scope for entrance matting
The London headquarters of SCOPE have installed Frontrunner Plus entrance matting. As the leading charity for the disabled, SCOPE redesigned their entrance with a matting system which specifically meets all the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. Among many benefits, it is heel-proof, walking stick-proof and provides easy access for wheel-chairs. Frontrunner Plus comprises a grid of PVC together with absorbent inserts which remove moisture and dirt from foot traffic. The matting has the added advantage that dirt will fall through the grid and not be transferred. It can be cut on site to fill any rectangular, curved or complicated shape. Because the matting has inherent flexibility, it will contour over uneven or rough surfaces and will remain stable underfoot. The Frontrunner system can be easily removed for periodic cleaning of the matwell. Other options include Frontrunner 100% PVC for external or internal use and Frontrunner Brush for more aggressive cleaning.
Scorpion builds on its success with performance building services
Power management company, Scorpion Power Systems has won further business with leading London electrical contractor, Performance Building Services Ltd, to supply a Scorpion generator to support the life safety equipment at the recently completed Parkfield Shopping Centre in London. Scorpion had previously supplied generators to Performance Building Services for two similar applications in London.
Built by John Sisk & Sons Ltd, the 150,000 sq. ft. site, situated in Parkfield Street, Islington, is five storeys high and accommodates major household retailers such as Gap, Boots and HMV. The Scorpion DV275 generator, equipped with a Volvo engine, is located in the basement of the building and has been installed in compliance with the Fire Precautions Act 1971.
In the event of a fire at the Centre, the Scorpion generator will start up immediately to power-up essential equipment such as the smoke extractor system, fresh air intakes, smoke dampers, fire alarms and security. The sizing of the generator was determined following a site survey carried out by a Scorpion engineer. He was able to calculate the number of kilowatts required based on current rating of the life-safety equipment to be protected.
Installed by Performance Building Services, the diesel generator was chosen for its very low noise level and very fast start time of less than 15 seconds. The generator was part of the total electrical contract undertaken at the Parkfield Shopping Centre by Performance Building Services.
“Collaboration with Scorpion Power Systems was paramount to ensure that the automatic functioning of the equipment matched the specific requirements of the site”, says Tom Hegarty, Director Performance Building Services Ltd. ìHaving previously chosen Scorpion to supply us with generators for life support equipment, we knew they had the professional expertise to advise on this very important site.”
Based in Clapham Road, London, Performance Building Services has just celebrated its seventh successful year of trading. Now employing a workforce of 80, the company has grown in size and structure to become a major electrical contractor in the London area.
Scorpion ensures no break power in Sheffield clinic
Sheffield Fertility Clinic is ensuring that its medical and IT equipment will continue to function normally during power outages by installing a generator and UPS (uninterruptible power supply) system from integrated power solutions company, Scorpion Power Systems. In the event of a power cut or when the UPS goes into bypass either for maintenance or due to breakdown, Scorpion’s Helper automatic mains failure system will cut in, ensuring a no break continuity of high quality electricity. One of eight clinics in the Midlands run by the CARE Group, the Sheffield Fertility Clinic is a centre of excellence and a pioneer of fertility services in the area. The Clinic treats between 400 and 450 couples and year and in March announced the safe arrival of its 2000th IVF baby. High quality electricity is essential for the operation of the Clinic’s sensitive equipment. Should the temperature of an incubator vary by just +/- 1?C, it can seriously damage the embryos and should there be a break in power, motors circulating liquid nitrogen around the freezers would no longer function, killing the sperm or eggs housed within. Sheffield Fertility Clinic also relies on top quality power for its microscopes and scanners as well as its IT equipment, which is linked to the Group’s network system in Nottingham. “Since we became part of the CARE Group fourteen months ago, it has become even more important that our medical and IT equipment is safeguarded against powercuts and outages,” says Brian Lee, Facilities Manager, Sheffield Fertility Clinic. “Scorpion Power Systems provided us with a complete turnkey operation from initial survey through to installation which has given both the Clinic and our patients complete peace of mind”. Available in 6kVA and 8kVA options, the Helper is the ideal choice for IT and sensitive equipment requiring a tight voltage regulation. Packed with safety features, the Helper has an automatic fire suppression system, overheat protection mechanism and cut out switch if the doors are inadvertently opened when the machine is running. The fully automated unit is equipped with liquid crystal display, digital readout and an electronic control that enables it to be pre-set for weekly self-checks. The Helper is ventilated through a grill in the outside wall, rather like a domestic central heating boiler. Noise levels are unbelievably low at approximately 58 dba @ 7 metres. The high performance system comes fully pre-wired so any qualified electrician can easily install the generator. Powered by reliable Honda GX340 or GX390 engines, the Helper can be supplied for use with unleaded petrol, propane gas or natural gas. The system will run for duration of 12 hours on unleaded petrol and for an unlimited period with gas.
Scorpion ensures the power supply at Persimmon’s new London development
Building on its reputation as the UK's most successful and reputable house builders, Persimmon plc has made certain that all essential and emergency equipment will work during a power cut at its new development in the Edgware Road, London by installing a backup generator from integrated power solutions company, Scorpion Power Systems. The Scorpion Powerhouse DP81 generator ensures that when mains power failure occurs essential equipment such as smoke extractor fans for use in the event of a fire, emergency lighting and passenger lifts will still be able to function. Installed by Persimmon's Mechanical and Electrical Contractors, KEEC Ltd, Scorpion's diesel generator was chosen for its very low noise level of 45 DBA at 8 metres and very fast start time of less than 15 seconds. The generator was part of the detailed electrical and mechanical work specified by Persimmon plc and carried out on its behalf by KEEC for a recent development of 19 luxury apartments and underground parking situated close to Marble Arch. The Scorpion Powerhouse generator is specifically produced for the long-term protection of emergency and essential equipment. When an outage occurs, it is recognised by the Scorpion Powerhouse, which quickly starts up to provide an alternative power supply. Once mains electricity returns, the generator is automatically reset to await the next mains power cut. The six-storey development in the Edgware Road is just one of 500 developments and builds being under taken by Persimmon across the country from Scotland to the South West of England and Wales. Originally established in 1972, Persimmon last year acquired the Beazer Group making it the UK's largest housebuilder. Based in Waltham Abbey, Essex, KEEC Ltd has been established since 1983. Now employing a workforce of 30, the company undertakes mechanical and electrical contractors for a wide range of industrial and commercial clients throughout the UK.
Scorpion installs back-up power to ensure Pilot’s tills keep ringing
Power solutions company, Scorpion Power Systems, has ensured that high street retailer, Pilot, will still be able to control every aspect of its nationwide operation during powercuts with the installation of a sophisticated standby power system. Scorpion has provided Pilot with a complete turnkey package that includes generator, UPS, full electrical installation, testing and commissioning.
Pilot’s headquarters, located in a rural area close to Winchester, is the nerve centre of the company’s extensive retail network, which includes106 outlets nationwide as well as four stores in Europe. Every aspect of the company’s business is handled from its centre of operations including all till procedures, stock control, support systems and sophisticated IT network, which is controlled by the company’s server.
As Pilot’s rural locality makes it vulnerable to power outages, and conscious that any loss of power would bring its organisation to a standstill, Pilot decided that it needed a state-of-the-art back-up power system that would not only support its IT network but also its telephones and essential services. Looking for a company that could provide a complete turnkey operation, Pilot selected Scorpion Power Systems as its supplier.
Following an in depth site survey, Scorpion suggested a 10kVA UPS system to provide 30 minutes backup power. This is supported by a 25kVA continuously rated diesel generator, which is fitted with a supersilent acoustic canopy, automatic mains failure, the facility to self-test each week and remote dial-out facility so that the system can be checked as part of a BMS (Building Management System). As the generator has been sited outside the building Scorpion has equipped it with security locking bars to ensure safety and deter vandalism.
The DL27 generator is specifically manufactured to insure the long-term protection of critical and sensitive equipment against major electrical catastrophe. When an outage occurs, it is recognised by the generator’s auto-mains failure panel (AMF), which steps in to provide an alternative power supply. With the UPS, there is no break in power, and the top of the range generator ensures computer grade power at all times. Once mains electricity returns, the AMF will monitor the supply until certain that it is stable before shutting down and resetting to await the next mains power cut. As an aid to maintenance the DL27 is also fitted with a remote monitoring panel that enables the generator to be checked quickly and easily from other locations.
Commenting, Glenn Wilkinson, Head of Distribution says: “We have received excellent service from Scorpion Power Systems, which was able to advise us on the best possible way of ensuring that all our essential equipment could continue functioning during powercuts. All installation and electrical work was carried out by the company with minimum disruption to staff and services”.
Established in 1984, Pilot has grown from humble beginnings from a “pilot” store in Winchester (from where it gets its name), to become an international company with outlets throughout the UK and from 2000 with stores in Europe. Embodying its brand essence of “catwalk looks at high street prices”, Pilot extensive range of versatile clothing can be seen on the backs of familiar faces from the worlds of music, film and television.
Scorpion is first past the post at Haydock Park
By using the cost effective the Helper generator from integrated power solutions company, Scorpion Power Systems, premier Racecourse, Haydock Park, has obviated the need for a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to back-up its Tannoy system. Installed by Bolton based Engineering Service Company, the Little Helper is now ensuring that Haydock Park’s Tannoy system continues to function even if there is a power cut.
Sited in the Racecourse’s Broadcast Room, the generator is started up one hour before the Tannoy system is required and is turned off one hour after the meeting finishes. By using the generator instead of a UPS, Haydock Park has made a capital saving of around £2,000. In addition, the Racecourse has unlimited autonomy over the system instead of being dependent upon the life of the UPS batteries. This is particularly useful to the Racecourse officials, as Haydock Park only needs the Tannoy system during race meeting held on 30 days of the year.
Housed in its own white enclosure, the Helper is a 6kVA phase generator that can be run on either unleaded petrol or propane gas. When an outage
occurs, it is recognised by Helpers auto-mains failure panel (AMF) and the generator steps in to provide an alternative power supply. The Scorpion generator is also fully equipped with LCD, digital readout and an electronic control that can be pre-set for weekly self-checks.
The Helper has an automatic fire suppression system, overheat protection mechanism and cut out switch if the doors are inadvertently left open when the machine is running. Noise levels are low at approximately 58dB(A) at 7m and the unit comes fully prewired so any qualified electrician can easily install the genset.
Haydock Park is the one of the finest Racecourses in the country and the premier Racecourse in the North West. It is home to the Stanley Leisure Sprint held in September and the De Vere Gold Cup run in February. Situated in 127 acres the parkland, the racecourse is open throughout the year for exhibitions, banquets and outdoor events.
Scorpion powers up life safety equipment for Persimmon
To ensure the safety of home owners at The Galleries, its prestigious and elegant development in Abbey Road, London, the UK's most successful and reputable house builders, Persimmon plc, has made certain that life safety equipment will work during a power cut or in the event of a fire, by installing a backup generator from integrated power solutions company, Scorpion Power Systems, a specialist in the supply of standby power for life safety equipment. The Scorpion Powerhouse DP81 generator ensures that when mains power failure occurs, essential equipment such as smoke extractor fans emergency lighting and passenger lifts will still be able to function. Installed by Berkshire based Mechanical and Electrical Contractors, Dennis Cox Building Services, Scorpion's diesel generator was chosen for its very low noise level of 45 DBA at 8 metres and very fast start time of less than 15 seconds. The generator has been installed on to the roof of the building as part of the detailed electrical and mechanical work specified by Persimmon City Developments and carried out on its behalf by Dennis Cox Building Services. The Scorpion Powerhouse generator is specifically produced for the long-term protection of emergency and essential equipment. When an outage occurs, it is recognised by the Scorpion Powerhouse, which quickly starts up to provide an alternative power supply. Once mains electricity returns, the generator is automatically reset to await the next mains power cut. Situated in St. John’s Wood, one of London’s most eminent areas, The Galleries comprises of 21 two, three and four bedroom apartments and duplexes. Designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding mix of old and new architecture, The Galleries has a refined and contemporary design with glazed balconies to enhance the feeling of space. The Galleries is just one of 12,000 homes built by Persimmon each year at 400 sites across the country from Scotland to the South West of England and Wales. Originally established in 1972, in 2001 Persimmon acquired the Beazer Group making it the UK's largest housebuilder.
Scorpion provides power support for Cornwall’s first internet data centre
To ensure that Westloc, Cornwall’s first dedicated Internet POP and commercial data centre is able to continue operating during power outages, integrated power solutions company, Scorpion Power Systems, has installed a state-of-the-art power support system for the Centre’s servers and other IT equipment. The building also houses the county’s first Internet Incubator facility, a SWRDA funded project that enables Internet businesses to have the time, space and support to develop ideas. Westloc has been designed and developed by evergreen-uk.com, a web-design company and ISP (Internet Service Provider). Located in the centre of Penzance, the facility was originally a semi-derelict store on the back of a 200-year-old farmhouse. It has now been rebuilt to offer innovative, cost effective facilities. The new building has been constructed with the Scorpion generator at its centre. The generator has been supplied with automatic mains failure to backup the UPS in the event of a power failure. This ensures that the servers can operate on a 24-7 whatever the power problem. The DV 275 generator has been installed with hot and cold air ducting to cater for temperature differentials, and is fed from an outside fuel source so that the generator can keep functioning no matter what the length of the powercut. It has been supplied with a super-silent canopy chosen for its very low noise level of 45 DBA at 8 metres. Already handling customers such as BT and Mitsubishi, the Centre offers both climate-controlled rackspace and wired office space within the same building. The Westloc Rack offers backbone connection via multiple telcos whilst the Westloc Suite features broadband Internet and direct access to the customer’s own server. The Scorpion diesel powered generator is specifically produced for the long-term protection of critical and sensitive equipment to insure against major electrical catastrophe. When an outage occurs, it is recognised by Scorpion’s auto-mains failure panel (AMF) and the generator steps in to provide an alternative power supply. When the mains fail, there is no break in power, ensuring computer grade power at all times. Once mains electricity returns, the AMF will monitor the supply until certain that it is stable before shutting down and resetting to await the next mains power cut. "Westloc houses supported by sophisticated technology which has to remain functioning 24-7 no matter what the power or climatic conditions", says Peter Murphy, Managing Director, evergreen-uk.com. "It was therefore imperative that we installed a totally reliable system that would guarantee that our customers servers were always powered-up. The Scorpion generator we have installed at the new Internet facility will ensure that the Centre will never be inconvenienced by power cuts."
Scorpion provides prime power to clinic
Integrated power solutions company, Scorpion Power Systems, has developed a state-of-the-art prime power system for Cardinal Clinic, a psychiatric clinic near Windsor. Scorpion designed the power supply system so that the Clinic could become self-sufficient by generating its own electricity instead of relying on mains power. Now totally operational, the prime power system is providing sufficient electricity to cover the Clinic’s total requirements including heating water for the swimming pool.
Situated in a rural setting in Oakley Green on the outskirts of Windsor, the Cardinal Clinic has been providing quality psychiatric care for over 25 years and has built a reputation as one of the most prestigious treatment units in the country. Already attaining a degree of self-sufficiency by having its own bore hole water supply, the Clinic’s Medical Director, Dr Leslie Morrish, decided that as the Clinic was experiencing a number of powercuts each year, it would be a good idea, not only to have a standby power system, but to utilise that system to provide an alternative electricity supply. Looking at various options for generating power, the Clinic decided on the prime power generator project proposed by Scorpion Power Systems.
The prime power system comprises of a Scorpion Powerhouse 165kVA generator powered by a Volvo TAD 720 GE industrial oil powered engine equipped with water cooling system, electronic engine governor, 24 volt electric starting and engine protection systems. The addition of an automatic mains changeover system, incorporating synchronising control gear, allows a no-break transfer from mains to generator.
As the Cardinal Clinic has a large requirement for hot water for its utilities, laundry and hydrotherapy pool, it required a complete Combined Heat & Power (CHP) package. This is provided by a heat exchanger integrated within the generator package.
Cardinal Clinic finds it cheaper to use mains electricity at night when none of its services are being used, reverting to the prime power system each day. This is achieved using the automatic changeover panel and timer, which carry out a no-break transfer from the mains supply to the generator at a specified time each day. When the electricity usage drops to an uneconomic level at night, the changeover panel reverses the procedure, returning the Clinic to mains power.
The generator is housed in a specially constructed underground generator room and is fitted with inlet and outlet louvres designed to meet 65 DBA at 3 metres in free field conditions. The effective soundproofing of the system makes it inaudible in the Clinic.
Scorpion’s prime power system has met Cardinal Clinic’s desire to not only ensure its protection from mains powercuts, but also to utilise its own generator to produce an adequate amount of electricity to meet the needs of the Clinic. Scorpion’s prime power system produces sufficient electricity to power lighting, laundry, kitchen, IT equipment and all on-site facilities. These include 23 en-suite bedrooms, physiotherapy room, exercise studio, four reception rooms, dining room, office accommodation and a dedicated facility for treating eating disorders.
Established in Andover in 1982, Scorpion Power Systems has been at the forefront of producing high technology small, mid-range and large generators ranging from 0.5kVA to 2mVA and multiples thereof. Scorpion's customers include major industrial conglomerates, commercial establishments and government organisations. The company’s extensive range of generators are specifically manufactured to insure the long-term protection of critical and sensitive equipment against major electrical catastrophe.
Scorpion safeguards power supply for RAC
RAC Auto Windscreens has ensured that when power cuts occur its Call Centre will still be able to give immediate attention to customers by installing a state-of-the-art Scorpion generator and UPS system from integrated power solutions company, Scorpion Power Systems. Supplied through Nottingham based electrical and mechanical engineers, PWP Building Services, the DSD 66kVA Scorpion generator is equipped with a John Deere engine which has a super silent acoustic canopy to reduce noise levels to just 75DBA at 1 metre. The DSD generator is specifically to insure against the long-term protection to critical and sensitive equipment to insure against major electrical catastrophe.
When an outage occurs, it is recognised by the generator's auto-mains failure panel (AMF), which steps in to provide an alternative power supply. When the mains fail, there is no break in power, ensuring computer grade power at all times. Once mains electricity returns, the AMF will monitor the supply until certain that it is stable before shutting down and resetting to await the next mains power cut.
'We first installed a Scorpion Generator in 1996 as we were conscious that we could be vulnerable if mains power was either accidentally cut by the Power Supplier or as a result of off site Construction work. Having received excellent after sales service, and no problems with the generator, we automatically chose to install another Scorpion system to safeguard the power supply to our new Call Centre'.
Based in RAC Auto Windscreens Head Office the original Scorpion generator is now protecting the IT and telephone equipment located in the sales, accounts and executive offices. The new system is guaranteeing that the company's call centre networks are always powered-up thereby ensuring its 40 operators can always liaise between customers and RAC Auto Windscreens 850 fully equipped mobile units and 161 professional fitting centres.
Scorpion takes the sting out of future powercuts for Neos
Integrated power solutions company, Scorpion Power Systems, has provided a fail-safe power solution to Neos, the creator of the Ethernet Service Provider (ESP) market in the UK and pioneer of Liquid Bandwidth? Ethernet-based data and convergent networks capable of linking many hundreds of customer sites. The company has installed a state-of-the-art generator with mains failure to provide its network management facilities in the company’s network operations centre with uninterruptible power in the event of a power outage.
Supplied in a super-silent acoustic canopy, the DP 150 kVA Scorpion diesel generator has been installed in a bund to retain any diesel spillage and is fitted with a number of special features to ensure that the generator is always ready for use. These include a heater to aid cold starting, a fire sensor and automatic shutdown system and a remote monitoring panel that enables the generator to be checked quickly and easily. A weekly auto-test function mechanically fires up the generator to make certain that it will respond promptly when required.
When an outage occurs, it is recognised by the generator’s auto-mains failure panel (AMF), which steps in to provide an alternative power supply. Once mains electricity returns, the AMF will monitor the supply until certain that it is stable before shutting down and resetting to await the next mains power cut.
Situated in Langley, Berkshire, Neos provides end-to-end broadband services to other network operators, ISPs, ASPs, public sector organisations and private sector corporate customers. The UK’s premier Ethernet Service Provider (ESP), Neos operators Neosnet?, the UK’s only national Layer 2 MPLS Ethernet network, which provides an independent broadband interconnection to the major business conurbations in the UK and co-location sites to 100 PoPs (Points of Presence) on the national network and access to 17,000 PoP’s within the M25 area. Originally founded in 1997, Neos employs a workforce of 103 and last year quadrupled its turnover to £20 million.
Commenting, Dennis Chaloner, Neos’ Network Director, said: “Operating a 24-7 service to our rapidly growing customer base, it is imperative that we can be assured of receiving high quality power in the event of brownouts or blackouts to protect against our mission-critical communication systems. The Scorpion generator will provide us and our customers with peace of mind that should an outage occur we will still be able to continue to service them”.
Established in Andover in 1982, Scorpion Power Systems has been at the forefront of producing high technology small, mid-range and large generators ranging from 0.5kVA to 2mVA and multiples thereof. Scorpion's customers include major industrial conglomerates, commercial establishments and government organisations.
Scorpion's Phoenix mains automatic changeover panel meets building regulations
Integrated power solutions company, Scorpion Power Systems, is providing architects, builders and electrical contractors with a unique method of meeting fire safety Building Regulations with a new Phoenix Dual Mains Automatic Changeover Panel. Launched specifically for buildings with duplicate power supplies, the Changeover Panel automatically switches mains electricity from one supply to another, in the event of a fire or mains power failure, to ensure continuity of supply to firefighting lifts. The Phoenix Dual Mains Automatic Changeover Panel has been specifically designed to meet Building Regulations B5 and Section 20 of the London Building (Act) Amendment Act 1939 and BS 5585-5 Section 4 relating to fire precautions in the design, construction and use of buildings. Electrically and mechanically interlocked to ensure the isolation of the two supplies, the Phoenix Dual Mains Automatic Changeover Panel is backed up by both electrical supplies, so that if there is a break or loss of power it is recognised by the Changeover Panel, which mechanically switches over the supply. Comprising of a 3-phase monitor to supervise loss of phase or under-voltage, the Phoenix Dual Mains Automatic Changeover Panel includes lamp indicates to show supply and switching status as well as a key switch to facilitate testing. This new Phoenix Dual Mains product is an addition to Scorpion's range of Automatic Changeover Panels, which the company produces for its range of standby generators. Already proving extremely popular amongst electrical contractors and developers, the new Phoenix Dual Mains panel has already been fitted in a number of new and existing applications including The House of Commons, hotels and universities, etc. Established in Andover in 1982, Scorpion Power Systems has grown to become a leading integrated power solution company, specialising in the production of lightning protectors, automatic changeover panels and high technology small, mid-range and large generators. Scorpion's customers include major industrial conglomerates, commercial establishments and government organisations. The company's extensive range of power equipment is specifically manufactured to insure the long-term protection of critical and sensitive equipment against major electrical catastrophe.
Scotland’s first national park accommodated in style
Covering 720 square miles of outstanding natural beauty, The Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park - Scotland’s first national park - needed quality office accommodation that befitted its outstanding location.
With the Park Authority needing a building quickly and in time for the official park opening by HRH The Princess Royal, The Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Interim Committee turned to Portakabin when it became clear that a traditional building solution could not be found in time.
Carron Tobin, Projects and Countryside Resources Manager says it was Portakabin’s ability to provide a fully functional building quickly, and designed according to their exact internal specification that impressed the Interim Committee. She says: “Working in close partnership with the architects, Wren Rutherford: ASL and the surveyors Neilson Partnership, Portakabin worked hard to accommodate all our needs and provide a comfortable, attractive and quality working environment.”
The new two-storey building provides 400 m2 of air-conditioned floor space incorporating private meeting space, offices and a large reception area.
Helping to get the building up and running on time, Portakabin provided a full turnkey service that ensured occupancy deadlines were met. Keith McIntyre, Portakabin’s Hamilton Hire Centre Manager adds: “Our site services team laid the foundations, organised the essential services and built a car park.”
Having delivered a building in four weeks, the Park Authority opened the public building less than two weeks after it was handed over. “This left no margin for error and we are pleased that all parties worked together to ensure deadlines were met,” concludes Keith. “We hope the Park Authority enjoy their new building as much as the beautiful surroundings.”
Scott to Vokéra
Richard Scott, 31, has been appointed Marketing and Business Development Director at Vokéra, the gas fired boiler specialist. Vokéra a is a Riello Group company. “I’m delighted to be joining Vokéra, a company with a reputation for innovation and excellence which is now emerging as a major force in the high efficiency boiler sector”, said Richard. He joins from Vaillant Hepworth Group where, over a four year period, he held various senior strategic and marketing positions, latterly Corporate Brand Manager. Richard reports to Vokéra md, Randall B White.
Scott Wilson continue to help companies improve their “Best Practice”
As part of their complete programme for assisting companies increase efficiencies through effective facilities management, Scott Wilson have recently been granted registration as a licensed provider for the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) course “Managing Safely”. This is a programme required for those who have to manage safely and effectively in compliance with both their organisation’s policy and best practice in health and safety.
The course takes a proactive risk management-driven approach being based upon:
• Identification and achievement of desired workplace behaviours
• Skills based training with practical exercises
• Formal assessment of skills as well as the underpinning knowledge
• Best practice rather than legislation, allowing international delivery of training
“At Scott Wilson we put great emphasis on creating added value for companies on a range of property related matters,” says Scott Wilson’s, Andrew Friedrich. “Incorporating Health and Safety training into our portfolio was a natural and very important progression. The training can be delivered in isolation or as part of a wider programme of services.”
Scott Wilson wins feasibility contract for NHS
Scott Wilson's facilities management team was recently awarded a commission to carry out a feasibility study for the Royal Berkshire and Battle Hospitals NHS Trust. The aim of the study was to examine the opportunities for converting a redundant 2300m2 commercial building to a range of possible medical or administrative uses.
This involved a multi-disciplinary team working with the client to:
* Prepare plans of the site
* Carry out a survey of the building's condition
* Assess the requirements to convert the building
* Propose alternative options to convert the building
* Provide budget and programme estimates for the options
* Consider space planning and prepare plans
* Make recommendations on the options based on the findings
The team covered building surveying, cost consultancy, mechanical and electrical engineering, space planning, health and safety hazards, CAD and project management.
Five options were detailed and presented to the Trust including a new building or extensions and substantial refurbishment.
Mr Turner of the Trust's Capital Projects Department said, "The study was carried out swiftly and accurately. Scott Wilson's ability to provide a 'one stop shop' gave us confidence in the projects delivery and their services. The team provided us with some serious options for consideration and we look forward to using them again."
Scott Wilson has built an excellent reputation in serving heath sector clients, including over 20 Trusts and Health Authorities. The projects range from FM consultancy advice to professional property services for new multi-million pound NHS units. Recent projects include professional services for:
* FM services to the MoD tri-service Medical Supplies Agency
* Legionella risk assessments for St Helens and Knowsley Hopsitals NHS Trust
* A new £9M design and build unit for the Nottingham Healthcare NHS Trust
* A £6.2M security improvement project for the Nottingham Healthcare NHS Trust
* A new £3.3M 28 bed unit for the Doncaster & South Humberside Healthcare NHS Trust
Scott Wilson offers a wide range of FM services for various sectors such as:
* Education
* Health
* Defence
* Local Authority
* Leisure
* Police
* Conference/Training
Screen Solutions create a Revolution
Revolution Light from Screen Solutions, is a naturally curvaceous progression of the Revolution range as it enables a complete co-ordinated family of products including screens, reception counters and multiple shelving options.
Using materials, including opaque coloured acrylic tube and Perspex Revolution Light, the flexible screening option, blends into any interior and can be positioned to create flowing shapes. The new range of reception counters and multiple shelving is ideal for use with the new Revolution Light to enclose furniture, divide spaces and create reception areas.
Revolution is a free-standing screen system with Aluminium posts, slot-in flexible panels manufactured from high pressure laminate, which are available in ribbed aluminium and a variety of finishes including silver, pear and maple.
The universal Aluminium posts are the support structure for the elegant Reception Counters using either flat or curved panels fronts finished with shaped glass or laminate tops.
The family of Revolution products offers a complete solution for the general office, break-out and meeting places and reception areas.
Screen Solutions create attraction in the office
Screen Solutions’ Attraction is an elegant screen with a minimal aluminium frame, which provides a fabric to fabric solution to give a light soft result. To enclose teams within specific areas, Attraction floor standing or desk-mounted screens can be either upholstered in a variety of fabrics or be finished in wood or metallic effects. Attraction is available with straight or wave-form tops and glazed panels, to create working environments that enable visual communication and provide acoustic privacy. To divide the main work areas Attraction 30mm thick screens are available giving a light and soft visual appearance. The use of Attraction screens gives a new look whilst still retaining all the strength and acoustic properties expected from Screen Solutions. Attraction has a robust mechanical linking mechanism for easily adjustable configurations. Accessory panels can be positioned to the users requirement to support paper management accessories, Articulation flat screen monitor arms and aluminium shelves. Attraction allows effective communication between staff, whilst maintaining a degree of privacy from an individual workstation.
Screen Solutions’ Elevation screen at Sage
Screen Solutions have provided Elevation screens, via Business Interior Group of Hartlepool, for new purpose built Head Offices in Newcastle Great Park. The first building of the new sustainable village it provides a definite contrast between a forward-thinking, modern building, situated in a rural setting. The new office complex will be home to the Sage Group PLC, who are the leading UK business management software providers..
With 225,000 sq ft office space and a capacity for 1,300 employees, Sage will now work with a-state-of-the-art facility to bring all its operations into a single building that inspires a relaxed confidence and tangible buzz to stimulate creativity.
Sloping facades have been designed as entrance features at the end of the five office pavilions, marking the opening into each block. The office pavilions are set around an exciting T-shaped atrium, which serves as the communal hub of the building. Each office pavilion has central open plan areas, with meeting rooms and break-out areas that lead back into the atrium.
The concept behind the building is to create space, natural light, greenery, lighting on the walls and uplifting colours on the floor and upholstery. As explained by Darren Blake, Project Architect at Ian Darby Partnership
“Sage wanted to portray the image of an open workplace. This was achieved by offering visitors glimpses into the heart of the building and its work spaces from external areas. Vistas are framed by the large sloping facades and change dynamically in the atrium though vertical and horizontal movement.”
Sage is environmentally conscientious, utilising passive and natural systems to light, cool and heat the building. Solar blinds to protect the Jade green frosted glass are used for the atrium, making it evident that the building is “Sage”. The new Head office is also the first significant building in the North East to pass a full air-tightness test.
Throughout the large open plan office floors Screen Solutions Elevation screens have been used to provide the most efficient ways of planning the space. The workstations are set mainly in groups of four with Elevation desk hung fly-by screens in dark charcoal enabling personnel to work in small teams.
Colourful freestanding Elevation screens in green, plum, blue and orange define the break-out areas and meeting areas, as well as, being used to differentiate between the floors.
Darren Blake, Project Architect from Ian Darby Partnership, comments on the use of Screen Solutions Elevation screens
“Screen Solutions’ Elevation screens fitted in with the aesthetics of the building. The refined aluminium frame matched the aluminium curtain walling and did not impose on the overall design.”
Elevation has a discrete tool bar for paper management attachments, such as paper trays and pen holders to make the best use of the available space.
The furniture is fully co-ordinated with the base build colour schemes and design concepts which give cohesion to the finished working spaces. Sage had the vision to allow the design process to continue through the building and into the fillings and furniture selection in order to get a fully co-ordinated, tailor-made product, including the use of Screen Solutions’ flexible Elevation screens.
Darren Blake, Project Architect from Ian Darby Partnership comments on the final outcome “since occupying the building Sage has reported that staff moral and productivity has increased beyond expectations.”
Screen-Back Computer folds away after class
The award-winning Pelham Sloane PS1500 all-in-one desktop computer is being featured on the Vari-TECH stands [155 and 170] at The Education Show, NEC Birmingham, starting on Thursday 11 March. Vari-TECH has developed a modular furniture system, which incorporates the Pelham Sloane PS1500, fitting onto the System 24/15 workbench. This hub-based design has been developed to be a project-led method of equipping classrooms, laboratories, libraries or any room needing a linkable benching system. “The furniture system enables the computers to be folded away until they are required, providing a flat surface for other activities,” said Ursula Ferguson, Pelham Sloane’s marketing director. “It allows a more flexible and efficient use of often scarce space and facilities.” The PS1500 is a breakthrough in design and space-efficiency. It is achieved with a sleek 15 inch flat screen that houses all the computer’s essentials while sacrificing nothing in capacity or performance. Options include CD-RW, DVD, DVD-RW, touch screen, internal wireless networking, wireless keyboard and cordless mouse, as well as stand, arm or wall mounting. Pelham Sloane chairman, John Jensen, believes that the PS1500 will make a real impact on the UK education marketplace. “We are confident that we have an exciting, valuable and cost-effective new product, and we are proud that it is made in Britain at a time when British manufacturing has been in the doldrums.” Further information about the PS1500 can be viewed on the Pelham Sloane website (www.pelhamsloane.com). Information about Vari-TECH can be found at www.vari-tech.co.uk.
Screwfix Direct
Screwfix Direct lowers its prices even further in new catalogueWith 560 new products and over 400 lower prices, there is now even more value for money to be found in the latest Screwfix Direct catalogue (issue 71). Offering high quality, low cost screws, tools, fixings and accessories for next day delivery to the trade and serious DlY enthusiast, this 360-page, bumper edition also features a number of new power tools as well as new building accessories, networking products and an extended plumbing section. In addition, there is a chance to win a Nissan Navara 4 x 4 Pickup worth over £19,000 in a free prize draw.Notable additions in the power tool section include a new 1/2 Erbauer Router which, at just £99.99, features a soft start 1650W motor and a dust extraction facility. Other Erbauer additions include a 1 2V Drill Driver at £79.99 and an 18V Combi Drill for only £139.99. Combining high performance with ergonomic design, these heavy duty drills offer the same superior specifications associated with leading brand names but at a fraction of the price. The new, extremely robust Bosch 14.4V Combi Driver is priced at £229.99 and will withstand drops of up to 2m, whilst the only drop that can be found with the DeWalt 1 4.4V Combi Drill is the price, with a £10 reduction down to £229.99. At the other end of the price scale is a 1 2V Ferm Drill/Driver for just £17.99 which, like the Erbauer range, is also exclusive to Screwfix Direct and caries a full manufacturer’s warranty.A new Thermostatic Shower Panel which combines power with safety and style for just £389.00 can be found in the plumbing section alongside plumbing accessories such as radiator valves that start at £1 .19 and a wide range of Push Fit Waste items. Other new products include GD Rainwater Guttering, Delchem Float Valves, End Feeds, Sentinel Central Heating Accessories, Solder Ring Fittings, Square Line Guttering, Terrier Valves, Under Sink Water Heaters, Sinks and System Cleaners.For the first time, a number of rugged, heavy duty steel power tool cases have also been incorporated. Designed to provide maximum protection on site, in storage or in transit, they include a 9” Angle Grinder Case at £19.99, a Planer/Router/Belt Sander Case at £17.99, a Power Tool Case at £12.99 and a Circular Saw Case at £24.99.For those involved in self-build or refurbishment projects, roofing felts and lintels have been added to the building accessories section together with a new range of Gunnebo Grooved Nails. Lighter and stronger than traditional nails and made from bend resistant high grade steel, these handy nails have a high pull-out force and are supplied in a strong box with carry handle. Making light work of nail loads, they also have a lightweight price at just £10.67 for 5kg.Thousands of other products can also be found in the comprehensive sections on screws, ironmongery, safety, blades, paint, driver bits, security, drill bits, abrasives, sealants, hand tools, cleaning and heating and ventilation sections.Fully committed to customer care and support, Screwfix Direct is believed to be the UK’s leading mall order business for the supply of screws, fixings, tools and accessories to the trade as well as serious DlY enthusiasts. Despatching, on average, more than 70,000 parcels a week, the company also offers expert technical advice and customer support and all products are supplied complete with the Screwfix Direct 30-day money back guarantee. All prices are inclusive of VAT and bulk rates and discounts of up to 10% are also available.Each item in the catalogue can be ordered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Orders can be placed online via the award winning www.screwfix.com or by freephone on 0500 414141 between 7am and 10pm from Monday to Friday, and 8am to 8pm on Saturday and Sunday, or by fax. Screwfix Direct also produces the Big Stuff catalogue which covers larger items on 21-day delivery terms.
Screwfix Direct helps facilities managers out of a tight spot
Next day, UK delivery before l0am, is now offered on most products in the At Work catalogue from Screwfix Direct, the UK’s leading direct mail supplier of janitorial, safety and maintenance products to facilities management personnel. Packed with over 7,000 items across 324 pages, this handy, full colour product guide, not only combines low, VAT inclusive prices and high quality products, but it is further enhanced by the addition of volume discounts and a 30.-day money back guarantee.
Featuring special, value-for-money offers alongside top brands, the latest issue (volume 15) also highlights new products at the beginning of each section. With coloum coded sections on fixings sealants, janitorial, safety, security, electrical, plumbing, hardware, storage, tools and power tools, it also includes a full product index for easy reference.
Depending on the quantity, new product prices can be as low as £O.95p for 200 T-Star Countersunk Screws, £8.51 for 5 litres of Leyland Emulsion, 66m packing tape at £O.73p, a Hydra Vac at £93.61, a 3-in-l Jacket for £38.29 and 18” Traffic Cones for £17.02. A VCR Activator in the security pages is just £42.52, whilst other sections include a 6-way Surge and Spike Protector with BT Modem Plug at £10.11, Copper Push-fit plumbing accessories as low as £O.85p for a Stop End, a Fire Door Kit from only £41.71 and Industrial Lockers from only £50.64.
Screwfix Direct is fully committed to customer care and support and despatches, on average, more than 50,000 parcels a week. The company also offers expert technical advice and customer support. All orders received by 6pm are generally delivered next day to any location in mainland UK and all orders over £45 are delivered free. Each item in the catalogue can be ordered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Larger items may require 21-day delivery terms.
Screwfix Direct makes online purchasing easier
Purchasing via the net just got easier for facilities managers, landscapers and those in education, safety and security with the launch of new, user interactive features at www.screwfix.com. Developed with the benefit of its customers in mind and believed to the first within its market sector to offer a full order history for all purchases made both on and off-line, the site also includes an index VAT button, online help, an improved search facility and order tracking. Screwfix Direct is the UK’s leading mail order supplier of high quality, low cost products for next day delivery to small, medium and large organisations as well as educational establishments and the trade. With over 15% of its sales coming via the internet already, the site is expected to further improve sales once the new features are frilly realised. Phil Cochineas, e-Commerce Manager at Screwfix Direct explains, “Our new frill order history, for example, has been designed to provide a complete single customer view via the website which, amongst other things, gives the customer the power to bulk order on regular items and take advantage of our discount rates.” He continues, “Allowing prices to be viewed on screen either inclusive or exclusive of VAT, the index VAT button simplifies the costing process for both non-VAT and VAT registered companies. As we are selling to commercial businesses as well as the trade, this is a simple yet important feature that we believe will make the website even more popular. Combined with the improved search facility which has brought a myriad of new search keywords and a more visible pop-up online help menu, we feel that these improvements will not only benefit our customers but will ensure that we continue to meet our promise of a quality service.” Boasting an average of over 5 million hits each week with a dwell time of 15 minutes, www.screwfix.com is going from strength to strength and has just received the coveted ECMOD Award for Best Transactional Website (Turnover £1 .5M+). The company also received ECMOD awards for Outstanding Customer Service and Best All Round Catalogue Business (Turnover £50M+). Each award was in the business-to-business category. With a turnover of over £140M, Screwfix Direct is fully committed to customer care and support and despatches over 60,000 parcels a week. In 2002 it was also awarded the prestigious e’tailer of the Year Award by Retail Week as well as the West Of England Business of The Year Award sponsored by PWC, HTV and Western Daily Press.
Seamless power transfer from Socomec
Designed for users whose business profitability depends on its critical loads remaining operational day and night, Socomec's range of Static Transfer Switches (LTM) is a vital component in ensuring this level of reliability. The range has recently been extended to include the Integrated LTM; designed to be installed in switchboards and power distribution units, it's ideal for switching between UPS systems in data centres, financial, medical and industrial applications. A standard installation normally utilises a UPS system to support the critical load, but there are dangers in relying on a single supply to protect the most valuable asset - information. Risk is still present despite the use of a UPS (single unit or parallel system) the critical load is not totally protected against failures in the UPS or distribution network such as breaker tripping, incorrect operation and short circuits. To eliminate the risk and ensure the critical load is dual supply fed a Socomec Static Transfer Switch is the ideal solution. Designed to meet the most rigorous power requirements, the company's range of static transfer switches perform an automatic, seamless load transfer, without disturbing the connected loads, from the priority source to the secondary source. The user defines the priority source. The LTM logic permanently monitors the tolerance of each source and performs a load transfer to the emergency source in the event of a serious fault in the main source. Available in ratings of up to 4800amps and in 3 and 4 Pole format, the Integrated LTM will increase reliability to 99.9999999% when used in conjunction with UPS incoming sources. Socomec's range of static transfer switches has been manufactured since 1990 and is the third generation of units that have been developed utilising its 37 years of experience in the manufacture of State of the art UPS systems. This experience ensures the LTM will provide exceptional reliability and cutting edge technology to ensure the critical load is always supported. The Socomec LTM offers as standard redundant microprocessor control, thyristor monitoring, redundant DC power supplies, Individual components and heat sinks for each source.
Seamless water proofing technology guide from Tremco
Tremco's recently introduced LWS liquid applied roof waterproofing system for roofs is a single component polyurethane based material which does not involve the use of gas torches, bitumen pots or any of the other potential causes of fire. The single component, moisture triggered polyurethane based fluid is installed in two easy to apply layers, addressing even the most complex roofscapes. Chopped strand glass fibre matting reinforces the membrane, enabling Tremco LWS to accommodate all normal structural movement. Primer is not usually required and Tremco LWS is compatible with almost all common roof substrates. Forming a very durable surface, it is resistant to a wide selection of solvents and other chemicals. Tremco LWS is one of the systems detailed in a guide that is now available from the company.
Seating by Vogue launches new range of comfort seating
Stockport based contract furniture manufacturer Seating by Vogue has recently launched a new range of comfort seating with economy of space in mind. The specialist ‘tub chair’ seating has been specifically designed to give the ultimate in comfort, whilst maximising the amount of chairs that can be accommodated in any given space.
“The range has been developed to give the standard area for seating, whilst having a reduced outside width. Therefore, any given floor space can contain a greater amount of chairs whilst not compromising on comfort,” said Seating by Vogue’s managing director, Paul Towsey. “With floor space an ever increasing cost, we see this as an ideal way of offering comfort in areas such as staff break rooms and receptions, where space is often at a premium.”
The ‘tub chair’ range meets all relevant British safety standards and is available in a full range of finishes.
SEC completes £3.6m M&E contract for new Royal Navy Fleet HQ
Southern Electric Contracting (SEC) operatives commissioning rooftop plantroom chilled water pipework circuits at the new headquarters of the Royal Navy’s Commander in Chief Fleet at Whale Island, Portsmouth.
SEC completed a £3.6 million fast-track contract at the site this week, after working on behalf of Pearce Construction to design and install all the mechanical and electrical services for the five-storey building.
The new building will consolidate the administration of submarines and surface ships, the Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Naval Aviation, into a single headquarters, improving efficiency and safeguarding the Royal Navy’s position at the cutting edge of the world’s Navies.
Secure key storage with new Cable Lock
Camlock Systems, one of the World's leading designers, manufacturers and suppliers of industrial locks and locking systems, has introduced a new Cable Lock that helps prevent the theft, misuse and loss of keys. The cable lock will interest all those who use keys as an integral part of their job and is also an alternative to the ubiquitous padlock, wherever a rigid shackle offers insufficient flexibility. The product is expected to have a particularly strong appeal for vending and gaming machine operators and all those with responsibility for the security of premises. The cable lock is a secure alternative to the commonly used 'jailer' type key ring but makes it far easier to carry, remove and replace keys. Highly versatile, it helps to prevent unauthorised key duplication, and can be quickly locked over a belt or to any fixed fitting for extra security. A benefit of the new product is that it can share a key combination with existing suites of Camlock products of the same type, making one less key to carry round. The lock is machined from solid brass for excellent durability and reliability, chrome plated and normally supplied with two keys. It is available in a choice of Camlock's conventional 7 pin radial pin tumbler mechanism or in the 'Octagon' 7 pin format. The Octagon version offers the additional benefits of key registration on keyed-alike suites, patent protection against unauthorised duplicate keys being cut and over half a million key differs. The company plans to introduce a 'Camatic' changeable combination version at a later date. To suit a wide range of different users, the new cable lock comes with a choice of three cable lengths: 20cm, 30cm or 46cm. All cables are manufactured from aerospace quality steel with a tensile strength of 115g and have a stainless steel spring covering.
Secure with CCTV - but are you contravening the Data Protection Act?
A 3M Privacy Filter is a simple, low cost solution that could help you to comply with the Data Protection Act covering CCTV surveillance.
Many companies use CCTV for security and protection purposes; however most are unaware of recent changes to the Data Protection Act which brought images captured on CCTV surveillance equipment under its control.
A Code of Practice has been established under the legislation which sets out. amongst other things, that it is the responsibility of anyone who uses CCTV to ensure that monitors displaying images from areas in which individuals would have an expectation of privacy should not be seen by anyone except those authorised to do so. Failure to comply could lead to an infringement of the Data Protection Act and the possibility of an unlimited fine!
3MTM Privacy Filters have special patented microlouvre film that allows only the person sitting directly in front of the monitor to see the images or data displayed. People viewing from either side see only a blank, dark screen, excluding prying eyes - deliberate or not.
3M Privacy Filters are available in a range of sizes to fit CRT monitors and LCD flat panels. as well as laptops. At RSP prices from just £75.70, 3M Privacy Filters offer excellent value for money; especially when the alternative might necessitate the provision of a separate secure room with dedicated staff.
In addition, 3M Privacy Filters virtually eliminate glare and reflections to help prevent eye strain and improve screen contrast, aiding compliance with UK Health & Safety regulations relating to safe working practices for employees using display screens.
Securing the Nation’s treasure
When Sir Arthur Gilbert bequeathed his extraordinary collection of decorative arts to the British people, he did so on the understanding it would be safeguarded forever. Recently opened to the public, the collection is under Abloy Security’s lock and key. Being responsible for one of the country’s most important art collections can be a daunting prospect especially when that collection is valued at over £100 million. The resting place for such an important national treasure must therefore not only reflect the cultural potency of its content but must also be accessible and secure. The Gilbert Collection, which contains a complete anthology of micromosaics, an extraordinary range of gold and silver and one of the world’s richest gatherings of gold snuftboxes, was donated to the nation by the late Sir Arthur Gilbert in 1996. The collection commanded the most auspicious surroundings, and in May 2000 the doors of the South Building of Somerset House - the collection’s permanent home - opened to the public. Timothy Stevens, Director of the Gilbert Collection, explains “London’s newest museum of decorative arts has proved extremely popular attracting over 300,000 visitors since it opened. We are responsible for an important part of the nation’s heritage so security is paramount. We therefore required a variety of showcases that would show the collection at its best and locking systems that would protect not only the cases but also the building. We chose Abloy Security because it has a proven track record in providing museum security.” With over 800 objects and 100 showcases, successfully securing the Gilbert Collection in Somerset House was a demanding task. Mid Beds Locksmiths, an approved ABLOY Centre, was the appointed architectural ironmonger and project locksmith, working closely with the Gilbert Collection, Somerset House Trust and Abloy Security. Andy Burr of Mid Beds says one of the biggest challenges was integrating the huge variety of modern locking systems into the Georgian setting. He explains: “The challenge was to integrate these modern locking systems into a grade-one listed building meeting both the conservation, aesthetic requirements and the expectations of the security officers.” The diverse range of display cases, many commissioned exclusively for the collection, also represented a major challenge, as many of the cases had to be individually specified. “The cases designed by Click are wall-mounted and very modern - quite different from the Goppien cases which are much larger, measuring up to 7ft2 and 6ft high.” To contend with the numerous permutations, the specially devised system proved ideal for such a complex project. Sir Arthur Gilbert, who was born in this country and emigrated to California in 1949 at the age of 36, said: “The collection had become part of my life... [and] should be returned to my country of birth.” His generous gesture is being safeguarded by ABLOY.
Securit World & Datacard Group UK announces strategic alliance
Securitworld, the UK's 1st Choice for ID products announced today a new alliance with Datacard Group, the world leader in secure ID and card personalisation solutions. Steve Singh Digpaul, UK Channel Manager for Datacard(r), stated "Datacard are delighted to bring Securit World on board as it opens up a great opportunity to work with a key player in the industry. We see Securit World as a company focused on offering the best ID card solutions in a highly competitive market". Ed Heyden, Sales Director of Securit World Ltd, said "As leaders in ID card personalisation we are looking forward to working with Datacard(r). Securit see this alliance as a major step forward in the growth of the company and the new range of Datacard(r) SP desktop printers will be a key element of this growth area. Our customers will benefit from the combined experience of both Securit and Datacard(r) in this industry by being offered the best solution for their needs". Securit World Ltd are leading suppliers of ID systems and printers for the production of high-quality photo ID cards and visitor passes, covering applications for low-volume users through to the high-volume production of national identity cards and driving licences. As more and more companies recognise the importance of security and the need to easily identify staff and visitors, Securit World Ltd have fulfilled this need with the installation of ID card systems and visitor management systems in hundreds of sites worldwide. Having been at the forefront of ID card technology for over 10 years, Securit have gained a wealth of experience in the industry and a reputation for excellent service. The growth in access control, time & attendance systems and cashless vending has resulted in an increased requirement for multi-function plastic cards and Securit World's ID card systems offer compatibility with most of these systems. Today, Datacard(r) identification systems outsell all other brands Datacard Group offers the world's best-selling secure ID and card personalisation solutions. The company's portfolio includes systems for high-volume card issuance, card delivery, secure ID issuance and passport production, plus extensive service and supplies. Datacard(r) has refined critical identity technologies including smart cards, biometrics and digital imaging - and developed a portfolio of advanced identity systems. Offerings include the world's premier family of identity software and the largest family of plastic card printers. Security-minded organisations use these identity solutions to enhance both physical and on-line security.
Security In the Workplace — Are your Premises and Staff Safe?
The number of injuries resulting from violence in the workplace rose by 6% in 2003*. Have you got procedures in place to ensure the safety of your staff? The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, state that it is an employers’ LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY to ensure that the potential risks their employees are exposed to at work are assessed, and ensure that measures are in place to protect them from reasonably foreseeable violence. The new 2004 Safetyshop catalogue features 1000’s of products that will help you ensure the safety of both your employees and your property. Useful advice on The Data Protection Act and how to prevent theft & violence in the workplace is also given. Our extensive range of security products includes: • Data Protection Act compliant COW signs. • Visitor Access products, including badges, safety necklaces and visitor books. • Personal Security products such as Shrill Alarms, Two Way Radios and our Personal Alarm Keyring. • 001W Systems and Security Mirrors. A five year warranty is offered on our Security Mirrors. • Security cables, padlocks, key cabinets and safes. All useful for helping to prevent theft in the workplace which is currently running at almost £200 million a year*. Next day delivery, competitive prices, no minimum order charges, a 14 day no risk trial and comprehensive legislation advise are all part of the exceptional customer service offered by Safetyshop.
Security monitoring & Help Desk services offer integrated approach
SSS Management Services, the specialist provider of outsourced management services, has won a major alarm monitoring contract with leading regional retail chain, Lincoln Co-op. Lincoln Co-op operates over 100 convenience stores and Post Offices throughout Lincolnshire and Newark, and is the latest in a broad range of multi-site organisations serviced by SSS as it continues the expansion of its retail client base. Under the terms of the contract SSS will be responsible for monitoring all electronic alarm and signalling systems including intruder, fire and panic activations. The contact will see SSS undertake this operation initially for three years until 2006. “SSS has an excellent reputation for service and offers one of the best levels of alarm monitoring that we have come across,” comments Mark Foulds, Security Manager for Lincoln Co-op. “The ability to provide regular management reports and confirmation emails giving full details of all incidents that take place leaves me fully confident in the management control process. He continues: “We are keen to draw on their unique skills in this field to support our own security function and centralise all monitoring operations in an integrated manner.” “We are delighted to win this contract,” adds Phil George, Sales & Marketing Director of SSS, “as it confirms our position as the only specialist company in the UK able to provide such a service. Our track record working with some of this country’s most demanding blue-chip companies speaks for itself, adding a further level of value and performance to the services we provide.” As part of its alarm monitoring service, SSS owns and operates a NACOSS-approved Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) equipped with state-of-the-art receiving technology that enables all necessary data to be compiled and ensures that proper false alarm management procedures are followed. As the first ARC to be accredited to BS 5979: 2000 and with the highest levels of alarm filtering, the SSS facility is acknowledged as an industry leader in its class. This enables all necessary data to be compiled, providing Lincoln Co-op with daily data management reports and ensuring that proper false alarm management procedures are followed at all times. Supporting this will be a 24-hour Help Desk that offers specialist, pro-active advice across all security areas, enabling individual Lincoln Co-op sites to undertake appropriate remedial action and eliminate costly engineering visits where not required.
See NetSec From Romec At IFSEC
A new flexible security system for use on IP networks is being launched by Romec at this year’s IFSEC show. NetSec is a monitored system that can be configured to suit individuals or sites and utilises dual-path signalling to ensure communications are maintained, even if networks fail. National facilities management provider Romec will also exhibit new fire detection services, which the company has introduced following major investment in its electronic security operations. Visitors to IFSEC can see NetSec and the complete and extensive range of security products and services from Romec on the company’s stand D75 in Hall 6
See new Asbestos Management module for Planet FM at The Facilities Show in May
The Facilities Show (NEC May 2003) will see the launch of a new Asbestos Management module for the Planet FM facilities management system from FDS Advanced Systems. FDS will be on stand D16.
The recently issued Control of Asbestos At Work Regulations (2002) requires those responsible for the maintenance and repair of non domestic properties to identify all asbestos containing materials in their premises and implement an effective plan to manage them safely. The new Asbestos Module for Planet FM provides a framework for recording the results of asbestos surveys and creating the appropriate management plans with fully documented traceability to comply with the new Code of Practice.
A key requirement of the Code of Practice is that the presence of asbestos hazards must be brought to the attention of anyone ñ staff or contractor ñ who needs to carry out work in an area. The new version of Planet FM enables you to list ëprohibited activitiesí for an area, and automatically warn the user of any relevant asbestos hazards before a job is issued. Asbestos hazard information is also published on the Planet FM intranet server so that occupiers and contractors can access such information via their web browser. This is particularly important for managing risks at remote sites.
Planet FMís Asbestos module comes ready equipped with all the standard asbestos classification codes, and checklists. A new type of PM task is provided that enables Asbestos Containing Materials to be regularly inspected (e.g. for damage) and the results recorded in an inspection history file. Standard reports document the surveys, laboratory results and management plans.
An important benefit of integrating asbestos management into the Planet FM system rather than purchase a separate software package is the close integration of survey data and management plans with the systemís well established space planning, helpdesk and planned and reactive maintenance management capabilities.
SEGA gives MAXxess a vote of confidence
When it comes to the subject of security, SEGA is in no mood to play games. So it comes as no surprise that when the world famous games publisher has moved to new offices, it has continued to place its faith in MAXxess. SEGA has moved its European headquarters into a prestigious new office environment in Brentford, West London and have taken their AXxess 202 security management system, manufactured by MAXxess, with them. Galeco Communication, who originally installed the AXxess 202 system in SEGA’s old offices in Chiswick, were commissioned to transfer the system. At the same time the opportunity was taken to utilize features of the AXxess 202 not previously exploited. The number of card readers has been expanded and SEGA are now also using the system for time and attendance in order to have accurate reports on staff working hours. In addition the AXxess 202 had been configured to allow interaction between the access control system and a CCTV system that has also been installed by Galeco Communications. Both the access control and CCTV systems can be controlled by authorised personnel from any PC workstation on SEGA’s network. Aidan Bass, Facilities Manager at SEGA who has overseen the relocation of the company’s one hundred staff, said: “Moving offices is a costly business. We are very pleased that we have been able to continue to use the AXxess 202 system and not have to invest in a new system. The additional functionality that we are now taking advantage of is a big bonus.” Norman de Andrade, UK Systems Sales Manager for MAXxess said, “We claim that AXxess 202 is designed to be future proof. SEGA’s continuing and expanded use of a system, that they purchased some time ago, substantiates this claim. We are naturally delighted that such a well known company has given us this vote of confidence” MAXxess have been delivering security management solutions since the mid-1980s. Countless airport and port authorities, railways, educational institutions, telecommunication facilities hospitals, and government buildings throughout the world have placed their confidence in MAXxess to provide a solution to their security or management information requirements. MAXxess is sold worldwide through a well-established network of approved systems integrators.
Seismic detection from Siemens FSP
A new range of Seismic Detectors from Siemens Building Technologies, Fire & Security Products (FSP), is designed to provide round-the-clock monitoring for a number of applications where protection of cash or valuables is required. ATM’s (automatic teller machines), safes, night deposit boxes, strong rooms, gaming machines, vending machines, ticket automates and utilities can all be protected by Siemens FSP’s range of GM seismic detectors. The detectors employ new “Senstec” bimorph technology, which recognises the difference between “structure-borne noise” and unwanted environmental interference to deliver a high level of response to all forms of known malicious attack, while also ensuring an exceptional resistance to false alarms. Structure-borne signals are analysed independently, allowing the detectors to be directly mounted either internally or externally to the equipment. Remote configuration of detection is possible on the GM570 using the optional “Sens Tool” software, enabling modification of default operating parameters and monitoring of the detector’s performance. The range of GM detectors has been designed with ease of installation and operation in mind and features protection against electrical and electromagnetic interference.
SELECT LICENCED BY THRESHER GROUP
Thresher Group, with over 2,000 shops and more than 12,500 employees across the UK, has teamed up with Select Facilities Management to enhance its back of house operations. 4ppointed in 2001, Select managed the facilities at Thresher Group's head office in Welwyn Garden City and its reprographic centre at Huyton. On closure of Huyton, Select, proposed that t would take over this important function in its entirety and working closely with Thresher Group, now runs the operation as an independent facility from a new location nearer their head office. Graham Walker, managing director of Select, explains: "Historically Thresher Group had handled its own reprographic process in-house, utilising a number of outside suppliers and handling many different items through its centre. Developments at Huyton gave Select the opportunity to centralise print and dispatch in one streamlined operation whilst making estimated cost savings of £1 m over five years." Thresher Group - including Wine Rack, Victoria Wine, Bottoms Up, The Local, Haddows, Huttons, Drinks Cabin as well as Threshers - requires a vast array of printing literature, leaflets and bespoke documents for each individual store. Ranging from one regular weekly newsletter to demands for multiple leaflets, duplicate posters, training manuals or stock items that Select hold for production. Select must maintain a flexible operation to meet these demands and provide a swift response to all requirements. "Select provide a dedicated order line for stores to contact and between 50 and 70 calls are regularly recorded by Select each day", continues Graham. "One of the biggest challenges has been to cope with the increasing demand - we have increased the in-house production capacity, thereby not only saving costs, but improving efficiencies and quality of material available to each of the stores." To ensure the ongoing confidence of Thresher Group, in conjunction with Select, a series of KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) were devised to measure its levels of performance and identify any areas that need improving. These are reviewed monthly with the client to check compliance with the Service Level Agreement and PMS requirements. David Robbins, Estates and Facilities Director of Thresher Group comments: "We chose Select for its innovative and flexible approach towards providing our business with the FM solutions we require. When the opportunity arose to review our reprographics facility, the services were competitively tendered and we were impressed by both Selects unique proposition and the cost savings this would generate."
Select wins RoSPA Silver Award
Select Facilities Management Ltd has picked up the prestigious RoSPA Silver Award 2005, recognising and celebrating the achievement of a very high standard of Health and Safety at work over the past three years. Each year more than 1,000 companies from the UK and around the world receive occupational awards from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) demonstrating their excellence in managing Health and Safety at work. RoSPA believes that the best way to promote safety and encourage best management practice is to reward those who head the field and lead by example. Graham Walker, managing director of Select, said: "It is excellent to hear that we have been presented with this award, as it demonstrates how seriously we take Health and Safety in the workplace, and the FM expertise we offer." "At Select, we recognise not only the importance of H&S in general but our responsibility to both our own and our customer's staff alike. One of the reasons for our success is the reassurance we can offer our clients, particularly in ensuring compliance with all necessary H&S legislation to guarantee the highest standards are maintained and therein providing peace of mind." "I believe the award will ensure that Select continues to be recognised as a leader in the marketplace and ahead of much of the competition." Select prides itself on the service it provides to several large customers throughout the UK including the National Archives in Kew, the BBC in Wales and the Thresher Group, all of which place high importance on H&S. With the achievement of this award the future looks safe and promising for current and potential customers. Every year RoSPA, one of the world's leading Health and Safety organisations, invites companies of all sizes, from all sectors of industry and commerce worldwide to enter the RoSPA Safety Awards. The awards are designed to help employers motivate employees and to demonstrate their Health and Safety commitment and performance to key stakeholders including clients, suppliers, insurers, the media and other business partners.
Semmco launches inspection set at the Safety & Health Expo
A brand new inspection set ‘HEAD6’ from Semmco, will be launched at this years Safety & Health Expo. HEAD6 uses similar technology to Semmco’s award-winning oxygen escape set HEAD10, but it can be used for a short duration to enter an environment where toxic or asphyxiating gases are used.
The new inspection set gives provides the wearer with up to six minutes of oxygen in a self-contained hood and provides excellent vision through a clear visor. It has been developed to allow personnel to safely attend to any problems within a potentially hazardous environment that, if left unattended could have disastrous consequences. Semmco’s new ‘inspection’ oxygen net protects the wearerÕs head from smoke, flames and fumes for a sufficient period to safely effect a repair, turn off a valve or assist other personnel in difficulties. And because it is self contained, the wearer has both hands free to rectify the problem safely and efficiently.
HEAD6 and HEAD10 can be seen on Semmco’s Stand no. E84 at the Safety & Health Expo.
HEAD10 can also be viewed ‘in action’ in an exciting, staged escape scene on The Runway, the Expo’s new ‘extravaganza’ running four times each day.
Both the inspection set and the escape set have a unique visual and audible alarm that reminds the wearer to make a safe exit within the allowed time - 6 minutes for inspection and 10 minutes for escape. They are user-friendly, maintenance-free for 6 years and meet the requirements of the COSHH regulations. Stuart McOnie, Company Director explains, ‘Semmco is recognised as a solutions provider, implementing innovative designs and engineering solutions for varied range of customer driven products and services. Our philosophy and vision is ‘ensuring that the right product and engineering solution is supplied every time’.
For more information, please visit the Safety & Health Expo, where you can try on HEAD6 or HEAD10 for yourself on Semmco’s Stand, watch a piece of the action on the Runway.
Senex undertakes its advance into UK’s security market
• Senex to introduce iris-based credit card verification system and high-speed cryptography processor at IFSEC 2002
• Minimum bytes enable identification without signature & no fear of card loss
• Senex plans a road show in the UK c July 2002
Monday 13th May, 2002 - Senex Technology (www.senextech.com), represented by Mr. Namgoong Chong, will unveil at IFSEC 2002, Birmingham, the world’s first iris-based credit card verification system called TrueEYE*. Senex will also unveil its high-speed cryptography processor called XP-1.
Identification is carried out by verifying the holders iris with a special camera, which makes it unnecessary for the users to provide a signature or to present photos at department stores, Internet shopping malls or hospitals.
The benefits are threefold:
• Card loss is no longer an issue;
• Cardholders no longer need to remember their pin number(s);
• Theft is not possible; - thus making the technology a powerful solution for security and certification.
Senior appointment at Haley Somerset Consulting
Haley Somerset Consulting has announced the appointment of John Blythe to Senior Project Consultant at the Head Office in Purley, Surrey. John Blythe was previously an Associate Director with the London- and Midlands-based construction consultancy, pcm Limited. John has over 30 years experience in the construction industry, working for some years in contracting, before moving into Consultancy. He has worked at Board level with some of the most well known blue-chip clients in the UK and Europe. John’s role at Haley Somerset Consultancy is to develop a team offering a multidisciplinary approach for clients, bringing together their key skills of Project Management, Health & Safety Consultancy, IT Consultancy, QS services, Building Services Design and Construction Law. Blythe’s appointment strengthens Haley Somerset’s plans to expand the firm’s services into project delivery as Construction Managers. Commenting on the appointment, Steve Haley, Managing Director of Haley Somerset Consulting said: “This is a key appointment and allows us to offer new services and explore new opportunities. We welcome John to the company and very much look forward to working with him on the continuing development of these services”.
Senior management team strengthened in next phase of SSS business development programme
SSS Management Services Ltd, the leading provider of outsourced management services, has announced the appointment of new key personnel together with the
re-structuring of its senior management team in what marks the next phase of
the company’s business growth strategy.
These appointments will further strengthen the operational service and customer support functions, and follow other recent developments at the company including
its change of name to SSS Management Services (from Security Support Services).
Phil George has been appointed as sales & marketing director in a new role that will help the company to develop further its management services business and build upon its recent contract successes. Phil joins SSS from ADT, where he oversaw the national accounts management operation for a wide range of prestigious blue-chip clients, and brings considerable experience of both the security industry and the wider general commercial environment in the UK.
To complement this new appointment, Phil joins a senior management team which has been re-structured to reflect the new business focus of SSS. Terry Baker remains the company’s managing director while Paul Burchfield is now operations director, overseeing all client security and facilities management services. Completing the new team is Julie Town who, as the company’s commercial manager, will control contractual agreements with all suppliers and sub-contractors.
In addition, continued success in winning new business has led to the appointment of Duncan Freeman as senior project manager at SSS with responsibility for security system and other minor work installations. Working closely with the SSS account management team, Duncan's experience in this field includes a number of roles with Sainsbury’s Retail Security department where he has previously spent the best part of
10 years.
Finally, Jo Sutton has joined SSS as operations administrator, a role that will see her providing active support to the senior management team.
“These are all significant appointments for us demonstrating our commitment to recruiting personnel of the highest calibre", notes Terry Baker, managing director of SSS Management Services.
"I am particularly encouraged by the enthusiasm they have all shown for our company's business strategy and am confident that with this winning team in place we will be able to more than meet our growth targets".
Senior promotion at Haley Somerset Consulting
Haley Somerset Consulting has announced the promotion of Sean Ruddy to Associate Director at the Head Office in Purley, Surrey. Sean joined Haley Somerset in 1996 as a Quantity Surveyor, following 10 years with a major building engineering contractor where he completed an indentured apprenticeship gaining experience in both the engineering and commercial departments. He simultaneously completed his BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying. During his time at Haley Somerset, Sean has developed to take on responsibilities as a team leader, undertaking work for both the Quantity Surveying and Construction Law Groups. He has also attained Chartered Quantity Surveying status, passed his MSc in Construction Law and Arbitration, and become a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. ÜSean has in-depth knowledge and experience of quantity surveying, both pre- and post- contract, gained on a number of significant building engineering services projects. Commenting on the promotion, Steve Haley, Managing Director of Haley Somerset Consulting said: “We are delighted to announce the promotion of Sean to Associate Director. His achievements in the last six and haff years at Haley Somerset Consulting show true dedication and an impressive track record. It is intended that Sean will also continue to develop the work of the Construction Law Group, which further strengthens the Haley Somerset portfolio.”
Sentinel 8000 Security Range thwarts criminal and terrorist attacks
Strataform, whose design and development work in the security industry spans 30 years, has unveiled a new range of high level product systems, which give the best possible protection available today against the threat of terrorist and criminal attack. The comprehensive Sentinel 8000 range, which includes Doors, Panels, Kiosks, Cells, Guard Posts and Glazed Screens, has been rigorously tested to defend against Physical, Fire, Blast and Ballistic assaults. Completed trials included a 6-hour Fire Test (12000 C) for Strataform's new Double Door Set with Overpanel, to meet the British Standard BS 476 Part 22 evaluation. Designed to help organizations take the necessary security steps that are required in the 21st century, Strataform has called upon its vast experience to also ensure that the Sentinel 8000 range is a very cost-effective solution for the protection of people and property. Suitable for an extensive range of financial, military, government and police applications, to name but a few, the Sentinel 8000 range can be tailored to meet very specific needs, including a complete choice of Materials, Finishes, Locking & Operational Systems. Having analysed the many potential threats facing organizations, Strataform can work in close and confidential liaison with its customers to help develop a clear understanding of ways that assets can be protected.
Series 200 plus Pinnacle laser optical smoke detector
Designed for use in manufacturing clean rooms, telecoms facilities, hospitals, data centres, computer suites, control rooms and other high value environments, the new Pinnacle from System Sensor Europe is an ultra-sensitive photoelectric point smoke detector using a laser instead of an IR LED as the light source. Part of the Series 200 plus analogue addressable family, Pinnacle is up to 100 times more sensitive than a standard photoelectric detector, allowing it to be set to a sensitivity of just 0.02%/foot, providing the earliest possible warning of fire. Pinnacle is an extremely cost effective and higher performance alternative to aspirated systems. As a point detector within an addressable fire system, the detector itself is fully supervised and can be mixed on a loop with all other types of smoke and heat detector. Two stage drift compensation ensures peak performance between service intervals and the sensitivity is adjustable from the panel in nine discrete steps from 0.02% to 2.0%/foot. Sophisticated onboard algorithms distinguish between transient dust-induced signals and real smoke, giving very early warning combined with high stability. Group polling can also be used to compare the pre-alarm signal from any one detector with the adjacent ones. By using point type detectors the source of smoke is readily identified to a single detector rather than, as is the case with an aspiration system, a general area helping in the accurate and timely intervention of automatic or manual fire suppression systems. Additionally, unsightly sampling pipes do not have to be installed or maintained.
Series 300 conventional detector family wins prestigious French Innovation Award
Chubb Sécurité, one of France’s leading fire and security companies, has won the concours de ‘innovation award for its C.Scan+ conventional fire detection system. The award, judged by journalists, members of the profession and end users, was presented at the recent 19th Salon de la Protection et de la Sécurité, held in Paris. Based on the highly successful Series 300 family, manufactured by System Sensor Europe, the world’s largest detector manufacturer, the C.Scan+ detectors are produced to Chubb Sécurité’s own specification. Approved by AENOR and Certified by CNMIS to EN 54, the true multi-sensor photo-thermal, photoelectric and thermal detectors combine the sophistication of an analogue addressable unit with the low cost, ease of installation and simplicity of a conventional detector. Automatic drift compensation is built-in to the multi-sensor and photo-electric units; a unique remote programmer unit enables the sensitivity to be adjusted, maintenance dates to be read and written to the device, chamber contamination levels to be read and the unit set into alarm, all from ground level. System Sensor Europe has a long-established partnership relationship with Chubb Sécurité; the success of the C.Scan+ family is testimony to the close co-operation between the two companies in product development, marketing and technical matters. System Sensor Europe is the world’s largest specialist manufacturer of industrial fire detectors of all types, including ionisation, photoelectric, thermal and multi-sensor devices, in both analogue addressable and conventional detector formats. Honeywell is a US$24-billion diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; specialty chemicals; fibers; plastics; and electronic and advanced materials, Honeywell employs approximately 115,000 people in 95 countries and is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol HON. as well as on the London, Chicago and Pacific stock exchanges. It is one of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is also a component of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. Additional information on the company is available on the Internet at www.honeywell.com.
Series 300 conventional multi-criteria detector
Certified to three European Standards — EN54 part 5 (2000) class Al R, EN54 part 7 (2000) and CEA4021 — the 2351TEM multi-criteria photoelectric smoke and thermal detector is the most sophisticated product in the Series 300 family of conventional detectors from System Sensor Europe.. Responsive to both fast flaming and slow smouldering fires, it is an ideal replacement for the outmoded and environmentally unfriendly ionisation detector.
The unit incorporates a discrete optical chamber and a separate thermal element, both of which are continually monitored by an on-board processor using specifically developed algorithms. An alarm signal is only enabled in the detector once the processor is satisfied that an incipient fire has been detected. By using a combination of inputs, the incidence of nuisance alarms is reduced while at the same time the response time to an actual fire is also improved.
The 2351TEM includes many features previously the preserve of more complex and expensive analogue addressable sensors. Its unique address can be read by the family’s Zonal Display Unit to give the exact location of the fire within the fire zone. The detector’s sensitivity can be optimised to its application by selecting from one of three preset alarm thresholds, and drift compensation algorithms ensure a consistent alarm sensitivity threshold between routine maintenances.
Uniquely, a remote hand held programmer can be used to set the sensitivity, read/write the last maintenance date, read the chamber contamination level, read the value of thermal element and perform an alarm test.
The Series 300 family is backwards compatible with the previous generation of System Sensor conventional detector bases, enabling existing installations to be upgraded, extended and maintained.
Series 300 conventional relay bases for fire and security systems
System Sensor Europe has introduced three new designs of base into its Series 300 conventional family. The 24VDC version enables local management of externally powered devices; both the detector and the relay latch on when the detector goes into alarm. The 12VDC versions enable the Series 300 photo-thermal, photoelectric and thermal detectors to be controlled from any security panel operating at 12VDC. The detectors operate satisfactorily over a wide input voltage range from 8 to 30VDC, making them compatible with a security system’s nominal 12VDC supply. If the zoning requirements of a smaller fire system are straightforward, it makes good economic sense to integrate the fire and security functions into one common control panel.
The relay bases are available in latching and non-latching versions to allow the smoke detector to interface with the two commonly used alternative technologies employed in security system control panels. In the latching version, both detector and base permanently latch into alarm until the power is removed from the device; in the non-latching version, the relay changes state on alarm. The non-latching base resets by periodically removing and then reapplying power to itself. The relay then changes state back into alarm if the detector is still in an alarm condition.
The low profile bases measure 127mm in diameter and they are 29mm high, with mounting holes compatible with most styles of European back box and conduit.
Serpentine Gallery’s impressive Pavilion is accessible to all visitors.
Thanks to the support of leading platform lift supplier, Moveman, wheelchair users and other less able visitors are able to enjoy a number of special events -film screenings, talks and readings being held in the Serpentine Galley’s 2003 Pavilion. The Leicester-based company, a subsidiary of lift and escalator giant, Otis, stepped in to supply and install one of its Companion Premier platform stair lifts at extremely short notice.
Available as either a fully or semi automatic unit, the Premier is an inclined platform lift, designed to help a wheelchair user where a short flight of stairs represents a significant barrier. It consists of a platform, which 4lides over the stairs on a wall mounted support track. When not in use, the platform folds up leaving the staircase virtually unobstructed for pedestrian use. The unit is CE marked and meets the requirements of the Machinery Directive and British Standard 5776, covering the use of powered stair lifts.
Julia Peyton-Jones, the Serpentine Gallery’s Director, is proud of its commitment to accessibility.
“We are very keen for all our activities to be accessible to the most diverse audiences.” She says. “This includes a strong commitment to make it as easy as possible for disabled visitors to enjoy our Exhibition, Architecture and Education Programmes.”
The Serpentine Gallery is situated in the heart of London’s Kensington Gardens in a grade II listed Tea Pavilion. It attracts more than 400,000 visitors a year to its galleries, which display contemporary art and architecture. It is funded primarily through corporate sponsorship and the support of individuals and charitable organisations. It also receives funding from the Arts Council of England and Westminster City Council. Each year, the Serpentine commissions an international architect of world acclaim to design a Pavilion, which will be sited on its lawn throughout the summer.
“One of the key features of Oscar Niemeyer’s design for the 2003 Pavilion is that the structure is on two different levels, a device characteristic of his architecture. The lift makes the auditorium, and therefore the building as a whole, fully accessible to anyone who finds stairs difficult to negotiate” continues Julia.
Installing a traditional platform lift, as an alternative to the stairs was not practical, due to the limited space within the Pavilion. The Premier, therefore, proved to be the ideal solution. It doesn’t take up valuable floor space and is extremely simple to install, requiring no civil or other foundation work. Premier is easy to use with simple “hold to run” push buttons. The platform is accessed over mechanically linked ramps, which form wheel stops when the lift is in motion. Both models are fitted with a host of safety devices, which ensure its safe operation. The safety arms and ramps are interlocked to the drive mechanism, inhibiting movement if they are not in the correct position. A safety plate fitted to the base of the platform stops the lift if there is an obstruction on the stairs.
Julia Peyton-Jones concludes, “As one of the leading suppliers in the field, Moveman’s support has been crucial in enabling the Serpentine to provide access to all its visitors.”
Service beyond the call of duty wins OCS Security award for Kevin
It would be difficult to choose whether providing valuable security advice or saving the life of a company director was the most important accomplishment that singled out OCS’ Kevin Campbell as the obvious recipient of the company’s ‘Security Officer of the Year Award’. The list of Kevin’s security achievements makes interesting and gripping reading, as he has addressed and dealt with some serious situations in an exemplary manner. Site security advice from Kevin resulted in the client’s installation of CCTV, access equipment, lighting and barriers to combat criminal damage and theft. Not content to limit his keen observation, Kevin even foiled the theft of expensive equipment from an adjacent site. While patrolling at night, Kevin noticed suspicious activity surrounding a JOB, subsequently valued at £120,000, on the nearby construction site. He called the police and proceeded to block the thieves’ getaway activities with his own car, which enabled the police to arrest the culprits and secure the JOB. But Kevin’s accomplishments don’t end there... When a visiting Director suddenly became ill, Kevin acted swiftly by calling the emergency services and acted under their instruction to keep the patient alive until their arrival. According to medical experts, this action was directly responsible for the survival and complete recovery of the patient. Commenting on the Security Officer of the Year Award, Guy Jones, Regional Director for London said, “These Awards provide an excellent opportunity for OCS to demons trate the pride and appreciation that it has for its employees and their achievements. We are extremely pleased to have Kevin as part of our team, he’s a shining example of what OCS security is all about” An all round credit to his profession, from his impeccable appearance to the customer service he provides, Kevin has been with OCS Security Services for 2 years and works permanently at Staines-based 0MG, a division of Microsoft.
Service is the key to effective entrance controls solutions
Laurence Goode, managing director of Broughton Controls, highlights some of the issues to be considered when selecting entrance control products.
The only effective way in which to make effective entrance control choices is to start with a fundamental understanding of the basic issues of traffic flow, rates of flow, safety, control systems, supervision, even the skill levels required for the operation and supervision of the equipment. It is also important to consider how critical the system is to the particular site with a view to failure procedures, maintenance and emergency repair support.
In the UK at the moment there is probably no more than a handful of companies capable of offering a true full service. A supplier that designs, manufactures, installs and maintains your system, will provide a better understanding of the application and limitations of equipment through its years of development and feedback and this helps ensure that you get the right product for the job.
Keeping your equipment running is obviously an essential part of the service you require. Any breakdown threatens the security and safety of your whole site, so you need a service provider that acts quickly and effectively. This doesn't mean how quickly an engineer turns up but how quickly your system is put back on line! Broughton Controls for example prides itself on fixing 80% off all call outs on the first visit and within 24hours of the breakdown being reported. Simply turning up, rendering your equipment safe but inoperable and then waiting a week for parts to arrive is not the sort of service you need when site security is at stake.
By bringing your potential provider into the project at an early stage it is far easier to achieve a cost effective operational design but you still need to examine specifications carefully, especially in competitive tender situations.
Under-specification is a common mistake. Take great care when making decisions on which supplier to use. There are many products out there in the market that are excellent in their own right when used in the right place but
industrial and commercial premises require a higher level of security, are subject to higher frequencies of use and require more complex and flexible control systems. Possibly two or three times more expensive as an initial installation, they will more than pay back that investment in reduced maintenance and repair costs as well as less quantifiable operational benefits.
Safety, service and security are the three key watchwords - purchasers would be well advised to choose their entrance control solutions and suppliers very carefully as ultimately it is their site and their responsibility.
Laurence Goode is managing director of Broughton Controls Ltd, a part of the Konematic group. Built up over the last twenty-five years into one of the UK's foremost entrance control specialists with design, manufacturing, installation and maintenance capability to ISO 9001 2000 accreditation, Broughton regularly works alongside major architects, specifiers and contractors and has a project list that includes Jaguar, BP, MOD Commonwealth Games Stadium, Manchester United, DaimlerChrysler, Tesco and BAe Systems.
Service Works relocation marks new phase in company’s growth
Facilities management software specialist Service Works Global has demonstrated continued impressive growth, resulting in a move to new offices in London.
The firm is relocating to the new premises as a result of its ongoing expansion which has included recent substantial growth in its UK business and a launch into overseas markets including the setting up of a subsidiary in Australia. The new offices in Putney will be three times the size of previous premises to accommodate the growing commercial and product development teams and to offer larger client facilities.
Servus is officially renamed
From 1 October, Servus Facilities Management Ltd has been officially re-named as part of its integration into the HBS Business Services Group, in a move, which further strengthens the market position of the two companies. The company will now be known as HBS Facilities Management Ltd and will continue to provide professional FM and management consultancy services for a wide range of Government and blue chip corporate clients in the UK and overseas.
HBS FM’s track record includes successful commissions in sectors as diverse as central and local government, commercial offices, retail developments, industrial facilities, hotels, hospitals, IT centres and airports.
Overall, The HBS Group has developed a leading position in the UK marketplace for business process outsourcing solutions (BPO) and demand, from both public and private sectors, continues to develop rapidly.
Now, backed by the HBS Group, HBS FM has the strength in depth to accept commissions of any scale and complexity, and the expertise, experience and capability to provide the highest standards of service in every case. As a Group HBS can now offer access to a unique combination of complementary services, skills and experience in every aspect of business support consultancy and management.
HBS FM Managing Director Matt Horridge comments “The integration of HBS FM into HBS Group is the next exciting stage in the evolution of the company. The business development opportunities and the additional benefits on offer to existing Clients are already proving plentiful. The inevitable consolidation within the FM and BPO sectors is gaining pace and HBS are at the forefront. This move takes HBS FM into a different league providing the financial, technical and intellectual support required to continue the growth of the business.”
SES Maintenance scoop top sport, commercial, hotel & hospital contracts
SES Maintenance - the building services maintenance arm of Shepherd Engineering Services (SES) - has recently scooped four top maintenance contracts in Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds.
In Manchester the new contracts include the new English Institute of Sport (EIS) facilities, which were used in the recent 2002 Commonwealth Games, and the 14-storey Friends Provident building in King Street. In Birmingham, the company has secured the new Malmaison Hotel contract, which is situated in the city’s fashionable Mail Box building and due to open later this year. And finally in Leeds, SES Maintenance has been contracted to supply a specialist service at the new Nuffield Hospital.
At EIS, after successfully keeping the buildings maintained during the busy Games period, SES Maintenance has now been contracted to provide planned maintenance support to all mechanical and electrical installations including heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, water services and stand-by power generator. This service will cover the newly built National Squash Centre, Indoor/ Outdoor athletics facilities and the new Lawn Tennis Association Centre of Excellence.
At Friends Provident, where SES Maintenance has provided building services cover for the last seven years, it will continue its relationship with the company after successfully retaining its maintenance contract for a further seven-year term contract.
The Malmaison Hotel will receive a comprehensive maintenance and customer care service programme.
In addition to the planned maintenance support programme all three contracts will be provided with an out-of-hours emergency service.
Mike Baker, SES Maintenance’s General Manager, said: “SES Maintenance has extensive experience in the management and operation of multi-site maintenance contracts, leaving the client to get on with focussing on their core business.”
Sessions House Day Spa, Beverley
IMIJ Property Holdings has recently chosen Ideal Standard as its preferred supplier of sanitary products to refurbish the prestigious Sessions Day Spa in Beverley, Yorkshire. The impressive 200 year old former Crown Court has been awarded the Grade 2 (star) listing, placing it in the top 4 percent of buildings in the country and has recently been brought back to life and transformed into a luxurious day spa. Despite the historical charm attached to the building, IMIJ Managing Director Jimi Parkinson had the complete opposite of period charm and tradition in mind for the interior refurbishment. Contemporary and cutting edge products were order of the day in order to create a stylish beauty haven offering an extensive range of treatments for hair, face, body and nails. "We wanted to find a building and location that would be exactly right for the Spa and our patience has been rewarded", comments Jimi. "We also spent a lot of time looking round various sanitary ware showrooms, however the products by Ideal-Standard stood out way beyond the rest in terms of quality and affordability. We were looking for cutting edge products at competitive prices to complement our own service ethos of luxury at an affordable price." The property was acquired in 2003 and work began following the necessary planning and listed building consent being obtained. Ideal-Standard has since provided the Spa with a stunning selection of full sanitary ware, including vitreous china, showers and enclosures, bath and disabled facilities from the latest in bathroom design. The Spa opened to the public in November 2004 and is now recognised as the most prestigious privately owned day spa in the country. Ideal Standard proposed Tonic and the Twenty 20 range from Sottini for the washroom areas. Tonic, part of the Art, Design and Sculpture collection, is a modern and comprehensive suite with a simple design, thus making it highly versatile and appealing to a wide range of tastes and requirements. The Tonic 65cm basins are complemented by B0rma Al basin mixers. These basins sit perfectly with Tonic furniture units, or on semi pedestals and Tonic accessories including shelf and lotion dispensers add the finishing touch. The crisp design of the Tonic close coupled and wall mounted WCs gives a clean and completely contemporary feel in the bathroom areas. The Twenty 20 hand rinse basins are based on the simple geometric shape of the circle to create a distinctive and unique look. "We have had a lot of positive feedback regarding the sanitary ware," continues Parkinson. "A great many of our customers comment on the sanitary products and assume that they have been specifically designed for the Spa. Wall hung toilets are a novelty and even something as simple as a toilet roll holder has become a talking point!" Probably the most talked about architectural feature is the revolutionary Shower Tube, affectionately known as "Nessy" to the Spa team! Sessions House Day Spa is the first building in the country to have installed this product and now houses two of them. The Shower Tube, conception of French designer Marc Sadler, offers a completely new approach to shower delivery. Using stainless steel and a lot of imagination, Marc Sadler has transformed the humble shower kit into a real design statement. The shower tube stands 2200mm tall with a diameter of 100mm and delivers water through a Trevi Outline three function shower head and a Trevi Therm valve. Also installed within the Spa are the innovative Calista shower columns mounted within Calista Corner and Contour enclosures and a Yin Yang hydromassage bath. "As well-being becomes a key part of everyday life, customers now expect facilities and products with an added edge of luxury especially within the Spa environment. The Calista shower column and Yin Yang bath provide the ultimate in invigorating all over body experiences, and at the same time we were equally seduced by the elegant designs available", says Parkinson. "Throughout the refurbishment the team at Ideal-Standard have provided first class product options and an excellent service. Not only do they have a strong understanding of our needs, but there has been easy access to expertise at all times. After seeing the products and working with the team, Ideal-Standard was the natural choice. We have been extremely pleased with the result and look forward to working with Ideal-Standard on future projects." Further projects are likely with a gourmet restaurant planned for the existing Spa and the possible development of an "Express Beauty" site.
Set Solutions launches Asbestos Helpline
SET Solutions has launched a free helpline for the large number of companies likely to need urgent advice before the new ‘Duty of Cares legislation on asbestos comes into force on May 21 2004. The London-based Safety, Environmental and Traffic Consultancy, is expecting a high number of calls to the 020 7474 6667 number as the deadline gets closer. Said Director Steve Gerring: ‘We believe that as many as two thirds of companies who could be affected have not yet put an action plan in place to comply with the ‘Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 (CAWR)’ and over half do not even know that the regulations have changed”. As from May 21 the ‘duty holder’ for any non-domestic building - who could be the owner or occupier - has a responsibility to check for the existence of asbestos in the building, assess any risk, and put in place a plan to manage that risk. Asbestos is currently the UK’s biggest occupational health killer. It accounted for some 3,000 deaths in 2003, 25% of whom worked in the building industry. It is estimated that, if the current situation is not checked there could be up to 10,000 deaths a year by 2010. Added Steve Gerring: “The Health and Safety Executive estimates there are still many thousands of tons of asbestos in up to 500,000 non-domestic buildings. Each one of these needs to comply with the new legislation, and must identify all of the asbestos containing materials (ACM’s) located within the building to enable an action/management plan to be drafted and decision made on an appropriate course of action. “A survey of the premises, if required, is not something that can be done by untrained personnel, and under no circumstances should untrained people touch anything they think is asbestos without full protective clothing and the appropriate equipment which in many cases cost more than the price of a professional survey”. The likely fines for non-compliance are considerable. Recent court cases have seen companies or organisations fined £50,000 plus costs of £10,235 for breaking the existing asbestos laws. SET Solutions, who were highly commended in the East London & Essex ‘New Company of the Year’ business awards, offers three types of asbestos surveys, all of which are in accordance with the HSE guidance MDHS 100, and can be combined to suit clients’ requirements. Type 1 involves a visual inspection of all materials, and is sufficient to strongly presume the existence of asbestos. Type 2 involves the sampling of suspect materials, and is sufficient to confirm the presence of asbestos. All materials are sampled and are tested at a UKAS accredited laboratory. Type 3 involves gaining access to all known parts of the building, including those not normally accessible such as service ducts, under floor spaces and cavities, to detect any asbestos concealed within the building structure. This type would be carried out prior to any demolition or major refurbishment work. SET Solutions has considerable experience across various industry sectors, has obtained ISO standard 9000, and can offer the following additional services: • Traffic management strategies • Environmental services • Planning supervisor services • Food safety services • Company procedure manuals • Health and safety policy • Contractor safety management • Company audits and inspections • Portable appliance testing • Safety signage surveys • Fire extinguisher servicing It also runs a wide range of training courses covering general health and safety, emergency response, construction safety, traffic management and food safety.
Seven year programme
Lymm Water Tower in Cheshire is reaching the end of a seven-year construction programme, with a number of woodcare products from the Akzo Nobel range used on this epic project. The Victorian stone water tower was purchased by the Harris family, with the idea of rescuing the derelict and historic Grade II listed building to create a family home. The project was complex, and meticulous attention was paid to the specification detail to ensure that the products chosen matched the character of the existing building and the tone of the new design. Involving three sets of architects, and with 60 partnering companies involved in the construction process, work began on the project in 2002. "The aim is to blend contemporary design with the building's traditional features, resulting in simple yet powerful detailing," explains co-owner, Jannette Harris. Sikkens supplied products from its Cetol range for application both internally and externally, with Cetol THB used on the English oak front and back doors. The solvent borne, semi-gloss product protects the timber, while at the same time bringing out the natural beauty of the solid wood. All the internal timber was treated with Sikkens coatings. Although the building is 130 years old, the contemporary redevelopment enhances the beauty of the structure, and only the highest quality materials and products were utilised. Architects Ellis Williams produced a brief that brought calm modernism to the tower, while focusing on sensitive, modern architectural detail. The use of the high performance Sikkens range of woodstains ensures optimum protection and durability. The Harris family are on target to move into the property at the end of April, and their labour of love is being chronicled in a 15-part TV series, produced by Little Planet Pictures for UK Style.
Shackerley develops solution to meet DDA requirements
The deadline for compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) is fast approaching, and to assist and alert the visually impaired, the installation of distinctive flooring will shortly be required in virtually every public area and building. Well prepared to help specifiers and facilities managers fulfil their responsibilities under the Act, Shackerley (Holdings) Group, one of the UK’s largest suppliers of ceramic granite flooring, has developed a unique range of specialist ceramic granite tactile tiles to meet these particular DDA specifications.
“The Act requires that all staircases and escalators, and even single steps, in every public area and public building should have a panel of corduroy ridged tactile paving at the top and bottom to act as a warning to those unable to see the hazard ahead of them,” explains Brian Newell, Shackerley’s Chairman. “Tactile paving is a form of ‘foot Braille’, and the visually impaired are alerted to the presence of specific hazards by the different surface configurations, profiles and colours of the paving.
“Most people are used to seeing tactile floor surfaces at the edge of pedestrian crossings and at the platform edges in train stations,” says Brian, “However, with the advent of the DDA, by far the most widespread requirement to concern architects, designers, specifiers and facilities managers will be the need to install corduroy ridged surfaces at the top and bottom of staircases. How many buildings don’t have stairs or at the very least a few single steps which will need to be considered before the Act comes into full force in 2004?”
Shackerley has developed a unique range of ceramic granite tactile tiles to conform to the specifications of the DDA as Brian explains: “Suitable for interior and exterior use, our range complies with the requirements of several major bodies and authorities including the Joint Mobility Unit of the RNIB. It also complies with British and European Standards and with UK legislation.
“Ceramic granite is particularly well suited for this application, being the most durable flooring material available. Furthermore, our tactile tiles are reinforced with corundum, an element second only in hardness to diamond, so they’re extremely strong and resistant to wear. They’re colourfast, won’t stain and are simple to clean and maintain. Our tactile tiles can be inset into most existing floor finishes, and they’re also available in special prescribed colours so that providing a contrast with the main body of the flooring, another DDA requirement, is simple to achieve.
“Our tactile tiles have been specified for large and small developments across the UK,” adds Brian. “We know precisely which types are required for specific applications, and the best methods of bedding and fixing them. Our considerable experience of their installation coupled with the technical advice and the support we offer means that our customers can have total confidence in the compliance of their tactile surface installation to the DDA requirements.”
Shackerley helps to protect floorcoverings at Swiss RE’s new HQ
Heavy duty Sentinel entrance matting has been supplied to a bespoke design by Shackerley Holdings Group Limited for the iconic London headquarters of the global reinsurance company, Swiss Re. The exterior entrances to the 40-storey building at 30 St Mary Axe, known to many affectionately as ‘The Gherkin’ because of its distinctive shape and design, have been fitted with specially prefabricated Sentinel mats from the Lancashire manufacturer. These will provide a first line of defence against the footborne soil that will inevitably be trafficked into the premises by the tenants of the building (expected to exceed 3000 when it is fully occupied), and the many clients and visitors crossing the threshold of the building daily from the plaza.
Brian Newell, Group Chairman of Shackerley and a founder member of the Entrance Flooring Systems Association said his company had been delighted to supply Sentinel mats for one of London’s newest and most spectacular landmarks: “ This project has given Shackerley an opportunity to demonstrate its ability to design and prefabricate Sentinel matting to meet demanding aesthetic and performance specifications,” he explained. “The distinctive geometric lines and radii of this stunning building were to be echoed at ground level, even within the shape and design of the exterior mats.”
Brian continued: “Although covered, the entrance areas are in semi-exposed positions which meant that a Gap System was required for this project. While the construction and profiles of the specified mats were from the standard Sentinel Gap System range, complete with Shackerley’s synthetic rubber inserts, they had to be cut to create a semi-circular design, radiating from a centre point. We worked closely with the contractors responsible for installing all the floorcoverings in the busy reception area to the building. To ensure that the aesthetic design from Foster and Partners was translated correctly, we worked to a precise template and supplied all the exterior mats in prefabricated sections for simplified installation.”
Shackerley launches fully integrated floor covering system
Shackerley (Holdings) Group Limited, best known in the flooring industry for its exceptionally durable ceramic granite slabs and tiles and comprehensive range of hard floor finishes, has entered the heavy contract carpet tile market. As a logical extension of its successfiM Sentinel exterior and interior entrance barrier matting ranges, Shackerley is now introducing the new Cotswold Collection, a portfolio of frilly integrated floorcoverings, providing an ingenious system solution to specifiers and contractors working in commercial interiors.
Divided into four ‘zoned’ areas the Cotswold Collection features Sentinel exterior barrier matting (Zone 1), Sentinel primary entrance barrier matting (Zone 2), and introduces a new range of barrier carpet tiles (Zone 3) complemented by new heavy contract cut pile and loop pile carpet tiles (Zone 4). The Cotswold Collection is cleverly colour co-ordinated and incorporates a wide palette of commercially attractive shades to cater for the most demanding aesthetic design briefs.
The ‘barrier’ tiles in the Cotswold Collection are designed for installation at, and beyond, the perimeter of the internal entrance barrier matting, providing an unobtrusive yet highly effective method of removing from the undersoles of shoes any residual soil not captured by the first and second ‘lines of defence’. To the untrained eye these barrier tiles are indistinguishable from conventional cut pile carpet tiles. However, their monofilament fibres, interspersed between the carpet tufts, perform a scouring action and provide an additional cleaning process. Available in twelve colours, the barrier tiles are offered in 50cm x 50cm formats as standard or in widths up to 200cm on request.
Shackerley’s new looped pile carpet tiles are designed for all types of commercial interiors where heavy pedestrian traffic demands exceptional durability, such as corridors, staircases and busy offices. Attractive and resilient, these heavy duty 50cm x 50cm carpet tiles are offered in a spectrum of 36 different colours, and further exclusive patterns and colourways can be manufactured to meet specific design briefs (subject to minimum order quantities).
Combining the same standard of durability and resilience with a more luxurious texture and appearance, Shackerley’s new cut pile carpet tiles are ideally suited for the boardroom and for prestigious interior design projects. These sumptuous tiles are available in twelve attractive colours and complete the soft floorcovering ranges offered in the Cotswold Collection.
Shackerley offers a comprehensive advisory service to specifiers and contractors covering all aspects of entrance barrier matting design and templating, and specification of complementary heavy contract carpet tiles.
Shackerly's glass blocks shed new light on office design
The impact of the glass block on contemporary architecture and interior design in the commercial sector has been phenomenal. This deceptively simple building block is inspiring designers and architects to create exciting working environments with stunning translucent walls and features which really maximise the availability of natural light throughout. Shackerley Holdings Group Limited is one of the UK's largest glass block distributors, supplying beautifully designed, premium quality glass blocks in an exceptional range of colour tones, textures and decorative finishes. These versatile building materials offer almost limitless design options for the modern office environment, literally shedding new light on the way workspaces are partitioned and zoned. The range includes geometrical profiles and curved and corner blocks for a completely cohesive look, and also fire rated blocks for areas requiring additional security. Shackerley has made the perfectly aligned glass block wall much easier to achieve with its clever self-aligning plastic spacers and specially modified glass block mortar. For those wishing to avoid the use of mortar altogether, the manufacturer has developed and patented a revolutionary dry-fix glass block assembly method. The Queen's Award winning Framelight system is ideal for use in the commercial environment. When office spaces need to be delineated, Framelight partitions are quick and easy to assemble without the need for messy and disruptive building works. Should the office interiors need to be 're-zoned', the Framelight system can just as easily be dismantled and reassembled elsewhere.
SHADE from NORDPLAN sets new benchmark for document storage
SHADE, a new range of space-saving mobile storage systems, has been launched by NORDPLAN. SHADE combines an elegant uncomplicated appearance with easy-to-use controls and a wealth of operational and safety features. This unique blend of stylish and intuitive design, robust construction and cutting-edge technology sets a new benchmark for high-density systems. Renowned industrial and commercial designer, Jacob Jensen has developed SHADE exclusively for NORDPLAN. Stylish steel wraparound fascias combine with elegant black controls and index strips to give the range its distinctive look. It belies the view that high-density mobile systems are purely functional and only appropriate for archives. SHADE is the ideal solution for any workplace or public-access environment where documents and files are regularly used. SHADE builds on the success of NORDPLAN's previous mobile systems, using a design underpinned by the same durable carriage, base and multi-track construction. The range has electronic, mechanical and static options. The electronic SHADE E9000 has easy-to-use touch-screen controls for effortless access. SHADE M9000 is mechanically operated. With ultra-low gearing, users can move entire banks of fully loaded units with minimal effort. SHADE S9000 offers a static storage option with the same elegant finish as the mobile versions.
Shakespear’s Globe extract ductwork given the star treatment
Indepth Hygiene Services Ltd has completed a thorough deep clean of kitchen grease extract ductwork at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on the south bank of the River Thames, opposite St Paul’s Cathedral in London, thereby protecting this outstanding wooden structure from the potential threat of fire. Completed in 1997, the Globe Theatre is a faithful reconstruction of the open-air playhouse designed in 1599, where Shakespeare worked and for which he wrote many of his greatest plays. Today, audiences of up to 1,500 people sit in a covered gallery or stand informally as a “groundling” in the yard, as they would have done 400 years ago. Although the theatre season runs from May to September, the Globe’s popular exhibition and education facilities are open all year and the centre attracts more than 700,000 people every year. To cater for these visitors, Shakespeare’s Globe offers a range of function rooms, as well as a café and restaurant, which are supplied by a main kitchen located on the lower ground floor and a banqueting kitchen in the basement. A system of horizontal and vertical ductwork connects the canopies in the kitchens to two inline fans, which extract hot, greasy air to a roof-level exhaust. Over time, grease is deposited on the inside of the ductwork and extract fans and, if it is not regularly removed, builds up and begins to represent a serious fire hazard as well as a threat to food hygiene. An inspection of the Globe’s extract ductwork by Indepth Hygiene revealed a significant build up of grease on the fans and inside the ductwork. As a result, a thorough clean of the entire extract system was carried out. Because much of the ductwork was inaccessible a large number of new access panels had to be installed to enable Indepth Hygiene’s operatives to thoroughly clean inside the ducts. The work had to be fitted in between performances and functions, so work was often only permitted between the hours of 11pm and 6am. After completion of the clean, in addition to the usual certificate of fire safety, Indepth Hygiene provided a post-clean report including schematic drawings of the system that indicate the location of all access panels to make future cleans quicker and easier. As a result of the deep clean of the Globe Theatre’s grease extract ductwork, a potentially serious fire hazard has been removed, increasing the safety of visitors, staff and performers at this internationally renowned theatrical venue.
Sheffield Hallam University upgrades to Morley-IAS Fire Systems
Sheffield Hallam is one of the UK's largest Universities with over 3000 staff offering more than 700 courses to 28,000 students; the University is also a significant force in post-graduate research and has close contacts with industry. Based on campuses in and around Sheffield city centre, the University's Facilities Management team were faced with the all too common problem of how to replace and upgrade existing self-contained fire protection systems to bring the quality of cover up to the latest standards. Maintaining continuity during the upgrade, minimising cost and disruption, providing a future-proofed system for further enhancements and ongoing maintenance requirements were the key considerations.
Morley-IAS Fire Systems carried out extensive compatibility testing, planned and monitored by M & E Consultants Service Design Associates, with the three different types of installed system. Following the satisfactory completion of the tests, the University's Project Manager, David Livingstone, chose the ZX range of intelligent control panels as the new platform. The ZX is a multi-protocol panel, compatible with the communication protocols from the leading addressable sensor manufacturers, Apollo, Hochiki, Nittan and System Sensor Europe, so the existing fire systems installed in the various buildings could be sequentially connected to the new panels without new detectors having to be installed. The ZX also features integral secure RS485 networking capability, providing multi-building distributed control with up to 99 interlinked panels. The new system will provide a single main reporting point in the fire, security and access control management centre, with a graphic interface enabled over a RS485 serial link to the University's facilities management suite that allows remote monitoring of the system's status by authorised and trained managers.
Morley-IAS have more than 400 approved and trained installers of their equipment located throughout the UK; five firms were asked to tender and Overton Electrical Services Ltd, who had already installed several systems in prestigious local sites, were awarded the contract. The initial phase, covering the City Centre Campus of nine buildings, started on 1 July and will finish at the end of August, with each building having to rely on manual activation of the fire protection system for one day or less during the upgrade. The other campus buildings will be integrated into the new networked system on a rolling basis.
Sheffield school sports a new roof
The roof of the Firvale sports hall in Rusby Street, Sheffield, has recently been refurbished using Sikaplan, The Sika-Trocal re-enforced membrane.
The sports hall is jointly owned by Firvale School and Sheffield City Council. The brief to replace the 25 year old existing asphalt roof, which contained excess moisture, was that the new roof should have a life expectancy of 25 years and was to be within a limited budget. Additionally, there was to be minimal disruption to the school’s programmes.
The specification from Sika Limited entailed leaving the existing roof in-situ and mechanically fastening Sikaplan 12VG roofing membrane over the existing structure. As the Sikaplan membrane is vapour permeable, trapped moisture in the old roof will evaporate.
Shocking truth about electric fencing
Most companies seeking to protect their property are unsure about the legality of using electric fencing, according to security specialists Amberley Security. However, it is legal to use electric fences as part of a security programme as long as certain criteria have been met. Amberley Security has been providing security solutions to business and homeowners in the region since 1927, and has recently been awarded the prestigious dealership to provide an innovative new wall-top fencing solution, the Medal Walltop Power Fencing Kit. Developed for the domestic and industrial markets in New Zealand, the Medal Walltop Power Fence is effective in providing deterrent and detection from would-be intruders and protecting buildings and equipment. The Medal Energizer sends regulated electrical pulses every 1.3 seconds around the Power Fence which give a short, sharp, but safe shock. Using only 4J of electrical energy, it is well below the European Standard for energizers. Remote monitoring is available through an alarm system, which monitors pulses and activates an alarm if the intruder persists in climbing or cutting the fence. It’s flexible and slimline design is aesthetically pleasing, while it is held in place by a locked cap. ‘This product is ideal for small enterprises or companies with a tight budget for security,’ says Scott Andrews, Director of Amberley Security. ‘At a cost of £10 to £15 per metre fully fitted, clients have had effective protection with as little as 10 metres of fencing. With UV stability for longer life and only 40 Watts being pulsed through the fence, it is also very inexpensive to run.’ ‘To comply with the law, clients must also display clear warning signs, which we supply alongside the fencing kits, and the fencing may only be used on walls at least 1.8 metres high. We can safely recommend this new product in the knowledge that all standards and legal issues have been met.’
Shopping centre’s 50 metre high sign appears overnight
Shoppers at the recently completed town centre Brewery Shopping Centre in Romford, Essex got something of a shock when, overnight, a new sign appeared on one of the town’s Landmark structures. The 50-metre high chimney, focal point of the shopping centre deveLopment and a Leftover from the days when the site was a TetLey brewery, was sporting a new Brewery sign that was erected by signage specialist, Active Signs, with the invaluabLe aid of a Nationwide Skylift truck-mounted boom. In addition to having to ensure that its erectors had a safe working platform, Active Signs, which is based in Ramsgate and is one of the country’s leading sign makers specialising in the retail sector, had to undertake the installation between 11 OOpm and TOOam the following morning. With such a tight time constraint, powered access was the only solution, and the company soon realised that a truck-mounted boom would offer the speed and manoeuvrability that would be essential for the task to be completed in just eight hours. One of Nationwide’s Bronto 72 HLA machines from the company’s Skylift truck-mount range was chosen for the task. In addition to its impressive 72-metre working height, its outreach of more than 27.7 metres meant that it could effortlessly reach over the chimney’s plinth. Its 1.25-metre by 2.2-metre working platform provided ample space for Active Sign’s erectors and their tools. Another consideration in favour of a truck-mounted solution was the machine’s ability to be fully operational within minutes of arrival on site and then move quickly from one vantage point to another to give Active Sign’s staff the best possible access to undertake the installation. This versatility was further boosted by the Bronto’s ability to rotate its cage 45 degrees in either direction via fingertip controls located on the work platform. The Skylift machine - which was by no means the first powered access solution the company has hired from Nationwide - came with a fully qualified, Nationwide-trained operator, whose experience in overcoming access problems made a significant contribution towards achieving the tight deadline. Nationwide is headquartered in Lutterworth, Leicestershire and is the country’s market leader in powered access rental with a hire fleet that is twice the size of its nearest competitor.
Should you strip or overlay?
A new guide to the options available when flat roof problems are encountered is available from Tremco Ltd.
With nearly 50 years experience in flat roofing specification, replacement and repair, Tremco has wide experience in tackling all manner of flat roof problems.
The new guide details the company’s services, which include a free site survey, design, specification and contracting.
Tremco can also provide the most advanced infra-red survey available for flat roofing in the UK. This gives the exact location of all wet insulation and all the facts that specifiers need to make the best decision.
Show partner to provide member facilities
The British Fire Protection Systems Association (BFPSA) and the Fire Extinguishing Trades Association (FETA) will be joining other associations (ICEL, BASA and FIRESA) representing the various facets of the fire protection industry as part of the Fire Industry Confederation (FIC) stand at International Fire Expo 2005. The FIC is once again partnering CMPi in hosting the fourth International Fire Expo, with their stand this year taking the form of a 170m2 Business Centre that will provide a range of facilities for its members and an International Visitors Lounge. Facilities will include two meeting rooms for exclusive use by FIC members, with the Lounge equipped with a high-speed broadband internet connection. In addition, the constituent trade associations which make up the Confederation will have displays and representatives providing information pertinent to their areas of specialist operations. Information will be provided on a range of subjects, from membership to training, with both the BFPSA and FETA keen to promote the benefits of third party certification following the decision by both associations to make this a condition of membership. Directories containing full details of member companies will be available.
Shurgard select Modus FM
Modus FM, a division of Modus Group has signed a 3-year contact worth £450,000 p.a. with London based Self-Storage company, Shurgard. Shurgard who provide secure storage, heated and ventilated rooms for items sensitive to temperature for both private individuals and commercial organisations chose Modus FM following an extensive property review to provide a comprehensive service in their London and regional sites. Modus is recognised as a leader in delivering such aspects of facilities management including M&E, Intruder / Access control, Air conditioning, Cleaning, grounds maintenance. In addition the 24-hour helpdesk provides a rapid response service meeting high standards of efficiency and performance, allowing Shurgard to concentrate on their core business.
Siemens delivers all desired VSD features
The SED2 from Siemens Building Technologies is the first variable speed drive to be designed and built by a building management controls company. A combination of over 100 years industry experience and the latest technology have been used to achieve a variable speed drive designed specifically for HVAC applications.
The SED2 incorporates a universal keypad throughout the 0.37 kW to 90 kW range, enabling fast and easy commissioning and simple operation for the user. Two keypads are available; Basic Operator Panel (BOP) supplied as standard and Advanced Operator Panel (AOP) with four-line clear text display. The AOP keypad can store, upload and download 10 complete parameter sets, has an integrated seven-day timer function and provides hand/off/auto control. Meanwhile, the intelligent 1P20 and 1P54 designs allow side-by-side mounting within panel and control room environments. The complete range incorporates an enhanced EMC low-noise Class B filter making it suitable for all types of buildings. The innovative harmonic design, unique to the SED2, helps eradicate the need for motor line chokes.
Conceived in the era of energy conservation and with the advent of the climate change levy, the SED2 incorporates unique functionality that optimises the energy saving capacity of centrifugal fan and pump applications, helping to reduce operating costs for the customer. In addition to the savings that can be made by controlling the system, unique design features ensure that the SED2 reduces motor and VSD energy losses.
Compatible with all commonly used induction motors the SED2 range has built-in PID for fast and accurate pressure control. Pump and fan staging is available as standard in multi-motor applications where constant pressure or flow is required. The SED2 will even perform a soft start function and control an external bypass contactor if running at 50 Hz for excessive periods, saving component energy losses. Additionally the bypass function can be operated from a programmable input during VSD failure helping to reduce downtime.
The SED2’s comprehensive diagnostics and monitoring ensures that faults are rapidly addressed and down time is kept to a minimum. The SED2 will detect and display 30 error codes from V-belt failure to mains phase loss and these are displayed on the keypad.
The range has been designed with the user in mind and the innovative solutions for HVAC applications ensures that SED2 customers will benefit from maximum flexibility with the minimum of the associated engineering, programming and operating costs.
Siemens Surveillance for Ramada Jarvis Hotels
The digital image management system (VDR5I6-16CD) from Siemens Building Technologies, Fire & Security Products (FSP) is providing security surveillance at prestigious hotels, leisure and conference centres owned by one of the UK‘s leading hotel companies - Ramada Jarvis plc. Installed and commissioned by Vaults Fire & Security, the VDR516-16CD systems have been filled to protect the car parks, hotel facilities, foyers and conferencing areas of the hotels. Using the latest in digital storage technology, the VDR5I6-16CD is a unique self-contained surveillance and recording system, which under normal conditions requires no human intervention, with no tapes to change and backups to store. Images recorded just seconds or days before can be quickly viewed picture by picture or as a continuous sequence. Event search, fast forward, image rewind, can all take place whilst still recording and displaying live images from all the connected cameras. There is a digital zoom facility,which allows critical information within the image to be enlarged for further investigation. The VDR516-160D can be linked to 16 cameras and records complete digital images in JPEG format. These images with improved resolution, maintain their quality no matter how many times they are replayed and will not degrade over time. The system also features an ‘Easy Search’ facility whereby the operator can hone in on a particular area under surveillance with a simple click and drag of a mouse. Once selected, clicking play on the screen’s virtual keyboard, display’s images of activity occurring in the area in question. Damage to vehicles, missing articles, personnel moving through access areas can all be found within seconds rather than minutes or hours. With a hard drive capacity of 160Gb, the VDR516-16CD can store 3,180 000 images, 360Gb versions are also available to order. Single images can be easily exported for viewing on a PC via a 3.5” floppy disk. A standard PC printer can be directly connected to the VDR to print a hard copy of any image or zoomed segment of an image including time, date and camera title. An on board CD- writer is also featured which allows multiple camera sequences to be burnt on to a CD as usable evidence of an incident. During this process the system transfers a copy of the software and virtual keyboard with the images to the CD. Allowing the viewer to use the same features of the system in any PC or laptop with a windows operating system. For extended connectivity VDR5I6-16CD has an on board network card and software capable of using Ethernet LAN cable structures. The VDR716-16CD (700 series machine) also has an ISDN dial—up facility allowing LAN and WAN networking as well as direct dial connections. The 700 series software allows simultaneous connection to several VDR700-I6CD recorders for multisite viewing. Commenting on the system, Peter Danks, Director of Vaults Fire & Security said - “The VDR516-16CD is event driven which means less time is spent on the retrieval and inspection of images, therefore an investigation can be closed much faster. It also allows for the e-mail of possible fraud/theft images to local hotels, making it the ideal choice for such an installation. The system is both engineer and user friendly and we were particularly impressed by the one box solution’ allowing all ancillaries, including the CD and floppy drive, to be housed within the same unit. We find the VDR a very versatile piece of hardware that will enhance many and varied applications”.
Signs are subject to change
Whatever the information you have on display, in the majority of cases it will need to be updated at some point. Sometimes daily, sometimes weekly or maybe not until a department or facility is relocated. However, the LottaBoard sign system can easily cater for change. The LottaBoard utilises a unique, patented, method that allows individual letters and name strips, for more permanent information, to be changed with ease. The elements are simply held by magnetic attraction. However, the very clever feature is that they self align. Awarded a Millennium Product Award by the Design Council, the LottaBoard sign is specially constructed with a specific pitch to the magnetic poles. As the name strips or individual letters are placed on the board, they automatically align themselves. What is more, once the slightly smoked acrylic cover is then attached, also by magnetic strips, the lines between the letters disappear to give the signs the impression of permanence. The LottaBoard system is styled in a very contemporary manner. However, it is suitable for a large number of different interiors as the detailing can be matched to the design and decor of your interior. The LottaBoard system is available in many different sizes and formats, from a simple wall or desk / door plate through to a large A2 sized sign. The LottaBoard can be supplied for wall mounting, suspending on cables or rods and in a number of different free-standing monolith designs.
Simmtronic lighting control system also operates the blinds at Moor House
When Simmtronic supplied and commissioned its SPECS3 fully addressable lighting controls into the impressive I9-storey, 330,000 sq.ft. Moor House office development, in the City of London, it integrated blind controls into the system. Electrical contractor Skanska UK commissioned Simmtronic to provide a Cat.A lighting control scheme that enabled incoming tenants to benefit from a fully addressable system from day one, with the flexibility to tailor-in specific requirements - presence detection, scene-setting, dimming, photocell control, etc. The Simmtronic SPECS3 system was engineered to offer full addressability of every luminaire controlled from a central supervisor PC, and providing a platform for local controls to be added to meet exact tenant requirements. An innovative feature of the scheme was the integration of blind control modules to lift, tilt and close blinds. This has been configured to control a whole facade, yet is individually addressable so that control can be segregated down to individual office level, if required. The Cat A system is now successfully installed and commissioned and the precise requirements of occupants will be accommodated in subsequent Cat B fit-outs. Simmtronic has successfully completed more than 500 commercial projects, supplying future-proof, fully addressable lighting control systems for many of the UK's largest and most prestigious corporate developments.
Simmtronic lighting controls employed at Marks & Spencer HQ
Simmtronic has supplied the complete lighting control system installed in Marks & Spencer's new HQ at 1 & 2 Waterside, Paddington Basin, having initially successfully fulfilled the lighting controls contract on the building shell and core. When Marks & Spencer took the building, electrical contractor Hills Electrical called on Simmtronic again to provide the lighting controls for the full Cat B fit-out, tailored to meet the precise requirement of the new tenant. On this dramatic I 0-storey office development, the consultants elected to have mainsborne signalling as it simplified installation into what is a conventionally wired building. The SPECS3 system supplied by Simmtronic combines energy-efficient, variable daylight linking and occupancy control, driven by over 1300 lighting control modules. Throughout the main open plan areas presence based control is employed with energy-saving photocell dimming control on perimeter lights responding to daylight penetration. Meeting rooms have been provided with scene setting functions and Simmtronic has employed presence detection linked to a specially produced display panel, representing the floor layout, to provide a constant indicator of each meeting room's occupancy/availability. The lighting control system has also been utilized to monitor disabled toilet alarms. Simmtronic has completed more than 500 commercial projects, supplying future-proof, fully addressable lighting control systems for many of the UK's largest and most prestigious corporate development.
Simmtronic lighting controls for new BBC White City media centre
Simmtronic has engineered and supplied fully addressable lighting control systems for all buildings at Media Village - the BBC’s new 80,0002m. development at White City, London. Using its proprietary SPECS3 technology, it has provided the project’s main electrical contractor, T. Clarke Plc, with advanced systems for the full fit-out of the Central Office building, the Broadcast Centre and main entrance and also open plan Cat A systems for the north and south perimeter buildings. For this project, Simmtronic’s intelligent presence based SPECS3 lighting control system has been engineered to operate the 20,000 luminaires through digital light fittings and Tridonic DSI ballasts. In all there were more than 25,000 commissioning points including 2,000 LCM’s, over 2000 universal sensors, 2,000 emergency monitoring devices plus energy saving links for fan coils, in response to presence detection. Additionally, Simmtronic has provided a facility for scene setting, using radio switches which are fitted discreetly inside desking for ‘local’ light dimming. Simmtronic has also recently been awarded a contract to supply the lighting controls for Phase I of the redevelopment of Broadcasting House, London WI, which is to become the new home of BBC Radio & Music, BBC News and BBC World Service.
Simmtronics news compact LCMs accommodate DALI technology
Simmtronic has expanded its SPECS3 range of fully-addressable lighting controls with the introduction of systems for corporate development projects where DALI electronic ballasts are specified. The Company has launched two new compact LCMs for use within chilled beams and structured suspended ceiling luminaires and further developed its well-proven 9-output LCM to accommodate DALI technology in office environments. The compact new single and 3 output LCMs are ideal for use in tight bulkheads and ceiling voids. t~otIr can control up to 18 DALI ballast, accommodate up to I 0 input devices (switches, presence detectors etc.) and incorporate emergency relay. The single output module has been designed with a 40mm profile -making it slim enough for installation within chilled beams. With the 3-output module the eighteen DALI ballasts can be connected to one output leaving two spare ports for future use and with conventionally switched luminaires. Simmtronic has completed more than 500 commercial projects, supplying future-proof, fully addressable lighting control systems for many of the UK's largest and most prestigious corporate developments.
SIMPLE FIVE POINT DDA PREPARATION PLAN WILL PROVIDE FACILITIES MANAGERS WITH COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
extension of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) by following a simple five-point plan devised by an integrated safety solutions company.
OHS – which has 23 years experience of risk assessment and whose clients include Nestle, Ford, ASDA and the Department of Health – believes that the plan will give companies a head start on gaining compliance and make an Access Audit less daunting.
Lesley Bramwell, DDA consultant at OHS, said: “Historically, any form of compliance has been driven by the bottom-line cost. However, companies should look at compliance as an opportunity to minimise potential dangers to employees and customers as well as lowering the risks of future litigation, negative publicity and disruption to production. All of these things combine to present a real and lasting competitive advantage.
“Although not a substitute for a comprehensive Access Audit carried out by an independent consultancy, this five-point plan will ensure that facilities managers can make changes well ahead of the DDA deadline date and get them much closer to compliance. The most important thing is for companies to accept that this is going to happen and do something about it ahead of time.”
OHS’s five-point plan contains the following guidelines:
1. Adopt the user’s perspective – Check the accessibility of the facility by following a journey a customer would take from approaching the building, to entering it through to using its services. When doing this a range of disabilities should be considered, including wheelchair users and those who have difficulty seeing or hearing.
Specific examples to look for include:
Walking – Is the ground level free from debris? Is there stepped access?
Seeing – Is there adequate lighting and signage? Have allowances been made to enable people with visual impairments to navigate the building?
Hearing – Do entry phone systems and passenger lifts have visual aids?
Manual dexterity – Can people with weak hands or arms use the building’s fixtures and fittings, such as door handles and keypads?
Understanding – Can people with learning difficulties understand information and directional signage?
2. Look for solutions – Many of the requirements of DDA can be implemented quickly and cost effectively by applying simple, logical thought. For instance, replace inappropriate door handles and ensure there are disabled parking spaces near entrances. This is not rocket science, but sometimes it is the smaller things that are overlooked. It is also important to identify related health & safety issues such as the provision of safe emergency exit for all.
3. Provide information in the right format – The Act also covers the provision of accessible information regarding how to find the building or service. This means that any information such as way finding leaflets, signage and even the company’s website are accessible for a range of disabilities.
4. Understand your services – The Act is concerned with buildings in so far as they are necessary for accessing a particular job or service. However, consideration must also be given to whether the service itself is accessible.
For example, a facilities manager may have a perfectly accessible building for a disabled person, but the office that they need to visit for a service may be inaccessible due to the lack of a lift to the second floor. Check the accessibility of the services offered and make the necessary changes.
5. Stay accessible – Compliance with DDA is continual and will involve ongoing monitoring of a facility and employee training. Facilities managers should ensure that they establish and own a process of continual assessment which incorporates asking disabled user groups for feedback on changes made. An Access Audit will form the basis of an action plan.
Lesley concluded: “Preparing for the legislation in this way will allow organisations to appreciate the extent to which they will need to change. With facilities managers playing such a crucial role in ensuring compliance, this five point plan allows them to generate competitive advantage whilst simultaneously putting their company in good shape for an official Access Audit.”
Simple, ergonomic, cost effective wall bed solutions
The Literal range of wall beds, designed by Lievore-Altherr-Molina, combine durable functionality with clean and uncluttered modern design. Proven safety and reliability;the beds have been widely installed in private homes, hotels, hostels, health care establishments, universities, public service establishments and many other locations.
The single shelf beds have most recently been installed in the "Tony & Guy" paediatric ward in NHS King's College Hospital. The beds are used by parents, allowing them to sleep in the same room as their child. When not in use, the beds safely fold away in seconds into the shelf unit.
Key features include;
* Literal wall beds solve the problem of the increasing demand on availability of space, folding neatly against the wall when not in use, whilst offering the comfort and practicality one expects from a regular bed.
o Manufactured in Europe to comply with EU safety and quality Directives. Robustly built steel frame and melamine bed base, designed for every day wear and tear of residential and contract use.
o Shelf bed, Bunk bed and Studio bed (with desk) offer the possibility of multiple applications, including residential, further education, hotel and healthcare, amongst others.
o Simple and quick installation of unit to wall; two wall brackets with bed hinged in between.
o Literal beds easily open and close in seconds. Locking bolt holds bed vertically when not in use. Straps hold mattress and bed linen in place when the bed is in its’ closed vertical position. Locking bolt secures bed in horizontal sleeping position.
o
o Frame finished in Tough epoxy powder coat finish in silver-grey, beige or blue. Bespoke RAL powder coat colour finishes for orders of 20 units or more.
o Bed fascia available in White, Beech, Red, Pumpkin. Bespoke RAL colour finishes available for volume orders.
o Wide range of mattress specifications available.
Simplicity and reliability
Launched at Fire Expo 2003, the new Dimension range of control panels from Morley-IAS Fire Systems offer simplicity and reliability for both the installer and the end user. All supported open protocols - Apollo Xplorer, XP9S and Discovery, Hochiki ESP, System Sensor Europe and Morley-IAS - are held in non-volatile memory, so once the field wiring is connected, commissioning is a simple matter of selecting the appropriate protocol, implementing the “autolearn” function and then pressing “reset” to accept the configuration. The panel is then fully operational. Coming in 1, 2 and 4 loop configurations with up to 500mA per loop and a capability of 40 fire and 40 non-fire zones, Dimension is ideally suited for use in medium-sized installations such as offices, schools, health centres, retail units and leisure centres to name but a few applications. Dimension provides users with optimised protection by providing a comprehensive false alarm management package which, when combined with device specific text and programmable function keys, allows for a highly sophisticated solution which is simple to use. Dimension is also designed with the installer in mind, housed in a physically compact metal enclosure; it can be flush or surface mounted. There is also a range of optional power supplies and an internal printer, all of which are pre-configured and tested before they leave the factory. This therefore gives the installer the true “out the box on the wall” solution, nothing could be simpler.
Simply The Best Card Software - And It's Free
DED announce Version 6 of CardFive
Improved speed and greater efficiency are the main benefits of Version 6 of CardFive, one of the best selling card creation software packages on the market today. This latest edition, packed with new features, new DCL's, new improvements and new resources, makes Card Five better than ever before. And free of charge to download.
Multifunctional. Simplicity. Database. Imaging. Secure. Printing. Flexible. Just some of the words used to describe what this extraordinary software package can do for your business when used in conjunction with your existing Plastic Card Printer.
So, what does V6 have to offer? Quite a lot, really. New DCL (Direct Command Language) for the latest printers from Eltron, NBS, CIM, Fargo and Star. A new Elite Edition designed to support Biometrics (using Bioscript finger print capture devices) and contactless card encoding for Mifare and HID. Support for Wacom and Checkmate signature capture tablets. RLL (remote loader licence) e-mail upgrade now available to any higher edition of Card Five.
Best of all, the V6 upgrade is free from www.nfive.com.
SITA completes Royal Mail jigsaw
SITA UK is delighted to announce that it has completed its portfolio of Royal Mail contracts having been awarded the waste management contract for the Royal Mail’s west and central region. The new 3-year contract will see SITA UK manage all of the Royal Mail’s waste and, for the first time, bring together a partnership between the two companies to provide a complete package of waste services. The package will allow the Royal Mail to benefit from SITA UK’s waste management expertise in waste minimisation, recycling, collection, and disposal. To help raise levels of recycling, SITA has appointed a specialist development team to identify and implement a far-reaching recycling programme. This programme will focus on diverting material away from landfill and will include work on waste minimisation as well as recycling. The programme will include the development of recycling schemes and initiatives in each of the regions to recycle waste such as cardboard, pallets and office paper. The new contract, due to start in March this year, covers 752 of the Royal Mail’s mailing centres across the south west and central region, bringing the total number of sites managed by SITA UK to over 2,500. Included in the nation-wide portfolio is the Royal Mail’s mailing centre, Mount Pleasant in Islington, north London, the largest centre of its kind in Europe. Cathy Farrell, the Royal Mail’s Head of FM Contracts, said: ‘SITA’s flexible approach to the management of the waste at our sites was one area that made their proposal stand out from the rest. The innovative ideas that SITA UK has to improve upon the amount of recycling that takes place was an aspect that was of particular interest to us. We are looking forward to working with SITA UK to implement schemes that will improve our levels of recycling.’ SITA UK’s Managing Director, Ian Goodfellow, said: ‘We are very pleased to have been awarded the Royal Mail’s south west region contract. This gives us the opportunity to deliver a complete package of waste management solutions that will add value to their business and provide all of their locations with the opportunity to achieve better waste management practices.’
Six into one will go using the Mil-tk X-Press
When a single busy coffee shop can show annual savings of up to £3,000, just by compacting its wet and dry waste, it’s obvious someone is taking the problem of disposal and recycling seriously. Outside many restaurants, clubs and pubs unsightly piles of black bags accumulate, often split and spilling their contents. Mil-tek UK’s latest X-Press pneumatic compactors are ideal for anywhere where wet and dry waste creates a space and, frequently, a hygiene problem — and this can easily apply to hospital and company canteen sites as well. With a local authority that would only collect this type of waste in its own waste disposal bags costing users £1 each, the coffee shop was spending approximately £12 a day. When the management bought a Mil-tek X-Press 100 this dropped to £2 a day — hence the saving of thousands of pounds as well as a rapid pay-back on the cost of the machine. The pneumatic compactors are quiet and, therefore, can be sited in kitchens without creating a noise problem. They come with their own supply of heavy duty plastic bags that fit into the X-press compacting cylinder, where up to six full black bags can be compressed into one Mil-tek bag. The X-Press comes in three Models — 100, 200 and 300, has a very small footprint, operates at a working pressure of 1500kg. and is capable of handling individual bale weights of between 20 and 60kg. In addition to the X-Press, Mil-tek manufactures a range of baler compressors. Ideal for compacting and baling cardboard, plastic and metal containers up to 30 litres, like the X-Press they can be sited indoors or outside premises without causing disturbance because of their quiet pneumatics. By making it easy for users to segregate and bale their waste to sell on to recycling plants, pay-back on the cost of the baler is very quick. In addition, municipal disposal and skip hire charges are greatly reduced, premises benefit from being much tidier and space is released for other uses.
Six of the best!
Trinity College, Dublin is one of Ireland’s oldest seats of learning, dating back to before the Tudor monarchy. It houses the largest research Library in the county. The Library has almost 4 million volumes and contains extensive collections of manuscripts, maps and music, dating back over the colleges 400 year history. The Library complex was recently extended with the completion of the Ussher phase, which was officially opened by the President of Ireland, May McAleese in April, and the refurbishment of the existing Berkeley and Lecky Libraries. This impressive learning and reference resource, in common with the rest of the campus, is equally accessible to the less able. Leicester-based Moveman, a subsidiary of Otis, has installed six of its Companion range platform lifts, throughout the site. Platform lifts are an ideal alternative to a flight of steps, an undoubted barrier to disabled access, in situations where the installation of a conventional passenger lift is not practical. The platform lifts installed at Trinity College are a mix of Moveman’s most popular models. Depending on the travel heights required, the Prestige and the Supreme have been specified. Current legislation dictates that platform lifts, which travel more than two metres must have an enclosure that extends at least two metres above the upper floor level. Below two metres the enclosure need only extend 1100 mm above the upper floor level. The Prestige is designed to travel up to three storeys indoors and has a rated capacity of 400kg. It is a totally self contained unit, runs on a 24Ovolt power supply and is supplied with an integral shaft. No additional supporting structure is required and the shaft is capped and lit in accordance with current legislation. Doors are self closing with powered opening an option. The platform measures 1500 x 1100mm and is big enough to accommodate a wheelchair user and attendant. The Supreme is capable of lifting a 250kg load and has a maximum travel of two metres. Again structural work is minimal as no pit is required. The unit comes complete with its own enclosure, which prevents the possibility of anyone or anything being trapped underneath or falling off the platform. The upper section of the enclosure and door as well as the upper landing gate is glazed in clear safety glass. Both the door and the landing gate incorporate self-closing devices for ease of use by the less able. Both the Prestige and the Supreme can be either floor or shallow pit mounted. A fixed access ramp is provided at the lower level on floor mounted versions.
Skeleton of eclipse under starters orders for move to Royal Veterinary College
The skeleton of Eclipse, the legendary racehorse that is the great grandson of Darley Arabian (1700-1733) from which ninety percent of all today’s thoroughbreds are descended, is now on display at the Royal Veterinary College’s Hawkshead Campus near Potters Bar in Hertfordshire. With the assistance of Roc Relocations, one of the UK’s leading specialist removals companies, the skeleton has been moved from the National Racecourse Museum at Newmarket where it had been on loan since the 1930’s. Eclipse was never beaten on any racecourse and was retired from racing in 1770 and stood at stud until he died in 1789 at the age of 25. The skeleton has been owned by the Royal Veterinary College since it was founded in 1791. The College is the UK’s first and largest veterinary school and a constituent of the University of London. Roc Relocations is one of the pioneers in developing low cost, low risk techniques for safely moving old and fragile mounted specimens. It uses a special paper, which does not contain acids that might cause damage, to wrap each specimen before building a crate around it to provide further protection during the move. This enables Roc to move specimens of any size quickly and safely without having to totally deconstruct them bone-by-bone. Simon Jackson of the Royal Veterinary College said: “Roc Relocations completed the move in just a single day compared with the three to four weeks that would have been required using traditional methods.”
SKILLcard reaches milestone
George B ridges from South Queensferry in Scotland becomes 40,000 individual to be issued with an Engineering Services SKILLcard George Bridges, a service and maintenance engineer with Johnson Controls Ltd based in South Queensfeny, Scotland, recently became the 40,000th individual to be issued with an Engineering Services SKILLcard. Mike Taylor, President of the Heating and Ventilating Contractors' Association (HVCA) made the commemorative presentation to Mr. Bridges at the HVCA's Scottish headquarters in Penicuik, Midlothian. Mr. Bridges served an indentured apprenticeship under the auspices of the Joint Apprenticeship Council for the Electrical Contracting Industry and successfully completed a Working Safely in Building Services course, thereby satisfying SKlLLcard's key health and safety requirements. Engineering Services SKILLcard operates as a national register of the skills and competence of people working throughout the mechanical services sector of the building services engineering industry. The scheme, launched in September 2001, is affiliated with the pan-industry Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). The primary aim of SKlLLcard is to enable contractors to demonstrate to specifiers, clients or consumers the competence, skills and qualifications of their workforce. A credit card sized 'skills passport', valid for five years, is issued to all individuals registered with the scheme. Increasingly, all site personnel will need to have a SKILLcard to be allowed to work on major construction sites. Talking about SKILLcard, at the presentation, Mike Taylor commented, "The plain fact nowadays is that ensuring that all relevant members of a company's workforce have their SKILLcard does much to demonstrate to customers that the employer has a genuine commitment to competence and quality." Also speaking at the ceremony, Ken Nall, Director of Service for Johnson Controls Ltd, said, "It is becoming increasingly important for service providers to be able to provide proof of the qualifications and professionalism of its workforce to current and potential clients and the Engineering Services SKILLcard goes a very long way towards fulfilling this requirement." Registration with engineering Services SKILLcard becomes much more stringent after 30 September 2005 and employers are advised to register their workforce ahead of this deadline.
Skipper to clean up the cone
A new product has been launched which will significantly improve the effectiveness of existing traffic cones with many applications for facilities management. Skipper attachments allow a retractable tape to be suspended between most existing cones by fifing directly into the top. This can effectively mark out a highly visible barrier to improve safety in a number of different situations.
Designer Alan Bentley who invented Skipper is convinced that the product will prove invaluable. He said: “Skipper saves time, money and space. It marks out an area more effectively than traffic cones alone and in some instances can dramatically reduce the number of cones you need to use. The idea came to me when I thought that we had been using the same old cones for years and it was about time something more effective came along. This is a practical solution which provides much improvement on current practice.”
Skipper is a unique and simple device that can be used in a variety of space management and safety applications. The attachment can be used again and again, is easy to use, robust and durable. Skipper is more visible than existing cones alone, less time consuming to erect and more secure. The fully retractable tape is also more visually appealing than rope or loose tape. Tapes can be ordered in different colours and can even be branded with a company logo or message.
There are many applications for Skipper ranging from facilities management to car parks, forecourts, roads, lanes, outdoor events and construction sites. The unit will retail from £15 per unit depending on the quantity ordered. It has an anticipated lifetime of two years allowing thousands of uses. Skipper can only be purchased directly from the manufacturer.
Sky extend MailSource contract
Sky Subscriber Services Ltd have extended their mailroom contract with MailSource for a further three years. The contract includes the first off-site mailroom facility for MailSource in Scotland, utilising the latest x-ray screening equipment and fully trained users. All mail is screened, opened and sorted before onward delivery. MailSource began delivering mailroom services for Sky in February 2001, and in addition to renewing the original contract, the team came out top against the competition and won the off-site mailroom tender as well. There are two further operations on-site in Livingstone and Dunfermline where MailSource handle the security screened incoming deliveries, internal mail and all outgoing items.
SkyBlue Telecom introduces economical voice conferencing for business
Leading independent business telecoms provider SkyBlue has launched the UK’s first truly affordable audio conferencing service for the SME sector.
SkyConference is easy to use, there is no contract and no set up charges as with other providers such as BT. Access is via a secure PIN which ensures your conference call is kept confidential. It is ideal for companies who need to communicate with salespeople on the road or branch offices quickly and efficiently.
Key benefits of the SkyConference include:
• No booking required
• No connection charges, hidden charges or upfront costs
• Pay per minute used, per user
• One dedicated and permanent PIN associated with a single 0800 access number for each conference.
• Up to ten lines per conference can be utilised.
• Activate the 0800 number allocated to your account and go.
• Billing can be to one party or split (inter-company conferences) where the cost is to be shared.
“The benefits of audio conferencing are well established in terms of time saving and efficiency,” said Barry Pitt, managing director, SkyBlue Telecom. “However until now it has been very costly and cumbersome to set up an audio conference. We are working with a carrier quality partner who are employing the latest digital telecoms technology to make the service easier to use and more affordable for SME’s and even the domestic sector.”
Skydial ‘Dial Through’ service launched by Blue Telecom
Leading independent business telecoms provider Sky Blue Telecom has introduced a new dial through” service to enable its customers to benefit from low cost calls away from their office.
Called SkyDial the service provides customers with a freephone telephone number which enables them to call from any other office and access their Sky Blue services as if they where in their own office. For example, a salesman may want to check some prices from a customer site but doesn’t want the customer charged for the call. He would simply dial the freephone number, wait for a dial tone, and then he can make the call at Sky Blue’s discounted rates.
The service also works with mobile phones For example, calling from an Orange mobile phone to the USA would normally cost 15p per minute (at current rates). However, using the SkyDial service the mobile user would register that mobile phone number with Sky Blue (free of charge) and dial the special freehphone number to get a dial tone (Orange don’t charge for calls to freephone numbers although some networks do) and then dial the USA number.
This reduces the call charges dramatically as Sky Blue’s charges to the USA are on average 4p per minute.
“Using SkyDial companies can dramatically reduce their telephone bills, especially businesses who make a lot of international calls” said Barry Pitt, managing director, Sky Blue Telecom. “This service should replace phone cards for any business that buys phone cards for its mobile users. Moreover it can save embarrassment when making a call from a customer’s premises.”
Small is beautiful: Sanyo launches the highest efficiency mini VRF
In its continuous effort to provide the all round air conditioning solution, SANYO - the Japanese global air conditioning manufacturer - has announced the launch of the latest addition to its comprehensive product range: the ECOi MINI range of small capacity VRF systems. Specifically developed for the European market, this small, 2-pipe heat pump VRF system offers premium quality air conditioning for small to medium sized projects. Bob Cowlard, General Manager UK & Ireland, SANYO Air Conditioning explains: "The ECOi Mini Range will enable us to further grow and strengthen our position in the UK by entering the rapidly expanding sector for small VRF systems which now accounts for approximately 20% of the total VRF market. In line with SANYO's corporate policy of only producing products that support sustainability, the range offers the highest efficiency ratings on the market -and they are also the quietest!" "The 3 models within the range, which provide between 11 and 15.5kW of cooling capacity, offer an incredibly flexible solution, as up to a class-leading 10 indoor units can be connected to one, single phase condensing unit. With an indoor diversity ratio of 130% and a maximum pipe separation of 150m, this means just one 6HP ECOi Mini could condition, for example, 10 hotel bedrooms with a 2kW load". The ECOi Mini range features the latest DC inverter technology which, combined with R410A refrigerant, provide EEL Category A efficiency, with the 4HP model offering a market-leading COP of 4.06 in cooling and 4.34 in heating. Sanyo has also designed the new range with European environmental considerations in mind. It features the lowest outdoor unit sound levels in the industry (51dB(A)) in normal mode and just 48dB(A) in silent mode for the 4HP model), ensuring easy specification of the system in urban locations where noise is often a key concern. It can also provide cooling at -10deg C and heating at -20 deg C - again significantly better than comparable VRF brands. All the outdoor units share the same compact dimensions that simplifies transportation, siting and installation and contractors and specifiers can select from Sanyo's range of 10 indoor units styles and full control packages which now includes the TouchScreen controller and web-browser. Sanyo ECOi Mini VRF systems qualify for inclusion on the Energy Technology List and therefore 100% first year enhanced capital allowances, where the total cost of the system and installation can be offset against taxable profits in the year of purchase.
Smallest UPS sets new standard in the mid range
Uninterruptible Power Supplies announces an update to its popular PowerWAVE UPS in the small- to mid-system range.
With output powers from 5kVA to 15kVA, PowerWAVE 4000 is targeted towards IT, telecommunications and industrial applications, where its second- generation transformerless technology now sets a new standard in physical size and weight. For example, the footprint of the 1 5kVA model is only 400 x 690mm, inclusive of batteries.
At just 40kg without batteries, the 1 5kVA model is less than a third of the weight of its existing counterpart within the PowerWAVE family, already notable for its light, compact design.
Footprint, weight and cost economies are derived from reduced component count and size, and improved switching efficiency. As a result, PowerWAVE 4000’s high-frequency, true on-line, double-conversion technology ensures continuous power availability with a dramatic reduction in transportation, installation, operating and lifecycle costs. PowerWAVE 4000 is also quieter than ever.
Traditional PowerWAVE features include 92 percent efficiency in true on line operation and 99 percent in energy-efficient Ecomode. Unique input stage design yields regulated input power factor of 0.98, also helping to reduce running costs, and single-phase input current total harmonic distortion less than 10% for lower mains pollution. Redundancy of critical circuits ensures that
PowerWAVE 4000 provides optimum system availability. An internal manual bypass switch enables servicing to be carried out without downing the load.
Updated styling matches the PowerWAVE 4000 with today’s computer, telecomms, and sewer farm environments.
PowerWAVE 4000 UPS’s are available off-the-shelf from Uninterruptible Power Supplies Limited as part of a total power protection package including overall system design, installation, 24-hour customer support, and hotline.
Smart thinking from OCS Catering
Healthcare support services provider, OCS Catering, has invested in two Smart Cars to improve the efficiency of a new contract.
The Smart Cars are being used by OCS’ Cleaning Action Teams (CAT’s), who make a daily 50 mile round trip to ensure that the toilet in 30 health centres and clinics are maintained to the high standards now expected from the general public.
Chris Cracknell, chief executive of OCS said: “The new contract includes many different services offered by OCS in the healthcare market, for example, domestic cleaning services, security services and patient care across 3 NHS Trusts, which combine in a package to suit the customer’s needs.
“Each element of the package must be efficient - our customer deserves value for money. Smart Cars offer a very viable solution to our CAT’s needs. The cars are fully branded in OCS colours and are proving a very sensible option, enabling us to provide a cost effective service to our clients.”
Smartcard technology is key to access control
A rising number of public and private sector organisations are recognising the benefits of installing sophisticated access control systems using smartcard technology. The UK's leading developer of smartcard applications, G2 Integrated Solutions, uses the latest technology to provide access control solutions that challenge traditional security processes. G2's access control solutions enable facilities managers to reduce the threat of terrorism, criminal damage and trespass while protecting employees and members of the public. Smartcards are used to restrict or enable the access of individuals or groups through buildings and sites at or between predetermined dates and times. Benefits include the ability to: • restrict unauthorised entry and enhance on-site security • monitor individual movements of employees and members of the public • provide computer-based central management and reporting • issue permanent, temporary, visitor and contractor passes • integrate with third party MIS, on-site parking systems and G2's own ID card and cashless payment solutions. Myriad ESi is the true enterprise-wide networked access control solution. Operating over a LAN or WAN, it can provide access control, ID card production, visitor management, alarm monitoring and a versatile reporting service. Its PC based software is available as a series of fully integrated modules, which can be combined to create a totally scalable system suitable for any size of organisation. G2 has major clients across the education, health, public sector, corporate and commercial markets, more than two million cardholders are currently using a G2 solution on over 1,500 site installations nationwide. Clients include major blue chip/FTSE 100 companies and household names such as HBoS, Unilever and Addenbrookes NHS Trust. Sylvia Campbell, G2's sales and marketing director, said: "Access control and restricting the movement of staff and public has become part of the business agenda for facilities managers, and the issue is an integral and continual part of their business planning. "Many of our clients are also choosing smartcard applications to future-proof their system, knowing additional modules will allow the use of the same cards for other applications, such as ID, enrolment or cashless payment. "Due to the benefits of such systems, we are confident that the uptake of these solutions will continue to grow in popularity and the use of smartcard technology will become more and more commonplace."
Smarter filing in less space is the theme of Autoscan's stand at Workplace
Storage and filing specialist Autoscan will be launching two new filing systems on stand E30 at this years Workplace exhibition. They are designed to enable secure, high-density storage of files and office documents in cabinets that occupy very little floor space. Both are being introduced at very competitive prices.
The smallest, very stylish filing system being shown is called Gyrofile and is a revolution in terms of document storage. It is a double-faced storage unit that pivots centrally giving access to either face, and when not in use the unit can be turned through 9otclosing the cabinet for increased security.
The ability to rotate the filing element of the new system through 3600 gives access to either side from one location, making Gyrofile ideal for small cramped offices as well as open-plan areas. In small rooms the unit can be placed against a wall whilst in the larger office suites Gyrofile can be positioned between desks and workstations allowing staff to retrieve or file information more quickly from close to where they sit without having to walk to the other side of the cabinet.
A single unit measures just 1144mm wide x 795mm deep x 2270mm high and trials have demonstrated that just three Gyrofile cabinets can replace 16 x four-drawer filing cabinets, or putting it another way, achieve up to 2.5 times the storage capacity over the same footprint.
Through its wide range of accessories and stylish finishes - plain shelt roll-out shelt lateral filing frame, roll-out suspension frame, letter sort compartment, roll-out slotted draw - wood finish and dry white-board fascias - the new Gyrofile from Autoscan simply adapts to customer filing requirements.
Also being shown for the first time in the UK by Autoscan on stand E30 is OPTIMA - probably the most competitive document carousel filing system currently available. It stands just 2480mm high and 2840mm wide and comes equipped with twelve carriers, designed either to support flat shelves for box storage or suspension files.
The carriers rotate smoothly and quietly in either direction so that the selected item travels the shortest route, presenting it at the collection counter as quickly as possible. Once a file has been either removed from or placed in the specific carrier, staff can bring the next selected carrier to the file collection window. Movement of the carriers is activated simply by up-down push-buttons incorporated within the attractive wooden collection counter Another standard design feature is the inclusion of lights over the collection counter to improve document visibility.
The new office filing systems being shown by Autoscan at this year's Workplace Exhibition on stand E30 are very much like other industrial storage solutions from Autoscan, offering key advantages of space-saving storage and easy access for faster, more efficient filing and retrieval of documents.
Smiths Group acquired by Volution Holdings
In a move of major significance for the ventilation, heating and electrical sectors of the construction industry, the Smiths Group’s Ventilation and Cable Management Businesses have been acquired by the newly-formed group company Volution Holdings, for the sum of £125 million. Ernst & Young’s Specialist Building Products team in both Manchester and London arranged the transaction. Chief Executive of Volution Holdings, Kevin Sargeant, looks forward to further business growth. “With our substantial portfolio of leading brands, we can now focus on developing our strengths in the construction business and especially the retrofit and refurbishment sectors, via our established distribution and OEM channels.” “Vent-Axia, Roof Units, Quartz, Anda, Sifan and’ Torin are all leading names in HVAC, whilst Adaptaflex, Kopex, Harnessflex and Elkay are recognised major suppliers of cable management systems,” says Kevin Sargeant, who is keen to underline the continuity of operations under Volution Holdings’ ownership. “Our new board includes Simon Clews, Steve Diamond, Lee Rutter and Austen Reid, all of whom held senior posts within the Smiths Group Industrial Division and line responsibility for a number of the companies now under the aegis of Volution Holdings.” With a turnover in excess of £110 million per annum, a forthcoming entry into specialist air-conditioning and important new business in environmentally-sound heat recovery already in the offing, Volution Holdings is uniquely placed to benefit from major construction projects as well as ongoing everyday trade sales. “The synergies between HVAC and electrical cabling in the building services market are particularly attractive,” adds Kevin Sargeant. “Everything is now clear for us to make the running in our chosen markets.”
Smoke Free Systems - a better way of handling tobacco smoking in the workplace
Smoking ban plans unveiled
The Government has now unveiled details of plans to ban smoking in enclosed public places throughout England and Martyn Bright, managing director of Poole-based No Butts Bin Company, the leading brand for smoking control products, is warning businesses to start preparing for the new proposed laws now as a widespread smoking ban is on its way and fines are set to be introduced for those breaching the ban. The Government's consultation paper 'Choosing Health: Making Healthy Choices Easier', published yesterday (20th June), outlined that companies could be subject to a £200 fine for failing to display 'No Smoking' signs and individuals who smoke in a restricted area could face a £50 penalty. The Government is now inviting views from the public and businesses over the next 11-weeks on the proposals which include details of penalties that would be implemented to enforce the ban. Managing director of No Butts Bin Company Ltd, Martyn Bright, says; "During the next 2 1/2 years the Government proposes to introduce smoking bans nationwide. By the end of 2006, Government and NHS departments will be smoke-free; by the end of 2007, workplaces and all enclosed public places will be smoke-free; and, by the end of 2008, all pubs and bars which serve food will be subject to the law. Businesses need to start preparing now for the new proposed laws, as employers will be obliged to provide staff with a smoke-free working environment and take necessary action to protect employees from the health risks associated with passive smoking. We are working with many businesses to provide solutions in time for the forthcoming legislation to avoid any penalties."
Smooth and stylish transition for Mediamaker
With clients such as Boots Group plc, Coors Brewers, Powergen and Cadbury Schweppes, Mediamaker is now one of the largest strategic media and communications production companies in the UK. Offering services such as conference, video and live event production together with a new media department which helps with the design and production of screen-based electronic media and on-line learning, Mediamaker knows the importance of image and communications and it was these two factors that were key when the company furnished its new head offices in Nottingham City Centre. To ensure that disruption to the running of the company was kept to an absolute minimum, Mediamaker engaged interior design and project management company Studio Zero to plan and implement the move. “As a client focused company, Mediamaker were determined that the move would not impact on client services so we had to plan a flawless and smooth transition to the new building” says Studio Zero designer Ron Atkinson. “We also had to plan for rapid growth due to the company’s success as well as accommodating the initial 24 staff in surroundings that would both be comfortable for those working there and would create the right impression for clients. To facilitate communications amongst the different infernal departments we opted for an open-plan solution and reshaped the floor-plan to suit this”. “In selecting the furniture supplier it was essential that they should understand the clients needs in terms of style and design and should be able to support this with a strong service element” says Atkinson. It was following a visit to their factory with the client that Atkinson decided on the Asher System’s Furniture range of desking and storage in a beech veneer finish to meet Mediamaker’s needs. “The company clearly exhibited a strong sense of style and manufacturing capability’, says Atkinson, ‘and, as well as having a stylish modern look and meeting all the needs of comfort and adaptability, the range is also highly flexible allowing us to add to or alter layouts almost at will.. .a key element to meet future needs. We created ‘snowflake’ workstation clusters to encourage interplay between groups which we can easily add to as the teams grow. The Asher range also provided us with all the furniture elements we needed to create stylish conference rooms and management offices and supported this with an installation service that ensured we met our deadlines on time and on budget.” concludes Ron Atkinson.
Smooth and stylish transition for Mediamaker
With clients such as Boots Group plc, Coors Brewers, Powergen and Cadbury Schweppes, Mediamaker is now one of the largest strategic media and communications production companies in the UK. Offering services such as conference, video and live event production together with a new media department which helps with the design and production of screen-based electronic media and on-line learning, Mediamaker knows the importance of image and communications and it was these two factors that were key when the company furnished its new head offices in Nottingham City Centre. To ensure that disruption to the running of the company was kept to an absolute minimum, Mediamaker engaged interior design and project management company Studio Zero to plan and implement the move. “As a client focused company, Mediamaker were determined that the move would not impact on client services so we had to plan a flawless and smooth transition to the new building” says Studio Zero designer Ron Atkinson. “We also had to plan for rapid growth due to the company’s success as well as accommodating the initial 24 staff in surroundings that would both be comfortable for those working there and would create the right impression for clients. To facilitate communications amongst the different internal departments we opted for an open-plan solution and reshaped the floor-plan to suit this”. “In selecting the furniture supplier it was essential that they should understand the clients needs in terms of style and design and should be able to support this with a strong service element” says Atkinson. It was following a visit to their factory with the client that Atkinson decided on the Asher System’s Furniture range of desking and storage in a beech veneer finish to meet Mediamaker’s needs. “The company clearly exhibited a strong sense of style and manufacturing capability’, says Atkinson, ‘and, as well as having a stylish modern look and meeting all the needs of comfort and adaptability, the range is also highly flexible allowing us to add to or alter layouts almost at will.. .a key element to meet future needs. We created ‘snowflake’ workstation clusters to encourage interplay between groups which we can easily add to as the teams grow. The Asher range also provided us with all the furniture elements we needed to create stylish conference rooms and management offices and supported this with an installation service that ensured we met our deadlines on time and on budget.” concludes Ron Atkinson.
Social club allows smoking yet ensures clean air
Clean air is important to Faraday Ex-Servicemens' Club in Slough, where half the members are cigarette smokers. The club's decision to install seven Honeywell high-tech air cleaners has delighted members, says club Chairman, Bill Rafferty. He explains: "We have the health and comfort of our 1500 members at heart and our clean air policy is attractive to new members. People can smoke but no-one suffers its smell, discomfort or reported health hazards. Clean air is important to smokers, as well as non-smokers like me." The self-contained air cleaners were supplied and are serviced by Birmingham-based I.H.S. (Air Quality) Ltd. The Honeywell units remove volatile organic compounds, dust, smoke, allergens and other pollutants, leaving a cleaner, healthier environment for members and staff. "The Honeywell air cleaners make an enormous difference. We never see the smoke haze that used to hang over the dance floor and games room, and your clothes don't smell of smoke afterwards," stressed Mr Rafferty. Even so, smoking is not allowed behind the bar or by members at the bar. Mr Rafferty expects private social clubs such as the Faraday - the largest by far in the Slough area - to become more popular in future years, as they will be exempt from the government's proposed smoking restrictions in pubs and restaurants. "But you can't just sit back. We invest in members' interests through entertainment, an excellent menu and the club facilities, most recently by revamping the kitchen and providing the new Honeywell air cleaners. I.H.S. (Air Quality) Ltd has been selling Honeywell air cleaners for over 22 years to premises including pubs, clubs, hotels and restaurants. The cleaners are much more effective than conventional air filters and recirculators because they remove particles electrostatically. First, larger particles are trapped by a mesh filter, then remaining particles receive an electrostatic charge and are attracted onto aluminium plates like iron filings onto a magnet. The cleaned air is recirculated, providing a healthier and more comfortable atmosphere in which to socialise, eat and drink.
Social Housing in Gilfach uses Sikkens
The appearance of Aeron Court in Gilfach, Wales has recently been improved as part of its five yearly maintenance cycle. The building is owned and managed by Caerphilly Borough County Council, and is part of its social housing stock. Unusually, Aeron Court features a lot of external timber, and in order to preserve the appearance and long term performance of the wood, the timber components were coated using the Sikkens Cetol Novatech and Cetol Novatop system. The building is aesthetically pleasing, with circular and bay hardwood windows gracing the front of the property. The Sikkens solution specified was to ensure optimum protection for the wood until the next maintenance programme. The Cetol Novatech and Cetol Novatop system is a high solids, low solvent, two coat system which results in reduced application costs with no compromise on durability. Because it is formulated using micronised iron oxide pigments, protection from the damaging effects of sunlight and weathering is assured. Cetol Novatech acts as a basecoat for the joinery, with a top coat of Cetol Novatop providing a flexible semi-gloss finish which maintains its colour and sheen for a long period of time. The council regularly uses the Sikkens range of woodcare products for the maintenance and repair of its housing stock. The Cetol Novatech and Cetol Novatop system provides a cost efficient and highly effective protective coating for the exposed timber on Aeron Court, helping to maintain the overall appearance of the building. This system comprises two coats on new/bare timber, with one coat maintenance using Cetol Novatop every 4-5 years. The system was specified in a Mahogany shade to highlight the windows and doors. Caerphilly Borough County Council employs a policy of environmental responsibility in its maintenance specifications, and the Sikkens Cetol Novatech and Cetol Novatop high solids resin system was developed with the objective of reducing VOC emissions, while giving greater absorption into the timber surface. With a large number of properties under the council's jurisdiction, there have to be assurances that the services offered to the tenants are of the highest quality, and the Sikkens woodcare range meets all environmental and performance requirements.
Society for the Environment Awards Membership to CIOB
The CIOB has been awarded membership, to become a Constituent Body, of the Society for the Environment. The Society for the Environment (SocEnv) is an organisation comprised of professional bodies and learned societies, known collectively as Constituent Bodies. It aims to lead on the development and regulation of environmental practitioners and to be a respected voice in environmental affairs and sustainable development. Through the expertise of its Constituent Bodies, like the CIOB, and their members, SocEnv looks towards helping society move towards a more sustainable environment by providing an inclusive platform for debate, responding to consultations and developing new policies which will deliver sustainability effectively. After being accepted as a member, the CIOB will now apply for a license to grant the Chartered Environmentalist qualification to members of the Institute. Those members who are recognised for their expertise in sustainable environmental management and development will qualify for consideration. Michael Brown CIOB deputy chief executive said, "We are delighted to become a member and this furthers our commitment to embrace sustainability and promote best practice of the environment. The CIOB recognises the crucial part construction plays in our environment and climate change, and the need for us to continually push and promote sustainable solutions."
Socomec Group wins Frost & Sullivan customer service excellence award
In the recently published Frost & Sullivan report on the views of sensitive equipment users towards power quality matters in Europe, analysts have placed Socomec Group at the top of the customer satisfaction ratings for service, performance and supplier experience. The analysts conducted in-depth interviews with 140 power equipment customers in Europe. As a result of their evaluation the Frost & Sullivan Award for Customer Service Excellence for the UPS market was bestowed on Socomec Group. The report states that: ‘End-users ranked Socomec Group the leading European UPS supplier for service and customer care, in a market where service quality is among the top three criteria for the selection of suppliers’. Socomec ranked joint-highest in terms of customer perception of its technical knowledge, performance of its products and the experience of its technicians. It also achieved the top rating for customer intimacy – a complex measurement of ability to understand and satisfy specific requests and work closely with clients. Geoff Halliday, UK Managing Director of Socomec Sicon UPS, expressed delight at the accolade, commenting: “It is very rewarding to have independent confirmation of our excellent reputation in the marketplace. As a company, we place great emphasis on providing technical expertise and service in support of our advanced UPS systems”. Socomec is one of Europe’s largest UPS manufacturers and pioneered the introduction of IGBT technology to UPS design.
Sodexho announces financial close on Havering PFI project
Sodexho has announced financial close on the £283 million new Romford Hospital project. Sodexho will provide the soft and hard facilities management services for the new 859-bed acute hospital for Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust. The value of Sodexho’s contract will be £16 million a year over the 36 year contract duration. The services include catering (retail services and patient feeding); domestic & housekeeping; portering; security; reception; car parking; window cleaning; pest control and the switchboard & helpdesk as well as estate maintenance and grounds & garden maintenance. Sodexho is a shareholder in the Catalyst Healthcare (Romford) Ltd consortium along with Bovis Land Lease and Halifax Bank of Scotland. Iain Anderson, managing director for Sodexho Healthcare commented: “The Havering project is a good addition to our PFI portfolio. It is a great achievement by our team in a highly competitive and complex market. It is also the first Sodexho project to be signed using the Retention of Employment Model introduced by the government two years ago for PFI projects.”
Sodexho celebrate Stockwell Park school win
Sodexho, the UK’s leading catering and support services provider, celebrated winning the catering at Stockwell Park School in Lambeth, south London with an official opening of the new dining facilities. Local Councillor Anthony Bottrall was there to cut the ribbon to the new school restaurant which together with the kitchen has undergone substantial refurbishment by Sodexho. Sodexho was awarded the £2.8 million 10-year catering and cleaning contract which began on 1 September following the school’s decision to move away from in-house operation favoured by all other schools in Lambeth. At the official opening Sodexho organised for one of its leading chefs, Chris Whitter, who works for Sodexho at the London Business School, to prepare the lunch which reflected the school’s International Day which was held in recognition of National Black History month. The pupils and guests chose from: * Chicken Stir-fry (Chinese) * Jerk Chicken (Caribbean) * Chicken Piri Piri ( Portuguese) * Paella (Spanish) The opening coincided with the school’s International Day in recognition of the National Black History Month. Sodexho has introduced its new ‘for you…’ concept at the school which emphasises the importance of a healthy and balanced diet. The ‘for you…’ concept was conceived through extensive market research, including customer and client questionnaires, focus groups and the results and trends obtained from Sodexho’s bi-annual School Meals Survey.
Sodexho delivers a fresh approach to catering for Atkins
Sodexho, in partnership with Atkins, has opened a vibrant new catering facility at the consultancy and support service group’s headquarters at Woodgate Grove, Epsom.
The new facility was officially opened by Atkins’ chief executive, Robin Southwell, and is based on a retail-driven, ‘High Street’ style that offers an exciting eating experience.
For breakfast and break-times, a coffee shop provides a reviving selection of hot drinks and tempting pastries. Lunch, meanwhile, has become a feast of entertainment with Sodexho chefs preparing a wide selection of mouth- watering meals - from sizzling noodle dishes to healthy salads - to order, prepared fresh in front of employees. There is also a brand new shop, where staff can conveniently buy snacks and stationery without having to leave the premises.
Future plans for the site include the opening of a new suite of state-of-the-art meeting rooms adjacent to the catering area.
Graham Gilbert, managing director for Sodexho’s Southern division, says: “At Sodexho, we pride ourselves on working with our clients to produce individual, innovative and value-for-money solutions for their catering and support challenges.
“This has been a highly prestigious project which we hope will transform Atkins’ employees quality of life while at work. Together, we’ve worked very hard to create this unique facility — and will strive to continue to deliver a top quality service for a long time to come.”
Sodexho wins contract for new learning and conference centre for school leaders
Sodexho, the UK’s leading catering and support services provider, has gone to the top of the class with the announcement of its successful bid to provide the facilities management services at the new National College for School Leadership (NCSL). NCSL is a 100-bed residential learning and conference centre for head teachers and other leaders in education. It also features a 160-seater, state-of-the-art auditorium and seminar space for some 120 delegates.
The £1.5 million a year contract was awarded to Sodexho for a seven-year period. The services Sodexho will be providing include: catering for the 160-seat restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner; hospitality catering; cleaning; maintenance and a driving service. Sodexho will also be responsible for generating revenue for the college by marketing the hotel-standard rooms.
Barry Woodhead, Director of Corporate Services at NCSL commented: “We are delighted to be working with Sodexho, which was awarded the contract after some very keen competition. The new partnership is already working well. It was extremely important that our new partner could demonstrate similar values of quality to our own in our determination to offer a service level of the very best to our customers.”
Sodexho moved into the new £25 million building in May where it provided services throughout the phased build-up to the official opening later this summer.
The NCSL is the first of its kind globally and a flagship project in the government’s commitment to improving standards in education. The aim of the NCSL is to help develop informed and effective leadership capable of transforming schools to enable their pupils to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.
The NCSL was formally launched in November 2000 by the Prime Minister and is currently housed within the Jubilee campus of the University of Nottingham.
Tim Cooper, Divisional Managing Director at Sodexho commented; “This is a significant gain for Sodexho’s conference and training business, and one which we hope to develop further. A key reason for our appointment is the specialised skills we demonstrated to the NCSL through contracts with other notable training centres where we provide an extensive range of services. We are looking forward to working with the NCSL to ensure that the new building is used to its full potential effectively.”
Software reduces electrical safety risks
New safety management software provides an early warning system to reduce the risk of any potentially unsafe electrical equipment being used in the workplace.
The new PATGuard e-Scheduler programme from Seaward Electronic Ltd. helps companies meet the requirements of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 by providing advance notification and scheduling of ‘next safety test’ due dates.
Usually undertaken by electrical contractors, service engineers or in-house maintenance staff, electrical safety testing of equipment and appliances is carried out on a periodic basis to ensure that all electrical items used in the workplace remain safe and do not pose a danger to users.
Easy to install and operate, PATGuard e-Scheduler works with Seaward PATGuard Plus databases to remove the necessity for users to manually schedule re-tests or the unreliability in the use of staff to identify equipment requiring re-test.
The powerful software systematically interrogates the test database and automatically identifies when equipment will be overdue for re-test – issuing e mail alerts immediately to notify those responsible for organising re-test schedules or removing items from use.
Working to user-defined criteria, PATGuard e-Scheduler automatically plans re-test schedules enabling workloads to be managed efficiently.
For those involved in carrying out the tests, the software can also directly upload the appropriate test data into test instruments in preparation for on-site testing of specific electrical equipment and appliances.
Other special features include local schedules to display immediate visual identification of overdue safety tests, the automatic generation of customer quotations for re-test work and an auto reply facility to enable customers to respond quickly to re-test notification.
The new PATGuard e-Scheduler has been designed to work with Seaward’s PATGuard Plus portable appliance testing management and reporting software programme.
Solar control window film aids compliance
The installation of solar control window film from Filmtek, will simply and effectively enable your compliance with the latest energy saving Building Regulation amendments Parts LI and L2. In force as at April 1st these latest regulations require reasonable provision to be made for the conservation of fuel and power in buildings just part of which is limiting heat loss and gain. Architecturally, the use of glass helps to create a light and airy environment, unfortunately it will also transmit over 90% of the sun’s heat directly into the building causing both heat gain and glare. This of course in turn increases the use and energy consumption of air- cooling systems. The simple and effective solution is the application of solar-control window film, will quickly and efficiently reduces both heat gain and glare by up to 80% which not only produces a far more comfortable environment, but also reduces energy consumption and complies ideally with Parts LI and L2 on energy efficiency.
Solar control window film not only ensures total energy efficiency and power reduction during the summer months, but also reduces heat loss by up to 30% in the winter months, which in turn reduces the use and power consumption of heating systems enabling all year round energy efficiency.
Applied to existing glazing with little disruption, the application of window film is an extremely cost-effective and immediate solution. Available in a variety of grades, thicknesses and colours, window film can provide precise solutions to individual requirements with combined sol~/safety films offering increased protection not only from the sun’s heat and glare, but also preventing injury from broken or flying glass, by holding it safely in place.
An extremely effective solution in the compliance of Building Regulations and the use of glass.
Solar film can help offset the climate change levy
Bekaert window films offer facilities managers a simple and effective means of reducing energy consumption and minimising the costs of the Climate Change Levy. Bekaert films significantly reduce solar heat gain so reducing loads on air conditioning. Conversely, in winter, film cuts down on heating costs by helping to stop heat escaping. The energy savings made can pay for film application in as little five years. Nik Sandars, Bekaert’s Technical Manager says: “The Climate Change Levy is estimated to add between 10 and 20 per cent to commercial energy costs and there may well be further fiscal penalties ahead for companies who do not achieve energy targets. The Govermnent is committed by the Kyoto agreement to reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 12.5% on 1990 levels by the year 2010. However it has in fact set itself a higher target of 20% reduction in the same time scale. Those responsible for energy management should be making a concerted effort to reduce consumption without delay.” Bekaert films bring many benefits. By reducing hotspots, solar heat-gain and glare they make the workplace a more pleasant and comfortable place, which in turn has a positive effect on productivity. Lower temperatures also help machines and equipment to work more efficiently. Bekaert films maintain high levels of light transmission while practically eliminating damaging US! rays. Films are available in a variety of finishes, from subtle tints to strong colours or reflective metallic sheens. Bekaert films are manufactured from microthin polyester and are professionally applied, with minimal disruption, to the internal face of the window. The film requires minimal maintenance and is guaranteed for up to ten years.
Solo cleans up
Solo Detector Duster for the cleaning of fire detectors is the latest addition to the Solo range of professional detector test equipment from No Climb Products. Solo Detector Duster is ideal for the cleaning of detector from the dust and dirt that can collect on detector surfaces. This debris is one of the causes of detector drift in sensitivity and can possibly lead to detector false alarms, or in worse cases, a failure to alarm in a case of fire. To clean the detector, simply remove the detector head at any height up to 9m with the Solo 200 Removal Tool and blow the debris using Solo Detector Duster. To functionally test smoke, heat or CO fire detectors use Solo test tools, which are interchangeable and fit onto the telescopic or extension pole for a complete detector test solution.
Solray panels prescribed for major Midlands PFI scheme
Another major hospital PFI scheme - this time in the West Midlands - will feature the market leading brand in radiant heating, Solray Radiant Panels from Comyn Ching & Co. As part of the £140 million Dudley Group of Hospitals project, over 1500 Solray panels have been specified to deliver the clean, efficient and unobtrusive heating solution for patient and public areas at a series of new and refurbished hospital buildings. The Dudley Group of Hospitals scheme involves the concentration of the majority of the Trust’s acute hospital services at the Russells Hall site. The substantial refurbishment and extension programme sees the existing building and facilities growing to provide 757 in-patient beds. The redevelopment also covers the provision of new ambulatory care centres at the Guest and Corbett Hospitals to replace outmoded accommodation. Summit Healthcare, sponsored by Sir Robert MCAlpine, Interserve fm and Bank of Scotland Infrastructure Finance, are designing, building, financing and operating the new and refurbished facilities which are due for completion in 2004. Considerable attention to design is a feature of the scheme, undertaken in close partnership by architects Percy Thomas Partnership and M&E consultants, Hoare Lea and Partners on behalf of Sir Robert MCAlpine. At each hospital the environment will be light and spacious with special care paid to finishes and interior colour schemes. The Solray panels fit well with this approach as they are hidden as ceiling strips in each building, discreetly covering some 2000m of the development. In contrast to ordinary radiators, this type of installation ensures that the maximum amount of wall and floor space can be used by the hospital whilst a clean-looking interior finish is also achieved. Solray Panels also successfully meet the scheme’s heating performance specification, delivering a total heating output of 900 kW from each building’s low temperature hot water heating circuits. This type of Radiant Panel heating is well proven and increasingly popular in hospital developments across the country, with Solray the leading brand of Radiant Panels on the market. One key reason for their success is superior hygiene. Radiant Panels are free from the corners, ledges and joints typical of ordinary radiators which act as a “virtual magnet”, trapping dirt, dust and potentially harmful bacteria. In contrast, Radiant Panels feature a simple, wipe-clean surface which is quick and easy to maintain. Originally developed by Comyn Ching more than 70 years ago, Solray Radiant Panels have evolved through the generations into the modern, highly efficient, state of the art designs proving so popular today in public sector and commercial applications. Radiant Panels can be tailor-made to the highest standards of quality and manufactured to suit specific project requirements at the company’s London-based design and production facility.
Solray warms up the audience at the Royal Albert Hall
Visitors to London’s Royal Albert Hall are guaranteed a warm reception thanks to Solray Radian Panels from Comyn Ching & Co, the market leader in radiant heating. The panels, installed as part of a £70 million restoration, offer a discreet, aesthetically superior heating solution, in keeping with the Hall’s impressive interior.
Currently undergoing the most comprehensive programme of building development since its opening in 1871, the Royal Albert Hall is one of the world’s leading entertainment venues. The project to restore this distinctive building to its former glory and to develop it to meet the needs of modern audiences includes increasing public access with the addition of a South Porch. The newly constructed porch provides a grand entrance for daytime tours of the Hall as well as housing the Box Office, shop and restaurant, whilst the existing East and West porches have been glazed in to create spaces for the audiences and a bar area. As part of the £14 million mechanical and electrical contract, building services contractor MJN Colston, working closely with architects BDP and project managers Taylor Woodrow, has specified the ceiling mounted panels from Solray for installation in each of the Hall’s three main porch areas.
“Solray Radiant Panels offered a cost effective, heat and space efficient solution to the Hall’s heating requirements,” explains Simon Stothard, Senior Projects Engineer, MJN Colston. “Installed in the ceiling they become an integral part of the building and have dramatically increased the usable space in the porches whilst creating an immediately warm and welcoming environment.”
The Solray radiant panels run on a low temperature hot water heating circuit to provide optimum heal distribution. As well as remaining virtually invisible, they also deliver energy efficient performance when compared to other heating systems. Solray Radiant Panels are quick and easy to install, minimising the pipework runs, boxing, controls and other components that would normally be required. Their simple, wipe-clean surface ensures that they are also much easier to maintain than ordinary radiators.
Solray is the market leading brand in Radiant Panels. Originally developed by Comyn Ching more than 70 years ago, Solray Radiant Panels have evolved through the generations into modern, highly efficient, state of the art designs. They can be tailor-made to the highest standards of quality and manufactured to suit specific project requirements at the company’s London-based design and production facility.
Solray’s winning design hospital
Solray Radiant Panels from Comyn Ching & Co - the market leader in radiant heating - have more than satisfied the stringent design criteria of project specifier, MJN Colston - a division of Staveley Industries plc, in the recent £39 million redevelopment of the Royal United Hospital (RUH) in Bath.
The RUH project has involved the construction of a brand new four storey central building on the existing hospital site, providing a range of clinical units, services and core public facilities. Bristol-based services contractor, MJN Colston has specified over 500 Solray Radiant Panels to offer both a heat and space efficient solution throughout the development.
Concealed within the ceilings, the Solray Radiant Panels ensure that, in contrast to ordinary radiators, every inch of wall and floor space can be made available for use within this busy hospital. Because they are well hidden from the naked eye, the Panels also provide an aesthetically superior finish that fits well with the hospital’s demands for a clean-looking, warm and welcoming environment.
The Panels are designed to heat the space with optimum efficiency, running on the new building’s low temperature hot water heating circuit. They were also quick and easy to install and have minimised MJN Colston’s pipework runs, boxing, ceiling panels, controls and other components that would normally be required for other types of heating system.
Another important factor is hygiene. There are no corners, ledges or joints on Solray Radiant Panels where dirt, dust or harmful bacteria can collect. Their simple, wipe-clean surface ensures that they are also much easier to maintain than ordinary radiators and will provide improved running cost savings over the lifetime of the building.
RUH Bath is one of a rapidly growing number of hospital projects featuring Solray Radiant Panels. Originally developed by Comyn Ching more than 70 years ago, Solray Radiant Panels have evolved through the generations into the modern, highly efficient, state of the art designs proving so popular today in public sector and commercial applications. Radiant Panels can be tailor-made to the highest standards of quality and manufactured to suit specific project requirements at the company’s Londonbased design and production facility.
Solvent-free waterproofing - a breath of fresh air
Whilst cold liquid-applied waterproofing may now be the most reliable method of choice for both new-build or refurbishment of flat roofs, without the risks of torch-applied processes, the introduction of a solvent-free application from Kemper now makes this an even more attractive proposition for commercial, practical and environmental reasons. The Kemperol range of specially formulated resins, which use a polyester fleece-based system to give exceptional performance and longevity, now includes a solvent free option, 2K-PUR, which retains all of the strength and durability of Kemper's traditional products but, being odourless, can be applied without the need for buildings to be evacuated. Quite apart from the environmental benefits, this is particularly attractive when refurbishing buildings such as schools, hospitals and hotels, or manufacturing plants in the food and pharmaceutical industries, where the option of continued occupancy makes project scheduling far more easy and convenient, and avoids costly shutdowns. Further information on Kemper's solvent-free waterproofing is contained in a new specifier handbook and technical datasheet, which can be obtained by using the reader-reply service below.
Solving the cigarette smoke problem: venues replace inefficient air cleaners
Inefficient air cleaners give a poor impression of clean air technology, says the Colchester-based clean air specialist, Inn-House Technology. "Hardly a week goes by without us solving a cigarette smoke problem in a venue, because existing air cleaners weren't up to scratch," observes David Critchley, Managing Director. "The air quality always improves dramatically after we replace inferior or elderly cleaners with the latest electrostatic air cleaners. We only fit Honeywell products because they are the only ones worth installing. With millions of Honeywell air cleaners installed world-wide, the largest R&D investment in clean air technology and the best products, it's not hard to persuade customers to choose Honeywell. "They are available in various sizes and designs to suit the room size, layout and decor, in surface-mounted, recessed and even portable types that can be wheeled from room to room."
Solving the storage problem with style
When leading advertising, media and marketing agency D’Arcy Group moved to their new offices in fashionable Kensington Village in West London it was vital that their storage not only matched the stylish look of their new location but also met the practical needs of their eight multi-disciplined companies.
Having successfully used Bisley Lateral Files in their former offices in Victoria, D’Arcy was loath to change but gave them a fresh new look re-spraying them with an ultra modern silver finish which fined well with the new interior design concept. Cabinet interiors have been adapted by Bisley from 12 inch filing drawers to meet the company’s modern media storage needs. Six inch drawers have been installed to accommodate CD storage while other units have been reconfigured to store a variety of marketing materials. The existing installation was augmented with banks of matching units from Bisley’s Lateral File range which matched perfectly.
“One of the benefits in using a classically designed product is that it does not change dramatically from season to season and retains its functionality” says Space Planner Lesley Kohler who was involved in organising the new office layout. “As well as providing staff with a familiar filing system, lateral files also facilitated the storage of odd sized documents such as artwork and product samples which play a major part in the agency’s business”. D’Arcy complemented the Lateral File range with large capacity mobile pedestals in the same high- tech silver finish.
“Because there are so many diverse departments in the companies with different types of documents and storage requirements some commonality was needed and the pedestals provided this” continues Lesley. “For example, each job that the company undertakes is coordinated by the Traffic Dept who create a job bag’ for each project. This job bag is moved around the companies as the job progresses so it was vital that all the pedestals had the capacity to store this bulky and physically large document. An additional benefit was that, because the lateral files and the pedestals were provided by the same company, there was a commonality of fittings which meant that when the job bag was finished with it could go straight to archive storage without the need to reorganise into new folders”.
Large capacity pedestals were also important in giving staff confidence in their new workplace configurations. “In their old offices most people worked at L-shaped workstations while in the new offices they are working at standard rectangular desks, a more flexible solution which we were able to implement using flat screen technology. The extra capacity pedestals helped to allay the mistaken impression that the new offices provided individuals with smaller working areas by providing them with much more personal storage space” says the D’arcy Group.
Most office furniture manufacturers make expansive claims for the quality and adaptability of their products but the move by D’Arcy Group shows that Bisley can prove the point by providing storage furniture that has both longevity and continuity.. Clearly, like the D’Arcy Group itself, with Bisley Lateral File, its a case of good design not dating.
Somerfield renew with MailSource
MailSource has successfully extended its’ contract with Somerfield for a further three years.
MailSource has 15 employees working at the Head Office building in Bristol which currently accommodates 2,000 Somerfield staff. In addition, there are approximately 650 Somerfield Stores, 550 Kwik Save Stores, 13 Distribution Depots, 6 Divisional Offices and 350 external personnel across the UK all of whom receive information via the Mailroom.
MailSource Area Manager Bob Livesey comments, “We are delighted with the renewal of this contract especially because of the confidence Somerfield have shown in our service provision”.
“Somerfield are also very pleased to be extending this contract for a further three years. MailSource has continued to provide an excellent on-site service, adopting a very pro-active management approach at all times” added Nicola Jones, Somerfield Central Services Manager
Since MailSource began working with Somerfield in 2000 the contract scope has gradually increased. In addition to mailroom services, MailSource provide a Courier Desk to manage all incoming and outgoing sameday and overnight services, including the cross checking of supplier invoices.
A Goods-In service is in operation with iTrak (MailSource’s proprietary track and trace system) being used since October 2002 to ensure the secure delivery of all items.
MailSource also complete on-site fulfilment tasks and have fully trained staff able to provide a Fork Lift facility.
Sontay announces new price list for 2005
Sontay — the market leader in BMS sensors, controls and peripherals - has announced the availability of its new price list which will become effective from 1st January 2005.
Designed to make selection, specification and purchasing as quick and easy as possible, the new Sontay Price List features the most comprehensive range of products available from any single source in the UK. The product range has also been deliberately stwctured to reflect changes and new opportunities in the building services market.
Among the highlights in this year’s edition are two new product lines; a value for money series of HVAC plant thermostats and the HUBA range of high quality pressure switches and sensors. To ensure competitiveness, Sontay’s price list also details a range of popular product lines now available in multi-packs allowing bulk discounts for the HVAC trade user.
Sontay products are renowned for their accuracy, reliability and discrete appearance and are used by many of the market leaders in the wouldwide building controls industry. Their products and control solutions help improve budding management system performance, reduce energy and maintenance costs and increase occupant comfort levels. Fast, professional and high quality customer service is at the heart of the Sontay operation.
Sontay launches new HVAC Thermostats range
The market leader in HVAC control peripherals, Sontay, has introduced a new range of competitively priced plant thermostats, designed to cover a wide variety of typical HVAC applications. Sontay has pre-selected the products in the new ST thermostat range to ensure "best fit", ease of specification and best value for its customers. The ST range features immersion, duct, wall-mounted, capillary and remote bulb thermostats with a choice of concealed or exposed adjustment options. All thermostats are robustly constructed to ensure optimum reliability and ease of installation, helping building services equipment to operate effectively and accurately over a building's lifetime. The thermostats liquid filled sensing elements give the rapid response and accurate switching differentials needed for efficient control of modem building services plant Versions are available with single and multi-stage switching as well as adjustable differential and manual reset versions for limit control. Designed and manufactured to suit particularly tough applications, the 1P65 casing means the thermostats may be used outside or in dusty, damp, polluted, and industrial environments. The generous internal space and clearly labeled terminals simplifies installation and the generous switch load rating can avoid the need for contactors and inter(ace relays. The ST plant thermostat range is part of Sontays comprehensive control peripherals offering to the UK building services market. Sontay products are renowned for their accuracy, reliability and discrete appearance and are used by many of the market leaders in the worldwide building controls industry. Their products and control solutions help improve building management system performance, reduce energy and maintenance costs and increase occupant comfort levels.
Sontay launches new Thyristors range
Sontay, the market leader in control peripheral products, has introduced a new range of controllers for air handling unit electric heater battery applications. The feature-rich RE thyristor range incorporates both DIN rail and panel mounting options for ease of installation. Both styles are compact in size and rated at 600 Celsius to reduce panel size and ventilation needs. The controllers feature self-monitoring functions and provide signals to a connected BMS in the event of phase failure, over-heat or fault. Interlocks for airflow proving, fan run on and overheat may be configured and all models feature burst-power firing to minimize electrical noise and RFI disturbance without additional filtering. The DIN rail mount versions provide single phase power modulation from 1.5 kW up to 6 kW, and three phase heating regulation from 12 kW to up to 18 kW. Panel mount versions offer 3 phase control to suit 36 kW, 54 kW and 86 kW loads. The larger units feature on board solid state fuses to protect the device against mis-wiring or under voltage. The controllers are supplied to with spare fuses to enable installation to be completed, even after a start-up error.
Sound success for games company
A major factor in the phenomenal success of top games console programmes lies in the excitement created by the soundtrack. Midlands games distributor CentreSoft has commissioned leading AV designer Saville Audio Visual to create a demonstration theatre that now extends the personal, small-screen experience to a larger audience.
The newly-equipped theatre at the CentreSoft headquarters in Birmingham is used to evaluate the impact of new games packages in a dramatic and realistic cinema atmosphere. Invited audiences are able to sample the latest offerings to maximum effect, providing the company with valuable reactions and first-hand market research.
Saville installed a custom-built projection screen, a high performance projector and auditorium-style seating. The room also features a full Dolby 5.1 sound system with loudspeakers mounted in the screen fascia and a powerful, centrally-mounted sub-woofer fitted in the ceiling. Presentations, including room lighting levels, are controlled from the presenter’s lectern which also houses a built-in monitor screen.
Saville project manager, Rob Hill said: “The sound is sensational and the big screen image really brings the games to life. The whole experience is just what games enthusiasts enjoy.”
With more than 320 personnel in fifteen locations, Saville is the UK’s largest supplier of audio visual equipment, systems and services. In the past five years, the company has collected sixteen national awards, including AV Reseller of The Year four times.
Sound success speaks louder than words
Contacta InfoLoop, the UK’S leading range of induction loop systems, enables hearing-aid wearers to hear speech clearly, with little or no background noise. Organisations across the country are installing Contacta lnfoLoopTM systems to improve the level of service they offer and to comply with the relevant requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).‘Louder Than Words’One such organisation is Lloyds TSB, recently awarded the ‘Louder than Words’ Charter by the RNID, the largest charity representing the 9 million deaf and hard of hearing people in the UK. The Charter was awarded in recognition of the high quality, deaf aware service and policies the bank provides their customers and staff one measure Lloyds TSB took was installation of Contacta lnfoLoopTM systems in all branches nationwide. Having an induction loop facility is an essential part of meeting Charter requirements.Induction loops and hearing disabilityContacta lnfoLoopTM induction loop systems convert speech into electromagnetic signals that can be picked up by hearing-aid users when they switch their device to the 1’ or telecoil position. The system significantly reduces background noise so that speech is heard more clearly.Some 9 million people in the UK have some form of hearing loss — a figure that translates into approximately one in five customers. Many of these are over 55 with potentially high disposable incomes. By failing to take measures to accommodate people with a hearing loss, service providers risk alienating a significant proportion of potential customers — as well as prosecution under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA).The Disability Discrimination ActThe final phase of the DDA comes into force on 1st October 2004. From that date, it becomes unlawful to discriminate against disabled people by failing to make reasonable adjustments to the structure and facilities of service premises so that physical barriers to access are overcome.Hearing impairment is a recognised disability under the DDA, and service providers are required to provide ‘auxiliary aids or services’ to improve communication with people who have a sensory impairment (such as those affecting hearing or sight). The DDA applies to nearly all organisations that offer goods, facilities or other services to the public, whether free of charge or paid for, and whatever their size— From places of entertainment to places of work, from nationwide chains to corner shops.“For hearing-aid wearers, presence of an lnfoLoopTM can make the vital difference between hearing what is said and feeling left out”, says Andrew Thomas, Sales Director of Contacta, “There is an lnfoLoopTM system for every situation - from loops for rooms, desks and counter transactions, to portable loops for use on the move. Fitting an lnfoLoopTM not only helps service providers comply with the DDA, but also helps them improve customer service efficiency and enhance their reputation.”Giving everyone a fair hearingAt Lloyds TSB Contacta Mini lnfoLoops’~ were installed at teller positions, welcome desks and interview rooms. This system is fixed under a desk or counter, and offers unobtrusive assistance for hearing-aid wearers. The Contacta Mini lnfoLoopTM may be configured for one-to-one conversation or cross-table discussion involving several participants.Contacta Mini lnfoLoopTM is also in use at checkout positions in many major stores and supermarkets - including J Sainsbury and Asda - as well as clothing and high street retailers such as Gap and Mothercare. Mini lnfoLoopTM has also been installed in the Reception of many Marriott Hotels, and is used by agencies such as English Heritage and Scottish Enterprise. Clear communication, even through security screensMini lnfoLoopTM can be integrated with Contacta SecuricomTM, an intercom system enabling clear voice transmission through glass security screens. This 2-way facility maintains security and hygiene for staff, whilst ensuring efficient communication and minimum inconvenience for customers.The London Metropolitan Police is installing Contacta SecuricomTM with integrated Mini lnfoLoopTM as part of the refurbishment of its sub-stations. Contacta also develop bespoke SecuriComrM systems to meet the clients’ specific requirements.Flexible solutionsPortable lnfoLoopTM is a table-top induction loop unit. Powered by a rechargeable battery, it is extremely flexible to use. An impressive list of high street names are already using Contacta Portable lnfoLoopTM, including Barclays, NatWest, HSBC, Nationwide Building Society and Woolwich. In addition, 16,000 portable loops are being introduced right now (February 2004) in sub-Post Offices throughout the UK. Contacta also offers Maxi lnfoLoopTM, for sound transmission in a larger area, be it part of a room or an entire auditorium; and for use anytime, anywhere, Contacta Clipboard lnfoLoopTM combines a localised induction loop with a clipboard facility. Clipboard lnfoLoopTM is already on the menu at Beefeater restaurants.Meeting customer’s needsThe programme for Lloyds TSB started in 2000, with a brief to fit the entire branch network in the UK with InfoLoopTM technology — a project encompassing over 2000 branches throughout the UK. Derek Atkinson, Senior Property Manager, Compliance, at Lloyds TSB expressed satisfaction with the completion of this major project on time and within budget:“Contacta has done a great job, ensuring systems and components were delivered when and where needed, and supporting us throughout with reliable and helpful installation advice. Contacta has been an important partner in helping us achieve the RNID Charter.”Award CeremonyThe Charter was presented to Peter Ayliffe, Head of Retail Banking at LloydsTSB, by the Chief Executive of the RN ID, John Low, at a ceremony on Thursday12th February at Lloyds TSB’s office in Gresham Street, London EC2. Contacta’s Managing Director, Simon Thomas, commented: “Everyone at Contacta is delighted that the RNID has recognised Lloyds TSB’s commitment to their hearing-impaired customers and employees. We are proud that Lloyds TSB chose us to provide the induction loop systems for this major programme. We have enjoyed working with Derek and his team at Lloyds TSB tremendously, and look forward to continuing our association for many years to come.”He continued: “Contacta’s competitive edge lies in our ability to offer products of the highest quality, backed by proven project management skills. Contacta doesn’t just sell Loops; we offer a comprehensive service: from helping service providers assess their needs, to producing, installing and maintaining the most effective solution to meet their particular requirements. Where a bespoke solution is needed, we are able to design, supply and install — to meet our clients’ needs precisely. “The final part of the DDA comes into force in October this year. My message to service providers is don’t delay! Get in touch with Contacta now so we can work together to find the best solution for your company or organisation to comply with relevant DDA requirements - and enhance the service you offer hearing-aid wearers.”
Sound thinking for new school
Classrooms, washrooms and toilets at the new-build Jenyns First School in Braughing Village, near Ware, Hertfordshire, feature an innovative acoustic flooring system from commercial flooring specialists Polyflor Ltd, specially designed to meet more stringent sound insulation regulations for school buildings. Specified by property services company Mace Ltd, of Hertford, the Polyflor system features Polytred Acoustifoam - a 2mm closed cell foam backing sheet incorporating glass-polyester reinforcement - which can be installed under any Polyflor heavy duty or safety sheet vinyl floorcovering to achieve a minimum sound insulation of 18dB. At the Jenyns First School, Dunstable-based flooring contractor Hi-Tec Floors has employed this combination extensively, using bright colours from Polyflor's low maintenance Polysafe Astral and Polysafe Design heavy duty sheet vinyl safety floors. In addition to the acoustic performance achieved by the combination system, both products incorporate quartz crystals, aluminium oxide and silicone carbide particles for enhanced safety underfoot. Both also feature Supratec, the second generation of Polyflor's unique patented soil-releasing polymer system, now including polyurethane for reduced dirt pick-up, even easier maintenance and cleaning cost savings of up to 60%.
South East gets new wind tunnel for anemometer testing
A new in-house designed wind tunnel test facility to serve business users in the Southeast has just been built at Horsham, West Sussex by UK company, HITEK Calibration Services. The move is in response to a growing demand for accurate calibration of anemometers, which are increasingly being used in sectors such as air conditioning for buildings as well as more established markets like the automotive and aerospace industries. HITEK prides itself on being an independent, family owned and run business and says the new facility will be a valuable addition to its range of testing services. "We were receiving regular enquiries from people looking for anemometer calibration services and we soon realised it was a service that isn't widely available," explains HITEK's Managing Partner, Martin Kuhn. "The facilities that did exist couldn't keep pace with demand, so we commissioned the design and construction of a brand new, purpose-built test rig." HITEK's custom-designed wind tunnel can deliver airfiows of up to 20 metres/second (45 mph) which is sufficient for calibration of most anemometers. "Having searched the market to buy a suitable piece of equipment, we decided building our own would provide the best solution and this has delivered a tool that exactly meets the needs of our clients," says Mr Kuhn.
South Lanarkshire Council brings workers together
When the road repairs and maintenance department of South Lanarkshire Council merged two of its depots to bring its workers under one roof, it needed a quality building solution that could house a total of 74 employees.
The new facilities needed to have a combination of office space, meeting rooms, bathroom facilities and a canteen area. After meeting with a number of building companies the Council decided that the building that Portakabin could provide was the best solution.
Steven Martin, Depot Manager for South Lanarkshire’s road department, said: “Out of all the tender presentations we saw Portakabin was the best. It accommodated all our needs under one roof and the team demonstrated its ability to complete the project quickly.
“Flexibility was also an important factor for us as we needed to be able to allow for chances in the size of our workforce. The modular aspect of the Portakabin buildings was therefore perfect as it means we will be able to add space or even reduce it should the need arise.”
Portakabin provided the Council with a two-storey building with a floor area of over 435m2. The ground floor includes a canteen, lockers and showers with the first floor accommodating offices, a meeting room and a kitchen.
The council also benefited from the additional services that Portakabin can provide with its buildings, in the form of a climate control system from Portakabin AirCare. The building was also fully carpeted and blinds were fitted.
Steven continued: “From placing our initial order to Portakabin actually handing over the building took only three and a half months. We wouldn’t have been able to construct a traditional building in that time and the facilities are certainly of equal quality.
“All the workers are very impressed and happy with the new building and the quality working environment it provides has helped immensely in the integration of the teams.
“It’s never easy to deal with change in the workplace and as Depot Manager I would certainly have been made aware of any unhappy workers, but I’m happy to say that I haven’t experienced one complaint which can only help to confirm that the Portakabin building has been a real winner amongst staff.
“I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to procure a Portakabin building again and would recommend them to anybody who is seeking a quality accommodations building.”
Space Savers introduces versatile tea station
New Tea Station with Bosch mini dishwasher means no more washing up for staff
Space Savers, the UK's leading provider of compact kitchens and tea stations, has introduced a new Tea Station for offices and now offers the compact Bosch four place setting dishwasher, allowing staff to prepare beverage and snacks and place dirty crockery and cutlery in the unit to minimise mess. The tea station is available in three standard sizes and also offers users stainless steel sink, fridge with 3 star freezer compartment and a variety of dry storage space.
Ergonomically designed to offer the maximum flexibility in the office environment, the standard units are a remarkable 1200mm (TDW12) and 1500mm (TDW15) width fittings and offer right or left handed sink units and on the TDW15. Manufactured to Space Savers high specification in white powder coated or Stainless Steel the units provide a robust and durable beverage and snack preparation area. The tea station also offers a larger unit, 1800mm wide, which provides increased worktop area, with a combination microwave oven and dry storage cupboards and large pan draw.
Space Savers also provides a range of complimentary colour coded wall cupboards and back panels. The latest development is a stylish Stainless Steel back panel complete with a Stainless Steel wall mounted boiler to provide constant piping hot drinking water for beverages. Designed to conceal the utilities it makes an ideal complement to the tea stations providing maximum flexibility for the users.
About Space Savers
Space Savers is the UK's premier manufacturer of compact kitchens. Supplied ready-assembled and easy to install, Space Savers offers a broad range of space-efficient kitchen products to architects, interior designers and facilities managers. Our mission is to design and manufacture high-quality kitchens, mini-kitchens and tea stations from durable and easy to maintain materials. Space Savers supplies multiple and single installations to diverse locations such as Government buildings, banks, institutional organisations, educational establishments, hotels and studio apartments.
Space Saving Solution Is Heaven Sent
Registering every land title and dealing in the country creates a lot of paperwork, and it is not surprising that the Land Registry in Gloucester had begun to outgrow its current premises. Although a new filing system was originally seen as the best solution, it soon became clear that there was another way to make the most of the space - and save money. Rackline, specialists in storage solutions, was called in to provide an answer to the problem and address health and safety issues with the current system. Papers were being stored in box files, which were heavy to lift and difficult to retrieve information from. After considering a range of different installations, the storage provider called in its specialist filing division, Filing Heaven. Following a thorough audit and discussions with Land Registry staff, the team recommended the box files be replaced with their specially developed expanding pockets, and a box of 25 was left as a trial. Just days later Filing Heaven received a phone call - requesting more pockets. Facilities manager Nick Johns, said, "The pockets were amazing - we managed to not only reduce the amount of space our files took up, but also solve the health and safety problems instantly. "We asked Filing Heaven to transfer our remaining files as quickly as possible and found that two bays of documents could easily be condensed into one. Colour-coded labels were also added to the files, so staff can find files quicker and identify misfiles at a glance. I'd say that as a natural consequence of the improved filing, our efficiency has increased by around 40 per cent." Dawn Smith, from Filing Heaven, said, "People forget that installing a new shelving system is only one way to maximise available office space. A little bit of re-organisation can free up space you never even realised you had, thus increasing efficiency - and saving you money."
Space saving storage from NORDPLAN
NORDPLAN’s new range of mobile storage systems is designed to be seen and used in any workplace environment. The range offers an elegant, contemporary solution to an age old problem: how to maximise storage capacity in the minimum space.
Intuitive design means that NORDPLAN’s systems are extremely easy to operate, even for the occasional user. And, with their clean lines and uncomplicated finish (the fascias have been designed by Jacob Jensen), systems are eminently suitable for any office or public-access setting. Indeed, you can see NORDPLAN systems in numerous busy offices, hospitals, libraries and other workplaces around the country. They are far more versatile than the outdated perception of mobile units as purely functional, slightly unwieldy cabinets to be hidden away for infrequently used archive material.
The new range includes electronically powered and manual operated options. The electronic systems incorporate purpose-built motors that enable aisles to be accessed by touch-screen controls. Manual units, which feature NORDPLAN’s unique ultra-low gearing mechanism and ergonomically designed hand wheels, can be moved with minimal effort. All systems are manufactured to the same high standard and finish, with steel construction, independently adjustable shelving and box section uprights that eliminate obstructions. Alternative fitting options are available for specialist storage requirements.
NORDPLAN’s mobile systems are extremely space efficient and cost effective, particularly where space is at a premium and document storage needs compete with other demands. They also offer considerable operational advantages, with a unique array of advanced safety, security and operational features. These include:
* Intuitive touch-screen controls or ultra-low gearing for ease of use
* Infra-Red safety beams to prevent accidental closure of units
* Integral lighting for top-to-bottom vision
* Adjustable stopping distances to avoid damage to overhanging items
* Individually programmable key-card transponders or PIN codes where restricted access is required
* Air Circulation Parking to eradicate stale air pockets
Each installation is individually designed to maximise storage capacity and make the most of the available space. Contact NORDPLAN about moving your filing and document storage over to a better mobile solution or to see examples of space saving systems in operation.
Space stocks upon new Super Inverter
Space Air, the award winning Daikin distributor, has taken in significant stocks to meet customer demand for Daikin’s new Sky Air Super Inverter 70 heat pump. “The Super Inverter 70 is already challenging the market share of non-inverter split systems. Energy efficiencies resulting in up to 70% reduction in electricity consumption is proving highly popular in the light commercial sector where the convenience of a single phase supply system offering such operating cost savings simply cannot be ignored in this day and age.” commented a Space Air spokesman. Available in capacities from 3.3 to 14.3kW (cooling) and 3.5 to 16.2kW (heating), the Super Inverter 70 builds on Daikin’s highly successful application of its existing (ECA qualifying) inverter technology. It achieves set point temperature very quickly, adjusting capacity according to variations in both outdoor temperature and indoor load. It also overcomes problems of large fluctuations in room temperature inherent in some non-inverter types.
Reluctance DC compressor motors improve compression efficiency across the entire speed range maximising COPs and minimising overall annual electricity consumption and costs.
Sky Air Super Inverter 70 systems are fitted with the purpose designed and highly efficient Daikin swing or new high pressure dome compressor, optimised for use with R407C refrigerant. A full range of indoor fan coil units includes ceiling cassette, ducted, ceiling suspended and wall mounted types.
This simple but telling graph based on London conditions at standard electricity tariffs clearly shows the month-by-month savings between the Sky Air Super Inverter 70 and a non-inverter system of the same capacity. “The savings in electricity consumption can equate to a pay-back on the investment of less than 2 years. In addition the full Daikin Inverter range qualifies for the Government’s Enhanced Capital Allowance.” says Space Air.
Spaceway in first position with new order from Wiggle
Spaceway South, the Romsey based interiors company, has maintained its close ties with Internet sports equipment company, Wiggle, by fitting out its new premises at Mountbatten Business Park in Portsmouth. A continuation of a working relationship that began three years ago, Spaceway has undertaken a number of projects for Wiggle in line with the company's ongoing expansion. The latest project involved the installation of a two-tier longspan racking system, flooring and associated lighting and electrics as well as the installation of a mezzanine floor, which has doubled the area in the company's new 285 sq. metre facility. Designed, project managed and constructed by Spaceway, on time and within budget, the new facility provides Wiggle with additional, essential storage to meet the company's expanding turnover, which now stands at over £12 million per annum. Previously, Spaceway had undertaken the fitting out of the company's other facility with the installation of mezzanine floors, racking, offices and a staff recreation room. This had involved taking a basic shell, designing a layout that would maximise space in the 400 square metre area, carrying out all the construction and electrical work and then fitting out the area with racking, office furniture and furnishings. "We have always been very pleased with the work done by Spaceway so when we acquired this new facility, we had no hesitation in offering them the contract", says Harvey Jones, Technical Director. "It is especially useful to know that just one company is handling the complete project from design through to commissioning." Established six years ago, Wiggle is a specialist Internet Company providing sports equipment and clothing for cycling, running and active sports. Now employing a workforce of 35, the company has built its reputation on providing quality goods, fast service and competitive prices. Established in 1976, Spaceway is recognised as one of the UK's leading providers of integrated interior space solutions for private sector businesses and public organisations. Located in Hampshire but serving customers across the South and Midlands, the company provides an integrated approach to space solutions that includes mezzanine floors, partitioning, suspended ceilings, storage systems, special structures as well as furniture and small parts storage.
Spaceway's designs beefs up Precor's headquarters
When fitness equipment company, Precor Products, needed to expand its UK headquarters following the purchase of the company by the AMA Corporation, Precor Products turned to Spaceway South to reconfigure its existing head office to provide it with an additional office space. A continuation of a long-term relationship that began in 2003, Spaceway South has provided Precor Products with 200 square metres of extra offices. Precor Products is a fast expanding company that supplies complete fitness packages to private gyms, leisure centres, hotels, education establishments, corporations and the MOD. In late 2003 the company was acquired by the AMA Corporation, a European competitor that has invested in Precor's site at Finchampstead to help centralise the Group's operation. Having already successfully carried out a major project for Precor Products in 2002, Company Secretary, Gill Scrutton, had no hesitation in asking Spaceway South to draw up designs for expansion. "Spaceway had managed the redesign of our building so well in 2002 that we had no hesitation in choosing them again for the new development", says Gill Scrutton. "The company always gives attention to detail and comes up with helpful suggestions. In addition they employ excellent staff who know exactly what they have to do and are always courteous". Spaceway South submitted designs to Precor Products, that provided them with the additional space required by installing a FlooriTall(tm) mezzanine floor, moving existing partitioning, fitting new Komfort Kameo partitioning and suspended ceilings. Finally, Spaceway installed all electrics, lighting, floor covering and air conditioning. Originally established in Seattle, USA in 1980, Precor Products first opened in the UK in 1993. The company retails a wide range of gym equipment including elliptical fitness cross-trainers, treadmills, cycles, climbers, stretch trains and strength training systems. Its world leading brands of Wilson, Atomic, Suunto and Precor are supplied to both domestic and commercial customers through its dealership network. Established in 1976, Spaceway is recognised as one of the UK's leading providers of integrated interior space solutions for private sector businesses and public organisations. Located in Hampshire but serving customers across the South and Midlands, the company provides an integrated approach to space solutions that includes mezzanine floors, partitioning, suspended ceilings, storage systems, special structures as well as furniture and small parts storage.
Special size Eurotek Quads answer Project Telecom’s call
Pictured, a section of the extensive Eurotek Quad workstation installation at the Project Telecom headquaters in Newark, Nottinghamshire.
The full cable managed workstations have been used to house 120 staff in the company’s expanded Customer Management Centre.
The department has been equipped with 12 sets of eight, three sets of six and a one person Quad. In keeping with Project Telecom’s requirements, the workstations have each been built to a special size slightly larger than Eurotek’s standard Quad units. The fact that Eurotek were prepared to build bespoke products and still adhere to a strict delivery schedule were key factors in securing the contract. The installation was carried out by Eurotek dealer, Lincoln based AC Selby Office Supplies who are one of Project Telecom’s long standing suppliers.
Project Telecom’s Group Estates Manager, Trevor Turner, said because of the space efficient qualities of Eurotek’s Quad workstations, the department had been able to absorb an additional 50% increase in staffing levels without taking up any morel room than had been necessary with their previously configured desks.
“We have been able to create a relatively high density of workstations but at the same time comfortably handle all the various health and safety issues,” said Mr Turner. “The staff clearly like the furniture and their new work environment. It allows for excellent teamwork and communication, but with each workstation being fitted with a low level screen everyone has a degree of privacy which is appreciated.”
He said the workstations had also been equipped with flat screen monitors which took up less space than conventional PCs. Because Eurotek had built the units slightly larger than normal this had created valuable extra desk space for each person.
Specialist equipment for washrooms delivers ‘no touch’ cleaning
‘No touch’ systems for mechanised washroom cleaning originated with US manufacturer Kaivac who actually created the category after looking at the problems of providing a high level of cleanliness in this bacteria-sensitive, yet most difficult area to maintain.
Importantly, Kaivac also placed considerable emphasis on not only improving cleaning efficiency but also of maintaining the dignity of the cleaning operative.
Doubtless, washrooms play a critical role in the perception of a facility’s cleanliness. But they’re also the costliest to maintain. Firstly, they contain a variety of fixtures, often in large numbers. Secondly, per-fixture visits over the course of a day can be extremely high, as is usually
evidenced by visible soil and puddles. Lastly, many of these facilities, such as airports, operate throughout the day and night with little tolerance for downtime. In a factory, grime is usually tracked into the washroom, trodden into the floor surface, which when wet, becomes a potential slip hazard.
Using the ISSA (International Sanitary Suppliers Association) standard of three minutes per fixture using mops and wipes, the time taken to clean larger washrooms anywhere near properly can easily add up to over two-and-a-half hours labour - an expensive proposition.
Even cleaning smaller washrooms using traditional methods is not only
time-consuming but also generally ineffective. Most buckets contain dirty water after the first use, which mops then simply spread around. Surfaces are left dirty and wet with grout-lines untouched. Consequently, only a portion of washroom soil is removed, leaving a hotbed for germs. In addition, cleaning staff end up touching contaminated surfaces and having to crawl on the floor to get behind toilet bowls. If they ever do.
Kaivac ‘no touch’ cleaning systems not only clean better, but also improve productivity by a factor of three or more -while reducing chemical usage by 30-90%.
Kaivac combines pressure washer, chemical injection and wet vacuum in a single machine. The operative simply sprays cleaning solution at low pressure onto all fixtures: wash basins, urinals, modesty screens, adjacent walls and toilets - including behind the bowl where cleaners rarely if ever go.
Switching to high pressure, the Kaivac operator then blasts all soils and contamination to the floor. The wet surfaces (where human hand touches) are easily blow-dried and the floor vacuumed. All without ever touching contaminated surfaces. The washroom is then ready for immediate use, leaving the cleaning staff to get on with other things.
The result is a visibly cleaner, fresher facility all round.
Specialist Lamps, Lighting Design, SAD Products
Trilight is an ISO9000:2001 supplier of lamps and light fittings. While the major market is distribution to the electrical wholesale trade, Local and Central Government bodies feature as important elements within the client base. Trilight was formed as an amalgamation of three of Scotland's leading lighting companies: Powerhouse Electrical, Lightbox and Caledonian Lighting. Powerhouse, the earliest company, was formed by directors Jim Gray, John Thompson and Gus Cruickshank in February 1989. The name was changed to Trilight in 1998. Graeme and Wendy Hosie joined as fellow directors following the amalgamation. The expansion saw Trilight combine the strengths and expertise of Powerhouse in the field of specialist lamp distribution, with Lightbox's bespoke manufacturing of lighting fixtures and light therapy products such as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) lamps, and the design capabilities of Caledonian Lighting. The company's UK branches are in Aberdeen, Falkirk and Glasgow. In 2004 a branch was opened in Alicante, Spain. This strategic expansion was made in response to the demands for lighting products due to the growth of the leisure and entertainment market in Spain which was outstripping the available supply. This addition has brought the total staff levels up to approximately 30. In the coming year, the directors hope to add further UK branches, with Edinburgh and Perth/Dundee under active consideration. Turnover in year ending August 2004 exceeded £4M, representing a year on year percentage growth of between 10 - 15%. Continued growth is expected in the new financial year, both in the company's core markets and also through an additional move to meet the demands of the current "home designer" market. A retail outlet has been established in Aberdeen to showcase some of the products and services aimed at this expanding sector.
Specifying entrance matting? Don’t slip up
…..says Brian Newell, Chairman of Shackerley (Holdings) Group Limited, Chairman of the Tile Association Technical Committee, and a founder member of the Entrance Flooring Systems Association.
We’re all aware of the need to fit barrier matting in entrance areas. Not only does an appropriately specified matting system protect interior floor finishes and reduce floor cleaning bills, but it will also minimise the potential for accidents – an increasingly important benefit in this litigious age. So why do we still hear of floors being damaged from tracked in dirt, and of avoidable accidental slips and injuries inside our buildings? In many cases these incidents are the direct result of poorly specified matting systems and a failure by those responsible for premises to acknowledge that every specification is different, with its own individual considerations.
So many architects, interior designers and facilities managers select an entrance matting system for no better reason than they’ve “used it somewhere before”. And although this is an area where specialist advice is often very useful, there are many cases where contractors are left to decide alone which products to fit and the materials to use, (understandably) basing their decisions primarily on cost factors.
When considering the type of system needed and the matting materials to be used, a very important consideration is the location of the entrance area to your premises. Is it in a covered area, or is it exterior facing, with employees and visitors walking straight from a dirty, wet pavement into your building, tracking in dirt and rainwater? If exterior facing, internal barrier matting (‘zone 2’), alone may not meet your needs. You may require a first line of defence outside the building – exterior matting under a canopy (‘zone 1’)- to remove the worst of the footborne moisture and dirt.
You then need to consider the environmental conditions. Does the entrance face the prevailing wind, or is it sheltered? Will it be prone to rain, sleet and possibly snow, or to a heavy build up of dry soil, such as sand or grit blown in through the doors? Will it be subject to oily, greasy soiling, perhaps from the adjacent car park? There might be very specific considerations to take into account – for instance, how do you cater for a new facility entrance which is still part of a building site?
The volume and type of ‘traffic’ anticipated is obviously critical. Are you only expecting pedestrians through your doors or will the matting system need to stand up to heavy wheeled traffic, such as the luggage handling vehicles used at airports? Is the matting expected to remove the soil from the shoes of just a few individuals passing through every day, or from tens of thousands of pairs of shoes, for example at the street level entrance to a passenger transport terminal or busy shopping centre?
Another key consideration influencing choice of matting type, and the specification of materials used, is the type of floor finish inside the building. If soft floorcoverings are fitted, your key focus will be on minimising the visible deterioration of the carpets or carpet tiles and minimising (and localising) the need for intensive cleaning. In addition to superficial visible dirt, dry soil particles can quickly bury themselves down between the carpet tufts, rubbing away at the fibres, eventually altering the carpet’s appearance. To provide an unobtrusive secondary barrier beyond the primary matting it is now possible to install carpet tiles (‘zone 3’), such as those in Shackerley’s Cotswold range, manufactured with tiny monofilament fibres interspersed between the tufts. These scrape away at the soles of shoes, collecting more soil in one area. To the untrained eye, they are indistinguishable from a normal carpet tile and can be teamed up with matching, conventionally tufted ‘zone 4’ Cotswold carpet tiles.
If the interior has a hard floor finish such as quarried stone, (limestone, marble, granite,etc), glazed ceramic tiles or unglazed ceramic granite slabs, you will still wish to minimise visible soiling and of course the risk of scratches to softer stones from footborne residues. However, with any floor, a matter of key concern should be health and safety. Moisture can clearly become a hazard for hard and resilient smooth surfaced floor finishes, but perhaps less obviously, so can dry polished soil particles. Grains of sand, for instance, act like minute ball bearings on certain surfaces. A clean and dry floor will normally have a satisfactory co-efficient of friction value, but soil acts as a lubricant and can make it as slippery as an ice rink. Footborne soil is only one factor – the build up of cleaning materials can also create a dangerous film on top of a textured surface. (So serious is this issue that The Tile Association has issued a publication entitled ‘The Slip Resistance of Hard Flooring’ – call 0208 663 0946 for a copy)
Only when all the key factors have been assessed should decisions be taken on matting systems. It is easy to see why it is often advisable to call in outside assistance from companies such as Shackerley, which have the required expertise.
Shackerley offers a comprehensive range of heavy duty entrance matting systems including ‘reservoired’ mats and suspended gap systems with an extensive range of different insets and scraper profiles; slim-line frameless mats; matting designed for exterior sports areas; moisture absorbent mats available in bespoke designs, and even ribbed wooden decking systems. For facilities requiring a fully integrated matting system complete with colour coordinated loop pile or cut pile carpet tiles, the new Cotswold Collection, with its ‘four zone’ approach offers an ideal solution. We also offer a complete sampling service, face-to-face advice from consultant representatives nationwide and a full design and planning service.
Spectrum shapes contract interiors in 2004
The exhibition of furniture, architectural fittings, floor and surface coverings, lighting, textiles, accessories and materials. Spectrum, showcasing the work of interior product design pioneers, is a professional must, especially if you miss Milan or cannot get to Orgatec. It covers the best of European interior product companies, looking for a foothold in the UK, while at the same time providing an opportunity for UK players to launch new pieces. Both small designer makers and large corporate manufacturers exhibit alongside one another. An alternative industry event, Spectrum delivers a complete experience, not only exhibitors unveiling new designs but opportunities for major industry networking in the relaxed atmosphere for which Spectrum has become known. Now in its twelfth year, Spectrum is still maintaining its position as one of the most innovative and specialist exhibitions, in the familiar surroundings of the three elliptical galleries of the Commonwealth Institute in the heart of Kensington from 18-21 May. 2004 being an ‘Orgatec’ year, many exhibitors will be using Spectrum to test market their products before the October European showing in Cologne. Spectrum will not only be hosting a number of UK product launches from new and previous exhibitors, it will also provide an opportunity to attend seminars and lectures on exciting topics concerning both Architects and Facility Managers.
Speedy Integration at Juxon House
Integration and speed have been the key words in an Integrated Controls Systems installation at Juxon House, the prestigious speculative development by Standard Life Investments on the site of the former Paternoster complex behind St Paul's Cathedral in London. The totally open system, designed by the Berkshire systems house to specifications by consulting engineers Curona, has embraced equipment from Invensys, Honeywell, Sontay, Mitsibishi, ABB, Delmatic, Calon and many others on two networks to meet the client's determination not to be tied into any one manufacturer or supplier. The ICS flat LON system directly controls HVAC equipment including boilers, chillers AHUs and more than 400 fan coil units which are either cooling only using air side dampers, or cooling with electric reheat. It successfully integrates an extensive lighting system and Monitoris generators and cold smoke clearance sstems. The system features a massive database containing more than 1,000 nodes run on an OS 2,000 graphical user interface, complete with an extensive suite of graphics. Believed to be one of the first of its type in Britain, the installation features a high speed backbone operating at 1.2 Mbs to serve a total of 14 multi port plug-and-play communication L-switches, two on each of the six floors of office accommodation (allowing for dual tenancy of the building should it be necessary), one on the lower ground floor and one on the roof serving landlords plant. Engineering at every level has been required to create a system that will offer extensive flexibility along with high levels of energy efficiency throughout the 130,000 sq ft development. The design also had to take account of the architecture of the building which allows for an east/west division to provide two separate demises - systems were required to be applicable for both open plan and cellular office layouts while communication ways were required to give two tenants total autonomy to determine the environmental conditions within their own sector of the building. In terms of development of the database, Juxon House features one of the most technologically advanced open systems using an LNS database yet built in the U.K. It has enabled the ICS team to choose the LON hardware on a best-of-breed basis to meet every specific need and exploit the LON common communications protocol on the network serving the entire development. The database has been configured to identify every device within the building and access all relevant information from it. The seven-storey development includes 22,000 sq. ft. of retail accommodation at ground floor level where the ICS installation provides centralised cooling of the individual tenants packaged air conditioning systems. Façade lighting under photocell control and all security lights are also linked into the main integrated system while LON mark schedulers ensure accurate time scheduling, overrides and staggered switch off. The physical size of the building resulted in cabling distances of more than 1 km between some of the lighting units and the controller. More than 1,000 built in alarms embrace all requirements ranging from all primary plant to personal calls from the disabled toilets. ICS Managing Director John Reid says: "A contract such as Juxon House reflects today's trends in our industry, requiring companies like ICS to become full systems integrators, pulling together equipment from a multitude of suppliers "The engineering requirements are therefore substantial - engineering has become the key element of major contract nowadays. Although the various products come to us as LON compliant, they do have to be engineered and integrated into the system. The communication protocols - switching, alarming, scheduling and the like - have to be established between the devices. "In fact the engineering element of these contracts is becoming a significant element of the overall cost. "Furthermore, speed of operation has become paramount and we have been delighted with the performance of the high speed backbone which will give the tenants of Juxon House one of the fastest systems of its type in the country."
Spills in the workplace – training can reduce costs!
Fosse Liquitrol has received British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) accreditation for its training course in Spill Prevention and Response. The course is carried out on the customer’s premises, can accommodate up to 12 people and is aimed at organizations that use, store or transport oil, chemicals and solvents. The object of the certificated course is to provide first responders at a spill incident with the awareness, basic know-how and techniques to safely use sorbent products to recover spilt substances and limit their escape to the environment.
“The new “First Responder Spill Training Standard”, set by the Sorbent Manufacturer’s Group within the BSIF, defines the minimum requirements for the content of an approved course,” explains Geoff Hooke of the BSIF. “Courses are independently audited to confirm that all requirements are met before BSIF accreditation is awarded. Currently, Fosse Liquitrol is one of the few companies that can give evidence that it delivers a suitable level of training to meet the Standard.”
The Fosse Liquitrol Spill Prevention and Response training course takes place in the environment where spills are likely to occur and lasts for between two and two and a half hours. Trainees participate in the simulation of spills, deployment of equipment, spill response procedures and after-spill analysis. Spill prevention and control issues are discussed and a video highlights how easily environmental damage can be caused if staff are unaware of emergency procedures and equipment. All participants gain environmental awareness, knowledge of legislation and best working practice, emergency spill response skills and a certificate of attendance.
The Fosse Liquitrol Spill Prevention and Response training course has already been implemented in several organisations. John Fitzakerley, Assistant Buyer attended a course held at EWS Railways. He explained, “The training course made each participant much more confident in carrying out the correct techniques and using the spill kits positioned around our depots…. The course offered hands-on training on our site which was very realistic.”
Miles Hillmann, Managing Director and founder of Fosse Liquitrol explains, “Accidents, bad working practice, poor maintenance, inappropriate storage and leaking equipment can all cause a potentially hazardous spill. The spillage of hazardous liquids, even in extremely small quantities, can lead to major environmental damage, bad publicity and costly fines from the Environment Agency1 - not to mention loss of product and the potential for personal injury. If more organizations took the necessary precautions to prevent spills, and trained their staff to deal with accidental spills effectively with the appropriate equipment, there would be a great reduction in both environmental damage and costs to businesses.”
The Environment Agency will always take a very strong line with polluters especially when negligence is a significant factor. The Agency considers legal compliance and good environmental performance to be fundamental and states2, “Training plays a crucial role in protecting the environment. Trained and knowledgeable staff can help prevent or lessen the effects of a pollution incident – saving both money and time. Occasional accidents are inevitable so it is important to have plans in place to deal with pollution emergencies and make sure everyone knows what to do in the event of an incident.”
Sporting the Grundfos logo
Greece has really put itself on the sporting map with an unexpected win at Euro 2004 and successfully hosting a memorable Olympic Games. As a result, we have also become very familiar with the Euro 2004 and Olympics logos throughout the course of the year.
Another logo that has also been synonymous with both events is the Grundfos logo. The Grundfos logo is a simplified sketch of the Archimedes’ screw that was developed between 287-212 BC and was adapted by Grundfos in the 1940s when an employee noted a striking similarity between the inner workings of the CP3 pump and the design of the screw.
The logo became the Grundfos registered trademark in 1955. At this stage it could not have been known that the design of the Greek mathematician and physicist and the Danish pump manufacturer would have such close links almost 50 years later.
Supplying 85% of all the pumps to the stadiums that hosted Euro 2004; and 66% of all the pumping solutions used at all the venues in Athens. Grundfos can definitely claim their place on the winner’s podium, and prove their world-class status.
Working in partnership with a myriad of consultants, contractors and installers, not to mention the event organisers, demands meticulous planning, an exemplary product range and high levels of industry knowledge. The decision to use Grundfos was made easier as the brand is renowned for its quality and reliability. It is this combination that helped us achieve preferred supplier status at both high-profile sporting venues.
To ‘make it’ as a sports person, requires aptitude, persistence, focus, resilience and a will to win. Successful companies portray the same qualities.
Grundfos are proud to have been associated with the sporting excellence displayed at both events in 2004.
Sprinbank’s leisure success is a £4million splash-hit
Leading vending management specialist Springbank Industries has reinforced its dominance in the leisure sector with a series of prestigious contract successes worth £4 million.Fully managed operations where Springbank’s skilled staff replace leisure centre workers to perform regular machine stock and fill duties has become a major growth area, generating a host of customer benefits.“Third party outsourcing provides many benefits, as part of a one stop shop vending approach. Leisure managers have identified significant labour cost savings and improvements in their daily vending service, instead of employing in essence, their own part time vending guys, who sometimes for a variety of reasons - do not always provide a very professional job”, explained Springbanks Sales and Marketing Team Leader Dominic Bowers.In the last 12 months Staffordshire-based Springbank has secured nine local authority leisure contracts, spanning a total of 120 vending machines, with contract values worth a total of £4 million.
Many were self-fill sites that have been converted to fully managed operations, with locations at Liverpool, Derby, Coventry, Stevenage, Southwark, Chesham, and most recently Redditch, making up the huge contract success. Springbank’s one-stop shop philosophy incorporates hot drink systems, snack and confectionery, soft drinks, water and energy drinks. “Many of our clients have adopted a ‘leave it to the experts’ philosophy where their staff get on with doing what they do best, running a leisure centre, and we get on with running the vending side of things. A more professional vending service is combined with significant labour savings and improved vending sales as part of a very smooth running service. The results speak for themselves.” Impressive sales growth is already being generated. One client is enjoying a 31% rise in sales, whilst the second is witnessing a 20% increase in demand, just a couple of months after switching to a fully managed service. “We have always had a strong pedigree in leisure and understand the sector and the issues faced by leisure managers so that we can take things to a new level. We are focused on maximising sales, minimising downtime and creating a quality seven day service package,” added Mr Bowers. Springbank’s attention to detail, all-round expertise and dedicated customer service spans all aspects of high quality vending facilities, from the latest machine innovations to shopfitting suites and brand awareness. Mr Bowers concluded: “Springbank strikes a healthy balance between royalties and the quality of service and our expanding customer base bears testimony to our market knowledge based on years of experience. “Many sites still manage their own vending, refilling the machines, which is very time consuming and takes staff away from their core duties. We have a proven alternative which is becoming increasingly popular.”
Springbank brings Cafe culture direct to workplace
The sophisticated streets of Rome and Milan have long been the spiritual home of coffee connoisseurs who demand exquisite taste, style and panache.
Now the same cafe culture phenomenon can be brought direct to the workplace thanks to Springbank Industries unique coffee bar concept that combines stylish table top beverage systems with a contemporary chilled water system.
The ‘Cafe Springbank’ venture delivers high street quality continental coffees, teas and pure ‘cool’ water and has taken more than 12 months to develop.
The attractive integrated unit provides a user-friendly and cost effective refreshment solution and benefits from a secure storage cupboard, concealed vertical cup shoots and neatly houses all ingredients and ancillary items.
As the current Vending Operator of the Year, Springbank has the experience and expertise to provide a complete drinks service, ensuring an efficient and low maintenance operation for office locations especially where more than 20 staff are employed.
Specifiers can choose from three of the latest beverage units to ensure maximum flexibility for any office or showroom environment - as Springbank provides a complete bespoke solution. Both bean-to-cup and freeze-dried beverages can be complemented with a hot water facility for traditional tea brewing. Users can choose to drink from their own mugs or paper cups.
Springbank’s Dominic Bowers says that as well as raising the profile of staff refreshment and visitor hospitality, significant cost savings can be enjoyed particularly from the water machine.
He explained: “Cafe Springbank is an all-in-one low maintenance unit that answers everyone’s needs. It is a very cost effective refreshment solution and will revolutionise self-brew sites that also utilise bottled water. Because we are an independent brokerage we are able to match a client’s criteria with a perfect bespoke solution.
“The unit combines striking looks with a no hassle approach that will bring significant time savings. Industry research shows that the average wasted man-hours for self-brew is 45 minutes per person per week. Multiply this figure by the number of your workforce to appreciate how much time is spent brewing up.”
The table top beverage units, specially chosen for their individual strengths have been combined with a fashionable plumbed in water system - and bring the streets of Rome into the corridors of power.
Chargeable, free vend and cashless options are available for maximum payment flexibility.
Bowers concluded: “As the best operator and service provider in the country, we have picked the best machines from both Italy and the UK to ensure our customers get the best of both worlds - an attractive, cost effective and hassle-free refreshment facility.
“In today’s world of almost universal automation, putting the kettle on and brewing up is becoming a very antiquated practice. Businesses should move with the times. The Cafe Springbank system creates a striking impact with customers as well as staff, and ensures a more professional working environment.”
Springbank earns top marks with £1.4m contract
Leading vending management specialist Springbank Industries has gone to the top of the class as it celebrates over £1.4 million of new business in a booming further and higher education sector. The benefits of a modern smooth-running vending operation really do add up according to the award-winning Staffordshire-based operator - who has a genuine understanding of the education market and the many issues it faces. From installing and servicing modern automated restaurant suites to launching new innovations such as their Café Springbank concept - in response to today’s growing cafe culture trends - Springbank’s expertise regularly transforms loss making catering operations into profit generating centres - boosting quality, choice and customer service as well as income generation. Springbank’s latest success story spans six new ‘upgrade’ contracts involving 95 machines at the University of Derby, Liverpool John Moores University, Staffordshire University and also Stoke-on-Trent College, Lichfield College and Stafford College. Springbank’s Dominic Bowers says the company is fully aware of the tough economic climate that cash-strapped caterers now face within the education sector. “The key is using the latest models in the right locations, changing the product mix, offering perceived better value hot drinks and generally moving with the times. The days of bland vending shoved in the corner of a room are long gone. “It’s about integration into the whole education concept. Identifiable refreshment stations, operating on a realistic commercial basis,” he explained. Take the University of Derby for example who reported a £20,000 cost subsidy two years ago. That reduced to £13,000 last year through a rationalisation programme and the vending operation will soon be in profit thanks to a long-term management deal which answers their current needs. Head of catering services, Vikki Barnes, explained: “Like many campuses vending operations were very profitable five-years ago but a decline in use had seen that move to a loss. A change in the grants system was compounded by shorter and shorter term times. We still have a 52-week per year cost issue, but only 32 or 33 working weeks to raise the revenue. “Students study at home more and are not on site as much. Thanks to reduced timetables, students may be only in once or twice per week. Less students, coming in less often can only mean less sales.” Campus catering facilities in general have also suffered recently from the upsurge in high street coffee outlets, as Vikki added: “With the coffee shops selling different styles of continental coffees the customer has become more discerning and wants more choice in the drinks they buy.” In a direct response to the retail phenomenon that specifically appeals to the 16-30-year-old age group, Springbank has introduced its own Caf6 Spririgbank brand that allows the education sector to compete on an equal footing with the high street outlets. Both ‘banked in’ and table top vending systems have brand uniformity whilst a unique coffee bar concept that combines stylish table top beverage systems, complements the whole concept. “To maximise sales the machines have to look good,” declared Vikki. “The new Springbank concept is trendy and sexy. As a company they are innovative, move with the times and suggest new concepts. They do not wait for the customer to ask for something new.” More than 23,000 students study at Derby across a main site with 5 satellites varying in size — and a flexible catering service is key to keeping everybody happy. “The benefits of vending are being able to provide a 24-hour service, this is only possible if the machines are reliable and operated to a high standard. Springbank do all of this,” said Vikki. At Derby the existing catering consists of canteen areas, coffee shops and staff bar. Two of the sites are vending only, therefore the service to the machines is viewed as even more critical. The refreshment areas are open from 8 am till 7.30 pm but the access to the building is till 11 pm. Catering services are not open at weekends but the main Institution building is. “Vending is vital to the students wishing to use the facilities such as the learning centre when it would not be cost effective to open manual services.” remarked Vikki. Turning to the future, both Vikki and Springbank believe that general standards, value for money and brand awareness will rise even higher. “Facilities are being more and more centralised and this will continue into the future,” said Vikki. “I couldn’t operate to the standards we achieve without the support of a reliable vending operation.” According to Springbank, table top beverage machines and free standing vending equipment work better together — with just one supplier able to offer the best deal. “Charging a minimum 80p for a well presented 10oz hot drink from a table top machine should be the benchmark to increase revenue as part of a retail therapy approach -- linked with a 50p charge for a standard vending drinks experience,” said Dominic. “Many sites are still using old school education language such as ‘refectory’ instead of coffee shops. We want our clients to help themselves and move away from traditional catering and vending perceptions.” Springbank’s Cafe Springbank brand can genuinely compete against the familiar retail names in terms of its table top and free standing range of equipment — benefiting from ethical, quality-driven and well presented characteristics - but at a fraction of the cost. Springbank knows from experience that upgrading hot drink equipment will entice more sales. Premium priced drinks can still bring added value. It’s about generating a contemporary feel in a young market place, according to Dominic. Springbank estimates there has been a 50% reduction in vending sales compared to the peaks of 1997/98 the halcyon days of large student numbers. Dominic added: “People are prepared to pay extra for quality. There is a need to use generous drinks sizes and modern machines to increase the profit margin. It’s about quality not quantity. “More emphasis should also be placed on food vending when manual catering has closed for the day. Commercial viability is extremely difficult when you are trying to run near 12-hour daily operations. Labour saving is the essence and a real strength of vending.” Springbank offers a synergy in brands between table top and hot drinks vending equipment which it says is vital to inspire customer confidence and maintain high sales levels. They also recognise that good all-round catering facilities contribute to the overall university grading structure which has a positive knock-on effect for the whole campus. Vikki concluded: “Springbank’s qualities are honesty, integrity and a caring attitude to customers. They don’t pressurise to advantage themselves but work to solve problems for both parties.” Springbank believes it’s a recipe for success, true automated retailing.
Springbank scores with £multi-million leisure success
Leading vending management specialist Springbank Industries has re-enforced its dominance in the leisure sector with a series of prestigious contract successes worth £1.5 million. Impressive sales success, particularly in the south of England has generated sustained business growth and earned a wealth of plaudits from an expanding customer base. Staffordshire-based Springbank has followed up a £1 .5m sales success at Aquaterra Leisure in Islington, London, by doubling overall turnover with clients in and around the capital, spanning Stevenage, Southwark, Epping Forest and Bedfordshire. The biggest success story involves Stevenage Leisure Ltd where 24 machines operate across five leisure and arts venues in a deal worth £945,000. Springbank has built up a close working relationship with the leisure trust over more than 10 years. The last site to be added went live last Autumn, and more are planned for the future. Stevenage Leisure Ltd run sites at Stevenage Swimming Centre, John Henry Newman Leisure Centre, Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre, Shephall Leisure Centre and also Saxon Pool and Leisure Centre in Bedfordshire. Geoff Caine, the company’s Commercial Operations Manager is very impressed by Springbank’s attention to detail and all-round expertise. He explained: “We had a disappointing relationship with a previous operator, and also had to manage our own vending, refilling the machines, which was very time consuming and took staff away from their core duties. “Our relationship with Springbank started in the early 90’s and now spans five different sites. They offer a very professional service to both ourselves and our customers and also generate a profit for us which is important since we are a commercial operation.” He stressed: “In general they are an excellent business partner. When you find the right company it’s important to stick with them and move forward together.” Chrome shopfitted equipment plays an integral part in Springbank’s blueprint for success. Regular machine upgrades improve reliability and ensure a modern vending solution is maintained. Each location has tailored shopfitted branding to ensure a co-ordinated visual appearance. Geoff continued: “Shopfitting is very important. Integration helps with the overall ambience and site synergy. There is nothing worse than having odd vending machines doffed around the place. Shopfitting creates the right impression to generate more sales and improve customer service.” In addition, Springbank’s proven pedigree and infrastructure provides a complete management service, including system repairs and regular stocking and filling of machines. Geoff added: “Springbank fully manage the operation which takes the pressure off us. We can get on with running our business in the knowledge that our vending service is in very capable hands. They are efficient and react to any problems very quickly to ensure a smooth running vending operation.” According to Geoff hot drinks and general health and fitness products such as low fat bars and crisps and bottled water are big sellers. But Springbank’s innovative approach pays dividends during school holidays when a large influx of children prompts a revised product range. He concluded: “During half term there are hundreds of children on site and Springbank change the menu in advance to cater for their needs. There is more emphasis on soft drinks, chocolate bars and sweets. “We have complete confidence in Springbank to maximise our profits and deliver the highest levels of service. We are confident of further contracts and will be looking to extend our relationship with Springbank as we progress.” Meanwhile Springbank also operates 23 shopfitted machines across five leisure sites in Southwark on behalf of Fusion. Springbank is responsible for stocking and filling all vending equipment as part of a three-year-deal that commenced last Summer. Springbank’s latest installation success came at Loughton Leisure Centre in Epping Forest that opened in January this year. Eight shopfitted machines have been introduced on a DIY basis where staff stock and fill the vendors. The site’s General Manager Darren Goodey explained: “We wanted one company to provide all the vending equipment and having read some good press about Springbank they offered the best all-round flexible solution. We like the control of our own staff maintaining stock levels whilst having Springbank’s back-up should the need arise.
Springwood Whizzkids unveil new building - Childcare facility hosts Open Day to display new centre
Springwood Whizzkids, a wrap-around Childcare facility run by Aston Springwood Home School Association (HSA) Trust has unveiled its new building at the official open day.
Supplied by Portakabin and funded by The National Lottery, the building will provide space for 70 children aged from 2 1/2 - 14 years. The facility includes an Under 5s provision, which is open in term-time and an Out-of-School Care club, which is open before school, after school and all day during the holidays.
Portakabin has worked very closely with the Trust to ensure that the specialist building meets Whizzkids requirements. This partnership has produced a building, which provides 250m2 of high quality floor space and will provide a safe, secure but exciting environment for the children who will use it.
“The building has fulfilled all our expectations,” said Mrs. J. Long, Deputy Headteacher and member of the Trust. “Portakabin have advised us, listened to us and assisted us at every stage of development to produce an exciting and stimulating environment for the children in our care. It has been a very successful partnership.”
Ian McMillan, poet laureate of Yorkshire and former pupil at Aston Springwood School officially opened the building, and says: “The new nursery building acts as a beacon to show what can be done for the community, and shatters the typical perception of Portakabin buildings. I would like to wish
Springwood Whizzkids the best of luck in the future, and hope it continues to grow.”
Those who also attended the open day included Governors and Trustees, members of the Parish Council and Rt. Hon. Kevin Barron, local MP for Rother Valley.
Delighted with the new facility, Kevin Barron says: “The new building represents a marvellous facility for young children, and highlights Portakabin’s excellent ability to provide specialist accommodation to the education sector. The new nursery is a great achievement, and an asset to the Aston community.
SSS wins Homebase Facilities Management contract
Security Support Services (SSS) Ltd, the specialist provider of outsourced management services, has won a major contract to manage the complete facilities management (FM) operations of leading home enhancement retail chain, Homebase.
This marks a natural extension to the SSS service portfolio, building on the strengths of its successful security monitoring and management operation which, over the past seven years, has achieved substantial cost savings and operational efficiencies for clients including Homebase.
Under the terms of an initial three-year contract, SSS will be adopting the role of FM managing contractor for Homebase’s entire UK network of 300 stores. Included among a wide range of FM services covered are all M&E operations, heating and ventilation, air conditioning, landscaping, glazing and specialist equipment such as fork lift trucks and public address systems.
SSS will be responsible for negotiating and overseeing all maintenance contracts to ensure improved service levels and produce optimal cost efficiencies.
“Appointing SSS to manage our FM requirements makes good business sense,” comments Paul Millard, facilities manager for Homebase, “as there are many synergies with the work they already undertake for us.
He continues: “The company has provided a sterling performance over the years in both the monitoring and management of our security and fire alarms, and the same contract management principles can be applied to our FM operation. By outsourcing management of our maintenance to SSS, who are completely independent of any contractors, we can be assured that our best interests are maintained during all contract negotiations”
“We are very pleased to have this contract,” adds Terry Baker, managing director of SSS. “Having established ourselves as an industry leader in outsourced security management services, we have invested heavily in expanding our facilities management capabilities.
“Our 24-hour Help Desk has proved very successful and we have now put together a dedicated team of skilled FM professionals who will be able to service organisations whatever their size of operation.”
In addition to Homebase, SSS services a wide range of blue chip client companies including: B&Q, the Co-operative Group (CWS) Ltd, Esso, Hilti, Kwiksave, Mappin & Webb, Sainsbury’s, Somerfield Stores, United Co-op, Waitrose and Watches of Switzerland.
SSS wins major multi-service contract with Hilti
Security Support Services (SSS) Ltd, the specialist provider of outsourced management services, has won a major contract to oversee the complete facilities management (FM) and electronic security operations of Hilti (Gt. Britain) Ltd, a leading supplier of fixing and fastening solutions to the construction and building industries.
This marks the latest contract win for SSS’s recently-formed FM services division and builds on the company’s success over the past seven years in providing clients of its outsourced management services with substantial cost savings and operational efficiencies.
Under the terms of an initial three year contract, SSS will be responsible for managing all FM services across Hilti’s entire UK network of 26 sites and overseeing all maintenance contracts to ensure improved service levels and optimal cost efficiencies.
Supporting this will be a 24-hour Help Desk that provides specialist, pro-active advice across all principal maintenance areas, including M&E, HVAC, landscaping and glazing. This will ensure prevention of wasted engineering visits and the associated costs and inconvenience that can arise.
In addition, SSS will also be responsible for the management and monitoring of all Hilti electronic site security, including both intruder and fire alarms, together with closed circuit television (CCTV) surveillance systems.
“We are pleased to appoint SSS to manage our FM requirements across the board in this way,” comments Mike Ball, Property & Facilities Manager for Hilti (Gt. Britain) Ltd, “given their excellent record in working with other multi-site companies. In particular, I am impressed with the independence provided by their Help Desk, which is not an easy resource to find.”
He continues: “The ability to provide regular management reports, confirmatory e-mails for all actions and an Internet dial-up facility for complete data monitoring leaves me fully confident in the management control process.”
“This is another extremely satisfying contact win,” adds Terry Baker, managing director of SSS, “underlining our rapid growth in the provision of general FM services.
“By outsourcing management of all FM and maintenance operations to SSS, our clients can be assured of complete independence in our dealings with contractors, ensuring that their best commercial interests are maintained at all times.
As part of its outsourced electronic security operation, SSS owns and operates a NACOSS-approved Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), equipped with state-of-the-art receiving technology, that enables all necessary data to be compiled and ensures that proper false alarm management procedures are followed. With a typical alarm filtering level of 87 per cent, the SSS ARC is acknowledged as an industry leader in its class.
In addition to Hilti, SSS services a wide range of blue chip client companies including: B&Q, the Co-operative Group (CWS) Ltd, Esso, Homebase, Kwiksave, Mappin & Webb, Sainsbury’s, Somertield Stores, United Co-op, Waitrose and Watches of Switzerland.
SSS wins major security contract with Halfords
SSS Management Services, the specialist provider of outsourced contract management services, has won a major alarm management contract with Halfords, the leading retailer of car parts, bikes and accessories.With over 400 stores throughout the UK, Halfords is the leading operator in its field and is the latest in a broad range of multi-site organisations serviced by SSS as the company continues the expansion of its retail client base.Under the terms of the contract, SSS will be responsible for the management of all Halfords intruder alarm systems and will initially undertake this operation for three years until 2007.Supporting this will be a 24-hour Help Desk facility offering round-the-clock specialist advice and back-up across all security areas to each individual Halfords site.“SSS has an excellent reputation and offers one of the best management support services that we have come across,” comments Ray Stroud of Halfords. “Their ability to monitor and manage the day to day performance of our suppliers will ensure we receive the highest service levels across our estate.”He continues: “As with all major retailers the high value of our stock is a prime asset and we are keen to draw on their unique skills in this field to support our loss prevention team.
“This is another very satisfying contract win,” adds Phil George, Sales & Marketing Director of SSS. “As the only specialist company in the UK dedicated to providing such a service, the operational enhancements we offer fully demonstrate why more and more organisations are outsourcing their non-core business such as security services to SSS.” As part of its outsourced electronic security operation, SSS owns and operates a NACOSS-approved Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), equipped with state-of-the-art receiving technology that enables all necessary data to be compiled and ensures that proper false alarm management procedures are followed. As the first ARC to be accredited to BS 5979: 2000 and with the highest levels of alarm filtering, the SSS facility is acknowledged as an industry leader in its class. This enables all necessary data to be compiled, providing Halfords with daily data management reports and ensuring that proper false alarm management procedures are followed at all times.
St Ives signs with Leeming Pilkington
Following a competitive tender, St Ives plc, an international leader in the printing and production of financial documents, magazines, books, direct response and commercial products, has chosen specialist catering business Leeming Pilkington, to manage the staff restaurant at its UK head office in Borough, London SE1.
Brenda Pike from St Ives commented: “We have been in the area for many years and as there were very few places to eat providing a staff canteen was a benefit. More recently, the Borough area has seen an increase in the number of eating establishments. However, we are keen to continue to provide our employees with good quality, good value food throughout the day. Leeming Pilkington won this job because they are sincere and were prepared to work closely with us to get absolutely the right solution.”
Leeming Pilkington will employ 3 staff for the operation lead by a Chef manager. The restaurant caters for over 200 employees, many of whom work shifts, providing breakfast and lunch five days a week. There will be an option of cooked breakfast and three hot choices for lunch in addition to a comprehensive salad bar, sandwiches, cold sweets and beverages.
Richard Leeming, co-founder of Leeming Pilkington, said: “This is our sixth contract win since we set up our business 18 months ago and, as the previous contract caterer was here for over 15 years before retiring, we are looking forward to a long lasting relationship!”
Leeming Pilkington is a specialist contract catering business delivering a range of services from staff restaurants and fine dining, to hospitality and vending for business within Greater London. Customers include the National Gallery, Bristol- Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Ltd and The Audit Commission.
Founders, Richard Leeming and Chris Pilkington, come originally from a hotel/restaurant background and latterly spent time in senior management roles at Compass Group. Between them they have over 40 years experience in the catering industry. They have created a young company with a fresh approach to business with the emphasis on openness, care and attention and providing customers with high standards of food and service, supported by cost effective management. Their extensive industry experience ensures disciplined service delivery whilst maintaining a true ‘Focus on Food’.
ST. RICHARDS BUILDS ON ITS USE OF "GREEN" TECHNOLOGY
One of the first hospitals in the UK to embrace the innovative use of electronic descaling equipment to remove limescale from pipes and water-fed equipment, St. Richard's Hospital, Chichester is continuing to maintain its "green" credentials by expanding the use of the Scalewatcher-ENiGMA descaling system onto other equipment. Originally purchasing the system in 1995 to remove scale from the domestic hot water boiler in the Diabetic Centre, St. Richard's has since fitted the Scalewatcher-ENiGMA onto similar equipment at Aberdare House and more recently on to a high performance Load Leveller hot water system supplying domestic hot water to the whole of the new hospital.
St. Richard's Hospital has three E-Type Load Leveller systems working in parallel. The high performance, storage water heaters combine an instantaneous heater with a small storage vessel to give high outputs of domestic hot water, with excellent temperature control.
The Load Leveller comprises of a small, specially designed storage vessel with a carefully matched non-ferrous pump, running continuously, built in heat exchanger and temperature controls. Domestic hot water is drawn from the vessel and replaced by cold water in much the same way as a conventional calorifier. Cold water is pumped from the vessel, through the heat exchanger (where it is heated to the set temperature) and then back to the vessel. During peak demands the hot water flowrate from the vessel exceeds that from the heat exchanger. This causes a reduction in the amount of hot water in the vessel and a matching increase in the amount of cold. During a subsequent period of lower demand this cold water is drawn through the heat exchanger, heated and sent back to the vessel. In this way the Load Leveller can meet high peak demands with a much lower peak heat input than is needed by a purely instantaneous water heater. Rapid heating and constant circulation of the vessel's contents prevent growth of the legionella bacteria.
In 1999, three years after the hospital was commissioned, Nick Egerton, Senior Hospital Engineer, found that he was having problems maintaining the hot water temperature of the Load Levellers with estimated temperature differentials reaching 25ºC. This was not only inconveniencing the hospital staff and patients but was substantially increasing energy costs. When a bundle was removed from the heat exchanger for inspection it was found that the tubes were almost blocked with scale necessitating its replacement. The other two bundlers were replaced after they were removed for inspection and found to be heavily scaled.
Initially, the Scalewatcher-ENiGMA descaling system installed on the cold water inlet to the calorifiers was did not perform as hoped. Therefore, to improve the protection of the water heaters, in March 1999, Environmental Treatment Concepts suggested that three additional units should be installed on each of the Load Leveller's combined recirculating and de-stratification pumps. When the heat exchangers were opened for inspection in March 2001, following a leak, the bundles were found to be completely free of scale.
"The Scalewatcher-ENiGMA Electronic Descaling System has worked exceptionally well not only removing scale, but also saving us costs on energy, maintenance, labour, downtime and the early renewal of capital equipment", says Nick Egerton. "This has been matched with excellent customer support and after sales service from Environmental Treatment Concepts, who have worked with us to resolve the problems".
Environmental Treatment Concepts is now working with Nick Egerton to cure a problem of scale build-up on the humidifier in the operating theatre. The Scalewatcher-ENiGMA has a proven track record of reducing scale in humidifiers resulting in reduced capital costs.
Now a part of the Royal West Sussex Trust, St. Richard's Hospital was first opened in 1940's and expanded during World War II with additional temporary hutted wards. Further expansion took place in the 1970's and in 1996 a new state-of-the-art building was opened. Employing over 2000 people including 700 nurses and 180 doctors, St. Richard's last year treated 100,000 outpatients and 20,000 inpatients.
Stain blocking ceiling paint aerosol
Primer specialists, Zinsser, have launched Covers Up Stain Sealing Ceiling Paint, a low odour vertical aerosol that is a stain killer and ceiling touch-up paint in one. Zinsser's stain blocking primer technology is incorporated into this new generation product that offers a flat white finish which matches most new acoustical ceiling tiles and white ceiling paints. Covers Up can be used on any ceiling surface. It is the perfect "touch up paint for ceilings when they have sustained spot damage. One coat of Covers Up permanently blocks and seals most common ceiling stains -including water, nicotine, smoke and graffiti. Its convenient vertical spray tip and low odour, high-hide formula also make Covers Up ideal for priming or touching up other common overhead surfaces, including mouldings, light fixtures, HVAC ductwork, vents and overhead pipes. The large aerosol size is designed to meet the demands of professional and larger home improvement projects. Covers Up's non-yellowing oil-base formula dries in just 30 minutes, and can be applied under or over any oil-base or water-base topcoat. When used as a primer, it can be top coated with a ceiling paint in just two hours.
Stairway to hell
There you are. At work. Maybe on the first or second floor. And the fire alarm sounds. You calmly follow procedures that you have been taught should this event occur and leave the building by the nearest available escape route.
You take the stairwell, the lift must not be used in such circumstances, but the ceiling luminaires are rapidly becoming obscured by smoke. Within minutes darkness descends and the stairwell becomes a hazard in itself as evacuees start to panic and blindly move faster to escape.
The scenario is one that none of us would like to be in.
However, by installing photoluminescent low location lighting systems at handrail and skirting level, plus marking the stairs with photoluminescent products, an instant safety wayguidance system that illuminates in darkness is in operation.
Confidence is restored, speedier and safer egress is established and injury is less likely to happen if the evacuee can clearly identify the route to follow.
JALITE manufacture a complete range of photoluminescent fire, health and safety products that have the innovative ability to emit their own light source in sudden darkness or when ceiling luminaires are smoke logged. No battery or electrical connection is required to operate photoluminescent materials. All that is required is an ambient light source to charge the materials, and maintenance is kept to a minimum.
For a FREE catalogue, samples and further guidance on evacuation and escape route marking e-mail us at escape@jalite.com or visit www.jalite.com to make your enquiry.
Standard Life awards major contract to GSH
Standard Life Investments has awarded a prestigious five year contract, valued in excess of £1 million per year, to George S Hall (GSH), the leading facilities management and energy services provider. The agreement covers Standard Life Investments’ two million ft2 retail portfolio consisting of eight major shopping centres, including its flagships, Whiteleys Shopping Centre in Queensway, West London and Churchill Square, Brighton.
GSH will deliver a package of ‘hard’ FM services and building fabric maintenance on this contract. The announcement marks an extension of GSH’s existing business with Standard Life Investments which previously related purely to work on three of its London office buildings.
A spokesman for Standard Life Investments commented: “We recently took the decision to rationalise facilities management services throughout our property portfolio in order to secure a more cost effective service from a smaller number of suppliers. This contract forms a key part of that strategy. GSH has a proven track record with us and we anticipate the same commitment from them to provide a quality fm service based on dedicated client teams and pro-active account management.”
Standard Life covered by Interface Europe Ltd
Interface Europe Ltd is delighted to announce that over 12,000 m2 of its products are being installed at the Standard Life Assurance Co offices in Edinburgh. The full installation consists of Intercell, Entropy, Structure, Giant Steps and Palette 2000 ranges. Situated in the heart of the city, the building comprises a Victorian stone fronted building, with a large 70s extension. Having been stripped down to just the structure, the offices have now undergone a full refurbishment programme and amongst other new features, an atrium has been created, providing employees with a tranquil area to unwind. The 12,000 m2 project includes 10,500 m2 of Entropy, which is being fitted onto Interface’s cable management product, Intercell, complete with a magnetic backing. The grey colour tone, which was designed specifically for Standard Life, has now been added to the Entropy range, known as Protean. Interface carpet tiles have been fined in all parts of the building, including the area around the atrium, thus creating a unique social space, comprising of a cafe/deli bar, shop and restaurant. The architects for the project, BDG McColl of Edinburgh, worked closely in consultation with Standard Life to select the interior products, and were particularly delighted with the Entropy/Intercell combination due to the unique features it offered. “We are pleased with the flexibility these products offer, and with the bespoke grey shade designed specifically for Standard Life. We think this adds visual interest to the whole installation,” commented Ann MacLean, Project Associate at BDG McColl.
Stanley Handling - Behind The Scenes At Kew Gardens
Materials handling specialists, Stanley Handling, has been working behind the scenes at Kew Royal Botanical Gardens for the past 7 years to help the horticulturists keep the flora flourishing.
A team of 20 gardeners in the nurseries at Kew use Stanley Handlingís K9/SB Series Powered Pallet Truck and the K9/SBM Series Heavy Duty Powered Pallet Truck on a daily basis to transport the heavy loads of compost and soil.
David Barnes, Horticultural Support Manager, at Kew Gardens says: “Stanley Handlingís powered pallet trucks have been used in the nurseries at Kew since 1995. They are in almost constant use throughout the day to move crates of compost and soil around the nurseries. As the crates can weigh up to one tonne, the trucks are essential to enable our horticultural staff to perform this task efficiently and safely”
Robert Stanley says: “Until the beginning of 2002 horticultural staff in the nurseries used two of Stanley Handling’s ROBUR BLV 2500 Powered Pallet Trucks. The ROBUR BLV pallet trucks withstood 7 years heavy use by horticultural staff. As Kew had a 7-year replacement contract with us these were replaced with our more recent ROBUR 2000 range”.
With capacities from 1400 - 4000kg, the ROBUR K9/SB and SBM Series of Powered Pallet Trucks provide both lightweight-low priced and heavy duty -high capacity models for a wide variety of handling requirements. These powered pallet trucks are ideally suited to busy working environments and frequent pallet handling.
Stanley Handling & Securicor – Working Together To Make The Euro A Reality
Securicor demonstrated why it is the leader in the field of cash management when it successfully administered the prestigious contract to deliver Euro coinage throughout the Republic of Ireland in 2001.
In-line with Securicor’s mission to ‘advance through the use of technology’ Securicor recognised personnel responsible for handling and delivering the Euro currency would need the best materials handling equipment available.
Faced with a 6,000 tonne delivery challenge, Securicor therefore asked materials handling specialists, Stanley Handling, to supply 27 x PowerMate Model LE stairclimbers and 4 x ROBUR WP Series Work Positioners.
Eamonn O’Reilly, Securicor’s Project Manager, says: “The Euro coin changeover took place over a period of 16 weeks from September to December 2001. In that period delivery teams comprising of three people and Stanley Handling’s PowerMate equipment, delivered 18,000 palletised boxes of Euro currency, each weighing a quarter of a tonne.
“During Euro changeover in 2001 and the subsequent collection of Irish coin in 2002 the service and response from Stanley Handling was excellent. A key factor in our selection of Stanley Handling was its expertise and understanding of our needs and subsequent advice on the best handling equipment to use.”
ROBUR WP Series Work Positioners were used in Securicor’s warehouse to move boxes of Euros during order picking and between electronic weigh stations. Palletised cardboard boxes, weighing 250Kg, containing the Euro coinage were then loaded onto Securicor’s fleet of trucks for delivery.
Each of Securicor’s 17-tonne delivery trucks was equipped with a PowerMate Model LE. Stanley Handling trained personnel responsible for the delivery of Euro pallets and operatives carried out deliveries of the Euro pallets to Banks, Post Offices and retailer premises.
The second phase took place between January and March 2002 when Securicor managed the collection of Irish coin, mainly from bank branches. Again teams of operatives equipped with PowerMate manual handing equipment, carried out the collections of Irish coin. In total Securicor’s operatives collected almost one million bags of Irish coin weighing more than 6,000 tonnes.
Eamonn O’Reilly says: “Without PowerMate it would have been impossible for the delivery of Euro and collection of Irish coin to have been carried out so efficiently and without risk of injury to personnel involved. In total Securicor collected and delivered to over 2,000 banks, post offices and retail premises.”
Stanley mail order catalogue
The largest ever Stanley Handling Mail Order catalogue is now available featuring over 15,000 products for the office, warehouse and factory.
This new 500 page plus edition is divided into quick reference colour coded sections: project work, storage products, workshop equipment, containers, trucks & trolleys, materials handling, safety & security, office and commercial, external equipment and a special section on premises and personnel.
New products include decoy security cameras, ramps and signage for disabled access, rough terrain stairclimber trucks, tabletop shredders & recycler, wall cases, high security view cabinets and a wide range of both general and specialised workplace equipment.
A dedicated catalogue team is also on hand to answer any technical queries and ordering is made simple by a credit card hotline 0800 2982980 or via www.stanleyhandling.co.uk.
The Principles of Safe Handling - an essential guide for anyone who is responsible for safe handling practices is also available free of charge.
The booklet sets out to advise employers how to implement good working practices in line with EC Regulations and explains how issuing policies; standards and guidelines to employees can reduce the risk of injuries.
By following the information included in the booklet employers could substantially reduce the cost to industry caused by days lost through time off work due to accidents in the workplace. Ten million family doctor consultations per year deal with back pain alone at a cost to the NHS of £500 million.
The booklet is divided into relevant sections. The ‘Your Obligations’ section, answers frequently asked questions relating to EC legislation covering manual handling practices. It points out who is ultimately responsible for employees and what would happen if the legislation is ignored.
To assist with risk assessment and health surveillance, Stanley Handling has included a Seven Step guide to risk assessment and advises how to minimise risks. Guidelines are given for employees engaged in activities that entail lifting and lowering, carrying, pushing and pulling and handling while seated.
Stannah Lift Services engineers add laptops to their tool boxes.
Stannah Lift Services have introduced a new nationwide Mobile Communications System. The management and recording of planned maintenance visits and 24 hour emergency call-outs will never be the same again!
By April 2004 all StannahÕs 212 lift engineers, based in 11 Service Branches across the whole of the UK, will be using the new communications system.
Mark Chapman, Business Systems Manager for Stannah Lift Services and a member of the development team, outlines the projectÉ
ÒOur business is growing rapidly and the sheer volume of paperwork was becoming a problem. Our system was paper Ð driven and we were running out of space.
So 5 years ago, we formed an IT development team. The aim was to improve the visibility of the job (status). We began to look at communication systems that would allow us to track each job, without waiting for our weekly catch up with engineers.
We developed the system with our Lotus notes business partner. Every engineer carries a laptop that uses the mobile phone network. Back at the branches the system is displayed on every computer and trained operators can communicate with the engineers on an hour by hour basis. In fact, to be perfectly accurate, the system updates every 15 minutes!
The engineer has accurate information when he arrives at a job. A few minutes recording a completed job means it is instantly viewable back at the office. A search on the system will show all relevant information for that client with maintenance history and costs.Ó
Phase 1 has enabled us to give our customers a better service and our staff a better system of working.
Phase 2 plans to further improve that service to our customers by providing them with access to their account history via the Internet.Ó
Stannah Stairlifts - Covering all the elements
The 'great outdoors' no longer needs to be the 'great unknown' for anyone who finds getting up and down stairs a problem. World market leader, Stannah, has introduced a new outdoor straight stairlift - the Stannah 310 for outdoor use.
The 310 stairlift offers the perfect solution for public and private premises in hilly areas, seaside resorts or for older properties where steps up to the front door are common. The maximum rail length for the 310 is eight metres, making it suitable for the most palatial outdoor stairway, while the minimum length at 1.4 metres means that, even if the property has only three or four steps to negotiate, they no longer need to be a problem.
The 310 outdoor stairlift builds on the reliability and performance of Stannah's global selling stairlifts for internal use, but has some adaptations to make it suitable for outdoors. The 310 has undergone stringent tests in different climates that include rain, snow and humidity, to ensure it operates at temperatures of between -10 degrees centigrade and +40 degrees centigrade. The product is treated to prevent corrosion and the seat is made of plastic, which is easy to wipe clean. The electricity source is not exposed to the elements and all wiring is carefully concealed. Every 310 stairlift comes with a protective cover, to help keep the seat free of dirt and dust.
Three times winner of the prestigious Queen's Award for Export Achievement Stannah design all their stairlifts with safety in mind. The user has complete control over the stairlift's movement by pushing the armrest joystick in the desired direction of travel. Around the footrest and where the stairlift comes close to the stairs, there is a series of highly sensitive safety pads. These detect any obstacles on the stairs and will make the stairlift stop automatically if necessary.
Stannah stays cool with new air conditioning system from Powersave
Dorset based mechanical engineering company, Powersave Limited, has won a major order to install air conditioning into 150 sq metres of office accommodation at Stannah Lifts site in Andover, Hampshire. The company has installed the air conditioning into offices that had become increasingly hot and stuffy in summer due to heat dissipation from the widespread use of IT equipment, which combined with the ambient temperature to create an uncomfortable environment. A total of 29 Fijitsu air conditioning split and wall systems have been installed, together with two Airdale split systems control units and 2 Marstair cassette split systems. The employees are now able to regulate their individual offices atmospheric temperature with the remote control units, choosing temperature differentials of between 18?C and 30?C. “Powersave’s standard of workmanship was excellent and they have provided us with outstanding after sales service. We now asked them to install a further nine units”, says Gary Woods, Maintenance Manager. Powersave has installed the air conditioning systems in phases over the past 12-months to coincide with the refurbishment of office accommodation. The company has liaised closely with Stannah to ensure the minimum disruption to both working environments and personnel. Founded in the mid-1860’s, and still a family owned company, Stannah is the largest independent lift manufacturer in the UK and the largest stairlift manufacturer in the world. Today the company has a turnover of around £100 million, and employs a workforce of over 1000 at its headquarters, manufacturing bases in Andover and Blaydon and subsidiaries in the USA and Europe.
Stannah upgrade Somerset Atrium’s lift
The Somerset Atrium is a four star aparthotel in a Grade II listed rich red brick Victorian building conveniently located close to the heart of the city of Manchester. When owners The Ascott Group decided to upgrade the building they called on Stannah Lift Services’ Stockport branch to conduct a complete lift refurbishment. The lift car now has a stainless steel finish with internal mirrors. Digital indicators in the car and on landings show the car location. And all the machinery in the old lift shaft and the control system in the motor room have been replaced. This total modernisation now provides the Somerset Atrium with a virtually new lift to serve the needs of guests, while complementing the contemporary design found within the apartments. Prior to refurbishment, the Somerset Atrium had been used as a block of apartments, but after its recent acquisition by The Ascott Group, it now comprises 115 deluxe units including executive studios, and one and two bedroom apartments, each with its own fully equipped kitchen. There is a maid service seven days a week, while security is provided by 24 hour reception coverage. With corporate rates available, the Somerset Atrium welcomes guests for one night to several weeks’ or months’ stay. Here is the ideal solution to that dilemma when a company moves staff temporarily to another location, but does not want to incur long stays in conventional hotels or take a lease on a flat.
Stannah win national Network Rail contract
Stannah Lift Services, a national lift service provider, have been awarded a new 10 year contract from Network Rail that will continue their eight year association. Stannah Lift Services have already managed the Network Rail contract since 1995 and the renewal from April 04 is testament to the success of the relationship between the two companies to date. The new contract worth over £800,000 per year is to continue to provide maintenance, repair and emergency call-out to Network Rail nationwide for more than 500 lifts, of all types, over 200+ sites across the UK (including Scotland). 212 highly trained Stannah engineers provide 24 hour cover with a 2 hour response time to call-outs. Stannah Lift Services provide a single point of contact with a dedicated team coordinating the Network Rail account with their eleven local branches across the UK. Jon Stannah, Managing Director for Stannah Lift Services Ltd comments: “We are delighted to have secured the new Network Rail contract from within a very competitive field. Our past experience, together with our efficient ‘single point of contact’ provided by our national contracts team, greatly assisted our bid for the 2004 contract. In addition to our growing branch network providing fast local service, our continued investment in new technology also impressed Network Rail. Our new mobile communications system means that every one of 212 service engineers has remote access to our customers lift portfolio ensuring that each job’s status is visible every minute of every day. This new technology has improved our performance and helped us win and manage our national con tracts with even greater efficiency. We look forward to the continuation of our strong working relationship with Network Rail.” In addition to the general repair and maintenance of Network Rail lifts Stannah are involved in many lift refurbishment and renewal projects at stations across the UK. This work ensures each lift meets the Disability Discrimination Act requirements, making them suitable for independent use by all members of the public, including those with disabilities.
Star-rated service agreements for excellent performance
Alfa Laval has underlined its commitment to customer service with the introduction of a range of star-rated Performance agreements designed to enhance the performance of compact heat exchangers, high-speed separators, decanter centrifuges and pumps and prevent costly downtime.
The key feature of this range is reflected in the title — Performance Agreements. As Yves Salque, Parts & Service Director for Alfa Laval in the UK explains, “What we are offering is not just another service agreement. Our stated corporate mission is to improve the performance of our customers’ processes. The first step, obviously, is to provide the best possible equipment for a given process. The next is to achieve optimum performance throughout its working life. Note that the emphasis here is on maintaining maximum process efficiency— not simply maintaining the machine in good working order. And that is what our Performance Agreements range is structured to achieve.
According to Alfa Laval, there are four levels of Performance Agreements available, ranging from the basic “One Star” to the fully comprehensive “Four Star”. With four levels to choose from customers will be able to tailor a plan to their specific needs; a task that is simplified by the fact that a comprehensive site and equipment audits carried out before any plan is implemented. Whichever Performance Agreements they opt for, there are several key benefits which are common to all. Principal among these, of course, is the ability to take closer control of service and maintenance costs and set the budget in advance. Performance Agreements customers will also be given priority when it comes to spares availability and allocation of Service Engineers’ time.
Stay cool this summer with Llumar® window film
If it’s hot at work, you had better get used to it because it’s only going to get hotter. Globally, six of the 10 hottest years on record occurred in the 1990s while in the UK, four of the five hottest years in the 330 years that records have been kept happened during the past 10 years. And even though July has been a washout, meteorologists are predicting yet another hot August.
Many weather experts believe that Britain is heating up because of global warming. Commenting on the heatwave last summer, Andy Yeatman, a spokesman for the Met Office, said: “All our models have suggested that this type of event will happen more frequently”, while modelling based on information published by the Henley Centre is predicting a several degree rise in peak temperatures over the next 20 years.
Existing buildings will have to cope with this, and new buildings should now be designed to take this into account. Too much heat in the workforce can cause fatigue, extra strain on the heart and lungs, dizziness and fainting, or heat cramps due to loss of water and salt. Hot, dry air can increase the risk of eye and throat infections, and breathing problems such as asthma and rhinitis. Research in the US has shown that at 72.5°F, accidents are 30% more likely to happen and productivity drops by as much as 40%.
Regulation 7 of the Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992 only insist on maximum temperatures that are ‘reasonably comfortable’, which leads to wildly differing conditions and offers no legal protection. The TUC is calling for a maximum working temperature of 30°C, or 27°C for those doing strenuous work, a move welcomed by CPFilms, the world’s largest window film manufacturer. “Solar heat gain and glare from hot summer sunshine can turn windows into radiators, causing staff and customers to overheat,” explains Ray Copping, CPFilms’ Marketing Manager, “which is not only potentially dangerous, but has an economic impact by increasing absenteeism and reducing productivity.”
Llumar®solar control performance window films from CPFilms filter out the worst of the sun’s heat and glare whilst letting in the light. This reduces the need to turn up or install new — and expensive — air conditioning, keeping the building cooler and staff happier. On a hot summer day solar control film can reduce solar heat gain by up to 80% and keep ambient temperatures down by up to 8°C.
Stay safe and secure with latest Screwfix catalogue
Security has been significantly stepped up in the latest Screwfix Direct catalogue (issue 78), with a host of new digital door locks, door entry systems, safety signs, burglar alarms, ceiling detectors, mortice locks, fire door closers, padlocks and safes. With over 700 new products and hundreds of price reductions, this 676-page catalogue is packed with over 10,000 high quality, low cost screws, tools, fixings and accessories for next day delivery in mainland UK, as well as larger items such as doors and windows for delivery in 7, 14 or 21 days. In addition to special offers and exclusive items, it also includes details on how to win a £2500 Log Cabin plus £500 worth of Screwfix Direct vouchers in a new prize draw. As well as vehicle, garage and computer security products, the catalogue includes pro security CCTV cameras and wire-free burglar alarms with typical prices from only £94.99 for a 2-PIR, solar-powered siren, remote control kit. New products include a Single Door Proximity Access Control Kit, complete with 10 user fobs, for just £149.00, special needs "Touch to Exit" signs at £42.99, Ceiling-mounted PIRs from Tate for £46.99 and a Fireguard Document Case at £28.99. The Briton range of Fire Door Closers has also been added with prices from just £19.99. Fully committed to customer care and support, Screwfix Direct is the UK's leading mail order and online business for the supply of screws, fixings, tools and accessories to the trade. Despatching, on average, more than 70,000 parcels a week from its state-of-the-art, newly completed 325,000 sq ft fulfilment centre, the company also offers expert technical advice and customer support. All products are supplied complete with the Screwfix Direct 30-day money back guarantee, and bulk rates and discounts of up to 10% are also available. Each item in the catalogue can be ordered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and all prices include VAT. Orders can be placed online via the award winning screwfix.com, or by freephone on 0500 414141 between 7am and 10pm from Monday to Friday, and 8am to 8pm on Saturday and Sunday, or by fax.
Steve Neville joins Bell Security
Steve Neville has joined Bell Security Limited in the new position of Sales Director - National Accounts. Based at the company’s London headquarters, Steve’s main role is to direct and develop Bell’s non-bank security sales, installation and support operations involving existing and new customers with a multi-site, UK-wide profile - specifically growing business through building relationships with UK Top 500 companies. Steve joins Bell from ADT Sensormatic, where he was National Accounts Director, having spent 10 years with specific responsibility for the UK’s major retailers, driving their growing use of tagging systems and integrated systems. Additionally, he also worked closely with insurers, international brokers and police authorities. A security industry professional for over 10 years, Steve has held senior management roles with Modern Alarms and Aritech. He is currently The Master of the Guild of Security Professionals and a Liveryman of The City of London.
Stevensons of Norwich - Best single piece of plaster work
Stevensons of Norwich have just received The Plaisterers’ Trophy for their work on the redevelopment of the Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace. Described by the judges as ‘the best single piece of plasterwork seen this year,’ Stevensons produced an enriched lintel and brackets to the doorway leading from the stairs into the entrance lobby of the Lecture Theatre.
The trophy was presented to Dave Wallace, Contracts Director of Stevensons by the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers.
The ceiling to the Queen’s Gallery Lecture Theatre itself is based on a shallow pendentive dome set in a perfect square, a design inspired by Sir John Soane. The pendentive surfaces are ribbed as if formed in shiplap boarding, in concentric circles, which placed special demands on Stevensons. The geometry was very difficult but the effect ‘carried out perfectly’ according to the judges, was well worth it, giving a constant reminder of the actual contours of the dome. Columns, wall arches, four ‘ventilator rosettes’ and the detailing of the central lazvtern with the largest rosette of all give enrichment to this satisfying room.
Stevensons of Norwich specialise in the design, manufacture and installation of first class bespoke and stock mouldings produced in fibrous plaster, GRG (glass reinforced gypsum), GRP (glass reinforced polyester), Jesmonite and Fibrocement.
Stokvis standardises Heatpak range
Stokvis Energy Systems has great experience in building packaged boiler rooms and has now standardised its Heatpak range and published a new guide for specifiers.
“Our range of Heatpak with a standard specification and drawings means we can ensure a rapid delivery period of six to eight weeks from acceptance of order.” remarks Ivan Thompson, Stokvis Managing Director.
The range has models ranging from 126kW up to 2132 kW, all with the high efficiency Econoflame fully modulating boiler at the heart of the system.
Heatpak packaged boiler rooms reduce on site labour time and help minimise downtime of heating plant. Because of the inherent low weight of the Econoflame boiler, the package opens up opportunities for rooftop mounting or positions alongside a building, ideal for decentralised projects.
Where there is a need for HWS generation, a compact Stokvis Econoplate plate heat exchanger can be included in the package to give a complete high efficiency, fully modulating heating and hot water system.
The range of Econoflame boilers and Econoplate plate heat exchangers are so quiet in operation that the need for acoustic insulation is, in most cases, eliminated. The Stokvis Heatpak unit can be finished in any BS colour or exterior finish to blend in with building designs.
Stop fire door misuse with Exit Stopper
The new EXIT STOPPER is a unique and highly effective way to stop unauthorised use of emergency exits. It serves as an inexpensive security device which helps stop theft as well. If a protected door is opened the EXIT STOPPER emits an ear piercing 97 dB alarm. Once the door is closed a number of reset options are available including an automatic function. A key for authorised personnel can be used to override the alarm. The virtually indestructible polycarbonate housing also provides a highly visible deterrent. With multiple fitting options the EXIT STOPPER can protect single or double doors with any style of door mounting and can be installed and protecting doors within minutes. The alarm can be powered by an internal battery or externally from 12 or 24Vdc. With multiple user programmable features the new EXIT STOPPER is a truly flexible security product that can solve almost all alarmed door applications. One of the many EXIT STOPPER features is the Door "Prop Mode". When set to "Door Prop" the EXIT STOPPER monitors the opening and closing of doors. As long as the door is opened and subsequently closed within a preset period the EXIT STOPPER remains dormant. If however the door is held open after a preset period the EXIT STOPPER will go into alarm until the door is closed. Once closed the EXIT STOPPER resets. This is a very useful mode of operation to protect fire doors in corridors from being held open and compromising the fire safety of the building.
Strand wins unique cleaning contract for Wellcome trust
Cleaning services provider, Strand, has won a major contract with leading medical research funding charity; the Wellcome Trust, at their new offices in London. Strand started a remedial service to the building in April and full cleaning service in July 2004. The contract is to supply a fully inclusive cleaning service initially for the new building and then also encompassing the Trust's neighbouring site much of which is being refurbished.
The new office building was designed by Hopkins Architects Ltd. It contains 20,000 sq m of office space for Wellcome Trust staff who were previously spread across three nearby buildings. The offices are housed in two parallel blocks: a ten-storey block fronting Euston Road and a six-storey block fronting onto Gower Place. The two blocks are linked by a spacious atrium stretching the height and length of the building. A curved glass roof rises from the tall Euston Road frontage, arches over the top storey and slopes down over the atrium to the south facing Gower Place side.
There are two translucent staircase cores and two recessed bays of mini atria. Much of the glass can only be accessed using a complicated array of on site equipment. The window cleaning is a particular area of technical difficulty and Strand has employed a team of dedicated window cleaners who are responsible for operating this equipment in order to reach the glass and keep it clean.
Recognised for providing bespoke high quality cleaning services to prestigious office accommodation, Peter Smith, managing director of Strand says: "This is a prestigious contract win for Strand and we are delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Wellcome Trust.
"Our management team will be on hand at all times to ensure a smooth start to the contract and it is our intention to work closely with the Wellcome Trust so that they feel we are really just an extension of their own directly employed facilities team. Our focus is to deliver a high quality cleaning service."
Strand has a dedicated project manager who has worked closely with the Wellcome Trust's Facilities Manager during the implementation of the contract.
The Wellcome Trust is an independent, biomedical research funding charity (registered charity number (210183) established under the will of Sir Henry Wellcome in 1936. Its mission is to foster and promote research with the aim of improving human and animal health. It funds more than £400 million a year to biomedical research in the UK and overseas. The new offices will house staff previously based at the old site - bringing them together in the beautifully structured glass building and providing them with the latest in hi-tech office environments.
Strand has a portfolio of work, which includes many large blue chip organisations. The company is noted for its attention to detail, but also the customer relationships it has established which lead to longevity of contracts over many years.
Strategic appointments for BFPSA
The British Fire Protection Systems Association (BFPSA) has two new members of staff following the appointments of Daryl Alder and Robert Thilthorpe.
Daryl takes up the new position of Commercial Manager for the Fire Industry Confederation (FIC), the BFPSA and the Fire Extinguishing Trades Association (FETA), while Robert also takes on the newly created role of Assistant Technical Manager for the same organisations.
Daryl’s most recent position was with Group Lotus plc where he was responsible for quality systems and business process improvement. He also worked as Business Development Manager for UL International (UK) Ltd, the global product testing and certification organisation, where he was responsible for the marketing and commercial activities of the European Certification Business. Daryl has more than eight years experience in working with the protection industry.
Robert joins from the British Standards Institution (BSI) where he was most recently a Business Programme Manager responsible for managing the fire protection portfolio within the Construction Department. Prior to that he spent seven years as Marketing Executive with the Zinc Development Association. Robert will be working alongside Technical Manager John Letts to further strengthen a technical capability which is already held in high regard by those involved in developing improved fire safety standards.
Brendan Gately, General Manager of the BFPSA, welcomed both appointments as “... part of the strategic long term development of BFPSA, FETA and FIC. Daryl and Robert join us at an exciting and challenging time for the fire protection industry and both will provide a valuable contribution to our ongoing work in helping to shape the fire safety agenda in the UK and beyond.”
Strategic expansion into security by Dalkia
Dalkia Energy & Technical Services Limited, the market-leading provider of Energy Management, Mechanical & Electrical and Managed Services, today announces that it has acquired security specialists Goldfield Electronics Limited. Goldfield Electronics designs, installs and services closed-circuit television surveillance and access control systems for commercial applications, and has developed a significant presence in this rapidly-growing market. The business will be managed under Dalkia ownership by its founder John Goldsworthy, whose continuing leadership will ensure continuity of service delivery and a strategic advance by Dalkia into the security sector. “We see major synergies,” says Dalkia Energy & Technical Services Managing Director Jeff Winterbottom. “Dalkia already manages the operation and maintenance of security installations, and the acquisition of Goldfield Electronics complements our current activities. Our aim is to maximise the added value we can deliver to our customers.”
Strong message from FETA chairman at AGM
John Worboys, Chairman of the Fire Extinguishing Trades Association (FETA), took the opportunity in his address at the association’s AGM and Annual Lunch, to warn of the dangers of a self assessment based approach to fire safety and the consequences of a new breed of fire safety ‘expert’, with no qualifications whatsoever, taking major decisions about the safety of people and the protection of properties. Mr Worboys expressed his concerns to FETA members and their guests during his address at the Annual Lunch at the Savoy Hotel, London on June 24. He said - “Some of the more perverse outcomes of those ‘experts’ has been to rule that elderly persons’ homes require no fire fighting equipment, and that huge comprehensive schools only require one fire extinguisher per floor. Let me tell you right now this is bunkum. It is the thinking of the naive and ill informed.” He cited the results of the recent Pan European survey into the successful use of portable fire extinguishers vindicating earlier UK surveys and demonstrating that in 75% of cases the fires were dealt with by the successful use of portable extinguishers and without the need to call the fire brigade, and that in 80% of cases equipment successfully extinguished the fire. He warned of UK business becoming complacent towards the threat of fire, recognising that those who had worked for many years in the fire industry were only too aware that there was always another tragedy just around the corner. This feeling had been echoed earlier by Alan Holmes, Deputy Chief Fire Officer of the Tyne & Wear Fire Brigade. Following the formalities of the association’s AGM, Mr Holmes, representing CACFOA (Chief & Assistant Chief Fire Officers Association), gave a presentation on the newly formed joint protocol between FETA, CACFOA and the LGA (Local Government Association) which will see the three bodies working together on the issue of portable fire extinguishers. In his presentation Mr Holmes cited research undertaken by Geoff O’Brien, Associate Director, Sustainable Cities Research Institute at the University of Northumbria, starting with a comment from Mr O’Brien that “In Business, accidents are always waiting to happen.” The research came up with three facts that serve to highlight only too clearly the devastating consequences of fire to a business: • 80 percent of businesses that do not have a business continuity plan go out of business within one year of an event1 • 70 percent of businesses that suffer a major data loss cease trading within two years • 80 percent of businesses that suffer even a moderate fire2 do not stay in business, lose their market share or lose their skilled staff to their competitors Mr Holmes’ presentation also indicated that the attempts within the fire protection industry to raise awareness of the potential for using extinguishers in the home was starting to bear fruit. 80 percent of homes own some form of fire safety equipment, smoke alarms being by far the most widely used product but with fire extinguishers the next most popular safety device (20%). Mr Holmes concluded that the view of CACFOA on fire extinguishers is very clear - “There are numerous examples where the use of extinguishers by properly trained individuals has resulted in a fire of devastating potential being extinguished in its initial stages.” Gwyn Ewens, a member of the FETA marketing committee, followed Mr Holmes with a presentation in which he highlighted the real value of fire extinguishers. Recognising that for many businesses the extinguisher is the ultimate grudge purchase, he went on to demonstrate the potential impact on UK business if extinguishers were not part of the fire protection armoury. He extrapolated figures from the recent PFE survey to conclude that extinguishers save 54,000 companies every year in the UK, preserving the jobs and the lives of those employed and also the lives of countless fire fighters.
Student safety underfoot
The recurring problem occurred because students were slipping on the tiled floors of the shower and washroom pods which service each bedroom. After one particularly serious accident, the College authorities decided it was imperative to source a slip-resistant floor covering which would eliminate any further accidents. Heronrib 2000 matting was selected as the ideal retrofit solution. This high performance safety matting is widely used for wet and bare foot applications, such as swimming pools, changing-rooms and showers. For Brighton University, it had the advantage that no preparation was required since the matting could be cut to shape on site and loose laid in one piece, with minimum disturbance to students, and easily removed for cleaning. With its highly slip-resistant embossed surface, Heronrib 2000 is very hard-wearing, comfortable to stand on and, with sanitised anti-bacterial additives, hygienic for bare feet. The open grid format and special profile underbars are designed to drain away large quantities of water.
Students go shopping with FAAC
Easy access is assured at a new convenience store on Portsmouth University’s student campus, courtesy of a FAAC sliding door system. Solex Manufacturing Ltd specified and installed the automatic doors, which are powered by an electronic operator from FAAC’s programmable 930 SF Series.
Balfour’s Convenience Store forms part of the University’s new Student Centre, which provides a variety of leisure facilities, including bars and a coffee shop. The store’s automated aluminium doors are fitted into high-rise curtain walling and are controlled by an infra red sensor. Solex recommended an operator from FAAC’s 930 Series as the ideal solution for the project, as it provides an unobtrusive electronic drive system combined with highly reliable operation. “We had a very tight space in which to work, so the 930’s neat drive module, which is independent of the support profile, fitted the bill perfectly and was very easy to install,” explains Mike Mersh, Managing Director of Solex Manufacturing Ltd. “The fact that the 930 conforms to BS 7036 was also an important requirement in the shopfitter’s specification,” adds Mike.
Launched a year ago, FAAC’s 930 SF Series of sliding door operators offer significant advantages over traditional door automation products. Innovative electronics allow
programming to suit complex individual user requirements. A hand-held programmer, the SD Keeper, makes it easy for key operating parameters to be set, such as opening/closing speeds, partial opening and pause times. The SD Keeper’s display can also be used to program temporary adjustments. For example, the opening width of the doors can be reduced during the winter months to limit heat loss, and when the store is due to close a one-way setting can be introduced which lets customers inside the store leave, but does not allow more people to enter.
Each door automation kit in the FAAC 930 SF Series also includes an optional back-Lip battery, guide trolley, electric motor with optical encoder, electromechanical lock, toroidal transformer, and internal release knob. An intelligent ‘self-learning’ facility sets the door’s maximum speed according to leaf weight and friction. In addition, the system has a reset function, three configurable output contacts, two configurable emergency input contacts, and various functions, including interlock, ‘gong’ and a ‘courtesy light’. For larger installations, dedicated software permits management of a number of doors from a central PC.
FAAC is a world leader in gate and door automation. Its operators and full gate systems are available through nearly 600 dealers nationwide. Based in Basingstoke, the company’s UK headquarters offers sales, distribution, training and technical support.
Stunning designs meet hospital arts strategy
Stunningly bold and colourful floral and geometric inlaid floor motifs are brought to vivid life throughout the new children's unit at the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. Featuring a range of eye-catching shades from the Polyflor Mystique PUR range of low maintenance heavy duty sheet vinyls, the designs are the work of Falmouth based artist and arts lecturer Sue Kinley. They are a key part of the Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's "Leading the Way" arts strategy - a three-year programme of art commissions and arts projects aimed at enhancing the hospital environment. The finished designs were created via the Polyflor Expressions Design Service, which uses computerised water jet cutting techniques to reproduce design concepts in precise shapes and style, and the flooring was installed by Teesside-based K&C Flooring. Non-directionally patterned Polyflor Mystique PUR is available in 24 modem colourways and features a high quality polyurethane reinforcement which, combined with a superior closed surface finish, facilitates a low cost, polish-free maintenance regime for the lifetime of the floorcovering, providing savings of up to 48% compared with untreated vinyl floorcoverings. Polyflor Mystique PUR meets the general performance requirements of EN 649 and, fully tested to fire safety standard EN 13501-1, is certified as Class Bfl-S1, achieving the criteria EN ISO 9239-1 = 8kw/in2 and the mandatory requirement of EN ISO 11925-2 pass. The flooring also features homogeneous monolayer construction for even wear and 100% useful life. In common with all Polyflor sheet vinyls, Polyflor Mystique PUR can be welded at the seams and to coved skirtings to create continuous impervious surfaces which offer no sanctuary to dirt and bacteria.
Styles & Wood appoints head of new store care division
Steve Wilton, formerly managing director of Dudley Bower Group plc, the retail maintenance arm of Aqumen, has been appointed by Styles & Wood, the retail property support services group, to head up its new StoreCare division.
StoreCare sits alongside the company’s three other divisions -StorePlanning, StoreFit and StoreData - to provide the UK’s major retailers with a flexible, modular approach to their property needs.
This additional service will see Styles & Wood takeover the management of its customers’ store maintenance and critical support requirements through long- term outsourcing arrangements. Customers include Argos, B&Q, Boots, Barclays, Debenhams, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Safeway and Tesco.
Already an accomplished and well-known player in the field of facilities management and property maintenance, Steve Wilton joins Styles & Wood after 10 years service with Dudley Bower Group.
Steve is delighted to be joining Styles & Wood: “The opportunity to steer a brand new service division within a dynamic business like Styles & Wood is not something that you need to consider for long. The company is already the UK market leader and is set to break even more new ground as the StoreCare proposition is added to its portfolio of services and I am obviously very excited about being a part of that and helping to drive the company forward to even greater success.”
Stylish LottaBoard signs system is easy to update
Signs are subject to change. Whatever the information you have on display, in the majority of cases it will need to be updated at some point. Sometimes daily, sometimes weekly or maybe not until a department or facility is relocated. However, the LottaBoard sign system can easily cater for change. The LottaBoard utilises a unique, patented, method that allows individual letters and name strips for more permanent information to be changed with ease. The elements are simply held by magnetic attraction. However, the very clever feature is that they self align. Awarded a Millennium Product Design Award by the Design Council, the LottaBoard sign is specially constructed with a specific pitch to the magnetic poles. As the name strips or individual letters are placed on the board, they automatically align themselves. What is more, once the slightly smoked acrylic cover is then attached, also by magnetic strips, the lines between the letters disappear to give the signs the impression of permanence, with no visible joins between the letters. The LottaBoard system is styled in a very contemporary manner. However, it is suitable for a large number of different interiors as the substrate and heading signs can be matched to the style and d6cor of your interior. The LottaBoard system is available in many different standard sizes and formats. From a simple wall or desk door plate through to a large A2 sized sign, the LottaBoard can be supplied for wall mounting, suspending on cables or rods and in a number of attractive free-standing Monolith designs.
Stylish wall modules added to the CentraLine brand
Precise measurement and easy adjustment of room temperature, humidity, CO2 levels and air quality The COMMAND family of stylish and practical wall modules has been added to CentraLine, the new brand for energy-efficient automation of HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems in small and medium sized buildings. The modules are available exclusively through CentraLine partner companies, listed at www.centraline.com. COMMAND modules provide precise measurement and easy adjustment of room conditions such as temperature, humidity, CO2 levels and air quality. Beneath their attractive modern exterior with intuitive yet versatile controls, Command units employ proven Honeywell sensors and controls technology, already used in hundreds of thousands of wall modules across Europe. COMMAND modules are supplied in 12 basic versions. Depending on the model, they have a clear user-friendly digital display and clearly arranged buttons for inputting, limiting or overriding settings.
Success leads Broughton Controls to major expansion
Significant sales success over the last three years, including a number of important overseas contracts, has sparked a phase of investment and expansion for Broughton Controls, a member of the Konematic group and one of the UK’s leading providers of entrance control solutions.
Since the beginning of the year, the company has been creating a dedicated service and sales operation for Scotland and the Borders and bolstered its overall sales effort with the appointment of several new team members.
At Broughton’s headquarters in Oldham a new 6,500 sq’ production and design facility opened in July which in turn frees-up space for enlarging the product testing unit and the creation of a permanent display area.
The first visitors to see the new facilities were directors from Guardian Industries of Saudi Arabia, partners in a joint venture with Broughton Controls to provide entrance control solutions throughout the Middle East. Although agreements were only formally signed at the start of May, the sales effort in the Middle East has already borne fruit with two major contracts to supply, install and commission barrier and blocker units. Firstly as part of a £250,000 contract for the Kuwait – Iraq border and secondly at 10 BAe Systems’ compounds throughout the Gulf. The latter contract as part of the response to the recent car bomb attack on BAe Systems’ Riyadh compound.
“The joint venture in Saudi Arabia has been the icing on the cake of our recent performance,” commented managing director Laurence Goode adding; “After recent events security is uppermost in everyone’s minds and nowhere more so than in the Gulf.
Our tie-up with Guardian Industries – owned by two of the most highly respected business families in Saudi Arabia – has brought our products and capabilities to the attention of all the region’s governments and major companies and has already started to pay dividends.”
As one of the UK’s leading providers of entrance control solutions Broughton Controls has nearly 30 years experience in the industry. With the capacity to design, manufacture, install, and maintain a wide range of gates, blockers, turnstiles and barriers to ISO 9001 standards, the company provides tailormade solutions to a huge variety of commercial, industrial and public sector customers throughout the UK and overseas.
Sunday Mirror researchers surprised by low air pollution in smoking bar
Air pollution at Harvey’s Wine Bar in Folkestone was much lower than in other pubs tested nationwide for effects of “passive smoking” by a Sunday newspaper. The surprised Sunday Mirror investigators hadn’t noticed the bar’s three high-tech Honeywell air cleaners, which remove smoke, volatile organic compounds, dust, smoke, allergens and other pollutants, leaving a cleaner, healthier environment for staff and patrons.
The report published in the Sunday Mirror said: “For some reason Harvey's Wine Bar fared better than the rest. Several friends did their best to blow smoke in my face during our visit, but the reading ‘only’ registered the equivalent of one cigarette in three hours.” In spite of these efforts to induce passive smoking, the effect was still small and less than a third of the other typical “smoking” bars they tested.
Bar manager, Bob Mills, observed: “Most regulars are smokers and we respect their wish to smoke. I’m a non-smoker so I’m delighted we have the Honeywell cleaners, which do a great job in removing smoke and pollutants.” The cleaners were installed and are serviced by Colchester-based Inn-House Technology.
Mills said it would be commercial suicide for Harvey’s to ban smoking, either voluntarily or if it was required to. “Smoking is an important part of customers’ social habits. They wouldn’t come back if we banned it.”
The front bar area regularly fills with 60 people watching televised soccer on Saturday afternoons. A Harvey’s customer observed, “They stand shoulder to shoulder and smoke continuously – it’s part of the experience. So it’s not surprising it then gets smoky in here. No air cleaner could keep up with such extreme conditions, but the customers are happy with smoke.”
There is more to air treatment than air conditioning and ventilation says Honeywell. Its air cleaners actively remove pollutants and supply the clean air over a large area, unlike ventilators which only move air and unlike air conditioners which only cool air and adjust humidity.
With the high-tech cleaners, air indoors can be cleaner and healthier than outside. Staffs are happier, less prone to illness and hay fever, and enjoy a smoke-free workplace. Customers are more comfortable, so stay longer and spend more.
Millions of Honeywell air cleaners are in daily use worldwide, in cafes, bars, restaurants, offices, hotels, leisure centres and other venues.
Sunderland Given a Boost
Grundfos Pumps Ltd. has announced that the production of their standard Booster Sets has moved from their headquarters in Leighton Buzzard to their manufacturing plant in Sunderland. This move is as a direct result of the success of Grundfos Packaged Booster Set business in the UK, and will provide the potential to double production from £5 million to £10 million that this business area is projected reach in the next 12/18 months. The production of packaged booster sets for the UK market has been a real success story. A particular aspect of this success has been to provide a dedicated team of designers and specialist engineers to locally develop and deliver tailored pump sets specifically for the UK market. These units are designed for residential, commercial and industrial systems for a wide variety of applications from potable water distribution, to boosting the existing supply where there is insufficient water to meet demand. Standard sets of up to three pumps are available ‘off the shelf’ and we tailor build sets of one to eight pumps, capable of delivering 165 l/s and up to 25 bar pressure, to answer a broad range of boosting needs. Sets are available with MGE-motored pumps, which provide continuous variable speed control and the highest degree of energy efficiency, control and flexibility, as well as reducing noise levels. Pump units feature high quality stainless steel components for efficiency, sustained performance levels and a long working life. The move to Sunderland is part of a global initiative. Grundfos have also heavily invested in a new booster production line in Wahlstedt, Germany. The new area covers 4,000 square metres and produces 3,500 booster sets and control systems annually. This plant will be serving the European market and will also provide back up to the UK, when demand exceeds capacity. This will ensure Grundfos will be able to offer virtually off-the-shelf standard product and customised solutions in record turn around times. The engineering capacity the move to Sunderland has created in the Leighton Buzzard production facility will be used to build bespoke booster sets and by another area of high growth potential – Grundfos Packaged Fire Systems. These moves are seen as having very positive ramifications for the future of Grundfos Packaged Sets.
Sun-X provide the Llumar® icing on the “Doughnut”
GCHQ are in the process of moving operations from existing sites to a new purpose designed facility in Cheltenham. The building will be delivered as part of the largest Private Finance Initiative building project undertaken - £330m. This is the end of a 3 year construction project for the contractor Carillion. Basically a giant hole in the ground has been transformed into a stunning glass clad landmark equivalent to the size of the old Wembley stadium. This radical design due to its shape is known locally as the “Doughnut’; and was completed earlier this year and will be ready for full occupation by June 2004. GCHQ houses probably the most powerful computing facility in Europe, and the challenge of moving such complex systems has never before been undertaken in the UK. According to a GCHQ spokesman: “This is more than just a new building, for the first time ever, we will enjoy a working environment which has been specifically designed to support our fight against global terrorism, serious crime, and other threat in the UK. One threat that was not foreseen however was that of the sun. The sheer amount of glass resulted in too much solar heat gain, raising temperatures within the building to uncomfortable levels. To determine a solution, Carillion turned to an Oxford University Professor for advice. In turn advice was also sought from experts such as Sun-X (UK) Ltd working in conjunction with CPFilms. A unique computer simulation of the glazing system was undertaken by CPFilms to determine the best solution to match the desired criteria. The objective was to reduce the solar heat gain whilst minimising light loss and achieving a total solar energy rejection of 81%. Due to the tinted glass within the glazing construction it was decided that an internally applied solar performance window film would not meet the required criteria. It was finally decided that CPFilms Llumar® externally applied light silver solar performance window film would meet all the required criteria. As part of the design brief Sun-X where required to seal the straight edges of the window film with special powder coated aluminium foil tape, and the circular edges sealed with silicone. James Willson of Sun-X (a CPFilms Platinum Accredited Installer) managed the project and commented: “A lot of effort went into the design stage of this project with also special consideration to external access to the glazing and the associated Health and Safety Issues. We completed the works, covering 3,500m2 of glass within the required timescale” The completion of the “Doughnut” signifies a resounding success, and was the PFI project of the year 2002 and is also believed to be a design classic that will earn plaudits for years to come.
Super environment for super bikes
Keeping superbikes in race-winning form is all about meticulous attention to detail - which is why the factory Yamaha British Superbike Championship Team chose Vent-Axia air-conditioning equipment to keep their machines in the cleanest possible, temperature-controlled environment.
Installed by Brookland Speed of Bristol in a custom-designed services pod on the team trailer, a Vent-Axia WMJ wall-mounted inverter controlled split air-conditioning unit ensures that the Virgin/Samsung/Vent-Axia sponsored Yamaha superbikes are kept comfortable, and most importantly, protected from frost.
“Superbike engines are run without antifreeze, so it’s absolutely essential to prevent the cooling water from freezing. At £20,000 an engine, and with the competition pressure on the Team to be at full strength at all times, there’s no room for error” says Team Manager Rob McElnea. “The bikes come first!”
There’s comfort too for the eleven team members themselves. Their office accommodation within the trailer is separately served by a second Vent-Axia WMI air-conditioning unit, also housed in the special trailer pod. So hot heads and cold feet are definitely not part of the Yamaha Superbike racing scene!
It all adds up to a winning performance from the Vent-Axia air-conditioning installation, and a super environment for the factory Yamaha Championship Superbike Team.
Super G3 multi-function for the business professional
The first of a new breed of fax-centric multifunction office resources has been announced by Imagistics, the new business technology brand recently spun off from Pitney Bowes and now set to become a major player beyond its original markets in the corporate sector.
The new device is the Super G3 powered 1340 - which sends documents in seconds but also delivers 8 ppm (pages per minute) as a connected printer at a high-quality resolution of 600 dpi (dots per inch).
This new laser-engine fax / copier I printer is designed to bring high quality and reliable document handling to the small office, department or away-from-office professional. Ideal for the small office or department where space is at a premium, the 1340 has a small footprint at just 313mm wide, 325mm deep and 227mm high.
Market research indicates that most buyers of multifunctional resources have a ‘lead capability’ or primary use very much in mind when sourcing equipment. As such, the resource may be needed primarily as a fax machine but must also be used to print or scan or it may be first required as a printer but must also copy and send facsimile pages.
The 1340s fast, 33.6K Super Group 3 modem is capable of sending an A4 page in only 3 seconds. Large documents can be processed with certainty with the aid of 2Mb standard memory and a 20- page automatic document feeder. In case of loss of power, the 1340 features battery back-up for fax data for a period up to 30 minutes.
A USB interface allows for easy connection of the 1340 to any PC operating Windows 95, 98,
Me, NT and 2000. Once connected, the 1340 delivers 8ppm printing at 600dpi whilst, as a
copier, the 1340 delivers high quality 300 by 300dpi images at the same speed as print output with
selectable copy run up to 99 pages. The 1340 also features a reduce I enlarge feature from 50% to
200% as well as selectable contrast control.
A number of features make the 1340 an extremely easy resource to use in the office. A ‘low toner warning’ alerts users when toner starts to run out whilst the most economical use of toner is assured through a ‘toner save’ feature. In addition, the all-in-one consumable gives users the assurance that when new toner is required the rest of the imaging cartridge is also changed to maintain top performance.
As befits is application in the small office or department, the 1340 has a built-in hand-set for making voice contact with callers and facilities for attaching an answering machine.
The list price of the Imagistics 1340 is £995 plus VAT. The all in one cartridge has a yield at 3% of 5000 pages and has a list price of £95.
Superfloor adds more Blastrac Equipment
Superfloor Ltd, formed three years ago to fill an increasing demand for specialist floor preparation services, is now securing so many new floor clearing and preparation contracts nationwide that it has added a third Deckabrator floor scraping machine to its fleet.
Managing Director, Julie White has created three new depots each strategically placed to cover contracts in the North, Midlands and throughout the South of England - each depot being equipped with Blastrac floor uplift, grinding, scarifying and shot blasting equipment.
Said Julie: ‘Our increase in contracts with leading high street retailers and health authorities has been particularly encouraging and we can now efficiently remove glued-down carpet, vinyl sheet and tiles, latex, ceramic tiles, sports membranes, marble tiles, wooden flooring, rubber decking and even asphalt and screed.’
‘We can diamond grind and remove all adhesives even when tacky, including bitumen adhesive, painted and epoxy finishes, leaving a surface perfect for re-laying all types of floor coverings. We also shotblast power floated and industrial floors and we can level uneven surfaces with our scarifying machines’Ó, she added.
With the propane powered Deckabrator floor clearing jobs that would take a full team, days to complete, can now be done by two men, in a few hours. It has interchangeable scraping and breaking blades which can be adjusted between 50 and 600mm. Clearing rates of up to 150 square metres per hour are possible.
Superior performance from new Victor carpet sweeper
Market-leading floor cleaning equipment manufacturers Dowding and Plummer have announced the launch of a completely new addition to their famous Victor brand — an upright carpet sweeper that offers measurably superior performance compared to rival machines.Entirely designed and built in Birmingham, the new V-UCS (Victor Upright Carpet Sweeper) boasts a range of advantageous features. As well as offering twice as many brushstrokes as competing machines, its operation is quieter and the power cable is longer. It also retains the renowned Victor look and branding.Critically, the new V-U CS can be fitted with an optional HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter which prevents even the smallest dust particles from being released back into the air. This variation makes the machine ideally suited for use in healthcare environments, such as hospitals or care homes, where infection control is a major consideration.As well as offering the highest levels of performance, the V-UCS is suitable for use on every type of carpet surface and, in common with all Victor machines, has been designed so it is easy to use and maintain. With a markedly lower handle weight than competing machines, the V-UCS can be dropped to floor level for cleaning underneath low units while the nozzle and dusting brush are both quickly and easily accessible.
Head of sales at Dowding and Plummer, Nevill Furber, said: “Our reputation for providing machines that are reliable, durable and efficient has been established over 55 years. We’ve taken that experience of manufacturing the best rotary floor machines in the UK and applied what we’ve learnt to the production of this entirely new machine. I’m confident the V-UCS will soon be recognised as the best example of its type.”
Surefire Systems Ltd
For over twenty years, Surefire Systems of Wallington, Surrey has operated as one of the UK’s leading companies in the high quality design, engineering and maintenance of fire protection systems. Surefire’s reputation is founded on a flexible approach to every project that the company is involved in. By innovative use of technology and suppression techniques, Surefire Systems pride themselves in offering fire protection solutions for absolutely any location. Current fire protection standards are driven by a requirement for better security against fire whilst simultaneously reducing the risk of damage from extinguishing agents. These standards are dictated by a blend of critical commercial risk factors and increasing environmental concern and legislation. This is epitomised in the current drive toward Halon replacement as required under EU legislation. Surefire Systems is actively involved in Halon decommissioning and, in November 2002, completed the largest replacement of a Halon 1301 suppression system ever carried out in Europe for the world famous Reuters organisation. This was carried out under the new government backed guidelines for such an operation, represented by the BAFE Registered Scheme for Halon Decommissioning. Surefire holds the first certificate awarded to a UK company under this scheme. Almost 13.5 tonnes of Halon gas were removed, transported and destroyed and Surefire was able to provide Reuters with certification for every step of that procedure. This is a vital reassurance for any client, as responsibility lies with them for all Halon removed from their premises, right up to the time of its final destruction off site. John Payne is the Reuters Deputy Building Services Manager and was responsible for the Halon replacement work in the building, he underlined this point. “We awarded Surefire the decommissioning contract for a number of reasons, none more so than their reputation, which preceded them. We were impressed with the expertise that they could offer, and their assurances that removal of our Halon would be monitored every step of the way. At Reuters we are conscious of our responsibilities as the owners of Halon systems and realised that those responsibilities did not stop when the Halon left site. Surefire met the criteria we required, and their achievement of being the first company to hold BAFE Registration is valuable reassurance to Senior Management that sound environmental policies are being followed”. In place of the Halon 1301 Reuters chose Argonite® as the most suitable alternative agent for their requirements. This is an inert gas blend that was chosen over Chemical Agents or Water Systems as the most appropriate extinguishing agent for the application. One of its main advantages is that in the right circumstances it can be offered as a true ‘drop-in’ replacement agent for clients who wish to retain their existing pipe work for the change out. The expertise of Surefire Systems is particularly relevant to ‘clean room’ situations housing high-value, high-risk equipment such as computers, telecommunications and other EDP installations where special conditions prevail and where effects of a fire could be particularly disastrous. As a consequence the company portfolio contains installations in most of the country’s leading financial institutions protecting the data of leading banks and insurance companies as well as the interests of Lloyds of London. However, a closer look at the portfolio will reveal the real depth of the company. The name of Surefire Systems is linked to most of the major London landmarks, both old and new, in the area of fire alarm and suppression systems. The company is involved in the ongoing replacement of the old alarm systems at Westminster Abbey with new analogue addressable systems that include the use of aspirating detection (HSSD) and thermally sensitive cable, a project that is being carried out with the utmost sensitivity to the historical environment. Surefire was also the chosen company to install a fire detection and voice alarm system in one of London’s newest landmarks – the controversial Portcullis House, home to 210 MP’s and 400 support staff, situated on the South Bank of the Thames facing the Houses of Parliament. Designed by Michael Hopkins, the exterior of Portcullis House pays homage to Norman Scott’s Gothic architecture of The Palace of Westminster. Inside the innovative and unique design sweeps through eleven levels to the Westminster underground station below. This structure called for a highly sophisticated configuration of networked fire detection, totally integrated with voice alarm. Nothing perhaps epitomises Surefire’s attention to detail more than the requirement for the sound of the famous Division Bell to be broadcast over the voice alarm system to call MP’s to the Chamber for crucial votes. The original bell is situated in the Palace of Westminster and has a unique sound, as would be expected from a collection of old fashioned bells and solenoids mounted in a wooden box! But tradition must be upheld, and Surefire ensured that the recorded sound of the existing bell was included in the system, adjusting tone and levels within the new building until the sound of the original was faithfully replicated. This level of service brings Surefire Systems to the forefront of the fire protection industry and has built them a reputation the envy of many. They have proved time and time again their abilities to provide a client with a tailored solution that meets his requirements. This is achieved by combining electrical, mechanical and fire engineering skills with stringent quality control and a first-class after sales and servicing facility. Surefire Systems offers the widest range of suppression agents available. Included amongst their range of systems are inert gas, FM200, Fine Water Spray, FE13, Carbon Dioxide and Foam. Over recent years the company has achieved the distinction of consistently being the largest installer of Argonite® inert gas whilst also featuring as a major distributor of FM200 systems. They are also the sole UK distributor for the latest development in Halon replacement technology, the Scotch Mist® fine water spray fire suppression system. This is one of the most effective alternatives to Halon available, being non-toxic with rapid fire suppression capabilities and a superb ‘wash-out’ capability. Systems installed using a variety of these agents range from small areas, requiring only a few cylinders, to areas in excess of 10,000sq m that call for large cylinder banks to service the system. Each is also protected by an in-depth experience in the science of pressure relief, calculations and fitments that are so important in protecting the structural integrity of an area in the event of a system discharge. All the information that a Facilities Manager needs to know about fire protection can be found on the comprehensive Surefire Systems website at www.surefire.co.uk - here you have access to recent legislation available as downloads via links, along with information on the systems and services discussed in this article.
Surrey with the dome on top
Farnham Town Council have recently completed an update programme of their CCTV cameras in Farnham and as a result are using Vicon's Surveyor mini domes throughout the town centre. The town centre includes Georgian frontages and the aesthetics are guarded jealously. The client has therefore benefited from the fact that the Vicon domes are only five inches across and unobtrusive. The recent installation is significant in that the client has been employing Vicon domes for 10 years and usage has evolved with the functionality of the cameras. Alec Herd, CCTV Coordinator with Surrey Police who operate the CCTV system in partnership with Farnham Town Council, said: "There are features in the Vicon domes that we appreciate such as the ability to set cameras from whichever keyboard you happen to be at. It's possible to go into each camera's memory and reprogramme it, changing say iris and shutter speeds or implementing privacy zones." He continued: "The Vicon domes are logical units which almost think for you. The facility where you can "teach" a dome to perform a certain tour is valuable. It's also useful to be able to mix pre-sets with time-outs so that after a given period a dome that has performed a tour will revert to a predetermined location." Farnham Town first began using Vicon 17-inch domes in 1995. They added four Surveyor 99 units in 2000 and in order to take advantage of the very latest technology have now replaced all of the domes with VFT2000s. The installation was performed by Sevenoaks-based DGH Security Installations who have particular strengths in the retail sector and education. Alec Herd added: "The CCTV system has made a major contribution towards a dramatic reduction in ram raids and most other forms of crime." While images from Farnham are recorded digitally in the town itself the application is completely integrated with a neighbouring system at Guilford where the monitoring is performed. Vicon's open protocols have allowed seamless integration with a 32-channel matrix at Farnham and in turn with the matrix manager in Guildford. The Farnham system has BT fibre optic wiring throughout. Farnham Town forms part of Waverley Borough Council which also covers Godalming and Haslemere. It is envisaged that a similar installation may be performed at Haslemere.
Surveillance software reaches another milestone
Milestone, a market leader in digital surveillance software, has released their latest offering as Surveillance XXV 3.0 Advance. This provides new features and functionality as requested by the market and the fast increasing body of users. Surveillance XXV 3.0 Advance has the release date of the 12v August 2002. The software has been specifically designed for the rapidly growing digital surveillance market and is available today through Computer Network Ltd, Milestone’s UK distributor and solutions provider.
New features on the Version 3.0 release include audio recording, live listen-in; improved PTZ controls, such as advanced automated patrolling; support for a larger range of cameras, including the new lQlnvision lQeye3 camera - a technological advance in itself; and improved support for Avis 2400 or 2401 video servers, It also provides support for output ports & relays, useful for functions like remote control of devices over the network. Furthermore, and quite significantly, the XXV 3.0 version has been prepared for integration with Point of Sale systems and for the Alarm Monitor Control system, which is due for release in the near future.
Version 3.0 Advance is expected to be used not only as an upgrade platform for existing users, but to reach new customers who have not yet been exposed to the benefits of IP security. Milestone are leaders in their field and are constantly developing new ideas to make their systems run more smoothly and to increase compatibility with an ever widening range of P cameras. Milestone supports standard analogue cameras through video servers of Avis, IndigoVision and Convision as well as through video frame grabbers from Falcon.
Computer Network Limited is a Value Added Distributor and systems integrator for digital surveillance systems The use of existing infrastructure to deliver the benefits of remote, overt and covert surveillance through the corporate network architecture promotes security and offers increased protection for people and property.
Survey shows employers five steps to safeguard $1 million investments in international assignments
Employers could literally be letting money slip through their fingers by failing to prepare staff and their families before sending them overseas on international assignments, according to the latest survey of expatriates from CIGNA International Expatriate Benefits. CIGNA’s second annual survey found that on average companies invest more than $1 million for each expatriate assignment and could do more to safeguard that investment by improving the way they prepare and communicate with expatriates and their families. More than half the expatriates who took part in the survey said the lack of company communications about health and security issues was detrimental to their peace of mind and prospects for success.
The survey also discovered that despite global unrest and acts of terrorism, more than three quarters of employers are continuing with expatriate assignments. Virginia Hollis, vice president of Global Markets for CIGNA International Expatriate Benefits says: “77 per cent of expatriates told us that recent events did not diminish the likelihood of completing their assignments, while 74 per cent saw no change in their willingness to accept a future expatriate position. However, workers were disappointed more help was not made available in light of world tensions. Over a third (35 per cent) expected to leave their current employer within five years, yet companies invest more than $1 million in their employees for each expatriate assignment. If they are to retain these workers and protect their investments, those companies need to adopt best-practice techniques to support their workers.”
Despite mounting world tensions, employees on international assignment feel their companies are not doing enough to help them during turbulent times. 55 per cent of expatriates were critical of their company’s efforts to keep them informed about current changing or potentially adverse health and safety conditions and how to cope with them. Only one fifth (20 per cent) praised their companies for maintaining a best-practice communications process that keeps expatriates up to date and fully informed, with security bulletins, contingency plans and emergency guidelines. Of the expatriates surveyed, 82 per cent rated their company’s communications practices as fair or poor.
The five key areas highlighted by respondents as best practice included:
• Providing cross-cultural and language training
• Maintaining ongoing communications regarding health and safety issues for particular host countries
• Ensuring expatriate benefits packages are sufficiently generous and tailored to the unique needs of employees on assignment
• Providing cultural adjustment assistance for families of business executives on international assignment
• Helping executives balance both personal and professional needs while on assignment Significantly, 56 per cent of respondents received no cross-cultural training, while 68 per cent of respondents’ families had not received any cross-cultural training.
Ian Mann, managing director of international human resources solutions and information provider, ECA International, says: “Organisations need to train, develop and assist people before sending them to work abroad. Companies that fail to invest in preparing staff and their families for an international assignment cannot maximise the value of their expatriates while they are overseas, or when they return to their organisation. A high proportion of expatriates leave their employers when they return, yet it is far more cost-effective to retain the skills of experienced employees than it is to recruit new ones.”
Sustainability hot, but facilities input not? PHS Survey reveals all...
Sustainability, according to the 6th PHS Quarterly Facilities Management Survey, is an established, policy issue within most British organisations. Most interviewed FMs (70%) considered sustainability to be either important or very important to senior management, most (81%) said their companies had recycling policies and most (74%) had seen an increase in the amount of material recycled in the past 3 years. And yet, despite this, facilities involvement appears to be variable, with many FMs detached from process and uncertain about targets, measurement and financial outcomes. The Survey - which conducted telephone interviews with 100 public sector and 100 private sector facilities professionals during October 2004 - revealed nearly one third (30%) of respondents to be either uncertain about the existence of recycling targets in their organisations, or 'in the dark' about how big those targets were. 9% of respondents didn't know how their companies measured recycled material (or said that a separate department dealt with it) and nearly half (46%) didn't know by how much recycling had increased in the past 3 years - either confirming low FM involvement in the process or reflecting another Survey observation, which is that 54% of organisations don't appear to measure what they recycle at all. Just over a quarter of respondents couldn't say whether or not their organisations had energy saving targets, and 72% had no idea what annual savings their energy saving measures were bringing about. Having said that, well over half the interviewed FMs said their companies didn't actually have recycling or energy saving targets, although public sector organisations were slightly more inclined to do SO (61% of private sector FMs had no annual recycling target, compared to 52% of public sector FMs and 47% of public sector FMs said they didn't have a target, compared to 68% who didn't' have one in the private sector). Other noteable points about Sustainability to come out of the Survey were as follows: ¥ The most commonly recycled materials are paper (80% of respondents) and cardboard (50%), followed by cans (30%), plastic (26%), electrical equipment (24%) and printer cartridges (22%). ¥ Written and printed communications are the main strategy used to encourage recycling behaviour (49% of responses) - including memos, emails, intranet, posters and flyers. This was followed by presentations and training, recycling bins and departmental targets and league tables. ¥ 16% of interviewed FMs said that recycling actually generated income for their organisation, while 35% said it cost them to recycle materials. ¥ The majority of interviewed FMs (40%) anticipate no particular issues with the draft regulations on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), which completed its consultation period on 29th October 2004. Through these, the Government is proposing establishment of a National Clearing House to handle all old equipment, which the equipment manufacturers have to support. ¥ Of concerns that were raised over the WEEE, the most frequently voiced (29% of responses) related to higher costs, namely increased equipment, management (logistics, audits and IT) and disposal costs. ¥ Low energy lighting (26% of responses) and intelligent heating and lighting systems (24%) top the list of energy saving measures currently in use. These were followed by heat retention (19%) and staff 'save it' communication (15%). Peter Cohen, Chief Executive of the PHS Group plc, comments: "The PHS Quarterly FM Survey was launched for the benefit of our customers, to reveal interesting and relevant facts for Facilities Managers about their industry and about the practices and opinions of their peers. "The Survey is of wider interest, however, as FMs are an unseen barometer of business confidence, being managers of company re-organisation, departmental investments and other grass-roots indicators of business health. To tap into this, the PHS Quarterly FM Survey includes a section we call the FM Industry Tracker, which repeats key questions quarterly in order to reveal trend information of value and relevance, both within and beyond the facilities management profession.
SVD-4120 - Vandal Resistant Dome
Samsung announce the launch of the SVD-4120, the first of a new range of cameras to feature Samsung’s Super Noise Reduction (SSNR) technology. SSNR filters the noise amplified by AGC under low light conditions and as a result provides a high signal to noise ratio and a reduced “ghosting” effect. The SVD-4120, supplied in an IP66 compliant weatherproof housing, incorporates a Day/Night camera which combines the use of a 1/3 inch double scan CCD and Samsung Techwin’s award-winning Super Vision II digital signal processing technology, to deliver sharp and clear images even in poor lighting conditions. The Super Vision11 Wide Dynamic Range technology creates two fields of each image. Bright areas which are captured at a high shutter speed are stored in one of the fields whilst a low shutter speed is used to store dark areas of the image in the second field. The two fields are then analysed and combined into one composite picture and the result is ultra sharp clear images. The SVD-4120, which has a built-in Vari-Focal lens, is effective at just 0.01 lux illumination with a F1.2 lens (Sense-up on), delivering 500 TV lines in colour mode and 570 lines in monochrome. Completing the line up of advanced features built into this superb new addition to Samsung’s product offering is Samsung Techwin’s Dual Automatic White Balance technology which ensures a true colour image without tending towards red or blue.
Swift response from Cannon Horticulture
Cannon Horticulture, one of the UK's leading landscaping companies, has won a contract to provide on site maintenance and services to WS Atkins, Surrey.
Cannon Horticulture has built and improved on previous contractors work at the site by providing full-time qualified grounds staff rather than a mobile team. The new system allows Cannon Horticulture to maintain a close relationship with the customer and at the same time has produced the cost savings required.
Oliver Weisflog, managing director of Cannon Hygiene comments: "Our ability to react to our client's needs in this way is something that we pride ourselves on, knowing it makes a difference to our client's business.
"By maintaining such a wide variety of areas at WS Atkins, our on-site team will have the flexibility to vary their service during poor weather conditions, maximizing efficiency for the customer.
"We are particularly proud of this contract win - on gaining notification of our success, our team was mobilised and on site in a matter of days. We met our targets, set by the customer, and are looking forward to a long and successful working relationship."
Cannon Horticulture will also be re-designing the grounds of the building using the latest in CAD technology. The team will then be responsible for maintaining the new gardens, arboriculture, and all interior plants.
Cannon Horticulture, formerly Throwers, provides interior and exterior landscaping, from design and installation to maintenance. The company became part of Cannon Hygiene in 2001.
Swiss Re select Coflex as partner for property management consultancy
Coflex has been selected by Swiss Re as its partner in respect of the operation of 30 St Mary Axe. The 550,000 square foot building, designed by Foster and Partners is one of the City of London’s most exciting and prestigious developments, due for completion during the latter part of 2003. Occupation is scheduled for the first quarter of 2004.
Coflex will be working with Swiss Re to develop property, facilities management and tenant support services matching the quality of this innovative landmark building. Coflex’s deputy managing director, Joe Samuels, said: ‘We are delighted to be associated with such a high profile project in London. The design, and particularly the attention to detail in respect of environmental issues, is such that the building will become the benchmark for future developments. Our role is to ensure that this is reflected in the way in which the building is run’.
Commenting on the contract award, Andrew Green, of Swiss Re’s project management team stated: ‘Coflex shares our view that landlords and tenants can equally benefit from recent advances in facilities management practice. By bringing on a partner at this stage of the development, we can work together to create a service regime that is truly representative of both the landlord’s intentions and the tenants’ requirements’.
Synergies drive Dalika’s service solution
The recent appointment of Jeff Winterbottom as Managing Director of Dalkia Energy & Technical Services marks a further significant step in the development of this energy and facilities services specialist. Jeff previously headed up Dalkia’s sister-company Parkersell and indeed will continue with this responsibility, combining the managing directorship of both operations as part of a strategy to leverage the technical synergies that exist between the two operations. Parkersell is a market leading service provider of lighting management and maintenance and electrical services across a variety of UK market sectors. Dalkia’ s own strengths lie in the provision of facilities services and specialist technical and building maintenance, so the obvious synergies in the area of energy management provides an opportunity to enhance their joint service capabilities. The potential is particularly well illustrated in the Rail transport sector, where the two businesses have joined forces in a new Dalkia Rail division, serving clients such as the London Underground Infracos and rail operator Connex. Dalkia Rail provides an integrated services package for these underground and surface rail organisations, encompassing a wide spectrum of mechanical and electrical, specialist fire protection and lighting and electrical services in the station areas. “Dalkia and Parkersell will continue to focus on delivering value-added benefits to customers” says Jeff Winterbottom. “Closer management will enable us to ensure an even better service because of their complementary strengths.” At a time when environmental issues and competitiveness are increasingly significant components of corporate policy, Dalkia is now well positioned to deliver real advantages to its business customers across a wide variety of market sectors.
Syngenta success for Dalkia Energy & Technical Services
Dalkia Energy & Technical Services has recently been successful in winning a 3 year contract to deliver Integrated Services at the new European Headquarters of world-leading agribusiness Syngenta, based in Guildford, Surrey.
The scope of the contract includes Energy & Technical Services for the electrical, mechanical and HVAC systems and Management Services including cleaning, security, mailroom, reception, internal planting and building and grounds maintenance - confirming Dalkia’s unique technical expertise and broad-based managed services capability.
“Syngenta was looking for a partner to provide high quality facilities throughout their 4,200 m2 Headquarters through the implementation of Best Practice methods” says Dalkia Energy & Technical Services Head of Business Development Kathryn Harrison. “By focusing on our customer’s requirements and providing fully integrated services through one management contract we’re simultaneously cutting administration overheads and enabling Syngenta to concentrate on its core business.”
Equally importantly, Syngenta was seeking a service provider with a complementary culture, able to take a pro-active approach and become fully involved with the achievement of their corporate objectives.
“In mobilising this new contract, the Dalkia team is providing the added value which we see as essential to achieving our corporate objectives,” says Syngenta Procurement Manager Clare Miller.
This contract is further evidence of the growing trend towards integrated service delivery.
Sypol offers integrated approach to Health, Safety and Environmental Management
Sypol’s extensive health, safety & environmental consultancy, training and support services enable your organisation to achieve best practice by linking health and safety initiatives to company performance. Services include COSHH management systems, standard and bespoke training courses, health audits, risk assessment programmes, environmental management systems development and behavioural based safety programmes. Sypol will also be demonstrating the following: CMS Online - the new web based system that incorporates all the features of CMS and makes its tens of thousands of ready to use COSHH assessments available from anywhere in the world. AMS - the complete package for risk reduction and resource management of your asbestos. Sypol’s Asbestos Management System is a software based service that records the location of all asbestos in an organisation’s facilities together with its condition and handling advice. PSA - Personal Safety Advisor is a web based software package designed to help organisations meet their statutory obligations by ensuring that employees understand health and safety legislation and how it applies to them as well as testing this knowledge on a regular basis.
Sysco storage system is both multifunctional and stylish
Designed for a whole variety of uses in offices, archives, repositories, shops and warehouses is Dexion’s very latest Sysco storage system. Offering high flexibility at extremely affordable prices, the Sysco range is available in a variety of models, dimensions and colours to meet individual customer requirements and corporate styles. The system is also offered with an extensive range of accessories, allowing users to create bespoke storage systems, capable of housing a wide variety of goods of differing shapes and sizes in the smallest possible floor space. Among the many options are pull-out frames for storing documents in various suspension files; pull-out drawers for display or work table purposes; and plain or perforated shelves - adjustable in 20mm increments - which can sub-divided into numerous compartments using partitions. For easy identification of stored contents, Dexion also offers end-of-aisle label holders and magnetic shelf labels. These can be easily removed or updated should storage requirements change in the future. Likewise, the Sysco system can be easily adjusted and expanded to meet changing needs in a matter of minutes, with the minimum of effort. For added versatility, an entire static system can be quickly converted at a later date into a mobile storage complex, thus allowing commercial and industrial users to further maximise their space availability at minimum cost.
System Sensor application guide for the use of beam smoke detectors
System Sensor Europe has published a free 12-page guide analysing the conditions and restrictions associated with the use of projected beam smoke detectors to protect large areas with high ceilings such as atriums, lobbies, gymnasia, sports arenas, museums, churches, factories and warehouses. BS5839 part 1 limits the mounting height of point detectors for life protection to 10.5m, or 15m for property protection. Beam detectors are less affected by the dissipation of the smoke since they sample across the entire smoke plume, and are therefore ideally suited to high ceiling applications. Again, this is reflected in BS5839 part 1, which permits the use of beam detectors up to heights of 25m for life protection and 40m for property protection.
The other benefit of beam detectors is their lower cost, both in original equipment and maintenance: a single beam detector will cover an area that would require some 16 point detectors and System Sensor's new addressable and conventional 6500 devices has the unique Asuretest remote test capability that exercises both the optical path and the electronics. As Asuretest checks the entire alarm path, it is an acceptable alternative to the smoke test normally required for point detectors.
System Sensor Europe launch conventional zone interface
New from System Sensor Europe is the M210E-CZ conventional zone interface module, used in intelligent fire systems to enable a zone of up to 32 conventional two-wire detectors to be managed by the control panel via a single module address on a loop. Fully compatible with existing intelligent control panels the module can be mounted in a stand-alone enclosure or on a standard 35mm DIN rail. Optional short-circuit isolation can be enabled if required to preserve loop continuity in the event of the device failing and a tri-colour LED gives local status indication. When existing conventional systems are being replaced and upgraded with a new addressable system, undertaking the work in stages is often convenient. By linking an existing conventional zone via the M210E-CZ, the new system can be installed without loss of protection. The module can also allow the use of lower cost conventional detectors in physically well defined locations such as separate machinery rooms and boiler houses, where knowing the individual detector address is not necessarily important. The power for the conventional detectors can be supplied from the loop, from a dedicated feed from the control panel or from an external power supply. A fault input enables an external power supply and other devices to be monitored for failure; a factory programmable option for VdS monitoring requirements is available. The M210E-CZ can also be used to interface System Sensor's beam detector to existing intelligent fire panels.
Tactile and organic carpet
Consisting of 22 designs each in several standard colourways, Palette Origins from Interface is a heavy contract velour carpet tile conceived with creativity, flexibility and today’s interiors in mind. It gives the commercial environment a contemporary edge and allows a space to be created with designs that are influenced by tactile, organic, ethnic and structural elements. Origins is a collection that will enhance all types of interior spaces - workplace, instore, hospitality and leisure facilities - by giving unlimited design opportunities. It centres on the three Palette ranges and all can be used to complement and co-ordinate with one another. Palette 2000 offers a range of solid colours; Palette 3000 has the addition of a space dye yarn, to give a subtle flecked appearance, while Palette 4000 uses a unique construction to give a multicoloured textured appearance. Each palette is based upon standard colourways and onto these are printed concepts inspired by nature that allow the interior designer full creative reign. Amongst them there is driftwood, buffalo, sea whip, and camouflage, lost creek hidden valley and Zulu; they exude an ambience, richness and luxury, they bring form and function and excite the senses yet have the ability to give a comfortable and familiar feel blended with randomness and order. Palette Origins from Interface is a fusion bonded cut pile tile using 100% Dupont Antron Excel Nylon and is one of the best performing carpet tiles in the market place, giving excellent performance, appearance retention and value for money. Samples are dispatched the next working day and orders up to 300m2 in five working days.
Take the sting out of soaring energy prices with LLumar performance window film
With two of Britain’s biggest energy providers hiking up their prices in response to soaring global energy prices, it has never been more important for designers and facilities managers to reduce the energy consumption of their buildings.
EDE, which owns London Energy, Seeboard and SWEB, announced it was increasing it~ gas prices by 3.5%; electricity prices are rising by 3.8%. British Gas followed with the announcement of its second big price rise for 2004. From September 20, its 12 million gas customers can look forward to paying an extra 12.4% while electricity customers will see their bills increase by a further 9.4%. All the big companies have increased prices at least once this year.
Against this backdrop of soaring energy prices, building designers and managers need to focus on reducing their energy consumption. Glazing is an increasingly popular structural element with architects but this has lead to a greater potential for solar heat gain, which can lead to higher running costs of air-conditioning. In summer, about 20% of the cooling energy load of air-conditioning plants in commercial properties is from reducing unwanted solar heat gain through the fabric of the building.
LLumar® performance solar control film is a cost-effective answer. It effectively reduces solar gain, reducing dependence on air conditioning and minimising energy consumption. The reduction in energy costs after the correct application of a solar control film will pay for the film in less than two years. Typical temperature reductions when using LLumar® performance solar control film can be as much as 800.
In addition, LLumar® performance solar control films can effectively reduce solar glare, block out over 99% of UV radiation (one of the major causes of fading) and can provide effective electromagnetic radiation shielding from unwanted, external intruders. The range includes reflective, semi-reflective, dual-reflective, neutral tinted and colour tinted finishes to change the appearance of the building, and reflective finishes can also provide privacy and one-way vision when with the correct lighting levels.
LLumar® performance solar control films are a tried and tested product in terms of longevity, durability and performance. Most films are warranted for 5-10 years (depending on film type), with a real life expectancy far exceeding the warranty period, and all (internal) LLumar® films have a patented scratch resistant coating for ease of maintenance and extra durability.
Taking the cash out of cashless with G2 Integrated Solutions
The InteractiveEFT loading service from G2 Integrated Solutions is the first package that allows users to eliminate cash in the workplace. The service accepts credit and debit card payments processed at affordable rates, in a highly secure manner and without the need for a dedicated leased line connection.
Using a banking grade Personal Identification Number (PIN) security system, InteractiveEFT is specifically tailored to the needs of the catering industry, addressing all the issues traditionally associated with the acceptance of EFT payments for high volume, low value transactions.
The InteractiveEFT loading service is supported by G2 Integrated Solutions' InteractiveEFT payment management system. This offers comprehensive management information and transaction analysis services via a secure website. In addition to credit and debit card transactions, InteractiveEFT can process CPS value loads via Direct Debit and through payroll or expense account deductions.
Although many organisations are already using cashless payment systems, migrating to a truly cashless system offers significant advantages. For example, because there are no collection, sorting or banking costs, EFT payments are now cheaper to process than cash. InteractiveEFT value loads are processed via a PC based system, so there is no need to maintain note and coin accepting devices.
As there is no need for cardholders to have access to cash at point of loading, turnover is increased. The system also eliminates the security risks associated with the presence of cash. InteractiveEFT loading can also be used in conjunction with note and coin loaders, enabling customers to retain the flexibility to accept cash. Moreover, operators have full system visibility and control via a secure Internet based payment management service.
TALKING KONE ADVISES ON SAFETY
Visitors to Midsummer Place Shopping Centre may be surprised to find their attention being drawn to hazards such as a wet floor by the newest member of staff - the Talking Kone.
Although it looks like a familiar cone-shaped safety sign, the Talking Kone is much more sophisticated. A sensor can detect passers-by up to a range of six metres away, triggering an audible warning message. The Kone can hold up to eight different messages, and so can be utilitised to give warnings for various hazards.
"We are confident that the Talking Kone will alert our visitors to be aware of any hazards in the area, and will play its part to keep Midsummer Place as safe as possible," said Centre manager Steve Carter.
Tandberg award for Saville
Saville Audio Visual has again won recognition for success in the videoconferencing market at the Tandberg Annual Partner Awards Ceremony held recently in Windsor. The awards were presented by the company’s new president for operations in Europe, the Middle East & Africa, Yngve Nygaard. Following another year of growth, Saville received the TANDBERG Marketing Award for its proactive approach through innovative and successful marketing campaigns, including print and electronic media, live events and public relations. Tandberg marketing co-ordinator Maria Smith said: “The event allowed us to reward those who have worked hard and shown dedication to Tandberg and thank them for their support throughout the past year. With many exciting new products and new initiatives we’re certainly looking forward to 2004”. Saville videoconferencing manager, Bob Sansoni added: “More and more organisations are now accepting that videoconferencing is easy to use and it will help them to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Tandberg has given us a clear focus of our mutual goals and shown how we can grow the market even further by working together”. One of five Tandberg Platinum Partners in the UK, Saville has increased its total videoconferencing business by around 40% in little more than a year. The company specialises in the design of customised solutions and the integration of videoconferencing into large-screen presentation systems. Major customers include BT, HSBC Bank, Glaxo Smithkline, local authorities, police, emergency services and many government departments.
Tandus carpet for Oxford Natural History Museum
The Oxford University Museum of Natural History is a magnificent example of mid-Victorian gothic architecture, housing scientific collections acquired by the University over the past 300 years. The exhibits occupy a large central court, with elegant cast iron columns that support a vaulted glass roof. The central court, which is dominated by is dominated by two dinosaur skeletons, is also used to host receptions, dinners and other corporate hospitality functions, and the flagstone floor has become worn. The Museum administrators therefore decided that the area should be carpeted to protect the stones. The decision needed careful thought, because the carpet had to fit - in style and colour - with the ambience of the Victorian building. It also needed to be resistant to fading as a result of the natural daylight that the glass roof lets into the court. After considering various options, the Museum chose 'Nile Brown' from Collins & Aikman's Explorer range, a pointillist design with pindots of different shades of brown and grey, which complements the Museum's interior dŽcor. Explorer is Tandus Europe's biggest selling range, with 16 versatile solution dyed colourways, constructed as a multi-colour loop-pile design in 1/13 gauge, providing guaranteed appearance retention and resistance to fading. It's available as Graphtex or PVC tile or, as used in the Oxford Museum of Natural History, two-metre PVC-backed sheet. The carpet was installed by Commercial Carpet Solutions of Maidenhead.
Tandus Europe carpet for flagship justice centre
Tandus Europe has provided over 3000 square metres of carpet for the UK's first one-stop justice centre, which was opened by the Princess Royal in March. The £13 million Warwickshire Justice Centre at Nuneaton brings together under one roof the police, the Crown Prosecution Service, four magistrates' courts, a family court, the probation service, the youth offending team, and victim and witness support. It's anticipated that the idea will be copied across the UK. By co-locating the complete justice system in one place, the various agencies are able to work together and exchange information more efficiently. As a result, case progression is likely to be increased, with better support for victims of crime, and more effective handling of offenders. The Centre is one of a number of major installations for C&A City Point, which was launched last year. This UK-manufactured tile range is designed to provide a distinctive, high performance floorcovering at a competitive price. It's available in an attractive palette of twelve standard colours, each of which is named after a point in one of the world's leading cities: the Warwickshire Justice Centre uses a combination of Notre Dame and Soho. The colourways have pointillist effects that both complement and contrast, enhancing the product's aesthetic appeal and design flexibility. Solution-dyed nylon is used as the face fibre - for maximum colour fastness and fade resistance - tufted in 1/10 inch gauge textured loop pile construction. With Heavy Contact Class 4 and continuous-use castor-chair rating, the product is well suited to high traffic installations, and has a15-year performance warranty. The carpet can be fully recycled at the end of its useful life. The contractor for the installation was Traemar Limited and the architect was Frank Shaw Associates, working with main contractor HBG Construction. Tandus Group unites the industry's leading specialised commercial flooring companies - C&A, Crossley and Monterey - to provide customised cost effective solutions to its customers. Tandus Europe is the fastest growing company in the European floorcovering industry.
Tara takes a trip to the Savoy on the bus
Tara Support Services took a trip from its Enfield base to London's Savoy last week, to share in a celebration with other Finalists at a national cleaning awards presentation luncheon. Tara reached the finals in the Kimberly-Clark Professional Golden Service Awards programme for it cleaning services at the Holloway Bus Garage in North London. Unlike other Finalists who arrived by train or cab, the Tara team not only came by bus, but they bought one and then branded it with details of their company and the Awards programme. The Tara bus, which was parked at the Savoy's entrance, was highlight of the day and was seen by all 450 finalists and guests. It was also used by the event organisers as the backdrop to photography and filming for the event Adrian Phelan, Managing Director of three year old Tara Support Services said: "Our original Routemaster London bus is now constantly on the road. Last week it was at the Coach and Bus Show at the National Exhibition Centre Birmingham and shortly it will leave for a tour of Wales & Ireland with a show-stopping display piece at the Coach & Bus Show in Dublin. Now in their fourteenth year, The Golden Service Awards are the Oscars of the cleaning industry. Each year over 1,000 entry forms are requested by organisations large and small from all over the British Isles, to enter the 16 sectors. The prestigious Awards presentation luncheon at London's The Savoy is always a sell-out, with finalists and their guests joining VIPs from the cleaning profession to fill the Lancaster Suite to maximum capacity. This year's guest speaker was John Sergeant, ITN's famous Politial Correspondent.
Targeting messages in unique format
Getting the health and safety message across is never easy, and the more messages to communicate the harder it becomes. Scriptographic Publications will show its 200-strong range of safety and training booklets, which target specific training messages right where they are needed. The company will feature its full range of occupational health and safety publications including the recently launched revisions to Manual Handling and the Employees' Guide to Manual Handling booklets, taking in the latest HSE recommendations. The booklets use a unique combination of words and pictures to convey complicated messages in a simple and easily understood way. Scriptographic has worked with the Kent County Council, Belfast City Council and Bedfordshire County Council in publishing booklets on subjects ranging from data protection to workplace bullying, and is now one of the best known training publishers in occupational health, safety and personal development. The launch is part of a major revision programme bringing the material in step with developments and legislation in each respective field. All Scriptographic titles that have been produced in the last two years now carry the Plain English Campaign's Crystal Mark for Clarity to ensure that the contents are read, understood - and most importantly - acted upon. On orders of over 200 copies any of Scriptographic stock booklets can be personalised to carry an organisation's name and logo on the front cover and any additional copy the client requires on the back. Scriptographic can publish material for an organisation from scratch, either taking a stock Scriptographic booklet and making subtle changes to the cover, text and illustrations, or combining booklets together to make the organisation's very own 'special edition'. National Account Managers, Peter Burton and Barry Thompson, will be on hand to explain about the 'customisation' service on the Scriptographic Publications stand (F2) .
Tarkett first to gain environmental award
Tarkett is one of the world's leading and most experienced floorcovering manufacturers. For more than 110 years7 they have produced new flooring material based on market realities. This has given them valuable experience in most types of flooring materials: resilient vinyl, linoleum, wood and laminate, textile flooring and specialist flooring such as wetroom, safety, sport and antistatic. This allows them to offer practically all types of floorcovering solutions.
Tarkett has now become the first ever floorcovering manufacturer to be awarded Building Research Establishment (GRE) Certification for vinyl floorcovering, which recognises the environmental credentials of their iQ homogeneous vinyls. This certification means that all the inputs and outputs from the manufacture of its products are independently verified and the effects over the whole life are measured for their environmental impact. The Tarkett Tecsom Carpet Tile collection has also been assessed and all iQ vinyl and Tecsom Carpet Tile ranges have been awarded the highest possible Green Guide 'A' rating when compared to other commonly specified floorcoverings. This is particularly important when one considers that floorcovering has the most significant environmental impact in a typical commercial building than any other material. This offers the opportunity for the user or specifier to select more sustainable products.
Tarkett have invested heavily and voluntarily, in environmental matters for many years. Their vinyl products are continually recycled and as part of the UKRFA, they take an active role with their manufacturing colleagues in positive environmental research for the industry. Tarkett Sweden for example, already collect all manufacturers' post installation waste, in addition to their own, for recycling. Tarkett are committed to caring for the environment both in-house and for the industry in general.
Tarkett has always striven to raise awareness that the purchase and installation price of a floorcovering itself represents only around 8% of its total lifetime cost - both financially and in terms of resources. Cleaning and maintenance account for the remaining 92%. This means that it can cost ten times as much to maintain a floor as to buy it.
Tarkett iQ vinyls feature a unique 'third generation' PUR reinforced surface. Used in combination with the highest quality raw materials and manufacturing methods, this treatment ensures life long benefits and means the floor will require no wax Ñ no polish -ever. Over the floors lifetime, iQ vinyl products can offer savings in maintenance costs of 30% compared to other floor types.
They also result in a dramatic reduction in consumption of chemicals, water and energy. For example, for a typical school with a cleaning area of 10,000 sq. m, Tarkett estimates the usage of chemicals can be reduced by up to one tonne per year by using an iQ vinyl product.
Using solution dyed yarns in the manufacture of its carpet tiles enables Tarkett to reduce water consumption dramatically compared to traditional dying methods and also avoids producing large volumes of contaminated water.
The DS Backing System on Tecsom carpet tiles is made entirely from 100% recycled material from TarkettÕs recycling plant in Luxembourg. Within the Tarkett Group there are two plants which collectively recycle 38,500 tonnes of vinyl pvc per year.
'claims about the environmental performance of building products are easy to make but difficult to substantiate without a universal measuring system,' says the GRE report. 'environmental profiles enable manufacturers to independently demonstrate the performance of their products. They also help clients, designers and specifiers to identify products that will best fulfil a sustainability brief.'
By asking GRE to carry out an independent Life Cycle Assessment certification of these two product ranges, Tarkett is now able to communicate its environmental credentials to customers with confidence.
Tarmac creates an impact at Derby County FC
Tarmac used a new medium, which was applied quickly and is hard wearing, to display a series of striking logos throughout Derby County FC’s Pride Park Stadium. Highway Safety Systems Limited (HSS) installed this material, which can be applied on either tarmac or concrete; the logos have been positioned for maximum visual impact, with six located around the pitch itself and a further two on walkways leading to the stadium.
The eye-catching Tarmac logos were installed to coincide with a visit to the stadium by HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh as part of their Golden Jubilee tour.
It is the first time that Tarmac has used this type of advertising medium and according to Chris Slavin at Tarmac, the new logos have had an extremely positive impact on visitors.
He comments: “The new Tarmac logos stand out extremely well and have been clearly visible on TV footage of matches at the Derby County ground. They look very good and have created a strong impact around the football stadium.”
“We decided to try this new form of horizontal advertising after seeing the welcome messages that HSS created for Lancashire County Cricket Club and we have been very impressed. We received excellent service from HSS throughout the installation and will definitely be considering using them again at other locations.”
HSS produced the Tarmac logos using Thermomark, a thermoplastic print method which uses computer designed and water cut pre-formed thermoplastic to create bespoke yet cost-effective signage and other designs.
Designs can be created in any size or colour and can be placed at the entrance or exit to a stadium, in car parking spaces or other prominent areas, enabling visitors and even TV viewers to see the images repeatedly for maximum exposure.
The thermoplastic material used in the process is extremely hardwearing, with a lifespan that outlasts typical paint alternatives by up to ten times. It can also be used to apply a wide range of specialist highway signs, highlighting parking bays for disabled drivers, VIPs, directors, sponsors or medical teams or to create any item from the standard range of highway symbols and markings.
Tate chooses Dexion for storage of priceless collection
The Hyman Kreitman Research Centre at Tate Britain has installed a new Dexion Compactus storage and archiving system to help it to securely store and retrieve its wealth of priceless documents, records, and collections covering British art from the Renaissance to the present day and international modern art from 1900. The Tate collection includes more than 120,000 exhibition catalogues of permanent and private art collections, more than 300,000 press cuttings on the British art scene, special collections of artists’ bookworks from the 1 960s onwards, and over 700 archival collections including personal papers, diaries, sketchbooks, art works, photographs and posters relating to British art from 1900 onwards. The collection also includes acquisition files documenting works added to the Tate Collection from 1897 to the present, Tate building files, and the original deeds of the Gallery. When the Tate decided to upgrade its storage, its first concern, therefore, was to ensure the safe storage of these irreplaceable materials, and its choice of supplier and storage system was high op its list of priorities. Compactus, a new product from Dexion and developed at a cost of more than £4 million, offered exactly what the Tate was looking for. The product is ideal for the public sector environment, including museums, libraries and galleries, as well as government offices where security is paramount. The space-saving Compactus system is also highly effective at maximising space utilisation and can actually double the amount of storage in any given area. Storage units are available in static or mobile configurations. Mobile units provide maximum space usage as they can be rolled together into a single block, which effectively removes the aisle space and makes this available for other purposes or additional storage. When a document is required, a simple hand-wheel is turned to separate out the storage compartments, for easy access to just the document needed. A high technology option, using a touch-sensitive pad instead of a hand-wheel, is also available. This is fully programmable, with a choice of stopping distances for the filing units, as well as automatic day-and night time security for sensitive or hard-to-replace material. A range of accessories is also available, including plain, perforated, pullout, and display shelves, dividing bars, drawers, and partitions, frames and ledges, book supports, compartment dividers, reference shelves, and filing frames. The Tate system comprises 50 mobile units and a further 8 in static configuration. Arranged in bay depths of 250-1000mm and in runs of 1000-1200, each unit contains between five and 15 shelves, and stands at a height of 2716mm. Frames are rigidly spot-welded for safety and durability and zinc-primed and epoxy powder-coated for maximum long-term protection. Mobile units run on guide rails made of tough, cold-rolled steel, which are floor-levelled for maximum stability to very tight tolerances. “These documents stored at the Hyman Kreitman Research Centre represent an irreplaceable collection which documents our British art heritage, so we needed to be absolutely assured that the storage system we chose would be safe, secure, and designed for our purposes,” says Beth Houghton of the Tate. “Our choice of supplier was equally as important and we were very impressed with Dexion’s attention to detail and track record as a company that cares about quality and performance.”
Taxi Management
NEDAP supplies advanced identification technology for taxi management system at London Heathrow airport BAA Heathrow selects NEDAP's vehicle identification system to manage taxi movement at the world's busiest international airport, London Heathrow. During the coming months all terminals and the taxi feeder park on London Heathrow airport will be equipped with Nedap's vehicle identification system. The complete taxi management system consists of the vehicle identification system integrated into the central management system. The vehicle identification system provides the central system all the necessary information to regulate the taxi flow on the airport. The central taxi management system is to be provided by Nedap's partner Steria, a leading service provider with considerable expertise and knowledge in IT. Nedap's expertise in the area of contact less identification and integration of the newest technologies has resulted in a unique solution, meeting the full requirements of the airport. Nedap's identification technology is an important element in the system. The vehicle identification system, TRANSIT, offers automatic and simultaneous identification of the taxi and the taxi driver. The identification of the vehicle enables the division of vehicle in various categories; based on this classification the use of ecologically-friendly vehicles can be encouraged. The taxi driver is identified in order to ensure that the transaction on the airport is charged to the correct driver. Moreover the combined vehicle and driver identification provides an extra dimension of safety to the airport. The TRANSIT system communicates by means of wireless network technology to the central taxi management system, thereby reducing installation costs and upheaval on the busy airport. The TRANSIT system supplies a high level of comfort for the users, especially as the taxi and taxi driver are identified while driving, without any required driver intervention. Because of that the system improves the traffic throughput of taxis on the busy airport, ensuring that the demand and supply of taxis meet exactly at a certain time. Using a handheld scanner with the latest identification and bluetooth technology, the taxi warden can identify the vehicle and the driver nearby the terminal, to verify the data in the central database and register local taxi journeys. The entire solution will provide BAA Heathrow with the future flexibility to extend the installation with various aspects of vehicle management on the airport, an essential factor given the development plans for Terminal 5. London Heathrow is one of the world's largest airports where annually more than 7.000 taxis serve almost 60 million passengers travelling through London Heathrow each year. The taxi management system will be operational in the summer of this year. Nedap's identification technology has already successfully been applied in the area of vehicle identification within various market segments and in particular on airports to control the traffic flow and secure access to the airport premises. "Nedap was the only technology provider, that could meet the complex requirements from BAA Heathrow regarding the new taxi identification system on the airport. The project is an integrated solution of the newest technologies in the area of contact less identification, bluetooth and wireless network communication, in which Nedap as a technology partner has extensive knowledge and expertise. The application is a result of Nedap's policy of global marketing of the unique identification solutions Nedap is offering." according to Jeroen Somsen, business unit manager, Nedap Automatic Vehicle Identification.
Taylor Woodrow appoints new call centre manager
Taylor Woodrow Facilities Management has appointed Caroline Booth to head its national call centre, based in Stockport, Cheshire.
With a career in retail and call centre management for organisations including Cable & Wireless and CL/Fujitsu, Caroline brings a wealth of valuable experience to Taylor Woodrow at a critical time in the development of its high-technology call centre operation. With an expanding portfolio of clients and the implementation of a series of self initiated opportunities, more specialist staff are being sought to work across all areas of the call centre, an ongoing process being managed by Caroline.
“Call centre-managed accounts are becoming increasingly prevalent as Taylor Woodrow strengthens its presence in the multi-location sector!’ said divisional director Richard Sykes. “Caroline’s experience will mean that the expansion of our business is fully supported by one of its key resources.”
Tchibo’s juicy new range
Every minute in the UK, people drink as many as 57 glasses (200ml/7oz) of Tchibo juices - a staggering annual total of 30 million.
This amazing statistic is all part of a wider trend. As consumers embrace the notion of a healthy lifestyle, the UK juice retail and foodservice sectors have both recorded strong upward moves in juice sales. So much so, the majority of the UK population regardless of age or time of year now buys juices.
One of the key drives behind this change is the arrival of quality pure squeezed juices in the retail market. This turn has raised consumers' expectations of the quality of juices they buy out of home or to takeaway.
Tchibo's Juice Range introduces the new Smartkpak, an innovation from the Tchibo and Vitality partnership. A new premium quality concentrate product, Smartpak is delivered frozen so it can stored until use and does not require a dedicated dispenser and is ideal for low volume sites.
Also, Tchibo recently launched the NEW "Squeezed from Fresh" Orange Juice, a premium quality product that is not from concentrate juice and made from the finest Spanish grown Valencia Oranges. The juice is squeezed, lightly pasteurised and packaged on site. The squeezed from fresh juice is stored ambient and has a 75 day shelf life without compromising its premium quality. Available in both 1 and 2 litre cartons.
The renowned Vitality Express is designed for higher volume juice sites serving over 50 7oz glasses a day and is from the same manufacturers as Smartpak. Delivered from frozen in hygienic cartridges, the low maintenance systems has a plumbed in post mix dispenser to ensure the juice retains it's "just squeezed" taste. Available in 13 delicious flavours.
Tchibo also offer a range of pre-mix, post mix dispensers, and come in a variety of sizes dependent on how much juice you use.
Teacrate’s drive for excellence
PHS Teacrate, the UK’s leading crate rental specialist has launched a new initiative to further promote high standards amongst its service drivers.
The company which rents and sells specially designed crates for office and commercial moves has an excellent reputation within the industry for the quality of its service and already meets 98.7% of service measurements. But by introducing a new NVQ Level 2 amongst its service drivers in London, and eventually its nationwide depots, PHS Teacrate aims to prove it has the best service delivery drivers in the crate rental industry.
Tarquin Halse, PHS Teacrate’s Service Delivery and Training manager is responsible for introducing and managing the NVQ program: “All our drivers already undertake rigorous in-house training which we call “The Finishing Touch”. By introducing NVQ Level 2 we’re giving them a chance to recognise their skills with a formal qualification”.
Keith Shelley, PHS Teacrate’s Operations Director is pleased with the company’s progress so far: “The scheme has been running for about four weeks and we have two drivers trialling it. The feedback from the Internal Verifier has been extremely positive confirming our belief that the individual and Company will benefit from the scheme. Once the trial is complete, we will encourage all our drivers to enrol; the next phase being a similar accreditation for the porters and warehouse staff’.
Dave Hill has been a driver for Teacrate for over three years and is one of the first employee’s to take part in the NVQ: “I jumped at the chance to gain an NVQ because it’s an excellent way to develop my skills as a Service Delivery Driver. I’m also learning about customer service which makes my job even more interesting”.
Keith Shelley has the last word: “The NVQ’s important but we’re not using it to create “Super drivers”. It’s about investing time and money in our staff and motivating them through qualifications to achieve the best standards they can. Ultimately our customers will benefit and so will we as a company. As the leading crate rental supplier, it’s the only way forward”
Team work wins OCS security award
A dramatic reduction in crime and improved all-round safety at The Bridges Shopping Centre in Sunderland has been directly attributed to the OCS security team, who are working for Land Securities and the Centre’s retailers. With the accent on friendly customer service, first aid skills and safety, the 15-strong force that includes two women, beat entrants from across the UK to become the country’s number one security team and proud recipients of the OCS Security Team of the Year Award. Commenting on their achievement, security manager at The Bridges, Rob Moses said, “We have worked hard to change people’s preconceived negative perceptions of security officers. Our emphasis is on customer service and we try to be helpful and proactive. We want a secure and safe environment for shoppers and that is what we strive to achieve. In addition to completing extensive training in the usual aspects of shopping centre security - including control and restraint, first aid, defibrillator, customer care and fire fighting - seven team members also recently completed a Diploma in Shopping Centre Security. The OCS team is designated a ‘first response’ service for the Northumbria Ambulance Service in Sunderland city centre and is equipped with defibrillator machines to give emergency treatment to people who suffer head attacks in the city centre. Phil Steele, centre manager at The Bridges, said, “We set very high standards of professionalism for the security team — and all our staff — which has been confirmed both by this award and the independent consumer research that tells us shoppers enjoy The Bridges experience.” He added, “Apart from the work that shoppers see, the security team also has a vital role to play behind the scenes to ensure the efficient and safe running of The Bridges, for the benefit of our shoppers and tenants. We are extremely pleased they have won this recognition.”
Teamwork brings emissions savings at Contact 24
Working in partnership with leading energy and facilities service provider Dalkia, Contact 24, one of the UK’s top ten contact centre companies, has realised emissions and energy savings tat equate to a cost saving of over £37,000. This is equivalent to the entire energy needed to run one of the company’s busy Bristol call centres, with over 400 staff Contact 24 has an impressive portfolio of major blue-chip clients, so it’s used to employing teamwork to achieve results. And in partnership with Dalkia, the teamwork approach has had a truly remarkable effect on the environmental impact of its daily business operations. For the last two years, Dalkia has worked closely with Contact 24 at its two Bristol offices, managing the company’s energy requirements, identifying waste and systematically reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions. As a result, in the last twelve months, 258,595 Kgs of CO2 have been saved at the Victoria Street office and 280,903 Kgs of CO2 at the Moon Street location - a carbon saving that is the equivalent to the weight of 84 double-decker buses! “We have more than halved the CO2 emissions from our premises since starting this initiative,” says Robert Stanley, Contact 24’s Head of Facilities. “Significantly, we are now effectively running the same two buildings, but with only the environmental impact that we used to generate from just one. We’re proud of this achievement and actively promote such environmental efforts to our own clients, to demonstrate our corporate commitment as a responsible and socially aware organisation.” The savings have been achieved through a strategic approach to energy management, delivered through a teamwork approach between the Contact 24 facilities team and the Dalkia engineers. Dalkia has managed energy procurement through its Bureau service, implemented a planned preventative maintenance programme in conjunction with the client, and supported the installation of a state-of-the-art Building Management System. The rest is down to plain common sense and dedicated application of effective energy saving measures. Something as simple as educating security guards to turn off lights at night can make a significant contribution to a reduction of energy usage and the impact on a building’s running costs. In fact, the efforts of the last twelve months have resulted in considerable financial savings and at a recent ceremony; Dalkia presented a cheque to Contact 24 for over £37,000, representing the cash savings generated by all the environmental initiatives. Tony Smith, Dalkia, Supervisor Roy Gommo, Dalkia, Technician Clive Harber, Contact 24, Building Manager, St James House Robert Stanley, Contact 24, Facilities Manager, Graham Willis, Dalkia, General Manager Man Thomas, Contact 24, Building Manager, Victoria Street
Technical forums on LED’s and DALI
Get the dates in your 2005 diary now:
Monday 14 February 2005: Forum on LEDs 4.00 pm – 7.00 pm
Tuesday 15 February 2005: Forum on DALI 10.00 am – 4.30 pm
at ARC 05 - a new lighting show for architects, designers and specifiers.
The LIF (Lighting Industry Federation) will be holding two one-day forums. Concentrating on LEDs and DALI control, the format for each will be similar, if not the same: four sessions covering the capability of the technology, the embodiment, maintenance/installation and application. All presentations will be company neutral and as a result the forums will be eligible for RIBA endorsement and CIBSE accredition. The forums will take place at the meeting rooms of the Business Design Centre, upstairs from the show itself.
Barrie Wilde, Chairman of the LED Forum, said: “this looks to be a very exciting prospect and I am looking forward to chairing the LED Forum on the first day”.
The forum and show will be promoted through major UK and international publications for the lighting, architectural, interior design, hospitality and leisure markets, with the aim of attracting an audience unique to ARC 05.
Mondiale Publishing, organisers of ARC 05, already has experience in organising a trade show. ‘Bar’ is an enormously successful event held every June. Martin Mochan, ARC 05 show director, stated: “The bar exhibition is the only show dedicated to the UK bar industry and has quickly established itself as a must-attend event. We intend to give ARC 05 the same success.”
Technology to change the face of technical services
Faultless management, maintenance and operation of air conditioning, ventilation, heating, electrical and life safety systems is the lifeblood of OCS Technical Services – but times are changing and recent internal company initiatives are set to change the way that OCS Technical delivers its business in the future.
With so much hi-tech engineering involved in the construction and service requirements of buildings, customers need to be confident in the expertise of those who carry out the maintenance. OCS Technical Services is positioning itself as a preferred service provider through a range of unique initiatives.
“We knew we had to work harder at differentiating what we offer - the perception from clients is often that the service offering is the same regardless of which company they go to,” says Chris Cracknell, Chief Executive of OCS. “For the past two years we have placed significant investment in developing our internal support structures - these are set to change the way we do business and have a huge impact on the quality of service we are able to deliver to our customers.”
OCS’ customer first philosophy has been the key to driving this change forward and has been instrumental in the development of pioneering new technological methods to ensure customers are not only satisfied with their service, but gain more from their relationship with OCS. Chris continues: “Customers demand more and more and expect real value for money from their provider. Evaluating our processes internally has helped us to develop this solution.”
The technological developments will mean in future all of OCS’ field engineers will have hand-held XDA’s (Personal Digital Assistants combined with mobile phone), ensuring that information between engineers and office based work planners is exchanged and updated virtually rather than using traditional paperwork systems. This system means reduced administration and overhead costs, logistical efficiency and more accurate information. This in turn ensures charges to customers are reduced.
Meanwhile the introduction of OCS’ intranet enabled contract information system (IECIS) ensures that operational managers can communicate, via GSM or LAN, ‘real time’ contract, financial or operational information to their customers. Key data on this system includes PPM status, extra work quotation status, reactive call status, real time contract valuation (budgeted v’s actual cost head values), payment status (debt), invoices and work in progress value. OCS Technical Services can be confident that the information it provides to the customer is completely accurate with the data containing all historical information relevant to a particular customer.
“Operational managers can provide information to the customer on request and in a user friendly format. The emphasis of the technology bringing greater flexibility to users and instant access of information to clients in turn has actually meant a reduction of internal costs due to the removal of paper transfer of documentation. As such overheads are much lower than a conventionally administered business.”
Significantly OCS Technical opted to undertake the technology review and implementation internally rather than outsource. “We knew we had the capability in-house to undertake the task and the benefits in doing so can clearly be measured in cost savings, which we will be able to pass on to our customers in the future,” continues Chris Cracknell. “We established a dedicated team and using our existing technology infrastructure were able to customise it to meet our exact requirements. The R&D team has been working on the project as a pilot for two years now and the roll out to all field workers in the OCS Technical division has already started and will be completed by the end of the year.
OCS Technical firmly believes that the introduction of this technology will differentiate its service offering. “There has been a lot of talk about the introduction and use of this kind of technology but we believe we are the first to actually introduce it – so we are all eagerly waiting the impact it’s going to bring to our business – for our employees and our customers.”
The company also recognises the internal cultural changes that it has had to make to accommodate the change that technology brings. “The operations team has now been freed from the distractions of paperwork to enable a complete focus on service delivery - but the change itself also has had to be managed effectively by our newly re-structured management team.” The recently appointed team is now starting to play a pivotal part in moving the company forward to achieve the new operational ethic and its customer service delivery targets. In addition, the technological advancements are having the added benefits of attracting new employees to the company who are impressed with the progressive nature of the organisation and the superior customer service offering.
With the new management structure in place OCS Technical has recently further enhanced its capability with the acquisition of Denver Maintenance. Denver was established in 1948 and is a well respected mechanical and electrical company with proven capability in a broad range of market sectors, well known for the solutions it offers facilities managers. This addition will further enhance the OCS Technical Services portfolio as its services and capabilities begin to integrate. Denver also brings its own highly effective Management Software, which incorporates full history details of clients for up to five years – this is something that will be fully integrated into OCS Technical as part of the merger and will become best practice for both companies in the future.
“The acquisition of Denver is complimentary to the skills we already have and will enhance our service offering. With the merger of the two companies we will be able to keep our costs low but offer an increased number of services to our customers.”
The increasing focus on customer service and a thorough understanding of what the customer’s real needs are is the future for OCS Technical. Chris concludes, “Further technological developments are in progress, which will provide further efficiencies and technological benefits for our customers. We are striving for a complete solution to make it easy for our customer to come to us and use OCS – our latest changes, both technological and structural are set to make this happen.”
With a turnover exceeding £500 million and increasing expansion throughout the UK and across its international operations, OCS is one of the market leaders in the provision of property support services. Offering one complete solution from a single point of contact, its six divisions encompass technical, security, catering, transport, cleaning, hygiene, laundry and environmental support services.
Tecton signs VCL as main distributor
Leading multiplexer and HDR manufacturer Tecton has signed up VCL as sole major distributor of its products in the UK.
The Tecton range was previously sold through a number of national distributors, including VCL, but other links have now been severed. Making the choice of one single partner was vital, according to Tecton Managing Director Chris Hall, because the company was looking for much more than a conventional distributor.
“We needed an organisation that could offer our customers the level of service they would expect from a company like ours,” he added. “That includes all the factors, such as fast turnaround, minimal out-of stocks, rapid-response maintenance and total UK coverage that we had already grown to trust VCL to deliver.
“But we also needed a sales team who demonstrated the skill and expertise necessary to show these products at their best and we knew we could depend on VCL for that.”
VCL Sales and Marketing Director John Prosser added: “We are very pleased to build on our partnership with Tecton as part of the formidable list of branded products that are all available through us as a single source. Tecton is best known for products such as its Darlex HDRs, the Drax and Mosaic multiplexers and the Miniplex.
Telepartner wins mobile field service system contract with Group 4 Falck
Telepartner Systems has won a major new contract to supply a mobile task management and field despatch system to Group 4 Falck in Denmark. The installation will provide real time data communications between the company’s call centre and some 250 field service engineers. Telepartner won the contract through its Danish integration partner - Pro-Net AS. Group 4 is part of the multi-national security group: Falck, and the company’s engineers install and service a wide range of critical security installations - from burglar alarms to CCTV installations. The Telepartner solution is built upon Mercury Server for Mobile Applications, which incorporates powerful communications management, ensuring reliability and resilience for business-critical data, and also hosts task management software linking 250 operatives and field engineers equipped with wireless field devices. These are in turn supported by a common field service application, also developed by Telepartner. In the field, each engineer is equipped with one of a range of GSM enabled wireless devices, which include Nokia 9210 smartphones and PDAs such as the iPAQ. One of the key project challenges, satisfied by Mercury’s cross-platform functionality, was to create a common field application to handle job receipt, reporting, asset management and job closure, regardless of the target field device or the operating syst&n. Telepartner’s expertise in developing and deploying its Business Forms mobile application configuration tools was chosen because of many proven, successful projects with both the Symbian and Pocket PC environments. “Mercury Server was Group 4’s favoured product because of its reliable managed data delivery, as well as its powerful web-based Workforce Management, which offers significant ease-of-use benefit to Group 4’s Field Dispatch and Control Operation,” said, Lars Frohn, Managing Director of Pro-Net. “Mercury’s proven track-record of large implementations with major organisations worldwide proves its ability to handle Group 4’s business-critical applications.”
Telepartner's ServiceNet helps HCL build asset inspection and maintenance system
HCL a Leading supplier of overhead fall protection systems for buildings throughout the UK is rolling out a new web based asset, inspection and maintenance system. The new system is based on Telepartner's web hosted ServiceNet offering, which can be accessed centrally and by HCL's team of mobile field engineers. ServiceNet will help track jobs from initial quotation through installation, invoicing and ongoing scheduled maintenance. HCL's implementation of ServiceNet, which is hosted by Telepartner, uses the web application server to store key asset data. The system tracks potential customer assets from quotation and, on installation, adds products to the 'installed base'. HCL's existing installations will be added to the central asset register by engineers on scheduled inspection and maintenance calls using hand held Xda II PDAs. Each inspector will be able to download open tasks within his area to his Xda II, which runs the Telepartner Forms application, configured for HCL's requirements and linked over the 02 network to ServiceNet. HCL engineers previously operated a paperwork system receiving jobs by either visiting a depot or through the post. Under the new system Engineers will query available work in their region by linking to ServiceNet and jobs will be pulled down over the air using 02's mobile wireless network and interpreted by client software on Xda II PDAs. The client software enables HCL's engineers to provide the central ServiceNet asset register with full information of each installation. Pull down lists help to identify products, and the form-like display aLlows the engineer to log the location and condition of the installation as well as record work carried out. Once a job is complete the engineer can update ServiceNet at the push of a button. ServiceNet also integrates with HCL's Sage Accounting system, to provide seamless workf low from original quotation to invoicing and the issuing of Health a Safety certificates of inspection. ServiceNet is a pay as you go subscription service offering low cost of entry and a fully managed service solution for an affordable monthly fee, which also includes the 02 airtime agreement. The only up front capital costs incurred cover the purchase of Xda II PDAs supplied to each engineer. "ServiceNet will enable our installation and service engineers to fulfil their vital role in HCL's field operations. It will facilitate the building of a centralised asset register and deliver significant improvements in both customer service and operational efficiency," said Stuart Pearson HCL's Commercial Manager.
Telepartner's web-based ServiceNet provides easy mobile field service solution for any business
Telepartner is today Launching ServiceNet an affordable web-based field service system that Links to smartphones and PDAs. ServiceNet will enable any company to better manage its mobile workers through advanced electronic communication and automated work management. Aimed at small and medium-sized companies, ServiceNet provides a very easy to use system for sending messages and job details to personnel working out and about.
Using GPRS mobile phone communications over existing UK wireless networks, ServiceNet works on a variety of different Pocket PC smartphones such as the Xda¨ or the iPaq or as a Java application on a growing range of mobiles. ServiceNet requires no special host software as it is simply accessed from any PC with an Internet connection. There is no upfront cost as it is offered as part of a small monthly subscription charge that includes real time wireless communications.
ServiceNet is Web-based, enabling businesses to self configure their own mobile applications to suit specific business requirements and routines. This unique feature of ServiceNet employs easy-to-use on-screen forms that can be configured with complete flexibility. Once complete the application is then downloaded over the air to the field device simply by clicking on the deploy button on the configuration screen. Changes can be made through the same Web browser interface whenever needed. Preconfigured vanilla versions will also be available for businesses wanting a standard starting point from which to develop their own applications. The web interface is very flexible allowing users to define what on-line reporting is required, including views of field activity such as message delivery confirmation, job acceptance, ETA on site, arrival, parts used and job completion. This information can be broken down by engineer, region or by job. Real time staff location to within a few hundred meters using on screen mapping will also be available as an option.
ServiceNet will appeal to a wide number of business types offering field based services. Being a subscription based, pay as you go service means that any business can now take advantage of modern mobile data communications to communicate and manage it field workforce and deliver higher levels of service interaction to its clients.
TelGuard DDA Range
People nationwide are experiencing the daily benefits of using their own home telephone to allow visitors access through door or gated entrances. Just think; the ‘entry phone’ is always in the most convenient location for the user – their BT type telephone. Telephones have been available with user enhancements for many years. Phones are available with large back lit buttons, hands free operation, strobes and sounders all designed to assist with providing daily living solutions for people with impairments of speech, hearing, sight and physical movement.
This flexibility is wasted if the user then has to use a separate entry phone just for door entry requests – this may even be impossible due the severity of disability.
The TelGuard DDA range of Door Entry panels have been developed through consultation with various organisations and is representative of this and our own interpretation of the Act.
By providing our entry solutions, that sit hand in hand with the above mentioned advances in telephone handset design, TelGuard is able to bring this simple, reliable, easy to use and cost effective technology to a much wider audience.
All TelGuard Door Entry panels are vandal resistant and able to withstand harsh environmental conditions.
The TelGuard Senior DDA has a large, easy to read LCD display which shows easy to follow instructions and a progress report during the call. The maximum call capacity of this panel is 1000 users.
When the call is answered ‘SPEAK NOW’ appears on the display with an acoustic verbal instruction from the speaker on the TelGuard. This prompt is also heard by the call recipient on their telephone earpiece. When the door is released, ‘ENTER’ appears on the display with both an acoustic buzz and verbal instruction to enter. The instruction is again received on the telephone earpiece of the call recipient.
The buttons are large and easy to identify by using halo illumination, tactile back lit symbols and Braille. The button colours are designed to offer a stark contrast to the stainless steel panel. The push buttons emit a tone when pressed and the press action may be registered by depressing any part of the button.
The TelGuard Bespoke DDA has identical buttons to the TelGuard Senior DDA but in place of the LCD display is a red ‘SPEAK NOW’ indicator with verbal instruction and a green ‘DOOR OPEN’ indicator with acoustic and verbal instruction.
A panel may be fitted at wheelchair height below the standard height panel. This panel could be retrofitted to any entrance to assist with compliance.
The DDA range is also available with video and proximity options. The video entry picture would be displayed onto the residents own television.
TelGuard introduces door entry options for new DDA legislation
In preparation for the major implications of the imminent legislation on disabled access for buildings (DDA), TelGuard, hometele phone based secure entry systems has announced developments to meet these requirements.
An addition to its 2003 range is a “slave” facility secondary mimic panel mounted below the normal TelGuard door entry panel at a convenient height for wheelchair users, this is a simple to install ‘repeater’ for the master unit mounted conventionally. Both panels panel are also “DDA friendly”. They can be mounted at optimum height for specific user needs and more importantly feature fully adjustable voice volume and sensitivity so that the user does not have to be close up to the panels to be heard, use the microphone, or to hear the response, again ideal for wheelchair users.
Options such as card and proximity readers are also available and a CCTV link means that by switching to a dedicated home TV channel the occupant can see as well as hear the caller.
TelGuard has pioneered the principle of “access by the tone on your phone” concept using door entry systems linked directly to the home phone of the premises being protected. Instead of the more common hard-wired entry phone system employing its own handset, usually wall mounted, the TelGuard system uses the home phone, whether this be fixed, roamer or even a mobile.
Access is given just by tapping the # key on the keypad.
There are three basic models, which can be customised to meet specific-requirements and these offer everything from a single entry to multiple entry with up to 1000 stored telephone numbers.
Within the very compact dimensions of all of the models (the largest measures only 324mm by 150mm) fitted options can include CC TV, proximity reader, trades button. A fireman’s dropswitch is also available.
In care facilities such systems provide enormous flexibility and peace of mind for those in charge or on duty. They can answer the ring from the entry panel from whichever handset they choose, whether They are on site or not Off-duty they can be programmed to use a different number from the standard entry panel selection for even greater freedom.
Tempex Coldstore garments keep P&H staff warm and dry
Tempex Industrial Safety Products manufactures specialist, high performance protective clothing for people who work in low temperatures and foul weather conditions. Tempex's range of Coldstore garments is ideal for the frozen and chilled environments of food manufacturing and distribution centres, and is used to keep staff warm, comfortable, safe and dry at Palmer & Harvey McLane LtdÕs distribution centres throughout the UK.
Palmer & Harvey, known by many as P&H, is the UK's largest wholesaler and distributor, supplying a comprehensive range of products to retail establishments such as mini-markets, petrol station forecourts, service stations and independent retailers; counting Shell and SainsburyÕs amongst its many customers. Dave Bisland, Operations Manager at P&HÕs Fareham Distribution Centre, explained, "At our distribution centres, we have facilities to store a large amount of chilled and frozen goods and consequently, in a working day we endure very low temperatures ranging from 50C through to -250C. Tempex Coldstore garments certainly keep all our staff warm and comfortable throughout the day, and the quality of the clothing and accessories is excellent. The garments we use include Coldstore salopettes, jackets, gloves and boots. They all perform well and last a very long time.Ó
The Tempex Coldstore collection not only displays garments of extreme strength and durability but also maximum wearer comfort and convenience. The Cold Store and low temperature garments have been developed from state-of-the-art materials such as tear resistant nylon and Dacron fleece, ensuring that the workforce remain comfortable and safe in temperatures from -5*C to -40*C.
Garments in Tempex's Coldstore range include jackets, salopettes, trousers, bodywarmers, coveralls and coats, complimented with a range of Coldstore accessories such as underwear, hats, helmets, balaclavas, socks and boots. Garments are available in a choice of colours and styles, or can be designed to client specification with the option of customization using Tempex`s in-house technology to badge, embroider and screen-print Company logos on all garments.
Tempex Foul Weather garments keep GSK’s security staff warm and dry
Tempex Industrial Safety Products manufactures specialist, high performance, protective clothing for people who work in low temperatures and foul weather. Tempex's range of Foul Weather garments is designed to keep people safe and comfortable in even the worst conditions and is ideal for those who work outside for long periods of time. Garments from this range are used by security staff at the GlaxoSmithKline Headquarters in Brentford, Middlesex. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is a world leading research-based pharmaceutical company GSK's mission is to improve the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. As one of the industry’s leaders, GSK employs 100,000 employees worldwide. At GSK’s UK Headquarters, 30 security staff are responsible for the overall safety of the site and the management of up to 4,000 vehicle movements a day. John Hough, Contract Security Services Manager, explained why Tempex Foul Weather garments were chosen to keep the security staff warm, safe and smart. “The GSK HQ is a corporate environment where the majority of people on site wear suits. In order for the security officers to project the GSK corporate look, they need to wear smart, high quality garments. The officers work outside in all weathers, often for long periods of time, so not only do they need to look good and keep warm, comfortable and dry, they need to be visible. The solution was found in Tempex’s Foul Weather range of protective clothing. We chose black over-trousers and hi-vis, long, black and orange jackets branded with the GSK logo to give the officers a strong corporate identity in a totally weatherproof garment. We have been using the garments for approximately 18 months and are very pleased with their performance.” The Tempex Foul Weather collection displays garments of quality, strength and durability. The range has been developed from state-of-the-art materials such as Sympatex®, PU coated nylon, polyester Cyclone® and Flexothane® to ensure maximum wearer comfort. Garments can be designed to individual client specification to include breathable, hi-vis and/or anti-static fabrics, and can be customized with wording or company logos, using Tempex`s in-house technology to badge, embroider and screen-print. All Foul Weather garments have a multitude of standard features with the option for extras such as radio loops, breast pockets, studded or Velcro fastenings, reflective stripes and pen pockets. Most jackets in the range conform to EN343, and high-vis jackets conform to EN471 in addition to EN343. Garments in the range include coveralls, short and long jackets, bomber jackets, matching jackets, trousers and overtrousers.
Temporary steam supply at Cottam Power Station during Outage
EDF Energy who operate Cottam Power Station placed an enquiry with Watkins Hire for a temporary steam supply. After the initial discussions a free site survey was carried out by WHL’s midlands hire manager Mark Walton. It soon became apparent that that a trailerised steam boiler plant was crucial to the outage plan, to ensure circulation of 44tons of heavy oil during the August bank holiday.
Detailed planning between WHL and EDF ensured that the mobile boiler plant room was delivered and installed and then commissioned in time for the bank holiday.
David Owen of EDF said “the operation was carried out on time, in a most professional manner, I was very impressed by the high standard of the WHL trailerised unit and the backup from their service division being a Bank holiday, we will have no hesitation in using Watkins Hire for all of our future temporary boiler plant requirements.”
Mark Walton said “with over 300 boilers within our boiler rental fleet, we can respond to any request for boiler plant. Every need is individual so our expertise and experience prove vital to the provision of immediate solutions to your requirements - from planned shutdowns to emergency situations and long term solutions, with our comprehensive range”
Wherever you are located in the UK you are never too far from our friendly and experienced hire specialists. With coverage across the UK, we are able to provide you with fast, reliable cost-effective steam boiler rental systems.
Tensabarrier® rides high at Alton Towers
The UK’s premier theme park, Alton Towers, has chosen a robust, new queue management system from Tensator to handle the 2.5 million thrill-seekers using its attractions every year.
With an exhilarating line-up of thrilling rides such as Air, Oblivion and Nemesis rollercoasters, Alton Towers attracts a phenomenal number of visitors each year. “We are expecting around 10,000 to 14,000 visitors daily during the school holidays, one of our busiest times of the year”, explains Customer Services Manager, lain Gordon. “In order to cope with such a high level of demand during this busy period, we needed to improve our entrance area and that’s why we contacted Tensator for advice. By organising the entrance queues with these Tensabarriers, admission is so much quicker; visitors can now start enjoying the Alton Towers experience from the minute they arrive.”
To create the new system, 250 Tensabarrier® Utility posts with recycled rubber bases were supplied. The system is available in a wide range of post finishes and webbing colours to suit any corporate identity. At Alton Towers, Utility posts and webbing were provided in smart navy blue to match the attraction’s corporate identity. By implementing an efficient queuing system, Tensabarrier® has dramatically improved visitor flow through the entrance, improving income generation.
Tensator’s stylish Tensabarrier® Utility posts are durable and able to resist all weather conditions making it an ideal choice for Alton Tower’s outdoor environment. The posts’ four-way connectivity provides the flexibility to set up a number of different corral scenarios. Being versatile, the queue management system can be reconfigured to cope with both busy and quiet queuing periods throughout the day.
Tensabarrier® offers a number of patented safety features that make it ideal for installation where inquisitive, excited children may be waiting in a queue. These include an anti-tamper locking tape-end system making it difficult for unauthorised release of the retractable webbing and Tensator’s patented centrifugal braking mechanism which ensures the speed of recoil is slow, preventing the webbing from lashing out and causing injury. These features ensure that Tensabarrier® is the safest barrier system on the market today.
Tensator has been providing effective crowd control barriers to a variety of high-profile clients for over 30 years. With technological innovations and stylish new products, the Tensator portfolio has expanded into a dynamic and functional range of customer guidance and queue management systems. The extensive range of posts, wall-mounted units, customised webbing and accessories make up the most comprehensive selection of guidance systems in the world. All products come with a full warranty and a complete and professional level of quality customer service comes as standard.
Tensator - Leading the World
Tensator’s unique brand of product innovation has led to the company offering today’s FM Professionals a wide range of products designed to bring solutions to the multi-faceted workplace. Today’s facilities manager is faced with a variety of different demands and it is refreshing to know that one supplier can answer many needs all with the same attention to detail and solutions-driven approach.
Tensator is the inventor of the world leading Tensabarrier® flexible queue management system. As the original equipment manufacturer, the company can offer the largest range, the best value, the fastest delivery and the highest standards anywhere in the world. After fifty years in business, Tensator’s market presence now exists in over 170 countries. This is a testament both to achieving the highest levels of customer satisfaction across all continents and to the company’s commitment to on-going development and expansion of the Tensator product range.
Tensator and its partners also offer today’s FM Professional help and expert advice. The company also ensures that its products meet or exceed the requirements of the latest, relevant regulations and the Disability Discrimination Act is certainly no exception. Available free on Tensator’s comprehensive and easy-to-use website (www.tensator.com) is a handy guide to DDA Compliance regarding barriers, railings and queue management systems, as well as helpful advice on important safety information.
With technological innovations and stylish new products, the Tensator portfolio has expanded into a dynamic and functional range of customer guidance and queue management systems. The extensive range of posts, wall-mounted units, customised webbing and accessories make up the most comprehensive selection of guidance systems in the world. All products come with a full warranty ensuring the highest calibre products, and a complete and professional level of quality customer service comes as standard.
GET TO THE POINT…
Tensator offers the FM Professional a wide choice of stylish products to satisfy a variety of health & safety and facilities management needs. The new range includes:
* Fire Point - answering the need for a practical and stylish solution to the siting of fire extinguishers
* Smoking Point - a smart answer to the problems of unsightly cigarette butts, wrappers and associated rubbish
* Coffee Point / Meeting Point - combining practicality and style in a ‘single post’ to offer a compact solution for a variety of common situations.
* Trash Point – mixing style with practicality, an attractive method of providing moveable litter bins exactly when, and where, they are needed.
Manufactured to a very high standard and featuring a clean, refined design, the range can be adapted to create a truly bespoke product that makes the best possible use of available space. The products also co-ordinate easily with any existing corporate identity and offers optional extras, such as company logos or post top signage for directional or health and safety information.
OUT AND ABOUT…
Tensator’s new expanded Outdoor Range now incorporates several new products, including:
* Tensacone® – a completely new way to cordon off any outside area. Incorporating 4 metres of fully retractable and highly visible webbing, the Tensacone® cassette fits securely onto the head of a standard traffic cone for a safe, flexible traffic barrier. Suitable for motorway maintenance, road works and health & safety applications, Tensacone® effectively reduces the number of traffic cones required as well as the need for expensive tape that often ends up littering our verges and hedgerows.
* Tensapod® – Ideal for people on the move, the Tensapod® package incorporates four easy-to-erect portable tripods with retractable hazard webbing, ballast weights or spike for soft ground applications, all contained in a comfortable shoulder bag. This fast and effective temporary barrier solution is ideal for surveys or maintenance and has many ‘work in progress’ applications.
* Utility Post – As its name suggests, a practical and multi-purpose barrier solution for a wide variety of applications. With a heavyweight recycled rubber base and post options in a variety of colours, Utility Post offers all the features required for effective outdoor pedestrian flow. Posts are available in five eye-catching colours with 4m of webbing to suit any application. Single and Dual-line options are available.
* Outdoor Barrier – Durable and easy to use Tensabarrier® Outdoor is the ideal system to solve any outdoor queue management problem. Outdoor has a fillable base for added stability, and a range of brightly coloured post options.
TENSATOR - LEADERS IN QUEUE MANAGEMENT
For over 50 years, Tensator has been providing effective crowd control barriers to a huge variety of end-users. Tensator’s product profile has grown into a dynamic and comprehensive range of customer guidance and queue management systems. From international airports and major tourist attractions to the local Post Office, the Tensaguide® and Tensabarrier® symbols can be seen throughout the world. Tensator’s products include:
* queue management systems
* in-queue merchandising products
* retail display and security
* information display systems
* electronic media products
All Tensator products come with a full warranty assuring the high calibre of its products, and a complete and professional level of quality customer service comes as standard.
TENSATOR PRODUCTS IN ACTION:
UP, UP AND AWAY WITH ROLLABARRIER®!
The spectacular British Airways London Eye is one of the capital's most popular tourist venues, attracting 2 million visitors a year! As such, the prestigious and popular venue requires a movable queue management system to cope with the vast numbers of people at the busiest times. Rollabarrier® was the obvious choice.
Rollabarrier®, the world's first stackable and wheelable queue management barrier system, provides the London Eye with the required reliability and versatility. Danny Price, Ride Manger, explains, "Rollabarrier® provides us with the queue management flexibility we require during busy periods. We handle up to 1500 passengers an hour and as the wheel is continually turning, the queue needs to be well organised to ensure that there is a steady flow of passengers. Tensabarrier® ensures that there are no hold-ups and people can board swiftly and smoothly."
BA London Eye, the world's largest observation wheel, offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the city from a totally new angle, some 135 metres above the River Thames. On a clear day, passengers in one of the 32 high tech capsules take in views of over 25 miles during their 30 minute journey.
The Eye's innovative use of technology extends to its movable queue barrier system. Featuring a set of wheels discreetly set into the solid case base, the Rollabarrier® system can be quickly moved and repositioned without the need for a trolley or cart, making it an extremely versatile and easily adaptable system that can be modified according to queuing demands. The innovative design also incorporates a unique docking system that allows up to six Rollabarrier® units to be nested and wheeled together, enabling an unlimited number of units to be stacked together, reducing the need for large storage areas.
TENSATOR GIVES HOMEBASE A MAKEOVER
A TensaTensamedia queue management system is making its mark at one of the prime locations for Homebase, one of the leading DIY and home improvement store chains. The installation at Homebase’s Kensington store is providing a versatile, safe and practical queue management solution that fits perfectly with the retailer’s in-store marketing objectives and corporate identity.
Homebase has seen phenomenal growth since its first store opened in Croydon, Surrey in 1981. Today, there are nearly 300 stores throughout the UK, serving over one million customers every week. As a preferred supplier to Homebase, Tensator is very much aware of the role of queue management in retail outlet success. At the recently refurbished, Kensington store, Tensamedia is providing high quality queue management within an integrated, purpose-designed solution that proudly displays the striking Homebase livery and allows the retailer to incorporate a range of ambient marketing messages.
Jenny Kember, store equipment buyer for Homebase comments, “The DIY and home improvement market is incredibly competitive and it is important for us to maintain our high profile. In Tensator, we were delighted to find a credible supplier able to understand our needs completely and produce the materials quickly and to a very high quality.”
Homebase Kensington stocks over 14,000 products, aiming to make home improvement and DIY easy for its customers and this extends to the in-store environment. For this installation, Tensator utilised its Tensagraphic® posts and cassettes, within which the Homebase corporate identity is displayed, with retractable webbing in the company’s corporate orange. The resulting queue management and barrier system fits perfectly with the Homebase brand style. It can also be used anywhere in the busy store, according to the changing needs of this retail environment as it is simple to unlock and retract the webbing and then re-position the posts as required.
In addition, Tensamedia features the wide range of Tensator queue management systems as the platform to inform and entertain people. Sign holders, poster displays, rotating literature displays, merchandising units etc can all be easily incorporated into the system, to suit the retailer’s specific marketing needs.
Tensator ‘Stretches out the Pounds’ with eQ™
Poundstretcher stores across the UK are benefiting from the cutting-edge technology of Tensator’s eQ™ electronic queue management system. In a major upgrade programme, eQ™ is being installed in Poundstretcher stores to ensure smooth running queues and satisfied customers at the UK’s premier ‘budget’ chain. Poundstretcher offers a huge range of great value home products, as well as toys, gifts and even sweets for the kids. With such a varied product offering, a typical store environment can be incredibly busy, but Poundstretcher aims to provide quick and efficient customer service at all times. Tensators eQ™ system helps achieve this objective by making sure that customers are served in the order that they arrive in the queue — well-recognised as the most customer-friendly form of queue management. Hayley Lewis, Purchasing Manager of Poundstretcher is delighted with the introduction of eQ™. “We were introduced to Tensator’s eQ™ system after the success of their Tensabarrier® system within our stores. The eQ call forward system has helped us to serve our customers in a quick and fair manner, keeping our customer satisfaction levels at an all-time high.” The eQ™ electronic queue management system has a dynamic visual display to provide a focus for the customers’ attention whilst waiting. A separate activation control for each counter provides users with the flexibility to adapt to a variety of queuing demands and situations. The system is fully programmable from a Windows-based package and features stereo audio, with voices available in both male and female options with a choice of regional accents. These announcements, alert sounds and directional arrows guide people in the right direction, making it particularly beneficial for the visually impaired, and ensuring that queues are dealt with in the swiftest possible manner. eQ™’s display can also double as a ‘streamed’ message terminal - a guaranteed powerful communication medium for promotion, entertainment and information. The CDU can be programmed by a PC, or connected on a network, for extended functionality. Tensator has been providing effective crowd control barriers to a variety of high-profile clients for over 30 years. With technological innovations and stylish new products, the Tensator portfolio has expanded into a dynamic and functional range of customer guidance and queue management systems. All products come with a full warranty assuring the high caliber of its products and a complete and professional level of quality customer service comes as standard.
Tensator gives Homebase a makeover
A Tensator Media queue management system is making its mark at one of the prime locations for Homebase, one of the leading DIY and home improvement store chains. The installation at Homebase’s Kensington store is providing a versatile, safe and practical queue management solution that fits perfectly with the retailers in-store marketing objectives and corporate identity.
Homebase has seen phenomenal growth since its first store opened in Croydon, Surrey in 1%1. Today, there are nearly 300 stores throughout the UK, serving over one million customers every week. As a preferred supplier to Homebase, Tensator is very much aware of the role of queue management in retail outlet success. At the recently refurbished, Kensington store, Tensator Media is providing high quality queue management within an integrated, purpose-designed solution that proudly displays the striking Homebase livery and allows the retailer to incorporate a range of ambient marketing messages.
Jenny Kember, store equipment buyer for Homebase comments, “The DIY and home improvement market is incredibly competitive and it is important for us to maintain our high profile. In Tensator, we were delighted to find a credible supplier able to understand our needs completely and produce the materials quickly and to a very high quality.”
Homebase Kensington stocks over 14,000 products, aiming to make home improvement and IDlY easy for its customers and this extends to the in-store environment. For this installation, Tensator utilised its Tensabarrier® transparent posts and cassettes, within which the Homebase corporate identity is displayed, with retractable webbing in the company’s corporate orange. The resulting queue management and barrier system fits perfectly with the Homebase brand style. It can also be used anywhere in the busy store, according to the changing needs of this retail environment as it is simple to unlock and retract the webbing and then re-position the posts as required,
In addition, Tensator Media features the wide range of Tensator queue management systems as the platform to inform and entertain people. Sign holders, poster displays, rotating literature displays, merchandising units etc can all be easily incorporated into the system, to suit the retailer’s specific marketing needs.
Marketing Director at Tensator, David Parkinson points out, “Wherever there is a queue, retailers have the opportunity of creating added impact or conveying messages to their customers. In the installation at Homebase, our barriers are providing a service as well as displaying a message. Our products can be used to create a unique, ambient advertising medium.”
Flexibility and ease of use make Tensabarrier the ideal system to solve any queue management problem. The extensive range of posts, wall mounted units, customised webbing, rope-and-posts and accessories provide what is the most comprehensive selection of attractive and functional guidance systems available.
Tensator Innovations take off at Inter airport EUROPE 2005
Tensator, the world's leading customer guidance specialist, will be exhibiting a range of it's very latest product innovations at Inter Airport Munich 11-14 October 2005. On Stand P40 Hall 4A, amongst the highlights will be the company's newly expanded Tensaguide(tm) plus system - a complete queuing, space division and furniture solution for airport terminals and all types of interior public space. Amongst the products of special interest to the buyers and specifiers in the airport sector will be the company's range of alarmed Tensabarrier(r) posts and alarmed wall units. These alarmed security units are visual and physical reminders not to enter a restricted area; if the unit is moved, the webbing activates the alarm and alerts staff of an intruder. Ideal for temporarily closing an area or keeping people clear of equipment or cleaning work in progress. Also on show will be Tensator's state-of-the-art electronic queue management and information display system eQ which has been completely re-designed and upgraded. Now featuring larger and clearer display units. Screens are available in LED or LCD versions for full, multimedia presentations. The system effectively communicates information and instructions to waiting customers and is particularly suitable for busy environments such as crowded airport check-in desks. Alan McPherson, MD of Tensator Gmbh, will be available on Stand P40 for further information on all products and services offered by Tensator for the European airport market. Tensator has been providing effective crowd control barriers to a variety of high-profile clients for over 30 years. With technological innovations and stylish new products, the Tensator portfolio has expanded into a dynamic and functional range of customer guidance systems. All products come with a full warranty and a complete and professional level of quality customer service comes as standard.
Tensator is a safe investment for Alliance & Leicester
A brand new state-of-the-art Electronic Call Forward (ECF) queue management system from Tensator - the world’s leading provider of queue guidance products - has been installed at the flagship branch of Alliance & Leicester. Particularly suitable for guiding large volumes of people, Tensator ECF is ideal for a busy setting like an Alliance & Leicester branch, as well as recent installations that include post offices, crowded retail environments and airport-check-in-desks As one of the UK’s major financial services groups, with over 6 million Personal Customers, a prestigious and effective queuing guidance solution was required to befit the high corporate standards set by the company. Being a high profile and particularly busy branch, Alliance & Leicester Horsefair Street, Leicester needed a system that could provide queue management that was efficient and well organised, with clear and easy to understand instructions. Now installed at the nine service desks in the branch, Tensator ECF is proving a hit with both staff and customers alike. Adam Glitheroe, Branch Manager, explains, “Since the new system was installed, we have noticed that queuing time has been cut significantly. Customer satisfaction is our number one priority and the new Tensator system ensures that people are served as quickly and pffectively as possible, enabling our staff to do their jobs and provide customers with the excellent personal service that distinguishes us from our competitors.” The ECF system effectively communicates sales information and instructions to waiting customers. A visual display arrow and fully programmable stereo audio with custom voice capability directs waiting customers politely to the first available counter. This system assists in the smooth running of the queuing process and ensures that the order in which customers arrive, is the order in which they are served. Running on a pre-programmed memory chip or PC, the system can utilise user friendly Window-based software. Additional features include a customer flow report generator, enabling users to monitor customer service performance. All Tensator products come with a full warranty assuring the highest calibre of products. A complete and professional level of quality customer service comes as standard.
Tensator Keeps Dorking Leisure Centre Fit
Dorking Leisure Centre is the next in line for top quality queue management from Tensator Ltd, UK market leaders in customer guidance systems. Dorking Leisure centre is managed by Leisure Connection Ltd on behalf of Mole Valley District. Built in the centre of this Surrey town, the brand new Leisure Centre offers a vast array of different sporting facilities, including a six lane, 25 metre swimming pool, a fully equipped gym and too many indoor pursuits to mention! The Leisure Centre is also a favourite with parents, as not only does the Centre have a crèche, but also an attractive café & perfect for waiting for children whilst they participate in the many activities on offer at the Centre. Shirley Cox, Manager of Dorking Leisure Centre is delighted with Tensator. “Our customer flow changes dramatically during peak and off-peak hours, so we often have to change the layout of the queuing system to fit our specific needs depending on the time of day. The Tensator system is so easy to adapt, it has been a great advantage to us; the barriers have helped to reduce customer queuing time, and even manage to withstand the large numbers of children we get!’ Tensator has supplied a freestanding Tensabarrier installation in a colour co-ordinated blue, complementing perfectly the interior design of the Leisure Centre. The freestanding posts can be positioned in a variety of formations, depending on the customer flow and the Centre’s queue management needs. The system also features a section of solid double beam barriers, supporting a leaflet dispenser for the customer’s interest, an initiative that the Leisure Centre has found highly beneficial for the promotion of their activities. Tensabarrier® offers a number of patented safety features that make it ideal for installation where inquisitive, excited children may be waiting in a queue. Dorking Leisure Centre has taken full advantage of this by installing two alarmed Tensabarrier® sections to prevent the public from entering no entry areas. These alarmed sections include an anti-tamper locking tape-end system making it difficult for unauthorised release of the retractable webbing and Tensator’s patented centrifugal braking mechanism which ensures the speed of recoil is slow, preventing the webbing from lashing out and causing injury. These features ensure that Tensabarrier® is the safest barrier system on the market today. Tensator has been providing effective crowd control barriers to a variety of high-profile clients for over 30 years. With technological innovations and stylish new products, the Tensator portfolio has expanded into a dynamic and functional range of customer guidance and queue management systems. The extensive range of posts, wall-mounted units, customised webbing and accessories make up the most comprehensive selection of guidance systems in the world. All products come with a full warranty and a complete and professional level of quality customer service comes as standard.
Tensator makes an impressive appearance at Somerset House
Tensator, the world leader in queue management solutions, has completed another high quality installation of its popular Advance system at one of the country’s finest and largest heritage buildings, London’s Somerset House. Situated on The Strand, Somerset House is a superb example of Georgian architecture and is home to a range of magnificent art collections featured in the Courtauld Institute Gallery, Gilbert Collection, Hermitage Rooms and Admiralty Restaurant. Since it opened to the public in 2000, Somerset House has altered London’s cultural landscape, attracting well over 3 million visitors. A Tensator queue management system has recently been specified to cope with this ever growing number of visitors whilst ensuring compatibility with the unique surroundings of this landmark venue. Edward Schofield, Marketing & Communications Manager at Somerset House explains, “At Somerset House there are many collections, facilities and varied events for visitors to enjoy. We aim to achieve a sophisticated, calm environment geared to maximising enjoyment whilst protecting the exhibits. For these reasons, we chose Tensator to provide a versatile and secure queue management system which is entirely appropriate to our high standards and yet sympathetic both to the grandeur of the setting and the quality of the exhibits.” Tensator’s Advance system for Somerset House features stylish matt black steel posts and bases with purple webbing to provide a high class finish which also co-ordinates visually with the Somerset House corporate identity. It performs a number of key queue management functions. The system creates a subtle yet visible barrier around various exhibits, cordons off restricted, non-public areas and provides safe, clear and effective visitor guidance through the three access points to the building; one through the Great Arch from the Embankment, another across a pedestrian ramp linking Somerset House to Waterloo Bridge and the main entrance from me Strand. Tensabarrier® Advance is durable and easy to use. In fact, its unique features make it safer, sturdier and more adaptable for everyday use. With Tensator’s patented CRS (Controlled Retraction System) the webbing retracts smoothly, reducing the amount of wear on the fabric and thereby increasing its working life. Built-in locking tape ends help to prevent accidental release of the webbing. And for greater flexibility in building a system, the integral 4-way attachment on the posts enables three posts to be joined to another without requiring additional parts. Advance posts are available in a choice of 10 epoxy paint colours or three metal finishes and webbing comes in 2.3 metre lengths per post in a choice of 17 colours. Dye Printed webbing is also an option whereby corporate logos or messages can be printed on the webbing. The Advance range also includes a number of optional extras including high signage, sign holders & leaflet dispensers, writing tops, wall clips and quick release tape end, surface, socket or stud floor fixings and heavy weight bases.
Tensator puts safety first at British Energy
Staff and visitors to British Energy's nuclear power plant at Dungeness are benefiting from a robust new Beam and Banner system specially designed by Tensator to section off a low-risk contamination area at the plant. The new system provides a physical barrier and reinforces safety messages by generating improved awareness and clearer signage in the area. British Energy had a specific need for premium quality barriers which were solid in stwcture, and allowed for the inclusion of banner signage. Tensator's Beam and Banner solution perfectly met their requirements by providing a solid screen which now demarcates the low-risk area. Heather Hale, of Dungeness Power Plant's Environmental Safety Group, commented; "Staff have been extremely supportive of the new demarcation system which has proved to be a drastic improvement since it's introduction to the Plant. The system has been very well received and has earned the approval and confidence of managers who are responsible for uphoiding our Safety Culture." The banners have been tailored by Tensator to harmonise with British Energy's corporate safety identity. Colour-coded safety messages guide and inform staff and visitors and British Energy's official safety notices - which conform to strict Health and Safety regulations - provide a message consistent with other safety notices within Dungeness Plant. The inclusion of these clear and familiar notices contributed to the instant success of the scheme. Prior to involving Tensator in the demarcation project, British Energy had already used Tensator products in existing barrier systems on site at Dungeness. The success of the recently installed system may lead it to be rolled out to other stations who have similar needs and requirements. Tensator has been providing effective crowd control barriers to a variety of high-profile clients for over 30 years. With technological innovations and stylish new products, the Tensator portfolio has expanded into a dynamic and functional range of customer guidance and queue management systems. All products come with a full warranty and a complete and professional level of quality customer service comes as standard.
Tensator shows millions the way at Expo 2002
The predicted 15 million visitors to the spectacular Swiss National Exhibition Expo.02 will be guided through the stunning experience by 4000 new Utility barriers supplied by Tensator, the world’s leading provider of queue-management systems.
Once in every generation, Switzerland treats itself to a national exhibition. Located in 5 districts across 4 cities, Expo.02 is an up-to-the-minute snapshot of Switzerland and draws on influences from the worlds of art, politics, economics and technology, to create a once in a lifetime cultural experience. Running from 15 May to 20 October, millions of visitors will be able to enjoy one of the 3000 productions including theatre, dance, music, sports and multimedia spectaculars.
An event of such magnitude is however, inevitably going to create queues. The need for an effective, sturdy and adaptable queue guidance system was therefore of paramount concern to the event’s organisers, the Swiss Confederation. Tensabarrier® Utility provided the ideal solution to all of their queue management requirements.
Expo.02 will run for 159 days, so organisers needed a robust system that could cope with the varied weather conditions as well as guiding huge volumes of people swiftly and smoothly around the attractions. Featuring a tough recycled plastic base and PVC posts which can endure rugged outside conditions, Tensabarrier® Utility is a high quality multi-purpose solution for events requiring outdoor queue-management.
The posts have a unique bayonet fixing for rapid assembly and dismantling, the bases have hand holds and are stackable for rapid transportation so the system can be quickly adapted according to queuing conditions and stored easily. Posts are available in 3 eye-catching colours with 4m of webbing to suit any environment, 4 way cassettes and centrifugal brake. Tensabarrier® Utility is available with standard or high posts and comes with optional accessories including sign holders, flag fittings and leaflet dispensers to offer customers the most comprehensive range of queue guidance products in the world.
Tensator products are found in every area of life that requires people management — from the local post office, bank or supermarket, to construction sites and world-famous tourist attractions.
Tensator has been providing effective crowd control barriers to a variety of high-profile clients for over 30 years. With technological innovations and stylish new products, the Tensator portfolio has expanded into a dynamic and functional range of customer guidance and queue management systems. All products come with a full warranty assuring the high calibre of its products and a complete and professional level of quality customer service comes as standard.
Tensator tames gift shop queues at Edinburgh Zoo
Tensator has ensured that gift shop queues are an endangered species at the Edinburgh Zoo, Scotland’s second most popular paying visitor attraction. The Zoo attracted over 600,000 visitors last year and a redesign of the on-site gift store has provided the perfect opportunity for the InQ™ Range from Tensator to demonstrate the many benefits it can bring to a busy retail environment. Edinburgh Zoo opened in 1913 and is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading zoos. By combining the ‘wow’ factor of over 1000 animals with valuable conservation and education programmes, the Zoo is the perfect day out for the whole family. The gift shop offers a wide variety of branded and themed goods and can becomes quite busy, especially during peak periods. The Zoo management wanted to increase revenue without increasing floor space and turned to Tensator for help. Graeme Gardiner, Head of Commercial Services at Edinburgh Zoo explains, “As a charity with no core funding, we need to garner revenue from additional sources other than entrance fees. Therefore, we have developed a quality, varied offering in our gift shop which is very popular with our visitors, but in order to achieve the desired income and manage the queues properly, we recognized that an in-queue merchandising system was needed. We are delighted with the Tensator Advance system because not only does it look good, but it also copes with the numbers of visitors, and gives us plenty of product display options.” The installation features Tensator’s Advanced Tensabarrier® posts and In-Q™ merchandising panels to ensure that queues are dealt with quickly, and high turnover products are displayed for maximum impact and convenience. The queue barrier infill panels are complemented by special fixtures including slot-in shelves and a set of acrylic merchandise bowls that slot onto the Tensabarrier® posts. The posts have been custom painted in a matt black to harmonise with the shop interior of the shop, and come complete with matching black webbing. In addition, post-top information panels are strategically placed for signage purposes. Tensator has been providing effective crowd control barriers to a variety of high-profile clients for over 30 years. The company’s products are found in every area of life that requires people management — from the local post office, bank or supermarket, to construction sites and world-famous tourist attractions. With technological innovations and stylish new products, the Tensator portfolio has expanded into a dynamic and functional range of customer guidance and queue management systems. All products come with a full warranty assuring the high calibre of its products and a complete and professional level of quality customer service comes as standard.
Tensator transforms queuing at WHSmiths Kings Cross
Queue management specialist Tensator has developed a dynamic customer guidance solution for the recently refurbished WHSmith Travel Retail store at London Kings Cross. Evolving out of a close working relationship with the leading retailer's in-store development team, the new solution perfectly showcases the benefits that well-designed queue management can bring to a busy travel retail environment. WHSmith Travel Retail is part of WH Smith PLC, the UK's leading retailer of books, magazines and home stationery. With over 45 million people passing through the station on a yearly basis, Kings Cross is one of WHSmith Travel's most customer intensive stores. When it was due for refurbishment the management team took the bold decision to re-evaluate the unique needs of travelling customers in relation to the Kings Cross store environment. David White, Chief Operating Officer of WHSmith Travel Retail said: "For WHSmith Travel customers, every second counts as they rush to buy products for their onward journey. In the re-designing of our Kings Cross store we have focused on introducing new ways to serve our customers more quickly and efficiently and presenting more products in less physical space, to allow customers to circulate more easily around the store." Now completely revamped with a stylish new interior, the improvements to all aspects of the shop's surroundings include, clearer store navigation, increased product capacity and a queue management system featuring a range of Tensator products to form a fast-flowing effective solution that effectively responds to the unique demands of travelling customers. As an extremely busy environment, Kings Cross required a single line, first-come-first-served queuing system in preference to a lane-per-counter system. A combination of Tensator's Advanced Tensabarrier(r), In-Q merchandising and eQTM, forms a simple, but hugely effective, queue system. In addition to the reduced queuing times, the ln-Q Merchandising infill panels, shelves, baskets and bowls ensure that impulse purchases are easily accessible - and equally importantly quickly replenished. Showing the way forward in queue management, eQTM is a state-of-the-art electronic information display system that effectively communicates information and instructions to waiting customers. The system is ideal for large volumes of people, making it a particularly suitable queue management solution for busy retail applications. The system is fully programmable (from a Windows-based package) and features stereo audio, with voices available in both male and female options. The system is beneficial for the visually impaired, and ensures that, whatever the situation, queues are dealt with in the swiftest possible manner.
Tensator works it’s art at Tate Modern
The recent Warhol exhibition at Tate Modern, Britain’s new national gallery for modern art, was the perfect showcase for Tensator’s first class queue management solutions for prestigious venues.
Tate Modern opened its doors in May 2000 after completion of the £134m Millennium project to convert Bankside Power Station on London’s South Bank. Since opening the 35,000ft2 art gallery has proved to be an unqualified success and the Warhol exhibition, which ran from February to April this year, was, as expected, a phenomenal draw for the public.
In anticipation of copious visitors to Warhol Tate Modern upgraded its existing queue management solution, also provided by Tensator, to cope with the expected increase in numbers. Tensabarrier® posts in a stainless steel finish with grey webbing and co-ordinating A4 portrait sign holders were chosen to complement the gallery’s fashionable grey and silver interior decor.
Effective queue management is essential when such large numbers are involved and Tensabarrier® provides a clear pathway for visitors as they enter the gallery. The system leads
visitors down a wide ramp, sweeping from the main entrance under the building’s façade into the majestically proportioned Turbine Hall.
Tensator products are found in every area of life that requires people management - from the local post office, bank or supermarket, to construction sites and world-famous tourist attractions. In a venue such as Tate Modern, which is home to Dali, Picasso, Matisse, Rothko and Warhol it is entirely appropriate to find Tensabarrier®, the forerunner in the design and supply of efficient queue management systems.
Tensator has been providing crowd control barriers to a variety of high-profile clients for over 30 years. The extensive portfolio of innovative and stylish posts, wall-mounted units, customised webbing and accessories make up the most comprehensive selection of customer guidance systems in the world. All products come with a full warranty assuring their high calibre, and a complete and professional level of customer service comes as standard.
Tensator’s ‘In-Q’ means happy shoppers at Matalan
Tensator’s latest retail display initiative — the ln-Q Merchandising range — is helping to deliver a seamless shopping experience from doorway to checkout, at Matalan stores across the UK. Developed by Tensator to transform ‘dead’ retail space — such as queuing areas - into an active merchandising opportunity, the ‘ln-Q’ range combines queue barrier infill panels with special fixtures including slot-in shelves, baskets and hooks for prime display of that last-minute ‘impulse’ purchase. With an average 30,000ft2 per store, Matalan’s product range offers a comprehensive selection of quality homeware, ladies’, men’s and children’s clothing and footwear - all under one roof Following an initial pilot scheme at 50 stores, Matalan has now rolled-out ‘ln-Q’ to over 140 stores, to allow customer perusal of the latest FMCG’s as they move through the queuing system. Matalan has achieved continued expansion in the South East where it has demonstrated a real increase in penetration. A key driver for this success has been maintaining products at the front of display and gaining consumer attention to increase sales, with ‘ln-Q’ proving to be a particularly valuable addition to the store display layout. The quality of Tensator’s product range is known globally and ‘ln-Q’ is no exception. Designed, developed and manufactured in the UK, the system benefits from great build-quality and cutting-edge design. The Tensator design team offer a complete service from concept-to-completion: from design brief to solid models, pre-production to volume supply, Tensator has the solution. Tensator products are found in every area of life that requires people management — from the local post office, bank or supermarket, to construction sites and world-famous tourist attractions. Tensator has been providing effective crowd control barriers to a variety of high-profile clients for over 30 years. With technological innovations and stylish new products, the Tensator portfolio has expanded into a dynamic and functional range of customer guidance and queue management systems. All products come with a full warranty assuring the high calibre of its products and a complete and professional level of quality customer service comes as standard.
Tensator’s eQ™ demonstrates its IQ at Manchester University
One of the UK’s largest student populations is much less hectic thanks to Tensator’s eQ™ electronic queue management system. A recent big reorganisation at Manchester University’s Student Services Centre, is providing the perfect showcase for the cutting-edge features of eQ™ as it deals with queues quickly and efficiently. Manchester University has amalgamated its three Central Student Administrative Offices into one Student Services Centre. This Centre is the new “single point of contact” for most of the administrative tasks needed to be carried out by all students on their arrival in Manchester. As part of the reorganisation, Tensator’s electronic queue management system, eQ™ has been installed to manage the queues of students in the most efficient way. “Tensator has provided a first-class service,” says Catherine Garrido of the Student Services Centre. “The eQ™ system has been a huge success; we now run a first-come, first-served system, which makes everybody much happier and also speeds up the whole queuing process.” A special custom-designed eQ™ installation integrates seamlessly into the converted building. Each customer display unit has been bespoke-mounted and positioned on the service counter top to provide a highly-visible and attractive focal point for queuing students. To call students forward, there is a separate activation control at each staff position and eQ™’s in-built flexibility ensures that the system has the capacity to adapt to differing queuing demands and situations. eQ™ is fully programmable from a Windows-based package and features stereo audio, with voices available in both male and female options with a choice of regional accents. These announcements, alert sounds and directional arrows guide students in the right direction, making it particularly beneficial for the visually impaired, and ensuring that queues are dealt with in the swiftest possible manner. eQ™’s display can also double as a ‘streamed’ message terminal - a guaranteed powerful communication medium for promotion, entertainment and information. The CDU can be programmed by a PC, or connected on a network, for extended functionality. Tensator has been providing effective crowd control barriers to a variety of high-profile clients for over 30 years. With technological innovations and stylish new products, the Tensator portfolio has expanded into a dynamic and functional range of customer guidance and queue management systems. All products come with a full warranty assuring the high calibre of its products and a complete and professional level of quality customer service comes as standard.
Tessera Carpet Tiles installed throughout new look ministry of defence head office
Tessera (formerly Gaskell Carpet Tiles & Modulus Flooring Systems) has supplied almost 60,000 square metres of heavy contract carpet tiles in a variety of bespoke constructions and colourways to the Ministry of Defence Head Office at Whitehall. The contract to supply the floorcoverings was part of a major PFI redevelopment and refurbishment project undertaken by Skanska to provide a more modern, efficient and appropriate working environment for some 3000 military and civilian staff who now work in the Main Building, responsible for directing Britain’s defence operations across the world.
Tessera designed and manufactured the carpet tiles working with the Skanska design team, led by the architects HOK, The tiles have been used throughout the building, which has been transformed from a 50-year old design layout, characterised by cellular offices and a network of corridors, to airy and relaxed open plan office suites, conducive to improved team working, interaction and communication.
The majority of the carpet tiles installed were based on the textured loop pile tiles in Tessera’s Optimum Create range. Additional cut-and-loop pile tiles from its Ethos range and bespoke low-level loop and cut pile tiles were also specified to meet the various aesthetic and performance requirements across different areas of the building. In order to facilitate convenient access to flooring panels, the tiles were of non-standard dimensions, cut to 60cm x 60cm. Certain areas also called for additional underfoot comfort and sound insulation and Tessera supplied these tiles with SoftBacSOFTbac® secondary backing.
Tessera Sales Director Richard Sotheran said the company had been absolutely delighted to be involved with the Whitehall project: “We’re used to supplying large and complex orders for public and private sector contracts alike, but this was a particularly exciting and prestigious contract for us. It was a major challenge given the sheer size of the task – a million square feet of office space; the diversity of the tile designs and constructions needed for different areas of the building, the need to phase manufacturing, delivery and installation over a six-month period, and the need to maintain Skanska’s high levels of security. Having total control of our own manufacturing facilities here in Lancashire was critical, allowing us to respond with the speed and flexibility our clients demanded.”
Richard concluded: “We are immensely proud to have provided the floorcoverings for the Ministry of Defence Head Office, but this was very much a team effort. Our successful contribution to the Whitehall project was the result of a closely integrated operation between Skanska, HOK, our own design, sales and manufacturing teams and of course the team from Loughton Contracts who installed our tiles throughout the building.”
The MOD’s Head Office is now being re-occupied. This major PFI project was completed on budget and ahead of schedule providing some 3000 MOD staff a modern, functional and fit-for-purpose office, virtually unrecognisable from the building they vacated before work began.
Tessera creates high performance carpet tiles for British Library
Tessera (formerly known as Gaskell Carpet Tiles & Modulus Flooring Systems) is providing 15,000 square metres of specially engineered carpet tiles for the British Library, one of the world’s leading libraries and home to over 150 million items, collected and maintained for the nation.
The carpet tiles are required for the reading rooms, the reader registration area, the shop and offices at the main British Library building in St Pancras, London, designed by the architect Sir Colin St John Wilson. This is the largest public building to have been built in the 20th century, spread across fourteen floors, five of which are below ground. The tiles are also destined for use at other British Library premises at Boston Spa in Yorkshire dedicated to providing document delivery services.
Tessera Public Sector Sales Manager Chrissie Day said: “This has been an exciting and challenging project for the company requiring a high degree of detailed design work and close ongoing contact with our clients in the British Library Estates team. Essentially, they were looking for an organisation that could deliver a quality product to meet a very specific brief. We were asked to design three bespoke carpet tile ranges which would retain the aesthetics of the existing carpet tiles but deliver superior performance, to cater for the millions of visitors anticipated over the next decade. We achieved this by designing tiles with greater yarn density and heavier pile weight, thereby increasing the resistance to wear and tear, and we also adapted the actual pile constructions to increase the overall longevity of the floorcoverings.
“We created a cut and loop pile design in the formal shade of green required for the reading rooms and a flecked grey version for use in the office areas. For the visitor’s shop and readers registration area we created a warm and dusky terracotta textured loop pile tile. Each tile range is designed to perform for at least ten years despite the heavy visitor and employee traffic expected.”
The carpet tile installation at the main British Library building at St Pancras is being carried out by Abbeywood Floorcoverings Limited of Sidcup, Kent, and in Boston Spa the contractor is Greens of Morley, Leeds.
Tessera enters random-lay, batchless carpet tile selector with 'Mix'
Tessera has launched Mix, its first 'random-lay', batchless carpet tile range: an exciting development made possible by a £1million investment in a state-of the-art CMC 'Infinity' tufting machine. Mix has a soft-edged, geometrically inspired design which cleverly disguises tile edges to achieve a deceptive broadloom appearance. Dark areas merge with light at random, resulting in a textured, multi-layered look which complements large and less spacious interiors alike. No two tiles are identical. There is no right or wrong way to position each tile. This means a quick and easy fit with very little waste for the contractor, and a totally individual carpet tile installation for the client. Mix is available in twelve contemporary colourways, each featuring two tonal shades of hardwearing, lightfast Antron(r) yarn from Invista which has Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP) status. Effectively 'batchless', different production consignments can be used together without the usual risk of visible variation. This simplifies ordering, and further eliminates waste as there is no need for the client to carry spares. If replacement tiles are ever required they can simply be purchased in single box quantities at the time they are needed. Sarah Ludlam, Senior Designer at Tessera says: "We believe that Mix brings something new to the random-lay carpet tile sector. It has a subtlety that doesn't overwhelm interior spaces, even smaller premises." She adds: "Mix is just one of many different design routes we can take using our advanced Infinity tufting technology. This is a really exciting time for our design team. We have hardly scratched the surface of what can be achieved with our new manufacturing capabilities."
Testing your defences
Have you ever tried to break into your own building and get past security, to test your own defences? Securiplan does just this when it sends security experts onto its clients' sites, to carry out a security audit. Securiplan doesn't want to put its security officers in dangerous or impossible situations. So, when this leading security company takes over responsibility for a new site, or sometimes when they prepare a tender offer for a potential client, they send a team of crime experts to first 'case the joint'.
It should be pointed out that these are not professional burglars but security experts - former Chief Inspectors, CID trainers and teachers from the Home Office's National Crime Prevention College - brought in by Securiplan to conduct the most thorough security review possible.
Securiplan's team of experts starts by meeting with a member of the client's senior management and facilities management personnel, to identify the generic security issues affecting the company. With their permission, the team will liase with the police and other agencies to identify any relevant local crime trends. This helps them to build up a clear picture of the real and perceived security issues affecting the company, and to establish terms of reference for the audit process. It may also flag up issues for discussion with the security management and staff.
Most security reviews and crime prevention officers' surveys look only at inhibiting criminal activity against a company. But Securiplan's review process goes further and examines all the internal and external factors which might damage the client's business under four headings of corporate risk: Operational, Financial, Reputation and Legal. By examining in detail the ways that a company conducts its business from a security viewpoint, a review of this nature can often identify major operational risks. For example, the consultants will consider what a competitor could achieve by infiltrating R&D facilities, and then examine to what extent visitors to the site are prevented from 'wandering'. If the security of a data storage centre was compromised, what damage could be done and what liabilities to third parties might be incurred? How could the temporary interruption of business damage the company's reputation, and what would be an appropriate level of security to prevent this?
Nowadays it may be necessary to examine procedures for dealing with public intrusion in the event of demonstrations or attention from trouble-makers. Anti-capitalist activists and May Day demonstrators have extended the potential risks beyond their traditional targets - abortion clinics, defence establishments and animal research laboratories - to almost any company which is perceived as part of the 'globalisation threat' or is just in the path of rampant demonstrators. In the current climate, every company should also consider whether they might be considered a target for terrorism, and what preventative measures are appropriate. On one recent security audit for a high-profile multinational company, the review team recommended relocating their Post Room away from the main building to limit the potential damage from parcel bombs, as well as limiting access to the underground car park. With all these issues in mind, a team of specialists then undertakes a systematic security audit of each of the company's sites, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the existing arrangements. They will assess every aspect of the physical security on the sites and look for points of vulnerability, attempting to breach the security protocols to test their effectiveness. By inspecting the entire site they will identify and check any vulnerable points in the perimeter protection. Sometimes, for example, stacks of material have accumulated next to a fence which might make it easier to climb over, or the fence may have fallen into disrepair. Access control systems and procedures are crucial to the security of any site, and the review team will assess the effectiveness of the alarms and access control devices being used, and the procedures in operation at gatehouses and reception desks. Even buildings with highly sophisticated access systems may be vulnerable if members of staff have inadvertently disabled the system, by wedging open an external door to a designated staff smoking area, for example. Give-away signs like cigarette ends found outside fire doors, may suggest that fire exits are being misused.
The review will look out for bad security habits, where an intruder could take advantage of easily-observed laxity. For example, on many of the sites they have surveyed, auditors have observed that 'tailgating' is common at busy access points, where 'helpful' individuals allow others to pass through the doors which they have opened with their security pass. Positioning a security guard may be one way of deterring such behaviour at sensitive access points within a site, but card-operated turnstiles may be an alternative to consider.
The review team will look at the quality and use of CCTV systems, to see both the clarity of the images generated and how they might be used to reveal and prove that an incident has occurred. By talking to the Control Room personnel they will assess their understanding of the Data Protection Act rules concerning the use of CCTV material, and their evidence-gathering, data archiving and retrieval protocols. Procedures such as the issuing of passes to members of staff, visitors and contractors are also worth checking. In one company recently audited, the review team discovered that the date on their visitor's pass card was extremely difficult to read, making it almost impossible for the security team to check its validity from one day to the next. They recommended redesigning the card and colour-coding the visit date for ease of checking, at minimal cost, to prevent misuse of a one-day pass card to gain unauthorised access.
A comprehensive security review will examine all the current assignment instructions and check that they are in-line with industry best practice. This might include the site's key storage systems, vehicle and personnel search policies, and procedures to guarantee the safety of late and lone workers. If required, the audit can also cover the personal security arrangements for senior directors. The scope of the review might include investigation of the security of the company's IT systems, both equipment and data, and the usage of basic security aids such as passwords. By interviewing on-site security officers, the audit team will assess levels of officer competency. This will include the amount and relevance of the training they have received, as well as their appearance, attitude and skills - everything from patrol techniques to customer care, conflict resolution, first aid knowledge and communications skills. By examining the image and deportment of the officers, as well as their shift and patrol patterns, a security review can also assess the extent to which they present a deterrent against crime, either from outside or within the company. If they are too friendly and easy-going, they are less likely to deter internal theft. If they are known to sit in their guard house for most of the day, it would be easy for would-be thieves to ascertain which areas are beyond the reach of their CCTV cameras, and to focus their criminal activities there, in the knowledge that they are unlikely to be disturbed by random patrols. In the aftermath of a review of this kind, a visible increase in the levels of security and deterrent activity on site can dramatically reduce internal theft and stock losses. At the end of the survey, a detailed confidential report is prepared and delivered to the client's security and facilities management teams. This will include recommendations for any additional officer or management training that they think is necessary to enhance the effectiveness of the officers working on the site. Securiplan can then develop a training plan, both for the security teams and for individual officers, and incorporate this in their Service Level Agreement with the client, who will be able to check that the recommended training takes place. Securiplan's operations managers and security systems experts may also become involved in specifying new equipment and developing an action plan to address any deficiencies which have been identified.
A real security expert should be able to recommend security measures which are commensurate with these risks but not so stringent as to cause unacceptable inconvenience to staff and visitors. Its purpose is not to find ways of spending more of the client's money on equipment and training, and in fact a good security audit will also analyse the potential for security staff reduction and other cost-cutting measures. A survey of this breadth, depth and expertise can save major companies millions of pounds and protect them from untold potential damage to their carefully-built reputation.
Facilities managers are often pleased to have a comprehensive independent report of this kind to take to their directors, to demonstrate why security provision needs to be improved throughout the organisation.
Paul Collis, Managing Director of Securiplan's Corporate and Systems divisions, explains why Securiplan now offers security reviews as part of its service. "When we enter into a partnership to protect the property and personnel of a client, we see ourselves as sharing some of the risks. We would be seriously embarrassed by a breach of security on their site, even if it was not the fault of the officers we supply. It is therefore in our interests, as well as that of the clients, to undertake regular security reviews and check that all the necessary equipment and procedures are in place, and that the personnel know what they are doing and are as effectively deployed as possible."
Paul Collis sees considerable weaknesses in the procedures by which many companies put out tenders for security contractors. "Many of the invitations to tender that we receive are so specific in their criteria that it is impossible for us to do anything other than supplying 'warm bodies' to fill the gaps left by their previous providers. We prefer to take a completely fresh look at the company's security needs, with the help of our team of security auditors and systems experts, so that we can recommend the best possible combination of security systems and manned guarding to protect their sites."
No security company wants to see its officers sitting smiling at the front desk while handbags are going missing, CCTV camera lenses are out of focus and padlocks are missing from perimeter gates. Fresh thinking and a broad knowledge of best practice across the industry enables Securiplan's security experts to make both wide-ranging and subtle recommendations to improve security planning. A total security review can be an important impetus to tighten every aspect of security within an organisation, and to enhance the working partnership between facilities managers and security contractors.
Testo launches new digital refrigeration manifold
Testo Ltd are pleased to announce the launch of an exciting new instrument for refrigeration engineers - the Testo 523 Digital Refrigeration Manifold. The unit is designed to assist refrigeration engineers in their servicing and maintenance tasks and means that engineers can replace a toolbox full of gauges, meters, thermometers and charts with one easy to use digital manifold. The Testo 523 is a comprehensive service and maintenance instrument for a range of servicing tasks: -- Accurately reads high and low side pressures (up to 50 bar, 0.1 bar resolution and 0.5% FS accuracy) -- Provides saturation temperature readings for up to 38 refrigerants on the easy to read backlit display. -- Measures, displays and records superheat and subcooling values automatically in seconds. -- Facilitates easy monitoring and control of refrigerant flow during evacuation or charging with the built in two way manifold. -- Provides built in data on 38 refrigerants plus free refrigerant table update via Internet download. -- Track down problems with the data logging feature. Record up to 1,000 tests, track customer system history and produce professional reports on your PC with the user-friendly software. The Testo 523 is a durable, robust instrument designed to provide a long service life. Each unit is protected by a rugged, spray proof housing (IP65) and includes an integral boot and a built in steel hanger. Testo Ltd will be showcasing this exciting new instrument on Stand C100 at RAC 05. RAC 05 is the UK's leading trade exhibition for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. Further information is available at www.racexhibition.com
Testo launches new multi-function instrument for ventilation and air conditioning engineers
The new Testo 435 has been designed to provide air conditioning engineers with a single instrument that can measure all of the key parameters needed to determine Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and the efficient installation and maintenance of Ventilation & Air Conditioning (VAC) systems. In addition to air velocity, the Testo 435 can be used to measure CO2, relative humidity and air temperature to ensure conditions are at the correct level and to indicate whether air conditioning systems are working at optimum levels. A range of thermal probes, vane probes and Pitot tubes are available for the Testo 435 to allow engineers to take measurements of air flow at various points in a building. Also available are a range of probes to measure absolute pressure, comfort level, lux and surface temperature - making the Testo 435 a truly multi-functional instrument. As well as cable connected probes, the Testo 435 can also be used with a range of wireless probe that remove problems such as hindrance during measurement and potential damage to probe cables. The instrument is easily upgraded with an optional module and can then be used with wire probes to measure temperature and (in some models) humidity. The Testo 435 is designed for ease of use, with easy to follow menus. The 2 advanced models (Testo 435-2 and Testo 435-4) offer users the ability to allocate measured values to measurement locations. These instruments also offer the ability to switch between 2 User Profiles: Duct Measurement and IAQ. The Testo 435 is a robust instrument that is both easy to use and of robust construction. For example, the housing material (IP 54) offers built-in protection against knocks and jars and the large illuminated display is set back in the housing to offer protection. To assist everyday use the instrument features a carrying strap and magnets on the back panel for attachment at the measuring location. The Testo 435 offers users 2 convenient documentation options; print out on-site to the optional Testo printer or analysis and documentation on a PC. The Testo 435-2 and 435-4 models offers users the option to store both single measurements and measurement series (up to 10,000 measurement values). Data can then be analysed and documented on PC using Testo's ComSoft software.
Textured trio for commercial sector from Gaskell Carpets
Gaskell Carpets has extended its portfolio of high performance contract carpets with the launch of Axis, Axent and Alchemy, a trio of new tufted ranges introduced to enable specifiers to bring textured interest to floorcovering design schemes in commercial interiors.
Each new Gaskell carpet has its own distinctive loop pile construction. The Axis and Axent range are cleverly designed to complement each other and share the same colour palette. Whilst Axis has a tightly ribbed texture, Axent has a multi-height loop pile, with more substantial ribs, giving a third dimension to its appearance. In both, the texture is accentuated by the use of a contrasting second colour over the base shade to add depth and interest. The colour palette draws on the latest colour trends, offering a choice of nineteen colours, from sophisticated ‘naturals’ such as Khaki, Marble and Camel, to rich corporate colours, such as Red, Green and Royal Blue. Those seeking bold colours with a contemporary twist can choose from shades such as Terracotta, Aubergine and Anthracite.
The Alchemy range has a low level loop pile and offers shades which take their inspiration from chemical and natural elements, including Copper, Gold, Steel and Crypton. Seventeen colourways are available comprising plain and subtly tonal options. Alchemy is designed to be particularly fitter friendly, with a lightweight flexible construction which is easy to handle, cut and fit.
Sales & Marketing Director at Gaskell Carpets, Phil Hartley, explains: “For designers, texture has been assuming increasing importance in all aspects of specification. Alchemy, Axis and Axent are attractive options because of their contemporary colour palettes and the versatility they offer. These three new loop pile ranges are being launched to enable Gaskell Carpets to strengthen its position in the commercial sector and we are expecting them to be particularly popular in offices, banks, schools, colleges and other heavy traffic areas in the public and private sectors.”
All the new carpet ranges are manufactured from 100% nylon for maximum durability and have a synthetic secondary backing. As with all contract quality carpets offered by Gaskell, Axis, Axent and Alchemy are specifically designed and manufactured to deliver long lasting colour and appearance retention and high performance in demanding commercial applications.
TGM- Reaching new heights of service
TGM Ltd. is best recognised as specialists in the cleaning of gutters and drains to all types of commercial properties across the UK. By utilising our experience and expertise for working at height, our complimentary services include: * Cleaning of Roof and Side Cladding * Provision of Gutter Surface Treatments/Gutter Linings * Treatment of Cut Edge Corrosion * Treatment of Leaking Roofs and Skylights Cladding & Roof Cleaning: If PVC type coatings are never cleaned they become so ingrained with dirt and acid rain they become impossible to clean, therefore making regular maintenance so important in the up-keep of these types of buildings. Gutter Surface Treatments and Gutter Linings: Available options range from a variety of surface treatments, which rely on the existing gutters being reasonably sound, to an engineered gutter lining system that can be fitted without removing any roof sheets. All the systems come with guarantees that range from 3 to 20 years. Cut Edge Corrosion/Metal Edge Protection: Problems of de-lamination and deterioration of the coatings on metal profiled sheets present an ever-present risk to the integrity of the roof structure and ultimately its performance. TGM are a registered contractor for the SEAMSIL flexible silicone remedial system, which is recognized as the most effective metal edge protection treatment in any situation where exposed metal is subjected to aggressive moisture conditions. A full 10-year guarantee is offered. Want to know more? Please call our free-phone hotline on 0800 028 3479 and ask for a member of the Marketing Team, or alternatively visit us at www.totalgutters.co.uk
The “modern” drinks vending machine – a link in the food poisoning chain?
In 1999 reported cases of food poisoning in the UK rose to just under 10m incidents, a fivefold increase from 1982; costing UK companies in excess of £1b each year with 8m working days lost annually. Typically blamed on restaurants and sandwich bars, the source might be closer than you think.
A paper entitled the “the modern drinks vending machine– a link in the food poisoning chain ? appears on pp281-285 of a government publication entitled environmental health Vol 94 no 11 states: “The majority (80%)of operatives were not practising the daily four stage cleaning/disinfection cycle, and worse that; 23% of the nozzles of automatic vending machines were contaminated with *E coli type 1”. (* E coli is a bacterial indicator of faecal contamination and the possible presence of food poisoning bacteria. In large numbers, it can be responsible the all-too- common “office stomach upset”. Its presence at all is a certain indicator of a very poor standard of hygiene.)
Entrepreneur, Barry Marks (Managing Director – E Break Ltd) was astounded to find that the 1950’s design principles utilised in today’s “modern” drinks vending machines meant that there were hundreds of components that ought to be regularly and thoroughly sanitised on a daily basis. Experience proves this is very rarely realised.
‘Marks’ concluded that the only way that customers could be 100% certain of getting a clean, safe and hygienic beverage was to eliminate everything inside common vending machines that had the potential to breed bacteria. After five years of intense development, the remarkable new In Cup Plus Xen-550 drinks vending system evolved.
Claimed to be the worlds most hygienic hot and cold, variable strength automatic drinks system; the In Cup Plus Xen-550 offers more drink combinations than any other machine on the market, utilising just four electromechanical components and taking less than 60 seconds to fully replenish from empty.
Key to the In Cup Plus system is the unique factory sealed ingredient cartridge that can be exchanged by the end user when necessary in just a few seconds with absolutely no possibility of microbiological contamination to the product inside.
Featuring an intelligent robotic arm that moves freely inside the machine, the cycle begins by dispensing a fresh cup which is then conveyed through the machine collecting ingredients as it goes. Ingredients are dispensed directly from the In Cup Plus cartridge into the cup, thereby eliminating the unhygienic mixers; dispense tubes and spouts found in most other conventional machines worldwide
Delicious beverages depend on clean fresh water. To this end every In Cup Plus system is fitted, as standard, with active carbon and ultraviolet filters giving the added benefit that the In Cup Plus system can be used to dispense fresh filtered hot and cold water making expensive separate plumbed and bottled water coolers redundant.
At last! A hygienic, safe and fully automatic hot and cold drinks system that is as easy to look after as an inkjet printer.
The Alliance Group Road Shows
The Alliance Group completed their winter programme of end user road shows with a very successful event that took place at the Moor Place Hotel in Milton Keynes at the end of January. The intention, as in other Alliance Group road shows, was to provide an informal environment in which existing and potential customers could talk to suppliers and have some hands-on exposure to the latest in CCTV, Access Control and fire systems. The Alliance Group sees the road shows as an invaluable opportunity to demonstrate to end users the benefits of an integrated security solution and to get feedback on customers’ likely future requirements. Andrew Alcock, Divisional Director of the Security Systems division of The Alliance Group, (pictured with Ron Peel, Regional Security Manager of Reality at the Milton Keynes event) said, “It is widely accepted by customers that the Alliance Group have the expertise to install complex systems but we want to ensure customers are aware of the full capability of the equipment that we supply to them. The success of the road shows has encouraged The Alliance Group to plan more events for later this year. The Alliance Group, which was established in 1993, is a private company with a turnover in excess of £7.5 million. The group, which employs in the region of 250 pople, has two main divisions: man guarding and security systems.
The Amptec Boiler - The ideal tenant
Electroheat Amptec electric flow boilers are a cost effective solution for providing heating and hot water in tenanted property.
The electric flow boiler is used to power conventional wet central heating radiators, the most acceptable form of heating. Amptec boilers are silent in operation and using clean electricity, need no flue or chimney. This coupled with space saving measurements of just 1 metre long by 9cm square; means that an Amptec boiler can be fitted almost anywhere in the property. With no flue heat losses, they achieve 99.8%, efficiency and running costs are further minimised by the fully modulating electronic control system that only draws power to achieve the programmed temperature level.
As a result, despite operating on daytime tariff, they often cost less to run than an equivalent night storage system. An added attraction is total control of the heating output to meet changing heating demands, unlike night storage radiators that lack the flexibility to compensate for changes in the weather.
Amptec boilers come in a range of outputs, starting at 6kW for the smaller property. For older dwellings, 9kW and 11kW models operate happily on existing power supplies and there is a 12kW model for new installations. In larger properties, electric flow boilers installed in series meet peak loads and economically handle lower demand levels.
For owners of tenanted property, the advantage for the Amptec electric flow boiler is the ability to maximise rental returns with the perceived luxury of wet central heating, without the requirement, statutory or otherwise, for costly annual maintenance contracts. With no flue system, an Amptec boiler is a cost effective way to provide heating and hot water to individual users, even in multi occupancy buildings, where other fuels may not be a viable option.
Once fitted, an Amptec boiler makes an ideal ‘tenant’ because it quietly gets on with the job of providing efficient heating and domestic hot water with no servicing, no noise, no pollution and no problems.
The answer to asbestos
As many thousands of commercial buildings still do not comply with the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002, demand for external expertise and assistance is soaring. New to the marketplace, Tersus Group is one of the largest, UKAS accredited asbestos consultancies in the UK. Launched with considerable financial backing in November 2004, the Group has offices in London, Brighton and Sheffield, directly employing over 70 surveyors and analysts as well as operating a dedicated asbestos testing laboratory. Capable of undertaking the entire asbestos risk management issue from survey through to on-going assessment, Tersus delivers a unique and comprehensive solution offering procurement efficiencies to organisations with nationwide property portfolios. Tersus Group is the result of a merger between two leading niche asbestos management companies, Argus Laboratories and Fibrecount. Operating successfully within their own localities since the early 1990's, these well-managed and strategically placed companies have provided a solid platform for national growth. In addition to gaining UKAS accreditation, with quality and operating systems being assessed against internationally recognised standards over a period of 18 months, a new corporate culture and management structure have been created with a strong vision and the identification of goals and short-term objectives. "We are wholly dedicated to managing asbestos," comments Adrian Campbell, Managing Director for the Company. "It is our specialism. We have over 20 years combined experience in property surveying, air testing and asbestos identification and the assessment of the risk it poses depending on location and condition." By remaining focused in this one area and not diversifying into DDA consultancy or pressurised gas audits for example, Tersus Group is able to deliver an integrated, effective service. Going one-step further, Tersus has developed an impressive user-friendly web-enabled database for asbestos found on clients' properties. This information is available 24hrs a day and provides a cost-efficient and highly effective method of managing operations internally, as well as having historical value should future legislation dictate changes. Peace of mind and a lighter workload are invaluable. Tersus Group offer a long-term proposition, working in synergy with organisations to forge partnerships that ensures asbestos risk management is comprehensive yet streamlined - and above all fully compliant with current regulations.
The BBC is ‘safe and sound’ with Anglian Film
Due to the high risk factor involved with the extensive use of glass on the British Broadcasting Corporations new prestigious BBC Online offices in Leavesden Park, Watford, Anglian approved installers Partition Graphics Limited was employed to advise on how to provide the best protection for this structure.
The BBC was quick to recognise the increased risk that glass can present to people and property in such high profile locations. Safety is just as important as security in the world we live in today, so Partition Graphics were well aware of how important it was to get this project right first time.
Partition Graphics based in Chesham, Buckinghamshire immediately decided to use Anglians clear Class A 175 micron anti-shatter security film. The installation of this security film was very successful. The completed project now provides an almost undetectable barrier that is designed to hold broken glass in place, thus reducing the damage and injuries that could otherwise occur in the event of an impact or explosion.
The beauty of blinds with the flexibility of film
For specifiers looking for an answer to solar heat gain and glare, but looking for something less obtrusive and more flexible than traditional blind materials, CPFilms’ range of Llumar Shade Films is the answer.
The newly extended range is the versatile choice when a flexible solution is required in the battle to overcome the effects of solar heat gain, glare and fading due to UV light. As the base material used in the manufacture of a solar control blind systems, Llumar Shade Film can be incorporated into both roller and vertical blind systems, and unlike traditional blinds, they are unobtrusive, ideally suited to corporate environments and contemporary interior designs.
The clear advantage of Llumar Shade Films is the ability to combine transparency (so even when the blinds are drawn, occupants can see out) with low visible light transmission — a combination many traditional blind materials do not offer. As well as protecting against solar heat gain, glare and UV radiation, blinds incorporating shade film provide total flexibility as a solar control system — by simply opening or closing the blind system whenever required.
By rejecting up to 85% of unwanted solar heat gain Llumar Shade Film will increase comfort levels within the building for staff and visitors as well as helping employers with complying with Regulation 7 of the Workplace (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. In addition, of course, they can measurably reduce the energy costs of running air conditioning systems.
Advances in materials technology now make it possible for glare to be reduced by 98%. In many corporate and retail environments, glare is a common problem for VDU operators, causing visual fatigue and discomfort, and Llumar Shade Film can help employers complying with Display Screen Equipment Regulations arising from Directive 89/654/EEC.
Llumar Shade Film can also effectively block out up to 99% of harmful UV radiation to help reduce fading and damage to furnishings, retail displays and fabrics.
CPFilms’ range of reflective films affords excellent daylight privacy only when it is required. Available in either an optically clear or embossed film, Llumar Shade Film’s also offer a comprehensive combination of performance characteristics.
The best in BT building
BT Wholesale is at the heart of BT Group, providing network services and solutions to communication companies. With a varied customer base, BT Wholesale Markets provides the expertise and capability to cater for all their customers’ needs. With more than 500 customers, and selling its services to big clients like Vodafone, WorldCom and easynet, the business is a vital part of BT’s infrastructure. More than 300 million calls are made from its network everyday, and 350 million internet connections are made every month. In November 2002 the business moved into a new purpose built headquarters at No 1 City Place, near Gatwick Airport. The new building was planned to create a state-of-the-art environment that makes effective use of immediate workspace whilst balancing this with informal break-out areas, formal meeting rooms and other facilities that enhance the overall use of the site. BT Wholesale Markets have built their accommodation around managing the needs of their customers, business partners and people. BT Wholesale Markets has created a vibrant 1100 workstation open-plan office complemented by attractive and efficient filing systems from Bisley, the UK’s leading steel storage manufacturer. “While using latest workplace technologies you still generate paper, as well as other media, much of which has to be stored on-site. Contracts and agreements with our business partners and customers, for example, have to be kept in hard copy form for legal reasons and, of course, these have to be accessible and securely stored. We were determined, however, that the storage would form a part of the overall workplace experience, so as well as value for money and good support services, we wanted a supplier with a product that would match the ‘wow’ factor of the environment” says Andy Jeffery, senior manager with BT Wholesale Markets, Workstyle Management. Bisley Lateral File (BLF) units were chosen to provide the look, but with the ability to store high volumes in the most space-efficient way. ‘As well as solving the storage problems the units are a key element within the overall design, allowing us to break up space and define different working areas. The silver finish gave a sleek, modern look and combined well with the steel frames of the desking. And by specifying domed tops were able to ensure that the units cannot be used as unsightly storage surfaces. The BLF range of internals means that we can store everything, CCTV tapes for example, while matching taller units are used for items such as clothing in out-of-the-way areas” say Jeffrey. Today, No. 1 City Place can confidently claim to be a great place to work and Bisley is helping to keep it that way.
The best kept secret in records management
The Pickfords name is synonymous with quality and service, with a unique history stretching back over 350 years. Pickfords Records Management was created in 1994 as a natural progression to the storage, relocation and moving services already provided for our customers. Our relatively late entry into the Records Management industry enabled us to adopt and improve upon many of the best practices of our established competitors. Most significantly, Pickfords Records Management took the decision to barcode its entire inventory of assets from the outset, resulting in an unmatched quality retrieval service and an audit trail that is world class! Pickfords is now one of the largest records management providers in the world, with services stretching from Scandinavia to Australasia. Here in the UK Pickfords Records Management has over 32 dedicated centres offering complete national coverage. Pickfords is a SIRVA Company. SIRVA is the world's largest moving, storage and relocation provider with annual revenue in excess of $2 billion. SIRVA has owned operations in over 45 countries and a network of destination services partners in 130+ countries around the globe. We are therefore able to offer you a truly global organisation with local expertise - no matter where you are. We may not be the most well known name in the records management industry but the secret that most of our customers know is that Pickfords can be trusted to deliver when you want, where you want, and how you want - whether that means physical retrieval, electronic retrieval, scan-on-demand, fax back, courier, DX, electronic vaulting, media and tape storage, the list goes on and on. All Pickfords Record management facilities utilize O'Neil software - the worlds leading brand for data management. So strong is our relationship with O'Neil that we were named European Strategic Partner of the Year. We push the software to deliver the best possible service to you, our customers, and we believe that our audit trail and accountability is second to none. All of our centres provide complete accountability, confidentiality and peace of mind.
The best posture guidance available free on the web from a leading specialist
What may be the clearest posture guide available to DSE users is now available completely free on the web. Fully animated and extensively illustrated, it provides simple stage-by-stage explanations of how to configure your chair, workstation layout and laptop, or desktop computer for optimum comfort and performance. Devised in consultation with ergonomists, physiotherapists and DSE assessors, its purpose is to provide a clear, concise and free-to-all guide for computer users in the office or at home. The web site can also be configured as a ÔFavouriteÕ or ÔHome PageÕ so that it is available for reference at any time. ÒFor some time weÕve been aware of the need for concise, simple posture guidance on the net. Although variants of this information exist they are usually buried inside corporate websitesÓ, said Guy Osmond who has devised the site. ÒWe have now published this guide which is freely available on a dedicated website www.ergoergo.infoÓ.
The best value for colour ID card printing, the new Magicard Tempo is now available from DED.
Based on the popular Magicard Alto, the new Magicard Tempo is a simple to use entry level dye-sublimation plastic card printer at a great price. The Tempo features the famous HoloKote card watermark and HoloPatch visible security patch available only with Magicard plastic card printers. With incredibly easy to use drop-in dye-film ribbon and hand fed card loading, the Magicard Tempo is supplied with all the necessary Windows drivers to run the printer, and a USB connection for ease of integration. Compact and light, the Magicard Tempo has a tiny footprint of only 8 square inches, features edge to edge full colour printing, and is capable of printing on all quality PVC cards whether blank or pre-printed. Accessories available for the Magicard Tempo include high quality drop in colour and monochrome ribbons which feature a higher capacity than the Magicard Alto. These simple drop-in ribbons come in 250 image colour, and 500 image monochrome (black, red, blue, green, gold, silver or white). Blank plastic cards for the Tempo are available in plain, magnetic stripe and HoloPatch, printing a full colour card in 40 seconds, monochrome in only 6 seconds. Recognised as being the best warranty in the ID card printer industry, the Magicard Tempo has a 2 year no quibble return to base warranty. This warranty includes the free replacement of any printhead, whatever the reason for failure. Formed in 1982, DED Limited based in Lydd, Kent. The ensuing years have seen the company grow to become a leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of: 'Specialist-Kiosk/Receipt/Label/Ticket-Printers, PoS Equipment, CCD and Barcode Scanners, Magnetic and Smart Card Readers & Writers, Cash Drawers, Pole Displays, Plastic Card Printers and Touchscreen Terminals. Accredited by NQA to the BS EN ISO 9001:2000 Quality Standard, DED is a major distributor for a number of world-class companies such as: Star Micronics, Zebra, Magicard, Fargo, Metrologic, Axiohm, Posiflex, Vibrant, Nippon Primex, Data Modul, Neuron and N5 Software.
The book’s better
Romec’s 850 frontline engineers are now armed with an upgraded software programme for their Toughbooks – a GPRS laptop style computer system that keeps them in constant touch with customers and control centres – with increased benefits all round. Existing Toughbook systems have been used very effectively by Romec for four x years and this latest development adds new programmemes that will, amongst other benefits, reduce the need for paper records even further says the cCompany. As well as adding an internal email system for engineers, safe-working systems of work appropriate to individual customers’ contracts, previews of maintenance schedules and a help programme are all included on the new version. Additionally, cost estimates for particular jobs can be rapidly produced and immediate approval sought directly from the customer. A pPotential failure reasons and use of engineer time time bottleneck whereby engineers are unable to access a customer’s premises, equipment or obtain monetary authorisation, has now been drastically reduced with the automatic creation of an email directly to the customer so that a response can be immediately sought. Previously similar situations had to be dealt with by a series of phone calls. The system also allows for constant updating with information from the central database control point - does this mean the NSC?)which can be accessed within Romec via JBA (Romec system) as well as being accessible byprovide an IInternet link for customersaccessing help books about specific engineering topics. Engineers can also access central information databases via the Internet access. Romec Project Manager Andy Duckworth said: “We have just completed a 4 four week roll-out of the new Toughbooks with 6 six teams of trainers covering all frontline engineers across the country. Now as well as providing a very flexible communications route, reducing the amount of time form filling previously spent by our engineers; customers will also obtain a more up to the minute information service and on the spot involvement with individual jobs should they wish.”
The brave new world of offices in 05
Sue Pitman, lecturer at St Martin’s College of Art and consultant to the domestic and commercial interiors market for 25 years, gives expert insight into the do's and don'ts for commercial interiors for 2005.
Colour is all around us and whether bland or bold is the order of the day in your working environment it will impact your mood in dramatic ways. In the past, the majority of commercial interiors can best be described as 'bland'. However, the tide is turning and thanks to innovations in the domestic arena, more and more office spaces are looking to 2005 as their bold year of change.
With dramatic feature walls, textures, dark reds and Chinese yellows coming into their own, the New Year looks set to be a bright one, but how will this colour translate in an office environment?
Colour – your perfect match
For over 40 years, Pantone has been responsible for registering colour levels and researching the impact of colour on our lives. The impact of colour is well-known in the leisure sector – Las Vegas is known as the city of red neon because people will actually gamble more and make riskier bets when seated under a red light! However, less is known about colour in a working environment.
If ever there was reason to encourage your senior management to go for 2005’s bold colours, the research carried out by Dr Nancy Kwallek, director of the Environmental Design Research Center at the University of Texas* is compelling reading. In a series of experiments people performing clerical tasks like typing, proofreading and filing were placed in different coloured rooms. The results were startling: “Initially I was very surprised to find out that those in the white space were the least productive while in the room” Dr Kwallek comments. In fact, those same people claimed, in a questionnaire, that they felt the white office was the most conducive to productivity.
So, to incorporate some of 2005’s colour into your working environment, here are some hints on how to do it effectively.
Do Create a Feature
A simple way to draw the eye away from the clutter and tie the office together is to go for a feature wall. Rather than decorating the whole space in one colour, going bold on a key wall will ensure the space is not overpowered, but gives it new energy and life. In particular dark reds, navies, mustard yellows and even black will become increasingly popular throughout 2005.
Do Be Adventurous
Where previously a meeting table and chairs would have been the norm, there will be more of a move towards relaxed meeting areas, with more texture than has been seen before in a commercial setting. The texture will not only be in the furnishings, but in the décor. Wallcoverings that have a bamboo or raised feel are on the return, but they are far removed from the 1970’s flock wallpaper of yesteryear. With fabric backings and the latest fire safety standards, they are not only more cost-effective and easier to hang and remove, but incredibly durable in a commercial setting.
Practically speaking
Although the use of a qualified interior designer will ensure excellent results in any re-design, some refurbishments just don’t justify the added expense of a designer. If you are thinking of introducing a new scheme, but are unsure how to go about it one product out this year is worth a look.
Whether you are responsible for changing your entire working environment, or simply looking to update the reception area, be brave – 2005 is set to be a colourful year!
the challenge
Convergys needed a strong identity at its European headquarters on the Cambourne Business Park.
Working from a shell and core development, the interior design required a structured and creative approach.
The challenge of making the best use of space and creating a dynamic corporate image captured the imagination of the breathe team.
attention to detail
Particular attention was paid to every detail, such as finding exactly the right workstations for particular job functions. Essential elements of the brief included creating an open plan environment for staff, with privacy and flexibility, and developing client areas that were separate from the day to day operations of the company.
Staff areas were designed to encourage a productive work etiquette. Mobile and fixed units were used and the seating layout was grouped departmentally. Service areas were built to house equipment and remove noise from the office. Angled walls were used to create interesting features in an otherwise rectangular space.
Some elements of the brief changed quite considerably as the project progressed and breathe adapted the designs where necessary, with no disruption or time delay to the end product.
the approach
A key part of the brief for the first building was for it to be very client focused whilst providing a comfortable and accessible environment for more than 200 employees. The second building had to reflect the image requirements of the company using key elements of the design from the first building and translating the concept into something original yet recognisable as belonging to the Convergys design portfolio.
The colours and contemporary styles were selected to provide a comfortable and enduring environment.
As a visitor when you enter the buildings, you are given a feeling of involvement; it is possible to see beyond the reception through a series of narrow columns into flexible break out areas, where staff can have lunch or hold informal meetings.
An impressive oval visitor's area provides a stunning foreground to the fully glazed meeting rooms, incorporating specially designed etched film. A self-contained training suite has also been located adjacent to reception with its own unique adaptation of the design theme.
The second building required an innovative twist of the concepts deployed in the first, whilst allowing some continuity. The same theme has been used, but a subtle translation has meant that lighting and different finishes on the walls have adopted the shapes and colours but presented them in a different way. The reception walls in both buildings are the same colour, but one has a smooth polished finish, and the other a rough textured look. Sloping walls in the first building have been re-designed in another elevation to create dramatically different spaces.
Particular features include sloping corridor walls, storage areas doubling up as boundaries, alcoves, stunning glass walls and feature lighting. A spectacular atrium in the second building uses high glass panels with the corporate designed etching.
Furniture from European designers in Italy and Germany and bespoke furniture from a local supplier in Cambridge complement the surroundings. The theme has remained similar in the second building, which has allowed the flexibility for future change.
results
The fit-out for the second building was commissioned 18 months after the first, and both projects were completed within timescales and to budget.
Further European offices have adopted the corporate style and the theme has been developed to suit the local culture within each office.
The result is an exciting, dramatic and stylish working environment.
'We needed to create a strong identity, meet our corporate and departmental requirements and at the same time, be a little bit different. breathe has met the brief - and we would certainly use them for future design projects'
The circle is unbroken at QMC…
Queens Medical Centre, University Hospital NHS Trust has a long relationship with Trane Air Conditioning.
In May 1972, during a major period of hospital construction Haden Young installed a TRANE ABSC Absorption chiller in the Medical School.
Two further ABSC Absorption units were installed in the West Block plant room, serving theatres and wards, by Haden Young in June 1974.
Then in 1976, two more ABSC Absorption chillers were installed in the East Block plant room.
The Absorption chillers make use of the waste heat from the Trust’s award winning Combined Heat & Power Plant.
All of these chiller units have been under maintenance contract with Trane Service from commissioning to the present day. The close working relationship between the hospital engineers and the Trane service team has ensured that potential problems have been identified and pro-actively dealt with, ensuring continuity of supply.
With modern medical procedures and higher concentrations of staff it was necessary for the Trust to evaluate its current and future chilling requirements.
The initial analysis showed that increased chilled water capacity would be required and this was not possible to achieve with the existing 30 year old machines.
The Trust formulated an extensive replacement plan.
With the diminishing availability of electrical power and the Trust’s Environmental Awareness the most energy efficient means of supplying additional air conditioning had to be found.
The first phase was to replace the two chillers serving the West Block with modern, higher efficiency, larger capacity, ABSC Absorption chillers, and two new Baltimore cooling towers. Installation commenced in December 2001 and commissioned in June 2002 with Trane Service undertaking in partnership with the Trust, the project management for removing and replacing both chillers and towers.
The second phase was to upgrade the East Block with larger and more efficient Absorption chillers, two new Baltimore cooling towers and in addition a Tracer Summit BMS was installed to provide control of the chillers, primary chilled water pumps, condenser pumps, cooling tower fans and provide remote monitoring. The Summit system will provide the most efficient answer to power consumption and therefore running costs, and remote monitoring will enable problems to be diagnosed and dealt with before they become critical.
The East block renovation was project managed again by Trane Service in partnership with the Trust. The units were delivered in December 2002 and the commissioning completed in June 2003.
Trane UK took the opportunity to provide the latest and largest absorption chillers available in their product range. The answer was once again Trane Absorption Chillers.
The complete solution for printing and encoding MIFARE or HID cards.
The increasingly successful collaboration between DED Limited, Zebra Card Printer Solutions and software experts, Nfive, has realised yet another breakthrough in the area of Printing and Encoding. Consisting of Zebra’s P310, P320, P420, P520 or P720 card printers fitted with an internal MIFARE Encoder or HID reader, plus Card Five/CardCreator Elite™ card design software, the system offers a straightforward and complete solution for printing and encoding MIFARE (1S014443) or printing and reading most HID cards. The CardFive/CardCreator Elite™ software manages all card design functions including text, graphics, lines, boxes and barcodes which can then be connected to any ODBC/SQL compliant database. VFW/Twain video capture, Wacom™ digital signature and Bioscrypt™ fingerprint capture are also supported. The contactless card encoding module allows the user to select the card type and the manufacturer and also to manage the access keys (PIN) for access to each card. For HID it allows the card serial number and processing date to be automatically read and recorded into a database. For MIFARE, the user can also define what information is encoded into which block, sector and offset in the card. Formed in 1982, DED Limited is based in Lydd, Kent. The ensuing years have seen the company grow to become a leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of: ‘Specialist’ - Kiosk/Receipt/Label/Ticket - Printers, PoS Equipment, CCD and Barcode Scanners, Magnetic and Smart Card Readers & Writers, Cash Drawers, Pole Displays, Plastic Card Printers and Touchscreen Terminals. Accredited by NQA to the BS EN ISO 9001:2000 Quality Standard, DED is a major distributor for a number of world-class companies such as: Star Micronics, Eltron, Magicard, Metrologic, Axiohm, Posiflex, Vibrant, Nippon Primex, Data Modul, Neuron and N5 Software.
The critical role played by steel fire doors and appropriate hardware
by DHF technical officer, Ray Nowell
Fire resisting doors form an integral part of any fire strategy to protect life and property in industrial and commercial premises. They are required to prevent the spread of flame and maintain the integrity of compartment walls for a designated period of time. The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) represents the leading manufacturers of industrial and commercial steel fire resisting doors and shutters, building hardware and architectural ironmongery. In this article it describes the types of steel fire resisting doors available, gives advice on the correct design and installation, and makes recommendations for their correct inspection and maintenance. It also emphasises the vital contribution the correct door hardware specification makes to the performance and reliability of fire resisting doors. British and European standards require that industrial and commercial fire doors are tested to survive for between 30 minutes and four hours, depending on where the door is sited. The design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of fire resisting doors are all equally important factors, since a failure in any one area could lead to the door being ineffective in preventing the spread of fire. Steel fire doors and shutters can be divided into several types. Fire resisting rolling shutters are ideal for situations where effective fire resistance is required together with an unobtrusive appearance. They are designed for use on openings in compartment walls to restrict the spread of fire from one area to another. Made of steel and capable of operating vertically or horizontally, they are very robust and can also act as security doors. They offer fire protection of up to four hours according to the specification required. One piece sliding doors - up to 8m high by 4m wide are often used where the opening is too large for a traditional hinged door, or where there is a need to protect particularly valuable stock against the risk of fire. They are available with a fire resistance rating of up to four hours. Hinged doors, available in singles or as pairs, are usually specified for smaller openings up to 9m". They are normally supplied as a complete doorset. Similarly, these doorsets are tested for fire resistance of up to four hours. Steel fire resisting doors are made to withstand temperatures in excess of 1200¡C. In fact temperatures can exceed 600oC within 10 minutes - the melting point of aluminium - so the materials used must be appropriate to requirements. Correct design of the fire resisting door is, therefore, critical. For example, under extreme heat, wide vertical fire shutters can distort significantly. To prevent a failure, the coil casing or hood must be correctly designed and support straps may be required. Steel fire resisting doors are designed to expand in the event of fire to seal gaps around the door/frame interface and prevent flames transferring from one side of an opening to another. Careful analysis and calculation is required to ensure that the relevant parts of the door work effectively. All fire resisting doors should be fitted with a controlled door-closing device (unless the door is kept locked shut). Remote closure of doors, where they close upon receiving a signal from a fire alarm, is common. In a situation where people are liable to be trapped or hurt by doors closing in an uncontrolled manner, there are rules governing the closing force of vertically operated doors. Audio and/or visual warning systems to indicate doors are closing, or door delay devices, need to be specified. Ensure that your door supplier offers third party accreditation and product certification, both of which provide complete traceability through the labelling applied to the product. This gives a significant degree of comfort to the specifier who wants to ensure the correct design and installation of fire resisting doors. Once fitted and in use, manufacturers, building owners and managers must be aware of their inspection and maintenance obligations under both Health and Safety legislation and the Building Regulations. Reputable manufacturers of fire resisting doors and shutters provide clear operating and maintenance manuals which prescribe the maintenance periods for each type of door. They can also provide logbooks for recording operational tests and completed maintenance. It is good practice and sound common sense for building owners and managers to comply with the manufacturers' installation and maintenance requirements. They will not be able to rely on manufacturers' warranties if they have not undertaken the appropriate operational testing and maintenance. The importance of regular testing cannot be over emphasised. Any fire resisting door which fails to close could invalidate the fire strategy for a building. Specifiers and manufacturers should be aware of the various standards and pieces of legislation that govern the correct specification and testing of fire doors. These include: England and Wales Building Regulations Approved Document B; BS 476- 22 or BS EN 1634-1 and similar documents in Northern Ireland and Scotland; CE marking in accordance with the European Machinery Directive when power operated; Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992; and the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997. Do not underestimate the importance of selecting the correct door hardware when assessing the performance of fire resisting doors. The successful performance of a fire-resisting door or doorset for a life time performance in normal use or in a fire depends not only on the door leaf but also on the components which allow the door leaf to fulfil its function of filling the door space. The DHF stresses that it is critical for the door hardware to be fully compatible with its surrounding materials. Because there is such a wide variety of door hardware products there is the danger that a product can be selected which is of a lower quality than that included in the original fire resistance test. The specification of good quality door hardware products, to the appropriate BS EN, preferably CE Marked or Third Party Certified, ensures that the door can open and close fully, lock or latch as required and at the same time maintain its integrity enabling it to perform correctly as an effective barrier if fire breaks out. The products that play a key role in the efficient performance of a fire-resisting door assembly are hinges, door closing devices and locks or latches. Each item of door hardware should be supported by a current satisfactory test report giving the building hardware product specification and, if available, a third party test report which is relevant to that particular product. Each one should also have a current fire resistance test report showing its inclusion in a successful fire resisting test preferably carried out under BS EN 1634-1. In all door assemblies, installation of door hardware products is important, as unsuitable or incorrect fixings may lead to early failure. It is essential to ensure there is sufficient body in any door leaf and frame to accommodate the door hardware. Doorset and door assembly manufacturers and suppliers are expected to take this into account but when components are supplied to site from separate sources, there is less likelihood of such co-ordination. It is the responsibility of the specifier and the purchaser/installer to ensure the installation is correct. Again, specification from a DHF member company is the comfort factor here for the specifier or installer. Regular maintenance of all supporting door hardware is essential. Ensure the supplier provides a comprehensive maintenance schedule. Door hardware is one of the most advanced sectors of the construction industry. It has seven harmonised European Standards which either already qualify for CE marking or are nearing time for inclusion. CE marked door hardware products should always be selected as they will meet the requirements of UK law and the European Construction Products Directive. The Association of Building Hardware Manufacturers, and the Door and Shutter Manufacturers' Association, which make up the DHF, have a wide variety of publications available to give further guidance on legislation. These include the CD-ROM Locks and Hardware -Your Guide to the CE Mark and the DSMA's Codes of Practice for Fire Resisting Metal Doorsets and Fire Resisting Rolling Shutters. One final thought: when preparing any specification, or considering approving alternative products: do not compromise on essential door fittings. There is always a cheaper alternative available, but ask the question, is it of the same quality and required performance? If not, lives could be put at risk and the reputation of your company could be seriously damaged
The Danger In Tall Storeys
Honeywell Report Highlights Weaknesses in Safety Procedures Among City-Based Companies
As the Capital's buildings reach further and further towards the sky, a survey commissioned by Honeywell has revealed that only half of City businesses would be able to locate their staff in the event of an emergency.
Recently proposed buildings like the Sir Nicholas Grimshaw-designed Minerva Tower, which will tower 217-metre above our heads, and Renzo Piano's proposed 309-metre London Bridge Tower - which will dwarf the Capital's current tallest building, One Canada Square - point towards an increasingly crowded London skyline. The proliferation of tall buildings and the huge numbers of people who will be encased within them - 4,000 people work in One Canada Square - calls into sharp focus the need for more efficient safety procedures.
The Honeywell research was carried out among a random sample of 100 companies with more than 200 employees in the City. It revealed that whilst the vast majority of companies (95%) considered their evacuation procedures to be effective, based on their experience of regular evacuation drills, less than 50% of companies had any automated evacuation systems in place. Three quarters of City companies expect their employees to be responsible for knowing the whereabouts of their colleagues in the event of an emergency.
Furthermore, many major companies admit serious difficulties in implementing a comprehensive disaster recovery schemes with few large organisations possessing the capability to continue operating effectively in the event of a disaster.
Andy Brierley, Honeywell Automation & Control Solutions Service, said: "This research highlights the reality that many big businesses have little or no automated evacuation procedure in place to cope with the unexpected - less than half can confidently locate their staff in an emergency. Whilst companies have implemented a procedure for evacuation and tested it, only 44% have been proactive in automating it. These are critical issues for large companies."
The Dangers of oil
If you think oil pollution is all about ruptured tankers and oil slicks – think again. The majority of oil pollution incidents happen right here in our towns and cities. Whilst the majority aren’t deliberate, they more often than not stem form avoidable accidents.
Take a car park, add some vehicles, throw in a really good shower of rain and let stand for a while. Oil and pollutants have mixed with the rainwater, and the now polluted rainwater is on its way to poison our watercourses. You’d be surprised how little oil is needed to cause a pollution incident and how easily it can happen.
Richard Maile, Thames Region Environment Protection Officer of The Environment Agency recently commented at length on the problem. Highlighting the fact that oil is a highly visible form of pollution on watercourses he made it clear that even the smallest amount of oil can cause a lot of harm. In fact five litres of oil is enough to cover a small lake! This kind of oil pollution accounts for one quarter of all incidents reported to the Environment Agency each year, resulting in an average of over 6,000 incidents per annum.
Sadly oil pollution of fresh waters has grown in recent years, causing harm to wildlife, damage to rivers and disruption to water supplies. Under the Water Resources Act 1991 it’s an offence to cause pollution of controlled waters either deliberately or accidentally. In the UK controlled waters include rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, canals, coastal, waters, estuaries and groundwater - groundwaters are any waters contained in underground layers, including soils. Of these, groundwater is the largest available reservoir of fresh water, it is therefore in all our interests to protect it –in fact about a third of the public water supply comes from groundwater.
A frequent misconception is that groundwater is some kind of underground river, in fact groundwater is found in permeable rock layers known as “aquifers” It’s generally very clean and requires little or no treatment before being used, making it a very cheap source of ‘raw water’ for public supply. We should be very concerned if groundwaters become polluted because they can be extremely difficult to clean since the flow of water is slow, which means the water can potentially remain polluted for a very long time
The Environment Agency has a duty to protect our controlled waters from pollution so they have drawn up Pollution Prevention Guidelines in line with European Standards to help businesses avoid pollution incidents. However companies shouldn’t view this as just an issue of conscience and responsibility to the environment, preventative oil pollution measures can also reduce waste management costs and furthermore make a positive contribution to a company’s image, especially those companies applying for ISO14001 accreditation (demonstrating best environmental practices)
The importance of Oil Separators (Interceptors)
So what stops the oil and pollutants in every day rainwater from entering our controlled waters? The answer is Oil Separators otherwise known as Interceptors. Oil Separators are installed in surface water drainage systems to protect controlled waters from oil and other pollutants, which may be present due to minor leaks from vehicles, or accidental spillage, or illegal tipping. Oil contaminated rainwater - “Run off” - from impermeable areas such as car parks and transport standing areas, contain contaminants that would pollute controlled waters, if they were allowed to flow freely through surface water drainage systems without being intercepted by Separators.
The type of separator needed depends on the risk of pollution. In general, the Separator removes the oil and retains it in an individual chamber before allowing the treated harmless water to pass through.
Although Oil Separators have been in use since the 1970’s, The Environment Agency is still reporting an alarming number of oil pollution incidents. To improve the situation, the new standard EN 858 – 2 was written to make the owners of Oil Separators responsible for their maintenance.
Richard Maile once again offered his thoughts on the matter.
“Many of these (oil pollution incidents) can be attributed to separators installed in drainage systems that under perform due to their poor design, are incorrectly installed or not serviced properly. It is important to recognise that oil separators require regular maintenance in order to prevent oil pollution. Routine inspection should be undertaken at least every six months by experienced personnel, in accordance with manufactures instruction and with reference to the new EN858 European Standards and Environment Agency PPG3”
Conder, the UK’s largest manufacturer of Oil Separators, have significantly invested in the manufacture and testing of European Standard EN 858 compliant Oil Separators, However it is recognised that installing a compliant system won’t prove that best pollution protection practices are in place unless the system is regularly inspected and serviced to ensure top performance – as the Environment Agency have made it clear in their latest guidelines.
The new standard assumes though, that Facilities Managers, and indeed anyone with an Oil Separator unit installed, knows the ins and outs of this kind of technology – which is after all not the most well-known instruments of the Facility Management world. Conder already had strong links with the environment agency and they knew of the struggle that many Oil Separator owners had arranging maintenance contracts.
With Environment Agency encouragement and over thirty years of expertise, Conder launched a new nationwide company – Cerva, fully equipped with services designed to satisfy the forthcoming Standard, and offering clients a range of services specifically designed for all makes of Oil Separator.
The Managing Director of Cerva, Robert Turner, said: “The onus is on companies to ensure that they are maintaining high standards when it comes to Oil Separators. The range of services we offer takes the environmental pressures surrounding Oil Separators away from companies and we provide a log of work completed for environmental inspection”
PR EN858-2 also requires the Separator to be submitted to a structural survey every five years to inspect the tightness of the system and the state of the inbuilt parts and coatings. The standard continues to cover Alarms – automatic monitoring devices to warn of excessive depths of pollutants. Alarms are important because they can monitor oil, liquid and silt, activating when danger levels are reached. Silt is the grit that accumulates at the bottom of the Separator. High silt levels can cause major problems because it affects the filters and safety devices, which will prevent the Separator from working properly. Installing an alarm is a good idea, however, again it’s vital that the alarm is fitted, tested and commissioned by a competent installer and subsequently serviced regularly along with the Oil Separator
Cerva say:“Once installed properly, an Alarm provides an added bonus because it will be activated once ninety per cent of the oil storage volume is reached telling you exactly when you need to call out your waste management company. Some of our customers have saved up to fifty per cent on their waste management costs”
Possible EA action
The signs of oil pollution are obvious and once an incident is reported EA officials can trace the pollution back to the source. Along with prosecution, a fine and court costs, oil pollution incidents can require lengthy clean up operations. The offender foots the clean up bill and is required to restock rivers if fish have died. Regrettably it doesn’t end there, further damage can be caused to a business’s image through the negative press that follows. The Environment Agency may feature cases on its website, or cases may appear in the many publications that dedicate a section purely to prosecutions, such as the Environment Times. Meanwhile larger companies have the might of the national press to worry about and the subsequent knock on effects that this kind of exposure can bring.
So in conclusion, good environmental practices are good for your business. It’s in everyone’s interest to look after Oil Separators because if they work efficiently, the risk of pollution incidents and the associated bad press are minimised, the risk of clean up costs and expensive fines are avoided. It’s perhaps since the release of new guidelines and standards that Facilities Managers will find out much on the subject of oil pollution.
Oil pollution is happening much of the time in a number of places you would not expect it. Through the correct use, and maintenance of Oil Separators, another passage of oil into our water system can be successfully blocked
The Facilities Show
With unprecedented demand from exhibiting companies, this year's Facilities Show, running from 17 - 19 May 2005 the NEC Birmingham has completely sold out of stand space. The increase in the number of exhibiting companies on the 2004 event promises to offer visitors more to see and further opportunity to source FM needs, meet new suppliers and discuss requirements. Delivering access to over 80 leading exhibitors, the impressive line-up of leading companies will showcase the range latest products and services for Facilities Managers. The event is aimed squarely at the facilities management professional, presenting everything from the latest products and services to solutions to the multi-faceted workplace issues that affect today's FMs. Accordingly the event offers visitors the opportunity to network with fellow professional and presents various development opportunities across the adjoining shows. On more practical level visitors will be able to find new ways to stretch their budgets and liaise with key industry bodies, the event enjoys the full support of the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) (stand D17). As visitors to previous shows will know, The Facilities Show sits alongside events that serve the fire, health & safety, and security industries. Facilities managers will also find lots that will appeal to them at these neighbouring events. Of particular interest to facilities managers is a free seminar theatre dedicated solely to asbestos-related issues and backed by the major asbestos bodies, takes place in adjoining event Safety & Health Expo. Experts from across the industry line up in a programme of seminar sessions covering the entire process from detection to removal of asbestos. Featuring over 250 companies ranging from training organisations, H&S consultants, PPE manufacturers and asbestos removers, Safety & Health Expo also lines up live product demonstrations, briefings on the latest techniques and information on changes to legislation, direct from the HSE and other key bodies. A particularly notable feature of Safety & Health Expo, and one that visitors to The Facilities Show would find it hard to avoid, is The Runway. Set to wow crowds once more this year, with stylish catwalk displays of the latest health & safety products, it's the Expo's undisputed focal point. Companies featured include DuPont Personal Protection, Laerdal Medical Ltd, Slingsby, Seyntex, Panworld Brands and 3M. Perhaps more beneficial to safety-conscious FMs is the 2005 Information Theatre programme, sponsored by Norwich Union Risk Services. It will reflect many of the changes that are due to come into force within the next year. With providers such as sponsor Norwich Union Risk Services and RoSPA involved, these informative sessions will cover topics including selecting PPE, ergonomics, slips & trips and Working at Height legislation. The draft Noise at Work Regulations were published earlier this year and although the final version has yet to be seen, substantial amendments are not expected. The final regulations will be put before Parliament later in 2005 and will take force from February 2006. Aearo (stand G60) will explain how the changes will affect current hearing protection users and the expected 1.1 million new users who will be covered by hearing protection regulation for the first time, during its seminar on the subject. FMs will also be able to survey the latest in security technology at IFSEC. Of particularly interest will be Network Advantage, a feature launched last year with IBM's involvement that showcases the very latest IP and Networks technology, which integrates security systems onto a building's IT network. The Fire Safety Order now fully places the burden of responsibility for fire safety risk assessment on the employer, leaving a new set of legal duties that employers will be obliged to take. Anybody responsible for fire safety within a business will be affected by the new Order. In many cases that includes facilities managers. There will be several free seminars on the subject at International Fire Expo, which also adjoins The Facilities Show and is a biennial event. One is presented by Chubb Fire and will take delegates through the key parts of the proposed Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, exploring the role of the responsible person and explaining the steps towards compliance. The presentation will conclude with a summary of the future communications programme and identify where visitors can access further information. Chubb is also exhibiting at International Fire Expo along with a variety of other specialist providers of fire protection and prevention products. The Facilities Show runs from 17-19 May at the NEC Birmingham. It runs alongside security event IFSEC, Safety & Health Expo and International Fire Expo. Free visitor pre-registration for The Facilities Show is available at www.thefacilitiesshow.com along with the latest exhibitor news and links to the adjoining events. Visitors are able to access the adjoining events for free.
The Facilities Show records record visitor attendance.
Part 1. Highest ABC results for The Facilities Show 2002.
Part 2. The Facilities Show 2001 wins AEO Award.
ABC Results for The Facilities Show 2002
The Facilities Show in May 2002 saw an increase in visitor attendance for the third year in a row. The core of facilities management audience grew by 14% on the 2001 event. The location of the show next to Safety and Health Expo proved a success and of great interest to the crossover of audience who attended the event. Over 6,800 people came through into Facilities Show providing a total audience for the event of 8,406. This audience is highly valued by FM Exhibitors especially due to the increase in safety, health and security issues that are central to FM. Couple this with the fact those facilities managers are also responsible for large areas of budget within these sectors and the result is a winning combination.
The release of ABC figures for 2002 were followed by the announcement that the attendance to the preceding years show was officially recognised an award winner...
Association of Exhibition Organisers Award Winners.
The Facilities Show 2001 was announced as the winner of award for ‘Increased Visitor Attendance at a Trade Show’ category at the AEO Awards ceremony. The awards are independently judged and cover all UK trade and consumer exhibitions.
Event Director, Simon Parker comments: “We are absolutely delighted to gain official recognition for all The hard work that has gone into making The Facilities Show such a success. The award is attributable to The partnerships between CMPi our media partners and our exhibitors who all work tirelessly in promoting The event The challenge now is to ensure we maintain This level of success in future years.
For further information on The Facilities Show and its sister show FM Expo 2002, 22nd - 24th October, Earls Court 2, London please visit www.thefacilitiesshow.com
The Facilities Show 2003, The NEC, Birmingham, 13 - 15th May 2003
The Financial Training Company gets SMART
The Financial Training Company (FTC) is the leading private sector professional accountancy training company. Their continued growth in market share can partly be attributed to their strong, proactive approach to new technology. With thirty years methodology of accountancy training and technological support, FTC has developed an “Accelerated learning model”. Despite having been on the market for over ten years, and with the majority of schools using the technology, the corporate sector are now beginning to appreciate the benefits of the interactive whiteboard technology. Research into the psychology of training reveals that interactive learning results in the students learning the application and synthesis of concepts much faster and more effectively (Wiggins & Ruthmann 2002). With the benefits of interactive learning being proven in the education sector, the Corporate Training Market was an obvious sector to trail the technology. The SMART Board? interactive whiteboard allows trainers to interact more readily with the audience without being restricted by the location of their laptop or the need to move from the front of the class to update the presentation. Stuart Pedley-Smith Senior lecturer and Head of FTC’s Accelerated Learning programme, explains “the implementation of the interactive whiteboards have provided two distinct benefits for our business. By using this sort of technology, clients can see that we are a dynamic company that take our facilities seriously. We are the market leaders in the field of accountancy training and therefore the implementation of this kind of technology allows us to keep pushing the boundaries of training. Secondly SMART Technology? supports our learning philosophy that we have developed over thirty years of accountancy training experience”. Darren Pitt of suppliers Matrix, explains “when looking for an interactive training solution for The Financial Training Company we wanted to offer a system which allowed them to increase the ways their students could attain information – the SMART Board? was the obvious solution” As Stuart explains “Although the technology is new and exciting, the concept remains the same. Our purpose is to ensure that students pass their examinations and anything that helps them achieve this has to be good”.
The Future’s Bright for Construction Grads
Building, architecture and civil engineering graduates are much more likely to find employment shortly after finishing university than those graduating from IT and business related disciplines, according to research published in The Times Good University Guide.
The data, which lists by subject the percentage of graduates entering graduate employment and those embarking on further study, indicates that medicine (and associated courses such as nursing and dentistry) is the only area of study providing better employment prospects than the construction related subjects.
Building comes top of the construction class, with 82% of graduates finding ‘graduate employment’; that is they have a job within six months of graduating that requires a degree, based on the average level of qualifications held by employees in that occupation.
A further 6% of building graduates undertake further study.
A slightly lower 79% of civil engineering graduates enter graduate employment with 10% pursuing further studies, whilst the figures for architecture shape up at 65% and 26% respectively.
This is not necessarily surprising as it is common knowledge that there are plenty of jobs in construction and not nearly enough graduates being generated to fill them.
Whilst the situation seems to have turned a corner, there are still some courses that are struggling to recruit sufficient students in order to operate, as illustrated in a study commissioned by the CIOB last year, which found that viability of courses was found to be the biggest threat to construction programmes.
What is particularly interesting however, is the comparatively low rate of employment success amongst graduates in IT and business related disciplines. Of all those leaving university with a degree in computer sciences or business management, just 56% and 62% respectively are entering graduate employment, with further study being undertaken by less than 10% in both cases. And graduates with languages fair even worse; only 46 % of German graduates and 39% of French graduates find a job within six months in which they can utilize their degree education.
With tuition fees likely to rise dramatically from 2006, students must look to the future when choosing a degree course. If they want good job prospects and the ability to begin paying off the debts accrued during study immediately, then building, architecture or engineering should make their shortlist.
Alan Crane Chairman of the CIOB Presidential Commission on Construction Education2 applauded the research, commenting “At long last we have evidence to demonstrate to young people that there are excellent job prospects for them in the construction industry. This is a battle we have been fighting for years.
“Furthermore, the research indicates that the links between education providers and employers are improving. This is crucial for the future of the industry, in order that employers get a workforce with the skills and experience that they require.”
The future’s green for Hartlepool Borough Council
In an important move to improve its energy efficiency, Hartlepool Borough Council has purchased 1.23GWh of green energy from npower major business accounts (mba).
Underlining its commitment to help combat the impact of climate change and the drain on depleting fossil fuels, the council has signed a one year contract for npower mba to provide 100% green electricity to its Civic Centre. This means that the Centre will be run entirely on energy generated from renewable sources such as wind farms and hydro stations.
George Hind, Energy Manager for Hartlepool Borough Council comments:
“A key target for Hartlepool Borough Council is the increased use of cheap, reliaible and environmentally-friendly sources of energy. I’m delighted that this contract with npower enables the Council to obtain all of its energy needs for the Civic Centre from sources which do not destroy our environment.”
Chris Allen, sales director, npower mba commented “With the clock ticking for achieving the Government’s emission trading targets, it is encouraging to see that organisations like Hartlepool Borough Council are committed to improving the environment through energy measures.”
Richard Flint, Account Manager, npower mba added “We are delighted that the council has taken this step towards a greener future and hope that it triggers further demand in the region for renewable energy.”
The grass is greener at Key
Bring the outdoors inside with a variety of artificial grasses on offer from Key Industrial Equipment, the UK’s largest industrial solutions provider through their new product catalogue (page 132) and via their web shop www.keyind.co.uk.
Astroturf, the world-renowned artificial grass is a high performance, loose-laid anti-fatigue mailing that is suitable for almost any location, for domestic or industrial use.
Manufactured from a low-density polyethylene, Astroturf is abrasion resistant and is available in a range of attractive colours, classic green, red, slate grey or black. Mailing is held firmly in place by an anti-creep backing made of ethylene vinyl acetate.
Green Keeper, a highly durable, deluxe artificial grass mailing is manufactured from 100% ribbon polypropylene which is solution dyed for superior colour fastness in grass green, black/grey or blue.
Resistant to all weathers and easy to clean, Green Keeper is tough enough to be used as entrance mailing and is supplied in rolls or mats with an anti-trip border and a black vinyl backing.
To order, make sales enquiries or request information about any Key products, visit www.keyind.co.uk, call 0845-6040 660 or order through free fax number 0800-373-030.
The heating engineers essential guide to air conditioning from Powrmatic
A completely new technical manual has been published by Powrmatic covering its heat pump based range of air conditioning equipment. Designed to provide customers with comprehensive information on specification, installation and commissioning, Powrmatic believe its new manual will become 'the bible' for heating engineers wishing to develop into air conditioning. Running to some 40 page in total and designed primarily for use amongst Powrmatic's customer base of registered installers, the manual provides a technical overview of each Powrmatic model in the range, its cooling and heating performance, technical specification, plus a highly detailed and illustrated step-by-step guide to product installation, testing and commissioning. Throughout the manual, schematic illustrations are used extensively to guide the reader through all installation procedures, in an easy to follow, step-by-step format. Specific sections cover installation layouts, installing indoor and outdoor units, circuit diagrams, pipe work connections, pressure testing, charging of refrigerant, commissioning the system and recovery of refrigerant. Powrmatic believe this is the most comprehensive document of its type currently available and, when used in conjunction with the company's own air conditioning training courses, will enable engineers to install products efficiently, safely and of course profitability! Powrmatic run a range of residential training courses (2 and 5 day) from their purpose designed training centre at Ilminster, Somerset. Under the direction of course tutor, Martin Hook, all courses are CITB approved and are split into a series of modules. The 2 day modules costs just £250.00, whilst the full 5 day multiple course is £625.00 (excluding accommodation). Powrmatic are now in the unique position of being able to provide a total programme to heating engineers wishing to benefit from the increasing demand for air conditioning. From their highly efficient product range, which represents remarkable value for money, through specialist training to on-going customer support and technical back up, Powrmatic can now provide the total solution and copies of the new technical manual are freely available from Powrmatic direct.
The Integrus from Bosch provides Infra-Red language distribution without distortion
The new Integrus from Bosch Security Systems is the world’s first hilly digital infra-red audio language distribution system for conferences and venues including simultaneous translation applications. Representing a major investment by Bosch in audio communications technology, Integrus uses infrared communications to provide high-quality wireless language distribution which is completely immune to distortion from hall lighting or other sources of interference. It is also simple to install and interfaces with other systems including Bosch’s advanced DCN Concentus digital congress system. Integrus is ideal for congress and conference centres, universities, international organisations, local and national governments chambers or wherever simultaneous interpretations take place - and even museums and multi-media entertainment applications requiring several languages. The most remarkable aspect of the Integrus is its very high sound quality. By using a higher frequency band (2 to 6 MHz) it operates way beyond the reach of all types of hall lighting. Furthermore, a much higher signal/noise ratio, plus in-built error correction, gives a crystal clear signal throughout the venue. This loss-free transmission means sound comes out exactly as it goes in, which improves speech intelligibility and therefore leads to greater listening comfort. Users equipped with headphones and a small receiver unit can receive clear speech in any selected language anywhere in the room, even when moving around. Integrus is also the world’s first infra-red language distribution system to fully comply with the IEC 61603 Industry standard for transmission in the 2 to 6 MHz frequency band. The Integrus wireless receivers have a built-in facility for checking radiator coverage, so no extra test equipment is required. During installation, the receivers can be carried around the venue to measure the signal strength at any point. Coloured LEDs indicate whether the received signal is sufficiently strong. Integrus is also easy to connect to other systems. It links up to the DCN (Digital Congress Network) to keep the entire congress proceedings in the digital domain, bringing far greater control and the simplicity of single-cable distribution of all data and power. It can be used with discussion system CCS 800 for smaller meetings. And it also interfaces easily with virtually any other brand of congress system. All system elements are easy to interconnect and configure. The heart of the Integrus system is a central unit, which interfaces with congress and interpretation systems. A master/slave mode allows distribution of interpretations to adjacent rooms. The central unit is hardwired to infra-red radiators, which can be mounted on the ceiling, wall or a floor stand by means of an optional bracket. The Integrus is part of the successful DCN range (formerly Philips CSI), which supports discussion, presentations, decision-making and information distribution. The DCN is ideal in situations ranging from small-scale meetings to major international congresses with thousands of delegates.
The IVS Group achieves Secure Car Park Award for Worcester City Council
The IVS Group, the UK’s leading provider of complete security solutions, has just completed the final stages of a £100k project to achieve Secure Car Park status for the St Martins Gate multi story car park in Worcester. The Secure Park Award was formally presented on 16 March 2004 and is subject to an annual review following regular inspections by independent experts. The security project carried out by the IVS Group was funded by the Council’s Secure Car Park fund and involved installing over 50 static CCTV cameras throughout the car park, in order to bring added security to local residents, workers, city centre visitors and shoppers. All CCTV images at the 796-space St Martins Gate car park are now digitally recorded 24x7 from the 50 cameras positioned in prime locations. Footage is relayed from the car park to a central control room within the police station, and operatives can summon and refer to incidents at the touch of a button, as well as monitor all vehicles and pedestrians entering and leaving the car park. Commenting on the Award, John Hodgkinson, chief executive of the IVS Group said: “IVS has been involved in the St Martins Gate project from conception through to completion and we are delighted to achieve Secure Park status for what is the largest car park within the City. We have been working with Worcester City Council on their Best Value Improvement Plan for a number of years and are now recognised as their preferred CCTV contractor”. The new security measures are part of an overall £500K refurbishment project of the 16 year-old car park to add new patrols, a dedicated caretaker, colour-coded floors, paint treatment on walls and ceilings in the car park and the stairwells, water proofing to the top-storey, and anti-skid surfacing on all floors. Worcester City Council Parking Manager, Paul Kyte, commented: “Crime and the fear of crime has been a problem over the years not only at this site, but also within all multi-storey car parks generally. It is important for the City Council to achieve recognition for the steps it has taken to improve security and visibility at St Martins Gate and their ongoing commitment to reducing the incidence and fear of crime throughout the City Centre”. The association of chief police officers (ACPO) launched the Secure Car Parks scheme in 1992 as part of their ‘Secured by Design’ Initiative to encourage those responsible for car parks to improve security standards as a means of reducing criminal activity. The objective of the award is to certify those car parks that introduce effective measures to create safe and secure environments, thereby reducing public fear and restricting opportunities for crime.
The leading AV Hire company wow with star service
Steljes Hire impress with their handling of the Fame Academy Series Leading Audio Visual Hire Company, Steljes Hire has recently impressed their clients at Initial Ltd, with the record speed and professionalism of their service during its support of the BBC's Celebrity Fame Academy. In the series, a brand new Academy including BBC1, BBC3 and CBBC Studios were set up in Tooley Street SE1 in an old grammar School with the priceless back drop Tower Bridge Steljes Hire supplied a range of Plasma Screens, to the main set where they were scattered around the Academy Mansion, and in the BBC Studios. Steljes Hire particularly impressed Initial with the fact that they could rig the equipment on a quick turnaround and that the account managers were always willing and available to supervise the management of all jobs. Philippe Luzy, Unit Manager of Comic Relief Does Fame Academy 2005 production company Initial Ltd explains. "Flexibility is so important in this business. When budgets are getting tighter and we have less time to achieve more, we need someone who can support that. Steljes consistently do this. They understand our needs and are always flexible about time and price, whilst never compromising the quality of the service. It is refreshing to work with a company where a competitive price comes with quality of service. We will continue to use them for future production including "The Match" on Sky in the near future." Eddie Bance Director of Steljes Hire concludes, "We are very pleased to be recognised for the quality of our service. Our clients consistently proclaim that it is their confidence in our ability and the levels of our service that has convinced them that they are working with the "best of breed rental organisation."
The Long and the Short of Contract Hire
In an ideal world, the financial benefits of leasing would be available on a completely flexible basis for all products regardless of the value or it’s life span. Steljes Hire is unique in bringing this world to a growing number of enlightened organisations. In large organisations where many different people are involved in purchasing, it is difficult to keep budgets under control. This is particularly the case when buying expensive electronic display and presentation equipment such as data/video projectors, plasma screens, Interactive cabinets and plasma overlays. Such presentation products are a major capital purchase, but with the current rapid rates of technological development, they can be obsolete in a matter of months. Add to this the sheer volume of presentations, conferences and exhibitions taking place during the year, together with high depreciation rates, and your budget can easily get out of control. While rental schemes are ideal in supporting short term product requirements, for events for example, the financial benefits of hiring AV and IT products over a longer term would be significant if they were available. Until recently long term leasing of such products has not been available despite the benefits. “Steljes Contract Hire” has been designed to bridge this gap between short and long term hire. Steljes Hire, based in London, is a division of the Steljes Group, the UK’s leading trade distributor of audiovisual and electronic presentation equipment. Steljes Hire own large fleets of state of the art audiovisual equipment and all the associated products. Excellent relationships with supplying manufacturers and of course with its distribution sister company, promotes flexibility and negates pricing and volume issues. Recognising the gap in the rental market, Steljes Hire created “Steljes Contract Hire,” with which large organisations such the University of Nottingham are achieving substantial benefits. “Steljes Contract Hire” is unique in its flexibility in allowing companies to rent its core products such as projectors and Plasma Screens on mid to long term rolling contracts of between six months and three years. In 1999 Eddie Bance, Director of Steljes Hire, forged a partnership with Wyse Leasing in order to offer corporate clientele a flexible long term rental contract solution, Wyse leasing being one of the UK’s largest independent computer leasing companies. As Jeremy Hall, Managing Director at Wyse Leasing explains, “The contract Hire option through Steljes, is, in my experience a unique offer, with extensive financial benefits to clients.” The most immediate benefit is the flexibility of Steljes Hire’s products. Whether an organisation requires a range of projectors for a specific six month project, or whether a company’s objective is to ensure that their technological install base is always leading edge, Steljes Contract Hire offers a tailored solution. Taking the example of a company requiring audio visual products for a time lined project, the primary benefit of Contract Leasing is the removal of the high initial investment. From day one, the client can plan exactly for their monthly costs. The fact that Steljes Hire’s Contract Leasing is based on the residual value, adds to the financial gain. Being based solely on the cost of depreciation of the products, any loss from an unforeseen decrease in final value is carried by Steljes Hire. The rental programmes help clients plan their expenditure, making it easy to balance budgets. Regardless of the longevity of well manufactured audio visual products, their state-of-the-art standing is short lived. Within eighteen months, they are deemed to be dated, and potentially inefficient. Steljes Hire’s Contract Lease is used by organisations not only for the financial benefits already stated, but also to ensure the latest technology is always in place. The option of a technology refresh, within the contract, guarantees that regardless of the term of the contract, the most up to date technology will be in place. The Steljes portfolio includes the most up-to-date LCD and DLP projectors, the largest flat screen plasma displays, TFT screens and sound equipment. The rental fleet is constantly updated in line with developments in technology. Capital investment decisions are critical to the financial viability of all organisations. Key to this decision is not just what to invest in, but how to finance the investment. Even for cash rich companies, leasing and finance options provide a wide range of business benefits - from taxation savings and budgetary control to maintaining existing lines of credit or working capital. Peter Anstey, Operations Manager at the National College of School Leadership (NCSL) was broad enough in his thinking to look outside of simply purchasing the numerous IT products needed each year. The NCSL’s offices spread across the UK, host meetings and new academic year briefings. Peter wanted to test the principle of using presentation products at each venue, prior to purchase. Initially, he therefore arranged a three month lease of the products through Steljes Hire and Wyse Leasing. NCSL are now in their second term of a 12 month £100,000 lease. Peter explains: “Not only did the Contract Leasing agreement give me the opportunity to evaluate the benefit of the products prior to investment, but once the decision had been made, the on-going financial payback of Contract Leasing has been considerable.” “Our Contract Lease is going down very well with many companies that have a clear need for using products over a longer period of time, but don’t want to buy, and can’t lease under a conventional lease,” explains Eddie Bance. “The key benefits are its flexibility, allowing the customer to have all the cost efficient benefits of owning their own equipment, but on a rental contract. The lease involves just a single piece of paper, an easy concept to sell and to administer.” Looking forward to 18th August, when the Waster Electric Electrical Emission (WEEE) directive comes into practice, owners of AV and IT products will be responsible for their environmentally friendly disposal. With Steljes Hire having the responsibility for this disposal, the benefits of their Contract Lease multiplies further.
The mailroom: The hub of any organisation
It may be the era of digital communication but the mailroom continues to be the hub of any organisation.
The advance of the ‘paperless office’ has yet to materalise and seems further away than ever. This is especially prevalent in the larger office where the continuous flow of documents such as cheques, legal documents and invoices have failed to be replaced by digital alternatives.
Efficiency is the key in any busy environment and the postroom is no exception. As a critical part of the internal running of the company the mailroom deserves greater focus than is currently received.
An efficient mailroom relies on quality mailroom equipment to ensure maximum efficiency through streamlined workflows. The benefits of a well thought out postroom can stretch from a safer working environment to the reduction of costly manual labour.
Health and Safety in the mailroom is an increasingly topical issue. In response to this Envosort has developed its ‘Mailroom Maintenance Service’ - a mailroom health check based on a series of health and safety check points. It questions a number of issues such the suitability of the equipment in use and the correct operating heights for employees.
Timely delivery, and the quick and accurate handling of mail are all key to business success. These can all be greatly improved through the careful consideration of the workflows and processes which exist within the mailroom environment. Envosort offer a free design and consultancy service which involves the onsite discussion of all these processes within the mailroom. These are then used to produce a CAD layout showing suggestions of where to position sort frames, benching and trolley’s as to optimise efficiency.
Envosort has also recently become a distributor of ITW Envopak pouches and security seals, allowing them to provide a complete solution for all mailroom needs.
For an opportunity to view Envosort products and services visit them in Newcastle at the Mailroom Innvovations exhibition February 19/20th 2003.
The Maltron trackball keyboard
A new model of the successful two handed Maltron keyboard incorporates a track ball in the central pad between the thumb key groups of the unique Maltron design. This position of the trackball allows it to be used by the thumb of either hand as preferred.
In the new "F" model, the action buttons are placed just behind the trackball so that the thumb of one hand can hold the trackball in position while a finger of the other hand is used to press the appropriate button.
The group of three buttons is arranged horizontally so that the centre one is a “right hand” mouse button and the two either side are “left hand” buttons. This symmetrical arrangement ensures that either hand can be used with equal ease as preferred and the accurate and careful positioning of the ball is not disturbed when operating the action buttons.
The stress relieving design of MALTRON keyboards has already enabled around 2000 sufferers from keyboard related pain RSI or CTS (Repetitive Strain Injury or Carpel Tunnel Syndrome) problems to return to work with career prospects recovered.
The new combination is a significant step in overcoming problems from mice as well.
To learn to use the fully ergonomic Maltron keyboard takes only a quarter of the usual period to the same level of skill. Paper and Computer based training courses are available. A paper based “Qwerty” adaption course is included with every keyboard
The output cable ends in 2 PS2 plugs. The combined keyboard and mouse plug is coloured purple, and suits both Laptops with only 1 input socket, and desk units with 2 sockets. For these, the separate green plug connects to the mouse socket. For USB a dual input adapter is available.
Dimensions:- 433x212x95mm. Wt:- 0.91kg..
The Maxxflo stainless steel condensing storage water heater from Andrews
Andrews Water Heaters introduced for 2005 the Maxxflo stainless steel, high efficiency condensing storage water heater, designed to meet the requirements of today's energy efficient market. This latest addition to the Andrews product portfolio is in line with the demands of the new Building Regulations Part L2. It is expected to take its place alongside the Andrews R300 condensing non-storage water heater range in the Government's Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme. With the heating industry's move to condensing boilers it is obvious that clients will expect water heating equipment to also be condensing. Andrews has therefore taken steps to extend their range of products utilising this technology. The new Maxxflo range of condensing storage water heaters has tank options of 200 and 300 litres capacity each with four output sizes from 30 to 120kW. The high efficiency stainless steel heat exchangers, numbering up to 4 depending on output, pre-mix modulating gas burners and stainless steel tank design allow the heater to generate hot water in the condensing mode up to 80% of the tank volume, producing a nett efficiency of 109%. This will provide numerous solutions in commercial and industrial applications where the storage type of condensing water heater is preferred. Furthermore, the small footprint of the Maxxflo and its multiple flue options enable installation in unusually problematical locations. The stainless steel tank has a single bottom drain, large clean out opening and a built-in anti-legionella feature. The cold water from the base of the tank is fed into the externally mounted heat exchangers and fed to the top of the tank. Therefore, hot water is available instantaneously. The Maxxflo heater temperature can be set between 40 and 70ºC. A digital electronic controller operates the pre-mix fully modulating gas burners fitted to each of the heater modules. The tank temperature, up to 70ºC, is set on the master control. BEMS and other external interfaces are provided. Maxxflo water heaters can be installed as room-sealed balanced flue appliances using concentric flue components supplied by Andrews. Alternatively, conventional flue components that are suitable for condensing appliances can be used where a longer flue run is required.
The McOnie Agency hosts Juice Bar
The MoOnie Agency, a specialist agency within the health & safety, corporate & protective clothing, and emergency services industries is to host a “Juice Bar at this year’s Safety & Health Expo. The Juice Bar will be situated next to “The Runway” - the exciting new addition to Safety & Health Expo, with shows running several times each day presenting a variety of dramatic settings relating to different aspects of industrial safety. “The concept of the Juice Bar has been designed around The McOnie Agency’s corporate colour “orange”, explained Director, Sarah McOnie. “We are raising our profile as a specialist agency within the market and The Juice Bar is an ideal opportunity to promote The McOnie Agency in a fun and relaxing environment.” The Juice Bar is ideally placed right next to The Runway to offer a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice to anyone who needs refreshing whilst watching the show. Sarah explained, “All exhibitors and Show visitors are welcome to come along and purchase a glass of juice, but we will also be operating an “Orange Ticket” scheme, whereby McOnie Agency clients and other invitees can join the team for a free drink!” She continued, “As we have been actively involved with CMP in the development of The Runway and a number of our Clients are exhibiting at the Show and featuring in The Runway, it will be great for The McOnie Agency to be situated right alongside the action. The McOnie Agency Juice Bar not only provides a base where Clients and associates can come for a glass of juice and talk to the team; anyone can drop in for an informal chat to find out more about our services and see some of the work we have produced.” Developed over 15 years, The McOnie Agency has an in-depth, “money-can’t buy” knowledge of the business and markets in which its Clients’ operate. This is why the team is able to achieve short-term goals and long-term results for all its Clients with creative, well-planned and successful pr and marketing campaigns as well as exhibition support and event organisation. The McOnie Agency has an extensive and established network of contacts with media and professionals within the industry. A planned, consistent and co-ordinated pr strategy is planned for each Client incorporating a mix of marketing ideas. This helps to make The McOnie Agency the most recommended PR and Marketing Agency in this specialised marketplace.
The Meadows choose WFP Fire & Security
WFP Fire & Security has been awarded a Three-Year maintenance contract for the Meadows Shopping Centre in Chelmsford. The Meadows is located within the heart of Chelmsford and is often considered to be the premier shopping centre within the local area. WFP’s contract covers; Fire Alarms, Sprinklers, Dry-risers, Fire Extinguishers, Hose-reels and the complex Smoke Ventilation Systems. Derek King (Operations Manager) said: “We are a very busy centre and needed to simplify the process of managing our fire systems. After an extensive selection process we chose WFP Fire & Security’s single source solution and look forward to working with their service support team”.
The National Gallery goes with Leeming Pilkington
The National Gallery in London has signed a rolling contract with specialist catering firm Leeming Pilkington to handle its staff hospitality requirements. This follows a successful 6-month trial period that has resulted in a substantial increase in sales, confirming The National Gallery’s reasoning that it needed a smaller company that could provide a higher level of personal service.
The National Gallery houses one of the greatest collections of European painting in the world and employs in excess of 400 staff. As part of the contract Leeming Pilkington will provide breakfast, lunch and hot beverages for all employees, seven days a week. This will include a full cooked breakfast, sandwiches, and snacks throughout the day with a fresh cooked meal at lunchtime. Once a week an evening meal will be on offer.
Leeming Pilkington will utilise its specialist supplier network to ensure fresh produce and will also take responsibility for all administration issues. They will employ two dedicated catering staff to manage the staff restaurant.
Richard Leeming, co-founder of Leeming Pilkington, said: “The response from the staff at The National Gallery has been really enthusiastic and we are listening carefully the feedback from all levels to make sure we can continue to provide a good service. “
The need for a professional Keyholding response service in the Facilities Management sector?
The most obvious form of security to the general public is the front of house security officer and the inevitable cameras, but in this day and age, there are far more sophisticated systems in use behind the scenes, providing management with important data and up to date 'as it happens' information and observations during times when the building is open for business. But what happens when the staff go home and the premises are closed? What happens when the Intruder Alarm activates? Who is responsible for returning to the premises to deal with the activations? Despite the advances in technology, there is still the necessity for a physical presence. In many cases, it will be a member of staff (quite often a lone female) who as the appointed keyholder, is requested to attend by the Alarm Receiving Centre, within the ACPO recommended time of twenty minutes. Quite often the nominated keyholder (s) will have other keys for the building eg: safe keys or cabinets which hold high value items. If the premises enjoy a level of police response, the keyholder expects to meet the police on arrival. Regrettably this is not always the case. The police may have already checked the location and departed, or their limited resources do not permit an attendance at that time. Whichever, the keyholder is then entering a high risk situation, when attending the premises alone. Keyholding is an enormous responsibility to place on staff, expecting them to be available 24 / 7, interrupting family time and placing restrictions on their free time. Unpleasant and disruptive late night call - outs, along with the uncertainty of what may be encountered, all cause stress and anxiety to staff and family alike. Under the Health & Safety Regulations, many organisations have recognised their obligation of a 'Duty of Care' to their employees and have introduced an alternative method of protecting their property, premises and staff in the event of their intruder alarm activating. The employment of a professional keyholding and response organisation which can meet the requirements of both ACPO and the British Standards in providing a prompt and quality service. It is surely preferable to err on the side of caution when considering the safety of staff, loss of goods or equipment, or equally as important perhaps, loss of trading on the following day. A professional response provides 'Peace of Mind' for both staff and employer. Nikaro receives Investors in People Award In April of 2004, Nikaro announced a restructuring of the business and a move to larger and more prestigious offices in preparation for the continued growth of business anticipated in the future. When asked to comment on the reasons for the changes within the company, Bob Shearsmith, MD, stated that with the imminent arrival of Regulation, possible changes to the Working Time Directive, and the innovative technology available to the security professional, it had been necessary to re-examine the company strategy and structure, in readiness for a period which he believed would see more demand for keyholding and alarm response, especially from those companies able to demonstrate a commitment to service through quality systems, performance and professionalism. The whole of the new management team committed itself to the principles of Investors in People and the Company is now pleased to announce that they have now achieved this most coveted award.
The New 2004 Detection Zone – Can you afford to be without one?
In a number of industries toxic gases, vapours, dusts and particulates emitted into the workplace can be a continuous risk to both personnel and plant. In order to protect workers in these hazardous environments, health & safety regulations insist that the air should be tested and monitored for flammable or toxic substances. To ensure safe working environments, ANACHEM produced the world’s first gas, air, vapour and dust detection bible – “The Detection Zone”. Now available is the New Edition Detection Zone 2004. The Detection Zone offers a comprehensive guide to gas detection, air sampling, fixed and portable monitoring systems with detailed technical information on the best solutions for different applications and the correct usage of equipment. New equipment additions include more low-level toxic gas analysers, a wider range of portable gas alarm monitors, more Gastec tubes and industry specific gas detection kits, plus a new Noise Section advising on noise legislation and measurement. The Detection Zone, available only from Anachem, is instrumental in ensuring safe environments for people who work: with hazardous chemicals in confined spaces in environments where they are exposed to vehicle emissions or welding vapours in oil and gas production in agricultural applications or anywhere where there is a risk of chemical spills or unknown hazardous gases or dusts. Designed to be user-friendly, the navigation pages at the front of each colour-coded section direct you to the products that are best suited for your particular requirement, with ordering information and prices against each product. A host of secondary information on the effects of gases, vapours, dusts and particulates makes the Detection Zone is an invaluable source of information for all health & safety and environmental professionals. The Detection Zone is a single, comprehensive catalogue, containing 150 pages of product information and 1,842 premium products from 15 world-leading manufacturers. With over 30 years’ experience as a specialist supplier to the scientific and health & safety and environmental markets, Anachem’s knowledge of gas detection and its unique range of products is unrivalled. From pre-sale advice and documentation through to full service packages, Anachem offers reliability, an excellent customer focus and the most accurate gas detection equipment.
The New Age Tradesman
Derek Vaughan, Managing Director of one of the UK’ s leading trade associations, The UK Trades Confederation raises the question: “If reputable tradesmen improved their image by becoming more professional, would this stamp out ‘rogue traders’?”
Trying to differentiate between a ‘rogue tradesman’ and a reputable tradesman is not easy for the homeowner; statistics show that over five million homeowners a year feel that they have been ‘ripped off’. Latest figures from the Office of Fair Trading also show that an alarming 100,000 calls are received from furious homeowners each year, making rogue traders the number one complaint in the UK.
So how do reputable tradesmen separate themselves from the rogue traders? Perhaps the answer is to change their approach and image within the industry so that homeowners will be able to recognise a reputable tradesman. Exchanging ‘the pencil behind the ear and builders bum image’ for a laptop and business card to achieve a ‘New Age Tradesman’ image might seem too extreme to the average tradesman but setting standards higher is reachable.
There are many trading associations that will readily accept new members for a fee, however, tradesmen should be looking to join a trading association that requires its members to be vetted before joining. Details of the vetting procedure can then be relayed to potential customers to prove credibility. Gaining a badge of approval from a trading association can also provide entrance to becoming listed on other directories of reputable tradesmen provided by local Trading Departments and organisations such as Age Concern.
Tradesmen should also be aware of homeowner’s contracts that can be downloaded or bought for a minimal cost. Encouraging customers to use a homeowner’s contract demonstrates that the tradesman has the customer’s best interests at heart and confidence in delivering a high level of workmanship.
Technology has provided tradesmen with a whole new way to communicate with customers and market themselves without cold calling. Having a presence online increases opportunities, customers can visit the tradesman’s website and find out about the range of services provided, without feeling pressurised. Having a website also means tradesmen can promote previous examples of work and prove their credibility by providing links to directories where they are registered. Being online also means customers can email tradesmen to inquire about services, as emailing has become the preferred way of communicating.
Of course, not every homeowner has Internet access. For example, how would the elderly homeowner find a reputable tradesman? Again, technology means direct mail can be produced cheaply and easily, and a professional looking flyer listing services can be distributed. To ensure credibility, a phone number of the local Age Concern or Trading Standards Department could be clearly printed so the elderly can verify whether the tradesman is reputable before employing their services.
Delivering good customer service could also raise the profile of tradesmen. On first meeting, a business card showing a fixed address should be presented along with a portfolio that includes details of liability insurance, proof of qualifications, a list of previous customers that can be contacted and details of the approved trading association that they are a member of.
The next opportunity for the tradesman to become more professional is producing typed correspondence on letter-headed stationery, as scribbling a quote on a piece of paper has become unacceptable. Homeowners now expect an itemised quote, a time plan, an itemised invoice and receipts for each payment.
Agreeing payment is perhaps one of the greyest areas, as customers do not like paying cash as they automatically feel the arrangement is not legitimate. Banks and building societies are now looking out for elderly people drawing out unusually large sums of money, thanks to the new initiative pioneered by the Trading Standards Institute. Quite often, rogue tradesmen demand cash payments and will actually accompany the customer to the bank to collect the cash. Tradesmen should be able to accept debit cards, a cheque or should give customers the option to pay online through their website.
Tradesmen have a terrible reputation for being inconsiderate, leaving a mess and drinking umpteen cups of tea when working on a customer’s premises. To improve customer relations, tradesmen need to agree the use of amenities, any security requirements and clean up after themselves. Also, rushing off for a pint before heading home for dinner is another sacrifice that tradesmen could make, as spending a few minutes with the customer to show them what you have done and explaining the materials used, will create a whole new level of communication between the tradesman and customer. On finishing the job, a questionnaire could also be presented to the customer to improve customer relations even further.
Gaining a tick in all the right boxes to become a ‘New Age Tradesman’ may take time but could be a goal for all reputable tradesmen to boost their reputation. Setting a high level of service that totally changes the homeowner’s experience of tradesmen could improve customer relations and reduce the number of complaints. If every reputable tradesman improved their image and level of professionalism through taking these easy steps then they would become in demand, as rogue tradesmen will not be able to compete and homeowners will be able to recognise a ‘New Age Tradesman’ and turn away the rogues.
The New Zebra P6401 from DED Limited
For durable and secure cards that also look good and reflect well on your organisation, the new P6401 from Zebra is set to take the market by storm, offering reliability and superior print quality for the most demanding security applications. The new P640i is not only the lightest and smallest printer/laminator in it's class, but also has the lowest cost consumables for a dual sided laminating printer and the highest production output speed at 120 cards per hour - that's only 30 seconds per card. The P640i's rugged design and construction guarantees reliability for continuous-print applications such as high security access control ID cards for airports, government and students - in fact any security card application requiring more than 5 years use. The patented 'Micro Card' card transport mechanism ensures highly accurate card positioning, resulting in quality colour printing, better edge definition, zero card slippage, increased card printing speed and precision details that are extremely difficult to copy. The dual sided, single pass 'wasteless' laminator not only maximises laminating material but also assures card durability and protects from abrasion, colour fading and, most importantly, alteration. The P640i also offers optional extras such as customisable hologram laminates and embedded security images in the card. But it's the built-in security features of the P640i that really impress. Covert printing capability, which prints text height of less than 15 one thousandths of an inch - obviously too small to read with out magnification - and the ability to print 'grey on grey' images which are also invisible to the naked eye without magnification. Neither of these advanced features can be duplicated. The choice of security ribbons also includes a YMCUvK ribbon, which prints 3 colours plus black and Security UV Ink. Add to all the above features the P640i's bi-directional network capabilities, Windows drivers for 2000 and XP, plus Zebra's unique ID/Key to prevent unauthorised printer use, and ID/Log to build a record of card transactions, and you have one of the most secure and reliable printers available today.
The only way is up – Rackline launches vertical filing system
Businesses requiring fast and constant access to documents are offered an ideal filing solution in Autofiler, a new product launched by Rackline, specialists in complete storage solutions. Autofiler is a high capacity vertical carousel filing system which utilizes the space from floor to ceiling rather than taking up valuable floor space. Because required floor area is kept to a minimum, space rental costs can be kept down. Safe and easy to use, shelves rotate either up or down, requiring minimal physical effort by staff to access documents. Fast retrieval of files is ensured with individual shelves called up using a key pad. Operation by a PC is also an option. Rackline is offering two Autofiler models – the P150 and P150C - with bespoke options also available. A choice of heights and widths is on offer, providing a storage capacity ranging from 20 to 61 linear metres. Each Autofiler unit is fully lockable for security, ideal for storage of confidential or sensitive information. Optional extras available include lockable cupboards and shelf dividers. “Autofiler is the perfect choice for companies where constant fast and easy retrieval of documents is essential,” said Andy Walker, Rackline’s sales director. “A high capacity filing solution, Autofiler makes use of the all too often neglected space below the ceiling instead of taking up valuable floor area. In a country where space rental payments are the biggest single office cost, every square metre of storage space counts. Making best use of the space available is going to have a significant impact on the bottom line.” Rackline is the leading manufacturer of mobile storage systems in Europe with an expanding portfolio of clients and 15,000 installations in a wide variety of sectors including architects, financial organisations, legal firms and the public sector.
The Pigeons Say 'It's Just Not Cricket!'
Thanks to bird control by Pigeonoff.co.uk After 160 years, the Oval cricket ground's residential pigeon population has been made homeless to make way for the fifth and deciding Ashes Test Match against the Australians, thanks to West Country firm Pigeonoff. Pigeonoff has just supplied 32,000 pieces of anti-roosting pigeon spikes for installation on the Oval. The spikes, which resemble up-turned hairbrushes, have been installed all around the cricket ground. To date, their deployment has seen over 500 pigeons run out. Last week, the curious pigeons were amused if not a little stumped to see 20 legs dangling from the rafters of the new Oval's OCS stand. On closer inspection, the legs were those of a team of pest control officers, installing pigeon deterrents in the form of anti-pigeon spikes on to the ledges of the Oval's Great New Arch. While thousands of cricket-goers are packed into the Oval for the final match of what many are calling the "greatest test series of all time", the pigeons have been forced to join the flocks of people outside without a ticket. Yesterday, one of the pigeons was heard to say: "Since 1845, we've had 160 years of uninterrupted free cricket from the best seats in the ground - now we're faced with a corridor of uncertainty. It's just not cricket!" Owners of Pigeonoff.co.uk, David and Kursty Jones, comment: "The bird spikes are a humane method of pigeon control; they simply prevent the birds from landing without causing any injury."
The re-writable - and affordable - card system from DED
A cost-effective, re-writable card system from DED is set to revolutionise the visual card market. This low-cost system gives high quality, instantly re-writable thermal cards at an amazingly low price.
The cards’ large display area fully illustrates text and images for temporary visitor badges, loyalty applications, club membership schemes, company identity cards, etc. The cards themselves can be re-written up to 500 times.
The proven, integral CardCreator software does everything that more complex and expensive custom software does - including photo capture, databasing and magnetic stripe encoding - but at a fraction of the price.
A sophisticated, 32 bit plastic card design and database software teamed with a state-of-the-art printer, CardCreator and TCP2000 together give you the ultimate in quality and flexibility.
The Rexel Agenda2 Stacks up to end cluttered desks
Acco has launched Rexel Agenda2, an executive range of desk organisers designed to bring an end to desktop clutter. A modular system with matching accessories, the Agenda2 system stacks vertically to maximise available desk space. A single stack may consist of Letter Trays, Mail Sorter, Confidential Tray, Desk Tidy and Pen Cup. The Rexel Agenda2 range has many innovative features: The wider-than-average Letter Trays accommodate 25mm binders as well as foolscap paper and envelopes. The Mail Sorter has slim, sliding trays for forms and correspondence. Unique to the range is a Confidential Tray which can be concealed within the Letter Tray Stack for storing sensitive material. The Desk Tidy has a space for CDs in addition to all the usual desktop essentials such as paperclips, business cards and sticky notes. Finally, the Pencil Cup, which fits neatly inside the desk tidy, has an ergonomic forward tilt for easier removal of writing implements. Another unique feature of the Rexel Agenda2 system is “the fifth riser”: Risers are traditionally supplied one for each corner of a stacking system to add height between trays. The Agenda2 range supplies a unique 5th riser, placed in the middle of the back of the trays to prevent document loss and to add stability to the stack. Traditionally, the standard height of risers dictates the distance between the trays. However, the Agenda2 range risers are height-adjustable, giving users the ability to set their own tray heights. The risers are also colour-co-ordinated with the stacking modules in blue, charcoal and burgundy which also match Rexel staplers and hole punches. Matching Agenda2 office accessories consist of the Magazine Rack, spacious enough for most files or periodicals; the vertical sorter, mounted on non-slip, non-scuff rubber feet, with adjustable distance between dividers; and the easy-empty waste bin with a special grip area at the rear. Vlad Levitsky, Acco UK’s Category Manager for Desk Accessories says, “This classic range of mix and match modules has been designed to complement the executive office. We believe they are the most robust and stylish desk accessories on the market.”
The right prescription for Scottish health centre
Tessera’s carpet tiles have been installed throughout the new £2.25m Newbattle Health Centre in Dalkeith, Midlothian. A team of fitters led by Alan Spiers from Ayr based C C Contracts carried out the installation for healthcare developers Sapphire Primary Care and their interior specialists, Design Incorporated (Scotland) Ltd.
Nearly 1000m2 of Ethos, Jazz Tones and Acrobat carpet tiles have been fitted throughout the new building. Ethos textured loop tiles in Baltic blue have been used extensively in all the main areas. The rich blue-green mottled tiles with their subtle patterns have been teamed up with contrasting borders in Ethos Ocean, whilst Jazz Tones and Acrobat tiles have also been used in other parts of the centre bringing additional colour and texture to the premises.
Jeff Davis of Design Incorporated said: "People expect and demand ever higher standards of the buildings they use, and this was reflected in the design criteria. As a new healthcare facility, the centre will serve a large catchment area and we expect to see many thousands of people through the doors every year.
“The brief called for floorcoverings that would create a contemporary feel throughout the building but they obviously had to be very hardwearing because of the heavy foot traffic anticipated and also needed a high compression resistance rating because of the continuous use of castors on office chairs. For the major public areas we insisted on a solution dyed product that would not fade over time or as a result of intensive cleaning.
“We used Ethos extensively as it fulfilled our exacting specifications and opted for the blue colour scheme to mask spills and stains. Tessera’s ten year guarantee sealed the order.”
The road to excellence
CAFM supplier IntegratedFM was amongst the winners at the Midlands Excellence Awards 2002. Managing director Steve Dingley explains how the principles of 'Excellence' can be applied to FM operations at all levels.
Nowadays, it is pretty much expected of an organisation to have some form of quality management - either as an organisation in its entirety, a department within an organisation or both. So, for example, an FM department may have quality procedures that are part and parcel of the organisation to which it belongs - and it may have its own procedures to control and maintain service levels to internal customers.
It's hardly surprising, therefore, that there is no shortage of quality schemes to choose from and they vary from ensuring that you do things consistently to helping you achieve continuous improvement. When IntegratedFM chose to go down the route of the EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management) model it was because we could see it provided a framework for everything we do and a philosophy of continuous improvement. As such, it also establishes certain principles that can be applied to a particular activity in isolation - such as awarding a contract to a supplier - as well as within a more holistic approach.
If we were to take a familiar example, such as awarding a security contract, it would make sense to apply what EFQM refers to as the RADAR approach. RADAR stands for Results, Approach, Deployment, Assessment and Review and provides a series of steps that help to map the way forward.
For instance, conventionally you might work out what security measures you want to take (the 'Results' in RADAR), call in some security companies and give them a detailed briefing. However, an alternative approach would be to simply tell them what you want to achieve - namely improved security - and then ask them to tell you how they would achieve it (the Approach).
Further discussion would establish the Deployment - whether all of the approaches are going to be fully deployed. All of which puts you in a position to award the contract - quite possibly having a better idea of what the contractor is going to do.
Of course, as we all know, a contract that starts off well doesn't always carry on that way and it's important to measure performance through mechanisms such as Service Level Agreements as the contract proceeds (the Assessment). Personnel and circumstances change with time so the measurement is an important way of ensuring that nothing is being allowed to slip.
In fact, within the EFQM model, measurement is a key ingredient because if you don't measure things you don't know how well you are doing. And if you don't know how well you are doing you can't tell if you're improving.
Which brings us to the Review - where you look at the results you have measured and try to identify how things can be improved on the basis of the lessons that have been learned. In our security example, for instance, assessment may have shown that there is room for improvement in the way that visitors are managed. Or there may be problems with maintenance on the CCTV system or access control to be addressed.
Whatever the specific area, the general principle is that, once armed with this information, you are in a strong position to put problems right and achieve the continuous improvement that we should all be seeking. In these examples that may involve the introduction of software to improve performance in certain areas - but in other areas of security it might be something as simple as a change in patrol routines.
The point is that with this approach you arm yourself with the data you need to make informed decisions and to establish benchmarks so you can assess current performance and look at how it can be improved. We develop software so we see IT as one of the mechanisms for improvement. But equally, in applying Excellence to our own organisation, we have put these principles to the test in every area of the business. It's certainly improved the levels of service we give our customers and these principles could help you do the same.
The role of ID solutions in securing offices
Gulf War II and the associated terrorist threats are part of business life in the UK whether we like it or not. Add to this the existing IRA and anti capitalist threats and you realise how aware all organisations need to be when it comes to the security of their people and premises. Office premises are also targets for criminal activities including theft, burglary, vandalism and arson. Security Managers also need to consider the “hidden effects” of business crime which include higher insurance costs and lower staff morale. So security should be top of the agenda for all organisations. When considering the security of your premises, there are many factors to take into account. These might include determining whether the main threat comes from within (i.e. staff, contractors) or externally (opportunist thieves) and whether its people, data or equipment which are most vulnerable. The best place to start is by carrying out a security audit. This can be done by your own employees who know the business best and therefore understand its potential risk areas. Questions to ask might include, for example, do you have a record of all of the PCs or laptops in the office? Do you operate any control of visitors and contractors? Does the office look secure? Once such analysis has been carried out it should be possible to introduce security systems to address the concerns which have been highlighted. Creating a secure culture will go a very long way to deterring would-be perpetrators, whether from within the organisation or outside. The external security elements such as perimeter fencing, CCTV and access control are important. So how can you supplement these physical barriers to create a secure environment without huge capital expenditure outlay? The simplest and most cost effective way of reducing risk and driving down business crime is knowing who is on your site. The effective identification of all people, whether they are permanent employees, visitors, temps or contractors is the most basic and fundamental element of any security strategy. Physical barriers and manned guards aside, the first thing a person who enters your reception area should see is a visitor management system. This immediately says we are an organisation which identifies and logs all visitors and contractors who come into our office, and will act as a serious deterrent. A true visitor management system such as Kalamazoo’s Sentinel fulfils three important functions. Firstly, security - all visitors or contractors are issued with a personalised official identity badge. Secondly, health and safety - the organisation can print on the passes the health and safety guidelines relevant to their particular site. And thirdly, image - because the passes are designed around the corporate logo, each time one is issued it gives a suitably impressive message about your organisation. Kalamazoo’s Sentinel Visitor Management Systems are available as both PC based and manual solutions. The PC based solution, Sentinel VisitorNet, even allows users to pre-book their visitors via the company website or intranet so that their badges are printed ready for their arrival. Visitors simply collect their badge and show it to a bar code reader which automatically logs them in and out. Contractors are often in and out of office premises as they carry out routine maintenance work and specific tasks outside the competence of existing staff. Kalamazoo’s Sentinel E-Contractor has been developed by safety professionals to identify them and register their presence on-site, but also to ensure that they are able to operate safely. Next, what about the staff? If they all wear photo ID cards then anyone who is seen in the office who is not badged up as either staff, visitor or contractor will stand out clearly, allowing appropriate action to be taken. Here organisations have a choice. They can either opt for buying the equipment needed to design and produce the ID cards in house, or they can outsource this function to a bureau. There are many card production systems on the market, including two from Kalamazoo. It is possible with due consideration and implementation of the right combination of security solutions to fight back against crime and it need not cost an arm and a leg. Whether your office is one of many in a multi-tenanted building or stands alone in the high street or a business park, identification and registration systems have their place. They ensure that you are giving out the right message - find a softer target.
The safest & easiest way to store your keys
International Sourcing Solutions Ltd. (Sole UK Distributor) is introducing (October Launch) an all-metal key storage padlock that is the safest, most convenient way to store keys. Simply place your keys inside the key storage compartment, shuffle the combination and your keys are safely stored. Separate combinations open the shackle and key compartment and the combinations can be changed in seconds.
The all metal construction means it is extremely durable and is not only a safe place to store spare keys, but also doubles as a strong padlock.
The Olympus branded key storage padlock is so simple to use a child can open it, yet so safe and versatile it will satisfy anyone, from builders to maintenance people from homeowners to caravan owners.
It provides the solution to many problems such as allowing secure access to multiple users i.e. contractors and builders, emergency access to the elderly or simply for the forgetful who leave their keys indoors!
Already hundreds of thousands of units sold in the USA it is set to be a big hit across many industries, not least the facilities management and housing industries.
The Saville touch for Royal College of Surgeons
AV systems manufacturer Saville Audio Visual has completed a prestige lecture theatre installation at the historic headquarters of the Royal College of Surgeons in London. The new facilities include front projection from a ceiling-mounted Sanyo projector, with duplicated control of all room settings and source equipment provided by an integrated Saville One Touch controller. The system also includes a Tandberg multi-site videoconferencing facility, which enables presentations to be shared with colleagues in the UK and abroad, with the ability for a large audience to view live tele-medicine relays from anywhere in the world. The custom-designed projection screen was built at the Saville manufacturing unit in York and installed on-site with a suite of matching, hand-made furniture including a veneered lectern, visualiser table and presenter’s console. System control is provided via a cordless colour touch screen or a 17 TFT LCD monitor set in the lectern. When required by visiting speakers, presentations can also be cued and controlled from the control room at the rear of the theatre. For added security, all the source equipment is fitted in a rack in the control room, with audio mixing facilities and another touch screen TFT control monitor. With more than 350 personnel in fifteen locations, Saville is the UK’s largest supplier of audio visual equipment, systems and services. In the past five years, the company has collected fifteen national awards, including AV Rental Company of The Year at the 2003 AV Awards.
The Service Office Sector is very much alive - despite the problems of Regus & HQ
Mark Dixon the founder of Regus was once quoted as saying that serviced offices are a counter cyclical part of the property industry, but sadly this has not been true for his company Regus.
The bca - the business centre association - and the industry body for Regus sector says: ÒWe are deeply sad to see Regus, the leader and biggest player, in our industry follow HQ (the other major player in the sector) by filing for protection under the Chapter 11 legislation in the USA. Regus has done more than anyone to promote the concept of Business Centres"
The serviced office industry has grown from 3-4 centres in the early '80s to a world-wide industry with more and more people realising that business centres offer a better more flexible solution than traditional lease arrangements. However, the industry over expanded on the back of the dot.com industry and now has over capacity, particularly in the places where the new economy was strongest.
Comments Jane Gwillim-David, Chair of the bca: “This is not the first difficult time for our members - serviced offices (including managed workspace) is an established sector in the UK - with or without Regus. Many operators started before Regus was created and thrived through the last recession and more will this time too. Business centres still continue to deliver excellent value for the customers and most have excellent relationships with their landlords. Strong relationships pay dividends when times are tough.”
As Hugh Greenway, Managing Director of Abbey Offices (operates 13 business centres) explains: “At Abbey, we have a very good and open relationship with landlords in the UK and Netherlands and they feel the same way about us. The property market is cyclical and currently there is significant over-supply, moreover aggregate demand does not look set to rise very fast. The pressure is on business centres to operate more efficiently and effectively.”
Gwillim-David of the bca says “The smaller independents are doing relatively well as they are responding to client needs faster and more flexibly than the bigger groups. They are nearer their local markets and have much lower overheads”
Richard Nissen of 211 Piccadilly has been operating his centre since 1980. Nissen says: “I have been through several cycles now. At each one we have responded by changing our offer - we created the Virtual Office¨ in 1992 and improved our services so we have always been profitable. We succeed by obsessive attention to customer service and re-inventing ourselves every day.”
Gwillim-David comments further: “The influence of September 11 and the collapse of the dot. coms, particularly in the US market, has been very difficult for the industry. The major players were caught out with the suddenness of the collapse of the economy and this has sparked a price war in all major markets world-wide. Regus had to sell workstations at less than cost to create cash flow to support failing American operations. This had an impact on the rates everywhere. “However, well run independent operators in good locations have been able to hold their rates and even increase them in popular centres where occupancy remains at 100%.”
'The show goes on’ thanks to Union
Union Industries, the market leading manufacturer of the Matadoor range of Hi Speed Industrial Roller Doors, is now on show at one of Britain's most famous Exhibition Venues. The Leeds based company has beaten off all competition to win a high profile contract to install one of its world-class Ramdoor Plus Hi Speed Doors at Olympia Exhibition Centre in London. The Olympia story began in the 1880's when a General Burnaby wanted an alternative venue for the Royal Tournament. This venue became the Grand Hall in 1885 and opened to the public on Boxing Day 1886 with the Paris Hippodrome Circus. In September 1999, a consortium of Candover Investments and the Morris family bought Earls Court and the Olympia Group. Since then new initiatives have been introduced, including a new corporate structure, new branding and the acceleration of a £60 million, 5-year venue improvement programme. The new ownership also brought with it the introduction of leading high street catering brands into the venues and a state of the art digital communications infrastructure making Earls Court and Olympia the first e-venues in London. Olympia had a major problem with excessive heat loss through the service door to the Grand Hall. This large opening is the primary delivery and collection doorway for equipment and advertising material required by exhibitors in the construction of their stands. It was found that the existing conventional Roller Shutter Door was so slow and cumbersome to open and close that in order to prevent congestion during the very busy periods during the set-up and break-down of shows, it was easier to leave the door open. This not only wasted valuable energy but also allowed birds, dust and fumes to enter the building. Olympia felt all of these problems would be resolved by installing a Hi Speed Roller Door but had major misgivings regarding the implications should such a door prove unreliable which would negate all its perceived advantages. The opening also served as one of the Fire Exit Doors and Olympia had to be sure that there would be no possibility of the escape route being impeded. They were also worried on safety grounds as the opening is used by a varied assortment of outside contractors and personnel, many of whom may not have had training or experience in the potential hazards of automatically operating fast action doors. The Project Team headed by Mr Bob Marks and Mr Ben Littler investigated the various attributes of all the Hi Speed Doors available in the UK. They eventually decided that the Ramdoor Plus door with its 'Crash-out' Protection System, manufactured by Union Industries, was the best option to match their exacting criteria. In consultation with the local Council, Fire and Health & Safety Officers, a specification was agreed to cover every eventuality and meet the rigorous requirements dictated by them. A custom-built 4500 wide x 4700 high Ramdoor Plus was subsequently manufactured which included Bolt-on Side Guide Pressings which could be easily replaced with minimum down time should an over-zealous wagon driver accidentally crash into the Columns. The heavy duty Fire Retardant Door Blade was extensively sign written to include warning text and Emergency Fire Exit Logos. The Controls were linked into the Fire Alarm circuitry to cause the Ramdoor to open automatically in the case of Fire and a pneumatically operated Manual Brake Release were incorporated as a back up should power fail, to cause the Ramdoor to open without power, relying on its integral counterweight system to raise the door blade. To provide the Management flexibility where the full opening height of the door was not required for the type and size of materials being transported through the opening. Union also fitted a Partial Opening Device to lower the opening height by means of a simple key changeover switch mounted to the Control Panel. To prevent the door closing on Vehicles queuing or parked in the opening, additional high level photocells in a criss-crossed formation to detect Vehicle platforms were fitted to the door columns. Also fitted was a robust 4" diameter travelling Wind Bar and 4" Static Wind Bar System was incorporated to contend with the wind loadings to which the large opening would be subject. In addition to the 12 Safety Features fitted as standard on all Ramdoors, two pairs of 'Safety Cloak' devices were fitted to both front and rear of the opening for the protection of personnel walking through the opening or gathered around the opening. The Ramdoor Plus was installed in July 2002 and Ben Littler, Olympia's Project Manager, said: "The installation at Olympia has made the world of difference to the venue. We had experienced problems resulting from heat loss and found that our employees, exhibitors and guests were feeling the cold from draughts. The Ramdoor Plus has been an excellent investment. Union assessed our need precisely and both the Company and the products have lived up to its first class reputation." Managing Director at Union Industries, Isobel Schofield, said, "Union Industries has installed doors from its Matadoor range at most of the best known Companies in the UK. Time and time again we receive the most complimentary and positive feedback and I am delighted to say that Olympia is no exception." Gary Bareham, our Southern Sales Manager, spent a great deal of time with the Olympia Project Team to ensure that every last detail had been covered. It gives him and the Union team a great boost to know that the Ramdoor Plus has lived up to expectation and that at Olympia the 'show will not only go on' but will do so in greater comfort for all concerned.
The sustainable energy industry’s best kept secret to be unveiled at the Sustainable Energy Expo
The company involved in 80% of the UK’s Combined Heat and Power and District Energy market was unveiled at this year’s Sustainable Energy Expo. For the first time, Vital Energi took a stand at the Sustainable Energy Expo, as it promoted its full range of services available to both public sector organisations and private sector clients.
Comments Gary Fielding, managing director of Vital Energi: “Despite having over 20 years specialist experience in District Energy provision our profile in the marketplace remains low. This is primarily because in the past we have taken on sub-contracted projects or worked in partnership with companies such as Alstom Power FlowSystems.
“With the UK Government’s continued commitment to the District Energy and Combined Heat and Power market, both public and private sector organisations need to choose a partner who has proven experience in providing innovative and technologically advanced solutions and who ensure that their CHP and District Energy schemes are built on time and within budget. We want the marketplace to view Vital Energi as its vital partner.”
As the UK’s most complete total solutions provider Vital Energi can deliver totally bespoke solutions from initial identification of a client’s needs through to design, installation, operation, maintenance and even project financing. Its expertise, pro-active approach and full service capabilities have helped develop a number of Combined Heat and Power and District Energy schemes for local authorities, Health and Education Bodies, as well as private sector clients. Examples include a Waste to Energy scheme for Shetland Heat Energy and Power; the replacement of an ageing pre-insulated heating mains installation for Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council; and a centralised Energy Centre for Greenwich Millennium Village phase 2.
The achievement of long-term savings in operational and maintenance costs are a key factor for customers along with the significant cost savings achieved from dealing with one company instead of several. District Energy and Combined Heat and Power schemes deliver greater environmental, social and financial benefits when compared with other energy solutions. To ensure Vital Energi maintains its ability to deliver best practice and provide an unrivalled service in this field, it continuously draws on resources from around the rest of Europe.
Ian Whitelock, Commercial Director, says: “We have pursued a clear strategy of recruiting the best design and operational personnel that Europe has to offer. We currently employ experienced Danish engineers and designers who have relocated with their families to the UK.
“More recently Vital Energi has secured two further partnership agreements. The first is with a leading Danish design consultancy that has many years expertise in the country’s District Energy provision. The second is a two-year partnership agreement with Queen’s University, Belfast to research and develop new products and technologies for use in the District Energy Market. This will ensure Vital Energi remains at the cutting edge of the sector.”
Vital Energi also enjoys an exclusive trading partnership with Alstom Power FlowSystems, world leading manufacturers of pre-insulated piping, making Vital Energi the only District Energy and Combined Heat and Power provider in the UK to make use of their fully bonded pipe systems.
The final cornerstone to Vital Energi’s success is its Financing Partnership, whereby clients are offered a finance package that is suited to their needs. This allows customers to tailor the finance package into their existing budgetary requirements.
Vital Energi offers district energy solutions to local communities, hospitals, universities and Government facilities. Due to its established infrastructure and extensive team of qualified engineers and managers, the company is able to handle every stage of a project’s lifecycle – from initial identification of a client’s needs, through to solution design, installation, operation and even project financing.
The Threat of the Commercial Spy
Whether you are discussing acquisition plans, new product design or marketing strategy, you are always at risk from the commercial buggist. Professional investigators, competitors and dissatisfied employees all have something to gain from gathering information. In this ‘Information Age’ a single phrase may acquire a commercial value of several million pounds. Theft of ‘the spoken word’ has become one of the most profitable crimes that can be committed. Add to this, professionals in Sales, Marketing and Journalism who make a living from researching and gathering information and the risk of ‘leaked’ information becomes phenomenal. Anyone with an opportunity to obtain sensitive information has the means to cause both operational and financial damage. In 2002, the Department of Trade and Industry found that 44% of UK businesses suffered at least one malicious security breach, costing several billion pounds in total. Given the secretive nature of the practice and the unwillingness of companies to admit its effects, the real figure is likely to be much higher. However, many executives still seriously undervalue the importance of information within their own organisation. Whilst most companies have security procedures to protect physical assets, protection of intellectual property is given little or no priority. The Bugging Threat Electronic bugging equipment and know-how are increasingly available. The Internet is home to numerous companies specialising in the design of concealed devices and provides the opportunity to learn advanced bugging techniques from specialists. Advances in technology mean that microphones can measure as little as the size of a match-head and recording devices can take the shape of everyday objects such as pens and calculators. With bugs and the knowledge to use them so readily available it is not just governments and large multinational businesses that are under threat. What would you give to find out details of your competitors proposals for that lucrative contract? Defeating the commercial spy used to be a job that required specialist knowledge and handled by external experts. However, as bugging technology has advanced, so has the anti-bugging equipment and training available to detect bugs.
The threats of winter power cuts loom
It is forecast that if the UK imports the bulk of its energy needs over the next 20 years then power cuts and increased costs will result. At the moment renewable energy sources can only meet a fraction of the energy requirement, 16 nuclear power stations will reach the end of their working life in about 30 years, and the Government does not appear to back the building of any more at the moment. With imported energy the likely effect on energy bills by 2020 will be: * Household bills up 5-15% * Industrial electricity prices to rise by 25% * Industrial gas prices to rise by up to 30% Whilst reducing the energy required and of course running costs of heating systems during the winter months is part of a solution, it is worth mentioning that during the summer months about 20% of commercial cooling energy load (air conditioning plants) is due to un-wanted solar gains through the fabric of the building. During winter months substantial heat loss through the windows occurs, and in the summer months significant un-wanted solar gain can also be a real problem. With existing buildings it is not a practical option to replace the windows or glazing system with new windows or glazing incorporating solar protection glass and insulation type glass (low emmissivity coatings). There is a cost effective solution for existing glazing systems with the retro-fit application of Llumar® performance window film. Within CPFilms extensive range of Llumar® performance films there is an insulation (low emmissivity) and combined solar control film. Typically, with the application of these low “e” films it is possible to reduce heat loss through the glass by up to 30%., and reject up to 69% of un-wanted solar energy. The other benefits are that this film will cut out 99.9% of harmful ultraviolet light which is one of the major causes of fading and will also provide glare reduction of 69% which will provide visual comfort to staff using computer monitors or involved with detailed work. The application of performance window films are cost effective and can be installed with minimal disturbance to the occupants of a building. Llumar® low emmissivity performance films are truly a “film for all seasons”.
The ultimate low cost fire protection system for small businesses
A low cost integrated fire protection system, especially developed for smaller commercial businesses, is available from BRK, the company who invented the smoke alarm. It is called Flexipoint, a system that combines a number of components — call point alarms together with smoke and heat alarms — into a highly effective fire protection package which meets the requirements of a Grade C system as defined by BS5839 Pt6. Significantly less expensive than a full hard wired panel system, Flexipoint helps to ensure that even the smallest companies can meet the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations of 1997, which require employers to have a duty of care to all its staff who may be at risk in the event of a fire. Up to 18 units (12 smoke and 6 heat) can be interconnected to ensure that if one alarm detects danger, all units will sound. The system, being modular, can also be added to or altered in line with changing business needs. A Call Point Master which includes a breakglass and integral horn, is usually located at the main entrance of the premises. It centrally controls the Flexipoint system. In the event of an alarm the call point will enable the source of fire to be located quickly and appropriate action taken. All components in the BRK mains operated Flexipoint system are fitted with integral lithium back-up batteries, providing ten years of operation without replacement and all units have a ten year guarantee. Flexipoint is easy to install and can provide ideal fire protection for a wide range of business premises, small commercial and industrial units, guesthouses, and residential conversions.
The ultimate professional cleaning machine
Offering powerful professional performance, the SEBO DART is the ultimate lightweight, versatile and easy-to-maneuver commercial upright vacuum cleaner. The vacuum boasts a "Flex" neck, S-Class filtration, an on-board hose, a crevice nozzle, 4-level height adjustment and auto shut-off. It is user-friendly and achieves superb cleaning results quickly, easily and economically. The SEBO DART is available in two brush widths - 31cm and 37cm - and weighs in at just 6.7kg and 6.9kg respectively. The DART's "Flex" neck gives 90~ vertical and 1800 horizontal movement, providing superb maneuverability for fast cleaning around obstacles. In addition, its 15cm height when flat enables the DART to clean under furniture and other hard-to-reach places. What is more, when detached from the power head, the DART is transformed into a lightweight, powerful suction machine. Indoor air quality is important for people and for equipment, so the DART comes with a 3-stage S-Class filtration system which meets the demanding requirements of asthma and allergy sufferers. Fine dust particles are retained inside the machine and the bag is easy and hygienic to change, a sealing cap ensuring that all dirt and dust is safely secured. The SEBO DART is suitable for every type of flooring, both soft and hard. One simple click enables the selection of either the SEBO ET power head, with an electronic guidance system that indicates the correct height selling for optimum carpet cleaning performance, or the SEBO KOMBI combination nozzle. Designed to meet the demands of commercial use, this moves easily over both soft and hard flooring surfaces.
The unique coating system for refurbishing suspended ceilings
Suspended ceilings are ideal for both the appearance and practical requirements of a modern business environment. Whilst providing sound absorption, light reflection and protection from spread of flame they also conceal unsightly cabling and pipe work. However, as with ceilings of all types, over a period of time damage, dirt, stains and age discoloration have an effect on their appearance. To clean a suspended ceiling can produce an inconsistent finish without restoring original brightness and also adversely effect its original properties. Painting with emulsion or similar covering can fill in the fissures & tile pattern, damage the acoustics, stick the tiles to the grid but most importantly invalidate a ceiling's fire rating. Replacement, which is a valid option, is expensive, time consuming and very disruptive. There is an alternative: - Innovative technology has developed the Artcote re-coating process. Marketed throughout the UK by Artcote PLC this revolutionary process enables suspended ceilings to be restored to their original uniform bright appearance whilst maintaining all acoustic properties. The coating is 100% non-bridging therefore retains and enhances the tile fissures and fascia whilst ceiling void access is continued. Most importantly the Artcote re-coating process has a category 0 fire classification allowing the rating of a ceiling to be maintained. As well as the substantial cost benefit the Artcote re-coating process has compared to replacement, the clean, quick and non disruptive nature of the process highlight its advantages over alternative methods. The Artcote re-coating process is performed outside working hours, allowing business activity to continue as normal. Staff remain undisrupted, as there is no requirement to remove office equipment and furnishing.
The world is converging on IIPSEC 2005
Europe’s premier networked security event
25 - 27 January Stoneleigh Park Coventry Warwickshire CV8 2LZ UK
Security, IT and Telecoms converge to deliver a unique learning opportunity, cutting edge technology and end-user solutions
Today the security industry is undergoing its biggest change in decades as many CCTV, access control, fire and alarm products feature network capability. This small yet insignificant change is affecting the market dynamics as technology can now be ‘joined together’ to create complementary and competing solutions.
IIPSEC is evolving in line with the rapid changes in the marketplace. A ‘technology show’ the event brings together all relevant digital solutions and services for managing both security and building services. Network with more than 3,000 peers, technologist, manufacturers, industry leaders, customers and partners – at one venue at one time
Convergence creates intelligent solutions – and new markets
In the future, smart technology will be a prerequisite for security solutions. Software advances and other intelligent devices - and the underlying technology - will play an indispensable role. Technical details and specifications will no longer be the burning issue. Instead the spotlight will be on actual user benefits: convenience, flexibility, mobility and multi-functionality.
Tomorrow’s digital technology - TODAY
Today the security industry is undergoing its biggest change in decades as many CCTV, access control, fire and alarm products feature network capability. On display at IIPSEC 2005 will be some of the worlds leading network based products many of which have never been seen before. This is a unique area where visitors have the opportunity to meet the experts and get to grips with this new exciting technology area.
Network technology will create new opportunities
IP CCTV Cameras ~ IP Video Servers (Codec’s) ~ Digital Video Recorders (DVR’s) ~ Network Video Recorders (NVR’s) NPR Image Software ~ Interface Software ~ Image Tracking Software (footfall) ~ Image Identification Software Image Archiving ~ Image Wireless Transmission ~ Voice & Data Transmission ~ Iris Biometrics ~ Fingerprint Biometrics ~ Access Control ~ Convergence Software ~ Intruder Detection over IP ~ Fire Detection over IP, plus many more....
The market for network based technology in Europe is experiencing explosive
Who you will meet and what you will see
Axis Communications – Stand M11
Axis Communications is launching two new dome network cameras the AXIS 231D Network Dome Camera and the AXIS 232D Network Dome Camera. Both cameras offer simultaneous Motion-JPEG, MPEG-4 streams together with built-in 18x optical and 12x digital zoom lens, auto focus, with full remote pan, tilt and zoom control over IP networks. The AXIS 232D Network Dome Camera is a day/night camera capable of providing high quality images around the clock. The AXIS 211A Network Camera offers two-way audio synchronised with simultaneous MJPEG and MPEG-4 video streams. Audio can be provided via microphones and loudspeakers. This is the ideal choice for securing offices, shops where intruders and suspicious looking people can be informed that they are being watched from a secure, remote location. Features include video motion detection and input/output sensors for connecting to door sensors and relays to activate lights and close specific doors. The AXIS 221 Network Camera is Axis’ new flagship high-end, day/night camera from Axis. It offers Power over Ethernet; progressive scanning; simultaneous MJPEG and MPEG-4 output; powerful event management capabilities based on triggered or scheduled events; up to 45 frames per second (VGA); built-in video motion detection; and usage of new advanced management software to configure and monitor functionality within the camera. This camera is ideal for all professional surveillance applications.
Barco Control Rooms - Stand B29
Barco is regarded as a world leader in control room solutions and the leading expert in developing and manufacturing rear projection display modules. The display modules are based on a multi-technological platform including both Poly-Silicon
LCD and DLPTM technologies. On show will be the Network-centric Visualisation solution including displays, image processors and control software – allowing direct connectivity of analogue, digital video (Steaming Media) and computer graphics. You will experience the latest in digital streaming capability and compare it with conventional analogue inputs – demonstrated on both Overview Displays (multi-channel) as well as singular Personal Walls. iSurveillance is the first solution to provide integrated visualization of the total security system, as well as address the industry's migration from analogue to digital streaming video.
BOSCH – Stand B8/C9/M2/M3
Bosch Security Systems are a leading global supplier of innovative products and systems for many security applications. Bosch products and systems are synonymous with the highest quality, innovative technology and exceptional service. With the acquisition of VCS Bosch is now among the global technology leaders for video-over-IP technology. Combining the strengths of both companies offers many benefits: a comprehensive program of innovative analogue and digital video surveillance systems, large worldwide sales and service network, and a concentration of expertise and resources. The new integrated organization will also continue to develop the customer focused reputations established by both companies.
British Telecom – Stand M30
You've all seen BT’s Digital Networked Economy adverts which show how technology is converging onto a unified ip infrastructure. This pervasive network will drive technology convergence and will seamlessly connect people and devices to each other. In this brave new world the camera is simply just another device that can be remotely managed across BT’s global network. In this new digital world, Data, Video and Voice will live in tandem, and, value, in corporate customer’s eyes, will lie in managing and integrating this complexity not in simply selling cameras, storage and applications. BT proudly launches Managed CCTV at IIPSEC 2005!
BSB Electronics – Stand B31
BSB Electronics Limited (BSB) is a UK based ISO 9001 registered company specialising in the manufacture, sale and support of its ‘Progeny’ range of Electronic Door Access Control (EDAC) solutions. Established in 1980, BSB utilised it’s wealth of experience and expertise to develop it’s ‘Progeny’ range of EDAC solutions, now successfully installed and supported in thousands of sites throughout the UK, and Europe. The ‘Progeny’ range extends from a simple, low-cost stand alone unit controlling a single door through to a complex, networked solution controlling up to sixty five thousand doors.
CBC – Stand P2
CBC (EUROPE) Ltd, the manufacturers of the Computar and Ganz CCTV products have now added a new range of IP products to their range of products. At IIPSEC we will demonstrate our new Colour and Day/Night version of IP Camera, with integrated Computar high speed Varifocal lens. We are also launching a new range of transmission products and a new networkable 16 Channel DVR.0 Words on its way
Cieffe – Stand B22
“Nettuno” and “Linearis” are Cieffe’s latest state-of-the-art solutions, boasting the most powerful DSP available on the market today (capable 4800 million transactions /sec).
Our high performance hardware based compression can provide broadcast quality at exceptionally low file sizes.
“Nettuno” is a dual purpose network Encoder and Decoder device providing multi streaming, simultaneous connections at varying resolutions and bit rates, and is completely solid state, greatly improving performance and reliability. “Linearis”, Cieffe’s latest Real Time 16 input recording solution is extremely powerful, flexible, yet simple to install and use, recording high quality images for long periods, at a very affordable price!
Computer Network Limited (CNL) – Stand M4
Computer Network Limited (CNL) specialise in integrating IP based solutions for
CCTV, Access Control and Intruder Detection in security applications as well as custom built system integration. CNL have become industry recognised as a market leader in the digital security sector, winning awards for ‘Best Software’ and ‘Innovation’ at the IP Security Awards 2004.
COE – Stand C9
IP-based video transmission networks and control software will be the major focus of COE Limited (stand C09 in the Compton Suite) at IIPSEC this year. As leading providers of metropolitan and private communications infrastructure, COE are using the IIPSEC show to feature their state-of-the-art X-class, an IP-based video transmission system. Manager of COE’s Technical Services department, Mark Marriage, comments: “COE X-class is the first IP based video transmission system to offer real-time analogue equivalent video utilising MPEG-4 compression. Multi-function codec’s offer all typical real world interfaces for the CCTV environment, enabling fixed or PTZ cameras and domes to be managed and controlled over Ethernet wired or wireless networks. When used in conjunction with COE's SEE-net Graphical User Interface, COE X-class provides the backbone and interfaces for a complete IP infrastructure CCTV management system”.
Dallmeier electronic – Stand B23
Dallmeier electronic is presenting a superlative in digital picture recording, in picture analysis and in picture transmission: a small-scale version of the biggest digital recorder in the world. Two concepts predominate in this solution, the digital virtual matrix and FRS – full resolution surveillance. The solution includes the multitalented DIS 1 which is used as required as an MPEG-2 recorder, a decoder, an encoder and/or streaming server. Various kinds of analogue components such as control panels, remote control software and customized GUIs are linked via a digital virtual matrix.
Dedicated Micros – Stand M5
Dedicated Micros is using IIPSEC to underline its commitment to cutting edge IP network products via the launch of several new products in the DV-IP network video server range. The inherent flexibility of the DV-IP Server range provides the ideal building block for a massive range of multi-site applications. With open protocols and a Software Development Kit (SDK) that allow systems to be customised for different end-user requirements, DV-IP Server is ideal for centrally monitored, large-scale installations such as town centres, financial institutions, casinos and campus environments.
DVTel – Stand C11
Stop by DVTel’s stand C11 and see the new intelligent Security Operations Center (iSOC) which includes a video matrix switch, a digital video recorder and a digital multiplexer, all in one software-based solution. Now you can use your network to view, capture, record, analyze, report, transport and store high-quality video and audio - anytime, anywhere! DVTel gives you the freedom to run your business more efficiently by giving you the freedom of choice, information, integration as well as the freedom to have peace of mind that the system you buy today is the system you will use tomorrow – fitting your requirements and your budget.
Farsight – Stand B2
Farsight is one of the most successful Video receiving Stations in the UK and the market leader for I/P monitoring. Farsight has invested for the last two years in the software, infrastructure, partnerships and skills needed to support this rapidly evolving market sector, and the Company is announcing the general commercial availability of Its I/P Monitoring Product, e – surveillance at the show. The product will be distributed by a Farsight subsidiary company, e-surveillance technologies ltd.
Framos – Stand C12
FRAMOS Electronics Ltd will exhibit a comprehensive range of IP Imaging systems at IIPSEC 2005 including the latest range of Megapixel IP cameras from Lumenera, suitable for high-end security applications, licence plate capture or industrial applications where extended cable length is required. These cameras are provided in both CCD and CMOS technologies with a range of resolution options.
High end CCTV systems from Ikegami will also be exhibited together with a wide range of product from strategic partners including: Sony, Ikegami, Lumenera, Fairchild Imaging, Fillfactory, Andon, Pacific, Videology, and Pentax.
Gallagher Security Management Systems (Europe) – Stand B20
"Cardax FT is a security system that can use Internet connectivity and company networks to achieve its aims. The system stores information about the site, cardholders, and system activity, and collects real time data. Cardax FT facilitates the creation of intelligent buildings through the sharing of data with other systems, such as DVR."
IndigoVision – Stand P4
IndigoVision is a leading manufacturer of complete IP Video solutions for the security market. These solutions deliver outstanding video quality, live from cameras and networked video recorders via IP networks. IndigoVision solutions are used for mission critical applications in airports, rail stations, city centres, mines, traffic systems and the military.
i-ax – Stand P12
i-ax launched at IIPSEC 2004 and finalist in the best software category of the IIPSEC awards. On the stand for 2005 the i-ax innovation continues with a new range of integrated readers, IP CCTV, and the NetAccess NA1 logon control interface together with a range of other IP security products.
IDCS – Stand M19
IDCS, with 18 years of experience in Integrated Security Solutions and references in the most prestigious buildings in Europe, provides with its newest Management Software INVISE for its S2000 Integrated Security System a revolutionary change in easy configuration and management highlights: Seamless integration of Access Control, Intruder Detection, Digital Video, Visitor Control, Presence Control and Car Park Control, Seamless integration with IP-video: direct links between any event and video data, Seamless integration with IP-biometric Identification Comprehensive real-time graphical map management, Full drag and drop time zone management, Server redundancy
InitSys – Stands M14/M15 One of the fastest growing companies for Security over IP is launching two new products. GuardAlarm allows Guarding companies to provide full alarm receiving and management without the need for expensive video receiving equipment or software. Using nothing more than a browser and a high speed connection to the VerifiedAlarms network any guarding company can monitor alarms, view CCTV, produce reports and schedule patrols. Merlin+ is a fully featured package for campus type locations that require integration of CCTV, Access and Alarms. Completely new database design and 3d mapping engine allows events to be monitored and managed without tirelessly monitoring systems.
IP User Group – Lounge
For the second year running the IP UserGroup will be taking an active role at IIPSEC 2005. As well as providing information to visitors about the group, its activities and events and promoting our publication IP focus™, we will once again be providing our Affiliates Lounge and the IP UserGroup iBay (information point).
Affiliates Lounge - This area will be exclusive to Affiliate members and their guests, providing comfortable seating in a relaxed atmosphere. Accessed by pass only, Affiliates will have the perfect setting to “talk shop” with their valued clients and customers or just take time out from the show.
IP UserGroup iBay (information point)
Again we will provide this Information Point where visitors have an easy opportunity to peruse the informative documents displayed. Provided by IP UserGroup Affiliates and members, these brochures and catalogues make the perfect take away for visitors!
Andy!
Mel Secure Systems – Stand P18
Mel Secure Systems will be exhibiting the very latest in IP Hardware for Rapid Deployment Applications. Including new Mega Pixel technology. Products we will be exhibiting will include the following, Domehawk, Streethawk, Nuisance Neighbour Kit, Fly Tipping Solution, Digital Wireless kits and IP Recorders.
Merit Li-Lin UK – Stand P13
Most of the new products Li-Lin launched this year are IP ready, demonstrating our commitment to this emerging market. The IP versions of our speed domes created intense interest, uniquely offering simple web browser monitoring and control in conjunction with analogue video output and twisted pair telemetry for flexibility and redundancy. Even more remarkable is that they cost the same as a standard analogue speed dome used to. In response to demand we have also made the PDR-400 network ready, allowing remote viewing, playback and setup with the supplied software, a cost effective alternative to the Linux based PVH-DVR.
Milestone – Stand M10
Milestone Systems is the world leading software manufacturer of IP-based video surveillance products. Built using open architecture the Milestone XProtect products support your choice of IP camera equipment. Today more than 80 different IP camera models from 19 manufacturers are supported. The product family ranges from affordable products for the SOHO market to sophisticated client/server products for the enterprise market and powerful shrinkage detection products for retailers. XProtect products are sold in 50+ countries through 150+ independent partners. Our products are running at 8.000+ customers controlling the daily operation of 75.000+ cameras. This makes XProtect the world’s best selling IP video surveillance products. Offices in Denmark, Italy and USA.
100 Words on its way
Mobotix – Stand B24
Video and two-way audio over Ethernet without any software installation - as easy as installing a network printer! As with every MOBOTIX camera a standard Web browser allows access to all camera functions as well as to view live and recorded images using the motion-JPEG standard. No additional recording or playback software is required because with all MOBOTIX cameras, event-driven ringbuffer recording to fileservers via network and in the internal memory is a standard feature. Playback via web browser is supported as well as time and date search of recorded events. With no activeX and no plug-ins, a higher level of network security is achieved.
100 Words on its way
NKF – Stand B15
NKF Electronics designs and manufacturers fibre optic video equipment and IP network solutions. At IIPSEC a new series of bandwidth efficient multi-stream MPEG-2 video codecs will be introduced. NKF's C-10, C-15 and C-20, together called C-series, are designed for the highest quality video surveillance over IP networks. The C-series codecs have been tested and approved for industrial environments, characterized by a wide temperature range and robustness to withstand vibration and mechanical shocks. Together with NKF’s XSNetTM Ethernet equipment, the NKF-Neurodynamics NVR, our intelligent picture analysis software and the MXTM software suite, the C-series codecs complete the solution-package for every video network.
Pelco – Stand C6
Pelco makes debut at IIPSEC 2005
Making its first ever appearance at IIPSEC, Pelco, the world’s largest video security manufacturer, will be making a major new product announcement at the show, together with showing how its current CCTV systems can combine the use of both analogue and digital products to ensure the best possible results for a CCTV system. The Pelco Hybrid CCTV system at IIPSEC will show how customers, who want to expand into IP technology, can do so by incorporating IP products and networks into their existing analogue systems with ease of use. With the Pelco CCTV product range on display, it is possible to maximise a customer’s analogue investment whilst managing their move into a long term IP infrastructure. Pelco’s CCTV technology builds on the company’s past 20 years experience in video security with a long established global customer base of large matrix based CCTV systems.
Petards – Stand M12
At IIPSEC 2005 we will be demonstrating how intelligent IP based security systems add value to IP network solutions; with integrated voice, video and data. PCs, PDAs, wireless terminals, and even IP phones can be used to view live or recorded video, and control your security system wherever you are located. Petards’ security systems are manufacturer and technology independent: our strategy is to supply a complete integrated solution that incorporates the most appropriate video, network and security technology for each individual system, and provides intelligent integration with other applications. This application-aware integration takes full advantage of the security, resilience and flexibility afforded by intelligent IP networks to provide a completely integrated security solution.
PI Vision - Stand M7
PI Vision presents its third-generation digital video recording solution – the Universal Video Management System (UVMS™). Advanced functions include video wall support, PTZ control, auto-EVM (for exporting evidential quality video), virtual video matrix capabilities and wireless PDA connectivity, with integrated support for JPEG and
MPEG. UVMS™ is highly robust and includes an enviable range of features, while our after-sales customer care is second-to-none. PI Vision has more than 15 years experience writing video management software and designing DVR’s specifically for the CCTV industry, and the experience shows in the usability of the system and our understanding of your operational requirements. Visit PI Vision for a demonstration of the UVMS™.
PowerDsine – Stand M8
PowerDsine™ (NASDAQ: PDSN) designs, develops and supplies integrated circuits, modules and systems that enable the implementation of Power-over-Ethernet in local area networks, providing the capability to deliver and manage electrical power over data network cables. PowerDsine offers integrated products and system solutions to communications equipment manufacturers in the telecom and datacom industries who incorporate them into, or bundle them with, their products
Sanyo – B14
SANYO will be focussing its stand on their latest IP/ Networked range of CCTV products including the new SANYO DVR-3709P and DVR-3716P digital recorder with telemetry control and included functionality to download data to CD-R and DVD via a USB connection. Plus SANYO will be showing its new total management software for CCTV Network products running on Windows, the VA-SW5000.
Servision – Stand M13
Servision: A video communications company that designs and manufactures integrated Video Gateways for CCTV solutions over IP networks. Video Gateways provide secure links between CCTV video sources and remote PC's, laptops and mobile handsets over IP networks, whether at fixed locations or on the move. The remote client can be used to monitor both live and selected DVR recordings of video and audio from multiple cameras, control ptz functionality and monitor alarms. Servision will be launching their ruggedised, vehicle-mounted IVG product that provides continuous streaming of high quality video for up to four cameras on moving vehicles, all via GPRS.
Seefar.Com – Stand B4
Disappointed by the IP ‘Revolution’? Come and see how the Internet can truly manage your building.
Sony – Stand B16
An IP-enabled CCTV future from Sony
The highest value CCTV market segment remains the analogue domain and it is critical that Sony continue to support these customers with extended and enhanced product range. But the future lies in IP-based networkable system solutions and Sony has developed key expertise in this area, providing end-users a simple means of integrating uniquely advanced CCTV technologies within their core business operations. With the dedicated video monitor screen replaced by a standard PC and web browser running network control software, Sony IP monitoring solutions allow an operator to view video images from virtually any location as well as controlling camera functions via a simple onscreen interface. Sony IP cameras such as the SNC-RZ30P can be linked with the network using an optional Wireless LAN (WiFi) card without the need for a physical Ethernet cable connection. This freedom allows installers to deploy cameras far more cost efficiently and flexibly than with ‘hard-wired’ solutions based on co-axial cabling.
Syac – Stand M9
"Syac a pioneer in the development and production of networked integrated management systems will be exhibiting
DCC premium a complete centralized management system over LAN/WAN networks. DCC premium enables remote control of multiple sites allowing for alarm handling, automatic patrols and integration with
PA systems, Intercom, Access, BMS, Intruder, fire etc. This is combined with interactive maps for user friendly navigation and user account management via a Radius server. Along with their latest product developments Digital Video Management systems :DigiEye 3G complete digital management system. DigiEye Lite is a Compact Network Security Management System easily accessible via a user friendly http interface."
Synectic Systems – Stand B8
Synectic Systems Limited have been designing and manufacturing CCTV switching and control systems since 1985. Synectics products are deployed in the majority of UK Town Centre systems, along with numerous, banking, retail, stadia and transportation systems across the globe.
Recently Synectics launched the Synergy Pro command, control, and recording management solution bridging the gap between analogue and digital IP surveillance solutions. Synergy Pro delivers a zero redundancy migration path from analogue to digital IP based systems, via a common user interface and storage solution to third party peripherals, with integration Access Control, Intruder Detection, PA, Help Point, ANPR etc.
Ubiqz – Stand M1
Sony and UBIQZ Join Forces to Create IP-Based CCTV
Analogue CCTV Users Offered One-Stop Migration Path to IP World Sony and UBIQZ have established a CCTV IP Centre of Excellence where end users, installers and distributors can access the latest IP-based CCTV technology solutions and support. As well as Sony products and system solutions, UBIQZ provide consultancy, system design and integration, project management and training services to a broad base of European CCTV users and offer solutions that maximize opportunities, minimise risk and represent outstanding value for money.
RDS ARE ON ITS WAY
Video Domain Technologies (VDT) – Stand B3
Video Domain Technologies are recognised throughout the World as a leader in IP Security Surveillance.
Their end-to-end solution can deliver military class security over IP, a must for any security application using ADSL.
The solutions include:-MemoCam M-V56C – A development of the award winning MemoCam for IP transmission, which acts as a dual technology detector with vision at 640 x 480 resolution MemoCam M-V720 – As above but 1280 x 960 resolution. Superb quality evidence gathering. MemoCam IP Transcomm – A polled IP Interface for any Alarm Panel taking the existing digicomm and converting it to IP and adding Vision with the VerifEye. Net IP – an advanced series of Video compression transmitters with audio and bit-rate control – Kind on Bandwidth VDT -Virtual Access SMG Router – The only Security Router of its type in the World, with full SMG functionality, firewalls, quad fallback transmission paths including GPRS, battery back up, MemoCam Gateway, and Alarm panel interface. VDT partners Virtual Access, Asidua, WebWayOne, and Always On will also be represented on the Stand
Video Imaging Supplies – M5/B6
Video Imaging Supplies offers an unrivalled selection of IP-based surveillance technologies from leading manufacturers in this field including Axis Communications, Baxall, DV Networks, JVC, Milestone, Mobotixs, Panasonic, Sony, VCS and Verint. IP surveillance is a fast growing sector and the variety of product options open to installers is greater than ever. Video Imaging Supplies is committed to helping its customers arrive at the correct decision for any specific application. Our IP knowledge base is vast, equipping us to provide you with access to the ultimate IP resource in the UK surveillance industry.
Vision Fire and Security – Stand C3
Vision Systems Limited (ASX:VSL), headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, develops, creates and delivers high value technology-rich products and services to large and growing international markets. Vision Systems is a global leader in very early warning smoke detection systems, voice alarm and sophisticated video-based security solutions. The company products protect high-value, business-critical assets across the world and operates a global network of companies in Australia, Asia, the United Kingdom and the Americas. Products include: ADPRO Integrated Security and Surveillance Solutions The ADPRO brand is renowned for developing sophisticated digital CCTV security and surveillance solutions based on the highest quality standards. With advanced integration capabilities and an acute understanding of operational efficiencies, ADPRO continues to offer seamless security solutions that exceed the risk management demands of today's business. Millbank Voice Alarm Solutions Millbank has a complete range of systems to provide complete Voice Alarm Solutions suited for a number of applications. Ranging from plug-and-play systems to completely customized solutions, the Millbank products are recognized for their superior audio quality and ease of installation, commissioning and maintenance. The products can be found in London landmarks such as Canary Wharf and Harrods department store
VSK – Stand M19
VSK electronics, manufacturer of Multi-application security systems will be demonstrating its FOXnet®/FOXeye® product line. FOXnet®/FOXeye® is a multimedia security system which covers the following applications: Intruder Detection, Access Control, Banking Applications and Digital Video Recording/Transmission. FOXnet®/FOXeye® Highlights at IFSEC 2003: Multi-site management through VSKwin software Unlimited interactions between FOXnet® and FOXeye® panels Drop and drag graphical user interface New MPEG-4 video compression for FOXeye® New modular and adaptive wiring architecture
VisioWave – Stand B13/B25
VisioWave designs, produces and markets building blocks for Intelligent Video Security Networks, the path to more effective security and monitoring. At IIPSEC, VisioWave will present the latest improvements of its open platform such as the ability to integrate third party video content analysis applications for more intelligent and preventive video security, as well as the high value added man to machine interfaces developed by certified partners. VisioWave has prestigious references in many areas such as transport, traffic control, highways, tunnels, retail industry, urban surveillance, airports, stadiums and public venues.
Wavestore – P1
Wavestore digital recorders are fully IP enabled and easily integrated into complex security networks, including access control, fire alarms and intruder detection systems. Remote monitoring is secure through 128-bit encryption over large networks or the Internet. Command and control centres can utilise interactive site maps, developed on our Extended Video Interface (Software Development Kit). Proprietary encryption techniques and use of incorruptible Wavelet compression permits evidence to be admissible in a court of law. Coupled with the industry's fastest "Image Find" capability, high quality Video & Audio footage can be copied to DVD and replayed on commercial DVD players.
Content rich technical seminars, hands-on workshops and case study presentations
Convergence creates intelligent solutions – and new markets
In the future, smart technology will be a prerequisite for security solutions. Software advances and other intelligent devices - and the underlying technology - will play an indispensable role.
Learning Zone Hands-On Workshop Sessions -
IP-in-Action Presentations
Using TCP/IP for Security isn’t a “black art”......
But it is the way forward. The Learning Zone is a workshop facility that gives you an opportunity to get to grips with the technology and perform simple tasks to get you started down the IP path. The Learning Zone is FREE to all IIPSEC visitors and is open throughout the length of the show. Sessions are run hourly and prove extremely popular
With over 40 presentations delivered throughout 3 days, IIPSEC is the centre of excellence for IP knowledge!
Register online for your ticket today - www.iipsececom.com
These educational seminars looks at the hardware and software used and how to design, configure and install network based security and building management solutions. Each session focuses on a theme allowing delegates to learn in a classroom style environment at one venue and at one time. Ideal for: Installers, Consultants, Salesman, VAR’s, Business Development & Project Managers, Facilities Managers, IT Managers, Channel Partners, Distributors, Security Practitioners, Business Owners, Technical Managers… in fact anyone who sees IP as an important technology in security and building management. Technology based seminars include…
The world of education decided to wake up and treat the fm profession with the respect it deserves
Like many great things Sheffield Hallam University’s Facilities Management Graduate Centre, better known by the acronym FMGC, started out life in rather a humble fashion. Known as the very unimaginative, ‘Unit for Facilities Management Research’ it remained pretty anonymous until 1994.
Prior to this date, those in the facilities management profession that did know about the centre speculated that it was one of two very different things. Some said it was nothing more than a bunch of anoraks surrounded by dusty old hardback books, sat eating stale cheese sandwiches out of plastic picnic boxes. Others claimed it was a top-secret operation, manned by James Bond type operatives, who loafed and sipped Vodka Martinis in their lunch hour. Either way it’s fair to say the centre was shrouded in mystery and subject to a degree of speculation.
So what’s changed, and what happened in 1994 that was so god damned important? Well… Quite a lot actually. Depending who you spoke to, what circles you moved in and what you chose to believe, the cheese sandwiches were tossed to one side, the Vodka Martinis ditched, and in a bout of uncharacteristic inspiration the Unit for Facilities Management Research decided to launch a new course. Shock, horror! Not just any old course either, it only went and launched the very first MBA in facilities management.
That was back in 1994, and it has quite rightly gone down in history as a day for us all to remember. The world of education finally decided to sit up, take note and treat the facilities management profession with the respect it deserves.
At the same time new names were brought in at the centre. Contracts were drafted and signatures were signed, amongst them Lynda Hinxman, who has a background in chartered surveying and who is currently director of education and training at FMGC. Under the inspired leadership of Hinxman and her collages the course has grown from a meagre five students to today’s average of around 60 or 70 a year.
In 1997, just when we all thought the inspiration was running dry, they decided to prove us all wrong again. It proved to be another memorable year. In a bid to quash the rumours and speculation the unit changed its name and re-launched to a fanfare of trumpets. Sheffield Hallam University’s Science Park is now home to the very modern and acceptable sounding FMGC.
Today, FMGC offers a whole host of facilities related courses including undergraduate and postgraduate studies, right they way through to PHD. There are a number of in-house training programmes to choose from and the team will also turn its hand to funded and non-funded research projects. It will even act as a consultant to public and private sector organisations, phew!
Thanks to the tireless efforts of Hinxman and her colleagues, FMGC is now the country’s leading centre for the learning and development of education and research in facilities management.
So what can we expect next from the brilliant minds at FMGC? Well, now that the furore and fury has subsided they seem happy to concentrate on what they do best, teach, learn, advise and generally use the grey matter to its best effect.
This September saw FMGC launch the long-winded Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) in Facilities and Property Management. The award is the first to be launched by a UK facilities management institute and complements its existing work-based MBA and Certificate programmes. So what’s it all about then?
Effectively the DBA is aimed at people who want to undertake an in-depth research project of direct strategic relevance to their employer, profession or industry. It is of equivalent level to a PhD and the idea is that a student’s employer will sponsor them for the duration of the course (part-time over 4-years). In return the employer gets an in-depth piece of research written by an employee who knows the core business, and which could drastically improve the organisation.
Professor If Price, programme leader says, ‘we know that research into the organisational impact of facilities and property is needed. We also know that there are a number of individuals in work who aspire to continue beyond the Masters degree.’
Price confirmed that the course now had its first two candidates onboard and that he was looking forward to getting them started on their respective projects. They will begin in early February. One candidate has been sponsored by mobile phone giant O2 and the other is an independent consultant who has been sponsored by rapidly growing business services company Profectus.
Price says, ‘a lot of the big facilities management companies are interested in getting candidates onto the course.’
As well as its innovative approach to teaching and learning FMGC also endeavours to carry out in-depth research into new areas of facilities management. This comes in several forms. Specific clients can commission commercial research and PhD and Mphil students will support academic research. As well as this there are three different research fora: local government, National Health Service and higher education. These act as a way for organisations to exchange innovations, experiences and learning in facilities management.
September saw the official unveiling of the first piece of research carried out by the higher education forum into how facilities and location factors influenced undergraduate students choice of where to study.
Fides Matzdorf, forum manager says, ‘Our research shows the importance of a properly managed FM strategy in attracting students to a university or college.’
The research was carried out in 2000/2001 at 12 different universities across the country. Apart from the number one item, ‘course,’ no consistent ranking was found throughout the survey. The, ‘availability of computers,’ was found to be one of the top three items, sometimes relegated to third place by the, ‘availability of library facilities.’ The full paper entitled, ‘The Impact of Facilities on Student Choice of University’ is available on request from FMGC.
According to Price the higher education forum will continue to research the student choices question. It has also turned its attention to a new area. The impact of space management on the outcome of universities research outcomes.
Price says, ‘we will be looking at how efficiently and effectively they are working. There is clear evidence of the impact of facilities on business outcomes.’
The writing is off the wall for Olympic city
Fosroc has been contracted to supply the city of Athens with anti-graffiti coatings and paint in a £300,000 bid to keep the host city of the next Olympic Games free from the ravages of graffiti.
Graffitiguard has been used to protect the tile-clad services throughout Athens' new Metro underground system. Any graffiti that appears is easily wiped off, and a new coating applied to continue the protection. The same anti-graffiti system has already been used to protect artwork at two Metro stations.
An anti-graffiti paint for less delicate surfaces will also be used on sections of the Egnatia Motorway, the huge cross-Greece national highway.
The Graffitiguard system is used to provide the ultimate wall coating for protection against defacement. It gives excellent chemical resistance and a tough impervious film while allowing the easy removal of unsightly graffiti. Graffitiguard is available in clear or pigmented systems. It is ideal for use in all public areas such as subways, railway stations, high-rise flats and schools.
The contract to supply Graffitiguard to the Athens Metro was set up through Trade Partners UK, a government organisation which helps British companies that want to export their products.
The York Sonata – music to your ears
In response to customer demand, York International has developed a completely new range of competitively priced air-cooled screw compressor chillers, specifically designed to operate with the minimum of sound. The Sonata is, therefore, ideal for office, leisure centre, hospital and hotel applications — in fact any public area where equipment noise can create a problem.
The Sonata’s low sound pressure levels are a result of specially configured two-speed fans and an acoustic enclosure that contains the compressors, oil separators, valves and piping system. When the fans are operating at full speed, the sound pressure level at 10 metres distance is 60.9 dB(A); at low speed, the sound pressure level at the same distance falls to just 56.7 dB(A) - which is quieter than a normal conversation. Low speed fan operation is automatically selected as reduced ambient conditions cause a fall in system pressure.
Rigorous testing, carried out over many months at York’s state-of-the-art environmental and acoustic test facility in Basildon, Essex, conclusively demonstrated that all sound level and performance design targets were accurately achieved.
The Sonata range consists of six standard models offering cooling capacities from 377 kW to 580 kW. High efficiency models will also be released shortly. A York twin helical screw compressor is incorporated in each of the two independent refrigerant circuits providing unit capacity control from 10% to 100%. Each circuit is charged with refrigerant R407C.
A fuzzy logic control, consisting of an advanced microprocessor, with a 40-character plain language display, provides accurate water temperatures, efficient compressor operation and maintains the unit within necessary safety limits.
To provide installation convenience, a single power input is provided as standard and the evaporator water connections can be ordered in left or right hand configurations to simplify site pipework configurations.
The standard Sonata models can be customised through a comprehensive menu of optional features and accessories, including: de-superheaters or heat recovery, electrical power components, various control additions, high-pressure fans and condenser coil fin material options.
There is always a way out - make sure you can see it!
In the event of a fire or other emergency which resulted in a power failure at your premises, would your employees and visitors be able to see their way out to safety? Safetyshop has just launched a new and improved NITE-GLO material, used to make their, leading range of fire exit signs, fire fighting equipment signs and door marking signs. This new material now glows brighter and longer than ever, therefore making your premises easier to vacate should an emergency arise. It also has the added benefits of being extremely durable, resistant to shrinkage and white in appearance during daylight hours. As well as providing comprehensive advice on how an effective safety way guidance system should be constructed, the Safetyshop catalogue contains many products to help assist in the safe and speedy evacuation of your premises. Inside you will find: * NITE-GLO fire exit safety signs fully compliant with British Standard BS 5499-1 * NITE-GLO tapes, guidance arrows, switch markers and floor markers * NITE-GLO fire fighting equipment signs * Luminaires suitable for the effective lighting of escape routes. * Emergency escape route plan kits that will help you plan for an emergency and provide employees with information and training. Next day delivery, competitive prices, no minimum order charges and a 14 day no risk trial are all part of the exceptional customer service offered by Safetyshop.
Thermocore survey development avoids removing deck to office
When faced with a failed asphalt roof over a seaside office property, Exeter based building consultants Kirkham Board Associates called on the expertise of Tremco. together with its thermal imaging system, to confirm the true condition of the deck. As is frequently the case, the detailed and very graphic information revealed by the manufacturer’s Thermocore team during just a few hours non-invasive testing at Union House in Weston-super-Mare, enabled the surveying and project management specialist to specify an over-roofing solution that saved both money and disruption for the client. Phil Board of Kirkham Board Associates, comments: ‘We investigated a number of possible solutions including the rights and wrongs of re-asphalting the roof, but because the building was to remain in occupation throughout the contract period, it was decided that keeping the building as watertight as possible was the main priority. We therefore specified the Tremco Hi-Therm system with its 20-year guarantee and sought a Thermocore survey to ensure we were not going to be sealing too much moisture into the deck. ’While it was impossible to determine visually how much water had got in and how far it had spread, the survey confirmed there was no need to strip the asphalt. A series of vents were installed reaching through to the screed and the work was actually completed a week ahead of schedule.’ The contracts manager for Span Roofing, Steve Middle, comments: ÒThis was a classic building of its type with a wood wool slab carrying a concrete deck that was suffering very badly from water ingress and the effects of calcium chloride. Applying the Hi-Therm system will have extended its life well beyond the guarantee period.’ The approved installer’s operatives began by cleaning off and carrying out minor repairs to joints and splits in the surface before priming it with Tremco QD Primer. This was followed with the bonding of a 50 mm thickness of Tremtherm 27 insulation. The Tremco Hi-Therm elastomeric roof waterproofing system, comprised of Tremco’s Elastomeric Felt Underlay and Elastomeric Felt Cap Sheet both bonded with Tremco’s Thermastic, was then installed. A GRP termination bar weathered the system into the parapet wall and was sealed with Tremco Mono. The main contractor leading the refurbishment of Union House was Connaught Property Services.
Thermocore survey development avoids removing deck to office
When faced with a failed asphalt roof over a seaside office property, Exeter based building consultants Kirkham Board Associates called on the expertise of Tremco, together with its thermal imaging system, to confirm the true condition of the deck. As is frequently the case, the detailed and very graphic information revealed by the manufacturer’s Thermocore team during just a few hour’s non-invasive testing at Union House in Weston-super-Mare, enabled the surveying and project management specialist to specify an over-roofing solution that saved both money and disruption for the client. Phil Board of Kirkham Board Associates, comments: “We investigated a number of possible solutions including the rights and wrongs of re-asphalting the root but because the building was to remain in occupation throughout the contract period, it was decided that keeping the building as watertight as possible was the main priority. We therefore specified the Tremco Hi-Therm system with its 20-year guarantee and sought a Thermocore survey to ensure we were not going to be sealing too much moisture into the deck. “While it was impossible to determine visually how much water had got in and how far it had spread, the survey confirmed there was no need to strip the asphalt. A series of vents were installed reaching through to the screed and the work was actually completed a week ahead of schedule.” The contracts manager for Span Roofing, Steve Middle, comments: “This was a classic building of its type with a wood wool slab carrying a concrete deck that was suffering very badly from water ingress and the effects of calcium chloride. Applying the Hi-Therm system will have extended its life well beyond the guarantee period. The approved installer’s operatives began by cleaning off and carrying out minor repairs to joints and splits in the surface before priming it with Tremco QD Primer. This was followed with the bonding of a 50 mm thickness of Tremtherm 27 insulation. The Tremco Hi-Therm elastomeric roof waterproofing system, comprised of Tremcos Elastomeric Felt Underlay and Elastomeric Felt Cap Sheet both bonded with Tremcos Thermastic, was then installed. A GRP termination bar weathered the system into the parapet wall and was sealed with Tremco Mono. The main contractor leading the refurbishment of Union House was Connaught Property Services.
Thinking of relocating?
Relocating to new premises or merely moving from one office to another is often the time when people decide to have that long awaited "clear out" they have been promising for months if not years! But what can you throw away? What do you need to keep? Where can you put it? Why not let the professionals help? Pickfords Records Management is part of the SIRVA Group of Companies. As such we have offices in over 45 countries across the globe and, through the Pickfords business, a heritage stretching back over 350 years. Pickfords entered the Records Management industry in 1994 as a natural progression to our already world-famous moving and storage business. We were able to adopt and improve upon many of the best practices of our established competitors - meaning you, our customers, got the best possible service at the best possible price. Our team of field-based experts will be able to advise you on the latest retention policies, legislative requirements, storage options from deep store to live filing and even media and tape or scan on demand options. Once you realise the full potential of off-site data management you may not want to go back to having a filing cabinet in your new offices at all! Pickfords Records Management has 32 dedicated locations across the UK, Eire and Republic of Ireland so we are bound to have a branch near you! All of our pricing is fair and transparent and we can provide up to the minute Management Information to help you manage your records. Through our latest on-line portal you can also retrieve and return documents on line and, if you wish, you can chose a scan on demand or back scanning option which means you receive an electronic copy of the document direct to your desktop - no need to even recall that old paper file!
Third major award for EC Technology
ebm-papst UK has won yet another award for its ground breaking EC fan technology; this time Air Conditioning Product of the Year at the ACR News Awards 2005. This is the third award in less than a year and confirms the effectiveness of the technology to help reduce carbon emissions. The ACR News Awards, now in its 10th year, took place at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham during the week of the RAC Show. The awards recognise the achievements of many companies and products within the air conditioning and refrigeration industry. ebm-papst UK were shortlisted in four categories; Environmental Initiative, Marketing Initiative, Refrigeration Product and Air Conditioning Product. Although a fan is just a component in any air conditioning product, the judging panel recognised that it is a very important component. This new EC technology is being used to produce more efficient, compact air conditioning products and will be developed into many more. It is innovative and ground breaking, creating new advances for original equipment manufacturers and end users to exploit. The following factors impressed the panel: * The advance in motor technology provides a simple use of high efficient DC motors that connect direct to AC mains eliminating many issues. * Advances can also be found in the integrated control functions of the motor, providing speed control from any sensor input or BMS system. * The motor design is a real world-wide product with one design with an input voltage range of 382 to 480V and 50 & 60Hz. The fan performance will not change, it is intelligent enough to know where it is and adjust its performance accordingly. ebm-papst UK Technical Manager, Geoff Lockwood said, "We are very pleased to win, in what we see as the most important category, as it recognises the value to our clients and end users of the millions of euros invested in this innovative new EC fan range, especially as it was won against such air conditioning giants as Carrier, Daikin and Toshiba".
This is APEX 2002
For building and building maintenance companies whose employees work at height, attendance of the APEX 2002 access equipment exhibition is a must. Organised in co-operation with the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and backed by Access International, the world’s foremost specialist access equipment magazine, APEX 2002 takes place in Maastricht from September 12 to 14 and will provide a unique opportunity to discover the latest developments in this fast-growing industry.
Being held for the fourth time, APEX continues to go from strength to strength and this year’s event, which takes place on 12 - 14 September, is set to be the biggest yet. Forward bookings are flooding in, promising a record number of exhibitors including many of the world’s leading access equipment manufacturers.
Exhibits will cover every category of powered and non-powered access equipment, including self-propelled boom and scissor lifts, trailer and truck- mounted platforms, push-around personnel lifts, mast climbing work platforms, scaffolding and access towers and suspended access cradles.
In addition to the equipment itself, visitors will also be able to browse through displays of ancillary components, including safety equipment, hydraulic components, slew rings, batteries and control systems, displayed by specialist manufacturers. Certification bodies, rental companies and consultants also make up a significant proportion of exhibitors at APEX 2002.
The event includes a free two-day conference that will opened by Keynote Speaker Kevin Appleton, chief executive of Lavendon Group, owner of both Nationwide and Zooom powered access rental companies. Other speakers include renowned US rental consultant Dan Kaplan.
This KA always starts
The KA cold water pressure washer from Comet is one of the latest in a line of easy-to-use yet powerful models that are specially designed with the UK market in mind. These machines have an Easy Start facility so that even when trying to start with cables still wound, connected to extension leads and with pressure in the system, the machine draws less power and will start successfully without blowing fuses. This has real benefits in both saved downtime and reduced frustration – especially in areas where the electricity supply may fluctuate or is typically rather less than the nominal 240 volts provided at the socket. UK Health and Safety requirements are also met by having thermal protection on both the single and three-phase models. The KA comes with the acclaimed Comet AX brass and ceramic pump with three axial pistons safeguarding its reliability and long life. Although all the internal components are in either stainless steel or brass for the same reason, it is still easy to tell at a glance that the KA is indeed a professional machine. Thanks to its modern body styling and a cut-away feature that offers a tantalising glimpse of business-like knobs and dials, brass couplings and stainless steel fittings, the KA is without doubt a pressure washer that is designed to appeal to every potential user: sleek but gutsy. No throw away components here. Thoughtfully, one of the models in the KA range carries an on-board 15m hose reel with convenient handle, although all carry a detachable 4-ltr tank for detergent. In addition, the KA is self-priming with an adjustable detergent suction device and in-built filter. This means it is possible to use the KA not only with its internal tank, but also with a separate external tank if required. All Comet machines come with lance and ergonomic spray gun for comfortable operation, as well as a choice of additional tools including sandblasting lance, drain nozzle kit and rotojet. In terms of power, the seven model KA range (there are three single phase, four 3 phase machines) is available from 1.8kW - 4.8 kW, giving water flow rates of from 540 - 800 litres/hour, and pressures of from 140 - 210 bar. A gutsy machine indeed. Built to obvious professional standards, Comet pressure washers are exclusively available from appointed distributors who are fully committed to providing a high level of after sales care to their customers. Cold water machines (Comet also manufactures a range of hot water machines as well!) are ideally suited to agricultural and livestock use, the road transport, construction and marine industries, as well as the hire and the motor repair markets. Comet is uniquely positioned among the world’s leading pressure washer manufacturers because all they make are pressure washers and pumps. A member of the YAMA group, the company has just invested in a 36,000 sq ft production facility alongside their existing 30,000 sq ft factory. Comet is currently seeking additional approved distributor partners in key target sectors including cleaning, agriculture, tools distribution, and the road transport and hire industries. Contact the UK office for further information on the full range of Comet machines and the benefits of becoming an approved distributor partner.
This wildcat is a wolf in sheeps clothing
The latest Wildcat range of compact hot water/steam pressure cleaners from Edge Ltd, are claimed to be the most technically advanced products on the market. Although pitched at the smaller user, the economical price belies their feature-rich specification and high cleaning performance. Typical applications are car valeting, motor traders, smaller haulage companies, general engineering and food processing companies together with plant cleaning operations for the farming, building, construction and hire trade industries.
Three models are available in the range, offering pressure ratings of 120, 130 or 170 bar/psi respectively. Two models are designed for medium/heavy duties and operate off a single phase 240V/13A supply, while a more powerful heavy-duty model with a flow rate of 14 litres/mm operates from a 3ph/415V/16A supply.
User-friendly features include micro processor operation, centrally located controls and a quick release gun and lance assembly. Manoeuvrability is provided with a swivel wheel which is lockable to provide stability when operating. An integral 20 litre detergent tank is also incorporated within the robust but stylish, corrosion-proof casing with compact overall dimensions of only 106 x 75cm x 90cm high.
Other features which put the Wildcat in a class above the competition include:
Slow speed pump and automatic start/stop with trigger operation.
Leak detection with shut down in standby mode to prevent unnecessary wear.
High pressure hot water operation with steam facility (1400C maximum).
Total shutdown if machine is left in standby mode in excess of 20 minutes.
Automatic sensing of low levels for water softener, heater fuel and chemicals to prevent avoidable breakdowns.
The impressive range of optional extras include: rotating and wash brushes, foam equipment, wet sandblasting, drain nozzles, turbo and extension lances together with a hose reel.
Thousands of pounds could be saved on CCTV
Thousands of pounds could be saved every year on CCTV system running costs simply by switching from outdated mains-driven Infra-Red lamps to Derwent’s much more efficient low voltage products. Now, to encourage installers and end-users to update inefficient systems, Derwent is offering free replacement bulbs for its best selling UF500 and UF300 models, on RETRO CCTV installations (evidence must be supplied – contact Derwent or your CCTV distributor for conditions) These ground-breaking illuminators don’t just use significantly less power - the bulbs last longer and they deliver better performance. A key benefit of the low voltage models is that they deliver even illumination and therefore much better night-time CCTV images. ‘Rusty, inefficient mains-driven Infra-Red lamps are giving security systems, installers and planners a bad name,’ says Tony Whiting, Derwent’s Managing Director. ‘We have seen first hand the problems caused by ageing CCTV set-ups that simply fail to capture clear images in dark conditions - it’s a much more common failure than many would care to admit.’ Now, Derwent’s free bulbs package adds further value to the savings from both running and maintenance costs for the end user. This special offer means that users will not have to consider paying for replacement bulbs for approximately two years in the case of the UF300 and at least one year in the case of the UF500. The offer runs until June
Three application variants to bring Pacom to a wider user-base
GMS, the management software system at the operational heart of Bell Group’s network-based Pacom security systems monitoring, signalling and control technology, is now available in its version 3 release. GMS v3 offers, for the first time, three application variants - OMS Solo, GMS Campus, GMS Enterprise - to match more closely a wider range of security management needs. This makes it simpler for more potential users to opt for a scalable and robust Pacom solution — be it for single-site access control, a campus-type situation (1-100 sites) or total, integrated systems deployment in an enterprise-wide scenario (1-10,000 site). Pacom v3 also incorporates support for Windows 2000 Server and XP Workstations, support for SQL Server 2000, simpler and more powerful access control capabilities (including unlimited access levels) and intelligent elevator management.
Three thousand into thirty equals ten
“The move of 3,000 staff into a 30-storey office building is a daunting task for any organisation but to do it in just ten days is nothing short of spectacular. This was the task that faced Keith Toms, Geoff Campbell with Construction Group Consultancy Limited (Migration Co-ordination) when Clifford Chance, the worlds largest, fully integrated law firm decided to centralise its City offices to a new one million sq ft office building in the heart of Canary Wharf.
Planned over two years, the move was completed in just five relatively glitch-free weekends. “We opted for the ‘big bang’ approach. We felt that provided all the planning was done properly, we would have minimum disruption to the staff and would be able to concentrate our resources on handling any minor problems,” says Keith. “Thanks to the dedication of our team and the efficiency of our suppliers, who all did a fantastic job, this approach proved to be the right one.
One of the key suppliers was Bisley Office Furniture who supplied all the storage requirements. “We had worked with Bisley when we moved to our previous offices in 1992. At that time we worked with them to develop an 87-inch high, metre-wide filing unit designed to create the maximum storage capacity in the minimum floor space. This was so successful that it formed the cornerstone of our paper handling strategy and became a standard Bisley product. So, when we planned the move to Canary Wharf, we wanted to maintain this high-density approach.”
Clifford Chance’s approach to client-handling; specialists and support staff working together as project teams, determined the other storage elements in the offices. ‘The project teams procedure was developed while we were in our old offices and designed to give clients a seamless service. Anyone working on a project always knows the state of-play and can respond quickly and accurately.” This ‘teamwork’ approach was reflected in the furniture and storage layout, designed to facilitate communications between team members.
Low-level Bisley tambour units were used for ‘live’ paperwork within the team working areas with steel pedestals for personal storage. Taller units were used to define office areas with tambour shutters opening to the walkway and rear facing tool-rail enabling whiteboards, screens and even artwork to be suspended above the workstations. Appearance also influenced the units chosen, with architects Gensler opting primarily for white cabinets to maintain the light, open appearance of the building and a sloping birch top to both match the desks and prevent papers being left on view.
Bisley was chosen not only for reasons of quality and value-for-money, but also because could provide the full range of units required, including employee cloak cupboards and open-fronted units for the extensive law library.
“The fact that the company manufacturers in the UK was also a plus” says Keith. “Inevitably in a project of this size, there were late changes to nearly every floor and the fact that the company could react quickly meant that these changes did not become a major problem. In fact, I must pay tribute to Bisley, they did a first class job”.
Throw away the internal telephone directories!
Storacall Voice Systems has just launched the ‘Receptionist’ speech recognition system for organisations that are fed up with the time and expense of having to update and reprint internal telephone directories. Forgetting the telephone numbers of colleagues, departments, staff, suppliers and contacts, or having to ask the operator to connect calls or find telephone numbers is frustrating and a waste of valuable time.
The Storacall ‘Receptionist’ solution is simple - staff pick up the phone and say the name of the person or company they wish to call. The Storacall ‘Receptionist’ understands their voice request, looks up the number and dials it for them. There are no more short codes to remember, no numbers to look up, no more costly paper directories to maintain and staff can attend to more productive activities.
The system uses advanced natural language, speaker independent voice recognition technology to recognise any voice irrespective of accent or dialect and Departments, companies as well as people can all be made available on the system. The ‘Receptionist’ supports synonyms such as ‘Mr Jones’, ‘John Jones’, ‘Director of Sales’, or ‘the one who deals with sales’. It also automatically disambiguates between people with the same or similar names. Each person can be called at multiple locations, (home, mobile, desk, secretary).
The ‘Receptionist’ can also optionally provide an auto-attendant facility allowing external callers to simply ask by voice for the person, department, product or information they wish to be connected to.
Contact names can be easily imported from an existing corporate database and in the absence of a recorded prompt being available, the ‘Receptionist’ uses advanced text to speech technology to enable to allow the organisation’s directory to be updated instantly.
Throwers raise the standard
How do you move three mature trees into the centre of an enclosed six-storey building? That was the challenge faced by landscape maintenance experts Cannon Hygiene Throwers, and one that could only be solved by hoisting the 5m high trees by cranes over the rooftops.
And the project also meant 40 tonnes of concrete, stone and sand being lifted into the courtyards of telecom giant 3G’s Maidenhead offices by the cranes.
One of the semi-mature trees is lifted over the six-storey building.
Andrew Gorton, landscape architect said: “We were asked by 3G to provide landscape concepts for the courtyards in the centre of the buildings. These were well received in the UK and digital copies of the plans and visuals were sent to the 3G’s head office in Hong Kong for approval – that was the easy part!
“We then had to solve the problem of how to get aggregates and mature trees into first floor courtyards completely surrounded by a six storey building.
“After lengthy discussions it was agreed that the best solution was to use two large cranes to lift all items over the buildings – one crane was required to support the other due to the size and weight of the trees and materials being moved.”
Martin Haskell, project manager for Throwers continued: “These arrangements required precise logistical management to ensure that all items were ready to be moved at exactly the right time. And of course, health & safety was our priority throughout.”
The two gardens are based upon Japanese themes. The first – the Garden of Serenity – focuses on the principals of harmony and balance, with inspiration taken Feng Shui. There are no straight lines to reflect the naturalistic focus, which helps the flow of ‘Chi’ or Life Force.
Movement is provided through swathes of slate and Cotswold stone chippings that are separated by a meandering river of natural cobbles. Two semi-mature trees, which symbolise success and contentment, have been placed in this courtyard to provide height.
The second courtyard, or the Maple Garden, uses simple and minimal planting to create a pleasing scene with a single semi-mature tree is featured in this garden, along with a variety of plants that provide year round colour and interest.
Mr Haskell said: “We’re delighted with the way this challenging project has progressed, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the courtyards continue to develop over the coming months and years.”
Cannon Hygiene is one of the UK’s leading providers of environmental services and products. The firm, founded in 1955, employs more than 2,000 personnel. More than 60,000 UK customers, with a further 28,000 in 30 other countries have confidently chosen Cannon Hygiene to handle their washroom hygiene, laundry, pest control, paper and janitorial products, and horticultural services.
Tidy profits from GBP workshop cabinets
GBP Ergonomics’ versatile and robust workshop cabinets are perfect for creating tidy and efficient industrial production, maintenance and servicing departments that enable labour costs to be minimised, time savings made and overall profits increased. Always having the right tool or component to hand, in good and clean condition, can speed up the workflow and improve the working environment to significantly improve both workshop morale and output.
GBP’s comprehensive range of full height and half-height cabinets with its extensive choice of cleverly designed fixed shelves, pull-out shelves, shelf dividers, drawers, drawer cassettes, perforated panels and no less than 56 different types of hooks, allow adaptability for virtually all individual user needs.
GBP full-height Workshop Cabinets are of rigid welded construction and have a three- point locking system. They are equipped with perforated rails to carry any mix of perforated, fixed and pull-out shelves, drawers and drawer cassettes. A full height cabinet measures 1020 mm wide x 540 mm deep x 2000 mm high, whilst a low (half height) unit is just 1070 mm high. They can be finished as standard in blue or beige.
The GBP range of half height Tool Cupboards includes single door units equipped with drawer, perforated shelf runners and movable shelf These units measure 500 mm wide x 450 mm deep x 900 mm high. A two-door version, 950 mm wide, is also available with two drawers. As an alternative to the single door unit, one is available with 10 drawers.
A special full-height cabinet to house and protect computers used in the manufacturing area comes fitted with a Plexiglas window, pull-out keyboard shelf, mouse holder, energy panel with five earthed sockets and a ventilation fan with filter. There are also a number of smaller cupboards designed to house plastic bins for small components storage or keys.
To assist with feeding small components automatically to a workstation, a flow rack equipped with roller tracks can be supplied. The roller tracks can be tilted in one direction to allow bins of components to flow towards the operator and in the other direction for returning empty bins.
GBP Ergonomics is a rapidly expanding UK company that, as well as producing workshop cabinets, specialises in the supply and installation of ergonomic workstation equipment for all branches of industry and industrial cleaners. The company’s versatile products enable work to be carried out more easily, faster, and in greater comfort whilst optimising the use of the working floor area and increasing productivity. Free literature on the company’s extensive range is available on request.
Tiff Needell to present Present Abloy® Awards
Abloy Security has announced that the guest speaker at the ABLOY Awards For Excellence 2003 in December will be former racing driver and media motor presenter Tiff Needell. In addition to launching the Gala evening at the National Space Centre, he will also be presenting the Awards and prizes for all four categories. Tiff Needell, who raced first as an amateur and then as a professional in a career spanning nearly three decades, is a well known face in the automotive media, having commentated on motor racing for Grandstand and Sky, been part of the BBC ‘Top Gear’ team and instrumental in the founding of ‘5th Gear’ on Channel 5. The ABLOY Awards are designed to celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement among the company’s Centres and Trade customers. There is already fierce competition, with high calibre entries for the Technical Innovation and Marketing Excellence categories of the Awards arriving daily. The panel of judges, including Pete Conway, Editor of PSI magazine and Mike Turner, President of the GAl, will have a difficult task on their hands in choosing a winner for each of the categories. Judging will take place during November 2003 in preparation for the ceremony on the 5th of December at the National Space Centre. Tiff Needell’s speech is anticipated to be the highlight of the eagerly awaited Gala Evening.
Tight fit for Fujitsu
Even with a ceiling void of only 250mm, offices at 10 The Grove in Slough are still able take advantage of Fujitsu’s VRF (variable refrigerant flow) system by utilising compact ducted indoor units.
Renovation of the 367m2 three-storey office building was already underway when RS Refrigeration won the air conditioning contract. Originally a cooling only project, architect Dunthorne Parker realised that by removing the wet heating system not only was the lettable space increased but this approach also provided a more economical and controlled working environment. Ocean Air Distribution Ltd recommended the VRF because it offered two solutions to the narrow ceiling void: a choice of either ceiling cassettes or ducted units. “Even though the Fujitsu cassette is one of the slimmest available, the compact size of the ducted units offered a valuable advantage enabling the ceiling installation to be met with space to spare,” explained David Livingstone of Ocean Air Distribution,
The ducted units fit neatly into the ceiling void supplying conditioned air to the space via discreet diffuser grilles. Two three-pipe heat recovery VRF networks have been installed connected to 14 indoor units. In addition, with one of the smallest footprints available, the condensers provide an equally discreet installation outside.
The Grove is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment programme by specialist contractor, Orion Interiors Group, that will result in an open plan space that can be either left open or divided into cellular offices, depending on occupier requirements. Fujitsu’s VRF system has in-built flexibility that can accommodate both as each indoor unit can be independently controlled for cellular use or as a group controlled by one master controller in an open plan area. The two types of central controllers enable the user to configure time, temperature and airflow settings for all, individual or groups of indoor units as required, plus extensive system diagnostics to aid maintenance and system operation.
In fact, the versatility of the VRF Operating System means that it is equally suitable for large open areas such as shopping malls and sports hall, as well as standard commercial applications in offices and retail outlets. In all cases it provides intelligent building control and greater occupancy comfort.
Timpson Ltd - Planet FM key to their success
You may not know Timpson Ltd by name, but you will certainly recognise their stores. With a network of 575 outlets throughout the UK, Timpson offers a diverse range of services - from key cutting to engraving and dry cleaning. Key to their success is fully operational machinery and well stocked stores - faulty machinery or no stock equals no revenue. Timpson needed to manage this large estate of stores effectively from a central location. Planet FM from FDS Advanced Systems Ltd provided the perfect solution, and now they would be "lost without it", claimed Sara Honey, Timpson's Help Desk Manager. Timpson's estate is managed by a central Help Desk team run by Sara Honey, responsible for running the help desk, planned and reactive maintenance, machine refurbishments and monitoring stock items throughout the stores. Sara faced several urgent business pressures from management. One of these was to reduce the downtime of essential machinery, which disrupted the daily running of the stores and cost the company money. Effective planned and reactive maintenance and careful stock control of machinery spare parts were essential to achieve this. There was also an urgent need to streamline and speed up the process of handling thousands of calls from stores UK-wide. Sara purchased the Planet G5 facilities management system in 1997 to provide the framework for efficiently managing the 330 stores, 300 contractors and 17,000 assets they were responsible for. Management of calls and jobs improved significantly. In 2003, Timpson acquired the Mr Minit group of shoe repair outlets, which doubled the Help Desk team's workload overnight. Further efficiencies were required and an upgrade to Planet FM seemed the obvious choice. It offered many additional features and a more user-friendly interface. A trial system was set up to test the additional features and fully evaluate the system. Sara was very impressed (especially with the system's new search and filter facilities) and purchased Planet FM in 2003. Since installing Planet FM, the Help Desk team has found it very easy to use, and the system has now become central to everything they do. Planet FM's Help Desk module has enabled Sara's team to cope effectively with the increased volumes of work. When logging a call, users are prompted to enter the appropriate information and select from drop-down lists of standard faults, descriptions and actions. This minimises typing, eliminates errors and cuts the time taken to process each call. Service requests are logged then automatically emailed to relevant contractors for action within pre-agreed service level targets. Users can check that calls haven't already been logged, avoiding costly duplicate callouts or sending out unnecessary parts. In the last year, the Help Desk handled 2189 call outs, requested 2732 parts for machinery and ordered 5000 display items. Sara also needs to provide regular expenditure information to Regional Managers. Planet FM provides this information quickly and painlessly, eliminating lengthy preparation time. Reports can be automatically produced at regular intervals and then emailed or faxed directly to managers for an instant snapshot into how their budget has been spent. The Help Desk team plans to manage stock control and purchasing using Planet FM. As stocks deplete, the system prompts users to place an order for more supplies, and automatically produces an order which is sent directly to the relevant supplier. This system is ideal for requesting spares for machinery and they plan to use it for stock display items too. The whole process is automated, speeding up the turnaround time, and ensuring minimal store disruption. Timpson now uses Planet as a comprehensive centralised information system. The costs associated with store refits will now be maintained in Planet so that managers can track the costs of display items. They also plan to allow warehouse staff to close work orders when parts are despatched to branches, increasing the scope of the system outside of the traditional FM team. "I have used Planet FM since it was installed, and it has become the most valuable system for us" explained Sara Honey. Planet FM is now fundamental to the smooth running of the department. Sara continued, "Planet FM is worth its weight in gold", and all Sara's team agree . Originally set up with 6 users, there are now 9 full-time users of the system. Planet FM has totally transformed the way in which they operate, continued Sara, "It easily stores all our information, and the advanced search facility makes our lives so much easier... Altogether, it's brilliant!"
Tin International introduces the Tin Lifting System
Back strain, damaged floor panels and tools are now a thing of the past. Combining a screwed stud and lifting arm; raised floor panels and manhole covers are easily removed, manoeuvred and replaced. Every year, workers accessing services below the floors damage thousands of Access floor panels. Personal injuries occur every day, most commonly to fingers, backs and legs from people using screwdrivers and other tools to lift panels. The Tin Lifter is capable of lifting heavy panels quickly and easily without the unreliability and danger of suction devices or carpet grippers. The tool works with both vinyl and carpet covered panels. Already proving a hit with commercial clients, the system has been installed in numerous corporate premises. The studs can be fitted at manufacture or retrofitted. A fitting kit is available for self-install and Tin International offers a fitting service throughout the UK. Tin was established in 2000 to promote inventions; guiding the inventor through the marketing, patents and finance workings of bringing a product to market. The lifting tool is one of a number of innovative ideas being brought to market by Tin International. The lifting arm is low cost and durable but simple in its mechanism. The stud is mounted within the access floor panel using two drill bits, one to drill the hole and one to fix the stud. Studs can be retrofitted or fitted during the manufacture. Tin are currently in negotiations with several large panel manufacturers to provide this service. Tin are also in discussions with the emergency services consultants with a view to fitting reflecting floor stud inserts which will indicate emergency service points located below floor level. The system can be used on vinyl or carpet covered panels. The lifting arm is engaged by 3 turns of the handle. Then the unique pivoting head allows the panel to be easily handled away from the floor opening. There is already considerable interest from many large corporate organisations. The general feedback from the existing clients is that the system is essential to the safety of the staff and to minimise damage to the panels.
Tip top training & development wins IIP for PHS
Leading workplace services provider, the PHS Group plc, has achieved Investors in People (IIP) recognition for the Group in its entirety, so demonstrating company-wide commitment to best practice in organisational and people development, across all areas of the business. A presentation ceremony took place at PHS’s Group Head Office in Caerphilly on Thursday 29th May, at which Chief Executive Peter Cohen and Group Training Director Jean Hill received the company’s IIP plaque from Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, Councillor Lindsay Whittle. Peter Cohen, Chief Executive of the PHS Group, comments: “PHS views the training and development of quality people as essential to delivering the best possible service standards to its customers, as well as increasing the skills, motivation and employability of its personnel. An LIP award for the Group provides clear evidence of our commitment to these things throughout the organisation and we are really delighted to have achieved it. “Importantly, working to IIP standards provides a framework for communicating a company-wide understanding of PHS’s business objectives. It helps people at PHS to know what they’re working towards and why their own contributions are important.” Winning IIP’ for the Group as a whole marks a break away from what had been PHS’s ‘over arching’ strategy, in working towards Investors in People recognition. Because of the size, diversity and geographical spread of its various trading divisions, up until now PUS had worked through each division in turn - achieving IIP for PHS Washrooms in January 2000 (when it was the first Welsh company to achieve IIP in the new Millennium!), followed by PHS Treadsmart in 2001 and PHS Greenleaf in 2002. In January 2003, independent IIP Consultant Arnold Jones persuaded PUS that ‘the time was right’ to go for Group recognition. Group Training Director, Jean Hill, picks up the story: “By January of this year, many internal systems at PUS had been consolidated and an increasing number of processes were manned and managed at Group level. Even the coaching and integration of new staff joining us from companies acquired by the Group was, by then, being carried out in line with IIP standards. So it made sense to move forward with IIP on a Group level this time. “Sara Swain, our Training Administration Manager, and I were instigators and champions of PHS’s quest for IIP recognition, from the outset. But senior management led it throughout the organisation and all employees had a part to play, which is really what makes the achievement so satisfying.” The underlying principle of Investors in People is very much in keeping with the way PHS views and manages its business. Chief Executive Peter Cohen concludes: “We have been happy to invest time and resources in working towards Investors in People because it represents and demonstrates best practice in people development, to the good of both individuals and the organisation as a whole. This is entirely synonymous with our PHS Group Vision, which is ‘To be the best workplace services’ provider in the UK, offering quality and value to our customers and a challenging, rewarding career for everyone in the Company’.”
TMC Mats Ltd launch new 24/Seven Gritworks mats for exceptional slip resistance
TMC Mats Ltd has launched the latest addition to their 24/Seven anti-fatigue mat family for employees who stand for prolonged periods. The new mats offer substantial safety benefits for users. Using innovative anti-slip technology, new Gritworks and GritworksTM Solid mats provide 40% more traction than health and safety recommendations. They combine proven anti-fatigue properties with highly advanced levels of traction for safety and comfort in one single mat.
According to Robin Sifton, Director of TMC Mats: “The single largest cause of injuries at work today is slips and falls. This new generation of Gritwork mats is now an affordable option for businesses concerned to minimise these risks
“These slip-resistant mats are also unique in that they offer workers high levels of comfort and reduce fatigue by 50%, compared with standing on concrete, helping to minimise worker absenteeism and raise productivity,” he added.
All mats in the 24/Seven range have a durable construction, designed to withstand heavy industrial use including 24-hour operation. The new Gritworks formulation contains a minimum of 5000 Nitrile rubber and is oil-proof and resistant to most non-hazardous chemicals. There is a choice of a drainage version with holes that allow liquids and debris to fall through, and a solid-surfaced version. Both versions have an abrasive grit permanently bonded to the surface, offering exceptional safety underfoot in wet or oily environments.
Gritworks products, in common with the rest of the 24/Seven range, offer modular flexibility at an affordable price. They have a hidden interlocking system, perfect for covering large areas without extra connectors. Optional ramped safety edges in black or yellow are available. All 24/Seven products can be custom-made in size increments of 30.5cm.
T-Mobile initiates defibrillator programme throughout UK offices
One of the world's leading mobile telephony providers, T-Mobile, has initiated a health and safety programme in the UK through which approximately 65 first aid trained employees have recently been trained to administer early defibrillation. Six Laerdal Heartstart First Aid Defibrillators have been installed at T-Mobile UK's head office in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, with a further ten distributed throughout the company's other offices across the UK. Over 270,000 people in the UK suffer a heart attack each year - that's one heart attack every two minutes. Thirty percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before they even reach hospital. If defibrillated within two to three minutes of collapse, the chances of the victim's survival are increased by up to 50%. Around 6,500 people are employed by T-Mobile in the UK. Through regular campaigns, the company promotes the importance of healthy lifestyles to its staff in an effort to minimise stress and ill health. It also strives to provide the best health and safety facilities possible, having won a number of external accolades in recent years. The facilities include statutory first aid training, additional training in early defibrillation and the provision of a defibrillator for use before the arrival of an ambulance. In most cases of sudden cardiac arrest, the rate of successful recovery decreases by 10% per minute if defibrillation is not administered. The T-Mobile UK defibrillator programme has been initiated so that if a member of staff or a visitor should collapse from sudden cardiac arrest, trained staff can administer life-saving treatment within the crucial first few minutes. Laerdal Medical advised the most appropriate defibrillator for T-Mobile UK's needs, and also carried out some initial training. Tony Kemp, Product Development Manager at Laerdal Medical Ltd, comments, "Each year, over 12,000 people suffer a cardiac arrest in a public place.1 The government scheme to install defibrillators in public places has highlighted the importance of early defibrillation within health and safety departments in many private sectors. The HeartStart First Aid Defibrillator is small, robust and surprisingly easy to use, and is the preferred defibrillator of many first responder organisations in the UK. Since the installation of Heartstart defibrillators in leisure centres, stadiums, health centres, shopping centres, public transport stations, hotels, office buildings and other public places, we are getting increasing reports of community first aider defibrillator saves, which is fantastic news."
To catch a thief with Certainty
When Snowie Group, a UK market leader in logistics and storage recently discovered a recurrent problem with the theft of diesel at their bonded warehouse site, they looked to the Security Services division of Certainty Group for a solution. No stranger to the importance of tight security across a network of sites in the UK, the company’s Health & Safety Manager, Brian Wray, was keen to close this small window in their security system, swiftly and convincingly.
The distribution centre, which is the hub of Snowie Group’s warehousing division, is located In Grangemouth, close to the M9 motorway. This flexible facility includes bonded facilities and as such meets all government standards for the storage of wines and spirits, cigarettes and tobacco. With such tempting cargo in storage, any potential breach of security must always be dealt with promptly and effectively.
The Certainty Group, recommended and subsequently installed a combined solution of static and covert cameras to cover visitors’ every move in the loading area. Within a short time of installation the thief’s fuel supply was cut off without warning.
Two static cameras positioned at a high point give a good overview of activity in the loading area while movements inside the warehouse are covered by internal static cameras. While these cameras act as a good deterrent in such situations, the star of the installation was the camera no-body knew was watching. A high resolution covert camera with a built in microphone was positioned innocuously in a portable radio to capture those activities in the loading bay, which the perpetrator thought were out of range of the cameras.
Andrew Marchant, Sales and Marketing Director of the Certainty Group commented: “This small camera was a powerful tool, since it could be repositioned at any time without drawing anyone’s attention to the fact that they were under 24 hour surveillance. It also allowed for coverage of a virtually unlimited area over a period of time without the need for the installation of additional cameras”.
A powerful radio signal transmitted high quality video and audio signals from the loading bay to the sites control room. To comply with the customer’s requirement for two months of uninterrupted video recording, Certainty Group also installed a number of Sanyo digital video recorders. These ensure that high quality images are recorded around the clock to provide the necessary information required by the police. In a short space of time, given the weight of damning visual and audio evidence, the police were able to secure a conviction, solving the immediate problem and sending out a strong message to any future opportunists.
Tools, tools and more tools at Tools 2003
It’s coming, Tools 2003, the UK’s premier tool and machinery exhibition is only a matter of weeks away.
Organised by Axminster Power Tool Centre, a market leader in mail order tools and machinery, Tools 2003 is set to be bigger and better than any of the previous years.
Nearly 15,000 people visited last year’s exhibition and with an even wider range of exhibitors, a bigger venue and the prospect of a host of fantastic offers, ticket sales to attend are already exceeding targets.
Packed with a massive range of tools, machinery and accessories presented by a wide range of exhibitors including, Bosch, Makita, Brimarc, DeWalt, Hitachi Power Tools, Metabo, Stanley, Jet and Trend Machinery, Tools 2003 is the biggest show of its kind in Britain.
Apart from the multitude of exhibitor stands, Tools 2003 also plays host to a number of competitions including the Furniture and Cabinet Making competition which gives visitors an opportunity to view the largest display of hand made furniture in the UK.
The show is to be held at the Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Exeter on Thursday, Friday and Saturday November 6-8 respectively. Tickets can be purchased from the Ticket hotline 01297 34836 or by visiting www.tools2003.com
The Exhibition is opening times from 9.30am - 5pm. Thursday 6th November is Preview Day with admission by ticket ONLY price £6.00. Advance tickets for Friday 7th and Saturday 8th November price £5.00. Two day tickets £8.00. Parking is free.
Ticket hotline 01297 34836
Toolstation opens fourth branch in 18 months
Toolstation, the fast growing low-cost trade supplier of tools, fixings, plumbing and electrical equipment has just opened its latest ‘Toolstation’ at Exeter.
It’s the company’s fourth trade counter to open in just eighteen months and follows those at Bristol, Bridgwater and Yeovil.
The Exeter launch is part of the company strategy to open 200 Toolstations around the country.
Formed only two years ago, Toolstation’s expansion has been rapid, the company offering building trade professionals high quality products at exceptionally low prices, and with the promise of free delivery on any sized order.
Toolstation’s business approach is refreshingly new as Neil Carroll, Toolstation’s Head of Marketing explains, “Toolstations are there to service regional demand and we aim to have all of our 6,300 product lines in stock at every branch.” He continues, “ As we have a mail order catalogue and website too, we offer the customers any combination of channels to order their products and they can collect them from the trade counter or have them delivered.”
To cope with the escalating demand for its products, Toolstation is currently building a brand new 65,000 sq.ft. distribution centre at its headquarters in Bridgwater giving the company £100 million turnover capacity.
Top brands buy Bisley
The Pentland Group, the UK’s leading sports and fashion brand management group, owners of world famous brands: Speedo, Ellesse, Kickers, Mitre, Berghaus and Red or Dead and licensees for Lacoste and Ted Baker footwear, are selling the standards for working environments with their new state-of-the-art international HQ in North London.
Described by the company as’ more in keeping with a Silicon Valley environment, or a gallery of modem art, than a traditional UK office building’ the Pentland Lakeside HQ is a complex designed to provide staff with the chance to work in an environment where they can ‘grab a latté at Sparks the internet cafe, play pool or table football in Meltdown the chill-out zone, have breakfast or lunch at Mainfeed the waterfront restaurant, shop at Source the Groups retail club, workout, join a yoga class or have a “de-stress” massage at Circuit the hi-tech gym and fitness studio’.
This innovative approach is also reflected in the working areas. Rather than categorising spaces into meeting rooms and offices, the design encourages people to choose from any number of places to meet. The challenge of providing storage and filing systems to match this advanced approach to the workplace was met by Bisley Office Furniture who developed tailor-made solutions for the variety of media that the various brands generated.
“Because of the way in which the company operates with brand and product development being key to our success, the various brand management teams generate a vast amount of output material, from storyboards and artwork to product samples ranging from swimsuits to footwear says Pentland’s Martin Goldstein who had overall responsibility for managing the vast fit-out project.
“The wide variety of fittings available in the Bisley Lateral File range meant that we were able to meet most of our differing storage requirements with standard units. The breadth of the Bisley ranges also allowed us to provide personal storage for employees on each floor and Planchests for design drawings and artwork which were too large for traditional filing systems. Because all these solutions came from one company we were able to create a seamless uniform appearance in the same silver finish.”
With the completion of the 18 month project Pentland Lakeside, designed by the company in partnership with architects GHM Rock Townsend, not only embraces a work culture, where everyone in the business is encouraged to interact on both a work and social level, its inspirational design sparks a passion and excitement that, in turn, will create great ideas for the Group.
Top health & Safety accreditation for Dalkia
Confirming the high professional and technical standards which Dalkia applies across its wide portfolio of energy management, M&E and managed services, Dalkia has now received independent certification to the demanding Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems Standard 1800 1.
Marking this achievement, Regional Manager Jeff Dowson (right) of leading certification body SGS Yarsley presented Dalkia Technical Director Ron Wood (left) and Company Health & Safety Manager Frank Kinsey with the certificate.
Fewer than 500 organisations in the UK have secured OHSAS 1800 1 standard, which requires a complete review of a candidate company's Health & Safety Management System, plus detailed assessment of compliance at every level.
'we are delighted that Dalkia are taking a lead in establishing the 1800 1 standard, which, like the ISO 9001 Quality Assurance standard, is set to be a universally applied yardstick for professional management.' says Jeff Dowson.
Following-on from Dalkia recently achieving the British Safety Council National Safety Award, this key credential further endorses Dalkia's commitment to excellence.
'our OHSAS 18001 certification means that our customers and service partners are fully assured that our work with them, or on their behalf, will be carried out to the highest standard,' says Ron Wood. Òtheir own legal duties under Health & Safety legal requirements will be significantly supported by Dalkia.'
Top of the class training facilities
Employees at the 472 Sainsbury’s stores across the UK are enjoying dedicated training facilities thanks to Portakabin Limited. With 110,000 people requiring training on the company’s new checkout system, due to be introduced by summer 2003, a comprehensive programme needed to be developed to ensure everyone received the four hour course within a 12 month period. David Orr, project manager at Sainsbury’s, explains: “To provide all staff with the best possible training we wanted them to be able to do it on a live system so they could experience it properly. To do this we needed a dedicated area at each store to set up a checkout system. Having looked at the existing space available it was clear that this couldn’t be done in every case. “We then looked at other options, including transporting staff to the stores where there was space available, renting local offices or conference rooms and hiring buildings. After looking at the logistics and costs involved in each of these it was obvious that hiring buildings was thb best option. “We invited four building suppliers to tender for the business, but it was apparent that Portakabin was the only company that could meet our logistical needs. It has an extensive network of hire centres across the UK, which can deliver and remove the buildings quickly and easily to each of our stores.” All of the 72 Portakabin buildings that have been hired by Sainsbury’s are fitted out to meet the individual training needs of the store they are situated at. David explains: “An average of 250 people will receive training at each store. However, every store has slightly different requirements and the buildings Portakabin has provided can be adapted to meet those needs. For example, we needed separate rooms for each type of system training; some stores will need two to accommodate general checkout training and another for back office training, while some stores will need three rooms to accommodate petrol station systems.” The buildings are delivered to the stores by the local Portakabin hire centre where they stay for six weeks while the training programme is carried out. They are then collected and taken to the next group of stores. In addition to the teams at Portakabin’s 43 hire centres, there are also four people working full-time on the co-ordination of the project at the organisation’s head office in York. Liz Brewin, project manager at Portakabin, says: “We have worked very closely with David and his team at Sainsbury’s to plan exactly when and where each of the buildings will be throughout the 12 months. As different stores have different requirements we have also spent a lot of time looking at the internal layout of all of the buildings to come up with the best design for each.” David continued: “The service we have received from Portakabin has been second-to-none and having a dedicated project management team has been excellent. The logistics of a project of this scale are very difficult to manage and the Portakabin team’s support has made all the difference to the success of this programme.
Top quality draught proofing reduces heating costs
By Gillian AIlder, Director, Draught Proofing Advisory Association Heat loss through unnecessary draughts can be very expensive in terms of fuel wastage. However, cost-effective top quality draught-proofing of windows and external doors provides worthwhile energy saving, plus increased comfort. To gain maximum benefit heating must be addressed in conjunction with draught proofing. Airtight buildings consume less energy and building maintenance and life cycle costs can be lower, as they are less susceptible to internal moisture deterioration. Less heat is lost at entrance points, and costs for space heating and associated plant are lower. Tests carried out by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) revealed that advanced draught proofing methods are shown to be one of the most profitable ways of reducing heating costs in nondomestic buildings, with payback on investment as low as 1.2 years, with reduction in heating bills of 22%. In respect of draughtproofing, before the 2002 Building Regulations, Part L only applied to new build and did not include existing buildings or change of use. The Regulations now include substantially improving fabric insulation standards for solid elements and glazing and introduce new efficiency requirements for air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems for light fittings in both non-domestic and domestic buildings; the introduction of requirements for testing building air tightness and the commissioning of building compliance; registering the energy performance of buildings in use by actual consumers and making consumption data publicly available for comparison against benchmarks. Since draught proofing was included in the Building Regulations, many specifiers are implementing it in their energy efficiency programmes to bring buildings in line with current new build standards. Indeed Building Regulations are set to increase in April 2006 and will include refurbishment. A further review in 2012 is anticipated. The draughtproofing of windows and external doors will undoubtedly play a significant role in meeting the Part L 2 (non domestic buildings) criteria for refurbishment. Whilst energy efficiency in relation to climate change is vital, it is important for industry and commerce to recognise the need to care for its staff and ensure a better working environment. This is all part of corporate social responsibility. There is often a misconception that installing carbon saving measures means higher costs. This is certainly not the case with cost effective draughtproofing with top quality materials approved to British Standards. In the overall energy efficiency strategy the draught proofing of windows and external doors is seen as a key elements in achieving lower energy consumption and CO2 emissions. This in turn may well result in the need for smaller boilers and fewer radiators to maintain the required temperature. The process is now recognised as an essential part of energy efficient design if optimum performance of other energy efficiency measures is to be achieved. It is a simple and economical method of reducing energy loss and controlling air flow, with the added benefit of greatly increasing the comfort levels of the occupants. The Draught Proofing Advisory Association, recognised by Government as the national trade association for this industry, contends that top quality draught proofing should become a basic requirement for all retrofit energy efficiency work to bring all types of building in line with current new build standards. Whilst the Government is constantly tightening Building Regulations for new properties with a view to reducing the UK's reliance on fossil fuel resources, research has found that these provisions have improved energy efficiency but are often compromised by poor building envelope airtightness. For example, in office buildings tested by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) it was found that up to 30% of the heating/cooling energy was being lost through uncontrolled infiltration leading to draughts, discomfort and poor energy efficiency. In addition, moisture-laden air entering the building structure has serious detrimental affects on the building fabric. Once draughts are eliminated, constant climates can be provided: draught proofing keeps the integrity of air conditioned buildings. Airtightness is environmental 'best practice' and demonstrates a company's commitment to conserving energy and reducing CO2 emissions. ln addition to excluding draughts and extremes of weather, draught proofing products keep out dirt, dust and light, together with noise penetration. By reducing airflow, weatherseals can cut down general traffic noise through street facing doors and windows. Additionally sound levels in offices near noisy production lines or factory units can be reduced. Draught proofing products credited with BS 7386 will also control and contain hazardous airborne substances or pollution. Brush seals, in particular, can prevent the ingress of foreign bodies. In an effort to crack down on pollution, tough EU wide targets for industry to cut carbon dioxide emission-s into the atmosphere by 2010 are to be introduced. To provide specifiers with a simple reference to properties, applications and standards of individual products recognised by the Association and to aid selection, a Register of Approved Products has been produced by the Association. This is the first register to list quality draught proofing products suited to the commercial industrial and architectural markets. This independent document offers considerable assistance to architects and designers, builders and others preparing specifications which incorporate draught proofing products. The DPAA has now established a register of installers with the skills to draught-proof commercial and industrial premises. They have agreed to ensure that they only use appropriately skilled and trained staff to carry out any commercial or industrial draught proofing project accepted by them, to the specification. This follows the recent introduction of a 20-year guarantee by manufacturer members of the Draught Proofing Advisory Association. This covers only products made or supplied by members to British Standard. These moves are made to help ensure quality products are installed in the commercial field by experienced installers. Manufacturer members of the Draught Proofing Advisory Association may be approached for in-depth advice on window and door performance and how this can be affected: and on appropriate draught proofing for certain locations. Their laboratories are dedicated to testing windows and doors to the British Standard, often exceeding basic performance standards. Literature on draught proofing applications, and a list of commercial contractors is readily available from the Draught Proofing Advisory Association,.
Top safety accreditation for Coolmation service
Water chiller service and maintenance specialist, Coolmation Service Ltd, a Coolmation Group Company, has joined a leading edge scheme, designed to help industry improve its safety record. The company has recently been awarded accreditation from SAFEcontractor, a programme which recognises high standards of health and safety practice amongst UK contractors. Martin Poyner, service director of Coolmation, explains "SAFEcontractor accreditation is an important endorsement for our business. It will help us win new contracts and ensure that our commitment to the highest standards of safety will be viewed positively by insurers when the company liability policy is due for renewal." SAFEcontractor is operated by international safety, health and environmental risk management specialists, the National Britannia Group. The system is applicable to most sectors although it is particularly relevant to food manufacture, property, facilities management, retail and leisure sectors, all of which are big users of contract services. James Ostler, managing director of Information Service at National Britannia said, "Major organisations can no longer run the risk of employing contractors who do not have proven sound health and safety policies. More companies need to understand the importance of adopting good risk management in the way that Coolmation Service has done." Under the SAFEcontractor system businesses undergo a vetting process that examines health and safety procedures and their track record for safe practice. Those companies meeting the high standard are included on a database which is accessible to registered users via www.safecontractor.com
Top Safety Accreditation for Saville
Saville Audio Visual is one of the latest successful companies to join a leading edge scheme, designed to help industry improve its safety record. The firm has received accreditation from SAFEcontractor, a programme which recognises very high standards of health and safety practice amongst UK contractors. With a nationwide network of regional centres, Saville is the UK's largest professional audio visual business. The company supplies audio visual and videoconferencing equipment and services to corporate clients, universities, hospitals, local authorities and government departments including the Ministry of Defence. Saville's application for SAFEcontractor accreditation was driven by the need for a uniform standard across the business. Managing director John Sills said: "Our systems teams have an enormous responsibility for safety, from design and manufacturing stage through to the completion of every installation. Users include teachers and children in schools, managers and executives at all levels and members of all the armed forces. We believe SAFEcontractor accreditation gives them confidence that our safety standards are strict and consistent". SAFEcontractor accreditation is expected to enhance the company's ability to attract new contracts and its commitment to safety will be viewed positively by its insurers when the company liability policy is up for renewal is operated by risk management specialists, the National Britannia Group. The system is applicable to most sectors although it is particularly relevant to the food manufacture, property, facilities management, retail and leisure sectors, all of which are big users of contract services. Over eighty major nationwide businesses have signed up to use the scheme when selecting contractors for services such as building, cleaning, maintenance, refurbishment or electrical and mechanical work.
Top safety award for Dalkia
Excellent safety management and an outstanding safety record have won Dalkia the highly prestigious British Safety Council National Safety Award - presented to the acclaim of almost 1,000 guests recently at the Grosvenor House Hotel.
Award winners from UK and international public and private sector organisations faced a gruelling test to satisfy the judging panels of safety experts. To achieve the Award, Dalkia had to demonstrate lower than average accident rates, stringent safety policies and board level commitment to health and safety. Dalkia also had to show significant health and safety advances.
David Ballard, Director General of the British Safety Council, said: “The National Safety Awards highlights organisations that are striving for best practice in health and safety. They are a mark of a proven and significant achievement in workplace safety standards.”
Minister of State for Work and Pensions Nick Brown added that: “Only by working together in partnership with the British Safety Council, other stakeholders, employers and employees will we be able to achieve our goals for health and safety and reduce the burden on employers and employees and in turn cut the 33 million working days currently lost through work-related ill-health and injury.”
Top tips for businesses from Special Delivery and business consultant- Mike Parkes
In today’s business environment you do not get anything for free. However top level negotiating skills will ensure that you do get what you need. Royal Mail Special Delivery, the nationwide network that guarantees businesses can reach anyone with their most important items, has teamed up with Mike Parkes to produce a series of tips to ensure businesses are getting the best from their supplier relationships.
“The climate for small business has never been as tough as it is today, increasingly owner/managers need to be jacks—of-all-trades, marketer, office manager and human resources specialists. This requires them taking on board whole new skill sets. Developing negotiation skills is particularly important as they can be used in all aspects of business, whether negotiating with a new employee, or negotiating better rates from a supplier.
So many businesses don’t think about what it is they want to achieve and more importantly what the other party wants out of the relationship. You can save your business money by honing you negotiation skills,” says Mike Parkes, management development consultant.
Royal Mail Special Delivery’s 10 tips for improving your negotiation skills are: —
1. Preparation, preparation, preparation. The most essential element of successful negotiating is preparation. Knowing about your adversary will help you understand how they will approach the negotiations and the approach they will take.
2. Be wary of the first offer, and do not expect your first offer to be accepted. If however a first offer is what you want be prepared to take it to build up mutual trust and relationship.
3. Identify the worst-case scenario and be ready to leave a room if you can’t achieve the terms that you want.
4. Think long term, remember that the person you are negotiating with may be a valuable customer to you in the future, so allow for this when agreeing terms. There is always a possibility you can reach a deal on a longer term relationship where both parties know and understand the parameters of the relationship
5. Avoid underhanded tactics such as good-cop/bad-cop and bluffing. Negotiations become difficult and aggressive when you start to play games. If you believe someone is using dirty tactics do not be afraid to expose this and let them know that it will not work.
6. Establish trust with your counterpart, but separate the person from the issue at hand. Strive to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
7. Keep your challenger happy. This is important especially when you feel the negotiation going your way.
8. Close the negotiation on a strong point. Verbally summarise what has been agreed,if even the smallest aspect is open for re-negotiation, then everything is.
9. Enjoy the negotiation. If you are not relaxed and calm, you may rush the process and agree to a less than perfect deal.
10. Negotiating is a continual learning experience. Evaluate your performance and that of your counterpart and identify the areas that you can improve and learn from.
“I recently went to a contract basis with Special Delivery and have found that this enables me to manage my cash flow more effectively as I receive just one monthly bill, commented Christine Young, OneMonday, a marketing communications consultancy. “ I can also tailor my packaging to carry the company’s corporate branding which for client work is critical.”
Think about how many times you negotiate everyday: who will make the tea, what to have for dinner, or even how much pocket money to give your children each week? Although important, your negotiating adversary is usually friendly and the consequences are relatively inexpensive and short-lived. In business using good negotiation talent expertise could mean the difference between the small office on the first floor and the luxury 26th floor office, with a fantastic view.
The perfect negotiation will not be one sided. Contrary to popular belief, a good negotiation will see both sides successfully achieving what they had intended.
Toprail furnishing system provides vital flexibility to Jersey's new A&E Department
Toprail Systems Ltd (Shepperton, Middx) has recently supplied its unique Toprail(tm) furnishing system to the refurbished A&E Department at Jersey General Hospital in the Channel Islands. The equipment supplied includes storage, shelving, worktops and cupboards, plus custom-designed lead-lined mobile units that are normally positioned between the department's beds. Toprail was awarded this prestigious contract after the hospital's Project Manager, Mr David Ahier, had visited a similar Toprail installation at Guy's Hospital in London. Mr Ahier says "The staff at Guy's commented favourably on the flexibility and convenience of the Toprail system and the ease with which the various elements can be rearranged or moved as needs change. This is a particularly important feature to us since we may need to increase the capacity of our A&E department very quickly should a major incident occur". Toprail(tm) is a unique horizontal rail that can be secured to almost any type of wall with normal hand tools and once installed can support a wide range of wall furnishing items including shelves, whiteboards, worktops, cupboards, storage systems, display materials and even sinks. The concept was designed specifically for use within the health service and is the only wall furnishing system meeting the requirements of health technical memoranda HTM 62 and HTM 63. The system catalogue now includes more than 250 modular components. Although Toprail offers a professional installation service, the only requirement is that the supporting rail should be fixed horizontally at a given height. All modules hang from this rail, so no other fixing arrangements are required. Detailed drawings and specialist labour are unnecessary. The rail itself is fabricated from anodised aluminium extrusion and supplied in standard 2.4m pre-drilled lengths. A snap on cover provides full protection while concealing the fixing screws. The system offers excellent load-bearing characteristics on walls of almost any construction - even on standard 12.5mm gypsum plasterboard.
Toprail wall furnishings selected for new Operating Theatres
Toprail Systems Ltd has supplied its popular Toprail wall furnishing system for use in new operating theatres at the Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool. The supporting rail itself was installed into several buildings, which were built off-site and supplied by PKL Healthcare (Bishop Cleeve, Cheltenham), a leading specialist in off-site construction for the healthcare sector. Once the pre-manufactured buildings had arrived on site, hospital staff were quickly able to install the various elements of the Toprail system - cupboards, shelves, worktops and storage bins. Toprail is a unique horizontal rail that can be secured to almost any type of wall with normal hand tools and once installed can support a wide range of wall furnishing items including shelves, whiteboards, worktops, cupboards, storage systems, display materials and even sinks. The concept was designed specifically for use within the health service and is the only wall furnishing system meeting the requirements of health technical memoranda HTM 62 and HTM 63. Mr Roger Weaver, Clinical Equipment Manager at AHCH commented "We first saw the Toprail system at a trade exhibition and thought it looked clean, modern and appealing to the eye. We also like its versatility, wide choice of system components and the ease with which it can be installed and adapted". The rail itself is fabricated from anodised aluminium extrusion and supplied in standard 2.4m pre-drilled lengths. A snap on cover provides full protection while concealing the fixing screws. Since the only installation requirement is that the rail should be fixed horizontally at a given height, detailed drawings are unnecessary and no specialist labour is required, thereby keeping installation costs to a minimum. The system also offers excellent load-bearing characteristics, even on standard 12.5mm gypsum plasterboard.
Tork hand towels gain NHS listing for fourth year running
National Health Service hospitals are to equip their washstations with soft Tork hand towels for the fourth year running. The NHS has just renewed its hand towel contract with Tork manufacturer SCA Tissue Europe. "This is good news for SCA and good news for the NHS, because we can help them in their continued battle against the problems of cross-infection," said SCA Tissue Europe key account manager Tony O'Sullivan. "The fact that the NHS has renewed its contract with Tork demonstrates its conviction that there is a strong link between softer towels and improved hand hygiene practices." SCA Tissue Europe was first listed by the NHS in 2002 when health chiefs began to perceive problems associated with the rough, abrasive hand towels traditionally supplied in hospitals. Nurses and other medical staff were becoming reluctant to use these towels because they caused chapping and dryness with frequent use. Increasing pressure from the Government to improve hand hygiene in hospitals led to a switch by many NHS trusts to softer towels. Over the past few years, hospitals all over Britain have been replacing their low quality C-fold towels with Tork Premium Hand Towel Interfold Extra Soft. "We at SCA have been moving on parallel lines with the NHS as regards to what they are trying to achieve," said Tony. "There is a move within the NHS to provide different quality hand towels to their public areas, general wards and intensive care facilities. Our newly-branded Tork Universal, Tork Advanced and Tork Premium products allow hospital chiefs to differentiate between our good, better and best towels so that the softest, most user-friendly products go into the most hygiene-sensitive environments." SCA re-branded all its washroom products under the names Tork Universal, Tork Advanced and Tork Premium from January this year. At the same time the company launched its Tork Hygiene at Work scheme for hospital hygiene staff, which combines staff training with reminders and prompts to encourage better hand hygiene in hospitals. Studies have shown that rates of MRSA tend to fall by between 10 and 50 per cent when healthcare staff regularly clean their hands between patients. This was recently borne out by a six-month pilot of a "Clean Your Hands" campaign implemented by the National Patient Safety Agency which led to a threefold increase in staff washing their hands. The Department of Health estimates that if the campaign were to be carried out throughout Britain with the same degree of success, 450 lives and £140million a year would be saved. "We at SCA Tissue Europe are committed to improving hand hygiene in hospitals," said the company's healthcare product and market manager Kelvin Hefford. "By continuing to provide them with the right washroom products coupled with effective training, we believe we can make a real difference." SCA Tissue Europe provides the NHS with Tork Premium Hand Towel Interfold Extra Soft; Tork Advanced Hand Towel Zigzag Fold; Tork Universal Toilet Paper Jumbo Roll; and Tork Premium Facial Tissues Extra Soft.
Tork Hygiene at work aims to curb the spread of MRSA
A new move to improve hand hygiene in UK hospitals is being made by Tork manufacturer SCA Tissue Europe. The company is offering hand hygiene training to infection control nurses in a bid to reduce the number of hospital-acquired infections such as MRSA. Tork Hygiene at Work is being introduced this month (January 2005) and will consist of a series of modules. SCA's trained staff will train infection control nurses and other healthcare staff on site in hospitals. SCA Tissue Europe's healthcare product and market manager Kelvin Hefford said: "The aim of Tork Hygiene at Work is to raise awareness of the type of activities that can cause cross-contamination in hospitals, and to help healthcare staff provide the best hand hygiene facilities. "This training-led approach is vital today because hospital-acquired infections are increasing. There are several reasons for this: the increasing age of the country's population is a factor and so, too, is the fact that hospitals are overcrowded and that bacteria are becoming immune to some commonly-used antibiotics. "However, studies show that more than 50 per cent of nurses are still not washing their hands properly." Tork Hygiene at Work comprises a Basic Hygiene at Work module plus two further modules aimed specifically at the healthcare sector. Healthcare 1 provides basic training and motivational tools while Healthcare 2 allows the results of the programme to be professionally measured. "Besides providing vital advice on how to equip washrooms in hospitals, Tork Hygiene at Work also provides some thought-provoking information about hand hygiene," said Kelvin. "For example it is not commonly known that bacteria equal in numbers to the population of Europe can be found beneath an average person's wedding ring. Also, a door handle contaminated by a person who has not washed their hands will contaminate the hands of the next 14 people who use it." SCA provides Tork Hygiene at Work participants with a complete range of communication materials including stickers, posters and leaflets. SCA Tissue Europe manufactures soft disposable hand towels for use in hospital washrooms. Tork Premium Hand Towel Interfold Extra Soft towels are aimed at hygiene-critical areas such as intensive care wards, while Tork Advanced Hand Towel Zigzag Fold towels are suitable for general use in hospital washrooms.
Tork simplifies its washroom range in branding overhaul
A washroom product range that is easier both to buy and to sell has been launched by Tork.
The move simplifies the entire Tork washroom assortment as manufacturer SCA Tissue sets its sights on becoming the world’s number one away-from-home tissue company.
From January 1 all Tork washroom products have been split into the three sub-brands: Tork Universal, Tork Advanced and Tork Premium. This “good, better, best” labelling approach more clearly signals to customers the differences between each product.
In addition, all products now have a clear product description proclaiming exactly what they are: for example Tork Premium Hand Towel Roll, Tork Advanced Toilet Paper Roll etc.
SCA Tissue Europé region marketing director Brian Parkinson says the changes are a positive move forward. “The new branding structure is the simplest and most logical on the market. Our product names had evolved over a number of years and there was no coherent branding strategy.
“This meant that names such as Tork Xpress, Tork Matic, T-Tork and Bulk Tork were causing confusion among customers who simply wanted to know what each product was for and where it fitted into our range.
“Following extensive investment in our branding approach we’ve reached the conclusion that straightforward names are absolutely the best way ahead. We are taking the mystery out of our range and enabling customers to know exactly what they are going to get.”
SCA Tissue is currently the number one away-from-home tissue manufacturer both in Europe and in Australasia, and the third largest in the US. “By unifying our product names under the Tork brand across the globe we are taking the next step towards becoming the world’s leading manufacturer of away-from-home tissue products,” said Brian.
Packaging of the newly-named products have been differentiated to create a logical new family of Tork products, with white packaging for Tork Premium products, and brown cartons for Tork Advanced and Tork Universal. Article reference numbers will remain unchanged.
Tork simplifies sales process for FSCs and distributors
Two new schemes designed to make life easier for distributors and facility service companies are being launched on the Tork stand at ISSA/Interclean. Tork manufacturer SCA Hygiene Products will be introducing a module-based package of sales support tools for facility services companies. The company will also be unveiling a new, streamlined approach to washroom hygiene products that will aid both FSCs and distributors. Tork Facility Partner provides facility service companies with a package of easy-to-use tools designed to simplify the sales process. This includes upgraded sales support material, a tailored product offering and additional training services. The new washroom segmentation helps customers to select the right hygiene offer based upon their washroom type. The washroom is segmented by the volume of traffic it receives and the type of image that the washroom manager wishes to project. Based on customer and end-user research, this washroom segmentation aims to make it as easy as possible for customers to select the best products and dispensers for their washroom. This saves both time and money for distributors and facility service companies. SCA Away from Home will also be showing a range of Tork washroom products and dispensers at the exhibition. The company’s 153sq m Tork stand, carrying the slogan "Always working for you", will feature products such as premium hand towel Tork Xpress Comfort which is aimed at image-conscious hotels, restaurants and offices as well as hygiene-sensitive environments such as food and healthcare. Also on show will be Tork Matic Comfort, a semi-automatic soft hand towel system dispensed from the Tork Matic-Box. SCA Hygiene Products will also be unveiling the results of an extensive European survey at ISSA/Interclean. The survey reveals what office workers really think about their washrooms and highlights some of the key problems associated with them.
Tork-sponsored glider wins British championship
Tork-sponsored glider Andy Perkins beat more than 50 pilots to gain first place in the British Junior National Championships this year.
His win was particularly important since he gave up his leading position in last year’s World Gliding Championships to help rescue a Danish pilot who had crashed in the mountains.
This is the second year that Tork manufacturer SCA Hygiene Products has sponsored a team of young British gliders. SCA Hygiene Products supplies the team with premium wiping cloth Tork 909 to clean their aircraft.
”It is absolutely vital that the fuselage and wings are kept as clean as possible,” said team co-ordinator John Macknay. ”The more slippery the wing surface, the better the glide angle. We take the gliders apart every night during the championships and polish them up with Tork 909. It makes a huge difference - the gliders hit bugs in the air all the time and dirty wings are detrimental to their performance.”
In last year’s World Championships in Slovakia, Andy Perkins left the race to circle the spot where a Danish pilot had gone down in order to give the rescue services a fix on his location. Andy’s overall win this year came despite terrible weather during the British event, which was held near Basingstoke in August.
Andy is a qualified airline pilot whose ”day job” is to fly B737s for no-frills British airline BMI Baby.
Tork’s two other pilots – Hannah Hay and Andrew May – also did well, with Andrew coming eighth overall and first in the under 21s category, and Hannah gaining third place in the ladies’ event.
The gliding championship involved pilots race against each other at speeds up to 100 miles an hour and on courses of up to 400 miles’ distance. The overall winner was decided by cumulative points scored throughout the contest.
Region marketing director of SCA Hygiene Products Brian Parkinson said: ”We are delighted to be supporting the British team. They stand for many of the same values as we do such as teamwork, hard work, dedication and success.”
Tork-sponsored team wins World Gliding Championship
Junior gliders from Britain achieved first, second and fifth place at the World Gliding Championships sponsored by Tork this year. This is the first year that Tork manufacturer SCA Hygiene Products has sponsored the British Junior Gliding team. Lead commercial product and market manager Andrew Blyth said: ”We are delighted to be supporting them - they stand for many of the same values as we do such as teamwork, hard work, dedication and, of course, success.” Winner of the Standard Class in the Junior World Championships was Britain’s Jez Hood. Luke Rebbeck came second and Leigh Wells was fifth. The British team uses SCA Hygiene Products’ specialist polishing cloth Tork 909 to clean the wings of its gliders. ” A glider’s aerofoil has to be mirror-finished - that is absolutely vital,” said team co-ordinator John Macknay. ” We take the gliders apart every night during the championships and polish them up. It makes a huge difference - the gliders hit bugs in the air all the time and dirty wings are detrimental to their performance.” Tork 909, which is usually used in car bodyshops for polishing paintwork, has a net-like structure that makes it capable of spreading and removing polish evenly to leave a brilliant finish. The 3rd Junior World Championsips were held in Slovakia in July. Besides entering the prestigious Standard Class the British Junior team – all aged under 25 - also entered the Club Class where its pilots finished fourth, sixth and twelfth. One Club Class pilot, Andy Perkins, became a hero when he gave up his leading position in the race to help rescue a Danish pilot who had crashed in the mountains. ”Andy circled the spot where the pilot had gone down to give the rescue services a fix on his location,” said John. ”Luckily the Danish pilot didn’t sustain any serious damage – neither did his glider.” Tork customer Stephanie Fahy of Western Hygiene was guest of the team during the last weekend of the championships. She won the trip to Slovakia in an SCAHygiene Products prize draw held at this year’s Cleaning Show.
Tornex virtually eliminate passive smoking at Searsons Bar in Dublin
There is a way to virtually eliminate passive smoking in public areas without needing to ban it. Tornex has developed a new ceiling mounted system, TX-l 5, utilising their patented negative air pressure technology. The concept is simple - the smoky air is contained, using sophisticated airflow technology, then purified and recycled, using a first class filtration system. Please look at the accompanying un-retouched picture carefully.
There have also been recent installations of Tornex counters Reed Business, MW Kellogg and Epson UK. World Customs Organisation in Brussels has installed panels in the delegatesÕ breakout area, wing products have been installed at Barajas Airport, Madrid and BAA has specified panels for waiting areas in terminals at Southampton, Glasgow and Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Stansted.
Other Tornex products include tables and air curtain poles.
Toshiba Business Communications Division has new name and new website
The division of Toshiba Information Systems UK Ltd formerly known as Telecoms has been renamed Business Communications Division by the company to reflect the convergence of voice and data communications in the new century. Toshiba’s Business Communications Division is a leading supplier of business communication solutions and has been supplying solutions in the UK since 1987. The change from Telecoms to Business Communications Division follows a shift in business focus from supplying telecommunication products for the SME (small and medium enterprises) sector to offering communication solutions to all sizes of enterprise including larger corporate clients. With the launch of the Strata CTX last year Toshiba now has a business communications solution with a modular growth path to a maximum system configuration of 672 ports with virtually any combination of lines and extensions. Strata CTX is IP enabled allowing customers to migrate to the latest IP technology solutions, as they become available. Strata CTX has also been developed with a portfolio of additional business communications solutions including CTI (computer-telephony integration) capabilities, Unified Messaging and ACD (automatic call distribution) contact centre working. To better reflect the new focus of Toshiba’s Business Communications Division the website for the Division has been relaunched with significant improvements to site navigation, news and media information and the partner portal. A new ‘look and feel’ with fresh imagery has been given to the site by Madison York, a full-service marketing communications consultancy. Commenting on the developments, Sarah Pardoe, Marketing Manager for the Business Communications Division said, “Telecoms has become an anachronism and does not really reflect the systems and services that the Division now offers customers. Developments in IP telephony, computer-telephony integration and voice and data convergence mean that we now have solutions that integrate a number of formerly separate technologies. Multi-media call centres for example take in web technologies, telephony and data contact management and this is an increasingly important part of our business and that of our partners. The new website also reflects these changes and provides visitors with better information and resources that are easier to navigate and access.”
Toshiba Business Communications launches new online ‘Virtual Office’ to educate SMEs
Toshiba Business Communications has created a Virtual Office animation to help educate SMEs about the more complex features and applications of the Toshiba Strata IP-CTX solution. Available on the Toshiba Business Communications website the Virtual Office has been created using Flash animation scenarios to illustrate applications and features such as contact centres and remote working in a visual format which is clearly understandable at both a technical and business user level.
All the functionality demonstrated in the Virtual Office can be achieved by using the Toshiba Strata IP-CTX contact centre suite of applications. The Toshiba contact centre offering includes Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) system, intelligent call routing, powerful CTI applications, remote agent working, back office application integration and interactive voice responses.
Toshiba Business Communications moves into larger system sales with Strata IP-CTX
The latest sales figures collated by Toshiba Business Communications show that sales of the new Strata IP-CTX business communications solution have resulted in an almost doubling of the average system size sold. For the half year from April 2003 to September 2003 the average system size was for 62 lines compared to 37 lines for the period October 2002 to March 2003. As well as increasing the size of the average system sold, Strata IP-CTX has also led to an increase in the sophistication of solutions supplied. Messaging systems sold as part of orders increased from 23 per cent (October 02 to March 03) to 42 per cent (April 03 to September 03). In addition contact centre solution sales have almost doubled in value and now represent over 10 per cent of sales revenue. During 2003 Toshiba partners implemented some major contact centres including a 160 agent centre managing in excess of 35,000 calls per day. Strata IP- CTX has been designed as an intelligent communications platform that can be expanded both in size and functionality to meet the needs of virtually any organisation. The system is fully scaleable from from 8 to 544 extensions. Customers can even grow beyond 544 extensions because Toshiba StrataNet software allows multiple systems in the Strata CTX range to be linked together with a common extension numbering plan. As an applications platform, Strata CTX supports contact centre and remote working, computer-telephony integration, messaging and IP telephony. Commenting on the changing sales pattern Tim Webb, General Manager of Toshiba Business Communications Division said, “Strata IP-CTX is designed as a highly flexible business communications solution for organisations ranging from SME to large enterprise. The change in our sales profile reflects the scalable design of Strata IP-CTX and is in line with our strategy of moving into higher value sales by addressing all the customer’s business communications needs. Strata IP-CTX is allowing our partners to penetrate the enterprise market sector while retaining our traditional core SME business. The product development plans we have for 2004 will ensure this trend continues.” Toshiba, a world leader in business communications Toshiba Business Communications is a division of Toshiba Information Systems UK Ltd, part of the Digital Media Group that includes advanced mobile computing solutions, TV and home cinema equipment and mobile communications, all at the forefront of technical innovation and design Toshiba Business Communications is a leading supplier of business communication solutions and has been supplying solutions in the UK since 1987. Toshiba’s Strata CTX portfolio spans from the SME up the large enterprise with 544 extensions. With enhanced networking capabilities, the Strata CTX can expand further with multiple systems linking together for both the core and branch offices. As an applications platform, Strata CTX supports call centre and remote working, computer-telephony integration, messaging and IP telephony. Toshiba Business Communications Vision statement Toshiba is committed to developing the next generation of converged telephony solutions for the enterprise marketplace. We will provide communication solutions that deliver complete mobility of operations and ease of configuration. Toshiba offers best in class migration, quality and reliability and is dedicated to protecting our customer’s investment. With flexibility and choice, Toshiba is empowering the enterprise to do business the way they want to.
Toshiba launches Strata CTX100S for small Business market
Toshiba Business Communications has announced the launch of Strata CTX100S, a series of eight competitively priced, small telephone system packages supplied complete with featurephones and voicemail options. For example, an eight user Strata CTX100S digital phone system is supplied with a Strategy Flash voice mail system and a mix of eight digital featurephones. This package represents outstanding value for money with a 17 per cent discount on the normal selling price for the components in the package. The Toshiba Strata CTX100S solution is aimed at small businesses and has up to 20 ports. With all the same features and functionality as the Strata IP-CTX100, it is an adaptable communication solution for small businesses. Enabling customer choice, the Strata IP-CTX can be enhanced further to offer options for contact centre functionality, unified messaging, IP telephony and branch office working. Toshiba Strategy Flash is an entry level cost effective voice mail solution for two or four ports with up to four hours storage. It provides users with a variety of call management options via their personal mailbox. They can choose from up to seven greetings, automatically controlled call-screening and personal call queuing with connection choices to an operator or another party. Commenting on the launch of the new Strata CTX100S portfolio, Tim Webb, General Manager of Toshiba Business Communications said, “The packages for the SME market that we have put together represent outstanding value for money and allow customers to take advantage of the benefits of voicemail for a very cost-effective price. We developed these packages based on channel partner feedback and our desire to penetrate further the SME marketplace with the successful Strata CTX solution. We expect the Strata CTX100S to build on our sales success in 2003 and anticipate strong demand.”
Toshiba’s new Strata CTX IP solution meets every telephony need
Toshiba Telecoms has launched Strata CTX, a complete suite of business communication solutions. There are two variants of the Strata CTX system, the Strata CTX 100 and the Strata CTX670. Both offer all the optional facilities of Strata CTX peripheral range including call centre working, computer-telephony integration, voice processing and Voice over JP communications.
To upgrade from Strata CTX 100 to Strata CTX670 requires a change in cabinet and central processor. Customers can even grow beyond 672 ports because Toshiba StrataNet software allows multiple systems in the Strata CTX range to be linked together with a common extension numbering plan.
As an entry level system Strata CTX 100 offers small and medium sized enterprises a range of high productivity features previously available only on larger, more expensive telephone systems, while the Strata CTX670 takes Toshiba into me large enterprise market in the UK.
Strata CTX is IP enabled allowing customers to migrate to the latest IP technology solutions, as they become available. Strata CTX features a LAN interface so all the Strata CTX peripheral systems can link to the main system via an IP based data network.
Voice over IP (VoIP) technology allows a data LAN to also carry voice communications, eliminating the need for separate voice and data networks. This further leverages customer investment in a Strata CTX system.
Toshiba StrataNet software allows multiple Strata CTX systems to be linked together with a common extension-numbering plan. Even home workers can be linked to the Strata CTX using a home office extender. Reconfiguring or upgrading a Strata CTX system is easy using Strata CTX WinAdmin software. To get the maximum productivity benefits from Strata CTX is easy for users of the system. Strata CTX has been designed as a modular system so that customers can add peripheral equipment to the main Strata CTX system as they require additional functionality. Optional facilities in the Strata CTX system include:
• Automatic Call Distributior. - The Strata CTX ACD package provides sophisticated contact centre functionality.
• Voice processing - Toshiba can offer a range of Stratagy voice processing solutions for use with Strata CTX to meet all business needs.
• System CTI: the Strata CTX system can be linked to a computer system to facilitate information sharing between the telephone system and computer system over a LAN (local area network). This allows users to identify, control and transfer calls using their computer.
Windows Operator Console software can be installed on a PC and allows operators to transfer calls, take messages and monitor, at a glance, the status of callers and extension users.
Up to four Windows Operator Consoles can be connected to Strata CTX.
In line with Toshiba Telecom’s policy of ‘forward engineering’ the Strata CTX will operate with many of the components and peripherals of existing telephone systems in the Toshiba Strata range.
Total fall protection for major retailer
Dunn & Cowe's horizontal safety line system, Lineanka, has been selected by the UK's leading DIY and garden retailer to ensure the safe working of all contractors when carrying out external work on the roofs of many of its stores. The Lineanka system, installed by GutterKleen Waste Water Services, was fitted retrospectively at all stores that didn't have suitable systems supplied at the time of construction. Lineanka gives roof top workers total fall protection as they are continuously attached to a flexible safety line whilst travelling along the system. The user can move from one side of the line to the other without the need to disconnect. With pre-assembled components it is also easy to install, reducing on-site labour costs. The class C system is made from high quality stainless steel for durability and weather resistance. It is manufactured to EN795 and BS7883 and assists in working to Health & Safety at Work laws. As one of the UK's leading manufacturers of fall arrest systems, Dunn & Cowe has over 20 years of experience in providing quality products with an excellent technical backup. Further information on the Lineanka system may be downloaded from the product section of the company's website at, or is available from
Total Gutter Maintenance
Poorly maintained gutters and drains can cause serious problems. Without regular inspection and cleaning, blockages in modern drainage systems can have severe effects on the system’s performance, resulting in damage to buildings, stock, customer reputation, insurance and ultimately profits.
It is extensively recognised that buildings are a valuable asset, which must be maintained in order for them to retain their value. Moreover there are also basic statutory requirements that buildings should be kept safe for their occupants and passers by.
Areas such as gutters and drains are often overlooked, or ignored until there is a serious problem. Parishioners near Belfast have recently paid £60,000 to treat their historic church for dry rot, which was caused by a blocked gutter. This money could have been saved, if they had conducted annual maintenance checks. After such problems occur, insurance companies have been known to refuse renewal if a regular contract of maintenance is not in place. Regular checks and maintenance of all aspects of a buildings drainage systems, provide the best way to protect the value and character of any building, old or new.
Total Gutter Maintenance Ltd provides a nationwide maintenance service, devoted to the regular cleaning of Roof Drainage Systems and Surface Water Drain Channels to all types of properties within a wide and varied market sector.
TGM Ltd was the brainwave of Managing Director Mr Keith Ellis, who has many years experience within a Project Management role, having formerly been employed as a Property Surveyor for Wickes Building Supplies Ltd. Recognising a niche in the market for planned preventative maintenance programmes, he and his wife Sue, the Company Finance Director, decided to go it alone and six years ago formed TGM.
Since that time the Company has built a solid and ever-growing, loyal client base. The Company ethos is to gain customers for life. This it achieves very successfully by working in partnership with its clients and providing specialist tailor-made service packages, which represent good value for money. Whilst the Company name is now a misnomer, operations having developed and diversified way beyond simply gutter cleaning, the original ethos very much still remains.
In addition to surface water drain cleaning, operations now include remedial works such as bitumen treatments, joint sealants and repairs and all works are fully guaranteed.
Market sectors in which TGM operates include Retail, Industrial, Defence, Education and Health and there are over 300 established customers, incorporating many blue chip clients such as the Focus Group, Courts Furnishings Ltd, Toys R Us, Mowlem Aqumen and Wm Morrisons & Sons, through to individual smaller companies.
Health and Safety is a key issue to TGM, and the systems and procedures in place are likely to be the envy of many construction companies much larger than TGM. The firm employs a dedicated Health, Safety and Quality Manager, Mr Steve Trafford, (MIOSH:MIIRSM) and a Health and Safety Co-ordinator Mr Brett Ellis (NEBOSH), and all staff involved with working at heights are fully inducted and trained. Furthermore TGM is Supplyline Approved and site specific risk assessments and method statements are carried out irrespective of the size of the contract.
There are nine two man teams covering the UK, who are all directly employed and uniformed and carry security identifications. All signed TGM vehicles are equipped with satellite navigation and all carry safety plant and access equipment for carrying out the works.
Due to significant changes in the legislation related to working at heights coupled with the recognition that 70–75% of Health and Safety risks can be reduced by utilising cherry pickers, all TGM operatives working at heights, use truck mounted boom vans.
This year TGM are making a huge investment to the tune of around £400,000, in replacing the whole of their current fleet with brand new 7.5 ton Daf trucks with Italian manufactured Bizzocchi 17 metre reach telescopic booms. This will reduce the need to hire in booms, and the subsequent savings can be passed onto the customer. The first two booms are arriving in early May 2003, with the last two of nine to be delivered at the beginning of September, and will prove a valuable asset to the company.
In a rapidly evolving market environment which is becoming more and more complex, employers have had to recognise the significance of their Health and Safety responsibilities (and the fines and possible imprisonment if they are found to be negligent). Where outsourcing of Facilities Management functions is becoming more prevalent, specialist companies like TGM need to be increasingly adaptable and flexible. TGM Ltd has proven its adaptability and for this organisation at least bigger truly means better.
All operations are managed from the Head Office where the company boasts a professional and client-focused management team. The company has obtained ISO 9001:2000 accreditation, the achievement of which reflects the quality systems that are in place and reinforces the Company’s reputation for service, quality and reliability.
2003 will see the installation of electronic hand held data based survey units for all of the surveyors, which will enable TGM to survey, send the information back to head office via email and send the quote out all in the same day.
Free site surveys are offered for anywhere in the UK mainland and advice and recommendations are provided to suit individual client requirements eg. number of cleans, access difficulties, working out of hours etc.
Total Gutter Maintenance - Looking after your overheads
Poorly maintained gutters and drains can cause serious problems. Without regular inspection and cleaning, blockages in modern drainage systems can have severe effects on the system’s performance, resulting in damage to buildings, stock, customer reputation, insurance and ultimately profits.
It is extensively recognised that buildings are a valuable asset, which must be maintained in order for them to retain their value. Moreover there are also basic statutory requirements that buildings should be kept safe for their occupants and passers by.
Areas such as gutters and drains are often overlooked, or ignored until there is a serious problem. Parishioners near Belfast have recently paid £60,000 to treat their historic church for dry rot, which was caused by a blocked gutter. This money could have been saved, if they had conducted annual maintenance checks. After such problems occur, insurance companies have been known to refuse renewal if a regular contract of maintenance is not in place. Regular checks and maintenance of all aspects of a buildings drainage systems, provide the best way to protect the value and character of any building, old or new.
Total Gutter Maintenance Ltd provides a nationwide maintenance service, devoted to the regular cleaning of Roof Drainage Systems and Surface Water Drain Channels to all types of properties within a wide and varied market sector.
Since the Company was formed six years ago it has built a solid and ever-growing, loyal client base. The Company ethos is to gain customers for life. This it achieves very successfully by working in partnership with its clients and providing specialist tailor-made service packages, which represent good value for money. Whilst the Company name is now a misnomer, operations having developed and diversified way beyond simply gutter cleaning, the original ethos very much still remains.
In addition to surface water drain cleaning, operations now include remedial works such as bitumen treatments, joint sealants and repairs and all works are fully guaranteed.
Market sectors in which TGM operates include Retail, Industrial, Defence, Education and Health and there are over 300 established customers, incorporating many blue chip clients such as the Focus Group, Courts Furnishings Ltd, Toys R Us, Mowlem Aqumen and Wm Morrisons & Sons, through to individual smaller companies.
Health and Safety is a key issue to TGM, and the systems and procedures in place are likely to be the envy of many construction companies much larger than TGM. The firm employs a dedicated Health, Safety and Quality Manager, Mr Steve Trafford, (MIOSH:MIIRSM) and a Health and Safety Co-ordinator Mr Brett Ellis (NEBOSH), and all staff involved with working at heights are fully inducted and trained. Furthermore TGM is Supplyline Approved and site specific risk assessments and method statements are carried out irrespective of the size of the contract.
There are nine two man teams covering the UK, who are all directly employed and uniformed and carry security identifications. All signed TGM vehicles are equipped with satellite navigation and all carry safety plant and access equipment for carrying out the works.
Due to significant changes in the legislation related to working at heights coupled with the recognition that 70–75% of Health and Safety risks can be reduced by utilising cherry pickers, all TGM operatives working at heights, use truck mounted boom vans.
This year TGM are making a huge investment to the tune of around £400,000, in replacing the whole of their current fleet with brand new 7.5 ton Daf trucks with Italian manufactured Bizzocchi 17 metre reach telescopic booms. This will reduce the need to hire in booms, and the subsequent savings can be passed onto the customer. The first two booms are arriving in early May 2003, with the last two of nine to be delivered at the beginning of September, and will prove a valuable asset to the company.
In a rapidly evolving market environment which is becoming more and more complex, employers have had to recognise the significance of their Health and Safety responsibilities (and the fines and possible imprisonment if they are found to be negligent). Where outsourcing of Facilities Management functions is becoming more prevalent, specialist companies like TGM need to be increasingly adaptable and flexible. TGM Ltd has proven its adaptability and for this organisation at least bigger truly means better.
All operations are managed from the Head Office where the company boasts a professional and client-focused management team. The company has obtained ISO 9001:2000 accreditation, the achievement of which reflects the quality systems that are in place and reinforces the Company’s reputation for service, quality and reliability.
Free site surveys are offered for anywhere in the UK mainland and advice and recommendations are provided to suit individual client requirements eg. number of cleans, access difficulties, working out of hours.
Total Gutter Maintenance - Reaching new heights of service
TGM Ltd is best recognized as specialists in the cleaning and maintenance of commercial roof and ground drainage systems on a national basis. In addition to these core activities we offer the services of roof and cladding cleaning, cut edge corrosion/metal edge protection works and gutter lining systems. These activities utilize TGM's expertise and experience in working at heights and give you the assurance that all Health and Safety matters will be dealt with in a professional and safe manner. Cladding & Roof Cleaning; Side cladding - as company image becomes more and more important in clients perceptions an external view has to be taken by all self respecting businesses. If PVC type coatings are never cleaned they become so ingrained with dirt and acid rain they become impossible to clean, therefore making regular maintenance so important in the up-keep of these types of buildings. TGM can provide a tailor made service which incorporates our working at height capabilities with our dedication for high levels of customer service, SAFELY. Roof cladding - roof areas are often overlooked as few people have the capability of viewing these areas. Deterioration of the PVC coating, however still takes place. Pigeon or seagull excreta are a particular problem and eat into the coatings. Eventually they breakdown and expensive remedial works are needed, which may cause disruption to trade and even damage to stock, and ultimately profits. Gutter Lining: The problems with leaking gutters can be extensive and varied, and here at TGM we can offer a multitude of solutions to suit all budgets and specifications. Ranging from joint sealant and bitumen treatments, which can be conducted at the same time as a gutter clean to minimize disruption, to Unifold gutter re-lining systems which can be guaranteed for 20 years. With TGM's help leaking gutters will be a thing of the past. Cut Edge Corrosion/Metal Edge Protection: Problems of de-lamination and deterioration of the coatings on metal profiled sheets present an ever-present risk to the integrity of the roof structure and ultimately its performance. TGM are a registered contractor for the SEAMSIL flexible silicone remedial system, which is recognized as the most effective metal edge protection treatment in any situation where exposed metal is subjected to aggressive moisture conditions. For peace of mind TGM takes pleasure in offering a full 10-year guarantee.
Total revision needed of EU procurement directives says CIOB
The European Union public works market is worth an estimated £1,000bn but a review commissioned by the Treasury has found that UK companies are being frozen out by unfair practices.
The report by Alan Wood, chief executive of Siemens concludes that despite the existence of single market rules in awarding public contracts, the complex public procurement procedures, unfair national preference, and wavering commitment to competition and market liberalisation hold back the creation of a competitive and dynamic EU public procurement market.
Specifically the report identifies contracts awarded to national suppliers even where foreign bidders are believed to offer better quality or price. However the review also highlights a number of success factors that UK businesses can apply to increase their chances of winning public procurement contracts in other EU countries.
Saleem Akram CIOB director said, “The EU directives were meant to increase competition, lead to lower prices and encourage improved performance and innovation. However, recent developments in procurement resulted in an inconsistent approach towards the use of EU Directives in many EU countries, and therefore had both de jure and de facto discriminatory effects.
“The CIOB strongly believes that in projects where innovation is at a premium or projects which are to be developed through long term framework agreements or partnering, it is difficult to see how current EU procedures can successfully be used. It is time to thoroughly review and revise them but it will be a fruitless exercise if all EU countries do not firmly commit to implement them.”
Gordon Brown Chancellor of the Exchequer commented, “This is an essential element of the economic reform agenda and it cannot be ducked. To be effective economic reform must include reform of the state aid regime.
“Europe needs to do more to create a genuine single market in public procurement, in which European and international rules are fairly applied, and to allow businesses to compete and create jobs across the EU. This report shows clearly that there is widespread preference for domestic industries in many parts of Europe.”
Total smoking ban is not a workable option, says Air Cleaner Manufacturers Association (ACMA)
ACMA dossier to Department of Health proposes premises are exempted from smoking ban if air cleaners are installed The Air Cleaner Manufacturers Association (ACMA) has stated its support for government's efforts to reduce smoking but does not believe a total smoking ban is workable. In its dossier submitted to the DoH (Department of Health) Smokefree Legislation Team, ACMA points out that air cleaning provides a "middle way" that affords comfort and clean air provision for both smokers and non-smokers alike. "The industry recognises that a total ban on smoking is unlikely, as is the status quo, so regulation is likely, commented Honeywell, the leading air cleaner manufacturer and an ACMA member. "Air cleaners can minimise the practical difficulties and allow smokers and non-smokers alike the opportunity to enjoy clean air. As we state in the ACMA dossier, an air cleaner costs only about £1 per day to run." ACMA proposes that premises be exempted from any ban on smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces if either the whole room is treated by air cleaners or self-contained smoking booths are provided. ACMA stresses that air cleaners remove pollutants, unlike ventilation which merely displaces them elsewhere. It points out that a correctly maintained and operated air cleaner, used alone or with ventilation, will reduce particulate pollution from tobacco smoke in all kinds of indoor environments such as bars, clubs, restaurants and casinos. Cleaners fitted with additional filters can also reduce gaseous and odour pollution. "It is very well proven technology," stressed Honeywell. "Millions of Honeywell air cleaners alone are already in daily use worldwide, in cafés, bars, restaurants, offices, hotels, leisure centres and other venues. They allow smokers and non-smokers to socialise without discomfort or embarrassment. Staffs are happier and less prone to illness and hay fever, and enjoy a smoke-free workplace. Customers are more comfortable, so stay longer and spend more." The effectiveness of air cleaners for smoke removal has been proven in independent tests conducted by BSRIA (Building Services Research and Information Association) and quoted in the ACMA dossier. In addition to smoke removal, the tests proved the ability of the air cleaner to reduce general particulate pollution. While air cleaners actively remove pollutants and supply the clean air over a large area, ventilators simply move air but do not clean it, while air conditioners cool air and adjust humidity without cleaning. ACMA's dossier explains that if normal air conditioning filters are fitted, they do not remove the very small particles found in smoke, and recycled air from an air conditioning system can spread smoke and odour throughout the building. It adds, "Air cleaners can be used as additional filtration to remove pollution from specific areas where smoke etc is localised. These areas can be physically separate rooms or possibly defined by the supply of clean air from grilles and air curtains to produce the same effect. The fresh air supplies the required ventilation, and the air cleaner supplies the localised 'spot' cleaning. Careful balancing of the supplied fresh air and the returned cleaned air from the air cleaner, with some extraction, can contain and remove the smoke in designated areas for smoking, with little or no spillage into non-smoking areas." ACMA's dossier summarises that air cleaners: Can keep the volume of air required to ventilate a space to the minimum recommended levels for the reduction of CO and CO2. The general requirements for ventilation are 8 l/s/person, when related to floor area, this equates to 8 l/s/m2 for standing personnel, 4 l/s/m2 for seated. Without air cleaners, to reduce the pollution generated by smoking, CIBSE recommends ventilation rates should be increased to levels of 16 to 43 l/s/person depending on the density of the cigarette smoke. Can reduce, or keep to a minimum, as the result of 1) the energy required to carry out any necessary treatment of the ventilation air. Minimises the level of ventilation and therefore possible draughts can be limited. Can be positioned to remove pollutants at or close to their source. Only require electrical power, they do not require ducting etc. for their installation. Are ideal for fitting to buildings where no other form of air treatment is available or would be difficult to install, although in some older buildings care must be taken ensure the effectiveness of the air cleaner is not limited by, for example, obstruction of the supplied clean air by beams etc. Will also help in the reduction of dust, pollens and general ambient particulate pollution introduced by simple ventilation systems.
Touch Control
Socomec Sicon UPS has expanded its ground-breaking Delphys MX range of UPS systems to include a version with a graphic touch screen that gives users access the full range of functions for effortless operation. The Delphys MX colour graphic touch screen provides a user friendly interface that gives safe operation of the UPS as well as a global overview of the system. Direct access to the UPS's main functions is through the mimic menu and includes: status and control measurements, battery testing and UPS operation, interactive processes for automatic startup and transfer to the maintenance by pass, event logs and battery discharges, UPS operation statistics and battery charge duration, the configuration menu for the JBUS/MODBUS connection, language, date and time as well as access code to controls and configurations. The MX is a user friendly, three phase UPS developed specifically for applications demanding higher reliability power protection. Available in sizes from 25OkVA to 500kVA (up to 3MVA in parallel), this compact new system has an extremely small footprint, operates without downgrading actual power and ha&been designed to supply applications with a capacitive power factor up to 0.9. Its input power factor of close to 1 reduces input power consumption by 20% - giving considerable cost savings and increased battery service life. An innovative charging regime, that uses an automatic self-adapting algorithm to respond to a battery's environmental conditions, reduces phenomena causing corrosion of the positive plates. Like all models in the Delphys range, the MX utilises a 'clean" rectifier to ensure an extremely low harmonic re-injection. It has a smaller footprint and integrates the latest generation of Digital Signal Processor (DSP), micro-controller and SMD electronic boards, reducing the number of components and improving Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF). The complete Delphys range is available in a wide range of configurations designed to meet every requirement in terms of security, availability and ease of expansion. The new system is compatible with Socomec's Static Transfer Switches (LTM and IT SWITCH) and easily supplies and manages non-linear loads without performance deviations.
Touch sensitive vandal resistance access control
Sometimes access control readers are installed in vulnerable locations where vandalism is rife and readers are damaged, often beyond repair. This prevents users accessing the door, often for days at a time while replacements arrive, is frustrating and annoying to say the least. To help combat this problem Multilink Access Control Systems have developed several new vandal resistant readers, two proximity devices and one magnetic swipe. These elegant devices have been developed using proven reader technologies. Two units feature ceramic peizo keypads so they are touch sensitive with no moving parts or buttons, the result .. there's nothing to get jammed. Multilink's MVR1 HID compatible proximity reader, combined peizo touch sensitive keypad and vandal resist case, which is constructed from solid aluminium, making it practically impervious to attack. A proximity only version, the MVR2, is also available and uses the same technology as the MVR1. Where systems require magnetic card media, the MVR3 has a water resistant reader head and the same peizo keypad as the MVR1. Specifications: MVR1 Protocol: Wiegand, Dimensions: 120 x 90 x 20mm, Power: 12 VDC, Current: 150mA Environment: IP68; 100% RH, Read Range: 50mm - 75mm MVR2 Protocol: Wiegand, Dimensions: 115 x 70 x 20mm, Power: 12 VDC, Current: 150mA Environment: IP68; 100% RH, Read Range: 50mm - 75mm MVR3 Protocol: Clock & Data Track 2, Card encoding: 75bpi, Dimensions: 140 x 74 x 33mm Power: 12vdc, Current: 150Ma, Environment: IP67 - Temperature 20 to +60°C (non-condensing) Of course access control readers all need control systems and the Multilink DDS Toplock range of controllers are second to none in performance, reliability and price. Controllers can be standalone, networked or real time online and may be connected over a LAN or WAN. Amadeus 5 software controls the programming and functionality of the systems, even providing ID card printing options if required directly for the software, no bolt on programmes, get all the info from one place and produce stunning ID cards with you own logo. For complete systems Multilink can advise and design your access installation, including high quality locking devices and exit buttons etc.
Tour Andover Controls recruit Ian Budd to UK Board
Former Saturo Controls development director Ian Budd has been appointed as business development/product sales director at Tour Andover Controls, a world leader in building automation, security systems and energy solutions. Ian joins Tour Andover Controls, recently formed from the merger of TAC and Andover Controls, after 22 years in the buildings controls industry. Following periods with the Metropolitan Police Chief Engineers Department and Barber-Colman Controls, Ian moved into controls commission management, where he oversaw the high profile Broadgate (City of London) and Vauxhall Cross (MI6) building control projects. During his 11 years with ABC / Saturo Controls, Ian held a variety of positions, which latterly included responsibility for all project sales and technical innovations. Since 1996, he has been involved with open systems, and has become a firm advocate of the benefits associated with open integrated control systems. Derek Duffill, managing director of Tour Andover Controls, comments: "Ian brings a wealth of industry experience and technical knowledge to Tour Andover Controls and represents a significant boost to our UK management team. Tour Andover Controls is committed to providing the highest value systems and services to our customers, and with open systems representing the core of our technical capability, Ian's experience in this area will prove invaluable." Ian Budd comments: "Following the merger of Andover Controls and TAC last year, I firmly believe that Tour Andover Controls today represents the best in the building controls industry and I look forward to taking this already strong company forwards, finding new and innovative solutions to meet and anticipate all our customers' needs and continue to push the boundaries of what the industry currently offers."
Towcester Racecourse invest in CCTV
Set in the beautiful surroundings of Lord Hesketh's private estate, the Northamptonshire racecourse is one of the most picturesque racing venues in the country. The £1.7m investment in the state of the art new stables is part of an ongoing programme to upgrade the facilities for owners, trainers and visitors. The CCTV system has been designed to ensure maximum security in and around the stables and as such meets the new standards of the Jockey Club’s anti-doping policy. Towcester is in fact the first racecourse in the UK to comply with Jockey Club’s latest requirements. Commenting on the installation of the CCTV system, Bob Bowden, Deputy Chairman of Towcester Racecourse said: “We are very pleased with the service provided by Sanyo. Before deciding on the exact equipments to recommend to us, they carried out night time tests with various cameras. They were able to subsequently show us a recording of the kind of images we could expect, which were of a very high quality.” The CCTV system comprises of nine Sanyo VCC-ZM300P zoom cameras. The ZM300P is a 520 TV lines camera with in built motion detection. When movement is detected the camera zooms into the cause of the alarm. The images from the cameras are recorded onto a Sanyo DSR-3016P 520 TV lines digital video recorder. Combining a 520 TV lines camera with a DVR of the same high resolution capabilities ensures that high quality video recordings of any incidents can be captured and stored for evidence purposes. Also included as part of the CTV system are two Sanyo VCC-6592P 520TV lines low light colour cameras which can produce high quality images when illumination is as low as 0.3 lux and completing the product line up is a Sanyo 19” hi-res colour video monitor.
Tower 42 adds digital CCTV recording suite
Tower 42, the multi-tenanted skyscraper that is the City of London's tallest building, is the latest customer to receive a digital CCTV conversion from its integrated, corporate security systems provider Bell Security. The landmark site's VCR/multiplexer installation has been replaced by a digital recording suite embracing hard- and software elements. This includes five 600Gb, nine-input DVR units, with CD/RW write capabilities and new monitors. The system now possesses 40-plus days of image archive storage capacity and permits senior security personnel to have network access to the images at authorised workstations throughout the building. Tower 42's Estate Security Manager, Steve Crossley, (pictured, right, with Bell Security's Service Manager, Andy McQueen) commented: "The new system has surpassed my expectations. Bell tabled a range of options for our consideration and has seamlessly upgraded us with a flexible, reliable and highly efficient solution."
Trade association calls time on current attitudes
The Heating and Ventilating Contractors 'Association (HVCA) calls for a change in current attitudes and a common approach to a 'qualified industry' Warning that the construction and building services industries could undermine their recent years of progress, the Heating and Ventilating Contractors' Association (HVCA) has called for a complete review of the multitude of workforce registrations schemes along with changes in attitudes to quality. At recent industry meetings Robert Higgs, Director of HVCA, has taken the opportunity to talk about the fundamental issue of a 'qualified workforce'. Higgs has said, "We must accept that the plethora of standalone registration schemes had created confusion throughout the construction industry and among its clients. We need to rationalise these schemes and it is vital that we get this right. "Organisations like the HVCA have a duty to, and a vested interest in, making sure that clients are able to differentiate between qualified and unqualified finns. "We accept that we must provide a workforce that is competent and able to provide independent verification of its credentials. This is why we have already called for a set of principles common to all registration schemes to be drawn up and agreed, allowing qualified firms to register only once. "We also want clients to recognise the importance and value of schemes that independently verify the technical competence and commercial capability of contractors and the skills of their workforce - schemes like the HVCA's own independent member inspection and assessment. "There will be little point in the industry spending time and resources putting its house in order if clients are going to continue specifying on lowest price. It is vital therefore that we have active client support, otherwise there is a danger of the industry slipping back into its bad habits and adversarial ways". The HVCA has also called for the Government to take a lead on these issues. It points out that as a major construction client it needed to clear up the uncertainty caused by different departments adopting different approaches to the establishment of contractor competence.
Trade association embarks on Dutch auction campaign
With evidence that so-called Dutch auctions are growing in use, the Heating and Ventilating Contractors’ Association (HVCA) has embarked on a campaign aimed at resisting this unregulated practice.
The I-I VGA is particularly concerned about the use of on-line reverse auction tendering for mechanical services contracts and is advising its 1400 members not to participate.
Robert Higgs, Director of HVCA, comments “We acknowledge that open and transparent competition is necessary for a healthy and innovative construction industry but we feel strongly that the unregulated practice of Dutch auctioning poses a significant threat to quality and profitability.”
Higgs continues “I’m sure on-line reverse auctions are fine for non-differentiated commodity type items but they place a one-dimensional emphasis on price with no consideration to quality. As such we believe they should not be used in the building sector where there will always be a high skill element”.
HVCA has voiced its concern to Government at UK and European levels but believes that UK Government is giving out mixed messages on reverse auctions, for example, the Office of Government Commerce has not discounted their future use.
Trade talk at Screwfix Direct
TallcScrewflx.com is the new Talk Forum website from Screwfix Direct. Aimed at helping builders, plumbers, electricians, engineers and other Screwfix Direct customers to talk to each other about trade related topics, the site also allows an exchange of views and opinions. Designed to further enhance the customer community and provide an additional support service to its website users, TalkScrewfix.com is believed to be the first online talk forum in the trade marketplace. Featuring 10 talk categories including specific trade areas as well as general talk and comments about Screwfix Direct, each message can be read by all visitors to the site. To join in and post messages, users must first register with a confidential username and password. Message creation or posting a reply is both quick and easy and updates can be viewed at the touch of a button. In addition, an automatic update on specific topics is available, by email, via the “Watch this topic” link. Recent topics have included brick cleaning, plaster board joints, doors, windows, latex screeds and working with cement. Jeanette Chapple Davies, E-Commeree Operations Manager at Screwfix Direct comments, “Our philosophy has always been one of Customer Focus and, with more and more custofriers using our www.screwfix.com website, we felt that the move to a Talk Forum was a natural progression in our service and support role.” Fully committed to customer care and support, Screwfix Direct is believed to be the UK’s leading mail order business fur the supply of high quality, low cost screws, fixings, tools and accessories to the trade as well as serious DIY enthusiasts. Promising next day delivery within mainland UK and despatching, on average, more than 70,000 parcels a week, the company also offers expert technical advice and customer support. All products are supplied complete with the Screwfix Direct 30-day money back guarantee and all prices are inclusive of VAT. Bulk rates and discounts of up to 10% are also available.
Training goes top of the agenda
1400 member trade association sees apprentice recruitment and training as the priority for 2005 The Heating and Ventilating Contractors' Association (HVCA) has announced that apprentice recruitment and training in the building services sector will be its top priority for 2005, with a renewed effort to convince employers that there are real commercial advantages to be gained from investment in new-entrant training. Underlying the initiative will be the release of a series of case studies that give focus to employers with outstanding training records, and will show how their belief- and investment - in training young people has paid off. Taking a commendable lead on this issue, the HVCA has launched this training drive at a time when there is a growing number of young people interested in seeking a career in building services engineering and when, after a number of false dawns, there is now a viable modem apprenticeship framework in place: one that effectively combines college study with practical on-the-job learning with sponsoring employers. Tony Thomas, Head of Education and Training at the HVCA comments, "We recommend that employers interested in taking on apprentices should first register with Building Engineering Services Training Ltd (BEST), the HVCA's managing agency, so that they benefit from guidance and advice together with an industry-specific recruitment matching service." Thomas continues, "We believe firmly that, in these ever more competitive times, employers that take on apprentices, with a corresponding investment in their training, will have a long term skills base that can deliver a winning edge."
Training success for catering partnership
Staff caterers, Catering Partnership Ltd, have been commissioned to develop and deliver an in-house training programme for Peter’s Food Service in Tamworth, Staffordshire. Harry Gadsden, managing director of Leicestershire-based Catering Partnership, explained: “At a recent sales presentation to Peter ‘s Food Service in Tamworth, our prospective client was so impressed with our training standards that he immediately commissioned us to provide a comprehensive training programme for 200 of his staff. We went there hoping to sell our catering services and came away with a training contract instead!” The training started on Monday 31st March and continues until the end of June. The schedule is in line with the company’s shift pattern. Glenis Gibson, company trainer for Catering Partnership is providing a Basic Food Hygiene programme, which has been specifically designed for Peter’s Food Service who supplies dairy and meat products to the catering trade. Glenis Gibson said: ”We researched the company and its needs thoroughly and then designed a bespoke package to ensure that everything was relevant for them at their busy distribution centre. “This is a very exciting development for us and it is very gratifying to know that the standards which we have established within Catering Partnership have been recognised in this way. I cannot think of a better vote of confidence.” Harry Gadsden established Catering Partnership in 1987. The company has over 400 employees and has a projected turnover of £7.5 million this year.
Trane - Guaranteeing efficiency, reliability and economy
Trane, supplier of total conditioning solutions for the commercial and industrial sectors, provides its customers with solutions to guarantee systems that meet their needs for efficiency, reliability and economy of operation.
Trane probably has the most advanced technical services on the market, offering a range of service products aimed at pro-active prevention.
Trane Service is the combination of technical skill, expertise and Trane know-how.
For optimum control of maintenance costs, Trane Service offers its customers the SecuriTrane? contract providing customised levels of protection. In addition, Trane Securilink electronic surveillance enables the installation to be remotely monitored, for quick, reliable repair or diagnosis.
Drawn up specifically for the installation, this contract guarantees peace of mind, safety and cost control.
With the SecuriTrane? maintenance contract, with on-call service, the customer is guaranteed a rapid repair service, 24h/24 and 7d/7.
Trane Service can also supply spare parts from country-based stocks to meet competitive delivery deadlines (within 24/48H).
Trane’s sales network in Europe, with its 44 sales and service offices, employs almost 350 technicians. In the UK 55 technicians spread over 4 offices provide a high quality, local service. They are all specialists in Trane technologies and trained in the latest product innovations.
All year round, the Trane training centre offers inter-company courses, thus ensuring the technicians’ product and system knowledge.
Choice, quality, deadlines and peace of mind are the Trane service guarantees, sharing its skills and its expertise to provide its clientele with optimal satisfaction.
Trane help future proof KPMG
In common with many buildings where central air conditioning systems have been in operation for many years, the chillers at KPMG Puddledock in Blackfrairs, London, were old, inefficient and using phased-out refrigerant R113.
Had the chillers required any work that involved topping up or removing refrigerant, they would have had to be shut down.
The decision was made to replace them with efficient modern chillers and for Trane Existing Buildings Team to undertake the entire project.
The existing chillers were two Trane LCV water cooled, direct drive centrifugal chillers.
The two replacement chillers are the very efficient RTHC C2 2A 2A, water cooled screw chillers, each having a cooling capacity of 825kW.
The project also involved removing existing chilled and condenser water pumps and replace with new, installing new isolating valves, control valves, strainers, the immediate chilled and condenser water piping, plus new power and control cabling.
As a critical site it was essential that at least 50% of the cooling was available at all times, so the project was undertaken in two phases.
One chiller out, one chiller in, piped up, commissioned, and an extended run test before the other old chiller was turned off, removed and replaced with the second new unit.
Having successfully achieved that part of the project, the final phase was to remove and replace the cooling towers serving these chillers.
So KPMG is now as future-proof and efficient as possible, at least for another twenty years.
Trane launches UniTrane Range
World leader in the development and marketing of chilled water systems, today Trane announces the launch of its new UniTraneTM range: quieter, more powerful and more intelligent.
As the inventor of the first fan coil in 1925, Trane has never ceased optimising the performance of its products. The very latest generation of UniTraneTM fan coils is characterised by its high energy efficiency, its ease of installation and its even further enhanced reliability. UniTraneTM is inspected by an external and independent laboratory and is certified by Eurovent. This certification is confirmation of the stated performance levels.
Quiet and simple to install…
Trane®'s experience has enabled a range of fan coils to be developed that is amongst the quietest on the market: 28 dB(A) for the 01 model (noise level at low speed). The excellent acoustic performance of the new UniTraneTM range provides relaxed environments for office workers, hotel guests or shopping centre personnel. Maintenance requirements are reduced to a minimum, being limited to periodic cleaning of the unit's filter.
Comfort and intelligence… thanks to the new ZN regulation system
The certified LonTalk® ZN regulation system integrates a universal language as well as intelligent fan speed management. At low speed, the UniTraneTM fan coil can supply up to 65% of its nominal capacity, and this at a minimal noise level.
The ZN regulation system also allows the supply air temperature to be stabilised over time and minimises variations in the temperature of the conditioned space. Thanks to these two unique characteristics, user comfort is even further enhanced and energy consumption is reduced. Furthermore, the ZN regulation system can operate autonomously or can be integrated into building facilities management systems supporting LonMark® functional profiles.
A flexible fan coil range…
UniTraneTM fan coils are available in a multitude of configurations, with or without their casing, for wall, floor or ceiling mounting. A complete range of factory-fitted options and accessories to fit on site is available to match the specific requirements of every project.
The new range of UniTraneTM fan coils is marketed by Trane UK through their four regional offices, in Basingstoke, Hampton in Arden, Rochdale and Cumbernauld.* Trane
Subsidiary of the American Standard Group, a group listed on the New York Stock Exchange since 1995, TRANE is one of the market leaders in air conditioning around the world thanks to its pertinent innovations in product design and manufacture, accompanied by a quality policy of the first order that has resulted in the company achieving ISO 9001 certification since 1987. Its strong national presence provides for building close relationships offering privileged advice and follow up via its sales offices and its after sales service.
By mastering the most complex technologies TRANE is able to offer a complete product range: chillers, chilled water terminals, rooftop units, Bulding Automation Systems and uses refrigerants in its various product ranges that guarantee environmental protection.
Trane present Voyager
European leader in the market for rooftop units of less than 72 kW, Trane presents its new Voyager™I commercial range (17 to 33 kW). The rooftop units are available in 3 versions: cooling only, heat pump, and cooling with gas heating. Trane is also one of the world leaders in the design, manufacture and installation of rooftop systems. Trane has benefited from a permanent research and development position for several decades, and is continuously optimising the quality and performance of its products, to provide a solution that meets the requirements of professionals and the needs of the market. Suitable for commercial buildings (stores, supermarkets and restaurants), the Trane? Voyager™I range also meets the needs of one- or two-storey service buildings, such as offices. EASY INSTALLTION… THANKS TO A PACKAGED UNIT All rooftop units are designed around the "Plug and Play" concept, making installation extremely simple. A network of adjusted ductwork is all that is needed, and there are no terminal units to be connected to the external unit(s). Before making the final adjustments, the rooftop unit is placed on a flat (or slightly sloping) roof. The Trane? Voyager™I units are equipped with a black epoxy coating for optimum protection against adverse climatic conditions. A HIGH COP, THE BEST IN ITS CATEGORY… EUROVENT CERTIFIED With a high coefficient of performance (COP), thanks to optimised design and high-performance components, operating costs are significantly reduced. This COP, the best in its category, has been Eurovent certified, giving a guarantee of performances and common criteria for comparison. In addition, the new Trane? Voyager™I rooftop units operate using R407C refrigerant (without chlorine to respect the environment). A NEW RANGE OF FLEXIBLE ROOFTOP UNITS… LONTALK? COMPATIBLE For its new Voyager™I range, Trane offers a wide selection of options (fresh air and air quality options, circuit breaker, disconnect switch, air filtration, smoke and fire detection, remote thermostats and sensors, etc.) all factory-mounted, and numerous adjustment possibilities for airflow and static pressure in order to be adaptable to all types of ducting networks. This new range, compatible with the open LonTalk? standard protocol and SCC profiles, can be integrated into and communicate with all LonTalk? compatible GTB systems. Even with non-communicating BAS systems, the units can be controlled using a cabled interface. AIR QUALITY, ENERGY SAVINGS… AND EASE OF MIND The new Voyager™I range provides optimal control of internal air quality and energy savings thanks to the "fresh air intake" and "free-cooling" functions. The first option lets fresh air into the system, to ensure good air quality. The fresh air dampers can either be opened manually, or be connected to an air quality sensor for real-time opening. The second option, for energy saving, enables cool outside air to be used to cool the building, thus reducing compressor operating time (from 20 to 50% energy saving in cooling mode). "Free-cooling" operates either simply by comparing inside and outside temperatures or more accurately by comparing internal and external "enthalpies" (energy combination of air temperature and humidity). In the latter case, the machine only uses external air when most optimal, thus providing energy savings and greater user-comfort. To prevent water stagnating, and causing corrosion or germs to accumulate (mould, fungi etc.), the condensate drain pans are sloped. EASY TO INSTALL… SAVING TIME AT THE OPERATING SITE With easy side access to all components, the new Voyager™I range saves time at the operating site. Most options are already installed on the unit. Airflow is factory-configured in horizontal or vertical mode depending on the installation layout, thus avoiding the need to convert the unit on site. On horizontal flow models, duct connections for intake and outlet are on the same side, facilitating positioning of the unit against the wall. Control is also factory-configured; just connect a thermostat and the unit starts! RELIABILITY AND QUALITY OF TRANE?PRODUCTS… NUMEROUS FACTORY TESTS All products in the Trane? Voyager?I range are equipped with Scroll compressors. All models in the new Voyager™I range are also subjected to rigorous testing, in particular against adverse climatic conditions. More than 300 000 tests are carried out on the fan and its control system, to ensure quality and reliability. The sealing of Trane? unit batteries is 100% tested in the factory. Of course, before leaving the production line, each unit with its factory-mounted options, undergoes an operating test to 100%. In this way, the criteria for quality and reliability for which Trane is renowned are fully respected. CLOSEST TO CUSTOMER NEEDS… ALREADY WITH THE VOYAGER?II In March 2002, Trane announced the transfer of technology to part of its Voyager? range: since then, the Voyager?II (35 to 62 kW – available in cooling, with heat pump or gas burner), previously manufactured in American factories, has been entirely manufactured in Europe (Golbey factory, Vosges, France). These products are now more adapted to the specific needs of European customers: above all, they can be delivered in a much shorter time. The new range of Voyager?I rooftop units: * TKD: Cooling, vertical flow * TKH: Cooling, horizontal flow * WKD: Heat pump, horizontal flow * WKH: Heat pump, horizontal flow * YKD: Gas heating, vertical flow * YKH: Gas heating, horizontal flow Through its local network in France and in Europe, Trane provides sales and after-sales support for the Voyager?I range.
Transcend broadloom pitfalls!
Designed to suit the most demanding office environments, the new Transcendent Collection of modular flooring from Interface is designed for nondirectional installation thus achieving near-zero installation waste. At the same time, the floorcovering lifecycle is extended since the tiles may easily be moved and reused. The Transcendent Collection of random designs - Approximations, Congruence and Sequences together with the existing Fluctuations - means that tiles may be swapped with no colour incompatibility even when excessively worn areas are replaced. In addition, single-dye-lot manufacturing ensures batch-to-batch consistency so large stocks of spare 'same batch' tiles are unnecessary. Individual tiles are easily taken up or laid by in-house staff so are ideal where 'churn' is an issue with fast changing and flexible workspaces; disruption is minimised. In addition, Transcendent perfectly complements Interface's raised access flooring solutions as tiles may be lifted to reach utilities and then replaced in any position. Staining, damage and deterioration is minimised through the use of premium solution dyed yarns where the fibre is coloured right through, ensuring it will not fade or bleach. Interface's Glasbac backing incorporates Intersept, a patented anti-microbial for the control of mildew and the prevention of odours which is useful in any area where spillages might occur such as around coffee machines and in restaurant areas. The four designs - Fluctuations, Approximations, Congruence and Sequences are each available in 10 colourways with designs ranging from subtle tonal to geometric and floral shapes to suit the widest variety of design schemes.
Transforming the central IT department for Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News wished to establish a new working environment within their IT Department, the background was a department that had grown over the years based on a traditional rectangular desk layout. Although basically functional, the area was cramped and not only portrayed a rather disorganised image but the layout created a disparate team arrangement. The management decided to embark on a radical review of the area, which was designed to underpin the departmental ethic of full end user support. It was decided to restructure the department into its operational teams and crucially, were positioned in such a way that it also supported the central help desk function. At the same time they wished to utilise the area more efficiently including resizing the cellular offices and generally upgrading the department. CSE Space Management were called in to discuss the objectives and asked to carry out a thorough review of the current working arrangements. CSE undertook a survey and produced layouts for further discussion. CSE’s proposal incorporated a series of 120? beam supported continuous desking units and screens manufactured by Hamilton Designs. The beam structure ensured minimal legs, continuous cable management and a very cost-effective solution. This was complemented with mobile shelving that resolved the archive and manual storage problems in the minimum of space. New power, data and voice cable runs fed to the desking via power poles and the desking beams, ensured the practicalities of the island desking layout. The overall result both utilised the floor space more efficiently and minimised the intrusion of the building columns, effectively "wrapping" all personnel around a central desking area, which housed the “Help Desk” that is central to the whole operation. Management offices were reduced in number in favour of open plan and the few remaining ones were reduced in size to allow room for a dedicated work, assembly and repair area and a break-out/informal meeting area. The "Output & Workflow" personnel were relocated into the main body of the offices thus releasing a further area, which formed an additional meeting room. Owing to the operational requirements the work had to be carefully phased to minimise disruption. This was achieved with the whole furniture installation including partition modifications, new carpeting throughout, mobile archive shelving, all data and power work, and the movement and reorganisation of all personnel with their computer hardware within a three week time frame and without disrupting the operation. Alan Cadman the department technical manager commented, “CSE’s response was the most professional, offering creative proposals and reflecting their understanding of the companies exact needs. They met the criteria and provided us with a cost effective, new and modern working environment.”
Transmitton Powers £3billion upgrade
Transmitton, international supplier of integrated infrastructure control and asset management solutions to the rail industry, has begun work on the £3billion New Trains Programme in the South of England. With the new rolling stock unable to run at full speed and service density without additional power feeds to the track, Transmitton's role in the track upgrade is a crucial one. The new rolling stock has already been purchased so Transmitton is working closely with the SRA and Network Rail to ensure the control room upgrade takes place as soon as possible. Once completed, it will allow over 2,000 new carriages to join the network over the next two years. Transmitton will supply critical control equipment and software to operate the new and existing electrical installations. In practice, this means Transmitton will design, supply and commission RTUs (Remote Terminal Units) at sites involved in the scheme, and will also supply Cromos computer equipment - a real time database and control package - at the control rooms in the southern region. As well as having to work to the tightest of deadlines, Transmitton will also have another challenge. The upgrade work will require the live changeout of existing obsolete control centre equipment in all areas. Ian Wright, Managing Director at Transmitton, commented: "This is the largest ever power upgrade in Europe and is undoubtedly a challenging project with many different complexities and pressures. However, our experience and unique expertise means we are able to tackle the project with confidence and are already working very closely with our partners in what is a crucial, and very welcome, development for rail users in the south of England."
Transportable surveillance system uses advanced camera for live internet site pictures
SeSys Limited have introduced a powerful transportable surveillance system for remote wireless monitoring of unattended sites for security or safety purposes. The system is based on an ‘intelligent’ all weather camera with powerful built-in software that can provide live day or night images over the Internet. It can also provide automatic event alerts (when movement, noise or temperature change is detected) via PDA, mobile phone text or email.
The new system, say SeSys, will offer significant economic and operational advantages to any site-related business by utilizing off site user-friendly video management capabilities. Portability and ease of operation will make it particularly attractive where frequent site changes occur or where the work force itself is mobile.
The system utilises an advanced web enabled camera, which can transfer images to the Internet either in a scheduled manner or event controlled using one of a number of built-in sensors. Event controlled image recording can be triggered using separate sensor inputs, motion detection windows, passive infrared (PIR) sensor or noise sensor via the camera’s built-in microphone.
Because the system is flexible, it utilises a number of advanced security system components, depending on the actual site requirement. These range from portable digital cameras to anti-vandalism security masts, automatic licence plate recognition software, audible detection devices and full duplex audio communication (two way radio). All are linked together using wireless connectivity and true systems integration software to deliver high levels of security, system portability and complete management control.
Unlike expensive fixed site installations, which have equipment costs that impact on profitability, the SeSys system is a truly transportable solution. The inherent wireless connectivity and portable installation techniques mean that managers can re-locate the system as the site schedule progresses and local risk reduces. Where high-risk events are identified as part of the site programme, the system may be easily repositioned or expanded for maximum security.
The system allows remote monitoring of any number of sites from one central control network. Full control of all monitoring components is handled via IP protocols to interface with existing PC networks and internet/web browser protocols. It can also provide event triggered alarm notification via SMS (text messaging), GSM or e-mail. In other words, the system will integrate fully with existing communications, management information and asset control arrangements.
The heart of the new system is The MX camera. Developed in Germany, this advanced camera is claimed to be the first weatherproof megapixel IP/ISDN camera equipped with two image sensors and two lenses. Depending on the illumination at the scene, the camera uses either a colour image sensor with daylight lens or a monochrome image sensor with infra Red (IR) lens to record the images. The dual sensor system provides for excellent colours during the day and high quality images of after-dark scenes. Because it is equipped with Ethernet and ISDN ports, the camera is easily configured using a browser and does not require any kind of software installation.
The camera allows simultaneous recording of both colour and IR images without requiring maintenance-prone mechanical components. At half the usual image transmission rate, both sensor images cart be processed in parallel and can be displayed either side-by-side or window-in-picture format. In static scenes, the image sensor’s night vision mode allows for exposure times of up to I second without perceivable image noise. This will deliver good quality black and white images after dark.
The advanced megapixel (1280 x 960 pixels) colour sensor provides brilliant colour quality and features a light sensitivity ten times higher than most other currently available camera types. Image formats range from QVGA (320x240) and VGA (640x480) to QuadVGA (1 280x960) with digital zoom, all of which can be selected as needed.
Using its freely definable exposure measurement zones, the camera automatically adapts to difficult backlight situations. Low-contrast scenes usually pose a problem to video recording, but thanks to some powerful image enhancement features, the camera records high-contrast images even under these conditions. Since the camera has two separately focused lenses, one for daylight and one for night, expensive IR-corrected lenses are not needed.
The new system, say SeSys, will offer significant economic advantages in any site-related business by utilizing off site user-friendly video management capabilities. The powerful, portable solution is intrinsically linked to asset control and management information, and offers additional benefits such as ease of access for other authorised users e.g Architects or Surveyors, voice duplexing (two way audio), and lower security I insurance costs.
David Cawkell, SeSys’ Managing Director, comments: “Today’s businesses, whether in construction, site security or building management, face potential disruption at every turn. Well organised vandals, thieves, or saboteurs can easily create massive delays to building schedules and bring the risk of project penalties and sky rocketing insurance premiums. Heavy plant theft and material loss from sites can bring even the most ambitious and well managed projects to a halt.
Remote vision of this kind provides management with ‘a ‘window on’ the working world from the convenience of an office desk. Wherever the site is located, a system can be installed in minutes, connecting directly to a PC or company network, and can be viewed by any authorised user from any work station on the network, home location or compatible PDA.”
Treadfast one coat keeps dinosaurs’ feet dry
An old quarry on the Isle of Wight is the location for one of the most spectacular and technically challenging applications ever for Tremco’s Treadfast One Coat moisture vapour suppressant; and you could argue it is the oldest.
The Dinosaur lsle Museum at Sandown is partly below sea level and was built to a very tight programme, with handover imperative in time for the start of the summer season. One of the logistical problems facing locally based flooring specialist, Floor Design, was the amount of moisture still needing to be dried out from the surface of the power floated concrete slab before its operatives could complete the installation of a complex design in Nairn Mamoleum.
The Managing Director of Floor Design, Doug Watkins, comments: “We employ Tremco products and particularly its moisture vapour suppressant on virtually every important job that comes up. In this case we were working to an extremely tight programme with only limited periods for us to have access, and I just wasn’t prepared to take any chances.
“Tremcos technical consultant checked the residual moisture reading with me and they were typically in the order of 87 per cent. However, after Treadfast One Coat had been applied we were able to put down the latex the following day and start laying the day after that. It has been hailed as a real success with everyone involved being delighted with the effect created.”
With the surface fully prepared and the risk of de-lamination completely ruled out, Floor Design cut in the various sections of marmoleum in blue and green as well as other colours to represent lakes, forests and even the footprints of the giant beasts.
Significantly, all the leading flooring manufacturers approve it for the purpose.
Tremco Hi-Therm waterproofs electrical switch house
When the lifespan of the existing roof on a 65,000 volt ‘bulk supply centre’ at the Wilton International industrial complex in Middlesbrough was coming to end, prompt action was needed. ETOL Asset Management which takes care of the premises on behalf of Wilton International chose to replace the failed copper roof covering with Tremco’s Hi-Therm system, high performance Tremco elastomeric felts bonded using the BBA approved Thermastic adhesive and offering a 15 year guarantee. The Civil Engineer responsible for Greystones Switch House, Sharon Westcough, comments: “The roof in question featured copper sheeting dressed down into internal gutters. During heavy rainfall the water was backing up and getting beneath the laps in the copper, then through the joints in the plywood sheets and the construction joints in the concrete. Beyond this there were also areas where the wind had made the copper flex, causing holes to appear around the nails. then taken against several alternative systems. In the final analysis, Tremco Hi-Therm was seen by comparison to be the quality option at a reasonable price. We have been perfectly satisfied with the way the contract has been carried out.” Tremco approved installer, J. Ferguson Roofing from Stockton, was awarded the work. Its operatives stripped off all of the old copper sheeting and repaired or replaced the decking, depending on its condition, before completely re-tanking the entire area using the Hi-Therm waterproofing system. Both the underlayer and the terracotta mineral felt cap sheet were bonded using the polymer modified Thermastic. Parapet walls and other upstand details were all addressed using two layers of Tremco Elastomeric Torch-on Felts.
Tremco Thermocore guarantees future of shopping mall
As a diagnostic tool, Tremco employs its thermal imaging system to identify roof areas where waterproofing has failed, thereby saving clients money by more accurately targeting options; however, the analytical powers of a Thermocore survey are such that it also enables the manufacturer to guarantee the soundness of existing substrates when a complete over-roofing solution is adopted. This has led to Tremco products being specified for a major retail refurbishment contract in Devon.
Finford Management’s Market Walk shopping centre in Newton Abbot was constructed in the Seventies and had suffered badly from water ingress in recent times, leading the Exeter based surveying and project management practice of Kirkham Board Associates to seek a guaranteed elastomeric roofing system.
After going out to tender to a number of specialist manufacturers, Kirkham Board awarded the work to a Tremco approved contractor, Premier Roofing Contractors Ltd of Exeter, with the Hi-Therm system being selected for its all round strength and performance as well as the reassurance of an unambiguous warranty.
The surveyor in charge for Kirkham Board Associates, Mr Lee Cottrell, comments: “It seems that Tremco is the only manufacturer willing to guarantee the condition of the existing substrate rather than just their installed materials. This is crucial because if a problem does occur it is very easy for the manufacturer to blame the surface beneath the new system, and it is very difficult to prove if this is right or wrong.
“We were fully satisfied with the work completed by Premier Roofing and the site monitoring by Tremco personnel. The whole project went very well.”
With all of the chippings cleaned away and any splits or blisters in the original asphalt repaired, Premier’s operatives primed with Tremco’s QD Primer and then fully bonded 50 mm of Tremco’s Tremthern SB insulation board using Thermastic adhesive. This was followed by Tremco’s Elastomeric Felt Underlay and terracotta Cap Sheet, also bonded in Thermastic. New GRP trims were installed and Tremco’s Elastomeric Torch-On Felts were used to carry out the upstand detailing around the precast concrete panels forming the parapets. When all works were completed, Tremco re-scanned the roof to ensure that no moisture was trapped within the existing system, thereby giving the customer peace of mind.
Tremco Thermocore offers cost effective approach to shopping centre refurbishment
A phased contract for the repair and replacement of waterproofing systems on a well known retail centre in Sunderland has benefited from the use of Tremco’s thermal imaging system which helped to identify areas where water had penetrated and minimise the total amount of remedial work to be done.
The Bridges Shopping Centre, owned and managed by Land Securities, dates from the late 1970s and underwent major refurbishment in 2000. In the case of the current phase of work, which involved main contractor Tom Willoughby Ltd constructing a new management suite adjacent to the multi-storey car park, the entire roof was subjected to a Thermocore survey and three roof areas were allocated for works to be carried out.
Tremco’s Technical Advisory Service was able to accurately direct the clients on exactly where water had penetrated between the asphalt and the concrete deck. As a result, mushroom vents were installed to dry out the trapped moisture while the Hi-Therm roofing specification was used to upgrade the three roof areas.
Mr Simon Beeson of Land Securities confirms: “Having the information provided by the Thermocore survey enabled us to pinpoint the problem areas and will have saved a substantial amount of money in respect of not having to take up large quantities of the asphalt.”
Within the scope of the work some items of redundant air conditioning plant were removed by the M&E contractors with the locations of the old bases being made good prior to the laying of the new waterproofing system.
A total of 1600 square metres of roof across the three areas were overlaid using Tremco’s Hi-Therm System. Both the Tremco Elastomeric Felt Underlay and Elastomeric Felt Cap Sheet — specified in the terracotta mineral finish — were bonded down using Tremco’s Thermastic, a polymer modified bonding adhesive, offering excellent resistance to wind uplift. All of the details were addressed using Tremco’s Elastomeric Torch-on Felt system.
Tremco Thermocore offers cost effective approach to the Bridges Shopping Centre Refurbishment
A phased contract for the repair and replacement of the waterproofing systems on a well known retail centre in Sunderland has benefited from the use of Tremco’s thermal imaging system which helped to identify areas where water had penetrated and minimise the total amount of remedial work to be done. The Bridges Shopping Centre, owned and managed by Land Securities, dates from the late 1970s and underwent major refurbishment in 2000. In the case of the current phase of work, which involved main contractor Tom Willoughby Ltd constructing a new management suite adjacent to the multi-storey car park, the entire roof was subjected to a Thermocore survey and three roof areas were allocated for works to be carried out. Tremco’s Technical Advisory Service was able to accurately direct the clients on exactly where water had penetrated between the asphalt and the concrete deck. As a result, mushroom vents were installed to dry out the trapped moisture while the HiTherm roofing specification was used to upgrade the three roof areas. Mr Simon Beeson of Land Securities confirms: “Having the information provided by the Thermocore survey enabled us to pinpoint the problem areas and will have saved a substantial amount of money in respect of not having to take up large quantities of the asphalt.” Within the scope of the work some items of redundant air conditioning plant were removed by the M&E contractors with the locations of the old bases being made good prior to the laying of the new waterproofing system. A total of 1600 square metres of roof across the three areas were overlaid using Tremco’s Hi-Therm System. Both the Tremco Elastomeric Felt Underlay and Elastomeric Felt Cap Sheet — specified in the terracotta mineral finish — were bonded down using Tremco’5 Thermastic, a polymer modified bonding adhesive, offering excellent resistance to wind uplift. All of the details were addressed using Tremco’s Elastomeric Torch-on Felt system.
Tremco Thermocore pays premium for insurance giant
The headquarters of a leading insurance company has been over-roofed with Tremco’s Hi-Therm system after a thermal imaging survey confirmed the existing roofing system could be saved despite containing some moisture.
The work on Allianz Cornhill’s Ladymead building in Guildford has been carried out by
Tremco approved installer Holborn Asphalt on behalf of main contractor, Mitie Engineering.
Constructed in the early 1970’s, the Ladymead building featured the use of an insulating screed over a reinforced concrete deck with asphalt as the waterproofing layer. The condition of this make-up was of sufficient concern to prompt the client to consider replacing it when Mitie Engineering began a major contract installing new mechanical services plant on the roof.
Allianz Cornhill’s Facilities Manager, Alistair Hornby, comments: “It was very interesting to see the information which the Thermocore survey revealed. It highlighted a number of problems which, although we knew we had them, vie did not know exactly where they were coming from.
“Although Tremco confirmed that we had moisture within the room ‘after having got into the Thermahte type material of the screed the results showed we could introduce vents and overlay with the Hi-Therm system and additional insulation. The two installations have proved very successful.
The highly specialised Thermocore equipment can accurately determine where water has spread through the roof, even if there is no insulation to become saturated.
As a result, the asphalt was repaired and then primed with QD Primer before 50 mm of additional insulation was bonded. The Hi-Therm system, made up of two layers of Tremco Elastomeric Felt bedded in Tremco’s Thermastic adhesive with the cap sheet in the terracotta colour option, was then applied. Detail areas around upstands were executed using Tremco Elastomeric Torch-on Felt.
The Managing Director for Holborn Asphalt, John Harmsworth, comments: “We love the Tremco systems and have been using them for over a year now. When you see the Thermastic go down you know it is never going to leak. The Tremco back-up is also excellent and clients are very reassured by the Thermocore survey which reveals area’s affected by water. It is an excellent tool.”
Tremco Thermocore proves best policy for insurance giant
Long term problems of water ingress at the Bristol premises belonging to one of the country’s largest insurance companies have been resolved thanks to Tremco undertaking a detailed thermal imaging survey, leading to a locally based fiat roofing specialist installing the manufacturer’s Hi-Therm system backed by a 20 year guarantee. Royal & SunAlliance’s West Gate House office complex had suffered serious leaks through its original covering of asphalt, with various repair strategies having failed to offer a lasting solution. Tremco’s technical representative was asked to conduct a full Thermocore Infra-red survey. This pinpointed the location of the leaks and allowed Tremco approved installer WA Roofing from Keynsham, Bristol, to carry out repairs to the asphalt. This was followed by a two layer application of Tremco Elastomeric Felts bedded in Thermastic waterproofing bonding adhesive. As a key element to Tremco’s armoury in terms of analysing roof structures, Thermocore highlights those areas where water has penetrated the insulation and decking beneath a waterproofing layer. This enables Tremco to produce an extremely detailed analysis of the roof structure and define the problem areas, which may be a long distance from where damp patches actually appear inside the building. The contracts manager for W A Roofing, John Selwood, said: “Although the roof at 700 square metres is not particularly large, it is an unusual shape. The bull nose on the front elevation and splays, together with some of the plant room details made this a complex installation so the flexibility of the Tremco Hi-Therm system was very useful to us. Our contract also included a complete new lighting conductor system, installed using Tremco’s special pads and the work was all completed on time.”
Tremco Thermocore targets weak spots for Infra-red Detector specialist
There was no need for Tremco Limited to explain the technology behind its widely used Thermocore system to its latest beneficiary, because the customer’s core business is the design, development and manufacture of sophisticated infra-red detectors.
The premises of BAE Systems Infra-Red Limited on the Millbrook Trading Estate, Southampton, were surveyed using infrared to determine areas where water was penetrating the frequently patched asphalt surface. Subsequently, Tremco-approved installer Apex Roofing installed 6,500 square metres of the Hi-Therm waterproofing system.
Dalkia Utilities Services is the facilities management company which takes care of the high tech production premises for BAE Systems. Site manager, Bob Campbell comments: “By choosing to have the Thermocore survey carried out, we were able to ascertain the condition of the roof and just how much moisture was present. Tremco was able to provide the right information on which to base our decision and by making minor detail changes, we were able to successfully overlay the existing asphalt using the Hi-Therm system rather than having a complete new roof which would have been very disruptive to BAE Systems business. Using the Tremco Hi-Therm system to cover the failed areas of asphalt was a very cost effective solution.”
One further aspect to the contract was that the existing roof was laid on a deck of wood wool slabs, which are vulnerable to breakage during a full strip off operation. With BAE Systems operating much of the facility to clean room standards, the risk of any damage generating dust inside the occupied space was considered unacceptable.
The Area Manager of Apex Roofing, Mr Dave Porter, adds: “We installed the Tremco Elastomeric terracotta mineral cap sheet in the manufacturer’s Thermastic waterproofing bonding adhesive using the pour and roll method. All of the details around services and the six huge rooflights, which run almost the entire 135 metres length of the roof, were carded out using Tremco Elastomeric Torch-on Felts. As approved installers, we have complete confidence in the system.”
Tremco's start to finish roofing service
With over 75 years and millions of square metres experience in built-up flat roofing, Tremco offers a start-to-finish service for specifiers and building occupiers. The service ranges from initial consultation, on-site survey and analysis through development of a specification and a single point warranty for installation and materials. A new edition of Tremco Roofing Systems Guide to New Build, Repair and Refurbishment is now available. It details all aspects of the company's service, including its infra-red investigation technology for identifying flat roof problems and an introduction to a wide range of products for new build and repair projects.
Tribal Data safeguard Abbey National
Safeguarding crucial business data, improving service levels and providing disaster recovery capabilities were the key requirements of the "METS" media tracking system which Abbey National asked systems integrators, Tribal Data, to help them develop. The system would track computer tapes holding potentially sensitive financial data processed for thousands of Abbey National customers every day. The system uses bar code technology and the latest generation of portable data terminals to log tape movements between StorageTek silos, each holding some 5,500 tapes, and on- and off-site storage. The PocketPC driven equipment allows electronic signature capture and keyboard or touch-screen data entry, using familiar Windows(r) style menus and lists. With up to several hundred scans per receipt, it is vital the equipment is both extremely reliable and fast. Abbey National personnel request tapes from the library via the Tribal designed intranet interface. This has two main advantages: anyone with a password and standard web browser can be given access to the system, and the library can operate more efficiently as interruptions are kept to a minimum. The system also seamlessly integrates with a number of third party systems including IBM Rumba, Stratus MDTERM, Unisys Accessory Manager and TNVTPlus, minimising the inefficiencies and opportunity for error associated with human intervention. In the case of disaster, the solution allows Abbey National rapid access to recovery procedures and tapes so that systems can be reinstated as quickly as possible. The solution also provides management reporting tools, and allows Abbey National to better manage their new and used tape stocks helping to pre-empt fatal tape errors. No consumer-facing organisation can afford to neglect its data security systems; inadequate policies could lead to adverse publicity, loss of stakeholder confidence and have serious legal implications. In the words of Sally Firth, Media Co-ordinator at Abbey National "Integrating the latest technology to our existing information systems and business processes has been a challenge which is already beginning to reap rewards."
Trion air cleaners get the job done for leading bookmakers
In a phased refurbishment programme, the country’s premiere independent firm of bookmakers, Done Brothers, have specified high efficiency Trion Space Saver air cleaners from air quality specialist Sheppingden for installation in a series of shops throughout the South of England. With well over 300 shops based across the UK, Done Brothers is the largest independent bookmaking chain in the UK. Having just acquired a number of new outlets in Kent, Hampshire, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall through its purchase of Chase Bookmakers Ltd, the company embarked on wholesale renovation to upgrade each of their premises to meet its own established high standards. “Creating the right shop environment is a key factor in the Done Brothers success story” comments Len Hodges of Done Brothers. “We recognize that air quality impacts directly on staff, customers and shop profitability. Through our long association with Trions distribution and installation company, Sheppingden, we know how successful air cleaners can be in eliminating tobacco smoke fog, so it was important to raise standards at these newly acquired outlets to the Done Brothers Idvel as soon as possible. The cleaner, fresher atmosphere gives customers one more reason for visiting, staying longer and spending more money in a Done Brothers outlet than anywhere else.” Sheppingden has installed Trion Space Saver units in each of the newly refurbished outlets. The discreet Space Saver is designed to fit within a standard 600mm x 600mm ceiling panel and leaves only a 10cm exposed profile below ceiling level, making it ideal for this type of suspended ceiling installation. The big advantage of Trions electrostatic filter technology is that it combines optimum air cleaning performance with easy maintenance. The Space Saver removes contaminated air by applying an electrostatic charge to particles drawn into the unit. Cleaned air is then redistributed back into the room through louvered grilles on all four sides of each air cleaner. Sheppingden maintain all installations throughout England. The unit operation is easy to control through a hard-wired, multi-speed remote control panel.
Triple GOLD for GB Nationwide Crate Hire
GB Nationwide Crate Hire has received a GOLD RoSPA Award for Occupational Health & Safety for the third year in succession. The RoSPA Occupational Health & Safety Awards are not just about reducing the number of accidents and cases of ill-health at work, they are also about ensuring that organisations have good health & safety management systems in place. They help to reinforce the message that good health & safety is good business and clearly demonstrate an organisation's commitment to the achievement of high levels of performance in this crucial area. "Health and Safety is of utmost importance across all our sites" said Mr Andy Middleton, Head of Infrastructure & Projects for GBNW in Europe "the award of a third Gold RoSPA proves that all of our team have the same views, this is a great achievement for everyone concerned." Andy accepted the GOLD award at a special ceremony on the 19th May at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel.
Triteq locks up a deal with Safe Estates
Empty properties protected by security company, Safe Estates, no longer require keys to be passed from one individual to another for maintenance and inspection, following the development of a Keyless Security Door, by leading electronics design company, Triteq Ltd. Robust and difficult to penetrate but still light enough to be easily transported without damage, the Keyless Security Door designed by Triteq, is now being utilised by Safe Estates at a large number of its 7,500 secured properties throughout the UK. Prior to the development of the security door, Safe Estates found that keys, especially to empty properties owned by local authorities and housing associations, were being mislaid, not returned, or lost. Even if carefully filed, keys still had to be collected from a Housing Office for legitimate personnel to gain entry, which took time and effort. Looking for a means of providing a door that was secure yet did not require locking with a key, Safe Estates turned to Triteq to come up with a solution. Safe Estates provided Triteq with a design brief for the door that had to include a weatherproof and vandal resistant keypad with appropriate PIN code to open the door from the outside but that could be opened by Safe Estates without the use of power, in case of mechanical failure. In addition, the door had to be able to be locked or bolted from the inside so that a housing officer could look around the property in safety. Finally, there had to be an external connection to the door so that power could be provided to the mechanism in case of battery failure. To kick off the project, Triteq prepared a detailed specification of the door and its operation. Once approved by Safe Estates, the company began work on the basic electronic design and at the same time commissioned the mechanical design and manufacture of a model door from its metal work supplier. The first prototype was manufactured and used as a model by Triteq to develop the electronics. One of the key challenges facing Triteq was to design and manufacture a door that was both secure and vandal resistant yet still competitively priced. The weight of the door was also important, as it had to be carried and installed by two men who may well have to transport it up several flights of stairs and through a building. This involved Triteq modifying the prototypes as part of the development to reduce the overall weight whilst maintaining the reliability and strength of the door. Following the initial trial, some operational changes were incorporated into the software before several doors were manufactured for field trials. These led to some further minor changes being made to the operating software before Triteq received final approval of the design. These included the sourcing of a long life battery that could power the door for several months, the incorporation of security access for various levels of user, and the addition of speech instructions to make the door easier to operate by tradesmen. The Keyless Security Door has enabled Safe Estates to differentiate itself from its competitors by allowing customers access to their buildings without having to use keys whilst at the same time ensuring their property remains totally secure. Safe Estates has plans to expand the technology into other commercial premises also requiring access control. “Triteq provided us with an innovative solution to our problem and maintained its close association with us by continuing to manufacture the electronics for the doors”, says Gideon Israel, Managing Director, Safe Estates. “As Triteq has a complete electronic design, test and production facility under one roof, it enabled the project to be carefully planned and managed through every stage”. Partly owned by the Reliance Security Group, one of the largest companies in the UK, Safe Estates was founded in July 2000 by Gideon Israel and Paul Strasburger to provide specialist electronic and physical security to the unoccupied or void property market. The company now employs a workforce of over 100 personnel has over 5000 properties throughout the UK secured at any given time which are serviced by 12 UK depots. Founded in 1992, Triteq offers a complete product design development and production service for the delivery of third party electronic devices and associated software. Since its inception 10 years ago, the company has specialised in helping companies and start-ups take products from a concept through to production volume in extreme timescale. The company’s in-house hardware and software design skills coupled with a facility for production and testing allows Triteq to offer total project management and achieve the fastest time to market for finished products. Triteq’s technology has encompassed a spectrum of projects but the company’s main focus has been wireless technologies. The company has been responsible for delivering a number of projects that have used a wide range of wireless technologies including GSM, GPRS, GPS and RFID. Recently, it has also started to integrate various biometric technologies into customer designs as the demand for personnel and security recognition has increased.
Triteq locks up deal with Safe Estates
Empty properties protected by security company, Safe Estates, no longer require keys to be passed from one individual to another for maintenance and inspection, following the development of a Keyless Security Door, by leading electronics design company, Triteq Ltd. Robust and difficult to penetrate but still light enough to be easily transported without damage, the Keyless Security Door designed by Triteq, is now being utilised by Safe Estates at a large number of its 7,500 secured properties throughout the UK. Prior to the development of the security door, Safe Estates found that keys, especially to empty properties owned by local authorities and housing associations, were being mislaid, not returned, or lost. Even if carefully filed, keys still had to be collected from a Housing Office for legitimate personnel to gain entry, which took time and effort. Looking for a means of providing a door that was secure yet did not require locking with a key, Safe Estates turned to Triteq to come up with a solution. Safe Estates provided Triteq with a design brief for the door that had to include a weatherproof and vandal resistant keypad with appropriate PIN code to open the door from the outside but that could be opened by Safe Estates without the use of power, in case of mechanical failure. In addition, the door had to be able to be locked or bolted from the inside so that a housing officer could look around the property in safety. Finally, there had to be an external connection to the door so that power could be provided to the mechanism in case of battery failure. To kick off the project, Triteq prepared a detailed specification of the door and its operation. Once approved by Safe Estates, the company began work on the basic electronic design and at the same time commissioned the mechanical design and manufacture of a model door from its metal work supplier. The first prototype was manufactured and used as a model by Triteq to develop the electronics. One of the key challenges facing Triteq was to design and manufacture a door that was both secure and vandal resistant yet still competitively priced. The weight of the door was also important, as it had to be carried and installed by two men who may well have to transport it up several flights of stairs and through a building. This involved Triteq modifying the prototypes as part of the development to reduce the overall weight whilst maintaining the reliability and strength of the door. Following the initial trial, some operational changes were incorporated into the software before several doors were manufactured for field trials. These led to some further minor changes being made to the operating software before Triteq received final approval of the design. These included the sourcing of a long life battery that could power the door for several months, the incorporation of security access for various levels of user, and the addition of speech instructions to make the door easier to operate by tradesmen. The Keyless Security Door has enabled Safe Estates to differentiate itself from its competitors by allowing customers access to their buildings without having to use keys whilst at the same time ensuring their property remains totally secure. Safe Estates has plans to expand the technology into other commercial premises also requiring access control. “Triteq provided us with an innovative solution to our problem and maintained its close association with us by continuing to manufacture the electronics for the doors”, says Gideon Israel, Managing Director, Safe Estates. “As Triteq has a complete electronic design, test and production facility under one roof, it enabled the project to be carefully planned and managed through every stage”. Partly owned by the Reliance Security Group, one of the largest companies in the UK, Safe Estates was founded in July 2000 by Gideon Israel and Paul Strasburger to provide specialist electronic and physical security to the unoccupied or void property market. The company now employs a workforce of over 100 personnel has over 5000 properties throughout the UK secured at any given time which are serviced by 12 UK depots.
TROX supplies world's most expensive hotel
Two Trox factories worked closely together to supply a range of air conditioning components to the world's most expensive hotel. The deluxe, five-star Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, rumoured to have cost around £2 billion to build, includes a range of Trox fire and volume control dampers and variable air volume units, together with continuous slot and louvre-faced diffusers, side wall grilles, and jet nozzles. In a contract worth around £600,000, Trox also supplied special slot diffusers and acoustic splitters for the hotel, which contains the Middle East's largest conference centre, the Conference Palace. The products, which were installed in the main bedrooms, dining rooms, dressing rooms, lobbies, and corridors, were manufactured at Trox's factories in Thetford, Norfolk and Senawang, Seremban in Malaysia. Co-ordination between the two factories was a critical aspect of the job, according to Ian Leake, resident manager of Trox Middle East. He said the biggest challenge was to meet the strict delivery programme: "The paintwork was critical in both quality and finish for the 10 different colours required by the architect, Wimberly, Allison, Dong & Goo. This required careful planning and co-ordination of supply from the two factory sources." Trox delivered all its products on time and to the exacting requirements of contractor, Voltas International. Air conditioning in each room at the Emirates Palace, is controlled by the guest using a high-tech computerised system featuring touch control plasma screen units.
TVF (UK) granted Royal Warrant
Peter Kemp, founder and Managing Director of TVF (UK) PLC has just become one of a select band of individuals to be granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen, part of a tradition that goes back over 400 years. Award of the Royal Warrant is highly prized as it is regarded as a badge of excellence and an indication that the firm has a proven commitment to the highest standard of service and quality. For TVF, the Warrant crowns a period of more than five years in which the company has provided fire protection services for buildings maintained by The Queen’s Household. In 2002, TVF too celebrated an anniversary, its 20th and its rise to become one of the UK’s most capable national suppliers of knowledge based fire protection solutions, support equipment and systems. The company’s product range is as broad as their customer base and covers everything from conventional fire alarms and extinguishing systems to radio based systems linked to centralised computers. In addition to the Royal Household, clients range from historic buildings such as Longleat, Blenheim Palace and Scone Palace in Scotland to The Treasury Buildings in London. Commenting on the appointment, Peter Kemp said “From talking to purchasers of services in many organisations, I know how difficult they find it to predict how good a supplier will prove to be in practice. I am therefore delighted and greatly honoured that The Queen has chosen to recognise my company in this way.
Twin RCD protected switch sockets now available in MK’s three main ranges
Twin switched socket outlets with either passive or active rcd protection are now available in the MK Logic Plus, Metalclad Plus and Masterseal range of wiring accessories. Until now, MK’s Sentrysocket® RCD protected socket outlets were only available in two-gang single socket outlets, but market research indicates that customers want the increased functionality of twin switched RCD protected sockets.
Although consumer units already provide protection in a building, it can be disruptive and a great inconvenience when the supply of an important piece of equipment is lost due to a fault elsewhere in the building. Local protection via an RCD socket provides isolation to the faulty equipment within milliseconds whilst leaving other appliances unaffected. Most importantly, for those installations where RCD protection is not already available as part of a consumer unit, the installation of RCD protected sockets could be both lifesaving and help prevent dangerous electrical fires.
All Sentry sockets are pulsating d.c. and a.c. fault current sensitive, have clearly identified ‘reset’ and ‘test’ buttons, have double pole RCD contact break for safety, and trip out well within BS 7288 requirements. All are designed for quick and easy installation.
The new Sentrysocket outlets in the Metalclad Plus range are rated at 30mA for passive and choice of 30mA and 10mA for active protection. Specially constructed from impact resistant materials, Metalclad uses MK’s patented flush fitting frontplate to make it the ideal choice for applications in light industrial premises, schools and hospitals as well as being highly suitable for use around the home in sheds and garages. To maintain their durability, all Metalclad products are coated with a unique scratch resistant paint for durability and long life.
Designed for use either indoors or outdoors, the new 30 mA twin RCD protected socket outlet in the Masterseal range is fully rated to P56, making it suitable for use in areas heavily exposed to dust and splashing water. It is currently available in 30mA passive single and twin socket versions as well as a single socket 30mA active version. A 30mA twin active version will also be made available shortly to complete the range.
The twin RCD protected socket outlet in the Logic Plus range is available in three versions, with an active RCD rated at either 10 mA or 30mA, or with a passive 30mA RCD. All three versions complement the Logic Plus styling, allowing Sentrysocket to be specified in new or existing applications without compromising the aesthetics or performance of the installation.
TWM 2005 Preview
This month sees the launch of Total Workplace Management 2005, a new exhibition aimed at all those who contribute to making the workplace deliver. Taking place from 11-13 October 2005 at Earls Court 2, London, TWM05 will bring buyers responsible for the maintenance, running and management of workplaces together with a variety of leading suppliers from facilities management, health & safety and fire prevention industries. The event will be divided into four key areas: Boardroom - where strategic decisions are made relating to the performance and management of an organisation's physical assets. Work - where the core business and day-to-day activities of the organisation are supported and enabled. Front of House - the visible side of workplace management, where service providers interface with clients, end users and the workforce. Back of House - the security, infrastructure, networks, M&E and control rooms of buildings. TWM05 will feature over 250 leading suppliers launching and demonstrating the latest products and services in the market. To whet your appetite, here's just a taster of what you can expect to see over the two days: G2 Integrated Solutions, demonstrating its common facilities smartcard solutions and its extensive range of applications. G2is' single smartcard performs a variety of different tasks, including access control, ID card production, visitor management and cashless payment services. SISYS, leading edge suppliers and developers of Site Access Management systems, will be demonstrating the market leading Visitor Express visitor management system, Pass Express for ID card production and new for 2005, Visitor Express Security Edition for organisations requiring a more security intense Visitor Management system. Barbour Index, showcasing the latest edition of Facilities Management Compendium, which is being published to coincide with the start of TWM 05. The 05/06 edition has a revised look and new expert papers on topical FM subjects - including 'risk assessment and fire safety law', 'workplace environmental standards' and 'preventing falls from height'. Connexion2 will be demonstrating Indenticom, the lone worker protection device, which has been specifically designed in the form of a normal identity cardholder that not only enables staff to raise an alarm covertly if threatened, but also allows a third party to listen to what is happening and record events whatever the distance. International Security & Surveillance, offering free site surveys and support for businesses looking to develop multi-disciplinary security guards both in-house and contracted, on a first come, first served basis. Honeywell Building Solutions, displaying its full portfolio of services, which now includes former Novar companies Gent Services and Bardic Services. Visitors to the stand will discover that as a single-source suppliers, Honeywell Building Solutions can provide a wide range of services to improve operational efficiencies within any type of building, and at the same time, help to lower operational and other costs. Todd Research is launching its new e-range of X-ray mail screening units. Each unit comes with the unique benefits of EPD (Enhanced Powder Detection) to tackle chemical and biological threats, no consumables and low running costs. Rentokil Initial will be showcasing its groundbreaking Integrated Services Division, which draws on the extensive capabilities of the Rentokil Initial group to create bespoke packages of facilities services, tailored to the individual customer's needs. One of the divisions represented at TWM is Initial Security. "Initial Security is pleased to be exhibiting at this year's TWM show. We will be using the exhibition to showcase our new range of manned guarding plus solutions that build on our traditional service to help customers in creating a secure working environment," said Darren Gamage Marketing Manager at Initial Security. "We will be using the show to promote and demonstrate our new Visitor Management and Visitor Badging services that can help organisations in the managing and auditing of visitors to their sites." Ecctvs (European CCTV Suppliers) in association with TWM will unveil the latest in cutting edge products for analogue CCTV and IP in the new CCTV and IP zone. Visitors to TWM 05 will be able to see live picture transmissions and have the chance to discuss both analogue and IP solutions. The CCTV and IP zone will provide solutions for transportation, finance /banking, office, local and central Govt and many more. A seminar theatre on the show floor will give visitors an opportunity to hear a variety of industry experts discussing and debating the latest issues facing professionals managing all areas of workplace management. Highlights over the three days of the event include: * The SMT Forum, hosted by Brian Sims, award-winning editor of SMT magazine, will feature a panel of industry experts debating the issues of IT within security. * The BSIA will present sessions looking at the hot topics of corporate identity theft, anti-terrorism and premises security. Continuing the educational theme, the BIFM Training programme will offer a great opportunity for visitors to brush up on their FM skills and get a refresher on current best practice, key legislation and new development in the FM profession. Sound off, the Noise Reduction at Work Conference running alongside TWM 05 will give delegates the opportunity to learn about the Control of Noise at Work Regulations that will come into force in April 2006. The two-day conference focuses on different industries: Day One - 11th October 2005: Construction and Manufacturing Day Two - 12th October 2005: Music, Entertainment and Local Authorities Context, a new exhibition also running alongside TWM05 will bring together all those involved in creating working environments, from specifiers and manufacturers to designers and architects, to make new connections and engage with the latest office interior trends. For further information, or to register for free entry to TWM05 please visit www.twmexpo.com.
Two new heat pump product ranges launched by Powrmatic
Powrmatic has broadened the appeal of its air conditioning range with the introduction of two important new products. Designed to compliment the R410A wall mounted and cassette units launched last year, the new products comprise a range of multi-split units and inverter units. All of Powrmatic's air conditioning range is based around the latest heat pump technology, enabling both cooling and heating to be provided in a single unit - a feature which has proved especially popular with its customer base. Now, with the increased range, Powrmatic can provide products for a much broader range of commercial and light industrial applications, where multiple air conditioning units are required throughout the building. For example the new R410 A Multi-Split range can control up to 3 individual wall mounted units. With the combined heat and cooling feature, room temperatures can be individually controlled as required, to suit the specific needs of individual occupants. Indoor room comfort levels are enhanced and the problems of employees complaining due to being too hot or too cold are eliminated. The R410A multi-split range is available in a range of five models with cooling or heating outputs of between 2kW and 11kW. Indoor fan noise is extremely low at between 34 to 37 dBA, making them ideal for office environments and air volumes range from 800 m_/h to 1440 m_/h. The R410A wall mounted inverter range comprises two models featuring an extremely high efficiency (class A) DC inverter drive. Cooling capacity from 3.6Kw to 5.3kW and heating capacity from 4.15KW to 6KW is available and again indoor fan noise is very low at 41 dBA. Both models achieve air volumes of 600 m_/h. All Powrmatic air conditioning/heat pump products are designed to operate with environmentally sensitive R410A refrigerant. For engineers wishing to enter the air conditioning business for the first time, or just 'top up' their existing skill level, Powrmatic operates a range of CITB approved training courses, run in 4 modules under the auspices of Martin Hook, Powrmatic's air conditioning specialist.
Twyford Bushboard announce support of WaterAid charity
Twyford Bushboard, manufacturer of Cubicle and Washroom solutions, has raised £1000 at the 100% Detail exhibition in support of WaterAid. The money raised will enable WaterAid to provide safe domestic water, sanitation and hygiene education to over 66 of the world's poorest people. This generous £1000 donation was raised with the help of those specifiers at 100% Detail that demonstrated an interest in Twyford Bushboard's new animation CD. The new CD featuring Twyford Bushboard's Ready Plumbed Modules shows how quick and easy they are to install; RPM is proven to be 75% quicker and 20% cheaper to install than traditional frame and panels. Already, more than 5,000 pre-built rigid aluminium frames, complete with Twyford sanitaryware, pipework and access panels have been installed in the UK. Stuart White, Bushboard Managing Director comments: "We are pleased to be associated with such a worthwhile charity that is so relevant to our industry. WaterAid plays an important role in sanitation and our recent donation will make a huge difference, helping some of the world's poorest people take their first steps out of poverty."
Twyford Bushboard Independent Research Proves Pre-Assembled Washrooms 5 Times Faster to Install
With over 200 years of manufacturing experience, and the installation of thousands of washroom cubicles for all types of applications, Twyford Bushboard understands that when it comes to re-fitting washrooms it needs to be a fast, simple and cost effective process. To help meet these requirements, Twyford Bushboard has developed the Ezeeduct pre-assembled frame and panel system. Independent research carried out by OMP, a multi-disciplinary practice of surveys, architects and mechanical engineers, demonstrates that when comparing Twyford Bushboards Ezeeduct pre-assembled framing and panel system to traditional timber framing and panelling it proves to be up to 5 times faster to install. Ezeeduct is compatible with each of Twyford Bushboards 7 cubicle and washroom ranges Ezeeduct is also available as full Ready Plumbed Modules (RPM), incorporating sanitaryware and plumbing. Panels are available in 3 performance options, 3 access options and 30 colours. Pictured is the Paraline range. Aimed at top-end applications the single piece partitions and slender aluminium extrusions of the Paraline range deliver uncluttered styling and robust construction. The simple look is extended to the continuous head rail design, which also maximises the significant integral strength of the system.
Twyford Bushboard is top of the class!
Twyford Bushboard's Tuff Stuff range has recently been chosen for a washroom refurbishment at Fairford Primary School in Gloucestershire. The installation was undertaken by local contractor Yorke Construction Ltd, who chose Twyford Bushboard due to its competitive price and speed of delivery. The Tuff Stuff range is specifically designed for education applications, such as schools and nurseries and comes in an array of brightly coloured cubicles with four different pilaster styles bringing a sense of style and fun to any environment. Doors and partitions are available in 3 heights for appropriate levels of supervision. Andrew Cressey, Chief Estimator/Buyer for Yorke Construction Ltd, comments, "We chose Twyford Bushboard because they offer an extensive range of cubicles and are a recognised brand with a reputation for quality. The client had a clear idea of what they wanted and was attracted to Tuff Stuff because of the bright colours." Tuff Stuff offers the broadest range of ducting solutions for mid-height through to 3 metre ceilings, with shaped doors and partitions in a choice of 3 heights providing the balance between privacy and the appropriate level of supervision. Tuff stuff is extremely durable due to its robust construction and aluminium extrusions. Katy Lawson, comments further: "We received a very professional and friendly service and were extremely satisfied with the prompt delivery and final result. We have already put in another order for a forthcoming project."
Twyford Bushboard open new showroom
With over 5,000 RPM units already installed in hospitals, schools and commercial premises, Twyford Bushboard’s RPM modules are fast becoming the first choice among contractors and specifiers. The labour and cost saving RPM system is now on display in a fully refurbished showroom at Twyford’s head office in Alsager, Stoke on Trent.
With proven cost savings of up to 20% and reduction of labour of up to 75% compared to traditional timber framing methods, RPM has brought together the style and flexibility of Bushboard washroom cubicles with pre-assembled sanitaryware from Twyford. The concept incorporates factory built rigid aluminium frames that are pre-assembled with access panels and sanitaryware, including cisterns, and plumbing.
The new showroom means specifiers and contractors can come and see the benefits of Ready Plumbed Modules for themselves. The modules displayed are from one of Bushboard’s most prestigious collection of cubicle and washroom systems, the Aero range. Also on display is the Idol Urinal - a new innovative, water saving urinal from Twyford.
The showroom also includes examples of Twyford Bushboard’s hinged access panels. These hinged panels allow access to the pipes if necessary without the need to remove the whole panel and also prevents panels touching the floor, possibly sitting in water, which can result in damage.
Stuart White, Bushboard Managing Director comments, “This is the first time we have displayed Ready Plumbed Modules complete with sanitaryware. The new showroom gives contractors/architects/plumbers*(amend for each publication) the opportunity to see first hand how easy the RPM system is to install.”
Twyfords Bushboard is made of tuff stuff
Twyford Bushboard know that when it comes to re-fitting education premises the process needs to be a fast, simple and cost effective. Twyford Bushboard's Tuff Stuff range offers the perfect choice as it is designed specifically for education applications. Tuff Stuff, as the name suggests is both strong and durable and includes cubicles, vanity units and ducting panels. It is available in 2 performance options; Dricor and Ultracor. Ultracor Panels are totally impervious to water and exceptionally resistant to impact and surface damage making them ideal for the most demanding of environments. Panels are fixed with 'lintel style' aluminium head rails, continuous hinges and wall fixings to ensure that these robust cubicles live up to their name. In addition, doors and partitions are available in 3 heights providing appropriate levels of supervision for all age groups and with 4 different pilaster styles, 30 panel colour options and 5 hardware colour options the design possibilities are endless. Contractors have recommended Twyford Bushboard Tuff Stuff range for many school washroom refurbishments including a recent installation at Fairford Primary School in Gloucestershire. Andrew Cressey, Chief Estimator/Buyer for Yorke Construction Ltd, worked on the Fairford Primary washrooms comments, "We chose Twyford Bushboard because they offer an extensive range of cubicles and are a recognised brand with a reputation for quality. The client had a clear idea of what they wanted and was attracted to Tuff Stuff because of the bright colours."
Tyco unveils new i3 inert gas system
Tyco Fire and Security has unveiled Hygood i3, its latest inert gas fire suppression system for total flooding applications, that is non-toxic, non-corrosive and odour-free, is zero ozone depleting and has zero global warming potential. Designed to protect computer suites, telecommunications facilities and archive stores, it is also expected to be used extensively to safeguard petrochemical and power generation facilities, offshore oil and gas production facilities and gas turbines. In fact, i3 is claimed to be effective for virtually all combustible material and flammable liquid fires. Among its many benefits, i3 is fast acting and has a low life-cycle cost; it is electrically non-conductive and has no breakdown products or residue, so there is no risk of damage to sensitive equipment, plus i3 has zero impact on the environment. Significantly, where space is at a premium, i3 has a smaller footprint than traditional lower-pressure inert gas technology. Hygood i3 is a pure 50:50 mixture of two naturally occurring gases - Argon and Nitrogen - and so is likely to appeal to organisations where specifying a non-chemical suppressant is of paramount importance, or where environmental concerns are high on the corporate agenda. The blended gases have a similar density to air, so the mixture retains its concentration when discharged for far longer than the now outlawed Halon 1301 chemical suppressant. It extinguishes a fire on discharge by reducing the ambient concentration level of oxygen to between 10 percent and 14 percent. This is below the concentration level necessary to support combustion, but sufficient to support life for a short period. Hence, i3 is ideal for use in occupied rooms or enclosures. Its appeal for use in occupied spaces is further enhanced by its being an invisible gas that does not obscure vision. Hygood i3 is stored in high-pressure steel containers with an operating pressure of 300bar. Installations comprise one or more containers connected to a system of pipework and rapid-discharge nozzles; fully engineered solutions designed using i3 flow calculation software. Cylinders can be stored remote from the area being protected and a bank of cylinders can be used to safeguard more than a single room or enclosure. Commenting on the launch, Andrew Shiner, Director of Marketing for Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Tyco Fire and Security's Fire Suppression Group, said: "The gases used in Hygood i3 already circulate naturally in the atmosphere, so i3 neither adds to the environment nor takes anything away, and so has no detrimental environmental impact whatsoever." This latest addition to Tyco Fire and Security's fire safety offering confirms the company's status as a full solutions provider. Its unveiling follows shortly after the launch of the company's Sapphire fluid-based system that uses new, sustainable, long-term technology that satisfies all of current and foreseeable regulations; a system that has an insignificant global warming potential, the lowest level of design concentration and the highest safety margin of any viable Halon 1301 or chemical alternative.
UK launch for full view sign system
This month sign manufacturer APCO launches its new product FullView into the UK market. FullView is a low-profile graphic display system representing the next level of systems which are compatible with paper inserts and digital printing. Inserts are protected by an anti-glare lens and are changed by magnetically releasing a concealed locking pin, thus enabling the lens to be removed using a suction cup tool. The sleek aluminium profiles are just 10mm in depth and are available in three shapes: Square, Radius and Contour. FullView profiles can be supplied in a variety of colours and finishes to suit virtually every environment. APCO are currently stocking FullView displays to accommodate the most popular paper sizes, from A5 to Al. However, as the system is 100% modular other sizes can also be manufactured in quantity. FullView is the perfect choice for merchandising displays, facility room identification, DDA signage, directional modules and more. In addition, its unique anti-tamper feature makes FulIView the ideal solution for college and university applications.
UK sports supported by OCS
Budding young sports stars across the UK have received a boost with news that leading facilities management company, OCS, is once again sponsoring the OCS Young Sportsperson of the Year Awards for the eighth year. The awards, which are one of the most prestigious competition for youngsters still at school or college, offer cash prizes to the winners of one disabled and ten regional categories, which in 2005 will total £35,000. In addition, the new category for 'Young Stars' will see a talented youngster receive a cheque for £500. Chris Cracknell, Chief Executive of OCS says: "At OCS we are committed to supporting young people whenever possible and the OCS Young Sportsperson of the Year Awards are a clear demonstration of this. It is wonderful to see the determination and talent shown by the young people who enter our awards and I am sure that this year, once again, we will be helping some of the UK's sporting stars of the future. "Previous winners, such as gymnast Beth Tweddle and swimmer Todd Cooper, have gone on to win some major competitions in their fields and I am sure that the winners of this year's competition will be just as successful." This year, each regional winner will receive a cash prize of £2,500 and the overall national winner will benefit from an additional £3,000 cash plus sponsorship of £5,000 for the year. Last year's winner, athlete Non Stanford, has been a brilliant example for the talent found in some of today's young sportspeople, and recently participated in a training camp with Dame Kelly Holmes. In addition to the cash prizes to winners, an award of £2,500 will be made to the school, college or club of the overall winner for the sole purpose of purchasing sports equipment. Entries are welcomed from anyone with a special talent for any sport who will be under 18 on 1 September 2005 residing in the UK. Regional awards will be presented in the following areas: Scotland; North East; North West; Midlands & East Anglia; Northern Ireland; Wales; South West; London & South East. Application forms for the 2005 OCS Young Sportsperson of the Year Awards are being sent to every school in the UK. Further information about the awards and additional application forms can be downloaded from www.ocsyoungsportsperson.co.uk. Alternatively telephone 0870 442 0990.
UK’s biggest ever air tightness test for Part L proves its commercial value
Project Drake, Argos’s new 640,000 sq.ft. bulk distribution facility in Bedford has recently been air tested in line with Building Regulation Part L. The tests have proven the value of air tightness in conserving fuel and power, the ultimate objective of Part L. Joint contractors for Project Drake, Simons Construction and GSE realized that the huge distribution unit for Gazeley Properties required an air test to comply with Part L2, so they invited proposals from air testing specialists. The proposal submitted by HRS Services was accepted. In order to have sufficient fan power HRS had to utilise all their fans, capable of 200 m3/second in total, including their Megafan, two Midifans and Portafan sets. Simons/GSE requested that testing must not interfere with works on site and be completed in a single day. This was achieved. To the delight of all an air permeability rate of 2.25m3/h/m2 was obtained, which is virtually best practice level. This level means that uncontrolled air leakage is five times less than the average warehouse built to pre Part L requirements. Results confirmed the improved specification of the envelope and that heating costs should be reduced by over £95,000/annum. The client is therefore delighted but the benefits however do not stop there – there is also the environmental benefit of using less energy and the related reduction in CO2 emissions.
Ultra proves it's to the manor born
Whatley Manor is a beautifully restored manor house, now an exclusive hotel and spa, in the heart of the Cotswolds. The need for a fire suppression system appropriate to such an elegant historic building led to the selection and installation of the environmentally friendly, cost saving Ultra water mist system. Ultra's fire protection engineers agreed the detailed requirements with the owners which included the need to conform to complex building regulations. They then set about designing and installing a unique 'dry system' to protect the hotel's escape routes, and high-risk areas such as the kitchens which use high temperature ovens and hot plates to cater for the needs of guests. To minimise the aesthetic impact of the system, the mist nozzles were colour matched to the interior of the suites. When activated, the system is pressurised to create a fine mist which smothers oxygen at the tip of any flame and removes the energy from the fire by evaporating the water into steam. A state-of-the-art water mist pump is on hand to supply water to any/all of the protected areas should the need arise; this is done via engineered section-valves that operate when a drop in pressure is sensed from the relevant areas. This, coupled with the system's more effective fire suppression capability, and the smoke-scrubbing process created by the mist, ensures that less damage is caused to the delicate furnishings and fabric of the manor, and that clean-up operations and costs are minimised when compared to a conventional system. Ultra water mist systems are designated Class 1 and use only 10% of water used in comparative sprinkler systems.
Under attack? Keep safe with LLumar® anti-shatter window film
The government is urging businesses to remain alert after the discovery last week of detailed plans for al-Qaeda attacks in the UK. The Home Office said in a statement: “We are maintaining a state of heightened readiness in the UK. We are taking feasible precautionary measures to protect British citizens both here and abroad.”
M15 added: “The threat from international terrorism remains real and serious. Osama bin Laden has in several statements publicly named Britain and British interests as a target, and encouraged attacks to be carried out against them Members of the public should remain alert to the danger.
The security service has warned that terrorists are increasingly looking at less well-protected “soft” targets such as social and retail venues, tourist sites and transport networks - as illustrated by the attacks in Bali and Madrid. Bin Laden has also threatened to attack “economic interests”, which might include energy or major transport facilities.
Bombs are al Qaeda s most frequently deployed method of attack and since modern buildings tend to have more glass than other buildings, most bomb casualties in modern towns and cities are caused by flying glass. In M15 s advice to property owners and those responsible for the safety of others, it recommends three main methods of protection against flying glass:
• Applying a transparent polyester anti-shatter film such as LLumar® bomb-blast performance film from CPFiIms
• Installing blast-resistant glass
• Installing blast resistant secondary glazing
The use of a 175-micron-thick safety film (300-micron film is recommended for large panes and ground floor windows) is the most cost-effective and the least visually-intrusive method. It can be retro-fitted to any normal glass, causing minimum disruption to business. Not only does it maximise resilience to terrorist bombings, it is also a proven and cost-effective method of protecting people and property. Applied to the inside of windows, it holds shattered glass in place - saving lives, preventing injury and protecting office equipment.
Many businesses had anti-shatter film applied to their premises after the Docklands and Manchester bombings. However, anti-shatter film has a life expectancy of 10 years — after which the effectiveness of the film may become compromised. To keep the premises and staff safe in the event of an explosion, a simple peel test conducted by CPFilms or one of its Accredited Installers will determine whether a new application of film is required.
CP Films is the world’s largest manufacturer of window film. All films are produced to the toughest quality standards in the UK and the USA to give scratch-resistant, guaranteed performance year after year. Approved installers are qualified to advise which is the best film for each requirement and to ensure the highest standard of film installation. The entire range is backed by a CPFilms warranty against cracking, peeling and delamination.
Under threat: protect your business with LLumar(r) bomb blast window film
Recent events have shown that terrorists are prepared to strike anywhere. Those with responsibility for businesses should consider the likely impact a terrorist bomb could have on their staff, customers and premises. The protection and security of customers and employees is the priority - they expect the security of the premises to be appropriate to the risk profile of the business. Secondly, recovering quickly from the effects of a terrorist attack is vital for every company. In the event of an explosion, your windows, displays, stock and equipment could be damaged or destroyed. The biggest single cause of this destruction and injury to people is flying glass -but if windows are better protected, the impact of a bomb blast can be mitigated. The Home Office recommends safety film, such as LLumar(r), in its advice to business managers in its publication Bombs: Protecting People and Property. Not only does bomb blast window film maximise resilience to terrorist bombings, it is also a proven and cost-effective method of protecting people and property. Applied to the inside of windows, it holds shattered glass in place in the event of an explosion - saving lives, preventing injury and protecting premises and equipment. CPFilms is the world's largest manufacturer of window film. All films are produced to the toughest quality standards in the UK and the USA to give scratch-resistant, guaranteed performance year after year. Accredited Installers are qualified to advise which is the best film for each installation and to ensure that the highest standard is achieved. The entire range is backed by a CPFilms warranty against cracking, peeling and delamination. Safety window film has a certain lifespan and warranty. Most of the existing installed safety window film that was installed after the Canary Wharf and Baltic Exchange bombings will be out of guarantee, and its effectiveness may now be seriously compromised - and should be replaced. CPFilms uses a patented peel test to determine whether films should be replaced, an effective method that involves minimum disruption to the buildings users. To keep the premises and staff safe in the event of an explosion, the simple peel test by CPFilms will determine whether a new application of film is required.
Underspaced? Under Pressure? Undercounter
Foster has just launched a new range of competitively priced undercounter models to provide caterers with increased capacity in the heart of the kitchen. Undercounter refrigeration ensures optimum use of space in tight kitchen areas, and none more so than Foster’s new high performance range. The dual forced air fan system ensures that temperature is maintained even in the most hardworking kitchen. Combined with the front breathing refrigeration system, this makes the new range suitable for use in enclosed areas, traditionally a problem with all domestic and some commercial models. The range of undercounter models and options have been developed to meet with customers’ needs and are available in both 1 and 2 door models, and in either a white laminate or modern stainless steel finish, Fridge and freezer models are available in both 196 litres and 366 litres capacities. With all the benefits you would expect from a Foster model, the new undercounters also represent extremely good value for money. All models are economical to run, keeping energy costs low and with zero ODR refrigerants, the range ensures that the environment benefits too. Foster’s undercounter models are easy to clean and hygienic, enabling caterers to comply with all the latest food safety regulations. The range also features door locks throughout, providing security in the kitchen. All this at value for money prices designed to meet even the tightest of budgets.
Union are bullish about the Eiger freezer door triumph at IMHX 2004 22/03/04
Union’s cool dudes chill out with Bradford Bulls’ mascot ‘Bullman’ after another stunningly successful day on its stand at the IMHX where the revolutionary new Eiger Freezer Door was officially launched as the latest addition to Union’s market leading Matadoor Range of hi-speed doors. Visitors to the stand gave anything but a chilly reception to this groundbreaking answer to Cold Store door nightmares! They could not believe that at last a Hi-speed roller door has been designed for freezers that not only has bottom beam Crash-out to protect against forklift impact damage but is also guaranteed to operate frost and ice free. This remarkable breakthrough was made by Union’s design team who devised a unique and now patented system of circulating dry, dehumidified and warmed air between a double skinned door blade and through the hood cover, columns and bottom beam utilising a dedicated dehumidifier and a series of ducts, baffles and dampers. Appointments were made by many worthy cold store operators and food processors who had not had the opportunity to see the Eiger Door before and were keen to investigate where it could be used on their sites to save energy, reduce repair bills and improve logistics. Mr. Gary Drane, Factory Manager of Esca Food Solutions where ‘Big Mac’ beef patties are produced by the millions, was so keen to get an Eiger Door installed at his Milton Keynes factory without delay that he ordered the stainless steel Eiger Door from the stand for fitting the following week. Eamonn Irwin, Sales Director of Union Industries, said: “The only show where we consider exhibiting is the IMHX. We have always found that the quality of attendee and the companies they represent to be of highest calibre. Those we meet on the stand are competent and knowledgeable and having a true understanding of quality and engineering expertise are just the type of people we like to do business with. This show has been the most successful yet and has opened the door to many future business opportunities.” Isobel Schofield, Managing Director of Union Industries, who is also known as Mrs ‘S’, said: “It is really satisfying to bring British manufacturing back in from the cold with a product that leads the world in innovation and quality. “
Union’s bespoke door is a real tall story
Union Industries, the market leading manufacturer of Hi Speed Roller Doors, is proving to be a towering success in Wales after it installed its tallest Bulldoor to date.
The 6.4 metre high door has been fitted at Euro DPC, based near Caernarfon, as part of a new build project to assist with temperature control between a warehouse and chilled store.
As part of the new build Euro DPC ordered five Bulldoors, one of which is the giant door.
The company, which manufactures medical diagnostic equipment, required such a tall door to accommodate the high reach stacker trucks, which move product between the chiller and ambient warehouse.
The speed of the opening and closing of the door, even at this unique height, allows the minimal escape of cold air from the store area into the warehouse for the benefit of operatives near the opening as well as helping maintain a constant temperature in the chiller.
Union has built up a considerable reputation as an innovative manufacturer, able to provide bespoke solutions to its customers. It was keen to take on the challenge to modify the design of its best selling Bulldoor to meet Euro DPC’s requirements.
On average, most Bulldoors are around four metres high, so a specially modified version was designed and manufactured at Union’s factory in Leeds, requiring modifications to be made to the Drive and Top Roll configuration to reduce the number of rotations required to gather the 6.4m length of door blade onto the top roll within the travel of the upper limit of the limit switch.
Robin Gibson, Maintenance Manager at Euro DPC, said: “We bought our first Bulldoor from Union in 1998 and have been very happy with its performance over the years. Bulldoor was therefore the natural choice when specifying the five new doors required for our new warehouse complex. The six metre high door is particularly impressive to look at, but more importantly it is reliable and does the job we wanted it to do.”
Isobel Schofield, Managing Director of Union Industries, said: “We relish the challenge of providing our customers with bespoke solutions to their problems and have the design expertise and manufacturing capability to overcome most difficulties. The Bulldoor at Euro DPC is a perfect example of how every door from our Matadoor range is tailor made to suit its intended location, environment and function.”
Union's Bulldoors are rising at Hoppers Farmhouse Bakeries
Union Industries' Bulldoors are proving to be the perfect ingredient for a leading UK bakery. Hoppers Farmhouse Bakeries, which is best known for its delicious mince pies and treacle tarts, has installed two of Union's fast acting Bulldoors to increase safety for its personnel and maintain the temperature and hygiene in its factory. One of the Bulldoors, which is part of the market-leading Matadoor range of Hi Speed Doors, has been fitted to an external opening leading to the Finished Goods Stores and the second connects the stores area with the rest of the bakery. They replace PVC Strip Curtains that had proved ineffectual in preventing cold air, dust and dirt from entering the factory and whose easily discoloured and opaque strips posed a potential safety hazard from forklifts not able to see what or who was on the other side of the openings they were using. The bakery has been at the Sea Street site for over 15 years and employs up to 190 staff during their busiest periods of the year. Union's Hi Speed Doors open and close at 1.5 metres per second - a big bonus in retaining heat in the factory and keeping it clean. In addition to the 12 health and safety and 5 food and hygiene features supplied as standard on all Bulldoors the doors are bristling with extra safety and warning devices. Both doors have Stand-off Sensing devices and 'Safety Cloak' protection to safeguard personnel walking in the vicinity of the doors and both door blades are boldly hand lettered with signage warning of the fast action of the doors. Both doors are activated by Radio Control from transmitters operated by the forklift truck drivers, preventing casual pedestrian access and unauthorised use thereby minimising the likelihood of accidents or injury. Hoppers Farmhouse Bakeries Site Director Peter Whittaker said: "Our old doors were extremely impractical and we had to change them for safety reasons. "The old plastic strips were impossible to keep clean. The visibility through the openings has improved immensely since the installation of the Bulldoors. As sensors are only placed on our forklift trucks we have all but ruled out the possibility of the doors being used by pedestrians therefore reducing the risk of accidents" "The doors have made a huge difference already - the bakery is a lot warmer and I'm sure will be more cost effective" Isobel Schofield, Managing Director of Union Industries, said: "Our doors are highly regarded for their temperature retention and safety attributes. Hoppers Farmhouse Bakeries identified our Bulldoors as the best way to overcome the escape of warm air, which the PVC curtains were unable to prevent. "Hoppers is also benefiting from the Bulldoor's many standard safety features and the additional ones that have been specified to protect employees, vehicles and product."
Unique refuelling service puts Merlin in the driving seat
Refuelling standby generators manually will now be a thing of the past following the launch of a unique, nationwide service by power support company, Merlin Power Management. The company is responding to customer requests for a service that will save them time, money and inconvenience.
As most standby generators have fuel tanks of less than 500 litres, and tankers are legally unable to deliver below this figure due to the calibration of fuel measuring equipment, companies are left with the no other option than to go to a garage with a Jerry can to buy diesel. This is not only time consuming and dirty, but as road diesel costs significantly more than red diesel, is also expensive. In addition, many generators are situated in remote locations with difficult access, which cannot be reached by fuel tankers.
Looking for a means of overcoming the problem, Merlin Power Management has created a unique concept in fuel delivery. By mounting a fuel tank and pumping rig on to a common skid and fitting it on to a 3% tonne Mercedes chassis, the company has developed a refuelling system that not only enables it to deliver fuel
for standby generators but also enables access to all locations. The versatility of the refuelling system allows the skid to be repositioned onto a 4-wheel drive vehicle in the event of the standby generator being located in an isolated and difficult to reach site. Complying with all current and planned UK and European regulations, the refuelling system offers a fast response time and saves costs on labour and expensive road diesel.
Available via Merlin Power Management’s response centre, the service is suitable for both standby applications and those using generators on a continuous basis. For an annual cost of £95, standby generator applications will receive one routine annual refuelling plus an unlimited number of emergency top-ups caused by prolonged power cuts. In addition there is an optional 24-7 call-out facility available as part of Merlin’s Maintenance Contract. Continuously run generators are refuelled on a routine weekly contract.
Already proving extremely popular, Merlin Power Management’s refuelling system is currently being contracted by major retail outlets and telecom companies throughout the UK. The service has also been used for major events such as The Farnborough Air Show, The Commonwealth Games, Glastonbury and the British Grand Prix.
Unique Tagfresh system relaunched as Tork M-Fresh
A unique, simple and highly effective air freshener system is being re-launched under a new name by SCA Hygiene Products this winter. Tork M-Fresh replaces the former Tagfresh product and becomes available in an improved range of fragrances. Tork M-Fresh is a rubber disc on a loop that can be attached to the pipes or fittings in a washroom. The tags are impregnated with a choice of three fragrances and the perfume is gradually released into the washroom environment. When the fragrance has been completely used up, the rubber tag changes colour from green to blue. ”Tork M-Fresh is a brilliantly simple product,” said SCA Hygiene Products region marketing director Brian Parkinson. ”The fact that it changes colour means the washroom operator can tell at a glance when it needs replacing. The system is also adaptable because any number of tags can be used depending on the size of the washroom. Tork M-Fresh is an excellent alternative to channel blocks which can cause blockages in the urinal or toilet.” Tork M-Fresh comes in Apple, Citrus and Floral fragrances. Designed for use in all away-from-home washrooms, it complements SCA Hygiene Products’ automatic air freshener system, Tork Air-Fresh. Tork Air-Fresh is designed for use in commercial premises, hotels and restaurants in particular. It dispenses fragrances at metered intervals and its powerful odour neutralising agents eliminate unpleasant smells over an area of up to 170 cubic metres. ”There is a need for an air freshener system in most washrooms,” said Brian. ”Clean, fresh washrooms give a clear message about the standards you set for your business. When someone walks into your washroom, their first impression will influence the way they perceive your company, hotel or restaurant.” Tork Air-Fresh is also available in Apple, Citrus and Floral fragrances.
United Utilities going green
Halon gas used in the fire extinguishing systems that protect United Utilities data centres is being replaced by a “green” alternative in a £1 million refurbishment project.
Halon can damage the ozone layer and has now been outlawed as a fire extinguisher - European legislation requires that it must be phased out by the end of this year.
“We started planning the replacement last year,” said Rob Williams from Facilities and Property Services, who is managing the project for United Utilities.
“It’s a regional project, with the bulk of the work being carried out at the data centres at Lingley Mere and Dawson House. We started construction early this year at Lingley Mere and the whole project should be completed by November before the legislation comes into force.”
The “dry” fire-fighting system currently installed at data centres means that rooms are flooded with halon gas in the event of a fire — the gas reacts with the fire and extinguishes the blaze.
“We are replacing the halon with an environmentally-friendly alternative inert gas called inergen*,” said Rob. “It does the same job, has no health risk to employees, is zero ozone depleting, and doesn’t contribute to global warming. Inergen, unlike halon, does not cause fogging in the area it is released. This makes it safer for staff to exit the area as they can see where they are going.
“The new system is a virtual drop in replacement that allows us to re-use some of the existing pipes, helping to keep costs down. Furthermore it means that we can install the new systems alongside the old ones so that they can swapped over easily. This means that the fire suppressant system will be out of action for the minimum amount of time.”
Rob is liaising with other United Utilities businesses that have to undertake similar work.
* Inergen is composed entirely of naturally occurring gases already found in the air we breathe - nitrogen, argon and carbon dioxide. It works by reducing the oxygen level in the air to 15 per cent, enough to extinguish the fire. Its inclusion of CO2 improves breathing for staff exiting the area in a reduced oxygen environment and it has a number of global medical approvals.
Unitek - bringing power to the UK
Arnaldo Gonzalez Sosa, President Unitek Power Systems, global manufacturers and distributors of UPS systems, announced today that the company will be opening its UK headquarters Autumn 2005. This expansion is in response to increased demand for the company's products and services which has seen an accelerated growth throughout 2004. Unitek UK will be introducing its extensive range of UPS, surge protectors, rechargeable batteries & chargers. Based in new offices in Northampton, Unitek will offer products via a nationwide sales team serving its UK distributor and reseller network as well as key accounts. The UK Division will be headed by Jerry Hawkins, previously CEO of JBI Inc, an international telecommunications consultancy group founded by him in 1990. Previously to JBI he spent 20 years with Motorola Communications Int'l Inc in various senior level roles worldwide. With its worldwide business growing in excess of 50% annually in the last five years Arnaldo Gonzalez says "With our pedigree based on excellent service and warranty it only makes sense to have our own resources in the UK. Revised market studies indicate an increased awareness of the need to protect systems and data from domestic to large scale installations. Unitek UK will have the backing of a global brand as well as our complete range of products and services." The arrival of Unitek in the UK will be marked by a launch event in "The Power Within Gallery" at the Natural History Museum on 28 September. Since its inception in 1996, Unitek has expanded it manufacturing facilities to 7 countries, established key regional sales offices in 15 countries around the globe and has logistics hubs in the USA, Hong Kong, France, Spain and the Netherlands. With the creation of an assembly facility in Madrid (Spain) in 2003, all UNITEK low and high capacity UPS's are manufactured and certified in the EEC. Unitek also has an operational and technical training centre in Dubai. The company offers a full range of capacities from 500VA to 800kVA
University gets top marks for energy management
The University of Edinburgh - one of Scotland’s oldest universities - has decided to upgrade to Invensys Climate Controls Europe’s state-of-the-art Building Energy Management System (BEMS), Invensys SigmaTM, from its predecessor, BAS 2800+.
It currently has four sites using Invensys SigmaTM and plans to upgrade all BAS 2800+ systems over a phased, 2 year period. The University has an estate of over 150 buildings spread over five sites, totalling over 550,000m2 of property.
Invensys SigmaTM provides the necessary ‘horsepower’ to deal with today’s information needs. Its open, Internet Protocol (IP) platform, which is the standard for transmitting data over the Internet, means that it can plug straight in to a client’s existing IT network. This means that building and IT managers alike can get the best out of their equipment without having to unnecessarily invest in new technology.
In Edinburgh University’s case Invensys SigmaTM runs on the University’s Ethernet, providing seamless and extremely rapid response times, because the logging data is effectively travelling down a much bigger pipe. Essential for Edinburgh University, because it receives logging information from over 300 outstations.
Because Invensys SigmaTM is P-based it can integrate with any number of third-party systems meaning that facilities managers can now have a single view of their BEMS applications, from alarms to air conditioning and heating systems.
Commenting on the reasons for upgrading to Invensys Sigma TM, David Somervell, Energy & Environmental Manager, Edinburgh University, said:
“Invensys SigmaTM provides us with the ability to harness the best in current communications technology, while building on the solid functionality inherent in the BAS systems.
“It was important to us that we chose a system that could integrate with best of breed product, quickly and easily. Invensys SigmaTM has already given us amazing response times.”
The University’s Estates & Buildings department has recently evolved a new framework for service delivery, which will enable the University’s Energy & Environmental Office to focus on energy savings and reduce time spent on ‘maintenance fire fighting.’ This has involved appointing four Premises Managers who provide a single point of contact for the sites under their remit.
Invensys SigmaTM’S web browser capability will be important in making this new strategy a success, continues Somervell. “For this new framework to succeed it’s essential to devolve as much control as possible, within corporate limits, to the frontline Premises Managers. The Invensys SigmaTM web browser functionality will enable key staff to access and monitor the systems from any remote location.
“It will also give our office overall visibility of every site at any time of the day or night. If a problem is experienced at an unsociable hour the person responsible would be able to assess the situation without having to leave the comfort of their home!” concludes Somervell.
Invensys Climate Controls Europe offer a fully integrated approach to energy management through its sister company Invensys Global Services. Invensys Global Services has a range of energy support services such as an instant response, 24/71365, bureau operation; award winning energy engineers and on-site energy support.
Edinburgh University has taken advantage of Invensys Global Services maintenance and service support. Through a single point of contact, it has access to skilled controls engineers at any time of the day or night. The Invensys Global Services team works to keep Edinburgh University’s plant downtime to an absolute minimum.
University of Derby chooses NOTIFIER for campus-wide fire system upgrade
The fast-growing University of Derby was founded in 1992. Home to 9000 students and 2500 staff, the University, following a full review of its fire protection by the Facilities Management department, has specified a NOTIFIER Fire System to replace the existing mixture of independent conventional and addressable systems with a single protocol system to eliminate compatibility problems in its facilities. Designed, engineered and installed by Global Fire Systems Limited of Nottingham, one of NOTIFIER's premier Engineered System Distributors, the first phase of the new system has been installed and commissioned at the main Kedleston Road campus. The initial phase consists of four eight-loop ID3000 addressable control panels, controlling over 1000 smoke detectors, thermal sensors and break glass units, networked together via fibre optic media to create a single integrated system. The system uses ID2Net, NOTIFIER's low overhead networking protocol, capable of managing up to 32 networked ID3000 eight-loop fire alarm panels giving 50,688 addressable points and 8160 network zones. The first phase is linked to the rest of the estate using the University's internal local area network (LAN) via a UniNet ID front end graphics package; once complete, the new fire system will then be fully integrated into the existing building management system. Global Fire Systems won the contract in the face of stiff competition. The close partnership between NOTIFIER, the equipment supplier and Global, the fire system integrator, gave the decision makers at the University a competitively price package of high technology, future-proofed equipment, able to grow as the University's needs evolve. With technical support services, a fast-response emergency call out and routine maintenance provided by Global Fire Systems, a BAFE SP203 approved company, the new system will unobtrusively protect the lives of students and staff for many years to come.
University of Derby chooses NOTIFIER for campus-wide fire system upgrade
The fast-growing University of Derby was founded in 1992. Home to 9000 students and 2500 staff, the University, following a full review of its fire protection by the Facilities Management department, has specified a NOTIFIER Fire System to replace the existing mixture of independent conventional and addressable systems with a single protocol system to eliminate compatibility problems in its facilities. Designed, engineered and installed by Global Fire Systems Limited of Nottingham, one of NOTIFIER’s premier Engineered System Distributors, the first phase of the new system has been installed and commissioned at the main Kedleston Road campus.
The initial phase consists of four eight-loop ID3000 addressable control panels, controlling over 1000 smoke detectors, thermal sensors and break glass units, networked together via fibre optic media to create a single integrated system. The system uses ID2Net, NOTIFIER’s low overhead networking protocol, capable of managing up to 32 networked ID3000 eight-loop fire alarm panels giving 50,688 addressable points and 8160 network zones. The first phase is linked to the rest of the estate using the University’s internal local area network (LAN) via a UniNet ID front end graphics package; once complete, the new fire system will then be fully integrated into the existing building management system.
Global Fire Systems won the contract in the face of stiff competition. The close partnership between NOTIFIER, the equipment supplier and Global, the fire system integrator, gave the decision makers at the University a competitively price package of high technology, future-proofed equipment, able to grow as the University’s needs evolve. With technical support services, a fast-response emergency call out and routine maintenance provided by Global Fire Systems, a BAFE SP203 approved company, the new system will unobtrusively protect the lives of students and staff for many years to come.
University of Stirling chooses EBIS for Estates Management
The University of Stirling has chosen the Estates & Buildings Information System, EBIS, from IT solutions specialist, MASS Systems, to assist with property and asset management and address government reporting requirements at its 300 acre site. EBIS is based on the leading property, estates and facilities management solution, ARCHIBUS/FM, and was developed by MASS Systems in conjunction with the University of Edinburgh four years ago to address a range of estates and facilities management needs in the education sector. Situated on an estate which includes a large loch and the picturesque 18th century Airthrey Castle, the University of Stirling has over 8,500 students and is renowned for its beautiful campus scenery. In addition to property and asset management, the EBIS system at Stirling will also be used for financial reporting and for managing both planned and reactive maintenance. It will also incorporate a Web-based helpdesk. Don Greenhill, Senior Assistant Director of Property Management at the University comments, “By using the system’s Internet links, we will be able to make our property and asset information available to a wide range of users throughout the University. EBIS will also be used to assist us with the production of Estates Management Statistics and to provide the information required by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council. Among the factors which influenced our choice were the flexibility provided by the individual modules and licensing structure.”
University opts for one stop Halon decommissioning solution
Faced with the need to decommission Halon fire extinguishing systems in two separate computer suites, facilities managers at the University of Birmingham recently turned to Kidde Fire Protection Services for a complete solution. This encompassed removal and replacement of the Halon with a custom-designed inert gas (Argonite) system, followed by storage of the decommissioned gas pending its destruction using Dascem Europe’s environmentally friendly PlasconTM technology. University staff had put in a great deal of time and effort researching the various options available in terms of removing and replacing their Halon, and were well informed about the need to dispose of the gas in an environmentally responsible manner. This led to the production of a very detailed tender document, prepared in close collaboration with the University’s insurers, the Fire Protection Association and members of the local fire brigade. Kidde’s success in the tendering process was strongly influenced by its ability to manage every aspect of the removal, storage and ultimate disposal of the University’s Halon using its own in-house facilities. “As in most large organisations, facilities managers at the University were well aware of their obligations under EU regulations, and knew that they had to dispose of their Halon in an environmentally acceptable way”, says Martyn Phillips, Sales Manager for Kidde Fire Protection Services’ Midlands region. “We were able to show them that our organisation has all the necessary facilities to provide them with a complete and properly managed solution. In particular, we can provide Halon users with a safer, more effective and environmentally friendly method of disposal than any other existing technology through our association with Dascem Europe.” Kidde removed the two Halon systems from the University’s computer suites and replaced them with Argonite systems, working within a tight eight-week timescale. The work was accomplished in full compliance with Contractual Documented Manuals (CDM) and British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE) certification requirements, without necessitating a single moment of computer down-time. The decommissioned Halon has been safely stored without risk to the environment, ready for destruction at Dascem Europe’s new UK plant by means of PlasconTM technology. “Our approach has completely satisfied the university and its insurers, Royal & Sun Alliance, who were brought in as experts to oversee the project”, Martyn Phillips says.
Unparalleled range of scroll chillers
New models at both the lower and upper ends of its AN and the NRA chiller ranges, means that Aermec can now offer air cooled chillers with high efficiency scroll compressors, with optional integral pumping stations, from 6kW to 280kW. They are available in chiller or heat pump form. There are now 12 AN models ranging from 6 to 75kW. The NRA now starts at 53kW and three new larger models have duties of 226, 253 and 280kW respectively. The NRA’s are fitted with multiple (maximum 4) scroll compressors with two refrigeration circuits. They are available with run and standby pumps, expansion vessel and storage tank if required. They have stainless steel plate type evaporators in contra flow arrangement. Models are available in quiet or ultra low noise versions and all have compact footprints. These Eurovent certified Aermec chillers are available here in the UK from AiAX (AC) Limited, Swanley, Kent, the UK distributor for Aermec, Italy’s leading manufacturer of air conditioning equipment.
Unrivalled capability for decommissioning and destruction of halogen gas
Dascem Europe, a newly formed joint venture partnership between Kidde Plc, SPI (Fire Engineering) Ltd and Dascem Holdings Pty, will be exhibiting its Halon destruction capabilities, utilising a unique Plascon process originally developed in Australia.
Dascem Europe is drawing on the expertise of these three industry leaders to provide a total turnkey solution for the decommissioning, decanting and destruction of Halon gas which is being prohibited from use by EU legislation in most applications. Kidde plc is well known as one of the world’s leading suppliers of fire detection and suppression technologies; SPI (Fire Engineering) Ltd has been leading the way in Halon decommissioning and the supply of alternative gaseous fire suppression systems in the UK; and Dascem Holdings Pty has an established history of managing ozone depleting substances (ODSs) in Australia, and is involved in the establishment of Halon recycling facilities in many parts of the world.
The Dascem Europe plant will provide Halon owners with an environmentally safe and fully certificated means of disposing of the gas in order to comply with EU Regulation 2037/2000. This Regulation bans the recharge of Halon systems from 31st December 2002 and also requires the complete decommissioning of most Halon systems by the end of 2003, including those commonly used to protect computer facilities, communications centres and switchrooms.
The gas destruction process utilised by Dascem Europe will be based on PlasconTM (plasma conversion) technology which has already been used to destroy over 3000 metric tonnes of Halon and CFCs at the Dascem managed Australian National Halon Bank in Melbourne. PlasconTM is an environmentally beneficial process which has been proven to he better than 99.999% effective. The process breaks down Halon molecules, reducing them to their constituent atoms and ions that are rapidly quenched and neutralised and discharged into conventional sewerage systems as salt water. This process is the most environmentally effective method of destroying Halon that has so far been developed.
The process will be operated using state-of-the-art computer controlled technology, and will conform to all relevant local and national environmental standards. ISO 9001 certification will be obtained for the plant, whose initial destruction capacity will be over 500 metric tonnes per annum.
In addition to destroying halon gas, Dascem Europe will bring together a network of market specialists to provide a unique support service to halon users throughout the UK, enabling a quick, safe and effective method of halon removal. By drawing on the expertise of each partner, the company can also provide ex-Halon users with advice on alternative fire suppression options, and provide a total turnkey solution.
Up, up and away with Rolla-Tensabarrier
The spectacular British Airways London Eye is one of the capital’s most popular tourist venues, attracting 2 million visitors a year! As such, the prestigious and popular venue requires a movable queue management system to cope with the vast numbers of people at the busiest times. Rolla-Tensabarrier® from Tensator - the world’s leading manufacturer of queue guidance systems - was the obvious choice.
Rolla-Tensabarrier®, the world’s first stackable and wheelable queue management barrier system, provides the London Eye with the required reliability and versatility. Danny Price, Ride Manger, explains, “Rolla-Tensabarrier® provides us with the queue management flexibility we require during busy periods. We handle up to 1500 passengers an hour and as the wheel is continually turning, the queue needs to be well organised to ensure that the is a steady flow of passengers. Rolla-Tensabarrier® ensures that there are no hold-ups and people can board swiftly and smoothly.”
The world’s largest observation wheel represents the turning of time, celebrating London’s past and looking forward to its future in the new Millennium. British Airways London Eye offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the city from a totally new angle, some 135 metres above the River Thames. On a clear day, passengers in one of the 32 high tech capsules, can take in impressive viewing distances of over 25 miles during their 30 minute journey.
The Eye’s innovative use of technology extends to its movable queue barrier system. Featuring a set of wheels discreetly set into the solid case base, the Rolla-Tensabarrier® system can be quickly moved and repositioned without the need for a trolley or cart, making it an extremely versatile and easily adaptable system that can be modified according to queuing demands. The innovative design also incorporates a unique docking system that allows up to six Rolla Tensabarrier® units to be nested and wheeled together, enabling an unlimited number of units to be stacked together, reducing the need for large storage areas.
Tensator has been providing effective crowd control barriers to a variety of high-profile clients for over 30 years. With technological innovations and stylish new products, the Tensator portfolio has expanded into a dynamic and functional range of customer guidance and queue management systems. The extensive range of posts, wall-mounted units, customised webbing and accessories make up the most comprehensive selection of guidance systems in the world. All products come with a full warranty assuring the high calibre of its products, and a complete and professional level of quality customer service comes as standard.
Upbeat style with a refreshed Heuga Floorscape
Expressing creativity whilst providing near limitless flexibility, Interface's Heuga Floorscape collection of tufted patterned tiles has now been refreshed in exciting colourways. The level cut tiles enable architects, designers and specifiers to combine functionality and sophistication with the upbeat style required when creating contemporary interiors. Heuga Floorscape consists of nine designs ranging from Indian Summer, Simply Stripe and Labyrinth to Happy Hour and Square Dance, each offered in four optional colourways. The designs embrace vivid stripes and swirls and dynamic geometrics, as well as bold and subtle patterns, consequently providing huge versatility and almost infinite colour combinations. Building on Heugas 40 year record of innovation, Floorscape gives an elegant, modern and distinctive feel to a variety of interiors including conference halls, hotels, theatres, retail stores and offices. The pile material is 100% Aquafil Alto Nylon on a Graphiex backing: a heavy contract rating ensures high performance.
Upfront solution for automatic swing doors
After providing a quarterly maintenance service to the owners of a high profile retail development in the heart of London for over 10 years, a HansenGroup member company has successfully carried out a contract offering a bespoke solution for the automatic operation of external swing doors.
Pollards UpFront Maintenance, a specialist in the field of door repair and adaptation, carried out the work at Victoria Place Shopping Centre on behalf of Specialty Shops (Victoria) Ltd.
Two sets of swing doors had previously been fitted with pneumatic rams linked to the building’s fire alarm. Made aware that this did not comply with the Disability Discrimination Act, the management company awarded Pollards UpFront Maintenance a contract to provide a more accessible style of operation.
Centre Director, Steve Doggett, comments: “I have dealt with Pollards for about 10 years and never had a problem with the service the company has given us. Therefore when we had an audit carried out on the centre for the DDA, and one of the points which came up was that we should have automatic doors, I asked Pollards’ contracts manager to come and see what could be done.
“Although the work was carried out during opening hours there was no interruption or inconvenience for either the public or our tenants. It is vital to us to ensure the centre remains safe as well as looking its best and Pollards definitely helps us do this.”
Upgrade saves 80% on new Samsung telephone system for leading mobile firm!
Pama of Stockport, Cheshire, a leading supplier of mobile phone accessories to well known resellers like Carphone Warehouse, Tesco and Office World, has saved 80% of the price of a new Samsung telephone system by re-using parts of its old PBX. The new Samsung solution, installed by Samsung reseller Matrix Business Communications of Bolton, Lancashire, was installed following Pamas recent relocation to new, larger premises. When Pama’s recent rapid expansion forced it to relocate to a new 25,000-square-foot facility, it took the opportunity to expand its communications capabilities. The old premises had a Samsung phone system designed around re-usable components, allowing Matrix to offer huge savings on the new installation by re-using system cards and handsets. The new Samsung solution has increased capacity to 60 extensions, with room for further expansion in the future. It also adds features such as Windows-based operator consoles, which allow the status of all extensions to be monitored on a PC, and full DECT (digital enhanced cordless telephony) wireless capability throughout the new offices.
In parallel with the comms system, Matrix installed a complete data network infrastructure and fitted out the new boardroom with impressive presentation facilities, including a projector and sound system. According to managing director Steve Pritchard, Matrix won the Pama contract chiefly on value for money. “Pama knew we could meet its functional requirements for both voice and data, but the deciding factor was that they had already invested in a future proof Samsung phone system. The cost savings we offered by migrating existing system cards and handsets to the new solution could not be matched by systems from any other vendor.” “Matrix Business Communications is the most flexible IT and comms company we have worked with,” said Nick Taylor, senior IT manager at Pama. “They worked completely around us on the installation and accommodated all our last minute requests, including reconfiguring our system on numerous occasions! I couldn’t have asked for more.
Upgraded helper safeguards small UPS systems
SMEs will welcome a cost effective way of safeguarding their IT equipment following the upgrading of Scorpion Power Systems Helper range of super quiet, automatic mains failure generator systems. Without increasing the price of the Helper, Scorpion has improved the voltage specifications on both its 6kVA and 8kVA single and three phase generators to +1-1%, making it the ideal choice for all IT equipment requiring a tight voltage regulation.
In the event of a power cut or when the UPS goes into bypass either for maintenance or due to breakdown, the Helpers automatic mains failure system will cut in, ensuring a no break continuity of high quality electricity, essential for all IT applications.
Packed with safety features, the Helper has an automatic fire suppression system, overheat protection mechanism and cut out switch if the doors are inadvertently opened when the machine is running. The fully automated unit is equipped with liquid crystal display, digital readout and an electronic control that enables it to be pre-set for weekly self-checks.
The Helper is ventilated through a grill in the outside wall, rather like a domestic central heating boiler. Noise levels are unbelievably low at approximately 58 dba @ 7 metres. The high performance system comes fully pre-wired so any qualified electrician can easily install the generator.
Powered by reliable Honda GX340 or GX390 engines, the Helper can be supplied for use with unleaded petrol, propane gas or natural gas. The system will run for duration of 12 hours on unleaded petrol and for an unlimited period with gas.
Urban growth for PHS Greenleaf
The UK’s leading interior landscaping company, PHS Greenleaf, has acquired the tropical plant rental business of Bradford based Urban Planters Ltd, thus developing its service in the north west of England.
Urban Planters Ltd also operates a franchise scheme, members of which will continue to operate independently under the name Urban Planters. Direct customers of Bradford based Urban Planters Ltd will be integrated into the business of PHS Greenleaf.
PHS Greenleafs managing director Steph Hutchings comments: “We are delighted to be acquiring the business of Urban Planters Ltd. Greenleaf operates to the highest industry standards, so we know we will continue to develop the quality service and products that Urban Planters’ customers have come to expect. Over the course of the next few months we will be working hard to integrate the two businesses in a way that further enhances these standards, as well as offering the benefits of a wider range of products and expertise. We will also try to retain as many of their staff and service technicians as possible”.
This recent acquisition reinforces PHS Greenleaf s status as the largest supplier of interior and exterior landscaping in the UK. Part of the PHS Group, PHS Greenleaf provides plant displays to a wide range of businesses. Displays can be designed to suit areas from the smallest reception to the largest interior landscaping project. The Greenleaf product range also includes exterior plant displays, hanging baskets and fully decorated Christmas Trees.
Urine odours and stains eradicted…forever
The sceptics will say it’s impossible, but Urine-Off, the new odour eradication system that permanently alleviates urine smell and stains, really does work. No matter how old the stain or odour, Urine-Off will remove it completely. Developed by a multi-national US-based corporation specialising in environmental solutions, Urine-Off has a revolutionary bio-enmzymatic formula that literally eats the uric acid crystals that cause discolouration and odour, leaving sanitary ware, tiles, carpets, upholstery, bedding and clothing in pristine condition. Enzymes begin the process, then harmless bacteria take over for final bioremediation. Fresh stains are removed quickly while older stains usually require 2-3 daily applications. Odour and stains can be effectively removed from both porous and non-porous surfaces such as carpeting, tiles and grout. Wherever large numbers of people congregate there will be a need for Urine-Off. Airport concourses, railway stations, bus termini, shopping precincts, sports stadia, hotels, restaurants, public houses, theatres, cinemas, and of course specialist health centres such as hospitals, nurseries and nursing homes. Facility managers, the cleaning and public health sector, hospital managers, in fact any organisation with urine odour problems now has a proven remedy to problem. Urine-Off is available, ready for use, in 500ml, 1 litre or 5 litre spray bottles and can be ordered direct from PF Ltd or local stockists. See website for details.
V Range complies with DDA requirements
The Disability Discrimination Act places responsibility on owners of public buildings to ensure that people with disabilities are afforded easy access. With over 370,000 registered blind and partially sighted people in the UK, Urmet Domus have taken positive steps to ensure that no one using their door entry systems are disadvantaged. Urmet Domus' latest V-Steel range of door entry panels uses a unique 'Monolithic' manufacturing process, punched with Braille numbering and lettering to ensure ease of use for blind people. For the visually impaired, Urmet Domus have also introduced traffic light indication for communication using vandal resistant LED's and yellow rimmed stainless steel push buttons. Yellow has been proven to be a much easier colour to see by people whose vision is impaired. "We wanted to assist our customers in complying with the Disability Discrimination Act and I am pleased that we have been able to provide a complete solution without affecting the attractive design of our door entry panels," said Mark Hagger, UK Sales Director for Urmet Domus.
Vaulted Image Technologies launch Internet based CCTV monitoring system
Vaulted Image Technologies Ltd has launched a new internet-based CCTV monitoring system called ‘Vault-it’.
Vault-it offers a range of security products that capture images from conventional CCTV cameras, transmit them via the Internet and store them in a remote, secure data centre. Images can be viewed from anywhere in the world using a secure, but standard Internet browser such as Microsoft internet Explorer.
These products offer unique advantages over traditional time lapse, analogue tape storage or on- site hard disk storage systems both in terms of cost and functionality. Image capture can be triggered by alarm outputs such as PIR detectors or by video motion detection. When an incident occurs, the Vault-it system only captures images when movement is taking place on camera, not hours of irrelevant video recording. The Vault-it system also buffers pre-alarm pictures a few seconds before the alarm was triggered and transmits these as well.
Once captured, images are transmitted to the internet and these can then be accessed by standard telephone line, GSM network (allowing mobile systems) or fast internet connections such as BT’s ADSL broadband service. The captured images arrive at the Vault-it secure data centre, where they are stored using the unique CCTVsafe software platform. Each customer is assigned a private, secure Internet site area and notification of captured images is sent automatically to the customer by SMS text message or via email. This alerts customers to the new images arriving in the event that they are not currently monitoring the system via the Internet.
Vault-it offers a number of key benefits including: unmanned operation, no buttons to press, no tapes to change and images can be recorded onto disk or CD/DVD media for archiving if required. Images can be also be emailed from one person to another or to a group of others which can prove especially useful for identifying images of persons or events captured by the system.
The storage and customer alert facility is provided from secure data servers located in a purpose- built data centre. The data centre has 24 hour on-site security guards, independent power backup and diesel generators for emergency use, air conditioning and fire detection. In addition to physical security, the Vault-ft servers are configured with up-to-date software and firewalls to protect against network-based attacks. The system is designed to ensure the Vault-it service is safeguarded 24hours, 365 days per year.
Vault-ft offers its customers and authorised users the ability to monitor multiple sites from multiple locations and also allows unmanned operation. Remote web viewing allows customers using their secure logins and passwords to view their images and information from anywhere in the world. Each customer account can have several authorised users with different levels of access, for example an operator from Site A can only view cameras from Site A.
Notification of activity ensures that even if the customer is not actively monitoring their sites, an SMS text message can be automatically sent to their mobile phone or an e-mail to advise that new event images have arrived and been archived on their dedicated area within the server. This is particularly useful for visual verification of alarms. Easy image retrieval is provided as all images are time and date stamped with a meaningful name to describe them - for example ‘Front Entrance Camera’ rather than ‘Camera 4’. The customer needs no special software or storage space on their PC. All images are accessed via the Internet and authorised users can access information and images simply by using their computer mouse.
The system operates on easy to use PC screens showing pictures, camera names and a history log detailing where and when camera images were captured and stored. For example, if there was an incident needing investigation between 4am and 9am on a specific date, these times can be chosen on the system and the Vault-ft service automatically displays any relevant images for viewing. Images can then be rapidly printed for distribution, or e-mailed to other personnel for verification or identification.
Vaulted Image Technologies Ltd believe there are huge possibilities for the system as it can be
fitted to existing CCTV systems, for example in retail shop locations to allow the owners or managers to remotely monitor staff or visually verify alarm activation’s. The GSM compatibility of the system allows the Vault-it unit and any connected cameras to be located on vehicles or in remote locations, removing the need for access to telephone lines or mains power.
The service is not designed to replace VCR and digital storage, but offer an attractive enhancement to existing surveillance systems and offer a remote monitoring service from any location with Internet connections. The service is available for a competitive monthly fee and offers the advantages of SMS text messaging and e-mail to announce alarm verification images or new events being stored.
Vault-ft is offered as a valuable add-on to existing systems, or as a new cost effective installation with a choice of covert, internal, external and specialist low light cameras to deliver a complete, and effective turnkey solution for remote monitoring of CCTV systems. The system is currently installed in offices. airfields, retail sites using available existing onsite communications and remote, mobile and covert installations using GSM technology
VCL and Ademco Video introduce Transpac
VCL distribution arm VCD is to be the exclusive UK distributor for the innovative Transpac digital video storage and transmission system from sister company Ademco Video.
Among many advanced features, Transpac boasts as standard all the software and facilities to edit out the identity of third parties in the event of subject access requests in accordance with the Data Protection Act. The system’s event-driven and scheduled recording, working along with an intruder alarms system, can be used for evidence or for review of any occurrence but also as visual verification of any alarm triggering. VCL Sales and Marketing Director John Prosser said: “Transpac is not only a true all-in-one solution; it is the most intuitive digital video storage system available today. It is also a complete business management solution, giving visual access to company premises for any non-security functions.
“For example it enables the user to check on shift workers at any time of the day or night, to watch the progress of contractors or to oversee any other employee movements.
“It is equally at home in a massive multi-site application or in a single office or factory and has all the plug & play simplicity that the industry has come to expect from both VCL and Ademco Video. Transpac is Windows-based and available in a number of options including the choice of hard disk or RAM memory recording. It can operate on PSTN, ISDN, GSM and TCP/IP.
VCL cameras Get a triple upgrade
VCL is claiming a unique hat-trick with the addition of a second and third major technical upgrade to its Microsphere cameras - all at no extra cost.
Only weeks after adding “NVT Inside” to the entire Orbiter Gold and Orbiter Lite camera ranges, the company has now put ExView CCDs into its 18 X colour/mono cameras and added a multiple protocol facility to all the Gold models.
ExView gives the cameras clearer, sharper images, especially in low light, while the multiple protocol facility enables the units to connect instantly to any of the major brands of telemetry equipment without external converters.
International Marketing Manager Nick Bowden said the company had first anticipated having to increase prices for adding the facilities. “But we put a lot of thought into it and agreed that with such a significant package of innovations we could make it even more special by launching the whole suite without adding a penny to the price,” he added.
“These factors together amount to the biggest single step forward that the Microsphere ranges have ever undergone.”
The innovations are among the new products officially launched at Ifsec and in the newly published 2002 VCL catalogue.
Velta Floor Heating helps the garden grow
Sheffield's impressive and popular Winter Garden, an indoor park in the heart of the City Centre, is one of the largest temperate glasshouses in a European city centre. Built into the very core of the Winter Garden, and playing a vital role in keeping its collection of unusual and exotic plants healthy, is an industrial floor heating system from velta. The award-winning Winter Garden measures 70 metres long by 22 metres wide and features wooden arches that are nearly 21 metres high. It houses around 2,500 plants, mainly from the southern hemisphere, including palms from Central America, tree ferns from Australia, and spectacular Norfolk Island Pines. Keeping these semi-tropical specimens in peak condition was a key part of the brief for consulting engineers, Buro Happold - and velta's industrial floor heating system provided the ideal solution. Because the piping for the velta industrial system is cast into the concrete floor of the structure the whole of the floor area becomes the heating unit. This means that it can be operated at lower temperature than other "after-thought" systems and requires less energy to run, but can still provide heat outputs of up to 250 Watts per square metre. The system is specified as part of the floor construction; it can accommodate the most demanding floor loadings and is straightforward to install. The robust 25mm diameter velta PE-Xa piping for the system is simply clipped to the steel reinforcing bars of the structure before the concrete is poured. Installed by velta on behalf of the electrical and mechanical contractor, Powerminster, the Winter Garden's system covers 1200 square metres of floor. This whole area is controlled from just four manifolds that are located in the car park below the garden floor, with the heat provided by hot water from Sheffield's district heating system. The Winter Garden was designed by architects Pringle Richards Sharratt with Interserve Building as the main contractor, and has won recognition from the Concrete Society and the Institution of Civil Engineers. Since its opening in 2003 the Winter Garden has won several accolades recognising the quality of its maintenance and management, including three European Federation of Interior Landscaping Groups (eFIG) awards, and the coveted Civic Trust Green Flag award. Peter Johnson of velta said, "We are very pleased to have been associated with the prestigious building, not least because it demonstrates very clearly that the velta industrial system is an exceptionally efficient and economical way of heating large open spaces." After 700,000 installations, and nearly 40 years of innovation and development in the floor heating market, velta has established leadership with the widest range of floor heating and cooling systems for domestic, commercial and large industrial projects. The velta portfolio also includes solutions for sports halls, including sprung floor installations, and exterior systems to prevent snow and ice build-up. The company offers a complete design, supply, installation (system and screed) and warranty service - a true one-stop-shop for any size of floor heating or cooling project.
Vending comes home to roost
Modern automated restaurant facilities are providing a flexible and cost effective catering solution at a leading fresh poultry processing plant — wiping out a £9,000 operating subsidy in less than six months.
Dove Valley are one of the country’s major poultry processors, employing over 640 staff at a five-acre complex at Ashbourne near Derby.
Award-winning vending management specialist Springbank Industries has introduced the latest high quality vending systems across three separate production areas, and installed hot beverage units in designated smoking rest rooms as part of a £700,000 six-and-a quarter-year contract.
The automated restaurant suites comprise, food, snack, can and hot beverage units along with two micro-wave ovens — all housed in an attractive shopfitted presentation unit that bears Springbank’s unique Break Express branding.
“Before Springbank were involved our catering was rigid and limited. We did operate manual catering where food was served from a hatch, but this was a restricted service only available early morning and lunch time,” explained Dove Valley’s personnel manager Dawn Roberts.
“The big challenge was taking food to the people and generating a consistency of service, since we are not a centralised site and have workers in three separate production factories. We were looking for a cost-effective and flexible solution that provided high quality fresh food, snacks, and drinks for all of our workforce when they need them.
“We also wanted to reduce our catering subsidy from £9,000 per year, yet at the same time enhance the overall service.”
Dove Valley is a family-run company “so every penny counts,” according to Dawn who stressed: “We are re-investing the cost savings back into the company to benefit the workers.
The production plant generally operates from 6am until 1 0.30pm with a nightshift for despatch and delivery. The introduction of a two-shift system heightened the need for a more flexible catering operation.
“We needed to review our catering facilities, since there was no on-site hot-food facility for the second shift,” said Dawn who feels the workforce has warmly received the new vending systems.
She remarked: “The coordinated visual approach works very well. The shopfitted banks of equipment create a much better impression, are more appealing and also more secure.”
Staffordshire-based Springbank, service, stock and fill the majority of equipment as part of a 75-month agreement. A wide selection of food products include, sandwiches, muffins and ready meals, combined with cold cans, confectionery and hot beverages.
Springbank’s Dominic Bowers explained: “It was very important that a sensible margin on the drinks was set correctly, balanced with a healthy rate of sale, to generate a nil operating cost to our client.
“Overall we were set quite a tough challenge. In effect we were asked to introduce three times the service yet remove what was already a low subsidy. Thanks to Dove Valley’s trust by letting us control prices on site the cost benefit has now been achieved.”
As well as the significant cost savings, Dove Valley also benefit in other ways as Dawn continued: “It’s like a one-stop shop approach, we do not have the responsibility of cleaning or filling the machines so there is no labour intensive element for us.”
Food prices have been kept generally in-line with the previous manual catering service, whilst a 30 per cent larger drink is used to enhance a value for money philosophy.
Dawn continued: “The machines are reliable, there’s a lot more product choice and availability, portion sizes are bigger and the drinks quality is particularly high.”
Dove Valley is based on an industrial estate, away from local cafes, takeaways and other food outlets. Due to the nature of its business, the highest hygiene and operating standards are always followed.
Dawn concluded: “The new vending operation is essentially a service to our staff. It is very important to give them warm food and hot drinks because they work in a generally cold environment.
“Some workers have just half an hour for lunch, so we needed a fast efficient service combining quality and choice. We are delighted with Springbank’s efficient service and all- round expertise. We have now achieved a rate of sale that represents nil cost to Dove Valley.”
Vent-Axia blow dry!
The Vent-Axia ventilation system in the landmark White Swan public house, down by the riverside at Swaythling, Southampton, is delivering an unexpected bonus — driving out the damp caused by recent flooding from the River Itchen. Installed recently by Fan Installation Services of Hounslow as part of Scottish & Newcastle’s programme for up-grading indoor air quality throughout their venues nationwide, in line with the “Smoking in Public Places” Charter, the Vent-Axia system is designed to remove cigarette smoke from the bar, restaurant and reception rooms at this very popular and busy venue. The super atmosphere at the pub had already qualified the White Swan as a finalist for this year’s Morning Advertiser ‘Clean Air Pub of the Year’ Award. And now, since the unfortunate flooding around New Year, the 10 Vent-Axia T-Series fans have been switched-on 24 hours a day — continuously responding to the humidity levels within the pub, speeding-up the whole process of recovery and adding a new twist on the drinkers’ concept of ‘drying out’! “The Vent-Axia Air Quality Sensors which detect airborne smoke are just as effective in picking up on invisible water vapour,” says Manager Declan O’Gorman, “so we’re getting two jobs done for the price of one.” The locals are happy too. They’re already back into their routine without delay, and any future flooding poses less of a threat to their enjoyment of the White Swan.
Vent-Axia sells Airstream services
Vent-Axia, the UK’s leading ventilation, heating and air-conditioning company announces the sale of its rental business Airstream Services to PHS Plc. for a sum of £25 million. In the year to 31st July, 2002 Airstream Services’ turnover was £6.7 million with an operating profit of £1.9 million. “This latest move, which follows the recent management buyout of Vent-Axia and associated businesses from the Smiths Group, is very much in line with our strategy of withdrawing from the washroom hygiene services and rental market,” says Finance Director Simon Clews. “We are now able to focus on consolidating our leadership in HVAC markets”.
Ventilux’s Netcom 5XP is on the right road
Ventilux has recently supplied its new Netcom 5XP Emergency Lighting Monitoring system to Vauxhall’s manufacturing plant at Ellesmere Port A new blueprint for emergency lighting testing systems, Netcom 5XP is an intelligent, addressable central testing system for self contained and centrally supplied emergency lighting systems. The new Ventilux package will ensure that the plant’s service station benefits from the latest emergency lighting technology currently available. The Ellesmere Port factory is home to the Astra and Vectra model ranges and has been installed in the new Service Station as part of a continuous programme of development. The Netcom 5XP package can be operated from a desktop PC, completely simplifying emergency lighting test procedures for the busy maintenance team. Netcom 5XP can be used to test and monitor self-contained emergency lighting installations, centrally supplied emergency lighting installations, or a combination of both. Installed by Cegelec Contracting services, the Ellesmere Port plant operates a central mode with static inverter that is tested and monitored by the system. The PC based control panel has user friendly software features that enable Vauxhall to configure, monitor and test the complete system with great ease. In accordance with current legislation including the latest European Standards including B55266, 1S3217 and EN62036, the system tests installations daily, monthly, 6 monthly, annually — or alternatively, can be configured to the end-users specific requirements. The use of Ethernet connectivity - with each fitting having an addressable node - allows testing of each fitting and acts as an early warning system for lamp failures. Also, lamps over 1 km away from the control panel can also be tested. Remote monitoring also testing can be carried out from any global location, via the Internet. With built-in scalability, (the system can handle any number from 100 luminaires to 25,300 luminaires) the system can be easily expanded at any time. In addition Netcom 5XP also offers the following features: • Site configurations can be downloaded I uploaded — allowing for ease of set-up and troubleshooting. • Up to 30 testing groups can be allocated irrespective of physical location or electrical connection. • The system operates independently of the central Control Panel, therefore the PC is not required to be on-line continuously or supported by a UPS. Founded in 1986, Ventilux has grown to become one of the largest independent Emergency Lighting manufacturers in Europe. The head office in Dun Laoghaire, south of Dublin, is the centre of the Ventilux operation, with over 15,000 ft2 of state of the art production facilities, research and development laboratories, in-house training centre and European distribution warehouse.
Versatile cleaning with industrial vacs from Nilfisk-Advance
Ideal for wet and dry applications and with a wide choice of filters and accessories, the new IV022 IV 040 industrial vacuum cleaners from Nilfisk-Advance offer efficient handling of dust and debris across all industries. The versatile new range is available in two versions, the 2.2kw IV 022 and the more powerful 4kW IV 040. The main filter of a vacuum cleaner is the most important part of the machine and the NilfiskAdvance IV022 IV 040 range features large pocket filters which ensure effective filtration and correct airflow through the filter. Users have a choice of main filter according to application, such as dust type, wet or dry use and environment. As extra protection, a Class G4 Safety Filter can be inserted in a compartment between the main filter and blower. A HEPA H13 filter is also available for collecting hazardous particles, which can be used in conjunction with disposable dust containers to ensure such material is handled in a safe and environmentally friendly way. And with increased productivity in mind, the 100 litre capacity dust bin means emptying is kept to a minimum. Designed for heavy-duty use, the IV 022 and IV 040 from Nilfisk-Advance feature a rigid construction and pivoting wheels for superb manoeuvrability and easy handling. They can be equipped to deal with all kinds of cleaning jobs courtesy of a wide range of optional extras, including cartridge filter and dust bag kits and a lifting device for the dust bin to enable use with a fork lift truck. A vast selection of accessories, such as nozzles, hoses and tubes, is also available to customise a machine to individual user requirements. With the world’s largest selection of equipment for cleaning professionals, service contracts, on site training and finance agreements, Nilfisk-Advance offers complete, solutions tailored to individual customer requirements, from hospitals and schools to airports and shopping malls.
Versatile production from Armstrong
When Nicola Killeen Textiles needed a high quality washer-extractor with tight process control and great versatility, they researched the market thoroughly and selected an FS16/STM from Armstrong Commercial Laundry Systems. Nicola Killeen is a highly specialised business providing a range of bespoke textile printing and dyeing services to a glittering list of clients in theatre, film, TV, advertising, fashion and display. One of the services is screen printing which can involve a whole range of techniques and materials such as pigments, various types of dye, texture effects, foils and heat transfer. Dyeing is an important service and Nicola Killeen frequently experiments with textiles and techniques to achieve a designer's special requirements or to suggest new ideas The work is extremely varied. It might be a pre-wash of 30 metre lengths of fabric to remove the dressing or to pre-shrink it before printing. The range of dyeing techniques used demands a high degree of process control - it matters that the work is held in the solution for exactly the right amount of time and at exactly the right temperature and the processes have different parameters depending on the pigment and the fabric. 'We really appreciate the flexibility the Armstrong machine gives us.' says managing director Nicola Killeen. 'The company helped us to programme the machine to do everything we know we need. It's working perfectly and delivering great results for five to six hours every day and we know that Armstrong will continue to support us if our requirements change.'
Versatile Versapak
A recent joint venture between mailroom specialists Versapak and leading facilities contractor Select FM has resulted in an outstanding example of maximum utilisation of confined space at Select’s Waltham Abbey location.
To set the scene, Select were recently awarded the contract to provide a complete ‘one-stop’ printing and mailing service for one of the largest retail groups in the UK. Everything from black & white training bulletins to full colour brochures in various permutations is sent to over 2000 branches on a continual basis. Versapak’s challenge Ð successfully achieved Ð was to create and install purpose Ð built sorting units within a dedicated floor area of just 53.6 metres. Combined with its notable free design service, this represents an excellent example of the customer attention for which Versapak is famous.
Sue Sellers of Select FM has very positive comments as regards the success of the venture. ‘Versapak were recommended by a colleague at another office and we instigated a very thorough appraisal of the major companies in the mailroom sector. We were impressed by their attention, and the equipment itself is very good and absolutely fit for its purpose, especially in terms of the compact design. It was also particularly helpful of them to provide and fit the crucial system of colour coded labels. We can now offer what we regard as a benchmark service of this nature to the retail sector’.
VESDA at the forefront of disaster recovery protection
VESDA Aspirating Smoke Detection was selected as the most appropriate, reliable and fitting solution to safeguard the key data centres within SunGard Availability Services’ largest European Information Availability facility.
SunGard’s facility is the 130,000 sq ft London Technology Centre (LTC), located in West London, and which is spread over two floors and contains eight separate self-contained computer room suites. The building is dedicated to providing ‘reactive’ IT disaster recovery services and ‘interactive’ high availability technology solutions for always-on business functions. SunGard ensures that its customers’ IT systems, people, data and e-enabled applications are available whenever, wherever and however required.
VESDA Aspirating Smoke Detection, manufactured by Vision Fire & Security, is already installed in SunGard’s data centres throughout its 20 UK sites, and so it was the natural choice for leading-edge Information Availability centre LTC..
“Over the years we’ve grown up with VESDA and we have had excellent success with the product,” comments Karl Smith, Building Services Manager Sungard Availability Services UK Limited “We know where we are with VESDA, we know the value we get for our money and we know the level of protection VESDA will give us – so we never saw the need to consider anything else.”
For contractor Direction Fire, who advised SunGard on engineering specifications for LTC, aspirating smoke detection was the obvious choice for SunGard’s first line of a multi-tiered fire defence strategy. Explains Kevin Vince, Director, Direction Fire: “The building has a number of environments subject to close control air conditioning, as well as very high air flows. Aspirating smoke detection was the clear way forward, and our experience has taught us that VESDA is most reliable in such applications”
VESDA is renowned worldwide for providing the earliest possible warning of a potential fire, thus eliminating any business disruption. VESDA LaserPLUS – the core product in the VESDA portfolio – was installed at SunGard’s LTC. The VESDA LaserPLUS detector protects areas up to 2,000 sq metres and supports four configurable alarm levels. Given the scale, complexity and diversity of the SunGard project, it was necessary to install 42 LaserPLUS detectors within the site.
“We have tried the vast majority of other aspirating products on the market but we find that VESDA is the most versatile and the most reliable,” Kevin comments. “Its four pipe system allows more flexibility in the positioning of the detector, and the fact that it is modular enables you to scale up or down. Its exceptional level of reliability means call backs are very rare. Our view is that if VESDA is properly set up, apart from periodic maintenance, you can more or less walk away from it.”
Each of the eight business continuity and high availability technical areas within the SunGard site has a two-tier VESDA system, with numerous LaserPLUS detectors serving the return air of the room cooling units and additional detectors serving the room space at high level. All the detectors are then connected to a VSM3 network, with the front-end PC located at the site’s 24-hour manned control room.
“With VESDA we always know we have the best chance of catching any fire before any other measure might be needed,” says Smith. “VESDA has never let us down and in a business like ours, that is critical.
SunGard Availability Services is the pioneer and leading provider of information availability services, helping to ensure that more than 10,000 clients in North America and Europe have access to their business-critical information systems. With over 3 million sq. ft. of hardened facilities, it offers a complete range of information availability services for more than 30 technology platforms, from 48 hour disaster recovery hot sites to always-on, high availability infrastructure, co-location and electronic vaulting services. SunGard also provides technology and systems management services for application and data centre outsourcing, as well as business continuity consulting services and planning software.
Vesda LaserCompact is now bigger than ever
Vision Fire & Security’s Vesda LaserCompact, the highly successful aspirating smoke detection solution, has just become an even more widely applicable and more cost-effective solution. It now has extended aspirating — at no extra cost whatsoever.
Area coverage has now increased by as much as 60 per cent — from 500 square metres to 800 square metres — enabling increased detection over a wider area. The extended pipe coverage is now a standard feature and is fully approved by LPCB and VdS.
“The product has been enhanced in response to customer demand. More and more warehousing, high-bay storage facilities and cold stores are benefiting from Vesda Aspirating Systems. In response we have decided to increase the capability of LaserCompact to make the product more flexible and applicable to such installations,” comments Peter Mundy, Technical Manager.
LaserCompact’s increased detection over a wider area makes the product now ideal for environments such as large warehouses that require coverage of individual storage racks, or small computer rooms requiring up to 40 sampling points.
All the key benefits of LaserCompact remain, and there has been no change to the PC software for configuration and maintenance. The product is still available in two versions: one that interfaces via relays only, VLC-500 (RO), or via the relays and Vesdanet, VLC-505
LaserCompact launched in 1999, has been specifically designed to provide the best and most cost-effective protection of small areas, without compromising the highly acclaimed Vesda early warning smoke detection (using the patented High Sensitivity Vesda laser detector).
Typical applications of LaserCompact include areas where: there are high airflows; mission critical equipment is installed; suppression might be installed but should be a last resort; early detection is needed within a process cell or control cabinet; nuisance alarms need to be identified and dealt with before a full alarm is raised; or localised early detection is required.
The Vesda detection technology incorporates a unique clean air wash to protect the critical optical surfaces from contamination. As such, it is able to maintain its sensitivity without resorting to drift compensation and adaptive algorithms used in inferior products.
LaserCompact latest coverage upgrade is one example of Vesda’s ongoing goal to provide advanced, first-rate fire detection solutions to an even wider number of applications.
Vesda protects best seats in the house
One of the most advanced cinemas in the world is being protected by a VESDA aspirating smoke detection system from Vision Fire & Security. A VESDA LaserPLUS detector has been installed to protect the projection room and giant screen at the IMAX Vodafone, a 400-seat, state-of-the-art cinema in St Julians, Malta. The cinema’s technology combines images of unsurpassed size, clarity and impact with superb sound quality. There were various reasons why VESDA was the preferred fire detection technology. The cinema’s high ceilings posed potential problems for detector testing, but maintenance with VESDA couldn’t be easier: a single detection unit need only be tested. Not only is this much quicker and more convenient for the cinema, but it also makes VESDA a more cost-effective solution, avoiding the need to shut the premises during testing. And VESDA is one of the most effective technology to tackle smoke stratification, also a key concern with the cinema’s high ceilings. Furthermore, very early detection and VESDA’s multi-stage alarm approach, which improves management of a staged response, were considered key benefits. A multi-stage alarm approach allows time for intervention in the event of a fire and an orderly evacuation of the theatre if necessary. Commenting on the project, Charles Camilleri, Engineering Executive Manager at Alberta Fire & Security said: “Maintenance is often an issue in fire detection, particularly in public buildings where unsightly and expensive access equipment can prove a particular problem. With VESDA, not only is the technology designed to be low maintenance but the easily accessible location of detectors and pipework mean a much simpler maintenance process.” VESDA is a registered trademark for the range of products manufactured by Vision Fire & Security. With over 80,000 units installed worldwide, the VESDA name has become synonymous with high performance and unsurpassed very early warning smoke detection. Each different VESDA model meets the specific needs of particular environments. Vision Fire & Security is a member of the Vision Systems Group, which manufactures a range of high-value products, contract engineering and technology-based services for worldwide markets. With headquarters in Melbourne, Australia, Vision Systems also has offices in the UK (supporting Europe and the Middle East), the USA and Asia Pacific.
Vesda protects Turkey’s priceless heritage
Vesda aspirating smoke detection system has been selected to protect Turkey’s priceless heritage buildings, the Topkapi Palace, the Beyazit State Library and the Istanbul Archaeological Museum. EEC Systems, the Vesda distributor in Turkey, has installed Vesda in the Topkapi Palace, where Vesda is protecting the Harem, one of the most popular attractions for visitors to the Palace, home of the Ottoman Sultan from the 15th Century until World War I. A particularly important feature in this project was the aesthetics – very ornate ceilings meant that conventional detectors were unacceptable. By installing the main air sampling pipework above the ceiling (below the floorboards of the upper stories) and extending small, transparent capillary sampling tubes through the ceiling and into the protected areas, EEC were able to provide maximum protection in a system which is almost invisible to the naked eye. The combination of the early warning and unobtrusive nature of the Vesda system also proved significant in the Istanbul Archaeological Museum. Here three Vesda LaserPLUS detectors are providing concealed smoke detection for the main exhibition hall, again employing capillary sampling tubes to ensure the system does not detract from the ornate interior of the hall. The detectors are integrated with the museum’s existing fire detection system and are all monitored via a series of remote displays in the security desk. Such aesthetic considerations are often fundamental in heritage buildings where point-type detectors do not lend themselves well to decorative interiors. The Vesda detector can be located remote from the room being protected, usually at a site convenient for maintenance, so does not impact on the room’s appearance. Sampling points can be easily hidden out of view behind furnishings, lighting, pictures or architectural trim details, with capillary tubes allowing the sampling points to be brought right up to a protected item such as a valuable painting. The Beyazit State Library in Istanbul is one of the most significant libraries in the world. Home to more than 350,000 books, including more than 10,000 hand written works from the Ottoman and pre-Ottoman Islamic writers, the library serves the public as well as Turkish and international researchers. Following minor damage from the 1999 earthquake to a 500 year old building within the library complex, EEC took part as a sponsor in a repair and renovation project. The huge volume of the seven storey storage building meant that it was impractical to install a gaseous extinguishing system therefore a Vesda LaserPLUS detector was installed on each of the floors to provide the best possible early warning of smoke. An additional three Vesda detectors will be added in three remaining storage units once the refurbishment work is complet In all applications Vesda demonstrates its suitability for cultural and heritage applications where smoke detection at the earliest possible point is critical in the protection and preservation of a nation’s treasures.
Vesda specified for UAE chemical plant
A new chemical plant in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), created through a joint venture between the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Borealis, one of Europe's top producers of Polyolefins, has specified VESDA as the fire detection technology for the plant's main IT infrastructure.
The Borouge plant in Ruwais, UAE, is the first Borealis plant in the Gulf, part of a planned expansion from its traditional heartland in Europe. The $1.2 billion, 260 hectare complex started production at the end of 2001 and will produce an estimated 600,000 tonnes a year of ethylene and 450,000 tonnes of polyethylene used primarily in the pipe and packaging industries.
IT is fundamental to the smooth operation of one of the worldís most advanced chemical production facilities and protection of the IT is therefore critical. Six VESDA LaserPLUS detectors and 11 VESDA LaserSCANNERS have been installed in the plantís computer, telecom, control, equipment and UPS rooms, as well as in substations, with void and cabinet protection included in the contract.
The VESDA system was supplied by Tyco Fire & Security, UAE, who have worked extensively with the ADNOC Group who specified the use of VESDA following its success in several other ADNOC projects.
Veterinary practice gets the Egyptian treatment
To create an environment that would set it apart from other veterinary practices in Reading, Castle Vets turned to Wakefield-based specialist furniture designer and manufacturer, Greenwood and Wood. Although more accustomed to creating corporate interiors and executive offices for blue-chip organisations, the company used its design talent to the full to create a pair of reception units for Castle’s new surgery that precisely matched its desire for themed interiors. The project was carried out in association with Geeling Ltd, a practice planning and design specialist and a long-time trading partner of Greenwood and Wood. The more challenging was the reception for cats and their owners. Here Greenwood and Wood’s given theme was ancient Egypt. Company designer Julie Johnson, developed her thinking around two established icons of the land of the Pharaohs, the pyramids and, equally appropriate, the cat, which ancient Egyptians venerated to god-like status. The architecture” of the reception desk reflects the sloping faces of the pyramids and incorporates proportions and detailing that reflect those found in many ancient Egyptian monuments. The desk was hand-crafted in steamed beech veneer, chosen to echo the sun-bleached colour of the Nile delta. Blue, red and brushed stainless steel laminate details run around the desk at shelf level, which is mirrored by the incorporation of a brushed stainless steel plinth. Pair of cats, as depicted in Egyptian mythology, were incorporated into the desk’s front panel. However, the reception desk lacks for nothing in terms of modern practicality; it incorporates cable management, a mobile computer pedestal and an under-desk pedestal for personal storage. According to Julie Johnson, the Castle receptions demonstrate Greenwood and Wood’s ability to think outside the box”. She said: “While it was an interesting departure from designing furniture and interiors for building societies and banks, the Castle Veterinary Practice receptions were every bit as challenging, combining functionality with a high degree of aesthetic creativity to meet the client’s brief.”
Vibrant design is child’s play for Tessera
A brand new nursery has been given a fresh, bright and child-friendly feel with the installation of over 600m2 of carpet tiles from Tessera (formerly Gaskell Carpet Tiles & Modulus). A combination of different Tessera ranges, in contrasting colourways, has created a unique and vibrant environment at the Advantage Day Nursery in Surbiton, South London.
Cut and loop pile Jazz Tones tiles have been used imaginatively in the main playrooms, and with alternate borders and body colours, the layouts help the children to recognise rooms designated for use by different age groups.
The main rest area for children of all ages is the Sensory room where bright red, yellow, green and blue plain cut pile Acrobat tiles add great impact with strong visual appeal. Finally, almost 200m2 of best-selling Teviot loop pile tiles in vibrant Cardinal Red have been used in the corridors adding another colourful dimension to the building.
Nursery manager Hazel Moody explained: “This new nursery is very large with a capacity of up to 170 children, from 3 months to five years old, so everything had to be extremely hard wearing. We chose carpet tiles, rather than fitted carpets, for convenience and flexibility – you can change them, lift them, and give them a good scrub if needed. We also found the patterns and textures extremely practical, especially for areas where drinks might accidentally get spilt. We looked at several companies but Tessera stood out because the quality of the tiles was far superior to others we considered.”
The end result has impressed children, parents and staff alike. “Our aim was to create a warm, bright and colourful centre for children of all ages to enjoy, but with the emphasis on practical durability,” Hazel concluded. “We’ve been up and running now for six months, and despite the intensive punishment, including the use of buggies and trolleys, the carpet tiles still look brand new, which is fantastic. Everyone is delighted with the way the nursery looks.”
Vicon at Ikea, Florence
Vicon Industries will shortly be supplying its digital multiplexer recorder, the AurorAcorD, to a brand new IKEA store on the outskirts of Florence. IKEA stores worldwide attract over 140 million visitors. With additional revenue from its subsidiary, Habitat, the company currently turns over $12.62 billion. There are seven IKEA stores in Italy and the new Florence site looks set to become the flagship. With 65 million copies published in 20 languages, the IKEA catalogue claims to be the world’s second most widely read publication after The Bible. Vicon’s AurorAcorD is an innovative combination of multiplexer and digital video/audio recorder which allows 16 channels of video to be recorded to the unit’s hard drive in a variety of settings for recording rate, sensitivity and quality. Recording-time is maximised by a Wavelet compression algorithm which condenses video information without compromising quality. In addition, the audio utilizes a similar codec compression scheme to optimize recording times and limit the effective bandwidth to 6 KHz. At the Florence IKEA store, AurorAcorD will be recording images from Vicon’s Surveyor 2000 dome cameras. The site will also benefit from Vicon’s 1422 matrix, a micro-processor-based unit designed to control a variety of CCTV systems with menu-driven configuration programmes and computer-style keyboards. The unit to be installed at IKEA, Florence, is the V1422 model. It has a maximum of 32 inputs and 8 outputs with the option for RS-232 interface. The installer for the application is FGS Brescia. The contract award owes much to Vicon’s strong local presence. Mr Celestino Gheoni of Vicon’s Milan office, comments: “IKEA have a tradition of external control and surveillance with the focus being on protecting vehicles as much as merchandise.” He continues: “On this project we have worked closely with the Italian software house, Cides, to link CCTV systems to the access control installation. We have adopted an open attitude to exchange of protocols and will be feeding intrusion alarm signals direct to the CCTV control room.”
Vicon launch IP Camera/Server
The VN-7551P IP camera /Server has been launched by Vicon in response to the growing demand for video over IP solutions. The VN-755IP is a state-of-the art IP camera with an integral video server that is equipped with a 100Mbps LAN interface board for direction connection to a network. With four video channels the VN-7551P provides for images from up to three additional analogue cameras to be remotely monitored and recorded. When used as a single channel IP camera the VN-7551P delivers up to 30 frames per second of DVD quality video across the network for remote viewing and recording. With the additional external analogue cameras connected, the VN- 7551P is able to transmit at 15 frames per second. The IP camera supports museum search, motion detection, alarm reporting and configuration and macro operation through the ViconNet software interface. Vicon's proprietary compression based on MPEG4 maximises picture quality at all times.
Vicon launch Kollector Pro
To complement their highly successful Kollector Elite range of network digital video recorders, Vicon have introduced a new DVR – the Kollector Pro. The Kollector Pro can operate as a high performance stand alone DVR but it has been specifically designed to record video locally and then provide that video when required to any Kollector Elite recorder or ViconNet PC workstation on a network. There are three Kollector Pro models all of which have 16 camera inputs but offering a choice of recording at 30fps, 60fps or 120fps. Each machine is supplied as standard with 120Gb on-board storage which can be expanded by the installation of two additional hard drives to 900Gb. Recording capacity can be further expanded by way of external RAID arrays. Powered by the same ViconNet video management system as the Elite range, the Pro which is rack mountable, has the following additional key features: * Smart Search – hours of video can be scanned in minutes in search of specific events * 4 alarm inputs * Optimised MPEG4 compression * Programmable macros * Scheduler for timed operations.
Vicon receives Frost & Sullivan 2004 Technology Leadership Award
Frost & Sullivan have presented their 2004 Technology Leadership award in the field of video surveillance to Vicon.
The award is given each year to the company that Frost & Sullivan believe has pioneered and steered technological advances in its industry by providing cutting-edge products and concepts.
“Vicon has proven to be at the forefront of the digital video evolution through the development of ViconNet, a platform capable of supporting multiple levels of digital video recorders as well as future Vicon IP video products such as IP domes, cameras and servers which when deployed create a complete digital video management system,” says Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst, James Smith.
ViconNet software is incorporated into all of Vicon’s Kollector Elite and Pro ranges of digital video recorders. It empowers CCTV system operators at any location, with the ability to control and configure the recording, storing and playback of video images of any recorder on their network.
Ken Darby, CEO of Vicon states “Vicon has made a substantial development commitment to IP video and the network application to manage digital video security systems. We have a vision of network video providing users a significant improvement in the usefulness and effectiveness of their video system investment.”
Vicon take the rostrum in Athens
Dome cameras together with telemetry equipment from Vicon Industries have recently been installed at the Olympic Games Committee buildings in Athens. The Olympic Committee will be occupying a group of seven buildings in the New Ionia area of the city during the 25th Modern Olympiad in August 2004.
Surveillance of the buildings will be benefiting from Viconís Surveyor 2000 dome cameras and a 96 input by 16 output matrix from the Nova series.
The Surveyor 2000 design features a drive mechanism that can be operated independently from the housing, so allowing installers an easy way to test functionality prior to permanent mounting. Extensive menu-based programming configures each unit to individual requirements. The cameras have self-learn tours which allow for in-sequence editing and reverse touring.
The main civil engineer on the Olympic Committee project is Anastilotiki SA. The CCTV installation has been designed and implemented by the Large and Special Projects division of Wackenhut Securities Hellas S.A. The project will use coaxial wiring and recording will be digital.
Mr Tommaso Lo Piccolo of Wackenhut Securities comments: ìThe Vicon equipment is proving its worth both in terms of functionality and build quality. We have already placed an extension order for dome cameras and matrix equipment and are delighted with the levels of customer care we have received from Vicon.î
Wackenhut Securities have a significant presence in the Greek marketplace and are active in patrolling and guarding services as well as the design and installation of major CCTV projects. Wackenhut has branches in all of Greeceís major cities together with a representative presence in over 20 towns. The company won the Olympics Committee Building contract in open tender against four other bidders.
The ATHENS 2004 Organising Committee is the body responsible for the overall logistics and hosting of the 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Current work on infrastructure projects and the construction of competition venues†is proceeding to schedule and test events such as the recent Athens 2002 Regatta have been widely hailed as successes.
ViconNet upgrade
Vicon, one of the world's leading manufacturers of CCTV and high quality video systems, has introduced a new version of their ViconNet digital video management software. ViconNet V3, which takes advantage of Windows' dual screen capability, is an upgraded version of its highly successful predecessor. The Graphical User Interface, one of ViconNet's key strengths, has been enhanced with a new Site Map GUI facility allowing interlinking maps of buildings under surveillance to be used for camera selection. Operators view video by clicking on camera icons without needing to know how the cameras are physically connected. "Before introducing this latest version of ViconNet we spoke to a large number of our customers so that we understood how they wanted to see the product evolved," said Chris Wall, Vicon's Managing Director. "An example of this is a feature that notifies an operator that a DVR is not recording, overcoming one of the biggest problems in managing a large digital video system when recording stops in a remote, often unmanned, location. We have also taken on board the views of IT managers and built in a "throttle" to control bandwidth consumption over lower capacity networks using DSL or ISDN connections." ViconNet V3 now supports Vicon's new Kollector DVR range with a built-in 4-output analogue matrix which provides the option to switch local video through to conventional composite monitors. Control room operators can now observe live full screen analogue video in addition to multi-screen digital VGA display. The management software also has been integrated with leading access control and video analysis systems allowing improved interoperability between different elements of a security system. The technical advances introduced in ViconNet V3 consolidates Vicon's ability to provide high performance CCTV solutions from a simple stand-alone Camera/DVR installation, through to a networked DVR installation, to a full IP Video network video system.
Video conferencing suites are pure theatre - light them accordingly
By Mike Arnold, Managing Director MAsolutions
It is usually the case that the more prestigious the company, the greater attention (and sums of money) devoted to the reception areas. Fountains, bespoke woven carpets, impressive desks and plush seating are the norm, all beautifully lit by an assortment of lamps that portray the company in its finest manner. Everybody is aware that the reception is designed to impress - to create that fist impression that encourages visitors to do business with that company. It's such a shame that a similar amount of design input and attention to detail is often absent from the other area of the building that should be creating a similar impression of professionalism and style - the audio visual and video conferencing suite. Wrong furniture surfaces, badly chosen dŽcor and incorrect lay out of these rooms can detract from their effectiveness, but the most important feature that is so often overlooked is the lighting. Today's ever increasing use of video conferencing to reduce travel time and costs, to promote more instant resolutions to problems and assist in the sales process has resulted in an increase in its importance as an every day aspect of the business - and longer sessions in the presentation suite. It is therefore essential that participants at both ends of the meeting should be seated in comfort in a well ventilated room that is lit in a manner that leaves no possibility of irritation to the viewer - irritation caused by reflections, shadows, excessive brightness and other intrusions that may just tip the balance against a successful sale or result in acrimony due to loss of concentration (or temper) From a sales position in particular, we are looking at total theatre. There are roles to be played and the stage has to be set to enable the players to look right and sound right - what could be more disconcerting for the audience (and embarrassing for the player) than the sight of massive reflection of light from a bald pate just as attempts are being made to clinch a deal! Halos above unsuspecting heads caused by inappropriate lighting have an equally distracting effect, as do strong reflections from a polished table that produce an uplight onto the underside of the chin. This is picked up by the camera and relayed in a manner that adversely affects facial features. Character is lost - and more importantly the focus of attention is being diverted from the speaker to the visual irrelevancies. When we are designing a video conferencing and presentation facility we make use of a complete mix of light. We use subtle illumination to highlight the company logo on the wall behind the presenters (and that's all that is necessary to adorn the walls); we use fluorescent lamps for their dimming capabilities and dicroics for their effect. But not in a piecemeal fashion. We seek the liner and avoid the angular; achieve the subtle tones and eliminate the shadows. It must be remembered that fluorescent lamps are cumulative - the more of them in use in the room the less the effect when they are dimmed whereas dicroics are more dramatic. They don't have the same levels of control but they can add a lot to the overall "theatre" if they are carefully sited and designed into the entire scheme. Get the design wrong and lighting can be self-defeating. Lights too close to the screen will produce blurred images, those directed too much towards a speaker will produce the natural reaction from that person's eyes: they appear to have closed as the pupils dilate. This reaction has, of course, been introduced and controlled by the brain, which enables them to compensate for alterations in the visual environment. Cameras don't have brains and they can't easily compensate; the lens is either open or closed. They see the light the way it is. While there are "dos and don'ts" common to every video conferencing facility, it must be remembered that different presenters have their own personal preferences that must be catered for. The most effective manner to achieve flexibility combined with efficiency is to integrate the lighting with the rest of the equipment within the room. It is perfectly feasible for a presenter to determine at the touch of just one button on a mini screen the level of lighting, the number and choice of lamps to be used, as well as the room's heating, cooling and ventilation and the positioning of window blinds. All may be integrated into one macro system that the presenter needs to programme to his or her personal preference just once. The room and its controls are then preset in the same manner as the short cut facility is used on the laptop. However, there can be a danger in assuming that the lighting effect will always reflect the initial programming. The reason is the variations in colour temperature that come with different lamps. In well-planned buildings colour temperature is an integral part of the design - the problem facing the users who rely on these things is ensuring that the original specifications are being followed as lamps are replaced. Too often building operators and facilities managers working to tight budgets will bulk buy lamps without reference to the colour temperature (the cost is the governing factor) but there is nothing more sure to provoke irritation on both sides of the camera that irregular light from lamps that are supposed to be uniform but which have differing colour temperatures. I can't stress too greatly the importance of the correct lighting in audio visual suites. If potential customers are to be impressed when they are at one end of a conference link they must remain focused and relaxed throughout the session. Correct lighting will play a critical role in achieving that state of mind. The rest is up to the sales team.
Video De-multiplexer from Clearview
New Universal video de-multiplexer launched which automatically identifies, decodes and displays virtually all multiplex formats.
ClearView Communications introduce INTELIMUX, a unique system used by police, courts, town centre operators and retail chains, for replaying multiplexed surveillance tapes.
The system automatically identifies and decodes virtually all multiplexer codes, including encoded time and date. Images may be displayed in full or matrix screen formats.
A host of functions are available including live zoom from 1.5 to 8 times, image processing, freeze and still image copy to floppy disc.
INTELIMUX is software up-gradeable by e-mail or floppy disc to ensure that it is kept up to date with new multiplexer codes and user functions.
ClearView provide the INTELIMUX as a stand-alone system or integrated into the VIDETRAC video tape replay, copy and print system.
Video Nicies
Steljes Hire, have added the Polyspan View Station 512K ideal for smaller events, and the Polyspan View Station 512K MP designed for large conferences to their range of available products for short to long term rental. Historically everyone’s first named objection to using video conferencing to reduce travel costs and increase collaboration between remote sites, was the awkward time delay and potential loss of connection. Their second objection was probably cost. Today, advances in technology and increases in bandwidth have virtually removed these delays and dropped connections. As the use of video conferencing in the corporate world has expanded, its cost has fallen. In addition to this the necessary equipment has dramatically reduced in size, the majority of corporate sites and event venues already have the required ISDN lines in place, and set up time is minimal. Steljes Hire, a division of the Steljes Group, who own the UK’s most comprehensive fleet of state of the art audio-visual equipment and associated products have recognised the increase in demand for video conferencing for sales conferences and events. In addition to their recruitment of Kievan Atarinejad, who joins the team with over ten years video conferencing experience, Steljes have added two video conferencing products to their portfolio. The Polyspan View Station 512K has an automated camera, power microphone, and can be connected to any size screen through a projector, TV, or plasma screen. Although more suitable for one to one usage, the compact unit is also perfectly capable of supporting larger events. The ability to feed any number of external camera's through the vision mixer enables the far end to receive the best picture display. The data transfer capability also supports the sharing of data files between conferenced parties. The Polyspan View Station 512K MP system is designed for larger conferences. The video conference displayed image can be projected on to virtually any size screen, and the built in Multipoint facility supports the connection of up to 4 other sites at the same time. The 512K MP can also be connected to a local connection such as a LAN to conference real time pictures. “The dramatic improvement in the quality of video conferencing and its supporting products has removed the historic objections” explains Eddie Bance, Director of Steljes Hire. “With the significant cost of travel and time away from the office, we are finding the demand for video conferencing at events and conferences on the increase. Our experience in managing such implementations ensure a smooth and professional conference.”
Video over IP – Sanyo leading the way in Ireland
Cambrex, are believed to be the first commercial enterprise in Ireland to fully exploit the benefits of Video over IP technology. The company a major manufacture of pharmaceuticals ingredients, occupies a 20 acre site on the outskirts of Cork. A Sanyo CCTV system installed by ASA Security Ltd takes advantage of Cambrex’s IT network to provide surveillance of activity on the site from any PC on the network. Five Sanyo VCC-WB2000P IP cameras have been directly connected onto the network. The cameras use the latest JPEG 2000 compression to produce high quality images and have a web server function which enables up to 16 authorised users to view images via their PCs browser. In addition an analogue dome camera has been installed and is connected to the network via a Sanyo VSP-SV2000P Network Server. The equipment was supplied to ASA Security Ltd by Sanyo’s agent in Ireland, Scott & O Shea. “This was an ideal project for Video over IP technology,” said Brian McManagan, MD of ASA. “We wanted to provide Cambrex with an effective CCTV system but at the same time minimize installation costs bearing in mind the size of the site. If we had installed a conventional CCTV system, we have would incurred the cost of laying long runs of cable.
Videoswitch digital video recorders - First to offer twin 300Gbytes Hard Drives
Videoswitch have upgraded their 4, 9 and 16 channel digital video recorders to include new hard drives that can provide a massive 300Gbytes storage of images.
Videoswitch are believed to be the first UK manufacturer to utilise the new 300Gbytes Maxline hard drives, which are specifically designed for 24 hours a day, seven days a week continuous recording. The reliability of the hard drives is backed by a three warranty from the manufacturer, Maxtor.
“We have introduced this significant increase in hard disc storage in response to what our customers have been telling us.” said Roland Simmons of Video Switch. “We are addressing the priorities of our customers in offering 31 day recording with good frame rates backed up with a built-in CD writer.”
Videoswitch Record a Success at Glastonbury
Crime levels this year at Glastonbury were described to be at an “unprecedented low”. Heartening news for the festival organiser and testimony to the efficiency of all the security measures taken by the organisers and local police force.
CCTV specialists, Crimesecure Surveillance Services, were tasked with supply of a security system which would meet the criteria of the license stipulations. Central to this year’s crime prevention plan was CCTV coverage of all high risk areas. Chris Healey of CCTV specialists Crime Security Ltd described the installation, which utilises up to minute digital technology from Videoswitch, as “possibly the largest temporary CCTV installation ever”.
Although temporary in location the festival organisers required the system to work as efficiently, and offer the same quality of coverage, as if it were a permanent fixture.
A total of 32 cameras offered coverage of an overall area equalling 800 acres. Those areas considered to be at highest risk including car parks, camp sites, audience area/front of stage as well as the local village of Pilton which has become accustomed to the yearly siege. With over 70,000 festival goers descending upon the area, the security of both visitors and locals alike is integral to the continued success of Glastonbury, as the leading fixture on the music events calendar.
With Videoswitch watching, nothing stole the scene from the top acts on stage. Crimesecure installed two VMD16 digital recorders from Videoswitch to allow all 32 cameras on site to be simultaneously recorded. The top musical acts weren’t the only thing being recorded for posterity. The quality and quantity of images being fed back to the control centre allowed security teams to monitor potentially dangerous situations and get an overview of the general atmosphere at the event. In addition, the VDM16’s integral CD writer, allowed any required images to be downloaded for evidential purposes by the police.
Police statistics on crime over the week seemed to evidence that the presence of CCTV surveillance had had the desired deterrent effect. According to a BBC report “A spokesman for Avon & Somerset police said at 1600 BST on Sunday that 242 crimes had been reported compared to 404 in previous year”. Significantly robberies had reduced by 87% on the previous year according to the same article with only two cases reported.
With such a success to their credit it seems Crimesecure and Videoswitch should continue to headline at Glastonbury!!
VIGIL' EVAS' enhances VIGIL2 voice alarm product range and systems
Baldwin Boxall will be launching the feature rich VIGIL 'EVAS' master and slave units at the forthcoming ProLight & Sound Exhibition, Frankfurt (6th-9th April 2005) International Fire Expo, Birmingham (16th-19th May 2005) exhibitions. A DSP processor-based routeing matrix designed for the Voice Alarm/Voice evacuation market, the VIGIL 'EVAS' is designed to meet all current, and even future, standards for Voice Alarm systems, including BS5839 part 8 and EN60849. This new product comes in the form of the BVRD2M master and separate BVRD2S slave, both of which are housed within a 1 unit 19" rack mounting format. The BVRD2M has eight electronically balanced inputs and seven electronically balanced outputs. Inputs 1 and 2 have an 'all call' processor bypass as well as a dedicated in-built 'all call' fail safe emergency message generator in the event of a processor failure. The BVRD2M has the facility to store six messages that can be easily changed via the front panel USB port. By utilising the slave unit, inputs are increased by a further twelve, outputs by a further sixteen and messages by a further twelve. Up to five slave units can be added to the master to allow a maximum of 68 inputs, 87 outputs and 30 messages for a BVRD2M system. Networking facilities are also dramatically improved and up to 128 BVRD2M units can be linked to provide an extremely sophisticated de-centralised Voice Alarm network. Currently the system can be networked using fibre, copper or VO I/P. The master unit also has a built in real time clock for detailed fault and history reporting, both of which can be accessed via a modem to allow remote maintenance. Baldwin Boxall's R&D team have allowed for audio delay of up to 1 second on all outputs with 10 band parametric EQ to achieve a high degree of audio processing which enhances the systems intelligibility. The units will be shown complete with touchscreen and download software.
Vigilant go to Xstream
Vigilant who have built a reputation for delivering sophisticated enterprise digital recording solutions has introduced an entry level DVR. To refer to Xstream as an entry level DVR is perhaps however doing a serious disservice to this high performance albeit competitively priced DVR. Xstream which has 16 camera inputs, delivers up to 25 frames per second of high-quality video from each camera. Xstream also has the capability to offer 16 channels of synchronised FM quality audio and is therefore an ideal solution as a stand alone solution for applications such as banks, and retail environments. With on board Raid-0, Xstream can store a massive 2.4Gbyt of video. Additional features including video motion detection and Sherlock(tm), Vigilant's activity and object tracking software, provide customers with the ability to efficiently retrieve and analyse record video. Xstream's intuitive graphical user interface utilises the same platform as Vigilant's Enterprise series, which is widely regarded as one of the easiest to operate and most intuitive user interface available.
VIP Clothing 2002: top buyers, suppliers renew support for leading industry event
Building on its successful 2001 debut VIP Clothing 2002 is attracting enthusiastic support from suppliers and buyers alike. A number of exhibitors have rebooked, new companies are signing up, and several special show features are in the planning to secure VIP Clothing’s standing as the UK’s most effective platform for corporate workwear, uniforms, industrial clothing, accessories, equipment and fabric.
VIP Clothing 2002, the international corporate and industrial clothing exhibition, will take place from 15-17 October at the ExCeL exhibition centre in London s Docklands.
Organised by Batiste Exhibitions, and sponsored by the industry’s leading website, Corporate Clothing director-e, this high profile event brings together buyer and seller in a valuable networking opportunity to boost business and profits.
With six months to go until the 2002 event opens for business, stand space is booking up fast. Exhibitors include manufacturers, suppliers, designers, stockists, wholesalers and importers showing a variety of clothing - from uniforms to schoolwear, caps to shoes, overalls to underwear, corporate wear to protective outerwear.
VIP Clothing continues to generate global interest as well: the 2001 event attracted visitors from throughout the UK, and from Belgium, France, India, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Pakistan, Sweden and Turkey.
Currently valued at well over £450 million in the UK alone, corporate and workwear is a highly lucrative business, with many market factors contributing to its dynamic growth. “These days - more than ever before - first impressions really do count” says exhibition manager, Deborah King. “The pressure is well and truly on, especially in the ever expanding service sector, where workwear and uniforms convey an organisation’s image and values.
“Combined with a fiercely competitive business climate, plus constant changes in health and safety regulations, the future for corporate and workwear is being shaped by today’s healthy investment in research and development.
“From the consumer marketplace to industrial worksites,” says Deborah, “the demand for new designs, new fabrics, new materials and new technology has never been greater - and that’s exactly what the industry’s buyers and decision-makers will see at VIP Clothing 2002- the latest in visual image promotion.”
Again in 2002, the most colourful highlight of VIP Clothing will be the Fashion Show, which is free of charge to participating exhibitors. Professionally choreographed and a real favourite with visitors to the 2001 event, the Fashion Show @ VIP Clothing 2002 will again be staged several times daily, providing visitors with a sneak preview of the latest styles and designs being launched by a number of exhibitors. Colourful, lively and entertaining - the Fashion Show @ VIP Clothing 2002 will prove a big hit with visitors and exhibitors.
Virgin Megastores choose Toshiba phone systems
Virgin Megastores, the chain of audio and video entertainment stores, has selected Invicta Telephone Sales (ITS) to maintain phone systems in the 82 Virgin stores across the UK. ITS is also installing new Toshiba Strata DK4O phone systems in refurbished Virgin stores and additional branch openings.
The Toshiba Strata DK4O phone systems installed for Virgin Megastores by ITS is a fully featured, entry level, digital telephone system. Designed for maximum flexibility, the Strata DK4O can be used as a key system, or with a dedicated operator and has a maximum system configuration of 12 exchange lines with 28 extensions. Toshiba phone systems are available with a wide choice of flexible options, such as voice processing systems, ACD (automatic call distribution) systems, CTI (computer-telephony integration) capabilities and video conferencing.
Based in Kent, ITS has supplied telecommunications systems to many major commercial and public sector organisations including Autoglass, Great Universal Stores and I-Bus UK Ltd. In addition to supplying Toshiba Strata phone systems, ITS can offer a full range of telecoms services including pre-sales consultancy, equipment installation and after sales maintenance and service. The company’s qualified engineers can also install category 5 cabling to provide a complete telecoms and data network solution for customer premises.
As part of Toshiba Telecoms’ national dealer network, Invicta Telephone Sales has complete expertise in supplying and maintaining Toshiba telephone systems. Dealer performance is constantly measured against an exacting set of quality standards, as part of Toshiba’s Quality Initiative programme. Only dealers who meet these exacting quality performance standards, become and remain suppliers of Toshiba telephone equipment.
“As a successful retail organisation providing high levels of customer service, Virgin Megastores expects the same level of service from suppliers. So we are delighted that Virgin Megastores has placed the maintenance and replacement of its phone systems with ITS. Customer calls are important to Virgin Megastores and ITS service support ensures they get through”, says Simon Beaumont, Managing Director of lTS.
Toshiba Telecoms has two digital systems in its Strata range; the Strata CT offering a high level of sophistication for medium and large companies; and the Strata DK4O, a fully featured, entry level phone system for small to medium sized businesses.
Both systems are available with a wide choice of flexible options, such as voice processing systems, ACD (automatic call distribution) systems, CTI (computer-telephony integration) capabilities and video conferencing.
In addition to conventional telephone systems, Toshiba Telecoms also offers Strata CS (communications server), designed for organisations that want to integrate telephony into an existing IT infrastructure. Strata CS is a server based, software telephony solution running under Windows NT, providing a fully integrated phone system with PBX functionality, voice mail recognition, e-mail integration, contact management integration and Internet connectivity, all in one cost effective package.
Virgin Trains are on the right track with Tensator
The world’s leading queue management expert, Tensator, is helping Virgin Trains call the shots at their new Travel Shop in Manchester Piccadilly Station with the state-of-the-art Electronic Call Forward (ECF) system.
The Travel Shop, which was officially opened last month, replaces Virgin Trains’ old ticket office and travel centre and forms part of a dynamic new refurbishment of the overall station. Located in the centre of the concourse, the new shop is the showcase for Virgin Train’s new retail concept, characterised by a sense of ‘open style retailing and service. Tensator has worked closely with interior design consultants Kracka to maximise the sense of efficiency with the optimum management of customer flow and needs.
Tensator Electronic Call Forward (ECF) provides a highly effective and versatile queue management solution within the demanding retail environment of the Travel Shop, which serves customers wishing to travel immediately as well as those booking for future dates. The ECF system is ideal for this multi-service requirement and is customised to provide an innovative dual-queue guidance system to direct customers from either queue to the next available operator by flashing directional arrows in sequence on the electronic information display system. The ECF uses both male and female voices with differing dialects to vary the tone and personalise the service for waiting customers.
Quality is extremely important to such a high profile brand as Virgin and the concept for the new Travel Shop is no exception. The stylish interior design is created within a circular area and in order to best fit the space and design concept, Tensator exceeded expectations by designing a queuing system featuring elegant, curved beams, which are fixed to the floor via a new, shallow floor socket. The finished effect fits neatly into the overall concept as well as providing a very effective queue management system.
The Electronic Call Forward (ECF) from Tensator is capable of covering up to 20 positions, a separate activation control operates for each counter to provide users with a flexible queue management system that can be easily adapted to suit a variety of queuing demands. It offers a fully programmable stereo audio with a custom voice and message capability. These announcements, alert sounds and directional arrows are used to guide people in the right direction, making it particularly beneficial for the visually impaired, and ensuring that queues are dealt with in the swiftest possible manner.
This advanced queue solution runs on a pre-programmed memory chip or PC and is programmed using Windows-based software. Additional features include a customer flow report generator which enables the user to monitor customer service performance. Tensator ECF can also be used as a marketing tool, displaying details of relevant promotions to waiting customers showing moving, flashing or fixed messages.
Visimetrics announces launch of Octar Net
Visimetrics (UK) Ltd, a leading manufacturer of digital video recording systems is launching Octar Net, a new digital video recorder for networked video.
Compatible with 3rd party network camera sewer systems, Octar Net can record cameras from different sites. Any number of sites can be linked together over a local or wide area network and the images can be viewed on OCTAR Net from one central location or, many networked locations if required through playback stations or standard PCs. Octar Net can be used on existing or new CCTV systems.
Octar Net is compatible with the Octar 2000 system, which will benefit existing Octar users who can create a networked CCTV system with the seamless integration of Octar Net on to their system. Alastair McLeod, Managing Director of Visimetrics, comments: “The Octar system was designed with networked CCTV in mind. And now with the launch of Octar Net, the user can have a networked system with the same familiar easy-to-use interface of the existing Octar system.”
Octar Net can record cameras from any number of sites that are linked together over a local or wide area network. For example, an airport, with many buildings spread across a large site will almost definitely have a wide-bandwidth network between the buildings. It may have a conventional video recording system in use or perhaps an Octar digital recorder that allows them to play back from any building. If the airport wanted to add on some extra cameras at different locations, they would conventionally have to cable the cameras across the distance between the different locations. Now, however, the extra cameras can be connected to a network camera sewer system, which is connected to the network and then at the other end of the network at the chosen location the Octar Net system is installed and records the additional cameras. The original cameras and the additional networked cameras can all be viewed and replayed from a single workstation or PC.
McLeod concludes: “There is not going to be a revolution over night whereby end users throw out their cameras, analogue cables and their analogue or digital recorders. What we anticipate, however, is that customers are going to add on to their existing systems instead. The most important benefit of the Octar Net system to end users is that with video sewer devices they can attach extra cameras to the existing network. They can then link the Octar Net to the network and record those additional cameras with seamless integration to their existing Octars which are already in use.”
Vision Graphics puts the style into Selfridges
Vision Graphics has helped Haran Glass produce a number of unusual glass openings in the new state-of-the-art Selfridges department store in Birmingham. Working with the architects, Future Systems, Haran Glass created a solution to the technically-challenging glass installation for this new architectural landmark. The roof light in the new Selfridges store is an organic, free-formed shape. Inspiration was from sources as diverse as sailing and motor sport, whilst the brief was to leave the daylight area unimpeded so as to reflect the open free space of the interior. On the sides of the building, Haran was briefed to design a number of free-formed windows. In order to produce a complex screen-printed pattern for the glass, Haran had to design a unique software application and use 3D modelling skills. Areas of the glass required a reflective mirror surface and each opening is positioned at a different angle. Glasgow-based Vision Graphics were called in to advise on the specialist finishes required. Joe Rennie from Vision Graphics explains: We recommended a Llumar solar reflective and privacy film with a mirror finish (Film Type R20 SR CDF), from CPFilms. To complete the effect required, the Llumar reflective film was applied on top of a blackout vinyl film. We sent both film types to a research laboratory in Germany to guarantee their compatibility, and representatives from both Haran and Future Systems visited our testing facilities to ensure the finished installation would have the desired effect.
Vision Systems acquires Ampekko
Voice response system will extend capabilities of Vision’s fire protection and security video product offerings
Vision Systems recently announced that it is to acquire voice response system manufacturer Ampekko. Headquartered in Tolworth, UK, Ampekko is a privately owned company, founded in 2000. The company designs and manufactures the Millbank range of voice evacuation, alarm and public address systems, which provide a voice response solution to certain triggered security and safety events, including fire alarms.
”Ampekko’s range of voice response solutions complements the future strategy and growth plans of VFS by broadening our product portfolio and providing an early warning response solution, with applicability in both fire and security applications” said David Lloyd, CEO of the Fire & Security business unit of Vision Systems. “Ampekko have a strong product offering but an immature channel to market. Our global distribution network is a natural fit and will rapidly expand the market for the Ampekko products”.
Lloyd continued “the Ampekko products are another piece in our plan to offer a complete very early warning solution. We are already market leaders in detecting threats with our VESDA range of very early warning smoke detectors and our ADPRO range of video security systems. The Ampekko voice response products will integrate with our established products and complement our systems offering by adding a response capability. This may be the automatic announcement of an evacuation in the event of a fire or telling an intruder to leave the premises” Ampekko’s CEO Neil Voce further explained, “We’re confident that this development will augment the potential for the Millbank brand to receive the global recognition it deserves. Fitting perfectly into Vision Systems’ portfolio, AmpekkoÕs Millbank range completes their profile to offer sophisticated integrated solutions for PA/VA and other voice response solutions. Vision Systems’ independent status coupled with their international sales network, will allow unparalleled growth for Millbank on a global basis.”
Ampekko’s other main shareholder Majid Siadat added: “Vision Systems will enable us to build our position whilst maintaining close working relations with all our customers and suppliers both in the UK and abroad. The Millbank brand will continue as normal but with added potential for distributors and installers alike.
Ampekko has a complete range of systems to provide complete voice alarm solutions suited for a number of applications. Ranging from plug-and-play systems to completely customized solutions, the Ampekko products, marketed under the Millbank brand, are recognized for their superior audio quality and ease of installation, commissioning and maintenance. The products can be found in London landmarks such as Canary Wharf and Harrods department store.
VisioWave will be at IFSEC Birmingham
VisioWave S.A., leader in digital video surveillance over networks, will be present at the IFSEC 2004 show (www.ifsec.co.uk) from the 10th-13th of April 2004, which is one of the ultimate marketplaces for global security solutions. VisioWave will highlight the latest improvements of its intelligent digital video surveillance solutions, including the award winning VisioBox?, as well as high value added software developed by strategic partners, thanks to the VisioWave Software Development Kit. VisioWave will also take the opportunity of IFSEC to launch the VisioWave Intelligent Security Applications (ISA) partner program. Once again, the VisioBox? will be one of the key star attractions of the VisioWave stand. VisioBox? is the essential complement to the existing VisioWave products, wherever there is a need for the connection of a small number of cameras. Also, VisioBox?, packaged with ergonomic and intuitive software, is the product for new markets were cameras are scattered around wide perimeters, such as in urban surveillance or highways, as well as for new generation surveillance systems where Ethernet is now available for analog cameras. Also, VisioWave reinforces its position as the leading provider of an open digital video networking platform for security applications. At IFSEC, VisioWave will present the latest developments achieved by some strategic partners who provide customized global security management platforms to their customers which rely on the VisioWave digital networked video surveillance hardware and software products. These developments have been realized thanks to the powerful VisioWave Software Development Kit. IFSEC will also be the opportunity for VisioWave to launch the Intelligent Security Applications partner program. Increasing needs for more intelligent, more autonomous and more powerful surveillance systems, as well as the constantly growing number of deployed cameras, require to add more intelligence behind the camera. Image processing and video content analysis are the answer. The VisioWave open Video Plug-in Architecture allows for the total software integration of image processing and video content analysis within the digital networked video surveillance system itself. These applications can be VisioWave’s or specific third parties’ products. “The Intelligent Security Applications partner program provides companies developing image processing applications with the unique opportunities to interface with our open platform” declares Xavier Heusghem, Marketing Director at VisioWave. “More than including development tools, the program provides the framework for a close and effective cooperation, in order to match our customers’ urgent needs for more effective security with next generation, networked digital video surveillance systems” adds Xavier Heusghem. During the expo, VisioWave will give a presentation focusing on the essential topic “Digital technologies : the path to intelligent surveillance”. About VisioWave VisioWave S.A. (Switzerland), a subsidiary of the TF1/Bouygues group, was founded in 1998 by image processing and network infrastructure experts. The company has come to the fore as the leader in systems for high-performance digital video networking over networks. VisioWave markets solutions for security and media applications. VisioWave has numerous references in the areas of transportation (railway industry, metros, tramways, and buses), traffic control and surveillance for motorways and tunnels, banking, retail industry, urban surveillance, airports, campuses, stadiums or public areas.
VMC Cashless system enhances the ‘Appliance of science’
The Central Science Laboratory houses some of the country’s finest scientists who conduct vital research for the government and other major organisations. From a base at Sand Hutton on the outskirts of York, the CSL plays a front line role in the UK’s agriculture, food safety and environmental science — and provides contingency capabilities for handling national emergencies such as Foot and Mouth outbreaks. Efficiency and attention to detail are some of the hallmarks for success. It’s an environment where doing things right really matter. This ethos is emphasised by a vision to become a centre of excellence for science, underpinning sustainable agriculture, safe food and a healthy environment. Over 700 members of staff help generate an annual turnover of over £40 million. Not surprisingly, staff welfare is high on the agenda, particularly when “a world class, state of the art facility run on efficient and competitive business lines” is one of many aims and missions.
To reflect such high aspirations, each member of staff has been issued with a personalised cashless card which has been combined with access control functionality. Staff build up an ‘electronic purse’ to make purchases at a vending or coffee machine or the till in a staff restaurant. No cash purchases take place on site and CSL offers the choice of cash top-up or payroll deduction for staff to load on to their cards. In January 2002, CSL introduced their latest system from VMC - a leading provider of reliable, efficient and forward thinking cashless payment solutions — to upgrade a more limited catering card cashless operation from a different manufacturer. The system incorporates photo ID access control and is based on VMC’s flagship Metro technology — a third generation smartcard cashless payment system that brings several specific innovative benefits to the market, including the Metro Manager software, which provides a comprehensive system management tool including hospitality control, card management and full audit reporting. CSL enjoy a wide range of benefits such as: • Higher turnover due to reduced queuing times as part of a smooth running and flexible catering and vending operation • Much more accurate auditing • Reduced opportunity for on-site theft due to no requirement for cash • A significant reduction in missing cards thanks to Photo ID • Improved reliability - reduced machine downtime due to coin mechanism problems “Cashless came in from the start when the building was initially constructed in 1996 but only in a limited form,” explained CSL Procurement Manager Sally Frear. “The philosophy was to move away from traditional problems associated with cash such as hygiene, queuing times, audit inaccuracies and general security.” About 60% of staff now utilise the payroll deduction system and numbers continue to grow as new workers are employed. Individuals can put anything from a £1 to £40 on at any one time and they can view all top-up transactions via CSL’s secure intranet site. Guest cards are available for visitors whilst a cash loader provides electronic credit for those not on the payroll system. CSL also has dedicated departmental cards for specific circumstances. “The old system had reached the end of its life so we had to choose a brand new system. We specifically wanted to combine cashless with access control and reviewed many different systems but felt the VMC Metro solution was the best fit for us. The management information it provides is particularly useful,” explained Sally. “At the same time there was a fundamental review of our vending facilities to maximise performance and costs, and we were able to build a deli bar as part of this process.” The VMC system comprises six vending machine card readers, a note and coin loader, two PIN wall mounted loaders for payroll deduction, a guest card terminal and three touchscreen catering tills with card readers. All transactions are logged by the Metro Manager Software application and collected using a handheld terminal. This data management is viewed as very important to the on-site contract caterer to help base their internal marketing and future planning. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea is complemented by flexible vending facilities. Adding access control to the cashless facility has brought some unexpected benefits, according to Sally who revealed: ““Although it was an initial aspiration to combine the two, we weren’t quite sure what the benefits would be. From a security point of view it was a good idea because people would definitely carry their card with them. But we have discovered that if they leave their card say in a catering machine, they realise pretty quickly because they are unable to access parts of the building. The photo ID ensures that other people know immediately whose card has been left behind. “We used to have hundreds of catering cards go missing, people would have spares, but now everyone has just one card which is usually carried around the neck. “The data management is very useful as we now have a system that can stand up to audit. The only coins we count are from the coin loading machine so, for the on-site caterer, there is no time wasted counting coins from the vending machines and no machine downtime due to money getting stuck in coin mechanisms. There is much improved security, and we don’t have to pay for a separate secure cash collection from our catering operation.” CSL has experienced a combination of a high quality and reliable cashless service coupled with the convenience of self service, particularly with two top quality coffee machines that have been a real hit with the staff. “As a member of staff you have the assurance of knowing that you don’t have to carry cash in your pocket. There are no issues with providing change for purchases and you never have to bring money to work if you don’t want to,” said Sally. “Fortunately, CSL has never had a problem with internal theft but, if people are not carrying cash in their pockets, there is little chance for the opportunist thief to strike. The dual functionality of catering card and access control means significantly reduced card losses.”
VMC on the road to more success with Volkswagen Group HQ cashless payment system
The Volkswagen Group is renowned throughout the world for producing innovative and extremely reliable vehicles - so when a new cashless payment system was introduced at the company's UK headquarters, it had to reflect the motor giant's acclaimed international reputation - and perform to the highest standards. Over 1600 staff across four sites in Milton Keynes use a cashless card - also combined with access control - to make food and refreshment purchases at various locations, such as restaurants and vending machines. They build up an electronic purse, after adding credit to their cards from conveniently located cash value loaders, as part of an upgraded system introduced by leading cashless technology specialist, VMC. The Volkswagen Group chose VMC's flagship Metro system after careful market research to replace outdated technology. Volkswagen Group Health and Safety' Manager, Marcus Pereira, played a key role in implementing the new system and commented: "The Volkswagen Group is renowned for the reliability of it's products so it was vital we introduced a new cashless system that reflected this. We had to get it right." The cashless functionality which operates seamlessly at the group's main headquarters, two Financial Services buildings and also a state of the art National Learning Centre, went live at the start of 2005. Restaurants, a deli bar, shop, coffee bar and express check out form part of the many food and refreshment services available. "Cashless is simply more convenient and smooth running than cash, both for our staff and also the service providers such as the caterers. The one card does it all, is also very beneficial and easier to manage." He continued: "Our old cashless system had been in place for years. It became unmaintainable really, so we had to have a complete new system. "The early information provided by VMC was very good, we felt confident that what they were saying they would deliver, and in reality that has definitely been the case. They were also very flexible and willing to work with our access control company." The Volkswagen Group is renowned throughout the world for its reliable vehicles. When Marcus assessed how important reliability is for a cashless system, his response was simple, yet conclusive. "It is totally important, probably the most important aspect. Cost also has to come into it, but a system that's reliable is paramount." Marcus added: "Staff from all four sites are now equipped with the same card, so for example they may work elsewhere but can gain access and use a restaurant here in the main headquarters. There is a lot of movement of people especially between this building and the National Learning Centre which used to be a cash only site. The benefits of seamless integration speak for themselves and make it much easier for everybody." A speedy throughput of customers especially at peak lunchtime hours is very important. "Cashless is much more efficient than cash. You just use the card and move on," Marcus pointed out. To cut queuing times even further a self serve touch screen till has been installed at the main Blakelands complex, the hub of all UK operations controlling the sourcing, marketing and distribution of all vehicles and parts as well as providing a host of support services to retailers and customers. The fast-track 'self-service pay & go' facility incorporates selected items such as sandwiches, fruit shakers, yoghurt and cold drinks. Customers simply enter their own items on the touch-screen and pay using their card. Marcus concluded: "We would have no hesitation in recommending VMC. The technology is reliable and easy to operate and understand." This latest installation represents VMC's third major automotive manufacturing client, as part of a flourishing client base which also includes blue chip clients across many other industries.
Waitrose standardises on MiNlpower for EPOS support
Waitrose has chosen MiNlpower UPS from Uninterruptible Power Supplies Limited to provide flexible, easy-maintenance support for its EPOS systems. MiNlpower is specified for all store new-builds and refurbishments, and will gradually replace existing UPS installations in an ongoing swap-out programme, ultimately providing power protection in the 167 stores of the Waitrose group. "When we embarked on upgrading our EPOS systems in 2002, we were unsure of the future power requirement, and a solution with flexibility for simple expansion was essential", comments Waitrose's electrical services manager, Andy Lowe. "In addition, MiNlpower has attractive features for maintenance and repair which ensures that these functions can be carried out with no break in the power supply to the load and minimum impact on costs." MliNlpower is a compact, sophisticated modular UPS in which the required output is built up using 1kVA boards, mounted in rack or tower cabinets. The units specified by Waitrose have four board slots, and are currently populated with two boards. MlNlpower features the unique PowerWAVE paralleling architecture, which means that the boards can be connected for capacity or, as at Waitrose, to provide n+1 redundancy. If output needs to be upgraded, Waitrose can expand within the same footprint to 3kVA with redundancy, simply by adding extra boards. Autonomy is similarly flexible. A further innovative feature is MiNlpower's maintenance bypass switch, which plugs into the back of the unit and allows the UPS to be isolated for maintenance purpose or removed for repair, both without a break in the supply to the load. 'Clearly, any break in power to our EPOS systems is unacceptable", Andy Lowe continues. "Not only does MlNlpower give us excellent inherent reliability, but continues to support the load even if one board goes down. With this facility, we will never experience an emergency requirement for UPS maintenance, so that we can call out an engineer during normal working hours without incurring 'out-of-hours' costs, and with confidence that there will be no interruption to our ability to trade during maintenance operations." With UPS installations from Harrogate to Dorchester and Abergavenny to Ramsgate, Waitrose could view maintenance as a logistical nightmare. However, with an association going back over a decade, Waitrose has discovered that it can safely leave the problem in its supplier's hands. "During the initial swap-out contract in 40 stores, we found we could depend on Uninterruptible Power Supplies to just go in and take care of it. Now, with a contract which covers preventive maintenance and battery care, we're confident that we can rely on the company to proactively manage our UPS resource." MlNlpower systems are available allowing expansion in 1kVA increments up to 5kVA, and are part of a PowerWAVE range which covers all UPS requirements up to 3MVA. PowerWAVE technology not only allows cost-efficient output expansion and redundancy within a small footprint, but also reduces running costs through high operating efficiency and near-unity power factor. Reading-based Uninterruptible Power Supplies is the UK's foremost independent supplier of power support solutions, backing its products with comprehensive technical, installation, commissioning and maintenance services, and with an extensive track record in high-street financial and retail channels.
Wall racks to your specification
Any type of paperwork, any size, any format, any thickness, even any shape, can be held in a Purpose Made Document Rack from Woodcon. This is because the rack can be specifically designed and manufactured to your own requirements. The Woodcon racks are wall-mounted with the papers held vertically and the top section of the document on display. Your paperwork is much easier to locate, sort and manage. As a result, significant time can be saved. The racks also free valuable desk space. The document racks are ideal for holding literally any type of paperwork. For example, production/job sheets, invoices, order forms, quality and safety procedures, stationery forms etc. The racks can also be made to suit any card size and for holding literature and other promotional material. Even complete files can be held when the rack is designed to accommodate them. You can specify the number of pockets, columns across and rows down, that you require. This also allows the racks to be provided to fit a specific wall space. Permanent titles and / or changeable heading strips can be incorporated. In addition to wall mounting, the racks can be provided for free standing on mobile frames or built into fixed or mobile workstations. Woodcon employs a nation-wide sales team which is available to assist you with the design of your bespoke document rack.
Walls Have Years With Glasstex
It’s fire proof, vandal proof and anti bacterial; it’s low maintenance and — not least - it looks good for years. So it’s little surprise that the Glasstex System is rapidly becoming architects and specifiers’ first choice for wallcovering.
The Glasstex System, developed and manufactured by Johns Manville, is the tough, natural and easy-to-apply wallcovering. Distributed exclusively by Eclipse Wallcoverings, Glasstex is literally becoming a permanent feature of public buildings, hospitals, medical centres, offices and homes across Europe. Johns Manville’s sales director Jeff Nash said: “The great thing about Glasstex is that it has so many outstanding properties. It’s a real innovation in interior decorating because it can be applied so simply, so quickly and so effectively in so many environments. “Glasstex is already used as an internal wallcovering in 95 per cent of hospitals across Europe. It is rapidly gaining popularity among architects and specifiers working on projects as varied as hotels, restaurants, museums, offices and leisure facilities. “Indeed its properties are so good that Glasstex is increasingly used by responsible social landlords as the wall covering in public housing projects.” Glasstex, made from natural non-toxic materials, can be applied to almost any surface even cracked and uneven ones. Once in place the wallcovering actually strengthens the building’s structure, resisting even extreme wear and tear. The system also adds to a building’s aesthetic appeal. Glasstex comes in a wide range of textures and styles that can be mixed and matched, and then individualised with a colour, opaque or transparent finish. Because it can be applied to materials as varied as wood and plastic to gypsum board and concrete, it can be used on almost any surface including walls, cabinets, doors or dividers. Mr Nash added: “Glasstex is incredibly tough. It will take knocks that would damage most other wallcoverings or plaster, and has a ‘Class 0’ fire resistance rating by stopping flames spreading horizontally or upwards to the ceiling. “Glasstex is also the healthy option. The nature of the system means it doesn’t harbour parasites like mites nor does it allow the build up of static electricity — a key element in many allergies. “Used with the right paint it resists moisture, mildew and mould, Glasstex can also be scrubbed and is very easy to clean. Glasstex, quite literally, provides the surface for a healthy life in work, home and leisure.”
Walsgrave hospital specifies debac for its isolation unit
debac antimicrobial products have been chosen to provide extra protection in the isolation unit for infectious diseases When Walsgrave hospital in Coventry decided to convert a four bed ward to provide an isolation unit for infectious diseases they felt that debac products offered the best solution for antimicrobial protection. Scot Hatfield, Senior Project Manager for the Estates Business Agency, who specified the product was so delighted with the results that he is already planning to specify debac products for any areas where there is an identified need for hygiene coatings “We shall shortly be painting a neo-natal baby unit at the hospital and debac products will be used to provide antimicrobial protection...” H.H. Painting Contractors of Coventry applied the coatings and were amazed at how easy the products were to use. Mr Brian Williams, Director, commented: “. .the debac system was simple and extremely cost effective to use. Other specialist products for this type of application are usually ridiculously expensive and particularly nasty to apply” The paint was mixed and supplied by local decorator merchant S.J.Dixon & Son Limited, who now stock the full debac range in their 19 stores across the Midlands. Ray Davison has worked as Trade Representative for Dixon’s for 19 years. During this time he has developed a close working relationship with Walsgrave Hospital. Ray is delighted that he can now offer his clients a high performance yet cost effective antimicrobial product, he explained “this is a unique product which can provide antimicrobial protection at a sensible price. We can now offer real benefits in a truly cost effective manner to customers requiring second level antimicrobial control as part of their normal hygiene management programme. These products can be used in hospitals, kitchens, nurseries, care homes, in fact anywhere there is a potential threat of bacterial infection or cross contamination” These innovative additives can be put into any paint to give you a high performance antimicrobial coating in any colour, brand or quantity you choose. This approach overcomes the high cost and restricted choice associated with off-the—shelf antimicrobial paints.
WARM RECEPTION FOR A NEW FREEZER DOOR
The official launch of Union Industries new Eiger Freezer Door was marked by a champagne reception held at the company's Leeds factory for delegates from the UK and Ireland attending the annual Cold Storage & Distribution Federation conference and dinner at nearby Oulton Hall.
The ground breaking, revolutionary, new Eiger Freezer Door is not only crash-resistant to forklift truck damage but also incorporates a dual skinned door blade and patented dehumidification system.
Since the prototype completed its field trials at the Asda RDC in Lutterworth last year the Eiger Door has been installed at numerous sites throughout the UK and Ireland including McKey Food Services, Reed Boardall, Exel Logistics, Tesco and Green Isle Foods.
Delegates were surprised and delighted by Union Industries' stylish and remarkable covered, cobbled courtyard situated within the factory complex where the company's market leading Matadoor Range of Hi-speed Doors is also manufactured.
A practical Eiger Door demonstration was given by Alan Hirst, Technical Sales Engineer and delegates were also give a full factory tour to inspect the manufacturing facility, CAD design and fabrication workshops.
Chairman, Paul Spencer Schofield, and Managing Director, Mrs Schofield, were on hand with Sales Director, Eamonn Irwin, and the door's designer, Technical Director, Peter Rodgers, together with other staff members to welcome and explain all aspects of the company's activities and products.
Many of the delegates commented on the high degree of professionalism and in particular the level of cleanliness and order within the fabrication and manufacturing areas.
Said Managing Director, Isobel Schofield "The CSDF Conference was the ideal opportunity to introduce the Eiger Door to heads of Companies from far a field, who would otherwise find it difficult to visit and see for themselves the advantages of the Eiger Door over the traditional type of Freezer Door. It was a fun day, enjoyed by our guests and the Union team alike.
Washing with laminate
Several different combinations of Abet High Pressure Laminates are being used to transform the washrooms in St Christopher’s House office block in Stockport. Designed and specified by Lee James from Downs & Variava, HPL from the COLOURS and Serie Metalli collections has been used to give the washrooms a contemporary, clean and crisp finish. The clever mix of plain colours together with textured metallic finishes creates a bold and bright interior for these windowless areas. Lee James explains, ‘For this application we decided to use a mix of colours and finishes to create a modern washroom. Abet’s bright and fresh laminates are not only ideal for the design but are extremely durable and competitively priced. Everyone, including customers and Bruntwood who own the building, are delighted with the result. As a consequence, similar washrooms are being created throughout the nine storey building.’ Abet offers over 850 designs of PRINT HPL in a vast array of colourways, patterns, styles and grades. This gives designers and specifiers almost unlimited scope and endless creative possibilities to use an aesthetically pleasing and high performance surfacing product which meets or exceeds all EN performance standards.
Washing your hands of business
Businesses across the UK are facing a cheeky threat to their bottom line. New research shows that a whopping 96 per cent of the population agree that levels of cleanliness in public toilets are just as important as good customer service. The MORI survey for Portaloo, which explored how customers’ impressions of toilet facilities impact on repeat business, indicates that sub-standard toilet and washroom facilities could be costing businesses millions in lost revenue... money that is literally going ‘down the pan’. Lifting the Lid on Business Practice 91 per cent, that’s nine out of every ten people, stated that unhygienic customer toilet facilities reflect badly on a business regardless of how well the products or services are. And three quarters of people would actually consider taking their custom elsewhere if they consider the facilities to be poor. A worrying statistic for any business. Flash in the Pan? It is clear from the research that customers expect toilet facilities to be of a high standard at all times. 93 per cent of people said that high standards of loos should be provided even during periods of refurbishment. Also, 82 per cent of people agreed that they would like portable toilets to provide a full range of high quality sanitary-ware such as dispensers and disposal units. The Bottom Line These statistics show just how highly the great British public regard good toilet facilities and that businesses should ignore this seemingly small, but obviously important, area of their business at their peril. Director of the British Toilet Association, Richard Chisnell said: ‘The research undertaken by Portaloo demonstrates just how important it is to have a high standard of toilet facilities. These should not be simply an after-thought for any business and I am delighted that the BTA’s latest member, Portaloo, has commissioned research demonstrating exactly that point. ‘ Business manager at Portaloo, part of Portakabin Ltd, John Smith, says: ‘While businesses focus their attention on a smart entrance area, an eye-catching company logo and friendly staff, they could be ‘caught short’ by the poor toilet facilities provided to their customers. Get it wrong with your washroom facilities and you could be giving your customers away. ’Visiting the loo at any business or venue is part of the whole Ôbrand experience’ for a customer and shouldn’t be ignored. In particular, problems occur when a business undergoes a refurbishment and requires temporary facilities which often aren’t up to scratch.
Water management contract awarded for Arlington business parks.
After a six-month comparative trial - against one of its leading competitors - water management specialists Kingcombe Aquacare Limited, of Hooke in Dorset, have been awarded the contract to maintain the water features at ten of Arlington’s business parks around the UK. The award of the total contract to Kingcombe Aquacare was the result of an internal Supplier Satisfaction Audit completed by all of Arlington’s customer support managers, one of whom wrote: ‘ Since the start of the (trial) contract, the service supplied by Kingcombe Aquacare has been impeccable. Long may it continue!’ Kingcombe Aquacare offers a wide range of water management services and according to managing director John Colton, the work required by Arlington involves maintaining the waters to the same high standard as their surrounding landscapes, keeping aquatic plant life under control, general fish husbandry and maintaining all the fountain pumps in good order. “Ongoing and regular maintenance is vitally important if water features are to compliment and reflect the quality of the landscape in which they sit,” he said. “We are delighted to be Supplier Partners of Arlington. We won this important contract against stiff competition because we were able to provide our client with a proactive and high level of service and a thoroughly professional approach to all aspects of their water management,” he concluded. The business parks included in the new contract are situated in Birmingham, Coventry, Hatfield, Oxford, Theale, Bracknell, Gloucester, Farnborough, Bristol Aztec West, and Solent, near Southampton.
Waterfront Expo provides a one stop indepth look at a multi-billion dollar business
Throughout the world large-scale and exciting waterfront development is taking place in a dramatic way, breathing new life into cities and not only proving a lure for each city’s inhabitants looking for somewhere inspiring to work, live, shop or enjoy their leisure time and for tourists, but also providing new opportunities for those involved in all aspects of their design, construction and management. Conservative estimates put the market value for this highly visible new industry at over US$100 billion over the next five years The challenge of developing waterfronts comes under the spotlight at WaterfrontExpo 2003 (21-23 October 2003 – ExCeL, London) when industry specialists from around the globe and those eager to become involved in the rapidly growing market will gather for two and a half days of a compelling and highly topical conference devoted to this multi-billion dollar industry; for a site visit to Silvertown Quays/London Docklands; for the exhibition that brings together the broad range of expertise needed for waterfront developments; and for receptions held aptly at a dramatic waterfront development and at the headquarters of the RIBA –Royal Institute of British Architects. Throughout the two and a half days WaterfrontExpo 2003 provides a forum for all involved in the development of waterfronts to explore new waterfront design concepts, exchange learning experiences, discuss new development formulae and strategies, identify new development opportunities around the world and meet specialist firms with waterfront development experience. The conference will address a broad range of key issues involved in the development of waterfront assets with eleven case studies forming the core of the programme. These deal with the waterfront developments in planning, under construction or successfully built in London, Toronto, Dublin, Cape Town, Qatar, Edinburgh, Dubai, Philadelphia, Beirut, Portsmouth and Gdansk and offer an insight into the planning, strategy, financing, design, construction, marketing and management of waterfront development. “The case studies selected have all achieved excellence in some way, delegates will be hearing from the companies and key individuals behind each of the developments – and all will be exhibiting or actively involved in the event. For example, Palm Islands/Dubai Maritime City and Emaar, also from Dubai, will sponsor the receptions being held on 21 and 22 October,” explains project director, Mark Beaumont of Media Generation Events, organisers of the WaterfrontExpo in association with the RIBA and with the support of The Building Centre, Citta D’Acqua – International Centre Cities on Water, International Marina Institute, BURA – British Urban Regeneration Association, Urban Land Institute, and IACP – International Association of Cities and Ports. “Some of the waterfront developments coming under the case history spotlight have developed retail outlets as their central feature; others have successfully incorporated leisure or residential components into their fabric; several have incorporated commercial and corporate real estate and a number have integrated all these elements and in so-doing created thriving mixed-use waterfront developments. As active and growing developments they present ongoing commercial opportunities - the case histories provide an excellent opportunity to learn what makes waterfront developments successful.” George Ferguson, President of RIBA, whose own ‘Bristol Venice’ scheme for the Bristol Harbourside, demonstrates the principles of the urban renaissance, and has become a cause célèbre in urban design and planning circles. Traditional presentations are interwoven amongst the eleven case histories and deal with essential topics such as planning waterfronts – assessing the future economics; revitalisation along USA’s inland waterways, regenerating the urban waterfront, marinas in the waterfront mix, maximising returns in marina planning and design, leisure on the waterfront – successful design strategies, flood risk assessment/coastal defence; water quality as a driver for waterfront design; maximising real estate opportunities; developing Britain’s canals and waterways; planning for reclamation projects and bring together speakers from ERA, SmithGroup JJR, Sasaki Associates, MDL Marinas, Alfred Wong Partnership, Wimberley Allison Tong & Goo, Posford Haskoning, Buro Happold, Jones Lang Lasalle, British Waterways and Halcrow Consulting. The WaterfrontExpo 2003 conference not only includes a presentation on Silvertown Quays, but a site visit as well; and members of the Silvertown Consortium including Urban Strategies, PKL Architects, EDAW and others will also be exhibiting. Situated on one of the largest and most spectacular remaining brownfield sites in London, Silvertown Quays promises to be one of the most exciting urban regeneration projects in the city since the inception of the modernised Docklands. The £1 billion public:private partnership is a true mixed-use scheme and will include 3,000 homes along with world-class commercial and leisure facilities likely to include hotels, offices, retail and live/work space as well as a giant aquarium. The two-hour presentation and site visit will provide an ideal opportunity for delegates to learn about and see the Docklands area. In addition to the organisations giving case histories - Silvertown Quays Consortium; Urban Strategies (Canada); Dublin Docklands Development Authority (Ireland); Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (Pty) Ltd (South Africa); United Development Corporation (Qatar); Waterfront Edinburgh Ltd; Carl Marks & Co (USA); Solidere s.a.l. (Lebanon); Gunwharf Quays Management Ltd/Land Securities/Reid Architecutre (UK); and the University of Gdansk - the exhibition also features companies as varied in their interests as Midas Consult/Bellingham Marine – one of the world’s largest marina designers/builders; Posford Haskoning; Krasnodar Russia; Rolec Services who offer marina utilities; DexCo; Waterspace PLC; Damac Group – the Dubai developers; Robert Hinton and Partners; Benoy Architects; SmithGroup JJR; Wave Seven Marine; and the Great British Bollard Company and others providing the full gamut of services and specialisation needed for effective waterfront development. Admission to the exhibition is free of charge to delegates and non-delegates alike. The exhibition is open 22 and 23 October. Icebreakers, networking opportunities – call them what you will, social events are an important and integral part of any successful conference. WaterfrontExpo 2003 boasts two such events. Palm Island/Dubai Maritime City will sponsor the reception in the Waterfront Suite at the Holiday Inn alongside ExCeL on 21 October; and Emaar from Dubai will sponsor the official reception at the RIBA headquarters on the second evening of the show. Both events, the field trip, and lunches on 22 and 23 October and tea and coffee breaks on all three days are included in the conference delegate fee of £595+VAT. Online registration is now open. The full conference programme is available in hard copy form and at http://www.waterfrontexpo.com and can be downloaded in pdf format. There are discounted rates for RIBA members and attendance at WaterfrontExpo is considered to be valid CPD for members of the RIBA. “We already have a healthy registration list and delegates very much reflect the mix that we had expected – owners of existing and potential waterfront developments; real estate professionals; waterfront developers; marina owners and operators; tourism, hotel and leisure-related organisations; banks and other sources of development funding; architects, landscape and urban designers; general and specialist construction firms; contractors and engineers and specialist consultants; and end-users – hotel, restaurant and retail chains, leisure facility developers and operators,” explains Mark Beaumont.
Watts behind 26% increase in UK solar market
Watts Industries entered the solar market in 2003; a year that saw an unprecedented 26% increase in the UK’s demand for solar powered heating, according to latest statistics from ESTIF*. This upward trend is forecast to continue following recent government initiatives to raise public awareness of the need to provide sustainable energy solutions.
“Despite this impressive statistic, slightly above the average for Europe as a whole, the UK has a long way to go to meet the EU target for 2010 of 264m2 per 1,000 inhabitants,” said Peter McEntee, sales and marketing manager, Watts Industries. “Unlike market leaders Germany, Austria and Greece, the UK has been reluctant to embrace fully the benefits of solar technology. Watts has seen encouraging signs that this is changing with increasing interest in our Flowbox system.
“The main application up to now has been for water heating and, even in the UK, it is more than adequate for the average required bath temperature of around 42°C or a regular washing cycle. Unsurprisingly, the system is particularly popular where the requirement for hot water increases in summer months, such as a resort hotel or guesthouse. However, solar energy used in conjunction with underfloor heating has recently been making more headway in the market and, in certain applications, it can be much more energy efficient.”
Watts’ Flowbox functions as the heart of a solar thermal system, circulating hot water, collected by radiant tubes or flat plate collectors, to a plate heat exchanger or an indirect hot water cylinder to act as a heat transfer or a heat store respectively.
Peter added: “The plug and play Flowbox is widely used in Germany, which is leading the rest of Europe in green issues and itself saw 39% growth in solar powered heating in 2003.”
Watts hot news
The 009 Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Valve from Watts UK has recently been awarded a further Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) certification for compliance with Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 (or Byelaws 2000 in Scotland). The certificate now covers the Watts 009 RPZ valves for both hot and cold installations to 65 degrees centigrade, and all sizes from 1/2inch to 2inches. Grant Phipps, managing director of Watts UK, commented: “This is a worthwhile investment for Watts because it is important to us to make our customers’ lives as hassle-free as possible. By gaining this certificate, installers who specify our products will save themselves both time and money.” Watts 009 RPZ valves prevent backflow in pipework systems due to back pressure or back-siphonage. The Watts RPZ valve was pioneered in the USA in the early 1970s, but was introduced to the UK in 1999 following the change in water regulations. The valves allow equipment such as boilers and water tanks to be connected to the mains water without fear of backflow, which would have expensive implications for the owner of the pollution source. Watts Industries designs, manufactures and sells an extensive line of valves to the water quality, regulation and control markets.
Watts the heart of Solar
In response to recent government initiatives on working towards a sustainable future, Watts UK is entering the solar market. The company is launching its ‘plug and play’ system, the FlowBox, which acts as the heart of a solar thermal system. This unit is already widely used in Germany, which has been leading the rest of Europe in green issues in recent years. The system is ideal for situations where the requirement for hot water increases in the summer months, such as a resort hotel or guesthouse. Another common use is to heat water for swimming pools. The FlowBox functions as the heart of the system and circulates the hot water collected by radiant tubes, or flat plate collectors (which both contain a water/glycol mix to prevent freezing in the depths of winter), to a plate heat exchanger or an indirect hot water cylinder to act as a heat transfer or a heat store respectively. Unlike other models, the FlowBox is supplied with an integral sensor that ensures a steady temperature. It also has a solar control unit, with 14 programme settings to suit different systems and a WattFlow balancing valve with an indicator to set the correct flow, optimising efficiency. By integrating these systems, installation is made much easier. The main application, up to now, has been for water heating and, even in the UK, it is more than adequate for the average required bath temperature of around 42 degrees Centigrade or a regular washing cycle. However, solar energy used in conjunction with underfloor heating has recently been making more headway in the market and, in certain applications, it can be much more energy efficient. Chris Nowell, product manager for Watts UK, commented: “We are proud to be part of the solar industry and working towards a sustainable future. With the new government initiatives like the ‘Clear Skies’ three-year capital grant programme, solar heating has become a much more affordable option for many people.”
Watts the new name in Vessels
Watts UK is delighted to announce its latest collaboration with Italian-based manufacturer, Zilmet. The company has produced an own-brand range of vessels for Watts, including heating and expansion vessels.
Watts UK has large stocks of the entire range, with sizes from two to 700 litres, and the company has recently installed a mezzanine floor in its Evesham headquarters to accommodate the increased stock level. Built to the highest standards, the vessels are constructed of Carbon Steel with SBR or Butyl membranes for long life and durability. The range also includes stainless steel flanged vessels.
Available in a full range of sizes and formats to cover different applications, the vessels are WRAS approved and conform to appropriate British Standards for use in domestic, commercial and industrial water control. Cal-Pro 4 and 8 are also Kitemarked, having been tested to some of the industry’s most rigorous standards.
The vessels are suitable for use in commercial applications where there is a need for protection against sudden spikes of pressure within water systems or to cope with thermal expansion. In domestic applications, the expansion vessels are used on any un-vented hot water system, as the Water Regulations do not permit expansion to waste.
Watts up with Peter McEntee
Peter McEntee has been promoted to sales director for Watts Industries with the remit to develop the business throughout the UK and Ireland. He retains responsibility for marketing for both Watts Industries and Watts Martin Orgee. Watts Industries is the European division of Watts Water Technologies Inc., a leading, international manufacturer of valves, controls and associated products for the plumbing, heating and air conditioning industries. Peter joined Watts UK in 2001, following many years' experience in the valves industry, originally as product manager but quickly achieving appointment to sales and marketing manager. "Watts Industries has undergone significant change over the past four years and now offers a much more diverse range of products, complemented by a high level of customer service, efficient delivery and responsive after-sales support," said Peter. "We are on target for even greater success in the future and I look forward to overseeing the company's development in the years ahead." Reader Reply No.: 84095
Wavin brings breath of fresh air
The new improved OsmaVent 110 Air Admittance Valve 45304 from Wavin Plastics spells the end of foul air leaks from waste and drainage systems in buildings up to ten storeys.
Negative pressure within a building’s foul drainage network can threaten the efficiency of even the best systems and installations which is where the OsmaVent 110 Air Admittance Valve comes in.
This unique, maintenance-free design eliminates the need for expensive vent piping and roof penetrations, as it automatically equalises pressure in the plumbing system and prevents the escape of foul air. When negative pressure occurs in the soil and waste discharge system, the valve opens and fresh air is admitted, equalising pressure and thereby protecting the trap seals. Once the pressure is equalised, the valve closes again and is sealed tight by gravity. The airflow is subsequently stopped, preventing the escape of foul air.
The innovative valve, which has been awarded the top Al rating within the new European Standard EN 12056-2, forms part of a comprehensive range of plumbing, drainage and heating systems and is an all-plastic construction so will not rust or corrode. Its slim-line shape allows it to fit easily into pipe ducts, whilst a push-fit rubber connector means no solvent welding is required. In addition, the valve has an insect screen and polystyrene cap that prevents freezing. The new improved valve has a temperature operating range of -20 0C to 60 0C.
Installation of the OsmaVent 110 Air Admittance Valve is fast and simple. Fitted vertically onto a 110mm soil stack pipe in an accessible area which permits the free movement of air, it is versatile in application and can be used in domestic, residential, institutional and commercial buildings up to ten storeys. In addition, the valve can be installed in a loft, duct or room providing exceptional flexibility for stack layout.
Built to the highest quality, the OsmaVent 110 has a service life equal to that of the plumbing system to which it is installed and is guaranteed for ten years of service. It meets and exceeds the minimum air flow requirements for Air Admittance Valves defined by EN 12056-2 and is BBA certified
Wayfinding is not Signage! – How to avoid costly mistakes!
Wayfinder UK Limited is a North West based company, offering expertise in wayfinding to clients throughout the UK. Two people, Mike Slater and Mike Pridding, head Wayfinder. Armed with commercial and marketing experience and supported by backgrounds in architecture and design, their vision was to establish the UK’s only independent wayfinding business, set up exclusively to offer honest wayfinding solutions without product bias. Wayfinder have worked successfully with a wide range of organisations where image and clear direction are important. Their clients include large corporate companies, hospitals, universities, local authorities and independent business. Recognition of Wayfinding and appreciation of its importance has moved a long way in recent years thanks in the main to raised awareness by organisations such as The NHS. Despite this however, wayfinding is misunderstood by many and still confused with signage. Wayfinder are pleased to recognise their recent success has been boosted by one main realization… Most organisations are getting far less than they bargain for with branding and wayfinding solutions. Many are finding that despite taking the right route and employing so called “wayfinders”, they are being left with costly sign installations of poor quality that simply do not work. Why? Until now in the main wayfinding has been carried out by sign companies. Used by many to describe little more than an audit and shrouded in misconceptions, wayfinding has been used and abused as a vehicle to sell products. Wayfinder was set up to combat this problem, helping our clients to understand what Wayfinding is really about and to take advantage of the huge benefits to be gained from the right help and advice. Wayfinding is much more than just putting up signs. It is spatial problem solving and begins long before visitors arrive. Wayfinding involves the use of specialist techniques and disciplines. We consider the fundamental characteristics of human behaviour to offer the right information at the right time. Knowing when is too little information and when is not enough, we understand our capacity to retain information and the forces controlling our spatial awareness. Wayfinding covers physical factors such as lighting and landscaping, the requirements of current legislation and The DDA, as well as important issues like corporate image, security and staff motivation. For these reasons wayfinding can only honestly and successfully be carried out by those acting totally independent of sign installers or any other organisation with a financial incentive to sell product led solutions. If ignored the result is costly sign pollution. Over signing, with incorrect sign types and positions, which only create confusion, compound disorientation and add to visual noise and unnecessary expense. Using specialist skills and experience, Wayfinder bring simplicity to even the most complex of human environments, making sure important experiences are not missed. Through effective communications we allow everyone to move around easily and efficiently, ensuring the most positive image possible is taken from the experience received. Once Wayfinding has delivered the correct solution, our clients are able to realise the significant cost savings we can deliver as project managers. Working on behalf of our clients, sourcing directly rather than through costly third party consolidators, we bring together several elements to provide one solution. Acting as advocate, we negotiate directly with suppliers, manufacturers and installers to ensure our clients receive best possible value for money. Using our experience to supervise and to quality control the installations, we make sure the right solution is always achieved correct to specification. Our clients have peace of mind; every detail has been considered right down to the final fixings. Maximising brand and corporate image, we make sure all visitors, whatever their needs or requirements, are guided to the correct entrance. They are welcomed in and receive the best possible impression of a site whilst being helped effortlessly to their destination. We work to deliver a value for money solution, which will remain fresh and cope with inevitable change long into the future.
We can't look after our past - if we don't look out for the future
A recent report from the National Heritage Training Group (NHTG) backed by ConstructionSkills and English Heritage has highlighted that the Britain's listed and historic buildings are under serious threat from a shortage of skilled craft workers. The research found that over 86,000 people currently work within the built heritage sector, preserving over 4 million historic homes and 550,000 historic commercial buildings, but with an ever increasing workload nearly a quarter of contractors having outstanding vacancies. With the industry needing to recruit an additional 6,500 people in the next 12 months just to meet the immediate demand. In the next 15 to 20 years, the research warned, skills such as dry stone walling, earth walling and thatching could disappear altogether. The shortage in many parts of the country is so serious that there can be a wait of three months for the right craftsperson which puts many heritage building at risk. In response to the reports findings the NHTG aims to encourage more people into the heritage sector by campaigning to raise the profile of vocational training in the sector. The NHTG in consultation with employers, clients and education providers has developed a Skills Action Plan. This plan aims to secure funding for a heritage conservation qualification at NVQ Level 3 and adult apprenticeships and potentially develop current and new qualifications to ensure traditional building craft practical knowledge and skills can be gained from GCSE to Master Craft level. Michael Brown CIOB deputy chief executive commented, "This is the first major piece of research into the sector and has identified some very serious issues. It should come as no surprise that the heritage sector is facing a skills shortage, the construction industry generally is suffering the same fate, with an ageing workforce and inadequate recruitment. "But what this piece of research does show is the scale of the problem and the very real threat of these traditional building skills being lost. The CIOB recognises the need to promote this part of our industry and will be working alongside other professional bodies and industry to ensure that we have the right skills to protect our past."
We could do that!
Independent Heating & Cooling, one of the country’s most successful design and installation companies for heating, cooling and ventilation systems, and their sister company Independent Components, recently put it all on the line for a good cause. A friend of the company is suffering from leukaemia and, apart from the medical and clinical assistance required, is having a hard time of it financially being unable to work for a protracted period. So the co-workers got together, and, seeing the success of the famous WI ladies, said “We could do that”. The result is that Independent Heating & Cooling have produced ‘Calendar Boys’ a full colour calendar for 2004, featuring heating engineers, office staff in fact anyone with a link to the company in various states of undress, but always remaining respectable, of course! Months have been sponsored by various allied businesses, and the production costs were met by Independent Heating & Cooling, with nothing being deducted from the sponsorship income; so all of the money went to the right place. Calendars are now being ‘sold’ for a minimum donation of £5, so, if you still need a calendar (and you certainly need this one) put £5 in an envelope to Independent Heating & Cooling at Unit 10 Apex Park, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 3JU together with your name and address and you’ll get your calendar by return. You can see the pictures from the calendar on the IHC web site at www.hotice.co.uk and can order your copy from there and even vote for your favourite ‘Calendar Boy’. So what are you waiting for? Order today and fill in that blank space on the wall with ‘Calendar Boys’.
Welconstruct ‘cleans up’ as supplier to national car valeting companies
Workplace equipment specialist Welconstruct Distribution has mopped up its rivals in Britain’s car valeting industry.
The Birmingham-based company, which celebrates 60 years next year, has won a series of orders from two of the sector’s biggest operators - National Car Cleaning Company and Autoclenz.
Both use Welconstruct’s galvanised bins to store valeting products on site for their customers throughout the UK.
Autoclenz has placed 289 orders since its first in early 1999, whilst National Car Cleaning has placed 30 in the past year.
Melissa Graham, sales specialist for Welconstruct, based on Woodgate Business Park, said the bins had been particularly popular with petrol stations and garage owners since their launch.
“Usually, as with National Car Cleaning and Autoclenz, the bins are placed outside, which means it is essential that they are strong enough to deter potential thieves,” she said.
“They also have to withstand not just a wide range of weather conditions, but also spray from car washes, as well as engine fumes, and even oil and petrol.”
Essex-based National Car Cleaning has been trading for 25 years, and is one of the UK’s top suppliers of valeting products, dealing with more than 110 garages nationwide.
Sales director Justin Macal said his business decided to use Welconstruct a year ago to ensure that the cleaning chemicals it supplied were safely stored.
“We asked around in our industry for an established business with a reputation for selling quality products at a decent price. We heard about Welconstruct, got in touch and everything has gone from there,” he said.
“We’ve placed 30 orders with them in the past 12 months and the way business is looking I would think we’ll be looking at a similar number this year.”
Autoclenz, which operates nationwide from its head office in Swadlincote, near Derby, claims to be have pioneered vehicle valeting in the UK and has picked up a series of awards for the quality of its services.
Its marketing manager, Lee Johns, said: "As the largest contract valeting company in the UK, we need reliable suppliers who can respond rapidly to the needs of our business, nationwide.
“Welconstruct has over the last five years delivered its products to sites across the UK with the minimum amount of fuss, and without hindering our on-site operation. No doubt our association with Welconstruct will continue for many years to come.”
Welconstruct ‘cleans up’ as supplier to national car valeting company
Workplace equipment specialist Welconstruct Distribution has mopped up its rivals in Britain’s car valeting industry.
The Birmingham-based company, which celebrates 60 years next year, has won a series of orders from two of the sector’s biggest operators - National Car Cleaning Company and Autoclenz.
Both use Welconstruct’s galvanised bins to store valeting products on site for their customers throughout the UK.
Autoclenz has placed 289 orders since its first in early 1999, whilst National Car Cleaning has placed 30 in the past year.
Melissa Graham, sales specialist for Welconstruct, based on Woodgate Business Park, said the bins had been particularly popular with petrol stations and garage owners since their launch.
“Usually, as with National Car Cleaning and Autoclenz, the bins are placed outside, which means it is essential that they are strong enough to deter potential thieves,” she said.
“They also have to withstand not just a wide range of weather conditions, but also spray from car washes, as well as engine fumes, and even oil and petrol.”
Essex-based National Car Cleaning has been trading for 25 years, and is one of the UK’s top suppliers of valeting products, dealing with more than 110 garages nationwide.
Sales director Justin Macal said his business decided to use Welconstruct a year ago to ensure that the cleaning chemicals it supplied were safely stored.
“We asked around in our industry for an established business with a reputation for selling quality products at a decent price. We heard about Welconstruct, got in touch and everything has gone from there,” he said. “We’ve placed 30 orders with them in the past 12 months and the way business is looking I would think we’ll be looking at a similar number this year.”
Autoclenz, which operates nationwide from its head office in Swadlincote, near Derby, claims to be have pioneered vehicle valeting in the UK and has picked up a series of awards for the quality of its services.
Its marketing manager, Lee Johns, said: "As the largest contract valeting company in the UK, we need reliable suppliers who can respond rapidly to the needs of our business, nationwide.
“Welconstruct has over the last five years delivered its products to sites across the UK with the minimum amount of fuss, and without hindering our on-site operation. No doubt our association with Welconstruct will continue for many years to come.”
Welconstruct are a joy to work with
Following continued business success, Essex furniture retailer Joy Sleep decided that the time was right to expand and add another store to their chain of six.
Once they had found the ideal unit in Lakeside Retail Park, West Thurrock, the next step was to install a showroom and after a recommendation from numerous companies, Joy Sleep’s Property Director Nimish Shah decided that the only company for the job was Welconstruct Interior Contracts, one of the leading companies in their field.
Nimish explains: “After such a successful period it was only natural for us to open another store to add to our chain across London. As we wanted to open the store as quickly as possible we really needed a company that could come in and offer us a complete package to design and build our showhome from scratch and keep within a tight time frame.
“Welconstruct was recommended on the basis that they are very efficient in comparison to other companies in their field. They came in and sat down and spoke to us about our needs and together we devised a package that involved getting the best showhome design on a fast track programme.
“The whole process only took four weeks which meant that we could open the shop and begin to trade almost immediately.”
Roger Day, Interior Contracts Division’s General Manager said: “When we went to see the team at Joy Sleep we devised and designed the best showroom for them. Our main aim was to finish the job in the allotted amount of time which enabled the shop to start trading straight away. We are glad that they are pleased with the finished product and look forward to working with Joy Sleep again as they expand further across the region.”
Welconstruct launches revolutionary furniture product
Welconstruct Distribution, the UK's longest established workplace equipment catalogue company, is launching the latest addition to its innovative product range. Seattable, a revolutionary design in space making furniture, originates from Eastern Europe and is now available to buy from preferred supplier, Welconstruct. The product is both a seat and a table, able to convert from one to the other in an instant. Chris Humphreys, general manager at Welconstruct, said: "We're delighted to announce the launch of what we consider to be a real growth product for 2005. "Seattable is unique and we anticipate it becoming the future of space making design." The Seattable is targeted at schools, training centres, conference facilities and offices or anywhere that requires flexibility from its furniture. Coming in packs of four, the Seattable is available in a range of colours and finishes. The frame design enables tables and chairs to fit closely together and can be laid out in a variety of styles including theatre, classroom and round table. The matching wheeled stacking trolley allows a room to be laid out, changed or cleared within minutes. Seattable's innovative design won it the grand prize in workplace flexibility solutions at the 2004 Innovations Award and the Chair of the Year award at the 26th International Chair Exhibition. Chris said: "The selection of this product matches our strategy to continually innovate, bring new products to the market and develop our presence in niche and emerging sectors." This year marks the 60th anniversary of Welconstruct and its latest workplace catalogue features more than 28,000 products. Part of the Welconstruct Group, Welconstruct Distribution has been supplying equipment in the workplace since the end of the Second World War, although its roots can be traced even further back. In 1918 Edgar Albert Welch, who was later to found Welconstruct, invented the concept of slotted steel, developing the first slotted steel racks and stands.
Welconstruct opens doors to London office in £1m investment
One of the UK's leading contractors Welconstruct Interior Contracts has opened an office in the heart of London and revealed an estimated £10m turnover forecast for this year. The £500k investment into the new office in Berkeley Street has been made to meet the fast growing demands of the city's marketplace. The nationwide firm announced a £6.5m turnover last year. The significant increase in forecast turnover results reflects the firms steady growth in the retail, commercial and industrial markets and its expansion into the construction sector. Roger Day, General Manager of Interior Contracts said: "Work generated by London and the home counties has grown significantly in the last two years and now represents around one third of our business. "Being located right on the doorstep of many of our city clients is important as we look to increase our share of an already substantial market and deliver best service to those in and around our M25 catchment area. This goal certainly warrants its own local team base right in the city. The Berkeley Street location - opposite the Ritz Hotel- is extremely central and easily accessible and of course high profile.!" The company has recently appointed a new management team to help strengthen the firm's strategies in the future and now has three offices located in Birmingham, Manchester and London. Mr Day added: "We have enjoyed significant growth over the last decade. The nature of our work is changing and as clients continue to seek the one stop solution we continue to meet this demand and deliver to the market. More and more we are now becoming a principle contractor rather than delivering purely fit out solutions. Launching in London reinforces our commitment to our customers and the future strategy of the company."
Welconstruct to celebrate 60th Anniversary with record sales
Welconstruct Distribution, the oldest workplace equipment catalogue company in the country, is aiming to mark its 60th anniversary by achieving record sales. The company, whose clients range from major multi-nationals to small independent businesses, has just launched its 2005 workplace equipment catalogue. It is also expanding its new business team in response to growth in 2004 and the changing nature of its largest target sector, manufacturing. General Manager Chris Humphreys said: "Manufacturing is our biggest market and will continue to be so for some time, but everyone knows the challenges facing industry today. "To stay ahead of our competitors we need to continually innovate, bringing new products to the market and developing our presence in niche and emerging sectors. Our new people will focus on product development. "While 2004 has been a strong trading year we are aiming to achieve record sales during 2005, which will be a great way to celebrate our 60th anniversary." The 2005 catalogue features more than 28,000 products and offers equipment for storage, safety and security, handling, environmental and waste, cleaning, workstations, packaging, cloakroom and furniture. "There's equipment for everywhere from the front of office, to the factory floor, to the back of store," said Chris. Part of the Welconstruct Group, Welconstruct Distribution has been supplying equipment in the workplace since the end of the Second World War, although its roots can be traced even further back. In 1918 Edgar Albert Welch, who was later to found Welconstruct, invented the concept of slotted steel, developing the first slotted steel racks and stands.
Welfare workers fear of abuse and violence at work is highest in UK
Research published recently shows that staff in Jobcentres, benefit offices and the combined Jobcentre Plus offices are more worried about threats and abuse at work than any other workforce in the UK and only public transport workers are more worried about physical attack.
Nearly half (49%) of the respondents to the survey of 5,000 Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) staff, commissioned by the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) and workplace security systems provider Safetell Ltd, had personally experienced violence at work in the last year. This rises to three-quarters (76%) for staff working in constant contact with the public and 84% of these workers had witnessed violence in their workplace. Furthermore, only 8% of these front-line workers are not worried about the risk of threats and abuse at work and over two-thirds are worried about being attacked in the future.
The POS/Safetell survey was designed in order to compare staffs’ worry about threats and violence at work with the British Crime Survey 2000 (BCS), which looked at other workers who are in contact with the public. Nearly half (49%) of the DWP staff surveyed are worried about the risk of abuse at work, rising to two-thirds for those staff in constant contact with the public. This compares to an average of only 17% of workers who had personal contact with the public surveyed by BCS (Public transport workers 47%, nurses 46% and retail sales workers 29%).
The survey found that 42% of DWP staff are worried about physical attack at work, rising to two-thirds for those staff in constant contact with the public. This compares to an average of only 14% of workers who had personal contact with the public surveyed by BCS (Public transport workers 46%, nurses 42% and retail sales workers 24%).
Mark Serwotka, PCS General Secretary, commented on the findings: “No worker should be in fear of threats, abuse and violence while doing their job. It is unacceptable that staff delivering the government’s jobs and benefits service feel unsafe in benefits offices and the open plan jobcentres and Jobcentre Plus offices. It is damaging to these public servants as individuals and the quality of the service itself.
“This important research will feed into the Jobcentre Plus safety review, beginning next month, that PCS members secured through over six months of industrial action. PCS and Jobcentre Plus management will have to work to build a safety strategy that will dramatically reduce the abuse and violence suffered by this vulnerable workforce.”
Wellman wins race against time to replace superheater
The failure of a steam superheater critical to plant operations for Lucite International UK led to a race against time for Wellman Customer Services (WCS), the after care service arm of boiler manufacturer Wellman Robey. The problem was identified close to a planned maintenance shutdown at Lucite’s Cassel Works at Billingham, giving WCS just 18 weeks to design and manufacture a replacement superheater installation.
Lucite International is one of the world’s leading suppliers of methyl methacrylates, monomers that form the building blocks for a wide range of products, and acrylic resins. Methacrylate manufacture takes place at the Billingham plant, on Teesside, which has 16 different process plants. The company schedules shutdowns every two years, to enable maintenance work to be carried out on the bulk of these process plants.
The superheater was originally installed in the sulphuric acid recovery (SAR) unit in the early 90’s as part of a major site upgrade in capacity and environmental performance. Since installation, the superheater, which sits in a corrosive gas environment, has been inspected on a regular basis by the Cassel team to ensure its integrity. It was during one of these regular checks that a tube leak was identified which required an immediate temporary repair, with a view to part or all of the superheater being replaced at the next shutdown of the plant – which was just 18 weeks away.
For Lucite’s operation, it was essential that whatever course of action was decided on, the work on the superheater had to be completed during the forthcoming shutdown, as Cassel Works Projects Manager Graham York explains: “The SAR plant takes spent acid and recovers it, providing a key raw material to the site. Because of its importance to the site the only viable time to carry out major work on the superheater is when it can be off-line during the site shutdown, which is a major operation involving around 1000 personnel at its peak. This meant that replacement of the superheater would be a critical path project in the shutdown. Unfortunately the problem with the superheater occurred very close to the shutdown, leaving an extremely short lead time.”
As soon as the problem was identified, Lucite International contacted the Repairs and Conversions section of WCS to discuss the possibility of either repairing or replacing the superheater, the issue being whether it was feasible and cost effective to replace part of the tube bundle or to replace the entire unit in the timescale available. Due to the extremely tight lead time, WCS were commissioned to order materials for the superheater tube whilst these discussions were still in progress.
After extensive analysis and risk assessment of the manufacturing and shutdown programmes conducted in conjunction with the Lucite project team, it was determined that the optimum course of action was to lift out the existing unit and replace the whole superheater, apart from the base and support structure. This decision meant that dimensional accuracy would form a key component of the manufacturing process, since the superheater would have to slot exactly into the space vacated by the old unit. The final order to WCS was issued just 15 weeks before the shutdown, during which period they had to complete the casework and the superheater bundle, assemble the superheater bundle into the casework and have the unit delivered to site at Billingham.
Working 24/7, WCS manufactured the unit at its Oldbury works. The combination of superheater and casework weighs 75 tonnes and when the original was shipped in 1994, it was transported on its side, with the top casework missing, to a satellite site near to the Billingham plant for final assembly. On this occasion, however, with time being of the essence, a design study was carried out to determine whether the superheater could be transported with all of its casing intact, leaving only a few connections to be added at the final site.
This was achieved by the manufacture of special support beams suspending the unit over an ultra-low loader which made the journey from Oldbury to Teesside under police escort. On arrival, the superheater was lifted into position with a 1000 tonne crane. This happened exactly on time and the unit fitted perfectly onto the existing base structure.
Commenting on WCS’s performance in this race against time, Graham York says: “I can only praise the efforts of WCS for both the high quality of manufacture and the timely delivery to site. With our whole production capability reliant on the SAR unit, the superheater vessel was a vital element in the site shutdown. Any delay to the project would have cost the business significant amounts of money in lost production.
“It is a credit to the whole team at WCS that the vessel arrived on site on the planned date and that the installation was made easy by the accuracy of build. It was a superb performance to achieve all of this in just 18 weeks.”
Wellman wins race against time to replace superheater
The failure of a steam superheater critical to plant operations for Lucite International UK led to a race against time for Wellman Customer Services (WCS), the after care service arm of boiler manufacturer Wellman Robey.
The problem was identified close to a planned maintenance shutdown at Lucite's Castle Works at Billingham, giving WCS just 18 weeks to design and manufacture a replacement superheater installation.
Lucite International is one of the world's leading suppliers of methyl methacrylates, monomers that form the building blocks for a wide range of products, and acrylic resins. Methacrylate manufacture takes place at the Billingham plant, on Teesside, which has 16 different process plants. The company schedules shutdowns every two years, to enable maintenance work to be carried out on the bulk of these process plants.
The superheater was originally installed in the sulphuric acid recovery (SAR) unit in the early 90's as part of a major site upgrade in capacity and environmental performance. Since installation, the superheater, which sits in a corrosive gas environment, has been inspected on a regular basis by the Cassel team to ensure its integrity. It was during one of these regular checks that a tube leak was identified which required an immediate temporary repair, with a view to part or all of the superheater being replaced at the next shutdown of the plant - which was just 18 weeks away.
For Lucite's operation, it was essential that whatever course of action was decided on, the work on the superheater had to be completed during the forthcoming shutdown, as Cassel Works Projects Manager Graham York explains: 'the SAR plant takes spent acid and recovers it, providing a key raw material to the site. Because of its importance to the site the only viable time to carry out major work on the superheater is when it can be off-line during the site shutdown, which is a major operation involving around 1000 personnel at its peak. This meant that replacement of the superheater would be a critical path project in the shutdown. Unfortunately the problem with the superheater occurred very close to the shutdown, leaving an extremely short lead time.
As soon as the problem was identified, Lucite International contacted the Repairs and Conversions section of WCS to discuss the possibility of either repairing or replacing the superheater, the issue being whether it was feasible and cost effective to replace part of the tube bundle or to replace the entire unit in the timescale available. Due to the extremely tight lead time, WCS were commissioned to order materials for the superheater tube whilst these discussions were still in progress.
After extensive analysis and risk assessment of the manufacturing and shutdown programmes conducted in conjunction with the Lucite project team, it was determined that the optimum course of action was to lift out the existing unit and replace the whole superheater, apart from the base and support structure. This decision meant that dimensional accuracy would form a key component of the manufacturing process, since the superheater would have to slot exactly into the space vacated by the old unit. The final order to WCS was issued just 15 weeks before the shutdown, during which period they had to complete the casework and the superheater bundle, assemble the superheater bundle into the casework and have the unit delivered to site at Billingham.
Working 24/7, WCS manufactured the unit at its Oldbury works. The combination of superheater and casework weighs 75 tonnes and when the original was shipped in 1994, it was transported on its side, with the top casework missing, to a satellite site near to the Billingham plant for final assembly. On this occasion, however, with time being of the essence, a design study was carried out to determine whether the superheater could be transported with all of its casing intact, leaving only a few connections to be added at the final site.
This was achieved by the manufacture of special support beams suspending the unit over an ultra-low loader which made the journey from Oldbury to Teesside under police escort. On arrival, the superheater was lifted into position with a 1000 tonne crane. This happened exactly on time and the unit fitted perfectly onto the existing base structure.
Commenting on WCS's performance in this race against time, Graham York says: 'I can only praise the efforts of WCS for both the high quality of manufacture and the timely delivery to site. With our whole production capability reliant on the SAR unit, the superheater vessel was a vital element in the site shutdown. Any delay to the project would have cost the business significant amounts of money in lost production.
'it is a credit to the whole team at WCS that the vessel arrived on site on the planned date and that the installation was made easy by the accuracy of build. It was a superb performance to achieve all of this in just 18 weeks.'
West Midlands Fire Service use Magiboards printed whiteboards and mobile stands
West Midland Fire Service Headquarters in Birmingham recently purchased two silk screen-printed vitreous enamel steel "Map" and 'incident" boards on mobile stands from specialist visual aid solutions manufacturer Magiboards. The boards were designed and printed from diagrams supplied by West Midlands Fire Service. The map board was printed on both sides with regional and national data. West Midlands Fire Service, comments: "The boards are being used in a number of areas to aid training, provide current relevant information for staff and allow us to provide business continuity during times of IT outage". "Magiboards were able to provide a service for us in an economical, efficient and professional manner, being able to meet all our requirements. Regular liaison during the production process ensured the product was correct. We are also pleased with Magiboards after sales service. Magnetic rondals and special coloured magnets with text were supplied to accompany the boards. These magnets are used to denote places and items on the boards.
Wet or dry - it's all the same to Multiswivel
John Clark of Duradiamond explains why his innovative new Multiswivel(tm) is a diamond drilling time and cost saver ... Diamond drilling is fast and efficient but to get the most out of it you need to select the right tool for the job. That means dry drilling indoors or for soft masonry materials and quicker wet drilling outdoors and on hard masonry materials and concrete. Because dry drilling creates dust, some of it toxic, to protect your workforce and stay on the right side of the HSE, you must use dust extraction equipment. Historically, wet and dry drilling requires different equipment - different core bits plus vacuum and water pump and, because of the expense involved, not many builders, let alone plumbers and electricians, carry both wet and dry systems. This often causes lost time and additional expense when materials requiring a different drilling system are encountered - often, in fact, resulting in the call out of a specialist drilling contractor - That's until now. The unique Multiswivel(tm) from diamond tool specialist, Duradiamond, overcomes all the obstacles. It's one man operated, uses the same core bits for both wet and dry drilling and incorporates a wet and dry vacuum with in-built water feed pump and tank for either super-efficient dust extraction or water supply for wet drilling. In short, inside or out and whatever the material you can to drill-it-yourself. The secret of the dual capability lays in the clever swivel unit design which allows dust or water to pass separately around the drive shaft, and which has the added benefit of reducing component wear and increasing unit life. System inventor, John Clark, says, "Dust is at the top of the HSE's action programme and from January there's been a tightening up of the COSHH regulations effectively reducing by 60% the permissible levels of silica dust. An efficient dust extraction system is, therefore, now essential, while Multiswivel's ability to wet drill with the same equipment has obvious cost and logistical advantages for everyone." Costing around the same as a dry drilling system alone, Multiswivel can be used with core bits from 22mm to 202mm diameter and, in hand held operation, can handle drill lengths of 450mm (wet) and 350mm (dry) - easily coping with most interior and exterior walls.
What do today’s digital announcement systems have to offer the NHS
By David Konopinski,
Business Development Manager, Interalia Communications Ltd.
“We need to improve patient service levels but have neither the staffing levels nor budgets to do so”.
For the last several years the above statement has summarised almost every conversation I’ve had with members of the healthcare professions who are working in the NHS.
There is no shortage of the will and intention to solve the problems. The time and effort such individuals and groups spend working with telecom companies to define, plan, agree and implement solutions bears ample witness to that.
So what does the telecom industry have to offer? It can offer reliable digital call processing systems, which improve the telephone caller’s experience and expedite the successful throughput of telephone calls into any department or any individual in any organisation.
It must also be admitted that many thousands of these systems in organisations today are poorly implemented. We have all had the experience of trying to speak to a real person and somehow never getting the opportunity to do so before we hang up in frustration.
But we’ve also all had the experience of being given clear friendly directions to get to the person we need by just one or two key depressions from short well scripted menus. The difference is simple. If the organisation has installed the system to save money or improve efficiency then it can go badly wrong. If the system has been implemented to help the caller in the light of resource problems, for example, then the result will be better. The key is always to work from the point of view of the caller.
We know that every manufacturer will tell you that their products are reliable. However, if you are a company like Interalia Communications, which implements call processing and announcement solutions in airports, underground rail networks and some of the largest contact centres in the world, then your offering must meet the uncompromising reliability demands of these “Mission Critical” environments.
Now let’s be honest. No one has control over the number of people who try to reach a particular telephone number at any one point in time. No NHS Community has the resource to provide “one caller, one agent” staffing levels when peak hour traffic is reached. And I’m not just talking about patients calling in. How many times have you tried and failed to get through to your own IT Helpdesk first thing Monday morning when, after a weekend break, your PC plays up? Call the Helpdesk on Tuesday afternoon and you’re straight through to someone who can help you.
In some parts of the country that IT Helpdesk will be a facility provided by the local authority and it’s available not only to NHS locations, but also to all the local government offices and agencies, such as Leisure Services or Trading Standards. So when you try to make your call, it is even more difficult to reach the person who can provide you with the information you require.
Intelligent use of digital announcement systems, which can queue and steer calls as well as deliver the announcements to callers, can make all the difference in the world.
There is a range of digital call processing and announcement products on the market suitable for organisations of any size providing solutions from entry-level systems to bespoke applications. Such products can be used alongside or integrated with Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) systems or existing call processing applications using Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF). They can integrate with a telephone switch or with a FeaturNet/Centrex service. Such systems can prove to be extremely cost-effective solutions for voice messaging and call processing when compared over time with traditional IVR type solutions.
At the top of the range there are systems that have the capacity to run sophisticated call management processes, empowering many thousands of callers each hour of the day and night with the ability to access the services or information they require
If fully functional call processing is not required then there are digital voice announcers designed to give organisations a simple and effective way of providing selective pre-recorded information to callers, thereby freeing valuable personnel for other tasks. These can range from 1-4 Line Announcers which play up to 10 stored messages to fully configurable 64 port units that can time and date stamp thousands of messages, so that the unit will automatically play different messages according to the time of the call, this type of product would usually be LAN or TCP/IP connected to allow remote or multi site system management via graphical user interfaces.
There is little doubt that despite massive investment in the NHS, funding will always be a major problem and staffing telephone lines will always be a casualty. However, by harnessing today’s telecommunication’s technology, the NHS can create sophisticated response systems that manage large volumes of enquiries and help deal with each individual caller in the most effective and appropriate manner.
Digital announcement and call processing systems are not bums on seats to answer calls, but they are less costly and when thoughtfully implemented will empower healthcare patients and professionals to access the people and information they need.
What Next?
With the popular cause identified as banning Foxhunting, one has to wonder “ What next?” A ban on domestic cats that kill more small mammals in the wild than all the fox hunts put together? Or maybe there should be an immediate campaign to ban the pursuit of cheap and easy political targets while there are still real social issues causing lasting harm in our society?
But then you have to ask if an equal degree of moral fortitude exists to deal with the real causes of poverty or social injustice – especially if it could hit us in the pocket. Cynical? Definitely.
This current wasted expenditure of angst and venom ignores one of the real cancers in our consumer society – waste. We have all heard about waste minimisation, energy conservation, recycling etc. Many of us in business practice some or all of these. We do it to ensure that we are not obviously contributing to the shortage of vital raw materials and energy and to get best value for money.
But I want to use this column to reveal that in the UK there is a very serious crisis in the availability of one key product that threatens all our businesses in one way or another. There is a national shortage. None of this item has been made in significant quantities for many years and yet it is wasted and abused every day. No government or campaign group has yet come forward to demand that we each of us look fundamentally at how we use this precious resource.
I am of course talking about land; the property asset, the interest in landed estates.
In this column some months ago I pointed out the way in which this asset was used by commerce was a scandal.
Now I am glad to see the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has launched a “Property in Business” initiative. Not before time. They have been holding seminars for members around the UK explaining the very values and principles that you saw aired here in this journal. To avoid you having to reach for a back number of PFM, I will recap on a few facts given in that article:
* In the mid 90’s £210 billion worth of a total property stock of £1500 billion was associated with manufacturing.
* Between 10% and 30% of value of UK companies’ tangible assets were property.
* Only 10% of property values reassessed annually
* 30% reassessed every three years
* 38%-43% less frequently
* 17% never
If other assets were treated with that degree of neglect, serious questions would be asked in the boardroom. How has land, thus far land escaped these questions?
But let’s get to the meat. When you are securing business you are concerned about a customers ability to pay. Are you secure if your client does not comprehensively manage all his assets? Many of our customers have substantial property holdings – how many are effectively wasting them? As accounting practices are also put under scrutiny, how soon before that neglect could start to affect the bottom line? How soon thereafter will they start to look at costs of services?
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is encouraging its members to get out there and preach the gospel of sound asset management. To you as FM practitioners, I pose the following question, “Who else has a more regular access to business than its FM providers? “
Take a suitably qualified RICS member with you when you next call, it could be the start of a beautiful relationship – definitely not a waste of time.
What price security?
As crime rates rise and home owners seek additional ways of protecting their property, a good line of defence can be security gates. Although these jobs offer good profit margins, smaller firms and individual installers and electricians are reluctant to offer them. This is largely due to the misperception that automated systems are expensive and complicated to install.
Aprimatic, the gate automation experts, point out that with its basic kit, the lowest point of entry can be as little as £1,400 for a basic electro-magnetically operated gate system fully installed. This estimate is based on the cost of a basic kit, such as the Snodo, from Aprimatic, added to the cost of 2 days labour and limited cabling and fittings. On this you could make a healthy profit margin, as much as 44%, by charging the customer £2,500, which is the average market price for this type of installation.
The Snodo complete kit includes an electro-mechanical lever-arm operator which attaches to the gate to open double swing gates of up to 3 metres per leaf. With adjustable braking at the end of the opening and closing movements it offers near silent operation making the Snodo particularly good for residential installations. In addition it is ultra safe with a 24V supply and electronic current absorption anti-crush system.
Any fully trained electrician conversant with current European safety standards for external work can undertake this type of work as Aprimatic supplies complete installation instructions. There is also a help desk providing a complete back up and trouble shooting service with trained technical staff.
What the eye can't see
Tremco has developed a comprehensive service for all roofing applications. By providing a qualified condition report via infra-red technology, a camera provides an in-depth analysis of the whole roof, revealing any hidden problems. The thermal images and thermograms reveal the location and extent of any entrapped moisture and show the heat energy released. The start-to-finish roofing programme allows the specifier to penetrate the invisible condition of a roof, from the vapour control layer to the cap sheet, bringing images directly to the desktop. Through this analysis, Tremco can provide roofing solutions to any problems using the highest standard of product and system specifications. Additionally, by detecting the temperature difference, the infra-red camera can assist in providing an informed, planned maintenance schedule to ensure long lasting durability and performance. Tremco now has an extensive range of solutions for all roofing needs, offering total peace of mind.
What to Buy for Business telecoms report recommends Toshiba Strata system
Toshiba Telecoms has received Recommended Buy status for the Toshiba Strata CTX100 system in the 2003 annual What To Buy For Business Report on phone systems. The Strata CTX100 was recommended in the Low to Medium system category and the Strata CS was recommended in the LAN system category. Toshiba was the only manufacturer to receive recommendations in two categories. What To Buy For Business is an extremely influential subscription only, monthly magazine, published for over 20 years. It does not accept advertising so editorial opinions are acknowledged as completely impartial. In the What To Buy For Business Report the Strata CTX100 is described as ...an excellent starting point. Can be upgraded to 560 extensions and 672 ports. Contains a LAN interface and is capable of voice over IP. An excellent foundation The Toshiba Strata CTX system is at the leading edge of telephone system design. It has a modular growth path allowing a one cabinet system providing up to 30 lines and 40 extensions to be expanded to a maximum system configuration of 672 ports with virtually any combination of lines and extensions. The Strata CTX is designed to be ‘future proof’, so that the investment customers make today is still able to meet their needs tomorrow. Strata CTX has been designed as a complete suite of telephony solutions with a wide choice of flexible options, such as voice processing systems, ACD (automatic call distribution) systems, CTI (computer-telephony integration) capabilities and IP technology. The What To Buy For Business recommendations follow the Business Equipment Digest Excellence Awards for 2002 which saw Toshiba as runner up in the telecoms category. Commenting on the What To Buy For Business recommendations, Tim Webb, General Manager for Toshiba Telecoms said, “The fact that we received buy recommendations in two categories shows that Toshiba Telecoms is producing world class products that are second to none. Strata CTX was launched in October last year and is already receiving widespread plaudits and industry recognition for its innovative design and comprehensive feature set. What To Buy For Business is a completely independent publication and its endorsement of two Toshiba phone systems is a significant indicator of the quality and versatility of our systems for prospective customers”.
When did you last consider your workplace Smoking Policy?
The BMA’s recent call to ban smoking in public places and eliminate passive smoking risks, together with changes in European smoking legislation, has prompted many UK Employers to look for safer and better ways to accommodate their smoking workforce. Now, thanks to advances in technology, the revolutionary “Smoking Station” delivers a totally smoke-free indoor working environment without any of the disadvantages that come with foul-smelling smoking rooms or “outdoor” policies: which often result in access control problems, blocked entrance doors and missing workers. Focusing on removal of the smoke, not the smokers, all co-workers will be free to interact even when some of them are smoking. Passive smoking risks are eliminated and the indoor climate is measurably improved. Positive effects on workflow and social climate are instantly noticeable and the fireproof ash-handling system makes unhygienic ashtrays and discarded cigarette butts a thing of the past. With thousands of systems already operating in eleven European Countries and a reference list which includes IBM, BMW, Siemens, Ernst & Young, European Government and Trades Union Organizations1 a good UK reception is assured. The Smoking Station will make its first appearance at Safety & Health Expo this year, 19th-22nd May, NEC Birmingham, Hall 11, Stand P72.
When safety is paramount you can rely on Berry Systems
Berry Systems supplies a wide range of products which protect buildings, structures and pedestrians in commercial and industrial applications.
In private and public car parks, pedestrian and vehicle safety is paramount. Berry Systems provides a range of safety beams and barriers for vehicles ranging from 1.5 to 40 tonnes. Spring steel barriers, which incorporate unique steel spring mountings, cushion impact to reduce damage to both vehicle and barrier. Berry Systems’ barriers comply fully with BS6399 Part 1:1996, and are suitable for use in new build and refurbishment projects. Hand rail mesh panels can be used in conjunction with traditional rails or with beam and rail systems to provide additional pedestrian safety.
In access-restricted areas, bollards are an effective control solution. Berry Systems offers over 20 different types of fixed, movable and flexible bollards. Problems associated with unauthorised parking can be overcome by using parking posts, which are available in hinged, fixed or removable designs.
When the heat ois on - choose BRK
BRK, the company that invented the smoke alarm and the first organisation of its kind to offer a 10-year life guarantee on all its key products is continuing to lead the way, helping to dramatically improve fife safety in the home. The Company has now launched a new range of mains powered fixed temperature Heat Alarms for use in places where it would be unsuitable for smoke alarms to be installed BRK’ s heat alarms have been specifically developed for use in kitchens, which is where recent statistics state over 40% of domestic fifes start. The heat alarm can also be used in attics and garages, as all such areas are subject to high humidity, temperature fluctuation or raised levels of dust and grease that can cause unwanted, false or “nuisance” alarms. When both smoke and heat alarms are installed they represent the ultimate in fife protection safety. Heat detectors also offer an alternative level of protection in bed-sits and flats where limited space can often result in combined cooking and living areas and smoke alarms may be impractical. BRK Heat Alarms are available in two models. The 6230 BFP, a mains operated, fixed temperature heat alarm with battery back up in case of mains failure, and the 6230B10FP, identical to the first, but with the added benefit of a sealed lithium battery for 10-year back up. BRK Heat Alarms comply with all current Standards and when combined with smoke alarms and call points they offer a highly cost effective, practical solution to the Workplace Regulations (Grade C). Up to 12 BRK Smoke Alarms can be interconnected with up to 6 BRK heat alarms to provide absolute peace of mind. The BRK range incorporates design and manufacturing quality, reliability and ease of installation and low maintenance.
When the Reisswolf howls, the archives disappear
Many countries have regulations requiring that personal data must be erased or destroyed after legitimate use. Many organisations such as banks and insurance companies demand that their old files are destroyed in a closed security system. Reisswolf in Hamburg, Germany has created a European franchise network for off site shredding of archives, employing the same high security standards. Now Reisswolf is setting out to conquer the rest of the world.
World-wide network of confidential shredding companies
Seventeen years ago, back in 1985, recovered paper merchant Henning in Hamburg decided to diversify his company by adding a new company that would specialise in off site shredding of confidential archives. He set up a new company called “Reisswolf’, which was the name of a satirical local radio programme, and appointed Jan Moller as General Manager. Moller’s main concern was to set up safety and confidentiality standards to work by, and at the same time acquire customers for his enterprise. He got off to a good start when he contracted several banks and insurance companies in Hamburg. They were very satisfied with the controlled way Reisswolf shredded their archives and the word spread across Germany. By 1988, subsidiaries of Moller’s Hamburg customers asked him if he could provide the same service for them in other parts of Germany. Eager to acquire new business, Moller thought of a way to satisfy his prospect’s needs, without having to invest heavily in setting up companies all over Germany.
One evening, when he had been working late, he stopped on his way home at a McDonald’s restaurant to grab a quick bite to stave off his hunger. While he was chewing away at his double cheeseburger, the solution to his problems suddenly dawned on him; do it the McDonald way-set up a franchise network.
Rapid growth
Moller started looking for recovered paper and/or archive shredders in Germany who were willing to either change their name to Reisswolf or would agree to establish a separate Reisswolf company.
In 1989 eight German recovered paper companies set up a “Reisswolf’ alongside their own activities. And when in that year the Berlin wall came tumbling down, four more followed in quick succession in the eastern region. There was a great deal of archive shredding to be done in the German Democratic Republic! In the same year, The German Reisswolf companies founded ReisswolfDeutschland, which acted as a service and communications centre for all German franchisees.
Today, 17 Reisswolf companies cover all areas of Germany, making us them market leader. Last year the 17 German branches shredded some 55,000 tonnes of archives, giving a turnover of 40 million Deutschmark (US$ 26.4 million).
International expansion
But the company did not stop at German borders in the selling concept. In 1993, Reisswolf opened its first international branch in Bertrange, Luxembourg, through its company in Saarbrucken. In Luxembourg, virtually all major banks of the world have a subsidiary with millions of archives to be shredded confidentially each year. This was the start of this company’s international expansion. To date, there are also Reisswolfs outside Germany in France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg, Portugal, Greece, Hungary, The Czech Republic and NATIONAL COVERAGE OF TIlE UK. To co-ordinate marketing, support and public relations for the foreign branches, Reisswolf International was set up in 1996. In due course, we intend to become the world leader in confidential shedding. Our goal for the immediate future is to have at least one Reisswolf company in all continents and and at least one in all countries of Europe by 2003. Thus we can provide our customers all over the world with the same high-quality service.
Destroying all data carriers
Apart from shredding paper archives, Reisswolf destroys other data such as floppy discs, hard discs, magnetic and videotapes, microfilms, and other materials that might pose a threat should they fall into the wrong hands, such as uniforms.
The company also deals with illegal merchandise confiscated by the police, such as counterfeit designer sunglasses and clothes, CDs and CD roms, and also impounded pornographic videos. Each Reisswolf subsidiary must have a shredder to cope with all these different materials. If a customer wishes, Reisswolf can even take care of all office and production waste.
Philosophy
We have learned a lot during the long and successful years of our develop ment in our chosen field.
We have translated it into practical solutions. What does this mean?
— The most important thing is a profound knowledge in our field, in which we are the market leader.
— A continuous chain of hardware and software has been built, in which each link of the chain is as strong as the next, so that the chain itself becomes unbreakable.
— Software means: consultancy, ongoing training of our staff, obligation of data protection, quality management, national and international security regulations, take-over protocols, safety guarantees, multiple surveillance, counter control and certificates of destruction and disposal.
— Hardware means: containers of the highest quality with multiple safety features, flexible matching transport features, specialised vehicles, guaranteed reliable Reisswolf services for processing and machinery specialised for all kind of data material.
— Our services are within everyone’s reach no matter where. This is achieved through our network of international Reisswolf companies.
— Environmentally correct solutions. This is our number one priority.
Tailor-made solutions, environmentally friendly, professional and economical.
Possibilities
We offer all services required for your data media, securing data by scanning or filming,
depending on the technology available. Safe storage in external archives. No matter how much space you need, we create it and offer additional services such as fetch and carry.
Our speciality is the safe destruction of all kinds of data material from paper to disks, micro films, magnetic tapes, CD’s etc. and of course hard disk drives. We offer this service for other product areas including pirate copies, contraband goods etc. not intended for third party.
As we offer a complete service we devote ourselves to your questions concerning the disposal of all accruing waste materials and we help you to work out the necessary concepts.
Where art and Edge meet
Although MK Edge socket outlets are installed extensively throughout the recently expanded and refurbished Manchester Art Gallery, the only place where art lovers can admire and appreciate their stylish sleek finish is in the entrance lobby. Here there is a cluster of brushed stainless steel Edge switches and a socket outlet for use by the cleaning staff.
Unfortunately, rather like exhibits waiting for display in the museum’s vaults, the socket outlets in the viewing galleries, are hidden from view, ensconced in floor boxes from the MK PowerLink range. Art curators like to have the walls of the viewing galleries unblemished, without even as handsome a socket outlet as those from the Edge range. Away from the exhibition areas, however, some are to be found on open display in the offices, along with brushed stainless steel light switches!
The architects, Michael Hopkins and Partners, originally specified other stylish brands of wiring accessories for the £35million facelift and extension to the Gallery. They were so impressed by the Edge accessories when launched in 2000, that they agreed without hesitation to electrical contractors, ABB Ltd, installing them.
The extension to the Art gallery doubles its overall size and includes a spacious glazed public area that links the City Art Gallery with the adjoining Athenaeum. The buildings have been cleaned and refurbished, bringing some areas of the Gallery into public use for the first time ever. The top floor of the extension houses two new galleries for special exhibitions, whilst the ground floor includes a lecture theatre. There are two spacious café/restaurants and a new visitors services area.
Where do electricians fish for great Thorn prices?
In a summer promotion that's hard to beat, Newey & Eyre is offering major reductions on a wide range of Thorn Lighting Products with some products even half price. Customers have until 30 June to take the bait and drop into or call one of over 180 local Newey & Eyre branches to catch this fantastic offer. Thorn Lighting, the leading supplier of professional lighting has a complete range of products and systems for indoor and outdoor applications. Special prices are available on full ranges including SONPAK discharge floodlights - selling at less than half normal trade price - whilst VOYAGER 8w Emergency Bulkhead's start from £13.50 compared to the usual trade price of £24.99. To support the promotion Newey & Eyre has produced posters for branch sales counters and leaflets are available throughout its national network of branches. Commenting on the promotion, Newey & Eyre Category Manager Nick Wiggins said: "This is one of our best promotions to date offering significant cost savings for our customers. We thought it would be ideal to run the Thorn promotion now as people prepare to update and install quality light fittings before the summer break." The following cost savings are available on these products: SONPAK Floodlights • SONPAK 7 c/w 70W SONE lamp - trade price £67.61, promotion net price £27.50 • SONPAK 7 c/w 70W METAL HALIDE lamp - trade price £99.30, promotion net price £39.50 • SONPAK 25/40 c/w 250W SONT lamp - trade price £158.86, promotion net price £63.00 • SONPAK 25/40 c/w 400W SONT lamp - trade price £164.80, promotion net price £65.00 Voyager Emergency Bulkheads • VOYAGER 8W Non-maintained - trade price £24.99 promotion net price £13.50 • VOYAGER 8W Maintained - trade price £40.99 promotion net price £22.50 Other fantastic prices are available on Arrowslim, Aquaproof, 2D fittings, Battens and diffusers.
Where shallowness is a virtue
As well as being amongst the fastest and easiest of cable distribution floor boxes to install, Ackermann’s Rapide Extra floor boxes include shallow versions as standard, which gives them an unprecedented advantage over other makes.
Retaining all the features of Ackermann’s Cablelink Rapide floor box, the new Rapide Extra products are the same size, which means that only one size floor tile cutout is needed. Therefore, both 3 and 4 module boxes may be mixed on site and still allow for changes in layout without the need to cut new apertures in the floor tiles. The 3 module floor box can easily be upgraded to a 4 module box simply by adding an extra module without affecting other services in the box, accommodating future requirements with minimum disruption.
No tools are required to install the frame assembly into the floor tile. It is simply dropped into the floor aperture and the release of a patented spring loaded blade mechanism holds the box securely in position. This mechanism in reverse also makes the Rapide Extra floor box one of the easiest and fastest to remove from a floor tile.
Ackermann floor boxes are available in 2, 3 and 4 module variants with overall depths of 80mm, 90mm and 120mm. These have a standard 40mm deep accessory box, with the plug clearance within the box varying between 25.5mm and 65.5mm. Where connector and cabling requirements allow the overall depth can be further reduced to only 70mm by using a special 30mm deep accessory box available on request. This makes Rapide Extra floor boxes ideal where the underfloor cavity is too shallow or already too full of services to allow for floor boxes to be installed immediately above track and cable serving it, situations becoming increasingly common in modern offices.
Which scrubber/dryer?
When it comes to floorcare, scrubber/dryers offer one of the most effective solutions for a wide range of commercial and public facilities, from schools and hospitals to offices and retail outlets. However, with so many different models to choose from, how do you go about selecting the best machine for your particular cleaning needs and, of course, your budget? Karen James, Sales and Marketing Director of leading cleaning equipment manufacturer, Nilfisk-Advance, offers this helpful guide.
Scrubber/dryers not only give excellent cleaning results they also leave the floor surface dry and safe. This eliminates the hazard of wet, slippery floors, and floors stay cleaner for longer as any surface water will dissolve the dirt carried on people's shoes and shopping trolley wheels, for example. A high productivity option, models that clean and dry in a single pass can really help improve cleaning speed and efficiency - an important benefit in the bid to cut costs but not quality. So the advantages of scrubber/dryers speak for themselves, the question is which one to choose? For their part, cleaning equipment manufacturers can offer the benefit of their experience to recommend the most cost-effective and productive package for a particular requirement. At Nilfisk-Advance we've even compiled head-to-head comparison charts detailing cleaning times and operational costs of each model in our scrubber/dryer range, so cleaning professionals can check out the figures for themselves.
The size of floor to be cleaned and the degree of soiling have a major impact on the choice of scrubber/dryer. For a large floor, say greater than 2000m2, then a machine with a wide scrub path and high brush speed will obviously get the job done faster and more cost-effectively. And, of course, there's the choice of a walk-behind or ride-on. Ride-on machines can increase productivity by up to 50 - 75% compared with pedestrian versions, so are certainly worth considering for large areas, such as shopping malls or hospital corridors. A large solution tank also increases the number of square metres that can be cleaned per hour without having to stop and refill. In addition to these basic performance factors, many new scrubber/dryers incorporate innovative features to improve productivity further. For example, the latest range from Nilfisk-Advance has a curved, pivoting squeegee that provides excellent pick-up on turns, so eliminating the need for time-consuming spot mopping.
Alongside the floor size the type of floor covering will affect the choice of machine. This is another area where manufacturers can provide invaluable advice, including putting a scrubber/dryer through any relevant tests to make sure it is safe to use on a particular floor type. It's also essential to use the correct type of equipment and detergent for each floor type, to ensure an effective result and avoid causing any damage to the surface. With the appropriate brush/pad and solution, machine scrubbing is ideal for maintaining a low, medium or high gloss finish as required.
Application and Environment
Last but by no means least, the application plays a critical role in the selection process. For daytime cleaning operations and in any noise sensitive environments, a quiet and unobtrusive machine is vital. In healthcare environments, such as hospitals and nursing homes, gas emissions as well as noise levels will need to be considered. In this situation battery-powered scrubber/dryers provide a considerably quieter option to propane powered models and there are no potentially polluting fumes. For thorough cleaning in confined spaces, such as warehouse aisles, a compact, easy to manoeuvre unit that can handle tight turns, will deliver the best results. And if the floor surface is uneven, an adjustable brush height will ensure consistent cleaning.
Whilst machine performance is, of course, key to selection, it's just as important to check out the supplier's capability when it comes to customer service. For example, do they offer flexible lease purchase finance, on-site training and a range of maintenance options? In the search for the right scrubber/dryer, make sure your proposed supplier offers a free assessment of your needs plus a full range of machines and support services - and if they don't then our advice is to find one that does!
For more information on scrubber/dryers and floorcare in general, including recommended solutions by floor size and material plus handy floorcare tips, visit www.nilfisk-advance.com, or phone 01284 763163 and arrange for a test-drive.
Who Cracked the Bewator Code?
Access security specialist, Bewator, has announced the winner of the online competition it ran in celebration of the opening of its new high tech demonstration suite. Keith Pitcher of Optimum successfully cracked the Bewator code and is the lucky recipient of a new Dell PDA. Keith was presented with the PDA at Bewator's Systems Group office in Essex on 28th April. Entrants to the competition had to answer several questions about Bewator, including how many countries it operates in - 80 and the number of its latest integrated security solution - 2010. The answer provided them with a code. The new demonstration suite was launched at Bewator's Newport office in March and has been designed to enable Bewator to illustrate the advanced capabilities and unique features of its integrated security control solutions to installers and end users. Bob Cotterill, managing director for Bewator UK Limited, sees the development of the new demonstration suite as a reflection of the company's integration philosophy. "The new demonstration suite enables our customers and installers to gain an insight into the features and benefits of our latest integrated Access Security solutions," said Bob Cotterill. "It also underlines our commitment to providing customers with the information and technology they need to meet their specific security requirements." The new suite will allow Bewator, specialists in the fields of Intruder Detection, Digital Video & Access Control, to give practical demonstrations on the following integrated security solutions: • Bewator 2010 - relatively new to the UK, this is a truly unique system, offering a complete integrated security solution providing intruder alarm, access control, video management, and fire warning systems from a single source. • Bewator Eventys Digital Video Management System (DVMS) - a digital video recorder / server designed to incorporate the functionality of traditional video recorders, multiplexers, motion detectors, and video transmissions. • Remote Monitoring Centre - The Eventys RMC (Remote Monitoring Centre) is a solution for centralised monitoring and control of several remote surveillance sites. Extending the accessibility of the system over networks - no more limitations of time and place! • Bewator SOLARIS - the latest in dome camera technology, which offers unparalleled levels of accuracy, speed and configurability. It is fitted with an External Termination Unit (XTU), which enables users to set up the dome easily and accurately using the LCD panel and a range of intuitive menus.
Why buy when you can rent it?
We are moving into an age of renting from one of buying. Within the last few years, it has become more acceptable to rent anything from air compressors, chillers, generators, hand tools, lifting equipment, offices, storage, staff and test equipment.
Steam and heating boiler rental services are becoming all the rage among the industrial and commercial sectors, which Watkins Hire Ltd is the market leader; they enable businesses to deploy new boilers with the latest technology faster and cheaper.
On the surface, the benefits Watkins Hire offers seem compelling. Instead of investing money to build and maintain a new boiler plant room, the customer can pay a fixed monthly fee to WHL who have in excess of 320 systems in place, this facilitates simplified budgeting. Watkins Hire fixes the rental charges across the period of hire making the true cost inflation proof.
In 1997, at the Kyoto Summit on Climate Change, the EU signed up to an agreement to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 8% on 1990 levels by the year 2010. The UK share was a commitment to reduce by 12.5% on 1990 levels by the year 2010. Watkins Hire Ltd employs the latest burner technology with the use of Hamworthy Combustion Alphalink and Saacke DDCC combustion control, to give their client base the benefit of reduced emissions to comply with current and forthcoming legislation, and of course fuel savings are utilised by the client to offset against the rental charges.
Domestically the Government has set itself a target well in excess agreed at the Kyoto Summit, to reduce emissions by 20% by the year 2010.The largest cost of owning a boiler is the fuel costs, to further assist client to offset the hire charges and help with the climate levy charges, Watkins Hire our offering economisers for new long term rental contracts, the fuel savings being achieved vary from 3 to 5% on a 10000-lb/hr (4500-kg/hr) steam boiler @ MCR firing on oil 24 hours a day at today prices (24p per litre) over a 10 year period would equate to a staggering £840,000 to £1.4 million pound which is far in excess of the rental charges.
“Watkins Hire recently supplied a military base with 29 systems to replace a coal fired centralised boiler plant on a 5 year rental contract, the site had 23 miles of delivery pipe work, with considerable water and heat losses, the savings of fuel cost alone were in the region of £120,000, and considerable reduction in emissions and water losses“
Another major benefit of a rental contract with a company like Watkins Hire is the fact that many of the life cycle costs are incorporated into the rental charges, these include statuary annual inspections of a steam boiler, the 5 yearly GN4, major failures such as furnace failures, re tubing, acid cleaning all of which come at considerable cost. Watkins Hire transfers the costs of plant failure away from the end-user, with such a comprehensive fleet they can change over units in a matter of hours.
Watkins Hire have chosen world leaders in boiler control and burner technology, such as Spirax Sarco, Nuway, Hamworthy, Saacke, Gestra, the choice of the actual boiler manufacturer is left to the end-user.
The industrial equipment rental market has been steadily expanding for a numbers of years, with companies like Aggreko, Hewdens and now Watkins Hire the end-user can rent all their utility and plant room equipment, the future is looking like further growth in the rental market place.
Willmot Dixon? Wasn’t he a character in Eastenders? Maybe not… that was Willmot Brown wasn’t it?
No, I haven’t gone mad, I’m just trying to inject a little humour (and failing miserably, I know). Willmot Dixon, private contractor and big hitter in the support services arena, decided to merge its five support services businesses this month. It believes this move will help it double its turnover in around three years time. Not a bad prospect! The company will now trade under the name Inspace, you know, like the film, ‘Lost in Space.’ Okay, I’ll forget the humour. The idea behind this is to create a stronger brand, which will allow the company to secure more money from the banks. Chairman Rick Willmott said the company would be looking to buy a facilities management operation to strengthen its capability in this area. Inspace already has an order book of £325m and secured a £140m contract with Colchester Council last month. The month’s news wouldn’t be complete without a bit of wheeler dealing in the stock market. Derek Trotter would be proud, ‘Mange tout my dear Rodders, mange tout!’ Spanish contractor Ferrovial came under the cosh last month when Spanish investors decided to bail out on news that it had purchased UK support services giant Amey. It is reported that Ferrovial shares fell nearly 3 per cent on Madrid’s stock market after news hit of the £81m purchase. Ferrovial decided to buy Amey in order to secure a foothold in the lucrative European PFI marketplace. However, in doing this Ferrovial has inherited Amey’s £190m worth of debts. Elsewhere, facilities management group Connaught decided against a move from the alternative investment market (AIM) and into the main stock exchange. It blames weaknesses in the equity market. The decision was announced in Connaught’s half-year results. Chief Executive Mark Tincknell said, ‘It is better to be a big fish in a small pond.’ Connaught’s results showed a pre tax profit up 40 per cent on last year and turnover rose by the same amount from £54.1m to £77m. And finally, if you thought the whole Wembley stadium fiasco was bad, think again. Bovis Lend Lease, construction manager in charge of the project to build a new Scottish parliament, revealed that it feels, ‘terrifically challenged’ by the project, which is due for completion this November. This comes after the recent announcement that the project has risen by £37 million. It is estimated the final cost of the new parliament could be around the £375 million figure. Liberal Democrat MSP Robert Brown said he felt 95 per cent sure the project would be completed by the end of the year. Only time will tell.
Wilson Electric new ABB partner for HVAC drives around London
Wilson Electric Ltd is the latest company to join ABB's growing network of HVAG partners. The London-based company offers rapid delivery and 24-hour service cover for customers throughout London and the South East. Wilson Electric was established in 1951 and is now London's leading independent supplier of electric motors, pumps, drives and control systems. "We provide a complete, five-point service, including consultation, design, supply, installation and aftercare," says managing director Graham Brooker. The company can supply equipment within a few hours from its extensive stock of ABB equipment and offers 24/7 field service coverage, 52-weeks a year. The company's policy of both selling and repairing equipment aims to ensure that it always offers its customers the most sensible, cost-effective solution. "We were looking for a supplier with that would help us provide an even better service for our customers. Working in partnership with ABB enables us to do just that," says Brooker. Wilson Electric was first attracted by the quality and range of ABB products. "You can't fault the product," says Brooker. But ABB's support for its partners, such as easy ordering and rapid delivery, were also important in the company's decision to join the network "Unlike a lot of distributors , we hold the warranties on the equipment we sell. If anything goes wrong we need to sort it out quickly," adds Brooker. "We can rely on ABB's support and they can rely on us. That means our customers can rely on us too." "Wilson Electric is an ideal addition to our network of HVAC partners," says ABB HVAG sales manager Nick Thome. "The 24-hour coverage they offer provides the best possible service to our HVAG customers and their location in Battersea further improves our coverage of central London, complementing the services provided there by our existing partners Triac Services and Drivelink Services."
Winning approach to recruitment from OCS
Innovative ideas and a new approach to recruitment have won the Employment Services Regional Award in Wales for the OCS Group, in acknowledgement of the help and support OCS Churchill, leader in the provision of Audit and Inventory Services, has given to the employment services in the region. In a challenge to conventional recruitment methods, OCS has made staff placement a friendly and accessible experience for all through creatively presented advice. Commenting on receiving this Award for recruitment services, OCS Churchill Director, Richard Fudge said, “We have an excellent working relationship with Job Centres who pre select candidates and pre book them into recruitment sessions on OCS’s behalf, thereby streamlining the whole recruitment process. There’s also strong Left to right: Shirley Brooks District Manager from Employment Service, Tony Reah OCS Regional Recruitment Manager and Richard Fudge OCS Churchill Director. liaison between Job and Call centres and the OCS Recruitment Department, with follow-ups for our new recruits.” OCS posters in Job Centres provide a step-by-step guide to finding vacancies on the internal Job Centre computer systems, which have replaced the old fashioned ‘postcards on bulletin boards’ job search. This helps to quell the fears of even the most nervous first-time computer user and makes job searching an efficient and productive experience. In addition, eye-catching OCS presentation stands, which are used for every recruitment presentation, are very informative and have proved to be highly successful. As well as at Job Centres, OCS also recruit at Universities, Job Fairs, in local newspapers and on the Group website, for positions such as Driver Stocktaker, Independent Stocktaker and Retail Stocktaking teams. Four OCS field recruiters cover 17 areas throughout the UK, from Glasgow to Southampton and from Hull to South Wales.
Winning ways
Grundfos Pumps Ltd., have just launched a new release of their WinCAPS CD, which is considered by the industry to be one of the best product selection tools available.
This CD offers consultants, contractors and installers a simple, windows based tool, which gives significant amounts of information on the ever increasing Grundfos range of products, covering all aspects of HVAC; public health; sewerage; wastewater; and industry. Added to the selection tool for the first time is the complete range of chemical dosing products and renewable energy systems.
This comprehensive evaluation tool allows you to dimension your product selection for your specific application, or it can be used simply as a product catalogue. The catalogue opens like a bookshelf for ease of selection, by category, or by choosing application details.
To select product, simply input any known criteria such as flow-rate, required pressure, optimum temperature range etc. and based on this detail, you will be offered a list of pumping solutions, which will match your criteria. In addition to this, WinCAPS also contains Installation and Operating manuals, dimensional drawings, pictures and wiring diagrams.
A new and unique feature of this CD, offers the option of calculating the LCC (Life Cycle Cost) on any particular pump/pumping system. This LCC (or Whole Life Costing) has been a hot topic since the introduction of the Climate Change Levy, which was introduced by the government, to stimulate business users interest in installing energy savings products, by the introduction of a levy on energy usage. Until now the means of calculating the benefits of using Variable Speed pumps have been unclear, however, this method offers a straightforward approach to actually putting a figure on the huge cost savings available, even allowing for the slightly higher initial purchase price. Try it for yourselves and see the benefits, we think you’ll be surprised by the results!
Wire-Free protection for high tech school
When The Billericay School needed to upgrade their manual fire alarm system they wanted to choose the latest technology to match their newly acquired status as a specialist Maths & Computing School. In addition they had a number of other demanding requirements including protection of 5 separate buildings across the site and a short installation window in the summer recess. Following a review of the available technology by the school, EMS Group’s 5000 FirePoint radio analogue addressable fire detection system was chosen. Four radio-networked control panels and over 300 devices were installed across the 5 buildings to provide truly wire-free protection. The system was specified and designed by Beckenham based Pinnacle Consultants and installed by the Essex branch of Doubtfire Systems Ltd.
Each of the 5000 FirePoint’s sensors, callpoints and sounders were easily installed in less than 10 minutes as expensive fire rated cable was not required. This eliminated the costly and time-consuming work required to cable between remote buildings and allowed the system to be easily installed within the short timeframe available. Similarly the fabric of the inside building remained undamaged because of the elimination of cable. The overall cost of the wire-free solution was considerably less that a traditional wired system due to the layout of the buildings around the site.
Commenting on the project, Mr Ahson Mohammed, Deputy Headteacher said, “The system was installed without any problems and disruption to the school. In fact we were so impressed with the technology that EMS developed that we have planned a 6th Form visit to their design and manufacturing facilities in Herne Bay as part of an A-Level project.”
Wire-free protection for West End Theatres
Really Useful Theatres Ltd owns and operates some of London’s finest theatres, including the London Palladium, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Apollo, Garrick and Gielgud. A review of their fire detection requirements identified the heritage status and operation of the theatres as of paramount importance during any upgrade. Therefore when installing a new fire alarm system the fabric of the buildings could not be damaged and the day to day running of the productions could not be interrupted. Following an extensive review, EMS Group’s wire-free 5000 FirePoint radio analogue addressable fire detection system was chosen as the ideal solution to meet this criteria.
The Gielgud was the first to be updated, by BAFE approved, Kent based OTA Fire, with the installation of two radio networked 24-zone fire control panels and over 150 devices, including fire sensors, call points and sounder/strobes. The system was installed and commissioned in a matter of days, compared to weeks for a traditional wired system. As there is no expensive fire rated cable to install, each device only takes 10 minutes to fit and can be easily scheduled around rehearsals and the daily performances.
Following a successful evaluation at the Gielgud, 5000 FirePoint was installed in a further 3 theatres within the group. Whilst applications such as historic buildings are ideal for 5000 FirePoint wire-free systems, any building where normal operation cannot be disrupted like hotels, hospitals and schools can also benefit from a wire free environment. More and more modern buildings and new-builds are also finding 5000 FirePoint very cost effective due to its fast installation as well as the flexibility to move the protection around as the layout of the building changes in the future.
WJB Chiltern ‘open’ for wealth management
The WJB Chiltern Group is an independent organisation specialising in tax and wealth management solutions, Its clients include high net worth individuals, listed corporations, substantial private groups and public sector bodies. The company also supports professional intermediaries, such as accountants, lawyers and independent financial advisers, for whom it provides tax and related consultancy Services, independent of audit.
WJB Chiltern employs over 340 people principally in London and Jersey and has recently consolidated its London and Home Counties offices into an ultra-modern £700 million development in Paddington Central. The overall fit-out of the building was handled by Bovis Lend Lease Interiors, the furniture and storage was provided by CBS and the five-month relocation project was aided by move specialists Moveplan.
“With a number of individual offices in and around London we had a variety of traditional working environments. The move to Paddington Central has allowed us to introduce a modern, open-plan layout” says Facilities Manager Christine Wall. “There was some apprehension about levels of noise and privacy prior to the move, so we were determined that all the elements of the internal layout would tackle these concerns. Storage was to play a key role”.
A filing survey was carried out and a solution was developed using the relocation of existing storage which was converted into mobile storage and a new filing system using Bisley LateralFile (BLF) and Bisley Integrated Pedestals.
“We adopted a four-level system to our filing needs. Personal and working material is kept close to the workstations in low units, shared resources for day-to-day use is held in the mobile racking, less frequently accessed files are stored in the storage area in our basement and archive material is held off-site. The Bisley combination has proven ideal for storing our traditional mix of lever arch, box files, lateral and suspended filing. We also had low storage units for printers as two units could be positioned back-to-back so hiding the cables, while placing any high units against the walls preserved the open-plan ethos” explains Christine.
“Additionally the desk-height BLFs allowed us to break up the various office areas, encouraging the feeling of privacy without negating the openness of the overall office design. The maple tops supplied for the filing units also reinforce the architect’s design in the building’s common areas and help to create a unified building signature”.
Today, WJB Chiltern has created a stunning new working environment which reflects its industry-position and complements what promises to become one of London’s most prestigious new business addresses
Wolseley Centers provides one-stop-shop
Wolseley Centers’ new specialist maintenance service has won praise from supermarket giant Tesco, who says the service has made its facilities management easier to manage and more efficient.
Wolseley Centers, the national supplier of building materials, heating and plumbing products, launched Wolseley Centers Maintenance, a specialist service for facilities management companies and public authorities, this month.
Wolseley Centers Maintenance combines in one supply inventory all products supplied by Wolseley Centers Builder Center, Plumb Center, Pipeline Center, NRS and HRPC and now also the electrical products range of national distributors Newey and Eyre.
Wolseley Centers Maintenance recently agreed a partnership with Tesco to supply Maintenance One, a private maintenance company that works exclusively for Tesco, with maintenance products for all Tesco’s 705 stores in the UK.
Project manager for Maintenance One, Mark Petersen, said: “At Tesco we use the catch-phrase BSC - better, simpler, cheaper. Wolseley Centers Maintenance fits in well with this. It is better for our business, simpler for our staff and cheaper for our customers.
“It’s been a great success and I would recommend it to other businesses. Wolseley Centers Maintenance provides a one-stop-shop for our technicians and they say it makes their job a lot easier.
Tesco has many in-store and mobile technicians who source their plumbing and building materials, as well as catering equipment spares, from Wolseley Centers.
Wolseley Centers Maintenance and Tesco have developed a direct dial system whereby technicians phone a central number to place their orders and the products are delivered direct to the door within 24 hours by Wolseley Centers’ nationwide delivery service.
Tesco has earmarked a wide range of Wolseley Centers’ 300,000 products for supply and is continually developing its list each month, varying from door handles and taps, to microwave parts for the supermarkets’ busy staff canteens and customer cafes.
Mr Petersen added: “Before we entered into a partnership with Wolseley Centers Maintenance we were using a mixture of suppliers but now we have one main supplier and one point of contact.
“We use it on a daily basis and it gives us instant access to the maintenance products we need. It makes it a lot easier, saves time and we can track and monitor it.”
Wolseley Centers is the UK’s largest national distributor of plumbing, heating and building materials, with over 1,200 branches and sales of over £1.5 billion. It is part of Wolseley plc, the international building materials distributor, which has extensive interests in both the USA and Europe.
Wolseley Centers Maintenance commercial director Jeff Turner said; “Wolseley Centers has strong credentials in the industry due to our very broad range of products and robust IT. We are working to create a one-point of contact for the vast product portfolio of the Wolseley Centers divisions, as well as combining an infrastructure that is accountable to meet the requirements of the clients key performance indicators. Wolseley Centers provides unique maintenance solutions and a total supply chain.
Wonder Web
Just as Spiderman II hits our movie screens across the country, three new stars of the web, SLD Pumps, Powerent and CRS launch new sites on the world wide web.
SLD Pumps, Powerent and CRS Ltd, owned by the Longville Group, are three of the leading plant rental specialists. SLD Pumps has over 40 years pump expertise, Powerent has one of the countries most advance fleets of generators and CRS is the chiller and climate control specialist. Between them they serve markets as diverse as construction, farming, utilities, mining, film and TV broadcasting, event and hospitality. The three new sites are launched following a complete review of the three businesses by the new board of directors.
David Gornall, Group Sales & Marketing Director, commented; "We are integrating the latest computer and mobile technology into our sales strategy and we see the web as a powerful tool. This is just the first stage in our web development, we will be adding new capabilities to the sites over the coming year making it an integral part of our sales strategy.”
Woodwood shows its strength
Woodwood Door Controls have provided efficient, safe and user-friendly controls for exceptionally large and heavy external doors installed at the re-developed Treasury building in Whitehall (designed by Sir Norman Foster & Partners). The impressive bronze-effect doors, which open onto a large internal courtyard, measure 3 .6m by 1 .2m and weigh 250kg. Powerful controls were necessary to ensure that they could not be inadvertently slammed or caught by strong winds. The formerly unused courtyard has been landscaped to create an internal garden and is a key feature of the new building, with the doors in constant use by Treasury personnel. Ease of use was therefore also an important requirement, as was DDA compliance. Woodwood Door Controls, a leading designer and manufacturer of Macwood lowenergy, air-powered door controls, designed a concealed, floor-mounted operator which successfully achieves all these requirements without impacting on the aesthetics of the entrance. The operator incorporates a powerful, fully-adjustable backcheck which prevents the doors from slamming should they be pushed violently or be caught by a powerful gust of wind. The operator also incorporates independent closing and latching speed controls which ensure that the doors will always close slowly and safely. Power-assisted opening, initiated by contact with the door handle, allows the doors to be opened with minimal effort. Technical Director John Woodwood says: "Large, heavy doors look impressive but can present problems in terms of ease of use and safety, particularly when they are external doors and vulnerable to the weather. The unit which has proved effective at the Treasury was designed specifically for use with doors up to 450kg." Woodwood's compressed air-powered controls are quiet, robust, reliable and energy efficient, with far lower maintenance costs than electrical alternatives. They can be fitted to new or existing doors and can be used in conjunction with a range of access control devices. Controls can also be connected to a building's fire control system.
Worcester City Council installs its first CHP unit
The installation of the first Combined Heat & Power (CHP) unit at a Worcester City Council property was recently completed. The DACHS mini-CHP unit was supplied and commissioned by Baxi Technologies UK, the Baxi Group division responsible for developing sustainable energy systems and technologies.
The DACHS has been installed at Himbleton House, a sheltered housing scheme located in the St. John area of Worcester. The property, comprising 43 flats, offers accommodation to people of retirement age. The miniCHP unit was installed as part of a heating system refurbishment carried out by Nottingham based contractor J. Tomlinson Ltd. Barry Judd, Contract Services Manager for J. Tomlinson Ltd commented, “This was the first time that J Tomlinson Ltd had installed a DACHS unit. We were very impressed with both the ease of installation and the build quality of the unit. This, and the support from the team at Baxi, resulted in a highly successful installation
The DACHS unit, producing 1 2.5kWth of heat and generating 5.5kWe of electricity, will act as the lead heating appliance on the space heating circuit at Himbleton House, working alongside high efficiency condensing boilers. The electricity generated by the DACHS will be used for landlord load only such as the plant room, laundry, communal areas and lighting.
Domestic hot water at the property will be served via a separate system, with all the hot water requirements being provided by two Hi Flo direct gas fired storage water heaters each rated at 106kw and supplied by Andrews Water Heaters, also a Baxi Group company.
DACHS was developed by Baxi Group company SenerTec GmbH — Europe’s leading exponent of the use of internal combustion engine technology for CHP applications. SenerTec and its partner network have now installed over 8,000 units within Europe, predominantly in Germany, working as stand-alone heating and electricity generating solutions, as well as in tandem with existing and/or new hot water boilers. The number of units installed is estimated to rise to over 10,000 by the end of 2004 making the DACHS one of the most successful CHP products in Europe.
National sales and marketing manager for Baxi Technologies UK, Yan Evans, commented, “The DACHS is ideally suited for multi-occupancy accommodation such as residential care homes, extra care schemes and sheltered accommodation served by centralised heating and hot water systems. This is an application where we continue to find success with the DACHS. With an electrical output of only 5.5kWe, we believe the DACHS is a product that this sector of the housing market has been requiring for some time. The low electrical output of the DACHS allows the end user to match the mini-CHP unit to the landlord’s base load. This avoids having to install a much larger unit and either having to sell electricity to residents, or export power to the local grid in order to fully utilise the CHP unit output. Both can be contractually complex and may not offer a sufficiently attractive financial proposition to support operation of the CHP unit.”
Baxi Technologies UK is beginning to see a major change in attitude towards CHP, in particular with local authorities and housing associations. Environmental sustainability is being regarded as a key project driver, and in some cases, on an equal footing with the financial benefits. This is primarily due to C02 emission reduction targets imposed in accordance with Agenda 21 and the UK government’s commitment to the Kyoto Protocol.
DACHS can reduce primary energy needs by around 30 per cent, significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions when compared to centralised power generation and conventional gas fired boiler plant. If operated for 17 hours a day, 365 days of year the DACHS would reduce C02 emissions by around five Tonnes per annum.
Brian Chadd, senior technical officer for Worcester City Council (now Worcester Community Housing), commented, “From conception through to completion the project has been very interesting and worthwhile both from a technical and environmental perspective. Noise levels emitted from the plant room were an initial concern particularly with the close proximity of the neighbouring properties. However upon completion of the installation of the DACHS the noise level was very much lower than anticipated. We are also very pleased with how the council, Baxi and J. Tomlinson all worked together to deliver a successful project.”
Despite the fact that it continues to be a difficult climate for CHP in the UK due to low electricity prices and high gas prices, Baxi Technologies UK are expecting a significant increase in the uptake of DACHS projects during 2004. A number of units are already operating successfully and reliably in a number of properties in the UK, some of which have now been operating for over a year, delivering energy cost savings and significant environmental benefits to a variety of end users.
Work at height regulations for ladder users
In April 2005 The Health & Safety Executive finally published the new regulations for Work at Height. The rules for ladders used by technicians, decorators, Ariel erectors, sign erectors in fact anyone who uses a "portable ladder" are quite simple; A portable ladder shall be pre vented from slipping during use by - (a) securing the stiles at or near their upper or lower ends; (b) an effective anti-slip or other effective stability device (full details of regulations are available on the ESE's website) Naturally all ladder users would like to comply with the regulations and to ensure their safety, but they need guidance as to what devices are available. Sussex based Ladder Safety Supplies is able to provide the UK's very best ladder safety accessories. Ladder Safety Supplies is frequently asked to offer demonstrations of its ladder safety products, all over the UK. '[he company has recently been showing its products to the Glass and Glazing Federation members, and counts among its customers Blackburn Borough Council, Mears Building Contractors, Integral, Ian Williams Painting Contractors and many other local and national companies. The company's product portfolio includes the well-established ladder Stopper, the Ankalad stabiliser, and the Ladderfix Microlite.
Work FM acquisition accelerates Group turnover to £21 million
Work FM, a division of the nationwide Property Services and Interiors organisation Work Inc, has reached agreement to purchase Woking-based Opus 4 Real Estate for a six-figure sum. The acquisition of the southern property and FM organisation – due to complete in late August – propels Work FM’s managed services turnover to £10 million, and the Group turnover to £21 million. It also boosts the workforce by fifteen per cent with 130 employees based across UK and Ireland client sites and Work Inc. regional offices in Leeds, London, Newcastle, Nottingham and Woking. The purchase has been agreed with Opus 4 Real Estate parent company Opus 4 Integrated Limited. It will entail Work FM taking on Opus 4’s Real Estate clients, which include multi nationals Agere Systems, Bax, and Black and Decker. FM Expo is a strong platform for showcasing the latest developments of Work FM, a third generation dynamo that powered into force in 1999 following a management buy-out and has not stood still since. By July 2003 the company celebrated its fourth anniversary with over £6million of annual managed contracts – a figure that is set to rise significantly with the purchase. The organisation’s ethos of improving productivity among internal and external customers through a unique, alternative approach is reflected in its pro-active exploration of the relatively new industry of ‘Outsourced Facilities Management’. Work FM’s first customer was global consumer finance giant GE for whom it has designed, built and managed over £15 million of contracts. Its client base also extends to Woodchester Motor Finance and ‘igroup’. Craig Eastwood, Work Inc Group Managing Director, said: “Work FM’s purchase of Opus 4 Real Estate, which boasts a strong reputation and a wealth of experience, is in line with our ambitious expansion plans. “The acquisition provides us with a solid base from which we can further expand. By adopting our special, holistic approach that combines expertise, creativity and a new way of examining the workplace, we will continue to achieve the most innovative and cost effective solutions. We firmly believe that our success to date is based on the fact that we are different.” Since Eastwood launched Work Inc from the 1999 buy out, the company has enjoyed spectacular growth, more than doubling in size. The wider client base encompasses HBOS, PWC, DLA, Nissan, National Care Standards and McDonalds. The organisation’s previous acquisition of Capco Interiors of Nottingham in April 2002 launched the Group’s expansion into the Midlands market. The latest purchase firmly positions it on the UK map. Commented Opus 4 Real Estate Sales and Marketing Director, Mark Acari: “We’re delighted to be an integral part of Work FM whom we respect as a talented, growing company. We applaud the integrity of the business whose foundations are rooted in its core values of people, processes and services and look forward to an exciting future.”
Work FM celebrates 'Business Oscar'
Work FM, a division of nationwide interiors and property services organisation Work Inc, has scooped its third prestigious industry award in the space of five months after being hailed 'Employer of the Year' in the regional finals of the National Business Awards.
The company dedicated to improving the workplace and its people was praised by discerning judges for its stimulating and supportive environment and active development of staff.
The National Business Awards - now in their third year - are referred to as the UK's 'Business Oscars' by the Chancellor Gordon Brown.
Work Inc, launched from a management buy out in 1999, has accelerated to a £21 million turnover with a 250 per cent growth. The company employs 137 people across the UK and Ireland with offices in Woking, Leeds, London, Newcastle and Nottingham.
Said Work Interiors managing director Jacqui Withnell: "We are thrilled that our constant strive for excellence is being acknowledged in these heavyweight industry awards.
"Our ethos of stimulating and investing in our own people drives the strong relationships we enjoy with our clients. This award has been achieved through top teamwork and its great to share this success with our employees and clients."
In March this year Work Inc achieved 34th place in The Sunday Times first ever 50 Best Small Companies to Work For - and a month later its chief executive Craig Eastwood was recognised as 'Overall Entrepreneur' in the Yorkshire Business Insider's 42-under-42 awards.
The organisation's client base includes globally recognised brands such as GE, HBOS, PWC, DLA, Nissan, National Care Standards and McDonald's.
Work FM employees vote company 'The Best' in top national award
Employees of Work FM, a division of nationwide interiors and property services organisation Work Inc, joined their colleagues in securing the company 34th place in The Sunday Times first ever 50 Best Small Companies to Work For. The buzz of being at work combined with outstanding leadership is why staff love being employed by the organisation - which itself is dedicated to improving the workplace - and which provides them with an environment where they can feel rewarded, appreciated and encouraged to develop. Work Inc powered into force following a management buy out in 1999 and has since achieved 250 per cent growth and a £21 million turnover - employing 130 people across the UK and Ireland with offices in Leeds, Newcastle, London, Nottingham and Woking. The organisation's client base includes globally recognised brands such as GE, HBOS, PWC, DLA, Nissan, National Care Standards and McDonald's. The achievement is the latest in a series of dynamic achievements that commenced with the acquisition of Capco Interiors, Nottingham in April 2002, which accelerated the group's expansion into the Midlands market. The start of 2004 saw the Facilities Management division of Work Inc - launched as a third generation FM service provider in 1999 - purchase Opus 4 Real Estate, a southern property and FM organisation. At the same time, the company was accredited with the ISO9001:2000 standard for excellence. The inaugural Sunday Times 50 Best Small Companies survey assessed employees' responses to a series of factors including leadership, team, wellbeing, personal growth, how they feel about the company they work for and giving something back. The latter reflects community involvement - an area close to the heart of the business with employees taking part in a series of charity events in 2003, which raised over £5,000. The recognition is the ultimate accolade for Work Inc, which is Investor in People accredited and which prides itself on putting its people first. The organisation's wide-ranging initiatives to nurture and develop employees include providing reflexology and Indian head massage sessions on a Friday afternoon to help staff wind down for the weekend. New employees particularly emphasised the value they received from a month long induction programme which develops their understanding of the business and is used as a measurement tool throughout their career. Said Work Inc chief executive, Craig Eastwood whose positive energy and inspirational qualities scored high with staff: "As an organisation we are acknowledged for developing tremendous relationships with our clients. "We are equally passionate about stimulating and investing in our people who are an integral part of the Work Inc success story - and without whom we would not be able to achieve such excellent client partnerships." Caption: Inspiring leadership: Work Inc chief executive Craig Eastwood (3rd right) receives the award from Sunday Times managing editor Richard Caseby.
WORKING SAFELY & CONTROLLING CONTRACTORS
Reading through a wealth of matter on this subject will confront the safety manager with a number of essentials: planning, assessment, communication, understanding, agreement & co-operation, co-ordination and competence. Who is responsible for ensuring that all of these issues are safely considered? Is it you as the customer, or the contractor who is carrying out the work? What if a Sub-Contractor is employed? Is he your responsibility, as he is carrying out your work on your site, or is he the responsibility of your contractor who in turn contracted out to him? As the company or organisation that requires the work to be carried out, you (the customer) should be the one to set up the liaison meetings with all parties. It is your responsibility to ensure that contractors know and understand what is expected. Yet, whilst the work to be undertaken will fall under a civil contract, health & safety requirements are defined by criminal law and ALL parties involved in the work will have duties under health & safety law. The co-ordination of this involves all of the above essentials for good safety practice. This need not be a minefield, nor leave you drowning in a sea of paper. There are systems available on the market today to assist with the safe management of contractors. Whilst there is a choice between paper-based and electronic systems, for the most effective control and ease of communication a software solution is normally the preferred means of control for today’s safety manager. If in the past a safety manager may have shied away from software solutions, because they were cumbersome, complicated and expensive, today’s market offers a system that breaks the mould. Solutions such as Easy Contractor manager, part of S@fetynet’s El Vis (ELectronic VISitor control software) offer a database tool that is simple to use, yet comprehensive, innovative and flexible, yet priced with the safety manager’s budget in mind. In order to ensure that all the essentials are considered, it is often useful to break down the requirement of the work into a process of considerations: Planning the Work / Selecting the contractor In planning, it is obviously important to clearly identify all aspects of the work, which will then assist you in selecting someone suitable. A central database of contractors is key to this task. Useful records to include would be: Contact Details; Type of Work / skills; record of the contractor’s Health & Safety policies; recent health & safety performance; qualifications / memberships etc; their selection procedure for Sub-Contractors; provision of safety method statements; level of health & safety training; agreed method of communicating with workforce; induction records; whether they are a passport holder for a safety scheme or have a record on your company’s safety scoring system? The pre-contract module in a system such as S@fetynet’s Easy Contractor manager, will enable you to maintain and access this database simply and identify which contractors meet your criteria. This will not only simplify the selection process, but also ensure greater accuracy in selection. It will enable you to immediately select a contractor who is competent to undertake the work, i.e. one with sufficient skills and knowledge, and one without any ‘warning notes’ attached. For any organisation operating on a national level, this central database can be particularly invaluable as it can prevent contractors with poor performance records, or with a history of incident or accident, being unwittingly employed by another site manager. Once the contractor has been selected, methods for co-operation & co-ordination should be agreed. It is important to issue the contractor with your procedures, Permit Systems, and Health & Safety Policy Statement and ensure that they understand and will act in accordance with them. On adding an approved contractor to your database, or at regular intervals, S@fetynet’s Easy Contractor manager can automatically email the contractor with all the above documentation, allow them to preview any specific permits identified as required for the job, and provide details of meetings they should attend, details of how to find you etc. This will allow both / all parties to share the same information when discussing the work required and both parties should assess the risks inherent to the work and with effect to the health & safety of others affected. Sub- contractors should also be party to this. Agree how the work is to be carried out From the risk assessment of the work, you will then determine how the work is to be carried out and agree any Safe System of Work procedures, supplemented where necessary by a Permit to Work. The requirement for a permit is defined by the job to be undertaken, i.e. from the type of work, such as work where hot working is involved, or excavation. Equally, it could be determined from the location of the work, such as entry into a confined space, opening or disconnection of a closed pipeline or vessel containing hazardous material. An ideal ‘safe works manager’, or ‘contractor manager system’ will allow you to predetermine these requirements and input them as automatic necessities into your system. This way you can select the contractor from your database and input the work that he is to carry out. In addition to the risk reduction measures identified as required by the risk assessment and instructed in your safe work agreement and/or permit, you should note what equipment is to be used or to be worked on, and check that it isn’t faulty. You need to consider and record any requirement for PPE and its issue. You should record the number of people involved in carrying out the work, which should also alert you automatically to the risk of LONE WORKERS whom you should check on and monitor regularly. Safetynet’s easy contractor system will identify a lone worker automatically and alert you and/or appointed persons via email or mobile phone or pager sms to check on the lone worker at regular intervals. In higher hazard situations, out-of-hours, in dangerous areas, around electricity for example, it may be beneficial to consider interfacing your contractor manager system with dedicated lone worker systems, which enable you to issue the lone worker with an alarm transmitter for constant monitoring. This could be a simple pendent style alarm, or a belt clip alarm, generally with the extra safety feature of a tilt switch that will activate the alarm should the wearer fall at an angle or for a period of time greater than that determined by the normal course of the work. Using easy-to-navigate fields to input this information into your database as part of your agreement procedure, you will then be able to issue the contractor with a copy of the details of the work required and the agreed terms under which it is to be carried out, including precautions and emergency procedures. This could be combined with the issue a secure ID pass for him to wear visibly whilst on your premises to which you can add a barcode function that will enable you to record the contractors movements and time spent on site. If at the outset from pre-identified hazards, or indeed during the work, it is identified that a specific high hazard Permit is required, your easy contractor system will allow you to select the appropriate contractor and automatically produce the required permit or permits. As an option, you can create ‘pop-up’ risk assessment questions to appear for each permit type and commit the answers to the database. The authorised person(s) giving authority to work and the person doing the work, or in charge of the work, can then give signed confirmation of their agreement and acceptance and store this signature electronically on the database, by means of a signature capture tablet attached to the PC, or to a hand-held device, in locations where mobile agreement is necessary. You can then print a copy for the contractor and you will automatically have your record of issue on the database. Throughout the Work It is imperative that all parties are aware of any safety monitoring required or be alert to any changes in the work that do not fall within the original agreement or permit. Using a system such as S@fetynet’s Easy Contractor means that you can automatically agree and record any changes. You will also be able to receive alerts (email / text message) during the work, and at cessation, which, for example, would remind you to restore any services that may have been isolated, locked off equipment or areas, or generally to be aware of Permits in effect and to remind you to meet the contractor at the expiry of the permit Review on completion On or before the expiry of the permit there should be a hand-back procedure followed. This should confirm that the workplace or work equipment has been restored to safety. As you would expect, the signatures / written acknowledgement of this can be captured and stored electronically in your database, providing a complete record of the permit issued. You may then decide to update the contractor’s record and assess his performance on the work undertaken, in order to keep that all important database up to date and as accurate as possible. So ….planning, assessment, communication, understanding, agreement & co-operation, co-ordination and competence. Awareness and communication of your responsibilities and requirements and development of good practice can greatly assist you in controlling contractors and ensuring that they work safely whilst under your care. Supplementing this with easy to use, effective and affordable technology, such as S@fetynet’s Easy Contractor system enables companies and organisations to manage more effectively, communicate policies and procedures, gain commitment to safe methods and requirement for permits to work in potentially dangerous jobs, as well as issue secure ID to a contractor, with all necessary permits and monitor their site attendance automatically. S@fetynet’s El Vis / Easy Contractor system can be seen in action at the Safety & Health Expo, Hall 11, Stand K94 (next to the entrance to The Facilities Show).
Working towards a cleaner environment
To support their new computer cleaning product range Durable has teamed up with The Marine Connection and created an INSTANT WIN promotion. Durable are giving away instant win prizes with their full range of computer and office cleaning products for 2004 in conjunction with The Marine Connection, a charity working on dolphin and whale protection worldwide. Each product in the Durable computer cleaning product range will carry a promotional instant win fix-a-form. There are thousands of prizes for lucky winners —and a great competition to win a top prize. Adopt a Dolphin: No other animal has the ability to inspire love, happiness and a sense of wonder quite like a dolphin. Over 50 consumers will be given the chance to ‘Adopt a Dolphin’ which will be monitored by The Marine Connection. There are thousands of other prizes including a cuddly version of our favourite aquatic mammal plus loads of free computer cleaning product samples. In addition to helping The Marine Connection with adopting the dolphins, Durable will also be making a donation to The Marine Connection for every product sold during the promotional period.
Workplace innovation by Gensler boosts productivity at forward-thinking Corinthian Television
Gensler has recently completed the interior design of Corinthian Television’s new 86,000 sq ft premises at award-winning Chiswick Park. The large floor plans were fit for purpose to accommodate 24/7 production, graphics, post-production, transmission and live studio facilities in a true inside-out design evolution that awarded Corinthian a place in the Times & Gestetner Digital Office Collection of the most forward-thinking companies in Britain. To meet the specific needs of Corinthian, which operates the facility on behalf of a major international entertainment company, Gensler designed an interactive, flexible and fun environment, attentive to the creative process and technical sophistication that characterise this multi-faceted business. Working closely with Corinthian, Gensler designed elliptically shaped editing suites with private breakout spaces that allow technicians to choose between natural light and darkness. The innovative design has brought up the quality of editing and improved working conditions for technicians who often do 12-hour shifts. Following a similar strategy, transmission suites were designed as glass “orange wedges” to enable communication between operators whilst providing acoustic segregation for individual channel control. The more transparent environment allows staff to feel more connected, enhances team-building and multi-tasking opportunities and is less tiring. In the open plan areas Gensler adopted diagonal desk layouts and translucent screening, creating pockets of flexible meeting spaces filled with fun furniture where staff can relax and meet informally. The open plan configuration, minimal partitions and modular design of the office areas also allow spaces to be converted to various uses, such as impromptu filming backdrops. The live studios situated on the Ground Floor, as designed by Corinthian Television, can easily be reconfigured for different sets and are supported by nine dressing rooms, makeup and wardrobe. On the same floor there are four themed “Green Rooms” that act as waiting rooms for celebrities before they go on stage, a call centre, glass meeting rooms and an open plan restaurant, bar and vending area where staff and visitors can fill in time between studio sessions surfing the net or simply relaxing. Three audio dubbing rooms and two voice-over booths of high performance acoustics support post-production facilities on the first floor. Gensler’s design has made the best of the opportunities afforded by the elegant building envelope and its glass exterior to flood natural light into all interior spaces. This is complemented by a choice of finishes and materials that blend with the building envelope creating aesthetic consistency from inside out. Edmund Caddy III, Gensler’s design director on the project comments: “The design for Corinthian Television focused on their people, their values and buzzing culture. Working with a client who believes in the beneficial impact of the physical space on people’s productivity and motivation made the design process much more effective. We all wanted to create an uplifting workplace that enables staff to enjoy, focus, share and perform at their best”.
Workplace Management strengthens HR team with new appointment
Workplace Management has appointed Adrian Berwick to the position of Human Resources Director. Adrian will be responsible for developing existing HR policies and procedures. He joins the company following a four-year stint as Human Resources Manager for Hampshire-based Well Well Well Ltd, a leading British Bottled Water company. Prior to this, Adrian worked for lift manufacturer Schindler Ltd, where he spent nine years as Human Resources Manager. Adrian said: "As part of the Johnson Service Group, Workplace Management continues to deliver innovative facilities and property solutions to its clients. "I am looking forward to my new role as Human Resources Director and relish the opportunity to enhance the excellent practices that have already been established by the team." Commenting on the new appointment, Hamilton Comely, Managing Director of Workplace Management, said: "Adrian joins Workplace Management at an exciting time, following the development of a new Training Academy for all staff across the UK. "Adrian brings to his new role a wealth of experience, helping us to strengthen our HR support services and reaffirm our commitment to the ongoing development of our workforce." Workplace Management a Johnson Service Group Company, is a leading provider of integrated facilities management services across the UK and Ireland and has been adding value to organisations for over 12 years. Workplace Management has an impressive portfolio of clients, including Fujitsu, Cable & Wireless, National Grid Transco, Inverness Airport and Her Majesty's Treasury.
Workplace smoking uncovered in 4th PHS facilities survey
80% of UK companies have smoking policies and yet, though managing the needs of the 12.5% of company smokers is a very practical issue with implications for accommodation and cleaning, the degree to which facilities managers are involved in setting policy is highly variable, as is the nature of provision. So say the results of the fourth PHS Quarterly FM survey, the regular investigation into the practices and opinions of UK facilities decision makers by workplace services provider the PHS Group plc.
The Survey, which involved telephone interviews with 200 UK facilities managers in May 2004, revealed that just over half (52%) of FMs in companies with a smoking policy had no involvement in setting it, and a further 9% were consulted only after the policy was agreed. 39% had had any sort of pro-active involvement in policy making at all, and just 5.5% had led the process. A disappointing outcome, given the relevant, practical contribution and potential economies to be made by ‘up front’ facilities involvement (and considering the department would inevitably shoulder a hefty chunk of implementation and associated costs!).
86% of FMs said their companies provided facilities for smokers, of which the most popular form (56%) was ‘smoking areas outdoors’, arguably making smokers the employee group set to get the deepest tans this year.
Dedicated indoor accommodation (provided by 27% of companies with smoking facilities) was made up of smoking rooms (17%) and smoking areas in other rooms, such as canteens (10%). These are sometimes kitted out with extra equipment including food and drinks vending machines (30.2%) and smoke extractors and air filters (21.3%) to cater for the well-being of users. A few companies also provide cigarette vending (3%) and entertainment, including television (3%).
Most FMs (71%) reported that they had ‘no particular issues’ in connection with servicing these areas, although issues that were mentioned included complaints from non-smoking service staff (4%) — who probably don’t relish contact with the acrid remnants of smoking breaks — and extra decorating and cleaning costs (11%). Perhaps these are the hidden costs of smoking provision.
77% of respondents, however, reported no big impact on FM budget as a result of providing smoking facilities. Of those that thought there was, decorating costs, allocation of office space for smoking areas, maintaining cleanliness and smokers’ shelters were listed.
Peter Cohen, Chief Executive of the PHS Group plc, comments: “The PHS Quarterly FM Survey was launched for the benefit of our customers, to reveal interesting and relevant facts for Facilities Managers about their industry and about the practices and opinions of their peers.
“Each quarter, there is a different topical focus to our Survey — looking at anything from career development to flexible working — and we also develop an FM trend indicator. Our FM Industry Tracker repeats key questions quarterly, keeping tabs on broader business indicators like budgetary increases and decreases, office relocations and departmental investments. By doing this we aim to reveal trend information of value and relevance to our customers.” PHS welcomes ideas from Facilities Managers on subjects they would like investigated in the future. For a copy of the survey report or to suggest a survey subject, please call PHS on 029 2085 1000.
Workstations are new
Welconstruct’s brand new range of Hyslide workstations can be specified with a wide range of options to meet individual user’s bespoke requirements.
Six standard base storage cabinets are offered with varying sized sliding drawers and/or cupboards, complete with hardwearing MDF, vinyl, laminate or hardwood worktops.
For security and safety, all cabinets have central locking and an anti-tilt device to prevent more than one drawer opening at any one time. Maximum loading per drawer is 10kg.
Mounted on to the cabinets can be louvred panels for tools and small parts storage, or a plain steel panel for attaching memos, drawings, etc.
Other options include steel back ledge stops, overhead twin rail for tools and light fittings, upper shelves and rear support uprights, cantilever arms for mounting VDU, keyboard or test equipment, bin rails, end tool panels and service panels.
World class catering
OCS catering staff demonstrated their world class catering skills to members of the English Rugby World Cup squad recently at a breakfast in their honour. Staff served the England captain, and a number of team mates, including Flanker, Neil r Back, with an array of hot and cold food to help celebrate the team’s achievements. “It was very exciting preparing food for the players and I hope that they enjoyed their breakfasts.” OCS Catering is a division of the OCS Group. Whether clients request executive dining, a staff restaurant, delicatessen or sandwich bar, retail shop or vending, OCS Catering can provide a solution that is as innovative as it is cost effective. With a turnover of over £400m and increasing expansion throughout the UK and across its international operations, OCS is the market leader in the provision of a comprehensive range of property support services. Offering one complete solution from a single point of contact, its six divisions encompass technical, security, catering, transport, cleaning, hygiene, laundry and environmental support services.
Wybone Secure Wheeled Bin Cover System
Wybone has launched a new system to securely house 1100 and 1280 litre wheeled bins. Highly effective against vandalism and arsonists and specifically designed for areas where a securely fixed dedicated trade refuse container is required. The close fitting design ensures lighted matches cannot be dropped into wheeled bin. The user friendly hinged front is gas strut assisted to help when lifting to deposit bagged refuse and when closing the unit. A single padlock ensures security, locking with only one key. Manufactured from heavy duty box section with pre-drilled floor fixing holes. The cover accepts a standard 1,100 litre wheeled bin and keeps it locked in place so that it cannot be used or abused by any unauthorised persons. The cover is available in either a galvanised or powder coated paint finish and can be modified to suit other applications.
Wheeled Bin Covers are ideal for areas where large volumes of litter are generated, for example, hotels, restaurants and large fast food outlets ensuring a tidy waste area. The containers can be removed quickly and then emptied by the normal method. Most Wybone products can be modified to suit other applications, i.e., for Bottle Banks, Paper Banks etc.
Xtend & Climb telescopic ladder
The Xtend & Climb stores at a mere 0.76m and telescopes up to an amazing 3.8m. The compact design makes it easy to store, convenient to carry and simple to use - simply lift and lock to the desired height, complete your task and use the release catches to safely lower each section, without trapping any digits...easy! The Xtend & Climb ladder only weighs 11kg, so it is the perfect portable ladder that will fit in any car boot or cupboard. Certified to EN131 the Xtend & Climb is tremendously robust, with a tough anodised aluminium finish that is clean to the touch - an ideal piece of kit for working inside and out, in the office or on site. Basic info: * Closed length - 0.76m * Fully extended length - 3.80m * Width - 0.48m * Weight - 11kg * Certified to EN131
Yates awards GSH full FM contract with Energyplus
George S Hall (GSH), the UK’ s fastest-expanding independent FM company, has won an exclusive multi-million pound contract from leading leisure operator, the Yates Group. The full FM contract combined with energyp/us — 0511’s integrated contract energy management service - covers all 151 outlets across the UK, including Yates’s Bars and the HA! HA! Bar & Canteen brand.
The agreement gives GSH overall responsibility for Yates’s facilities and property maintenance, help desk and cost management, as well as M & B and building fabric.
Designed to complement Yates’s corporate environmental policy, GSH’s energyplus contract energy management service guarantees a fixed consumption saving through engineering best practice. Internal conditions in bars will be maintained within agreed parameters and reinvestment made in energy saving devices like controls, BMS, metering, monitoring and lighting.
GSH Chief Executive, Cohn Tennent, said: “This major announcement with such well-known high street brands reinforces our growth strategy based on a full FM service with contract energy management built-in. It is flexible to take into account Yates’s potential further expansion and provides energy budget security across its property portfolio.”
York appoints UK & Ireland country manager
York International has appointed Keith Smith to the new position of managing director UK & Ireland, responsible for all sales and service related operations throughout York's UK and Ireland businesses, and for driving the continued growth of the company in these markets.
The position has been created as part of the ongoing reorganisation of York's Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Operations into geographical units, instigated to enhance the company's product development processes in order to react much faster to local market changes.
Keith brings with him over 25 years of experience with York, having worked in various equipment sales and service capacities and, most recently, holding the position of regional service director for the north central region of North America.
He has played a significant part in growing York's service business in North America and initiating and running diversified businesses. During this time, Keith gained his MBA from the Indiana Wesleyan University, building on his BSIE in Industrial Engineering from the Aubum University.
Keith is enthusiastic about his new appointment: 'york UK & Ireland is a mix of diverse businesses with highly talented people, challenged by the ever-changing needs of our customers. I am excited to join such a vibrant team and look forward to working with them to realise York's full potential in this dynamic market.'
York chiller lands at T5
The first of four York ammonia chillers has been delivered to London Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 (T5). Due to its size, the 6.6mW chiller had to be delivered in three sections, winched into the building and then assembled inside the T5 Energy Centre. York's chillers will provide chilled water to meet the air conditioning needs of the terminal buildings. All four chillers utilise R717 ammonia refrigerant, a specific requirement of the T5 air conditioning design team who were looking for the optimum in energy efficient, environmentally aware cooling systems. York's unrivalled expertise in the design, manufacture and factory testing of high capacity ammonia chillers, along with its ability to provide local engineering and service support, were key factors in its successful bid for this £2.7m installation.
York cranes in cooling for Jubilee
What did Jubilee Building Services do when its client wanted two air conditioning chillers replaced because the ISIS Building in London Docklands was too hot? It turned to York International’s Retrofit Division, which installed two of its own air-cooled chillers, overcoming challenging crane logistics in the process.
The two existing chillers had been installed in the ISIS Building in 1990 and subsequent poor maintenance had led to early deterioration in their operational efficiency. On its appointment as the new facility management team, Jubilee Building Services was looking for a speedy and effective solution to this inherited problem. An added concern was the need for specialised craneage. At an early stage of the building’s construction, the use of a tower crane was ideal. However, the geometry of the completed building and surrounding courtyards required a more complex solution that would not put undue pressure on the immediate pavement and underground water, sewage and communications network.
York proposed two YCAJ 55MR7 air-cooled chillers, each with two compressors that would provide a total of 874Kw cooling capacity at 7°C leaving chiller liquid temperature and 35°C ambient. They included Acoustic Phase 2 low noise kits and additional Soft Start options.
Paul Smith, contracts manager at Jubilee Building Services, commented: “York Retrofit not only offered the best chiller solution to satisfy the cooling load, it could also demonstrate that the machines had a proven track record. To allay our client’s fears on maintenance, York could provide an after-sales service that includes spares and components available within 24 hours.”
Working closely with the craneage contractor, York and Jubilee ensured the positioning and usage of the heavy lift crane would safeguard against pavement damage and sub-surface movement. To contain costs, both machines were installed with one crane lift and the project was completed well within the client’s budge and timescale. York has now been asked to quote for fully comprehensive ongoing maintenance at the site.
Paul Smith concluded: “Both old machines were replaced as a simultaneous project and the York chillers are now fully Operational. Our client is now complaining that the building was too cool when the ambient temperature was 34CC in July — a problem much easier to remedy!”
York international’s combines capabilities meet demands of challenging EU cooling market
“The recent reorganisation of York International’s Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Operations into geographical business units has consolidated our commercial and industrial capabilities, bringing additional and valuable perspective to product design and the development needs for the challenging European cooling markets.” Kevin Westcott, Vice President of York Europe, Middle East & Africa, Western & Southern Region, speaking at a recent product launch, continued “As a market leader in both industrial refrigeration and air conditioning systems, the individual strengths of the two operations have always been immense. Bringing together the complementary technologies, skills and expertise of the two organisations has increased the opportunities to utilise our engineering and technology resources. As a result, we are able to enhance our product development processes in order to react much faster to market changes.” “In addition, we have been able to bring an imaginative and inspired approach to the through-life support of both ours and other manufacturers’ equipment in the field via our ever-growing service business.” Kevin Westcott was talking at the launch of York International’s Sonata chillers, pad of its new range of air-cooled screw compressor chillers, designed as a direct result of its customers demand for low sound and high efficiency equipment. York’s substantial investment in an Environmental Test Facility at its European HQ in Basildon last year has enabled the company to develop this range of products to meet future stringent European acoustic and efficiency legislation targets.
York opens the communications gate
York Controls Group has met the open protocol communications challenge with its newest product, ‘MicroGateway©’, the latest addition to York’s ISN (Integrated Systems Network) Advantage BMS/BAS controller range.
The MicroGateway provides a means of easily integrating York international’s intelligent chillers with the ISN Advantage, BACnet, LonWorks, and Modbus open standard communications protocols. An ASCII R5232 version is also available to provide chiller integration with any other intelligent building control system.
By installing a York MicroGateway kit between the chiller and the building control system, chiller communications are converted to the required protocol. It is easily fitted to the latest York International ‘Optiview’ controlled chillers, which are designed to accommodate the MicroGateway within the chiller control panel. Simply plug in two cables and the installation is complete. For other York International chiller types a boxed MicroGateway, which comes complete with either a 110v or 220v AC power supply, can be installed on the chiller control panel or within 1.2Km of the chiller.
All varying types of MicroGateway are pre-configured to be easily set up to communicate with the chosen protocol by means of a unique ‘QuickStart’ feature that is activated via a built-in switch setting sequence.
The MicroGateway allows the chiller to be controlled or monitored by any device that can initiate requests in the chosen protocol. All the information from the chiller control panel is accessible including mode, operation and fault codes. Dependant on the chiller type, this represents nearly 100 bits of live data that can be used by the building controls system to control the chiller, monitor alarms and store historical data to review operating performance and costs.
Existing chiller customers can take advantage of a live demonstration from their service provider. York International service departments worldwide are equipped with the software and hardware tools to enable them to demonstrate the communications protocol from the MicroGateway during commissioning.
By incorporating an ISN Advantage MicroGateway, a York International chiller can now be integrated into a building controls system, which uses any of the leading industry standard protocols commonly employed in today’s building services. York’s proprietary ISN Ethernet protocol has been used by York International for factory packaged HAC plant and BMS/BAS controller networking for over 20 years. It provides a peer-to-peer communications capability for over 8,000 devices on a single network. The radial design philosophy, 10.8Km maximum network length and the use of a single screened pair of network cables, provides virtually limitless capability with a 50K baud network speed.
BACnet is the accepted standard in the USA for BMS/BAS central computers, complete BMS/BAS systems and ‘smart’sensors and actuators. Due to the flexibility of its communications structure it is also becoming accepted as the standard for communications protocol in Europe and the rest of the world. It encompasses R5485, R5232, ACRnet, Ethernet, LonTalk, and Internet TCP/IP communications.
LonWorks developed by the Echelon Corporation is based on their proprietary communications protocol and uses a special communications microprocessor that must be incorporated into each device on the network. The network can be physical cables, AC mains-borne or radio transmission. A small number of BMS/BAS manufacturers have adopted it as their standard, but most BMS/BAS manufacturers have a VAV or FCU controller option using this protocol.
Designed in the late 1970s as a simple serial protocol, Modbus is not an official standard but is used by most PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) manufacturers as their standard for a communications protocol.
With the introduction of MicroGateway, York Controls Group has further simplified York International chiller interoperability with other manufacturers’ controllers.
York provides solution to energy management
York International has extended the scope of its service operation to form York Energy Solutions, a specialist team that will provide energy and cost saving opportunities for York's clients throughout the UK and Ireland by effectively assisting them to reduce their energy use in buildings and processes. Where required, York will take over the responsibility for reducing energy consumption on behalf of its clients, allowing them to concentrate on core business. Recognising that not all organisations have sufficient need to employ a dedicated energy management team and that some companies may simply require an occasional extra resource, York Energy Solutions can fill the gap or work with the client's established team. With experience in utilities, coupled with engineering and process management expertise and a flexible approach to energy conservation, York's specialists can provide a service based on a sound understanding of customer needs. "The cost of energy is high and continues to rise. Our clients have indicated that energy reviews, either on an ad hoc basis or regularly included within their maintenance contract, would be a valuable extension to the York service," said George Hogg, sales and marketing manager, York UK Service. "We also believe that, as the implications of the new Part L2 of the Building Regulations are recognised by building owners and operators, demand for this type of service will grow rapidly. We will liaise closely with each client to formulate a strategy to ensure all opportunities for saving energy, relevant to its specific business operation, are practicable, costed, implemented and proven." The main focus of York Energy Solutions is on refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, with associated pumps, fans and controls. The service can be tailored for clients wishing to save energy across the whole of their site services and can include energy auditing, training, project implementation, project management and continuing client support. This will enhance York's current energy saving offering such as the use of precision controls, electronic expansion valves and variable speed drives.
York stars at Newport Theatre
York International’s air conditioning versatility has played a role in supplying equipment to provide the necessary environmental conditions at Newport Theatre and Arts Centre, which includes a specially designed exhibition area that will ultimately display historic ship timbers discovered during the construction of the building. Archaeological remains were revealed during the preparation of the foundations for the new riverside arts centre. The timbers were carefully excavated and discovered to come from an ocean-going, medieval ship dating from circa 1465 AD. The ship, currently being conserved off site, will return to Newport Theatre for public display in due course. Hoare Lea Cardiff was commissioned by Newport City Council as the design engineer on the project and CMB Engineering was employed as the mechanical services contractor by E.Turner & Son Ltd (main contractor). Tony Passmore, CMB director, commented: “This significant development in the construction of the building led to a major review of the building services specification. In particular, the air conditioning requirements changed, since the size of the basement had to be increased to incorporate a 280 metre square exhibition area. The atmospheric environment of this space needed to adhere to strict conditions in order for the remains of the ship to be conserved safely without the risk of deterioration. “York worked closely with Hoare Lea and ourselves to ensure that the most suitable chillers were specified to meet our client’s needs and budget. The local knowledge and flexibility displayed by York, along with its proactive support, has been invaluable.” York supplied two air-cooled scroll chillers, offering a total of 380kW cooling capacity (at 10 degC leaving chilled liquid and 30 degC ambient), which have been situated in a roof compound. The chillers come with an acoustic kit to reduce sound levels — an essential requirement for a public building such as a theatre.
York teams up with the Carphone Warehouse
The Carphone Warehouse Group PLC, Europe’s largest independent retailer of mobile communications, has developed and expanded its UK Support Centre located in Acton, West London. John Allen Consulting was appointed to design the M & E services for the multi-million pound contract with MITIE Engineering as services contractor and York International, as supplier of HVAC systems.
The project involved the conversion of an existing warehouse into a Call Centre and facilities for The Carphone Warehouse employees including a restaurant, gymnasium and nursery. The new development is linked to the existing offices via a skylit atrium.
Together, York and John Allen Consulting developed a solution that met the stringent environmental considerations of noise in a residential area and high energy efficiency to ensure low running costs. The York range of YCWS water-cooled screw chillers was selected in combination with dry air coolers with variable-speed control.
These systems provided the benefits of ‘slim profile’ small footprint chillers to allow easy plant room access and optimum use of limited plant room space. The YCWS range of chillers use HFC refrigerant R407C and incorporate York manufactured twin screw compressors with fully modulating capacity control.
This feature combined with market leading SN unit microprocessor control and inverter control of the remote dry mounted chillers ensured optimum system performance and reduced noise operation when conditions permit.
Maram Gad-Gilson, Senior Mechanical Engineer at John Allen Consulting said: “This project is a good example of a partnership between consultant, contractor and hvac supplier. The solution we developed met The Carphone Warehouse’s environmental criteria, maximised the use of available space and allowed it to remain a good neighbour.
York’s new heat pump works in harmony
York International has taken advantage of its new, state of the art acoustic test laboratory at its European manufacturing facility in Basildon, Essex, to develop an innovative range of low noise chillers with a small footprint. The new Harmony YRHP reverse cycle heat pump chillers are specifically designed to achieve low noise operation. Exhaustive testing was undertaken at the laboratory to ensure noise and performance targets were met.
The YRHP range consists of five models with cooling capacities from 360kW to 592kW and heating capacities from 353kW-587kW. Two significant factors in noise reduction are the use of specially configured, low sound two speed fans and an acoustic enclosure that contains the compressors, accumulators, valves and piping systems.
Sound pressure levels, at 10 metres distance, are 59 dB(A) at full fan speed and 55 dB(A) at low speed are achieved when operating at a distance of 10 metres. Low fan speed is automatically selected as ambient conditions cause a fall in pressure during cooling mode operation. During heat pump operation low speed can be remotely selected for night-time operation.
The YRHP range has two refrigerant circuits that operate independently. During defrost, one circuit operates in heat pump mode to provide heat, whilst the second circuit is defrosted. An advanced microprocessor provides accurate water temperature control, efficient compressor operation, adaptive defrost, and maintains the unit within necessary safety limits.
Ian Lilley of York International said: “The development of this new range reflects market demand for low noise operation and represents an immediate dividend from our new Hemi-Anechoic test facility. Our first order has now been shipped from Basildon with five YRHP0635 units delivered to Feria de Valencia for a large Spanish exhibition centre project.”
Yorkshire firms team up to keep Black Sheep cool
Two well-known Yorkshire businesses have teamed up to keep one of the country's most famous beers cool. Leeds-based Union Industries has installed a Bulldoor, from their Matadoor range of Hi Speed Doors, at the Black Sheep Brewery's Distribution Centre near Masham, North Yorkshire where its fast-acting operation is helping to maintain a constant temperature in its store area. The door's 1.5 metre per second opening and closing speed prevents outside elements affecting the building's interior despite being in constant use from vehicles and employees. Black Sheep Brewery is particularly keen on the Bulldoor's quick action to increase hygiene control by preventing the ingress of airborne particles and vermin as well as bolstering its security measures by lessening the opportunity for people to see inside the store area. Union, which designs, builds, installs and maintains the Matadoor range of Hi Speed Doors, has built up a considerable reputation as an innovative manufacturer, able to provide bespoke solutions to its customers. The Bulldoor, which is from the Matadoor range, boasts the unique Crash-out and Auto-reset facility, which is one of the factors responsible for Union's enviable reputation of producing the most reliable, trouble free and easily maintained Hi Speed Doors in the world. Apart from its simplicity of design and excellence of manufacture, the Matadoor range benefits from fire retardant and anti-static door blades and are supplied as standard with no fewer than twelve safety devices and five Food and Hygiene features. Paul Theakston, Managing Director of Black Sheep Brewery, said: "To maintain Black Sheep at the highest standards before it is sent out to pubs across the UK it's important that it kept at a constant temperature. The speed of the new Bulldoor is already proving to be an excellent asset to the Distribution Centre and is also playing a role in our stringent hygiene and security policies." Alan Hirst, Union Industries' National Sales Manager, said: "Working with Black Sheep Brewery, which is a like-minded Yorkshire business who prides themselves on quality and innovation, is paying dividends at the Distribution Centre. This installation again proves that the Matadoor range is an all-round performer, assisting companies with hygiene, security and temperature control issues."
Young engineering graduates offered career kick-start
As part of a global recruitment drive for graduates, Grundfos Pumps Ltd are giving a number of engineering graduates the opportunity of a flying start to their careers. Grundfos, who’s regional headquarters were recently selected by Fortune Magazine as one of the “Ten Great Places to Work for in Europe”, are offering talented and ambitious young people that are about to graduate a kick-start their career in sales and marketing through a new training and career programme. The young engineers will benefit from the scheme by acquiring extensive knowledge about customers and markets, and by being part of a large international organisation with great opportunities for progression. They will not only play important roles in the local sales teams but also be part of an international network, where they can exchange experiences with new colleagues from all over the world. The education and career programme is designed to create a strong link between skills development and practical work. It will build skills step by step to match the requirements at different job levels. The programme combines practical and theoretical training and covers all disciplines from product knowledge to sales. The eighteen-month introduction programme includes an intensive training programme combined with sales work. Part of the training will take place locally in the UK and part at Grundfos’ own training centre at the Group’s headquarters in Denmark. The twenty new engineering graduates from across the world included on the programme will be attached to a local manager who is responsible for day-to-day communication, and to a global coach who follows up on the various objectives the graduates have to meet in the course of the training programme.
Your Office Fire
Home Office records show that about a third of all companies suffering a major disaster - such as a fire - go out of business within a year. A new fire safety video asks how you would feel if, through your own carelessness, your job ceased to exist.
“Your Office Fire” has been produced by BRE and follows the “Front Room Fire” videos that have been widely used as training aids and for television broadcasts.
As well as providing a vivid demonstration of the possible consequences of an office fire, and the speed at which it can destroy an office, the video advises office workers on the simple precautions that they can take to avoid this disaster.
It is aimed at fire safety trainers, fire professionals and health and safety managers. The video will help organisations to meet current legislation that calls for specific fire training in the workplace.
It records the progress of a fire in an office, built for this purpose by Underwriters Laboratories, in real time from ignition to flashover - just four minutes. All of the furniture used in the office met current regulations. The ignition source was a chemical igniter designed to simulate an overloaded electrical socket that ignites a nearby plastic waste bin full of waste paper.
“Your Office Fire” will be available from the beginning of October 2002, priced £48 (plus VAT), from BRE’s on-line bookshop http://www.brebookshop.com
Yuasa ‘long-life’ batteries featured at IFSEC
The world’s leading manufactures of valve regulated lead acid batteries, YUASA, displayed their latest developments on their Stand at IFSEC. Yuasa are part of the Yuasa Corporation, an International Company with battery production plants and marketing centres throughout the world. The selection of batteries on display at IFSEC was of particular interest to manufacturers of Emergency Lighting Systems; Security and Fire Alarm products, CCTV’s and OEM electrical equipment.
The series of advanced performance Yuasa ‘SW’ VRLA batteries are designed for manufacturers and users of Uninterruptible Power Supplies. Yuasa have employed new technology in the design and manufacture of these batteries so that they in turn provide extra capacity under high rate discharge when compared to standard NP models. They even out-perform the high rate NPH series. SW batteries are a further step forward in Yuasa’s search for more power and capacity from less space.
Yuasa RELIART 15 year life VRLA batteries are the choice for exceptionally long service life. Their use means that in many applications manufacturers and users of electrical equipment may never have the need to install a replacement battery! The REL series have a flat top design and incorporate an integrated ‘open’ handle feature for easy and safe handling. Sizes across the range allow interchangeability with the NP series and cover 15 Ah - 12V; 24 Ah - 12V; 38 Ah - 12V and 65Ah - 12V with further models to be introduced.
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