Birmingham Business Post Edition 27 by BBP Media

Edition27 The Midlands Leading Business & Lifestyle Publication

Can Small Businesses Afford To Go Green? pg 63

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Birmingham Business Post Welcome to edition 27 of the BBP, the only magazine that showcases the best in business throughout the region. This is our biggest edition date, containing 92 pages packed full, with reviews and profiles. As ever we are talking with decision makerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right across the business spectrum focusing on what sets their companies apart, allowing you the opportunity to really engage with their ethos, and helping you make the right choices for your supply chain.

Birmingham Business Post 11 Canalside Office Complex, Lowesmoor Wharf, Worcester WR1 2RR Tel: 08000 807 809 Fax: 01905 726 467 E: hello@birminghambusinesspost.co.uk W: www.birminghambusinesspost.co.uk Publisher: PIL (Europe) Limited Print & Design: Heron Press UK ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Reproduction in whole or part prohibited without permission. Colour transparencies, prints or any pictorial media for this publication are sent at owners risk and whilst every care is taken, neither PIL (Europe) Limited or its agents accept liability for loss or damage. No editorial submissions will be returned unless accompanied by a Self Addressed Envelope.

DISCLAIMER Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that adverts and articles appear correctly, PIL (Europe) Limited cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor.

C O N T E N T S Locanta Restaurant Nuvo Wildaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heart of England Catering Butchers Shear Success Oliver James Salon Confluence Creative Topdraw Alpen Signs 3D Tooling Technologies Ltd Effigy Blinds Coopers Fencing Contractors Ltd Black Country Windows Ltd Finesse Windows Greenhous Diatech Automotive

4 7 8 11 13 14 16 17 19 20 22 24 26 28 31 34

Protopipe Ltd Restful Homes Group Wildgoose Arnold Laver Timber Word Spencer Jones Design Ltd Fira AAA Logistics Ltd

36 38 40 42 45 48 51

Consolid8 Logistics Aqua Victis Shredex Midlands Limited Waste Check Ltd Die Pat Divisions Ltd S&R Cutting Formes Metal Craft Industries UK Ltd Aerocom Metals Ltd West Mercia Sections Limited Midland Cleaning Supplies Ltd Ubitech Electrical and Security Ltd Craig and Derricott Ltd A&M EDM Borshch Electric

53 55 58 60 63 67 70 75 76 79 80 82 86 90

Locanta Restaurant Keeping The Traditional Values On The Plate

In a tough economic climate, when many businesses are being forced to tighten their belts, successful Birmingham restaurant Locanta is proving such a hit, owner Eric Oglu is going for double helpings. He recently opened a sister restaurant, Portofino, that is shaping up to be just as tasty with city folk. “Locanta has been providing good food and service to Birmingham for the last seven years and is recession-proof,” declares a delighted Eric. “From a small outlet we are proud to grow in these difficult times.” Based in Ludgate Hill, St Paul’s Square, Locanta specialises in mouthwatering Italian food with Mediterranean specialities, which means fresh fish, home cooked pasta and juicy grilled meats served up with plenty of spices. Spread over two floors of a 1776 building which was originally a thimble maker’s, Locanta’s guests can choose to be seated in the cosy, intimate downstairs section of the restaurant or eat on the first floor while enjoying the views of the impressive St Paul’s Square. And the hardest thing about an evening at Locanta is deciding what to eat from the extensive menu, which regularly incorporates chef’s specials and includes delights such as Mediterranean lamb fillet, Firtta Bianca (lightly coated squid, king prawns, scallops and bait), and Veal Milanese. “Food is a pleasure and a medicine for being alive,” says Eric. “At Locanta we use fresh, quality ingredients from both national and international markets and we always recommend that guests ask about the soup and specials of the day as they change according to season and availability - especially from the Fish Market. “We are also more than happy to help you if you have a particular favourite meal which is not listed on our menu.” With an extensive wine menu, first class service and elegant, relaxing surroundings, it all adds up to the perfect recipe for a wonderful night out, no matter what the occasion; Locanta is

MDP accountants would like to congratulate everyone at Locanta Italian Restaurant on their first seven years of business and look forward to supporting them in the future. Michael Dufty Partnership Limited The Counting House, 61 Charlotte Street, St Paul's Square, Birmingham, B3 1PX Telephone: 0121 233 0222 Fax: 0121 233 0504 Web: www.mdponline.com

happy to cater for birthdays, business, corporate lunches, light bites and private functions. With live music evenings also a feature, a visit to Locanta, which is open seven days a week from mid-day until midnight, is a true treat for all the senses. Now Eric is bringing his extra-special touch to another part of the city through his new venture Portofino, which is based in Frederick Street in the heart of Birmingham’s fashionable Jewellery Quarter. Here the emphasis is on straightforward, traditional Italian dishes, such as pasta and pizza, with a daily choice of blackboard specials, but always made using the best fresh ingredients available and brought to the table by friendly staff, dedicated to providing the best service. Says Eric: “We want to give our customers good value for money, good service and, of course, tasty and delicious fresh food so that enjoy their experience with us at Locanta or Portofino and come back.”

For full information about Locanta visit www.locanta.com where you can also reserve a table online. Alternatively, telephone 0121 236 7227.

Gupshill Manor may have been built in 1431 and played a part in one of England’s pivotal historical events, but it’s very definitely a 21st century venue. With its bespoke function room it can accommodate conferences requiring the most modern of technological facilities or, due to its inclusive bar, kitchens and toilets, be the perfect place for a celebration. If you are just looking for an atmospheric pub serving great food in beautiful surroundings with friendly and efficient service, then Gupshill Manor, on the outskirts of Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire, ticks all the boxes and is a popular dining choice for people of all ages. At the helm of this historic hostelry is Naomi Reynolds, who have been involved in the leisure industry since leaving school, and she is proud of what the Gupshill does. “I feel our consistency of product and service sets us apart from our competitors,” she says. “This, married to a keen attention to value for money.” Producing fresh seasonal dishes that celebrate British and international cuisine, Gupshill Manor’s menu is available throughout its seven days a week opening times, from 11am to 11pm. With weekday specials and Sunday lunches part of the extensive lunch and dinner menu, there is always something to appeal to every tastebud and wallet.

Corporate event organisers can take advantage of the variety of day delegate options for business meetings and seminars while bridal couples also make Gupshill Manor first choice for their big day - with Naomi dedicated to providing extra touches to really give it that special flourish. “We can also help you arrange other aspects – such as transport, cake, favours, stationery, hair and beauty, and photography – using our local network of talented and trusted wedding suppliers,” she says. Gupshill Manor’s ancient past makes it the perfect backdrop for any celebration. Around the fireplaces are pieces of ornately carved stonework which were stolen from Tewkesbury Abbey during King Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries. However, going further back, it was where Queen Margaret of Anjou stayed before the Battle of Tewkesbury, the defining moment of the War of the Roses. It was the Queen’s Lancastian son Edward who was fighting for the throne of England but who was soundly defeated by King Edward IV of York. The manor became a pub in the 1950s and has been a popular venue ever since.

For full details of all of Gupshill Manor’s function bookings and corporate packages, contact Naomi on 01684 292278 or visit www.gupshillmanor.com

“And we are happy to cater for special diets and offer a tasty flexible menu for children,” adds Naomi. But it’s as a place of celebration that Gupshill Manor really comes into its own as it boasts different spaces for different types of events - not least that spacious private function room. “With its own bar facilities and dance floor for large indoor parties it can cater for up to 175 people in any format,” promises Naomi. “Three-course full sit-down occasions, buffets, pig roasts . . . it’s also the place where we hold our our spectacular Christmas party events.”

If your event is smaller and more intimate, Naomi and her team, who constantly adhere to the highest standards of friendly service, are happy to create your own room within the restaurant, with the courtyard and surrounding grassy areas proving perfect for outdoor events.

écasse

In a town known as the ‘foodies’ capital of rural Britain, one restaurant is proving to be a star player. The nation’s food critics are raving about the culinary magic being created at La Bécasse, in Ludlow, and it’s chef, Will Holland, is being hailed as a new member of the country’s glittering cooking elite. As hollandaise sauce goes so perfectly with asparagus, so do Michelin stars, AA Rosettes and accolade after accolade with this fine dining establishment that is always friendly, informal and relaxed.

Will, aged 31, has spent his career working in Michelin-starred establishments and the town has been the perfect place for him to build on his life-long passion for cooking with the finest seasonal ingredients.

Awarded a Michelin star in 2009 and three AA Rosettes six months after it opened in 2007, last year alone saw La Bécasse,named Great Britain’s 19th best restaurant in The Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants, achieve 44th place in The National Restaurant Association's Top 100 restaurants in the UK and 48th place in The Good Food Guide's Top 60 restaurants in the UK 2011 while Will was named in the guide's list of 10 most influential chefs in the next decade.

He and his team work closely with local suppliers and producers using, wherever possible, food that is local to Ludlow.

Based in the Shropshire town’s Corve Street, La Bécasse, opened in 2007 after the former Hibiscus restaurant was bought by triple Michelin-starred chef and CEO of The 10 in 8 Fine Dining Group Alan Murchison. Ludlow, with its gourmet reputation, its internationally recognised food festival and abundance of the very best produce, was the prime location for the group which, with four restaurants and a cooking academy in its portfolio, is dedicated to representing the highest standards the industry has to offer. The stunning oak-panelled restaurant and state-of-the art kitchens, under Will’s guidance, attracted attention from the moment it opened.

This is borne out in the á la carte menu alone, which includes Herefordshire snails, Herefordshire beef, local wood pigeon, Mortimer Forest venison and Shropshire blue cheese beignets For gourmands who want to take their fine dining experience to the next level, they can enroll on one of La Bécasse’s monthly masterclasses in which, after a mouthwatering start to the day with tea, coffee and home-made cakes, they can step into the kitchen for an hour-long demonstration by Will, followed by a question and answer session over Champagne and canapes and prior to a bespoke lunch in the restaurant. So June sees Will demonstrate some fabulous dishes using Asparagus while July’s session will involve getting to grips with the many ways to serve lobster. “At La Bécasse, we aim to provide great food, knowledgeable and professional service, and memorable experiences for all our guests,” says Will. “Winning a Michelin star within 18 months of opening is an acknowledgement of the huge effort that every member of the team has put in since we started.”

To make your reservation at La Bécasse, telephone 01584 872 325. You can also book on line and find out more about the restaurant at www.labecasse.co.uk

UPTON-UPON-SEVERN WINES LTD Shippers and Purveyors of Fine Wines and Spirits

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01684 592 668 8 New Street, Upton-upon-Severn, WR8 0HR

Nuvo is Birmingham’s most elegant new lounge bar situated within Eleven Brindley Place. Nuvo offers customers exclusive Champagne, wine and cocktail lists, a Mediterranean mezze-style menu and premium table service. This elegant lounge bar, situated in the vibrant area of Brindley place, has a sophisticated ambience, which will appeal to the most discerning clientele. The sweeping contemporary décor, and soft lighting, complemented by a careful choice of ambient music makes this bar a great place to relax. Nuvo offer a huge range of cocktails and premium champagnes, as well as an extensive wine list. You are sure to find all your favourites, and some that you may never have tried before, indeed Nuvo’s own unique cocktails are extremely popular. They are the first bar in Birmingham to introduce molecular mixology. Wanting to eat? Nuvo have plumped for a Mediterranean theme, with Greek-influenced grills and mezze encompassing fish, meat and vegetarian options and, in the fine European tradition, huge mixed platters to share. There is a great range of live music on offer, visit The Manhattan Live Lounge on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays for Live Jazz and Blues. Thursday is Casino Royale night, go back in time to the cool days of the mid fifties, to a re-creation of the Sands hotel where the Rat Pack

t 8F BSF B h0OF 4UPQ 4IPQh GPS BMM DBUFSJOH outlets in Birmingham and beyond. t 5IF $JUZ DFOUSF showroom stocks a wide range of products - both off the shelf and for next day door-to-door delivery. t 0VS QSJDFT BSF competitive, with a huge selection of catering equipment and goods from recognised brand name suppliers. t 4UBGG IBWF FYDFMMFOU knowledge of the catering business offering service, support and advice to our customers. t 5IF XFCTJUF IBT BO extensive product range which makes ordering easy.

became so infamous; with their very own fun casino including, roulette, black jack, and stud poker; and a weekly Texas hold-em tournament, with your favourite Frank, Dean and Sammy tunes. Nuvo are very excited to be offering their fabulous 'Privilege' cards. As soon as you pick up your 'Privilege' card you will be able to enjoy, 0% VAT on all of your purchases between 5pm and 9pm every evening including Saturdays from 1st January 2011. Fast track admission, (no queuing on busy nights,) invitations to special events for Privilege card holders only, free admission for you and a friend to the exciting “Miami Club nights, and a fortnightly news letters, full of tips and offers.. Nuvo is without a doubt the finest bar lounge in Birmingham. The balance of sumptuous surroundings, knowledgeable bar staff and the best food and drink I've ever experienced in Birmingham.

For bookings ring 0121 631 1600

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www.wildas.co.uk Wilda’s was named after the mother of one of the directors, Kevin Smith, who came up with the original idea, after she spotted a Pickwick oven. The company specialise in providing jacket potatoes with various hot and cold fillings, mashed potato based meals, salads and sandwiches. All food is freshly prepared on the premises, using, as far as possible, fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Wilda’s Ltd, 461 Holyhead Road, Coventry CV5 8HU

The business started in 1991, after the purchase of their first “Ben Pickwick Oven” from the manufacturers in Birmingham. That first oven was taken to Long Marston market on Saturdays and Dodwell market on Sundays. This proved so successful that they obtained a permanent pitch in Talisman Square, Kenilworth, and, in 1992 they set up a second pitch outside the Holyhead pub in Coventry.

Joseph Morris

Wilda’s Ltd, 258, Hilmorton Road, Rugby CV22 5BQ

The two pitches were so successful, that the decision was taken to take the business full-time. The mobile catering units were sold in order to fund the major investment required to open and equip a retail shop. Wilda’s decided to capitalise on their existing customer base, and open their first retail shop, close to their previous pitch, on the Holyhead Road in Coventry in 1998; from where they developed their very successful brand, opening a second retail outlet in 2009 on Hilmorton Road in Rugby. Wilda’s cater for a broad customer base, their lunchtime service from their two permanent shops, is very popular with young and old alike. They are able to cater for local parties and events with a buffet-style service. The company also provide meals in bulk for other businesses from their range of home cooked foods. For more details visit their web site, or ring 02476 596270 (Coventry) or 01788 572211 (Rugby). Wilda’s are always developing new recipes, often following customer suggestions, and maintain a healthy eating principle, using fresh ingredients and avoiding fried, fatty, pastry based and highly processed foods. They are currently developing a new range of convenient foods, and of microwaveable fillings for jacket potatoes. Always busy, the company say “If The Oven Ain’t Burning We Ain’t Earning!” Telephone : 02476 596270 (Coventry) or 01788 572211 (Rugby) Email: orders@wildas.co.uk (Coventry) or rugby@wildas.co.uk (Rugby)

Catering Butchers Ltd

1 Turnpike Close, Lutterworth LE17 4YB Tel: 01455 550184 Fax: 01455 550619 At Joseph Morris Catering Butchers we are committed to quality: •

Beef, Lamb and Pork are sourced mainly from local farms

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21 day matured Scottish beef is from Aberdeenshire

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Phone Paul/Darren to discuss your requirements or for further details of our range of quality products

COMPANIES are queuing up to hold their conferences in the Arkle Suite, the newest addition to the popular Santoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Higham Farm Hotel. Since the purpose-built room opened last August, it has been in constant use for seminars, workshops and conferences of all kinds. Businesses have welcomed the opportunity to hold gatherings in the suite, which boasts the latest audio visual equipment, including a 54-inch monitor with Blu-ray/DVD player and a network hub for up to eight laptops. Comfortably seating up to 16 people boardroom-style, it has proved a welcome addition to the hotel which is based at Higham, in Derbyshire. Senior manager Katherine Law explained that the Arkle Suite was specifically built to complement its busy function room, the fully airconditioned and elegant Crystal Room. Also with its own built-in audio and visual equipment, this room seats up to 100 people theatre-style or 34 boardroom-style and is a popular choice not only for conference organisers, but those holding weddings, banquets or celebratory functions. Both rooms include free wi-fi access throughout and they can be hired for a full or half day with the use of all the equipment, although telephone conference facilities incur a small fee. Complete delegate packages are available on a daily or 24-hour basis to suit your needs and the hotel ensures that its conference co-ordinator is on hand at all times to ensure the stress is taken out of organising corporate events. For companies looking for team-building sessions, or that meeting thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a little bit different, Santoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Higham Farm Hotel is there to help. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whether you fancy a murder mystery or a Derbyshire treasure hunt, with the help of local businesses, we will do our best to accommodate you,â&#x20AC;? assures Katherine. In the months it has been open, the Arkle Suite has proved a surefire hit and the positive feedback has been flooding in - along with a huge upsurge in bookings. To ensure you have your event entered into the Santoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Higham Farm Hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conference diary, telephone 01773 833812/3/4 or visit www.santoshighamfarm.co.uk

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WINDMILL VILLAGE HOTEL, GOLF & LEISURE CLUB

From the instant you step over the threshold until the very moment you check out, you know that you are the number one priority for everybody at the Windmill Village Hotel, Golf & Leisure Club. With a heritage of welcoming guests stretching back more than 300 years, today the hotel, part of the renowned National Motorcycle Museum near Coventry, delivers a winning combination of hospitality blended with exceptional quality and service.

“We offer a more family-run environment that is often missing from a corporate chain and also benefit from the wonderful facilities at the National Motorcycle Museum. “Small and large firms enjoy the close location to the NEC and our very diverse conference and residential packages.”

And not just any old winning – it’s an award-winning hostelry. This year it won Best Hotel in Coventry and Warwickshire at the 2010 Godiva awards.

Now in discussions with the AA, the Windmill is hopeful of gaining a four star rating in the near future – which should put plenty of wind in its sails for 2011.

Records show there was a mill on the site, at Allesley, as far back as 1510 but the tradition of welcoming visitors began in the 18th century when the original "Winde Mill House" was converted into a coaching inn.

The Windmill Village hotel is on the A45, in easy reach of the M6, M42, M40 and the M1, in addition to only being a few miles from Birmingham international Airport and the NEC.

Today guests can admire the original well and drinking trough which date from around 1640. The hotel was bought by the museum more than 10 years ago in a move to complement its conference and banqueting facilities and the years of investment and refurbishment have resulted in an establishment with 105 superb bedrooms, conference faclities for anything from two to 400 guests, an 18hole golf course and a fantastic gym boasting the latest in Matrix cardiovascular equipment. When it comes to dining, whether you opt for candle-lit intimacy in the luxurious and relaxed atmosphere of the Fairways Restaurant or tuck in to a casual meal in the original coaching in cellars you will be dining like royalty – the Windmill’s head chef used to be the personal chef to the King of Jordan. Many come again and again to the Windmill Village Hotel. “We have an even mix of business and leisure guests due to our excellent facilities, says general manager Tim Brown, who has 20 years of experience in the industry having started his career with Hilton Hotels.

“Our local clients include AXA insurance, Fraikin, OCR, we attract business from all over the UK and we have a lot of repeat business due to our excellent service.

For full information and reservations, visit

www.windmillvillagehotel.co.uk

Suppliers of LIVE Entertainment Worldwide We only use the very best and most authentic tribute acts on the circuit

Proud to work with Windmill Village 11a Kingsway House, King Street, Bedworth, CV12 8HY 0044 2476 319786 web:mainstream-ents.co.uk/ email:info@mainstream-ents.co.uk

Heart of England Catering Butchers Heart of England Catering Butchers (2000) Limited is an established, vibrant business, providing high quality Meats, Poultry, Game and Charcuterie to the discerning caterer throughout the central area. An experienced team of fully qualified butchers and a fleet of owned, refrigerated vans supply restaurants, hotels and caterers, who rely on Heart of England for standards of excellence and exceptional service at competitive prices. Their strength lies in their commitment to building relationships, which allows a greater understanding of customer requirements, they work as a team to produce exact specifications and a consistent product resulting in a memorable meal for your clientele. Heart of England supplies a selection of high quality products, produced from all varieties of Meat, Game, Poultry and Charcuterie. If they don't stock the product you require just ask! Their extensive network of suppliers with whom they have built up a solid relationship over the years can generally locate your core ingredient. Products are stored and prepared in optimum conditions at their self contained unit. Having been audited and passed by an independent organisation, Health, Safety and Quality Control International, they are recognised and accepted as accredited suppliers to the hotel and catering industry. Using the industry standard â&#x20AC;&#x153;Meat Buyers Guideâ&#x20AC;? specifications to consistently supply uniform product, packed just how you like it.

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Competitive pricing for the finest quality produce â&#x20AC;&#x201C; our standards are second to none! Service is at the core of everything they do, your delivery will always arrive in one of their owned, liveried, refrigerated vehicles and can be made 6 days a week with a back up service for emergencies. The uniformed delivery personnel will gladly assist in checking off your delivery if so required. www.heartofengland2000.co.uk

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Congratulations to the Heart Of England Catering Butchers on your 10th Anniversary In Business. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to the next 10 Years

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NETWORK HOUSE BIRMINGHAM

IN THE current tough economic climate people are looking for value for money and excellent customer service. Events and conference centre Network House Birmingham is proud to offer both.

Events and Conference Centre

“Our rates are intentionally more competitive than other city centre venues and, combined with our experience and attention to detail, we are winning new business every month and clients are returning to us multiple times and making us their preferred venue,” states Rosie. Organisations designating Network House Birmingham as their venue of choice for training events and conferences include, national charities, departments in Birmingham City Council and the NHS, media and arts establishments as well as representatives from the commercial sector. But Rosie is not content for the company to rest on its laurels and plans to continue to grow the business and, thus, help even more people back to work. “We aim to host more events, hire, develop and train more staff and, if necessary, we would look at expanding to another venue,” she says.

But that’s not all - as a social enterprise, it’s also proving a powerful tool in helping people back into the workplace. “We are able to offer employment to people who have been out of work for a season or who want to learn new skills to be able to re-engage with the employment market,” explains conference manager Rosie McNeil. “We also put money back into the local area through investing particularly in charities working with young and disadvantaged people.”

“We are also in conversation with a local charity to look at working in partnership together to provide training for young people who are not in education employment or training.”

For further information about Network House and how it can host your conference or event, visit www.networkhousebirmingham.com telephone 0121 666 6466 or 07768540433 or email: rosie@networkhousebirmingham.com

Network House Birmingham was launched in 2009 and Rosie came to the post having gained 15 years’ extensive experience of leading and organising events for third sector organisations in other venues. Based in Digbeth, Birmingham, Network House is a mid-size conference venue offering meeting rooms for events from four to 200 delegates, with excellent customer service and fully inclusive rates. The catering is pretty good too. “Clients regularly comment on how delicious and fresh it is and our desserts have recently been described as ‘the best cakes of any conference venue in the UK’,” smiles Rosie. “We offer a conference planning service with an event host on the day and full technical and media support for all events to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

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“We also offer fully inclusive rates so the quoted day delegate rate includes all the costs – there are no hidden extras.” With its city centre location enabling easy access from the road and motorway networks and convenient parking immediately opposite, Network House is instantly a good choice for any conference organiser. But it’s the combination of its competitive rates and superb attention to detail and service that is really proving a big hit.

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all a far cry from 1987 when Angela and Maureen were struggling to get the financial assistance they needed to launch their business and it was The Princeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trust which gave them the vital advice, support and a grant to set them up. As a result, they have met Prince Charles himself twice and then Prime Minister John Major. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was lovely meeting them,â&#x20AC;&#x153; Angela recalls.

A visit to a Shear Success salon is sheer pleasure. What makes this team of enthusiastic professional hair designers and beauty therapists the cream of the crop is the enhancements they bring to a cut and blow dry, turning a routine â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;trip to the hairdressersâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC; into a soothing and relaxing pampering session. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe everything done in our Sutton Coldfield and Tamworth salons should be an experience as opposed to a service, so when clients come in for a wash, cut and blow dry we give them a mini scalp, neck and shoulder massage before they have their hair washed,â&#x20AC;? reveals co-director Angela Gough. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are shampooed using proper massage techniques and clients having their hair coloured receive a hand and arm massage.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Charles is used to talking to anyone and everybody and he can make a very easy conversation.â&#x20AC;? And did she have any advice for the - er - hair to the throne? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I remember looking at his hair the second time we met him and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d just been skiing,â&#x20AC;? Angela smiles. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When somebody has a haircut after theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been in the sun you can see a big white ring all the way round. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted to say, you should have told your hairdresser not to take it quite so short, but I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t - thought better of it!â&#x20AC;?

To book an appointment call 01827 62998 (Tamworth) or 0121 353 2738 (Sutton Coldfield).

The pampering starts for Aveda Spa customers the minute they arrive; getting their feet immersed in a soothing foot spa as initial consultations take place. Further touches include the opportunity to inhale relaxing aromatic oil delicately applied to hands prior to a potentially painful waxing session and hot towels applied afterwards to ensure the removal of every single bit of wax. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no wonder customers return again and again. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They love it because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so different,â&#x20AC;? says Angela. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our designers do the clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; hair from start to finish as opposed to being passed from person to person and, by accompanying all our services with these rituals, it makes each one totally different to whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s available elsewhere.â&#x20AC;? With such attention to detail, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no surprise to learn that Shear Success has lived up to its name with awards including Best Small Business, Training Excellence, Best Hair & Beauty Establishment, Retailer of the Year, Women in Business and three Customer Service Awards. Angela and her co director Maureen Young lead a team of 22 stylists, beauticians and receptionists, who are always up with the latest trends and procedures and boosted by in-house training which delivers and assess NVQ levels One, Two and Three. The Tamworth salon uses and sells Aveda and Paul Mitchell products while the Sutton Coldfield spa and salon, in Clarence Road, provides Aveda services exclusively and spray tanning using Sienna x. Both are open from 9am - 8pm Monday to Friday and from 9am - 6pm on Saturday and by appointment on Sunday. Stylists can also attend a venue to do the hair for weddings or any other occasion while for celebrations can be marked with a pamper party. Aston & Fincher Professional Hair & Beauty Supplies would like to congratulate the team at Sheer Success on their continued success and wish them well for the future

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Aston & Fincher, Shires Industrial Estate, Lichfield WS14 9AZ Telephone: 01543 415880 email: lichfield@astonandfincher.co.uk

OLIVER JAMES

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve teamed up with two amazing suppliers, Moroccan Oil and Evo Hair Care to offer clients their incredible range of products which are guaranteed to enhance any style.â&#x20AC;?

Salon

Introducing Affordable Luxury

Making people look and feel fabulous is all in a dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work for the stylists at Oliver James Salon - and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something they love to to do. Most people say if their hairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not right, everything else is wrong and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something salon directors Richard Morrall and Simon Rogers understand totally. They launched the Birmingham salon - which takes its title from their middle names - so that they could offer a unique range of high end services, individual personal service, the most cutting edge of hair styles and the most luxurious of experiences, but all at affordable prices. So when they can transform a workday desk look to a diva LA blow dry or glam curl look in just 15 minutes for a mere ÂŁ15, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no surprise clients are flocking to the St Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Square company. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very popular for those seeking that magazine editorial look,â&#x20AC;? states Richard, an award-winning stylist who has styled hair for numerous catwalk/runway shows and extensive magazine and photo shoots.

Add to these other industryleading products such as Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;OrĂŠal, Matrix, and My Curl, plus the hard-to-resist loyalty scheme - on your sixth visit your cut and style is free - and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to see why customers put Oliver James Salon head and shoulders above the rest. The salon welcomes men and women for consultations and appointments from Tuesday to Fridays, 9.30am until late and on Saturdays from 9.30am until 6pm.

To make an appointment call 0121 212 1445 and for further information visit www.oliverjamessalon.com.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oliver James is a new concept salon, breaking away from the conveyer belt system to which so many salons adhere, offering a personable experience from its five staff who are trained to the highest standards of hair care and who are among some of the most highly-regarded in the industry. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The concept has been at the forefront of mine and Simonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s minds for quite a while and in the salon we have created a contemporary and boutique atmosphere, offering clients in-depth consultations in a warm and friendly environment.â&#x20AC;? Those consultations really are in depth - Oliver James extends appointments so that the stylists can spend more time with every customer and thus ensure that only the very best choice of hair cut and colour to suit the individual is made. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Richard and I wanted to move away from the flock of relentless cold-hearted salons and to create an environment that enthused warmth and friendliness,â&#x20AC;? adds Simon, who also has a long-standing reputation within the hair industry and is regarded as one of the top 25 stylists in the country as listed by Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;OrĂŠal.

Commercial Shopfitting Design and Build Nationwide

07946 677451

Tudor Grange Leisure Centre The centre is managed by Parkwood Leisure one of the most successful leisure management companies in the U.K. Parkwood Leisure specialises in the development and operation of leisure facilities on behalf of local authority and non-local authority clients. The Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s management experience ranges from 50m pools to theatres, ice rinks and stand-alone catering facilities. The Company has developed an established reputation for high quality management and customer-focused service provision and has a strong track record in increasing the usage of the facilities it manages, through financial investment and a flexible approach to community needs. Tudor Grange Leisure Centre extends a warm welcome to everyone regardless of age or fitness. We have a wide range of leisure facilities and activities that are suitable for everybody whatever your age or ability. We really do have something for everyone! Whether you want to improve your health and fitness, try a new activity or simply find an enjoyable way to spend your leisure time, our friendly and helpful team are dedicated to ensuring that each and every visit is great! We look forward to welcoming you at the centre soon. Simon James, Centre Manager

â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

25m swimming pool Teaching pool Diving pool 140 station gym Group fitness studio Health suite

â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

Sports hall Indoor tennis centre Synthetic athletics track All weather pitch CrĂ¨che CafĂŠ Bar

Parkwood Leisure, Tudor Grange Leisure Centre Blossomfield Road, Solihull, West Midlands B91 1NB 0121 705 6371

www.leisurecentre.com 14

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Prepare to be pampered Junjou, meaning â&#x20AC;&#x153;pure heartâ&#x20AC;?, is a sophisticated beauty spa in the Merry Hill Shopping Centre, Brierley Hill, offering an oasis of calm in the midst of this busy centre, where you can relax and unwind, knowing that your well-being is at the â&#x20AC;&#x153;pure heartâ&#x20AC;? of everything they do. They specialise in all things nail related, offering manicures and pedicures for men, women, and children, nail art, false nails, and blackboard scratching. They also offer the increasingly popular Garra Rufa fish pedicures, where little Garra Rufas from the waters around the City of Kangal in Turkey, nibble the dry skin from customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feet, a treatment which is thought to be beneficial to those suffering from skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema and hard skin. During the treatment the fish feed while you have your skin exfoliated. Their suction-cup mouths are perfectly shaped for gently lifting dry skin away, without damaging the healthy new cells underneath. Your skin will be noticeably smoother and more supple.

Visit the web site www.junjouspa.com for details of opening times, special offers and their Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Treat Package, or telephone on 01384 70700

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The Garra Rufa treatment is completely painless, there is a pleasant slight tickling, almost tingling sensation similar to a light massage. The state-of-the-art 'pods' are filtered and fed by a constant oxygen supply to ensure clean water and a healthy environment for the fish. After the organic pedicure and exfoliation your feet will feel amazing; refreshed and healthy, excess dead surface cells, calluses and bacteria will have been removed. The micro massage effect oxygenates the skin and rejuvenates the skin cells by promoting blood circulation. Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day is coming up! Why not really surprise your Dad, and treat him to a soothing Junjou Spa treat?

Proud To Support Junjou Spa

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Confluence Creative is a West Midlands (Wolverhampton) based model making business, with many years experience in various aspects of model making including architectural, engineering, exhibition, toy and product prototypes. The company was started in 1999 as a partnership between Steve Brackett and Steve Broome, who are now the joint Managing Directors since the company became limited in 2008. Steve Brackett came from a background in teaching Craft Design Technology, with an interest in model making as a hobby. Steve Broome had been in model making since leaving school at 18. The business was formed when a company they had both worked at closed, but the customers still needed models making. The two Steves “picked up the ball” and “hit the ground running”! They have never looked back. Their reputation for highly skilled work has grown by word of mouth, leading to the high level of repeat business which is a major factor in their success

The company prides itself on its high quality standards and attention to detail, every project passes under the “eagle eye” of both directors; it is this attention to detail that has led Confluence Creative to be described as “an island of high craft and practical skill in a sea of decreasingly skilled workers”. To quote Steve Broome “There don’t seem to be many people able to make “stuff” any more!”

For further information on Confluence Creative Ltd, visit www.confluencecreative.co.uk or call Steve Broome on 01902 862601.

The company deals with a number of major national and international clients, providing a broad range of models. Engineering models tend to be for larger companies; within architectural modelling the housing market is a very important part of the business. The company provides housing development models for many of the major house builders, as well as architectural models, and has worked for major construction projects, such as the Bullring centre. The housing and architectural side of the business was quiet during the recession, but is now becoming busy again. The company’s broad range of skills enabled it to work in other areas of model making while the building sector recovered. Some of the more unusual commissions the company has undertaken, include half scale marine engines and ancillary equipment for use as in a marine simulator; prestige models as presents to major company M.D.s; and work behind the scenes for toy manufacturers such as Matell, Hasbro and Disney; this diversity has been a major factor in the continuing growth of the company.

Avante Property Investments Limited

Congratulations to Confluence Creative Our Latest Development for 2011

Vila

Cretcheu S a o V i c e n t e C a p e Ve r d e

Cape Verde The Heart of the World www.avanteproperty.com

+44 1926 844 231 16

topdraw creative design marketing communications

THE Topdraw team know they provide all the usual creative design services expected of a leading design/marketing agency, but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re proud of what really puts them in the well top drawer - their quality of service and the ability to advise, steer and drive projects as well as offer guidance on strategy and direction. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a combination of factors that not only sets them apart from the crowd, as theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been honed to perfection they have attracted and retained clients from across the country. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are very easy to work with,â&#x20AC;? declares co-director David Brady. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are very good at what we do and take a direct approach without the need to create a theatre around everything - a refreshing change for some.

The economic climate maybe hard-going, but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lots to celebrate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just being here and not having made any staff cuts is reason enough,â&#x20AC;? David points out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are consolidating what we have and looking at winning new customers, but there are no rapid expansion plans as thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not our scene. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we expand too quickly some of our customers could feel left behind. And we couldn't have that.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will continue doing our best in everything that we do and ensuring that the final 'product' is right.

For further information on Topdraw and its services, go to www.top-draw.biz or call 0121 773 7724.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;And we have been doing something right for the last 20 years!â&#x20AC;? He launched Topdraw, based at The Arch, in Floodgate Street, Birmingham, with codirector Jonathan Hart, straight from college in 1991. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had a very good understanding of the new technology - Apple Macs,â&#x20AC;? David remembers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many design agencies and artwork departments were still fearful of the desktop publishing revolution. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We came from an environment where it was the norm and understood that the Mac was only the same as a pencil and as good as the designer using it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our goal was, and still, is to deliver a project that fulfills the original brief and more. In doing so we have managed to retain many of our original customers; our oldest has been with us since1993.â&#x20AC;? The early years saw Topdraw working with ad and design agencies and local manufacturing companies on high volume design work, including the Betterware catalogue, but the company evolved into handling entire projects. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Customers began to ask for help as a project began, giving us the opportunity to steer it and so create a better result,â&#x20AC;? David explains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As clients realised what we were capable of, they got us involved at earlier stages and, because of this, our expertise branched into product graphics, packaging, web promotions, press advertising and some more unusual avenues. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now we find that although our main single project focus for the year could be a catalogue, we are involved throughout, in the build-up to its launch, from 11 months prior to its production.â&#x20AC;? The compact team handles projects for mainly private sector clients ranging from corporate B2B customers with turnovers of more than 25m to smaller family/privately owned companies.

0((7,1* 52206 &21)(5(1&(6 (9(176 Our newly expanded facilities provide a comprehensive service for all occasions from busy one day conferences seating 200 with 12 separate breakout spaces to small private meetings. Our major function suite Waterside overlooks the Grand Union Canal. â&#x20AC;˘ Board Meetings â&#x20AC;˘ Training Sessions â&#x20AC;˘ Interviews

â&#x20AC;˘ Networking Events â&#x20AC;˘ Lectures & Seminars â&#x20AC;˘ Exhibitions

â&#x20AC;˘ Fashion Shows â&#x20AC;˘ Annual General Meetings â&#x20AC;˘ Private Parties

PLUS: FLEXIBLE, COMPETITIVE OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE TO LET THE BOND COMPANY, 180 - 182 Fazeley Street, Birmingham, B5 5SE

Tel: 0121 766 7400 â&#x20AC;˘ Email: info@thebondco.net â&#x20AC;˘ www.thebondco.net

Now into its second year, expectations are high that business will continue to grow at the same relentless pace. Creating and installing 'Killer' residential and commercial interiors across a wide range of sectors for developers, architects, corporates and independents, the company was formed by Alan Pierce. In bringing together John Simmonds, Benjamin Dawson, Rebecca Perace and Samantha Nolan, he has created a talented team with a unique range of skills and specialisation and a combined 50 years’ plus experience within the commercial and residential interiors industry. IT’S certainly been a year out of the ordinary for one Lichfield interior design studio - but then Killer5 just doesn’t do mundane. Launched just over 12 months ago, the team of five partners has made its mark with a stream of prestigious assignments for top clients in high-profile locations. Projects for some of the country’s largest developers, such as Charles Church, Persimmon, Bellway Homes and Nikal’s HIVE city living development in central Birmingham have been handled alongside refurbishments of numerous award-winning hair salons, a food outlet in Merry Hill, a bar/bistro in St Paul’s Square, Birmingham and the redesign of The Royal Hotel, Sutton Coldfield.

Call us now for a FREE no obligation quotation:

01543 574213

“Killer5 was established to provide unique and challenging interior schemes as an alternative to the often bland, mundane and unconsidered designs produced by other studios,” states Alan. “We work closely with clients, from concept to installation, to ensure we always meet the brief, budget and deadline and exceed expectations. “It’s that direct designer/client relationship from beginning to the end of the project which is such a real benefit of working with us, along with our attention to detail,” he continues. Neither are the designers afraid to push the boundaries whilst challenging themselves and customers. “We at Killer5 follow no fads or fashion but prefer to create our own unique style,” declares Alan. “We also offer a full creative package, from branding to PR.” Being based just north of Lichfield, Killer5 is perfectly placed for nationwide logistics and delivery and uses a large network of highly-skilled sub contractors to turn those boundary-breaking concepts into stunning reality. It’s early days yet but, there’s plans to provide sought-after training opportunities for those looking to establish themselves in the profession. “We all remember how hard it is to get a foot in the door in this industry, but at present our focus has to be on business development and growth,” says Alan.

National Coverage with Local Expertise • Full / Part Packing Service • Fully Trained, Uniformed • Packing Materials Supplied and Professional Staff • Fully Insured • Members of the B.A.R • Secure Containerised • Office and Commercial Storage • Local / National / International Relocations Formerly John Lomas Removals

Ridings Park, Eastern Way, Hawks Green, Cannock,WS11 7FJ

And while increase is certainly happening, the Killer5 team is determined that certain things will always remain the same. “Our long-term aims are to never to allow the growth of the business to compromise the quality of the design, as often happens as design agencies grow,” explains Alan. With all Killer5‘s interior design schemes complying with current health ad safety legislation and building control regulations plus meeting its own exacting own high standards to ensure nothing is ever compromised, Alan, who like his colleagues relishes a challenge, has one for would-be clients, saying: “killer5 doesn’t do ordinary. Are you brave enough? Make the call.”

Ring 01889 582725 or visit www.killer5.co.uk

Customer service and attention to detail are the cornerstones of Alpen Signs, the Leicestershire company whose high-quality work can be seen across the UK. The entire team of 27 is dedicated to providing the very highest levels of service and combining them with exceptional value for money for all signage and imagery requirements. Established in 1984, by managing director Martin Allen, the company has built up an enviable reputation for quality, producing a wide variety of projects from corporate re-branding to individual bespoke orders.

Further accreditations include Safe Contractor, Contractor Plus and the Guild of Master Craftsmen while all the installation teams are fully qualified with CSCS, Safety Passport, IPAF and PASMA certificates.

For further information about Alpen Signs and the range of services it provides, visit its website www.alpensigns.co.uk or telephone 0116 263 0550.

The range of services includes: Initial site surveys, conceptual design, presentation documents, local authority planning approvals, installation and maintenance. “The success we have achieved over recent years would not have been possible without an extensive range of in-house facilities and close established links with other specialist suppliers,” says Martin. “This has enabled us to retain close control on all our products for the ultimate benefit of our clients.” It’s that combination of an experienced team committed to doing everything possible to ensure complete satisfaction at the final stage of the process, with a comprehensive range of manufacturing facilities that allows Alpen Signs to meet every individual demand. It has also proved to be surefire recipe for success and resulted in a lengthy list of prestigious clients. “Over the years we have been fortunate to work with a wide range of excellent customers,” says Martin.

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Charnwood Accountants & Business Advisors LLP

“Our focus has been primarily within the retail and leisure sectors but we have also supplied signage to many well-known brands such as Palmer & Harvey, the UK’s fourth largest privately owned company, Next, Everards Brewery, M&S Money and VisitEngland. “Because we are conveniently located in the heart of the country, it allows for easy access to all parts of the UK.” But no matter where in the the country they are based, all customers can gain further assurance of Alpen Signs’ abilities by its extensive number of accreditations, particularly for ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

:H ZLVK $OSHQ 6LJQV FRQWLQXHG VXFFHVV IRU WKH IXWXUH Telephone: 01509 621833 Email: accountants@charnwoodaccountants.co.uk

www.charnwoodaccountants.co.uk

“These alone show our continued commitment to providing the highest levels of service while, at the same time, looking responsibly at our impact on the environment and how we can minimise it,” says Martin.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;The pattern-making side of the business is also quite a gem. Unfortunately, over recent years, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a skills gap in this field, especially for more complex parts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve all worked on the most complex of designs and there are not many companies left with the skills base to produce this tooling.â&#x20AC;?

A great blend of modern tooling design technology, traditional shop floor skills and high end machinery has proved a winning formula for Wolverhamptonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3D Tooling Technologies Ltd. Launched in 2009, with the UK economy still reeling, the company has done nothing but grow, with more and more prestigious clients looking to benefit from its tooling design and manufacturing services. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Starting the business in the middle of the recession may not seem wise, but since we began weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen steady growth and increased optimism among fellow manufacturers.â&#x20AC;? acknowledges co-founder and director Paul Reeves. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our order books are healthy and we are seeing a good growth in general enquiries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking at further investment into CNC machinery, possibly five-axis bridge mills; long-term we see this as a natural progression which will create jobs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have the same capabilities of companies many times our size but without the large-scale overheads associated with them, meaning we can produce topquality accurate tooling at a very competitive price.â&#x20AC;?

3D Tooling Technologies is a relatively young company, but the client portfolio and project range are impressive, including work on prototype engine developments and racing engines, high-end aircraft seating and interior components for large earth-moving manufacturers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done a lot of work indirectly for several well-known companies, including Cosworth, Jaguar, Land Rover and McLaren,â&#x20AC;? reveals Paul. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A more diverse project was an end-oftrail marker for the North Downs Way National Trail in Dover after we were approached by Alma Tischler-Wood, whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d won a competition to create the artwork for a 1.2m diameter cast iron plaque in the ground. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We turned this into a 3D computer model and, in conjunction with Vanguard Foundry in Lye, manufactured the tooling and plaque. The final result is quite stunning.â&#x20AC;? For further information on the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s range of services, visit www.3dtooltech.com.

3D Tooling Technologies Ltd was formed in 2009 when Paul, MD of 3D Pattern and Tool Ltd offering design services to tooling manufacturers, combined forces with Bob Beeson and Doug Round, MDs at Precision Pattern and Tool Limited, which offered the manufacturing facility. More than ÂŁ50,000 was invested on plant and machinery and additional floorspace was taken on. Today, two units, one of 1,200sq ft and one of 1,500sq ft are located just off the M54 between Wolverhampton and Cannock. There is one full-time toolmaker and, working with Business Link, there are plans to take on an apprentice. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of our main advantages is we use the ProEngineer solid modelling software,â&#x20AC;? says Paul. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is high-end software, initially costing several thousand pounds and then very high costs annually to continue with the licence. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many small companies shy away from it because of the cost, the training and high wages required by the user, however, one of us has used it for years, making it affordable.

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Established in 1983 Michael Tuck and Company have a branch network selling property in Abbeymead, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Linden, Swindon, Quedgley, Westbury and Worcester. We have established ourselves as one of the leading independent property agents in the area providing a comprehensive service on Estate Agency, Lettings, Land and New Homes, and Financial Advice. Our office at2 Brindley Road, Worcester, conveniently situated just off Junction 6 of the M5, has rapidly established itself as the favoured agency for the popular Warndon villages. Michael Tuckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sign boards with their â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sold It!â&#x20AC;? banner are seen throughout the area, on all types of property. So successful are they, that Jason Barnett, the branch manager, tells us that their major problem at the moment is keeping pace with the demand for homes, due to a lack of properties coming on to the market. The Worcester officeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success extends throughout the city and surrounding areas, and Jason and his team are happy to give advice and a professional valuation on properties throughout the Worcester area. Once instructed, Michael Tuck will actively market your property, really working hard on your behalf, and giving every enquiry complete attention. You will always feel that you are dealing with real people who have at the core of their philosophy professionalism and service. They offer the reassurance of escorted viewings, will follow up all inquiries, chase paperwork, and pursue and overcome any unforeseen issues that can arise, in order to give their customers the very best outcome, and to say â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sold It!â&#x20AC;? once again. From a purchaserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s point of view, finding the right property for you is only part of the process, seeing the transaction through to completion is where the professional abilities of Jason and his team really come in to their own. They provide a comprehensive range of mortgage advice, as you would expect, but regularly liaise with both sets of solicitors or conveyancers, to speed the process, and make buying property through Michael Tuck as smooth and enjoyable an experience as possible. Michael Tuck are also able to identify development opportunities and can provide a full service from advising on obtaining planning consent through to providing a marketing package for the whole development. They are the sole agents for a number of new developments, receiving instructions from Persimmon Homes, Lion Court Homes, David Wilson Homes, Page Homes, Bell Homes, and New Dawn Homes among many others. In conclusion, whatever your property needs, visit Michael Tuck for a complete and professional property service with the personal touch. Tel: 01905 757577 Email: jbarnett@michaeltuck.co.uk

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EFFIGY BLINDS love is blinds ....

Faith and Rick Grain are proud to tell people about the exceptional customer service from Effigy Blinds Ltd. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re proud to tell them that 99% of its products are sourced from Britain, come with a three year-guarantee and that the in-house blinds are hand-made - but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re proudest of all, of its word-of-mouth reputation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We get probably over 90% of our business from word of mouth referral and if this doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t persuade potential customers that we are great at what we do then no amount of personal trumpet blowing will change their minds,â&#x20AC;? smiles the West Bromwich Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Managing Director. Specialising in conservatory roof blinds and Perfect FitÂŽ blinds, Effigy Blinds, on the Brandon Way Industrial Estate, makes vertical, roller, pleated and woven wood blinds and supplies wood and metal Venetian and Roman blinds.

Production manager Dale Beech and seamstress and roller blind overseer Kam Gill at work on one of the blinds.

The small team of five handles mainly trade customers,and is keen to build on its schools and nursery clientele, but the retail customer base is expanding all the time.

E F F I G Y

â&#x20AC;?Every customer is one we want to retain into the future and the nature of this business is that a satisfied customer will go to extraordinary lengths to discover where you have gone to, even after 25 or more years since their original purchaseâ&#x20AC;?.

B L I N D S

To find out more about Effigy Blinds and or a free, no obligation home visit and quote, email visit www.effigyblinds.co.uk Alternatively telephone 0121 580 0725 or 07854 876 265.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We regularly get customers of the now defunct Imperial Blinds who contact us after visiting their old premises. The new building owners, AJT Supplies, are good friends and always willing to pass on our details and recommend us. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is these people who trust enough to call us, even after so long a period has passed, that give us the confidence in our company ethos to be the best.â&#x20AC;? Having an expert creative team on board means the Effigy Blinds is not only flexible but quite an innovator. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our staff are experts in blind making and sufficiently adaptable to try out and develop new ideas, often improving on old ways of doing things and bringing about a better product for the customer as well as improving efficiency,â&#x20AC;? explains Faith. â&#x20AC;&#x153;New ideas are discussed, dissected and analysed to see if we can make a product which is useful, affordable and desirable, then we implement a design and development research project to try and take it to market. Even if that proves successful we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop trying to refine and to achieve higher efficiency in manufacturing.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;This has led to the development for the boat market of specialised blinds which do not hang free and are, therefore, less likely to be damaged or to damage the interior of the boat But whether the increasing number of retail clients live aboard or within the more traditional bricks and mortar, Faith and Rick understand that, for these people, their homes are their castles. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Effigy Blinds can provide a service that cares for their homes as much as their owners do,â&#x20AC;? they say.â&#x20AC;? Choose the style, colour and design of your blinds then leave the rest to us. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy your blinds in your own fabulous decor style.â&#x20AC;?

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Love your home, Love your style, Love your blinds 22

Electrical Appliances • Fridges & Freezers • American Fridge Freezers • Fridge Freezers • Dishwashers • Washing Machines • Tumble Driers • Cookers• Kettles, Toasters & Microwaves • Blenders, Food Mixers & Coffee Machines • Vacuum Cleaners • Telephones • Radio's & CD Players There is a free local delivery and collection of your old appliance for larger items.

Visit Ludlow Homecare, based in the market town of Ludlow, which offers all house and garden needs. We aim to offer a true “one –stop” location for the home improver and D.I.Y. enthusiast. D.I.Y. and Garden Centre Our D.I.Y. Store carries a comprehensive range of tools, hardware and building supplies, suitable for general home maintenance through to more ambitious projects, including everyday tools and household accessories

As you can see, we really do stock everything for your home and garden, do come and see for yourself, or visit our website, www.ludlowhomecareltd co.uk.

For more information, or to check availability, please contact us as we will be more than pleased to help, on 01584 874554 or email Ludlow.homecare@btconnect.com

We stock: More than just electrical....

• • • • • • • • • •

Tools & Power Tools Screws, Nuts, Bolt Washers and Nails Light Bulbs & Electrical Accessories Timber, Worktops, Roofing & Felt Paint, Stains, Varnishes (Dulux, Crown and Johnston's) Painting Accessories & Specialist Paints Tiles, Grouts, Adhesives, Plaster & Fillers Brooms, Brushes, Bins & Buckets Ladders & Steps Cement & Building Sand.

Our Garden Centre builds on the D.I.Y. theme, everything you might need for your garden, from completing a major project to a simple re-planting or general tidying-up.

“Supplier of almost 12,000 electrical, DIY, home and garden products ONLY selling to the independent retailer, congratulates Ludlow Homecare Ltd & wishes them continued success”

Banish brown, patchy grass for good with NEW Miracle-Gro Patch Magic ®

Our garden products include:

Getting rid of unsightly bare brown patches on the lawn can

• • • • • • • • • • •

Lawn Mowers, Strimmers & Hedge Cutters Gardening Tools Plant Pots Shrubs, Plants & Trees Compost & Seeds Fence Panels, Trellis & Posts Sand, Gravel & Stones for pathways and landscaping Pond Liners & Accessories Water Butts Weed Killers Garden Hoses & Fittings

be a real nightmare, especially in tricky areas like along lawn edges or where the kids play, and in spots that are in direct sunlight or deep shade. Now help is at hand... Repairing patches couldn’t be easier with NEW Miracle-Gro® Patch Magic®, a unique 3 in 1 patching mix. This simple solution transforms lacklustre grass and dry, brown patches into thick, healthy grass and will work in absolutely any area of the garden, even those tough spots.

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Miracle Gro® Patch Magic®.

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Homecare Showrooms and Accessories Visit our extensive furniture showrooms, for help and advice. We offer a complete service, from designing, through to supply and fit on kitchens and bedrooms. We also stock a wide choice of accessories and electrical appliances, both large and small. • • • • • •

Kitchen & Bathroom showroom (Supply & Fit) Bedroom & Furniture showroom (Design & Build Centre) Kitchenware Mats, Rugs & Runners BBQ's Garden Furniture Pots, Pans, Cutlery & Crockery

* Coir compost is a super-absorbent growing material which acts like top soil – only better!

WITH HALF THE WATER†

Ordinary seed

Miracle-Gro® Patch Magic®

Grows anywhere GUARANTEED! ...even those tough spots For further information visit Miracle-Gro® Patch Magic® contains a mixture of dwarf perennial rye grass and fine fescues. † Results 28 days after planting; each watered at half the recommended rate for ordinary seed. Results may vary.

COOPERS FENCING CONTRACTORS LTD Exciting times are ahead for the Hockley business as it prepares to increase its services from a very satisfied, mainly commercial base, to the domestic market.

With all staff fully trained to NVQ Level 2 and holding CSCS cards as a minimum with on-going training to meet health and safety legislation, clients are assured that everyone is up to date with the latest industry requirements and can undertake all nature of fencing projects.

It’s now preparing a second site, to satisfy demand from the general public, which is due to open in Coopers’ birthday month, September.

Along with being fabrication specialists, Coopers Fencing can offer:

THERE’S plenty of fencing in Coopers Fencing Contractors Ltd - the company’s 30th anniversary year sees it expanding.

Until now Coopers has used the Watery Lane site in Bordesley as a storage area. Managing Director Laura Cooper says it is ideal for the company’s plans to grow the business and offer an even greater level of service by opening the second site to the general public. “We are aiming to provide high-quality posts and panels at affordable prices,” she says. “In this economic climate some people can’t afford to have fencing erected and so look to do it themselves. “While we, of course, can provide that expert erection service, if they want to put up their own, our new site will provide the best in fencing they will need. Mohammed Tanveer, Works Manager, will be on hand to give them help and advice and guide them to the products which will best suit their requirements. “Trade customers will also be welcome.” Unlike the fencing, installed by the workforce of 12 rich in the expertise, skills and competence to carry out their roles, it’s been impossible to contain the success of this family-run business.

• • • • • • • • •

Timber hoarding Palisade Chain link Trip rail Closeboard panel Post and rail Temporary fencing Bollards

“You name it and we’ll do it!” declares Laura with a smile.

For further information about Coopers Fencing Contractors Ltd, visit www.cooperfencing.co.uk or to make an enquiry, telephone 01214558989 or email info@cooperfencing.co.uk. You can also follow the company on Facebook.

Coopers Fencing was established in 1981 by Laura’s father Steve who started up with no more than a small van and essential tools doing small garden jobs. Today the company enjoys an extensive client base, primarily in the commercial sector, and works nationally for demolition and construction contractors, schools, housing associations, NHS, local authorities and airports. Prestigious clients include DSM demolition, Colemans & Co and Armac but, be it a large or small customer, Coopers Fencing ensures everyone receives the same top-notch attention. “We pride ourselves on offering an excellent service to all our clients,” emphasises Laura.

Office1 Forward Works, Springhill Passage, Hockley, Birmingham, B18 7AH Office2 Watery Lane, Bordesley, Birmingham, B9 4HE

Phone/Fax: 0121 4558989 Emails: General Enquiries info@cooperfencing.co.uk Some of the team at Coopers Fencing Contractors Ltd. From left: Laura Cooper, director, Anthony Griffiths, fence erector, Craig Yarldey, labourer, Niall Forde, trainee fence erector, Karen Aageson, receptionist, Carl Richards, trainee fence erector, Mo Tanveer, works manager, Gerald Spicer, fabricator, and Donald Humphries, fence erector.

Sales Enquiries sales@cooperfencing.co.uk

Accounts Department accounts@cooperfencing.co.uk

appliedwindowfilms A Birmingham business’s leading role in helping companies to make major energy cost savings has been stepped up with the arrival of a new product - a piece of film. But this is a very special film - it is placed over windows and is at the cutting edge of windows film industry, bringing year-round savings. And it’s now available from Applied Window Films Ltd, the dedicated installation company from Great Barr which, since 1990, has been supplying and fitting high-performance window films for glass and polycarbonate glazing systems across the country. “Everyone is worrying these days about their carbon footprint and this is a very clever film as It saves energy in summer and winter,” says managing director Tony Raynor. “Typically, it reduces summer solar radiation through glazing systems by as much as 84%, resulting in considerable savings on air conditioning and providing a more comfortable working environment. “In the winter, our window film’s intelligent low emissivity (Low-E) coating will improve the insulating properties of your glazing by up to 30%. “This equates to an energy saving of up to 15% per annum and an incredible pay-back period on an average building of 2.65 years.”

Through its sister company Manifestation Grafix Ltd, also based in Halesfield House, Aldrdige Road, it supplies window graphics and glass and glazing enhancement and identification materials as a flexible and low-cost alternative to traditional acid etching or sand blasting of glass that can be removed if necessary.

For further information about Applied Window Films, go to www.appliedwindowfilms.co.uk or call 0800 056 0688 to arrange a free, no-obligation site survey to discuss your requirements. For details about Manifestation Grafix and its services, visit www.manifestationgrafix.co.uk.

Enjoy a different view: Save energy in every season.

But that’s just the start. Mr Raynor says the company’s window films will continue saving energy costs for the life of a glazing system. “It also vastly reduces solar glare, eliminating the problem of screen whiteout, and filters out 99% of damaging UV rays,” he adds. “It’s refreshing to find such a high-technology product that not only pays for itself but also helps a company in complying with the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme.”

EnerLogic

All-season Insulation Window Film

High performance window film, also described as window tint, cling film for windows and sticky back plastic, is a thin but strong coated polyester material that is applied to glazing. Mr Raynor and his highly experienced and profession team are committed to supplying and installing, at a cost-effective price, products which represent the latest the industry can provide and which can also bring increased privacy, safety and security. “Safety window film, security window film and blast protection film combat three major problems associated with glazed areas, and all at a fraction of the cost of re-glazing,” explains Mr Raynor. “Serious injury caused by human impact with glass, theft and damage from burglary or vandalism and death or serious injury caused by glass shards propelled by a bomb blast or an industrial explosion. “All three films can often be combined with the properties of solar control window and privacy film to create a multi-purpose film to meet your specific requirements.”

Congratulations to Applied Window Films Limited on their 21st Anniversary We are delighted to be associated with Applied Window Films Limited and wish them every success for the future. Eden Currie Chartered Accountants can provide expert advice and support with a proactive service in all of the key financial and business planning disciplines: • • • •

Audit * Accounting Services Business Tax Planning * Business Plans Payroll Management * IT Services Personal Tax Planning

To find out how we can add value to your business simply contact us for a free, no obligation, consultation Tel 0121 746 4171 Email: mail@edencurrie.co.uk www.edencurrie.co.uk Eden Currie Limited Pegasus House, Solihull Business Park Solihull B90 4GT Registered to carry on audit work and regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for a range of investment business activities

Father and son team David and Craig Yates are proving a glass act in the world of windows. Such is the demand for the comprehensive range of glass and upvc products supplied by Black Country Windows Ltd, the company David founded 20 years ago, that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re planning to double staff - as soon as they find a bigger home. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We desperately need larger premises to cope with demand but finding the ideal unit is proving to be quite difficult,â&#x20AC;? reveals director Craig. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have big plans to relocate and once we have, we are aiming for an almost immediate expansion, doubling current production and staff, to become a major player within the upvc line.â&#x20AC;? Currently based in Walsall, in two offices, with one showroom and a shop floor, Black Country Windows was established in 1991 by managing director David, who has been in the glass and glazing trade since leaving school in 1970. Supplying everything from a single mirror to the highest spec double-glazed units, from an ancillary item to the finest upvc windows, doors and conservatories, the company provides a complete solution to all glazing needs.

Combined with the fact that its a relatively small family business that prides itself on the quality of its products and personal service and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a real win/win situation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Customers are more than just a number and we genuinely value their business,â&#x20AC;? declares Craig. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a total of 10 full-time staff, who are manufacturing our products, and two part-time office staff and there is a wealth of knowledge between the key employees that proves extremely helpful when clients have queries or are unsure about anything.â&#x20AC;? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not only a rich bank of expertise that attracts custom from around the region, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s insistence on providing the highest possible quality products and rigorous procedures in ensuring only the best is produced. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have strict quality control measures in place which involve spot checks on a set amount of items daily,â&#x20AC;? says Craig.

While David specialises in the manufacturing and supply of double-glazed unit products, Craig focuses on the supply and installation of upvc windows, doors and conservatories. Yet both are committed to ensuring customers receive the best products and services available - a commitment that has seen the business enjoy an ever-growing customer base as word-ofmouth spreads about its first-class service. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trade - its primary client source - or members of the public, Black Country Windows can either provide a supply only service or supply and installation on all its products. And that is the number one benefit for any customer choosing Black Country Windows, for they are buying direct from the manufacturer.

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We have tolerances that we work to and we rarely have items that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t meet our specifications, but any that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t are remade without question. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Furthermore, all our products are manufactured in accordance to the British standards as we carry a kitemark.â&#x20AC;? Black Country Windows Ltdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s showroom is at 182 Pleck Road, Walsall, and is open 8am-5.30pm Monday to Friday and from 8am-1pm on Saturdays.

For further information visit www.blackcountrywindows.co.uk or telephone 01922 611096.

D & R Contract Services Ltd is recognised as one of the largest established painting contractors in the Midlands Region, operating in the commercial, public and residential sectors of the construction industry. We specialise in all aspects of painting and decorating including spray applied finishes, intumescent paintwork and artexing. The company was established in 1991, by Mark Robinson who holds a degree in Quantity Surveying, and then went on to gain valuable experience while working for two national contractors before setting up his own company. From inception, the main criteria has been to offer the very best service in our field with the emphasis on retaining customers for repeat business. We offer our clients high levels of professional service with estimating services, technical back up and quality standards.

Tel: 0121 749 3000 Fax: 0121 749 2511 Email: marketing@bowaterbuildingproducts.com Website: www.whshalo.com

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As a company we are committed to developing and maintaining long term relationships with our valued customers by delivering exceptional quality and service standards. As a result, a significant proportion of our workload is from repeat business with our established client base and support from major suppliers. We are happy to be associated with ICI Dulux and are certified as an ICI Dulux Trade Contract Partner, which confirms our commitment to quality and continual improvement. We are classed as a Trade Elite Partner with Johnstoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paints offering quality service and products to our customers, and we are part of the Crown Trade Paint Smart Asset Management Programme which promotes Best Value principles across the public sector.

For further information about D & R Contract Services Ltd visit www.drcontracts.co.uk or telephone 01922 745235

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It’s the staff who put the true finesse into Finesse Windows.

Superior quality products and service go without saying, of course but, managing director Russell Bridge is emphatic about what - or who - puts the real sparkle into the Kings Norton company. “We incorporate a series of special features into our standard build that makes our product stand out, however, ask any of our customers what makes us truly unique and they will all tell you the same thing – it’s the people that we employ that make us truly stand out,” he declares. “From the first conversation with our receptionist to the after-sales service team and everyone in between, all staff share the mindset of providing service excellence and it really shows. “We do what we say we will do and our 10-year guarantee is absolutely rock solid and of real value. There are not many other companies around that can actually deliver on the promise of a 10year all-encompassing guarantee. We can.” It's the business of looking after customers that has sustained Finesse Windows, which designs, manufactures, installs and services windows, doors, conservatories, roofline products and garage doors, through the best of times and the worst of times, an ethos originally adopted by its co-founder David Bridge, Russell's father, who wanted a company that through providing excellent products and superior service would be a success and survive, whatever the economic climate. And while recent times have shattered the conservatory market, Russell is upbeat.

Our aim is to help you build a better business We specialise in helping small and medium sized businesses grow and keep their profits. Our business services include tax saving strategies, wealth protection, strategic planning and profit improvement as well as traditional accounting, audit and taxation services. Congratulations To Finesse Windows On Your 30th Anniversary In Business Tel 0121 457 6400 Fax: 0121 457 6457 Email david.wright@lmct.co.uk Website: www.lmct.co.uk

“I believe the windows and doors market is strong despite the recession as people are very interested in investing in products that are energy efficient and keep burglars out,” he says. “Our products do both these things so we will always have a market here. “With conservatories, I believe they’re seen as a luxury item which people have “made do” without during tough times while our evidence suggests they are not the aspirational item they once were. However, our two new products are “glass extensions” and “orangeries” which we believe are highly desirable.” Now he is looking forward to ensuring Finesse Windows, based at the Kings Norton Business Centre, in Birmingham, is seen a whole new light thanks to exciting plans to promote its service side. “We are featuring our staff on all promotional material. which will cascade through our adverts, leaflets and our soon-to-be-ready new-look website,” he reveals. “We are ‘Finesse – designed for life’, as we are no longer just a double glazing company, but a design-led innovative family business that manufactures and installs many beautiful products designed to enhance people’s homes and lives. This will really make us stand out from the crowd.”

And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crowds of customers, not only in the domestic sectors but from schools on behalf of Birmingham City Council, that bear testament to Finesse Windowsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; successful approach. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We find most people want to do business with a good local firm they can trust, which is exactly what we are,â&#x20AC;? states Russell. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are keeping faithful to our roots in excellence of product and customer service and have 30 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; worth of genuinely delighted customers behind us.â&#x20AC;? And you neednâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just take his word for it - visit www.homepro.com to see hundreds of independently collected comments from satisfied customers, all lauding Finesse Windows.

For more information about its services, go to www.finesse-windows.co.uk or call 0121 433 3027

Roar Power Longlife Exhausts of Birmingham, are proud to be sponsoring Wayne Le Montais in the Mazda MX-5 in the Britcar MSA Endurance Championship. In the opening round at Silverstone on Saturday March the 26 th, Wayne chalked up an impressive 2nd place, but the car in 1st place was also fitted with Longlife Exhausts. It would seem that the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Longlife exhausts are giving these cars a performance edge! As a stainless steel exhaust specialist Roar Powerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wide range of replacement stainless steel exhaust systems are often cheaper than the standard mild steel replacements from the dealer, indeed, up to 50% cheaper, ring Steve for a fixed price quotation, or visit the new web site. Roar Power also offer Alloy Packages, Catalytic Converters, Sports Cats, Race Cats, Performance Air Filters from K&N and Induction Kits, as well as Suspension Packages, Coilovers, and Engine Mapping, even Bilstein shocks, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all there. Roar Power is now the authorised K&N fitting centre for panel filters and induction kits. The company carries out Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) removal, ecu re-map services, and DPF Replacement. Do you have a classic car? Roar Power also build custom exhausts for any classic car, and have started building a web site dedicated to this. Please visit classic car exhausts.com or call Steve with any questions.

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It is the aim of Roar Power to offer a one-stop bespoke tuning shop for your pride and joy. They can make it go faster, drive better, handle better and of course, not forgetting sounding and looking better. From free flowing stainless steel exhausts to more complex engine upgrades and mapping. In short for all performance related queries visit Roar Power for enthusiastic, knowledgeable solutions. Roar Power Ltd, 1-3, Shawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Passage, Birmingham B5 5JG Telephone 0121 643 3320 E-mail steve@roarpower.co.uk

www.roarpower.co.uk

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789 7766 Fax: 0121 789 7237 Email: info@holdens-supaseal.co.uk

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Sutton Car Repairs

scr SIMPSONS

Commercial Services Ltd

Sutton Car Repairs is a family run, professionally managed body shop that has been established for over 25 years. They deal with accident repair and car repairs in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, and are continuing to develop a highly regarded client base in the Sutton Coldfield area. The company offers car service, car body repair, accident repair and refinishing, bodywork and re-sprays, complete rebuilds, wheel repairs and scratch and chip repairs. They pride themselves in providing main dealer quality at local garage prices; with a team of mechanics dedicated to offering body shop services to the highest standards. Their garage is fitted to accommodate all vehicle types and sizes; and as they carry a wide range of tools and facilities, they can provide a quick and efficient car service that will guarantee that your car has been restored to its original state. Sutton Car Repairs are particularly proud of their ability to manage a large quantity of cars and still maintain a professional work ethic. The company have invested in the Lean-Flow Body Shop Solution, which includes the latest state of the art thinking for managing the repair process, backed up by an advanced software application. This has helped them offer extremely fast turnaround of repairs and achieve high customer satisfaction. One of a only a very few companies in the country to achieve the prestigious Kitemark for vehicle body repairs, Sutton Car Repairs, have demonstrated their commitment to getting critical car body repair safety processes just right. This ultra efficient service, assisted by Lean Flow, has led to the company dealing with fleet contracts and being listed as an approved repairer by many of the major insurance companies. They are also an environmentally conscious company; the paint shop incorporates the latest environmentally friendly extraction system which neutralises the paint fumes before it is released back into the air. Before any work commences, Sutton Car Repairs will inform you of all costs and work required. They strive to maintain a professional service, all at affordable prices. If you would like more information about any of the services they provide, please contact them on: 0121 355 4778, or visit the web site www.suttoncarrepairs.co.uk. This friendly, efficient, family run company will look forward to hearing from you.

Lean-Flow Bodyshop Solution Wish to congratulate Sutton Car Repairs on their excellent use of the Lean-Flow Solution. We are proud to be associated with such a forward thinking, customer focussed business. Lean-Flow - More repairs, in less time, on time, every time www.lean-flow.co.uk

paul.wilson@lean-flow.co.uk

01664 502860

Celebrating 12 months in their new premises Simpsons Commercial Services are Commercial Vehicle repairers. They deal with, all types of trucks and articulated vehicles, trailers and semi- trailers including larger makes, such DAF Trucks. Simpsons have been established since 2003, and moved from their Wednesbury base in May 2010, to new, larger premises at Enterprise Drive, Four Ashes, Wolverhampton. The new l ocation is conveniently situated close to Junction 10A of the M6, and Junction 2 of the M54, off the Stafford Road, the A449, near Coven. They specialize in Fleet work and trailers, diagnostic services, any on-site work and all types of vehicle repair. For their diagnostic work Simpsons have invested in the most up to the minute technology by using the latest Texa equipment and software, this enables them to get to the source of the problem quickly and efficiently. Their customers range from large companies such as A.P.C. Parcels, to smaller local firms. Their small, friendly team is highly experienced in all aspects of work for the commercial vehicle sector. Because Simpsons source most of their parts from the Greenhous Group who are open 24 hours a day and provide daily deliveries 5 or 6 times a day, even if Simpsons find something untoward when working on a vehicle, they are able to obtain the part, or parts, and have the vehicle back on the road, with a turn around time other companies can only envy. The very high standard of work, and the level of friendly, committed service they provide, has ensured an extremely satisfied and loyal customer base. Simpsons offer a complete service, and offer a 24/7 call out service for their customers. They can even arrange for the recovery of your vehicle in the event of accident or break-down, and for it to be brought to them for assessment or repair. They rarely advertise as most of their new business comes from word of mouth and recommendations. At Birmingham Business Post we wish them well for the future, and that they continue to build on their success.

Simpsons Commercial Services Ltd Unit 5, Enterprise Drive, Four Ashes, Wolverhampton WV10 7DF Contact Debbie Meek Telephone: 01902 243792 E-mail ivan.simpsons@btconnect.com

GREENHOUS TRUCK

COMPONENTS

The Greenhous Group is one of the top 20 motor groups in the UK, featuring in both the Automotive Management and Motor Trader Top 100 dealer rankings. The commercial parts division at Willenhall, carries over £1.5 million worth of stock and offers a truly exceptional service to their customers; some of whom view them as a one-stop-shop due to the wide range of parts carried in stock, and their total commitment to service and competitive pricing. Greenhous’s delivery service is unrivalled. They offer 5-6 deliveries a day from 13 regular delivery vehicles, which are, in turn backed up by 4 urgent response vans. They are open 24 hours a day from 6am on Mondays, through to 1pm on Saturdays. So, whatever makes of commercial vehicle you run, or need to repair, Greenhous Commercials should be the first place to go for your parts, whether you are a fleet manager or a commercial vehicle repairer, they will always offer an excellent service.

Greenhous Commercials Ltd, Neachells Lane, Willenhall WV13 3SE Telephone: 01902 395090 Web: www.greenhousdafwillenhall.co.uk

Greenhous Commercials are based in Willenhall and from their Parts Department are able to supply parts to all makes of commercial vehicles. The Greenhous group motor division, which is split into two divisions, cars and commercial, is approaching its second century, and still adheres to the core values established by its founder Vincent Greenhous in 1912. The principles he laid down and that the group are proud to maintain to this day, are to treat the customer well, to deliver a first class product and to make sure that they build long lasting and fruitful partnerships.

GREENHOUS TRUCK

COMPONENTS

Congratulations to Simpsons Commercials on a successful 12 months of trading at your new premises Greenhous Truck Components stock an extensive range of parts to fit all makes of truck, trailer, and van, with 24 hour availability, and 17 delivery vans covering the West Midlands and Shropshire daily. With over £2 million of stock and an experienced and helpful sales team, our priority is to keep your vehicles on-the-road, day and night. Whether you need a clutch for your Volvo, a brake drum for your trailer, or a starter motor for your DAF, call us today for all of your commercial vehicle parts requirements.

24 hour Tel: 01902 305500

Vehicle Accident Repairs and Repaint Services in Birmingham

auto repairs ltd

Next to your home, your car is probably the biggest investment you are likely to make - so, in the event of any unfortunate bumps and scratches, you are going to want to use the best to ensure it stays in tip-top condition. And Sprint Auto Repair Ltd is just the kind of expert you need to ensure your pride and joy remains in a first-class state. At its 10,000 sq ft building in Limekiln Lane, in Birmingham’s Yardley Wood, the car body repair specialist uses the very latest paint mixing facilities, a state-of-the-art spray booth and other equipment, all handled by expert operatives, to restore your vehicle to an unblemished state. You can wait in comfort if necessary, for Sprint Auto Repair’s premises feature a comfortable customer waiting area, television, settee and specific parking bays for those awaiting estimates or dropping off or collecting a vehicle. It’s not just small jobs with a quick turnaround, the company excels in handling repairs ranging from small bumper scuffs and car park dents to full restorations and major accident repairs. While private work is a key part of the portfolio, Sprint Auto Repair has established itself with large and small companies, dealers, garages and agents and is renowned for its competitive service, reliability and quality. Companies benefiting from its fast and efficient service include Bristol Street Motors, All Electric Garages, Motability Finance Ltd and Stratstone Jaguar.

0121 474 4447

Directors and owners, Simon Keyte and Antony Thomas, who have been involved in the vehicle repairs industry since leaving school, joined forces to launch the business in 2001. “There was nobody locally offering a high quality repair service that wasn’t controlled by major insurance companies so customers had to either use a back street repairer and take their chances or go to their main dealer and pay over the odds,” Simon recalls of those first days. “We slotted nicely in between with good quality surroundings and conscientious staff but without the need to charge ridiculous rates to cover massive overheads.”

Today the business employs a total of 10 specialists, including paint sprayers, body preppers and panel beaters and is a member of the Vehicle Builders and Repairs Association, which requires it to adhere to quality guarantees laid down by the Office of Fair Trading.

The latest innovations include lessening the stress of the repair process by providing customers with courtesy cars and, for those unable to call in for an estimate, an on-line quotation facility recently introduced to the newly-improved website, www.sprintautos.co.uk.

“We always aim for top quality and maintain a small company feel by providing a personal service,” states Simon. “We’ve found that when dealing with large garages, customers feel detached from the repairer, particularly when they believe the receptionist has never actually seen their ca, let alone worked on it and we have ensured that we have kept away from this production-line style of repair.”

To see how the Sprint Auto Repairs Ltd can help you, go to the webpage or telephone 0121 474 4447.

Proud of its reputation - Sprint Auto Repair also offers a ‘lifetime’ noquibble guarantee on all work and free no-obligation quotations Simon and Antony are not content to rest on their laurels and are constantly looking to develop the business.

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www.brownbrothers.com 0121 333 6664 Automotive House Limekiln Lane Yardley Wood Birmingham B14 4SP

www.waysideadhesives.com PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS FOR THE ‘D.I.Y.’ CAR ENTHUSIAST • • • • • • • • •

PANEL SEALING & BONDING UNDER BODY PROTECTION WINDSCREEN BONDING AEROSOL PRIMERS PLASTIC REPAIR KITS CAVITY WAX SOUND PROOFING ADHESIVE TAPES CONTACT ADHESIVES & MORE

ON-LINE PURCHASING – 24-HOUR DELIVERY Order / Information call : 01159 333 321

Vehicle Accident Repairs and Repaint Services in Birmingham, West Midlands

We would like to thank all our suppliers and customers who have given us their support Tel: 0121 474 4447 www.sprintautos.co.uk

Diatech Automotive Ltd

LIKE the vehicles that receive the top-notch care and attention from its team of experts, customer services from Diatech Automotive Ltd are fine tuned to fit every clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible requirement.

It only took a 12 months of working with Prestige before Diatech was upgraded to Premier Network Supplier status, due to its consistently high levels of service and professionalism, while it was given an impressive 100% by a visiting mystery shopper last year.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We do not accept the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;one hat fits allâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; approach towards vehicle maintenance,â&#x20AC;? insists managing director Alan Adams.

Based in Owen Road, Diatech Automotive Ltd has been giving topnotch support to motorists from around the region since 1982.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are a family-run business and customers always come first and foremost.

Nearly all makes of the most common vehicles found on the roads today can be serviced in its fully-equipped workshop, be they cars or light commercial, petrol or diesel powered.

Our approach, combined with continued investment in technology make the Diatech name synonymous with quality assurance, reliability and professionalism.â&#x20AC;? Those factors have also helped this Willenhall mechanical and bodywork repairs specialist gain an enviable list of achievements. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the current holder of the Autolease Garage of the Year title and, last year, received the Bosch Car Service Quality audit award. It has also been awarded â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vantageâ&#x20AC;? status by the Fleet Support Group, as have its bodyshops from the Fleet Support Group Accident Services.

Congratulations to Diatech Automotive Ltd on Over 30 Years In Business

Tel: 01922 401401 Fax 01922 710200 www.intergears.co.uk 7UXVW +\JLHQH 6HUYLFHV *SLHUPUN /`NPLUL :\WWSPLZ *SPUPJHS >HZ[L :LY]PJLZ >HZOYVVT :LY]PJLZ

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With customer satisfaction always foremost, Diatech has a range of service level agreements tailored to keeping business clients on the move, whatever their particular need may be. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are aware that a vehicle off the road is a cost either to the pocket or the service you offer as a company,â&#x20AC;? says Alan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To help when one of your vehicles becomes immobile we can collect and deliver with a courtesy car or van with in a 12-mile radius and a 24-hour recovery service, at no extra cost, as well as budget vehicle hire.â&#x20AC;? Further services include a maximum of a three-day booking lead time for mechanical and maintenance repairs, a fast track service for mobile vehicles in immediate need of repair and mobile body repair estimating for walking wounded vehicles. And once a vehicle comes into Diatech's care, it benefits from some of the newest industry innovations, all of which comply with strict standards of performance, efficiency, and reliability, enabling the company to guarantee the highest quality repairs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have invested heavily in the very latest equipment to ensure we can cope with any repair that comes into our workshops,â&#x20AC;? says Alan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We repair a lot of vehicles for many local garages, as well as our customers.â&#x20AC;?

For further information on the services available from Diatech Automotive Ltd and a price guide, visit

www.diatech-automotive.co.uk To make an enquiry, call 01902 636026 or email info@diatech-automotive.co.uk

wulfrun building solutions

Maintenance & Refurbishment Contractors

Proud To Be Associated With Diatech Automotive Ltd Tel: 01902 713008 Fax: 01902 711368 Email: wulfrun@wulfrunbuilding.co.uk

Bradon Engineering is a family owned business, founded by the Managing Director Mr Balvinder Sembhi. Mr Sembhi is a qualified engineer with many years experience and has developed the company into an established component supplier to a wide range of industries. The company has experienced a period of rapid, controlled growth throughout the 1990s and is well established for continued trading into the 21st century. The company focus is on maintaining long-term partnerships with both customers and suppliers to produce a quality product at the right cost, on time, ensuring complete customer satisfaction. The company provides a 24 hour manufacturing service to all its customers. Bradon Engineering Limited can provide quantities up to 10,000 units at highly competitive prices because their manufacturing systems have been designed to service other industries which require product at tight margins. Their modern manufacturing facility, which is assisted by computer aided design to ensure consistent quality, operates 20 hours per day, providing customers with short lead times. The company provides a free delivery service day or night to accommodate even the tightest of schedules. They manage a flexible production system ensuring constant spare capacity, which means that they can schedule in additional batches when the customer needs them, thus keeping storage and stock costs to a minimum.

Bradon are frequently asked to supply specialist components that the operating systems used by other companies are not able to provide. Bradonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to put together tailor made subcontract machining support packages for customers, its internal systems for managing the process and its machining expertise means that Bradon are able to supply a steady stream of components to exact specification 100% defect free. This reassurance for its customers has been a major factor in the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success.

Bradon Engineering Limited, Unit 4, Carlton Road, Coventry CV6 7FL Telephone: 02476 581 862 â&#x20AC;˘ E-mail bal@bradon.co.uk Contact Balvinder Sembhi

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Hopleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Farm Service Station Hopleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Farm Service Station in Argyle Street, Tamworth has been established for 45 years, a true family business, now jointly owned and run by Paul and Christopher Bailey, the two sons of the original owners. Hopleys carry out all types of service and maintenance requirements on a wide range of vehicles, ranging from classic cars to trade vans. Often, due to their lengthy experience, they take on work on unusual or classic cars, that might be beyond the capabilities of less qualified mechanics. They are also a busy M.O.T. centre. The company are very approachable and always willing to offer help and advice. The 4 experienced staff and 2 directors are always on hand, indeed, Paul himself will often leave the task in hand to discuss a customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. It is this friendly, approachable and knowledgeable approach that makes Hopleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so popular. Most of their business is word of mouth and recommendation; many of their customers are second or even third generation.

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Hopleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s are also popular with many of the local businesses and service, test and maintain their vehicles. For friendly, knowledgeable service in the Tamworth area you cannot do better than Hopleys.

Argyle Street, Tamworth B77 3 EW Tel: 01827 63896

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GOT an idea in the pipeline? Then you need to talk to specialists Protopipe Ltd. The Coventry tube manipulation and tubular fabrication company is a specialist in prototypes, one-offs and small to medium volume production one-offs for shop displays, the automotive industry and most other sectors. It was launched by Paul Ashmore and Gavin Walton in 2000 both of whom had already spent decades working with tube bending. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But mass production was king, there was little or no time for oneoff or development work,â&#x20AC;? recalls Paul. The two joint managing directors who, combined, have more than 50 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in the industry, started in a small toolroom in the city centre but the intervening years have seen the company

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achieve ISO9001 accreditation and expand to two units totaling about 4,000 sq ft in size and moving out to be based on the Windmill Industrial Estate on the Birmingham Road. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a very good location as we are right next to the A45 which has great links to the M6 and M1 motorways,â&#x20AC;? says Paul. But when your client base is drawn from all sectors, from small to large firms as well as members of the general public and includes such prestigious names as Jaguar, Land Rover, Aston Martin, Nike, Adidas and Reebok, it pays to have the rest of the country within easy reach. From Protopipe`s original team of two, it now has four on board, all skilled in the manufacture of tubular products, including tube notching, ring rolling, CNC work, welding, drilling and tube bending of up to 63mm diameter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Using the very latest CAD and bender simulation software, our prototype service is second to none and we offer an excellent service supported by a wealth of experience,â&#x20AC;? says Paul. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our knowledge in tube manipulation is so diversified that we can manufacture components for almost any sector of industry, especially prototypes and medium volume production of tubular products and fabrications. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We offer very quick turnarounds and, because of the depth of our skill and knowledge, we can tell straight away if there is going to be a problem with a clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design for something they have asked us to bend and we can inform them immediately. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We can work from a new idea or quote you on a current component so please get in touch if you want any help with your idea or product. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have supplied prototypes for many new innovations and pride ourselves on our problem solving ability.â&#x20AC;? Always in touch with the latest developments in the industry, Paul and Gavin ensure that regular in-house training is available to all the Protopipe team to enable them to develop new skills. With regular team meetings and quality audits, adherence to the highest of standards remains a priority and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an approach that is paying off with a bundles of orders lined up for the year ahead. If you need any help with your idea or product, or want to find out more about Protopipeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s services, visit www.protopipe.co.uk, telephone 024 7640 3111 or email paul.ashmore@protopipe.co.uk or gavin.walton@protopipe.co.uk

Offmore Farm House is a care home, near Kidderminster, registered with The Commission for Social Care Inspection, an independent organisation set up by the Government to improve social care. Choosing a care home can be an emotional journey for both the resident and their family, but we think that you will discover that Offmore Farm Residential Home is a little bit special. Caring is their profession, and you can be assured of the highest standards from their professional, highly trained staff. They understand that by choosing Offmore you are choosing a new home, and that moving home at any time of life is a major decision, so they have worked really hard to make Offmore a real home from home. Offmore Farm Residential Home is a beautiful Georgian building of great stature. Once a period farm house it has been sympathetically restored and converted into a well established residential care home, maintaining many of its original features, and standing within 1.15 acres of beautiful gardens, with picturesque views over the rural landscape. Offmore Farm has 15 single and three double rooms, six with ensuite facilities. There are three separate lounges and a spacious dining room. Residents are able to also enjoy the gardens. Health and safety and accessibility are prioritised at Offmore, with bath lifts available and an accompanied lift to all floors. Offmore Farm is currently undertaking a further extension of its facilities to include 6 new bedrooms, and a conservatory. As part of Offmoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to its residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; comfort, a new heating system and a new kitchen are also being installed. The contractors are being extremely careful not to disrupt or disturb the smooth running of the home.

Offmore Farm prides itself on providing a wonderful choice of wholesome meals; mealtimes are a social occasion at Offmore, just like a family home, but they know that some residents prefer to eat separately, and they respect that choice. Offmore can provide long term care, short stay or respite care, and is also registered for the care of the elderly, (over 65) frail, disabled, or suffering from dementia. Offmore Farm is proud to have achieved the very high standards of dementia care set by Worcestershire County Council for the last 2 years. All their staff take courses in specialist dementia care training to rigorous standards. For more information or to arrange a visit please telephone on 01562 515189.

Proud suppliers to Offmore Farm Residential Home & best wishes for the future.

Tel. 0370 3500 966 sales@trusthygiene.co.uk

Venture Mechanical Ltd Venture Mechanical Limited, based in Rubery, is renowned for offering professional and reliable solutions to all of your servicing problems. Well established in the Rubery area, Venture Mechanical provide a consistently high quality service, whilst remaining dedicated to offering complete customer satisfaction. With a wealth of experience in all aspects of servicing and all makes and models catered for, the company is truly a one-stop shop. Venture Mechanical specialise in MOT and diagnostic repairs, Exhausts, Clutches, Welding and Brakes. With a friendly, personal and professional service, combined with over 40 years of top level experience in the field of mechanical repair between partners Tim and Simon, customers can be sure that their vehicles are in the best of hands. Motorists requiring mechanical repairs can also benefit from the experience of Venture Mechanical and enquiries from all sections of the trade and domestic sectors are welcome, with a free estimating service also available. With all of this in mind it is clear that for all of your servicing and mechanical needs, Venture Mechanical is the place to go.

To find out more about any of the services we provide, or if you have any other questions for our team, email us directly on venturemech123@btconnect.com, call 0121 453 1661 or visit our website www.mechanicalrepairinrubery.co.uk Venture Mechanical Ltd 9 Whetty Lane, Rubery, Birmingham, B45 9DN

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Restful Homes open yet another new Care Home The Restful Homes Group is a family run care home group that was established in 1991. They are committed to providing the highest quality of person-centred care in a luxurious and homely environment. With the opening of their new care centres in Birmingham they now provide care for over 750 residents in their homes and are currently constructing a further 3 care centres. They aim to be the premier providers of quality care throughout the Midlands and South of England. Restful Homes offer flexible and responsive care that meets all the needs of residents and don’t simply focus on medical needs alone. This care is provided in a secure, relaxed, spacious and homely environment in which the care, happiness and comfort of residents is paramount. Each resident is treated with respect and sensitivity to their individual needs and abilities in an open and caring environment. Staff members are well trained, professional, kind and caring and will strive to preserve and maintain the dignity, individuality and privacy of all residents within a calm and loving environment. These needs may be medical, therapeutic, cultural, psychological, spiritual, emotional and social. Residents are strongly encouraged to participate in the development and updating of their individualised plan of care in which the involvement of family and friends may be appropriate and is greatly valued. A detailed biography of each resident is compiled so that care can be built around the individual’s needs, preferences and wishes whilst focussing on the abilities they have retained rather

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than the disabilities they have attained. Restful Homes will never adopt a 'one size fits all' approach and will deliver care that is responsive rather than prescriptive. A varied and comprehensive programme of activities that is tailored to the wishes and abilities of residents is provided. The service is continually monitored through consultation with residents and their relatives, along with visiting professionals, to ensure that they are meeting both their objectives, and the residents' needs. Restful Homes Group have a very open approach to management, they always appreciate comments and welcome any feedback from residents, visitors and staff. As a family owned business there are no unnecessary layers of bureaucracy to come between the care of residents and this helps to ensure the highest standards are achieved and maintained.

Aran Court Nursing Home Aran Court Nursing Home is now completed and opened to residents on the 14th of April. The home provides 86 spacious single en-suite bedrooms each with their own shower. Each bedroom has been tastefully decorated and there is a range of six decorative styles for you to choose from. In addition, each bedroom has been fully furnished including an electric profiling bed with a high risk pressure reducing mattress. There are a variety of spacious lounge and dining areas throughout the home, including a Cafe/Bar that is provided for the residents’ use and enjoyment.

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The experienced Nurses and Care assistants are on hand 24 hours a day to ensure that your needs are met and that you are comfortable and retain your independence as much as possible.

participate in the monthly care plan reviews to ensure that your needs are being met to your satisfaction. Prior to coming to live at Aran Court Nursing Home you are welcome to visit for a trial stay or even to just join them for lunch one day to sample life at Aran Court.

When you arrive at Aran Court the chef will meet you to discuss your food preferences, to ensure that you enjoy your meals, Restful Homes are well aware of the importance of good nutrition. You will also be met by the activities co-ordinator to discuss your likes and dislikes and compile a personal history so that you can be encouraged to participate in regular activities that are appropriate to your wishes and needs.

Restful Homes Group, Greenview House, 5, Manor Road, Wallington, Surrey SM6 0BU Tel: 0203 265 0135

The Restful Homes policy of maintaining an open atmosphere is maintained at Aran Court and you or your relatives are encouraged to speak with the staff at any time and also to

Aran Court Nursing Home, Braymoor Road, Garretts Green, Birmingham B33 0LJ

Contact: Sarah Slyms 0121 770 4322 Email: slyms@restfulhomes.co.uk

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The company is proud of its long history of working within the private and public sectors and has completed numerous buildings for the majority of the local authorities within the Midlands and South Yorkshire areas. When carrying out new build and refurbishment projects, the latest, sustainable techniques are always employed. Prestigious clients include the Restful Care Group, St Modwen Developments and BMI Hospitals but Wildgoose also has customers primarily in health, education, housing, leisure, retail, commercial and secure works. To find out more about Wildgoose Construction and its range of services, visit www.wildgooseconstruction.co.uk, telephone 01246 590066 or email admin@wildgooseconstruction.co.uk.

WILDGOOSE Construction Ltd was founded in Matlock in 1896 by the great grandfather of the current chairman, Jonathan Wildgoose, and is the one of the oldest and largest family-owned construction companies in the region. Now based in Ashover, near Chesterfield, the company undertakes projects ranging in value from £500,000 to in excess of £7 million and operates throughout country. Demand for its range of highly skilled services continues to remain high with all of its 62 full-time professional construction staff very busy and turnover expected to increase by 20% during 2011. The Wildgoose commitment to a non-adversarial approach to contracting has ensured that the company is held in the highest regard by clients and professionals alike and results in a healthy proportion of projects being secured through negotiation and partnering routes. Its diverse range of works includes: design and build of projects, repairs, the co-ordination of multiple site projects and management of large-scale projects. As an Investors in People company, it invests heavily in staff training and continued professional development and encourages all employees to embrace the philosophy of empowerment and ownership within the company. It has won many awards for this commitment from training and public bodies within the industry and trophies include a Rospa Gold award, Considerate Constructors National Bronze awards and a national Building for Life award.

Established 1896

Wildgoose Construction Ltd

wish the Restful Care Group continued success throughout 2011 and are proud to be working with them on their construction projects Over a century of experience in the construction of major projects throughout the Midlands and South Yorkshire

The specialist divisions of Wildgoose Construction Ltd share a combined resource in the head office and each is managed by trained, experienced staff, the majority of whom have been with the company for many years; reaffirming its belief in the values of training, continuity and customer care. The Company has a wealth of experience in most forms of procurement, including: • Management Contracting • Design and Build • 2 Stage Tendering

• Main Contracting • Partnering • Open Book

Milltown, Ashover, Chesterfield S45 0EY Tel: 01246 590066 Fax: 01246 590877 Email: admin@wildgooseconstrution.co.uk Website: www.wildgooseconstruction.co.uk

Discount Builders Merchants

Discount Builders Merchants has built an excellent reputation over the years with both trade and household customers. Since 1995 DBM has made many contacts in the building industry with the result that we can provide our customers with the most competitive rates. We at DBM are always looking to expand so that we can offer our customers the most effective service. Currently of our 4 depots, two are in the West Midlands, one at Handsworth and the other at Tipton. Our branches range from 1 to 2 acre sites so that we can offer a vast range of materials at competitive prices. All branches have a fleet of crane off-load vehicles. We have a 24 hour turn around for the delivery of goods within our yards up to 5pm. Our personal service is just one of the things that give us the edge over our competitors and our committed friendly staff is always happy to help and advise. Discount builders Merchants started from a small individual depot with a single vehicle and through are continued effort to provide our customers with an excellent service we have been able to expand rapidly. Our extensive fleet enables us to send the most suitable vehicle on each occasion thus minimizing costs and pollution. Our competitive prices, wide range of products and prompt and efficient service has earned us an excellent reputation among customers and suppliers alike. For further information telephone 0121 201 5122 or visit our website at www.discountbuilders.co.uk

Discount Builders Merchants Ltd Head Office: 140, Holyhead Road, Birmingham, B21 0AF Telephone 0121 507 8704 Fax 0121 523 7731 E-mail mail@grouphouse.com Handsworth Depot: 11-13, Holyhead Road, Birmingham B21 0LA Telephone 0121 554 4500 Fax 0121 554 4200

WWW.NARFENCING.CO.UK

NAR FENCING Bring Your Garden To Life! Tel/Fax: 0121 505 1437

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are pleased to be associated with

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“Historically we are a through and though traditional timber importer and we stock sawn and machined softwoods for construction and joinery, European, American and tropical hardwoods,” he explains. Our joinery division offers internal, external and flame retardant doors as well as windows and roof lights. “We major in sheet materials, including hardwood and softwood plywood, MDF, chipboard, veneered boards and melaminefaced boards including the two recently-launched Sonae Innovus range and Finsa’s Superpan. “We’ve also expanded our range to include distribution of laminate products such as Sonae Compact Grade and Nevamar’s high wear, high pressure laminate.

Arnold Laver Timber World may rank Olympians among its customers but it knows who the real champions are - its people. The vast wealth and knowledge they bring to the trade is worthy of handfuls of gold medals - that’s why director Terry Palmer is proud to call them the company’s biggest asset. It’s that kind of expertise which has helped the company become a major force in the UK timber industry - it recently supplied all the timbers for the new Velodrome track on the Olympic site and has preferred supplier arrangements with eight out of 10 of the largest national construction contractors.

“Customers benefit from our links with some of the foremost suppliers in the world. Our centralised group purchasing policy, ensures a robust supply chain and a strong bargaining position when it comes to quality, service and price.” But not at the expense of the planet - Arnold Laver Timber World is committed to protecting the environment. Terry points out: “We strongly believe it is our corporate and social responsibility to preserve the world's forests and promote effective forestry management.

“Very simply, we strive to deliver good quality products, on time, in full and at competitive prices,” says Terry.

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With a heritage of 90 years, 550 employees across a national network of 13 depots - with plans to expand further - a large range of stock, and its own delivery fleet, Arnold Laver Timber World offers products and services covering, says Terry, “everything with a splinter in it”.

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FSC Plywood & Panel Specialists selling to European and Worldwide markets WOOD INTERNATIONAL AGENCY LTD Congratulations to All At Arnold Laver Timberworld On Your 90th Anniversary In Business

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“We have been awarded accreditation from FSC and PEFC and are, therefore, able to consistently provide goods from legal and sustainable forest sources. “In addition, we are members of TRADA, the Wood for Good campaign and are signatories to the Government-led Responsible Purchasing Policy, further confirming our commitment to responsible and ethical trading.” The Birmingham depot, in Dudley Road, Oldbury, has 45 employees who, as in keeping with the company nationwide, are happy to advise and assist the wide client base which ranges from local jobbing builders and joiners to industrial scale manufacturing for furniture and shop fitting. The company also specialises in large and small-scale construction and house building. “It is our firm belief that, through a policy of listening to customers, developing innovative products and employing experienced personnel, we can offer the market something different,” Terry says. “It is our aim to be the number one supplier for certified timber and timber-based products in the UK.”

For further information about Arnold Laver Timber World and its services, visit www.timberexperts.co.uk. Alternatively, contact the Birmingham branch on 0121 5527788 or e-mail sales@birmingham.timberworld.co.uk

Email: woodltd@upm.com Tel: +44 1628 513300 www.upm.com www.wisaplywood.com

Spencer Jones Design Ltd may well have been hit by the chill winds of the economic recession but, like the sought-after timber frame designs they provide - they’re standing firm. Twenty years of experience each and a sought-after reputation as one of the country’s leaders in its field mean clients keep coming back. The company provides timber frame design to fabricators, architects, and developers of timber frame structures across a host of projects, including self-build, schemes for local and national developers and housing associations and of dwellings of all types up to five storeys in height.

Based in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, Spencer Jones Design Ltd spent its first two years recording increased turnover every quarter but as the recession started to bite, it meant Paul and Rupert unfortunately had to lose the designer they’d taken on to meet the increased business demand and plans for expansion were put on hold.

The company was launched in 2006 by Rupert Jones and Paul Spencer who, having spent decades working alongside some of the nation’s foremost manufacturers and engineers in the timber frame design and manufacturing sectors, were determined they could offer a superior design service that responds to specific client-led specifications and requirements.

"The increase in quality staff would broaden our services on offer & bring in additional revenue" explains Paul.

Services provided include a comprehensive ‘design consideration’ hit-list at time of quotation, production of all necessary working drawings relevant to the timber frame super-structure along with fabrication drawings with material / cutting-lists for manufacture, all produced via Eleco ‘Consultec’ Software.

So in keeping with the majority of the UK’s industry, Spencer Jones Design Ltd, a member of both the UK Timber Frame Association and the Timber Research and Development Association, may be down, but it is very definitely not out and has a list of customers eager to benefit from it’s expert services.

“With our combined expertise and knowledge, we are competent to provide designs for the more challenging timber frame structures as well as the more usual,” states Paul.

Fabricators of the timber frame structures, they can be small firms with less than 50 employees, but in the main, tend to be some of the industry’s leading fabricators employing more than 100 people.

“We will examine the drawings provided for quotation and advise of any areas that require further design clarification from the architect or client, so that items identified can be addressed at the earliest stage possible to aid the design and build process. “Our expertise and experience means the client ends up with an economical and fit-for-purpose structure.” “We also enjoy good working partnerships with a number of structural engineering consultants and can provide a fully engineered design package including NHBC Certification if required.”

However, the setback hasn't prevented them from looking ahead and they are already hoping to employ qualified & experienced staff when better times return.

Having recently completed some major projects for Premier Inns, there’s no doubt that Spencer Jones Design Ltd has plenty more successes in the frame.

For further information about the company and its services, visit www.spencerjonesdesign.co.uk

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RMB Contractors Ltd has come a long way from its humble origins - now it’s the toast of the civil engineering and construction industries. Today, with a head office in Ambergate, Derbyshire, it employs 35 people, has sites operating nationwide and works with some of the country’s most prestigious companies. And while many may feel the market place is depressed, go-ahead RMB Contractors Ltd is out there making most of the available opportunities, revamping its website and planning to take on even more employees, subject to the success of current tenders. The company specialises in providing civil engineering solutions for business and industry and also runs a garage and service facility, which is open to the general public offering Class 4 and Class 7 MOTs and a full range of servicing and repair facilities, at its head office. “We are experienced in many forms of contracts, from traditionally tendered projects to full turnkey projects, which often are partnered with mechanical engineering companies,” explains director and shareholder Lee Briddon. “With our expertise and considerable experience within the civil engineering industry, we are often asked to provide design and construct solutions to our clients specifications. All our designs are produced by qualified charted engineers with full professional indemnity insurance.” Customers are drawn mainly from industries such as stone, tarmacadam, concrete, cement production and recycling. Clients include Cemex, Tarmac, Hanson, Lafarge, Aggregate Industries, Fairport Engineering and others.

Many return time and again, testament indeed to the company’s high quality standards and expertise. “In a competitive market place nothing speaks louder that repeat customers and our prestigious client list is testimony to our professionalism,” states Mr Briddon. “We offer excellent service, with a good health and safety record and the ability to carry out cost-effective design solutions.” “We have our own specialist plant equipment and qualified labour force. All our labour force are SPA passport qualified and we use both in-house and external professionals to ensure continuity of training.” Our company offers our employees a wide range of training opportunities which include, apprenticeships, first aid at work, plant training i.e. forward tipping dumpers, confined spaces, manual handling, slinger training, abrasive wheels, forklift operator etc. The friendly staff’s expertise covers a wide range of skills, including: office clerical, mechanics, joiners, plant operators, managerial, site supervisors, general operatives and health and safety advisors all who are passionate about delivering the highest quality service possible. “With more than 30 years’ experience and continuity of employees, we have developed an expertise that is hard to surpass and that can save clients time and money,” assures Lee Briddon.

For full information about RMB Contractors Ltd, go to www.rmbcontractors.co.uk, telephone 01773 853101/853151 or email info@rmbcontractors.com.

John Davidson (Pipes) Ltd Green Lane, Heywood Lancashire OL10 2EU

T: 01706 364 115 F: 01706 366 402

www.jdpipes.co.uk

The UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leading Independent Industrial and Commercial Broker

Proud to be Associated with RMB Contractors Ltd Contact: Graham Kettlewell Trueman House, Capitol Park, Leeds, LS27 0TS Direct Dial: 0113 393 6320 Email: graham.kettlewell@hibl.co.uk www.hibl.co.uk Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority

Park Central Birmingham

YOU can understand why Jane Findlay would feel proud walking around the exciting place that is Brindley Place in Birmingham - after all, she and her team were involved in the original masterplan for it.

Luck probably played a part but the vision, professionalism and expertise demonstrated by the 23-strong team including codirectors Phil Champion and Jeremy Parker, have gone a long way to making Fira one of the country’s best.

The design that created the now iconic appearance of the International Convention Centre, The NIA and the city’s canals; are all part of the magic created by Fira, the landscape architectural consultancy formed by Jane and Sue Radley.

Its extensive list of clients includes some of the nation’s major institutions, such as the National Trust, The Wales Millennium Centre, The Royal Hospital Chelsea, the Midland Metro and, currently, the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

“We do get a sense of satisfaction when we see how places are thriving,” admits Jane.

“It’s really become the focus of remembrance in Great Britain and they’ve employed us to look at the existing site and how they are potentially going to expand over a period of time,” says Jane.

“Sue is originally from Pembrokeshire and I’m from the Wirral and we both ended up in Birmingham at different times. When we arrived we both felt the city was not very user friendly. However, we’ve really seen it change for the better over the period of time we’ve been here and we feel quite protective about it. “That we’ve played a major part in Birmingham's development is satisfying professionally, but there’s nothing more satisfying than designing something and seeing it built. We walk past it every day and friends and relatives see it. We’ve been very lucky.”

“We’ve looked at how their new area would tie in with the existing and come up with some really strong themes for it.” The Royal Hospital, she remembers, was ‘a fantastic project' and it resulted in an award, one of the 46 crowding Fira’s shelves. “The client was really pleased with it,” says Jane. “It’s a really nice building: the gardens were designed at the same time as the new infirmary so we worked very closely with the architects. “The detail of the building, the planting and paving - it’s a beautiful scheme.”

The responsible choice for commercial hard landscaping Charcon is a leading supplier of paving, kerbs, natural stone, surface water drainage and SUDS solutions. Charcon is also part of Aggregate Industries who are the world’s first company to achieve a BES 6001:2008 Responsible Sourcing Certificate from BRE Global.

For a FREE copy of our commercial landscaping portfolio brochure please call 01335 372222 www.charcon.com

From its offices in the Jewellery Quarter, Fira operates throughout the UK and overseas, its portfolio including large-scale planning studies, environmental assessment, townscape and urban design schemes through to detailed design for major building developments.

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The consultancy was originally established to provide in-house landscape architecture, particularly healthcare projects, for the Percy Thomas architectural practice, the architects responsible for the International Convention Centre. The practice developed to provide landscape advice to all the offices across the UK and overseas and as its profile grew so did its business by acquiring clients outside the parent company, together with the increased range of projects across a number of sectors for example transport and highways. In 1982 it registered with the Landscape Institute as an independent practice, a move which enabled it to develop its own client base.

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As it grew it became more independent and in 2000 bought itself out and changed its name to Fira. National Memorial Arboretum

Our sincere congratulations to Jane and her team on their achievements over 35 years in business

Today, it is not only one of the largest of its kind in the Midlands, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a leader in education, healthcare, public realm, commercial developments, housing and leisure. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a successful 35-year track record in delivering large and complex projects with innovative and imaginative solutions that stand the test of time,â&#x20AC;? says Jane. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a very talented team of landscape architects - the best in the region - and our clients enjoy working with them.â&#x20AC;? Always evolving to break into new and developing markets and leading the way in sustainability, Fira continually looks to introduce new techniques to develop green design. Fira has achieved an enviable expertise in the healing landscape which it applies to all its work.

Whittle Jones provide office and industrial space to rent

0121 523 2929

www.whittlejones.com

w w w. b l a n c d e b i e r g e s . c o m

Hardwood Proud to support FIRA on their 35th Anniversary in business. Wishing them continued success for the future.

Woodscape Limited Church Works, Church Street, Church, Lancs BB5 4JT Tel: 01254 383322 Email: sales@woodscape.co.uk

www.woodscape.co.uk 49

“Everyone can benefit from the healing and therapeutic qualities of landscape; at home, at work and at school” says Jane. “The landscape offers relief from stress and creates a feeling of wellbeing. It also has the additional benefits of reducing noise, pollution and improving the microclimate. We design to promote healthy living by including places to enjoy the outdoors through exercise and healthy eating.” Fira look forward to the challenges of new and exciting projects in the Midlands and the UK.

For further information about Fira and its services, go to

www.fira-la.com or telephone 0121 523 1033.

A success to celebrate... Lloyds TSB Commercial congratulate Fira Landscapes Ltd on 35 years in business. To find out how we can help your business, call us on the number below, visit our website or ask in any branch.

07921 548427

Mark Mascarello, Relationship Manager Greater Birmingham Business Centre, 22A Great Hampton Street, Birmingham

lloydstsb.com/business

Lloyds TSB Commercial is a trading name of Lloyds TSB Bank plc and Lloyds TSB Scotland plc and serves customers with an annual turnover of up to £15m.

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CUSTOMERS that started with AAA Logistics Ltd are happy to keep on trucking with the company 17 years down the road, so satisfied are they with its service.

Directors: Mr E.M. Wood â&#x20AC;˘ Mr K.M. Wood â&#x20AC;˘ Mrs C.E. Hart Company Reg. No 05534604 Registered Office: 1 Bede Island Road, Bede Island Business Park, Leicester. LE2 7EA

www.aaalogistics.co.uk

Providing 24/7 general haulage services - and specialising in crane and fork-truck mounted vehicles, the Leicestershire company has turned transportation into an art form, ensuring that clients return again and again. We have built a strong reputation over the years of providing a friendly but professional service and companies that started with us 17 years ago, still use us today,â&#x20AC;? says managing director Claire Hart. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They get the benefit of fully-trained personnel with many yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience and realise that the driver delivering their goods is the face of their company and, consequently, plays a major role in their customer relations.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are a family business and the directors are the people answering the phones, so we provide a very personal service too.â&#x20AC;? Claire took over as managing director in 2005 following the retirement of her father Edward Wood, who set up AAA Logistics in 1994. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was an HGV driver and then a transport manager for a local company,â&#x20AC;? she remembers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;From there he realised that he could do the same job, but provide a better service running his own vehicles. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It began with two men with their own transit pick-ups and grew to where it is now with six HGV vehicles and one pick-up, employing nine people.â&#x20AC;? All the HGV drivers are fully trained to operate truck-mounted cranes and fork-lifts, and some are ADR trained to carry hazardous goods.

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provides earthing resistor units for electrical power stations and wind farms. We have also been the main haulier for Oakland Excelsior Ltd and Otis Lifts Ltd, which manufacture lifts, escalators and conveyors. â&#x20AC;&#x153; With a hard-hitting recession, not to mention the high fuel prices uppermost in everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s minds at the moment, Clare is realistic about the strains on the business but there is good news. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We broke many of our own sales records month after month last year, thanks to the hard work and commitment of staff,â&#x20AC;? she says â&#x20AC;&#x153;We plan to build on that success and last December, added two new vehicles to our fleet and relaunched our website.â&#x20AC;?

For more about AAA Logisticsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; services, visit: www.aaalogistics.net, call: 01162796688 or email: aaahaulage@aol.com.

Based on a quiet farm away from residential areas, meaning early starts donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t disturb anyone, AAA Logistics has an office and secure warehouse facilities at Kibworth, on the A6, perfect for reaching the motorway networks across the country and beyond. From moving sheds, whirlpool spas, garages or furniture for the general public to delivery and installations of electrical switchgear panels and chemicals to water treatment sites, if it needs transporting, AAA Logistics can do it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also provide emergency deliveries of cable to sites for BT and deliver elevators, building materials, industrial window systems, machinery, shop fittings, almost anything and everything,â&#x20AC;? emphasises Claire. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a contracts with a major UK logistics company for cable deliveries and with Cressall Power Resistors, which

A one-stop solution to all your freight forwarding needs, Absail (Shipping & Forwarding) Ltd is proof that big is not necessarily always beautiful. At the helm of this independent Loughborough-based company is Andy Fairweather who, backed by more than 40 years’ experience, goes all out to provide a cargo-handling service which is shipshape from start to finish. And it’s not just moving items across the high seas, Absail’s comprehensive international shipping services include air cargo and road haulage. “We handle a lot of industrial imports and exports as well as personal effects,” says Andy. “For example, if you were going to Australia you could talk to us about your house effects.” He launched Absail 10 years ago and, during his time in the industry, has seen many changes - not least in the very size of ships transporting goods. “Today’s ships are like floating elephants and they’re offering round-the-world services,” he says. The days of different shipping lines offering services to different countries have gone. There tends to be one massive ship with charter slots.

“In other words, we’re more likely to be able to help with technical issues, point clients in the right direction and, at the end of the day, save them money.” No matter whether you choose air, sea or road, Andy’s customers can be confident in his ability to arrange fast and efficient shipment of goods, which are, at all times, transported with the greatest care and consideration. His years of experience have seen him establish strong relations with valuable contacts abroad which, in turn allows him to pass on competitive rates. Absail provides a fully-comprehensive air cargo service to make the entire process from booking, to collection, to secure delivery, easy and hassle-free.

“However, I believe that personal service is paramount to the successful partnership between the manufacturing industry, its customers and suppliers and it is my intention to provide that important link.

It includes maritime insurance, customs clearance and documentation where requested. Customers with less urgent consignments often opt for Absail’s international shipping services, which include palletising or case packing of goods and the provision of shipping containers in a range of sizes and types. Its experience combined with excellent relationships with partner companies worldwide, ensures it can guarantee deliveries go as smoothly as possible and arrive on time. When it comes to road haulage, Absail offers a wide variety, including light and international and its fleet of hauliers are all fully licensed and rained, ensuring complete reliability and efficiency.

“A lot of the larger companies are only there to move your cargo, they won’t assist with anything else, whereas we try to help with likely problems.

With state-of-the-art GPS tracking systems, they follow the best available routes while allowing the monitoring of a consignment throughout its road journey, guaranteeing peace of mind.

“For example, if it’s a first-time importer, are they VAT-registered, how do they go about getting a VAT number so they can claim it back?

“Working with Absail takes the stress out of overseas shipping,” says Andy.

“But with larger companies taking control of lesser organisations, a void is created between large and small and it’s not difficult to see why ‘service’, the very nature of our business, suffers.

For full information call 01509 569196 or email absail@btconnect.com. Alternatively visit www.absail.co.uk.

www.cargomarketing.com

Ocean House, Marston Park, Tamworth, Staffordshire B78 3HU Tel: 01827 300030 info@cargomarketing.com

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Additionally, we will analyse your current strengths, threats and opportunities.â&#x20AC;? The thorough and expert approach has already born results for some of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading businesses. Richard Nunn, of Premier Foods, reports that Consolid8 Logistics has already saved Hovis about ÂŁ2 million in the last two years and streamlined its fleet, substantially reducing its carbon footprint.

In a world of rising fuel costs, streamlined operations and high customer expectations, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not enough for a company to see its precious products simply loaded onto the back of a lorry and sent off with high hopes. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why specialists such as Consolid8 Logistics are worth their weight in gold - and more - when it comes to delivering the goods. The company, with a site in Highnam, Gloucester, and registered office in Somerset, offers a complete service within the field of logistics to retailers and manufacturers, such as full POD (point of delivery) management, pallet control and timeliness reporting, all aimed at ensuring the clients improve transport efficiency and services to their own customers. It takes a thorough knowledge of the industry - inside and out to ensure that no aspect is overlooked and Consolid8 Logistics is proud that its biggest assets are its 12 employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; skills base and knowledge in transportation management and cutting business costs. Operations director Gary Kemp alone accounts for 25 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; expertise working for leading 3PLs (third party logistics) such as Wincanton, Tibbett and Britten.

Other clients such as Dairy Crest, Morrisons, Somerfield, Coca Cola and Brakes are also benefiting from Consolid8 Logisticsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; touch.

To find out how you can benefit, or to enquire, visit www.consolid8logistics.co.uk, email operations@consolid8logistics.co.uk or telephone 01452 503216.

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A transport strategy specialist with particular emphasis on quality of service and cost reduction, he has produced multimillion pound cost savings in the UK, Spain, Central Europe and the US. General manager and a logistics commercial and operations expert, Mark Sarginson, has not only held key logistics and distribution roles with major food retailers, he has a Certificate of Professional Competence in National Transport Operations, qualifying him to share his depth of knowledge with Consolid8 clients and partners.

2 Callander Road Heathfield Industrial Estate Ayr KA8 9AF

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The high fuel prices mean retailers and manufacturers face challenges to minimise the impact and reduce their transport costs like never before,â&#x20AC;? says Gary. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Combined with the increasingly pressurised economic climate and the need to reduce their carbon footprint they are seeking a transport provider who understands their business challenges and provides reliable solutions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Consolid8 Logistics can meet all those challenges in a number of ways, such as consolidating movements with other operators, finding the most cost-effective operator to move their goods, analysing existing product flow, rationalising resources and providing supply chain expertise.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will spend time analysing your logistics operation and provide a full report on how we can support you to improve efficiency, drive down costs and generate incremental revenue,â&#x20AC;? says Gary.

Telephone:

01292 610681

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Dedicated to producing quality, innovative book display furniture, the Birmingham company produces units designed to make books look so exciting that would-be readers canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but pick one up. Opening the Book Furniture designs units where most of the books can be displayed face-out which means the books are instantly noticeable. As well as units to display adult fiction and non-fiction, they design units for childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s books which incorporate lots of fun elements to encourage them to see reading and books as fun. You wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think that furniture would be so critical to a bookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chances of actually being picked up but Opening the Book Furniture has proved this to be the case. Opening the Book spends months prototyping new products, ensuring shelves are at the right height and angle, that the colours are right and the materials are working - and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why one school head was so impressed when he considered the recently developed BookSpace shelving system for his library. Reveals Helen Thomas, company co-director: â&#x20AC;&#x153;He installed BookSpace in the library and created small reading corners within 12 of his classrooms.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Customers receive a well designed product, produced with high-quality materials and delivered in a customer-friendly manner,â&#x20AC;? says Helen. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We use a high-grade MDF and edge-band all of our shelves to ensure the units withstand the knocks of everyday life in a library or school. We deliver larger units and place them exactly where the customer needs them before removing all packaging, which we recycle where possible.â&#x20AC;?

For full details of Opening the Book Furniture and its products, go to www.openingthebook.com or telephone 0121 246 2777.

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BookSpace is unique in that it enables a school to create shelving which fits their space perfectly. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like building blocks; schools can assemble it to the height they need and create back-to-back shapes, long rows or cosy corners incorporating not only book shelving but fun elements such as magnetic play boards, display boards and fun seating.â&#x20AC;?

Opening the Book Furniture regularly supplies to Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and other Scandinavian countries and also handled a temporary book promotion at Parisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gard du Nord.

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Having the right display furniture which is designed specifically to make the books look good is fundamental. And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where Opening the Book Furniture comes in.

November, acquired a warehouse in Nechells and took on a team to handle deliveries.

WHAT makes someone stop, look, reach out and take a book? Nine times out of 10 it would be because the book looks appealing. But displaying the books at the right height, angle and face-out so that the covers can be seen doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just happen.

Book

44 o.uk 0121 elljersey.c .co.uk Tel ww.y yelljersey w Web rachel@ Email

Helen formed the company with co-director Rachel Van Riel in 2002 after seeing a gap in the market for quality book display furniture for libraries. Initially based in the Custard Factory, the business focused on a small number of furniture units and customers were largely public libraries but years of listening to what customers want led it to develop products for childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s libraries, schools and nurseries. Now, with an office and small showroom in the Jewellery Quarter, manufacturing is outsourced to local suppliers and, last

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Aqua Victis is the ‘Reliable Water Company’, who has over 30 years knowledge and experience in the water cooler industry. They have only one thing in mind – providing you with quality water on time, all the time, and every time. Water coolers are a feature of modern office life, and most companies recognise that the provision of fresh cool drinking water is an essential requirement for a contented workforce. In theory, it is a service that costs a company very little and brings a lot of benefits to the workplace. Reliability and service are vital if the benefit to the workforce is to be maintained, when you choose Aqua Victis you will receive a complete service.

Aqua Victis understands the importance of customer service; they are completely customer focused, reliable and accountable. Deliveries of their competitively, fairly priced products, are prompt and made only by arrangement with the customer. The Aqua Victis customer need never worry about over stocking and in the unlikely event of a customer invoice query, no further invoices will be issued until the query is resolved. They really do listen to their customers! Aqua Victis now also sell a range of household branded hot drinks at very competitive prices, and as a special offer, if you rent one of their brand new hot & cold coolers, they will give you a sleeve of delicious hot drinks for your enjoyment free of charge. To view a selection of Aqua Victis products, visit their web site at www.aquavictis.com or contact their helpful team on 0808 2802580 or canwehelp@aquavictis.com

Aqua Victis supplies new state of the art, bottled water coolers, plumbed in water coolers, and also offer cooler/hygiene services. All coolers supplied and installed will be new “straight from the box”, and installed within 48 hours of order confirmation, subject to stock. Their delivery schedules are built around customer agreed requirements. Aqua Victis prides itself on being the ‘Reliable Water Company’ and continues to strive to be the best service provider of choice by their customers; the service automatically includes the complete sanitisation of coolers every quarter.

All at Aqua Victis would like to thank all of their suppliers and associates for their continued support

0808 2802580 55

airPurex Helping you breath clean air A POWERFUL new weapon in the war on superbugs is being offered by Birmingham company Air Purex Ltd.

Air Purex will remove odours and reduce instances of airborne micro-organisms known to contribute to the symptoms of a variety of illnesses unlike any mechanical filtration device, says Mr Habibullah.

It takes its name from the ground-breaking indoor air purification device, developed by managing director Tarique Habibullah to abolish odours and slash the instances of air-borne infections.

"Existing air purification technologies are ineffective, costly to maintain and create a significant carbon footprint," he adds.

Aimed particularly at hospitals care homes and other domestic environments, Air Purex Ltd is already a finalist in the Innovation of the Year category in the 2011 Midlands Business Awards and has attracted the interest of a multi-national group of companies.

"Air Purex has no filter and uses cold plasma to induce the chemical reactions needed to remove contaminants. "This technology has significant advantages over existing ones; it is self-cleaning, consumes less energy and is low maintenance as there are no consumable parts." Mr Habibullah who is experienced in research and development in air purification products and has broad understanding of problems with indoor air quality, founded Air Purex Ltd in 2008 with the aim of filling a gap in the market by offering an efficient, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly service dealing with pathogens and superbugs which, he says, older techniques/technologies are incapable of dealing with. "Existing air purification techniques try to capture contaminants, rather than eliminate them. The advantage of the Air Purex system is that because no filters are used, there is nothing to clog, and thus reduce its efficiency. "This then reduces the need for changing or cleaning filters common in the kind of purification systems found in hospitals, hotels, nightclubs, peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homes, etc, which has cost saving implications for customers." Already Air Purex Ltd has been approached by a multi-national company, but Mr Habibullah is continuing to develop the technology to add more value to it before taking it forward through a licensing route rather than an equity investment.

"The ideal situation would be different licensees for different applications of the technology or different air purification market places," he explains. "The company is looking for investment and/or collaboration opportunities, possibly from an air purification manufacturer or another business with potential to exploit this technology commercially. "The air purification market is significant and embraces all. End users include markets in healthcare, transport, leisure, and domestic appliances. The technology is adaptable to multiple environments and is scalable to many different situations."

For further information, contact Tarique Habibullah on 07956 560 335 or visit www.airpurex.com.

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SHREDeX

Warwickshire’s longest established and premier shredding company, Shredex Midlands Limited has acquired an Axo Mobile Shredding Truck to compliment their depot based shredding facility. This enables Shredex to satisfy any customer’s requirement for shredding on their premises. It’s a major investment for the Kenilworth-based company which specialises in confidential paper shredding for the private and public sectors in Warwickshire and surrounding areas, but it’s one that Managing Director Tim Cox is sure will enable the company to expand and serve even more clients.

“I’m very excited about this new development,” he says. “We have built the company on solid foundations and achieved success with our existing off-site operation, but this latest investment will bring opportunities to cater for companies who prefer on-site destruction.” Established since March 2003, Shredex was the first confidential shredding company to be sited in Warwickshire and has built up an excellent reputation for offering a reliable, professional service, which has led to increasing volumes of work. The staff are all security vetted and the depot on Holly Farm Business Park, near Kenilworth has CCTV and on site security. Shredex, was one of the first in the region to achieve Certification for the new European Standard BS EN15713:2009 for the Information Destruction Industry in addition to their Quality Assurance ISO 9001:2008 Certificate, both of which allow customers to have complete peace of mind over the security of their confidential documentation. For off-site shredding, its depot in Honiley, Kenilworth is home to a bulk commercial shredding machine capable of disposing up to 4,000kg of paper a day, together with a compactor which then crushes the shredded paper further to ease collection for recycling.

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Buoyed by the growth of the business and the potential for additional customers, Tim opted for an Axo Mobile Shredding Truck, which are sold all over the world. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We researched many options and felt that Axo was the best for Shredexâ&#x20AC;? Tim says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This purpose built truck is especially useful in tight town and city centre locations in addition to its ability to be used for one-off archive clear outs.â&#x20AC;? Shredex also has the capability to offer Data shredding, ie CDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, diskettes, back-up tapes, in addition to Computer Hard Drive destruction. As a Corporate Member, Shredex supports The Woodland Trust, the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading woodland conservation charity. The Trust plant about half a million trees every year and has well over 1,000 woods in its care. As all the shredded paper at Shredex is subsequently recycled, this indirectly reduces the number of trees felled for paper products.

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INDEPENDENT PENSION AND AND INDEPENDENT PENSION WEALTH MANAGEMENT MANAGMENT ADVISERS WEALTH ADVISERS GOOD GOOD LUCK LUCK SHREDEX SHREDEX NICE BUSINESS WITH! WITH! NICE PEOPLE PEOPLE TO TO DO DO BUSINESS John Financial Adviser Adviser John Swithenby Swithenby â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Independent Independent Financial Bourne Neville Limited Limited Bourne Taylor Taylor Neville Neville Henley in in Arden, Arden, B95 B955BX 5BX NevilleHouse, House, 66 66 High High Street, Street, Henley Tel 01564 01564 793232 793232 Fax Fax 01564 01564794784 79478 Email Tel Emailadvice@btneville.co.uk advice@btneville.co.uk

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HOLLY FARM BUSINESS PARK HONILEY, KENILWORTH, WARWICKSHIRE CV8 1NP

Tel : 01926 484 558 E-mail : rt@hollyfarm.co.uk Web site : http://www.hollyfarm.co.uk

Business units available to let Offices from 200 sq. ft. to 5,000 sq. ft. Some warehousing and high tech workshop space also available.

wastecheck Waste Consultancy & Brokerage

A particular success is the long-standing waste management contract with Staples UK, following Waste Checkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s review of its arrangements and ability to help it make significant savings. Both Mark and Karl, who have years of experience in waste management in the private and public sectors saw they could use their knowledge of operational environments (i.e. employing drivers, operating vehicles and running waste transfer stations) and apply it in a brokerage and consultancy capacity, thus enabling customers to be sensibly and openly advised of their legal responsibilities and offered help in managing waste at a reduced cost. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our initial goals were to grow into a strong, open and fair company built on approachability, knowledge and professionalism,â&#x20AC;? says Mark. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wanted to be known as a respectable company that always looks after its customers and stands out in a crowded market place.â&#x20AC;? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s certainly achieved that - in three years itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s now increased its staff to five and seen its turnover increase year on year. It now confidently expects to achieve all its business plan targets, gain ISO9001 Quality & 14001 Environmental accreditations by next October and grow further, moving to larger premises within two years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In this economic climate, interest in us is high as many producers are seeking ways to reduce costs,â&#x20AC;? states Mark.

Businesses getting bogged down in the increasingly complicated legal requirements of waste disposal are being offered a straightforward way out, thanks to the refreshingly different approach of Waste Check Ltd. Bursting with expert advice, the Alvechurch company, a regional finalist in last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HSBC Start Up Stars Awards, is dedicated to providing a clear and simple way through the legally complicated waste environment and ensuring that companies donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t end up accepting unnecessary services and costs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to build a relationship with our customers where they make an informed decision as opposed to being sold a service they really donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need,â&#x20AC;? maintains managing director Mark Jenkins. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We then continue to build our relationship with them by offering continual advice at the end of the phone or face-toface, while managing their waste.â&#x20AC;? Launched in 2008 by Mark and fellow director Karl Jenkins, Waste Check, in addition to a brokerage business, is a consultancy offering essential advice on the best methods of controlling, managing and disposing of waste to thus reduce the producerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s costs and volumes. With Waste Check on board, it means its clients can concentrate on what they do best: running their business confident that waste is being handled in full compliance with current regulations and at a cost-effective price. The list of those benefiting currently is wide: Commercial, industrial, manufacturing, retail, care homes, hospitals and the general public with consultancy offered to waste producers and waste management companies.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Doing business with us results in the customer receiving good advice from experienced, approachable people, whose main objective is to ensure they save money, make an informed choice and receives the right service instead of one they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need, at the lowest cost every time.

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Trust our experience to Support Your Business At Peak Cashflow we have over 50

years experience within the factoring and invoice discounting market, with

both the enthusiasm and knowledge to offer a more flexible approach. Our Staff left to right Mark Jenkins, Lisa Morris, Karl Jenkins and Jo Jenkins. A part of Waste Check’s success has been its investment in its website www.waste-check.co.uk, which has already generated many strong sales leads. “We carry out all web enhancements ourselves to ensure it appears high in the search engine rankings,” says Mark. “We have recently launched www.compareyourwaste.com which, readers of this editorial should have a look at! It just might save you costs too.”

6C St Michaels Court, Warstone Parade East, Birmingham B18 6NR

T: 0121 236 7575 F: 0845 094 3980 www.peakcashflow.co.uk

A U G A PA C LIMITED

The company, based at Cradley, near Malvern, has been making and selling this highly specialised equipment - a standard tool of the packaging industry - since it was launched in 2005 by Mike Mabey and Richard Hymas, whose level of expertise has been accumulated over a combined 80 years of auger filling and product handling technology. Designed to handle anything free-flowing, other than liquids or pastes, the machines can fill anything from a few grammes of penicillin right up to 25 kilos of sand or cement and Augapacâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vecto-fill models are used not just by the food industries but also the chemical, drug, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and building sectors. For the uninitiated, an auger filling machine uses an the Archimedes screw principle, which consists of a cylinder inside the length of which extends a continuous screw to form a spiral chamber. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all extremely accurate and that depends on the tooling and the amount of revolutions you set into the machine via the user friendly touch screen controls. Putting it simply, you can set the filler for 10 revolutions to dose X amount, and 20 revolutions to get twice as much. Augapac offers all aspects of powder and particulate filling systems, together with their associated tooling variants and bulk feed system requirements.

STEEL FABRIC ATION SOLUTIONS

Providing reliable, cost effective and flexible steel fabrication solutions

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Using its expertise to correctly select the essential criteria, the company is able to achieve the best possible accuracy and speeds for clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; products when combined with the fixed or variable speed mode options of the auger. Simplicity, clean lines and easy-to-follow controls result in costeffect systems flexible enough to be used with other automatic packaging devices.

Augapacâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s machines are tailored to customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; specific requirements, some being very tailor-made, meaning that it works very closely with clients, on a one-to-one basis. The results are only good news for customers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not only are they value for money, they are state-of-the-art but we have designed them to be user-friendly,â&#x20AC;? says Mike. And, of course, while Augapac provides a comprehensive aftersales services, the maintenance-free qualities of its efficient machines means that visits to service them are rare. The company also produces a series of in-line equipment for fully automatic projects and supplies Auger filling equipment to other machinery manufacturers. With clients throughout the country and in Ireland, Augapac has recently taken on an agent in Belgium in a move thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s already bringing results. Combined with its aim to expand its range of equipment still further, it looks like 2011 is already - well - filling up for Augapac Ltd.

For further information on the company and its range of services, go to www.augerpackaging.co.uk, telephone 01886 880947 or email info@augerpackaging.co.uk

The next time you go into a supermarket just take a look at the number of foods in powder or granule form: they will have been packaged using an auger filler - and the possibilities are that the filler would have been made by Worcestershire company Augapac Ltd.

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CanCan Small Small Businesses Businesses Afford Afford To Go To Go Green? Green?

Why should Why we should go green? we go green? One of the Onemany of the reasons many reasons why why companies companies are going aregreen goingis green that people is that are people becoming are becoming far far more environmentally more environmentally aware and aware are and opting aretoopting buy products to buy products only from only people from who people produce who produce and offerand environmentally offer environmentally riendly products friendly products and services. and services.

n response In response to this demand to this demand there arethere noware numerous now numerous companies companies going green goingaround green the around world the in world an attempt in an attempt to to reduce their reduce carbon their footprint carbon footprint and appear and more appear favorable more favorable to to customers. customers.

But howBut dohow we go dogreen we gowithout green without incurring incurring huge costs? huge costs? Up until Up now, until smaller now, companies smaller companies have resisted have resisted the change the change to go green to gobecause green because of the assumption of the assumption that theythat don’t they have don’t have the time,the resources time, resources or money orto money achieve to achieve it. it.

Businesses Businesses do not need do not toneed have to millions have millions of pounds of pounds to invest toininvest greeninprojects. green projects. Small businesses Small businesses can be just canas becompetitive just as competitive as largerasorganisations larger organisations when it comes when itto comes to reducingreducing their carbon their footprint. carbon footprint.

Here areHere a feware simple a fewways simple in ways whichin which smaller companies smaller companies can go green can goforgreen little for little cost: cost:

•Recycle•Recycle or donate or old donate equipment, old equipment, PCs etcPCs etc

•Use rechargeable •Use rechargeable batteriesbatteries

•Where •Where possible,possible, use double use sided double sided printing printing to save paper to save paper

•Opt for•Opt onlineforbillonline payment, bill payment, banking banking and emails andinstead emails of instead using of theusing postthe post

•Recycle•Recycle ink cartridges, ink cartridges, plastic, paper plastic,and paper and aluminum aluminum

•Use shredded •Use shredded paper aspaper packaging as packaging where possible where possible

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•Buy green •Buyproducts green products for cleaning for cleaning – hand soap – hand and soap and Why should detergents detergents and dishand soaps dishetc soaps etc companies more enviro •Buy energy •Buyefficient energy efficient equipment. equipment. This canThis be as can simple be as simple only from pe as energy-saving as energy-saving light bulbs light and bulbs printers and printers of whichofthe whichfriendly the prod costs are costs becoming are becoming very affordable very affordable In response •Turn off•Turn all machinery off all machinery when not when in use, notincluding in use, including lights, companies lights, computers computers and printers and printers reduce their customers. In response In response to customer to customer and industry and industry demand,demand, Die-Pat Die-Pat DivisionsDivisions has taken has the taken first the of many first of steps many towards steps towards But how do becoming becoming a greener a greener company. company. This commitment This commitment is is Up until now reflectedreflected in its approach in its approach to both its to both customers its customers and localand tolocal go green community. community. the time, res

In addition In addition to the listtoabove, the listmany above, ofmany Die- of DieBusinesses Pat’s products Pat’s products and suppliers and suppliers have been have been of pounds t revised and revised the and product the product range now range nowSmall busine incorporates incorporates an electric an watersaving electric watersaving as larger org tap, andtap, newand water newsaving waterpre-rinse saving pre-rinse reducing the units*. units*. Here are a f ProductsProducts are being are distributed being distributed as boxed as boxed smaller com quantities quantities to reduce to carbon reduce emissions carbon emissions cost: and product and product packaging packaging has been has reduced been reduced and revised and to revised incorporate to incorporate internal recycled internal recycled •Recycle or shredded shredded paper. The paper. localThe community local community has PCs has etc benefited benefited too as Die-Pat too as Die-Pat has recycled has recycled their their •Use rechar woodenwooden pallets back pallets to back the local to the Daventry local Daventry community community to thosetowho those need who to need use the to use the •Where pos wood. wood. printing to s You mayYou alsomay have also noticed have noticed that we that now we now •Opt for onl communicate communicate many ofmany our latest of our offers latest byoffers by and emails i email and email even and thiseven quarterly this quarterly newsletter newsletter is is printed on printed part-recycled on part-recycled paper. paper. •Recycle ink

aluminum To have To a positive have a positive impact on impact our environment on our environment it won’t cost it won’t us much. cost usBut much. it willBut cost it will ourcost our •Use shredd environment environment if we choose if we choose not to take not action. to take action. where poss

*The average *The (GPM) average water (GPM) flow water for the flow Encore for thepre-rinse Encore pre-rinse units is now units asislow now asas 1.18 lowas asopposed 1.18 as opposed to alternatives to alternatives which have which a flow have of a1.28. flow of 1.28.

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DIE-PATDIE-PAT Divisions Divisions Limited,Limited, The Die-Pat The Die-Pat Centre,Centre, Broad March, Broad March, Daventry, Daventry, NN11 4HE NN11 4HE Telephone: Telephone: 01327 313 01327 135 313 Fax: 135 01327 Fax: 871 01327 821 871 Mobile: 821 Mobile: 07834 518 07834 870 518 Web: 870www.die-pat.co.uk Web: www.die-pat.co.uk

SERCO PLASTIC INJECTION MOULDERS The future is bright for Serco Plastic Injection Moulders Ltd as it celebrates 35 years of success. The last two years have seen some exciting developments for this highly regarded specialist in the production of precision plastic injection mouldings, which continues to build on its reputation for supplying top-quality products to a wide range of industries. As part of the plastic injection mouldings division of the J.Banks Ltd group of companies, in 2008 Serco acquired the Wednesbury based Plastic Development Techniques Ltd (PDT). Since then the two companies have been consolidated under one roof at the larger Wednesbury site, enabling the new facility to expand its range of products and services, strengthened the management team and substantially increase turnover. Throughout all the changes, the company has put at the forefront of its operations the ethos on which its success is based: a close working relationship with all of its customers, backed by BS EN ISO 9001:2008 and a continuous program of investment in new technology and the latest state of the art machinery. Managing operations on the new site are joint general managers Stuart Heaton and Gino Bongiovi. Commenting on the consolidation of the two businesses Mr. Bongiovi commented, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The move has proved very successful. It has made the whole manufacturing operation far more efficient and streamlined, creating more capacity, particularly with the added benefit of the already well-established night shift. This flexibility has allowed us to increase our range of products and services by targeting new markets such as Construction, Electronics, Catering, Decorative, Packaging, Engineering and Automotiveâ&#x20AC;?. Sercoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comprehensive range of services includes a computer-aided design service, rapid prototyping, competitive tooling, small batch and low-cost tooling options, high-efficiency, precision injection moulding, a range of machine capacities from 22 tonne to 210 tonne and assured delivery to customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; schedules. From design concept through to delivery, Sercoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wealth of experience and technical skills ensure that every aspect of a new project is fully supported at each stage. The company is proud to offer total flexibility, enabling it to meet even the most specific of customer requirements, be they for the production of small batch quantities through to high volume scheduled output.

Continually investing in the latest plant and equipment, Sercoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to new technology ensures that the very latest techniques are incorporated into its production processes, enabling it to consistently deliver an unrivalled package of expertise and complete service satisfaction. With turnover now well exceeding the ÂŁ1 million-mark and continually climbing in the last few months, Serco is well on its way to achieving even greater success in the years to come. The futureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bright, the future is Serco.

Serco (Plastic Injection Moulders) Ltd, Unit 4, Block 2, Wednesbury Trading Estate, Darlaston Road, Wednesbury, West Midlands, WS10 7JN.

For further information about Serco (Plastic Injection Moulders) Ltd and its services, visit www.sercomouldings.co.uk or telephone 0121 556 9966

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MR 24-7 Hydraulics & Pneumatics Offering a complete hydraulic repair service from manufacture to fault finding. Michael Rudd started the business as a sole proprietor in 2002, drawing on nearly 20 years experience in the industry. He saw a gap in the market and resolved to set up on his own, believing that he would be able to draw on his experience to provide an honest and trustworthy service to his customers. Since that day the business has gone from strength to strength and he has never looked back. The company deals with a wide range of customers, ranging from industrial-scale, larger firms, through to smaller companies and the general public. Many of our customers have been with Mick from day one (30years). All our customers know that they can have complete trust in our honesty and integrity. Our business is based on that trust, we know that honesty and plain dealing goes a long way, especially in to-dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market. We offer a fair pricing policy, whatever time of day or night, weekends or holiday times, our prices remain the same.

Tel: 0121 773 7666 Fax: 0121 766 5590 Email: sales@dtseals.co.uk Web: www.dtseals.co.uk

84-90, Evelyn Rd, Birmingham, West Midlands B11 3JJ

Proud to support

MR 24-7 Hydraulics & Pneumatics KARLINDA & COMPANY Garage Equi E ipmentt Engineers gi - Salles, Rep R airs i & Ser S vice i Migwelder Â&#x2021; Torque WrencKes Â&#x2021; +\draulic Equipment Migwelders ment $irr To $i Tool olss Â&#x2021; %a %att tter er\ \ &K &Kar arge g rs Â&#x2021; 3or ge 3or orta tabl ble e Sp pac ace e +e +eat ater err Equi Eq uipm ipm pmen entt Te en Test sti tin ing On ing On-Sit Sit ite e Test &ertiĂ&#x20AC;cates &ertiĂ&#x20AC; $vailable vailable 2 On Request -acking acking %eams Â&#x2021; Trolle\ Trolle -acks acks Â&#x2021; Grease 3umps 3 t -a 3it 3i -ack ckss Â&#x2021; $x ck $xle le Sta Sta tand ndss Â&#x2021; $i nd $irl irl rlin i e Ga ine in Gaug ug gess

Tel: 0121 478 3630 Fax: 0121 478 3630

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As a sole proprietor I am able to offer each customer my personal attention, if a job is beyond our capabilities, I will always say so immediately, and can usually recommend someone who would be able to help. Currently, in order to expand the range of services we offer Mick is planning to take a good friend into partnership, between them they will have over 50 years experience in the industry. Mickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s partner is more experienced in some areas, so they hope to be able to offer extra services such as site-work and fault finding on site. They are looking forward to the next 10 years, which they believe will be even more successful than the last 10.

For further information please contact MR 24-7 Hydraulics & Pneumatics on 0121 377 7778 or email: info@mr247hydraulicsandpneumatics.co.uk

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But that has always been the intent, right from when Clive Richards and Derek Shewring established the business in 1990, determined to provide a user-friendly, customerorientated service.

Based on the Washford Industrial Estate, in Redditch, S&R Cutting Formes is now well established in the print, box and packaging trade and has developed its own expertise, boosted by a combined 100+ years of experience from its expert team of two directors, two production and one office staff.

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And that includes investing in the very latest equipment - a long way from those first days when there was just one saw and two benches. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have automated the work process to give us a much faster turnaround to satisfy short lead times,â&#x20AC;? says Clive who, with his co-founder Derek, has been in the industry since leaving school.

Derek Shewring - with JD the dog at his feet - his wife and company secretary, Debbie, Clive Richards and die makers Steve Pearce and Matt Chamberlain.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have expanded tremendously over the past few years and now have new technology in the form of computergenerated tools and machinery.

Specialising in laser cutting/crease tools and die boards, the company prides itself on the speed and accuracy with which it carries out orders, right down to the ability of supplying them on the same day. Most, however, are produced on a next day delivery basis no mean feat when customers are located all over the British Isles. With major companies like the SP Group - for more than 20 years - and the KEP Group among its client base, S&R Cutting Formes continues to build on its outstanding reputation, dedicated to developing all aspects of the business.

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Alongside these highly skilled services S&R Cutting Formes provides, is its bespoke laser cutting operation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If it can be cut on a flat bed laser then we may be able to cut it,â&#x20AC;? says Clive. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our most popular requests are for name plates and signs and we are able to cut woods, plastics, MDF, hard board and even thin sheet steel.â&#x20AC;?

For further information about the company and its services, visit www.s-rcuttingformes.co.uk or telephone 01527 525222.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We can supply quality laser cut die boards quickly and competitively, because we use the latest and fastest laser technology which, in turn, keeps costs down, savings which we can then pass on to customers.â&#x20AC;? Those requiring fully ruled and rubbered cutting formes will receive items manufactured to their specific needs, using only the highest quality materials. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatever you require, we can make cutting formes to suit,â&#x20AC;? promises Clive. â&#x20AC;&#x153;From small intricate formes to larger platen jobs; with the latest bending machinery, we can quickly produce them with great accuracy.â&#x20AC;?

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Congratulations to S & R Cutting Formes on your 20th anniversary from everyone at Sandvik Saxon

Sandvik cutting, creasing and special rules for flat bed and rotary dies Tel: +44 (0) 1788 557 100 Email: diecutting.steel@sandvik.com www.smt.sandvik.com/diecutting

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TEL 0121 457 4810 EMAIL sales@heronpress.co.uk WEB www.heronpress.co.uk

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Central Wheel Components MORE than 100 years of experience goes into every wheel made by Central Wheel Components. It’s that rich pedigree, combined with its outstanding reputation for highquality workmanship, that led the world-renowned National Motorcycle Museum at Solihull to choose the company to restore or replace the wheels of its precious exhibits. Now Europe’s largest supplier of motorcycle wheel components, the Coleshill factory stocks more than 15,000 rims and 500,000 spokes and nipples at any one time, most manufactured on-site. Anyone with a classic, custom or Supermoto complete wheel requirements need look no further. When it comes to tyres, the company can cater for all twowheeled requirements through its division, Wheel House Tyres, supplying for road, trials and classic bikes, while its three Bikers’ World stores, in Birmingham, Daventry and Worcester, are Suzuki and Aprilla dealerships and provide a wealth of biking clothes and accessories. Furthermore, its Central Wire Components division specialises in wire products, such as headed rods, fixings, long fasteners and ladder tie rods, which are being used by the housewares, garden tools, ladder manufacturing, building and automotive industries.

Kiwi A combination of experience, expertise & creativity enables us at Kiwi to handle all your print requirements.

Kiwi are proud to supply Central Wheels with their print requirements through 2011

From Litho or Digital Print Brochures to Banners Letterheads to Labels Continuous to Corporate Design Folders to Flyers Security print to Cheques

Kiwi Design & Print Limited Tel. 0121 789 8340 · Fax. 0121 789 7343 Email. sales@kiwiprint.com · www.kiwiprint.com

And much more.

“We don’t just make spokes as there are a number of wire-based products that need a similar manufacturing process and fit in well with our core business,” explains company boss, Warren Harding. It’s a long way from the small Birmingham workshop run by Warren’s great grandfather at the turn of the last century - but then Central Wheel Components has always had an eye on the future while holding to the best of traditional skills and values.

Congratulations to Central Wheel Components Ltd on 100 years in business

Michelin is pleased to be associated with Central Wheel Components Ltd who stock the full range of Michelin motorcycle tyres including the MICHELIN Power Pure tyre and the new MICHELIN Pilot Road 3. www.michelin.co.uk

It was Warren’s dad Geoff who, by taking on new staff, set in motion a series of expansions that have continued through the decades, gradually moving from revolving around the cycle industry 90% of the time and the motorcycle industry 10% to vice versa. In addition to supplying components, Central Wheel Components also offers a comprehensive inhouse wheel building service with wheels generally built on to customer's own hubs, but Supermoto complete wheel packages including hubs, can be supplied. With customers ranging from enthusiastic bikers to motorcycle manufacturers - not counting that prestigious relationship with the National Motorcycle museum - the scope of the business’s order book is wide, but Central Wheel Components is ready to meet any requirement. “We are capable of building wheels from scratch or restoring your existing wheels,” says Warren. “No task is too specialised, no order is too large and no job too small to benefit from our expertise.

“Whether you want a hub wire brushed and painted, need a new set of motocross spokes, or replace an anodised rim on a road bike, Central Wheel Components will take care of it.” For further information about the company and its range of products across all its divisions is available by visiting www.central-wheel.co.uk

For a copy of the latest version of its wheel building brochure, which contains details enabling customers to order exactly what they want in terms of rims and spokes and information on the wheel building and tyre fitting services as well as useful reference tables, call 01675 462264 or email info@central-wheel.co.uk. www.avon-tyres.co.uk

Congratulations from another company with 100 years of two wheel expertise

METAL Craft Industries UK Ltd is not only flying the flag for Britain, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flying the flag for quality, durability and reliability. A modern go-ahead company with the very best traditional values, all of the 25-strong workforce believe passionately about the goods and services they provide. â&#x20AC;&#x153;High quality coupled with fast turnaround, continued investment in the latest technology and above all â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we listen to our clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs and provide a service or product they require, not what we think they need,â&#x20AC;? proudly declares managing director Reg Larkin. He founded Metal Craft Industries UK Ltd in 1973, initially specialising in the manufacture of prototypes and general stainless sheetmetal products for the food and milling industries and sub-contract piece parts for varied industries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A friend asked for help with some prototypes and received an order for a large quantity,â&#x20AC;? Reg revealed of those first days.â&#x20AC;?He said â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d better get your sleeves rolled up, I am committedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. There's no substitute for being put in the deep end!â&#x20AC;? But Regâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s company made a real splash in the industry and over the years it developed a large portfolio of equipment such as trolleys, tables, seating, display cabinets and point-of sale displays supplied in to retail supermarkets and catering, electronic, laboratories and research establishments/offices. With a 32,000sq ft of manufacturing/warehousing in Wellingborough and now with more than 30 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in stainless steel and aluminium products, it is a clear leader in its field, using state-of-the-art computerised equipment to produce an extremely diversified range of services. They include the latest fabrication facilities, auto CAD design and development facilities and sheetmetal sub-contracting, enabling clients to assemble their own products.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our commitment to a program of continuous investment in the latest sheetmetal work technology is reflected in the impressive range of lights out CNC, lasers, punches, brake presses, assembly services and powder-coat finishing equipment we have,â&#x20AC;? says Reg. The decades of successful business have not only seen Metal Craft Industries make the most of its central geographical location, rich in skills and services, they have also seen it amass a client list of household names. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We tend to focus on the large multi-nationals,â&#x20AC;? says Reg. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Supermarkets such as Morrisons, Asda, Tesco, Sainsburys and Waitrose, and high street retailers including John Lewis, House of Fraser, Next, and New Look. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On the catering side thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greggs, McDonalds and Subway. We also supplied all the stainless steel bars to Arsenalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Emirates Stadium.

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We are proud to be associated with Metal Craft Industries and wish them all the best for the futrue.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Although our operation is diverse, companies choose to work with us for our consistency, level of technical expertise, quality of service and finished products and because of the trust in us they have, based on their previous experience with us. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is our policy to ensure that each contract is executed from original enquiry to completion in a manner that sets and maintains a level of workmanship, quality and service consistent with clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; requirements and expectations.â&#x20AC;? To find out more about Metal Craft Industries UK Ltd, go to www.store-equipment.co.uk, call 01933 440573 or email info@store-equipment.co.uk. FINISHING â&#x20AC;˘ ANODISING â&#x20AC;˘ CLEANING â&#x20AC;˘ ZINC PLATING â&#x20AC;˘ ELECTRO PLATING â&#x20AC;˘ POWDER COATINGPHOSPHATING â&#x20AC;˘ VITREOUS ENAMELLING

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C&G Chemicals Ltd â&#x20AC;˘ Sovereign Works Deepdale Lane â&#x20AC;˘ Lower Gornal Dudley â&#x20AC;˘ West Midlands â&#x20AC;˘ DY3 2AF Phone +44 (0) 1384 455225 Fax + 44 (0) 1384 456 355 Email: info@c-gchemicals.co.uk www.c-gchemicals.co.uk

C & G Chemicals are proud to be associated with Metal Craft Industries and wish them every success in the future

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STEEL EXPRESS Why wait 24 hours or more for your steel to be delivered by steel stockholders that live in the Iron Age?

Working with Steel Express means your order can be cut one day and be with you, wherever you are in the country, the next day Living up to its name is all part of the professional job for this Wolverhampton steel supplier and stockholder. “If you’re in a mess call Steel Express and see what we can offer you quickly,” says managing director Mark Nicholls. He heads up a team of nine, all of whom pride themselves on their ability to deliver promptly and efficiently, on the day they say they will, using the company’s own fleet of dedicated vehicles. The UK’s largest stockholder of EN24T in flats, plates and squares & diameters, Steel Express, whose long list of prestigious customers includes Metsec plc, the Ministry of Defence, schools, colleges and Mclaren Racing. Recently added stock includes D2 and 01 tool steel, in flats squares diameters and also plates. Further services include: • Free-issue precision cutting service on bars up to 340mm diameter. • A cutting service from 5mm dia up to 850mm dia. • Flame cutting up to 300mm thick in most specs. • Shearing up to 20mm thick in mild steel aluminium and stainless steel. • Plasma cutting up to 100mm thick in stainless steel. • Lumsden grinding up to 2500mm X 2000mm.

Mark Nicholls, Director.

Such is the demand for its services that last November, Steel Express expanded its range of materials to include a comprehensive range of perforated sheet products in stainless steel, mild steel, galvanised steel, aluminium, brass and copper with perforation sizes ranging from 0.75mm through to 20mm. It can also supply decorative brass grilles in small and large club designs as well as fancy circle and cross designs. Completing the additions to the range is a complete range of stainless steel woven wire cloth, from 1.6mm diameter wire through to 0.03mm, and woven wire cloth in brass and welded wire mesh in 304 stainless steel. Mark says: "Adding this comprehensive range of perforated and mesh material to our stocklists is a continuation of our policy to continuously improve our service to customers. “As with virtually all our materials we will supply these from stock and deliver to the customer's door.” And it’s not just being at the cutting edge, so to speak, Steel Express also offers a fabrication and drilling service upon request, for any of its metals, such as mild and stainless steel, aluminum and copper.

From here it can fashion the raw materials into table, chair or sign frames, trolleys of all kinds, point-of-display metalwork, benches, bench legs, office desk frames, cable management, partition screen feet, safety barriers and much more.

For a comprehensive guide to its range of services and stock, visit its comprehensive website at www.steelexpress.co.uk. To make an enquiry, telephone 01902 716333 or email sales@steelexpress.co.uk

Victoria Bromley, Senior Sales Negotiator

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ARTIZAN STEELWORKERS LTD ARTIZAN Steelworkers Ltd is a company that meets tough business challenges with determination. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why, despite one of the toughest recessions in decades, the Leicestershire fabrication company is looking confidently ahead. With the ability to offer bespoke products ranging from a steel bracket to a building to include staircases, hand rails, fire escapes, mezzanine floors, structural steelwork, gates, fencing, and on-site fitting - to name but a few - the company has responded to the tough trading conditions by diversifying into property maintenance and refurbishment to supplement the loss of the building trade. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also been busy in the last 12 months creating and establishing www.artizansteelworkersltd.co.uk to showcase its wide range of products and developing its Solid works design system to work alongside the Autocad system. Not content with that, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also considering a relocation to larger premises. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We, like many other companies have been affected by the current climate where many builders are no longer trading,â&#x20AC;? acknowledges Angela Atton, who co-founded Artizan Steelworkers with her husband, Managing Director Tony. â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, we are fortunate to have a wealth of knowledge and experience that enables us to go forward with the confidence that we can continue to offer customers our best products and service at competitive prices.â&#x20AC;? The couple launched Artizan Steelworkers, along with Jon Medcalf who later emigrated to Australia, in 1999. After working for others, they decided they could offer a better product, better customer service and better prices. Tony, who has spent his working life in the industry, heads up a team of seven, which includes qualified and experienced fabricators and fitters, at the company site on a trading estate in Syston, Leicestershire. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We offer a full design package with required calculations, as well as the fabrication of bespoke steel products,â&#x20AC;? says Angela. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our aim is to provide a premium product and each item is manufactured by our artisans, who provide a personal and efficient service.â&#x20AC;? In such a skilled field, training is critical and Artizan Steelworkers Ltd doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stint on this. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Two of our employees, who have many years of experience, gained their NVQ Level 2 in Constructional Steelwork Site Operation, PASMA and IPAF training,â&#x20AC;? says Angela. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last year our first apprentice completed his training and has now secured a position within another company as a qualified tradesman.â&#x20AC;? Artizan Steelworkers is currently carrying out work for a national supermarket chain, university hospitals, Serco and Leicester City and County Councils, a list demonstrating its varied client portfolio,

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which ranges from the lone builder to bluechip companies, some of which have been clients since its inception, others attained through word-of-mouth and recommendations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe that our experience, personal service, customer satisfaction and competitive pricing combined with how we work with customers as part of their team are why we have such a high level of repeat business,â&#x20AC;? says Angela. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our aim is to maintain a personal service, provide a quality product and guarantee customer satisfaction.â&#x20AC;?

For full details about Artizan Steelworkers Ltd and its products, visit the website, call: 0116 260 6655 or email: info@artizansteelworkersltd.co.uk

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The skyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the limit for Aerocom Metals Ltd - and the go-getting team is champing at the bit because it canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all be done at once. But like the other world leader that wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t built in a day - Rome - this Coventry-based metal stockholder is effortlessly conquering all obstacles before it - and that includes sweeping aside the small matter of a recession. Just over two years after being established by Simon Littleford and Paul Smith, from humble beginnings in Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home, Aerocom Metals now employs eleven in a 4,000sq ft facility with purpose-built offices that is already too small, and expects to achieve a ÂŁ2 million turnover in its third year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are constantly pushing to continue the growth and have a very firm idea of where we want the business to go and how to get there,â&#x20AC;? states Simon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We know the products we want to move into and where we can expand our current ranges. We know the new suppliers we need to do business with to drive down costs, the new customers we will target and the new market sectors we would like to expand into. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also know which machines we will purchase to improve our customer service and capabilities and have earmarked key figures within the industry as potential employees. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have also viewed several properties to get a clear idea of the size and cost of facility our growth will need.â&#x20AC;? It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t end there. Simon continues: â&#x20AC;&#x153;There will be a new website this year to increase the number of enquiries we receive from around the world and we have earmarked trade shows we would like to exhibit at following the success of our first show, the autosport exhibition in January.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are several benefits to using Aerocom Metals, the biggest of which is our market and product knowledge,â&#x20AC;? promises Simon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some of the materials we are involved in are extremely niche and Aerocom is the market leader. We will not be beaten on price, availability and market knowledge by anyone. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our collective 70+ years of experience and some key relationships with suppliers around the world allow us to source difficult-to-find material and import at extremely competitive prices. Because we are a small business in comparison to a lot of our established competitors we react more quickly to customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs.â&#x20AC;? Constantly looking at new methods and technology to streamline the business, its approach has brought much success and support from local businesses such as accountants Harrison Beale & Owen. Combined with hard work, exploiting business opportunities, taking risks and reinvesting profits back in to drive growth Aerocom Metals Ltd is destined to soar to even greater heights.

For further information about the company and its services, telephone 02476 645 551 or visit www.aerocommetals.co.uk.

The metal stockholder, accredited with EN ISO 9001 : 2008 and EN 9120 : 2005, supplies a wide range of materials in many different forms: bar, tube sheet or plate, in hundreds of different specifications, ranging from bespoke material manufactured in the UK to material imported from around the world. It targets two key sectors: primarily the aerospace industry and also motorsport, particularly the roll cage tubing market. Much of its work is for aircraft seating, but Aerocom Metals can supply anyone from a private individual building a glider or microlight, through to global corporations making safety critical parts for commercial airliners. Diversity also features in its motorsport work which can cover a single private go-kart build right up to the Formula One works teams.

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WEST MERCIA SECTIONS

It may be a specialist in the production of cold rolled steel products but West Mercia Sections Ltd is hot stuff as far as its customers are concerned. Businesses representing the very best in the construction, security and electrical industries are all choosing the company which is based in Tipton, in the heart of the industrial West Midlands. As far as the shutter door industry is concerned the question of who to go to is - well - an open and shut case. West Mercia Section is one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major producers of precision engineered components for the manufacture of roller shutter doors, from standard laths and guide channels to angles, barrel casings and core bars.

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More than 80 ideas for metal components..... finished and ready use, get the ideas brochure. Call Gary Matthews on 01384 74660 or email gary.matthews@ssab.com

A competitive advantage. Immediately.

SSAB Swedish Steel Ltd. Narrowboat Way, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 1UF

Flexibility and a willingness to go all the way to meet customer requirements are a feature of all these ranges - not least with the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mezzanine floor and roof beams which are high quality, high yield rolled steel beams, manufactured in galvanised material to BS EN 10147:1992. They come in a choice of three sections, either supplied directly to site, cut to length or pre-punched with round elongated holes and notched to a clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drawings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These inward turned, lipped channel section beams are strong, dependable and straight and provide the ideal foundation for sound mezzanine flooring and for industrial and commercial roofing,â&#x20AC;? Robert points out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is also a range of accessories available, manufactured to the same specification and high quality.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;All are produced from cold rolled steel sections and can be supplied cut to order to accommodate any type or size of door,â&#x20AC;? says Robert. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They can also be galvanised or colour coated in a variety of BS or RAL colours and laths are available in Plastisol coated finish while we have galvanised curly shutter laths in solid form or 'eyeballâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; perforated and brickbond punched.â&#x20AC;? For those wanting conventional roller shutter doors with the extra benefits of thermal and acoustic insulation, West Mercia Sections offers the insulated Supalath range in two sizes and, again a variety of finishes and colour.

That same high quality is reflected in West Mercia Sectionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s range of reinforcing sections used in the manufacture of PVC-U window and patio door frames. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have been supplying local and national manufacturers for more than 30 years and have built a reputation for a fast and reliable service,â&#x20AC;? says Robert. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The sections are manufactured to the highest tolerances and quality and can be supplied in standard lengths or cut to size according to requirement.â&#x20AC;?

For a comprehensive guide to the products and services offered by West Mercia Sections Ltd, visit www.westmerciasections.com, or to discuss your requirements, call 0121 557 9927.

While thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no doubting the specialism and expertise in the field of rolled shutter doors, West Mercia Section has a lifetime of experience in the production of rolled cold steel products and is confident it can satisfy any requirement, be it for a stock item or a customised one. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our factories are equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, capable of producing the very highest quality products,â&#x20AC;? assures managing director Robert Tuckey. From its site incorporating three factory units, in Nicholls Road, Princes End, the 14-strong team at West Mercia Sections Ltd also provides: â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

Mezzanine floor and roof beams. Electrical trunking and lids Reinforcing sections for PVC windows. Structural beams. Roofing sections.

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The business is owned and run by Jan Harper and Chris Spalding who have years of experience in the cleaning industry. Their ultimate goal is your complete satisfaction and they will take the time to listen to your needs and act accordingly. It is no wonder they have a large portfolio of loyal customers that will go nowhere else for cleaning or maintenance services in Walsall. The cleaning staff are chosen on their integrity and experience so you can be sure of a professional and reliable service. All staff bring their own top quality cleaning products and equipment and will leave your home or office looking fresh, clean and welcoming.

H & S Industrial Cleaning Services provide high quality cleaning services for individuals and businesses in the Walsall and West Midlands area. We are based in Walsall and have years of experience providing cleaning solutions to the commercial, domestic and building construction industries. Are services include: â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

Home Cleaning General Office and Commercial Cleaning Builder Cleans Relocation Cleans Specialist Floor Cleaning Periodic Spring Cleans Communal Cleans Void Cleans Garden Maintenance General Maintenance

We offer a flexible service that can be tailor made to suit your individual requirements. For your convenience they can offer a regular weekly, fortnightly or monthly service.

The highly trained team take great pride in their work and are renowned amongst customers for their attention to detail, ensuring all cleaning is completed to the highest standard possible. H & S Industrial Cleaning Services in Walsall are proud to offer a high quality service at competitive prices meaning you receive excellent value for money. So for all your cleaning and maintenance needs you are right to choose H & S Industrial Cleaning Services in Walsall. For your free, personalised quotation, call Jan or Chris on 01922 457888. Freephone: 0800 810 1260 E-mail: jan@hscleaningltd.com www.hscleaningltd.com

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Competitive Steel Solutions

Green. They will make you a grand entrance with individually designed classic chunky gates.

Are a design fabrication business established since 1985. Their core business is architectural fabrication for the building industry; they can manufacture all types of steel products from structures to staircases. They are able to manufacture in steel and stainless steel.

Gates are manufactured to suit your requirements, all made to measure at no extra cost, including entrance gates, railings, balconies, staircases, and bespoke ironwork.

The company designs and manufactures all types of railings, gates, balconies, staircases, fire escapes, and any bespoke steel requirements. Often commissioned by architects for prestige projects, Competitive Steel Solutions manufactured the hand rails, and disabled ramps at The Shire Hall, Warwickshire for Arden Construction. Lloyd homes apartments at Headless Cross, Redditch was another major fabrication and installation project of stainless steel and glass handrailing. Competitive Steel Solutions have a wealth of experience in automated systems and mechanical engineering, born from their work with the automotive industry. They also manufacture bespoke staircases and fire escapes to suit any area, just give them a call and they will be pleased to quote for the work. They are craftsmen working for you, designing your railings and gates, tailor made in their workshops.

Central Gate Services Central Gate Services are a member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen, and provide a wide range of quality gates and railings in various designs, hand made by craftsmen at their works in Stock

Fully automated gates can be designed to suit the character of your home and are the most secure entrance your property could have. With their chunky gates you get robust quality style and guaranteed satisfaction. For a quotation including delivery, visit wemakeanygate.com to make your selection, and then email Bill at bcleaverces@aol with the sizes and required design type, (scrolls etc) and he will contact you with a price. Visit the web-site www.centralgateservices.com and be inspired.

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midlandcleaning more than just a cleaning supply company

If you can’t reach the trade counter to get a glimpse of the generous range of cleaning materials the company supplies, it’s possible to order through its comprehensive website. “We look to improve this every day, always seeking better products and researching customers’ needs,” says Tim. “Our prices are very competitive, we offer next day and even sometimes same day delivery, tailoring our products and prices to meet clients’ requirements and always stay in touch so they can contact us directly.” It’s not just cleaning products, the company covers janitorial and catering supplies and, as part of its comprehensive facilities management arm, provides a full range of services to clean, maintain and improve areas of commercial, industrial and retail businesses.

AN exciting new chapter in the success story that is Midland Cleaning Supplies Ltd began this spring with the opening of its brand new premises and trade counter.

Covering industrial and commercial window cleaning, car park sweeping and clearing, gardening and landscaping, drain and gutter cleaning, graffiti removal and jet washing, industrial and domestic carpet cleaning and deep cleaning, there’s a service to suit every size of organisation and budget.

The beginning of March saw the company unveil its 2,500sq ft facility on the Gravelly Hill Industrial Estate, in Erdington, - quite a difference from the previous 800sq ft stock-holding unit in Solihull.

No matter what the project, all the staff involved are fully trained to the highest of professional standards and it is their dedication to providing a cost-effective, hassle-free first-class service that keeps clients such as schools, government organisations and public and private companies of all sizes, returning again and again.

It is, says Nathan Mitchell, just what customers have been waiting for and, with its parking facilities and more central location to Birmingham, means it is accessible, not only for deliveries but to its customers from around the Midlands.

With plans to hire even more staff in the near future and the new trade counter and warehouse expected to generate even further growth, Midland Cleaning Services Ltd looks set to keep climbing right on up that ladder of success.

“A lot of people wanted to come to us, look at the stock and see what we can offer; people like to see and handle goods before they buy,” adds Nathan, the company’s IT consultant.

To view its full range of services and products, visit www.midlandcleaning.com.

“Everyone’s very excited about it and looking forward to the new challenge and what lies ahead.” The new premises are the culmination of goals set out last summer when Managing Director Tim Cleverley brought Nathan on board. “The target was to expand and get a new unit but we didn’t start looking till January,” says Nathan. “ Then it came together pretty quickly - and we’re hoping to outgrow it soon!” The Midland Cleaning Supplies Ltd story is one of constant growth since it was founded by Tim in 1994. He, literally, has climbed the ladder of success, starting out as a window cleaner and, dedicated to providing a good all-round service where customers came first, expanded into different sectors, to the extent that when it comes to cleaning, one complete solution can be found with Midland Cleaning Supplies Ltd.

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NATIONWIDE COVERAGE

The business of security can never be taken too lightly - and nobody knows that more than Mr Gurd Ubhi and his team at Ubitec Electrical and Security Ltd.

“Our electrical testing services ensure that all aspects of an electrical installation are inspected and tested for strength, integrity and compliance with the IEE Regulations,” points out Mr Ubhi.

That’s why customers return again and again, welcoming the peace of mind that comes with knowing their security systems - and all their electrical requirements - have been installed and maintained to meet the stringent legal requirements by the Birmingham experts.

“All aspects of your electrical installation can be tested for strength, damage, wear, tear, integrity, corrosion, excessive electrical loading, ageing, environmental influences and, most importantly compliance with the BS7671:2008 as amended.

And such is the level of demand for its expertise and experience, the Edgbaston family-run firm has remained busy, despite the tough economic climate.

“We offer competitive rates for maintenance work, providing a 24hour callout service 356 days of the year, with most emergency calls being attended within one hour,” he adds.

Established in 1991 by Mr Gurd Ubhi, he recalls: “I was always very self motivated and saw a gap in the market and went for it.”

“It’s our level of service that makes us stand out from the crowd. If we say that we will be there - we will.”

Ubitec places special emphasis on electrical installation, maintenance, installation and testing of fire alarms, emergency lighting, CCTV and intruder alarms.

It’s not just the level of service, it’s the range, too. A visit to www.ubitec.co.uk reveals a comprehensive list including locksmiths, plumbing, carpentry, data wiring and networking.

“We are service providers to schools, colleges, retail units, hotels, bars, restaurants, car parks, large residential properties and factory units,” says Mr Ubhi.

To find out how Ubitec Electrical and Security Ltd can help you, call 0121 454 9007 or email info@ubitec.co.uk, where the professional, friendly and expert team will be able to help and advise on all aspects of your enquiry.

“A lot of companies have had their fire risk assessments and heath and safety checks carried out and we can go in and bring the installations up to date.” But he and his team offer so much more than that. The wide variety of services includes: electrical installations and maintenance, lighting installations and testing, general property maintenance and full installations.

All the work is carried out by fully-qualified tradesmen and is guaranteed and certified, a further badge of quality coming from the fact that Ubitec is NICEIC- registered.

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This means that it is on the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting’s list of approved contractors who have been assessed every year to check that their work meets the national safety standard BS 7671 (the IEE Wiring Regulations) and other relevant technical standards.

Telephone: 0844 815 0767 www.arkaurora.co.uk

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Formed in 1972 by Managing Director Peter Turner, FLS Limited provides lighting and electrical services to businesses and organisations throughout the West Midlands. Peter has grown the Company from being a self employed electrician offering a lamp replacement service, to the established electrical contractors they are today.

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As electrical contractors, FLS Limited are able to carry out a full range of electrical services, whether it be servicing, maintenance and repairs or a new electrical installation, their engineers have the expertise to carry out any kind of electrical work you require. FLS Limited is a highly respected commercial electrical contractor working in the West Midlands. Having been established for over 39 years, they have a proven history and their engineers have over 60 years combined experience in electrical services. Their engineers are all 17th Edition qualified electricians who work to the highest standards possible. The company prides itself on its level of customer service and all work is carried out on a friendly and professional basis. When working on an existing installation the company are very aware of the importance of causing minimal disruption to the workplace. As members of both the NICEIC and Constructionline, they are regularly assessed on the quality and standards of their work and always meet and surpass expectations. It is their pro-active, can-do approach that causes this company to stand out from the crowd. FLS Limited are expert in every field of lighting, including, indoor/outdoor lighting, office lighting, educational lighting, car park lighting and industrial lighting. They can also offer energy efficient/energy saving lighting solutions. FLS Limited also specialise in the installation, maintenance and testing of emergency lighting, as well as portable appliance testing and fixed installation testing, including fixed wire testing and landlords certificates. FLS Limited are specialists in the installation and removal of festive lighting, existing customers include large and small shopping centres. They can design, install and maintain a festive lighting installation, and then remove the installation for storage until the following year. As a registered waste carrier, they are also able to provide a lamp disposal and WEEE disposal service in line with current guidelines.

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Contact FLS Limited, on 0121 683 1515 to discuss your electrical needs or visit the web site www.flsltd.com, they are sure to come up with an innovative solution at a competitive cost.

... make the switch

Passionate about customer service and determined to continue investing in UK manufacturing, electrical control and switchgear manufacturer Craig and Derricott Ltd (C&D) is facing a future of continued growth and new markets. For more than 65 years the Walsall company has been renowned for its engineering expertise and well-proven products, building up a strong presence in the electromechanical control gear sector with a long history of supply into a wide variety of industrial and railway applications. And it’s a reputation the business does not take lightly. It offers a level of care and attention to detail and quality supported by continued investment in new product development and a growing order book. As part of this strategy the company has reorganized its factory operations at its’ head office in Walsall Wood, a move prompted by the growing demand for orders and as part of the C&D strategy for growth. Employing a staff of 75, the company is split into three business sectors - Transport, Export and Industrial, with a portfolio of six Industrial product groups: • • • • • •

Isolation equipment, Pushbuttons and control stations, Foot switches, Safety products Rotary switches Bespoke and specials products

The last group demonstrates a strong and proven ability to provide customized solutions as small or large orders on all product ranges.

C&D also provides repair and refurbishment services, particularly on railway electrical products. “The UK’s electrical switchgear market is a mature one,” points out managing director Andrew Dolman. “It has been identified that aging equipment and new standards provide opportunities for a replacement and upgrade market and, with this in mind, C&D has continued to invest heavily in new products, cost reduction and the development of overseas markets.” “We are also investing in developing the business,” he adds. “Our long-term goal is to grow and capture further market share by listening to customers and by investing in our people and processes to offer even better customer service.” C&D’s primary Industrial customers include electrical contractors, electrical distributors and OEMs ranging from SMEs to large organisations. Railway customers include all of the major vehicle builders along with prime and main contractors who undertake the infrastructure works. Prestigious names on the client list include Cadburys, Guiness, BAE, JCB, Edmundson Electrical - national distributors of electrical equipment, NG Bailey - one of the UK’s leading contractors, Bombardier Transportation and London Underground. To C&D however, every customer, large or small, is important, with each receiving a high level of service backed by years of expertise in equipment design. Availability is always important and so many of the popular catalogue products can be delivered from stock. The company offers comprehensive technical support, bespoke and engineered products and face-to-face discussion with the interritory team.

Suppliers of pressed parts and silver contacts to

www.pressed-metal.co.uk “The C&D brand is trusted and associated with high quality solutions with excellent after-sales service,” says Mr Dolman.

0121 555 6061

“Products can be bought online via our interactive website while our internal sales team provides the personal contact and service for customers who prefer to discuss their requirements directly.” C& D takes pride in the quality of its products, knowing they will ... make the switch continue to perform in the most challenging of environments.

Find out more about its range and services by visiting www.craigandderricott.co.uk, emailing sales@craigandderricott.com or calling 01543 375 541

Willenhall Fasteners Limited The Complete Stockist of Industrial Fasteners, Fixings & Adhesives

Congratulations to Craig & Derricott Ltd On Over 65 Years In Business. We Wish You All Continued Success Fredrick William Street, Willenhall, West Midlands WV13 1NE

Tel: 01902 630760 Fax: 01902 636447

Total Plastic Moulding Solutions With over 80 years experience across a wide range of market sectors, including aerospace, automotive, medical and electronic LGG Charlesworth is able to apply its technical and operational talents to meet your technical demands.

R D Castings Ltd Supplying customers with quality High Pressure Die Castings, CNC machined painted/plated for more than 35 years. Please contact Anthony Pateman on 01638-582446 R D Castings Ltd, 10/12 Leyton Avenue, Mildenhall, Suffolk IP28 7BL

www.rdcastings.co.uk

We are proud to support Craig & Derricott and wish you much success in 2011

• Tooling Design & Manufacture • Raw Material Selection Advice • Design, Development & Plastic Prototyping • Injection & Compression Moulding • Assembly & Post Moulding Finishing • Delivery & Storage • Ongoing Product and Service Development For more information visit our website: www.lggcharlesworth.com or alternatively contact us on one of the numbers below.

LGG Charlesworth Ltd. Spring Lane, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 1BS. t: +44 (0) 1684 892892 | f: +44 (0) 1684 892330 | e: sales@lggc.co.uk

A JT EQUIPMENT LTD AJT Equipment Ltd is part of the AJT Equipment Ltd Group of Companies is a leading supplier of Tensile/Force Testing machines and equipment, including Accuway Load Cells.

network, and offer a full after-sales, maintenance and calibration package. All designs are safety orientated, including manual, automated protective guards, and minimum loads on sample features. An important part of their service is a comprehensive training and certification, covering all aspects of machine operation.

Founded in 1951, with manufacturing sites in the UK and USA, they have a wealth of experience, and supply and install equipment throughout the world.

Calibration Services

Their extensive range of Test Machinery has the scope to test samples as small as Single Strand Wire up to Marine Anchor Cable; their highly trained engineers service, repair and calibrate all types of testing and weighing devices to National Standards both in-house and on-site nationally, and internationally. Their in-house facilities enable them to calibrate and test equipment up to 100 Tonnes Tension and 300 Tonnes Compression, and on-site up to 1400 Tonnes Tension and 300 Tonnes Compression.

Test Equipment AJT Equipment is one of the leading manufacturers of horizontal and vertical test beds in the world. Each machine is made to customers exact specifications, by use of their in-house design team with CAD facilities. They are able to integrate the machine operation with your existing data

AJT Equipment offer calibration services throughout the UK and worldwide for virtually all makes and models of Force testing equipment and related accessories. The service includes the calibration of testing equipment and load cells; maintenance and calibration service plans for all brands of testing equipment, not just those supplied by AJT.

Accuway Load Cells Accuway Load Cells have been designed and manufactured in the UK by AJT Equipment, over a number of years, to an extremely high standard, giving their customers total accuracy and reliability for many years to come. They are made from a lightweight aerospace alloy, with accuracy better than 1% of applied load. With wired or wireless

(infrared) control options available, the load cells are hermetically sealed for use in wet conditions and are calibrated to comply with ISO 7500-1:2004

Upgrade Service Alongside their calibration service, AJT Equipment can provide comprehensive maintenance and repair of existing Testing Machinery, even if not originally supplied by AJT. They also offer a competitive upgrade path for both hardware and software, providing an economical way to achieve up-to-date performance from your existing testing equipment.

Service Plans They are happy to provide service plans for all brands of testing equipment, tailored to suit customer requirements, at very reasonable costs. Repairs can often be carried out on site, by their experienced service engineers, such as seal changes, hydraulic problems or electrical issues.

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Liftex Expo AJT Equipment would like to thank all of those people that visited our stand at the recent Liftex Expo, and hope that the two days were as informative and helpful to you as it was for us.

Bradford Cylinders are pleased to be working with AJT Equipment and look forward to continuing our strong relationship. We wish AJT further successes in the future.

For further information about AJT Equipment Ltd, visit their website www.ajt-testing.com, telephone 01384 482 848 or email admin@ajtequipment.co.uk

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Station Mills â&#x20AC;˘ Station Road â&#x20AC;˘ Wyke â&#x20AC;˘ Bradford West Yorkshire â&#x20AC;˘ BD12 8LA Tel: +44 (0) 1274 711530 Fax: +44 (0) 1274 679802 Email: sales@bradfordcylinders.co.uk Web: www.bradfordcylinders.co.uk

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A&M EDM was established in 2002 and the company has developed rapidly from a foundation in subcontract wire and spark erosion. It now offers a comprehensive range of precision engineering services. CNC laser welding, conventional CNC Machines, and a comprehensive general tool-room.

Based in the West Midlands the company has utilised modern communications and established transport links to service an enviable customer base both in the UK and Europe.

Some examples of recent investment by A&M EDM Ltd in the latest technology include a new Sodick A60L spark eroder, plus two Sodick AG600L wire eroders which will increase their available capacity in the wiring section. They have also just added a Hurco VM30U five axis machining centre to their range of machining centres.

Investment in the latest technology has been a key component in the success of the business and has resulted in a facility containing over 20 CNC machines and featuring the latest in EDM, Wire EDM and conventional machining technologies. Whilst founded on sound business principles fundamentally, A&M EDM is an engineering company committed to working with customers and providing cost effective and innovative solutions. A&M EDM Ltd has vast experience in dealing across a broad range of industries. Significant investment has enabled them to offer the following comprehensive range of services, wire erosion (WEDM), CNC spark erosion (EDM), CNC EDM hole drilling, EDM hole drilling,

This innovative and diverse company has risen to the challenges of the current economic climate, and by listening to their customers, and exceeding their expectations, continues to grow. Telephone: 0121 558 8352 Email: kevinpowell@amedm.co.uk

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LED Lighting Products MARTIN Chambers used to design airfield lighting systems - so it’s no surprise that his company, LED Products Ltd, has taken off. There’s a bright future ahead for the business, established in 2006, and that’s not just because the nation is switching on to the beauty and energy-saving benefits of this type of illumination. It’s also because Martin and his team, dedicated to helping householders add the ‘wow’ factor to their homes, are at the forefront of this lighting revolution, providing high-quality LED (light emitting diode) solutions, expertly designed and manufactured in the Midlands, sold at a cost within reach of the ordinary DIYer and supported by first-class sales and top technical back-up.

Based in Lichfield with a small showroom in Abbey End, Kenilworth, LED Products Ltd’s location has reaped many benefits - not least because its proximity to Birmingham’s rich seam of manufacturing talent enables its clients to buy the best of British. “We have access to companies with world-class manufacturing services and expertise, plus the excellent infrastructure offers goods and personnel quick and easy transportation to virtually anywhere,” explains Martin. “From metal fabrication to circuit boards and electronics assembly, Birmingham is a great place to get things made; indeed, the most unique feature of our product range is that the vast majority is designed and manufactured in Birmingham, which is unusual as most products of this type are manufactured in China.”

While you might recognise its products from appearances on television’s DIY SOS and 60 Minute Makeover, it’s not just the domestic market which is eager to enjoy LED lighting; an increasing number of businesses interested in its energy and cost-saving aspects is turning to LED Lighting Products Ltd .

A further benefit of being Midlands-based is, Martin believes, key to the company’s success. Although LED is a new, cutting-edge technology, we have only been able to bring real, saleable products to the market by an in-depth knowledge of traditional manufacturing,” he says.

Prestigious clients include: The Imperial War Museum, London Marriott Hotel Park Lane, Jaguar Land Rover, Bombay Sapphire Gin and the MacAllan Whisky Visitor Centre, Toshiba Medical and Heartlands Hospital,

“Our people have gained enormously from traditional apprenticeships and graduate training schemes at firms such as IMI, Lucas Industries and Dunlop.

“LED technology is very attractive to medical establishments, like hospitals, because, unlike conventional energy-saving bulbs, LED lights do not emit damaging ultra-violet light nor contain harmful elements such as mercury,” reveals Martin. It’s not only white LED lighting’s green credentials in an ecological sense that make it a popular choice for so many. It is, literally, its capacity to go green - red, yellow, blue and much more - spectacular colour effects can only be achieved from this kind of lighting, Martin established the LED Lighting Products Ltd to offer convenient, complete LED packages at affordable prices to contractors and DIY enthusiasts.

Don’t Hope! get tax and business advice that works!

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“The in-house design team's expertise in electronics, software, PCB design and manufacture, combined with access to local subcontractors, also means that specials and one-offs can be turned around very quickly." The quality of manufacture and design means that there’s confidence in the products, with all items manufactured by the company covered by a three-year warranty.

To find out more, visit www.ledlightingproducts.co.uk or telephone 01543 481532, Mon-Thurs 9am - 5pm, Friday 9am - noon.

Marl International Limited would like to congratulate LED Lighting Products on their 5th year in business!

01543 421 841 val@culleyliffordhall.co.uk www.culleyliffordhall.co.uk Cathedral House 5 Beacon Street Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 7AA

www.optosource.com 87

MecWash Systems Ltd, who make precision cleaning and degreasing machines for engineering components, has much to celebrate both at home and overseas. Not only did the Tewkesbury company report its most successful year ever in export markets in 2010, but it has recently clinched a range of prestigious contracts for blue chip UK customers for its aqueous-based component cleaning systems and waste water recycling systems. These developments reflect MecWashâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position as the leader in its field. Also the export success illustrates MecWashâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to meet the international demand for the environmental and performance benefits of aqueous cleaning, now replacing dated solvent approaches with the health and environmental risks these entail. Based on the Tewkesbury Business Park, just off junction nine of the M5 in Gloucestershire, MecWash Systems Ltd was established in 1993. Its facilities include a laboratory and R & D area for analysing customer samples, a design office with 3D modelling software, and a workshop for the manufacture of washing and water recycling systems, and a separate factory for the manufacture of wash chemicals. MecWash also has a team of expert service engineers skilled in maintaining systems at peak performance, who support the increasingly global spread of machines, in markets such as the USA, China, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Germany, France and Australia.

Ecobome Industrie MD (Eric Boone) and MecWash MD (John Pattison) at the Micronora exhibition in France.

John Pattison, Managing Director, believes his companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s export record reflects improvements in trading conditions overseas and that the technical advantages of equipment designs from MecWash and its Aqua-Save Technologies division are being recognised by the manufacturing industry worldwide. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the UK, the benefits of using highly efficient, aqueous-based component cleaning systems compared to solvents are well understood and have long underpinned our success," he says. "However, there is now increasing evidence that this view is also being adopted overseas. Developing markets have the same environmental concerns as those in Europeâ&#x20AC;?

Creating Water Solutions For all your water treatment requirements email: sales.uk@veoliawater.com web: www.elgaprocesswater.co.uk tel: 01628 897250 Proud to support Mecwash Systems

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Sealpump Engineering Limited Industrial spray nozzles and spraying systems

Tel: 01642 777720 www.sealpump.com Sealpump Engineering Ltd, Vienna Court, Kirkleatham Business Park, Redcar, TS10 5SH

"We believe the international successes we enjoyed in 2010 will continue and that developments such as a new French distribution agreement with Ecobome Industrie demonstrate our commitment to growing our international business further,” says Mr Pattison. One of MecWash Systems’ recent UK successes is at Leicester based specialist manufacturer, SPS Technologies Ltd. MecWash installed a second aqueous-based component cleaning system specifically to meet the demands of a new customer of SPS, and an Aqua-Save Junior waste water recycling system alongside it. “Our decision to install the second MecWash unit reflects our commitment to excellence and clearly owes much to our experience of the first facility,” says SPS Technologies’ facilities manager Adrian Salisbury. “Ease of operation, reliability and effective cleaning were paramount in this decision and, to date, it has met all of our performance objectives.” “We believe the order from SPS endorses its commitment not only to production quality, but also environmental responsibility,” adds Mr Pattison. “The aqueous design of our wash stations clearly avoids all the potential risks associated with solvent cleaning while the addition of the Aqua-Save enhances the company’s environmental performance. “We are delighted that, as with the first installation, this second facility is fulfilling key cleaning requirements at SPS Technologies, helping to meet the stringent specifications defined by this important customer. Many of our most prestigious customers, such as JCB, Delphi, Perkins, Triumph, Goodrich and Rolls Royce return to buy many more machines, which is the best endorsement a customer can give.”

For further information about MecWash Systems, visit www.mecwash.co.uk

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City Engineering (Bristol) Ltd, 7 Maggs Lane, Fishponds, Bristol England BS5 7EP | Tel: 0117 965 4314 | Fax: 0117 958 3552 Email: sales@cityengineering.com | Web: www.cityengineering.com

Email: slisowski1@yahoo.co.uk Tel & Fax: 01684 294 162

BORSHCH ELECTRIC SUPPLIERS OF NEW & MANUFACTURERS GRADED DOMESTIC APPLIANCES Switched on consumers know where to go when buying electrical appliances. Those looking for great prices, superb customer service and the opportunity to take their pick from the best names out there head straight for Borshch Electric. With two sites - one in Upper Trinity Street, Bordesley Green, the other at Pear Tree Lane, in Dudley - the company is easily accessible to all. All 32 staff at the family-run discount superstores pride themselves on offering outstanding customer services alongside the huge range of products. These include kitchen appliances (built-in and freestanding products), vacuum cleaners, beds and mattresses - all at the best possible prices. “We specialise in new, end of line and slightly marked stock,” explains Borshch Electric director Phil Cox. “All items are available to take away but we do offer the option of delivery and installation for those who would struggle. Hotpoint, Bosch, Cannon, Hoover, Beko and Indesit - all these and many more are among the household names whose products are stocked by Borshch, which also has a large number of trade clients alongside its general public customer base. “We are proud to be members of one of the largest buying groups in the UK which enables us to provide virtually any make or model required,” says Phil Another mark of quality is the company’s membership of RETRA the Radio, Electrical and Television Retailers’ Association, which is the UK's leading trade association for independent electrical retailers and servicing organisations.

“All RETRA retailers pride themselves in providing excellent customer service and have signed up to a code of practice that guides their day-to day dealings with consumers,” declares Phil. “We are particularly pleased that we are members of this prestigious association. So please feel free to visit our stores and take a look at the great range products and prices we have to offer.” The Bordesley store is open from Mondays until Saturdays, from 9am to 5.30pm and on Sundays from 10am until 4pm. Its second clearance center, in Dudley is open from Mondays to Saturdays, from 9.30am until 6pm and on Sundays from 10am - 4pm.

For a full list of the products stocked by Borshch Electric, or to use its easy-to-use search facility if you’re looking for specific items, right down to individual models numbers, visit its comprehensive website at www.borshchelectric.co.uk.

SMEG has over 60 years experience in creating distinctive domestic products and has become internationally recognised for the quality and performance of its appliances. Smeg appliances are created in collaboration with leading architects with an eye for the smallest of detail. Products throughout the range express true Italian style by expertly combining leading edge design with powerful performance.

As a thank you for visiting the new Borshch store you will receive 10%OFF all Smeg appliances on production of this voucher, in store at point of purchase. Offer valid until 31st July 2011. Terms & Conditions apply. Terms & Conditions 1. The coupon entitles you to 10% discount off the total cost of any Smeg appliance (inclusive of VAT but excluding any delivery charges) bought between 1st June and 31st July 2011 from Borshch Electrical Superstores. 2. Only one original coupon per customer. Coupon must be exchanged in store only at time of purchase. 3. Coupons have no cash or refund value except when redeemed in accordance with the terms and conditions of this offer. 4. Coupons may not be used for any previously purchased appliance and cannot be used to pay for deposits on purchases. 5. The Promoter is Smeg (UK) Ltd, 3 Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4RN

10%OFF

Smeg is proud to support Borshch Electric Superstoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Bordesley and Dudley. Borshch stock an extensive range of Smeg appliances and have a fantastic new display which includes built in ovens, refrigeration, dishwashing and laundry appliances as well as a range of freestanding range cookers, dishwashers, washing machines and iconic 1950â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s style, retro fridges

Tel: 08000 807 809 Email: hello@birminghambusinesspost.co.uk