Government Business Volume 16.12 by Public Sector Publishing

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 16.12

MONEY MATTERS

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

CONFERENCES

& EVENTS Surround yourself with inspiration at Confex

PROCUREMENT Please visit www. government business.co.uk for the latest news and events

Find out what Scotland, Birmingham and London have to offer the events organiser

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Dear Reader,

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The Queen has set out the government’s final programme of planned laws ahead of the general election. It pledges to halve the budget deficit within four years, however, does not spell out how this will be achieved – this will be revealed in next month’s preBudget report. Other proposals set out in the Queen’s Speech include plans for free care for 280,000 elderly and disabled people with the highest needs, new guarantees on health care and schooling as well as a crackdown on “risky” bank bonuses. The cost of the free care measures will be around £670 million, two-thirds of which will come from the government and the remainder from local councils. However, with only around 70 days left until the next general election I wonder how many of the 15 bills can actually be achieved – especially with Tory peers ready to block most of them.

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BUILT ENVIRONM

PROCUREMENT Please visit www. government business.co.uk for the latest news and events

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Sofie Lidefjard, Editor editor@psp-media.co.uk

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE If you would like to receive 12 issues of Government Business magazine for £95 a year, please contact Public Sector Publishing, 226 High Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055, Fax: 020 8532 0066, or visit the Government Business website at: P NEWS P FEATURES P PROFILES P CASE STUDIES P EVENTS P AND MORE

8 www.governmentbusiness.co.uk GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE PUBLISHED BY PUBLIC SECTOR PUBLISHING LTD 226 High Rd, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055 Fax: 020 8532 0066 EDITOR Sofie Lidefjard ASSISTANT EDITOR Angela Pisanu PRODUCTION EDITOR Karl O’Sullivan PRODUCTION DESIGN Jacqueline Grist PRODUCTION CONTROL Reiss Malone

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CONTENTS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS 16.12

6 NEWS 8 MONEY MATTERS The Institute of Credit Management’s regional breakfast roadshows format is designed to provide members with the opportunity to meet experts, and to share knowledge and experiences in credit management The Association of Chief Estates Surveyors and Property Managers in the Public Sector comments on how local authorities are managing their property assets The National Association of Pension Funds discusses the Local Government Pension Scheme and the 100 pension funds that administer and participate in the scheme

17 CONFERENCES & EVENTS Surround yourself with inspiration at International Confex, 23-25 February Scotland offers a good head for business and at the same time a heart for hospitality

London boasts more than 1,000 venues for your event, from large, purpose-built spaces to historic palaces, modern venues and iconic landmarks Birmingham is the thriving 21st century city at the heart of it all

47 EVENT PRODUCTION Formerly The Event Show, the Event Production Show – taking place 2-3 February – is the place to go if you are involved in putting on fantastic events

51 BUILT ENVIRONMENT

71 CATERING The Automatic Vending Association has appointed a new CEO to take it into the future

75 FACILITIES MANAGEMENT A spotlight focus on some of the best products and services available

78 PROCUREMENT Buying together is not a cureall, nor is it always as easy to implement as it may seem

Joan Ruddock, Energy and Climate Change Minister explains the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme

80 CHARITY DONATIONS

Are air source heat pumps the best solutions to a sustainable, mass-market alternative to traditional gas and oil boilers?

81 PRINTING

Ecobuild is the world’s biggest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment

The Institute of Fundraising looks at how to make the most of payroll giving

Being environmentally responsible is becoming more and more important to the print buyer, says the British Printing Industry Federation

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NEWSINBRIEF Identity cards made available to Greater Manchester People in Greater Manchester will be the first in the UK to be able to apply for an identity card. From 30 November, anyone with a home or work address in the Greater Manchester region can now make an appointment to register for their identity card. The £30 cards will provide a secure and convenient way for people to prove their identity when they are undertaking individual transactions or buying age-restricted goods. The cards can also be used in place of a passport for travel throughout Europe.

Councils win funding to create new jobs Up to 370 new jobs are to be created by Stokeon-Trent City Council and Staffordshire County Council under the government's Future Jobs Fund. The new posts, including 60 ‘green’ roles, were announced by West Midlands Regional Minister Ian Austin after the councils submitted successful bids to the fund. The new positions will also include jobs such as sports coaches, estate caretakers, recycling workers and drug support workers.

Environment Agency unveils wastereduction plans The Environment Agency has unveiled its new strategy for tackling waste over the next five years. Helping businesses use resources more efficiently and divert more waste from landfill have been unveiled as top targets in the Environment Agency’s new corporate strategy, Creating a Better Place 2010-2015. The strategy outlines the key waste-related challenges that face businesses and communities and highlights what needs to be done to meet those challenges. These include turning biowaste into energy and soil conditioners and making sure businesses take much more responsibility for the safe and lawful management of their waste.

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Councils improve recruitment and staff development opportunities ouncils are working hard to look after and develop their staff during the recession, the latest Local Government Workforce Survey has found. The findings show that the number of councils with recruitment and retention difficulties has reduced dramatically, with only 52 per cent of councils reporting any difficulties. This is compared to 83 per cent last year and 93 per cent in 2004. The majority of authorities are also taking actions to help develop and make the best of their staff. For example, 71 per cent of councils are now accredited with Investors

in People, up from 51 per cent in 2001. Grow-your-own schemes are proving popular, with 89 per cent providing support for staff to develop higher level skills. 66 per cent have redesigned jobs to make the best use of scarce skills and 91 per cent have participated in or are planning leadership development. Most councils are also getting involved in tackling local unemployment. 54 per cent have signed up to their Local Employment Partnership and 95 per cent are offering regular work experience with local schools and colleges.

Guide to staging rock and pop gigs in libraries step-by-step guide to staging live music events for young people in public libraries is now available to library services across the country. Get It Loud In Libraries (GILIL) aims to hold live rock and pop gigs among the bookshelves. It encourages young people to change their perceptions about what libraries do and what they stand for. The GILIL toolkit covers every aspect of

staging a show from identifying a venue and finding artists, to getting volunteers involved, marketing and health and safety. Over the last four years GILIL has welcomed over 3,500 new users through library doors and featured some of the best new music talent, including recent Mercury Music Prize winner Speech Debelle, Florence and the Machine, Adele, the Wombats and Mr Hudson.

Councils struggle to retain children’s social workers housands of frontline children’s social workers are feared to have turned their backs on the profession in the wake of the baby P tragedy, a survey from the Local Government Association Group has found. The survey found that six out of 10 councils experiencing recruitment and retention difficulties have trouble retaining child social workers, up from four out of 10 councils 12 months ago. The latest survey says the worsening problems come despite 34 per cent of councils boosting salaries for children’s social workers by offering market supplements. Cllr Shireen Ritchie, chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People board, said: “Councils have a job to do to make sure social workers feel valued and supported. Different programmes to recruit and develop children’s social workers are being

provided by town halls across the country depending on what their local areas need. “People who care about the safety of children should understand that social workers are the solution, not the problem. During the past 12 months too many social workers have clearly decided the strain of this difficult work is more than they can handle. The commitment of those who have remained must not be underestimated.”

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New economic recovery powers given to councils ouncils will have new powers to practice economic recovery locally, following the Royal Assent of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill. The Act strengthens the democratic role of councils to support local people and businesses to rebuild the local economy, increase jobs and skills, tackle housing shortages and improve infrastructure. The downturn has created different challenges for different areas, which is why councils, as local leaders, have been given the responsibility to find local

solutions and to help to integrate these in a single, powerful regional strategy. Local Government Minister Rosie Winterton said: "The global downturn has affected different areas of the country in different ways, creating challenges that require local solutions. "Now that this Bill has been given Royal Assent, RDAs and councils will be in the driving seat for delivering strong local economies and regeneration. They now have the tools to set their areas on the path to economic recovery.”

£40 million to help jobless back into work amilies who haven't worked for years will be helped into employment through a new £40 million government drive. Many of the families who have been unemployed for years become trapped in a culture of worklessness. The government will give people the right support they need to get a job, but equally will expect them to take up the offer or risk financial sanctions like losing benefits.

The extra Working Neighbourhood funding will allow 61 councils to do more, including directly stepping in to help the lives of some of the poorest people to get them in shape for work and off long term benefits, providing the support and skills they need. Councils could use the funding to bring in qualified job counsellors or use trusted people, like social landlords, to convince people they can be better off financially in work.

Looking after vulnerable tenants this winter reat Places Housing Group has launched its annual campaign to ensure all of its older and most vulnerable tenants have the help and support they need to stay warm and healthy during the winter months. Now in its sixth year, the campaign – ‘You Can Glow When You’re in the Know’ – will see over 200 staff in 30 council areas visit 2,500 homes across the north west. The volunteers will be armed with crucial information on how to use their heating efficiently, benefit advice on winter fuel and cold weather payments, as well as handy budgeting tips. There will also be a strong emphasis on tackling loneliness during the winter period. Tenants will also be treated to a re-useable, winter warmer gift bag, containing essentials such as leaflets from Help the Aged, an assortment of store cupboard essentials donated by the Co-Operative Group, a money-saving book worth £5, and a Lions Club charity “Message in a bottle”. This handy aid, recognised by all emergency services, is stored in the fridge and contains

NEWSINBRIEF Relaxing planning permission to create a low carbon future Housing and Planning Minister John Healey has launched measures to cut carbon emissions by overhauling the planning system. In proposals published for consultation, homeowners, developers and businesses will be able to install their own on-site wind turbines, and air source heat pumps without the expense and red tape of planning permission. Mr John Healey said: "The people who want to greenproof their homes should get a helping hand, not a stop sign. Our planning rules need to catch up with changing technologies and allow people to take the small measures that make big differences. Not only could this save up to hundreds of pounds in fuel bills, they will also help the environment.”

Defra unveils sustainable development action plan The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has unveiled its third Sustainable Development Action Plan which sets out its aims over the next 18 months to help the public live and prosper in a healthy environment. Priorities for this plan include how to sustainably increase global agricultural production and how to make the Olympics greener. Defra will also be developing its first departmental climate change plan to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts.

New guidance on preventing workplace harassment

any essential medical information should a tenant suffer an accident or illness. A sticker placed on the tenant’s front door alerts the emergency services that the resident has signed up to the scheme.

Employers, unions and the government have joined forces to promote new guidance on preventing harassment and violence in the workplace. The guidance, which follows a Europe-wide agreement between employers’ organisations and unions, aims to give practical help and support to firms and their employees. It helps raise awareness and increase understanding of workplace harassment and violence, and provides a framework to identify, prevent and manage the issue. The guidance is available at www.workplace harassment.org.uk

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Written By Kerry Walsh of the Institute of Credit Management

MONEY MATTERS

KEEPING THE CREDIT MANAGEMENT SHOW ON THE ROAD Whether you work in the public sector or for a commercial organisation, bad debts and the effects of late payment are an ever-present concern FOR BUSINESSES, KEEPING A TIGHT control on costs and cash flow can be critical just to survive, let alone to make a profit. For local authorities, unpaid debt – whether it’s council tax, commercial rent or sundry debt – is a growing problem and will ultimately impact the level of services that can be offered to those in their charge. It is with this in mind that the Institute of Credit Management (ICM) has begun the first in what will be a series of regular ICM Regional Roadshows – breakfast seminars and presentations from experts in credit management aimed at sharing best practice with their peers. BEST PRACTICE To use a driving analogy, best practice is about keeping organisations on the road. Local authorities know that in difficult times, credit management is essential; they also know – as those in the private sector have experienced

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– that their increased responsibility does not necessarily correlate to an increase in resources or staff to do the job more effectively. Indeed often the opposite is true: teams are told to do more with less. That’s where best practice in credit management comes into its own. It’s when each department becomes a profit centre and not a cost centre that the real value of the credit manager is realised. It’s also when the support of professional bodies such as the ICM is required the most. Credit managers from all parts of the public and private sectors are welcome. Members attending the first Regional Roadshow in Guildford in September were full of praise. Stephen Skipwith described the Roadshow as: “A thoroughly effective use of time. It is good to see the ICM engaging at a local level and I was impressed with the level of support that was shown and the interest that was evident by the questions from

the floor. The presentations were specific in their content, and highly relevant.” Another member, John Morris, agreed: “I admit to being skeptical at the beginning,” he said, “so was very pleased to see that so many colleagues had taken the time and trouble to travel to the event. Although aimed at members, the content would have been relevant to anyone working in credit.” Jack Garwood said that the event was “a fascinating opportunity of gaining a real insight from the experts”, whereas credit manager Adam Suess thought the event format “was very convenient to fit around the working day. The presentations were helpful, concise and not laboured and it was a good opportunity to network with other members of the credit industry over a hot bacon sandwich!” he said. Although Adam works in the private sector, for a major building supplier, his comments

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MONEY MATTERS

Local authorities know that in difficult times, credit management is essential; they also know – as those in the private sector have experienced – that their increased responsibility does not necessarily correlate to an increase in resources or staff to do the job more effectively and impressions are relevant to any credit professional. He found one presentation on training – given by ICM Trainer Jill Weymouth – to be of particular benefit: “The training presentation was especially helpful,” he explained, “as it addressed needs which I am currently considering with my team. “In my morning briefing, I pointed the team to areas raised by Jill which I feel we need to develop. There is a consensus and I will be looking further to explore various training programmes.” SECOND EVENT The ICM is looking to build on the success of the opening Roadshow with a second event in Durham on 10 December that has as a key sponsor, Manchester-based Premium Collections. Premium Collections 2 is a regular 7742_MarstonAd:Layout 6/3/09 exhibitor at ICM events but this is the first

time its managing director Paul Daine has looked at a major sponsorship opportunity. “I understand why the ICM is trying something different, and felt it was a good opportunity for us to try something different too, and support the Institute in the process,” I believe it is an excellent networking opportunity,” he adds, “an opportunity to listen to other people’s views and a chance to meet Members who might not always have come to events in London.” The ICM Regional Roadshows are just one of a range of initiatives devised and developed by the Institute to meet the needs of the modern credit professional. As Philip King, the ICM’s chief executive, says: “We work in undeniably challenging times, and the key challenge that almost every organisation faces today 14:45 Page is1trying to do more for less. “Increasingly, the public sector is focusing on

ICM ROADSHOWS 2010 The ICM has confirmed the dates and regions for its 2010 series of Roadshows as follows: Staffordshire Thursday 11 February Scotland Thursday 22 April Merseyside Wednesday 9 June Nottinghamshire Thursday 19 August Bristol Tuesday 12 October Cambridgeshire Thursday 9 December For further information on these or the range of initiatives delivered by the ICM, contact Kerry Walsh, head of Training & Events: 01780 722902

cost control and cashflow management, and up-skilling its workforce in key areas. What we must do as an Institute is continue to be at the very heart of the credit management profession, continuing to empower our Members, giving them a voice at the highest level to help influence policy, and the recognition they deserve for the expert work that they do in keeping the cash flowing.”

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MONEY MATTERS

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT Richard Allen, past President and Honorary Member of the Association of Chief Estates Surveyors and Property Managers in the Public Sector, comments on a report by the Audit Commission into how local authorities are strategically managing their extensive property assets ‘ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT’ IS THE conclusion formed and title of a recent report by the Audit Commission into how local authorities are managing strategically their £250 billion of property assets. This latest review was undertaken nine years after the Commission’s last examination of asset management which found that few councils were strategically managing their assets. The Commission urges councils to take a more strategic approach to property management and warns that, in the current economic climate, they will need to do far better, if they are to achieve expected savings and maintain services in the coming years. So why is it that the Commission considers councils have only made modest progress when council property is big business? CHANGING TIMES In the 1970’s, when I first joined local government, chief estates surveyors, particularly in large councils, were first tier officers. They were responsible for leading large departments involved in major slum clearance and new housing programmes, new town developments and major infrastructure construction schemes. Over the years, as expenditure on these projects has declined, the role of estates surveyors in local government has often done likewise. So the most senior estates surveyor or head of the property professional service is now usually either a second or third tier officer. At the start of this decade the most senior property professional would generally be running a property service department, rather than be a head of property strategy. The various council services such as housing, education, leisure and social services would be responsible for their own property decisions, which would often be made independent of the needs of the rest of the council. Promoting a corporate strategic approach from this starting base, without being on the top table, was always going to be difficult. Add to this the major culture change councils have gone through at political and officer level to adopt a corporate approach to the delivery of their services, in many cases necessitating the appointment of the much publicised highly paid but generalist chief executives in some councils to drive and facilitate this change, then it is not surprising that progress has been slow. EXAMPLES OF GOOD PRACTICE Despite these obstacles, ACES can identify many examples of good asset management practice. ‘Room for Improvement’ says

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that councils should review their property holdings and reduce them where possible by identifying and disposing of surplus or under utilised property. Anticipating this area for improvement, last year ACES produced ‘Property Disposal Strategy Guidelines’ which are already proving to be beneficial to its members. The new report says that councils should where possible reconfigure services and administration so they occupy less space. In my article on property asset management that appeared in Government Business a few years back, I gave various examples of councils who were already doing this. One was St Edmundsbury Borough Council, which was in the advanced stages of planning a public sector service village to jointly deliver services in partnership with Suffolk County Council. The first phase, West Suffolk House, opened at the start of the year and the outcome has been not only new accommodation for the borough council but also an exemplar project of partnership working, improved customer service delivery, long term cost savings and adoption of flexible ways of working. IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME As part of its business transformation programme, Birmingham City Council is carrying an extensive rationalisation and improvement programme that will consolidate by 2015 its central administrative buildings portfolio from 50 buildings to a significantly reduced portfolio, providing greener, brighter and more efficient workspace for around 6,500 work stations, supporting over 9,000 employees. Lancaster Circus offices, the first major refurbishment providing 2,000 workstations in an open plan environment, use of multifunction meeting rooms, provision of catering facilities and break out areas and the removal of cellular offices will open shortly. The refurbished building will be considerably more sustainable through features such as an energy efficient cooling system, energy supply from a combined heat and power system, energy efficient windows and use of construction materials from sustainable sources. The Audit Commission deputy chairman Bharat Shah said that “the recession is a good time for councils to plan how to use the property they own more efficiently and possibly even to acquire assets for the future”. Nottingham City Council recently announced that it is to move to new headquarters that could also spark a major city centre revamp – and create thousands of jobs. Six of the council’s current major office buildings will

be sold which, as they are mainly in prime locations, should appeal to developers. City Council leader councillor John Collins said: “Our decision to move is based on a good business case.” Not surprising when the council has been operating for years from substandard premises spread around the city. Grasping the opportunity to snap up the 220,000 sq ft mainly open plan Loxley House building from Capital One, for a bargain price around a third of the figure the property was valued a when it was completed in 2001, represents excellent opportunistic asset management during a recession. By enabling the council to improve its services and make significant savings through completely transforming its working practices it is just what the Audit Commission ordered. TWO COMMON THREADS On examination of these success stories there are two common threads running through them all. Firstly, they have only been achieved through strong leadership, both at political and officer level, with buy in from all service managers and the staff. The key to good asset management is therefore strong leadership which is why the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has recently issued a set of six short leaflets on Local Authority Asset Management Best Practice aimed at local authority personnel at all levels including elected members, senior officers and those managing property on the ground. Secondly, the main driver has been improved access to services through workplace and business transformation which addresses not only the problems of buildings that are not fit for purpose, but exploits the opportunities to change working practices through the recent rapid developments in modern office technology. Strategic asset management can be a catalyst for change, but it cannot be the main driver. This will be the need for local government to improve the quality of and access to its services. The leader of Hounslow Council, councillor Peter Thompson said at the ACES Presidential conference when referring to opportunities for local government in the recession – never waste a good crisis. One thing I learnt from my years as a manager was that it is far easier to affect change through ‘crisis’ than ‘strategic’ management. With a crisis change happens because it has to rather than it being desirable. The challenge to local government is to not waste the current crisis. ACES and its members will strive to ensure that this does not happen with regards to promoting the strategic management of its property.

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CREATING SUSTAINABLE VALUE Gerard Hutchings, Head of Pensions Business Development at Aviva Investors, discusses the challenges facing public sector pension schemes in meeting their shareholder responsibilities to influence environmental, social and governance best practice in order to create value for their scheme members RECENT EVENTS IN FINANCIAL markets,

and the troubles faced by many of the world’s leading banks in particular, have brought into sharp focus the need for institutional investors in particular to continuously scrutinise the actions of the companies they invest in. Arguably, the roots of the current banking crisis can be found in poor governance: rewarding the issuance of loans that could never be repaid; the mispricing of risk through complex derivatives; and the failure of short term profit maximising behaviour to generate long term benefits. If more shareholders had paid greater attention to the way the companies they owned were being run, then some of these mistakes could possibly have been avoided. SIGNS OF RECOVERY

As we now begin to see signs of a recovery, it is important to bear in mind that the reasons for the current economic collapse are the same as those behind today’s ecological crisis. Governments have allowed the systematic increase of personal and national debt to enable an unsustainable level of economic growth. While we will be paying off our financial debts over the next several decades, our debts to nature are much harder to repay. Some governments have already acknowledged this concern. As a response they have included massive outlays on energy efficiency, renewable energy and environmental technologies in their recovery and stimulus packages. SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITY

At Aviva Investors we believe this new emphasis on sustainability offers a significant opportunity for long-term investors. We have identified four key themes that reflect the growing demand for a more longterm sustainable approach to investing: Climate change: We analyse and closely follow developments in political support, cap and trade regimes as well as lowcarbon power generators and demand side management providers who we believe have the potential to benefit from concern and increasing action to mitigate CO2 emissions. Quality of life: Includes healthcare providers, particularly in life saving drugs as well as education, housing, healthy eating and healthy lifestyles. Sustainable consumption: Principally covers the treatment of water and waste and environmental technologies that increase eco-efficiency outside energy.

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Governance and risk management: Companies that have leading environmental, social and governance management and includes company leaders in their sectors which are set to benefit from their proactive management of increasingly material issues. These themes feature heavily across the range of Aviva Investors funds available to public sector pension schemes – from equities and bonds to property, infrastructure and renewable energy funds. But we are not just on the look out for responsible companies to invest in on behalf of our pension funds clients. As one of the world’s largest asset managers we believe we have a responsibility to our clients to actively promote these themes.

Gerard Hutchings

RESPONSIBLE INVESTING

We were a founding signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investing (UNPRI). These principles were developed by an international group of institutional investors to reflect the increasing relevance of environmental, social and corporate governance issues to investment practices. Since 2005, The UNPRI has grown rapidly, and is now backed by over $18 trillion of assets, and while direct participation by UK pension funds is still limited, it is commendable that the majority of UK pension fund signatories are from the public sector. We are also a founding member of the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), which promotes fuller corporate reporting of greenhouse gas emissions. During 2007 we exercised our rights as shareholders to promote this initiative; engaging with 29 companies that were persistently non-compliant with the Project. As a result, over half of these companies provided a full answer to the CDP questionnaire for the first time. More recently we have been calling on stock exchanges around the globe to more actively promote corporate responsibility and transparency among the companies that are listed on exchanges. At a major UN Conference in November – supported by UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, and entitled ‘Sustainable Stock Exchanges’ – Aviva Investors London CEO Paul Abberley, called upon international stock exchanges and their listing authorities to work towards codifying how they could promote more responsible business. In the past, pension funds often viewed sustainable and responsible investing as a

something achievable only at the expense of strong investment performance. At Aviva Investors we would argue that the opposite is true – the world economy needs to move to a more sustainable model in order to address the significant social and environmental problems that the current global economic model has created. For these reasons, we believe that those companies conducting their business in a sustainable and responsible manner are more likely to succeed over time. Public sector pension funds, as longterm investors, should review their Statements of Investment Principles to determine where and how sustainable and responsible investing can add value to their members’ retirement savings. FOR MORE INFORMATION E-mail: gerard.hutchings@avivainvestors.com The opinions expressed are those of Aviva Investors Global Services Limited (Aviva Investors) They should not be viewed as indicating any guarantee of return from an investment managed by Aviva Investors nor as advice of any nature.

Written By Richard Wilson, NAPF senior policy adviser

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MONEY MATTERS

SECURING THE FUTURE OF PENSIONS In the pensions world the last two years have been volatile to say the least and never more so for the Local Government Pension Scheme and the 100 pension funds that administer and participate in the scheme in England, Scotland and Wales many of which are our members. In that vein, the NAPF launched a range of assessment tools in 2008 to help both trustees and pensions managers develop a greater understanding of UK investment consultancies and how to assess services provided by them to pension fund clients. The NAPF toolkit would also allow comparisons between different consultancies to be made. As the toolkit was designed by a cross industry working group, its use by local government funds should therefore come as no surprise to investment consultancies. With the turbulent financial climate and the spotlight increasingly being shone on local authority schemes, it has never been more important for trustees and pension managers to not only continue to manage their schemes well, but to be able to substantiate that fact through more transparency of reporting. Continually and coherently assessing the performance of investment consultancies and other professional advisers is one method of demonstrating an ongoing commitment to better management of the LGPS.

IN ADDITION TO IMPLEMENTING the new look scheme in 2008 (England & Wales) and in 2009 (Scotland), the funds, with assets of over c£130 billion and nearly four million members, have had to deal with a volatile economic climate and the impact it has had on their investments as well as increasing public scrutiny. While the latter two factors are not going to go away in the short term, the future challenge of the pension reforms due in 2012, including auto-enrolment and personal accounts, are looming large on the horizon. The economic climate has affected the investment performance of all UK pension funds including those in local government. Deficits in the private sector are estimated to be c£160 billion (July 2009) and while the last actuarial valuation (2007) of 65 local government schemes showed a combined deficit of £20 billion, this deficit is expected to have increased because of the fall in worldwide stock markets since then. It is, however, vital to recognise that local government schemes are able to take a longterm view because they need to be able to pay benefits in 40 to 50 years time. This means they are accustomed to managing short-term fluctuations in the stock market. REVIEWING ASSETS The current economic climate may lead many pension funds to review their asset allocation and alongside this many funds will also be

examining the performance of their investment consultants. Earlier this year, the NAPF asked pension funds, including local government schemes, for their views on this subject. The average length of time that a consultancy had provided investment advice to a local government fund was eight to ten years and the vast majority of funds believed that the consultants understood their scheme and provided appropriate investment solutions. In addition, these funds felt they were provided with clear explanations for trustees (elected councillors), pension managers and other staff involved in the running of the scheme. A clear indication of satisfaction was that the vast majority stated they would recommend their existing investment consultancy to another pension scheme. So while there was lots of good news about funds being content with their managers, under the ethos of best value local government, schemes cannot simply rest on their laurels, especially when the survey indicated some areas for improvement do exist. These included getting better value for money out of consultants and getting more pro-active advice.

CRITICISM OF THE SCHEME In addition to the general pressure on local government pension funds to deliver good investment performance, there is now greater public scrutiny and much more criticism of the scheme than ever before. Organisations such as the NAPF, the Local Government Association and the Department of Communities and Local Government have continued to defend local government schemes against such criticism. One of the important defences has been to point out clearly that the average local authority pension is only £4,000 per year, and unlike many other public sector pension schemes it is a funded scheme. In addition, the scheme has already instituted reforms around managing long-term costs. At the NAPF Local Authority Pension Conference earlier this year, the Local Government Minister announced a new review of the scheme to respond to the growing concerns about affordability especially because of the changing economic climate. The first phase of this review has started with an informal consultation focused on the 2010 revaluation, and looks at ways of minimising its impact on local government finances and council tax levels.

ASSESSMENT TOOLS One of the National Association of Pension Fund’s (NAPF) core objectives is to promote best practice and raise standards within the UK pensions industry, which includes local government pension funds

Tel: 020 7601 1700 Fax: 020 7601 1799 Web: www.napf.co.uk E-mail: napf@napf.co.uk

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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Putting the IT into securITy and saving money in the process The Security and Risk management issues within the Public sector have always been an important part of managing public buildings and equally providing IT and ICT services to the many buildings across what may be a widely spread facility has also been an issue that needed to be addressed. Having addressed the latter by installing LAN (local area networks) and WAN (wide area networks) be they hard wired or wireless, it is now a much easier proposition to deal with the Security and Risk management issues. If we consider the major components from a functional point of view, we are looking at surveillance (CCTV), access management, monitoring, communications, data storage and management and PEOPLE These requirements can now be integrated into an overall security and safety solution which will also offer other services such as intercom, video messaging, evacuation and asset management. How? By utilising the latest IP network based technologies to consolidate all of these functions onto one “Existing” infrastructure saving both time (= money) and Money providing a best of breed solution that is reliable, flexible and appropriate. What is more, the authority may not even have to invest in new hardware to achieve this. Utilising existing CCTV cameras for example and connection via a device called a Codec enables the existing investment to be part of the new system. The value of Video data is far greater than for purely security issues, we can all do with another pair of eyes, be it to monitor visitors and staff, assess workflow or improve levels of competence and training.

SEC 20 TEN

In truth as existing requirements migrate onto an IP network all sorts of additional benefits and savings become apparent, moving the security infrastructure from being a grudge purchase to being a valuable part of the business infrastructure and the data becoming an extremely valuable business tool. GREEN IT – here we have an issue which is all to thorny across the public sector, with legislation forcing ALL institutions to look very carefully at where cost and carbon savings can be made. Again this is an area where introducing modern techniques to an existing IT/IP infrastructure can help.

Now is the perfect time for the IT/ICT, security, HR and other services to look carefully at how these solutions can be of benefit, research what is out there, be creative and work together to provide a best of breed and integrated solution to these apparently disparate business functions.

Power over Ethernet – Provides a great platform upon which to build a highly energy efficient solution again utilising the Network. Simply, by providing power via the network cable structure to devices such as CCTV cameras, Access card and RFID readers and other peripheral devices. Combine this with a good energy management strategy and the on-gong costs fall dramatically.

Prefer to attend a short FREE seminar programme and exhibition in your area – visit one of the IP UserGroup Road shows “IP-in-Action LIVE” – there will be one in your area soon: www.ipusergroup.com/live

Another area which can help is the technique of virtualisation, this is where external server devices are used on a managed/hosted basis reducing the need for costly server rooms with all of the costs involved in maintaining, cooling and powering them. This area will be an important one moving forward.

BUT WHERE DO YOU GO TO STAY AHEAD? Like to use the web for intelligence gathering – try the IP UserGroup International Security Technology forum: www.ipusergroup.com

IP-in-Action LIVE Bucks - 3rd December 2009 Alternatively receive the only publication dedicated to network centric security technology – IPfocus Magazine and eZine: www.ipfocusonline.com And finally why not attend the three day exhibition and conference, IIPSEC 20ten in February – register now: www.iipseconline.com

An Event Focused on Network Centric Security & Life Safety Technology

www.iipseconline.com This unique event demonstrates the latest in IT and network centric technologies and their application within the physical security and life safety environment. International IP in Security Exhibition & Conference Cranmore Park, Solihull, Nr Birmingham, UK 3rd to 5th February 2010 Enquiries: +44 (0)1293 786822 - Email info@iipsec.com

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

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AVP Studios scoops CIWM award VP STUDIOS IS AN award winning filmmaker, producing bespoke health and safety training and induction DVDs. Our refuse and recycling film ‘A Matter of Life & Death’ helped two clients win RoSPA Silver awards and won a 2008 CIWM Environmental Best Practice Award. The CIWM judges described it as ‘hard to ignore’. We use real people talking about the work their work, and describing the risks from experience. One client called the consequences of an accident ‘unthinkable.’ But it was his job to think the unthinkable, and leave nothing undone to ensure the wellbeing of his staff and the public – which is why he asked AVP to help. By commissioning a film from AVP you will be ensuring that your staff and agency workers are

AVP STUDIOS

FILMING /TRAINING/COMMUNICATIONS FILM IT!

A small and friendly production company, making award winning films (CIWM & RoSPA) for local authorities in waste management health & safety operator training. We can also help you to win competitive tenders, train contractors and staff on, site induction, emergency procedures, even sales & marketing. AVP Studios Ltd 0800 8600 328 dvd@avpgroup.co.uk www.avpstudios.co.uk

Send for our FREE DVD

always able to receive training. Easily updatable, a DVD is always available, is totally consistent, never forgets anything and can be viewed by one or one hundred. Once shown, staff can be asked to sign to say they have seen the film, covering your organisation in event of any claim.

FOR MORE INFORMATION So, when it really is a matter of life and death, call AVP on 01793 436735 or visit www.avpstudios.co.uk

Adapt to the changes in CCTV technology CTV SOLUTIONS BUILT upon network (IP) technology bring numerous advantages to the end user, including increased reliability, better image quality, a flexible user interface and a wholly affordable package. Wavestore CCTV systems have been installed in governmental applications worldwide – including UK embassies, hospitals, schools military installations and transportation networks – but also in the private sector, including international airports, commercial offices, industrial plants and nuclear power stations to name but a few examples. Our security surveillance and recording systems are designed to easily integrate with alarm and access control functions, building entire management systems; with features designed to reduce the workload on your security staff.

Designed in the UK by Linux software experts, Wavestore has become highly respected within the security industry both for high quality products and for facilitating an easy transition from analogue to IP in controlled stages. Our solutions are upgradeable and expansible to respond to the changes in your application requirements, and we provide software upgrades as our functionality evolves. We also design bespoke and flexible network solutions based on your individual demands to deliver years of reliable use. Wavestore solutions are straightforward install and can be done by competent IT engineers with minimal training.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Please visit www.wavestore.com or e-mail info@wavestore.com

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AT 10 US 20 0 E X 32 E S FE d B N n O C Sta

FRESH AIR, FRESH VENUE WE CAN HOST:

− Conferences and meetings − Exhibitions and trade fairs − Training seminars − Team building events − Dinners and luncheons

FREE PARKING

FREE Wi-Fi

www.northernracing.co.uk Tel: 01283 575818

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WHY INTERNATIONAL CONFEX MATTERS As the UK’s leading event for event organisers, Confex brings together people who organise any kind of event with a colourful array of venues, destinations and event support services both in the UK and across the world WHEREVER THE WORLD YOU CHOOSE to do business, you can do so much more, face to face, at an exhibition. Even in the digital age when information is easy to come by and with the rise in virtual meetings, people will always want and need to meet face to face. This is why attending International Confex from 23-25 February 2010 at Earls Court, is essential for anyone involved in the organisation of meetings, conferences, exhibitions, business travel or special events. Boasting some 1,000 venues, destinations and events services from the UK and across the globe Confex provides the perfect platform for industry professionals to come together over three days and conduct serious business. The show’s ongoing pursuit for innovative and creative marketing has positioned Confex as the premier event in the UK. The new campaign and website features the new tag line ‘Surround yourself with inspiration’ encouraging visitors to discover the most ingenious ideas amongst the 1000 exhibitors at the show. POSITIVE OUTLOOK “Confex has always been about creating an experience which is enjoyable, educational and inspirational. Our new marketing campaign has been developed to reinvigorate and revitalise the industry and reflects the excitement, energy, and positive outlook Confex wants to channel to the industry throughout 2010,” says Duncan Reid, portfolio director. “We’re really excited with the way in which Confex is shaping up. Visitors next year will experience imaginative show features, thought provoking educational seminars and fantastic networking functions. We’re confident Confex 2010 will set imaginations alight and our visitors will be inspired by what Confex has to offer,” adds Reid. Brand new unmissable features for 2010 include the Confex Hosted buyer programme, Theme Factory, The Great Outdoors, Secrets Out and PA Day. And, in their on-going commitment to support and highlight the show’s growing international sector visitors to Confex will be pleased to know Taste the World Bar and Long Haul Village will return. For the first time ever Confex will host over 100 VIP buyers from the UK and Europe. As a hosted buyer a range of services will be exclusively available for organisers to enjoy from complimentary travel and accommodation to a two day programme dedicated to providing business opportunities, professional development and inspirational

We’re really excited with the way in which Confex is shaping up. Visitors next year will experience imaginative show features, thought provoking educational seminars and fantastic networking functions. We’re confident Confex 2010 will set imaginations alight and our visitors will be inspired by what Confex has to offer THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

BRIGHTON MARINA BRIGHTON BN2 5WA

Exclusive Government conference rates • Stunning waterfront meeting rooms with private decks • Flexible space • Free wifi & parking

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Hoar Cross Hall Spa Resort This award winning spa resort offers the perfect environment for business meetings, corporate incentives and hospitality. What better surroundings to work hard and play hard set in 100 acres of beautiful countryside. This Grade II listed building offers four light and airy conference rooms which can accommodate meetings from 4-150 delegates as well as private dining facilities. There’s no better way to relax after an intense meeting but to enjoy our luxurious facilities. This state of the art spa provides a vast array of amenities including two swimming pools, aerobic studio, 4,000 sq ft gymnasium, 9 hole golf course with PGA professional, plus Driving Range and 128 treatment options to choose from. Whatever your length of stay, relax in one of our sumptuous suites, enjoy good company and fine service. Conference rates start from £155 per person per night, contact 01283576505 for further details.

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ideas for all types of event planning. As part of the show’s ever growing commitment in enhancing the visitor experience, The Theme Factory will showcase six different theme specialists who will transform their given area and demonstrate their talents when it comes to designing an event or area. The Theme Factory will present the best in the industry and creates the perfect atmosphere to network and get ideas for your next event. And, when it comes to ideas we all know Confex has long since recognised the importance of innovation. In partnership with De Boers, The Great Outdoors will feature six pagoda style peak roof tents encompassing the industry’s leading products and services in the world of outdoor events. So whether you’re looking to organise an event in the glorious summer or cosy winter, visiting The Great Outdoors will provide you with the most ingenious ideas for all manner of outdoor events and pursuits. EXPERTS ON HAND Also new for 2010 is PA Day. Secretaries, executives and personal assistants will benefit from investing an afternoon or the whole day to source the best venues, pursue new ideas and speak with event experts on hand. PA Day promises an outstanding line-up from Nirvana, a relaxation oasis offering free spa treatments, to fashion shows and an incredible competition to win clothing from the show’s featured collection. To complement these fun features Confex have created an education programme addressing the core issues within the personal assistant and secretarial industry. The seminars will highlight topics that are important in the promotion, enhancement and empowerment of today’s PA. A special feature guaranteed to create a buzz at this year’s show is Secret’s Out. Inspired by the most popular and widely syndicated column in the world, Dear Abby – known for its uncommon common sense and youthful perspective, visitors are invited to Secret’s Out to post and read up on the latest industry gossip. In addition to all the unmissable features, back on the agenda for 2010 is Confex Knowledge, the show’s professional education programme. Offering 60 free seminars over three days Confex Knowledge is committed to raising industry standards, encouraging learning and professional development. The programme will feature informative keynote speakers and comprehensive content from leading industry experts. “Planning for Confex Knowledge is well underway and we are looking forward to announcing our keynote speakers and content as the show approaches. Our education programme has always provided inspiration and motivation to visitors with thought provoking seminars and workshops tackling key issues, trends and developments of the moment. And, I’m confident visitors will find our education

programme for 2010 engaging as ever,” says Kate Disley, group marketing manager. Next year’s show will also see the return of the ever popular London Bar, Live Bar, Nirvana, Advice Centre & CV Clinic. As the premier event in the UK, Confex is set to deliver a dynamic environment to do business, engage in thought provoking education and provide business networks for visitors, exhibitors and hosted buyers. NEW FOR NEXT YEAR The diverse range of venues, destinations and events services Confex continues to showcase, does not disappoint. Among the new names at next year’s show are The Westminster Collection, a group of 32 superb venues and event facilities from conference centres to private clubs and select hotels to exhibition halls. The collection is simply the best place to select a venue of quality, versatility and distinction within the Borough of Westminster. If you’re wishing to mix business with pleasure, Leicester Racecourse is an ideal place to hold your next event. In additional to the venue’s race days, Leicester Racecourse also offers a multifunctional entertainment complex with modern conferencing facilities overlooking 200 acres of beauty. And, If you’re looking to impress your delegates with striking surrounds then the elegant Celtic

Manor Resort, set amongst 1,400 acres of breathtaking landscape is the perfect stage to set imaginations alight. Catering for everything from large conferences to meetings, exhibitions, corporate golf days and many other events, Celtic Manor is recognised as one of Europe’s finest destinations for events. Also new at International Confex and for 2010 is The Convention Centre, Dublin (The CCD). Set to open its doors on 1 September, The CCD offers the very best in conferencing facilities and the very latest in technology, and is the world’s first carbon neutral convention centre. INSPIRATION With around 1,000 exhibitors and 60 free seminars Confex is essential for anyone involved in organising meetings, conferences, exhibitions, business travel or special events. International Confex will help organisers to discover new venues, new products and event services and new inspirational ideas. Attracting 10,000 visitors and reaching a total attendance of around 15,000 at the show, there has never been a better time to visit Confex. International Confex 2010 will be held 23-25 February at Earls Court, London on Tuesday, with extended show times 10am-7pm, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-5pm. To register for your free entry visit www.international-confex.com.

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4imprint – promotional products work IMPRINT SPECIALISES in providing printed promotional products to public sector organisations across the UK. We have hundreds of satisfied customers in schools, councils, libraries, prisons, the NHS, PCT hospitals as well as the police, fire and ambulance services. We can provide merchandise to support campaigns such as Love Food Hate Waste, Change4life, Sure Start as well as any Waste or Recycling programmes. Our product range is extensive! We offer pens, pencils, highlighters, mugs, bags, clothing, mousemats, flashdrives, magnets, sweets, keyrings, umbrellas, post-it notes and pads, rulers, stationery, stickers, badges, message bugs, balloons, teddy bears, calendars and diaries and so much more! Most of our items are available in a ‘green’ eco-friendly’ version too – call for details or visit www.4imprint.co.uk/green to see

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a range of eco-friendly cotton shopping bags, paper products, mugs, stationery, pencils and pens. Trust 4imprint to deliver your logo’d promotional items – our service is exceptional and this is backed up with our guarantees. On Time or Free, Guaranteed Lowest Prices, 100 per cent satisfaction and what’s more we offer free artwork production and sample inspection.

FOR MORE INFORMATION E-mail sales@4imprint.co.uk or call 0845 054 4405 for a catalogue, quote or to see samples. Mention “Government Business” for 10 per cent discount off your first order!

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Make a change from the old routine ORTHERN RACING IS a group of racecourses spread throughout England and Wales. Prestigious meetings include the Northumberland Plate, Midlands Grand National and the Welsh National. However, outside of racing the courses play host to a variety of events including conferences, training seminars and dinners. The picturesque surroundings provide unique and flexible conference and exhibition space, whilst the smaller hospitality suites are ideal break-out or boardrooms. The raceday restaurants are easily utilised for dinners and luncheons with bar facilities, staging and dance floors. Rooms have views of the racetrack itself, the parade ring lawned area or the beautiful manicured grounds. There are acres of outdoor

space that can be used for demonstrations or team building. Indoors, the main halls provide ample space for all types of events – let your imagination run wild! From a formal conference to a drop in exhibition, these spaces can be tailored to your requirements. Our major conference centres are situated in Newcastle upon Tyne, Chepstow (Monmouthshire), Fontwell (West Sussex), Brighton and Uttoxeter giving great nationwide coverage. All of the racecourses are clearly signposted from key arterial roads and provide free and plentiful parking.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01283 575818 Fax: 01283 575615 E-mail: info@northernracing.co.uk Web: www.northernracing.co.uk

Inspiring government conference rates at Hotel Seattle OTEL SEATTLE, Brighton Marina offers an inspiring venue for meetings and events. Spacious, light and with stunning views, our event rooms offer the canvas for your meeting. Each versatile meeting room, with floor to ceiling windows opens out onto a private deck and has views over the marina and out to sea. Taking up to 50 guests, the rooms are well equipped for “a good show” including Nienteno Wii’s to break the ice, or round up the day. The Seattle Restaurant is fast becoming a destination for Brighton diners, choose to eat in our private dining rooms or in the restaurant as suits your meeting. Chef and his team have a simple philosophy: making the most of the fresh produce available. Menus are always changing and refreshingly local, creating delicious modern British dishes. Our bedrooms

are simple and uncluttered, with an abundance of light. You’ll find all you need for a comfortable stay, large beds, free Wi-Fi, Sky TV and even a B&W Zeppelin iPod docking station. And if you decide to enjoy the bright lights of Brighton, we are within easy reach of all the fun of the city. Take advantage of our exclusive government rates, available for 2010.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01273 679 799 Web: www.hotelseattle brighton.com

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The Queens Hotel and Spa – business conferencing by the sea HE QUEENS HOTEL and Spa is one of the largest hotels in Bournemouth and has a proven track record in dealing with government business. We have built a niche for ourselves as specialists in dealing with both small and larger conferences for government business in Bournemouth. We pride ourselves on our friendly and relaxed atmosphere coupled with our professional approach. Richard Brown, our conference and sales manager, can handle your enquiry from the initial call right through to last minute requirements on the day, and our duty managers work closely with him to ensure that every need is met. With three large conference facilities, a 220-seat restaurant, 109 bedrooms and close proximity to the town centre and the Bournemouth International Centre, we have everything you need for a successful conference by the sea. Located on a leafy avenue, two minutes walk from the beach

and now with a brand new ‘Day Spa and Clinic’ next door to our indoor pool and gym, we offer everything from massages and facials to semi-permanent make-up and manicures. This hotel has everything you need for both your business trip and your time away to re-focus. Prices start at £55pp B&B, or for delegate rates contact us and we will send you some information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For further information contact Richard Brown Tel: 01202 554415 E-mail: richard@queenshotel bournemouth.com Web: www.queenshotel bournemouth.com

Looking for an attractive but affordable London venue? HEN LOOK NO FURTHER than the Regent’s College Conference Centre. Located within 11 acres of private grounds in Regent’s Park, the Regent’s College Conference Centre is a unique venue in the heart of London. Offering a wide range of conference rooms and event space all year round Regent’s College should be your first stop when planning an event. The Tuke Hall can seat up to 370 delegates in a tiered theatre with a built-in stage and all modern AV equipment. Smaller meeting rooms for 8-100 delegates are plentiful and the grand Herringham Hall is ideal for your banqueting needs. We offer competitive day delegate packages and room hire rates to suit all budgets. In addition there are a number of suites that lend themselves well to after-work entertaining such as the modern and colorful Knapp Gallery that can cater for 80 for

a drinks and canapé reception. The private gardens surrounding the college are ideal for summer events such as barbeques, fun days, team buildings events, weddings and dinners. Packages are available to suit your requirements and all catering is provided by Charlton House, our award winning in-house caterers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Regent’s College Conference Centre, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NS Tel: 020 7487 7540 conferences@regents.ac.uk www.regentsconferences.co.uk

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Only in Scotland will your conference be truly inspiring. Scotland provides a stimulating environment to give new perspective to your own ideas and spur you on to greater heights. Some of the world’s oldest universities and modern research institutes nurture fresh talent to follow in the famous footsteps of alumni, who have changed the world as we know it. Given Scotland’s reputation as a leading light in the fields of science, medicine, finance, energy and technology, it’s no surprise we have conference facilities to match. And it’s never been easier to get here. So to find out more about hosting an event in Scotland, log onto conventionscotland.com Or perhaps that should be unconventional Scotland.

Only in Scotland

Hi-tech conference centres in stimulating surroundings. You can’t help but be inventive.

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A WARM WELCOME AND GOOD VALUE If there is one thing that VisitScotland has always been confident about, it is the fact that sits right at the top of the list of the many benefits Scotland offers good value for money Scotland may be a small country but it’s packed with a diverse offering of exceptional venues, from purpose-built convention and exhibition centres to 21st century hotels and ancient castles, unusual venues and stately homes and universities of academic excellence. Add to this the renowned hospitality of its people and the best golf in the world and Scotland offers a dynamic and distinctive conference choice. With recent research from VisitBritain highlighting that Edinburgh and Glasgow are both in the top three most competitive European destinations in terms of price for association conferences; it is proven that Scotland really does provide a great return on investment. Many associations already understand and benefit from that message and put Scotland top of their agenda. Hosting on average two association events a week, the country’s portion of all international association meetings hosted in the UK rose to 29 per cent this year, with the country’s key industries and centres of academic excellence playing a major role in attracting that business. By the end of 2009, more than 330 major

conferences will have taken place in Scotland, including such high-profile events such as: the Forbes European CEO conference at the Gleneagles Hotel; Offshore Europe in Aberdeen; and the British Open Golf at Turnberry. Attracting around 2.31 million business

Adding to the country’s popularity is the fact that getting to Scotland has never been easier or more financially competitive. And once in the country, Scotland enjoys excellent rail links with regular train services between each city. With an exceptional choice of low cost

Hosting on average two association events a week, the country’s portion of all international association meetings hosted in the UK rose to 29 per cent this year, with the country’s key industries and centres of academic excellence playing a major role in attracting that business trips every year, Scotland generates more than £723 million for the economy. Scotland benefits from securing 25 per cent of all international association meetings hosted in the UK, with the country’s key industries and centres of academic excellence playing a major role in helping to obtain that business.

airlines flying into Scotland’s main airports from the rest of the UK and non-stop services from North America and European routes, Scotland is both convenient and flexible. NEW INVESTMENTS Scotland is committed to further enhance its

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Service beyond the extra mile... Situated in Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pulsating capital city; Edinburgh International Conference Centre. We go beyond the extra mile to deliver truly inspiring and memorable events that will astound your audience. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be royally impressed.

For more information please contact us at the details below. edinburgh international conference centre the exchange, edinburgh eh3 8ee. scotland t: +44 (0) 131 300 3000 f: +44 (0) 131 300 3030 e: sales@eicc.co.uk w: www.eicc.co.uk

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offering as a business and leisure destination by investing around £850 million in new venues, hotels and services in 2009 alone. In the north east, The Old Town House at The University of Aberdeen has recently been restored to provide a ‘traditionally modern’ meeting space, and the new 4-star Malmaison hotel gives a contemporary feel, while further north, in Inverness, more than £30 million has been invested in two flagship meeting and conference developments – Eden Court Theatre and Culloden. The University of St Andrews offers excellent accommodation at its New Hall and David Russell Apartments accommodating more than 1,000 delegates in the summer months, with the university catering for up to 900 delegates for a conference. Their Gateway centre is a striking meeting venue offering well-equipped meeting rooms in a stunning location overlooking the sea and the Old Course Hotel. The University’s latest development due to complete late 2010 is their new School of Medicine and Medical Research Institute. With the construction of this new £45 million medical school based at the heart of its science campus, this unique development will foster and create significant advances in medical research.

Edinburgh, the country’s capital which boasts many prestigious and unique meetings venues such as Edinburgh Castle, Dynamic Earth and the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, will see numerous developments take place this year A £13 million refurbishment of Norton House Hotel, near Edinburgh Airport, has been completed, while Greywalls mansion house in East Lothian has been renovated and will open later this year as an exclusive use venue accommodating up to 56 guests in the unique surroundings of a former family home with stunning views over Muirfield Golf Course. In Glasgow, 2,400 new hotel bedrooms are being created over the next four years, which will further add to the existing first class facilities on offer in the city. CAPITAL GLORY Edinburgh, the country’s capital which boasts many prestigious and unique meetings venues such as Edinburgh Castle, Dynamic Earth and the Edinburgh International Conference

Centre, will see numerous developments take place this year. This spring has already seen Edinburgh-based Apex hotel group open its fourth contemporary four-star hotel in the city’s Waterloo Place where the £35million hotel features 187 contemporary bedrooms, a large theatre-style conference suite and five additional meeting rooms. The Apex Hotel group is very environmentally conscious which has led to them winning numerous environmental awards including a Gold award in the Green Tourism Business Scheme. The Caledonian Hilton Hotel, one of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks, completed phase one of its extensive refurbishment early this year, restoring the hotel’s historic façade and refurbishing 86 bedrooms, heralding a new era for this historic hotel. Its multi million

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Thistle Glasgow

Let’s get down to business At Thistle, we’ve been investing millions transforming our hotels into contemporary and up-to-the-minute venues offering some of Scotland’s most flexible Meetings and Events facilities. With 6 hotels in Scotland, offering 49 meeting rooms to suit any occasion, and over 1000 modern, comfortable bedrooms, when you book your next conference, meeting or event, make it with Thistle. Everything you need and expect will be waiting for you: essentials such as LCD projectors and flipcharts, flexible dining options, from formal to informal, 24-hour room service and BT Openzone wireless broadband, to help you stay in touch. In short, all the facilities and services you need, plus preferential prices when you book your accommodation or meeting.

Discover the new Thistle in Scotland Thistle Glasgow The King James, Edinburgh The Caledonian, Aberdeen Thistle Aberdeen Airport Thistle Aberdeen Altens Thistle Inverness Over 30 hotels in the UK

To make an enquiry or booking, please call 0871 376 9009 or email mande@thistle.co.uk

MEETINGS & EVENTS

www.thistle.com

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pound investments are continuing with a phased bedroom refurbishment and the transformation of the hotel’s public areas. The construction of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s new biodiversity and visitor information centre is also well under way by the old West Gate. The John Hope Gateway will offer visitors an unrivalled all-weather interpretive facility. The Gateway will be one of the most sought after venues in Edinburgh. DIVERSE OFFERINGS Anyone looking for a conference destination that has it all needs look no further than Scotland, which for a relatively small country offers an immense and diverse range of venues and accommodation. Purpose-built conference centres in all major cities, combined with academic venues, plus accommodation options to suit every budget, make planning an event a question of almost too much choice. VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit offers a wealth of support to meeting planners and buyers. From a fully-fledged Ambassador Programme that complements the cities’ own programmes covering a plethora of relevant sectors, to in-depth knowledge of the best venues, the team is there to help find the perfect solution. And at International Confex this year, VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit (BTU) will bring together a varied range of partners to demonstrate to buyers just how much choice and value is on offer. Visitors to Confex should make a note to visit to the VisitScotland stand (B150) where this year the BTU will be joined by the flagship conference centres in Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scotland’s major cities, each with their own distinct personalities and cultures. In addition, Glasgow’s five-star Science Centre, complete with IMAX cinema, offers a variety of unusual and exhilarating venue experiences provided within three iconic buildings. Experts from Glasgow City Marketing Bureau will also be on hand to provide exhaustive information on both the city’s facilities and those of Scotland’s largest urban region. EVENT HIGHLIGHTS From Edinburgh, two very different venues will feature on the stand. Murrayfield, the historic home of Scottish rugby, will showcase the Murrayfield Experience, one of the largest and most flexible venues in Scotland, where internal and external areas can work in tandem. With facilities for 150-1,200plus delegates, and the opportunity to hold all or part of events within the main pitch, this is a venue with a very unique twist. The historic Dome, a former banking hall in the heart of the city centre, is a stunning and inspirational setting for events from 20-120, combined with a reputation for fine dining. Scotland is famed for its castles many of which can be hired for events with a unique backdrop. Historic Scotland, which manages

Anyone looking for a conference destination that has it all needs look no further than Scotland, which for a relatively small country offers an immense and diverse range of venues and accommodation. purpose-built conference centres in all major cities, combined with academic venues, plus accommodation options to suit every budget, make planning an event a question of almost too much choice THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

Inspiring, versatile conference space

The Best Kept Secret in Edinburgh. Until now...... With a license going back 400 years, The Beehive began life as a 16th C coaching inn. Refurbished in 2007, the current building has possibly the best beer garden in Edinburgh, A dining room that can seat 100, two ground floor bars and a meeting room that can seat 20. We may be big but we are friendly; Offering food ‘til 10pm every day, the best in Scottish ales, a large selection of malt whiskies and the best wine list in the Grassmarket.

Dynamic Earth offers you an alternative setting of striking distinction in which to hold your event. With stunning views of Salisbury Crags, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament, Dynamic Earth is at the hub of culture, politics and history. Receptions, Small Meetings, Conferences, Exhibitions, Seminars, Product Launches.

www.dynamicearth.co.uk/events

0131 523 1269

The Beehive Inn Grassmarket, Edinburgh Tel: 0131 225 7171 Fax: 0131 226 1928 beehive.inn.9884@thespiritgroup.com www.beehive-edinburgh.com

For your next meeting, Think Edinburgh First…

SC020363

Open now: the all new John McIntyre Conference Centre Edinburgh First brings you the new-look John McIntyre Conference Centre with high-specification meeting facilities in a picturesque location beside Edinburgh’s famous natural landmark, Arthur’s Seat.

Edinburgh First The University of Edinburgh 18 Holyrood Park Road Edinburgh EH16 5AY Tel +44 (0)131 651 2035 Fax +44 (0)131 667 7271

• Plenary meeting space for up to 350 delegates • 4 breakout rooms • Up to 650 restaurant covers • State-of-the-art audio-visual systems • Excellent service and value • And more...

www.edinburghfirst.com

Conferences, Meetings & Events | Accommodation | Dining | Weddings | Outside Catering

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CONFERENCES & EVENTS

properties throughout the country, will display the best – from Edinburgh and Stirling Castles to scenic Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. And finally, the centre of choice for public sector organisations, and the NHS in particular, is the Beardmore Hotel & Conference Centre situated on the banks of the River Clyde near Glasgow. With 168-bedrooms and a brand new iMac in every one, this hotel is a member of the exclusive Conference Centres of Excellence Consortium. Catriona Anderson, marketing manager, associations for VisitScotland’s BTU, is proud of Scotland’s appeal for events large and small. She says: “Business tourism is a vital economic generator for Scotland delivering in the region of £723 million each year, with a substantial proportion of that attributable to events which come here from all over the world. In the current challenging conditions, value for money is top of planners’ priorities, but we can honestly say that quality is never compromised by price. “We are confident that our range of venues, combined with our passion for our country and all that it offers, as well as our indigenous expertise in sectors such as medicine, bio-technology, education and many more, give us an unbeatable edge over other locations. Scotland is famed as the home of golf, our cities all boast vibrant cultural programmes, we have team-building activities to suit every audience and there are outdoor activities for the most energetic to the enthusiastic novice, so we offer plenty of opportunities to mix business with pleasure.” VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit is an excellent first point of contact when planning a conference or event in Scotland. Providing swift and easy access to information on meeting venues, facilities and services in Scotland, the BTU can also give impartial advice and assistance on all aspects of planning your next event. Free services offered by the VisitScotland Business Tourism Unit include: • An extensive online venue search • Introductions to on-site destination management companies, professional conference organisers, and meeting planners • Impartial advice and assistance to planners • Site inspections and facility visits • Scottish support materials for promotional mailings • Provision of information booklets and guides, including a wide variety of VisitScotland publications At the time of writing, the finishing touches were being put to some exciting entertainment on the BTU stand, so head there and find out that doing business in Scotland is not just the best way to get more for your money, but can be fun as well.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: +44 (0)131 472 2376 Web: www.conventionscotland.com

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Travel is more than just A to B. Travel should help you achieve success. London’s best-connected venue for Government meetings and seminars The Hilton London Metropole is Europe’s premier, UK’s largest and London’s ﬁrst genuine conference and meetings hotel. Whether you are planning a small boardroom style meeting, seminars with breakout rooms or a big conference, we can accommodate all your needs under one roof, right in the heart of London. • 3 to 3000 can meet, 2 to 2000 can dine, 1 to 1000 can sleep

• 15 minutes from Heathrow airport via Heathrow Express from Paddington Station

• 1,054 bedrooms including Executive Rooms, Apartments and Suites

• 10 minutes from Eurostar terminal at St. Pancras International Station

• 40 conference and meeting rooms with 4,100 sq m of ﬂexible pillar-free space

• 2 underground stations with 4 different lines opposite the hotel

• Award winning Hilton Meetings concept

• Ideally situated on the intersection of major link roads to key motorways (M40, M4 and M1)

• Preferred with central Government departments

® 2009 Hilton Hotels Corporation

• Discounted rates for the Public Sector available

• On-site car park with 170 spaces and outside London’s Congestion Zone

To ﬁnd out more visit hiltonlondonmet.com or call +44 (0)20 7402 2400

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Written by Visit London

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

QEII Mountbatten Suite

AN APPETITE FOR LONDON Business trips can conjure up images of less than fantastic food. In recent times, however, that picture has changed – and in the case of London, this change has been dramatic THESE DAYS, COMING TO THE CAPITAL on business offers outstanding food in some truly wonderful surroundings. And while that might sound like hyperbole, talk to seasoned business travellers and you’re likely to find them vocal supporters of all aspects of the city’s dining scene. From canapés served at corporate events, private dinners at Michelin-starred restaurants, to food related motivational treats, London offers great eating and drinking through the year. MASTER CHEFS Let’s start with Jumeirah Carlton Tower. A stone’s throw from the shopping mecca of Knightsbridge the food on offer in the hotel is fresh, seasonal and about as far from the standard meeting fare as you’re ever likely to get. It’s also award winning – The Jumeirah Carlton Tower recently announced that its executive chef, Simon Young, has been named as Hotel Chef of the Year – 250 Covers at the annual Hotel

Cateys industry awards. The hotel is renowned for its Rib Room, The Chinoiserie and The Garden Rooms meeting and private dining venue where guests and delegates can feast on a delicious number of seasonal and innovative menus. Lancaster London is every bit as memorable. Voted best UK hotel for meetings by Incentive Travel Magazine for six of the last ten years, you’d expect the food to be something special – and that’s exactly what it is. Particularly enticing are the canapés; try crostini of beef carpaccio with parmesan and truffle oil, or ficelle of foie gras with peppered pineapple chutney as you enjoy amazing views across Hyde Park. The Wyndham Grand also offers outstanding dining. This recently refurbished all-suite venue is perched elegantly on the edge of the millionaire’s playground that is Chelsea harbour. And the food matches the view – from the glass-fronted Grand Ballroom on the lower ground floor to the meeting rooms on the Penthouse floor,

the eating here is second to none. One of London’s most high-profile venues is Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott hotel. The Great Room at Grosvenor House is Europe’s largest banqueting space, regularly hosting up to 2,000 guests at a wide range of glamorous events, from the Barclaycard Mercury Prize to the BAFTA Film Awards. It’s a venue with a long tradition of serving up sumptuous food for corporate guests. (For those interested in the history of the space, it’s worth checking out this short video, A Day in The Life of The Great Room: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn27BU7xYT4 TOP TABLES Meanwhile on the outskirts of the city, two venues boasting lush grounds and beautiful old buildings offer guests outstanding culinary experiences too. The Grove, at the heart of 300 acres of parkland, is the perfect venue for meetings and corporate events for 5 to

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Inspiring meetings in the heart of London With world-class facilities, central locations and impeccable service, our hotels are ideal venues for meetings and events. Charing Cross

The Cumberland

The Royal Horseguards & One Whitehall Place

The Tower

In the heart of the capital, the elegant and refined Charing Cross is an ideal location to meet or celebrate with 9 rooms to cater from 16 to 150.

With 26 meeting and function rooms that are cutting edge and bristling with technology, including the magnificent Ocean room, The Cumberland is designed to impress.

Set within the magnificent and historic splendour of this Victorian icon, there are 15 air-conditioned suites, flexible enough to accommodate your meeting or event, all complemented with the latest technology.

With arguably one of the best views in the capital, there are 19 fully equipped rooms from the stunning 12th floor penthouse of executive rooms to the larger function suites for up to 550 people.

Call 0871 376 9012

Call 0871 376 9014

Call 0871 376 9033 for The Royal Horseguards or 0871 376 9030 for One Whitehall Place

Call 0871 376 9036

WWW.GUOMAN.COM

Unique hotels. Collectively Guoman.

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750 guests. The other country property is Brocket Hall, set in over 500 acres of beautiful Hertfordshire countryside and former home to two British Prime Ministers, is just as well suited to serving you terrific food in an atmosphere that will feel a million miles from the hustle and bustle of the city. Its boardroom can accommodate up to 150 delegates for larger events while the stunning ballroom provides a unique dining experience. No article about food would be complete without a mention of Gordon Ramsay. Ramsay looms large over the London dining scene and conference delegates at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square can now tantalise their taste buds with dishes from his Michelin-starred ‘maze’ restaurant when they hold an event in the hotel’s ballroom – a major draw on any business event invite. Other business venues are able to boast some stunning architecture, great views or unusual art work and The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre is one of those. As London’s most prestigious purpose built centre for professional meetings the venue houses a world famous wooden sculpture ‘On this Island’ by Eduardo Paolozzi. The artwork is an unusual and thought provoking 6x5 metre constructed pine relief inspired by the music of the composer, Benjamin Britten. The sculpture, on display in the third floor Benjamin Britten Room, which overlooks Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, means that delegates can enjoy lunch or an evening dining experience whilst also taking in London’s iconic cityscape and seeing some eye-catching artwork. Another business venue that is particularly eye catching is The Royal College of Physicians and its award-winning Grade 1-listed modernist building overlooking Regent’s Park. The venue offers an ideal space for an exclusive private dinner or a banquet. The purpose-designed conference facilities include modern and historic meeting and seminar rooms, lecture theatres, and a versatile range of exhibition spaces and dining facilities. And when it comes to foodie connections, its credentials are impressive – just a couple of months ago it hosted an episode of BBC’s MasterChef: The Professionals. JUST THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS Private dinners offer an ideal atmosphere to get to know clients and suppliers better. And the capital has a fantastic range of private dining rooms to fit any budget. Of course most people know about the city’s growing number of Michelin-starred restaurants (49 at the last count, up from 45 in 2008) but there’s also exceptional dining to be enjoyed at the city’s other venues. The Barbican, one of the country’s premier arts venues, is a place to sample some of London’s best food. So before taking in a play with colleagues, visitors can sample the funky informality of the Balcony Bistro or the elegant setting of Searcys Restaurant.

Afternoon tea at Grosvenor House

Maze Restaurant at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square

The London Eye

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The long-established Rib Room at Jumeirah Carlton Tower has served London’s finest roast rib of Aberdeen Angus beef for over 40 years and has repeatedly secured this quintessentially British restaurant the accolade of Best Chophouse in Zagat’s London Restaurant Survey. And its fabulously decadent Gilt Champagne Lounge, which opened in October 2006, serves Pommery Champagne, caviar and a delicious selection of oriental snacks including Peking duck and foie gras pancakes and crab and lobster spring rolls. Both are ideal ways to unwind after a long day of commerce. Lancaster London’s award-winning Nipa restaurant is renowned as one the best Thai restaurants in town, while the hotel’s Island Restaurant is a super-chic split-level space with dramatic floor-toceiling windows with views across Hyde Park’s Italian Gardens. MENUS TO MOTIVATE What better way could there be to reward or motivate your staff than through good food and drink? London offers a dizzying (and filling) array of exclusive foodie treats to allow you to do just that. Among the most sought after are the range of events available on The Merlin Entertainments London Eye. For sweet-toothed high-achievers, the Green & Black’s chocolate-tasting event is always a winner. It involves an hour’s ‘flight’ on The London Eye, sampling and learning the story of one of the world’s finest organic chocolates. Guests will also receive tips in the art of chocolate tasting along with an insight into the different chocolates’ origins and intensities. And if all that chocolate hasn’t made put you off (as if!), there’s also a goody bag that contains a selection of mini Green & Black’s bars. Equally popular is the London Eye champagne-tasting event, which offers five stunning champagnes from Laurent-Perrier. Experts from top London wine and champagne tasting attraction, Vinopolis, will take you through the Rose, Ultra Brut, Non Vintage, Vintage and Grand Siecle champagnes. Sticking with the alcohol theme, the five-star luxury country hotel The Grove runs a wine tasting event where the sommelier will guide guests through a range of wines from around the world. The evening can act as a perfect way to reward a team or to get a networking event into full swing. With winter on the way, Wembley stadium also offers an ideal attraction to say thank you to any high-performing and sports-minded staff. A huge ice rink has been created that runs all the way around the stadium’s hallowed turf. 350 metres in total, it is the UK’s longest ice rink, and the ideal way to work up an appetite before sitting down to dinner at one of the stadium’s excellent restaurants.

an unforgettable evening. Available from April to September, guests can enjoy the intimacy of the King’s Dining Room, in which Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 80th birthday. FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD London also offers some major calendar events that celebrate food. These can be an ideal reason to hold a business event in the capital. Most recently, all eyes were on the city for the first ever London Restaurant Festival www.londonresturantfestival.com. Over 600 establishments signed up, many creating special festival menus, and with over 70 different national cuisines on offer in just a few square miles, there was truly something for everyone. The week-long celebration in early October aimed to shake off the recessionary blues surrounding the sector and drive hungry customers back through the doors of the city’s restaurants. And the paying public lapped it up. Business people, locals, visitors, even fellow restaurateurs and critics were thrilled by the quality and diversity on offer. Plans are already afoot for next year’s event, but for the business community this year’s event highlighted an important message, namely that eating in London is as good as it gets. So perhaps it’s no surprise that Visit London and the office of Mayor of London recently announced a major new push to attract business tourism. Because if the way to a businessman’s heart is through his stomach, companies should definitely take a trip to London.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information on business venues, business restaurants and hotels go to www.visitlondon.com/business

DINING VENUES FIT FOR A QUEEN If your event calls for something a little bit special, look no further than some of London’s most iconic venues. Far from being the preserve of tourists, many of these venues are available for private functions at surprisingly reasonable rates. For a really glamorous evening consider one of the royal palaces. Few spaces in the world have been witness to such an amazing array of historic events, from weddings to banquets to events of state. The influence of generations of royal women has shaped the elegant Kensington Palace. Today, the palace offers a unique selection of rooms available for formal dining, ranging from the rich and luxurious Red Saloon, to the airy elegance of Queen Anne’s Orangery. The palace also houses the stunning Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection where guests can get a glimpse into the world of court dress through the centuries. In the summer months, the peaceful sunken garden can provide a stylish location for cocktails. Also available to hire are the various rooms of The Tower of London, home to the priceless Crown Jewels. Entertain guests inside this imposing fortress where the ancient stones reverberate with dark secrets, priceless jewels glint in fortified vaults and ravens strut the grounds. For smaller parties or intimate dining among dazzling diamonds, try the Martin Tower, or go for the famous White Tower, a space that never fails to impress. Meanwhile, the New Armouries, built in 1663, have been meticulously restored to offer lunch and dinner for larger parties. Finally, the stunning Kew Palace. Nestled in the rural grounds of Kew Gardens, this dolls’ house-like royal residence will create

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Planning a meeting, conference or seminar? One Heddon Street provides a choice of flexible and well-appointed meeting rooms in discreet, unbranded surroundings along with transparent pricing to keep you on top of costings.

1 Heddon Street, London W1B 4BD

Our location off Regent Street is a refurbished Grade 11 listed building that is easily accessed by Tube and supported by friendly staff, excellent food, video conferencing, ‘chill out rooms’ and advanced IT support.

• Day Offices • Fully serviced offices • Managed office suites • Virtual office progammes

The Bentley London, Waldorf Astoria Collection captures the lavish grandeur of a bygone era, when the finest things were savoured every day and elegance was a way of life. From the bespoke amenities to the discreet and attentive service, guests are treated to an aristocratic experience from the moment they arrive.

For further details please contact our Meetings Manager on 0207 470 7100 or visit www.oneheddon.com Operated by

In the heart of London’s west end, Floridita provides a contemporary backdrop for daytime meetings, workshops, conferences, breakfasts, lunches and team building activities. Our well-equipped meetings spaces are available for as few as 12 people or as many as 450. Plasma screen, wi-fi and built-in media centre are all available.

With four superior event spaces and the entire 64 room and suite hotel available for private hire, The Bentley London is experienced in hosting diplomatic delegations and Heads of State, accommodating a wide range of occasions including glamourous receptions and official banquets. For moments of indulgent relaxation, the superb Le Kalon Spa and hammam offers an enticing range of beauty and body treatments along with fitness facilities. The Bentley London – The Waldorf Astoria Collection 27-33 Harrington Gardens, London SW7 4JX Tel: +44 (0) 207 244 5555 Fax: +44 (0) 207 244 5566 info@thebentley-hotel.com www.thebentley-hotel.com | www.waldorfastoriacollection.com

THE venue for 2010

Conferences, team training, product launches, lectures and meetings; we can accommodate up to 300 delegates in light and airy rooms. Give us a call or better still come in and see for yourself why PCCC has the answer to every event request.

Flexible layout make it an ideal choice for press breakfasts, product launches, occasional seating, cabaret or conference set-ups. Ideally located in the centre of London, Floridita is a short walk from Picadilly Circus or Oxford Circus Tube stations. Please call 020 7314 4000 or email info@floriditalondon.com to make a reservation Floridita 100 Wardour Street | Soho | London W1F 0TN Tel: 020 7314 4000 | Fax: 020 7314 4041 www.floriditalondon.com

Conference Team T: 020 7631 8306 E: conference@pccc.co.uk W: www.pccc.co.uk

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

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The perfect venue in the heart of London

Ort house – the perfect meeting space in London

OCATED OPPOSITE Regents Park, Park Crescent Conference Centre (PCCC) is ideally suited for conferences, exhibitions and training as well as having smaller spaces for break out and seminar rooms. PCCC’s bright, multipurpose rooms offer modern facilities with full AV equipment and Wi-Fi available for hire. Accommodating between 12 to 300 delegates in a combination of traditional and modern rooms with views over the beautiful Park Crescent Gardens you will forget you are in the heart of London. The theatre is our most flexible room, it will easily seat

RT HOUSE IS THE perfect location for your conference and meetings. Situated in Camden, North London, ORT House offers a range of rooms and services that can easily accommodate conferences up to 120 delegates, boardroom meetings, interviews seminars and training courses. Fully disabled accessible and with experienced conference staff on site, ORT House has air-conditioning in all rooms, a fully equipped IT suite with 12 state-of-the-art workstations, the latest in audiovisual equipment and gourmet in-house catering. “Camden LA has been using ORT house as a venue for training events and conferences on special educational needs issues for several years. The core training facilities - rooming, catering and ICT support – are of the

300 delegates theatre style for training or presentations, or with a state of the art, integrated light and sound system and a licensed bar it is also a perfect space for corporate entertainment or dinners PCCC prides itself on offering versatile solutions to every request. A professional and proficient in-house team, on site caterers and a selection of day delegate rate packages makes PCCC a superb choice of venue for 2010.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact the conference team Tel: 020 7631 8306 E-mail: conference@pccc.co.uk Web: www.pccc.co.uk

An academic conference venue and more... MPERIAL COLLEGE London offers an outstanding choice of conference, meeting, training, banqueting, exhibition and other event venues as well as an in-house catering service and accommodation in South Kensington, Central London. The Great Hall is our largest space and provides tiered seating for up to 740 delegates. Most commonly used for large conferences, it also makes an ideal space for awards ceremonies, exhibitions, press conferences, public events and much more. Our two historic and listed venues, 170 Queen’s Gate and 58 Prince’s Gate are available all year round and can host a range of events from workshops, private dinners, seminars and receptions for up to 120 guests. These two venues are perfect for impressing your guests and creating an exclusive experience for them. Our award winning in-house catering service provides delicious, high-quality food from canapés to elegant private dinners to working

lunches and more. We are always happy to create bespoke menus designed and themed especially for your event if required. Imperial College London also offers 3 to 4 star accommodation with more than 1,600 residential bedrooms on-site during summer, along with hotel accommodation all year round at preferential rates.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information, please contact the conference team on +44 (0) 20 7594 9494, e-mail conferenceandevents@ imperial.ac.uk or visit the website www.imperial. ac.uk/conferenceandevents

highest quality. ORT house is also exceptionally good value for money. We have always without exception found ORT house staff to be helpful, flexible and accommodating to our needs both at the planning stage and on the day of training events. ORT House is Camden LA’s local venue of choice for training and develoment on SEN matters.” Neil Smith, London Borough of Camden.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information, please visit www.orthouse.co.uk or call us on 020 7485 5847

Promoting sustainable forest management ONSUMERS, PUBLIC authorities and those charged with corporate procurement decisions are increasingly seeking assurances of responsible sourcing. The Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC) is the world’s largest sustainable forest management certification scheme; with over 220 million hectares currently under certification. Third party audited to internationally recognised and globally respected certification processes, PEFC certification provides a transparent system of forest inspection. Its chain of custody certification standard provides a means of tracking timber from certified forest to the final product. Specifying PEFC-certified timber for your construction projects provides you and your customers with assurances that the timber you use originates from legal and sustainable sources. Defra has rated PEFC-certified timber products as providing evidence of legal and sustainable

timber sourcing since 2005. Timber from PEFC endorsed national forest certification schemes is therefore eligible for all contracts under the UK Public Timber Procurement Policy. The government’s decision was based on an assessment by the Central Point of Expertise on Timber (CPET), which judged that the PEFC programme met the government’s requirements for Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) certification systems.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information on the PEFC scheme visit www.pefc.org.

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ALLinONE Meetings

in the Midlands

Designed with you in mind to save you both time and money, our ALLinONE Meetings package has all the ingredients for a successful meeting – PLUS you can choose one added value option at no extra cost:

Day delegate rates* from

£29

• 1 in 7 delegates free • Double BusinessClub or BusinessClubAgENt points • Free breakfast or ½ bottle of wine per delegate • Bedroom upgrades • Free Wi-Fi access in the meeting room Available at the following hotels:

*Rates per person and include VAT

24hr delegate rates**

from

£125

** Includes full English breakfast

Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC

0871 942 9160

necevents@ihg.com

Holiday Inn Birmingham M6 J7

0871 942 9009

meetings-birminghamgreatbarr@ihg.com

Holiday Inn Coventry

0871 942 9021

meetings-coventryM6@ihg.com

Holiday Inn Leicester

0871 942 9048

leicestercity.conferences@ihg.com

Holiday Inn Rugby-Northampton M1 J18

0871 942 9059

meetings-rugby@ihg.com

Written By Marketing Birmingham

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

MEET IN BIRMINGHAM Situated in the heart of England, at the very centre of an accessible, comprehensive transport network, Birmingham offers a wide range of world class venues and facilities for event organisers to choose from BIRMINGHAM HAS SUCCESSFULLY positioned itself as a global destination for both business and leisure visitors, and has developed a sizable visitor economy over the last 25 years. Visitor numbers increased from 29 million in 2005 to 32.2 million in 2008, contributing £4.6 billion into the local economy, an 11 per cent increase over the period1. While the leisure economy is improving, due in part to a regenerated city-centre, eclectic cultural offering and a larger share of the weekend city-break market, the sector is still heavily dependent on the business visitor. With 27,000 hotel bed spaces, the largest range of exhibition and conference facilities in the UK and its central location, it’s not an accident that the city remains a market leader in this sector. The city is one of Europe’s busiest meeting points and is home to a vast number of conference and meetings venues. These range from purpose-built, internationally renowned facilities, to academic venues and lesser known unusual settings, making Birmingham an ideal location to do business. MEET BIRMINGHAM Ian Taylor, commercial director at Marketing Birmingham, says: “Marketing Birmingham aims to position the city and region as the place to hold events, both in the UK and globally. This is why we launched a new marketing campaign for the city – Meet Birmingham. The overall aim is to position Birmingham as a leading global event city, knowledge capital and an international city of choice that delivers a world-class visitor experience.” The campaign’s website – www. meetbirmingham.com – showcases the services of Birmingham Convention Bureau which provides a vital resource for event organisers, with information to help find the right venues, accommodation, out of hours activities, travel information and everything in between. Birmingham Convention Bureau will be at Confex 23-25 February 2010. They are working in partnership with The NEC Group to show visitors the full range of the city’s resources. EVENTS Over the past year, Birmingham’s reputation as an events city has reached new heights with the success of major conferences to the city. Notable examples are the Conservative Party Conference and Rotary International Convention, which brought economic impacts to the city of £28 and £24 million respectively. The Centenary Rotary International Convention was the biggest of its kind to be held in the UK

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CONFERENCES & EVENTS

for two decades, and attracted some 20,000 delegates and support staff to the city. It took place in June 2009 at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), with concerts, markets and other events held around the city and surrounding region. This event had a major impact on the city and wider region – Birmingham’s city centre hotels enjoyed a massive boost in occupancy levels and income with occupancy rising to 71 per cent during June (compared with 64 per cent in the previous month)2. The city has also now established itself as part of the major political party conference circuit. The Conservative Party will return in 2010 and the Liberal Democrat Party will stage its spring conference in 2010 and its annual convention here in 2011. In October Birmingham was named the best performing European city in which to do business, having risen more places in Cushman & Wakefield’s influential European Cities Monitor than any of its

Following a £35 million renovation the Town Hall’s civic status has been fittingly restored as the oldest purpose built venue in Europe, celebrating its 175th anniversary in 2009. It can hold up to 900 guests without catering or 500 guests with catering. Partner venue Symphony Hall is considered to be the UK’s finest concert hall and has now opened its doors to private events for the first time in its 20 year history. It can be hired for conferencing events of up to 2,200 delegates and both venues share a dedicated team of in-house staff to assist with arrangements from planning stages through to overseeing the event on the day. The Studio is a refreshingly different and modern environment in Birmingham city centre available for meetings, training, events or product launches. The Studio was recently extended and now features a whole new floor of event spaces. The Studio now boasts a total of 15 versatile event spaces catering for meetings, training

With over 32million visitors to the city in 2008, Birmingham is fast becoming a must see destination from both a business and leisure perspective. We want to give business visitors a good experience of the city and showcase its leisure attractions to encourage them to return to Birmingham and enjoy a weekend here competitors. It is now second only to London in the UK for business. Birmingham now occupies the 14th spot amongst a total of 34 across Europe, and outperforms all other UK cities in this year’s report. Ian continues: “A big part of the success of Birmingham’s events is due to partnership working – we work closely with key organisations to deliver events and conferences via Team Birmingham, and will look to continue this approach in the future.” NEW OPENINGS & DEVELOPMENTS Aston Villa has completed the next stage of its redevelopment – upgrading the Holte Suite. Unveiled for the 2009/10 season, the Holte Suite has been brought up date with impressive state of the art facilities, contemporary design and the versatility to accommodate corporate and private events for up to 800 guests. Fans of Birmingham’s other football team can experience a new and improved venue when they visit Birmingham City this season. The executive areas at St Andrew’s stadium have been transformed with The Boardroom Club, Wiseman Suite and Captains Club boasting newly refurbished facilities with re-positioned bar areas, new décor, flooring and furniture. There is also a ‘history timeline’ in the Kop reception to showcase key moments and dates from the club’s 134-year history.

and receptions for up to 200 guests. Baskerville House, in Centenary Square, provides two floors of conference and serviced office space and is one of the largest commercial serviced office environments outside of London. Two brand new atria have been created at the heart of the building providing a great sense of space and light to the cafe area situated on the second floor. Birmingham Hippodrome, which stages some of the biggest shows outside the West End, has opened up its Stageside Bar Bistro as meeting and event space for daytime or evening private hire. Tucked away on Thorp Street adjacent to Birmingham Hippodrome Stage door, Stageside is a hidden gem with bare brick walls and leather sofas, offering a relaxing atmosphere and the perfect place to spot the stars. NEW HOTEL OPENINGS New hotel openings include the Village Prem hotel, located off the Stratford Road on The Green Business Park, the new build flagship 28,000 sq ft hotel represents a £22 million investment, and has created over 100 jobs for the area. It is equipped with 128 sleek modern en-suite bedrooms, cutting-edge meeting and conference facilities, as well as a fully equipped, state-of-the-art health and fitness club including 20m pool. The new Ramada Encore Birmingham City Centre has 131 stylish en-suite bedrooms,

and one purpose built meeting room on site, which can accommodate up to 30 delegates. The recently redeveloped Crowne Plaza is a 4-star property, located in Birmingham city centre, near the NIA and ICC. The hotel has 312 bedrooms and has expanded its private dining facilities with 17 rooms to cater for up to 150 delegates. Ian says: “Birmingham’s status as a major events city means that, even in a challenging global economy, investment continues in new hotels and venues, which demonstrates general confidence in the long term prospects of our visitor economy.” GOING OUT With three Michelin starred restaurants, more than any other UK city outside London, great food is becoming synonymous with Birmingham. Following the city’s biggest Taste of Birmingham food festival in July 2009, food lover’s bible The Good Food Guide confirmed that Birmingham’s restaurant scene is growing and thriving with three new establishments heading straight into the 2010 Guide and taking the city’s total to an impressive 11. The city’s emerging culinary stars were named as Edmunds, Joyoti’s Vegetarian and Turners, each of which has stormed into The Guide. The hard work of Birmingham’s restaurants is continuing to pay off, with Michelinstarred chef Glynn Purnell’s restaurant scooping the ‘AA Restaurant of the Year for England’, beating 5,000 competitors to the prestigious accolade. Not to be outdone, the region’s pub trade has also recently received a fantastic boost with the news that the Bell and Cross in Holy Cross has won the Good Pub Guide’s ‘Pub of the Year 2010’ with judges citing its ‘strong sense of individuality and mustcome-again appeal’ has winning qualities. With so much good news to shout about, and Taste of Birmingham 2010 on the horizon, Birmingham is fast becoming recognised as a top culinary city both regionally, nationally and internationally. Ian concludes: “With over 32 million visitors to the city in 2008, Birmingham is fast becoming a must see destination from both a business and leisure perspective. We want to give business visitors a good experience of the city and showcase its leisure attractions to encourage them to return to Birmingham and enjoy a weekend here.” Notes 1. The STEAM Report, compiled by research group Global Tourism Solutions 2. Figures from marketing specialist LJF Research.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more details on Birmingham’s conference and event offering including free venue location, click on to www.meetbirmingham.com

details An address in the heart of the city where the location speaks for itself. Flexibility, value for money, and a commitment to hospitality and service, where your satisfaction is our primary concern. Whether it is a meeting or an individual stay, we take care of the details, so you can take care of business.

2 Bridge Street, Birmingham B1 2JZ, United Kingdom telephone

+44 121 643 1234

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Why choose to book Conferences at the Radisson BLU Hotel? The Birmingham Botanical Gardens A S BIRMINGHAM’S fantastic renaissance continues; it brings along the landmark Radisson BLU Hotel. Birmingham is the perfect location for business and leisure travel; it’s a dynamic and vibrant city that offers a world-class cultural scene, superb shopping, fantastic nightlife and access to some of the UK’s most breathtaking countryside. The 39-storey glass structure adds a stylish twist to the city’s skyline, just minutes from the financial district, the ICC and fabulous shopping complexes. The hotel brings chic, fashion and fresh style to Birmingham, in the form of the three unique styles of the 211 bedrooms designed by the world renown Matteo Thun. The hotel provides excellent meetings and events facilities that are set to impress the most discerning guest. Facilities include 10 fully-equipped meetings and events rooms, the largest catering for up to150 guests. All rooms have natural daylight via floor to ceiling windows and state of the art AV equipment. All guests and

delegates can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access. The award-winning Filini Restaurant serves up a contemporary Italian dining experience that is almost 100 per cent Italian, whilst The Bar is the perfect place to sit, unwind and watch the world go by. Visit Obsession Spa on the 18th floor which provides spectacular views of Birmingham. Pamper yourself in the holistic treatment rooms which offer a range of bespoke packages.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Radisson BLU Hotel 12 Holloway Circus Queensway Birmingham B1 1BT Tel: 0121 654 6000 Fax: 0121 654 6004 E-mail: reservations. birmingham@radissonblu.com Web: www.radissonblu. co.uk/hotel-birmingham

VILLAGE Hotel Midlands – great for business ILLAGE HOTELS HAS always prided itself on giving people more, and that’s certainly true when it comes to its business offering too. Each VILLAGE hotel boasts its own dedicated meetings and conferencing facility known as The HUB, which offers an incredible range of state-ofthe-art equipment in sleek, stylish surroundings. VILLAGE can cater for any size of meeting or conference up to 250 delegates, but you’ll find the service just as good for a brainstorm of six. All delegates can also take advantage of unlimited refreshments, as well as the chance to enjoy the rest of the hotel at the end of the day, which again offers much more than you might expect. There’s VILLAGE health and fitness if you fancy a workout, Starbucks if you need a caffeine hit, The Victory Pub and Kitchen

ET IN THE MIDST of some of the most beautifully landscaped gardens in the country, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens offers a highly prestigious and unique venue for all kinds of meetings, conferences, dinners and receptions, indeed, it was chosen as the venue and catered for the Birmingham G8 Heads of State Summit Dinner. In character with the prestigious settings, the service and facilities offered are, without doubt, second-to-none. The venue boasts an extensive selection of menus and fine wines which, together with its impeccably high standards of service and food, ensure the very best of attention at all times. The menus are prepared and cooked, using only the finest fresh ingredients, by an expert brigade of chefs and offer an unsurpassable choice to suit every occasion. Reflecting the elegance of this magnificent venue, our reputation has been achieved through providing clients with not only superb food, but also an impeccable service. Managed by professionals, we

for a drink and some proper pub grub and Verve Grill for a mouthwatering meal. You might even decide to make a night of it – especially when you see the ultra modern bedrooms with luxury VILLAGE Sealy ZZZzzz Beds, 32” flat screen TVs, iPod docking stations* and air conditioning*. So, if you’re looking for somewhere stylish to do business, VILLAGE is definitely worth checking out – or maybe even checking in! *Available at certain hotels only

FOR MORE INFORMATION To book your meeting or conference today, visit www.village-hotels.co.uk or call one of the following numbers: VILLAGE Solihull – 0844 980 0118 VILLAGE Walsall – 01922 633 661 VILLAGE Coventry – 02476 719 000 VILLAGE Dudley – 01384 216 600

combine efficiency and flexibility with discreet hospitality. The Garden Suite with its elegant styling and decor, offers 5,200 sq.ft. of floor area, seating over 400 guests and can be partitioned if required, to facilitate smaller functions. The Terrace Suite offers 2,600 sq.ft. with a magnificent, permanent sprung dance floor and is the perfect venue for business and social functions catering for up to 180 guests. The Loudon Suite with its sweeping views across the gardens is ideally suited to smaller more intimate events of up to 60 guests.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Please contact Debi Gross, Amanda Richardson or Elizabeth Woodward on 0800 389 8950 or e-mail bbgconferences@redcliffe.com

Experience excellence at Edgbaston VERY UNFORGETTABLE event requires an outstanding venue. At Edgbaston, the home of Warwickshire CCC, you will find everything you need to host the perfect function. We are a unique, flexible location, willing and able to meet client requirements and work within budget constraints. With fantastic panoramic views around the ground and exceptional levels of service, Edgbaston is a venue with a difference. Edgbaston can accommodate an intimate meeting for just 2 or an AGM style gathering for over 200. The diversity of the spaces at the ground allow you

to choose the ideal room for your event. Delegates will be treated to a first-class service while they attend Edgbaston for however long they are on-site. The flexibility of Edgbaston as a venue is one of its major strengths, and whether it’s a lowkey conference or an away day that you’re after, our team will help you to plan and organise the perfect event. In fact, whatever you’re after, just say the word.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For further information, please go to www.edgbaston.com or contact Ruth Saunders on 0121 446 3616.

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Conference & Events with Style & Panache

Campanile Birmingham 0121 359 3330 M6 Junction 6 111 bedrooms, 5 meeting rooms with 200 delegate capacity, restaurant, bar, free car parking, free WI FI throughout the hotel

• From 4-600 delegates • Choice of 7 magniﬁcent suites • WiFi broadband • Superb catering

Campanile Coventry 02476 622 311 M6 Junction 2 47 bedrooms, 1 meeting room with 25 delegate capacity, restaurant, bar, free car parking, free WI FI throughout the hotel

• Free onsite car parking

Campanile Redditch 01527 510 710 M42 Junction 3 47 bedrooms, 1 meeting room with 25 delegate capacity, restaurant, bar, free car parking, free WI FI throughout the hotel www.campanile.com for best room rates and further information CHH Gov Bus Ad

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HAVE FIVE HOTELS W Eexcellently located across the Midlands, each in a prime position throughout the region, benefiting from the motorway of the M6, M1, M42 or M40 along with excellent access by air and rail. We have a comprehensive range of meeting rooms to suit your needs from two to 300 delegates. We also have a dedicated conference team to ensure that your event runs smoothly. All our meeting rooms are air conditioned and have natural daylight. Just as IHG enables you to personalise your meeting

24 hour Delegate rates from £99.95 Free Wifi Free car parking *Unlimited Delegate Tea & Coffee Great British Breakfast just £7.95

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Day Delegate rates from £29.95

The Corner House Hotel Park Street Taunton Somerset TA1 4DQ T: 01823 284683 E: res@corner-house.co.uk www.corner-house.co.uk

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens

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from £19.95 per person Early booking discounts available

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space and facilities, the same personalised service applies to the food and refreshments you and your delegates enjoy throughout the day. Whether you require lunch in the meeting room, a series of themed refreshment breaks or a choice of internationally themed lunches in the restaurant, our comprehensive food and drink service will ensure your delegates receive exactly what they want.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0871 942 9160 E-mail: necevents@ihg.com

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A base for business in Campanile Hotels in the heart of Birmingham the West Midlands YATT REGENCY Birmingham is a modern city centre hotel with a superb location. Linked by covered walkway to the International Convention Centre, the hotel is a short walk from Birmingham’s business, shopping and entertainment districts, the New Street train station and the National Indoor Arena. Birmingham International Airport and the National Exhibition Centre are easily accessible by train and road. This first-class hotel provides an excellent range of facilities, superb service and value for money that is second to none. Hotel guests enjoy spacious accommodation in 319 wellappointed guestrooms and suites offering generous working desks and panoramic views overlooking the city and canal basin from floor-to-ceiling windows. Meeting facilities at Hyatt Regency Birmingham include eight individually designed meeting rooms to accommodate from 12 to 240 guests, from a

purpose-built boardroom to the flexible ballroom, with meeting and breakout facilities to suit a variety of requirements. When the working day is done, recreational facilities at Hyatt Regency Birmingham include Aria Restaurant, Bar Pravda, 24-hour Room Service, and amala Spa and Club. Alternatively, head out to explore the wide variety of leisure and dining options in close proximity to the hotel.

with free car parking and now free Wi-Fi access throughout. You can dine in our homely restaurant from our extensive a la Carte menu, serving traditional British dishes with a French twist or relax in the bar and try a lighter bite from our snack menu. There is also our famous starter and dessert buffet which promises a dish to suit every taste.

FOR MORE INFORMATION If you’re planning a meeting or conference then Campanile can help with all three hotels providing conference facilities. Check out www.campanile.com for the best prices for bedrooms or further details on our UK portfolio.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Hyatt Regency Birmingham 2 Bridge Street Birmingham B1 2JZ Tel: 0121 643 1234 E-mail: birmingham. regency@hyatt.com Web: birmingham. regency.hyatt.com

National Motorcycle Museum – where legend lives on HE NATIONAL Motorcycle Museum’s award winning facilities provide a truly unique venue for your conference, seminar, banquet or function. Breathtaking displays of literally hundreds of fully restored British motorcycles are on hand to provide an extra attraction to your delegates. We aim to offer more than a unique venue, however. We know that the success of any function is dependent upon the backing and support of an experienced and caring staff. 13 luxuriously appointed and newly renovated suites, ranging from just five to up to 1,000 delegates offer the flexibility to suite most requirements. The National Motorcycle Museum is at the hub of the country’s motorway system and rail network, with Birmingham International railway station just five-minutes taxi ride away. Access from everywhere within the UK is direct and overseas

AMPANILE HOTELS have three locations in the West Midlands, each close to major transport networks. With sites in Birmingham, Redditch and Coventry not only do we provide accommodation for business travellers to these areas we are also ideally located for the NEC and Birmingham Airport. Campanile Birmingham is two minutes from the city centre and two minutes from the M6 junction six, whilst Campanile Coventry is less than one mile from junction two of M6 and Campanile Redditch only two miles from Junction three of the M42. Each hotel provides comfortable, contemporary accommodation

visitors praise the excellent international services provided at Birmingham Airport, which is less than two miles away. The National Exhibition Centre is also near the Museum complex and we offer vast car parking facilities. Many of our clients are ‘bluechip’ companies from home and overseas. They come back to us time after time – we know you will too, and look forward to seeing you to discuss your requirements in the near future.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0121 704 2784 Fax: 0121 711 3153 E-mail: admin@ nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk

Modern conference facilities at the Birmingham Hotel HE BIRMINGHAM HOTEL offers comfortable en-suite bedrooms, full service restaurant and bar, extensive conference and banqueting facilities for both day and residential conferences with free car parking for over 120 cars. The Birmingham hotel works very closely with government hotel booking agencies, rail companies and Birmingham City Council and has been a preferred conference venue for many of the Council’s departments including: Social Care & Health, Safeguarding Children Board, Mental Health, Transport and Directorate of Adults and Communities. The conference rooms are airconditioned, have natural daylight with its own foyer and break out rooms and are equipped with modern equipment and wireless internet access. The rooms can be divided into small and large meeting rooms ideal for training sessions and seminars. Please enquire for our special conference offers from just £24.95 day delegate and

from only £89.00 for 24 residential delegate rates. Call for our unbeatable special Xmas Party Nights from just £9.95 per person (include buffet, disco and room hire). We look forward to welcoming you to The Birmingham Hotel. The hotel is located opposite Small Heath Rail Station on the busy A45 near to the city centre, NEC and Airport.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Poets Corner, Golden Hillock Road, Birmingham B11 2PN Tel: 0121 604 8111 Fax: 0121 604 8004 E-mail: gm@the birminghamhotel.com Web: www.the birminghamhotel.com

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EVENT PRODUCTION

THE ULTIMATE EVENT Formerly The Event Show, the Event Production Show is the place to go if you are involved in putting on fantastic events

THE EVENT PRODUCTION SHOW (previously known as The Event Show), will take place in the Grand Hall at Olympia in London on the 2-3 February 2010. The change of name has been implemented to more accurately reflect what the exhibition has to offer its visitors. For those working in the public sector, The Event Production Show can save you time and money with just one day out of the office. It provides event professionals with the opportunity to see products, many for the very first time, at the exhibition that has become the place to be seen for the industry’s movers and shakers. GREATER RANGE OF PRODUCTS Michelle Tayton, Event Manager explains: “Next year there will be an even greater range of products and services available that are relevant to anyone involved in the production of events. From community projects and festivals to corporate functions and theatrical shows, everything will be represented at Olympia and we have a record number of new exhibitors launching products for the first time at the show.”

NEW FEATURES There will be a new feature area called Stadia that will be dedicated to associated exhibitors such as Arena Group, specialists in temporary and permanent event seating. They will be displaying their grandstand seats together with a specially created VIP networking area. Stadia will also incorporate a football pitch featuring live sports related entertainment and space has been allocated for up to eight football clubs, sports venues and racecourses to promote their facilities to professional event organisers. “We’re delighted to be returning to the new look Event Production Show as it moves into a bigger hall and spreads its wings,” said Arena Seating sales director Dave Withey. “The Arena Group’s long standing links supplying temporary seating and structures to sports venues of all types and sizes made our support for the new Stadia Zone a logical tie-up. We are associated with a wide variety of events and this exhibition is the ideal platform where we can engage organisers from across the board.” Another new feature at the show is Event Fest, the bar area that will demonstrate experiential marketing in action. Themed

around a live festival, visitors will see how the latest bar technology, lighting, sound and theming can be used to promote a brand in a festival environment. As always, visitors will be rubbing shoulders with some of the nation’s biggest names in event production who use this area to network and meet new contacts. The ADI Group is a familiar name in the world of public events such as community projects, music festivals and concerts. The company will launch The iCONIC iFLY, a revolutionary new concept in mobile LED screens. With the covers officially coming off on the first day of the show, ADI promise that the iFLY “will revolutionise the flown LED screen market for event organisers.” They will also be launching their new iCONIC Billboard product, which will be featured outside the entrance to the show. Billboard offers a 6m x 3m billboard screen on a mobile platform that can be deployed in minutes. Billboard’s key feature is its high resolution “SMD” screen, giving breathtaking quality and making the picture viewable from a much closer distance. I-vox is a new exhibitor with a very quirky and exciting new product to shout about.

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EVENT PRODUCTION

The company specialises in the sale or hire of video diary booths, now made famous by programmes such as the X Factor. I-vox has a wide range of themed video diary booths from a London black cab to a red telephone box. They are great for community feedback and the company also provides it own touch screen technology and they can design bespoke booths to fit with any type of event. The official audio-visual supplier to the Event Production Show is Smart AV and they will be showcasing a range of new products for hire including the new Samsung 82’ full high definition LCD screen, multitouch tables as used by the X Factor judges this year as well as interactive surfaces. Powerline is launching a new generator truck at the exhibition. The company is well established providing the power for such prestigious events as Womad, Green Man and Guilfest. They also supply a number of other live events such as the Oxford Street Christmas lights switch-on and the outside broadcast power for Premiership rugby and football. Pearce Hire provides power, lighting, audiovisual and production facilities for concerts, theatres, indoor and outdoor events, exhibitions and the corporate market. Their full range of services include sales, installation, servicing and in-house electrical testing and key clients include several councils from all over the country as well as international production shows. The iBar is a new launch from Arcstream AV, the special effects and audio-visual company. The iBar is an interactive multitouch bar unit that can be programmed with your company logo, bespoke content or a selection of pre-programmed effects; a selection of laser systems which join outdoor projection, lighting and 3D technologies. A veteran exhibitor is Themes Inc. Last year was their 13th consecutive year and they took the bold decision to double the size of their stand. The gamble certainly paid off, making the decision to further increase their stand holding for 2010 straight forward. David Churches, managing director, explains: “We have exhibited at this show every year since its inception and last year we had the largest stand at the show. It has always produced the highest quality leads in substantial numbers.” David continues: “The rebranded Event Production Show suits us perfectly. Themes Incorporated is a leading supplier of themed props and event equipment, whilst our sister company, Batmink Ltd, is one of the UK’s largest distributors of production sound, lighting and associated equipment, and will be taking a portion of our increased stand holding. I’m certain that the renamed Event Production Show will again deliver the quality and quantity of leads that is essential to justify investment.” If you are involved in heritage attractions or museums, then you will appreciate the need in this technological age to make exhibitions more interactive and immersive. The Event Production Show has attracted

a wide range of exhibitors who can bring static displays to life with innovative lighting, modern technology and special effects. Michelle Tayton said: “Museums are changing perceptions with the way in which exhibits are presented to visitors. Customers are no longer satisfied with a series of static exhibits and museum professionals are aware now more than ever, that the visitor experience can be enhanced by bringing exhibits to life. Even on a tight budget, you can create innovative backdrops using sound and lighting technology or film footage for example, as an alternative to spending money on facades.” EXHIBITORS Amongst the 250 exhibitors at the Event Production Show, there will be companies providing eco-friendly promotional and modular displays, audio visual screens, admission systems and CCTV, bespoke floor coverings, film footage, themeing professionals, creative lighting and sound technology. If you are interested in film and video production then look no further than ST16, exhibiting for the first time at the Event Production Show. One of the top 100 UK corporate production companies the team has won Gold awards around the globe from New York film festivals to the Royal Television Society’s ‘Best Digital Innovation’ so you can rest assured you are getting the best quality service and technology. The ever popular Access Sessions are welcoming back Glastonbury guru Michael Eavis to what is sure to be a packed seminar room. Also in the speaker line-up is Lee Bailey, senior sponsorship and events manager at Diageo GB, who is primarily responsible for the Guinness Premiership and Cheltenham Festival sponsorships and also the mobile bars for Guinness, Pimm’s, Gordon’s, Smirnoff Ice and Cuervo. Alex Connock, chief executive at 10 Alps, and Andy Vinsen, commercial sales director at Keith Prowse, are confirmed for the

celebrated round table Question Time style session, chaired by Live Nation’s John Probyn which gives professional event organisers the opportunity to talk direct to the experts. Terry Burwell is the tournaments and competitions director for the Rugby Football Union and he is the lead member on the RFU steering group for the Rugby World Cup 2015. Terry will detail the process behind winning the pitch and delivering the tournament, which is set to deliver £2.1bn to the British economy. There will also be a ‘Spotlight on Local Authorities’ seminar hosted by the National Outdoor Events Association, to keep public sector event organisers up to date with the very latest laws and health and safety regulations. ENTERTAINMENT Once again the Event Production Show is the only event industry exhibition to attract named artistes to the Live At The Grand Stage, courtesy of Showbizworks.com There will be a performance from Robert Bathhurst, better known for his appearances in comedy drama Cold Feet, who has launched a fantastic spoof sales conference speech that is perfect for a light-hearted interlude in company conferences or corporate events. There will be a host of speciality acts that have not been seen before at event led exhibitions and the highlight of the two day show will be a performance from world dance champions Flawless, whose new movie Streetdance 3D is due for release in May 2010. The SRD Group will be providing all sound and lighting for the stage. So make a note of the dates in your diary now, the 2nd and 3rd February 2010, as this is the first event industry exhibition of the year, perfect for budget planning and keeping ahead of competitiors.

FOR MORE INFORMATION To pre-register and to keep up to date with the Event Production Show news, visit www.eventproductionshow.co.uk

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To compete in a high‐performance world it is necessary to monitor and conserve energy use. Siemens Metering Services prides itself on delivering world class solutions and services and has achieved the status of certified supplier of Smart Metering to ‘Government Buying Solutions’, the national procurement partner for UK public services. Contact us today to find out how Siemens can help you deliver all your Smart Metering and Energy Management requirements. Call us on 0115-906-6966 or visit www.siemensenergy.co.uk Siemens is the high performance partner of the GB rowing team

CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme We can help you with your Carbon Reduction Commitment * * * * * *

How are you affected? - Impact Assessment Compliance - Annual and Footprint Reports Preparation of your Evidence Pack Carbon Monitoring & Targeting Software Outsourced Energy Management AMR Installations and Carbon Trust Standard preparation for your Early Action Metrics

Public sector organisations can appoint TEAM Bureau and Consultancy including our CRC Services through the Buying Solutions framework agreement.

Quality Data is fundamental to comply with CRC legislation. TEAM’s unique Sigma M&T Software, outsourced Bureau and Consultancy Services can provide you with a cost effective solution.

Energy Management Solutions TEAM (EAA Ltd) Tel. 01908 690018 enquiries@teamenergy.com www.teamenergy.com

Written By Joan Ruddock, Energy and Climate Change Minister

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TIME FOR CHANGE In April next year a new scheme will begin to help private and public sector organisations save energy, save money and, in a growing environmentally conscious world, become a leader in tackling climate change THE CARBON REDUCTION COMMITMENT Energy Efficiency Scheme will be a legal requirement for certain organisations to take up cost effective energy efficiency measures that have previously been overlooked. Heating and powering workplaces accounted for more than a tenth of the UK’s emissions last year so making them more efficient will help tackle climate change and reduce costs in fuel bills. The CRC is estimated to deliver emissions savings of up to 4.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year by 2020 and save up to £1 billion each year in energy costs by the same time. The science is clear – if we don’t act the UK’s climate could change drastically. We could be subject to more freak weather events like droughts, heat waves and floods. So the UK has

put itself in the shop window by committing to reduce emissions by at least a third from 1990 levels in just 11 years. Local authorities and central government departments will play a key role in helping to achieve this. REPORTING CARBON EMISSIONS The CRC will place an obligation on organisations including all central government departments to report their carbon emissions, and purchase allowances to cover these emissions each year. Whether an organisation has to participate is determined by their electricity consumption during 2008. Any organisation with a “settled half-hourly electricity meter” will have to provide data to the scheme administrator, the

Environment Agency, on how much half hourly metered electricity it uses. If that was less than 6,000MWh in 2008 they must tell the administrator, but then no further action will be required. For those that used 6,000MWh or more, roughly equating to a bill of £500,000 per year, then they will have to start monitoring and recording emissions from energy use from April next year. We estimate this will affect 5,000 organisations. The CRC will operate as a ‘cap & trade’ system. This means organisations will have to purchase allowances at the beginning of each year. These allowances will permit a certain amount of carbon to be emitted. If this limit is exceeded, more will have to be bought. However, by taking measures

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Moving out? Moving in? “How to Improve your Energy Performance Ratings for Carbon Reduction”! The successful Enercom eight and three channel data loggers are proven technology in understanding and evaluating energy use within a commercial building Enercom aM&T technology provides day plus one consumption profiles demonstrating where energy is being used and where wastage can be minimised. The Enercom system has the unique feature of Powerline Communications making installation clean, convenient and cost effective. With the ability to store up to up to six months of half hourly pulse data, Enercom systems provide the perfect solution for all energy management applications. The new Enercom Multilog G3t is the latest addition to the Enercom product portfolio this three channel data logger is provided with a remote temperature data collection feature, giving the system the additional function of degree day analysis. For more information contact: Dean Noden at Enercom Tel: 01455 840100

Green-Works can help you and the Environment… Our National Network will Remove, Re-use and Re-manufacture unwanted office furniture.

Moving Out? • Achieve your Corporate Responsibility agenda • Divert Office furniture from Landfill • Projects from 8 to 8,000 workstations

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to improve energy efficiency, the need to buy more permits will decrease. FINANCIAL REWARDS The beauty of the CRC is that those organisations which take up energy efficiency measures will be further rewarded financially, and gain an additional incentive to act. This is because there will be a ranking based on performance in the CRC, taking into account things like the overall carbon emissions reduction, whether action has been taken before the scheme started and the emissions reduction relative to business growth. At the end of the year, all the revenue raised from the sale of allowances will be recycled back to participants. Those who have performed well will receive more of this money and will be able to show they are doing something tangible to tackle climate change. There will be upfront costs to making organisations more energy efficient, but the savings in energy bills and the extra money from recycled payments should be well in excess of the costs of participating in the scheme. The Carbon Trust provides information and advice to public sector organisations about making energy efficiency changes and can advise on what financial help is available. Many organisations are already preparing for the introduction of the scheme, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not too late to start. In autumn this year, the Environment Agency will contact all the billing addresses of the qualifying metering equipment and will be publishing guidance about qualification for the scheme.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Organisations can sign up to the CRC mailing list to receive regular updates and notifications. Visit www.decc.gov.uk/crc

The publications you need in an emergency

SO PUBLISHES A WIDE range of titles to support emergency services professionals and voluntary services. The range of publications currently available includes the Fire Safety Risk Assessment Guides, Fire Service Manuals and Generic Risk Assessments, all of which are crucial documents for fire and rescue services responding to incidents. Roadcraft publications, the official handbooks used by the police service to train drivers, are also available through TSO; along with the Major Incident Procedure Manual and publications on water rescue such as Water Awareness for Rescue Professionals and Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Guidance. TSO has established trading relationships with the Emergency Services throughout

the UK for the supply of publications and support for sourcing fire, rescue and related publications. The full range of emergency services publications available can be found by visiting www.tsoshop.co.uk/emergencyservices

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01603 696 801 Fax: 0870 243 0129 E-mail: christinehawthorn.gcs@tso.co.uk Web: www.tsoshop.co.uk

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AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS – HIT OR MYTH? The idea of using free, renewable energy from the outdoor air to provide all the heating and hot water a home needs can be a difficult concept to grasp when the chill of winter has just begun to bite THIS IS, HOWEVER, EXACTLY WHAT

the Ecodan® air source heat pump will do, all year round, even if outdoor temperatures should drop to -15ºC or more. Ecodan completely replaces an oil or gas boiler and it can help combat fuel poverty as running costs are reduced by at least 30 per cent over gas, whilst carbon emissions are cut by 50 per cent. It achieves these remarkable levels of efficiency by harvesting renewable energy from the surrounding air and upgrading it to useful heat. This means that for every 1kW of electricity used, a home will receive at least 3kW of heating energy. FINANCIAL INCENTIVES

Everyone realises the need for a sustainable, mass-market alternative to

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traditional gas and oil boilers, not only to help combat the effects of climate change but also to tackle the financial impact of continually rising fuel prices. “Hot water and space heating account for more than 70 per cent of the energy we use in UK homes, so as a nation, if we can find ways of reducing the energy needed to keep our homes comfortable then we can start to make a real difference – house by house,” explains John Kellett, general manager of Mitsubishi Electric’s Heating Division. Ecodan is ideal for newly-built properties and can help houses achieve levels three and four of the Code for Sustainable Homes. It is also suitable for many older homes that have appropriate levels of thermal insulation. It works with traditional radiators, as well as the more modern underfloor heating

systems, can be fitted by a qualified plumber or heating installer and sits quietly outside a home, to provide the occupants with comfortable and controllable heating. “Heat pump systems have been available for years and they are used extensively in Scandinavia, but it is only the new generation of units such as Ecodan, that can offer the combined advantages of new design and inverter-driven technology taken from the commercial heating sector,” adds Kellett. USE IN SCOTLAND

This makes Ecodan much more efficient and – equally important in the social housing sphere – much quieter than previous heat pump technology. Scottish gas has recently ordered 1,200 units under the Scottish Government’s Energy Assistance package to

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help combat fuel poverty north of the border. Mitsubishi Electric has already recruited an army of almost 500 installer companies nationwide and in September this year, started production of Ecodan in Scotland. The system, now in its third generation, comes in three sizes (5kW, 8.5kW and 14kW) to suit the vast majority of homes and is MCS-Accredited, which also makes it eligible for a grant against installation. “We have the installers ready and the manufacturing capacity to match the expected growth in demand for renewable domestic heating,” ends Kellett. FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01707 282880 Web: www.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/heating

A complex case for a simple solution? Smarter Automatic Meter Reading (AMR)?

MR (AUTOMATED METER READING) is now a topic that has reached even the furthest corners of the UK plc. The main driver of recent months has been the Carbon Reduction Commitment, or CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, as it is now to be known. As recently as last month the Environment Agency has had a climb down on the requirement to buy two years carbon allowances in July 2011, essentially halving the cash flow impact of the CRC energy efficiency scheme on qualifying businesses. The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme’s impact on your business (should it qualify) will in 2011 entirely depend upon what are called the Early Action Metrics, whereby a league table is drawn up and your company’s relative performance to others is gauged by these metrics. In the first year, a successful installation of AMR across 90 per cent of your portfolio should see you avoid the associated financial penalties as AMR accounts for 50 per cent of these metrics. The other metric is to achieve the Carbon Trust Standard or other similar scheme. In the second and third year the impact of AMR has doubled, now delivering 40 per cent in the second year and 20 per cent in the third year. This now gives higher emphasis to Early Action changes and reducing more slowly to better recognise your investment

in AMR. Of course your company’s ability to reduce its consumption weighs heaviest after the first year. With the difficulties of doing this from estimated invoices, AMR is the best way to prove exactly what you have used. AMR covers a range of technologies, all of which provide users with timely and accurate access to their utility usage. AMR is available for electricity, gas and water meters, however in the case of gas and water, a data logger or other similar device needs to be connected to your meter via a pulse output, should a working pulse output be present on your meter. “It is important that your AMR solution is independently verified, financial and

consumption benefits clearly detailed, and that the same company will support you in a year or two’s time when you are asked to prove the results,” said Jonathan Akers, head of technical energy services at BIU, who provide metering services to RBS, Tesco, One Stop Stores, NCP, Pets at Home, Café Rouge, Poundland, Pret-a-Manger and the 2012 Olympics’ Athletes Village.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01253 789 816 Fax: 01253 714 131 E-mail: amr@biu.com Web: www.biu.com

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CEMETERY MANAGEMENT Cheaper and easier to maintain and build, more beautiful and inspirational – that’s the future for British cemeteries, says Justin Smith of Cemetery Development Services Ltd (CDS), the UK’s largest independent cemetery design and management company “IN THE RIGHT SETTING AND WITH GOOD design, a new cemetery can be truly iconic and even a statement of architectural brilliance. And given the technology now available, burial facilities could even provide revenue for local authorities, instead of being a drain on finances.” Mr Smith’s company is pioneering a revolution in cemetery design and construction. COST All too often, councils carry on with the traditional ‘public service’ approach to burial grounds and memorialisation, with most sites operating at a significant financial loss, he argues. “Burial is a choice made by the minority and subsidised by the majority.” Cost of the average burial plot over 75 years to the local authority is between 500-1000 per cent more than the fee charged, due to management and maintenance of the burial site. This compares with crematoriums, where the “ash to cash” business generates significant revenues for local authorities and private practice alike. Due to poor returns, many cemeteries have fallen into disrepair following cost cutting of maintenance budgets. CDS has completed a number of church yard and cemetery regeneration projects, turning dilapidated sites into beautiful wildflower parks and pockets of much needed natural, green landscape in the heart of run-down city areas. More pressing though is the need to re-think

new cemetery solutions as the large municipal Victorian cemeteries run out of capacity. “New public and private cemeteries are being built in numbers not seen since 150 years ago. Now is a great opportunity to make strategic changes in our burial concepts,” says Mr Smith. He wants local authorities to provide “an architectural and environmental legacy for future generations to enjoy.”

In the right setting and with good design, a new cemetery can be truly iconic and even a statement of architectural brilliance. And given the technology now available, burial facilities could even provide revenue for local authorities, instead of being a drain on finances. All too often, councils carry on with the traditional ‘public service’ approach to burial grounds and memorialisation, with most sites operating at a significant financial loss First, the mass produced black polished granite plinth and plate lawn memorials should be consigned to history, he says. “We should reject those depressing so-called burial villages, with their sterile seas of gravel and cast concrete, reminiscent of the 1960’s urban jungle.”

Proposed plan phase 1

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“Memorial parks should instead be a complementary blend of striking sculptures and stunning natural landscape design, with the financing helped by the dead and enjoyed by the living. The most beautiful cemeteries we have seen around the world have always been notable for their simplicity and harmonious balance between memorialisation and soft landscaping.

A design succeeds when visitors can be inspired by the dynamism of the setting at any time of year, season to season.” MAINTENANCE A beautiful cemetery need not come

Proposed plan phase 2

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at a high price, he says. “With modern technology and design, maintenance costs can be cut by 60 per cent.” Lessons can be learned from the US. “In Palm Springs, California we saw a truly inspirational design with open space only interrupted by copious planting of ornamental tress. Memorialisation was by way of bronze plaques laid flush with the ground. Mow-over vases provided the bereaved with the option of personalising their loved one’s grave. This design was very easy to maintain.” SOLUTIONS FOR THE FUTURE Solutions for the future might include the “Super Cemetery”, he suggests. “In the same way that a number of local authorities use a single crematorium under joint management, a single large cemetery could service a number of burial authorities more effectively, and provide a stunning, up-to-date facility with efficient use of labour and resources.” “Alternatively, councils could consider partnerships with private investors. That’s what’s happening now in South London; the largest private cemetery investment since Victorian times is building a facility at a cost of £28million. When completed, this cemetery will provide a testament to modern landscape design and give the bereaved a quality of burial service not seen since the reign of Queen Victoria.” Mr Smith believes that burial fee structures should be “sensibly reviewed” to reflect the true cost of operating a cemetery, and allow proper investment in upkeeping and future proofing. “Fees are currently inappropriately low, which has been part of the problem and has led to cemetery dilapidation.” PROFITABLE FACILITY Cemetery Development Services aims to help local authorities to locate, design and develop cemeteries to ensure the creation of a profitable cemetery facility. In suitable geographical locations, Local Authorities can be brought together to develop a single cost effective burial solution. The company has undertaken 80 feasibility studies over the past four years, and has completed the building of five cemeteries this year. “A further 20 are on the drawing board,” says Mr Smith.

From this...

...to this...

FOR MORE INFORMATION CDS Limited The Old Farmhouse West Park Farm Haynes West End Haynes Bedford MK45 3RD Tel: +44 (0) 1234 740845 Fax: +44 (0) 1234 740945 E-mail: info@cem-dev.co.uk Web: www.cdscemeterys.co.uk

...to this

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A NATURAL ALTERNATIVE TO AIR CONDITIONING Reduce your carbon footprint with Monodraught’s natural ventilation systems

IN ORDER TO CONTINUE DELIVERING world class health care, the NHS and its building stock face a number of modern challenges such as the incorporation of new equipment and medical practices, increasing energy consumption, the negative effects of climate change, and the increasing potential for epidemics and pandemics. Energy is a big issue because future sources are insecure, prices are rising, and its consumption is directly related to total carbon emissions. Approximately 44 per cent of energy consumed in a typical NHS hospital is used for air and space heating and so one may expect climatic warming to lead to reduced consumption in winter months. However, an assessment of energy consumed between 1999 and 2005 shows that overall consumption has increased by seven per cent to 44.8 million GJ per annum. At this growth rate, and at fixed prices, energy costs are likely to double every 10 years. NHS organisation in England and Wales are struggling to meet existing energy and carbon emissions reduction targets. The NHS Sustainable Development Unit (NHSSDU) has declared an ambition to make all new buildings to be low carbon by 2015, and zero carbon by 2018, but while mitigating the effects of climate change is imperative, some climate change will occur inside the next 50 years. Most NHS trust buildings are not airconditioned, which helps to reduce their energy demand, but renders their buildings’ potentially susceptible to climate change. Whereas healthy individuals can adapt to generally higher temperatures this is not necessary so for NHS patients who may be sick, confined to bed, or have suppressed thermoregulatory

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systems. Furthermore, hospitals must provide comfortable working conditions for staff who may be involved in life-threatening work, and they are expected to provide a safe haven for the wider population in the event of severe heat waves. The challenge of reconciling the competing demands of curbing energy use and improving resilience to climate change is one that must be met by modern hospitals and the building services products that they employ. Buildings that provide healthcare traditionally bring together a wide range of carbon intensive activities and processes, so there is a need for all NHS organisations making capital investment to integrate formal carbon reduction requirements. Low carbon technology must be developed and exploited to enable the delivery of sustainable healthcare. CONSIDERING NATURAL VENTILATION The NHSSDU acknowledges that buildings designed with passive ventilation have improved resilience to energy supply failure and The Carbon Trust states that a naturally ventilated building has half the energy costs and associated CO2 emissions of a comparable mechanically ventilated building. Furthermore, the Health Technical Memorandum (HTM03-01) states that “natural ventilation is always the preferred solution for a space, provided that the quantity and quality of air required, and the consistency of control to suit the requirements of the space, are achievable”. Natural ventilation has been shown to impact favourably on perceived indoor air quality, and occupants have been shown to be more tolerant of variations in carbon dioxide levels and temperatures than in mechanically ventilated buildings.

Some concern over airborne disease and cross infection in naturally ventilated buildings has, in the past, been a driver for the installation of mechanical ventilation systems in healthcare premises. However, current academic research suggests that there are a number of coexisting factors that can contribute to infection transmission and so it is difficult to completely rule out the possibility of transmission by routes unrelated to the type of ventilation, or to quantify the impact of ventilation on infection transmission rates. It is also suggested by a clinical scientist at the Patient Safety Agency that “true airborne infection is rare, what is fairly common is the direct route of infection”. Clearly, there is a necessity to employ energy-saving natural ventilation intelligently, and the NHSSD states that up to 70 per cent of net floor area could be wholly or partly naturally ventilated. Accordingly, the Monodraught Windcatcher natural ventilation system can channel a controlled quantity of fresh air into a room from roof level, whatever the wind’s direction, and without mechanical assistance. Furthermore, the Sola-Boost uses the Windcatcher technology in coordination with a solar powered fan to guarantee additional ventilation on sunny days. CONSIDERING THE NEED FOR DAYLIGHT Adequate indoor lighting is essential for hospital staff to work and move about in safety, perform tasks, and create a pleasing ambiance. People have a strong preference for daylight over electric lighting in a room, and in a healthcare environment daylight can be beneficial to staff and patients alike. For example, there is strong evidence relating exposure to daylight with reductions in depression and pain alleviation while it is also known to improve the circadian rhythm and sleep patterns. Monodraught Sunpipes bring daylight into areas that are not easily served by windows; they require no maintenance and are compatible with any building design. When compared against a roof light a Sunpipe eliminates glare and significantly reduces summer heat gains, and minimises winter heat losses. Together, these key products can help stakeholders achieve a safe, secure, and comfortable environment that allows patients to convalesce and staff to provide world class healthcare.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01494 897700 Web: www.monodraught.com

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BE PART OF IT

Ecobuild is the world’s biggest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment COMBINING AN 850 EXHIBITORSTRONG product showcase with more than 100 free conference and seminar sessions and dozens of interactive educational attractions, Ecobuild connects formal learning with practical experience. Almost 35,000 visitors attended Ecobuild 2009, including some of the most influential organisations and individuals responsible for some of the most valuable construction projects across the UK and beyond. Ecobuild 2010 is expected to be another spectacular event. WORLDCLASS EVENT The biggest event in the world for sustainable design, construction and the built environment, Ecobuild has doubled in size every year since its launch in 2005. Ecobuild strives to reflect the preoccupations of the sector it serves – championing the emerging green construction movement at its start, engaging and encouraging debate and discussion, and now, in the current economic climate, seeking out and highlighting the continuing opportunities for sustainable construction. That’s why the best-known names in the sector continue to choose Ecobuild as their most important marketing platform. More than 850 suppliers exhibited at Ecobuild 2009 – the biggest showcase of sustainable construction products anywhere. Ecobuild is also the definitive source of information for specifiers across UK construction and beyond – 34,617 visitors attended in 2009, to meet suppliers, take part in more than 100 free conference and seminar sessions, and to get hands-on experience at dozens of interactive attractions. NEW FOR 2010 Every Ecobuild brings new initiatives and 2010 is no exception with a whole host of special events planned already. The Energy Saving Trust will be making an even bigger impression at Ecobuild 2010 by sponsoring visitor registration, highlighting its services specifically for construction professionals and building managers to every visitor who registers for Ecobuild next year. The finalists of the annual British Home Awards will be announced at Ecobuild and their entries showcased in a series of presentations. The Ecobuild Fringe programme brings together a variety of events from exhibitors, supporters and partners, all taking place in or around Earls Court. ATTRACTIONS Ecobuild’s attractions provide hands-on, practical experience combined with expert advice. Designed to complement Ecobuild’s seminars, many attractions feature live demonstrations, showing products and techniques in action.

The Ecobuild conference is presented by the most highly regarded commentators from across design and construction. Its agenda reflects the most pressing issues for the sector – how construction can recover from recession, new models for housebuilding, keeping sustainability at the heart of the industry, the roadmap for standards and regulation, and how to make renewable generation happen. Over 100 free seminar sessions, delivered by leading professionals and practitioners, provide invaluable guidance in achieving low and zero carbon construction, and a more sustainable built environment. The topics are presented under streams such as future energy, regulations revealed, simplifying standards, guides & tools, refurbishing Britain, urban planning & public realm, sustainable by design, and beyond construction. Challenging, thought-provoking and entertaining events are the hallmark of the Ecobuild Arena, where high profile commentators from all walks of life take on the big issues and take a look at the built environment from a different perspective. PRODUCTS & SERVICES Renewable energy & micro generation: bioenergy, BIPV, heat pumps, CHP, PV, solar-thermal, and small scale wind. Water management & efficiency: flood management, groundworks & drainage, rainwater harvesting, sustainable urban drainage systems, water recycling, and sanitary appliances & fittings. Building services & management: air conditioning systems, heating systems, lighting, management & building systems, mechanical & electrical services, ventilation. External works: hard & soft landscaping, living roofs & walls, external lighting, outdoor fittings, and street furniture & signage. Substructures: groundworks, foundations, proofing, and basements. Building Structures: building frames, concrete framed systems, concrete structures, steel framed systems, steel structures, stairs, floors & beams, sustainable flooring, timber frame systems, timber structures, insulated concrete formwork, and external walling. Building Completion: blinds & shading, cladding & curtain walling, doors, windows, glass & glazing, insulation, and roofing. Building Systems: kitchen & bathroom pods, and modular & prefabricated buildings. Building materials: adhesives, aggregates, masonry, concrete, mortars & limes, natural materials, timber decking, plasters & renders, engineered timber, blocks & bricks, and recycled materials. Professional services: architectural &

design services, books & reference guides, education, research & consultancy, financial services, printed & online media & resources, planning services, professional bodies, recruitment, recycling services, refurbishment services, sustainability consultancy, trade associations, training, and software. Finishing products & materials: flooring, wall & ceiling finishes, coatings & paints, surfaces, and roof finishes. Fittings: kitchen & bathroom fixtures & fittings, appliances, fixings & fastenings, contract furnishings, and furniture & accessories. Special activities & requirements: materials handling, plant & equipment, and testing & research.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 020 7763 5929 E-mail: info@ibeltd.com Web: www.ecobuild.co.uk

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Certificate Number: MCS HP0002 Product Reference: PUHZ-W50VHA-(BS) PUHZ-W85VHA-(BS), PUHZ-HW140VHA/YHA-(BS)

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by upgra upgrading free energy found in the outside a ir to o help pro air provide domestic heating and hot water, Mitsub Mitsubishi Electricâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s multi-award winning air help lping so source heat pump can reduce a homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to co y mply ou with annual fuel bills by up to 30% and its CO2 emissions by 50%**

TTelephone: l h 01707 278666 27 7 email: heating@meuk.mee.com

**These savings are based on a 4 bedroom house of standard construction built in 2000. The Ecodan replaced an 80% efficient gas boiler

www.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/heating

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James Jones & Sons Ltd timber systems division

A green and sustainable alternative to brick

AMES JONES & SONS LTD Timber Systems Division is part of James Jones & Sons Ltd, a leading supplier of British timber. It is the only British-owned I-Joist manufacturer in the UK, supplying the country’s only FSC certified, BRE/BREEAM and Eco Homes accredited I-Joists. The JJI-Joist is a structurally engineered timber joist combining high-grade softwood with an engineered composite panel. These are standard building components used as load bearing or non load bearing members for roofs, walls and floors, and offer significant performance advantages over traditional timber joists. Available from a network of authorised UK distributors who offer estimating and design services, JJI-joists are fully supported by technical software. As part of its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of customer service, the company also provides technical support from its in-house team of designers and engineers.

EKSTONE WALLING provides a cost effective alternative to brick and natural stone particularly where sustainability is a key criteria. All products are manufactured using reclaimed aggregates, recycled water and 100 per cent renewable energy, generated by wind, wave and hydro schemes. The authentic appearance, weathering qualities and comprehensive range of colours makes it almost indistinguishable from most types and styles of natural stone. Available in multiple face finishes and sizes it is readily accepted by local

JJI-Joists are generally used in combination with other specialist engineered products which James Jones Timber Systems Division also supply. These are the BJ-Beam 24, laminated timber sections for less demanding structural applications; the BJ-Beam 32, a high quality laminated timber section for structural applications; and the JJ-IntelliRoof, an engineered timber panel system for rapid assembly of pitched roofs or habitable lofts.

planning authorities throughout the UK for both residential and commercial projects. Bekstone’s rough-hewn split face masonry offers both the architect and builder the flexibility of combining with other external cladding surfaces and textures whilst providing the advantages of economy, low maintenance and enduring beauty.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01993 842391 Fax: 01993 842388 E-mail: sales@bekstone.co.uk Web: www.bekstone.co.uk

FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit us at Ecobuild, Stand 2102 or contact: Ross Brown, engineering manager Tel: 01309 696116 Fax: 01309 675276 E-mail: r.brown@jamesjones.co.uk

Stunning wall mounted electric panel heaters OSYHEART’S STUNNING wall mounted electric panel heaters have an elegant glass front finish. They are available in many sizes and designs, featuring a range of colours, fantastic artwork and beautiful photography. They are healthy too, since they produce radiant heat and natural convection, which keeps the humidity in the air, and ensures there are no air-borne particles, such as dust or bacteria, circulated around the space they are heating. And they need just 25 to 30 Watts per m2 to warm a well insulated room, far less

than most equivalent systems. They can simply be placed wherever they are needed (since they don’t require any pipework – only a connection to the electricity mains), and turned on easily when they are needed. Finally, because the heaters have no moving parts, which can wear out, they are silent and very reliable.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 07809 471741 E-mail: steve.huckle@ cosyheart.com Web: www.cosyheart.com

Make existing buildings more efficient HE BFRC SCHEME is the UK’s national system for rating the energy efficiency of windows and is recognised within the Building Regulations as a method to show compliance for your replacement windows installation. Window Energy Ratings use a consumer-friendly traffic-light style A-G ratings guide similar to that used on ‘white’ goods (such as fridges, freezers, washing machines etc). This ratings label can be used by consumers to make more informed choices about the energy efficiency of the windows they are looking to purchase. With carbon emissions high on the global agenda and the current high cost of fuel, consumers are looking for ways to make their

homes more energy efficient.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Glass and Glazing Federation 54 Ayres Street London SE1 1EU Tel: 0870 042 4255 E-mail: info@ggf.org.uk Web: www.ggf.org.uk

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Kielder Observatory, Northumberland

St. Anne’s Church, Belfast

More than just fire protected timber...

e St us a a t 2- Ea nd N ECO 4t rls o h . B M Cou 20 UILD ar 4 ch rt, 7 20 10

Dricon® and Non-Com® Exterior form part of a unique choice of timber protection systems and services available from Arch to provide more time and safety in a fire situation. Dricon® remains the only BBA approved fire retardant treatment for interior timbers and Non-Com® Exterior has a proven track record for external timbers. Our treatment service and expertise can help you and your customers make the most of timber.

UniQue timber protection www.archtp.net

Dricon® and Non-Com® are registered trademarks of Arch Timber Protection.

GovBus ad 125x178

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is a trade association for companies who make, supply or fit flat glass and related products.This includes double glazing, Energy Efficient Windows, replacement windows, doors, conservatories, applied film, hardware, safety glazing, sealants, fire resistant glass, emergency glazing, decorative glass, secondary glazing, solar control and plastics. If you are looking for information about replacement windows, double glazing, Energy Efficient Windows, conservatories, glass generally or a company in your area to make, supply or fit your windows, doors or conservatory look on the GGF web site www.ggf.org.uk. If you want to use the GGF’s energy saving calculator to see how much money and carbon you would save by installing new Energy Efficient Windows look on the GGF website under ‘energy saving calculator’.

54 Ayres Street, London SE1 1EU e-mail info@ggf.org.uk | www.ggf.org.uk | Tel: 0870 042 4255

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Proven fire protection for building timbers RCH TIMBER Protection offers a choice of proven pressure impregnated fire retardant pre-treatments for building timbers and sheet materials to be used in both interior and exterior applications. Both DRICON and NON-COM EXTERIOR treatments provide a highly effective surface spread of flame protection, allowing more time for the safe evacuation of people in a fire situation and limiting the damage caused by a fire. The treatments also reduce the amount of heat release and the treated timbers give a low smoke emission, with smoke inhalation being the primary cause of death in building fires. The treatments are designed to meet BS 476 Class 0 and Class 1, together with the new equivalent EN fire test Euroclass B and C requirements. Both products have over 25 years of proven commercial use and DRICON remains the only British Board of Agrément

D ECO AND Environmental Services is a specialist team providing all aspects of environmental upgrades and solar installations for the public sector, domestic and commercial markets, helping to reduce carbon emissions and fuel poverty – helping to create a sustainable future. AD Eco and Environmental Services offers a range of professional advice and installations in relation to retrospective refurbishment and eco upgrades – including central heating system installation and repair, all aspects of plumbing and drainage maintenance, solar water, heating systems, under floor heating, alternative and renewable

Existing building carbon reductions by Green Structures REEN STRUCTURES is an award winning young, innovative design led sustainable Built environment consultancy and architectural practice. The team encompasses architects, engineers and project managers with substantial experience in environmental construction and imaginative, though practical, retrofit schemes designed to solve future carbon target challenges. Green Structures has an unmatched track record in built environment innovation for the company of its age. Its fresh thinking is backed up by a string of internationally recognised awards, including Best Carbon Reduction Project 2008 by EDIE, Best Sustainable Building 2009 by City of London Corporation, Environmental Best Practice 2009 by The Green Organisation as well as many others. Practice specialises in holistic low energy building solutions in the public, commercial and residential sectors as well as development of cost effective energy saving designs including concept products and prototypes.

(BBA) approved fire retardant protection for timber. The stunning new observatory at Kielder Water utilised both DRICON and NON-COM EXTRIOR treatments to protect the interior and exterior timbers, whilst still allowing the natural beauty of the timbers to show through. CPD presentations on fire protection for timber, as well as preservative treatments, are available on request from Arch Timber Protection.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01977 714000 Fax: 01977 714001 E-mail: advice@archchemicals.com Web: www.archtp.com

Reducing CO2 emissions from existing buildings A

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energy solutions, insulation and energy efficiency solutions. Visit AD at Stand 2282 in the ‘Renew’ area to discuss the possibilities of retrospective refurbishments for your property or portfolio. AD specialise in local authority and public sector works and understands the issues which affect public sector decisions. AD is able to advise and assist you in meeting the requirement to reduce CO2 emissions from existing building stock.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 020 8269 6377 E-mail: info@theadgroup.co.uk Web: www.theadgroup.co.uk

In our latest pioneering development, Green Structures partnered with the award winning housing corporation L&Q Group working on Technology Strategy Board financed projects to bring innovative carbon reducing retrofits within the realm of economic viability. These projects are to accomplish not only dramatic heat loss reductions of existing housing but also reduce dwellings’ primary energy requirements substantially below what was traditionally achievable.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 020 8744 0246 Fax: 020 8744 9834 E-mail: tom@greenstructures.co.uk Web: www.greenstructures.co.uk

Save energy and money with Grundfos ALPHA2 HE NEW EU Ecodesign Directive on energy using products (EuPs) means that all circulators sold in the EU must meet or exceed new and more stringent energy-efficiency requirements from 2013. Grundfos Pumps, one of the world’s leading pump manufacturers with an annual production of more than 16 million pump units, launched the world’s first A rated domestic circulator range of which, the most recent and even more efficient model is the Grundfos ALPHA2. Compared to many other energy using products, small circulator pumps for domestic and commercial buildings may seem rather insignificant. However, if all circulators installed in systems today in the 27 EU countries were converted to A-labelled Grundfos ALPHA2 pumps, the impact on electricity consumption and CO2 emissions would be mean a potential electricity

savings of 34.68 billion kWh and 13.87 million tons of CO2.. In the UK alone there are around 14.5 million D or lower rated stand alone domestic circulators in service at present. Replacing D rated pumps with A rated Grundfos ALPHA2 would mean that the energy consumption of domestic pumps could be reduced by 75 per cent, which represents a potential energy saving of 1.5 TWh per year and carbon savings of 0.7 million tons of CO2 p.a. Why wait – start saving now!

FOR MORE INFORMATION Grovebury Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 4TL Tel: 01525 850 000 E-mail: dwillis@grundfos.com

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For all your Retrospective Refurbishment Needs...

Specialising in Public Sector and Local Authority Housing For FREE consultation and advice; FREEPHONE on 0800 220 831 www.theadgroup.co.uk

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Histoglass insulating double glazing

Axter solar technology at Ecobuild 2010

ISTOGLASS glazing systems were specifically developed for the restoration of historic buildings, for both new and existing timber and metal window frames. Our 10mm thin double glazing is the thinnest available on the market and is the result of extensive research and over 25 years of successful installations. It is the only system of its kind to fully comply with BS EN 1279 (parts 1-6). The systems are available in a wide range of thicknesses and glass types to suit the age of a building, each with differing thermal and acoustic insulation properties. The spacer can be supplied in any colour to match the paintwork on the frames.

XTER’S STAND 1570 at Ecobuild 2010 features a roof model showing two sustainable roofing systems. Axter’s General Solar PV is a high performance integrated bituminous roof waterproofing system incorporating photovoltaic cells on its upper surface. This is an effective and aesthetic roofing system with thermal insulation that will allow building owners to produce clean electrical energy and benefit from the new feed-in tariffs. There is no need for unsightly raised panels with costly supports as Axter’s General Solar PV produces electricity on flat or sloping roofs on new build or renovation projects. Also featured is Axter’s Hydrolite lightweight extensive green roof. Drawing on hydroponic technology, Hydrolite is particularly suitable when weight loading is at a premium. The system comprises a mineral substrate water retaining layer under a sedum, wildflower or grass blanket. With Axter’s

FOR MORE INFORMATION Please have a look on our website www.histoglass.co.uk for full technical specifications and test certificates, or contact us for a brochure. Tel: 0113 2886037 Fax: 0113 2886438 E-mail: info@histoglass.co.uk

extensive and intensive green roof systems there is virtually no limit to design possibilities. Axter’s Passadome access hatch completes the roof, part of Axter’s extensive range of rooftop equipment for natural daylighting, ventilation and smoke evacuation. Axter Ltd can provide full details of their sustainable systems. Through early involvement in a project, Axter helps you to meet design, specification and budgetary requirements.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01473 724056 Fax: 01473 723263 E-mail: marketing@axterltd.co.uk Web: www.axter.co.uk

Timber from PEFC endorsed national forest certification schemes is therefore eligible for all contracts under the UK Public Timber Procurement Policy. The government’s decision was based on an assessment by the Central Point of Expertise on Timber (CPET), which judged that the PEFC programme met the government’s requirements for Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) certification systems.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information on the PEFC scheme visit www.pefc.org

Wall Mounted Electric Heaters Cosyheart’s stunning electric panel heaters add a touch of style and an eye-catching focal point to any room. They also use very little energy, whilst silently generating uniform and healthy heat. They are easy and cheap to install (which makes them very versatile), and they require very little maintenance.

m: 07809 471 741 t: 0845 868 0688 w: www.cosyheart.com

Cosyheart Limited, 4 Tichborne Street, Brighton, BN1 1UR

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5 ways CRC targets are a massive headache for energy managers 1. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to cut around 10% off your carbon emissions. 2. Also, your company is now obliged to buy energy credits. 3. A league table will show customers how good or bad your company is at reducing your emissions. 4. If you fail, it costs money because you will be fined. 5. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re fined, the blame comes back onto the energy manager. Want a new perspective? Join the arrows and read outside the lines for a new way to look at the problem. Then call us on 0845 072 0234 or visit www.energy360.co.uk/ governmentbusiness

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BUILT ENVIRONMENT

MDF FOR THE 21ST CENTURY Medite FR flame-retardant MDF integral to 19th century attraction Dickens World DICKENS WORLD – PART OF THE £62 million state-of-the-art visitor complex at Chatham – has been a great success since it opened its doors in 2007. The attraction, themed around the life, books and authentic times of the much loved author Charles Dickens, is at the heart of the regeneration of the Royal Naval Dockyards, now renamed Chatham Maritime. The educational attraction immerses visitors in the world of Charles Dickens, combining urban streets, sounds and smells of the 19th century with 21st technology, special effects and animatronics as well as in-character live entertainment. Visitors wander freely around imposing streets, tall Dickensian courtyards, alleyways and shops, and a 210 metre ‘Great Expectations’ dark boat ride slips through the depths of the sewers and across the roof-tops of old London. ATMOSPHERE Throughout the attraction, the atmosphere is enhanced by fires burning and flaming in rusty braziers; a design and safety challenge which Medite’s FR flame retardant MDF helped to solve. Medite FR was used throughout the attraction as a substrate for construction, including houses, stone-effect walls, archways, faux oak beams and bridges. Attracting several hundred thousand people since opening and with more coming each year, building regulations for public safety were vital issues and important reasons for using Medite FR MDF. Medite FR (Flame Retardant) Euro Class B & C is an MDF panel developed specifically for use in situations where a Euro Class B or a Euro Class C

it looks like a dvd. but it’s actually a life-saver.

flame retardant board is required under building regulations. Made using superior wood refining technology and FSC certified, Medite FR panels also met the environmental and sustainability criteria demanded by the development. Managing director, Kevin Christie, says “While it was important for us to ensure the production of authentic storylines and a design which was atmospheric and true to the period, we also needed to make sure we met our responsibilities for the future.”

It’s ten minutes viewing that will make you question what you specify. In a controlled fire test at the Antwerp Fire Brigade Training centre, the performance of standard MDF and flame retardant Medite FR are compared.

FOR MORE INFORMATION A 10 minute DVD on Medite FR MDF available from www.medite-europe.com/flameretardant shows the vital importance of using the correctly specified building materials. Copies of the DVD are available free on request and can be ordered online.

The results are dramatic, shocking and potentially life-saving. This is one DVD you should certainly make time to watch. Visit www.medite-europe.com or email us at euinfo@medite-europe.com to obtain your free copy of the Medite FR DVD.

www.coillte.com www.medite-europe.com www.smartply.com

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welters™ organisation worldwide – the Pioneer Cemetery Design and Build Company with over 20 years market service and expertise celebrates yet another year of leadership in concept manufacture, installation and management. welters™ experience and success combines as a result of ongoing commitment to invest in research and development. welters™ provide comprehensive ‘in house’ architectural services specialising in cemetery architecture with complete specialist design and planning, manufacturing, installation and construction services.

Cemetery Village™ - Project Open Day

Local Authority Cemetery Services, following the Second World War and the growth of cremation numbers, became

DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS

RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND MANUFACTURING

P.O. Box 159 Carlisle, Great Britain CA2 5BG Sales: +44(0)8702 418240 (national rate) Admin: +44(0)8702 416422 (national rate) Fax: +44(0)1228 674959 E-mail: sales@welters-worldwide.com Web: www.welters-worldwide.com

dissipated and the will, knowledge and dedication to conceive, create and implement effective, desirable and ﬁnancially viable Cemetery Services faded into insigniﬁcance in the face of the sanitised ‘conveyor’ solution that for the time being became, and to some extent still is, popular. There is a lot of talk about change. The government wants change, ever increasing variety and partnerships. We talk about forward planning and innovation, but generally, there is still not a lot happening. We believe that change needs a kick start, and that great vision is required in this modern day of computers and disposable culture to improve the quality, the variety and artistic inspiration of our products and services as future generations will very soon have nothing to be inspired by from this period.

Glades of Remembrance - Project Open Day

welters™ organisation, with the thorough awareness and understanding of the emotional and cultural requirements of the bereaved and the legal, management and technical ability to provide excellent solutions and at all times have continually expanded their full range of in house services. Chapel Restoration and Interior Niche Installation - Project Open Day

welters™ have carefully moulded the development of the business to apply to the speciﬁc

and broad ranging issues affecting the client base. We have learned that because we have worked hard to manufacture all of our products and develop all of the skills required ‘in house’, we find more and more customers benefiting form our ‘complete package service ability’. From architectural and planning through to bespoke scheme design, product manufacture/supply and complete installation, with PR and marketing support services also being very popular. Our customers are experiencing direct benefits where it counts, like having ultimate control over project brief, specification and aesthetics based on our detailed proposals. They are utilising the benefits of dealing with one company who has specialist experience and ability in all of these areas which also gives them economies of scale and the ability to instruct us on single supplier basis where necessary.

Cremated Remains Niche Interment Installation - Project Open Day

Niche Garden Complex for Cremated Remains Interment - Project Open Day

welters™ systems and ability to specify multi modular and varying ﬁnish solutions facilitate pre-selling with zero environmental impact and no additional drainage requirements giving clean, safe, space saving, UK speciﬁcation LACO compliant enhanced service provision options in any location without disturbing existing remains and no, or low ongoing maintenance cost burden making it a viable priced solution for the bereaved.

All ideas, solutions, manufacturing and 24/7 back up support essentially must be generated from within the company and cannot, be structured from a ‘mis-mash’ of sub-contracted ‘bit parts’ with no dedication, inadequate knowledge or control. The development of an environment to embrace culture, emotion and spirituality through excellent design and technical performance is an art form in its own right. welters™ have perfected these skills, linked with performance design which over many years has resolved and overcome almost every conceivable land use issue from sub water tablet construction to re-use and contaminated status. Good environmental solution is inextricably linked with economic viability and the true and fundamental requirement and responsibility of mankind to respect and remember its dead.

Child/Baby Memorial Garden - Project Open Day

welters™ mission continues to be to research and develop inspirational and classic designs, higher quality products, space saving and safe solutions for cost effective supply and installation.

Interior Chapel Niche System - Open Day

The Ultimate Funeral Experience

Inspired Products and Services

Interment and Memorial Specialists DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS

RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND MANUFACTURING

welters™ Cemetery Village™ Schemes

Cemetery Village™ Scheme with Below Ground Double Burial Chambers, Side Charging Mausolea and Portico of Peace™ Entrance Feature

Classic Grande Memoial Housings over Double Chambers and Mausolea Systems

Existing Cemetery Space Re-use and Extension - Double Burial Chambers Over Common Graves Area with Classic 900 Stone and Granite Memorials

Cemetery Village™ with Mausolea, Double Burial Chambers and Centre Features

Triple Depth Burial Chamber with Top Interment Above Ground and Clad in Granite

Glades of Remembrance Lake Project

Child/Baby Memorial Garden with Neptune Centre Feature, Cremation Niche Systems, Keepsake Building and Child, Baby & Communal Burial Chambers

Cemetery Village™ with Magniﬁcant Entrance Feature

Bespoke Mausolea Design and Installation

Double Burial Chamber with Classic Stone Housing System

Community Mausolea Design and Build Projects

• Marketing and promotional services • Maintenance support services • Training services • Conception to completion turnkey projects • Design, Manufacture, Install • High water tablet installations • Fully networked ‘back up’ support ‘around the clock’ • Emergency express burial chamber installation service

Environment Policy - one tree planted for every interment

• New cemetery, cemetery extension and common section re-use design and build • Shallow grave solution design, manufacture, install • Installation, construction and drainage • Landscape design and ﬁnishing • Inscription and support services • Interment and sealing up procedure services • Cemetery and facilities management

Looking for the perfect coffee solution for your workplace? Get online. For a successful hot drinks solution in your public sector environment, visit nescafe-beveragesolutions.co.uk It’s the place to go for information on all of our popular brands, and a virtual guide will help you make the right choice. Everything you need, in fact, to deliver great-tasting coffee in your organisation.

nescafe-beveragesolutions.co.uk ® Reg. Trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.

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QUALITY AND CHOICE Automatic Vending Association appoints new CEO to take it into the future AS A TRADE BODY THE AVA represents the £1.65bn refreshment vending industry. AVA members comprises of operators (those who site, fill and service machines), machine producers, distributors and suppliers of cups and products which are sold through vending machines (such as coffee, tea, chocolate, confectionery, snacks, soft drinks, etc). UNDERSTANDING THE CUSTOMER New CEO Jonathan Hilder brings to the AVA over 20 years commercial experience, of which a significant proportion has been involved directly in the finance, leasing and vending markets where he managed sales teams that were responsible for funding in excess of £200m of machines into the vending sector over a number of years. More recently as consultant

to a number of vending companies, Jonathan has specialised in working with small to medium sized businesses and large food brands, advising and mentoring on business development and the introduction of new technology into the vending market. As a result, he has a sound

industry expertise, great knowledge and a good understanding of the consumer. “It is not often that an opportunity presents itself that feels 100 per cent right, but the role of AVA CEO is one of those,” Jonathan says. “In 1987 my introduction to the vending

New CEO Jonathan Hilder brings to the AVA over 20 years commercial experience, of which a significant proportion has been involved directly in the finance, leasing and vending markets where he managed sales teams that were responsible for funding in excess of £200m of machines into the vending sector

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PHS Waterlogic has a full range of watercoolers, hot water boilers and high volume water dispensers suitable for all types of public sector and government departments. The quality, reliability and functionality of our products make them outstanding value for money and with our Totalcare® service package, delivery, installation and servicing is all included. Tel: 01252 852606 Fax: 01252 852280 E-mail: waterlogicinfo@phs.co.uk Web: www.phswaterlogic.co.uk

The Italian espresso experience every day AVAZZA, ITALY’S favourite coffee, has been a firm favourite for over 20 years in the UK. Choosing a Lavazza Office Coffee & Vending system, ensures that every coffee made has that authentic Italian look and taste. Catering to businesses of all sizes across the UK, Lavazza offers the Italian Espresso Experience for public spaces and the working environment with the stylish and technically advanced office coffee system – and, with the Lavazza reputation for great coffee, customer satisfaction is guaranteed. The Lavazza range is designed for convenience and features Lavazza BLUE™ capsule technology for total consistency in every cup, at the push of a button. Simple and easy to use, Lavazza’s pods produce the Italian coffee experience and enhance the coffee drinking experience with no stress, no waste and minimum mess for those making coffee for meetings, breaks and entertaining visitors.

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7/8/09 15:08:50

All it takes is one capsule to create a variety of hot beverages. Lavazza Vending & Office Coffee System proves that delicious coffee needn’t be purely for the high street or working lunch – employees and visitor can enjoy the satisfaction, sophistication and indulgence of Lavazza coffee, all day long.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information please go to www.lavazza.com or e-mail: info@lavazza-coffee. co.uk, Tel.:01895 209 750.

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industry started a real personal passion for the industry and the way it is perceived. AVA membership provides the clients of vending companies with a real confidence that they are dealing with professional companies who have high standards, which are regularly checked and who ensure that a quality product is delivered for vending consumers. So always ask the question; are you a member of the AVA?” This high profile appointment will ensure that the AVA is set for the future; a pro-active trade body continually working to raise standards and lobby to ensure that legislation does not impose limited choice or financial penalties on the consumer and the vending provider. RAISING STANDARDS The AVA is committed to continually raising the quality of vending and the AVA logo is synonymous with the mark of quality. To display the AVA logo, all members are required to achieve the AVA accreditation for quality. Based on ISO 9001:2008, the quality system is specific to the vending industry. It provides a bespoke measurable standard, set and regulated by the industry and it allows members to demonstrate that they provide services to the highest standards. Continual monitoring ensures that standards are maintained and identifies opportunities for improvement. This takes the form of in-house and external assessment via fully qualified AVA quality coordinators. Along with the quality standard, AVA members work to a strict code of conduct that sets out clearly what customers can expect from a member and it provides reassurance that they will receive a professional quality service. Each AVA member is required to adopt a strict code of ethics and conduct their business in accordance with the set standards for things such as hygiene, machine manufacture and operating procedures. By choosing an AVA member, consumers can expect to receive value for money, high quality service and products from their vending operator. ENVIRONMENT AVA members understand the role they play in affecting the environment and support the 3 R principle – re use, recycle and regenerate. The vending industry has been positively addressing environmental issues for the last decade. Operator companies, machine and commodity suppliers work together within the AVA to address issues that really impact on the planet such as energy and packaging reduction. One such initiative is delivered via a dedicated recycling company, Save a Cup. The role of this company, which is owned and run by the vending industry with the AVA as its largest shareholder, has traditionally been to reclaim and find durable new uses for used plastic vending cups. Millions of drinks from vending machines are enjoyed by consumers each year. About 80 per cent of those drinks are enjoyed

in the workplace thus it is no surprise that Save a Cup focus their strategy of re use on products which can be used at work. The use of a Save a Cup pen or pencil acts as a great reminder to ensure that the used cup is put into the cup collector ready for its second life. Save a Cup is now building on their experience in plastics to start new ventures. With the increase in the use of paper cups within vending machines, the company is working with the vending industry and starting to provide a collection and recycling programme for paper cups as well. Pilot projects are also in hand to collect and recycle coffee sachets and cans. The vending industry has also established another recycling company, Category 10 Collective (c10c) which provides a great

the importance of a balanced diet is high on the agenda and the AVA has recently formed the Vending Choice Coalition (VCC). Members of the VCC include trade associations, brand owners and foodservice organisations all of whom are active in the vending market. The goal of the VCC is to ensure that consumers have freedom of choice to purchase a wide range of food and beverages through the vending channel in order to achieve a balanced diet. Initially the VCC was focused on Wales where the Health Minister Edwina Hart has implemented restrictive nutritional standards in hospital vending machines that significantly reduced the range of products on sale to staff, visitors and patients. The VCC has been working

Along with the quality standard, AVA members work to a strict code of conduct that sets out clearly what customers can expect from a member and it provides reassurance that they will receive a professional quality service way of fulfilling the producers’ legal requirement under WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) to collect and recycle end of life vending machines. The company is so named because vending machines comprise the tenth category of products covered by the WEEE Directive. LATEST RESEARCH The AVA has a team of industry experts and specialists who are on hand to give advice and deal with important issues. From time to time the AVA undertakes research to ensure that its standards embrace the latest developments and advances. Hygiene is a key principle that the AVA champions and it has been involved in two separate three year studies at UWIC (University of Wales, Institute Cardiff), looking at the best way to clean both the cold and hot components of vending machines. The validated cleaning procedures produced and used as part of the AVA Quality System are based on that work. These studies were conducted as part of Department of Trade and Industry supported Knowledge Transfers Partnerships but the main investment has come from the vending industry. LOBBYING With over 60 current European directives, either in discussion or nearing completion, likely to impact on the vending industry across Europe the AVA has a key role to play in ensuring that they do not restrict consumer choice or impose unfair financial burdens on the vending industry. By having a dedicated representative on the Board of the European Vending Association and close links directly with UK government, the AVA is well placed to state the vending case and be the collective voice of the industry. Obesity amongst the population and

to find ways to ensure that vending remains a viable sales channel, offering a wide range of food and beverages to consumers, whilst supporting the Welsh Government’s efforts to drive healthy lifestyle messages and behaviours. More recently the British Heart Foundation has targeted the vending machine in its campaign to encourage healthy eating, despite there being no evidence to support that it is the cause of current levels of overweight and obesity. In a letter to the BHF the AVA pointed out that the nation has been eating snacks and confectionery for many years without issue. It is well proven that a lifestyle that combines regular physical activity with consumption of a wide range of food choices is the key to a healthy lifestyle. COST EFFECTIVE Vending machines provide quality choice and convenience in a very cost effective way. Items on sale reflect consumer demand and feature a range of products, including fresh fruit, low fat and low sugar products as well as a range of drinks to rival the high street coffee shops. The debates will continue and the appointment of Jonathan Hilder as the new CEO is a demonstration of the AVA’s commitment to ensure that the vending industry continues to be allowed to provide solutions that fulfil the needs and demands of consumers today and that it is well placed for the future. To ensure you are getting the best from your vending service, look for the AVA mark of quality and make sure that your vending supplier is a member of the AVA.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.ava-vending.co.uk

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The Genus Locker Range is suitable for high demanding education environments. The lockers are manufactured from solid VITRATHENETM which provides outstanding benefits when compared with any other material.

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FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

SPOTLIGHT ON FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Effective facilities management, combining resource and activities, is vital to the success of any organisation. The public sector is no different THE FM SECTOR IS LARGE AND complex, delivering a wide range of products and services both hard – building fabric – and soft – catering, cleaning, health and safety, mailroom, etc. Estimates vary, but market research suggests that in the UK alone the sector is worth between £40 billion and £95 billion. Choosing the right supplier is therefore of utmost importance. Cost and service are important factors to consider and in this day and age so too are green credentials. In this issue we include a spotlight focus on a small selection of companies that can offer effective solutions to public sector facilities managers. KEYTRACKER Keytracker has produced the finest key control cabinet the world has ever seen. The Keytracker Ultima is simple to use and is completely selfmonitoring. The new Ultima allows access via pin number, fingerprint or proximity card. The

user can only retrieve the keys they have been allocated at that time, or perhaps any set of keys, but only three sets, after which all the others become “locked off” and may not be retrieved until the first sets are returned. Each user has their own requirements programmed, with times and days of limited access. Each user and set of keys also have a time limit (perhaps three hours for a cleaner or three days for a surveyor, and five hours for the plant room or eight hours for the pool car). When the time limit is exceeded the Ultima sends its own text message, via a built-in sim card, to remind the user to return the keys. If the keys are not returned then the Ultima sends an e-mail to the manager informing him of the situation. This facility works up to five levels with up to five recipients at each level. When the keys are removed or returned the Ultima takes a covert photo of the user. All information is stored on a builtin server that is easily accessed via the

secure internet connection or internal system. Reports by user, keys or time/dates can be printed or viewed as required with simple to use software – The Ultimate Selfmonitoring Secure Key Control system. X-PRESS OFFICE SOLUTIONS Organisations have to review their spending and become cuter with their budgets; no bad thing there. So when furniture is required, who are the stand-out furniture companies and how do we get best value? Purchasing the correct seating can reduce stress, general fatigue and time off work. Productivity is increased when people sit comfortably and are less restless. Orangebox is the leader in this field, producing a range of seating products that are innovative, stylish but most importantly, ergonomic. For facility managers looking to solve everyday problems, X-press can deliver and install furniture in as little as five days, minimising any disruption and eradicating problems

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FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

quickly. With access to 12m of stock in the largest furniture warehouse in Europe, there are 40,000 products to choose from and X-press’s GDB catalogue covers every aspect of furniture. For project work, our experience has shown that Techo, Task and FARAM offer very cost effective solutions whilst still producing stylish and functional office interiors. XITLIGHT Advancing technology in the emergency exit signage sector, XiTlight is the first ever frontlit LED emergency exit sign. XiTlight was born out of a real desire to try and give people a better chance of escaping from dense smoke filled areas and subsequent independent tests have proved that point sources of light are more visible in smoke than planar forms. As a result, XiTlight greatly enhances public and employee safety by its unique ability to be seen. Designed, developed and made in the UK, XiTlight also meets today’s important environmental criteria – no fluorescent tubes, no mercury, no disposable issues. Other notable features include built in battery test facility via an I/R remote, four hour battery back-up in emergency mode with increased and maintained light output levels, economical whole-life cost, nickel metal hydride battery (NiMH) rather than Nickel Cadmium (NiCAD), an auto dimming feature and solid state technology. After over a decade of quantifiable research and development, XiTlight now leads the way in emergency exit signage. KALAMAZOO SECURE SOLUTIONS Kalamazoo Secure Solutions Limited, the leading secure print and secure solutions provider, has over 50 years experience providing cost effective and efficient business systems and secure print solutions designed specifically for the government sector. Currently working with more than 400 government institutions, Kalamazoo has invaluable experience and extensive understanding of their specific requirements. When Kalamazoo was established in 1896 it was renowned for its paper-based solutions and today this is still a key area of the business. Kalamazoo provides sales and purchase ledger systems, minute books, receipting systems, accounts stationery and payroll and personnel systems to help improve processes and efficiency. Kalamazoo also provides a range of bespoke forms, such as Land Charge forms. As a C&CCC (formerly known as APACS) accredited printer, Kalamazoo has extensive expertise and experience in producing secure printed cheques for many government bodies, including benefits and creditors cheques. In addition Kalamazoo supply a secure cheque printing solution, known as Cheqflow2, which enables organisations to print cheques and monitor all outgoing cheque transactions. Kalamazoo’s visitor management systems,

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both paper-based and electronic, help to improve security, comply with health and safety legislation and enhance your corporate image. ACCTIVE SYSTEMS Acctive Systems – the integrated security specialist – is experiencing interesting times. The company has maintained business levels and is now going through a period of expansion in spite of the extremely difficult year that has befallen the UK economy during 2009. The company has won contracts with organisations such as Rolls Royce, BAE Systems and several international logistics companies including TNT, FedEx and City Link. Now with its own in house marketing department and an external PR agency, Acctive Systems is laying the foundations and planning for growth during 2010 as the economy starts to improve and the country comes out of recession. A new website is being built, and together with increased marketing spend

and PR activity Acctive is already experiencing dramatic improvement in visitors to the website and increased levels of requests for advice and information. This is already bearing fruit as the company is in negotiations for large contracts with various government bodies and projects. Acctive Systems is a truly national company with a local touch. The company has offices in the north in Warrington and the south in Coulsdon. The service team and installation team cover the whole country and have a reputation that is second to none. Finally, a new product wholly owned by Acctive is due to launch in the coming weeks called SENTRYVU – a remotely monitored CCTV surveillance system that will be re-deployable and will hold great interest to a huge range of clients. Applications are wide and varied but include the surveillance of remote areas, empty buildings, large gatherings, building sites, military and Police use. The solution will cut man guarding costs in half.

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

New concrete floor system for healthcare buildings REMIER INTERLINK (Waco UK) announces a new concrete floor option for healthcare buildings. By utilising modern methods of construction, the PremierPlus Building System can now offer the option of a healthcare building with factory installed concrete floor. PremierPlus is a high quality, permanent building which offers a clean, modern and comfortable healthcare environment at a competitive price. This can be provided in a much shorter timeframe compared to a traditional building. Acoustics are very important in hospitals. The new concrete floor increases the acoustic dampening qualities of the building and also reduces vibration in high traffic, high equipment load areas, such as plant rooms or MRI and X-ray. The concrete floor option is ideal for use in hospital theatres. Premier Interlink (Waco UK) has a wealth of knowledge and experience of providing healthcare buildings and working to HTM and HBN regulations, having worked with major NHS Trusts such as Addenbrooke’s in Cambridge. Off-site construction significantly reduces disruption to staff and

visitors, reduces traffic to site, offers improved site safety and increased cleanliness. Modern methods of construction are fast becoming the preferred solution for hospitals and healthcare buildings. Premier Interlink (Waco UK) is a market leader in the design, manufacture and installation of healthcare buildings using modern methods of construction. With over six decades of experience in off-site construction and being part of a large, established international parent company, we are in a strong position to meet the most stringent and demanding healthcare building requirements, now and into the future.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For further details please contact Premier Interlink (Waco UK Ltd) on 0800 316 0888, www.waco.co.uk

Fast track furniture solutions from X-press X

-PRESS Office Solutions specialise in supplying furniture solutions that fit your needs. With our wide range of products and services, we are able to provide the image and style you want, on time and on budget. We understand that moving into new space or reorganising existing space can be time consuming, however, with our experience and knowledge, we make the process easier and more efficient, allowing you to make the transition as stress free as possible. We offer a quick ship furniture solution from GDB, with 40,000 products available to be delivered and installed in as little as five days! This has proven to be a great solution for facilities managers and project managers alike, with companies like BT,

AVIVA, NESTLE and Red Bull all specifying GDB products. X-press also supply brands like Orangebox, Techo, Task, FARAM, Knoll, Vitra and many more, allowing us to recommend the best solution at all times, from cost effective to designer products.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Call for a free X-press quote and catalogue. Tel: 01256 76 88 96 Fax: 01256 761115 Web: www.x-press officesolutions.com

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World leaders in secure key control OR THE LAST 13 years Keytracker has designed, supplied and installed brilliantly simple key control and management systems for government departments, property agents, police, hospitals, motor dealers and many other industries that require fast, efficient, secure, good value systems to control and manage their keys and the assets those keys control. Keys can be a nightmare...or a godsend, dependant on their organisation and management. Keys are always telling a story about the item they control, whether an office, a vehicle or piece of equipment. Their wherabouts and times of use help management decide how to maximise efficiency. The

users of the keys too are always telling a story, about who has been where and when, which offices or vehicles are in use now and by whom, helping management to maximise their efficiency too, and all the time they must be stored and organised securely and available quickly to authorised users. Keytracker – your specialists in key management and control will help you sort the correct system combinations for your operation. From electronic vending units to key drop points and cabinets.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Call now for your specialist on 0121 5599000, or checkout the website and webshop at www.keytracker.com

The integrated security specialists A

CCTIVE SYSTEMS designs, installs and maintains fully integrated security systems. We can provide clients with consultancy, design and cost effective electronic solutions for their security requirements. The company already provides state of the art CCTV, INTRUDER, ACCESS CONTROL and BARRIER products and service to blue chip, government and leading public sector companies. We have been accredited with the NACOSS National Security Inspectorate Gold award in recognition of continuous delivery of the highest service standards. A Panasonic Premier Integrator, Safe contractor and CHAS accredited company Acctive Systems can offer new technology benefits; cost savings, expert advice an excellent return on investment and the back up service that is second to none. This is supported by the company’s high tech. CARE SYSTEM. Acctive also have an ISO 9001:2008 quality management standard certificate. The company currently boasts clients such as FedEx , TNT and

City Link in the logistics industry and BAE Systems and several of their partner companies. Acctive’s engineers are BAE and Met. Police security cleared. They are constantly being trained by suppliers and professional bodies and are equipped to do their job in a thoroughly professional manner. A fleet of new Mercedes Vito vans and every member of the team in communication with PDAS enable the service team to carry out their projects quickly and efficiently. Acctive Systems has two facilities one in the north the other in the south with a project manager at hand in both. The company truly has a “National reach with a local touch!”

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 020 8660 3388 E-mail: getservice@acctive.co.uk Web: www.acctive.co.uk

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PROCUREMENT

MAKING IT WORK, TOGETHER As the public sector faces straightened times in the current recession, collaboration is a hot topic NOBODY AS YET CAN DETERMINE just how stringent government cutbacks will be. Whatever the level of retrenchment over the next few years, front line services can only be protected if there is a significant improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness with which these services are provided. This is where procurement professionals come in. In such a challenging environment, the role of purchasing specialists will be key to the protection of services. In particular, procurement officers will be able to improve value for money from suppliers by aggregating demand and through the creation of mutually beneficial collaborative, rather than arm’slength adversarial, relationships. Earlier this month I addressed social landlords at

utilities, or even for construction management and/or repair and maintenance services. Once demand volumes have been pooled, it is then possible for the collaborating parties to leverage improved value for money from supply markets, by providing suppliers with larger volume orders, and potentially for longer periods of time. As buyers move into this temporal dimension by providing longer-term orders, they open up the possibility of a movement away from short-term and arm’s-length relationships with suppliers, and open up the possibility of longer-term vertical collaboration with suppliers and/or supply chains. Game theory demonstrates that there are many impediments hindering the successful adoption of horizontal collaboration. The key impediments to horizontal collaboration include:

True, collective procurement is often a highly beneficial way of working but it can also lead to serious problems for buyers post-contractually Procurement for Housing’s Annual Conference. The event theme was ‘Collaboration: The Mother of Invention’. And yes, every one of those landlords was eager to improve value for money outcomes through innovative, cost effective solutions. But my message was that people always talk about collaboration when the public purse is about to get squeezed, but buying together is not a cure-all, nor is it always as easy to implement as it may seem. THE BENEFITS OF COLLABORATION True, collective procurement is often a highly beneficial way of working but it can also lead to serious problems for buyers postcontractually. This arises when practitioners do not fully understand the types of collaboration that are possible, and when it is, and is not, appropriate to use them. Furthermore, focusing only on collaboration with other public agencies and suppliers can detract from the implementation of other, often more important, procurement practices that could significantly improve value for money. Public agencies need to understand, therefore, a number of key points when implementing collaboration as part of a worldclass approach to procurement management: Collaboration can be horizontal as well as vertical. Horizontal collaboration means buyers collaborating together, either jointly, or within more complex consortia buying arrangements, to pool their demand volumes for the same categories of spend. This might mean all social housing agencies and/or social landlords pooling their demand for IT or for

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• Profits are not shared • Competition dilutes the willingness to collaborate • Anti-monopoly/anti-trust regulatory rules • Free riding • Egos and turf wars • Standard operating procedures • Annualised budgets • Unsupportive national, regional and international regulations • Incompatible requirements • The initial learning and operating costs of collaboration Despite this, public agencies normally possess many more incentives that favour the successful implementation of horizontal collaboration than is the case in the private sector. Chief amongst these are: • Shared value for money goals limit free riding • Lack of competition over profits or value for money improvements • Lack of anti-monopoly/anti trust regulatory rules • National, regional and international regulations can be supportive • Shared learning ethos reduces learning costs If the public sector has advantages when undertaking horizontal collaboration, the adoption of vertical collaboration (i.e. partnering/strategic alliances) can be much more problematic for both the public and private sectors. This is primarily because it normally requires the commitment of extensive manpower resources by buyers, and for long periods of time, something that is often difficult for public agencies

under national and European regulations, and especially at a time of constrained budgets in the public and private sectors. Vertical collaboration can provide tremendous long-term improvements in value for money. These improvements normally arise from the adoption of a joint approach to value and process optimisation (VPO), initially between the buyer and the 1st tier supplier in a supply chain. Once this relationship has been established, if it is feasible, the VPO approach is then extended throughout the network of suppliers in the supply chain for a particular category of spend. In undertaking VPO improvement work together, buyers and suppliers normally focus on the following: • Joint demand planning and management, to allow volumes to be committed by buyers to 1st tier suppliers, and then throughout the supply chain. • Joint R&D and other innovative investments that would not normally occur under short-term and arm’s-length relationships. • Joint product and service development. • Joint focus on waste reduction to reduce the total costs of ownership in the supply chain (i.e. reducing the costs of production and logistics delivery). • Joint and shared learning and knowledge management. DEPENDENCY RISKS Ironically, while vertical collaboration can lead to exceptional improvements in value for money, for the uninitiated it can also lead to failure in implementation and to serious lock-in and dependency risks, and especially if public and private sector buyers do not fully understand what they are doing with their suppliers. The first issue to address is whether the buying organisation in the supply chain actually has the competence to undertake the VPO activities described above with suppliers and their supply chains. Sadly, the empirical evidence shows that most buying organisations simply do not have the advanced competencies required to undertake these VPO activities successfully. The second competence issue to be aware of is related to understanding how to manage lock-in and dependency risks. Some suppliers initially saw partnering relationships as a way of closing markets to competitors. By offering immediate short-term value for money improvements to buyers, with even more potentially available in the future, if buyers agreed to long-term relationships, these types of suppliers seek to lock unsuspecting buyers into long-term operational dependency. From such a position of operational dependency it then becomes possible to exclude competitors,

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PROCUREMENT

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Professor Andrew Cox is chairman, Academic & Industry Advisory Board, International Institute for Purchasing & Supply Management. allowing the now dominant supplier to leverage the locked-in buyer commercially. There are clearly significant issues here for those public and private buyers considering signing up for long-term vertical collaboration relationships with suppliers. The Roman phrase “caveat emptor” (may the buyer beware) is an extremely apt warning for all those who consider vertical collaboration without understanding the risks of postcontractual lock-in and dependency. This is particularly pertinent today because, while vertical collaboration has often been seen as evidence of world-class competence in purchasing and supply management, in a recession, short-term arm’s-length and adversarial supplier relationship management can also be an extremely effective way of leveraging immediate value for money improvements. Collaboration – whether horizontal or vertical – is therefore just one means, amongst many, at the disposal of procurement professionals, and it is not easy or a quick fix. COMPENTENT PEOPLE To make it work effectively requires highly competent people, with the time and resources to operationalise horizontal collaboration and vertical collaboration, and who have been trained to the very highest advanced professional or academic standards. This means to the IIPSM Black Belt and/or Masters Degree levels in purchasing and supply management. While collaboration is an extremely powerful tool when used by competent buyers and suppliers in the right circumstances, it is just one means, amongst many, at the disposal of procurement professionals. More importantly, perhaps, the pursuit of either horizontal or vertical collaboration should not become a panacea that hinders the adoption of the four key pillars that support world-class purchasing and supply management: 1. A mandated role for the procurement function to manage all organisational 2. A robust and rigorous on-line spend management system and process. 3. An auditable on-line eight step strategic sourcing process for the management of all categories of spend. 4. Professionally trained and competent line and procurement managers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION To see further details about world–class procurement competencies and the Black Belt in Purchasing & Supply Management qualification or to download a free copy of Professor Andrew Cox’s article “World-Class or Best-in-Class?” go to: www.iipsm.net

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CHARITY DONATIONS

WE’LL ALL BE BETTER OFF Katie Johnson, Institute of Fundraising, looks at how to make the most of payroll giving PAYROLL GIVING IS NOW IN ITS 22nd year and is arguably going stronger than ever. In fact, while other sources of charitable income are waning, the taxeffective donation mechanism has recently been declared to be ‘recession proof’. The past 12 months have been increasingly difficult for businesses of all types. Across all sectors, companies have struggled financially and many have succumbed to closures or redundancies, but charities and not-forprofit organisations have been hit in more ways than most. Uniquely, alongside a drop in donations, there has been a marked increase in demand for the key services that voluntary organisations provide. Over half of all charities admit to being affected by the recession. In fact, in the past year, donations to the UK’s 170,000 registered charities have dropped by a massive £1.3bn. Notably, 774,000 fewer adults donated to charity in 2008/09 and the average monthly donation from an individual has dropped by £1. All this has left many charities with a severe shortfall in funds. AGAINST ALL ODDS Payroll Giving is arguably bucking this trend, early figures suggest that there has been a small rise in donations of 0.2 per cent. In fact, the number of new donors has remained constant, at around 60,000 per year. Positively, this allows charities to maintain some stability and gives them the power to predict income and plan ahead. Payroll Giving has a much lower attrition rate than many donation mechanisms. This can largely be attributed to the ease of giving and the fact that the donor gets a substantial tax relief on their gifts. The donation is a pre-tax reduction, reducing the amount of income tax taken from the donor’s gross pay. This means that a £10 donation generates a tax relief of £4 for a higher rate tax payer and £2 at the basic rate. Consequently, it costs less to give more. Whilst the benefits of Payroll Giving to charities are evident, it also holds countless benefits for donating companies. At a time of economic uncertainty, Payroll Giving is, quite simply, an ideal way for companies to demonstrate their corporate social responsibility at minimum cost to the organisation itself. COMMITMENT TO THE CAUSES From an employer’s perspective, there is barely any cost or administrative resource incurred in setting up a scheme and administration fees are deductible from profits for tax purposes. The mechanism is a great way for businesses to demonstrate commitment to the causes that

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their employees care about, which has also been proven to aid retention and recruitment of staff. It also enables businesses to create an environment in which a sustainable income stream for charities can be established. Employers’ efforts are recognised annually through the government funded Quality Mark Award scheme. Companies that achieve a one or five per cent take-up amongst their staff are award bronze or silver certificates to recognise this. If an organisation obtains a 10 per cent take-up and proves to have made an extra effort to encourage the scheme, either through a promotion, matched funding or covering the admin fees, then they are eligible for ‘gold’ status. One such organisation that has achieved ‘gold’ and reaped the benefits is high street jewellers Beaverbrooks. In the last year, their employees have donated £37,800 to 99 different charities via Payroll Giving. They launched their scheme in May 2008, with a target of achieving a 10 per cent employee take up in order to qualify for a Gold Quality Mark Award. However, within just eight months, over 25 per cent of their staff were donating through their payroll. The company’s pound for pound matching of donations proved to be a powerful incentive for employees to join the scheme. All of this has gone a long way to boost their reputation

as responsible and philanthropic employers. Their efforts have been ultimately recognised by the judging panel of the National Payroll Giving Excellence Awards. Held annually at HM Treasury, this prestigious event showcases the best examples of UK employers’ commitment to Payroll Giving and charitable causes. Beaverbrooks has beaten a record number of entrants this year to make it on to the final shortlist for the Awards. This year’s event, held on 5 October, was hosted by two government ministers and heavily attended by journalists from both national and trade press from across a variety of sectors. Involvement in the scheme has therefore instantly given Beaverbrooks positive publicity, reaching audiences that they have never before had contact with. In such difficult financial times, a push to make your company stand out from the crowd as a responsible employer may be the key to survival and success. It is easy to sign your organisation up to Payroll Giving and immediately take advantage of the benefits that charitable giving can offer.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0845 602 6786 Web: www.payrollgivingcentre.org.uk

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Written By the British Printing Industry Federation

PRINTING

HOW PRINT IS GREENING ITSELF Being environmentally responsible is becoming more and more important to the print buyer OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS THERE has been a quiet revolution in printing. A combination of greener technology, customer demands, tighter regulations and cost pressures have transformed the industry, eliminating substantial amounts of chemicals, emissions and waste. Over the last 10 years we’ve also seen increasing use of recycled and forest certified substrates, and many printers now have an environmental management system. So is print becoming green? Well, there has certainly been a change in attitudes. Becoming greener is seen as a key aspiration for any business that takes its responsibilities seriously and is responsive to customer and societal trends, but there’s still a long way to go. In this century we can start to see what a sustainable print industry would look like; one that is starting to close the loop and minimise its environmental impact through resource and energy efficiency, environmental management, and adopting greener printing technology. WHY GO GREEN? The greener printer will find that it can reduce costs, reduce waste, increase environmental performance and improve working conditions. Printers will find that taking a constructive approach to environmental matters can have a positive effect on their company profitability, staff morale and relationships with customers and regulators. Being environmentally responsible is no small niche market; it is embedded in the industry in a way that would be unthinkable a few years ago. We often hear from members of the BPIF that their customers expect their printers to be ‘environmentally friendly’; but what does that mean in practice, and how far down the environmental route should a print company go? The newly updated ‘How to become a Green Printer’ booklet will help printers answer that question. A constructive approach to environmental matters will have a positive effect on business by improving profits. It will also help printers to do business with customers that are under similar pressures to demonstrate environmental responsibility. The BPIF and Envirowise are continuing to work together on a series of projects, including conferences, seminars and publications, to inform the printing industry about working methods and products that are less harmful to the environment. The booklet contains important information to help businesses. It systematically addresses each stage of the printing process, showing the areas where environmental improvements can be made to ensure that both printer and customer are ensuring that best practice is highlighted.

Turning the book over you’ll find a related guide on ‘What to look for in a greener printer’. Looking at the same issues from your customer’s point of view, it asks questions that print buyers and their customers are asking now or will be in the future. The booklet will help you to understand what the print buyer is looking for when choosing a greener printer. It will help in the understanding of the key terms associated with green print and work with print suppliers to help green the print supply chain. It also explains the benefits to your business of sourcing green print and how it can help communicate an environmental message to customers. ABOUT US The BPIF is the principal business support organisation representing the UK print, printed packaging and graphic communication industry. It is one of the country’s leading trade associations. The federation strives to ensure their members’ requirements come

first. Through listening to their needs they have developed an unrivalled range of products and services that go well beyond those provided by a traditional trade association. They provide the highest standard of support for printers to grow and develop healthy, sustainable and profitable businesses, aiming to provide an environment geared towards their businesses success. The BPIF offers practical, value-adding solutions for all areas of a print organisation, ranging from health, safety, environmental and quality issues; with the implementation of HR requirements; provides resolutions of technical or legal issues; as well as advice and support on marketing, sales and finance. This is all delivered by individuals and teams of highly skilled and experienced print industry specialists.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01904 203 330 Web: www.britishprint.com

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ADVERTISERS INDEX The publishers accept no responsibility for errors or omissions in this free service 4imprint

Fujitsu

PHS Waterlogic

Acctive Systems

Glass and Glazing Federation

Premier Interlink (Waco UK)

AM Comms

Gouman Hotels

Radisson SAS Hotel Birmingham

Arch Timber Protection

Green Structures

Redcliffe Catering

Architectural Decorators

Grundfos Pumps

Regent’s College

Arcstream - AV

Hilton London Metropole

Ridgeplatinum

Aviva

Histoglass

Siemens Metering Service

AVP Studios

Hoar Cross Hall Spa Resort

Swire Hotels

Axter

Hotel Campanile

Team Energy

Bekstone

Huhtamaki (UK)

The Crown Moran Hotel

Beehive Inn

Hyatt Regency Birmingham

The Doyle Collection

BMC

Imperial College London

The National Motorcycle Museum

British Independent Utilities

IBC

IP UserGroup

The Queens Hotel and Spa

Kalamazoo Secure Solutions

Thistle Hotels

Kensington Conference & Events Centre

Trouville Hotel

CDS Citroën

56 2

Collite Panel Products UK

Keytracker

TSO

Corner House Hotel

Lavazza Coffee

Village Prem Solihull

Cosyheart

Marston Group

Visit Scotland

County Mark House Hotel

Mitsubishi Electric

Vitrathene

Courthouse Doubletree by Hilton

Monodraught

Wavestore

Crowne Plaza Hotel Birmingham NEC

Nestlé

WCCC

Dand D London

Northern Racing

Welters Organisation Worldwide

Dynamic Earth Enterprises

NQA

XiTlight

EICC

Park Crescent Conference Centre

X-press Office Solutions

Enercom

Pavilion

Event Production Show

PEFC

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

Smarter Metering Solutions that fit with your exact requirements BIU’s smarter AMR (Automated Meter Reading) will: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Improve budgeting and accruals for both cost and consumption by using timely and accurate data Reduce estimated invoices and increase data accuracy Access the fullest discounts from your energy suppliers Accurately audit the provision of data to maintain timeliness and accuracy Form the essential foundation of effective energy management programmes Quantify the benefits of energy saving initiatives Maximise the benefits available from the Carbon Reduction Commitment’s Early Action Metric

BIU’s actively managed and focussed Smarter AMR service helps maximise the available financial and logistical benefits. BIU will: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Free your AMR service from being tied to an electricity supply contract Ensure you incur no hidden additional costs for data access Provide you with an alternative provider should yours, for whatever reason, fail Prevent your electricity supplier from enabling your AMR meter to remotely disconnect you

Let BIU manage your electricity portfolio. We are very smart and will make sense of your energy for you. Call Jonathan on 01253 789816. He loves meters. Email: amr@biu.com Web: www.biu.com