Government Business Volume 17.5

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 17.5

CONFERENCES & EVENTS Wales is where the world meets

MONEY MATTERS BUILT ENVIRONMENT MARKET RESEARCH

Government Business | Volume 17.5

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Dear Reader,

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entbusiness.co

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6 May 2010 is not only the day when the UK electorate heads to the polls, it is also Tony Blair’s 57th birthday and the 19th annual International No Diet Day.

CeS CoNFeReN & eVeNTS

the Wales is where world meets

Free encyclopaedia Wikipedia tells of other more or less significant events taking place on this date, such as: the Eiffel Tower being officially opened to the public at the Universal Exposition in Paris in 1889; Myra Hindley and Ian Brady were sentenced to life imprisonment for the Moors Murders in 1966; Queen Elizabeth II and French President François Mitterrand officiate at the opening of the Channel Tunnel in 1994; and during a trip to Syria in 2001, Pope John Paul II became the first pope to enter a mosque.

It is yet to be seen whether 6 May 2010 will make it into the history books, however, these are exciting times – for the country, for the public sector and for us as individuals. Will Labour stay in power for another term or will we see change, and if so, what sort of change? Let’s see what 6 May brings!

eT ReSeARCH oNmeNT mARK RS BuIlT eNVIR moNeY mATTe

Enjoy the issue.

Sofie Lidefjard, Editor editorial@psigroupltd.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 Information, 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 PUBLISHED BY PUBLIC SECTOR INFORMATION LIMITED 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 17.5

7 NEWS 13 MONEY MATTERS The Institute of Credit Management discusses why professional training is important Following the great acclaim of the 2009 Credit Summit launch, 2010 is set to be even bigger and better

25 BUILT ENVIRONMENT Simple and cheap measures could help use less energy, save money on energy bills and also reduce carbon emissions, says the Carbon Trust The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme is expected to save organisations money through reduced energy bills – benefiting the economy by over £1billion by 2020 Reducing emissions in the home is a key part of meeting the government’s legally binding targets, says BRE Feed-in-tariffs promise to transform the market for domestic green energy – but will the technology be affordable to all?

With lending severely constrained, one of the Tenant Services Authority’s top priorities has been viability The Chartered Institute of Housing’s Conference and Exhibition in Harrogate in June offers the housing sector four events in one

CIRIA has announced the completion of the final report from a collaborative research project into flood resilience and resistance for critical infrastructure The Environment Agency writes on the impact of surface water flooding and what is being done to alleviate the problem

51 FACILITIES MANAGEMENT FIRA International’s Phil Reynolds explains two important initiatives for sustainable furniture that will make ethical purchasing simpler

53 CONFERENCES & EVENTS The Westminster Collection’s René Dee highlights why Westminster is the preeminent business tourism destination Wales is virtually tailor-made for conferences, offering the combination of a wide choice of locations, historic and modern venues, excellent support services, communications, leisure and entertainment

65 PROCUREMENT The Public Procurement Show – the UK’s leading free event for public sector procurement – will take place 15-16 June at ExCeL, London

71 SECURITY IFSEC 2010 is the annual global security industry event with security professionals meeting leading security providers We preview the APA-ACPO National Policing Conference & International Policing Exhibition – the UK’s most influential event for policing

77 MARKET RESEARCH Let a visit to Insight 2010 help to push your research methods further

82 PLAYGROUNDS PlayFair is the only outdoor event that is totally dedicated to the outdoor children’s play and safety surfacing industry The Association of Play Industries takes a look at the work the new government needs to do on play

86 PUBLIC SAFETY The national charity The Community HeartBeat Trust is working with ambulance services across the country to increase the penetration of defibrillators into the community

67 BEST PRACTICE We look at how Newcastle-Under-Lyme Borough Council achieved the accolade of ‘most improved district council in the UK’

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Meet the Buyers hailed a major success ocal businesses have praised Basildon Council’s free Meet the Buyers event that was held at the Wat Tyler Centre recently. The event was run to enable local businesses and suppliers to meet with bigger buyers and describe the services they offer.

It also offered the chance for larger buyers to explain their needs and requirements.

116 business suppliers from 92 companies attended and over 370 pre-organised 10-minute introductory meetings took place with the 15 buyers that exhibited at the event.

Michael Broderick, economic regeneration coordinator for the council, said: “We

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were pleased with the turnout and the number of meetings that took place. We are committed to supporting businesses and help them prepare for the economic turnaround and Meet the Buyer events are an important part of doing this and they are another example of the council offering value for money and quality services for its businesses.

“Supporting the local economy is vital to the long term economic prosperity of the town, creating local supply chains, opportunities for local businesses and ultimately creating jobs for local people.”

Help to control barking dogs onstant barking, whining or howling is enough to drive anyone up the wall, especially your neighbours.

With this in mind, Ballymena Borough Council has rethought ways of dealing with such dogs. Methods now typically involve corrective training and in some cases ‘ultrasonic devices’ are available to hire from council, which are triggered when the dog barks, effectively training a dog not to bark unnecessarily.

In many cases, the person who owns the dog(s) is unaware that they are causing a

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problem and therefore the situation can be sorted out quite simply by talking to them.

However, where this approach fails the council has a formal investigation procedure.

If the dog owner does not cooperate and the problem persists then legal action can follow.

Residents can make a complaint to your local council about a dog that is disturbing you, or causing a nuisance, because of its barking or if you are a dog owner seeking some advice including the hire of ultrasonic devices by contacting the council’s Environmental Services Department.

Rules to kick out bad behaviour oungsters in Great Ayton have signalled the end to unruly behaviour at their play park. Members of the village youth club want vandalism, drinking, graffiti, rubbish and noise to be a thing of the past. They have now produced new rules for anyone using the Central Way facility, which call for ‘Respect’ and list behaviour that is not acceptable.

Residents living near the park have been disturbed by young people using it, often late at night, but with the help of the new rules – mounted on signs throughout the area – it is hoped everyone will be away by 10pm and will respect their neighbours.

North Yorkshire County Council’s 4 Youth Service established the youth club last year. Based at Yatton House, which is primarily used as a day care and activity centre by Mencap, up to 20 young people get together every week.

“The young people at the club wanted to see the park used sensibly so by working with members of the Community Safety Partnership – including the police, district council and Broadacres – they have come up with the new signs,” said Lee Godfrey from Broadacres Housing Association. “The signs show how they are

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Image credit: Hambleton District Council

determined to make a positive contribution to improving the park for everyone – and to making the area a safer place.”

The rules include no graffiti, no alcohol drinking, keeping the noise down – no swearing, no fires, binning rubbish and leaving by 10pm.

NEWSINBRIEF New council systems save money in Dorset A three-year programme to drive out waste and reduce costs across all Dorset County Council services has created savings of £5m a year at the end of its second year. Further savings of £3.6m a year are anticipated by April 2011.

Meeting this target in the Fit for the Future programme meant tough leadership decisions and increased challenges for staff as new ways of working have been introduced. At the heart of these changes is a complex ICT system that brings a disciplined technical approach to major areas of council administration such as finance, staffing processes and procurement.

Council gives back garden waste collected – as compost Basildon Council recently dished out free compost made from garden waste collected from residents during the year.

Basildon Council’s waste management officer, James Hendry, said: “All the compost we gave away was made from garden waste collected from residents’ wheeled bins. The aim is to show you how your recycling is always turned into something useful. Garden waste is composted using an open windrow composting pile at the Veolia composting site in Pitsea – it takes about six to nine months for your garden waste to break down into a soil improver, such as compost.”

The compost giveaway day was held to support national Compost Awareness Week, 2-8 May.

Food business ‘traffic lights’ rating introduced A new traffic light system for caterers, cafés and restaurants similar to the nutritional value ratings on food packaging is being launched by Birmingham City Council and the Birmingham Primary Care Trusts.

The Birmingham Healthy Choices Award scheme is intended to encourage businesses to consider the nutritional content of the meals that they offer to the public, as well as providing assurances for customers that the food choices that they are making are healthy.

The new award will run in parallel with the existing “H for Hygiene” award, enabling customers in Birmingham to make an informed decision about how clean an establishment is, as well as how healthy the food is. The scheme has been created as a partnership from the Food Safety Team at Birmingham City Council and NHS Birmingham East and North, Heart of Birmingham Teaching Primary Care Trust and South Birmingham Primary Care Trust.

Jacqui Kennedy OBE, director of Regulatory Services at Birmingham City Council, said: “Customers are increasingly health conscious, and they want to know what is in the food they eat. It is easy to make informed decisions in the supermarket as the nutritional content on food packaging is prominently displayed. We are hoping that the Healthy Choices scheme will be the start of bringing those same values to the catering and restaurant industry.”

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Recycle on the go in Hackney ecycling on the go is now easier than ever before in London Borough of Hackney with the provision of new litterbins around the borough. The council has installed new bins, which collect recyclables at one end and litter at the other, on streets around the borough to allow passers-by to recycle their newspapers, drinks cans, cartons, glass and plastic bottles, at the same time as disposing of general waste.

Steve Douglas, corporate director for Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, said: “We know that over half the rubbish that goes into our litter bins is recyclable. By providing these new bins we are delivering on our commitment to support residents to keep as much waste as possible away from landfill sites, and continue to help make

Electronic waste trial in Godalming

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Photo: Beccy Smart

Hackney a cleaner and greener borough.”

The new bins will be tested in Hackney Central, Stoke Newington and Shoreditch.

If they are well used and prove successful in helping to capture more materials for recycling, the aim is to install them in other town centres around the borough.

Residents are super-sizing recycling esidents have proven they are ready to step up to the recycling challenge by taking part in Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Big Bin Exchange programme.

In the last 12 months nearly 2,400 households have exchanged their small green recycling bin for a larger 240 litre bin, in a bid to help them to recycle as much as possible.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s head of environmental care

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Claire Harper said: “Residents who have already exchanged their smaller 140ltr green bins for the larger 240ltr size say it has made a big difference to the amount they are able to recycle.

It is so encouraging to see how many residents want to increase the amount they are recycling. Any other residents in the borough who would like to exchange their green bin are encouraged to call the council’s contact centre and ask for a big green bin exchange.”

Community alcohol partnership launched edford has launched a Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) to tackle underage alcohol sales, underage drinking and associated anti social behaviour, crime and disorder. A trial of ‘BedfordCAP’ will initially focus on the rural areas surrounding Clapham and Oakley before plans to roll it out in other areas of the borough.

The aim is to reduce young people’s access to alcohol by building on the existing work undertaken by the council’s trading standards service and local police teams. Young people and parents will also be provided with key information regarding alcohol and safer drinking, building on the existing work on such topics through local schools.

Councillor Will Hunt, Community Safety Portfolio holder for Bedford Borough Council, said: “A key aspect of the partnership will be to break down the barriers between retailers and the enforcement agencies, and to recognise that by working together and with the wider community, including schools, local youngsters and parents,

NEWSINBRIEF

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everyone can make a difference.”

Partners working together on the CAP include Bedford Borough Council Trading Standards, Bedfordshire Police, Schools and The Retail of Alcohol Standards Group (RASG) which represents major retailers, and is backed by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association. Together they plan to inform and advise young people on sensible drinking limits and help local communities to tackle alcoholrelated problems. The plans also include greater assistance and support for retailers as part of the partnership.

Godalming and Farnham residents (in GU7 and GU9 postcodes) can now easily dispose of unwanted electrical and electronic goods, in a new pilot scheme dedicated to the collection and recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment, WEEE. Rob Anderton, Waverley’s head of Environmental Services, says: “This new scheme means that residents can send more than ever before to be recycled, rather than having to take these items to the nearest tip. It is a very easy scheme to use, just call the number and leave items outside for collection between 8am-5pm on the specified collection day.”

The scheme is for anything with a plug or that takes batteries, for example washing machines, fridges, freezers, PCs, DVD players, games consoles, power tools, and garden mowers.

Residents need to contact Midex, the company that is running the trial for Waverley, on 0800 731 6646 and book their collection. There is a charge of £15 per visit to have goods taken away for recycling.

Free basic IT classes for Barnsley residents Barnsley Central Library is holding extra IT classes for anyone just starting out with a computer. The course is designed for beginners to introduce them to the Internet and includes the very basics from using a mouse or e-mail to how to shop, bank or find a job online, download music or use eBay. The course is personalised so you can choose the modules you need.

Derrick Taylor, assistant director, Access to Services said: “These free classes can help anyone in the community who is disadvantaged by lack of internet skills or access to the internet.”

New watch website for Hammersmith & Fulham A new tool in the war on crime in the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham has been launched.

The H&F neighbourhood watch website offers useful crime prevention advice, details of the borough’s 150plus neighbourhood watch groups and an abundance of crime-tacking information and tips. By logging on to www.hfnhw.org residents will also be able to track down a wealth of information on their local police safer neighbourhood teams and details on how to combat burglary and vehicle crime.

The website is the brainchild of Hammersmith & Fulham Neighbourhood Watch Association (HFNWA) members who, through the group, provide a focal point for the growing number of watches in the borough. HFNWA member David Millar explained the thinking behind the new website: “Neighbourhood watch organisations are increasingly using the web as a means of coordination, so this website brings all the groups in the borough together to share information and tips.”

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Government Business | Volume 17.5

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THE ESSENTIAL WORLD OF SALARY SACRIFICE Is there a difference between driving up your savings and cutting down your costs? In the unique world of salary sacrifice the overwhelming answer is yes Employer NI savings (childcare vouchers)

Indicative employer savings based on typical per cent administration fees, based on a workforce of 10,000 employees and average annual salary sacrifice of £2,400 per employee.

Most public sector organisations embrace the concept of salary sacrifice, but many do not yet recognise its financial potential THE CURRENT CLIMATE OF CRITICAL cost cuts and efficiency planning demands that the public sector embraces solutions that can relieve financial pressure. Yet many organisations are currently failing to achieve obvious cost savings (by delivering optimum results from their salary sacrifice schemes) due to unaddressed poor service, misguided focus or resistance to change.

THE QUESTION OF “VALUE” Salary sacrifice solutions such as childcare vouchers and cycle-to-work schemes are now widely accepted as a valuable part of an organisation’s employee benefit suite. Employers recognise the cost savings that such schemes can deliver for their employees, and understand that this has broader positive influences on staff retention, satisfaction and productivity.

Most public sector organisations embrace the concept of salary sacrifice, but many do not yet recognise its financial potential. Procurement is still heavily weighted toward cost as the primary driver of “value”, but in the case of salary sacrifice this focus is misleading.

All salary sacrificed by employees also results in NI savings for the employer, so success for organisations is less about the lowest cost solution, and more about driving the uptake of the schemes amongst their employees.

Richard Davies, head of Employee Benefits at P&MM, believes that the public sector can take encouragement and guidance from current trends in the private sector: “Major employers are

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changing their attitude to salary sacrifice. They see that the value is not in cutting costs, but in investing to drive up engagement levels amongst their employees, and as a result substantially increasing their employer National Insurance savings.”

Davies also recognises a significant trend in the type of benefit supplier that is delivering today’s salary sacrifice programmes: “There is a clear trend towards the use of benefits agencies with marketing specialism. Companies are realising that these skills are most suited to promoting the schemes across diverse workforces and as a result are achieving more desirable uptake levels amongst their staff.”

The employer NI savings graph (shown) illustrates how the lowest cost providers are unlikely to drive the best overall “value” – in fact, the higher the provider’s commitment to driving engagement, the greater the mutual financial benefit.

CHANGING SCHEMES Salary sacrifice schemes are still relatively young, and there are common misunderstandings that potentially hold back those public sector organisations seeking to optimise their scheme success by changing their current supplier. These include: • Contract value: new or replacement schemes often involve labour intensive tender exercises due to misinterpretation of the contract value. Contract values should be based on administration fees only (not the total salary sacrificed) and hence are low value – in fact, many cycle-

to-work schemes are delivered at zero cost and may not require a full tender exercise.

• Engagement or uptake levels: there is a widely-held assumption that schemes will only attract a small percentage of a workforce to join – between one per cent and two per cent is the typical perception.

Recent evidence indicates, however, that well managed childcare voucher or cycle-to-work schemes can achieve as high as 20 per cent uptake. Organisations must challenge their low-performing schemes and either demand more of their provider or seek an alternative supplier.

• Change is time-consuming and means hassle: in fact, most salary sacrifice providers can now switch a scheme seamlessly in a matter of hours. There is a duty for organisations to seek out the best solutions for their employees – ‘better the devil you know’ cannot be justified in the current financial climate.

Richard Davies feels that the impact of salary sacrifice is growing: “Salary sacrifice is a government tactic to fast-track key strategic (behavioural) initiatives into the public psyche, and employers are becoming increasingly wise as to how to maximise the impact of their schemes. It is now essential that public sector organisations take a long, hard look at their existing schemes and embrace the opportunity to drive a positive change.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information regarding salary sacrifice schemes, contact: P&MM Employee Benefits Tel: 01908 352067 E-mail: salarysacrifice@p-mm.co.uk Web: www.p-mm.co.uk

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Council donates old PC equipment ld and redundant computer equipment previously owned by Banbridge District Council will soon find a new home in a school or college in Africa.

Over 30 pieces of computer hardware, including printers, scanners, monitors, laptops and drives, are currently in the possession of Belfast-based charity Camara Education Limited. The charity will refurbish the second-hand computer equipment and pack it with educational materials before shipping it to schools and colleges in the African countries of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho and Rwanda.

“In donating this equipment, the council recognises the need for accountable electronic waste recycling is more important than ever. We’re delighted that our donation will give school children in Africa an opportunity to access IT and improve their education,” commented Council Chairman Councillor Elizabeth Ingram.

The council chose to support the charity’s ‘Education for Africa’ programme because it

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safely disposes of the computer equipment once it finally reaches the end of its useful life in Africa, usually after five years. The charity will ensure that the equipment is transported to recycling facilities, where it is recycled responsibly and ethically according to the EU’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive.

New Park and Ride opens for business ore choice for commuters and visitors and a ‘greener’ way to get into Winchester city centre – that’s the aim of the new £7.1 million South Winchester Park and Ride scheme, which opened recently.

The new Park and Ride – Winchester’s third – offers 864 parking spaces with frequent, low emission buses into the city stopping at key destinations in Winchester for commuters, residents and visitors.

A partnership project between Hampshire County Council and Winchester City

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Council, the scheme is designed to reduce the volume of traffic travelling into the city centre, improve air quality and relieve congestion at peak times. It has also been designed to improve the environment for pedestrians and cyclists as well as promoting public transport as a practical alternative to car use for the most environmentally damaging part of the journey into Winchester.

Five electric vehicle charging points have been installed in the car park – among the first in the south of England.

NEWSINBRIEF Free development tool launched The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has launched a new professional development tool for HR practitioners. My HR Map is an online self-assessment tool to allow CIPD members, free of charge, to assess themselves against the activities, knowledge and behaviours set out in the CIPD HR Profession Map. The My HR Map tool allows users to be clear about where they are now, and makes practical recommendations for the steps they need to take to reach the next stage in their careers, and where appropriate the support available to help them make that transition. It has been designed to support HR professionals at every stage of their career – from new entrants, right up to the most senior practitioners in the profession.

Stephanie Bird, director of HR Capability, said: “Professionals can use the tool to develop in their roles and pursue their career plans. We hope the insights it delivers will quickly become a firm fixture in the performance and development reviews of HR professionals in organisations of all shapes and sizes and across all sectors.”

New ‘buddy’ scheme offers a friend Good Morning Shadsworth is a new scheme offering a phone call every week to anyone who is in need of a friend to talk to. A ‘buddy’ will call at your preferred time on Mondays to have a chat – the receiver of the call can choose the subject and it’s free. The buddy will stay on for as long as you like, whether its two minutes or 20 minutes. A partnership between the Council and Twin Valley Homes (TVH), Good Morning Shadsworth is based on research by the University of Manchester, which found that the phone calls were one of the best ways to reach people who are not able to get out of the house much.

Walsall steps forward with plan to cut carbon footprint Walsall Council has launched its Carbon Management Plan, which it will use to reduce its CO2 levels by 30 per cent by 2014.

The plan, which is supported by The Carbon Trust, identifies ways in which the authority can reduce its carbon emissions that are under the council’s direct control. These include carbon emissions from council buildings such as schools and libraries, fleet vehicles and street lighting.

Kevin Kendall, head of property services and project sponsor for Walsall Council’s carbon management programme, said: “This plan contains a series of recommendations aimed at reducing the council’s carbon footprint which in turn will have an impact on addressing issues such as noise pollution, congestion and air quality. By reducing energy and fuel consumption in council owned properties and vehicles we will also be able to make significant efficiency savings and cutting our costs.”

The plan commits the council to a target reduction of CO2 by 30 per cent by 2014 and 40 per cent by 2019, whilst significantly offsetting fuel and energy costs between 2009 and 2014.

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Government Business | Volume 17.5

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MONEY MATTERS

WEB-BASED VS CLASSROOM TRAINING Kerry Walsh, head of Training & Events, Institute of Credit Management, discusses why professional training is important IF BUSINESSES ARE TO SURVIVE AND prosper in the modern world, they need to be more flexible, faster-moving and fasterlearning than ever before. Their ability to do this rests upon the abilities of their workforce to have these characteristics – hence the value of professional training. If individuals are able to learn, develop and change, then so can their organisations.

It is important for any business, large or small, to plan the training that its people may need. While there can be enormous benefits in developing the abilities of the workforce, training doesn’t come cheaply. Training needs to be directed at the right people, it needs to be the right type of training and it needs to be delivered at the right time.

THE MOST EFFECTIVE METHOD With the deluge of courses now being offered on the internet, it could very well

be signalling a coup de grâce for classroom training for all but the most technical of courses. In today’s tough economic climate, and with limited or no training budget available, how can you provide that much needed training resource your team needs?

One of the major benefits of training online is that you can fit it around your work schedule, and when you have a spare hour you can log on and do a bit more or – dare I suggest it –

even complete it in your own time, at home.

However, the drawback is that you may be constantly disturbed by office colleagues, phone calls and meetings, or possibly children if you choose to complete it after work. So it makes sense that one of the benefits of classroom training is that it requires you to be out of the office, leaving you to focus 100 per cent on the course. Another major benefit for classroom training is the personal touch – but how

While there can be enormous benefits in developing the abilities of the workforce, training doesn’t come cheaply. Training needs to be directed at the right people, it needs to be the right type of training and it needs to be delivered at the right time

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Ignite your potential with training from the Institute of Credit Management The credit management department is the engine room of any business so make sure it’s got the right spark.

ICM Training delivers a comprehensive schedule of public and in-house training courses, all designed with a single purpose: to empower your credit management team. And with a number of new courses being added this year, look again at what ICM Training has hidden under its bonnet.

Or if you want to plug into tailor made training, the ICM offers bespoke courses that can be designed with your business in mind.

To ignite your training, email training@icm.org.uk or telephone 01780 722907.

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MONEY MATTERS

important is that personal touch? How could you replicate the adrenaline buzz you get from taking part in a face-to-face role-play exercise online? And are online products really effective?

It’s not an easy decision to make. When choosing the best training solution for your needs, whilst location and cost are commonly the deciding factor, don’t ever settle for a course just because the training is in your local area.

Your own personality and limitations should also play a role in your choice. Do you work well without strict supervision and deadlines?

Can you set goals for yourself and follow these through? Can you work alone? If your answer to those questions isn’t a resounding ‘yes’ you may not do well with online training. There is a big difference between sitting in a classroom and being left to your own devices to complete the training in isolation. In a classroom, you’re held responsible for keeping pace with the delivery from the trainer and the other participants. An online course allows you to set your own pace.

Some people simply need the structure of a classroom setting to get into a learning mindset.

WHERE DO I START? Have you ever taken the time to sit down

and work out what online learning is available on the internet? Here are just a few of the more common platforms: A webinar is a neologism to describe a specific type of web conference. Web conferencing is used to conduct live meetings or presentations via the internet. In a web conference, each participant sits at his or her own computer and is connected to other participants via the internet.

A podcast is a series of digital computer files, usually either digital audio or video, that is released periodically and made available for download by means of web syndication.

A screencast is a digital recording of computer screen output, also known as a video screen capture, often containing audio narration.

A blog (a contraction of the term ‘weblog’) is a type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video.

If you are still none the wiser having read the descriptions, maybe the tried and tested route of classroom training will be your preferred route. I’d like to be able to write that we have all the latest

innovations in online training covered at the Institute Credit Management (ICM).

This is not yet the case, although they are firmly on our agenda for consideration for the future and I very much look forward to developing these areas. In the meantime we will continue running our highly successful public and in-house courses as well as providing our online product (icmOS) for those well adjusted new age bloggers.

SO WHICH IS BETTER? One size does not fit all. It depends solely on your needs. The value of a live, trainer-led training day is undeniable and with today’s cost-cutting measures in place the online version might be the way forward. One thing is certain – there will always be a need for classroom training but maybe it’s time we should be looking to online training as complementary rather than competing, and accept each has a place in today’s modern society.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit our website at www.icm.org.uk/ training or view our online product at www.icmos.org.uk for a free demonstration.

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Moving forward

together Moving forward

together

Cabot Financial is the pioneer and market leader in consumer debt purchase in the UK. Our continuous development and expansion has resulted in Cabot having established strong, long-term relationships with the major UK and European lenders as well as the public sector.

We never stand still, we continually move forward to meet

Our mission is to maintain and continually improve upon our the ever changing challenges that we face. That’s why position as the premier purchaser of consumer debts, sustaining we remain the purchaser of choice for the UK’s leading excellence through ethical collections.

consumer finance providers.

Our philosophy ensures that we produce market leading collection rates whilst preserving the underlying relationships.

Contact David Connell +44 (0)1732 524705

Contact David Connell +44 (0)1732 524705 or email sales@cabotfinancial.com or email sales@cabotfinancial.com

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MONEY MATTERS

A NEW APPROACH TO CREDIT Following the great acclaim of the 2009 Credit Summit launch, the 2010 event is set to be even bigger and better CREDIT TODAY’S CREDIT SUMMIT is the only UK credit exhibition in 2010, so don’t miss out on your opportunity to network with your industry peers whilst doing business. It will take place 13 May, at Grosvenor House Ballroom, Park Lane, London. Over 400 key industry figures attended in 2009.

THE DEBATE Have your say – Don’t miss the Future of Credit Debate: Recession and Recovery.

2009 saw visitors posing hard hitting questions at the “Future of Credit” Debate, featuring MPs Mark Lazarowicz and Mark Hoban; Nationwide’s Matthew Wyles; Barclaycard’s Amer Sajed; Claire Sandbrook of Shergroup and Mark Onyett of TDX Group. This year’s debate – sure to be one of the talking points in the industry – will continue to address cutting edge, key industry issues and will be held on 13 May at the Grosvenor House, London.

The official line up consists of: • John McFall MP, chairman of the Treasury Select Committee • Ken Maynard, chief executive, Cabot Financial • Leo McKee, chief executive, Brighthouse • Lord Desai, professor of economics, London School of Economics • Mark Huggins, director, AA Financial Services • Mark Thundercliffe, chief credit officer, HSBC • Michael Coogan, director general, Council of Mortgage Lenders • Paul Lewis, presenter of Radio 4’s Money Box and Money Box Live will be chairing the debate.

THE EXHIBITION Alongside the debate, following popular demand, this year’s event will bring you a bigger exhibition floor with a great number of the UK’s leading industry suppliers. 63 per cent of delegates who attended in 2009 went to source the latest ideas, suppliers and technology at our exhibition. This year is expected to have a wider range of exhibitors than ever before.

Biomni Voice is a leader in automated interactive voice messaging for consumer debt management and collection. Biomni’s services reduce cost, improve contact rates and cashflow, without capital expenditure.

Compliant with current data protection and telecoms legislation, the services have proven commercial benefits. Biomni is proud to number among its clients Cabot Financial Group and Vertex First Revenue Assurance.

Brachers are leading debt recovery solicitors in the south. They act for a range of clients across a variety of sectors, including financial services, transport, education and construction to name only a few. The company provides everything from invoice

management and credit control through early stage collections, litigation, enforcement and insolvency, including the management of large portfolios of insolvent debt.

Business Credit Management is the UK’s leading, directory, resource and portal for all of your credit management needs. A onestop online credit shop for credit reports and debt collection – UK and Worldwide, daily newsfeed, free weekly newsletter, extensive link directory and much more.

Cabot Financial is the pioneer, and a market leader in consumer debt purchase in the UK. During the last 10 years, Cabot has set industry standards and has a reputation for excellence in all aspects of operations, through consistent purchasing performance; maintaining our ethical philosophy of treating customers with respect.

The Consumer Credit Trade Association is one of the longest serving credit trade associations in the UK. It offers unrivalled

experience and a common sense approach.

Membership ranges from start up businesses to large blue chip companies, covering providers of all types of credit and the suppliers that support the industry, such as solicitors and software specialists.

The Credit Services Association is the only association in the UK representing the debt servicing industry. It works with, and for its members, providing accreditation through the Code of Practice and aiding professionalism and best practice through information, advice and training. The Debt Buyers and Sellers Group is a dedicated specialist group including buyers, sellers and intermediaries.

The group has grown considerably in size and at an even more considerable pace.

CreditPal is an online service that complements an SME’s accounting software, allowing them to send validated and standardised management accounts to their

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Language Line Services Helping you to deal with local problems at a local level Every day, we help staff in over 300 local government organisations nationwide to assist thousands of Limited English Speaking citizens, in diverse communities, facing challenging situations.

Always there Helping to reduce your cost of service and increase your time to serve local residents at any time you need us throughout the year. Reducing the pressure in providing equal access to public services for all.

Wherever you need us Dedicated to the provision of the highest quality professional interpreting and translation services - nationwide.

Helping to implement best practice Easy access, from any phone, to telephone and Face-to-Face interpreting, transcriptions and translations to meet the varied requirements of the community.

Confidentiality and a strict Code of Conduct and Ethics are always at the heart of our service. We are committed to help you to sustain your pursuit of service excellence and improving public confidence.

With whatever suits you best Whatever circumstances you face, we are on-hand to provide the most appropriate solution by the swiftest possible means. Consistently delivering high quality services and value for money is our primary goal.

You can rely on us To work in fully accountable partnership with you, using our breadth of experience to support your strategic policies and operational procedures. We will work with you on practical and simple solutions, proven to reduce overall spend, improve delivery, meet ever growing expectations, and to build trust and confidence across your constituents.

Call us on 0800 169 2879 or visit www.languageline.co.uk and we will introduce you to our government sector team.

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MONEY MATTERS

chosen suppliers of credit. For example, CreditPal powers the world’s first credit reports to be based on up-to-date management accounts, or can be used to protect cover from a leading credit insurer. The service can also be used by SMEs to review and prepare detailed management accounts for internal use.

Creditsafe Business Solutions is the UK’s most chosen supplier of company credit data. Creditsafe offers invaluable business insight into prospective customers, suppliers, competitors and business partners, making it essential to everyone in your business.

In addition Creditsafe Creditnet offers affordable access to reports on over 22 million companies throughout 20 European countries.

With a history dating back to 1975, Debit Finance Collections Plc (DFC) is a Direct Debit Bureau offering a cost effective, user friendly means of setting up debtor payment plans over the phone via its Electronic File Transfer paperless direct debit system.

Experian is the leading global information services company, providing data and analytical tools to clients in more than 65 countries. The company helps businesses to manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing offers and automate decision making. A number of the company’s products

and services are also tailored to meet the specific needs of the public sector.

Graydon UK is one of the leading database information providers specialising in credit risk management. Graydon helps clients reduce the uncertainty of doing business by providing a complete, differentiated and high-quality package of credit risk management services.

Graydon also provides reports on companies in more than 190 countries worldwide.

Lester Aldridge Fast Track Solicitors is the specialist debt recovery division of Lester Aldridge Solicitors. In the last 15 years the company has become one of the leading debt recovery legal teams in the UK and now represent a host of household names across the banking, credit insurance, motor finance, waste management, and construction and electronics sectors.

Marston Group is the largest Civil and High Court enforcement office in the UK, employing more Certificated Bailiffs and High Court Enforcement Officers than any other agency. It’s the only private company in the UK to undertake an ethical audit of our practices and we specialise in: moneyvillage has quickly established itself as a company offering ethical financial management particularly in the sub-prime

sector. Customers in financial difficulty have access to a range of products and services designed to deliver a complete financial solution. This holistic approach provides realistic assistance to those in debt whilst our strategic partners benefit from greater returns over a longer period. The uniquely packaged lifeplan can increase disposable income, provide personal support and generate a brand adhesion rarely found in this arena.

Swiss Post Solutions’ market leading solutions provide global B2B and B2C billing, e-presentment, printing, e-analysis, document management, scanning, automated Account Receivable and Account Payable processing hosted solutions. Swiss Post solutions’ hosted services are rapidly implemented with no disruption and the knowledge that any solution is flexible and modular to scale to meet a business’ needs. With 35 years managed service experience Swiss Post Solutions has the expertise and proven technology to manage a structured transition from print to online.

Tracesmart has an established history of providing the debt collection industry with cleansing and tracing services that quickly and cost-effectively locate debtors. its hugely anticipated tracing system, TraceIQ, will be launched this summer.

Relationship building and ethical collecting are critical success factors for debt purchase companies HILST NOT OUT OF THE WOODS yet, few would disagree that the UK’s economic prospects are undoubtedly looking brighter now than they did 12 months ago. However, the traditional lags in the economic cycle mean that it will remain some time before this still fragile recovery transfers into a return to job creation and general financial stability. Until such time, the collections arena will continue to remain a challenging place in which to operate. All this without mentioning any possible impact on the industry of a possible change in government!

All things considered, the underlying issue is that liquidation rates remain under pressure. Many of those that over-borrowed when times were good are now struggling to repay their debts. This means that debt purchase companies, who can take a longer term view than debt collection agencies, must continue to refine collection strategies and maximise efforts to improve liquidation rates. The balancing act to play is to treat customers ethically and fairly at all times, while still recognising the moral responsibility that debtors have to pay their debts.

Debt purchasers have integrated the ‘personal touch’ into debt recovery by offering a range of options on repayment terms, waiving interest

W

or even writing off a part of the balance.

Established debt purchasers will also utilise their databases to access historic payment information to better segment their portfolios to ensure that the most appropriate strategies are adopted for each specific customer.

Borrowers should understand that the whole credit system relies on them taking on board a moral obligation to repay their debts. Unscrupulous debtors may attempt to avoid repayment on the basis that documents cannot be provided, despite it being quite clear that they have borrowed the money. Hiding behind paper trails in this manner has a detrimental knock-on effect

on those borrowers that do repay.

Much of the recent press contain opinions which criticise the collections industry and offer inaccurate information about collection practices. However, the increased media spotlight on the sector as a whole, has brought benefits and led to established debt purchasers and collections agencies further improving their ethical stance when dealing with customers.

Consumer Minister, Gareth Thomas, referred to ‘rogues’ in the debt collection sector and the need for a more consistent pattern of good practice. However, practices of all reputable collections operations have changed or are moving along that path, recognising that it is necessary to build a strong foundation of trust with customers at the beginning of any relationship. This increases the likelihood of initial payment and also encourages a longer lasting commitment to pay. Best practice is to embrace a customer rehabilitation approach, which helps foster customer loyalty and enhance payment patterns.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01732 524600 Fax: 01732 522374 E-mail: dvant@cabotfinancial.com Web: www.cabotfinancial.com

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ADVERT

Prepaid cards

Aiding Financial Inclusion and Delivering Efficiencies

Managing costs and maximising financial and operational efficiency is an issue being faced by all government and public sector organisations around the world.

As such, recent years have seen public sector organisations everywhere seeking new ways to replace the costly and inefficient paper-based payroll processes, expense systems, and cash payments that have dominated their administration. As part of this, many are seeking to make social and welfare benefits distribution systems more efficient.

The solution to these challenges can be found in prepaid cards. In the case of social and welfare benefits distribution, MasterCard® prepaid cards are playing an increasingly important role in improving distribution efficiency, while promoting financial inclusion by providing benefit recipients with an innovative, secure and efficient payment tool.

Better Benefit Distribution One of the key efficiency advantages for public sector organisations that use prepaid cards for social and welfare benefit distribution is the fact that benefits can be paid directly onto a prepaid card without the need for costly and cumbersome paper-based administrative processes.

By switching from paper to plastic, multiple public sector agencies can benefit, as prepaid allows participating governments to upload different benefits from different agencies onto the same prepaid card, thus enhancing efficiencies for all.

Prepaid can also be an effective tool for eliminating the social stigmas that are associated with receiving benefits.

As prepaid cards look exactly like any other debit or credit card, public sector organisations can provide citizens with a widely accepted, electronic payment vehicle that addresses the challenge of financial exclusion.

MasterCard branded prepaid card programmes have been making a huge impact on the social benefits space, ever since prepaid first played a role in the US public sector in the 1990s when paper-based food stamps were replaced by prepaid electronic benefits transfer cards.

The momentum created has been sustained to this day with numerous successful programmes including the Direct Express® MasterCard, which was rolled out by the US Department of the Treasury and the Social Security Administration. This programme now gives millions of underbanked American citizens, without access to bank accounts, the option to receive Social Security and other federal benefits payments via a prepaid card.

In Europe, independent research revealed that annual prepaid transaction volumes in Europe are expected to be €4.4 billion per annum by 20151 – making prepaid one of the fastest growing payment forms around. It is expected that government benefits will account for 7% of the entire prepaid turnover in Europe by 2015.

Benefits to both constituents and governments December 2008 saw the launch by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Welfare of a new social card programme in Italy, involving the issue of MasterCard prepaid cards to more than 1.3 million benefits recipients, through Poste Italiane, the government-owned postal service2.

With a network of 14,000 branches providing a readymade logistics infrastructure the programme has injected additional speed and efficiency into the distribution of benefits across Italy and is a prime example of welfare distribution in action.

Here in the UK, a partnership involving MasterCard and government payments specialist allpay, provides organisations with the opportunity to have more control over the distribution of their funds to benefits recipients.

1

Source: PSE Consulting, research commissioned by MasterCard, August 2008

2

Source: Poste Italiane December 2008 Press Release

Since its launch last year, the allpay Prepaid MasterCard® Card, has appealed to a range of organisations looking to modernise their payment methods and move away from costly cash, cheques and vouchers, offering cost savings, improved control and security, and further choice and convenience for citizens who are part of the programme.

Log on to www.mastercard.co.uk/prepaid and discover more about how prepaid can help your organisation, improve efficiency and meet the needs of your public.

www.mastercard.co.uk/prepaid

Government Business | Volume 17.5

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MONEY MATTERS

IS GOVERNMENT LOADED PREPAID FINALLY TAKING OFF? European government benefit prepaid turnover is set to reach E9.1 billion and 478 million card transactions in 20151 Prepaid cards can help governments dramatically reduce costs, improve operational efficiency and introduce new services. They can be used to provide a range of disbursements in place of cash and cheques such as unemployment benefit, child support, pension, payroll, subsidised school meals; as well as disaster relief and refugee payments. Moreover, funds can easily be paid to the unbanked, the likely recipients of these payments.

Prepaid cards are different to debit and credit cards because money is preloaded onto the card and recipients are not required to open a bank account. The government can top these up with funds which are available for individuals to spend with any merchant that accepts card payments or can be exchanged for cash. Organisations can cancel the cards at any time and the risk of fraud can be minimised because Chip and PIN security means that only authorised individuals can use the cards. No value is stored on the card itself and if cards are misplaced or stolen, they can be remotely blocked and funds can be re-credited.

In the US, a number of state governments have introduced both open loop and closed loop prepaid benefit programmes, demonstrating the greater level of control and customisation that prepaid cards can offer. An example of a closed loop programme is WIC, which only allows mothers to spend their benefit payment at certain retailers for specific items.

In the UK, the biggest push for prepaid cards comes from personalised care where there is a demand to pay individuals directly onto a prepaid card, so that they and not the local authority, can manage their money.

According to Ticon, a leading government

consultancy, prepaid cards not only give the beneficiaries greater choice and the opportunity to self direct the support they receive, but are also a cost effective solution that will enable local authorities to direct more resources into other activities.

SUCCESS The success of government prepaid cards has been proved in the USA with Direct Express, in the UK with the G2G card, and in Italy with Carta Acquisti. However, on a global scale, progress has generally been slow and this is largely due to the fact that local and central governments go through long processes to assess their budgets and to choose a supplier to implement the prepaid programme.

Furthermore, it cannot be said with any certainty that government loaded prepaid cards are the best solution for every country.

Prepaid cards will work better depending on the environment in a specific country and there are a number of factors that a government must consider before rolling out a programme, such as; the maturity of the banking sector, payments infrastructure (is there a POS or ATM network?), regulatory environment, financial education and the size of the unbanked population.

For the UK government, one of the major explanations for slow adoption rates are the high charges and fees. Public sector organisations need to decide with their card providers and suppliers who should shoulder the costs, the local authority, merchant, or the beneficiary?

Despite the fees, however, the ongoing bureaucracy and costs to administer social benefit payments will be lower through prepaid

cards than other more traditional channels.

The US has been the leader in driving government prepaid products and in the last two years governments, especially in Europe, have followed suit and tried to emulate these programmes. However, each country is different and has different requirements, for example in emerging markets where there is a lack of ATM and POS terminals, prepaid cards may not be the best option. In fact, local governments in Brazil and Kenya are looking at branchless banking and even mobile phones as a new way to make payments, but there is nothing to say that these new innovations in technology cannot be incorporated with prepaid cards.

Growth in the European government prepaid market stands to reach €9.1 billion by 2015.

This exponential market growth is attributed to the fact that countries such as the UK, Sweden and Italy have large welfare systems and established banking infrastructures, which make it easier to implement prepaid card programmes and to educate beneficiaries about how to use them. It is fair to say that the number of prepaid programmes will continue to grow globally, but some markets will be more conducive than others depending on the particular environment of a country.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Prepaid 2010 takes place 15 June at the Brewery in London and features one full day focused on prepaid in the public sector. For further information go to www.prepaid-conference.com

MasterCard prepaid card solutions for the public sector INCE INTRODUCING ITS first prepaid card in the mid 1990s, MasterCard has quickly become a leading prepaid payment card brand. Today, MasterCard combines a set of global prepaid product solutions, processing and advisory services that is unique in the industry, making it a strong business partner for companies looking to successfully participate in the prepaid market.

MasterCard prepaid card solutions are being used today to enable global financial inclusion and provide consumers an additional payment choice; deliver cost savings and efficiencies to business and public sector agencies; enhance channels for merchant profitability; and complement existing retail

S

bank strategies by delivering innovation on emerging payments opportunities.

MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide.

As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment

solutions, processes over 22 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financialinstitution customers and merchants. Powered by the MasterCard Worldwide Network and through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCard serves consumers, businesses and public sector organisations in more than 210 countries and territories around the world.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information go to www.mastercard.com or follow us on Twitter: @mastercardnews. Alternatively, e-mail: prepaid_europe@mastercard.com

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CONFERENCE & EXPO LONDON 14-16 JUNE 2010

Prepaid is in your hands

DISTRIBUTION & LOAD

TRANSPORT MOBILE CONTACTLESS

CORPORATE

PUBLIC SERVICES VIRTUAL GIFT CARDS

Speakers at Prepaid 2010 include: Peter Lewis, Head of Oyster, TFL Nicola Kaye, SmartCard Programme Support Officer, Bracknell Forest Council Allyson Lloyd, Corporate Catering Manager, Croydon Council Marianne Lewis, Programme Manager, Croydon Council Kieran Fitsall, Supplier Relationship Manager, Westminster Council Darryl Wallis, Project Manager, Hillingdon Council Steve Pennant, Programme Lead, Connected London, London Councils Kevin Farquharson, Director, Smartran Richard, Poynder, Chairman, Smartex A growing number of authorities are using smartcards to provide social benefits, healthcare, concessionary transport and cashless catering services.

Prepaid 2010 brings together the operators, councils, banks, card associations and system integrators behind the latest innovations in multi application cards in the UK. This is your chance to find out how to reduce costs, increase revenues and improve standards of public services for your organisation.

Prepaid 2010 is f ree to attend f or all public services prof essionals Please quote PPAA in the promotional code box when registering Organised by

w. www.prepaid-conference.com

t. +44 (0)20 7067 1831

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COMMUNICATING WITH THE COMMUNITY Can an SMS text message strategy deliver information of real value to your community?

A NUMBER OF FORWARD THINKING councils are now incorporating text messaging into the way they communicate with their community and importantly giving the public a low cost, simple route to talk to the council.

Importantly text messaging is socially and digitally inclusive, over 98 per cent of UK adults now have a mobile phone. Many councils are adopting simple-to-use interfaces from companies such as txttools.co.uk. This service allows the user to send and receive SMS text messages from their computer and track the delivery, much like e-mail, but with audited delivery. Having the ability to create discreet groups of customers, clients, patients or staff can have major benefits when you want everyone to be notified with a single message.

The tool is completely flexible, so you can send a message to a group or to an individual person. Messages can be sent instantly or scheduled at a later time and date. The schedule can be set months or even years in advance and sent out when that message is relevant. Messages can even be edited right up until the scheduled time to allow for changes in arrangements. Customers can be added to lists requesting information and replies may be automated or custom sent.

Many councils are now incorporating txttools into their disaster planning, it is proven to be the fastest, most reliable method for communicating with large groups of people.

WHAT ARE THE PRACTICAL USES FOR COUNCILS? txttools can be used for emergency planning, for environmental notification and enquiries. For example flood warnings, electricity outages, water, transport, health warnings and severe weather warnings.

It can be used for repairs and maintenance, such as repair reminders, surveys, contractor information, repair requests, enquiries, complaints, contractor orders, contract followups, gas repairs, inspection notifications, health and safety information and notices.

Other popular uses include using SMS for staff contact, meetings, appointment arrangements and reminders. It can also be used for youth services, tenant surveys, intruder alerts, anti-social behaviour, and reporting crime/vandalism. Uses also include voting both for staff surveys and public surveys, rent arrears reminders and rent remittances. Many libraries are using SMS text reminders for overdue books and to tell customers that reserved books are now in the Library. Sports centres can use it to confirm bookings and to tell people about events. ‘Neighbourhood watch’

groups can use it to let people in a very specific set of postcodes know if there is any activity in their area that they should be aware of.

WHY ARE THEY CHOOSING TXTTOOLS®? txttools have an uninterrupted message delivery in the public sector for the last nine years. They are used by councils, police forces, schools, hospitals, clinics, connexions and over 45 per cent of the UK colleges and universities. It is a robust sophisticated messaging platform that is easy to use underpins the companies business.

The txttools team have and continue to respond to development needs of the community. The application includes an array of features; two way messaging and secure online access 24 hours a day, seven days a week from any PC (using the same security as online banking). You can send messages to groups or individuals, instantly or schedule for later delivery. You can also track delivery of every message.

It is possible to convert text message to voice mail if the number is a landline.

There are also inbox rules, RSS feeds and auto responders. The txttools team have an outstanding reputation in both their faceto-face customer training and unlimited support which is included in the package.

WHAT THE USERS ARE SAYING Lisa Holland, Youth Services Worker – Information Services at Stirling Council, said: “We use the system in our youth texting service in Stirling to group young people together in areas, interests, or groups, so we can contact them with information relevant to them.

“We find that the system is easy to use which has enabled us to enrol this out to our staff so they can use it to engage with young people in youth groups or projects that they are involved in. The support and guidance we have had from txttools over the past two years has been brilliant.“ Barry McHenry, e-Services Coordinator at Greater Merseyside Connexions Partnership Ltd said: “We use txttools to contact young people about Connexions services and have more recently added the emergency text system; this proved invaluable during the freezing snow conditions in January, when we were able to get instant messages out to all our staff at relatively low cost.

“We have been working with txttools for nearly 18 months and have been really impressed with the service and the results it’s generated for us. We also recommended txttools to several partners who are equally happy with the product.”

Here are some links to councils using txttools: • www.fifedirect.org.uk/doitonline/ index.cfm?fuseaction=online.alert • www.stirling.gov.uk/index/ lifeyouthservices/info_txt.htm • www.stirling.gov.uk/my/ • www.fareham.gov.uk/general/texting.aspx • www.eastriding.gov.uk/cs/streetscene/ maintenance-operations/textmessageservice/

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: +44 (0)113 234 2111 E-mail: info@txttools.co.uk Web: www.txttools.co.uk

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Government Business | Volume 17.5

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BUILT ENVIRONMENT

CRC OPPORTUNITIES Capitalise on the opportunities offered by the Carbon Reduction Commitment, says Jeff Whittingham, director of Business Energy Solutions at British Gas Business

THE CARBON REDUCTION COMMITMENT Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC) has brought with it some fundamental challenges for the public sector since it came into effect on 1 April 2010. However, whilst compliance obligations exist, there are also real opportunities present for Local Authorities and Government Departments to turn its introduction to their advantage. With energy managers under more pressure than ever to reduce energy costs, British Gas Business is here to help with a clear and expert understanding of the energy challenges faced by the public sector, helping companies measure, monitor and manage their energy use.

Under the CRC, companies are now legally required to reduce their CO2 emissions and measure, manage and report their energy consumption and emissions data, purchasing carbon allowances in relation to those emissions. However the implications of the CRC cover not just environmental performance, but also have financial and reputational dimensions which will only increase over time. Now is the time to build the right team so compliance becomes part of your organisation’s wider objectives.

THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS From a financial perspective, it’s critical to involve senior management and financial functions at an early stage

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THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

given the up-front cost and cashflow implications of purchasing allowances.

Subsequently, any reductions in carbon emissions should – in the medium term – result in cost savings from reduced energy consumption and bonuses accrued through the CRC. Conversely, increases in carbon emissions can prove costly in terms of increased energy costs and the penalties.

The financial implications become more pronounced over time and participating organisations will need to be mindful of and prepare for this. Whilst bonuses and penalties start at +/-10 per cent they increase to +/-50 per cent by 2014/15. So, organisations proactively reducing their energy consumption are likely to receive significant recycle payments; those who fail to do so may experience much larger cash implications.

REPUTATION MANAGEMENT Reputation management should not be overlooked. The annual October publication of the CRC performance league table will highlight the best and worst performers, so communications and corporate responsibility teams should be involved to manage the repercussions. The onus will be on organisations to defend themselves where necessary, and actively promote their credentials to a full range of audiences, depending on where they rank in the table. With the

first league table due in October 2011, it’s critical to identify the likely scenario as early as possible and prepare to respond.

Now is the time to take advantage of two early action metrics; installing smart meters and applying for the Carbon Trust Standard, an accreditation which rewards organisations that demonstrate absolute or relative reductions in emissions over the past three years, and takes into consideration current and future plans to reduce energy usage.

BUILDING THE RIGHT TEAM Of course, central to the CRC management team should be an environmental manager, who takes responsibility for managing the CRC process as part of a carbon management strategy. Their challenge is great – working with a multi-disciplinary team to deliver carbon reductions, which meet both the organisation’s goals and those of the CRC. One of the key challenges will be the need to monitor emissions from a variety of sources, including electricity, fuel and diesel, so internal co-ordination will be crucial.

Few organisations have the resource to take this on in addition to their day job. So, to help organisations affected, British Gas Business has launched the CRC Manager service to ensure full compliance with the regulations, and remove the administrative burden, whilst helping customers improve their league table position. The CRC Manager will collate energy data; monitor energy usage; forecast annual carbon emissions; as well as prepare evidence packs, carbon management reduction strategies and to make energy-efficiency investments, saving both time and money.

British Gas Business is already helping many government organisations to manage the challenges and realise the benefits of the CRC scheme – from initial assessment, advice and registration, through to smart metering and monitoring, and active carbon reduction applications.

As the UK’s leading supplier of smart meters, British Gas Business is best placed to provide advice and support on energy and fuel efficiency having received the Carbon Trust Standard and ISO 14001 accreditation, coupled with an expert energy and carbon reduction service – Energy360. British Gas Business is also helping CRC participants with the early action metric, for example Wolverhampton City Council where we have installed smart meters which not only increase their early action score but also energy saving.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For further information on British Gas Business or CRC, please visit www.energy360.co.uk/crc

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BUILT ENVIRONMENT

HELP TO CUT CARBON AND COSTS Tom Cumberlege, public sector manager at the Carbon Trust, looks at how a few simple steps can not only improve energy efficiency, but also cut costs ENERGY EFFICIENCY IS INCREASINGLY sitting at the top of people’s agendas. Clearly, if organisations use less power, they will spend less money on energy bills. Not only that but by reducing their carbon emissions and improving their environmental performance, they will fare better in the government’s Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) programme which came into force in April 2010.

The CRC is a mandatory scheme that targets carbon dioxide emissions from large public and private sector organisations, which use more than 6,000MWh of electricity per year. The CRC has significant financial and reputational implications for organisations so it is vital that they understand fully how it will impact them and how they can profit from early action to reduce the cost of compliance and minimise risk. Until 2013, organisations that are part of the scheme must buy carbon allowances to cover their emissions at a cost of £12/tCO2, after this the price will float and trading will begin in earnest. This money will be paid back to businesses in October of each year, but how much is dependent on how high they are ranked in the CRC league table. In 2011 the league table is determined solely on the basis of whether the organisation has taken ‘early action’ in advance of the CRC. The good news is that implementing a few simple techniques can help to reduce the amount of energy consumed, and in doing so release funding. Costs can be reduced significantly using simple energy saving procedures, such as setting appropriate temperatures and ensuring that heating equipment and controls are operated and managed correctly.

So, with the start of the Carbon Reduction Commitment around and the need to maximise any opportunity to save energy and cost, what actions can you take to make energy efficiency savings?

TOP TIPS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY • Place heat emitting equipment such as printers and photocopiers in a naturally ventilated area • Switch off all IT equipment when not in use and enable power down modes to reduce energy consumption and heat production • Switch off monitors – this will save 60 per cent on the energy used by a PC during break times when it’s not in use • Consider renewable energy technologies to generate power and heat • Do not switch on catering equipment too soon. Label equipment with its pre-heat time

and educate staff to turn on only when needed • Switch off lighting when not in use – place ‘switch off’ stickers above light switches and put posters up • Purchase equipment with running costs in mind. Equipment that automatically switches off (such as pan sensors on hobs or lighting) can save as much as 25 per cent on energy costs • Switch water coolers and vending machines off at nights and weekends • Set default printing to double sided where possible and try to print in batches to allow the machine time on standby • Involve staff by developing an awareness campaign to encourage and incentivise energy efficiency • Check your heating system operating hours meet the times when heating, ventilation and cooling are required, as needs vary throughout the day and at different times of the year. Also check that building energy management systems are operating properly.

SURVEYING IN NORTH LONDON Woodhouse College, a sixth-form college in Finchley, was able to make substantial savings by taking a few very simple steps.

Based around an 18th century manor house in Finchley, North London, Woodhouse College is a sixth-form college with around 80 staff and 1,000 pupils. The original building was extended in the 1920s and 30s, with further areas added in 1997 and 2000.

Woodhouse College’s annual energy bill is around £50,000, making it one of the largest expenses after staff salaries. In addition, with limited budgets, the College could not afford the annual energy bill increases of 20-30 per cent it was facing. Carol Kirkland, the director of academic and business operations, had a personal interest in the environment and so called in the Carbon Trust, with the dual purpose of reducing bills and improving the College’s environmental performance.

As a first step, the Carbon Trust carried out a free detailed energy survey to see what could be achieved based on low cost solutions. The resulting survey produced a range of recommendations for how the college could reduce energy consumption by almost 17 per cent, saving 36.5 tonnes of carbon a year. The advice ranged from installing more energy efficient light bulbs, to developing an energy efficiency awareness campaign for staff and students.

18 months on and many of the

Tom Cumberledge

recommendations have been implemented.

Pipes and valves have been insulated, light bulbs are being replaced with energy efficient bulbs and computers turn off automatically.

The College has even installed more light circuits giving greater control over the lighting of different areas, so that better use can be made of natural light. An ongoing energy efficiency awareness programme has also been successfully implemented, which has led to direct changes in the way students and staff use energy.

Woodhouse College is now seeing the results. Its energy consumption is falling month by month, with a six per cent reduction over a year, saving 13 tonnes of carbon. This has been achieved despite an increase in student numbers, which means the College is actually experiencing greater use of its classrooms.

The Carbon Trust offers free on-site surveys to schools and other organisations with an energy bill of over £50,000 per annum.

During the survey a carbon expert will visit your premises, and work with you to develop an action plan to reduce your energy use.

Similarly, smaller organisations spending under £50,000 annually on energy can access free, practical advice from the Carbon Trust website and advice line. Ultimately, energy efficiency savings cannot afford to be ignored.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0800 085 2005 Web: www.carbontrust.co.uk

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BUILT ENVIRONMENT

REDUCING COST AND EMISSIONS To help improve the UK’s energy efficiency to deliver climate change targets and to ensure security of supply, the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme is now underway FROM 1 APRIL, LARGE PRIVATE AND public sector organisations that had a half hourly meter during 2008 must register under a new mandatory emissions trading scheme, the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme. It has been designed by the UK Government to help deliver its commitment to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by at least 80 per cent from 1990 levels by 2050. The scheme could reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 11.6 million tonnes per year by 2020 – the equivalent to taking roughly four million cars off the road.

The central government sector is responsible for carbon dioxide emissions of 5.1MtCO2/ yr, with a cost-effective potential saving of about 1.1Mt/yr. The central government sector is split into two main estates: Civil

HOW IT WORKS The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme will be phased in over three years. Once fully operational, CRC Participants (about 5,000 organisations) will be required to monitor their emissions and purchase allowances for each tonne of CO2 they emit at the beginning of each reporting year. The first sale of allowances happens in April 2011, covering projected CO2 emissions April 2011 to April 2012. The government will then sell these allowances for £12 per tonne of CO2.

The scheme is revenue neutral overall, meaning all revenue raised from selling allowances is re-distributed back to participants according to their position in the annual Performance League Table. As a consequence,

Local authorities spend about £750 million on energy every year. A lot of that money is wasted on energy that either isn’t needed, or isn’t used efficiently. Most local authorities could save large amounts of money – and help the environment – by reviewing their energy usage and Ministry of Defence (MOD). Typical small establishments within the central government sector include police stations and court houses.

Local authorities spend about £750 million on energy every year. A lot of that money is wasted on energy that either isn’t needed, or isn’t used efficiently. Most local authorities could save large amounts of money – and help the environment – by reviewing their energy usage.

The public sector is one of the top ten industry sectors that were affected by the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme when it started in April. The scheme affects local authorities, NHS organisations such as Primary Care Trusts, central government departments and their respective executive agencies, and universities.

The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme is a new government initiative aimed at cutting carbon emissions from large public and private sector organisations. All organisations that had at least one half hourly electricity meter during 2008 must register for the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme between April and September this year. Those that used at least 6000MWh of electricity per year through these meters (equivalent to about £500,000 worth) will need to buy and sell allowances to cover their emissions.

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participants successful in reducing energy consumption will not only save money on energy bills, but will need to purchase fewer allowances and will receive greater financial reward through revenue recycling.

These savings should be well in excess of the costs of participating in the scheme.

Participants that perform well will also be placed higher in the Performance League Table, which will be published annually by the Environment Agency. Being higher up the league table will have the added benefit of enhancing the organisation’s reputation.

There are many ways the public sector can reduce its carbon emissions. Often these measures are fairly simple and low-cost.

OFFICE EQUIPMENT From PCs to vending machines, office equipment of some kind or another is used by almost all UK businesses, and accounts for around 15 per cent of all the electrical energy used in UK offices. It’s an area where huge savings can be made, as effective management of equipment can reduce its energy consumption by up to 70 per cent. Technology advances daily, which means new equipment with better energy

efficiency ratings can lead to big savings.

Develop a set of guidelines – an office equipment policy – to standardise operations and communicate it. For example, activate stand-by modes on PCs and set up printers to print both sides of the paper (duplex printing).

Well-maintained equipment is more efficient and lasts longer. So set up a maintenance schedule, keep equipment free from obstructions and prevent over-heating by cleaning filters and fans regularly.

HEATING & HOT WATER Heating and hot water can account for 60 per cent of your total energy costs. And because it’s possible to reduce your heating costs by up to a third, the potential savings are substantial.

Don’t turn up the heating unless you really need to. Try to keep your thermostat at 19°C as your heating costs will increase by eight per cent each time you turn the temperature up by just one degree.

Install boiler sequencing controls if you have a number of boilers on your site – a boiler sequence control that fires the minimum number of boilers at the same time will save energy. Replace inefficient boilers as higher efficiency boilers gain better energy savings. In commercial or industrial buildings with warm air heaters and high ceilings, de-stratification fans can reduce energy use by 20 per cent by blowing warm air down to ground level where it’s needed.

LIGHTING On average, 25 per cent of an organisation’s electricity costs come from lighting. Yet you can cut these costs by up to a third while reducing your carbon footprint and improving the working environment for your staff.

Switch lights off in empty rooms. You could cut your lighting costs by as much as 15 per cent just by making sure you turn off lights in areas that aren’t being used. If you have fluorescent tube lighting, changing from T12 tubes to T8s will bring energy savings of ten per cent. Upgrading lamps and fittings to T5 will bring even greater savings and will retain a high light output.

Occupancy sensors, which switch off lights when a space isn’t being used, can reduce lighting costs by 30 per cent. Lighting a space artificially when daylight is already doing the job is a waste of energy. Light sensors (photocells) can switch off or dim artificial lighting when there is sufficient daylight.

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

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Expert energy training for the public sector

ADAS Energy – your questions answered

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Do fears about security of energy supplies make you go cold? Responding to your needs, we run a wide portfolio of CPD accredited public courses throughout the year offering both foundational and in-depth seminars.

Are you developing a strategic five-year plan and struggling to estimate energy costs? From transportation, transmission and regulation, to trading and risk management, buying gas or trading carbon allowances we can help build your understanding and enable you to operate efficiently and confidently in the complex energy arena.

OR OVER 60 YEARS ADAS has been helping clients deal with their environmental challenges.

Our long history of delivering research and consultancy work for central and local government on environment and energy issues means we have a real understanding of the issues faced by our clients.

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The ADAS energy team have the skills, experience and enthusiasm to undertake all your renewable energy projects from site assessment, feasibility studies and project implementation.

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Are you responsible for both buying and saving energy? Visit our website, call or e-mail us to discover our flexible solutions to local and national energy issues.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: +44 (0) 845 299 7072 Ext.4 E-mail: info@mjmenergy.com Web: www.mjmenergy.com

Generate energy and revenue from your property assets WNERS OF LAND and buildings have long understood the inherent opportunities for clean energy generation from the installation of solar panels, wind turbines, biomass boilers and heat pumps. However, until now the economics have been marginal, with high capital costs and unfavorable energy prices leading to long payback periods or even negative returns.

This will change with the introduction of the Feed in Tariff (FIT) from April 2010 and the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) planned for 2011. These schemes will provide fixed price, index-linked tariffs for clean energy generation, with the FIT supporting small scale renewable electricity and the RHI driving the development of the renewable heat market at a range of scales.

O

These new market mechanisms can deliver project returns of five12 per cent, providing significant investment opportunities for asset owners. The key to unlocking and maximising this potential is to understand the technical, commercial and delivery risks and structure projects accordingly.

Camco has a unique 20 year track record in advising asset owners on these risks and the best solutions. We are a world-leading clean energy and carbon business and have won numerous consecutive awards for the financing and development of clean energy projects.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information or to discuss a proposal, please contact our renewable energy developer Stephen Cribb, on 0113 2321630, or e-mail stephen.cribb@adas.co.uk Address: ADAS Leeds, Unit 1, Rubicon Square, Pentagon 2, 4205 Park Approach, Thorpe Park, Leeds, LS15 8GB

The CRC Energy Efficiency Summit 2010 HE CRC ENERGY Efficiency Scheme (CRC) is the UK’s first mandatory energy savings and carbon trading scheme targeting emissions from public and private sector groups.

CRC participants that fail to reduce their energy consumption and carbon emissions are expected to face significant costs associated with the purchase of carbon allowances and potential financial penalties. They also risk serious reputational damage with the publication of the scheme’s annual league table comparing the carbon management performances of all participants.

Now in its fourth year, the CRC Energy Efficiency Summit provides an important platform for stakeholders and policymakers to meet and discuss the development of this scheme.

T

Key reasons to attend: • Learn how to develop carbon and energy savings strategies to boost your league table performance • Learn about the most cost effective energy efficiency and carbon reduction measures • Understand how to estimate costs associated with compliance and allowance purchases • Gain an understanding of the mechanics of carbon trading and how to minimise financial risk The CRC Energy Efficiency Summit features a keynote address from Tim Yeo, MP. Mr Yeo has been Member of Parliament for South Suffolk since 1983 and Chairman of the Environmental Audit Select Committee since 2005.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.greenpower conferences.com/crc

Tel: 020 7121 6150 E-mail: duncan.price@ camcoglobal.com Web: www.camcoglobal.com

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BUILT ENVIRONMENT

TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE

EDF Energy is committed to meeting environmental issues and challenges head on and has set itself apart as a company truly committed to a sustainable future IN SEPTEMBER 2009 THE COMMUNITY Energy Saving Programme took effect and energy companies faced a new challenge in delivering energy efficiency improvements in the domestic sector.

EDF Energy has successfully met targets set by government over a number of years from the Standards of Performance schemes to the recent Carbon Emissions Reduction Target, an extension of which is currently under consultation and would take this Programme in to 2012.

EDF Energy is committed to meeting environmental issues and challenges head on and has set itself apart as a company truly committed to a sustainable future. Through our ambitious Climate Commitments, launched in 2007, we have set ourselves some ambitious targets that go above and beyond any public commitment ever made by an energy supplier.

We’ve pledged to reduce the intensity of carbon dioxide emissions from our electricity production by 60 per cent by 2020. We’re also aiming to eliminate our office and depot landfill waste from 2020 and cut the energy we use in our workplaces by 30 per cent by 2012.

In this spirit EDF Energy has welcomed the introduction of the CESP as the next step in the radical shift required to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and support the alleviation of fuel poverty within the residential market. The CESP contributes to government’s ambition to address climate change, through an 80 per cent reduction of greenhouse gas or CO2 emissions by 2050. EDF Energy is an ambitious company that want to bring sustainable solutions home to everyone.

The CESP will be a good platform for us to help meet that goal as well as meeting the aims of the plan as set out by government.

TARGETED APPROACH Under the CESP energy suppliers and, for the first time, generators are obliged to deliver energy efficiency improvements to households in qualifying areas. These areas have been set by the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) as those which rank in the lowest decile of The Index of Multiple Deprivation and as such would most benefit from the measures to be installed. The ethos behind the programme of a whole house, targeted approach is designed to address those most in need and lead to a reduction in fuel poverty through savings on energy bills.

As a major energy supplier and generator EDF Energy will be delivering improvements to a considerable number of households and will be a large player in the scheme. EDF Energy will

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be delivering the bulk of the scheme ‘in house’ with a dedicated team of experienced project managers. This will allow us to learn as much as we can about the programme to take forward to obligations beyond 2012. It also allows us to work with partners to identify solutions that best suit their needs rather than impose a fixed set of product and delivery options. In this way we can use existing supply chains and developed best practice with our partners.

SUPPORT We want to support the whole house principle of the scheme and maximise the benefit of the measures installed. We want to be active in the communities where we have a presence and we want to support new technologies through our work with partner organisations.

Although we are positive we can meet the requirements of the scheme with real success that is not say that the CESP programme doesn’t pose real challenges, not just to EDF Energy and other obligated parties, but to all the organisations involved in delivering the scheme. The measures proposed to be delivered in volume under the programme are more intensive than improvements that have been delivered under previous obligations.

This will require excellent communication with householders to enable them to appreciate the benefits these works will deliver.

Additionally, with the types of works proposed and the scale of the programmes that could be delivered under the scheme, there is a relatively short timeframe in which to work.

This will be challenging for delivery partners in ensuring that works are completed and health and safety and customer satisfaction standards are met by 2012. This issue is especially relevant when concerning district heating schemes or large solid wall programmes where planning permission is required.

WORKING TOGETHER EDF Energy’s approach has been consistent since the start of the programme. We have expanded our partner base to work with new organisations and in new locations across the country. We are working closely with potential partners in Scotland and Wales to assess the potential of schemes in these areas. It is always our intention to work together with partners and to take an active role in the delivery of schemes.

FOR MORE INFORMATION We have already made good progress towards our target. However, we are always interested to hear from new partners with schemes which fit with our strategy. Please contact Kevin Thomas at kevin.a.thomas@ edfenergy.com if you would like to learn more about working with us.

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Written by BRE

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

SUSTAINABILITY STARTS AT HOME Reducing emissions in the home is a key part of the meeting the government’s legally binding targets TO PREVENT THE MOST DANGEROUS impacts of climate change the UK Government has set a legally binding target to cut emissions by 80 per cent by 2050 and a set of five-year ‘carbon budgets’ to ensure the UK reaches this goal. Reducing emissions in the home is a key part of the meeting these targets as dwellings are responsible for over a quarter of the UK’s CO2 emissions. Further, we have one of the oldest housing stocks in Europe and many of our homes are poorly performing with uninsulated solid walls, inadequately insulated lofts and inefficient boilers.

THE ENGLISH HOUSING STOCK The government has just published its strategy for Household Energy Management Strategy Warm Homes, Greener Homes1, which sets out its plans to achieve a 29 per cent reduction in domestic CO2 emissions by 2020.

It contains a raft of plans to improve the performance of the existing stock including the installation of loft and cavity wall insulation in every home by 2015 where practical as well as providing a smart meter and display to improve management of energy use.

The Strategy also envisages a key role for community partnerships and local authorities (LAs) as trusted agents to deliver energy efficiency measures with support from the energy companies. CERT (Carbon Emissions Reduction Target) has shown this to be an effective vehicle and so the government has built upon this in its development of CESP (Community Energy Saving Programme).

CESP 2009-2012 is administered by Ofgem and is aimed at delivering significant energy efficiency treatments to 90,000 homes in low-income areas. It was announced as part of the Prime Minister’s Home Energy Saving Programme, launched in September 2008, and is a £350m programme funded by a new obligation on energy suppliers and electricity generators.

The programme promotes a ‘whole house’ approach to energy saving, and will be rolled out through a house-by-house, street-by-street approach by community-based partnerships made up of LAs, community groups and energy companies. It is expected that CESP will be delivered in around 100 low-income areas across GB, reaching about 90,000 homes and saving almost 2.9m tonnes of CO2 emissions. By targeting low-income households and reducing fuel bills permanently, CESP also aims to support the government’s fuel poverty targets.

The HEM Strategy is looking to deliver eco-

upgrades to seven million households which would include advanced measures such as solid wall insulation or heat pumps alongside smart meters and more basic measures, and CESP is seen as a pilot for this.

The first ten CESP schemes were announced

by British Gas in October 20092 and will be in Birmingham, Chester, Dundee, Glasgow, Haringey, Swansea, Knowsley, Preston, Southwark and Walsall. British Gas will be working with local authorities in each area as well as a number of charities including Scope, Help the Aged, Money Advice Trust and the RNIB. The first of these to go forward is the Walsall Project and the partnership includes the Walsall Housing Group (WHG) and the local authority Energy Efficiency Team. Properties

infra red thermography to identify heat loss paths) on a ‘before and after’ basis which prove the case for sustainable refurbishment.

The project is also looking to provide training and skills for the industry to help them to deliver sustainable refurbishment. BRE has been building a better world for almost 90 years. Our best practice knowledge in regard to sustainability and innovation is used across the construction industry to promote innovation in sustainable construction and refurbishment. Using this expertise BRE Training has many relevant training courses which can help organisations and individuals extend their skills and capabilities and increase their efficiency and competitiveness.

The BRE Training portfolio includes courses in Home Energy Advice, Energy Assessment

We have one of the oldest housing stocks in Europe and many of our homes are poorly performing with uninsulated solid walls, inadequately insulated lofts and inefficient boilers in the Blakenhall area are receiving new heating systems and external insulation3.

The energy supply companies are well experienced in delivering energy efficiency measures through their CERT commitments, but CESP extends carbon reduction obligations to the generating companies for the first time. As a consequence, one of the generators, Drax, has commissioned Eaga to deliver its entire CESP obligation4.

Looking beyond 2012, CESP will act as an important ‘testbed’ for how the government meets it long-term plans for heat and energy saving in the domestic sector. CESP is a pilot for this approach and will therefore provide valuable lessons for how the new delivery model will work.

INSULATION, INSULATION, INSULATION Delivering eco-upgrades to achieve significant CO2 reductions as envisaged within CESP requires a highly insulated building envelope, very efficient building services and possibly Low and Zero Carbon (LZC) technologies too. BRE’s Rethinking Refurbishment project5 is looking to facilitate such a step-change in refurbishment.

We will have over 100 exemplars around the country which are tested using a comprehensive series of physical tests (such as airtightness measurements to identify air leakage and

and Management as well as: Renewable Energy Technologies, Sustainability, Design in Sustainability Buildings (Code and BREEAM training), Fire Risk Assessment, Regulation & Legislation and Sustainable Refurbishment. Training takes place at our 75 acre site in Watford. The exceptional facilities enhance the training courses which are delivered by leading BRE experts.

Notes 1. http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/ content/cms/what_we_do/consumers/ saving_energy/hem/hem.aspx 2. http://www.centrica.co.uk/index. asp?pageid=39&newsid=1890 3. http://www.walsall.gov.uk/mtext/ walsall_cesp_doc_jan10__2_.doc 4. http://www.eaga.com/media/news/ leading-power-generator-chooses-eaga 5. http://www. rethinkinghousingrefurbishment.co.uk/

FOR MORE INFORMATION For further information: Tel: +44 (0)1923 664829 Fax: +44 (0)1923 664336 E-mail: train@bre.co.uk Web: www.bre.co.uk/training

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BUILT ENVIRONMENT

TARIFFS MAKE ENERGY SAVING MORE AFFORDABLE Two government incentives are pointing the way to a major growth in power generation and renewable heating within our housing stock THIS WILL LEAD TO A MAJOR INCREASE in the use of photovoltaic systems and air source heat pumps as the incentives help to shorten payback periods significantly.

To reach the ambitious targets for CO2 reduction that have been set by government, and to encourage us all to purchase renewable technologies, two new incentives are being introduced: The Feed In Tariff (FIT) started this April for renewable electricity generating equipment and the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) will be introduced in April 2011 for renewable heat generating equipment.

The incentives will provide a regular annual income by paying an incentive for every kWh of energy produced. This will help cover the additional cost of installing these new technologies, although the rate of return set for individual technologies will be different, making some more attractive than others.

REDUCED RUNNING COSTS Whilst ALMOs and housing associations are looking for ways to reduce running costs for tenants, one technology – the air source heat pump – has already emerged as a proven way of reducing energy consumption (and therefore cost), whilst also helping developers build more energy efficient homes.

We are also seeing another technology – photovoltaic (PV) panels – appearing on rooftops around the country and these allow a house to produce its own energy helping to reduce energy bills even further. However, until recently, PV panels were thought too expensive to consider for many but the FIT incentive has changed all of this.

Mitsubishi Electric, which manufactures the award-winning Ecodan® air source heat pump in Scotland, is in the unique position of being able to offer both air source heat pump and PV technology with MCS certification.

The company has just announced details of comprehensive calculations which demonstrate how a combination of PV panels with an air source heat pump – as opposed to the more traditional thinking of solar thermal with an air source heat pump – is able to achieve a greater reduction in household energy use and help to lower fuel bills.

All of the company’s calculations are based on the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) figures from February 2010.

The two examples clearly show that a PV and air source heat pump system will generate a lifetime income far greater than that from a solar thermal and air source heat pump system.

“Solar thermal definitely has its place

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but we believe the largest growth now will be in photovoltaics, especially given the Government’s Feed In Tariff,” explains John Kellett, general manager of Mitsubishi Electric Heating Systems Division.

KEY ISSUES “One of the key issues for housing associations is being able to ensure that tenants are warm at minimal cost, with heating supplied by a system that will work reliably and with as little maintenance as possible,” adds Kellett. “That’s where air source heat pumps and photovoltaics steal the lead over many other technologies because they can both be virtually maintenance-free.”

Ecodan is a factory-sealed unit that sits outside a property and needs little more than an annual visual maintenance check.

Photovoltaic panels are fitted to a south-facing roof and are virtually zero-maintenance.

In the first of the two comparisons that Mitsubishi Electric have produced, a typical semi-detached, cavity-wall insulated property fitted with a photovoltaic array and an Ecodan air source heat pump is shown to generate almost 50 per cent more income over its lifetime period than a solar thermal/air source heat pump system.

Both have similar installation costs, but the Feed In Tariff means that the PV is able to generate more income and shorten the payback period.

In the second example – on the same property – a larger PV array is specified, meaning an

increase in capital outlay of about £5,000.

However, the increased income from the FIT scheme means that the PV/Ecodan system will generate an annual income of £1,239 compared to the £523 from a solar thermal/ Ecodan system. This helps drastically shorten the payback period whilst helping the PV/Ecodan system earn a lifetime income of £22,113 after capital and running costs have been deducted.

“We are already specifying several combined PV and Ecodan systems as housing associations realise the long-term implications for this technology and we expect this demand to grow very quickly,” ended Kellett.

FOR MORE INFORMATION If you would like further information on the company’s calculations, send an e-mail to heating@meuk.mee.com or visit www.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/heating.

Visit www.mistsubishielectric.co.uk/pv/faq for further information on how PV works.

For the latest information please visit www.decc-gov.uk. All figures are an estimate and are based on DECC information February 2010.

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BUILT ENVIRONMENT

EAGA LAUNCHES CLEAN ENERGY PROGRAMME Feed-in-tariffs promise to transform the market for domestic green energy – but will the technology be affordable to all? John Swinney from green services company eaga reveals a unique business model that shows it can IF WE ARE TO MAKE THE COLLECTIVE shift to low carbon living it is crucial that all households can go green, regardless of their ability to pay. The government’s decision that feed-in-tariffs (FITs) would come into force from April this year will help companies promote this by developing programmes which address both environmental and social inclusion challenges.

Climate change Minister Ed Miliband used a recent visit to a domestic solar energy project by eaga and the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham to launch the FIT incentives. In simple terms, from April the incentive will allow surplus electricity generated domestically through the clean energy such as solar photo-voltaics (PV) to be exported back to the national grid.

According to the government the tariff levels have been calculated to offer an annual return of between 5-8 per cent on the initial investment in the technology.

In addition, solar PV Modules will typically offer households annual savings on their fuel bills of between £150 and £200.

At eaga we have utilised FITs to develop our Clean Energy Programme to install solar PV systems for social housing tenants – at no cost to them and requiring no investment from the social landlord. The funding will come from private sector investments who will receive an income yield over a 25 year period from the government-set tariff.

WIN-WIN SITUATION It’s a winning solution for all parties. Investors receive a scalable return on their investment, the government benefits because it effectively attracts private sector funding to finance public sector-style work and the social housing tenant has free green energy and lower fuel bills. And as each system can cut annual carbon emissions from an average home by around 1.2 tonnes, the local authority or Registered Social Landlord moves a step closer to hitting targets to cut carbon. The UK has become the first country to set legally binding targets, in our case to cut carbon emissions by 80 per cent on 1990 levels by 2050. A considerable part of the commitment will fall on local authorities and other organisations with large housing stocks.

A report entitled Green Jobs and Skills, recently published by the Commons Environmental Audit Committee, estimates the annual global market for green technologies is now worth £3 trillion so it is vital that we in the UK have the skills needed to share in this market. The UK currently gets around 5.5

Climate Change Minister Ed Miliband in LB Barking and Dagenham

per cent of electricity from renewable sources, but this will need to increase to around 30 per cent to the meet the 15 per cent 2020 target for all energy. Modelling show that small scale renewable installations could meet two per cent of electricity demand in 2020.

The UK currently gets less than 1 per cent of heat from renewable sources. This will need to rise to around 12 per cent in order to meet the 15 per cent 2020 target for all energy.

Commenting at the time of the FIT launch Secretary of State Ed Miliband said the guarantee of getting an income on top of saving energy would be a significant incentive to households and communities by making the payback for investment in green technology far shorter than in the past. It would change the way they think about their future energy needs.

He added that it would also change the outlook for a range of industries, in particular those in the business of producing and installing small scale low carbon technology.

Ofgem will administer the Feed-in Tariff scheme and suppliers will be responsible to paying the reward to their customers. The renewable heat incentive will start operating in April 2011. Ofgem will be responsible for making payments direct to large heat generators. Householders and communities can apply for the Feed-in Tariff from their electricity supplier from April 2010.

The eaga Clean Energy for Social Housing programme attracts funding from private sector investors, who will receive a return from the FIT element. There is no cost to the tenant and no investment required from the social landlord.

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BUILT ENVIRONMENT

REGULATING AFFORDABLE HOUSING Peter Marsh, chief executive of the Tenant Services Authority, looks at how housing associations have weathered the economic storm THE NEW REGULATOR OF SOCIAL housing, the Tenant Services Authority (TSA), was launched in an unprecedented global recession. The economy had taken a battering, private sector activity had fallen sharply and public finances are still coming under increasing strain to help support the banks and the fall out from the credit crunch.

With lending severely constrained, one of the TSA’s top priorities has been viability. Without a healthy balance sheet and a strong cash flow, homes don’t get built, decent homes programme stop and services to tenants suffer.

BUILDING HOMES With four and a half million people on housing lists and access to mortgage finance still tight, the need for housing associations, councils and arms length management organisations (ALMOs) to build more homes has never been more important. Based on housing association business plans, we expect that the number of homes built by housing associations to fall from 50,000 last year to 40,000 a year after 2011.

There are other issues also facing providers.

Section 106 sites (where there is a legal agreement between the planning authority and the developer) have dried up and there are less opportunities coming from planning gain and profits from low cost home ownership subsidising rented development.

In addition, the deflation experienced in the wider economy will feed through into associations’ rent levels in 2010/11 – rent increases are linked to the September retail price index (RPI) figure, which was negative in 2009. Although, associations appear to be coping with forecast reductions in income and none have approached the TSA saying the fall in rents will cause them viability issues. However, they will have to look closely at their cost base to cope on more uncertain economic times.

One question I am often asked is how the sector is coping in this economic downturn. This article should hopefully illustrate that there is good news. One of the TSA’s priorities is to provide the regulatory clarity and certainty needed to maintain the confidence of private sector lenders and investors, so that they can finance improvement improvements to neighbourhoods and the building of more homes.

REDUCING COST OF BORROWING By effective regulation, the TSA safeguards and maximises the value of public investment in affordable homes. The protection we offer to private lenders reduces the cost of borrowing. Every £1 we spend on regulating

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With four and a half million people on housing lists and access to mortgage finance still tight, the need for housing associations, councils and arms length management organisations (ALMOs) to build more homes has never been more important

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helps housing associations to save £15 in reduced interest costs. This amounts to a saving of £250 a year – or 70p a day – for every housing association home in England.

Our regulation of rents helps to ensure that the £127 billion of public money invested in social housing delivers value to the taxpayer – by making those homes available to those who need them most and keeping down the £7 billion Housing Benefit bill for social housing.

The TSA also has a priority to protect the taxpayer. We were established by Parliament to safeguard the public investment of £37 billion in housing associations and over £90 billion in local authority homes, and provide assurance for private investors who have £40 billion funds invested in housing associations. We will make sure that

our work continues to enable the landlords we regulate to secure loans at significantly lower rates than they would otherwise.

Lenders are clear that an efficient and stable national regulatory system is crucial to the flow of the further £20-25 billion of funding that will be needed over the next five years to continue to build new homes for those most in need.

Independent research shows that regulation currently reduces interest costs by some £500 million per year. This saving will grow as the debt in the social housing sector increases. At a time when public resources are constrained and markets prone to uncertainty, the benefits of regulatory stability and continuity are clear.

Over the next five years, we want to ensure that lenders, pension fund managers

and the wider bond market keep their confidence in the sector and our regulatory role, so that landlords can borrow the £20 to £25 billion over the period.

FINDING THE FUNDS In November last year we published our private finance strategy, which set out how we work with lenders and the capital markets to increase the sources of private finance to invest in social housing. During 2008-09, over £7 billion of private finance was raised by housing associations and the overall value of their assets rose from £85 billion to £95 billion. Since the TSA launched, housing associations have raised just under £2 billion from the bond market.

Large institutional investors such as pension funds and insurance companies are looking for new asset classes in which to invest that will offer a stable return and security for their investment. There has been some debate recently about whether the combination of demand for a new asset class and the potential need to afford affordable and sub-market cost housing could offer part of the solution to the UK’s affordable housing problem.

Our job is to make sure that housing providers are well-governed, well-run and deliver value for money, so that they can invest effectively and efficiently in new homes and in the homes they already own. We work with landlords to drive up value for money – by sharing information on costs and performance, by effective allocation and by encouraging new entrants into the market and promoting new partnerships between existing providers. Our work with lenders and investors helps to ensure that new funds continue to be made available to build new homes and improve existing ones.

Housing associations have weathered the economic storm better than many parts of the UK economy, with minimal write down of assets and no instances of insolvency. The sector has to date avoided the business failures seen in other parts of the economy – no funder has suffered a loan default from lending to an association during the credit crunch. Although there have been writedowns of some assets – some associations bought land or property at the top of the market and now it is not worth what they spent on it – the size of those writedowns is relatively small at around 0.1 per cent of the sector’s £95 billion asset value. Importantly, it has not affected their ability to comply with funders covenants and the sector has been far less exposed than commercial developers.

I believe that the housing association sector is well placed to emerge in a position of strength from the downturn and will be ready to help address the long-term shortage in affordable housing faced by the country, whilst continuing to deliver high quality services to tenants.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.tenantservicesauthority.org

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Soon all your residents could be watching is this.

The switchover to digital TV has started. If your property has a communal TV system which hasn’t yet been converted or upgraded, your residents will not be able to watch TV. For more information visit digitaluk.co.uk/propertymanagers or call 08458 455 455*.

*Calls are free for BT customers within inclusive calling plans. Call charges from other providers may vary. The standard business hours for Digital UK’s contact centre are 9am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm on a Saturday. Opening hours will be extended during the switchover in each area.

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BRINGING HOUSING TOGETHER The Chartered Institute of Housing’s Conference and Exhibition offers four events in one: a housing summit with topical debate, a vibrant and innovative exhibition, a brand new exhibitor focused seminar programme and a packed social networking diary THE TIMING OF CIH HOUSING 2010 Conference & Exhibition, just after the general election, promises an event that will be at the very top of the agenda, highly topical and interesting to everyone involved in the housing sector. It will be the first time the whole industry congregates post election, providing an ideal platform for debate, networking, exploration of new policy initiatives and product showcasing. It is expected that the event will be buzzing as a result.

The CIH Annual Exhibition remains the biggest and best-attended event in the housing calendar, bringing together around 5,000 housing professionals and 300 key suppliers from across the UK. Both the conference and the exhibition provide an ideal opportunity for people in the housing sector to explore their sector and the issues that affect them. The exhibition itself promises to show how housing providers continue to invest significantly in maintenance and repairs and to actively develop, resulting in a buoyant market for

products and services. This year’s exhibition will prove that the social housing sector continues to be a test bed for innovation.

THE IDEAS EXCHANGE While the Conference debates policy, the Exhibition will also be having formal discussions of its own, bringing together housing associations, local authorities and a full range of service providers at The Ideas Exchange, a series of product and procurement focused seminars. This format is brand new for the CIH Annual Exhibition 2010. The Ideas Exchange has two main streams running concurrently over the three days, Innovation and efficiency: doing more with less and Service excellence: satisfying the customer.

The seminar programme will include a session looking at Sustainability & energy efficiency for new homes and refurbishments, including practical examples from housing associations that have made a real difference to energy efficiency and the use of sustainable resources.

Panel members from Cottsway, Orbit and Black

Country Housing will contribute to the session.

Bill Rumble, commercial director of Mark Group who are exhibiting at CIH, said: “Social housing providers have a responsibility to meet basic energy-efficiency standards for their tenants. We estimate there are some eight million residential properties in the UK which are yet to benefit from simple insulation measures but, by working directly with organisations in this sector, we can potentially cater for hundreds or even thousands of homes in a single project.

“After insulation comes education, lifestyle change and the microgeneration of power.

At this year’s CIH exhibition we will be showcasing our capabilities in developing a ‘whole house’ approach to energy efficiency. This will involve helping social housing providers understand how they can measure up to stringent government requirements, through accessing funding and facilitating partnership arrangements.”

With the spotlight fixed firmly on reducing the risk of fire and overall H&S initiatives a session

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Win

Visit us at CIH Exhibition Hall A Stand 31

the battle against fuel poverty

Win higher energy ratings

The Daikin Altherma air source heat pumps and Daikin solar thermal systems offer a WIN WIN for landlords, tenants and the environment by:

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• Helping to tackle fuel poverty by reducing household energy bills.

Daikin Altherma’s entire range of air source heat pumps is MCS accredited – so eligible for grants – and is ideally suited to the UK housing market.

For more information: email heating@daikin.co.uk or visit www.altherma.co.uk

Midlands Region

Northern Region

North London

Central London

South London

0845 641 9370

0845 641 9340

0845 641 9360

0845 641 9350

0845 641 9355

Scotland Region 0845 641 9330

Western Region 0845 641 9320

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titled Safe and secure: Best practice in Health & Safety and Fire Safety will provide an update on the key initiatives and highlight best practice in deploying products for fire safety and H&S. Whatever the result of the general election, public expenditure is likely to be cut, raising the perennial issue of how to do more with less.

The next session – Innovating for efficiency: reducing costs and improving results for new builds and refurbishments – will show how deploying innovative products and processes can help you get the most from your resources; speakers from Home Group, Wolverhampton Homes and Fusion 21 will be present.

Solarcentury is exhibiting this year at CIH and see the forthcoming year as an exciting one for housing association’s with the start of the Feedin tariff, an innovation in solar power. This new scheme means housing association’s will be paid for generating solar electricity and will be able to pass on electricity savings to their tenants.

The scheme has encouraged housing associations, public buildings and businesses to go solar too, Derry Newman, CEO of Solarcentury says: “Over the past year, Solarcentury has been working with over 50 housing associations on over 200 affordable housing projects; and is seeing a shift towards fitting solar for tenants in older housing rather than just new buildings.

One such organisation is South Yorkshire Housing Association (SYHA), whose tenants collectively should see over £36,000 in bill savings next year thanks to their investment in solar electric homes. SYHA believes grid electricity prices will continue to rise by six per cent each year, so whilst it generates a guaranteed revenue for reinvestment, the not-for-profit organisation is protecting its vulnerable tenants from such price rises.”

Public sector organisations, as well as businesses, have already been incorporating solar solutions into their buildings, including The London Fire Emergency and Planning Authority and the Metropolitan Police.

Increasingly, both sectors will be ramping up their solar investments as they recognise it can become a significant hedge to future electricity prices, as well as a financially attractive way to cut carbon emissions.

The second seminar stream focuses on service excellence; satisfying the customer and opens with a session looking at tenant involvement and the central role it plays in the success of many projects, Involving tenants in the product selection and procurement process. This session will highlight best practice examples from organisations that have successfully engaged with their clients in the delivery of projects, these include Harvest Housing, Thames Valley Housing, Spire Homes and the London Borough of Hackney.

Shoreline Housing Partnership, High Peaks Community Housing and Portsmouth City Council will look at how to deliver excellence and how to involve suppliers in the process in

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High Quality Heating Solutions to Suit Any Project At Quinn Radiators we strive to achieve a perfect synergy between form and function in the design of our radiators. A quick glance through Quinn Radiator’s current product portfolio will reveal sculptured lines, bold geometric shapes and stunning finishes in a wide variety of sizes, colours and shapes. With a comprehensive selection of radiators on offer, Quinn Radiators are guaranteed to have the perfect choice for any project.

Tel: +44 (0) 1633 657 271 Fax: +44 (0) 1633 657 151 Email: info@quinn-radiators.com Quinn Radiators, Imperial Park, Newport, Gwent NP10 8FS.

www.quinn-radiators.com

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a session on Achieving excellence in service delivery and contractor & partner management.

The fabric of buildings, availability of services and estate management standards all have an important impact on the development of sustainable communities.

A session titled Products and services for sustainable communities will outline best practice in services and initiatives that go beyond just physical regeneration and help to develop a sustainable community.

ENHANCED SOCIAL PROGRAMME Most people attend these national events to grow their client base and the social events diary at the CIH Housing 2010 has been expanded to ensure more opportunity for relationship development and networking.

The social programme kicks off on Monday evening with a Welcome Drinks Reception at The Crown Hotel from 18.45-19.45.

This is a free event and provides a great opportunity for delegates and exhibitors to mingle. The Bollywood Bistro Night follows the reception, a paid for event that is themed with an inspired Indian menu and entertainment. On Tuesday there is a delegate wine reception sponsored by Mitie, which will take place in the exhibition area, officially opening the exhibition and Tuesday’s events continue with a party from 8pm.

The social highlight of the week is the World Cup Football Reception, the CIH and event organisers Ocean Media have made the most of the opportunity and running alongside the conference programme the England-Slovenia match will be shown on screens in the exhibition hall with complimentary drinks provided.

Tanya Cohen, exhibition director, Ocean Media, said: “We have introduced The Ideas Exchange to help visitors get even more out of their exhibition experience. By showcasing what’s really made a difference in housing organisations and hearing from those involved in implementation at the sharp end, The Ideas Exchange will provide practical examples of best practice that housing professionals will be able to apply to their own situations.

We have also expanded the social and networking diary as we appreciate how important networking is to exhibitors and visitors. We know that the four distinctive elements of the CIH Annual event and the congregation of the housing sector at such a pivotal time will result in a milestone event.”

The exhibition features a wide spectrum of the UK’s leading providers of products and services for and to the social housing sector and includes: • Developers and contractors • Building products and services suppliers • IT and smart technology

• Solicitors • Architects and planners • Modern methods of construction • Maintenance, repair and facilities management • Management solutions • Consultants • Housing associations • Voluntary organisations • Care and support • Security and alarms • Finance • Environmental products and services • Recruitment and staffing • Procurement services • Utilities • Other organisations offering services related to social housing and regeneration Exhibitors at Housing 2010 include: Mears, Mark Group, ROK, Swish Building Products, Wates Living Space, Tribal, SitexOrbis, Freefoam Plastics Ltd, Ideal Stelrad, Worcester Bosch, Rixonway Kitchens, Capital, Permadoor, Savills, TPAS, the Audit Commission, Housemark, Arden Chambers, Ubbink, and Dulux.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For the latest event news, the full conference and exhibition programme, travel information and to register online visit www.cihhousing.com

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Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

Breakthrough product delivers housing maintenance boost AGNACLEANSE

M is the latest industry breakthrough from ADEY Professional Heating Solutions and promises significant maintenance budget savings for local authorities.

The new product development from the pioneers of magnetic filtration and the award winning MagnaClean technology completes a central heating system flushing up to three times faster than a standard power-flush. It achieves the process in as little as two hours.

For the housing sector this represents welcome news for managers juggling stretched maintenance budgets. ADEY’s development introduces clear opportunities to reduce spend on central heating system servicing and repair across housing stock, traditionally a major area of expenditure.

While power-flushing is extremely effective when carried out by a qualified engineer, it’s

recognised that the build-up of iron oxide is an ongoing issue.

MagnaCleanse delivers a better solution. It not only removes just as much sludge from the system in the vast majority of cases, it also provides ongoing lifetime protection with the installation of a MagnaClean domestic filter.

It removes all black iron oxide in a single pass and is more effective as the cleanser remains concentrated within the system throughout the process. The cleanser also remains heated during the flush which further improves its effectiveness.

Another benefit is a saving of up to 90 per cent on water with disposal only at the end of the process.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01242 233702 Fax: 01242 220889 E-mail: info@adeysolutions.co.uk Web: www.adeysolutions.co.uk

The Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group (SLCNG) is the UK’s leading housing based organisation specialising in delivering effective solutions to antisocial behaviour. We provide high quality training and support to practitioners, landlords and their partners at local, regionally and nationally level.

Our mission is to: • Share best practice on tackling anti-social behaviour • Influence national policy and practice • Drive performance management and improvement • Assist the professional development of practitioners • Promote practical and effective joint working throughout the UK

For more information contact: Sharon Mackley Tel. 02476 231748 or e-mail: nick@slcng.org.uk visiting our website at www.slcng.org.uk

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Tree management software and arboricultural services OBIN FORESTRY SURVEYS have developed TreeWise, a tree inventory system for the management of large tree resources. It is used by local authorities, housing associations and other landowners.

Trees can be easily mapped and inspected using handheld computers and information is imported into TreeWise for the reporting and management of works, enquiries and planning decisions. TreeWise has embedded mapping functionality that links to all major GIS systems.

There has been a tendency in the past for, often expensive, works to be carried out on trees purely on the basis that they have a defect. Most trees have defects, but few of these actually pose a threat to people or property.

TreeWise incorporates The Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA) system, which applies established and accepted risk

R

management principles to tree safety management. It is a Targetled method that is concerned with defects that are likely to cause significant harm or damage.

Robin Forestry Surveys offer a full service for the mapping, inspection and risk assessment of trees as well as Arboricultural Surveys of trees on Development Sites, to the BS5837 standard.

Robin Forestry Surveys will be at Stand 342, Hall Q at The CIH Exhibition in Harrogate 2010.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01228 561 000 Fax: 01228 561 199 E-mail: jaqs@robinsurveys.co.uk Web: www.robinsurveys.co.uk

Casualty reduction initiatives Road safety audit Operational safety and risk assessments Traffic and highway design Road safety research Traffic and road safety training

For further information please contact Lorna Charles on:

+ 44 (0)24 7669 0900



info@tmsconsultancy.co.uk

www.tmsconsultancy.co.uk

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

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Quality heating solutions Together we can deliver to suit any project effective solutions to anti-social behaviour Q

UINN RADIATORS is one of the UK’s largest radiator manufacturers with a stateof-the-art 1m sq ft production facility in Newport, Wales, and distribution facilities in the UK, Ireland and Belgium. With stock and specification divisions, the radiators manufactured

by Quinn set new standards in delivering class leading efficiency and outputs.

With a comprehensive selection of radiators on offer, Quinn Radiators are guaranteed to have the perfect choice for any housing project.

Quinns’ commitment to the social housing sector has been enhanced over the

years by a growing portfolio of housing projects backed by an infrastructure for continuous supply, distributing high quality competitivelypriced heating solutions all over the UK and Europe.

Quinn Radiators will showcase its range of panel, feature and towel radiators at the CIH Exhibition 2010, including the Quinn round top, compact, plana, and low surface temperature panel radiators and the slieve feature radiator.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information on Quinn Radiators visit the website at www.quinn-radiators.com

HE SOCIAL LANDLORDS Crime and Nuisance Group is the leading independent organisation focused on supporting landlords and their partners in tackling anti-social behaviour.

We are the only housing body working across government departments, the only housing organisation involved with the DCSF Social Work Task Force, and the only organisation providing landlords with a voice to ensure deliverable ASB policy and practice.

We promote best practice, and lobby for tools to tackle ASB – why not tap into the experience of the top 300 landlords with over three million tenancies?

We provide high quality training and support and ensure

T

that the needs of residents, landlords and their partners are represented where it matters.

We also publish a quarterly newsletter – Nuisance News.

We are committed to sharing information to tackle, not tolerate, ASB and turning good practice into common practice.

Membership is open to all organisations with an interest in tackling anti-social behaviour.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact: Sharon Mackley, operations manager Address: SLCNG, c/o Whitefriars Housing Group Ltd, Givens House, Thomas Street, Coventry, CV1 3HL Tel: 024 7623 1748 Web: www.slcng.org.uk

Daikin offers a complete renewable heating and hot water solution Getting ready for the D digital switchover AIKIN UK IS A LEADING supplier of heating, ventilation and cooling solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications.

Daikin offers the complete renewable solution for home heating and hot water.

Daikin has a flexible range of air to water heat pumps products, low temperature and high temperature systems, available for heating and hot water in houses and apartments. As a further extension to its heating range, Daikin offers solar thermal systems that can be combined with Daikin Altherma heat pumps to offer fully integrated renewable energy systems.

Daikin Solar Thermal systems are available for pressurised and for unpressurised systems. Daikin Altherma heat pumps and solar systems are recognised renewable technology solutions that can reduce energy costs by up to 40 per cent compared to traditional fossil fuel boiler systems.

Daikin Altherma High

Temperature is an industry first innovative air source heat pump technology to produce water temperatures up to 80OC for harder to heat houses and apartments.

Daikin Altherma heat pump product range is MCS accredited and therefore qualifies for grants. Daikin Solar Thermal Collectors have the Solar Keymark for solar thermal products.

Daikin will be soon introducing a world-first heat pump series for apartment buildings.

The Daikin Altherma air-towater heat pump is today’s answer to current and future problems associated with conventional heating systems such as increasing primary energy costs and unacceptably high environmental impact.

FOR MORE INFORMATION E-mail: heating@daikin.co.uk Web: www.altherma.co.uk

V IN THE UK IS changing.

The analogue TV signals are being switched off TV region by TV region to be replaced with digital ones, by 2012. Action needs to be taken now, by organisations and individuals, to make sure that TV services can be received after the digital switchover. Some TV equipment and properties with communal aerial systems need to be checked, and possibly upgraded or replaced, to continue to deliver TV. Digital UK is the not for profit, public service information organisation, that is leading the digital TV switchover. We provide general advice and information about the switchover for everyone, and specialist help for property managers, local authorities, installers through dedicated websites and resources.

We work with public and private sector housing providers, government departments and

T

agencies, and business and commercial enterprises. We also provide free staff and resident training, if required.

We know TV is extremely important and plays a major role in many peoples’ lives.

So the CIH Conference is an opportunity for individuals and organisations to come and talk to us about what needs to be done to get ready, and ensure that no-one gets left behind. Please visit us at the CIH Conference, Harrogate in Hall Q, stand 470.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 020 7462 5449 Fax: 020 7462 5440 E-mail: frances.kneller@ digitaluk.co.uk Web: www.digitaluk.co.uk

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MANAGE FLOOD RISK THROUGH DRAINAGE ASSET KNOWLEDGE The key for local authorities to manage flood risk is to improve their knowledge of drainage assets, says Richard Leigh THE KEY FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES to manage flood risk is to improve their knowledge of drainage assets, says Richard Leigh On the 26th June 2008, Sir Michael Pitt published his independent review into the floods of summer 2007. In order to meet the challenge of an increasing flood risk, the review and the recent passage of the Flood and Water Management Act through Parliament call for an integrated approach to the management and maintenance of the nation’s highways and utility assets.

The recommendations are based around identifying ‘at risk’ areas through forecasting and flood modelling, the reduction of such risk through the incorporation of planning and building regulation and increased maintenance of drainage systems and flood defences. Perhaps the most significant feature of the events of summer 2007 was the high proportion of surface water flooding compared with the flooding that occurred from rivers.

KEY REQUIREMENTS Farrer considers the key requirements for Local Authorities that need to mitigate flood risk and drainage asset failure are to collate and map drainage assets (both over and underground) and to establish a register of their ownership and condition.

Successful asset management centres on an accurate and robust inventory. To achieve this all existing asset data needs to be qualified and supplemented with new, reliable and accurate, data. Historic data such as asset location is held in many different formats, from paper based records and micro fiche through to individual survey books. The collection and verification of this information is imperative for a model that supports business serviceability levels, routine operation and targeted investment. A central repository hosts the corporate data in a GIS format thereby allowing data to be easily accessed, updated, extracted and imported.

Analysing asset data, both historic and current, gauges the deterioration of each asset type and can help understand life expectancy.

The provision of asset condition and value information can be used to assess individual or grouped assets. Attribute data can then be linked to other business, financial and performance data systems to drive capital investment, improve maintenance planning, performance management and monitoring, and reporting can become more reliable and accurate to strengthen investment planning.

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The benefits of standardised asset identification, location and characteristic data contribute greatly to the sustainability of asset life. They provide an improved ability to meet regulatory requirements through structured reporting. Reliable and thorough asset information can also provide additional control over a capital program and an improvement in investment performance. Through predictive replacement there is an opportunity to reduce maintenance programmes. As a result cost can be reduced and assets can provide improved service, performance and safety.

COMPLETE SOLUTIONS Farrer provides environmental asset solutions. Its specialist capabilities combine asset knowledge and engineering services to deliver maximum efficiency and benefit to clients. Utilising specialist survey, data management and analysis, modelling and engineering design, Farrer helps organisations with the process of identifying and managing a wide variety of environmental assets. Whether an individual concern or across

an institution, efficient asset management is the key to maximising financial return. The strategy of optimising asset performance is key to efficient investment planning. Farrer can locate and identify assets and then provide a full and detailed analysis of their current performance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For further information please contact: Richard Leigh, national business manager Farrer Consulting Ltd E-mail: richard.leigh@farrerconsulting.com Tel: +44 (0)1706 262258 Fax: +44 (0)1706 626294 Web: www.farrerconsulting.com

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FLOOD RESILIENCE FOR UK INFRASTRUCTURE CIRIA has released final report from unprecedented cross-sector collaborative research project INITIATED BY CIRIA, AND BUILDING upon previous collaborative research projects on property-level flood resilience, this exceptional initiative aims to address some of the critical infrastructure issues raised by recent severe flooding in the UK. The Environment Agency’s analysis of the cost of the 2007 floods underlines the importance of continued investment in managing flood risk. The final report, which is the key output from the project, provides an overview of how the flood risk posed to critical infrastructure systems is currently managed across the UK. The project team of CIRIA and Arup engaged in an extensive consultation phase, involving a workshop and an online survey completed by some of the UK’s leading infrastructure asset owners and operators. The findings of this consultation were incorporated in an extensive review of both national and international practice that formulated the final project report.

Robert Runcie, Environment Agency Director of Flood and Coastal Risk Management, said: “This report shows that operators must be fully prepared to reduce the risk of flooding to their

critical infrastructure systems, particularly in light of future climate change. Operators must also continue to invest in business continuity measures for their systems so that essential services can continue even during a flood.

“The Environment Agency has launched a new dedicated flood warning service aimed specifically at infrastructure operators, which issues tailored warnings for specific sites, allowing organisations to take action earlier to protect crucial assets. We urge operators to sign up by contacting Frazer Rhodes on 08708 506 506.”

The report provides an overview of the regulatory framework and outlines the key challenges currently facing the industry in this area. A brief introduction is given on the principles of flood risk management and places flood resilience and resistance in a wider context. Also, published case-studies provide lessons learned by infrastructure owners and operators who have suffered flooding problems in the past.

The report goes on to give key conclusions and recommendations for

both industry and regulators to further enhance the flood resilience and resistance of the UK’s critical infrastructure.

THE REPORT CIRIA project RP913 ‘Flood Resilience and resistance for critical infrastructure’ builds on previous CIRIA-managed collaborative research on property-level flood resilience (CLG, 2007) and with the aim of addressing some of the critical infrastructure (CI) issues raised by recent severe flooding in the UK. This publication, which is the main output from the project, provides an overview of how the risk posed to CI systems by flooding is now managed across the UK. CI comprises: “those facilities, systems, sites and networks necessary for the functioning of the country and the delivery of the essential services upon which the daily life in the UK depends”. Flood resilience involves designing an infrastructure asses, or adapting an existing infrastructure asset so that floodwater is excluded during flood events and normal operation can continue with no disruption occurring to the essential services

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EW NM

O FR

A faster, more effective solution to central heating Up to system flushing 3 x FASTER MagnaCleanse is the latest industry breakthrough from the pioneers of magnetic filtration and the award winning MagnaClean technology.

MagnaCleanse transforms traditional power-flushing practice. It saves time and increases profits for central heating professionals. The benefits are tangible and immediate: • Removes ALL black iron oxide in ONE pass • Reduces power-flushing process times by up to two-thirds – Achievable in TWO hours • More effective power-flushing results • Cleanser remains concentrated within the system throughout the process

2hrs

• Cleanser remains heated within the system throughout the process – More effective • Saves UP TO 90% on water – Disposal ONLY at the end of the process For a faster, more cost-effective central heating system flushing solution, visit www.adeysolutions.co.uk to view our online demonstration, or call 01242 233702 NOW.

With lifetime system protection

Telephone: 01242 233702 Email: info@adeysolutions.co.uk

www.adeysolutions.co.uk

than a standard power-flush

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the asset provides. These two techniques have a central role to play in managing the flood risk associated with CI systems.

The publication provides an overview of the regulatory framework and outlines the main issue now faced by the industry in this area. A brief introduction is given to the principles of flood risk management to place flood resilience and resistance into a wider context. A range of case studies is provided that describes the lessons identified by infrastructure owners and operators who have suffered flooding problems in the past. Flood risk management for CI across the UK is then considered with respect to: • flood risk assessment • adopting resilience and resistance measures • investment prioritisation.

RECOMMENDATIONS The conclusions and recommendations to this publication are summariesd as follows:

The majority of flood risk assessment work undertaken to date by CI operators has made use of national flood maps prepared by the Environment Agency (EA), Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Northern Ireland Rivers Agency (NIRA).

These maps provide information on a limited number of annual probabilities of events for river and coastal flooding only, ignoring the presence of flood defences. These maps do not factor in an allowance for climate change (except in Northern Ireland). Now it is challenging for operators to assess the degree of exposure to surface, groundwater and infrastructure-failure flood hazard registers, need to address this issue, making better use of existing information and ensuring that new data is collated in consistent format.

The main issue with adopting resilience and resistance measures is which standard to use. Sir Michael Pitt recommended that

resistance to a 0.5 per cent (1 in 200) annual probability flood would be a proportionate starting point for critical infrastructure. It is easier to protect existing infrastructure from flooding that it is to adapt and upgrade existing legacy infrastructure. The 0.5 per cent annual probability standard will be particularly challenging to achieve for roads and legacy rail infrastructure. It is recommended that guidance on appropriate resilience/resistance standards is developed for different categories of CI, which recognises the existing variations in both flood hazard exposure and resilience/resistance levels. This publication suggests a possible risk-based framework for these standards.

Flood resilience measures should be adopted as an integral part of individual organisations’ business continuity management processes, whole-life asset management plans and climate change adaptation strategies. CI owners need to develop long-term strategic investment approaches that allow for optimised investment decision making. The economic regulators should aim to provide a framework to achieve this objective.

John Dora, Network Rail and Project Steering Group Chair, said: “The project steering group was a diverse and experienced group who had a whole raft of challenges to overcome.

The team from CIRIA and Arup have done a really superb jog in logging/collating and sifting data and information received. Our funding partners and stakeholders – from government to service providers and their involvement has, to my mind, allowed us to produce a report that carries – and will carry – a great deal of weight and influence that will probably be around for decades. It’s been an honour to chair the steering group.”

Building upon the findings of the project, CIRIA are currently preparing a proposal to develop a good practice toolkit to help infrastructure asset managers implement flood resilience for their assets.

Task Green – a unique solution to flooding LOOD ALERT! A chilling statement, especially if you are living in a flood risk area. With global warming a given, increasingly tracts of land will become susceptible to flooding.

There is now a product on the market, Task Green which provides a unique solution – a flood barrier in the form of fencing.

The fence construction is made from 100 per cent recycled materials, and can also be used as boundary fence, sound barrier, agricultural pens and marine decking.

Temporary flood protection is attained by embedding one or more boards below ground surface between post lengths.

Dismantling of the panels is just a matter of

strength, resistance to water, UV deterioration, and most chemicals. The material has a life span of three to ten times that of ordinary timber products, needs minimal maintenance, and is recyclable at the end of its useful life.

The manufacturer, Task Green, has been awarded a Green Apple Environmental Award.

McArthur Group, are leading distributors of the product, and they have 12 branches throughout the UK.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION reversing the process, and of course, they are re-useable for the next adverse forecast.

The innovative composite polymer material is structured with internal cavities, providing great

Tel: 0845 372 1839 Fax: 0870 238 4486 E-mail: marketing@mcarthur-group.com Web: www.mcarthur-group.com

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joc consultants

Paving the way to a sustainable future CEMEX, one of the UK’s leading building materials solutions suppliers is proud to announce a major extension to its ReadyPave® range of pavers for Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS).

The Chelsea ReadyFlowTM 60 and Barbican ReadyFlowTM 60 provide elegant paving options for domestic and commercial projects, in three co-ordinating sizes and subtle colours – all at 60mm thickness.

ReadyFlowTM 80 is a newly designed interlocking unit in three colour choices and 80mm thickness for pavements with heavy traffic.

Contact CEMEX now for more information on how ReadyFlowTM can solve your permeable pavement and SUDS requirements.

For more information please call our ReadyPave® Helpline - 0800 667827 E-mail: gb-concreteproducts.sales@cemex.com www.cemex.co.uk/readypave

Flooding is wet, dirty, nasty and sometimes dangerous. Lives can be lost, homes can be lost and businesses severely disrupted. That is why flood risk assessment is so important. A major flood may happen only once or twice in a lifetime but its effects can be devastating.

At joc consultants we understand flooding, in all its forms. We specialise in flood risk assessment, working in close consultation with the Environment Agency, providing advice to clients in the private and public sectors in connection with planning applications or planning enforcement matters.

For more information, contact: John O’Connor at joc consultants Ltd, Park Farm House, Leathley Lane, Leathley, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 2JU.

Tel: 0113 284 2838 www.jocconsultants.co.uk

the experienced government removal company Unit Q1, Queen Elizabeth Distribution Park, Purfleet By Pass, Thurrock RM19 1NA Tel: 0845 643 1001 Email: info@move-ems.com Web: www.move-ems.com

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BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Sustainable surface water drainage in the form of an infiltration basin at Angmering in West Sussex

SUDS – GREENING URBAN DRAINAGE Following this year’s wet spring, Geoff Gibbs, a civil engineer responsible for Development and Flood Risk at the Environment Agency, writes on the impact surface water flooding and what is being done to alleviate the problem THE GOVERNMENT’S 2009 UK Climate Change Projections (UKCP09) report confirmed what many people had feared – that over the decades to come, the UK will experience hotter, drier summers resulting in droughts, and warmer, wetter winters bringing more frequent intense storms and a greater risk of flooding. Of the 5.5 million properties in England and Wales at risk of flooding from all sources some 3.9 million are susceptible to flooding from surface water. During the summer floods of 2007, record rainfall caused surface water runoff from roads and built-up areas to overwhelm drainage systems resulting in insurance claims of over £3 billion.

We estimate that of the 55,000 homes and businesses flooded, the majority were affected by this surface water flooding. The Environment Agency is working to build sea and river defences to reduce the risk of flooding in coastal and riverside areas, as well

as working with professional partners and the public to be prepared for flooding. But planners and developers have an important role to, by including sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) in new developments to reduce the risk of flooding by surface water and to provide other benefits for the environment.

THE BENEFITS The SUDS approach to surface water drainage balances water quality, flood risk and amenity in the design of drainage systems by adopting a sustainable approach to the management of surface water. There are a wide range of SUDS techniques. These include green roofs, rainwater butts, soakaways and permeable paving to manage rainwater locally. These are particularly useful in high-density developments, helping to keep surface water runoff at greenfield runoff rates. Where additional controls are needed, swales, ponds and

wetlands are used to carry water, provide storage and improve water quality. These SUDS techniques provide welcome green features in new developments and, alongside green roofs, create valuable habitats for wildlife.

The SUDS approach has important benefits for the quality of our streams and groundwaters.

By implementing pollution prevention measures as part of the SUDS approach we can minimise the risk of causing water pollution. Controlling rainfall at source helps prevent pollutants being washed from streets and other paved areas into watercourses and reduces polluting storm overflows from sewers. By better managing where rainwater goes, we can help reduce the likelihood of water pollution.

TAKING RESPONSIBILITY In England and Wales, a variety of legislation and guidance applies to the management of surface water, with responsibility shared

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BUILT ENVIRONMENT

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Geoff Gibbs is currently a technical advisor for Development and Flood Risk at the Environment Agency. A chartered civil engineer, he has worked in flood risk management for more than 30 years. He has represented the Environment Agency on steering groups that have developed guidance documents on sustainable surface water management practice. by local authorities, highways authorities, water companies, internal drainage boards and the Environment Agency. For new developments, planning guidance in both England (PPS25 – Development and Flood Risk) and in Wales (TAN 15) encourage the use of SUDS, as do Building Regulations and the Code for Sustainable Development.

Climate change scenarios have highlighted the advantages of the SUDS approach over conventional drainage and we have seen government and public bodies acting to raise awareness of SUDS techniques. Although PPS25 and TAN 15 encourage drainage which mimics natural systems, in practice the historic lack of clarity over ownership and maintenance of SUDS has resulted in developers taking the easier option of using the, automatic right to connect to a public sewer, in most cases.

The government’s 2008 water strategy for England, Future Water, highlighted the importance of tackling surface water drainage. It emphasised better management of rainwater and preventing surface water entering inappropriate underground drainage systems. A first step in England has seen individuals planning to pave their front gardens being encouraged to use a SUDS approach by a change to permitted development rights which exempt permeable systems from the need for planning permission.

EARLY ADOPTERS The Environment Agency has promoted the SUDS approach to drainage for some years and has played a central part in the National SUDS Working Group, which brings together key government departments, the water industry and developers. We work with a range of institutions and developers to improve knowledge on SUDS and are also leading by example; our new head office in Bristol City Centre will have rainwater harvesting to reduce water consumption and surface water runoff. We have also introduced a SUDS training course for our own staff, which is available to local authorities on request. Local authorities themselves increasingly include SUDS information into their policies, and we are now seeing more examples of successful developments incorporating SUDS techniques.

In Bristol, permeable paving has been retrofitted in a number of streets close to the city centre as part of a “Home Zones” project in the city. Oxfordshire County Council has

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pioneered the use of SUDS for streets and other areas in new housing developments across the county. They have emphasised the savings for developers in laying flat, permeable paving, without the need for gullies and associated drainage systems, when negotiating commuted sums for future maintenance.

The use of green roofs has also grown.

Developers recognise the multiple benefits they offer in addition to attenuating and reducing rainwater runoff. They can help reduce energy use and extend the life of the roof by insulating it and protecting the waterproofing, they can provide valuable habitat or amenity benefits and help reduce the urban heat island effect. Green roofs can be seen on housing developments and commercial sites from Canary Wharf in London to Waverley Gate in the centre of Edinburgh.

They have also been widely used in schools.

FLOODS AND WATER BILL At the time of writing the Floods and Water Management Bill is progressing through Parliament and is anticipated to receive Royal Assent during the spring. The Bill contains wide ranging provisions to improve flood risk management and protect water quality and includes important proposals on SUDS. Currently, the Bill contains proposals that mean that all new developments will have SUDS drainage that provides sustainable surface water management and complies with the

National Standards. Surface water drainage will require approval by a SUDS Approval Board (SAB) prior to construction and the same body will be able to monitor construction and will need to be satisfied as to arrangements for the adoption and maintenance of the scheme when complete. The SAB will be the county council or unitary local authority in England.

In Wales there will also be SABs but it has yet to be determined how they will be formed.

THE FUTURE FOR SUDS SUDS, which provide a sustainable approach to surface water management, will play an important role in how we adapt to the challenges of a changing climate. The Bill, when enacted, will mean that developers know what they have to build and can be sure that surface water drainage arrangements serving new developments will be adopted.

The development of the National Standards is challenging, but a successful outcome will mean a rapid move to the use of SUDS being the norm rather than the exception. If we achieve the right balance between water quality, quantity and amenity we could see a major improvement in the appearance of new developments, with drainage integrated into the design from the start.

Further information on SUDS for developers can be found at www.environment-agency.gov.uk.

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

Damfast takes the market by storm MAJOR MIDLANDS CITY council ordered 50 Damfast flood doors a couple of years ago, and they have been so satisfied with the product that they have since ordered another 1,000+.

They are not alone, as various other councils have also benefited from relying on Damfast to protect their properties. At £90 + VAT, the standard Damfast unit is the lowest cost flood barrier on the market. It is also the simplest, the lightest and the quickest protection available.

Damfast is a channel-and-panel device. Nylon channels are simply attached each side of the doorway, and the robust ABS panel slides in within seconds at times of risk.

The standard unit measures approx 1000mm x 750mm, and is easily cut on site to provide a precise watertight fit. For bigger openings, Damfast units can be supplied up to three metres wide.

Damfast vent covers are also at the budget end of the market, costing only £15 + VAT

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Sustainable, 100 per cent recycled plastic products from Barkston

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ARKSTON IS A BRITISH plastics company with the British environment high on its agenda. We’re investing in material that would otherwise end up in landfill to provide a range of sustainable, 100 per cent recycled plastic products which outperform the traditional alternatives of wood, steel and concrete.

Our Sustainable Driveways offer an eco-friendly way to park or reinforce ground while maintaining a bit of greenery.

They allow natural drainage thus reducing risks of flooding.

An economical and environmentally sustainable alternative to asphalt or paving, Sustainable Driveways are easy to lay and can be put in place in a few hours.

• Sustainable Driveways allow grass naturally to grow through and, importantly, offer natural drainage • Recycled plastic grids can also be filled with gravel or chippings • The system is lightweight

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for a double-airbrick cover.

The most recent addition to the Damfast range is AutoDam – a revolutionary, patented invention that automatically seals doorways whenever floods threaten.

The made-to-measure stainless steel unit is fitted underground in front of vulnerable areas, and the butyl protective sheet rises with water levels to protect the property.

With no electrics or technology to go wrong, AutoDam is easily maintained and prices start at only £750, plus fitting.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel/Fax: 01604 810507 E-mail: rogerwolens@ btconnect.com Web: www.damfast.co.uk

and proven to stand 250 tonnes per m² • Easy, low maintenance • Non-slip and crack proof • Weatherproof – frost and UV resistant • Stable structure, will not expand • 100 per cent recycled in the UK from 100 per cent UK generated plastic waste that would otherwise be destined for landfill • Reduces the carbon footprint of any project

FOR MORE INFORMATION Sustainable Driveways are available in square metre packs from www.theplasticpeople.co.uk or 0800 136 118.

Don’t slip up! Make the right choice….

With over 15 years experience manufacturing and supplying ground reinforcement products TENAX UK have become the market leader providing a wide range of products for use in SUDS (sustainable urban drainage systems) applications and erosion control. Whether you require a solution for an overflow or temporary car park, emergency access route, parking for boats, caravans and light aircraft, coach parks or driveways, slope stabilisation and erosion control then TENAX will have the perfect solution.

GP-Flex® is the new generation grass protection mesh, 33% more slip resistant than any other grass protection mesh on the market, tested to BS 7979. It is manufactured using a unique (patent pending) method of extrusion enabling us to incorporate a slip resistant surface and by re-designing the profile we have made the mesh more flexible meaning it follows the contours of

the ground more effectively making installation quicker.

GP-Flex® will maintain the natural benefits of grass whilst helping to prevent rutting and damage, it is available in three grades to suit most pedestrian and traffic requirements.

The TENAX porous paver range consists of Connect, DecorLok®, GridLok® and PP-Flex™. When installed with a suitable sub base all four will provide adequate load bearings to suit footpaths through to heavier loads such as refuse Lorries and emergency vehicles. All four pavers have been designed to be used as part of a sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS). Each paver style has unique qualities depending upon the individual requirements, however, all four can be filled with gravel or grass to provide a cost effective and environmentally friendly alternative to hard non porous surfaces such as concrete and block paving.

For impartial advice regarding a specific project, to request a brochure or further information regarding TENAX UK and our products please contact us on 01978 664667, email sales@tenax.co.uk or www.tenax.co.uk

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Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

Wessex Test Equipment ARE YOUR FLOORS SAFE? Floor testing is not as expensive as you think!

We offer a complete Floor Testing Service in line with Health & Safety Guidelines.

UK Furniture manufacturer

DON’T LET YOUR COMPANY BE OPEN TO LITIGATION CLAIMS.

workstation - storage - bespoke

www.wessextestequipment.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1934 824000 Fax: +44 (0) 1934 820532 e-mail: sales@wessextestequipment.co.uk The OBUSFORME ergonomic chair promotes correct posture

visit us www.sb-uk.com

Bespoke furniture from Hayes & Finch AYES & FINCH Ltd were established in 1882 with the aim of “respectfully supplying the church within the local area”.

Manufacturers of candles, candlewick, silverware, brassware clothing – and furniture – the company has diversified over its 127 years of existence, its products and services finding place in a variety of other markets.

Today, in addition to its products for churches, the Hayes & Finch wood mill creates the finest quality bespoke furniture items for restaurants, schools, prisons, hospitals and boardrooms within the public and private sector.

Hayes & Finch believes in family values. Chairman Simon Finch is great-grandson of the founder, and its skilled workforce is seen as part of the extended family. Based in Aintree, Liverpool, the company employs some 85 people, including

H

The flexible polycarbonate backrest of the OBUSFORME ergonomic chair follows the natural contours of the spine and provides continuous support Endorsed by: • The American Chiropractic Association • The Canadian Chiropractic Association • The Chiropractic College of Radiology.

Choose the OBUSFORME chair to reduce back pain and increase productivity among your staff.

Call NOW on 01733 245 958, Email bola@chellgrove.co.uk or Visit www.chellgrove.co.uk/obusforme

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cabinetmakers, carpenters, silversmiths and designers.

Heavily committed to environmental issues, Hayes & Finch has an ongoing programme of partnerships to ensure the environmental impact of its manufacturing and distribution is constantly reviewed and reduced.

The company’s strengths lie in its wealth of experience, the high skill levels of its staff, and the aptitude and enthusiasm of its management team who constantly look to the future.

The company is currently in the final stages of development of its latest product range – H&F Tough Top™ tables, ideally suited to a wide array of public environments. Details of this new product will be available soon.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0151 523 6303 Fax: 0151 525 1246 Web: www.furniture-hf.com

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FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

ETHICAL FURNITURE PURCHASING Phil Reynolds, FIRA International’s technical manager, explains two important initiatives for sustainable furniture that buyers should bear in mind GREEN ISSUES CONTINUE TO BECOME more and more important in all walks of life, and furniture is no exception. However, there are a plethora of different schemes and requirements in the market place that can make ethical purchasing confusing. In this article FIRA International’s technical manager, Phil Reynolds, highlights two important initiatives for sustainable furniture.

The first – the Government Buying Standard for furniture, currently being developed

by DEFRA, looks at the environmental impact of furniture products, whilst the second – the Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme (FISP) – looks at ensuring that manufacturers and suppliers have an ethical and environmentally-friendly approach to business.

GOVERNMENT BUYING STANDARDS DEFRA has been tasked with developing Government Buying Standards. These are mandatory buying requirements for central government purchasers, and they are designed to ensure that products and services purchased by government meet minimum environmental/sustainability requirements.

There is also a desire for these guidelines to be seen as best practice and rolled out to local government and business in general.

A number of Buying Standards already exist, with others in development, including furniture. The buying standard for furniture is currently in the enquiry phase with final publication expected in July 2010.

The new buying standard focuses heavily on the materials used in the product, which means: • Requirements to minimise the amount of harmful and hazardous substances in the base materials.

• Requirements to minimise the amount of harmful and hazardous substances in surface finishes.

• Requirements to minimise the amount of harmful and hazardous substances in adhesives.

• Requirements to minimise the amount of substances that do not biodegrade effectively.

• Performance requirements for furniture (it should be remembered that a product with a long life is essentially much more environmentally friendly than a product that fails and needs replacing regularly).

• Requirements for timber to be purchased from legal and sustainable sources – effectively meaning that suppliers need to have a suitably endorsed chain of custody scheme in place for timber based products (e.g. certification

to FSC or PEFC chain of custody schemes).

• Where possible products should be designed for re-use/remanufacture or re-cycling.

• In addition there will be a push for purchasers to look at buying re-used/remanufactured products to stimulate this market.

ADAPTED TO UK STANDARDS The standard is heavily based around two EU initiatives – the Green Public Procurement plan, and the Ecolabel scheme. However, these have been modified to reflect the requirements of the UK industry, specifically to allow the types of fire retardants we need to meet UK National Standards, and to allow for formaldehyde levels in chipboard and MDF to be at levels that are low enough to be safe, but are commercially available without significant cost to the industry.

The standard has been developed with industry consultation, however, there are still some concerns within the industry regarding the additional cost burden that will be put on manufacturers and suppliers attempting to prove compliance with the initiative, and also whether some of the requirements are achievable – in particular the requirements for surface finishes which effectively mean only water-based lacquers can be used on timber products (which is not the UK’s preferred finishing technique). These issues are likely to be ironed out in the final consultation phase.

More information on Government Buying standards can be found at the Sustainable Development area of the DEFRA website, together with draft requirements for the furniture scheme: www.defra.gov.uk/ sustainable/government/advice/public/buying/ index.htm. This website can not only be used to follow the development and publication of the standard for furniture, but also to find information on other schemes either published or in development, and to find products that comply with published schemes.

SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAMME Whilst the Government Buying Standards look closely at the products and the materials used in the product, due to purchasing law they do not evaluate the supplier and his manufacturing techniques. This is obviously a major omission, as the environmental impact of a product is as much due to manufacturing and its processes as it is the materials that go into the product.

When evaluating a supplier there are many features that need to be assessed to verify that they are a responsible, sustainable manufacturer. Sourcing all this information, and verifying it, can be an

expensive and time consuming process.

Launched in 2006, the Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme (FISP) was developed by the furniture industry to demonstrate, in one easy-to-understand scheme, that a furniture manufacturer is a responsible manufacturer. Membership of the FISP scheme is therefore an ideal tool for specifiers to use when evaluating their suppliers.

FISP is a true sustainability programme, focusing on not just environmental issues, but also purchasing, end of product life, social and community issues. When a furniture manufacturer signs up as FISP member they have to commit to two core criteria; they must have, and implement, a suitable environmental policy, and they must comply with all legal requirements regarding environmental and health and safety legislation.

ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL NEEDS In addition they must have systems in place to tackle a number of other key environmental and social topics including: Environmental requirements: • Environmental management systems • Waste management • Energy management • Packaging • Transport • Procurement policies • Sustainable timber purchasing • Emissions • End of life Social and economic requirements: • Nuisance issues • Community relations and charity work • Education and training • Employment • Ethical issues • Competitiveness The manufacturer’s claims are then verified by an independent audit by a sustainability expert, with the audit process being repeated every two years to ensure ongoing compliance.

By selecting a supplier who is a member of FISP, a specifier can have the confidence that they are buying from a responsible, caring supplier at the forefront of sustainable manufacturing/sourcing in the UK. More details regarding FISP, and current FISP members, can be found at the FIRA website –www.fira.co.uk/consultancy/environment/fisp.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01438 777700.

Web: www.fira.co.uk

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GRANGE HOTELS London’s leading independent hotel group Grange Hotels provide luxury London accommodation, hospitality and events services for the most discerning guests. Boasting an extensive portfolio of 4* and 5* hotels in the capital’s best locations, each Grange Hotel effortlessly combines traditional standards of comfort with contemporary facilities and personal, attentive and discreet service.

Purpose-built conference and banqueting suites feature the very latest audio-visual technology, can flexibly accommodate a full range of events – with capacities ranging from 6 to over 1000 guests – and are perfectly complemented by an unrivalled range of bars and restaurants for hosting more informal functions.

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Tel: +44 (0)207 233 7888 | Email: reservations@grangehotels.com | www.grangehotels.com

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CONFERENCES & EVENTS

THE WESTMINSTER COLLECTION IN FOCUS The mix of historically, architecturally and culturally significant buildings in Westminster makes it a business tourism destination that cannot be beaten, says René Dee, CEO of The Westminster Collection THE WESTMINSTER COLLECTION

(TWC) is a unique business tourism marketing collective started in 2003 that, more than any other, serves to remind us all that Westminster, in the heart of London, is still the pre-eminent business tourism destination in the world with an abundance of excellent venues, hotels and services that cannot be beaten.

The mix of historically, architecturally and culturally significant buildings that provide the baseline for TWC venues and members are second to none.

SCOPE

These range from historical palaces such as Banqueting House, Whitehall, to the contemporary and wholly secure facilities of the QEIICC on Broad Sanctuary, in the very heart of Westminster’s parliamentary and governmental organisations. Sixty One Whitehall, home to the Royal United Services Institute is situated right next door to Banqueting House and has an impressive series of rooms to offer, including its Library, holding one of the most important collections on military history in the UK. Just behind both sits One Whitehall Place, home also of the National Liberal Club and which also adjoins The Royal Horseguards Hotel. Other important and thriving institutions, such as The Royal Society and the British Academy, both overlooking the Mall, The Royal Institution of Great Britain on Albermarle Street, off Piccadilly, and the Royal Institute of British Architects on Portland Place are also members offering their own superb facilities to businesses looking for professionally managed prestige venues that understand what they are looking for and can deliver a service to match.

Charities, associations and academies that, since the beginning of the 19th Century and before, built striking and solid buildings in key locations, have been sustained, beautifully restored, refurbished and upgraded into some of the most up-to-date quality facilities in London today. Excellent examples include No.11 Cavendish Square, home of The King’s Fund, facing onto Cavendish Square, The Royal Horticultural Society’s two fine halls and conference centre on Vincent Square and Elverton Street, The Royal Society of Medicine at One Wimpole Street, and also

Banqueting House, Whitehall

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Church House half page advert 178x125.qxd

inspiring location

14/4/10

inspiring venue

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inspiring events

inspiring rooms

So much more than a conference centre Private central London location Versatile range of rooms Skilled audio-visual technicians Creative in-house caterers First class service

Theatre Classroom Cabaret Formal dining Reception Boardroom

t: 020 7390 1590 e: sales@churchhouseconf.co.uk w: churchhouseconf.co.uk Dean’s Yard, Westminster, London SW1P 3NZ

One Whitehall Place & Royal Horseguards Hotel For more than 100 years, One Whitehall Place and the 5-star Royal Horseguards Hotel has graced the bank of the River Thames.

Its architectural heritage has earned it Grade I listed status and made it one of London’s most iconic buildings.

• 281 luxurious guest bedrooms including 4 suites • AA rosette One TwentyOne Two restaurant • Outside terrace (can be hired exclusively for events) • 15 function rooms accommodating 10 to 350 guests, suitable for all types of event; • Conferences, dinners, seminars, product launches, receptions, awards dinners and parties • Wedding civil license • River Thames and London Eye views in many function and guest bedrooms • Westminster location • Embankment tube station – 3 minutes walk For all enquiries, please contact Sally Kefford Tel: 020 7451 9313 Email: Sally.kefford@guoman.co.uk Web: www.theroyalhorseguards.co.uk

10-664 6-198 6-208 6-372 6-550 6-50

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CONFERENCES & EVENTS

London Eye

at Chandos House in Queen Street, and The Royal Society of Arts just off the Strand.

ECCLESIASTICAL ELEGANCE

The Church is also well represented with three landmark properties that have established themselves as venues for all manner of important events, as well as acting as centres of ecclesiastical governance.

The imposing Central Hall Westminster on Storey’s Gate, also known as Methodist Central Hall and Church House Conference Centre, just a stone’s throw away in Deans Yard, is home to the General Synod. St Martin-in-the-Fields can truly claim to be “in the Heart of London and Westminster” facing, as it does, onto Trafalgar Square.

Not far away is One Birdcage Walk, home to the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, and One Great George Street, home of the Institute of Civil Engineers. Further down towards Parliament Square, also on Great George Street, is the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors with a reception terrace that provides what must be one of the most iconic of views across to Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye and the River Thames. The Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms is one of London’s top visitor attractions but, in keeping with so many other London attractions, it also offers its iconic facilities for corporate hospitality

opportunities. Completing the selection in this classic SW1 precinct of Westminster are One Queen Anne’s Gate and Broadway House. Two venues are situated in prime positions overlooking The Thames. On the Embankment, just past Temple is the London home of IET Venues, Savoy Place. Next to TATE Britain is 45 Millbank, once home to

AWARD-WINNING HOTELS

The Collection also includes an excellent selection of award-winning hotels, each with their own distinctive personality, attributes and style. The City Inn, not far from Tate Britain and the Thames with its clean Scandinavian style, was one of The Collection’s founder members, and

Further down towards Parliament Square, also on Great George Street, is the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors with a reception terrace that provides what must be one of the most iconic of views across to Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye and the River Thames The Royal Army Medical Corps, can offer its huge external grounds for fashion shows, outdoor function and marquee events while also offering fine rooms for banqueting and functions inside. On the River Thames itself is HQS Wellington, a finely restored Naval Ship that is home to The Worshipful Company of Master Mariners. And, at the Embankment Pier are Bateaux London, who operate their two River Cruise boats for fine dining and corporate hire on the River Thames between there and Greenwich.

continues to offer great facilities, whether for accommodation or for conferences and meetings. The Goring Hotel, one of London’s best-loved independent hotels is a jewel in Belgravia’s crown, just moments away from Buckingham Palace. The Crown Plaza Hotel, with its private apartments at 51 Buckingham Gate, and The Grange Rochester Hotel situated in leafy Vincent Square is a haven from the bustle of Victoria, close by. The delightful Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel, in the heart of Mayfair itself, completes the

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CONFERENCES & EVENTS

Trafalgar Square

RICS Roof Terrace

small, but select, offering in this category.

Only one restaurant exists as a member of TWC, but the restaurant in question, The Cinnamon Club, is rather special offering a unique setting and excellent Indian cuisine in what was Westminster Library.

New to the Collection but as interesting to those looking for a venue of distinction and character, are the Private Member’s Clubs that, through us can offer their exciting selection of facilities for functions, receptions and weddings. In particular, the intimate St. Stephen’s Club in Queen Anne’s Gate that faces out onto St. James’s Park, The very Scottish and welcoming Caledonian Club in Halkin Street, Belgravia, the Victory Services Club, a distinctive Hospitality Assured organisation close by to Marble Arch and the West End, and the Naval & Military Club (also known as the In and Out Club) in St. James Square just off Pall Mall, are all excellent examples of the diversity being offered. Just off Park Lane is No. 4 Hamilton Place, home of the Royal Aeronautical Society that also has a fine terraced area, this time overlooking Hyde Park. Further afield are the excellent facilities of Cavendish Conference Centre and 76 Portland Place, all within striking distance of Oxford Circus and London’s West End. Gone are the days when you could just open the spare rooms in your very large building that were no longer fully required for the original purpose it was built, throw in a few A/V props and conference chairs, and consider this was enough to bring in the business you wanted. Today it is a very different environment with very high expectations, standards and levels of commitment required in abundance on all fronts.

incompatibility, or unavailability, or both.

Our members, therefore, are major players in maintaining the all important business tourism revenue that is vital to Westminster, and London’s economy. The economic impact benefit, as a result, is substantial and measured as three to four times greater than that derived from leisure tourism.

The concept for TWC, officially launched in October 2003, was simple. It was to ensure that primary facilities and venues in Westminster, marketed themselves collectively to ensure that the location in which they sat, that was such an integral part of why they were sought after in the first place, got a dedicated and independent voice within a membership environment that brought them results.

Now, with over 40, approaching 50, carefully selected venues that are truly representative of the strength of what Westminster can offer the event organiser and planner, TWC is an established first point of contact for them.

ECONOMIC IMPACT

Take the financial commitment alone.

A survey of our members carried out in 2009 revealed that, between them, in excess of £125 million had been spent on capital investment and refurbishment programmes during the past five years.

An earlier survey of members established that turnover for The Collection, at that time, amounted to over £70 million with as much as a third of that again assessed as having been turned away due to

TWC SHOWCASE

A key benefit for the Westminster buyer, that has become increasingly more important each year that they have been staged, are the bi-annual Spring and Autumn TWC Showcases that, in 2009, took place in the majestic Central Hall Westminster and the exalted cathedral-like Royal Courts of Justice respectively. In February 2010, this was held in The Royal Society of Medicine’s One Wimpole Street. IET London:Savoy Place was the venue used in Autumn 2008, and before that the Royal Horticultural Halls hosted these events from the very beginning in 2004. Both events attract key buyers who come because they can meet with our members who, between them, offer facilities in which to hold exhibitions, conferences, meetings, receptions, weddings, banquets, fashion shows, product launches, as well as accommodation. The Autumn 2010 Showcase will take place in Banqueting House on 14 September.

Crucially, the TWC Showcase ‘does what it says on the tin’; it showcases the TWC Members. It is, therefore, readily and easily understood by those who wish to come and meet with them in an intimate and userfriendly environment. It’s a buyers’ ideal

One Great George Street

‘one-stop-shop’ where you don’t spend hours circumnavigating a complex exhibition layout looking to find what interests you.

The result is a perfect synergy between those who are interested in what we have to offer and our members that can offer it.

TWC has seen sustained growth of its other two categories of membership, Associate and Affiliate. The former was created to allow key suppliers to the member’s venues, such as caterers, production companies, designers, technical service providers and others to promote themselves through mutual interest.

Many of these have been very supportive of the TWC Showcase events by providing their key services at exceptional rates and, even free of charge. The latter are there to allow us to fulfil a CSR role by helping others through the industry we work in. Those members that fall into that category are, Westminster Kingsway College, The London Apprenticeship Company, The Society of London Theatre, the London Early Years Foundation and Troika Recruitment. We are particularly proud of our role in facilitating many of Westminster Kingsway College’s catering and hospitality students with valuable vocational experience and guidance at our Showcase events during the past six years. Then in 2008, we raised £1,000 for the then named Westminster Children’s Society (now the London Early Years Foundation) when each member donated £25 each to a specific project of theirs, instead of producing wasteful ‘Goody Bags’ for our Showcase visitors at the end of their event.

Our vision from the outset was: “To become recognised as the leading business tourism marketing collective for venues and events in Westminster.” We have already achieved this beyond doubt, but will continue to work with Westminster City Council and Visit London to strengthen our position to the benefit of all, by virtue of the economic impact benefit we create.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For further enquiries about TWC members, membership benefits, Showcase, Westminster Destination Guide, newsletters and activity, please contact www.thewestminstercollection.co.uk or René Dee at venue100-twc@yahoo.co.uk.

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Chepstow Racecourse – a firm favourite

A warm welcome awaits in the beautiful seaside setting at The Trearddur Bay Hotel on the Isle of Anglesey, just minutes from Holyhead Port and rail network. Boardroom style meetings, theatre style conferences, product launches, training events, exhibitions, banquets, we cater for them all. From a handful of delegates to hundreds, we guarantee to deliver your event – professionally and courteously.

At The Treardur Bay Hotel we have the knowledge, expertise and experience to guarantee the facilities, the service and the support that makes every conference, meeting and event a winner.

Lon Isallt, Trearddur Bay, Isle of Anglesey LL65 2UN enquiries@trearddurbayhotel.co.uk www.trearddurbayhotel.co.uk

A unique venue for conferences, meetings and outdoor events • Easily accessible from the M4 and M5 • Free car parking

www.chepstow-racecourse.co.uk Tel: 01291 622260

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Written by Visit Wales

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

WALES – WHERE THE WORLD MEETS When finances are tight and travel budgets are a big concern, organising conferences and events close to home makes good economic sense IF YOU CAN COMBINE STUNNING sceneries, venue suitability and accessibility as well as value for money you begin to realise why Wales proves such an attractive option to the business visits and events market. Latest figures from the UK Tourism Survey show that Wales hosted over 2.3 million overnight stays in 2008 and companies spent over £220 million while staying in the country.

Eirlys Thomas, head of marketing networks at Visit Wales, said: “Wales is fast becoming a thriving business hub. Over the last few years we have seen significant growth in business tourism at our venues. As a result, more and more dedicated venues are springing up and existing venues are opening up to the corporate market to meet the demand.

“Wales is often described as a hidden gem in the conferencing market. It has a diverse range of options available to delegates including dedicated conference venues, coastal locations, cosmopolitan city venues, stately homes and a wealth of outdoor incentive options. This diversity of offer means we can tailor make unique packages to suit specific individual requirements.

“Currently more and more conference

organisers are looking for locations that take them out of the big cities but still offer great value for money. Wales often exceeds expectations by offering competitive rates and diversity of product that enables the conference organiser’s pound to be stretched even further without compromising on quality.”

SOUTHERN COMFORTS This year south Wales will be hosting the world’s third largest sporting event, the Ryder Cup 2010. 1 October will mark the start of the prestigious event, which will be hosted on the purpose-built Twenty Ten Course at The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport. There will be two hospitality facilities available for companies wishing to attend The 2010 Ryder Cup. Private chalets for 30 to 50 guests are available or there is a restaurant where corporates can purchase tables of ten. In terms of the wider corporate package, delegates will now be able to play the TwentyTen course at The Celtic Manor Resort and utilise the TwentyTen Club House that can cater for 96 delegates and over looks the 18th hole.

Moving west to the country’s capital, Cardiff, delegates can expect to see a number of new

venues and initiatives. Firstly, the Wyndham Hotel Group and development company Bayscape Limited, based in Cardiff, have signed a 25-year hotel management agreement for the £60m Wyndham Cardiff in Cardiff Bay. Work has begun on the development of the 32-storey hotel, which is expected to open in 2013 with construction due to start at the end of 2010. Once completed, it will be the tallest building in Wales.

The Capital is offering a number of new incentive and team building options, the latest of which is the newly opened Cardiff International White Water Centre. Located in the up and coming International Sports Village, the white water centre is the UK’s first on-demand white water rafting facility.

The facility can offer delegates team-building packages for up to 60 delegates and activities range from canoeing, kayaking and white water rafting. Delegates can take part in a full day or a half day course choosing either flat water or white water activities or a mixture of both. There is also the option for the centre to link up with other water sport providers to offer delegates the full water sport experience.

The centre also provides a meeting room

Slebech Park

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Court Colman Manor An elegant Grade II listed Georgian house built in 1776 now a popular AA three star country house hotel that combines modern day creature comforts with period charm. Located close to Cardiff, Swansea and Bridgend, just off J36 of the M4 and a mainline train station nearby.

BED & BREAKFAST FROM £68 DAY DELEGATE RATES FROM £29 Our renovated hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the city near the CIA, John Lewis and major businesses. We are easily reachable by public and private transport and have ample parking options.

Two conference suites have period features, natural light and stunning views – perfect for a relaxed but professional atmosphere.

We offer Government rates from £68 including breakfast, free tea/ coffee and WiFi. All our refurbished and quiet rooms have flat screen TV’s and in-room safes.

It is the home of the Bokhara Brassarie voted in 2008 & 2009 the best curry restaurant in Wales and in the top 10 for the UK. Take advantage of excellent, friendly service in a relaxed environment at value for money delegate rates.

We also have 6 spacious and refurbished meeting rooms for up to 300 delegates. Each room is equipped with modern AV equipment and we have government day delegate rates available from £29.

Pen-y-fai, Bridgend, CF31 4NG Tel: 01656 720212 e-mail: experience@court-colman-manor.com www.court-colman-manor.com

www.cardiff-city.parkinn.co.uk Park Inn Cardiff City Centre, Mary Ann Street, CF10 2JH Cardiff

Tel: 02920 341 441 Fax: 02920 727 025 Info.cardiff-city@rezidorparkinn.com

Conferences from two to 1,200 delegates CONFERENCES W ARWICK is the largest commercial business of the University of Warwick. With an annual turnover of £22 million, its surplus income is reinvested into the University of Warwick’s world class teaching and research.

Three purpose built, residential training and conference centres – Arden, Radcliffe and Scarman – are available all year round, and are equipped with the latest audio-visual facilities.

In addition, the Conference Park offers the services and amenities available from the University of Warwick campus.

From boardrooms to tiered auditoria, including a 1,200 seat conference hall, a 570 seat theatre, a 250 seat conference room, plus full access to the University’s comprehensive sports facilities, shops and restaurants.

At the centre of Warwick Conferences is the ethos ‘Conference with Confidence.’

Five simple, yet effective communication strategies are highlighted to its visitors. These

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The Best Western Heronston Hotel is a perfect venue for both business and leisure boasting 75 ensuite bedrooms, all tastefully designed with our guests comfort in mind, excellent newly refurbished leisure facilities and with several conference and banqueting suites we are able to accommodate from two to two hundred and twenty guests and cater for all events such as a large exhibitions to more private meetings.

strategies have been developed to help event organisers utilise their experience, communicate better and essentially build more confidence inside and outside of their organisation.

It’s the people that matter at Warwick Conferences. The importance of every event is fully understood and that’s why dedicated teams are on hand every step of the way, ensuring a successful and stress-free event, every time.

Our crane restaurant offers a pleasant atmosphere in which to enjoy a welcoming and professional dinning experience with friends, family or colleagues. The Heron Bar is a great area to enjoy pre dinner drinks or simply relax at the end of your day.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 024 7652 3222 Fax: 024 7657 2661 E-mail: conferences@ warwick.ac.uk Web: www. warwickconferences.com

Best Western Heronston Hotel, Ewenny Road, Bridgend, CF35 5AW Tel: 01656 668811 Fax: 01656 767391 www.bw-heronstonhotel.co.uk

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CONFERENCES & EVENTS

Angela Gray Cookery School, Slebech Park

for 60 delegates with on-site catering.

Staying in Cardiff Bay, the tides are turning at the St David’s Hotel & Spa. The hotel’s Tides Restaurant is undergoing its first full refurbishment since the hotel’s opening in 1999.

Wayne Tapscott, executive head chef at the hotel, said: “The restaurant will be focusing on producing the very best dining experience using fresh, seasonal local produce where possible.”

Signature dishes will include Plat de Fruit de Mer, Lobster with a Welsh twist, as well as a Beef Wellington made from Welsh Black beef.

St David’s Hotel has four private meeting and conference rooms with waterside views with a maximum capacity of 270 theatre style.

NORTHERN DELIGHTS North Wales is rich in venues and incentive choices. Delegates are getting involved with some monkey business in Dolgellau at the new Go-Ape hire-wire forest adventure centre. The new centre at Coed-y Brenin gives delegates the opportunity to experience a high wire forest adventure using ladders, walkways, swings, bridges and tunnels made of rope, wood and wire in the forest canopy. The course can be hired exclusively and can cater for up to 250 delegates at any one time. It also has sister sites in south Wales at Margam Park and Pembray.

Sport is always on the agenda for Wales and north Wales has just announced its latest sporting venture, Eirias Park. The £6.5m venue, due to be completed in 2011, is located in Colwyn Bay and will offer delegates the chance to combine meetings with team building, outdoor events space and corporate hospitality.

The venue will be available for exclusive hire, and will comprise a 3,000 seat sports stadium with nine boxes, an indoor events and training centre including indoor rugby pitch, a boating lake and an outdoor event space similar in size to a standard Olympic athletics track.

In addition, the venue will be adding a dedicated conference facility which will include 11 individual meeting rooms, and an indoor space which can hold up to 3,000 delegates. In-house catering will be provided and all rooms will have state-of the-art facilities and Wi-Fi access. The site is also able to host outdoor sporting and music events, with a stadium capacity of

Go Ape, Coed -y- Brenin

6,000 and an outdoor capacity of 35,000.

The north is also embracing its Victorian heritage. After a recent £5 million investment, 2010 sees a new destination for delegates in north Wales – a Victorian village. Nant Gwrtheyrn is a refurbished Victorian village located in a 250 acre site that offers conference organisers the chance to hold their events in a range of meeting places. The village is located in a private valley overlooking its own beach.

The recent investment has provided new conference facilities in a newly refurbished building for up to 350 delegates theatre style and 150 banquet style with the option of creating multi-room meetings.

Accommodation is available for 80 delegates which is located in the refurbished Victorian quarry cottages within the village site and the newly refurbished Plas Education centre.

Another recent renovation in north Wales has been at the Quay Hotel and Spa, Deganwy. The Quay has just unveiled its newly refurbished conference and meeting rooms which have been moved from the ground floor to the first floor creating space for 140 extra delegates.

The largest of its conference rooms, the Castle Suite, can hold a maximum of 240 delegates theatre style and can also be partitioned into two rooms. The Tegid and Vyrnwy conference rooms can hold 80 and 60 delegates theatre style respectively. The venue also offers the option of a number of breakout rooms.

WESTERN APPROACH Situated in 24 acres on the edge of the Pembrokeshire National Park, the newly refurbished The Grove, Narberth, is an 18th century country house offering views across the Preseli Hills and is within walking distance from the market town of Narberth. The Grove has three rooms available to the corporate market. Its largest room, the Garden Room, has its own private terrace and can cater for a maximum of 22 delegates theatre style.

The panelled room can hold a maximum of 16 delegates theatre style and the study can hold 10 delegates theatre style. All food at The Grove is locally sourced wherever possible and is prepared by Nigel Marraige, a two Michelin star chef who was previously head-chef at Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons.

The St.David’s Hotel & Spa

Wales is said to have more castles than it does Starbucks and 2010 sees more historic buildings opening their doors to the corporate market. Slebech Park, set in 600 acres of Pembrokeshire National Coast Parkland, is a newly renovated historic country residence.

After a £4million refurbishment the 18th century, grade II listed building boasts extensive gardens, woodland trails and a 12th century chapel as well as state of the art conference and meeting facilities for the corporate market.

The main corporate facilitates are housed in the venue’s coach house where a maximum of 100 delegates can be accommodated theatre style. There is also the harbor room, a semi permanent structure which can hold up to 200 delegates banquet style. Other options include the stable, a number of syndicate rooms, or the terrace of the main building which offers unique water’s edge location. The venue also hosts the Angela Gray Cookery School which offers a variety of different cookery and food tasting courses for the corporate market that can be tailored to each client’s specifications.

Relaxation is key consideration at Pembrokeshire’s first destination spa hotel, the St Brides Hotel and Spa. The hotel has just launched its exclusive range of natural marine spa products by Dolmor. St Brides is the only hotel in the UK to use these products and its spa guests receive the numerous benefits of the seaweeds that are harvested from the beaches surrounding the hotel. The venue is also offering lucky conference goers the option to book a spa treatment instead of the usual tea and coffee in the morning or afternoon breaks. The treatments can also be taken at the end of a long day to help delegates unwind. Each treatment lasts 25 minutes and options available include eye and lip treatments facials and scalp massages.

THE MIDDLE GROUND Surrounded by the Brecon Beacons, mid Wales has a diverse range of venues set in the rolling Welsh countryside. The Metropole Hotel is set within the historic spa town of Llandrindod Wells and has been run by the Baird-Murray family for over 100 years. The hotel contains 120 en-suite rooms and can host up to 300 delegates in its meeting rooms.

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BIG MEETING. SMALL MEETINGS. LONG MEETINGS. SHORT MEETINGS. EARLY MEETINGS. LATE MEETINGS. WE HAVE ROOM FOR ALL OF THEM. Whether you need to book a meeting for a couple of people, or as many as 700, we can cater for you and your guests. From tea and coffee to private dining, we’ll provide whatever you need. And with individually designed, four and five star hotels in London and Manchester, we’re sure you’ll find a room to suit you.

Our experience creates a better experience.

Central London: +44 (0)20 7845 8680 Heathrow: +44 (0)20 8757 7903 Manchester: +44 (0)161 835 8931 radissonedwardian.com

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CONFERENCES & EVENTS

Lake Vyrnwy

For delegates wanting to take a walk on the wild side and make the most of the natural surroundings of the Brecon Beacons national park, Call of the Wild offers all inclusive outdoor training and learning programmes to corporate groups. It also offers corporate events, conference break out activities and activities for private parties.

It provides uniquely tailored management training, team building and corporate events. Corporates can take advantage of range of activities including, canoeing, paintballing, surfing, climbing and abseiling.

For a secluded venue that offers delegates the chance to escape it all, Lake Vyrnwy

Hotel near Builth Wells, is located on the hillsides of the Berwyn Mountain range, just across the Shropshire border in Powys.

It is ideal if conference organisers wish to combine breathtaking views with dedicated conference facilities and team building activities. The hotel provides panoramic views to Snowdonia, a dramatic backdrop of craggy mountains, wild moorland, forests and waterfalls. The venue offers a range of meeting rooms and can cater for up to 200 delegates theatre style. Its spa has a spa pool with views down the length of the lake, an aromatherapy steam room, a Rasul mud suite, along with sauna and treatment rooms.

CLOSER THAN YOU THINK Accessibility is a key consideration when conference organisers decide where to host their event. Cardiff International Airport is 12 miles from the city centre and there are flights nationally to Edinburgh, Belfast, Glasgow and Newcastle and internationally to Amsterdam, Münich, Geneva, and Paris, Toulouse, Palma, Murcia and Sofia. This is in addition to the major international connections that are available via Amsterdam.

North Wales is well served by Manchester Airport bringing in the transatlantic market of Washington and Chicago, while Mid Wales is easily accessible from Birmingham Airport. London is just two hours away from Cardiff by train and three hours by road, while five services operate across the Irish Sea, connecting Wales to Ireland Visit Wales has endorsed the Meeting Industry Association’s AIM scheme. AIM is recognised assurance that a venue or industry supplier operates within quality, customer service and best practice criteria, and meetings and event venues in Wales are being encouraged to join.

As part of its endorsement of AIM, Visit Wales will provide support in a number of areas including displaying details of the scheme on its tourism trade website, featuring the logo within the range of star quality printed material, where appropriate from 2011, and include a search capability of AIM accredited venues on the new Visit Wales website which is due to go live in May 2010.

The business tourism desk of Visit Wales helps event organisers get the most out of Wales by offering free and impartial advice. In addition, there is a wide range of resources available to help organisers in planning an event in Wales including a conference planner and incentive guide. For further information please contact Jane Landstrom on 029 2047 5359 / jane. landstrom@wales.gsi.gov.uk Alternatively, visit www.meetings.visitwales.com.

Coastal relaxation – whatever your business requirements HIS CONTEMPORARY spa hotel has recently been redesigned around the remarkable coastal views, making it an exceptional venue for meetings, conferences, away days and training courses. It is easily accessible from the M4 and is surrounded by diverse Pembrokeshire scenery, offering many unusual outdoor activities for team building such as coasteering.

The hotel has just won Coast Magazine’s ‘Best UK Shoreline Hotel’ as voted by its readers due to the high repeat business, outstanding service levels and cliff top location.

Due to its popularity as a key conference venue in West Wales, St Brides has just

capacity for 75 residential delegates, or 100 non resident delegates. Complimentary Wi-Fi high-speed internet access and audio visual equipment is available in all conference suites.

At the end of the day, guests can relax in our Marine spa with thermal suite and vitality pool.

Eight hour delegate rates from £60 and 24 hour delegate rates from £170. Car parking is free and complimentary sea view upgrades are possible between October and March.

T

completed its final phase of redevelopment to include a fourth conference room, fitness suite and six additional two bedroom hotel apartments.

With four conference suites, some with sea views and all with natural day light we have the

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01834 812 304 Fax: 01834 811 766 E-mail: events@stbridesspahotel.com Web: www.stbridesspahotel.com

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PROCUREMENT

SEEKING SMARTER PROCUREMENT SOLUTIONS? Sign up now to attend The Public Procurement Show – the UK’s leading free event for public sector procurement, taking place on 15 and 16 June at ExCeL, London 11.15-12.00 The procurement landscape: how will new trends and technology affect procurement?

This session will explore how the world could look in 20 years, based on current trends and predictions. We will ask how this could affect the public sector and procurement professionals. We aim to inspire and enlighten delegates with a view of the world ahead.

Nigel Smith, chief executive, OGC.

THE EVENT IS A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR procurement professionals giving you the tools and advice you need to succeed in the difficult years ahead and the opportunity to meet key suppliers in one place at one time.

The Procurement Talks showcase best practise from across the public sector, discussing issues including collaboration, sustainability and shared services.

Additionally, we will explore the wider social benefits that procurement can deliver, and how you need to adapt to the changing procurement landscape.

Nigel Smith, chief executive, OGC, will open the Procurement Talks programme with a session focusing on how new trends and technologies will affect procurement. He will help you understand how the sector is changing and the important role procurement has to play.

Alastair Merrill, director of procurement, Scottish Government, will be closing the first day by discussing the key issue of collaborative procurement and how to overcome the barriers to collaboration.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS Other highlights include the four keynote talks that look at politics, economics, the impact of total place and how public services are changing. They will feature high profile speakers including Mike White, assistant editor, the Guardian; Phillip Blond, director, ResPublica; David Halpern, director of research, Institute for

Government; and Jim Savege, corporate director, organisational development, Cumbria County council. Please visit our website for more details on the speakers.

The event will also provide you with the opportunity to meet representatives from both Buying Solutions and OGC. Both will be on hand to answer your questions and offer guidance.

You will also meet the UK’s leading providers to the public sector at The Public Procurement Show. Exhibitors will be showcasing hundreds of products and services from office supplies to ICT, furniture to floor coverings and travel agencies to legal services. Exhibitors include Kinnarps, British Gas Business, Redfern Travel, Royal Mail and EDF Energy.

By attending the Public Procurement Show you will also gain free entry to SmartGov Live, Smart Healthcare Live and Futuresource, giving you a wide range of suppliers to meet, and the opportunity to hear from exciting speakers including Nick Chapman, chief executive, NHS Direct; Paul Hodgkin, founder, Patient Opinion; Rose Crozier, CIO, Belfast City Council; David Wilde, CIO, Westminster City Council; Christine Connolly, and many more.

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME 10.15-11.00 Opening Keynote Assistant editor of the Guardian, Michael White, and an invited panel discuss their take on the current political outlook and the repercussions for the future of public services.

12.15-13.00 Making collaboration a reality If collaborative procurement will deliver the efficiencies and cost savings we need, how can we make collaboration a reality?

- Looking beyond the obvious: finding partners from a range of organisations - Establishing common interests and understanding different needs - Real life case studies exploring the benefits and challenges you can expect Andrew Coulcher, head of business solutions, CIPS, and Ian Connor, chief procurement officer, Southwest One. 13.15-14.15 Lunchtime Keynote Debate How are public services changing and how do we need to adapt to deliver better services with less money? How can the public sector become more innovative and create new methods for delivering essential public services?

Phillip Blond, director, ResPublica; Sonia Sodha, head of the public finance programme, Demos; and David Halpern, director of research, Institute for Government.

14.30-15.15 Procuring shared services With shared services rising back up the agenda, thought must turn to how we procure both for, and within shared services.

Paul White, head of shared services and procurement, Northamptonshire County Council.

15.30-16.15 Overcoming the barriers to collaboration It is all too easy to find reasons not to collaborate, but how can you overcome these to deliver real savings?

- Encouraging innovative and creative thinking - Negotiating with suppliers - Overcoming the legal and technical challenges Alastair Merrill, director of procurement, Scottish Government.

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PROCUREMENT

Wednesday 16 June 10.00-11.00 Procurement: the bigger picture Procurement, particularly in the public sector, needs to be about more than purchasing goods and services. This session will explore the wider social impact procurement can have.

- Can you afford to think beyond cost?

- How can you create cost savings across the public sector through more ethical procurement?

Allison Ogden-Newton, chief executive, Social Enterprise London; Helen Clarkson, deputy director, Forum for the Future; Richard Parsons, service head, procurement and corporate programmes, London Borough of Tower Hamlets; and Alan Ratcliffe, assistant director, Improvement, Cumbria County Council.

11.25-12.00 Procuring services from the third sector - Should we have different systems for buying services from charities and social enterprise?

- How can we improve variety in the marketplace?

- Do you need to work differently with the third sector?

Seb Elsworth, director of strategy, ACEVO. 12.30-13.30 Lunchtime keynote debate This session will explore the Total Place pilots and ask what this means for public services in the future? What impact on accountability and localism? How can we better empower communities to support public services?

Jim Savege, corporate director, organisational development, Cumbria County Council.

13.45-14.30 Delivering cost savings through sustainable procurement How can we use procurement of sustainable goods and services to save money in the long term, and how can a procurement professional demonstrate these savings across the organisation?

- Ensuring sustainability remains a priority - Identifying low cost sustainable options - Demonstrating the cost and efficiency savings made through sustainable procurement Andrew Croston, head of procurement and commercial, DEFRA. 15.30-16.15 Closing keynote The Guardian’s economic editor, Larry Elliott, looks at the economic outlook and discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the public sector.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information and to register free, please visit www.publicprocurementshow.com

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CURRENT EXHIBITOR LIST Achilles Information Ltd Action Sustainability Advantage Resourcing Antalis McNaughton Solutions ARMOR SA Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental Arval UK Ltd Banner Business Services Ltd BravoSolution UK Ltd British Furniture Group British Gas Business BSI Buildbase Ltd Buying Solutions Capita Business Travel

Central Point of Expertise on Timber Procurement CitroĂŤn UK CitySprint Comet (Summit Sales Promotion Ltd) de Poel Consulting Ltd Disposable UK Group EDF Energy Enterprise Rent A Car Government Car & Despatch Agency Gresham Office Furniture Hays Keytracker Limited Kinnarps (UK) Ltd Leasedrive Velo Group Michael Page International

NexTenders OGC Positive Purchasing Ltd Premier Paper Group Primec Ltd Public Sector Executive QC Supplies Limited Redfern Travel Ltd Royal Mail Group Ltd TAITRA TeleAccess The Central Point of Expertise on Timber Procurement The Paper Company Triumph TSO (The Stationary Office) Turner & Townsend

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Written by Wendy Burrows

BEST PRACTICE

A CHANGE FOR THE BETTER Newcastle-Under-Lyme Borough Council has received the accolade of ‘most improved district council in the UK’. Mark Barrow, the council’s chief executive, discusses how this impressive transformation was achieved IT’S JUST THREE YEARS SINCE MARK Barrow took up the demanding role of chief executive of Newcastle-Under-Lyme Borough Council at the age of 41, bringing with him a wealth of experience gained in a variety of local and regional authorities across the country.

Having previously ranked as one of the 17 poorest performing local authorities in 2006, the council is the only one amongst these to rise from level one in performance management and its use of resources to an impressive score of level three in the Audit Commission’s 2009 Organisational Assessment report, receiving the accolade of ‘most improved district council in the UK.’ With the exception of well managed programmes such as street scene and a longestablished record for achievements in ‘Britain in Bloom’, there were initially few areas that didn’t warrant radical improvement. Indeed, planning was in special measures, processing of revenues and benefits was lengthy, there was no contact centre and the borough’s record for recycling was one of the worst in the country.

Given a combination of embedded culture within the organisation and archaic practices, the council was certainly not delivering on performance; out of touch with its staff and not satisfying needs within the community.

Although the task in hand seemed fraught with complexity, Mark recognised that processes had merely grown organically out of proportion – his strategy: “Simplicity is the key.”

FACING THE CHALLENGE The first thing that’s apparent in speaking to Mark is his passion and enthusiasm to overcome challenges; working with a new administration led by both conservatives and liberal democrats; securing a joint commitment; adopting a fresh approach to create a clear vision and build confidence. Rather than starting with a cost cutting exercise, Barrow looked at the end goal, working backwards to examine how it could be achieved within budgetary and bureaucratic restraints. Embarking on a three-year plan – addressing recovery, improvement and transformation – he was looking to unravel the “golden thread”.

Corporate priorities were established: ensuring an effective political framework (through four scrutiny committees); general improvement; value for money and cost of services; and customer satisfaction. With these in place, Barrow could make sure resources followed priorities, aligning organisational development around them. Combined with an understanding

of local needs, corporate and service plans were developed, structured to track and strengthen performance management.

GETTING EVERYONE ON BOARD In setting out his vision Barrow recognised the importance of employee engagement, regarding the organisation as a ‘service-based business’, whereby staff would feel empowered, deploying them on the frontline to remove non-value activity and creating a value-driven organisation.

As Mark firmly believes: “Businesses don’t do business, people do business.”

Apart from limited external support from consultants to target specific areas and using benchmarking resources and peer revues from the likes of CIPFA, the Audit Commission and IDEA, change was managed predominantly in-house. The improvement programme has drawn on people, money and the decision-making process as key resources to reshape services and realise better value.

Good communication figures strongly throughout as a major contributor to the council’s successful performance to date. The improvement programme is discussed on a monthly basis, involving honest conversations with members of the committee, cabinet members and peers from across the country, with members having access to training from IDeA, the Improvement and Development Agency for local government.

One of Barrow’s first decisions was also to employ a workforce development manager; budgets for training and development were doubled, creating capacity within the workforce, with some training provided in conjunction with neighbouring Stoke-on Trent City Council to rationalise resources.

Investment in training has created a layer of middle management, giving structure to teams and offering career opportunities.

Barrow, his Executive Management Team and all Cabinet members regularly go out to the front line to work alongside staff in every service area, sending out a clear message to the workforce: “We value you.”

These efforts have paid off resulting in a Gold Award from Investors in People (having had no prior recognition). The average number of sick days taken by employees has dropped from 10.12 days in 2007/2008 to 7.91 days in 2008/2009 – testament to a committed workforce and an outstanding achievement.

The council has also recently been listed for the first time in the Sunday Times Best 75 Places to Work in the Public Sector survey

and placed in 71st position. The council wasn’t only up against other councils, but also Government Departments, PCTs and health bodies, schools and colleges, housing organisations and national groups.

Barrow said: “We already know that our staff do a really good job but it’s nice for this fact to be recognised on a national stage by independent organisations. We are proud of the quality of services our staff provide and we are delighted their achievements are being acknowledged by others.”

COMMUNITY FOCUSED With regard to the community, Barrow is completely outcome focused with a firm belief that “playing back what touches people’s lives is significant”. The council’s top quartile services have been developed in many ways, saving 20 per cent of net budget and with its “head under the bonnet”, transformation has begun.

Revenue and benefit claims now take just 15 days to process instead of 45-50. Having assessed the need for additional resources five more staff were employed, with further improvements expected to come from a system replacement sourced from Northgate.

Response to the newly implemented waste and recycling programme, developed with heavy support from WRAP, has been phenomenal – in its first week of operation recycling reached 52 per cent, which is well in excess of initial expectations. A bespoke new refuse fleet is meeting collection requirements, which, combined with a media campaign using local radio, newspapers and leaflets, is proving effective with residents.

Redevelopment of waste and recycling has reduced costs by £500,000 per year.

A lean systems revue of planning and disabled facilities grants was undertaken with support from IDeA, designed to cater for more vulnerable members of society, and street scene has been strengthened by recruitment of more community wardens to improve neighbourhood management. Working jointly with the fire service and Aspire (the local housing association) to establish whether more help is needed for the elderly, spending on provision of better locks on doors, for example, is proving worthwhile.

UNDERSTANDING PEOPLE A natural understanding of people and what’s important to the local community seem to underpin Barrow’s strategy. Recognisable and approachable, ‘neighbourhood rangers’ – dressed in green – attend local parish

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BEST PRACTICE

meetings, tending to local issues and problems, as well as going into schools to speak to children, connecting them to the community. As Barrow says: “People need an identity and to be recognised – the more anonymous you are, the easier it is to behave anti-socially.”

Whilst developing relations within the community face to face, the council is also managing to meet NI14 requirements, reducing unnecessary contact and freeing up resources through its website – recently reviewed by SOCITM and awarded a level three out of a possible level four for its performance standard.

Technology, especially mobile technology, is viewed as extremely important and is central to the council’s programme, enabling field working and home working wherever possible – as Barrow says: “We need to look like a 21st century organisation. Work is what you do, it’s not a place.”

For resources to follow priorities, funding is crucial. Barrow has looked at long-term sustainability through a ‘hearts and minds set’, never talking of cuts, just how to make services better. Efficiencies have been realised across all areas – eliminating non-value activity, renegotiating services and reviewing procurement, freezing approximately ten per cent of posts in the last three years, thereby avoiding redundancies via natural wastage.

Through creativity and consultation, negatives have been counteracted by working smartly and efficiently, engaging with senior management from a positive perspective where efficiencies will follow. The real focus is keeping council tax as low as possible whilst having to meet targets and balance the budget.

GETTING READY FOR THE UPTURN From this standpoint and with a background in planning and regeneration, Barrow believes Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is well placed to keep pace with a changing landscape and attract new investment into the town centre, generating both income and satisfying the needs of the local community.

Like many towns and cities, given the current economic climate and continuing trend towards out of town retail parks, compounded by the rise of internet sales, available retail space on the high street has increased. In an effort to combat this decline, discounts have been offered on rates and changes of use considered, for example, giving a unit over to an arts organisation. However, this initiative was hampered by business rate regulations.

In spite of this, the borough council is preparing for an upturn and since it owns 20 per cent of shop space, with Barrow’s outlook, creativity abounds. As a university town – Keele University campus sits just on the outskirts – the council is looking to attract more students into accommodation within the town centre. Already a bus service running from early morning until late evening has been introduced to make the town more accessible.

Landmark structures have been put to good use – the historic Guildhall is now a customer service centre and £2 million has been spent on the Lancaster Buildings, combining re-modelled shop units with 6,000 square feet of office space ready for use and additional car parking accounted for nearby. The old municipal baths are being replaced and expanded to encompass disused land adjacent to the existing site to create a brand new health and well being centre. Not only will it offer recreational and fitness facilities, but also a wider programme giving guidance on diet and lifestyle to build health awareness, particularly aimed at vulnerable people who need help to live more independently.

Working in partnership, sports service specialists from Keele University will be based there, with the local primary care trust engaged in post operative/post stroke aftercare. This state of the art facility is on track to open in late 2011 – at a cost of £12 million affordability was the key. Provision has been made for the budget, with £10 million funded from revenue savings in sports and leisure facilities.

REDUCING COSTS With cost pressures growing all the time, the council is looking to keep council tax at a minimum and increase income next year – currently revenues consist broadly of £10 million pounds of funding from central

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government, £6.5 million from council tax and just over £7 million raised from trading services such as pest control, trade waste and property rental.

Already, the borough is sharing some services such as joint building control with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, an out of hours service with Cannock District Council and internet access, hosted by Staffordshire County Council.

To reduce costs further, discussions are in place regarding shared services with neighbouring organisations; facilities management in cooperation with Keele University; refuse collection by bordering authorities in closer proximity to sites; reviewing headquarters to share accommodation; increasing home and mobile working to reduce desk numbers.

Barrow’s deduction is clear and refreshingly practical: “Form follows function.” Producing tangible results, his formula seems to be working – loosening the constraints of central government, affording greater freedom, regardless of politics, to focus on local needs and protect frontline services.

To coin one of his much loved phrases, Barrow enthused: “Once you’ve got your first wings, confidence grows exponentially.” It certainly has – the borough has been ‘commended’, together with Teignbridge District Council in the Best Achieving Category for the Municipal Journal awards.

They were placed just behind six high-performing councils who will now battle it out for the honour of being described as the country’s top council. The winner will be announced at a gala awards night on 24 June at the Hilton Hotel in London, which will be hosted by former cabinet Minister Michael Portillo.

When asked if he planned to stay with the borough, Barrow swiftly replied: “Right now I’m enjoying myself”. With so much to celebrate, such a sentiment is surely justified.

Environmental Systems

Suppliers of Wheeled Bins and Distribution Services to Newcastle-under-Lyme Council Two-wheeled Bins to EN 840 & RAL Standards Manufactured in the UK Plastic and Steel Four-wheeled Waste Containers Recycling Containers Competitive prices and short lead-times Distribution Services Collection and Recycling of end-of-life Containers Depot Clearance & Housekeeping Services Craemer UK Ltd, Craemer House, Hortonwood 1, Telford, Shropshire. TF1 7GN Tel: 01952 607800 • Fax: 01952 607803 e.mail:steve.poppitt@craemer.com

www.craemer.com

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BEST PRACTICE

IMPROVING EMPLOYEE WELLBEING Does employee wellbeing generate a healthy business return?

THE ISSUE OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH and wellbeing has become the topic of much debate in recent years. Whilst nobody would dispute the benefit to individuals of enjoying a sense of wellbeing in the workplace, the question of how far organisations benefit from an investment in employee health and wellbeing is perhaps harder to answer.

Or is it? For the past five years, Investors in People, sponsored by the Department of Health, has been working with organisations of all sizes and sectors across the UK to examine what constitutes effective health and wellbeing, how organisations can achieve this and the benefits it delivers.

This extensive research – which involved over 400 organisations – clearly showed that effective and proactive management of health and wellbeing improves performance by increasing productivity, reducing sickness and absenteeism and enhancing employee retention.

Understanding where to focus effort and investment in health and wellbeing is a critical question that requires careful consideration, not least in the current climate. In the public sector there is significant pressure to make cuts and do ‘more for less’. The potential impact on employees in terms of increased stress and feelings of insecurity is enormous.

EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT Our research has shown that one of the most important factors in improving employee wellbeing is effective management and support structures. Experience also shows that, in tough times, employees respond far more positively when they understand what is happening and why. For this reason, whilst the temptation may be to put some employee initiatives on the ‘back burner’ due to budget constraints, actively ensuring that employees are prepared for the tough times ahead is in fact vitally important.

Good communication, a culture of openness and a supportive approach towards employees can all transform the sense of wellbeing in a workplace – and keep people motivated to play their part in addressing the challenges that the organisation faces. At the same time, recognition of each employee as an individual, acknowledging the pressures within both work and personal life, is also important.

The bottom line is that every organisation is different and will benefit from developing a programme that is tailored to its needs and those of its employees. To help find the right path, Investors in People has recently launched guidance and a new Award that recognises employers who have strengthened

CASE STUDY NHS Suffolk is leading health in Suffolk by making sure we have safe and high quality healthcare services and that we give people the tools to help them take steps towards healthier lifestyles. As an employer, it is important we start with our workforce. Healthy staff means our organisation can achieve more for the benefit of the people we serve.

We have in place a range of measures to promote healthier lifestyles among our staff from making sure people have breaks and a programme of wellbeing events, to Occupational Health services, confidential counselling and a stress management policy.

An important part of our focus is to maintain a workforce that is healthy – physically, mentally, emotionally and includes their social wellbeing.

There are many things that organisations

their organisations by investing in the health and wellbeing of employees. The first organisations to be recognised with the new Award have reported improvements in employee engagement, morale, team dynamics, resilience and performance levels.

In the current challenging and highly competitive economic environment, all organisations should be prepared to invest in health and wellbeing for such a healthy return.

can to do in this area – for example, encouraging staff to take regular breaks and providing space for them to do this. We are working hard to create a culture where staff feel lunchtime is a ‘protected time’. The initiatives we have introduced to improve awareness of personal health, for example using an online health manager tool and selfreferrals to use occupational health services, help to ‘short-circuit’ issues such as stress before they become critical.

Organisations may resist investment in employee wellbeing for financial reasons, however, evidence shows that this is in fact an issue they can’t afford to ignore. The long-term cost of doing nothing is far greater than the short-term investment needed to make genuine and performance-enhancing improvements to health and wellbeing in the workplace.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information visit www.investorsinpeople.co.uk

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A New Era in Security and Safety Management Applications across many Public Sector disciplines: · Surveillance & CCTV · Access Control, Time & Attendance · Intruder Detection & Alarms · Fire Detection & Evacuation · Integrated Safety Solutions · Audio, Intercom & Messaging · Transmission & Comms Systems · Building Management Systems

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Megapixel / HD Cameras An in-depth look at how higher resolution cameras will impact upon the day to day management of Surveillance systems.

Virtualisation,Offsite Storage & Managed Solutions How to utilise non-resident storage and management solutions and the savings and benefits of going green.

Building Management Systems People Safety, Energy management, HVAC, and the intelligent connected building - fact or fiction?

Control Room Operations The next generation of Alarm Monitoring and Control Room solutions.

Intruder / Fire Detection Breaking down the barriers - Intruder and Fire detection go IP. Integrated Security & Safety A close look at large scale enterprise level integration in a hospitality, leisure or entertainment environment.

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SECURITY

UNRIVALLED SECURITY SOLUTIONS IFSEC, the world’s largest annual security event, returns 10-13 May to the NEC Birmingham.

This promises to be an unmissable event for anyone responsible for critical national infrastructure, national and local government buildings and other public services

THE IFSEC CONFERENCE FORMS PART of the high level educational content on offer at the show. Returning for 2010, the Conference promises to deliver an unparalleled educational programme packed with carefully researched high-level content aimed at senior security professionals. Taking place alongside the IFSEC 2010 exhibition from 10-12 May, the content will take a fresh and unique look at the key issues facing the security industry, including countering terror, protecting critical national infrastructure, preparing for London Olympics 2012, corporate security issues, security guarding and recent technological developments.

Each day of the conference will be dedicated to a different area of security: • Day one – Countering Terror and Protecting the Nation • Day two – Corporate Security in the Recovering Economy • Day three – Next Generation Technologies The high-level seminars will be delivered by some of the most senior players in the industry, including: • Charlie Edwards, Head of Strategy & Planning, Office for Security and Counter Terror, The Home Office • Chris Phillips GCGI, MSyl., DCI Head of The National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO)

• Chief Superintendent Brian Kelly, Deputy Head of the Design Authority Team, Olympic Security Directorate • Don Randall MBE, Head of Security, Bank of England • Mark Harding, Managing Director, Showsec & Chair of UKCMA (United Kingdom Crowd Management Association) Delegates will be able to tailor their visit to the IFSEC Conference using the unique modular format. Each module consists of three 30-minute presentations followed by a 25-minute interactive panel debate. Delegates may pick and choose depending on what modules are of most interest to them.

OUTSTANDING LINE-UP James Blue, director of Fire & Security at UBM Live, organisers of IFSEC, said: “This will be our third annual IFSEC Conference and the programme is even more impressive than previous years. With an outstanding line-up of internationally renowned speakers and a fantastic array of seminar topics, we look forward to giving our delegates the finest possible educational content.”

Alongside the conference, visitors to IFSEC 2010 will be able to explore the latest security products and services available both in the UK and worldwide via the extensive exhibition. Exhibiting companies will be

organised into the following categories: • Integrated security: IP and network solutions • Access control • CCTV • Intruder Alarms • Counter terror and physical security • Security solutions and fire solutions.

Axis, Dallmeier, Genie CCTV, HIK Vision, IndigoVision, JVC, Norbain, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony and Tyco are amongst those exhibiting. Within the exhibition there will be a number of international pavilions in which visitors may seek the latest products and services from all over the globe.

Supported by the US Commercial Service, IFSEC 2010 will feature its first US Pavilion. Based in hall 4, this pavilion will house a plethora of innovative manufacturers to allow visitors to source US security products and services in one concentrated location. Commercial staff from the U.S. embassy in London will also be on hand to answer any queries.

In addition to the US, there will be a raft of other pavilions for visitors to take advantage of including those representing Belgium (new for 2010), China, France, Italy, Korea and Taiwan.

Furthermore, IFSEC 2010 will feature its first Spain Pavilion with the Secartys association, a voluntary organisation which represents more than 1,200 industries in electronics, information technology, telecommunications and solar energy across Spain, also introducing new exhibitors from Spain in the different product areas within the exhibition.

Also within the exhibition, the new Intelligent Integration Zone, sponsored

by ISM, is unmissable for any professional involved in the security of an organisation – not to mention IT security, IT departments, procurement, facilities management and other key decision-makers. ISM will be demonstrating how Genesys™ integrates with the systems provided by their six Zone partners: • Perimeter intruder detection systems • Video surveillance • Digital CCTV recording systems • Access control products • Audio Recording • Alarm/Call Strips

FOR MORE INFORMATION IFSEC 2010 will be co-located with Safety & Health Expo and The Facilities Show at the NEC Birmingham from 10-13 May. For more information on the event and to register for free entry, please visit www.ifsec.co.uk.

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SECURITY

ENSURING PUBLIC SAFETY Glasgow City Council recently embarked on a project to create a safer environment for both visitors and locals alike ABOUT COMMEND UK Founded in 1971 and part of Commend International, Commend UK are suppliers of Intercom Security and Communication systems for the protection of people, buildings and valuables.

GLASGOW’S SUBSTANTIAL ARRAY of cinemas, pubs and restaurants is legendary, and provides a big draw for the three million tourists that visit the former European Capital of Culture each year. Representing a large part of the city’s economy, Glasgow City Council recently embarked on a project to provide this important sector with a safer environment for both visitors and locals alike.

The answer was found in establishing a ‘Nite Zone’, a partnership project whose aim is to ensure public safety during the city centre’s peak night-time activity.

To help achieve its objective, Nite Zone has introduced enhanced street lighting, improved marketing of transport options at night, provision of transport marshals and environmental enhancements, additional CCTV coverage and a public Help Point network.

Walter Kean of Glasgow City Council explained that there were two distinct ‘blips’ when revellers hit the streets of Glasgow in the evenings. At midnight, when the pubs closed, and again at 3am, when the Night Clubs shut their doors.

THE CHALLENGE • Reduce the amount of police Intervention required at pub closing times • Reduce crime rates and anti social behaviour committed in the evening • Enable clear two way communication in areas with high ambient noise levels The Technical Requirements: • Set up a ‘Metal Mickey‘ style pillar incorporating CCTV and Intercom • Network all external intercoms

wirelessly and over fibre connections • Illumination of call point when Help Point is used • Ability to transfer emergency calls from the Blocahairn Control Room to Strathclyde Police.

Glasgow City Council were keen for night life in Glasgow City to become more sociable. To this end, they developed, along with Racam (Installers of the equipment) a solution whereby Intercom and CCTV worked hand-in-hand in hotspots throughout the city centre.

An ‘iconic and individual’ CCTV beacon was developed, incorporating CCTV and a Commend Help Point. It has horn loud speakers as ‘ears’ and a flashing light, clearly marking the location of taxi and bus zones. Both images and audio are transmitted to Blochairn’s central control room, where operators can speak to callers offering advice or help if needed.

THE SOLUTION At the heart of the communication network lies the Commend GE 700 Intercom Server.

This enables the Help Points around Glasgow City Centre to communicate directly with the Blochairn control room. It also has the ability to expand and network other Commend Help Point sites to the system, as demonstrated when, after the initial trials of the Nite Zones, it was expanded to include Sauchiehall Street. It is also possible to network the existing Glasgow Street Watch Help Points installed in the parks.

To compliment the Intercom and CCTV solution, a flashing beacon is activated when the Help Point is used, alerting taxi and bus marshals in the vicinity. This means that not

only are the control room staff able to alert the emergency services if an incident arises, they know that immediate aid is going to the caller.

“The initial trials of Nite Zone around the station area were a great success and soon rolled out to encompass the popular Sauchiehall Street area. This had a great impact on the behaviour of party-goers and the general mood of a night out in Glasgow’s city centre,” states Walter Kean.

“The project’s success is underlined with quantifiable figures showing a 40 per cent drop in serious anti-social behaviour in the city centre. Equating to some seven hundred crimes having been prevented, this means less incidents for the police to deal with, and likewise, the prosecution service hasn’t had to process these offences either – saving resources and time. Our estimates have indicated that this has amounted to an overall saving of around £500,000 a year, meaning that the initial capital investment in the system’s technology has yielded a long-term saving,“ Kean added.

SUCCESS Such has been the success of the project, that the scheme has been awarded the ‘Glasgow Flourish Award’ for making a significant contribution to improving the urban environment. Walter Kean concludes: “Since the success of the scheme, we have had a number of other councils across the country using the Nite Zone as a template for their own service, and we will be looking at the possibilities to extend the coverage of the package even further.

We are already using the flexible Commend Intercom system and Help Points network to form the basis of additional services in the city centre, such as an automated evacuation procedure. This uses live and recorded messages, distributed through the intercom network to advise the public of evacuation procedures, and provides an additional highly beneficial feature within the flexible Commend technology we have invested in.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01279 457 510 Web: www.commend.co.uk

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APA-ACPO 2010 International Policing Exhibition

The biggest and most influential event for policing in the UK W NE TES DA

Conference: 29th June -1st July Exhibition: 30th June -1st July @Manchester Central

YOUR FORCE, YOUR FUTURE The UK’s leading showcase of cutting-edge technologies, equipment and services for the policing and security sector: • • • • • • • • •

command and control systems special operations surveillance and counter surveillance drugs and explosives search dogs live hand-to-hand combat training criminal intelligence analysis training and career development public safety cycling demonstrations FREE educational seminar programme

FREE entry for all police staff, associates and colleagues.

Register now at:

apa-acpo.co.uk In association with

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SECURITY

APA-ACPO 2010 Free educational workshops, live demonstrations and the latest technology at the International Policing Exhibition addition to the defence and security zones, the event will feature areas dedicated to IT and Communications, Special Operations and CBRN. The International Policing Exhibition is organised on behalf of the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Association of Police Authorities in association with the Home Office.

THE APA-ACPO INTERNATIONAL Policing Exhibition, the UK’s biggest and most influential event targeted at anyone involved in policing and security, is being held 30 June - 1 July at Manchester Central. Hosted in association with the Home Office, this leading event features the latest technology and services for policing and security from over 120 leading international suppliers and is free to attend for all police staff, associates and colleagues.

Free accredited training for exhibition visitors The exhibition will feature educational workshops, presentations and case studies from organisations currently engaged in groundbreaking projects with police forces and authorities. Organisations involved in compiling the programme include the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA), ISIS and the Metropolitan Olympic Procurement to name but a few. These unique training sessions are free to attend and places will be limited, so register your interest now at www.acpo-apa.co.uk to stay up to date with the latest developments. The full programme will be published shortly.

TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES Exhibitors in the defence and security sector will be displaying the latest technology and services for the counter terrorism community.

These include defence organisations such as the Home Office Scientific Development

Branch (HOSDB) and ADS, the UK’s Aerospace, Defence and Security trade body, recently launched as a result of a merger of the Association of Police and Public Security Suppliers (APPSS), the Defence Manufacturers Association (DMA) and the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC).

Other exhibitors include world-leading top marine technology and engineering company Global Marine Systems, leading personal protection equipment supplier Hawk Protection and Europol, the European law enforcement agency aimed at preventing and combating terrorism and other serious forms of organised crime. Also exhibiting will be data specialists Excelerate and lean-based solutions supplier Simpler.

There will also be the latest protective clothing and equipment from exhibitors such as Hawk Protection and mobile management solutions from ttMobiles.

Following the success of the live demonstrations at the 2009 event, the 2010 event will host a range of live training features including canine bomb and drug search demonstrations, public safety cycling and hand-to-hand combat taking place throughout the two days of the show.

Once again, the layout of the exhibition will be split into dedicated zones to allow visitors to more easily navigate the full spectrum of products and technology on display. In

THE CONFERENCE The APA-ACPO National Policing Conference will run alongside the exhibition from 29 June – 1 July and is a closed session for members of the Association of Chief Police Officers, Association of Police Authorities and the Home Office. This prestigious conference will deliver a key focus for the policy and direction of policing following the general election. The focused conference programme will include topical presentations on the 2012 Olympic Games, Counter Terrorism, Cyber crime and Tackling Violence and Serious Organised Crime among others.

Building on the show’s success at Manchester Central in 2009, this summer’s event returns to this dynamic venue in the heart of Manchester. The recent refurbishment of the centre has created a dramatic new entrance for the conference and exhibition and closer integration between the two.

As all forces continue to manage the conflicting demands of budget control against continued demand for improved performance and delivery, this is a must-attend event for all levels of police to discover cost- effective solutions in every field of operation.

The International Policing Exhibition is organised on behalf of the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Association of Police Authorities in association with the Home Office.

APA Chair, Chair, Mr Rob Garnham said: “The exhibition provides a valuable opportunity to interact with a wide variety of colleagues from a range of partner organisations and suppliers. The exchange of views and exposure to new and innovative ideas stimulate change and increase the opportunity for successful outcomes for the communities that we serve”.

ACPO President, Sir Hugh Orde said: “Policing faces a future of change and challenge. This year’s APA-ACPO conference and exhibition in Manchester will be a crucial event on the policing calendar, giving all those involved in policing the chance to come together to debate the issues.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION Put the dates in your diary now and register free online at www.acpo-apa.co.uk

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MARKET RESEARCH

DISCOVER NEW ROUTES TO INSIGHT Insight, Europe’s largest research exhibition, returns to Olympia, London in June RESEARCH IS REALLY PROVING its

worth in an economic climate where people continue to negotiate major changes in society and their lives as a result of deep-felt consumer uncertainty. Savvy researchers and marketers do well to keep apace of the latest methodologies and knowledge in this sector.

Insight 2010 is the annual event for the market research industry and once again brings together the leading solution providers, industry thought leaders and spokes people, together with dedicated buyers of market research and insight solutions, including both dedicated insight, marketing professionals and brand owners. Growing on the success paved by the 2009 event, this year’s event is set to be bigger and better.

The Insight Show is Europe’s largest research exhibition and is a rich resource of information sharing and the opportunity for contact building for anyone who buys,

uses or commissions market research.

It welcomes thousands of buyers, users and commissioners of market research from all over the UK to meet the leading suppliers of insight technologies and market research solutions. Insight continues to be supported by all of the major trade associations – MRS, AURA, AIMRI and ICG. The Show hosts leading suppliers and experts in research solutions with the products, knowledge and solutions to enhance your knowledge of your product, company and service and in turn grow your business. Plus free to attend Seminar Sessions programmed by the editorial research specialists at Marketing Week, supplier led workshop arenas and the MRS Academy – all offering you practical solutions and take away advice.

Rebecca Southern, of exhibitor Research Now, said: “The show lastyear was a real triumph. The combination of the four

shows under Marketing Week Live gave new life to the exhibition, something that the previous year had begun to lack. This in turn made it a much more exciting and worthwhile place to be with a whole host of end clients and researchers culminating in one space. We are looking forward to an even greater success for 2010!”

The event is once again a cornerstone of Marketing Week Live, providing the dedicated insight and market research element, offering the nation’s marketing community a single destination event for the research, online marketing, data marketing and in-store marketing communities.

2009 saw a change for Insight as the event moved to the impressive Grand Hall Olympia, and joined three other dedicated marketing related shows under the umbrella brand Marketing Week Live, together providing the UK’s marketer a bigger event with more reasons to visit, under one roof

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We’ve got some of the best minds in research working for us (over 6 million of them to be exact) To really know what people think, you have to go to the source. That’s why we’ve got over 6 million people, in 37 countries worldwide, making up our business and consumer online panels.

This means that whichever target audience you’re looking for, the chances are we already know them.

Plus, we have expert project managers to ensure the entire online survey process is carried out smoothly. It’s all part of being the world’s largest online panel specialist.

So whatever your research requirements, we’ve got the know-how to gather the opinions you need.

Simply email govbiz@researchnow.co.uk, call +44(0)20 7921 2400 or visit www.researchnow.com to get in touch today.

Visit us at The Insight Show 2010 Stand D233 GBMagazine.20.04.01 v2.indd 1

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Purple Helpdesk Online Surveys, Bulletin Boards

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CONTACT: Trevor Wilkinson or Stephen Bairfelt Purple Market Research Stirling House, 9 Burroughs Gardens, Hendon, London NW4 4AU

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MARKET RESEARCH

and across two days. Marketing Week Live is the UK’s largest marketing event, and welcomed thousands of research specialist and marketers with research responsibility through the doors in 2009. 79 per cent of the visitors to Insight 2009 were involved in the purchasing of research solutions and expect to place orders as a result of their visit. This year, visitors will once again have the added benefit of visiting the other aspects of Marketing Week Live, which includes online marketing, in store marketing and data marketing.

“As a full service agency specialising in the financial, travel and hospitality, media and other key service sectors, the Insight Show provides us with a great opportunity to meet high quality prospects who are actively seeking new agency suppliers and partners to work with. We are looking forward to Insight 2010,” said Makr Long, BDRC Continental.

“The Insight Show gives us an excellent opportunity to speak and meet clients and friends. The new set-up, bringing four prestigious shows together in Marketing Week Live generated a lot of new traffic,” said Wiepke van der Wal of GMI. CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

Insight Conference Theatre, produced in association with the Marketing Week research editorial team, offers you the opportunity to enhance your current

EXHIBITOR LIST • Across • Actiplay • Alenty • Askia UK • at random international • Attfield Dykstra & Partners Ltd • BDRC Continental • Brain Value • BuzzBack Market Research • CamNtech Ltd • Centurion Marketing Systems • Cint Panel eXchange • CIS • Clear Ideas • CONFIRMIT • Cross Tab Marketing Services Pvt Ltd • Dipsticks Research • Dubit limited • D’Well Informatics and Services P • Ebox Research • eDigital Research • Efficience 3 • EFG Worldwide • ESOMAR • Express Insight • Finansec Financial Services • French Trade Commission in London - Ubifrance • G3Translate

• Globalpark UK • GMI (Global Market Insite) • Harris Interactive • Independent Consultants Group Ltd • InSites Consulting • Intellex Dynamic Reporting • Internet MR • Intervjubolaget AB • itracks • iVOX BVBA • JRA Research • Kudos Research • Language Connect • Lawes Consulting • Lb Qualitative Research • Le Sphinx Développement • Lightspeed Research • London Translations • McCallum Layton • Merlinco • MMR Research Worldwide • MTA Quali • Netquest • Nunwood Consulting Ltd • ohal • OnePoint Surveys • OnePoll • Opinion Panel Research • Opinium Research • OTOinsights • PDR UWIC

• Practical Semiotics • Prime Insight • Purple Market Research • QED Studios • Quick Test / Heakin Research • Research Now • Research Now Limited • Research4 • RNB Research Market Research • Rogil Marketing & Sensory Research • Sagitta Consultancy • Sample Source Auditors - A Division of Mktg. Inc. • Spotter S.A. • The Language Factory • The Thinking Shed • Todd’s Tools • Toluna • Transatlantic Translations • Translate Media UK • Ubifrance • Ugam Research Solutions • Van Hellemond (Quality Panels Asia) • Verve • VisionsLive • Visuality Group • Voxco • Western Wats

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Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

OnePoll.com – the online market research specialists NEPOLL.COM is a market leader in the online market research industry. With over 1,500 surveys conducted in 2009, OnePoll is the UK’s leading supplier of survey-based news.

OnePoll has an active panel of over 50,000 consumers in the UK and is commissioned by the COI (Central Office of Information), FSA (Financial Services Authority) AON, Confused. com, Halifax and NHS, as well as a host of blue-chip consumer brands including Travelodge, Superdrug, Debenhams, The Co-Operative Bank and RBS. In addition, OnePoll is the chosen research company for over 100 of the largest PR agencies in the UK including Ketchum, Fleishman Hillard, House PR, 3 Monkeys, Red Consultancy, Taylor Herring, Frank PR, Pegasus, Paratus Communications, Biss Lancaster, Citigate, Ogilvy and Speed Communications.

O

OnePoll’s panel base is representative of the UK population with its member demographics mirroring those of the general public. OnePoll employs members of the Market Research Society and abide by the MRS code by adhering to strict restrictions with surveys to screen out nonvalid respondents. Age groups range from 16 to 56+ spanning 28 cities across 12 regions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0117 9066 555 Fax: 0117 9066 540 E-mail: info@onepoll.com Web: www.onepoll.com

EBOX – online market research solutions FFERING ONLINE surveys, focus groups and bulletin boards, Ebox is uniquely positioned to deliver bespoke market research solutions.

We design, build and support all our own software in house, allowing us to deliver exactly what a client needs. We offer a wide range of products, each of which is flexible and adaptable, ensuring that each client is treated individually.

We provide the full range of market research services, including reporting, analysis and advising.

We pinpoint just what a client wants from their project – and then we deliver. Only after fully understanding the client’s requirements, will we select project specific methodology.

With all sectors feeling ever increasing pressure for consultation,

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our online surveys offer cost effective solutions, effectively delivering key information to all relevant decision makers. Our products reflect the look, feel and format as prescribed by the client.

Our software gathers the results which are analysed and reported in a format that is meaningful and helpful to the client.

Our cutting edge online focus groups deliver in depth viewpoints from important stakeholders and are powerful tools in assisting policy development.

As with all our products, they are developed, designed and supported direct by Ebox – the full market research providers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0141 812 1318 E-mail: info@eboxsoftware.com Web: www.eboxsoftware.com

Purple Market Research desk research services URPLE MARKET Research has been selected as an approved supplier to the COI for desk research services.

We have been a leading supplier of desk research and market analysis for the past ten years. Desk research involves the idenfitication and analysis of information already in the public domain or already held by our clients. Typical sources of information are websites, company reports, business libraries, existing research and analysis and and trade and general press. Projects can involve a simple literature search through to more extensive projects involving desk research, internal workshops and consultation with ‘gurus’ within a sector.

Desk research is an effective way to conduct research without the expense of conducting primary research.

Examples of our recent work based on desk research include an analysis of the UK market for green finance (finance

P

available for domestic energy efficient measures), an overview of energy efficiency of UK homes and profiles of a variety of sectors, including financial services, retail, the SOHO market, migrants and utlities.

Our clients for desk research services include the British Standards Institution, City & Guilds, Energy Saving Trust and Royal Mail.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For further information on Purple Market Research, contact our directors Trevor Wilkinson on 020 8359 1220 or Stephen Bairfelt on 020 8359 1219, e-mail us on info@purplemr.co.uk or go to our website www.purplemr.co.uk

Quality online panels – proven results ESEARCH NOW IS A leading global online fieldwork specialist, recognised for delivering high-quality panellists, high response rates, and industry leading panel retention rates. The company operates panels with more than six million panellists in 37 countries around the world.

Offering a full range of online data collection services using first-rate technical capabilities, including online sample, survey programming and hosting, and survey translations, the company serves over 2,000 clients with an experienced team of researchliterate, multi-lingual staff located in 20 offices across the globe.

Research Now offers the largest, most powerful online research panels available to researchers today. With comprehensive business and consumer panels, the company delivers access

R

to general populations, fullyengaged business professionals, and hard-to-reach audiences in Europe, the Middle East, the Americas and Asia-Pacific.

Research Now prides itself on unrivalled service and delivery to their clients. Offering some of the most highly profiled, most broadly recruited, most frequently refreshed and cared for online panels available to researchers, Research Now continues to deliver and remain committed to the success of clients by approaching each project as one study, one survey, and one response at a time.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: +44 (0)20 7921 2400 Fax: +44 (0)20 7921 2401 E-mail: service@ researchnow.co.uk Web: www.researchnow.co.uk

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MARKET RESEARCH

knowledge and learn about the latest trends, methodologies and case studies in the market research industry today.

Whether you are new to market research or wish to enhance your knowledge there will be a session for you. A full Conference Programme will be available online shortly, sessions are free to attend but must be booked.

“Lawes always exhibits at the Insight Show, but 2009 was the first time we’ve booked a presentation session at the Showcase Theatre. I am so glad we did! Not only was the session full, but visitors were standing four deep around the theatre, hungry to hear more about our unique consumer insights. At our stand we met a number of high quality blue chip visitors and we are already getting incoming phone calls requesting meetings. The Showcase Theatre was money well spent and I had no hesitation in signing up for a slot for 2010,” said Rachel Lawes of Lawes Consulting.

Whether you develop full research strategies or manage ad hoc market research projects there is something to benefit all levels. With the combination of specialist suppliers and relevant conference sessions, you can guarantee to find new routes to insight and come away with fresh ideas and solutions to develop your market research strategies further. The Insight Show, the only event supported by all major trade associations – MRS, AURA, AIMRI and ICG – is the must attend event for 2010.

“The Insight Show 09 was a great success for Cint. The new format worked very well and we felt that we were constantly in the thick of the action. We found that the people we spoke to were consistently of high quality and we have been successful in converting a high proportion of the leads into new business opportunities. We

are looking forward to this year’s show,” explained Clint’s Stephen Hughes.

“There are many reasons for Askia attending and exhibiting at the Insight event over the years but it’s the organisation provided by David Mallett and team that bring the whole thing together for us in a smooth and professional manner.

We’re there to do business and meet new people which happens with minimum fuss and bother as a consequence of the hassle-free arrangements provided by the excellent organisation,” said Nick Southwood of Askia.

Jo Densley, E-Box Software, commented: “The Insight Show is one of the best shows we do. Good leads and a constant flow of people. A great venue to meet existing clients and make new contacts. The event is the highlight of our year, is professionally run and is a real pleasure to exhibit at!”

Previous exhibitor Nick Corston, Sense Worldwide, said: “While we approached the event with a little caution in the current climate we walked away more than satisfied with what the Insight Show delivered for us and are sure it is in no small part down to the visitor pull of the Marketing Week umbrella branding and credibility. In my experience we usually have to sort wheat from chaff at trade shows, but not here.

Without exception every client prospect we met was from a major blue chip company and they were all ready to engage with us.

“We were blown away to receive unsolicited feedback in two e-mails from visitors after the show complementing us on our proposition and, importantly, requesting meetings. For us the editorial content/ conference aspect of the event is critical and we were delighted that speakers slots featuring our clients Discovery and Nike were massively oversubscribed so we were

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Insight 2010 Tuesday 29 June 2010 9.30am-5.00pm Wednesday 30 June 2010 9.30am-4.30pm • Exhibition with Europe’s leading suppliers of market research solutions, technologies and expertise.

• Conference Programme Produced in association with the Marketing Week research editorial team covering the latest issues in market research.

•

Free Presentation Arenas – A series of sessions showcasing case studies and practical applicable tips and methodologies that can provide real added value to your business.

•

MRS Academy – The Market Research Academy hosts free half hour taster sessions of its best training programmes. The perfect opportunity to pick up invaluable hints and tips to mplement straight away.

•

AIMRI Village – Get specialist international advice. The members of The Alliance of International Market Research Institutes are exhibiting in a dedicated area of the hall.

grateful that standing room was available.

“Exhibiting at the Insight Show, as part of Marketing Week Live was a cost effective move for Sense Worldwide both in terms of brand profile and lead generation.

We look forward to working with the organisers in future years to build on this.”

OTOinsights – redefining customer research ITH THE ONSET OF WEB 3.0 and semantic computing, the default web paradigm of accessing the net via a PC and browser is giving way to a diverse online ecosystem.

This trend is creating an increasingly sophisticated and complex environment of interaction points between brands and their customers. OTOinsights is redefining customer experience research by rooting it in: • Socially informed/multi channel personas • Semantic customer interfaces • Atomised content optimisation • Leading edge neuromarketing research techniques.

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OTOinsights is a leading international research company that provides customer experience research and design services to provide its clients with the insight to understand customers’ needs, goals, habits and satisfaction levels when they engage with them and their competitors.

OTOinsights has evolved a number of different strategies and research services to measure,

validate, benchmark, compare and explore the customer experience to ensure that its clients have the best insight into their customer needs and behaviours across any touch point Come visit us at the Insight show 29-30 June at Olympia, London, stand D320, for a live neuromarketing demo or ‘ask our expert’ to help you with your digital and new media objectives.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OTOinsights Address: The media centre UK, 3-8 carburton street, London, W1W 5AJ. Tel: 020 7886 8241 Web: www.otoinsights.com

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PLAYGROUNDS

PLAYFUL PLACES AT UK’S NATIONAL PLAY EQUIPMENT EVENT PlayFair is taking place 22-23 June at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry THE API (ASSOCIATION OF PLAY Industries) and the organisers of PlayFair, Brintex, have announced that the Lord Mayor of Coventry, Cllr Brian Kelsey, will open the PlayFair 2010 trade event, which is being held for the third consecutive year at Stoneleigh Park near Coventry. The Lord Mayor will open PlayFair at 9.30am on Tuesday 22 June.

The Lord Mayor commented: “I am delighted to open this event and look forward to seeing the children from two local schools (North Leamington High & St Nicolas Primary) enjoy and try out the latest in outdoor play equipment.”

Event manager Ray Baxter said: “We are very excited and grateful to the Lord Mayor for taking the time to visit PlayFair 2010 and would like to thank him for his support.”

NEW FEATURE PlayFair, the UK’s national trade event for children’s outdoor play equipment will be showcasing a new feature at the event this year: Playful Places.

The show, which runs at Stoneleigh Park near Coventry on 22-23 June, and is free to visit, is designed to meet the needs of anyone, public or private sector, looking to install children’s play equipment or sports surfaces.

‘Playful Places’ will be designed by API Members and will reflect Play England’s Play Shaper thinking for communities. It will be a central play display feature and will illustrate and demonstrate best practice in play area design, layout and equipment selection.

Each play surface or item of play equipment, natural or ‘fixed’, will have an information board. The boards will explain their function and benefits in, for example, helping to combat obesity, honing skills like balance and judgement and developing motor muscle strength and coordination – while offering children lots of fun and excitement, challenge, risk and reward – and play, for play’s sake.

PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMME Play Shaper is a national professional development programme that helps the people who plan, design, build and manage our communities to understand the importance of play and their role in creating child-friendly public spaces. It’s aimed at senior managers and professionals including; planners and developers, landscapers and designers, highways and transport, health professionals, schools and children’s services and the police.

Play Shaper provides a unique opportunity for local authorities and their partners to work

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together to make this the best place in the world for children to grow up. Furthermore, by making play a priority, professionals can create healthier and happier communities, and deliver on a range of commitments shaping their work.

“There is never a perfect site but we can make the best of what we are given,” say the API designers who aim to engage communities and ensure play areas are in tune with their locality, environment, built or rural, urban or village and contribute to it and enhance it.

Parts of that apply to designing this play area on a flat grass and paved showground site – as is demonstrated. This includes building mounds, adding, shrubs trees and boulders and converting roadways to paths and seating areas.

From the entrance, the path leads to a central seating and picnic area with and decking raised to half the height of a grassy mound behind. It hides a surprise; a wide accessibility slide, just waiting to be discovered,

for sliding down the other side towards a large tree trunk perfect for jumping on and running along. At its other end kids can clamber up railway sleeper steps to the top of the mound and slide again. Older children may find more challenge in the adjacent rope swing and three-meter high rope climber.

Just across the entry path (maybe with FIFA World Cup in mind) is a football goal in a mini MUGA (multi-use games area).

Here’s a larger swing and tough, metalmade outdoor adult-sized gym equipment.

Like local authority public playgrounds they too are free-to-use in public parks.

A step away is a mini outdoor classroom with a wooden crocodile and sound play for kinesthetic learning in a sensory environment located in a natural cosy den.

It is next to the sand area, which has two sand play structures providing group play.

The main item is themed as an old goldmine

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There is never a perfect site but we can make the best of what we are given,” say the API designers who aim to engage communities and ensure play areas are in tune with their locality, environment, built or rural, urban or village and contribute to it and enhance it

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with a smaller unit for younger children to play and experiment with water.

Then after seeing and learning so much from API’s Playful Places there is a whole exhibition for visitors to see at PlayFair 2010. All of the leading names in play equipment will be there, and to make the experience more ‘real’, the organisers will have two coach loads of children of different ages attend to put all the equipment well and truly through its paces.

Finally, a series of seminars aimed at educating and assisting those installing for the first time, refurbishing or simply looking for inspiration will take place over the two days. Detailing consultation, procurement, design and build, and maintenance, all seminars provide plenty of opportunity for questions, discussions and exchanges of information and experience. They are

organised by the API and are free to attend for visitors. Registering to visit PlayFair is free of charge, as is parking at the event.

IMPROVING SAFETY INSPECTIONS A new partnership between the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and Public Sector Software Ltd (PSS) will help councils develop playgrounds that are both safe and challenging for children.

PSS has designated RoSPA Play Safety its principal safety inspection partner. The arrangement will see RoSPA’s team of play inspectors using PSSLive – software that enables data and photographs from annual safety inspections to be gathered using a hand-held device and uploaded instantly to the internet.

Inspection reports will then be accessible to playground providers on any computer or

Play & Leisure The Power of Play

device with internet access at any time.

As well as promoting greener management practices through paperless safety inspections, the aim is to remove the administrative barriers to playground management that are sometimes cited by providers, enabling them to concentrate on developing and maintaining play areas that are challenging and as safe as they need to be.

RoSPA Play Safety carries out thousands of annual play inspections across the UK each year, at the request of playground providers. An independent view is taken of the risks at a site, and all inspections are carried out in accordance with RoSPA’s overriding principle that play should be as safe as necessary, not as safe as possible.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.playfairuk.com

The new Robinia timber range from Play & Leisure FTER A SUCCESSFUL last 12 months supplying and creating exciting and innovative Playbuilder/Pathfinder schemes for a wide number of local authorities, Play and Leisure Ltd, based in North Wales, is delighted to announce the introduction of a new range of timber play equipment to the UK to compliment our successful range of steel products.

The new range is designed to bring a natural and original look to any new play space.

The equipment is mainly made from sustainable Robinia, which is peeled, ground and glazed so every piece is unique and every play feature has its own characteristics.

The range encompasses all the equipment needed for any high energy, exciting play space, which includes a wide range of swings comprising of standard seats, baskets, hammocks and ropes.

Aerial runways, climbing frames, activity units, net landscapes and challenging adventure courses

A

For further information on our new timber range visit us at www.playandleisure.org.uk alternatively call us on 01244 546797

are also available to complete your individual play space.

We also offer the option for equipment manufactured from Pine, all uprights having steel galvanised shoes to eradicate underground erosion of the timber.

Play and Leisure welcomes you to our stand E3 at Playfair 2010 where you can view the Robinia and discuss this exciting new range with us.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01244 546797 Fax: 01244 549477 E-mail: sales@ playandleisure.org.uk Web: www.playandleisure.org.uk

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PLAYGROUNDS

PLAY IS IMPORTANT GOVERNMENT BUSINESS The Association of Play Industries takes a look at the work the new government needs to do on play EVEN BEFORE THE ELECTION, with a new term of government in the offing, the API maintaines its activity to keep play on the government agenda ready for the next administration.

Recent capital investment in play infrastructure and the recognition of the importance children’s play provision is improving but there is still work to be done on play and related issues.

In 2009, the API published its ‘Politics of Play’ paper. It outlines the importance of play, not only to children, but also to families and the wider community. In it, the API highlighted that; play keeps children fit and healthy, play helps children develop their sense of risk and active children become fitter and healthier adults.

Building on this paper the API arranged a House of Commons breakfast meeting.

Hosted by Janet Dean MP the primary aim was to stimulate debate on can ensuring the sustainability of investment in play. Invited guests discussed key areas surrounding the benefits of play which included the play strategy and people’s thoughts on how it had impacted on play provision and also questioned had it delivered what people thought it would to date?

They considered how the current investment into play could be maintained and the importance of a cohesive approach from the sector to promote the benefits of play and how crossdepartmentally play can assist in the health agenda and obesity strategy. Guests included Jane Fienmann, medical journalist; Rowan Brockman, University of Bristol; Richard Vaughan, head of Play at DCSF; Adrian Voce, Play England; and representatives from four local authorities.

The API believes regular funding of play is essential as is ensuring key people cross departmentally understand the importance of play and how this can assist them in attaining their objectives and indicators. Then, just before the election, Play England gave that boost.

In April Play England called for three pledges from political parties at the recent election – for all children and young people to have the freedom and space to play enjoyed by previous generations: • To make all residential neighbourhoods child friendly places where children can play outside • To give all children the time and opportunity to play throughout childhood • To give all children somewhere to play – in freedom and safety – after school and in the holidays.

API’S PLAYFAIR With the election over, the API’s Playfair is perfectly timed for re-elected and newly elected

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PLAYGROUNDS

With the election over, the API’s Playfair is perfectly timed for re-elected and newly elected MPs to see what is on offer for children, young people, adults, families, schools and communities MPs to see what is on offer for children, young people, adults, families, schools and communities. Playfair’s centrepiece, Playful Places, is designed by API Members to reflect Play England’s Play Shaper thinking for communities (see below). It will be a central play display feature and will illustrate and demonstrate best practice in play area design, layout and equipment selection. Each play surface or item of play equipment, natural or ‘fixed’, will have an information board.

These boards will explain the item’s function and benefits in, for example, helping to combat obesity, honing skills like balance and judgement and developing motor muscle strength and coordination – while offering children lots of fun and excitement, challenge, risk and reward - and play, for play’s sake.

“There is never a perfect site but we can make the best of what we are given,” say the API designers who aim to engage communities

and ensure play areas are in tune with their locality, environment, built or rural, urban or village and contribute to it and enhance it.

Parts of that apply to designing this play area on a flat grass and paved showground site – as is demonstrated. This includes building mounds, adding, shrubs trees and boulders and converting roadways to paths and seating areas.

After seeing and learning so much from API’s Playful Places there is a whole exhibition to see at Playfair 2010. With so many exhibitor stands and the API’s always-packed seminars Playfair offers and excellent routs to getting down to government business. For more information see www.api-play.org.

the importance of play and their role in creating child-friendly public spaces.

Play Shaper is aimed at senior managers and professionals including; planners and developers, landscapers and designers, highways and transport, health professionals, schools and children’s services and the police. It provides a unique opportunity for local authorities, Play Shaper and their partners to work together to make this the best place in the world for children to grow up. Furthermore, by making play a priority, professionals can create healthier and happier communities, and deliver on a range of commitments shaping their work Play Shaper is a partnership led by Play England, with Playwork Partnerships and SkillsActive, under contract to the Department for Children, Schools and Families. More information can be found on www.playengland.org.uk.

PLAY SHAPER Play Shaper is a national professional development programme that helps the people who plan, design, build and manage our communities to understand

Keeping Kids Busy

Original activity and play tables and furniture. Create a relaxing and controlled waiting environment.

Telephone: 07872 988153 Email: info@play-furniture.com Web: www.play-furniture.com

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PUBLIC SAFETY

KEEPING THE HEART BEATING The national charity The Community HeartBeat Trust is working with ambulance services across the country to increase the penetration of defibrillators into the community COMMUNITY PUBLIC ACCESS defibrillation (cPAD) has only become a reality for local communities in the past couple of years as the technology and the guidelines from the governing agencies such as the UK resuscitation council (UKRC) have been amended. The need for training has been reduced for the latest compliant defibrillation equipment and although still desirable, is not necessary even for members of the public. cPAD schemes place an automatic or semi automatic defibrillator, a device used to treat Sudden Cardiac Arrest, in a convenient location in a vandal resistant box. The equipment can be accessed by anyone to assist a patient with a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). In most cases, 999 is called and the ambulance service will give the access code to the box to enable the defibrillator to be used. cPAD schemes are not a replacement for ambulance services but are there to help whilst professional help arrives, and have already been proven to save life.

WHY HAVE CPAD SCHEMES? The UK Resuscitation Council gives clear guidance on where a defibrillator should be positioned: “Current international resuscitation guidelines advise that evidence supports the establishment of public access defibrillation programmes when…

• The frequency of cardiac arrest is such that there is a reasonable probability of the use of an AED at least once in two years.

The time from call out of the conventional ambulance service to delivery of a shock cannot reliably be achieved within 5 minutes (For practical purposes, this means almost the entire UK).

• The time from collapse of a victim until the on-site AED can be brought is less than 5 minutes.”

In practical terms this means most rural locations in the UK, and some city centre locations, with or without existing Community First Responder (CFR) cover. Over the past 10 years, many ambulance services in the UK have established CFR schemes, which are now considered essential local services for supporting some types of 999 incidents.

Statistically, throughout the UK, CFR schemes attend one in ten SCA events, due in the main to there being insufficient CFR volunteers to provide full geographical and full day/night cover. cPAD are accessible 24/7, 365 days a week and so are generally more readily available and can result in higher survival rates. The survival rate for cPAD schemes based upon the latest clinical evidence in the UK, is around 36 per cent (to leave hospital) compared to locations without the benefit of

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a cPAD at less than 3 per cent. Figures from the US, notably Seattle, where bystander CPR schemes are well established, only have a survival rate of 7.6 per cent without defibrillation (Ref. Science Daily Dec. 4, 2009). cPAD schemes are not in any way competitive to Community Responder schemes, but are a natural adjunct to them, particularly where the cover by the CFR scheme is patchy, intermittent or more than five minutes travel

from the patient. Recovery from a SCA is totally time dependent, the outcome degrading by 14 per cent per minute post event. Hence it should not be an either/or, but an integrated approach to better patient outcomes. cPAD schemes are variously being installed for local villages by the local Community First Responder groups, or other local village organisations; such as local charities or Parish Councils. Recently a CFR scheme

cPAD schemes place an automatic or semi automatic defibrillator, a device used to treat Sudden Cardiac Arrest, in a convenient location in a vandal resistant box

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PUBLIC SAFETY

that was one of the first to be established in the UK about 10 years ago, installed a CHT cPAD scheme in its home village.

“We installed the cPAD (at a country pub) as we were a mile away from the core of the village and there is no CFR volunteer nearby,” said Anne Chapman, one of the founders. “We are also intending to install one in the post office and also the other pub in the village.”

This responder scheme has 13 trained and active responders in a nine square mile area and yet they cannot guarantee a response to all locations in less than five minutes.

They concluded that a cPAD was a valuable adjunct to providing a local community resource for any possible Cardiac Arrests.

YELLOW BOXES The CHT provides support for local communities to place defibrillators in vandal resistant secure boxes, coloured yellow for ease of visibility. The colour was chosen after testing with members

of the public and in conjunction with the ambulance service. There are, as yet, no central or international standards for box colour and customisation is possible in special cases.

All ambulance services across the country support the provision of cPAD schemes. Many have active programmes already underway with the CHT. There are already several thousand defibrillators in large shopping centres and high footfall areas like train stations and sports centres as a result of the British Heart Foundation national defibrillator campaign, which ran several years ago. Over the past few years local communities have purchased defibrillators to try to provide their own schemes in village halls and local housing estates. Some of these have saved lives – but, in general, have been un-coordinated and are generally unknown to the local ambulance service, and in some instances have lacked on-going equipment support.

With the central coordination and direction of such charities as the Community HeartBeat Trust, standardisation of approach; training and equipment support; and increased purchasing power, is available to the benefit of the local community. It also enables a central source of liaison with the Ambulance services, PCTs and Department of Health, as well as other charities and organisations involved in health in the community.

CASE HISTORIES Do these schemes work? The most telling example of the success of a cPAD scheme occurred in Norfolk late in 2009, a scheme established by Holt responders.

A regular visitor to Kelling Heath Holiday Park in North Norfolk had reason to be grateful to a local scheme, which has placed a defibrillator at the holiday park and trained staff how to use it. The visitor was using a rowing machine in the gym when he experienced chest pain and collapsed. When staff first aiders arrived at his side, two started chest compressions and a third went to fetch the defibrillator, which had been installed on site in September that year. After shocking and further compressions he began breathing normally. An ambulance arrived on scene shortly afterwards and gave oxygen therapy before transporting the patient to the Norfolk & Norwich University hospital where he made a good recovery.

Staff at Kelling Park had been trained to use the defibrillator by the East of England Ambulance Service through the Holt & Communities First Response Defibrillator Project, in association with the Community HeartBeat Trust. The defibrillator had been funded by a donation.

Andrew Barlow, responder manager for the ambulance service in Norfolk said: “The more of these automatic defibrillators in the community the better as they really can make the difference between somebody surviving a heart attack or not. We will be continuing to provide training and ongoing support to these communities.”

This is not a unique example. Given the potential for survival, and the need for a fast response, cPAD schemes can and will continue to save lives. cPADs should be as common as fire extinguishers and they are almost just as cheap. cPADS should be as common as fire extinguishers and they are almost just as cheap. If your village or village organisation is interested in a cPAD scheme, or just wishes to make a charitable donation, please contact the CHT via the website, e-mail secretary@commuityheartbeat.org.uk, or via your local ambulance service.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.communityheartbeat.org.uk

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

76

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42

Play & Leisure

83

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27

Fiat Professional

IBC

Adey Solutions

44

Friends House (London) Hospitality

54

Playground Services

85

Prepaid 2010

APA-ACPO 2010

74

Grange Hotels

22

52

Purple Market Research

Barkston

49

78

Green Power Conferences

27

Qube Vocational Development

Best Western Heronston Hotel

64

60

Hayes & Finch

50

Quinn Radiators

38

British Gas Business

24

Indal WTRL

Radisson Edwardian

62

Cabot Financial (Europe)

16

ING Car Lease UK

14

Research Now

78

Camco

27

Institute of Credit Management

14

Robin Forestry Surveys

40

Cemex Concrete Products

46

Investors in People

69

Samuel Bruce

50

Chellgrove

50

IP UserGroup

70

Social Landlords Crime & Nuisance Group

40

Chepstow Racecourse

58

Kensington Conference & Events Centre

56

St Brides Spa Hotel

63

Church House Conference Centre

54

Kinnarps UK

64

Tenax UK

49

Language Line Services

18

The Court Colman Manor

60

Citroën Commend UK

72

MasterCard

20

TMS Consultancy

40

Craemer UK

68

McArthur Group

45

Trearddur Bay Hotel

58

Daikin Altherma

36

Mitsubishi Electric

30

TXT Tools

23

Delta Controls

12

Monodraught

8

Visit Scotland

BC

Digital UK

34

OTO Insights

81

Wales Millennium Centre

58

Ebox Software

78

One Whitehall Place

54

Warwick Conferences

60

P&MM

10

Wessex Test Equipment

50

EDF Energy

90

2

6

4

Education Essentials

85

Park Inn Cardiff City Centre

60

Exclusive Move Solutions

46

Pass Training Consultancy

64

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