Government Business Volume 17.3

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Dear Reader,

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entbusiness.co

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Revised GDP figures released recently showed the UK economy grew by 0.3 per cent in the last three months of 2009, and surveys from two industry bodies suggest there is growing optimism about the recovery of the UK economy. The employers’ organisation the CBI said service sector firms saw business stabilise in the last three months, and manufacturers’ lobby group the EEF also said its members were seeing improved levels of business.

CES HUMAN RESOUR

SECURITY

TY HEALTH & SAFE

For councils, however, times are still tough. A BBC survey suggests at least 25,000 council jobs in England will be under threat in the next three to five years, while a director at the London School of Economics said the number could be as high as 100,000. What is the situation like in your council?

Which services appear most at risk of cutbacks, and which appear to be the safest? Please e-mail your comments to editorial@psi-media.co.uk With cash flow becoming more important than ever, private collection agencies can be of use. These can help with all manner of collections from ‘mainstream’ to ‘sundry’ debts. The Credit Services Association discusses on page 13.

Commercial TRANSPORT The

efficiency optimise fleet s solutions to r Show showcase Vehicle Operato

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 17.3

7 NEWS 13 MONEY MATTERS The CSA addresses some of the concerns local authorities may have about using an external debt collection agency

17 SECURITY IFSEC, the world’s largest annual security event, returns to the NEC Birmingham this May

23 BUILT ENVIRONMENT The Tenant Services Association discusses its new standards that social housing providers will have to meet from this spring Dave Lewis of npower explains the importance of preparing for the Carbon Reduction Commitment The Carbon Trust looks at what local authorities can do to reduce their carbon emissions

The Road to Zero Carbon conference showcased low and zero carbon projects, focusing on the steps and measures taken and the impact it had on the construction process Sustainabilitylive! is the home of five leading environment exhibitions: BEX, ET, IWEX, NEMEX and SB – The Event

39 FACILITIES MANAGEMENT A preview of the Facilities Show, which takes place on 11-13 May at the NEC Birmingham

42 HEALTH & SAFETY The HSE discusses its new guidance to help councils understand the importance of health and safety in managing waste and recycling services

45 CONFERENCES & EVENTS

Discover East Midlands and its many conference and events venues

59 HUMAN RESOURCES HRD 2010 is the annual highlight in the learning calendar

65 TRANSPORT The Commercial Vehicle Operator Show takes place at the NEC Birmingham 13-15 April The recession hit the UK van, truck and trailer market hard. We look at what’s in store for 2010 and beyond

73 CATERING Vending machines provide choice and can help customers choose a healthy snack, says the Automatic Vending Association

The Meeting Industry Association discusses what’s next for its Accredited in Meetings scheme

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NEWS

NEWSINBRIEF

Cooperative to revolutionise energy production

Government boost for more rural homes

new energy cooperative for the social housing sector could generate £20 million in revenue from renewable energy per year, generate 250 megawatts of electricity, and save two million tonnes of carbon.

The Horizon Energy Cooperative is developing plans for a ‘microgrid’ – a locally generated and distributed power network. Participating properties in the Greater Manchester region will host equipment for the generation of wind and solar power. Each property has

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the potential to generate up to £900 worth of renewable energy per year.

The resulting energy will be pooled, with some distributed locally and some sold on to the National Grid. A heavily subsidised social tariff will be available to residents at risk of fuel poverty.

The Horizon Energy Cooperative is an alliance between Manchester-based EIC Partnership and social housing management organisations, including Arms Length Management Organisations (ALMOs) and Registered Social Landlords (RSLs).

36 rural councils will benefit from a share of £1m funding to help design and plan up to 10,000 new homes. A large proportion of these homes will be affordable for local people, giving a boost to rural businesses and helping village schools, shops and pubs stay open.

The £1m fund jointly provided by Communities and Local Government, and Defra will provide expert assistance and training on masterplanning and urban design.

It's the first time that rural councils have received dedicated funding to help design and plan new development that will support the local needs of rural communities. The councils receiving funding were selected through a planning and design competition.

New training programme to boost social work recruitment

Compostable food packaging in development

new 'earn and learn' scheme will pay for candidates to study for a Masters degree while training to be a social worker.

Step Up to Social Work' is a unique course exclusively for people with 2:1 degrees or above and experience of working with children or young people. The training takes account of this experience and allows participants to qualify more quickly.

Local authorities in eight regions

Food packaging and other disposable plastic items could soon be composted at home along with organic waste thanks to a new sugar-based polymer.

The degradable polymer is made from sugars known as lignocellulosic biomass, which come from non-food crops such as fast-growing trees and grasses, or renewable biomass from agricultural or food waste.

It is being developed at Imperial College London by a team of Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

The oxygen-rich sugars in the new polymer allow it to absorb water and degrade to harmless products – meaning it can be tossed on the home compost heap and used to feed the garden.

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are participating in 'Step Up to Social Work', which is being delivered with support from Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Salford.

It is work-based in order to provide the invaluable hands-on experience that only comes with on the job training.

The scheme is created by the Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC), and funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).

Joint working could save millions in London illions of pounds could be slashed from central London's £2 billion public services bill through greater collaboration and joined up working, according to a new report.

Police, health and council services should be brought together “under one roof”, according to Westminster Council's Mapping the Money report.

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Even just a one per cent cut in the total spend through sharing staff and infrastructure and greater power over local spending decisions would result in a £20million saving for local residents.

Procurement, communications and customer service were all areas that could be merged in the future, the report said.

Evening patrols to crack down on dog fouling Sutton Council and the police are launching evening 'poop patrols' to crack down on irresponsible owners who fail to clean up after their dogs.

In response to calls from residents, the borough's street scene officers will team up with officers from the Safer Parks Police for the monthly operations. Anyone spotted failing to clear up their dog's mess could be hit with a £50 fine, and if they fail to pay, may be brought before the courts.

The patrols will take place in parks and residential areas around the borough where residents have identified dog fouling problems, in particular near schools. Officers will also hand out free poop bags to dog walkers during the operations.

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

07

Is your Air-con costing the earth?

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NEWS

NEWSINBRIEF

Government increases its use of British food

Plans drawn-up for the UK’s first eco retirement village

ore government departments are sourcing domestically produced food, according to statistics released Defra.

13 out of 21 departments have increased the amount of home-grown food they serve, and on average over 90 per cent of the milk, whole eggs, and whole potatoes come from Britain.

Soldiers on active service eat only British pork and fish; hospital patients are only served bread made in the UK;

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and only a small proportion of the cheese served in prisons comes from abroad.

The report, ‘The proportion of domestically produced food used by government departments’ covers the period 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009. Other results show that eight departments source 100 per cent of their fish from sustainably managed sources, and that nine departments have increased the amount of food that they use which is produced to Assured Farm Standards.

Report urges councils to prepare for an aging population ouncils will struggle to cope with the financial challenge posed by England's ageing population, a new report from the Audit Commission reveals.

The report ‘Under Pressure’ says most councils do not know enough about the costs of their ageing population.

They may also miss the savings that could flow from preventive services and better work with other organisations.

In 1982, 30 per cent of people were over the age of 50. In 2009 it was 34

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per cent and by 2026 it will be 40 per cent. The increase in the number of older people will affect all councils and housing services, the NHS and the police.

‘Under Pressure’ includes recommendations for councils, voluntary bodies, the NHS and others to help them focus on finance and strategy for an ageing population.

Councils currently spend about £9 billion a year on care services for older people, such as residential care and home care services.

Designs for the UK's first eco retirement village have been submitted for planning permission.

The futuristic retirement village near Huddersfield is called Ponderosa Park and will feature 180 homes built to Europe’s highest standard for zero carbon emissions.

Complete with a 40-bed care home and 44 affordable starter homes, the development will be self-sustaining with energy provided by biomass boilers burning woodchips from fast growing willow trees which are part of the estate’s landscape. Living walls with climbing plants and roof gardens will be a feature of many of the homes.

While meeting an urgent demand for nursing and residential care for the elderly in a deprived area of Yorkshire, the development is set to regenerate the local economy by using locally sourced materials, providing 300 jobs in construction – including up to 200 apprenticeship placements – and creating more than 50 full time and part time jobs to maintain the village.

Funding for regional development The government has announced a £64.4 million package of investment for economic development across the English regions.

The funding will be distributed by the nine Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) to support a range of new initiatives in key industrial sectors, including green energy provision, low carbon manufacturing and research and development, support for science and innovation, and urban regeneration.

Community clean-up scheme sees results London's first comprehensive community clean-up – the Manor Park Neighbourhood Improvement Zone – is starting to see results.

Newham Council's enforcement, cleansing and housing officers have already dealt with 270 incidents, ranging from tackling illegal business waste and fly-tipping to focussing on front garden waste and unlicensed skips.

The Neighbourhood Improvement Zone (NIZ), which is to be rolled out fully at the end of March, uses concentrated enforcement resources to help improve the Little Ilford ward. It also marks the first time licensing powers have been granted in London, meaning landlords will soon be required to be licensed and risk losing the right to manage a property if found to be running badly managed properties.

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

09

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NEWS

NEWSINBRIEF

Crackdown on dangerous construction sites

£3.5 million to improve housing for older people

SE inspectors has launched an intensive inspection initiative aimed at stopping dangerous practices on building sites across London. During 2008/09, 11 people died and 1,553 were injured in the London area while working in construction.

The inspection initiative will focus on refurbishment or roofing work.

Inspectors will make unannounced visits to ensure that sites are managing work at height safely and are in good order.

Richard Boland, construction operations manager for HSE London, said: “Each year too many construction workers are needlessly injured or killed while working

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on site. While some sectors of the industry have made real improvements in recent years, we are really concerned about standards in the refurbishment sector, particularly on small projects.

“HSE does not think a lax attitude to health and safety in one of the more dangerous industries is acceptable, especially when many of the incidents are completely avoidable by taking simple actions and precautions.”

Last year inspectors visited 1,759 sites and 2,145 contractors UK wide and were forced to issue more than 270 prohibition notices to stop dangerous work – much of it relating to working from height.

Signposting the way to clear congestion he London Borough of Ealing has shortened, suspended or reduced operating hours across the borough’s bus lanes to ease congestion and get traffic moving. The council has been reviewing all 45 sections of bus lane in the borough and is trialling a series of measures to benefit residents.

As part of the improvements the council is introducing electronic bus lane signs on sections of bus lanes. The signs will rotate on a timer system to advise motorists when the lanes can be used.

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Ealing Council Leader, Councillor Jason Stacey, said: “Residents have been telling us that congestion remains a concern so we have taken this on board and introduced the bus lane review programme to keep traffic flowing. We will be monitoring the impact over the coming months before deciding whether to make the changes permanent.

“People often avoid bus lanes altogether for fear of being in them at the wrong times so we have introduced ways to make things easier for motorists and avoid unnecessary queuing.”

Rough sleeping falls in Tower Hamlets he number of entrenched rough sleepers in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets is falling, thanks to a new outreach team in the borough and a holistic approach to the way help is provided.

Numbers have fallen from 23 in March 2009, to seven in November 2009, when the last official count was conducted.

The outreach team, which was created in April 2009 thanks partly to a central government grant, goes into the streets every night to make contact with rough sleepers, find them accommodation and connect them with local services.

Tower Hamlets Council’s Lead Member for Housing and Development, Cllr Marc Francis, said: “The council’s homeless service and the outreach team proactively connect these people with different services in the borough that are able to help with their individual needs. We believe that unless we address the reasons that

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have contributed to their homelessness, they are caught in a revolving door and will end up back on the streets.

“It’s encouraging to see these numbers drop, but we know there are always people in need and we will continue to find ways of improving the help and services we provide.”

Officers within the council's homeless service organise regular multiagency meetings to ensure that the borough’s different service providers are working together and staying abreast of the community’s needs.

The council also participates in the London Delivery Board, which has brought London Boroughs, statutory agencies and voluntary organisations together to end rough sleeping in London by 2012.

Over three-quarters of London’s most entrenched rough sleepers have been helped off the streets since the board was set up a year ago to tackle the problem.

Care Services Minister Phil Hope has announced a £3.5 million fund to improve the quality and range of housing options for older people.

Every council with adult social care responsibility will be awarded approximately £20,000 to develop or update its Extra Care Housing strategy. They will be expected to showcase their strategies, promote good practice and exchange ideas on innovative approaches to housing with care on a new on-line web-resource.

Extra Care Housing, which provides the best housing design features for older people alongside personal care, has had £227 million invested in it from the Department of Health since 2004.

Unlocking the door to a new home A brand new scheme has launched in the London Borough of Lambeth to help people struggling to find a cash deposit to move into a new private sector home. The council's Home Finder Deposit Guarantee programme provides landlords with a certificate guaranteeing them cover against damage and/or loss of rent, enabling prospective tenants to move into a new property.

Councillor Lib Peck, Lambeth Council cabinet member for housing and regeneration, said: "This scheme provides a solution for both sides involved in the lettings process. It helps people struggling to find the cash deposit – enabling them to move into a new home, while at the same time reassuring landlords by giving them peace of mind that they are covered if the worst happens and their property is damaged or there is a problem with the rent.”

Court of Appeal backs council's benefits claim Croydon Council has secured a landmark legal ruling that will make it harder for benefit cheats to evade charges in court. The Court of Appeal judgement came after the council's audit and anti-fraud team challenged a ruling that meant they lost a case being brought against a woman who was accused of claiming more than £9,000 of benefits she was not entitled to.

Michelle Shanahan's solicitor Rossano Cifonelli said during a trial at Croydon Crown Court that two charges against his client should be dropped.

He successfully argued that charges of falsely obtaining working families tax credit and failure to notify the authorities of an increase in child tax credit were unnecessary. Mr Cifonelli asserted that an initial charge that Ms Shanahan failed to declare she had got a job was sufficient. The judge presiding over the trial at Croydon Crown Court in September 2009 agreed and Ms Shanahan was later found not guilty of the remaining single charge.

Croydon Council launched a legal challenge and a Court of Appeal panel rejected Mr Cifonelli's argument. The successful appeal means that it will be more difficult for defence teams to get charges against their clients withdrawn in court hearings.

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

11

    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

IT ALL ADDS UP The skills that an outsourced debt collection agency can bring to the public sector are increasingly proving their worth, says Peter Wallwork, chief executive of The Credit Services Association

FROM FORMER TENANT ARREARS (FTAs) to council tax, commercial rates to unpaid rental fees, sundry debts potentially add up to millions of pounds of ‘lost’ revenue to local authorities. And at a time when budgets are being further constricted, and public sector workers are under increased pressure to demonstrate ‘value’, the need to focus on debt has never been more crucial.

GOING EXTERNAL Of course the traditional argument has been to keep the collection of debts ‘in-house’; the thought of employing an external debt collection agency (DCA) to recover council money is an anathema to some who still need to be persuaded that the popular portrayal of debt collectors in the media isn’t true.

Whilst many councils are still comfortable using bailiffs, and a similar number will think nothing of engaging a solicitor, the use of an external DCA is considered by some to be a step too far, with an inherent threat of losing control of the recovery process.

Fortunately, not everyone thinks the same way, and indeed a good number of local authorities are using private collection agencies widely for all manner of collections from ‘mainstream’ to ‘sundry’ debts. In many ways they have taken their lead from central government. The Department of Work & Pensions (DWP), for example, has been using private collection agencies to recover overpaid benefits since 2003. Others within the public sector such as the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and the National Health Service have similarly issued external tender documents for the collection of penalties

and unpaid fees respectively. The examples are there for those who choose to look.

The role of the credit department in keeping the cash flowing is becoming more critical than ever, especially in the context of the credit squeeze that shows little sign of easing. Whilst the commercial sector and the public sector are different in many ways, they are similar in the sense that cash is king; without it, they cannot deliver the services on time and on budget promised to their respective ‘customers’.

ADDRESSING CONCERNS Improving cash flow means having a sound credit management strategy; a sound credit management strategy includes an informed policy on collections, and the possibility of engaging with external debt collection agencies. So for those that have yet to be convinced of the benefits of employing an external agency, what are their concerns?

The fear of losing control appears to be the most frequently quoted concern, alongside the need to protect one’s reputation. More than half of those questioned (55 per cent) in a previous survey conducted by the CSA state the key reason for not employing an external debt collection agency is the fear of losing control when employing a third party, and not having control on what is done and said on their behalf.

Cost is also a concern. Senior management employ credit controllers or departments to stop debts occurring in the first place.

To employ an agency therefore, in their minds at least, is doubling up on costs. It is in effect paying for the same ‘service’ twice – and would mean admitting that

their own collections team has ‘failed’.

All of these concerns can be easily addressed and indeed overcome. Employing a third party to collect debts – and specifically a member of the Credit Services Association – does not mean losing control, or putting ones reputation at stake. Nothing could be further from the truth. Members of the CSA adhere to a strict Code of Practice (the same Code that was used as the basis for the OFT’s recent ‘Guide’), and for the most part appoint a board director responsible for compliance. There are specific procedures and rules that these members follow with teams dedicated to a specific task – and that is recovering debt.

A PROFESSIONAL APPROACH CSA members are professionals. Their business, their training, and their motivation is all about achieving results for their customers. It is their focus. It is their raison d’etre. Unlike solicitors, for example, it is not a bolt-on service to other services that they may undertake. It is core.

They will deploy a series of skills in consultation with their client, rather than ‘one size fits all’. Their methodology is one of engaging the debtor, not confronting them, separating those that ‘cannot pay’ from those that ‘will not pay’. It is this collaborative approach that reaps better results, and maintains the creditor/debtor relationship for the future.

Agencies are only paid on results. Yes, that means that they have to be efficient, but often the very fact that a debt had been referred to an external agency makes it more ‘serious’ in the eyes of the debtor who has previously avoided or ignored several attempts by the local authority to collect what is rightfully theirs to collect. Whilst certain legal firms may operate a ‘no win no fee’ service in specific cases, in the debt collection industry, no win no fee is pretty much accepted as the industry standard. Clients, therefore, have quite literally nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Credit teams are increasingly measured on what they will understand as DSOs (Days Sales Outstanding); most will have a specific DSO number that has been reached, and their performance – and often their reward – is based on achieving this figure.

Far from indicating ‘failure’, the market for debt collection continues to grow because organisations are increasingly recognising how agencies should be utilised as an integral part of a credit management strategy.

Necessity, so the saying goes, is the mother of invention. Perhaps ‘innovation’ would be a better word, and to this end local authorities should be prepared to innovate – to think and act differently in how they can keep the cash flowing. And that means actively looking at what the private collections agency have to offer.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.csa-uk.com

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

13

Making Cash Safe Invesco Aim has always understood a treasurer’s need for the safety of a triple-A credit rating and immediate liquidity for short term cash balances, as well as a competitive rate of return.

Part of the global cash management division of Invesco, with over 29 years of experience in liquidity management and US$82.3bn* in money market fund assets under management, discover what Invesco Aim can do for you.

To find out more call Invesco Aim on +44 (0)20 7065 3003** or visit our website at www.invescoaim.net

This advertisement is issued by Invesco Aim, a division of Invesco Asset Management Limited in the UK, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Invesco Asset Management Limited, 30 Finsbury Square, London, EC2A 1AG. This advertisement does not constitute an offer or solicitation to any person in any jurisdiction in which to market such an offer or solicitation is not authorised or to any person to whom it would be unlawful to market such offer or solicitation. The distribution of this advertisement may be restricted by law or regulation in certain jurisdictions. Accordingly, persons who come into possession of this advertisement should inform themselves of and observe these restrictions. * Data as at 31 December 2009, Source Invesco Aim. ** Telephone calls may be recorded.

This advertisement is for Professional Clients only and is not for consumer use.

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MONEY MATTERS

CASH MANAGEMENT AFTER THE BANKING CRISIS Marc Doman, managing director of Invesco Aim Cash Management, explains that risk management is now firmly on the agenda and shows how local authorities can use money market funds to fully address this issue WE ARE LIVING IN HISTORY AND THE future will show how risk management, or rather the lack of it, has been the cause of one of the most damaging financial crisises in living memory. What we have witnessed is the almost total suspension of any belief in risk in the financial system, with the cost of it now reported by the IMF to be around £7.1trillion.

This was a colossal failure of credit risk control and, essentially, what was lost sight of is the fundamental nature of the risk. All ‘cash’, with the exception of money in the pocket, is debt. Far from just including the cash instruments that precipitated the crisis, all bank deposits are also in fact loans, from depositor to bank, with the depositor being no more than an unsecured creditor of the institution.

In many cases yield had become the only objective in cash management (security and liquidity were given) as cash managers sought ever higher returns.

Cash became just another form of investment with the maximisation of return at a known (or in most cases assumed) and acceptable risk.

However, unlike any normal long term investment, where the upside is gauged to be greater than or equal to the downside, in cash the upside is limited but the downside can be catastrophic.

FAILURES As multiple bank failures ran round the world, treasurers began to reassess their priorities. The main themes became concerns for liquidity, counterparty risk, credit risk and interest rate risk. However, these issues are not easily addressed without additional expertise, which can be costly. Nevertheless, there is one cost effective solution which is finding favour with treasurers in general and local authorities in particular – money market funds.

Money market funds have hitherto always been seen superficially as a yield enhancer to bank interest rates; however, the reality is very different. Money market funds were largely born out of the last major banking crisis to hit the US, the Savings and Loans crisis of the 1980s. These funds were forged out of the imperative to safeguard cash when banks were failing all around. Their objectives have always been those of preserving security and liquidity and only then delivering the resultant yield.

In the case of our funds at Invesco, first launched in 1980, this has been exactly their objective. In order to fully address the risks in cash management, the funds had to firstly identify the risks and secondly set about mitigating them to the best of their ability. In essence,

there were found to be credit risk, market risk and liquidity risk, being respectively the loss of value through default, interest rate movement and lack of liquidity in the market. Therefore, money market funds have generally managed these risks through the following actions: CREDIT RISK • only investing in the very highest quality money market instruments. Funds can only invest in top tier short-term rated securities of A1, P1 or F1, depending upon the agency categorisation • diversifying across a number of different issuers with no more than five per cent exposed to any one issuer • diversifying across different instrument types with differing risk profiles • diversifying across different sectors such as banks, corporates and financial institutions • diversifying across different economies to reduce country risk • undertaking independent credit research, approval and monitoring.

This extensive risk methodology has been developed over the years and has generally provided a highly experienced and comprehensive credit management service to the market through the funds. Money market funds with these characteristics are usually assigned a triple-A credit rating.

MARKET RISK • managing to a constant net asset value to protect principal value • holding credits to maturity and avoiding forced selling • maintaining a low weighted average maturity below 60 days to reduce sensitivity to interest rate movements • weekly mark to market pricing to ensure the closest correlation between market value of the securities and share price • portfolio stress testing to position the portfolio correctly to cope with sudden increases in interest rates and redemption levels.

These activities enable the funds to maintain principal value in the face of most market pressures and will exhibit a fixed share price of £1.00 per share, for example, for the Sterling funds. These funds are usually assigned the highest market risk rating by the credit agencies.

LIQUIDITY RISK • holding a high cash position of at least 20 per cent or more to fund redemptions

• keeping a diverse client base across non-correlated sectors • laddering core term investments to provide regular additional cash flow • always maintaining highly liquid securities • having a short term borrowing facility to cover immanently maturing credits.

These policies should provide the funds with the ability to pay out on redemptions up to the most demanding of circumstances and provide same day settlement for withdrawals.

Together, these management techniques make for a very strong commitment to maintain the security and liquidity of investors’ cash in the funds. We at Invesco can certainly say that during the whole of the crisis, our funds continued to operate as normal and never had any credit or liquidity issues that impacted either the funds or investors.

As far as yield of the funds is concerned, it should be the product of the level of security and liquidity foremostly engendered in the funds, and not the other way round.

As it happens, the crisis has also given rise to a period of dramatic outperformance compared to the overnight benchmarks because of the seismic fracturing of the normal spread between overnight money and three month Libor, which the funds could take advantage of. However, these are exceptional circumstances that should not be taken as normal, but it is hoped that with the re-evaluation of risk in the lending markets, the funds will be able to still maintain an attractive yield compared to the overnight wholesale rates.

Money market funds fall squarely in line with the objectives being sought by most treasurers. They provide the liquidity, credit quality, diversification and risk control that is trying to be achieved and in many cases at a much higher level than treasurers would be ordinarily able to reach due to the size, pooling and resources that can be attained by the funds. Money market funds can be seen as attractive for many reasons, but the most pertinent is that they can be viewed simply as a comprehensive risk management tool – that pays the treasurer to use it.

FOR MORE INFORMATION To find out more call Invesco Aim on +44 (0)20 7065 3003 or visit our website at www.invescoaim.net

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BT Security Solutions

In these tough times, we recognise the need to cut costs, but know that protecting communities and reducing the fear of crime has never been more important.

Safer communities and swifter justice

For more information email

btsecuritysolutions@bt.com or visit www.btsecuritysolutions.com

Using the very latest technology, we can help you consolidate your systems and allow your partners easier, faster access to CCTV images – delivering both cost savings and quicker justice.

So for a safer Britain, let us bring it all together.

Government Business | Volume 17.3

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SECURITY

IFSEC 2010 – THE DEFINITIVE SECURITY SHOW Uniting over 25,000 security professionals with more than 600 world leading companies, IFSEC is the world’s leading global annual security event IFSEC, THE WORLD’S LARGEST annual security event, returns from 10-13 May to the NEC Birmingham. The event will provide security installers, manufacturers, distributors, IT integrators, end-users and consultants with a platform to keep up to date with the ever-changing developments of the global security industry.

Following the hugely successful 2009 event where more than 600 of the world’s leading companies exhibited and more than 25,000 security professionals attended, IFSEC consolidated its position as the must-attend event for the international security industry.

LATEST PRODUCTS IFSEC 2010 will expand on its recent success with its extensive exhibition, unparalleled educational content and exciting features.

Visitors to IFSEC 2010 will be able to explore the latest security products and services available both in the UK and

worldwide. The extensive exhibition will be organised into the following categories: • Integrated Security: IP & Network Solutions • Access Control • CCTV • Intruder Alarms • Counter Terror & 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

IFSEC 2010 will expand on its recent success with its extensive exhibition, unparalleled educational content and exciting features. Visitors to IFSEC 2010 will be able to explore the latest security products and services available both in the UK and worldwide

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PREPARE PROTECT PREVENT APOWERFULTRIO

free seminars

networking

innovation products

Protecting the world is a difficult task.

The world’s largest security event brings over 25,000 leading security professionals together with the latest expert advice, strategies and technological advances. Can you afford not to visit?

Supported by:

www.ifsec.co.uk

Government Business | Volume 17.3

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SECURITY

This year’s agenda takes a fresh look at some key issues, including counter terror strategy, protecting critical national infrastructure, preparing for 2012, corporate security issues, security guarding and the very latest updates on CCTV and other technologies. The focus for 2010 will be looking at deriving the most value from security solutions and managing resources as efficiently as possible in today’s costconscious climate. The conference takes place from 10-12 May at the NEC in Birmingham as part of the IFSEC exhibition, and conference places can be purchased via the IFSEC website.

IFSEC SECURITY INDUSTRY AWARDS Finally, the IFSEC Security Industry Awards, organised in association with the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), returns to acknowledge the people, products and technological advancements that have played a big part in the security industry over the past year. Awards will be handed out to the following categories which have evolved to reflect the changing landscape of the international security industry: Product categories (open exclusively to IFSEC 2010 exhibitors) • CCTV Camera Equipment of the Year • CCTV System of the Year

ARINC – delivering security for 80 years ELEBRATING 80 YEARS at the cutting edge of aviation technology, ARINC – the company that pioneered air-toground communications in 1934 – is involved in just about every aspect of airport operations.

Because of its close involvement in supporting these airport operations over these many decades – liaising with government agencies, independent facility operators, carriers, and a host of strategic partners to deliver proven, reliable, and flexible solutions – ARINC can justly claim to be the world leader in transportation communications and systems engineering.

That is why security is not just something we do at ARINC – it’s part of who we are. For years, we’ve helped develop and implement solutions for commercial, government, and defense industries to help strengthen security around the globe.

Whether it’s sending and receiving information securely, providing mobile wireless

C

networks, supporting systems that guard nuclear power plants, or developing the latest biometric tools, ARINC delivers.

See our website for examples and more details of our wide solution range: www.arinc.com Headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, ARINC is global in reach with regional headquarters in Singapore and London.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact and further details for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region: emea@arinc.com.

ARINC Incorporated, Pegasus One, Pegasus Place, Gatwick Road, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 9AY, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1293 641 200 E-mail: emea@arinc.com Web: www.arinc.com

S TE TAN NE CH DA W NO LO LO NE GY

US security products and services in one concentrated location. Commercial staff from the US 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 Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) Red Book Pavilion will house seminars and presentations based on all aspects of LPCB third party approvals, training schemes and research relating to physical security. The free-of-charge educational programme will be led by industry experts from the LPCB and dedicated staff will be on hand to answer any questions.

Following the resounding success that was last year’s IFSEC Conference, this year’s conference promises to be another three days of carefully researched high-level content delivered by some of the most senior players in the industry.

• Intruder Alarm or Exterior Deterrent Product of the Year • Physical Security Product of the Year • Access Control Product of the Year (including biometrics) • Communication Product of the Year • Integrated Security Product of the Year Non-product categories (open to both exhibitors and non-exhibitors) • Security Project or Security Installation of the Year • Guarding Service Delivery to Customer • Best Policing Partnership of the Year IFSEC 2010 will be co-located with Safety & Health Expo and The Facilities Show at the NEC Birmingham from 10-13 May 2010.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information on the event and to register for free entry, please visit www.ifsec.co.uk. Companies interested in exhibiting at IFSEC 2010 should contact Charlie Cracknell on +44 (0)20 7921 8069 or at charlie.cracknell@ubm.com.

Further details on IFSEC 2010 will be announced in the coming weeks. Please keep visiting the website, follow us on twitter @IFSEC and join our LinkedIn group for the latest information.

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KEYHOLE SECURITY THE COMPANY BEHIND ALL GOOD SECURITY SYSTEMS THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

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EXPO 2010 14-15 April 2010 | National Hall, Olympia

Countering the Global Threat

Dedicated exhibition for companies of specialist security and counter terrorism technologies and solutions High level conference featuring multiple streams Comprehensive programme of free-to-attend technology and practical workshops Networking Functions

PRE-REGISTRATION ENTRANCE ONLY, ATTENDEES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO REGISTER ON-SITE

For more information on exhibiting, visiting or attending the conference please contact: Nicola Greenaway Tel: + 44 (0) 208 542 9090 or email: ngreenaway@niche-events.com Headline Sponsor

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Government Business | Volume 17.3

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SATELLITE BROADBAND Civil contingency preparedness using satellite broadband

TWO OF THE BIGGEST ISSUES facing the public sector today are civil contingency preparedness and business continuity, both of which rely on maintaining communications to ensure the delivery of an appropriate and timely response in the face of unexpected disruptions or disasters.

A lesson learnt from the communications problems experienced during the 7/7 incident is that responders cannot rely on the availability of GSM and terrestrial networks. Experience has shown that satellite broadband-based systems are the only way to achieve reliable and resilient communications, particularly when these traditional networks are unavailable due to geographical or coverage constraints, network overload or even failure. Satellite provides access to high speed broadband services enabling a wide range of voice, data and video applications to be run that allow major incidents to be managed more efficiently and operational outcomes to be enhanced.

Founded in 2001, Excelerate Technology has become the leading supplier of satellite and wireless-based solutions to the emergency services and other responders. The company has extensive operational expertise and actively recommends new and innovative approaches to enhance multi-agency communications.

In partnership with specialist coach builders, Excelerate has equipped a wide range of mobile incident command units and rapid response vehicles that are now in daily use by police, fire and ambulance services across the UK. For example, HART (Hazardous Area Response Team) vehicles were deployed during the floods in Cumbria where they provided

vital forward command facilities to support the efforts of all responders at the scene.

GWENT POLICE Gwent Police recently unveiled one of the most advanced mobile ICUs to be ordered by the UK’s police service to date. The vehicle provides a tactical silver command solution to ensure preparedness for all civil contingencies throughout the region and will also be deployed at public events such as the Ryder Cup and the Ebbw Vale Eisteddfod. According to Simon Leonard of Gwent Police: “We worked hand in hand with Excelerate Technology to develop an overall solution that has met all our tactical, strategic and technological requirements within available budgets. We are extremely proud of our new mobile ICU which will enable us to better serve our local community and improve public confidence in our work.”

In one of its first deployments, the ICU played a pivotal role during Operation Utah, a large scale multi-force operation in December 2009 that targeted travelling criminals involving over 150 police officers from six forces and representatives from the DVLA, Department for Work and Pensions, VOSA, HM Revenue and Customs, Her Majesty’s Court Service and the Environment Agency. The ICU provided essential communications throughout the operation which resulted in 32 vehicles being seized and 13 people arrested.

the brigade meet its statutory duty under the Civil Contingencies Act to maintain operational functionality and interoperability with other responders at all times. It has a roof-mounted transportable satellite solution that provides a resilient stand-alone broadband connection into the communications suite at the front of the vehicle where operational personnel have access to secure telephony, internet and email facilities. The ICU also provides a multi agency briefing area with high impact safety seating and three 42” touchscreen displays that run specialised command support and emergency planning applications as well as being used for video-conferencing and the viewing of real-time images from vehicle mounted and COFDM body-worn cameras and television news channels.

“This new command unit was developed in partnership with Excelerate Technology’s experienced technical experts who provided important advice on the technologies that would deliver the greatest operational benefits,” stated Nick Smith, group manager at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. “It will enable us to build a full operational picture that will empower commanders to make faster, more effective decisions and enhance the management of major incidents throughout West Yorkshire.”

The ICU is also equipped with RapidNet, a Private Mobile Network system provided by Excelerate Technology to enable a GSM network to be generated at the scene of an incident to deliver full telecoms and voice recording capabilities irrespective of the presence or capability of any incumbent national cellular network.

COST EFFECTIVE AIRTIME The use of satellite broadband is now firmly established despite the fact that it has traditionally been perceived as being a high cost option and therefore not suitable for the tight budgets being operated by the public sector. Whilst this may once have been the case, the reality is that these days, once the hardware has been installed, satellite broadband is now one of the most cost-effective options. What is more, Excelerate can tailor the service provided to achieve the perfect balance between budget, user requirements and any SLAs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Excelerate Technology Ltd Willow House, Pascal Close, St Mellons, Cardiff, CF3 0LW Tel: 0845 658 5747 Fax: 08700 516792 Web: www.excelerate.info E-mail: nicolas@excelerate.info

WEST YORKSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE One of the latest vehicles to be ordered is West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s new command unit that has been designed to help

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www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

by upgrading free energy found in the outside air to help provide domestic heating and hot water, Mitsubishi Electric’s multi-award winning air source heat pump can reduce a home’s annual fuel bills by up to 30% and its CO2 emissions by 50%*

Telephone: 01707 278666 email: heating@meuk.mee.com

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

www.mitsubishielectric.co.uk/heating

Boost timer for heaters keeps tenants’ energy bills down IMEGUARD’S SIMPLE but ingenious new boost timer is wired in parallel with a time switch, and enables users to call for just the extra heat or hot water they need at the push of the boost button, without needing to interfere with or over-ride the regular timing programme. The device is self cancelling, so there is no risk of tenants’ leaving heating appliances switched on by accident.

The TGBT4 offers 15, 30, 60 and 120 minute boost on time options with a single clearly

T

strategic and financial planning sustainable asset management housing futures assessments option appraisals

Tel: 07813 586 529 Email: bill.best@is4.org.uk Web: www.is4.org.uk

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THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

ideas • solutions housing • regeneration

marked operating button. With a 13A loading, the boost timer fits onto standard 16mm deep back boxes, flush or surface mounted.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Full specification details of all the energy-saving products in the Timeguard range are available at www.timeguard.com and Timeguard’s technical support team are happy to take calls on 020 8450 0515 or answer e-mails sent to csc@timeguard.com

Written by Peter Marsh, CEO, Tenant Services Association

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

CONSUMER-CENTRED HOUSING From this spring, social housing providers will have to meet new standards required by the Tenant Services Authority LAUNCHED IN DECEMBER 2008, the Tenant Services Authority (TSA) is the independent regulator for social housing in England, with a clear remit from Parliament to put tenants and tenants’ interests first. To deliver this, the TSA is looking to implement new standards for landlords to ensure tenants get the best service and opportunities to be involved in decisions about their homes.

The TSA currently regulates housing associations, but from this spring it will also regulate other providers of social housing, including local authorities and arms-length management organisations. For the first time, all 8.4 million social housing tenants, and the five million people who are already on, or are forecast to join housing waiting lists, will benefit from similar levels of protection, choice and better services.

DELIVERY & ACCOUNTABILITY People living in social housing today often have fewer choices over the services they receive than in other forms of housing, and the TSA believes that the time for a new consumer-centred approach to housing delivery is now overdue.

It is important that the new regulatory system reinforces the steps being taken to strengthen local delivery and accountability. It must also ensure no unnecessary burdens are placed on local authorities. Good regulation should let the best landlords get on with the job, while responding appropriately should problems arise.

There are some excellent local authority and ALMO landlords up and down the country, but where this is not the case and tenants are not getting the deal they deserve, the TSA will act so that the standard of services improves. Having a decent home and good housing services should be a right – irrespective of who your landlord happens to be.

To understand what issues matter most to tenants, the TSA has listened to tenants’ views. Last year it embarked on the National Conversation, the largest tenant consultation to ever be held, to give tenants the opportunity to have their voices heard and tell the TSA what issues are most important to them.

NATIONAL STANDARDS Based on this feedback, the TSA has put together its national standards for social housing – six new standards that social housing providers will have to meet from this spring – which are the centrepiece of the TSA’s new regulatory framework. The standards require providers to set out what they offer to tenants and set local standards that reflect the priorities of local communities.

Peter Marsh with Joey Vasquez

People living in social housing today often have fewer choices over the services they receive than in other forms of housing, and the TSA believes that the time for a new consumer-centred approach to housing delivery is now overdue The framework includes standards on repairs and maintenance, anti-social behaviour, quality of accommodation and financial viability.

The TSA is also challenging providers.

This starts with challenging them to be financially viable and well governed. The gap between excellent and mediocre affordable housing services today is both inexplicable and unacceptable – so the TSA is working with tenants and landlords to help providers raise their game.

Viability has been a key priority for the TSA. Since its launch the TSA has worked hard to ensure that tenants homes and associations’ finances have been protected during the economic recession. At the end of the first year not a single home had been put at risk and over £7bn of new

finance has been raised by associations.

At the core of the TSA’s vision for social housing in the future is an emphasis on ‘co-regulation’. This means an increased role for tenants working in partnership with their landlord in deciding how to run services locally, rather than the TSA setting very detailed regulations centrally.

The TSA now remains on course to turn on its new regulations in April 2010 which will cut red tape and improve consumer involvement with a clear focus on matters such as rents, repairs and neighbourhoods – matters that tenants care about most.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.tenantservicesauthority.org

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Government Business | Volume 17.3

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BUILT ENVIRONMENT

HOUSING AND REGENERATION Assessing the future prospects for existing housing stock

IN THE CURRENT UNCERTAIN FINANCIAL climate, how can landlords be confident they are maintaining the right properties in the right places in the right condition? Sounds an obvious question, doesn’t it? In spite of the volume of stock condition data oozing out of property databases and the blizzard of performance information available to analyse, it has proven surprisingly difficult to gauge the business performance and future prospects of different house types throughout different areas and estates.

FUTURE INVESTMENT PLANNING We are almost in the post Decent Homes era.

Landlords still face daunting challenges around future investment planning. We all want to live in a warm, comfortable home at a cost we can afford and located in a safe, well looked after place; tenants are no exception. Rising customer expectations of social landlords are reinforced by higher regulatory standards focussed on meaningful customer involvement in policy and decision making. An ageing housing stock needs constant investment for repair or renewal. The national imperative for an 80 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2050 against 1990 levels is forecast to become a regulatory requirement in some form. Such challenges are framed in the context of less public subsidy and overall tighter budgets.

To get far in responding positively you need a structured way of understanding both the business performance and future prospects for different groups and types of properties across

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the whole stock. Such an approach requires tools that are able to deal with complex data, yet be easy to use and focus on the most useful indicators drawn from the landlord’s existing data. Outputs should produce easyto-follow results which non-technical people can understand and use to support investment planning decisions – such as Board members and tenants. As one client put it: “I want to be able to put all the data into a pot, press a button and see a set of traffic lights.” In essence, that’s what we have achieved.

INNOVATIVE APPROACH Through experience of supporting our clients with the strategic and financial planning of asset management, we have developed an innovative approach and built it into an analytical model, a Housing Futures Assessment Tool (HFAT).

We firstly examine the financial performance of areas, estates and stock archetypes within them. These include rents and service charge income, void rent loss, planned maintenance assumptions and ongoing revenue costs. Using an NPV calculation over a 30 year period, the life of the business plan, landlords are able to evidence the comparative financial performance of widely differing archetypes such as high rise flats and sheltered housing.

This only paints part of the picture as it so far tells us little about demand. Alongside the financial analysis we also examine the future prospects of that stock as places where people want to continue to live. We have identified up to eight indicators that

can be gathered from the landlord’s own sources, including stock turnover, tenant satisfaction, new tenant rehousing priority and NHER rating. By their nature some are qualitative measures and involve an element of structured value judgements. The aim here is to provide comparative and weighted evidence that supports or challenges the financial performance assessment. We are all familiar with the situation where well maintained stock in an unpopular area is hard to let or where some difficult to maintain stock rarely becomes empty because of what it is and where it is. This analysis provides the evidence to support or modify that ‘gut feeling’.

The outputs from both sets of data are a series of user defined ‘traffic lights’ which we have found are the most straightforward way to summarise and express complex comparative information. In this way we are able to assess the long term value of different types of stock in different areas to help shape future investment decisions. From this a landlord will have sound evidence to decide which stock is safe to invest in (the majority hopefully), identify those groups with a question mark over them and confirm which groups of failing stock need a fundamental appraisal about their future. The process itself offers the additional benefit of checking the validity and consistency of existing data and assumptions. It also brings together housing management expertise with property management expertise by placing financial and non financial analyses side by side. As an aid to performance management we would expect to see improvement measures introduced to tackle the worst performing stock and to re-run the tool every year to measure that improvement.

SHAPING THE FUTURE This approach helps to empower decision makers, and involve tenants in shaping the future of their homes and communities.

It gives a degree of confidence that stock investment choices are based on sound evidence that consider future prospects as well as financial performance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 07813 586 529 E-mail: bill.best@is4.org.uk Web: www.is4.org.uk

A New Era in Security and Safety Management

Look to the Future - Engage with the Pink Fluffy Cloud Taking a close look at where the Public Sector can benefit from the direct convergence between what the Security and Safety Sector and the IT and IP infrastructure players are developing.

Paul Hennings IP UserGroup Director comment’s.

Applications across many Healthcare 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

As a great advocate of hosted business services such as CRM (customer relationship management), Web building solutions, server-side storage and email marketing as a service. I am only too aware of the possibilities available to the Security and Safety function within the Public Sector should some of these fundamentals be employed.

The terms Cloud computing, Virtualisation and Saas (Software as a Service) are no longer exclusive to the IT arena, but increasingly crossing the divide into ALL areas of business life and within the service sector.

Recently Alastair Hayfield, Research Manager at IMS Research commented “In the year ahead there are a host of new trends that will keep the industry talking and drive market resurgence.” And in bringing together the top ten trends, placed the following at the top of the list:

“2010 will see Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) emerge from the shadows and take the limelight. 2010 will see a raft of companies announce VSaaS solutions.”

In truth Saas and Virtualisation in one form or another has been part of the Security, Surveillance and Safety world for several years, but now the Public Sector are seeing it as a major opportunity and using Security and Safety to further leverage investment in the network infrastructure.

That Pink Fluffy Cloud!

I

20 SECT E N

International IP Solutions Exhibition & Conference

Earls Court 2, LONDON 20th - 21st October 2010

www.iipseconline.com co-located with

For far too long the Public Sector has been satisfied to treat anything the other side of the ADSL hub or router as a pink fluffy cloud, but are you missing a trick? The IT industry certainly believe that there is mileage in providing products within the cloud and are already providing many business services to both Public and Private Sector customers.

Engage before it’s too late!

IT and the network infrastructure are key elements in any 21st Century Security or Safety solution. An underlying knowledge of Information Technology and the way that the network operates is essential and without this the effectiveness or efficiency of any deployment could be severely effected.

There is a need to engage with specialists that have both the knowledge and influence to drive IP based solutions forward, and a greater understanding of the needs of both parties essential.

Forward thinking There are already several companies that have identified the need to engage and exploit this opportunity. To prove this, why not take the opportunity to join the IP UserGroup at one of the IP-in-Action Live events in a city near you, or plan a visit to the IIPSEC event in October where a whole range of solutions will be on show.

Visit www.ipusergroup.com/live or www.iipseconline.com for details.

Government Business | Volume 17.3

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BUILT ENVIRONMENT

GETTING TO GRIPS WITH CARBON REDUCTION Dave Lewis, head of business energy services at npower, says planning is everything for organisations preparing for the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme HAVING BEEN DISCUSSED and debated

for some time, the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC) is now a reality. The scheme goes live on 1 April and for the first time will create a direct link between departments’ carbon emissions and their budgeting. As such, those that fail to prepare could face financial challenges, while those that plan for the scheme stand to potentially profit.

For those still getting to grips with the CRC, the scheme will apply to any organisation with half-hourly metered electricity supply, anticipated to be about 20,000 in the UK. In the public sector this is likely to include large local authorities and central government departments with sizeable energy consumption.

At the very least, any organisation with a half hourly meter will be required to make an information disclosure to the Environment Agency on their energy consumption in 2008, which is being used as the qualification year. This must be done by September; any organisation missing the deadline will face fines for any late submissions.

Those whose electricity consumption was 6,000 MWh or more a year in 2008 will be required to participate fully within CRC. QUALIFICATION

It is once organisations have qualified that the work really begins. Although qualification is based on electricity consumption, once an organisation is in, the CRC will capture emissions for all fuel types, such as gas and oil. Participants will have to forecast their future energy consumption at the start of each trading period and the equivalent emissions. They then need to buy sufficient allowances to cover their emissions for the year at a cost of £12 per tonne of CO2 initially.

At the end of the trading year, participants will submit details of their actual energy consumption, and emissions and surrender the allowances they have purchased.

This information is then used to compare performance in terms of how well organisations have reduced their emissions. To start with, league table position will also be partly based on an early action metric taking into account measures to improve energy efficiency, such as installing smart meters or achieving the Carbon Trust standard.

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The league table is important for two reasons. Firstly, monies received for the purchasing of allowances is recycled to participants, based on league table position.

Those at the top receive their purchase plus 10 per cent and those at the bottom minus 10 per cent. By year five of the scheme, this will increase to 50 per cent – a potentially attractive incentive to perform well.

Secondly, there is the impact on reputation of league table position. The public relations impact of a low league table position could be as important as the financial implications in a world that is increasingly aware of organisations’ environmental impact.

STRONG PERFORMANCE

With this in mind, there is a significant benefit to be had from performing well under the CRC. Indeed, a report from the NHS Confederation, ‘Taking the Temperature’, predicts the NHS could save £60m if it sticks to its primary energy consumption reduction target of 15 per cent by 2010 as a result of energy cost savings; reduced allowance purchasing requirements; and the benefit of league table ranking.

There is concern, however, that due to other pressures, public sector departments are less well placed to respond to the CRC than those in the private sector. A recent study by the Environmental Audit Committee suggested that this could lead to a situation in which the public sector suffers financially under the scheme by missing out on league table bonus payments, or by having to purchase allowances to cover emissions which are higher than their private sector counterparts – this has emerged as a real risk with new data from February.

This revealed that public sector greenhouse gas emissions rose by 6.25 per cent in 2008 despite overall UK emissions falling by almost two per cent. While sectors such as energy supply, agriculture, transport, businesses and industrial processes saw emissions drop, the public sector saw emissions rise from 9.6million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (Mt CO2e) to 10.2 MtCO2e.

STRATEGY

It all points to the importance of developing a strategy to manage the CRC for the long term. Organisations will need to have detailed plans in place to record and report on their emissions, and then reduce

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them. The ability to forecast allowance requirements, risk exposure and cash flow related to allowance purchases will also be crucial.

For many public sector organisations this will require a step change in how they manage current and future energy consumption and the implementation of new tools. npower has been working with organisations to develop the tools to achieve this. Among these is the newly-launched ‘encompass professional’. This is a new monitoring tool that analyses energy use in detail and combines historic data on consumption levels and energy usage with 20 year weather patterns to calculate future energy use. This information is then used to devise strategies to reduce consumption, costs and carbon, improving management and cash flow.

BETTER MANAGEMENT

Using the tool, organisations will be able to better manage their purchase of carbon allowances through the ability to predict their carbon emissions. This will reduce the financial risk of needing to buy additional allowances on the open market. ‘encompass professional’ is the latest addition to npower’s ‘m3’ portfolio, a range of energy management tools and services, which also includes energy monitoring and targeting together with guidance on implementing carbon and energy reduction strategies.

With 2010 a pivotal year for the CRC it’s imperative that organisations grasp the implications the scheme places on their organisation. There is time to respond and get the tools and strategies in place to benefit from the scheme. However, with many private sector businesses already making good progress, it is important that this work starts now.

Can we count you in?

Are you counting down to CRC compliance?

Do you use more than 6,000 MWh of electricity annually?

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Sign up TODAY

Visit www.carboncounter.co.uk for more information and for details of our latest promotional offers, or call Customer Services on 0844 844 9952 or email carboncounter@landmark.co.uk

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Expert energy training All-Energy 2010 Exhibition & Conference for the public sector LL-ENERGY 2010, the UK’s largest renewable energy exhibition and conference (Aberdeen, 19-20 May), is held in association with BWEA (soon to become RenewableUK), Scottish Renewables and UK Trade and Industry, with the Society for Underwater Technology as its learned society patron.

Combining a major exhibition, multi-stream conference dealing with all sources of renewable energy (coupled with opportunities and challenges), and networking opportunities – including the Giant Networking Evening on 19 May, the 10th show in the annual series is endorsed by over 30 government departments and trade associations.

All-Energy 2010 is bigger than ever with some 400 exhibitors from home and overseas filling the increased space available to them. The efforts to reach 2020 targets and the need for security of supply from all sources of renewable energy are having

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UR ENERGY EXPERTS provide excellent, costeffective training for those needing an understanding of gas, electricity, LNG, oil and carbon markets.

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.

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their effect on all sectors of the renewable energy industry, which is growing dramatically.

All-Energy ’09 attracted a total attendance of 5,500 from 60 countries, including 250+/speakers and over 380 exhibiting companies from 14 countries – that record attendance may well be exceeded this May. Free admission to both the exhibition and conference for all with a business/professional interest in renewable energy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Registration and information at www.all-energy.co.uk.

All-Energy, 11a Princes Square, Harrogate, HG1 1ND. Tel: +44 (0)1423 524545 Fax: +44 (0)1423 524544 E-mail: info@all-energy.co.uk

and enable you to operate efficiently and confidently in the complex energy arena.

Do you need to understand Emissions Trading or the Carbon Reduction Commitment? We also present our courses in-house, tailored to our customer’s requirements, often dealing with more advanced or specific aspects of the energy industry. These may be delivered as one-to-one or team training sessions.

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

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CURB YOUR CARBON Tom Cumberlege, public sector manager at the Carbon Trust, looks at what local authorities can do to reduce their carbon emissions SAVING ENERGY MAKES SOUND business sense for any organisation and local authorities (LAs) are no exception to the rule.

In fact, it could be argued there is even more of a business case for LAs and government bodies to embrace energy efficiency to set the standard for the private sector. But time for local authorities to sign up to the Carbon Trust’s Carbon Management Programme is running out at the end of March 2010, so I’d urge businesses to contact us as soon as possible.

Councils have a huge sphere of influence and a duty to promote the social, economic and environmental well-being of their community, but often it takes an outsider’s view to identify the weak spots in terms of energy efficiency.

The Carbon Trust’s Local Authority Carbon Management Programme provides councils with technical and change management consultancy, as well as guidance to help them realise carbon savings and critically, to cut costs.

As significant energy users – the local government sector currently emits almost seven million tonnes of CO2 per year – there is a huge opportunity for LAs to reduce their energy use and save thousands in energy costs. These savings can then be put to good use in other areas, such as improving public services, whilst making a positive contribution to the environment.

CARBON MANAGEMENT The Carbon Trust’s five-step Carbon Management Programme provides a structure for organisations to mobilise their organisation by establishing a carbon management team, set forecasts and targets, identify carbon reduction options and plan implementation.

This structured approach provides essential and detailed guidance and tools to support LAs in implementing action plans.

One local authority that has already taken advantage of the Programme is Coventry City Council. In early 2008 the council applied to join the Carbon Trust’s Local Authority Carbon Management programme, and worked with Carbon Trust consultants to calculate its carbon footprint for 2007, which came to 37,400 tonnes of CO2. Buildings made up 70 per cent of this total, with 17 per cent generated by street lighting and 13 per cent from transport.

The 2007 total was taken as the baseline figure, and the council set an aspirational target to reduce those emissions by 30 per cent by 2014 – a reduction of 11,300 tonnes.

On the Carbon Trust’s recommendation, the council firstly set up a programme board comprising senior managers from each directorate, and put in place a carbon

As significant energy users – the local government sector currently emits almost seven million tonnes of CO2 per year – there is a huge opportunity for LAs to reduce their energy use and save thousands in energy costs. These savings can then be put to good use in other areas, such as improving public services, whilst making a positive contribution to the environment management team to generate ideas for how to better manage energy. In an effort to engage employees from the beginning, the council also introduced a carbon hotline and accompanying website, which individuals used to suggest over 50 energy saving measures.

At the same time, Carbon Trust consultants

provided valuable technical assistance so the council could identify, scope and cost a range of energy saving opportunities across its operations and properties. These included installing LED lighting in communal areas of public council buildings, replacing all street lighting with lower wattage

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alternatives, and the introduction of energy wardens.

The final carbon management plan included 53 different measures – including many that had been suggested by employees. If all are completed, they will deliver savings of 40 per cent, or about 15,000 tonnes of CO2 and £2.75 a year.

CUTTING EMISSIONS Another good example of successful carbon management planning is The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council.

Driven by environmental legislation and the prospect of attractive cost savings, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council enlisted the Carbon Trust in 2008 to help it create a carbon management plan. The goal is to cut emissions by 40 per cent by March 2014, and save £1.5 million a year.

A six-year comprehensive carbon management plan was drawn up in August 2009. The projects that have been evaluated to date – which include energy efficiency actions around buildings, schools and street lighting – will save the council 5,400 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to annual savings of £700,000. The drop in carbon output will be 22 per cent – more than half the 2014 target.

Generally, the Carbon Trust finds most significant areas of energy saving potential are aligned to maintaining a comfortable working environment for staff, such as heating, lighting, office equipment and air conditioning. Yet there are simple measures which can be taken to reduce costs without reducing the comfort of staff and visitors. The highest cost for LA buildings is heating which accounts for 67 per cent of energy consumption and presents clear carbon reduction opportunities.

HEATING Reducing heating temperatures by just 1°C has no impact on the working environment, but can cut fuel consumption by eight per cent – facilities managers can shave up to a third of their building’s heating costs by implementing other simple energy saving measures: • Checking internal temperatures – Ensuring room thermostats and radiator controls are on the minimum settings required for comfort and environmental control. The general recommended temperatures for most local authority buildings is between 19-21°C • Staff habits – Manage employee habits and encourage staff to report any areas which are cold, draughty or too hot.

• Keep the heat in – Open doors allow warmed air to escape and cold air to enter, the thermostat then senses a decrease in temperature and automatically switches on heating needlessly.

LIGHTING Lighting accounts for eight per cent, of energy expenditure within LAs, yet there are many simple and inexpensive ways to reduce the energy consumption and costs associated with lighting without compromising health and safety and comfort levels: • Switch off policy – Appoint a single person in a group to ensure lights are switched off.

• Inappropriate use of blinds – Unnecessary use of blinds can result in occupants turning on internal lights needlessly resulting in energy waste.

• Labelling light switches – Posters and stickers encourage staff to only select the lights they need and switch off lights in unoccupied areas.

VENTILATION & AIR CONDITIONING Providing employees and visitors with comfortable internal temperatures and adequate fresh air is achievable and getting it right can save money.

• Naturally cool for free – As simple as it sounds, natural ventilation and cooling relies on air flow between openings on opposite sides of a room or building or rising warm air being replaced with cooler air sucked in through windows or vents.

• Mechanical ventilation – is becoming increasingly used in new LA buildings or retro-fitted in older buildings during refurbishment. This is to counteract the heat gains from lighting, staffing, and office equipment. The more heat that is generated the harder the cooling system needs to work to maintain the desired temperature which in turn consumes more energy.

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OFFICE EQUIPMENT IT and office equipment accounts for four per cent of energy consumption in LAs and is one of the fastest growing energy users in the business world, with electricity representing 15 per cent of total energy consumption in office buildings. This figure is expected to double by 2020. A single computer and monitor left on 24 hours a day will cost around £45 a year, switching computers off out of hours and enabling stand by features could reduce this to less than £10 a year and prolong the life span of the equipment.

• Turn off and power down – Most equipment does not need to be left on at all times, so ensure PCs etc are switched off when not in use.

• Match equipment to the task – Try to print in batches to allow the printer to spend more time in stand-by mode.

• Minimise cooling loads – Place heat emitting equipment, such as photocopiers and printers in a separate naturally ventilated area with good airflow.

Local authorities have a clear responsibility to set an example when it comes to tackling climate change. By taking these simple measures and introducing energy efficient technology, local authorities can expect to achieve considerable cost savings which can be used to improve public services. They will also be leading the way in reducing carbon emissions which is positive both for the environment and the local community.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For further information on the Carbon Trust’s Carbon Management Programme please contact the Carbon Trust team on 0800 085 2005 or www.carbontrust.co.uk

EAST OF ENGLAND SHOWGROUND April 13-14

Why exhibit at GeoDrilling 2010?

• The UK’s biggest and best drilling, piling, geothermal and construction show • International delegates with the credentials to make all the right buying decisions • Direct access to the technical and operational developments shaping the industry • The chance to deliver an essential update to the latest drilling equipment and technology to a captive audience • Seminar programmes packed with the best speakers covering the issues which matter to you • Live demonstrations and simulations • Over 2,000 visitors and 100+ exhibitors For further information about GeoDrilling Show 2010, please visit www.geodrillingshow.com To book to exhibit or sponsor, please contact Linda Winfield on: Tel: +44 (0)1268 769666 or email: linda.winfield@geodrillinginternational.com Supported by:

GROUND SOURCE Live!

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THE ROAD TO ZERO CARBON Nick Gardner, senior consultant SQW Consulting and co-founder of ProjectDirt.com on behalf of Ecos Trust and Devon Sustainable Building Initiative, reports on a major conference on low and zero carbon building stores’ focusing on energy efficiency. Vic Ebdon of Devon County Council followed with an interesting presentation on the pathway ‘Towards zero carbon schools’, presenting the five-point strategy towards zero carbon schools outlined in the recent report from the Zero Carbon Schools Taskforce, and arguing for better sharing of learning between public sector partners as the Building Schools for the Future programme continues. The series of talks was rounded up with an inspiring and challenging talk from Bill Dunster of ZEDfactory. Dunster, not one to shy away from bold statements, outlined his vision for how to achieve zero carbon housing at scale, using a standard ‘box’ approach to building at Code Level 6 with materials he envisages being readily available from the local outlet of Jewsons.

In wrapping up the mood of the day Charlie Luxton thanked the presenters for a range of inspiring ideas and reminded the audience of the need to exploit every available niche in moving along the road to zero carbon. With evidence from the examples provided on the day, it is clear that this won’t be an easy road to travel, but it is one to which we are now committed and there is much appetite to work together in tackling the challenge head-on.

AT 9.30AM ON A CRISP WINTER morning, 9 February, The Watershed, Bristol played host to over 160 of today’s top thinkers in sustainability, who came together to hear about and discuss “the road to zero carbon”. A packed programme of speakers and organised by Ecos Trust and the Devon Sustainable Building Initiative, the event covered a range of topics relating to low and zero carbon building and design, drawing on examples from homes to schools and offices.

The day had a distinct southwest feel to it, building on the region’s growing reputation for thought-leadership in this field. Broadcaster and designer (and Chair for the day) Charlie Luxton kicked off proceedings with characteristic positivity, expressing his excitement about what he sees as a ‘new phase’ of actual tangible activity taking the building industry forward from the rhetoric of yesterday to the delivery of tomorrow’s zero carbon buildings.

SPEAKER LINE-UP The impressive line-up of speakers included Paul King, chief executive of the UK Green Building Council and Chairman of the Zero Carbon Hub, who kicked off by outlining the move towards

agreement on a regulatory framework for zero carbon building, the emerging definition of what this means in practice and providing positive feedback from his meetings with industry about their willingness to engage with the agenda. Next up, Ben Cook of Barratt Homes Bristol introduced their response to the government’s ‘Carbon Challenge’ competition: the 195-home development at Hanham Hall in east Bristol. Cook talked through how the firm had risen to the challenge of responding to a tough set of stipulations across a range of standards and provided some early emerging lessons from the project. Last in the morning session, Gareth Davies from Stride Treglown architects, presented the firm’s approach to low carbon building, drawing on examples of their experience nationally and in particular the lessons learnt from the design of their own Cardiff office to meet the demanding BREEAM Outstanding standard.

Following a noisy lunch full of debate, the session resumed with Carmel McQuaid, climate change manager at M&S, presenting the firm’s approach to reducing carbon emissions in new and existing stores and factories, including the launch of a rolling programme of ‘Learning

OTHER ECOS EVENTS The Road to Zero Carbon 2 – Due to high popularity, Ecos Trust and Devon Sustainable Building Initiative will be running the Road to Zero Carbon again this year outside the South West. For further information keep your eye on the Trust’s website www.ecostrust. org.uk. To automatically be kept informed of this event and other Ecos/DSBI events by e-mail, please contact corina@ecostrust.org. uk putting ‘events’ in the subject box.

Sustainable Building Materials – Health, Carbon, Life. 20th April at Great Bow Wharf, Langport, Somerset. This one-day seminar will help to increase the understanding of what makes building materials sustainable.

The day will address the synergies between function, cost and sustainability and highlight how sustainable materials can help with points towards the Code for Sustainable homes and BREEAM assessments. The event is for housing association managers, Building professional including architects and quantity surveyors, materials suppliers and purchasing managers, building contractors.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.ecostrust.org.uk

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Exhibiting at SustainabilityLive 2010, Stand Q32 in Environmental Technology

www.exova.com info@exova.com T: 0161 787 3291 F: 0161 787 3251

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SETTING A SUSTAINABLE AGENDA Sustainabilitylive! is the home of five leading environment exhibitions: BEX, ET, IWEX, NEMEX and SB – The Event AS THE UK OFFICIALLY CLIMBS OUT of recession, albeit at a growth rate of 0.3 per cent, many businesses are feeling more optimistic about the future. One sector that has continued to grow despite the economic downturn is that of sustainable business.

With legislative demands such as the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, due to start in April, a new renewable energy strategy on the table to water efficiency measures along with proposals for the roll-out of smart metering, businesses are busy searching for the right sustainable solutions to implement.

One place to find many of the answers will be the NEC Birmingham 20-22 April where five of the UK’s leading exhibitions for the water, environment, energy, land and sustainable business sectors can be found under one roof at Sustainabilitylive! 2010.

From large multinationals to SMEs and the

public sector, Sustainabilitylive! brings together experts in the field and decision makers across a range of industries, all shaping the UK business approach to move to the low carbon economy of the future, along with hundreds of exhibitors, thousands of visitors and a host of insightful seminars, conferences and interactive features. So what’s in store for visitors to Sustainabilitylive! 2010?

BROWNFIELD EXPO (BEX) BEX is the UK’s national event for contractors, land users, environmental consultants and influencers from both public and private sectors, and a meeting place for specifiers and providers of contaminated land solutions and remediation technologies.

BEX also hosts a seminar programme covering all the latest developments in legislation and innovation affecting the

sector, featuring hot topics such as in-situ land remediation, rapid testing, soil washing and flood management along with a session dedicated to skills and training.

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY (ET) ET is the UK’s largest gathering of suppliers for environmental best practice solutions, offering systems ranging from air pollution control through to waste management. Of the 7,725 people attending Sustainabilitylive! in 2009, more than 40 per cent were specifically seeking environmental solutions, making ET the best market place for both buyers and suppliers.

Running alongside the exhibition will be three separate days of seminars dedicated to addressing issues challenging the sector.

Advantage West Midlands will take charge of the seminar programme for one day

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Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

Discover a worlD of opportunities in 2010 with Bre training 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 and in the corporate world creating better buildings, communities and businesses.

Using this expertise BRE Training has developed a portfolio of training courses which can help companies and individuals extend their skills and capabilities, and increase their efficiency and competitiveness.

Energy Management & Renewable Energy Technologies • Energy Management • Renewable Energy Technologies Energy Assessment • Domestic Energy Assessor • Non-Domestic Energy Assessor • Public Buildings Assessor (Display Energy Certificates) • On-Construction Domestic Energy Assessor • Air Conditioning Energy Assessor Sustainability • Leading a sustainable business • Principles of sustainability • Delivering sustainable success • Managing sustainable success Design in Sustainable Buildings • Designing to the Code for Sustainable Homes • BREEAM AP Qualification Fire Risk Assessment • ABBE Level 3 Certificate in Fire Risk Assessment Regulation & Legislation • Asbestos Awareness • The duty to manage asbestos containing materials in non-domestic premises • Fire Safety for Managers and Supervisors on construction sites Training takes place at our 75 acre site in Watford.

The exceptional facilities enhance the training courses which are delivered by leading BRE experts.

Visit: www.bre.co.uk/training for further information or call 01923 664829.

Cut out and send this advert to receive a 5% discount on your chosen course by 31 May 2010

call 01923 664829 for more information

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BRE training and accreditation courses RE TRAINING HAS drawn on the combined expertise of the BRE Group companies to develop a portfolio of training courses and accreditation schemes which can help companies and individuals extend their skills and capabilities, and increase their efficiency and competitiveness.

The BRE Training portfolio includes courses within the following sectors: energy, sustainability, fire, regulation/ legislation, security, innovation, health and safety, intelligent buildings, specification and design.

Training courses can help companies and individuals extend their skills and capabilities, and increase their efficiency and competitiveness. BRE Training has exceptional training facilities and courses are delivered by leading BRE experts in each relevant field.

Communities and Local Government (CLG) has put in place accreditation schemes and a set of rigorous standards define the requirements and responsibilities

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expected of Building Energy Assessors. BRE Global Accreditation Schemes apply these standards and provide a quality framework within which Building Energy Assessors can deliver the highest levels of service to their clients.

BRE Global offers a full suite of Accreditation Schemes to cover all aspects of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. BRE Global Accreditation Schemes deliver Quality, Integrity and Opportunity.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: +44 (0)1923 664829 Fax: +44 (0)1923 664225 E-mail: train@bre.co.uk Web: www.bre.co.uk/training

Exova – water and environmental testing and monitoring ROM ASBESTOS to zinc, coliforms to legionella, Exova will help you to meet your legal obligation to monitor and manage operations for water monitoring, contaminated land, asbestos surveys and monitoring.

We offer a UK wide service via our extensive network of laboratories, drop-off locations and a nationwide sample collection service which makes us your ideal choice for all of your water and contaminant analytical requirements.

At Sustainabilitylive! Exova will be officially launching Exova Advantage, a web-based client portal that allows you to submit samples, track your results, download certificates and trend your data all from one point.

Exova’s environmental laboratories are based in Clydebank and Runcorn; offering UKAS 17025 and MCerts accredited analysis of soils and water for a wide range of parameters including WAC (Waste Acceptance Criteria), metals, hydrocarbons, asbestos and PCBs. Exova is one of the few labs

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in the UK to offer UKAS 17020 accredited asbestos surveys and analysis. From our Clydebank and Runcorn sites we are able to offer analysis of hazardous materials and offer full site surveys. Testing, advising, assuring.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Please visit us at SustainabilityLive at Stand Q32 in the Environmental Technology Section.

Tel: 0161 787 3291 Fax: 0161 787 3251 E-mail: nick.barsby@exova.com Web: www.exova.com

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Alongside a packed exhibition hall featuring 70 of the biggest and best names in energy, NEMEX will also host not one, but two, seminar theatres, highlighting the importance of the energy sector in responding to today’s business challenges with a panel of experts discussing the theme of achieving low carbon business opportunities. Another day is dedicated to air pollution issues, covering topics such as monitoring emissions – how to ensure compliance with current legislation, airborne contamination control and sustainable odour control in urban environments.

A new focus for Sustainabilitylive! 2010 is the low carbon transport challenge. The Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership is holding a oneday seminar as part of ET, where greener fleet management, electric fleet vehicles and road transport climate targets are amongst the topics that will be discussed. Amongst those present in the accompanying green transport exhibition area will be Birmingham University and its hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, LowCVP, Peugeot, and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Also on display elsewhere in the exhibition will be one of the first electric

Porsche’s in the world – the Greenster 911 Targa – located on the BeBa Energy stand.

IWEX International Water and Effluent Exhibition (IWEX) continues to stand as the UK’s largest water and effluent gathering, attracting an even larger share of Sustainabilitylive! attendees, with close to 50 per cent looking for water solutions, and buying or specifying products and technology from separation to storage and all stages in between.

British Water, in association with IWEX, will be running a two-day summit – Working in a Changing Water Industry – discussing the challenges facing the industry today.

Day one will focus on the UK market, with topics including innovation, procurement strategy, carbon footprinting, and impact on the supply chain, while day two will look at the international perspective, with

water scarcity, risk management and market selection all on the agenda.

NEMEX National Energy Management Exhibition (NEMEX) is the UK’s largest and longestrunning exhibition and networking event for the energy and renewables industries, providing a forum for the latest innovations and solutions in energy management systems and energy efficient technologies.

Alongside a packed exhibition hall featuring 70 of the biggest and best names in energy, NEMEX will also host not one, but two, seminar theatres, highlighting the importance of the energy sector in responding to today’s business challenges. Sessions range from standards and legislation, through energy in buildings to energy management and demand response, renewables and co-generation along with behavioural change.

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS – THE EVENT Following the run-away success of last year’s latest addition to the Sustainabilitylive! fold, Sustainable Business – The Event, attracting almost 70 per cent of total attendees, there’s a high degree of excitement surrounding this year’s show.

The brainchild of Sustainable Business magazine editor, Tom Idle, SB – The Event

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SGS showcases exhibits at Sustainabilitylive!

One-stop-shop for your energy saving needs

GS IS THE WORLD’S leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognised as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With 59,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,000 offices and laboratories around the world.

Unrivalled technical experience and appreciation of our clients’ needs has enabled us to develop a range of services including BS EN 16001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, ISO 9001, Integrated Management Systems, Climate Change, and Sustainability Report Verification as well as bespoke services to increase the quality and efficiency of businesses. To compliment the services available, SGS Training Services is able to develop and manage a wide range of public and bespoke in-house training solutions including e-learning and blended course solutions ranging from technical awareness to project management.

SGS is also able to offer Forest

NERGY SAVINGS of up to 55 per cent can be achieved in just a few months.

Issues and prices relating to energy consumption and climate change are never out of the news.

All businesses need to reduce their carbon footprint and find ways to save energy costs.

Northwest based NCS Cumbria specialises in energy management and boasts an impressive list of clients ranging from renowned high street multiple retailers, through to food processors and public sector organisations. NCS helps organisations manage and reduce their energy consumption through a range of intelligent control systems. The company aims to reduce energy in any commercial building in areas such as: lighting, air conditioning, refrigeration, heating, low pressure water heating, and ventilation.

The company’s steady growth over the past seven years was borne out of expertise in providing technology solutions to control and monitor refrigeration systems.

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Stewardship Council (FSC)/PEFC Chain of Custody certification for the printing, paper and wood industries helping companies to demonstrate their commitment to traceability in the supply chain, providing assurance to customers and stakeholders that products from well-managed, sustainable forests are being used.

Clients buying products or services from an SGS certified company trust that their business will be handled according to the most stringent quality, environmental, security and safety requirements.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: +44 (0) 1276 697 999 Fax: +44 (0) 1276 697 696 E-mail: uk.nowisthetime@sgs.com Web: http://www.uk.sgs.com/ssc

Lighting the way to a sustainable future NTELLIGENT SINES LTD are a turnkey company whose motivation is saving energy to reduce carbon emissions. Based in Dorset, we have survey and installation teams covering the UK and supply internationally.

We are committed to achieving a minimum payback period by offering a complete package from survey to installation and beyond.

Our LED lighting range includes a number of different fittings suitable for various environments, which can be switch operated or bi-level dimmed and are available as emergency fittings with remote or integral battery packs.

The versatile lighting range uses T5 technology incorporating an intelligent ballast which recognises the wattage of the tube. Each fitting can be supplied

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with integral presence detection and a light level sensor for individual control and maximum efficiency. Installation is as simple as ‘1 down – 1 up’ and can be used on their own, with a reflector or a prismatic diffuser.

The heating controls govern the operation of gas warm air heaters, electric door curtains, vats and gas boilers by utilising residual heat, reducing running costs by up to 30 per cent without compromising performance.

All our latest fittings will be showcased at NEMEX on stand X27 during this year’s Sustainabilitylive!

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01305 259135 Fax: 01305 259150 E-mail: info@intelligentsines.com Web: www.intelligentsines.com

This vast technical expertise has been developed towards offering complete ‘Energy Management Solutions’ to help organisations significantly reduce their energy consumption which results in saving clients thousands of pounds.

By fitting new lighting or adding simple controls to boilers, refrigeration units, lighting and even controlling water flow rates, NCS customers are seeing dramatic reductions in their energy bills, in some cases as much as 55 per cent in just a few months.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01539 561666 E-mail: brian.crosthwaite@ ncs-cumbria.com Web: www.ncs-cumbria.com

Shields can reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint HIELDS ENVIRONMENTAL plc has a 30 year heritage of helping our customers to reduce their costs and impact on the environment.

We help all types of businesses to reduce their carbon footprint, whilst at the same time reducing energy costs.

To start, we conduct a free comprehensive energy survey which details your current energy consumption and highlights the areas where Shields solutions can bring immediate cost and efficiency benefits.

Our free survey report will, where appropriate, recommend energy saving solutions from our unique portfolio of energy conservation products, which include Motor Energy Controls, LED Lighting, Boiler Controls and Voltage Optimisation. Our energy reports clearly indicate the reduction in carbon emissions that

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will be achieved by your company following the introduction of Shields energy conservation products and services.

Typically, the return on investment is 15-24 months, with energy savings of up to 40 per cent.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01708 684000 Fax: 01708 684021 E-mail: stephen.mills@ shields-e.com Web: www.shields-e.com/energy

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BUILT ENVIRONMENT

stands out from the crowd of ‘green’ exhibitions and conferences for one simple reason, he says: “This is the business angle. It’s not just about the environment, it’s not just about energy – it’s about the whole approach and takes it back to the bottom line. And of course it ties in beautifully with the ethos of Sustainabilitylive! and the huge range of technologies and sectors that are represented there. Basically this show is not just for the energy and environmental managers, it’s for the finance directors too.”

This high level snapshot of the response of business leaders to the climate change agenda will feature topical panel sessions and speakers from well-known end users, providing experience reports on themes ranging from corporate strategy, lessons from Copenhagen, reporting sustainability, travel and transport, effective communications, environmental footprints and climate change regulation – threat or opportunity?

Confirmed speakers reflect the mix of business and the sustainable agenda with representatives from Galliford Try, Hewlett Packard, InterfaceFLOR and Jewson joining the Environmental Industries Commission, SocEnv, UK Green Building Council and WWF. This is one of the most rewarding elements of SB, says Idle: bringing together lots of different businesses from different sectors and giving people in the audience the opportunity to find out about things they may not have known – water footprinting for example – and learn from the experience of leading companies.

The business influence is clearly seen in this year’s sponsors of SB – The Event: BSI, Computer Associates, NQA, Parsons Brinckerhoff, powerPerfector, Scott Wilson along with Sustainabilitylive! headline sponsors Hyder Environment show the merging of regulators, business and sustainable solutions providers.

When asked what session he was most looking forward to, Idle’s response was

instant: lessons from Copenhagen. In his view, while many think that Copenhagen was disastrous, he doesn’t believe that a different outcome could have been expected: “This was a good starting point, given the scale of the challenge. For the first time we now have agreement from all the major countries that we can’t afford a two degree increase in global temperatures. I believe that we shouldn’t be disappointed by Copenhagen but look forward to the work ahead – although how we’re going to get there is a different matter!”

ASSOCIATED EVENTS UK Trade & Investment continues its longstanding relationship with Sustainabilitylive!, hosting another of its hugely successful ‘Meet the Buyer’ events, with representatives from China, Egypt, Mexico, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey and USA, and meetings can be organised via an online booking system, which is due to go live by mid-March.

With 11 categories covering key areas in the environment, land, energy and sustainability sectors, the Environment and Energy Awards is a real showcase for the best in sustainable business practice. Presented at a glittering gala dinner on the evening of Tuesday 20 April at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham, highlights include the Innovation Award for Remediation Technology. Previous winners range from the largest multinationals to small businesses and the public sector, with names such as Transport for London and the Metropolitan Police standing alongside Centrica and Mitsubishi as outstanding performers in sustainability. With a record number of entries this year, the evening promises to be an exciting celebration of excellence.

SIGN UP TODAY Sustainability has firmly moved into the mainstream of best practice in business,

and brings its own rewards. This is echoed

by Stephanie Wray, managing director of Hyder Environment, speaking about their sponsorship of Sustainabilitylive! 2010: “Hyder Environment is proud to announce our support for Sustainabilitylive! once again this year, as headline sponsor of the event. As part of a leading advisory and design consultancy with particular specialisation in the environment, water, energy, transport, property, industry and resources sectors, we feel that Sustainabilitylive! provides a highly appropriate forum for the exchange of ideas and an ideal environment to get closer to our clients.

“Contracts secured as a direct result of our involvement with last year’s show bear out the fact that legislative, policy and corporate responsibility drivers are resulting in organisations having a greater focus on issues of sustainability and the triple-bottom line as we climb out of recession. It is a differentiator for our clients and sound economic sense.

“Sustainability is at the heart of Hyder’s business and Sustainabilitylive! brings together the best and latest innovations and practice in responding to the challenges and opportunities of climate change. We look forward to contributing to the excellent conference and seminar programmes which provide a platform for some of business’s most inspiring leaders and our experts will of course be delighted to welcome visitors to the Hyder Environment stand.”

Sustainabilitylive! aims to equip businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to compete in the low carbon economy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION To register for free attendance and get up-to-the-minute news on exhibitors and the features programme, or to exhibit, visit www.sustainabilitylive.com or call +44 (0)20 8651 7106.

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Steinel also supply sensors into the OEM market for use by some of the worlds leading lighting manufacturers, who require accurate, reliable and quality performances.

Steinel has offices across the world and its operation in Switzerland, Steinel Solutions, is responsible for developing new ideas involving sensors for applications within buildings other than just for control lighting.

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FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

FM SOLUTIONS UNDER ONE ROOF The Facilities Show returns to the NEC Birmingham on 11-13 May 2010, allowing visitors to meet with leading FM manufacturers, distributors and suppliers

HAVING CELEBRATED ITS 10TH

anniversary last year, the 11th annual Facilities Show will offer more educational content, industry renowned exhibitors and innovative features than ever before.

Produced in association with the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM), the 2010 event is set to build on last year’s successes where more than 19,000 industry professionals descended on the NEC Birmingham to see leading FM manufacturers, distributors and suppliers at the extensive exhibition.

Mark Rimmer, event manager of The Facilities Show, said: “The exponential growth of The Facilities Show over the last few years is a clear indication that facilities managers value this event exceptionally highly. It is a key date in their calenders and this is due to the accurate evolution of the show. By producing the event in association with the BIFM and through communication with the industry, we are

ensuring that the programme is tailored to the key issues in the FM industry and we are confident that 2010 will deliver yet again.”

A huge number of industry renowned companies have already signed up to exhibit at the 2010 event including Anabas, CLM, FSI, Mil-tek GB, Serco – FMeasy and Shred-it.

Education will once again take centre stage at The Facilities Show with two dedicated seminar theatres on the exhibition floor. Complimentary seminar programmes will be running in The Facilities Show Seminar Theatre and The Sustainable FM Academy. In these seminars, visitors will be able to hear from key industry figures and learn about the latest developments in the industry.

ENERGY MANAGEMENT ZONE

New for 2010 is the Energy Management Zone. Following research at the end of the 2009 event, 30 per cent of visitors to The Facilities Show had responsibility for energy management or supply, and the 2010 event

will see the launch of a dedicated zone in which visitors can source the latest products and services relating to energy management.

Mark Rimmer said: “The reason The Facilities Show won the AEO Award for Best Trade Exhibition last year was because we evolve the event according to the needs of the industry. We know that 30 per cent of last year’s visitors had purchasing responsibility for energy management or supply so we wanted to give our visitors a dedicated area to address their requirements.”

This new zone will house some of the leading providers of energy products and services to give visitors the opportunity to address all their energy management needs in one dedicated pavilion. Industryrenowned companies include Camfil Farr, Energy Intelligence Group and IM Serve.

PRODUCT LAUNCHES

The Facilities Show will be the launch pad for numerous cutting-edge products and

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Government Business | Volume 17.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

services to the FM market. One such launch will be CLM One, the new bundled service provided by CLM Compliance who will also be sponsoring the entrance to the event.

CLM One will simplify compliance requirements. The product is aimed at organisations with multiple sites around the country where keeping track of mandatory safety testing regimes can cause a real headache.

Shaun Caddick, CLM sales director, said: “There are very few companies in a position to offer this service nationally. We find that the biggest headache for duty holders is having to rely on a patchwork of local contractors using variable prices, contracts and, to be honest, technical competence.

Our solution is to offer the highest quality service consistently across all sites and The Facilities Show gives us the ideal opportunity to inform and educate the market.”

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

The Green FM Trail returns for 2010 to highlight exhibitors offering advice, product and services in response to the ever growing green challeng, helping visitors reduce their environmental impact.

New for 2010, Prop IT will highlight and showcase IT solutions providers. FM professionals are increasingly looking towards new technology to make their

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organisations more efficient, more sustainable and more productive. Prop IT will bring together market leading companies offering cutting edge services in CAFM, document management, resource booking software, security and fire services, mobile communication and systems integration.

Finally, visitors to The Facilities Show will have the opportunity to relax and unwind at The Facilities Show Bar. AWARD WINNING SHOW

Last year The Facilities Show 2008 took home the award for Best Trade Show under 2,000 sqm at the AEO Excellence Awards 2009. Having fended off competition from other industry renowned events, The Facilities Show received the award due to its great use of technology and impressive expansion in terms of visitors and exhibitors.

Ian Fielder, CEO of the BIFM, said: “I was delighted to hear that The Facilities Show 2009 won the Best Trade Show award at the Association of Exhibition Organisers Awards. This is a great achievement for the industry, especially considering the challenges that we all currently face. The BIFM is always proud to be a part of this annual event, and the show itself was a fantastic success, with hundreds of industry professionals being brought together.”

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LTT Vending, said: “Having exhibited at The Facilities Show for a number of years now, we have noticed the changes the show has made to ensure its exhibitors and visitors are getting the most out of the event. Last year was extremely successful for us as we were able to meet key decision makers from leading UK organisations and generate a number of quality leads.”

Tom Brookes, director of Lindum Fire Services, said: “The 2009 show surpassed our expectations – our stand was busy and we generated strong leads. This is a very important show for us and is our main event for the year.”

Sarah Wood, commercial manager of CLM Ltd, added: “Last year was our seventh year at The Facilities Show and was our most successful event to date. We generated more than 100 leads and had excellent feedback from our customers.”

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Government Business | Volume 17.3

Written by The Health and Safety Executive

HEALTH & SAFETY

KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES The waste and recycling industry has nine times more fatal accidents than the national average and four times as many workers suffer injuries. New guidance has been developed to address the problem NEW GUIDANCE IS NOW AVAILABLE to help local authorities understand the importance of health and safety in procuring and managing waste and recycling services, and what role they have in helping to reduce death and injury in the sector.

The waste and recycling industry has nine times more fatal accidents than the national average and four times as many workers suffer injuries. The Health and Safety Executive is concerned that a contributing factor may be that some local authorities are unclear what their legal duties are and mistakenly believe that putting a service out to contract relieves them of all health and safety responsibilities.

THE GUIDANCE The guidance, developed by HSE, with input from a number of local authorities, contractors and their representative bodies, is an easy to use, practical tool to aid the

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management of waste and recycling services.

It also makes use of existing ‘good practice’ examples to demonstrate how some local authorities are already making health and safety an integral part of the procurement and contract management process.

The guidance can be applied to those situations where the service provision is delivered in house, as well as to those where it is contracted out – so it will be of relevance for all local authority clients.

Judith Hackitt, HSE Chair, said: “Waste

The guidance, developed by HSE, with input from a number of local authorities, contractors and their representative bodies, is an easy to use, practical tool to aid the management of waste and recycling services.

It also makes use of existing ‘good practice’ examples to demonstrate how some local authorities are already making health and safety an integral part of the procurement and contract management process

Government Business | Volume 17.3

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HEALTH & SAFETY

and recycling is a sector that is experiencing considerable growth as we all strive to do more to respond to environmental challenges.

This makes it doubly important that we take action to respond to the fact that the number of accidents in this sector continues to be high, despite recent improvements. One of the keys to further progress is getting the client/contractor relationships working well.

“The guidance will help local authorities understand the full extent of their role when managing waste and recycling contractors. HSE wants to see occupational health and safety become an integral but common sense part of the specification, procurement and management of waste and recycling contracts.

“HSE is very aware of the competing pressures on local authorities. One key principle of this guidance is that there is no need for this to be seen as a trade off – meeting recycling targets and achieving improvement in health and safety performance are compatible and complimentary goals.”

HEALTH & SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES The guidance is aimed at people who specify contracts, those in control of them and employers who operate the services. It will also help managers and supervisors design and operate collection services that suitably meet their health and safety responsibilities.

Collection services operate in environments and circumstances that are diverse and can change rapidly, so it was recognised that an explicit set of rules was not going to be workable or effective.

More appropriate is a contract that allows flexibility to provide practical solutions to problems as they arise whilst also recognising existing hazards and using control strategies to reduce the risk

of injury. When the service provider is appointed, the contract arrangements should include a robust framework for monitoring and reviewing their health and safety practice and performance.

Geoff Cox, HSE head of Manufacturing Sector, said: “It’s important to avoid being too prescriptive or detailed. This industry has seen enormous change over the last 10 years. There have been numerous new technologies and practices introduced and allowing your contractor some flexibility will help to ensure they meet their duties appropriately.”

BEST PRACTICE Case studies of councils that are already working well with their service delivery partners in waste and recycling are available online. One such example is Wirral Borough Council which, working with Biffa Waste Services, has created a partnership approach to managing the borough’s waste and recycling services. The working relationship they have allows health and safety issues to be dealt with flexibly and efficiently. They have also built in checks to ensure the system is working correctly.

HSE will begin targeted inspections of local authorities in their client for waste service role later in the year. Inspectors will be looking closely at the working relationships local authorities have with their service providers, whether they are contractors or in-house teams and at any changes that have been made to improve the health and safety standards.

FOR MORE INFORMATION The new guidance and more details about procuring and managing contracts is available at www.hse.gov.uk/waste/services/index.htm

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CONFERENCES & EVENTS

MEETINGS IMPROVEMENT GAINS PACE The Meetings Industry Association’s Accredited in Meetings scheme demonstrates to buyers that your services have passed a stringent quality assurance accreditation IN MARCH 2007, THE MEETINGS Industry Association (MIA) launched its much anticipated meetings industry dedicated accreditation, AIM (Accredited in Meetings).

AIM was developed by the MIA, in association with the Best Practice Forum, as a system for grading venues and meetings suppliers within standardised criteria. The criteria were carefully designed to cover all considerations of meetings procurement, with an especially heavy focus on the value proposition.

Back then, on the launch of AIM, MIA chief executive, Jane Evans commented: “For too long many venues have been trying to fit in with accreditations that were originally intended for hotels and the industry has been crying out for an accreditation scheme that took into account its particular dynamics. MIA’s AIM is relevant, not only to hotels, but to conference centres, all other styles of venue and very importantly, meetings industry suppliers.”

The MIA’s overall objective was to provide the entire meetings industry with a specific instrument to enable consistent improvement of standards. Three years on, we take a fresh look at the AIM accreditation, review some of its achievements and ask: What next for AIM? THE PROCUREMENT DEBATE The appeal of AIM is that it offers buyers genuine reassurance of quality standards, eliminating the ongoing debate with procurement departments on whether a venue or meetings supplier has subscribed to best practice, and is offering the highest service standards against a culture of achieving value for money. An AIM accredited venue has achieved 50 grading criteria that include: the location and accessibility of the meeting rooms and facilities provided by the venue, the suitability of the lighting and heating in meeting rooms, the levels of security at the venue, how often the rooms are cleaned and decorated, whether the space and furniture are adequate and suitable, the provision of in-room services such as power sockets, what is supplied at no extra charge and how transparent the published prices are. The meetings buyers can be sure that these grading criteria have already been checked on their behalf. To see a full list of AIM criteria visit www.aimaccredited.co.uk.

AIM accredited venues and suppliers must also comply with 10 legal acts, relevant to the services they are supplying, which include: • Health & Safety at Work and Fire Safety • Disability Discrimination • Employers Liability • Data Protection

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The appeal of AIM is that it offers buyers genuine reassurance of quality standards, eliminating the ongoing debate with procurement departments on whether a venue or meetings supplier has subscribed to best practice, and is offering the highest service standards against a culture of achieving value for money • Sale & Supply of Goods • Trade Descriptions • Consumer Protection • Weights & Measures • Race Relations, Sex Discrimination, Disability Discrimination and Age Discrimination.

• Licensing Laws

Evans remarks: “Because of AIM, meetings buyers have a choice. They can take a risk and choose a venue or supplier that has made no commitment to delivering against stringent Best Practice standards, or they can choose one of the many venues and suppliers that have achieved AIM and thereby

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45

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CONFERENCES & EVENTS

FINDING AN AIM VENUE It’s easy to find an AIM accredited venue, search on the MIA’s own websites, www.mia-uk.org and www.aimaccredited.com, or use either one of two of the industry’s leading online search portals www.venuedirectory.com and www.latemeetings.com that feature AIM in their search results.

The new MIA council

guarantee that they can deliver fantastic service levels. By insisting on AIM, buyers will reward those that have committed to ongoing improvement, encouraging more to do so.”

There are currently 355 MIA members, all of these have achieved AIM at one of its levels, either Entry, Silver or Gold. MIA members are split between venues and meetings suppliers, 300 are venues and 76 suppliers and the association also has 196 registered buyer members. Their membership is free of charge and they receive similar benefits to venue and supplier members such as free attendance to networking events and low rates on MIA conventions.

AIM HIGHER There are three levels of AIM achievement, the standard Entry level, which is a condition of MIA membership, and Silver and Gold levels, which are known as AIM Higher and demonstrate compliance with a more stringent set of criteria. Venues wishing to ‘AIM Higher’ complete a self-assessment form that consists of ten sections each with five questions.

The process of achieving AIM Higher requires a venue or supplier to produce a portfolio of evidence in support of their application.

Following this, an external assessment takes place at the venue by an independent examiner, who determines whether AIM Silver or AIM Gold should be awarded. Once achieved, AIM Silver and Gold are renewable every three years. To date, seven members have achieved the accreditation at the much coveted Gold level and four at Silver.

For AIM to be a success, the MIA recognised that is would need support from other major players in the industry. To achieve this it made the accreditation accessible to all within the meetings industry. Evans commented: “We developed AIM as a tool for the entire industry to use, we knew from

the start that would be the only way it would achieve its objectives, so once it was fully established amongst our members, we opened it up to the entire meetings industry.”

Widespread endorsement ensued.

Endorsements came at first from VisitBritian (in England), followed by special AIM-based programmes sponsored by the North West Development Agency, Conference Leeds and Cumbria Tourism. A special agreement with MIA’s fellow trade association, MPI (Meetings Professionals International) gained support from the association and its members and in November 2009 and ABPCO (Association of British Professional Conference Organisers) gave its support for the association in January 2010.

VISIT WALES RECOGNISES BENEFITS The decision for Visit Wales to endorse AIM was taken after it was decided in 2008 that the Welsh meetings grading scheme, Business Class, needed to be reviewed. As part of the review, AIM was explored as an alternative and was found to include most of the criteria required.

After consideration, Visit Wales decided to follow VisitBritain’s lead and endorse AIM rather than modify the existing accreditation.

Visit Wales recognised the benefits offered to a venue or meetings supplier by adoption of AIM and has recommended that all Welsh meetings venues should seek to become accredited under the scheme.

THE FUTURE OF AIM As seen in the examples of Conference Leeds, Cumbria Tourism and now Visit Wales, regional development agencies are using AIM in their own way to encourage venues in their regions to achieve AIM and therefore drive up the standards and reputation of the entire area as a meetings and events destination. And this is a precursor to the future development of AIM, with its widespread adoption being

driven by the regions and destinations.

“Encouragement and support for venues to achieve AIM from their regional conference or tourism bureau is an efficient way of building the AIM network. The result will be a far more effective way of providing choice to the event organiser, meaning that within a region they can choose to schedule their conference, meeting or event activity around venues, activities and suppliers that have all achieved the AIM accreditation,” comments Evans. “And of course, it is an excellent marketing tool for the region, providing competitive advantage and raising profile.

“We’re flexible in our approach to the regions. Each has different characteristics, with varying requirements to satisfy, so we work with them to develop their AIM programme to ensure it works for them.”

MANCHESTER SET TO JOIN The next destination to endorse AIM with a programme of mass venue achievement of the accreditation is Manchester. Visit Manchester, is sponsoring 60 of Manchester’s leading meetings venues to achieve AIM and join the MIA. It’s a strategy designed to drive the improvement of meetings service standards in Manchester and attract more business tourism to the city.

Jane Evans comments: “Visit Manchester’s support for AIM is a credit to the city’s proactive approach. As 2010 unfolds, we expect to see many more destinations use AIM as a comprehensive tool to raise standards and attract business.”

AIM VISION The MIA’s vision for AIM is for it to play a significant role in ensuring the meetings industry is ready, willing and able to deliver the high level of quality standards, excellent, varied and flexible facilities and demonstrable value for money that meetings organisers are now demanding. But Evans also believes meetings and events buyers have a role to play, she feel they can help ensure the industry delivers what they require: “Event organisers and buyers can send a message to the industry by voting with their budgets, they have the power to drive industry improving change by only using AIM accredited venues. Together we can encourage those that have not yet committed to continuous improvement and best practice to do so, strengthening this vital UK industry.”

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STAY ON TOP OF YOUR GAME. Do you need to book a meeting or event? Then look no further than the Marriott Hotels in the Midlands. Marriott has a longstanding working relationship with the public sector area in the UK. We value your business and we understand value is

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important when selecting the right hotel for your travel, meetings and events.

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It is our pleasure to provide discounted rates to the government sector. We stand out from the crowd for everything you need - from boardroom to ballroom.

Please quote the code BGVEM to make your bookings.

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To make event reservation uk.midlands.sales.office@marriotthotels.com

Leicester Marriott, Leicester, LE19 1SW Tel 0116 282 0100 leicestermarriott.co.uk £45 to £145 Breadsall Priory, Derbyshire, DE7 6DL Tel 01332 832 235 marriottbreadsallpriory.co.uk £35 to £135 Peterborough Marriott, Peterborough, PE2 6GB Tel 01733 371 111 peterboroughmarriott.co.uk £40 to £140

Rates are subject to availability

Huntingdon Marriott, Cambridgeshire, PE29 6FL Tel 01480 446 000 huntingdonmarriott.co.uk £35 to £135

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CONFERENCES & EVENTS

ENJOY EAST MIDLANDS In the East Midlands you’ll discover a very special part of the country FROM MAGNIFICENT CASTLES and stately homes that provide a unique glimpse into the past; inspiring countryside with sweeping green hills and dramatic rocky outcrops; cosmopolitan cities combining shopping with night life; historic market towns; majestic gardens and locations that have inspired movie makers – welcome to the East Midlands.

A FRESH LOOK AT DERBYSHIRE Conferencing in Derbyshire is changing – and it’s well worth taking a fresh look at what the county can offer. Nestling between the M1 and M6, at the crossroads of the major rail networks and within easy reach of Manchester and East Midlands Airports, it’s centrally located and couldn’t be more convenient – just two hours away from 80 per cent of the UK’s population.

Derbyshire is home to many international organisations such as Bison, JCB and Toyota, as well as being a centre of manufacturing expertise, housing such businesses as Bombardier and Rolls-Royce. Boasting one of the world’s most visited National Parks, the Peak District, as well as the dynamic city of Derby and several bustling market towns, the county’s profile as a popular setting for films such as ‘Pride & Prejudice’ and ‘The Duchess’ make it a sought-after location to live, work and stay.

With Derby only 93 minutes from London by train, a host of new hotels have changed the landscape of the city. New arrivals include the boutique-style Cathedral Quarter and Hallmark Derby, new developments such as Ramada Encore and Jurys Inn in 2009, and Hampton by Hilton, due to open its doors in

2010. The city is a very exciting and vibrant place to be, with regeneration projects such as the Derby College Roundhouse and the prestigious Westfield shopping development.

More established venues are also being refurbished such as the ever-popular Derby Conference Centre and Pride Park Stadium.

Derbyshire’s towns combine character and convenience, with unique venues such as The Devonshire Dome, The Barceló Buxton Palace and The Old Hall in Buxton, home of the famous mineral water, with its direct rail link into Manchester Piccadilly. Bakewell, home of the famous pudding, is home to The Rutland Arms, while Chesterfield has a brand new fourstar hotel, Casa, opening this year, as well as a brand new stadium, b2net, for Chesterfield Football Club. The jewel in Derbyshire’s crown

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Whittlebury Hall

is undoubtedly the Peak District, home to iconic venues such as Alton Towers Resort and Chatsworth, which has recently broadened its brief to accommodate corporate events.

The area offers many hidden gems ideal for focusing on business amid relaxing surroundings – from the award-winning East Lodge Country House Hotel at Rowsley and spectacular Thornbridge Hall at Ashford in the Water to the oldest Marriott in the world, Breadsall Priory, near Derby, which also boasts two 18-hole golf courses. For people with a sense of adventure, Peak Pursuits has a base at Tittesworth Reservoir, where it specialises in water-based activities, while for those with a head for heights, high ropes courses at Go Ape and at Hargate Hall offer the opportunity to enjoy some high-adrenaline team-building.

CONFERENCE DERBYSHIRE Conference Derbyshire can help you book your conference, meeting or event in our stunning location, right at the heart of the UK, by: • Coordinating an efficient and effective sales enquiry service for anyone looking to stage an event in the area • Offering a responsive, tailor made venue-finding service – saving clients time, hassle and money • Targeting new markets to promote the many advantages of staging an event in one of a wide range of prime locations, right at the heart of the UK • Encouraging local businesses to ‘buy local’ and book meetings using its services • Encouraging buyers and the media to visit the area to discover its potential • Spreading the word further afield to highlight what the city and county has to offer.

Conference Derbyshire shares offices with Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, at Crescent View, Hall Bank, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6EN. For further information, log on to www.conference-derbyshire.co.uk, call 0845 833 0970 extension 4850 or e-mail rachel.guest@visitpeakdistrict.com.

A DESTINATION OF CONTRADICTIONS Breath-taking architecture, contemporary culture, historical houses and boutique style make Leicester and Leicestershire an

inspirational destination for your conference or event. Leicester and Leicestershire is home to some of the most inspirational conferencing and event venues in the country – from stateof-the-art and purpose built conference centres, through to traditional conference venues and stately homes combining yesterday’s architecture with today’s hi-tech facilities.

Leicester offers a mix of world cultures with contemporary city style. The changing face of the conference venues mirrors the transformation of the city centre, from purpose built conference centres to converted art-deco cinemas all located in the heart of the city.

Leicester’s style revolution is apparent when you visit Curve theatre, designed by worldrenowned architect Rafael Vinoly. Not only does the dramatic design offer a perfect venue to experience world-class theatre performances, but will also provide an inspirational backdrop to your conference or event.

As a landmark building situated within the cultural quarter of Leicester city centre, Athena combines original art deco features with state of the art technology, to provide an ideal venue for banquets, conferences, exhibitions and AGMs. Leicester Marriott Hotel forms a stunning gateway to the vibrant region. The hotel offers an outstanding choice of 21 meeting and conference rooms, designed to accommodate every kind of event, from important conferences to private board-level meetings.

How about doing business in space?

The National Space Centre is a top visitor attraction in Leicester but also makes for a unique venue for events and conferences.

This is a flexible venue for conferences and seminars catering for 10-500 guests.

Leicester Conferences is the dedicated conference and accommodation team within the University of Leicester. At the University of Leicester you will have conference facilities for 10-2,000 delegates, with venues set in central locations and within grounds of botanical gardens.

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR Just a few minutes away from the city lies a very different world. Beautiful rolling countryside, winding waterways, ancient woodland, historic market towns and picturesque villages provide the ultimate rural retreat. Leicestershire’s landscape makes for stunning conference

Rushton Hall

venue locations. Take your conference back to nature and bring the event outside. From the National Forest to ancient castles, these all make for ideal settings to hold your conference, event and team building activities.

Belvoir Castle and surrounding parklands are available for a range of events from an intimate dinner in the State Dining Room to a conference or marquee event in the park. In recent times the castle and park have played host to a broad range of diverse events and activities; from product launches and auctions to filming and prom concerts.

For centuries Rockingham Castle has entertained royalty and private guests within its ancient walls. Walker’s House, within the original curtain wall of the castle, has recently been refurbished to provide full conference facilities with meeting and conference rooms and full catering facilities.

Set amidst the 410 acres of Loughborough University grounds, the multi award-winning imago offers an array of facilities for meetings, seminars, conferences, exhibitions and events spread across three state-of-the-art venues.

A picturesque Edwardian country mansion set in the rolling countryside of Leicestershire, Scalford Hall provides an excellent management training centre and its extensive grounds provide a colourful backdrop for events. It was recently awarded The Condé Nast Award for Most Excellent Dedicated Venue 2010 and the event team are gearing up for a busy year.

Hotel manager Mark Watts said: “2009 was a challenging year for most businesses, however, 2010 looks promising and on the top of the agenda, sitting alongside training and development, is re-building teams.

“Scalford Hall Management Training Centre and Hotel has extensive facilities for both indoor and outdoor teambuilding events. Teambuilding does not have to be about expensive events but they are vital in rebuilding trust and removing barriers as well as motivating employees.”

The Centre is recognised for the development of management and leadership skills, alongside a range of external teambuilding equipment, exercises and tasks that provide powerful learning media in support of your training objectives. The activities have all been developed to call upon a participant’s cognitive, creative and organisational skills.

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loads of options Set in 200 acres of parkland, Lincolnshire Events Centre has so many benefits, it’s certain to be the right choice for your next event.

Why not contact our sales team to find out more? Give us a call on 01522 524240, email us at events@lincs-events.co.uk or visit the www.lincs-events.co.uk Lincolnshire Events Centre, Grange-de-Lings, Lincoln, LN2 2NA

the pe r f e ct pl a ce to m e e t Located in the beautiful countryside surrounding Sherwood Forest, The Clumber Park Hotel and Spa is perfectly located on A614, being only two miles from the A1 and a short distance from the M1.

Nottingham, Doncaster and Sheffield are less than 30 minutes drive away.

With 73 bedrooms, the Clumber Park Hotel and Spa is small enough to be cosy and inviting, while at the same time big enough to hold major conferences, meetings and events for up to 250 people.

Introducing special government rates from £95 24 hr and £25 DDR • Centrally located with excellent motorway links (M1, M6 and M40) • 10 flexible meeting event rooms for up to 600 delegates

MeetBarceló promises & guarantees include; 2hr response to your enquiry, professional

• 300 secure free car parking spaces

events team, meals – how, when

• 155 recently refurbished bedrooms

& where you want them and more

•

•

•

•

73 bedrooms including 2 suites, all with Egyptian Cotton Duvets and sumptuous pillows so you can be assured a good night’s sleep.

Conference Suite seating up to 250 delegates or smaller rooms, more suitable for board meetings, one to one interviews and private dining also available.

Variety of dining experiences under one roof from fine dining to Gastro pub style food Relax in our New Leaf Spa with 6 luxury spa treatment rooms, swimming pool, outdoor hot tub, steam room, sauna, full gymnasium, relaxation area and Spa Cafe

Call us today, to discuss how The Clumber Park Hotel and Spa can become your next “Perfect place to meet” on 01623 835333.

Delivering on our promises at your events

Call the MeetBarceló Team on 0800

652 8412

or email meetbarcelo@barcelo-hotels.co.uk

www.meetbarcelo.co.uk

Blyth Road Clumber Park Nottinghamshire S80 3PA t: 01623 835333 f: 01623 835333 e: events@clumberparkhotel.com w: www.clumberparkhotel.com

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CONFERENCES & EVENTS

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Located in the heart of the East Midlands, Leicester and Leicestershire offer a strong transport infrastructure combining excellent road, rail and air links to provide access to the major business centres in the UK and Europe.

• Four national motorways connect with Leicestershire including the M1 • Home to East Midlands Airport, with passenger flights to 16 European capital cities, and with two other international airports within one hour’s drive • The East Midlands Parkway is one of the greenest train stations ever built, and will be served by over 100 East Midlands Trains services per day, with trains to and from London every 15-20 minutes at peak times. The journey time to London will be around 1 hour and 30 minutes. It will serve as a park and ride station for Leicester, Derby and Nottingham, reducing car use into the major cities and taking traffic off the M1 • Leicester to Paris takes under four hours via the Eurostar link.

Conferences@GoLeicestershire offers a free, easy to use, online guide to the venues large and small, conventional and unique within Leicester and Leicestershire. The site includes a ‘virtual’ conference desk where organisers can view conference-specific venue listings categorised by residential, non-residential and corporate hospitality. However, if you want something a little different and need suggestions of quirky venues, itineraries or social activities – tailored to your needs – contact conferences@goleicestershire.com or call Helen on 0116 299 6666.

VENUE LINCOLNSHIRE Whatever your event plans may be – a getaway to inspire the team or a conference to inform your customers – Lincolnshire has a venue to suit every occasion.

Many may not know but Lincoln Castle situated in the heart of Lincoln City’s historic Cathedral quarter can be booked for full or half day conferences. Built in 1068 it offers an inspirational backdrop to meeting and conference exhibitions. Refreshments, buffet lunches are available onsite. In addition guided tours and wall walks can also be booked – adding a little something extra to the usual conference experience.

The most recent edition to the county’s conference centre is one of the greenest buildings in the UK; the Lincolnshire Events Centre on the Lincolnshire Showground, known more widely as the EPIC Centre.

This award winning eco-building offers the opportunity to experience the best in corporate and social functions against a backdrop of total environmental sensitivity. It is the UK’s first purpose build green conference centre and was recently voted the top eco building in the UK. The venue is highly flexible and can accommodate events for 10 to 1,500

Old Market Square, Nottingham

Breath-taking architecture, contemporary culture, historical houses and boutique style make Leicester and Leicestershire an inspirational destination for your conference or event people. It is fully serviced, with catering, décor, audio visual and entertainment solutions in place. Located just 10 minutes out of the city centre, or 40 miles from the M180 it is among the top choice of venues in the county.

If you want to blow away those corporate cobwebs head off to Butlins, Skegness on the Lincolnshire coast. Their conference facilities aren’t what you’d usually expect to see at a seaside holiday resort. From product launches to themes gala dinners, conferences to parties, Butlins offers onsite space, parking, entertainment and accommodation parties of three to 3,000.

If delicious food and drink is towards the top of your wish list for a venue then don’t miss Uncle Henry’s newly renovated barn conversion. Located alongside their popular farm shop in the countryside north of the City, just off the A15, it is the perfect place to hold your event. Their cosy function room offers theatre-style seating for up to 50 people and boardroom-style layout for up to 30.

There is also a lounge for welcoming guests as they arrive and offering breaks during long meetings. What makes this venue stand out from the crowd are the full catering facilities provided by their farm shop kitchen. Don’t miss the chance to refuel on juicy Lincolnshire sausages, plum bread, cakes, scones and refreshments. Uncle Henry’s is the ideal place to hold a meeting in a relaxed rural setting.

If leisure facilities are as important to your party as conference facilities, Forrest Pines

in northern Lincolnshire is the place for you.

The 4-star hotel is five minutes off the M180 and nestled in 190 acres of countryside. The nationally recognised 18-hole golf course offers an ideal opportunity for delegates to relax before and after corporate events. Inside, the nine conferencing suites are ideal for board meetings, video conference and training days with maximum capacity reaching 370 delegates.

Remaining in the south of the county off the A1 is The George Hotels Business Centre. Set in the Georgian stone built town of Stamford offering a glimpse into a bygone age. Cherry picked by film directors the stunning town inspires all who visit. The George Hotel, one of the oldest coaching inns in the UK is superbly equipped and provides an ideal environment in which to conduct all types of meetings and conferences within the elegant surroundings.

For more information please see www. lincolnshiretourism.com/venue-lincolnshire.

DIVERSITY IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Whatever type of event you are organising you can experience the diversity only Northamptonshire can offer. Home to three of the country’s most famous racing circuits, the home of British Motorsport can help you deliver an exciting high-octane event or why not allow your delegates to experience our fascinating history, heritage and exceptional beauty of our countryside in one of our many historic country house – including a castle built on the instruction of William the Conqueror.

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130192 - CP Notts business advert:Layout 4

16/2/10

Meet, Think, Create, Relax at Crowne Plaza Nottingham

The AA four star Crowne Plaza Nottingham situated in the heart of the City is one of the most stylish hotels in the Midlands. With a range of purpose built meeting and conference rooms, there is everything you might need all under one roof.

• 210 stylish bedrooms with air-conditioning • Lace Maker Restaurant offering a superb choice of food everyday • Swatch bar and lounge offering an informal area to enjoy a drink and a snack • 17 air-conditioned conference, meeting and event rooms with a maximum capacity of 400 delegates including a state-of-theart Executive Boardroom • Wireless internet access throughout the hotel • Car parking for 600 cars on-site • Leisure facilities including an indoor heated swimming pool, spa, sauna, solarium and fully equipped gym We have exclusive rates available on all government bookings just quote ‘Gov 2010’ on booking.

Crowne Plaza Nottingham Wollaton Street, Nottingham NG1 5RH Tel: 0871 942 9161 Fax: 0115 947 5667 Email: cpnottingham@qmh-hotels.com www.crowneplaza.com/cpnottingham Calls to 0871 numbers are charged at £0.10 per minute when dialled from a BT landline, calls from other networks and mobiles may cost more.

Difference! a h it w e u n Ve A Meeting With two air-conditioned rooms, a catering service, plus complimentary museum entry, Snibston has a great venue for a meeting, networking event or team building day.

WHY USE THE PADDOCKS CONFERENCE CENTRE AT NOTTINGHAM RACECOURSE?

H Flexible facilities that can be tailored to your event H Wi-Fi access across the site H Unique and picturesque setting H Superb catering, with the flexibility to meet your individual requests H A range of audio and visual equipment is available to hire H Ample free parking For further information please call 0870 850 7634 or visit www.thepaddocksnottingham.co.uk

Call 0116 305 55 99 for prices and availability Snibston, Ashby Road, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3LN

www.snibston.com

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CONFERENCES & EVENTS

What better combination could you find than the thrill of a world class racing circuit and a fabulous 4-star conference hotel with leisure facilities? Silverstone Racing Circuit, with its action packed race calendar and, of course, the British Formula One Grand Prix, sits right next door to Whittlebury Hall, which offers a purpose-built, professional learning environment, a personalised and flexible service and the widest range of business and leisure facilities – all centrally located in the heart of the country within minutes of the M1 and M40.

The training and meeting facilities at Whittlebury Hall consist of 14 principal management training suites, 32 fully serviced syndicate rooms, six meeting rooms and an executive boardroom. There are two large conference suites, Grand Prix and Brooklands, hosting up to 500 delegates.

“2010 is an important year to focus on our core market – training, management development and leadership,” said Michael Stott, director of sales and marketing.

“There has never been a better or more cost-effective time to use professional facilities to add value through improved skills and enhanced business techniques.”

Wittlebury Hall also offers award-winning leisure facilities to provide a welcome contrast to your day. Even before you get down to business, the Ice Breaker sessions feature a therapist joining you for a 15-minute session of massage and meditation – this will allow delegates to benefit from a deeper understanding of basic stress and tension-relieving techniques. Furthermore, the Day Spa delivers a range of stimulating experiences for body and soul, including the Heat and Ice Experience, Turkish bath, and invigorating treatments. The leisure club features a fully equipped gym, 19-metre pool plus whirpool spa, sauna and steam room.

The experienced event management team at Whittlebury Hall will work with you to ensure the services you receive match your

requirements in every way. To discuss their unique, passionate and innovative approach to meetings and events, call 0845 400 0003.

If you are looking for a corporate day that will keep your employees and customers talking, Rockingham Circuit is the perfect choice. Try one of their superb driving day packages, or combine some serious driving fun with a conference or seminar, helping to break down barriers between staff members whilst enhancing those all important business relationships. Alternatively, a bespoke conference can be booked in conjunction with tailor-made corporate driving activities especially to suit individual specifications.

If you want to slow the pace, delight your delegates with the elegance and tranquility of one of Northamptonshire’s country house venues such as Highgate House, a striking country mansion in the picturesque village of Creaton, near Northampton. It has evolved over the years into a superb venue for all kinds of events. A multiple awardwinning conference centre, it is one of the finest meeting venues in the Midlands.

Or try the historic Holdenby House. Set in beautiful rolling countryside just a few miles from Northampton, Holdenby House was the prison of Charles I and is the surviving wing of what was once the largest private house in England. So many venues seem cast from the same mould, but Holdenby – with its unique history and atmosphere – offers a refreshingly different experience.

Make it a truly historic event in the magnificent setting of Rushton Hall, a Grade I listed Elizabethan country house hotel and restaurant surrounded by some of the most beautiful, tranquil countryside, with a wide range of activities, attractions and country pursuits on the doorstep.

Last but not least, set in 12 acres of forest and formal gardens, on a hill overlooking five counties, sits Rockingham Castle. Built on the order of William the Conqueror, this was a

royal residence for 450 years. For centuries Rockingham Castle has entertained royalty and private guests within its ancient walls and the history and tradition still continue. This is a truly magnificent setting for an unforgettable event.

Explore Northamptonshire is the destination management agency formed in 2004 to promote Northamptonshire as a first choice destination for visitors. Its main objective is to coordinate and deliver the marketing activity of the county, promoting Northamptonshire to UK and overseas leisure and business tourism markets. For more information on how they can help arrange your event visit the website at www.explorenorthamptonshire.co.uk.

POPULAR NOTTINGHAM Fast becoming one of the UK’s premier destinations for conferences, meetings and events, Nottingham is now one of the top six UK cities for conferences. The city has become a popular choice for thousands of domestic visitors, trade associations, professional bodies, societies and organisations from across the UK, helping to generate an economic benefit of £1.86 million. The Nottinghamshire Convention Bureau, Experience Nottinghamshire’s business tourism arm, is confident that the city can become even more popular in coming months as its reputation for rich heritage, cosmopolitan shopping, nightlife and thriving centres of business continue to grow.

With an extensive range of venues, from a 10,000-seat arena to unique heritage sites, Nottingham is well positioned as an ideal host for everything from small business meetings to full scale AGMs. The past few years have seen Nottingham host a number of high profile events, including party political forums and a visit from the Dalai Lama.

Nottingham is home to a number of purpose-built conferencing venues, including The East Midlands Conference Centre. Situated on The University of Nottingham’s University Park Campus,

Stapleford Park – where business meets luxury TAPLEFORD PARK IS a place like no other. A relaxed country estate where the traditional and contemporary co-exist in perfect harmony.

The magnificent 17th century house offers 55 individually designed bedrooms and 11 elegant function rooms that vary in size and all have natural daylight with views over the parkland, making Stapleford the perfect location for away days from the office.

The unique atmosphere allows you to comfortably mix business with pleasure.

Whether your function is a high-powered business meeting, motivational conference or simply a private dining celebration

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Add the benefits of our luxury accommodation, beautiful surrounding and unique facilities such as on-site falconry together with the more traditional pursuits of golf and the leisure club, including Technogym, swimming pool and spa and your event at Stapleford Park is assured to be a great success.

24 hour delegate rates from £200 + VAT, day delegate rates from £65 + VAT.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

our friendly and attentive staff will ensure everything runs smoothly.

Tel: 01572 787000 Fax: 01572 787332 E-mail: sales@stapleford.co.uk Web: www.staplefordpark.com

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CONFERENCES & EVENTS

it is considered to be one of the region’s most popular venues, catering for anything between 20 to 588 delegates.

In the heart of the city, the Nottingham Arena is the city’s largest venue, with a capacity of 10,000. The Arena can cater for a variety of events, offering flexible conferencing space with a wide choice of conferencing rooms.

For events with a difference, Nottingham Castle allows event organisers to entertain their delegates in the Victorian gallery lined with artwork from the museum collection. Alternatively, the spacious Long Gallery is a popular room for formal receptions and dinners and will provide a memorable experience.

ACCESS ALL AREAS Nottinghamshire is easily accessible from all areas of the country.

The M1 runs directly alongside the county and sits just six miles from the city centre, whilst excellent rail links are available from most major cities, including a direct service to the new Eurostar terminal at London St Pancras. For visitors travelling by air, East Midlands Airport and Robin Hood Airport are just a short drive away.

For more information about bringing an event to Nottinghamshire, visit www.venuenottinghamshire.com. Alternatively, contact the Nottinghamshire Convention Bureau directly by calling 0115 962 8313 or e-mailing conferences@experiencenottinghamshire.com.

SERIOUS & FUN The Alton Towers Resort provides a unique location for any event.

It caters for all occasions from hosting large residential conferences, awards dinners, team building activities, dinner dances and fantastical corporate family fun days to smaller meetings and departmental away days. The Resort boasts a fully equipped Conference Centre within metres of the two themed hotels, able to meet the accommodation requirements of the largest of conferences.

Packages for conferences and meetings are available at the awardwinning Alton Towers Conference Centre, which has a daily and overnight option tailored to your requirements. With a fantastic range of additional activities available upon the Resort, why not extend your meeting and enjoy an overnight stay at either the Alton Towers or Splash Landings Hotel with 390 bedrooms and 12 fantastically themed rooms. The purpose built conference centre can host events of up to 500 delegates theatre style. Plus, private dining is available from 10 to 400 including the unique option of exclusively hiring Sharkbait Reef by SEA LIFE for pre-dinner drinks or dinner.

AMAZING ADD-ONS A whole host of added extras are available allowing you to shape and enhance your next event. From exclusive ride hire – enjoy an hour of your favourite ride once the park has closed to the public – to beating the queues with Fastrack, where you can treat your delegates to one of our shortcut tickets to maximise their time at the Theme Park. The Resort boasts one of Europe’s largest waterparks, a luxurious spa, two nine-hole adventure golf courses and the UK’s favourite Theme Park.

The Alton Towers Resort is an extraordinary location to host corporate away days offering a combination of high quality corporate venue facilities together with thrilling rides, sure to blow away the corporate cobwebs.

Why not upgrade your event in the perfect team building experience – the Alton Towers Challenge where delegates take part in fun filled activities throughout the Theme Park. The away day package gives you, the organiser, the flexibility to tailor the event exactly how you wish.

Alton Towers Resort offers businesses conferences and events with a twist with fantastic rates and offers on conference facilities. Special offers are available throughout the year and include free tickets to the UK’s favourite Theme Park, free access to the tropical Waterpark on selected packages. Plus, the Resort offers a fantastic range of 24-hour and 48-hour deals that can be tailored to your requirements.

For further information or to enquire about any of the above, please contact 0870 7027048 or visit www.alton-towers.com/corporate.

Alton Towers Resort – a unique location for your event HE ALTON TOWERS Resort provides an amazing and unique location for any event. It caters for all occasions from hosting large residential conferences, awards dinners, team building activities, dinner dances and fantastical corporate family fun days to smaller meetings and departmental away days. The Resort boasts a fully equipped Conference Centre within metres of the two themed Hotels, where we can meet the accommodation requirements of the largest of conferences!

Tremendous packages for conferences and meetings are available at the award-winning Alton Towers Conference Centre which have a daily and overnight option tailored to your requirements.

A whole host of added extras are available allowing you to shape and enhance your next event. The Resort boasts one of Europe’s largest waterpark’s,

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a luxurious spa, two 9-hole adventure golf courses and the UK’s favourite Theme Park.

The Resort is an extraordinary location to host corporate away days offering a combination of high quality corporate venue facilities together with thrilling rides, sure to blow away the corporate cobwebs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For further information on our exclusive Government Rates for 2010 please call the Events Team on 0871 222 9934 or visit www.altontowers.com/events

Quirky hotel, great location, great prices HE CHARACTERFUL La Gondola hotel in Derby is reopening in May as a conference and events venue, bringing something different to the region’s premier conference destination.

With a striking interior it has two large conference rooms, one of which can seat up to a 440, but is also divisible for smaller conference groups and meetings.

The venue offers both hot buffets and quality dining, and two bar/lounges exclusively for delegates’ use. Delegates can stay overnight in the 22 bedroom hotel, with sole occupancy if desired, and can also enjoy evening entertainment, making if perfect for residential conferences and awards dinners. One executive apartment on-site is also available.

La Gondola is in a highly convenient location next to the

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city centre, only 10 miles from junction 24 off the M1, with free on-site parking for 60 cars. It is five minutes from the train station; trains from London St Pancras to Derby take only 90 minutes.

La Gondola aims to be highly competitive and prices are negotiable.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01332 332 895 Fax: 01332 384 512 E-mail: natashajanejones@ googlemail.com

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HUMAN RESOURCES

THE BIG ISSUES Improve learning, development and organisational performance at HRD 2010, Olympia London, 21-22 April LEARNING AND ORGANISATIONAL development professionals will be heading to London next month to take part in HRD 2010, the annual highlight in the learning calendar. Organised by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the two-day conference and exhibition will be held at Olympia.

Jackie Orme, CIPD chief executive says: “As the global economy shows tentative signs of recovery, the contribution of learning and organisation development to the building of truly agile, change-ready organisations is more important than ever.

“Irrespective of market conditions, having a strong learning and development agenda is the cornerstone of a great organisation.”

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME The conference programme is designed to help practitioners meet current challenges, as well as enabling them to help build organisations fit for the future. The flexibility of the conference programme will help participants home in on specific areas of interest, with sessions grouped within five key themes: learning and talent development; organisational development, learning and managing the L&D function; leadership development; and coaching. Conference delegates can attend for a morning or the full two days.

There is also a mixture of different session formats to suit people’s learning needs and preferences. Senior leaders, academics and strategic experts will feature in a series of masterclasses; case-study based sessions will provide learning and development insights from organisations in the public and private sector; and interactive workshops and ‘practical tools’ sessions provide advice and new ideas. Those interested in delving deeper into the organisation development discipline also have the option of attending an allday OD workshop on the second day of the conference. Using a hands-on approach, it will provide participants with an opportunity to explore a range of OD elements and receive expert advice and guidance on how to implement them in their own organisations.

Leading speakers at this year’s event include influential HR thinker L. Mee-Yan Cheung-Judge, founder, Quality and Equality, who explores the role of an OD strategy in sustainable organisational improvement.

Contributors to case-study based sessions at the conference include Superintendent Andy Fisher, head of citizen focus at Merseyside Police, and Richard Atienza-Hawkes, head of organisational development at Stokeon-Trent City Council, who share their

As the global economy shows tentative signs of recovery, the contribution of learning and organisation development to the building of truly agile, change-ready organisations is more important than ever. Irrespective of market conditions, having a strong learning and development agenda is the cornerstone of a great organisation – Jackie Orme, CIPD chief executive THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

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Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

4imprint – promotional products work Meet us at stand no. 552

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IMPRINT SPECIALISES in providing printed promotional products to public sector organisations across the UK. We have hundreds of satisfied customers in schools, councils, libraries, prisons, the NHS, PCT hospitals as well as the police, fire and ambulance services.

We can provide merchandise to support campaigns such as Love Food Hate Waste, Change4life, Sure Start as well as any Waste or Recycling programmes.

Our product range is extensive.

We offer pens, pencils, highlighters, mugs, bags, clothing, mousemats, flashdrives, magnets, sweets, keyrings, umbrellas, post-it notes and pads, rulers, stationery, stickers, badges, message bugs, balloons, teddy bears, calendars and diaries and so much more!

Most of our items are available in a ‘green’ eco-friendly’ version too – call for details or visit www.4imprint.co.uk/green to see

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a range of eco-friendly cotton shopping bags, paper products, mugs, stationery, pencils and pens.

Trust 4imprint to deliver your logo’d promotional items – our service is exceptional and this is backed up with our guarantees.

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

Government Business | Volume 17.3

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HUMAN RESOURCES

experiences of developing new employee behaviours to improve performance.

Other speakers include Mike Falvey, incoming chief people officer with HM Revenue and Customs, who will be discussing how to support change through people development, and Keith Harcus, assistant chief executive at South Tyneside Council, who will talking about the leadership programme run within his organisation in a session on ‘developing authentic leaders’.

The results of the CIPD’s annual learning and talent development survey will be launched at the conference, providing an up-to-date picture of current trends and insights into likely future developments. The findings will be discussed in a conference session which also includes presentations from two organisations, the Big Lottery Fund and the BT Group, who are redefining their L&D function to create knowledge sharing environments and pushing the boundaries of learning and development.

This year the CIPD is also hosting the IFTDO World Conference (International Federation of Training and Development Organisations) alongside HRD, providing an opportunity for global practitioners to come together to network and share learning. On 20 April, participants will take part in a day of thoughtprovoking presentations from speakers including Satish Pradhan, executive vice-president – group HR, Tata Sons and best-selling business author Fons Trompenaars. Lee Sears, strategic adviser,

CIPD and Gareth Jones, visiting professor, IE Business School, will also be discussing the CIPD’s major research programme, Next Generation HR, which explores evolving and progressive HR leadership and what this means for practitioners and organisations.

EXHIBITION Leading suppliers across the whole spectrum of learning and organisation development will be demonstrating their latest innovations in the two-day exhibition, running alongside the conference. Designed as a highly practical event, the show gives visitors the opportunity to assess hundreds of different tools and techniques at first hand and explore different solutions to meet their particular needs.

As well as a wide variety of on-stand activities, product launches and expert advice, the exhibition features a free showcase programme, with half-hour Topic Taster sessions and an interactive Learning Arena. Topic Tasters will include contributions from the CIPD on social networking and HR, and exhibitor presentations on the role and changing face of organisation development and technological innovations within learning. Drama-based role play and other forms of experiential learning will be in the spotlight in the Learning Arena.

A new development for 2010 is the Professional Development Zone, where visitors can update their knowledge and skills. ‘Maximising your own learning’ and ‘Feedback skills’ are among the

EXHIBITION OPENING TIMES Wednesday 21 April 09.30-18.00 Thursday 22 April 09.30-17.00 practical presentations being held in the zone.

There will also be plenty of networking opportunities at the show including a series of activities in the MyEvent arena on the exhibition floor. This will feature a variety of interactive sessions including roundtable discussions, speed networking, career coaching and the opportunity to meet conference speakers.

This year’s event is packed into two days. With the first day of the show open until 6pm, visitors who can’t set aside a full day to explore should still have an opportunity to dip into the show.

The Chartered Institute of People and Development (CIPD) is Europe’s largest HR and development professional body with over 135,000 members, supporting and developing those responsible for the management and development of people within organisations.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information on the event, including the full conference programme, exhibitor news and details and preregistration, visit www.cipd.co.uk/hrd or call 020 8612 6248.

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Dramatic communication Learning and skills training from RADA development services for the public sector R ADA ENTERPRISES provides training courses which focus on improving communication skills and personal impact using the skills and techniques used by actors.

The emphasis of our training is on the breath, the voice and the body – three elements that are the basic tools of good communication.

Our expert tutors build on these tools to develop confident and authoritative speakers. Delegates experience dramatic changes in the way they communicate which ultimately improves their effectiveness and productivity.

Our clients come from the public, private and the third sectors. Training can be taken via our public courses, in-house courses or one-to-one coaching and range from introductory halfday workshops to 3-4 day senior management programmes.

We also offer team building workshops (drama, singing, period dance and stage combat), venue hire of the RADA premises, corporate entertainment and consultancy services.

RADA Enterprises Ltd was created in 2001 and is part of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Our mission is to raise funds for the Academy through commercial activities using the expertise, skills and resources of the Academy. All our profits contribute to supporting the students and providing them with the finest training in acting and technical studies possible.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: +44 (0)20 7908 4810 Fax: +44 (0)20 7908 4811 E-mail: info@radaenterprises.org Web: www.radaenterprises.org

UR CHALLENGE IS TO raise the bar for better value public services. We help transform performance – for individuals, teams and organisations – through high quality learning.

As a government department ourselves, we have an ‘insider status’ and work across government and the wider public sector – from ministers and top civil servants, to those developing policy and those delivering it on the front-line. Such a range of clients keeps us alive to the challenge and change that public servants face every day.

As well as our open learning courses we provide a range of services including tailored programmes, consultancy, coaching, e-learning, and event management.

Whether you want to develop

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leaders, stimulate innovation, promote diversity, improve skills in policy or the key professions, gain a recognised qualification or address specific challenges arising from government priorities, we can help you. We have locations in Sunningdale and central London and can also deliver on your premises. Or visit our Virtual School and learn online.

Last year over 25,000 public servants attended our programmes and events – and our e-learning reached over a quarter of a million people.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information visit nationalschool.gov.uk

The simple solution for all your events Making connections has never been so important EMOVING LANGUAGE barriers is key to effective communication in our increasingly globalised world.

Government personnel who work across borders, cultures and languages need to be comfortable communicating with multilingual colleagues. suppliers and publics. Rosetta Stone® provides the tools you’ll need to achieve greater proficiency in another language, and open the door to closer cooperation.

Rosetta Stone (UK) Ltd produces the world’s leading language-learning software.

Rosetta Stone Enterprise Version 3 offers advanced speech recognition technology that gets learners speaking, and thinking, in a new language from the start – with interactive and engaging activities that connect words and their meaning.

A comprehensive solution, Rosetta Stone Enterprise Version 3, combines powerful language learning software

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with built-in management tools to measure learner progress, providing quantifiable measurements of success.

Rosetta Stone offers access to over 30 languages, spoken by more than 90 per cent of the world’s population, including English as a Second Language.

Thousands of organisations, including FTSE 100 companies, UK Government Agencies, the U.S. Military and non profit organisations rely on Rosetta Stone every day for their language training needs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 020 7819 1296 E-mail: learn@rosettastone.com Web: www.rosettastone.co.uk

ENUE-SELECT® provides a free, independent venue finding service in the U.K and overseas. Taking time to listen to clients’ needs and by understanding the objectives and aspirations of your event, we provide the most appropriate solution. Whether you need to deliver an important message, motivate your staff or run specialist training courses, we can save you hours of research, providing venue choices that closely match your criteria.

More than just a venue finder – Venue-Select® offers creatively tailored solutions for your event, from conception and budget planning, through total event management to de-brief. Our experience shows that it is attention to detail and professionalism that turns an event into an exceptional experience. We can offer you a

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full range of support, including event marketing communication, logistics, production, entertainment and themeing. Our online event and delegate registration provides a streamlined, environmentally friendly solution to managing events and accommodation management.

For team build solutions our dedicated TeamSelect facilitators offer a range of ideas that help your business meet their CSR objectives, benefit the local community as well as providing challenging team activities.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit us at HRD Stand 340 and ask us about our newly launched Training Admin Support packages.

Tel: +44 (0)1295 678729 Fax: +44 (0)1295 678167 E-mail: karen@venue-select.co.uk Web: www.venue-select.co.uk

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Go back to school – become a governor

A leading provider of health cash plans

CHOOL GOVERNORS are the largest group of volunteers in the country but there can still be as many as 40,000 vacancies across England at any one time. Governors act as the non-executive directors of the school – setting the strategic direction, determining key policies, allocating budgets and appointing and evaluating the head teacher.

By volunteering as a school governor today you can put your professional skills and experiences at the service of a local school.

Volunteering as a school governor offers a chance to give something back to your community at the same time as developing skills in a range of disciplines.

Despite what many people think governors do not have to be parents or have a special knowledge of the education system. The most important qualities are between six and eight hours a month to spare (mostly in the evenings and during term time) and a desire to help give children

EALTH SHIELD IS A non-profit making friendly society with over 130 years’ experience of healthcare provision.

It’s one of the UK’s leading providers of health cash plans, providing services to hundreds of businesses both large and small.

The organisation offers a wide range of health cash plans to suit all business needs, including standard or tailored schemes on a voluntary, company-sponsored or flexible benefits basis.

Each Health Shield health cash plan offers an array of benefits. These include: dental, dental accident, optical, hospital benefits, parental hospital stay, maternity – antenatal appointment – physiotherapy and specialist consultation. Other benefits cover chiropody, health screening, personal accident protection, prescriptions benefit and a health & wellbeing benefit – this includes a vast range of complementary therapies, such as acupressure, reflexology, shiatsu,

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the best possible education.

The School Governors’ One-Stop Shop (SGOSS) is an independent charity dedicated to recruiting governor volunteers for the schools that need them most.

SGOSS offers a completely free service for employers, schools, volunteers and local authorities and can help match available volunteers with vacant positions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 020 7354 9805 Fax: 020 7288 9549 E-mail: info@sgoss.org.uk Web: www.sgoss.org.uk

reiki, Indian head massage and aromatherapy. Health Shield also provides a 24-hour free phone helpline for counselling and lifestyle, health and medical, as well as legal advice.

The society’s health cash plans are easy to implement. The tailored scheme is an extremely flexible product that can be adapted to create a bespoke, high quality healthcare cash plan across a company’s workforce.

Essentials, which is ideal for companies wishing to implement a scheme quickly that offers great value, starts from just 75 pence per week. Essentials Plus, which also includes an Employee Assistance Programme, starts from just one pound per week.

Members can claim 100 per cent of their chosen maximum on a wide selection of health care costs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Call us free on 0800 378051 Web: www.healthshield.co.uk

Training is an art – work with the masters ENTS HILL PARK IS a dedicated training and conference centre set in a peaceful location on the outskirts of Milton Keynes, yet within easy access to key road, rail and airport networks.

Ideally suited to training courses and conferencing, our quiet, suburban location provides delegates with an environment conducive to learning.

With over 70 meeting rooms and 300 bedrooms, Kents Hill Park offers a flexible and adaptable approach to your business needs and can accommodate up to 300 delegates. Our onsite AV Production Team will assist you during your event and can work with you on your production pre event right through to delivery.

Kents Hill Park is located in

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Milton Keynes with easy access to London Heathrow, Luton and Birmingham Airports, close to the M1 (J13/J14) Motorway with a regular High Speed train service into London Euston Station.

With a flexible approach, combined with being one of the largest dedicated training and conference centres in the UK, it is not surprising that Kents Hill Park is recognised as a leading venue to host training and conferencing events in the home counties.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0845 608 1221 Fax: 01908 358 092 E-mail: kentshillpark. hrservices@accenture.com Web: www.kentshillpark.com

Transform your training with Metalog N THE WORLD of experiential learning, images and actions are worth a thousand words. Metalog training tools help you, the trainer, make a sustainable difference in real life situations. Metalog is one of Europe’s leading experiential training tool providers.

We offer a wide range of flexible, multi-purpose tools that will enhance your team development, project management, communication, leadership and change management training projects. Although new to the UK, Metalog is firmly established as one of Germany’s leading experiential learning tool providers, tools adopted and used by international companies, public sector bodies, schools and universities.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION To hear, see and touch Metalog training tools, visit stand 552 at the CIPD conference. For more information, please contact one of our training consultants. Alternatively e-mail trainingtools@ metalogtools.co.uk or visit www.metalogtools.co.uk

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TRANSPORT

FINDING FLEET SOLUTIONS Running a vehicle fleet is a far more complex business than simply sourcing and purchasing vehicles. In recognition of this, the Commercial Vehicle Operator Show will showcase a wide range of solutions to optimise fleet efficiency ORGANISERS OF THE COMMERCIAL Vehicle Operator Show say that more than 200 exhibitors have already signed up for this year’s event, many of these are regular exhibitors at previous CV Shows.

With the transport industry firmly in the grip of recession in early 2009, the CV Show Partnership reluctantly took the decision to cancel the 2009 CV Show. So the new CV Operator Show, from 13 to 15 April at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, is the first major road transport and automotive service industry meeting place since 2008. It is aimed at fleet truck and van operators, as well as owner drivers.

Commercial Motor, its sister title Motor Transport and website RoadTransport. com are official media partners for the Commercial Vehicle Operator Show.

“We’re delighted to be working with the show as its media partner,” Reed Transport Group publisher Andy Salter explained.

“We have a lot of exciting and innovative ideas to help the show and exhibitors promote themselves to the market.”

ADVANCE REGISTRATION “If you register online for free tickets to the CV Operator Show, Reed Transport Group will e-mail you a direct link to the digital, online copy of the CV Operator Show Guide well before the event in April,” said Bob Sockl, organiser of the CV Operator Show. “Listing exhibitors as well as their stand numbers, details of exhibits and plans for the entire show, the guide will help you plan your visit to the Show.

Advance registration also means you can pick up your pre-printed free entry ticket on the door when you arrive, and beat the queues.”

There will also be hard copies of the show guide in both Motor Transport and Commercial Motor a few days before the Show. Preregistration means you’ll also beat the queues at the exhibition entrances, making the most of your time there. And as a bonus, for registering on-line you’ll get £2.00 off the price of the event’s Early Bird Breakfast. So the message is, get registered as soon as possible.

By mid-January, potential Show visitors were registering on the Show website – www.cvoperatorshow.com – at a rate more than 50 per cent up on the weekly registration rate for previous CV Shows.

This is another good omen for success.

The organisers expect the event will deliver millions of pounds worth of business to an already wide and growing range of firms. The Show covers a broad spectrum

Networking opportunities offered by the Show should not be under-estimated, and the Show gives visitors and exhibitors alike the chance to update themselves on both product and industry news of products and services to support your business and is expected to attract visitors from all areas of the road transport industry.

For three days the CV Operator Show will be the hub of the industry, with firms using it as the main platform to launch new products and services.

Major tyre manufacturers and tyre service firms will be at the Show, with ATS Euromaster, Goodyear Dunlop and Michelin featuring a wide range of their tyres for fork lift trucks through to road-going tyres for the biggest of the heavy mob. Each supplier will be taking orders at the show, offering special ‘show only’ prices and deals.

RIGHT VAN MAN According to the Commission for Integrated Transport (CfIT), the last 10 years has seen a

40 per cent increase in van use. This will not come as a surprise to LCV operators, whose vehicles are employed across an ever-widening range of purposes. Evidence of the trend has been seen at recent CV Shows, with the increasing number of options available to visitors adding value to a van or light truck.

2010 will be no different, with leading converters showcasing a variety of ways to get best use of a van or light truck.

Variety is the spice of life for the likes of Chambers, Eberspacher, Tevo and Sortimo, as their solutions are presented for just about every operator need.

Several new van launches are also expected around the time of the CV Operator Show, with Fiat, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault and Vauxhall taking advantage of the focused attention of media and commercial vehicle

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operators to promote their products.

As new vehicle purchases were put on hold by operators last year, the focus of this year’s CV Operator Show fits well with the delayed replacement cycle. It is important that operators know how to keep existing fleets running longer and more efficiently, so the show will have a firm engineering focus.

Since 2004, when light vehicle manufacturers first appeared at the CV Show, the number of visitors operating LCVs has grown from less than 30 per cent to 52 per cent, representing almost 15,000 buyers last year.

The trend to increased use suggests even more interest next April, so make sure you put the CV Operator Show in your diary.

REVVING UP FOR THE WORKSHOP The show also covers the complementary and vital maintenance workshop and service garage sector – including franchised or independent garages, bodyshops, motor factors, fast fit and parts and accessory retailers.

“In simple terms, the people that keep the UK’s vehicle fleet running will find the CV Operator Show, together with Workshop 2010, a must-see event. Its unique nature will give visitors the opportunity to see a huge range of those vital support services under one roof,” said Sockl. “We expect most of the visitors will be looking for service and repair solutions.”

New exhibitors are signing up for the Show’s Workshop area, the most important automotive trade and garage equipment shop window this year. This, too, is on course for success.

Each aspect of the vehicle maintenance business will be covered in a dedicated location, giving visitors a one-stop shop to update their knowledge of the latest and upcoming technology.

Big, well known firms like Somers Totalkare

and Stertil will showcase their latest kit alongside a host of other equipment suppliers.

Diagnostics takes the lead for many exhibitors, with increasingly clever technology to help cut workshop costs by fast fault-finding on every make and model of car, van and truck.

Autodiagnos and Omitec will be there too, while Texa plans to build on its success at the last CV Show. V-Tech and Launch X431 have both booked big stands, with special show offers and will provide valuable technical advice to visitors.

Garage equipment firms are also booking space – Bradbury, Gemco, Maha and Tecalemit are amongst the ‘blue-chip’ companies exhibiting in 2010, attracted by past successes at the CV Show.

ALL-IMPORTANT TRAINING Tachodisc will use its stand at the CV Operator Show to help promote its wide range of transport training. The firm offers training at operators’ sites its premises, including Operator and Driver Certificates of Professional Competence and courses on drivers’ hours, digital tachographs, working time, defect reporting, safe and economical driving, customer care and more.

Many exhibitors will use their stands as an interactive showcase for visitors, providing technical updates, advice and guidance on the latest technologies. This offers an excellent opportunity for visitors to contribute to their individual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes.

Every operator of vehicles is under tremendous pressure to operate their fleets as efficiently as possible. However, they must also comply with an enormous amount of legislation that is imposed on them. At the Show, visitors will be able to

find out from VOSA about its approach to enforcement and compliance, and talk to other exhibitors to find out how to improve the environmental performance of their vehicles. The UK road transport industry is already considered one of the safest and most efficient in the world, and the CV Operator Show offers more opportunities to improve.

The latest technology will be on offer from companies like Cybit, TomTom WORK and Roadtech, already major players in UK and European markets.

The vital science of logistics means that however well maintained a vehicle fleet may be, to take the long route anywhere means that your fuel bill and operating costs are increased. Use of good fleet management and route planning systems helps cut mileage and fuel. Less fuel used also means lower emissions, so everyone is happy!

Networking opportunities offered by the Show should not be under-estimated, and the Show gives visitors and exhibitors alike the chance to update themselves on both product and industry news.

The Commercial Vehicle Operator Show at the National Exhibition Centre will be open from 08:30 to 17:30 on Tuesday 13 to Thursday 15 April.

The event is owned by the CV Show LLP, comprising the Road Haulage Association, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and IRTE Services Ltd, the trading company of the Society of Operations Engineers. Crystal Communications manages the organisation, stand sales and marketing on behalf of the Partnership.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.cvoperatorshow.com

A leading supplier of chevron kits for highway users OVERNMENT AGENCY fleets and utility vehicles have a special responsibility to be visible to other road-users when they are working on or near Britain’s busy highways.

Bluelite Graphics – the leading provider of high conspicuity livery to the emergency services – has created an online environment, www.chevronshop.com, to help fleet managers select and correctly apply industry-recommended markings for the front, sides and rears of vehicles.

“Essential services operators owe a duty of care to the public. Properly designed and applied high-conspicuity livery helps to reduce risk but it also enhances reputation for

approved designs and materials. For example, the company’s approved reflective rear chevron markings are supplied using a single piece of Saturn yellow, over which red reflective material is loosely applied – making application as easy as possible. Rolls of materials, corporate logos and bespoke designs can also be supplied.

Chevronshop holds hundreds of commercial vehicle templates online, which makes selecting and ordering markings straightforward.

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professional operators, whereas poor on-vehicle markings have just the opposite effect,” says Bluelite contracts manager Steve Avery.

Many years’ experience means that the Bluelite is ideally placed to design, cut and supply fully

FOR MORE INFORMATION For a test drive of the service, go to www.chevronshop.com or call the Helpline – 0870 2208341 – for further information.

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THE ROUTE TO INCREASED EFFICIENCY The recession hit the UK van, truck and trailer market hard.

We look at what’s in store for 2010 and beyond IN THE FEW YEARS BEFORE THE recession bit, van sales in the UK grew almost explosively – sales rose from around 170,000 a year to 330,000 a year in the last 15 years. And they have been over 230,000 a year since 2001. That growth was driven by a range of factors with internet shopping and home deliveries playing a big part. Also, businesses increasingly used vans to deliver services, from double-glazing to landscape gardening, across ever greater distances. Now, roughly half the nation’s vans carry freight and half are more or less mobile workshops, typically helping tradesmen do their jobs.

CHANGING ATTITUDES As van sales started to reach those record numbers, bureaucrats started to reach for the rulebooks. The van fleet had poked a collective head above the parapet and people noticed. Mostly they seemed to notice vans at 90mph in the outside lane on motorways!

Then the recession bit and everything

changed. And importantly, it isn’t only the numbers that are different. We started to hear people worry about vans, their emissions, safety, driver training and similar. Already we’ve seen draft CO2 limits for vans and can expect more “legislative intrusion” as one pundit put it. That may mean active and passive safety systems, including speed limiters and perhaps axle weight indicators and even tachographs to record van driving hours. New laws will drive some of these changes, but lawyers and insurance firms and their fear of exposure to public and employee liability claims will drive others.

From that peak rate of over 330,000 a year in the spring of 2008, van sales dropped 35 per cent to 186,000 by the end of 2009.

The scrappage scheme that did so much for car sales did little for vans and, as it wasn’t best suited for fleet, leasing and SME firms, it did nothing for trucks and trailers.

But its effect on consumer and business confidence probably has helped, if indirectly.

BETTER TIMES AHEAD? Early figures suggest the UK is technically out of the recession, its economy growing 0.1 per cent in the last quarter of last year.

That minimal growth is welcome but uneven; many sectors are still struggling. The general recovery prospects look patchy; some sectors will do well, we’re not likely to stop eating for instance and more people have eaten out than expected. And London’s West End theatres have reported record audiences and revenues for the end of 2009.

For others the prospects are still quite poor.

The construction industry’s output is 15 per cent down on its peak in 2007. Commentators say that by 2011 it will have fired nearly 400,000 people and may hire only 100,000 over the next five years, as it recovers.

In one of his recent and weekly economic reviews for members, Robert Baker, chief economist at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, says the labour market is disjointed, with a strong contrast between the public and private sectors; job losses and weak wages mean no growth in the private sector contrasting with significant job growth and wage rises of 3.5 per cent the public sector.

On jobs, the public sector total at September 2009 was 6.09 million, up five per cent on the previous year. In

Cameron Forecourt – Citroën’s advanced the UK’s leading fuelling green engineering solution specialist B AMERON FORECOURT, the UK’s largest independent specialist for commercial fuelling solutions is launching a new generation Internet-based fuel management system.

The Eclipse web-based system uses satellite links to provide real-time up to the minute fuel monitoring, helping to pinpoint problems and save on unnecessary costs.

Exceptions such as theft, tampering, unauthorised fuelling, short deliveries and other problems can be reported instantly via the web, e-mail or mobile phone and acted upon.

Coupled with high accuracy Veeder-Root electronic tank gauging, available exclusively to the commercial sector via Cameron Forecourt, the system provides total wet stock management.

With its own network of experienced regional engineers operating nationwide Cameron Forecourt provides a ‘one call does it all’ service with rapid response times and an efficient service for all types

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of commercial fuelling installation.

The company supplies all types of commercial fuelling solutions across key sectors including the health service, police authorities, local authorities, arms-length public sector contractors, public transport operators and utilities suppliers.

Cameron Forectourt products and services include: commercial fuel pumps, above and below ground PPG2 compliant fuel tanks, tank gauging and environmental monitoring systems, environmental and site compliance surveys, project management and complete installation services.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit us on stand number 5474.

Tel: 01226 742441 E-mail info@cameron-forecourt.co.uk Web: www.cameronforecourt.co.uk

Y THE END OF 2010 the Citroën C Zero electric car will be on sale, soon followed by advanced diesel/electric hybrids. Citroën will continue to work on further reducing the CO2 emissions and improving the fuel efficiency of its conventionally powered petrol and diesel engined vehicles.

The new 99g/km CO2 emissions C3 Airdream+ Special Edition and DS3 DStyle 99g models are complemented by a choice of C1 and DS3 cars in Band B (101 to 110g/km CO2) and a growing number of C3 Picasso MPV, Nemo Multispace MPV, C3, DS3 and C4 cars available in Band C (111 to 120g/km CO2).

Citroën LCVs also set the pace for fuel economy and low emissions – with the independently tested Nemo being the UK’s most economical van. According to the Vehicle Certification Agency

database Citroën’s LCV range is amongst the lowest emissions/ most fuel efficient available UK. Citroën also offers, through its specialist Ready to Run programme, the UK’s widest range of dual fuel (petrol/LPG) Nemo, Berlingo and Dispatch vans. And, all Citroën cars/LCVs powered by advanced HDi diesel engines can run on up to 30 per cent blend biodiesel without modification or effect on warranty.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For further information please contact Citroën Fleet Connect: 08457 940940, e-mail fleet@citroenconnect.co.uk

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Quality vehicle lighting from Peterson Europe

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ASED IN AYLESBURY UK, Peterson Europe is the European arm of Peterson Manufacturing, a leading manufacturer of LED lighting for road-going vehicles such as trucks, trailers, specialist vehicles and vans, as well as construction machines, agricultural vehicles and lift trucks.

Peterson Manufacturing is located in a 65,000 square metre facility in Missouri, USA; state of the art production and testing facilities, supported by significant investment in engineering resource, have cemented Peterson’s market-leading position.

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the European market, includes rear clusters, combination lights, utility lights, marker lights, work lights, and trailer harnesses.

Peterson customers appreciate the attention to design and quality that has led global giants such as Caterpillar, John Deere and Harley Davidson, and many trailer and specialist vehicle manufacturers, to specify Peterson lights. To discuss your lighting requirements, or for more information, contact us at:

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the private sector it was 22.8 million, down three per cent.

“Past experience after such major drops in demand show that both vans and trucks may be becalmed for some time before recovery takes hold,” said Baker. Recovery in demand in large fleets, the leasing sector and large freight transport-dependent businesses demand is vital.

“In the construction sector and across the smaller-business sectors too, firms will need to see a sustained rise in activity if they are to be confident enough to reinvest in new vehicles,” he continued.

The general recovery prospects look regionally patchy too. The North West, North East and Midlands have been hit hard, while the best recovery prospects seem to be in the East Midlands, Scotland and Wales.

TIMELY INFORMATION For the commercial vehicle market the overall impression is still “the Doldrums”.

Typically van registrations ended the year down 35 per cent, and trucks were down 40 per cent. As the UK, almost alone in Europe fails to register trailers, it isn’t so easy to put figures on that market, but most observers think it is down 60 per cent or more. For all three sectors, order intake is still well down and will show as depressed van and truck registration figures for some months.

There is a time lag between a vehicle’s sale and its delivery and registration, so monthly registration data are a ‘lagging indicator’. Even for cars, it is unusual for a new vehicle to be delivered and registered within a month of its sale. For vans the lead time is often longer and longer still for trucks; two to six months is a reasonable average.

That much-missed fact is important. We need to know when people are sufficiently confident to sign a cheque. That is a sale and significant. Delivery and registration data simply confirm that earlier decision and suggest a confidence weeks or months earlier. The ‘lag’ meant that if we’d relied on registration data alone we wouldn’t have seen the start of the recession until months after it had bitten.

One of the complications for the van, truck and trailer industries is the transport industry’s overcapacity, estimated at around 30 per cent. Over the last 50 or so years steadily increasing road transport efficiency has helped the industry keep its truck fleet to virtually the same numbers while moving a great deal more freight.

Competition, rising costs and recessions drive efficiency as firms cut costs or face failure. For the transport industry that spare capacity means it could and almost certainly will move more without buying proportionately more vans, trucks and trailers. That has obviously uncomfortable implications for the vehicle makers and their dealers.

While road transport delivers the economy, it is also dependant on it and vehicle makers depend on the industry’s willingness to buy new hardware.

Expect fewer manufacturers as consolidation bites, more shared production arrangements, fewer dealers and more of the financially engineered deals like leasing, contract hire and repair and maintenance schemes.

And expect Chinese and Indian firms to take a steadily increasing role.

RELIABLE GROWTH Renewed and reliable growth in GDP and business investment and stable financial conditions are crucial to the stability of the UK van, truck and trailer sector and its expected gradual recovery in 2010. For many small and medium sized firms, new vehicle purchases are likely to be discretionary for some time, as firms grapple with slow and uncertain revenue growth, new markets, volatile cost pressures and no real need or appetite to renew or commit to long leases or buying new hardware.

Relatively young and durable van, truck and trailer fleets, the need for ever bigger cost savings and efficiencies and more intensive use of existing vehicles will all dampen demand. But in this process of restructuring there will be opportunities as well as challenges to the established order of vehicle use and supply.

The numbers should slowly start to improve in 2010. But as they emerge from this recession, firms will be more cautious about investment, partly because banks are also much more cautious about anything but bonuses. The business landscape is going to look very different through 2010, 2011 and beyond. Those van, truck and trailer sales are going to look different too.

Gemco – a market leading supplier of garage equipment EMCO EQUIPMENT LTD is one of the largest suppliers and installers of garage equipment in the UK to both the car and commercial vehicle markets. GEMCO also has over 130 field service engineers carrying out repairs, planned maintenance and calibrations.

GEMCO’s customers include car and truck dealers, fast-fits, transport operators, distributors and all public service authorities.

GEMCO specialises in the sale of test lane equipment for class 4 and 7 MOT/ATL bays and ATF lanes for the HGV and PCV markets. GEMCO offers a complete service from design to installation and VOSA approval.

GEMCO offer a wide range of products including many top brands such as Stenhoj, Dunlop, BM, Omitec, Crypton, Samoa, Majorlift etc. These products cover all forms of vehicle lifting

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including 2 and 4 post lifts, jacking beams, pit jacks and mobile column sets. As part of the test bay equipment GEMCO offer emissions equipment, brake and headlight testers.

GEMCO can offer from single item supply to the fitting out of complete workshops including all equipment and air, oil, waste oil and water supplies. GEMCO projects division specialises in the equipping of new workshops both car and commercial.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01604 828600 Fax: 01604 633159 E-mail: sales@gemco.co.uk Web: www.gemco.co.uk www.dunlopge.co.uk

In vehicle diagnostics from Launch X431 Ltd AUNCH X431 LTD offers a complete range of diagnostic tools, from a simple EOBD fault code reader, through to more advanced tools that give access to read and clear DTCs, carry out actuation tests, reset service lights, and adjust electronic and air suspension systems. Launch X-431 is able to carry out advanced functions such as injector programming, ECU coding and programming, and adaption resets, as well as vehicle specific functions such as tyre valve programming.

Our technical support team is there to ensure the best possible response to customer queries. In addition, our new diagnostic online forum allows customers to get help 24/7, not only from us, but other technicians around the world.

Our training courses range from a basic introduction to

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diagnostics, to advanced courses suitable for the more experienced technician. Training takes place at the customer’s site, with their own diagnostic equipment on vehicles with live faults, meaning the cost of training is already paying for itself from day one.

All workshop courses can be used to support technician’s development towards achieving the ATA standard. All our services are delivered in the classroom or onsite by qualified training officers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01709 591834 E-mail: info@x431ltd.co.uk Web: www.x431ltd.co.uk

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VENDING FIGHTS BACK In the debate about obesity, the Automatic Vending Association is keen to set the record straight

When you impose restrictions on choice, all that happens is that the point of purchase moves to another place which often can’t be controlled. The vending machine is not the problem, we need to look at lifestyles and make some changes that will really impact on us THE DEBATE ON OBESITY AMONGST the population and the importance of a balanced diet continues to rumble as healthy eating remains high on the government’s agenda.

As it does so, the humble vending machine is being singled out and unfairly attacked.

The fact is that the nation has been eating snacks and confectionery for many years without issue and rather than being the cause, the vending machine offers a solution.

Vending machines provide choice and the items on sale reflect consumer tastes and demand, including fresh fruit, low fat and low sugar products as well as a range of drinks to rival the high street coffee shops.

Vending is one sales channel and to put the debate into some context, the UK snack and confectionery market is worth £39bn of which £7.8bn is chocolate and snacks.

Only 5 per cent of the snack intake goes through the vending channel, so to attack and try to ban the vending machine will do little to affect the health of the nation.

The Automatic Vending Association (AVA), the trade body representing the £1.65bn

refreshment vending industry, is lobbying hard to ensure that the vending machine gets fair treatment and any legislation does not impose limited choice or financial penalties on the consumer. As it opens the dialogue with those who have chosen to attack vending, it is clear that there is no foundation for singling out vending and astonishingly there are no clear guidelines on what constitutes a healthy item.

VENDING IN HOSPITALS Last year, the Minister of Health for Wales, Edwina Hart, imposed restrictions on the products that could be sold through vending machines in Welsh Hospitals. These restrictions meant that hospital vending machines significantly reduced the range of products on sale to staff, visitors and patients. Interestingly the busiest times that the machines are used are at 8pm and 2am by hospital staff, who understand the importance of diet and who surely do not need any guidance from the Minister on what to eat.

In response to the restrictions, the AVA formed the Vending Choice Coalition (VCC),

which is a group comprising of key food and beverage associations, major brand manufacturers and operator companies. Their goal is to ensure that vending has its say and consumers have freedom of choice to purchase a wide range of food and beverages through the vending channel in order to achieve a balanced diet. Various meetings have taken place and having written to Edwina Hart, with copies to the entire Welsh Assembly (all parties), there has been considerable support for the AVA, VCC and its objective.

The Minister for Health has undertaken a review of vending in Welsh hospitals and this has a number of far-reaching implications. As an example, sugar will not be allowed in vended tea and coffee; sweeteners must be used, all of which impacts on people’s right to choose.

As the AVA and VCC continue to lobby for choice, it is worth noting that vending is the only channel subject to very strict nutritional controls and restrictions. Jonathan Hilder, CEO of the AVA, is championing the debate and he commented: “Vending must not be demonised and isolated from any other sales channel.”

OFFERING CHOICE The vending machine came under more fire recently by the British Heart Foundation, which has targeted the vending machine in its campaign to encourage healthy eating.

The AVA is firm to point out that there is no evidence to support the view that vending causes obesity or an unhealthy lifestyle.

The BHF argued that obesity rates were soaring, however, recent studies by the National Heart Forum found evidence that the rate of childhood obesity may be starting to slow and the reported projections had been greatly exaggerated. Its figures suggest that by 2020 the proportion of boys aged 2-11 who will be overweight or obese will be 30 per cent – not the 42 per cent that was predicted. For girls the same age the revised prediction is now 27 per cent – down from 48 per cent.

Scotland’s largest teaching union has recently thrown its weight behind a campaign to amend the law to allow Aberdeen pupils to sell chocolate in their school. The Educational Institute for Scotland (EIS) agrees that new healthy eating guidelines that have forced Dyce Academy to close its Fairtrade confectionary stall are “flawed”. Deputy head teacher Ruth Teehan added that any legislation that denies pupils the opportunity to make balanced decisions “negates” what educationalists are trying to achieve.

The pupils told MSPs that healthy lifestyles cannot be “forced” on youngsters, and a balance must be struck because they would only go to nearby shops to buy chocolate and sweets that are not available in school.

Chocolate will be part of their lives forever and they need to be educated to be able to make informed choices. This view is supported by the

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FSA who in their publication (BITE) cited the view from youngster Toby: “Whilst carrots pasta and cheese were healthy you can eat chocolate too, provided it is part of a balanced diet.”

Jonathan Hilder, AVA CEO, pointed out: “When you impose restrictions on choice, all that happens is that the point of purchase moves to another place which often can’t be controlled.

“The vending machine is not the problem, we need to look at lifestyles and make some changes that will really impact on us.”

Last month Jonathan, AVA, and Gillian White, of the Vending Choice Coalition (VCC), met with Betty McBride of the BHF and her policy team, to discuss research conducted by the BHF into food and snack provision in leisure centres.

Ms McBride and her team went to some lengths to explain that they were not attacking or in any way unhappy with the use of vending. They wanted to use the research to highlight the lack of product choice offered in vending machines where they are made available to young people.

to what they regard as “healthy” or indeed the level of choice they want to see in a machine. Jonathan commented: “If they are unable to quantify it, then it is difficult for the AVA and the VCC to help implement change. Also if change is made, the BHF would be unable to endorse it as they are unable to endorse any product or industry.”

There are currently three recognised labeling systems operating to educate consumers and encourage healthy eating: GDA, the traffic light system and calorific value. Jonathan believes that the calorie system is the simplest to follow, most people understand that if they consume more than the average recommended number of daily calories without burning them off then they will gain weight.

He acknowledges that nutrition is a complex area but says we have to start somewhere.

Gill Fine, director of consumer choice and dietary health, supports this view: “The battle between GDA and traffic light labels has been deeply unhelpful.”

She went on to explain her work with caterers, where 21 companies have put calories on menus, consumers have found this useful and she summed up by saying:

WHAT IS HEALTHY? The AVA asked for advice on what was deemed healthy but the BHF would not commit itself

“It’s excellent news for consumers.”

Keen to implement guidance to his members, Jonathan is looking to develop the recommended “healthier shelf”. AVA members are regularly introducing new products and Jonathan’s aim is that vending will maintain consumer choice and make that choice easy.

Whilst the dialogue with the Minister of Health and the BHF will continue it remains clear that that a lifestyle that combines regular physical activity with consumption of a wide range of food choices is the key to a healthy lifestyle. It is vital that consumers, whether they are in schools, hospitals or the workplace, are able to make that choice for themselves.

Vending machines reflect consumer demand and allow the widest range of products to be made available and can also be used to reinforce good lifestyle messages. Vending can be part of the solution to a healthy lifestyle and many operators offer healthy options. So contact your AVA operator to find out more about these options.

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

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

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Malmaison (Leeds)

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Alfreton Hall

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Exova

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Alton Towers

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Farnham Castle

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MJM Energy

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Arinc Inc GeoDrilling 2010

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Gemco Equipment

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National School of Government

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Barry Callebaut Vending UK

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NCS Cumbria

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Indal WRTL

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OGC Buying Solutions

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BT Security Solutions

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Indepth Hygiene Services

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Institute of Credit Management

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Peterson Europe

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Cameron Forecourt

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Intelligent Sines

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QEII Conference Centre

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Cavendish Hotel

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Invesco Aim

14

Rada

62

Chevronshop

70

IP UserGroup

25

Rosetta Stone

62

Citroen

64

IS4

Selectamark

BC

Clumber Park Hotel and Spa

52

Isla Components

68

SGS UK

36

Corona Energy

28

Kent Hill Park

60

Shields Environmental

36

Cotgrave Place Golf and Country Club

54

Keyhole Security

19

Snibston

54

Counter Terror Expo 2010

20

La Gondola Hotel

57

Stapleford Park

55

Crowne Plaza Nottingham

54

Landmark

27

Steinel UK

37

Launch X431

68

The Legacy Oaklands Country House Hotel

56

Delta Controls

74

5

IBC

22,24

8

East Malling Conference Centre

46

Leicester Marriott

48

Timeguard

22

Edinburgh First

46

Lincolnshire Events Centre

52

Venue Select

62

Evac+Chair

43

LRQA Training

Whittlebury Hall

44

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