Government Business Volume 17.6 by Public Sector Publishing

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 17.6

MONEY MATTERS BUILT ENVIRONMENT TRANSPORT

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

There is always something new and different happening in Scotland

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Preview of the 2010 Good Communication Awards, recognising communications excellence

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Dear Reader, So the election – and the state of uncertainty and confusion that followed – is over and the new cabinet has begun its work. When it comes to communities and local government the coalition government aims to promote decentralisation and will give new powers to local councils, such as greater financial autonomy.

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With deficit reduction and ensuring economic recovery recognised as the most urgent issue for Britain, we are facing cuts – to non-front-line services at least, with front-line services protected. We shall see what the emergency budget has to offer when it’s announced in June. Until then, I hope you enjoy the warm weather and this issue of Government Business.

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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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© 2010 Public Sector Information Limited. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any other means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the publisher. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the editorial content the publisher cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. ISSN 1362 - 2541 THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

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CONTENTS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS 17.6

7 NEWS

world low and zero carbon projects

11 LGA CONFERENCE

The London Development Agency discusses how it’s working to reduce the CO2 emissions associated with the supply of energy to London’s buildings

The Local Government Association Group annual conference and exhibition brings together 2,000 of the leading players in councils, central government, partners and business

13 GB AWARDS The Government Business Awards went to 15 organisations that have demonstrated innovation and efficiency

21 MONEY MATTERS The Association of Corporate Treasurers discusses new government policy and guidelines for local authority investments

28 BUILT ENVIRONMENT We take a look at a report on biomass by the Environment Agency BRE gives useful guidance on how to avoid common pitfalls when it comes to the Code for Sustainable Homes BRE answers questions on the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme The Chartered Institute of Housing Annual Conference and Exhibition is the leading social and affordable housing event in the UK The Road to Zero Carbon conference will showcase some of the best of real

43 BACKGROUND CHECKING We look at how the Criminal Records Bureau can help organisations make safe recruitment decisions

45 CONFERENCES & EVENTS As an event destination, Scotland offers not just quality but also excellent value for money We take a look at what Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire have to offer the business visitor Coastal resorts are chic and vibrant destinations with much diversity for event organisers

64 PROCUREMENT The Public Procurement Show 2010 is the UK’s leading event for public sector procurement

67 FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Green issues continue to become more and more important in all walks of life, and furniture is no exception, says the Furniture Industry Research Association

69 LANDSCAPING & GROUNDSCARE IOG SALTEX 2010, the UK’s only outdoor event for the grounds care, sports amenities, landscaping and estate management sectors, will be held 7-9 September at Windsor Racecourse

71 TRANSPORT The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association considers why the public sector has been reluctant in the past to consider outsourcing their fleet finance and management

74 CONTACT CENTRES The public sector won two innovation awards at this year’s Contact Centre Innovation Awards

77 RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT The Recycling & Waste Management Exhibition will help you turn your waste problems into resource opportunities The Plant and Waste Recycling Show is taking place 8-10 June in Paignton, Devon

81 GOOD COMMUNICATION AWARDS Excellence in public sector communications will be recognised 15 July

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2012 Games to leave outstanding green legacy

NEWSINBRIEF Government launches Big Society programme The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister have launched their civil society programme called “Big Society” which aims to empower local people and communities. Policies include giving communities more power and encouraging people to take an active role in their communities, such as by giving communities a greater say over their local planning system and saving local services, such as post offices and pubs. The Prime Minister said: “We know that the best ideas come from the ground up, not the top down. We know that when you give people and communities more power over their lives, more power to come together and work together to make life better – great things happen.” The government has also announced that Nat Wei, founder of Teach First, has been appointed advisor to the government on Big Society and will be made a member of the House of Lords. He will work alongside the new Minister for Civil Society, Nick Hurd, to lead on the delivery of the programme.

ower Lea Valley, home to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, has been transformed from a heavily polluted industrial area into a haven for communities and wildlife, thanks to a close working partnership with the Environment Agency. With expert support and guidance from the Environment Agency, the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has been able to reuse over 95 per cent of demolition material in construction and recover over 90 per cent (1.5 million tonnes) of contaminated soil for reuse. The partnership has also helped transform the lower reaches of the River Lee, historically one of the most

polluted rivers in the country. Last year the Environment Agency funded work to remove 30,000 tonnes of oxygendepleting sediment, including three tonnes of tyres, three cars, 40 motorbikes and 120 shopping trolleys, from the river. Lord Chris Smith, Chairman of the Environment Agency, said: “The ODA has embraced the gargantuan task of unpicking decades of industrialisation to return the area to a refuge for communities and wildlife. By working alongside the Environment Agency, the ODA has been able to ensure that the development goes beyond complying with environmental legislation to achieve the accolade of the ‘greenest games’ in history.”

Public sector cut energy bills by £650m he UK public sector is on track to deliver cost savings in excess of half a billion pounds through energy saving projects and can go even further, the Carbon Trust has said. The news was announced as 120 public sector organisations including central government departments, local authorities, schools, universities, police and fire services, and NHS trusts joined Carbon Trust programmes to help them cut their energy use and carbon emissions further over the next five years. Since 2001, more than 3,000 public sector organisations have worked with the Carbon Trust. The energy-saving projects

they have implemented during that time will deliver combined cost savings of £650m over their lifetime and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 6.5 million tonnes. Around 400 public sector organisations have already completed the Carbon Trust’s annual carbon management programme. A further 120, with a combined annual energy spend of £365million, have now signed up for the year ahead. These include 20 ministerial departments, government agencies and non-departmental public bodies that joined a new Carbon Trust programme for the central government estate.

Carlisle City Council opens new Tech Zone To celebrate National Learning at Work Day, Carlisle City Council’s town clerk & chief executive, Maggie Mooney, pictured alongside colleagues from the council, has opened a new Tech Zone at the council’s operational base. The room, based at Bousteads Grassing depot on Rome Street, replaces a smaller room opened in 2006 and has five laptops for operational staff such as refuse collectors, to learn how to use computers and update their IT skills. It will also act as a meeting place for the council’s Union Learning Representatives to meet with learners. As part of the event, Maggie Mooney presented certificates of achievement to 54 staff from Waste Services and 20 staff from Area Maintenance who have successfully completed a customer services course.

Help to save energy in Solihull Solihull libraries are helping residents find out how much energy can be saved by switching lights and other household appliances off. As well as the usual books, DVDs and CDs on loan, people can now also borrow energy monitors. The energy monitors, which normally cost £40 to buy, are free to borrow through local libraries. The monitors show both the amount and cost of the energy that people are using in their home at any time. Simply by walking around the house and switching off lights and household appliances, people can see clearly on the monitor how much electricity they can save and the simple things they could do to reduce their bills.

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Let Inenco & NIFES help you put the pieces together By implementing Energy Management Standards and Systems (EnMS), you can influence your position in the CRC league table. Join Inenco, NIFES and guest speakers Vilnis Vesma & John Mulholland at one of the training sessions below: Manchester City Stadium 24th June. Edinburgh, Norton House Hotel 6th October. Solihull, The Village Hotel 9th November. The cost to attend is ÂŁ395 + VAT per delegate. To book your place or to receive more information on this and other Inenco & NIFES seminars please contact: Debbie Bentley : +44 1253 785194 or email : seminars@inenco.com You can also register online at:

www.inenco.com

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Alternate week waste service in Aberdeen

Housing and environment convener Councillor Aileen Malone and collectors and officials © Aberdeen City Council

he modernisation of Aberdeen’s waste collection services has taken a significant step forward, as the city moves to boost recycling rates by introducing alternate week waste collections. The change in collection frequency, which only affects households with wheeled bins and a kerbside recycling service, is aimed at radically improving the city’s recycling rates and reducing the amount of waste going to landfill. The new service, which is being rolled-out to 75,000 city households, will encourage residents to think about what they throw out and if it could be recycled instead.

Housing and Environment Convener Councillor Aileen Malone said: “Moving to alternate week waste collections will play an integral and essential part in improving Aberdeen’s recycling rates. “Sending all of our rubbish to landfill is not an option. Not only is the financial cost of landfill becoming increasingly prohibitive, the environmental costs are also unsustainable and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. By working with city residents to improve the amount of waste recycled, we will cut the amount of rubbish being sent to landfill, save money and protect our environment.”

Mobile fun for Aylesbury Vale youngsters oungsters should get their skates on as the mobile skate park and i-van will soon be rolling into villages across Aylesbury Vale. The On the Road scheme, organised by Aylesbury Vale District Council and the i-van project, aims to bring free fun to 10 to 16 year-olds in small rural communities. Young people can enjoy skate ramps, an angle grid box and fly-off platforms, while an ICT studio used for music making, film, animation and photography will be available for

the more creative youngsters. There will also be the chance to take part in a range of sports and activities including football, cricket, tennis, rounders, basketball and street dance. The On the Road scheme will be visiting five venues this summer, and further dates will be arranged in the autumn.

NEWSINBRIEF Central government emissions to be cut, says PM Carbon emissions from central government will be cut by 10 per cent in the next 12 months, Prime Minister David Cameron has announced. Speaking to staff at the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), Cameron said government department headquarters will also publish online, in real time, their energy use so that the public can hold ministers and civil servants account for their carbon footprint. A government steering group chaired by Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne will be established to ensure the target is reached. It will comprise representatives from key departments and the private sector.

National Security Council established The Prime Minister has established a National Security Council (NSC), which will oversee all aspects of Britain’s security. The Prime Minister has appointed Sir Peter Ricketts (Permanent Undersecretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office) as his National Security Adviser, a new role based in the Cabinet Office. Sir Peter will establish the new National Security Council structures, and coordinate and deliver the government’s international security agenda. The Prime Minister will chair the council. The council will coordinate responses to the dangers we face, integrating at the highest level the work of the foreign, defence, home, energy and international development departments, and all other arms of government contributing to national security.

£14m Heritage Lottery Fund to boost town centres 11 town centres across the UK are to receive a much-needed boost with the help of £14m, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has announced. The money will help fund vital community regeneration schemes in neglected areas. This investment is part of the HLF’s Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) which has invested nearly £200m since 1998 into regenerating towns that have suffered serious social and economic decline. The fund will be used to restore traditional shop fronts, buildings and key architectural features, holding community events and providing training in traditional building and heritage conservation skills. Carole Souter, chief executive of the HLF, said: “The Heritage Lottery Fund is proud to be playing a key role in helping to revitalise these once thriving towns. The benefits are far reaching. This investment will help support local authorities and residents to transform their towns, making essential improvements and repairs that will encourage local businesses and visitors back into these historically vibrant areas.”

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JJ – the first choice in food service OR MORE THAN 20 years, JJ Food Service with its range of ambient, chilled, frozen foods, packaging and cleaning products, has excelled within the food industry. As a result we were recently awarded The Grocer Gold Award 2009 for Wholesaler of the Year. Our service not only provides for all your catering needs, but also offers courses such as the L2 Food Safety Award. JJ Enfield is a registered Royal Institute Training Centre. All of our goods are meticulously tested for quality, we also use the expertise of our development chef Gino D’Acampo to make

sure that every product we sell not only tastes good, but is of the finest quality. The Lloyds Register Quality Assurance Environmental Certification ISO14001:2004 recognises JJ Food Service and their commitment to minimise the company’s impact on the environment. All our certifications are available on request or through our website in the ‘about us’ section.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01992 701 727 Fax: 08719 730 888 E-mail: admin@jjfoodservice.com Web: www.jjfoodservice.com

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LGA CONFERENCE

CHANGING TIMES, CHANGING MINDS LGA Group annual conference and exhibition will take place 6-8 July, Bournemouth International Centre THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION Group annual conference and exhibition brings together approximately 2,000 of the leading players in councils, central government, partners and business. This year’s conference is split into three themed days and has been built around themes that the LGA group feel are key to our member authorities and the sector – Reputation, The Economy and Total Place. Plenary, workshops and fringes sessions will relate to the day’s theme and will provide delegates with an opportunity to map their time at the conference more effectively. Hear from key speakers in a variety of plenary, workshop and fringe events, or visit our large exhibition of over 100 stands – important players in the local government community brought together under one roof. The LGA Group Annual Conference 2010 will be the setting for the crowning of the first ever

winner of the Local Government Challenge, sponsored by Liberata. The Local Government Challenge is an exciting competition, which seeks out talented individuals and tests their ingenuity, creativity, ability to lead and potential to become top local government executives. So far, 10 contestants from local councils across the country have taken part in four challenges – in Coventry, Waverley, Northampton and Kent – with one remaining challenge to take place in Essex in May. Contestants have had their skills and abilities tested to their limits. Challenges have included tasks such as seeking ways of increasing voter turnout; developing the night time economy of a town centre; promoting a local sports centre as a pre-Paralympic training venue; and securing sustainable funding for a local country park. Only four contestants will be able to make it through to the final stages, which will be

hosted at the LGA Group Conference in July. The final four will be subject to a gruelling two days beginning with a live question time to be held in the main auditorium and ending on the final day with a grilling behind closed doors by a panel of senior local government personalities. The winner will be announced at the Gala Awards dinner on Thursday 8 July where they will be presented with the prize of the first ever Bruce-Lockhart Scholarship, which will be worth up to £10,000. The winner will be able to use the prize fund in any way they choose to promote localism and local government; to encourage successful ideas to be put into practice locally; or to promote best practice and raise the profile of local leadership. The entire competition is being filmed throughout by Websedge. The series, and added extras, are available to watch at www.localgovernmentchannel.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For further information please contact Local Government Challenge project manager, Adam Pokun, on 020 7664 3048 or adam.pokun@lga.gov.uk. You can view full conference information at www.annualconference.lga.gov.uk

EXHIBITORS INCLUDE • 4Children • Advance Group, The • Advisory Centre for Education • Age UK • Agresso Ltd • Alliance Against IP Theft • Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro) • APHO • Asphalt Industry Alliance • Association for Public Service Excellence – APSE • Audit Commission • Big Lottery Fund • Bosch Security Systems Ltd • Bouygues UK • Bull Information Systems Ltd • CABE • Campaign for Real Recycling • Catch 22 • Centre for Public Scrutiny (CfPS), The • CENTRO • Cheshire West and Chester Council • CIPFA • Citizens Advice • Commission for the Compact • Communities and Local Government • Community Development Foundation • Compassion in World Farming • Concessionary Solutions • Construction Skills • Control Circle • County Councils Network • CPET • DCSF • DEA • Dearden Consulting • Digital UK • Districts Stand

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

DWP – Tell us once communications Ecebs Ltd English Heritage Environment Agency Fenland District Council Financial Services Authority Gavurin Del Com Centre GovMetric Groundwork UK Guardian, The Guide Dogs Hertfordshire County Council Holocaust Memorial Day Trust Identity and Passport Service Industrial Communities Alliance Intellectual Property Office Japan Local Government Centre JC Decaux Learning Pool LGA Conservative group LGA Independent Group LGA Labour Group LGA Liberal Democrat Group LGC – Local Government Chronicle Local Futures Group Local Government Boundary Commission for England Local Government Ombudsman Local Government Yorkshire and Humber Meganexus MJ (The) Motorcycle Sport Political Strategy Group Natural England Network for Black Professionals Newgrove Consultants Limited NHS Life Check NIACE NICE Norse Group

• Objective Corporation UK Limited • Office for National Statistics • OPM • PaperChain c/o Confederation of Paper Industries Ltd • Passenger Transport Executive Group (pteg) • PLACE Pennine Lancashire • Peterborough City Council • PNLD • Public i • RDA Secretariat • Regional Improvement and Efficiency Partnerships (RIEPs) • Remploy • RenewableUK • Sefas Innovation Ltd • Serco • SITA • Social Care Institute for Excellence • SOLACE Enterprises • Sound Advice P.A. Installations Ltd • St Modwen • Standards for England • Steria Ltd • Stratford District Council/Beacons • Tameside Council • Tenant Services Authority • The Copyright Licensing Agency Limited • The LIFT Council • The Tennis Foundation • Ufi Ltd • UK Local Government Alliance for International Development • Vaughtons • Verdant Group plc • Vertex • Woodland Trust • WRVS • Youth Justice Board

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GB AWARDS

INNOVATION IN PUBLIC SERVICES The Government Business Awards recognised the many examples of operational and business excellence taking place in local and central government DURING THESE DIFFICULT TIMES – where a weak economy, environmental damage and public security remain a concern for us all – it is the government we turn to for evidence of innovation and improvement. The 2010 Government Business Awards, held on 18 March at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, celebrated the success of local authorities and central government departments that have demonstrated sound business judgement and operational expertise in a range of areas that affect our lives. Kicking off with a champagne reception and followed by a three-course lunch, the awards were presented by BBC newsreader Nicholas Owen. The awards covered 15 different categories from security, finance and the environment, to procurement, facilities management and human resources. HOUSING The Social Housing Award, sponsored by Cyntra, was taken home by Middlesbrough Council for its Trinity Crescent, North

Ormesby housing scheme. The project’s aim was not just to replace run-down housing but to create a sustainable community of mixed housing with first-class facilities. Led by Middlesbrough Council and Tees Valley Housing, part of the Fabrick Group, the scheme transformed a run-down market square into an attractive mixed-use scheme. As well as the provision of houses for sale and rent at affordable levels, the development includes a new medical village, community facility, childcare nursery and extra care housing. The Regeneration Project Award was taken home by Corby Borough Council

for its Corby Parkland Gateway project. Corby, a former industrial town in Northamptonshire of 55,000 residents, has ended years of under investment with a comprehensive regeneration programme with environmental sustainability at its core. Phase 1 of the project has been successful in breathing new life into the area. Projects include a new railway station, a new swimming pool, and the £60m Corby Cube, a multipurpose, landmark building which is a focal point for local information and services. A second phase of Parkland Gateway will include redevelopment of the site of the old theatre and Tresham Further Education College.

The 2010 Government Business Awards celebrated the success of local authorities and central government departments that have demonstrated sound business judgement and operational expertise in a range of areas that affect our lives

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GB AWARDS

SECURITY Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) scooped the Public Safety Award, sponsored by HSE. Home Safety Visits (HSVs) are essential to fire prevention work and involve service personnel conducting home visits to deliver fire safety advice and, where necessary, fitting ten year smoke alarms free of charge. KFRS set out to improve delivery standards of its Home Safety Visits and simplify what was a complicated and confusing process. They achieved this with the implementation of a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. Before the launch of the CRM, the Service completed 6,500 Home Safety Visits; in 2008/09 this rose to over 12,000. The winner of the Public Sector Security Award, sponsored by Commend, was Wigan Council for its new control centre and CCTV system. Wigan Town centre experiences the same anti-social problems as many small towns in the country. The council area has a population of some 300,000 and Wigan town centre is said to have more clubs and bars than any other north-west town in England, requiring real-time monitoring to ensure any problems don’t escalate into more serious problems. Wigan Council’s new control room monitors a sizeable 600+ camera system. The facility covers seven town centres, three shopping precincts, two residential areas and various private locations spread across a 77 square-mile area. Highly trained, dedicated, fully vetted officers proactively monitor all CCTV to create a safe and secure environment for all members of the public who live, work and visit the borough. INVESTING IN STAFF Dacorum Borough Council won the Workforce Training Award, sponsored by Skillsoft. The Council’s amalgamation of its Street Cleansing and Grounds Maintenance services – which were based at different sites and had separate management structures – has been successful largely due to a comprehensive training package to empower the workforce through the changes. The lack of joined up working was partly to blame for a poor public satisfaction of street cleanliness, as well as low staff morale, high levels of sickness and little or no opportunity for staff development. The programme included Skills analysis (opportunities to up-skill and appoint eight team leaders), Sharps training, Basic First Aid (provided by St. John Ambulance to 30 staff , technical training (e.g. mechanical sweeper, triple mower), Sequena workshops on service mapping, Customer Service training, Appraisal training for supervisors and team leaders, Sickness Absence Management for Supervisors, and NVQ level 2 Waste Management Operations. The workforce were consulted and made decisions on a new service

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Peterborough City Council wins Government Business award for Waste Management

URRENT WINNERS OF THE Government Business Award for Waste Management, Peterborough City Council have also been awarded the Association of Public Sector Excellence (APSE) Award for Best Value refuse collection 2009. Peterborough has planned to improve future waste and recycling services set out in the Integrated Waste 2020 Strategy and promoted to the community via a dedicated website www.65percentplus.co.uk. An investment of £74 million will ensure the Council achieves its target of increasing recycling levels to 65 per cent by 2020. Key investments are: 1. Energy from waste facility – design, build and operate a 65,000 tonne capacity energy-from-waste facility 2. New recycling centre – design, build and operate a 100,000 tonne capacity materials recycling facility 3. New contract for direct services by a process of competitive dialogue 4. Anaerobic Digestor to process food waste. These developments, all on a single site, will cut the volume of rubbish taken to landfill by 95 per cent, produce renewable energy, e.g. electricity to the National Grid and provide a long-term, sustainable alternative to landfill. Following a complete review of our waste and recycling collection service, the Council

implemented a new four-day/week collection in November 2009. Employees now work extended 9.5 hour days from Tuesday to Friday with the following benefits: • a more consistent, steady service for the local community which minimises the need to re-plan and promote collection day changes as a result of bank holidays • better work-life balance for employees who now have a three-day weekend • £360,000 repeatable efficiency savings • Reduced mileage, fuel-consumption and carbon emissions Peterborough has currently around 20,000 migrant workers. High levels of occupancy change and lack of knowledge has deteriorated the local environment. A successful application to the EU’s Migration Impact Fund has enabled environmental education for

newcomers particularly from Eastern Europe. • The service was awarded the Best WEE facility by LARAC in 2006 and 2008 • Local companies, John Lewis and Indesit, donate white goods which are refurbished and sold to charities and social causes. • Peterborough is the first city to achieve Zero Waste accreditation. • An information pack has been produced to enable landlords and managing agents to educate their tenants about waste and recycling • The council’s commercial waste service is provided in partnership with Viridor

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01733 425384 Fax: 01733 425316 E-mail: mick.robb@peterborough.gov.uk

Peterborough City Council Government Business Award for Waste Management 2010 APSE Award for Best Value Refuse Collection 2009 Peterborough aims to recycle 65% plus by 2020 through: • Energy from waste facility to operate at a 65,000 tonne capacity • New recycling centre to operate at a 100,000 tonne capacity • Anaerobic digester to process food waste • New contract for direct services 4 day working week providing: • Minimises collection day changes as a result of Bank Holidays • Better work-life balance for employees who now have a 3 day weekend • £360,000 repeatable efficiency savings • Reduced mileage, fuel consumption and carbon emissions Engaging ‘hard to reach’ groups • Migration Impact Fund has enabled environmental education for Peterborough’s 20,000 migrant workers • • • •

Underground banks as part of planning policy Award winning WEEE facility An environmental information pack for landlords and managing agents Peterborough is the first city to achieve Zero Waste Accreditation

For more information contact Peterborough Direct on 01733 747474 www.65percentplus.co.uk

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GB AWARDS

name, logo, and terms and conditions on working hours and overtime. During the changes, no redundancies were made, £250,000 savings were achieved and sickness levels have decreased by 50 per cent. PROCUREMENT The Local Government Procurement Award, sponsored by Spikes Cavell & Co was taken home by Peterborough City Council. In October 2006, the Council set itself an ambitious target of £24m cumulative savings over five years. Three years on, its efforts have achieved £48.43m of cumulative savings, with 75 live projects at any one time, and a further three-year programme of transformation being established to maintain momentum. The Central Government Procurement Award, sponsored by ReviewMyTender, was taken home by HM Revenue and Customs for its Spend, Sourcing & Procurement technologies. The HMRC is responsible for £2.2 billion in annual spending, and purchases everything from standard office supplies and print services, to industrial truck scanners and ships, and even dogs for customs work. Plans to make HMRC more efficient, open and focussed in its sourcing practices led to the implementation of an Emptoris technology suite for sourcing, spend analysis, contract management and supplier performance management. Spend analysis and sourcing technologies have allowed HMRC to streamline and take paper out of the process, which has efficiency as well

as sustainability benefits. It has also improved visibility and control over public spending – and improved accountability and responsiveness to taxpayers and central government. SUSTAINABILITY Scooping the Public Sector Energy Award was Devon County Council for its RE4D project and biomass boiler installation. The Renewable Energy 4 Devon (RE4D) scheme gives free independent advice to organisations, communities and households on renewable energy installations. Since RE4D started it has advised 345 SMEs, with over one third of these receiving at least five days assistance. In addition to these, over 70 communities, schools and public sector organisations have also been advised. In total there have been 109 renewable energy installations in organisations so far, including 38 solar thermal, 15 ground source heat pumps, 27 biomass boilers, 15 solar PV arrays, 12 wind turbines and two hydro schemes. In 2009, the scheme won the local authority award category in the prestigious Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy. The Council itself has also installed a new biomass boiler which is predicted to reduce heating carbon emissions by 60 per cent and save over £20,000 a year. Moving on to transport, Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council took home the Environmental Transport Award for their Enderby Park & Riden service. Opened in November 2009, The Enderby Park

and Ride is a joint venture between Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council. This 1000-space ‘out of town’ park and ride facility delivers an environmentally and economically sustainable service, reducing the number of vehicles on routes into the city centre. It also offers sustainable alternatives to drivers whilst helping the regeneration of Leicester City Centre by facilitating person trips into the city. Services operate at a competitive price and are attractive, to tempt drivers. The scheme uses lower-emission buses which hold up to 70 passengers, which at full capacity, could be removing up to 70 cars from the road for each journey. Enderby sets a new standard of sustainable and environmental best practice for the design and construction of park and rides. Its lowenergy terminus building uses geothermal ground source heat pump technology providing heating, cooling and domestic hot water to the building. As a result, renewable energy targets for the building have been achieved. There is an extensive sustainable drainage system across the entire parking area and substantial landscaping with new trees, shrubs and hedgerows enhance the local outlook and bio-diversity. ENVIRONMENTAL INNVOVATION The Environmental Innovation Award was taken home by Lewisham Council for its LoveLewisham/LoveCleanStreets websites. LoveCleanStreets is a free online tool which allows Londoners to upload photographs of the area around them. Photographs can

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GB AWARDS

be of a neighbourhood’s ‘loved’ qualities, or in some cases, ‘unloved’ qualities to bring them to the attention of their local authority. The website was born out of Lewisham Council’s ‘LoveLewisham’ site, which has been active for the last five years. The service, which was developed with applications provider bbits, is now being rolled out across London. Phil Barton, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, said recently: “We are delighted that LoveCleanStreets is to be rolled out across London. Encouraging local people to get involved and to report the problems they see will not only help councils to provide better street scene services but at the same time will build public support for their work. The adoption of smart solutions in this way will help keep London tidy and lead to cleaner, greener places.” Exeter City Council (ECC) received the Sustainability Award for its Green Accord accreditation scheme. Green Accord is the work of staff in Contract Development, now known as the Green Accord Team, within Exeter City Council’s Contracts and Direct Services Unit. It forms part of ECC’s contribution to the sustainable procurement agenda and has been developed with the help of environmental experts Envirowise and Global Action Plan (GAP). Green Accord accreditation uniquely provides a tiered system of grading that enables companies of all sizes to obtain recognition applicable to their level of achievement in sustainable commitment. For client bodies, adopting the Green Accord for their supply chains shows that they recognise their corporate social responsibility in terms of the environment, are actively engaging with their suppliers and are meeting the requirements of the Governments Sustainability Task Force’s Flexible Framework (if a public body).

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LISTENING TO ITS RESIDENTS Westminster City Council scooped the Market Research Award. Market research has helped the Council to deliver a rapid response to the threat of recession, reductions in the fear of crime and an improved reputation for the council. In the 2008 Place Survey, Westminster was one of only 16 authorities out of 351 to deliver an improved satisfaction rating with the work of the council. This continual improvement is a direct result of the tracking nature of Westminster’s research approach. Every quarter 500 residents are interviewed by telephone as part of the Reputation Tracker. By constantly tracking resident opinion, councillors and senior managers are aware of what is working and can make quick, informed decisions to change policies and tackle issues arising. Peterborough City Council won the Waste Management Award, sponsored by PAWRS. Measures to improve the Council’s waste services included a four-week advertising campaign urging residents to ‘Keep it clean’ when using recycling bins, and a new fourday week waste and recycling collection service to provide a more consistent service. The Council also employed two, full-time bi-lingual community engagement officers to educate foreign-language speakers in the the way refuse, recycling and composting is collected to avoid mistakes happening from misunderstandings. The Sports and Leisure Award was taken home by Cheltenham Borough Council for its leisure@cheltenham facilities. Leisure@cheltenham provides the majority of sport and recreation activities as part of the Cheltenham Borough Council Wellbeing and Culture Division. The service offers a wide range of first class facilities incorporating Prince of Wales Stadium, Cricket Hall, 3 Pools, Halls, Health & Fitness and Racquet Sports.

The Leisure@cheltenham facilities reopened in September 2008 after catastrophic damage caused by the July 2007 floods. The refurbishment sought to ensure competitiveness within the health and fitness market whilst guaranteeing the provision of targeted activity programmes for children, young people, the over 50s, and women. New partnerships with local PCTs provide a medical referral and rehabilitation programme. The overall programme was delivered within budget and on time. Business recovery was strong and targets exceeded expected levels. The challenges ahead are to secure increased partnerships with other public, sporting and charitable bodies to co-operate and deliver sustainable services promoting health and wellbeing. City of Edinburgh Council won the Financial Performance Award. The Council played a key role in supporting the local economy as the recession took hold. The Finance Department’s role was one of securing effective management of Council finances, in particular ensuring sound financial performance, fiscal prudence, achieving efficiencies and working with partners. While formulation of the 2009/10 budget applied a two per cent efficiencies requirement to all departments, there was an increasing acknowledgement that this approach threatened to become untenable and that a more strategic approach was required. With this in mind, as part of the Achieving Excellence project, the Council has identified a specific strand within the ‘Financial Management’ theme relating to development of a longer-term financial plan, building upon earlier work undertaken in this area following a recommendation as part of the Council’s Best Value Audit. By extending the budget planning process beyond the current three-year timeframe, a more systematic picture of service demands and pressures has emerged. This will provide a more comprehensive picture against which to develop strategic options to deliver the level of efficiencies required. The need for this more sophisticated approach has been hastened by the scale of the financial challenges the Council is likely to face over the next few years. GB AWARDS 2011 Government Business looks forward to discovering further evidence of innovation and improvement for the 2011 Awards, which will be held next March. Local authorities, central government agencies, academia and NHS bodies will all be eligible to enter free of charge by providing a 500 word initial entry statement for consideration. Please visit the website at www.gbawards.co.uk for details.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.gbawards.co.uk

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GB AWARDS

WIGAN CCTV LOOKS AHEAD A big close up on the team from Wigan Council. Their visionary CCTV officers, spotlighted for receiving a Public Sector Security Award this spring, already have their sights set on far wider vistas FROM THEIR STATE OF THE ART BASE deep inside the town hall, Wigan Council’s risk management and CCTV section manages over 600 cameras every day of the year across one of the largest metropolitan boroughs in the country with a population of over 300,000 spread across some 77 square miles. With many notable crime prevention successes, the national awards success brought much wider recognition to a service which is delivering results for residents, businesses and visitors to Wigan Borough every day. INNOVATIVE APPROACH The Government Business Awards were organised by Government Business Magazine and Public Sector Information. What lifted Wigan’s team above the competition was the innovative approach taken by officers. All the recordings are stored locally and over-written after 31 days. They can be accessed remotely, allowing any incidents to be downloaded and stored onto CD or DVD. This can be achieved without the necessity to stop recordings thanks to the equipment’s continuous archive facility. The council has a policy of trialling its equipment before purchasing. Overseeing the specification of equipment for the new control centre, the council’s principal officers actively sought practical staff feedback and trialled different systems under live monitoring conditions before making a decision. And those highly trained, dedicated and fully vetted officers proactively monitor all the borough’s CCTV from town hall suite. Digital rapid deployment cameras are also in use to investigate crime and civil offences as well as evidence gathering to aid prosecution. Other examples of how technology helps identify offenders include the council’s work with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue in arson attacks and hoax calls and across all the council’s own departments in anti-social behaviour, fly tipping and off-road motor cycling. The team have published their code of practice, which states that the service is in place to uphold civil liberties, reduce the fear of crime by deterrence and provide information to maintain public order and evidence to the police and courts. As well as surveillance duties in public areas, the control room also handles a number of commercial contracts for operations including bus and rail stations, car parks and offices.

The awards success this spring was warmly welcomed by the town hall team. The public sector prize is awarded to the local authority or central government project that considers security as a prime concern and enhances the safety of staff and residents through the installation of CCTV, monitoring, access control or other innovative security system. FORWARD-THINKING Service manager Michell Walling says: “It was a big honour for Wigan Council just to be shortlisted for the award but to come out as the winner against some very stiff competition is fantastic. It is a testimony to the forwardthinking approach that Wigan has adopted when it comes to security. It has been a real team effort to ensure that Wigan Council is leading the field.” And the service moves on. And there’s much more too. The team are responsible for the design, installation and maintenance of Wigan’s own systems – and now offer that service nationally. A full project and contract management service is available from the team. They can monitor CCTV intruder alarms, manage key holding services and access control systems, for customers

way beyond the council. Local – and indeed not so local – businesses are able to request advice and services from Wigan Council’s team. Current clients include subsidiaries of Chubb, and long standing partners include GM Police, Fire and Rescue Service and Pub Watch.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact 01942 827949 or e-mail rm&cctv@ wigan.gov.uk for more details. The team are keen to hear from you.

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

www.creditmanagement.org.uk

www.icm.org.uk/training

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MONEY MATTERS

INVESTING CASH Martin O’Donovan, assistant director, The Association of Corporate Treasurers, discusses new government policy and guidelines for local authority investments THE BANK FAILURES AND MARKET turbulence of the past few years have made everyone, even individuals with no formal financial training, well aware that investing cash brings its own set of risks. Companies employing professional treasurers have always known this but even they have taken the opportunity to review their approach to investing and having the right policy to govern what they do and the right procedures to ensure they carry out the function properly. The lessons learnt and techniques used in the corporate sector are equally applicable to the public sector. This article will review the corporate approach and demonstrate the relevance to the public sector. In some fields one might expect companies with a risk taking and profit making motive to be far removed from the public sector objectives, but in most non-financial companies cash investment is not the prime business purpose so it is managed with a high degree of caution and conservatism in order to ensure cash and liquidity is available at all times to serve the company’s main business purposes.

IDENTIFYING & SEGMENTING CASH Before setting about designing an appropriate investment policy for your organisation the nature of the cash available and the amounts involved will need to be determined. Systems for centralising cash or pooling multiple bank accounts are widely available. Working on from the current balances a good process for forecasting cash inflows and outflows will allow an estimate to be made of the period for which the cash balance will remain. Within a public authority it may be possible to segment the cash resources intelligently as to the reason it is being held and the likely holding period, be that short term arising from the annual cycle of payments and receipts or longer term due to some structural reasons. There may be some special funds, which by their nature have to be segregated and which have their own idiosyncratic characteristics eg a trust fund earmarked for a specific purpose. Within a company the obvious first uses of liquid funds in any business unit is to repay any external short-term borrowings. The advantages are minimisation of costs paid to external lenders, and reduced credit exposure

to external deposit takers. Simultaneous investment and borrowing usually costs money, and is therefore not usually recommended. For public authorities with funding from the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) using cash to repay loans is the ultimate in avoiding credit risk – the cash is not invested with an external party so the credit risk is zero. Even so this may well not be an attractive first course of action. For longer term fixed rate loans the authority may be cancelling an attractive loan rate and exposing itself to interest rate risk or if the rate was high in the first place there will be a penalty adjustment to pay. Even variable rate borrowings when repaid will incur a cost since the PWLB lending and repayment rates are different. External investment can thus become a necessity and where public bodies have a significant difference between their gross and net borrowing positions this should be clear in their strategy. The old mantra for investing and which remains absolutely valid is: Security, Liquidity, Yield – in that order – SLY for short. After all, the treasurer’s job is to provide funds in the right amount in the right place at the right time.

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MONEY MATTERS

INSTRUMENTS Illiquid. Even though it may be possible to unwind the position, costs are usually prohibitive.

Fixed-term deposits Repurchase agreements (Repos)

Semi-liquid. The position can be unwound, but potentially on unfavourable terms and/or at a significant cost.

Commercial paper (CP)

Liquid. The position can be unwound easily and at minimal cost.

Treasury bills Certificates of deposit (CD) Prime bank bills Money market funds Bank call (demand) accounts

SECURITY The overriding priority for the treasurer in managing the company’s short-term funds is security of principal. With interest rates so low at the moment the temptation is to hunt for higher yields but the first priority must be the return of the investment rather than the return on the investment. There are two main risks to investment security: • counterparty risk • market risk Counterparty risk is the risk that the counterparty will not meet their obligation to repay the principal and interest in full and when due. One measure of this credit risk, which is used almost universally, is the opinion offered by credit rating agencies on borrowers and the particular tranches of debt that they issue. Market risk is the risk that on any realisation prior to their maturity, investments may be worth less than expected. This may be caused by interest rate changes for fixed rate investments, or by changes in credit rating or other views adopted by the market. LIQUIDITY Liquidity is the ease of converting an instrument or portfolio into cash at any time prior to its maturity without unduly affecting its value. The most liquid investment is an interest bearing, on demand, bank account, sometimes called a deposit account. For instruments other than bank accounts, liquidity requires an active secondary market in the instrument. YIELD Provided the security and liquidity objectives have been satisfied, the treasurer can then seek to maximise yield. There is usually an inverse relationship between yield and the attributes of security and liquidity. If, for instance, liquidity is a priority, some sacrifice in yield will have to be accepted. Deposits/Certificates of deposit (CDs) Traditionally, the most commonly used investment instrument for companies with cash has been the straightforward money market deposit. Cash is deposited with a bank for a set period, which could be anything from overnight to one year or so, and the rate to be

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paid for that period is set at the outset based off the interbank or LIBOR rates. If the company requires its cash back early because of changed cash requirements or because of worries over the credit worthiness of that bank there is no right of early repayment. If instead a CD issued by that bank is bought it can be sold back to that bank or to some other investor as a way to realise cash early. But be warned – in difficult markets liquidity disappears and, if achievable at all, selling these investments may be costly. MONEY MARKET FUNDS (MMFS) An idea imported from the U.S. where they have been extensively used for years is the Money Market Fund (MMF). The company invests in a fund (strictly speaking it buys shares in it) and the fund invests in a range of short-term instruments. By this means investors achieve diversification even on small amounts invested, they gain same day liquidity, but yet returns driven by the longer average duration of the fund’s investments, Such funds usually have a high proportion of investments in financial sector obligations, limiting sectoral diversification. Some funds major on investment in government bills in the relevant currency and thus are seen as having lower risk but show a lower return. COUNTERPARTY CREDIT LIMITS A company would normally set a credit limit for each counterparty it invests with based largely on that party’s credit rating – paying attention also to its circumstances and available market information, for example how/if it is regulated and by what regulator. The approach to investment security is not designed to be event-free under all circumstances but to be such that, systemic failure apart, a credit event, while damaging, unwelcome and embarrassing, is unlikely to be catastrophic to the overall liquid asset portfolio or the company/group overall. The limit will take account of the probability of default by the counterparty so that counterparties with lower credit ratings are set lower limits. Ownership apart, other connectedness between counterparties would require an overall limit to be set for that factor – for

example an overall limit for counterparties from a particular jurisdiction. The limits may vary with the maturities of the exposures. In times of uncertainty investment periods should be reduced. In any case, credit standings can change very quickly and it is important to be responsive and to have up-to-date assessments to hand to permit prompt adjustment of limits and, possibly, protective actions. Keeping abreast of other indicators or news reports on your counterparties is advisable. INTERNAL PROCESSES The treasury policy, encompassing the concepts above will need to be agreed by the company board or equivalent senior management committee. Over and above the policy suitable processes and control procedures are needed covering delegation of authority limits, division of responsibilities, reporting and monitoring and regular review at a senior level. Staff involved at every level should have the training, skills and experience necessary to fulfil their role properly. Recent Communities & Local Government Guidance on Local Government Investments reinforces this message: “Even where significant reliance is placed upon external advisers, in-house expertise will still be needed to develop the proper kind of working relationship with them. The Government also hopes that elected Members involved in the scrutiny of treasury management issues will avail themselves of relevant training wherever possible.” For those involved in public service organisations CIPFA has issued a Treasury Management Code of Practice and guidancescoping out the essential principles and practices needed. The CIPFA treasury management code of practice identifies the need for formal and comprehensive treasury management policies in public service organisations and recommends certain treasury management practices (TMPs) covering different aspects of treasury. Details of the CIPFA Treasury Management Code of Practice are available at http://secure.cipfa.org.uk/ cgi-bin/CIPFA.storefront/EN/product/PUBCF024. CIPFA, working with the Association of Corporate Treasurers, has developed a qualification in Treasury management specifically tailored to those in the public sector and this is available through an online distance learning programme which combines tutor support with optional tuition and revision courses and formal examination. Details of the ACT/CIPFA Certificate in International Treasury Management - Public Finance (CertITM-PF) are available at www.treasurers.org/certitmpf. Martin O’Donovan is an assistant director of the The Association of Corporate Treasurers, and a member of the CIPFA Treasury Management Panel. Useful information from the Panel is available at http://www.cipfa.org. uk/panels/treasury_management/index.cfm

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MONEY MATTERS

MONEY MARKET FUNDS A solution for local government investments THE DEPARTMENT FOR COMMUNITIES and Local Government (CLG) recently published guidance on local government investments which became operative on 1 April 2010. The CLG guidance defines a prudent investment policy as having two primary objectives: Security and Liquidity, with Yield expectations managed around those two primary factors. CLG guidance refers to the useful acronym “Security – Liquidity – Yield… in that order.” The new guidance reflects the concern shown by a number of investors that security and liquidity should not be sacrificed for the sake of a small uplift in yield and complements two of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s (CIPFA) codes (ie: Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice and The Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities). Traditional money market funds that offer daily liquidity and a constant net

liquidity to cover for potential redemptions, and asset diversification requirements. Providing daily liquidity and aiming to return a stable value of at least £1 per share, GMMF could offer an advantage over investing directly in UK T-Bills and Gilts which can expose investors to fluctuations in market value as interest rates or market appetite for government securities changes. PICK YOUR FUND WISELY Traditional and government money market funds continue to offer a low cost solution to treasury managers that might otherwise have to resource themselves with their own investment teams. However, as credit markets remain volatile and interest rates remain low, the yields available for investing in traditional money market funds have increasingly diverged as some funds opt for a conservative approach to credit and liquidity and other fund providers actively target higher

Traditional money market funds that offer daily liquidity and a constant net asset value (CNAV) could be well placed to meet the requirements of CLG and CIPFA asset value (CNAV) could be well placed to meet the requirements of CLG and CIPFA. More recently government money market funds have also become more popular with investors. These funds also have CNAVs and offer daily liquidity, but differ from many ‘traditional’ money market products in that they only invest in government securities. GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUNDS (GMMF) The growth of triple-A rated GMMF appears to have been asset managers’ reaction to volatile markets dating back to the middle of 2007 and investors’ subsequent requirements to reduce risk. US Dollar and Euro denominated GMMF have often benefited from the flight to quality over this period and have seen assets under management increase. The first Sterling government funds emerged towards the end of 2008 and were a significant development in that they provided an option for investors seeking to take exposure to the UK government only. GMMF are required to adhere to strict rules around maximum weighted average maturities, minimum amounts of overnight

returns. To look at this another way, different liquidity and credit exposures are apparent amongst all funds and yield may well be a good indicator of the type of credit or maturity profiles undertaken – an indicator of risk. Money market funds can no longer be seen as ‘generic’ and choosing the right fund with the right investment manager is of greater importance for investors. This is especially true in light of the CLG and CIPFA guidance. Indeed, the guidance makes clear that those funds with clear investment objectives, high levels of transparency and a management philosophy that remains consistent with the objectives of security, liquidity and suitable return should prove most successful.

focusing on strong credit research. This has meant that we have avoided any significant credit issues within our portfolios and have never had to support any of our funds. • Strong relationships with our clients and a focus on client service. • Portfolio transparency: GTF is one of the few funds that show daily portfolio holdings. The GTF Sterling Fund was launched in 2001, and is actively used by many local authorities, government bodies and their pension funds as an efficient way to manage short-tem cash. The GTF Sterling Government Fund, which invests in UK T-Bills, short term Gilts or UK government backed repo, was launched in 2009 to meet the strong demand from investors for whom preservation of capital is a high priority. As treasury management policies have been adjusted to ensure more robust credit constraints, and a stronger focus on security and liquidity, RBS believes that we have a product suite that could cater for your risk and return requirements.

FOR MORE INFORMATION If you would like to talk to RBS about money market funds, please contact Sue Leigh on 01782 755155, or sue.leigh@rbs.com. This article has been prepared for information purposes only. The information in this article, including the opinions expressed is indicative, constitutes our judgment as of the date indicated and is subject to change without notice. It is intended for the recipient’s sole use on the basis that the recipient will make an independent evaluation and seek independent financial advice and places no reliance on RBS for advice or recommendations of any sort. We make no representations or warranties with respect to the information and specifically disclaim all liability for any use the recipient makes of this information. The Royal Bank of Scotland plc is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Services Authority. Registered in Scotland No. 90312. Registered Office: 36 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2YB.

THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND Totalling approximately £8bn, RBS manages a suite of both traditional and government money market funds, the Global Treasury Funds (GTF). We believe that the following differentiates us from many of our competitors: • An investment team whose focus, niche and experience is high grade credit and government securities. • A robust, conservative approach to investment

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MONEY MATTERS

MEETING PUBLIC SECTOR LIQUIDITY NEEDS Colin Cookson, head of liquidity at Aviva Investors, discusses the challenges the public sector faces in managing cash – and how to overcome them CLIENTS, WHETHER IN THE PUBLIC OR private sector, repeatedly tell us that investing in liquid assets takes up more management time, is more costly, and presents more difficulties than they envisaged. The dramatic events of the past 18 months have made matters even worse, with issues of risk and even the security of bank deposits a perpetual concern. The biggest issues, arguably, are finding appropriate counterparties for these cash investments – and the amount of time and resource tied up in managing a basket of segregated accounts, cash deposits and direct investment in money market securities. It was with these clients in mind that Aviva Investors developed the Dynamic Liquidity Solution. While no two clients are the same, they often face the same issues – the need for a flexible, easily managed solution for cash which offers an adaptable portfolio to meet changing liquidity and return requirements cost-effectively and efficiently. This innovative product is based on Aviva Investors’ four liquidity funds, detailed in the table below, which includes the marketleading Sterling Government Liquidity Fund and Sterling Liquidity Fund. Colin Cookson, head of liquidity at Aviva Investors says: “By proactively managing the allocation of investments across these

funds, we can tailor an adaptable portfolio to meet investors’ changing liquidity and return requirements, in a cost effective manner.” Our liquidity solution addresses the issues of diversification and credit risk of the overall investments, in a cost effective manner. In the current credit environment, clients do not always have the time or the expertise to analyse the credit risk of the assets they invest in. As part of the fifth largest insurance group in the world*, Aviva Investors brings in-house credit expertise to bear on its funds, each of which is credit rated. Investing in a pooled vehicle also offers an effective way of achieving diversification with the underlying assets providing the appropriate risk, return and maturity characteristics. Furthermore, the dynamic aspect of the portfolio allows fast, efficient switching between funds to help meet changing client needs. The funds involved are managed, in an appropriately conservative manner, by Aviva Investors. The pooled investments allow us to achieve economies of scale and to be entirely transparent in the asset management process, for example sending clients weekly updates on positions, and providing bespoke reports on a monthly basis. This all comes supported by really first-rate client service, from the dedicated client team.

By proactively managing the allocation of investments across these funds, we can tailor an adaptable portfolio to meet investors’ changing liquidity and return requirements, in a cost effective manner Fund name

Weighted average maturity

Performance target (gross)

Liquidity

Moody’s Rating

S&P Rating

Sterling Government Liquidity Fund

<60 days

Overnight LIBID

Daily

Aaa MR1

AAAm

Sterling Liquidity Fund

<60 days

7 Day LIBID + 0.10% p.a

Daily

Aaa MR1

AAAm

Sterling Strategic Liquidity Fund

<365 days

7 Day LIBID + 0.25% p.a

T+3

Aaa MR2

N/A

Sterling Core Liquidity Fund

<2 years

3 Month LIBID + 0.50% p.a

T+3

Aa MR1

N/A

Colin Cookson

The flexibility our liquidity solution offers helps clients adapt to changing times. Having significant amounts of money instantly available might be a requirement one day, but not the next. For example, if a local authority treasurer sees a delay in a building project, with our Dynamic Liquidity Solution, they can simply move cash to a longer-dated, higher-return fund. And, if the situation changes and the money has to be on hand at short notice, we can make that switch too. Moving money between funds with different liquidity – from same-day access to three days – and with different return targets and risk profiles can be a real benefit to treasurers. It’s about making cash work harder, with the right mix or risk and return, and administering money easily and effectively. *Based on gross worldwide premiums for the year ended 31 December 2008

FOR MORE INFORMATION E-mail: colin.cookson@avivainvestors.com

The opinions expressed are those of Aviva Investors Global Services Limited (Aviva Investors). They should not be viewed as indicating any guarantee of return from an investment managed by Aviva Investors nor as advice of any nature. The value of an investment in the Funds and any income from them can go down as well as up. Investors may not get back the original amount invested. Copies of the Full and Simplified Prospectus together with the Report and Accounts of the scheme are available free of charge by contacting us at Aviva Investors Global Services Limited, No. 1 Poultry, London EC2R 8EJ.

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A RETURN TO ‘TRADITIONAL’ COLLECTIONS Lis Kendray, operations director of The Lewis Group, makes the case for ‘traditional’ debt collection and how it is already helping government agencies to manage their mounting debt stock OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS, THERE HAS been a great deal of talk, deservedly so, about the rise and continued rise of new collection techniques, strategies and disciplines, and their impact on the credit management sector. There is always the risk, however, that in focusing our attentions on such areas as debt sale and purchase, for example, that we lose sight of the fundamentals, and in particular the essential role that ‘traditional’ debt collection plays in the recovery of debt within the public sector. HELPING TO MANAGE THE DEBT BURDEN Government itself is one of the best examples of how traditional debt collection can help manage its debt burden. The use of external collection agencies within certain government departments have been so successful that they are fast becoming an integral part of credit management strategy. And with government having a clear duty as the keeper of the public purse, it is perhaps even more important for them to demonstrate that as much outstanding debt is being recovered as possible. The Lewis Group works with national government agencies and local authorities in a ‘traditional’ debt collection capacity, primarily working as an extension of those agencies’ own in-house teams. The type of debt being recovered can vary significantly: at one level it might be a statutory fine or an overpaid benefit payment; or it might be – in the case of a local authority – a sundry debt or unpaid council tax or non-domestic rates. In keeping with the commercial sector, government agencies tend to deploy their own credit management procedures in the first instance. Once they have identified a payment or return is overdue, the defaulter is contacted by telephone and letter for recovery either by themselves, if they have the resource, or by the instructed external collection agency. Historically, if their own collection efforts went unrewarded, the public sector had nowhere else to go. The debt would have been deemed unrecoverable and deemed written off or held as part of its debt stock. Clearly government had a responsibility to recover as much overpaid public money as possible, and it was for this reason that it began looking at the private sector, to see how they could help. What these government departments now find is that if they mail one of their defaulters and suggest that if they do not respond then the matter will be passed to an outside agency, they often get a response. There is something

about it being taken away from a public sector organisation and into the private sector that makes it more ‘serious’ in the customer’s eyes. Of course, in a situation where a private company is dealing directly with the ‘customer’ (and a voter), there have to be certain parameters in which they can operate to take into account the sensitive nature of the task. Data, for example, has to be ring-fenced. But to a very large extent, the collection agencies have a degree of freedom in which to operate effectively, and to this end they are often allowed to adopt whatever traditional techniques are most appropriate to ensure the debt is recovered. This can include doorstep collections and in certain cases litigation. MEASURING SUCCESS So how is the success of a collections agency measured? The first is obviously how much debt is recovered, and the cost of recovery. A second measure is the extent to which recovery informs the government’s write-off policy. This means that if it says a debt is ‘unrecoverable’, the Treasury can clearly see the exhaustive steps that have been taken, and can view any growing debt stock in the proper context. The final measure of success, although probably the most difficult to see, certainly in the short term, is to what degree the debtor is being re-educated and informed of

their social and legal responsibility to pay. Different government bodies have different approaches to dealing with an external agency. Some work in real partnership; others are viewed simply as ‘suppliers’. Some will see more benefit in building a strong relationship with a single provider and others will employ multiple agencies to recover debt operating in a competitive framework. Regardless of how the collection agency is employed, they are working well, and demonstrating that they have an essential role to play. EARLY PROCESSES So what advice would we give to anyone planning to take on a traditional debt collection agency? Fundamentally, employ them sooner in the process rather than later. Don’t let a debt become ‘old’ before you pass it on for collection, otherwise the customer appears to think he doesn’t ‘own’ it anymore. Go through the early processes quickly – certainly within four to six weeks after the debt has been identified – and if you haven’t been paid, then get your agency onto it straight away.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For further information contact Roger Eagles on 0870 751 3402 or e-mail reagles@lewisgroup.co.uk

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BIOMASS – CARBON SINK OR CARBON SINNER? A report by the Environment Agency highlights how biomass energy could play a key role in delivering our greenhouse gas emission targets but only if action is taken to ensure it is genuinely low carbon BIOMASS – CARBON SINK OR CARBON sinner?, a report published by the Environment Agency finds that using energy crops or waste materials as fuel for generating electricity and heat could play an important role in meeting the UK’s renewable energy and greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, but only if good practice is followed. Using biomass to generate electricity and heat can deliver very large greenhouse gas emission savings compared with using gas or coal but only if the fuel is produced in an environmentally sustainable way and used efficiently. Best practice can deliver up to 98 per cent less emissions than using coal but worst practice can result in more greenhouse gas emissions overall than using gas. The report estimates that greenhouse

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gas emissions of over three million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year could be saved by 2020 if good practice is followed. GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES To deliver these emissions reductions, the Environment Agency is urging government to ensure all generators publicly report the greenhouse gas emissions from producing, transporting and using biomass fuels and be ready to set minimum standards if required. It is also urging the government to provide greater incentives for combined heat and power than for electricity only plant, through the proposed renewable heat incentive. Overall the best performing biomass schemes in terms of greenhouse gas emissions are those that deliver combined heat and power rather

than just electricity, which is the current trend. They use wastes or energy crops that have not been transported too far. The worst performing schemes are those where energy crops are grown on what was previously grassland using a lot of nitrogen fertilisers. They expend energy in processing the biomass, for example into fuel pellets, and the fuel is transported thousands of miles and burned to generate electricity only. Biomass heat and power is currently the largest source of renewable energy in the UK accounting for 2.3 per cent of the UK’s electricity generation and 1 per cent of our heat needs. It can be a low carbon renewable energy source because it is either based on wastes which would otherwise go to landfill or on energy crops and forestry that, after being harvested, continue to grow and

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Using biomass to generate electricity and heat can deliver very large greenhouse gas emission savings compared with using gas or coal but only if the fuel is produced in an environmentally sustainable way and used efficiently absorb the carbon emitted when they are burned. The government’s renewable energy strategy envisages huge growth in energy generation from biomass so that by 2020 it provides about 30 per cent of renewable electricity and heat towards the UK’s overall target of 15 per cent renewable energy. PLAYING THE PART Tony Grayling, head of Climate Change and Sustainable Development at the Environment Agency, said: “The biomass heat and power sector can play an important role in helping the UK meet its renewable energy and greenhouse gas commitments but only if it meets high standards. We want to ensure that the sector’s growth is environmentally sustainable and that the mistakes made with

biofuels are avoided, where unsustainable growth has had to be curbed. Biomass operators have a responsibility to ensure that biomass comes from sustainable sources, and is used efficiently to deliver the greatest greenhouse gas savings and the most renewable energy. “The government should ensure that good practice is rewarded and that biomass production and use that does more harm than good to the environment does not benefit from public support.” Other key findings of the report include: • How a fuel is produced and the distance it is transported has a major impact on emissions – transporting fuels over long distances and excessive use of nitrogen fertilisers, can reduce the emissions savings made by the same fuel by between 15 and

50 per cent compared to best practice. • Land use change can negate any emission savings – for example by using permanent grasslands to grow bioenergy crops. • Emission reductions of over three million tonnes of greenhouse gases per year could be achieved by following good practice • Co-firing biomass alongside fossil fuel is a good short term measure to reduce emissions, but unless carbon capture and storage can be deployed and preferably the heat utilised, it does not have a long term role. A copy of the Environment Agency’s report, Biomass: Carbon Sink or Carbon Sinner, is available to download at www.environment-agency.gov.uk. Research for the report was carried out for the Environment Agency by AEA Technology. In order to help biomass facility operators report on the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from fuel production and use, the Environment Agency has developed a Biomass Environmental Assessment Tool – BEAT2. This tool is already being used by biomass project developers to calculate and minimise their greenhouse gas emissions. The Biomass Environmental Assessment Tool, BEAT2, is available to download free from the Biomass Energy Centre website at www.biomassenergycentre.org.uk

Energy From Waste, 6-7 October 2010, London HE QUESTION OF how to efficiently utilise residual waste has become imperative for numerous reasons – increasing landfill taxes, the drive for a low carbon economy, the requirements of resource efficiency and the search for increased energy security. Energy from Waste (6-7 October 2010, London, UK) considers all the interconnecting policies and legislation, assesses the hurdles that beset the industry in terms of finance, planning and acceptance, and analyses the latest developments in technologies, feedstocks and markets. Key topics to be addressed: • The political dimension of delivering waste infrastructure • Using waste to produce energy from a retailer’s perspective • Procuring separate waste services and fuel use contracts • The procurement process and planning aspects • Lowering the carbon footprint

of waste management in a risk averse market Keynotes include: Mervyn Bowden, head of energy management, Marks & Spencer; Tim Judson, director of procurement, North London Waste Authority; Paul Wambugu, capital planning and strategy, Kenya Electricity Generating Company; Kevin Willerton, VP, Strategic Alliances and Business Development, Alter NRG/ Westinghouse Plasma Corp.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information visit www.smi-online. co.uk/10energywaste2.asp or contact Sam Hunter on +44 (0)20 7827 6115 or shunter@smi-online.co.uk

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Aim lower with Warmcel insulation XCEL INDUSTRIES manufactures Warmcel, the only 100 per cent recycled insulation for walls, floors and roofs. Warmcel is installed in over one million homes in the UK alone thanks to its exceptional green credentials and proven ability to help reduce and eliminate carbon emissions in new homes. Since the introduction of the Code for Sustainable Homes (CfSH), the government has set the ultimate goal of reaching ‘zero carbon’. We all know what is meant by ‘zero carbon’ and I think we all understand that using any form of insulation helps significantly cut carbon emissions. But is ‘zero’ really low enough? According to the BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) Warmcel is rated as ‘better than zero carbon’. That’s

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right, Warmcel is not low carbon and it’s not even zero carbon, it’s better than zero carbon! This unique statement for a mainstream insulation product confirms that the CO2 within Warmcel exceeds that released in the manufacture, installation and removal of the product at the end of its life. Warmcel is also the only mainstream insulation product to collectively have a GWP of -1.9 and a better than A+ BREEAM. For housebuilders looking to reduce or eliminate carbon emissions this statement is good news.

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ON THE PATH TO SUCCESS BRE gives useful guidance on how to avoid common pitfalls when it comes to the Code for Sustainable Homes THERE ARE NOW SEVERAL HOMES

and developments built to the Code for Sustainable Homes since its initial roll out in early 2007. BRE’s Housing Futures team have worked on many of these projects and have a good insight into the most common pitfalls experienced by designers and architects. MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

Note from the start the mandatory requirements for the Code level you aim to achieve under each section. Obtaining higher levels of the Code is not just about an overall score; it also contains mandatory constituents that can vary from location to location (e.g. different waste storage requirements of local councils). It can be difficult to improve a design that is already built. This is highlighted where there isn’t enough space for waste storage or you do not have a satisfactory flood risk assessment. Despite having made large investments elsewhere, you may end up being ‘nil rated’. Start early with the design and pay particular attention to the mandatory requirements. Aim to slightly exceed your total Code level points requirement. Design slippage almost always happens as budgets tighten, measured performance doesn’t quite meet the original design intent or information trails are not as robust as they should have been. The loss of even one credit can result in a lower Code level if redundancy is not integrated into the strategy. Supporting evidence is important. Don’t underestimate the amount of work required here and pay particular attention to the format this must be supplied in. Try to specify early to benefit from any additional merit that your improved specification will allow over the default assumptions. Both SAP and the Code use nominal ‘worse case’ for default value entries. These claims will be checked by assessors, so if the specification is subsequently lowered, check the effect of this on the credits or SAP rating, continuously using them as design tools. Cost effectiveness can also be checked in this way. Where a Code level is difficult to achieve, revisiting Energy can be beneficial as it can be the easiest to control and to ‘retrieve’ credits dropped elsewhere in the assessment. ENERGY

Energy contributes over 1/3 of the CSH credits and therefore a good performance here is critical. DER vs. TER: Ensure you are using the most current version of SAP applicable (see Top Tips at end of article to find out how to

check this). This permits specific inputs of performance criteria for mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems (MHVR) which allows the benefits of high efficiency units to be reaped. This is required to reach the higher levels of the Code and also allows Level 3 homes to be designed without the need for renewables (also see Top Tips). Heat Loss Parameter: There doesn’t currently appear to be much emphasis on this (judging by the few available Code credits), however, Level 6 has a mandatory requirement of HLP<0.8. Cycle Storage: Assessors will be checking in particular on how weather proofing, accessibility and security are provided. Home office: Ensure that there is enough space for both purpose requirements of the room (e.g. bedroom and office). WATER

Outdoor Water Use: Make sure if water butts are used, an appropriate overflow is fitted. A poor example might show 95 per cent of the work and expense is completed, but this still fails to achieve the credits. Again, be aware of the detail. MATERIALS

Responsible Sourcing of Materials: A weak information trail will lose credits. Ensure that suppliers are selected who can deliver the required information and that the relevant paperwork is collated throughout the build. These credits are almost impossible to recover once lost. SURFACE WATER

A successful flood risk assessment is a mandatory requirement to avoid nil rating. This should be done early on. Allotted space for surface water run off measures (SUDS/water butts etc) are particularly difficult to add in later. WASTE

Storage of Waste: Ensure that the local authority scheme waste collection system is understood and this contributes early on in the design where these credits are sought. HEALTH & WELLBEING

Day lighting: Calculations of day lighting must be shown to support claims for credits. Also, be aware that different rooms have different day light factor requirements. MANAGEMENT

Security: Ensure that documented evidence is kept to demonstrate that

the ‘professional’ advice has been followed. It can be some time between advice and assessment, so again, a good information trail here is imperative. Early input from a Suitably Qualified Ecologist (SQE) can prevent problems later on which are difficult or impossible to rectify and one SQE can support many categories here. TOP TIPS

• Ensure that the current SAP version is being used (and is implemented by the SAP assessor and SAP software provider). This can be checked here http:// projects.bre.co.uk/sap2005/ • It is easier and more cost effective to design homes to be Code compliant from the outset rather than trying to upgrade existing designs. Many of the credits are inter-related and need a systematic approach. • Code Level 3 can normally be reached without needing expensive renewable energy technologies, by using good design. Excellent design advice to reach ENE credits for Code Levels 3, 4 and 5 & 6 can be found in the Energy Saving Trust (EST) documents CE290, CE291 and CE292 respectively, which are free to download from the EST website http://www.energysavingtrust.org. uk/housingbuildings/publications/ • Since there may be a large time delay between design, build and assessment, the information trail should be very robust to claim credits. • Aim to exceed the credit total for your intended Code level by a few credits. • Make sure that components specified at design stage can actually be sourced and properly installed during build. Falsely relying on credits mean that you will have to make them up elsewhere and this is often very difficult. FOR MORE INFORMATION The BRE offers Code consultancy services. For more information please contact: www.bre.co.uk/codeconsultancy For training to ‘Design to the Code for Sustainable Homes’ visit: www.bre. co.uk/training or call 01923 664829.

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ARE YOU COMMITTED TO CARBON REDUCTION? Robert Rabinowitz, director, Environmental Markets for sustainability consultancy, BRE, answers your questions on the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme THE CRC ENERGY EFFICIENCY SCHEME came into effect on 1 April and has the potential to pose significant challenges to many organisations. For most participants, this will be the first experience of being subject to a complex carbontrading scheme. Yet, unlike many other forms of regulation, the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme is a profit opportunity for the best performers. This is in addition to the value of energy savings and the growing commercial benefits from integrating sustainability into the business model. WHY LAUNCHING THE CRC? The CRC has been launched because of the failure of British organisations to invest in energy efficiency, despite the estimated 15 per cent return on such investments and the £1 billion in energy savings that could be achieved. A report in 2005 by the Carbon Trust revealed three main reasons why such investments are not taking place: 1. Information gap – There is a lack of accurate data on energy use, the costs and returns of investment options and a lack of trained personnel. 2. Misalignment of incentives – Energy price signals are not reaching the right people. For example, landlords pass on energy costs to tenants and so have no incentive to reduce emissions, while the tenant has no incentive to invest in the fabric of the landlord’s building. 3. Organisational issues – Energy managers cannot get management to pay attention to energy efficiency. Energy costs are a small issue for most organisations and companies prefer to invest in growing their businesses. The CRC has been explicitly designed to remedy each of these failures. An organisation will have a successful CRC strategy if it can answer the following questions: • Do we know where and how our organisation uses energy and what opportunities there are for cost-effective reductions in energy use? • Have we put in place the right incentives to drive carbon reduction through the organisation? • Has the organisation’s board created a comprehensive carbon reduction investment plan? WHAT ARE MY OBLIGATIONS? Organisations qualify to participate in the CRC if during calendar year 2008, they consumed more than 6,000 MWh through half-hourly meters. The government estimates that there are 4-6,000 organisations in this

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CRC and energy management specialists

NI Government gains in heating efficiency

O MORE THAN A YEAR ago, public and private sector audiences attended Camco’s Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) web seminars on the statutory basis and detailed compliance requirements of the CRC. The participants were often only half-aware of the scheme and its implications, and viewed it with suspicion. Times change. Camco is now engaged with major UK-wide property owners, industrial manufacturing, and service sector clients, enabling them to respond intelligently to the challenge of the CRC. They’re using Camco as their expert advisor and source of innovation in reducing their financial risk and identifying cost-saving and revenue-generating opportunities. We regularly find that there are two overriding requirements for CRC-ready organisations: a good data management system, and embedding an enhanced approach to data across the organisation. The first is almost easy, especially

FFICIENCY AND COMFORT improvements in heating in UK government buildings of between 10 and 15 per cent are realisable through a unique but simple efficiency enhancement to existing building control systems. Costs can be recovered within two years and the impact on carbon reduction is immediate. In one of the coldest winters in Belfast for many years heating gas savings of between 12 per cent and 16 per cent were achieved in two Government of Northern Ireland buildings. Fuelstretcher Ltd control technology was interfaced with Trend Systems to reduce energy cost and carbon emissions in heating the Department of the Environment’s Waterman House. A parallel trial was carried out in the Design Centre, another office building, managed by the Department of Finance and Personnel. The retrofit control technology, developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), has successfully enhanced building management systems in the UK and Germany since 2002. Heating energy efficiency improvements

using Camco’s proven webenabled system ‘Carbon Desktop’. The second is much harder to achieve, but creates the foundation for value creation. Camco’s clients are winning because they’ve created a shared understanding of CRC impacts, driven by sponsorship at the top of the organisation, and local responsibility at the individual sites, buildings and business units where the impacts of the regulation will be felt. Camco is a specialist, multidisciplinary energy and carbon business with a twenty-plus year track record helping public and private sector clients to create value through reducing their emissions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01225 816877 E-mail: paul.stepan@ camcoglobal.com Web: www.camcoglobal.com

6-7 July, Copthorne Tara Hotel, London, UK Best Practice in Energy and Carbon Savings

averaging 15 per cent have been achieved. However innovation often challenges established Government practices. i.e. • Does it have the “inhouse” resources to assess new energy technologies? • Will it increase its expectations of its established control technology suppliers? Fuelstretcher’s strategy is to engage with forward thinking control suppliers who embrace innovation, even by others, as a means of developing rather than protecting longstanding business. Government minimises both its risk and resource management costs by facilitating such collaboration In these two buildings Fuelstretcher teamed up with ATC, the NI Government’s own specialist Trend controls supplier to deliver these results. Reports on both buildings are available.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Peter Jennings managing director, Fuelstretcher Ltd Office: 01752 764423 Mobile: 07736 167368

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

www.greenpowerconferences.com/crc Keynote Speaker:

Tim Yeo, MP Tim Yeo has been Member of Parliament for South Suffolk since 1983 and Chairman of the Environmental Audit Select Committee since 2005.

Main Event Takeaways: • The very latest updates on key CRC topics including registration, reporting and revenue recycling • Informative case studies on CRC compliance from public and private sector participants • Innovative carbon and energy savings strategies to boost your league table performance • Ideas on reducing the administrative burdens of CRC data management and reporting • Practical advice on estimating CRC costs and managing carbon trading

To enquire about this event, please contact laura.brownie@greenpowerconferences.com quoting ref gb1

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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

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This low level of readiness actually provides an opportunity to shine for those organisations that take an effective approach to their preparation. While the CRC clock is already ticking, it is not too late enhance your organisation’s reputation and to profit financially from participation

category including local authorities, large NHS Trusts, central government departments, retailers, financial institutions and commercial property owners. Those subject to the CRC have three primary obligations: 1. report their total carbon footprint (electricity, gas and other fossil fuels) to the Environment Agency 2. compile an auditable evidence pack signed by a Board director substantiating that report 3. buy and surrender one allowance per tonne of emissions (£12 per tonne from April 2011). The CRC will be implemented on a phase-by-phase basis. The first phase runs from April 2010 to March 2013. Future phases will last for five years. WHY SHOULD I CARE? Financial – Unlike most government regulations, the CRC represents a profit opportunity. The top 50 per cent of CRC performers can expect to make a profit from the scheme (before internal costs, fees and energy cost savings). Poor performers face higher costs. There are significant cashflow implications for all participants. Legal – Directors of the highest parent company are required to sign off on the evidence packs and there are fines and other civil and criminal penalties for failure to register, missing deadlines and inaccurate reporting. Reputation – Your organisation’s performance will be published by the government in a single public league table, which will rank every participant from top to bottom. A low ranking may create questions about cost controls and commitment to sustainability. WHAT DO I DO NEXT? BRE, together with commercial real estate brokers and consultants Cushman & Wakefield, have devised a simple model for organisations that wish to set up a CRC compliance strategy. The first step in every case relates to operational readiness. Liability mapping involves identifying every electricity and gas meter (and other emission sources) for which the organisation is a counterparty to the energy supply contract. Mapping out the organisational structure can be quite complex for certain commercial organisations. Local authorities have the added complication that they must include emissions from their schools even though they have no direct operational control over their energy use. Without a liability map, an organisation cannot understand their “value at risk” – the financial benefit/cost of reaching the top/bottom of the league table. An effective response to the CRC cannot be left to energy managers alone. Capacity building needs to involve facility managers, finance directors, communications experts and the legal department. Even a basic liability mapping exercise requires information from various departments who each need to understand what to contribute and why.

Decisions on early action (see below) cannot be taken without consideration of issues related to communications and reputation. Organisations need to put in place procedures to ensure that they are collecting high quality information for the evidence pack that they need to compile each year. Estimated data must be inflated by 10 per cent, increasing the costs of compliance, and 20 per cent of evidence packs will be audited each year with escalating fines for inaccuracies. In the first three years of the CRC, league table positions (which determine whether an organisation profits from the scheme) are dependent on early action measures; voluntary installation of automatic meters and Carbon Trust Standard accreditation. Participants need to make decisions quickly on the cost-effectiveness of these actions because delays result in a lower score and hence a worse financial result. Once organisations have addressed these issues and registered for the CRC, they can move on to address longer-term strategic issues such as how to optimise their portfolios from a CRC perspective, how to fund carbon reductions and how to use carbon trading to generate the best financial returns. CRC READINESS BRE and Cushman & Wakefield recently undertook a survey of CRC participants to assess their readiness for the regulations. It found that while there was fairly good general awareness of the CRC among likely participants, many organisations did not realise the detailed preparation that is required. A majority of organisations had not calculated the financial impacts of the scheme and were not undertaking early action measures and only 20 per cent had appointed a multidisciplinary team to manage compliance. This low level of readiness actually provides an opportunity to shine for those organisations that take an effective approach to their preparation. While the CRC clock is already ticking, it is not too late enhance your organisation’s reputation and to profit financially from participation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For CRC advice, please contact Robert Rabinowitz Tel: 01923 664857 E-mail: rabinowitzr@bre.co.uk For Energy Management training details, please contact BRE Training Tel: 01923 664829 E-mail: train@bre.co.uk Web: www.bre.co.uk/training

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BRINGING HOUSING TOGETHER The Chartered Institute of Housing’s Conference and Exhibition, 22-24 June, offers four events in one: a housing summit with topical debate, a vibrant and innovative exhibition, a brand new exhibitor focused seminar programme and a packed social networking diary THE TIMING OF CIH HOUSING 2010 Conference & Exhibition, just after the general election, promises an event that will be at the very top of the agenda, highly topical and interesting to everyone involved in the housing sector. It will be the first time the whole industry congregates post election, providing an ideal platform for debate, networking, exploration of new policy initiatives and product showcasing. It is expected that the event will be buzzing as a result. OPPORTUNITY The CIH Annual Exhibition remains the biggest and best-attended event in the housing calendar, bringing together around 5,000 housing professionals and 300 key suppliers from across the UK. Both the conference and the exhibition provide an ideal opportunity for people in the housing sector to explore their sector and the issues that affect them. The exhibition itself promises to show how housing providers continue to invest significantly in maintenance and repairs and to actively develop, resulting in a buoyant market for products and services. This year’s exhibition will prove that the social housing sector continues to be a test bed for innovation. While the Conference debates policy,

the Exhibition will also be having formal discussions of its own, bringing together housing associations, local authorities and a full range of service providers at The Ideas Exchange, a series of product and procurement focused seminars. This format is brand new for the CIH Annual Exhibition 2010. The Ideas Exchange has two main streams running concurrently over the three days, Innovation and efficiency: doing more with less, and Service excellence: satisfying the customer. The seminar programme will include a session looking at Sustainability & energy efficiency for new homes and refurbishments, including practical examples from housing associations that have made a real difference to energy efficiency and the use of sustainable resources. Panel members from Cottsway, Orbit and Black Country Housing will contribute to the session. Bill Rumble, commercial director of Mark Group who are exhibiting at CIH, said: “Social housing providers have a responsibility to meet basic energy-efficiency standards for their tenants. We estimate there are some eight million residential properties in the UK which are yet to benefit from simple insulation measures but, by working directly with organisations in this sector, we can potentially cater for hundreds or even thousands of homes in a single project.

“After insulation comes education, lifestyle change and the microgeneration of power. At this year’s CIH exhibition we will be showcasing our capabilities in developing a ‘whole house’ approach to energy efficiency. This will involve helping social housing providers understand how they can measure up to stringent government requirements, through accessing funding and facilitating partnership arrangements.” With the spotlight fixed firmly on reducing the risk of fire and overall H&S initiatives a session titled Safe and secure: Best practice in Health & Safety and Fire Safety will provide an update on the key initiatives and highlight best practice in deploying products for fire safety and H&S. Whatever the result of the general election, public expenditure is likely to be cut, raising the perennial issue of how to do more with less. The next session – innovating for efficiency: reducing costs and improving results for new builds and refurbishments – will show how deploying innovative products and processes can help you get the most from your resources; speakers from Home Group, Wolverhampton Homes and Fusion 21 will be present. Solarcentury is exhibiting this year at CIH and see the forthcoming year as an exciting one for housing association’s with the start of the Feedin tariff, an innovation in solar power. This new

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scheme means housing association’s will be paid for generating solar electricity and will be able to pass on electricity savings to their tenants. The scheme has encouraged housing associations, public buildings and businesses to go solar too, Derry Newman, CEO of Solarcentury says: “Over the past year, Solarcentury has been working with over 50 housing associations on over 200 affordable housing projects; and is seeing a shift towards fitting solar for tenants in older housing rather than just new buildings. One such organisation is South Yorkshire Housing Association (SYHA), whose tenants collectively should see over £36,000 in bill savings next year thanks to their investment in solar electric homes. SYHA believes grid electricity prices will continue to rise by six per cent each year, so whilst it generates a guaranteed revenue for reinvestment, the not-for-profit organisation is protecting its vulnerable tenants from such price rises.” Public sector organisations, as well as businesses, have already been incorporating solar solutions into their buildings, including The London Fire Emergency and Planning Authority and the Metropolitan Police. Increasingly, both sectors will be ramping up their solar investments as they recognise it can become a significant hedge to future electricity prices, as well as a financially attractive way to cut carbon emissions. The second seminar stream focuses on service excellence; satisfying the customer and opens with a session looking at tenant involvement and the central role it plays in the success of many projects, Involving tenants in the product selection and procurement process. This session will highlight best practice examples from organisations that have successfully engaged with their clients in the delivery of projects, these include Harvest Housing, Thames Valley Housing, Spire Homes and the London Borough of Hackney. Shoreline Housing Partnership, High Peaks Community Housing and Portsmouth City Council will look at how to deliver excellence

and how to involve suppliers in the process in a session on Achieving excellence in service delivery and contractor & partner management. The fabric of buildings, availability of services and estate management standards all have an important impact on the development of sustainable communities. A session titled Products and services for sustainable communities will outline best practice in services and initiatives that go beyond just physical regeneration and help to develop a sustainable community. ENHANCED SOCIAL PROGRAMME Most people attend these national events to grow their client base and the social events diary at the CIH Housing 2010 has been expanded to ensure more opportunity for relationship development and networking. The social programme kicks off on Monday evening with a Welcome Drinks Reception at The Crown Hotel from 18.45-19.45. This is a free event and provides a great opportunity for delegates and exhibitors to mingle. The Bollywood Bistro Night follows the reception, a paid for event that is themed with an inspired Indian menu and entertainment. On Tuesday there is a delegate wine reception sponsored by Mitie, which will take place in the exhibition area, officially opening the exhibition and Tuesday’s events continue with a party from 8pm. The social highlight of the week is the World Cup Football Reception, the CIH and event organisers Ocean Media have made the most of the opportunity and running alongside the conference programme the England-Slovenia match will be shown on screens in the exhibition hall with complimentary drinks provided. Tanya Cohen, exhibition director, Ocean Media, said: “We have introduced The Ideas Exchange to help visitors get even more out of their exhibition experience. By showcasing what’s really made a difference in housing organisations and hearing from those involved in implementation at the sharp end, The Ideas Exchange will provide practical examples

of best practice that housing professionals will be able to apply to their own situations. We have also expanded the social and networking diary as we appreciate how important networking is to exhibitors and visitors. We know that the four distinctive elements of the CIH Annual event and the congregation of the housing sector at such a pivotal time will result in a milestone event.” The exhibition features a wide spectrum of the UK’s leading providers of products and services for and to the social housing sector and includes: • Developers and contractors • Building products and services suppliers • IT and smart technology • Solicitors • Architects and planners • Modern methods of construction • Maintenance, repair and facilities management • Management solutions • Consultants • Housing associations • Voluntary organisations • Care and support • Security and alarms • Finance • Environmental products and services • Recruitment and staffing • Procurement services • Utilities • Other organisations offering services related to social housing and regeneration Exhibitors at Housing 2010 include: Mears, Mark Group, ROK, Swish Building Products, Wates Living Space, Tribal, SitexOrbis, Freefoam Plastics Ltd, Ideal Stelrad, Worcester Bosch, Rixonway Kitchens, Capital, Permadoor, Savills, TPAS, the Audit Commission, Housemark, Arden Chambers, Ubbink, and Dulux.

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

Ideal – heating products for all applications T IDEAL WE PRIDE ourselves on high customer satisfaction and ensure that the products we sell are the best they can possibly be. Ideal is at the forefront of domestic and commercial heating markets, still leading the industry in setting new standards and expanding technological boundaries. Ideal Heating remains true to its principles of quality, innovation and value; building on its rich heritage as it looks to the future. The latest release – the Logic+ combi Sedbuk rated A boiler has had a phenomenal

forward to building on the Logic’s success with a wider range of products to follow. We strive to make sure that all our products are relevant in today’s industry, by listening to feedback from the people who install and use or products. Judging from the success of recent exhibitions we are accomplishing this and building great levels of brand trust and awareness.

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response, this new product has generated brand new interest in the heating industry together with bringing many customers to us from other manufacturers. We are looking

FOR MORE INFORMATION For further information and to take a look at our great range of products go to www.idealheating.co.uk

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TAKING THE ZERO CARBON BUILDING ROUTE The Road to Zero Carbon is a one-day conference on low and zero carbon building, taking place 15 June, Reading Town Hall THE CONSTRUCTION AND USE OF buildings contribute nearly half of the UK’s CO2 emissions, which the UK has a legally binding target to reduce to 80 per cent below 1990 levels by 2050. As a result, the government has set targets to significantly reduce the greenhouse emissions from all buildings. All new buildings will need to be zero carbon within a decade as Building Regulations progressively tighten, starting with a 25 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions for all new buildings in October 2010, while CO2 emissions from existing buildings need to be approaching zero by 2050. We are seeing a move from demonstration projects, such as those at the BRE Innovation Park, to an increasing number of real-world low and zero carbon buildings being built. This demonstrates that, contrary to claims that it is too expensive or can’t be done, it is possible to achieve significant reductions in carbon emissions from buildings. EVENT DETAILS This major conference, which first ran very successfully earlier this year in Bristol, will show how the UK is beginning to meet national targets for low and zero carbon building. The Road to Zero Carbon will be addressed by key national speakers such as Bill Dunster, architect of the UK’s first zero carbon Code for Sustainable Homes level 6 development, Neil Jefferson, chief executive of the Zero Carbon Hub and Charlie Luxton, architectural designer and broadcaster. The day will also bring to life some of the best of these real world low and zero carbon projects, with a strong focus on the steps and measures taken to achieve these reductions in CO2 and the impact it had on the construction process. Delegates will be provided with a unique opportunity to learn from those at the leading edge of compliance with this fast approaching standard such as Marks & Spencer, the Schools Zero Carbon Taskforce, Atkins and the ZED Factory. Who is the conference for? The conference is targeted at the construction sector in its broadest sense, including the construction industry and professionals, such as architects, designers, surveyors and engineers, developers, housebuilders, construction firms and builders, housing associations, consultants, clients, local authority officers and councillors, regional and national government and agencies. EVENT SPEAKERS Chairman Charlie Luxton is an architectural designer and broadcaster who has been creating

and talking about environmental architecture for the past decade. He has written and presented more than 10 TV series, including ‘Not All Bricks and Mortar’ and ‘Not All Houses are Square’ for Channel 4, and ‘Restored to Glory’, a prime-time restoration programme for BBC2. Neil Jefferson, chief executive of the Zero Carbon Hub, a public/private initiative to drive the delivery of zero carbon homes, will discuss the latest policy developments for low and zero carbon buildings. Neil will set out the policy framework, which has seen the government set targets to significantly reduce CO2 emissions from all buildings, whether residential, commercial, public, new or existing. Bill Dunster is a principal of ZEDfactory, and architect of the UK’s first non-demonstration Code Level 6 homes, which are zero carbon, at Upton in Northamptonshire. Bill will look at how zero carbon was achieved at Upton and ways of replicating this elsewhere. Rory Bergin is head of Sustainability and Innovation at HTA, responsible for the design of the Barratt Homes zero carbon development of approximately 200 homes at Hanham Hall near Bristol, which is currently under construction. Rory will look at the carbon reduction measures employed at Hanham Hall, which is the first larger scale zero carbon development in the country. Stephen Knowles, associate at Atkins, the UK’s largest design and engineering consultancy, will talk about how the firm’s new BREEAM Excellent regional headquarters in Bristol, the Hub, has predicted CO2 emissions less than half of the benchmark for offices. Vic Ebdon, the Building Schools for the Future Programme director for Devon County Council and a member of the School’s Zero

ABOUT THE ORGANISER Ecos Trust was established in 2000 with the principal objectives of promoting design and build techniques that give a better quality of life and reduced impact on the environment. Through the Ecos subsidiary development company Ecos Homes, real life and in-depth experience of building to the latest standards in sustainable building can be shared, helping to facilitate uptake and inspire confidence in the industry. Ecos has extensive knowledge of national, regional and local sustainable construction policies and regularly provide advice, consultancy, project management and quality events on all aspects of sustainable building. Carbon Taskforce, will talk about several low or zero carbon schools projects the council has recently completed or under construction, including one of the first schools in the country designed to passivhaus principles. Carmel McQuaid, climate change manager for Marks & Spencer, will look at the measures the company has taken to achieve significant CO2 reductions in some of their existing and new build stores and their factories. This conference is one of a series of events organised by Ecos. It will take place Tuesday 15 June, 9.30am-4.30pm, The Town Hall, Reading, Berkshire, and the fee is £180 plus vat (£211.50). To book, visit the seminars and conferences pages at www.ecostrust.org.uk or contact Corina Reay, projects manager – corina@ecostrust.org.uk 01458 254349. Invoices will be sent out once bookings have been received.

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CUTTING LONDON’S ENERGY EMISSIONS The London Development Agency wants to reduce London’s dependence on fossil fuels, cut the waste generated in London and help reach the Mayor of London’s target to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in London by 60 per cent – or 18 million tonnes – by 2025 LONDON PRODUCES OVER 40 MILLION tonnes of carbon dioxide every year – adding to the threat posed by climate change, bringing with it the promise of more extreme weather events such as flooding, drought and overheating. The London Development Agency is leading programmes that will cut carbon dioxide emissions from London’s buildings, which are responsible for almost four out of every five tons of its CO2 emissions1. Our RE:NEW scheme to retrofit homes to cut their carbon emissions and save on their energy bills has been developed with London’s boroughs and could reach up to 1.2 million homes by 2015. This scheme uses a delivery model that enables local authorities to install energy efficiency measures in homes and to lever in additional funding. Our RE:FIT scheme introduces energy efficiency measures into London’s large stock of public sector buildings – creating a cost neutral means of reducing energy bills and the carbon footprint of buildings.

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Both these schemes have been designed in partnership with London’s boroughs and other partners and are being rolled out ‘at scale’ across the capital. RE:NEW While there is already a lot of work going on in London to improve the energy efficiency of homes, it is frequently confusing for customers, not cost effective and not scalable enough to reach the ambitious reduction targets. In partnership with the Greater London Authority (GLA), London Councils, the Energy Saving Trust, Waterwise and the 33 London Boroughs, the LDA has developed and is rolling out a programme to retrofit energy and water efficiency measures in London’s homes. RE:NEW takes an area-based, whole house approach that covers all types of housing tenures and has something to offer every household. It includes offering a range of free-of-charge, easy-to-do measures, from changing to low energy light bulbs

to installing stand-by switches and giving energy saving advice. Water-saving measures such as aerated showerheads and advice on climate change adaptation are also offered, which ensures it is a holistic service. It also provides more substantial steps such as loft and cavity wall insulation – free for those on qualifying benefits and subsidised for those able to pay. In the future, with the development of new financing mechanisms such as Pay As You Save, solid wall insulation and micro-renewables will be offered to the householders at no upfront cost. RE:NEW works by levering in additional funding to pay for the measures such as Carbon Emission Reduction Target (CERT) funding from energy companies and Warm Front funding from central government. A typical London borough delivering RE:NEW to 6,000 homes over two years could attract a further £1 million, save 4,200 tonnes of CO2 and reduce fuel poverty. The results so far from our trials and

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RE:NEW takes an area-based, whole house approach that covers all types of housing tenures and has something to offer every household. It includes offering a range of free-of-charge, easy-to-do measures, from changing to low energy light bulbs to installing stand-by switches and giving energy saving advice demonstration projects are encouraging. Over 800 homes received improvements through our technical trials, saving around 600 tonnes of carbon dioxide. Our demonstration projects in nine boroughs across London will have treated nearly 10,000 homes by the end of April 2010. The next stage will see RE:NEW active in every London Borough from summer 2010 and reach around 200,000 homes by 2012. RE:NEW places London’s local authorities at the centre of delivery as they are already implementing aspects of the Household Energy Management Strategy. For example RE:NEW builds on the strategic relationships between energy companies and local authorities and is a local, area-based programme. RE:FIT Public sector buildings across London have the potential to make high CO2 savings.

The London Development Agency, in partnership with the Greater London Authority (GLA), Transport for London, Metropolitan Police Authority and London Fire Brigade, and the Clinton Climate Initiative2, has developed RE:FIT – a cost neutral way for organisations to reduce their energy bills and the carbon footprint of their buildings. This works by appointing an energy service company (ESCo) to install energy efficiency measures in a building and to guarantee a set level of energy savings. This offers a financial saving over a period of years and transfers the risk of not reaching the potential energy savings onto the ESCo, rather than the owner or occupier of the building. In the initial pilot phase, 42 buildings were improved and achieved CO2 reductions between 19-42 per cent – with an average saving of 28 per cent. This equates to just over 6,000

tonnes from 42 buildings and £1 million each and every year in energy bill savings. Unlike traditional public building improvement programmes, a whole group of buildings are offered up for retrofitting in one go, allowing energy services companies to achieve economies of scale. This also allows for more long-term infrastructure investment to be off-set by savings from cheaper, quicker measures. Central to RE:FIT has been the appointment of a framework panel of approved energy services companies with pre-agreed contracts and defined deliverables. This helps public sector organisations to avoid lengthy and complex procurement processes. It has also been designed so that RE:FIT can be rolled-out across the public sector nationally and could then modified to work within the private sector. It is a clear win-win scheme, with the framework panel in London to be opened for use by local authorities across the country. 1 Buildings are responsible for 78 per cent of London’s CO2 emissions. 2 The Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI) brings together the world’s most significant cities (C40) to tackle climate change.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.lda.gov.uk

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We Check, We Screen, We Care For high quality, fast and cost effective preemployment screening, vetting and background checks, BS7858 compliant checks or seek compliance with the Baseline Personal Security Standard we are here to help.

Nestor Criminal Records Agency (Nestor CRA) is one of the largest commercial Umbrella Bodies of the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). We have an entirely electronic process and work closely with CRB to ensure that you will benefit from the quickest possible turnaround of your Disclosure applications. Features: 3 100% online CRB disclosure application (e-Bulk) 3 Faster turnaround of application 3 Eliminates errors 3 ISA Ready 3 Approved by CRB

Give your business the protection it deserves. Call in Agenda for all your pre-employment screening needs. For more information please contact us at: info@agenda-security.co.uk

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Offices in Cambridge and Hull T: 08456 44 55 46 Int: +44 (0) 1964 671207 F: 08456 44 55 47 E: info@agenda-security.co.uk W: www.agenda-security.co.uk

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The system allows complete management of CRB Disclosures guiding you through the process of capturing the applicant’s disclosure data online, completing the ID check and countersign the application. The system is fully integrated with the CRB’s own system, so all data transfers are completed electronically, but requires no integration with your own secure systems, offering you total peace of mind.

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BACKGROUND CHECKING

VETTING POTENTIAL EMPLOYEES The Criminal Records Bureau’s Disclosure service allows organisations to make safer recruitment decisions by identifying candidates that may be unsuitable for certain roles THE CRIMINAL RECORDS BUREAU’S mission statement is to help protect children, vulnerable adults and society in general by providing a first-class service of criminal records information for employment and other vetting purposes. The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) is an Executive Agency of the Home Office and provides access to criminal record information through its Disclosure service. This service enables organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors to make safer recruitment decisions by identifying candidates who may be unsuitable for certain work, especially work that involves children or vulnerable adults. The CRB was established under Part V of the Police Act 1997 and was launched in March 2002 under a public-private partnership with Capita. HOW THE CRB WORKS Organisations who wish to use the service can register with the CRB as a registered body or can use the services of an umbrella body. Organisations can ask successful job applicants to apply for one of two types of check, the results of which are displayed on a Disclosure. Employers cannot request a check on an individual without their consent and

similarly, the results of the check are issued to the individual who can then challenge the information released if necessary. The type of check required will depend upon the nature of the position applied for. These are called Enhanced and Standard checks; both require a fee but are free of charge to volunteers. CRB SERVICES A Standard CRB check will reveal any information held on the Police National Computer and will include current and spent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings. An Enhanced CRB check will reveal the same information as a standard check but in addition will include any relevant and proportionate information from each police force where an individual has lived in the past five years. It can also include, if requested, a check of two barred lists administered by the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). The CRB offers an Online Tracking service to allow customers to check the progress of their application online via the CRB website www.crb.gov.uk. In addition to this, in 2008/09, the CRB implemented its first electronic application channel, e-Bulk which allows its largest volume customers to submit

multiple applications online. The CRB is also developing another e-service, e-Applications which will allow all Registered Bodies to make an application online via the CRB website. CRB KEY FACTS • The CRB has processed more than 20 million Disclosures since 2002, of which approximately 20 per cent have been issued free of charge to volunteers • 98,000 unsuitable people have been prevented from working with children and the vulnerable as a direct result of a CRB check in the last five years • 94 per cent of CRB organisational customers are satisfied with the service provided • There is overwhelming public support for CRB checks on anyone working with children in a paid or voluntary capacity • The CRB is making a positive difference in protecting children and vulnerable adults and CRB checks are useful as part of recruitment processes and improve confidence in organisations’ recruitment decisions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information about the CRB, visit www.crb.gov.uk

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

Only in Scotland

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

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CONFERENCES & EVENTS

INSPIRATIONAL SCOTLAND When it comes to business tourism in Scotland, there is always something new and different on the menu FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF Homecoming Scotland 2009 when Scotland promoted its credentials in golf, whisky, innovation and Robert Burns to the rest of the world, the country’s focus for this year is a celebration of Scottish food and drink. And that’s because, more than anything, food and drink carries the country’s reputation around the world – which is a great reason for event organisers to add a focus on fresh Scottish produce to their planning agenda. The Scots’ appetite for success doesn’t stop

with our culinary delights. It extends to the business tourism sector where there is always something new and different on the menu. So by offering a blend of the finest venues, the most challenging team building activities, state of the art technologies, indigenous world-class expertise in a range of sectors, Scotland can really inspire a ‘taste for events’ at all levels. As a flavour of things already in the pipeline there is a plethora of new hotels for Glasgow and Aberdeen; the much-vaunted Trump International Golf Resort; new exclusive use venues coming

on stream; the new 14,000-seat arena planned at the Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre in Glasgow; expansion of the Edinburgh International Conference Centre that will double existing capacity; refurbishment and upgrading of hotels such as Crieff Hydro in Perthshire, Glasgow’s Grand Central Hotel and the new School of Medicine at St Andrews University. NEW DEVELOPMENTS The infrastructure is in place to prove Scotland’s unrivalled reputation as one of the world’s top

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What makes Carnegie Conference Centre stand out from other venues is not just our facilities or private grounds, it’s our core belief; it’s ‘all about you.’ Whether you’re planning a conference for 400 guests or a staff meeting for ten, our staff are highly trained and focussed on making your day a success. We want everyone to leave feeling inspired, enthused and ready for the next challenge. We want to help make you, and everyone else, ‘shine.’

• LoCateD just oFF M90 • Free Parking • on-site aCCoMMoDation • DaiLy DeLegate rate FroM £28.50 For more details contact us at Carnegie Conference Centre, Dunfermline on 0844 248 0145, visit carnegieconferencecentre.co.uk or email info@carnegieconferencecentre.co.uk

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CONFERENCES & EVENTS

The magnificent Marble Hall at Gosford House

Scotland boasts the credentials to raise the bar for any event however large or small. It’s a small country with a big personality and, increasingly, meetings and events buyers are spotting that there’s not just quality, but also excellent value for money to be gained by considering Scotland as a first-class destination hosts for meetings, conferences and events. Recently completed developments include: Edinburgh First, the successful conferencing arm of Edinburgh University, launching its £9 million extension of the John McIntyre Conference Centre; the opening of the John Hope Gateway at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh; the superbly refurbished Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane with its own dedicated conference suite and business centre; and the beautiful and stunning Gosford House in East Lothian which has just thrown open its doors for an array of events. Scotland boasts the credentials to raise the bar

for any event however large or small. It’s a small country with a big personality and, increasingly, meetings and events buyers are spotting that there’s not just quality, but also excellent value for money to be gained by considering Scotland as a first-class destination. The country hosts on average 350 association conferences a year – almost one a day – which proves that the infrastructure is there to cope with large events. Undoubtedly the strength of the Euro has a part to play in terms of giving Scotland the competitive edge. Businesses tightening their belts due to the credit crunch are coming to the realisation that in Scotland they don’t

have to spend big to stage a successful and memorable event. Added to this, Scotland is more accessible than ever with five international airports offering direct flights including New York, Atlanta, Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Dubai, Stockholm, Berlin, Milan, Madrid, Munich and over 100 from London daily. Equally, research from VisitBritain has highlighted that Edinburgh and Glasgow are both in the top three most price-competitive European destinations for professional association conferences. Add that to the fact that a recent customer satisfaction survey carried out by VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit (BTU) demonstrated 93 per cent of respondents reported that they were satisfied with their event held in Scotland – with a stunning 81 per cent going further to say they were very satisfied – and it is clear that this country is well placed to provide an excellent return on investment. Despite the challenges of the adverse economic climate, the latest UK Tourism Survey (UKTS) statistics show that in 2009 Scotland performed well with an increase of 8.4 per cent in trips and 10.4 per cent

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

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

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CONFERENCES & EVENTS

increase in expenditure among people visiting the country on business. Edinburgh and Glasgow are second only to London in terms of international association conferences, and 29 per cent of all such events in the UK are hosted by Scotland – increased from 25 per cent in the previous year.

The Victorian style Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro hotel

The Apex Waterloo Place, Edinburgh

VALUABLE BUSINESS TOURISM In total, business tourism accounts for a contribution of £723 million to the Scottish economy, 18 per cent of the total tourism product. That is a valuable contribution, recognised by the entire tourism sector, which in itself is pledging many millions in investment to ensure that it continues. As Catriona Anderson, marketing manager, associations, with VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit, says: “With first-class quality and choice of venues, plus a positive approach to constant re-development and investment, there is every reason to believe that Scotland will continue to take its rightful place at the top of the world’s conferencing market.” The recipe for success lies in the quality of the ingredients used and, for anyone doing serious business, there is absolutely no doubt that Scotland takes its business tourism seriously. FIRST CLASS CITIES As Glasgow looks ahead to the 2014 Commonwealth Games, there is no shortage of investment in the city’s facilities. Just completed is the restoration of the historic RAC Club to create the five-star Blythswood Square. The hotel houses 100 guest rooms and suites, a superb spa and a glorious restaurant and cocktail bar located in the former ballroom. Among its conference facilities is a tiered theatre space with every seat sporting a different Harris Tweed covering. Other plans for Glasgow include a £120 million five-star Jumeirah hotel with 160 bedrooms and suites, 85 serviced apartments and extensive conference amenities and the complete transformation of the iconic Grand Central Hotel due for completion later this year. The hotel has entertained many famous guests but is perhaps best known as the venue from which the world’s first long-distance television pictures were transmitted in 1927 by one of Scotland’s most famous sons, John Logie Baird. In the capital event organisers can source a range of facilities to suit every need. At the city’s largest conference hotel, the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, a multi-million pound refurbishment of all its bedrooms and suites is well underway, increasing the number of rooms to 268 as well as creating an opulent Grand Suite and exclusive ‘Club’ floor. Two new venues have recently been created – Ghillie Dhu, a Grade A Listed former church, and Dovecot Studios, previously a Victorian bath house. Both offer extensive meetings and event spaces in traditional settings with contemporary style.

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Yours for less, from am to pm. Enjoy the style of Hotel du Vin and Malmaison at a special Government rate.

Working all the hours? You deserve a treat. Try a luxury stay or meeting at Malmaison Edinburgh and Glasgow or Hotel du Vin Edinburgh, or One Devonshire Gardens for a lot less with these special Government rates. Go on you deserve it.

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The city’s flagship Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), which plays host to many of Europe’s world class meetings, is undertaking an £85 million overhaul which will create a banqueting area to cater for approximately 2,000 delegates as well as a 1,600-seater auditorium. And the latest purpose-built conference centre is the John McIntyre Conference Centre at Edinburgh University, which boosts existing facilities on the recently landscaped and pedestrianised campus. The newly extended building can host 350 delegates theatrestyle, with four breakout rooms, two boardrooms, a flexible lounge area and an open air terrace with views of Edinburgh’s famous landmark, Arthur’s Seat. The venue’s ground floor also houses a stylish restaurant seating up to 650 and during vacation periods conference organisers have access to around 2,000 additional bedrooms. The John Hope Gateway at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh is also one of the city’s most exciting new developments. The £15.7 million development, which has been designed according to principles of green construction and sustainability, provides a spectacular backdrop for any meeting, conference or private event from 40-400. For government bookings, The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh offers a 10 per cent reduction on room/ venue hire rates (subject to availability).

The Victorian Spa pool, Crieff Hydro

ABERDEEN Further north, Aberdeen‘s reputation as a superb conference destination is underlined by the start of work on Donald Trump’s landmark golf development. The planned high profile £1billion golf resort, Trump International Golf Links, to the north of Europe’s Energy Capital, will comprise two golf courses, a 450room 5-star hotel, a conference centre, 36 golf villas and 950 holiday homes. Ambitious plans are also going ahead at Blairs, south of Aberdeen, for a £115 million golf resort, with a hotel and conference centre and championship course designed by former Open champion Paul Lawrie. Norwood Hall Hotel has opened a £3.5 million standalone conference centre within its grounds and new hotels for Malmaison, Jury’s Inn and Bauhaus are also in the pipeline. Elsewhere, Doubletree by Hilton in Dunblane has unveiled a luxurious new look that includes a stunning new restaurant, the Kailyard by celebrity chef Nick Nairn. The hotel features 200 beautiful bedrooms and suites, a superb range of meeting options including event space, syndicate rooms and a dedicated conference centre catering for up to 200 delegates. Crieff Hydro in Perthshire is also investing in its facilities and a current development programme includes expansion of the reception area into a relaxed open space in which to meet informally, and the introduction of eight new signature bedrooms

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15 venues 1000 theatre style 500 reception 2000+ bedrooms 400 flats 6 kitchens From prestigious and iconic University of Edinburgh venues to our state-of-the-art John McIntyre Conference Centre; Edinburgh First offers an incomparable range of venues, accommodation and catering options. We deliver great service at good value and recognise that flexibility is key to delivering successful events.

Peebles Hydro

Cally Palace Hotel & Golf Course

Contact our team on

0131 651 2189, edinburghfirst.co.uk

For a memorable conference ... choose a memorable location! For further information on all our conference facilities & venues please email

sales@peebleshydro.co.uk or visit our website

www.mcmillanhotels.co.uk North West Castle

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De Vere Cameron House

and two new apartments. The hotel boasts 12 flexible function spaces accommodating up to 500 delegates at its largest. One of the highest profile developments in Tayside is the new School of Medicine at St Andrews University. Scheduled to open this summer in advance of the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 600th anniversary celebrations, the new facility will comprise a large auditorium with capacity for up to 300 people, a large flat floored exhibition area and two further meeting rooms to accommodate up to 50 people each, plus 12 smaller break-out rooms. With such versatility, it is hardly surprising that the University is already attracting interest from conference organisers looking for a world class Scottish destination. THE HIGHLANDS In the Highlands, the Dairy at Daviot is a venue with a difference â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a converted 19th century farm steading with flexible spaces full of charm and character, which can accommodate up to 170 for events. For exclusive use, Aldourie Castle and Estate offers the perfect location for corporate away-days. Lovingly restored to its Victorian heyday when it was home to an influential Highland laird, the Castle features sumptuous public rooms, 14 lavish bedrooms and three cottages all set in a tranquil 500-acre estate. And finally, the newest exclusive use venue to come on the market is Gosford House in East Lothian, which has opened for the first time in its 200-year history. The family seat of the Earl of Wemyss & March, this stunning house with its breathtaking marble hall and staircase, sits at the heart of a 5,500-acre coastal and agricultural estate, which includes the award-winning Craigielaw golf course and clubhouse. The house can host up to 800 guests for a drinks reception, with unlimited capacity for marquee-based events in the grounds. Only 20 minutes east of Edinburgh, this is an inspiring and unique location that will provide an outstanding backdrop for any event.

UsherHall

www.usherhall.co.uk Refurbished with a variety of meeting rooms and hospitality suites. For further details call our events team on 0131 221 6335.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.conventionscotland.com

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A CONFIDENT COUNTY The recession has not held back the West Midlands. Many new and exciting developments have cropped up making this area an excellent choice to hold a conference or event DESPITE THE RECESSION, SIGNIFICANT levels of demand-led investment are transforming Worcestershire into an increasingly attractive business tourism and events destination. “While the knee jerk reaction in a recession may be to hold back on capital expenditure, Worcestershire and its venues have looked to the longer-term benefits that investment can bring,” explained Emma Robinson of Conference-Worcestershire. A number of substantial projects, set to transform the county into a magnet for international business, improve its business tourism credentials and further enhance its corporate offer, are currently underway. Not only a clear sign of the high levels of confidence in the county, this high-level investment is essential to put the county on a par with fellow major players in the business tourism sector, notably Birmingham. NEW PROJECTS Work has just begun on one of the biggest projects in Worcester city’s history – the £60m project to create Europe’s first university and public library. Set to reach completion in 2010, the

project has already achieved international recognition, winning a prestigious design award and is set to attract international business tourists from across the globe. Worcestershire has used its reputation as a centre of excellence for technology and innovation to secure the Quantum Technology Partnership (QTP) – a project which could see the county take the global lead in quantum technology. Based in Malvern and facilitated by the Central Technology Belt (CTB), this hugely important investment could position Worcestershire as the global hub for the development of this groundbreaking technology, drawing in further investment, as well as significant levels of sector-led business tourism and the need for conference facilities and accommodation. This follows the expansion of Malvern Hills Science Park, which has nearly doubled its capacity and is already proving a significant draw for technology businesses throughout the UK.

Named the fastest growing institution in the UK, the university has completed the first phase of a £100m project, creating accommodation for 300 extra students, and the second phase, creating a new business school, teaching facilities and wellbeing centre, will reach completion in September. Part of an additional £7m development, to increase the university’s allergy and aerobiology work, is the creation of a climate-controlled test centre, used by the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit, which provides the UK’s pollen forecast, and is capable of recreating any environment in the world. Further bolstering Worcester city’s offer as a whole, CrownGate Shopping Centre has invested £5m in an extensive refurbishment programme, redevelopment of the historic Worcester Porcelain site is underway and on-going regeneration of the city’s waterside areas, including the 26-acre Diglis Basin site, is taking place – letting the UK know Worcester is a county going places.

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT The University of Worcester is also taking the lead in pioneering research and development through high levels of investment.

MEMBER INVESTMENT This clear demonstration of confidence in the county is mirrored by impressive levels of investment from Conference-

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Experience tells you what to do, con fide nce allo ws you to

do it.

In comparison to some venues, we focus all our energy on collaboration, creativity and caring for everything you need for a successful conference, with no distractions. That’s why with us you can confidently focus all your experience and energy on achieving great things for your business. Discover how we can add value to your next conference and why we’ve just picked up four golds at this year’s M&IT awards. Visit us at www.warwickconferences.com or call 024 7652 3222.

Conference with Confidence www.warwickconferences.com

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Worcestershire’s member venues – in the past two years alone, members have invested more than £100m in refurbishment, redevelopment and expansion programmes. This dedication to improving services and delegate offering is placing member venues in the best possible position to attract business as the economy improves. West Midland Safari Park is currently transforming its corporate offering, spending £5m on its manor house – Spring Grove House, which will resemble a luxurious residence, transported from the African Plains, creating a completely unique and unusual destination for an event. This is in addition to the £1m spend on Tree Tops, an African-themed pavilion which caters for groups of 100-1,000 guests, is fully equipped with audio visual presentation facilities, lighting and staging, and can be themed to clients’ requirements. SPORTING VENUES Sixways Stadium’s latest project is the state-of-the-art £8m, 6,000 capacity Slick Systems Stand, which boasts 120 metres of pitch-side hospitality, creating ideal networking opportunities and combined with existing suites and function rooms, makes Sixways one of the largest venues in the region outside of Birmingham. Worcestershire County Cricket Club has seen completion of its new £2m Graeme Hick Pavilion and has ambitious plans for a further multi-million pound programme to create further hospitality suites, conference areas and accommodation units. Hillscourt Conference Centre in Rednal has just completed a £600,000 overhaul of its conferencing facilities, creating a fullyupdated conference block with conference hall and seminar rooms, which follows a £1.3m refurbishment programme to update and improve its 55 bedrooms. Cotswold Conference Centre has recently undergone a redevelopment of the Coach House, bedrooms, reception area and conference rooms, and Severn Valley Railway, which attracts thousands of visitors each year, has created the Engine House visitor centre. Luxury hotel The Elms has recently completed a £4.5m spend on refurbishing the main house, creating a unique outdoor cookery demonstration area and a brand new exclusive Spa complex, whilst the historic Malvern College has recently completed a multi-million pound development on a new hospitality and sports complex. In addition, a number of venues including The Westmead Hotel, Rookery Hall, and popular Worcester restaurant The Glasshouse, have undergone recent refurbishment projects to ensure their facilities are of the highest quality. “In total, this significant level of both venue-led and wider investment is creating a county with

the best possible delegate offer which is absolutely essential for attracting business as the economy continues to improve,” adding Emma Robinson. HEREFORDSHIRE Herefordshire is a county that offers the thrill and excitement of the great outdoors and many hidden secrets. The county offers a gastronomic experience as it encourages the use and promotion of locally produced food and drink, and this is showcased through an annual Food Festival event held on 23rd and 24th October 2010. It is also a county famous for its’ cider, with more produced in Herefordshire than any other county in the UK. There is even a tour that takes in 14 cider producers in the county! Please visit www.ciderroute.co.uk for more information. Shops and galleries in Herefordshire offer locally made distinctive and exclusive gifts of a high quality providing the perfect present or souvenir of your stay.

Herefordshire is the ideal place to discover some of the county’s great outdoors. Boasting the highest golf course in England & Wales, and a range of activities from mountain boarding to trekking with llamas, Herefordshire is one of the best adventure playgrounds in Britain. While the Herefordshire Walking Festival takes place on the 19-27 June 2010, the county’s claim to a place on the walking map of Great Britain is strongly reinforced by its 2,100 miles of footpaths in spectacular backdrops provided by the Malvern Hills, Black Mountains, Mortimer Forest and the Wye Valley. Herefordshire also has spectacular gardens which will be at their peak in the summer months. Take advantage of unique settings and enjoy the spectacle of colour all year round. Herefordshire has a long and turbulent history, which is told in a wide variety of museums and heritage centres, many highlighting fascinating episodes of local history, whilst others hold specialist collections that will

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Choose Coventry Transport Museum for your next event Whatever your event we offer excellent facilities and attentive personal service. So whether you’re looking for a daytime or evening venue, trust us to make your event a memorable success.

Green Dragon Hotel Hereford Min/Max Capacity: 2/200 Day and 24 Hour Delegate Rates Located in the centre of Hereford, just along from the Cathedral. We have 83 en suite bedrooms • 7 Function Rooms • Large Foyer • 2 Bars • Oak-panelled Restaurant with various menus and spacious Lounge We are happy to tailor packages to suit individual requirements

Tel: 024 7623 4270 Email: hospitality@transport-museum.com Web: www.transport-museum.com

Broad Street Hereford HR4 9BG Tel: 01432 272506 Fax: 01432 352139 Email: events@greendragon-hereford.co.uk www.greendragon-hereford.co.uk

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delight the whole family. Herefordshire is full of history and tells it well. COVENTRY AND WARWICKSHIRE To discover Coventry and Warwickshire, start by contacting the C&W Convention Bureau. It provides a team of dedicated professionals who deliver service excellence in venue finding, conference organisation and event management. Its dedicated, knowledgeable and enthusiastic team can manage your conference, event or seminar from the first enquiry through to completion. C&W Convention Bureau promotes a range of completely free services providing you with excellent local knowledge and advice to deliver the perfect result for you. Its professional team provides practical assistance that is designed to answer all of your event needs with minimum fuss and maximum attention to detail. The bureau has a team of dedicated professionals who deliver service

excellence in venue finding, conference organisation and event management. With direct access to key people, the bureau will secure the best deal for you. We know what is going on in the conference industry in this region, therefore, we can provide you with up-to-date information on management changes, improvements and refurbishments. The area offers a wide range of excellent facilities ranging from country house hotels to purpose built award winning conference centres. FINDING THE RIGHT ACCOMMODATION The bureau offers a free booking service for your delegate accommodation. Coventry, Warwickshire and the surrounding area offers a bed stock of approximately 10,000 beds. These range from 4-star hotels to smaller independent family run facilities. C&W Convention Bureau offers a complete web based accommodation reservation

service for event delegates. The web based reservation service utilises a user friendly computer interface enabling delegates to book accommodation quickly and easily. They also offer a complete web based registration service that enables delegates to book a place for a conference/exhibition. The system gives delegates full control of their booking. The bureau can create the ideal programme to complement your event and ensure all your delegates experience the heritage and culture that the region has to offer. Perhaps a visit to the world famous Transport Museum, a day in the Warwickshire countryside, a spa/ golf day at one our luxury hotels or a guided tour of the region by a Blue Badge Guide? So that you can make an informed and confident decision, all the information that you need will be on your desk within 24 hours (48 hours for overseas) including cost comparisons. We will make arrangements for venue inspection visits. A dedicated and experienced member of the C&W Convention Bureau will accompany you on your visit ensuring that you get the best from each venue. Included in our venue finding service is the preparation of a written confirmation between you and the venue covering all logistical arrangements and requirements.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Worcestershire: Tel: 01905 766 895 E-mail: conference@worcestershire.gov.uk Web: www.conference-worcestershire.org Herefordshire: Tel: 01432 260621 E-mail: tourism@visitherefordshire.co.uk Web: www.visitherefordshire.co.uk C&W Convention bureau: Tel: 024 7660 7009/10 E-mail: conferences@cw-cb.co.uk Web: www.cw-conventionbureau.co.uk

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 awardwinning Alton Towers Conference Centre which has 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, 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

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ICONIC NEW VENUE

M E E T I N G S • S E M I N A R S • E X H I B I T I O N S • C O N F E R E N C E S • R E C E P T I O N S • T R A D E S H OW S • C O R P O R AT E E V E N T S

Open for bookings, for further information please email: f l o ra l c o n f e r e n c e s @ w i r ra l . g o v. u k M a r i n e P r o m e n a d e , N e w B r i g h t o n , Wi r ra l C H 4 5 2 J S | w w w.f l o ra l p av i l i o n . c o m

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WE DO LOVE TO MEET BESIDE THE SEASIDE No longer the ‘bucket and spade’ style destinations of the past, coastal resorts have emerged as chic and vibrant destinations with much to offer the business visitor FEW CAN DENY THAT THE IMAGE of many coastal resorts has changed dramatically over the last decade. No longer are they viewed as the ‘bucket and spade’ style destinations of the past, but more as chic, contemporary and vibrant alternatives to inland city centre destinations, which are proving to be hugely popular contenders in attracting business visitors. Peter Hampson, director of the British Resorts & Destinations Association (BRADA) explains: “According to the United Kingdom Tourism Statistics (2008), the volume of overnight business trips to the UK coast is estimated at around 3.3 million a year, bringing with it an estimated spend of just under half a billion pounds. Of course, coastal resorts have not been immune to recent economic pressures but nonetheless, these figures

clearly illustrate the scale and worth of business tourism in seaside resort towns.” INVESTMENT IN COASTAL RESORTS This increased popularity of coastal destinations with meeting and convention organisers can be attributed to a number of factors; most notably the continual upgrade of their business tourism product, combined with an improved coordinated marketing effort deployed by the convention bureaus. This has all been made possible by the government’s increased awareness to take the social and economic regeneration of the UK’s seaside resorts ever more seriously. This has been witnessed most recently in England by the Department for Communities and Local Government’s launch of the (government’s), ‘Strategy for Seaside Success’.

Peter adds: “The UK coastal resort sector has secured many hundreds of millions of pounds worth of investment over the last decade and continues to attract significant public and private sector attention. “The improvement in public realm and private sector product, combined with the inherent pleasant coastal ambiance and the full range of tourism infrastructure encompassing fine dining, entertainment, heritage, retail and culture makes most of the UK’s well established coastal resorts the ideal place for business tourism.” Darren Johnson, Convention Bureau sales manager, Visit Brighton, adds: “Costal destinations are particularly popular with city-wide events, often spanning two or three days. The close proximity of venues, hotels and leisure offerings are a real plus, creating a ‘one-stop-shop’ style destination

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 

            √ √ √ √

 EASTBOURNE

Cavendish Hotel, 38 Grand Parade, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 4DH conference@cavendishhotel.co.uk or Tel: +44 (0) 1323 410 222

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focused product for both the business and leisure traveller. This destination package often comes with the mutual cooperation of city stakeholders that give the ability to provide delegates with a real ‘wow’ factor.” TAKE TIME TO RELAX But perhaps a seaside destination’s biggest unique selling point is its connotation with being a relaxing destination, creating a fantastic motivational edge for those looking for team building opportunities and corporate incentives. Costal destinations often work closely with neighbouring city centres to create add-on packages that offer attractive incentives for business extenders. Steve Christian, marketing manager for Southport Conferences, explains: “For us, particularly located so close to Liverpool, we often work together with the city to complement each other’s offering. For those events that do prefer the city centre location, we provide several add on options, often in the form of golf and other leisure activities that you cannot do in the city. This is hugely popular for the business extenders crowd.” He continues: “When compared with a city, coastal resorts offer an attractive draw in the form of less traffic, air and noise pollution and better parking and public transport options. Many would argue that they are generally a more pleasant place to be.” AREA UPDATE – BOURNEMOUTH During 2010, over £100 million is being invested in Bournemouth’s business tourism product, creating improvements in accommodation, transport, entertainment and dining. At the hub of the action is one of the UK’s premier conference and exhibition venues, the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC). A recent £300k refurbishment of its Tregonwell Hall was completed in March 2010, capable of hosting conferences of up to 1,000 delegates. Clive Tyers, head of conferences, exhibitions and events at the BIC, comments: “I was asked recently about seaside resorts being old-fashioned and in need of a little TLC. I’m not talking on behalf of other resorts, just Bournemouth, but the notion that seaside resorts are old fashioned is an old fashioned one. We have moved on from that stereotype and Bournemouth has become a cosmopolitan and vibrant business and leisure resort.” Leading the way in sustainability will be Bournemouth’s first £5.5 million eco-hotel ‘The Green House due to open later this year. The hotel will feature 32 bedrooms, conference and meeting facilities and a 60 cover brasserie. In addition, the Park Central Hotel will be Bournemouth’s newest 4-star hotel opening in close proximity to the BIC. The Hermitage Hotel will be undergoing a £2 million complete refurbishment, including a new lounge and restaurant, and a fully fitted corporate boardroom. Following a £500,000 investment Bournemouth’s newest restaurant, the Edge Restaurant, will offer panoramic private dining for up to 100 covers on the fifth floor encompassing 360º views.

Finally, the £45 million redevelopment of Bournemouth Airport will put Bournemouth on par with other major UK airports and in a good position to attract more operators in the future. Due to be completed in the late spring, the work will include a new departures terminal, twice the size of the old building and with triple the amount of retail and catering space. BLACKPOOL Home to a number of high capacity venues, Blackpool is fortunate to benefit from a range of traditional conference hotels as well as a great number of unique and wonderful venues. The trend in reinventing the UK coast as a place for leisure, pleasure and for business continues with the recent announcement of a £39 million package in Blackpool that amongst other things will see its major conference and exhibition venue, The Winter Garden revamped. BRIGHTON Brighton continues to evolve its business tourism product; new hotels and venues have added more choice and diversity to its hotel room stock and venue choice. In the last three years myhotel, Jury’s Inn, Radisson Blu and Park Inn have all opened in the city and existing hotels including the Thistle, Brighton Hilton Metropole and The Grand have all invested significantly in improvements to their properties more recently. 2010 has seen £1 million of additional funding being invested in The Brighton Centre to better the visitor experience. The redevelopment plans will focus on improving the public areas of the venue, which will include an upgrade to the existing breakout areas and the addition of alfresco coffee shops. The conference centre’s Skyline restaurant will also benefit from the funding as well as new signage throughout and significant investment in the furniture and furnishings. The largest banquet and conference facility to be built in Brighton & Hove since 1992 is also planned. This comes as part of the Sussex County Cricket Club’s £8 million development, designed to drive the club’s non-match day facilities. The development will be phased over two years, with Phase One due to be completed in April 2010 including a new banqueting and conference facility. Phase Two will see new builds of the South and South West stands and redevelopment of the member’s pavilion increasing the capacity of the two current rooms and creating a new cafe/bar/private reception room in the old stables. VisitBrighton recently announced a new marketing campaign ‘Seeing Brighton Through Business Eyes’ aimed at underlining the city’s outstanding business product as well as its famous leisure offering. EASTBOURNE Delegates choosing to visit Eastbourne this year will be amongst the first to use the newly installed Wi-Fi at the resort’s main conference venue, Devonshire Park Centre. Coupled with its facilities for up to 1,700

delegates, 3,100sqm exhibition space, recent refurbishment of the Gold Room and opening of state of the art gallery last year, the Wi-Fi is another significant addition to what’s available in Eastbourne as a business destination. Offering thousands of bed spaces at a wide range of accommodation including England’s only 5-star coastal hotel, a celebrity owned designer budget hotel and smaller, friendly guesthouses, Eastbourne is well positioned to offer an attractive destination for delegates and organisers on all budgets. An Eastbourne Borough Council spokesperson comments: “As a major event town hosting several large events every year including Eastbourne Airshow and the AEGON International Tennis Championships, Eastbourne is well suited to large events with a great reputation for delivering successful events while giving personalised service at the same time.” SCARBOROUGH Scarborough is a long established conference town, recently winning the title of ‘Europe’s Most Enterprising Place’ in this year’s European Enterprise Awards. This year again will see some exciting developments for the area, with a £6 million refurbishment to its leading conference venue The Spa, the opening of the new 6,500 seater open air theatre in July and the continuing success of the Regeneration Programme. SOUTHPORT In recent years, Southport has successfully rebranded itself as ‘England’s Classic Resort’, combining the traditional aspects of a seaside town which visitors, both business and leisure, still expect to see, with boutique hotels, high quality restaurants and world class golf facilities. In the last five years, the area has seen massive investment in its business tourism product, principally in the £40 million refurbishment and extension of its flagship venue, the Southport Theatre & Convention Centre. This combined with the introduction of new hotels and other major infrastructure improvements has led to a wave of new restaurants and shops. Other facilities include the resort’s newest hotel the Ramada Plaza situated on the recent waterfront development, the contemporary Vincent Hotel, luxurious Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa and Aintree Racecourse, home to the world famous John Smith’s Grand National, situated just outside the resort and offering conference facilities for up to 600. In addition, Southport’s reputation as England’s Golfing Capital is well and truly justified with 15 top courses just 30 minutes drive from the resort centre and six of them within Southport itself. For the future, Southport will see a £12 million redevelopment of the Southport Arts Centre, which will create a new Cultural Centre for Southport. Due to be completed in 2012, it will encompass an art gallery, theatre/performance space, library, tourist information and several meeting spaces.

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Government Business | Volume 17.6

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PROCUREMENT

SEEKING SMARTER PROCUREMENT SOLUTIONS? Sign up now to attend The Public Procurement Show – the UK’s leading free event for public sector procurement, taking place on 15 and 16 June at ExCeL, London THE EVENT IS A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR procurement professionals giving you the tools and advice you need to succeed in the difficult years ahead and the opportunity to meet key suppliers in one place at one time. The Procurement Talks showcase best practise from across the public sector, discussing issues including collaboration, sustainability and shared services. Additionally, we will explore the wider social benefits that procurement can deliver, and how you need to adapt to the changing procurement landscape. Nigel Smith, chief executive, OGC, will open the Procurement Talks programme with a session focusing on how new trends and technologies will affect procurement. He will help you understand how the sector is changing and the important role procurement has to play. Alastair Merrill, director of procurement, Scottish Government, will be closing the first day by discussing the key issue of collaborative procurement and how to overcome the barriers to collaboration. EVENT HIGHLIGHTS Other highlights include the four keynote talks that look at politics, economics, the impact of total place and how public services are changing. They will feature high profile speakers including Mike White, assistant editor, the Guardian; Phillip Blond, director, ResPublica; David Halpern, director of research, Institute for Government; and Jim Savege, corporate director, organisational development, Cumbria County council. Please visit our website for more details on the speakers. The event will also provide you with the opportunity to meet representatives from both Buying Solutions and OGC. They will be on hand to answer your questions and offer guidance. You will also meet the UK’s leading providers to the public sector at The Public Procurement Show. Exhibitors will be showcasing hundreds of products and services from office supplies to ICT, furniture to floor coverings and travel agencies to legal services. Exhibitors include Kinnarps, British Gas Business, Redfern Travel, Royal Mail and EDF Energy. By attending the Public Procurement Show you will also gain free entry to SmartGov Live, Smart Healthcare Live and Futuresource,

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giving you a wide range of suppliers to meet, and the opportunity to hear from exciting speakers including Nick Chapman, chief executive, NHS Direct; Paul Hodgkin, founder, Patient Opinion; Rose Crozier, CIO, Belfast City Council; David Wilde, CIO, Westminster City Council; Christine Connolly, and many more. CONFERENCE PROGRAMME 10.15-11.00 Opening Keynote Assistant editor of the Guardian, Michael White, and an invited panel discuss their take on the current political outlook and the repercussions for the future of public services. 11.15-12.00 The procurement landscape: how will new trends and technology affect procurement? This session will explore how the world could look in 20 years, based on current trends and predictions. We will ask how this could affect the public sector and procurement professionals. We aim to inspire and enlighten delegates with a view of the world ahead. Nigel Smith, chief executive, OGC. 12.15-13.00 Making collaboration a reality If collaborative procurement will deliver the efficiencies and cost savings we need, how can we make collaboration a reality? - Looking beyond the obvious: finding partners from a range of organisations - Establishing common interests and understanding different needs - Real life case studies exploring the benefits and challenges you can expect Andrew Coulcher, head of business solutions, CIPS, and Ian Connor, chief procurement officer, Southwest One. 13.15-14.15 Lunchtime Keynote Debate How are public services changing and how do we need to adapt to deliver better services with less money? How can the public sector become more innovative and create new methods for delivering essential public services? Phillip Blond, director, ResPublica; Sonia Sodha, head of the public finance programme, Demos; and David Halpern, director of research, Institute for Government. 14.30-15.15 Procuring shared services With shared services rising back up the

agenda, thought must turn to how we procure both for, and within shared services. Paul White, head of shared services and procurement, Northamptonshire County Council. 15.30-16.15 Overcoming the barriers to collaboration It is all too easy to find reasons not to collaborate, but how can you overcome these to deliver real savings? - Encouraging innovative and creative thinking - Negotiating with suppliers - Overcoming the legal and technical challenges Alastair Merrill, director of procurement, Scottish Government. Wednesday 16 June 10.00-11.00 Procurement: the bigger picture Procurement, particularly in the public sector, needs to be about more than purchasing goods and services. This session will explore the wider social impact procurement can have. - Can you afford to think beyond cost? - How can you create cost savings across the public sector through more ethical procurement? Allison Ogden-Newton, chief executive, Social Enterprise London; Helen Clarkson, deputy director, Forum for the Future; Richard Parsons, service head, procurement and corporate programmes, London Borough of Tower Hamlets; and Alan Ratcliffe, assistant director, Improvement, Cumbria County Council. 11.25-12.00 Procuring services from the third sector - Should we have different systems for buying services from charities and social enterprise? - How can we improve variety in the marketplace? - Do you need to work differently with the third sector? Seb Elsworth, director of strategy, ACEVO. 12.30-13.30 Lunchtime keynote debate This session will explore the Total Place pilots and ask what this means for public services in the future? What impact on accountability and localism? How can we better empower communities to support public services? Jim Savege, corporate director, organisational development, Cumbria County Council.

Government Business | Volume 17.6

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PROCUREMENT

13.45-14.30 Delivering cost savings through sustainable procurement How can we use procurement of sustainable goods and services to save money in the long term, and how can a procurement professional demonstrate these savings across the organisation? - Ensuring sustainability remains a priority - Identifying low cost sustainable options - Demonstrating the cost and efficiency savings made through sustainable procurement Andrew Croston, head of procurement and commercial, DEFRA. 15.30-16.15 Closing keynote The Guardian’s economic editor, Larry Elliott, looks at the economic outlook and discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the public sector.

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

Social Firms UK – purchasing to make a difference OU MIGHT HAVE HEARD about social enterprise…it is a broad term for any business that trades for a social and/ or environmental purpose. One type of social enterprise is a ‘Social Firm’. The specific social purpose of a Social Firm is to create sustainable paid employment for a minimum of one quarter of the workforce who are disabled or severely disadvantaged in the labour market. They use their marketled product or service to achieve this mission, in other terms they are business-led and operate professionally in the market place just like any other business. Social Firms are truly inspirational businesses; they

supply products and services to a high quality and their social impact makes them unique as suppliers. From coffee and soaps through to mailing services, Social Firms are there to be bought from. Do consider how you might include them in your supply chain. We can assist you to identify opportunities (we are the support agency for Social Firms and work to strengthen and grow these businesses across the UK).

FOR MORE INFORMATION Call us on 01737 231360 or take a look at our website at www.socialfirmsuk.co.uk and the Social Firm online trade directory at www.tradesocialfirms.co.uk

Visit the first ever Social Firms Village at The Guardian’s Public Procurement Show 15-16th June at London’s Excel. These are all social enterprise suppliers that will help you have a social impact with your purchasing. From coffee to playground furniture, groundwork to mailing services, Social Firms are truly inspirational businesses with some great products to showcase. And why not come to our Conference in Cambridge 1-2 July ‘Harnessing the Power of Business to Change Lives’. Info and bookings on our website. Social Firms UK is the support agency for Social Firms. We work to strengthen and grow these businesses across the UK

www.socialfirmsuk.co.uk

01737 231 360

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Government Business | Volume 17.6

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FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

ETHICAL FURNITURE PURCHASING Phil Reynolds, FIRA International’s technical manager explains two important initiatives for sustainable furniture that buyers should bear in mind GREEN ISSUES CONTINUE TO BECOME more and more important in all walks of life, and furniture is no exception. However, there are a plethora of different schemes and requirements in the market place that can make ethical purchasing confusing. In this article FIRA International’s technical manager, Phil Reynolds, highlights two important initiatives for sustainable furniture. The first – the Government Buying Standard for furniture, currently being developed by DEFRA – looks at the environmental impact of furniture products, whilst the second – the Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme (FISP) – looks at ensuring that manufacturers and suppliers have an ethical and environmentally-friendly approach to business. GOVERNMENT BUYING STANDARDS DEFRA have been tasked with developing Government Buying Standards. These are mandatory buying requirements for central government purchasers, and they are designed to ensure that products and services purchased by government meet minimum environmental/sustainability requirements. There is also a desire for these guidelines to be seen as best practice and rolled out to local government and business in general. A number of Buying Standards already exist, with others in development, including furniture. The buying standard for furniture is currently in the enquiry phase with final publication expected in July 2010. The new buying standard focuses heavily on the materials used in the product, which means: • Requirements to minimise the amount of harmful and hazardous substances in the base materials. • Requirements to minimise the amount of harmful and hazardous substances in surface finishes. • Requirements to minimise the amount of harmful and hazardous substances in adhesives. • Requirements to minimise the amount of substances that do not biodegrade effectively. • Performance requirements for furniture (it should be remembered that a product with a long life is essentially much more environmentally friendly than a product that fails and needs replacing regularly). • Requirements for timber to be purchased from legal and sustainable sources – effectively meaning that suppliers need to have a suitably endorsed chain of custody scheme in place for timber based products (e.g. certification to FSC or PEFC chain of custody schemes).

• Where possible products should be designed for re-use/remanufacture or re-cycling. • In addition there will be a push for purchasers to look at buying re-used/remanufactured products to stimulate this market. ADAPTED TO UK STANDARDS The standard is heavily based around two EU initiatives – the Green Public Procurement plan, and the Ecolabel scheme. However, these have been modified to reflect the requirements of the UK industry, specifically to allow the types of fire retardants we need to meet UK National Standards, and to allow for formaldehyde levels in chipboard and MDF to be at levels that are low enough to be safe, but are commercially available without significant cost to the industry. The standard has been developed with industry consultation, however, there are still some concerns within the industry regarding the additional cost burden that will be put on manufacturers and suppliers attempting to prove compliance with the initiative, and also whether some of the requirements are achievable – in particular the requirements for surface finishes which effectively mean only water-based lacquers can be used on timber products (which is not the UK’s preferred finishing technique). These issues are likely to be ironed out in the final consultation phase. More information on Government Buying standards can be found at the Sustainable Development area of the DEFRA website, together with draft requirements for the furniture scheme: www.defra.gov.uk/ sustainable/government/advice/public/buying/ index.htm. This website can not only be used to follow the development and publication of the standard for furniture, but also to find information on other schemes either published or in development, and to find products that comply with published schemes. FURNITURE INDUSTRY SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAMME Whilst the Government Buying Standards look closely at the products and the materials used in the product, due to purchasing law they do not evaluate the supplier and his manufacturing techniques. This is obviously a major omission, as the environmental impact of a product is as much due to manufacturing and its processes as it is the materials that go into the product. When evaluating a supplier there are many features that need to be assessed to verify that they are a responsible, sustainable manufacturer. Sourcing all this information, and verifying it, can be an

expensive and time consuming process. Launched in 2006, the Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme (FISP) was developed by the furniture industry to demonstrate, in one easy-to-understand scheme, that a furniture manufacturer is a responsible manufacturer. Membership of the FISP scheme is therefore an ideal tool for specifiers to use when evaluating their suppliers. FISP is a true sustainability programme, focusing on not just environmental issues, but also purchasing, end of product life, social and community issues. When a furniture manufacturer signs up as FISP member they have to commit to two core criteria; they must have, and implement, a suitable environmental policy, and they must comply with all legal requirements regarding environmental, and health and safety legislation. ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL NEEDS In addition they must have systems in place to tackle a number of other key environmental and social topics including: Environmental requirements: • Environmental management systems  • Waste management  • Energy management  • Packaging  • Transport  • Procurement policies  • Sustainable timber purchasing  • Emissions  • End of life Social and economic requirements: • Nuisance issues  • Community relations and charity work  • Education and training  • Employment  • Ethical issues  • Competitiveness The manufacturer’s claims are then verified by an independent audit by a sustainability expert, with the audit process being repeated every two years to ensure ongoing compliance. By selecting a supplier who is a member of FISP, a specifier can have the confidence that they are buying from a responsible, caring supplier at the forefront of sustainable manufacturing/sourcing in the UK. More details regarding FISP, and current FISP members, can be found at the FIRA website – www.fira.co.uk/consultancy/environment/fisp.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01438 777700 Web: www.fira.co.uk

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Government Business | Volume 17.6

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TAKE ME OUT Groundsmen and greenkeepers, play officers, architects, designers and surveyors as well as local authority and outdoor leisure facility managers will all head to IOG SALTEX IOG SALTEX IS THE UK’S ONLY outdoor event for the grounds care, sports amenities, landscaping and estate management sectors, with an unrivalled reputation for ideas and innovation. Launched as a grounds care show in 1938, it has grown in size and stature and now covers all aspects of the open space management industry. IOG SALTEX 2010 will be held 7-9 September at Windsor Racecourse, Berks, and will embrace fine turf and sports surfaces, turf maintenance equipment, children’s outdoor play and safety surfacing, landscaping, contractors, commercial vehicles, outdoor leisure and facilities management, as well as software and security equipment. Over 450 of the industry’s leading suppliers will display everything from machinery to waste management, from playground equipment to work wear and safety equipment. IOG SALTEX offers you the opportunity to source thousands of products in one place and as it’s the home for the industry, many companies choose this event to launch new products and services. The topical free seminar programme, advice clinics and visitor features make IOG SALTEX an unmissable event. NEW PRODUCT LAUNCHES With the launch of additional products to boost the ‘low-cost, long-life equipment’ focus of RT Machinery, the company’s managing director Richard Taylor says this year’s IOG SALTEX open space management exhibition will: “deliver the right audience, as it has always done”. He continues: “Our faith in IOG SALTEX has consistently been repaid since we started exhibiting at the show three years ago. I reckon that each year we get at least 20 new customers from the show and many who call to see us year after year once a trading relationship is established – plus a wide mix of enquiries from private estate managers through to directors and decision-makers from independent sports clubs. That’s why year-on-year we’ve increased our stand size by 50 per cent. “This year’s event will be no different – we expect visitors from a broad spectrum of the industry and our expanded stand will enable us to demonstrate not only our ever-growing range of gang mowers and equipment like our new paddock sweeper, but the show will also allow visitors to hear how we rate after-sales support as importantly as we do cost-competitive, reliable products. Since RT Machinery was established in 2001, the company ethos has been to link value with service rather than with price. As well as building the business around

key product brands – for example, it is a leading dealer for Dennis, Etesia, Pellenc and Kioti – and gradually introducing own-brand equipment for which the plan is to create a network of like-minded dealers, Richard is adamant: “Being able to identify the correct product for the job, rather than for the considered budget, is one of the keys to our success and is of real value long term.” GOING OFF ROAD An adrenalin-producing off-road 4x4 course is being staged by Polaris at this year’s show. Specially-constructed, tested and marshalled by Polaris staff, the IOG SALTEX-Polaris offroad course will be sited adjacent to the Windsor showground’s North entrance. The exciting feature will not only enable visitors to test their driving skills but also experience at first hand a number of Polaris 4x4s, including the new all-electric Ranger EV, the world’s first 4x4 electric utility vehicle. Commenting on the development, Phil Everett, Polaris country manager, says: “Our decision to sponsor this major feature at IOG SALTEX – and to significantly increase our stand size – is part of this year’s focused investment in the UK market. “With such a wide-ranging and influential audience, we never had second thoughts about effectively doubling the size of our presence at this year’s IOG SALTEX compared to last year, and we are confident that visitors will be impressed with the Polaris products they will see – and drive – at the show.” A comprehensive selection of vehicles will be available for close inspection on the stand, including the Ranger EV side-by-side utility vehicle. This features On-Demand allwheel drive with VersaTrac, independent rear suspension, high ground clearance and the longest suspension travel in its class. The Ranger EV has the largest battery pack in the industry (11.5 kW) and the longest range of any electric midsize – the 30 HP electric motor produces a 35-45 mile range, a top speed of 25 mph and two hours of riding time between charges. It also has a 567kgs towing capacity and a 226.7kgs Lock and Ride cargo box.

“Because the show attracts a wide variety of visitors – in particular local authority decision-makers as well as dealers and semiprofessional users – it is the ideal public launch pad for our mowers, brushcutters, chainsaws, generators and hedge trimmers,” managing director Mark Osborne says. “Importantly, visitors to the show will be able to see for themselves how the continuing global success of the Sanli brand is being built on innovation – and, be in no doubt, these are sturdy, built-for-purpose products that are available at relatively low cost.” In addition to a comprehensive display of products on the company’s stand, Sanli’s programme of activities on its adjacent demonstration plot at the Windsor showground will add further weight to this argument, Mark believes. “I’ve been a regular visitor to IOG SALTEX for many years and nothing compares with an outdoor event where equipment can be put through its paces allowing visitors to ‘feel’ and ‘test’ products in ‘real life’ scenarios. “That’s why I had no hesitation in signing up for the show. Our commitment also includes sponsorship of visitor carrier bags and lanyards that will ensure Sanli UK is ‘seen’ by every one of the thousands of open space professionals who attend the event. Indeed, we’ve already signed a similar deal for the 2011 show.” Aside from dealing with staff recruitment and the numerous management issues associated with a business start up, Mark is adamantly applying a simple but effective policy to take the company forward: “We have the room here to carry extensive stocks of products and spares to enable us to fully support our dealers – on a next-day delivery option, if required – as well as provide comprehensive sales and technical back-up, service support and training. These areas are vital in building and maintaining a successful and thriving dealer network. “In addition, we’ll be listening to dealers’ views in respect of user demands and product developments, to ensure that we provide Sanli customers with what they want rather than what we think they need.” That process has already started, concludes Mark, with the development by Sanli of rotary mowers with integral rear rollers and of diesel-engined machines designed specifically for the UK and Irish markets.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.iogsaltex.co.uk

SIGNIFICANT PRECENCE Sanli UK’s significant presence at this year’s IOG SALTEX open space management show, which includes an expansive stand, is just one important facet of the multimillion pound investment being made this year by the company to establish its range of cost-competitive, high-quality outdoor power equipment in the UK and Ireland.

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TRANSPORT

A GUIDE TO CONTRACT HIRE AND LEASING In the past, the public sector has been reluctant to consider outsourcing their fleet finance or management. But times are changing, finds Toby Poston from the BVRLA YOU DON’T NEED TO BE A FLY on the wall of the Cabinet Office to know that the public sector faces some serious budget cuts over the next four or five years. Some departments and agencies will be hit harder than others, but it is fair to say that cost-cutting will be high up the agenda for them all. Public sector fleet managers will be tasked with delivering the same levels of service with smaller budgets. They could do a lot worse than taking a few tips from their counterparts in the private sector, many of whom have become used to working in severe cost-reduction mode in recent years. One of the best routes to cutting costs is to buy in fleet services, by leasing vehicles and getting outside specialists to run them for you. This approach has been taken by many private sector companies over the last 10 years, and the range of fleet services on offer has grown. MODERN PROVIDERS As well as the traditional contract hire deal where a leasing company provides finance and takes responsibility for servicing and maintaining it, modern providers will also offer services including roadside assistance, relief vehicles, daily vehicle rental and accident management. They can also provide driver services, helping people to book MOTs and repairs, arrange tyre and windscreen replacements and even order their next car. Many will provide expert consultancy advice to help organisations to meet their fleet duty of care requirements (vehicle audits, driving licence checks, etc) or environmental targets. However, up to now, the public sector has been more reluctant to consider outsourcing their fleet finance or management. EARLY ADOPTERS Nottinghamshire Police Service took this step a number of years ago, entering into a 25-year whole-of-life vehicle procurement, service and maintenance contract with fleet services provider Venson. “The decision to outsource our fleet to Venson was definitely the right move,” says Lucas Ortega, head of procurement at Nottingham Police, which has a 500-strong vehicle fleet that includes police cars, covert operation and specialist vans, traffic scooters, horseboxes and a mobile police station. “We are now able to offer our police drivers good service, much better availability and the assurance that their vehicles should always be fit for purpose. Working with a specialist

fleet management provider has moved us much closer to our best value targets.” A large number of public sector fleets are still run in-house, but this could well be about to change, especially if leasing and fleet management companies can deliver the 10-20 per cent cost savings they have been able to deliver their private sector clients. In the past, these potential cost savings have been hampered by some other barriers, says Stuart Walker, brand director Automotive Leasing, the public sector division of international leasing company LeasePlan. “The cost and hassle factor involved with outsourcing their fleets has been a major turn-off for public sector organisations. As well as taking a lot of time, the average large scale tender costs a public sector organisation around £20-30,000.”

FRAMEWORKS Thankfully, government procurement experts have been hard at work over the past few years to make it easier and more costeffective for government bodies to buy-in external services. The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) has set up ‘frameworks’ around different fleet services, including fleet management, fleet consultancy, contract hire (for cars and commercial vehicles) and daily rental (cars and commercial vehicles). “These frameworks help public sector organisations to save money on tendering and still get a very good price from centrally negotiated agreements,” says Walker. Typically these deals last three to four years, they include pre-agreed terms and conditions and have six to eight pre-vetted suppliers listed. By simplifying the procurement of fleet

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TRANSPORT

services, the government has also made it easier for leasing and fleet management companies to enter the market. With an estimated public sector fleet of over 100,000 vehicles and an estimated annual budget of more than £600m, it is obvious why British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association members see this as a key growth market. As well as being under pressure to cut costs, central government departments and agencies also have to reduce emissions, in the form of ‘SOGE’ targets. These goals for Sustainable Operations on the Government Estate were announced by the Prime Minister in 2006 and have set a target for reducing road vehicle emissions by 15 per cent by 2010/11, relative to 2005/6 levels. So far, things are going very well. The latest OGC report on the SOGE targets said that departments had produced a 17 per cent reduction in road transport emissions as of 2008/9 and were on target to produce an overall reduction of 23.7 per cent by 2010/11. It said that a large portion of these reductions had been achieved by reducing unnecessary business travel and cracking down on grey fleet use by getting employees into rental or lease cars. The case for this is

safety regulations has shown that the government is cracking down in this area. The vehicle leasing industry also takes its duty of care to its customers seriously. All BVRLA members are quality assured and operate under a code of conduct. This reassures potential customers that they are dealing with a reputable company that will offer the highest levels of service, backed up by the association’s conciliation service. TYPES OF LEASING Contract Hire: This is the most popular way of hiring a business vehicle – more than half of all new company cars registered each year are funded this way. A vehicle is leased to an organisation for a set time and specified mileage, in return for an initial fee (usually three months rental) and a subsequent monthly charge. At the end of the contractual period, it is returned to the leasing company. Finance Lease: With a finance lease you choose to pay either the entire cost of the vehicle, including interest charges, over an agreed lease period or opt to pay lower monthly rentals with a final payment based on the anticipated resale value of the vehicle. At the conclusion of the contract you can continue

One of the best routes to cutting costs is to buy in fleet services, by leasing vehicles and getting outside specialists to run them for you. This approach has been taken by many private sector companies over the last ten years, and the range of fleet services on offer has grown clear – lease vehicles (average age around 18 months) are safer, more reliable, more fuel-efficient and less polluting than the grey fleet (average age over six years). THE GREY FLEET CHALLENGE The grey fleet, where employees use their own vehicles for work purposes, is one of the greatest challenges facing public sector fleet managers at the moment. Grey fleet drivers do an estimated 1.4 billion miles a year at an average of 40-50p per mile. Reducing this reliance on the grey fleet has risen up the agenda as employers become more aware of the duty of care owed to their employees driving at work. Around one in three road accidents involve a vehicle being driven for work. In financial terms this is costing UK industry over £2.5 billion each year, but it is the human cost that is most frightening – around 200 work-related deaths or serious injuries every week. The arrival of new corporate manslaughter legislation and a tighter focus on the application of health and

to operate the vehicle for a nominal fee, but you will at no time take ownership of the asset. Hire Purchase: This is a method of financing a purchase with the vehicle becoming the property of the lessee at the end of the period. The monthly payment is determined by the amount of deposit paid, the period of the contract and the sale price of the vehicle. Contract Purchase: The company agrees to buy the vehicle via a series of monthly instalments, covering the cost of the vehicle and an interest element. The monthly fee usually includes a charge for any additional services, such as maintenance. There is usually a final balloon payment, equal to the vehicle’s residual value, after which legal ownership passes to the user. Having gained legal ownership, the new owner can keep the vehicle, sell it on directly, or sell the car back to the finance company for a price agreed at the start of the contract. Employee Contract Purchase: These schemes are designed as a staff benefit for organisations seeking an alternative to the traditional company car. They can also

enable employers to set up an employee car scheme for people who do not qualify for a company car or allowance and allow employees to enjoy the benefits of company car ownership without paying company car tax. They fall into two categories: Personal Car Plans: The employee finances a vehicle for a contract period of their choice, and can take an optional maintenance package and roadside assistance for peace of mind. At the end of the agreement the employee has three options; exchange the car for a new one, purchase the vehicle outright or return it without further cost. Employee Car Ownership Schemes: This type of scheme is very similar to a personal car plan, except that the employer retains control of the fleet policy, including buying terms, vehicle choice, replacement cycle, maintenance and insurance. ADVANTAGES OF LEASING 1. Fixed monthly costs: Car leasing is a fixedcost form of motoring. For a set monthly payment, you get the use of a car for an agreed duration and mileage that suits your organisation. The fee takes into account the car’s price when hired, its forecast mileage during the contract and its estimated residual value at the end. As long as you have not exceeded the agreed contract mileage and the vehicle is in a fair condition, you just return it at the end of the contract, with no further cost. For an extra monthly fee, you can ask your leasing company to take care of nearly every hassle associated with ownership, whether it is maintenance, servicing or replacement vehicles. 2. No risk: Most cars will lose value from the moment they leave the showroom. In a contract hire deal (the most popular form of vehicle leasing), you return the car to the leasing company at the end of the contract period and it takes on the hassle of selling the car and the risk associated with getting a fair price. 3. Free up capital: Leasing a business car instead of purchasing it means you are not tying up capital in a rapidly depreciating asset. With public sector capital expenditure levels set for a squeeze, leasing can free up more of what is left. 4. Flexibility: Successful organisations are adaptable and leasing provides you with more fleet flexibility. If you are worried about whether you will need a car in the future – for example, because of lay-offs or some other change in circumstances – you can just extend a contract for six months while you wait and see what happens. 5. Purchasing power: While you may have a fleet of three, 10, 50 or even 100 vehicles, leasing companies are used to buying thousands each year. They can negotiate great deals with manufacturers and pass the savings on to you in the form of a very competitive leasing rate.

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Written by Paul Smedley, executive director, the Professional Planning Forum

CONTACT CENTRES

PUTTING THE CUSTOMER FIRST Winning public sector projects at this year’s Contact Centre Innovation Awards put the customer at the heart of service transformation JOHN MAYNARD KEYNES ONCE said: “The difficulty lies not in new ideas, but in escaping the old ones.” The value of new ideas was certainly evident in last month’s Contact Centre Innovation Awards and it was heartening to see the public sector winning two innovation awards for the first time, as the eyes of customer contact professionals were drawn to public sector initiatives that deliver efficiency by putting the customer at the heart of service transformation. UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSE OF CONTACT The prestigious Public Sector Innovation Award was won by Harrow for an outstanding initiative that transformed rubbish collection, the number one source of customer complaint. “If you don’t collect someone’s bin it is possibly the worst thing you can do…this is one service that everybody receives from the council,” explains Councillor Paul Osborn. Harrow Council has shown what can be done when organisations understand the root cause of customer contact and target investment on genuinely transforming services. Customer journey mapping enabled a business case for investment, on the basis of cashable savings, in technology on board refuse trucks. This provides real-time information from the refuse collectors, which is used in the call centre and on the website to respond to residents in ways that instantly resolve their queries, support the council in changing understanding of recycling and help to plan the service differently. Harrow’s investment in live wireless data capture has saved money and transformed the customer experience. Overall savings are put at £90,000 a year and having this information available in the contact centre means that 95 per cent of these enquiries are now solved at the first contact, against fewer than five per cent in the past, while avoidable contacts have fallen by 100 calls a week. “We have much happier customers and much shorter calls,” sums up Carol Cutler, director of business transformation and customer service at Harrow Council. HANDLING MORE CALLS The award for Integrated Planning was secured by HM Revenue & Customs who handled almost one million more calls than the previous year and cut busy messages by

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80 per cent during the annual Tax Credit renewal period when incoming calls rise over 600 per cent above the norm. “I am truly pleased for all involved in this project as delivering an acceptable service given such a massive uplift in demand was a huge challenge. The HMRC has learnt from past experiences and has put measures in place by working across all areas of their vast organisation in a joined up and methodical way,” enthuses Dave Vernon, head of best practice at the Professional Planning Forum. “Moreover, the people have not been lost in this and the enthusiasm shown by the employees to deliver excellent service to the customers was incredible.” By working with stakeholders from across the business and analysing performance in the previous year, plans were set up to shift demand, cross-skill advisors and start outbound calling, rather than just recruiting for the peak. IVR messaging was developed, a contingency team of 1,000 advisors crosstrained and a 27-day outbound campaign exceeded all expectation, making over 50,000 contacts, 20,000 more than predicted. “The big message was to renew early and that campaign was successful…we got together the back office, the front office and marketing,” explained Vicky Passant, demand control manager at HMRC. “This success is down to effective planning and collaborative working,” endorsed John Terry, regional manager, contact centres SHOWCASING INNOVATIONS The Contact Centre Innovation Awards are organised by the Professional Planning Forum. They celebrate the achievements of the industry’s innovators, offer a benchmark of excellence and showcase innovations that are transforming the experience of customers. The winners were selected by a team of judges who visited each of the 17 shortlisted organisations, and then assessed them against a strict set of criteria. “Every year the process of judging gets harder… each year we see new exciting innovations that make you proud to be part of the industry,” comments Steve Woosey, the Planning Forum’s membership director. These awards were presented at the Planning Forum’s 10th anniversary conference in London on 20 April, with other prizes being taken by Netflights, Shop Direct,

Ventura and Scottish Power. With over 500 delegates at the conference events, including the Public Sector Transformation Forum, the gathering continues to be a key event in Contact Centre’s managers’ diaries. Delegates were able to listen to all organisations on the award shortlist and attend a wide range of workshops, round tables and presentations and keynote sessions, with speakers representing HM Revenue & Customers, Harrow Council, Glasgow City Council and Northants Police – as well as leading private sector innovators such as Aviva, Orange, British Gas and Scottish Power. Joanne Leach, from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, speaks for many when she comments

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CONTACT CENTRES

that the most useful part was meeting colleagues from other organisations. Nicky Haynes, from Thames Valley Police, sums up a lot of reaction to the speakers: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Very engaging and inspirational. It drove the importance of customer experience.â&#x20AC;? With proven success stories and the willingness to learn, the public sector has a real opportunity to respond to the demand for efficiencies with a genuinely customer-focused approach.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0333 123 5960 E-mail: paul.smedley@planningforum.co.uk

Harrow Council has shown what can be done when organisations understand the root cause of customer contact and target investment on genuinely transforming services. Customer journey mapping enabled a business case for investment, on the basis of cashable savings, in technology on board refuse trucks. This provides realtime information from the refuse collectors, which is used in the call centre and on the website to respond to residents in ways that instantly resolve their queries THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

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RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT

RECYCLE THAT! There are not many trade shows that offer exhibitors a free forklift service and free holding bays, but then the Plant and Waste Recycling Show is not just any show THE PLANT AND WASTE RECYCLING Show (PAWRS) is a meeting point for many of the biggest names in the recycling industry from across Europe and the USA. The event attracts a broad range of exhibitors from product and technology manufacturers to niche specialists or comprehensive full service suppliers – all of them offering solutions to reduce waste, managing its disposal or recycling it. During 2008 and the following months many things changed for business and for individuals. Also, the idea for PAWRS 2009 was conceived and by all accounts from exhibitors and visitors who attended, they thoroughly enjoyed their favourite venue and PAWRS 2009 proved a great success. WHAT’S ON Now 2010 is here and as we move towards what we all hope will be a magnificent summer PAWRS 2010 is upon us on 8-10 June. We are inviting all local authority and county council officers to join us in Paignton, Devon. We are pleased to welcome back the South West Recycling Forum Conference, which will run in conjunction with the show. There

will be a number of exhibitors showing their groundbreaking products and services to help change and maintain a greener environment. As most of us know this is a priority for all private and public sectors which is why we ensure everyone has the opportunity to speak face to face and try to find new solutions or to improve their waste and recycling strategy. There is a constant need for plant, waste and recycling products to be updated to help everyone create a greener future. This year we will be hosting the PAWR Awards and the National Skip Hire and Waste Transfer Station Awards. If you would like any further information on these events or would like to nominate someone then please contact the PAWRS eco team. PAIGNTON Famous for its long, sandy beaches, paddlerfriendly waters and a colourful, bustling pier, Paignton remains a popular, traditional seaside resort. The lively seafront of Paignton, Devon, and that of nearby Goodrington, offer a host of attractions from the waterslides of Quaywest to crazy golf on Paignton Green.

Paignton hotels offer easy access to the beach with facilities to suit all tastes. During the summer months you will find the area hosts many festivals and fairs, in addition to the many yearly exhibitions and events, which are held on the green. If you crave peace and relaxation, you can pick a spot on one of the secluded beaches, inlets and coves that stretch along the coast towards Brixham. Away from the shores, there’s no shortage of things to do and visitors are spoilt for choice. Take the steam train along the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway to Kingswear, visit the endangered species at Paignton Zoo, or indulge in some history at the 500 year old Kirkham House or at Oldway Mansion, once home of Isaac Singer of Singer sewing machine fame.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: +44 (0)1962 870355 Fax: +44 (0)1962 870956 E-mail: info@pawrs.co.uk Web: www.pawrs.com

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RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT

EFFECTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT The Recycling & Waste Management Exhibition will offer you key contacts, solutions, ideas and advice so that you can turn your waste problems into resource opportunities WHETHER YOU ARE CHALLENGED with food waste collection, introducing recycling schemes for high rise flats or reducing the amount of waste your local businesses send to landfill, the Recycling and Waste Management Exhibition (RWM 10), taking place at the NEC, Birmingham from 14 to 16 September, will offer you key contacts, solutions, ideas and advice so that you can turn your waste problems into resource opportunities. Bigger than ever before, the three-day show features an indoor and outdoor exhibition of more than 500 companies and organisations exhibiting and demonstrating the latest technologies and recycling solutions. Entry is free and also gives visitors access to over 40 seminar sessions offering invaluable legislative and financial advice and first-hand case studies of successful projects undertaken by your colleagues at Islington Council, Nottingham City Council, Shropshire County Council, Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council and Wandsworth Borough Council. Expert speakers have already been secured from the London Waste & Recycling Board, the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), the BREW Centre for Local Authorities, and Friends of the Earth. WASTE MINIMISATION New for 2010 will be a Waste Minimisation Zone with a “drop-in surgery” where visitors can discuss their individual needs with experts in resource efficiency and a catwalk showcasing some of the UK’s leading textile recyclers. Supported by The Salvation Army, Chris Carey Collections, BCR Global and IG Cohen, the catwalk will highlight the creative work of young designers who reuse and recycle textiles. Other visitor facilities introduced on the show floor this year include the RWM restaurant offering pre-bookable table service lunches and the Viridor Visitor Lounge designed for informal networking and internet research. The indoor exhibition area has been expanded to accommodate companies exhibiting for the first time and returning exhibitors who have booked larger stands. The new Envirolink Pavilion will showcase a range of companies from the region’s recycling and waste sector. Worth £1,064 million, this sub sector includes facility operators, service providers, technology designers, builders and engineers, as well as a growing range of companies developing products containing recycled content. Long term supporter of the show Straight will be exhibiting again this year and has also been branded RWM’s onsite recycling sponsor. “Exhibitions often produce large amounts of unnecessary waste. We want to reduce the amount of waste that is created by the show and is sent to landfill,” explains Jonathan Straight, chief executive, Straight plc.

KEY FACTS How to register: Complete the form on www.rwmexhibition.com/egovb to receive your badge and show preview approximately three weeks prior to the exhibition, plus avoid the queues when you arrive. How to get there: RWM is held in Halls 17, 18, 19 and the outdoor areas of the National Exhibition Centre, eight miles east of Birmingham city centre. The address is: The NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. If you’re coming to the NEC from any OUTDOOR EXHIBITION Meanwhile the outdoor exhibition area where visitors can see vehicles and machinery in action is also set to be even bigger this year. Outdoor exhibitors include key players such as Ford, JCB, Terex Equipment, Mercedes Benz, Hydrex Equipment, Case Construction, Brendon PowerWashers, Geesink Norba, Isuzu Truck, Tong Engineering, M&K Recycling, Edge, WCR, Collett Transport, Skip Tracks, Duo Manufacturing, Whale Tankers, Liebherr, Blue Group, BMI Municipal, Hammel and many more. LOCAL AUTHORITY SEMINAR THEATRE Sponsored by SCA Recycling and Bywaters, the free seminar programme for council visitors runs throughout the three day show in a dedicated theatre with themed days covering recycling targets, food waste and communications. “RWM is the UK’s longest running and probably the best attended annual event for the recycling and waste management industry. SCA Recycling are pleased to be sponsoring and be involved with such an established event and feel it is a great opportunity to

part of the UK by road or rail or flying in from overseas you will find that its central position is at the hub of the UK transport network. Walk directly into the show from Birmingham International rail station or choose from a number of bus and coach services. Alternatively if you are driving there is ample car parking at the NEC. Visit www.thenec.co.uk/travel for detailed travel information. Opening Hours Tuesday 14 September: 9.30am - 4.30pm Wednesday 15 September: 9.30am - 4.30pm Thursday 16 September: 9.30am - 4.00pm showcase our ‘transformation’ into the multi material market through our new state of the art £15 million Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) in Southampton,” says Ken Stevens, managing director of SCA Recycling. Bywaters, sponsoring the Local Authority Seminar Theatre for the second year running, will be showcasing, via video, London’s largest and most comprehensive undercover dry recyclables Materials Recovery Facility. “Our customers asked us to ‘make recycling easy’, so that is exactly what we did. RWM provides an excellent platform to publicise our total waste management solution that employs innovative and environmentally sound solutions,” explains John S Glover, managing director, Bywaters Recycling and Waste Management. WASTE IN THE CAPITAL Day One (14 September) opens with James Cleverly, Chairman of the London Waste & Recycling Board (LWARB) who will talk about the London Mayor’s draft waste strategy to stop landfilling London’s waste in 15 years. As well as looking at waste-to-energy solutions, Mr

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RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT

Cleverly will explain how LWARB is addressing the specific recycling challenges posed by flats and multi occupancy dwellings, a subject re-visited later in the afternoon by Peter Selkirk, chief executive of Taylor. A key session for councils still deliberating over co-mingled or single stream collection models will be led by Linda Chrichton, ROTATE manager for WRAP who will share the latest data on what works and what doesn’t. Her presentation will cover food waste and communications and suggest where councils might be able to add value. Food waste is the topic for Day Two (15 September) which opens with a case study from Islington Council which recently launched food waste collection schemes for estates, schools and prisons. Jean Hughes, recycling and minimisation project officer from the council’s Environment and Regeneration Department will talk visitors through how they rolled the scheme out to an ethnically and socio-economically diverse community, explaining how they overcame problems and kept within budgetary constraints. An international perspective will be brought to RWM by Philip Simpson, commercial director for the PDM Group who will lead a case study of the ReFood joint venture between PDM Group in the UK and Saria

Bio-Industries in Germany and suggest how commercial food waste recycling could be brought to the UK on an industrial scale. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS The programme for the final day (16 September) in the Local Authority Seminar Theatre is focused on effective communications and the crucial role they play in ensuring the success of recycling initiatives. Joy Blizzard, waste initiatives officer for Shropshire County Council will share her council’s experience of the Love Food Hate Waste campaign, outlining the local PR strategy and determining what impact it had. The public consultation side of communications will be explored in a subsequent session which looks at the challenges posed during the planning process for new treatment initiatives. Two PR professionals, Michael Bennett of Pelican Public Relation and Jane Rayner of Lulu Consulting will offer advice on different communication channels, identifying interest groups, making consultations meaningful, dealing with objections and protestors, understanding the motivations of the local media and keeping control of the message. Conveying recycling messages in an ethnically diverse area will be the subject of the show’s closing seminar presented

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by Emma Marsh, local communications manager for WRAP, who will present a case study from Oldham Metropolitan Council. Meanwhile energy from waste, wastewater reuse and carbon efficiency will be tackled in the Energy & Water Theatre (sponsored by Motherwell Bridge). Further details of these sessions will be published in the next issue of Government Business. A MUST-ATTEND EVENT Official statistics published by the Audit Bureau of Circulations reveal that last year’s exhibition (RWM 09) was another record breaker with more exhibitors and more visitors than any other event in the sector. In its fifth consecutive year of growth, RWM drew 9,781 visitors, representing an eight per cent increase on 2008. Exhibitor numbers were also at an all time high with over 500 stands. Visitors can register online now for free fast track entry to RWM 10 and take advantage of a simple online tool to help plan their visit. Whether you are looking for suppliers of banks, bins and containers, machinery and equipment, vehicles and plant or specialist recycling solutions, you can use MyRWM Show Planner to create a personalised floor plan of relevant exhibitors.

Advanced onboard weighing with Loadmaxx OADMAXX: State of the art hardware and software technology in the cab and at your fingertips. With a choice of Canbus data options this onboard system is packed with weighing and safety features. These options include individual axle weights including lift axles and a 20 per cent steer axle under load alarm, this information can be relayed to the vehicle compaction unit, if the vehicle load is not distributed correctly. Under loading the steer or overloading the rear axles this signal can be used to alert or automatically move the compaction blade to avoid a potential overload offence. The GVW alarm signal can also be used to shut down compaction when the GVW weight is approaching. To increase accuracy and stability inclinometer input is also available. Loadmaxx can also be integrated to other onboard computers such as the vehicles own in dash display, onboard GPS location

and tracking systems or dynamic bin ID weighing systems. LoadMaxx is also used on tractor trailer configurations. Loadmaxx can be installed as a retro fit or production specification. Options include: • J1939/ Canbus • RS232 output • GVW, net, axle weights displayed • Individual axle weights including lift axles • GPS/tracking option or interface • Selectable alarm status • 20 per cent Steer axle under load feature • Inclinometer option • Compaction cut off as standard • Multiple sensor input • Will drive up to eight under body loadcells • Printer option • Multiple vehicle/ suspension applications

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GOOD COMMUNICATION AWARDS

THEGOOD BUSINESS END OF COMMUNICATION COMMUNICATIONS AWARDS

Now the election is over, local and central government communications departments will be getting down to business – and entering the 2010 Good Communication Awards, to be held on July 15th at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium THE 2010 GENERAL ELECTION IS further evidence of the power of communication, and the way that various communication methods have evolved to target ‘difficult to reach’ sectors of the population. In some places, such as Warwick and Leamington, turnout was extraordinarily high at 84.5 per cent, and the night had voters complaining of being turned away from polling stations due to queues. At both national and local level, Government communication embraces a broad range of techniques, technologies and professional skills in order to keep citizens informed. Making sure these channels are accessible, easy to use and represent value for money requires a huge amount of dedication, professionalism and communications expertise. The Good Communication Awards, now in its sixth year, aims to promote and encourage the public sector’s efforts towards effective communication with its citizens and its workforce. The four award categories – Print, Public Relations, IT and Telecoms – will recognise the individuals and organisations that have demonstrated effectiveness and innovation. Last year, the awards attracted over 200 entrants from the UK public sector, with many entries standing out as examples of best practice. The awards remain free to enter. Should your organisation be shortlisted, you will be invited to attend the spectacular awards ceremony at the Emirates, which will feature a four course dinner, champagne drinks reception, competitions and prizes along with the chance of picking up an award that recognises the hard work that goes into communicating with diverse audiences. PUBLIC RELATIONS CATEGORY Local Authority Communications Team of the Year Recognising the local authority that has demonstrated outstanding communications skills with its citizens and with its workforce Internal Communications Award Recognising successful internal communications practices that assist in building a culture to support strategy execution and effective communication with other core functions within the authority. Government to Citizen Communication Award Recognising a specific campaign that has

successfully connected with its target audience at a local or national level. Evidence of the campaigns aims and objectives, target audience, execution and success measurement should be included in your entry statement. Open to local authorities and central government departments. Mixed Media Campaign This award will recognise successful mixed media information campaigns, where print, television, radio and internet media have combined to achieve the campaigns objectives successfully and cost effectively. TELECOMS CATEGORY Contact Centre Award Presented to the local authority call centre that can demonstrate an effective increase in call handling, complaints management, staff training and staff support over the entry period. Contact Centre Training Award Presented to the local authority or central government department that can demonstrate improvements in call handling, customer complaints management, staff training and staff retention through a structured training programme. Contact Centre Technology Award Presented to the local authority that can present the most innovative use of call centre technology in order to increase call handling levels and improve conditions for the workforce. Mobile Technology Award sponsored by Vodafone Presented to the local authority or central government department that has implemented a mobile strategy that can demonstrate either: benefits to citizens through increased access to services, or; benefits to the organisation through increased efficiencies. Examples include text messaging services, teleworking projects, field data collection, wireless internet access projects, fleet telematics. Telecoms Innovation Award sponsored by Vodafone Presented to the local authority or central government department that can demonstrate an effective use of a new or emerging communication technology (eg Voice over IP, RFID, SMS).

IT & E-GOVERNMENT CATEGORY Local Authority Website Awarded to the local authority site that has made outstanding progress in delivering legible and accessible information and online service to its citizens. Criteria include site design, navigation/ease of use, accessibility, takeup and cost effectiveness. Central Government Website Awarded to the central government website project that can demonstrate a high degree of innovation and usability in providing its website service to citizens and/or local authorities and businesses. Accessibility Award Presented to the local authority, central government department, community group or voluntary sector organisation that has made outstanding progress in using technologies to extend the delivery of information and services to include traditionally hard-toreach groups such as users who are disabled or who have particular access needs. IT Partnership Award Awarded to the local authority that can demonstrate an effective partnership approach to delivering IT related services, and in turn better value to citizens. Partnerships between local authorities, private sector organisations or other public sector bodies are eligible for entry. IT Project Innovation Awarded to the local authority or central government department that has delivered an IT project within budget and to specification that furthers the progress of e-government and improves communication channels between government and the citizen. PRINT CATEGORY Council Publication of the Year This award will recognise what is judged to be the best council publication, produced either in magazine or newspaper format and distributed to residents on a regular basis. Criteria include design, content, journalism, corporate ID, plain English, social inclusion, print accessibility, print quality and cost effectiveness. Council Publication – Design Recognising the local authority that produces the most visually appealing publication. Criteria include creative and journalistic use

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GOOD COMMUNICATION AWARDS

of photography, colour, typesetting, print quality, print accessibility, print quality.

HOW TO ENTER To enter the Good Communication Awards, you must submit a 500word entry statement on why the programme/project/department/ individual is exceptional. Organisations may enter in more than one category, but a separate entry statement must be submitted for each award category entered. Entry is open to local authorities, central government departments, charities, voluntary sector organisations and academia. Entry statements should include details of the project/department’s aims and objectives, research, strategy, execution, evaluation of success and cost-effectiveness (if applicable). If the department or authority has mentioned involvement of any

Council Publication – Journalism Recognising the local authority publication that demonstrates a commitment to quality journalism and content that reflects the information needs of the target audience. Criteria include story/ information selection, journalistic integrity, plain English, social inclusion. Print Innovation Award Recognising the local authority or central government department that has demonstrated the most innovative use of print in communicating with citizens or the workforce. MAIN AWARDS Local Authority of the Year sponsored by Google Awarded to the local authority that is judged to have delivered the most successful all round communications strategy, incorporating Print, Public Relations, IT and Telecommunications. Local Government Communicator of the Year Recognising an individual in local government who has demonstrated outstanding achievements in communications, both

third party suppliers or partnering organisations, then please supply their contact details with your entry. Supporting materials such as internal or external market research, surveys, media coverage, third-party statements etc. should be provided where necessary. Certain awards, such as Council Publication of the Year in the Print Category, will require you to post additional supporting evidence. The address to post these is PSI events, 226 High Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. You can also save paper and enter the Good Communication Awards online. Entry statements can be uploaded via the online form. See www.gcawards. co.uk for details. The closing date for entries is Friday 18th June.

internally and externally. Entries are accepted through nomination.

externally. Entries are accepted through nomination by local authority.

Central Government Communicator of the Year Recognising an individual in a central government department who has demonstrated outstanding achievements in communications, both internally and

Strategic Communications Campaign Presented to the local authority or government organisation that can demonstrate how its communications strategy has delivered measurable changes in public perception or customer behaviour and stands out as an example of best practice.

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