Government Business Volume 17.8

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 17.8

PROCUREMENT Collaboration is a key ingredient on the road to recovery

TRAINING SPORTS & LEISURE

MONEY MATTERS

BUILT ENVIRONMENT – Flood risk management understanding and capacity

Government Business | Volume 17.8

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POWER TO THE PEOPLE

| Volume 17.8

tbusiness.co.uk

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Prime Minister David Cameron has launched his “big society” drive to empower communities.

It is an invitation for communities to take over responsibility for services ranging from libraries to housing developments, in order to redistribute power “from elites in Whitehall to the man and woman in the street”.

PRoCuRemeNT

ient is a key ingred Collaboration road to recovery on the

Still, the hard work of the local authorities up and down the country will continue, and in this issue of Government Business we take a look at some ways this can be done, efficiently.

With the public spending spree over and tough times looming, making your money go as far as possible is more important than ever.

Collaboration, not just between departments but also with suppliers and private enterprises, is the way to do this, according to The Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply – read more on page 16.

TS & leISuRe TRAINING SPoR

meNT BuIlT eNVIRoN

RS moNeY mATTe

y

ing and capacit

ment understand

age – Flood risk man

The deadline for the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme is 30 September – are you ready? If not, the Environment Agency offers advice on p.21.

Enjoy the issue.

Sofie Lidefjard, Editor editorial@psigroupltd.co.uk

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

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

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ADVERTISEMENT SALES Debbie Green, Julie Watson, Stephen Day, Kelly Scott, Kylie Glover, Jayne Dula, David Morgan, Bernie Miller, Jane Fraser SALES ADMINISTRATION Jackie Carnochan, Martine Carnochan ADMINISTRATION Charlotte Casey, Victoria Leftwich PUBLISHER John O’Leary GROUP PUBLISHER Barry Doyle REPRODUCTION & PRINT Argent Media

© 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 17.8

7 NEWS 11 MONEY MATTERS Institute of Credit Management has taken to the road, with a series of road shows on effective credit management A preview of the Credit Services Association and Debt Buyers and Sellers Group annual conference

15 SERVICE MANAGEMENT We preview Service Management Expo, a must attend event for professionals across service management

16 PROCUREMENT The Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply takes a look at procurement inefficiencies and how these should be dealt with Learn how to deliver the efficiencies demanded by the recent cuts in spending at ProcureCon Public

21 BUILT ENVIRONMENT Public sector organisations must act now to comply with the new CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, urges the Environment Agency’s Malcolm Fergusson We preview the Energy Event, which covers every aspect of energy procurement, management and efficiency

The key to reducing energy use is to measure it and manage it, writes the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers Coventry City Council is working with the Carbon Trust to implement 34 separate energy saving projects What impact will cutbacks have on infrastructure projects that are essential to environmental success, asks the IEMA A significant amount of CO2 is lost through inadequate insulation, writes the National Insulation Association The Built Environment Solutions & Technologies show will bring together construction buyers and sellers from all over the country The Environment Agency discusses its flood defence work that is helping to alleviate flood risk Local government will need to deepen their flood risk management understanding and capacity, writes Paul Shaffer from CIRIA

43 CONFERENCES & EVENTS An excellent choice of leisure facilities and plenty of conference and events facilities make Liverpool the perfect business destination Why choose the East of England for your next public sector event?

Event UK brings together around 300 exhibitors to transform your events into something amazing

55 TRAINING Public sector managers who visit the World of Learning 2010 will discover solutions to their current learning and development needs

59 SPORTS & LEISURE Everyone in the leisure industry is invited to come and see the latest innovations at LIW

65 LANDSCAPING & GROUNDSCARE We preview IOG SALTEX, the UK’s number one open space management event

71 RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT RWM sets the trend this autumn with recycled textile fashion shows and a new waste minimisation zone This year’s Plant And Waste Recycling Awards recognised successful projects that reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill across the UK sponsored by

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A New Era in Security and Safety Management Demonstrating security and safety technology · Surveillance & CCTV · Access Control, Time & Attendance · Biometric & Video Analytics · Intruder Detection & Alarms · Fire Detection & Evacuation · Integrated Safety Solutions · Audio, Intercom & Messaging · Transmission & Comms Systems · Building Management Systems

Security – who’s job is it anyway?

Your security requirements traditionally fall into 4 areas Physical Security, CCTV, Access Control, and Intruder Alarms most of which have either migrated from analogue to digital technology, or are in the process of doing so. Digital systems are increasingly being run over networks using IP (internet protocol). The benefits are self-evident with further integration of audio, intercom and messaging, fire and evacuation, asset management and tracking and transmission and comms technologies.

But the world is changing, and IT and Network professionals are becoming more involved, with growing responsibility for both Physical and Logical security within an organisation, particularly with intelligent building management and facilities solutions also beginning to converge.

This shift will change the way we protect and manage all of our organisations, properties and people in future and will introduce both opportunities and challenges for those responsible for security and safety.

It's time to embrace and investigate this migration, and to identify how best they can be exploited.

In a recent survey of IT, ICT and Network managers, 80% of respondents agreed that physical security was increasingly becoming part of their remit and that engaging with security and safety professionals was key.

Convergence Key to Efficiency

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20 SECT E N

International IP Solutions Exhibition & Conference

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

www.iipseconline.com co-located with

We are all acutely aware of the continued convergence between the physical security, life safety and IT worlds. We also understand that for Networked Security and Safety Applications to become more effective it is essential that we learn to engage with both the security specialists and the IT industry as a whole and the IP players in particular.

Preparing for the Future Helping to increase the awareness and acceptance of new IP based applications across many market areas, the IIPSEC exhibition and conference now located at the IP EXPO will ensure that you gain from the synergies between the various technologies on display and will provide a firm basis upon which Stake-Holders, Security and Safety Professionals and IT and Network Technologists can discover the opportunities that lie within mutually accessible solutions.

Where to learn more IIPSEC at the IP EXPO will demonstrate real life solutions and allow security specialists to engage with IT and network professionals for the first time. The combination of the product showcase, technical and practical seminars and workshops and presentations tailored specifically to your needs will result in an informative and enlightening participation.

IIPSEC has always concentrated on the application of technology within the Security, Life Safety and BMS environments, whereas the IP EXPO is dedicated to the underlying technology itself, covering Cloud computing, Virtualisation, Infrastructure and Wireless and Storage solutions. This is a unique combination of events where Security, Safety, IT and Network Professionals can mingle and understand the commercial and practical possibilities available when working together to increase security and safety.

Register FREE – www.iipseconline.com Image courtesy of NICE systems

Government Business | Volume 17.8

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NEWSINBRIEF Report into affordable rural housing new report looking into affordable housing in rural areas has been launched by the Commission for Rural Communities.

Dr. Stuart Burgess, who launched the report Affordable Housing – keeping villages alive, said: “The report is just one example of where key stakeholders have come together to bring forward our shared ideas and values. A consensus view is emerging around how to bring forward

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more positive approaches to delivering more affordable housing as well as enhancing the character of our towns and villages.”

Affordable housing is particularly important in rural areas, where house prices are significantly higher than the national average but household incomes are lower. The report shows how a relatively small number of new affordable homes in a village can help ensure rural England has a bright future.

£8m for “refuse network” in London The Mayor of London Boris Johnson has announced £8 million in funding to create a London Community Resource Network (LCRN) to find new homes for waste household items rather than throwing them away.

The network, made up of “clusters” of organisations including local authorities and charities, will collect, store, refurbish and sell on everything from furniture, books, carpets and bikes through to cookers and fridges.

It aims to divert 17,000 tonnes of reusable products from landfill over the first two years saving over 80,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.

By 2015 the network aims to be diverting over a million items from the waste stream every year.

New grants role for Lewisham Mayor Lewisham Mayor Sir Steve Bullock has been elected chair of the London Councils Grants Committee.

The cross-party committee develops and monitors the work of the London Councils’ grants scheme, which provides £28.4 million funding for more than 300 voluntary organisations in the capital.

Sir Steve became Lewisham’s first directly elected Mayor in May 2002, having previously been leader of the borough. He was first elected as a councillor in 1982.

“The business of this committee is of great importance to me personally as well as helping thousands of Londoners each year through the funding it provides,” said Sir Steve. Cllr Stephen Carr (Con) Leader of Bromley and Cllr Penny Shelton (Lib Dem), Kingston were named as vice chairs.

New skills standards to help manage flood risk

UK, France and Germany push for higher emissions cut joint initiative between the UK, France and Germany is pushing for Europe to cut its emissions by 30 per cent by 2020.

In an article published simultaneously in the three countries, the countries’ climate change ministers Chris Huhne, Jean-Louis Borloo and Dr Norbert Röttgen set out the economic benefits for increasing Europe’s climate change targets.

The current European target is for the EU to cut emissions by 20 per cent from 1990 levels by 2020.

Commenting on the initiative, UK Energy and Climate Secretary Chris Huhne said:

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“This shows how seriously Britain, France and Germany take the low carbon agenda and how we want to work together to make it happen.

“We’re determined to make the economic case for the EU to cut its emissions by 30 per cent by 2020 as quickly as possible. Moving to a low carbon economy can help deliver energy security and contribute to economic recovery.

“The current 20 per cent target is not sufficient to encourage companies to make the necessary investment in green technologies and green jobs. The ‘wait and see’ policy of sticking to 20 per cent risks putting Europe in the global slow lane of maximising low carbon economic opportunities.”

New standards to help local authorities get the skills to manage environmental incidents are now available online.

Lantra Sector Skills Council has been working with Defra, the Environment Agency and various Local Authorities, to develop new National Occupational Standards (NOS) in flood risk management.

The new Flood and Water Management Act 2010 has given local authorities new responsibilities to manage local flood risk. It requires local authorities to develop additional skills and capacity, including understanding what influences risk in their areas and how it can best be managed.

A critical step forward to this is ensuring local authorities have the most up-to-date knowledge and skills to manage the environment.

Michael Smith, Lantra’s director of policy, research and development, said: “The NOS aim is to help local authorities ensure that staff have the basic skills required to play their role in managing flood and coastal erosion risk. It is the first step to enable them to develop a career within local authorities helping reduce flood risk to local communities.”

For your free copy of the Flood Risk Management National Occupational Standards, please visit www.lantra.co.uk/approved-nos.

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ABOUT TIME YOU REAPED SOME OF THE KUDOS? NHIC 2010 ANNUAL AWARDS ARE YOUR PLATFORM FOR SUCCESS

www.nhicawards2010.org.uk The National Home Improvement Council’s Annual Awards Scheme is a great opportunity to highlight your very latest home renovation or environmental regeneration achievements.There are 11 categories embracing a whole host of key local authority, housing association and private landlord issues.

These include, housing association modernisations, the best brownfield or recycled building project, innovative approaches to insulation, energy efficiency and fuel safety initiatives, reducing fuel poverty, excellence

in roofing and glass and glazing, water conservation through modern bathroom design, raising standards of training and skills to meet the exacting requirements of maintenance and improvement and all-fuel domestic safety measures.

One of the most prestigious and highly respected housing award schemes in the UK, the NHIC Awards are now in their 35th year.

Categories are carefully selected and updated each year to reflect the current priorities and pressures affecting all housing providers.

Your project could be the judge’s choice to win a prestigious NHIC Closing date for submissions is Award? Making your submission FRIDAY 10th SEPTEMBER 2010. really is quite straightforward.You’ll find everything you need to know at: The winners and runners-up in each category are presented with their www.nhicawards2010.org.uk awards by a Cabinet Minister at a special NHIC Awards Luncheon in London during November.

Further information is also available from NHIC Director, Andrew Leech, on 020 7448 3853 or email info@nhic.org.uk

www.nhicawards2010.org.uk

Government Business | Volume 17.8

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NEWSINBRIEF Google Earth shows affects of dangerous climate change

Cllr Steve O’Connell, cabinet member for community safety; Gavin Barwell, MP; Borough Commander, Chief Superintendent Adrian Roberts, Pat Reid

UK’s first Turnaround Centre opens in Croydon groundbreaking initiative to help young people and their families stay safe has been opened

by Gavin Barwell MP in Croydon.

Modelled on the borough’s internationally renowned Family Justice Centre, the Turnaround Centre at South End, Croydon, creates a one-stop-shop of services where young people can access a wide range of support all under one roof; including social workers, youth workers, housing and health advice, police and voluntary services. The centre’s aim is to provide early interventions to help young people, particularly those at risk of becoming victims of crime or offending.

Unique to the centre is its Drop in Zone – a place where Croydon’s young people can simply turn up for advice and support in a

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safe and secure environment. At the zone, young people will find experienced staff on hand to deal with their immediate concerns.

Councillor Tim Pollard said: “We know that in the past some young people have found it difficult to get the help they need before things have become more serious. Through the advice available at the zone, and with the support services together under one roof, we can provide the appropriate help to those at risk more quickly and effectively, and stop problems from escalating.”

In addition to services for young people, the Turnaround Centre will offer training for teachers and other professionals working with young people, to help them identify those at risk of becoming involved with youth violence, and give them help and support to stop them falling into bad habits.

Minister calls for better assessment of rough sleepers he number of rough sleepers in England has hit an 11-year low, according to figures. But Housing Minister Grant Shapps is calling for an overhaul on the method of capturing such data.

In total, 70 councils conducted street counts and reported that there were 440 rough sleepers in England on any given night. In comparison, in 2009 76 councils conducted street counts and recorded 464 rough sleepers.

Housing Minister Grant Shapps has said he is sceptical of the methodology behind the street counts – currently, only councils considered to have a problem with rough sleeping have been required to conduct a count.

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As a result Shapps will consult on plans for a complete overhaul on the means of counting rough sleepers, to give councils and charities a credible measure that truly reflects the situation on the streets.

A new interactive Google Earth map highlights some of the changes that may occur if the global average temperature rises by 4°C above the pre-industrial climate average. It also features videos of climate scientists from the UK explaining the latest scientific research behind the climate impacts shown.

The map also includes videos of FCO and British Council climate change projects currently taking place around the world.

Foreign Office Minister, Henry Bellingham, said: “This Google Earth map supports that commitment to tackling climate change and will hopefully communicate with a bigger audience globally about why the UK Government is being active in championing the transition to a low carbon economy.”

Greener homes planned for Wales Welsh Environment Minister Jane Davidson has announced plans for greener homes in Wales with the aim of cutting carbon emissions and fuel bills.

New flats and houses from 2013 will benefit from higher building standards and make use of a combination of green technologies including heat pumps, photovoltaics, and solar hot water to achieve lower carbon emissions and fuel bills.

Combined heating, lighting and hot water bills are expected to be as low as £7.50 a week Key to achieving this will be the involvement of house builders, designers and others in the development supply chain providing the benefit from their expertise and experience.

A reduction in carbon emissions of 55 per cent compared to 2006 will be the goal for the first changes, which is expected to take effect from 2013.

Poole reduces carbon emissions by over 11 per cent The Borough of Poole council has reduced its carbon emissions by 11.08 per cent since April 2009.

The savings come after the council launched a Carbon Management Plan in 2008, setting a target of reducing its carbon footprint by 25 per cent by April 2013. The carbon reduction so far has already resulted in a financial saving of over £136,000, reflected in the 2009/10 utilities expenditure.

Carbon reduction projects including fuel efficient driver training for the council’s fleet vehicle drivers, the conversion of light fittings in street bollards to LED lighting and route optimisation of refuse and recycling vehicles have already been completed.

The council also has 50 volunteer Carbon Reduction Energy Wardens, who are responsible for encouraging other staff members to be as energy efficient as possible.

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Need an ally?

In 1642 Lord Fairfax was fighting for Parliament in the English Civil War. Today, Fairfax is still one of Parliament's strongest allies, providing debt recovery services for a variety of central government departments.

To find out more about our public sector expertise, call Peter Wordsworth on 0113 823 3944 or email peterwordsworth@fairfaxsolicitors.com Debt Recovery Solicitors

Government Business | Volume 17.8

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MONEY MATTERS

ON THE ROAD WITH THE ICM The Institute of Credit Management is travelling the country with a series of roadshows to bring its members the best advice in credit management The fourth roadshow at Edinburgh Castle

IN SEEKING TO PROVIDE ITS PUBLIC and private sector members with the opportunity to meet experts and to share knowledge and experiences in credit management, the Institute of Credit Management (ICM) has taken to the road, travelling the country with a series of roadshows to bring members best advice on their own doorsteps.

The ICM took the decision to reach out to its members outside the main big towns and cities earlier this year primarily based on the continued economic downturn, and feedback from its members that time is a premium during these testing times.

in Europe, covering the key opportunities, risks, roles and responsibilities for the industry in the current climate. “It is clear how credit information is a key element of many business transactions,” he said, adding that it had even been discussed at G20 level, such has its importance soared in the last ten to 20 years.

An event was also staged at Knowsley Hall near Preston in May, where Claire Sandbrook, CEO of Shergroup spoke of the close links between debt collection and credit management, and how help from the ICM with training and the QiCM award had benefited Shergroup and its enforcement officers.

THE VALUE OF REGIONAL EVENTS The ICM’s chief executive, Philip King believes that it is important to recognise the pressure that credit professionals are under: “While our annual conference and exhibition was always well received as an excellent opportunity for credit professionals from across the country to meet in one venue, in its place we believe that we can better serve our members by going to them and holding smaller regional events.”

Each of the roadshows starts with breakfast with three guest speakers, offering members an opportunity to ask questions of speakers and speak to any of the ICM staff present on the day.

The fourth roadshow took place in the prestigious grounds of Edinburgh Castle, where Neil Munroe, president of ACCIS and director of external affairs at Equifax plc, gave an overview of the consumer credit information industry

THE CREDIT MANAGEMENT LOWDOWN ICM trainer Barry Durman gave a nuts and bolts lowdown of the fundamental processes of credit management and how to get them right. Credit management, he argued, should be seen as customer service rather than finance as it is at the heart of every business.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE EVENT The next event in the diary is on Thursday 19 August at Norwood Park Country House, Southwell, Nottinghamshire, where speakers include Nic Beishon, head of commercial information solutions at Equifax, Vikki George, an ICM trainer, and chief executive Philip King.

Following a number of years in the business finance sector, Nic has accumulated 17 years experience in credit and business information. In his previous role at Equifax, he created the Strategic Telco team, where

he was responsible for developing services for telecommunications providers helping them to reduce the risk of fraud and bad debt.

Two years ago Nic took over the helm of the commercial information solutions team at Equifax where he is steering the development of solutions to meet ever more demanding needs of businesses in understanding their customers and enabling safe trade and finance.

Nic’s presentation entitled ‘The changing world of business intelligence for credit managers’, will cover some of the challenges that the Equifax team have witnessed businesses facing in a turbulent economic period, and some of the solutions that are now available to help businesses reduce cost, improve processes and not reduce experience and skills held within risk and credit management teams.

Vikki George, an ICM training consultant will be speaking at the Norwood Park Country House event on the value of training in difficult times. Vikki will be focusing on the necessity for businesses to upskill during bad times to ensure that they still have a skilled workforce in place for maximum benefit when the recession is over. She will also cover the importance of gaining qualifications and how the ICM qualifications have helped her in her current career.

OTHER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY After the Nottinghamshire event, the remaining roadshows on the calendar are to be held on Tuesday 12 October at Ashton Court Mansion, Bristol and on Thursday 9 December at Duxford War Museum in Cambridgeshire.

The ICM has also joined forces with CCR combined with CCR-interactive to bring the largest and leading national one-day conference in the credit industry’s diary.

On 5 October at the Guoman Tower Hotel, London, CCR-interactive returns bigger and better than ever with outstanding speakers such as Trevor Williams, chief economist, Lloyds Banking Group, corporate; Stuart Hopewell, credit manager, FujiFilm; Dr Sandra Frisby, associate professor and reader in corporate and commercial law, University of Nottingham; and Philip King, chief executive, Institute of Credit Management. The day also features a hugely popular networking breakfast and lunch and CCR-meetings, where delegates have the opportunity to book private meetings with any of the sponsors.

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

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T +44 (0)1482 590590

W www.wescotcreditservices.co.uk

Wescot Credit Services Ltd

The Mash

E info@wescot.co.uk

Jarratt Street

Hull

HU1 3HB

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MONEY MATTERS

A MUST-ATTEND FOR THE CREDIT SERVICES INDUSTRY The Credit Services Association and Debt Buyers and Sellers Group annual conference is designed to cover all aspects of the collection and debt sale and purchase arena THE PROGRAMME FOR THE CREDIT Services Association and Debt Buyers and Sellers Group annual conference ‘Leading in an era of change’, to be held on 8-9 September, has been announced.

To be held at the Hilton Metropole, Birmingham, more than 250 delegates are expected to attend the event, designed to cover all aspects of the collection and debt sale and purchase arena.

The conference starts with the ever popular golf tournament, with team competitions and the chance to win a car with the ‘Hole in One’ competition. The Prize Giving Ceremony in the Club House follows.

The networking reception brings the first day to a close, with a preview of the exhibition, drinks reception and buffet.

HIGH PROFILE SPEAKERS On the second day of the Conference, CSA president, Roger Lucas and DBSG chairman Leigh Berkley, will welcome delegates to the opening session, followed by a keynote speech from Michael Wilson, who is the former business editor at Sky News.

In 1992, he left to present GMTV’s early morning news and business hour. He then returned to Sky as business editor in 1995, and launched ‘Sky Business Report’, the news channel’s then daily evening money programme.

Since then, he has anchored nearly all of Sky’s coverage of major business events, from Budget specials to market crashes. He’s now the longest serving broadcast business editor.

Michael has a long pedigree in news, business and current affairs. Before Sky, he was a reporter and presenter on Thames TV’s flagship ‘This Week’ and in 1987, he helped found Thames’ award-winning ‘The City Programme’, where he worked as a reporter and main presenter. Since leaving Sky News, he has returned to GMTV as a business analyst.

HOT TOPICS The afternoon programme is split into three running themes covering debt sale and purchase, collections and compliance, and a series of workshops, one of which will be held by Natalie Ceeney, chief ombudsman and chief executive of the Financial Ombudsman Service. The breakout sessions will also give members the opportunity to network and explore the exhibition.

In the debt sale and purchase field, keynote speakers include Graham Martin, UK Financial Services Leader and Portfolio Advisory Group

As ever we have wanted the conference to be a mixture of work and pleasure. The gala dinner includes an awards ceremony, great networking opportunities, and lively entertainment, an unmissable date in the industry’s social calendar. It is also a final opportunity to cement contacts already established

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Government Business | Volume 17.8

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MONEY MATTERS

Leader, who will be talking about ‘Learning from debt sales in other European markets’, and Robert Boulding, financial valuations and consumer finance specialist at PricewaterHouse Coopers, who will be discussing ‘Insights into the UK consumer finance market – the challenges faced and thoughts for the future’.

CAN’T PAY, WON’T PAY On the topic of collections and compliance, Alex McDermott, creditor liaison policy officer, Citizens Advice Bureau, and Bob Kingdon, head of compliance, 1st Credit Limited, will be speaking on ‘Can’t pays vs won’t pays vs your profit margin’. After a break for lunch, Paul Hughes, head of creditor services, The P&A Partnership will give a presentation on ‘Insolvencies, prepacks and debt management regulations’.

Following the conference will be the DBSG AGM that provides an opportunity to discuss plans for the forthcoming 12 months and how best to continue the group’s progression and growth. The CSA AGM, enables CSA members to find out more on the group’s progression and have a say in the future aims and objectives of the group.

“As ever we have wanted the conference to be a mixture of work and pleasure. The gala dinner includes an awards ceremony, great networking opportunities, and lively entertainment, an unmissable date in the industry’s social calendar. It is also a final opportunity to cement contacts already established,” says Peter Wallwork, CEO of the CSA and DBSG. THE GALA DINNER The Gala Dinner is always in high demand and with 300 places available at this year’s event, it is an unmissable date in the industry’s social calendar. We start with a welcome drink at the president’s reception before delegates move into the gala dinner,

The CSA’s knowledge of the industry remains second to none, and as the industry continues to grow and develop into a more complex specialist market the CSA is on hand to provide members with up-to-date information, on issues affecting the industry now and offering advice and guidance along the way a great way to relax and unwind after the day’s events have taken place.

Delegates are then asked to take their seats by the host, which follows onto our awards ceremony and our evening entertainment.

This is put simply: “The perfect way to relax and unwind and to build strong relations with your colleagues and peers.”

The conference is open to both non-members and members of the Association. For a booking form and more information visit the CSA/ DBSG website at www.csa-uk.com or call 0191 286 5656 quoting Government Business to receive the discounted member rate.

ABOUT THE CSA The Credit Services Association (CSA) is the only National Association in the UK for companies active in relation to unpaid credit accounts, debt recovery agencies, tracing and allied professional services and has a history dating back to 1902.

The CSA’s knowledge of the industry remains second to none, and as the industry continues to grow and develop into a more complex specialist market the CSA ais on hand to provide members with up-to-date information, on issues affecting the industry now and offering advice and guidance along the way.

Members offer a wide range of

bespoke credit services, including credit investigation, status enquiries, company searches, credit control expertise, credit insurance support and debt purchase.

ABOUT THE DBSG The DBSG works for the benefit of those involved in buying or selling debts (or intermediaries in the sale process).

Debt sale and purchase has truly established itself as a key part of the recovery process working in, and with, the debt collection industry. It is estimated that debts with a face value of £8 billion will be traded in the sector this year.

The aims of the group are to: • Be an effective expert voice for the industry • Define and ensure best practice • Share expertise and guidance • Encourage meetings and exchanging of ideas • Provide clarity on issues and terminology • Ensure and promote a responsible industry

FOR MORE INFORMATION For a booking form and more information visit the CSA/DBSG website at www.csa-uk.com or call 0191 286 5656 quoting Government Business to receive the discounted member rate.

Wescot – an ethical debt collection agency ESCOT IS ONE of the largest debt collection agencies in the UK, employing over 750 staff in three centres, in England and Scotland and servicing more than £7 billion of debt annually.

We have a long and successful history in debt recovery, locate services and debt purchase and a highly regarded early stage collections outsource business.

We work with businesses across all sectors and increasingly our capability is sought by the public sector who value our skill in recovering debt. We are familiar with the rules governing public sector tenders and procurement and have

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recently reviewed our policies in anticipation of the implementation of the Bribery Act. Compliance is at the heart of everything we do. It is built in to all of our processes to ensure adherence with all relevant regulations and guidelines to protect our clients and others who deal with us and we are acutely

aware of the impact of increased regulation and the subsequent challenges facing debt collection.

Specialist advice is available to offer assistance to clients on compliance matters, led by Sara de Tute, our legal and compliance director, who is also vice president of the Credit Services Association, the industry’s dedicated trade association.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01482 590550 Fax: 01482 380629 E-mail: sara.detute@wescot.co.uk Web: www.wescot.co.uk

Government Business | Volume 17.8

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SERVICE MANAGEMENT

MAKE A STAND Invest in improving field service and beat the doom and gloom AS THE BUDGET CUTS start hitting hard, thousands of employers up and down the country are starting to think about how these changes are going to affect their position and their ability to deliver a high quality service in the longer term. These cuts, announced by the coalition government, are already sensationalising headlines across the UK, and causing many to start re-assessing their current situation, and consider perhaps now is the time to invest wisely, upgrade your systems and equipment, and overtake your competitors to offer a first class field service.

RIDING OUT THE STORM There are two options to coping with these tough times: riding out the storm by streamlining your workforce, and tightening already squashed budgets, or making a stand, and investing in, rather than reducing,

solutions yet, with over 100 leading exhibitors, including Airwatch, Brother, Destiny Wireless, Getac, Mobilis, Panasonic, Psion Teklogix and X2 Computing.

For field service managers, struggling to keep hold of contracts, win new business, motivate and optimise their workforce, and keep up with the latest hand-held technology, Service Management Expo has an unrivalled education programme which offers first hand advice and experiences on how to survive, stay at the top of your game and maintain a competitive advantage. With a renowned three stream conference programme over the two days, SME offers visitors the opportunity to hear casestudies from successful businesses including: Sky, EDF Energy, Virgin Media and Newcastle City Council. It also has three product-led solutions theatres, which are the perfect place to see demonstrations of the latest technologies.

Service Management Expo is Europe’s only dedicated annual event for the field service market, a must-attend event for service management, logistics, fleet management, facilities, operations, finance and IT professionals your workforce and existing systems to put you at the forefront of the competitive battlefield full of weary partakers.

In spite of all of these negatives, these cuts could also mean more outsourcing of contracts and jobs, allowing field service companies to broaden into new markets, creating jobs and the chance for GPS and mobile workforce management to take hold?

As the government predicts that a stable and healthy return for the money markets is not an overnight occurrence, managers everywhere wait with bated breath for more information on how this situation will play out long term.

Service Management Expo is Europe’s only dedicated annual event for the field service market, a must-attend event for service management, logistics, fleet management, facilities, operations, finance and IT professionals. All of the issues, predications, forecasts and difficulties that the industry is experiencing are up for discussion at this year’s event.

Held on 21-22 September at Birmingham NEC, it boasts its biggest line-up of

Each day offers a high-level keynote session, allowing visitors to benefit from leading insights and the latest know-how as part of the industry’s only free education programme.

Already confirmed for Tuesday 21 September is ‘Competing for Trust: Why service competence alone is not enough’ with Don Peppers. Visit www.servicemanagement.co.uk/education for a comprehensive education and conference programme list, allowing you to maximise your time away from the office.

ACHIEVEMENTS SME celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, and this year is again set to celebrate the survival and achievements of the field service industry against the odds. It will be showcasing the latest developments as well as live demonstrations, enabling well-informed purchasing decisions to be made. The core areas covered are: • Service Management Software & Systems • Tracking, GPS & Fleet Management • Logistics & Distribution • Workforce Optimisation & Scheduling

OPENING TIMES Tuesday 21 September 10am – 4.30pm Wednesday 22 September 10am – 4pm

• Mobile Communications & Hardware At SME you will find the largest collection of suppliers showcasing excellence across products, services and technologies in Europe. Whether you are looking to source new solutions, upgrade existing ones, or just discover how to utilise your existing hardware more effectively, SME is the place for you.

This year SME has a brand new Vehicle Demonstration Zone, a display of engineer vehicles connecting technology to the reality of field service, as well as how to utilise your workforce to extend brand presence while representing your company in the field.

The dedicated SME Networking Bar, situated on the show floor, provides you with the perfect opportunity to share ideas and solutions, and hear how other field service managers are coping with the loss of budgets and staff. Discuss practical ideas on how to keep ahead of competitors, source new and beneficial partners, and uncover the answers to whatever else is keeping you up at night.

New for 2010 is the ‘Networking Hour’ on both days from 12-1pm. Join your peers on the show floor bar to make new acquaintances and catch up with the regular faces within the industry. Don’t forget your business cards. In 2009, thousands of influential senior decision-makers, managers and directors invested their time in attending the show for one or both of the days – so why shouldn’t you?

Don’t miss out on all these FREE opportunities, especially when most things at the moment tend to cost more and more. Plus, SME is co-located with Call Centre & Customer Management Expo, the leading event and conference for customer contact and integrated customer solutions. Your SME badge gives you free access, so bring your colleagues from customer service along.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Entry to Service Management Expo is FREE if you register in advance, saving you £20.

Visit the website and register today: www.servicemanagement.co.uk/govtech

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Government Business | Volume 17.8

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

PROCUREMENT

DRIVING BETTER PROCUREMENT The public spending spree may be officially over, but David Noble, CEO of The Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply, takes a closer look at what’s really needed to get public sector back into shape IN AN AGE WHERE FINANCIAL markets make front page tabloid news it seems we’ve become accustomed to reading large numbers, very casually and on a regular basis. But when you take a closer look at the figures, you realise how scary things are. Every year the government “spends” £220 billion, accounting for 52 per cent of Britain’s GDP and when you stack this against the current £156 billion deficit, it’s a worrying picture. If this was a UK plc, the government would be effectively bankrupt.

This comparative funding gap doesn’t just herald the way for a succession of government spending cuts – they call for a radical change in the way our government approaches its spending habits altogether. The days of pre-

“how” they can actually be achieved. Smart procurement means driving better value as much as it entails reducing costs and it is only by adopting this centralised approach that real, long-term results can be reaped.

Despite its massive market leverage, the public sector is currently considered a weak buyer as it fails to exploit its significant purchasing power.

The National Audit Office released figures showing that some departments even pay different prices for the same commodities, further reflecting the extent to which they currently operate in silo. For example, there was a 116 per cent gap between the lowest and highest prices paid for the same specification of paper (£6.84 to £14.79). More expensive commodities

Although the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) and other government departments have already made significant headway in a bid to drive better procurement practice across departments, a whole new approach is needed if we are to successfully crawl our way out of the wasteland and back into economic prosperity election rhetoric aren’t the only things confined to the past – so too are the days of carefree public spending. Only recently, the Institute of Directors calculated that £25 billion is lost every year through procurement inefficiencies, and even this figure could be the tip of the iceberg.

CUT, CUT, CUT While we need to make spending cuts quickly, more haste and less speed is what’s really needed.

Although the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) and other government departments have already made significant headway in a bid to drive better procurement practice across departments, a whole new approach is needed if we are to successfully crawl our way out of the wasteland and back into economic prosperity. For this reason, we welcome the arrival of the Efficiency and Reform Group (ERG), which, we hope, will give the clout needed to enforce radical change across Whitehall.

The ERG, which will be headed by the Cabinet Office and Treasury, hits the nail on the head in its ambition to spearhead a more collaborative, strategic and accountable public procurement approach. This will help shift discussions on “where” spending cuts are being made to more realistic consultations on

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also fell into the same trap and there was 169 per cent difference for the amount paid for LCD computer monitors (from £65 to £175).

It is our hope that the ERG will raise the bar and force Whitehall to work in an aligned and centralised approach across all departments – not just a select few. The more departments collaborate, the more leverage they have to broker better deals with suppliers on a local and international level.

Individual departments can no longer afford to work in their own fashion, especially when we know that centralised buying can yield much better economies of scale. Having a centralised strategy for buying-in materials will reduce duplicated effort, put in place common reporting systems for clearer baselines and ensure a more transparent view of total spending. Such mandatory buying procedures will set the pace and provide a benchmark for all departments to work towards.

HAVING A LICENCE TO PRACTICE The public sector can also learn a thing or two from the way private enterprises operate.

For example, a closer look at Whitehall shows many civil servants who never intended to work in procurement are now responsible for vast sums of public spend. It would be unheard

of to have unqualified, non-procurement professionals handling billions of pounds worth of business spend in the private sector. It is crucial that basic levels of competences are met through appropriate training programmes and qualifications, and for non-procurement professionals to know how to manage suppliers and understand value management.

Adopting a business-driven mentality will drive forward more effective and strategic solutions as skilled procurement professions are more equipped to recognise and accommodate unprecedented changes in the supply base.

For this reason, the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS) is working to develop a competence qualification for nonprocurement professionals that ensures those at the front line of procurement have the necessary skills and understanding even if they never intend to make the profession their career.

Having a qualified workforce would harbour more ministerial support and respect, which, in turn, would lead to a reduction in redtape and bureaucracy. This would empower procurement specialists and ensure that departments aren’t hamstrung by a monolithic set of rules surrounding the complex and rigid tendering processes. Instead, they would be able to concentrate on executing the job they’ve been tasked to do. After all – we’re not just talking about a mass cost-cutting exercise, we’re talking about a radical shift in the government’s entire procurement approach.

ON THE LONG ROAD HOME These changes have been a long time coming, which is why it’s crucial that they are not just seen as a quick-fix and actually reap lasting results. Quick wins could lead to significant losses in many forms – which is particularly pertinent given that procurement screens all costs, including headcount. Making hasty staff cuts, for example, could result in longterm skill shortages and put unnecessary pressure on remaining employees. Highly skilled procurement professionals must be encouraged to develop and not be outsourced, which is what has been happening.

Some pockets of good practice already exist and there are examples of where the public and private sectors have worked successfully to drive more efficient procurement practice.

For example, the BBC, whose spending is always under close watch, recently sourced a single provider to manage its third party agencies. In the first six months alone this resulted in £1.1m savings and they are now working towards a further

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PROCUREMENT

bonzer_calculator_advert.pdf 1 09/07/2010 15:27:47

10 per cent cost savings. Even small scale changes can make significant differences. For example, The Department for Work and Pensions transformed their print and distribution supply chain, freeing-up staff time and driving 50 per cent cost savings.

RISKY BUSINESS Whatever approach the ERG takes to shake up its procurement strategy, it is absolutely crucial that attention is paid to supply chain risk. This is especially pertinent when you consider the vast array of services the public sector provides. From buying the right hospital equipment through to installing latest technologies to manage the benefits payment system, the stakes are high and the cost of accommodating potentially ill-fitting goods or services could be crippling.

C The risk factor becomes even more important because it’s often the case that as supply chains become more lean and efficient, they inherently M become more vulnerable. Moreover, as many departments outsource Y and rely on third parties, the stakes rise even higher. Accountability CM and reputation go hand in hand and with tax-payers as the ultimate owners of these organisations, now is not the time for complacency.

MY The quality, safety and sustainability of a supply chain, and the goods CY and services obtained along the way, cannot be put at risk.

Indeed, this is an opportunity for the public sector to take a moment CMY to remember examples of significant supply chain blunders, such as K the recent global recall of some Toyota cars. While the world’s biggest car manufacturer may have still reported profitable earnings recently, the company faces longer term brand reputation damage. This is why fostering a closer collaboration between partners and suppliers, and minimising the reliance on out-sourcing, is crucial if we are to mitigate risk and simultaneously protect reputational damage.

Collaboration is the key ingredient on the road to recovery. Not just between departments but also with suppliers and private enterprises. Just as businesses work tirelessly to protect their brand names, so too must the public sector learn from UK plc and work to build a more efficient and effective supply chain solution which improves quality as much as it drives down costs. It is our hope that the ERG helps realise these ambitions so we can see the UK government reduce its ever-spiralling budget deficit and save us all.

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Government Business | Volume 17.8

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PROCUREMENT

PROCURECON PUBLIC SECTOR How will you deliver efficiencies and ensure sustainability whist incorporating a 25 per cent reduction in your departmental budget?

THE COALITION GOVERNMENT has already shown its intentions of tackling public deficit. The newly formed Efficiency and Reform Group (ERG), under the leadership of Sir Peter Gershon, will take control of the Office of Governance Commerce (OGC) and its procurement agency Buying Solutions.

“SPENDING CHALLENGE’ The government is asking public sector workers to suggest ways to save money as part of its “Spending Challenge”, including identifying areas that could be outsourced to private sector suppliers. Procurement chiefs would also be working closely with top-level stakeholders to help them understand where the cuts could be made. In the Budget speech, Chancellor George Osborne promised average cuts of 25 per cent in annual spending within government departments by 2014-15.

Collaborative buying, demand management and supplier relationships will be at the heart of procurement’s reaction to the UK Budget, according to Whitehall commercial directors. Already, the Department of Work and Pensions was working closely with the Home Office and HM Revenue & Customs on joint buying arrangements, through the newly formed Efficiency and Reform Group, part of the Cabinet Office.

On the other hand, hopes that procurement can secure dramatic cuts in UK public spending may be excessively optimistic.

That is the conclusion of a study by Durham University, which showed that public sector buyers were willing to lead the charge against excess spending, but bureaucracy, poor spend management and lack of automation could stand in their way.

With such dramatic changes to the current public procurement panorama, you need to be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. So when you are back from your summer holidays and need to get stuck into the challenges of new policies and pressures, WBR’s ProcureCon Public conference has been touted as a solution when you need it most.

Nigel Kletz, procurement director, Birmingham City Council, had this to say about the current situation: “The full impact of the new coalition government on procurement has yet to be seen, but we already know there will be significant impact to – increasing value for money, improving the transparency of our spend and providing greater opportunities for SMEs. Responses and solutions to some of these challenges can be found in the ProcureCon Public presentations taking place in September 2010.”

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Over 100 high-ranking public sector procurement leaders from central, local and devolved governments will convene in London on 16 September for the ProcureCon Public conference.

ProcureCon Public is an exclusive platform

for public sector procurement leaders and their industry partners to gather and find solutions to the new directives brought by the coalition government and the common challenges they face at the tactical, operational and strategic level.

The full impact of the new coalition government on procurement has yet to be seen, but we already know there will be significant impact to – increasing value for money, improving the transparency of our spend and providing greater opportunities for SMEs – Nigel Kletz, Birmingham City Council

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PROCUREMENT

The focus of the meeting is on bringing the Commercial and Procurement Directors together to discuss how to deliver efficiencies and value for money faced with the increased pressures of reducing the budget deficit.

Attendees will be able to find out the latest plans to improve efficiency from a platform of renowned public sector Commercial Directors, the Efficiency & Reform Group and the Cabinet Office. In addition, they will meet solution providers and learn about their current support strategies and growth plans. It is a vital change to keep up to date with the latest trends and developments in the public sector procurement arena.

DRAMATIC SOLUTIONS Taking place at a key moment in time, ProcureCon Public conference aims at providing you with dramatic solutions from the leaders in public procurement and opportunities to network at the first senior level procurement meeting after the General Election. This will be your chance to take part in a meeting of the influential

people in public procurement and get your voice heard on the key public procurement issues prior to the next comprehensive spending period of 2011 to 2014.

The meeting will address whether leaders in public sector procurement are prepared to tackle the high pressure of public scrutiny and demanding targets, how they can avoid poor decisions with disastrous long-term implications and how they achieve greater value, not only lower costs to drive procurement decisions.

Andrew Croston, head of Strategic Procurement Group at DEFRA, is backing the new event: “The biggest impact of the coalition government on procurement is the immediate £6.2bn recovery from government departments’ budgets. The solutions to the recently announced changes on restrictions on recruitment, consultancy and advertising spend are best reflected in the ProcureCon presentations.”

UNIQUE EVENT ProcureCon Public is an exclusive event created for the Commercial Directors and CPOs from Whitehall Departments, UK local government, NHS procurement and devolved governments.

Over 100 public sector procurement professionals will meet for one day only to debate and explore: • Doing more with less: seizing the opportunity and improving efficiency and value for money across the public sector procurement.

• How to respond to UK budget deficit with capability and capacity: procurement’s role in public spending cuts.

• Rationalising the procurement space to identify and effectively measure value for money.

• Breaking down the barriers to collaborative procurement in order to achieve both efficiencies and value for money savings.

• Maximising value, innovation and efficiency in commissioning and procurement through supplier engagement.

• Procurement policy on green sourcing: achieving social, economic and environmental sustainability.

THE BENEFITS OF ATTENDING ProcureCon Public will be a closed-door, invitation-only event for the UK leaders in public sector procurement. Indeed, all the key decision makers and top level public sector procurement leaders from across the central government departments, metropolitan city councils, health authorities, port authorities, local county councils and borough councils in UK and some from rest of Europe will be present. By attending this event, you will have the opportunity to take part in the debate on the future of public sector procurement.

You will hear from leading projects that have been successfully implemented and benefit from over 15 presentations

focusing on how you can you can overcome your key challenges by utilising new information. This is valuable knowledge that you will not only be able to take back to your organisation but also allow you to benchmark your own success and failures.

With a strong presence of procurement professionals from the UK and continental Europe, you will be able to engage in high level discussions and obtain a clear picture of what challenges and solutions your peers currently face.

THE AGENDA The programme features a varied agenda of case studies, panel discussions, roundtables, a workshop, big-picture keynotes and European and private sector guest speakers providing solutions to achieving critical strategic, operational and tactical objectives.

The conference will be attended by almost every UK public sector organisation.

Agenda highlights include: • Steve Duckworth, commercial delivery director, OGC on Breaking Down the Barriers to Effective Collaboration • John Collington, group commercial director, Home Office on Implementing Effective Decision-Making Practices to Deliver Value for Money and Efficiencies • John Belza, head of Procurement, Department for Culture, Media and Sport on Maximising Value, Innovation and Efficiency in Commissioning and Procurement through Supplier Engagement • David Smith, commercial director, Department of Work and Pensions on Procurement’s Role in Driving Cashable Savings • Nigel Kletz, director, Procurement Services, Birmingham City Council on Transition from Private to Public Sector Successfully Engaging Stakeholders • Jacques Barrailler, director, Service Achats de l’Etat (SAE) – French State Procurement Agency presenting a European Public Sector Case Study on Leading Change in Public Procurement • And many more!

Here are some final thoughts from Alan Kirkham, director of Strategic Procurement, City of Wakefield Metropolitan District Council: “Procurement is a powerful tool in an organisation’s ability to achieve real value for money whilst at the same time supporting corporate priorities. The coalition government’s programme will require a step change in the role of procurement.

The ProcureCon Public will be invaluable for learning what needs to change.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 020 7368 9465 E-mail: procurecon@wbr.co.uk Web: www.procureconpublic.com

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BUILT ENVIRONMENT

MONITORING AND REPORTING EMISSIONS Malcolm Fergusson, head of climate change at the Environment Agency, explains why public sector organisations must act now to comply with the new CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme REGISTRATION OPENED for the new CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme on April 1, and qualifying organisations, which include all UK government departments, must register for CRC with the Environment Agency before 30 September 2010.

Within hours of the registration registry opening, the scheme had both its first Information Declarer and Participant. The registration process takes both time and preparation, and in order to meet the September deadline, organisations should be well underway with registration.

The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme is a new mandatory emissions trading scheme designed by the government to help reach its emission targets. According to analysis for the

will also receive financial and reputational rewards. These savings should be well in excess of the costs of participating in the scheme.

Both information declarers and full participants need to register via the online registry by September 30. Following registrations, participants will need to submit a footprint report once per phase, report on emissions annually and maintain an evidence pack relating to energy use. From 2011 onwards, participants will also need to hold and surrender sufficient allowances to cover their energy use emissions covered by the scheme.

CRC participants will have to pay a oneoff registration fee of £950 and an annual subsistence fee of £1,290 each year. While there are costs involved, savings made

through reducing energy consumption will far outweigh the fees. There are no fees for information declarers.

HOW THE SCHEME WILL REDUCE EMISSIONS The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme will be phased in over three years. Once fully operational, CRC participants (not information declarers) will be required to monitor their emissions and purchase allowances for each tonne of CO2 they emit at the beginning of each reporting year. The scheme is revenue neutral overall, meaning all revenue raised from selling allowances is re-distributed back to participants according to their position in the annual Performance League Table.

As a consequence, reducing carbon emissions means participants will save money on their energy bill, will purchase fewer allowances and receive greater financial reward through revenue recycling. participants that perform well will also be placed higher in the Performance League Table, which will be published annually by the Environment Agency. In an age of an eco-conscious public, being higher up the league table will have the added benefit of enhancing the organisation’s reputation.

A MANDATORY SCHEME Registration for the scheme is a legal obligation affecting both private and public sector organisations. Alongside engineering companies, banks, hotels and utility companies, the public sector is one of the top ten sectors affected by the CRC scheme.

As the lead administrator for the scheme, the Environment Agency wants to ensure that everyone registers correctly and is in position to provide an accurate annual report on energy use by July 2011.

We are working with organisations to help them understand their obligations and will provide as much guidance and information as is possible. To support this, since April 2009, we have had a CRC helpdesk in place to answer questions. However, failure to comply with appropriate deadlines or providing inaccurate information may result in civil sanctions and fines.

Compliance with the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme will require financial, audit and carbon management adjustments to be made by participating organisations. By planning

GREATER FLEXIBILITY The Environment Agency has also given CRC participants greater ability to showcase their previous carbon reduction efforts. The Environment Agency has approved the Certified Emissions Measurement And Reduction Scheme (CEMARS®) as counting towards the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme Early Action Metric.

Previously only the Carbon Trust Standard was recognised as counting towards the early action metric, which rewards organisations who voluntarily undertake good energy management practices before joining CRC. The decision to approve CEMARS follows extensive consultation with businesses, the public sector and environmental NGOs and means CRC participants now have a choice of scheme and an alternative avenue for gaining credit for previous efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

CEMARS is the first Carbon Trust Equivalent Scheme to be approved by the Environment Agency, but others are currently being considered.

All equivalent schemes will be rigorously assessed through an application process and

The UK government has made a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80 per cent from 1990 levels by 2050. This is a tough target – which will require significant changes in the way businesses and the government operate Environment Agency, it could reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions (from around 5,000 participant organisations) by up to 11.6 million tonnes per year by 2020 – the equivalent to taking roughly four million cars off the road.

For the first time large non-energy intensive organisations, which account for about ten per cent of UK CO2 emissions, will be legally bound to closely monitor and report their emissions from energy use in preparation for carbon trading. The scheme will also give people and businesses the opportunity to compare organisations’ efforts to combat climate change for the first time.

REACHING TOUGH TARGETS The UK government has made a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80 per cent from 1990 levels by 2050. This is a tough target – which will require significant changes in the way businesses and the government operate.

These emissions reductions will be achieved by requiring large organisations to monitor energy consumption and purchase allowances for resulting carbon emissions. Participants successful in reducing energy consumption will not only save money on energy bills, they

and preparing for these now, participating organisations can not only make sure they fulfil their legal duty, but that they can make the most of the opportunities offered by the scheme in cutting energy bills, reducing upfront CRC payments, increasing payouts from the scheme and enhancing their reputation.

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Let the experts juggle your CRC obligations See how we do it at The Energy Event 2010 The Energy360® CRC Manager service Juggling all your Carbon Reduction Commitments (CRC) can be daunting.

But the good news is that you don’t need to be an expert – because we’re here to help you manage your CRC. If you’d like us to juggle all your CRC compliance obligations instead, come and meet us at The Energy Event 2010, to be held at the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham, on the 8-9 September. Our Energy360 Business Managers can show you how our CRC Manager service helps you reduce and monitor your carbon consumption, and ensures you comply with new legislation, increase energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and uphold your commercial reputation.

Juggling everything you need to know is complicated – but it’s easy when you know how.

Come and see how we can do it for you at The Energy Event 2010, stand number 162, and find out more about our energy management expertise by visiting www.energy360.co.uk/crcjuggling.

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BUILT ENVIRONMENT

must meet a range of requirements, including demonstration of an annual carbon reduction.

Along with the Carbon Trust Standard, CEMARS allows organisations that are leading the way in environmental management to be rewarded for their efforts to date. Expanding the early action metric to include alternative schemes will make it simpler for participants to show exactly how much genuine engagement they had with emissions management and reduction prior to joining CRC. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR All government departments are participants in the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, regardless of their energy consumption. Other public sector bodies, such as non-departmental public bodies and public corporations, must also register for the scheme by 30 September 2010 if they have a settled half-hourly electricity meter. These organisations may also be participants in the scheme if they meet the qualification threshold.

This threshold is determined by 2008 electricity consumption: If the organisation has a halfhourly electricity meter and consumed at least 6,000 megawatt-hours of electricity through all of its meters during 2008 (equivalent to an electricity bill of around £500,000), then it will need to participate in the scheme by monitoring energy consumption and purchasing allowances.

However, if the organisation has a halfhourly electricity meter but consumed less than this amount of electricity, it will be an information declarer. This means that all it will need to do is identify its half-hourly meters.

It will not have to purchase allowances.

There are serious penalties for eligible organisations if they do not register with CRC by the end of the registration period – they will be handed a fixed fine of £5,000, then for each subsequent working day they fail to register they will be fined an additional £500 per day, for a maximum of 80 working days, together with a publication of non-compliance. It is therefore essential that eligible organisations register before 30 September 2010.

LEADING THE WAY Environment Agency research shows that around a quarter of the emissions from these sectors could be cut at no overall cost. Carbon reduction doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. In most cases the savings on energy bills will outweigh the costs of the energy saving measures. There are simple and inexpensive steps every organisation can take to cut their energy consumption – from motion sensors for lighting to slightly reducing room temperatures.

For those organisations not convinced by the financial benefits of energy efficiency, the annual league table of the best and worst performers in the CRC could be the incentive they need to start putting energy efficiency at the top of the corporate agenda.

The league table is a public statement on carbon efficiency and in this age of eco

conscious consumers, organisations will need to perform well to have the edge on competitors. If organisations don’t take up the challenge, there is a risk to their reputation and their pockets.

HELP IS AT HAND The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme is administered across the UK by the Environment Agency. The scheme is regulated by the Environment Agency in England and Wales, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency in Northern Ireland, and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in Scotland.

The Environment Agency website has a range of tools to help explain CRC, along with in-depth information on registering and adhering to CRC. Organisations with questions are encouraged to read through the FAQs section or contact the dedicated CRC helpdesk. Since registration opened, the CRC helpdesk has handled around 350 calls and over 300 e-mails each week. The volume of enquires shows that most businesses are well underway with their registration and seeking assistance with technicalities.

The Environment Agency also published new CRC guidance in March, which contain information for CRC participants on preparing and submitting an Annual Report and Footprint Report. These reports will need to be submitted by around 5,000 CRC participants in July 2011.

Further supporting documents have also been published which explain the rules of CRC and cover areas such as organisational change, estimation techniques, supply rules and the interaction of the EU Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) and Climate Change Act with CRC. DON’T LEAVE IT TO THE LAST MINUTE As a mandatory scheme, organisations must register by 30 September or face possible fines.

The registration process will take some time, so those organisations that are not yet underway with registration are encouraged to do so now.

There are more reasons to comply with CRC than to avoid a fine. Adhering to CRC will save organisations money through reduced energy bills, and help contribute to the UK’s emission reduction targets. And perhaps most importantly, the CRC performance league table will ensure the public, business and government, know exactly which organisations are leading the way in carbon reduction.

EXAMPLES OF SIMPLE WAYS TO REDUCE CO2 EMISSIONS Heating • Set temperature levels appropriate to the space, its use and occupation levels • Audit your heating controls to find out when your heat comes on and goes off • Upgrading heating systems to more efficient ones • Improve insulation • Install double glazing • Service boilers every year – a regularly serviced boiler can save up to 10 per cent on heating costs Lighting • Switch off non-essential lights – including those near windows • Label light switches to make it easier for people to control individual rows of lights • Switch to energy efficient lighting systems • Install motion sensors so that lights go off automatically if nobody is using an area Office Equipment • Use plug-in time switches to switch off electrical items such as printers after hours • Switch off any non-essential or seldom-used equipment • Install power saving devices which switch off PC monitors when they are not in use e.g. The eco-button • Use flat screen monitors – they can reduce monitor energy use by two thirds as well as saving space • Enable energy saving features on your appliances, and reduce energy consumption by up to 30 per cent • Position photocopiers and printers in ventilated spaces or in cool areas such as the north side of a building, so that machines don’t waste energy working overtime to stay cool, and can even reducing heating or air conditioning demand For more ways to reduce CO2 emissions visit www.carbontrust.co.uk/crc

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information about the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme and to download the CRC Registration Guidance, see www.environment-agency.gov.uk/crc For assistance or queries about the scheme, contact the helpdesk at crchelp@environment-agency.gov.uk You can make an action plan for reducing your organisation’s energy use on the Carbon Trust website www.carbontrust.co.uk

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NET LED Lighting is available

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to replace fluorescent tubes, incandescent, halogen, halide and mercury vapour lamps used in offices, libraries, schools, car parks and other public buildings.

All NET LED products carry CE and RoHS certification. They are covered by a three year guarantee and are manufactured under ISO accredited conditions ensuring direct lines of traceability and quality assurance standards are met.

NET LED Lighting uses only the latest solid-state, surface mount Light Emitting Diodes saving money for the user and carbon dioxide emissions for our planet.

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single solution, ongoing advice or a combination of consultancy and individual services, whatever your requirements our Energy360 Business Managers will discuss your objectives with you, making sure they understand how your business operates and what your requirements are before advising you. We can help you at any stage of the energy management journey; from energy supply contracts through to the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme and everything in between.

For complete energy management solutions, visit us at stand 162 at The Energy Event.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.britishgas.co.uk/business

Cut costs with WPD Smart Metering ESTERN POWER

W DISTRIBUTION’S long established metering business has been refocused to help our customers face the challenges of climate change and increasing productivity.

WPD Smart Metering team provides metering solutions to business customers on a national basis. With a strong reputation for operating HH sites, we now also offer a national solution for NHH sites to deliver to businesses: • Automatic remote meter readings and accurate to the minute billing.

• Energy management data and reporting with notification of overconsumption.

• A consistent national metering service, e.g. to manage the new connection process • Integration of remote logging from sub-metering and other utility meters.

When you choose the Western Power Group for your smart

metering, you have the confidence of working with a company with many years’ experience of helping UK business manage energy more efficiently.

As an independent company, WPD Smart Metering works with your supplier on behalf of your business to deliver a first-class service – from low cost installation of the latest smart meter technologies through to full maintenance and support.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0870 448900 Web: www.wpdsmart metering.co.uk E-mail: smartmetering@ westernpower.co.uk or visit us at Energy 2010 at the National Motor Museum, Birmingham

Government Business | Volume 17.8

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BUILT ENVIRONMENT

THE ENERGY EVENT 2010 Taking place annually, The Energy Event is held at the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham on the 8 and 9 of September. Here, Government Business summarises what the event has to offer for those working in the public sector IF YOU WERE SO INCLINED you could, quite possibly, spend a few days each week of the year attending an exhibition/ conference/seminar with energy as its central theme. The plethora of information and the vehicles to deliver it are dizzying and that’s only looking at the UK. It is possible though to condense your precious time, travel and capacity to absorb information and meet all your educational, technical and specification needs all under one roof in one go. The Energy Event, acknowledged as the foremost event in the UK, is one of Europe’s largest exhibitions and conferences focusing on energy procurement, management and efficiency. The event addresses the most current issues through its seminar programme as well as offering the chance for visitors to meet the biggest players representing all sectors of the industry at the exhibition.

SEMINAR PROGRAMME The seminar programme provides discussions that are both relevant and authoritative on issues that really matter to those working in the public sector. The conference programme is defined with two key groups: Firstly, there are the seminars delivered by the trade organisations; the Energy Services & Technology Association (ESTA), the Major Energy Users Council (MEUC), and the Chartered Institute of Building Service Engineers (CIBSE). npower, who is hosting their own zone, will also run a seminar.

Secondly, there is a series of seminars that fall under the Energy Insight conference banner, which consists of two half day sessions and provides directors, energy procurement specialists and those at major energy user organisations with an insight into the UK energy market. It brings together leading experts and commentators in the fields of economics, climate change, energy policy and security, the nuclear industry, demand management and carbon reduction.

Chaired on both days by director of the Energy Intensive Users’ Group (EIUG) Jeremy Nicholson, the headline topic on the first day of the Energy Insight conference is ‘The Energy Retail Agenda’ which will discuss energy generation and consumption and assist with understanding energy policy, combating volatility and creating market opportunities.

To illustrate this, director of Network Operations for National Grid, Chris Train will present a paper entitled: ‘Concerns over the security of supply – A burden of the times or not as bad as everyone makes out?’ This paper will cover how energy generation and storage

The event addresses the most current issues through its seminar programme as well as offering the chance for visitors to meet the biggest players representing all sectors of the industry at the exhibition capacity across the UK has changed over the last decade and whether Liquefied Natural Gas is a global solution for capacity constraints.

Another paper of great interest is entitled ‘Procurement and you: Credit risk and market constraints’ and will cover trading opportunities in the energy retail market and life as an energy retailer, looking at cost, competition and consumers.

The headline topic for the second day of the Energy Insight conference is ‘The Climate Agenda’. As well as asking if government targets, business compliance and a healthier environment are realistically achievable, a keynote speech will be delivered by chairman of Shell UK Ltd and president of the Energy Institute, James Smith, which is entitled ‘Stepping up to the Energy Challenge’.

This will be supplemented with a presentation from a Emma Wild, a senior policy advisor on Climate Change for the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), on

‘Implementing initiatives: Costs and benefits of carbon reduction programmes’.

The sessions on both days are brought to a close with a case study presented by a practitioner from within a well known, major energy user organisation. On the first day the case study will demonstrate what tools and support the energy procurement professional of the 21st century needs while on day two the case study will look at integrating climate policy into an overall business energy strategy.

One of the major attractions of The Energy Event is that employees at any level within an organisation can benefit from a visit, as the education element covers the theoretical to the practical. This is demonstrated by the breadth of subjects covered in the seminars and conferences delivered by the major energy industry trade associations and industry bodies.

The MEUC will be presenting an afternoon session on both days of the event with the seminar on the first day entitled ‘Take

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CONFERENCES | SEMINARS | WORKSHOPS | EXHIBITION | NETWORKING | INSIGHT & INNOVATION

stay in control

cut your costs and be more energy efficient at…

8th - 9th September 2010 National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull, Birmingham OFFICIAL SPONSOR

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theenergyevent.com EVENT PARTNERS

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In addition to the seminar programme some of the biggest names in energy generation, energy procurement and all manner of energy management technology and service providers are exhibiting control of your energy future’. Topics being discussed during the afternoon include: Are you ready for the tough times ahead? where the director general of the Major Energy Users’ Council, Andrew Buckley, examines the dark clouds looming in the next 12 months.

Plus Ben Murray, managing director, Carbon Smart, asks ‘Do your green credentials stack up or are you just paying lip service?’.

The seminar on the second day is headlined ‘Forecasting your energy prices and carbon costs’ and amongst the presentations are: ‘The Outlook for Wholesale Gas and Electricity Prices’ from Evariste Nyouki, head of Economic Research, Gaselys, and ‘The UK Industrial & Commercial Market – The Supplier’s Perspective’ which will be presented by Franck Neel, retail director, GDF Suez Energy UK. Each session commences with lunch at 1pm and finishes with your opportunity to ask questions on the seminar content that you have heard during the session, followed by tea and networking.

On the second day of the event (Thursday 9th September), CIBSE will present an afternoon seminar entitled: ‘Who you going to call? Heat Busters!’ The seminar will cover ways to control and manage heat whilst regulating carbon emissions, BSEN16002 – The new Energy Management

Systems Register, and an interactive session called ‘What’s wrong with your AC?’.

Working alongside CIBSE for one of its sessions is ESTA which is presenting its Energy Management – Expert Hub. This takes the form of six one-hour seminars that provide application material and expertise for delegates at all stages of knowledge and involvement.

This includes: the ABC of Energy Management, giving those new to this discipline an understanding of how to go about developing an energy policy, energy audits and gaining management and staff support; Key legislation covering the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme and the Building Regulations [in conjunction with CIBSE] and the Implementation of technologies including metering and aM&T, energy controls, compressed air and lighting.

New at the event for 2010 will be the npower zone, an interactive area for visitors, and the npower seminar theatre. npower’s seminars will provide detailed guidance on developing an integrated energy policy including input and opinion from its own experts and customers.

With the CRC now live and uncertainty returning to the wholesale energy markets, now is the ideal time to review your energy management, both on the supply and demand side. npower has the tools and services to help you do this. npower’s ‘m3’ programme

has been designed to guide businesses on an “energy management journey” focused on cost, energy and CO2 savings.

This includes ‘encompass professional’, a monitoring tool that analyses energy in detail and combines this with company production levels and weather patterns to calculate possible future usage.

This information is then used to devise strategies to reduce consumption, costs and carbon. npower’s latest tool, CRC Assist, has been introduced to specifically help businesses with their CRC strategy. npower’s r3 service provides the tools to better manage energy purchasing and help businesses make more informed decisions to minimise energy risks. This includes ‘Risk Navigator’, a web-based service providing accurate and timely market information, and ‘Policy Shaper’, a tool to help formulate a bespoke purchasing strategy based on your company’s risk profile. Together the m3 and r3 services provide a complete solution to manage energy use supply and demand side.

Also hosting daily seminars in the Kirkmichael Suite between 1pm and 2.30pm is EIC. Its ‘Ask the Experts’ sessions will feature EIC experts passing on a wealth of knowledge about the energy markets, risk management and current carbon legislation. Delegates will also have the opportunity to raise specific energy issues at informal one-to-one breakout sessions over drinks and canapés. Entry to ‘Ask the Experts’ is by invitation only, so to register your interest please e-mail theenergyevent@eic.co.uk.

EXHIBITIORS In addition to the seminar programme some of the biggest names in energy generation, energy procurement and all manner of energy management technology and service providers are exhibiting. Amongst the 120 exhibitors, core disciplines such as heating, compressed air, motors, drives, ventilating, air conditioning and lighting are well represented as are other technologies including voltage optimisation, thermography, and water softeners. Exhibitors specialising in energy monitoring and targeting, energy procurement, consultancy and purchasing are also present.

If you want to know what to expect at The Energy Event then you can view a video including actual visitor feedback, at: http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsYJEJY6jJo .

The Energy Event is free to enter, has free parking and I would highly recommend that visitors to the event register in advance for entry tickets and especially for seminar places as these are extremely popular.

FOR MORE INFORMATION To register, and for more information on exhibitors and the seminar programme, visit our new website www.theenergyevent.com.

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Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

How local government can generate cost savings through voltage optimisation

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INCE GEORGE OSBORNE’S emergency budget on 22 June, the public sector has been under further pressure to cut spending and demonstrate return on investment.

How can future savings be achieved with limited investment, involving no unpopular staff redundancies or cuts to public services?

Reducing the cost of energy is a method that can produce significant savings quickly.

So why do most UK organisations pay more than necessary for their electricity usage?

UK stated voltage used to be 240-250V. In 1998 the EEC Voltage Harmonisation Agreement required Member States to supply power at 230V. Manufacturers of electrical equipment were delighted with the Agreement (it costs less to manufacture and market one voltage range) and promptly designed their equipment to operate efficiently at 220V to 230V. However, the infrastructure costs of implementing this Agreement were enormous and the UK agreed to deliver 230V within a range of +10 per cent and -6 per cent (216V to 253V) – in effect, no voltage change was needed.

At present, 70 per cent of the UK has an average voltage level of 242V. This higher than necessary main voltage also results in overpriced electric bills. “A 230V linear appliance used on a 240V supply will

take 4.3 per cent more current and will consume almost 9 per cent more energy.”– (Electricians Guide 16th Edition BS7671).

Recent studies have clearly demonstrated the benefits of reducing over-voltage main supply, presenting an opportunity for cash-strapped public sector bodies to significantly cut their electric bills. Voltage optimisation is an energysaving technique used to improve equipment and power quality while saving money.

This is done through specialist systems

FOR MORE INFORMATION E-mail: sales@vanguardspower.com Web: www.vanguardspower.com

Second generation voltage optimisation

ADAS Energy – your questions answered

COADAPT has taken voltage optimisation technology to the next level with a new range of systems delivering bigger energy savings than have been possible before, helping organisations to reduce their energy bills in certain circumstances by up to 20 per cent.

Our units work on the principle that, not only do they optimise the incoming voltage supplied to your building (the UK average is 242 volts), but they stabilise it at an optimum output level normally 220 volts. This significantly reduces power consumption, resulting in lower energy costs and a reduced carbon footprint – each kWh of electrical energy saved is equivalent to 0.43kg of CO2.

Looking ahead with a deteriorating utilities infrastructure and forecast energy supply issues in 2014-2016, where mains supply fluctuates and power dips, the ability of our ECO 2G and ECO 3G to maintain a regulated power supply will be even more attractive when compared to

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

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

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like the PropSava®. The PropSava is a hybrid voltage regulator and stabiliser controlled by a state-of-the-art computer system. It constantly manages all incoming mains voltage to ensure that the entire site has the correct balanced and stable output voltage.

Unlike step-down transformers, it works in both directions – reducing over-voltage or increasing voltage automatically whatever the values of main supply. The PropSava also incorporates many automatic and manual safety devices to ensure continuity of supply.

The PropSava: • Lowers energy bills • Reduces CO2 emissions • Reduces premature loss of electrical equipment • Reduces maintenance costs • Reduces the Climate Change Levy In many instances the immediate savings on electric bills can be up to 20 per cent.

Voltage optimisation is an absolute must for any industry leader looking to make immediate energy savings, reduction in CO2 emissions and climate change levy.

PropSava Power Optimisation System is simply the most intelligent power regulation system on the market.

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other legacy systems. Units are available in all sizes to suit your requirements from 10-3,000 KVA In essence Ecoadapt will optimise the voltage, your electrical equipment will run more efficiently, will consume less energy resulting in reduced CO2 emissions saving your organisation money and helping you achieve your CRC targets.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01635 556429 E-mail: info@ecoadapt.co.uk Web: www.ecoadapt.co.uk

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

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

Government Business | Volume 17.8

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BUILT ENVIRONMENT

MEASURE AND MANAGE YOUR ENERGY USE Hywel Davies, technical director of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, reviews some options for saving on electricity bills and considers how the Carbon Reduction Commitment may affect government buildings THE PRESSURE ON GOVERNMENT offices to reduce their energy consumption, bills and carbon emissions is increasing, with the coalition government committed to reduce energy consumption in central government departments by ten per cent over the next 12 months.

MEASURE AND MANAGE The key to reducing energy use is to measure it, and manage it. You cannot manage what you don’t measure, so the first task is to find out how much energy you use from meter readings. Larger government buildings may have half hourly metered data, but every building has meters. It may require perseverance to track down the data from past bills or, better still, regular readings. If you don’t have automated reading and the bills are estimated, then start a programme of weekly readings, or, if possible, every Monday and Friday, so you know what’s used at the weekend.

Once you know how much is being used, you can check for obvious clues to waste. If weekend use is 25 per cent of the electricity used during the week, it suggests either a lot of out of hours working, or a lot of out of hours waste. Things are being left on over the weekends, and probably overnight.

TURN IT OFF So it’s time to tackle the first task of energy reduction: reduce demand by switching off unnecessary equipment, systems and processes. In some cases that alone could achieve a ten per cent saving.

It’s amazing how many cleaning contractors believe that the best way to clean is to walk through the building turning lights on at the start, and then repeat the process, turning lights off, at the end. Over a two to four hour shift that can be a lot of lights in winter.

How many monitors, copiers, and other machines are left running overnight? And how much of the building’s plant comes on too early, goes off too late, and runs at weekends.

All these can be detected by a bit of observation and analysis of meter readings. Once the low hanging fruit is collected, then what?

VOLTAGE OPTIMISERS One way to reduce electricity bills is to install voltage optimisers. These maintain a constant voltage in the building, avoiding the regular variations in grid supply voltage and maintaining the operational voltage at a constant and efficient value. The equipment is a transformer-like unit installed in-line or in parallel with the building’s electricity

supply, normally in or near the intake room.

There are several options, which include: • Parallel vs. in-line systems: parallel installations (as opposed to in-line) are cheaper and do not require shut-down to install but are much less effective and can normally be discounted.

• Simple step-down vs. full optimisation:

simple step-down equipment (a tapped transformer) is cheaper but is not effective if the mains voltage varies over time as it often does. So generally full voltage optimisation which maintains a constant supply voltage to the building is justified.

Further features concern improved security of supply such as overload protection and by-pass facility, and energy metering and monitoring additions.

There have been a number of high profile voltage optimisation installations. In one well known public building savings of six per cent of annual electricity costs were identified, with a three and a half year simple payback period.

Greater annual savings are often claimed in proposals from suppliers, but these may be optimistic. This can be due to before-andafter comparisons of weeks from different seasons or when spanning periods which coincide with other energy management initiatives. However, for managers facing a call to cut electricity use by ten per cent, the options above taken together are likely to get them there with some room to spare.

The Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme, known as CRC, started officially in April 2010 and is expected to have a wide

reaching impact on all large scale energy users, as well as consultants and other service provides.

CRC is a mandatory emissions trading scheme that aims to deliver energy and carbon reductions in large, non-energy intensive organisations. Central and local government is a prime target, with organisations with total electricity consumption greater than 6,000MWh affected. The scheme is intended to raise awareness in large organisations, especially at senior level, and encourage changes in behaviour and infrastructure.

FINANCIAL INCENTIVE CRC provides a financial incentive to reduce energy use by putting a price on carbon emissions. It also provides the opportunity for participants to save on energy bills through improved energy efficiency. Organisations buy allowances equal to their annual emissions, and there is a league table of all participants. Top performers will receive their payments back, with some additional money, whilst those at the bottom will only get some of their money back.

It is up to individual organisations to determine the most cost-effective way to reduce their emissions, which could be through buying extra allowances or by investing in ways to decrease the number of allowances they need to buy.

Together with the financial and reputational considerations, the scheme encourages organisations to develop energy management strategies that promote a better understanding of energy usage. Further information can found on the website of the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

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Government Business | Volume 17.8

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BUILT ENVIRONMENT

CREATING A CARBON CONSCIOUS CITY A year into its work with the Carbon Trust, Coventry City Council is implementing 34 separate energy saving projects and has set a target to reduce its CO2 emissions by 30 per cent over five years COVENTRY IS A KEY AREA FOR regeneration, and its council has a history of tackling large scale issues in order to make the city a better environment for its residents, which number almost a third of a million. Its smokeless zone and pedestrianised shopping centre were UK firsts in 1948 and 1955 respectively.

The city’s initial public commitment to reducing carbon emissions came in 2006, when it opted to sign the Nottingham Declaration, which obliges local authorities to tackle the causes and effects of climate change. This was followed up with a Climate Change Strategy for the city which was approved in March 2008.

Also being introduced at this time were new National Indicators (NIs) which would come

which buildings made up 70 per cent, street lighting 17 per cent and transport 13 per cent.

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

On the Carbon Trust’s recommendation, the Council firstly set up a programme board comprising senior managers from each directorate.

A carbon management team was also put in place to generate ideas for how to better manage energy.

“Having these two groups has made sure the project has had the necessary time, money and resources devoted to it,” says Michael.

In an effort to engage employees from the beginning, the Council introduced a carbon

With agreement on the Strategy, NIs to report on and the CRC on the horizon, the Council saw the advantages of accessing help in managing our carbon emissions from the Carbon Trust – Climate Change team manager Michael Checkley into effect from April 2008. Three of these require councils to report on emissions from their own operations, per capita emissions from the local area, and how they are adapting to climate change. From 2010 the council will also be encouraged to reduce its emissions under the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, which comes into effect in 2010.

These, plus the potential cost reductions, made for a compelling case to save energy.

DELIVERING ON THE COMMITMENT In early 2008 the Council applied to join the Carbon Trust’s Local Authority Carbon Management service, and it was accepted in May of that year.

“We had considered joining previously,” says Climate Change team manager Michael Checkley. “But the time had not been right for us organisationally.

“With agreement on the Strategy, NIs to report on and the CRC on the horizon, the Council saw the advantages of accessing help in managing our carbon emissions from the Carbon Trust.”

The Council worked with Carbon Trust consultants to calculate its carbon footprint for 2007. This came to 37,400 tonnes of CO2, of

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hotline and accompanying website, which individuals used to suggest over 50 energy saving measures. At the same time, Carbon Trust consultants provided valuable technical assistance so the Council could identify, scope and cost a range of energy saving opportunities across its operations and properties. The final carbon management plan included 53 different measures – including many that had been suggested by employees. If all are completed, they will deliver savings of 40 per cent about 15,000 tonnes of CO2 and £2,750,000 a year.

As of September 2009, the Council had secured funding for 34 of these projects, which together will reduce emissions by 6,270 tonnes. These projects, many already underway, will use ringfenced funds and an additional £200,000 capital from the Salix loans scheme, which provides funding for public sector organisations who want to invest in energy saving technologies.

As they account for such a large percentage of the emissions, much of the work is focused around council-run buildings. Installing cavity wall insulation, draught proofing and improving the heating controls, should save over 250 tonnes of CO2 a year. The Council has also successfully trialled LED lighting in communal areas of public buildings.

Meanwhile, plans to renew or refurbish all 19 secondary schools in the area will now focus even more on energy efficiency by improving heating and lighting controls, as well as looking at alternative ways to generate energy. Many energy saving technologies are being considered including ground source heat pumps and biomass boilers.

The Council expects to reduce emissions by 2,800 tonnes as a result of this work.

BRIGHT IDEAS Elsewhere, all 26,000 street lights – currently a mix of low and high pressure sodium – will be replaced with lower wattage alternatives and a new energy efficient system specifically developed for outdoor lighting. This will save over 900 tonnes of CO2 and £122,000 a year.

The night time illumination of street signs and bollards is also being changed, with reflective materials and solar powered LED technology replacing fluorescents and high pressure sodium lighting. This should save 500 tonnes of CO2 and £60,000 a year.

One Carbon Trust suggestion that has proved particularly successful has been the introduction of energy wardens. After a halfday training course from Michael’s team, the wardens go back to their own teams and promote energy saving measures. These include turning off lights and machines when not in use and trying to spot potential energy efficiencies within day-to-day processes.

As of the end of September 2009, the Council had over 100 trained wardens, who, Michael hopes, will contribute to a further 250-tonne CO2 saving, simply by instilling good practice among colleagues.

“The energy wardens have been a huge success,” says Michael. “Raising awareness of the issues was always going to be one of the biggest challenges for us, and this has really helped by making sure there is someone on every team who understands the issues and how we can address them. It also provides a network of enthusiastic and knowledgeable advocates which we can use to cascade new ideas and approaches in the future.”

FUTURE PLANS With the 34 priority projects under way, the Council is now looking for funding for the other measures identified as part of the work with Carbon Trust.

It has identified that a further £3 million is required to carry out the additional range of projects that include a voltage optimisation for council offices and an energy management programme at six schools.

The Council is actively looking at ways to secure this funding and has applied for further Salix funding. Coventry City Council is also working closely with Carbon Trust Strategic Design and Advice service to examine the city’s large-scale regeneration plans and identify ways to help maximise carbon reduction opportunities in the future.

Government Business | Volume 17.8

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Coventry at night

SMi presents their 3rd annual event:

Energy from Waste 2010 Examining the key to sustainable energy Wednesday 6th & Thursday 7th October 2010 Crowne Plaza The City, London Energy from Waste 2010 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 SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

• James Buckingham, Project Director, Local Partnerships and Transactor, Waste Infrastructure Delivery Programme • 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.

Register online at

www.smi-online.co.uk/10energywaste36.asp Alternatively, contact Andrew Gibbons at agibbons@smi-online.co.uk or on +44 (0)20 7827 6156

What steps is your organisation taking to being ‘green’?

Take the right steps with WPD Smart Metering...

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WPD Smart Metering can help you achieve any or all of these milestones and each will deliver significant benefits to your business.

For more information contact

08457 448900

www.wpdsmartmetering.co.uk smartmetering@westernpower.co.uk

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Written by Katrina Pierce, IEMA

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

SUPPORTING OUR ENVIRONMENTAL FUTURE With major cutbacks announced by the new coalition government and news that short-term growth is unlikely, what impact will this have on infrastructure projects that are essential to environmental success?

NOW THAT MUCH OF THE INITIAL excitement – and the scepticism – at the prospect of a coalition government has subsided, the time has come for Chancellor George Osborne to announce massive spending cuts to help plug £6.2 million deficit.

Following a consultation amongst public sector staff to find ways to save pounds, the Treasury Department launched its Spending Challenge website (www.spendingchallenge.hm-treasury. gov.uk) on Friday 9 July to aid communications and good-will between the public, businesses and government. Here, individuals are invited to suggest “radical, creative and imaginative” cost-saving initiatives based on where they believe there is currently waste. Osborne called for the public’s help, pleading: “Tell us where is the waste, what should we cut out, what can we improve... your government needs you, please get in touch.” 33 web pages of suggestions have already been submitted, focusing on everything from total governmental reform to the abolition of road tax.

ABADONING INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS After six successive quarters of negative growth, the worst economic outlook since the Great Depression, the Treasury may welcome these real life cost saving suggestions as some of those ideas could just help other projects survive the financial cull. However, there seemed to be little or no public, business or trade body consultation required to reach the decision to abandon many infrastructure projects.

On the same day (16 June) that Transport Secretary Philip Hammond stated that London’s Crossrail project will forge ahead despite the looming cuts, saying “we live in difficult economic times, but that does not mean that we should scrap big projects which would give the economy a vital boost in the future”, the Local Government Association (LGA) announced that housing, major transport projects and social development programmes will be some of the public sector services that will be hit hardest by cuts. It was also revealed that some city and borough Councils in Lancashire, Norfolk, Essex, Yorkshire and Kent are facing at least a two per cent cut in their grants. On top of that, the Department for Transport (DfT) is suspending progress on all local authority projects that are part-funded by the DfT or that have not been fully approved, evidenced by the £300m Scottish Borders Rail project that is struggling to get going despite the Crossrail project and Manchester’s Metrolink scheme

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continuing unaffected (however, we should remember here that London in particular has the 2012 Olympic Games to host in two years).

FALL OUT FROM CUT BACKS Although Housing Minister Grant Shapps has recently welcomed the confirmation of £390

million to fund the building of over 8,500 new homes, running costs at his Communities and Local Government (CLG) department and its associated quangos are to be cut by ten per cent (around £50m) as part of the efficiency savings.

Fall out from such stringent cutbacks has meant that planners, through the Royal Town Planning

It is obvious that our fledgling government needs to save money and it perhaps seems like a simple choice to scale back on expensive, large scale schemes. But the cuts cannot come at the expense of the transition to a low carbon resource efficient future

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BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Institute (RTPI), have voiced concerns that the government’s recent decision to abolish the Housing and Planning Delivery Grant (HPDG) could result in a drop in the standards of any developments that do go ahead. RTPI’s head of policy Matt Thomson said the removal of the HPDG could damage the UK’s economic recuperation, declaring: “Strong visions are needed for the future of places as an essential part of attracting investment for recovery.” The National Housing Federation (NHF) has also stated that according to its calculations, the cuts could result in up to £45 billion dripping from the economy and damaging our recovery.

A DEVELOPMENT STANDSTILL Looking at these cuts as a collective – department after department being faced with multi-million pound reductions in their budgets – it could be argued that much of the UK is facing something of a development standstill.

If that is so, we can expect this to affect overall economic recovery, international investment, environmental development, housing availability, employment numbers, social mobility and perhaps a dip in the collective confidence in the new government’s future vision. Current estimates from the National Housing Federation

state that around 200,000 jobs within the construction industry could be lost or not created at all, and 350,000 individuals will find themselves added to housing waiting lists.

It is obvious that our fledgling government needs to save money and it perhaps seems like a simple choice to scale back on expensive, large scale schemes. But the cuts cannot come at the expense of the transition to a low carbon resource efficient future, according to Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA), the most authoritative body for environmental professionals.

IEMA, who represents those working in the environmental field across all sectors, believes that the transitioning of regional and national infrastructure, including transport, energy and utility, housing and sustainability projects, may actually help to maintain economic recovery. In addition, it will reduce the risk that a changing climate represents to critical infrastructure and the people and businesses that rely on it. Jan Chmiel, CEO of IEMA, explains: “As government declared its desire to move towards a low carbon and resource efficient future, it is necessary to invest in sustainable infrastructure projects to keep the UK competitive on the world stage and protect against the risks presented by environmental issues such as resource efficiency and climate change.”

The debate between those keen on making cost savings through easy-wins versus those with the far-sighted vision for improvements made in the name of sustainability is likely to play on until the economy really recovers.

INDUSTRY CONFERENCE In the meantime the relationship between government, business and the environment during these tough economic times is the focus of an industry conference in November.

‘Environment and Business: The challenge and the opportunity’ is being developed and hosted by the IEMA, as part of their mission to place the environmental practitioner at the heart of change and decision making in business and government considerations. The event will be held at the end of this transitional year on 1 and 2 November at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in influential Westminster and the first day focuses on the topic of ‘Environmental Challenge – Shaping the UK’s Infrastructure and Economy’.

As the continued investment and vision of infrastructure projects is so crucial this conference aims to arm those attending with knowledge of how environmental opportunities and challenges must shape the UK infrastructure and economy to deliver growth.

Over 300 environmental practitioners, consultants, planners, local authority decisionmakers and business leaders will hear the views of leading names as they address the challenges and dichotomies currently facing those working in infrastructure management.

The following speakers from some of the UK’s foremost development, environmental and

THE IEMA The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) is the professional membership body for promoting best practice standards in environmental management, auditing and assessment for all industry sectors.

The Institute offers ongoing support to environmental professionals and aims to promote sustainability through improved environmental practice and performance. With a membership over 15,000 individual and corporate members based in 83 countries, IEMA is now the leading international membershipbased organisation dedicated to the promotion of sustainable development, and to the professional development of individuals involved in the environmental profession, whether they be in the public, private or non-governmental sectors. private sector organisations will provide food for thought and debate with their keynote sessions: • James Stewart, chief executive of Infrastructure UK will talk on Transitioning UK Infrastructure • Professor Paul Ekins, professor of energy and environment policy at University College London will speak on Transitioning the Economy • Dr Peter Bonfield, CEO of BRE will talk on Rebuilding a Sustainable Britain • Gareth Stace, head of climate & environment policy at EEF will speak on Transitioning Manufacturing in the UK • Mike Barry, head of sustainable business, Marks & Spencer, will speak on Developing a Sustainable Business • Martyn Seal, European sustainability director, PepsiCo International, will speak on Mainstreaming Environment into Mainstream Products • Solitaire Townsend, co-founder of Futerra Sustainability Communications, will speak on Communication Matters: Environment, Reputation, Brand & Competitive Advantage.

We are all likely to feel the pinch of government cuts somewhere in our lives over the coming months and years. But it is reassuring to know that as citizens we are being given the opportunity to give our ideas directly to government about how to save those precious public pounds. However, it would be even more comforting to know that the infrastructure of our island is not going to be held back as a result of under-spending and that our environmental future is supported.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information about IEMA and Environment and Business: The challenge and the opportunity conference, call 01522 540069 or see www.iema.net/govbus

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STOPPING ENERGY FROM ESCAPING The National Insulation Association explains why insulation is key to reaching the UK’s carbon emissions target WITH HOMES PRODUCING over a quarter of the UK’s carbon emissions, the onus on reducing their carbon footprint has never been greater for householders and a priority government issue too.

The way a building is constructed, insulated, ventilated and the type of fuel used, all contribute to its carbon emissions. A worrying fact is that, for over half of all homes in the UK, a significant proportion of the money spent on energy is literally being thrown out of the window as a result of inadequate levels of insulation, with around 50 per cent of the heat being lost through the roof and walls.

The National Insulation Association (NIA) is a not for profit organisation representing over 90 per cent of the home insulation industry in the UK. As a membership organisation, it actively supports the government’s accelerated programme for insulation and its intention to raise awareness not only of the amount of CO2 lost through inadequate insulation, but also the amount of money that householders can save by having their homes properly insulated.

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SOLID WALL INSULATION The UK’s housing stock is estimated at approximately 24.5 million dwellings and 36 per cent are made up of non-cavity wall construction – solid brick, solid stone, pre1944 timber frame and non-traditional, i.e. concrete construction. These types of buildings lose more heat and energy than any other type of construction – a worrying fact when it is estimated that around seven million properties with solid walls have little or no insulation. While many local authorities, housing associations, private landlords and home owners have been concentrating on filling cavities to achieve their carbon savings, improving the thermal efficiency of solid-wall properties has largely been ignored. This is primarily because the solutions are deemed to be more expensive and cause greater disruption, hence the reason that these types of dwellings are referred to as “hard to treat homes”. This is not actually correct; they are not hard to treat, just more expensive to insulate compared to cavity wall insulation

and loft insulation. However, the subsequent energy savings are significantly higher.

Improving the thermal efficiency of solid wall properties is therefore an area which has massive potential for the future; particularly as little work has been carried out to date. Around 25,000 properties a year currently receive solid wall insulation (SWI) and the government’s new ‘Green Deal scheme’ announced in June will focus on whole house eco-makeovers.

However, SWI will have to increase dramatically if the government is to hit its target by 2020.

In fact, at a recent seminar held by the NIA, an industry expert stated that: “A figure of 200,000 properties per year would have to be completed if the government is to hit its target by 2020.” More and more individuals are now starting to recognise the advantages of SWI and there are many cost-effective solutions available.

THE SOLUTIONS Solid walls can be insulated with either External Wall Insulation (EWI) or Internal Wall Insulation (IWI) and either option will greatly increase

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comfort, while also reducing energy bills and the associated environmental impact.

IWI typically consists of either dry lining in the form of flexible thermal linings (commonly known as thermal wallpaper), laminated insulating plasterboard (known as thermal board) or a built-up system using fibrous insulation such as mineral wool held in place using a studwork frame.

Flexible thermal linings come on a roll and are applied like wallpaper and, with some at only 10mm thick, will not cause significant disruption during installation. These products can be applied to ceilings as well as walls and provide a solution for properties without a loft space as well as those with solid walls.

It can also be applied to the underside of floorboards in a cellar/basement. It is applied using a special adhesive using a roller or a brush and can be easily cut to size using wallpaper shears or scissors. Once the product has been applied it can be painted, papered or even tiled. These products are only applied to the exterior facing interior walls of the property.

Another solution is laminated insulated plasterboard which normally replaces existing lath and plaster and is fixed directly to the existing brick. Depending on the system, thermal boards can either be screwed or glued using a dry wall adhesive directly onto the brick work just like standard plaster board.

It has the advantage that it can be installed room by room with the tenants in situ. It increases internal surface temperature within a room and also improves response to heating input when heated intermittently. It has the lowest thermal conductivity available and allows installation on damp surfaces without drying periods because it’s hydrophobic.

EWI comprises of an insulation layer fixed to the existing wall, with a protective render or decorative finish. Dry cladding offers a wide range of finishes such as timber panels, stone or clay tiles, brick slips (brick effect finish) or aluminium panels. EWI increases the thermal quality of the building – particularly relevant when refurbishing non-traditional housing. It also overcomes moisture and condensation issues, protects the existing building envelope, can reduce heating bills by up to 25 per cent as well as greatly improve the appearance of the building.

EWI is a tried and tested method of upgrading the thermal performance and external appearance of existing properties which are literally transformed into warm, energy efficient and attractive homes and buildings. Improving appearance is of particular significance to many local authorities targeting housing projects in poorer areas. Adding EWI on a whole street basis will raise residents’ morale and give a sense a pride in their community.

There are many benefits of EWI including the fact that no living space is lost. There is minimum disruption for the residents

Envirowall - Kettering before EnviroBrick

Envirowall - Kettering after EnviroBrick

as the work can be carried out while they are in their homes and there is no risk of condensation within the property as it is moved to the outside of the system that is being put in place. Also there is minimal maintenance once installed.

PEACE OF MIND As with all types of insulation, the NIA cannot stress enough the importance of using a reputable and suitably qualified installer.

All members of the NIA abide by a strict Code of Professional Practice, meaning they will work using the best possible customer care and to the best possible technical and professional standards. The Code regulates a company’s marketing approach and the contract between the customer and the

installer. It also oversees how the company trains its staff, relevant health and safety procedures, customer care, pertinent guarantees and what happens should things go wrong.

Using an NIA member provides peace of mind and the assurance that work will be carried out to a specified standard. Also, with many local authorities and housing associations embarking on major refurbishment projects in line with government targets, SWI will no doubt be high on the list of priorities in many areas of the UK. The NIA is able to offer support to such organisations by contacting its members on their behalf requesting expressions of interest to tender for work. This not only removes the footwork out of finding a suitable installer, but also provides the reassurance that all work carried out will be second to none.

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EW N

Cherry pick… new product innovations for all your residential, commercial & education design projects

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Preview innovations from across the major construction markets, and gain a deeper insight into the products you specify from the live product showcases and free seminars.

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BE A PART OF THE BEST SHOW BEST – Built Environment Solutions & Technologies – is the new built environment exhibition where innovative products offer practical solutions to real challenges THE BEST SHOW (BUILT ENVIRONMENT Solutions & Technologies) is the new innovative exhibition for the construction industry taking place from 18-20 October at the NEC in Birmingham. Replacing Interbuild Specifier, BEST will bring together construction buyers and sellers from all over the country, acting as the port of call for those who are looking to showcase their product, gain industry opinion, interact with peers in the market and enjoy a high level free seminar programme. With a focus on “more for less”, BEST will demonstrate how to achieve maximum efficiency whilst reducing costs.

Building on the legacy provided by Interbuild Specifier, BEST promises to deliver innovative solutions to real problems in the construction industry. Split into eight different areas, the show covers a wide variety of aspects within the construction industry – from residential to commercial property, to low carbon solutions and retrofitting.

DEDICATED HUB Each area will have its own dedicated Hub, with market leading organisations, such as Land Securities, Barratt Homes, DECC and Catalyst Lend Lease issuing challenges to the industry via these areas. Manufacturers will have the opportunity to showcase innovations which can help meet these challenges, whilst contractors, specifiers, and construction clients can debate how best the industry can respond through a series of seminars and project case studies.

These challenges will focus on retrofitting, education, housing and other areas where there is a real need for the UK construction industry to deliver solutions to its challenges.

As reported by Paul Morrell, the government’s chief construction advisor at the launch of BEST earlier this year, the subject of low carbon remains top of the agenda across the industry.

Outlining his thinking on the modernising of the construction industry, public procurement and carbon reduction were the key focus points.

The Low Carbon Transition Plan outlined by government sets out a number of targets which should act to mobilise the industry, bringing with it a new set of skills. A proactive approach to a low carbon world will assist in the development of successful relationship across the public and private sector and across industries.

As an industry which generates 10 per cent of the UK GDP, the construction industry is a key sector which can assist in the development and growth of a low carbon industry as the government strives to meet their targets.

Building on the importance of a low carbon future, the Birmingham Local Education Partnership (a Public Private Partnership between

Catalyst Lend Lease, Bovis Lend Lease and Birmingham City Council) has issued a carbon themed challenge to the industry, inviting the supply chain to demonstrate solutions and products which can help table this challenge live at the Education Hub at BEST – ‘How do we retrofit schools sustainably and affordably to deliver transformational learning spaces, and meet carbon reduction targets?’

TRANSFORMATIONAL LEARNING SPACES The need to deliver modern, transformational learning spaces that help meet carbon targets in an efficient way is now more important than ever. In order to create successful and inspirational learning spaces, the supply chain needs to work in harmony with developers to suggest new solutions and new materials.

The Education Hub will showcase suppliers

The need to deliver modern, transformational learning spaces that help meet carbon targets in an efficient way is now more important than ever and products, as well as featuring a free seminar programme, all linked into the Birmingham Local Education Partnership challenge. Visitors to the hub will be able to hear from speakers including; • Stewart Davies, commissioner for Business, Sustainable Development Commission – where are the opportunities to create sustainable schools? Which materials and techniques could best aid these improvements?

• Maximo Martinez, associate director, Space Syntax – How can good school mapping promote effective creativity and learning?

• Andrea Sully, senior early years advisor, Somerset CYPS – Bridging the divide between schools and design, what makes an effective learning space and how can we unite teacher experiences and architects’ ideas?

• Phil Wilson, executive director, WMCEE – case study: adapting to climate change, making schools resistant to changing and extreme weather conditions Other topics to be discussed at BEST include supply chain innovations that have created cost savings for schools, how modular buildings are revolutionising school building construction and built to last – a case study of durable products that will last longer and generate savings and delivering retrofit efficiently and to budget.

The BEST Show will provide the perfect meeting and learning arena for the industry,

assisting in a better quality of conversation acting as a single voice leading debate for the industry.

With an underlying focus on procurement, BEST will enable manufacturers and service suppliers to connect with those who actively specify and purchase construction materials and product.

INTERBUILD ONSITE BEST will be remain co-located with Interbuild Onsite, the number one exhibition for the building trade catering for general builders, plumbers, electricians and trademens and Glassex which will feature the full spectrum of PVC, timber and aluminium glass products and solutions, covering doors, windows and conservatories. The Infrastructure Show will also take place alongside BEST which will unite the civil engineering sector to meet the challenges of delivering major projects in the UK.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.best-show.co.uk

FREE TICKETS FOR READERS Readers can book free tickets (saving £20 each) for The BEST Show 2010, by entering priority code EGBED when they register at www.best-show.co.uk

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KNOW YOUR FLOOD RISK Three years after the 2007 floods, flood risk remains a key issue for local authorities and residents THE ISSUE OF FLOOD RISK and how to tackle it remains high on the agenda. In the three years that have followed the 2007 floods, flooding has been the subject of extensive political comment and debate. Sir Michael Pitt’s report into the response to the 2007 flooding contained wide ranging recommendations regarding how issues arising from flood risk should be addressed in the future. Prominent among these recommendations was the suggestion that local authorities should take a lead role in managing flood risk in their area.

MANAGING THE RISK The government’s response to the Pitt Review endorsed this conclusion and the Flood Water & Management Bill 2010 set out how the recommendations may be implemented.

The Bill proposed that local authorities be given a leadership role over local flood risk management. In particular, local authorities would be responsible for ensuring that flood risk from all sources of flooding, including surface run-off and groundwater is identified and managed. In addition, the draft Bill proposed a number of steps to increase knowledge and understanding of flood risk and this included proposals for the use of risk maps, awareness campaigns, and flood warnings.

RAISING AWARENESS In support of the recommendations Landmark Information Group, the UK’s leading provider of flood data, has teamed up with the National Flood Forum (NFF) to produce a free Flood Guide for councils to distribute to their residents. As part of Landmark’s ongoing ‘Know Your Flood Risk’ campaign to raise awareness of flood risk and the impact of flooding, the guide offers practical guidance and advice, including what to do in the event of a flood and useful contacts.

Landmark has worked in association with the NFF for the past two years and produced the Flood Guide as a tool for councils to offer information and guidance for residents and businesses. The guide demonstrates a recognition that local authorities have a crucial role to play in tackling flooding.

It is vital that they have the information, resources and skills required to meet the increased demands of any new legislation.

By working closely with the NFF and local councils, Landmark aims to roll the Flood Guide out across the UK. Many commentators suggest that climate change will cause increased severe rainfall in future and bring with it an increased risk of surface water flooding and it is vital that property owners have an awareness of how to gain an understanding of the flood risk

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associated with their property and the steps that could be taken to address potential problems.

The Flood Guide includes: • An explanation of what happened during the summer 2007 floods and why • An emergency guide providing practical advice in the event of future floods • Information about the ongoing flood recovery operation • How to establish whether a property is at risk from flooding and how to protect it.

PRACTICAL GUIDANCE The Flood Guide forms part of the ‘Know Your Flood Risk’ campaign which was launched in partnership with the NFF. The initiative aims to provide practical guidance and support to help protect homeowners and property professionals against the risk of flooding. As a collective voice, ‘Know Your Flood Risk’ and its members aim to raise the profile of flooding and ensure consumers are not only aware of the risks they face, but also how to mitigate them. The campaign has already attracted membership from both the public and private sectors, and encourages local authorities to sign up to show their support.

Over 190 members have signed up – have you? Visit www.knowyourfloodrisk.co.uk today for more details and to join the campaign.

In addition, Landmark produces comprehensive property specific flood risk assessment reports for both residential and commercial properties. These allow property owners and property professionals

to gain a clear understanding of the flood risk associated with their property.

These market leading reports contain data relating to surface water flooding, river and coastal flooding, insurance claims and information relating to groundwater flooding, and can be purchased via a legal professional or direct.

FOR MORE INFORMATION E-mail: flood@homecheck.co.uk Web: www.homecheckflood.co.uk

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INVESTING IN FLOOD DEFENCES One in six properties in England and Wales are at flood risk. The Environment Agency discusses the work being done to address the problem THERE WAS NO BETTER example of the value that comes from investment in flood defences than to return to the scene of one of the nations most vivid flooding disasters.

In 2005, just days into the new year, severe flooding hit Carlisle in the north west of England. After weeks of unsettled weather, heavy rain caused the River Eden to swell and burst its banks, pouring floodwater into 1,800 properties. Cars could be seen floating through the city centre and boats were needed to pluck people from rooftops. Three people lost their lives.

On November 19 last year, a day of record rainfall that left 1,500 properties flooded in other parts of Cumbria would have led to similar scenes in Carlisle, but for “almost-completed” flood defences.

Overnight emergency works by the Environment Agency to secure unfinished sections of the town’s new flood defence scheme ensured 800 properties were protected when the River Eden once more burst its banks. The organisation estimates that this prevented some £48 million worth of damage alone – £10m more than the cost of the scheme that was completed in June this year, 12 months ahead of schedule.

FLOOD DEFENCE SCHEME The new flood defence scheme received the go-ahead in April 2004, only months before the January 2005 floods. At completion it includes 10km of raised defences, 30 flood gates, two new automated pumping stations, two raised footbridges and 1,500 metres of improved cycleway. This £38m scheme will reduce the risk of flooding to almost

to get worse as climate change brings wetter winters, stormier weather, rises in sea levels and greater extremes in weather conditions.

So climate change must be incorporated into all future flood mitigation planning.

Flood defence schemes provide benefits to communities including opportunities for economic development, jobs and tourism.

The Environment Agency already seeks financial contributions from organisations that directly benefit from flood defence schemes and will look to increasing contributions from other sources to complement public investment from government.

Other defences completed in the first six months of 2010 include a major flood alleviation scheme in Gainsborough.

Lincolnshire city lies at the most inland tidal reach of the River Trent and over 2,600 properties are at risk both from tidal surges and when floodwater comes down the catchment towards the sea.

Major flooding occurred in 1697, 1910, 1947, while tidal surges were a feature of the 1950s. Flood defences were initially constructed in 1960s, with some improvements most recently in 2003. But with the defences nearing the limit of their design life, the Environment Agency completed £19 million defences that have not only provided protection against a 1 in 200 year flood, but also created amenity that attracts development, events and people back to the waterside.

On the south coast in Lewes, East Sussex, more than 200 properties are now better protected as a result of improvements to existing flood wall heights, building new walls and installing floodgates.

The Environment Agency has completed over 116 flood defence schemes in the past two years alone, providing increased protection to over 77,500 extra properties 3,500 homes and businesses in Carlisle.

Speaking at the opening of the new defence the Environment Agency’s Chairman Lord Chris Smith said: “It is essential that we continue to defend communities, businesses and the economy from the risk of flooding and coastal erosion. The Environment Agency has completed over 116 flood defence schemes in the past two years alone, providing increased protection to over 77,500 extra properties.”

Extreme weather that leads to flooding, like that experienced in Cumbria, is becoming more common with one in six properties in England and Wales at flood risk. It is only going

Designers of the scheme worked hard to ensure the materials and design of the new flood protection works match those traditionally used in the Cliffe conservation area, including special brick cladding for flood walls.

The completion of this scheme follows on from work in 2004 that helped protect around 300 properties after severe flooding hit the town in October 2000.

In Nottingham, the first part of the cities £51 million Left Bank flood scheme was completed ahead of time.

When totally finished, the defences will extend for an impressive 27 kilometres

along the River Trent between Colwick in Nottingham’s east to the M1 in the west, providing flood protection for 16,000 properties.

The Nottingham Left Bank Flood Alleviation Scheme is one of the biggest flood risk management schemes in England and Wales.

PROJECTS IN GATWICK Meanwhile, Gatwick Airport and more than 1,300 homes and businesses across Crawley and Horley in West Sussex will benefit from an £11 million Environment Agency project that will significantly reduce the risk of flooding an area that suffered from the devastating floods in 1968 and 2000.

Scheduled to be fully completed by 2013, the scheme will also provide Gatwick Airport – the UK’s second largest airport and busiest single runway airport in the world – with far greater protection from the devastating affects of flooding. Gatwick Airport is contributing £4 million towards the scheme.

Significantly, the main engineering strategy is to build flood storage areas – which will hold large amounts of water during and after spells of heavy rainfall – including raising the level of the existing dam at Tilgate Lake in Crawley.

The stored water will slowly be released back into the River Mole, which will help reduce the risk of high flows that would have again caused a flood risk to nearby homes.

To offset this loss of some woodland and vegetation, new trees will be replanted and new wildlife habitats will also be created.

FLOOD STORAGE Up in Yorkshire, Ripon residents will see their new £14.4 million flood alleviation scheme take shape throughout this financial year.

The city sits at the confluence of the rivers Skell, Laver and Ure and has a long history of flooding; most recently in 1982, 1991, 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2007. The new scheme will significantly reduce the risk of flooding to 548 residential and 96 commercial properties.

The design includes a flood storage reservoir on the River Laver, which will reduce water levels in times of flood; walls and embankments along the River Skell; raising some roads and replacing Alma Weir with a new river level gauging station upstream. Construction of the scheme is due to be completed by spring 2011.

Overall, every £1 spent by the Environment Agency in protecting communities from flooding saves £8 spent repairing damage.

FOR MORE INFORMATION To find out if you are at risk and get early warnings, call Floodline on 0845 9881188 or go to www.environment-agency.gov.uk

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Written by Paul Shaffer, associate, CIRIA

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CAPACITY BUILDING FOR BETTER FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT Local authorities must now take a lead role in local flood risk management. But what skills are needed for them to be able to deliver their new responsibilities?

THE 2010 FLOOD AND WATER Management

Act gives Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) new responsibilities for local flood risk management strategies, sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) and Surface Water Management Plans (SWMPs). LLFAs are county and unitary local authorities who may elect to delegate some responsibilities to district authorities in two tier local government areas.

In response to the new roles and responsibilities Defra and LGA have looked at the skills required for local authorities (LAs) to deliver improved local flood risk management. Surveys and workshops have been undertaken to assess what skills local authorities have and will need to develop in the future. Defra is currently developing a capacity building strategy to support local authorities and an important element within the strategy is the development of a portal which can help to provide an efficient and cost-effective way of providing and sharing information and knowledge on local flood risk management.

NEW RESPONSIBILITIES

In addition, the 2009 Flood Risk Regulations transpose the EU Floods Directive with the intention to reduce the likelihood and consequences of flooding.

They place requirements on LLFAs to assess local flood risk, identify areas of significant risk, prepare hazard maps, and produce management plans.

LLFAs in particular, and local government in general, are therefore due to undertake important new flood risk management responsibilities. While many local authorities have some familiarity in flood management and drainage (through existing flood risk management and highways) the new responsibilities will require a step change in local government’s flood risk management understanding and capacity.

Other organisations (e.g. water companies and the Environment Agency) will need to adapt too so that they can work in new ways with local authorities to collectively address complex flooding problems.

A number of reviews have previously identified the lack of skilled practitioners as a limiting factor to the development of innovation and sustainable development.

The Institution of Civil Engineers in 2005 identified the lack of candidates with engineering and scientific qualifications as a long term problem. Many responses to

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Site visit. Image courtesy of Richard Ashley

Capacity building is more than training to improve competencies. It includes the process of enabling individuals and organisations to understand challenges, access information and develop the skills to help them perform more effectively the consultation on the draft Flood and Water Management Bill (now the Flood and Water Management Act) identified the lack of skills and resources to tackle new roles and responsibilities as being a significant challenge. This situation is likely to be more acute within local government, as local authorities have a lead role in local flood risk management but in previous years have lost key expertise. Some authorities do not have the resources in place or the skills to understand the extent of the challenge to effectively deliver a way forward. In some exceptional cases where they have not experienced flooding, they are not even aware of the risks.

Addressing these deficiencies will require an approach to resourcing and upskilling, more frequently called capacity building.

Capacity building is a highly dynamic process with programmes flexible enough to provide adaptive capacity and tackle challenges at a number of different levels.

This is often a fundamental part of the transitioning process to a more sustainable approach to manage resources.

APPROACHES TO CAPACITY BUILDING

Capacity building is more than training to improve competencies. It includes the process of enabling individuals and organisations to understand challenges, access information and develop the skills to help them perform more effectively.

It also includes approaches to improve the interaction between individuals and organisations, the development and support of management frameworks. This should assist with the management of relationships between different organisations and sectors (public, private and the community), including the development of champions to deliver progress.

Work undertaken in Melbourne, Australia to identify the potential catalysts for a more sustainable approach suggested that the transition process requires a range of interconnected activities and initiatives, with some planned and others opportunistic and reactive, to respond to the opportunities and challenges encountered. Champions or leaders who have a vision for change and can communicate this across the variety

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of institutions, organisations, disciplines and stakeholders involved in managing the water cycle is fundamental for progression.

Delivering this vision of a more sustainable approach to drainage is dependent on developing an approach where our professionals respond to the challenges by improving their communication, interaction and relationships. These behaviour changes often need to be supported by access to resources, whether it is money, guidance, skills or a combination of all three.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

It stands to reason that complex challenges are likely to require more complex ways of providing direction, cohesion and commitment.

The culture of an organisation in terms of the way it communicates, thinks and acts together will influence the response to a challenge.

Leadership development requires a more adaptive and subtle approach to enable the leadership process to become more collective, moving the focus away from the individual to a group with a shared awareness and ownership of the problem. It can help people to understand how to relate to others, coordinate efforts, build commitments and develop extended social networks.

At its simplest level, action learning is learning by doing – working on “real world” challenges in a collective and supportive way.

It is widely appreciated that the traditional approaches of learning through lecturebased classrooms have limited effectiveness.

Action learning processes can be described as a continuous process of learning and reflection, supported by colleagues with an emphasis on getting things done.

There are examples of Learning and Action Alliances being developed specifically to build capacity for flood risk management in the UK. This active

learning helps develop the capacity of different stakeholder groups to accept a different view on risk, interactions and potential solutions. This requires the traditional comfort zones of the different organisations and disciplines to be challenged in a supportive but delivery focused learning environment.

In Yorkshire, UK, a Learning Action Alliance (LAA) has been developed through three EU Interreg projects to tackle new challenges relating to flood risk management with a strong focus on the roles and responsibilities of the local authorities.

The greatest challenge is to facilitate the required change (transition) in culture and practice particularly amongst the key decision and policy makers to find a new adaptable approach to managing flood risk.

NETWORKING

Networking is viewed by some as an approach to breaking down functional barriers that occur between organisations and disciplines (Day 2001). The main aim is to move leaders on from knowing what and how, to knowing who in terms of making connections and problem solving capability.

Networking also provides an opportunity for sharing experiences, thinking and learning with other participants. This enables the subtle challenging of basic assumptions and knowledge within a supportive environment for learning.

In the right circumstances this can also enable members to develop relationships with individuals and disciplines they might not normally engage with.

Within urban drainage such networks are beginning to be developed and are a fundamental part of the action learning alliances. CIRIA through LANDFORM (Local Authority Network on Drainage and Flood

Risk) provides an informal network and a means for peers to engage face-to-face at events on relevant topics (www.ciria. org/landform). This approach is also being mirrored by electronic, virtual networks which requires more facilitation but still provides an opportunity for participants to share knowledge and experiences.

The Improvement Development Agency (IDeA) for local government has setup a Community of Practice on local flood risk management, called FLOWNET, providing a secure platform to share and develop knowledge on flooding and related challenges (www.idea.gov.uk).

SUMMARY

As a fragmented industry we are becoming clearer on the challenges we face and in doing so have accepted that organisations and individuals need to engage and participate to develop social capital and provide approaches that deliver multiple benefits.

Guidance on sustainable drainage is available and case studies have been disseminated for a number of years (www. ciria.org/suds). While there are technical challenges there are also behavioural aspects that need to be addressed to help improve the competence of relevant stakeholders and provide the confidence to deliver a more sustainable approach.

We need a vision to be innovatively and engagingly communicated and in some instances champions need to map the way forward and ensure that we build capacity of the necessary institutions, organisations and individuals.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.ciria.org

100 per cent recycled sustainable driveways USTAINABLE DRIVEWAYS offer an eco-friendly way to park or reinforce ground while maintaining a bit of greenery.

They allow natural drainage thus reducing risks of flooding.

An economical and environmentally sustainable alternative to asphalt or paving, Sustainable Driveways are easy to lay and can be put in place in a few hours and without planning permission.

Sustainable Driveways allow grass to grow through naturally and, importantly, offer natural drainage. The Driveway grids can be laid at ground surface level and then either filled with stone, gravel, earth or seeded and be

S

lightweight, proven to stand 250 tonnes per m².

Sustainable Driveways are easy, low maintenance, non-slip, crack proof, and weatherproof – frost and UV resistant.

The eco-friendly Driveways are 100 per cent recycled in the UK from 100 per cent UK generated plastic waste that would otherwise

be destined for landfill. Other benefits include the reduced carbon footprint of any project and the driveways can be fitted without planning permission.

Using plastic material that would otherwise end up in landfill, Barkston Ltd provide an extensive range of sustainable,100 per cent recycled plastic products which outperform the traditional alternatives of wood, steel and concrete.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Sustainable Driveways are available in square metre packs from £17.25 at www.theplasticpeople.co.uk or 0800 136 118.

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CONFERENCES & EVENTS

IT’S ALL HAPPENING IN LIVERPOOL Culture, style and an ever-changing landscape make Liverpool and the region a first choice destination for conferences and events THE ONE WORD THAT SPRINGS TO MIND

for many who come to visit Liverpool and the surrounding city region is change. From the striking architecture of the new Museum of Liverpool currently being constructed on the waterfront, to the plethora of new hotel projects that are hitting the area, it’s all happening in Liverpool.

NEW YORK, NEW LIVERPOOL?

Plans for the creation of two new hotels within the city have been approved including a 140 bedroom three star hotel and a 130 bedroom budget brand which will take its design influence from New York’s contemporary Flatiron building. Designed by Liverpool-based architects Falconer Chester Hall the new hotel will be built by Northern Ireland-based developer Tara House and the first phase is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2011 with the rest of the development planned to finish in 2012.

Liverpool has also retained its position as one of the top ten most popular UK city destinations for overseas visitors according to the latest International Passenger Survey.

Approximately 453,000 overseas visitors were attracted to the bright lights and

enticing ambience of the city in 2009, making Liverpool sixth most popular.

“Liverpool really does just keep on getting better and better,” comments Liverpool Convention Bureau head Carol O’Reilly.

“As a city we’ve always had the right mix for leisure and this is now proving to be a vital asset in complementing our conference and events facilities – which are themselves growing and evolving to meet the needs of our clients.”

of Liverpool’s Foresight Centre.

Of course, social time after conferences plays a large role in attracting delegates to a city, and Liverpool’s credentials are second to none. Not only does the city boast the biggest number of museums and galleries outside London but it also features a host of interesting attractions and shopping destinations, including the brand new Liverpool One shopping centre.

HEAD FOR HEIGHTS

AN EVENTFUL CITY

The Convention Bureau has itself been busy in the run up to significant events entering the calendar, both in sourcing accommodation for the many thousands of delegates that come into the city, and helping to create social itineraries.

Forthcoming conventions include the Liberal Democrat Conference from 18-22 September at ACC Liverpool, which is expected to attract around 4,000 delegates, while the third International Pedagogical Research in Higher Education Conference organised by Liverpool Hope University will take place from the 25-26 October at the University

One of the best ways of seeing the city is from a height and delegates are spoilt for choice. The Liverpool Echo wheel gracing the skyline is a popular attraction located on the Albert Dock close to ACC Liverpool. Alternatively, the fifth floor of Hope Street Hotel has private terraces and huge floor to ceiling windows allowing natural light to flood in which afford the most wonderful views across Liverpool and beyond. While no mention of places to see Liverpool’s ever expanding scenery would be complete without the Panoramic, which is located on the 34th floor and offers a great spot for evening entertaining whether for dinner or just fantastic cocktails.

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Conferences and Meetings for large and small events.

Free room hire options, full catering packages and lots more enquiries@stobartstadiumhalton.co.uk.

Tel 0151 510 6000

Stobart Stadium Halton, Lowerhouse Lane, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 7DZ

‘Best Hotel 2010’ Northern Hospitality Awards ‘Hotel of the Year 2010’ - The Mersey Partnership Annual Tourism Awards ‘Isambard Kingdom Brunel meets Carrie Bradshaw’. 10/10 The Sunday Times “…the hope street hotel, a boutique hotel, a symbol of Liverpool’s renewed prosperity as potent as the new arena down by the old docks”. Culture Company Government day delegate rates are £39 per person including room hire, lunch, coffee and tea breaks, stationery and presentation facilities. The 24 hour government rate is £158 per person which includes a king standard room, breakfast and a three course dinner in The London Carriage Works. 2 AA Rosettes.

For a closer look visit www.hopestreethotel.co.uk or call Laura on 0151 709 3000

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Liverpool Anglican Cathedral Well

announced an impressive number of wins worth millions for the resort, with many events confirmed to return annually right up until 2017. In addition, as a popular destination for government and political conferences, Southport Conferences has recently announced that the Labour Party North West Regional Conference 2010 will be running to the STCC this November for the fourth time, with around 400 delegates expected to attend.

ON YOUR BIKE

DELECTABLE DINING

Following on from restaurants like Chaophraya and Lunya, which have established themselves as culinary “must-eats” in Liverpool, comes news that two TV chefs are to make their mark on the city’s foodie trail.

Jamie Oliver has just opened his first North West eatery in the form of Jamie’s Italian, situated in Liverpool One. Marco Pierre White will be creating his third North-West venue, as part of the currently under construction £15m Hotel Indigo, which is to open in Spring 2011.

White says: “Liverpool is a fantastic city with an indelible link to international trade and an eclectic flavour of personalities to match. Chapel Street stands testament to everything great about the city, from its glorious past to its bright future, and offers the ideal location for my latest venue.”

Clearly Liverpool’s reputation for combining business with pleasure will ensure that Liverpool is the destination of choice for event organisers for many more years to come.

20 miles to the North of Liverpool is the cosmopolitan seaside resort of Southport.

In recent years the area has rebranded itself as ‘England’s Classic Resort’ combining boutique hotels, high quality restaurants and world class golf facilities with the popular and traditional aspects of a coastal town.

As part of this regeneration, the area has undergone significant investment in its facilities and infrastructure, namely in its business tourism product.

The area’s flagship conference and events venue The Southport Theatre and Convention Centre (STCC) has been at the forefront of this regeneration. Following a £40 million transformation completed in 2008, the STCC underwent a complete refurbishment of its suites and amenities and created

additional meetings and events space, as well a direct link to the town’s newest hotel, 133 bedroom Ramada Plaza Hotel.

Gaynor Ferguson, acting sales manager at the Southport Theatre & Convention Centre, comments: “The investment has taken the STCC to the next level of conferences and events. We now have the facility to host over 1,600 delegates, making it one of the largest and most flexible venues in the North West.

“It demonstrates Southport’s commitment to attract and to deliver large scale exhibitions and conferences with the added advantage of being able to offer multiple breakouts and first class catering for large numbers all under the same roof. With the additional link to the Ramada Plaza Hotel, we can now offer competitive 24 hour packages to meet the highest standards of all our delegates.”

She concludes: “We have already seen a rise in sales and our client list grows daily – more importantly we are starting to attract the types of events that the new development was specifically created for.”

AN ARRAY OF VENUES

Within walking distance of the STCC and Ramada Plaza, Southport boasts several conference and events facilities, offering up to 42 meeting rooms, including the luxury Vincent Hotel, Scarisbrick Hotel and traditional Prince of Wales Hotel. In addition, just out of town, Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa offers superb self contained meeting and event facilities in an exquisite setting while the historic Aintree Racecourse, home of the world famous John Smith’s Grand National is a consistently popular venue.

The investment in Southport has resulted in a surge of new business wins and new conference interest in the area. Since the beginning of the year, the area’s conference bureau, Southport Conferences has

With an ever growing number of business visitors, the resort is also working hard to maintain itself as an environmentally friendly destination. In June, Southport Conferences launched a dedicated delegate bike loan scheme, offered as part of the services currently provided by the bureau.

The scheme is largely supported by Southport’s Cycling Town status, awarded in 2008, which provides the area with many routes and facilities for cyclists, including dedicated bike parks at local hotels.

Tony Corfield, assistant director of Leisure & Tourism Sefton Council explains: “Coupled with the fact that Southport has excellent rail links, it is a great town to reach and explore without the need for a car, both by bike and also on foot.

“With the cycle facilities that we already have in place in the resort, it seemed a natural choice to offer the delegate bike scheme service to visiting delegates. We hope it will make strides in demonstrating our commitment to improving Southport’s environmental credentials and in limiting the amount of traffic in the resort.”

A GOLFING DESTINATION

Perhaps Southport’s greenest attributes are its world class golfing facilities, with Sefton Coast boasting the biggest concentration of golf courses in the world. As ‘England’s Golfing Capital’, Southport houses six top courses with an additional 15 within 30 minutes drive from the resort’s centre.

Three of the courses, Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool and Royal Lytham St Annes are the frequent choice for the Open Championship and are ranked as world class, all popular incentive choices with the corporate visitor.

The development and investment in Southport is on-going. It has recently announced that funding has been granted for a £15 million redevelopment of its Grade II-listed arts centre, library and art gallery which will create a brand new arts complex and events space for the resort. Expected to be completed in three years, the ‘Southport Cultural Centre’ situated in the town’s fashionable Lord Street, will encompass a major contemporary art space, a 430 seat theatre and a studio space, capable of hosting meetings and events for up to 600.

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Hanbury Manor Hotel – London’s original country retreat HE BEAUTIFUL Jacobean mansion known as Hanbury Manor Hotel and Country Club began as a manor house and was adopted as a private Roman Catholic boarding school known as Poles Convent. The chapel with its original features now acts as the main banqueting hall recognised as Poles Hall.

As a Marriott Hotel and Country Club the original school location is now used for the conference and banqueting area set around the courtyard.

The prestigious golf course was the first to be designed by Jack Nicklaus II, and still incorporates features from an earlier 9-hole course designed by the great Harry Vardon. The course is now widely recognised as one of the best in England, with each hole offering a different challenge.

After a round you can relax in one of our 161 elegant bedrooms.

The choice of two formal dining rooms including Zodiac Restaurant, winner of AA Rosette,

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

With four superior event spaces and the entire 64 room and suite hotel available for private hire, The Bentley London is experienced in hosting diplomatic delegations and Heads of State, accommodating a wide range of occasions including glamourous receptions and official banquets. For moments of indulgent relaxation, the superb Le Kalon Spa and hammam offers an enticing range of beauty and body treatments along with fitness facilities.

The Bentley London – The Waldorf Astoria Collection 27-33 Harrington Gardens, London SW7 4JX Tel: +44 (0) 207 244 5555 Fax: +44 (0) 207 244 5566 info@thebentley-hotel.com www.thebentley-hotel.com | www.waldorfastoriacollection.com

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or Contemporary Oakes Grill.

Unwind with our luxuriant facilities that spoil you with a range of health and beauty treatments, placed in easy reach to soak up your senses in the spa bath and sauna before taking a dip in the swimming pool.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Hanbury Manor, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 0SD Tel: 01920 487 722

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EAST IS BEST Just north of London, and boasting countryside, sea, charming towns and cities, the East of England is a great choice for your next public sector event DIRECTLY TO THE NORTH OF LONDON, the East of England covers the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk – and has preserved much of its unspoilt character, rural landscape, architecture and traditions.

BEDFORDSHIRE There are few counties in the UK that can boast a central location quite like Bedfordshire, with 40 million people living within a two hour drive. Right in the middle of the M1 and A1 arterial routes, Bedfordshire has excellent rail connections to London and the North and great European links too – Paris in less than three hours via St Pancras International and London Luton Airport serves more than 30 European destinations including key interline hubs such as Tel-Aviv and Amsterdam.

And since location is probably the most important decision when planning a conference, there’s no better place to start than this small but mighty county. Whether you want the busier focused atmosphere of an urban centre or the more relaxed, inspirational feel of a rural setting, Bedfordshire won’t be beaten.

Across the county there is a huge choice ranging from historic Luton Hoo, a five star golf and spa resort, to purpose built facilities like Bedford’s i-Lab and Luton’s Innovation Centre, ideal for smaller meetings. Training events might be suited

Across the county there is a huge choice ranging from historic Luton Hoo, a five star golf and spa resort, to purpose built facilities like Bedford’s i-Lab and Luton’s Innovation Centre; ideal for smaller meetings to one of our academic institutions, like Cranfield University, Shuttleworth College or the University of Bedfordshire, where on-site accommodation can be provided. Similarly Wyboston Lakes, the largest independently owned, single site, residential training and conference centre in Northern Europe, provides excellent facilities.

ADD A THEME Match your venue to your mood and plan your conference around a theme. Some of our best visitor attractions welcome conference business, like the award winning Woburn Safari Park.

For memorable away days choose a venue where delegates can have a go at something new. Bedfordshire has an incredible variety of high octane activities from clay shooting and paint balling to monster truck driving and gliding. Experience the thrill of adrenalin sports like indoor skydiving or base jumping at Bodyflight or wakeboarding at Box End Park.

Palmer Sport and Millbrook Proving Ground

specialise in corporate hospitality, team building and product launches where site security is paramount. But if high profile is more important than high security, perhaps for an award dinner, venues with a wow factor might include the Sculpture Gallery at Woburn Abbey or the Wernher Restaurant at Luton Hoo – said to have been modelled on the Palace of Versailles.

If you want a slower pace to de-stress your delegates, Tofte Manor is the perfect place. A beautiful, privately owned venue in its own extensive and secluded grounds incorporating a labyrinth and specialising in holistic therapies and alternative treatments – a place of retreat that combines modern facilities, comfortable accommodation and the all important personal touch.

ESSEX Essex is home to the oldest recorded town, the world’s longest pleasure pier and the 2012 mountain biking event.

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With over 150 venues you are sure to find one that suits your needs. Why not hire the UK’s tallest Tudor gatehouse, a venue used by the Knights Templar or even Europe’s largest independent zoo.

Conveniently located close to London and continental Europe, Essex is the perfect choice.

The county offers a unique combination of coast, town and country, all within easy access of London and with an excellent range of top quality conference and meeting facilities waiting to be discovered.

Some of the best and most unusual venues are set in lovely countryside with a rolling landscape or picturesque historic towns.

Quaint coastal towns such as Burnham-onCrouch, Wivenhoe and Brightlingsea differ from the popular seaside resorts of Clactonon-Sea and Southend-on-Sea, where a variety of attractions as well as exciting special events take place throughout the year.

SPOILT FOR CHOICE There is a rich mix of stately homes, spa hotels, purpose built conference venues, golf clubs or venues with a difference. For example, Layer Marney Tower, the tallest Tudor gatehouse, has its own private park. Topsail Charters offers a function room onboard a Thames sailing barge and Five Lakes is a modern high quality complex with full leisure and golf facilities.

Whether you are looking for a venue

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Experience the thrill of adrenalin sports like indoor skydiving or base jumping at Bodyflight or wakeboarding at Box End Park for a conference, meeting, launch, party or corporate hospitality we have a venue to fulfil your needs. Why not take your staff or clients wine tasting in an English Vineyard, go team building at the new high rope adventure centre, have a game of golf in one of the 68 golf clubs, turn your hand at a new skill like cookery or zoo keeping or just have fun with quad biking, archery or paint balling?

There’s also an abundance of things do and see in your spare time. Why not shop till you drop in England’s oldest recorded town, Colchester, explore the rich heritage at stately homes, gardens and museums, or relax and unwind on the Blackwater Estuary. Alternatively take time to wine and dine in one of the many fine restaurants available, or simply just take a stroll within the unspoilt countryside.

If it’s convenience you need, many of our venues are located next to the M25, M11 and Stansted Airport. Essex has excellent access via road, sea, rail and air.

HERTFORDSHIRE The region of Hertfordshire is an ideal location for any business event. The county offers everything from contemporary, stylish modern venues to a great choice of historical and cultural locations. Many also specialise in corporate team building, golf days or even spa days, all on offer at Hanbury Manor Hotel, near Ware.

The Hertfordshire Hoteliers Association represents a fine collection of branded and unique individually owned properties across Herts, boasting around 1,500 guest bedrooms and more than 100 highly flexible conference, meeting and event rooms.

You can choose from modern business hotels in corporate locations like the new four star Holiday Inn in the heart of Stevenage, boutique city centre properties such as Beales in Hatfield within easy access to the airports, and country house venues, with great character, fascinating history and beautiful landscaped gardens, Sopwell House in St Albans being a fine example.

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Conference Hertfordshire has two sites in Hatfield offering a wide range of academic conference facilities. The state of the art de Havilland Campus is built on one single compact site. It offers auditorium for 450, has 50+ seminar rooms, 1,600 ensuite bedrooms and fabulous sports facilities, including pool, gym and climbing wall.

VENUES WITH A DIFFERENCE If you are looking for venues with a difference, Hertfordshire is home to both Hatfield House and Knebworth House who can both offer magnificent stately homes as the venue for your conference, meeting or corporate hospitality. If you are looking for a venue with a difference, you might want to consider Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne, where they are experts in corporate hospitality and team building, especially if you choose to get up close and personal to some of their animals in residence.

Wherever you decide to go, you are sure to find a venue to match your personal requirements and receive a warm welcome.

With easy access from London and outstanding transport links, Hertfordshire is the perfect location to bring your business.

A foot maze and fountain in the landscaped gardens of Hatfield House in Hertfordshire. ©Britainonview

Ornamental stone dragons guarding the entrance to Layer Marney Tower. ©Britainonview/Rod Edwards.

AN AREA TO BE PROUD OFF The East of England has a vast range of locations and choice of types of venues, many with historic backdrops and a touch of class. Check out our stately homes and give your delegates the opportunity to use their surroundings for some creative thinking. The home of the Dukes of Bedford, the beautiful Sculpture Gallery at 18th C. Woburn Abbey creates a truly memorable setting. Whilst the eccentric oval-shaped Ickworth House at Horringer (near. Bury St. Edmunds) offers a range of rooms in its elegantly restored West Wing.

Enjoy a meeting amongst the stylish interiors of Wimpole Hall in Arrington (near Royston) surrounded by its spectacular vistas. Or in Lord Lothian’s Study at Jacobean Blickling Hall (near Aylsham), adorned with Dutch gables and turrets. The Old Palace at Hatfield House was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I – an historic gem for an exhibition.

Dine your delegates with a banquet in The Long Gallery at Layer Marney Tower (near Colchester) – England’s tallest Tudor gatehouse. An intriguing history, fine architecture and antique furnishings make 18th C. Brocket Hall (nea. Welwyn Garden City) an exclusive countryside retreat.

Or travel back to Tudor times in the handsome library at moated Kentwell Hall in Long Melford (near Sudbury). Whilst the exquisitely gilded Drawing Room in Hylands House at Chelmsford is perfect for a seminar.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.visiteastofengland.com www.experiencebedfordshire.co.uk www.visitessex.com

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8031 Government Business Ad:Layout 1 12/07/2010 14:34 Page 1

Many Happy Returns Celebrating 25 years of conferencing excellence We’ve grown our reputation by keeping our customers coming back for more and with 50% of our customers placing repeat business last year, we really can promise many happy returns.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2010, the East Midlands Conference Centre continues to deliver peace of mind for conference organisers. With over 2 million delegates passing through the doors since its opening, it’s perfectly placed for your next event.

And as part of the Nottingham Conferences portfolio of conference venues, our customers can be assured of a wide range of choice, all year round, backed by a wealth of experience to deal with a variety of requests.

To discover more, visit

nottinghamconferences.co.uk or call us now on

0115 846 8000

EMCC • Jubilee Campus • University Park • Sutton Bonington

Birmingham – the world’s meeting place Coventry Transport Museum

The Driving Force in Conference & Events Why not hold your next event at one of the biggest Transport Museums in the world! If you’re looking to book a venue with a variety of modern & dedicated event spaces, look no further.

Coventry Transport Museum pride themselves in being versatile, flexible and adaptable in every aspect of your event, with dedicated event spaces that can cater for small intimate meetings of 10 to larger formal events such as awards dinners of 200, We specialise in exclusive hire events that never fail to make an impact.

For special offers and information on booking your Christmas event with us please log onto our website or contact our events office.

We are delighted to be able to offer for a short period only a 15% discount on Room Hire and a DDR of £30.00 + vat per person on all bookings made before the 31st October 2010, this discount is based on minimum numbers of 20.

Please Quote CTMSum01.

T: 024 7623 4270 E: hospitality@transport-museum.com www.transport-museum.com

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IRMINGHAM is one of Europe’s busiest meeting points and home to a vast number of conference and meeting venues.

These range from purpose-built, internationally renowned facilities, to academic venues and smaller, unique settings, making it an ideal location for events of all sizes.

The region is centrally located with excellent communications and transport links, making it the perfect host for national and international events. Birmingham International Airport has over 50 airlines operating services to over 100 destinations. The city is also at the centre of the rail network – Birmingham’s New Street Station is the UK’s main

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national rail interchange, serving over 31 million people every year.

The city has made its name in recent years as host of party political conferences, having successfully hosted all three main political parties. The Conservative Party Conference, to be held at The ICC from 3-6 October, is the sixth political conference Birmingham has hosted in five years.

Event organisers can get support from the award-winning Birmingham Convention Bureau who provide free venue finding, accommodation booking and a full Event Support Package.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.meetbirmingham.com

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COUNTDOWN TO EVENT UK Event UK brings together around 300 exhibitors including destinations, venues and event service suppliers as well as all the trimmings needed to transform your events into something amazing EVENT UK THIS YEAR TAKES PLACE on the 21st and 22nd of September in Hall 8 at NEC in Birmingham. It remains the largest industry show outside London and fulfills an important responsibility of presenting the UK meetings and events industry.

The show times are from 10am – 5pm, although a variety of additional networking and complimentary events will be taking place alongside and in the evenings.

DESTINATIONS Destinations will once again play an important role in the show with Scotland, Belfast, Coventry, Warwickshire, Nottingham, Birmingham, Derbyshire, Liverpool, Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent amongst those represented at the show.

“Last year visitors were up 6-7 per cent on 2008 numbers; we’re targeting a similar growth again this year and expect to see over 3,500,” comments event director Duncan Reid.

“This means visitors get a chance to see

Visitors get a chance to see new and different venues and destinations that they may not have considered or have access to in the past. As with every Confex Group show we’re supplementing our visitor offer with an intelligent educational program and some superb networking events new and different venues and destinations that they may not have considered or have access to in the past. As with every Confex Group show we’re supplementing our visitor offer with an intelligent educational program and some superb networking events.”

The Next Big Thing continues to play a large role both outside of and in the show and is becoming a real highlight for our visitors. The regional heats are taking

place throughout July and August with the final a centre point of Event UK. The feature is becoming highly regarded for unearthing new talent with finalists going on to play the corporate circuit and even appear on TV programs like Britain’s Got Talent. This year the bar has been set very high for entrants and it should make for an exciting final on the last day of the show.

New feature The Forum becomes an

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extension of Event UK’s VIP lounge, allowing for business to be conducted between visitors and exhibitors via prearranged meetings. This is an important feature for the show; it allows business to be done both on and off the show floor. Buyers also get hosted and have access to a VIP party on the Tuesday night.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Other highlights at this year’s show will be the Decade of Sport conference taking place on the first day of the show. This full day conference will underline the growing importance of sporting events to the UK industry and how destinations are seizing this opportunity for the benefit of their conference and events products. The conference includes speakers from LOCOG, VisitBritain and Visit London as well as case studies from big name corporate sponsors who have utilised sporting events.

Returning features include Confex Knowledge which offers visitors an informative and empowering educational programme. Visitors and exhibitors alike will have the opportunity to attend 20 insightful seminar sessions across both days of the show, plus two keynote speakers completely free of charge.

Presented by industry experts, this

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The Next Big Thing continues to play a large role both outside of and in the show and is becoming a real highlight for our visitors educational programme will address the most topical issues facing the events industry, demonstrating market leading trends and providing practical advice and real-life solutions for immediate implementation.

For those looking for their next move within the industry, the Advice Centre and CV Clinic will offer somewhere to discuss any aspects of event organising with some of the sector’s top consultants and industry specialists.

Learn more about the industry, or find out how to achieve higher standards in organising an event or just find out how to improve upon your own personal development skills. Visitors can drop by at any time or book a free appointment with a consultant via the Event UK website.

With so much to see and do at Event UK make sure you take advantage of the selection of treatments and massages available in

The Willows feature area. It offers visitors the perfect place to take a break from the show floor and enjoy some much-needed pampering in tranquil surroundings.

RELAX As well as networking on Lily’s pad during the show hours, the main Event UK Networking drinks take place at 5pm in the Atrium on Tuesday 21st. These drinks allow visitors and exhibitors the opportunity to meet and relax after a busy day at the show.

After the Atrium drinks have finished, buyers who have attended The Forum will be invited to a VIP party & networking event from 8pm. Taking place at the Ricoh Arena on the opening night and in a change to the previous year’s exhibitor party, this event will allow exhibitors and visitors the chance to unwind and party into the night.

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MEET BIRMINGHAM – THE CITY Birmingham is a world class conference and events destination with a great range of venues to choose from BIRMINGHAM IS ONE OF EUROPE’S busiest meeting points and home to a vast number of conference and meetings venues.

These range from purpose-built, internationally renowned facilities, to academic venues and smaller, unique settings, making it an ideal location for events of all sizes.

The region is centrally located with excellent communications and transport links, making it the perfect host for national and international events. Birmingham International Airport has over 50 airlines operating services to over 100 destinations. The city is also at the centre of the rail network – Birmingham’s New Street Station is the UK’s main national rail interchange, serving over 31 million people every year.

Birmingham boasts an impressive track record of staging a range of major conferences and exhibitions including hosting in 2010 alone the Liberal Democrats Conference, Event UK, and IPEX, the UK’s best-attended international trade exhibition with 50,000 visitors from 135 countries.

The city has made its name in recent years as host of party political conferences. The city has successfully hosted all three main political parties and The Conservative Party Conference, to be held at The ICC from 3-6 October, is the sixth political conference Birmingham has hosted in five years. This is a clear sign of the confidence that the major political parties have in the city’s ability to deliver a world class event, and it is clear that the months ahead will bring further economic and reputational enhancement to the city.

MEET BIRMINGHAM – THE VENUES The NEC Group is the renowned venue management company that owns and operates four world class venues – The NEC, The ICC, The NIA and the LG Arena. Across its venues, The Group attracts over 4.1 million visitors to the region, with the business having an estimated economic impact of £2 billion for the West Midlands.

The NEC Group’s premium catering company Amadeus is one of the UK’s leading event caterers and works with a number of venues across Birmingham and beyond. The team cater for nationwide events, from fine dining restaurants to public mobile catering at events as diverse as the Barclays Scottish Open and Cirque du Soleil. Amadeus recently launched a new tasting menu that is the first of its kind in the UK’s event catering industry.

Cranmore Park is a stylish, modern venue with open event spaces and a 2,500 sq metre main showroom, a short distance from the NEC

and Birmingham Airport. It has run events for 20 years, hosting everything from a gaming tournament to trade shows and conferences.

Cranmore Park is built over two levels incorporating three event spaces, two purpose built restaurants and eight meeting rooms.

Just 10 minutes from Birmingham International Airport, the newly refurbished Hilton Birmingham Metropole hotel is one of the UK’s largest conference hotels.

Located on the site of the NEC, the hotel has excellent transport links to the city centre. Events can take place in one of 33 meeting rooms for up to 2,000 delegates.

A new business and conference suite has opened at West Bromwich’s The Public, the region’s most modern and innovative art gallery and public space. The Madeleine Carroll suite holds up to 140 delegates for conferences and has four meeting rooms, each with a capacity to hold up to 25 people.

The University of Birmingham has hosted many major events including the recent televised political leader’s debate in the Great Hall. Following a recent £3 million refurbishment, the University’s Winterbourne House and Gardens are open for conferences and events. The house dates from 1903 and offers a range of versatile meeting spaces with a backdrop of the Grade II listed Winterbourne Botanic Garden, home to striking a Woodland Walk and 1930’s Japanese Bridge and Tea House.

MEET BIRMINGHAM AT EVENT UK Meet Birmingham will be exhibiting at Event UK at The NEC from 21-22 September on stand F600.

The stand includes Birmingham Convention Bureau, which provides an event and conference planning service from finding the right venue, booking the hotel and creating a bespoke social programme. Joining them are a host of partners including Amadeus, Cranmore Park, The Public, audio-visual supplier MCL and The University of Birmingham who will be ready to show visitors the breadth and depth that Birmingham’s event industry has to offer.

Meet Birmingham is on stand F600, so pop by to find out why Birmingham is the perfect destination for your next conference or event!

The University of Birmingham Bullring, Birmingham city centre

Cranmore Park Winterbourne House and Garden

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

Hyatt Regency, Symphony Hall and The ICC

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28 & 29 September 2010 • NEC Birmingham

Your essential L&D event

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TRAINING

WHAT DOES THE PUBLIC SECTOR NEED FROM L&D? The World of Learning Conference & Exhibition is the essential event for all senior learning decision-makers and buyers. Now there is no better time to ensure you are using the most cost-effective methods and solutions to deliver more successful learning results NOW THAT THE BUDGET has just confirmed the government’s plans to reduce the cost of the public sector dramatically, a new light will be shone on the roles of the six million people1 employed in all these areas and their current skills; and how to ensure that those who are employed ongoing have the skills required for the future.

Public sector learning and development (L&D) strategies obviously need to be thought through and executed better than ever to ensure maximum productivity and efficiency at a time when there will be pressure to deliver within even tighter budgets and funding. After all, the entire nation will benefit from a highly skilled, well managed and engaged public sector establishment with lower staff attrition rates and motivated people committed to their jobs.

Any plan and discussion about L&D must always be viewed from two directions. While an employer may define what skills the organisation needs, employees have their own views and, without their agreement and engagement, the employer’s efforts may go to waste. This must be a vital consideration as the public sector plans its skills requirements for a very different future.

Employees want to be involved with further learning and continue to develop their skills.

In fact, recent statistics from Cegos revealed that training in Europe is employee-driven, with 76 per cent of employees willing to make personal sacrifices to be able to participate in effective L&D courses and training. Thankfully, the survey discovered that 75 per cent of UK employees feel that their employer listens to them and understands their training needs.

The research also stated most employers help staff to define a clear training path to develop their skills and achieve their goals.

Francis Marshall, managing director of Cegos UK, commented: “In the current economic climate, employees are highly motivated to develop their skills and take control of their learning.

“It’s encouraging to see that UK employers are listening to their staff and addressing their needs effectively. With such a positive perception of training, it is vital that L&D continues to deliver training that keeps pace with users’ expectations.”

Francis is one of the many high-profile speakers at the World of Learning Conference, the UK’s premier forum for business learning, which takes place on 28 & 29 September 2010 at the NEC in Birmingham. The Conference is

Ruth Spellman of CMI will open the World of Learning Conference

held in conjunction with the World of Learning Exhibition, which hosts a list of more than 100 UK and international L&D service and product suppliers and many initiatives, all developed for L&D professionals looking for the latest solutions and effective L&D strategies.

Under the new government, the public sector will be under even greater pressure to justify expenditure before it is committed, not only to demonstrate that valuable evident benefits will be generated but also, in many cases, impressive improvements that can be measured on the bottom line – a financial return on investment (ROI). In light of recent economic turbulence, HR and management teams may be under more pressure than ever to show that the benefits will be justifiable in financial terms.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT However, according to Patrick Taggart, director at GPSVision – a specialist in ROI for L&D that works with public sector employers – there is extensive room for improvement in the approach of most organisations to measuring the results produced by L&D programmes.

“Too few organisations in the USA and UK are following up on the results of learning programmes. Research in the USA showed that, while ’happy sheets‘ are completed and reviewed after 98 per cent of courses, only after 28 per cent of training is new learning evaluated; furthermore, behavioural change is assessed after only 13 per cent of

programmes and the financial ROI is calculated for only four per cent of programmes. As it is generally accepted that the UK is behind the USA in its measurement of L&D benefits, the situation here, if it was researched, is likely to prove to be even worse.

“It is vital that a benchmark of the current position is established before the programme is planned. Then, once the programme is in place, the management, the trainer, the line manager and the employee each have a role to play in ensuring that the learning is implemented fully in the workplace.”

A presenter and exhibitor at the World of Learning 2010, Patrick will divulge his ten fundamental steps to making L&D ROI an efficient and manageable process across an organisation during a seminar entitled: ‘From the happy sheet to the bottom line – solving the ROI challenge’.

This is part of the extensive free seminar programme at the World of Learning 2010 where visitors to the event will also be able to hear case studies about L&D in the NHS and Thames Valley Police within a free seminar, ‘How to work wonders’, delivered by Liggy Webb, managing director at The Learning Architect. This will examine how to improve the mental, physical and environmental health of employees. It focuses on how to alleviate stress, reduce absenteeism and improve efficiency and productivity in the workplace.

“The budget deficit will increase the pressure

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www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

Lakeside Professional Development assist you with sustained personal and organisational change through outdoor experiential learning.

We are set in 400 acres of woodland situated on the shores of Windermere in the heart of the English Lake District.

We design solutions based on the specific outcomes desired by each group.

Please visit us at the World of Learning Conference and Exhibition on the 28th and 29th September, Stand No D145.

E: lakesideenq@fylecoastymca.org T: +44 (0)15395 39000

Professional Development

YMCA Lakeside professional development services T LAKESIDE we believe that high performing teams are the building blocks of successful organisations.

Are teams working to full capacity? Have organisations recently recruited new people into a team? Are teams working well and what is needed to take them to the next level?

Lakeside Professional Development is a leading provider of innovative, results-based personal and organisational development solutions.

We can assist individuals at every stage of their career development from apprentices and graduates to first-line managers, senior executives and board level members.

The Lakeside National Centre is set in the most spectacular and inspirational of locations, providing the ideal setting to assist organisations along the road to sustained personal and organisational change. We have over 450 acres of private woodland estate bordered by a mile and a half of shoreline

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onto Windermere and the site is considered one of the finest located outdoor centres in the world.

We have a dedicated team on hand to help make an event a huge success. From a small team get together away from the office, to a major product launch or conference for staff or clients, Lakeside Professional Development works with the client to research, develop and implement a course to suit operational requirements.

FOR MORE INFORMATION YMCA National Centre, Lakeside Newby Bridge, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 8BD Tel: 01595 39000 E-mail: lakesideenq@ fyldecoastymca.org

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

Do fears about security of energy supplies make you go cold?

Responding to your needs, we run a wide portfolio of CPD accredited public courses throughout the year offering both foundational and in-depth seminars.

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

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efficiently and confidently in the complex energy arena.

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

These may be delivered as oneto-one or team training sessions.

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

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

Government Business | Volume 17.8

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TRAINING

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Hall 18, NEC, Birmingham Opening times: 10:00-17:00 Tuesday 28 September 10:00-16:00 Wednesday 29 September

Keynote speaker Jayne Stokes

on those in the public sector and, with this, the physical and mental stress levels of employees. It is important to address this before it becomes a major issue by implementing workplace wellness programmes for staff,” commented Liggy.

Public sector managers who visit the World of Learning 2010 will discover solutions to the current L&D needs throughout the event, from the free seminars and conference to the exhibition’s many interactive features.

Tackling the most pertinent issues of the current market, including management and leadership, coaching and mentoring, e-learning, social media, organisational development, talent management, team building, products and technology, the World of Learning 2010 is the premier forum for L&D professionals to learn the vital skills needed to face the challenges of today’s pressures and demands.

The World of Learning 2010 is a comprehensive event with practical advice, demonstrations, interactive forums, workshops and presentations to ensure industry members can implement the most effective and sophisticated strategies in their workplace, as well as expand their own skillsets and knowledge.

The exhibition has an impressive list of exhibitors including the Centre for High Performance Development (CPHD), Consulting Tools, European Institute for e-Learning, LM Matters, Results Driven Group, TetraMap UK and Good Practice.

In addition to the extensive list, which covers the entire spectrum of L&D, the exhibition also features a range of valuable initiatives, each developed with the needs of industry members in mind.

New learning techniques can be discovered through a range of exhibition features, including: the new Social Media Zone, which will uncover the value of social media networks and their full potential in learning;

Professional Development Zone, where L&D professionals can consult experts one-to-one about all aspects of their career development; and the Skills Workshops, in which expert advisors will lead tailored group workshops that will teach visitors how to put learning on the agenda, develop internal coaching skills and make a case for informal learning.

The International Zone, facilitated by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), will also provide a unique opportunity for international buyers and decision-makers to meet with leading suppliers of L&D products and services.

Several regular features at the World of Learning exhibition will also return this year, including The Trainer Base, Experiential Learning Zone, Workplace Wellness Zone, Product Demonstrations and Presentations and the Business & Networking Lounge, all of which offer invaluable opportunities to find out about new approaches within L&D. Each of these specialised zones and features are free to attend for both exhibition visitors and conference delegates, providing them with the ideal opportunity to source, research, test and evaluate the latest learning solutions.

WORLD OF LEARNING CONFERENCE The event also incorporates the industryleading World of Learning Conference – the essential UK forum for L&D professionals. The conference provides a cost and time efficient opportunity for delegates to learn from experts, peers and case studies, spanning two full days of invaluable insight on the current issues of most concern to the industry.

Chaired by BBC news broadcaster and presenter Nicholas Owen, the conference programme combines research, examples and experts sharing their own experiences and advice. There will be speakers from highprofile organisations such as the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), Santander,

Zurich Financial Services, Priory Group, Roffey Park Institute, Information Transfer and Thales Training & Consultancy.

The World of Learning Conference will be opened by keynote speaker, Ruth Spellman OBE, chief executive at CMI, who will discuss the implications of the new business world for UK plc and the effects this will have on L&D. “There’s a clear need for employers to drive leadership skills among potential and existing managers. Yes, many people have innate leadership qualities, but organisations need to nurture these skills and develop their capability over the long-term if they are to be truly competitive. Failure to act will only increase levels of disengagement, impact negatively on staff retention and restrict economic recovery,” said Ruth Spellman.

ENCOURAGING WORKPLACE LEARNING IN YOUR ORGANISATION Another keynote speaker, Jayne Stokes, head of learning at Santander, will examine how staff can be developed outside formal learning activities, what roles L&D should play to encourage and foster learning in the workplace and how to create a culture for continuous learning as part of working life. Jayne will also discuss the ever-important issue of how you can measure the impact of workplace learning, a key challenge for L&D professionals, especially in the public sector, when trying to justify investments.

DELEGATE BENEFITS Conference delegates can not only benefit from the knowledge and tips they’ll receive from attending the conference, but they will also receive a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Certificate of Attendance, free access to LM Matters’ 50 Lessons and Harvard ManageMentor and the facility to ask the speakers to address specific learning issues. Those who book and attend the twoday conference will receive a free Toshiba HD camcorder. Early booking discounts are also available until 27 August 2010, entitling delegates to up to 30 per cent discount.

Full details, including terms and conditions, are available at www.learnevents.com.

1. Office for National Statistics, www.statistics.gov.uk.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information, to book conference sessions or to pre-register to visit, please visit www.learnevents.com or call +44 (0)20 8394 5171

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Accessible toilets Changing lives

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Everyone uses a toilet – up to 8 times a day!

It is a human right – and Code of Practice under BS8300:2009 – regardless of ability, to have access to appropriate toilet and sanitary accomodation at home, at work, and at play.

For more than 40 years, Clos-o-Mat has worked to provide innovative healthcare products for the less able.

Today the objective remains as strong – to create a better life for people with disabilities, at home, at work and at play.

Creating a well functioning washroom, bathroom or wetroom is a complex task. Therefore, the Clos-o-Mat range ensures that the products can be adjusted to suit any user and any user-situation.

www.clos-o-mat.com

For further information call 0800 374 076

Height adjustable wash hand basins Height adjustable changing tables Height adjustable shower seats

Clos-o-Mat Bidet Toilet

Height adjustable hoist

After Sales Service

See us on STAND F45 at Leisure Industry Week

Government Business | Volume 17.8

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SPORTS & LEISURE

LEISURE INDUSTRY WEEK This year LIW is set to be another exciting and visually stimulating show incorporating the newest products from the out-of-home leisure industry THE SHOW, which celebrated its 21st year in 2009, attracted over 12,000 visitors and it is hoped that, with a host of new features, exciting seminar programme and networking opportunities, they will increase footfall further this year.

The show will be split into seven areas which cover different leisure sectors including Sport, Health & Fitness, Pool & Spa, Leisure Facilities, Play & Attractions, Eat & Drink and Licensed Business. LIW will be held at Birmingham’s NEC and will run from 21-23 September 2010.

“We have another exceptional LIW ahead of us, with a new array of features, seminars and networking opportunities. We invite everyone in the leisure industry to come and see the latest innovations on offer and to take the opportunity to make new contacts and do business,” says Chris Brown, event manager.

EDUCATION There will be a number of educational seminars taking place across the seven sectors of the show. The Fitness Industry Association (FIA) has developed a programme of exciting speakers from the health and fitness industry. Seminars on Tuesday 21 will look at ‘Futureproofing the Health and Fitness Industry’ and the keynote will discuss the 2010 Commission. Their speakers will be industry leaders, who will debate the best ways for the industry to succeed in the future.

GMTV’s resident life coach, Pete Cohen, has been invited to LIW on Wednesday 22nd to talk about ‘Making a difference with positive psychology’. He will be joined

by Georgina Jupp from the CK Academy who will discuss ‘Enlightened Customer Care; The Emotional Connection’ and Keith Burnett who will talk about ‘Achieving membership sales from the disengaged’.

Sue Anstiss, managing director of Promote PR will also give a session on social media and how it can benefit business.

The ‘Step into Social Media’ session will take place on Wednesday 22nd.

Independent operators will be able to attend IOU’s (Independent Operators Unite) programme of seminars for free.

On Wednesday 22nd IOU will present ‘The Independent Operators Guide to Fantastic Retention Results’. Further seminars will look at increasing secondary spend within health and fitness facilities. Their closing session will debate the struggles of being an independent operator, with operators around the country sharing their experience and lessons learnt from running their own independent health clubs.

FEATURES LIW has hundreds of exhibitors across the seven sectors of the show, as well as a host of new features to benefit visitors to the show.

Features in the Health & Fitness sector will include the new PTontheNET Functional Training Zone, and will exhibit products by Nordic Walking, FitPro, Padbox and Escape. There will also be a varied equipment demonstration timetable and Exercise Referral Conference,

MHA Lighting brings together two companies with expertise in their individual areas. MHA Int-Elect have over ten years experience in designing and developing electronic solutions.

Luminanz are experts in the research and development of optical physics. By utilising award-winning patented Luminanz technology, MHA Lighting is able to combine all the efficiency benefits of LED lighting with the light quality benefits of traditional lamps.

Visitors to LIW will experience the newest attraction to the show – the Wavesurfer.

Showcasing for the first time in the UK at LIW the Wavesurfer is the ultimate aquatic attraction for body boarders, surfers, wake borders and even skate and snowboarders. It provides a soft riding surface allowing users to fall without hurting themselves making it ideal to learn and practice new tricks and moves for people of all ages and abilities.

We have another exceptional LIW ahead of us, with a new array of features, seminars and networking opportunities. We invite everyone in the leisure industry to come and see the latest innovations on offer and to take the opportunity to make new contacts and do business with a number of high profile speakers.

The Leisure Facilities sector will host the new EnviroZone, which will give leisure venues a free insight into how they might reduce their carbon footprint, address huge utility bills and how to encourage visitors to be more “green”.

Pulse Commercial Utilities will exhibit their smart meters, which calculate gas consumption. It allows companies to chart their gas usage and find areas where usage can be made more efficient.

Vanguards Power designs and manufactures advanced energy systems. They are going to exhibit its voltage power optimiser products range which is advanced in its technology to help save user energy costs, increase component life and reduce user carbon emissions.

The Wavesurfer team of professional surfers will be presenting live demonstrations of this innovative new feature within the Pool & Spa area at LIW. Commenting on the new features at LIW, Chris Brown, event manager, said: “The features we have developed for this year’s show will really benefit both visitors and exhibitors and give people more opportunities to do business and network. Our aim year-onyear is to improve and give visitors what they want; the new features will ensure this.”

For visitors who are responsible for operating sport facilities, delivering opportunities in community sport and enhancing sports performance, the Sport sector at LIW is a must see.

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SPORTS & LEISURE

Exhibitors in the Sport sector include companies such as 1st4sport, a one-stop shop for sports coaching, training and physical education books and resources; Altro, a world leading manufacturer and supplier of interior surfaces; Collison, the sole UK agents for BestHall® Buildings of Finland; CU Phosco Lighting, the largest UK manufacturer of outdoor lighting products, as well as many more.

One new exhibitor within the Sport sector is Neptunus Evolution, which is one of the most technologically advanced temporary structures available on the market. Based on a highly technical and innovative design with durable components, the structure is suitable for both short and longer-term use – making it the ideal solution for leisure centre operators embarking on renovation projects or market testing new locations.

Erdinger Weissbrau, another exhibitor in the sport sector, will be introducing the ideal sports and fitness drink at LIW. This is non-alcoholic Wheat Beer with fine yeast in the bottle, it’s free from chemical additives and preservatives, it contains all B- group vitamins, it is free from fat and cholesterol and has reduced calories.

The Sport sector’s live demonstrations and extensive education programme support Sport England’s pathways to grow, sustain

and excel, whilst relating to three core themes: increasing participation, developing infrastructure and improving performance.

The Play & Attractions area will have a wide variety of features including the new ‘Innovation Zone’ which is in partnership with the Play Providers Association, who represent indoor play centres within the UK. This platform will provide 12 exhibitors with the chance to showcase their latest products and innovations.

The exhibitors have also been shortlisted for the ASPIRATION4InnovationAward at the PPA Aspire Awards on the Tuesday night.

The sector will also host the Attractions Ideas Village where architects, consultants, marketers, designers and themeing companies will be able to get in front of senior leisure professionals to discuss new designs and developments.

NETWORKING Several events will take place at LIW, which will encourage people to network and do business. It will host the largest gathering of independent operators, at the second annual IOU (Independent Operators Unite) Forum. Independent operators will benefit from tailored seminars, a networking lunch, a dedicated lounge on the show floor, a panel discussion and an evening party. All

this is FREE to the IOU membership – a programme administered by the FIA. On the evening of Wednesday 22nd, up to 1,000 independent operators will enjoy a party laid on by the industry. Taking place at the Mechu bar/club in Birmingham, the IOU Party 2010 will include an unlimited free bar, a live band and a disco. The party will be funded by sponsorship, ticket sales, Creative Fitness Marketing and LIW. More information is available at www.liw.co.uk.

In the Play & Attraction sector, the Play Providers Association (PPA) will host the ASPIRE Awards, which recognise excellence in the indoor play industry. The 2010 ASPIRE Awards event will take place on Tuesday 21 September and is being held at the Manor Hotel in Meriden. This year the PPA will be raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information and to register for the show please visit www.liw.co.uk and follow us on twitter @L_I_W for the latest show updates.

Companies interested in exhibiting at LIW should contact Chris Brown on 020 7955 3698 or chris.brown@ubm.com.

There are a lot of things you can do to get customers more active more often...

...but success lies in choosing the right partner to help you implement them.

www.playrock-it-ball.com

www.theretentionpeople.com 0845 621 2001

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Visit

21-23 Sept 2010 NEC Birmingham

LEISURE INDUSTRY WEEK 21-23 September 2010 · NEC Birmingham LIW is the UK’s leading and most influential trade show for out of home leisure businesses, with over 350 exhibitors displaying the latest products and services across seven of the leisure industries sectors.

Each sector is tailored to the specific needs of the communities we serve and offers comprehensive educational seminars and features.

Play & Attractions · Licensed Business · Eat & Drink · Leisure Facilities · Sport · Pool & Spa · Health & Fitness To find the solutions to your business needs, connect with your industry colleagues, benefit from the education and best practice discussions and demonstrations.

Register your interest for FREE FAST ENTRY to LIW 2010 today at www.liw.co.uk/gb

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

Rock-It-Ball – the fastest growing sport in the world OCK-IT-BALL has been heralded as “The fastest growing sport in the world”. Designed and marketed by Rock-It-Ball LLP and launched in 2006, RockIt-Ball is a fast action game played with a double headed implement called a Rock-It. The game is played in teams up to five players with no goals, no zones, no targets or outs and no defined player roles.

Points are scored by striking one’s opponent with the special low pressure ball, of which there are five in play during a match. Since its launch, RockIt-Ball has been taken on board by approximately 1/3 of schools across the UK, with a presence in 17 countries across the globe.

Internationally, the International Rock-It-Ball Federation (IRIBF) governs the sport, establishing and guiding the growth of National Governing bodies and working to develop the sport through numerous projects including

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‘Global Grassroots Inclusion’ and ‘Coach 20-50’ and administering international competition.

The England Rock-It-Ball Association (ERIBA) is the sport’s NGB in England, established in 2007 and growing the sport steadily through a network of clubs and establishing play and competition within schools.

ERIBA manages the annual English National Rock-It-Ball League (ENRL) across regional conferences and other regionally based development.

FOR MORE INFORMATION To get involved visit www. playrock-it-ball.cominitiatives

Improving your customer retention HE RETENTION PEOPLE (TRP) are the world’s leading researchers in leisure customer retention. We use this research to drive product development into software, processes and training packages proven to increase customer participation and loyalty.

We are a niche business specialising solely in this area and are the worlds leading provider, working with many local authorities to improve the experience they can offer their customers.

Clients include Nottingham City Council, Leeds City Council and Glasgow City Council, as well as various private contractors and leisure trusts managing leisure facilities including SLM, Leisure Connection, Edinburgh Leisure, and Freedom Leisure.

We help clients on many levels, from improving customer

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service and interaction, through to strategic management planning and development. Our consultants and data analysts are recognised as leading their field in understanding and measuring customer retention.

Please visit our website www.theretentionpeople.com to learn more and to book a free consultation. We are running a series of free workshops at LIW, so if you are attending please book your place via the website or visit our stand, (front row of main concourse) on the day.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0845 6212001 Fax: 0845 6212002 E-mail: info@ theretentionpeople.com Web: www. theretentionpeople.com

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Total approach to toilets helps increase visitors ATEST FIGURES released by VisitEngland show overnight trips made by, or accompanied by, someone with a health impairment or condition accounted for a leisure industry spend of almost £1 billion in six months, and people with access needs account for 12 per cent of all overnight domestic trips. Further, under BS8300:2009 Accessible Building Design, it is now best practice to provide a “changing places” facility in any newbuild or refurbishment where large numbers of the public have access.

Yet research also shows that disabled people and their carers make a conscious decision not to visit somewhere if they feel they cannot “go to the loo” in a clean, safe, suitable environment.

To enable the leisure industry to efficiently capitalise on this market sector, and ensure effective compliance with the Standard, Total Hygiene, the UK’s leader in disabled toilet/washroom/ bathroom provision, has developed a unique package. Using expertise gained through over 40

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years’ in disabled toileting, the company can advise on regulatory requirements, plus design, install and service all elements needed to create an accessible washroom or “changing places” facility.

Says Robin Tuffley, Total Hygiene marketing manager: “There are some 1/4 million people in the UK who need the assistance of up to two carers to toilet. There are an estimated 10m people registered disabled. We all visit the toilet up to eight times a day. The potential market is therefore huge!”

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact: Robin Tuffley Tel: 0161 969 1199 E-mail: info@clos-o-mat.com Web: www.clos-o-mat.com

Experts in chem-feed and water treatment ROMINENT FLUID CONTROLS’ business unit Chemical Fluid Handling (CFH) develops, produces and markets components and complete systems for storage, transfer, metering, and neutralisation of liquid chemicals. Products are chemical storage tanks, chemical transfer pumps, metering pumps, instrumentation for monitoring, measurement, and control, complete metering systems and polymer preparation systems.

ProMaqua business unit (WTS) is focused on the following sectors and applications: food and beverage industry, drinking water supply, swimming pools, hotels as well as cooling water disinfection and combating legionella. The company offers complete system solutions making use of all current methods to treat water.

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The range of products and services includes chlorine dioxide systems, electrolysis systems, UV systems, ozone systems and membrane filtration systems as well as measurement, control and dosing technology.

Reliability is our main virtue. Therefore we heavily invest in research and development and keep a high degree of in-house production depth. This ensures an optimum standard of quality in our 15 manufacturing locations and makes us independent of fluctuations in the supplier market. All internal processes are certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001:2000.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01530 560555 Fax: 01530 560777 E-mail: sales@prominet.co.uk Web: www.prominent.co.uk

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Tried and Trusted Sometimes the Unexpected?

After 10 years of 'in field' experience e the Profihopper takes a further 'unexpected' cted' step cted We know that its performance in long ng grass, short grass, leaf collection and scarification ification has proven the Profihopper to be a true 'All Seasons' machine.

Now you have the option of a PPO FullBio Profihopper - not what you expected? d?

Contact us for more information and d explore the Amazone 'Unexpected' Groundcare machinery range.

sales@amazone.co.uk ama one co k

For over 85 years, Little Wonder has been the choice of professionals who demand top quality Today’s Little Wonder commercial debris management products , from truckloaders and high performance vacuums to the industry’s best walk behind blowers, continue the tradition of the Little Wonder brand as one of the world’s most innovative lines of professional quality landscaping equipment.

A broad range of Little Wonder Debris Management products will be shown at Saltex 2010, stand DAA37 To find out more about Little Wonder products or to find your nearest dealer, please visit our website www.littlewonder.uk.com Email: david.goose@mantisonline.net Intl Phone: 0044 (0)161 474 1525 Phone: 0800 840 0888 Fax: 0800 840 0889 Web: www.littlewonder.uk.com Mantis UK Limited, Orchard House, Hempshaw Lane, Stockport, Cheshire SK1 4LH Little Wonder products are distributed in the UK by Mantis UK Limited

Government Business | Volume 17.8

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LANDSCAPING & GROUNSDCARE

IOG SALTEX 2010 IOG SALTEX, the UK’s number one open space management event, is back at Windsor Racecourse 7-9 September IOG SALTEX IS THE UK’S only outdoor event for the groundscare, sports amenities, landscaping and estate management sectors, with an unrivalled reputation for ideas and innovation.

Launched as a groundscare show in 1938, it has grown in size and stature and now covers all aspects of the open space management industry.

This dynamic show features live demonstrations, tried and tested products as well as the latest innovations in groundscare, sports facilities, amenities, landscaping and estate management.

HISTORY OF IOG SALTEX IOG Saltex started humbly in 1938 at The Hurlingham Club in London with just 25 companies showing their products. Known as ‘The Field Day’ it was organised by the National Association of Groundsmen. After a break during the war years it restarted in 1947, at the same venue until 1965 when it moved to the London University Sportsground at Motspur Park.

IOG Saltex experienced considerable growth over the next 16 years and by 1979 the show’s expansion required a move to a bigger venue, The Royal Windsor Racecourse.

Now 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.

EVENT FEATURES A number of special feature areas will heighten the visitor experience at this year’s event. A host of companies are already booked into the newly-created Sports Zone, offering visitors a comprehensive range of products, advice and solutions to every conceivable sports equipment need. Located near the show’s South entrance, the IOG SALTEX Sports Zone will feature, for example, line markers as well as equipment and accessories for all major sports, including rain and frost covers.

An adrenalin-producing off-road 4x4 course will be staged by Polaris. Specially constructed, tested and marshalled by Polaris staff, the IOG SALTEX Polaris off-road 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 first hand a number of Polaris 4x4s, including the new all-electric Ranger EV,

ABOUT IOG SALTEX 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. The show is attended by open space management professionals and contractors – from groundsmen and greenkeepers through to play officers, architects, designers and surveyors as well as local authority and outdoor leisure facility managers. the world’s first 4x4 electric utility vehicle.

The vehicle has the largest battery pack in the industry (11.5kW) and the longest range of any alectric midsize – the 30HP electric motor produces a 35-45 mile range, a top speed of 25mph and two hours of riding time between charges. It also has a 567kgs towing capacity and a 225kgs Lock and Ride cargo box.

Commenting on the development, Phil Everett, Polaris country manager, said: “Our decision to sponsor this major feature at IOG SALTEX is part

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Zallys UK

LOOKING TO REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT? Zallys UK can offer an inexpensive, safe and clean solution to your materials handling requirements.

Manufacturer & Supplier of

PRODUCTS FOR SPORT Mark Harrod Ltd is one of the UK’s leading sports manufacturers. The 2010/11 68-page catalogue is your best bet for everything sporty, including British-made goals, training aids and shelters.

Order your copy today.

We offer a range of electric vehicles to suit many applications.

Our range include: Pedestrian controlled tugs, tow trucks, and various flat bed vehicles which can be customised to suit your needs.

Our range of electric vehicles boast a fantastic 8 hour battery life, to suit the average working day and a towing capacity of up to a massive 1000kg!

For further information or to discuss your requirements please call or email us on:

T: 05600 759558 (Local Rate) E: sales@zallysuk.net W: www.zallysuk.net Zallys UK is a trading name of Pasquali Tractors UK Ltd

Goals make games. We make goals.

Talk to Mark on 01502 710039 or visit markharrod.com

exclusively from

A wide range of Hedgecutters & Verge Mowers to suit different applications WIN A BRAND-NEW HEDGECUTTER! go to

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Welded Mesh - Wire Netting - Security Fencing Chain Link - Bird Products - Dog Products Moncaster Wire Products Ltd. Cavatorta House Tattershall Way Fairfield Industrial Estate Louth, Lincolnshire LN11 0YZ Tel: (01507) 600666 Fax: (01507) 600499

SALT

W03EX

Government Business | Volume 17.8

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LANDSCAPING & GROUNSDCARE

SHOW DATES & TIMES Tue 7 September 9am-5pm Wed 8 September 9am-5pm Thurs 9 September 9am-4:15pm

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 SLATEX 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.”

DEMONSTRATIONS In addition, an exciting, informative and comprehensive series of demonstrations, workshops and seminars will be held to meet the wide-ranging aboriculturalists who visit this year’s show.

Working closely with aboricultural specialists BTS Group in the World of Arb area of the show, there will be a daily programme of tree climbing/access and rescue demonstrations, walk-in ‘ask the BTS expert’ workshops, as well as a display of products needed for safe and effective tree surgery – focusing on equipment for working at height efficiency,

effectively and safely. In addition, the schedule of free seminars taking place in the Grandstand will also include sessions dedicated to the aboriculture industry.

The BTS programme of live demonstrations will include best practice routines for: • Access – climbed versus platform, highlighting health and safety issues as well as the efficacy of the alternative routines/methods • Aerial rescue techniques – focusing

Electric burden carriers helping to lower carbon footprint ALLYS UK specialises in the sales of electric materials handling/burden carrying vehicles.

Our range includes pedestrian controlled pull/push tugs, towing trucks and various flat bed vehicles that can be customised to suit the application required.

Our range of vehicles boast a fantastic eight hour battery life and they have a towing capacity of up to a massive 1,000kg. These vehichles offer a safe, clean, quiet, low maintenance solution to an endless number of applications.

Electric material handling vehicles are an easy, inexpensive way for companies to reduce

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thier carbon footprint and reduce health & safety risks.

Zallys UK is a small family run business, we pride ourselves on providing a personal service with outstanding customer relations.

Call us to discuss any requirements your organisation may have and we will do our upmost to offer you an eco friendly, labour saving way forward.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 05600 759558 (local rate) M: 07528 951991 E-mail: sales@zallysuk.net Web: www.zallysuk.net

on accident and emergency routines when close to electricity/power lines.

Elsewhere at the show, aborists will be able to view and discuss a wide range of appropriate equipment, from harnesses through to skyhigh access platforms, from other exhibitors.

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

Mantis and Little Wonder come together EE MANTIS and Little Wonder equipment in one booth at Saltex 2010 (DAA37/A).

Demo the famous Mantis Tiller and see the impressive line of Little Wonder Commercial Debris Management Equipment including blowers, debris vacuum and TruckLoaders.

Mantis gardening equipment includes: • The famous 4-stroke petrol-powered and electric powered tiller/cultivator • The dual-chamber ComposT-Twin composter Little Wonder debris equipment includes: • SHO & Optimax Walk-Behind Blowers – Through an exclusive centrifugal blower design, Little Wonder blowers generate a greater volume of air than traditional flat blade impellers resulting in exceptional air output.

• The High Performance Vac combines exceptional suction and a unique debris

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reduction system to make kerb, garden and yard debris emoval quick and easy.

• The Shredding TruckLoader makes quick work of the largest piles of debris. An advanced impeller and housing design produce increased suction power.

Little Wonder products are now distributed through Mantis UK Limited, longtime factory affiliate and distributor of Mantis brand gardening and yard care equipment. Dealership opportunities are now available.

FOR MORE INFORMATION To learn more about Mantis and Little Wonder brand products or to become an authorised dealer, visit Saltex 2010 Booth DAA37/A. Tel: 0800 840 0888 Fax: 0800 840 0889 E-mail: david.goose@ mantisonline.net Web: www.mantisdealer.co.uk www.littlewonder.uk.com

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Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Amazone – the Goals make games specialists in groundcare – we make goals and agriculture M OMETIMES, you think you “know” what a manufacturer’s grounds maintenance product range offers but it is easy to miss the unexpected opportunities.

Amazone uses its expertise to develop an extensive product range – both in groundcare and agriculture. For example, making available its sophisticated computer spreading technology for the E+S spreader range or equipping its ZG-B bulk spreader with 7 tonne sand spreading capabilities.

This approach also applies to product development – the unique Profihopper can now be specified in FULL Bio (super green). Just as the new GHS Drive Groundkeepers offers increased productivity through increased lift height, tipping efficiency and the option of 40kph transport speeds.

But it’s also fair to say that “real world” feedback from operators plays a very important part in the evolvement of the range so whether it’s turf maintenance,

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top-dressing, reseeding, leaf collecting, fertilising, etc., Amazone always fits the bill.

So don’t be afraid to ask us a question or visit our website www.amazone.co.uk where you can download operator books, look up spare parts information or to watch videos of the various machine working – all free of charge.

admirable forethought, this has been developed in a range of colours, allowing teams to customise their goals.

Mark Harrod said: “Traditional net hooks have always been a headache when using freestanding goals. They can twist and turn with every goal before finally falling off and creating an instant safety hazard. Finding and replacing them is a timeconsuming and frustrating task.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION The Netlok, Soccerena and a wide range of other sporting equipment can be found at www.markharrod.co.uk or in the newly released 2010/2011 catalogue.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01302 751200 Fax: 01302 751202 E-mail: joe.weston@ amazone.co.uk Web: www.amazone.de or www.amazone.co.uk

Moncaster Wire Products – mesh and netting materials ONCASTER WIRE Products

M is an organisation based

in rural Louth, Lincolnshire, which specialises in the supply of a range of wire products, including chain link and security fencing, as well as light welded mesh, wire netting and stock fence, as just a few examples of our expansive product range.

The Moncaster business has been established for over 30 years and has developed as a market-leading supplier of a wide range of wire products, cages and accessories.

During this time our range of products has been continuously expanded, enabling us to provide the most comprehensive service to our diverse customer base – nationwide.

Today we are part of a major European based industrial group, Cavatorta, with the resources to further extend our product range and our customers whilst retaining our basic philosophy of supplying quality, value for money

ARK HARROD LTD is one of Britain’s top sporting equipment manufacturers, making football, hockey and rugby goals and training aids for every type of team from Premier league to local club.

Recent innovations include the transportable football pitch ‘Mark Harrod Soccerena’, an innovative self weighted hockey goal, and an extensive range of state-of-the-art goals, shelters and sports equipment to help teams enjoy a successful season.

Mark Harrod Ltd has also patented a world-first: the NetLok, a trio of clips that slots into aluminium goalposts and crossbars and provide unbeatable net security. With

Get the chance to win a hedgecutter with RECO FAMILY OWNED company based in Huntingdon, RECO supplies quality agricultural, groundcare and amenity equipment through an extensive dealer network throughout the UK. Groundcare and amenity brands include: Kioti compact tractors and utility vehicles, Grasshopper Zero-Turn mowers, Ferri hedgecutters and verge mowers, Schulte rotary mowers and Maschio rotary cultivators.

Agricultural brands include: Sulky fertiliser spreaders and seed drills, Maschio power harrows, Ferri hedgecutters and verge mowers, Fella mowers, tedders and rakes, Strautmann mixer wagons, Forage wagons and muck spreaders and Schulte rotary cutters. Visit the RECO stand W03 at SALTEX to find out more about

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products at competitive prices.

In addition, we are constantly seeking to create new concepts and new ideas that we believe will be of both practical and economic value to our customers.

Our policy is to be able, in the main, to supply our products from stock for immediate dispatch, underlying our overall approach to customer service.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01507 600666 Fax: 01507 600499 Web: www.moncaster.co.uk E-mail: sales@moncaster.co.uk

the products RECO can supply.

To celebrate the launch of a new series of Ferri Hedgecutters, RECO is offering Government Business readers the chance to win a brand-new Hedgecutter for use in 2011! Visit the website for more information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01480 455151 Fax: 01480 452116 E-mail: sales@reco.co.uk Web: www.reco.co.uk

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Reduce

your recycling collection costs

Why spend time and money sorting this out...

When you could

collect it separately in the first place?

Materials sorted at the kerbside attract a better price from reprocessors and WRAP research shows that kerbside sorting can reduce the net per tonne cost of recycling collections.

This approach significantly improves quality and reduces contamination, ensuring the public can have confidence that the recycling service provided makes the most of the materials set out.

To find out more and talk to UK reprocessors visit us on stand 1972 at RWM or go to www.realrecycling.org.uk

Government Business | Volume 17.8

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RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR WASTE RWM sets the trend this autumn with recycled textile fashion shows and a new waste minimisation zone UP AND COMING ECO-DESIGNERS will be sending their latest looks down the catwalk at the Recycling and Waste Management Exhibition (14 to 16 September, NEC, Birmingham) this year. Sponsored by BCR Global Textiles, Chris Carey’s Collections, I&G Cohen Limited and the Salvation Army Trading Company (SATCoL), the first ever RWM fashion shows will showcase the exciting design possibilities presented by the fastest growing element in the UK’s waste stream.

Meanwhile in the Waste Minimisation Zone (sponsored by Rubbermaid Commercial Products), councils can find out how re-use through a service called Freegle could save them money and how roadside gully waste could generate revenue for them. Councils that have reduced commercial and industrial waste to landfill will be sharing their secrets and Dr Michael Warhurst, senior campaigner on resource use at Friends of the Earth will explore the role of tax and funding, looking at how legislation and policy could improve resource efficiency in the UK. THE FORUM AND RWM CATWALK Fast fashion comes at a price to the environment. According to the Department for the Environment Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), the UK buys over two million tonnes of clothes each year (worth a staggering £34 billion) but nearly half of this ends up in landfill where it slowly biodegrades producing methane, a greenhouse gas 21 times more powerful than carbon dioxide.

Just 24 per cent is currently recycled.

The recycled materials market is, however, thriving thanks to companies and organisations that collect textiles on behalf of local authorities, waste management companies and charities, saving thousands of tonnes of clothes, shoes and household textiles from landfill, while raising money for charity and setting new trends in eco-friendly fashion.

SATCoL is the UK’s largest textile recycler. Of the 3,000 tonnes of unwanted clothing donated to SATCoL every month, only five tonnes go to landfill and 96 per cent are reused or recycled.

Paul Ozanne, SATCoL’s national recycling coordinator, said: “With thousands of visitors each year, RWM is a fantastic opportunity to meet prospective partners that can work with us to divert as much clothing as possible away from landfill. We currently have around 4,200 clothing banks throughout the UK and our target is 5,000. Attending big events such as RWM is a very important step in helping us to achieve this.” He continues: “We are also

delighted to be sponsoring the catwalk for the thrice daily fashion shows, which will add glamour to the event and demonstrate just what can be achieved with recycled materials and a bit of creativity. With awareness of the problem of global warming increasing, the recycled materials market is thriving and I am sure the shows will attract plenty of attention.”

UP AND COMING TALENT The young designers whose work will be showcased at RWM include Emmeline Childs for SATCoL and Tanique Coburn for Chris Carey’s Collections. Christine Carey, managing director of Chris Carey’s Collections said: “RWM unites the recycling and waste community like no other show. It always benefits us to be there simply because we get to talk to the right people in the industry, be it suppliers and contractors or potential new business. We are delighted to

The recycled materials market is thriving thanks to companies and organisations which collect textiles on behalf of local authorities, waste management companies and charities, saving thousands of tonnes of clothes, shoes and household textiles from landfill, while raising money for charity and setting new trends in eco-friendly fashion be involved in the catwalk show this year and our talented young designer, Tanique Coburn, will be showcasing an amazing collection using textiles from Chris Carey’s Collections.”

Collections designed by Nicola Sault, managing director, Grandma Takes A Trip who works with BCR Global Textiles will also feature on the RWM Catwalk. Nicola says: “Not only will the catwalk show celebrate just how attractive fashion made from recyclable materials can be, but also all the hard work, preparation and skill involved in turning previously unwanted garments into something desirable again.

We also believe that sustainability should extend into other areas of the business. In particular we have our own ‘made right here’ philosophy, where all the processes involved in making the clothes are done in-house, which retains skills within our local community, something that we are especially proud of.”

I&G Cohen will be showing designs from Tracey Cliffe whose Love Me Again collection

includes bodycon dresses made from old T-shirts and swimsuits. Phil Geller, financial director of I&G Cohen, said: “I&G Cohen Limited is very proud to participate in a fashion show with a local designer creating new and exciting styles from used and reconstructed clothing. It is a different, fun and exciting way to promote textile recycling. We feel honoured to be a part of this creative world, as designers who work with recycled clothing play a vital role in creating ethical, environmentally friendly designs whilst contributing to the economy. The market for fast fashion remains strong; however, in these difficult economic times the case to reduce and reuse our limited resources is stronger than ever.

“RWM is the flagship event of the industry and we are delighted to be showcasing our bespoke services this year. I&G Cohen Limited is really excited to sponsor an innovative event like the catwalk show. We think this is a brilliant way to further raise the profile and awareness of textile recycling across the industry and to the wider public

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www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

Sports structures from Collinson MODERN NEW sports hall can become a reality with a Challenger™ Sports Structure from Collinson. We can offer a bespoke design and build package, and facilities can be erected at a fraction of the time and cost of a conventional building, making them an affordable solution for schools, colleges, academies, universities and clubs at all levels.

The pre-fabricated steel frame is covered with a translucent tensioned PVC membrane available in a range of colours, with optional exterior cladding. The diffused natural light system reduces the need for additional lighting and the membrane can even be printed with your school or club logo.

Up to 100m clear span, they can be used for a multitude of sports and can be multi-purpose or sport

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specific. Optional ancillary rooms can also be added for changing, storage or to make that dance studio a reality. Recent projects completed include Plymstock School in Plymouth, Devon and Stanground College in Peterborough.

For those wishing to cover an existing outdoor games area or MUGA, Collinson is pleased to introduce MugaCova™. Like Challenger, MugaCova™ has a steel frame with translucent membrane roof, and the fully enclosed perimeter steel mesh fence enables play to continue outside whatever the weather.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01995 606451 Fax: 01995 605503 E-mail: nic.smith@collinson.co.uk Web: www.collinson.co.uk

Government Business | Volume 17.8

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT

beyond. Textiles have for far too long been the poor relation of recyclable materials.”

WASTE MINIMISATION ZONE The highlights of day one (14 September) will include Dr Michael Warhurst’s session (Friends of the Earth), which in addition to addressing monetary and legislative issues will also examine incineration versus recycling, waste to energy conversion and waste prevention recommendations. Local authority visitors can also pick up some essential new guidance for dealing with Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) plants, which will be unveiled during the presentation by Steve Newton, materials recycling manager at the Waste & Resources Action Programme in the session that follows.

WRAP will also be heavily involved on day two (15 September) when waste and recycling advisor, Helen Bird offers a progress update about how local authorities are reducing commercial and industrial waste to landfill, while offering advice on where further improvements could be made.

Day three (16 September) will begin with an introduction to the online resource sharing service called Freegle. Cat Fletcher and Edward Hibbert, elected volunteer representatives for Freegle, will highlight its effectiveness in

encouraging members to share and re-use resources which would otherwise have ended up in landfill, and demonstrate how the promoting of recycling in the local community can ultimately save local authorities money.

In the afternoon, Shaun Morely, head of waste management, Wandsworth Borough Council will offer a practical case study outline about how this local authority managed to reduce municipal waste by 40 per cent. It will also examine how this was achieved looking at areas including trade waste, the distinction between directable and non-directable municipal solid wastes, on-site composting of parks maintenance waste, the differential weighbridge charging system, its policy of re-charging for the collection cost for Schedule 2 waste (garden waste, bulky items, schools etc) and the long term promotion of home composting.

In the day’s final session Dr Richard Coulton, managing director of Siltbuster will explore roadside gully waste. Dr Coulton will begin by outlining the current and future landfill costs if road waste remains untreated before examining the potential new revenue streams for local authorities through the re-use of this material, which could also help them to reach their recycling targets.

Complete the form on

OPENING HOURS Tuesday 14 September 9.30am – 4.30pm Wednesday 15 September 9.30am – 4.30pm Thursday 16 September 9.30am – 4.00pm 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.

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 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.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.rwmexhibition.com

Waste management data collection systems

Funding for the waste and recycling sector

ARTEC SYSTEMS is a UK market leader for waste management and data collection systems, supplying a number of local authorities. Its award winning Waste Collector unifies all aspects of waste collection operations, from refuse vehicle crews, to waste departments and customer call centres, providing near real time information and helping to reduce management time and vehicle running costs. Currently working in conjunction with 25 councils, Bartec Systems continues to expand its range of waste applications through partnering, resulting in a complete back office system for household and trade waste operations.

Key benefits of Waste Collector include: • More customer service enquiries can be answered on the first phone call to the call centre • Team can be kept in contact with collection crews, safely and efficiently • Vehicle mileage can be reduced with lower operating costs and carbon emissions.

STABLISHED in 1986, LDF Supplier Finance is a leader in the provision of tailored funding solutions designed specifically for the recycling and waste sector.

Through our longtenured and trusted links to a great number of leading funding houses, we are best placed to provide you and your customers with the finance required to invest in new or replacement business equipment.

LDF Supplier Finance is also an approved leasing company offering finance to the recycling industry under the eQuip scheme, providing an effective means for small to medium sized companies companies operating within the recycling industry to secure finance on both new and used equipment.

Funding can be arranged for almost any requirement, from crushers and compactors to

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• Customer database (UPRNs) updated automatically every day • Safety and compliance monitored with total visibility of routes, weights and speeds • Recycling initiatives can be targeted and results measured at household and street level • Wheeled bin costs can be cut by retrieving illegal bins and reducing losses.

Bartec Systems is a division of Bartec Auto ID.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Call Bartec Systems to discuss how we can help you achieve efficiencies in your area.

Bartec Auto ID Ltd Tel: 01226 209209 Web: www.bartec-systems.com

large scale vehicles and plant.

Furthermore we can prove that enhamced cash flow management is achieved when purchasing via asset finance.

For further information on how asset finance can benefit you and your customers, please visit our website.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01244 525410 E-mail: info@finance forsuppliers.co.uk Web: www.finance forsuppliers.co.uk

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Peterborough City Council Government Business Award for Waste Management 2010 APSE Award for Best Value Refuse Collection 2009 PAWRS Award for Best Local Authority 2010 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

www.peterborough.gov.uk

Government Business | Volume 17.8

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sponsored by

RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT

EXCELLENCE IN RECYCLING AND WASTE MANAGEMENT This year’s Plant And Waste Recycling Awards recognised successful projects that reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill across the UK THE PLANT AND WASTE RECYCLING Show at Paignton was held on 8-10 June 2010 in glorious sunshine and was some 35 per cent larger in space and exhibitors than 2009. What’s more, already many of this year’s exhibitors have confirmed they are coming back for next year’s event on 7-9 June 2011.

The quality of visitors was high with local authorities and business people. Delegates and exhibitors enjoyed the great networking opportunities in the glorious English Riviera weather, with many going home with suntans.

The Campaign for Real Recycling were at the show in the conference suite for three days. And the Resource and Loop Group, in conjunction with May Gurney and Torbay Council, promoted the treatment of waste as a resource, as well as recycling to save using new resources from the planet.

PAWRS also worked with many exhibitors to ensure this message gets out there and to make sure visitors came to see the people, technologies, plant and equipment that will change the world in the treatment of waste and recycling.

All in all the PAWRS Eco Team, led by Richard Hunt, look forward to next June to see all their friends back at the best show at the best venue in the country for networking and business – at a price everyone can afford.

We look forward to seeing exhibitors old and new at the most competitive exhibition in Europe.

AWARDS EVENING The Plant And Waste Recycling Awards recognise successful projects that are reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill across the UK. The awards evening held in the Imperial Hotel, Torquay was a roaring success and was attended by 160 local authority officers and business people. The awards were compered

by John McDonald, the famous Sky Sports presenter, and handed out by John Conteh ex-light heavyweight World Champion, who also did a great after dinner address.

The Plant And Waste Recycling Awards aim is to promote industry innovation and excellence.

The awards ceremony was held on Wednesday 9 June at the Torbay Suite, Barcelo Imperial Hotel, Torquay. The event was hugely supported by our sponsors who included headline sponsors BMC PLC and others including ISUZU TRUCKS, BML Utilities – a heavy cable recovery/recycling company based in London Colney – =Systematic Services, and Wheelie Bin Direct just to name a few. We would like to express our thanks to all of the sponsors for their ongoing support of the exhibition and also the first year of the awards.

The evening began with a pre-ceremony drink hosted by our headline sponsors BMC

PAWRS provided an ideal platform for local authorities and private sector organisations to form partnerships – important as recycling and waste management is an industry where cross sector working and liaisons are essential in order for the many innovative projects to realise their potential

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VL TEST SYSTEMS LIMITED Automobile Safety Testing Equipment - Test Lanes

Worldwide Solution Providers on Vehicle Safety and Emissions Testing Systems Suspension/Roller Brake Testers • Caravan Brake Simulators • Head-light Beam Testers • Diesel Smoke Testers • Brake Data Software • Roller Brake Testers • Suspension Testers • Emission Testers • Side Slip Testers • Brake Time Measuring Devices • Research and Development • Under Carriage Inspection • Above Carriage Inspection • Software Development • Mobile Vehicle Testers • Diesel Smoke Testers • Speedometer Testers • Test Lane Computers • Free Roller Sets • Play Detectors and more.........

V L Test Systems specialise in providing the new VOSA Authorised Test facilities (ATF's - previously known as Designated Test Lanes) and are happy to assist you with design, gaining approval, installation or managing the whole project for you

3/4 Middle Slade, Buckingham Industrial Park, Buckingham, Bucks MK18 1WA United Kingdom T: +44 (0) 1280 822488 F: +44 (0) 1280 822489 Email: sales@vltestuk.com

Government Business | Volume 17.8

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sponsored by

RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT

PAWRS AWARDS 2010 WINNERS • Industry Innovation Award: Automatrics • Waste Management Product of the year: Zoeller • Waste & Recycling Vehicle of the year: Dennis Eagle • Health & Safety Innovation: Swindon Commercial Services • Food Waste Award: Resource Futures (South West Waste Recycling Forum) • Waste Fleet of the Year: Collett Transport • Local Authority of the Year: Peterborough City Council • Recycling Awareness Award: Cornwall Council • Municipal Vehicle Rental Co of the year: WCR Vehicle Hire Limited • Private Sector Waste Management: Billie Bowie PLC on the grand balcony overlooking the bay. Following this, the 160 people party then moved on to the Torbay Suite for the awards, starting with a welcome message from Mr Richard Hunt, chairman of PAWRS & PAWRS Awards. He then introduced the deputy mayor of Torbay for his pre-dinner welcome speech.

After the wonderful four course gourmet meal the two celebrity presenters, Mr John McDonald and boxing legend Mr John Conteh took to the stage to begin the ceremony and reveal the winners before presenting the awards.

AWARD CATERGORIES The awards were divided into three categories – Public Sector Awards (local and central government departments), Private Sector Awards (private sector organisations concerned with waste management & recycling practices), and Industry Awards (organisations that manufacture products and provide services for use in recycling/waste management).

The public sector received many nominations from all over the UK. Peterborough City Council won the Local Authority of the Year Award, their second award win this year after winning the Recycling Awareness Award at the Government Business Awards held at the Emirates Stadium in March. Cornwall Council also celebrated after winning the Recycling Awareness Award, and Resource Futures – South West Waste Recycling Forum (SWWRF) scooped the Food Waste Award.

The private sector and industry awards were also very popular with a vast array of

High quality vehicle testing equipment L TEST SYSTEMS LTD design, manufacture, install and provide after sales for their range of high tech high quality vehicle testing equipment.

Probably best known in the UK for our brake testers that have been in daily use in VOSA GVTS for nearly 20 years, we also have over 2,000 units in daily use worldwide.

Besides supplying VOSA we have a contract with the Ministry of Defence to supply a specially developed Brake Tester to MOD locations worldwide, with installations located in Canada, The Falklands, Cyprus, Kenya, Gibraltar.

We also specialise in planning and installing the new VOSA approved ATF’s (Authorised Test Facilities) or Designated Test Lanes as they used to be known.

We take care of every stage from helping you gain approval, planning, design, installation an after sales and we will even liase with VOSA for you if you wish.

We can supply VOSA approved

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companies nominated. Zoeller won the Waste Management Product of the Year Award, AUTOMATRICS won the Industry Innovation Award, while Swindon Commercial Services had their name on the Health and Safety Innovation Award. Well done Billie Bowie on winning the private sector waste management award and congratulations to all of the winners.

(See box for a full list of the award winners).

A TIME FOR CELEBRATION All in all the PAWRS Awards were a huge success and greatly enjoyed by all attendees. It provided an ideal platform for local authorities and private sector organisations to form partnerships – important as recycling and waste management is an industry where cross sector working and liaisons are essential in order for the many innovative projects to realise their potential. As the awards are in conjunction with the PAWRS exhibition, visitors to the event also got the opportunity to peruse the latest solutions in plant and machinery, and all aspects of recycling and waste management.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.pawrs.com

Engineering the evolution in waste container technology S THE NAME SUGGESTS we are specialist suppliers of wheeled waste containers and our customers include local councils, health authorities, waste and recycling contractors and numerous other types of businesses.

The private individual is an important part of our customer base and with our commitment to ‘Trade prices to the Public’ coupled with reliable deliveries to homes and business’s throughout England, Wales and Scotland we are fast becoming a market leader.

Whatever your application, be it as straight forward refuse collection points, secure clinical waste storage or bottle, paper, scrap and even liquid storage we will from our vast stock be able to offer the appropriate size and colour.

Manufacturer of plastic domestic and commercial sized waste containers 120, 140, 240, 360,66D, and 1100 litre. One stop shop in-house manufacturer of pattern

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equipment for testing all types of vehicles from motor cycles and three wheelers up to 120 tonne tank transporters.

If you have a requirement or just require information from a single piece of equipment to a full test lane which is backed up by our own factory trained fleet of service engineers please do not hesitate to contact us.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Address: 3-4 Middle Slade, Buckingham Industrial Park, Buckingham MK18 1WA Tel: 01280 822488 Fax: 01280 822489 E-mail: brian@vltestuk.com

lids to fit all galvanised steel bins irrespective of the manufacturer.

Sizes 1280,1100, 770,660, and 94D litre available in trade and recycling versions.

We offer a container refurbishment service collected and returned, new lid resprayed – looking like new at £70 +VAT.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Address: 22 Hainge Road, Oldbury, Birmingham, west midlands, B69 2NH Tel: 0870 242 0172 Fax: 0870 2420175 E-mail: info@wheelie bindirect.co.uk Web: www.wheelie bindirect.co.uk

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

77

Wheelie Bin Direct introduce new industry standard all refurbished metal containers will be powder coated.

Refurbishment specification:• Container steam cleaned • All parts removed • Shot blast all 5 external panels • Weld splits in radius corners front and back and splits under comb section • Reshape into square and press panels that have been crushed • Realign comb section and castor brackets then re-weld • Powder coated as per the original manufacturers specification not wet sprayed – 10,000 colours available take the opportunity to re-brand your image • New lockable WBD manufactured lids compatible will all metal types of bins • Existing castors and new castors fitted as required • New logo fitted • Delivered back to depot on our own tail lift vehicles

Cost @ £75.00 + vat each for trade and domestic waste containers Cost @ £87.00 + vat each for recycling containers Delivery lead time is 5-7 working days from receipt of an official purchase order.

WBD, Wheelie Bin Direct Ltd, 22 Hainge Road, Oldbury, West Midlands B69 2NH.

Tel: 0870 242 0172 Fax: 0870 242 0175 E-mail: info@wheeliebindirect.co.uk Web: www.wheeliebindirect.co.uk

Government Business | Volume 17.8

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT

TANKER AND WASTE DISPOSAL SERVICES Billy Bowie Special Projects Limited is a well established Scottish company providing a broad range of services and skills to local authorities and industry throughout the UK BILLY BOWIE SPECIAL PROJECTS Limited, operates Facilities in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, St Helens, Cheshire and Ecclesfield, Yorkshire.

These include tanker services, waste collection, segregation, recycling and processing. With a modern fleet of vehicles that includes vacuum tankers from 10m3 to 33m3, disab units, jet/vac units, Simon Moos dewatering units, JHL Units, walking floor/ejector trailers, hook loaders and chain lift vehicles. From the humble beginnings of one vehicle 20 years ago the Billy Bowie Special Project Limited has invested over £5 million in the past five years to help us become one of the best waste management service providers in the UK with a fleet of over 100 vehicles, trailers and plant.

QUALITY POLICY The company has a quality policy and is accredited to ISO 9001:2008 (Certificate No GBG00/52194) ensuring the quality procedures are in place these are reviewed via internal and external audit to ensure they are effective and relevant to the various operations of our business.

The company also has a comprehensive Environmental Policy that is accredited to ISO 14001:2004 (Certificate NoGB09/76521).

Our In vessel Composting Facility has enabled us to divert waste from our transfer Station Facility assisting in the long term aim of landfill diversion, the product from the composting facility is accredited to PAS100:2005(cert No PR191). The IVC is authorised to accept Animal Byproducts (Cat3), which will assist our existing customer base as previously we were transporting the various waste stream to disposal outlets in the north of England, thus now reducing the overall cost of the service we provide.

PARTNERSHIP Billy Bowie Special Projects has adopted a partnership approach to helping its customers.

This involves regular meetings to discuss all areas of the business, which in turn can assist both. As part of our partnership approach we are now monitoring health and safety on various sites – we visit to the extent that we issue all our drivers with incident accident forms on a daily basis. This information is then passed to the customer on a monthly report form.

We can also give details of vehicle movements. Each one of our vehicles has been fitted with Tom Tom Trackers so we can share the information gained from these reports to our customers.

Key messages regarding the service and the company ethos are highlighted to staff through an internal training programme covering such areas as Induction Interviews, Environmental Awareness, Health and Safety. We have recently been working closely with the Glasgow Training Group to roll out the New Drivers CPC courses throughout the company to ensure that all our drivers will be fully compliant when the new regulation is implemented.

All vehicles are for hire with company operators or self drive. At Billy Bowie Special Projects Limited we are constantly upgrading our fleet by doing this it allows us to sell on some of our older vehicles extending their life cycle. The company’s services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Billy Bowie Special Projects Limited Moorfield Industrial Estate, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire KA2 0BA Tel: 01563 549 049 Fax: 01563 549 949 Web: www.billybowietankers.co.uk

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Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

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Office Broadcall

> Save up to 65% on your call costs > Line rental from only £5 a month > Voice, Text and Data bundles available > Calls to other Office Mobile users only 3p per minute > Calls to UK landlines just 5p per minute.

>Superfast broadband connection >Line rental included >40GB monthly data allowance >Low call charges >Free connection >Save over 60% per year >Free wireless router >Free email anti-spam Free email anti-virus.

Office Phone > Unlimited free calls to other Club members > Save up to 85% on your call charges > Save up to 10% on your line rental > Capped local & national calls. Just 9p up to one hour > Capped calls to UK mobiles and international destinations.

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0800 988 5662 www.savingeveryday.co.uk Office Phone: their Standard Tariff offers UK national call prices up to 85% cheaper than the equivalent BT cost. All customers receive a 10% discount against BT’s standard business line rental.

Office Mobile: Calls to mobiles on other networks are charged at 10p per minute outside your bundle, which is around 65% cheaper than other networks charge for a cross-network call.

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Office Internet > Unlimited downloads > Free wireless router available > Free connection.

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0800 988 5662 www.savingeveryday.co.uk 80

the year Automatrics boasts a 98 per cent after theft recovery Office Broadcall record. Automatrics >Superfast broadband connection is a member of the >Line Off Highways Plantrental included >40GB monthly data allowance and Equipment >Low call charges Research Centre, >Free connection with services listed over 60% per year >Save on the Construction point of view, the Mtrack units are >Free wireless router Plant Association, a godsend,” says Fraser Tool Hire’s >Free Construction email anti-spam Free email anti-virus.

Industry Theft Solutions general manager, Office Non-Geographic NumbersMichael Lydon. and Thatcham websites.

“They are totally independent of > Free set-up The Mtrack technology delivers the machine they are fitted to and, > No minimum monthly commitment an ever evolving important being magnetic and roughly the > No and minimum contract term. covert fit choice for customers size of a cigarette packet, they Office Energy to protect skips plant contract term can be moved from asset to asset, > Noand minimum equipment >through its patented even to items without a power Keep the same pipes and meters > No interruption to your source supply. battery powered tracking such as trailers. The level technologies. Mtrack is the only of service from Automatrics can battery-powered recovery tracker only be described as exemplary.” to have ever won Insurance FOR MORE INFORMATION accreditation from Thatcham.

The system is monitored 24/7 Automatrics Limited, to alarm and track any asset for Forum 3 Solent Business illegal movement, out of area Park Hants. PO15 7FH or out of country. What our Tel: 01329 663812 customers say: “From a hirer’s Web: www.mtrackonline.co.uk

Office Phone: their Standard Tariff offers UK national call prices up to 85% cheaper than the equivalent BT cost. All customers receive a 10% discount against BT’s standard business line rental.

Office Mobile: Calls to mobiles on other networks are charged at 10p per minute outside your bundle, which is around 65% cheaper than other networks charge for a cross-network call.

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

Red Forge Ltd – leading the weigh BASED M IDLANDS company, Red Forge Ltd, is keen to promote the education of both drivers and fleet managers in the subject of overloading.

Although publicity on the subject of LCV overloading has only recently become well known, Red Forge has been fitting systems to vans and similar sized vehicles since early 1984.

The latest version, LimitliteTM Plus, offers not only front and rear but also GVW protection against overloads. The weight range has also been expanded, allowing vehicles up to 8.2 tonnes to have a system installed from prices of less than £1,000.

The recent demand for

traceability has led to the development of sophisticated telematics systems that can provide real-time data from the vehicle during its working life. By integration with the systems, all of the Red Forge Axle Load Indicator range can be used to provide weight data remotely, either to the office or as text message and e-mail warnings. This gives the fleet manager a powerful tool for ensuring that his vehicles are running within their legal limits.

Red Forge will be attending the RWM show in September this year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01527 526112 Web: www.redforge.co.uk

Low cost utilities for the public sector HE UTILITY WAREHOUSE Discount Club for Business has been providing low-cost utilities to businesses across the UK since 2005.

The Utility Warehouse is operated by Telecom plus PLC, a major British company listed on the London Stock Exchange and licensed by Ofgem. Telecom plus was named Company of the Year at the highly prestigious PLC awards in 2009.

Business Club customers benefit from substantial savings on a wide range of essential utility services including: landline and mobile telephony, internet, nongeographic numbers (eg. 0844 and 0871), gas and electricity.

Business Club customers can choose to take as many services as they wish – all on one bill.

Unlike many other utility suppliers, the Utility Warehouse’s award-winning customer service center is located right here in the UK. So, should you need to

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contact them, you can rest assured that you will be speaking with a highly trained adviser who will deal with your query personally, professionally and as quickly as possible. We would like to commend the PAWRS team for putting together a well organised and successful event, which we will be attending next year.

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

S6400 road sweeper leads industry with 3,650mm sweep width TOCKS’ NEW S6400 road sweeper, brings new standards of cost, practicality and reliability to road sweeping and street cleaning. Industry leading features include a sweep width of 3,650mm and 1,400 litres of on-board water to maximise daily surface coverage. Built on a DAF chassis, standard equipment includes, for example, dual sweep brush systems, high pressure water system, overhead wander hose, reverse cameras and safety features such as beacons and pulsed radar sensors. Many more efficiency and safety extras are installed as standard – all within the on-the-road price.

Maintenance and ease of operation are also priorities. The roof-mounted wander hose can be greased from ground level and the cab includes compact, ergonomic control panels to minimise operator distraction.

The latest techniques have been used to ensure maximum life and reliability, with stainless steel and powder coated critical surfaces.

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High performance sweeping is guaranteed. Sweeping at speeds of up to 16 km/h with a and sweep width of 3,650mm, the S6400 can sweep many roads in a single pass, and easily picks up larger deposits such as gravel, hardcore and cans. The dual water systems are equally effective, with water spray, dust suppression and high pressure jetting at up to 150 bar.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Stocks Sweepers Ltd Building 13, Vantage Point Business Village, Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire GL17 0DD Tel: 0845 2036400 Fax: 0845 2038400 Email: info@stocksuk.net Web: www.stocksuk/net

Maximising the benefits of recycling HE CAMPAIGN FOR REAL RECYCLING wants central government and local authorities to act to improve the quality of materials collected for recycling in the UK. Our concern is that collection systems that gather a range of different materials in one bag or bin and then compact them could permanently undermine the environmental and financial benefits of recycling. There is a growing body of evidence that shows this approach leads to significant wastage of recyclables that the public has put out in the name of recycling.

Studies conducted by the Waste

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and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and the Welsh Assembly Government highlight how multi-stream collection schemes, which keep recyclables separate wherever possible, typically run at a lower cost and do more to reduce carbon emissions.

The Campaign for Real Recycling is supported by a wide coalition of UK reprocessors, representing the paper, glass, aluminium, plastic, textiles and organics recycling sectors.

FOR MORE INFORMATION E-mail: info@realrecycling.org.uk Web: www.realrecycling.org.uk

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0800 9885662 Mobile: 07932 103366 E-mail: savingeveryday@ telecomplus.org.uk Web: www. savingeveryday.co.uk

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

81

Government Business | Volume 17.8

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Kinnarps UK – furniture for the public sector

Non-mechanical plant hire and sales

S EUROPE’S SECOND largest workplace furniture specialist, Kinnarps provides consistent, benchmarked product quality and service delivery, all at a competitive price.

Tried and tested, with over 15 years of experience working with Buying Solutions – under its previous name of OGCBuying. solutions – Kinnarps is one of a few selected suppliers awarded a framework agreement for the supply of workplace furniture to the UK public sector.

Kinnarps is now able to continue providing proven, value-for-money solutions that enhance office efficiency and bring innovation and

GROUP LTD M ARWOOD opened in the early 1970s

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cash savings to benefit all manner of public sector organisations.

Kinnarps UK’s highly successful track record includes the design and installation of office workspaces, as well as the development of specialist solutions for education and care establishments, central and local government, public sector agencies, schools, colleges, universities as well as SMEs, blue chip and the hospitality sector.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01753 681860 Fax: 01753 683233 E-mail: sales@kinnarps.co.uk Web: www.kinnarps.co.uk

and is now set to continue its expansion with a new depot in East Kilbride Scotland.

As a specialist non-mechanical plant hire and sales company with depots nationwide all over the country, we aim to supply any product from our range in any quantity, anywhere on time, every time.

Our product ranges are lifting equipment, goods handling and forklift equipment, crane accessories and general plant,

roads and fencing, and safety equipment/fall arrest systems. In addition, from April 2010 Railtec Engineering (Fabrications) became part of the Marwood Group and is moving into a new purpose built site in Mapplewell, Barnsley, Yorkshire. Come and see us at IOG Saltex, Windsor Racecourse 8th, 9th, 10th September 2010 on Stand Number D07.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 020 7474 0330 Fax: 020 7540 2521 Web: www.marwoodgroup.co.uk

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

8

Hope Street Hotel

44

Reco UK

Achilles

20

Institute of Groundsmanship

68

Red Forge

Clos-O-Mat

58

IP UserGroup

Aintree Racecourse

44

Jo Bird & Company

Amazone

64

Landmark Information Group

Automatrics

78

Barkston Bartec Systems

Saving Everyday

80

12

SMI Group

31

38

Stobart Stadium

44

Lease Direct Finance

72

Stock Sweepers

80

41

Leisure Industry Week

62

The Campaign for Real Recycling

70

72

Mantis UK

64

The Energy Event

26

Billiy Bowie Special Projects

79

Mark Harrod

66

The Retention People

61

British Gas Business

22

Marketing Birmingham

53

Vanguards Power (Hong Kong)

28

Built Environment Solutions & Technologies

36

Marwood Group

82

Village Hotels

42

Bonzer

17

VL Test Systems

76

66

Citroën Collinson

72

Moncaster Wire Products

Courthouse Doubletree by Hilton

46

National Home Improvement Council

Coventry Transport Museum

50

NE Technology

Eco Adapt

28

Noticeboard Company

England Rock-It-Ball Association

61

Nottingham Conferences

50

Pasquali Tractors UK

66

Zeag UK

Event UK

82

2

6

66 OBC

IBC

Wescot Credit Services

12

8

Wheelie Bin Direct

78

24

World of Learning

54

WPD Smart Metering

31

YMCA Professional Services

56

4

Fairfax Solicitors

10

Peterborough City Council

74

Hanbury Manor

46

ProMinent Fluid Controls UK

60

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

8

meetings s conference live events exhibitions harity events awards & c ospitality corporate h marketing experiential vel incentive tra ntations sales prese sses s & congre convention nches product lau roadshows g team buildin parties training l activity promotiona

d a p t c e f r e p e find th

transform your next event into something amazing around 300 exhibitors of venues, destinations and event service suppliers all the trimmings needed to enhance your events inspiration and extensive education exciting new ideas and features

register for FREE entry and find out more at www.event-uk.com

EXPERTS IN BALANCING HEAVY LOADS Is the load on your vehicle correctly distributed?

Red Forge systems are designed not only to help you avoid breaking the law, but also to maximise your profitability.

Tel: 01527 526112

www.redforge.co.uk

Helping you balance your weight.