Government Business Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 18.3

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

MONEY MATTERS

SUSTAINABILITY

The right business model for renewables in social housing PLUS Addressing environmental challenges at Sustainabilitylive!

EMPLOYMENT LAW – Risks in the fallout from the comprehensive spending review

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Dear Reader, In today’s financially strained times, it is encouraging to hear about local and central government departments using innovative ways of working to provide a high standard of service. This was recognised at the recent Government Business Awards where 20 accolades in categories that encompassed procurement, building, facilities management, revenue generation, human resources, finance, market research and sustainability, were presented to public sector organisations that have used effective business practices.

Turn to page 9 for a review of this inspirational event.

www.governm entb

usiness.co.uk

ConFEREnCES & EVEntS

| VolumE 18.3

monEy mattERS

With the spending cuts that we are currently experiencing, public sector employers are looking at a range of options to try and achieve the required costs savings with minimal employment law risks. The Law Society discusses the legal complexities in this area on page 45.

The National Fraud Authority has estimated that the cost of fraud to the UK economy is now at least £38.4 billion a year, of which fraud against the public sector accounts for 55 per cent. On page 25, the NFA outlines how it’s working with government organisations to tackle this issue.

SuStaInaBIlIt y

The right busines s model for rene pluS Addressing wables in social environmental housing challenges at Sus tainabilitylive!

EmploymEnt

law – Risks in the fallo

ut from the com

prehensive spen

ding review

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

MEMBER OF THE PERIODICAL PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION

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

© 2011 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

03

Search:

realdeals

Misco offers a wider choice of IT products for your business, from desktop PCs to printers, monitors to hard drives and notebooks to networking solutions. With over 25,000 IT essentials at ultra low prices, you’ll find some real deals on everyday office products from to brands such as HP, Acer, Canon, Samsung and many more. So why not take a look at some of our very best offers and start saving £££’s on IT and electronics for your business.

HannsG HL196DBBE 19" LED Monitor

Lenovo ThinkCentre A70 Tower PC

• 15,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio • 1280 x 1024 resolution • 5ms response rate • DVI-D connectivity • Anti-glare surface.

• Intel® Pentium® processor E5700 • 2GB RAM / 320GB hard drive • DVD±RW optical drive • Microsoft Windows 7 Professional • 3 Year on-site warranty upgrade.

Canon i-SENSYS LBP7200Cdn Colour Laser Printer • Fast printing up to 20ppm • 9600 x 600 dpi print resolution for stunning results • Cost effective duplex double-sided printing functionality • Network ready for easy sharing.

R 3 AYRERAANTY W

* Monitor not included

Order: CD168556

£89.99

Ex VAT

Logitech Pro 9000 Webcam

Ex VAT

£287.49 iMac 21.5" Intel Core i3 3.20GHz

• Intel® Core™ i3-370M processor • 2GB RAM / 320GB hard drive • DVD SuperMulti drive • 15.6” HD TFT display • Genuine Windows® 7 Professional 64 bit.

• Intel® Core™ i3 3.20GHz processor • 4GB RAM / 1TB hard drive • 21.5" display with 1920 x 1080 resolution • ATI Radeon HD5670 graphics controller • 16:9 aspect ratio for widescreen viewing.

Ex VAT

LaCie 5big 5TB Backup Server • 5TB capacity • Performance up to 70MB • RAID 5 or RAID 6 (hot-swap) modes • Dynamic DNS remote access.

Order: CD170355

Order: CDQ266032

Asus PRO5KF-SO076X Notebook PC

£624.99

Ex VAT

Ex VAT

SAFEGUARD YOUR...

CA ArcServe R15 • Integrated Data Deduplication • Dashboard with SRM reporting • Infrastructure visualisation • Granular restore of virtual environments • Contact the Misco CA Team on 0800 197 2065 for more details.

£50 CASH

£214.99

Ex VAT

• Printing up to 16ppm mono and 10ppm colour • Vibrant 4.3" touch screen for 1-touch copy, scan, fax, and email • 50 Page automatic document feeder • 5 Year warranty • £150 Cashback until 31st March 2011*.

Order: CDQ197955

£32.99

£299.99 Lexmark Pinnacle Pro901 Inkjet All-in-One Printer

• Carl Zeiss® glass lens • Native 2MP HD sensor • Video capture up to 1600 x 1200 pixels • Up to 30 frames per second streaming video at 720p and VGA mode.

Order: CDQ176038

Order: CD172490

*

BACK

Order: CDQ283208

£409.99 Prices and offers are correct at time of publication but are subject to change without notice and whilst current stocks last. All prices exclude VAT & delivery. E&OE. Full details of our Terms and Conditions are available on request and can be viewed on our website www.misco.co.uk/tandc.

Copyright©2011 Misco. All rights reserved. 22826-0211

Ex VAT

Order: CD170052

£1069.00

* Visit product page for full details

FREEFONE: 0800 038 8883

EMAIL: salesdesk@misco.co.uk

VISIT: misco.co.uk/realdeals

Ex VAT

£338.06

From Ex VAT

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

CONTENTS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS 18.3

06 NEWS

already high environment standards

09 GB AWARDS

Taking place from 18-19 May, All-Energy 2011 will welcome over 500 exhibitors

Who celebrated success at this year’s event?

17 MONEY MATTERS The Payments Council’s Sandra Quinn explains the benefits councils can reap by introducing the latest payment technologies Prepaid cards can be a great payment scheme alternative, says Ticon UK Is entering for corporate awards good for your business? The Institute of Credit Management reports Diana Bruce from the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals gives an overview of legislative changes affecting the payroll profession

25 FRAUD PREVENTION The National Fraud Authority explains how it is coordinating the fight against fraud in the UK

29 BUILT ENVIRONMENT BRE gives advice on choosing the right business model for renewables in social housing The Environment Agency’s new national office will help raise the agency’s

Sustainabilitylive! is leading the way for a sustainable future

42 FACILITIES MANAGEMENT By managing their estate more efficiently, local government can save £7 billion a year, improve services and reduce emissions, says the Westminster Sustainable Business Forum

45 EMPLOYMENT LAW Prepare yourself for potential employment law issues following major budget cuts

51 FRANCHISING The British Franchise Association explains how franchising can help you start your own successful business Find an established brand with a proven track record at the British & International Franchise Exhibition

59 CONFERENCES & EVENTS We explore the North West of England to see what the area has to offer conference and event organisers

63 HR & PERSONNEL Learning and organisational development professionals will be heading to London next month to take part in HRD 2011

69 PARKING & TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT We preview the combined Parkex, Traffex and Street Design exhibition, taking place 29-31 March

73 TRANSPORT The Commercial Vehicle Show returns in April as the only specialist road transport exhibition in the UK

77 PUBLIC SAFETY International Firex, taking place 16-19 May, is the UK’s largest dedicated fire safety event

79 SECURITY We preview IFSEC 2011, the world’s leading security event, to find out why public sector professionals should attend Counter Terror Expo will help shape policy and define effective counter terrorism measures

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

05

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

NEWSINBRIEF An easier way to pay in Rushmoor Residents and businesses of Aldershot and Farnborough now have an easier way to make payments to Rushmoor Borough Council, thanks to its new payment line.

The telephone line – 01252 398373 – can be used to make automated payments, such as council tax bills, business rates, parking fines and garden waste invoices, 24 hours a day.

The phone line is easy to use and callers are given simple instructions to take them through the payment process. All they need to make a payment is their account reference or invoice number and the card they wish to pay with. All major cards are accepted, although credit card payments for council tax and business rates will incur a 1.62 per cent surcharge.

Ian Harrison, head of Customer Services at Rushmoor Borough Council, said: "Although direct debit is still by far the easiest and cheapest way for people to make payments to the council, we are pleased to offer an alternative option for our customers that still choose to pay by cash or cheque, or who have one off bills."

Recycle electrical goods in Hackney Ten new recycling banks have been installed on the London Borough of Hackney's streets to collect broken kettles, hair dryers, phones and other small electrical goods.

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) will be collected and sent to a sorting factory in North West London. Items in working condition will be sold through charities and other outlets, with the remainder being recycled at a factory in Kent.

Graffiti removal machine takes to the streets of Tamworth A machine that can clean graffiti off walls in just a few minutes is Tamworth Borough Council’s newest weapon in the war on vandals.

The machine uses a combination of sand-like material and water under very high pressure to blast away graffiti in minutes, and will be used to tackle daubings and spray paintings on estates and other council property throughout the borough.

Tenants living in social housing and their landlords will also be able to make use of the service for a fee.

The £6,000 cost of buying the machine, training council caretakers on how to use it and a year’s supply of materials has been paid for by the Tamworth Community Safety Partnership, with funding from the Home Office.

Estate supervisor Trevor Wylie said: “We know that graffiti is a big issue in Tamworth. This machine is brilliant because it can remove graffiti very quickly and can do in a few minutes what would have been half a day’s work for us in the past.

“But we are keen to get the message across that graffiti is unacceptable – it is vandalism, antisocial behaviour and environmental crime and there will be consequences if you are caught.”

06

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

NEWS Major variation in car parking charges across councils, study finds here is enormous variation in the cost of parking across the UK – as is the chance of getting a ticket, according to consumer watchdog, Which?

Drivers in London predictably face the highest charges, but Manchester, Edinburgh and Leeds are also expensive.

The cost of parking on the street varied from £4.40 an hour in London's West End and £2.60 in Leeds and Birmingham, to free in Coventry. But the variation is even more pronounced when it comes to council run car parks, the study found.

Car parks in London's Soho cost £18 for four hours, followed by Manchester at £13.20 for the same period. The cheapest city surveyed was Bradford, which charged £3.50 for four hours.

T

Edinburgh was the only city in the study not to offer any council run car parks. Prices in its privately-run car parks were high at up to £2.50 for an hour or £8.90 for four hours.

And it was a "similarly muddled picture" when it came to parking tickets, Which? said.

More than eight million parking tickets are issued every year in the UK, with nearly half of those from local authorities in London.

Green energy red tape slashed wners of public buildings and businesses in Scotland will soon be able to generate energy using technologies such as solar panels without requiring planning permission.

Following a consultation last year, the Scottish Government has now laid a Parliamentary Order that will pave the way for various technologies to be installed on non-domestic buildings from 18 March, including solar thermal panels; solar photo voltaic panels; pipework for ground, and water source heat pumps; and biomass boilers.

Infrastructure Minister Keith Brown

O

said: "These changes will help cut red tape in the planning system and enable savings on energy bills. More use of microgeneration technologies such as solar panels can help Scots reduce their emissions and boost the development of a low carbon economy, which is key to Scotland's future success as a nation, creating new jobs in an emerging industry.

"While we cannot have renewable energy equipment anywhere or at any cost, these measures strike the right balance between allowing small scale renewables and safeguarding the quality of our environment.”

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Prince of Wales calls for better use of empty heritage buildings he Prince of Wales has called on local authorities across the country to see abandoned heritage buildings as an opportunity and not a problem.

Charles spoke out in favour of redundant structures during a speech to council representatives attending a conference at St James's Palace held by the Prince's Regeneration Trust and the Local Government Association (LGA).

T

The Prince highlighted how in the early 1980s a host of sites – from naval dockyards to army barracks and 19th century mental hospitals – were earmarked as redundant by the government.

“We've got a huge housing problem, the Prince of Wales commented. "Many of these places are absolutely ideal for creating residential accommodation, at different levels of income."

Senior residents to benefit from home improvement loans ver 60s in the Wokingham Borough can now benefit from a flexible home improvement loan scheme.

The scheme provides loans to local homeowners over the age of 60 to improve the warmth, comfort, safety or security of their homes.

The interest rate will be at a low rate and borrowers can make regular monthly payments, occasional payments or no payments at all – and can vary the arrangement at any time.

The loan – plus any outstanding

O

interest – must be repaid if the property is sold or the owners cease to occupy it. The loan can also be paid off at any time without penalty.

Initially funded by the regional housing board, the scheme is run in partnership with 17 other local authorities across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey.

Improvements that could be eligible to qualify for the scheme include essential repairs and maintenance, improvements to heating and improvements to insulation.

NEWSINBRIEF £435,000 project to reduce flooding in Lincolnshire Around 50,000 tonne of silt is being removed from a Lincolnshire river to reduce the risk of flooding to homes in the area.

The Environment Agency project will remove 600-900mm of silt from a 2.8km stretch of river between Crow’s Bridge and Clough Bridge, near Wainfleet All Saints.

Brian Ramsden, of the Environment Agency’s Asset System Management Team, said: “Removing silt that has built up in the river will increase the volume of water the channel is able to carry, reducing the risk of flooding during periods of high flows.”

The Steeping River has raised flood banks at the location of the works. Material removed from the river will be placed at the bottom of the landward side of the defences.

The Environment Agency will also be coppicing trees and shrubs in the area. “Managing vegetation by the river will remove potential obstructions to water flow which could cause backing up and over-topping,” Ramsden explained.

Over £100 million extra funding to repair potholes Councils in England will be given more than £100 million of extra funding to spend on repairing potholes, Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has announced.

He said: "Millions of motorists across the country have their daily drives ruined by potholes. And the awful winter weather we had this year is only going to make that problem worse.

"That is why we are going to give councils over £100m extra to help carry out much needed repairs to England’s roads.”

The funds will be distributed to English local authorities based on the amount of potholes and condition of roads for rather than councils needing to apply for the funding.

Regeneration boost for Newport

Greater Manchester data store launched new data store, DataGM (www.datagm.org.uk), for Greater Manchester has been launched, meaning that for the first time information on public sector organisations is held in one place so that detailed information about the area is available for everyone to view.

It contains detail about public sector spending across Greater Manchester, transport, crime data, and locations of recycling centres, schools and GP

A

surgeries. It will also contain data about education, the economy and health.

Local authorities and public sector organisations are being encouraged to publish non personal public sector data in open formats under an open licence with no restrictions on its use. The data is marked up to identify the structure and meaning, making it possible to compare information across the authorities and re-use it in different formats.

More than £6 million will be invested into one of Newport’s most deprived areas after a massive regeneration project was given a funding boost by the Welsh Assembly Government.

The Pillgwenlly Regeneration Project, a fouryear programme led by Newport City Council, has been backed with a £4.7m funding package, including support from the European Regional Development Fund and the Targeted Match Fund.

The investment will help drive forward business and community facilities, and deliver environmental improvements to the area.

Work will shortly begin on the first phase of the programme, which includes refurbishments to the former library in Temple Street to transform it into a resource centre for the community, including social enterprises and training providers.

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

07

Finance & Accounting, Family Health Services, Payroll & HR, Commercial Procurement Solutions NHS Shared Business Services is the market leader in business support services for the NHS, delivering up to 40% in real cost and efficiency savings: • Back office support to more than 40% of the NHS • New services to meet the needs of the NHS – Commercial Procurement Solutions • Leading edge, future proofed technology - Oracle R12 • 91% of NHS Directors of Finance say “NHS SBS adds value” to their Trust

“NHS Shared Business Services has not only transformed the delivery of our business services, but has also enabled real savings to be reinvested in frontline care.”

Aaron Cummins, Director of Finance, Liverpool Heart and Chest NHS Foundation Trust

To find out how your NHS organisation can benefit from real cost savings, please visit www.sbs.nhs.uk or call Joanna Collis on 0113 307 1500. www.sbs.nhs.uk

delivering value to the NHS

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

GB AWARDS

PUBLIC SECTOR SHINES AT THE GOVERNMENT BUSINESS AWARDS Local and central government organisations that have shown innovation and excellence when delivering public services were applauded at the 2011 Government Business Awards DESPITE SEVERE BUDGET CUTS gripping the public sector, the Government Business Awards were testament to the fact that local and central government is embracing innovative new ways of working to continue providing first class public services.

Taking place on 17 February at Twickenham Stadium – the home of English Rugby – the Awards were hosted by BBC Breakfast presenter Bill Turnbull.

The 20 Awards were given to local authorities and central government departments that have demonstrated sound business judgement and operational expertise in a range of areas, including environmental practices, finance, housing, security and training.

PROCUREMENT EFFICIENCIES The National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) scooped the Central Government Procurement Award – sponsored by Red Procurement – for its Vehicle Procurement Framework.

UK police forces spend £83 million a year on

vehicles. This new agreement cuts hundreds of vehicle options to 18, with only 25 suppliers, and will save £3.4 million a year – the cost of a average sized Police Force’s entire budget.

NPIA director of resources and procurement portfolio chairman for the Association of Chief Police Officers Dr David Horne said: “This is a tremendous achievement for the NPIA Procurement team. The award is particularly timely and recognises our work with suppliers and ACPO colleagues as the contract is rolled out across the service. It shows just how closely we work with the police service and police fleet managers to deliver cost-effective arrangements.”

Meanwhile, the Local Government Procurement Award went to Glasgow City Council for its ACCESS public/private joint venture, which provides ICT and property services for the council’s workforce, whilst aiming to deliver massive savings over its ten-year tenure. In less than three years, the seven-strong team has achieved £3.5m of annualised savings, significantly outperforming its three-year target and well on track to save a total of £30m.

GOOD FOR THE PLANET The Public Sector Energy Award, sponsored

by Cordtape, was awarded to Suffolk County Council for its Sustainable Fuel Supply & Demand project. The council has demonstrated a commitment to sustainable forestry by building capacity in the local wood-fuel supply chain and installing wood-fired boilers in schools and public buildings. 20 wood-fired boilers were installed between 2006 and early 2010 with a total heat output of 3.2 MW, many of them replacing old oil-fired boilers. Local wood-fuel producers have been given long-term contracts.

For its greener transport strategies, Gateshead Council was awarded the Environmental Transport Award, sponsored by CitySprint.

Gateshead Council has become one of the biggest investors in electric vehicle technology by adding ten electric vans to its fleet through the Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme.

Graham Telfer, the council’s fleet manager, said: “Gateshead Council’s Transport Services is delighted to receive the

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

09

Chesterfield BOROUGH COUNCIL

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

GB AWARDS

Awards presenter Bill Turnbull

Environmental Transport Award from Government Business. Gateshead has been at the forefront of green fleet operations for a number of years, from utilising LPG throughout the 1990s to biofuels. We now operate hybrid vans and electric cars and vans. This programme is supported by comprehensive driver training.”

Also rewarded for its environmental efforts, Newcastle City Council took home the Sustainability Award. Newcastle was recently named the most sustainable city in the UK by the Sustainable Cities Index, which measures 13 indicators across environmental performance, quality of life and future-proofing. The council is working to reduce energy use, increase renewable technologies, and encourage the use of sustainable transport.

David Faulkner, leader of the Council, said: “The council is delighted to have won the Sustainability Award which is further recognition of the excellent progress we are making towards our vision of transforming Newcastle into a sustainable city by 2021.

It is particularly pleasing that our work to reduce energy use, increase renewable technologies, and encourage the use of sustainable transport has been acknowledged, underlining how hard the council is working to put the environment at the heart of its agenda as we seek to make the city greener and work towards a zero carbon future.”

The 20 Awards were given to local authorities and central government departments that have demonstrated sound business judgement and operational expertise in a range of areas, including environmental practices, finance, housing, security and training WASTE NOT, WANT NOT The Environmental Innovation Award, sponsored by Big Green Book, was scooped

by South Oxfordshire District Council/ Vale of White Horse District Council.

In June 2009, South Oxfordshire embarked upon an new waste collection and recycling model, which was implemented at Vale of White Horse. Innovation across the new service has already achieved outstanding results. South Oxfordshire’s recycling, refuse, food and green waste collection service helped push local recycling rates to 70 per cent. The council’s waste contractor is financially incentivised to perform by sharing any bonuses with the council.

Meanwhile, the Waste Management Award, sponsored by Hydrex Equipment, went to Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council for its recycling and innovative use of waste.

Since agreeing a seven-year deal with its private sector partner, Newcastle-under-Lyme

has more than doubled its kerbside recycling rates from 26 per cent to 55 per cent in just eight months. Food waste is being put to good use and produces enough electricity to power 1,300 homes in the region.

STAYING SAFE Meanwhile the Public Sector Security Award, sponsored by National Security Inspectorate (NSI), went to Salford City Council.

Salford City Council has collated information from all the CCTV cameras in Salford and merged it with the National Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) database in an attempt to tackle crime in the area.

Sponsoring the Award, Chris Pinder, sales and marketing manager at the NSI, said: “The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) is committed to raising standards in the security industry in the interests of the customer. It is pleasing to see that the Government Business Awards recognise those local authorities

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

11

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

Solutions that give you control and real savings

D

ELIVERING REAL EFFICIENCY to local government is much sought after and easily promised. But the challenge should not be underestimated, not least because councils have been striving to identify and deliver savings in back-office and front-line services for many years.

In light of this, EGS was especially delighted to receive a Commendation at the recent Government Business Awards in the Local Government Supplier of the Year category. This relates to our partnership with Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council in a purchase-to-pay project that is on course to deliver savings of £3.5 million.

EGS understands local government and our solutions have delivered similar savings to many organisations. We do not make these claims lightly – and we acknowledge that such savings require change and sponsorship from within each organisation. But when that happens, our automation of back-office business processes will lead to a significant reduction in costs.

As a first step, we work with organisations to identify opportunities for savings. Every customer has a unique set of challenges and objectives, and we use our extensive procurement experience to show them where immediate and long-term savings can be achieved. The return on investment is surprisingly fast. Recent projects have seen savings – in supplier terms alone –

of up to 20 per cent. In one case, this amounted to an annual saving of £200,000.

In times of shrinking capacity, this enabled the organisation to focus more on what it does best, delivering key services.

To further strengthen our capabilities, EGS has appointed Steve Dunkerley to head our consultancy team. Steve has a wealth of experience and a deep insight into how to maximise the value for organisations.

He was formally assistant director at IESE and national lead and chair of the Local Government Procurement Group.

In summary EGS provides: • E-invoicing: We automate the manual processes associated with receiving, approving and keying paper invoices. We can integrate e-invoicing with all major finance systems.

Serco solutions – bringing service to life T IS SERCO’S belief that now, more than ever, public sector innovation must be implemented strategically and by design.

There must be an increased emphasis on a holistic approach that uses knowledge and expertise gained in one field for the benefit of another – something which Serco holds central to all the work it does. Building on the momentum of existing successes to help us accelerate change, will allow local authorities to not only adapt but excel despite financial constraints.

Serco is an international service company that combines commercial know-how with a deep public service ethos. We improve services by managing people, processes, technology and assets more effectively.

We advise policy makers, design innovative solutions, integrate systems and – most of all – deliver to the public. We listen, so we can innovate and tailor our solutions to meet our customers’ aspirations.

I

12

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.serco.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION EGS Group Limited Baird House, 15-17 St. Cross Street, London EC1N 8UW Tel: 020 75392828 Fax: 020 75392829 E-mail: info@egsgroup.com Web: www.egsgroup.com

The UK’s leading approvals and certification body HE NATIONAL SECURITY Inspectorate (NSI) is the leading approvals and certification body that provides inspection services for the UK’s fire and security industries.

Approved companies are regularly inspected to ensure they comply with appropriate British and European Standards and NSI Codes of Practice.

NSI has provided certification to the security sector for 40 years, making a major contribution in raising standards in the interest of the customer. Throughout our history, NSI has adapted and developed its services to keep pace with new technologies, relevant legislation and ever-increasing customer needs and expectations.

Today, NSI’s owl brand is widely recognised as the benchmark of quality in the fire and security sectors and is a symbol that buyers

T

And we build long-term strategic partnerships with our customers, helping us to anticipate their changing needs. In the UK, we deliver essential services for more than 100 local authorities, helping them to serve their communities.

When it comes to essential services, local authorities around the UK trust Serco to deliver.

Our solutions meet a wide range of local government’s current and emerging needs, with services covering street scene, waste management and recycling, e-government, leisure, education and children’s services, economic development and enterprise support, and information and communications technology.

• Spend Management: Our service identifies opportunities to reduce costs, through analysis of contracts and supplier profiles, including negotiations with major contractors.

Our solutions are web based, can usually be deployed within weeks and are available in a range of flexible and risk-sharing models.

If you would like to discover how EGS can help your organisation, please e-mail Steve Dunkerley at Steve.Dunkerley@egsgroup.com

and specifiers trust.

NSI approval is only given to companies that are able to consistently meet exacting standards.

Whilst working closely with many key stakeholders including insurers, the police and the fire and rescue services, NSI remains steadfastly independent. As a sector specific not-for-profit certification body, NSI provides its approved companies with a quality mark to be proud of. For the end-user, utilising the services of a NSI approved supplier provides the reassurance of investing in a professional solutions provider delivering expertise and professionalism.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01628 637512 E-mail: chris.pinder@nsi.org.uk Web: www.nsi.org.uk

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

GB AWARDS

and government departments who actively demonstrate the importance of security in safeguarding their local communities.“ HOUSING AND REGENERATION Bournemouth Council scooped the Regeneration Project Award for its Boscombe Spa Village seafront.

Central Boscombe is one of the most deprived areas in the borough, with higher levels of unemployment, health deprivation, population turnover and more people living in crowded conditions. The seafront regeneration project, completed in 2009, saw visitor numbers soar by almost a third. The grade-II listed Pier has been completely refurbished and features a high quality café and beach retail shop. Up-market beach huts by designer Wayne Hemingway have created 90 jobs and led to a 40 per cent fall in antisocial behaviour. House prices are now five per cent above the Bournemouth average, having been 20 per cent below.

The Social Housing Award was taken home

by Tower Hamlets Council in London for its Clairedale Street Development. The winning project was designed to Eco Homes ‘Very Good’ standard and utilises renewable energy and high-efficiency gas boilers for heating and hot water that serves the apartment building of 33 flats. All three building blocks have green roofs with solar thermal panels for hot water.

Chelmsford Borough Council scooped the Market Research Award for its Parks Audit.

The council wanted to explore the use of parks and gardens by families on low incomes and minority groups. Chelmsford’s research partner, Mackman adopted a collaborative and can do approach to the research, which helped identify areas for improvement and informed marketing to help raise awareness of the parks and gardens.

The Sport & Leisure Award was taken home

by Hillingdon Council for its Sports & Leisure Complex. The new leisure centre incorporates a purpose built, state-of-the-art library and adult education class rooms within a sports and leisure complex. The new facility has a fully fitted, British National Standard gymnastics area, an eight lane 25m indoor pool, and a high-tech gym with over 100 stations.

FINANCE Redbridge Council celebrated its financial success by taking home the Financial Performance Award. In 2009 Redbridge became one of only a few to gain four stars for the quality of its risk management and internal control framework. It exceeded its own efficiency target in 2008/09 delivering £6.2 million of savings, with a further £6.8 million savings delivered in 2009/10.

The Revenue Generation Award, sponsored by Serco, was won by Peterborough City Council.

The council’s business transformation programme started in October 2006 with a five-year cumulative savings target of £24m.

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

13

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

GB AWARDS

In addition to reducing cost, the council used the skills it learned to trade with other public sector providers and deliver services to private companies within the locality. Waste collection provided almost £1m in revenue, with cleaning services also generating some £700,000. Other revenue streams include benefits management for Luton Council, plus commercial procurement guidance for several other local authorities.

South Derbyshire District Council took home the Outsourcing Award. May last year saw South Derbyshire sign a £22m outsourcing deal to take over the management of back office staff. The council estimates it will save £1.3m over the next seven years and will also save significant amounts in purchasing stationery and vehicles.

The Workforce Training Award was won by St. Helens Council for its Merseyside Coaching Academy.

The Merseyside Capacity Building and Learning Group (MCBLG) is made up of the six local authorities on Merseyside, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Mersey Travel.

The Coaching Academy was set up to create a network of managers with coaching skills who could be deployed to drive improvement. The Merseyside ‘Coaching Skills for Managers’ three-day programme has been attended by 72 managers from all partner organisations and has supported the achievement of gold Investors in People status in one authority.

PRIVATE SECTOR The Central Government Supplier of the Year Award went to Steria. NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) is a joint venture between the Department of Health and Steria, and leads the way in providing finance, accounting, payroll, e-procurement and family health

14

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

services to all types of NHS organisations.

Using a shared services business model, NHS SBS is achieving huge economies of scale and demonstrating both innovation and best practice to deliver £224 million savings over a ten-year period. Over the last three years, NHS SBS has seen a substantial rise in levels of client satisfaction; the most recent survey shows that 87 per cent of NHS SBS clients state they would recommend the service. NHS SBS has also achieved ‘World Class’ ranking for the second year running in the Hackett Global Benchmark on effectiveness and efficiency.

Meanwhile, the Local Government Supplier of the Year was won by Citi for the work it has done with Lewisham Council.

efficiency savings of up to 62 per cent through its use. The programme presents a strong business case for the use of prepaid cards in local government.

The Outstanding Contribution to the Public Sector Award was scooped

by Northgate Public Services.

Northgate works with 90 per cent of UK local authorities. The company handles revenue collection, benefits administration, land and property management, environmental services, planning, social housing, social care, and more.

It is responsible for processing 5.5 million fixed penalties for motorists, providing key software for emergency calls and supporting IT for over 350,000 teachers. Northgate was

For its greener transport strategies, Gateshead Council was awarded the Environmental Transport Award, sponsored by CitySprint.Gateshead Council has become one of the biggest investors in electric vehicle technology by adding ten electric vans to its fleet through the Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme The council was keen to look at all progressive forms for cash disbursement, and partnered with Citi to introduce a prepaid card to support young people reaching the age of 18 and leaving care in the borough. Working closely with Lewisham and Ticon throughout the implementation, Citi delivered a bespoke service that fully meets the needs of the council and the needs of the citizens receiving the cards.

Lewisham expects to deliver annual

the first organisation to be accredited by the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV) as a training provider. This followed the introduction of a training programme for users of its Revenues and Benefits software, which is geared towards ensuring council employees are gaining maximum benefit from the technology.

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

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

GB AWARDS

THE COURIER OF CHOICE FOR GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CitySprint, the UK’s largest SameDay Distribution Network, and the Crown Prosecution Service – a case study AS THE APPROVED SAMEDAY COURIER for many different government departments and local authorities, including the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), CitySprint offers the consistency of service, reliability of delivery and the security that our customers within the public sector are looking for. Delivering a wide range of consignments from school dinners to confidential documents, CitySprint meets strict SLAs with a fleet of couriers who are fully CRB checked.

Within the current context of significant pressure to show cost and efficiency savings within the public sector, this partnership between CitySprint and the CPS, has delivered an overall 30 per cent saving.

THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CPS The CPS, as the government department responsible for prosecuting criminal cases investigated by the Police in England and Wales, is responsible for advising the Police on cases for possible prosecution, reviewing cases, determining charges in all but minor cases and then preparing and presenting cases at court.

Associated with CPS’ responsibility to present cases at court, is a major requirement to transfer the daily court files from CPS offices around the country to the courts at which the cases are being processed.

Historically, it had been the responsibility of the individual CPS regions to procure courier services locally. However, in mid2009, the CPS took the decision to undertake a full tender process following the Public Procurement (OJEU) Regulations, with a view to procuring courier services nationally under one contract, managed centrally by the CPS. CITYSPRINT’S RESPONSE During this tender process, CitySprint demonstrated the ability to deliver the service levels required across its national network of 31 ServiceCentres, at a competitive price and using industry leading technology and were therefore awarded the national contract in January 2010.

For the CPS, key to the success of the project was the ability of CitySprint to provide uniformed couriers that had already been security checked, removing the need for the CPS to undertake additional and time-consuming screening.

CitySprint were also able to provide a range of comprehensive monthly management reports, which would give the CPS a hither to unknown level of detail into their regular and ad-hoc courier spend nationally, as well as carbon offset reporting, which CitySprint are able provide as part of their ISO14001 Environmental Accreditation.

With a go-live date of early April 2010, the implementation programme was led

by Nigel Cattermole, national business development manager, with support from regional ServiceCentre managers who would become the day to day local contact points for the regional CPS offices.

THE SOLUTION Due to the urgent and critical nature of the consignments being transported, it was vital to ensure that there was absolutely no disruption to the delivery of these essential CPS files and that each one arrived at the correct destination and within the strict time parameters.

CitySprint therefore established the correct collection and delivery locations, route timings, security protocols and escalation procedures, ensuring these were fully understood and implemented by all couriers and staff.

The ability of CitySprint to provide a National SameDay Courier solution that is managed locally, by individual CitySprint ServiceCentres, was a key contributing factor to the success and smoothness of the implementation of the contract at local level.

A number of regions had also had individual couriers in place for many years that had provided excellent service and reliability. These were then engaged by CitySprint to continue providing their services to the CPS, which offered CitySprint significant benefits from the wealth of knowledge and experience they had gained.

The significant cost savings from under the new national contract were highlighted to the CPS area business managers. In one region, this represented a saving of 67 per cent. Overall the contract has provided savings to the CPS of just over 30 per cent.

CitySprint completes over 10,000 individual collections and deliveries of confidential CPS files to and from courts across the country each month, with a 100 per cent success rate

– not one file has been mis-delivered and not one court delayed due to their late arrival!

ABOUT CITYSPRINT CitySprint is the UK’s largest privately owned SameDay Distribution network, offering SameDay Courier, SameDay Logistics and International and UK Overnight courier services on a 24/7 basis. Through our network of 31 ServiceCentres across the UK and our fleet of over 1,600 couriers, CitySprint manages millions of deliveries each year for our clients.

We are an accredited supplier to the Public Sector (accredited Buying Solutions Framework framework RM465) and can offer proven cost reductions through our competitive tariffs.

We are the approved SameDay supplier for the MoD, Ministry of Justice, the Environment Agency and many borough and county councils. Our couriers are security checked up to Level 9 and we have an established record of delivering secure courier services.

Our unrivalled national coverage has been combined with our investment in industry leading technology, offering our customers complete transparency of their courier bookings and unrivalled customer service.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact: Nigel Cattermole, national business development manager Tel: 0844 8884111 E-mail: ncattermole@citysprint.co.uk

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

15

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

MONEY MATTERS

PAYMENT INNOVATION DRIVING PUBLIC SECTOR EFFICIENCIES The Payments Council’s Sandra Quinn explains the benefits councils can reap by introducing the latest payment technologies and gives advice on meeting industry security requirements WHAT A DIFFERENCE a couple of decades make. 20 years ago cheque use was at its peak with 11 million cheques written each day, whereas only 14 months ago the Payments Council announced plans to consider setting an agreed end date for cheque clearing, given that cheques are in a state of permanent decline.

Similarly two decades ago the prospect of internet banking, or personal and business customers being able to make near immediate payments online and via telephone would have been unimaginable. However, since the launch of the Faster Payments Service in May 2008, over 800 million Faster Payments have been made, and in the first half of 2010 more than 24 million adults used internet banking for managing their finances.

In a world where we are all looking for efficiencies, in both time and cost savings, technology advances have helped to transform the way in which we all make payments. Our old habits have had to change in order for us to make the most of the new convenient online services on offer, and the public sector, like us all, has striven to take full advantage.

NEW TECHNOLOGY, NEW HABITS? Over the last decade (1999 to 2009), the number of payments that were previously made by cheque or cash has fallen by 54 and 16 per cent respectively. Many of these payments have migrated to plastic card payments or to an automated payment method, such as a Direct Debit and Bacs Direct Credit.

The rise in popularity of online banking has played a role in transforming the way people in the UK pay their bills and manage their finances. 24 hour online access means many are able not only to make payments using their cards or their online banking accounts, but also to set up regular payments online.

Public sector organisations have had to react to these changes by adapting the payment facilities they are able to provide and the payment options they use.

When looking at the statistics over the last eight years, the changes are marked. In 2009, 4.3 per cent of council tax payments were made

using cheques compared to 13 per cent in 2000. In contrast, one-off internet or telephone banking payments have become increasingly popular with 5.6 million council tax payments made this way in 2009. This compares to 0.66 million payments in 2000. Automated payments like direct debits or standing orders now account for the vast majority of council tax payments, at 75 per cent of the total in 2009.

In addition to council tax, local authorities are increasingly offering the opportunity for residents to pay for parking permits, housing and commercial rent and business rates over their secure websites. Other public services including vehicle and TV licensing now also offer online payment facilities to meet rising demand. Most of these are enabled through card accepting services.

The Faster Payments Service has already, and will continue to accelerate these trends. The service allows customers to make phone and internet payments any day and at any time, within two hours rather than three days. This offers solutions to both the general public in making faster payments to public sector organisations, and to these organisations themselves in how they manage their own payments to suppliers and customers.

The attraction of using this service is that payments can be made – end-to-end – outside of bank working hours. It is forecast that over the next few years Faster Payments will help to push volumes of interbank online, phone and standing order payments from the 2010 figure of 629 million to 753 million in 2018.

THE BENEFITS OF ONLINE PAYMENTS The benefits of public sector organisations offering online card payment facilities are numerous. Firstly, it is a flexible and convenient service that allows consumers to make a payment at any time of the day, on any day of the week. This is particularly helpful for those unable to visit a bank or Post Office, or make phone payments during working hours.

In addition, there are security benefits and cost savings to be made from minimising the amount of cash kept on premises. Importantly,

In a world where we are all looking for efficiencies, in both time and cost savings, technology advances have helped to transform the way in which we all make payment 16

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

this facility also means an organisation can receive the payment quicker as there is no need to wait for a cheque to arrive in the post.

Paying by card does, however, require some consideration and care to be taken. For example, if local authority departments accept card payments then the onus is upon them, as a merchant, to ensure that they meet industry security requirements on collecting and storing data. Known as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, it provides guidelines on protecting cardholder data, maintaining a secure network, using up to date anti-virus software, and implementing access control management – to restrict staff access to cardholder data.

The standard also prohibits the storing of sensitive authentication data, such as the credit card security code, and insists that retailers truncate card account numbers on receipts so that all but the last four card digits are withheld.

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

MONEY MATTERS

Organisations can visit www.theukcardsassociation.org.uk for more information on accepting card payments. Other advice and guidance surrounding fraud prevention is available from www.financialfraudaction.org.uk THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS Online transactions can prove useful to smaller public sector organisations too. We are already witnessing some schools accepting online payments for a school trip or for school lunches, rather than having to manage numerous cheques from different parents for different activities. In the future, we would expect the take-up of this service to increase, as other schools begin to appreciate the merits of using online payments in this way.

Local authority leisure centres may also seek to drive their online presence and minimise the administrative and security burden of accepting cash payments by offering online services.

The Faster Payments Service has also paved the way for future innovation, because it has opened up the possibility of developing a mobile payments service for making payments between bank accounts by using the existing infrastructure that was built for the Faster Payments Service. At present the Payments Council is considering the case for introducing this service.

Mobile payments are already proving popular within the public sector, as seen with the payment of congestion fees via mobile phone.

Payment innovation has played an important role in the public sector, and demand for new more efficient payment facilities, such as online services, will remain high. With the right fraud protection and simple, easy-to-understand payment advice available on public sector websites for all customers, those accepting payments for public services can make full use of online technological advances.

Europe’s largest credit management organisation HE INSTITUTE OF CREDIT MANAGEMENT (ICM) is Europe’s largest credit management organisation. The trusted leader in expertise for all credit matters, it represents the profession across trade, consumer, and export credit, and all creditrelated services. Formed over 70 years ago, it is the only such organisation accredited by Ofqual and it offers a comprehensive range of services and bespoke solutions for the credit professional as well as services and advice for the wider business community.

The services offered by the ICM include: professional membership grades, recruitment agency, conferences and seminars, professional qualifications and unit awards, bookshop, a network of local branches, consultancy, training, credit

T

management helpline, online services through icmOS, credit management magazine and monthly e-mail briefings, member website forums, Quality in Credit Management accreditation, member benefits and discounts, social networking community.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01780 722907 Fax: 01780 721700 E-mail: training@icm.org.uk Web: www.icm11.org.uk

Wescot – an ethical debt collection agency ESCOT IS ONE

W of the largest debt collection agencies in the UK, employing over 750 staff in three centres in England and Scotland, and servicing more than £8 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 regularly review our policies, a recent example of this is the review to ensure compliance withthe 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 590534 Mobile: 07730 530051 E-mail: paul.leckenby@ wescot.co.uk Web: www.wescot.co.uk

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

17

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

MONEY MATTERS

THE ANSWER TO A SENSITIVE ISSUE? Should the government consider using prepaid cards to give funding for students with the greatest need, following the scrapping of the Education Maintenance Allowance? Ian Makgill, managing director of Ticon UK, considers the benefits

THE EDUCATION Maintenance Allowance has been in the news recently, following demonstrations across England on 19 January to coincide with the Parliamentary debate on its abolition. The allowance, which is claimed by some nearly 50 per cent of teenagers, is an incentive to continue in education for students of low earning families. The money was supposed to be for transport, books and other essentials associated with education and funds were to be disbursed only to those attending classes.

MONEY WELL SPENT? It appears that the money given to students was frequently not used for its intended purpose; furthermore, there was no assessment of whether students were in part-time employment and nor was the allowance withheld from some students with poor attendance records. Michael Gove, Minister for Education, has promised to abolish the allowance and provide the limited funds to help those with greatest need, but a study published before the election last year suggested that 12 per cent of teenagers receiving the allowance would not be able to attend college without it. This has been seized on as further evidence of the ineffectiveness of

18

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

the scheme, but the Institute for Fiscal Studies has suggested that for those 12 per cent of students who might otherwise be unemployed, the money is a worthwhile investment and a sound use of government funds.

BARRIERS TO OVERCOME Replacing the Education Maintenance Allowance creates a challenge for the government; they would rather not dispense funds at all, but they also know that for some students the price of a bus journey is all that stands between them joining the dole queue.

The problem is that getting the money

difficult if they don’t have a bank account.

Even if the funds arrive at the appropriate destination, there is no way to control the funds once they are in a bank account.

Governments facing this sort of challenge typically resort to voucher schemes, but vouchers are expensive to maintain and often ineffectual. Vouchers are also burdensome for suppliers and the vouchers are easily sold for cash.

WHAT’S THE ALTERNATIVE? Prepaid cards offer a compelling alternative; they are an efficient disbursement mechanism

The problem is that getting the money to these students and then restricting how that money is spent is both expensive and difficult to these students and then restricting how that money is spent is both expensive and difficult, so better to abolish the whole scheme. They have a point, disbursements are notoriously unwieldy, the first challenge is getting funds to individuals, which can be

that can be issued to minors and anyone with a bad credit rating, they provide more data than voucher schemes and can also be limited for use in only certain types of store, for example bookshops, libraries and bus stations. This sort of sophisticated

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

MONEY MATTERS

blocking mechanism has already been used in prepaid schemes in Cambridgeshire and other county councils to encourage young people to engage in positive activities.

Prepaid can also be used to determine whether students are attending school: a transaction can be sent across the Visa network from a terminal in the school to show that the cardholder has attended the school, which can then trigger a deposit of funds to the card.

Taking this approach allows students to be rewarded for their actions, thereby nudging them towards full attendance, rather than trying to penalise them for poor attendance. This may feel like a subtle difference, but according to the behavioural economists Richard Thaler and Cass Sustein, a ‘nudging’ approach is a political tool that is more successful than authoritarian command control: “The goal of Nudge is to show how choice architecture can be used to help nudge people to make better choices (as judged by themselves) without forcing certain outcomes upon anyone.”

Downing Street apparently boasts a Behavioural Insight Team, to identify and implement incentive opportunities and to structure policies so that positive choices are easier to make.

A DIFFICULT DECISION It is not just students who may face difficult choices; the Department of Education’s choices appear tough too. They think they must choose between scaling down an inefficient and unaffordable system or scrapping the

payment mechanism that can be restricted to payments for buses, trains and books.

With councils from Middlesbrough to Merton implementing prepaid, there is more than enough evidence to show that it works, cutting costs and providing

Prepaid can also be used to determine whether students are attending school: a transaction can be sent across the Visa network from a terminal in the school to show that the cardholder has attended the school, which can then trigger a deposit of funds to the card policy and hoping that the consequences aren’t too dramatic. They are taking the later option, probably with heavy hearts, but also knowing that any consequences will fall on the other side of Victoria Street, at the door of the Department of Work and Pensions. However, what if we introduce prepaid as an option for them? Well, for the price of the postage on a voucher scheme they can provide the poorest students with funds via an efficient

better services to clients. If the government does decide to give funds to the poorest students, prepaid looks like the best way to deliver both efficiency and control.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 020 78361999 E-mail: ian.makgill@ticon.uk.com Web: www.ticon.uk.com

sQuid’s ePayment platform – the latest innovation to save money and reduce costs

S

QUID operates an ePayment platform that is entirely independent of the banks, and which is capable of efficiently managing lower value transactions. sQuid is the low cost alternative to the debit and credit card providers who all seek to replace some of the £200bn cash transactions made each year in the UK. Deploying its own technologies, sQuid delivers a significantly faster transaction than chip and pin, and has the flexibility to deliver multi-purse transactions and loyalty, all on the same card.

With sQuid, the parent places value (a top-up) into their electronic account in the payment system, and this amount is held securely on their behalf until the transaction is made. Thus sQuid removes the administration normally borne by the school or the council in managing top-ups. When a sQuid transaction or sale takes place, money from the parentchild electronic account is automatically deducted through the cashless system (either biometric or smartcard), and this amount is then settled by sQuid to the beneficiary.

This creates a seamless solution with very little requirement on the school for administration, because, unlike non-eMoney school systems, the only transaction event is the spend itself, not the top-up (and therefore no school/ council account administration is required).

Furthermore, because sQuid creates a moneyholding relationship with parents (and the pupils) it delivers a level of web interface and customer service support that is beyond the reach of competitor products. Parents can pay online for school trips, leisure activities, entry into a venue and other online payments decreed by the school or the council.

Bolton Council was the first to add sQuid eMoney to its existing card where it proved to become a convenience and money saving scheme. sQuid is now used throughout Bolton for things such as entry into local leisure centres, council led youth reward schemes, travel and more. Both Bolton University and Bolton Community College have followed the council’s lead to introduce this innovative payment system.

“A great way to get my child more active and let him spend his pocket money wisely,” said the parent of a child in the Bolton BSmart Scheme.

Since then, sQuid has spread across the UK (and internationally) having partnered with councils such as Dundee City Council, Dumfries and Galloway, Nottinghamshire County Council and others. sQuid is live in many schools across the country and is on track to do 10 million cashless transactions before the end of 2011.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information or a free consultation Tel: 020 83392111 Fax: 020 83988785 E-mail: info@squidcard.com Web: squidcard.com/gocashless

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

19

Masquerade Ball Celebrate with an elite group of credit professionals

You cordia are lly inv to atte ited nd the Mas quera�� Bal de l �� �������� ��

���� ���� ������� �� ���� ����� ������� ����� �� ����� ������� �� ���� ����� ���� ���

Book online at www.icm11.org.uk or call 01780 722907 now!

National Maritime Museum, London Thursday 24 March 2011

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

MONEY MATTERS

EMPOWERING THE CREDIT PROFESSION Is entering for corporate awards good for your business?

Kerry Walsh, director of Learning & Events, Institute of Credit Management, reports ahead of the industry’s Oscars AWARDS ARE NORMALLY PRESENTED to individuals or teams who have made a significant and sustained contribution to their work.

They are a unique and high profile way of celebrating the work of an individual or team and thanking them for their hard work and dedicated service. It may be for doing a job that is perhaps going unnoticed, excelling in a particular role, or for a particular piece of work that has resulted in a significant change in the organisation.

Just being nominated for an award is a tremendous motivational boost for any individual or team. Outside of the sporting world, a reward mechanism is not always easy to determine, although pride of achievement and a desire to succeed is no less. Entering for an award can bring national recognition, focusing on outstanding people who day-in and day-out perform their tasks with flair, dedication and success, resulting in a culture of growth, achievement and recognition for everyone.

Most awards are free to enter and the motivational effect of achieving an accolade, such as being nominated for a major award, is tremendous value for the lasting effect that it has upon morale.

When it comes to awards, you have to be in it to win it, so it stands to reason that the more business awards you enter the greater your chances of success. Experience suggests multi-award winning organisations are entering upwards of 12 awards a year.

ABOUT THE ICM The Institute of Credit Management (ICM) is Europe’s largest credit management organisation. The trusted leader in expertise for all credit matters, it represents the profession across trade, consumer, and export credit, and all credit-related services.

Formed over 70 years ago, it is the only such organisation accredited by Ofqual and it offers a comprehensive range of services and bespoke solutions for the credit professional www.icm.org.uk as well as services and advice for the wider business community www.creditmanagement.org.uk Ball on Thursday 24 March at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich.

Surely businesses can only benefit from entering awards but they are not easy and an investment of time is needed to ensure a successful outcome!

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.icm11.org.uk

ENTRY PROCESS An award entry process usually involves providing supporting evidence for the nomination by setting out details of the success and how it has been achieved. Quite often, busy and successful individuals and teams drive on day after day without reflecting on their success or the reasons for it.

Many entrants discover that one of the most rewarding aspects of entering an award is the process of sitting down, probably as a team, and thinking about what has happened and the reasons for the success.

In many cases, this leads to further thoughts and future improvements.

CELEBRATION AND PR For winners, finalists and those who are highly commended, the process continues with a prestigious awards ceremony, which all shortlisted businesses are normally invited to attend. All winners will be presented with their awards and can celebrate in style and then usually feature in a special supplement after the ceremony.

The thrill of the awards ceremony, the internal and external PR, and the satisfaction of achievement and recognition, are all fantastic feelgood factors that result from entering for an award. Contracts have been won, companies have grown and grants have been awarded as a result of the attention focused on successful award entries.

There is a strong rational for entering corporate awards – raise your business profile, enhance your reputation, compliment your public relations and marketing activity, raise awareness of your range of business services, encourage excellence, motivate and improve morale and help to make your business more profitable.

ICM AWARDS The Institute of Credit Management is the largest credit management organisation in Europe. They started their Awards programme in 2007 to provide a platform for organisations within the credit management arena to gain the recognition they deserve.

The ICM Awards have proved very popular year on year and 2011 will be no exception with over 450 credit professionals attending the icm11 Masquerade

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

21

PIONEERING LED TECHNOLOGY FOR OVER 20 YEARS

RELIABILITY OKI’s LED technology is inherently more energy efficient, reliable and robust thanks to OKI’s LED print heads which have no moving parts. With low lifetime running costs you can benefit from significant savings as well as reliable printing, time and time again.

C500 Series

B400 Series

C800 Series

MC300 Series

MC561dn

the next generation of printers is already led www.oki.co.uk 0800 917 6015

C500 and B400

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

MONEY MATTERS

THE CHANGING PAYROLL LANDSCAPE Diana Bruce, senior policy liaison officer for the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals, gives an overview of legislative changes affecting the payroll profession IT WOULD BE EASIER to name the regulations that the government are not reviewing as most legislation seems to be coming under close scrutiny to in hope of easing the administrative burden for employers in the long run and of course save the public purse some money.

However, in the short term anyone dealing with payroll has a lot of legislative changes to take on board. To name but a few, from April 2011: • D1 code for additional rate (50 per cent) tax payers • 0T instead of BR code being used in certain P46 circumstances • all three rates of tax payers to receive the same rate of tax and National Insurance Contributions (NICs) relief on childcare vouchers

The 50 per cent tax threshold came into force last April but it is only this year that tax codes will be adjusted for anyone with two or more incomes through self assessment.

HMRC is currently undertaking an exercise to identify those individuals who might be affected by this and they will be given as much notice as possible in writing to enable them to arrange their finances to cover any underpaid tax that will be due on 31 January 2012. So although no direct action is required by payroll, employees may still come to you to query their tax deductions.

From 2011/12, tax codes will be issued to fully reflect the 50 per cent rate, ensuring that the correct rate of tax will be collected from all jobs or pensions for an individual regardless of how many sources of income that person has. HMRC has now confirmed that it will now

Most legislation seems to be coming under close scrutiny to in hope of easing the administrative burden for employers in the long run and of course save the public purse some money • introduction of Additional Statutory Paternity Leave • changes in tax and NICs rates and thresholds.

From 2012: • phasing-in begins on real time information • phasing-in begins on automatic enrolment into a workplace occupational pension scheme • the abolishment of contracting out on a defined contribution basis.

There are too many changes to go into detail in one article so to follow is a look at some of the changes to the tax and NI rates, and thresholds and the underlying considerations for employers.

RATES AND ALLOWANCES You will no doubt be aware of the £1,000 increase in the main personal allowance for those aged under 65 to £7,475. The basic rate 20 per cent tax threshold has dropped by £2,400 to £35,000, so this coupled with the increase in personal allowance takes about half a million people out of paying tax altogether.

The 40 per cent tax threshold has also dropped to £35,000 so employers should give consideration to any potential pay rises, promotions or benefits which could push employees into the higher-rate tax bracket. This is of particular importance to those with families who may also be faced with cuts in child tax credits.

issue a new D1 tax code for use where a tax payer has an additional source of employment income liable to tax at 50 per cent so for the 2011/2012 tax year a new D1 tax code will be issued for all those individuals affected.

CHANGES IN CODING There will be a general uplift of tax codes with suffix ‘L’. Full instructions will be issued to employers on form P9X (2011).

As a general rule unless an amended code notification has been received on a form P9(T) (or an Internet or Electronic Data Interchange equivalent) employers should amend 2011/12 codes as follows: • ‘L’ suffix codes – increase by 100; code 647L becomes 747L • the PAYE threshold with effect from 6 April 2011 is raised to £144 per week (£623 per month) • the code for emergency use with effect from 6 April 2011 is 747L. THRESHOLDS FOR NATIONAL INSURANCE NI thresholds have been changed so that there is no longer one Earnings Threshold for both employees and employers. There are two new thresholds – the secondary being the employer threshold and the primary being the employee threshold.

The reason this is changing is to ensure that the employer does not take the hit on the one per cent increase in NI rates. The government has been very clever with this though; the employer will still be impacted by the increase on the rate for benefits at 13.8 per cent, with no threshold.

Although originally opposed to labour’s one per cent increase, the coalition government have still introduced the rise of one per cent in the main rates of NICs which will take affect from April 2011. However the contracted-out rebates remain as they are.

SMALL EMPLOYER’S COMPENSATION RATE A knock on affect to the change in NI rates and thresholds is a change in the small employer’s compensation rate.

Where those that qualify can currently recover 100 per cent of statutory payments plus 4.5 per cent compensation for the employer’s share of NICs due on these payments, this will drop to three per cent from April 2011 so employers will be claiming 103 per cent of the SMP, OSPP, ASPP and SAP that they pay out.

The reason this has changed is due to the NICs threshold increasing from £110 to £136 for the 2011/12 tax year, meaning employers will pay less NI on the statutory payments (standard rate increasing to £128.73 from April 2011) so the change to three per cent balances this out.

The qualifying threshold of total gross Class 1 NICs remains the same at an annual £45,000.

As a last point on NICs, it is worth noting that from 6 April 2012 contracting out of the additional state pension on a Defined Contribution (DC) basis will no longer be possible. HMRC records will show these contracted-out scheme memberships as closed from 5 April 2012.

For employers operating COMP schemes the 2011/12 tax year will be the last tax year NI category letters F, G, H, K, V and S should be used. From the 2012/13 tax year, these category letters and the NI rates they represent will be invalid and should not be entered on forms P11 and P14 for tax years after 2011/12.

The relevant not contracted-out rate and corresponding NI category letters should be used instead. As part of the abolition process HMRC will also be removing the Scheme Contractedout Number (SCON) field from the P14.

A fact sheet for employers on the contracting out changes is available on the Department for Work and Pensions website.

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

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

23

join CIPFA’s better governance forum Helping you to excel in your role The Better Governance Forum (BGF) is a subscription network for public sector practitioners and members with responsibility for promoting better governance in their day-to-day jobs.

Helping you stay up-to-date with new challenges and how to respond to them cost-efficiently, the Better Governance Forum (BGF) covers six governance streams:

Risk Management

Information Governance

Internal Audit

Conduct & Ethical Standards

Counter Fraud

Corporate Governance

Membership benefits:

Free attendance at BGF regional events, all CIPFA Training Events, Webinars, Conferences and Seminars

Opportunities for networking, career growth and CPD

Technical Advisory Service with over 70 years of combined public sector experience

BGF Library – with all the latest assessment tools and resources on new legislation, codes of practice, standards, assessment requirements and other general developments

Access to the BGF website and weekly e-newsletters

CIPFA also offer a range of Networks for finance and non-finance practitioners across the public sector that will equip you with the essential knowledge, insights and contacts that you need.

Join today and enjoy the same prices as last year!

To find out more about this offer and how the CIPFA BGF Network can help your organisation visit www.cipfa.org.uk/bgf. Alternatively contact Greg Marks T: 01159 556 716 E: greg.marks@cipfa.org.uk. Please quote reference MA0794A.

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

FRAUD PREVENTION

AN UNNECESSARY EXPENSE Fraud costs the UK £38.4 million – money that could be put to better use in these tough times.

The National Fraud Authority explains how it is coordinating the fight against fraud in the UK TO ENABLE THE COUNTER FRAUD community to more accurately target its approach to tackling fraud, the National Fraud Authority (NFA) has been focused on providing more complete, accurate and meaningful comparable fraud estimates and publishes these annually. In its latest Annual Fraud Indicator, the NFA estimated that the cost of fraud to the UK economy was now at least £38.4 billion a year, of which fraud against the public sector accounted for 55 per cent.

EXPENSIVE BUSINESS Public sector fraud costs £21.2 billion. Whilst it is important to recognise that the size of the public sector estimate is in part due to diligence in reporting fraud loss data, combined with more comprehensive measurement techniques than other sectors, there is no getting away from the fact that it is still a huge sum. £21 billion a year is the equivalent of building 800 secondary schools or employing 615,000 nurses. It’s the combined budget of the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice.

It’s a quarter of the £80 billion that the public sector is aiming to save during this spending period. Such a loss to the public purse has to be reduced and the NFA has developed a programme of work to do just that.

A year ago, in February 2010, the NFA led a cross-government task force to identify the ways in which the private sector was tackling fraud and consider how some of these practices could be translated or transferred across government. The report of the Public Sector Fraud Taskforce, published in March 2010, highlighted best practice within the private sector and made 33 recommendations on ways to reduce the financial and social harm caused by fraud against the public sector. From this the NFA developed an action plan which it is progressing across central and local government with the aim of reducing public sector fraud by £6 billion over the next three years.

HOW IS GOVERNMENT REDUCING FRAUD? The Minister for the Cabinet Office established a Counter Fraud Taskforce in October 2010 to analyse successful approaches to combat fraud and error across all of government. In order to capitalise quickly and aggressively on existing good practice and promote innovative ways to tackle fraud and error, this group is overseeing a series of pilot projects within government departments designed to achieve specific and ambitious reductions in fraud and error.

There are seven pilots testing new technologies, trialling the more efficient use of credit reference agency information and

data analytics, and using the insights from behavioural science to improve how we combat fraud. The pilots are wide ranging. They cover procurement fraud by using data analytics to detect overpayments made to contractors, and insider-enabled fraud by employing sophisticated behavioural and network analysis to identify potentially corrupt employees.

Grant fraud is being targeted through using data analytics to prevent and stop organised crime targeting grants.

There is a benefit fraud pilot which is undertaken as a joint exercise with credit reference agencies to detect tax credits for those who wrongly claim to be living alone.

The pilots also cover tax fraud by analysing calls to a whistle blowing hotline to elicit more information and using behavioural insights to text 35,000 people who paid their tax late last year a message to remind them to pay the right amount promptly this year.

Electoral fraud is being tested by improving identity authentication for electoral registrations.

Lastly there is a pilot using fraud alert systems where the NFA is learning from an existing alerts model to develop a version for central government.

In addition to the pilots, the taskforce is addressing broader cross government issues such as information and intelligence sharing, measurement of fraud, error and debt, and the increased use of analytical techniques to detect and prevent fraud.

with a ‘high risk’ flag, indicating the claimant had a partner living with them. Letters were sent to 750 of these high risk cases which generated a 78 per cent response rate. More than half of these have had their tax credits stopped or amended. This has already generated a yield of £1m p.a.

COUNTER FRAUD CHAMPIONS To support the work of the taskforce, counter fraud champions have been appointed in every government department to take forward the taskforce’s recommendations and commitment to tackle fraud and error across government.

These champions work collaboratively to coordinate government departments’ efforts to reduce fraud losses.

Their priorities will include instilling an antifraud culture in their organisation, measuring fraud in their departments and publishing the figures for the first time, making sure new policies and programmes are fraud proofed by undertaking fraud risk assessments.

FIGHTING FRAUD AGAINST LOCAL AUTHORITIES The work of the NFA is not merely focused on big government departments, it is also dedicated to working other sectors including local authorities to reduce the impact fraud is having on society at every level.

The NFA’s Annual Fraud Indicator estimated that local government currently loses £2.1 billion a year to fraud. The NFA

Public Sector fraud costs £21.2 billion. Whilst It is important to recognise that the size of the public sector estimate is in part due to diligence in reporting fraud loss data, combined with more comprehensive measurement techniques than other sectors, there is no getting away from the fact that it is still a huge sum In May 2011 the pilots will report their results and make recommendations on what actions can be taken forward by government departments. There has already been early success in one pilot.

HMRC SAVES £1 MILLION HMRC is undertaking a pilot with credit reference agencies to identify people in receipt of tax credits who are wrongly claiming to be living alone. A sample of 20,000 cases have been sent to credit reference agencies for analysis. Over half of these were returned

has a team working to explore options for reducing fraud in the areas of Single Person Discount and Housing Tenancy Up to £92m is lost to Single Persons Discount fraud and up to 50,000 homes dedicated to social housing are believed to be being occupied unlawfully, costing local authorities an estimated £900m.

The NFA has been learning from the experience of the private sector and the successful use of credit reference agencies in some local authorities and sharing examples of best practice so that they can be adopted more

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

25

Protecting government and local authorities from the risk of benefits abuse

The Heart of Data Intelligence

We’re passionate about data. Driven to help you understand it, and put you at the heart of it. We listen to the things you want to achieve and the decisions you need to make. And, through intelligent conversation, find ways to help you reach your objectives safely and cost-effectively.

When it comes to turning data into intelligence we exceed expectations, delivering governmental solutions that make implementing initiatives faster and easier. From ID verification and data auditing to managing Single Person Discount and preventing Benefit Fraud, our innovative online tools and expertise helps simplify the work you do.

In a world of balance and regulations, you can rely on us to deliver trusted insight and a world class service.

Invite Equifax into the heart of your government department. Call Nadia Imtiaz on 0207 298 3257 or email governmentuk.risk@equifax.com www.equifax.co.uk UKseasonAdvert:Layout 1

23/2/11

12:28

Page 1

Hurry Places are Limited! legal-island-events Award-winning provider of first class training and events

Early Bird Special Offer

Up to

ÂŁ80 Off

Employment Law Choose from Events various dates and

Early Bird Offers Available on All Events

Spring 2011

locations, covering London, Birmingham and Manchester

If you need to keep up-to-date with the latest changes in legislation, let us point you in the right direction www.legal-island-events.com

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

FRAUD PREVENTION

widely. It is also looking at ways in which the cost of fraud prevention solutions such as using credit reference agencies can be kept down, for example by setting up framework contracts.

Through the work it has already carried out it was able to join forces with the Chartered Institute for Housing to publish a blueprint for tackling social housing tenancy fraud.

The NFA has also been working with local authorities to trial methods of tackling council tax fraud. In particular it has been working with Ealing Council, Kensington and Chelsea, Brighton and Hove and Newham.

In addition it is working on the creation of regional partnerships. The purpose of this project is to map out, and

produce an evaluation of the relative successes of local and regional counter fraud partnerships and to use effective case studies to catalyse new partnerships. A report will shortly be published highlighting local authorities successfully working in partnership at a local level.

Ian O’Donnell of Ealing Council says: “In these difficult times Ealing Council aims wherever possible to save money through efficiency rather than by cutting services,

Fraud does not respect boundaries. There are many public sector and private sector overlaps, connections and permutations. Fraudsters take advantage of the traditional lack of communication, sharing and learning between different organisations. This is changing and getting better, in no small part because of the vital role, activity and coordination of the National Fraud Authority NFA Annual Fraud Indicator 2011

and a programme of counter fraud work is an important part of this strategy.

Ealing is pleased to be at the forefront of tackling fraud and to be working as a pathfinder with the National Fraud Authority.”

O’Donnell continued: “We have undertaken a data match with a credit reference agency to identify cases of council tax single

person discount fraud. The total amount of fraudulent discount found was £871,468, which provided additional income for the council. The information from the match allowed us to undertake a postal review of the high-risk cases only, reducing unnecessary contact with over 26,000 customers. We are also currently trialling a process of data matching using our internal databases.

“We are working with the NFA to promote the benefits of counter fraud work and we have also set up a pathfinder on social housing fraud. At a time when councils have to make cuts, it is crucial that councils reduce losses to fraud and protect valuable assets.”

Greg Marks of the CIPFA Better Governance Forum says: “Fraud does not respect boundaries.

There are many public sector and private sector overlaps, connections and permutations.

Fraudsters take advantage of the traditional lack of communication, sharing and learning between different organisations.

This is changing and getting better, in no small part because of the vital role, activity and coordination of the National Fraud Authority. We are proud to be working in close partnership with the NFA in many areas such as briefings, research and events.

“This alliance not only strengthens the hand of the good guys through enhanced help, support and action, but crucially it always includes and encourages the input of expertise from practitioners fighting fraud every day.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 020 33561000 E-mail: NFAcontact@ attorneygeneral.gsi.gov.uk Web: www.attorneygeneral.gov.uk/nfa

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

27

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

DON’T BE A FOOL IN THE RENEWABLE ENERGY MARKET With many options available, Robert Rabinowitz PhD, director of Environmental Markets, BRE, advises on how to choose the right business model for renewables in social housing “IN ANY MARKET, AS IN ANY POKER game, there is a fool. The astute investor Warren Buffet is fond of saying that any player unaware of the fool in the market probably is the fool in the market,” writes Michael Lewis in his book ‘Liar’s Poker’.

Housing associations and other social landlords are uniquely positioned to benefit from government incentives for the production of renewable energy, the Feedin Tariff (FIT) and the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). The renewable energy market is currently experiencing something of a gold rush and many social landlords are being besieged by companies offering to finance and install renewable technologies such as solar photovoltaic (PV) panels or heat pumps across their estates.

In order to ensure that they do not end up playing the role of Warren Buffett’s fool, finance directors should consider whether any deal they are being offered provides the maximum value for their own company. In particular, they should consider whether “PV for free” deals – which transfer the lion’s share of profits, as well as many of the risks, to third parties – are the best available in the market and best meet the needs of their organisations.

WHY SOCIAL HOUSING IS WELL POSITIONED TO BENEFIT The social housing sector is in a strong position to take advantage of the FIT and RHI. It has control of large property portfolios, allowing landlords to capture economies of scale in deployment.

Landlords with in-house maintenance operations can also reduce costs further by training their own staff to fit and maintain equipment, although compliance with the Micro-generation Certification Scheme (MCS) is required.

The size of the housing stock they own means that many housing associations have strong balance sheets and so have very low costs of capital. At the same time, they are able to claim the highest generation tariff rate of 41.3p per kWh for solar PV panels that are installed on individual dwellings, instead of receiving lower rates of 36p or 29p that would be received for larger installations.

Finally, the sector’s strong commitment to reducing fuel poverty and its carbon footprint gives it a direct driver for deploying renewable energy throughout portfolios.

The renewable energy market in the UK is quite immature compared to the market in countries such as Germany and Spain which have had FIT policies for years, but it is now

28

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

growing fast. The market has many of the typical features of an immature market in its “gold-rush” stage, easily recognisable to anybody who, for example, witnessed the initial stages of the carbon offsetting market. Some industry analysts are predicting that the annual deployment of solar PV in the UK will increase a hundred-fold within the next five years.

In the City of London, people who knew nothing about renewable energy 12 months ago are promising investors market-beating returns based on the FIT. New companies offering to sell renewable energy equipment to consumers are popping up, backed by private equity finance. Even retailers like M&S, Tesco and Sainsbury are getting in on the act.

Social landlords should be careful about selecting the right partners in this market, bearing two primary things in mind. First, making money from renewables requires a long-term commitment.

The equipment needs to generate energy for 20-25 years to earn the targeted level of returns.

Installed incorrectly, PV panels will generate far less electricity than expected and they can be a fire risk if not correctly mounted and ventilated.

Also, there are policy risks in this area since governments, both here and abroad, have the power, which they sometimes use, to remove environmental policies or reduce incentives.

Social landlords need to feel secure that their partners can be trusted to install and maintain equipment for 20-25 years without damaging their property and that they have the financial strength to survive reversals in government policy. This is particularly important in light of recent high profile cases of financial distress of social housing contractors.

PV FOR FREE Much of the running in the renewable energy market is being made by companies offering “PV for free”. In this approach, the social housing provider does not pay for the installation. Instead a third-party provides the finance to a separate company that owns and operates the solar panels. Tenants are then frequently given the electricity generated by the panel for free while the generation and export tariff is paid to the company that owns and operates the panels and hence back through to the investors.

This model has a few advantages. Obviously, it does not require the RSL to provide much of its own financial resources, although some small contribution may be required. Secondly, the process of installation, monitoring, maintaining and repairing the equipment is handled by a specialist organisation removing

many associated risks from the RSL. In addition, if tenants receive electricity for free, this can make a contribution to reducing fuel poverty.

There are, however, a number of very significant drawbacks to the model, primarily that there is little or no financial upside to the RSL. Private equity investors will generally aim for a fairly hefty return on their investment, aiming for 9-12 per cent non-leveraged return. Signing up to a “PV for free” deal means that these profits are not available to fund refurbishment or social programmes.

THE DOWNSIDE There are several other disadvantages. A “PV for free” company is likely to focus only on installing solar PV panels rather than looking at how the RSL can benefit from other renewable technologies such as solar thermal and heat pumps. There may be occasions when solar thermal is a better use of roof space from an environmental and financial perspective, with the added benefits related to affordable warmth.

The “PV for free” company is also going to focus on installations that earn its investors the required rate of return, which may be considerably higher than the social landlords’ required returns. This would mean targeting the largest, unshaded properties facing in the optimal direction without reference to social need or other issues. By taking control, social landlords can apply their own targeting policy to tie in with fuel poverty targets, maintenance schedules and carbon reduction targets.

Also, the “PV for free” model involves leasing roof space to an outside company for 25 years. One needs to be sure that the company will not damage the properties and that it is capable of meeting its obligations over such a long period. Finally, there is the issue of equity among tenants. The PV for free model passes all the benefits of the scheme onto the lucky tenants whose homes are suitable, whether or not they face fuel poverty. Finally the operator may seek to sell off its 25 year revenue stream to other perhaps less responsible operators or investment institutions which may have less regard for the social housing provider’s aims and objectives or tenant wellbeing.

There are numerous other ways of financing renewable energy deployment. Obviously, given housing associations’ low cost of capital, it would be preferable to finance as much as possible on balance sheet (i.e. the loan is secured against the housing associations’ assets) without breeching banking covenants, which may trigger an increase

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

the social housing provider while retaining the very significant profits that can be earned once the loans are paid off. Their primary disadvantages are that they are more complex to structure and that more of the ongoing operational risk will remain with the social housing provider. They may, therefore, be more suited to larger social housing providers.

There are other approaches that may ultimately be more profitable for social housing providers, such as a shared equity approach that draws on private equity investment but achieves a better balance of returns between the parties in terms of the value that each party brings to the table.

potential financial value of their estate for renewable investors and the full range of financing options. Any deal to which they sign up should share the risks and rewards equitably with any external finance providers.

This is not simply a matter of avoiding becoming Warren Buffett’s fool in the market.

Properly structured, a renewables business strategy can also be a driver of significant strategic importance, helping to strengthen balance sheets and provide profits that can be used to finance core corporate goals such as reducing fuel poverty, improving housing stock and reducing carbon footprints.

BRE Training manages the courses; ‘Introduction to Renewables’, ‘Renewables for Building Designers’ and ‘Sustainable Refurbishment for Homes’. These courses provide key information on how best to use renewables technologies effectively and economically and the opportunities to incorporate renewable technologies during refurbishment works.

CONCLUSION When considering possible business models for installation of renewables across their estate, finance directors of social housing providers should be aware of the massive

For further details of BRE’s consultancy service, and training please visit www.bre.co.uk

Housing associations and other social landlords are uniquely positioned to benefit from government incentives for the production of renewable energy, the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) and the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) in the cost of capital for all borrowing.

If this is not possible, several other options may be viable. Banks are developing new models whereby housing associations can set up Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) which own and operate the equipment. While such a structure would require an initial equity injection from the housing association, it does mean that the profits are ultimately paid back to the housing association.

Other financial institutions are developing lease-based approaches. Under such an approach the housing association would lease the solar panels over a 10-15 year lifetime.

The revenue from the panels would pay for the lease over its lifetime. At the end of this time, the RSL makes a small final payment and then owns the panels and collects the final 10-15 years of revenue as free cash-flow.

Both of these approaches are designed to reduce up-front investment required from

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Sustainable energy Leading metering & monitoring specialists

aM&T Sub-Metering Systems Flexible cost-effective metering for all utilities and every type of business. We have the hardware, software, networking and installation skills to supply the package you need, on time and on budget.

• Automatic data collection and alarm signalling

Energy Data Loggers

Power Quality Analysers

Easy to use portable data loggers for electricity and general utility monitoring.

Safe, non-invasive.

High performance instruments for the most demanding energy and power quality analysis applications designed and built to the highest quality standards.

Supplied complete with the latest windows software.

• All kits supplied ‘ready-to-go’ • Tough waterproof cases (3 phase analysers) • Simple Windows software • Available to hire

• All electrical parameters • THD, Harmonics, Flicker etc • On-board power for flex CT’s

• Flexible networking options

• Plug-in Memory

• Web enabled hardware

• Available to hire

• Tenant Billing

www.elcomponent.co.uk e sales@elcomponent.co.uk t 01279 503 173 f 01279 654 441 Unit 5, Southmill Trading Centre, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 3DY

Halfpage_Ad.indd 3

13/8/08 12:30:26

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

29

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

A NEW HORIZON FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE The Environment Agency’s Internal Environmental Management team manager Simon Dawes tells us about his organisation’s new national office and how it will help raise standards THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY is the largest environmental regulator in Europe, and is committed to helping organisations and businesses achieve high levels of environmental performance. However, to deliver this requires facilities across England and Wales, including offices, vehicles and special equipment for operational work.

These all require energy, but they are vital in making sure we can continue our work to improve the environment and create a better place. That’s where the Internal Environmental Management team come in – we are constantly looking for ways to make sure we do our work in the most environmentally sensitive way possible, from switching to low carbon vehicles to finding energy efficient offices to house our staff.

unnecessary energy use when parts of the building aren’t being used, or are simply warmer and don’t need as much heating.

We’ve also looked at ways to save water in the building. We’re using rainwater harvesting to collect water running off the roof and stop it going to waste. There are waterless urinals, showers with limited flows and taps that automatically shut off, and toilets that use less water when flushed.

These sustainable measures have been achieved by Westmark at no extra cost to the Environment Agency. And to top it off, the office’s central location means that staff can reach it easily by public transport, cycling or walking, bringing an even bigger reduction in carbon emissions. We’ve facilitated for staff by

OUR NEW NATIONAL OFFICE As I write we’re in the process of moving into our new national office, Horizon House in Bristol city centre. This follows two years of planning, preparation and construction that has resulted in the one of the UK’s greenest office buildings.

Horizon House is far more sustainable than our previous national office in Bristol, and even won the 2010 Best BREEAM Office Award – one of the highest accolades for sustainable building.

We worked with developer Westmark to ensure that the environment was taken into consideration at the very beginning of the building process. 85 per cent of the demolished building that was previously on the site was recycled, either by being used in the development of Horizon House or being taken off to use in other developments. The materials chosen for the building have a high level of recycled content and that can also be recycled in the future. We also ensured that all materials were responsibly sourced, and used local suppliers wherever possible.

Through taking steps such as driving fewer miles, using less energy and changing the way we work, we’ve cut our CO2 emissions by around 6,000 tonnes since 2006/07, which is a reduction of nine per cent

GREEN TECHNOLOGY The building features a host of green technologies that will not only help the Environment Agency reduce energy use and carbon emissions, but will also save us money.

It has a ground source heat pump that is used to heat the building in the winter and also preheat hot water (combined with solar thermal heating) all year round. There is also natural ventilation and solar shading technology to prevent the building from overheating and reduce the amount of mechanical cooling.

Horizon House also has movement-sensitive lighting and thermal zoning, reducing

30

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

installing 150 bike spaces and 14 showers.

By relocating to a smaller more efficient building the Environment Agency will make a total of £1.12 million per year in operational savings (£360k per year) and productivity efficiencies (£760k per year). This shows that being green can be commercially viable, even for public sector organisations like ourselves.

Horizon House is only part of the picture of reducing the Environment Agency’s environmental impact, especially as we can’t always move into new, highly energy-efficient buildings. In fact, 30 per cent of our carbon dioxide emissions in 2009/10 came from the energy used in the buildings used by Environment Agency staff, so it’s important to have targets in place to cut energy use.

We also have targets in place to reduce carbon emissions, water use, waste sent to landfill and mileage. We are aiming to reach these by 2015.

ENERGY USE Electricity is the biggest environmental aspect of the Environment Agency’s business activities.

We use it to power our 200 or so offices, but also in our operational work on the ground.

We’ve been working to cut our buildings’ energy use for several years now and have so far managed to cut our annual consumption by 5.4 million kWh compared to 2005/6

levels – that’s the equivalent to the amount of energy needed to make around 88 million cups of tea. This will save us around half a million pounds annually in energy bills.

All of the energy we buy to use in Environment Agency-owned buildings is supplied by a green tariff, meaning our supplier generates it from renewable sources. We are also working with landlords of buildings we rent to get them to supply electricity from green tariffs. This means that 95 per cent of our total energy supply is from renewable sources.

We’ve set a policy for heating (19ºC max) and cooling (26ºC min) our buildings, and looked at where buildings need more insulation.

We’ve also installed energy-efficient lighting with intelligent controls, so they only come

on when people are in the room and there isn’t enough light coming in from outside.

We’ve installed voltage optimisation across 40 of our buildings, with several more planned.

This reduces the incoming voltage from the buildings from 240v to 220v, and as a result emissions and energy bills at these sites have fallen by around 8 per cent on average.

CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS Just as with energy, we measure carbon dioxide emissions of all the work we do, including emissions from buildings, travel and our operational work, such as pumping flood water and maintaining river levels.

Through taking steps such as driving fewer miles, using less energy and changing the way we work, we’ve cut our CO2 emissions by around 6,000 tonnes since 2006/07, which is a reduction of nine per cent.

We’ve also set up an internal Carbon Reduction Fund. This takes our staff’s good suggestions to reduce emissions and makes them happen. Projects that received funding in 2009/10 include fresh air cooling at a laboratory in Leeds and a hydropower turbine at a fish hatchery in Wales that generates enough power to run the site and export surplus energy to the national grid.

It’s not always easy to reduce emissions from

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

our operational work. If there’s a major flood we have to do everything we can to pump flood water away from people’s homes.

However, one team of Environment Agency staff devised a simple and innovative new pumping routine to save energy. It consists of using the tide changes from the river feeding the pump and pumping at different times of the day to reduce the amount of time the machinery needs to be in use. This was devised by staff working on the ground rather than head office, which shows how important it is to talk to your staff about energy efficiency.

Any organisation can benefit from being more energy efficient. According to the Carbon Trust, just switching off unnecessary lighting can save an organisation 15 per cent on its energy bills. There are lots of ways to reduce your organisation’s energy use, ranging from simple behaviour change to investing in energysaving technology. Here are some top tips: 1. Get the CEO/board/directors involved in plans to improve your organisation’s environmental performance 2. Set easily measurable targets that form part of your corporate performance 3. Expect and be prepared to make some investments in technology 4. Have good quality data for all your utilities and travel 5. Make sure you have the people resource available to help deliver environmental outcomes 6. Take simple steps to cut energy use wherever possible 7. Make sure your procurement considers sustainability issues 8. Engage your staff and help them help you.

The last point is particularly important, and at the Environment Agency we’ve worked had to communicate the importance of thinking about the environment. We’ve done a whole host of things to get the message across, from putting signs by light switches and taps to sending pop up e-mail alerts to staff to remind staff to turn off equipment when it’s not being used.

In the current economic climate, government and the public sector are looking for ways to save money wherever possible. Reducing energy and water use, driving less and minimising waste can have significant financial benefits.

This means there’s never been a better time to think about your organisation’s environmental impact even if you just begin with the simplest steps.

We want to lead by example to show that being green makes business sense. If you have ideas to share, or would like to find out more about our Internal Environmental Management team please get in touch.

FOR MORE INFORMATION E-mail: enquiries@environmentagency.gov.uk Web: www.environment-agency.gov.uk

In the current economic climate, government and the public sector are looking for ways to save money wherever possible. Reducing energy and water use, driving less and minimising waste can have significant financial benefits. That means there’s never been a better time to think about your organisation’s environmental impact even if you just begin with the simplest steps

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

31

THE RENEWABLES SHOW IN THE ENERGY CITY

All-Energy 2011 – the UK’s largest

11th year

renewable energy exhibition and conference – looks forward to welcoming you as an exhibitor or visitor. More than 7,000 people from 55 countries attended All-Energy 2010 with its 450+ exhibiting companies from 16 countries and more than 270 conference speakers.

The major exhibition features technology across the full range of renewable energy devices; and the free-to-attend conference looks at issues and challenges facing the industry and at renewable energy sources from multi-million pound offshore projects to microgeneration.

Networking opportunities abound. BE THERE!

Regularly updated information on all aspects of the show at

www.all-energy.co.uk ABERDEEN 18/19 MAY 2011

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

ALL-ENERGY 2011 – BIGGER AND MORE RELEVANT THAN EVER As the renewable energy crescendo builds, with announcements on a daily basis on fresh investment and new initiatives in the industry’s expanding sectors, All-Energy, the UK’s largest renewable energy exhibition and conference, builds to keep pace with the industry’s growth encompassing those who work in, or serve, the industry on a day-to-day basis; utilities; those researching renewable energy for their land, their farm, their organisation’s headquarters, their community, their housing association, their council’s housing stock or to recommend to home-owners; and those who are considering investing in the industry, or who are interested in making a career change and joining one of the sectors.

ALL-ENERGY 2011 will be held at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre 18-19 May, and will be bigger than ever. The tenth All-Energy, held last May, broke all previous records with more than 7,000 attendees from 55 countries; over 450 exhibiting companies from 16 countries; and more than 270 speakers taking part in over 50 conference sessions dealing with every source of renewable energy and the opportunities and challenges facing the industry. At over 5000m2, the exhibition was 25 per cent larger than the previous show – and that growth is set to continue this year.

The ‘All-Energy mix’ will be very similar to the 2010 event, with a major exhibition and a thought-provoking conference. Associated events will once again run before All-Energy opens officially, and include Renewable Energy/ Oil & Gas Opportunities being staged by the Energy KTN; and RenewableUK Connect (both on 17 May) and Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast (18 May).

GIANT NETWORKING EVENING As is traditional, All-Energy 2011 will feature its Giant Networking Evening on 18 May, which will start with a reception hosted

by Aberdeen City Council and then move seamlessly into an evening designed to do “just what it says on the tin” – help people network. Over 1,000 attended last year’s

successful evening. There will also be a combined Careers Fair and Jobs Zone on 19 May alongside the Education Day planned for careers advisors and specialist teachers.

Then on the Friday, after the show has closed the day before, there will be a small number of Technical Tours – one to the Met Office in Aberdeen has been confirmed and other will follow. Details of all arrangements for AllEnergy 2011 are on the show’s website, where you can also register for All-Energy’s useful fortnightly free e-zine, News@All-Energy.

What makes All-Energy different from so many industry events is that both the exhibition and seven-stream conference are free to attend for all with a business or professional interest in renewable energy – and this certainly encompasses many areas of central and local government.

Those in the public sector will undoubtedly be interested in cost effective renewable energy solutions – both large and small scale. From midAugust 2010 councils across Britain have been allowed to sell renewable electricity to the grid and thus assume their rightful place leading a local power revolution, however, some may be eager to cross question specialists about the sources of renewables for which they should opt; as well as finding out how the recently announced feed-in tariff review might affect their plans.

The list of other attendees is long,

THE ALL-ENERGY CONFERENCE The planning of the annual All-Energy Conference is always left as late as possible to ensure that it is as topical as it can be – a challenge in the fast moving world of renewable energy.

Speakers in the opening plenary session on 18 March, chaired by Andrew Jamieson of ScottishPower Renewables (and chairman of RenewableUK), include The Lord Provost of the City of Aberdeen; Charles Hendry MP, UK Minister of State for Energy; and Sir Ian Wood, chairman of the Wood Group. With the Holyrood Elections taking place 5 May, less than a fortnight before the show, a warm welcome will await the relevant Scottish Government Minister.

This year’s programme will be far ranging with sessions/streams devoted to all the renewable energy sources – onshore and offshore wind; wave and tidal; bioenergy (biomass, biogas and biofuel); hydropower; and hydrogen and fuel cells (particularly in power storage and sustainable transport).

There will also be sessions on carbon capture and storage, and on nuclear power.

Other deal with energy market reform; microgeneration/the built environment; district heating; the grid (in all its guises including smart grids, interconnectors and the latest initiatives and consultations); finance and funding, including a session organised by the Scottish European Green Energy Centre on ‘Bankable Projects: Regs, Risks and Returns’; the ever-growing challenge of finding the right people and skills sets; and sessions on renewables for communities; renewables for farms/farmers; academic initiatives (with EPSRC introducing a session on SuperGen).

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information and to register see www.all-energy.co.uk or e-mail info@all-energy.co.uk

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

33

UHRIG

Heat your Building with Renewable Energy Reduce CO2 Emissions

Recover Heat Energy from the Sewer Pipe under the Street Heating Cooling

Therm Liner is a Heat Exchange System that can be retrofitted into existing or new Sewer Pipes to recover the Heat Energy.

For Use in: Hospitals, Hotels, Blocks of Flats, Residential Estates and Social Housing with Local Block Heating, Sport Facilities, Government Buildings, Prisons, Industry For more information Contact

Depending on the Project Therm Liner can Reduce the Energy Consumption of Fossil Fuels by up to 70% and CO2 Emissions by 60 to 70%. Systems are amortised in a very Short Period of time.

UK Sales Manager Mr. Brian Hickland • UK Mobile: 07817315071 • E. Mail: hickland@uhrig-bau.de UHRIG Kanaltechnik • Am Roten Kreuz 2 • D-78187 Geisingen • Tel.+49(0)7704/806-0 www.uhrig-bau.de • www.energy-from-wastewater.com

Special Offer Free Flood Screening Report next time you order a Envirocheck Report.

Visit the stand for more details. (T&C’s apply)

NUMBER 1 FOR PIPEWORK SYSTEMS • • • • •

Modular pipework systems Stainless Steel, Galvanised or Powder Coated (inside and out) 60 - 800 mm diameter sections as standard 1 - 3 mm thickness Easy to fit Quick-Connect

Environmental

Planning

comprehensive, accurate and high quality

For more information on our products and services please contact Customer Services on 0844 844 9952 or email customerservices@envirocheck.co.uk

Join us at this year’s Sustainabilitylive! at the NEC, Birmingham on 24th – 26th May, Stand S32 – Brownfield Expo

www.envirocheck.co.uk

Flooding

Geology & Mining

Historical Maps & Data

Current Mapping

Aerial Photography

Height Data

Utilities

Energy

www.jacob-uk.com 01694 722841

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

LEADING THE WAY FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Sustainabilitylive! is the home of five leading environment exhibitions, which include hundreds of exhibitors, insightful seminars and conferences, interactive features and lots more ONE OF THE OUTSTANDING environmental events of the year, Sustainabilitylive!, returns to the NEC in Birmingham 24-26 May. Attracting more than 400 exhibitors, the event is made up of five premier shows across the water, energy, land, environment and sustainability sectors.

Sustainabilitylive!, which is free to visit, provides an outstanding platform for companies and other organisations to share sustainable, cutting-edge technologies and industry innovations. Alongside the exhibition is a three-day conference and seminar programme where key business leaders and practitioners will be able to explore current industry issues, best practise and pioneering applications.

FACING THE WATER DEFICIT As one of the largest accredited forums in the country for water organisations and utilities companies, the International Water and Effluent Exhibition (IWEX) already has more than 70 companies signed up for the 2011 exhibition. Visitors to IWEX will have the opportunity to speak to representatives from companies such as Schneider Electric, Technolog Ltd, Utilitec Services Ltd, WEG Electric Motors, and SEBA KMT UK. The busy seminar programme at this year’s event will discuss key issues including the latest legislation, SUDS and flood management, FOG (fat oil and grease) solutions, waste water management and smart metering.

IWEX highlights will also include the 23rd Institute of Water National Drilling and Tapping Championship. This is traditionally a hotly contested event where the best practitioners from water companies test their skills in drilling and tapping a high pressure water main, each hoping to be crowned champion.

Following its success last year, IWEX will again present its University Challenge, which highlights the best research carried out in the water sector. Entries will be judged on innovation, technical content and commercial potential. Last year’s winners were the University of Sheffield with a research project on Data Driven Leak Detection. The presentations will be held and judged on Thursday 26 May in the Water Theatre.

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS Confirming its place as the UK’s foremost industry event within the environmental sector, Environmental Technology Exhibition (ET) will bring together around 60 companies specialising in areas including air pollution control, transport carbon reduction and commercial waste minimisation.

Exhibitor CABLED at last year’s event

Visitors will be spoilt for choice with a raft of high-profile companies and institutions already signed up including Environmental Innovations Ltd, NLS, Simplifi Solutions Ltd, Birmingham City University, metnet (Marches Environmental Technology Network), Retsch UK Ltd, and Birmingham Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

In a packed programme of seminars, speaker topics include commercial and industrial waste management, waste procurement, recycling and licensing standards, waste to energy, CAD, environmental legislation, air pollution, managing firewater spillage as well as green transport.

A FOCUS ON CARBON REDUCTION With carbon reduction high on the agenda of governments across the world, businesses are under increasing pressure to review and reduce their energy usage. This year, the National Energy Management Exhibition (NEMEX) will feature some of the biggest names in the energy sector including British Gas Business, Powerstar, Business Stream, powerPerfector, Monodraught Ltd, and Siemens Metering Services.

The seminar programme will address a wide range of issues including government policy, skills and training, carbon reduction strategies,

and energy standards. Delegates can also attend sessions on grants and financing, procurement and energy supply, energy efficiency services and behavioural changes required for implementing energy efficiency measures.

Visitors to NEMEX can also take advantage of the co-located exhibition HEVAR, the essential event in the UK for buyers and specifiers in the heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration industry, which includes seminars on energy management in a range of environments, as well as renewable technologies. In addition, there will be sessions run by the Heat Pump Association and BRE on Wednesday 25 May.

THE FIRST IN BROWNFIELD REGENERATION The premier national event for remediation and contaminated land solutions, Brownfield Expo (BEX) is the UK’s only exhibition for brownfield regeneration. The expo offers a forum for specifiers and providers of contaminated land solutions and will give visitors access to industry stalwarts like Cornelsen, Ground Remediation Systems, Adventus Europe GmbH, Derwentside Environmental Testing Services, Regenesis Ltd, RPS, and PA Geotechnical Ltd. Seminar speakers will address regeneration

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

35

UHRIG

Sewer and Flood Management Systems

Cascading Weirs for Flood Control & Pipe Management The Uhrig Cascading Weir is a very efficient way to control the volume of flow during excessive rain and flooding periods.

This is a computer guided System which functions completely automatically once installed into the Pipe Network System.

Technology: • No reduction of the pipe diameter after installation • Weir gate, Guide Rails and Hydraulic cylinder, manufactured completely from High Grade Stainless Steel.

• Maintenance free • A complete package from one source including, switch gear cabinet with electronics, electronic guidance control Sys tems and Hydraulic Systems.

• including at least 3 variations for water level control

Guided by sensors the Weir System raises automatically during periods of flooding preventing overflowing.

Once the flooding event has passed, the Weir is gradually lowered again allow water to discharge at a controlled rate.

For more information Contact

Measuring Flow

Redirecting

Protection

Flushing

UK Sales Manager Mr. Brian Hickland • UK Mobile: 07817315071 • E. Mail: hickland@uhrig-bau.de UHRIG Kanaltechnik • Am Roten Kreuz 2 • D-78187 Geisingen • Tel.+49(0)7704/806-0 www.uhrig-bau.de • www.energy-from-wastewater.com

AIR CONDITIONING INSPECTIONS Air Conditioning Inspections are a requirement under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). energyTEAM engineers are registered and accredited

by STROMA certification to carry out ACI surveys. We can offer you a quality inspection carried out with a professional approach.

For a free on-site initial consultation Contact energyTEAM T: 01444 871311 E: info@energyteam.co.uk www.energyteam.co.uk

Are you aware that 1 in 5 utility bills are wrong in some way?

And of these, 80% have already been ‘validated’ by a property or energy professional. Many errors or issues are so deeply embedded that they will remain undetected for many years. Just Energy (Management) Ltd are an independent energy consultancy providing specialist expertise in billing validation outperforming many household names in their ability to identify and resolve issues.

In addition to troubleshooting, Just Energy (Management) Ltd provide the full complement of core services from contract procurement to energy efficiency auditing; legislative compliance to Display Energy Certificates; performance monitoring to carbon reporting and everything in between.

Just Energy (Management) Ltd Tel: 0870 112 5919 Fax: 0870 121 1512 Web: www.justenergy.co.uk Email: scott.cairns@justenergy.co.uk Albany House, 14 Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1BJ

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

legislation, liability and risk assessment, environmental forensics and new remediation technologies, spill control, asbestos cleanup as well as soil stabilisation, ground gas and invasive species management.

EXPLORING CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY Sustainable Business - The Event is a platform for businesses to embrace effective corporate sustainable strategies and brings into focus key sustainability drivers.

It attracts high calibre exhibitors, visitors, and environmental decision-makers across the full spectrum of private and public sector organisations. Exhibitors already signed up include NQA, BSI, Envac UK Ltd, Environmental Sustainability KTN, and Toshiba TEC UK Imaging Systems. This year’s lead event sponsor is Siemens plc, with Parsons Brinckerhoff, powerPerfector and BSI now confirmed as co-sponsors.

The conference programme will explore topics such as the coalition government’s plans for a low-carbon economy, retrofitting and future-proofing the built environment and sustainable transport.

ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY AWARDS The Environment and Energy Awards recognise excellence and innovation in sustainable business practices across the environment, land, energy and sustainable business sectors, with a record number of entries for 2011.

This year, the awards will have 13 categories including two new awards: Best EnergyEfficient Refurbishment Award and Best Energy Supplier Customer Service Award. Results will be announced at a gala dinner at the National Motorcycle Museum on Tuesday, 24 May. In summary, Sustainabilitylive! is a mustattend event for individuals and companies seeking to gain the tools and knowledge needed to compete in an economy increasingly driven by sustainability.

In 2011, Sustainabilitylive! is partnering with The Prince’s Mayday Network (www. maydaynetwork.com), the UK’s biggest business led movement of businesses and organisations taking action on climate change and resource depletion. Mayday businesses work together and with partners to seek out and promote the best solutions to the major environmental challenges we face.

All visitors are being asked if they wish to mitigate the impact of their travel to Sustainabilitylive! with a £1 donation to OxTreeGen, who aim to plant 1,000 trees in the Heart of England Forest, near the NEC.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For up–to-date exhibitor news, seminar programmes, information on how to exhibit or how to register for free attendance see www.sustainabilitylive.com or call +44 (0)20 86517120.

The event provides an outstanding platform for companies and other organisations to share sustainable, cutting-edge technologies and industry innovations.

Alongside the exhibition, is a three-day conference and seminar programme where key business leaders and practitioners will be able to explore current industry issues, best practise and pioneering applications

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

37

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

Cut carbon and energy costs and make money

Alumasc creates roof top haven at River Quarter

EDi SOLUTIONS LTD has come up with a simple and easy way to reduce your carbon footprint, reduce your energy costs by up to 90 per cent, and make your company profit.

LEDi has a range of commercial LED lighting products to replace existing office lighting, warehouse lighting, external flood lighting, car park lighting and street lighting.

For example, most offices have 4x18 watt modular lights in the ceiling, running at around 96 watts of power. LEDi replaces the existing fitting with the LEDi Panel at 28 watts – that’s a saving of 70 per cent!

Count how many fittings you have in your office. Say you count 200 just on your floor, that’s a saving of 13,600 watts of power!

Now base that on a tariff of 0.12p per KWH (existing fitting at 96 watts) equals 420 KWH per year. With the new LEDi Panel at 28 watts that will equal 120KWH per year, which leads to a saving of £7128.00 on

ZINCO GREEN ROOF system from Alumasc has created a roof top retreat for residents of a stunning new development of flats and leisure facilities in Sunderland City Centre.

The River Quarter is a £10 million mixed-use development from Gentoo Ventures. Built over 11 floors, the development sits on a former brownfield site and includes 53 apartments, a residents’ car park, bowling emporium and café bar.

Designing a roof garden directly over the car park structural concrete roof deck, presented a challenge for Napper Architects of Newcastle-UponTyne, who worked closely alongside Alumasc’s Technical Support Team to create the ideal solution for the project.

ZinCo green roofs offer notable ecological and amenity benefits, providing a natural habitat for plants and wildlife, while helping to reduce air and noise pollution, cutting carbon emissions and

A

L

200 fittings only. Now count the rest of the floors in your building – the savings are huge!

Achieved carbon savings equals 32 tonnes per year. The payback figure is under three years and the ROI in year three equals £15,084 profit and £46,740 in year five.

LEDi Solutions has the winning formula to reduce your energy consumption and your carbon footprint, assisting your CRC commitment and best of all still making your company a healthy profit year after year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01582 488800 Fax: 01582 450550 E-mail: sales@ ledisolutions.co.uk Web: www.ledisolutions.co.uk

assisting with rainwater retention and attenuation. They vary from extensive and biodiverse types which require minimal irrigation and maintenance, to intensive roofs, which are suited for areas of public and recreational use and require more tending.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For information on Alumasc’s ZinCo green roofs and waterproofing solutions, or to request literature, please call 0808 100 2008.

Alternatively, visit www.alumascgreenroof.co.uk

FABEKUN Retro Fit Junctions

Take control of your energy use

See us at NEMEX, Stand Q19 call 0870 833 56 56 email: solutions@imserv.com

www.imserv.com Save energy, reduce costs, control carbon and be greener

38

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

iom.invensys.com

3 Install +/- Air test in 1 hour 3 Leak free 3 Install on live system 3 Relief of alignment stresses 3 Fit all clay, concrete & Solid wall plastic sewers 3 WRC & Nationwide Approval

Hoofmark (UK) Ltd Sole Distributors of Funke Special Products Tel 0191 5845566 www.hoofmark.co.uk Other Other Products in the Hoofmark range include: Golpla®, D-Raintank®, D-Rainclean®, Truckpave® and Neoweb™

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

Landmark to showcase its product range at Sustainabilitylive! 2011 N 24-26 MAY, Landmark Information Group will be showcasing its Carbon Counter and Envirocheck products at Sustainabilitylive! 2011 being held at the NEC in Birmingham.

Landmark representatives will be on hand throughout the exhibition to advise visitors on the products and explain how they can be of benefit to their company and employees.

Landmark’s Carbon Counter is an innovative online data management system custom built and designed for the purpose of meeting CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme requirements. Carbon Counter stores all of the required information in one place and provides a step-by-step process to map energy consumption across each individual component of the organisation. The simple user-friendly interface allows participants to meet evidence pack and audit requirements, track and manage changes and simplify the reporting process required by the otherwise complex

O

and time-consuming scheme.

Visitors to Landmark’s stand will be able to take advantage of a week’s free trial* of the product (*terms & conditions apply).

Landmark Envirocheck is the market leading provider of unrivalled site-specific environmental risk information providing professionals with the most comprehensive, accurate and high quality current and historical information available.

FOR MORE INFORMATION To find out more, visit Landmark at stand S32 in the Brownfield Expo from 10am – 4pm, 24-26 May. To find out more about Landmark’s Carbon Counter service, visit www.carboncounter.co.uk For details of Landmark Envirocheck, visit www.envirocheck.co.uk

Energy Team – total energy management NERGYTEAM were established in 1976 to help private and public sector organisations manage energy expenditure. Over the years, we have developed an innovative range of services to help our customers with all aspects of their energy needs in today’s energy environment.

Our aim is to reduce our clients’ energy spend and usage, whilst ensuring compliance with government energy legislation. energyTEAM’s dedicated procurement managers negotiate fixed and flexible energy contracts with suppliers on a no-contract brokerage basis. energyTEAM works alongside companies to achieve their energy reduction. Our ‘carbon ladder’ concept provides a simple route to energy efficiency through the introduction of an energy management process which will identify, understand and reduce energy consumption and costs.

Increasingly, new energy legislation is being introduced to

E

force organisations to reduce their carbon footprint. energyTEAM accredited engineers have extensive experience in producing Energy Performance Certificates and Display Energy Certificates with associated Advisory Reports.

From CRC to air-conditioning inspections, we help our customers to understand and comply with this complex legislation.

Understanding how energy procurement, usage, legislation and cost management inter-relate can bring significant benefits.

Our experienced team can help your organisation in achieving Total Energy Management.

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

The one stop shop for all your energy needs RE YOU AWARE that one in five utility bills are wrong in some way? And of these, 80 per cent have already been “validated” by a property or energy professional. Many errors or issues are so deeply embedded that they will remain undetected for many years.

Just Energy (Management) Ltd is an independent energy consultancy providing specialist expertise in billing validation, outperforming many household names in their ability to identify and resolve complex billing issues.

Many organisations have benefitted from our forensic billing analysis including public bodies, blue-chip companies and SME sites.

In addition to troubleshooting, Just Energy (Management) Ltd provides the full complement of core services from contract procurement to energy efficiency auditing; legislative compliance to Display Energy

A

Certificates; performance monitoring to carbon reporting and everything in between.

We like to provide our clients with a comprehensive and competitive one stop shop for all their energy needs. Our initial review is free of charge and there is no obligation to instruct. In the first instance, you provide us with some basic billing, organisation and site information and you can expect a report from us within 20 working days detailing any opportunities for cost reduction.

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

An innovative renewable energy system for city sewers HRIG KANALTECHNIK GMBH manufactures Therm-Liner, a heat exchange element for recovering energy from waste water in the sewers under our cities. This is a source of renewable energy that generally goes to waste. The Therm-Liner elements, which can be retro fitted into the existing sewer pipes through normal manhole access, recover this renewable energy.

Once installed the waste water just flows over the Therm-Liner elements on its normal path in the sewer pipe. The heat energy extracted from the waste water is then transferred to the building heating system and used to heat or cool the building.

This Therm-Liner system reduces the use of fossil fuels and CO2 emissions by 50 per cent or more

U

depending on the project.

Uhrig also manufactures the Quick-Lock, a stainless steel local patch for trenchless repair of damaged sewer pipes from DN 150mm to DN 800mm and Quick Lock Big from DN 800mm to DN 1600mm Uhrig Tiefbau is also a civil contractor manufacturing and installing computer guided weirs and sluice gates for flood control, flood prevention and waste water management.

Uhrig also has a patented method for installing large diameter sewer pipes and culverts which saves time and reduces site costs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: +49 (0)7704 806-0 E-mail: hickland@uhrig-bau.de Web: www.uhrig-bau.de

FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit us at NEMEX Stand V24 Tel: +44 (0)444 871311 E-mail: info@energyteam.co.uk Web: www.energyteam.co.uk

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

39

Lead Sponsor

Co-Sponsors

24-26 May 2011 NEC Birmingham, UK part of Sustainabilitylive!

www.sbtheevent.com

Minimise impact, maximise profit Visit the UK’s showcase exhibition and conference with the sustainability agenda at its core

WHY VISIT SB – THE EVENT? Hear best practice solutions from leading industry specialists in the FREE 3 day conference programme Find out about future challenges and stay ahead of the game See a variety of suppliers showcasing their latest products and services A great place to network with like-minded professionals across a range of sectors

DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT… “Excellent event, wide range of exhibitors and a diverse programme of seminars and presentations made for a very engaging day out.”

Neil Bradley, Sustainability Coordinator, National Assembly for Wales

Register now for FREE entry at www.sustainabilitylive.com/sb-theevent SB - THE EVENT is supported by: In association with:

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

IMServ – leading carbon Sewer pipe and and energy solutions culvert repairs the quick lock method I MSERV COLLECTS energy data from over 100,000 meters in the UK, presenting it to users through the EDV Energy DataVision web-tool. This gives clients better visibility and control over their energy usage and spend.

IMServ is a leader in providing world-class carbon and energy solutions that help organisations in all sectors to save energy, reduce costs, control carbon and be greener. With our unrivalled expertise and technical knowledge of end-to-end energy management, we have now developed a complete range of energy management reports including our EDV ReportCRC. Our web-based service allows you to see the complete picture when it comes to carbon emissions. Armed with more detailed, accurate and up-to-date information on energy use, businesses can take more informed steps to manage their energy costs and carbon footprint.

Whether you are interested in SMART metering, bill verification

or building management systems, IMServ provides single solutions, self-service tools or complete end-to-end outsourcing for the complete carbon and energy management journey.

Take control of your energy use and carbon reduction today.

Simply call 0870 8335656, e-mail solutions@imserv.com or visit www.imserv.com to find out more.

FOR MORE INFORMATION IMServ, Scorpio, Rockingham Drive, Linford Wood Milton Keynes MK14 6LY Tel: +44 (0)1908 696000 Fax: +44 (0)1908 692791 E-mail: solutions@imserv.com

JACOB (UK) – number 1 for pipework systems ACOB manufactures thin-walled, conductive modular pipework systems for buildings services installations, architectural features, dust extraction, exhaust air systems, cooling and environmental systems, finished as powder coated, hot dip galvanized or stainless steel.

Normally available from stock, JACOB (UK) offers a range of 19 standard diameters from 60mm to 800mm, in a choice of 1mm, 2mm or 3mm thick sections. Each component has a machine-lipped end to accept a U-shaped seal giving a 3-bar overpressure certified Quick-Connect connection.

JACOB (UK) modular pipework is quick to install and ideal for creating an efficient and flexible ducting system, which can adapt to meet changing requirements.

Air movement within a JACOB pipeline is enhanced with the smooth-pressed bends, which assist airflow with the minimum of resistance. Ancillary

HRIG KANALTECHNIK GMBH manufactures Therm-Liner, a heat exchange element for recovering energy from waste water in the sewers under our cities.

Uhrig also manufactures QuickLock, a stainless steel local patch for trenchless repair of damaged sewer pipes from DN 150mm to DN 800mm, and Quick Lock Big from DN 800mm to DN 1,600mm Quick-Lock is a purely mechanical patch that requires no resins or glues. The QuickLock Patch can be installed in a matter of minutes. This means that there is no costly waiting time or excessive traffic management or over pumping. The Quick-Lock Packer has a flow through which means that the Quick-Lock Patch can be installed in live sewers.

U

J

The Quick Lock Patch has both the German DIBT and the British WRc approvals for installations. The Quick-Lock patch can be installed both horizontally and vertically. It has also been approved for use in potable water pipes and wells.

Uhrig Tiefbau is also a civil contractor manufacturing and installing computer guided weirs and sluice gates for flood control, flood prevention and waste water management.

Uhrig also has a patented method for installing large diameter sewer pipes and culverts which reduces time and site costs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: +49 (0)770 4806-0 E-mail: hickland@uhrig-bau.de Web: www.uhrig-bau.de

Drainage junctions from Hoofmark (UK) Ltd OOFMARK (UK) LTD offers Fabekun® Specialist Pipe Connectors.

The range of live waste pipe fittings provides an effective means of connecting to live waste systems.

The Fabekun® Junction is the better way to make a permanent connection with live waste pipe fittings. It offers specifiers and installers of live waste pipe fittings a wide range of benefits due to its quick and simple installation allowing for troublefree water services connections.

HS®-Demarcation Control Chamber and HS VARIOcoupler allow quick and easy access into sewerage and drainage networks using live waste pipe fittings.

The HS-Demarcation Control Chamber is suitable for inspecting, rodding and jetting and can be utilised to carry out air tests.

With the CONNEX®-Junction, lateral connections can be quickly and simply made to the main sewer on new or existing

H

components include inspection doors, visualisation ducts, diverters and air-control valves, all manufactured to high tolerances.

JACOB has been a pioneer in modular pipework systems since 1928 and with representation in 33 countries, is able to meet the needs of customers in a wide range of installations.

Continuous investment in researching and developing pipework systems, combined with the latest manufacturing technology, makes JACOB the preferred choice for many installations and a clear market leader.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01694 722841 E-mail: marketing@ jacob-uk.com Web: www.jacob-uk.com

plastic pipes. The use of the CONNEX-Junction considerably simplifies conventional working methods: Exposing a metre wide section of the main sewer for the subsequent connection of pipes is no longer necessary.

The VPC coupler joins pipes of different sizes and of different types; plastic to clay or clay to corrugated or a combination of these. Using only seven couplers to cover sizes from 100mm to 385mm o.d. where others types require in the region of 17 different types, along with different bushes or adaptors.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact: Richard Sykes Tel: 0191 385 3238 Fax: 0191 385 7515 E-mail: info@hoofmark.co.uk Web: www.hoofmark.co.uk

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

41

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

MANAGING PUBLIC PROPERTY IN A LEANER AND GREENER WAY By managing their estate more efficiently, sustainably and in partnership with others, local government could deliver operational cost savings, reduce energy demand and improve the quality of services, says Peter Janoska, head researcher, Westminster Sustainable Business Forum CUTS TO LOCAL AUTHORITY BUDGETS are now daily parts of the news. Meanwhile, the changing nature of our environment means that the UK has committed itself to to reduce carbon emissions by 20 per cent by 2020.

So can environmental efficiency and economic savings be made alongside one another?

Moreover, is it possible for the public sector to make savings in both cash and carbon while maintaining the quality of services?

POTENTIAL FOR SAVINGS In seeking answers to the questions above, we at the Westminster Sustainable Business Forum (WSBF) have spent six months studying public sector property management. Perhaps surprisingly, we found that the potential for efficiency savings, both environmental and economic, is immense.

For example, public sector property is currently valued at approximately £370 billion, and costs £25 billion to run every year. From this, local government property is valued at an incredible £250 million and typically represents one fifth of local governments’ annual expenditure. Downsizing such large outgoings through better facilities management and procurement could save billions of punds.

At the same time, public sector buildings in England are responsible for producing 19.5 million tonnes of carbon, representing about 8 per cent of total non-domestic carbon emissions.

Crucial to our findings was the revelation that focus on property management can not only deliver efficiency savings, but perhaps more importantly, improve the delivery of services for residents.

BETTER MANAGEMENT Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, who launched the findings in February, said: “Every council could save millions by managing their properties better, using the money to protect frontline services or keep council tax down.”

Matthew Hancock MP, chair of the Westminster Sustainable Business Forum research inquiry explained further: “Local government owns huge amounts of our towns and cities. On investigation, we often found poor use of that property, costing money and adding to carbon emissions. What we found surprising, is that where improvements have been made, the people working there told us that they had not just saved cost and saved

42

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

carbon, but also improved services as a result.”

The inquiry found that while the concept of sharing property within and between public service providers may seem daunting to local authorities, it can be an effective way to combat traditional ‘silo-thinking’ and the belief that each department, service or authority must be kept separate. New ways of working in streamlined property and assets are likely have an additional positive impact: an improvement in services.

SAVING SPACE As a part of Birmingham City Council’s Business Transformation programme, the council initiated an innovative efficiency programme, called ‘Working for the Future’, to streamline its core office estate and resolve the issue of its outof-date and scattered office portfolio. From this, the council is now planning to transform the 55 buildings it uses for office space to eight, saving a colossal 50,000m2. One building in particular, the Lancaster Circus Council Building, has already merged 13 buildings into one, cutting 10,000m2 of floor space.

Moreover, through measures such as combined heat and power connection, high standard insulation, passive ventilation, power perfectors and an efficient lighting system, this building has concurrently delivered a 40 per cent reduction in carbon. Together, reducing space and energy efficient measures have generated savings of £3.5 million a year in running costs for one building alone – and £100 million a year for the entire project.

The figures speak for themselves. Indeed, by following best practice examples of low cost, flexible working practices, local government could reduce the space it occupies by 20-30 per cent, with the potential to deliver savings in running costs of up to £7 billion a year.

Addressing the flexibility of both working practices and property can reduce the amount of space required even further, as a more flexible work force requires less desk space.

This can be achieved, as demonstrated by Birmingham CC, through using modern technologies to facilitate remote working with the support of drop-in offices where staff from any agency can call in to use desks.

Centralising control over property within a single department is a vital step for every public sector organisation wishing to manage its estate efficiently.

Manchester City Council established a central Corporate Property Team, and then

imposed a property embargo, meaning that all lease arrangements, disposals, facilities management contracts and IT requests needed to be approved centrally.

Such centralisation has achieved significant economies of scale and allowed contracts to be renegotiated and the break-up of leases.

Indeed, the city council has been able to reduce its back-office operations properties from 34 to 13 and is expecting that by the time its property rationalisation programme ends, one third of council’s estate will be released, with significant financial and carbon savings.

In order to motivate Service Directorates to maximise their space utility even further, the corporate property team within Manchester City Council aims to introduce a notional space use charge. Such a move towards internal rent could enable every local authority to establish appropriate set of incentives for efficient space use.

PUBLIC SECTOR PROPERTY COOPERATION The urge to deliver efficiency savings will encourage organisations to look beyond their own boundaries for solutions. Local government is no exception, and should seek to collaborate and cooperate with other public sector and voluntary partners.

Suffolk County Council demonstrates clearly how collaboration between public sector organisations can save wads of taxpayer’s money. Their work on property mapping started last year, and through exploring the co-location possibilities by 12 public sector partners – including borough and district councils, police and health, along with central government – they have been able to make significant, and valuable changes.

Through the project, 2,500 properties (excluding council housing), with a book value of £500 million, were identified. The mapping initiative primarily focused on the identification of locality based property solutions, with more than 80 potential projects being recognised.

An initial ten priority projects were selected, which are now being actioned. The timelines of these projects vary; nevertheless, it is estimated that £1.6 million of annual property costs can be cut by the end of 2011.

Sharing property by different public sector service providers enhances the extent of efficiency savings by enlarging the size of the managed estate. Indeed, the co-location of front and back office services allows public sector organisations to generate economies of scale through

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

that we do start to share public buildings and to offer better service to the public.”

GOING GREEN Finally, partly because of the environmental imperative, and partly because of the financial savings available, environmental efficiency should be a priority for local government. The energy cost to produce a tonne of carbon emissions lies somewhere in the range of £150 to £200. The levy for every tonne of carbon emitted under the Carbon Reduction Commitment, introduced in April 2010, builds an extra £12 on this cost. Although this seems like a small charge, on doing the maths, an average participating organisation will find itself paying approximately £200,000 a year from 2012 onwards. The annual costs for one London Borough is estimated to run to £224,000, while for a Unitary Council, the total cost is approximately £162,000.

London Borough of Southwark has tackled this by relocating from 20 previously disparate buildings to a single, centrally located building, which was built according to the BREEAM ‘Very Good’ standard, with 20 per cent of energy demands met by renewables. Measures to help achieve this include a biomass boiler that meets 50 per cent of heating needs,

XXXXL-Security: The Document Shredder HSM SECURIO Professional Line.

passive ventilation systems, power perfectors and IT technology to manage lightning, computers, kitchen appliances and other devices. This rationalisation exercise has not only achieved environmental efficiency savings of 1,781 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year, but also delivered operational cost savings of about £3 million per year.

The Carbon Trust estimates that the first 10-15 per cent of carbon emissions can be effectively decreased through good housekeeping and low cost green solutions alone. A further 20-30 per cent of carbon can be shed through longer term spend to save measures like retrofitting existing buildings and efficient design of new buildings. Carbon reduction measures of this scope represent a cost reduction of a significant £650k for an average participant in the Carbon Reduction Commitment.

Our calculations suggest that the introduction of green measures for a standard administrative building, with staff on average public sector wages, can deliver financial savings in the range of £180-200 per m² per year from lower energy spending. On the top of monetary savings, sustainability measures can deliver also deliver additional soft benefits, including improved productivity and reduced sickness, which are harder to quantify.

OFFICE TECHNOLOGY

Security for large offices. – that provide Document Shredder of the HSM SECURIO Professional Line P36, P40 and P44. The high-performance document shredder for large offices – in the tried and tested HSM quality Made in Germany.

Destruction of „End of year“ files needs a powerful solution!

YEARS

Y

A

RRAN

T

ING

Y

Anzeige UK 178x125.indd 1

SA

30 W

PERCENT

GY

R

MAN

90

ENE

HSM ER

HS M

HS M

V

A DE I

N

M

www.hsm.eu

G

HSM (UK) Ltd. · Staffordshire WS7 3GJ · Phone No.: 01543 / 272 580 · E-Mail: sales@HSM.co.uk

the enlarged scope of the property facilities management and procurement contracts.

Pooling capital resources will also allow greater investment into joint property, improving the quality of the public sector estate. Joint property management will then deliver operational cost savings through enhanced efficiency of its property use, which will contribute towards the improvement of frontline services and customer satisfaction.

The report describes a variety of solutions for joint property management, ranging from a local public sector property management board, to a “pooled asset vehicle” for the combined estate of all local public service providers. As it is likely to be local sensitivities related to the transfer of control over assets to an independent body, local government and its public sector partners should look to establish mutual trust, by seeking out solutions that will be firmly based in their area.

Although property cooperation across boundaries is generally considered more difficult due to constraining financial and contractual arrangements, such cooperation will now become crucial to local authorities operating with diminished budgets. Launching findings of the report, Erick Pickles agreed: “A sensible use of public money demands

Great Products, Great People.

43

01.03.2011 12:13:52 Uhr THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

Advert 100211 FINAL.pdf

11/02/2011

12:01:38

THE LAWYERS FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR

J W Employment Law Employment Law Solicitors

Devoted exclusively to employment law in all of its aspects.

Contact any of our team on:

Tel: 0845 370 3117 email: jgoolden@wilkinchapman.co.uk or cgrocock@wilkinchapman.co.uk

Are you facing redundancies or employment budget cuts?

J W Employment Law is a firm of solicitors dealing exclusively with Employment Law related issues.

J W Employment Law can help you by providing practical, professional advice that is value for money with an expert solicitor who has over 15 years specialist experience.

Contact Jane Williams at: Tel: 01245 251007 / 07740 409054 jane@janewilliamsemploymentlaw.co.uk www.janewilliamsemploymentlaw.co.uk

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

EMPLOYMENT LAW

KNOWING WHERE YOU STAND Nikki Duncan, member of the Employment Law Committee of the Law Society, discusses potential employment law issues in the fallout from the comprehensive spending review NOW THAT THE EXTENT OF THE CUTS is known, public sector organisations up and down the country are nervously implementing HR strategies designed to balance the books.

From one-off opportunities to exit under mutual termination agreements or more favourable redundancy terms, to outsourcing and joint ventures, employers are rehearsing a range of options to try to achieve the required costs savings with minimal employment law risks.

At the same time, unions are gearing up for a spring of discontent, and a more immediate judicial review application from the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union as the government steams ahead with the cuts to the Civil Service Compensation Scheme, which governs redundancy terms. Hence the nervousness, since it seems hardly the climate to push through major cultural changes for public sector employees (who are used to a high degree of job security) with scope for legal challenges against unwary employers.

UNION SUPPORT? There is a mixed picture at the moment amongst public sector unions. Some are flexing their muscles, others are more realistic about the need for sensible compromise to save jobs. What is clear is that whether proposing changes in working patterns, or a buy-down of salary and benefits, all public sector employers with recognised unions are having to plan comprehensive strategies well ahead of time to deal with the likelihood that agreements cannot be reached. In particular, they will need to position, and exhaust, collective bargaining before making a direct approach to the workforce or, ultimately, imposing terms unilaterally.

Many employers are looking to buy-down at the moment, and this carries a potentially high risk. Failure to exhaust collective bargaining before making a direct offer to employees risks severe financial penalties under the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (TULRCA) (ÂŁ3.3k per employee from 1 February 2011), but also risks changes being deemed void, and any buy-down payment that had been made will be incapable of recovery.

This risk arises from untested and unclear remedy provisions in Section 145E of TULRCA. Surprisingly, there is no test case, nor record of parliamentary debate or comment on the intended meaning of apparently contradictory provisions. However, whilst this is a particularly tricky area of the law, employers can do much to position themselves to minimise the risk of claims, in the event of deadlocked collective bargaining. In particular, it will be important to show that there is no intention

There is a mixed picture at the moment amongst public sector unions. Some are flexing their muscles, others are more realistic about the need for sensible compromise to save jobs. What is clear is that all public sector employers with recognised unions are having to plan comprehensive strategies well ahead of time to deal with the likelihood that agreements cannot be reached

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

45

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

Assero employment protection can help with public sector employment challenges

I

N TODAY’S WORLD of increasing bureaucracy and procedures, it can often seem as though running an organisation in the public sector is less about achieving your own goals and more about avoiding the dangers of employment legislation.

Over recent years, there has been a huge increase in the number of unfair dismissal tribunal claims with the cost of awards increasing alarmingly. With funding cuts already meaning huge change and upheaval for almost every organisation in the public sector, getting employment law right at every step of the way is vital.

Managing change properly, effectively and with sensitivity will make the process more bearable for those affected and, just as importantly, for the remaining staff.

The employment team at Sintons are all fully qualified, experienced solicitors with a wealth of experience covering the full range of employment issues such as TUPE, redundancies, unfair dismissal, drafting terms and conditions and all aspects of discrimination and tribunal disputes.

Managing employment risk is critical to any organisation and Sintons’ employment law package, Assero, can help do this for you. The Assero package currently

assists organisations collectively employing thousands of staff in the public, private and third sectors, manage their risk.

The Assero package will: • Provide you with a complete tailored package of employment law assistance bespoke to the needs of your organisation • Audit and update all your employee related documentation, which will ensure your compliance with employment legislation • Offer you unlimited access to our employment team 24 hours a day with your queries dealt with by a fully qualified solicitor by telephone, e-mail or face to face as necessary • Update and train your staff on important changes to employment legislation through our regular newsletters and

seminar programme • Cover you for all legal costs and any award of compensation negotiated or awarded if you receive a tribunal claim, up to £250,000 per claim, with a member of our team conducting your defence.

We will hold your hand through any restructuring or redundancy process, advising on the process, issuing guidance notes, drafting letters to ensure compliance with employment law legislation, which if done incorrectly would leave you open to the risk of expensive tribunal litigation.

Assero is available on a fixed fee basis and is paid for monthly. There is no minimum contract period and it can be cancelled with just one month’s notice. The package offers certainty of cost in what are very uncertain times.

We have a large and varied client base of organisations of all sizes and deliver our advice in a practical concise way, which enables our clients to address any employment matter quickly and effectively.

FOR MORE INFORMATION If you would like to know more about Assero or would be interested in getting a quote for the package please contact Mike O’Beirne at Sintons on 0191 2263790 or e-mail mike.obeirne@sintons.co.uk

Providing Advice & Support to the Public Sector Baker Small Solicitors is a specialist legal practice offering tailored services to schools and the public sector. We only act for public sector bodies and do not act for private individuals or employees. This stands us out from the majority of legal practices.

Based in Milton Keynes but with national reach, Baker Small Solicitors was established to provide quality and cost effective legal support to support public sector decision making. Our key areas of expertise include education, employment, litigation and public law.

For further information please contact Mark Small on 01908 306080 or by email admin@bakersmall.co.uk.

Alternatively, visit our website, www.bakersmall.co.uk

Baker Small Solicitors; Exchange House, 494 Midsummer Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK9 2EA Tel: 01908 306080; Fax: 01908 255700; email: admin@bakersmall.co.uk

46

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

EMPLOYMENT LAW

to depart from existing collective bargaining arrangements altogether, but rather a case of having to make a direct approach to the workforce where agreement cannot be reached over a particular issue.

In that event, on a strict interpretation, Section 145E may not be engaged, though this would be a test point. However, this is rife for legal challenge. It is therefore worth getting legal advisers on board at the strategy stage, to formulate an action plan ahead of any union consultation.

REDUNDANCY CONSULTATION The term ‘redundancy’ for collective consultation purposes is very widely defined and goes further than the normal understanding of the concept. It includes reorganisation, even if there is to be no reduction in overall headcount.

With a 90-day minimum consultation period for 100+ redundancies, an employer needs to build this into the timetable, mindful that individual notice periods can no longer run at the same time as collective consultation.

The employer also needs to note the technical meaning of ‘establishment’, when determining the minimum consultation period, and keep a watchful eye on the outcome of one test case, recently referred to the European Court on the precise trigger points for such consultation.

This, therefore, is another reason for having a legal team on board early on to help plan the timeline, mindful that compensation (protective awards) for breach of collective consultation can be very expensive – up to 13 weeks pay per affected employee.

One recent, encouraging court decision has shown that some form of shorter consultation may be used to argue down the customary 13 week penalty, but it would be wise to view this as a fallback argument and to plan carefully to minimise scope for any protective awards for breach of collective consultation.

Employers will also need to factor in collective consultation before any call for volunteers for redundancy, being mindful that such volunteers may be employees who are more confident of securing jobs elsewhere and are not those that the employer might choose to lose. In that event, where it may be difficult to avoid compulsory redundancies, careful planning needs to be done well ahead of any individual redundancy consultations.

REDUNDANCY SELECTION It is important to consult on, and hopefully agree, objective selection criteria with recognised unions. As in the private sector, potential pitfalls include over-narrow selection pools, discriminatory selection criteria, and the temptation of seizing the opportunity to weed out under-performing/unsuitable staff. Inevitably, it is those with an attitude problem, or some other rather intangible flaw, who can be difficult to match with objective selection criteria and we always advocate the

Nikki Duncan

With a 90-day minimum consultation period for 100+ redundancies, an employer needs to build this into the timetable, mindful that individual notice periods can no longer run at the same time as collective consultation use of a thorough appraisal and performance monitoring system to assist in this process.

In addition, in the public sector there are issues around the statutory requirement to select permanent civil servants through open and fair competition, the treatment of fixedterm workers, and enhanced terms to public sector employees. Furthermore, there is scope for debate about redeployment duties, and who is the ‘same’ or an ‘associated employer’ within the wider public sector.

Therefore, while employers will probably need to get into this territory, and grapple with such issues, the risks of expensive employment claims (unlawful discrimination compensation is uncapped) have encouraged some imaginative lateral thinking about other efficiencies that

can be made, with compulsory redundancies being seen very much as the last resort.

OUTSOURCING Redundancy risks are one reason why many public sector organisations are looking closely at outsourcing; not just support functions, but even some of their more core activities. The thought of transferring employee liability under TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment) regulations to an unrelated transferee may appear as too good an opportunity to miss but various government extensions have made it a less attractive prospect to potential private sector bidders. The Cabinet Office Statement of Practice on staff transfers in the public sector 2000 (COSOP)

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

47

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

EMPLOYMENT LAW

applies to staff who were transferred to the private sector, as well as those who moved to different roles within the civil service.

COSOP sets out policy in relation to transfers, which the government expects public sector organisations to follow. This is aimed at protecting the rights of public sector staff, ensuring continuity of employment and of terms and conditions. It essentially provides that TUPE should be treated as applying to protect an employee’s terms of employment even if it does not, strictly legally, apply (except in very exceptional circumstances).

This therefore forms part of the tendering/ contracting process and is something private bidders have had to come to terms with.

PUBLIC SECTOR CONTRACTS In 2005, the concept was extended with the introduction of the Cabinet Code of Practice on Workforce Matters in Public Sector Contracts 2005 (the two-tier code). The idea was that compliance with the two-tier code was to be a requirement of supply contracts and was designed to ensure that new employees hired to work alongside ex-public sector workers were hired on no less favourable terms, including pensions. This had the result of driving employer’s costs up, and making them less likely to tender for public-sector contracts.

In December 2010, the government announced the abolition of the two-tier code (apart from the pensions provisions) which, in theory, should make it easier (and hopefully cheaper) for public bodies to find new commercial partners willing either to acquire a public function or enter into a joint venture.

In reality, as COSOP itself remains, as do the pensions provisions, it remains to be seen how much difference the repeal will make.

However, a public employer needs to be aware of the various statutory transferor obligations and, as with restructuring, allow sufficient time and HR resource to minimise the risk of claims.

In particular, there are financial penalties for breach of the pre-transfer consultation requirements, and scope for these to be apportioned between transferor and transferee, depending on an tribunal’s view of respective culpability for breach. Similarly, there are risks around phased transfers, or secondments pending legal completion.

What’s more, any pre-transfer terminations, which are TUPE-related, are automatically unfair dismissals, with a probability of both the current employer and the transferee being drawn into litigation over where liability should rest. In the private sector, the carve-up of liability is dealt with under negotiated warranties and indemnities. That luxury is rarely available in the public sector, with consequent increased uncertainty about whether a public sector transferor might still be vulnerable to claims.

SECONDMENTS Temporary secondments can sound an attractive way of at least deferring probable

48

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

ABOUT THE LAW SOCIETY The Law Society represents solicitors in England and Wales. From negotiating with and lobbying the profession’s regulators, government and others, to offering training and advice, it helps, protects and promotes solicitors across England and Wales.

The Law Society has a regional structure of managers in the nine English regions and Wales. This regional network builds closer relationships between individual members and firms, and the Law Society. The network: • maintains relationships with members across England and Wales redundancies. However, care needs to be taken that there are appropriate indemnities from the secondee, being mindful that the seconder will retain employer liability, but lose day to day control. Furthermore, where a secondment might actually constitute a TUPE transfer (e.g. linked with outsourcing functions) it is important not to miss the boat.

A House of Lords case (Celtic v Astley) makes it clear that a TUPE transfer can only happen at one particular point in time and it may be too late to argue down the line that the end of the secondment triggers a TUPE transfer.

CONCLUSION The legal complexities in this area mean that it is wise to involve lawyers at the strategic planning stage. They can then help both design

to better represent their views • promotes national Law Society initiatives • increases members’ awareness of Law Society services and activities, and forges partnerships and strategic alliances with key external stakeholders in order to add value to members’ businesses.

The Law Society also has a senior relationship manager who builds and sustains relationships with its members at Top 100 law firms, and promotes their interests and raises awareness of Law Society services and initiatives. a realistic timeline and also work with the public sector employer to minimise exposure to potentially costly employment claims.

In-house HR specialists also need to be closely involved with any operational decisions which may have an impact – this is definitely a time to make sure that informed decisions are made, with a clear execution plan.

Nikki Duncan is a partner in the employment team at law firm Bond Pearce, and a member of the Employment Law Committee of The Law Society.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Nikki Duncan on 0845 4157601 or nikki.duncan@bondpearce.com

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Baker Small – niche Planning ahead legal practice supporting for public sector the public sector employment changes AKER SMALL SOLICITORS is a specialist legal practice offering tailored services to schools and the public sector. We only act for public sector bodies and not for any private individuals or employees. This makes us stand out from the majority of legal practices.

There can be no doubt that the public sector is facing uncertain times with many back office functions being cut to protect front line services. However, at a time of increasing legislative demands and spending cuts, the public sector faces increasing legal challenges and claims from its employees, unions and the public.

To meet this challenge Baker Small Solicitors was established to provide quality and cost effective legal support

B

to ensure that public sector decision making is supported and legal claims defended.

Our key areas of expertise include education, employment, litigation and public law.

Based in Milton Keynes but with national reach, Baker Small Solicitors offers a variety of tailored legal support products, ranging from advice phone lines, access to online resources and training seminars.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For further information or discuss our legal requirements, please contact Mark Small on 01908 306080 or by e-mail admin@bakersmall.co.uk.

Alternatively, visit our website, www.bakersmall.co.uk

Employment law advice for the public sector E ARE A MODERN,

W multi-service law

firm providing high quality employment law advice on the broadest range of issues for both the public sector and individuals, including reorganisations, changes to terms and conditions of employment, redundancies, and TUPE. We also regularly present seminars, workshops and training events as well as representing our clients in employment tribunals.

We understand the essential issues that differentiate working for a public sector organisation from working for the private sector.

We are aware that local government operates within a rigid regulatory framework and that when advising; we too must adopt that framework to preserve the integrity and reputation of our clients.

We also recognise that you will have your own in-house team and we will not be required to

UBLIC SECTOR employers are in uncharted territory.

The way in which departments and authorities handle restructuring and redundancies is crucial to ensure costs and claims are minimised. Bold and innovative decisions are needed and early, clear advice on employment law issues is essential.

Jane Eatock, Partner at Wilkin Chapman Goolden Solicitors, suggests that HR and legal teams need to be one step ahead and think about: • Negotiating radical changes to terms and conditions. Changes that would never have been accepted in better days are now more than possible. This saves costs now and makes departments more attractive to outsourcing bids.

• Preparing the way for selection and redeployment by reviewing all long term sickness absence and performance management cases. Many will have stalled.

You need to bring them to a swift conclusion with clear outcomes.

• Making friends with the unions

P

by having informal discussions before formal consultation - collect ideas and get them to buy in early.

• Imaginative bids for partnerships and outsourcing but understand the TUPE risks.

The key is to emerge with the best possible workforce who are equipped to do more for less and who have not been disillusioned by the process.

FOR MORE INFORMATION E-mail: jeatock@ wilkinchapman.co.uk Tel: 01472 253949 Fax: 0845 280 2116 Web: www.wilkinchapman goolden.co.uk

J W Employment – devoted exclusively to employment law W EMPLOYMENT LAW SOLICITORS provides specialist advice and training in employment law.

With over 15 years of experience, Jane Williams from J W Employment Law has advised a wide variety of clients from individuals to some household names, in all sorts of industries from tree surgeons to residential care homes, on all aspects of employment law, including collective redundancies, transfers of undertakings and compromise agreements.

J W Employment Law is proud of its reputation for giving practical commercial advice, clearly identifying any risks of litigation.

It has also been instructed by other solicitors’ firms; such is the respect for the firm’s ability and specialist knowledge.

Jane Williams makes it clear that J W Employment Law solicitors

J

undertake those legal services best kept in-house. However, we can offer specialist support services that are structured to support you in meeting your corporate and social aims. We aim to provide these services at the most competitive market rates available.

FOR MORE INFORMATION If you would like to discuss the issues raised by the Law Society and how they impact on you and your organisation then please do not hesitate to contact John Buchanan on 0115 910 6211 E-mail: j.buchanan@ rotheradowson.co.uk Web: www.employment lawsolicitorsuk.co.uk

do not make the decisions for you but empower you to make informed decisions.

J W Employment Law has acted in relation to a number of Transfer of Undertakings as well as a potentially high profile sex discrimination case involving the entertainment world.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Jane Williams of J W Employment Law Address: 34 Chichester Drive, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 7RY Tel: 01245 251007 Mob: 07740 409054 E-mail: jane@janewilliams employmentlaw.co.uk Web: www.janewilliams employmentlaw.co.uk

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

49

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

Government Business Ad_GovBus Ad 24/02/2011 14:23 Page 1

Thinking of starting your own business this year?

• Supported by a world leading franchisor with over 50 years of franchising experience • Over 30 years of lawn care industry experience • Proven business model • Effective Training • Strong ongoing support network • Repeat business year after year • And much more!

Email: franchisesales@servicemaster.co.uk Tel: 0116 2759005 www.servicemaster.co.uk/trugreen

50

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

Looking for a new opportunity or change of career?

ITMAN TRAINING is one of the most widely recognised and respected training organisations in the world. It was founded in 1840, when Sir Isaac Pitman invented shorthand and revolutionised office communications and this spirit lives on in the organisation today. You could become a part of this and fulfil your career ambitions.

If you’ve always wanted to set up your own business, and now is the time for you to take a different path with your career, then why not consider setting up a Pitman Training franchise.

We’re always looking for the right people – those who have the drive and business acumen to succeed, and continue the fantastic reputation of our company – and there are opportunities across the country, and across the world.

If you’ve got the ambition and dedication, then we’ve

P

got the support to help you along your way.

Find out more at www. pitman-franchising.com including what you’ll need to set up your franchise, and read the stories of just a few of our highly successful franchisees.

FOR MORE INFORMATION You can also contact Mike Cressey at Pitman Training on 0333 2001301 or e-mail him at mike@pitman-training.com Address: Pitman Training, Sandown House, Sandbeck Way, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS22 7DN

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

FRANCHISING

OPENING THE DOORS TO NEW POSSIBILITIES Tom Endean, British Franchise Association, highlights some key steps for prospective franchisees THE RECENT NEWS around the employment numbers in the public sector and the number of people that may soon be looking for new career routes is a message that needs to be seen wider than the obvious trepidation.

Over the past two years the UK has seen several occasions of large redundancies and rises in unemployment. This can be severely demoralising for many, sometimes causing real hardship that we can not ignore. However, occasions like this also open up other doors of possibility.

When unemployment rises, it is not uncommon for a rise in the number of people looking to start their own business as a way

to take control of their own employment and future. This, however, does come with one main hurdle: the success rates of small businesses. Starting a business from scratch is no easy task and many more will fail than succeed; floored by unrealistic business models, lack of cash flow or problems with the day to day running. This is where franchising comes in to its own and has the ability to help countless people start their own business.

FRANCHISING SUCCESS Time and again, franchising has greatly outperformed other start-up businesses. Its formula of a locally owned and run enterprise, driven

Time and again, franchising has greatly outperformed other start-up businesses. Its formula of a locally owned and run enterprise, driven by a small business owner, with branding, economies of scale and support from the wider network, gives the business a far better chance of success

by a small business owner, with branding, economies of scale and support from the wider network, gives the business a far better chance of success. However, this is only the case if it is done well, so you need to ensure you do your homework when looking into franchising.

A good franchise will offer you a proven business format with the initial and continuing support that you will need. Your business will work under the brand established by your franchisor using the business system they have developed and proven in the marketplace.

You will pay an initial fee to set up using the brand and the business format. You will then pay continuing fees for ongoing support that will help you operate and allow you to build the business and eventually build a capital asset that you can sell.

These ongoing costs, which provide the ongoing support, is one of the major reasons behind the success of franchising. The franchisor has already gone through the pain of finding out what works and what doesn’t. They have invested in the systems and are now willing to teach you how to replicate it. However, don’t think you can pick and choose which parts of the systems you want to pick up. It is very much

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

51

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

FRANCHISING

ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES What are the advantages?

• About 90 per cent of all franchisees reported profitability over the last 12 months.

• The business format is proven. You don’t ever make expensive mistakes yourself.

• You have the opportunity to build your capital as well as your earnings and build a future for your family.

• It is your business and you are the owner manager, providing you follow the system, you decide what goes.

• The major banks are very supportive of good franchising.

all or nothing. However, if you are paying for a proven system, why wouldn’t you follow it?

HOW DO I KNOW IF A FRANCHISE IS GOOD? Membership of the British Franchise Association (bfa) is the first thing to look for, but it is not a replacement for your own work. You will want to find out what experience of franchising the company has, their success rates and what you get for your money. You are also strongly advised to ask for a list of franchisees to speak to and find out what the day to day realities of running a franchise in that network are like.

You also need to meet them at their offices and get an idea of what their plans are for the future. One aspect to consider is how many other franchisees they have recruited recently and how many they plan to recruit. The number itself is not the key aspect, but you need to compare this to the support they have in place.

If you are the 20th franchisee, but they only have a support system to cope with 18, how will this impact on your chances of success?

You will also need to think about how fussy they are about who they bring on. If they see a pulse and cheque and aren’t too worried about the rest, walk away. You will want to make sure the whole network is a good standard, if you are going to be part of the brand, so think about how stringent they are being in their recruitment process.

At some stage you will also come across a franchise agreement. Before you sign it, make sure you take it to a franchise solicitor. Don’t just take it to a solicitor you used to buy your house or have a long standing acquaintance with.

Franchising has some very specific characteristics, especially with regards to contracts, and you don’t want to waste your money on advice that turns out to be no good. There are over 50 solicitors across the UK, who are accredited by the bfa, so it is very easy to make sure you are using someone with the right knowledge.

52

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

Would I need previous experience in the sector? Not necessarily. Many businesses actually seek those that haven’t worked in the industry as it means they haven’t picked up bad habits from other ways of working. It’s best to speak to the business to find out.

Do I ned previous experience of running a business? Franchising involves training, so it is more about your attitude and aptitude. Some franchises will need more experience than others, but most will be set up to give you the skills you need.

Am I guaranteed to be able to buy a franchise? No. A franchisor is going to be just as choosy about whom they take on, as you should be about which company you want to join. There will be an interview process and you will want to make sure they are diligent about the quality of those they recruit, as this will tell you a lot about others in the network.

Usually, you can’t choose where the franchise is based. Franchises are split over set regions, or based in planned locations, so it may be that the only opportunity available is in a very different location. Have this talk with the franchisor at the start as you may need to move.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? This is very dependent on the business that you may be looking at, as it may range from less than £10,000 up to hundreds of thousands of pounds. What you need to be sure of is that you understand all of the costs involved and what they cover. You will want to check that you fully understand what you will need to invest or borrow from day one, plus what money you may need to see you through until you start making profit.

HSBC, Lloyds TSB/Bank of Scotland, and RBS/ NatWest are the three major banking groups who have specialist franchise departments. If you approach these bank departments, they will be able to give you the best information and support about finance in franchising.

What are the disadvantages?

• Running any business is hard work, demanding the highest level of personal and family commitment.

• You make a financial investment.

No investment can be guaranteed, especially when it depends on your own efforts as well as your franchisor and the market place for your product or service.

• You buy into a proven business system for its benefits but you also take on responsibility for following it.

The industry today covers a wide range of businesses: from home cleaning to high street retailing, from car repair to business services, and from lawn care to hotels. The bfa has full lists of accredited businesses on its website.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE? The British Franchise Association provides various educational seminars and has links with media, exhibitions and websites. Take some time to understand what franchising is, attend seminars if you can and do as much research as possible on any franchise you are interested in.

Franchise exhibitions are a fantastic start as they provide a lot of information, all under one roof, including franchisors, industry experts and free educational seminars. There are three main bfa accredited exhibitions that you should look at, as all of the exhibitors have been checked by the bfa – this is not the case with others. The bfa accredited shows are: • The British & International Franchise Exhibition, Olympia, London 18-19 March • The British Franchise Exhibition, Manchester Central 10-11 June • The National Franchise Exhibition, NEC, Birmingham 30 September -1 October There are also four main industry magazines that provide excellent insight into the industry and some national newspapers such as the Daily Express carry regular information on franchising.

In addition, the web is a non-stop machine for producing educational information, but beware, some websites do not always provide the best advice. Check the bfa website at www.thebfa.org and this will give you a sound starting point.

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

MOLLY MAID – your future starts here OLLY MAID has been

M established in the UK for over 25 years and offers a management franchise opportunity in the domestic cleaning sector worth over £1.6 billion. Staff are fully insured, work in teams of two and arrive in MOLLY MAID branded cars, bringing with them all the necessary cleaning equipment and supplies.

Demand for the service continues to grow, which is why we have opportunities for people orientated individuals who have a capacity for hard work, who want to build a successful business of their own, backed by a brand name known and trusted throughout the UK. Our commitment to you: “To help you build a successful business through training, support and marketing from the best known brand in the market,” says Pam Bader OBE, chief executive of MOLLY MAID and past chair of the British Franchise Association.

“We’ve been operating in the UK

F YOU’RE LOOKING at making a prudent investment into the lucrative service industry sector, then you’ve probably found just what you’re looking for.

Joining the OVENU network is an attractive proposition for the practically minded who are seeking flexibility, profitability and a rapid return on investment.

Our realistically priced start-up package includes everything you’ll need to start trading straight away producing truly spectacular results for consumers who like doing business regularly with their local area oven valeting expert.

The proven OVENU business model has grown significantly over the years into the largest global brand within the sector and offers you the opportunity to quickly develop a flourishing, high

The UK’s leading greeting card franchise ARD CONNECTION is one of the UK’s largest card publishers and the market leader in the franchised distribution of greeting cards. Viewed as one of the UK’s best run franchise operations, the company was established in 1992 and has been a full member of the British Franchise Association since 1994.

In 2008, Card Connection became part of UK Greetings Limited (UKG), the British subsidiary of American Greetings Inc AG, the world’s largest publicly owned greeting card company and the largest direct to retail greeting card publisher in the UK. Using a proven system, Card Connection franchisees place greeting cards from a range of almost 1,500 quality designs in retail outlets on a consignment basis. Therefore retailers only pay for what they sell. Card Connection’s national account customers include Budgens, Londis, Nisa, Spar, Palmer & Harvey, Bestway, Bargain Booze,

C

for over 25 years so our training and launch programme has been proven time and again. We ensure you’re supported every step of the way – for the simple reason that your success is our success.”

Low overheads, regular repeat business, excellent cashflow and an initial outlay of £16,975 makes it the perfect proposition.

FOR MORE INFORMATION To find out more, call Andrew Parsons on 0800 500 950 or visit our website www.mollymaid.co.uk/business/ index.php or e-mail andrew. parsons@mollymaid.co.uk

Over 16 years of ownership, growth and development I

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

demand, local business. A business that offers ISO 9001:2008 initial and on-going training and support.

Trading locally, you’ll benefit from a generous exclusive territory, choice of van and the most effective cleaning system. Add a top ranking, high visibility local, national and international internet presence and you’re off to a flying start.

You’ll find all of our support team to be highly knowledgeable industry specialists and only too happy to help. Likewise, our recruitment process is open, honest and totally transparent.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact: Ken Rostron Tel: 01325 251455 E-mail: info@ovenufranchise.co.uk Web: www.ovenufranchise.co.uk

Shell, Texaco, Total, BP and WHS Travel. This means that franchisees have an income from day one.

Card Connection has limited vacancies for franchisees who are keen to run an expanding business. These vary in price according to their level of development, but start at £20,000 (+ stock) with earnings potential in excess of £50,000 per annum.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01252 892300 Fax: 01252 892339 E-mail: cynthia-shelton@ card-connection.co.uk Web: www.cardconnection.co.uk

A leading investigation and detective agency ONDON HOUSE was established in 1995 to provide a professional range of services to banks, building societies, law firms, insurance companies and other financial institutions and agencies. Our core business is gathering information and we offer a range of management services that are tailored for both the consumer and corporate sectors, but our expertise lies “in the field”. We endeavour to paint a picture and add value to information already on the clients file.

With our head office in Milton Keynes and 46 franchised offices throughout the UK we provide national coverage with local knowledge to help our blue chip client base.

We offer a superb package which includes:

L

• A professional white collar business • No specific prior experience needed • Financially strong business potential • Constant variety from day to day • Home or office base – you choose • Highly professional, two week residential training course • Constant support and guidance • Initial investment from only £10,750

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact: Godfrey Lancashire ACIB, FICM, managing director Address: London House, 6 The Stocks, Cosgrove, Milton Keynes MK19 7JD Tel: 01908 262444 E-mail: info@london houseinternational.com

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

53

The UK’s leading carpet and upholstery cleaning franchise • Earn from day 1 • Generate high net profits • FREE 12 months centralised marketing • No management service charge for first 12 months • Regular repeat business • Prime exclusive territories available Over 40 years successful franchising “At the Safeclean Discovery Day I made the decision... .. I want to work for this franchise.”

Robert Loomes, Safeclean Franchisee

Join a network that provides organic based cleaning and protection of: • Carpets & Rugs • Upholstery • Mattresses • Curtains

For more details call 01235 444705 Visit us on stand J70 at the British and International Franchise Exhbition at London’s Olympia - 18/19th March 2011

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

FRANCHISING

TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE AND CAREER If you are considering a change in career direction, a visit to The British & International Franchise Exhibition, taking place 18-19 March at Olympia, London, should be your next step

For those looking for a new career challenge, there will be a wide variety of new opportunities, ideas and advice well suited to those with public sector experience at The British & International Franchise Exhibition, the UK’s leading international franchise event THE EXTENSIVE CHANGES in public life and the economic cutbacks have forced many people working in the public sector and NHS, both nationally and locally, to review their career and life plans. Many will be deciding to move into a different sphere, including becoming self-employed.

For those looking for a new career challenge, particularly running their own business, there will be a wide variety of new opportunities, ideas and advice well suited to those with public sector experience at The British & International Franchise Exhibition, the UK’s leading international franchise event, taking place at Olympia, London,18-19 March.

PERFECT OPTION From careers with management support companies like Expense Reduction Analysts and Auditel to opportunities in care management with Flexicare and Home Instead Senior Care, there will be a choice of more than 120 new and established franchised businesses to suit every interest, skill and level of expertise.

Becoming a franchisee is the perfect

option for those looking to start up their own venture, particularly those new to commerce. It offers the experience, credibility, support network and structure of a proven business, and this helps overcome the uncertainties and difficulties commonly faced at the start-up stage.

It is not difficult to see why franchising is growing fast worldwide; new businesses based on franchised concepts are much more likely to succeed than other new business ventures. According to the latest NatWest and British Franchise Association (bfa) survey, 88 per cent of all franchisees, including new start-ups, were trading profitably in 2009.

YOUR OWN BOSS “We find that those who join Expense Reduction Analysts really enjoy being their own boss and find it a liberating experience.

That said, support is on hand either through dedicated business coaches or by phone, offering the best of both worlds”, says David Cartwright, learning & development

manager for Expense Reduction Analysts, one of the exhibitors at the show, who has helped former public sector staff.

“Most people, when it comes to moving out of the public sector, are concerned with how they will make the transition to corporate life. However, this is one of the benefits of investing in a proven franchise opportunity like Expense Reduction Analysts, who has an extensive five-week training programme created to enable people without the industry experience to go and work with companies within that sector. Franchisees can identify the skills gained through their previous employment and learn how to transfer them to their new career.”

CONFERENCE AND SEMINARS Alongside the exhibiting companies at The British & International Franchise Exhibition, there are five theatres featuring valuable and informative free seminars, plus keynote speakers and experts offering advice on all aspects of franchising.

The extensive conference and seminar programme covers all the important franchise-related topics. They range from the popular bfa seminars such as ‘An introduction to franchising’, to sessions on families in franchising, high-level investment franchising and franchise resales, with several distinguished keynote speakers.

The theatres will also host presentations from exhibiting franchisors and the highly successful Franchisee Panels, which give visitors the opportunity to hear from inspirational franchisees about their successes, failures and making the transition from employee to a self-employed franchise owner.

For those uncertain what business would be best for them, the Career Clinic gives a personal assessment of the most suitable options, while the Franchise Starting Point provides advice on which seminars to attend and which stands to visit.

ETHICAL FRANCHISING As the only London exhibition endorsed by the British Franchise Association (bfa), visitors can be confident about all the franchise opportunities presented to them as it will only feature companies that have been bfa-accredited in accordance with its code of ethical franchising.

Adrian Goodsell, franchise exhibitions manager at Venture Marketing Group, organisers of The British & International Franchise Exhibition, sums up: “From speaking with visitors and receiving enquiries, we have found there is a real appetite for franchising among public sector employees. A visit to the show is a valuable and efficient way to gain a comprehensive overview of the sector and find out which franchise could be your next career move.”

The British & International Franchise Exhibition is open from 10am each day, closing at 5pm on Friday 18 March and 4pm on Saturday 19 March.

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

55

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

The most experienced Thirsty for success? – care franchisor in the UK Water Cooler World LUEBIRD CARE is a management franchise, recruiting and managing care staff who provide high quality care to people in their own homes. Bluebird Care is the most experienced franchisor in this sector with over 50 years of care and franchising experience at board level and has over 100 franchise territories in the UK and Ireland.

Care sector experience is not required and our franchise owners come from a variety of backgrounds. What is required is an empathy with what we do, a passion for getting it right, motivation to succeed and people management skills.

We offer a tried and tested business model and a comprehensive franchise package to get franchise owners up and running quickly and confidently.

Ongoing business support is offered through our regionlised business development managers who work closely with our franchise owners.

COOLER WORLD W ATER supplies and distributes

B

The care sector continues to offer huge opportunities for a successful business and Bluebird Care has the proven business model and the experience to produce successful franchised businesses.

Bluebird Care is a full member of the British Franchise Association and upholds the best in ethical franchising in the UK.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Annetta Doyle Tel: 01730 260026 E-mail: franchises@ bluebirdcare.co.uk Web: www.bluebirdcare.co.uk

Bluebird Care is the most experienced care franchisor in the UK

Bluebird Care is a management franchise providing care to people in their own homes – a sector with huge growth potential.

We have over 100 franchise territories in the UK and Ireland and offer a proven business model with exceptional business support.

The care market is worth some £20billion in the UK - and you can be part of it with Bluebird Care!

For more details please contact Annetta Doyle on 01730 260026 w: www.bluebirdcare.co.uk e: franchises@bluebirdcare.co.uk

56

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

quality chilled drinking water and coolers to offices, schools, gyms, homes and retail sectors via a number of different channels.

Water Cooler World will be offering exclusive franchise territories to selected candidates following the London Show in March 2011. Franchisees will be able to build their own successful business with the support of a highly experienced tele-marketing team working to generate appointments for franchisees to visit, demonstrate the system and sign them up as a customer for life.

The Franchise Development Centre has identified Water Cooler World as one of the most promising new franchises to

appear in recent years. They have taken an in-depth look at the business model and totally support the business plan, and have even gone so far as to say that it is potentially the most profitable man with a van franchise opportunity they have seen. With profits of in excess of £90k per annum after a three year period it is easy to see why they were impressed.

If you want to know more about the world’s coolest franchise, call and see us at the show.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact: Mike Webb, managing director Tel: 03333 445566 E-mail: mike@water coolerworld.co.uk Web: www.water coolerworld.co.uk

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

FRANCHISING

PURCHASE MANAGEMENT Auditel is a home-based cost and purchase management franchise with over 180 franchisees in its network.

Recently, two new franchisees have signed to join from the public sector.

Helen Spall joined in September 2010.

Before turning to franchising, Helen had been working for the NHS, managing a variety of IT and systems related projects. She says: “I had vowed that I would start my own business back in my teens, but only when the time was right. I was happy to be starting in a recession, because businesses launched then are often primed to take advantage of the upturn when it comes. When I met with Auditel, I felt the skill match was perfect for me.”

Gary White joined Auditel in December 2010 with 15 years’ experience in information and performance management. Gary recalls: “I had begun to look for a franchise opportunity after reading an article in the national press and the seed began to grow in my mind. Some months later, with the oncoming threat of redundancy in the NHS, I began to seek options that matched well with my previous experience and skillset. I researched opportunities with various franchises, and identified with Auditel and its business format. Its support is on-going and is always available at the end of a phone, be it head office or the wider network of affiliates.”

Gary reveals: “Being a franchisee has cut my commuting time each week by 15 hours.

I see more of my family, and am basking in the autonomy of making decisions that I believe are in my business’s best interests.

The effort that I put into this will be directly reflected in what I can earn. There is no longer a ceiling on my potential.”

HEALTHCARE FRANCHISING Ann Whaley spent a year working in the NHS before making the move into franchising.

During the time she spent with NHS Connecting for Health in Leeds, she gained an insight into the complexities of healthcare and worked with many different parties including GPs and Primary Care Trusts (PCTs).

Following the end of her fixed term contract with the NHS, Ann wanted to continue working in the healthcare sector and looked at relevant businesses in the franchise sector. She met Flexicare at The National Franchise Exhibition in 2010 and has now set up her business in Wakefield. Flexicare offers personalised care and support for people in their own home.

Ann has big plans for her business with four more franchises planned to open over the next 18 months. She explains what attracted her to this franchise: “Tapping into the support and knowledge offered

by Flexicare means that I am not starting

IIaollao – a leading frozen yogurt franchise E ARE OFFERING a unique

from scratch with my own businesses and can build on an existing model that works.

It was important for me to find a franchise that shared the same values – understanding the client’s needs and putting them first.”

Anna Macey-Michael from Flexicare adds: “We will be exhibiting at The British & International Franchise Exhibition as it’s a great way for potential franchisees to meet us in person and really gain a feel for our business and how we work.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION To register for The British & International Franchise Exhibition, call +44 (0)844 2578668 or visit www.franchiseinfo.co.uk Callers can purchase tickets by credit card for £8 each or £7 each for two or more. Admission on the door is £13.

Visitors can gain free admission by registering at www.franchiseinfo.co.uk and entering the code GBED. For the latest news and updates about the British & International Franchise Exhibition, follow the exhibition on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ukfranchising, join The Franchise Exhibitions Group on LinkedIn or become a fan of the FranchiseInfo group on Facebook.

Better business with Nevada Bob’s Golf E ARE OFFERING

W experience for the costumer

W the chance for

and an unbeatable opportunity for people wanting to succeed in business. llaollao is a leading frozen yogurt franchise using only the best produce available. llaollao is confirmed as the leader in the Spanish market with over 50 locations, and also established international presence during its first year of operation. The company offers great potential for growth and success to entrepreneurs – the long queues at all our locations are testimony to that.

The key to llaollao’s success is based on the extraordinary quality and taste of its main product – the artisan yogurt, which is low in calories but high in flavour. To taste a llaollao is a pleasure for the palate, and comes with health benefits but no economic sacrifice as its price is very attractive.

Moreover, frozen yogurt is much less cold than ice cream and

enthusiastic people to become part of an instantly recognised and acknowledged brand name in the golfing industry by becoming a franchisee.

This is opportunity to share in the success of a well established and respected market leader, which reduces the time required to establish a new business.

Golf retailing is very competitive, so enjoying the support of a partnership with Nevada Bob gives recognition and access to resources for all aspects of the business.

Our company strategy is to be the best in all aspects of serving a knowledgeable and discerning public. Our national marketing activity at the last two years’ Open Championships caught the imagination of fans, the BBC and other major sports media worldwide.

therefore appealing all year round.

So if you would like to be part of this established success with its strong economic returns, please contact us now.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0034 91 4448184 or 0034 91 4448167 E-mail: sonia.alvarez@bya.es or llaollao@bya.es

You will need to commit to an investment of £225,000 for a store with at least 2,500 square feet, and have a minimum of £70,000 available for a deposit. The balance can be arranged by means of a loan.

We believe being a franchisee is the perfect combination of being your own boss, but with the support and strength of a national company.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Craig Johnston Tel: 01923 288925 E-mail: craigjohnston@ nevadabobs.co.uk Web: www.nevadabobs.co.uk

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

57

 The stock exchange.  The housing market.  The conference ✓ facilities.

Hotels you can rely on:

Choose from over 20 hotels in the UK. Park Inn. Nice stay. Nice day.

0161 436 1931 parkinn.co.uk

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

THE NORTH WEST: A DESTINATION WITH MUCH TO BOAST ABOUT Whether you are looking for urban or rural scenery, a relaxed or an energetic atmosphere, the North West of England can offer whatever you need for your next conference or event THE NORTH WEST is a region of contrast, from the cosmopolitan style and contemporary built environment of Manchester to the cultural credentials and architectural grandeur of Liverpool, the Roman and medieval heritage of Chester to the rolling hills of Lancashire and the stunning scenery around the Lake District.

ART, CULTURE AND SPORT The region is celebrated for the range and wealth of its cultural assets with art collections, museums, theatres and music of international repute. Sport also plays a huge role, from international events and world-class venues to globally recognised clubs and renowned sporting personalities.

In addition the region boasts some of the UK’s most beautiful and inspiring natural landscapes, with three official areas of outstanding natural beauty and 32 nature reserves.

The region is currently home to the UK’s largest manufacturing sector with major strengths in aerospace and chemicals, it will also soon be Europe’s second largest media hub. It also boasts an internationally-recognised biomedical community and is a major player in the global nuclear energy market.

The North West includes five dedicated regional conference bureaus which exist to support conference and event organisers in planning events. The conference bureaus each offer a free venue finding service and help with securing hotel accommodation, as well as advising and providing guidance on partner programmes and teambuilding activities.

The individual regions are Manchester City Region, Liverpool City Region, Chester and Cheshire, Lancashire and Blackpool, and Cumbria.

LANCASHIRE AND BLACKPOOL History and sport are set to make 2012 a record year as Lancashire and Blackpool Conferences & Meetings (LBCM) cement the region’s position as the UK’s most unusual and diverse business tourism destination.

A combination of events are raising the area’s national profile. These include the unique Preston Guild celebrations, Preston becoming a European City of Sport and the region also hosting the 19th UK Corporate Games.

One-off projects planned for the year include turning Preston’s Moor Park into a ‘Future City’, with a 5,000-seat temporary arena which will be available for conferences and exhibitions.

Preston Guild 2012 will mark 833 years since King Henry initially granted a ‘Guild Merchant’

to Preston, allowing citizens with special rights the ability to control trade within the town.

As a European City of Sport, Preston has ambitions to hold an international sporting conference and will also host Olympic teams in 2012 from countries including Thailand and Fiji.

The 19th UK Corporate Games is Europe’s largest corporate multisport festival.

It has been estimated that the games will boost the Lancashire and Blackpool economy by at least £3 million.

The county is home to some of the most unusual, diverse and intriguing conference settings anywhere in the UK. These range from the world famous Pleasure Beach Blackpool Theme Park to the incredible Tree House Conference Suite at Ribby Hall Village conference venue, between Preston and Blackpool.

The UK’s first floating conference centre is due to open in the heart of the brand new Brockholes nature reserve, just off the motorway on the outskirts of Preston in April.

The area also provides the opportunity to combine a conference or meeting with golf, with venues such as Mytton Fold Hotel and Golf Complex having their own 18-hole course.

CUMBRIA Whether you are holding a meeting for five or an annual conference for 500 delegates, then you may just wish to consider Carlisle and Cumbria as an ideal destination with an inspirational backdrop. Conference venues include luxurious hotels on tranquil lakesides, contemporary urban hotels, purpose built centres, country house retreats, state of the art visitor attractions, a spectacular racecourse and even a majestic castle.

In addition to the wide variety of venues, bookers can also be confident in the quality on offer. All of the venues promoted by myplacecumbria are ‘AIM-Cumbria’ accredited, so you can be confident in your venue selection from your initial enquiry and check-in, right through to departure. myplacecumbria teamed up with the Meetings Industry Association (MIA) to launch the AIM (Accredited In Meetings) venue accreditation scheme in the county and it was the first such scheme of its kind in the UK. When it comes to teambuilding, it is the space, beauty and diversity of this region that lends itself perfectly to a wide variety of team-based events and activities. Enjoy unusual activities such as cooking lunch for your colleagues using nothing more than a NATO ration pack. Consider a ‘meeting with a mission’ or a ‘conference with a conscience.’

The Boot Inn and Rows, Eastgate Street, Chester

Brockholes floating conference centre, Lancashire

Bridgewater Hall, Manchester

The Point at LCCC, Manchester

ManchesterTown Hall

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

59

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

Everyone deserves a little lakeland luxury

Versatile event space for the perfect event

ET IN THE HEART of the fabulous English Lake District, The Ambleside Salutation Hotel is ideal for walking, sight seeing or simply relaxing. Offering richly appointed en-suite bedrooms, stylish lounge bar, and award winning breakfast, bistro area and restaurant offering fine local cuisine. Fantastic on site leisure facilities include Techno Gym, indoor pool, sauna, steam room, Canadian hot tub and an Oxley’s Blue Fish Spa for that ultimate pamper experience.

Dine with us and enjoy our three course menu for just £23 including a bottle of house wine with our compliments.

EWARK SHOWGROUND, situated on the outskirts of Newark, Nottinghamshire, enjoys easy access to the A1, A17 and A46. The venue has 120 acres of flexible space, 12 halls, numerous horse rings and parking for up to 10,000 cars.

Newark Showground also boasts its own in-house catering team who take great pride in using local suppliers for their excellent cuisine. From conference finger buffets to silver service dinners, or banquets of up to 600 people, the team at ‘Tastes’ work hard to ensure the success of each and every event and would be delighted to discuss your requirements to help you design a menu appropriate to your budget.

All organisers are supported with the considerable event management expertise on offer.

S

The Ambleside Salutation Hotel and Spa offers traditional Sunday lunches, conference facilities, Christmas and New Year breaks and amazing Christmas party nights, it really is the place to chill out, work out and dine out. You’ll be very welcome in the heart of the Lakes!

FOR MORE INFORMATION The Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa, Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 9BX Tel 015394 32244 E-mail ambleside@ hotelslakedistrict.com Web: www.hotels lakedistrict.com

N

The venue is already home to the International Antiques and Crafts Fair, and national events such as the Lincolnshire Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers’ Association Show (LAMMA), the largest agricultural machinery show in England; and Americana – a weekend of all things American.

Alongside the big outdoor national and regional shows, the venue also provides indoor space for conferences, product launches, exhibitions and demonstrations.

The flat, well-serviced site also allows event organisers to stamp their personality with the addition of shopping malls, marquees and tents.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01636 705796 Web: www.newark showground.com

The Heath Conference Centre, Runcorn, Cheshire, offers the perfect location for Conferences, Seminars, Meetings, Presentations, Training Days, Specialised Team Building Events. With 17 meeting rooms, a 120 seat tiered lecture theatre, a 400 seat exhibition hall and a dedicated team of friendly, professional staff you can be assured of the perfect meeting every time.

Set in the heart of the Heath Business & Technical Park, we provide an executive conference package to both UK-based and international clients. Whatever your budgetary needs we will be able to help organise your event.

Visitors and residents alike can benefit from a full range of facilities including free ample car parking, a comfortable reception and a venue set in mature landscaped gardens - all within easy reach of the North West’s motorway, rail and air networks.

Our conference rooms can be laid out to suit your individual meeting requirement whether this be theatre style, boardroom, classroom, u-shaped or something different.

Audio visual equipment, wireless and internet access points, flip-charts/pens, display screens can be ordered for your meeting at the time of booking. All conference rooms have disabled access. The Conference Centre can provide creche and day nursery facilities upon request.

E:mail: conferencing@theheath.com Tel: 01928 51 3365 / 1888 Fax: 01928 51 3364

www.theheath.com

60

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

Cumbria

Talk to the team and take your pick of teambuilding challenges that reflect elements of your corporate social responsibility.

Dry stone walling, re-building fellside footpaths, hedge laying, bracken bashing or woodland management are just a few of the options available depending on your time, budget, numbers and of course, the season.

Alternatively, for a fun filled adrenaline rush, consider ‘Go Ape!’ and zip-wire 120ft through trees, get wet with kayak orienteering on a spectacular lake, abseil into a redundant quarry, get muddy in the mountains with a mountain bike or go off-road in a 4x4.

For the foodies out there why not enjoy the quality of Cumbria’s cuisine with a personal ‘Cumbria on a Plate’ food safari. Or arrange for a local chef to host your event and try the art of making Cumberland Sausage by hand from scratch, or have a go at ‘taste testing’ – could you identify a celery seed in a jar of marmalade?

Superb venues and inspirational settings all combined with quality food and drink – surely, the perfect partners for a successful event.

CHESTER Business tourism is one of Cheshire and Warrington’s key markets, with venues showing distinctiveness and choice. Recently there has been the creation of more than 966 new bedrooms, including the 85-bed ABode Chester.

Cottons Hotel & Spa refurbished the Verandah Suite at a cost of £1 million whilst a £1.5 million development at Peckforton Castle included 11 additional bedrooms and spa treatment rooms.

Arley Hall opened its Olympia conference facilities and Doubletree by Hilton Chester is also making a name for itself in the sector.

Developments in the pipeline include Mere Golf & Country Club’s 83-bedroom

development with spa and gym, opening in 2011 whilst Thornton Manor is building two permanent marquees for large events.

During 2009/10, Chester and Cheshire Conference Bureau placed 78 events in Cheshire which contributed to over 8,000 delegates visiting the area with a delegate economic benefit of over £2.3 million.

The bureau expands its conferences through existing networks and universities under the Ambassadors Programme, and is in the process of supporting an ambassador to secure the International Conference of Equine Physiology; the 2010 event was held in South Africa.

Maintaining cross-border relationships is essential; working with key partner destinations to ensure conferences they can’t accommodate are referred and vice versa.

Chester and Cheshire Conference Bureau has the support of strategic partners including Virgin Trains, where the creation of new services. has resulted in greater access to Cheshire with train journeys of two hours to and from London.

Working with partners such as Tatton Park and Chester Zoo provides added value packages for delegates in our bespoke Welcome Packs. We work hard to ensure local businesses are aware of, and make use of facilities that are on their own doorstep.

MANCHESTER The city is enjoying a renaissance where innovation has found new uses for old buildings, where creativity is flourishing and where people and businesses want to be seen. There is a saying: “What Manchester does today, the world does tomorrow” and with just cause. Manchester makes history yet it still retains the intimacy and variety

that makes old cities so successful, and ensures people feel welcome and valued.

There is more to Manchester than meets the eye; it’s a city waiting to be discovered. From superb shopping areas, a hot-bed of cultural activity and exciting nightlife to stunning countryside, award-winning architecture and a vibrant history, Manchester really has everything. It is a city of great variety, showcasing both the historic and modern.

Thanks to continued effort from the city’s venues – such as Manchester Central, the Point, University Place, and ongoing investment in hotel accommodation – Manchester continues to demonstrate its profile as a leading business tourism destination.

Indeed, 2010 saw Manchester named as the Best UK Destination by a panel of industry experts at International Confex and earlier the city was named third best conference destination in the world by the readers of Conference & Incentive Travel Europe magazine.

Manchester is capable of accommodating all events from the most simple to the most demanding. The city offers an abundance of quality venues and accommodation for up to 19,000 delegates. Modern, purpose-built meeting and exhibition facilities contrasted with elegant refurbished Victorian buildings and dramatic out of the ordinary venues; whatever your requirements Manchester will provide the ideal back-drop for your event.

Details of these venues can be found on the new Manchester website, www.visitmanchester. com/conference, which has been re-launched to bring the city’s business tourism online presence in sync with that of its leisure tourism site.

Steven Small, head of business tourism added: “The new website is easy to use and doesn’t rely on gimmicks. It allows time-poor event organisers to gain an understanding of what Manchester has to offer. This includes an event planners tool-kit and general information about what there is to see and do in the city – which we know to be important when choosing a location for a conference or event.”

In addition, the 2011 Manchester Conference Guide has been launched – the city’s longstanding reference for event organisers looking to hold an event in the city. Manchester is the first city in the UK to ensure that all of the venues in its guide have been assessed

by Accredited in Meetings – the industry quality assurance scheme. To order your own copy of the new conference guide please log onto www.visitmanchester.com/conference

FOR MORE INFORMATION Lancashire & Blackpool: www.lancashireandblackpoolconference.com Cumbria: www.myplacecumbria.co.uk Chester and Cheshire: www.meetinchesterandcheshire.com Manchester: www.visitmanchester. com/conference

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

61

QUALIFICATIONS THAT DELIVER RESULTS...

EDI is an accredited awarding body and leading international education company offering vocational and professional qualifications, along with a wide range of assessment services.

JIGSAW AT WORK - 1\4 PAGE:Layout 5

EDI works with employers, colleges and training providers to raise industry performance.

Employer partnerships We support employers with their learning and development strategies by mapping their existing staff training programmes to national standards and qualifications. ePortfolio Our ePortfolio system reduces the administration time required by the employer, assessor and learner and improves retention and achievement rates. It enables employers/assessors to monitor learners’ progress on induction or training work.

Peter Honey Publications We offer the PHP range of high quality resources promoting learning for individuals, teams and organisations, including online questionnaires, booklets for learners and manuals for trainers. PHP are best known for the Honey and Mumford ‘Learning Styles Questionnaire’ that was first published in 1982.

e t se a d 75 an 3 e nd 11 m ta 20 Co n s D o HR

us

We have the right combination to unlock your talent We deliver tailor-made solutions in the following areas:

Overcoming barriers to achievement Coaching and mentoring

“Over the past three years Clinton Cards has focussed on building and recognising staff skill sets across the business. This strengthened commitment to vocational qualifications and workbased learning has resulted 12/5/08 14:37 Page 1 in employee turnover figures improving by 14% since 2007.

With 85% of managers having over three years’ service, this helps to create consistent, high quality customer service in all stores.”

Annette Middlebrook Group HR Director Clinton Cards Group

Clinton Cards Retail Apprentice

Our wide portfolio of qualifications and services include: QCF | Apprenticeships | Functional Skills NVQs | VRQs | Foundation Learning ePortfolio | Mapping | Peter Honey Publications

To find out why our customers prefer working with EDI, visit www.ediplc.com Contact us on: Email. enquiries@ediplc.com Tel. 08707 202909

A Discovery Tool for the 21st Century

Personal and team profiling Leadership development Harnessing diversity Achieving recognised qualifications

• Discover personal strengths and preferences • Learn about the impact of behaviour upon others • Overcome barriers to teamwork • Resolve conflict • Improve communications • Respect individuality Call us now to find out more quote Government Business

T: +44 (0) 845 60 20 101 E: info@exemplas.com www.exemplas.com/governmentbusiness

“When you said it was a simple framework, I thought why bother, but having completed the programme, I can see that it is one of the easiest models to understand but one of the most comprehensive in its applications.” Revenues Team leader Discovery@jigsawatwork.com www.jigsawatwork.com

Jigsaw@work®, The Chippendale Suite, Nostell Estate, Wakefield, WF4 1AB

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

HR & PERSONNEL

CALLING ALL LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS Get the practical insights and ideas you need to shape the future of your organisation through its workforce at HRD 2011, organised by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development LEARNING AND ORGANISATIONAL development professionals will be heading to London next month to take part in HRD 2011, the UK’s leading event in this area. Organised by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the twoday conference and exhibition will be held at Olympia, 6-7 April 2011.

The conference programme is designed to help practitioners meet current challenges, as well as enabling them to help shape the organisations of the future through their people.

Jackie Orme, CIPD chief executive says: “Whether you’re working in a private sector company looking to emerge strongly as the economy recovers, a public sector organisation wrestling with how to deliver more with less, or a voluntary sector adjusting to the increased demands and reduced funds of these austere times, this is a time when L&D and OD professionals are in demand.

“They can contribute directly to the future growth and success of our organisations by maintaining organisational agility and by developing the talent and leadership capabilities that our organisations will need to thrive, not just today and tomorrow, but in the years to come.”

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME The flexibility of the conference programme will help participants home in on specific areas of interest, with sessions grouped within five key themes: learning and talent development; organisational development; leading and managing the L&D function; leadership development; and coaching.

Conference delegates can choose the conference sessions that are most relevant to their needs or attend the full two days.

There is also a mixture of different session formats to suit people’s learning needs and preferences. Senior leaders, academics and strategic experts will feature in a series of masterclasses; case-study based sessions will provide learning and development insights from organisations in the public and private sector; and interactive workshops and practical tools sessions provide advice and new ideas.

Those interested in delving deeper into all aspects of talent development also have the option of attending an all-day focus day on the second day of the conference. Using a hands-on approach, it will provide participants with an opportunity to create a talent road map that fits their organisational context.

Multiple formats will be used to embed new learning in an interactive and targeted way.

HIGH PROFILE SPEAKERS Leading speakers at this year’s event include Anand Pillai, senior vice president of HCL Technologies, who, as global leader of its award-winning team, will share his insights into developing people for organisational success.

Masterclass speaker Veronica Hope Hailey, associate dean of MBA Programmes, Cass Business School, will speak on Leading Through Complexity. She will discuss how to develop leaders who have the agility and creativity to retain their customer focus and long term vision in a constantly changing world.

Case study based presentations include wing commander Martin Horton of the UK Defence Academy speaking on ‘Creating a unified Leadership Team.’ In a session on lessons from the front line, CEOs David Clarke of Best Western Hotels GB and Kevan Collins of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets share their experiences of appearing on national television in ‘Undercover Boss’ and the lessons they learned from being on the front line.

SEMINARS A seminar featuring Barry Francis, Unionlearn regional manager, TUC; Elaine Sweetman, L&D officer, Cityservices, Bright and Hove City Council; and Declan Macintyre, project manager, GMB, will demonstrate how to take a joined-up approach to learning and development and build effective links between unions and organisations.

The results of the CIPD’s annual learning and talent development survey will be launched at the conference, providing an up-to-date picture of current trends and insights into likely future developments. The findings will be discussed in a conference session with CIPD adviser, John McGurk. He will be joined by Liz Willis, head of learning and development, Caring Homes Group and Debbie Brenen, group head of talent and development, Merlin Entertainment Group who will provide insights into the crucial role of L&D to the future of their organisations.

Exhibition Leading suppliers across the whole spectrum of learning and organisation development will be demonstrating their latest innovations in the two-day exhibition, running alongside the conference.

Designed as a highly practical event, the show gives visitors the opportunity to assess hundreds of different tools and

techniques first hand and explore different solutions to meet their particular needs.

As well as a wide variety of on-stand activities, product launches and expert advice, the exhibition features a free showcase programme, with half-hour Topic Taster sessions, and an interactive Learning Arena.

Topic Tasters will include contributions on how to manage conflict and build employee engagement, developments in e-learning and mobile technology, managing a restructure and how to coach using NLP. Drama-based role play and other forms of experiential learning will be in the spotlight in the Learning Arena.

IN THE ZONE The exhibition hall is also home to the Professional Development Zone, where visitors can update their knowledge and skills.

‘Influencing others’ and ‘Social networking’ are among the practical presentations being held in the zone. There will also be plenty of networking opportunities at the show including a series of activities in the HRD Interactive area on the exhibition floor where delegates and visitors can network and join in a free programme of activities over the two days of the show. It features lively, interactive sessions including: how to network; the ‘L&D Solutions space’, where participants discuss and debate some of the biggest L&D challenges currently being faced; speed networking; and career coaching.

HRD Interactive is also launching the Big Learning Auction where people can bid for the learning products and services they need by pledging the skills and expertise they have in exchange.

Exhibition Opening Times are 09:3017:30 Wednesday 6 April and 09:30-17:00 Thursday 7 April.

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

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

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

63

HRD Conference and Exhibition 6–7 April 2011, London

UNLOCK SOLUTIONS FOR DEVELOPING your PEOPLE AT HRD 2011 Find solutions that fit your business needs: The Conference: • 30 sessions covering leadership, talent, OD, E-learning and more • insights and advice from top organisations – including BAE Systems, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom and Dell.

The FREE Exhibition: • meet leading suppliers in L&D, E-learning, change management, coaching, leadership and more • try out speed networking, get professional development and career advice and get the latest tools and tips.

FIND OUT ABOUT HRD 2011 TODAY! cipd.co.uk/govtech

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

HR & PERSONNEL

LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT THROUGH TECHNOLOGY The CIPD HRD 2011 conference programme has much to offer L&D, IT and computing professionals in the public sector interested in dealing effectively with widespread change, adding value and demonstrating return on investment on learning and development THE CONFERENCE PROGRAMME at HRD 2011 aims to better equip practitioners with the tools needed to add-value and, through a deeper knowledge and understanding of the business, develop a solutions-focused approach to Learning and Development (L&D).

As the leading learning and organisation development conference and exhibition, HRD offers a mix of tailored solutions, inspiration, practical advice and tools to tackle current workplace challenges associated with the unprecedented change affecting organisations in every sector, but nowhere is change currently more pervasive than in the public sector. The programme focuses on the learning, networking and benchmarking opportunities needed to help shape the future of organisations through the development of their people.

The sessions fall within one of five core areas – learning and talent development, organisation development, leading and managing the L&D function, leadership development and coaching. There is also a focus day, Handson Talent, which will give delegates practical tips and advice on creating sustainable high performance cultures and on developing employees in a way that increases motivation and supports business critical needs.

There are over 30 sessions on offer, but here are just a few that may be of interest: • W3 – Making the Most of Technology, Social and Game-based Learning • D1 – Creating a Unified Leadership Team • E3 – New World vs Old World Learning • F3 – Collaboration in Social Networks DESIGN YOUR OWN PROGRAMME There are a variety of booking options available – allowing delegates to design a programme around business needs, time and budget available. For those looking to hone in on related technology/IT sessions, flexibility is built into the booking system – choose from as little as two sessions or attend for the full two days.

Speakers from leading organisations taking part include: Dell, BAE Systems, College of Management and Technology, HCL Technologies, East Coast Mainline, Transport for London, and NHS Direct In ‘Making the Most of Technology, Social and Game-based Learning’, Ben Betts will facilitate a session looking at the use of technology in learning. With the explosion in popularity of social media, online gaming and learning technology, he will argue that there is a huge opportunity to embrace and take control of

technology in workplace learning. As such, the workshop will explore how technology can release learning from the classroom and take e-learning beyond solitary self-study.

It will reveal how new technology will help change the approach to learning online.

Delegates attending the workshop will: • Understand how to use social media as an intrinsic and crucial part of the learning process • Investigate the science that sits behind the concepts and hear how it has been successfully used by organisations • Discover how game dynamics can be used to help motivate learners to engage in more online learning In advance of the session, Ben Betts, managing director, HT2 and research engineer, Warwick University, commented exclusively for Government Business: “Facilitating social experiences online has been radically altered by the rise of social networking websites.

Much research exists to suggest that the act of committing something to long-term memory and ‘learning’ is affected deeply by the social context in which it occurs, social networks can allow us to facilitate this context.

“So, how can we improve participation in online collaborative learning experiences?

“Epic win is a phrase you might not have heard before, but it’s popular in the gaming world. Jane McGonigal, a highly respected author on the use of games for addressing real-world problems, defines an Epic Win as

‘an outcome that is so extraordinarily positive that you had no idea it was even possible until you achieved it’. Computer games are renowned for these opportunities, it’s one of the reasons people play them and we do love playing them! Three billion hours a week are now spent playing games online.

“It shouldn’t come as a great surprise that games are so popular. Games tap into three key psychological needs that we all experience when we complete a task just for the fun of doing it. Defined by US psychologist’s Edward Deci and Richard Ryan more than 20 years ago, Autonomy, Competence and Relatedness are the factors which come together to give us an intrinsic motivation to complete a task.

“However, all too often, our online learning experiences are not powered by these factors, but by extrinsic motivators. In the past we’ve been too quick to rely on carrots and sticks which are far easier to implement, but far less effective in motivating participants for a creative task like learning. In fact, extrinsic motivators have been found in research time and again to have little or even negative effects on a learner’s performance. Participants become so focused on the outcome that they lose all interest in the journey. Computer games don’t tend to suffer this sort of problem – anyone with an avid gamer in the household will know that no carrot or stick is necessary to get them playing on the computer for hours on end.

“This is partly because computer games are particularly good at tapping into Deci and

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

65

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

HR & PERSONNEL

EXHIBITION OPENING TIMES Wednesday 6 April 09:30-17:30 Thursday 7 April 09:30-17:00

Ryan’s three intrinsic needs. They give players the Autonomy to complete an experience in their own way and at their own pace. They allow players to improve in Competence by increasing the difficulty of the experience over time. And, increasingly, as games are integrating into social networks, they are leveraging the third need, Relatedness, to see how our actions and thoughts can impact on others and the world at large.

“Giving learners the autonomy to work through content as they require, to gain in competence throughout the journey and to share the journey with their peers can greatly improve participation levels over the lifecycle of an online learning experience. Both games and social networks can be the tools to leverage this behaviour.”

HRD EXHIBITION Technology is playing an increasing role in the day-to-day activities of learning and development professionals. It is also much in evidence at this year’s HRD exhibition, which runs alongside the conference, 6-7 April.

Leading suppliers will be showcasing e-learning developments, online assessment tools, new mobile technology and webbased communications, alongside experiential and face-to-face L&D solutions.

The show provides a one stop shop where visitors can assess the wide span of resources and services in learning and development and make informed decisions on the best solution and help shape the future of their organisations.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is also tapping into the benefits of technology to enable HRD participants to expand their networking opportunities and engage in discussion and debate.

Its online networking experience, CIPD HRD Interactive, enables people to join in HRD-related discussions, and join the CIPD’s LinkedIn and Facebook groups. There is also the

66

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

opportunity to read the latest news on the show and a series of dedicated HRD-linked blogs.

For example, Perry Timms, head of talent and OD for the Big Lottery Fund, is blogging on the online revolution in social media and how it can be used more in talent programmes. In his blog on heads-on talent management, he comments on the amount he has learned simply following thought leaders and practitioners on Twitter, as well as blogs and podcasts.

However, he stresses that variety is the key and highlights the importance of blended solutions.

INTERACTIVE SESSIONS HRD Interactive will continue during the event, with a dedicated area in the exhibition hall where delegates and visitors can continue their networking and join in a free programme of activities over the two days of the show. It features lively, interactive sessions including: How to network: Come and receive hints and tips for effective networking and start making lasting connections.

L&D solutions space: Discuss and debate some of the biggest L&D challenges we currently face. Start the discussion by going to the HRD Interactive LinkedIn group and share your thoughts with your peers.

Speed networking: Take part in fun, facilitated speed networking sessions.

Career coaching: Use this structured time to get advice and guidance on your career and pick up some tips on supporting others.

The Big Learning Auction: HRD Interactive is launching the Big Learning Auction. You can bid for the learning products and services you need by pledging the skills and expertise you have. For the CIPD’s LinkedIn group to advertise your offer and what you would like in return and start using your bartering savvy on site.

HRD Tweet-up: Specifically for Twitter followers and members of the CIPD LinkedIn community, they provide an opportunity to voice opinion,

network and receive updates face-to-face.

As well as on-stand activities and demonstrations, the exhibition features a packed free programme of learning sessions, with Topic Tasters, an interactive Learning Arena and the Professional Development Zone.

Mobile learning technology specialists Skill Pill M-Learning will be holding a half-hour Topic Taster session on ‘Learning 2.0’. Using a blend of research and case studies, it will take a practical look at the impact of mobile learning, particularly in the area of informal learning. It will look at the barriers to success and adoption and the real return on investment that can be achieved.

Learning supplier, Sponge UK will be revealing seven top tips to make e-learning more inspirational, while Bite Size Ltd will be showing how e-learning can deliver ‘Eureka moments’. Other technology-focused Topic Tasters include ‘Essentials of building an online learning community’, delivered by Good Practice and ‘Delivering challenging leadership and soft skills in the online learning environment’, from Willow Learning. To view all of the free learning sessions visit the website.

The exhibition also reflects the current challenges facing organisations in the public and private sector, with suppliers focusing on cost-effective solutions that demonstrate return on investment. And learning and developments tools to support the management of change are much in evidence, as well as resources to build employee engagement.

Suppliers will also be showcasing plenty of innovative bread and butter resources to support learning and development practitioners in their dayto-day activities.To search for specific products and services visit the website cipd.co.uk/hrd/exhibition The Professional Development Zone provides visitors with an opportunity to focus on their own career development, such as supporting others through change and developing coaching skills.

Visitors can also find out more about the ways the CIPD can support them in their professional development. Pre-register for fast-track entry to the free HRD exhibition online today.

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information on the HRD 2011 exhibition, including fasttrack pre-registration, showcase timetable and exhibitor details, visit www.cipd.co.uk/hrd/exhibition

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

EDI – qualifications that deliver results

Healthy minds lead to healthy business

DI IS A LEADING PROVIDER of education qualifications, endorsed training programmes and assessment services. Our expertise is in quality assuring work-based training programmes, working closely with employers and Sector Skills Councils to support skills development and raise business performance.

We have an extensive track record in working with leading UK and International employers including Clinton Cards, Virgin Media, Sainsbury’s, Brantano, Royal Sun Alliance and Boots Opticians to quality assure their internal training programmes.

“We see EDI as a dynamic company looking to push the boundaries and be a leader in delivering qualifications that meet the needs of our industry,” says Peter Van-Den-Broeck, head of Field Access Apprenticeship Programmes, Virgin Media.

“EDI is an awarding body that really understands employers’

W Anxious about your job?

ORKPLACE BLUES?

E

needs, and works closely with us to ensure that vocational qualifications are developed to meet the needs of businesses within the retail sector,” says Anne Seaman, chief executive, Skillsmart Retail.

“Boots Opticians has recently chosen to work with EDI as its new awarding organisation of choice. EDI is demonstrating an employer responsive and business aware approach.

The team, led by a dedicated customer development manager, are enthusiastic and promote a ‘can do’ attitude,” says Wendy Albutt, learning and development manager, Boots Opticians.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 08707 202909 E-mail: enquiries@ediplc.com Web: www.ediplc.com

Helping individuals and teams reach their full potential IGSAW@ WORK has a passion for developing people and supporting the success of an organisation. Through our Discovery Tools and range of learning and development programmes, both off the shelf and bespoke, we can deliver dramatic results and long term benefits for individuals and organisations.

Our learners recognise their ability to increase their agility and responsiveness to the constantly changing and demanding workplace, helping organisations to succeed and thrive.

Jigsaw@work was launched in September 2001 by Michelle McArthur and Keith Nicholson.

Today it is an award winning learning and development consultancy with a team of experienced facilitators across the UK. We have a global presence through the delivery of our programmes in the Gulf State, India, Egypt, Singapore, Lebanon

J

and Malaysia and a highly successful learning tool, the Jigsaw Discovery Tool. At Jigsaw@ work we are committed to delivering high impact, memorable programmes and to providing an organic learning experience, which actively engages the learner unlike so many learning events which rely upon a passive absorption of information. This personal approach enables teams and individuals to be more effective.

We work with the values and beliefs of the learners to make lasting changes to attitudes and behaviours. We work hard to help individuals and teams reach their full potential.

FOR MORE INFORMATION The Chippendale Suite, Nostell Estate, Wakefield WF4 1AB E-mail: discovery@ jigsawatwork.com Web: www.jigsawatwork.com

Stressed by rising costs. Don’t know what to do? In these challenging times, mental health is often the last thing on your mind, yet this most “taboo” of subjects holds the key that can open so many doors.

Focus 4 Change Training provides bespoke courses/ workshops on all aspects of managing mental health at work along with recovery training for staff and patients in health care settings.

In the work environment, this training shows how to identify stressors, improve understanding, challenges stigma and demonstrates how to manage mental health while working (not as rare as you think).

It also provides resources that are free and easily accessible.

For those with existing mental health difficulties and/or staff working in healthcare settings, training on the recovery model is

available, which enables service users to improve their quality of life and achieve goals of their choosing, including work.

This training is 100 per cent cost effective, guaranteed by extensive personal and professional experience and positive customer feedback. It will raise morale, reduce the costs of time, money and pressure lost through sickness and absence and will enable your staff and colleagues to stay ahead, despite the economic storms.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact: Margaret Smith, Assoc CIPD Tel: 0759 5452935 Email: msmith@focus4 changetraining.com Web: www.focus4 changetraining.com

Effective talent and management development solutions XEMPLAS offers an effective range of talent management solutions to unlock potential in people – including people and performance management, skills development and tailored management development programmes. Our aim is to develop leaders and managers to lead organisations and their people to achieve exceptional performance and profitable growth.

Our innovative talent development, executive and key person coaching programmes, which can form part of a long term people development strategy, meets organisations’ needs for well trained and motivated staff – giving them the edge in the talent war.

With a focus on impact and organisational performance, our consultants develop and implement tailored training and coaching programmes. Their knowledge is based on personal experience rather than theory – they have all used the skills

E

that they teach. We unlock the personal performance of key people using unique, effective coaching techniques and build development programmes, which can be accredited to professional and/or academic standard from NVQ to Master degree level.

As part of the University of Hertfordshire Group of Companies, one of the most progressive education, learning and development groups in the UK, Exemplas offers a unique combination of informal and formal learning solutions with the ability to accredit to degree level and beyond.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: +44 (0)845 6020101 E-mail: info@exemplas.com Web: www.exemplas.com

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

67

Cut costs, not corners with parking Town and City Parking (TCP) parking bay sensors are designed to monitor every single one of your parking bays, every second of every hour, every day; it's like having a patrol officer in every bay.

Our sensors can connect to any management system from free limited stay to pay and display and beyond, automatically alerting a patrol officer when a contravention occurs and directing them to their specific space.

Imagine being able to monitor, record and instantly communicate all activity on every single of your parking bays automatically, regardless of their geographical spread or location.

Imagine the savings you could make on any current labour intensive, costly patrol operations. Improve your efficiency by never missing a contravention, record and view all of this data at your leisure.

TCP parking bay sensors offer the following benefits: • Huge savings in time and administration costs • Fully automated monitoring of every parking space or area, 24/7/365 • Administer PCNs with 100% efficiency • Data sent live to SmartRep, the world's most powerful online reporting tool for parking management.

To find out more call for a free consultation on 0845 230 3081.

Our other services include: • Management and marshalling • ANPR systems for monitoring and surveys • On-street and off-street parking consultancy

• Facilities management • Buy/lease joint ventures • Practical, positive initiatives to tackle space abuse • Conversion of unutilised land to revenue-generating car parks.

Head office: Town and City Parking Limited, 5 South Inch Business Centre, Shore Road, Perth, PH2 8BW. Tel: 0845 230 3081 Email: info@townandcityparking.co.uk www.townandcityparking.co.uk

VISIT US AT PARKEX: STAND P120 29TH - 31ST MARCH FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN A THRILLING TRACK DAY * *Terms and conditions apply

Taking care of parking

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

PARKING & TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

EXPERT ADVICE AND LATEST PRODUCTS AT LEADING EVENT The combined Parkex, Traffex and Street Design exhibition is the must attend event for those involved in parking, traffic management and managing the urban built environment THE COMBINED TRAFFEX, PARKEX AND STREET DESIGN exhibition is the must attend event for everyone involved in parking, traffic management and managing the urban built environment.

Loaded with exciting features, each show will offer a strong seminar programme delivered by industry guest speakers.

At Traffex, Mark Bonnor-Moris, from Siemens Mobility, Traffic Solutions will present ‘SafeZone: A New Approach to Road Safety’; Andrew Pearce from Mouchel will talk about ‘Electric vehicles and the Parking Industry’; a representative from the Department for Transport will comment on ‘Traffic Signs Policy Review’; Ian Burgess, from the Highways Agency, will talk about ‘Traffic Information – Now and in the Future’; Suku Phull, DfT, and Alistair Maxwell, TRL, will discuss ‘Puffin Crossings – Safer or Not?’ while Keith McCabe from ITS UK Carbon Working Group and professor Phil Blythe, from ITS UK Electric Vehicle Working Group will hold a session on ‘Achieving Carbon Reduction by Using ITS Technology’.

Parkex will see Kelvin Reynolds from the British Parking Association, chair a session on ‘Safer Parking Today”; Anjna Patel from the BPA will chair a session on ‘Reclaiming the Streets’; Lynn Witham and Keith Banbury of BPA’s Approved Operator Scheme Board will look at ‘Management of Parking on Private Land’; Manny Rasores, chair of BPA’s Equipment Manufacturers and Suppliers Special Interest Group, will talk about ‘Cashless Parking & Pay by Phone – Verrus’ and Paul Necus, BPA vice president, will chair a session on ‘Hospital Parking Case Studies’.

QUALITY SPEAKERS Street Design will benefit from strong speakers and a diverse seminar programme.

Martin Stockley, from Stockley, will chair a conversation on ‘Reclaiming streets for people & urban greening’; Keith Sacre from Barcham Trees will chair ‘Money does grow on trees’ – a seminar to promote the case for urban trees; Jenifer White, from English Heritage, will chair a seminar on why ‘Trees are part of our urban heritage – protecting and enhancing the townscape’ while Jo Watkins, president, and Alastair McCapra, chief executive of the Landscape Institute will present the institute’s new campaign ‘Why invest in landscape’.

New features to be showcased include Traffex’s Passive Safety Zone, an area where visitors can see real cars being tested with both non-passive

and passively safe products. A series of recorded films will highlight the products in action showing the results of live crash testing and experts will be on hand to provide constructive advice on the use of passive safety products in designing safer roads. The Passive Safety Zone will be running a competition to test visitors’ knowledge and expertise on passive safety with a number of installations on site and an electronic leader board that will display who is the expert in this field.

TRAFFEX HIGHLIGHTS Highlights for Traffex include: PIPS Technology – Stand Z74, will introduce SpeedSpike, the cost effective

distance over time speed enforcement system, posed to be the most anticipated product launch of the last ten years.

Siemens – Stand D10, is a Traffex event partner and one of the longest standing exhibitors. Their experience ranges from major projects such as the design, build and operation of the London congestion charging scheme down to small local traffic control projects.

Product innovations on show will include Sicore, a brand new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera and SafeZone, a new average speed enforcement system specifically designed for urban environments.

Traficon – Stand D31, will present its first

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

69

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

Klaruw Systems – skid resistance restored

Parking technology that saves time and money

LARUW SYSTEMS unique Controlled Wet-Shot (MAT) and Bush Hammer (K190) Mechanical Retexturing Treatments sustainably and cost effectively restore the skidding resistance of all surface types in any weather; the K190s since the mid 1980s.

With litigation on the increase, engineers are increasingly aware of their obligations, particularly within the context of Asset Management, Road Safety Plans and the government’s Safety Targets. Effective network skid resistance management strategies can easily be implemented to enhance network safety.

DMRB compliant, these repeatable no-risk processes follow surface profile, ensuring a consistent skid resistant finish. Non-trafficked areas and surface markings are also avoided, further minimising costs.

Effectively 100 per cent recycling, extending the life of existing surfaces successfully enhances the environmental advantages of the service and addresses energy and carbon footprint issues. A potential 90 per cent reduction in

T TOWN AND CITY PARKING we are experts in parking management, combining the latest innovative technology with a strong focus on service and quality. We deliver robust, end-to-end parking solutions, helping customers improve efficiency, maximise return on investment and tackle parking violations cost effectively.

The hub of our suite of technology solutions is SmartRep, the world’s most powerful online reporting tool for parking analysis, exclusive to TCP in the UK. SmartRep integrates with revolutionary on-site technologies, such as bay sensors and ANPR, to provide automated, real-time data on vehicle movements, 24/7/365. Access to information is easy via a secure, webbased portal, and data can be transferred to your own system or downloaded in universal formats such as Excel spreadsheets.

The benefits speak for themselves: big savings on administration costs and management hours; faster, more

K

A

carbon footprint versus material alternatives is also achieved.

Reducing delays and responding to emergencies are also trademarks of these rapid operations and should emergencies arise, works can be immediately suspended and the treated areas trafficked.

Save lives and minimise litigation issues; eliminate the issues associated with high friction dressings, weigh up the benefits of a well-maintained surface and the kudos of fewer crashes on your network!

FOR MORE INFORMATION Klaruw RMS Ltd: Phil Mason, regional manager Ged McGhee, contracts manager Tel: 0151 4207377 Fax: 0151 4952295 E-mail: info@klaruw.co.uk Web: www.klaruw.co.uk

Parking

Klaruw RMS Ltd tel: 0151 420 7377 e: info@klaruw.co.uk w: www.klaruw.co.uk

Sustainable Surface Solutions

n d At t e n d a n

www.amano-parking.co.uk Tel: 0844 8793748 Email: prichardson@amano.eu 8 Newhouse Business Centre, Old Crawley Road, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 4RU

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

ss Contr

o

One card controlling your world.

From handling all your parking needs to buildings access and time management.

AMANO UK Ltd

70

ce Ac

l

any weather - NO materials low carbon emissions minimal traffic disruption extremely cost effective extend surface life

ea

ce

3 3 3 3 3

FOR MORE INFORMATION If you would like to find out more please call: 0845 2303081, fax: 01738 442994, e-mail: info@townandcityparking.co.uk or visit the website: www.townandcityparking.co.uk

The only name and card you need to remember

Tim

Klaruwtex190 Controlled Mechanical Retexturing the effective Road Surface Skid Resistance Solution:

efficient identification of parking violations; better reporting. At the same time, there is no reduction in service levels. What’s more, the technology is suitable for any type of parking regime, including free maximum stay, pay and display and no parking zones.

We also offer a range of other parking services, including management and marshalling, on-street and off-street consultancy, facilities management and buy/lease joint ventures.

Find out more by visiting us at

PARKex

Stand P60 NEC 29-31 March 2011

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

PARKING & TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

the coldest December since records began.

The sustained arctic blasts caused havoc on roads, at airports and for businesses across the country. IceWatch provides a complete and economical solution that includes localised forecasting, site inspection, gritting, snow clearing and record keeping.

HUBER Car Park Systems – Stand P175, is a manufacturer of steel-frame car park systems. They design in-house, manufacture, construct and operate multi-storey car park facilities. As a company specialising in multistorey car parks, they have the necessary technical know-how to consistently offer a quality product and punctuality in delivery.

NDI Recognition Systems – Stand P214, will be launching a new ANPR Access Control system for car park monitoring and management applications. The new NDI-RS Access Control system is a state-of-the-art ANPR technology application and a highly efficient software tool to manage traffic flow, increase site and staff security whilst cutting the security associated costs and providing clients a new angle on marketing and other revenue generation strategies.

Amano – Stand P60, will launch Xparc, an IP parking solution. Xparc has a state of the art design, combined with the use of the latest technologies in software and hardware. The product is based on a fully networked solution using barcode as its basic card technology and supports a full IP integration of video and intercom, which allows the customer to use the Xparc system to manage the car park from one system.

Automatic Incident Detection (AID) board analysing images coming from network cameras at the show. This new multi-functional Video Image Processor for traffic control, called VIP-IP, has been developed to respond to the upcoming trend towards IP cameras.

Truvelo – Stand H50, will launch its Truvelo D-Cam L, a dual capability speed and red light camera. This versatile product may be used as a speed camera alone, or be deployed at a red light intersection where it will monitor red light offences, and act as a speed camera on the green and amber phases.

Mouchel – Stand D22, another event partner, is a consulting and business services group that provides many of the design, managerial and engineering services that support modern society. Among the areas in which the company operates is highways, where it helps manage the movement of traffic, as well as people, data and goods.

Instarmac – Stand K31, will launch a special feature called Instarmac Live. The challenge will test visitors’ knowledge on Ultrascape and Ultracrete products and participants will be asked to take part in a quiz, the answers

to which can be learned from watching the live daily demonstrations of the ranges.

Ultracrete is a range of products developed with unique rapid set properties for highway maintenance, first-time permanent repairs and ironwork reinstatement, and Ultrascape will be showcasing its range of streetscape products, from bedding mortar, to grout to surface sealer for all landscape and urban regeneration projects. Visitors to the stand can fill in a short questionnaire and enter into a daily draw to win great prizes.

PARKEX HIGHLIGHTS BPA – Stand P161, has revamped its John Heasman Bursary, awarded to someone who carries out research into an area of parking or traffic management, and will present the new version at Parkex. The show will also be the occasion for the BPA to present the results of their sector skills strategy set in 2006.

IceWatch – Stand P182, will be providing visitors with information about their forecasting, gritting and snow clearance service. With an average temperature of -1 degrees Celsius, December 2010 was

STREET DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS Steintec – Stand L43, will have a demonstration area displaying their 2-part bedding mortar silo and showing the use of their bedding, priming and jointing mortar with the laying of natural stone and modular paving such as granite cubes and setts.

Urbis Lighting – Stand S90, will launch its new range of LED products for both street and amenity lighting. New products on display include: Senso, Piano, Claro and Enyo. The range is specifically designed to help organisations reduce their energy consumption and maintenance costs, whilst maintaining high quality lighting levels.

Bill Butler, events director, says: “This edition of Traffex, Parkex and Street Design is a really important one. Now is a good time for the industry to get together. Despite recent government budget cuts, we are confident a large amount of councils and local authorities will be represented. It’s also Traffex’s 25th anniversary, which will be a good occasion to look back at how the industry has changed over the years.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.traffex.com

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

71

A breath of fresh air in sweeper efficiency

The CN101 Our CN101 sub-compact sweeper resolves the ‘Performance-v-Environmental Impact’ with stunning results.

Producing low emissions and only 73Dba at driver’s ear, it works quietly and efficiently without disturbing the neighbours.

It achieves increased on-station time through a massive 50% fuel saving against comparable models, along with a recirculation system that conserves water. So the CN101 saves valuable resources whilst at the same time saving by a massive 10T of Carbon each working year.

With whole body vibration minimised for enhanced worker comfort and ISO 14001 accredited for the environment, everybody benefits.

Contact us at +44 (0)1306 884722, email enquiries@johnstonsweepers.com or visit www.johnstonsweepers.com

The CN101. Fresher thinking for cleaner streets and cleaner air.

www.johnstonsweepers.com 3274 Johnston 178x125.indd 1

2/28/11 3:09 PM

REPAIR & MAINTENANCE SERVICE

Fleet services

Challenge us to save up to 20% on your repair & maintenance costs!

Call us on 0870 428 2050 Email   Best in class MOT and VOR rates  Truly bespoke R&M packages

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

TRANSPORT

THE ONLY SPECIALIST ROAD TRANSPORT EXHIBITION IS BACK After a three year absence, the Commercial Vehicle Show – the biggest single sourcing opportunity for the UK road transport and logistics industry – returns to the NEC Birmingham WITH AROUND 250 EXHIBITORS already signed up for this year’s event and more expected, the organisers say this year’s CV Show is on course for success. The event will be held at Birmingham’s NEC from 12-14 April.

As the UK continues to emerge from recession, this vital show will help to create market growth by producing a business to business event that will represent all sectors of the road transport and logistics industry.

The show has attracted truck makers like DAF, Hino, MAN and Mercedes-Benz as well as van makers Fiat, Ford, Nissan and Volkswagen among a huge and growing line-up of firms offering supporting products and services.

REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE Workshop 2011 will again run alongside the CV Show. This is the only national shop window for the UK car and commercial vehicle maintenance and repair business in 2011, making an ideal combination. With many operators extending leases and running their vehicles for longer, maintenance is becoming even more important, creating a wide range of new opportunities.

The show’s website – www.cvshow.com – was launched at the beginning of 2011. It carries all the information about the show, its exhibitors with their stand numbers and how to get to the NEC, as well as all the latest news.

Pre-register for the CV Show and the organisers will send you an e-mail with your unique registration number. For the first time, they won’t send out tickets in advance but you can print out your ticket when you arrive at the NEC. This also entitles you to an Early Bird Breakfast deal in the NEC’s restaurants, so you can arrive early, beat the queues and get breakfast while you work out which stands to visit first.

300 EXHIBITORS AND 15,000 VISITORS The organisers expect over 300 exhibitors and some 15,000 visitors for the three-day event. “All the signs say this year’s will be a particularly good show,” says Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, one of the Show Partners. “Although times are still tough, there are encouraging signals to say that the recession is easing. Now many firms want to make the most of the recovery opportunities that the event represents.”

Franchised dealers, independent and fleet workshops and a huge range of supporting businesses for operators and the commercial vehicle industry will show products and

services that can help firms cope better with increasingly aggressive competition. Many firms have delayed investments in new hardware or software and the CV Show with Workshop offers a great shop window for firms planning new investment.

Long term CV Show exhibitor Search Impex will have over 60 trucks on its stand.

Jim Newsome says the CV Show always proves an excellent selling opportunity for his business, with steady interest in the firm’s huge range of promotional models.

The CV Show with Workshop is set to attract a large number of people from all areas of the industry. Fleet engineers, transport, fleet or logistics managers, owners, managing directors and other senior people from every sector of the UK road transport business all come to the NEC. They aim to meet suppliers, find out what’s new within the industry, discuss deals and talk serious business.

The organisers expect the event to deliver millions of pounds worth of business to an already wide and growing range of firms. “The Show covers a broad spectrum of products and services to support your business,” said Paul Everitt.

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

New product debuts at the CV show will include EyeDrive Systems’ latest collision

avoidance system. Mobileye C2-270 uses a windscreen-mounted camera and sophisticated electronics to detect pedestrians, lane markings and traffic hazards. The system will warn the vehicle’s driver of potential hazards and, the firm says it “cuts traffic accidents by more than 50 per cent.”

Locks4Vans specialises in locking solutions for commercial vehicles and 2010 saw it become the largest supplementary automotive lock manufacturer in the UK with around 16,000 locks sold in the UK and Irish markets.

It returns to the CV Show in 2011 with the launch of its new locking products including the new ‘Ultimate’ lock. This is a hardened steel slamlock which is available in key operated and remote control formats.

Allen Developments will launch its new Ground Access Rail for semi-trailers. This product enables drivers to connect and disconnect truck and trailer from ground level, eliminating the need to climb on and off the catwalk, and resulting in a safer and cleaner working environment.

This system has already been adopted by several major supermarket fleets.

Leading dry freight bodybuilder Bevan Group will be using its first appearance at the CV Show as a platform to promote its market-leading aftercare service. The West Midlands-based company is best-known as a builder of dry freight box and curtainside bodies to some of the biggest names on

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

73

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

Repair and maintenance Logic presents its winter services from Pullman maintenance range ITH A TRACK RECORD

Whatever make or model of vehicle, from small van to 44-tonne tractor, our customers know they can rely on our nationwide network for total professionalism, unbeatable quality and a truly responsive 24/7 service.

Along with quality, when you’re working with Pullman, health and safety is a given. All our staff adhere to strict guidelines to ensure safe working practices and receive regular training to ensure best practice is maintained.

W stretching back over 30 years, Pullman Fleet Services is trusted by many of the UK’s largest commercial fleet operators to keep their businesses on the move. We focus on reducing the total cost of ownership of our customers’ fleets through helping them to minimise purchase costs, maximise operating efficiency, eliminate risk and maximise residual value.

Our services cover the complete spectrum of fleet management services, from delivering excellence in commercial vehicle repair and maintenance through to a wide range of complementary services including 24/7 roadside assistance, vehicle refrigeration maintenance, accident repair, parts supply, vehicle procurement and disposal, and many more.

FOR MORE INFORMATION To find out how Pullman Fleet Services could add immediate value to your commercial fleet management requirements please visit www.pullmanfleet.co.uk or call 0870 428 2050.

OGIC MANUFACTURES a wide range of ground care equipment which takes advantage of the low ground pressure capabilities of UTVs and ATVs. At the Commercial Vehicle Show (Stand 5C74) we are showing our winter maintenance range. This includes snowploughs that attach to the front of ATVs and UTVs and a range of compact, towed salt spreaders. GDS and PDS models have the same moving-floor technology found in highway-sized machines and so handle any salt type – even when wet! The smaller LDS machine (120 litre capacity) is intended for dry, bagged salt and is an excellent solution where this is the preferred option.

Low ground pressure makes Logic GDS (465 litres) and PDS machines

L

(585 litres) ideal for car parks, roadways and even pedestrian areas. The engine-drive variant (PDS) allows easy towing by any suitable vehicle at normal road speeds – perfect as a salt spreading solution for multiple sites.

All Logic machines are built to withstand UK conditions and make salt spreading a much more cost-effective option than using a crew working with shovels from the back of a flat bed truck!

FOR MORE INFORMATION Cheltenham Office: 01285 720930 Hexham Office: 01434 606661 Fax: 01285 720840 or 01434 608143 E-mail: sales@logictoday.co.uk Web: www.logictoday.co.uk

Welcome to the world of online video road tests Salt Spreaders: Keep your yard moving in winter.

Compact and towable by any vehicle, these salt spreaders will keep the yard ice-free, See us at helping you to keep the traffic moving. Commercial Vehicle Show Stand

5C74

GDS250R

GDS Range (towed)

Ground Driven 465 Litre Capacity Will spread wet or dry rock salt & sand

PDS350D

PDS Range (towed/de-mount)

Engine driven 565 Litre Capacity Will spread wet or dry rock salt & sand

Our GDS and PDS range use professional, moving-floor technology and will work with any salt type - even when wet!

Customers include NEC, Walkers Crisps, Tesco, River Island, Toyota Cars (GB) General Motors (Vauxhall), Councils, Hospitals, Prisons, etc.

SEE IT WORKING ON VIDEO AT: www.LogicToday.co.uk or email sales@LogicToday.co.uk for more details.

Tel: (01434) 606661 Tel: (01285) 720930

LDS120DS

LDS 120DS (towed)

Ground driven 120 Litre Capacity For use with dry, bagged salt only

Fax: (01434) 608143 Fax: (01285) 720840

Hexham, Northumberland Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

NATIONWIDE DEALER NETWORK

74

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

L 11-01P

ANSA2Z.COM is a specialist website containing the indispensible information necessary for anyone looking to buy and kit-out a light commercial vehicle, whether it be a small car-derived, 4x4, panel van, pick-up or chassis cab-based conversion.

VansA2Z is a free-to-use unique website providing a fully comprehensive 78-point specification list for all vans and light trucks on sale in the UK with a van comparison facility.

For each model range we offer independent appraisal with video road tests and printable text versions.

VansA2Z covers all the latest news and new launches, plus there are links to all the manufacturers, dealers, and service and accessory companies at your fingertips.

Concentrating on greener issues is ecoVansA2Z.com; dedicated entirely to low carbon and zero emission LCVs including all ancillary products and services

V

that are designed to improve efficiency and economy. ecoVansA2Z covers vans and light trucks under development and currently available on the UK market: electric, hybrid, fuel-cell, hydrogen, CNG, and improvements to current diesel technology that all go to reducing vehicles’ carbon footprint.

Why not register? It’s free and entitles you to receive regular updates on news, all the latest launches and new products via e-mail.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0845 3888267 E-mail: info@vansa2z.com Web: www.vansa2z.com www.ecovansa2z.com

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

TRANSPORT

Britain’s roads. Its Aftercare and On-site Repairs division has also forged a reputation for excellence and the Bevan team will be focusing on this at CV Show 2011.

VEHICLE PARTS Imexpart, one of the UK’s leading independent truck parts specialists, will use its stand at the CV Show for the exhibition debut of its CaptiveX range of replacement parts for Iveco trucks. Available in early 2011, the new range will offer both fast moving Iveco parts and some that are harder to find outside the franchised network. The company holds more than 10,000 Iveco parts in stock covering all popular UK applications. Imex also supplies parts for MAN and Mercedes trucks and has an all-makes engine range.

It does bumpers and cab panels, too.

Zenloc says it will exhibit its groundbreaking Zenloc Portable Alarm at the CV Show.

Launched in 2010, it won an innovation award and is now successfully winning orders with owner drivers and hauliers alike. The alarm is easily portable and can be quickly attached to a vehicle that needs protection. Once attached, it is self-arming and if moved, will

emit a 120DB tone and a strobe light, sending a message to a small remote receiver kept by the driver. A unique coded electronic key built into the receiver can deactivate the system.

Carnation Designs will use its stand at the CV Show to highlight the flexibility of its genisys system for specialist vehicle builders and operators. Already a leading provider to the emergency vehicle market, Carnation produces a fully customisable, easy-to-integrate solution for control of auxiliary electronics and related power management in virtually any vehicle. This offers a programmable alternative to hard-wired relays and fuses, using solid-state technology to ensure a vehicle can adapt to changing needs.

WORKSHOP Confirmed exhibitors for the Workshop already include Gemco, Jubilee, Maha, NGK Texa, Unipart GES, V-Tech and Würth.

Joining them at Workshop for the first time will be Draper, Maha, Somers, SPX, Stertil and Valeo. These are global firms selling successfully on world markets.

Between them, these exhibitors already offer a huge range of tools, parts, services

Johnston Sweepers exhibits its extensive range at CV Show OHNSTON SWEEPERS is delighted to support the return of the CV Show to NEC Birmingham, and very pleased that we can use this event to showcase to local government authorities Johnston’s extensive range of efficient, cost effective sweepers.

Johnston will have four sweepers on display, the neat 1m³ subcompact CN101 with a four-wheel steer option which can “turn on a sixpence” and clean safely in pedestrian zones, along with its larger companion the 2m³ CX200, which uses up to 40 per cent less fuel than comparable sweepers – representing a huge saving on fuel and emissions.

Heavy duty cleansing is covered

by Johnston’s truck range with the new VT551 on a Slimline Mitsubishi chassis and 4.85m³

J

payload plus “Grandfather rights” licence requirements, so urban street cleansing has never been more agile or productive.

Finally the tough reliable VT650, which represents more than 50 years of durable vacuum sweeping performance.

We look forward to your visit to Johnston’s stand no. 5H20 at the CV Show where you can be sure generous hospitality and a warm welcome awaits you.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Johnston Sweepers Limited Address: Curtis Road, Dorking, Surrey RH4 1XF Tel: 01305 884722 E-mail: enquiries@ johnstonsweepers.com Web: www.johnston sweepers.com

and equipment. They can equip and stock virtually any automotive workshop, regardless of size or specialisation.

Major tyre manufacturers and tyre service firms will be also at the show, with ATS Euromaster, Bridgestone, Direct Tyre Management and Michelin featuring a wide range of their tyres for fork lift trucks through to road-going tyres for the biggest commercial vehicles, as well as tyre management solutions.

Michelin, one of the world’s largest tyre manufacturers, has reconfirmed its commitment to the CV Show and will use the event to debut its latest Michelin X® Energy™ Savergreen range – a single line-up providing hauliers with safe, fuel-efficient, long-lasting tyres for steer, drive and trailer axles.

The Commercial Vehicle Show is owned by the CV Show LLP, comprising the Road Haulage Association, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and IRTE Services Ltd, the trading company of the SOE (Society of Operations Engineers).

FOR MORE INFORMATION Web: www.cvshow.com

Peugeot Professional showcases van range EUGEOT PROFESSIONAL has vans to suit every business need, from the Bipper right through to the Boxer, including conversions.

We are displaying the Bipper, a compact van designed for the city with class leading economy, carrying capacity and environmental credentials.

We will also be showing off our Partner van, which is a well designed and versatile van with class leading load length and the option to carry up to five people.

The Expert will be demonstrating its versatility as a state of the art van with a wide model selection and engine choice.

P

Our Boxer conversions show how adaptable our range can be to the need of our customer and our suitability to any business.

All of our panel vans come with a three year/100,000 mile manufacturer’s warranty.

Our Peugeot representatives will be on hand to talk to you about what our vans can do for your business. You could also enter our competition to win an iPad! Please come and visit our stand 4D80 for more information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Please contact our Fleet Sales Team on 024 76884644 or e-mail us at fleet@peugeot.com

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

75

You need

BAFE If you specify fire alarms, portable fire extinguishers or emergency lighting you should be looking for BAFE registered companies.

Why.....? Because BAFE is the independent 3rd party approvals organisation, which ensures quality for the fire protection industry and provides the vital reassurance that the services being bought or specified are effective, reliable and competently maintained.

It also means that you are well on the way to meeting your obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order.

rmation To gain more info nnual Fire t the LG A visit our stand a h ead on 8/9 Marc sh te a G in ce n re Confe nal at the NEC, o ti a rn te In x e ir F or at 6-19 May Birmingham on 1

BAFE.... Promoting Quality in Fire Safety Fire Service College, Bridges 2, London Road, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire GL56 0RH

Tel: 0844 3350897 • Fax: 01608 653359 • Email: info@bafe.org.uk

www.bafe.org.uk

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

PUBLIC SAFETY

TACKLING FIRE SAFETY ON AN INTERNATIONAL SCALE International Firex – the UK’s largest dedicated fire safety event and one of the largest in the world – will be back at the NEC Birmingham 16-19 May, showcasing the latest products and services from over 150 exhibitors FOLLOWING THE INTRODUCTION of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, which came into effect in 2006, fire safety has remained a primary priority for both local and central government.

Those responsible for ensuring fire safety, including precaution, prevention and assessment need to remain in a front line position, ensuring comprehensive fire safety legislation is adhered to and an effective fire management plan is in place. Therefore the prospect of networking with experts from all aspects of the fire safety industry and exploring the latest products, services, regulations and best practice techniques, is not one to be overlooked.

Key decision makers and qualified fire protection professionals from across the globe will congregate at International Firex

comprehensive exhibition – free of charge.

Industry bodies including the Association of Specialist Fire Protection, Fire Industry Association, BSI Global, LPCB (BRE Global) are also amongst those oragnisations exhibiting.

The International Firex exhibition will incorporate four unique feature areas: ASFP Passive Fire Protection Zone; Info4fire.com Learning Zone; LPCB Fike Village; and Red Book Pavilion.

ASFP PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION ZONE This combined hospitality and free seminar area hosted by the Association of Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) will focus on products, services and best practice in built-in fire protection.

With a strong emphasis on professional expertise and the requirements for approved installers and contractors, the Passive Protection

Those responsible for ensuring fire safety, including precaution, prevention and assessment need to remain in a front line position, ensuring comprehensive fire safety legislation is adhered to and an effective fire management plan is in place 2011, one of the largest dedicated fire safety events in the world. International Firex, the UK’s leading fire protection and prevention show, is returning to the NEC Birmingham 16-19 May, showcasing the latest products and services from more than 150 exhibitors.

With a vast audience of professionals including end users directly responsible for fire safety in their premises and places of work, facilities and health and safety managers, and building control officers, International Firex provides the ideal opportunity to showcase such an extensive range of specialist fire safety solutions.

Companies such as Advanced Electronics, C-Tec, Kentec, Apollo Fire Solutions, EMS Radio Fire & Security, Hochiki Europe (UK), Cooper Fulleon, Fireco, Kidde Products Limited, Nittan, Detector Testers, Detectomat, STI Europe, Fike Safety Technologies, Fike Protection Systems, Tyco Fire Suppression Systems & Building Products will be exhibiting their products and services.

Presentations based on the latest product innovations, best practice, standards, approvals and compliance and current fire safety legislation will run alongside the

assessment, fire alarm system design, emergency lighting, business advice, portable extinguisher maintenance and fire safety legislation. If you’re an installer of fire alarms or have concerns about fire safety requirements and legislation, this is where you will find the answers.

FIKE VILLAGE – NEW FOR 2011 Fike Village will provide a relaxed and informal area for Fike Protection Systems and Fike Safety Technology customers to meet and entertain key specifiers and end users attending the show. Working with a number of key distributors, the latest Fike suppression and alarm fire safety products are essential aspects of the Fike Village where the emphasis will be on innovation and technical expertise.

LPCB RED BOOK PAVILION Successfully launched in 2009, this key feature returns to International Firex to provide visitors with vital information on third party approval schemes and product testing currently undertaken by the BRE Global/ LPCB. The free seminar programme and exhibitor village will also provide advice and guidance on the importance of third party approval.

Zone will provide visitors with exclusive access to industry experts and knowledge.

The seminar theatre within the Passive Protection Zone will host a number of presentations from specialists in the passive protection field. Each 20-minute presentation is designed to inform visitors about responsibilities with which they may be unfamiliar and offer practical solutions. Seminar sessions on passive fire protection will include themes such as: • Designing buildings with appropriate built-in fire protection • The Risk Relay – fire safety communication between designers, builders and occupants of buildings • Fire risk assessments and passive fire protection • Saving lives and property and staying out of court

FIRE EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2011 Held every two years and coinciding with the International Firex exhibition, the Fire Excellence Awards 2011 celebrate the best products, services and individuals in the fire safety industry. The Fire Excellence Awards offer the chance to gain unrivalled industry recognition as an award winner or finalist. For further information on entering or attending the awards visit www.info4fire.com/fireexcellenceawards2011.

The Fire Excellence Awards take place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole during the evening of Tuesday 17 May. IFSEC, the world’s largest annual security event, Safety & Health Expo, Europe’s largest annual safety and health event and The Facilities Show, the UK’s biggest and fastest growing FM event, will take place alongside International Firex 2011 and are free to attend for all pre-registered visitors.

INFO4FIRE.COM LEARNING ZONE The Info4fire.com Learning Zone will be run in association with the Fire Industry Association – the UK’s leading trade organisation for the fire safety sector. There will be a range of free seminars and presentations on fire risk

For further information on International Firex 2011 or to register for free entry, please visit www.info4fire.com/internationalfirex

FOR MORE INFORMATION

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

77

Video Blind R O Alarm System Alarm System?

IDE

EC D U O

Y

Videofied Alarm System;

Videofied System Applications;

• Totally Wirefree

• Reduce Costly False Alarms

• Up to 4 Years Battery Life

• Identify Crimes in Progress

• 10 Second Video upon Activation

• Minimise Losses

• GPRS Transmission of Alarm and Video to ARC

• Upgrade existing “Blind” Alarms with our “Piggyback” Video Alarm Panel

• Operator Sees What Triggered the PIR • Day & Night Capability (built in IRs)

• Temporary Protection e.g. Construction, Vacant Properties, Rapid Response

• 150,000 Systems Installed Worldwide

• Metal Theft

• 2 Way Audio also Available

• Support Manned Guarding/Keyholders

• Quick and Easy to Install

• Indoor & Outdoor Asset Protection

• New Opportunities for the Installer

• Panic Verification

• Indoor & Outdoor PIR Cameras

Install the Alarm System of the Future – TODAY Visit – www.videofied.com Email – uksales@rsivideotech.com Call

– 0115 906 3033

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

SECURITY

THE NUMBER ONE EVENT FOR SECURITY SOLUTIONS Visitors from all areas of the security market and from all corners of the world can engage with industry experts and network with top-tier security professionals at IFSEC 2011 SECURITY IS ALWAYS GOING TO BE one of the major issues affecting both local and central government. As a result, risk management with the inclusion of new ideas and innovations in the security arena are vital.

If security matters are not handled responsibly, the end result could be catastrophic. As such it is imperative that those in charge of security operations are always one step ahead.

Security professionals from across the globe will descend on IFSEC 2011, the world’s leading security event, as it returns to Birmingham NEC from the 16-19 May. Now in its 38th edition, IFSEC has been the platform for numerous technological developments and product launches since its inception; providing the first opportunity for visitors from all disciplines within the security market and from all corners of the world to engage with industry experts and network with top-tier security professionals.

James Blue, director of Fire & Security at UBM Live, organisers of IFSEC 2011, says: “Each year we aim to demonstrate why IFSEC is the must attend event for visitors from all disciplines within the security sector and across the globe.

“This year we have introduced a new modular programme, increased our seminar content and created a line-up of key industry figures that is second to none, ensuring that IFSEC 2011 lives up to all expectations.”

The event also benefits from being co-located with The Facilities Show, Safety & Health Expo and International Firex.

EXHIBITION The extensive IFSEC exhibition will be divided into six product area categories: access control, CCTV, intruder alarms, integrated security, public security, and security solutions.

Key exhibition features include the Intelligent Integration Zone and the international pavilions.

Following its successful introduction last year, the Intelligent Integration Zone returns to IFSEC 2011. Sponsored by ISM, specialists in the manufacture and development of graphical security control management systems, the Intelligent Integration Zone is a must for any security professional responsible for handling the security of an organisation.

The international feel of IFSEC is compounded throughout the international pavilions where Belgium and Spain (returning for their second year at IFSEC) China, France, Italy, Korea, Taiwan and the USA will showcase a variety of the latest industry products and developments from across the globe.

ENGINEERS OF TOMORROW CHALLENGE Catering for the security engineers of tomorrow, security apprentices will also be showcasing their skills by taking part in the Engineers of Tomorrow – UK Apprentice Skills Challenge, during the four days of IFSEC. Throughout the challenge contestants will be required to partake in a number of exercises that test their competencies alongside their mental and physical capabilities.

In addition, the Future of Security Competition, a brand new feature for IFSEC 2011 will aim to find the next generation security innovations. Run in association with Global Security Challenge – an organisation known for its impressive track record as a central hub for security innovators, start-

ups, investors and events around the globe – competitors will compete against each other in a live judging session at IFSEC. This exciting competition is open to researchers, innovators, universities and SMEs worldwide, entrants must present a technological innovation that can be used to prevent, defend against, recover from or cope with any kind of terrorist incidents or other criminal acts.

CONFERENCE Typical of IFSEC events, the comprehensive 2011 conference schedule promises an educational and informative programme. Running alongside the exhibition, the IFSEC conference is comprised of totally-revamped series of

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

79

01744 815475 sales@plastic-cards.co.uk

global experts in Access Control

Visit us at IFSEC Hall 4, Stand D63 DOM gUARDIAn

®

If something matters, it’s worth protecting. That’s why our digitally printed, full colour, access control cards are so popular.

• RFID (Contactless) Cards • Swipe & Barcoded Cards • Photo ID Cards

Visit Company Cards at IFSEC 2011 Stand 5/H5 Using the latest advances in transponder technology, DOM has developed a revolutionary product designed to meet the demands of a growing electronics market easily integrated into existing access control systems.

With the new DOM Guardian®, DOM has incorporated all of the electronic features of the DOM Protector® into one fitting.

Key Features • The reader unit, functional parts, mechatronics and the battery compartment are in the external fitting • External or internal mounting, electronically controlled • DIN left or right can be adjusted during mounting • Locking authorisations are controlled using a mastercard or with DOM software solutions • Online system: events relayed in real time • Available with a choice of handles and finishes DOM PROTECTOR

Tel. 0800 988 43 48 Fax. 0800 988 43 49 sales@ronis-dom.co.uk

DOM GUARDIAN AD RED.indd 1

®

S E C U R I T Y, Q U A L I T Y, D O M

www.ronis-dom.co.uk

2/23/2011 4:48:21 PM

Birmingham NEC 16th - 19th May Register online at www.ifsec.co.uk

www.companycards.co.uk

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

SECURITY

sessions where experienced end-users and respected security professionals will share their insights into the industry best practice and the successful application of the latest technologies.

The series modules, aimed at security managers, directors and professionals have been designed to encourage networking and engagement in thought provoking debate. Delegates are set to learn about the advances in security technology and how it’s being applied in practice by an impressive line up of expert speakers. The Conference programme will feature: • Four industry vertical modules – retail, financial services, utilities and transport • Overarching focus on technology – IP-based security, CCTV, thermal imaging, converged systems • Cyber-terrorism – what it means for businesses and how to make cost-effective plans • Addressing the convergence of physical security and IT security • A high level keynote panel discussing the regulation of the industry in a post-SIA world Visitors from all disciplines within the security market can expect to engage with key decision makers and industry experts and network with top-tier security professionals at this premier industry event.

SEMINARS The seminar series, aimed at security managers, directors and professionals has been divided into nine modules incorporating the four selected vertical industry streams; retail, financial services, utilities and transport.

Each session is chaired by a leading security figure such as Brian Sims, editor at Security Management Today Online; Mike Hurst, vice chairman-strategy at ASIS UK; and Andrew Mason, head of business continuity at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Brian Sims, says: “Without doubt, IFSEC is the premier exhibition for the global security community. It informs practitioners’ decisionmaking processes and buying patterns.

“That being the case, the conference programme running alongside the show has to be first class. Not only must it tap into current thinking, but also frame the future. That’s why I work so closely with our conference producer to ensure leading-edge content is disseminated by the very best speakers. At this year’s show, I’ll be chairing The Big Debate on industry regulation.”

The 2011 conference programme also covers corporate crime, cyber terrorism, retail security, IP-based technologies, security in the finance sector, IT security, business continuity management, transport security and, of course, all the latest on CCTV and video surveillance.

IFSEC 2011 is co-located with The Facilities Show, Safety & Health Expo and International Firex.

INTERNATIONAL FIREX Key decision makers from across the globe will congregate at International Firex 2011, one of the largest dedicated fire safety events in the world.

Showcasing the latest products and services from more than 150 exhibitors, International Firex provides the ideal opportunity to explore an extensive range of specialist fire safety solutions. Free of charge presentations based on the latest product innovations, best practice, standards, compliance and current fire safety legislation will run alongside the exhibition.

Industry bodies including the Association of Specialist Fire Protection, Fire Industry Association, BSI Global, LPCB (BRE Global) are also amongst those organisations exhibiting.

The International Firex exhibition will also incorporate four unique feature areas: ASFP Passive Fire Protection Zone; Info4fire.com Learning Zone; The Fike Village and the LPCB Red Book Pavilion.

This combined hospitality and free seminar area hosted by the Association of Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) will focus on products, services and best practice in built-in fire protection.

HIGHLIGHTS With a strong emphasis on professional expertise and the requirements for approved installers and contractors, the Passive Protection Zone, new for 2011, will provide visitors with exclusive access to industry experts and knowledge.

The Info4fire.com Learning Zone will be run in association with the Fire Industry Association – the UK’s leading trade organisation for the fire safety sector. There will be a range of free seminars and presentations on fire risk assessment, fire alarm system design, emergency lighting, business advice, portable extinguisher maintenance and fire safety legislation. If you’re an installer of fire alarms or have concerns about fire safety requirements and legislation, this is where you will find the answers.

Held every two years and coinciding with the International Firex exhibition, the Fire Excellence Awards 2011 celebrate the best products, services and individuals in the fire safety industry. The Fire Excellence Awards take place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole during the evening of Tuesday 17 May 2011 and offer the chance to gain unrivalled industry recognition as an award winner or finalist.

THE FACILITIES SHOW The UK’s leading annual facilities management event, the Facilities Show, is set to deliver a comprehensive, educational seminar programme for 2011. The show, in association with the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) is confirmed as the pivotal date in the FM professional’s calendar.

With hours of free educational content the Facilities Show provides the opportunity for FM professionals to explore the key areas of the FM

agenda in an innovative and informative setting.

The seminar programme includes the Profile of FM, presented by the current BIFM FM of the Year, Julie Kortens (Head of FM at Channel 4) and Engaging the CEO, lead by Steve Gladwin, CEO of Hochtief FM, one of the largest TFM providers in Europe.

Adrian Newton, Portfolio Director for Safety and Building Management at UBM Live, says: “Having attracted 16,388 (ABC Audited) visitors to the show last year, the Facilities Show is the UK’s biggest and fastest growing FM event.

“We pride ourselves on supplying free educational content to the FM industry and are dedicated to providing FM professionals the opportunity to network with leading experts, share industry knowledge and explore innovative FM products and solutions.”

Key features at the Facilities Show 2011 include: • The Energy Management Zone – Showcasing exhibitors offering specific energy management products, services and advice • The Prop IT Trail – an area dedicated to cutting edge products and suppliers of new technologies • Green FM Trail – highlighting exhibitors that provide products and services to create more efficient, sustainable workplaces • The Approved Operator Parking Zone, hosted by the British Parking Authority (BPA) – covering all aspects of car park management.

SAFETY & HEALTH EXPO 2011 Firmly established as Europe’s leading annual event for the health and safety industry, Safety & Health Expo 2011 promises to be more innovative and informative than ever before.

What’s more, it is the only show with the support of all the leading industry bodies – RoSPA, BSIF and IOSH. If you are responsible for health and safety in the public or private sector and whether you’re fully responsible for health and safety strategy or even if it forms a small part of your role, then Safety & Health Expo is the show for you!

The event attracts a wide variety of senior professionals looking to source new suppliers, network with colleagues and hear leading industry speakers discuss the most pressing issues of the day.

Packed full of the industry’s leading manufacturers, distributors and suppliers showcasing their latest innovations, Safety & Health Expo is the definitive event for the industry.

The knowledge, contacts and best practice you will gain from the event will help you all year through.

FOR MORE INFORMATION IFSEC: www.ifsec.co.uk Firex: www.info4fire.com/internationalfirex The Facilities Show: www.thefacilitiesshow.com Safety & Health Expo: www.safety-health-expo.co.uk

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

81

DISCOVER INNOVATIVE SECURITY SOLUTIONS A VISIT TO IFSEC, THE INTERNATIONAL SECURITY SHOW, IS A JOURNEY TO THE FOREFRONT OF TECHNOLOGY ACCESS CONTROL |CCTV INTRUDER ALARMS | IP/NETWORK SECURITY PUBLIC SECURITY | SECURITY SOLUTIONS

REGISTER FOR FREE ENTRY AT WWW.IFSEC.CO.UK REGISTRATION CODE GMA THE INTERNATIONAL SECURITY EVENT

IFSEC is part of the Protection & Management Series, uniting security with fire, safety and facilities management professionals.

CERTIFIED BY SUPPORTED BY

OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER

ORGANISED BY

Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Plastic cards from Company Cards Ltd

Introducing the new DOM access control range

OMPANY CARDS LTD is an enterprising UK manufacturer of plastic cards, leading the way in the development of high quality, full colour, digitally printed plastic cards.

From ID cards and loyalty schemes to full colour RFID cards and membership passes, we create a card product that’s right for you. Uniquely designed to whatever production run you require – we create cards that stand out from the pack!

Our unique process enables us to digitally print directly on to the plastic core of the card, protecting all print, including any personalised details such as name, number, photo identification, underneath the PVC laminate.

With a range of finishing options including signature and scratch panels, holograms and a full in-house fulfilment service we can work with you to

OM has a complete range of access control devices ideal for public buildings, hotels and colleges, all easily integrated into existing systems.

DOM Protector® uses the latest transponder technology. Due to its array of models and versions, DOM Protector® is suited to diverse applications. It is also equipped to deal with all possible changes in room usage. The development of intelligent transponders and software support means that the DOM Protector® lends itself particularly well to public buildings and highly frequented places.

Advantages: • Future proof product: transponder standards, radio online connection, a large variety of transponder types • A variety of models: double cylinder, half cylinder, glass door cylinder, readable on both sides • Designed to the highest level of standards: modern, attractive appearance • Simple installation: without expensive cabling

C

D

understand what you truly need.

Our certifications for ISO 9001, 14001 & 27001 are a testament that we’re as reliable as we are dedicated.

So if you are thinking about plastic cards – think Company Cards, and choose the best!

FOR MORE INFORMATION Company Cards Limited Address: Worsley Brow, Sutton, St Helens, Merseyside WA9 3EZ Tel: 01744 815475 Fax: 01744 604463 E-mail: sales@plastic-cards.co.uk Web: www.companycards.co.uk

Catch thieves in the act with RSI’s wireless video alarm system HE RSI VIDEOFIED system is wireless and battery operated, and communicates back to an alarm panel that sends alarms and ten-second video clips back to a monitoring station over the GPRS network.

The monitoring station operator effectively sees what has triggered the alarm and can rule out false alarms and instigate an urgent response where there is a genuine crime in progress, thus helping to catch thieves in the act and minimise losses.

Most of the UK’s leading monitoring stations have already integrated with RSI and can receive the alarms and the associated video clips.

Installation is quick and easy, with detection, video capture, and IR illumination all contained within the one MotionViewer

T

device, and absolutely no wiring or cabling required (the alarm panel is also battery operated).

Up to 24 PIR cameras can work off one control panel.

Over 150,000 systems have already been installed worldwide and typical applications include; • Vacant property protection • Metal theft and fuel theft • Transport infrastructure • Storage yards and containers • Temporary protection • Utilities • Vulnerable asset protection, e.g. church roofs

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01949 831977 or 07834 266182 Fax: 08714 310507 E-mail: gary.frith@ rsivideotech.com Web: www.videofied.com

• Compatibility with euro profile lockcases.

DOM Protector® EE is the solution for emergency exits as well as DOM Protector® FR for integration with fire resistant doors.

With the new DOM Guardian® all the electronic properties of the DOM Protector® are in one fitting. The DOM Guardian® works online and events at the door are relayed in real time.

Available as an online or offline solution other products include a DOM keypad, DOM Access Manager, DOM NetManager as well as DOM ELS mobile software.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0800 9884348 Web: www.ronis-dom.co.uk

University of Strathclyde safety and risk management HE UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE in Glasgow has been running its highly successful postgraduate programme in Safety and Risk Management for the past decade. Due to its flexible online distance learning format this programme has drawn students from across the United Kingdom and overseas.

Participants enjoy a fascinating range of topics written primarily by health and safety practitioners, providing a very practical approach to the subject. Students benefit from individual guidance and feedback from tutors with academic and practical experience across a wide range of work environments.

Progress on the programme is based on continuous assessment of study unit work activities and submission of module assignments.

This provides a very effective and practical learning experience and does not require attendance at an examination centre.

With flexible entry and exit points, students are able to

T

progress through the programme from Postgraduate Certificate, through Postgraduate Diploma to MSc. The programme is recognised by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health for Graduate Membership.

The University of Strathclyde Safety and Risk Management Programme has been written by health and safety practitioners for safety and risk practitioners and offers a unique and highly relevant learning experience.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0141 5482392 Fax: 0141 5531270 E-mail: morag.mcintosh @strath.ac.uk Web: www.strath.ac.uk/srm

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

83

DISCOVER INNOVATIVE FIRE SAFETY SOLUTIONS THE LEADING EVENT FOR FIRE SAFETY PROFESSIONALS 140+ MAJOR MANUFACTURERS| FREE EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS AT THE| INFO4FIRE.COM LEARNING ZONE PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION EXPERTISE AT| THE ASFP PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION ZONE GUIDANCE ON THIRD PARTY APPROVAL AT| THE LPCB RED BOOK PAVILION FIRE SAFETY INFORMATION AT THE FIKE VILLAGE|

REGISTER FOR FREE ENTRY WWW.INFO4FIRE.COM/INTERNATIONALFIREX AND ENTER CODE GB1 THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE SAFETY EVENT

International Firex is part of the Protection & Management Series, uniting fire protection with security, safety and facilities management professionals.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SUPPORTED BY

OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER

ORGANISED BY

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

SECURITY

DELIVERING A ROBUST DEFENCE AGAINST TERRORISM THREAT Counter Terror Expo brings together the world’s foremost experts from government, armed forces, security services, law enforcement, and academia in order to share experiences, debate strategies, brainstorm issues, shape policy, and define effective counter terrorism measures WITH THE INTELLIGENCE community signalling an intent or desire amongst extremist groups to target crowded places as well as the international transport network, the two-day Counter Terror Expo 2011 event sits at the epicentre of the global effort to disrupt or deter such attacks.

Stockholm became the latest European city to be targeted, when a lone extremist set off a car bomb in a busy shopping street minutes before triggering a suicide belt in late December. The perpetrator, Iraqi born Taimur Abdulwahab al Abdaly, had strong connections to the United Kingdom. In some fundamental respects his attack mirrored that of the Pakistan born Time Square bomber, Faisal Shahzad, who was captured fleeing the United States scant minutes before his Emirates flight to Dubai took off.

A disturbing aspect of both these attacks is that the two men were naturalised citizens in their target countries – Abdulwahab al Abdaly held a Swedish passport whereas Shahzad held an American passport – thus they were able to travel freely.

SHARING OF INFORMATION EU Counter-Terrorism coordinator Gilles de Kerchove, made a prescient call for better sharing of information to stop potentially dangerous travellers in August. “What is worrying us the most is extremists entering Europe, people who were born here or who have one of our member states’ passports, who can therefore slip under the police and intelligence radar,” he told the Euronews television channel at the time. He added that while Europe has agreements in place for tracking financial transactions, it really must have a similar system in place to collect information on passenger movements.

Gilles de Kerchove’s comment came in the wake of the US government and others warning citizens of the possibility of terrorist attacks in numerous European countries.

Travellers were warned of the threat to transport networks and public spaces and told to be on their guard. The warning has been renewed, albeit in lower key fashion, following receipt of intelligence described as credible from Iraqi government sources in the aftermath of the events in Stockholm.

Protection for public spaces and mass transit systems present the counter-terrorism and law enforcement communities with an enormous challenge. This conundrum has been explored in depth over a long period

of time and the risk based approach remains the only operationally viable and publicly acceptable solution, but supported by advanced surveillance and target hardening techniques that enhance safety but don’t impede on the every day lives of the public.

‘Preventing & Combating Global Terrorism – 10 years on from 9/11’ is the principal Counter Terror Expo 2011 conference theme exploring many of the issues that these two events have exposed publicly.

‘Achieving Homeland Security In The Face Of The Terrorist Threat’ is another core theme examining strategies adopted in the United Kingdom and the United States of

spurred some searching questions about the effectiveness of regionally deployed explosive detection capability, when faced with carefully packaged and concealed threats.

The Counter Terror Expo 2011 ‘EOD & IEDD’ seminar brings valuable insight to the detection, deactivation and disposal of such dangerous weapons, through major presentations of the latest technologies to counter and contain such threats.

CYBER SECURITY At the end of the decade the cyber security issue also gained significant prominence. Wikileaks exposure of a quarter of a million secret and restricted US diplomatic dispatches has placed

Cyber security has been identified as a first tier threat in the recently published UK National Security Strategy (NSS) and ‘Cyber Security & Electronic Terrorism’ is a dedicated conference theme at Counter Terror Expo 2011 America. Other key conference topics focus on the primary methods adopted to deliver the maximum public protection in public spaces and across the transport networks.

Last year’s news reports were also dominated by the near successful attempt by Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) to down two cargo flights over the United States eastern seaboard with two powerful improvised explosive devices (IEDs) concealed in airfreight, both were being transshipped from Yemen.

The device discovered at East Midlands airport had already flown on two cargo aircraft, whilst the one found at Dubai airport in the United Arab Emirates had been shipped there as belly-hold cargo on two passenger jets.

AQAP has become notorious during the past 18 months, for their audacious left of field attacks primarily against the international transport networks. In attempting to transship powerful explosive devices through the airfreight network, they were exploiting long known weaknesses in the security regime and could very easily have succeeded in their ultimate goal.

It is instructive that the device discovered at East Midlands airport was only identified as a credible and potent threat following a second examination prompted by additional information from overseas. This fact has

computer security, particularly within governmental and military circles, firmly at the top of the agenda.

The series of deeply embarrassing disclosures prompted an allegedly US Government inspired but commercial entity driven backlash against the whistle-blower website. This resulted in a mini cyber war, with distributed denial of service (DDOS) attacks, against the likes of US headquartered companies such as Amazon, Paypal, Mastercard and Visa, which withdrew services to Wikileaks.

Other cyber attacks also took place during the past year, including the release of the sophisticated Stuxnet computer worm, which specifically targets certain industrial plant control systems. Computer experts say that Stuxnet is so sophisticated, that it could only have been launched in the wild by a governmental entity.

Cyber security has been identified as a first tier threat in the recently published UK National Security Strategy (NSS) and ‘Cyber Security & Electronic Terrorism’ is a dedicated conference theme at Counter Terror Expo 2011. Counter Terror Expo 2011 will be held within the Grand Hall of London Olympia from 19 -20 April 2011.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Please contact Nicola GreenawayFuller on +44 (0)20 85429090.

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

85

Government Business | Volume 18.3

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

COUNTER TERROR EXPO I9 – 20 April 20II Olympia London www.counterterrorexpo.com

Counter Terror Expo delivers both focus and clarity to the complex and multifaceted task of protecting people and assets from those with the intent to do harm.

This critically acclaimed event provides a vital forum for debate and plays a key role at the epicentre of the development of future counter-terrorism strategy.

Unique, dedicated exhibition showcasing counter Meet the buyer programme terrorism and specialist security technologies Networking functions High level conference with six streams featuring over 200 leading international speakers For more information please contact: Nicola Greenaway Over 120 free-to-attend technology and practical t: + 44 (0) 208 542 9090 workshops e: nicola.greenaway@clarionevents.com w: www.counterterrorexpo.com Live product capability demonstrations

Register today at www.counterterrorexpo.com/register2011 CTX11 Ad 125x178 Jan11.indd 1

05/01/2011 17:31

ADVERTISERS INDEX

The publishers accept no responsibility for errors or omissions in this free service

86

Abacus Main

26

IFSEC 2011

82

Ovenu

53

All-Energy 2011

32

IMServ

38

Peugeot

75

Ambleside Salutation Hotel

60

Institute of Credit Management

20

Pitman Training Group

50

Arvato UK

10

International Firex

84

Pullman Fleet Services

72

BAFE

76

Jacob UK

34

RONIS-DOM

80

Baker Small

46

Jigsaw at Work

62

Rothera Dawson Solicitors

44

Bluebird Care Franchises

56

Johnston Sweepers

72

RSI Video Technologies

78

BYA

56

Just Energy

36

Safeclean

54

CIPFA

24

JW Employment Law

44

Serco

12

CitySprint

15

Klaruw RMS

70

Servicemaster

50

Company Cards

80

Kumon Educational

Sintons

46

Counter Terror Expo

86

Landmark Information Group

34

sQuid Card

21

EDI

62

LEDi Solutions

38

Sustainabilitylive!

40

EGS

12

Legal Island Events

26

The Heath Conference Centre

60

Elcomponent

29

Logic MK

74

The Rezidor Hotel Group

58

Energy Team

36

London House International

53

Town & City Parking

68

Equifax

26

Misco

Exemplas

62

Molly Maid UK

53

UK Greetings

53

Focus 4 Change Training

67

National Security Inspectorate

12

VansA2Z.com

74

Hoofmark UK

38

Nevada Bob (Europe)

50

Water Cooler World

56

HRD 2011

64

NHS Shared Business Services

Wescot Credit Services

17

HSM UK

43

OKI Printing Solutions

Wilkin Chapman Grange

44

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

IBC

4

8 22

Uhrig Street & Underground Construction

34, 36

Special people make special things happen Do you share a passion for knowledge and understand the true value of education? Do you have a natural ability to work with children and the talent to fulfil their potential?

With a Kumon maths and English study centre, we can help you realise your ambition of starting your own franchise, providing flexibility whilst offering the support and training needed to build a successful career through running your own business.

If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity, call 0800 854 714 or visit kumon.co.uk.

Ref: GovBusinessMag

share the vision

Hosting your conferences and meetings‌ ‌ thinking about the bigger picture

With 78 venues nationwide, please contact conferencing@cineworld.co.uk to find out how Cineworld Cinemas can host your film screening, presentation or award ceremony