Government Business Magazine issue 18.6

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 18.6

TRANSPORT

LANDSCAPING & GROUNDSCARE

MONEY MATTERS

VISIT

SCOTLAND A welcoming conference destination

PROCUREMENT – A new era for sustainability PLUS MORE INSIDE

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | Volume 18.6

TRANSPoRT

lANDSCAPING & GRouNDSCARe

moNeY mATTeRS

VISIT

SCoTlAND A welcoming conference destination

PRoCuRemeNT – A new era for sustainability PluS moRe INSIDe

Comment

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

WELCOME Emissions of greenhouse gases last year were the highest in history, according to estimates by the International Energy Agency. This means the prospect of preventing a temperature rise of more than 2 degrees Celsius is getting bleaker. We cannot, however, give up just yet meaning energy management is more important than ever before.

The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme is the UK’s mandatory scheme to improve energy efficiency and therefore cut CO2 emissions in large public and private sector organisations. It provides an opportunity to go beyond data collection and reporting, to reduce emissions, save money and improve public sector sustainability, says the Local Government Information Unit on page 37.

Continuing on a green theme, the public sector has the potential to use its spending power to influence more sustainable behaviour but few utilise this. In order to really make progress organisations need a common set of standards to work from, and they also need significant behaviour change to consider wider aspects of procurement, innovation and assurance. To read more about sustainable procurement please see page 28.

Enjoy the issue.

Sofie Lidefjard, Editor editorial@psigroupltd.co.uk

P ONLINE P IN PRINT P MOBILE P FACE TO FACE 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:

www.governmenttbusiness.co.uk PUBLISHED BY PUBLIC SECTOR INFORMATION LIMITED

226 High Rd, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055 Fax: 020 8532 0066 Web: www.psi-media.co.uk EDITOR Sofie Lidefjard ASSISTANT EDITOR Angela Pisanu PRODUCTION EDITOR Karl O’Sullivan PRODUCTION DESIGN Jacqueline Grist PRODUCTION CONTROLLER Reiss Malone ADVERTISEMENT SALES Kelly Scott, Bernie Miller, Steve Day, Jo Tuohy, Jane Fraser, David Morgan, Julie Watson, Chris Grant PUBLISHER John O’Leary SALES ADMINISTRATION Jackie Carnochan, Martine Carnochan ADMINISTRATION Victoria Leftwich, Joanne Mackerness 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

Volume 18.6 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

03

In the toughest conditions, experience pays.

Debt collection is our business. Whether collecting money from individuals or companies, working with our people pays. So what’s stopping you?

Call The Lewis Group today on 0870 751 3402 or log on to www.lewisgroup.co.uk

CONTENTS 06 NEWS

32 FRANCHISING

53 SPORT & LEISURE

09 MONEY MATTERS

A visit to an event such as The British Franchise Exhibition at Manchester Central in June is an ideal way to research the franchise industry

Leisure Industry Week combines show floor activities, seminars and networking events to help visitors run more effective and profitable operations

37 BUILT ENVIRONMENT

55 PLAYGROUNDS

Outstanding debts bringing you down?

An external debt agency could help, says the Credit Services Association

13 CONFERENCES & EVENTS Scotland is the perfect place for all your conference, meeting, incentive and event management needs The AIM accreditation scheme provides the industry and its buyers with a universally recognised indicator of quality for meetings and services

28 PROCUREMENT 2011 will see a new era for sustainable procurement, says Action Sustainability The UK’s leading event for government procurement – The Public Procurement Show – takes place 14-15 June

What’s next for the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme? The Local Government Information Unit investigates CIH Housing is the biggest and best-attended event in the UK’s housing calendar

44 RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT RWM in partnership with CIWM is the largest event for sustainable waste, resources and the environment

Contents

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

PlayFair is the UK’s trade event for all those involved in the selection, purchase, upkeep and replacement of children’s play equipment

56 LANDSCAPING & GROUNDSCARE BALI 2011 – The Landscaping Show is shaping up to be an unmissable event for anyone wanting to keep abreast of technical, legislative and policy issues

47 TRANSPORT The Commercial Vehicle Show and Workshop proved a great success for both exhibitors and visitors

Government Business

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk Volume 18.6 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

05

News

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

NEWS IN BRIEF Scottish Government pledges £1.25m to support older people The Scottish Government has approved the East Lothian Change Plan to invest £1.25m in services to older people across the county.

David Small, general manager, East Lothian Community Health Partnership, NHS Lothian, said: “We are committed to delivering high quality healthcare services for older people in East Lothian. This investment is welcomed and through partnership working this money will be used to develop services for older people in line with our joint Older People’s strategy.”

New rules on web cookies come into force A new law gives web users the right to choose what information gets stored on their phone or computer. In the past many websites placed cookies on visitors’ computers without their consent. From 26 May, businesses and organisations running websites in the UK will need a user’s consent to store cookies on their computer.

Organisations are being given up to 12 months to “get their house in order” before enforcement of the new EU cookies law begins, Information Commissioner, Christopher Graham said.

Bedfordshire gets together to talk Throughout June and July, a new wave of Let’s Talk Together meetings will take place giving Bedfordshire residents the chance to talk to local service providers about the issues that matter most to them. Central Bedfordshire Council, Bedfordshire Police, NHS Bedfordshire, the Fire and Rescue Service, Town and Parish Councils, and other organisations who play an active role in the community will be present at all the meetings in each of Central Bedfordshire’s seven Police Safer Neighbourhood Areas.

The meetings will build on the success of previous Let’s Talk Together meetings, earlier this year, where hundreds of residents aired their views on local services and helped to shape the safety TO READ MORE PLEASE VISIT... priorities in their area www.governmentbusiness.co.uk/n/003 along the way.

Partnership delivers healthier take-aways for Enfield A new pilot project will make it easier for residents in Enfield to choose a take-away meal and still be able to eat a balanced diet.

Under the project, local takeaways are working with a nutritionist and food safety officer from Enfield Council, plus a dietitian from Enfield Community Services to help make changes to their menus so customers have the choice of healthier options. Businesses will be offering dishes with reduced salt, saturated fat and sugar.

Once businesses have modified their menus, the nutritionist and dietician will assess the changes made.

The businesses will be presented with certificates showing that they have participated in the project and provide take-away food with improved nutritional content.

Cllr Christine Hamilton, cabinet member for public health, said: “There is no reason why takeaways have to serve unhealthy meals.

“With a little more care taken with ingredients, and different methods used for the cooking and preparation of foods, high street eating outlets can serve convenient and nutritious food. This is an excellent initiative.”

06

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.6

ROADS

Operation Resilience invests in Hampshire’s roads and pavements Nearly 400 sites on roads and pavements are being targeted in the first year of Hampshire County Council’s Operation Resilience programme.

The focus will be on planned structural maintenance – strengthening and effectively weather-proofing the roads in a programme of works compiled by looking at the overall condition of the network and assessing what work would be of most benefit and the best value for money.

Operation Resilience will include the resurfacing of around 250 roads, together with drainage work and improvements to pavement surfaces. Structural work to drainage systems will increase their ability to take away surface water from the roads, and a range of materials and innovative approaches will be

used to improve road surfaces, such as band and concrete joint repair to prevent water seeping into the road surface, freezing and causing potholes, and jetpatching, which is used mostly in rural locations and is a high speed all-in-one treatment.

Councillor Mel Kendal, executive member for environment and transport at Hampshire County Council, said: “Good roads are a vital component of Hampshire’s infrastructure, essential for economic progress and the county’s prosperity; and this is the biggest project of its kind – over the next five years, Operation Resilience will see investment of around £16 million a year. This long-term strategy is a substantial shift from reactive to planned maintenance, which is much more cost effective in the long run.”

SHARED SERVICES

Manchester and Salford set up joint legal service Manchester and Salford city councils are working to create a single legal services department that will give both cities access to a larger legal team. This will make the most of the expertise on offer, making the team more efficient and ultimately saving taxpayers money.

Staff from both councils would work together based on their particular specialist areas, with staff based in both cities.

Leader of Manchester City Council, Sir Richard Leese said: “We have always maintained that Manchester would consider

sharing services with other authorities and this is the first step towards creating a streamlined, more cost effective service.”

Councillor John Merry, CBE, leader of Salford City Council, said: “This joint service means we can get the best possible legal services for both councils, while also achieving the financial savings that come from having one team. In these difficult financial times it is important we work with our Greater Manchester colleagues to look at what we can do together to get best value for money.”

CRIME

Annual survey shows that Londoners feel safer in the capital Londoners feel safer and believe more police on the streets has helped to reduce crime, according to the Mayor’s 2011 Annual London Survey.

64 per cent of Londoners surveyed are not worried about crime in their local area, compared to 54 per cent last year, while fear of being mugged or attacked on the street has dropped significantly; from 30 per cent last year to 18 per cent in 2011. Almost three-quarters of Londoners (73 per cent) feel that increased police presence has helped to reduce crime and eight out of ten (81 per cent) believe it has helped them feel safer.

Crime in the capital continues to fall and is at its lowest level for ten years, with the lowest murder rate since 1978. Gun crime was 22 per cent lower in 2010/11 compared to 2009/10.

For the third year running, transport is cited as the best

thing about living in London, up six per cent this year to 46 per cent and over three quarters of Londoners (79 per cent) think their neighbourhoods have reliable transport links.

Londoners are also recognising the regeneration benefits of London hosting the 2012 Games, with 30 per cent of those surveyed believing the regeneration of East London is an important long-term benefit. 27 per cent of residents recognise that more children participating in sport will also be a significant long-term benefit.

Satisfaction with the way the Mayor is doing his job is at the highest level since he took office and has gone up from 26 per cent last year to 32 per cent. 15 per cent are dissatisfied with the way Boris Johnson is doing his job.

News

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

County and district councils work together Cumbria County Council has agreed an innovative new partnership arrangement with Copeland Borough Council to deliver grounds maintenance services to a number of schools across the county. The new contract involves the staff being employed by Cumbria County Council with Copeland Borough Council acting as the managing agent.

A total of 49 schools around the county will be serviced by the new contract until 31 March 2012. It involves grass cutting, marking sports pitches and

maintaining school grounds.

Cllr Allan Holliday, Copeland Borough Council’s portfolio holder for the environment and sustainability, said: “I am delighted that we will be working with the county council on this new partnership. The scheme will see that the knowledge and skills of our grounds maintenance team is put to good use delivering an important service right across Cumbria. Children’s play, especially in the safe school environment, is an important part of their learning and development, and encourages active lifestyles in young people.”

TO READ MORE PLEASE VISIT... www.governmentbusiness.co.uk/n/004

RECYCLING New agreement increases access to recycling facilities for East Dorset and Bournemouth residents East Dorset residents now have unlimited access to Millhams Community Recycling Centre in Bournemouth, ending the current voucher scheme in place.

The scheme, which was extended to all East Dorset residents in April 2010, enabled people living in the area to apply for 15 vouchers per year to recycle their waste at the Bournemouth Borough Council run-facility.

A new agreement between the Dorset

Waste Partnership and Bournemouth Borough Council means Dorset residents now have unrestricted access to the community recycling centre, providing they show a council tax bill from East Dorset District Council when using the facility.

Chair of the Dorset Waste Partnership joint committee, councillor Hilary Cox said: “By successfully working with Bournemouth Borough Council over the last six years, we have been able to review

and improve the arrangement to benefit Dorset and Bournemouth residents. It is a more efficient and cost-effective system as residents will not have to apply to use the facility and money and time will be saved by not producing vouchers.”

As part of the agreement, Bournemouth residents can continue using the Dorset County Council owned household recycling centre in Wilverley Road, Christchurch.

NEWS IN BRIEF Green scheme fuels savings Waveney District Council has teamed up with a local social enterprise to pilot a scheme in Lowestoft that can improve the energy efficiency of homes and reduce bills.

This Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP) is funded by energy suppliers and takes a whole house approach, which means three or more energy efficiency measures will be available to each household from a range of options, such as replacing windows, maximising insulation, heat pumps and solar water heaters.

TO READ MORE PLEASE VISIT...

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk/n/005

More homes in Allerdale get purple recycling bag Allerdale Borough Council’s purple bag kerbside recycling scheme is proving so successful that it is being rolled out to more than 1,000 homes across Flimby and the south of Maryport.

The initiative collects glass bottles and jars, metal food and drink cans, and plastic bottles from domestic properties. The bags are collected fortnightly from the front of the property in one vehicle. They are later sorted using a combination of magnets and screens.

Over the past three years the scheme has prevented more than 4,800 tonnes of recyclable material from going to landfill.

Haringey residents can now make penalty payments and buy permits online Haringey residents can now pay parking fines and get permits at the click of a button using the council’s new epayments system. All permit renewal letters are being issued with user IDs and specific details of how to use the online system.

Residents can also pay penalty charge notices online as well as over the phone or in person. They simply need to enter online their car registration number or penalty charge notice to check details and make the payment.

Volume 18.6 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

07

Make a world of difference to your debt recovery Lowell has a range of effective debt recovery strategies to suit your needs exactly Debt Sale - from the UK’s largest specialist Lowell buys debt from a range of organisations. We effectively manage the recovery of those debts, working closely with each customer to build a realistic and affordable repayment plan.

Debt Sale offers immediate and tangible benefits: • Increased cash flow and cash reserves • Greater profit for a healthier trading picture • Higher overall returns compared with traditional methods • Consistency in forecasting recoveries • Improved productivity of existing resources

Right to Collect If all the benefits of ‘Debt Sale’ sound good to you, but you want to retain legal ownership of the debt, then ‘Right to Collect’ is best for you – with a licence to collect being granted to Lowell for a set period.

New! Outsource to Sell Now you can benefit from our expertise without committing to ‘Debt Sale’. With ‘Outsource to Sell’ you simply outsource accounts for collection on a commission basis initially, with the option to sell them to Lowell at a later date.

Call us today on 0113 285 6612 email abetterway@lowellgroup.co.uk or visit www.lowell.co.uk

DEBT PURCHASER OF THE YEAR

DEBT COLLECTION AWARDS 2010

winner

Better practices, better people and better systems deliver better results.

DEBT RECOVERY

CHALLENGING YOUR WAYS The Child Support Agency, for example, used external collections for a period but decided the trial had not met expectations and withdrew from the market. It is unclear whether they were genuinely disappointed with the results – which given the complexity were really rather impressive – or whether they felt that with the public gaze upon them they needed to be seen to be handling the debt in-house.

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

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

UNDERSTANDING AGENCIES Whilst many councils are still comfortable using bailiffs, and a similar number will think nothing of engaging a solicitor, the use of

an external DCA is considered by some to be a step too far, with an inherent threat of losing control of the recovery process.

Indeed this idea of what is comfortable or not to local or central government is an important theme. Local authorities familiar with outsourcing are perhaps better able to manage external relationships, and therefore have a better idea of how success should be measured. Some central government departments, however, that have not shared the same experiences, may take a different view. They will not have the experience of procuring debt collection, nor understanding how a debt collection agency works, how they should be managed, or how targets should be set. The skills required in-house to manage external collections are not something that can be learned overnight, and results – if not carefully managed – can fall short of expectations.

SUCCESSFUL EXAMPLES Fortunately, not everyone thinks the same way, and indeed a good number of public sector bodies are using private collection agencies very successfully for all manner of collections, from mainstream to sundry debts.

There are those within central government that are managing outsourced relationships well: the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP), for example, has been using private collection agencies to recover overpaid benefits since 2003. Others within the public sector such as the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and the National Health Service have similarly issued external tender documents for the collection of penalties and unpaid fees respectively. The examples are there for those who choose to look.

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

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

Written by Dr Roger Lucas, president of the Credit Services Association

If you don’t have much experience of procuring debt collection, nor an understanding of how a debt collection agency works, read on to see how you and your organisation can benefit

Money Matters

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

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

Many have enjoyed long relationships with their customers, are familiar with them, E

Volume 18.6 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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DEBT RECOVERY E and do not want that familiarity to be compromised. They are also familiar with their own processes and procedures, and resent any disruption. Interestingly, membership of the Credit Services Association extends to local authority credit teams, and much work is being done to learn from each other in adopting best practice in how customers should be treated.

Cost is also a concern. Senior management employ credit controllers or departments to stop debts occurring in the first place. To employ an agency therefore, in their minds at least, is doubling up on costs – creating additional expense. It is in effect paying for the same service twice – and would mean admitting that their own collections team has failed. It seems strange that some appear to be comfortable with the concept of writing off a debt and losing money as a result, but most uncomfortable with the prospect of paying to recover it. At a time when every penny counts, perhaps the industry needs to do more to demonstrate how the cost is netted off against the collections and is not an additional expense.

All of these concerns can be easily addressed and indeed overcome. Employing a third party to collect debts – and specifically a member of the Credit Services Association – does not mean losing control, or putting ones reputation at stake. Nothing could be

further from the truth. Members of the CSA adhere to a strict Code of Practice (the same Code that was used as the basis for the OFT’s recent ‘Guide’), and for the most part appoint a board director responsible for compliance.

There are specific procedures and rules that these members follow with teams dedicated to a specific task – and that is recovering debt.

A PROFESSIONAL APPROACH CSA members are professionals. Their business, their training, and their motivation is all about achieving results for their customers. It is their focus. It is their raison d’etre. They pride themselves on their ethics, adhering to the very latest TCF (treating customers fairly) policies, and indeed promote compliance as a competitive advantage.

Unlike solicitors, for example, collections is not a bolt-on service to other services that they may undertake. It is core.

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

Agencies are only paid on results. Yes that means that they have to be efficient, but often

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

Credit teams are increasingly measured on reducing the volumes of debt and increasing the amounts collected and their performance – and often their reward – is based on achieving set targets. Far from indicating failure, the market for debt collection continues to grow because organisations are increasingly recognising how agencies should be utilised as an integral part of a credit management strategy.

Necessity, so the saying goes, is the mother of invention. Perhaps innovation would be a better word, and to this end local authorities should be prepared to innovate – to think and act differently in how they can keep the cash flowing.

And that means actively looking at what the private collections agency have to offer. L

Money Matters

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.csa-uk.com

Have you considered all of your debt recovery options? It’s worth taking a better look at Lowell According to the money education charity Credit Action, total UK personal debt at the end of March 2011 stood at £1,453bn. And while most of that debt is owed to the private sector there is still a considerable amount owing to the public sector. These debts include outstanding income and council taxes, court and parking fines and monies owed to various government agencies such as the Child Support Agency, DVLA, Department of Work and Pensions and TV Licensing Authority.

At the end of 2009, the amount of personal debt owed to public sector organisations was estimated to be £34bn. Based on the experiences of the private sector, Experian, the credit reference agency, estimates that around 30 per cent of uncollected debt can be recovered with the right collections strategy. If that’s the case there is at least £10bn worth of potential recoveries in the public sector, something which is well worth exploring. And with options including ‘outsource to sell’ and ‘right to collect’, now being offering by Lowell, the UK’s leading debt purchase specialist, now is the time to take a closer look at your options.

Traditionally, companies have been faced with two outsourcing choices for debt recovery; to sell to a debt purchaser or outsource to a debt collection agency (DCA) on a commission-only basis. Today, however, ‘right to collect’ and ‘outsource to sell’ are two important options to consider, particularly as they provide many of the benefits of debt sale and are accessible to public sector organisations who are not permitted to complete a straight debt sale.

The types of benefits you can reap from these options are: • Increased cash flow and cash reserves • Increased revenues to put back into services • Higher overall returns compared with traditional methods • Consistency in forecasting recoveries

• Improved productivity of existing resources Lowell Group has recently launched its ‘outsource to sell’ debt recovery service specifically with the public sector in mind. ‘Outsource to sell’ allows organisations to outsource accounts for collection on a commission basis initially, with the option to sell them to Lowell at a later date. It’s a chance for organisations to benefit from Lowell’s particular skills in collections and customer management without committing to debt sale.

Another viable option for public sector organisations is ‘right to collect’. In this case the legal ownership of the accounts remains with the original creditor, with a licence to collect being granted to the purchasing company for a set period of time. It boasts many of the benefits of debt sale but is accessible to all.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Lowell today to find a better way forward for your debt recovery.

Tel: 0113 2856612 betterresults@lowellgroup.co.uk www.lowell.co.uk

Volume 18.6 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

11

Only in Scotland will your conference be truly inspiring.

Scotland provides a stimulating environment to give new perspective to your own ideas and spur you on to greater heights.

Some of the world’s oldest universities and modern research institutes nurture fresh talent to follow in the famous footsteps of alumni, who have changed the world as we know it.

Given Scotland’s reputation as a leading light in the fields of science, medicine, finance, energy and technology, it’s no surprise we have conference facilities to match.

And it’s never been easier to get here. So to find out more about hosting an event in Scotland, log onto conventionscotland.com Or perhaps that should be unconventional Scotland.

Only in Scotland

Hi-tech conference centres in stimulating surroundings.

You can’t help but be inventive.

SCOTLAND

UNIQUE AND INSPIRING

Conferences & Events

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

With a warm welcome, fine food and drink, and venues to suit all budgets and tastes, Scotland is the perfect place for your conference, meeting, incentive and event management needs A resurgence in Americans returning to Europe, more indigenous organisations choosing to stay closer to home, and the strength of the euro against the pound and the dollar are all factors combining to inspire a renewed sense of optimism around the business tourism sector in Scotland.

In addition, 2011 is a year that will see an unprecedented number of large-scale projects – both new-build and redevelopments – opening their doors to provide yet more choice for meeting planners and event organisers.

All of which is all good news for a sector that, between leisure and business travellers, is a huge contributor to the Scottish economy and one of the country’s biggest employers.

With almost three million business trips to Scotland in 2010, up 13 per cent on 2009, VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit (BTU) continues to fly the Scottish flag at home and abroad with a robust marketing programme aimed at existing and new markets.

FOREIGN INTEREST In Europe the pace of economic recovery varies from country to country, with France leading the charge and Spain yet to get off the ground. In terms of inbound business travellers to Scotland, interest from France has been gaining momentum over the past 18 months, while the BTU is noting a sudden upswing from Germany late 2010 onwards.

Enquiries continue to increase from lucrative North American markets too. Canadian visitor numbers are up 20 per cent on last year, and more and more American companies are bringing incentive-based trips to Scotland to take advantage of the range of luxury venues on offer at competitive rates.

Amanda Henderson, BTU marketing manager, Europe, comments: “The wish list for European visitors is increasingly shorthaul, but still with the appeal of the exotic, and obviously Scotland fits that bill in spades.

France in particular is eschewing previously popular destinations in West Africa because of growing political unrest and is seeing Scotland as an undiscovered Celtic region. E Perth

Volume 18.6 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

13

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In total, business tourism contributes over £800 million to the Scottish economy, with almost a quarter of all association conferences and events held in the UK being hosted by Scotland. Glasgow and Edinburgh are second only to London as the location of choice for government and other professional associations looking for something a bit different.

in Glasgow 2014 and an increase in visitors anticipated around various Olympic events due to be staged in Scotland, investment in new hotels, and expansion and upgrading of existing properties, is well underway to cope with the demand for bed nights.

In Glasgow, construction is just commencing on the Scottish National Arena at the Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre, set to be ranked as one of the top five arenas in the world when it completes in 2013. With its bold design, this 12,000-seat facility will enhance the Glasgow riverside, attract in excess of one million visitors a year and provide the city with a top quality concert and event venue.

E “The net benefit to us is huge with French visitor numbers doubling to 44,000 from 2007 to 2009; and the value of enquiries rising from £1 milllion in business year 2009/10 to £3.6 million in 2010/11. Given results like these, our tourism providers are increasingly encouraged to partner with us and support our activities in Europe as they can see the value in the opportunity.”

In total, business tourism contributes over £800 million to the Scottish economy, with almost a quarter of all association conferences and events held in the UK being hosted by Scotland. Glasgow and Edinburgh are second only to London as

CULTURE AND HERITAGE It is investment in the areas of culture and heritage facilities that are headlining and giving Scotland plenty to shout about this year. In the course of 2011, a host of major projects are set to be unveiled, all of which will add to both cities’ dynamic tourism, cultural and heritage scenes.

First off the blocks will be the brand new £74m Riverside Museum beside the River Clyde, which is opening this summer. Designed by internationally acclaimed architect, Zaha Hadid, this futuristic structure will house Glasgow’s existing transport collection and new exhibits, with the Clyde- E built

the location of choice for government and other professional associations looking for something a bit different. And 2011 is certainly the year to find it!

INVESTING IN THE OLD AND THE NEW Tourism in all its many forms is the biggest employer in Scotland and the country is justly proud of its competitive advantage in providing one of the warmest welcomes in the world, a reputation for fine food and drink, a range of activities to challenge even the most adventurous and accommodation to suit every budget.

With the Commonwealth Games looming

Volume 18.6 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

15

SCOTLAND

In Scotland, investment does not stand still and even as the major developments above move to completion and opening, there are a plethora of plans in the pipeline. On Edinburgh’s waterfront in the historic port of Leith, discussions are underway to create a 5,000 capacity music venue on one of two new piers extending out into the harbour.

E Glenlee Tall Ship berthed alongside. The museum can be hired in whole or in part for themed events and meetings, with capacity for up to 900 guests for receptions.

Edinburgh boasts two highly prestigious developments, both opening in 2011. This summer, the £46.4 million redevelopment of the National Museum of Scotland will transform this magnificent example of Victorian architecture into a world class 21st century experience. The museum will open for corporate events from October, offering a range of different event spaces ideal for meetings and receptions. With the stunning Grand Gallery’s soaring atrium and 16 new galleries, there can be few more inspiring backdrops for gala dinners for up to 850 people.

The city’s other major project is the three-

year refurbishment of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, which will be compeleted this year. Previously hidden galleries and arcades have been uncovered that have both extended the space and returned this iconic building to its 19th century grandeur. Breathing new life into one of Scotland’s best-loved buildings, the transformation will be revealed in November when the Portrait Gallery opens its doors to exciting new exhibitions and welcomes corporate events into what will be a unique setting in the heart of the capital city.

A STEP BACK IN TIME In Stirling, a popular choice for association conferences with the University, Stirling Management Centre and Stirling Castle, the restoration of the 16th century Royal Palace has just been completed. Traditional

craftsmen and women have been brought on board to restore the palace to how it was in the heyday of the castle’s royal court, bringing an added dimension to events.

With costumed characters and sumptuous surroundings, the Royal Palace is sure to be a favourite for drinks receptions and the chance to step back in time to see life as it was.

Elsewhere, less urban areas can cater for events large and small. Inverness and the surrounding area boast a range of large hotels, many of them new, with a flagship conference centre in the Aviemore Highland Resort at its heart. Fife’s recently revamped Carnegie Conference Centre provides facilities for 250 delegates with 25 breakout rooms, while Easterbrook Hall in the Scottish Borders can host up to 400 for a conference with accommodation in the grounds and surrounding area.

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A GLIMPSE OF THE FUTURE In Scotland, investment does not stand still and even as the major developments above move to completion and opening, there are a plethora of plans in the pipeline.

On Edinburgh’s waterfront in the historic port of Leith, discussions are underway to create a 5,000 capacity music venue on one of two new piers extending out into the harbour. This will be complemented by a 26-storey luxury hotel, a permanent home for a large navy ship and a giant Ferris wheel providing stunning views of the city skyline and the Fife coast.

Golf developments are driving Aberdeen’s E New Scottish National Arena

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SCOTLAND

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National Museum of Scotland

E expansion of conferencing facilities with the Trump International Golf Links set to bring a 450-room five star hotel and conference centre to the area, while planning has been granted for a £115 million golf resort and conference centre at Blairs Estate – with a course designed by former Open Champion, Paul Lawrie.

As well as the new National Arena, Glasgow is set for a boost with a 210-room Premier Inn opening in August 2012, and, in the heart of the city’s International Financial District, the five-star Jumeirah Glasgow, a £120 million, 25-storey, super deluxe hotel with 160 bedrooms and suites will open in 2014.

Dundee is gearing up for the arrival of the V&A at Dundee, an international centre for design housed in a stunning building on the city’s waterfront. Designed by Japanese

architects Kengo Kuma & Associates, and due to open late 2014, the V&A at Dundee will be Scotland’s largest exhibition space and a wonderful backdrop for a range of events and is sure to be in demand to provide a perfect mix of art and business.

Kerry Watson, marketing manager, Associations for VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit, is buoyant about the impact of the level of investment coming on stream and says: “The wealth of major new developments topping the bill in Scotland this year is unprecedented in recent years, with three projects alone accounting for over £150 million in terms of investment. Many, such as the National Museum of Scotland and the National Portrait Gallery, have been underway for several years and have therefore had the advantage of being able to make the most of corporate

space closures during recent leaner times.

“But with the 2014 Commonwealth Games looming, and so many high-profile projects about to launch, there is undoubtedly a renewed optimism in the sector, and an appreciation of the importance of business tourism to the Scottish economy. While it is impossible to make absolute projections on visitor levels, there is no doubt that with so many fantastic new facilities, Scotland is well placed to retain its competitive advantage and poised to benefit from the upturn when it comes.”

Exciting times for Scotland indeed. With everything that is on offer, there are more reasons than ever before to put Scotland on the shortlist of event locations. L FOR MORE INFORMATION www.conventionscotland.com

Meetings, conferences, and training to trigger the senses Stirling Management Centre is Scotland’s premier management and conference venue, set in the rolling parkland campus of the University of Stirling.

It is a purpose-built venue for business meetings, management training courses, seminars and conferences.

The centre’s superior level of facilities and services compare well with any first class hotel, with a recently completed £6.5 million expansion and refurbishment now containing a new wing with multi conference rooms and hospitality areas, which can be used exclusively by one organisation.

The spectacular Windows on the Wallace conservatory is the last word in flexibility, hosting high tech conferences and exhibitions by day and exclusive private dinners under the floodlit Wallace Monument by night. We promise total dedication to the success of your event by ensuring that a sales executive is personally dedicated to your pre and post-

event handling, so that the success of your event is guaranteed at Stirling Management Centre.

• Capacity 3 to 400 • Broadband and Wi-Fi throughout • Expanded restaurant seats up to 400 • 101 en-suite bedrooms incl executive suite • Dedicated executives and support staff • Flexible areas for exhibitions and launches • 33 meeting and conference rooms • All the latest in AV/Video and video conferencing • Special event staging and support • Convenient for travel, centrally situated.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01786 466 174 www.smc.stir.ac.uk

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For more information, contact Robin Miller, Head of Conference Sales - robin.miller@secc.co.uk T: +44(0)141 275 6211.

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One Great George Street

ACCREDITATION SCHEME

PROMOTING EXCEPTIONAL BUSINESS PRINCIPLES Being AIM accredited gives venues and suppliers a clear marketing advantage over non AIM accredited venues and product and service providers, says the Meetings Industry Association Back in 2006, the climate for businesses in the UK’s venues and events sector was very different than it is today. Both the private and pubic sector had healthy meetings and events budgets, and although it seems incredible now, few predicted the disastrous gathering storm that became the credit crunch, recession and public spending cuts. Yet in 2006, the MIA, the UK’s leading trade association for meetings, had the vision to begin the process of creating AIM, Accredited in Meetings, a universal standard for the meetings industry that encourages venues to invest in their future by committing to best practice.

BUYERS DEMANDING AIM The many event organisers that have embraced AIM recognise the benefits and reassurances it offers them, some even demand a venue has achieved AIM before they consider hosting an event there. These professionals demand AIM because they know it enables them to achieve the most

from their budgets. Because of the stringent grading criteria an AIM venue has achieved, organisers are confident their event is in the hands of hard working, well trained, highly motivated people, and that all their needs will be met with the minimum of fuss.

Gary Payne, director of One Great George Street, an AIM Gold venue, comments: “Our customers are enquiring more and more about AIM accreditation and our Gold level status here at One Great George Street. Many are specifically looking for unique venues in ideal locations. AIM

offers them the reassurance that their customer service and quality expectations will not only be met, but exceeded despite the variety of venues included, many a bit different from purpose built venues and multinational brands and chains.”

SUPPORT FROM MPs Following the MIA’s launch of the initiative Constituency Day in October 2010, Andrew Wells, managing director of Livius Events, invited local MP Julian Smith to visit the venue at Ripon Racecourse. E

The many event organisers that have embraced AIM recognise the benefits and reassurances it offers them, some even demand a venue has achieved AIM before they consider hosting an event there.

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Experience the unique atmosphere of our versatile venue, with events organised by our award-winning team.

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• Gala Dinners & Special Events • Conferences & Meetings • Celebrations & Awards • Business Breakfasts & Lunches • Day Delegate & Room Hire • Weddings & Parties Arrange your bespoke event with our team on +44 (0)161 223 3211 email: events@themonastery.co.uk web: www.themonastery.co.uk

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ACCREDITATION SCHEME

AIM offers customers the reassurance that their customer service and quality expectations will not only be met, but exceeded despite the variety of venues included, many a bit different from purpose built venues and multinational brands and chains. Gary Payne, One Great George Street E Constituency Day encourages AIM accredited businesses to invite their local MPs and local government councillors to visit their venue and see the difference AIM makes to businesses and the local economy.

The MP for Skipton and Ripon was incredibly impressed by the venue and its achievement of AIM and congratulated Andrew on attaining the accreditation, which he described as a “leading light in the industry”. He also proved he was as a good

as his word by hosting a regional conference on increasing high speed broadband in rural areas, North Yorkshire Hi Speed Broadband Conference, at the venue in February.

VISITENGLAND ACTION PLAN The professional event organisers and MPs are not alone in their enthusiasm for AIM. VisitEngland’s chief executive, James Berresford, recognising the importance of business tourism to the UK economy,

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is seeking to ensure all English facilities, products and services continue to meet market demands. In his strategy document, ‘VisitEngland’s Business Tourism Action Plan’ which he presented at the MIA’s AGM in February, Berresford cited the growth of AIM as an important element of his strategy, and highlighted his intention to work with the MIA Destinations Group, in order to further the growth of the accreditation.

The process has already begun in earnest, with around 500 venues and suppliers across the UK boasting AIM accreditation. Along with VisitEngland, AIM has received widespread endorsement from other major tourism bodies such as Visit Britain (in England), Visit Wales, MPI UK & Ireland, Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO), as well as 29 of the country’s regional destinations.

AIM GRADING CRITERIA AIM has achieved the respect of the industry because it has substance; it E

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Planning for the future... by meeting in the past.

Farnham Castle, one of the most important historical buildings in the South of England, provides all the needs of a modern international business training and conference centre, as well as an impressive location for corporate events.

This unique venue offers a range of 14 fully equipped meeting and conference rooms, additional break out rooms, 32 comfortable bedrooms, a welcoming bar and a superb international restaurant.

• • • • • •

Confidential meetings Off-site training Teambuilding events Conferences up to 150 people Exhibitions Corporate events and dinners

• 14 meeting rooms • 32 en-suite bedrooms Visit our website and take a virtual tour at www.farnhamcastle.com

Contact Barbara Milam on 01252 720403 or email bmilam@farnhamcastle.com

ACCREDITATION SCHEME IET London: Savoy Place

E is a genuine mark of excellence. An AIM venue has achieved 50 grading criteria that include the location and accessibility of the meeting rooms and facilities provided by the venue, the suitability of the lighting and heating in meeting rooms, the levels of security at the venue, how often the rooms are cleaned and decorated, whether the space and furniture are adequate and suitable, the provision of in-room services such as power sockets, what is supplied at no extra charge, and how transparent the published prices are. Meetings planners are reassured because these grading criteria have already been checked on their behalf.

To achieve AIM venues must also comply with ten legal acts, relevant to their services: • Health & Safety at Work and Fire Safety • Disability Discrimination • Employers Liability • Data Protection • Sale & Supply of Goods • Trade Descriptions • Consumer Protection • Weights & Measures • Race Relations, Sex Discrimination, Disability Discrimination and Age Discrimination • Licensing Laws Jane Longhurst, MIA chief executive, remarks: “Because of AIM, meetings buyers have a choice. They can take a risk and choose a venue or supplier that has made no

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Because of AIM, meetings buyers have a choice. They can take a risk and choose a venue or supplier that has made no commitment to delivering against stringent best practice standards, or they can choose one of the many venues and suppliers that have achieved AIM and thereby guarantee that they can deliver fantastic service levels. commitment to delivering against stringent best practice standards, or they can choose one of the many venues and suppliers that have achieved AIM and thereby guarantee that they can deliver fantastic service levels.

By insisting on AIM, buyers will reward those that have committed to ongoing improvement, encouraging more to do so, increasing the choice of exceptional venues.”

AIM HIGHER Along with the standard Entry level, AIM has two ‘Higher’ levels, Silver and Gold, which demonstrate compliance with a more stringent set of criteria. Venues wishing to ‘AIM Higher’ complete a ten section selfassessment, produce a portfolio of evidence

in support of their application and receive a visit from an independent assessor, who determines whether the venue is worthy of the accreditation and whether AIM Silver or AIM Gold should be awarded.

IET Venues, a group of three conference and events venues in city-centre locations across the UK, has recently been awarded AIM Gold at all of it venues. Commenting on the achievement, Lucy Wright, sales and development manager, IET London: Savoy Place, the group’s London venue said: “Achieving Gold AIM Higher accreditation from the MIA is an in-depth and rigorous process and we are delighted that all three of the IET Venues have achieved this standard. The accreditation will serve E

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Central Birmingham’s Meeting & Conference Centre

0121 236 2317

The Liverpool Gateway Conference Centre is the ideal venue for your next conference, seminar, or training course being purpose-built and compact over 2 accessible floors. We’ve provided superb affordable facilities for hundreds of local authority clients, not for profit organisations and national government agencies over the last 10 years.

Our strength is being able to provide a professional and personal level of support to all Gateway Centre users whilst on the premises, delivered by our experienced award-winning staff.

For a 25% discount off our Day Delegate Rate for events booked or taking place during 2011, use offer code GB06/11 when contacting us.

enquiries@theprioryrooms.co.uk The Priory Rooms Meeting & Conference Centre, 40 Bull Street, Birmingham, B4 6AF Tel: 0121 236 2317 Fax: 0121 233 3394

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For more information please contact us on: info@thegatewaycentre.org www.thegatewaycentre.org or phone: 0151 298 3200 Fax: 0151 298 3201

16/09/2010 13:46

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Brunel University receiving silver

IET Birmingham: Austin Court

E as a great proof point to all prospective clients about the high level of tailored service that our venues can provide.”

Having a prestigious accreditation to present to potential clients is an obvious benefit, but the management of IET Venues also found the AIM Higher accreditation process aided them in further improving their offering.

Justin Livesey, venue manager, IET Glasgow: Teacher Building, comments: “In addition to the prestige of all three IET Venues achieving Gold AIM Higher accreditation, the AIM Higher process has been very good for the overall operation of our venues, as all processes needed to be checked and documented.

“We had to create a Customer Promise, which we did not have before, and make sure that we not only delivered on all the elements within this but also exceeded more often than not. Our venues have pulled together as a team to deliver a group objective which has helped to develop relationships between not only different departments but also different venues. We have learnt a lot about our processes and been able to identify areas we need to work on.”

BUYER ENGAGEMENT Few would argue, that in terms of the UK business tourism industry, AIM has been a welcome addition, the uptake

by venues has been fast and the major players in the industry have given the accreditation their full backing. The next stage, says Jane Longhurst is the most critical – buyer engagement.

“Having the promotion and supplier sectors of the industry supporting AIM is fantastic; it has driven up standards and put the focus on service, making the industry more competitive. There are now enough AIM venues of all kinds to offer genuine choice, and it is critical that we bring this message to buyers, get them to realise demanding AIM for every event is a realistic prospect that guarantees excellent service and value for money for the client and can protect jobs and attract investment for the UK industry,” she said.

“Furthermore, we are using advanced venue search technology to ensure finding the perfect AIM venue is simple.”

AIM VENUE FINDING To ensure event organisers can easily find AIM venues that have all the facilities and services they need for their event, the MIA has launched Solution, a free to use venue search and automated enquiry tool.

To use Solution buyers fill in and submit a simple online form, providing full contact

details and information on the type of event they are organising, including desired location. The search results returned include only venues and destinations that have achieved AIM and can meet the requirements of the brief. Each venue that meets the requirements receives a copy of the brief and has the opportunity to respond with a competitive proposal.

Not surprisingly, Solution is already proving incredibly popular, as these comments from Sali Gray of The Business Advancement Consultancy reveal: “When one of my clients asked me to arrange accommodation, in a geographic area which I was unfamiliar with, I spent fruitless hours surfing the internet. I then remembered the MIA and was delighted to see that they now offer Solution a venue finding service. I completed the requirement form and was introduced to a selection of first-class venues. After much deliberation (they were all lovely) I made a booking with one of them.

Congratulations on this brilliant system, which has saved me so much time.” L FOR MORE INFORMATION To use Solution to find an AIM venue, or for more information on the MIA and AIM, visit www.mia-uk.org

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Procurement

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SUSTAINABILITY

INSPIRING SOLUTIONS

Shaun McCarthy, director, Action Sustainability, and chair of the Commission for a Sustainable London 2012, ponders the shift in focus from lowest price to consideration of wider impacts The world is warming up, the population is growing and we are using resources at unsustainable rates. If we are to face down this triple threat businesses and governments need to work together in a manner unprecedented since the second world war.

The era of self delivers is long gone. Most public and private organisations do things through their supply chains and have the potential to use their spending power to influence more sustainable behaviour but few maximise this opportunity. In order to really make progress organisations need a common set of standards to work from, they also need significant behaviour change to consider wider aspects of procurement, innovation and assurance.

NEW ERA – NEW STANDARD 2011 will see a new era for sustainable procurement; a subject that was virtually unknown five years ago is now one that is well known but not necessarily well defined or practised.

September 2010 saw the publication of the world’s first formal standard to describe overall sustainable procurement practice.

This is BS 8903, which I hope will enable the UK to lead the world in this discipline by adopting BS 8903 as an ISO standard in a similar way that the quality assurance world adopted BS 5750 as ISO 9001, the global benchmark for good quality assurance.

This was quickly followed by a book on the subject from BSI publications, and guidance for the construction industry from the Construction Industry Research Association (CIRIA), both published in early 2011.

All this means that sustainable procurement is coming of age. Five years have passed since the publication of the government’s sustainable development strategy ‘Securing the Future’, which contained the blindingly obvious conclusion that government may be able to influence markets with an annual spend in excess of £175bn. ‘Procuring the Future’, published a year later, gave us the Flexible Framework, devised to summarise advice from major businesses on how the public sector may set about this task. The Flexible Framework was designed as a strategic guide to the enablers necessary to deliver sustainable procurement, it does not tell you how to do it. BS 8903 and the CIRIA guidance help to fill that gap by describing the fundamental business drivers, organisational enablers and how procurement practice needs to be done differently.

Over the past five years, many public bodies have adopted the Flexible Framework

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and this has made a difference. It is now time to move on to a more formal guidance standard and then eventually to an ISO standard. Public bodies could do worse than to mandate the standard to their first tier suppliers and insist on an independent evaluation against the requirement.

CHANGING BEHAVIOUR Standards are an important aspect of behaviour change but it is not as simple as this. In order to do something different, an organisation needs to have a reason to do so.

Organisations may have a variety of reasons to be sustainable; they may be led by personal vision, such as the late Anita Roddick of The Body Shop, by market leadership like Marks & Spencer, by competition like the automotive sector, or by public duty, like utilities and public bodies. All organisations have a unique mix of these motivations and it is vital to understand them in order to make decisions about how you need your supply chain to behave.

An example of this would be Marks & Spencer’s brilliant Plan A. This concept is ubiquitous in their stores and their offices. They are doing this because they genuinely believe they can create a market for more responsible retailers. As part of their work on carbon footprint, they discovered that a significant portion of this footprint is in the way in which their customers wash, dry and iron their clothes. This led them to demand products from their supply chain that can be washed at low temperatures, require less tumble drying or ironing. This is a great example of a core business direction, thoroughly thought through; leading to a substantial change in the expectations of a supply chain.

Businesses and cash-challenged public bodies need a strong reason to do anything, it is no longer acceptable to have sustainability as a bolt-on extra because “it is the right thing to do” or because it is “good PR”. If you don’t have a good reason (or reasons) to be sustainable, then don’t do it. However, businesses should be aware that if you don’t do it you may not have a business for much longer.

ALL ABOUT COST For public bodies the challenge is all about cost. Although treasury guidance is clear about using whole life cost as a value indicator, solutions that require capital expenditure greater than the current budget are unlikely to find favour. There is also the silo budget syndrome, one department is unlikely to spend more money to generate long term savings in another.

The perception that sustainability costs more is one encouraged by the market, many of whom will try to present sustainable solutions as premium products in some way.

The most blatant example I saw was through some work I did for a major construction supplier to the public sector. Their timber merchant was happy to supply 100 per cent FSC timber at no extra cost but the joinery supplier wanted a 20 per cent premium.

The interpretation of the EU procurement rules by some public bodies does not help in some cases. The ability to negotiate and challenge this supplier behaviour is perceived to be limited. Training, guidance and good advice about what can really be done and not done under the rules is needed.

It is therefore essential to prove the link between cost savings and sustainability. It should be obvious that buying things that have less waste, use less energy, require fewer materials and support the socio/ economic objectives of the public body concerned will lead to better value. Case studies are hard to find. I am pleased to say I am donating some of the hard earned social enterprise budget from my organisation, Action Sustainability to make a small contribution to the evidence base by independently reviewing and publishing some key case studies from the London 2012 programme to help prove the case. We are not being paid for this, it is an independent evaluation of the evidence. It won’t be conclusive but it will be a contribution.

INNOVATION The idea of innovation to support sustainability is as compelling as it is challenging. I recently had a fascinating discussion with a potential client who was very interested and passionate about eco-innovation and wanted some help to get more of it into her supply chain. We had a long conversation about how all this may work when she added “….but of course we would expect the product to have a 3-year track record of reliable service, that’s our minimum standard”. By definition it can’t be innovative can it? Needless to say we did not take the conversation much further and I had to put the time down to experience of dealing with yet another procurement professional that does not get it or does not have the wit, courage or authority to take a risk.

Innovation is all about risk; if you don’t have an appetite for risk then there is no point in pretending you are encouraging ecoinnovation or any other sort of innovation for that matter. It is about finding out what the market may be able to provide E

E in the future rather than specifying things you have always had.

For the public sector, there is a perceived clash between public duty and risk taking, which will need to be managed carefully. There is a difference between careless risk taking and risk management.

It is not all bad news. I have been leading a project recently that we call Green Dragons. The format is a bit like TV’s Dragon’s Den – CPOs get to quiz small suppliers of innovative products and decide if they are interested in having the product in their supply chain. This bit is all great fun but to be honest it’s just the beginning – positioning the product at an appropriate point in the supply chain, dealing with sceptical technical people and others is a long haul but it is worth the effort when you help a small, truly innovative supplier break new ground, deliver cost savings, environmental benefits, new jobs and local prosperity.

ASSURE Until recently the application of sustainable procurement was limited to sending a standard questionnaire to all suppliers, performing some rudimentary evaluation to keep the environment people happy and making sure it is never used to make a procurement decision. The question “how do you know” was not often asked.

Times are changing though. I chair an organisation called the Commission for a Sustainable London 2012. This is an official but independent body responsible for assuring the sustainability of the London Olympics. My role reports directly to the Mayor and the Olympics Minister and I have a free hand to tell the public whether the Games are as sustainable as they were claimed to be in the bid. Other assured prequalification services such as that provided

by Achilles are developing more focused sustainability criteria.

Whatever your sector; the world of procurement is changing with a shift in focus from lowest price regardless of any other consequences to consideration of wider impacts.

UNITED UTILITIES United Utilities (UU), providing water and wastewater services, embarked on a comprehensive development of sustainable procurement in 2008. UU began by providing training to all its supply chain staff in its organisational sustainability goals and how they could make a difference in terms of supply chain management. Staff received a combination of classroom style teaching, interactive workshops, one to one ’surgeries’, a 10-strong Knowledge Group and many informal meetings/coaching sessions.

Training of supply chain staff included: • clarifying the scope and reach of the 12 sustainability themes that United Utilities has identified as important to their operations • how to assess the risk and impact of these themes on a category and sub-category basis • how to produce six-year category action plans • how to build sustainability into the procurement process.

Employee opinion surveys over the last three years show a significant improvement in staff perception around sustainability; specifically, UU asks their employees if they know how to take action to make the company more sustainable.

In 2008, survey results showed that less than 40 per cent scored favourably in the supply chain department; since the introduction of the sustainable supply chain strategy, this percentage has risen to over 90 per cent. This has also contributed to the retention of key talent in the department and sustainability is now a key driver for any new recruitment.

SKANSKA Skanska has created a comprehensive sustainability strategy aimed at supporting their corporate objective to be the “greenest construction company in the world”. A key element of this strategy is to support their suppliers on the journey “from vanilla to deep green” over a period of time and to achieve “five zeros” related to defects, accidents, environmental incidents, ethical breaches and losses. This is used to assess all projects, and helps Skanska measure and meet its sustainability objectives.

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The organisation recognises that it cannot deliver its objectives without the support of its key supply chain partners and wants to engage with a supply chain that mirrors its commitment to undertake activities in a sustainable and responsible manner.

Skanska has created a supply chain strategy document that sets out its sustainable procurement policy, key targets and objectives.

The policy sets out very clear requirements and suppliers are being encouraged to join Skanska on the journey to deep green.

FMC TECHNOLOGIES FMC is part of a global organisation and makes subsea Christmas trees for the oil and gas sector. Their current sustainability achievement is remarkable: zero waste to landfill in 2010, 28 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2010 compared to 2005, and 25 per cent reduction in water consumption in the same period.

They now have planning consent to build a 1.5mW wind turbine on their site to generate electricity and they plan to make carbon part of their competitive evaluation in the near future as they strive for a zero carbon supply chain in the long term.

For the past two years they have been donating money related to the emissions of their flights (necessary to support their equipment in the field) to a fund called Greenshoots. This is used to fund carbon reduction projects in the community. They have been inviting their clients to “pay” for the carbon embodied in their product by contributing to the fund, which has been met with indifference until recently. In the past few months two very large clients have decided to get involved, which has led to the Greenshoots Fund being established as a charity and an application will shortly be submitted to the Scottish Charity Regulator. L FOR MORE INFORMATION www.actionsustainability.com www.cslondon.org

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Procurement

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THE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT SHOW

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS AT THE UK’S LEADING EVENT The Public Procurement Show will provide you with the latest thinking, a chance to meet new and existing suppliers, and to hear developments shaping public sector procurement today With more content being added for 2011 and free entry, The Public Procurement Show has become the best value event in the market. This year’s event comes at a time when procurement professionals are under significant pressure to find new ways of managing costs and deliver cashable savings.

On 14-15 June, decision makers in public sector procurement can attend for free to hear about innovative new ways of delivering savings. Taking place at ExCeL London, the exhibition will run alongside Smart Healthcare Live and SmartGov Live, which all comprise of full conference agendas, keynote debates, best practice seminars and innovative feature areas.

With the reality of cost-cutting hitting public sector organisations at every level, procurement professionals are facing the joint challenge of reducing costs whilst enabling their organisations to deliver services more efficiently. Building on last year’s inaugural success, The Public Procurement Show will provide you and your colleagues with the latest thinking, a chance to meet new and

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existing suppliers and to hear developments shaping public sector procurement today.

COLLABORATIVE PROCUREMENT The potential cost benefits of collaborative procurement are widely known. It has been demonstrated that centralising procurement can improve buying power. Alyson Brett, chief executive, NHS South East Coast Collaborative Procurement Hub will discuss how we can encourage organisations to find buying partners and work together and what cost benefits we can expect to see from an effective collaboration. Meanwhile, Martin Chown will explore what role procurement will play in delivering significant savings and improvements, and how different approaches can deliver huge results for the public sector.

This year, we will be introducing best practice theatres and creating a dynamic and collaborative forum for hot topics in the sector to be explored. While outsourcing is often viewed as a potential method of delivering significant cashable savings, it has also received a lot of bad press. Peter Howarth, chief

executive, Society of Procurement Officers, will tell attendees about his experience in this area, including how to make the decision to outsource in the first place and then how to balance different cultures and needs.

KEYNOTE DEBATES High level strategic keynote debates will also run across all three shows on both days.

Leading thinkers from across the sector including Allison Ogden-Newton, chief executive of Social Enterprise London, Lord Geoffrey Filkin, Dominic Campbell from FutureGov, and Chris Chant, interim executive director for digital, Cabinet Office will discuss rethinking public services, how to get bigger savings, better value and outcomes through procurement and how information technology is changing the UK. In addition to the Procurement Talks and Best Practice Seminars, we will also be introducing two exciting new feature areas.

Procurement Skills Workshops will provide you and your colleagues with a free training resource. Sessions include collaboration, E

E outsourcing strategies, cost reduction techniques and managing contractual disputes. Procurement Law Seminars will allow you to gain a greater understanding of how procurement law will shape the future of public sector procurement. Sessions will cover dealing with suppliers in insolvency, strategies for renegotiating contracts and how to make tenders challenge proof.

EXHIBITORS You will also meet the UK’s leading providers to the public sector at The Public Procurement Show. Exhibitors will be showcasing hundreds of products and services from office supplies to ICT, furniture to floor coverings and travel agencies to legal services.

Exhibitors include Achilles, Amaryllis, Mitie, Kyocera Mita, PayPoint and Royal Mail.

By bringing leading public sector influencers, thinkers and suppliers together under one roof, The Public Procurement Show can help procurement professionals understand and use their resources to enable the delivery of public services efficiently and effectively. L

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Procurement Skills Workshops Tuesday 14 June 10:00-11:00 Deep cut cost reduction techniques 11:30-12:30 Collaboration in and across the public sector 13:00-14:00 Supplier relationship management 14:30-15:30 Sustainable procurement and making it happen Wednesday 15 June 10:00-11:00 Risk profiling in procurement and supply chain 11:30-12:30 Managing contractual disputes in a time of austerity 13:00-14:00 Partnering strategies 14:30-15:30 Outsourcing strategies: the balancing act

Procurement Law Seminars

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

Don’t forget to follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/Guardianprocure

Tuesday 14 June 10:30-11:00 Up for the challenge? How to make tenders challenge proof 11:30-12:15 Is this for real? Dealing with low bidders 12:30-13:15 Modernising European procurement law and is the EU serious?

14:30-15:15 Procuring shared services after LAML 15:30-16:15 Levelling the playing-field. Procuring from small business and the third sector Wednesday 15 June 10:30-11:15 Commercial confidentiality vs the public’s right to know 11:30-12:15 The effect of the Bribery Act on procurement 12:30-13:15 Dealing with suppliers in insolvency 14:30-15:15 Back to basics and strategies for re-negotiating contracts 15:30-16:15 Smooth transfer: State aid and staff mutuals

Social Firms UK – suppliers in business for good

Village Come and visit the Village at this year’s Public Procurement Show at Excel London on the 14 and 15 June and meet some truly inspiring businesses that deliver social impact.

Indoor & Outdoor Furniture Window & Door Manufacturers Landscaping * Property Services Packaging * Cycling Schemes Signage * Mailing * Venue Hire Soap Suppliers * Catering Prin ng Services Review your suppliers and choose one that is in business for good. You’ll find us in Government Talks by the entrance in rows E and F.

Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs) are social enterprises that focus on helping people with disadvantages into employment; through job creation, job placement, work preparation, Intermediate Labour Market (ILM) scheme or vocational training.

The ones doing job creation within their own business are most likely to be social firms.

Social firms shatter the myth that people with learning disabilities, visual impairments or mental health problems can’t work. They are real businesses that compete by producing quality goods and services, without government subsidy. Social firms rely on their business income in order to be able to create those sustainable employment opportunities, so by buying from them you can demonstrate

best value purchasing, without compromising on quality.

Social firms can be found in many business sectors – from coffee and soap suppliers to grounds maintenance; from playground and office furniture manufacturers to printing services.

Go to www.justbuy.org.uk to identify your next ethical supplier.

Social Firms UK is a charitable organisation, founded in 1999, that helps new social firms start up and grow. We can help you identify a business partner that will deliver more social value or arrange a site visit. Contact us now for more information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: +44 (0)1737 231360 Fax: +44 (0)1737 826658 info@socialfirmsuk.co.uk www.socialfirmsuk.co.uk

www.justbuy.org.uk Tel: 01737 231 360 Email: info@socialfirmsuk.co.uk

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Franchising

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NEW OPPORTUNITIES

OPEN UP A NEW CAREER PATH The British Franchise Exhibition provides you with an opportunity to find out everything you need to know about franchising In light of the current economic climate and financial cut backs, many people have started to research alternative career options including becoming selfemployed. Becoming a franchisee is the perfect option for those looking to start up on their own, as it offers the experience, credibility, support network and structure of a proven business, which helps to overcome the uncertainties and difficulties commonly faced at the start-up stage.

Starting up with a proven business model and established brand has historically been shown to be more successful in a difficult economy than starting your own independent business. Research has shown that new businesses based on franchised concepts are much more likely to succeed than other new 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.

“Franchised businesses have weathered

improvement, care work, auditing and technology, and are suitable for a range of skills, interests and budgets.

Companies exhibiting include Action Coach, Auditel, Cash Generator, Dublcheck, Fastsigns, Riverford Organic Vegetables, Totally Clean Solutions and WPA. What’s more, the exhibition is the only franchise event in the north endorsed by the bfa, meaning that all companies exhibiting have met the association’s code of ethical franchising.

SEMINARS & FEATURES Alongside the wide range of exhibitors is an extensive free seminar programme and a comprehensive conference covering a range of subjects including an introduction to franchising, families in franchising, hands-on franchises, executives in franchising and growing your own business.

There are a number of features at the show that enable visitors to receive practical advice from the best in the business. Those

Franchised businesses have weathered the recessional storm extremely well, which we should not be surprised about if we look at how franchising has proven itself over the years. the recessional storm extremely well, which we should not be surprised about if we look at how franchising has proven itself over the years,” comments Brian Smart, director general of the bfa.

“The combination of the wider business support, training and economies of scale, with the determination, enterprising nature and local business focus makes franchise business a very robust offering.”

MANCHESTER EVENT A visit to a bfa accredited franchise exhibition such as The British Franchise Exhibition at Manchester Central, 10-11 June is an ideal way to research the franchise industry. The show enables visitors to meet owners and franchisees from more than 50 businesses gathered together under one roof. There are also experts to answer questions and seminars covering all aspects of franchising.

These franchises cover many sectors from food and drink, travel, home

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.6

new to the franchise industry should head for the Franchise Starting Point where industry experts, consultants, lawyers, bankers and franchisors will all be on hand to offer free one-to-one advice. Another valuable opportunity is the Franchisee Panel where visitors can find out the realities of making the move to from being employed to becoming a franchise owner. Franchisees from various background will details first hand their experience of making the transition.

At the Careers Clinic, experts are on hand to help people prepare for their next step in the world of work. Professionals from Personal Career Management will work with visitors to define their goals and objectives in order to build a clear, focused and realistic career plan.

Essential to a successful franchise is a good business plan, which is used to help gather thoughts and to set financial objectives for the business. A professionally prepared business plan has a key part to play in negotiations with financiers. The Business Plan Clinic, sponsored E

Franchisee Profile “Moving from public to private sector is not as daunting as you might think,” says Philippa McQueen who, until two years ago, had a 30-year career as a teacher in south west England.

She became a franchisee at WPA, a not-for-profit medical insurer, and within a year had one of the fastest growing businesses. The decision to move sectors came about because both teaching and Philippa had changed over time and professional demands took her away from what she loved most.

She explains: “Life is too short not to enjoy every moment, and I knew WPA from personal experience.”

Changing careers became an opportunity. Director of WPA’s National Franchise Team, Berkeley Harris, explains the business: “The role is all about supplementing the valuable work of the NHS by helping customers fund their healthcare. To do it well requires an engrained belief in ‘treating them as you would hope to be treated’.

“Communication, belief and commitment are vital to all that a WPA franchisee does. We want individuals who are enthusiastic and reflect our quality brand. The £7,500 cost of a WPA franchise is low due to our not for-profit-status.”

While the ongoing support has made the move easier, the transferable skills of teaching have been integral to setting up a successful ownermanaged business, as Philippa explains: “Without doubt, teaching has contributed to my success.”

Philippa’s plans for the future include growing through the recommendation of existing customers and networking.

She concludes: “My success is down to my hard work, WPA’s support and a cast iron belief in what I do. The private sector really is a land of opportunity.”

Philippa McQueen

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E by Lloyds TSB Commercial, provides a key opportunity for prospective franchisees to gain free expert advice on this vital subject as well as have their funding queries answered.

These features along with the free conference, packed programme of seminars and host of business opportunities, will form the perfect introduction to the world of franchising.

“By visiting The British Franchise Exhibition aspiring business owners can find opportunities and gather all the information they need under one roof. We’ve worked hard to ensure visitors can access essential information and advice to help them to decide whether franchising is right for them and, if it is, what franchise best suits their career goals.

They can’t miss this opportunity,” concludes Adrian Goodsell, franchise exhibition manager at Venture Marketing Group, organisers of The British Franchise Exhibition in Manchester. L FOR MORE INFORMATION To register for The British 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 £10. Visitors can, however, gain FREE admission by using the promotional code GBJUNE when they register on the website.

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As a leading automotive tool retailer, you will benefit from being part of StanleyBlack & Decker, the owners of the world famous Stanley and Black & Decker brands, as you build your business in your protected territory.

You don’t need previous knowledge of tools – although this would be of benefit, most important is the drive and passion to run your own business.

You’ll soon be out there on the road doing it for yourself, building your own success, profiting from your own efforts – the master of your fate.

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Because, whatever you do, you’ll always have the power

of the Mac Tools team behind you. Giving you world-class products to sell, offering you the best in sales and product training, providing sales-driven marketing support, and always developing innovative strategies to help you grow your business.

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Lloyds TSB can help you with your franchise plans.

Whether you’re buying into a franchise or franchising your own business, it’s important to have the right kind of support and guidance before you take the next step.

That’s why we have a team of specially trained franchise managers who have a wealth of knowledge, and can offer you practical support and guidance.

To find out more call:

0800 681 6078 lloydstsb.com/franchising

Calls may be monitored or recorded. Lloyds TSB Commercial is a trading name of Lloyds TSB Bank plc and Lloyds TSB Scotland plc and serves customers with an annual turnover of up to £15m.

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority under numbers 119278 and 191240 respectively.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Franchising

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FRANCHISING – LIFE AFTER REDUNDANCY Franchising can be a great way to reduce the risks of setting up a business, because franchised businesses are already tried and tested success stories Job insecurity has a strangle hold on workers in the UK. For many, redundancy will become a reality and will prove a very emotional and worrying time. Some people will accept it, while others might feel shock, anger, fear or even denial. But the most important thing for anyone going through a redundancy is not to rush into making decisions about the future. It’s all too easy to make hasty decisions, perhaps out of fear of unemployment or change, however, redundancy can actually provide an ideal opportunity to refocus and steer your career or other aspects of your life in a different direction.

PERSONAL COMMITMENT Many people who are made redundant might consider setting up their own business, and while there are many options out there, it is absolutely vital that decisions are not taken lightly. It should be understood that there are no businesses that provide substantial profits and overnight success. Running a business in the initial months can be 16 hours day, seven days a week, meaning a substantial

spent many years developing their business systems and will provide initial training, as well as ongoing support to the franchisee.

According to sector research nine out of ten franchisees claimed that their business operate profitably. Although franchising does not by any means eliminate the risk of failure, it can be a favourable option for people wanting to start their own business.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO CONSIDER? Many franchisors will tell you that finding suitable franchisees is one of their biggest barriers to expansion. Finding people with the right skills and sufficient funds to invest in a business remain real concerns for franchisors.

From the franchisor’s point of view people who have been made redundant often have a number of qualities as well as the available funds to commit to a fresh start.

Good franchisors will carry out a rigorous assessment, which may include psychometric or practical testing, to ensure as far as possible that they find people who will be able to

For those facing redundancy, it can be hard to see it in a positive light, especially if it has come out of the blue. Nevertheless, there are many options open to people in this situation and for those interested in starting up a business, franchising can be a real opportunity and a path well worth considering. personal commitment and change to the existing lifestyle is likely to be required. It is vital that you have the support of family and friends from the outset. Rewards in the longer term can be significant in terms of personal satisfaction, lifestyle, independence and financial stability.

Franchising can be a great way to reduce the risks of setting up a business, because franchised businesses are already tried and tested success stories. According to the age old saying “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” break down your franchise research into small steps. Develop a plan to give yourself the best chance of identifying the right franchise for you. A franchisor may have

develop their business. When you’re looking for a potential franchisor, it’s important to find someone who is able to answer all your questions. If they only seem interested in taking on your investment, be prepared to walk away.

Carry out a self-assessment before you start.

Do you have the attributes to be a successful franchisee? If you are somebody who has a strong entrepreneurial spirit or looks to do things your own way then franchising is unlikely to be the right choice for you.

Franchising requires you to follow a system and in most cases you’ll need sales ability, excellent communication skills and be capable of delivering a first-class service.

Once you’ve decided to take the franchise

route, you’ll need to think about funding the business. Banks will generally fund up to 70 per cent of the initial set up costs including working capital for a well established franchise system, although you’ll probably be asked to provide security, such as a legal charge over your home. For less established franchise opportunities your required capital stake is likely to be higher. Other sources of finance might be savings and of course any redundancy payments you’ve received from your previous employer.

Using a redundancy package or other savings to fund a franchise means that you’ll have more control over the business and that you’ll avoid interest repayments or loan charges. It can also demonstrate your commitment to and belief in your business, which can help sway lenders in the future, should you choose to borrow further down the line. However, using up these cash reserves to start up does mean you may not have anything to fall back on so it is worthwhile keeping enough money in reserve as a contingency, to cover 12 months personal expenditure, in case the business takes longer to get off the ground that you first envisaged.

OPPORTUNITY For those facing redundancy, it can be hard to see it in a positive light, especially if it has come out of the blue. Nevertheless, there are many options open to people in this situation and for those interested in starting up a business, franchising can be a real opportunity and a path well worth considering. The British Franchise Association runs exhibitions and seminars that provide an invaluable insight into franchise investment.

Lloyds TSB sponsors a series of free evening educational seminars about the benefits and pitfalls of franchising across the UK which are must attend events for people starting on their franchising journey. For further details visit www.franchise-seminars.biz L

FOR MORE INFORMATION Lloyds TSB has produced a helpful guide to support your research as to whether franchising is the right option for you and a free copy can be obtained through the bank’s Franchise Unit by telephoning 0800 6816078. Our team of franchise managers are available to discuss all aspects of planning your business and any financing requirements you may have.

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CRC ENERGY EFFICIENCY SCHEME

THE FUTURE OF CARBON REPORTING

Built Environment

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What’s next for the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme? Has it brought any benefits? Karen Lawrence, head of CRC and consultancy at the Local Government Information Unit, investigates Responses to DECC’s discussion papers, alongside comments made at a recent stakeholder event on simplification, led many to believe that the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme was headed for the policy scrapheap.

Following the unexpected changes to the scheme announced in last October’s Spending Review, few would have been surprised if the Chancellor had scrapped the CRC in favour of a simpler tax on carbon emissions.

Indeed, given the removal of the CRC recycling payment, this solution was called for by representatives of some of the largest sectors affected by the scheme, including the CBI, British Retail Consortium (BRC) and the manufacturers’ organisation EEF. ESCAPING THE AXE In the event, the budget document mentioned the CRC just once, to confirm the price of carbon allowances for the first year at £12/tonne. So why was the scheme spared the axe?

Having claimed the revenues from the scheme for its coffers, it was unlikely in these straitened times that the Treasury would relinquish the expected £1 billion annual income. One option was to increase the Climate Change Levy (CCL) instead – a popular solution with both the BRC and the British Property Federation, who are critical of the administrative burden imposed by the CRC. But does the CCL have any real impact on the organisations that pay it? Added to energy bills, it goes unnoticed as simply another business cost, resulting in little significant action to cut energy use. The CRC – or any replacement policy mechanism – must ultimately demonstrate a significant reduction in carbon emissions from participating organisations. And, in the absence of any effective alternative, that is surely why the CRC is still alive and kicking.

A FOCUS ON CARBON The real success of the scheme so far, however, has been to bring carbon emissions to the attention of senior managers with sufficient influence to change the way energy is procured, used and measured.

The process of CRC registration, requiring involvement of a senior officer contact, has resulted in board level directors and chief executives becoming aware of the scheme.

Budgeting for the purchase of carbon allowances – initially carried out at a junior level – was brought into sharper focus when the recycling payments were scrapped, resulting in costs increasing tenfold for 2011/12. The sums involved are now great enough to merit serious attention at the highest levels and, with allowance prices expected to increase in line with the carbon floor price, should reach £30/tonne by 2020.

The much-criticised administrative burden of reporting and compliance has also brought benefits; public sector participants, in particular, have a vastly improved understanding of their energy use. The increased installation of automatic meter reading meters (AMRs) will also bring much greater control and accuracy of forecasting and reporting.

MOVING FORWARDS Now that senior level attention is focused on energy use and the cost of carbon allowances, is the scheme about to change once again?

Some of the proposed simplification

heating oil as the only reportable fuels from the start of Phase 2. However, this apparent simplification may have unintended consequences; together with a proposal to drop the requirement for a footprint report and the 90 per cent rule, it means participants would have to report 100 per cent of their energy use each year. For organisations planning to exclude ten per cent of their residual emissions, these proposals could result in more onerous annual reports and an even higher bill for carbon allowances.

BE PREPARED With the CRC rules in a state of flux, how can public sector participants best prepare?

Accurate measurement and reporting and a comprehensive evidence pack will ensure you are CRC compliant; beyond that, monitoring, forecasting and reducing carbon emissions will become increasingly valuable as the price of allowances rises.

Whether you achieve reductions through behaviour change, insulation, low-carbon technologies or district heating systems, the

Accurate measurement and reporting and a comprehensive evidence pack will ensure you are CRC compliant; beyond that, monitoring, forecasting and reducing carbon emissions will become increasingly valuable as the price of allowances rises. measures, including organisational rules and overlaps between schemes such as the EU ETS and CCAs, are largely irrelevant in the public sector. Other changes are more fundamental, however, and may significantly affect public sector participants.

A change to the supply rules to remove the loophole that excludes passive street lighting seems likely to go ahead, so local authorities should carefully examine the potential costs and savings before making any changes to supplies or metering.

A major change to the range of fuels included in the scheme also seems likely; a proposal to scrap the long list of residual fuels would leave gas, electricity and

basis for success is understanding and using your data. And this is not just energy use data but tools such as whole-life marginal abatement cost curves, feed in tariff and renewable heat incentive modeling, and heat mapping data to identify opportunities across your estate or community. The CRC provides real impetus to go beyond data collection and reporting, to reduce emissions, save money and improve public sector sustainability. L FOR MORE INFORMATION To find out more about CRC strategies, reducing carbon emissions, or to outsource your CRC compliance go to www.localenergy.org.uk

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Built Environment

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CIH Housing is the biggest and best-attended event in the UK’s housing calendar as it brings together nearly 5,000 housing professionals and over 300 key suppliers all under one roof The social and affordable housing sector’s biggest and best attended event takes place in Harrogate from 21-23 June. The Chartered Institute of Housing’s annual Conference and Exhibition will this year address the increasing challenges facing the sector and will include a number of exciting features focused around this year’s hot topic, sustainability.

This is the only event in the housing calendar that brings together more than 6,000 housing professionals from leading providers, partners and suppliers, representing the whole sector. Visitors will be able to share ideas and insights and develop a shared understanding of how to move forward.

The Housing 2011 exhibition will offer visitors a wide range of added value features to help them keep up to date with sector developments and current thinking on the major issues.

Brand new this year is the Sustainable Solutions Showcase. Learn from the sustainability experts in a variety of forums, including sustainable tours, the Ideas Exchange free seminars and dedicated sustainable surgeries, and discover the latest sustainable solutions at the UK’s leading social and affordable housing exhibition.

“Sustainability is more important at this year’s CIH Housing than it has been in any previous year. Retrofitting existing housing stock and meeting government carbon reduction targets is rocketing up the agenda as the coalition prepares to launch its £7 billion a year Green Deal programme.

Landlords cannot afford to miss the window of opportunity that Harrogate presents to take part in the forthcoming green revolution,” said Nick Duxbury, editor of Sustainable Housing.

SUSTAINABLE TOURS Andrew Eagles, managing director of the Sustainable Homes Group and Green Social Housing Champion of the Year 2010, will provide a visitor’s guide to the best sustainable solutions on show. Visit the Sustainable Solutions stand to pick up the visitor’s guide and to find out how Sustainable Homes can help you and your organisation.

Sustainable Homes will be offering independent PV assessment services; gain an independent assessment of how much you can make from PV. If your organisation has 50 or 50,000 homes, with just a few days work Sustainable Homes can help you assess the costs, savings for residents, and the potential income from feed-in-tariffs.

You will also find the latest industry research; find out what your peers are doing on sustainability – findings from

organisations managing one million homes.

Furthermore, you can find out how to accredit your plumbers and electricians to MCS standard at the Sustainable Homes stand.

SCIENCE-BASED EXPERTISE FROM BRE The BRE Group provides science-based expertise in virtually every aspect of the built environment. They do this through research, consultancy, training, innovation support, testing and certification. BRE has longstanding expertise and experience in the housing sector, working closely with the public sector, housing providers and the industry as a whole to deliver a robust knowledge base. At a time when budgets are under severe pressure and the policy framework is changing, this expertise is needed more than ever.

The BRE Lounge at Harrogate will provide a snapshot of many of BRE’s activities in the housing sector, including the National Refurbishment Centre. This partnership includes leading suppliers, contractors, retailers and stakeholder organisations seeking ways to create a step-change in the delivery of sustainable refurbishment. The partners – Energy Saving Trust, British Gas, B&Q, BASF, Gentoo Green, Saint-Gobain, DuPont, Kier, RIBA, LABC and others – have collected hard data from over 500 exemplar projects and are now utilising this evidence to inform the

Barratt, Crest Nicholson, Stewart Milne, H+H Celcon and Oxford Brooks, are developing and applying innovative materials, products and process to meet the government’s Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 energy standard, through innovative fabric-first solutions.

The Building Research Housing Group (BRHG) is a social housing providers’ network in partnership with BRE. Through events, a helpline, documents and special projects, members share information, knowledge and experience for improved value and best practice solutions.

SUSTAINABLE SURGERY In addition to the sustainability tours and free seminars, visitors and delegates will also have the opportunity to pop into the Sustainable Surgery to discuss their housing stock with a range of experts who are leading the way in sustainable affordable housing. The experts include Richard Baines, director of Sustainable Development, Black County Housing, Oliver Novacovic, housing futures director, BRE, Paul Ciniglio, sustainability manager, Radian, Sally Hancox, director, Gentoo Green and Andrew Eagles, MD, Sustainable Homes.

While the conference debates policy, the exhibition offers learning opportunities, bringing together housing associations, local authorities and a full range of service

The Housing 2011 exhibition will offer visitors a wide range of added value features to help them keep up to date with sector developments and current thinking on the major issues.

80 per cent carbon reduction challenge.

Sited at the heart of BRE in Watford, the Victorian Terrace is a living refurbishment lab demonstrating current and emerging products, materials, design solutions and installation techniques that make solid-wall homes more energy-efficient, sustainable and affordable to heat.

BREEAM is the world leading design and assessment method for sustainable buildings. A new BREEAM scheme for housing refurbishment is being developed and piloted on over 200 properties around the UK. A BREEAM scheme for communities also helps planners and developers to improve, measure and independently certify the sustainability of project proposals at the planning stage of the development process.

The AIMC4 consortium, including BRE,

providers for a series of seminars at the Ideas Exchange. These free seminars offer practical tips and innovative solutions to the day to day issues facing housing professionals and their organisations.

Session topics include ‘Achieving PassivHaus standards – existing stock and new build’, ‘Empty properties cost money – turning round voids’ and ‘Cashing in with clean energy’.

NEW FEATURES New for 2011, the Housing & Localism Zone is all about the implementation of policy. Bringing practitioners and officials from the CLG, HCA and TSA together this zone provides a forum to explore how to make policies work in practice.

Also making its debut in 2011, the Procurement Village, in partnership with the E

Volume 18.6 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Talk to us first for larger projects Outstanding chOice, unrivalled service Working with local authorities and housing partnerships? Whenever you’re working on larger projects, Magnet Trade Contract Kitchen Solutions are ideally equipped to help you impress your clients, work smartly and achieve a great result.

Magnet Trade quality is available in over 20 superb kitchen designs, all available from stock with 18mm rigid cabinets and a 15-year guarantee. Our comprehensive service includes CAD drawings and a dedicated project manager to work closely with you throughout the scheme. contractkitchensadmin@magnet.co.uk tel: 0845 671 5506 www.magnettrade.co.uk/contractkitchensolutions

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SOCIAL & AFFORDABLE HOUSING E Northern Housing Consortium will focus on current procurement issues and will feature the Consortium’s framework partners who will be showcasing their products and services.

Sponsored by Harvest, The Tenant Action Zone is the meeting point for tenants and will provide a central area for networking, plus activities and sessions designed specifically for tenants. These sessions aim to provide an open forum for tenants to ask questions and discuss issues that matter to them as well as capture and share good practice.

LEADING COMPANIES Visitors will be able to meet a range of exhibitors including leaders in new build and retrofit, green solutions, repairs and maintenance, IT and smart technology, architects, funders, solicitors, management solutions and housing providers. Exhibitors include MITIE, Mears, Gentoo, Mark Group, Mansell, Evolution Securities, Devonshires Solicitors, Capita, Savills, Harvest Housing Group and Glasgow Housing Association.

As the largest event in the sector, networking is key for many visitors. The calendar of social events includes the conference dinner on Monday night, a BBQ at the Sun Pavilion on the Tuesday and the brand new Wednesday night conference party.

With over 50 sessions focusing on the key

areas of debate in the new environment, this year’s conference offers the opportunity to hear from some of the most influential thinkers and leaders guiding the sector. Many of these speakers are entirely new to the event – including key influencers like Phillip Blond from ResPublica – referred to by The Telegraph as “a driving force behind David Cameron’s ‘Big Society’ agenda”, Dennis Turner, HSBC’s chief economist, Neil O’Brien from the Policy Exchange, widely regarded as “David Cameron’s favourite think-tank” and Stephen Greenhalgh from Hammersmith and Fulham council (“on a quest to reform the principles of social housing”, The Guardian). Delegates will also be hearing from the Housing Minister, Grant Shapps, after a hugely eventful first year in office.

The packed agenda will also offer fresh perspectives from outside the sector – for example, one session will combine insights from Chris Moss, the branding guru behind Virgin Atlantic, Orange and 118 118, alongside those from ‘Shameless’ scriptwriter Danny Brocklehurst as they investigate perceptions around social housing and how to improve them.

Throughout the event, key sessions will again contribute to the Housing Pact, which proved a popular new addition in 2010 and will be presented on the final afternoon. Adding to

the highly interactive nature of the conference, delegates will have even more opportunities to have their say, to get involved in the debates and to question the speakers – including live interactive polling to gauge audience opinion and real-time Twitter streams contributing to the debate in all of the main sessions.

RISING STARS Another new feature of the conference will be the Rising Stars competition, an initiative to unearth the talented housing leaders of tomorrow. Delegates will be given the opportunity to hear from the finalists across the three days, and ultimately vote for a winner who will receive a range of prizes including a day shadowing Grant Shapps, a week shadowing a senior civil servant in the Communities and Local Government department, a day with shadow housing minister Alison Seabeck and a day with Lord Best, president of the Local Government Association. They’ll also win £1,000 to spend on furthering their education.

This is the only conference of the year that brings all of the sector together to share ideas and insights with each other and offers a genuinely time and cost-effective way for housing professionals to gain the support, advice and solutions they need to do more than just survive. L

Built Environment

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Adam Fires to showcase its product range at CIH Conference & Exhibition Adam Fires, part of the Fired Up Group of Companies (winner of the prestigious Best China Business Award Yorkshire and Humber) is Britain’s leading independent designer and manufacturer of fires and fire surrounds.

Here at Adam Fires we recognise the importance of good quality, great value, innovative design solutions and deliver all to meet the demands of our customers.

We understand the needs of the social housing sector and deliver product that will satisfy fully the exacting requirements of this sector and the tenant.

Today, Adam Fires has a 100,000 sq ft manufacturing base in Huddersfield in the UK and a 300,000 sq ft manufacturing base in China, employing in total over 280 people. Our philosophy of excellence in design is mirrored in our commitment to the highest standards of manufacturing.

From our fully integrated order processing to production and distribution, you can be assured that the Adam’s team will look after your every need.

Each stage of the manufacturing process is vigorously checked to ensure that we stay efficient and deliver consistently high quality products.

We have full vertical integration and international ISO and FSC approval. All Adam Fires products are tested to meet international safety standards.

In today’s public sector it is of huge importance to source the best value products for the price.

Here at Adam we are confident of meeting this demand.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact: Jonathan Nichols business development manager Tel: 08448 809338 Mob: 07900 606625 Fax: 08448 809638 jonathan.nichols@ firedupgroup.co.uk www.firedupgroup.co.uk

StonePlus – the perfect facade solution Following our success at this year’s EcoBuild Exhibition production is now gearing up to meet the extra demand for our products.

Monolith has created a range of cutting edge, ecofriendly alternatives to natural stone and cast stone. Our team of skilled designers is actively producing standard and bespoke profiles for a number of applications within the construction industry. Building on an already established demand for architectural profiles, our StonePlus range consists of products using modern insulation materials supplied with a robust, protective coating to your specifications, to match natural stone, yet available at a fraction of the cost.

The StonePlus range allows the consumer freedom to select a product that meets their requirements, while providing benefits over the cast stone option. Our products achieve a match to natural stone in both

colour and texture and can also be enhanced by the addition of hand finished detailing. With health and safety high on the agenda within the construction industry, particularly when working at height, StonePlus products have been developed to be at least 80 per cent lighter than cast stone. This provides immediate benefits with manual handling issues on site, with an associated reduction in labour costs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01745 344144 tonye@monolithuk.co.uk www.monolithuk.co.uk

Tailored solutions for The specialists in property your building repair and needs and facilities management maintenance The Travis Perkins Group has The Norse Group is a dynamic holding company, bringing together facilities management provider Norse Commercial Services and property consultancy NPS Group, with a groupcombined turnover of £170 million and providing employment for more than 5,200 people from over 30 offices in the UK. At the forefront of innovation in property services provision, we pride ourselves on delivering value for money, including Systems Thinking solutions. We can assist local authorities by forming joint venture companies to run efficient housing maintenance and capital works programmes.

We specialise in providing a full range of design, technical and property management consultancy services to housing associations, local authorities and clients engaged with managing property assets and delivering capital investment programmes.

We have developed a new

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and innovative approach to the development of affordable, flexible low carbon lifetime homes for the social rental, intermediate and open market housing.

We are able to identify land and buildings which could be available for social housing. Other services include planned preventative maintenance; response maintenance; estate management, including grounds maintenance; and modernisation to local authority, housing association and individual building stock together with office cleaning. We also undertake disabled adaptations from minor items to full wet rooms for disabled tenants.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.norsegroup.co.uk

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.6

been actively involved in the affordable housing sector for a number of years developing long-term, mutually beneficial and innovative solutions.

We can offer tailored stores outsourcing solutions and leading IT integration options to clients carrying out a repair and maintenance function.

Allowing us to manage your repair and maintenance store means you can benefit from our core strengths; purchasing, stocking, delivering and administering building materials, while realising significant cost savings and efficiency gains.

Travis Perkins Managed service options available include: • Management of your existing store, providing a dedicated facility • Newly identified location for a dedicated store • Adaptation of an existing TP branch to provide dedicated services

• Use of several branches to provide a multi-site solution.

We have developed a procurement model to deliver efficiencies across capital, new build and decent homes procurement. It is envisaged that this will challenge existing models, while delivering real value from the supply chain.

Utilising a newly developed web-based ordering and calloff portal customers are able to benefit significantly from this Travis Perkins-led consortia procurement model, in particular those who embrace framework arrangements, partnering, collaborative working and innovation. Visit us on stand B118 to find out more.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.tpmanagedservices.co.uk

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The UK market leader in central heating radiators

Contract kitchen solutions from Magnet Trade

Stelrad Radiators is the UK market leader in steel panel radiators and offers the marketplace everything from classic, traditional radiators to sophisticated, stylish models, and has a wide variety of styles and finishes to harmonise with any period or contemporary setting.

The Panel radiator range offers a traditional look and is designed to emphasise the aesthetics of a new build or social housing property. The single, double and triple panel ranges include the Elite, Compact, Compact K3 and Softline.

The Premium panel radiator range offers a more contemporary, stylish option. The range includes the Planar with a slim profile, the Classic Column for a period or contemporary look, the Compact with Style and the Style Lo-line featuring a fine lined surface, Compact with Style Vertical, and the Concord Plane and Concord Lo-line constructed from slim, flat horizontal tubes.

The Lifestyle range is available

Magnet Trade Contract Kitchen Solutions provides an unrivalled range of quality kitchen products tailored to your budget and requirements. We work on all aspects of local authority and social housing projects where high quality, durable products and reliable project management is required.

We know collaboration and teamwork are the keys to success in the demanding contract kitchens sector. When you deal with Magnet Trade, you become one half of a valuable partnership. We are part of the Nobia Group, Europe’s largest

in a wide range of styles and finishes to complement any type of modern or traditional property.

This collection allows end users to achieve an eye-catching, unique feature that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

The Designer range offers a decorative, eye-catching feature in any room, whilst providing effective, high performance heating. An extensive range of colours is available within this range to fully coordinate with any interior space.

supplier of kitchens to both the trade and retail markets. The Group includes more than 15 companies with a combined turnover in excess of £1 billion, which gives us unrivalled access to key resources and expertise.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Unit 11, Quadrant Park, Mundells, Welwyn Garden City AL7 1FS Tel: 0845 6715506 contractkitchensadmin@ magnet.co.uk www.magnettrade.co.uk/ contractkitchensolutions

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01709 578950 Fax: 01709 572200

Vectaire – the high quality Your new build housing ventilation specialists development partner Vectaire has long understood the benefits of having extract fans run continuously at a low level, working permanently to remove harmful humidity and pollutants from the home environment.

Operating fans this way brings advantages of both cost and energy saving. Mindful of the irritation of loud background noises, Vectaire developed two speed “super silent” centrifugal fans several years ago. These fans operate at a trickle speed with a decibel rating below that which can be heard, whilst allowing the user to increase the fan capacity to its boost level as and when desired and necessary.

This has in particular avoided the stress of a fan operating loudly in the middle of the night.

Vectaire has continued developing low carbon, low energy, high performance products in order to continue to cut both energy consumption and cost, and ensure that dwellings are properly ventilated in compliance with the

government’s requirements to tighten building controls and regulations to help counter concerns about global warming.

These products have been BRE tested for SAP Q eligibility, and include whole house heat recovery units (MVHRs), slimline in-line fans for whole house ventilation (MEVs), and a single room fan (dMEV) suitable for all domestic wet rooms.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01494 522333 Fax: 01494 522337 sales@vectaire.co.uk www.vectaire.co.uk

In 2011, NHBC is celebrating 75 years of raising the construction standards of new homes and protecting homebuyers and tenants. NHBC currently protects over 1.6 million homes – our 10-year warranty covers 80 per cent of new homes in the UK each year. We assist housing associations, contractors, landowners and local authorities with a range of risk management services, helping them build to high standards and address key technical challenges.

Chief executive Imtiaz Farookhi will give a keynote presentation on housing supply, Tuesday 11.45, ICC. Visit our stand to discuss the benefits we bring to housing associations - Hall C, stand 212.

We help landowners looking to sell land for development, with geotechnical and

environmental advice, particularly for remediation of contaminated land.

More information on our technical expertise in building control, energy efficiency and sustainability can be found on www.nhbc.co.uk NHBC Foundation research addresses the sustainability agenda and shares best practice.

Look out for the ‘International Refurbishment Compendium’, and ‘Guidelines for renewable installation’ reports at www.nhbcfoundation.org FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact: Sascha Noar Tel: 0844 6331000 www.nhbc.co.uk

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Recycling & Waste Management

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EVENT PREVIEW

REDUCING COSTS AND IMPROVING WASTE SERVICES RWM in partnership with CIWM is the largest event for sustainable waste, resources and the environment, and takes place at the Birmingham NEC, 13-15 September With an ever increasing awareness of sustainable practices in the UK and a push to meet European and national waste targets, it is vital that the public sector keeps abreast of the latest innovations in waste management and recycling. RWM in partnership with CIWM provides an opportunity for public sector decision makers to do just that.

Last year’s RWM and Futuresource exhibitions saw increasing numbers of visitors from outside the traditional waste management industry, particularly

and other public sector organisations.

Visitor research shows that of these visitors, over 90 per cent said that they either ‘liked’ or ‘loved’ the exhibition (RWM 2010 visitor survey) with over 96 per cent suggesting they are planning to attend again in 2011.

The same research reveals that government and public sector attendees visited RWM in 2010 to find out about new products and suppliers that can be used to improve their waste and recycling services. In response, this year will feature even more new product

RWM in partnership with CIWM is the ideal opportunity to keep abreast of the latest in waste industry trends, which, along with getting an overview of the market. This was a key driver for last year’s public sector attendees, 82 per cent of whom identified attending the exhibition as important to their organisation. those in the public sector with waste and recycling responsibilities.

For the first time this year, RWM and the Chartered Institution for Wastes Management (CIWM) and the Environmental Services Association’s Futuresource exhibitions have merged to create ‘RWM in partnership with CIWM’, a single flagship show for all sustainability and recycling issues. The merger, announced at the end of 2010, is the direct result of market feedback demanding one major waste and recycling event in the UK that competes on an international scale.

With more than 650 exhibitors already signed up, the exhibition features the sector’s leading product and service providers.

INDUSTRY IMPORTANCE Interest in waste and recycling solutions is growing in the public sector with a significant number of attendees to last year’s RWM exhibition working within government offices, local government

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.6

innovations as well as best practice case studies from local authorities that have seen success in waste management.

RWM in partnership with CIWM is the ideal opportunity to keep abreast of the latest in waste industry trends, along with getting an overview of the market. This was a key driver for last year’s public sector attendees, 82 per cent of whom identified attending the exhibition as important to their organisation.

STRIKING A WASTE BALANCE Public sector decision makers on waste and recycling face a challenging dilemma over the coming years regarding the provision of effective recycling and waste services. Whilst there is an increasing public awareness about waste and recycling issues generally, there is also the ongoing constraints as result of shrinking public sector budgets.

Of all the industry sectors to attend last year’s Recycling and Waste Management exhibition, local government and public

sector professionals were the only visitors to identify a reduction in recycling and waste management budgets at a time when most sectors are experiencing growth.

With new policy developments emerging from the coalition government, the public sector faces the dilemma of trying to reduce costs whilst improving waste and recycling services. Responding to this challenge, RWM in partnership with CIWM will be showcasing ways in which improving waste management services can actually increase revenues and reduce expenditure.

THE BEST ADVICE The event brings together the very best in recycling and waste management suppliers from across the UK and beyond in one place, offering those in the public sector the best advice on improving sustainability.

For 2011, RWM in partnership with CIWM will feature a series of seminar sessions looking at technology and innovation, as well as business and commerce, and there are specific sessions for local government professionals.

The three-day seminar programme includes case studies presenting new a ways of responding to the demands of new waste strategies, consumer expectations and efficiency savings. Sessions include Lichfield District Council’s Ruth Plant talking about working in partnership with Tamworth District Council to make savings on waste budgets whilst implementing innovations and changes across both districts to improve services.

In addition, the Environment Agency’s David Bradley will be advising on how local authorities can work with them to ensure that ‘dry recyclables’, such as paper, card, glass and metal packaging, and waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) are dealt with properly and not exported illegally.

Meanwhile the Technology and Innovation theatre will showcase the very latest technology and product innovations.

RWM in partnership with CIWM is the largest event for sustainable waste, resources and the environment and takes place at the Birmingham NEC from Tuesday 13 to Thursday 15 September 2011. L FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information and to register for free at www.rwmexhibition.com/pr

Facts & Figures Over 650 exhibitors from across the waste management sector A full programme of seminars in four industry theatres: – Local Authority – Commerce and Industrial – Energy – Technology and Innovation

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Recycling & Waste Management

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Two networking hubs sponsored by Stobart Biomass and Viridor (café Viridor) A Communications Hub from Sauce Communications for practical advice Innovation Trail featuring innovative new products and services in the industry

Event at a glance RWM in partnership with CIWM attracts over 650 exhibitors. The event covers the following product/ service areas within the industry: specialist recycling; services and solutions; energy and water; machinery and equipment; vehicles and plant, and banks, bins and containers.

It is targeted at professionals within both public and private sectors, including: senior management decision makers (including managing directors, chief executive officers and chief operating officers); heads of recycling/waste; environmental managers; recycling managers; commercial waste managers; plant managers; transport managers; facilities managers, and consultants.

Botek – the complete solution for identifying and weighing waste Botek specialises in weighing technology and we develop and supply “control-by-weight” solutions to the waste and recycle industry; helpful to both refuse collection contractors and municipalities. Our systems help to achieve a quality controlled collecting process that leads to efficient and profitable operations.

Examples of on-board equipment are chassis scales, forklift scales, bin lift scales, overload indicators and RFID systems. We also develop and supply on-board computers and software, helping drivers and office management to organise and keep track of routes.

Botek is a Swedish company founded

Our ambition is to offer state of the art solutions by in-house development of products adapted to our customers’ needs.

We are pleased to invite you to meet us at the RWM Exhibition, stand 2202. in the 1970s and we have extensive experience in weighing technology. We mounted the first chassis scale in 1985 and today we export our systems to customers in Scandinavia and Europe.

This year we are setting up a subsidiary with office in UK and are about to build up an organisation serving the UK market.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Botek Ltd PO Box 6076 Innovation Centre Gallows Hill Warwick CV34 9NY info@botek.co.uk www.botek.co.uk

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Safety — No compromises.

As the heavyweight in safety, TRW Proequip is the brand to trust for your OE matching quality HCV parts. Tough, reliable and durable, the braking, steering & suspension and shock absorber programmes which make up TRW’s unique ‘Corner Module’ offer, are designed to deal with the harshest of driving conditions. Produced at dedicated HCV manufacturing facilities to exacting OE matching standards and tested to the extreme, every single part is injected with over 100 years of TRW’s engineering excellence.

TRW Proequip is the solid choice of professionals across Europe.

www.trwaftermarket.com/trwproequip10

THE HEAVYWEIGHT IN SAFETY

Transport

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CV SHOW

VITAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

This year's CV Show proved to be the supreme meeting place for the UK and European transport, distribution and logistics business. We look at some of the event highlights The show, which took place 12-14 April at the NEC Birmingham, achieved an audited final attendance figure of 16,137, well above the targeted figure, with just over 700 international visitors. However, quality of visitors is at least as important as quantity and some of the business undertaken at the event proved the most successful element.

DAF Trucks took more than 100 new enquiries for trucks over the three-day exhibition. Ray Ashworth, DAF’s managing director, said: “The air of optimism with all those who visited the stand was

very high and we welcomed over 4,000 visitors to our stand. The CV Show proved to be a big success for DAF Trucks.”

Gary Leitch, managing director, Lombard Corporate Asset Finance, said: “Lombard’s presence at the event was a clear indication of our commitment to continue transport sector finance. Visitors to our stand discussed various asset funding options including for the purchase of 200 trucks, 60 trailers and 10 minibuses.

“There are signs that vehicle operators are starting to renew their fleets in large numbers

The air of optimism with all those who visited the stand was very high and we welcomed over 4,000 visitors to our stand. The CV Show proved to be a big success for DAF Trucks.

– Ray Ashworth, managing director, DAF Trucks

rather than continuing to hang on to old stock. Lombard remains actively engaged with customers about plans for 2011 and beyond.”

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS The CV Show proved a resounding success for Stoneridge, makers of the first nextgeneration type-approved digital tachograph called the SE5000 Exakt. Amanda Robertson, marketing manager, said: “The CV Show was a successful event for Stoneridge and interest from visitors in our new SE5000 Exakt tachograph exceeded expectations.”

“CMS SupaTrak enjoyed a very successful CV Show,” said Kate Lloyd, marketing manager. “We had a record number of leads from many different business sectors, and spoke to businesses trying to reduce their fuel costs and become more efficient. Our free fuel saving trial was also very popular.

“We found that there has been a significant change in attitude towards improving driver behaviour and promoting fuel efficient driving techniques. More and more companies are now accepting that this is something that they need to do to improve their efficiency and reduce their operating costs.”

“We had a superb CV Show,” reports Martin Gray, managing director of John Jordan, the UK distributor of AutoSock. These are reusable textile ‘socks’ which are pulled over the driving wheels of vehicles needing extra grip on ice or snow. The company claims that if people carried AutoSock there’d be no roads blocked by vehicles when the snow falls faster than it can be cleared. E

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Is one of the leading companies in the design and supply of on board Auxiliary Power Systems. All system design is back up by 17th Edi on qualified personal.

We meet the very high standards and specifica ons that are required by the many different types of Emergency and Service vehicles that use our roads today.

Further informa on contact Volt Master Systems on 07740 200775 or keith@volt-master.co.uk

More choice We offer 7 return crossings a week between the UK and Spain, plus a choice of services across the Western Channel to France from Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth

brittanyferriesfreight.co.uk +44 (0)871 244 0411

Tel: 0844 800 6843 info@directbatterysolutions.co.uk www.directbatterysolutions.co.uk

CV SHOW

Transport

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of individual workshop contracts and have over 200 enquiries to follow up.

“Of particular interest were our deals on waste oil collection where we can collect for free or even pay for the oil. A number of such contracts were finalised; some workshops are now making a profit from waste oil as well as having other items such as used filters and batteries collected for nothing.”

Another first time exhibitor, Clark Masts Systems, says it will definitely be back next year after an excellent response from all types of vehicle operators to its range of telescopic mast systems. Established over 50 years ago on the Isle of Wight, the masts are standard equipment on military and emergency services vehicles for lighting, communications and many other uses.

EFFICIENT CLEANING Wilcomatic, the UK’s leading independent supplier of car wash equipment, was delighted by the response from potential customers to the launch of its new high pressure Jet Stream, installed on both the C5000 Magnum and Taurus Gantry wash machines, and specifically engineered to clean any shape of vehicle efficiently.

Paul Walker, Wilcomatic’s commercial division business development manager said: “We were really pleased that serious enquiries were coming from a wide variety of sectors, including local authorities, commercial fleet operators and even the Ministry of Defence.”

E “We have a simple and effective solution and feel a real responsibility to get this message out. When we were at the last CV Show in 2008 there was a lot of interest, but because it hadn’t really snowed for so long, these weren’t products that people thought they’d need. After the last two winters, that’s all changed and there seems to be a real determination not to get caught out again,” Martin Gray continued.

the existing Tipper and Dropside models.

Continental Automotive received a great deal of interest discussing the One Minute Rule legislation with major UK fleet operators. It was an opportunity to unveil the new VDO Digital tachograph 1.4 and discuss some of its unique selling points, including include graphical printouts, remote downloading and Driver Card warnings when the card is due to expire.

NEW LAUNCHES Peugeot reported another busy show for the company, getting plenty of interest from customers with sales and prospects taken for its wide range of LCVs on its stand. As a result of the positive public reaction at the event, Peugeot will launch the Expert Crew Van as a core conversion, in addition to

FIRST TIME EXHIBITORS The OSS Group exhibited for the first time at this year’s CV Show. Mark Bridgens, OSS group sales and marketing manager, said: “We signed a major waste contract with MAN at the show and have begun detailed discussions with other national operators. We also concluded a number

SUCCESSFUL FLEETS The Freight Transport Association launched a comprehensive guide to successfully running a van fleet. The Guide to Van Excellence is part of the association’s Van Excellence initiative, which aims to improve operating standards among van fleets and improve the image of the sector.

The new guide covers areas such as vehicle condition, safe working, driver licensing, compliance and training, and will be regularly updated to keep track of changes in the fast-growing van sector.

FTA Van Excellence project manager, Mark Cartwright, said: “There has been a massive growth in van use in recent years and the large number of liveried vans on the road means that the way in which they are presented, driven and operated can have an important effect – for good or ill – on the reputation of a company. The Guide to Van Excellence contains information on everything that good operators have learnt through hard work and experience, helping other operators to follow their example.”

So far, 13 organisations operating over 22,000 vans have signed up to the Van Excellence initiative, with some 80 more in the pipeline. The programme is open to both members and non-members of FTA. L

The next CV Show will be held at the NEC, Birmingham, from 24-26 April 2012.

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Road Haulage Association – more than you think

Economy Tuning – saving fuel in the real world

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has over 60 years’ experience providing benefits and services to hauliers in membership. The RHA provides dedicated campaigning, advice, information and business services tailored to the haulage industry. All members have a dedicated area manager and a regional office where they can also contact a helpdesk for free advice on all aspects of running a haulage operation.

Services include training, hauliers’ shop, tachograph analysis, legal expenses insurance and a comprehensive range of compliance support. With business partners providing and operating communications, financial advice, breakdown cover, fuel-card and credit card services to our members.

More specifically RHA Training provides industry solutions to a number of councils with one point of contact for all enquiries, email support and accounting.

Providing a localised service with over 50 per cent of

Economy Tuning is the UK’s leading fuel saving consultancy.

We now provide a range of services in the consultancy market to enable our customers to get a clear, frank and unbiased approach to the miriad of fuel saving offerings.

ET can provide advice, help and support on the following: • Vehicle choice • Vehicle setup • Telemetry and telematics • Driver behaviour • Training • System design • Engine control systems • Fuel and oil Recently James Cowham, ET’s MD, started a round of public

customers returning, we believe experience and quality shows commitment to exceed expectations. Additional bespoke services are tailored to suit the needs of each customer.

Dedicated to road haulage operations, the training team offers a blend of experience and knowledge. With pioneering new courses supporting current regulations, RHA Training should be everyone’s first call.

RHA is a co-organiser of the CV Show – Britain’s largest specialist road transport and logistics exhibition.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01733 261131 Fax: 01733 332349 enquiries@rha.uk.net www.rha.uk.net

The Road Haulage Association continues to successfully provide flexible training for councils across the country, including: Health & Safety l Operator licence training l Drivers’ Hours l Digitacho l Driver CPC l

JAUPT APPROVED CENTRE AC00062

PHONE US FIRST!

01733 261456

Email: training@rha.uk.net Web: www.rha.uk.net/training

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.6

speaking engagements to the public and private sector audiences. To see the most recent visit www.economytuning. com/savingfuel and watch a 45-minute master class to get you started. The topics covered include choosing the right vehicle, being careful about what you do and how you do it, what works and what doesn’t. This master class is so good Friends of the Earth described it as “Fantastic”.

FOR MORE INFORMATION To take the first step to a cleaner, greener and cheaper fleet today, visit www.economytuning.com or call 01189 070433.

Proudly supporting UK businesses for more than 20 years Shire Business Group started as Shire Leasing, a business that still remains core to the Group but which then only provided asset finance for cars, trucks and trailers.

Recognising a growing demand for sales aid leasing, the service broadened to enable business equipment suppliers to provide finance and leasing options to their customers.

Shire Leasing is now the largest independent funding house in the UK with 20 years of experience in providing financial products to the business community, supported by the latest technology for online processing and self-service tracking.

Shire Business Group provides UK organisations with a complete range of commercial services for funding, development and protection through its individual specialist divisions.

It has developed a full portfolio of business services that dovetail perfectly into clients’ business models providing

a one-stop-shop for leasing, funding, grants, vehicle solutions, insurance, debt recovery, legal and marketing services.

The result is expert commercial support when and where it’s needed that helps leverage the value in each client’s business and delivers costeffective solutions tailored to their specific business needs.

Shire Business Group has the expertise, people, experience and services in place to support UK businesses, from start ups and SMEs through to larger and public sector organisations.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Shire Business Group 1 Calico Business Park, Sandy Way, Amington, Tamworth Tel: 01827 68939 info@shirebusinessgroup.co.uk www.shirebusinessgroup.co.uk

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Reliable auxilary power systems for the automotive market Volt Master Systems is a unique company that designs and supplies reliable Auxiliary Power Systems for the automotive market. This means that the equipment that is selected to provide the consistent power has to be of a very high caliber.

When selecting power electronics I have come to the decision that only one company – MASTERVOLT – has the excellent reliability and extensive range of products that can cover all applications and requirements.

When a standalone generator is called for, the manufacturer that I always select is WHISPER POWER because its generators is of an extremely high quality.

Also, in times of rising fuel prices and the measures being taken to

reduce our green house gases, WHISPER POWER has a range of variable speed generators, which means fuel savings of up to 30 per cent and greatly reduced pollution. Furthermore, I find their generators to be one of the most compact available to day.

Both of the above companies’ equipment can be integrated into one system give the operator just one panel to monitor and operate the system.

All designs are produced using only fully qualified IEE personnel.

Safety must be the first and foremost matter that must be considered in any design.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 07740 200775 keith@volt-master.co.uk

TRW Proequip – the heavyweight in safety TRW’s HCV aftermarket programme was re-launched under the TRW Proequip brand at Automechanika 2008 under the strap line ‘The New heavyweight’. ‘Pro’ signifies this is a serious offer for professionals across Europe.

‘OE’ denotes TRW’s heritage and position as a true, global OE manufacturer. ‘Equip’ translates as being equipped with the right products; support and marketing information to satisfy market needs. The programme currently comprises: brake pads; linkage and suspension parts; steering gears; and shock absorbers.

Brake pads – developed, manufactured and extensively tested to meet tough demands, our heavy metal free aftermarket friction material and backing plates performed to a significantly higher standard than OES in independent tests.

Steering gears – manufactured using only TRW OE quality

components and tested to the same quality standards as new, our steering gear was the first in the aftermarket to come in a box – hugely important for such a large, yet safety critical part.

Linkage and suspension parts – globally, over 5,000 engineers, scientists, designers and technicians contribute to the in-house manufacture of all major components including: draglinks, tie rods, tie rod ends (including the now famous XCAP), v-links and radius rods.

Shock absorbers – range of OE quality covering truck,trailer and cabin.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.trwaftermarket.com

Commerical batteries for the public sector Direct Battery Solutions supplies commercial and industrial batteries for powered vehicles and equipment used by public sector departments across the UK. For local and central government authorities, Direct Battery Services provides replacement batteries to power everything from cars, trucks and buses, to road sweepers, floor cleaners, powered wheelchairs, security and emergency back-up systems.

With batteries sourced from the leading manufacturers around the world, Direct Battery Solutions offers the very highest quality stored energy solutions for government departments.

They are distributors of MONBAT batteries, world leaders in battery technology and manufacture for automotive, commercial vehicle and heavy industrial applications.

They are also exclusive suppliers of LEOCH Batteries, world renowned manufacturers and developers of VRLA, Motive and Reserve Power technologies. LEOCH batteries

are the the most reliable and dependable batteries for an extensive range of applications including powerchairs, electric scooters, stairlifts and hoists, road sweepers, floor cleaners, fork lifts, hoists, cranes, emergency lighting, fire and security systems.

From its UK base and warehouse in Leicestershire, DBS ensures a fast turnaround and delivery of products, with next day delivery available on many lines.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Direct Battery Solutions Bramble House, Riverside End, Market Harborough LE16 7PU Tel: 0844 8006843 info@directbattery solutions.co.uk www.directbattery solutions.co.uk

Brittany Ferries offers more choice to France and Spain Since it began commercial operations between France and Spain and the UK in the 1970s, Brittany Ferries has enjoyed a close working relationship with many arms of UK Government.

In fact, in the major Royal Naval ports of Portsmouth and Plymouth and the Royal Marine base of Poole, sharing a harbour has meant that a very close link indeed has been forged.

The many relationships that now exist have not simply been based on geography; rather, partnerships have been developed when this company has been able to support the likes of the MOD and the Home and Foreign & Commonwealth Offices in their work. It has been our privilege to offer an unrivalled service across all routes to these departments and their partners when they have become involved, to whatever extent, in the business of international logistics.

From the outset, we have been

able to help in areas that range from the delivery of diplomatic mail and the movement of household effects to the bulk movement of personnel and equipment. And at all times over the decades, Brittany Ferries’ overriding commitment has been to handle this substantial business with the same professionalism and skill that is exemplified by the British military.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Freight Sales Tel: 0871 2440411 Fax: 0871 2440912 freight.sales@ brittanyferries.com www.brittanyferriesfreight.co.uk

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Facility membership management and payment collection Ashbourne provides membership management, recruitment and retention services for hundreds of gyms and health and fitness clubs, and to local authority facilities across the UK. We manage the facility’s monthly membership payments. By dealing directly with defaulters on their behalf, we ensure that positive customer relations are maintained.

The advantages of using Ashbourne Membership Management include: • Improve and simplify your membership management by receiving regular monthly payments • Add a secure online payment system to your own website, making it easy for members to sign up and pay online.

• Improve your membership retention and loyalty through

automatic renewal and our excellent customer service • Utilise our experienced, professional customer service team to handle queries, freeing up your time to develop your business • View transactions and records online 24/7, plus verify the live payment status of members entering your facility using our free Membership Validation System.

Make it easy for members to bring payment up to date, using our www.ashbournepayments.co.uk site.

FOR MORE INFORMATION To find out how Ashbourne could save your facility time, money and effort by handling payment collection on your behalf, call us on 0871 2712088.

The Diet Plate® for weight loss in obese patients Sue D. Pedersen, MD, FRCPC; Jian Kang, MSc; and Gregory A. Kline, MD, FRCPC, have conducted a controlled clinical weight loss trial.

The team concluded that compared with usual care, the portion control tool studied was effective in inducing weight loss. The Diet Plate also enabled patients with diabetes mellitus to decrease their hypoglycaemic medications without sacrificing glycaemic control.

The melamine versions can be redesigned for the Home Office, for use in the military for PUDs, in prison services where the average male BMI is approaching 42 – statistics show that there is prevalence for diabetes in prison 2-8 times greater than

the general population. It will fulfil Corporate Responsibility in health and wellness programmes.

The Diet Plate® is available in melamine, is dishwasher safe, and costs less than £9.50 per head. This means for the cost of just one bariatric surgery we can supply over 1,000 people with diabetes, for life! The preventative measures are priceless.

Give this your full consideration if you are looking to save money on obesity or diabetic services.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Perfect Portion Control Ltd 0161 4809050 kay.illingworth@ thedietplate.com

portion control made easy

Visit us at

www.thedietplate.com or call 0161 480 9050

It counts the calories so you don’t have to It has clinical evidence to help control Type 2 Diabetes It works, users can lose between 1lb to 4lb per week Male, Female and Child versions available Maintain goal weight by using 5 days a week Comes with a 40 page instructional booklet Users will have access to www.clubdietplate.com for support “Eat what you love to cook!” suitable for any diet An incredible resource for family health

Wholesale prices are £10.20 for the earthenware plates and £7.50 for the melamine. Prices exclude VAT

“I lost 5 stone in 6 months, and 7 dress sizes. It’s so clever!”

The Diet Plate® is available in melamine and fine earthenware.

“For the cost of just one bariatric surgery, we can cover over 1,000 patients with diabetes.”

The Diet Plate® is probably the most cost efficient resource that you can choose for diabetes and dietetic services. At just £7.50 each, the user owns it for life. It is a resource that needs your consideration.

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.6

LEISURE INDUSTRY WEEK

Sport & Leisure

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INNOVATION & INSPIRATION

Leisure Industry Week – more focused and compelling than ever – combines show floor activities, seminars and networking events to help visitors run more effective and profitable operations Leisure Industry Week (LIW), 20-22 September at the NEC Birmingham, is the UK show for all stakeholders in the active leisure sector, representing a unique environment that serves to physically connect buyers with the industry’s latest products and services.

A combination of show floor activities, educational seminars and networking events provide an unrivalled platform for the visitors to share best practice, make new contacts, test new products, identify new services and gather competitive quotes.

Visitors attend to be inspired, educated and informed of new innovations that will help them run more effective and profitable operations. You can register your details online to be kept up to date on all show developments including what’s new for 2011, innovative technologies and products to be showcased, seminar programme details as well as notification when the free online registration opens.

HEALTH, SPORT & POOLS Health & Fitness at LIW is the exhibition for the UK’s health and fitness sector and is supported by the Fitness Industry Association (FIA) and Independent Operators Unite (IOU).

If you operate any sort of health and fitness facility (gym, health club, sports club, leisure centre, hotel etc.) then you will find everything you need to help improve your business – all under one roof. A visit to Health & Fitness at LIW will give you the opportunity to source the very latest products and services, get competitive quotes from new suppliers, network with fellow professionals and see live demonstrations of training programmes and fitness equipment.

Formerly known as Sports Development Week, Sport was launched in 2006 to create a National Sports industry event alongside the wider health and active leisure sectors served

by LIW. The exhibition, live demonstrations and extensive education programme support Sport England’s pathways for Grow, Sustain and Excel, whilst relating to three core themes: Increasing participation, Developing infrastructure and Improving performance.

From indoor flooring and sports equipment suppliers to training and coaching providers, Sport at LIW remains the leading meeting place for the UK sports industry to network with decision makers responsible for sporting and infrastructure facilities.

Leisure Industry Week remains the leading meeting place for owners and operators of pool and wellness based businesses. Pool

& Spa provides an exclusive platform for suppliers and services providers to single and multiple site pool operators, at both private and local authority run sites, as well as destination and day spas, gyms and hotels.

The Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association (SPATA) is the UK body representing companies engaged substantially in the swimming pool or spa trade, and will be present at Pool & Spa. Its members consist of manufacturers, suppliers, service or maintenance engineers, and installers of pools or spas, or of any associated equipment, as well as designers and consultants.

SPATA members are committed to providing customers with a quality service and they are given a comprehensive set of standards to provide guidance on pool construction standards expected by industry experts.

LEISURE FACILITIES Leisure Facilities at LIW represents a unique chance to conduct business with key decision makers across a number of Britain’s largest and fastest growing industries. Senior decision makers turn out in volume to source products for the running and maintenance of single or multi-site leisure facilities.

Leisure Facilities attracts thousands of operators from across the industry including gyms, health and leisure centres, theme parks, play centres, sports clubs, pubs, hotels, swimming pools, holiday centres and many more. It is clear that with such a high proportion of key decision makers in attendance and with over 65 per cent of visitors finding a new supplier at the show, confidence is growing across the industry following the downturn.

At this event operators will launch new products and services, network with key decision makers and meet buyers face to face. Exhibitors range from national operators such as Virgin Active, Merlin Entertainments, Punch Taverns and Bourne Leisure, to independents and owner-operated businesses who can make quick decisions when sourcing new products and services.

EAT & DRINK LIW attracts a large portion of senior managers from most of the UK’s largest tourist attractions because food and drink secondary spend is critical to their leisure venue’s bottom line. They are able to source the latest ideas and product developments, as well as meeting existing suppliers face-to-face from both the Play & Attractions sector and Eat & Drink.

In theme parks, for example, the average spend per head has increased by almost 13 per cent over the past five years. With entrance prices being frozen and a growth in family and discounted tickets, the need to increase revenue from catering and retail has increased significantly. Similarly, gym and health club operators look to vending and retail sales to underpin profit margins as new membership subscriptions plateau following a decade of well-above inflation growth.

PLAY & ATTRACTIONS The Play & Attractions sector of LIW remains the leading meeting place for operators and managers of family-day-out and entertainment destinations. Timed at the end of the traditional summer season the event provides suppliers and service providers with an opportunity to influence owneroperators, multi-site groups and those looking to start a new business within the sector.

Representing the leading visitor attractions, zoos and piers in the UK the BALPPA organisation is a key stakeholder in the development and success of Play & Attractions at LIW. Hosting an annual industry debate, networking lunch and evening social operators from across the UK use LIW to find new products, catch-up with colleagues at the end of the season and discuss strategic developments for the season to come.

Delivering the Play Providers Conference and the ASPIRE Awards, the Play Providers Association’s support of LIW delivered representatives from over 650 indoor play and family entertainment centres to LIW 2010. With initiatives and education for established and new businesses, the content and showcases offer excellent value.

LICENSED BUSINESS Also taking place, Licensed Business @ LIW (formerly The National Licensed Business Show) offers licensees, pubco management and those considering a career in the trade a neutral meeting place to network, sample the latest ideas to drive customer spend and find solutions to add value to the experience they offer.

By spending just one day at Leisure Industry Week you get enough new ideas for your business for the rest of the year.

LIW is the event where operators find the best products and services alongside comprehensive conference and seminar programmes dedicated to their business. L

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PLAYFAIR

THE NEXT GENERATION OF PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT

Playgrounds

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Taking place at Stoneleigh Park in June, PlayFair is the only outdoor event that is totally dedicated to those involved in the selection, purchase, upkeep and replacement of play equipment PlayFair is the UK’s trade event for all those involved in the selection, purchase, upkeep and replacement of children’s play equipment.

Taking place at Stoneleigh Park 21-22 June, it’s the only outdoor event that is totally dedicated to this important industry sector.

Run in conjunction with the Association of Play Industries (API), this is the fourth year the show has run. PlayFair is the only outdoor event dedicated to showing the latest play equipment being used by local school children, giving visitors a unique opportunity to see equipment in action.

SEMINARS The show also includes a series of free seminars designed to keep visitors from both the public and private sectors up to date with the latest thinking from industry experts and the demands

at physical activity levels, views on safety of playing outside and how children spend their free time through online surveys that used games to encourage participation.

THE FUTURE OF PLAY Dr Amanda Gummer will discuss the future of play and its impact on child development.

Paradoxically, enquiries into play and child development have shown the dangers of over-protecting our children. In her talk, Amanda looks at different types of play, discusses their role in child development and explains how they can be encouraged in today’s fast-paced, high tech world.

Keith Dalton, technical director, RPII will cover what is involved in inspecting your playground, why is it necessary, how often should you do it who should do it, and who and what is the RPII? All of these questions

PlayFair is the only outdoor event dedicated to showing the latest play equipment being used by local school children, giving visitors a unique opportunity to see equipment in action. affecting play spaces. This year the show’s keynote speaker is one of the UK’s greatest athletes, Sally Gunnell OBE, who is to give a speech about the benefits of play on the show’s opening day.

She will talk about her journey into sport as an active youth and of the vital link between play and healthy lifestyles for children. Sally said: “I’m very happy to step up and speak out in support of play. It is an important part of getting kids active and tackling the growing problem of child obesity in the UK.” EVENT SPEAKERS Sally will be joined by playground fundraiser and campaigner Emma Kane, who talks about the challenges she faced when planning and fundraising for a new playbuilder playground in her village and how she engaged the local community.

Pauline Foster BSc, MPhil will present her research ‘Health, Lifestyle & Play Amongst School Children’. The research, carried out since 2006, looked into exercise, play and recreational activity amongst 50,000 children and young people from over 300 schools across Gloucestershire. The study looked

are frequently asked and this presentation will help to provide the answers. In these difficult financial times it is important to make the best use of the resources available and this seminar will provide some insight into how to achieve the levels of safety required by the implementation of effective regimes in play provision.

Sally Gunnell OBE

WITH BALI This year, for the first time, PlayFair will be running alongside the national exhibition for the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI). The BALI 2011 Landscaping Show is designed to bring together the best producers of landscaping equipment, products and services with those responsible from both the public and private sectors for planning, designing and managing landscapes. Both events offer free parking and are free to attend for all landscape and play and leisure industry professionals. L FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 020 79734695 Fax: 020 72335054 r.baxter@hgluk.com www.playfairuk.com

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Landscaping & Groundscare

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

OPEN SPACES

THE GREAT OUTDOORS A new event for all landscape professionals aimed at bringing together the best in hard and soft landscaping will be launched in the summer of 2011 at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) has joined forces with professional event organisers Brintex, organisers of the PlayFair children’s play equipment exhibition, to launch a major new landscaping event for landscape architects and designers, contractors, specifiers and procurement professionals: BALI 2011 – The Landscaping Show.

KEY ELEMENTS The new annual event will run 21-22 June, at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire and has three key elements: an exhibition for suppliers to showcase their products and services to an exclusively professional audience; demonstration areas for machinery, product installations and landscaping skills; and a two-

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.6

day seminar programme with CPD-accredited sessions delivered by key industry speakers in the adjacent Warwick Conference Centre.

The decision to launch this new annual event was taken following consultation with BALI affiliate (supplier) members who felt there was a genuine need for a focused event for the professional landscape industry. A major objective of the event is to provide opportunities to increase visitors’ skills and knowledge base.

CO-LOCATED EVENT BALI 2011 – The Landscaping Show will run at the same time as PlayFair, now in its fourth year, which already attracts professionals who have an interest in outdoor landscaping and the parks and amenity

sector. The benefit of the two shows running concurrently has been acknowledged by both associations responsible for the shows.

John Croasdale, the chairman of the Association of Play Industries (API), which supports PlayFair, said of the two shows: “The Association of Play Industries is very pleased to learn that the British Association of Landscape Industries will be holding their national exhibition at the same time as PlayFair 2011. In the current economic climate this will give visitors the opportunity to visit two events which complement each other – giving them an even greater reason to make the journey to Stoneleigh Park.”

Paul Cowell, BALI’s national chairman, commented: “BALI has taken this step so that our members and all other show visitors can gain the most value from their representative bodies at a time when our industry needs as much cost efficiency as possible.”

Paul Cowell has also been busy E

E compiling a two-day programme of seminars that will attract professionals from all landscaping disciplines. Visitors will have free access to a wide programme of seminar sessions, giving them the opportunity to hear from industry figures presenting real life case studies and progress reports on a wide range of topics including internet marketing, pesticide use and law, planting green roofs, green infrastructure and carbon capture.

LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS What’s more, Bartlett Tree Expert will be running live demonstrations at the show. The demonstrations will provide an insight to managing existing trees either as part of new projects or within the management of existing landscapes.

Airspade decompaction works, soil fertility treatments and pest and disease management will all be shown along with diagnostic services from Barlett’s consultancy group, which will demonstrate how internal decay can be detected and highlight the help and support they can offer to those working on development site projects.

For up-to-date details of the exhibitors and seminar programme take a look at the show website. The event is free to attend for all landscape industry professionals. L FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Ray Baxter at Brintex 020 79734695 r.baxter@hgluk.com www.balishow.co.uk

Bartlett Tree Experts

Landscaping & Groundscare

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Exceptional Trees Deserve Exceptional Care

TREE & SHRUB PRUNING . PLANTING TREE REMOVAL . TREE STOCK SURVEYS WOODLAND MANAGEMENT HEALTH & SAFETY REPORTS DISEASE & INSECT CONTROL PEST & DISEASE RESEARCH DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES

PLEASE CALL 0845 6009000 EMAIL enquiry@bartlettuk.com VISIT www.bartlett.com

Bartlett – scientific tree care since 1907 The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company is one of the world leaders in arboricultural contracting, consulting, research as well as disease and pest control.

It was founded in 1907 and went international in 1994. The UK business has now expanded to 12 offices spread across Great Britain and Ireland. It is now the proud holder of the Royal Warrant for tree surgery to her Majesty the Queen and is an Arboricultural Association approved contractor.

We are committed to helping local residents and businesses maintain attractive and healthy trees and shrubs, our arborists are experts in diagnosing and treating tree and shrub related

problems specific to every region. With access to Bartlett resources and advanced scientific research facility, we can provide customers with treatments that are not available from other tree care service providers. No matter the size or scope of your tree or shrub needs, we want to work with you to protect your landscape investment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0845 6009000 enquiry@bartlettuk.com www.bartlett.com

Volume 18.6 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

57

Advertisers Index

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Architecture, space planning and strategic space management The practice has over 13 years experience working in-house for large public and private sector institutions across London and the South East.

We are equally at home preparing briefs, feasibilities and detailed proposals for any size of project, however large or small, and have the capability to manage complex, multi-sited property portfolios between 500 and 500,000 sq ft.

We pride ourselves in a professional and timely delivery of high quality information in a variety of formats to suit individual organisational technology platforms and communication methods.

Benefits to an organisation of this working model can be summarised across rapid response and refinement of proposals, on-call service delivery and economic, high quality delivery.

Professional and trade body

Vaults Fire and Security Ltd – first for access

affilliations include RIBA Chartered Practice Federation of Small Businesses Approved Contractor – Chelmer Housing Partnership and Chelmsford Approved Contractor – St Georges Community Housing, Basildon.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Glynn Williams Tel: 01245 222692 Fax: 01245 222692 Mobile: 07973 835067 glynn.williams@tesco.net www.glynnwilliams architects.com

Vaults Fire and Security Ltd is a family run company and an established provider of leading security solutions. Based in the Midlands, we specialise in protecting businesses and local authority premises nationwide.

To increase the security of your property, improve personal safety and reduce the fear of crime, we offer within our portfolio of products, a complete range of adaptable access control door entry systems. These include: • Key fob systems • Key pad (code) entry systems • Automated electronic gates • Magnetic door locks • Electronic door releases All of our access control systems provide one of the most efficient and convenient ways of protecting your building, whilst offering flexible control over users access rights. Access may also be restricted by time, only giving permission to particular users at certain times of the day or night.

Some of our products can also be

integrated into large computer based systems and will deliver reports on staff movements.

We are approved installers at the highest level, of Paxton Access systems, leaders in stand-alone and computerised access control.

Depending on your specific requirements, Vaults Security will provide a suitable system to meet your requirements or develop a bespoke, fully integrated solution to meet your access control needs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0121 354 5525 sales@vaultssecurity.co.uk www.vaultssecurity.co.uk

ADVERTISERS INDEX

The publishers accept no responsibility for errors or omissions in this free service 100% Renewables Apollo Fire Detectors Ashbourne Management Services Bartlett Tree Experts Botek Brittany Ferries Freight Daikin Direct Battery Solutions Dublcheck Cleaning East Malling Conference Centre Economy Tuning Ednam Property Services EMSc UK Farnborough International Farnham Castle Briefings Fired Up Garden Escapes Glynn Williams Architects Keavil House (Best Western) Leas Cliff Hall Theatre Leisure Industry Week Lloyds TSB Commercial Lowell Group Mac Tools Magnet Trade Monolith UK

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.6

41 2 52 57 45 48 38 48 33 24 50 29 36 22 24 40 54 58 18 18 IBC 34 8 33 40 42

NHBC NPS Property Consultants OKI Printing Solutions Perfect Portion Control Road Haulage Association Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre Shire Recoveries Social Firms UK Specsavers Stelrad Radiators The Gateway Centre The Monastery Manchester The Priory Rooms The Rezidor Hotel Group The Royal Terrace Hotel Travis Perkins TRW Automotive University of Stirling Vaults Fire & Security Vectaire Village Hotels VisitScotland Volt Master Systems Warwick Mill Business Village Wyndham Grand

40 42 10 52 50 20 48 31 OBC 40 26 22 26 14 18 38 46 19 58 41 16 12 48 24 26

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