Government Business Magazine issue 18.10

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 18.10

Business Information for Local and Central Government

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

EMERGENCY SERVICES

HR/TRAINING

STREET DESIGN Improving the quality of the public realm

HEALTH & SAFETY

A positive approach to good business management

BUILT ENVIRONMENT – Can insulation help meet carbon reduction targets?

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | Volume 18.10

Business Information for Local and Central Government

CoNFeReNCeS & eVeNTS

emeRGeNCY SeRVICeS

HR/TRAINING

STReeT DeSIGN Improving the quality of the public realm

HeAlTH & SAFeTY

A positive approach to good business management

BuIlT eNVIRoNmeNT – Can insulation help meet carbon reduction targets?

Comment

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

WELCOME Improving street quality can influence urban value, both social and economic. Public spaces that put people first can make citizens healthier, happier and more sociable. These are also the kind of spaces that communities are proud of and want to look after, something to consider in the wake of the summer riots, which destroyed so much for so many.

English Heritage has a long-standing interest in improving the quality of the public realm. On page 11 they explain how better quality public spaces in town and city centres lead to improved environments that encourage those visiting, living and working there to use and enjoy the area.

Liverpool continues to boom and the city’s conference venues offer some of the best fully functional and purpose built spaces for delegate meetings. For ideas and inspiration for your next event turn to page 47.

This year’s CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition will give HR and development professionals the opportunity to pick up new ideas, share experiences and return to their organisations with practical solutions. Find out more on page 21.

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:

Business Information for Local and Central Government

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, Michael Kennedy, Jane Fraser, David Morgan, Julie Watson, Wendy O’Brien PUBLISHER John O’Leary SALES ADMINISTRATION Jackie Carnochan, Martine Carnochan ADMINISTRATION Victoria Leftwich, Alicia Oates 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 18.10 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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DO YOU EVER FEEL LIKE... ...YOU’RE MISSING SOMETHING?

CONTENTS 07 NEWS

25 BUILT ENVIRONMENT

41 CONFERENCES & EVENTS

11 STREET DESIGN

Covering procurement, management, efficiency and onsite renewables, Energy Solutions Expo is the place to go for help to become more sustainable

Event buyers are now demanding a more ethical conference package, but how can they easily identify which venues are green? The Green Tourism Business Scheme explains

English Heritage discusses the benefits of having a well thoughtout and uncluttered street

14 SECURITY The British Security Industry Association explains how modern security technology can help cut utility costs, as well as improve safety

17 CORPORATE EYECARE We look at the findings and implications of research carried out into staff eyecare policies

19 MONEY MATTERS At Softworld you can meet up to 70 leading providers of solutions for accounting, finance, HR and payroll

21 HR/TRAINING What can HR and development professionals expect from the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition, 8-10 November in Manchester?

The Environmental Trade Show UK will showcase the best and brightest businesses and technologies

East Anglia is an inspiring region to hold an event and offers great value for money

If your organisation is looking to become more energy efficient, The Carbon Show is the event for you

Business tourism in the areas of Liverpool and Southport is booming thanks to top class venues and accommodation

Can insulation make a big difference to meeting UK carbon reduction targets? The National Insulation Association investigates

51 LANDSCAPING & GROUNDSCARE

The Public Property Summit will explore how public and private property professionals can work together to maximise public property assets

IOG Scotsturf has an unrivalled reputation for ideas and innovation in Scotland

53 FRANCHISING

35 HEALTH & SAFETY

Tom Endean, British Franchise Association, highlights some key steps for prospective franchisees

Health & Safety North offers visitors highquality seminars and the opportunity to view the latest products and services

55 EMERGENCY SERVICES

39 FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Total Workplace Management provides a range of innovation and education for the FM industry

Government Business

Contents

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

The Emergency Services Show and Conference 2011 is the key event for anyone involved in emergency planning, response or recovery

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk Volume 18.10 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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NEWS IN BRIEF

POLICING

New Act gives public more power to influence policing decisions The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill has received Royal Assent, meaning communities will have more input into policing decisions, giving them the power to elect police and crime commissioners.

Communities will now have a greater say in licensing decisions, with tougher powers for local authorities to restrict problem premises selling alcohol at night.

Police and crime commissioners (PCCs) will be elected in England and Wales in November next year and will represent all those who live and work in their area,

News

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New capacities for local people over National Parks

identifying their needs and setting priorities that meet those needs. They will also have the power to hold the chief constable to account and influence force budgets.

Policing minister, Nick Herbert, said: “The election of Police and crime commissioners in England and Wales in November next year will give local people a strong voice in how their communities are policed and provide a powerful boost to the fight against crime.”

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Local people will have more say in the running of National Parks in their areas, under new Big Society plans announced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Anyone who lives in the Lake District and North York Moors will now be eligible to take a parish seat on the National Park Authority, which were previously reserved for parish councillors.

Walsall libraries introduce self-service terminals Self-service terminals are to be installed at Walsall’s seven main libraries in a move to free up staff to spend more time with customers.

Terminals allowing people to check their own books in and out are being placed in Walsall Central Library, Aldridge, Bloxwich, Brownhills, Darlaston, Willenhall and the new Pelsall Library, which is currently under construction.

Welsh government gives £3m to social housing joint venture

HOUSING Social sector tenants to trial paying landlords direct Six demonstration projects are being set to allow housing benefit claimants to directly receive payments so they can pay rent to their landlords direct.

The change will come into force under Universal Credit from 2013 and is designed to help claimants make the transition to work and take responsibility for their own finances.

Minister for Welfare Reform Lord Freud said: “It is vital that we close the gulf between being out of work and having a job. And this means benefit claimants have to manage their own finances, including paying rent – so when they do find work it’s easier to leave the safety of the welfare system.”

Although the majority of claimants renting in the social sector will be responsible for making direct payments to their landlords, vulnerable people and pensioners will continue to have their housing costs paid direct to their landlord.

New emergency centres for Wales New state-of-the art emergency coordination centres that will manage the response to civil emergencies such as major floods have opened in Wales.

The Strategic Co-ordination Centres have been jointly-funded by the Welsh Government and the four police authorities. They will provide hi-tech facilities to ensure that emergency services and other partner agencies in Wales can respond promptly and effectively to any civil emergency.

The new centres create an infrastructure which will facilitate multi-agency planning, training and exercises whilst also providing a base to manage the response to emergencies.

The facilities will be interconnected and also link to the Emergency Coordination Centre (Wales) at the Welsh Government in Cardiff. This will establish a co-ordination network which can manage both the response to a local incident and to a wider, national emergency. The Welsh Government has contributed £10 million to the project.

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The Welsh Government has announced £3 million to help create a new venture that will see four of Wales’ social housing providers work together to meet the country’s housing demands. Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd and Coastal, Hendre and Seren groups have joined forces to create the Welsh Housing Partnership which aims to provide more affordable homes across north and south Wales. The Principality Building Society has also supported the Partnership with £12 million funding.

Gloucester council makes city hospital parking cheaper Great Western Road car park, near to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and Gloucester train station, has become the latest addition to Gloucester City Council’s car park stock and now offers all day parking for just £3. The move is part of the City Council’s ‘You Said, We Did’ campaign – responding to comments and suggestions from people who live, work and visit the city.

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News

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PUBLIC SERVICES

More young people in Staffordshire happier with council services following travel card launch Satisfaction with county council services has soared among young people in Staffordshire in the last three months, following the launch of the innovative Your Staffordshire travel card.

The number of 16-24 year olds saying they were satisfied with county council services rocketed from 48 per cent questioned in May to 70 per cent questioned in August 2011.

The increase coincided with the launch of the Your Staffordshire travel card, with over 20,000 already issued.

Ian Parry, deputy leader of the council said: “By any stretch of the imagination the increase in satisfaction levels among young people is remarkable. I believe this is down to the county council’s new emphasis on delivering affordable local services tailored to Staffordshire communities based on careful research.

“Finding out exactly what people think and want is more important than ever if we are to spend taxpayer’s money in the most cost-effective way. We want to concentrate on what directly makes a difference to people’s lives, and if these decisions are not based on research then they are little better than a stab in the dark.

“The launch of the Your Staffordshire Card was directly linked to research that showed access to public transport was a key priority

for young people. Without that knowledge we would not have launched the scheme.

But we now have real hard evidence that it is helping to making a difference.”

The Your Staffordshire Card gives people aged 11-20 access to bus travel for only £1 per journey starting in the county. Well over one-third of 16-yearolds in Staffordshire now have one.

The card was supported by Staffordshire’s Youth Action Kouncil (YAK), which is an elected group representing young people.

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RECYCLING UK’s first nappy recycling plant opens in the West Midlands Great Britain’s first-ever facility for recycling absorbent hygiene product (AHPs) such as nappies, feminine hygiene and adult incontinence products, has officially opened in West Bromwich.

The plant opened by Knowaste uses state-ofthe-art technology to recycle AHPs, sterilising and separating the materials to recover highly valuable plastic and fibre that can then be used for making new products, such as roof tiles or plastic components and fibre based construction and commercial tubes.

Roy Brown, CEO of Knowaste, said: “The site will have the capacity for handling about a fifth of the AHP waste stream – equating to a saving of 110,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions a year.”

ENERGY

Private landlords interested in government Green Deal for housing Two-thirds of private landlords would consider taking advantage of the government’s Green Deal scheme to improve energy efficiency in their properties, according to a survey by the National Landlords Association (NLA).

The survey came before the Energy Bill’s passage through the House of Commons. It would likely be available to property owners from October 2012.

Under the deal, loans would be offered to landlords for making energy efficiency improvements to their let properties, such as loft and wall insulation.

The loan would be repaid through a levy added to utility bills. The aim is for the work to deliver enough energy savings for tenants to repay the loans.

The NLA survey found 24 per cent of landlords would definitely take advantage of the Green

Maddy Rogers, YAK member said: “The Your Staffordshire Card has been a great initiative and young people have been very receptive towards it. It offers young people independence and the ability to access education, job and community services at a more economical price.

Staffordshire County Council’s support for this initiative has really made it happen.”

Deal, while a further 38 per cent would consider it. A further 21 per cent of landlords are unsure about the deal and 17 per cent say it has no appeal.

Landlords say the main reasons for considering the Green Deal would be to reduce energy consumption and bills for tenants, add value to the property and to become more eco friendly.

HOUSING

Over 1,000 affordable new homes for Kent by 2015 A four-year investment agreement between the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and The Town and Country Housing Group (TCHG) will see the development of 1,136 new affordable homes in Kent by 2015.

The HCA’s local teams have worked closely with Town and Country Housing Group over recent months to ensure that its programme brings the maximum benefit for local people. While some of the investment will directly support existing or known developments, such as 42 extra care homes in the Sherwood area of Tunbridge Wells, a large part is

indicative. The focus will now be on ensuring that people in Kent see the benefits of government investment over the next four years.

The agreement is as part of the HCA’s national Affordable Homes Programme, which is set to deliver 80,000 new affordable homes across England by 2015. It will significantly improve affordable housing provision in Kent, where average house prices have been recorded as being up to 14 times the average local salary.

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Volume 18.10 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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URBAN REGENERATION

QUALITY STREETS Removing unnecessary signs and clutter and thinking carefully about any additions to the street may seem common sense, but an informed look at England’s streets shows that most would benefit from such measures, writes the English Heritage Street quality is on the public agenda. A year ago, Eric Pickles challenged councils to get rid of unnecessary signs, railings and advertising hoardings. Government guidance makes clear that ‘less is more’ and that excessive signs and street clutter have a negative impact on the success of the street as a place. So how can local councils take steps to address this? And what can local communities do to help shape their environment?

English Heritage has a long-standing interest in improving the quality of the public realm.

Much attention is given to the maintenance and restoration of historic buildings, but if the view of the building is marred by a badly planned and maintained street then the efforts can be wasted.

Over the last ten years, there has been a revolution in thinking with the realisation that better quality public spaces in town and city centres lead to improved environments that encourage those visiting, living and working there to use and enjoy walking around the area. This also chimes in with both climate change and health debates. English Heritage has been a participant with this new thinking since 2000 with Streets for All, our wellreceived guidance manual on managing streets (www.english-heritage.org.uk/streetsforall).

FAR-REACHING BENEFITS The benefits of improving street quality are not just aesthetic. Keeping a street’s

Street Design

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individuality helps to create a sense of place, which in turn has community and regeneration benefits. Well designed, well ordered and well maintained streets are an expression of a confident and caring community. Chaotic and cluttered streets can be a symptom of a community in decline with low self-esteem. Consultation with estate agents showed that the state of the street and public space also has an effect on house prices and saleability, with the quality of highways and paving being a particular problem.

The principles advocated in Streets for All – such as removing unnecessary signs and clutter and thinking carefully about any additions to the street – may seem common sense, but an informed look at England’s streets shows that most would benefit from the application of some simple measures.

STREET FURNITURE Historic street furniture should be retained and kept in good repair. As well as adding interest and reinforcing local character, historic furniture such as bollards or mileposts can often tell a story about the local area. E

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Street Design

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URBAN REGENERATION E But the finest townscapes often have the minimum amount of street furniture.

In some streets, as much as 70 per cent of all street furniture is unnecessary. Street audits, carried out by conservation staff in conjunction with highways staff, can identify redundant or superfluous furniture.

Local community groups can also help, and can extend the survey to include a record of historic furniture and paving of merit. Dozens of such groups have responded to Civic Voice’s Street Pride campaign. Street audits can identify where signage can be minimised, or where signs can be fixed to existing posts or buildings to reduce the number of poles obstructing the pavement. A simple audit form is available on the English Heritage website www.english-heritage.org.uk/saveourstreets The Buxton case study demonstrates how a local authority has been involving communities in deciding how to improve their town’s appearance at a strategy level.

QUESTIONING THE NORM Much of the progress made in the public realm has been possible because of the growing support to those who question the traditional, traffic-focused approach to street design.

The ‘place-making’ agenda has been helped by the exemplary examples of a small – but increasing – number of forward-thinking authorities who have been prepared to push the boundaries of conventional practice.

Strong leadership and understanding of the key principles has been shown to be a vital component of successful streets, providing the momentum to drive things forward and question any barriers presented. For example, the much lauded redesign of Kensington High Street would not have taken place without the leadership and personal drive of one of the local authority’s members.

Improving the quality of our streets can not only enhance the surroundings, it links to a range of other objectives, from regeneration to promoting walking and cycling. Effective action will involve a range of bodies: local authorities, utility companies, statutory undertakers, the Highways Agency and, of course, local communities themselves. Partnerships need to be established between planning and highway experts, to share understanding and build consensus of what is achievable and what works. This will require persistence, an appreciation of the wider benefits, and a strong leader to take personal responsibility for enhancing the quality of England’s streets.

But evidence from a few places shows that the results will be worth the effort.

CASE STUDY: KENSINGTON HIGH STREET Completed in 2003, the revamp of Kensington High Street set the standard for others to follow. The design objectives were to redress the balance from vehicles to pedestrians, and create a coherent, legible and more accessible street. Nearly a decade on, the

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.10

street is a testament to the thoughtful design and quality materials used.

This landmark design would not have happened without the leadership of Daniel Moylen, then deputy leader of Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. By questioning traditional traffic-led design, he refocused attention on pedestrian users of the street.

To declutter the street, every item was scrutinised and its use put to the test by asking “is it needed?” Those judged necessary were carefully sited to minimise the impact on the footway, for example by lining them up at the front of the wide footway.

Crossing the wide street was looked at from the pedestrian perspective. Wherever possible, guardrails were removed and crossings made single stage, avoiding the cramped ‘cattle pens’ required for two stage crossings.

Where such crossings were unavoidable, the central refuge was carefully designed without guardrails. The decision to adopt this design was taken by the full council, thus taking liability off the officers. Guardrails have been installed where there is a clear need, such as outside the underground station.

The quality of the design and construction

and the relationship between buildings and streets, squares, parks and other spaces that make up the public realm.” Priorities that emerged from the local community include: • Character: Reinforce the distinct identity of the town centre • A quality public realm: Create public spaces that are safe, comfortable, well maintained, welcoming and accessible to everyone • Ease of movement: Make the town centre easy to get to and move around in, particularly for pedestrians. Create a town centre that both residents and visitors can understand and find their way around • Adaptability & diversity: Create a town centre that can adapt to change and with variety and choice.

CIVIC VOICE PROMOTES STREET PRIDE Civic Voice – the national charity for the civic movement – is spearheading a campaign to tackle street clutter. With English Heritage’s support its Street Pride campaign has helped dozens of civic societies and other local community groups take action. Groups are provided with a specially prepared street survey to identify clutter and learn from

Well designed, well ordered and well maintained streets are an expression of a confident and caring community. Chaotic and cluttered streets can be a symptom of a community in decline with low self-esteem. of the footways is refreshing. The brushed stainless steel street furniture is shamelessly modern, and shows how one column design can be used for highway and footway lighting and traffic signals.

The central reservation has been used to install a large array of cycle racks, broken up by the planting of semi-mature trees.

CASE STUDY: BUXTON A demonstration of the importance a local community attaches to the public realm can be found at Buxton, a town characterised by its Georgian and Victorian spa town architecture. It has been regenerated over the last 20 years with assistance from English Heritage.

The local community was heavily involved in the development of a Design and Place Making Strategy. This will be used to inform developers about Buxton’s special qualities and how to protect and enhance them. The urban design consultants, Gillespies, used an ‘enquiry by design’ approach to facilitate a series of workshops, which led to an overall vision for Buxton and a set of design principles to make the vision happen. The Strategy concludes that: ‘Urban design is not just about the design of buildings. It is also the complex inter-relationship between different buildings

workshops and each other about how best to influence their local council.

Civic Voice has backed this up with informative leaflets on poles, signs, guard rails and bollards. Its campaign has been praised by government ministers as an example of the Big Society in action, and communities minister Andrew Stunnell MP has joined Marple Civic Society in a street survey of his constituency.

Civic Voice is also lobbying government to give communities more rights to require action to tackle clutter in their area. It has raised the media profile with coverage on national and local radio and television increasing awareness of the problem and triggering more local action. Its latest campaign highlights the financial cost of street clutter as well as its visual impact and shows how better streets can cost less too. The combination of local and national action by volunteers who care passionately about their area and know it best is starting to have visible results. L FOR MORE INFORMATION www.civicvoice.org.uk/ campaigns/street-pride www.english-heritage.org. uk/saveourstreets

DON’T LET YOUR PRIVATE DATA GO PUBLIC. The BlackBerry® Enterprise Solution is the only mobile data solution that’s approved by CESG to handle RESTRICTED data*.

It not only gives central government employees access to emails, but also to the core back-office systems at the point of need – ultimately allowing them to provide more help to more members of the public. All in the knowledge that any data they view or send is secure*.

To find out more about how BlackBerry® could achieve efficiencies and improve services to the public, email publicsector@rim.com or visit blackberry.co.uk/governmentsecurity

The only mobile data solution approved by CESG *Approved versions only, when configured and used in accordance with CESG Security Procedures. Security assured to IL3. Contact enquiries@cesg.gsi.gov.uk or visit cesg.gov.uk for further information. ©2011 Research In Motion Limited. All rights reserved. BlackBerry®, RIM®, Research in Motion® and related trademarks, names and logos are the property of Research In Motion Limited and are registered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around the world. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Security

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SECURITY SYSTEMS

SECURITY WITH ADDED BENEFITS As budget cuts take affect and public sector organisations aim to reduce spending, Amanda Beesley from the British Security Industry Association, explains how modern security technology can help cut utility costs, as well as improve safety

With many public sector buildings operating well into the evening, hosting out-of-hours clubs, societies and meetings as well as 24hour services, premises are often left open and vulnerable for long periods of time, with many after-hours visitors coming from the wider town or county community. The absence of reception staff at these times often means that unwanted or unauthorised visitors are able to come and go as they please, placing both buildings and valuable equipment at risk.

In addition to this, the use of such buildings for longer periods of time can lead to rocketing utility bills, something that most institutions will want to minimise in these periods of economic uncertainty and reduced budgets.

At the same time, being able to demonstrate

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.10

the flow of authorised personnel around the premises while playing a vital role in health and safety and visitor registration.

Now, access control and visitor monitoring systems can also be utilised as part of intelligent solutions that work alongside Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) to help public sector organisations save money on their energy and heating bills.

A BEMS can typically control up to 80 per cent of a building’s energy usage, so it’s clear to see how using access control to optimise the system to suit the variable usage and occupation of a building can streamline energy usage.

In such systems, data gathered by access control and visitor monitoring systems is used to inform the BEMS of the nature and function of the people occupying a heating zone. Knowing what roles are being fulfilled by individuals operating within a heating zone also allows the BEMS to make adjustments and lower the amount of fuel consumed. This information is applied by the BEMS to heat-loss algorithms to determine the minimum amount of heat to be applied to a particular area, reducing the amount of energy consumed and avoiding unnecessary wastage. For example, a small group of employees performing largely sedentary activities will require more heating than a large group of manual workers conducting more physical activity in a relatively small area.

environmental credentials is an important priority for any public sector organisation wishing to demonstrate corporate social responsibility to its constituents.

Recent developments in technology within the security industry can help deal with all of these concerns with a single solution. In fact, many public sector organisations often fail to realise the crucial role that their security provider can play, not only in reducing the risk from theft and vandalism, but also in helping to drive energy costs down while addressing environmental concerns.

PATTERNS OF BEHAVIOUR Identifying patterns in visitor behaviour can stop the unnecessary heating of unoccupied zones, saving fuel and reducing CO2 emissions. This works intelligently, using past data to assess when a certain area of the building is likely to be occupied, activating heating in time for visitors’ arrival and reducing temperature or turning off the heating entirely during periods of inactivity. This can be particularly useful for public buildings, where operations and activities adhere to a regular schedule which is easily ‘learned’ by the BEMS to assess the timing and level of heating required to adjust the systems accordingly.

In addition to integration with BEMS, access control systems can also be integrated with other essential security measures including intrusion detection, video surveillance and CCTV analytics. Traditionally, these systems are set up separately with their own hardware, software, installation, oversight, service, maintenance, administration and training. However, with budgets in the public sector tighter than ever, an integrated system will enable organisations to save money and ease the burden of administration through reduced supplier liaison.

BUILDING ENERGY MANAGEMENT Access control has long held a valued place within the public sector, helping to monitor

CASE STUDY A real-life example of successful integration of security systems in the public sector E

E occurred when a BSIA member was chosen to deliver an integrated security solution to West Lothian Civic Centre, a £53 million complex for all public service provision in and around Livingston, Scotland.

The civic centre is home to the police, council, Crown Office, Fire and Rescue Service, Community Health and Care Partnership, Sheriff and Justice of the Peace Courts as well as the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration Service.

Consequently, a system combining high security with ease of access was required.

The civic centre selected the BSIA member to develop a solution that met the diverse needs of the 1,000 employees who would be working together under one roof. Employees and visitors needed the freedom to move around the complex easily and safely in close proximity to secure areas designed for court and police custodies. As a result, the BSIA member provided a remote access control system consisting of 240 doors, barriers and entry points and 170 CCTV cameras, which monitor all buildings, car parks and perimeters.

A video intercom and intruder alarm system was installed along with a fire alarm system with 1,000 smoke alarms across the complex.

INTEGRATED SYSTEMS In a separate example, a BSIA member worked with the UK government communications

headquarters during its relocation to new premises. The new site had been under development for a number of years under the government’s Private Finance Initiative (PFI) and would involve a large-scale integrated electronic security project on a site greater than that of the former Wembley stadium.

The security solution is a fully featured, cost effective access control and security management system, providing the required network capabilities for an installation of this size. The system is a scaleable enterprise system, capable of coping with unlimited cardholders and configurations.

The system includes instantaneous CCTV coverage; door alarms and ‘event to action’ alarms which utilise on-screen mapping; and centrally controlled software providing a user-friendly interface making lost, stolen or unauthorised cards immediately identifiable. By integrating a number of security functions in this way, public sector organisations are able to streamline their operations and save money by reducing the number of suppliers that they deal with.

THE BENEFIT OF CONSULTANCY When considering an integrated security solution that brings together multiple systems and functionalities, expert impartial advice can be of great benefit. Using a security consultancy from the outset can help

Security

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organisations avoid rogue suppliers, saving both time and money. Working independently, security consultancies act as a guide to the many products and services on the market and provide unbiased recommendations based on an assessment of the individual requirements of their clients. Acting as an extension to your workforce, security consultants bring expertise and experience to assist businesses within the public sector. Their support is provided only when their services are needed, meaning that there’s no need for a long-term financial commitment. Conversely, while it may appear cheaper initially, sourcing security without independent advice can cost significantly more in the long-term, a factor worth considering when planning any future investment.

With many public sector organisations experiencing variable occupation within their buildings and operating across larger and more diverse campus areas, using intelligent access control and visitor management systems to regulate energy consumption and streamline operations is the logical next step to cutting costs and reducing environmental impact. L FOR MORE INFORMATION To find out more about access control, visit www.bsia.co.uk/accesscontrol To locate your nearest BSIA member, visit www.bsia.co.uk/companyfinder

COUNTER TERROR EXPO 25 – 26 April 20I2 Olympia London www.counterterrorexpo.com

Counter Terror Expo delivers both focus and clarity to the complex and multifaceted task of protecting people and assets from those with the intent to do harm.

This critically acclaimed event provides a vital forum for debate and plays a key role at the epicentre of the development of future counter-terrorism strategy.

Unique, dedicated exhibition showcasing counter terrorism and specialist security technologies High level conference with leading international speakers Free-to-attend technology and practical workshops

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Live product capability demonstrations Meet the buyer programme Networking functions For more information please contact: Nicola Greenaway t: + 44 (0) 208 542 9090 e: nicola.greenaway@clarionevents.com w: www.counterterrorexpo.com

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Discover new technology, new legislation and new ways of working • Everything you need to find the right solution for your business • Meet the leading suppliers face to face • Get impartial advice from industry experts • Make a fully informed decision • Visit Softworld

Register for your FREE exhibition ticket at www.softworld.co.uk/gb

In partnership with

HEALTH AND SAFETY

KEEPING AN EYE ON WORKPLACE EYECARE POLICIES Jim Lythgow from Specsavers Corporate Eyecare, explains the findings and implications of research carried out among public sector organisations into eyecare policies for employees

Strict health and safety regulations apply to all employers, both in the public and private sectors, covering caring for the eyesight of all staff. Specsavers Corporate Eyecare has undertaken comprehensive research into the eyecare policies implemented by organisations across the public sector. The research represents policies and regulatory interpretations affecting up to 130,000 employees.

NON COMPLIANCE With Display Screen Equipment (or VDUs) in widespread use across all industries, the 1992 Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) regulations (amended in 2002) apply to virtually all staff. In fact, all respondents said that at least some their staff use VDUs in the course of their work and over three quarters of respondents (76 per cent) said VDUs are used by more than half of their staff.

Yet, not one of the organisations responding to the research stated that they wholly fund VDU eyecare for the relevant staff. This is a staggering failure to comply with the health and safety regulations which stipulate that any member of staff using a VDU is entitled to an eyetest and glasses, if required for VDU

use, both wholly funded by the organisation.

Over a quarter (28 per cent) of organisations are not making use of vouchers to administer eyecare (compared to 43 per cent in the private sector). Voucher schemes are arguably the most admin-friendly and cost-effective eyecare solution available. 62 per cent of public sector organisations leave the choice of optometrist up to the individual member of staff and 72 per cent either allow staff to claim back any eyecare on expenses or have no formal system in place at all (compared to 53 per cent in the private sector). This could prove very expensive as costs for optometrists can vary hugely. This lack of defined policy can also lead to a loss of control over quality and consistency of service and care.

Nearly half of respondents (47 per cent) would expect to pay more than £50 for an eye examination and glasses required for VDU use and 14 per cent would expect to pay more than £100. This shows the vast overspend that could be made through lack of investigation into eyecare providers or through the organisation not specifying its own optometrist. Both the eyetest and glasses for VDU use can actually be provided for less than £20, as realised

by just 24 per cent of respondents.

The survey revealed that over two thirds (67 per cent) of public sector employers only review their eyecare provider every five years or less. Organisations could well be missing out on cost-effective deals for employers or on technological advances: digital retinal cameras are now available at leading optometrists and can make eyecare benefits a much bigger part of overall healthcare by enabling the detection of lifethreatening illnesses and medical conditions.

Corporate Eyecare

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

VALUE OF EYECARE AS A BENEFIT The value placed upon eyecare benefits by staff is high: 10 per cent of respondents believe their staff see eyecare as the most valued benefit or more valued than other benefits. Nearly half (48 per cent) of employers believe their staff value eyecare equally, if not more than other benefits. The results are especially impressive considering that this is also comparing eyecare with financial benefits.

The intranet has become a favourite tool for communicating benefits. Over three quarters (76 per cent) of organisations in the public sector now use their intranet as a method of conveying their eyecare policy (compared to just 47 per cent in the private sector). Despite the well known importance of communication of benefits, five per cent of organisations still have no formal method for communicating their eyecare policy to their staff.

The results are surprising given the sheer size of many public sector organisations.

The survey shows that a third (33 per cent) of public sector respondents have over 10,000 employees within their organisation. This compares to just 16 per cent of private sector organisations with this level of staffing. Having an eyecare policy in place and a formal method of communication would therefore seem more important still within the public sector.

It is essential that organisations should not only have an eyecare policy in place but also that they ensure that staff are aware of their entitlement. This is actually a stipulation under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) regulations and is vital in ensuring the proper care of staff and the careful management of related budgets.

REWARDS The DSE eyecare regulations affect such large numbers of staff within the public sector, making it vital that correct procedures and policies are in place. Investing a little time in exploring the options for eyecare benefits can have positive rewards for employees, in terms of the care they receive, and for organisations, in terms of budgetary savings.

Specsavers Corporate Eyecare has written a guide explaining the full details of the Display Screen Equipment Regulations, which is available by e-mailing corporateeyecare@uk.specsavers.com L

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Recently appointed to the HM Revenue & Customs framework agreement for the recovery of tax debt With nearly 40 years of successfully collecting debt for some of the UK’s largest organisations, CCSG are well respected throughout the industry for our excellent approach and results in the following areas of debt collection: • Consumer, SME & Commercial Collections • Pre–Due/Credit Control Calling • Trace • Field Agent Collections • Legal Services While debt collection remains the core of our business CCSG also provides these additional services: • Client Branded Calling Campaigns • Collection and Cross Selling Calls • Query Resolution Calls • Direct Debit/Payment Plan Conversion Calls • Establishing Root Cause Analysis (Queries) Calls • Absorbing Overflow Of Inbound Calls As Required • Financial Year End Calls

What our clients say:“I have found CCSG very easy to work with and their approach to collections is of a very high standard, leading to a fantastic working relationship between our organisations “ – major UK telecoms and broadband provider “CCSG has been supplying revenue management support for 10 years. During this time they have performed on a number of different debt types. They have recently been awarded a new contract following a tender for the provision of Final Debt Services. At each stage of the tender process they met the qualifying standards which resulted in the contract being awarded” – major UK Utility provider

CCSG – A quality company that delivers a quality service.

Outstanding accounts?

Deciding on the best way forward?

Contact the specialists: 01527 879000 or call David Newman (Head of Sales) 07894 930599 / 01527 879000 Web: www.ccsg.uk.com E-mail: sales@ccsg.uk.com

PCI DSS Compliant

EVENT PREVIEW

SYSTEM SELECTION MADE SIMPLE AT SOFTWORLD

Money Matters

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Softworld is celebrating 20 years of exhibitions when it returns to ExCeL, London on 18 and 19 October Established in 1991, Softworld has evolved with the business application software industry and it remains the UK’s largest and best established event of its kind. The event comprises two exhibitions running side by side: Softworld HR and Payroll Solutions, and Softworld Accounting and Finance Solutions.

Essentially these shows deliver practical advice and support to those who are looking for new software or services, designed to increase productivity and drive down costs across the HR, payroll, finance and accounting functions.

The autumn 2011 line up includes an all new four-stream educational programme, the introduction of a feature area dedicated to the cloud, The Cloud Lounge, plus an exhibitor Start-up Zone where a range of new companies will showcase their cutting edge solutions.

A HEALTHY AND CREATIVE APPROACH The comprehensive programme will be presented by credible guest speakers from wellknown companies and organisations including Adidas, Cancer Research and HMRC. Let’s take a look at some topics of particular interest.

A key session called ‘Achieving payroll and HR integration: Using HR software to build lasting connections with everyone in your organisation’ on day one of the exhibition will be presented by Richard Vince, ESC development and control manager at Kent County Council. Richard will explain why engaging employees has never been more critical. He will discuss why it is time to rethink the way we deliver and deploy business applications to serve the needs of our people and our business leaders, against a background of HR professionals being offered unprecedented, easy-to-access tools for rich collaboration and information sharing. He will also discuss how payroll can work as an HR tool. This session will offer a best practice guide on how a business can use HR software to help manage employee engagement.

In the Legislation Classroom, Phil Nilson, of the Business Education and Support Team at HMRC, will present a session called ‘NEST, Workplace Pension Reform and the 2012 Duties’. During his presentation Phil will discuss the massive changes which are coming into force regarding every employee’s pension and in the UK. What are the changes, who do they impact and what is NEST? He will also explain why “doing nothing” is not an option. This session covers the legislative

requirements employers will have to comply with including the changes being proposed by the coalition government. Another session that promises to be popular with visitors is ‘Analysing the impact of real time information’ also presented by Phil on the Softworld Stage.

Dedicated sessions about system selection held on the Solutions Stage, will be presented

by Denis Barnard of HRcomparison Ltd and Ken Gurr, education director for The Learn Centre. Ken explains: “Keeping good employees means much more than paying them well and on time. Employees are increasingly looking for benefit packages which will enable them to change with their lifestyle. Meanwhile employers are facing pressures to keep costs down. The pressing issue is to meet both criteria without falling foul of ever-changing legislation.”

Denis outlines what in his view are the most pressing issues currently affecting the sector: “Real-time reporting is the Sword of Damocles hanging over the heads of both software houses and their clients, as it is a fundamental shift in the whole approach.

Auto-enrolment into pensions schemes will also have an impact. When it comes to flexible benefits, anecdotal evidence has indicated that the cost of setting up and running these schemes exceeds the employer’s National Insurance gains. This is an area that needs to be examined closely.”

INFORMATION RICH Softworld exhibiting companies will play a key role in delivering a range of information rich sources such as case studies, product demonstrations and face to face discussions.

Stuart Allsopp, chief technology officer for exhibiting company Access, comments on how his company is addressing issues facing the pay and benefits sector: “The main challenge is ongoing legislation changes around tax and pensions. HMRC now needs information on a monthly basis to allow them to track people more efficiently and ensure that people are paying the right tax. The onus is on software developers to provide a product that makes the process as simple as possible for those running the payroll.

“There are also changes from the DWP to pensions, where it’s compulsory for people to pay into pension schemes unless they opt out. Our HR and payroll software will have to manage this.

“Access is a member of BSC and BASDA and we sit on various working

committees so we can help shape the future development of payroll software.”

Access is also celebrating its 20th year in the business in 2011, marking the occasion by taking a look back at the many changes and developments which have taken place during that time.

Another exhibiting company Bond Teamspirit, a division of Bond International Software (UK) Limited, is a leading provider of modular and fully integrated HR, payroll and time and attendance software. The company will promote solutions it says other off-the-shelf HR and payroll software applications can’t quite meet. At Softworld, the company will be demonstrating its full range of software, together with its latest developments – two factor authentication and project/job costing.

Sage HR and Payroll has selected Softworld to launch its new systems. ePayslips is a web based solution that removes the necessity to provide employees with a physical payslip.

This software allows payslips to be viewed online, using any web browser. The other solution is On-line Expense Management, their award winning web-based expenses software solution that has been designed to simplify the processing of expense claims while providing businesses with a high and rapid return on investment.

Access Select, Bond Team Spirit and Sage HR and Payroll are among a comprehensive exhibitor line up that also includes Advanced Business Solutions, Carval, Cascade, CIPP, Epaccsys, Frontier Software, Intelligo, Intuit QuickBooks, IRIS Exchequer, NorthgateArinso, Safe Computing and SoftComparison.

ADMISSION Registering in advance entitles visitors to free fast track entry saving time on the day. To register in advance and see all the sessions featured in the educational programme please visit the website. L FOR FURTHER INFORMATION www.softworld.co.uk Follow Softworld on Twitter: http://twitter.com/softworld Please use the hashtag #Softworld when tweeting about the show.

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BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Being a best company goes Brathay – inspiring people beyond the bottom line and supporting success Being a Best Company goes beyond the bottom line; it’s about an organisation’s commitment to its most important asset – its workforce.

As the name behind The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For lists, Best Companies conduct the largest workplace engagement survey in the world having surveyed over 1.5 million employees from thousands of organisations across the UK. Measuring the practical drivers behind workplace engagement, we strive to help organisations to create a workplace where employees “do it because they want to, not because they have to”.

Research has proven that workplace engagement directly affects customer experience, staff recruitment, retention, productivity and absenteeism; this project enables organisations to measure and improve their levels of engagement.

During the last decade we have been fortunate enough to work and celebrate successes with many household names, giving

participating organisations the opportunity to access some of the best and most exclusive benchmarking data available in the UK. Based solely on employee feedback, Best Companies Accreditation can award organisations with up to three stars to recognise the standard they have reached in workplace engagement.

Discover what your employees say it’s like to work for your organisation – after all they know better than anyone.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01978 856222 Fax: 01978 855900 www.bestcompanies.co.uk

Brathay helps organisations succeed through the development of its people. Our approach is shaped by our belief that everyone can make a positive contribution which benefits and inspires those around them. We deliver benefits that go beyond simple business performance improvements. We do this by understanding your business as a whole and listening to what you need. We can adapt to meet the emerging needs of any organisation and we design solutions which enable intellectual, emotional and professional growth.

Responding to the unique needs of each participant we develop: Leadership, Apprentices, Children’s Workforce, Graduates and Corporate Partnerships and through our programmes help organisations engage leaders and teams, retain their top talent and energise their personnel.

All our work is underpinned by

evaluation ensuring measurable success for sustainable growth.

In austere times our programmes help you to maximise your return on investment.

Located in the heart of the Lake District and surrounded by magnificent scenery, we are just minutes from the beautiful Lakeland village of Ambleside, 15 minutes from the National Rail station at Windermere, and an easy 25 minute drive from the M6.

FOR MORE INFORMATION linda.stone@brathay.org.uk www.brathay.org.uk

Are you ready to see if you’re the best?

Brathay Trust Supporting success and inspiring people for 65 years To find out how visit us at THE 2012 PROCESS IS NOW OPEN To find out what your employees say it’s like to work for your organisation, call 01978 856222 or register online

www.bestcompanies.co.uk

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stand number 5041

www.brathay.org.uk

PERSONNEL DEVELOPMENT

A FRESH LOOK AT HR AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT

The CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition will give HR and development professionals the opportunity to pick up new ideas, share experiences and return to work with practical solutions

Sir Terry Leahy, former Tesco chief executive, will be sharing his own personal leadership philosophy in the opening keynote address at this year’s CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition.

Taking place in Manchester on 8-10 November 2011, this major three-day event will give HR and development professionals the opportunity to pick up new ideas, share experiences and return to their organisations with practical solutions.

The 2011 conference theme, ‘New business realities, fresh HR perspectives’, reflects the changing landscape and the challenges that people management and development practitioners in the public and private sector are facing within this environment.

Four new conference streams cover ‘Creating high performing organisations’, ‘Building HR capability’, ‘Future-fit for business’ and ‘Models for progressive leadership’, with 59 seminars presented in a range of formats including keynote sessions, masterclasses, interactive workshops, panel discussions and case studies.

A panel discussion on ‘Creating a culture of innovation through your people’ will be the keynote session on the second

day of the conference. Panel speakers will include Vance Kearney, HR director at EMEA Oracle and Samantha Austin-May, head of HR operations and development at the European Space Observatory.

In the closing keynote, best-selling author and global business consultant Marcus Buckingham will share his strengths-focused approach to management and present cuttingedge techniques from his new book Standout.

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT The issue of employee engagement is among the topical concerns featured on the programme. For example, Lisa Sibley, employee engagement manager at Essex County Council and Russell Cobb, vice-president, Human Resources, Coca-Cola will speak about the role of the line manager in building and sustaining employee engagement.

Employee engagement is also a feature of a masterclass presentation on developing highperforming teams, presented by Vice Admiral Charles Montgomery, Commander-in-Chief, Naval Home Command, The Royal Navy.

Sessions on looking beyond the default retirement age, managing change successfully and driving down the cost

HR/Training

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

of absence are among the themes that reflect issues facing HR professionals in both the public and private sector.

As CIPD chief executive Jackie Orme comments in her conference programme introduction: “The programme focuses on ensuring HR has a pivotal role in delivering the insight necessary to innovate and drive our organisations forward. This year’s agenda has been designed to help you and your organisation navigate today’s choppy waters, and be fit for the future.”

BUSINESS SAVVY The conference also offers an opportunity to update delegates on the CIPD’s own research projects and activities. For example, Claire McCartney, CIPD adviser, resourcing and talent planning will be sharing details of the institute’s latest work in a seminar looking at organisational performance and trust. Through its Next Generation HR programme the CIPD has been exploring the future shape of the profession. The CIPD will also take a panel discussion called ‘Giving HR the business edge: how HR can drive impact and influence’, drawing on the CIPD’s new work exploring what it means to be ‘business savvy’.

John McGurk, institute adviser on learning and talent development will be joined on the panel by Ed Griffin, strategic consultant, and HR heads John Kempton of the Institute of Cancer Research and Tim Douglas of CSM. The flexibility of this year’s conference gives delegates the chance to tailor their visit, attending one, two or all three days. One or two day tickets can be split over the three days and new keynote-only tickets are also available.

As well as attending seminars, conference delegates have the chance to meet up with fellow professionals and exchange ideas. This year’s conference features a series of networking opportunities so that delegates can more easily share experience and learn from each other.

EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS Leading providers of HR and products and services will be showcasing their latest developments, in a major exhibition running alongside the conference in the Manchester Central Hall. It features a comprehensive array of solutions under one roof, giving conference delegates and exhibition visitors the opportunity to benchmark suppliers, test out new products and services and get tips and advice.

As well as on-stand activities, product previews and one-to-one discussions between practitioners and service providers, a free programme of showcases provides a further opportunity to pick up on many of the topics high on the HR and development agenda.

An Exhibitor Exchange will feature over 25 half-hour presentations over the three days of the show, providing ideas to improve E

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PERSONNEL DEVELOPMENT

This year a series of new specialist hubs within the exhibition hall will also enable visitors to home in on latest developments in the areas of recruitment and talent management, employee benefits and HR software.

E organisational performance. The benefits of modern apprenticeships, support HR managers through a change programme and how to make employee appraisals more effective are among the diverse range of topics that will be explored.

A new Skills Shop will have bite-sized sessions showing how you can update your skills and those of your team, including advice on how to coach and how to communicate effectively. The Skills Shop will also feature presentations that show how the CIPD can support HR practitioners in their professional and personal development.

This year a series of new specialist hubs within the exhibition hall will also enable visitors to home in on latest developments in the areas of recruitment and talent management, employee benefits and HR software.

While the exhibition is designed to

provide plenty of innovative and costeffective solutions that visitors can take back to their own organisations, the various networking opportunities also give suppliers valuable insights into the key challenges facing HR professionals in the current organisational climate and beyond.

ACE INTERACTIVE Technology is playing its part in enabling event participants to expand their networking opportunities and engage in further discussion and debate. The CIPD’s online social networking experience, ACE Interactive, enables people to join in conference and exhibition-related discussion, become a member of the CIPD’s Linked In and Facebook groups or comment on Twitter via a dedicated #CIPD11 hashtag.

ACE Interactive will continue during the event, with a dedicated area in the exhibition

Fully integrated HR and payroll solutions from Frontier Software Frontier Software has been a leading provider of integrated HR and payroll solutions to organisations in the UK and worldwide since 1983.

Over 1,400 clients in 13 countries rely on the easy to use and versatile products that meet the ever changing needs of HR and payroll management. Frontier Software has a strong presence in the local government sector with many local authorities, schools and colleges using chris21, the comprehensive human resource integrated solution.

Visit stand number 6020 to

see EPM21, Frontier Software’s new e-Performance module.

EPM21 enables the automation of performance management processes. Users can identify objectives and establish necessary KPIs to monitor, measure and maximise staff performance. EPM21 will build an unlimited history that can be audited, enquired and reported on with ease.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0845 3703210 sales@frontiersoftware.com www.frontiersoftware.com

HR/Training

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Opening times Tuesday 8 November: 09 00-17 00 Wednesday 9 November: 09 00-17 00 Thursday 10 November: 09 00 – 16 00 hall where delegates and visitors can continue their networking and join in a free programme of activities over the three days of the show. It features lively, interactive sessions including speed networking, an HR career surgery, how to understand and make the most of blogging and Twitter and open discussion sessions on themes such as leadership, culture and e-learning trends.

Visitors can pre-register for a free exhibition ticket online at www.cipd.co.uk/ace/prereg Visitors will receive a fast-track entry badge, a newsletter and vouchers featuring event-only competitions and offers, as well as a free show guide at the event. L FOR MORE INFORMATION For further information on the exhibition, including exhibitor details and news, visit www.cipd.co.uk/ace/exhibition

When did work really motivate you?

Now think about what contributed to that – where were you? Who was involved and how did they behave? Did any systems add to the experience? This is an example of a ‘Discovery’ question in a powerful process called Appreciative Inquiry (AI).

We assist organisations to use AI to engage with the workforce and other stakeholders in order to discover what is working and why. This good practice is then used as the building block for designing improvement plans or feeding into PR campaigns.

Other parts of the process involve describing an ideal future for the group or organisation. All these conversations are based on a topic choice, an area of the business that needs addressing such as customer service, equality and diversity, or systems improvement.

AI works because it engages and motivates people and avoids a blame culture. Problems are addressed, but within a positive framework. People

take ownership of difficult issues because they have contributed to the solutions.

We have used AI successfully within central and local government. We have also written publications and facilitated workshops for senior managers within the public sector.

All our training is ILM approved, possibly the only AI courses in the UK that provide this.

Feel free to contact us to find out more with no obligation.

Alternatively visit our website to find out who we are and what we can offer.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact: Roger Rowett Tel: 01824 790892 Mob: 07811 956848 www.taith.co.uk info@taith.co.uk

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Built Environment

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

EVENT PREVIEW

THE ENERGY MANAGEMENT AND PROCUREMENT EVENT Incorporating energy management, procurement, energy efficiency and onsite renewables, Energy Solutions Expo attracts energy users looking to source advice and become more sustainable In a time of austerity, the spotlight continues to shine firmly on local government to create significant cost efficiencies across the board. Cutting costs, combined with the government’s pledge to reduce UK carbon emissions by 20 per cent by 2020, means that reducing energy consumption should sit at the top of every local authority’s agenda.

However, with the government’s Energy Bill currently on hold, initially expected to be debated before parliament’s summer break, there is now added uncertainty over government support and incentives for energy reduction across the public sector.

Local government must now drive best practice and seek out the most effective, cost efficient and sustainable products systems and services. To achieve this, those responsible for implementing suitable, sustainable, energy resources, should visit Energy Solutions 2011 – widely regarded as the UK’s leading energy management and procurement event.

More than 2,900 people attended Energy

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.10

Solutions in 2010, bringing together professionals from a vast range of industry sectors. Incorporating energy management, procurement, energy efficiency and onsite renewables, the event attracts energy users from all over the UK looking to source advice and ultimately become more sustainable.

INDUSTRY LEADING EXHIBITORS Carbomat, EBM-papst, Scottish Power, STC, UPL, Esight, Bayat Energy, Siemens Energy Management and ENER-G are amongst the industry leading exhibitors set to demonstrate their latest products and services. Neal Goddard, UK sales manager at Carbomat, an exhibitor at Energy Solutions this year, comments: “As a pan-European distributor of photovoltaic systems and other renewable energy products, one of the main concerns for the industry we operate in is the uncertainty over government support and incentives, for example the FIT (Feed-in Tariff) incentives.

“Our products and services enable

organisations to minimise costs, reduce energy consumption and improve sustainability, providing our customers with high quality, cutting edge equipment. We exhibited at Energy Solutions last year and found a good mix of enquiries from installers and specifiers from within the London/South East region.

Visitors to our stand can expect to see the latest PV hardware and have the chance to meet knowledgeable professionals.”

Supported by the Carbon Trust, a leading global provider of specialist support to help businesses reduce carbon emissions and save energy, Energy Solutions provides the ideal opportunity to engage with key decision makers and industry experts, network with top-tier professionals and is home to a number of exciting feature areas.

INVESTORS IN EDUCATION With education and knowledge driving the sector, Energy Solutions sees the return of The Energy Academy, The Renewables E

E Theatre and The Green-Tech Theatre, where a programme of free dedicated seminar sessions will provide expert opinion and guidance on significant industry concerns.

The Energy Academy will host a series of seminars concentrating on procurement and management strategies, whilst The Renewables Theatre will focus on micro generation and sustainable power. Visitors to The Green-Tech Theatre are invited to discover the key factors and teachings of successful energy saving campaigns through case study lead seminar presentations.

Dedicated to the UK efforts of establishing a low carbon economy, the Carbon Trust will also be taking part in the Energy Solutions comprehensive seminar programme.

New to Energy Solutions for 2011 and run in association with the Major Energy Users Council (MEUC), Energy Question Time will focus on the key energy procurement issues relevant to UK businesses. Attendees are invited to put questions to the panel of respected industry professionals participating in the most anticipated energy related panel debate.

Another new feature at Energy Solutions this year is the Renewables Pavilion. Encouraging visitors to learn about the advances in technology, visitors are invited to engage with exhibitors dedicated to delivering practical, onsite, renewable generation solutions.

INNOVATION SHOWCASE The Innovation Showcase returns to Energy Solutions for its second year, with a new and improved format. Providing a platform for pioneering industry experts to present the latest innovations, which will assist in saving energy and ultimately help companies to profit from sustainability.

Highlighting the global air pollution problem and the effects that increased air pollution has on our environment, the Camfil Farr IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) road show will be calling in at Energy Solutions. According the World Health Organization (WHO) air pollution kills approximately two million people every year.

Being inside does not keep out the threat of

outdoor pollution, as it can easily penetrate into our homes and buildings including places of work, schools etc. and therefore contribute to indoor pollution. The Camfil Farr IAQ trailer and truck, incorporating an auditorium for up to 20 people and four lab stations focusing on IAQ, will be demonstrating the long term impact of air pollution including its associated costs to businesses whilst indicating the benefits of clean air and efficient air filtration solutions.

INNOVATION & SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS Taking place during Energy Solutions, the Innovation & Sustainability Awards will showcase the success stories of the year, celebrating the people, products and services that have made a real difference in their industries. Categories include: • Best innovation in energy management • Best innovation in building services • Best innovation in green products or services • Outstanding contribution to the industry The Innovation & Sustainability Awards opened for entries in early August.

Home to over 150 hours of educational content, Energy Solutions is colocated with M&E – the Building Services Event – and Total Workplace Management, the FM & Estates Event.

M&E – the Building Services Event is the UK’s only dedicated event for all building services.

Run in association with CIBSE and supported

by NICEIC, HVCA and ECA, M&E and its colocated events are expected to attract more than 8,000 delegates who are interested in a range of industry areas including refrigeration, air conditioning, electrical installation, plumbing, heating and ventilation. In addition to building services, there is also a clear focus on the issues surrounding safe working practices and the applications of environmental protection.

Having established itself as the premier meeting place for the FM industry, Total Workplace Management, produced in association with the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) will address the latest developments and key issues affecting the FM industry. All three events

are free to attend for pre-registered visitors.

In addition to the extensive education on offer from Energy Solutions, Building’s UK Infrastructure Forum (UKIF) Energy conference will also take place alongside Energy Solutions.

Produced in partnership with URS Scott Wilson and sponsored by Eurobond, Faithful+Gould and Fenwick Elliott, UKIF: Energy is the definitive energy infrastructure conference in the UK for the construction industry. With a focus on renewable energy and energy from waste, this two-day event will bring together the influencers and key players shaping the future of low carbon and clean energy infrastructure in the UK. The conference programme is aimed at senior figures in the construction and energy industry including consultants, engineers architects and designers, energy waste and water companies, local authorities, central government, economists and finance advisors.

With discussions around the latest policy updates, a comprehensive market overview and analysis, UKIF: Energy will present current and practical insights into this exciting sector.

Taking place at London Olympia 11-12 October, Energy Solutions is the UK’s largest exhibition dedicated to energy management and procurement and onsite renewables. The event is set to showcase the latest in a wide range of products and services from more than 300 exhibitors across the energy sector.

Visitors to Energy Solutions will benefit from serious educational content, secure a solid understanding of the latest energy legislation and learn from an amazing line up of industry experts. In addition to discovering creative energy saving ideas, the networking opportunities are second to none, allowing new relationships to forge and confidences to be boosted. L

Built Environment

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

FOR MORE INFORMATION For further information on Energy Solutions 2011, the Innovation & Sustainability Awards or to register for your free pass, please visit www.energysolutionsexpo.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @energysol_expo and join our LinkedIn group for the latest information.

B.T.S. Biogas – the right choice for plant efficiency B.T.S. Biogas deals with design, installation, construction and operation of biogas plants. Our numerous experiences have contributed to the development of unique technologies in the biogas world. These include the BIOaccelerator and BIOdry which increase and optimise the productivity and profitability of our power plants and allow you to increase the biological efficiency of your power plant.

We also offer biological assistance and consulting, develop software to computerise the management of plants and have a laboratory in Porto Mantovano (Italy), completely dedicated to the biogas world: METANlab.

The lab is equipped with the most sophisticated apparatus, that allow B.T.S. to make all kinds of analysis. Our power plants are under daily monitoring by the B.T.S. technical team and by the B.T.S.

staff dedicated to biological assistance; their aim is to optimise seeding, harvest, ensilage, drawing and the biological management of the biogas plant. B.T.S. Biogas is also the first Italian company to have its own assistance and service centre.

By 2011 B.T.S. had built more than 100 biogas power plants all over Europe with an installed power of about 80 MWel. FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: +39 0474 37 0119 Fax: +39 0474 552836 office@bts-biogas.com

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Built Environment

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

EVENT PREVIEW

THE BUSINESS CASE FOR SUSTAINABILITY The Environmental Trade Show, taking place on 13 October at the UWE Exhibition & Conference Centre, is the perfect opportunity to showcase the best and brightest businesses and technologies With a changing climate and dwindling resources, it has become widely recognised that sustainability makes good economic sense. In the past, many organisations pursued sustainability targets primarily to boost their image and keep stakeholders happy. However, it has since become a business imperative as sustainable practices allow organisations to make and save money as budgets are being squeezed in the current economic climate.

Making changes in line with the key sustainability practices of thrift, efficiency and reliability can bring benefits to any organisation and can show that managing and valuing resources is just as vital as managing budgets and bottom lines.

ECONOMIC AND ETHICAL SUCCESS According to research conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) in 2008,

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.10

global companies that had shown strong share price growth over the past three years were more proactive on corporate sustainability issues than those that had seen their share price stagnate or decline.

Whilst this does not prove a causal link between sustainable practices and increased share prices, it does show that it is possible to take a proactive position on social and environmental issues, whilst still delivering robust financial growth.

SUSTAINABILITY DOES PAY In the EIU’s survey of 1,254 senior business executives, 57 per cent said that the benefits of following sustainable practices outweigh the costs. Specifically, sustainable practices can help reduce costs (particularly energy expenditure) and open up new markets in addition to

improving the company’s reputation.

The benefits of sustainable practices to the bottom line will be one of the core themes discussed at the Environmental Trade Show UK (ETS UK) on 13 October, with B&Q’s director of corporate social responsibility, Matthew Sexton as a keynote speaker.

MAKING YOUR BUSINESS GREENER B&Q has taken significant steps to make the business greener, resulting in considerable financial rewards. By installing light shafts to increase natural daylight and ensuring that lighting in store is on a timer, the company has greatly reduced electricity output. Creating skip-less stores has reduced waste to landfill by 80 per cent. The retailer is also working to reduce packaging and increase the amount of double-decker lorries used to transport goods in order to substantially cut road miles.

Apart from reducing cost significantly, sustainable practices have bolstered the retailer’s reputation after it achieved high profile recognition, by being one of only three retailers to be given a E

E top-20 place on The Sunday Times Best Green Companies List 2011.

in a world where sustainability plays a greater role in driving buying decisions.

IT’S NOT ABOUT ‘QUICK WINS’ What might appear to be ‘quick wins’ for B&Q has taken time and commitment to achieve. In comparison, many organisations are not performing so well when it comes to implementing sustainability policies or programmes, with many still working out what sustainability means for them, and how to implement it.

A 2010 survey by Deloitte (Sustainability in Business Today: A Cross-Industry View) found that companies are interested and involved in sustainability, and most of them see a clear alignment between sustainability

THE TROUBLE WITH IMPLEMENTATION As much as progress has been made in recent years toward putting sustainability on the radar, there is still room for improvement in the degree of structure and support companies put around enabling sustainability in practice, especially with respect to giving sustainability officers the necessary dedicated infrastructure – including budget, staff, technology, and clear organisational roles and responsibilities – to drive results.

Environmental consultants and ETS UK sponsor, Queen Square Associates, will have a number of environmental experts at the show

Making changes in line with the key sustainability practices of thrift, efficiency and reliability can bring benefits to any organisation and can show that managing and valuing resources is just as vital as managing budgets and bottom lines. and their overall business strategy.

The research also found that many companies have a clear gap between their leaders’ aspirations with regard to sustainability and the way that sustainability is enabled within their organisations. In response, a key part of Deloitte’s advice is that companies need to focus on the long-term benefits to be gained.

In light of the recession, many companies see sustainability investments as having less financial ROI than many other business initiatives. However, to improve its performance, a company needs to do more than reap an immediate financial gain. It also needs to consider managing risk, building its brand and reputation, complying with regulatory requirements, and investing in developing future products and services that will be viable

to share advice on implementing and managing sustainability for long-term gain. Visitors will benefit from their expertise in environmental management systems, environmental law, environmental communications and a vast array of technical and operational features.

Rob Graham, managing director of Queen Square Associates said: “ETS is a fantastic opportunity for our business to showcase our services and expertise, alongside the wealth of talented environmental professionals in the South West. It is incredibly exciting to be part of an event that celebrates the crucial role of environmental sustainability in business and society, and our region’s success in combining all three.”

FIND OUT MORE AT ETS UK The 2011 Environmental Trade Show UK (ETS UK) takes place 13 October at the

University of the West of England (UWE) Conference and Exhibition Centre in Bristol.

With around 100 stands and up to 2,000 visitors expected, the event is set to be the largest of its kind in the region.

One of the aims of ETS UK is to allow all types of organisations to find out more on the benefits of becoming more sustainable and to see what the latest environmental technologies can do for them. The conference and symposia programme will cover these issues, with experts from companies such as B&Q and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Insider magazine will also be hosting a panel debate.

SPECIALIST ZONES With ten specialist zones any organisation will find something of interest and relevance.

The zones include Energy Efficiency, International Trade, Skills and Innovation, Sustainable Food and Farming, Sustainable Construction, Professional and Environmental Services, Water and Waste Management, Sustainable Transport, Renewable Energy and Green ICT, Products and Services.

Colin Drummond, Viridor chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be involved with this year’s Environmental Trade Show in Bristol and to sponsor the ‘Water and Waste Management Zone’ to promote how the waste sector is meeting challenging carbon reduction and environmental targets. Over the past ten years or so the waste industry has reduced its CO2 emissions by nearly 60 per cent, increased its renewable energy generation six fold and recycling four fold.

“We need to build on the major successes already achieved in the industry and recognise the huge environmental and commercial opportunities from treating waste as a resource. Being green is good for business.” L

Built Environment

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information on ETS UK, to book a place or exhibit, call Amy Robinson on 0117 9458730, e-mail visitors@ environmentaltradeshow.co.uk or visit www.environmentaltradeshow.co.uk

Renewable heat that doesn’t cost the earth Forever Fuels is the fastest growing supplier of high quality wood pellets in the UK. With an expanding network of 11 regional depots and a fleet of 17 specialist delivery vehicles we provide our customers with a competitive, reliable and secure supply of quality wood pellets as a renewable heating fuel.

We are currently the only UK company to operate within European NAWI (Legal for Trade) rules, which means that you can be sure you receive and pay for what we say we have delivered. We are also one of the few

suppliers that publishes our prices online.

We are the UK’s sole distributor of the innovative DELOX SiCon level-sensor and remote-monitoring system for pellet stores.

This practical system has a simple visual indication of your pellet level, and an alarm

to warn you if you are getting low. An on-line interface allows both customer and supplier to monitor the fuel usage, and plan ahead for future deliveries.

Visit us at the Environmental Trade Show – and don’t forget to ask us how the government’s newlyintroduced Renewable Heat Incentive could literally pay you to keep warm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01628 509690 info@forever-fuels.com www.forever-fuels.com

Volume 18.10 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Capitalise on clean, green growth at

the CARBONshow2011 BUSINESS DESIGN CENTRE LONDON UK 20&21 OCTOBER

Book your seminar place now at

the carbon show . com

As the only show that covers the full life cycle of carbon, The Carbon Show is a must-attend business event for anyone looking for information on greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, green technology, carbon management and carbon finance.

Seminar places are limited. Reserve your place today for sessions dedicated to: Climate Finance – Funding a low carbon future CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme – Compliance and beyond Carbon Management – Driving energy efficiency Green Technology & Renewable Energy – Transforming low carbon businesses The FREE to attend exhibition features over 100 exhibitors showcasing low carbon products and services, debates and report launches on The Carbon Stage, thought-provoking plenary sessions and the new Green Technology Demonstration Stage.

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Hear from the industry’s leading experts from organisations such as Bank of America Merrill Lynch, BBC, British Airways, Carbon Trust, Department of Energy and Climate Change, E.ON Sustainable Energy, KPMG, Network Rail, Point Carbon, Rolls Royce and many more.

Prices Exhibition entry One-day seminar pass Two-day seminar pass

Standard FREE £250 £399

On the door £35 £299 £450

EVENT PREVIEW

CAPITALISE ON CLEAN, GREEN GROWTH AT THE CARBON SHOW 2011

Built Environment

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

The Carbon Show provides expert analysis and insight into what the future holds for the green economy. The show features top level industry experts discussing hot topics in four seminar streams dedicated to carbon management, climate finance and green technology and renewables With the appointments to the Advisory Group for the Green Investment Bank (GIB) recently announced by business secretary Vince Cable, focus has now turned to the impact this will have on the government’s green policies. The bank is expected to become a key factor in helping the UK transition to a low carbon economy.

The nine members appointed to the Advisory Group come with a range of expertise in finance, green economics, sustainable and financial services and development banking.

This step shows that the UK Government is making positive moves towards financing green growth. It does, however, raise important questions for UK businesses, such as the implications of the formation of the group, the benefits to them and how they can go about accessing funding for green projects.

EXPERT ANALYSIS & INSIGHT The Carbon Show 2011 is ideally placed to answer these questions and provide expert analysis and insight into what the future holds for the green economy. The show features top level industry experts discussing hot topics in four seminar streams dedicated to Carbon Management, Climate Finance, CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, and Green Technology and Renewables.

Alongside the seminar programme, The Carbon Show 2011 features free to attend plenary sessions where panels of experts will debate pertinent issues. The plenary sessions include ‘Financing green growth: The future or a fallacy?’ on Friday 21 October at 9.30am.

With estimates that the global market for low-carbon goods and services is worth £3.2 trillion, a figure that is set to rise to £4 trillion in 2015, the UK Government has reportedly tripled funding for a new Green Investment Bank. The bank will begin operations in 2012, and has earmarked £1 billion to capitalise the institution. Just how successful will the Green Bank be in spurring investment into carbon emissions-cutting technologies and leveraging billions of pounds in private finance?

Critics argue this investment capital is still well below the £4-6 billion required to fund the bank sufficiently and will E

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EVENT PREVIEW E not be available for access until 2015, to fall in line with when the UK’s debt should fall as a percentage of economic output. Many believe this is too late and the government stands to lose out on an industry estimated to be worth in the UK alone £112 billion and a potential 1 million jobs. With at least £200bn of investment needed to shift consumers from fossil fuels to cleaner forms of energy over the next two decades, is industry prepared for the inevitable costs?

EXPERT SPEAKERS A panel of experts and business leaders will debate the functionality of the Green Investment Bank and discuss whether the claims that this bank could stimulate £1 trillion of investments for clean energy projects, are viable.

The panel will be chaired by Pilita Clark, environment correspondent, Financial Times.

Joining Pilita to consider the subject will be Amal-Lee Amin, lead on the Green Investment Bank, Department of Energy & Climate Change, James Wilde, director of insights, Carbon Trust and Andrew Raingold, executive director, Aldersgate Group. These speakers are in a perfect position to analyse and advise on the future of the Green Investment Bank and the implications it will have on businesses.

We are delighted to have the support of other leading government representatives and industry experts at the show including Andrew Miller MP, chair of the Science and Technology Select Committee. Mr Miller will be speaking at the Welcome Ceremony, along with Lord Heseltine, chairman, Haymarket Group, Yvo de Boer, special global advisor, climate change and sustainability, KPMG and Laura Altinger, environment, housing and land management division, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. These key experts will share with delegates the important role policy plays in driving climate legislation and how businesses can capitalise on clean, green initiatives.

MANAGING ENERGY Also participating in the programme is Martin Hession, Climate Negotiations and Carbon Market Regulation, Department of Energy & Climate Change. Mr Hession will be speaking at the session ‘Managing our energy: What are the critical steps for creating a low carbon future?’ which will address the critical steps that need to be taken in order for businesses to fully commit to sustainability and guarantee a low carbon future.

Jane Dennett-Thorpe, head of CRC, Department of Energy & Climate Change, will deliver a CRC policy update which looks at DECC’s simplification of the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme and how businesses can optimise projected energy savings from the scheme. The update will interpret new policy developments and highlight potential impacts.

This important session is a must-attend for all businesses affected by the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme now and in the future.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.10

The Carbon Show is run in association with the ENDS Report – the UK’s No 1 source of environmental intelligence for professionals, delivering news, analysis and reference across the carbon, environmental and sustainability agenda, plus ENDS Europe; Europe’s leading leading environmental news and information service.

ENDS ANNUAL LECTURE This year the ENDS Annual Lecture will take place for the first time at the show. Jane Davidson, Wales’ highly respected, awardwinning environment minister until May 2011 and now heading a new sustainability research group at University of Wales Trinity St David, gives the fourth ENDS annual lecture. During ‘One planet living – a journey towards sustainable values’ Jane will provide advice on how business and government can make real progress towards sustainable development during tough times like these.

ENDS Europe will also launch its first breakfast briefing, ‘International aviation in the EU ETS: has the EU overstepped the

stream of seminars at the show as well as hosting a pavilion on the trade floor. Other strategic partners include the Carbon Trust, the Carbon Disclosure Project as well as Carbon Masters who are measuring the Carbon Footprint of the show and Carbon Clear who are offsetting the events carbon emissions.

As well as the tailored seminar programme, The Carbon Show 2011 features a free to attend exhibition, with a range of comprehensive organisations displaying their products and services. Companies exhibiting at the show include BSI Group, Camco, Carbon Trust, Energy Saving Trust, Environ, Kyocera, Landmark Information Group, URS/Scott Wilson and many more.

INTERACTIVE FEATURES The show will include interactive features such as Global Action Plan’s Eco Driving Simulator and The Water Explorer plus the European Climate Foundation will display the 2050 EU Roadmap which outlines how Europe will progress to a prosperous low carbon economy. Hourly presentations will

As well as the tailored seminar programme, The Carbon Show 2011 features a free to attend exhibition, with a range of comprehensive organisations displaying their products and services. Companies exhibiting at the show include BSI Group, Camco, Carbon Trust, Energy Saving Trust, Environ, Kyocera, Landmark Information Group, URS/Scott Wilson and many more. mark?’ Dedicated to the issues surrounding the inclusion of international aviation into the EU ETS, the ENDS Europe team will be joined by a panel of experts from the aviation industry, carbon market and policy world.

INTERNATIONAL FOCUS The Carbon Show will expand its international focus this year and the seminar ‘Are governments walking the talk?’ looks ahead to the COP17 negotiations in Durban. Dr. Monica Araya, independent advisor to the Costa Rican Government, and Steven Gray, vice president, Carbon Finance, Climate Change Capital, will speculate on the outcomes of COP17 and what they will mean for the Green Climate Fund. The discussion will also focus on whether the EU will still honour its commitment to the Kyoto Protocol and what this could mean for new future agreements.

SUPPORT This year The Carbon Show has the support of influential associations such as the Carbon Market Investors Association (CMIA) who are jointly delivering the Climate Finance

take place on The Carbon Stage sponsored

by Environ and will feature exciting new launches such as the Environmental Investment Organisation (EIO) launch of its first ever ET Global 800 Carbon Ranking.

Other sessions include a fascinating insight into how the TV industry is responding to the challenges of sustainability, experts from the BBC and Kevin Price, chief operating officer from BAFTA, will provide their perspectives.

The show is supported by sponsors such as Arup, Lend Lease, LRQA, Munich RE and Siemens amongst many others. The Carbon Show 2011 is a must-attend event for professionals looking to become more energy efficient and for organisations who offer low carbon products, services and strategies. L FOR MORE INFORMATION Join us 20-21 October at the Business Design Centre in London to hear from the experts, make new contacts and procure low carbon and energy saving solutions.

The exhibition is free to attend and to reserve your seminar book as soon as possible at www.thecarbonshow.com

INSULATION

THE ANSWER TO ACHIEVING ENERGY AND COST SAVINGS

Built Environment

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

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

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

LOSING MONEY At the NIA’s annual conference in December 2010, the minister for climate change, Gregory Barker MP, stated that homes and businesses combined currently waste up to £6bn in unnecessary energy costs each year and that to transform the energy efficiency right across the country, insulation is key. The government has set out plans to meet both the overall 2020 carbon goal, and interim commitment to ensure that by 2015, every household will have installed loft and cavity wall insulation where practical.

The NIA states that there are currently ten million cavity walls and 13 million lofts that require insulation. Research carried out by the NIA also shows that over half of the people in the UK do not realise just how much heat is lost through uninsulated cavity walls and roofs.

Neil Marshall, NIA chief executive, commented: “Meeting the government’s targets may be challenging but they are achievable.

What is needed is a coordinated delivery plan, adequate levels of funding, a dedicated insulation programme and a major governmentbacked awareness campaign.” Marshall added: “The cost of insulating loft and cavity walls is relatively modest at around £500 including a subsidy under the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) programme and will save the average home around £265 per year in energy costs making a pay back period of just two years.”

CAVITY WALL INSULATION Cavity wall insulation (CWI) is an inexpensive, easy-to-install process that takes around half a day and isn’t disruptive or damaging to a house. It is installed by drilling a series of small holes no bigger than a ten pence piece in the mortar between the bricks of a house, before blowing insulation through the holes until the gap or cavity between the external and internal wall is completely filled. The hole will then be filled. There are a number of different insulating materials, but they all work in the same way to cut heat loss.

CWI work is carried out according to guidance laid down by the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency (CIGA) and workmanship and materials are covered by the independent 25-year CIGA Guarantee, to provide homeowners with reassurance and peace of mind.

See www.ciga.co.uk for details.

Tax allowances of up to £1,500 are available until 2015 for landlords through the Landlords Energy Saving Allowance. This allowance can be used on each of the properties a landlord owns, enabling them to claim the costs for CWI and other insulation solutions.

If every UK household suitable for CWI installed it, four million tonnes of CO2 could be saved every year.

With as much as a third of heating costs escaping through the roof, loft insulation is a very effective way of reducing heating bills.

While most UK homes already have some degree of loft insulation installed, for the majority this is inadequate and should be topped up to today’s standards of 270mm, about the height of piece of A4 paper.

To avoid technical risks installing loft insulation should be carried out by professionally trained experienced NIA members. For example, a high standard can only be achieved by insulating across the top of the ceiling joists as well as between them and including the loft hatch. Pipes and tanks also need to be insulated to avoid freezing. Other key considerations include ventilation to avoid condensation and safety aspects of electrical wiring and fittings.

If everyone in the UK installed 270mm loft insulation, we could save around £520 million and nearly three million tonnes of CO2 every year.

A large proportion of householders are unsure if they have insulation measures already installed in their home or whether it reaches the recommended standards. NIA approved installers provide free home surveys and are experienced to recommend the most suitable and practical insulation options for each individual property. L

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Volume 18.10 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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EVENT PREVIEW

PROPERTY WEEK PRESENTS THE PUBLIC PROPERTY SUMMIT 2011

Built Environment

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Bringing private and public property professionals together to maximise public property assets The Public Property Summit is a high level one day conference addressing public and private property professionals on how they can work together to maximise public property assets.

Organised by Property Week, the summit will take place at the Business Design Centre, London on 2 November. The summit is for those within the public sector who own public property estate and for companies in the private sector who are already involved in, or wish to secure relationships in this area.

EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS The government is the UK’s largest landowner and tenant and there is substantial scope for efficiency improvement. The public sector is already looking for ways to develop their property strategies and overall efficiency by working with the private sector. The summit will provide a deeper insight on building relationships between the public

focusing solely on public property. It will bring public and private property professionals together to allow them to discuss and develop solutions for the public property market. 90 per cent of public sector attendees last year were of senior manager level or above.

Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about key market issues from industry-leading speakers and it’s a great opportunity to network with industry peers and generate new business opportunities.

LAST YEAR’S FEEDBACK The Public Property Summit 2010 was a successful and informative event for those who attended, but don’t take our word for it, see below some of the feedback we received from those who attended last year: “The conference provided us with many opportunities to ask direct

The public sector is already looking for ways to develop their property strategies and overall efficiency by working with the private sector. The summit will provide a deeper insight on building relationships between the public and private sectors, how public property can help drive the economy through efficiencies, and provide unique networking opportunities with industry peers. and private sectors, how public property can help drive the economy through efficiencies, and provide unique networking opportunities with industry peers.

You can register for your place today at www.publicpropertysummit.com. Confirmed speakers include Bob Baber, CIPFA Property, Rosie Seymour, Communities and Local Government, and Peter Cosmetatos of the British Property Federation. There are reduced rates for the public sector. Please visit the summit website for more details.

WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND? The Public Property Summit is an event

questions to panel members about the most debated concepts and topics.”

“This was an excellent conference, held at a difficult time for both public and private sectors that really addressed the issues of the day.”

“The opening keynote sessions provided an excellent overview to the challenges ahead.”

“Most public property is owned by councils. Much of it could be better used and bring in significant returns in these difficult times. Councils can learn from the private sector. This is the place to do it,” said Cllr Byron Rhodes, cabinet lead member for property, Leicestershire City Council.

Key themes Asset management and outsourcing Overall efficiency Localism agenda and devolution Planning Regeneration and development Financing Private and public partnerships

The keynote session will cover how to rationalise the public estate and achieve savings through property. This will be followed by panel sessions on transformation and collaboration, achieving efficiencies through property, and building relationships across the public and private sector.

Further sessions will cover overcoming barriers to rationalisation, development and regeneration, and skills and capital.

THE FUTURE OF REGENERATION There will be a panel discussion on the future of regeneration, asking what the options are for funding regeneration projects and looking at partnerships between the public and private sectors.

A further panel discussion will address local enterprise partnerships and enterprise zones and look at what this means for development, as well as address where the money for Regional Growth Funds is going.

There will also be a debate session looking at how essential private sector property specialists are in making the public sector estate fit for purpose, taken by James Grierson, senior director – head of public sector, DTZ. Visit www.publicpropertysummit.com for the full conference programme. L FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01462 490 802 publicproperty@taylorbennett.co.uk www.publicpropertysummit.com

Volume 18.10 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Protecting Lives and Property Worldwide ...for a Lifetime

Our products save lives and protect property around the globe from the risk of fire; a huge responsibility and one we take very seriously.

The Apollo Product Lifetime Guarantee provides a warranty on our products, which for detectors is 10 years (CO detectors, 5 years).

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EVENT PREVIEW

THE RIGHT WAY TO APPROACH HEALTH AND SAFETY With high-quality seminars, the biggest companies in health and safety exhibiting, and the addition of the new Cleaning & Hygiene Zone, Health & Safety North is an event not to be missed The extremely successful health and safety series of regional events, organised by Western Business Exhibitions, is coming to Bolton. Taking place at The Reebok Stadium, 5-6 October, Health & Safety North offers visitors a valuable experience in terms of knowledge, the opportunity to meet the industry’s most respected organisations and to network with other professionals.

With high-quality seminar content, the biggest names in the health and safety sector exhibiting and the addition of the new Cleaning & Hygiene Zone, Health & Safety North is an event not to be missed.

A POSITIVE VIEW OF SAFETY Each year the event organiser’s work in partnership with the UK’s top safety product and service providers, as well as the leading

safety industry organisations to provide an exhibition and a conference programme that are relevant to today’s workplace.

The British Safety Council is the Official Educational Partner for the conference and the event is endorsed by the IIRSM and Safety Groups UK. One of the overall messages of the event is that safety should not be thought of as restrictive, but considered as a positive approach to good business management.

One seminar that captures this is the seminar entitled ‘Safety is a can do business’ aimed at anyone with responsibility for health and safety in their business.

Delivered by Ken Smith, divisional director for consultancy services from Arc Associates, the seminar will challenge the misconceptions and discuss the benefits

of doing safety right to avoid any risks.

Ken Smith says: “Safety should not be restrictive but be concerned with a positive approach to good business management; it isn’t about can’t do but can do.”

In addition, discussing the right steps to a sensible approach to health and safety will be Richard Evens, commercial training director of St John Ambulance presenting ‘Health and safety gone sane’. Back in 2010, Lord Young pointed out that unqualified consultants had given health and safety a bad name and resulted in ‘health and safety gone mad’ stories. Since then, the government has been announcing changes to reduce some of the bureaucracy often associated with health and safety planning.

Richard Evens says that by having a clear and qualified understanding of the possible safety risks in an organisation and knowing how to minimise them is just one step, but having trained personnel in place when accidents do happen is also essential.

For those required to deliver some aspects of health and safety training, communications need to be finely tuned and developed to meet the expectations of wide ranging audiences at different levels and abilities. Addressing this issue at the event will be the presentation from Lisa Fowlie, health and safety advisor, University of Wales, Bangor, entitled ‘Communicating health and safety issues in training: From (bored) board level to basics’.

Also looking at the impact of the recent and planned government reforms of the health and safety regulatory framework will E

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BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Get a grip before you slip – don’t get caught out in the snow and ice The weather conditions in December 2010 and January 2011 resulted in 100,000’s of working days being lost, as well as a sharp increase in worker injuries due to trips and falls.

A. Algeo, based in Liverpool, is the sole UK distributor for the widest range of ice traction device brands, including GetAGrip.

GetAGrip Traction Aids increase traction to help prevent slips and falls on snow and ice, reducing the risk of possible pulled muscles, fractures and

back problems. These products have proven very popular with postal, construction, utilities and council staff.

At the Health & Safety regional event at The Reebok Stadium, Bolton 5-6 October, we will be showcasing the above ranges and we would like you to come along and visit us at stand 6.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0151 4481228 Fax: 0151 4481008 sales@algeos.com www.algeos.com

Vaults – always working to keep you safe Vaults Fire and Security Ltd is an established provider of leading security solutions. A family run company based in the Midlands, we specialise in protecting businesses nationwide by providing peace of mind to our customers. We are able to provide systems to meet all of your security needs, designing, installing and servicing. We are also approved installers, at the highest level of Paxton Access and Dedicated Micro systems.

Trading for over ten years, we are an NSI NACOSS gold approved company working with both and property is vital. We are public and private sector always happy to arrange a companies including local site visit to one of our recent authorities, police and insurance installations or provide a no companies. We employ a team obligation security survey. of well trained and highly motivated security professionals FOR MORE INFORMATION dedicated to building close Tel: 0121 354 5525 partnerships with our clients. sales@vaultssecurity.co.uk saferlifeadvert:Layout The safety of staff, the public 1 09/09/2011www.vaultssecurity.co.uk 16:40 Page 1

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Each of its manufacturing partners has been identified based upon quality, service and innovation. They are: Pyramex for eye protection, Wilkuro for safety overshoes, and Tilsatec for gloves. It retains its distributorship of MARTOR Safety Knives and cutters.

Call us today to discuss how duenorth can help your business

reducing waste, improving safety T: 01924 281666 • E: sales@safer-life.co.uk • www.safer-life.co.uk

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.10

T 1 M

EVENT PREVIEW E be the presentation entitled ‘The changing health and safety landscape’. Presented by Neal Stone, director of policy and research for the British Safety Council, the seminar will explore the significant changes taking place in the sourcing of expert advice and guidance and also the likely impact of reduced resources for regulation and enforcement.

CORPORATE MANSLAUGHTER On day two of the event the seminar delivered by Kevin Bridges, partner associate, Pinsent Masons LLP, entitled ‘What lessons have been learnt from the first corporate manslaughter prosecution?’ will focus on the wake of the first conviction and fine imposed under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act. The lesson to be learned by employers is that it has never been more important to ensure that safety management systems are robust and senior managers understand their own health and safety obligations.

Kevin Bridges represented Cotswold Geotech and its managing director in

short term change in behaviour – and helps to build lasting positive cultural change.

CLEANING AND HYGIENE ZONE A new element which brings something different to the event is the addition of the Cleaning & Hygiene Zone, sponsored by the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA), a trade association of suppliers to the cleaning industry representing over 200 manufacturers and distributors across the UK. The zone will feature exhibits from a number of providers of products and services and it also presents the opportunity for health and safety distributors who are considering expanding into cleaning supplies to find out further information, including details on membership with the CHSA. The main objective of the CHSA is to raise the long-term performance of member companies by assisting them in offering excellence of customer service to end-users.

Exhibitors within the Cleaning & Hygiene Zone include Chemaide who develops a range of specialist maintenance, cleaning and

Each year the event organiser’s work in partnership with the UK’s top safety product and service providers, as well as the leading safety industry organisations to provide an exhibition and a conference programme that are relevant to today’s workplace. this first prosecution and will outline the background to the case; the respective arguments advanced by the prosecution and the defence; and what lessons can be learned.

They will go on to explain the significance of having a clearly defined Incident Response Protocol, incorporating Legal Privilege over accident investigation reports and other internally produced documents.

A fascinating part of the programme is a case study type presentation from Naveed Qamar, group safety director of FirstGroup.

He will outline the challenges of managing a workforce of 130,000 people and 2.5 billion passengers, where the challenge is to promote a proactive mindset as opposed to waiting for events to dictate. ‘FirstGroup’s approach to managing health and safety’ will give an insight into how to provide safety leadership internally and externally and the results that can be achieved.

Something different for the conference programme this year is the drama based presentation called ‘Safety leadership and culture’ delivered by Shaun Curry and Harry Gallagher of Macnaughton McGregor. The session promises to be interactive, practical and effective and the organisers of the presentation say their style of delivery effects a long-term change in attitude – not just a

hygiene products for industrial, commercial and institutional applications; Sebo who manufactures vacuum cleaners specifically designed for cleaning professionals; and Omnipole, an innovative maintenance and window cleaning equipment manufacturer.

Speaking about the relationship between the cleaning and hygiene and health and safety sectors, secretary for the CHSA, Graham Fletcher said: “There is a great synergy between cleaning, hygiene, health and safety, for example the threat of occupational skin care is overcome by the use of skin care programmes developed and sold by the cleaning and hygiene industry. Slips, trips and falls are controlled through the use of appropriate floor care preparations developed and sold by the cleaning and hygiene industry. And so it goes on. Every single business in the UK uses products or services of the type provided by CHSA members; therefore, we believe the new Cleaning & Hygiene Zone is relevant to anyone attending Health & Safety North.”

As well as the educational programmes a HSM Demonstration Zone is also planned for the North event. Sponsored by machinery safety specialists Laidler Associates, part of the machinery division of TÜV SÜD Product Service Ltd, the zone will host more than

a dozen demonstrations and will offer free theoretical and practical information about the latest legislation and technology.

Opening speaker at the HSM Demonstration Zone will be Simon Deighton from the Laidler group. His presentation will concentrate on ‘PUWER’ and he will also focus on the additional requirements needed when using electro-sensitive protective equipment (light curtains).

Health & Safety

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

MEETING STANDARDS Also speaking at the zone will be Jonathan Wilson, health & safety sector manager, NQA, with the seminar entitled ‘Making life easier for the health & safety managers’. Jonathan Wilson explains the framework behind the Health & Safety Standard OHSAS 18001 and demonstrates how this standard can help health and safety managers to show ‘best practice’ at all times. His workshop includes guidance on how to ensure compliance with legislation that applies to your activities and identified hazards. Attendees at this seminar will gain an understanding of how to develop a sound business case for the adoption of OHSAS 18001.

Part of the conference programme will also be more practical seminars hosted by the event partners such as 3M Occupational Health & Environmental Safety. Its seminar entitled ‘Occupational asthmagens’ delivered

by Alan McArthur, technical affairs engineer, puts occupational asthmagens in the spotlight.

Occupational asthmagens exist in a broad range of industries and include substances such as flour and wood dust. 3M will highlight common asthmagens, their health effects and give guidance on control measures.

In addition, event partner Ansell Occupational Healthcare will be delivering a seminar entitled ‘Cut protection and cut index; The reality behind the scores’. The presentation will be an insight into hand protection experiences and the deviation between laboratory test and shop floor reality. The seminar will look in-depth at the level of protection to better address glove performance requirements and optimise glove portfolio selection, as well as operator’s protection and satisfaction.

Feedback from Health & Safety North in 2010 event was very positive and Stuart Holmes, Day Aggregates said: “I like coming to events such as this to see what is new and to get updates on seminars and conferences.

I like being kept up to date with information and this is the perfect place to do that.”

Health & Safety North is free to attend and also has free parking. It is recommended that visitors should register in advance for entry tickets and especially for seminar places as these are extremely popular. L FOR MORE INFORMATION You can register online at www.healthandsafetyevents.co.uk or by calling 0870 4866816.

Volume 18.10 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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EVENT PREVIEW

A SPOTLIGHT ON FM AND ESTATES

Total Workplace Management will see an array of distinguished speakers address the latest developments and key issues affecting the facilities management and estates industry The looming UK carbon reduction targets, including a 22 per cent cut in greenhouse gases by 2012 and an 80 per cent reduction of CO2 emissions by 2050, are real business issues for owners and occupiers, with facilities managers given increasing levels of responsibility for the strategic ways in which to minimise waste, manage the level/output of emissions from buildings and reduce overall business costs.

Sustainability is often viewed as a cause for concern, however, it should also be deemed as a real business opportunity; firstly to reduce costs and secondly to enhance business activities, such as corporate social responsibility.

It is no secret that managing costs and operating more sustainably go together.

As such it is up to those in charge to take action; employ best practice, invest in innovative products and services, and ensure that their organisations not only demonstrate compliance but reduce overall business costs. Those responsible for accomplishing this should attend Total Workplace Management, The FM & Estates Event.

EDUCATIONAL CONTENT Referred to as the premier meeting place in the South East for the FM profession to network, increase knowledge base and establish new business relationships, Total Workplace Management and its co-located events attracted nearly 7,000 industry professionals through its doors in 2010.

Produced in association with the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) Total Workplace Management presents a wealth of free educational content and a vast array of exhibitors. The event will see an array of distinguished speakers deliver thoughtprovoking presentations and address the latest developments and key issues affecting the facilities management and estates industry.

Total Workplace Management will also play host to a number of exciting feature areas.

With education at the forefront of this industry a series of seminar sessions will take place on the show floor in the FM Academy, sponsored by Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the new Fire, Safety and Security Theatre, which will present leading industry bodies including IOSH (the chartered body for health and safety professionals), British Security Industry Association (BSIA) and the Fire Industry Association (FIA).

In response to the ever expanding role of the FM, a new Fire, Safety and Security Zone has been introduced to Total Workplace Management – a dedicated area that will highlight exhibitors offering products and services across the fire, safety and security remits.

GREEN TECHNOLOGY The Green FM Trail will allow visitors to discover exhibitors displaying products, services and innovation that help to produce green and sustainable businesses.

Visitors to Total Workplace Management

are invited to ask the experts and find out more about these green solutions.

As FM professionals are increasingly looking towards new technology to make their organisations more efficient, sustainable and productive, the Prop IT Trail plays host to market leading IT solutions providers offering cutting-edge services in CAFM, document management, resource booking software, security and fire services, mobile communication and systems integration.

The Innovation Showcase, sponsored

by Kone returns to Total Workplace Management for its second year, with a new and improved format. The theatre will be hosting a series of seminars focusing on innovative FM products and services. The Innovation Showcase will also provide the opportunity to see practical demonstrations of the latest industry advancements in energy efficiency and sustainability.

Furthermore, the Innovation & Sustainability Awards will take place during Total Workplace Management and showcase the success stories of the year; celebrating the people, products and services that have made a real difference in their industries.

Facilities Management

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

RECYCLING CENTRE Ensuring that Total Workplace Management remains a sustainable event, waste material will be collected and processed throughout the event via state-of-the-art equipment.

Taking place at London Olympia from 11-12 October, Total Workplace Management is set to showcase the latest in a wide range of products and services from across the FM sector.

Home to over 150 hours of educational content, Total Workplace Management provides the opportunity to benefit from significant educational content, secure a solid understanding of the latest industry legislation and learn from an amazing line-up of industry experts. L FOR MORE INFORMATION www.twmexpo.com

Innovative water saving, healthcare and hand hygiene products DVS is a leading supplier of automatic washroom and water saving solutions to the healthcare, mental health and custodial markets. The company offers customers electronic products which offer significant water savings whilst meeting the needs of infection control and facilities teams.

The extensive product range includes a variety of healthcare and mental healthcare focused products, designed to balance the need for robust, hygiene conscious washroom products, with domestic designs to create a therapeutic yet safe healthcare environment. This includes a selection of safe

areas, with some systems offering up to 60 per cent water savings and short payback periods.

Leading products and design innovation, combined with high quality technical advice and support provided by the UK-wide sales and service support team, ensure that you can find the perfect solution for your washroom environment. ensuite sanitaryware products as well as anti-ligature taps, showers and accessories.

From hygienic no-touch WC flushvalves and urinals to automatic taps, water savings can be achieved across a wide range of healthcare

FOR MORE INFORMATION To find out more about our wide range of automatic washroom products please call 01803 529021, e-mail sales@dartvalley. co.uk or visit www.dartvalley.co.uk

Volume 18.10 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

39

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Danubius Hotel Regents Park – your home away from home

Architecture, space planning and strategic space management

Welcome to Danubius Hotel Regents Park, a traditional stylish four-star hotel near historic Regents Park and opposite Lords Cricket Ground. The hotel is located a short walk from St. John’s Wood tube station and near all main train line stations – Euston, Kings Cross St Pancras, Marylebone and Paddington.

The hotel has ample car parking space on site and is outside the Congestion Charge Zone. Our newly refurbished bedrooms are ideal for the business traveller with wireless internet, working desk, satellite television, double glazed windows and flat screen TV. With its 11 conference rooms with natural daylight, disabled facilities and wireless internet,

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 affilliations include RIBA

Danubius Hotel Regents Park is a perfect venue to suit all types of meetings and events, from training courses (with syndicate rooms) to board meeting (with video conference) or bigger meetings up to 150 people theatre style. Fitness Zone, Minsky’s restaurant and Pavilion Lounge Bar are also availble to our guests.

The hotel is proud to be part of the Green Tourism Business Scheme and works hard on all environment friendly policies.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 020 73332805 Fax: 020 74830749 patrice.max@ danubiuslondon.co.uk www.danubiuslondon.co.uk

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 Mob: 07973 835067 glynn.williams@tesco.net www.glynnwilliams architects.com

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Danubius Hotel regents Park Tel: 0207 722 77 22 Fax: 0207 483 07 49 Email: sales@danubiuslondon.co.uk www.danubiuslondon.co.uk

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.10

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GREEN CONFERENCES

PLANET-FRIENDLY CONFERENCING When planning a conference or event, do you consider the environmental credentials of the venue? The Green Tourism Business Scheme makes it easy to identify which venues are taking action to become greener and more sustainable As the climate increasingly hots up so does the activity to cool down meetings. The UK’s national sustainable tourism certification programme, the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) or Green Tourism for short, has seen interest from the business market grow steadily in 2010 and rise further in 2011. Interestingly the driving forces for these activities are their corporate customers; companies, agencies and public bodies.

Sustainability, carbon reduction commitments, and corporate responsibility are all influencing the market and the Green Tourism scheme provides a practical, cost effective framework for conference centres and events venues to deliver what their customers want. The Green Tourism scheme has seen significant interest from these markets over the past two years.

Pricing requests and conditions for bookings from public agencies and corporations are requiring not just a commitment to the environment but a nationally recognised third party certification that includes social issues as well as environmental best practice.

FACE TO FACE “There will always be a need for face to face meetings,” says Jon Proctor, technical director of Green Tourism which currently has over 2,400 members, including over 60 conference centres and events venues. “We’re a species which thrives on communication, so we’ll always need to get together, no matter how well the internet is able to share information.”

Still, Jon believes we can all be more green and responsible while we network.

In order to pass through the certification programme, sites follow a common framework which considers energy, waste and water monitoring and targeting as well as key performance indicators in social and environmental activities. A sense of place is also important and this is measured through further voluntary indicators.

To assess how sustainable a venue is, the Green Tourism auditor on the site visit assesses 145 different criteria – everything from the kind of fish on the menu to proficiency in waste management and the control of heating and cooling.

Through this process potential practical

improvements are readily identified and these form part of the action plan set for each site in moving forward.

Businesses and venues are scored and receive a Bronze, Silver, or Gold award, based on their level of achievement. Many of the measures relate to providing a better experience for their customers and ensuring that the venue is reducing the environmental impact of the meeting for their clients.

ENERGY SAVINGS In a recession going green with the Green Tourism Business Scheme makes as much sense as during the boom years. As energy prices become a greater proportion of the running costs of leading business venues, innovative and well proven practices need to be established.

“Overall businesses in the GTBS have been tracking a 5-40 per cent energy saving based upon our records.” said Jon. “Sites just starting out on this journey often make the biggest savings through acting upon our recommendations and a number of sites seek to receive an advisory visit ahead of the accreditation audit.”

GREEN VENUES Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) has designed a Sustainable Events Programme, Plan-it green™ that helps the business and its clients to minimise emissions across a range of greenhouse gases. A further sequestration option is available employing a carbon sink of native Scottish woodland.

ACC Liverpool, completed in 2005, was designed to produce half the CO2 emissions it would without any environmentallyfriendly measures, whilst using 20 per cent less electricity – lighting, for instance, is high efficiency and controlled by motion detection. It has been GTBS Gold since 2008.

Rainwater is collected on the roof which is used to support flushing toilets, accounting for about 40 per cent of the water used for toilets in the venue; five 20-metre low noise wind turbines on the river side of the venue contribute to their electricity supply.

The Cavendish Conference Centre in London, also GTBS Gold, has a number of green initiatives available to conference organisers including a webinar service for

delegates unable to attend in person, a travel survey of delegates, goodie bags of recycled products and use of recycled stationery.

They also offer a discount on the room hire if the organisers minimise the amount of waste left at the end of an event/meeting.

Conferences & Events

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

LOW ENERGY BUILDINGS Recently awarded GTBS Gold, The Point at the Lancashire County Cricket Club is an excellent example of a low impact building with energy consumption reduced through LED lights, solar hot water, highly efficient appliances and excellent insulation. The recycling system is extensive and very well managed with a 98 per cent diversion rate from landfill, and there is great encouragement for guests to use public transport, which is readily accessible by Manchester’s new tram system.

The Point is also very good at promoting the green message to raise awareness of environmental issues, including giving a donation to their chosen charity, MacMillan, on every bottle of Fair Trade wine purchased.

The Best Western Valley Hotel in Ironbridge retained its Gold status recently and offers a sustainable conference package.

This includes fresh local food produce, filtered tap water rather than bottled water, fair trade products and recycling options for paper, glass, plastic, cardboard and aluminium. They will also produce a certificate to provide evidence of the clients’ commitment to green objectives.

John McIntrye Conference Centre (JMCC) also holds a Gold award. The site in Edinburgh is part of the university and has fair trade status for teas, coffees, sugars, fruit juice, bananas, dried fruit and rice. The sale of fair trade rice is linked to a school project in Malawi and so far over 70 children have been sponsored. The centre uses combined heat and power and has an in vessel composting system to recycle food waste. All of this helps to demonstrate significant waste and energy savings in comparison to others and this helps them achieve this high rating.

EXCITING TIME Jon concludes: “It is a most exciting time in our marketplace and we have seen all businesses we deal with really taking note and making significant strides in their eco performance.

“However we also notice that greenwashing is still a problem and unless businesses undertake a more thorough and holistic approach much of the objectives in energy savings, efficiency and CSR will be undermined through other activities.

Going forward we see biodiversity and achieving genuine and more significant CO2 savings as growing issues important to both consumers and government which need to be more fully addressed by the sector.” L

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.green-business.co.uk

Volume 18.10 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Conferences & Events

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

EAST ANGLIA

BRING YOUR SENSES TO LIFE

East Anglia is an inspiring region to hold an event and presents itself as great value for money.

Visit Norfolk, Choose Suffolk and Visit Cambridge give an update on the latest in the area Suffolk offers a diverse range of independent conference and meeting venues with a true sense of individuality. And given that it’s just over an hour from Central London with firstrate links to mainland Europe via Stansted Airport and Harwich International Port, it has the added benefit of being very accessible while providing the ideal locus to focus the mind for some serious blue-sky thinking.

The family-owned Stoke by Nayland, Golf & Spa, which is set amidst 300-acres of stunning Constable Country on the Suffolk/Essex border, is an excellent case in point. Winner of the 2010 Business Tourism Award at the Tourism In Suffolk Awards, Stoke by Nayland prides itself on attracting national and local conferences and corporate businesses. Its golf and leisure facilities definitely played a part in its success, however, its overall business package, i.e. its service, catering, facilities and sustainability were the key factors that clinched the award.

Another family-owned hotel, The Angel Hotel in Bury St Edmunds, offers 24-hour and day delegate packages. Its stylish meeting rooms offer air conditioning, natural daylight and complimentary Wi-Fi blending traditional Georgian elegance with contemporary design.

It can accommodate up to 70 delegates

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.10

theatre style and up to 40 delegates board style with onsite accommodation for 150.

FLEXIBLE VENUES County Town Ipswich offers a compelling package of venues including the state-of-the art IP-City Centre, a modern, purpose built business centre with a range of high quality services, and Trinity Park, which hosts the Suffolk Show, and also has purpose built flexible facilities for larger conferences.

Newmarket Racecourses, the home of horseracing, is quite naturally ahead of the game in terms of its conferencing facilities.

With an exhibition capacity for 2,500, banquet style for 500 and boardroom for 50, this is a very flexible facility that services all needs, while providing a stadium’s eye view of the iconic Rowley Mile for racing enthusiasts.

Nearby Bedford Lodge Hotel provides the perfect accommodation for up to 100 delegates and has its own conference facilities albeit for smaller numbers.

Other venues to explore include Hintlesham Hall, near Ipswich, an exquisite Elizabethan Manor House hotel set in stunning Suffolk countryside, and Ufford Park Hotel near Woodbridge on

the Heritage Coast, which boasts hotel, golf and spa on site to compliment its conference facilities. Nearby Kesgrave Hall, meanwhile, provides the ideal venue for intimate meetings for up to 24 delegates.

Moving onto the Suffolk Coast, the choice is very much between The White Lion Hotel in Aldeburgh, which has a capacity for 120 delegates and overlooks the North Sea, and The Swan Hotel, a classic seaside hotel situated in the heart of Southwold, another perfect venue for an intimate business meeting.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. The best thing is to mix and match your business or conference needs to the ‘Suffolk proposition’ and then make the very most of your time in this beautiful location. For more information please click on www.visitsuffolk.com NORWICH AND NORFOLK Norwich offers exceptional modern meeting and conference venues in one of England’s most impressive medieval city’s, which also happens to be a top 10 retail destination.

The city is on the doorstep of the Broads, Britain’s magical waterland and is just a short drive or train journey from E

E the North Norfolk Coast and the hustle and bustle of Great Yarmouth.

The Hostry, opened November 2009, is a contemporary space built adjacent to the 11th century Norwich Cathedral set in the peaceful Cathedral close, just a short walk from the railway station. The venue seats 150 in the main conference room (first floor) a flat-floored space with complete flexibility. The ground level has a 90sq m of exhibition space, which is also ideal for breaks and networking.

The Cathedral’s Refectory, serving freshly prepared food for business breakfasts and private three-course dinners is nearby.

Special guided tours of the Cathedral are on offer, introducing delegates to the history of this 900-year-old building.

The Forum, Norwich’s landmark millennium building designed by Sir Michael Hopkins, is one of the UK’s most striking examples of 20th century architecture. The Forum also offers some of the most inspiring spaces in the UK, available to hire for a range of business and community occasions, notably The Curve – a

the heart of Norwich, caters for meetings and events from 10 to 120 people in a suite of function rooms to 600 in the main auditorium.

The auditorium has a full range of AV systems along with fixed screen and rear projection.

There is an excellent range of venues across the county from luxurious country house hotels, with golf and spa facilities, to contemporary business accommodation and boutique hotels. With more attractions than most counties, Norfolk can offer a relaxing and different social and partner programme to complement any event.

SOUTH OF NORWICH Hethel Engineering Centre near Wymondham, just to the south of Norwich, is dedicated to supporting the growth and success of high performance engineering and manufacturing companies. Meeting facilities include the Colin Chapman Conference Room featuring the 99T Formula 1 car raced by Ayrton Senna during his first Monaco win. The room can accommodate

From world-renowned history and culture to beautiful green spaces, the latest in shopping and entertainment, Cambridge has it all. Having helped to shape the modern world, there is a real sense of living history almost everywhere you look. state-of-the-art auditorium with full high definition technology, video conferencing and tiered seating for 120 people.

Conference organisers can use Fusion, a giant digital screen gallery, the largest in Europe – perfect for a special reception – to captivate delegates with film, image and sound. Allied to this is The Forum’s 400sq m main atrium, which can be used for dinners, exhibitions, large receptions and other special events. In addition, tours of BBC East’s studios, located at The Forum are available.

EXCELLENT RANGE OF VENUES OPEN is a stunning new venue for Norwich, converted from the 4,600sq m Grade II listed building that was once the Barclays regional headquarters. Following a £12 million renovation, the building has been transformed from empty space into a contemporary venue including six private function rooms. The former banking hall has been sympathetically refurbished to create one of the most exciting and versatile function venues in the region. Boasting a host of features such as a fixed stage, fully integrated hi-tech sound and lighting system, a seven metre HD presentation screen with widescreen projector and large bar, the hall is fully self contained, with breakout rooms and three large balconies, creating an ideal space for a VIP or relaxation area.

The King’s Centre on historic King Street in

80 theatre style, 48 cabaret style, 40 classroom or 28 boardroom/horseshoe.

The Pennoyer Centre at Pulham St Mary, also to the south of Norwich, is a recently renovated facility designed to meet the needs of all types of business meetings, conferences and functions. It is fully equipped with an IT training suite and state-of-theart audiovisual and sound systems.

VALUE FOR MONEY Budgets for events in London, Manchester or Edinburgh stretch much further in Norfolk. Day delegate rates for 2011 in top venues average £30-40 and 24hour rates are on a comparable level.

Norwich has its own international airport with daily flights to the major European hub in Schipol, while Stansted is just a 90-minute drive away. There are two direct trains an hour to London Liverpool Street from Norwich. Journeys to London King’s Cross from King’s Lynn in the west of the county take under two hours.

For organisers interested in discovering more about the county see the Norwich and Norfolk Conference Bureau website, www.conferencenorfolk.co.uk BE INSPIRED IN CAMBRIDGE From world-renowned history and culture to beautiful green spaces, the latest in shopping and entertainment, Cambridge has it all.

Having helped to shape the modern world, there is a real sense of living history almost everywhere you look – as you might expect from a city whose university has produced 15 former British Prime Ministers and 87 affiliates being Nobel Prize winners.

The city centre is a patchwork of beautiful college buildings, parks and public spaces providing an idyllic setting for any event.

With a wide variety of venues that range from historic and contemporary colleges to first-class hotels and stately homes.

Being such a compact city larger groups can easily be accommodated with a “split site” combination as many of the venues and facilities are within a few minutes walk of each other.

Conferences & Events

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

A HOST OF ACTIVITIES After a hectic day there are a host of activities available for you to enjoy, appealing to a wide range of interests and appetites.

One of Cambridge’s greatest gifts is its culturally diverse, varied and distinctive selection of restaurants and eateries. With cuisine from around the world ranging from North African Bedouin cuisine to Michelin Star restaurants, there is definitely something for all tastes and occasions.

The wide range of galleries and museums covers a myriad of topics and styles.

These include collections displaying works by masters such as Da Vinci and Renoir, and some specialising in the latest in contemporary art. The museums are equally diverse covering archaeological discoveries from the Egyptians and Greeks to technological discoveries across the ages.

For delegates, the best way to explore the historic college buildings is on a Private Guided Walking Tour; this can be tailored specifically to a group’s interests or needs and is lead by an Official Cambridge Blue Badge Guide.

SEE CITY LIFE Punting along the River Cam is a great way to see the city, however, punting can be harder than it looks and taking a Chauffeured Punt Tour along the College Back’s is a great way for groups to sightsee.

Cambridge’s Green Spaces reflect its approach to green thinking with cycling and sustainability a key part of city life, this truly makes this a unique destination. The city’s parks and green spaces are complimented perfectly by the University Botanic Gardens and provide some beautiful areas to explore.

The city is easily accessed by road, air and rail. Being just 50 minutes from London and 20 minutes from Stansted Airport by train places Cambridge as a great green alternative destination to the capital. By road the city has good access from the North (A1 M), the South (M11) and the West Midlands (A14).

For further assistance in planning your event please visit www.visitcambridge.org L

Volume 18.10 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Malmaison & Hotel du Vin & Bistro.

Boutique on a budget.

Enjoy the style of Hotel du Vin & Malmaison Birmingham at a special 2011 Government rate.

Working long hours? You deserve a treat. Try a luxury stay or meeting at Malmaison or Hotel du Vin Birmingham for a lot less than you ever imagined with our special Government rates. Luxury needn’t cost the earth, try boutique on a budget at Malmaison and Hotel du Vin.

Day Delegate Rates

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PER PERSON

Hotel du Vin B&B

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To book at Hotel duVin call

To book at Malmaison call

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events.birmingham@hotelduvin.com and quote Government Business BHX

www.hotelduvin.com Subject to availability. Other terms & conditions apply.

Malmaison B&B

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events.birmingham@malmaison.com and quote Government Business BHX

www.malmaison.com

hotels that dare to be different

I think. Therefore I du Vin.

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Create a memorable event at Hotel du Vin Birmingham Hotel du Vin Birmingham is set in a disused eye hospital – an ornate, early Victorian red brick building in the old city centre, now part of the newly revitalised Jewellery Quarter.

Sympathetically converted to provide 66 rooms around a courtyard, it is a relaxing haven in the city, offering a spa, gym, billiards room and Pub du Vin serving local ales and traditional pub food with a du Vin twist.

Open seven days a week, and under the tutelage of head chef Nick Turner, Bistro du Vin is at the heart of our hotel, a classic, French styled, elegant and informal setting for lunch, dinner, to meet, celebrate or simply pass the time. Dine on the finest produce that the region has to offer from local heroes such as bread from The Bread Collection from the village of Knowle, fish from The Fish Co and seasonal produce from Interfruit Catering. These are only a handful of the many legendary suppliers we are honoured to include within our Homegrown & Local philosophy. Add to this our extensive and eclectic wine list. Wine is the reason why we’re here. Without it there is no du Vin, but we never want you to be mystified by the jargon and mumbo-jumbo that often surrounds the appreciation of wine. Let our sommelier guide you through our wine list showcasing the great wines available in the world today.

If it’s a breathtaking and inspiring events venue you’re looking for then look no further.

The event rooms at Hotel du Vin Birmingham are bespoke and offer a unique space to think and bring great purpose, but most of all they are memorable. With four events rooms that have state of the art equipment and high speed Wi-Fi that can cater for up to 80, you’re spoilt for choice. Thinking of holding an event in Birmingham? Think du Vin. For those that wish to make a night of it, we offer 66 timelessly styled bedrooms

and stunning suites, all featuring luxurious handsprung mattresses, fine Egyptian linen, deep baths and powerful drench showers, plasma TVs, DVDs and air conditioning.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Hotel du Vin & Bistro Birmingham Church Street, Birmingham B3 2NR Tel: 0121 2000600 events.birmingham@hotelduvin.com

Get down to business at the Malmaison Birmingham You need a hotel in Birmingham and you need it sorting at the double. Need a destination bar with a brasserie? Sorted.

You need a slinky room or a suite? We have 189 of them, so that’s sorted too. Then there’s the need to spa. That, my little brum boutique bounty hunter, is also on the cards.

Everything to the letter. What else would you expect from a gloriously converted Royal Mail Sorting Office come luxury stop-over?

Send yourself here – special delivery.

The bar is alive. A low-lit den of deep soulful sounds punctuated by the popping of corks and pinging of e-mails across the ether. You slip the mixologist a wink and they conjure up a Cosmo Carrie would be proud to drink. After swiftly whisking it over to you he vanishes into a cosy corner of the bar to provide some much needed G&TLC to a couple of pinstripes hiding in velvet booth. He’ll be back, he feels you need a Black Forest martini too.

Simple classic dishes, uncompromising in quality and generous in portions.

I’m having a love affair with the local food heroes of the region, you think as you browse the menu. Every ingredient comes from around the corner, genuinely prepared with passion by superstar chefs.

The Birmingham Mal is the Wi-Fi’d, state of the art venue for meetings and events in the city centre. There’s inspiring space for up to 120 delegates and even a slinky break out

area called the Chateau Lounge, serving great Mal Munchies and coffee. The Birmingham Mal puts the show back into business, you’re the star and it’s your turn to shine. The stage is set: no dramas, just pure theatre.

Amid the breakneck pace of the city, there exists an urban day spa in Birmingham with the latest Elemis treatments capable of turning the staple gun-toting office guerrilla into a universally calm me-time traveller. le petit spa at the Birmingham Mal is the perfect

place to wave a white flag and bid an office retreat to a world of calming therapies and peaceful treatments. Post yourself to the personal space haven in the Mailbox. The city centre has never felt so far, far away.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Birmingham Malmaison, The Mailbox, One Wharfside Street, Birmingham B1 1RD Tel: 0121 2465000 events.birmingham@malmaison.com

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Whichever way you look at it...

Haydock Park is great for business!

Outstanding location, service, food & facilities: • Big or small meetings; suites to accommodate from 5 to 500 delegates • Ample parking • Free wi-fi • One mile from J23 of the M6 • food 127 acres of beautiful parkland Outstanding location, service, & facilities

For more information call 01942 407 295 or 01942 407 296 or visit haydock-park.co.uk • Management Planning Days • Budget Meetings • Interviews • Meetings • Conferences • Outdoor Events

Serious Conferences, Serious Fun

4300_Haydock_Ad.indd 1

New, unique conference centre

06/09/2011 15:35

LIVERPOOL AND SOUTHPORT

A DIVERSE AND INSPIRING AREA

Business tourism in the areas of Liverpool and Southport is booming thanks to top class venues and accommodation Visit Liverpool today and you can bet next time you come back something will have changed. The city continues to boom – from the striking architecture of the recently opened new Museum of Liverpool on the waterfront to the plethora of new hotel projects that are transforming the city, it’s all happening in Liverpool.

Recent years have seen a boom in Liverpool’s hotel stock with the addition of 2,000 rooms since 2008, bringing the total number of rooms in the city centre to over 5,000. Voted European Capital of Culture in 2008, Liverpool boasts hotels with large meeting spaces such as the Novotel, Malmaison and the Hilton, as well as boutique establishments such as Hope Street Hotel and Heywood House situated in Liverpool’s oldest bank building. Additionally there are plenty of apartments from boutique, serviced and luxury with yet further investment still to come.

The 154 bedroom Days Inn with business traveller facilities and the luxury 151 bedroom Hotel Indigo with Marco Pierre White restaurant have recently opened targeting both ends of the price spectrum. Under construction is the indulgent 84 bedroom

Layla Hotel, Club & Spa, hotly tipped to be a five star deluxe boutique property.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE The city’s academic venues continue to offer some of the best fully functional and purpose built conference and event venues for delegate meetings. Liverpool is well known for its educational links, and with a wealth of first class university campuses housing large theatres, conference venues and small intimate rooms they can cater for any number of association meetings, big or small.

Liverpool’s landmark Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool (ACC Liverpool) has taken the city to a new level. It is set to benefit from the addition of a new 8,100m² exhibition and events complex, which is due to open for business in September 2014.

The extension to the existing ACC Liverpool, home to Echo Arena and BT Convention Centre, will also include the development of an on-site upscale 200-bedroom hotel.

The new facilities will be connected by a sky bridge directly into ACC Liverpool, making it the only interconnected arena, convention centre and exhibition facility in Europe.

Access to the city has never been easier.

Delegates can travel easily by air with new routes from Brussels and the popular business hub Amsterdam airport Schiphol. Liverpool John Lennon airport is only seven miles from the city centre and links the city to over 650 worldwide locations. Manchester airport is also only 50 minutes travel and London is a little over two hours away by train.

Liverpool’s ‘Small Meetings Package’ continues to offer affordable city rates for delegates; with 27 participating venues the initiative offers a tiered scheme of day delegate rates across the City Region starting from as little as £17.50. For large events, the bureau has launched an interactive delegate mapping service as part of the welcome, allowing visitors to view and book participating venues and accommodation – ideal for those unfamiliar with the city.

Liverpool Convention Bureau has itself been busy in the run up to significant forthcoming events; congresses in 2012 include the International Conference on the Arts in Society, the UK Digestive Disorders Federation, and the SSC International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. 2013 sees the European Congress on Obesity and the sixth European Conference on Head & Neck Oncology (ECHNO) is happening in 2014.

Conferences & Events

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

GETTING OUT AND ABOUT Liverpool’s social credentials are second to none, and this plays a large part in attracting delegates to the city. Not only does the city boast the biggest number of museums and galleries outside London but it also features a host of interesting attractions and shopping destinations, including the impressive E

Volume 18.10 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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 The stock exchange.  The housing market.  The conference ✓ facilities.

Hotels you can rely on:

Choose from over 20 hotels in the UK. Park Inn. Nice stay. Nice day.

0161 436 1931 parkinn.co.uk

LIVERPOOL AND SOUTHPORT E Liverpool ONE shopping district.

Liverpool ONE is a huge 1.65million square feet of shopping and leisure space, which includes 160 shops, more than 20 bars and restaurants, a fantastic 14 screen cinema and a five acre park.

The city’s restaurant scene is also impressive, with celebrity fronted establishments such as Jamie’s Italian and the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse as part of the Hotel Indigo. Thai restaurant Chaophraya, which has three private dining rooms, additionally offers teambuilding with delegates able to take part in a cookery school master class, which is perfect for those looking to experience an exotic culture.

SOUTHPORT Just North of Liverpool is the classic resort of Southport. Its convention bureau, Southport Conferences, promotes the destination’s combination of high quality conference facilities, welcoming hotels, stylish restaurants, and numerous other attractions, all situated alongside miles of beautiful coastline and countryside.

Its flagship venue, the 1,600 capacity Southport Theatre and Convention Centre (STCC) has been at the forefront of the town’s regeneration for years. Sales manager, Wendy Lucas comments: “Southport has changed dramatically over the past five years. The STCC is one of the largest and most flexible venues in the North West and we have been implementing several strategies recently, to increase the awareness of this. At the moment, we are in the process of setting up an agent’s reward club, set to go live in the Autumn.”

Connected via a direct link is the 133 room Ramada Plaza. The hotel has seen a staggering 58 per cent increase in the number of delegates booking residential conferences this year, something that general manager Enda Rylands believes is a result of its close links with the STCC. He comments; “We have become an established conference venue in Southport and delegates know we can offer them something special. Our links with the Convention Centre’s conference facilities have helped massively because we can use that space too – making us more flexible and enabling us to become a one-stop shop for up to 2,000 delegates.”

Meeting room usage in the hotel has also increased significantly with associate room hire sales up by 31 per cent on last year and associate food and beverage spends up 15 per cent over the same period. There has also been an increase in banqueting business in 2011 with growth of 16 per cent on 2010.

Enda adds: “We’re pleased with the popularity of our facilities and it shows our relationship with the STCC really benefits both parties. In addition, the team at Southport Conference is an excellent first point of call when buyers are considering Southport as a conference destination and as the venues work so closely with them, they are able to offer a bespoke service and assist in all aspects of an event.”

Within walking distance of this complex, Southport has a further 42 choices of meeting spaces. These span the contemporary Vincent Hotel, to the more traditional Scarisbrick and Prince of Wales hotels. Just a short drive from Southport is Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa and the world famous Aintree Racecourse, both offering a range of conference and banqueting facilities available all year round.

As ‘England’s Golfing Capital’, Southport houses six top courses and a further 15 within 30 minutes drive. Three of the links courses, Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool and Royal Lytham St Annes, remain popular incentive choices for the corporate visitor.

Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa is also popular with the corporate golfer as home to the UK’s first PGA National Residential Academy.

Conferences & Events

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

INVESTING IN BUSINESS TOURISM Investment in Southport is continuing all the time. At the beginning of 2011, the convention bureau announced a series of initiatives that it would strive to implement to further extend its credentials and increase its profile within the business tourism market.

This has included the launch of ‘The Meetings Movement,’ a free activity guide aimed as a way of combining conferences with physical activity, detailing coastal walks, golf courses offering corporate bookings and several other healthy pursuits.

The guide also forms part of a wider plan to further develop the destination’s delegate welcome, which has most recently included the re-launch of ‘Delegate News’ the area’s regular conference update, which has been made more accessible.

Speaking of the town’s developments, Mike Booth, cabinet member for leisure and tourism, Sefton Council comments: “All of the initiatives that we are looking to implement this year are as a result of extensive delegate research carried out with our business visitors. We have put a lot of investment into the town financially in recent years, and it is vital that we match this with the best quality service offering and moreover, one that remains on track with what conference organisers and delegates actually want.”

He adds; “The plans will be driven by Southport Conferences, with the full support of the town’s Business Tourism Steering Group and all of its venues and services.”

New for 2013, will be the addition of The ‘Southport Cultural Centre’, a brand new arts complex and events space for the resort with a 430 seat theatre and a studio space, capable of hosting meetings and events for up to 600. L FOR MORE INFORMATION For information on Southport call 0151 934 2436, e-mail info@southportconferences.com or visit www.southportconferences.com For information on Liverpool, call 0151 237 3964 or visit www.liverpoolconventionbureau.com

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EVENT PREVIEW

SHAPE YOUR SPACE AT IOG SCOTSTURF IOG Scotsturf is the only event for the groundscare, sports amenities, landscaping and estate management sectors, with an unrivalled reputation for ideas and innovation in Scotland The news that BIGGA will be staging a daylong programme of seminars at this year’s IOG Scotsturf show is guaranteed to provide even more added value to the time spent at the Royal Highland Centre by the hundreds of greenkeepers who attend this annual event.

EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS Not that this year’s show will ignore the needs of the hoardes of other turf and open space professionals who will journey to Edinburgh 2-3 November. The schedule of informative education presentations also includes updates on pesticides, arboriculture, health and safety, as well as recruitment and training, while the hundreds of products on display will appeal to a wide range of turf and groundscare professionals, as well as local authority decision-makers and arboriculturists, for example.

The two-day event – which is co-located

ploughing, chemical spraying and more.

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS The Multihog MH90 diesel powered, hydrostatically driven base unit can be used with an almost limitless amount of attachments for a wide variety of tasks all year round. A top road speed of 40km per hour and an impressive towing capacity of 3 tonnes guarantee a powerful performance. Alongside the base unit Multihog will be exhibiting a patch planer and sweeper, gritter and snow plough, flail mower and flail arm attachments, all of which can be changed in under two minutes thanks to a release mechanism.

Fraser C. Robb sells, services and repairs all types of agricultural and horticultural machinery (new and second hand), and offers parts and accessories.

Visitors to the Groundscare Products

Exhibitors will be displaying hundreds of products and services embracing all aspects of open space management – many of them on show in Scotland for the first time. with Road Expo – also includes exciting live product/machinery demonstrations and award ceremonies (for Innovative and New Products and for the Scottish Groundsman of the Year) and presentations to the land-based colleges.

40TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT To commemorate this year’s 40th anniversary event, exhibitors will also be presenting special displays of older equipment to mark the occasion which will, no doubt, spark a lot of memories for many visitors.

Exhibitors will be displaying hundreds of products and services embracing all aspects of open space management – many of them on show in Scotland for the first time. Here’s a sample of what you will be able to see: Since Multihog’s debut at last year’s IOG Scotsturf, the manufacturer of this versatile multi-purpose implement carrier has continued to develop even more attachments, which offer an ever increasing range of applications – grass and hedge cutting, road sweeping and gritting, snow

FREE SEMINAR PROGRAMME AT IOG SCOTSTURF

Landscaping & Groundscare

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Wednesday 2 November 10.30 & 14.00 What’s Happening with Pesticide Approval?; and the new legislation for the Application of Pesticides on Hard Surfaces and Sporting Ground Implications.

Presented by Kenneth Liddell, Bayer Wednesday 2 November 10.30 & 14.00 Forestry professionals: understanding the legal implications for local authority/land owners; what are the requirements for assessing risks?; completing the necessary documentation.

Presented by Paul Hanson, Arboretum Int/Arboriculture Association Thursday 3 November 10.30 & 14.00 Understanding the implementation of/changes to legislation, including WBV Regulations and musculoskeletal legislation.

Presented by Kenneth Hill, HSE Solutions Thursday 3 November 10.30 & 14.00 Working together to improve the competence and quality of work. Covering a wide range of recruitment and training issues.

Presented by Ian Lacy, IOG head of professional services.

BIGGA will also be programming a full-day’s schedule. Visit www.iog-scotsturf.co.uk for details

stand will be able to see Turf Teq’s range of self-propelled, walk-behind landscaping machines featuring a new snow plough attachment. Also on hand will be a surface preparation rake, power sweeper, power edger, brushcutter and the new turf scraper which “takes the back-breaking work out of clearing soil and grass that has encroached onto tarmac, paths and roadways”.

“It’s an excellent show. It allows me to gain an update on what’s available – indeed, there’s more than enough equipment here to satisfy my needs,” said John Burnett, Eastriggs Bowling Club. L FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit www.iog-scotsturf.co.uk for full details of the education programme and to register for attendance.

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BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

52

Could you make coaching soccer your business?

Does £158,814 per year sound appealing?

Exciting opportunities are available for suitably qualified and motivated people to become a franchisee with Active Soccer.

Active Soccer has been operating since 2005. We are already working in more than twenty areas of the United Kingdom since launching our franchise in 2008 and we are now the fastest growing football coaching franchise within the UK. We specialise in providing a range of activities and events for children between the ages of 4-14 years. Our core business is organising and operating holiday courses, running curricular and extra-curricular sessions in public and private sector schools and delivering birthday parties.

If you become a franchisee with Active Soccer you will be allocated your own exclusive territory in which to operate.

With our support you will have the opportunity to build up a successful business providing soccer activities and events by

Even though 98 per cent of Belvoir franchise owners weren’t letting or estate agents before they started with us, our franchises that had been trading for a year or more achieved an average turnover of £158,814 per office in 2010.

You will require enthusiasm, a determination to succeed and good communication skills.

Our intense training course will help equip you with everything you need to know to run a successful lettings agency.

Once you are up and running, Belvoir provides extensive training, with ongoing support.

With the country in recession, house prices falling, more investment into buy to let and government stating they expect the number of privately rented properties to increase from 4

developing partnerships with local schools and organisations.

Why active soccer? By joining active soccer you will be joining a team of professionals who are dedicated to the improvement of sport within the United Kingdom. Our franchisees are contributing significantly within their own communities and are helping develop and spread the important values and messages active soccer believes in.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Mark Whitwood Tel: 0844 822 3942 info@activesoccer.co.uk www.activesoccer.co.uk

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.10

million to 5.4 million properties between now and 2020, now is the time to join an award winning business model.

We are happy to answer any questions about franchising or running a lettings business, you can come and visit us at our discovery days or at the various shows we will be attending this year: • 29/30 September - National Franchise Exhibition, NEC Birmingham • 20 October - Grantham • 11/12 November Northern Ireland • 17 November - North London

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01476 570000 franchising@ belvoirlettings.com www.belvoirfranchise.com

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

THE DOOR TO A NEW CAREER Time and again, franchising has greatly out-performed other start-up businesses. However, you need to make sure you do your homework first, urges Tom Endean, British Franchise Association News around the employment numbers in the public sector and the number of people that may soon be looking for new career routes is a message that needs to be seen wider than the obvious trepidation.

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

When unemployment rises, it is not uncommon for a rise in the number of people looking to start their own business as a way to take control of their own employment and future. This, however, does come with one main hurdle: the success rates of small businesses. Starting a business from scratch is no easy task and many more will fail than succeed; floored by unrealistic business models, lack of cash flow or problems with the day to day running. This is where franchising comes in to its own and has the ability to help countless people start their own business.

FRANCHISING SUCCESS Time and again, franchising has greatly out-performed other start-up businesses.

Its formula of a locally owned and run enterprise, driven by a small business owner, with branding, economies of scale and support from the wider network, gives the business a far better chance of success.

However, this is only the case if it is done well, so you need to ensure you do your homework when looking into franchising.

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

You will then pay continuing fees for ongoing support that will help you operate and allow you to build the business and eventually build a capital asset that you can sell.

These ongoing costs, which provide the ongoing support, is one of the major reasons behind the success of franchising.

The franchisor has already gone through the pain of finding out what works and what doesn’t. They have invested in the systems

and are now willing to teach you how to replicate it. However, don’t think you can pick and choose which parts of the systems you want to pick up. It is very much all or nothing. However, if you are paying for a proven system, why wouldn’t you follow it?

Membership of the British Franchise Association (bfa) is the first thing to look for, but it is not a replacement for your own work. You will want to find out what experience of franchising the company has, their success rates and what you get for your money. You are also strongly advised to ask for a list of franchisees to speak to

Franchising

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

to be no good. There are over 50 solicitors across the UK, who are accredited by the bfa, so it is very easy to make sure you are using someone with the right knowledge.

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

It’s best to speak to the business to find out.

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

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

Usually, you can’t choose where the franchise is based. Franchises are split over set regions, or based in planned locations,

Time and again, franchising has out-performed other start-up businesses. Its formula of a locally owned and run enterprise with branding and support from the wider network, gives the business a far better chance of success. and find out what the day to day realities of running a franchise in that network are like.

You also need to meet them at their offices and get an idea of what their plans are for the future. One aspect to consider is how many other franchisees they have recruited recently and how many they plan to recruit. The number itself is not the key aspect, but you need to compare this to the support they have in place. If you are the 20th franchisee, but they only have a support system to cope with 18, how will this impact on your chances of success?

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

At some stage you will also come across a franchise agreement. Before you sign it, make sure you take it to a franchise solicitor.

Don’t just take it to a solicitor you used to buy your house or have a long standing acquaintance with. Franchising has some very specific characteristics, especially with regards to contracts, and you don’t want to waste your money on advice that turns out

so it may be that the only opportunity available is in a very different location.

Have this talk with the franchisor at the start as you may need to move.

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

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

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

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ALL RISKS, ALL HAZARDS

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23-24 November 2011 Exhibition and Conference

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REGISTER NOW!

turbine and state-of-the-art therapy options. These features combine to allow the unit to accompany the patient in any transport situation through to hospital bed.

For further information: www.hamilton-medical.com/T1

www.emergencyuk.com ESS 2011 Ad 255 x 86_general.indd 1

29/06/2011 16:08:15

HAMILTON MEDICAL UK 6120 Ground Floor Knights Court, Solihull Parkway, Birmingham Business Park, B37 7WY, UK +44 (0) 121 717 0199 +44 (0) 121 717 0209 www.hamilton-medical.com info@hamilton-medical.com

Emergency Services

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

BUSINESS CONTINUITY

EMERGENCY PLANNING, RESPONSE AND RECOVERY From strategic planners and first responders to equipment manufacturers and suppliers, the Emergency Services Show and Conference 2011 brings together everyone involved in an emergency The last couple of years have seen unprecedented incidents take place in the UK – the riots, adverse weather conditions, spates of domestic and wild fires – all of which provide a natural wake up call for organisations to update business continuity plans in case of an emergency.

To ensure effective plans can be made to protect the UK from threats, both natural and manmade, communication between the parties who play a critical part in emergency planning and response is vital, however, making the time to

facilitate this networking can be hard.

The Emergency Services Show and Conference 2011, promotes multi agency collaboration by bringing together everyone involved in emergency situations. With over 380 exhibitors and approximately 4,000 visitors attending the successful show last year, The Emergency Services Show and Conference 2011 is the key event for anyone involved in emergency planning, response or recovery, both in the UK and abroad.

This year’s show and conference will be taking place on Wednesday 23 and Thursday

With over 380 exhibitors and approximately 4,000 visitors attending the successful show last year, The Emergency Services Show and Conference 2011 is the key event for anyone involved in emergency planning, response or recovery.

24 November at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry.

Following recent national emergencies, the Emergency Services Show and Conference 2011 is proving more relevant than ever.

DOING MORE WITH LESS At a time when budgets are being squeezed, this free to attend exhibition provides the perfect opportunity for visitors to research methods of doing more with less. Visitors will be able to speak to exhibitors about how they operate more effectively and efficiently, thereby resulting in the highly desirable outcome of more for less.

David Brown, show organiser, Emergency Services (MMC) Ltd, comments: “In these uncertain times it is more important than ever for all emergency professionals and associated agencies to communicate with one another, this may allow resources to be shared and budgets to be maximised. The Emergency Services Show offers the unique opportunity to meet with specialist E

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BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Hamilton medical intelligent ventilation In 1983, Hamilton Medical UK, based in Birmingham, developed a passion to improve the lives of ventilated patients and the people who care for them and created a new generation of intelligent microprocessorcontrolled intensive care ventilators featuring revolutionary new modes and diagnostic tools. We maintain this tradition with the support from our head office in Switzerland, combining quality Swiss manufacturing systems with global resources and reliability of a focused organisation.

Hamilton Medical produces a variety of ventilators including the Hamilton-G5, C2, C1, S1, the Arabella infant nasal CPAP

system and the T1, which is used in helicopters and aeroplanes to transport patients. Hamilton Medical is also specialised in designing intelligent ventilation solutions such as the world’s first fully closed loop ventilation Intellivent and ASV, which are used as part of our mission to provide ease of use, improved patient outcomes and efficiency through innovation. Hamilton Medical is always striving to improve the lives of patients ranging from adults to neonates.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0121 7170199 Fax: 0121 7170209 info.gb@hamilton-medical.com www.hamilton-medical.com

Leading the way in protective clothing and respiratory products Alpha Solway is a leading independent manufacturer and supplier of respiratory products and specialist chemical protective clothing that prides itself on its ability to supply ‘off the shelf’ products, alongside bespoke items and ‘small runs’.

They are delighted to be exhibiting at this year’s Emergency Services Show and to be launching two brand new products to this specific market.

The first of these is the Alpha S respirator. Specifically designed to fit the smaller and slimmer face shape, which will help achieve excellent results when conducting Face Fit Testing, the Alpha S is the first disposable mask with a unique inner face seal that fits snugly to the chin, delivering an excellent fit and meeting the needs of a multi industry problem.

Alpha Solway is also delighted to launch a new addition to their successful alphachem Chemical Disposable Suit range, the alphachem X500; a Gas

56

Tight Suit (Full Encapsulation – Type 1A) suitable for use with SCBA, in applications such as emergency response, toxic spills, and biohazard contamination.

The alphachem X500’s main features include exceptional strength and chemical resistance from the new ‘lighter weight’ 10 layer multi laminate fabric.

Why not visit Alpha Solway’s stand at this year’s Emergency Services Show (stand number 183) to see the products in more detail.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact: Mr Mike Gibbons Tel: 01461 202452 Fax: 01461 205684 sales@alphasolway.com www.alphasolway.com

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.10

Braemar Howells – responding to hazardous incidence for over 60 years Braemar Howells has provided safe and efficient responses to hazardous incidents and situations for over 60 years. The company and its highly trained oil and CBRN responders have assisted in the recovery phase of numerous high profile UK and worldwide incidents, ranging in diversity from grounded container vessels through to wide scale flood relief. Braemar Howells personnel have experience of working in numerous industrial sectors and transportation infrastruture sectors.

Utilising the same RPE and PPE and procedures as the emergency services, Braemar Howells is able to dovetail into any response structure. Its highly experienced emergency response and crisis management advisors can also fulfil liaison and advisor roles in incident command teams.

Besides providing the physical response teams, Braemar Howells utilises the skills and experience of its personnel

to provide training courses to government and industry, in oil and chemical spill response and also authors emergency and contingency plans, tailored to clients’ specific operations.

Braemar Howells prides itself in its history and the numerous safe, efficient and successful responses to hazardous incidents it has conducted since its beginnings over six decades ago.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Diana Warlow Braemar Howells Ltd Emergency contact number: 08700 73776673 dianawarlow@ braemarhowells.com

Generation launches BetaGuard® Advance Guardrail System We provide best practice collective protection, but without the manual handling problems associated with current industry practice.

The BetaGuard® Advance Guardrail System simplifies tower erection by eliminating the need for both horizontal and diagonal braces, reducing the main components to a total of three.

Structural safety is also improved with the bracing integrated into the BetaGuard® frame, utilisation and asset management is achieved with ease, as individual single bracing members more susceptible to loss, damage and theft are replaced.

Other benefits of the BetaGuard® Advance Guardrail System include its ability to act as a bridging component to bridge towers, removing the need for bridging lattice beams. Tower erection without trip hazards

at base level and a walk in/through facility with high clearance is automatically achieved.

BetaGuard® Advance Guardrail has now been included in the company’s PASMA Training Courses as the preferred Advance Guardrail Method. Training now includes 3T (Through the Trap), and BetaGuard® on all of Generation’s PASMA Mobile Access Tower courses at our training centres nationwide.

Generation also offers training courses for IPAF MEWPS, CISRS Scaffolding Inspection and a range of health and safety courses specific to industry requirements.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0800 5875224 sales@generationuk.co.uk www.generation hireandsale.co.uk

BUSINESS CONTINUITY E equipment and service suppliers from the UK and abroad to facilitate mutually beneficial buying arrangements and discuss new important innovations and products.”

Emergency Services

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? The Emergency Services Show 2011 is considered critical for those with a role in emergency planning and business continuity.

From buyers and specifiers, emergency planners to responders, this show unites colleagues, contemporaries and suppliers.

Every year emergency and resilience professionals with a role in operations, procurement, training, recruitment, emergency planning and business continuity, attend.

Exhibitors will be displaying all manner of products and services including: personal protective equipment, communications and IT, first response equipment, station equipment, training and education, vehicles and vehicle equipment, medical equipment, business continuity and outsourcing.

David Brown, remarks: “As well as allowing exhibitors to showcase their latest products and services, the exhibition provides an ideal way for professionals to discuss co-operation, ideas and initiatives and learn from each other in preparation for major events taking place over the coming years or prepare for the unexpected.”

EMERGENCY RESPONSE ZONE There will also be approximately 100 end users exhibiting within the Emergency Response Zone. This zone (essential for operational staff and emergency planning officers) is made up of category 1 and 2 responders, professional, government and voluntary organisations, and hence offers perfect networking opportunities to affiliated organisations.

The Emergency Planning Society, Flood Forecasting Centre, the Health Protection Agency, Inland Flood Rescue Association (IFRA), Institute of Civil Protection & Emergency Management and the British Red Cross are just a few of the organisations exhibiting in this specialist area. There is also a dedicated UK Search and Rescue Zone including Mountain Rescue and the Association of Lowland Search and Rescue (ALSAR).

CONFERENCE This year, the two-day conference will be hosted in the dedicated conference centre (opposite the exhibition centre) at Stoneleigh Park. To help organisations cope with a markedly different environment and overcome the challenges of the future, the show’s organisers have taken the decision that the conference will be free of charge to attend.

This is in recognition of organisations’ budgets having been cut and in many cases restrictions put in place regarding individuals attending events. However, it is vital that emergency and resilience professionals continue to learn and network amongst one another to allow both

professional development and learning, with the overall aim of improving public safety.

Each day of the conference will be targeted at different job roles. Day one will be aimed at senior management, whilst day two will be directed at operational personnel.

The conference will be CPD certified.

For further information on the conference programme please visit the website, www.emergencyuk.com or to register your interest please e-mail Alison Green, alison@mconieagency.com THE LOCATION The venue of the show and conference, Stoneleigh Park, is a one-minute drive from Coventry railway station, free courtesy coaches will be running frequently between the station and venue.

Stoneleigh Park is a short drive from several motorways including M1, M40,

M42, M45, M6 and M9, where free parking is available on site. Please note that signposts to the venue also refer to it as the National Agricultural Centre.

Additionally, the venue is a short distance from Birmingham International Airport.

To register for your free visitor pass or to learn more about attending The Emergency Services Show and Conference 2011, please visit the event’s new website www.emergencyuk.com Emergency Services (MMC) Ltd is the organiser of the show and conference. The company has extensive experience working with those involved in the emergency sector and publishes Emergency Services Times, Fire Times and the Emergency Services Times Who’s Who Directory. It is also the organiser of the new Emergency Scotland event, which took place in July at the Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre in Glasgow. L

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Advertisers Index

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ADVERTISERS INDEX

The publishers accept no responsibility for errors or omissions in this free service A Algeo

36

House of Fraser

Active Soccer

52

LighterLife

52

Alpha Solway

56

LJMU Services

46

Apollo Fire Detectors

34

Maid2Clean

52

Argos

8

Malmaison Hotel

44

Asidua

22

Martor UK

36

B.T.S. Italia

25

OKI Printing Solutions

38

Best Companies

20

Panasonic

BlackBerry

13

Park Inn Palace

40

Braemar Howells

54

Public Property Summit

32

Brathay

20

Scotsturf

50

CCSG

18

SDL Trados

Compliant Access Equipment

31

Sefton Park Palm House

46

Counter Terror Expo

15

Softworld

16

Danubius Regents Park Hotel

40

Specsavers

Dart Valley Systems

39

Taith

23

Forever Fuels

27

The Carbon Show

28

Frontier Software

23

The Emergency Services Show

54

Glynn Williams Architects

40

Vaults Fire & Security

36

Hamilton Medical

54

WRTL

10

Haydock Park Racecourse

46

P ONLINE P IN PRINT P MOBILE P FACE TO FACE

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OBC

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.

AT LAST, A SPENDING CUT THAT YOUR STAFF WILL BENEFIT FROM. VDU GLASSES + EYE TEST ONLY £17

Cutting your company’s spending doesn’t have to mean cutting back on the quality of staff eyecare. At Specsavers, providing staff eyecare will cost less than you might think, so you’ll be able to make valuable savings across your business – while ensuring that your employees receive excellent service and fantastic choice.

For just £17, Specsavers offers a professional eye examination and, if needed, VDU glasses worth up to £45. This includes any required retinal screening, and staff can also save £20 on their own glasses purchases. What’s more, we’ll meet all your legislative requirements too.

To find out more, call Specsavers Corporate Eyecare on 0115 933 0800, fax 0115 986 1983, email corporateeyecare@uk.specsavers.com or visit us at specsavers.co.uk/corporate

SKU 25177725. ©2011 Specsavers. All rights reserved.