Government Business Magazine issue 18.9

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 18.9

Business Information for Local and Central Government

FRANCHISING COMMUNICATIONS CATERING

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Previews of this autumn’s most important energy and low carbon events

HEALTH & SAFETY – Prevention makes good economic sense PLUS MORE

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All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | Volume 18.9

Business Information for Local and Central Government

FRANCHISING CommuNICATIoNS CATeRING

BuIlT eNVIRoNmeNT

Previews of this autumn’s most important energy and low carbon events

HeAlTH & SAFeTY – Prevention makes good economic sense PluS moRe

Comment

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

WELCOME With government cuts beginning to make themselves felt and job security within the public sector not what it used to be, employees are starting to look at other career opportunities.

For staff contemplating a fresh start in a new area of work, perhaps a franchise business is the next step. To learn more about this business model read the article by the British Franchise Association on page 13.

Whilst we are facing tough times, safety is one thing we should not scrimp on, and properly-focused action to prevent accidents makes good economic sense. Prevention is better – and cheaper – than cure, says the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents on page 28.

Do you, like me, enjoy a fresh brew with your elevenses or a coffee to keep you going in the afternoon? From September, at least 50 per cent of all coffee and tea procured by government departments and their agencies, including the armed services and prisons, must be fairly traded. Good news for many hardworking farmers and producers, as the Fairtrade Foundation explains on page 68.

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, Chris Grant, 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 18.9 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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

CONTENTS 06 NEWS

39 CONFERENCES & EVENTS

68 CATERING

09 MONEY MATTERS

What makes Birmingham a vibrant and successful global events destination?

Public buyers and suppliers will need to be ready for new food procurement standards that will consider a variety of social and ethical issues

What issues will the proposals outlined in the Modern Workplace consultation raise in the reality of the workplace, asks Diana Bruce from the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals

A look at the green venues and conference packages offered under the Green Tourism Business Scheme

13 FRANCHISING

The winners of the 2011 Good Communication Awards have been announced

The British Franchise Association writes about an alternative career for public sector workers Career opportunities, advice and support can all be found at The National Franchise Exhibition

28 HEALTH & SAFETY Roger Bibbings, RoSPA’s occupational safety adviser, explains how to get the balance right when it comes to health and safety spending Gain direct access to the highest quality of independent safety information at Health and Safety ’11 – Scotland

34 LANDSCAPING & GROUNDSCARE IOG SALTEX is the UK’s Number one open space management event and it will be back at The Royal Windsor Racecourse in September

47 COMMUNICATIONS

51 BUILT ENVIRONMENT The Energy Event informs you about the latest strategies and technologies that can reduce costs, comply with legislation and ensure secure supplies We preview Low Carbon Expo 2011, the first low carbon expo in Wales EBEC, 5-6 October, is the UK’s largest bioenergy exhibition and conference Covering energy procurement, energy management, efficiency and onsite renewables, Energy Solutions is widely regarded as the UK’s leading energy event

Contents

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

71 HR/LEARNING Visit the World of Learning Conference & Exhibition to find the most costeffective methods and solutions to deliver more successful learning results

74 RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT Cllr Phill Bicknell highlights the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’s pioneering approach to recycling

77 FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Total Workplace Management is set to showcase the latest in a wide range of products and services from across the FM sector

M&E – The Building Services Event attracts a unique visitor demographic of consultants, contractors and end users looking to specify a full range of building services The Environmental Trade Show brings together the best in environmental and low carbon goods and services

Government Business

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk Volume 18.9 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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News

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

NEWS IN BRIEF London boroughs sign up to collaborative procurement portal The borough of Ealing is the latest of 15 London boroughs to sign up to one of the largest tender portals in London.

The London Tenders Portal enables boroughs to comply with the government’s directive on collaborative procurement and allows them to engage more effectively with their SME base by consolidating opportunities in one place, while also enhancing transparency throughout the sourcing process.

The London boroughs are dedicated users of the system and they meet up every quarter to discuss the portal, its functionality as well as collaborative initiatives. More than 17,500 suppliers make use of the portal, developed by Due North, and to date, over 1,100 contracts have been placed through the portal, TO READ MORE PLEASE VISIT... totalling a value www.governmentbusiness.co.uk/n/012 of £4.5 billion.

Derby’s care homes provide Wii for both fun and fitness Derby City Council’s older peoples’ residential homes across the city have been provided with Wii games consoles to encourage residents to keep fit and have fun. Coleridge House is one of the homes where residents are enjoying the new activity aimed at getting residents to enjoy some gentle exercise and maintain their fitness levels as they get older. Since the Wii has been available at Coleridge, the residents have said they enjoy taking part in games with the staff and it is proving to be an excellent aid in enabling expression, raising spirits and providing entertainment.

Majority of neighbourhoods in Scotland feel safe Most people in Scotland believe their neighbourhood is a good place to live, a government survey has shown.

The Scottish Household Survey revealed that just over half of people (55 per cent) are satisfied with their area, compared to 49 per cent in 1999. Also, fewer people are noticing vandalism and graffiti. The last survey showed 18 per cent of people believing it to be common in their neighbourhood while this time the proportion was 11 per cent. Complaints of noisy neighbours and loud parties went up from eight per cent in 1999 to ten per cent today.

The vast majority of people also relay feelings of being safe and secure while out and about in their area after dark.

Three-quarters of adults (76 per cent) feel very or fairly safe when walking alone in their area during nightfall and almost everyone (97 per cent) TO READ MORE PLEASE VISIT... feel safe while alone www.governmentbusiness.co.uk/n/013 at home at night.

06

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.9

COUNCIL TAX

Council Tax amnesty ahead of clampdown Two Lincolnshire councils have teamed up to offer an amnesty to all residents who may be mistakenly claiming a single person’s Council Tax discount, before a clampdown on fraudulent claims starts next month across the two authority areas.

As part of the new joint up Revenues and Benefits service, North Kesteven District Council and the City of Lincoln Council will examine the cases of everyone claiming single person discount to make sure they are eligible to do so.

To ensure that no one is claiming discounts they are not entitled to, teams will cross reference Council Tax information with other databases to identify cases where more than one adult is resident at properties where the single person discount is being claimed.

North Kesteven District councillor

Geoff Hazelwood, executive board member with responsibility for revenues and benefits areas, said: “There is a minority who believe they can cheat the system and claim discounts they know they’re not entitled to, which is unfair on everyone else and we intend to catch them through these checks. If you do receive a discount which you think you should no longer receive, this is your final chance to contact us about it, before we contact you.”

Both authorities offer a 25 per cent discount on Council Tax where there is only one resident adult at the property. In North Kesteven 13,703 of its 47,000 households currently claim the discount. In Lincoln around 16,000 households claim the discount out of 43,000 properties.

TO READ MORE... www.governmentbusiness.co.uk/n/014

UK RIOTS

Independent panel to investigate riots The government is to establish an independent panel to give victims of the riots a chance to have their voices heard, deputy prime minister Nick Clegg has announced.

In a press conference, Clegg said that the communities and victims panel, which will be chaired by an independent figure, will produce a report within six to nine months to be presented to the leaders of all three main political parties.

Clegg also confirmed plans for

a community payback scheme, with offenders helping to clean up areas hit by the disturbances.

Victims will also be given the right to confront those who damaged their neighbourhoods to reinforce the fact that the actions of rioters had consequences.

“It won’t be a public inquiry, it won’t be established under the Inquiries Act, but it will serve as a way in which victims and communities can have their voice heard,” Mr Clegg said.

NEWS IN BRIEF

WASTE & RECYCLING

Welsh councils urged to sign up to waste change programme Welsh Government environment minister John Griffiths is calling for local authorities in Wales to take advantage of a new package of support to help them meet waste reduction and recycling targets.

The Collaborative Change Programme will offer all Welsh councils the chance to benefit from specialist technical advice and support to help them meet targets set out in Wales’ waste strategy Towards Zero Waste.

Wales is the only country in the UK to introduce statutory targets for municipal recycling; the first target is 52 per cent in 2012-2013 increasing to 58 per cent by 2015-2016, 64 per cent by 2019-

News

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

£3 million invested in green heaters for social housing

A £3 million scheme has been launched to help install eco-heaters in the homes of social housing tenants.

Heating equipment including biomass boilers, solar hot water panels and heat pumps will be available under the new scheme. Registered providers of social housing, such as local authorities and social housing associations, will be able to bid for a share of the £3 million, part of the £15 million Renewable Heat Premium Payment budget, to make home heating improvements to tenants’ homes.

2020 and 70 per cent by 2024-2025.

Griffiths said: “The introduction of statutory targets and the escalation of landfill costs mean that local authorities have a strong economic imperative to reduce municipal waste and increase recycling rates. This programme will give participating councils access to the highest standard of advice and support, which will give them the best possible chance of reaching their targets.

The programme’s support package will be delivered by WRAP Cymru with support from the Welsh Local Government Association as well as the Welsh Government.

TO READ MORE PLEASE VISIT...

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk/n/016

Barnet kids and residents consulted on play areas Children and residents in Barnet, London, are being invited to have their say on the next stage of improvement plans for new play equipment in two areas of the borough.

Areas of Riverside Walk and Windsor Open Space are set to be revamped into new play facilities as part of the Dollis Valley Greenwalk project.

Following feedback sessions a design for each site will be developed and available for final comment before the play areas are built in October.

ENERGY Two new biomass power stations for Britain Energy minister Charles Hendry has given the go-ahead for two new biomass stations in Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, which combined will produce enough electricity to meet the needs of over a million homes. Charles Hendry said: “It is vital that we get investment in new power stations up and down the country to ensure secure energy supplies for people’s homes and businesses.

“I am very pleased to give the go-ahead for these two new biomass power stations in Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. They will not only enhance our security of supply, but provide low-carbon electricity that reduces our carbon dioxide emissions.”

The Ouse Renewable Energy Plant at Selby and the Heron Renewable Energy Plant at Immingham will each produce enough electricity to more than 500,000 homes.

During construction, both developments will employ an average of around 600 people on site and have total workforces of around 150 when operational.

Derbyshire councils to share senior managers

£20m to transform Tottenham and Croydon

Two Derbyshire councils are to share their senior managers in a move that will save around £150,000 a year.

Bolsover District Council and North East Derbyshire District Council already share their chief executive, Wes Lumley, who was appointed in April. They currently have a total of six directors – three within each council – who report to the Mr Lumley. These will now be reduced to four, shared between the authorities.

Once the directors are in place the councils will consider whether further costs can be saved by sharing their next tier of managers and by providing some services jointly.

The move to cut management costs is the latest stage of a ground-breaking Strategic Alliance between the two councils, which was launched in April 2011. It will be rolled out over the next two years, eventually saving around £1.5 million per year.

TO READ MORE... www.governmentbusiness.co.uk/n/015

London Mayor Boris Johnson has pledged a £20m funding boost to transform Tottenham and Croydon, two of the worst affected areas in the recent riots. This amount brings the total of the Mayor’s fund to regenerate London’s businesses hit by the riots to £70m.

The London Enterprise Fund will be invested by the Mayor to specifically focus on the regeneration of Tottenham and Croydon, which had already been identified as regeneration priorities

by Boris Johnson before they were damaged during the disturbances.

The Mayor and his team will work closely with local people, local businesses and the local councils to identify the best ways to invest the government’s money to maximise the regeneration impact in the two town centres.

TO READ MORE PLEASE VISIT...

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk/n/017

Volume 18.9 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

07

The

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PAYROLL

FAIR AND MODERN WORKPLACES What issues will the proposals outlined in the Modern Workplace consultation raise in the reality of the workplace? Diana Bruce from the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals investigates The last two updates from the CIPP covered the four part consultation on Modern Workplace. This included proposals on the introduction of a system of flexible parental leave; a right for all employees to request flexible working; changes to the Working Time Regulations; and measures to encourage equal pay for equal work between men and women.

The CIPP policy team conducted a survey of our membership to find out what concerns and issues these proposals raise in the reality of the workplace. To follow are summaries of the key areas of concern for employers as identified by our members.

FLEXIBLE PARENTAL LEAVE CIPP members are in broad agreement with the proposal to reserve 18 weeks maternity leave exclusively for mothers followed by a period of flexible parental leave. There are however, reservations over

the suggestion that the notification of parental leave be based on a self-certification process, with several members suggesting instead that a form similar to the current MAT B1 (medical evidence showing the expected date of childbirth) be introduced for both maternity and parental leave.

Employers and payroll staff are also worried that the increased flexibility enjoyed by employees will create problems for them when covering the absence. An overwhelming majority of respondents favoured the suggestion that parents should provide an indication of their full plans for parental leave prior to the child’s birth.

EQUALITY The consultation asked if parental leave and pay should be available to mothers and fathers on an equal basis. Despite predicting problems administering such a system, more

than 64 per cent of respondents agreed with this proposal. There were concerns regarding how employers would be able to monitor what leave the other parent had taken when the parents work for different companies, and concerns regarding covering the absence for two separate jobs when the parents both work for the same company.

The consultation asked if it would be inappropriate to exempt small and mediumsized employers from the flexibility provisions and an overwhelming 93 per cent agreed that these employers should not be exempt.

Although recognising that smaller employers may need help and support, CIPP members felt that all employees should be treated the same regardless of the size of the organisation they work for and that such an exemption would be confusing and unfair.

78 per cent of those who responded believe that preventing fraud is the biggest challenge to administration. This was closely followed by 71 per cent who believe record keeping will be difficult and 51 per cent who feel that compliance will be an issue.

Currently there is a year’s qualifying period for existing parental leave and one of the questions asked was if this should be retained, or should the two types of leave be consolidated to avoid confusion.

Three quarters of respondents felt that the two types of leave should be consolidated.

Amongst those who disagreed the main reason was that the year’s qualifying E

Volume 18.9 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Money Matters

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

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PAYROLL E gives some protection to employers.

The consultation asked if there were any further comments on the proposals for flexible parental leave and the following three comments show just how difficult it will be to introduce a system which suits all.

“The proposals seem incredibly complicated, with the burden once again falling on employers. It is difficult enough to plan shifts, taking into account holidays and sickness, without the possibility of extra leave being given.”

“It is essential that employers retain the right to decide on the level of flexibility that is appropriate or possible in a particular role. We already find with the existing arrangements that some returning mothers feel they have a right to choose to work part time with hours to suit them, and are then very upset when they find that the employer can not accommodate this. We have experienced threats of legal action citing sex discrimination on the basis that the situation only arises because they are returning from maternity leave.”

“The government needs to give couples and families as much flexibility as possible.

The fewer rules involved the better. Every family is different, every family’s finances are different, views on working are different; each family life is different. The government is headed in the right direction, they just need to stop pigeon holing and let people make their own choices by giving multiple options that fit better to their lifestyles.”

FLEXIBLE WORKING Respondents to the CIPP survey recognised the need to extend flexible working to all employees, including allowing employees to make an additional request within 12 months if they expect the need for the original change to last less than 12 months.

Once again there were concerns over the additional burden this would create.

The consultation document does acknowledge that flexible working presents an administrative burden for employers.

The following member concerns capture the issues which affect most payroll departments if the business offers flexible working: • Calculating the pro-rata pay • Recalculating holiday entitlement (if fewer days are worked) • Issuing a new contract (we don’t have a separate HR dept) • Ensuring bank holiday pay is correct • Ensuring the correct rate of statutory sick pay and company sick pay is paid • Calculating the correct value of overtime (is it at basic rate? Is it at time and a half?)

• Monitoring timekeeping • Recalculating pension contributions WORKING TIME REGULATIONS (WTR) CIPP members were unanimous in their verdict that employee entitlement to reschedule/ carry forward leave should be limited to the four week entitlement under Regulation

13 and should not include the extra 1.6 week entitlement under Regulation 13A. Members also agreed with the proposal to amend the WTR to specify the order in which leave is deemed to be taken.

“As the situation will be very complex a clear set of rules will prevent disagreements between employers and employees on types of leave and interpretation of what has been taken when.”

The consultation asked if there was agreement that there is no merit in amending the WTR to limit the accrual of annual leave during sickness absence to the four week entitlement under Regulation 13. 87.5 per cent of respondents agreed with this proposal despite the possibility of additional burden on payroll staff.

“The administrative burden will be huge, and that should perhaps be seen as an indication of the fact that the whole matter of accrual of untaken holiday while sick is fundamentally flawed. But the burden is not a reason not to limit it to Regulation 13. It should be underlying principle that matters, not how much work it will be.”

EQUAL PAY Equal pay is, in a lot of businesses, more likely to be the concern of the actual employer or HR department than payroll.

However, some organisations do not have a separate HR department, and in all cases it is likely that the payroll department would be involved if pay audits were imposed.

Worryingly, 20 per cent of CIPP members who responded thought their organisation would struggle to undertake a pay audit because of the lack of grading in some organisations, and a high degree of diverse employments in others. The CIPP would suggest a government publicity campaign to highlight the need for such information to be recorded if this proposal is introduced.

Again the question was asked if there should be an exemption from the requirement to conduct an audit for micro employers and/or small employers. Although there were some concerns around the resources of small businesses to conduct such an audit, 70 per cent of respondents felt that there should be no exemption.

The consultation asked if there was agreement with the proposal that if a court decides a pay and an audit is required, then the results of the audit should be published. Responses to this question were fairly evenly split, with 55.6 per cent disagreeing to publication, the main reason being the need to prevent the salary of individual employees being disclosed.

“Employees themselves are very protective of their remuneration detail and publishing them is likely to cause ill feeling towards an employer even if they are ordered to do so. There are often good reasons for salary differentials that are not always understood or accepted by employees

and this kind of publication could increase staff dissatisfaction and turnover.”

This consultation document is the first in what would appear to be a very detailed consultation process. Although the aim is to increase flexibility without adding to the administrative burden it appears, from responses to the CIPP member survey, that although the government is on its way to achieving the flexibility, these proposals will indeed bring additional burden.

Many of the proposed changes are complex; both for employees and those staff in payroll and HR who will need to implement the changes and advise how workers will be affected. The CIPP has formally responded to this consultation with the findings of the survey. The government will be publishing their overall response later in the year where we hope to see evidence of them listening to the views of the very people who will be responsible for implementing the changes. L

Money Matters

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

About CIPP The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP) was established as an official industry body in 1985 when the Institute of British Payroll Managers (IBPM) was formed.

In 1998, the IBPM merged with the Association of Pensions and Superannuation Administrators (APSA) to form the Institute of Payroll and Pensions Management (IPPM), which became the Institute of Payroll Professionals in September 2006 was granted Chartered Status in November 2010.

The CIPP is the only membership body for payroll professionals in the UK and currently has in excess of 5,000 members enjoying a range of benefits. In addition, the CIPP is the UK’s leading provider of education for payroll, and has a Pensions Faculty responsible for delivering qualifications and membership services to those responsible for public sector pensions.

As well as industry recognised qualifications, the CIPP boasts a wide range of payroll training courses to increase professional knowledge in specific areas such as statutory payments, termination payments, overpayment recovery and changes to legislation. CIPP recently relaunched its Pensions for Payroll Professionals training course.

The CIPP is working hard to increase recognition towards the importance of payroll in business, and achieved Chartered status for the profession in 2010. The policy team are now representing members’ views at over 60 government consultation forums which highlights that HMRC and other government departments recognise the important part that payroll plays in the UK economy.

Volume 18.9 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

A FRESH START It is widely apparent that the economy is not recovering as quickly as many had envisaged. Recent reports have highlighted the scale of public sector redundancies, 147,000 over the past 12 months, and the outlook for many is not as rosy as we had been led to believe it might be in 2011.

Despite these stark figures, the outlook is not entirely bleak. For those who find themselves facing redundancy, whilst it can be devastating, it does have the potential to be quite a liberating time – and one when many people contemplate a fresh start in a completely new area of work. If you find yourself in this position, franchising can represent a mine of opportunities. If you are ready for a challenge, to work hard and use your initiative whilst being prepared to commit to following the franchisor’s

previous experience is in office administration or a more strategic, director-level role, there is something to suit everyone’s skills set.

The list of members of the British Franchise Association (bfa), whose number is in excess of 300, highlights the diversity of the industry – businesses range from shoe retailers, pet food delivery businesses and fast food outlets, to hairdressers and childcare services.

MAKING THE DECISION The decision to become a franchisee is not an easy one and the necessary research can be both time-consuming and overwhelming. The following tips offer a starting point and structure for this research: • Understand the individual businesses that you are considering and the markets in which they operate

Recent reports have highlighted the scale of public sector redundancies, 147,000 over the past 12 months, and the outlook for many is not as rosy as we had been led to believe it might be in 2011. system then investing in a franchise could offer the opportunity to take control of your own career and lifestyle whilst building a financially sound future.

AN ATTRACTIVE CONCEPT Many people will be concerned about how to fund such a move, but it is important to bear in mind the strength of the franchise business model and the advantages which that brings. Franchising has consistently out-performed other start-up businesses and, as a consequence, banks tend to look favourably upon franchise businesses. The 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 consumer the best of both worlds and the business a far better chance of success. The 2011 NatWest bfa Franchise Survey revealed that 90 per cent of franchise units were profitable last year – when set against current nonfranchise SME failure rates, often quoted at one in three, this is extremely favourable.

The success rates, combined with the variety of types of business that operate in the sector, make franchising a particularly attractive concept for many seeking a change of direction. There are opportunities for an incredibly extensive range of personal abilities and investment levels. Whether your

• Consider your own needs and circumstances as well as what you hope to get out of your franchise • Speak to existing franchisees and find out about the challenges they have faced and how the business has affected their lives • Consult professional advisors who specialise in franchising. It is unwise to consult, for example, a family solicitor or general lending advisor as they will not be familiar with the idiosyncrasies and complexities of the sector • Attend exhibitions and seminars.

This is an important part of the research process, helping to develop an understanding of how the industry works and the many businesses involved.

RESEARCHING OPPORTUNITIES The National Franchise Exhibition will soon be taking place at the NEC in Birmingham (30 September - 1 October). As a key event in the franchising calendar, the opportunities that it offers potential franchisees to engage with accredited operations are considerable.

With hundreds of different franchise businesses all under one roof, it is the ideal time to gather reliable information about all the various aspects of franchising.

Undertaking your own due diligence, including research on the opportunities available, the work they involve and the market in which they operate, is an essential

Advantages of joining a franchise • You don’t have to come up with a new idea - someone else has had it and tested it too! The business format is proven • About 90 per cent of all franchisees reported profitability over the last 12 months • Good franchisors will offer comprehensive training programmes in sales and indeed all business skills • You have the opportunity to build your capital as well as your earnings.

• It is your business and you are the owner manager, providing you follow the system, you decide what goes • The major banks are very supportive of good franchising.

Written by Tom Endean, British Franchise Association

With public sector cuts starting to affect employment and job security, could a franchise business be your next step?

Franchising

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

Disadvantages • Running any business is hard work, demanding the highest level of personal and family commitment • You make a financial investment, however, no investment is guaranteed, especially when it depends on the efforts of both you and your franchisor as well as the vagaries of the market place • You buy into a proven business system for its benefits but you also take on the responsibility for following it – not doing so may result in you loosing the business

part of the journey to becoming a successful franchisee but it can be difficult to know what to look for in the businesses you are considering. You need to really look into a business’s background to understand not only whether the company is right for you, but also if it is a good example of its type and whether it will deliver what has been promised.

YOUR OWN BOSS This resilient industry, fuelled by dedicated individuals, encompasses many different skills and backgrounds and opens up countless opportunities for people looking for a new start. Many have used franchising as a way to become their own boss, but under the safety and security of a proven model, with national support structures to help overcome many of the hurdles that can floor many new business start-ups.

Hard work, professionalism and commitment to the proven business model are prerequisites for franchising success, however, if chosen prudently and managed with enthusiasm and dedication, becoming a franchisee could provide the sound future that so many seek. L

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INVESTMENT

Franchising

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

THE GOLDEN RULES FOR FRANCHISE INVESTMENT Lloyds TSB sponsors a series of free evening educational seminars held throughout the UK about the benefits and pitfalls of investing in a franchise. These are must attend events for people seriously thinking about starting on their franchising journey If you are thinking of investing in a franchise there are some key considerations that you need to make. The initial deliberation is to decide whether franchising suits you. If you are someone with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, who wants to re-invent the wheel, then you may not be suited to franchising, which involves following a proven system.

Lloyds TSB is sponsoring a series of free evening educational seminars held throughout the UK about the benefits and pitfalls of investing in a franchise. These are must attend events for people seriously thinking about starting on their franchising journey. For further details and booking information visit the www.franchise-seminars.biz website.

It is relatively easy to eliminate the opportunities that are outside your price range or those that will not offer you the financial return you need. You will then need to scrutinise a range of franchises to see which one is most suitable for you. It is sensible to begin your research with the British Franchise Association (bfa) member franchise brands as they will have passed a rigorous accreditation process and adhere to the standards laid down by the bfa.

Whilst bfa membership is no guarantee of success it is a good starting point.

RESEARCH Franchise exhibitions are an efficient way to research many companies and gain a lot of information in a short period of time. The National Franchise Exhibition takes place at the NEC in Birmingham on 30 September and 1 October. Free tickets are available from the Lloyds TSB Franchise Unit by sending an e-mail request to franchising@ lloydstsb.co.uk with your name, postal address and number of tickets you require.

Consider what you are good at and what you will enjoy doing. You don’t have to stay in the industry that you have spent the whole of your working life in but you should be looking at franchises where you will benefit from your existing skills and experience.

Your family life and personal circumstances are another important consideration.

Ensure your loved ones are involved in the selection process from the outset.

Use the internet to research the particular business that you will be involved in. Those entering franchising sometimes neglect to

fully evaluate what that business actually does and the market in which it operates.

Speak to trade associations for their view of the type of business you are interested in.

Also, research the history and track record of the chosen franchise brand. Remember it is a two-way process so the franchisor will be assessing you right from the outset to decide whether you match what they are looking for.

Speak to as many existing franchisees as you can. Don’t let the franchisor cherry pick who you speak to by asking for a contact list of the entire franchisee network. This may be a managed process and not every franchisee will want to speak to you.

Look for franchisees with a similar background to yours and speak to franchisees at differing stages of development.

PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE It is essential to make sure that you receive the right professional guidance and support. Franchise specialist banks are a great source of impartial advice. Some banks view most well established franchise brands favourably, however, to get the best advice and support make sure you speak to the bank’s franchise department rather than your local business manager. The franchise legal agreement is a substantial document and you will need to understand it before you sign on the dotted line. Lloyds TSB offers a franchise agreement review service at discounted rates in conjunction with an experienced franchise solicitor.

Franchising offers the opportunity to run your own business with a potentially high success rate, provided of course you select the right franchise in the first place. There are never any guarantees in business, but you can increase your chances of success by following these key steps. Don’t rush your research as your decision could result in a long term commitment and you’ll have plenty of time to reflect on a mistake – so try not to make one! Take your time and you could find yourself as an owner of a business with significant potential for success. L FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0800 6816078 Mob: 07802 324018 richard.j.holden@lloydstsb.co.uk www.lloydstsb.com/franchising

Steps to take for a successful franchise Step 1 – Consider whether you are suited to franchising Step 2 – Attend a franchise seminar to learn more about the benefits and pitfalls Step 3 – Eliminate opportunities that are too expensive Step 4 – Eliminate opportunities that will not deliver the revenue you require Step 5 – Start your research with well established British Franchise Association member brands Step 6 – Research a range of different franchise brands across many industry sectors Step 7 – Self assessment: What are you good at and what will you enjoy doing Step 8 – Does the business fit in with your family’s requirements?

Step 9 – Market research: customers, suppliers, competitors, trade associations, industry Step 10 – Take a much closer look at your chosen franchise and speak to existing franchisees Step 11 – Seek professional advice from franchise specialist banks, solicitors and accountants Step 12 – Have you made the right choice? If you have any doubts start again from Step 1

About the author Richard Holden heads up the Lloyds Banking Group Franchise Unit and is an expert speaker at exhibitions and seminars.

He also regularly contributes in the national and trade press.

Lloyds Banking Group has franchise managers based throughout the UK to offer support to both franchisors and franchisees. Lloyds TSB is an affiliate member of the British Franchise Association.

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‘We Send Anything, Anywhere!’

Pack & Send are the market leading retail packaging and freight forwarding business founded in Australia in 1993. Our network of stores provide specialist packaging and freight forwarding solutions to a broad range of business and domestic customers. We are unique in what we do, and are now expanding across the UK

1. Experience and Reputation

• Established in 1993, Pack & Send is an an Australian market leader that is a growing success in the UK too.

• Our ‘no limits’ culture has resulted in an enviable reputation.

• ‘We Send Anything, Anywhere!’

7. Profit Potential •

transaction values.

8. Low Investment Entry Level

• From £100,000 the Pack & Send business is one of the most affordable retail franchises on the market.

9. The Power of the Brand •

power and customer pulling power and assists you to build your business.

2. Our Niche

• We exclusively dominate our niche market of packing and sending fragile, large, awkward, and valuable items in the multibillion pound Freight Logistics sector.

• We have real USPs and no direct competition!

3. Our Customers

• Everyone is a potential customer of Pack & Send.

• We service some of the world’s largest companies through to small businesses and householders and tourists.

4. Variety and Enjoyment

• Our store owners tell us they love the variety and business trading hours.

• Every day in a Pack & Send business is different and exciting.

5. Impressive Growth

• Our rate of sales growth is the envy of the industry and illustrates the value our services bring to the marketplace.

6. Comprehensive Support

• Our unique retail model is underpinned by a business system that has been honed to the highest level of proficiency.

• First class support and resources.

Now

Expanding across the UK

PACK & SEND very Days Franchise Distatcionos covering: Informal Presen portunity - The Market Op s Works es sin Bu e th - How isees Current Franch m fro e nc - Experie d Suppliers an rs me sto Cu - Input from t ut from NatWes - Financing Inp 958 4628 18 01 ll book a place, ca ise_discovery To learn more or ch an /fr .uk .co cksend or visit www.pa

To find out more about our UK opportunities call our Franchise Development Team on 0118 958 4628 or email them at franchises@packsend.co.uk www.packsend.co.uk

EVENT PREVIEW

Franchising

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EXPLORE HOW TO REFORM YOUR CAREER AND RUN YOUR OWN BUSINESS Career opportunities, advice and support – all under one roof at The National Franchise Exhibition, which returns to the NEC Birmingham, 30 September to 1 October Franchising is becoming increasingly popular with people looking to make their next career move as it offers the freedom of running your own business with the support of an established brand. According to the latest survey by NatWest and the British Franchise Association (bfa), the UK has seen an increase in the number of

franchises, with more than half a million people working in the industry generating £12.4 billion for the UK economy in 2010.

With exhibitors, advice and support and free seminars all in one place, a visit to The National Franchise Exhibition is the perfect starting point to find out more about this rapidly growing industry.

With exhibitors, advice and support and free seminars all in one place, a visit to The National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC Birmingham is the perfect starting point to find out more about this rapidly growing industry.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS The UK’s largest franchise event returns to the NEC in Birmingham on 30 September to 1 October this year with around 150 companies offering inspiring new opportunities. Businesses span a wide range of sectors including sports, technology, food and drink, travel and home improvement, so there is an opportunity available to suit every budget, lifestyle and skill. Companies exhibiting include Auditel, Belvoir Property Management, Cloud Bookkeeping Ltd, Computer Xplorers, Explorer Travel and WPA. Visitors can be certain that the organisations offering franchise opportunities at the event can be trusted as The National Franchise Exhibition is exclusively supported by the bfa and only features companies that E

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take control of your future join the fonehouse franchise programme •

Be your own boss with your own mobile store.

•

Join a successful brand with 14 years experience and stores nationwide.

•

Full training and support to help you setup and grow your new business.

for more information call: 020 7384 3636 email: joinus@fonehouse.co.uk

as seen on Channel 4

website: www.fonehouse.co.uk/franchiseprogramme

SmartStep

Join Us!

THE SMARTSTEP PARTNERSHIP

Career Crossroads?

Build your own successful business as a Business Coach and Mentor, providing the assistance businesses need in order to achieve their potential for growth and profitability.

If you find yourself at a career crossroads, why not find out more about the benefits of working with The SmartStep Partnership in this rewarding and highly lucrative sector?

For further details contact nikki.east@s-step.co.uk

One of the UK’s leading health insurers is offering exciting franchise opportunities in prime parts of the UK. No previous experience necessary. If you have the desire, we can mentor and guide you towards a rewarding and successful career.

wpafranchise.co.uk 01823 625120 ISO 9001 FS 28452

BS 25999 BCMS 538164

ISO 14001 EMS 505226

ISO 27001 IS 553152

08/11483

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Franchising

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Gas-Elec case study

E meet the Association’s code of ethics.

Alongside the comprehensive exhibition, a wide range of free features will enable visitors to learn, meet experts and receive all the guidance and support they need as they consider a career as a franchise.

First, The Franchise Starting Point is dedicated to helping visitors completely new to the concept of franchising to find ideas to suit them. Franchising experts including the bfa team, specialists from leading banks, accountants, lawyers as well as current franchisees and franchisors will be on hand to provide visitors with all the help and advice they need as they consider their options and prepare to develop a successful franchise business.

For those wanting to clarify what might be the right next step for them, the Careers Clinic offers visitors a superb opportunity to speak with expert career advisers. They will help visitors to review their careers to date, assess their strengths and define their goals in order to create a practical career plan and identify next moves.

The Franchisee Panels always prove to be valuable and informative. This year there will be even more opportunities to hear franchisees talk about their experiences of becoming a franchise owner, to ask questions and gain real insight at these always well-attended sessions.

SEMINAR SESSIONS A series of seminars by the bfa forms part of the extensive, free conference programme at the show. During these sessions, such as an introduction to franchising, a panel of experts will cover all aspects of franchising including how to find funding, who you should go to for legal advice and what a franchisor looks for in a franchisee.

In addition, seminars on key franchise-related topics including growing your own business; high-level investment franchising; franchise resales; executives in franchising; hands-on

franchising; and families in franchising, will help those with more specific ideas about the business they want to establish.

The series of highly regarded keynote speakers at the show includes John Johnson, commercial director at Johnson’s Coaches who will cover ‘Developing a business brand’ and Richard Forte, chief operations officer at McDonald’s UK will explain ‘How franchising gives you the winning streak’. They are joined by the founders of two successful Birmingham eateries – Simon Jenner and Hannah Wolsey from The Urban Coffee Company and Chris Sargeant from The Handmade Burger Co. FINDING THE FUNDING The Business Plan Clinic, sponsored by Lloyds TSB Commercial, provides the opportunity to learn all about securing funding and to receive professional advice on drafting a business plan – a key starting point to developing a successful business.

For visitors with families, The National Franchise Exhibition has collaborated with The Creation Station to support parents who wish to explore the work-life balance opportunities that franchising can allow.

Children can explore their artistic side at the free-of-charge Children’s Activity Centre, enabling them to have creative fun and freeing up the chance for a parent to discover more about the franchise businesses on offer.

Adrian Goodsell, franchise exhibitions manager at Venture Marketing Group, organisers of The National Franchise Exhibition, comments: “A visit to the show is the perfect introduction to the world of franchising, showcasing the wide range of business available and putting visitors in contact with experts who can help them progress their career in the franchise industry.

The event is packed with proven business opportunities with many highly reputable established brands all under one roof.” L

Having worked in the NHS for nine years, including positions in NHS Psychiatry in Northamptonshire, David Ribano decided to make the move into franchising.

For several years now he has been a Safety Inspection Engineer with Gas-elec, working mainly in the Northampton area. He carries out gas and electrical safety inspections and remedial works primarily in the lettings market for landlords, but also for homeowners, buyers and sellers. As part of the franchise process, he retrained and gained gas and electrical qualifications at the company’s training centre.

David explains: “I wanted a change of direction and came across the gas-elec franchise, I had an electrical background so applied to be a franchisee in my local area.

“My work is generated for me and the regional office coordinate and book the jobs. Gas-elec also takes care of all the payments from clients as well as invoicing, credit control and VAT. “My future plans are to continue my work with the business in order to benefit local and national customers.”

Riverford case study Vanessa Cook worked in local government for 20 years including positions with Councils in Luton, Bedfordshire, Chiltern District and Welwyn Hatfield. She left her position as Chief Policy and Performance Officer at Welwyn Hatfield Council to join her husband as a franchisee for Riverford Organic delivering organic vegetables, and other produce, in the Milton Keynes area.

Vanessa explains: “We both wanted to make a life change and had been discussing starting a business.”

The couple became the owners of the Milton Keynes territory.

Today they have around 800 weekly deliveries and have taken on further territories and drivers, and have also taken on the franchise in the Stevenage and Luton territories.

Vanessa concludes: “Running a Riverford Organic franchise is hard work, but it is a business that makes us very happy.”

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Fantastic childcare franchise opportunities with monkey puzzle With more mothers choosing to return to work, there is an unprecedented demand for nursery places – especially those with high quality resources. Our highly successful core-business has provided all the right ingredients for the Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries Franchise, which is now developing nationally with British Franchise Association Accreditation.

As you would expect, childcare is subject to considerable statutory regulation covering both staffing and premises, and compliance with the requirements of Ofsted is mandatory.

Monkey Puzzle Franchisees benefit from a substantial package of know-how and support that addresses literally everything – initial setting up, comprehensive training, staff

recruitment, local publicity and an excellent programme of continuing back-up that aims for best practice and sound financial performance. Monkey Puzzle is essentially a “management” franchise and previous childcare experience is not a requirement.

Some of our franchisees are involved personally in the day-to-day running of their nurseries, while others employ a manager to head up their childcare team. If you feel you have the skills and ambition to become part of the Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries Group, please contact us for an information pack.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01442 878887 info@monkeypuzzle daynurseries.com www.monkeypuzzle daynurseries.com

Over 16 years of ownership, growth and development If you’re looking at making a prudent investment into the lucrative service industry sector, then you’ve probably found just what you’re looking for.

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

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

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

A business that offers ISO 9001:2008 initial and ongoing training and support.

20

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

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

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

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.9

Are you ready for a career change?

Do you want more control over your lifestyle? Is it time you made the decisions that matter to you? Could you run your own successful business?

MAD Academy franchisees organise and run high energy music and dance classes for the underfives. Our classes are focused on the Ofsted early learning goals in music, movement and listening skills, so parents know there’s more to it than just a bit of fun.

Join our team now and in a matter of months you could build a very straightforward and highly rewarding business with flexible, mainly term time working hours.

You’ll need some cash, lots of drive and enthusiasm, and an interest in music and dance.

Most importantly, however, you’ll need to love children and to appreciate the joy of their early-years development.

You will have your own exclusive territory, the option to hire instructors to help expand your business and the

ongoing support and advice of the MAD Academy team of professionals. To start with, we provide a comprehensive training programme covering both class operation and business management. Your franchise fee will also include all necessary class equipment, relevant business materials, and expert help and guidance with an effective launch plan for your chosen territory.

If you really are ready for this challenge, call or e-mail us now for a Franchise Prospectus.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0118 9261384 office@madacademy.com www.madacademy.com

The environmentally friendly vehicle rental franchise system Established in 2007 Green Motion is the world’s first (and currently only) fully dedicated environmentally friendly focused vehicle rental franchise system.

The Green Motion Franchise system has been designed to give budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to operate their own successful vehicle rental business that allows franchisees to compete head to head with the multinationals utilising its unique brand and pricing proposition.

More companies are now genuinely concentrating their efforts on reducing their C02 emissions relating to their fleet and their use of company cars.

For those organisations that have a short term daily rental requirement, Green Motion offers a superb choice of vehicles from small city cars to executive and MPVs all of which boast the

lowest CO2 emissions.

Green Motion has steadily developed its UK network and now has 20 franchises successfully operating throughout the country. In the latter part of 2010 Green Motion opened a further 12 locations oversees.

Green Motion franchisees enjoy an industry leading level of support, which is delivered through intensive pre-launch training and post launch. As a result of our franchisees performing at the very top of the industry Green Motion has enjoyed the coveted title of Rental Company of the Year 2009-2010.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For further information regarding the ownership and operation of a franchise please visit www.greenmotion.com or call 0333 8884000

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Build a successful franchise with WPA

Leading independent mobile phone retailer

With not-for-profit medical insurer WPA, customers are at the centre of all they do.

“Franchisees must be prepared to support customers, attract new customers into their portfolio, whilst being empathetic to their needs,” says Berkeley Harris, WPA’s director of the Franchise Team and BFA Board member. “You must be a positive and determined person. The rest we can teach you.”

Candidates don’t need a background in financial services. They need the capacity to talk to corporate and individual customers as well as the drive and ability to run their own business.

WPA enjoys welcoming interested franchisees to its head office in Taunton to help them to understand the company and the opportunity. WPA provides full training on products, processes and sales generation. There are

Established in 1994, fonehouse began as an independent mobile phone retailer based in and around the city of London.

Since then, they have ridden the pressures of intense competition to become one of the most reliable, customer centric mobile retailers in the industry.

The launch of their successful Franchise Programme in 2008, now featuring a unique look and feel in store, has helped to enviably position fonehouse in an ever evolving market where customer service is a key differentiator.

With 49 stores nationwide and a retail footprint that is ever growing, the Franchise Programme is the proven vehicle for entrepreneurs looking to take advantage of the fantastic working relationships that fonehouse has forged with network operators and major manufacturers, allowing them

regular workshops to ensure franchisees are kept up-to-date.

There is also a mentor, who can be called on for advice during the first two years.

The initial investment of £7,500 includes training, laptop, web presence, literature and business cards, as well as mentoring.

Unlike most franchises, there are no monthly fees to pay.

Outgoings can be kept low as the franchisee can work from home.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01823 625120 www.wpafranchise.co.uk

Does £158,814 per year sound appealing?

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 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: • 15 September - Yorkshire • 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 Fax: 01476 584902 franchising@ belvoirlettings.com www.belvoirfranchise.com

to deliver quality packages to their customers and often places them ahead of competition with the latest mobile technology.

The market has seen rapid growth over the last two decades, especially in the UK, with the majority of people owning at least one mobile device – many owning two or more. And with new technology entering the market at an unprecedented rate, the possibilities are endless.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information on joining the fonehouse Franchise Programme call 020 73843630 or visit www.fonehouse.co.uk

A business opportunity to make you smile Teeth whitening is one of the fastest growth markets in the UK, and now you have the opportunity to build a successful business in this £6.5bn market. Diamond Teeth Whitening is the largest teeth whitening company in the UK, and through our 58 per cent growth during 2010 we need to recruit more individuals to meet consumer demand. We work closely with all our franchisees to provide the training and ongoing support, to help you build a successful business within an exclusive territory.

We provide a flexible business model for those looking for a full or part time opportunity. Our franchisees can easily build a business earning over £50,000 per annum, from an initial investment of just £7,500.

To become a successful Diamond Teeth Whitening franchisee you don’t need any specific industry knowledge, just excellent communication skills, enthusiasm and a determination to succeed.

Our excellent sales, marketing and business development

training and support will help provide the key to success.

So if you are looking for a business that is going to provide you with a financial secure future – and make you smile – then it’s time to join our successful franchise network.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 08455 192639 Info@diamond teethwhitening.co.uk www.diamond teethwhitening.co.uk

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Kieser Training – a strong back knows no pain

Earn in excess of £18k with a ChariSnack franchise

More than 70 per cent of adults in the developed world suffer from back pain.

Weak muscles are the cause in the vast majority of cases.

The deep spinal muscles that connect the vertebrae with each other are easily put out of action by minor incidents. Once they have weakened, it’s not that easy to get them working again. Though the larger back muscles can compensate for the deficit for a while, there comes a point when pain sets in.

The only lasting solution to this problem is to re-strengthen these deep spinal muscles to make them fully functional.

Kieser Training works. Swissbased Kieser Training offers medical strengthening therapy and preventive strength training in 140 facilities in nine countries,

There couldn’t be a better time to invest in a simplistic full or part-time ChariSnack franchise. The rapidly growing awareness that we all need to eat more healthy food has greatly increased demand for alternative products. ChariSnack franchise owners meet that demand by placing a superb selection of healthier snacks and smoothies, as well as flapjacks, cake slices and confectionery directly into the workplace.

Earning potential in excess of £18k part time, and £35k for full time.

Up to 200 initial companies are recruited to host a box for new franchise owners, and initial stock is provided to ensure they start taking cash from day

one of which is in London.

Kieser Training is looking for franchisees in the UK to establish a network of facilities, first in London, then across the country.

As a franchisor with global experience, the company can offer you the support you need to set up your own business on the basis of a proven concept. Continuous development of the brand, the system and its training and therapy machines are assured by Kieser Training’s in-house research and development department.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Marcel Haasters, Country Manager UK Greater London House, Hampstead Road, London NW1 7DF Tel: 020 73919980 kieser-training.co.uk

Great opportunity with no competition Our company is appointing franchisees nationwide to market our exclusive range of products that have trade mark and copy right. The products are exciting and very much in demand without any competition.

The products are placed in a variety of shops from gift/card shops to post offices, newsagents and garages on consignment so the retailer does not pay for anything until the product is sold – ideal in the current climate. The distributor will merchandise the shop every foursix weeks, charge the shop for what has sold, and then restock.

Average takings are £20-80 per month from each shop.

The minimum investment is £5,000, which will be sufficient for stock and stands for 50 retail shops, with net earning from £1,500 each month.

Depending if you want part

22

time or full time hours you can stay on 50 shops or increase to 100, 200, or 300 plus – the more shops the bigger the income.

If you like meeting people and want an excellent income then perhaps this venture is for you.

This is the kind of exciting opportunity that doesn’t come along very often – please contact us for more information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION benzola3@gmail.com

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.9

one. Franchise owners benefit from detailed on-site training and on-going support of a dedicated franchise development manager and head office team.

A ChariSnack franchise will put you in control of your own life. Does it frustrate you that you’re not in control of your own destiny? Do you like being out and about and meeting people? If your answers are ‘yes’, be shrewd and take the first step now to get more information and register below.

Areas available from just £9,950 + VAT (reclaimable).

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0845 1231132 info@charisnack.co.uk www.charisnack.co.uk

Jump into franchising with JumpingClay JumpingClay is a global educational franchise. We specialise in teaching and entertaining both children and adults in the magical world of 3D creation, providing a new and exciting way for everyone to learn through play.

Using a fantastic range of courses and a revolutionary clay product we open this world with ease and offer all the benefits that come with it. The JumpingClay Institute of Art (JIA) provides the courses and is constantly striving to develop more, maintaining our competitive edge in a market that is still growing at a steady rate.

JumpingClay is currently experiencing phenomenal expansion and with over 250 stores worldwide it has now begun to spread throughout the UK. This is an opportunity for enthusiastic individuals to be part of a global family, enriching the lives of others and developing a rewarding and profitable

business using JumpingClay’s proven business model.

Each franchisee is granted rights to the brand, products and educational courses within a designated geographical area.

Regional and unit franchises are available from as little as £10,000 excluding VAT, which includes instructors training, 13 manuals, initial stock and much more.

If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity further don’t hesitate to contact us.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 02890 204180 Fax: 02890 506477 Mob: 07503 419740 franchise@jumpingclay.co.uk www.jumpingclay.co.uk

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Make a SMART move to a brighter future

Franchise opportunities from United Carpets plc

With over 30 million vehicles on today’s roads, and a mobile SMART repair franchise from the Car Medic International Group, you’ll never be short of work.

By taking the bodyshop to the customer, and repairing rather than replacing, you can offer convenient and cost-effective cosmetic repairs to vehicles.

From bumper scuffs and scrapes, vandal scratches and stone chips, to alloy wheel refurbishment, leather, velour seat and dashboard repairs, our franchise package contains everything you need to offer quick and effective repairs. And all with the full backup and support of the longest established SMART (small to medium area repair technique) repairer in the UK. No previous experience in vehicle repair is required – our training programme is second to none. All you need is the determination to succeed.

United Carpets plc have successfully operated a franchise system since 1997 which offers the opportunity for the right people to run their own carpets, flooring and beds business under our brand name.

We have close to 100 stores which are located within the Midlands and North of England and we are the second largest carpet retailer in the UK. Our stores are mostly out of town, 5,000-10,000 sq ft warehouse locations where we retail carpets, wood & laminates, vinyls and beds, as well as other ancillary products. We provide extensive and unrivalled support on marketing where we operate through TV, radio, leaflets and a host of other local formats.

We also provide back of house financial support, chiefly payroll, VAT, company set up, monthly profit and loss accounts. We also provide excellent training

We firmly believe that we offer the most comprehensive, best value for money, automotive franchise package available.

Spend a few hours in our workshop with our highly experienced training technicians, seeing the repairs in action and even having a go yourself, and then tell us what you think.

The only cost to you is your time, and it might well be the best investment of your life.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 08080 373737 Fax: 01525 218007 mail@carmedic international.co.uk www.carmedic international.co.uk

Retrain as a PAT test engineer and a health and safety inspector Would you like to run a business whose services are growing in demand day by day? Well now you can.

Retrain as a PAT test engineer and a health and safety inspector and build a business with a realistic profit of £40k per annum working for yourself or your money back.

You could have your very own fully operational, successful portable appliance testing and health and safety business with low start-up costs of only £2,995.

If you are going to invest in a franchise, make sure you invest in a business that gives you the best chance to succeed.

Make sure you find a business that is in demand even in the current economic recession.

Every business in the UK has to use our services by EU and UK laws and we will give you two essential services to offer.

We provide everything required to get you going. All training,

paperwork, equipment, marketing and even use of our in house telemarketing team are yours.

This is a brand new franchise being offered for the first time hence the low investment cost. Get in touch now for an information pack and cash flow forecast.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01179 118204 info@solutions electricaltesting.co.uk www.solutions electricaltesting.co.uk

and mentored support for the first four weeks then ongoing operational support throughout.

Furthermore, we thoroughly assist with the funding process through top banks.

We have exciting incentivised packages for resale opportunities and will be looking for further new stores during 2012.

FOR MORE INFORMATION If you would like to find out more, please call Paul Davies on 07966 296362 or e-mail pauldavies@unitedcarpets. net and we will send you a brochure and come out and visit you if you wish.

An award-winning B2B management franchise Driver Hire is a B2B management franchise and a market leader in the supply of drivers and logistics staff to the private and public sectors. Established for over 25 years and a regular bfa award winner, Driver Hire is acknowledged as a key player in the UK’s lucrative £27bn recruitment sector.

A Driver Hire franchise provides you with a unique opportunity to run your own recruitment business within our established and highly successful franchise network.

We are the UK’s leading supplier of drivers and logistics staff to the private and public sectors. Our network of over 90 branches provides workers, mainly on temporary assignments, to a wide variety of customers ranging from international hauliers and major retailers to builders merchants, parcel delivery companies and local authorities.

To become a successful Driver Hire franchisee you don’t need

any previous knowledge or experience in the transport or recruitment sectors – our training will take care of that. Far more important are good people skills, all-round commercial acumen and the self-motivation and desire to build a successful and profitable operation generating net earnings of £100,000 plus.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0844 8460031 Fax: 0844 8460002 franchisesales@ driverhire.co.uk www.driverhire.co.uk/ franchiseopportunities

Volume 18.9 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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award winning vegbox home delivery company

e r f ord v i R

franchise opportunities - uk wide We’re looking for hard working, committed franchisees with a passion for food (and a hunger for sales) to be part of our award-winning organic home delivery company.

we grow the vegetables, you grow your business

meet the team, learn more about franchising, get the all-important numbers, see us at stand H240

for more info call us on

01803 762015 www.riverford.co.uk/franchise

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Franchising

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

FROM THE PUBLIC SECTOR TO LIFE ON THE OPEN ROAD Vanessa Cook left her public sector job to join her husband delivering organic vegetables in 2005.

Here she talks about her transition from office work in the public sector to life as a franchisee loyalty. In our business, retention is vitally important to ensure continued growth.

To promote the veg box scheme and boost business, we do shows throughout the summer. They’re great for generating enthusiasm about the brand, and I think our visible passion helps when it comes to getting people to try a veg box for the first time.

We also gain exposure from the vans because, while they’re an essential part of the logistics side of the business, they’re also invaluable as marketing tools. After all, that’s how we found out about Riverford in the first place!

Combined with leafleting and some advertising in smallish local magazines, along with the genuine quality of our produce – which I believe sells itself once people have tried it – we get a high number of recommendations, and a regular flow of new customers as a result.

Over the last six years, we’ve become a strong feature in our local community; all of our customers know we live in Milton Keynes. For many of them, buying organic food from a local business has become very important.

My husband Russell used to be an electronics engineer, working for global companies. I worked in corporate policy and communications in local government where I’d been for 20 years. We were both keen to make a change and had been discussing starting a business, but we hadn’t considered buying a franchise.

Then Russell saw a Riverford Organic van while stuck in a traffic jam on the M40. We’d used a veg box scheme in the past, and he knew I wanted to find another veg box provider, so he called me as soon as he had the chance to pull over, and suggested that I give Riverford a call to see if I could arrange a delivery.

PERFECT TIMING What I discovered was that nobody was delivering in the Milton Keynes area – mainly because it was too far away from the main farm in Devon to make distribution to Milton Keynes viable. But a sister farm, Sacrewell, was about to open in Cambridgeshire, which meant that the Milton Keynes territory was available for somebody to buy and develop.

It seemed like a ripe opportunity for

Russell and I to invest in something that really appealed to us. So we applied for the franchise, and very soon after became the proud owners of the Milton Keynes territory.

Initially, the idea had been for Russell to operate the business while it gathered momentum, and for me to continue working for the local government for added security. But I found it impossible not to get my hands dirty in the veg box business. So in June 2005 I took voluntary redundancy and joined Russell full-time.

OUT AND ABOUT When we started, we had 54 deliveries to make on the first day and 130 in the first week. Today we have around 800 weekly deliveries and have taken on two further territories – Stevenage and Luton – plus additional drivers.

In addition to running the administrative side of the business from home, I like to get out and about in the van. I genuinely love driving around, making deliveries and meeting people.

It’s a freeing experience and seeing customers face-to-face enables you to find out what they want. It also helps to foster

KNOWING YOUR CARROTS FROM YOUR KOHL RABI Once customers have signed up to a veg box delivery, there’s quite a lot of personal interaction and support. We’re very focused on educating people about the food, which means if somebody doesn’t know what to do with Kohl rabi, we’ll give them some tips or recipes. And if they’re concerned that their carrots are a bit bendy, we’ll remind them to twist the green tops off, as they suck up a lot of the moisture.

These little bits of useful information put customers in touch with what fresh organic veg is all about. They also help us to develop fruitful relationships with the people that matter most to our business.

Ultimately, as a Riverford franchisee, you become a part of people’s lives.

Running a Riverford Organic franchise is hard work, but Russell and I have a better quality of life than we did when he worked as an engineer and I worked in the public sector. And although we know this isn’t the kind of business that will make us millionaires, it is a profitable business, and one that makes us very happy – which is something of far greater value. L

Volume 18.9 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Franchising

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

SHIPMENT SPECIALISTS

SEND ANYTHING ANYWHERE WITH UNRIVALLED SERVICE

With new PACK & SEND stores now open in Bristol and the buoyant London market and more franchise licence applications in progress than ever before, the new financial year looks likely to be a step-change year for the UK business PACK & SEND is still new to the UK – the first store opened in Reading just over two years ago – but already it is a great success and is growing faster than ever. The parent business, which has been trading in its native Australia since 1993, is currently in the process of expanding into other countries across the globe, however, it is the UK that is the most developed of these and is fast becoming the model for growth in new territories. Just look at some of the statistics: • UK revenues for the business have been up to four-fold ahead of the original business plan • Like-for-like revenues over 50 per cent higher in the second year of trading • Gross margins ahead of plan and increasing in year three • Average transaction values among the highest in the logistics market • Blue-chip corporate accounts secured to support the UK store network.

With new PACK & SEND stores now open in Bristol and the buoyant London market and more franchise licence applications in progress than ever before, the new financial year looks likely to be a stepchange year for the UK business.

PACK & SEND UK CEO Mike Ryan, is delighted with the first two years of trading: “All our stores have hit the ground running with sales enquiries from our website and the help of our local marketing support programme. Our first store has shown over 50 per cent growth in revenue over year one. If anything, we seem to have underestimated the UK market!”

“We are particularly pleased to now be open in London, as we know from our current enquiries that there is huge demand here and we have been in the frustrating position of virtually turning business away!” continued Ryan. “The issue has been finding good quality sites in the areas that we want to locate, but we have been working closely with our franchisee and have secured a great location close to Earls Court.”

THE PACK & SEND BUSINESS PACK & SEND is a unique business proposition and have genuine USPs to underpin their franchise model: • Specialists in packing items for safe shipment – regardless of how large or fragile they are • The widest range of shipping options to ensure that they can offer a choice E

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.9

We are particularly pleased to now be open in London, as we know from our current enquiries that there is huge demand here and we have been in the frustrating position of virtually turning business away! – Mike Ryan, CEO.

Franchising

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

Discovery Days PACK & SEND, in partnership with NatWest, are running UK Discovery Days to provide potential franchisees with information on how the business works and the market opportunity.

It includes input from PACK & SEND customers, suppliers and existing franchisees as well as information from our banking partner NatWest.

Our next series of days are currently being planned for the week of 3 October.

To find out more, or to register for a place, visit www.packsend. co.uk/franchise_discovery or call 0118 958 4628 now.

Our customers treasure the items that we send for them and want to know that they receive the highest levels of care. PACK & SEND’s packing expertise, combined with our unequalled Gold Cover unlimited value loss or damage protection, gives the unique peace of mind for individuals or businesses of all sizes.

E of cost-effective solutions that meet virtually any deadline or budget • Comprehensive loss and damage cover that protects a customer’s shipment – no matter what the value.

They make a simple promise – ‘We Send Anything, Anywhere!’ – and all the stores pride themselves on delivering the highest levels of customer service. Their end-toend ownership of collection, packing and final delivery anywhere in the world makes them uniquely easy to do business with.

WE SEND ANYTHING, ANYWHERE! At PACK & SEND, stores can ship anything, however, they specialise in handling items that are: • Fragile – laptops, electronic equipment and glassware and china • Large – trade show equipment, car parts and musical instruments • Awkward – architectural models, chandeliers and statues • Valuable – artwork, antiques, timepieces and collectables “If you have a fragile, large, awkward or valuable item for shipping, then there are very few options available other than investing time and money in personally accompanying the item from door to door – and this is rarely practical or cost-effective,” explains Tony Fowles, PACK & SEND UK general manager.

“PACK & SEND can resolve the issue at a fraction of the cost, and with the care and

attention that you would give the goods if you were transporting them yourself.

“Our customers treasure the items that we send for them and want to know that they receive the highest levels of care. PACK & SEND’s packing expertise, combined with our unequalled Gold Cover unlimited value loss or damage protection, give the unique peace of mind for individuals or businesses of all sizes.”

NICHE MARKETS PACK & SEND addresses many niche markets and creates a totally new market at the same time.

“At its simplest, we offer an easy-to-use postal service with a friendly face,” says Ryan, “but if you have just bought a hard top for your sports car on eBay that needs collecting, securely packing and shipping to the US – as one of our customers recently did – then we are unique. Who else is there for you to call? With car parts being listed for sale on eBay every ten seconds, that’s a big niche.”

The PACK & SEND proposition is also perfect for businesses: • Distribute fragile, electrically sensitive or time critical IT equipment between sites or to remote users.

• Facilitate exhibitions, conferences or demonstration events.

• Safely deliver essential parts, samples, proofs or prototypes anywhere.

• Manage high-end office moves.

• Deliver personal items to fulfill

probate obligations for lawyers and solicitors handling client’s wills.

WHY CHOOSE PACK & SEND? PACK & SEND is looking for highly motivated enthusiasts who share the vision of providing a no limits service to their customers and who want to benefit from a robust business model that is proving as successful here as it has been for 120+ shops in Australia.

We have territory opportunities across the UK and increasing levels of business being generated between stores in the UK network.

PACK & SEND franchisees benefit from: • High gross profit margins • Rapidly cash generative business model • Proven business results – our first UK store showed net profits in year one • Distinctive identity that stands out on the high street and is increasingly being established as a global brand.

• High value franchisee support services – initial training is intensive, including at least four weeks hands-on work before launch and comprehensive in-store support after it. We will even work in your store with you for the first weeks of trading to help you build a rewarding and successful business.

• Regular customer web leads directly into your e-mail inbox • Low staffing levels and B2B trading hours • Low levels of non-perishable stock • Franchisees that actually enjoy what they do.

PACK & SEND requires a target investment of around £120k, which is estimated to get your store to break even and hence self-financing from then on. They have relationships with several high street banks and can provide detailed advice on market assessments and business planning. L FOR MORE INFORMATION Call Mike Ryan, Graeme Rhodes or Tony Fowles on 0118 9584628 to discuss how PACK & SEND could be the opportunity you are looking for, or e-mail franchises@packsend.co.uk with your contact details. More information is available at www.packsend.co.uk

Volume 18.9 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

27

Health & Safety

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

RISK MANAGEMENT

PREVENTION IN PROPORTION When times are tough, spending decisions about risk management are difficult, especially for local authorities who manage a diverse range of areas. Roger Bibbings, RoSPA’s occupational safety adviser, explains how to get the balance right Difficult decisions about where to direct limited resources are being made across the country.

When times are tough, spending decisions about risk management are particularly difficult for local authorities because they are active in so many diverse areas including road safety, play safety, occupational safety and home safety.

The idea of ‘prevention in proportion’, one of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents’ guiding principles, is not only ideal for keeping safety in perspective and helping to prevent over-the-top decisions, it is also the perfect mantra for managing health and safety during difficult economic times.

The safety charity, which has been at the forefront of accident prevention for more than 90 years, has been keen to promote the message that prevention makes good economic sense, particularly when it is more difficult to offset continuing accident and ill health losses by increasing income.

In the public services arena, RoSPA has cautioned against making blanket cuts that result in entire services going, such as school crossing patrols. It acknowledges that no area is immune from having to make cost savings, but urges that informed decisions are taken, with evidence and data as their foundation.

A key concept, relevant to all types of safety intervention, is evaluation: demonstrating the effectiveness of what a department does is vital. Evaluating work not only helps to make a case for allocating scarce resources but also means resources can be directed to activities that are likely to have the greatest impact.

ROAD SAFETY BUDGETING With many local authorities still discussing the impact of at least 27 per cent cuts to their road safety budgets, it is important that decisions which may prove irreversible are not taken hastily.

Several road safety funding issues have raised their heads in the past few months and made headlines in national and local newspapers. While public spending needs to be cut, cuts must be justified by evidence.

Though the government has insisted that road safety should remain a priority for councils, local authorities no longer receive funding from the Treasury that can be used

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.9

to support safety camera programmes. This means local authorities have had to decide on the fate of their existing speed cameras.

The fact is that speed cameras do help to save lives – an estimated 100 lives a year in the UK, and switching off cameras systematically would be tantamount to creating a void in law enforcement on the road. Cameras currently account for 84 per cent of fixed penalty notices for speeding.

RoSPA believes that cameras should continue

stretches of road and motorway to reduce emissions/carbon footprint and save money.

These are valid reasons for doing so; however it does potentially increase the risk of road accidents, especially in the early hours of the morning when drivers are more likely to be tired and less alert.

It is also important to remember that for emergency services personnel and vehicle breakdown/recovery people, the motorway is often their working environment. Dealing with a broken down vehicle or the aftermath of a crash on a motorway is difficult and dangerous enough in lit conditions; in the dark it will be even trickier.

Sites where lights are turned off or down should be chosen only after a careful and thorough risk assessment, and the effects of the change in lighting should be carefully monitored. If problems occur, it is hoped that local authorities would acknowledge that the experiment did not work, and switch the lights back on.

Evaluation in road safety, as in any other area of safety interventions, is vitally important. Demonstrating the value

The idea of ‘prevention in proportion’, one of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents’ guiding principles, is not only ideal for keeping safety in perspective and helping to prevent over-the-top decisions, it is also the perfect mantra for managing health and safety during difficult economic times. to be used where casualty statistics show they are needed. Speeding significantly increases the risk of an accident happening; and also increases the severity of injuries in an accident.

Budget cuts might also threaten many speed awareness courses that give motorists an opportunity to learn about the dangers of driving too fast. Cameras pay for themselves and currently make an important contribution to achieving compliance with the speed limit.

School crossing patrols have also come under threat from spending cuts, which are being made across the board. School crossing patrols provide a valuable safety service for children crossing roads on their way to and from school.

At a time when parents are being encouraged to ensure their children are keeping fit and active by walking to and from school, RoSPA hopes that as many patrols as possible will be kept in use.

The purpose of disestablishing a crossing patrol site should not be to save money, but should be to divert the patrol to another site where there is a greater need for its services.

STREET LIGHTING In many areas local authorities have been turning off, or down, street lighting on certain

of road safety schemes and improving the targeting, design and delivery of interventions have become all the more important. Good evaluation can be used as evidence to support the need for road safety funding and prioritisation.

EVALUATE SAFETY ACTIVITIES E-valu-it is a free online resource to help road safety practitioners evaluate their education, training and publicity activities and has been produced by the Department for Transport and RoSPA. It helps practitioners plan, carry out and report the results of road safety intervention evaluations and is available from www.roadsafetyevaluation.com The system produces bespoke recommendations based on the answers a practitioner gives to a series of questions and it can be used for interventions that are planned, in progress or have already taken place.

Key elements of the road safety evaluation tool are easily adaptable to other areas of safety, and safety professionals who are not sure where to start could do worse E

Health & Safety Management

AssessNET

ONLINE HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT AssessNET is a revolutionary internet based Health and Safety management solution, designed with your needs in mind.

Real-time Health and Safety compliance is at your fingertips, allowing you and your team to easily manage tasks, duties and records, giving you visibility throughout your organisation.

You can be secure in the knowledge that AssessNET has been developed for you by leading safety professionals. Using and internet based interface, your organisation will be the first to benefit from regular FREE upgrades as we keep pace with regulatory change and continually expand AssessNET’s capabilities.

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Risk Assessment

Quick and simple to use

Accident / Incident Reporting

Accessible 27/4 via the internet

Custom Safety Audits

Promotes information flow

Display Screen Equipment

Automated task management

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Drives your safety culture

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compa A “real time” company wide solution

Method Statements

Increases legislative compliance

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Reduces the risk of civil claims

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Saves time and money

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Book your FREE demonstration today

www.AssessNET.co.uk 0845 88 00 970

Health & Safety

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

RISK MANAGEMENT E than to take a look at the toolkit.

There are also links between road safety and public health – transport policy has a big influence on health. There are common approaches to preventing both ill health and injury by getting transport policy right.

Similarly, many public health approaches (for example to tackle inequalities or to provide support for parents in the early years of their child’s life) will also have an influence on the number of road injuries and local authorities may be able to enhance the road safety benefits of current public health activities by making the links more explicit. Ultimately a safe environment that people are not afraid of using is also a healthy one with a lot of active travel.

AS SAFE AS NECESSARY As with road safety, local authorities are finding that they have to review their spending on play safety management, finding ways to move forward when budgets are being reined in.

At the top of the list of considerations about play safety management, RoSPA would encourage providers to recognise that play, and playgrounds, should be as safe as necessary, not necessarily as safe as possible. Play should be about children having fun and learning to manage

working tool to help prioritise action – and ensure that the process is not overcomplicated. Applying the ‘Goldilocks principle’ will help to save time and money in the long run: safety should be balanced – neither too lax, nor over the top, but just right.

Installing new equipment in times of restricted resources will be difficult if not impossible, so local authorities should recognise the value of good annual inspections and routine safety checks. Spotting issues such as the early stages of wear and tear, or vandalism, enables them to be dealt with before they become expensive problems.

Cost saving can be taken even further by ensuring that authorities’ own staff are trained to carry out regular inspections, with in-house training available from external organisations such as RoSPA. GETTING THE BALANCE RIGHT Although, thankfully, in the UK notifiable fatal and serious injuries in the workplace are reducing, there are still more than one million injuries to workers annually and more than two million cases of ill health caused or made worse by work. Many thousands are still dying prematurely as a result of conditions such as occupational cancer. The annual cost to the economy is in the region of £30 billion.

Despite this scale of tragedy and loss,

In Dudley, a falls prevention programme comprising home assessments and exercise sessions, for which the £158k a year costs were funded by the primary care trust and council, saved £3 million over five years due to the corresponding reduction in hip fractures. risk through adventurous activity.

Experiencing risks enables children to develop the skills necessary to deal with them when they are older, and bumps and bruises are an important part of growing up. Health and safety legislation also has proportionality at its heart, with the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSAW) 1974 stating that safety should be protected “as far as is reasonably practicable”.

Over-the-top safety procedures are not only detrimental to children’s fun and development, they cost extra money that authorities can ill afford.

Having said that, while we caution against wrapping children in cotton wool, there are very serious accidents that we would want them to avoid. A robust and sensible risk assessment process will enable local authorities and playground managers to work out where to focus attention and resources, so that unacceptable risks can be reduced and over-the-top actions on trivial risks can be avoided.

Look upon risk assessment as a useful

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companies that are hard pressed, especially during tough economic conditions, may ask quite understandably why they should devote precious money – and even more precious time – to upgrading their health and safety management regimes.

The Goldilocks principle can equally be applied to the workplace, with employers needing to ensure that environments are safe so far as is reasonably practicable.

The real importance of this is that it allows proportionality of response to risk, taking account of different variables. The only alternative to this is a rising scale of specific prescriptive solutions laid down in law. Not only would this would be cumbersome but it would lead to both ‘under-hitting’ and ‘over-hitting’. Reasonable practicability allows for fine tuning.

Making sound judgements about such risk/ cost optimisation can pose real challenges for those firms lacking the necessary skills or access to professional expertise, particularly where options must be chosen from a

range of solutions. For example, to take a case related to public safety, reasonably practicable water edge treatments to prevent drowning can vary from little or no action, to shelving and/or planting edges and erecting signage, through to extensive physical barriers at the extreme.

TRAINING Training in the risk assessment process to ensure staff get it right is an investment that will pay dividends; not only in preventing serious accidents, but in directing resources where they are needed most, rather than wasting money on trivial issues that present a negligible risk.

When it comes to investing in health and safety, it is not just a case of doing so because it is the right thing; it is also underpinned by a very strong business case. Furthermore, although it might seem wholly counter-intuitive, that case is even stronger when times are tough than it is at other times. The reason is very simple: accidents and ill health caused by work (not to mention non-injury incidents which are much more numerous) impose massive – but largely unrecognised – costs on business.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has estimated that the ratio between insured and uninsured costs arising from accidents lies in the range of 1:8 to 1:36. So in the worst case, for every £100 recovered from the insurer, the business loses about £3,600.

A WORTHWHILE EFFORT Properly-focused action to prevent accidents makes very good economic sense. Putting some effort into prevention in the right way can save a lot of money and heartache further down the line – both for local authorities and for society as a whole.

Everyone knows that prevention is better – and cheaper – than cure. At an NHS and societal level, the financial burden of accidents is eye-watering. In 2001, the annual cost of accidents to the NHS in England alone was estimated at £2.2 billion. This figure could now be in the region of £5-7 billion. The cost to the NHS is just the tip of the iceberg; home and leisure accidents prompting a trip to A&E cost UK society as a whole £94.6 billion every year.

Numerous studies have shown that accident prevention projects are easy to implement, inexpensive to deliver and have impressive return on investment potential. In Dudley, a falls prevention programme comprising home assessments and exercise sessions, for which the £158k a year costs were funded by the primary care trust and council, saved £3 million over five years due to the corresponding reduction in hip fractures.

Getting health and safety judgements right is not always easy, but if they help to save lives, reduce injuries and safeguard health without wasting scarce resources, then the effort involved is surely worthwhile. L

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

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

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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.

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The ideal staff and customer rewards – vouchers and gift cards versus secure codes Gift vouchers and cards make ideal staff and customer rewards, offering flexibility, a vast range of stores and ease of use for customers.

As technology has advanced, solutions are now available that make operating a reward programme both easier and quicker, with in many cases dramatic cost savings.

The two major constraints of operating a voucher or gift card programme are firstly that you are not always sure as to which voucher would appeal more to staff or customers, and secondly that there is often a time delay between achieving the reward and actually receiving it, which creates disinterest and prevents full adoption of the scheme.

Many organisations outsource the fulfilment of their reward programme which adds, in these times of economic restraint, further costs. Even operating the service in-house has added costs in purchasing, securing and distributing the gift cards and vouchers, and often involves posting to customers and staff home addresses.

Rewards and promotions are of even higher importance in times of shrinking markets and participants need to feel the excitement of achieving their reward. By offering the participant the choice of which retail gift voucher or card and being able to deliver the reward within 24 hours of the achievement

gift vouchers or cards, a purchase is made of secure codes with a defined value and method of delivery. These codes are issued to the participants who are requested to visit a secure website and select the gift vouchers for the retailer or activity they require, to the value of the secure code that has been issued to them.

The secure code can be for a mix of different retailers’ gift vouchers and cards, and is shipped direct to the participant by the delivery method selected by the programme operator.

This scheme gives ease of use, reduced costs, delivers the reward of the participant’s choice and can be delivered next day, only 24 hours after achieving the award, thereby encouraging further participation or purchase by the customer.

can only encourage participation.

A solution to meet current constraints is now available using secure codes, or redemption codes. Instead of purchasing

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact: Terry Harvey, Select Rewards Address: Charity Gift Vouchers Marketing Ltd Chicheley, Hempstead Lane Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 3PR Tel: 01323 841253 Fax: 01323 848807 sales@vouchers4charity.org.uk www.vouchers4charity.org.uk

Volume 18.9 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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

01367 899 557

01367 242 491

info@shawcity.co.uk

www.shawcity.co.uk/products/gasclam-ground-gas-monitor

The GasClam - Ground Gas Monitor Hire

Buy

Service

Training

Support

The GasClam

Ground Gas Monitor

See the GasClam at Health & Safety Scotland stand 4

Allows for high frequency data collection on site Gives an accurate view of the gas regime activity for up to 30 days Allows you to plot O2, CH4, VOC, H2S, CO, Temp & Atmospheric & Borehole pressure IP68 rating means the GasClam can be utilised in multiple environments Speeds up site development saving you time & money

See Shawcity at Health and Safety Scotland If you are a health and safety professional in need of a monitoring solution, you can’t afford to miss out on visiting Shawcity at this year’s Health and Safety event in Edinburgh, 7-8 September.

Shawcity caters for a variety of markets including health and safety, occupational hygiene and environmental applications. Many of you require a number of instruments in order to monitor, therefore Shawcity’s aim is to provide this for you all under one roof.

Shawcity can provide you with an entire service so that you always have continuous support. Our specialist team house a wealth of knowledge in the industry and can help

you discover the correct instrument needed. The team provide service and calibration services, technical support and the hire team have the largest hire fleet in the UK so you will always get what you need.

At the show Shawcity will be showcasing a range of single and multigas monitors, air quality monitors, sound level meters, vibration tools and ground gas monitors plus many more. The team will be able to provide advice as to what instrument you need.

Shawcity provides the whole solution so that you can minimise downtime and ultimately save money.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.shacwity.co.uk

Contact us for pricing or a demonstration

01367 899 557

Dust

Vibration

Noise

Gas

VOC’s

Hybrid mail – from desktop to doormat at significantly lower prices with the everymessage postal solution When front line services are at risk, it is imperative that organisations reduce any unnecessary central costs.

There is a saying that “if you can’t measure, you can’t manage” and, for many organisations, nothing sums this up better than the costs wasted on mailing and postage.

Working out the true cost of mailing can be difficult. To get an accurate picture you need to add the cost of staff time, printers, ink, franking machines, maintenance, floor space and electricity among others.

There is, however, an alternative – centrally managed mailing from ESG. With our print and post solution you can have full control and measurement of all mailing activity.

In many organisations, staff will send letters and documents to a local printer. They collect, fold and insert these letters into envelopes.

They then take the envelopes to a franking machine, frank and put the letters in individual post trays ready for collection. The whole process is time consuming and lacks control.

With everydocument we take away the need for local printing and piecemeal franking. Staff simply print letters to the cloud (our print driver) and we take care of the rest, controlling the postage class, stationery and attachments. Best of all, staff

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.9

can be based anywhere as the printing and mailing takes place centrally, saving up to 50 per cent on letter fulfilment costs.

One of our existing customers in the banking sector, used to have its team print, fold, frank and post up to 300 letters per day. Using everydocument, we took over and automated the process, taking the raw data, merging with a Word template and forwarding to our print facility for fulfilment, making an immediate saving of 25 per cent on mailing costs.

That was, however, not the only saving.

With the benefit of transparency and streamlining, and using everymessage Workflow, our client was also able to switch some posted communication over to text messaging, greatly reducing the number of letters sent, and showing a

saving of £2,600 in one month alone.

At Elephant Services Group (ESG) we have been providing the everydocument print and post and everymessage sms services to help provide solutions to local government, financial institutions and healthcare providers since 2003.

ESG is BSI ISO27001 accredited for the highest levels of security and control.

We are currently working towards CESG approval for print and post.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For further information, and demonstrations of how our solutions work in practice, please visit www.everymessage.com or call us now on 0844 2641234.

EVENT PREVIEW

IMPROVE PERFORMANCE Need straightforward and reliable advice? Then head to Health and Safety ‘11– Scotland, 7-8 September, where the knowledge and experience you will gain could prove invaluable

Taking place at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh 7-8 September, is Health and Safety ‘11 – Scotland, which offers visitors a valuable experience in terms of access to knowledge, the opportunity to meet the industry’s most respected organisations and network with other professionals.

The two-day event will be officially opened by director of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Scotland, Dr. Paul Stollard. With over 25 years’ experience in the safety industry, Dr. Stollard is a leading authority on health and safety issues and in addition to opening the event, he will also give a presentation entitled ‘Good health and safety, good for business in Scotland’ which will give an overview of the health and safety challenges facing Scotland.

THE ROLE OF CONSULTANTS Kicking off on day one of the event is Donna Hutchison, director of Operations, QuEnSH Specialists Limited, with her seminar entitled ‘Health and safety consultants – what do they actually do?’ This presentation will take a look at the role of the health and safety consultant and how businesses ensure that they are getting value for money.

Donna aims to incorporate a light hearted session with some insightful advice to organisations about the role of a consultant, the expectations an organisation should have and how those expectations can be defined as well as methods to pick out the “wheat from the chaff” when it comes to selecting a consultant. The seminar requires audience interaction and participation, so come prepared with questions.

Also on day one Marion Lamb, chief executive, Glasgow Housing Authority will be delivering the seminar entitled

‘The management of complex risks’.

The presentation will be an insight into how a major public sector organisation approaches the management of health and safety, the challenges they face and also the successes achieved.

GOOD BUSINESS MANAGEMENT When it comes to the workplace, safety should not be restrictive but be a positive approach to good business management. That’s why Health and Safety ‘11 – Scotland, will be holding, as part of its conference, a 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 - 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!”

LEGAL UPDATE As always the seminar subjects are topical and in tune with current issues and will provide information and advice for all participants.

A perfect example of this is shown on day two of the event with the seminar entitled ‘Legal update – relevant developments in H&S law’. The seminar will give an update on health and safety law in Scotland and will appeal to those who work in any sector.

Presented by Laura Cameron, head of litigation & dispute resolution (Scotland & NI), McGrigors LLP, the presentation will include a review of legal developments over the past 12 months, including consideration

Health & Safety

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

of the first prosecution under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act and a round-up of fines imposed around the country for health and safety offences.

In addition, Ian Tasker, assistant secretary, Scottish Trades Union Congress Occupational, will be hosting the seminar entitled ‘Health and safety – the recession and economic recovery’. The presentation aims to focus on the impact that the recession has had on health and safety of workers and those made redundant and the ability of the enforcement authorities to continue to carry out meaningful enforcement.

WORKER INVOLVEMENT Another seminar, ‘People support what they help create’, which is being held on day two of the event will take a look at how higher worker involvement in an organisation can help improve health, safety and business performance.

In this presentation delivered by Nigel Bryson, director, Bryson Consulting, practical measures are identified to improve worker involvement to assist organisations become safer, healthier and more efficient. Health and Safety Executive has estimated that a massive 60 per cent of employers in Great Britain do not even adequately consult their employees.

DRAMA-BASED PRESENTATION Something slightly different for the Scotland event this year is the new drama-based presentation entitled ‘Safety leadership and culture’ delivered by Shaun Curry and Harry Gallagher of Macnaughton McGregor, which promises to be interactive, practical and effective. The organisers of the presentation say their style of programmes effect a long-term change in attitude – not just a short term change in behaviour – and help to build lasting positive cultural change. Their sessions promise to be powerful, effective and enjoyable.

Along with event partners 3M, Ansell, Arco and Dupont, Health and Safety – Scotland is supported by the British Safety Council, Safety Groups UK and is officially endorsed by the International Institute of Risk & Safety Management (IIRSM).

With its combination of relevant, informative seminars and the range of first-class exhibitors, Health and Safety – Scotland is an event not to be missed. Free parking is provided at the event and registering for the exhibition and seminars are also free. L FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information and to register go to www.healthandsafetyevents.co.uk or call the event hotline on 0870 4866816.

Volume 18.9 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Baroness HM1560

The ultimate slope mower rated to

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NEW BARONESS GM1600 4 Wheel Drive Slope Mower LM285 Semi-rough Mower

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FINE TURF MOWING Distributed throughout the U.K. and Europe by KYOEISHA U.K. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyoeisha Co. Ltd. of Japan

www.baronessuk.com sales@baronessuk.com

Kyoeisha U.K. Ltd. Unit 5, Hatch Industrial Park, Greywell Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG24 7NG Tel: +44 (0)1256 461591 Fax: +44 (0)1256 461948

EVENT PREVIEW

PROMOTING OPEN SPACES IOG SALTEX is the UK’s number one open space management event and will be back at The Royal Windsor Racecourse in Berkshire from 6-8 September. Read on to to find out more With over 300 exhibitors, a host of special feature areas and a not-to-be-missed education programme, this year’s IOG SALTEX will be the turf care and open space management show of the year.

As well as displaying thousands of products, many of which are being launched or shown in public for the first time, the event will address the needs of the complete spectrum of the open space industry – from fine turf and sports surfaces through to turf maintenance, children’s outdoor play and safety surfacing, landscaping, contracting, commercial vehicles, outdoor leisure and facilities management, as well as software and security equipment.

The event, held 6-8 September at Windsor Racecourse, Berks, will be attended by open space management professionals and contractors – from groundsmen and greenkeepers through to play officers, architects, designers and surveyors as well as local authority and outdoor leisure facility managers.

Organised by the Institute of Groundsmanship, the first IOG exhibition was staged in 1938, the forerunner to today’s IOG SALTEX Sports, Amenity & Landscape Trade Exhibition. Held annually at Windsor Racecourse, IOG SALTEX is the annual extravaganza for everyone who cares for and/or manages open spaces – including groundsmen, greenkeepers, contractors, local authority and leisure facility managers.

The event will be attended by open space management professionals and contractors – from groundsmen and greenkeepers through to play officers, architects, designers and surveyors as well as local authority and outdoor leisure facility managers.

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS This year’s show will also feature a number of special attractions, such as the Education Zone, the 4x4 off-road course, and the World of Arb Area.

The Education Zone, a new feature at this year’s IOG SALTEX open space management show, will offer visitors an unrivalled resource of back-to-basics turf skills, a showcase of industry-specific colleges and a series of unrivalled demonstrations of best-practice machine servicing and checking. The Zone, therefore, will provide beginners with useful snapshots of everything needed to get started, while more experienced visitors will also receive timely updates of modern practices.

Indispensable advice on equipment maintenance will be complemented by a focused display of training courses and education routes by organisations such as Badger Hill Training, City & Guilds Land Based Services, Ian Gower Associates, Merrist Wood College, MWAC, Myerscough College and Writtle College, alongside the training and education expertise of the Institute of Groundsmanship, Hadlow

College and the Institute of Horticulture elsewhere on the showground.

The Education Zone will also embrace the ever-popular Sports Turf Skills Village – a daily programme of demonstrations of basic natural turf maintenance skills that will be repeated in the mornings and afternoons on each day of IOG SALTEX. It will cover performance quality; standard/assessment of surface; setting out/marking out; prestart/post operative checks to machinery; setting height of cut; mowing; aeration; scarifying; fertiliser application (including calibration of equipment); and topdressing (including calibration of equipment).

The demonstrations – featuring equipment and products supplied by exhibitors – will be supported by ECB Pitch Advisors and IOG training instructors, who will be available to answer any questions visitors may have.

Another attraction at this year’s event is the exciting off-road 4x4 course, speciallyconstructed, tested and marshalled by Polaris staff, where visitors will not only be able to test their driving skills but also experience at first hand a number of Polaris 4x4s.

Landscaping & Groundscare

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

This year’s programme of activities for arboriculturalists embraces an exciting, informative and comprehensive series of climbing/access and rescue demonstrations, workshops and seminars. The World of Arb area will also feature the Climb a Mile tree-climbing relay race in aid of the Help for Heroes charity. Staged by the BTS Group, the challenge will involve a team of professional arborists climbing a tree in relay to achieve a total height equal to or greater than a road mile.

EDUCATION The series of free education seminars boasts a programme that will appeal to a wide range of interests, including topical sessions on sustainability, contracting, the Big Society, grass seed, pesticides, funding and apprenticeships.

Meanwhile, this year the show will host professional football’s Playing Surfaces Committee’s bi-annual conference. This is a day-long programme of informative and interesting seminars and debates on a range of topical issues of concern to groundsmen E

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Landscaping & Groundscare

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

EVENT PREVIEW

E from the 92 professional clubs in the Premier League, the Football League’s Championship and Leagues 1 and 2.

It all adds up to a three-day extravaganza of unrivalled expertise, skill sets and products that will ensure volunteers and professionals alike can keep pace with the demands of the ever-changing, evolving and challenging open space management landscape.

UK’S LARGEST TRACTOR ON DISPLAY IOG SALTEX exhibitor Cleveland Sitesafe is bringing the largest tractor outside of the USA to this year’s show – a 27-tonnes 650/50 Big Bud originally made in Montana over 30 years ago.

Mike Scaiffe, managing director of Cleveland Sitesafe, spent up to 24 months restoring the giant vehicle originally used in the construction industry, and now officially recognised as the UK’s largest and most powerful tractor.

It has a six-cylinder Cummins KTA19 650 HP engine and Allison Twin Disc TD.92-2610 transmission.

The 650/50 Big Bud will be on display at IOG SALTEX’s South entrance throughout the three days, complementing Cleveland Sitesafe’s display of highly-secure, allsteel café/kiosk, groundsman’s stores and chemical storage solutions.

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.9

IOG SALTEX will showcase a range of new products, including the Husqvarna P 524, a new professional petrol front mower with all the same features and benefits as its diesel-powered sibling – the P 520D – but at a lower price.

Also on the stand will be the T540 XP professional chainsaw and the new 500 series professional brush cutters with high performance and reliability as well as manoeuvrability.

The new 545RX has optimised shaft length and bevel gear angled 35 deg. The gear was designed so that a high torque is available and the cutting equipment is parallel to the ground, helping to achieve the best cutting results.

Husqvarna’s X-Torq engine technology enables the 545RX to deliver rapid acceleration and high power over a wider RPM range.

X-Torq also increases fuel efficiency by up to 20 per cent whilst reducing exhaust emissions by up to 75 per cent.

Another new product on display will be BLEC’s GKB Sandfiller tractor-mounted scarifier and sandslitter which removes and collects spoil and fills grooves with sand in one pass. The machine is specifically designed for aerating and draining sports turf.

It can cut grooves at 40mm centres with carbon-tipped blades that go as deep as 4cm.

The spoil is removed to a hopper which can

be side-tipped. Within the same machine is another hopper containing kiln-dried sand that is deposited in the grooves – thus completing the slitting and sanding operation in one pass. With a three-point linkage and 1.2m working width, the Sandfiller is ideal for tractors from 40HP upwards.

EDGE INNOVATION AWARDS Exhibitors at this year’s event will again be able to enter the EDGE Awards for product innovation. Inaugurated last year by EDGE (Expo Demo Green Europe), the organisers of four of Europe’s largest open space exhibitions, the EDGE Innovation Awards are competed for in two categories: the construction and maintenance of open spaces (including machinery and equipment), and the design and supply of amenities (including consumables, street furniture, playground equipment and plants).

There is also a special prize for environmental excellence and sustainability.

The winners of each category at IOG SALTEX will then be judged internationally against the winners from this year’s Demo-Dagen and Salonvert shows in Holland and France, respectively.

The EDGE Innovation Awards entry forms are available online at www.iogsaltex.co.uk L

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

Kyoeisha showcases its product range at SALTEX

Reduce your environmental impact with Tata Motors

Kyoeisha UK will be showing the Baroness and Ventrac range of commercial mowers at SALTEX, Stand T11, 6-8 September. The focus will be on machines that offer a genuine solution to the increasingly problematic area of slope-mowing.

Baroness will be showing the GM1600 ride-on rotary mower, which is rated to 30 degrees for mowing, and the HM Series of Hammer-Knife mowers, a group of tracked machines rated to 35 degree slope angles, both of which have long been favourite tools of contractors and municipal customers in the home market of our parent company, Kyoeisha Japan.

Kyoeisha Japan celebrated its centenary in 2010 with a series of

The Tata Ace EV offers the real practicality of a small half-tonne chassis cab, with the benefits of a low cost highly efficient all electric drivetrain. The Tata Ace EV is ideal for local authorities, universities, colleges and local fleet operations where reduced environmental impact and silent operation are paramount.

The Tata Ace EV vehicle has been developed in the United Kingdom by a team of technicians and engineers from Tata Motors European Technical Centre plc based at Warwick university.

The vehicles will be assembled in the UK Midlands and comply with UK Construction and Use Regulations allowing full registration as EU Category N. The Tata Ace EV can be charged from a domestic 3-pin plug and It can be topped-up or “opportunity charged” at any time. Storage is provided for the charge cable behind the front driver’s seat.

The Tata Ace EV emits zero CO2

special events marking 100 years of ownership and leadership by the same family. In that time the company has had only four CEOs, which has ensured continuity and focus on our core values of quality and fitness for purpose.

Kyoeisha UK will also be featuring the Ventrac range of products. This is a range of small horsepower tractors, which offer a huge variety of attachment options, mainly for the contractor and municipal markets. Slope mowing again features strongly, also with ratings to 30 degrees, as well as effective and affordable options for snowclearing and landscaping.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.baronessuk.com

– saving around 130 g/km over similar sized conventional petrol vehicles. Taking into account the emissions from electricity generation, the CO2 generated by the Tata Ace EV is still only around 50 per cent of that from a similar conventional vehicle when powered by electricity generated from purely renewable sources, the Tata Ace EV is a truly zero emission vehicle in operation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION aceevenquiries@ tatamotors.com

Rock UK – the perfect venue for your next off-site team away day Walkover Sprayers direct from the manufacturer Walkover Sprayers are the original turf and hard surface sprayers developed to meet the demands of turfcare professionals and the rigours of landscaping contractors. Walkover Sprayers are designed to deliver liquid treatments reliably and efficiently through a durable pump as you walk forward. The pump is driven by the wheels. The sprayer is virtually self calibrating. There is no engine, no motor, no battery.

This is a low maintenance, high performance, reliable machine.

We have long been the choice of many local authorities.

Manufactured in the UK to the highest material and build quality, we are proud to offer equipment capable of getting the job done, day after day. Our products are suitable for the maintenance of golf greens, bowls greens and other sports surfaces during

the summer months. Walkover Sprayers can also treat frost and ice on pathways, pedestrian areas and school playgrounds during the winter, utilising anti-icing liquids that once sprayed, work to prevent the formation of slippery surfaces.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit www.walkoversprayers. com or phone us on 0845 521 1209 for an informed chat about your requirements.

Rock UK adventure centres are perfect for off-site team away days. If you’re bored with the same old view of a hotel car park or the same standard corporate set up then think outside the box and book your next off-site training day at Rock UK Frontier Centre. Set in over 120 acres of stunning countryside with beautiful views across the Nene Valley and Stanwick Lakes it’s the perfect location away from all the hustle and bustle of your office.

The centre has a purpose built meeting facility equip with complementary Wi-Fi and modern sound and projection equipment.

From your enquiry through to the end of your stay our dedicated service team will deliver a consistent and quality service throughout. Facilities Include: • Interactive white board • Sound system • DVD player • Wi-Fi access • Projection equipment • Flexible room layout • Up to 40 delegates

• Unlimited complementary hot beverages • A choice of menus • Free parking Why not include some adrenaline fuelled, adventurous team building activities during your day. Day delegate rates start from just £17.50 pp per day.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01933 654100 venue@rockuk.org www.rockuk.org

Volume 18.9 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

37

For all your Professional Events and Conference Needs

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Conferences & Events

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

Edgbaston Stadium

BIRMINGHAM

FIRMLY ON THE CONFERENCE MAP

Birmingham is as a vibrant and successful global events destination which boasts an exceptional range of internationallyrenowned venues and state-of-the-art conference facilities Birmingham continues to live up to its status as one of Europe’s most popular and thriving conference destinations and events centres, boasting an exceptional range of internationally-renowned venues and state-of-the-art facilities.

With an enviable location at the heart of the country’s comprehensive and highly accessible transport network, the city is the perfect host, and well placed for events of all sizes.

Ian Taylor, commercial director at Marketing Birmingham, which manages the city’s business tourism programme Meet Birmingham, said: “Birmingham was voted the top UK events destination outside London in the British Meetings & Events Industry Survey 2010/11, reinforcing our message that we are an outstanding city to host and deliver first class events. Delegates and organisers are always impressed with the quality and variety of our venues and continue to return to a city which welcomes major events like no other.

“Birmingham’s continued investment in its infrastructure and transport networks, as well as welcoming a record number of visitors in 2010, demonstrates a thriving city that is refusing to stand still.”

A CHANGING LANDSCAPE Birmingham is a changing city with ambition, drive, energy and ideas. From infrastructure and transport to retail and culture, the city is preparing itself for a bright future.

Birmingham’s New Street station is currently undergoing a £600 million redevelopment, which will see its annual passenger capacity increase to 52 million a year, transforming the hub of the nation’s rail network into

a spectacular 21st century gateway.

Birmingham Airport’s planned £65 million runway extension will see the city offer non-stop flights to an increased number of long haul destinations including India, China and America’s west coast.

The largest public library in the UK is set for Centenary Square in 2013. Highlighting the city’s intellectual and cultural credentials and drawing even more visitors to the city, the library will create new opportunities for learning and access while providing increased space and improved climatic conditions for storage of its world famous archives.

Birmingham and its wider region can lay claim to more than 28,600 available bed spaces, from luxury hotels and apartments to boutique hotels and budget accommodation.

As well as a good night’s sleep, Birmingham’s hotels offer a wide choice of conferencing and events spaces to suit all budgets.

Hyatt Regency Birmingham provides modern luxury in the centre of Birmingham, perfectly situated opposite The ICC. With spacious guestrooms, a highly-regarded restaurant and beautiful spa, the hotel also boasts eight meeting rooms, designed to ensure total flexibility and suitability.

The Crowne Plaza Birmingham benefits from a purpose built conference floor with 11 meeting rooms, seating up to 300 delegates.

All rooms reap the benefits of natural daylight, state-of-the-art technology and a manned reception. Being located at the heart of the city centre, delegates are able to explore the city at ease after a meeting.

Mint Hotel Birmingham, which is celebrating its tenth year, is designed with

the business traveller in mind. Situated on the edge of the city’s Brindleyplace, the hotel’s 238 guest bedrooms are designed in a light, fresh and contemporary style, while its five meeting spaces, which can accommodate up to 100 for a reception, benefit from floor-to-ceiling windows, soundproofed walls and an iMac in each room.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS Birmingham’s hospitality sector is eagerly awaiting some exciting additions to its existing portfolio with nearly 30 hotels currently at various stages in planning and construction.

Two flagship hotels are planned for the city

by Sanguine Hospitality Limited. These include one of Birmingham’s newest developments – the upscale boutique Hotel Indigo, occupying two floors of The Cube and including 52 bedrooms and ten suites. Indigo, which is due to open in December, will also feature a luxury club and spa, including hydrotherapy pool, thermal treatment rooms and state-ofthe-art gymnasium, and will be located below Marco Pierre White’s new Steakhouse Bar and Grill, which promises ultra modern 25th floor dining with stunning 360 degree city views.

Sanguine’s acquisition of Cumberland House on Broad Street will see the Birmingham landmark undergo a £34 million transformation into a 285-bedroom Hampton by Hilton hotel, the largest in the chain’s Europe operations. The new hotel will feature meeting facilities for up to 30 delegates, a gym and free Wi-Fi throughout public areas and bedrooms.

Simon Matthews-Williams, chairman, Sanguine Hospitality Limited, said: “Our significant investment in Birmingham reflects our confidence in the city as a growing leisure and business break destination. We recognise the vast opportunity offered by Birmingham’s visitor economy and are extremely proud to be part of two of the most exciting developments currently under construction in the city. The Hampton by Hilton and Indigo at The Cube offer quite different propositions and reflect the vast array of visitors to the city and their differing requirements.”

A new £24 million hotel in the City Park Gate district of Birmingham will open shortly. E

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Conferences & Events

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

BIRMINGHAM its portfolio are 13 new meeting rooms in the recently refurbished Winterbourne House – a beautiful Edwardian Arts and Crafts property, set in seven acres of botanic gardens. All delegates have access to enjoy the gardens and the terrace can also be hired for drinks receptions, offering stunning views over the formal lawns at Winterbourne.

Birmingham Hippodrome is one of the city’s most exciting and vibrant theatres dating back to 1899, with one of the largest stages in the country. The theatre offers outstanding conference and event facilities, meeting rooms, a large restaurant overlooking the piazza levels plus a flexible studio space, The Patrick Centre, with 200 seats.

Nick Clegg with his wife in Birmingham

E Hotel La Tour has chosen Birmingham for its flagship development in a new chain of city centre hotels, with 174 bedrooms and suites, restaurant and bar and a dedicated conference floor with flexible space accommodating 150 delegates theatre style. The eye-catching, three-sided building will be close to Bullring Shopping Centre and the Central Business District and within easy walking distance of the city’s main railway stations.

Drayton Manor Park’s new four star, 150room hotel officially opened in August. The luxury hotel offers facilities for corporate hospitality events and private functions, with its new suite accommodating up to 150 delegates for conferences, exhibitions and product launches. Three smaller, modern rooms can host up to 12 people, making them ideal for board meetings.

A proposed £120 million Resorts World leisure and entertainment complex in partnership with Genting Casinos at the NEC could be up and running by early 2014, featuring a 180-bedroom, four star hotel and spa, banqueting and conference centre, retail units and multi-screen cinema.

LIB DEMS WELCOMED BACK The Liberal Democrats return to Birmingham to hold their Autumn Conference from 17-21 September after a successful Spring Conference in March 2010. Held at leading conference venue The ICC, the event is expected to attract around 8,000 delegates to Birmingham, providing a welcome boost to the city’s hotels, restaurants,

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.9

bars, shops and other businesses.

The conference builds on Birmingham’s reputation for hosting world-class events and ensures the city is now firmly established as part of the major political party conference circuit. Birmingham was the only UK city to secure all three main political parties between 2008 and 2010 and will have delivered a total of seven party political conferences in the five years leading up to 2012.

THE CITY’S ATTRACTIONS Birmingham is a city with over 1,000 shops, 200 restaurants, a world-class arts scene and buzzing nightlife. Its attractions are also a viable option for organisers choosing to host an event in the city.

Thinktank, Birmingham science museum, is one of the city’s premier centres for business events – a place where the historic and the ultra modern come alive to provide an awe-inspiring environment for all corporate events. Facilities on offer include the 70-seat Planetarium with state-of-the-art projection facilities and 180-seat Thinktank Theatre, boasting full delegate voting and video conferencing capabilities. In addition, the 356-seat cinema is available for screenings and presentations as well as a 900sqm temporary exhibition hall and three suites offering a choice of formats from boardroom to banqueting. venuebirmingham is the new, dedicated conferencing and events service for meetings, hospitality and accommodation within the historic University of Birmingham. Among

SPORTING VENUES Birmingham’s sporting summer saw a historic victory by England’s cricket team over India at the new Edgbaston Stadium, the fastest 100m time ever recorded at the newlyrevamped Alexander Stadium and an AEGON Classic victory for tennis’ most promising rising star at the Edgbaston Priory Club.

While the heroics of cricketer Alistair Cook, athlete Asafa Powell and tennis star Sabine Lisicki will live long in the memory of sports fans across the country, the city’s sporting venues continue to offer event organisers and delegates a unique backdrop for meetings.

The new Edgbaston Stadium, home of Warwickshire County Cricket Club, has consolidated its status as one of the leading venues in international cricket following a £32 million redevelopment. The venue now offers an unparalleled range of conference and event facilities at the cricket ground, including ten additional meeting spaces, a new conference and banqueting suite for 700 guests, 1,050sqm of exhibition space and four new executive boxes which can host up to 24 people.

The Belfry Golf Course, the venue for some momentous Ryder Cup matches, is set in 550 acres of stunning English countryside, with 22 function suites providing an inspirational environment in which to do business. The resort’s international reputation, stunning setting and bright, airy rooms make it a truly memorable backdrop for corporate events of all kinds.

Aston Villa Football Club is steeped in history. Its famous ground Villa Park prides itself on delivering Premier League quality performances, whether on a match day or non-match day. The stadium has 95 executive boxes, elegant restaurants and an extensive range of suites, which makes it the ideal venue for special functions and business events. The Holte Suite, situated at the traditional Holte End of the stadium, can host 700 in a theatre style, 110 classroom style and 460 cabaret style. L FOR MORE INFORMATION For more details on Birmingham’s conference and event offering, visit www.meetbirmingham.com

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

Introducing 1875 Events at Birmingham City FC Whether you are looking for a venue to suit your business requirements or somewhere a little different to hold a social function 1875 Events at Birmingham City FC is sure to fit the bill.

The unique appeal of St. Andrew’s will provide the right impact and deliver the perfect setting to make your event a successful and memorable occasion. With five superb function rooms plus 16 corporate boxes, St. Andrew’s is an ideal venue for anything from an intimate one on one meeting to a larger event of up to 300 people.

For your conferencing needs our Day Delegate Packages are the perfect solution if you’ve got an all day conference or event planned. Our packages include everything you need for your meeting or conference, starting from as little £24.95 +VAT.

If it’s the Christmas party that you need to organise get in touch as 1875 Events has 11 different Christmas dates for your diary including our popular tribute nights from a repertoire of music genres including The Beatles, ABBA and Take That.

FOR MORE INFORMATION To book or for more information please contact a member of the team on 0844 557 1875 (option 5), events@bcfc.com or www.bcfc-commercial.com

Putting you and your meeting needs at the centre of everything Conference Aston offers Birmingham city centre’s premier portfolio of conference, hotel and event venues with 30 fullyequipped conference and meeting rooms accommodating up to 235 delegates and 162 stylish ensuite bedrooms. All of the venues are located on the Aston University campus, minutes from three mainline rail stations and junction 6 of the M6. As a subsidiary company of the university, all of the venues’ profits are gift aided back into education.

From lakeside settings to contemporary, urban chic, the venues are purpose built and offer the perfect central location for a variety of residential and non-residential events including large conferences, meetings, training courses,

exhibitions, banqueting and a host of other corporate events, all with the latest technology and free Wi-Fi throughout.

In addition to year round venues, the teaching and accommodation within the university offer an additional 50 meeting rooms and 800 ensuite bedrooms available from July to September.

Conference Aston offers bespoke packages to suit your budget with no hidden extras. Our events team will help plan and coordinate your event to ensure you achieve your event objectives.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0121 2044300 meet@conferenceaston.co.uk www.conferenceaston.co.uk

Campanile – Birmingham’s best kept secret Campanile Hotel, Birmingham is conveniently located just off Junction 6 of the M6 yet within five minutes of Birmingham city centre and the ICC, NIA and Bullring shopping centre. Birmingham airport and the NEC are only ten miles away and easily accessible by train or road. Our six meeting rooms with flexible configurations can provide the space for a conference for 200 or informal meeting for 2.

All our meeting rooms benefit from natural daylight and free Wi-Fi access and the services of a dedicated conference team. We have 111 en suite bedrooms all equipped with 26” LCD TVs with prices starting from just £29* including continental breakfast.

Our onsite restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner

every day, with our seasonally themed menus catering for all your requirements. Alongside the restaurant we have a fully licensed bar open to both residents and non residents with Sky TV showing all the major sporting events. Add to this our free parking and free Wi-Fi internet access and you can see it makes sense to book with Campanile.

Contact us for a bespoke quote for your meeting requirements. * subject to availability FOR MORE INFORMATION Chester Street, Aston, Birmingham B6 4BE Tel: 0121 3593330 Fax: 0121 3591223 birmingham@campanile.com www.campanilebirmingham.co.uk

World-class conference and events facilities The University of Leeds has been making strong efforts to put in place facilities and services that match growing customer requirements in a competitive market, and which address the needs of both the student and the conference markets. With this in mind, the appeal of the conference facilities at the University of Leeds has recently been propelled into the premier division with the completion of two new and exciting developments.

Storm Jameson Court is a hotel-style residence at the heart of the campus, built to world-class specification offering 460 high quality en suite double bedrooms with a 24-hour reception. The building was finished in time to host a large conference in September

2010, after which the organiser wrote “the accommodation was of the highest standard I have personally seen in University student halls”. Forward bookings of Storm Jameson Court are very strong and Richard Handscombe of the University of Leeds says: “This facility is attracting new events to Leeds; it has filled a vital gap in our portfolio in a rather spectacular way.”

Also launched was The Edge, a state-of-the-art sports facility with a 200-station fitness suite – the largest at a British university – complete with a swimming pool, sauna and steam rooms, squash courts and climbing wall – all totally free for delegates FOR MORE INFORMATION www.meetinleeds.co.uk

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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

£47.00 ONLY

PER PERSON

Hotel du Vin B&B

£130.00 ONLY

PER ROOM

To book at Hotel duVin call

To book at Malmaison call

0121 200 0604

0121 246 5030

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

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

Malmaison B&B

£ 94.00 ONLY

PER ROOM

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 events 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 a 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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Conferences & Events

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

GREEN CONFERENCES

ETHICAL EVENTS

Corporate responsibility and carbon reduction targets have started to influence purchasing decisions and this is no different for event buyers who demand a more ethical conference package

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. “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.

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.9

That’s inevitable: he is, after all, technical director of Green Tourism which currently has over 2,400 members, including over 60 conference centres and events venues.

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.

“Good advice is an essential part of our certification programme,” said Jon. “The assessment process verifies the actions undertaken thus far and at the same time points out potential improvements and savings. We provide a range of online tools for members to help manage their venues better, identify potential projects (through case studies and fact sheets) and record and promote achievements.”

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 five-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.”

“It continually surprises us that there are significant untapped savings available to conference centres, from improvements to air handling systems, maintenance regimes and motor drives to new technologies and management systems,” said Jon. “Over the last three years our Green Tourism assessors have seen our venues respond to this challenge with tremendous enthusiasm and innovation and there are many examples of good practice.”

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.

EICC’s CEO, Hans H. Rissmann OBE says: “Caring for the environment must become an embedded business process in all companies, irrespective of size, as customers everywhere increasingly demand positive ‘people, planet, profit’ outcomes.”

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. This means that they have a reduced impact per attendee and they continue to develop projects to ensure all events have sustainable features.

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 E

E 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.

LOW ENERGY BUILDINGS Recently awarded a 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 just last month 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.

We asked the hotel to comment on the interest in the sustainable conference package. “The Environment Agency has a number of training courses with us, and utilises many aspects of the package as part their own sustainability policy,” said Joanne Boddison, general manger of the hotel. “One of the main strands of the package was to enable companies that part of their green credentials prefer to use more sustainable suppliers, so we provide the green conference package as we know that sustainability continues to be important.”

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.

GREEN MEETING PACKAGE Queen Anne’s Gate, who recently was upgraded from Bronze to Silver, has established and developed its green meeting package. These conference bookings have doubled over the last year as a result. Clients they have attracted include government agencies, voluntary conservation organisations, renewable technology companies and lobby groups. The green pound now represents 18 per cent of their conference related revenue.

“One of the elements in their green package, which includes a range of recycled materials, has been the change from linen table cloths to acrylic coverings saving over £2,500 per annum in laundry costs, never mind associated chemicals and transport,” said Stuart Park, the site assessor. “This goes to show that it is the combined efforts and achievements over a broad range of measures which ultimately make a difference.”

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. We can demonstrate that our businesses are achieving significant demonstrable improvements with increased savings as well as securing more bookings through the green pound and we are even seeing evidence that the best employees and graduates preferentially choose green businesses to work for.“ “However we also notice that greenwashing is still a problem and unless businesses undertake a more thorough and holistic approach much

About GTBS

Conferences & Events

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

• Green Tourism Business Scheme members include hotels, tour operators, conference centres and visitor attractions.

• Members need to score 40 per cent to receive a Bronze, 65 per cent for a Silver and 80 per cent for a Gold.

• There are over 60 conference centre and events venues all listed on the website www.green-business.co.uk Twenty of them hold a Gold award • There are nearly 700 hotels with a GTBS grading many of which have conference facilities. 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.”

Our GTBS guarantee is that we will continue to recognise the best in the sector through our three tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold), which will raise the standards further in our next programme revision (version V) to be rolled out before the summer Olympics and ensure that any certified business does not overstate their activities and achievements.

It is our intention that the UK becomes and remains the leading destination in sustainable tourism and events and we encourage all readers to become partners with us in this exciting challenge. L FOR MORE INFORMATION The GTBS is run by GBUK a not for profit company established to deliver sustainable tourism in the UK. For further information please visit www.green-business.co.uk or call Andrea Nicholas on 01738 632162

A tradition of elegance and excellence in York The BEST WESTERN York Pavilion Hotel has seven meeting rooms all located on the ground floor and all benefit from natural daylight, many with beautiful outlooks.

The hotel is a Grade II listed Georgian building which retains many of its original features and is the most distinctive in the area. Our meeting rooms can accommodate up to 150 delegates.

We strive to maintain a reputation for creating a venue of uncompromising style and originality, with a commitment to providing the highest standards of service and hospitality. Relax and unwind in our creatively inspiring venue, we guarantee to

get it right first time and every time. We offer: • A choice of air conditioned conference suites • Ideally located in a superb position in the historic city of York • Just minutes from the A64 and A1M • Ample free parking on-site • Complimentary free WiFi

• Award winning food and a superb choice of wines • Business support services for the duration of your conference • A dedicated conference partner for the duration of your conference • A total of 57 spacious en suite bedrooms all recently refurbished FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01904 622099 Fax: 01904 626939 conferences@yorkpavilionhotel.com www.yorkpavilionhotel.com

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furniture fittings and equipment supply nationwide and international logistics inventory management and tracking nationwide account management lifecycle and financial modelling risk inclusive fixed fee solutions on-call customer service centre complete project management internal change and porterage reuse and remanufacturing sustainability programmes customised manufacture environmental disposals short and long term hire change management business continuity property services inhouse resource space planning cyclical testing product design onsite repairs minor works relocation recycling fit-out

amaryllis group Amaryllis House, Montrose Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 6TE Tel: 01245 399000 Fax: 01245 399100 www: amaryllisgroup.com Regional Offices: Livingston, Brighouse, Birmingham, Swansea, Bristol, Whitstable

GOOD COMMUNICATION AWARDS

TOP AWARDS FOR PUBLIC SECTOR PROFESSIONALS

Strong and innovative communication between the public sector, its citizens and its workforce was recognised at the 2011 Good Communication Awards at Emirates Stadium, London The Good Communication Awards took place on 14 July at the Emirates Stadium and recognised the public sector’s efforts towards effective and diverse communication with its citizens and workforce.

Former newspaper editor Eve Pollard presented the awards after a champagne drinks reception and four course dinner.

The Government Communicator of the Year, sponsored by Best Companies, was Tina Chawner from HMRC. Tina Chawner became head of HMRC’s IT Communications in 2008, at an early stage in her career. Dealing with controversial and sensitive campaigns, she has tirelessly directed her teams across disciplines towards encouraging senior leaders to accept their responsibilities as communicators, and driving a move to a more open culture. Prior to her appointment, the 1,300 people working in the IT department felt there were too many channels, that messages were inconsistent and had a low opinion of leadership communications. Within 12 months Tina made huge progress resolving these issues by centralising the communications resource to form a small, professionally trained team.

In October 2010 Tina’s role expanded to encompass all departmental communication about change as part of the biggest Change Programme in HMRC’s history.

MULTIPLE SUCCESS FOR DERBYSHIRE Derbyshire County Council celebrated triple success, scooping the Local Authority Of The Year Award, sponsored by 2e2, Council Publication Of The Year, sponsored by Big Green Book, and Contact Centre of the Year Award, sponsored by Genesys.

The council’s b-line Youth Magazine won the prize for Council Publication of the Year. Expanding on its existing young persons’ travel and discount card (b_line), the complimentary

magazine features real-life stories about issues such as drugs, alcohol, domestic violence, eating disorders and problems with body image. These are backed up by nonjudgemental contributions from local experts.

The result is a publication that wouldn’t look out of place on a newsagent’s shelf.

The council’s Call Derbyshire service won the Contact Centre of the Year Award.

It deals with over 300 council services and is now the first point of contact for all new social care referrals. In 2010 the centre responded to 563,000 phone calls and 36,000 e-mails, texts and contact forms. Despite periods of severe weather which led to an increase in call volume, the centre maintained business continuity thanks to staff working longer hours. Call Derbyshire, an established 24/7 service, is playing a major role in how it provides residents with a central point of contact and integrated service for the vulnerable.

DOUBLE SUCCESS FOR DWP The Department for Work and Pensions’ Personal Data Campaign scooped the Internal Communications Award and the Strategic Communications Campaign, sponsored by Callcredit Information Group.

Following high profile data losses across government, DWP developed a successful character driven campaign to build staff awareness and essentially change their data security behaviours.

Campaign branded messages featured across a mix of channels including a takeover of the DWP intranet homepage.

DWP created a visually engaging ‘I’ graphic character, personifying individual responsibility with its ‘I will do my bit’ tagline. A series of 90-second videos illustrated real-life scenarios, with volunteers selected through a ‘Have you got the i-factor?’ competition.

Staff inclusion ensured the films remained credible, and significantly reduced costs.

The campaign exceeded all expectations reporting 96 per cent staff awareness of information security.

Alice Gledhill, internal comms manager for Campaigns and Products at DWP Internal Communications, said: “To win the first award was a great achievement but when our work was awarded the Strategic Communications award too it was an amazing feeling. To have our hard work and successful campaign recognised

by your peers is a fantastic feeling.”

The Council Publication Award for Journalism, sponsored by Argent Media, went to East Riding of Yorkshire Council for Your East Riding.

Given the decline in newspaper circulation figures and the fact that councils are now restricted to producing quarterly publications, up to 12 of the 32 pages of Your East Riding are localised to six defined areas of the East Riding. Residents feature heavily and there is a good mix of stories from across the council.

Localised pages give local ward members a voice and visibility and events specific to that area are also highlighted. Members of the communications team write all the editorial in-house.

Ealing Council’s publication Around Ealing scooped the Council Publication Award for Design, sponsored

by Argent Media.

Around Ealing is a completely refreshed publication, with a switch to a more compact, handbag-sized format (245mm x 190mm) and a change to 100 per cent recycled paper, meeting the council’s drive for sustainability.

The new format allows for more two-page feature spreads, improving the look and flow of the editorial. It has also allowed a larger pagination (48pp minimum) by balancing the weight ratio for distribution costs and has also meant a lower page rate for advertisers, which has encouraged sales. By clever use of column grids and a minor reduction in point size, the word count was hardly compromised.

The Print Innovation Award, sponsored by Argent Media went to the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency E

Communications

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

Communications

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

GOOD COMMUNICATION AWARDS E (VOSA) and its Staying legal materials.

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency has for many years produced material aimed at operators for dissemination to their drivers.

Research has shown that while operators want to read all the information that will affect their business, drivers just want to find out what they need to know in order to comply.

VOSA’s design team developed an A3 folded pocket guide which focused on diagrams rather than words, and can be used by non English speaking drivers and those with lower levels of literacy. Printed on durable paper, the folded format means a driver can carry it in their cab. The pocket guide has been distributed to over 50,000 drivers in four months, with very positive feedback from industry in the UK and across the EU. PR CATEGORIES Stockport Council won the award for Local Authority PR Team Of The Year, sponsored by Amaryllis. At Stockport, research has become a priority for every area of activity. All campaigns are aligned to the strategic objectives of the council, with the impact carefully monitored to evaluate success. The Stockport team committed to delivering no-nonsense campaigns that cut through the jargon. The Stockport Boost campaign looked at ways to tackle the recession, providing businesses and residents with advice and support on how to cope during the year ahead. It surpassed all of its objectives, generating over 100 weeks of coverage in the Stockport Times and £20 million in benefits for Stockport residents.

The Mixed Media Campaign Award, sponsored by Daryl Willcox Publishing, was awarded to the Christie NHS Foundation Trust for its Treatment Centre Campaign.

In November 2010, the Christie opened a £35 million patient treatment centre. The opening campaign, at a cost of £12,000, maximised publicity and was split into different sections. These covered pre-publicity, a preview tour week, media activity and postpublicity, and included the use of TV, radio and print, social media, leaflets, newsletters, films, celebrity and VIP visits and preview tours.

Media coverage achieved had an advertising value of £750,000 which was all positive.

The Government To Citizen Communication Award, sponsored by ProtoCall One, went to Durham County Council for its Safeguarding Adults Campaign.

The ‘See it, Report it’ campaign was developed to create a greater public understanding of vulnerable people who are neglected, abused or taken advantage of. The two-week campaign featured stories based on real-life experiences, directing people to a newly-created regional website (www. safeguardingadultsne.com) and designated 0844 number to report abuse. Funded externally by the Regional Improvement and Efficiency Partnership (RIEP), the campaign highlights the benefits of partnership working.

The Mobile Technology Award, sponsored

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.9

by Box Technologies, was taken home by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council for its SARAH Mobile working initiative.

SARAH was developed in an inclusive manner led by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council in partnership with CACI and in consultation with home carers, unions and IT staff to design a product that would allow the removal of paper timesheets. The homecare management software solution is deployed on smartphones allowing carers to download their specific service user schedules whilst also providing them with contextual information and prompts for each visit. As changes occur, these can be relayed immediately to the carer and vice versa.

The Contact Centre Technology Award, sponsored by Clement Clarke Communications, went to South Staffordshire Council.

The dilemma for South Staffordshire Council was how to improve the service by using technology whilst not increasing cost. The decision was made to develop an in-house customer queuing and handling system. Whilst the council does not employ any developers, existing internal, home grown skills were utilised. A technical assistant whose main responsibilities are hardware and systems support used his self developed skills to write a software system to support customer queuing and handling. The assistant went through the entire software development lifecycle. Not only did the system improve upon the previous software that was running but it also saved the council a considerable amount of money in licensing and maintenance costs.

Surrey County Council was awarded the Contact Centre Training Award. In 2010 Surrey County Council developed its ‘Delivering the Customer Promise’ training, which is in the process of being rolled out across the organisation. So far 209 have attended the course and delegates have rated the course highly. The training is interactive and focuses on the ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ skills of customer service – managing customer expectations, how to design and deliver customer-driven rather than governance-driven processes, and how to empower and encourage teams to deliver excellent customer service.

Raising awareness on how slicker, bureaucracy free processes can enhance customer service has resulted in savings of over £500,000 across the organisation. There has been a significant reduction in ‘chaser’ calls and cost per contact has reduced to 79p to 49p.

The Telecoms Innovation Award, sponsored

by MLL Telecom, went to Kent County Council for its use of audio conferencing.

Innovation and digital technology plays a key role in the way the Kent County Council delivers services and in supporting its people to work more flexibly. In order to reduce travel-related costs and lower its carbon emissions, it recently implemented BT MeetMe, a hosted audio conferencing service that only requires a fixed or mobile phone for access, enabling virtual meetings with up to 40 participants. No prior booking is required

and conferences can be established in the time it takes to dial the local access number.

IT AND E-GOVERNMENT AWARDS The IT Partnership Award, sponsored

by EfficientIP, was taken home by the Department for Education for its Employee Authentication Service (EAS).

The EAS was created to provide a sectorwide solution to enable employees to securely access multiple children’s services and educational information sharing systems using a single token. It provides a strong authentication solution for central and local government employees to enable them to securely access multiple government applications and systems by using a single token. EAS was designed as a shared service to be used across government whereever secure authentication was needed with the capacity to handle two million concurrent users. Currently three major government led services are engaged in trialling and rolling out the service with a combined user base of between 75,000-100,000 users in addition to a number of smaller scale services already using the service. The project was developed as a strategic partnership between DfE, DWP and DCLG, in collaboration with local authorities and other partners.

Wycombe District Council scooped the Website Accessibility Award, sponsored by DSPG. The council’s website was designed to maximise the opportunity for members of the public to self-serve their differing needs through an accessible channel. Wycombe and site developers VLI have been working with the Digital Accessibility Centre to ensure the website works for everyone. The Digital Accessibility Centre accreditation means that the site has been tested by people with a wide range of disabilities and found to be accessible.

The Government Website Of The Year, sponsored by Eduserv, was taken home by Lincolnshire County Council. New web features include tabs and mega drop downs to show the main elements of the site without having to navigate away from the homepage, resulting in improved usability. Other features include enhanced map based tools which make finding services in Lincolnshire easier than ever before.

This project has also made it possible for the council to share its CMS with district councils.

The IT Project Innovation Award, sponsored

by Info Exchange, was won by the London Borough of Redbridge. YouChoose is an online budget simulator developed by Redbridge that encourages members of the public to consider where council budget cuts should fall, where efficiencies might be made and where income might be generated. The tool helps councils to engage their citizens in decisions about how they spend their revenue budgets and helps citizens to understand the tough choices faced by their council. L FOR MORE INFORMATION www. gcawards.co.uk

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

Vaults – always working to keep you safe

Big Green Book – the one-stop shop

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’s systems.

Trading for over ten years, we are an NSI NACOSS Gold Approved company working with both public and private sector companies including local authorities, police and insurance companies. We employ a team of well trained and highly motivated security professionals dedicated to building close partnerships with our clients.

The safety of staff, the public

Big Green Book brings business and environment together. Our Small Business Environment Network is the UK’s premiere environmental and promotional business network, showcasing the best sustainable companies offering and delivering innovative environmental business products, business services and low carbon technologies. It also helps greener communities and local economies grow.

No one is more serious about promoting the benefits of practical environmental solutions to businesses, households and communities and helping them to find, buy and connect with the right local suppliers in their area.

Big Green Book is a membership organisation dedicated to promoting its members through an online product and service directory, articles, print, trade shows and direct contact events. Big Green Book provides an efficient way for buyers and sellers within the UK’s b2b marketplaces to exchange

and property is vital. We are always happy to arrange a site visit to one of our recent installations or provide a no obligation security survey.

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

OFTEC – promoting excellence in oil heating OFTEC is the official body for the oil heating industry, operating a government authorised competent persons scheme with over 9,500 registered installers throughout the UK and Ireland. OFTEC also runs a trade association for manufacturers and training centres, who in turn supply products approved under the OFCERT scheme and offer OFTEC approved training and assessment for installers.

Over 1.5 million homes in the UK and Ireland use oil for heating or cooking, with a mix of private and public sector customers. Oil is an economical and popular choice for many rural homes – it costs £1,323 to run a condensing oil boiler in an average three bedroom home in mainland Great Britain. This compares with the £1,882 annual running cost for a condensing LPG boiler.

In response to the challenge of reducing carbon emissions, OFTEC recently led a project to develop a new bio-liquid heating fuel. A fuel specification of 30 per cent fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) and 70 per cent kerosene has now been agreed following successful field trials

in around 30 Norfolk properties last year. The fuel can be used on most existing oil heating systems once minor equipment modifications have been made.

Switching to the new bioliquid could save 28 per cent in carbon emissions with very little capital outlay. OFTEC is currently lobbying the government to include bio-liquids in the next round of Renewable Heat Incentive announcements.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0845 6585080 enquiries@oftec.org www.oftec.org

information and develop sustainable business relationships and build greener supply chains.

Buyers are given free access to a comprehensive, qualified data set that allows them to search for, and select, the environmental products, services and technical information they need to complete their projects. Sellers are given a wide range of promotional and marketing opportunities to help them attract and win vital new business. Big Green Book: Communicating, positioning and promoting b2b environmental businesses and their solutions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.biggreenbook.com

The Centre for Alternative Technology – new skills for a new future The future looks bright, legislation is being introduced that could lead to a reduction in carbon emissions; except, in our excitement we forget that we will need thousands of skilled people to build a bridge to our new carbon free society. Put simply there are neither the trainers, facilities or financing to skill the labour force we urgently need.

One organisation addressing these concerns is the Graduate School of the Environment (GSE) based at the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales. Dedicated to upskilling individuals for a low carbon society, they provide courses covering subjects from renewable energy technologies to sustainable design and construction.

Following his course in Renewable Energy, Robert Macpherson played a lead role in setting up a wind turbine at the Duke of York’s Royal Military School: “I was able to

utilise the learnings from the course directly into a real project situation. Right from providing the business case, the initial site identification, survey through project planning and delivery.”

With institutions such as the GSE training businesses and individuals in green skills, let’s hope we see more people coming though the system who are ready to take on new green jobs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION To find out more about CAT’s Zero Carbon Strategy and the courses on offer visit www.cat.org.uk

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EVENT PREVIEW

POWERING UP – THE ENERGY EVENT 2011

Built Environment

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

With a clear focus on energy procurement, management and efficiency, The Energy Event plays host to the largest CPD Certified conference programme in the UK, addressing the key issues of energy availability, affordability and sustainability The Energy Event is aimed at all organisations that want to get a grip on their energy use, comply with legislation and procure energy more intelligently. It brings together all of the major energy suppliers and brokers in the UK under one roof as well as presenting the largest seminar programme of its kind in the UK. EXPERT SPEAKERS Providing a forum for debate and discussion of the biggest issues affecting energy pricing, risk, and the reduction of carbon at The Energy Event is the Energy Insight Conference. It brings together leading experts and commentators in the fields of economics, climate change, energy policy and security, the nuclear industry, demand management and carbon reduction.

Each session held at the Energy Insight Conference examines the vital contentious issues, ensuring that attendees leave with a sense of how to position their organisation’s medium term energy strategy to keep costs low and reduce energy risk. Delegates are also given the opportunity to put their questions to the UK’s foremost energy experts.

Charles Hendry, Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change, has announced that he will deliver the keynote address on day one of the Energy Insight Conference on the future of the UK energy market. As Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Mr. Hendry has stated that decisions being made now on how much and what type of energy is needed will affect the UK for the next few decades. This is why he believes it is so important to strike the right balance between creating clean energy from renewable sources and nuclear, and using current energy sources in a green fashion.

KEY TOPICS The minster’s address at the conference will touch on topics such as Electricity Market Reform, the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, the Green Deal and he will discuss what he believes will be the required energy mix to address the UK’s future energy gap and secure energy supply.

The sessions on day one seek to provide delegates with an insight on carbon reduction and management topics, and BBC Radio 4’s Today programme presenter John Humphrys, will chair discussions using an informal,

chat-show format with key European energy industry figures on topics such as electricity market reform, energy pricing and the prospects for nuclear energy.

EFFECTING CHANGE Also on day one, leading UK business woman Karren Brady, will join as guest speaker on the topic of ‘Effecting change’ in business. This presentation will look at how to positively influence organisational change, beginning at boardroom level, in relation to energy management.

Other speakers relevant to people working in the public sector include Russ Priestley, director of British Independent Utilities (BIU), whose presentation will advise on ‘Getting energy procurement right’; John Ryan, commercial director of Certification Europe will discuss ‘Milestones to saving energy – the value of energy efficiency accreditation (EN16001)’; professor David Mackay, chief scientific advisor of the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s presentation will ask ‘What part do major energy users have to play in creating a low carbon, sustainable future?’; and Mark Callaway of Power Efficiency and Robin Welsby of Celenese AG will advise attendees on

‘Managing your energy purchasing strategy’.

Guest speaker on day two of the Energy Insight Conference is Lord Digby Jones, author of the recently published book ‘Fixing Britain’ and known as the face of UK business.

Lord Jones’ presentation entitled ‘Putting Britain at the heart of global change’ will discuss the need for UK business to promote a culture of innovation and readiness in order to adapt for the changes required in the move toward a low-carbon society.

AFTERNOON SESSIONS Sessions on the afternoons of both days, will be hosted by the Major Energy Users’ Council (MEUC) and will cover topics including understanding efficiency in relation to water, energy and gas, low carbon incentives and legislation, energy security, energy monitoring and management, managing energy risk, employing an energy broker, and highlighting who will benefit from the Green Deal.

An additional conference stream, The Energy Information Theatre, also takes place at The Energy Event over the two days and hosts numerous presentations that offer an opportunity for energy professionals to hear case studies and reports from peers about the many energy issues concerning the industry today.

Dr. Martin Blake, founder of Carbon Zero Solutions, will give a presentation entitled ‘Strategies for designing an effective carbon reduction strategy for your E

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w. Re F th gi ree ee ste t ne r y o a rg ou tte ye r n ve pla d nt ce .c a om t /G BA

2

Energy Information Theatre is a new area offering visitors access to informative, end-user case studies covering areas such as: 

Green Deal and renewable technologies



effective building controls



carbon reduction strategies



changing staff behaviour



how to report and monitor savings

Lord Digby Jones

Former Minister of State, UK Trade & Investment

BT

Polyflor

Charles Hendry, MP Energy Minister

Marks & Spencer

CEDA Environment Agency

OFFICIAL SPONSOR

CO-EVENT SPONSORS

Prof David MacKay

Chief Scientific Adviser DECC

EVENT PARTNERS

London Fire Brigade CONTENT PROVIDER

CARBON OFFSET PARTNER

MEDIA PARTNERS

EVENT PREVIEW

The Minster’s address at the Energy Insight Conference will touch on topics such as Electricity Market Reform, the CRC energy efficiency scheme, the Green Deal and he will discuss what he believes will be the required energy mix to address the UK’s future energy gap and secure energy supply.

E organisation’ on day one.

As the head of sustainability for Royal Mail from 2007 until 2010, Dr. Blake led the organisation to reduce its carbon footprint by an impressive 20 per cent over three years. In his current role he provides strategic leadership for companies looking to develop the commercial benefits of adopting a sustainable approach to business. During his presentation Dr. Blake will demonstrate the benefits of employing energy saving processes and the compelling case for building your carbon reduction strategy beyond simple compliance.

Also at The Information Theatre visitors will see the presentation by Richard Tarboton, energy & carbon programme director at BT entitled: ‘How important is the role of renewables for business? How can the investment pay for itself and what assumptions can be made on energy prices vs. the cost of generation?’

Richard Jackson, the principle sustainable development and regeneration manager of the Olympic Development Agency (ODA) will deliver his presentation based on a case study to demonstrate how buildings be realised more sustainably, built to consume less energy and within budget.

An example of involvement from a major trade body is a presentation entitled ‘Selecting, monitoring and managing building controls to save energy and money’ that

will be delivered by Ian Ellis, president of the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA). The BCIA, which is taking part in The Energy Event for the first time in 2011, is the Unified Voice of the UK Building Controls Industry; the presentation will promote its main message, which is: ‘Building controls are key to saving energy in buildings’.

HIGH QUALITY CONTENT Attending seminars hosted at the Energy Insight Conference or Energy Information Theatre now also counts towards delegates’ Continuing Professional Development (CPD) following the news that The Energy Event’s conference programme has been certified by the Continuing Professional Development Certification Service. The Energy Event’s conference programme is further enhanced through the ability of delegates attending these presentations to credit their attendance towards their CPD. Being accepted as a member of the CPD Certification Scheme, simply illustrates the quality of The Energy Event’s conference programme and the real value that can be gained by delegates who attend these seminars.

In addition to the conference, the ESTA Theatre will also be available at The Energy Event. ESTA, in association with CIBSE, will be running their joint seminars throughout the two-day event and lay a foundation for effective energy management

through basic understanding of principles, awareness of policy issues and effective implementation to produce savings.

Seminars at the ESTA conference include: ‘Zero carbon buildings by design: achievable or fiction?’ delivered by Hywel Davies, technical director, CIBSE; ‘Zero carbon buildings: operation and improvement of existing buildings’ presented by Richard Hipkiss, director, i-prophets energy services; and the seminar delivered by Lisa Howkins, sales director, eSight Energy, entitled ‘Measurement: the key to Energy Management success’.

The event will also feature a ‘Hosted Content Area’ which includes presentations brought to you by Water Technology List (WTL), EIC and npower. On both days The Water Technology List will host a Water Efficiency Seminar. The presentations will discuss the legislative and commercial drivers that affect how businesses manage water use and help delegates to identify ways to minimise water use by understanding where waste occurs in their businesses. It will also provide information on how to reduce water use and bills, showing that investment in water saving technologies on the WTL can realise savings of as much as 50 per cent on water and effluent bills.

EIC will offer an insight into the procurement market with an introduction, market overview and buying strategies followed by Q&A and npower will host an interactive energy debate.

Built Environment

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

RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR BUSINESS With 15 per cent of the UK’s energy expected to come from renewable sources by 2020, The Energy Event will address some of the key issues affecting the UK’s renewable energy strategy and a dedicated ‘Renewable Energy for Business Zone’ is planned. Exhibitors at the zone will be: Wind Direct, a company that develops, installs and operates wind turbines, supplying low-cost energy to industrial and commercial premises; CHINT, a leading player in the low-voltage electrical, power transmission and distribution industries in China; and Greenologic, a forward thinking product distributor and solution provider for the building automation and energy market.

The Energy Event is supported by the leading industry associations and organisations and gives visitors the opportunity to meet exhibitors, learn from industry experts and be inspired by end user led case studies.

The Energy Event boasts the UK’s largest collection of free and CPD Certified content and unparalleled networking opportunities for buyers, suppliers, consultants and product and service providers. This event is a must for the diaries of all senior professionals with responsibility for their organisations’ energy requirements. Free parking is provided at the Birmingham NEC for visitors who preregister to attend The Energy Event. L FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information and to register visit www.theenergyevent.com/GBPR2

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I O G S A LT E X

shape your space IOG SALTEX, the UK’s Number 1 open space management event is back at Windsor Racecourse from the 6 - 8th September 2011. Visit this dynamic show to discover the latest innovations and tried and tested products for all of your grounds care, sports facilities, amenities, landscaping and estate management needs.

Register for your free entry badge at www.iogsaltex.co.uk or call 0845 272 8782 for free badges.

EVENT PREVIEW

HOW TO REDUCE THE USE OF FINITE NATURAL RESOURCES WHILST CUTTING COSTS

Built Environment

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

Low Carbon Expo 2011, the first low carbon exhibition ever to be held in Wales, has teamed up with Government Business as a media partner Low Carbon Expo 2011 gives visitors the chance to discover which CO2 reduction methods will work in their unique circumstances. Discover the latest natural home insulation materials, and many innovative products to retrofit existing housing stock or business premises to maximise energy efficiency. With over 3,000 visitors expected to attend during both days, the exhibition will be one of the largest events of its kind in the UK. “Low Carbon Expo is a long-awaited opportunity for the UK to showcase its incredible wealth of talent and expertise in this sector and take advantage of a new greengrowth economy,” explained Peter Davies, Sustainable Futures Commissioner and chair of the Climate Change Commission for Wales.

Indeed, so far over 50 companies and organisations have confirmed they are taking part at the show including The Low Carbon Energy Company, the Energy Saving Trust and Welsh Assembly Government.

The general public will have the opportunity to seek advice on home insulation and learn more about a wide range of renewable energy technologies, including solar PV (photovoltaic) panels, ground source heat pumps and wind turbines.

SEMINAR PROGRAMME A free seminar programme is planned for the event, tackling key issues affecting the UK’s low carbon economy. The discussion groups will provide a useful opportunity for delegates to network with industry peers.

John Griffiths, Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development in the Welsh Government, is a guest speaker.

Seminar presentations will range from asking if private companies and public sector agencies need to measure their carbon footprint and how best this can be done. There will also be a wide range of discussions about renewable energy, particularly the adoption of solar PV technologies. Plus there will be papers tackling whether it is commercially viable to run a fleet of electrical vehicles and what more can be done to promote low carbon behaviour.

Peter Middleton, founder of Low Carbon Expo, commented: “With a full and wideranging speaker programme and more than 50 companies booked, the strong interest

in Low Carbon Expo 2011 clearly shows there’s a big appetite for businesses to use trade shows to highlight their environmental technologies and eco-credentials.”

“We look forward to working with our sponsors and exhibitors to deliver a great event for the businesses and general public that visit. As excitement continues to build, we look forward to announcing more additions to our exhibitor list and speaker line-up ahead of the show,” added Jay Doyle, marketing manager for Low Carbon Expo.

ECO-TRANSPORT PAVILION Low Carbon Wales will also feature an eco-transport pavilion with popular automotive brands Toyota and Nissan showcasing their latest highperformance hybrid electric vehicles.

Toyota has recently introduced the new Auris hybrid model following the success of the Prius while Nissan has developed an electric vehicle called the Leaf. Besides

Peter Davies

Car, an online car guide covering electric, hybrid and other low emission vehicles.

Peter Middleton of Low Carbon Expo noted: “The transport pavilion at Low Carbon Expo will clearly be an important aspect to the show. Toyota and Honda will join other hitech eco transport exhibitors and help raise

“Low Carbon Expo is a long-awaited opportunity for the UK to showcase its incredible wealth of talent and expertise in this sector and take advantage of a new green-growth economy” – Peter Davies, Sustainable Futures commissioner. these eco vehicles on show, a driving simulator provided by the Energy Saving Trust will offer visitors the chance to discover new ways of saving fuel when driving.

Nik Pearson, brand manager of Toyota GB, said: “I am delighted to be taking part in the Low Carbon Expo. It is important to spread the debate on low carbon technologies nationwide.”

The organisers of Low Carbon Expo have also revealed some other transport related media partners including GB’s sister publication GreenFleet, a trade magazine promoting the use of cleaner fleet vehicles.

GreenFleet is joined by Green Car Design, an online magazine looking at environmental car design; and Next Green

the profile of green motoring in the UK.” Cars are not the only field of transport being exhibited from an environment standpoint.

Electric Bikes will be promoting the virtues of getting the public on electric powered bicycles instead of petrol or diesel fuelled vehicles.

“With a full and wide-ranging speaker programme and more than 50 companies already participating at the event, we’re expecting plenty of interest in the remaining exhibition spaces available at the event,” added Jay Doyle from Low Carbon Expo. L FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0844 8842288 info@lowcarbonwales.com www.lowcarbonexpo.co.uk

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Built Environment

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

RENEWABLE ENERGY

THE POWER OF 3 We preview three great renewable events in one, covering every aspect of renewable energy at Stoneleigh Park, 5-6 October Microgen 2011 is the first and only dedicated event for the fast growing microgeneration sectors of solar, biomass, small wind, GSHP, ASHP and hydro, and is the official event for the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). It is the only event at which the full range of microgeneration technologies can be reviewed by buyers in the same place, at the same time.

Developed in partnership with the MCS, the Renewable Energy Association (REA), Renewable Energy Assurance Limited (REAL), the Solar Trade Association (STA), the Micropower Council and the The Energy

Institute, Microgen offers the ideal showcase for suppliers to meet face to face with thousands of installers, M&E contractors, architects, land owners, and end-users all interested in this growth sector.

CONFERENCE SESSIONS Altogether, over 200 leading suppliers will gather in Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire this October along with more than 100 leading speakers delivering up-to-date, topical and case study-led sessions within six practical and business conference theatres – and a major keynote arena. All this is

Over 200 leading suppliers will gather in Stoneleigh Park this October along with more than 100 leading speakers delivering topical and case study-led sessions within six practical and business conference theatres.

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located on the show floor to ensure traffic flow – and business – for exhibitors.

For installers, there is the first ever MCS Live Theatre – two full days of seminar programming from the MCS on earning accreditation as well as vital updates for existing installers and registered companies, offering outstanding value for money.

Topics covered include: in depth UK solar PV market analysis and projections; planning sessions – how to get projects approved first time; insiders breifing on FITs and the RHI; solar PV and grid parity – sooner than we think?; PV funding – owner or technology provider, model contracts; smart metering and smart grids; integrating renewables into buildings; and emerging technology and trends.

These sessions will be delivered by speakers from organisations such as MCS, Micropower, BSRIA, National Grid, Woodpecker Energy, DCLG, British Gas and DECC. THE BIOENERGY MARKET Are you interested in or looking at the bioenergy market? With the government promoting the renewables agenda, legally binding EU targets to meet, and new beneficial tariffs, this is the time for bioenergy businesses to prosper and succeed.

EBEC 2011 is the UK’s largest bioenergy event, and showcases the latest developments E

At a glance ebec, Nicrogen and Nextgen will take place 5-6 October at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, 10-6pm. All three events are free to attend. Who should attend?

EBEC • Farmers/land owners • Retail owners • Food manufacturing /production managers • Local authority personnel • Waste management Microgen • M&E contractors • Energy installers • Architects • Energy consultants • Land owners • Retail owners • Local authority personnel Nextgen • R&D establishments • Energy buyers • Power companies • Government policy makers/politicians • Entrepreneurs

E in biomass, biogas, liquid biofuels and fuel from waste. Now in its 6th year, taking place 5-6 October at Stoneleigh

Park, Warwickshire the free to attend, CPD accredited seminars will look at all the latest government drivers for the sector.

Key sessions on the UK’s feedstock supplies, sustainability of woody biomass, crops for biogas plants as well as the increasingly important use of biofertiliser as a replacement fertiliser from anaerobic digestion biogas production will be of particular interest to farmers who are either currently running a plant onsite, or who are looking to invest in one.

Sessions will cover biomass fuel sources; large scale biomass; biogas – UK case studies; district heating – new build and retro fit challenges; new gasification technologies; materials handling; connecting to the grid.

Speakers include representatives of National Grid, JCB, Poyry, REA, NFU, BIFFA, Schmack Biogas, Stobarts, Carbon Trust and Masstocks.

THE FUTURE OF ENERGY Nextgen 2011 is an exciting new event dedicated exclusively to the future of energy generation with a major focus on renewables.

This two-day event will showcase emerging technologies including fuel cells, advanced gasification, pyrolysis, algae, second and third generation biofuels, heat recovery, energy efficiency advancements and powering the low carbon economy. Each day will

have ten new energy generation ideas presented in an series of pitches to a panel of experts in a ‘Dragons Den’ style thatre.

It is the place to network with R&D scientists and engineers, learn about early stage developments, and to get projects funded.

Taking place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire 5-6 October, this exciting new event offers a platform to help emerging technologies and suppliers find their market, their investors or both.

The event will network technology developers and suppliers and helping them speed-date with potential markets and investors, and brief businesses and leading market players on the new generation of renewables.

There will also be a focus on funding, from The Green Bank and the Green Deal to corporate and private finance, with advice available on legislation and the impact of incentives, including RHI, ROCs, the RED and FITs. Speakers include NNFCC, UKTI, Exxon, Algae Park, Clearpower and Greenpeace. L

Built Environment

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information and to register for free: www.ebec.co.uk www.microgenexpo.co.uk www.nextgenexpo.co.uk

Cost cutting opportunities with green energy 2G Energy AG is a leading technology provider for decentralised energy supply solutions.

2G develops and produces modules and complete cogeneration plants (CHP) within a capacity range from 50kW to several megawatts. The plants are fuelled by natural gas or any type of biogas (digester gas, sewage gas or landfill gas) and feature highly efficient technology for applications where energy is a key cost driver, including swimming pools, hospitals, offices or apartment buildings.

In addition, 2G Energy AG offers integrated solutions for the processing industry, covering all interfaces. CHP technology, perhaps extended with additional modules such as steam generators or absorption chillers, offers considerable cost reduction potential and is therefore increasingly used in industry. With efficiencies of around 90 per cent, payback periods as short as three

years are no exception, since both the electricity and the thermal energy are used efficiently.

If the plants are operated with biogas, they offer the additional benefit of being CO2 neutral. 2G Energy’s comprehensive portfolio ranges from system design to installation and also includes service and maintenance. In addition we offer a wide range of sound reduction options, such as installation in existing buildings or containers, or sound-absorbing acoustic enclosures made of concrete.

With more than 15 years of experience and around 1,800 installed cogeneration plants, 2G Energy AG is among the largest suppliers in Europe.

Green Energy – Value Adding CHP Technology www.2g-energy.co.uk Phone: 020 8816 8145

FOR MORE INFORMATION Mark Holtmann, key account manager USA, UK and Ireland www.2g-energy.co.uk info@2g-energy.co.uk

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Qpage_Layout 1 08/08/2011 13:49 Page 1

Certification Schemes:

3 ISO 50001 Energy Management 3 ISO 9001 Quality Management 3 ISO 14001 Environmental Management 3 ISO 27001 Information Security Management 3 BS 25999 Business Continuity Management 3 OHSAS 18001 Health & Safety Management 3 ISO 20000 IT Service Management 3 BS 8901 Sustainable Event Management

Newey & Eyre Energy Saving 24/7 in conjunction with

Philips Lighting will be exhibiting at Energy Solutions 2011

Certification Europe

Your Accredited Certification Partner

028 9073 7913

on 11th and 12th October

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V En sta isi n er d t u gy H s 1 a 20 Sol 02 t 11 uti at on s

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itSMF ISO/IEC 20000

The Earth is round.

Rooms aren’t.

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Prism Performance consultancy empowers your enterprise to develop healthy Sustainable Margins.

Our models provide essential data to reduce costs, energy consumption and carbon emissions whilst increasing revenues.

Control PRO presence detectors have an innovative, scalable square-shaped detection zone. This makes it possible to cover rooms with presence detectors without overlaps or leaving gaps. n Easy to install n Ideal for recessed or surface installation n Understated design n Energy savings

web www.steinel.co.uk email steinel@steinel.co.uk tel 01733 366700

For more information please visit our web site or contact us via email: info@prismperformance.co.uk Sustainable Margin Development - the new business paradigm

The Sustainable Margin Development Company www.prismperformance.co.uk

Control

PRO

visit us at stand G80

ENERGY

ADDRESSING PROCUREMENT AND MANAGEMENT

Built Environment

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

Covering energy procurement, energy management, efficiency and onsite renewables, Energy Solutions Expo is the place to go for help to become more sustainable and carbon efficient 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 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 Carobomat, 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.”

With education and knowledge driving the sector, Energy Solutions sees the return of The Energy Academy, The Renewables Theatre and The Green-Tech Theatre, where a programme of free dedicated seminar sessions will provide expert opinion and guidance on significant industry concerns.

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 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 E

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

ENERGY

E 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) roadshow 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:

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• 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 are now open for entry. Home to over 150 hours of educational content, Energy Solutions is co-located 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 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.

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

Newey & Eyre – in conjunction with Philips future ready lighting

New energy saving devices on show at Energy Solutions 2011

Newey & Eyre and Newey & Eyre Energy Saving 24seven are brands of Rexel (UK) Limited, a division of one of the world’s largest businessto-business distributors of electrical materials and safety, and other maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) products.

We work closely with all the market leading manufacturers to bring you the latest product innovations, publications and up to date information on industry developments and legislation. We can also help you plan and manage major projects – from quotation through to holding dedicated stock and making scheduled deliveries to site. We provide a range of revolutionary services designed to help your business work more efficiently through improving communications and reducing business costs.

Newey & Eyre Energy Saving 24seven has been specifically set up to assist and advise clients on the latest solutions available to reduce energy costs and

Energy Solutions 2011 will see two major products showcased by the market leader in lighting sensor technology, Steinel (UK) Ltd. The new Control PRO range of presence detectors and new ProLog lighting and occupancy measurement device will be available to view on Stand E69.

Thanks to its innovative squareshaped detection characteristics, Control PRO makes it possible to cover regular areas such as small offices and meeting rooms, as well as large, unusuallyshaped areas that may contain obstructions such as open plan offices, large conference rooms and restrooms. The system is ideal for both new projects and existing buildings as retrofitting to existing lighting is very simple and incurs minimum installation costs.

Steinel recognises that

carbon emissions. We offer a team of regionally based energy advisors that can carry out a complimentary on site audit of existing lighting installations and provide a range of solutions across different types of technologies.

In conjunction with Philips Lighting, a world leader in the provision of LED lighting solutions, we are able to offer cost effective and environmentally ways of lighting homes and businesses.

Because the technology uses significantly less energy than traditional lighting solutions you will make substantial savings on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01905 791500 sales@energysaving247.co.uk www.energysaving247.co.uk

The sustainable margin development consultancy Prism Performance is the leading sustainable margin development (SMD) consultancy advising government, local authorities, private and third sector enterprises in best practice methods for reducing costs, energy and carbon, and increasing revenues in ways that provide sustainable margins.

Prism’s unique SMD models and tools enable enterprises to achieve continued cost reductions whilst protecting one of their most valuable resources – people, through a clear focus on reducing energy consumption and process waste. Prism models also provide unambiguous auditable data that can be used to provide proof of your enterprises’ environmental credentials. The models clearly demonstrate bottom line delivery of savings and revenues year on year.

Prism methods are fully compliant with the UK Government’s CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme and integrate best practice from all departments of running enterprises. The models deliver integrated enterprise, infrastructure and operational strategies which work and above all are highly cost effective. We help enterprises, large and small, public and private, to increase their margins. It is sustainable because it’s future proofed.

Gone are the days of retrospective analyses trying to prove independently your process improvement and environmental credentials. Using real time data, Prism applications empower you make the best ROI decisions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION info@prismperformance.co.uk www.prismperformance.co.uk

organisations are not content to merely guesstimate these savings when assessing the payback period on presence detectors. PROLog is a measuring instrument that is positioned easily and unobtrusively below the ceiling at various points within a building.

It records in minute detail the actual usage of lighting over a month-long period – including, notably, instances where lighting is left on unnecessarily.

The PROLog software then configures the data to provide a highly-accurate projection of the total energy savings that will be accrued if presence detectors are installed.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01733 366740 Fax: 01733 366745 steinel@steinel.co.uk www.steinel.co.uk

Save energy and prove your green credentials Does your organisation want to save energy and prove your green credentials to the world?

Certification Europe is an international certification body for energy management system certification scheme ISO 50001.

Certification Europe was the first certification body in the world to gain accreditation to certify organisations to ISO 50001.

Certification Europe has an impressive energy client base including DePuy. GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, London South Bank University, Diageo, Abbott Pharmaceuticals, Gypsum Industries (Saint Gobain) and Allergan Pharmaceuticals.

Clients who have availed of Certification Europe’s energy certification schemes have saved 102 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy. This amount is enough to power in excess of 30,000 UK households for a year.

Certification Europe’s portfolio of certification services includes: • Energy Management – EN 16001/ ISO 50001

• Quality Management • ISO 9001 • Environmental Management – ISO 14001 • Health and Safety Management – OHSAS 18001 •Information Security Management – ISO 27001 • IT Service Management – ISO 20000-1 • Business Continuity Management – BS 25999 Certification Europe is renowned for its expertise and pragmatic approach during the audit process.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: +353 1 6429300 ciaranomalley@ certificationeurope.com

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Energy Solutions is co-located with

Principal Supporter:

education • innovation • networking

REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE TICKET

Supporters include:

Energy Solutions brings together unrivalled, relevant industry AT www.energysolutionsexpo.co.uk AND QUOTE INSERT experts, innovation, live demonstrations plus over 150 hours of debate focused, serious energy education.

Offset Partner:

Energy Academy SPEAKERS this year include:

Energy Solutions is co-located with:

• Paul Wilson Head, CRC Energy Efficiency Team, DECC

• Richard Jones CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, Environment Agency

• Mark Chadwick CEO, Carbon Clear • Harry Morrison Managing Director, Carbon Trust • Delphine WolfE Head of Consultancy, National Energy Foundation

Boost your knowledge base, confidence and skill set by questioning some of the most anticipated energy expert panel debates in 2011.

Register for your free ticket at www.energysolutionsexpo.co.uk AND quote GBA2 to avoid the £30 onsite admission fee

If you are interested in exhibiting or in any of the sponsorship opportunities available, contact Nathalie Storey on + 44 (0)20 7921 8087

EVENT PREVIEW

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF BUILDINGS SHOULD BE TOP OF THE AGENDA

Built Environment

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

Despite the prospective £81bn government spending cuts and low private sector investment in new-build projects, there continues to be a demand for energy efficient buildings fuelled by the focus on end-user environmental standards and tougher legislation

As the UK’s only dedicated event for all building services M&E – The Building Services Event provides unequivocal access to key building services professionals.

The environmental impact of a building has become increasingly significant following the stringent carbon emissions targets introduced by the government and the latest changes to the Building Regulations.

However, with existing buildings accounting for approximately 40 per cent of carbon emissions in the UK, with non-domestic buildings responsible for half this amount, the energy efficiency of a building is proving to be a highly topical issue.

In line with the government’s vast energy efficiency guidelines where existing buildings are concerned, efforts are being made to ensure that buildings remain safe and comfortable, whilst responding to the carbon

reduction challenge. Practical solutions such as smart meters, renewable technologies, sustainable lighting, condensing boilers and cavity wall insulation are increasingly being sought out and implemented to improve buildings. Adding to this, a number of government and council owned office buildings must now demonstrate their energy consumption by displaying energy certificates.

Those wanting the latest information and guidance on current UK policy concerning the environmental impact of a building, should visit M&E - The Building Services Event. As the UK’s only dedicated event for all building services M&E - The Building Services Event provides unequivocal access

to key building services professionals.

In 2010 M&E - The Building Services Event and its co-located exhibitions saw nearly 7,000 professionals pass through its doors.

Thanks to its unparalleled support, M&E The Building Services Event appeals to a unique visitor demographic of consultants, contractors and end-users requiring knowledge on the full range of building services. Attendees are working on live projects and have real requirements to which they need to find practical solutions. This event provides the ideal platform for this.

Home to a wealth of free educational content, more than 300 industry leading companies will be exhibiting including Mitsubishi Electric Commercial Heating, a pioneer in the development of renewable heat pump technology for the commercial environment. Bosch Security Systems, DEHN (UK) LTD, Remeha Commercial, Dale Power Solutions Plc, Metartec, Dale power Solutions, Rittal and Viconics are also amongst the industry leading exhibitors set to demonstrate their latest products and services at M&E - The Building Services Event, which will also play host to a number of exciting feature areas.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS With education at the forefront of this industry, M&E - The Building Services Event sees the return of the Training Academy and CPD Theatre, where a programme of free dedicated seminar sessions will provide expert opinion and guidance on significant industry concerns.

The CPD Theatre will also allow visitors the opportunity to gain valuable CPD points.

Following its successful launch in 2010, the Innovation Showcase returns to M&E The Building Services Event with a new and improved format. Providing a platform for pioneering industry experts, visitors are invited to witness a range of product innovations that will assist in saving energy and ultimately allow the end-user to profit from sustainability.

THE INNOVATION & SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS 2011 Taking place during the event, the Innovation & Sustainability Awards will showcase the success stories of the year; celebrating E

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Dale Power Solutions plc Your power in safe hands Secure Power Solutions • • • • • •

Generators UPS Batteries AC & DC Secure Power Service & Support Lifecycle Management

The easiest way to achieve high performance The gas-condensing boiler ProCon HT (15-150 kW or 15-225 kW)

:

New

integrated plate heat exchanger for use in buildings up to 100 meters

www.mhgheating.co.uk E-mail: Info@mhgheating.co.uk Telephone: 0845 6448802 MHG Heating Ltd – Simply better.

Reduce Your Server Room Cooling Costs by 90%

3 Over 90% Reduction in IT Cooling Energy Use 3 100% ASHRAE Temperature Compliant 3 Qualifies for Salix funding 3 Suitable for retrofit or new build

Visit us at Sustainabilitylive stand number F68

Dale Power Solutions plc Salter Road Eastfield Industrial Estate Scarborough North Yorkshire YO11 3DU Tel: + 44 (0) 1723 583511 www.dalepowersolutions.com SCARBOROUGH | LONDON | ABERDEEN | SWINDON | SHARJAH Part of the Secure Power Division of

Table showing cost reduction at M&E dept data centre The EcoCooling CREC Computer Room Evaporative Cooler

For further information or a quotation contact sales@ecocooling.org www.ecocooling.org tel 01284 810586

EVENT PREVIEW E the people, products and services that have made a real difference in their industries. Categories include: • Best innovation in building services • Best innovation in energy management • Best product innovation • Best innovation in health & safety • Outstanding contribution to the industry The Innovation & Sustainability Awards are now open for entry.

Run in association with CIBSE and supported by NICEIC, HVCA and ECA, M&E - The Building Services Event is expected to attract more than 8,000 attendees with an interest in a range of industry areas including refrigeration, air conditioning, electrical installation, plumbing, heating and ventilation.

In addition to building services engineering there is also a clear focus on the issues surrounding safe working practices and the applications of environmental protection.

CO-LOCATION With energy efficiency and facilities management key elements where the performance of a building is concerned, M&E - The Building Services Event is co-located with Energy Solutions, the UK’s leading energy management and procurement event and Total Workplace Management,

The FM & Estates event; presenting an all inclusive experience for visitors.

Alongside leading industry speakers such as Mark Chadwick, CEO of Carbon Clear and Delphine Wolfe, head of consultancy, National Energy Foundation, Energy Solutions is set to showcase the latest in a wide range of products and services from hundreds of exhibitors including powerPerfector, Scottish Power, ENER-G plc, Bayat Energy, Excalibur LPA Ltd and Siemens; bringing together professionals within the energy sector from across the UK. As the UK’s largest exhibition dedicated to energy procurement, energy management and renewables, Energy Solutions will be supported

by The Carbon Trust, a global leader in providing specialist support to help businesses cut carbon emissions and save energy. The Carbon Trust will also be taking part in the event’s comprehensive seminar programme.

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 attracts thousands of industry professionals through its doors and this year visitors will see an even greater programme of proceedings throughout the two-day event.

Total Workplace Management continues its educational commitment to the sector by hosting its free conference programme where an array of distinguished speakers are set to deliver thought-provoking presentations and address the latest developments and key issues affecting the FM and estates industry. The FM Academy, sponsored by RICS, will also see a number of highly charged debate sessions and panel discussions and in response to the ever expanding role of the FM, a new Fire, Safety and Security Zone is being introduced to Total Workplace Management 2011. This dedicated area that will highlight exhibitors offering products and services across the fire, safety and security remits.

M&E - The Building Services Event and its co-located events will take place at London Olympia from 11-12 October. Home to over 150 hours of educational content, all events are free to attend for pre-registered visitors. L

Built Environment

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION For further information on M&E - The Building Services Event, the Innovation and Sustainability Awards, and to register for your free pass, please visit www.buildingservicesevent.com and follow us on Twitter @MandE_Expo for the latest information.

Diesel powered generator MHG’s answer to high and UPS specialists system pressure and hybrid Our excellence in design, system requirements commissioning and maintenance built up over 75 years gives total peace of mind to customers in situations where even a momentary loss of power could have catastrophic consequences.

From off-shore oil and gas platforms, to the stock exchange to operating theatres, Dale’s products, expertise and knowledge form an integral part of risk and disaster recovery management plans.

Suppliers of: • Power management systems • Maintenance • Generators • Control systems • Gas turbine generators • UPS products and maintenance • Switch-mode and thyristor controlled rectifier systems • Power and battery monitoring systems • Lead acid and nickel cadmium batteries • DC and AC secure power Providing total customer satisfaction in the market sectors:

• Medical • Petrochemical • Leisure • Process control • Power generation • Telecommunications • Electrical distribution • Manufacturing • Utilities • Transport infrastructure Dale’s outstanding service and maintenance support is backed by more than 80 service personnel, access to a comprehensive parts and spares archive and 24/7 expert help.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01723 583511 info@dalepowersolutions.com www.dalepowersolutions.com

MHG is one of the leading German suppliers of highquality heating systems at the forefront of heating technology.

Via MHG Heating Ltd, you can obtain the finest range of products and replacement components with qualified consulting advice, short delivery times, commissioning and service support via a nationwide network of trained engineers.

Our product range consists of gas and oil condensing boilers (15-1,000kW), air/water and ground/water heat pumps (5-80kW), award nominated EcoStar Hybrid and ThermiPro Heat Stations, plate heat exchanger, gas and oil burners (16-15,000kW), thermal and PV solar, and biomass boilers.

Two new products will be launched at the M&E show this year. Firstly, ProCon HT 150 and 225kW gas condensing boilers with integral system

separation plate heat exchanger, designed for use on systems with pressures up to 10 bar.

The second new product is ThermiSmart 5 to 80kW Monoblock air to water heat pumps, with COPs in excess of 4.0.

Our low NOx, soot free RocketBurner oil burner range will also be available for inspection.

Technical support is available 7 days a week and all products are supplied with a 36-month warranty.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 08456 448802 info@mhgheating.co.uk www.mhgheating.co.uk

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Built Environment

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

EVENT PREVIEW

BUILDING THE GREEN ECONOMY Environmental trade show a key driver for the UK’s green economy The coalition government’s fourth carbon budget has turned up the volume on the low carbon debate, as the UK became the only nation with legally binding commitments to halve its carbon emissions by 2027.

Groundbreaking innovation is set to be vital in decarbonising energy supplies economically and will no doubt be one of many solutions necessary to meet these targets. The drive to find the best solutions to reduce carbon emissions are also giving rise to the crucial opportunity to grow the UK’s environmental sector, generating an arena for clean technology companies to sell their green products and services to international markets.

In support of developing and growing this market, a major international environmental trade show is being hosted in the South West later this year

by Low Carbon South West, a trade body which actively promotes the growth of the environmental technology sector.

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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 as many as 200 stands and up to 2,000 visitors expected, the event is set to be the largest of its kind in the region.

Alan Bailey, chairman of Low Carbon South West CIC, believes ETS UK will provide a major platform for UK organisations

to showcase their knowledge, skills and innovations that lie at the heart of the country’s emerging environmental sector.

He said: “A platform like ETS UK is of vital importance to the country as a whole, especially since the coalition government has now agreed to legally binding carbon emission cuts. The trade show will enable the UK to remain a leading provider of low carbon goods and services globally and the place to do green business.”

REGIONAL CHAMPIONS Bristol City Council and some of the region’s leading businesses have already given the trade show their backing. Organisations including Environmental Technologies iNET, Britannia Construction and Queen Square Associates, a specialist environmental consultancy, are all sponsors of the event.

Environmental Technologies iNet works E

The drive to find the best solutions to reduce carbon emissions are also giving rise to the crucial opportunity to grow the UK’s environmental sector, generating an arena for clean technology companies to sell their green products and services to international markets.

“A platform like ETS UK is of vital importance to the country as a whole, especially since the coalition government has now agreed to legally binding carbon emission cuts” – Alan Bailey, chairman, Low Carbon South West CIC. E with the South West’s most promising environmental technology companies to develop new products and services, improve competitiveness, access specialist knowledge and engage with new routes to market.

Director Martin Bigg is thrilled to be involved.

“The South West is very much a leader in many environmental technology markets, but to maintain competitiveness we need to keep moving, keep innovating and keep pushing into new markets,” said Martin.

“ETS UK promotes these ideals, giving a great opportunity for regional businesses to demonstrate their expertise, make new connections, develop new ideas and keep pushing forward at the forefront of the sector.”

The exhibition itself will be divided into a number of themed zones such as Skills and Innovation, Energy Efficiency and Water and Waste Management. Exhibitors already confirmed include renewable energy companies such as Forever Fuels,

environmental consultancies such as Environ, various professional services and not-forprofit organisations, including the Soil Association. A number of regional HE and FE bodies will also have stands and will offer careers advice at the show’s Job Shop.

Visitors to ETS UK will benefit from a variety of low carbon expertise. Queen Square Associates will have a number of experts in environmental management systems, environmental law, environmental communications and a vast array of technical and operational features present at the show to share advice with visitors.

THE BEST IN SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT The Sustainable Transport Zone promises the best in green transport as Ecotricity’s high performance supercar and superbike, designed to smash the stereotype of electric vehicles, are amongst some of the cutting-edge innovations at the show.

Built Environment

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

The Nemesis and the Ion Horse, the first British-built supercar and bike created to run on wind-generated electricity, will be on show for the first time. Ecotricity, the green company behind the two super-vehicles, says the Nemesis and Ion Horse offer the ultimate in sustainable transport, combining great looks with a fabulous driving experience whilst producing zero emissions. The supercar delivers excellent performance and does 0-100mph in 8.5 seconds, making the green supercar quicker than a V12 Ferrari.

“We really wanted to show that electric vehicles can be fast, fun and good-looking without using fossil fuels.

They’re the future of transport in Britain,” said Dale Vince, founder of Ecotricity.

The super-vehicles will star alongside the Bio-Bug, a VW Beetle launched by Wessex Water’s waste-to-energy firm GENeco that runs on biogas produced from human waste, and the Rebel Electric Racer, an electric plane prototype, designed as part of an electric aircraft project to demonstrate the potential of electrically-powered planes as a viable means of transport. L FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information on ETS UK, to book a place or exhibit, visit www.environmentaltradeshow.co.uk or call Amy Robinson on 0117 945 8730.

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Catering Written by the Fairtrade Foundation

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

PROCUREMENT

GOVERNMENT KITCHENS SET FOR A MINI REVOLUTION Public buyers and suppliers should make sure they are ready for new food procurement standards that hit this autumn which will consider a variety of social and ethical issues that relate to food

Tea pickers, Mabele Uganda. ©Fairtrade Foundation/Simon Rawles

Public buyers and suppliers alike should make sure they are ready for new procurement standards for food that will hit this autumn.

In a break with the trend to devolve and abolish top-down target, this July the government issued a comprehensive set of minimum standards that catering suppliers must meet if they want to win government business. The new ‘Government Buying Standards for Food and Catering Services’ represent a major overhaul of the minimum requirements for food sellers, and in setting them, the government has come a step closer to realising the full potential of its huge buying power.

THE STANDARDS From animal welfare and the environment, to nutrition and waste management, the standards cover a wide variety of social and ethical issues that relate to food, from production to disposal. Officials estimate that the new standards will cover a whopping £375m worth of public expenditure on food. This wide-ranging edict sets a new and ambitious bar for what government food buyers should buy, how to buy it and how it should be produced.

The standards include a requirement to buy at least half of all tea and coffee from ‘fairly traded’ sources. As the UK’s leading and most trusted certifier of ethically sourced food, the Fairtrade Foundation has welcomed the new standards. Whilst the target of half of all tea and coffee has not gone as far as it could, it

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represents a clear starting point.

What is particularly welcome is that best practice guidance proposes that 100 per cent of tea, coffee, bananas and cocoa should be certified Fairtrade, clearly setting a new ethical gold standard.

A CLEAR POLICY Issuing a minimum standard as well as clear best practice is a welcome innovation in public procurement policy. This carrot and stick approach leaves those selling into government in no doubt as to what is required in terms of supplying fairly traded products. Canny suppliers will quickly work out that bananas are actually the most readily available product in the UK, with almost a third of bananas sold being Fairtrade. Therefore, dazzling public authority buyers with 100 per cent Fairtrade bananas will be quite straight forward.

The Fairtrade Foundation’s interest in public procurement can be traced back to the year 2000 when Garstang in Lancashire declared itself the first ‘Fairtrade’ town. As the Fairtrade town concept grew, activists turned their attention to the buying practices of the towns, boroughs and counties declaring themselves ‘Fairtrade’. These days, one of the key criteria to gaining Fairtrade Town status is that Fairtrade certified products are made available in the town halls, kitchens and public facilities of those towns.

So, who exactly will have to meet these standards? Officially, all central government departments and their related organisations

must meet at the least the mandatory 50 per cent tea and coffee standard when buying goods and services in the product groups covered. Therefore, from September 2011 even for those detained at Her Majesty’s pleasure at least 50 per cent of the cuppas served will need to be a Fairtrade brew, although perhaps not from the premium blends. Military mess halls from Colchester to Kandahar will have to have a Fairtrade offering. Even Whitehall mandarins’ Darjeeling will have to be procured in a way that gives the farmers who picked it a fair deal. To make the job easier, government procurement, the government agency established to promote more efficiency in public buying, has set about re-labelling its catalogue with three levels of green ticks indicating product compliance with the new standards.

Unfortunately, not all government departments are covered by these new standards. The elephant in the room when it comes to food standards is hospitals. The NHS alone spends a whopping £500m a year on food. With such huge potential benefits, to both patients and the wider world, it is unclear why hospitals are being left behind.

Some might question why, in a time of swingeing austerity, the government is imposing such seemingly authoritarian and, what might be perceived, costly standards. Such a view overlooks the cost saving potential of buying big, which is only possible through uniform standards. It also ignores the competitive reality of modern sustainable sourcing beyond the public sector.

Setting standards is clearly a route to better prices. With roughly 20 government departments, and countless associated agencies, quangos and commissions, 20 different sets of standards are unhelpful, to say the least, for companies trying to sell into government. When it comes to food, the previous lack of clarity and sheer variety of policy on ethical standards led to simple confusion. Uncertainty about what the government buyers wanted and expected has made some caterers hesitant to invest in the supply chains needed to bring more ethically and sustainably sourced products to canteens and kitchens.

It is this lack of clarity and devolved purchasing standards that has also led to government procurers simply not getting the best price. Bitty and fragmented buying practices have failed to unleash fully the E

E scales of economy in sourcing Fairtrade, that in consumer retailing has allowed many majors retailers to switch at a cost they could absorb whilst remaining competitive.

Sir Philip Green, British retail tycoon, indentified these problems in his review of public procurement requested by ministers in the early days of the coalition government.

As well as criticising the lack of centralised food purchasing, his overall verdict of buying practices was, “the government is failing to leverage ... its scale”. Across Whitehall he found eight different facility management companies operating 16 different contracts, with in one instance, a 38 per cent difference in the price paid between departments for the same cup of coffee.

An unexpected benefit of the new standards, particularly welcome at a time of economic difficulties, is the opening of public contracts to some of Britain’s most innovative social enterprises. Cafédirect, Traidcraft, Divine chocolate, to name but a few, are all commercial organisations, supplying tea, coffee and other staples, established with the sole aim of improving the livelihoods of the people involved in the primary production.

BENEFITS ABROAD The greatest and most socially transforming benefits of Fairtrade happen abroad. Officials estimate that central government spends £7.5m on tea and coffee. A 100 per cent Fairtrade would bring hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of benefits to producers and farmers covered by the system. Selling Fairtrade not only guarantees a minimum price, but also affords these producers, often the most marginalised farmers in the world, an additional payment, which they can choose to invest in their business or community.

Because the cost of the actual primary products, such as cocoa or tea leafs, make up only a fraction of the final price of any products, these benefits can be bestowed to the farmers with a minimal knock on cost to the final consumer. When the cocoa for a chocolate bar makes up five per cent of

the final cost, paying a small percentage on that five per cent is neither here nor there, when compared to marketing or distribution costs. But this extra can mean the difference between making ends meet and not for the farmer that grows that cocoa.

A CATALYST FOR CHANGE Beyond the product, the new standards have the potential to spark new thinking in Whitehall. New buying standards will help end the ‘silo thinking’ between departments.

In this way, public health is no longer seen just as a concern of the department of health, but a problem that can be tackled through the thousands of mouths public kitchens in all departments feed each day.

Catering

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

In 2007, Sainsbury’s, the UK’s second largest retailer, switched its entire banana range, with sales of over ten million a week, to Fairtrade. Dairy Milk, Britain’s top selling chocolate bar with sales of £371m last year, switched to Fairtrade in 2009.

Successive British governments have been slow to fully wake up to power of its purchasing. For some time consumers have been demanding more in responsible sourcing. In a recent independent survey of over 1,500 people, more than six out of ten people questioned agreed we must still think about poor countries, even in these difficult financial times. Perhaps there has been a slow realisation that these consumers are voters too. By raising the ethical standards

The new standards represent a major overhaul of the minimum requirements for food sellers, and in setting them, the government has come a step closer to realising the full potential of its huge buying power.

Likewise, helping the world’s poor is not only a problem for the Department of International Development, but any one department that buys a product sourced in the developing world. It is counterproductive, to say the least, if UK aid programmes are trying to raise prosperity when at the same time, taken to its extreme, sweatshops of supply chains that are eventually led to government warehouses, are keeping those very same people poor.

But some fear all this comes at a cost that is too great. This is plainly wrong. The strongest evidence for the affordability of higher ethical standards is found in the procuring practices of several major UK retailers and confectionary brands. In spite of operating in ruthlessly competitive markets, many have been able to switch key products to Fairtrade without passing on any additional cost to their consumers.

of its purchasing, the government is closing the gap between what they expect as shoppers and what the government should expect when buying on their behalf.

The government will not be tackling these targets from a standing start. Even before these new standards, there were a growing number of innovative and nimble-footed public procurers who had gone it alone and pressed ahead in buying Fairtrade, with some very impressive results.

As with any public policy, the proof is in the pudding – quite literally in this case. If public authorities embrace these standards there are clearly huge benefits for all involved. The first billion pounds Fairtrade sales in the UK, reached in 2010, was the driven force of private citizens. These bold new set of standards have the potential to drive the second billion of sales further. L

JJ Foods introduces new range of beverages JJ is now releasing a full range of wines, spirits and beers at unbelievable prices.

Visit the JJ website and download the latest brochure to see what you can save.

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There are various ways to buy from JJ with seven collection depots across the country.

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arrive, drive to the collection bay at that time, and your goods will be ready for you to put into your vehicle.

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system in which you can be in and out in as little as five minutes. Simply order and pay online, choose a time slot of when you would

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 08719 730 999 Fax: 08719 730 888 admin@jjfoodservice.com www.jjfoodservice.com Facebook: facebook.com/jjfoodservice

Volume 18.9 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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27 & 28 september 2011 • nEc Birmingham

Your essential

learning & development event

Attend the industry-leading World of Learning Conference:

The FREE World of Learning Exhibition will provide you with:

• High-profile L&D case studies include NHS, Crossrail, Shelter, Sovereign Housing Group, VSO, Eversheds, London Fire Brigade and Xerox

• Inspiration, advice and ideas to tackle the challenges facing L&D and HR

• Valuable insight and experiences from influential L&D experts • Chaired by BBC news presenter, Nicholas Owen • FREE 16GB Google Android tablet for every two-day conference delegate!*

In AssocIATIon wITh:

woRLD of LEARnIng confEREncE Is A cERTIfIED cPD EvEnT

• The latest products and services from a wide range of leading L&D and HR suppliers • An invaluable opportunity to network and learn from others • A variety of advisory services and workshops • Free educational seminars throughout both days of the event

sUPPoRTED By:

Interested in exhibiting? confEREncE MEDIA sPonsoR:

PUBLIc sEcToR MEDIA PARTnER:

T: +44 (0)20 8394 5222 E: andrew.gee@vmgl.com * Terms and conditions apply. See website for details.

Book or register now at www.learnevents.com or call +44 (0)20 8394 5171

EVENT PREVIEW

DOING MORE FOR LESS How learning and development (L&D) can battle the budget Within the new economic reality, learning and development (L&D) practitioners will have a key role in ensuring that their organisations have the right people with the right skills. They are also under pressure to deliver with reduced time and budget.

These are particularly topical subjects for many learning professionals that will be considered in depth at the highly respected World of Learning Conference & Exhibition, at the NEC in Birmingham on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 September.

BUDGET CUTS In the wake of recent cuts, job losses and budget tightening, the business climate has changed. Many L&D professionals have seen their budgets reduced – a fact that is frustrating but must be faced as Karen Velasco, chairman of The British Institute for Learning and Development and one of the speakers at the World of Learning Conference, explains: “In the business world there has long been a view that when times get tough, L&D budgets are the first to be reduced. This strikes me as a short-term, knee-jerk reaction, and one that creates more problems than it solves. Such cut-backs create organisations devoid of people with the attitude, skills,

competencies and behaviours required to cope in times of radical change.”

How an organisation handles its talent management and leadership development, how well its staff can adapt to change and whether they have the skills to drive business growth will be vital.

Most L&D professionals across the country are recognising that they need to be able to develop new training schemes to meet these requirements.

To address this, L&D professionals need to adjust to the new situation and the challenges it brings in order to continue to operate successfully. There is now a focus on delivering more for less, leading many to reassess their strategies, objectives and resources.

HR/Learning

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

Karen continues: “L&D departments must adapt to the new world they find themselves in. They must continue to engage and influence at every level in the organisation; they must link all L&D interventions to the bottom line; and they must be creative in designing and delivering solutions with reduced budget and timescales.”

In today’s tough business climate, L&D professionals need to work smarter and faster in order to deliver against tight budgets and fulfil objectives. This means prioritising and identifying what activities will have real impact to ensure that learning and development continue to resonate throughout an organisation.

CONFERENCE PLANNING “We have researched the knowledge and insight that L&D practitioners need to acquire E

“In the business world there has long been a view that when times get tough, L&D budgets are the first to be reduced. This strikes me as a shortterm, knee-jerk reaction, and one that creates more problems than it solves” – Karen Velasco, chairman, The British Institute for Learning & Development.

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

Whittlebury Hall and Scalford Hall – two ideal learning environments

Building proficiency in people from The Learning Architect

As powerful business and learning environments, away from the stresses and strains of city life, Whittlebury Hall and Scalford Hall Management Training Centres are truly the venues for meetings, events, exhibitions, and a range of experiential learning, development and training needs.

In addition, Whittlebury Hall provides conference and banqueting suitable for product and car launches, and has a relaxing spa facility with 23 treatment rooms providing the ideal solution for corporate hospitality, staff benefits and rewards.

Why choose Whittlebury Hall and Scalford Hall?

• Welcoming, warm and genuine hospitality • Personalised and flexible service • Purpose-built and professional learning facilities • Great food – 2AA Rosettes fine dining in one of five restaurants and private dining rooms • Easily accessible – both

We are an exciting people development organisation that has the experience and capacity to deliver profound learning solutions.

We deliver solutions in the areas of business relationships, leadership, managing people, modern life skills, workplace wellness, motivational speaking and team development.

We fully align our tailored solutions to the organisational requirements of our clients to ensure impact, sustainability and return on investment.

“The Learning Architect showed the ability and the willingness to clearly understand our training needs and to find solutions to develop specific tools. They kept regular contact with our staff

venues are set in the heart of the country within minutes of the M1, M40 and A1 • Wide range of business and leisure facilities, with an award-winning spa • Free flow coffee stations for breaks that suit you • VIP Trainer packages – premier perks for trainers, course coordinators and conference leaders • 23 management training suites, 47 fully serviced syndicate rooms and can cater for up to 500 delegates

and always looked for feedback while progressing with the work.

Their professional advice and proactive attitude made substantial contributions to the timely delivery of our requirements,” said Fiorina Mugione, chief of enterprise policies, United Nations.

This year we will be hosting the brand new Happiness at Work Zone at our stand – our focus is on people engagement.

All conference delegates and VIP visitors will receive a free copy of The Happy Handbook – A Compendium of Modern Life Skills by Liggy Webb. Visit our stand (D240) and find out why it pays to be happy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.thelearningarchitect.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0845 4000003 www.whittleburyhall.co.uk/ managementtraining

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

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

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

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

Professional and trade body

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

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

EVENT PREVIEW

The world-renowned conference features leading industry speakers from across the globe, debating the key issues affecting the sector.

E to contribute effectively in these areas of HR management, and have developed the conference and seminar programme to deliver what they require, covering many of these crucial subjects,” explains Andrew Gee, senior project manager for the World of Learning Conference & Exhibition.

The world-renowned conference features leading industry speakers from across the globe, debating the key issues affecting the sector.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS The impressive keynote speakers include Valerie Todd, director of Talent & Resources for London and South-East rail initiative Crossrail, and commissioner for the UK Commission for Employment & Skills, who will deliver the opening address at the conference. She is set to explore how L&D can help businesses develop, the role of skills in driving business growth and the critical role of L&D in engaging individuals and retaining talent.

Valerie joined Crossrail as talent and resources director in January 2009, and is responsible for sourcing the staff for Europe’s largest civil engineering construction project.

Charles Jennings, one of the UK L&D industry’s foremost commentators, and managing director at Duntroon Associates, will explain how to develop and manage a more effective L&D strategy through a united approach to learning, and provide advice on working in collaboration with stakeholders to deliver what the organisation needs.

The presentation will provide delegates practical guidance with reference to setting priorities, resources and goals that deliver to the business requirements, and detail which parties should be involved in the process.

Charles’ career spans more than 25 years, and includes roles as chief learning officer for Reuters and Thomson Reuters, head of the UK National Centre for Networked Learning, and professor at Southampton Business School.

Laura Overton, managing director at Towards Maturity, will close the two-day conference with an interactive session focusing on adapting to change and influencing success.

Using the audience’s experiences and the latest research, she will outline practical ideas to increase business buy-in and build performance via conversations across different levels of the business. Delegates will take away useful advice that can be put into practice back in the office.

Towards Maturity’s recent Benchmark Report shows that two thirds of organisations believe technology is helping to deliver a more consistent and faster application of learning back into the workplace, reducing time to competency, and increasing adaptability.

Valerie, Charles and Laura will be just three of an impressive line-up of industryleading speakers set to address attendees at the conference. Coaching, informal and social learning, collaborative and workplace learning, mobile and e-learning development and building a compelling business case will also be covered in the programme.

HR/Learning

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

EASING PRESSURE One of the ways to ease the pressure on time and budgets is via the use of e-learning, which is now being introduced across a wide range of organisations including the London Fire Brigade. Philip Evans, head of e-learning at the London Fire Brigade will be speaking about it at the World of Learning Conference.

There are a number of advantages to e-learning, which can support a company’s cost-cutting objectives, as well as being more engaging than traditional classroom training. It can be delivered to a range of people regardless of their location. This helps to bring training in house rather than outsourcing, thereby reducing costs further.

Philip Evans explains the benefits of e-learning experienced by his organisation: “It has drastically cut the amount of oncall time lost through classroom training, allowing us to halve the number of days required. Introduced just two years ago, e-learning now saves the force £700,000 a year and has been widely adopted for a range of training needs, including management development, equality and diversity, IT support and operational improvement.”

The World of Learning Conference & Exhibition also features a comprehensive programme of free seminars, sponsored

by TrainingZone, offering practical advice on the issues affecting L&D professionals via case studies and experts detailing their own experiences. Bearing in mind the current economic climate, these sessions are particularly tailored towards how to run an L&D function when budgets are tight and the pressure is on to deliver.

EXHIBITORS In addition, the event brings together around 100 UK and international exhibitors offering the latest in ideas across all sectors of L&D, from e-learning, using social media in learning and consultancy, to experiential learning, coaching and informal learning.

Alongside this are several inspiring free features including the ever-popular free seminar programme, the Professional Development Zone, the International Zone, which attracts L&D buyers from overseas and new to 2011, the Leaders in Learning Zone, featuring consultations with senior managers leading some of the world’s brightest and most innovative learning providers. L FOR MORE INFORMATION To register to attend the World of Learning 2011 or to book onto the conference, and for more details about the event, visit www.learnevents. com or call 020 83945171.

For the latest news and updates about the World of Learning 2011 follow the exhibition on Twitter at www. twitter.com/Learn_EventsUK, and join the World of Learning Conference & Exhibition group on LinkedIn.

Volume 18.9 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Recycling & Waste Management

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

INCENTIVES

REWARDS MAKE RECYCLING A WINNER FOR ALL

Councillor Phill Bicknell, cabinet member for public protection, highlights the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’s pioneering and successful approach to recycling When Royal Borough residents put out their recycling for weekly collection they get a lot more than just the knowledge they are doing their bit for the environment – important though that is.

Recycling with us means rewards – a carrotnot-stick approach to changing behaviour that makes reducing landfill waste an enjoyable and beneficial experience. As the lorries trundle along local streets, taking away this week’s mixed recycling collection, residents who have signed up to the scheme can see their reward points going up with the prospect of vouchers, discounts and special offers to help with their shopping and leisure activities.

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE Volume | 18.9

The results so far are looking good. We rolled out the scheme across the borough over six months last year, ending in December, and since then there has been a marked increase in recycling rates – over 44 per cent of all collected waste (as at the end of July), compared to 35 per cent the previous year. What’s more, 52 per cent of all residents have activated their RecycleBank account – and this number is rising.

A UK FIRST It was in 2008 that we first examined the concept of recycling rewards – the first council in the UK to do so. We looked to the

USA for evidence that this kind of scheme could work and we found RecycleBank – well-established there and responsible for boosting recycling rates from 30 per cent to 80 per cent, now reaching two million residents across 300 cities in 30 states.

We decided that RecycleBank could help us meet our objectives of: • saving the avoidable cost of landfill tax • putting residents first and helping to maintain low council tax • encouraging sustainable behaviour by increasing recycling • boosting the local economy with rewards that encourage people to shop local.

PILOT PROJECTS It was a big project, involving not only RecycleBank but also our waste contractors, Veolia Environmental Services, and we didn’t rush into it borough-wide without two pilot schemes. The first involved residents already signed up to our garden waste collection scheme who helped us test the equipment and systems on their green wheelie bins.

The second saw us providing some 3,000 homes with new blue wheelie bins to see how the mixed collection would work.

Both pilots were great successes and in June 2010 we announced the borough-wide roll out – a huge task that meant more than 60,000 new blue wheelie bins had to be provided, E

The introduction of recycling rewards has helped the Royal Borough cement its reputation as a leading employer and service provider through what is a bold, innovative, perceptive and common sense solution to a global challenge.

E fitted with the Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) chips needed to allow the specially-equipped collection vehicles to scan the bins and weigh the recycling from each household that had opted into the voluntary scheme.

We took special care with encryption techniques to protect residents’ privacy and only the weight of each bin assigned to an individual property is collected.

We also stated we would find a way of including residents unable to accommodate the tagged wheelie bins – e.g. in flats or homes with narrow accesses. This meant a further 14,000 households and was achieved through a community weight based scheme in which residents report their participation, with the reward points pooled and shared amongst the homes taking part.

PARTNERS RecycleBank’s successful marketing to the business community resulted in Marks &

Spencer signing up as the flagship reward partner from the outset and there are more than 100 other national and local partners offering special discounts and deals – from coffee shops and restaurants to leisure centres and fashion stores.

It’s win-win-win for all – for the council with reducing landfill tax, for businesses with the potential for increased trade and for residents who only have to recycle and register to benefit from up to £135 reward values a year.

There is an added benefit for local schools with residents given the option of donating their points to RecycleBank’s Green Schools programme which offers grant funding for initiatives that educate children about the environment and encourage them to recycle in a fun, interactive way.

MAKING SENSE FINANCIALLY From a financial point of view, the scheme is revenue neutral. We pay a flat fee per household to RecycleBank,

Recycling & Waste Management

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

offset by the reduced landfill tax. The capital costs – including £900,000 for the new bins, which we would have been buying anyway, and £350,000 for retrofitting the collection vehicles – will be amortised over the next ten years.

Feedback from our residents is extremely positive – the registration figures speak for themselves – and RecycleBank is continuing to market the scheme to encourage even more households to join in. We are just nine months into the full roll out so we are still gathering information but evidence shows a very encouraging trend towards sustained behavioural change.

LEADING SERVICE PROVIDER The introduction of recycling rewards has helped the Royal Borough cement its reputation as a leading employer and service provider through what is a bold, innovative, perceptive and common sense solution to a global challenge.

What’s next? We are close to finalising two multi-million pound contracts for waste collection and disposal, both of which will have significant impact on sustainability and value for money, and of course taking the scheme even further – but that’s a story for another day! L FOR MORE INFORMAITION Tel: 01628 683800 www.rbwm.gov.uk

Volume 18.9 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Facilities Management

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

EVENT PREVIEW

UNDERSTANDING WHERE THE COSTS LIE Organised in association with the British Institute of Facilities Management, Total Workplace Management has established itself as the leading meeting place for the FM industry Whilst the most recent US economic crisis has been averted, UK business is re-focusing its efforts on the environment and sustainability agenda.

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. David Bell, director, Support Services Division, Causeway Technologies,

wealth of free educational content and a vast array of exhibitors, ranging from Kone Plc, known for its industry leading eco-efficiency and innovative technology solutions, waste management specialist Grundon, Causeway, provider of software solutions for the built environment, to carpet cleaning company Timberstone Carpet Maintenance.

The event will see an array of distinguished speakers deliver thought-provoking 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.

EDUCATION, EDUCATION, EDUCATION 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

“A key challenge for facilities managers is to understand where the costs are, so they can then take remedial action” – David Bell, director, Support Services Division, Causeway Technologies. explains: “The two often go together because sustainable operations tend to cost less.

A key challenge for facilities managers is to understand where the costs are, so they can then take remedial action.”

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.

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

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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.

A CENTRALISED APPROACH TO FM With energy efficiency and building services key elements of the FMs remit, Total Workplace Management is co-located with Energy Solutions, the UK’s leading energy management and procurement event, and M&E - The Building Services Event. These three events present an all inclusive experience for any FM professional in the South East.

As the UK’s largest exhibition dedicated to energy procurement, energy management

and onsite renewables, Energy Solutions is supported by The Carbon Trust, a global leader in providing specialist support to help businesses cut carbon emissions and save energy. Energy Solutions attracts energy users from all over the UK looking to source advice, products and services, and ultimately become more sustainable.

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.

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 HVCA, NICEIC and ECA, M&E will cater for those who are interested in a range of building services industry areas including air conditioning, electrical installation, plumbing, heating and ventilation. In addition to building services engineering there is also a clear focus on the issues surrounding safe working practices and the applications of environmental protection.

Attracting thousands of attendees in search of sustainable initiatives, education, products and services, M&E - The Building Services Event provides the ideal platform for those working on live projects and with real requirements to which they need to find practical solutions.

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 E

E 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. Categories include: • Best innovation in building services • Best innovation in health & safety • Outstanding contribution to the industry • Best innovation in energy management • Best product innovation The Innovation & Sustainability Awards are now open for entry.

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. Visitors are also encouraged to make a low carbon visit by either cycling or using public transport to get to London Olympia.

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 For further information on Total Workplace Management 2011, the Innovation & Sustainability Awards and how to register for your free visitor pass, please visit www.twmexpo.com and follow us on Twitter @twm_expo for the latest information.

Facilities Management

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

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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 2G Energy Amaryllis AssessNET Belvoir Lettings Big Green Book Birmingham City Football Club BlackBerry Campanile Birmingham Car Medic Certification Europe ChariSnack Charity Gift Vouchers Conference Aston Cordtape Environmental Services Dale Power Solutions Diamond Teeth Whitening Driver Hire Group Services EcoCooling Energy Saving 24seven Energy Solutions Expo Envosort everymessage First Pass Fonehouse Funky Pets Generation Training Services Glove Guard Glyn Williams Architects Green Motion IOG SALTEX JJ Food Service JumpingClay Kent Enterprise House Kieser Training

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PIONEERING LED TECHNOLOGY FOR OVER 20 YEARS

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

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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

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