Government Business 20.2

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www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 20.2

Business Information for Local and Central Government FINANCE

PENSION FUNDS

Time to support infrastructure investment says NAPF TRANSPORT

TRAFFEX

ENVIRONMENTAL BUILDING

PASSIVHAUS

The benefits and misconceptions about the leading low energy design

Photo courtesy of www.denbydalepassivhaus.co.uk

International road safety, parking and highways maintenance exhibition returns to Birmingham

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Comment

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

OSBOURNE TRIES TO BEAT THE BUDGET BLUES The Chancellor’s 2013 budget features some interesting and potentially revolutionary initiatives, without swimming away from the underlying current of austerity, which is here to stay for the forseeable future.

According to the Institute of Fiscal Studies, the scale of the spending cuts scheduled for 2015 will be so difficult to implement, and that an incoming government would have little alternative but to raise taxes or borrow more. IFS described the budget as a “fiscally neutral budget that masked a further deterioration in the government’s finances.”

As a result of broadly accepting the recommendations of Lord Heseltine’s warmly-received No Stone Unturned report into local economies, George Osborne will introduce a single competitive funding pot for Local Enterprise Partnerships (see page 11). We won’t find out how much until June.

A new network was announced to expand on progress made by the four whole-place community budget pilots in Greater Manchester, West Cheshire, Essex and London. The new organisation will be headed up

by Robert Pollock, a senior civil servant from the Treasury currently on secondment at Westminster City Council. The government estimates that the four pilot schemes will make a net saving of £800m over five years.

As one of several housing related announcements, the Government intends to further boost the Right to Buy scheme by lowering the eligibility criteria, so that tenants can apply to buy their homes after 3 instead of 5 years. Jonathan Cox, partner in social housing at Anthony Collins Solicitors had expected to hear more about the impact of welfare reform in this budget. “At this stage the government should be working out the detail of its welfare cuts in order to avoid further u-turns,” he told The Guardian.

Another housing announcement saw the government reaffirm its commitment to building zero carbon homes from 2016. Paul King, chief executive of the UK Green Building Council, said the zero carbon homes commitment was “one shining green beacon in today’s budget”.

Read more about low carbon homes and environmental building on page 19.

Danny Wright

P ONLINE P IN PRINT P MOBILE P FACE TO FACE If you would like to receive 6 issues of Government Business magazine for £120 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

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226 High Rd, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055 Fax: 020 8532 0066 Web: www.psi-media.co.uk EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Danny Wright ACTING EDITOR Angela Pisanu EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Lisa Harris PRODUCTION EDITOR Richard Gooding PRODUCTION CONTROLLER Jacqueline Lawford WEB PRODUCTION Reiss Malone ADVERTISEMENT SALES Deborah Rae, Julie Holbrook, Bernie Miller, Steve Day, Michael Kennedy, David Morgan PUBLISHER Kelly Scott GROUP PUBLISHER Barry Doyle ADMINISTRATION Victoria Leftwich, Lucy Carter, Charlotte Casey REPRODUCTION & PRINT Argent Media

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Volume 20.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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The British Psychological Society Promoting excellence in psychology

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Contents

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

CONTENTS 07 NEWS

Budget reaction; LEPs to get devolved funding from 2015 as No Stone Unturned report recommendations are approved; Pickles gets lost in translation

39

45 47

65

39 TRANSPORT

13 FINANCE

Helen Forrest, head of policy and advocacy at The National Association of Pension Funds says its time for to Government to act now to support local government pension fund investment infrastructure

With the implementation date for Euro 6 set for January 2014, this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show is well timed for manufacturers to present their latest products and innovations on 9-11 April at the NEC. The Motorcycle Industry Association’s Stevie Muir reports on the many benefits a zero emission bike fleet can bring (p45) while the Traffex highway maintenance exhibition returns to the NEC Birmingham from 16th–18th April (p47)

15 HUMAN RESOURCES

51 HEALTH & SAFETY

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development event HRD 2013 at Olympia, London on 24-25 April, will focus on well as developing leaders capable of driving sustainable organisation performance

Safety & Health Expo has support from key industry partners to give visitors authoritative content leaders voices across the occupational safety and health industry

19 ENVIRONMENTAL BUILDING

The Facilities Show on May 13-16 will host experts from a plethora of key associations and professional bodies including the British Institute of Facilities Management

Jon Bootland, chief executive of the Passivhaus Trust, talks about the benefits and dispels some misconceptions about the leading international low energy design standard. Plus a look at Greenbuild Expo, which has grown to be the biggest sustainable building event in the north of England, and takes place at Manchester Central on 8th and 9th May

29 SECURITY

This year, the IFSEC International exhibition celebrates its 40th birthday, and as part of UBM’s Protection and Management Week will feature a host of security solutions from access control to lone worker protection on May 13-16

57 FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

65 CONFERENCES & EVENTS A clear strategy for choosing the most important component – the venue – is critical to event success, writes the Meetings Industry Association

75 COURIER SERVICES

National Courier Association brings together 75 respected independent couriers

77 FRANCHISING

The British Franchsing Association gives invaluable advice about the selecting the right franchise business

19

Government Business

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk Volume 20.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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BUDGET: HOUSING

Government aims to stimulate housing market – discount cap raised on Right to Buy scheme Big news in the 2013 Budget was the Chancellor revealing £3.5 billion of funding to help homebuyers secure affordable mortgages, along with new measures that will enable more social tenants to purchase their home through Right to Buy. The Chancellor also pledged over £1 billion of extra funding to build thousands of new homes for affordable and private rent.

By 2016, the £3.5 billion Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme aims to help up to 74,000 homebuyers take their next step on the housing ladder with just a five per cent deposit. It will expand and replace the FirstBuy model, which is currently aimed at first time buyers purchasing new build properties.

Under the new scheme existing homeowners will also be eligible to receive a 20 per cent equity loan that will help them buy a new build property, with prospective buyers receiving support to purchase properties from a participating housebuilder with a value of up to a £600,000.

In social housing, the Government intends to further boost the Right to Buy scheme by: raising the discount cap to £100,000 in London, from Monday 25 March, to recognise higher prices; lowering the eligibility criteria, so that tenants can apply to buy their homes after 3 instead of 5 years; and looking at ways to simplify the application process for tenants.

Since the higher discounts were introduced in April 2012, 3,500 council-owned properties have been sold to tenants –the highest number of sales since 2007.

Housing Minister Mark Prisk said: “This [Budget] places housing front and centre in the Government’s plans for economic growth, with measures aimed at getting Britain building, helping aspiring homeowners, and supporting our growing market for privately rented homes.”

Richard Threlfall, KPMG’s head of infrastructure, building and construction,

said: “The Chancellor’s ‘Help to Buy’ scheme looks like the perfect get out of jail card.

It’s a bold move, perhaps a desperate one, but one that will be undeniably welcome by the beleaguered construction industry.

The Government has finally recognised that housing might offer the fastest acting pain relief for our economic woes and, perhaps despairing of local authorities to be proactive in supporting new house building, has decided to focus stimulus on demand.”

Cllr Mike Jones, chairman of the Local Government Association’s Environment and Housing Board, said: “Ordering councils to increase the rightto-buy cap while restricting how they can reinvest money from selling off homes is the wrong thing to do. It is likely to exacerbate the shortage of social housing at a time when it is needed most.

“Council leaders remain concerned that the centralised £75,000 cap introduced last year may leave some areas unable to afford to replace the homes that are sold off. It is unwise of Government to reduce the eligibility criteria before it has even assessed the impact of the original policy.

“Government is putting councils in an impossible situation by dictating the discount they have to offer, seizing some of the proceeds itself and then banning local authorities from spending more than 30 per cent of what is left on replacement homes.

“The best way to give tenants the opportunity to own their own home without reducing availability of social housing would be to allow councils to set the right-to-buy discount locally and give them the full freedom to reinvest all of the receipts into new affordable housing.”

BUDGET: BUILDING Zero Carbon Homes by 2016 pledge As part of the housing announcements in the 2013 Budget, the government reaffirmed its commitment to building zero carbon homes from 2016.

Chancellor Osborne confirmed that the government will publish a ‘detailed plan’ including a response to the 2012 consultation on the energy efficiency requirements in building regulations by May 2013. The news was welcomed by the UK Green Building Council:“George Osborne’s re-commitment to zero carbon homes from 2016 is the one shining green beacon in the Budget,” said UKGBC chief executive Paul King.

Uncertainty over Part L regulations and the government’s commitment to making all new homes zero carbon from 2016 has been criticised by the industry, and last month saw senior Labour party figures urging the government to end the uncertainty.

“The budget statement is helpful and further announcements in coming months will help provide the clarity and certainty that we all need,” said Zero Carbon Hub chief executive Neil Jefferson.

E READ MORE ABOUT LOW CARBON HOMES AND BUILDING STARTING ON P21

BUDGET: PUBLIC SECTOR PAY

Pay rise cap extended On the day that some civil servants staged a one-day strike over pay and pensions came the news that a 1 per cent pay rise cap for public sector workers will be extended for an extra year to 2015-16.

Progression pay will also be limited. However, the military will be exempt from this change.

The 1 per cent pay rise limit was put in place for two years in the Autumn statement, after a pay freeze.

Some of the changes to public sector pay have already

GB News

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

angered unions. As part of a three-month plan of action, the Public and Commercial Services union staged a strike over pay and pensions to coincide with Budget Day. Frances O’Grady, general secretary of the TUC, said: “Family budgets are at breaking point and millions of nurses, teachers, firefighters, council workers and civil servants will have been hoping the chancellor might ease their pain today, not add significantly to it.” tinyurl.com/cqrpx3a

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Major local government reform needed, says Lugg

Local authorities desperately need major reform, focusing less on the processes and more on the outcomes, according to Steven Lugg, chief executive of Hampshire Association of Local Councils. Mr Lugg told the European Conference on Banking and the Economy (ECOBATE) that unless we change the structure of local government, the current financial cuts will bring it to its knees.

Structurally, local government

needs “to be appropriate for the money, the resources that are coming in and for the needs of people. Because that is actually what local governmentis there for.”

Lugg admitted that he ‘loved’ the idea of ‘local authorities being able to set up as banks, and added that the public need politicians who are ‘brave, ‘imaginative’ and ‘not afraid to take risks’. tinyurl.com/bm4kj2p

Volume 20.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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TRANSLATION

Eric Pickles calls for an end to council NEWS IN BRIEF Scotland gets a date for ‘translating of endless documents’ independence referendum Guidance to issued to councils calls for an end to expensive, unnecessary translations to help encourage migrant communities to learn English and generate vital savings for the taxpayer.

According to the DCLG, translation services cost town halls nearly £20 million a year. Eric Pickles believes there is a misinterpretation of equalities legislation, wrongly believing it is a legal duty to translate documents into foreign languages. The Department claims that last year Crawley Borough Council spent over £600 publishing its 12 page quarterly ‘Homelink’ lifestyle magazine into Urdu after a single resident complained they couldn’t read English.

Eric Pickles said: “Automatically translating endless documents wastes taxpayers’ money and undermines communities - town halls should halt it once and for all. This is putting people, particularly migrants, at a disadvantage because speaking English is fundamental to the ability to progress in British society and to contribute to the wider economy.

The government is committed to helping people learn English which helps to promote cohesion and better community relations.”

Wirral, with an immigrant population of less than three per cent, has spent almost £68,500 in three years translating documents and other material into different languages, including Polish, Chinese, Gaelic, Somali, Arabic and Urdu.

Council leader Phil Davies accused Mr Pickles of arrogance in suggesting that the translation service was not needed. He said: “It would be a retrograde step to stop doing this – we would

PARKING Manchester City Council trials parking by mobile Motorists in Manchester could soon find vacant car parking spaces using their mobile phone, thanks to technology being trialled by the city council. In one of the first major tests of the system in a UK city, electronic sensors will be placed in 200 parking bays in the Northern Quarter and Chinatown areas of Manchester. The six month trial started in March and if successful will be extended to other areas of the city.

Cllr Nigel Murphy, Manchester City Council’s executive member for the environment, said: ‘This technology has proved very successful in US cities, where it has been welcomed by both businesses and motorists who say it has reduced the need for people to drive around looking for available bays.”

The system will also help parking bosses see detailed information about which bays are being used at what times, and for how long. tinyurl.com/c2boxuo

rightly get complaints from these communities.

We may not have as large a multi-cultural population as places like Liverpool, but we have a growing population of Bangladeshis and a big population of Polish people.”

Chrissie Maher, founder of Plain English Campaign said: ‘If all the documents in question were produced to our plain-English standards in the first place, this might not be such an issue.

“Yes, we need to promote our language, culture and integration, but if we can’t expect someone with English as their first language to understand a document, we should not expect those with English as a second and third language to be able to understand it either. We need easy-to-understand English documents as the foundation for all information in the public domain.”

GB News

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

Scotland will go to the polls in a nationwide referendum on independence on 18 September next year. The referendum, which is forecast to cost £12.4m to organise, will be preceded by a 16-week campaign by the ‘yes’ and ‘no’ groups, and will be overseen by the Electoral Commission.

The details are contained in the newly introduced Scottish Independence Referendum Bill – tinyurl.com/blzx4jx

Council EU funding say-so Councils will have a greater say in how European Union funding will be spent in the UK. For the first time, the EU has recognised that local authorities should be involved in the spending plan for the next round of EU funding for 2014-2020.

The new rules will give councils influence over spending priorities in their area. David Sparks, Vice-Chairman of the LGA, said: ‘We are pleased to have secured this victor.y It will ensure that together we will have the ability to shape how EU funds are spent across the country.”

All upper tier councils set to meet Healthwatch deadline

READ MORE:

tinyurl.com/cnyc9mo

EduBuy aims to speed up school procurement Public sector procurement organisations ESPO (Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation), YPO (Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation) and Government Procurement Service (GPS) have collaborated with the Department for Education to provide a single online platform for academies and schools to access EU compliant contracts which could help to drive efficiencies to the tune of £1bn.

A new free website at www.edubuy. org has been developed which offers a collective portfolio of over 300 of ESPO, YPO and GPS’s EU compliant contracts across core areas, including ICT, stationery, facilities management and energy.

Schools across the UK currently spend approximately £9.2 billion on non-staff costs.

The website contains practical procurement guidance and case studies to help schools, academies and the wider education market identify savings and efficiency opportunities.

The website, launched on 4 March, can be seen at www.edubuy.org

All 152 unitary and county councils in England have set up or are in the final stages of commissioning a local Healthwatch and will have a service in place by the fast approaching April deadline.

Under the reforms brought in by the Health and Social Care Act, councils have a statutory responsibility for ensuring health and social care services are effectively commissioned, delivered and scrutinised. Local Healthwatch will play a central role in this, gathering high-quality feedback from local people and using their views and experiences of the service they receive to drive up standards.

As well as sitting on the health and wellbeing board (HWB) to influence services at a local level, each Healthwatch will exist as part of a wider network that will be able to raise concerns at national level through Healthwatch England and the Care Quality Commission to ensure its voice is heard.

READ MORE:

www.healthwatch.co.uk

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a better way forward

No Stone Unturned: Local Enterprise Partnerships get the green light on devolved funding from 2015

GB News

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

The Government has now published its formal response to Lord Heseltine’s comprehensive report No Stone Unturned: in pursuit of growth, which made 89 wide-ranging recommendations across areas of public policy that affect economic growth. The Government accepted 81 of the review’s 89 recommendations, and is now setting out how to address the priorities Lord Heseltine identified.

Among the key recommendations is the creation of a new Single Local Growth Fund from 2015 that will include the key economic levers of skills, housing and transport funding, with full details set out at the forthcoming Spending Round later this year. Funding is to be devolved to England’s 39 business-led local enterprise partnerships (LEPs). This is a something-for-something deal - local areas will be challenged to put in place the right governance across local authorities, pool resources, and find match funding from the private sector.

The response outlines government plans to speed up procurement by introducing reporting lines from the government’s chief procurement officer to commercial directors. It also outlines existing measures to speed up the planning process and increase infrastructure spending.

Chancellor George Osborne said: “We asked Lord Heseltine to do what he does best: challenge received wisdom and give us bold ideas on how to bring government and industry together. He did just that, and that is why we are backing his ideas.”

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “We have grasped the challenge that Lord Heseltine’s report posed to Government and accepted the vast majority of his recommendations. The plans will boost the UK’s competitiveness nationally.”

Shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna said: “Lord Heseltine’s approach of devolving economic power and giving local areas the resources and tools to drive growth is welcome. However ministers must not use his proposals as a smokescreen for cutting the various budgets which are being pooled and devolving blame for this.”

Housing association umbrella group, the National Housing Federation (NHF), has

expressed concerns about proposals to devolve housing funding to a local level.

NHF director Gill Payne said: “Lord Heseltine’s recommendations present opportunities to innovate and increase the number of homes built in some areas.

However, there are risks that transferring all housing funding to a local level may actually reduce the overall housing supply at a national level. A thorough overview of what homes are needed around the country is crucial for this funding to be directed efficiently to communities with the greatest need.

“The government must also ensure that any devolution of funding provides proper value for money and accountability for communities without adding more layers of bureaucracy.”

Payne said that housing associations, “with expertise in development, regeneration and community investment”, should be involved in any local discussions about the plans.

In the report, Hestletine advocated £49 billion of funds to be made available from central government for the regions to help local leaders and businesses.

GOVERNMENT WORKFORCE Public sector employment falls to 5.7m Public sector employment has fallen for the thirteenth consecutive quarter to just over 5.7 million, the Office for National Statistics reported In its quarterly update. It reveals the number of people working in the public sector fell by 20,000 in the three months between October and December 2012, with the largest fall in local government down 32,000 in the quarter. The number of civil servants fell by 4,000 but total central government employment actually increased over the period by 11,000. Employment in public corporations also grew by 1,000 over the three months, according to the update, Public sector employment. Overall, there are now 313,000 fewer public sector employees than in the fourth quarter of 2011. However, this fall is affected by the change in the status of English colleges in the second quarter of 2012, which resulted in 196,000 employees being reclassified from the public to the private sector.

Councillor Peter Box, chairman of the LGA’s Economy and Transport Board, said: “This is a step in the right direction but we won’t know how big a step until funding is announced. In order to make a significant difference to the economy the measures have to be backed up with the kind of money proposed in Lord Heseltine’s report.

“While the announcement sets out a broadly workable blueprint for the future, most of the measures don’t kick in until 2015.”

“The announcement comes as a timely reminder of the pivotal role that local government has to play in promoting economic recovery. That role has been partially curtailed by big cuts to council funding. Further cuts in the 2015/16 spending round would have a devastating impact on councils’ ability to support local businesses and stimulate growth.”

Dr Neil Lee, head of the socioeconomic centre at the Work Foundation, shared his concerns about the effect of a single funding pot: “Lord Heseltine’s review promised to leave ‘no stone unturned’ in pursuit of growth – but under every stone there are some nasty bugs. The local growth agenda still faces some big problems. Local enterprise partnerships don’t yet have the capacity to deliver growth. They need urgent government support to become effective.”

Heseltine’s original report argued local authorities had been ‘relegated to service providers’ and that government had been too centrally focussed.

Stephen Catchpole, managing director of local enterprise partnership Tees Valley Unlimited, encapsulates the broad mood in the region.

‘It should mean more jobs, more investment and more people coming to the North-East.”

READ MORE:

tinyurl.com/ax45ul7

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

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 20.2

PENSION FUND INVESTMENT

Finance

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

EXPLORING PENSION FUND OPPORTUNITIES

Helen Forrest, head of policy and advocacy at The National Association of Pension Funds says its time for to Government to act now to support local government pension fund investment infrastructure

The Government is looking to institutional investors such as pension funds to invest more in the country’s infrastructure. We believe that infrastructure investment can be an appropriate investment for pension funds, because it can provide pension funds with the long-dated, stable and index-linked returns they need.

There is strong interest among local authority pension funds in this asset class. Strathclyde Pension Fund and West Midlands Pension Fund have recently signed up to an initiative under development called the Pensions Infrastructure Platform, which aims to make it easier for UK pension funds to invest in infrastructure.

But while private sector pension funds are freer to explore this kind of investment, local authority pensions find it much more difficult to do so. This is because of over-prescriptive and out-dated investment regulations which place limits on the amount that can be invested in infrastructure. These rules do not help such pension funds effectively manage their investment risks and meet their long-term funding objective: to act in the best interests of their members and council tax payers.

The s NAPF haigned pa long came LGPS for th egulations ent r investm reflect the to the consultation we to -based s e l recommended the option p i c n i pr where the Government increases sector private ach the limit on investments in partnerships from 15 per cent of a appro

CAPACITY TO INVEST At present, local authority pension funds have a 15 per cent cap placed on the amount they can invest through limited partnerships, the asset vehicle often used for major property, private equity and infrastructure projects. As a number of Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) funds already invest around 15 per cent of their portfolios in limited partnerships through property and private equity investments, they have little capacity to invest in new infrastructure initiatives. A number of our local authority members have told us that they are very close to this 15 per cent limit on Limited Partnerships, and this is preventing them from investing in infrastructure.

The good news is that the Government has decided to tackle this issue by launching a consultation last year on revising the LGPS investment regulations. In our response

local authority pension fund to 30 per cent. But we also urged the Government to reform the regulations more widely to bring them in line with the regulations covering private sector pension fund investments.

Our local authority members have been pressing for this change for years.

In contrast to private sector occupational pension schemes, the LGPS investment regulations prescribe arbitrary limits on the amount local authority funds can invest in certain types of legal structures, for example Limited Partnerships or collective investment schemes. This can potentially lead to suboptimal investment allocations for local authority pension funds. This is compounded by the fact that the regulations have also failed to keep up with changes in the investment world, making it difficult for funds to make appropriate investment choices.

INVESTMENT REFORM That is why the NAPF and other organisations have long campaigned for the LGPS investment regulations to be reformed to reflect the principles-based approach used in the private sector.

It is crucial that the Government proceeds swiftly to increase the limit on investments in partnerships from 15 per cent of a local authority pension fund to 30 per cent. Our local authority members believe this is the only way to give funds the immediate flexibility they require to diversify their assets in these difficult economic times. By increasing the cap, more local authority funds could invest in infrastructure.

WIDER REFORM But this measure alone is not enough to solve the wider problem of the overly prescriptive nature of the LGPS investment regulations. The Government urgently needs to embark on a wider reform of these regulations so that local authority pension funds have the flexibility needed to tailor their investments in response to an ever changing investment landscape and, ultimately, deliver good outcomes for their members and value to the taxpayers.

Download the NAPF’s full response at tinyurl.com/d9k6wqt L FURTHER INFORMATION The National Association of Pension Fund represents all types of scheme, including defined benefit, defined contribution, group personal pensions and statutory schemes such as those in Local Government. For further information visit www.napf.co.uk

Volume 20.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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EVENT PREVIEW

TALENT FIT FOR THE FUTURE

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HRD 2013 will focus on the L&D practitioner’s role in developing talent pipelines fit for the future, as well as developing leaders capable of driving sustainable organisation performance

The y two-da vent leadership traits required e 3 1 for future-fit middle 0 2 D HR n o and senior managers. s u c will fo ctitioner’s Elizabeth Eddy, head of pra skills at NHS Employers, the L&Dn developing and Jane Daly, head of L&D at M&S, will be role i and talent joined by the CIPD’s skills leaders es for the policy adviser, Katerina piplin ure Rudiger, to discuss L&D fut professionals’ role in equipping

Learning and development professionals have a critical role to play in continually aligning the skills of today’s workforce with the business and industrial strategies of the future. So says the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) as it unveils the programme for HRD 2013, its annual learning and development event.

The two-day conference and exhibition, held at Olympia, London on 24-25 April, will focus on the L&D practitioner’s role in developing talent pipelines fit for the future, as well as developing leaders capable of driving sustainable organisation performance.

INDUSTRY SPEAKERS Highlight speakers include Stephan Thoma, global L&D director at Google, who will focus on nurturing creativity and learning in the workplace. Peter Bedford, group head of talent and learning at Anglo American, will join CIPD CEO Peter Cheese to discuss the

young people with the necessary skills to make them effective employees.

The event is designed to help professionals meet current challenges, and enable them to make an impact on their business through L&D. The flexibility of the conference programme will help participants home in on specific areas of interest, with sessions grouped within five key themes: leadership development; learning and talent development; coaching; organisational development; and technology for learning.

EDUCATION TO SUIT DIFFERENT NEEDS There is also a mixture of different session formats to suit people’s learning

needs and interests. Case-study based sessions will provide learning and development insights from organisations in the public and private sector; interactive workshops offer practical hands-on advice and ideas while panel discussions will feature expert debate on topical L&D issues.

Contributors to case-study based sessions at the conference include Jerry Arnott, director of Civil Service Learning, who will be sharing experiences of transforming a learning culture through new technologies and a focus on workplace learning.

The role and contribution of coaching will be explored by Heather Townsend, director Expedia Group and Simon Gosney, national head of learning and development at NHS Direct. They will be looking at ways of fostering innovation.

Emma Zeeman and Louise Hutchinson, strategic director of HR and HR business partner at Avon and Somerset Constabulary, will run a workshop on how to develop clear leadership behaviours to facilitate organisational change and how to align leadership qualities and behaviours with organisational goals. E

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EVENT PREVIEW

Networking is an important part of HRD 2013, whether it is to link up with useful suppliers or to share experiences with fellow professionals

Human Resources

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

 Paul McGhee of learning and development manager at Edinburgh City Council and Robert Ritchie, head of HR global retail, Gazprom Energy will be looking at ways of building a learning and talent development strategy.

EXHIBITION FOCUS Leading suppliers across the whole spectrum of learning and development will be demonstrating their latest innovations in the two-day exhibition, running alongside the conference. Designed as a highly practical event, the show gives visitors the opportunity to assess hundreds of different tools and techniques at first hand and explore different solutions to meet their particular needs.

The exhibition reflects the broad span of L&D concerns for today’s businesses, including leadership development, apprenticeships, change management, learning evaluation, e-learning, coaching and OD. New launches and previews will help practitioners to keep up-to-date.

As well as one-to-one information, product launches and expert advice, the exhibition features a free programme of free learning and networking sessions running throughout the two days of the show.

The Technology for Learning Zone includes practical 30-minute session on topics such as social learning and mobile technology.

These will range from a case-study based presentation on e-learning to tips on how to get to make the most of innovative L&D initiatives such as virtual teams and collaborative learning.

Activities in the Learning Arena demonstrate L&D tools and techniques, from identifying agile leaders to high impact experiential learning. Visitors will have the opportunity to understand and try out different approaches for themselves.

Topic Taster sessions give bite-sized updates on current issues and likely future trends. For example, a presentation entitled ‘Nourishing your workforce, have you got the right focus?’ will draw on a joint research report by learndirect and Cranfield School of Management which will look at the ABC – attittude, behaviour and competence – of employing and promoting young people.

And another Topic Taster will highlight the CIPD’s own Steps Ahead mentoring programme, designed to support young job-seekers, as well as highlighting the business case for investing in young people.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES There will also be plenty of networking opportunities at the show including speed networking session on the exhibition floor. This is an important part of visiting HRD 2013, whether it is to link-up with useful suppliers, get expert advice or share experiences with fellow professionals. Conference delegates and exhibition visitors can also engage in discussion on HRD developments before, during and after the event through HRD Interactive, a dedicated area on the CIPD website. Those who can’t attend in person can also keep abreast of key HRD topics through these online activities and social media such as Twitter (the show hashtag is #CIPDHRD13).

The CIPD’s annual Learning and Talent Development survey, in partnership with Cornerstone, will also be launched during HRD 2013, providing an up-to-date picture of current trends and insights into likely future developments. Now in its 15th year, the survey benchmarks L&TD core themes from coaching, courses and workshops to action learning, leadership and talent. This year’s research will also look in details at apprenticeships, union learning, social learning and metrics. A Learning Arena session, presented by the CIPD and Cornerstone, will she light on the learning metrics maze, while a Technology for Learning exhibition showcase will explore the survey’s findings on the impact of social learning.

STOCK UP ON CPD As well as looking at practical ideas and innovations to take back to the workplace, HRD 2013 also provides and opportunity for L&D professionals to focus on their own development.

The CIPD team will be supporting delegates and visitors by offering advice on the ways that it can support their professional development and keep them up to date through membership, qualifications, new training tools and publishing resources.

As well as presentations on the CIPD stand, visitors can get more one-to-one advice by visiting the CIPD Membership and Qualifications Area on the exhibition floor. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.cipd.co.uk/hrd

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Volume 20.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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PASSIVHAUS

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

Denby Dale Passivhaus Photo courtesy of www.denbydalepassivhaus.co.uk

THE PASSIVHAUS CHOICE

Passivhaus is the leading international low energy design standard, with approximately 37,000 buildings across the world designed, built and tested to Passivhaus standards. Jon Bootland, chief executive of the Passivhaus Trust, talks about the benefits and dispels some misconceptions

streamlining

There are two major technical challenges presently facing the UK housing industry.

Firstly, building regulations are tightening, and require more energy efficient buildings, with zero carbon new homes the target by 2016.

Secondly, many conventional buildings designed and built in the past few years are demonstrating poor performance compared to predictions (a performance gap) in terms of their energy use, Ventilation and indoor air quality, and thermal comfort/overheating.

Passivhaus was developed to address these challenges and provides an approach that is quality assured throughout, ensuring that Passivhaus buildings really deliver reduced energy use, good indoor air quality and comfortable temperatures throughout the year.

As understanding of Passivhaus grows in the UK, close to two hundred units have been completed and certified (February 2013), alongside over 30,000 Passivhaus buildings in a range of climates around the world.

Passivhaus buildings can now be found across all regions of the UK, ranging from small scale self-build projects, through to large- scale housing developments, schools and offices. Passivhaus has moved from

being a fringe activity for one-off special projects and is now a viable alternative for developers and housing associations building multiple units to tight cost parameters.

In the housing sector, Hastoe Housing Association have just completed their second multi-home Passivhaus scheme at Ditchingham in Norfolk; Lomand Homes are building phase 2 of a 66-home private housing scheme in Portland, Dorset, and; Willmott Dixon are building the largest social housing scheme to date, Chester Ballmore, a 54-unit project for Camden Council that is due for completion later this year.

WHY INVEST IN PASSIVHAUS? Increasing numbers of developers and clients are choosing to invest in Passivhaus because they know that it will deliver a building of real value with much lower running costs, possibly as low as £80-£100 per year for heating bills. Whilst initial capital costs may be higher, there are ways of reducing these to a minimum, and they should be off-set over time by the lower running costs. In particular, good design can simplify the building form and services, reducing capital costs as well as

those associated with heat loss. In Germany, estimated extra construction costs are typically somewhere between 3-8 per cent compared with standard buildings. However, experienced Passivhaus designers have managed to build Passivhaus buildings at no extra cost in Germany, Austria and in the UK. Careful monitoring of completed buildings shows that Passivhaus buildings actually deliver the required levels of performance on a consistent basis. By considering improved performance in terms of the whole building and the processes throughout, and bringing these together into a design tool – the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP) – the Passivhaus approach also simplifies the work needed to deliver a real high quality, healthy, comfortable, low energy building.

THE BENEFITS OF PASSIVHAUS The benefits for occupants living and working in a Passivhaus building can be impressive. In fact, the Passivhaus standard was originally derived by considering how to provide an ideal comfortable and healthy indoor environment, whilst minimising the energy demand of the building. The warm E

Volume 20.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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“Having gone through the Denby Dale process, I feel, more than ever, that Passivhaus is the way forward for the UK. It offers the UK an easy win solution towards the massive cuts in CO2 emissions we need to make – urgently.”

Bill Butcher, Project Leader, Denby Dale Passivhaus

Detailed benefits of Passivhaus features

Environmental Building

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

Some of the specific benefits of Passivhaus features are listed below.

However, it must be remembered that these should not be considered isolation, as they influence each other.

The Passivhaus approach considers the building as a whole, and the quality assured certification process ensures that the resulting building performs as planned.

Very low heating energy requirement (15kWhr/m2/yr) – the Passivhaus standard is set at the point of lowest lifecycle costs.

Enhanced fabric performance – Passivhaus epitomises the fabric first approach, that is now wellestablished as good practice, even in UK regulations No thermal bridging – removes risk of condensation and potential associated mould growth problems that can have a negative effect on occupant respiratory conditions.

Very good air-tightness (0.6 ACH) – this gives the opportunity to control air flow and heat recovery, as well as reducing heat losses through air leakage.

Denby Dale Passivhaus.

Photo courtesy of www.denbydalepassivhaus.co.uk

 surfaces, lack of draughts and comfortable temperatures during both winter and summer make Passivhaus buildings more comfortable than a standard building. Additionally, many occupants feel that the quality of the air supplied by the effective ventilation system is very good, and this can help to reduce the risks of allergies and other health problems.

If the building and systems are well designed and kept simple, controlling the building can be easy. This makes living in a Passivhaus building simpler and more flexible than many people assume. For instance, one of the main concerns is that occupants won’t be able to open windows. But, as well as being encouraged in the summer to aid cooling, window opening is of course possible in winter and studies show that doing so will not usually increase heating demand by a significant amount.

In addition, a Passivhaus building that is designed to respond to the climate, and is well

insulated and ventilated, provides protection from summer overheating as well as winter cold. The qualities that prevent heat from leaving the building in the winter also prevent heat from entering the building in the hot summer months. Careful design using PHPP guides the appropriate use of orientation, solar shading, thermal mass, and bypass of the heat recovery ventilation system in order to maintain stable internal comfort conditions.

PASSIVHAUS MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS There are those who still have questions about Passivhaus, including concerns about aesthetics, materials and ventilation.

Some common myths include: You can’t open the windows; It’s a German standard; It’s not suitable for the UK; Passivhaus restricts design choice; Passivhaus buildings look like square boxes; It uses MVHR, which doesn’t work. E

Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) – something that is difficult to get right but, when included within the rigour of the Passivhaus quality-assured process, can ensure good indoor air quality and avoid loss of heat through outgoing air.

Triple glazing with highly insulated frames – help ensure that all internal surfaces are above 17oC, therefore maximising the useful internal space – you can sit next to the window without feeling any draughts.

The Passive House Planning Package – a spreadsheet modelling tool that allows designers them the freedom to experiment with different design choices and to see the impact of design decisions on the predicted performance of the building.

Passivhaus Quality Assurance and Certification - an established QA process, which tests the building at various stages, ensuring that the final building performs as expected.

Volume 20.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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PASSIVHAUS  I hope that this article has helped to dispel these myths. Passivhaus buildings have been built in the UK in many different styles and using many different building systems and have openable windows.

Post occupancy evaluation in the UK and across the world shows with hard evidence that these buildings work as intended, including the MVHR systems, and are ideally suited to the UK climate.

But don’t take our word for it – read some of the quotes from occupants (below), and then visit a Passivhaus building and see for yourself.

“I feel very fortunate to be one of the customers involved in this project. It’s amazing to think that things such as improving the insulation and the installation of the triple glazed windows could all add up to such a huge saving on energy bills. As well as being good for the environment, it’s good for the pocket too and I am grateful to Orbit Heart of England for investing in my home.”

Mrs Baggerley, Elliot Drive (Orbit) resident “Unlike older houses the temperature in winter is much the same throughout the house. Wall to wall, floor to ceiling.

None of the internal surfaces ever get cold, not even the windows. So there is no condensation. Even when it’s -5°C outside it is still comfortable to sit on the window banks and use the window as a backrest.”

Mark Tiramani, Occupant, Y Foel

Camden Council’s Chester Balmore development should be completed later this year - construction by Willmott Dixon with design work by Rick Mather Architects.

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

State of the art - lower ground floor living “The house is very quiet; you notice the slightest sounds because there is no ambient noise. We expected it to be stuffy inside but were surprised how fresh and airy it turned out to be, It is very liberating not having to think about keeping warm or continually having to adjust thermostats or other settings. The house just seems to take care of you.”

Adam Dadeby, resident & CEPH designer, Totnes Passivhaus “It’s probably nicer than an ordinary house because of the massive windows and all the sunlight, but the bills are the great thing, having cheaper bills” Wimbish resident’s feedback in November 2012, 16 months after occupation. L

The Passivhaus Trust The Passivhaus Trust is an independent, non-profit organisation that provides leadership in the UK for the adoption of the Passivhaus standard and methodology. It’s aim is to promote the principles of Passivhaus as a highly effective way of reducing energy use and carbon emissions from buildings in the UK, as well as providing high standards of comfort and indoor environments.

For further information on its work, visit www.passivhaustrust.org.uk

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 20.2

GREENBUILD EXPO

A GREENER BUILD

Environmental Building

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

Sustainable building showcase Greenbuild Expo has grown to be the biggest of its kind in the north of England, attracting all sectors of the built environment. The 2013 event takes place at Manchester Central on 8th and 9th May, and offers a packed schedule of debates, workshops, seminars and organisations showcasing the latest environmental building solutions. For the first time the 2013 event will also be home to CO2t, a sustainable transport seminar Greenbuild Expo launched in 2009 and has grown to be the biggest sustainable building event in the north of England, attracting all sectors of the built environment from all over the UK. This year, the event provides over 100 free workshops, seminars and debates on all aspects of sustainable buildings, as well as a packed exhibition hall with 150 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services. Over the two days, visitors can find out the latest updates to green legislation, try out taster training sessions, take part in interactive Green Deal debates, attend CPD-accredited seminars and simply discover what’s new in sustainability.

There are also two other events taking part alongside Greenbuild Expo – Ignition2013 is all about biomass, and CO2t is a sustainable transport event looking at low-carbon vehicles.

GREEN DEAL ARENA The Green Deal Arena will be at the heart of Greenbuild Expo, giving visitors the chance to hear from key organisations and government departments, including DECC and GSA, on what Green Deal means for the built environment and how we can all make the most of this flagship green policy.

The area will also give Green Deal providers a platform to explain how the low-carbon retrofit model works, with everyone from installers to local authorities getting involved.

Lord Redesdale will be delivering two talks. The former Liberal Democrat energy spokesman for the House of Lords is vice chair for the All Party Parliamentary Climate Change Group and will be speaking in his role as chairman of the Energy Managers Association (EMA) and CEO of the Carbon Management Association (CMA). His first session will introduce the CMA-approved education scheme that will allow employees to transfer an energy-saving skill set across different sectors and jobs. The second session will cover the concept of low-energy companies.

In 2011, Redesdale was been named as ‘environmental parliamentarian of the year’ by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management in recognition of his outstanding contribution to promoting environmental understanding.

The chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders, Brian Berry, will be taking part in a debate entitled Bridging the green skills gap alongside DECC’s Joanna Warner and Phil Stott from Green Skills

Alliance. The panel will be discussing where the current green skills gaps are and how the Green Deal and ECO supply chain can raise standards through training.

Simon Woodward of the UK District Energy Authority (UKDEA) will deliver a session entitled Developing district energy in the UK which will feature a practial talk focusing on the technologies, pitfalls, key issues and benefits by way of case studies of various UKDEA members.

Through collaboration, co-location and open innovation, a pioneering partnership is developing game-changing materials that can turn new and existing buildings in to power stations that generate, store and release energy. The session Turning buildings into power stations presented

by Professor Dave Worsley and Paul Jones, SPECIFIC (Sustainable Product Engineering Centre for Innovative Functional Industrial Coatings) at Swansea University, will force us to think very differently about harvesting solar energy to cut carbon emissions, create jobs and address global concerns about the future security of energy supply.

Show organiser Lucy Young states: “With energy prices soaring and the economy stalling there has never been a better time for people to look at ways to save energy, for all building

stock from social housing and leisure centres to hospitals and schools. Reducing our impact on the environment is obviously important, but the key message at Greenbuild Expo is that most sustainability initiatives, if carried out correctly, can actually reduce bills too. So at a time when budgets are being squeezed and slashed, it really does make good business sense to look at ways to make our buildings run more efficiently – and you could be helping to bring local residents out of fuel poverty.

The eal Green D be at ill Arena w art of the he Expo, ild Greenbusitors hear i letting vorganisations PLENTY FOR LA’S y Lucy Young elaborated from ke government about what’s to see at the and s t event from a local authority n e departm perspective: “There’s plenty going on that is relevant to local authorities, starting with a session in the main arena from the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) team behind the Green Deal Go Early pilot project, which will provide lots of tips and ideas for your own green refurb programmes. There’s also sessions on implementing successful community energy-saving schemes, domestic energy monitoring, climate change adaptation, encouraging the creation of low-energy companies and biomass fuel procurement.

There are some great speakers presenting case studies from other local authorities – including Bristol City Council.” E

Volume 20.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Environmental Building

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

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LPA Excil launches Lumitile LED ceiling tiles

Boilers are, by their very nature, inefficient beasts.

This is because their function is to provide hot water often at any and all times, and because of this they spend a lot of their time heating and re-heating water needlessly – and expensively. However there is a solution. Simply put, water leaves the boiler, is pumped round the system and then returns to the boiler once more, to be re-heated whether it needs to or not.

This is where Savastat boiler controls step in. They take the temperature of the return flow, and decide whether the boiler needs to fire. They do this continually, and by preventing these needless heating cycles, they save an average of 15 per cent on energy costs – sometimes appreciably more. Indeed, the company is so confident of this

Based at its factory in Wakefield, LPA Excil Electronics is a leader in the design and manufacture of LED lighting. Expertise in LED has established the company in prestigious global projects for high reliability markets such as rail, marine, defence and infrastructure, and allows it to perform as a technology partner for OEM’s requiring a bespoke solutions.

LPA is currently launching the new LumiTile, a 600mm x 600mm LED ceiling tile suitable for offices and public buildings. The LumiTile product has been designed and manufactured in the UK with reliability and performance in mind using LumiMatrix backlit technology. The LumiTile matches the exact light output of a quad 18W fluorescent fitting offering a 50 per cent energy saving with a lumen maintenance of 70,000 hrs.

LPA is also launching an LED retrofit gear tray for vandal resistant linear lighting.

Users simply take out the

performance, they guarantee a saving of 10 per cent. There is a range of controls to suit everything from a small boiler for, say, a primary school to multiple boiler installations for a district hospital.

If you’re responsible for heating a prison or admin block, a saving of 15 per cent is hardly something to be sniffed at, especially for a system that’s easily installed and typically pays for itself within a year.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0116 240 3430 sales@enersolcorp.com

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 20.2

fluorescent gear tray and replace with LPA’s LED gear tray to match the light output of up to a twin 58W fitting.

Other products include the LumiPanel, a flat LED liner panel with IP65 and IK10 impact resistance. The LumiStrip is a linear LED strip light ideal for back lighting where maintenance access is a real problem. The LumiSpot is a range of 3W and 6W LED down lights.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01924 224100 enquiries@lpa-excil.com www.lpa-group.com

GREENBUILD EXPO E BIOMASS After a successful debut at Greenbuild Expo in 2011, Ignition grew again in 2012 with an expanded format. For 2013 its relevance at the event is further enhanced by the promise of the RHI for domestic finally coming to fruition and of course with biomass being one of the allowable measures under Green Deal it will benefit from this new initiative too.

Producing heat to warm homes, offices and factories uses about 40 per cent of the energy we consume in the UK, yet to date, and unlike electricity production, there has been no sustained attempt to reduce this or shift to renewable sources. With the rising cost of oil and gas, concerns over supply and the realisation from the non-domestic and domestic markets that there are cost effective alternatives, this is about to all change and Ignition13 will focus on a heat source that has great potential in the UK – woodfuel.

Ignition13 couldn’t be coming at a better time for woodfuel and there won’t be a better place to find out about what it can do for you. A dedicated seminar programme and exhibition area, Ignition13 will include advice on the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), the various fuel types available and more. There will also be sessions on how woodfuel will work as part of Green Deal.

GREEN TRANSPORT CONFERENCE Co2t have developed a conference which will give factual advice and support to all businesses and business professionals within the transport industry, and information on how they can reduce their carbon footprint by using and integrating innovative technologies whilst potentially saving not only organisations but also individuals money.

Co2t aims to to educate all transport professionals from public sector, commercial business professionals, manufacturers and suppliers within the transport system that CO2 Reduction is an engine for economic growth, but one that is also greener and safer and improves quality of life for communities. The conference will discuss the latest Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation Legislation for the regulation of bio-fuels

Greenbuild Expo show highlights Simon Woodward, chairman of UKDEA, giving practical advice on how to develop district energy schemes in the UK

Environmental Building

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

A session on how to monitor energy use in domestic properties from the energy hub team at University of Salford Guidance on ECO and Green Deal funding for social housing from Richard Lupo at Sustainable Homes E.ON’s Jon Kirby sharing the secrets of successful community energy-saving schemes Shamir Ghumra of Aggregate Industries looks at construction materials that can store heat, providing cooling in the summer and warmth in the winter The latest updates to legislation and regulation including Part L, PAS 2030 and EPCs Cara Reece from Environment Bank talks about the advantages of biodiversity offsetting when planning new developments Lively panel debates featuring DECC, Green Skills Alliance, Warm Up North, Manchester City Council and many more A programme of CPD-accredited sessions on a wide range of green topics as training in energy monitoring – or simply looking for ideas about general green issues.

Our speakers this year include DECC’s Joanna Warner, Martin Walker from Warm Up North and Catherine Monaghan from the Energy Saving Trust – and that’s just three of the leading industry figures signed up to present and answer your questions.”

Offering advice to those planning a visit, Young says: “My advice would be to go with a plan – check out the conference schedule and list of exhibitors on the website and decide which ones are of interest in advance.

There’s so much going on you want to make sure you don’t miss anything. And then talk to people when you’re there. We’re a friendly bunch at Greenbuild Expo and everyone – from exhibitors to speakers – will be happy to discuss any questions you have.” L

used for transport in the UK, as well as well as the financial benefits of using Green transport for individuals as well as businesses.

Other highlights of Green Build Expo include Sustainable Cities, which features green solutions for commercial buildings from schools to hospitals, as well as high-density housing, focusing on smart buildings, and the Greenbuild Awards – all the finalists of the second awards will be on display, and many will be presenting their shortlisted projects, explaining how they have achieved impressive energy savings.

Lucy Young explains the benefits of visiting Greenbuild Expo. She says: “Visitors can access lots of expert advice all under one roof – that’s the sort of information that would take weeks to collate if you were searching online. If green technology and sustainable buildings are a new area for you, simply come along and speak to exhibitors, conference speakers and other visitors as a way of carrying out research in a speedy fashion.

It’s a great place to make new contacts and kickstart a sustainability plan, whether you are looking for something specific – such

FURTHER INFORMATION Greenbuild Expo is free to attend. To register visit www.greenbuildexpo.co.uk and follow @greenbuildexpo on Twitter for show updates

Say goodbye to paper bills and inefficiency Established in 2011, EDI4Business fills the gap in the market providing full translation of utility bills sent by electronic data transfer (EDI) using state of the art cloud computing software as a service (SaaS).

Electing to accept your utility bills in the EDI format means no more paper bills cluttering up the office and no more bulky filling cabinets. All your billing data is instantly available for cross checking against your property records. The bills are checked for accuracy before each meter on each invoice is coded to many different financial codes allowing full tenant billing. The cloud based software can process a utility bill in a matter of minutes without any re‑keying of data, saving staff time, money and resources.

Opting for EDI4Business means a more efficient accounting system to handle all utility bills. This translates to a fast turnaround of bills, improving cash flow and attracting prompt payment discounts.

There is a wide library of graphical reports available as well as a module to export the data instantly to your own energy monitoring and targeting system.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 07816016193 www.edi4business.com

Volume 20.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Protecting people, property and assets Protecting people, property and assets is an ongoing, ever changing and vital responsibility. It is what underpins the product development process at Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies and delivers innovative access and security solutions for a wide range of differing market requirements.

Our design and manufacturing expertise means we are well placed to tailor integrated solutions incorporating products from our wide portfolio of products and services - door controls - exit hardware - mechanical locking - steel doors - automatic doors - blast resistant doors - electronic locking - time & attendance and portable security.

To discover how we can help you, please contact us or go to:

www.ingersollrand.co.uk You can also see us at IFSEC International - Hall 5 Stand E60

www.ingersollrand.co.uk tel: 01922 707400 email: info@ingersollrand.co.uk

IFSEC 2013

MAKING SENSE OF SECURITY

Taking place on the 13-16 May 2013 at the NEC Birmingham, IFSEC International 2013 celebrates the show’s 40th birthday, and as part of UBM’s Protection and Management Week Access will feature a host of security solutions l,

Perimeter security remains a vital part of protecting Government buildings from intruders, terrorists and vandals.

Enforcing physical security is paramount to preventing unauthorised access, damage to the building or its contents.

Wider integrated security systems are beginning to include access gates and fences to create a fully integrated system.

Any experiences of where security systems have failed or a process has been inefficient should be shared throughout the security community to ensure these incidents are learned from.

TRIED AND TESTED METHODS Educating the broader security management community by way of such shared experience

Security

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

industry by providing insight into the future of security with keynote sessions from leading voices, IFSEC will also be celebrating its 40th birthday. Covering every area of security and fire, there will be a host of suppliers, education, advice and experts to suit your needs.

Taking place on the 14th May, a session entitled 40 Years of IFSEC International: ‘Looking Back, Looking Forward’ will feature some of the security, fire and business professionals listed in the IFSEC International Top 40 Influencers ‘league table’ on IFSECGlobal.com to offer their perspectives on the security, fire and IT sectors. They’ll be reviewing key points from the past and looking ahead to the next decade, in turn focusing on likely trends in those markets based around economic predictions and their own instincts.

The IFSEC show areas include; CCTV & Video Surveillance, Counter Terror, Access Control and Biometrics, Intelligent Buildings, Integrated Security, IP and Networks, Lone Worker and Physical Security.

Supporting the theme of protecting sites from intruders, a dedicated area has been set up to showcase the full spectrum of products for the alarm industry. There will be the opportunity to source a complete product range covering alarm systems, detectors, keypads and control panels to protect site perimeters from outside threats.

As perimeter control moves beyond staffing access gates, the physical and electronic solutions are coming together. RISCO Group will be discussing the latest innovations in both these areas during the seminar Perimeter Protection and Intrusion Detection: physical and electronic security in harmony.

Contro s, ic is an effective way of Biometruildings, implementing tried and nt B tested methods. IFSEC Intelligeted Security, International, one of Integra tworks, Lone the world’s largest e dedicated security IP and Nr, and Physical events, brings together Worke rity are on the entire security buying chain under one Secu menu roof at the Birmingham NEC IFSEC’s in May. Attracting more than 650 leading solution providers, from 100 countries, IFSEC is the biggest marketplace of its kind. Providing visitors with the opportunity to source, compare and test the latest products, while finding out how these can work best across a business.

Demonstrating its commitment to the

PROTECTING UTILITIES Water infrastructure projects present a complex mix of location, functions and security substructures. Such challenges are quite often encountered in the utilities sector and, in E

CCTV and access control excellence from Genie Based in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire since 2001, Genie CCTV has a highly respected reputation for build quality, contemporary designs and sensibly priced products. This is backed by unrivalled customer support and after sales service.

Genie, an ISO9001 accredited company, designs, develops and manufactures a comprehensive range of CCTV and Access Control products. With everything from a simple single door entry keypad right through to the latest in high definition 1080p cameras and biometric access control solutions, Genie’s team of experienced and

Full after sales support and technical back up is provided by Genie’s own in house team, who have many years of first line and installation experience between them, and are fully equipped to support installers of Genie systems.

The company is committed to building its three main brands: Genie CCTV, Genie Access and Genie Network. dedicated sales professionals offer free site consultations and demonstrations to tailor a system to exact requirements.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0116 240 3430 marketing@geniecctv.com www.geniecctv.com

Volume 20.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Security

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

Fibre optic connectivity and Ethernet solutions

HALL 5 STAND C20

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 20.2

ComNet designs and manufactures a comprehensive range of fiber optic, copper and ethernet transmission equipment (industrial and commercial grade) for a range of sectors. This includes CCTV, access control, and surveillance for the security industry, traffic signalisation, CCTV, surveillance, incident detection, VMS/CMS control and electronic toll collection for the transport sector, and factory automation/industrial control, tele/ communication broadcast and ProAV markets for industrial (-40° to 75°C) and commercial use.

ComNet provides a lifetime warranty on all its industrial hardened/ruggedised range and USA-made products. ComNet range includes: fiber optic video, data, audio & Ethernet/IP transmission

products; Ethernet Switches (managed, semi-managed and unmanaged switches, PoE, Ethernet over coax or twisted pair/UTP); media converters; EoVDSL Ethernet over Coax/UTP; CopperLine™ Ethernet over Coaxial Cable Extenders; CopperLine™ Ethernet over Cat 5 Cable Extenders; Fiber Optic HDMI & 3G SDI Extenders.

Market sectors covered by ComNet include transportation; industrial/automation; power & utilities; mining; defense; telecommunications; health; security; oil & gas; retail; education; border control/ports/airports.

FURTHER INFORMATION www.comnet.net info-europe@comnet.net

Security

IFSEC 2013  almost all cases, they require stakeholders to work closely in reaching solutions which deliver function and value for money. Overcoming difficult site locations and conditions will require strong user/integrator and manufacturer relationships and close teamwork. The presentation entitled Protecting the Utilities: Water Security Case Study - Integrated Alarms, CCTV, Access Control and Command & Control Software will review these issues and examine how obstacles were overcome to reach set objectives on a specific project.

2012 was a year full of change, movement and numerous new entrants into the physical security market. From the London Olympics and regional activities such as presidential debates and celebratory events through to major natural disasters and security breaches at corporate, Government and airport locations, the physical security industry has had to re‑evaluate and alter its approach to first response and the management of unanticipated crises. Yet, at the same time, organisations across the globe are being forced to do more with less, with budget always being one of the critical issues that they face. Enlightened organisations and agencies are leveraging Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) software to prepare for and react to specific challenges and events. As a result, a handful of trends have arisen that will move to the forefront as being critical to

PSIM’s evolution and ongoing growth in 2013 and beyond. A seminar session entitled PSIM: key trends driving development will explore this.

IFSEC ACADEMY The IFSEC Academy provides access to seven free education theatres allowing attendees to engage in the biggest issues in security from the industry leading lights. With the chance to gain CPE or CPD points towards professional development, IFSEC International helps to enhance knowledge and solutions around business needs. Keynote speakers will enhance this through the Centre Stage and Security Management education theatres, where solutions and systems integration will create opportunities for interoperability and information sharing.

Providing a deeper look into perimeter security, Dave Bentley, general manager (Security), Gallagher will lead the seminar ‘Perimeter Protection and Intrusion Detection: physical and electronic security in harmony’.

In this session, Dave will give an examination of the marriage between physical and electronic solutions for perimeter protection and the latest thinking in both areas.

NEW FEATURES New for 2013: Intelligent Buildings Helping to identify the fire, security, IT, data

and building management needs of your business, the Intelligent Buildings area will help visitors to discover solutions and innovations to integrate these sectors. Peers and industry experts will be on hand to share best practices and innovation, as well as, providing support around how to implement effective holistic solutions for business.

Brand new for 2013, IFSEC Speed Networking provides the perfect solution to networking in a busy environment, allowing installers to make the most of their time away from projects, by gaining new business. This presents security managers, heads of security, building managers and project managers with the opportunity to get great advice about the best and most cost effective products to make their business secure.

An IFSEC International provides badge holders access to FIREX International (www.firex.co.uk), the Facilities Show (www.facilitiesshow.com) and Safety & Health Expo (www.safety-health-expo.co.uk). L FURTHER INFORMATION For further information on IFSEC International, Protection & Management Week, or to register for the 2013 event and its co-located shows, visit www.ifsec.co.uk

Ingersoll Rand – complete security packages

VDT direct expands range with WebEye Home and HomeAlert

Ingersoll Rand’s design and manufacturing expertise means the company is well placed to tailor integrated solutions for any project, from doors and hardware to full access control and software for people management, enhanced by full project management, installation and servicing. This is backed by robust working practices and accreditations you would expect from a global enterprise.

As a leader in access control, time and attendance and personal identification, Ingersoll Rand is able to supply a complete security package from biometric solutions, through networked and stand-alone electronic access control systems to mechanical locks and hardware.

In recent years, the company has developed solutions to mitigate the risk of terror attacks such as those posed by vehicle borne improvised explosive devices. Its bomb rated entrance doors are tested and compliant

VDT Direct specialises in the development of video security and monitoring solutions.

Last year, VDT launched the revolutionary WebEye CMS™; a completely cloud-based self monitoring solution for the hugely successful RSI Videofied®; the world’s first completely wireless and battery powered video alarm system.

WebEye CMS™ has been received well by many market sectors, particularly the manned guarding industry which uses WebEye to maximise the level of service offered to clients.

WebEye CMS™ and the WebEye Alert™ app can be accessed from anywhere in the world, provided an internet connection or 3G is available, giving mobile guards site intrusion information as it occurs.

In 2013, VDT Direct will be expanding WebEye CMS™ by creating a brand new smartphone app in line with the launch of RSI Videofied’s new HomeAlert™ system, to

to ISO and GSA International standards making them the ideal solution for transport hubs, military establishments, government offices, commercial buildings, chemical plants and research centres.

Visit Ingersoll Rand at IFSEC, Hall 5 Stand E60 to discover solutions to security and access needs.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01992 707400 info@ingersollrand.co.uk www.ingersollrand.co.uk

TM

be released in April. Users of the new WebEye Home™ and HomeAlert™ service will be able to protect their family home around the clock with instant personal notifications of intrusions or smoke detection direct to their smartphone.

WebEye Home™ will launch on 2nd April this year and will be the main promotional focus for VDT Direct at IFSEC in May. FURTHER INFORMATION www.vdomain.co.uk

Volume 20.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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

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Resized_Planner_Half_Page_Advert_125_x_178.Wilo_X3_2002_print GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 20.2 12 October 2012 13:13:52

ROAD MAINTENANCE

Councils call for Central Government action as potholes reach crisis point

Transport

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Swathes of Britain’s road network risks becoming permanently strewn with potholes unless Government invests now in proper resurfacing, according to the Local Government Association.

New research shows that last year highways teams fixed 2.2 million potholes, 500,000 more than the year before. However, despite their best efforts the backlog in repairs is growing longer, now estimated at £10.5 billion, and one-in-five roads are classed as being in ‘poor condition’.

The annual ALARM survey of council transport bosses reported the average English authority was £6.2 million short of what it needed to properly maintain its roads, up from £5.3 million in 2011. It also found the road damage cost to councils of last year’s flooding was £338 million.

COMPENSATION COSTS Compounding matters is the spiralling cost of compensation to drivers whose vehicles get damaged by potholes. Councils paid out £32 million last year, 50 per cent more than 2011.

The Local Government Association (LGA) is warning that should councils, which are already bearing the brunt of public sector cuts including a reduction in their highways maintenance budgets, be stripped of even more funding many may find it impossible to keep on top of road repairs. It’s calling on Government to free up existing money and invest it in resurfacing the current network. This will not only allow councils to pay for resurfacing projects to make roads safer and save billions of pounds in the long term – reactive repairs are 20 times more expensive than laying a good quality surface which lasts for many years – but also boost jobs and growth in the short term. A good quality surface is also far more resistant to flood and ice damage.

RETURN ON INVESTMENT A Localis report last month showed Government could be getting 2.5 times the return on transport investment if it gave local authorities more freedoms and funding flexibility. It recommended the abolition of the Highways Agency and replacing it with sub-regional bodies which better know their areas and can make the most of their funding.

Cllr Peter Box, chair of the LGA’s Economy and Transport Board, said: “Keeping roads safe is one of the most important jobs councils do and it’s testament to this that over the past year they’ve fixed more than two million potholes. Highways teams across the country have been out in force over the past few months assessing the impact of freezing weather and widespread flooding, and many councils have invested in new technology and initiatives to try and tackle the latest batch of potholes.

“However, decades of underfunding by Whitehall, severe winters and recent widespread flooding has left large swathes of our roads in disrepair with many councils struggling to move beyond simply patching up a deteriorating network. Despite our best efforts, things and getting worse and councils are now are also contending with cuts to roads maintenance funding and spiralling compensation costs for pothole damage.

WHITEHALL UNDERSPEND “We’re now facing a bill of £10.5 billion to bring our roads up to scratch. Unless something changes we risk swathes of Britain’s road network becoming dangerously strewn with potholes, particularly if flooding and severe winters become more common. Councils need increased and consistent funding to invest in the widespread resurfacing projects which our network desperately needs if we’re to see a long-term improvement. Notions that this can be paid for by council efficiency savings and smarter use of money are deeply unrealistic.

“Redirecting funding into road maintenance would also offer an instant boost to growth, improve road safety and save billions of pounds down the line from the current false economy of reactive repairs which many councils are trapped in. Thousands of jobs in the construction and supply sector would be created immediately and there would be many mid-term economic benefits by reducing the cost to business caused by the current state of many roads.”

WHITEHALL UNDERSPEND Last year, the Treasury announced Whitehall departments spent about £6.7 billion less than expected during 2011/12. The Department for Transport reportedly underspent by about £500 million. There was also a £2.34 billion capital underspend on infrastructure projects across government.

Potholes – local action Kent County Council’s highways team blitzed more than 2,000 potholes during February, and an extra £1.15 million has been invested in the county’s roads to help prevent more emerging.

Staffordshire County Council has announced an additional £500,000 for repairs. In the last six months, it has identified 6,500 potholes, a 50 per cent increase on the previous year, which followed the county’s wettest year on record.

Derbyshire County Council has announced a £824,000 boost to fix potholes across the county. External contractors are being brought in to help clear the backlog of urgent repairs caused by flooding and winter weather. The council is also hiring a ‘JetPatcher’ – a specialist machine which uses a high velocity air stream to clear existing holes of any debris and water as well as laying and compacting new asphalt.

Danny Alexander, chief secretary to the Treasury, has also asked each government department to set aside cash reserves worth five per cent of their budgets, or identify programmes that can be cut to provide the money, to pay for new initiatives or deal with unforeseen events. For the Department for Transport this would be about £650 million. L FURTHER INFORMATION More potholes than Daffodils this spring.

Read Philip Johnston’s blog for the Telegraph here – tinyurl.com/btl2wau

Volume 20.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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QUALITY USED LCVs

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Every one of our vehicles comes with the Customer Charter, so you get a top quality, fit for purpose vehicle, with complete peace of mind.

Visit us on Stand 5J78 to find out more about our: • Huge range available • Top quality vehicles from major manufacturers • Well maintained, ex-Northgate fleet • Part exchange options available.

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EVENT PREVIEW

AN EVENT WITH AN IMPRESSIVE CV

With the implementation date for Euro 6 set for January 2014, this year’s CV Show is well timed for manufacturers to present their latest products and innovations – and several exhibitors are taking advantage with important industry launches With 400 exhibitors expected at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show, the industry’s largest UK exhibition will see most of the key players in the road transport marketplace meet at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre from 9-11 April.

A significant number of vehicle and product launches are promised, giving the whole industry a welcome boost and ensuring that business visitors are offered every option for effective fleet operation and maintenance.

The 2013 Show will showcase one of the widest-ever ranges of exhibitors including truck, trailer and van manufacturers, tyre specialists, telematics experts, tyre, hydraulic and lifting gear suppliers and tanker operators.

With the implementation date for Euro 6 set for January 2014, this year’s CV Show will be the only Springtime European opportunity for manufacturers to present their latest products and innovations – and several exhibitors are taking advantage of this opportunity with important industry launches.

VEHICLE LAUNCHES Some of the big manufacturer names set to wow the crowds with their latest vehicles are Citroën, DAF Trucks, Fiat Professional, Ford, Isuzu, Isuzu Truck, Iveco, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Volvo Trucks.

DAF will be there with its new Euro 6 XF and Mercedes-Benz UK will show its new ‘urban hero’, the Mercedes-Benz Citan small van, as well as its new construction truck, Arocs.

It will be five years since Iveco exhibited at the Commercial Vehicle Show in its own right and the company will be back with its flagship Stralis Hi-Way, winner of the International Truck of the Year Award 2013.

Citroën will display its all‑new Berlingo Electrique van at this year’s CV Show. This advanced, 100 per cent electric van builds upon Citroën’s extensive experience of electric LCVs in the UK, gained with the first generation Berlingo Electrique launched in 1998. The Citroën stand will also show a number of other new LCV products.

Volvo Trucks returns to the Show with its recently launched new FH series and, similarly, MAN will take the opportunity for the first UK showing of its Euro 6 cabs.

The decision by BMW to launch its all-new MINI Clubvan at the CV Show means a little glamour will be added to the light commercial vehicle sector. The MINI Clubvan demonstrates to those who value the importance of both

efficiency and appearance that it can offer the perfect extension to any company brand.

Commended for delivering style, efficiency and class-leading driving dynamics, coupled with fuel efficiency levels not usually found in light commercial vehicles, the Clubvan has already made a big impression.

Ford is introducing a new family of high‑tech, fuel-efficient commercials in the UK by 2015.

A range of vehicles will exist under the Transit brand name, all of which will be at the International CV Show 2013: Ford Courier, Transit Connect, Transit Custom and two-tonne Transit.

Commercial Vehicles

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THE AFTERMARKET As part of the Commercial Vehicle Show, aftermarket-focused ‘Workshop 2013’ is aimed directly at fleet engineers and passenger car garage operators. A wide range of products on show will cover everything from handheld diagnostics to pillar lifts capable of raising a 44-tonne artic. The Workshop area in Hall 4 also boasts big names and innovative products with companies like Bradbury Equipment, Cobra UK, Gemco Equipment, Liftmaster Commercial, MAHA, OSS Group, Ring Automotive, Somers Totalkare, Stertil Power Products and Tecalemit showing their latest equipment and products.

INNOVATIONS OSS Group specialises in waste oil collection, workshop waste management, parts washers and spill containment products. OSS produces Gen3™ from the waste oil collected, its latest and most advanced processed fuel oil.The company also provides total waste management including interceptor and septic tank clearances and tyre and workshop waste collections.

With attention firmly fixed on the need for fuel efficiency, companies like Airtab, Eclipse Diagnostics and Texa UK can ensure that engines operate at peak efficiency 24/7.

The tyre business is well represented by manufacturers, stockists and tyre management companies such as ATS Euromaster, Bandvulc, Bridgestone, R H Claydon, Continental Tyres, Hankook and Kirby Tyres.

At this year’s CV Show, Clark Masts will launch its new E

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One call 0870 850 1409 or one click at www.toyota-forklifts.co.uk takes care of all your materials handling needs.

Toyota Material Handling UK support companies throughout the UK. Toyota offers a single point of contact for all your materials handling needs, whatever your size of business. From a single truck user to larger fleets, we have the product and support services to be a strong business partner.

As a direct organisation Toyota is able to offer unrivalled levels of support, consisting of world-class products from a hand pallet truck to powered forklifts, short-term hire, operator training, genuine parts, fleet management, plus unbeatable sales and service support, tailored to your needs.

To find out more about Toyota Material Handling UK call 0870 850 1409 or visit www.toyota-forklifts.co.uk.

Join us on.

Citroën Berlingo Electrique

Commercial Vehicles

 purpose-made high output LED flood lamp range, designed specifically for vehicle use and optimised for its range of telescopic lighting masts. As well as lighting, the masts can be used for CCTV cameras, communications antennae, warning beacons, weather stations, acoustic recording equipment, etc.

Smart Witness is a global developer, manufacturer and distributor of vehicle CCTV systems. The company’s products are widely used in the commercial fleet sector for accident recording, vehicle tracking, driver training/ monitoring, operational efficiency and safety.

Greenox AdBlue, Hatcher Components, Isotrak, MiX Telematics, TomTom Business Solutions and Triscan Systems.

A number of exhibitors will offer training solutions, including AA DriveTech whose DATA FOR FLEETS training courses are for truck/LGV drivers.

Continental Automotive is just one company Many of its classroom workshops and on-road that has developed a wide range of courses have been accredited by JAUPT to tachograph data for fleet managers. At this contribute towards Driver CPC periodic training. year’s Show, Continental will exhibit VDO CMS SupaTrak and Route Monkey have joined Digital Tachograph 2.0 with Counter, giving forces on a new integrated solution to bring drivers quick access to live driving hours and together real‑time vehicle telematics, route required breaks. The company will also show optimisation and scheduling. The system, called ‘SmartLink’, which is a revolutionary device EcoPlan, will be launched at CV Show 2013. for using the tachograph remotely inside Using specialist technology, businesses can or outside the cab. Its TIS-Web Messaging also integrate existing routing and planning systems allows users to access data via messaging with Route Monkey, which optimises the data using iphone and android technology. based on, for example, average road speeds, Among exhibitors offering solutions site access times, road restrictions and driving/ for efficient fleet management – keeping working hours. This information is imported environmental awareness high on operators’ into the CMS SupaTrak system and integrated priorities – are Air1 AdBlue, BlueCat AdBlue, with real‑time vehicle telematics data to create CMS Greenchem Solutions, planned routes against 12: actual journeys taken.

WM Supatrak, JS ad GBM quarter3_WM JS ad GBM quarter3.qxd 25/02/2013

TomTom Business Solutions is an award‑winning supplier of fleet management technology, combining vehicle tracking, navigation and driver behaviour monitoring.

More than 19,000 companies worldwide rely on TomTom fleet management to monitor and manage their mobile operations, helping to boost efficiency and enhance green credentials.

DETAILS, DETAILS The websites www.cvshow.com and www.workshopshow.co.uk feature links to the ticket application process and prospective visitors can register by clicking on the ‘free tickets’ panel on the home page.

Also, visitors with smartphones can download the CV Show app, which features an interactive map, news feed, Twitter stream and exhibitor listing – go to www.cvshowapp.com. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.cvshow.com www.workshopshow.co.uk

The full wash package for all commercial vehicles The high pressure Jet Stream, installed on both the C5000 Magnum & Taurus Gantry wash machines, designed to clean any shape of vehicle efficiently.

The ideal wash for awkward shaped vehicles

Jet Stream

www.wilcomatic.co.uk sales@wilcomatic.co.uk 020 8649 5760

Wilcomatic has a comprehensive range of commercial vehicle wash equipment from itself and its sister companies Working Water and Wickham Gensol.

The range is led by the Christ Jet Stream rollover unit, specifically engineered to clean any awkward shape of vehicle effectively. Many existing commercial vehicle washing systems aimed at awkward shaped vehicles are drive-through, which means efficiency is partly dependent on the ability of the driver to use the equipment properly and his willingness to drive through slowly. The Jet Stream’s moving gantry removes the driver element, as it moves along the vehicle at the optimum speed, while the vehicle remains stationary.

Simplicity is key to the versatile, user-friendly and compact new Wall-Mounted Jet Wash system from Wilcomatic’s sister company, Working Water. All the components but the lance

and hose are housed in a strong and durable wall mounted weatherproof plastic cabinet.

The commercial vehicle Wash‑down Station from Wilcomatic’s other sister company, Wickham Gensol, is a complete system comprising a 9bar high flow wash-down gun and a 100bar high pressure washer, each with hose reels and an easy‑to‑use operator control panel.

Water reclamation and recycling equipment is available for all jet washes, rollovers and drive-through machines. Visit Wilcomatic on stand 4F29 at this years’ Commercial Vehicle Show.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 020 8649 5760 sales@wilcomatic.co.uk

Volume 20.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Commercial Garage Equipment (Midlands) Ltd, is one of the main providers of Authorised Testing Facilities (ATF) in the UK. Along with the new projects of Authorised Testing Facilities, CGE also offer the following equipment and services:  ATFS  MoTS: Classes I,II,III,IV,V & VII  Brake Testing Equipment – ideal before testing vehicles  Tachograph Rollers  PRE-Fabricated Steel Pits for both Inspection Pits, MOT Bays and ATFS  Scissor Lifts – ideal for steam cleaning  HGV 4 Post Lifts – ideal for servicing and repairs  Civil Work  CAD Drawings (Free of Charge) CGE also provide the 1090 Brake Tester approved by VOSA for class 4,5,7/ HGV/PSV/ATL/ATF, the perfect all round brake tester. Included in the ATF Lane at Owens Road Services, Llanelli, Wales.

Lifting equipment tailored to the customers needs is also available, for both Car & Commercial Equipment.

If you wish to have any further information on any of the products or services we offer please feel free to contact us: Telephone: 01386 244758 Mobile: 07538 218194 E-mail: sales@commercialgaragaeequipment.co.uk Web: www.commercialgarageequipment.co.uk

Authorised Testing The Cybox diesel control Facilities from Commercial ECU – fuel economy Garage Equipment without remapping Commercial Garage Equipment (CGE) in the Midlands is one of the main providers of Authorised Testing Facilities (ATF) in the UK. “We offer the whole development of the project, from the design of the workshop, to the supply of equipment. What’s more, we offer project management throughout the process,” said Roger Cox, managing director.

Along with the new projects of Authorised Testing Facilities, CGE also offers the following equipment and services. These include ATFS, MOTS, Classes I,II,III,IV,V & VII, Brake Testing Equipment, Tachograph Rollers, PRE-Fabricated Steel Pits, Scissor Lifts, HGV 4 Post Lifts, Civil Work and CAD Drawings (Free of Charge).

CGE also provides the 1090 Brake Tester approved by VOSA for class 4,5,7/HGV/PSV/ATL/ ATF, the perfect all round brake tester. These are available at

the ATF Lane at Owens Road Services, Llanelli, Wales.

Lifting equipment tailored to the customers needs is also available, for both car & commercial equipment, all details available.

If you wish to have any further information on any of the products or services on offer please contact the company at the details below.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01386 244758 Mob: 07538 218194 sales@commercial garagaeequipment.co.uk www.commercial garageequipment.co.uk

The Cybox Diesel Control ECU proves that fuel optimisation is the most cost-effective way of reducing fuel bills and exhaust emissions without compromising a vehicle’s other components or relying heavily on driver training.

The Cybox Diesel Control ECU works by increasing and decreasing the diesel injected, measuring common rail diesel injector opening times as well as the varying fuel rail pressure.

Being able to measure accurately true engine speed and load and then quantifying how much diesel is injected, the unit can be programmed to work universally on any common rail diesel system to either raise or lower the power curve and diesel consumption.

It is suitable for common rail diesel engines on HGVs, LCVs, passenger cars, agricultural vehicles, plus off road vehicles and machines.

It is easily installed and

removed, and cannot be detected during dealer servicing or fault diagnosis.

Consequently, installation does not risk invalidation of the vehicle manufacturer’s warranty and it is unaffected by dealer warranty work, such as ECU reprogramming or updating.

The installation process allows up to five separate 3-D maps to be programmed into the unit, depending on customers’ individual requirements.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0151 343 0330 sales@cybrand.co.uk www.cybrand.co.uk

Driving down fleet costs following an accident

Truckfile to announce partnership with Ctrak

Insurers provide protection but with accident claims rising all the time you have to look after your own costs and FLS (First Legal Support) is here to help.

FLS and its parent company Plantec Holdings provide innovative and flexible independent accident investigation and accident management services. It has established excellent reputations for delivering high quality solutions to the motor insurance industry.

Its services are designed to help save time and money in the event of a road traffic accident by managing and investigating the accident pro-actively and effectively.

Driven by understanding customers’ needs and requirements enables FLS to deliver outstanding bespoke services underpinned by its professional approach and excellent customer service. The company’s record of delivering high quality services to the motor insurance industry is enhanced by

2013 will be Truckfile’s 7th year exhibiting at the Commercial Vehicle Show, NEC Birmingham.

Representatives from the company will be on hand offer help and advice on how the Truckfile fleet operator system, workshop management and Handheld Drivers walk around check system can help your organisation.

Truckfile will also be announcing details of a new strategic partnership with tracking specialist Ctrack. This collaboration will enhance the functionality of the Truckfile fleet and workshop management systems, with users able to access additional fleet data from the Ctrack system through the application. This will enhance fleet operators experience and

its range of insurance products which provide a comprehensive solution for fleet operators.

Fleet operators have a considerable amount of their time consumed by having to deal with the administration and investigations themselves following such accidents.

Outsourcing such services to a specialist company can save a considerable amount of time and money as well as taking away the stress of dealing with such matters.

FURTHER INFORMATION Contact: Andrew Drewary, Director Tel: 07817 043 821 andrewd@firstlegalsupport.co.uk www.firstlegalsupport.co.uk

Commercial Vehicles

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

will also support improved automation of areas such as maintenance scheduling.

The web-based Ctrack Online system combines advanced tracking capabilities with powerful reporting solutions, so fleet operators not only benefit from better day-to-day control but also can take advantage of business intelligence enabling increased efficiencies and reduced operational costs.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0845 872 0400 info@truckfile.co.uk www.truckfile.co.uk

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

Fleet maintenance, scheduling and compliance Exactly where you need it It doesn’t matter how large, small or what type of vehicles are in your fleet. The Truckfile management system is compliant with VOSA. It will always provide you with a comprehensive view of your vehicles – their history, workshop, maintenance and scheduling.

To discover more, come and see us at the CV Show Hall 4, Stand No 4K51 Telephone: 0845 872 0400 Email: sales@truckfile.co.uk Web: www.truckfile.co.uk

Speedliner 1/4 page ad [WF].indd 1

Heaters for workshops, building and construction, event hire, agriculture and horticulture Thermobile UK Ltd Unit 12 Buckingham Close, Bermuda Industrial Estate, Nuneaton Warwickshire CV10 7JT Tel: 02476 357960 Fax: 02476 357969

sales@thermobile.co.uk • www.thermobile.co.uk 40

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 20.2

11/02/2013 11:43

Multifuel heaters from Speedliner Euro’s vehicle hygiene control Thermobile UK Speedliner® Europe has been trading for just over 13 years, and has an enviable track record as the first company to introduce a versatile spray-on, polymer, truck liner to the UK. It continues as the longest established, low cost, non-franchise spray liner system available in the UK and Western Europe.

For the past couple of years Speedliner® Europe has supplied its own unique and exclusive product brand name spray polymer known as Speedliner Euro HS® to an ever increasing number of dealers and applicators.

Speedliner Euro HS®/HC (hygiene coat) is the first and only long life, inclusive active anti-bacterial, anti-microbial spray liner coating available.

It offers 21st century vehicle hygiene control, and is now applied by over 132 authorised dealers across nine countries,

with many specialist vehicle companies ranging from automotive bodyshops to some of the major names in the UK for bespoke coachbuilding and vehicle conversions.

Speedliner Euro HS® is used

by Ministry of Defence specialist vehicle suppliers, health service trusts, utility services and many local authorities. It is available via authorised co-distributors across various parts of Europe.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0800 083 4525 www.speedlinereuro.com info@speedlinereuro.com

Thermobile UK will be exhibiting a selection of heaters from what is possibly the most comprehensive range available to the UK automotive trade. The company is a market leaders in the sale of multifuel heaters in the UK with a range of thirteen different models operating on either waste oil, processed fuel oil (PFO) or 35 sec heating oil (diesel). Two systems are available - either manual ignition or fully automatic ignition units controllable by a room thermostat and/or timer.

In addition to multifuel heaters, Thermobile can offer oil and gas fired heaters in either floor standing cabinet versions or suspended unit heater modes. Floor standing units are available in 13 heat outputs from 30Kw to 380Kw and a total of 33 suspended versions with heat outputs

Commercial Vehicles

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

ranging from 14Kw to 102Kw. Thermobile UK is a subsidiary of Thermobile Nederland, located in Breda close to the Belgium border, which in turn belongs to another Dutch heating company – The Honing Beheer Group.

Thermobile Nederland’s original products were mobile heaters, and today these are sold into a variety of sectors including the building and hire trades, agriculture and horticulture. Thermobile’s heaters can be found as far afield as Kazakhstan, providing heat in the oil line construction industry.

FURTHER INFORMATION www.thermobile.co.uk

Buy a hand pallet truck Van Monster sells only online with Toyota the best ex-hire vans In a move to supply companies with a simple method of purchasing hand pallet trucks, Toyota Material Handling has introduced an online shop which offers companies the choice of a standard BT Lifter hand pallet truck, BT Quick Lifter or BT Pro Lifter that can be ordered directly from the site with payment via cheque or PayPal (secure online credit card payment method).

Visitors to www.btpallettruck. co.uk can take advantage of a simple method of ordering trucks with a variety of common fork lengths chosen to suit their application. Next working day delivery is also available for products ordered before 11am, using Pay Pal. The BT Lifter range from Toyota

is known for being a high quality product with a lifetime guarantee on the forks and frame, and the site at btpallettruck.co.uk supplies visitors with additional product information about the trucks they are interested in and reasons for choosing a BT Lifter.

FURTHER INFORMATION www.btpallettruck.co.uk

Van Monster is the UK’s leading supplier of quality used commercial vehicles. As part of the Northgate group, Van Monster sells only the best exhire vehicles that have been picked from a 60,000 strong fleet. So whatever your fleet requirements, Van Monster’s got the right van for you.

Not all used van dealers are the same. Van Monster offers a viable option for purchasing every type of LCV from carderived van to tipper, and of course, everything in between.

Every one of Van Monster’s vehicles comes with its industry leading Customer Charter, which aims to ensure customers get a top quality vehicle, selected

to suit your trade or task, for a lower capital outlay than new. The Customer Charter provides complete peace of mind and includes a 48 hour return policy, 3 month or 3000 mile warranty and free roadside assistance.

Visit Van Monster at the CV Show (Hall 5, opposite Volvo Trucks) to find out more about its huge range of high quality vehicles which include well maintained, ex‑Northgate fleet and features all major manufacturers. Part exchange is also available.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0800 731 2121 www.vanmonster.com

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Don’t let fleet costs drive your business.

‘Sustainable’. A word often used in connection with vehicle fleets, usually in an environmental context. But have you ever thought about your fleet’s financial sustainability? With cost control a major concern for most companies, pressure may be building on you to squeeze more out of your budget.

Reshaping costs doesn’t have to mean compromising on the vehicles you can offer your employees. Moving to a whole-life cost model, and working closely with your procurement and HR teams, can bring surprising benefits.

At Alphabet, we can offer you expert advice on doing just that.

Reshaping your fleet, and ensuring fleet-related costs work harder for you.

Find out more: Tel: 0870 50 50 100 Email: alphabet@alphabet.co.uk www.alphabet.co.uk

FLEET MANAGEMENT

GETTING ON YOUR BIKE

Fleet Management

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

With the latest zero emissions bikes becoming financially viable, the Motorcycle Industry Association’s Stevie Muir reports on the many benefits a bike fleet can bring an organisation Where fleet vehicles will be operated by a single person, it makes sound commercial sense to opt for low or zero emission motorcycles or scooters. Not just because the capital outlay is much cheaper than a car, but because powered two wheelers enjoy generic benefits associated with motorcycling which can cut operating costs dramatically.

Ask any motorcyclist about the advantages of life on two wheels and they will tell you they are numerous. There’s the free or cheap parking, low running costs, cheaper insurance and tax, no congestion charge, access to selected bus lanes, time saved on journeys etc.

CONGESTION The more serious issue of traffic congestion is estimated by the CBI to cost the British economy around £25.3bn a year. Motorcycles and scooters can move more easily through traffic, reducing journey times and therefore saving money for the companies which choose two wheels over four.

Whether you opt for petrol or electric will depend on operational needs, but there’s an increasing choice of both. A new breed of small motorcycles and scooters can achieve up to 160mpg, which speaks for itself in terms of emissions. The most successful and long running examples of using small motorcycles and mopeds in a fleet context are to be found within local authorities. Around 30 councils and voluntary organisations run Wheels to Work schemes, many of which began in the 1990s.

Typically, these provide transport to young people living in isolated rural areas and are highly cost-effective, with good safety records.

PENNY PER MILE Those wanting to cut their bike emissions to zero will benefit from energy costs of an estimated ‘penny a mile’ – the mantra for running costs for electric bikes. Range is a major consideration when deciding to opt for petrol or electric, explains David Gibson of Emissions Free Solutions Ltd, who imports Vectrix electric scooters into the UK. “The distance to be travelled and whether there are opportunities for interim charging are important. Routes which allow for top-up charging fit in well with an electric fleet use.”

For a Vectrix, the maximum range is 65 to 70 miles, which has resulted in its scooters being used in a number of fleet applications both in the UK and worldwide. They are used by the facilities management team at Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent for car park patrols and escort duties. Elsewhere, Strathclyde Police used the Vectrix at Glasgow Airport, Lothian Borders police use one to patrol the

The AA has a fleet of eight Vectrix zero‑emission electric scooters which it has used in Central London since 2009

Those a priority, to include CE marked armour. Any local fleets cut dealer will be able to o t help with the required wantingemissions e k kit and it’s no longer i b t their will benefi a choice between leather and leather, to zero estimated with new high-tech from costs of lightweight fabrics on energy nny a the market, styled into ‘a pe ’ clothing which can be adapted for general wear. mile

Scottish Parliament Buildings.

Other brands in the sector are open to fleet sales; Yamaha has recently sold its electric scooter to Melton Borough Council’s Wheels to Work scheme. Rieju will throw in a free branded paint scheme for orders over ten and Agility Motors, whose innovative design has so far been pitched at the individual customer, is developing a fleet programme for later this year.

For fleet vehicles, maintenance costs are a huge consideration. Manufacturers of electric motorcycles and scooters point out that their products have far less moving parts than a combustion engine with no clutch or gears. There is obviously variation within the market as to how long batteries last, but these figures are readily available when investigating machine specifications.

CHARGING All current electric motorcycles can use a simple domestic power outlet. Some manufacturers are now offering ‘cartridge’ style battery packs that can be removed from the bike and taken indoors to charge - as the battery is often the most expensive single item on the bike, removing it offers a security advantage.

Fast charging is now an option, allowing the usual charge time of six hours to be shortened to one and a half, or just 60 minutes for a 95 per cent charge. The price for a full charge is estimated at 40p, which is equivalent to an attractive 497mpg.

SAFETY The right clothes and proper training should be a priority for any employer considering opting for powered two wheelers for staff. Although a helmet is the only compulsory item of safety wear for riders, full protective clothing for staff operating powered two wheelers should be

Choosing the right helmet (and the best ones are not always the most expensive) is made much easier with a government website service known as SHARP, the Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme. “Fit is the most important element”, explained Karen Cole. “And with the SHARP rating system you can make an informed choice.”

HISTORY Cars seem to have dominated media representations of what’s available on the electric market, but that’s set to change as the electric motorcycle industry continues to mature. Like all developing sectors, some of the early innovators have been replaced.

Marques which kicked off the two wheel electric marketplace have given way to others, as technology and demand evolve. Key players have emerged, including Zero, Vectrix, Agility Motors, Yamaha and Rieju. These brands have demonstrated the longevity required to convince a fleet buyer that they will be in businesses for the duration.

Any low or zero emission fleet will help meet environmental and social targets, but opting for two rather than four wheels presents extra savings in terms of cost and time, which can’t be delivered by cars. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.emcia.co.uk www.mcia.co.uk

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TRAFFEX 2013

Transport

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

TRAFFEX LIGHTS THE WAY

Now in its 26th year, the International traffic management, road safety, parking, ITS and highway maintenance exhibition Traffex will return to the NEC in Birmingham from 16th–18th April with ground-breaking new features, brand new discussions and over 350 exhibitors For those in highways, traffic or parking management, there is plenty to see and do at Traffex. UK and international exhibitors will be using the show as the launch pad for their latest products and services in road safety, display technology, speed detection, traffic engineering, highway infrastructure, enforcement, parking, traffic management, energy saving, intelligent transport systems, passive safety, sustainable transport solution, ICT and much more.

LIGHTING THE WAY For the first time, Traffex will be showcasing a brand new feature called ‘Lighting The Way’.

In response to DfT’s Traffic Signs Policy paper entitled “Signing the Way”, the large darkened indoor display area in the main exhibition hall will present an array of retro reflective and directly illuminated traffic signing and lining products in street-lit, unlit and dimmed conditions. Two very different scenarios will be created, which are intended to capture the essence of typical urban and rural street scenes.

The aim of the feature is to demonstrate the situations where each of the product types

displayed really come into their own, helping to save lives by guiding the way ahead.

This exciting new feature is organised in conjunction with REMA, ILP, Mott MacDonald and UK Roads.

Andy Pledge of UK Roads commented; “This is an exciting project and I am pleased to be part of it. As REMA Secretary I want to be able to show the benefits that retro reflective products bring to road safety and how these products fit within the contents of the DfT’s policy paper.”

Bill Butler, Traffex 2013 event director commented: “Traffex is long established as the UK’s number one event for this industry and ‘Lighting the Way’ is a great opportunity

to add a new ‘live’ dimension to the event.

This space will become a regular feature at Traffex and will have a new theme each time that will keep the exhibition fresh and engaging for visitors and exhibitors alike.”

UK PARKEX and Once again, Traffex will also run l na o i t alongside its sister exhibition, Parkex, a n r inte be l l Europe’s largest dedicated Parking i w s r o t i b i Exhibition. Parkex will feature all h a x s e fex a f a the leading suppliers of on and off r T g n w e usi n r street parking equipment, access o f ad launch p anagement control, parking management, software, refurbishment, energy traffic mucts and saving, civil enforcement, training d pro and payment processing. Organised by services Brintex on behalf of the British Parking

Association, seminars will address topics including Car Park Design and Modernisation, Order Management, Innovation in Parking, The Legacy of the Olympics, Enforcement, Strategies for Efficiency and Public Sector Partnerships.

Parkex visitor badges also provide access to Traffex and a comprehensive CPD accredited three day seminar programme. E

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

DEVELOPING IDEAS TO DO THINGS BETTER. USING OUR EXPERTISE TO MAKE THEM SUCCEED.

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Wessex Technical Products Ltd, 28 Oakgrove Road, Eastleigh, Hants, SO50 8RA. Tel: 023 8064 2707. www.cool-seal.co.uk Come and see us at CV Show Stand 3H77. Quite CVSH2802 for a 20% introductory price reduction on any order on mixed packs of 25 pcs (one order per company, no limit on volume).

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 20.2

05/03/2013 16:20

TRAFFEX 2013

Transport

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

 FREE SEMINARS This year’s Traffex will see a huge range of exhibitors showcasing the very latest developments, but there is also a free, CPD accredited three day seminar programme, organised in partnership with ITS UK, The Highways Agency, Department for Transport and The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation, covering a wide range of topics and offering insights from the transport industry’s leading experts. Speakers include, Graham Hanson, Head of Traffic Signs Policy, Department for Transport, David Ubaka, Director D.U.P, Phil Jones, Phil Jones Associates, Prof Eric Sampson CBE, ITS UK, Mathew Lugg OBE, specialist adviser to DfT and Andrew Page-Dove of the Highways Agency.

Seminar topics include: Road Safety, Traffic Infrastructure, Social Media, Extreme Weather, Manual For Streets 2, Signing The Way, Cycling Strategy, Building Information Modelling, Greener Transport Systems, Highway Maintenance and Intelligent Transport Systems.

DEMONSTRATIONS Live demonstrations and special features will also play a key role in this year’s show, including the Instarmac Live! Fill & Go Challenge. Fast and lasting pothole repair is a common problem facing all local authorities and with this in mind, Instarmac Live will demonstrate first hand pothole repair where a live audience will watch opponents race against the clock to repair potholes and race cars over their handy work.

Bill Butler comments: “I am really looking forward to this year’s show; the team have been hard at work to deliver a first class event that will bring everyone together under one roof. There have been many challenges facing the industry over the last 18 months but nothing beats face to face interaction and we have gathered some of the industry’s top experts to inspire and remind people what a diverse and exciting industry they work in.”

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT The organisers of Traffex recommend the following top tips to help make the most of your trip: Plan your day: With over 350 exhibitors at this year’s Traffex & Parkex, there will be plenty for you to see. Make sure you don’t miss anything by looking in advance at the exhibitor list and seminar programme and decide what you want to see and when.

Skip the queue: This year’s event is expected to be very busy especially on the Wednesday with thousands of attendees visiting exhibitor stands and seminars so why not skip the queues and register online or think about coming on Tuesday or Thursday?

Your badge is valid for all three days.

Ask Questions: With hundreds of experts and the most important industry trade associations all under one roof, it will be the perfect time to ask questions, get a spot of training and you can be sure that exhibitors will be happy

Fast pothole repair is a common problem facing all local authorities and with this in mind, the Instarmac Live! Fill & Go Challenge will demonstrate first hand pothole repair where opponents race against the clock to show you what their products can really do and how they can benefit you. Why not also take some time to compare prices?

Bring a colleague: This year we have so many exciting, new features including ‘Lighting the Way’ - our new 4,000 sqm darkened indoor display area, the Instarmac Challenge area plus hours of CPD seminars. So why not bring someone new to the show and we guarantee they will leave better informed, proud of the industry they work in and with an extended little black book of contacts.

Many exhibitors will use Parkex as the

launchpad for their latest products and services - providing visitors with an invaluable insight into the future of the industry. With Parkex and Traffex in the same hall, visitors have the opportunity to meet with over 350 exhibiting companies. Whether from a local authority, central government, private parking operator, transport operator, parking consultant or private land owner with parking then a visit to Parkex 2013 is a must. L FURTHER INFORMATION For further information and details of how to register, visit 2013.traffex.com

Volume 20.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Counter Terror Solutions for an Evolving World

Counter Terror Expo 2013 is the largest international event to mitigate threats, protect against terrorist attacks and understand current modern day risks in a secure environment.

Discover solutions to protect against threats for: Police, Emergency Services, Government, Military, Intelligence & Security Services, Private Sector, Large scale sites, Oil & Gas, Cyber, Maritime/Anti-Piracy and Critical National Infrastructure.

A-Z of modern counter terrorism solutions 9000+international attendees 400+ exhibitors 4 conference streams 17 show floor workshops Closed door and secure briefings 200+VIP and International delegations Meet the Buyer Programme Networking Opportunities Brand new show features to protect against current security risks

If you’re involved in security & counter-terrorism then register today to protect against the terrorist threat.

www.counterterrorexpo.com/GBM1 Co-Located with

Lead Media Partner

Supported By

SAMI www.seasecurity.org

Intelligent outsourcing In our era of austerity, the severe pressures on local authorities to maintain key services is less of an ongoing challenge, and more of a permanent predicament.

When statements such as this opening one are trotted out, they are usually accompanied by statistics of ageing populations – as if it’s a disadvantage as opposed to being far outweighed by advantages. But when it comes to the less oft-cited issues, such as increasing private vehicle ownership – with many households keen not just to own one vehicle, but two or more – it can be hard to see the benefits.

That’s why there will always be a need to ensure expert, efficient and reliable management and parking to ensure safety and flow, particularly in built-up areas, which are becoming ever denser with population growth and the house building that needs to take place over the coming decades.

But management of parking doesn’t end with enforcement on the street; it continues into the back-office, processing the PCNs and FPNs to a client’s specific

criteria. As the UK’s largest provider of civil enforcement officers to local authorities, including for the entire NI province, NSL is able to provide an integrated service that it can then pass on, through the benefits of economies of scale offered by its shared service centres in Oldham and Croydon.

Business process outsourcing isn’t just the preserve of large multi-national firms, but is proving itself of major benefit to local authorities too.

FURTHER INFORMATION www.nsl.co.uk

Tele-Traffic: the professionals choice for the digital age Reliability counts for everything when it comes to speed enforcement.

Tele‑Traffic has a proven track record of helping customers achieve the fast, accurate results they require.

Based in Warwickshire, the company supplies state-of-the-art speed enforcement equipment to every police force in the UK, as well as numerous government and corporate organisations.

Tele-Traffic also provides a lease option, ensuring that police forces and government departments with reduced budgets can still access its products without having to buy them outright.

A key products at present is Concept. Fully UK Home Office Type-Approved and utilising the latest Compact Flash technology, the Concept is a customerconfigured speed detection and enforcement system offering

Transport

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

greater flexibility for evidence gathering. The Concept can also be used alongside automatic number plate readers.

Another key product is Ranger - a lightweight mobile speed detection and enforcement system which also uses the latest Compact Flash technology. Fully UK Home Office Type-Approved, Ranger can be tailored to the user’s requirements, ensuring results that are both fast and accurate.

Visit Tele-Traffic on Stand E20 at Traffex 2013 at the NEC, Birmingham, from 16-18 April.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01926 407 272 www.teletrafficuk.com

Wessex Technical’s full Modern and stylish LED based luminares from TRT connector range on show

From the roads that we drive on to the parks that we walk through, the right choice of lighting is paramount.

TRT Lighting is one of seven companies within the FW Thorpe PLC Group, and evolved from parent company Thorlux Lighting. Building on 75 years of experience, TRT designs, manufactures and supplies highly efficient, environmentally friendly performance based LED lighting products and is proud to manufacture its products in the UK. TRT’s selection of modern and stylish LED based luminaires not only ensures that any exterior lighting installation complies with the relevant standards,

but also creates a safe, well lit, crisp white light environment.

The new technologies used in LED lighting solutions bring another dimension to how roads and exterior areas are illuminated. At TRT, its ability to adapt and develop products utilising this emerging technology reinforces its position as one of the industry’s leading technical lighting providers.

Careful planning and design combined with effective personal liaison with key end users, contractors and specifiers provides customers with excellent returns on investment.

FURTHER INFORMATION www.trtlighting.com

WTP will be showing Cool Seal®, Extreme Seal®, Clear Seal® connector ranges, all designed by FTZ Ind, the inventors of Heat Shrink and Cool Seal® connector systems.

Cool Seal® simply requires the wire to be stripped, inserted into the connector and crimped for a moisture resistant crimp joint. Fast and secure, it speeds production times and makes the installer more efficient, improving emergency repairs.

Extreme Seal® is an upgraded traditional heat shrink connector with the addition of an extra anti-abrasion sheath and inner glue layer to aid joint protection, waterproofing and wire insulation support.

Clear Seal® is an improved version of the original heat shrink connector system. The clear tubing allows close inspection of the joint and any cable marking.

Use the approved ratchet crimp tools (with correct wire and

connector sizes) and be sure of meeting EN60352-3, UL 486 and Mil-T-7928 crimp specs.

WTP director Steve Wevill, once a user and abuser of crimp tools and for the last 20 years has worked closely with Pressmaster®, the manufacturers of the original scissors action crimp tools, says “products are chosen because they come from innovative companies who make items that I am happy to put my name to”.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 023 8064 2707 Mob: 07836 57775 www.cool-seal.co.uk

Volume 20.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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HOW WILL YOU EVACUATE SAFELY? If you don’t know the answer then Evac+Chair can supply you with the right solution.

Evac+Chair is a universal evacuation solution for smooth stairway descent during an emergency. Single user operation ensures no heavy lifting or manual handling is required during emergency evacuation procedures.

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Simple & Vital CardiAid Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is designed to make life-saving defibrillation possible for everybody and accessible everywhere!

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Evac+Chair International Ltd ParAid House Weston Lane Birmingham B11 3RS

EVENT PREVIEW

HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELLBEING

Safety & Health Expo, the annual exhibition for the occupational safety and health industry, has support from key industry partners IOSH, ROSPA, and the BSIF, to give visitors authoritative content from the leading voices across the industry In order to deliver a relevant and forward thinking show in 2013, the teams at Safety & Health Expo recently hosted a series of focus groups to find out exactly how the role of today’s health & safety and facilities management professional is evolving. The results found that alongside day-to-day responsibilities the top challenges within health & safety was the safety culture within the workplace and managing employee health and wellbeing.

This research and industry insight has helped to shape the event this year, which returns to Birmingham’s NEC from the 12-14 May 2013. The event these year will not only provide the latest information on products and legislation, industry case studies, seminars from the leading voices from across the sector whilst also offering access to top associations and CPD opportunities, Safety and Health Expo will offer practical solutions for every practitioner that they can take back with them to implement within their workspace.

INDUSTRY SUPPORT Safety and Health Expo is Europe’s leading annual exhibition for the occupational safety and health industry and the only health and safety show to have exclusive support of key industry partners including the Institute of Occupational Safety & Health

(IOSH), the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF).

Safety & Health Expo 2013 will welcome over 300 exhibitors, with everything from fire safety management to environmental control, PPE and training covered. New exhibitors to the show this year include HB Protective Clothing, Rocky Brands and Superior Glove Works alongside returning favourites Draeger

INTERACTIVE SESSIONS The Arco Academy returns with more interactive sessions than ever before; encouraging visitors to take part in live demonstrations and discussions that centre on education through innovation, and the growing role behavioural safety is playing in transforming safety cultures across the globe.

The IOSH Networks Arena will host a series of events focusing on specific IOSH Industry Groups including the IOSH Retail and Distribution Group, IOSH Construction Group and the IOSH Sports Ground and Events Group. Amongst others, these exclusive events will allow both members and non-members of IOSH to meet with other health and safety professionals working within their sector.

Taking one of the sessions, Tim Roberts, head of health and safety at Glastonbury Festival will discuss the issues of maintaining safety at major public events.

Dr Ioannis Toutoungi, health and safety manager for construction at Gatwick Airport will take a session on organisational culture and safety at Gatwick Airport.

Also in the IOSH Arena, Steve Manchester, business group manager for fire safety for BRE Global will look at handling flammable gases, liquids and dusts, and ensuring DSEAR compliance.

The Barbour Directors Club will offer an unmissable opportunity for networking with top tier management working within health and safety, whilst also providing essential, commercially driven debates on the issues faced by leaders across the globe.

Health & Safety

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

WELLBEING The introduction of the Health & Wellbeing Theatre will address issues around boosting productivity within the workplace through a variety of initiatives, including stress management, ergonomics, behavioural safety, equality and diversity. The sessions will cover employer obligations, how to promote health and wellbeing throughout the workplace and the impact this has on the bottom line.

The introduction of the Health & Wellbeing Theatre will address issues around boosting productivity within the workplace through a variety of initiatives, including stress management, ergonomics, behavioural safety, equality and diversity Safety, Portwest Clothing, Scott Safety and ATG Gloves. Safety & Health Expo provides unrivalled opportunities to discover the latest products and services for the industry, take part in informative and interactive educational session whilst networking with peers across three days, making this an essential date in the calendar for the safety and health industry.

With one in ten workers reporting a work-related health problem this is a huge challenge for all employers.

However, combating wwork-related illness and injury doesn’t need to cost your company a fortune, in fact changing the culture within your business could save your organisation a tidy sum. E

Volume 20.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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

Emergency Documentation Provider CWC Services provide a range of innovative documentation systems, we’ve been developing evidentially sound documentation systems to address real needs for over twenty five years. Our systems are used worldwide by hundreds of organisations.

For example, we provide: Æ “Cruciform” Triage system, used throughout the UK and abroad Æ “Cruciform” Patient Evacuation System for hospitals Æ The “Green” Emergency Log Book and other log books, as used

by Fire and Rescue Services, Ambulance Services, The Environment Agency, Hospitals and Local Authorities.

We were very proud to be chosen to provide log books for LOCOG to use during the recent Olympic and Paralympic Games. Visit our website to see the full range of our products and a list of some of our clients.

For further information and enquiries, or to arrange a demonstration of our product range, please contact Carl Wallin on:

Health and Safety Management System Training Train with LRQA to keep pace with the latest legislation and use your skills to improve your management system and stay ahead in today’s competitive environment.

• OHSAS from beginner to expert • OHSAS 18001 Appreciation and Interpretation • New Health & Safety Systems Manager • OHSAS Internal Auditor • OHSAS Management Systems Auditor/Lead Auditor

Call 0800 328 6543 quoting GOV0313 www.lrqa.co.uk/govb LRQA Business Assurance Improving performance, reducing risk

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CWC services www.cwc-services.com

Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance Limited (LRQA) is a subsidiary of Lloyd’s Register Group Limited

WEST MIDLANDS FIRE SERVICE

ACADEMY West Midlands Fire Service has a long history of providing high quality training to businesses throughout the UK.

We are also able to deliver traditional firefighter training, tactical decision making and leadership/management qualifications.

Building on our experience of supplying training to other Emergency Services, we have worked with the private sector for 25 years to provide a wide range of safety training for businesses.

These courses are delivered by West Midlands Fire Service officers with many years of practical experience, and can be delivered at our easily accessible Training Academy near the M5/M6 junction or in house. All courses can be tailored to meet specific organisational needs and selected courses have nationally recognised qualifications.

Our Business Safety training includes • • • • • • • • •

Traditional Fire Safety, Fire Extinguisher and Risk Assessment courses First Aid Training including First Person on the Scene Working at Height/Rope Rescue/Twin Line Access In/near Water Safety Industrial Breathing Apparatus Wearer Training Driver Awareness Confined Space Training Driver Training – all vehicles Hazardous Materials/CBRN

www.wmfs.net

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 20.2

To find out more about training and facilities available from the Academy please email business.enquiries@wmfs.net

or call 0121 380 6620.

© West Midlands Fire Service Marketing 2013 1213•287

EVENT PREVIEW

Health & Safety

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

 So what could you be doing to more effectively tackle the absence and injury culture within your workplace? Confirmed sessions so far include the importance of hand hygiene, managing conflict in the workplace, cognitive behavioural therapy, technology to reduce stress.

Attendees to the 2013 Safety & Health Expo and Facilities Show will also be able to attend both IFSEC International, the largest event for the security industry A DRIVE FOR BETTER HEALTH & SAFETY Also new this year at Safety and Health Expo 2013 is the Business Driver Safety Zone, launching in partnership with Fleet21 and Honda UK. With so much misunderstanding surrounding certain areas of business driver safety and compliance, this new feature promises to be an informative and valuable addition to the show exploring key areas of health and safety legislation, different types of training available and their effectiveness in combating road risk.

Safety and Health Expo 2013 also returns with its most popular features including the SHP Legal Arena will bring together a ‘dream team’ of legal experts including regular SHP columnist Kevin Bridges from Pinsent Masons; Jon Cooper from Bond Pearce; Peter Forshaw of Weightmans; and Ron Reid from Shoosmiths. Joining them will be many other leading solicitors, presenting the most significant health and safety cases and topics, offering vital advice on how to avoid costly workplace incidents and prosecutions.

event for every professional involved in fire protection, prevention and detection. All four shows offer a broad range of information, including the latest products and services plus a host of seminars and presentations from across all sectors. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.safety-health-expo.co.uk

PROTECTION & MANAGEMENT SHOWS Safety & Health Expo is co-located with the Facilities Show, the annual event solely dedicated to one of the fastest growing professions in the UK and Europe. See page 67 for a full preview of the event.

What’s more, attendees to the Safety & Health Expo and Facilities Show will also be able to attend both IFSEC International, the largest event for the security industry that annually brings together the entire security buying chain in one place (see page 15 for the full event preview), and FIREX International, the leading

Volume 20.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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SDW 2013 powers ahead Safety of materials – a top priority at Denios

According to latest industry estimates, approximately 100 countries out of 191 have now implemented electronic Machine Readable Travel Documents (eMRTDs) and more than 420 million e-Passports are now in circulation worldwide.

This rapid adoption of e-Passports and other electronic ID documents has underpinned the stunning growth displayed by the Security Document World (SDW) conference and exhibition, which is now entering its seventh year, and last year managed to attract in excess of 1300 attendees.

SDW 2013 is to be held in Westminster, London, on 21-23 May 2013. More than 90 companies are signed up to exhibit.

NewP@ss is a CATRENE

project under the EU’s Eureka programme. Next-generation passports could be used for hosting dedicated e-service applications of both government (electronic visas) and/or private entities (boarding ticket support, airline services, and so on).

Speakers at SDW 2013 will explain how these new e-Passport technologies are expected to be introduced from 2015 to 2020 and represent a complete paradigm shift.

FURTHER INFORMATION www.sdw2013.com

SwallowEMP: dedicated to supplying disability and evacuation products SwallowEMP is a company dedicated to supplying disability and evacuation products.

It offers a range of products to give its clients a choice so they can offer the best solutions for less mobile people, who can’t manage stairs. All too often people aren’t aware that there are alternatives to downward only chairs where people have to transfer from their wheelchairs or be left in refuge areas.

SwallowEMP works with other design and manufacturing companies to provide the best solution as customer satisfaction is paramount.

The advantage of its powered products is that they can also be used in the event of lift breakdowns, reducing delays for less mobile people waiting for lifts to be repaired, giving movement up and down stairs.

SwallowEMP offers one

downward manual chair which is in a brake position until operated and the remainder of its range is powered, giving upward and downward travel and substantially reducing manual handling issues. All have inbuilt safety features and one-person operation.

SwallowEMP is also UK distributer for a goods Stairclimber range up to 600kg.

Have the correct product for the person – it is available.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0121 366 9275 Tel: 0121 444 3690 www.swallowemp.com info@swallowemp.com

DENIOS UK designs, manufactures and supplies the most comprehensive range of products relating to all aspects of hazardous materials storage, environmental protection and health and safety at work.

DENIOS offers the largest product range available on the market, combined with professional advice and real value for money. The extensive catalogue includes indoor and outdoor storage solutions for hazardous materials, cabinets for heating, melting and cooling substances, storing and handling gas cylinders, equipment for the safe handling of hazardous materials, DENSORB sorbents for premium spillage protection and work safety equipment.

For the past 26 years, DENIOS has helped organisations both large and small in the protection of the environment and minimising risks with hazardous substances. Thanks

Health & Safety

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

to its extensive knowledge and experience, DENIOS UK is able to produce standard solutions which can be adapted to specific applications, or create bespoke solutions tailored to exact job requirements whilst respecting UK regulations.

Customer satisfaction is forever a priority, and DENIOS UK proves itself as a reliable partner offering excellent benefits such as highest product quality, a fast delivery service and competent support.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01952 822241 sales@denios.co.uk www.denios.co.uk

Fire and Rescue training in the West Midlands The Training Academy at West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is a leading provider of fire & rescue training, fire safety training and specialist rescue training.

It delivers accredited training to FRS’s, emergency services and other agencies, commerce and industry. All training can be tailored to meet specific organisational needs.

The Academy’s operational skills training team deliver the most current methods of training and assessment in First Aid/Trauma Training, First Person on the Scene (FPOS), Water Rescue/Boat Training, Rope Rescue Training (accredited by LANTRA), Driver Training (including specialist vehicle driving instruction) and Initial Firefighter Training (including Industrial fire fighting).

For over 25 years WMFS has been working together with companies assisting them in satisfying fire health and safety

training needs and meeting legal requirements. The Business Educational Safety Team offers a range of IFE approved courses delivered by highly qualified subject matter experts with extensive fire service backgrounds and teaching qualifications.

Nationally recognised qualifications such as ILM level 3 Award in leadership and management are also offered.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0121 380 6620 business.enquiries@wmfs.net www.wmfs.net/content/ business-training

Volume 20.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 20.2

EVENT PREVIEW

ARE YOU TASKED WITH FACILITIES MANAGEMENT?

The Facilities Show will help FM practitioners keep up to date with the latest legislation, issues and challenges in the industry Facilities Show 2013 is the annual event solely dedicated to one of the fastest growing professions in the UK and Europe.

As the facilities management role evolves, keeping up to date with the latest legislation, issues and challenges across a range of disciplines is essential for every practitioner.

Held in association with the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM), Facilities Show 2013 will build on the phenomenal growth from the 2012 show which saw an increase of 26.8 per cent in visitor numbers and a 24.1 per cent increase in exhibitors.

As a visitor the show, you’ll be able to discover the latest and most innovative FM products and services showcased by an extensive range of UK and international suppliers.

Visitors will remain fully informed on the most critical issues facing today’s FM professional through the free to attend, fully comprehensive education programme encompassing four themed theatres.

The event will ensure that you stay up to date with changing legislation in the Energy Management and Facilities Show Theatres,

and you will also be able to advance your career by attending CPD accredited seminar sessions focusing on professional skills.

Visitors will be able to participate in the event’s brand-new networking programme

phones and tablets by the end of April.

The app will allow you to plan your visit in advance, schedule in preferred seminar sessions, and network with other visitors and book meetings with exhibitors in advance.

The Facilities Show Theatre will once again host leading industry speakers who will address the key issues on the FM agenda.

Across the three days experts from a plethora of key associations and professional bodies including BIFM, RICS and the FMA will host lively and interactive sessions. One session that is sure to be popular is the unique panel debate chaired by Liz Kentish the Deputy Chairman of BIFM, between the Facilities Managers from Premier League Clubs Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool and Stoke City.

Facilities Management

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

BIFM CPD THEATRE The BIFM CPD Theatre returns and will host members of the BIFM Approved CPD Provider

Facilities Show 2013 will this year address the most pressing issues around driving down energy costs, efficiency strategies and engaging the workforce within its dedicated educational Energy Management Theatre with like-minded FM professionals from all levels of responsibility, as well as meet with all the major industry bodies including BIFM, FMA, RICS, CIWM, Carbon Trust & The Energy Institute.

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT For the first time this year there will be an ‘app’ available for download on all smart

Network to run sessions throughout each day of the show, delivering high quality independently assessed CPD content that will help promote continued learning and development for FM practitioners.

This year a lunchtime debate will take place led by the mini FM Leaders Forum, a new initiative launched by BIFM that will focus on thought leadership. E

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Butler & Young Lift Consultants Ltd LIFT AND ESCALATOR CONSULTANCY

Whitaker Services are the UK’s leading textile, soft-furnishing and furniture manufacturer supplying into the Ministry of Defence, Fire Service, Social Housing, Contract, and Healthcare Sectors.

We have been specialising in flame retardant fabrics since 1983 and have extensive experience in the manufacture and supply of: • Curtains • Bed and Bath Linens • Duvets, Pillows & Blankets • Furniture

Whatever your lift or escalator needs, contact: Butler & Young Lift Consultants Ltd

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 20.2

Whitaker Services Darwen House Walker Park Blackburn BB12QE Tel: 0845 1948664 www.whitakerservices.co.uk sales@whitakerservices.co.uk

EVENT PREVIEW  Gareth Tancred, BIFM chief executive officer, explains: “BIFM are very much looking forward to Facilities Show in May 2013.

For the second year running, the BIFM CPD Theatre will provide three days of quality educational sessions to help with continued learning for any FM practitioner and the BIFM stand C100 can help answer any queries around membership or qualifications. We will also be taking part and facilitating many educational and networking sessions that will take place across the three days. Facilities Show is set to have another great year in 2013 and we are delighted to be working in association with this industry critical event.”

ENERGY MANAGEMENT ZONE With UK energy regulator Ofgem reporting at the end of 2012 in its first annual Electricity Capacity Assessment that Britain risks running out of its energy capacity margin in the winter of 2015-16, the need for strategic energy efficiency plan has never been more apparent for businesses. Facilities Show 2013 will this year address the most pressing issues around driving down energy costs, efficiency strategies and engaging the workforce within its dedicated educational Energy Management Theatre. The Theatre will address the needs for FM practitioners within the fields of sustainability, renewable, environment and energy consumption.

The programme will showcase how to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs without compromising on quality, plus there will be a special focus on legislative changes that will affect the facilities manager. With contributors from Carbon Trust, BRE, UK Dept of Energy and Climate Change, Greenpeace, The Oxford Institute for Energy Studies and many more, this free to attend theatre will once again be a focal point of the show.

Within the theatre, there will be a session on optimising building energy performance.

Lead by Ian Ellis, President, Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA), he will discuss why energy management in buildings is vitally important, current legislation and incentives, the basics of successful energy management, and case studies.

Chris Coggins, independent resource management consultant, will take a session on waste as an energy resource. He will highlight why waste needs to be seen as an energy resource with the ability to help fill the energy gap and meet the 2020 commitments?

The session will also cover how energy from waste plays a key role in integrated and sustainable resource management, and why recovering the value of waste to provide electricity and heat is an easy, valuable and more environmentally sound solution than recycling or landfilling.

The Energy Management Zone will also host the Great Energy Discussion on the best ways to achieve energy efficiency now and in the Future.

The Networking Hub, which made

its debut at last year’s FM Event, will launch at Facilities Show 2013. The area will host breakfast, lunch and afternoon briefings on each day of the show for a select group of high-level delegates.

SERVICE MANAGEMENT EXPO Also new in 2013, Service Management Expo, Europe’s only dedicated event for the field service market and a must attend for professionals working across service management, logistics, fleet management, facilities, operations, finance and IT will form an integral part of UBM Live’s Facilities Show.

One of the sessions will examine how mobile apps are increasing efficiencies in

Facilities Management

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

Over 350 exhibitors are expected this year, with the very best from waste management, energy solutions, winter maintenance and environmental services, to office management, fire solutions and managed services all in attendance. New exhibitors at the show this year include MITIE Group, Credo NOBO and Miko Coffee. The Facilities Show is seen as a premium industry event for conducting business, discovering the latest products and networking.

CO-LOCATED EVENTS The Facilities Show is also co-located with Safety & Health Expo, the leading event for occupational health and

Last year’s launch of the Facilities Management Association village proved to be a huge draw and it returns for 2013. Experts will be present to discuss with FMs their individual strategies. Over 350 exhibitors are also expected field service operations. When it comes to supporting customers, it makes sense for service organisations to be available on the one channel customers always carry with them. Lee Dobbins, general manager, Balfour Beatty Workplace will look at how integrating mobile apps and self-service technology to streamline contact management and helpdesk operations has helped Balfour Beatty Workplace reduce IT costs.

The launch last year of the Facilities Management Association (FMA) Village proved to be a huge draw for visitors and this will return for a second year. Experts from VINCI Facilities, HSS Hire, Norland Managed Services and Nationwide Platforms, amongst others, will be present to discuss with FMs their individual strategies.

safety professionals. See page 51 for a full preview of the show. What’s more, visitors will be able to attend both IFSEC International, the largest event for the security industry that annually brings together the entire security buying chain in one place (see page 17 for the full preview), and FIREX International, the leading event for every professional involved in fire protection, prevention and detection. All four shows form the 2013 Protection & Management Week and offer a broad range of information, including the latest products and services plus a host of seminars and presentations from across all sectors. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.facilitiesshow.com

Volume 20.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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

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Swallow Evacuation & Mobility Products Ltd SwallowEMP Ltd is a company dedicated to supplying accessibility and evacuation products.

We offer a range of products powered and non-powered offering the best choices and solutions. People don’t have to transfer from their wheelchairs or be left in refuge areas.

Deliberately different bird & pest control

Powered products can also be used in the event of lift breakdowns or while lifts are repaired. All have inbuilt safety features and one-person operation. We are also UK distributor for a goods Stairclimber range up to 600kg.

We have the correct product for the person – it’s available!

Visit us at stand 2C18, Hall 2

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 20.2

www.swallowemp.com 0121 366 9275 info@swallowemp.com

Talk to the experts in the lift and escalator industry

Easy Innovations showcase new products

Butler & Young Lift Consultants provides consultancy on matters relating to lifts and escalators.

The company’s timeserved lift engineers have experience associated with all facets of the lift industry.

Butler & Young Lift Consultants specialises in the refurbishment, restoration and replacement of existing lifts and escalators.

These may be undertaken as complete ‘turnkey’ projects incorporating building, electrical and other associated works.

The company has designed and managed schemes within the new build sector and Grade 1 listed buildings.

It has also undertake general condition and compliance reports, feasibility studies, performance and specification studies, plus the preparation and administration of maintenance contracts.

Butler & Young Lift Consultants provides due diligence and dilapidation surveys supported by comprehensive options reports.

It is the policy of the company

Established in 2001, Easy Innovations specialises in the design, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of exciting & innovative products.

Each has been carefully chosen to create a high-quality product portfolio – designed to make property improvement and maintenance tasks easier.

The company’s flagship product – the Hedgehog Gutter Brush, has won several prestigious awards and continues to create a buzz amongst both facilities managers and consumers.

Hedgehog Gutter Brush is an innovative, cost-effective device designed to preserve the structure of commercial and domestic properties and reduce gutter maintenance costs by up to 90 per cent.

Hedgehog works by preventing debris from entering the

to provide only professional services of a quality that will merit and earn client satisfaction by performing all functions reliably and effectively. The nature of its activities places particular emphasis and demands on the experience and expertise of the staff employed. High levels of responsibility and reliability are associated with all aspects of the company’s work and a commitment to continual professional development and training exists to ensure that all staff are suitably qualified and equipped to meet these requirements.

gutter, while allowing rainfall to flow freely through gutters eliminating blocked rain systems and overflowing gutters.

Virtually indestructible, it requires no maintenance and will keep gutters clear year on year, representing huge cost savings for facilities managers.

The company will also showcase the new EASYXIT escape ladder for the first time in the UK. This fold-out fire escape ladder enables quick and safe evacuation from upper floors in the case of fire or emergency.

The company will also demonstrate two other fantastic new products; the innovative Quick Dam Sandless Sandbags and the EasyClean Glove.

Facilities Management

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

FURTHER INFORMATION www.easyinnovations.co.uk Tel: 01227 712833

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01883 346448 info@bylcl.co.uk www.bylcl.co.uk

React – extreme cleaning Underfloor heating React is the extreme cleaning company that goes beyond the everyday to tackle cleaning problems that non-specialists just can’t cope with. From police forces to prisons, railways to highways, public spaces to private hospitals, React goes beyond cleaning.

You name it, React has probably dealt with it, and has the knowledge and skill sets that enable the company to deal with any problem no matter how unusual or challenging. The company offers industry-leading deep cleaning and decontamination to ISO9001:2000 and ISO14001 standards, tackling a huge range of cleaning challenges often in difficult locations or sensitive circumstances.

React’s carefully selected technicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are fully trained and equipped, security cleared, immunised against infection and supported by £15 million insurance cover. The company uses the latest cleaning technology, and

with 30 per cent energy efficient savings

constantly searches for new and innovative solutions to extreme cleaning challenges.

In addition to its Quality Management System BS-ENISO 9001:2008 accreditation, React’s own Risk Assessments and Methodology Statements feature ISO 14001 accreditation for Environmental Management.

The company is also a licensed waste carrier with a completely traceable disposal system.

React provides efficient and cost effective solutions - an important factor when Facilities Management services always have to operate within tight budgets.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01283 550503 www.autoclenz.co.uk

Flowcrete’s GREEN Floorzone is one of the most sustainable and complete flooring solutions available from a single manufacturer.

A single-source, singlewarranty floor build-up programme, the system features a number of sustainable flooring options including choices in resin floor finish and self-levelling screed, as well as an energysaving underfloor heating system and noise reducing acoustic layer.

All seamless resin floor finishes are supported by Flowcrete’s market-leading and newly enhanced Isocrete Floor Screeds range, which have been given a green makeover with a new formulation free from Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), and manufactured from a high percentage of recycled raw materials.

An optional element of the GREEN Floorzone involves the Isowarm underfloor

heating system, which offers energy efficient savings of up to 30 per cent compared to conventional heating systems.

Another optional feature, which represents the first stage of the floorzone build-up, is Isocrete Acoustic Foam, which reduces sound transfer between floors.

The services of Flowcrete’s internal project management division can also be implemented, to ensure the flooring installation is completed to the highest standards, on time and on budget.

FURTHER INFORMATION www.flowcrete.co.uk

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Facilities Management

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

Portable and practical Smithlight from IPLS

Effective key and asset tracking from Keytracker

IPLS is a supplier of high quality, cost effective and durable lighting solutions for emergency, industrial, mining and recreational applications.

It’s range of Smithlight lighting systems are the number one choice for portable area lighting in the most demanding of conditions. The range of products offers unparalleled levels of robustness and portability, regardless of the environment.

Utilising the latest in LED technology the Smithlight is built with three main objectives in mind: quality, reliability and value.

Constructed from automotive grade aluminium and polycarbonate with an IP65 rating and resistance to both UV and salt water. The range is the also a preferred choice for emergency or remote location lighting. It features a flash setting which when combined with coloured lenses enables the units to be

Keys, tools and equipment can be managed and controlled effectively in your workplace by using one of Keytracker systems. Proven to drastically reduce unnecessary expenditure and improve staff utilisation of keys and valuable equipment.

How many times a day do you hear questions like “who’s got the keys for...?” or “who was driving the...?”

Keytracker is your one stop shop for probably the biggest range available in the key and asset tracking market.

Whether it’s budget, security, time management or purely organisational requirements Keytracker will be able to help.

The range includes coloured peg-in-peg-out key systems, which are the most cost effective solution available

used as a hazard or way marker.

Offering instant area lighting whenever it is required, the portable and practical Smithlight can be charged from AC, DC or Solar Panel and has a battery life of up to 48 hours field use between charges. Manual handling is reduced and there is no need for fuel or generators, which significantly reduces costs and helps contribute to environmental targets.

With a choice of five different rechargeable models including an EX rated model for explosive environments, IPLS is sure to have a model to suit your needs.

from just 10p per key per week; additional secure cabinet options are available.

Keytracker also has simple virtual key board or bar code versions.

The range also includes electronic key cabinets with locking or no-locking versions, with an abundance of optional features available including alcometers or armour-plated cabinet doors. iLockerz are unique stand alone RFID locker systems, designed, manufactured and supported in the UK. Keytracker Ltd was established in 1996. Based in the West Midlands, the company is accredited with ISO 9001 and IIP. FURTHER INFORMATION www.keytracker.co.uk

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0844 858 6302 sales@ipls.org.uk www.ipls.org.uk

Whitaker’s textile and NBC – pest control soft furnishing expertise services with a difference Whitaker Services is one of the UK’s and leading textile, soft-furnishing and furniture manufacturers and suppliers in to the public sector, contract, social housing and healthcare sectors. Customers include MoD, HM Prisons, fire services, local authorities, care homes, social housing schemes and universities Whitaker’s global manufacturing and sourcing capabilities and in-depth knowledge of user requirements means it can provide the most suitable and cost-effective options for any scheme, no matter where they are. It enjoys close working relationships with highly skilled UK craftsmen to ensure a full

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product can be tailor made to the clients’ exact requirements without compromise.

Whitaker has been specialising in flame retardant fabrics since 1983 and has extensive experience in the manufacture and supply of all textiles - be it curtains/blinds, soft-furnishings, filled product or linens. Contact the company for bed and bath linens, duvets, pillows & blankets, furniture, flooring, artwork/accessories and space planning/interior design.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0845 194 8664 sales@whitakerservices.co.uk www.whitakerservices.co.uk

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 20.2

Is your supplier providing a legal, ethical service pest control service and giving you value? asks NBC Bird & Pest Solutions, a leading wildlife management service provider in the UK. Not your usual bird and pest control company, NBC works with customers to explore humane and ethical methods of pest control and prevention before lethal action is taken. This ensures that the customer’s conscience is clear and removes any negative impact of pest control on non target wildlife and the environment.

As well as delivering an expert, ethical and cost effective

service NBC also adopts a ‘pay it forward’ approach - the company works in partnership with customers, organisations and communities to provide value beyond its pest, bird and wildlife management services.

To find out more about how NBC Bird & Pest Solutions can deliver more than the standard pest control company visit stand 2C18 at the Facilities Show on 14 – 16 May 2013 at the NEC Birmingham.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0800 169 9646 www.nbcbirdandpest.co.uk

Quality Counts

ACCREDITED VENUES

TRUST IN YOUR VENUE

Conferences & Events

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

When the responsibility of organising a conference or event falls upon your shoulders, a clear strategy for choosing the most important component – the venue – is critical to event success

Written by the Meetings Industry Association

The process of choosing a venue can be arduous and risky; there’s a plethora of venue choice in every corner of the country, and in these difficult times, each will be hungry for your business. However, not all venues can handle your event requirements though, not to mention those of your procurement policy and not all will tell you that upfront.

Worst case scenario, you could find out you chose the wrong venue when it’s too late; the venue is incapable of performing the way you expected and the event is failing. Best case, you waste time researching numerous venues only to discover most aren’t up to scratch. Fear not, there is a solution.

REDUCING VENUE RISK The trouble is, any organisation with some spare space can create additional revenue by offering meeting facilities. Generally, this is good, as it adds choice and means there are some truly fascinating and interesting venues available, but if the process of being a venue is not approached properly, there is a very real risk that problems can occur.

Anything from health and safety failings, to poor lighting to inadequate access or a fondness for adding additional or ‘hidden’ costs can step in your way and trip up even the most experienced event organiser. This inherent risk involved in choosing a venue is why the meetings industry association, seeking to protect the interests of conference and meetings organisers, and raise standards within its own industry, encourages venues to achieve AIM, the accreditation in meetings that guarantees a venue is proficient, meets most procurement policy’s requirements and is trustworthy. When you face the chopping block of meeting organisation, AIM can save you time and help you keep your head.

STAMP OF APPROVAL AIM works as an assurance of excellence for event buyers in the same way that AA rosettes do for hotel standards. The accreditation was developed by industry professionals after much consultation with stakeholders across all sectors of the industry, so it ticks the procurement boxes, and performs the dual effect of also encouraging venues to raise standards. Two very good reasons why conference and meeting organisers in all areas of the public sector can benefit from demanding AIM when booking an event.

Amy Clear, conference and events manager for the Boarding School Association comments, “We always have to check that the venues we use are properly managed and now we know

about AIM, we find it really helpful as it does the job for us.”

nment properties. The result of r e v o G t a this – AIM venues attracts h t s r buyers, buyers attract AIM buye IM are A e venues – virtuous circle is t k a e g e a s p o r more venues beginning the p g to itation n i process of achieving AIM and p l e h ed r c more buyers relying on it. c g a n an rovi p m i s A WIN-WIN FOR PUBLIC that i dards in SECTOR BUYERS stan UK It is in the interest of buyers to the

SPENDING BUDGETS WISELY AIM is beneficial to both buyers and the venues that achieve it. For good reason, ‘adding value’ has become a modern business cliché and through AIM, venues have found a way to make life easier for their clients, while giving them a reason to feel instant trust in the facilities they offer and the services they deliver. On the flipside, buyers have learned that at AIM venues they can feel confident their budget, which these days is most likely reduced and under further threat of reduction, is being spent wisely; as a result, more and more are insisting on AIM.

BIG BRAND ATTRACTION The potential that AIM offers independent venues as they compete to attract buyers and offer them reassurances is substantial. Yet, it is not only these independents that choose to develop their brand and product offering under the AIM banner. Long established, big brand hotel and venue groups such as InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG), Jurys Inn, CCT Venues and Park Plaza have bought in to the AIM vision and now have either all or a large section of their UK and Ireland properties promoting achievement of the accreditation.

More recently, other groups have begun the process of spreading AIM across their

seek to place their event spend with AIM venues, especially those in the public sector, as not only does it offer the benefits covered earlier in this article, but it also rewards a business that is committing to complying with legislation and industry benchmarked best practice, raising the standards of venues across entire regions and throughout the UK. Government buyers that seek AIM are rewarding responsible business practice and helping to propagate an accreditation that is improving standards in the UK. Conference, meetings and events is big business; its international business and offers much value to the British economy.

It is regularly stated by the Business Visits and Events Partnership (BVEP) that the industry is worth £36 billion to the economy and it can attract billions more in international trade. Because AIM raises standards it raises the opportunities for venues to compete in this lucrative overseas event market, attracting big spending clients and their big spending delegates to our country. Public sector buyers can support this simply by supporting AIM. E

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meet. learn. relax. enjoy.

ACCREDITED VENUES  VISIT ENGLAND’S AIM STRATEGY Professional event organisers are not alone in their enthusiasm for AIM. VisitEngland’s chief executive, James Berresford, who, recognising the importance of business tourism to the UK economy and job creation, is seeking to ensure all English meetings and event facilities, products and services continue to meet market demands.

In his strategy document, ‘VisitEngland’s Business Tourism Action Plan’, Berresford cited the growth of AIM as an important element of his strategy, and is working with the ‘mia Destinations Group’, in order to further the growth of the accreditation scheme.

Along with VisitEngland, AIM is widely endorsed by the UK’s other major tourism bodies, including Visit Wales, MPI UK & Ireland, ABPCO (Association of British Professional Conference Organisers) and 29 of the country’s regional destinations.

Gary Payne, chairman of the mia, the trade association that administers AIM, comments: “Public sector buyers wield the power to make a difference and we are encouraged by the response from government event organisers, who have certainly taken note of the potential offered by AIM. The message we bring to buyers is one of improved standards, better working conditions, increased corporate responsibility and widespread international viability.

It’s the opportunity to achieve value for money while protecting jobs and attracting investment. There really is no reason for public sector buyers not to seek AIM and furthermore, with the advanced venue search technology available on the AIM website, we can now ensure finding the perfect AIM venue is simple.” L FURTHER INFORMATION To ensure event organisers can easily find AIM venues that have all the facilities and services they need for their event, a free to use venue search and automated enquiry tool is available online at www.aimaccredited.co.uk

The Lensbury – a venue favoured for local government meetings The Lensbury is a 4 star hotel and conference centre located on the banks of the Thames at Teddington in South West London. Situated in 25 acres of landscaped grounds, the venue offers peace and tranquillity as well as an efficient business environment in its modern conference centre.

With 30 contemporary meeting spaces for up to 250 delegates and value for money rates, The Lensbury is well appointed with the latest audio visual equipment, free WiFi and technical expertise making it an ideal venue for your business meeting, conference or training session. There is free parking for more than 200 cars and a complimentary shuttle service to and from Teddington Station for any delegates arriving by train.

As well as its 171 recently refurbished bedrooms, The

Lensbury offers its residents free use of the extensive leisure facilities including a 25m indoor pool, tennis courts, gym and water sports centre. Add to that the spa, sports bar, terrace restaurant and choice of private dining rooms and you have the ingredients for a perfect event.

The Lensbury can even offer a selection of teambuilding activities.

FURTHER INFORMATION 020 8614 6500 conferences@lensbury.com www.lensbury.com

The virtues of AIM You may have seen venues boasting one of the three AIM standards, Entry, Silver and Gold, but do you know what it means? AIM means you can feel confident the venue has provided tangible evidence that it commits to a stringent set of industry best practice principles, is fully compliant with legislation relating to its business practices and demonstrates a clear understanding of corporate events.

AIM means you can quickly find venues you can instantly trust.

Choosing an AIM venue, is choosing a venue that has committed to doing business better, it’s protecting your budget and provides a major boost to ensuring your event is a success.

Venues that have achieved AIM deliver value for money. With transparent pricing and billing, efficient operations and commitment to best practice codes of conduct, AIM venues deliver quality at a benchmarked price. Choosing an AIM venue saves time as it ticks all of your procurement boxes so you don’t have to worry. It also removes risks as you can rest assured your meeting is being managed by experienced event professionals. Only venues with high standards can achieve AIM and each is encouraged to seek continuous improvement.

What’s more, AIM venues offer better service as compliance with AIM helps ensure it exceeds expectations

Conferences & Events

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

AIM Higher Along with the standard Entry level of AIM, there are two ‘Higher’ levels, Silver and Gold, demonstrating compliance with a more stringent set of criteria. Venues wishing to ‘AIM Higher’ complete a ten section self-assessment, produce a portfolio of evidence in support of their application and receive a visit from an independent assessor who determines whether the venue is worthy of the accreditation and whether AIM Silver or AIM Gold should be awarded.

The Meetings Industry Association promotes the very highest standards and our members have all achieved accreditation with AIM. For further information visit www.mia-uk.org

Excelling as a conference venue for over 30 years

Opened as a purpose-built conference centre in support of academic vocation, Robinson College Cambridge has been exceeding expectations as a conference venue for over 30 years.

Delivering clients’ event objectives are of utmost importance. The centre is a Silver level AIM accredited venue, and offers year-round residential conference facilities and central location with easy access and parking. An extensive choice of event support services and delegate management tools are available, with clients being looked after by experienced event managers, with IT & audio visual support on site, a complimentary fast wireless broadband connection

and social media options.

The venue has a reputation for outstanding and imaginative food, great service and value for money. ‘Early Bird’ and ‘Try Before you Buy’ offers are available. To arrange a site visit, call 01223 332859.

FURTHER INFORMATION Robinson College Grange Road Cambridge CB3 9AN Tel: 01223 332859 conference@robinson. cam.ac.uk www.robinson.cam. ac.uk/conferences

Volume 20.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Conferences & Events

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MEET WITH A CLEAN MIND You’ve chosen a venue with green credentials, but what next? Jon Proctor, technical director of Green Tourism, gives some tips on how to green your meeting, conference, or event As the success of the Olympics has left lasting legacy on the sport industry, so the meetings and events industry is looking to develop a positive legacy for the future of meetings. Large events now have ISO 20121 to help them bring sustainability to their supply chains and event planning.

This is great for regular events particularly if they are held at he same venues as they can demonstrate continuous improvement

to gain a certification. For example, in Canada the Vancouver Convention Centre was built along sustainability themes and gained a Platinum LEED certification for its design and build. In the UK the Building Research Establishment operate BREEAM a certification for sustainability used in designs and developments.

In order to assess the management of buildings and businesses, ISO14001 was

In order to assess the management of buildings and businesses, ISO14001 was created many years ago, and the Green Tourism certification operated by Green Business UK covers the hospitality sector specifically with three award levels: bronze, silver, and gold compared to previous events.However, many events and meetings may be one off activities or may be hosted in a range of different building types and locations.

Therefore a more holistic approach is also required. Sustainable venues can seek

created many years ago and the Green Tourism certification operated by Green Business UK covers the hospitality sector specifically with three award levels, bronze, silver, and gold. This certification is updated every four years and is now operating version

four. The award covers the management of the business (and its products and services), awareness of staff and the achievements in minimising the footprint of the building.

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 150 different criteria – everything from the kind of fish on the menu to proficiency at waste management and the control of heating and cooling.

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

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

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 20.2

GREEN CONFERENCING

The Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre (SECC) holds a Gold Star Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme

 BUILDINGS OLD AND NEW “The first rule we operate under is that any building can be classified as sustainable (provided it operates best practice in management and resource use issues),” said Jon Proctor, technical director of Green Tourism “This means that historical houses and venues can tackle sustainability just as well as new build developments.”

In fact as evidenced through Green Tourism assessments a number of new developments have significantly larger carbon footprints than historical properties.

Thermal imaging surveys carried out on historical properties show that historical shutters massively reduce heat losses and together with good temperature and humidity control can be extremely effective in helping a historic venue have a very low energy demand, much lower than many new builds with double or triple glazing.

Proctor continued: “We find the best benchmark for focusing on improvement is to look at your history. A significant number of the hotel brands we deal with have annual targets of five per cent reductions in energy and water. This may not seem to be a high objective but if all of us in the UK did this from 2012 to 2020 we would be on target with a 40 per cent reduction in carbon and what with the efforts of the energy supply industry would easily meet the government’s tough objectives on climate change.”

leading GOLD award winners, Venus Beach Café, they also hold a prestigious Queens award for sustainable development but couldn’t think of a simple message to inspire their visitors. I remember asking them why a Devon business was called Venus. After a moment or two the owner said: “I used to come to this beach as a child and really it’s because we love the beach.” They went on to use this as their strapline and have been instrumental in establishing concepts such as visitor payback and the South Hams Food and Drink Association.”

Finally another tip is to build from the foundations. Can a meeting be sustainable in a non sustainable building? “Personally I think not,” explains Procter. “To me the two things are inextricably linked and part of the reason we established Green Tourism in the first place.

Hospitality is not only a major economic driver, it is part of the lifeblood of a successful economy and lifestyle. Humanity and sustainability are not defined by what we take but by what we give and altruism works as well in the economic world as in the ecological one. I think this is the great lesson from this present recession and there is plenty of evidence that good supplier relations are key to progress in the 21st century.

What we have to do now is to drive them towards ever more sustainable solutions.”

“When people buy into events and venues it’s because of the stories they can share or become a part of whether a concert, a conference or a board meeting. There are some simple practical actions which any venue can adopt to green its meeting however we would warn businesses about over-spinning their actions or plans as these can be very damaging, hence the real value in getting a third party assessment.

ical Histor ers shutt t loss. hea reduceemperature l o t Good midity contrn i and hu e effective can b giving gy r ener e w o l a d deman

SHARE THE STORY Getting the message across is vital. Proctor explains: “We need to share our objectives in an engaging manner. We deal with many wonderful properties (over 2,400) and they often miss the opportunity to engage with the customer as well as they could. Having recently returned from British Colombia where we are rolling out Green Tourism Canada we noticed how much better North Americans are at telling their story.

Somehow we in the UK are reticent about saying why we care and how much we are or would like to achieve. Some businesses hide behind a rather dry policy rather than positively engage with their customers.”

“One example I can give is one of our

STEPS TO A GREENER MEETING To finish, here are some of the top tips to green any meeting.

Help people plan their travel to and from the destination. Help with car or taxi sharing, promote public transport options and consider the value of a minibus pick up.

Local or home bottled or iced tap water linked to a donation to a good cause (such as water aid). This not only should reduce costs compared to bottled waters but the saving can be donated helping all to realise access to clean drinking water should not be taken for granted.

Seasonal produce. Choosing a seasonal menu helps ensure local items are supported why not consider something which is a taste of the region. This provides a sense of place and a positive impression for future bookings.

Seasonal food is often less expensive than non-seasonal food imported from abroad.

Be efficient. Consider the venues facilities and see how your event can be more efficient such as switching off certain lighting or appliances. Having a cold buffet/ break. Install sensors or timers and avoid over heating or cooling spaces.

Reduce waste. Avoid excessive merchandise such as bags and give away items. Consider the embodied energy of some materials such as USB keys. Establish a zero waste to landfill policy for the event with waste contractors.

Minimise carbon. Find out how much energy will be used for the event and minimise it. Convert the kWh into carbon and support a project which will absorb these emissions (such as tree planting or a social energy programme).

Support biodiversity. After climate change this is the most pressing environmental challenge. Why not have a mascot for the event, sponsor an endangered species at the local zoo or aquarium or support a wildlife charity, plant a native memorial tree in the grounds.

And don’t forget to tell your story. Ensure there are a few minutes to explain to delegates what is going on both front of house and behind the scenes. Be simple and fair and don’t over spin your plans or achievements. A simple story told well will create a lasting memory which will ensure your meetings contain a unique selling point. One which will help us all succeed through challenging times. L

Conferences & Events

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

FURTHER INFORMATION www.green-business.co.uk

Top tips to green your event Help people plan their travel to and from the destination using the greenest method Serve local or home-bottled or iced tap water linked to a good donation cause Choose a seasonal menu to help ensure local farmers are supported and travel miles are kept down Consider the venue’s facilities and switch off lights, heating or applicances that are not needed Reduce waste. Avoid excessive merchandise such as bags and give away items Find out how much energy will be used for the event and minimise it.

Convert the kWh into carbon and consider supporting a project which will absorb carbon emissions from the event, such as tree planting Support biodiversity. Have a mascot for the event, sponsor an endangered species, or plant a native memorial tree in the grounds

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Conferences & Events

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

Corporate & Social Events The Crown Moran Hotel is the place to meet for all corporate and social occasions • Preferential bedroom rates • Air conditioned rooms • Event rooms for 2 - 300 people • Daily Delegate packages available from £39 per person • Social event packages available from £28 per person 142-152 Cricklewood Broadway, Cricklewood, London, NW2 3ED Tel: 020 8452 4175 Email: cb.crown@moranhotels.com

A conference venue with 750 acres of nature Once a landed estate, now a university conference centre set within a 750 acre National Nature Reserve. The grounds are silent, but the birdsong is loud. The conference rooms echo with debate, music and laughter, but there are quiet corners for reading and dreaming.

Gregynog is a beautiful historic house location with Grade 1 listed gardens, art collection and antique furniture, which has been renowned for centuries for its hospitality.

It incorporates a ‘music room’ for conferences up to 230, cellar bar and residents lounge, with additional breakout rooms.

An internationally trained chef creates exquisite home cooked food using local ingredients, including our famous afternoon teas and hearty Welsh breakfasts.

Gregynog has a residential capacity of 106 and offers free wireless internet with comprehensive library. It now has

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a mobile phone signal and state of the art audio-visual systems with dedicated conference office staff to assist you.

All of the income generated through conferencing goes towards maintaining this important historic house and estate.

Gregynog is accredited with the Meetings Industry Association, Hospitality Assured (premier status), a Green Tourism Business and Investor in people.

FURTHER INFORMATION www.gregynog.wales.ac.uk

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 20.2

Come and experience the ‘Homerton’ way of conferencing On the outskirts of the historic city centre of Cambridge, Homerton Conference Centre is situated within 25 acres of beautifully tended grounds. As part of Cambridge University the venue provides one of the most flexible meeting venues in the city with meeting rooms available from 10 to 300 delegates.

In addition to this the Conference Centre boasts 530 single en-suite bedrooms available during vacation times and private dining facilities for up to 270 guests making it suitable for small seminars, training events, exhibitions and largescale international conferences.

As well as providing state of the art facilities (including free wireless access throughout) the venue also offers free onsite parking and is a mere 12 minute walk from Cambridge Railway Station. Its location, five minutes drive from the city centre, means delegates have

none of the parking and traffic issues often associated with city centre venues. It also means that there is plenty of space for outdoor activies including BBQs, garden parties, marquee events and team-building making it one of the most versatile conference venues in East Anglia.

The venue’s Silver AIM accreditation ensures event planners and delegates alike can be sure that retaining high standard of service is paramount.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01223 747218 E-mail: conferences@ homerton.cam.ac.uk Web: www.homerton conference.com

The vibrant Bristol Spaces for every Marriott Hotel City Centre occasion at the iconic Wales Millennium Centre Set in the heart of Cardiff Bay with waterside views and an iconic presence, Wales Millennium Centre is home to conferences, exhibitions, meetings, corporate events and private hospitality.

Space here is functional and it’s interesting. Choose from one of its large, open foyers set against the backdrop of the Centre’s iconic inscription wall. Hire a theatre or studio steeped in rich performance history, or take a conference room with a spectacular view and a wealth of possibilities.

You can choose from 15 ergonomically designed areas each offering something special.

From the 1,897-capacity Donald Gordon Theatre to one of the 22-person boardrooms, the Wales Millennium Centre can provide a space to suit your event, budget and expectations.

The Centre’s team of event

planners, technicians and caterers will help select and design your venue, advising on the practicalities and ways of using the very best of what the Centre has to offer and providing choice and the flexibility to do things your way with the aim ti create events that inspire all parties With its world-class facilities and award-winning hospitality, the Centre is the choice for vibrant and inspirational events.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 029 2063 4667 eventsales@wmc.org.uk

If you are looking for bright lights and a vibrant city atmosphere then the Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre is the ideal location. The hotel is situated on the doorstep of Cabot Circus shopping centre home to over 120 stores, bars and restaurants.

Whilst at this luxury modern contemporary hotel why not visit one of the many local attractions Bristol has to offer.

The hotel is Easily located just off of the M32, five minutes drive from Temple Meads train station and 25 minutes from Bristol International Airport.

With over 1,300 sq m of flexible meeting space the hotel holds the largest hotel conference space in the South West. The largest suite holds a maximum capacity of 600 theatre style or 450 banqueting style which makes the ideal venue for large conventions and exhibitions. The hotel has direct loading access to meeting rooms and is equipped with onsite Marriott technical support.

Conferences & Events

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

The Terrace Grill restaurant features a wide selection of international cuisine and fine wines, the Terrace Bar and Coffee Shop offer hot drinks, cakes, pastries and bar snacks in a relaxed setting.

Make the most of your stay and upgrade to one of the executive bedrooms and enjoy full use of the hotel’s executive lounge offering complimentary tea/coffee and snacks throughout the day with alcoholic beverages and canapés served in the evening.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0117 929 4281 www.BristolMarriott CityCentre.co.uk

Newcastle Flooring – 4-star luxury with specialists in healthcare classic seaside elegance Newcastle Flooring Company is a family run business established in 1979. Over the last 30 years, it has been providing its customers with excellent flooring services across the north east of England and further afield.

Newcastle Flooring Company provides a complete service including design, fitting and excellent after sales. The company has undertaken a huge number of commercial, industrial and domestic projects and its experienced and highly trained team provides an efficient and top quality service.

Newcastle Flooring Company specialises in all aspects of flooring within the health care sector - from vinyls and carpets to vinyl wall and ceiling cladding. The company has completed work successfully for all the north east healthcare trusts from design to completion.

It is able to complete works

to timescale and budget and provide an out of hours service with free estimates and advice.

The company prides itself on our personal and honest service leaving no job unfinished and providing customers with the best service possible. This is reflected in the fact that many customers have been with the company for some time, and much of its work comes through word of mouth.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0191 2659673 Fax: 0191 2240091 info@newcastleflooringltd. co.uk www.newcastleflooringltd. co.uk

The Ramada Plaza 4 star luxury hotel in Southport is set in the heart of the town’s glamorous waterfront development. It is also located next to one of the UK’s largest conference centres – the Southport Theatre and Convention Centre.

The Centre’s 133 comfortable and stylish rooms have stunning coastline views, which offer the latest in modern facilities. Free Wi-fi is available throughout the hotel.

Limited car parking is available free of charge on a first come first serve basis for residents only in the Centre’s underground car park.

The Centre also boasts the

Marine Brasserie, a modern fitness suite, five top class meeting rooms all with natural daylight and state of the art conference facilities including the stunning Marine Suite one of Southport most popular banqueting venues catering for up to 220.

The hotel prides itself on outstanding service and attention to detail.

Dedicated staff will ensure you have an unforgettable experience.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01704 516220 www.ramadaplazasouthport. co.uk

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When it comes to choosing which courier company you decide to trust with your Sameday or Overnight deliveries, think – QUALITY and CUSTOMER SERVICE – think POINT TO POINT. Point to Point, 11 Mitre Bridge Industrial Park, Mitre way, London W10 6AU. Telephone: 020 8960 2222. Fax: 020 8960 0956. email: admin@p2pcouriers.com. www.p2pcouriers.com

We’ve been looking after urgent deliveries, vital documents and last minute dispatches for our clients for more than 20 years.

In that time we’ve gone green, given our clients better value and service through new technology and met many thousands of pressing deadlines in London, the UK and all across the globe.

Excel, 188 Westferry Road, London, E14 3RY. Telephone: 020 7536 7178. email: sales@excel.co.uk. www.excel.co.uk

Dedicated couriers collecting from the North East area for Daily/Weekly scheduled and ad hoc deliveries across the UK. Goldstar Couriers, Shibdon Business Park, Cowen Road, Blaydon, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE21 5TX (U.K.) Telephone: 0191 441 9 441. Out of hours: 07957 141 333.

Fax: 0191 441 9 449. email: office@goldstarcouriers.co.uk. www.goldstarcouriers.co.uk

JC Couriers Ltd are specialists in same day courier deliveries throughout the UK. Managing both local and national 24/7.

We are flexible at all times and will make local and national collections at times that suit you.

JC Couriers Ltd, 41 Manasty Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE2 6UP. Telephone: 01733 231111. Fax: 01733 371776. email: info@jccouriers.com. www.jccouriers.com

UK Express Couriers are a professional, Leeds based courier services company specialising in Express, Sameday, Nextday, National and International Courier Deliveries.

We believe in total customer satisfaction through a high quality courier service.

UK Express Couriers Ltd, 59 Chapeltown, Pudsey, Leeds LS28 7RZ. Telephone: 0113 236 3000. Fax: 0113 236 3431. email: sales@ukexpress.net. www.ukexpress.net

Scotland’s leading independent courier company.

Telephone: 0845 123 1230. email: sales@eaglecouriers.co.uk. www.eaglecouriers.co.uk

National Courier Association brings together 75 respected courier service companies from across the UK The National Courier Association (NCA) was formed in 1988 as a trading association to achieve a number of aims. High on this list was the desire to maintain a Nationwide membership of such quality that each individual Company, no matter how small, could offer customers a reliable Nationwide collection and delivery service to compete with the larger National Companies.

As a body, the NCA keeps abreast of developments within the industry and monitors changes from outside the industry that could affect members. As a collective unit it also has the credibility to make representations to the Government and other outside organisations on behalf of NCA members.

The NCA consists of 75 members, and for administrative purposes the country is split into seven regions: – Scottish, Northern, Midlands, Eastern, South Western, South Eastern and Greater London. Each region has an annually elected area representative who sits on the National Committee.

National Officers consist of an annually elected chairman and vice chairman.

The National Committee appoints three non-elected Executive Officers; these are the president, administrator and Treasurer.

Their role is providing continuity between annual elections whilst the Administrator is also responsible for the day-to-day running

of the Association. The NCA is a democratic organization and it is the wish of its members that to maintain quality membership is restricted to only a certain number of Companies for the various geographical areas.

This normally means that there will be one member for provincial and rural areas, two or three members for the medium sized towns and cities and agreement is reached for the large city areas.

The NCA has a strict code of practice and new members are given a probationary membership for a period of one year with full members receiving ongoing adhoc audits throughout their membership.

Courier Services

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

The NCA prides itself on quality. If you are marketing a nation-wide service, you need to know that you can rely on the Association as a whole.

Maintenance of standards is crucial.

Until it’s closure early in 2012 many of the NCA member Companies were suppliers to the highly regarded Government Car and Despatch Agency, more recently some member Companies are now accredited to the new GPS Courier Services Framework Agreement RM1006. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.thenca.co.uk

After years of being the approved supplier for the West Midlands region to the prestigious Government Mail and Regional Plus contracts, Network Logistics UK Ltd have further proved their reliability and cost effective solutions for secure sameday courier services by securing the contract from Government Procurement Service (GPS) for the ‘Courier Services Framework Agreement’ as the accredited supplier for Sameday in the West Midlands.

Services include, secure same day deliveries to and from all parts of the UK using satellite tracked vehicles, latest traffic alerts, smart uniformed drivers, facility for online booking, instant emailed proof of delivery plus a secure 24-hour monitored warehouse & storage facility.

T - 0845 345 2248 F - 0845 345 2249 E – info@networklogistics.uk.net W - www.networklogistics.uk.net

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

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0116 275 9005 www.servicemaster.co.uk/govb franchises@servicemaster.co.uk

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 20.2

With around 150 Belvoir offices nationwide the network is growing fast and new offices are opening all the time. The strength and reputation of the brand is gathering pace…

You could open your own lettings agency and be part of an award-winning franchise – contact us on 01476 570000 or franchising@belvoirlettings.com

Let. Us do all the work!

Franchising

FRANCHISING

FRANCHISING: THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS

The success rates of franchising and its continued growth through the last few years of economic difficulties are underpinned by it being operated properly – providing the right training, the right support, and the right opportunity for the right people. The British Franchsing Association gives invaluable advice about the recruitment process Franchising is an industry that has come a long way in a short time. Today the franchise business model has been applied across a huge spectrum of businesses; from home-based dog walking, children’s coaching and mobile coffee vans, through to multinational retail businesses and some of the largest global brands.

If, after your research, you have found a franchise (or a few) that you are seriously considering, you then need to make sure that the business is what it says it is. The recruitment process is a valuable stage in gauging this.

Any decent franchisor will have a recruitment process which will allow you to interview the company as much as the company interviews you. It is the process to ensure that both parties fully understand each other and that you are happy with the commitments, systems, support and operations that you are signing up to.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR Quality control: As a franchisee you will be operating under a common brand along with other franchisees. You want to ensure that the others are just as conscientious about the protection and growth of the brand as you are; therefore be wary of any franchise

that doesn’t seem that worried about how suitable you are for the business. If all they want from their franchisees is a pulse and a cheque, walk away fast and don’t look back!

Company background: Every franchisor needs to start somewhere, but they should be honest about what their experience of franchising is.

Ask about length of operation, what difficulties they have faced and how long they ran the business before they franchised it.

The people: You will have a close relationship with the franchisor and their staff – especially in the early days of getting your franchise operational.

You want to be sure that you trust them and can work with them – it will make life a lot easier on both of you in the longer-term.

Recruitment rates: How many franchisees have they recruited in the last 12 months and

There is no ific e-spec , s i h c n a r f lation UK legise sector a th making t and field of s speciali pertise in the legal ex t of general contex ness law busi

how many are they looking to recruit in the next 12 months? What is important is whether you believe that they have the right level of support for the network, now and in the future.

Failure rates: Every network will get failures at some point – unfortunately franchising is not a guarantee. What is important is why franchisees fail. Is it because the market changed; is it because the support wasn’t there; is it because the system doesn’t work; or is it because the franchisee simply didn’t do the work?

FRANCHISEES Operating franchisees in the network are one of the best resources in your research. Speak to as many as possible and get a realistic view of what life is like in the network.

Don’t accept just one handed to you by the franchisor – what’s to say that they aren’t the only successful franchisee? Ask for a full list and try to speak with a successful, middle and less successful franchisee if possible, to get a gauge of the brand and its franchise offering from every standpoint possible.

Their office: Meet the franchisor at the office, which could be anything from a home office to a large corporate HQ. Either way it will help better inform you about the business and whether it matches with what they have told you to date. E

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4811 - Clear Brew 1-2_MM Advert Template 20/12/2012 15:18 Page 1

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

The beer line cleaning professionals THIS IS NOW, THIS IS THE FUTURE, THIS MAKES SENSE • • • • • • • • • •

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 20.2

FRANCHISING  Legal document: You may be asked to sign a non-disclosure document, which is quite common. However, don’t sign it unless you have fully read and understood it. You will also get a Franchise Agreement, which is the contract which binds the franchisor and franchisee. Do not sign this until you have had it checked by a professional franchise solicitor. A UK-wide directory of these is available on the bfa website, www.thebfa.org. There is no franchise-specific legislation in the UK, making the sector a specialist and niche field of legal expertise in the context of general business law. Taking the wrong advice from an unsuitably experienced adviser can prove extremely expensive.

Deposits: You may be asked for a deposit.

If they are a bfa member you can get this back if you decide not to sign the Agreement and pull out; however, the franchisor will be able to subtract a certain amount for costs they have incurred. Non-bfa members may take a very different approach.

Timescales: The entire recruitment process in franchising is never just an hour-long meeting in a coffee shop or pub – if it is, you’d better think twice before handing over any money or signing anything. Depending on the network and date of enquiry the whole process could range from a couple of weeks, through to a year. If the process is lengthy and substantial try not to get frustrated. Instead, see it as a good quality check.

Franchising

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

Depending on the network and date of enquiry the whole process could range from a couple of weeks, through to a year. If the process is lengthy and substantial try not to get frustrated.

Instead, see it as a good quality check TAKE YOUR TIME RECRUITING Whether you choose to join a franchise or not, make sure that you take your time in the recruitment process. Be sure about what you want and don’t be afraid to ask difficult questions. Good franchisors will be encouraged if they see that you are taking this seriously and won’t want you to go any further if you don’t know what you are committing to. Franchising provides successful robust opportunities to run your own business with a tried and tested formula, upfront training and ongoing support. It has produced countless success stories, but all of these follow good levels of research and hard work.

approach to membership. One of the bfa’s main jobs is to help potential franchisees recognise the good, the bad, and the ugly for what they are. Another is to help businesses involved in franchising to secure their own position amongst the good operators.

Franchisor members have to meet the standards set by the Association in order to establish that their franchise represents a fair, ethical and disclosed opportunity. The standards are adapted from the European Franchise Federation (EFF) Code of Ethics, with expansions for the UK market. The bfa continues to further develop its activities as an influential voice in parliament and to the general public. L

ABOUT THE BFA Established in 1977, The British Franchise Association (bfa) aims is to promote ethical franchising practice in the UK. It does this with a self-regulatory, standards-based

FURTHER INFORMATION To see which businesses have met the membership standards of the bfa, visit www.thebfa.org/members. Visit the bfa website for more resources: www.thebfa.org

The Little Impressions franchise is looking for like-minded people

OVENU – 18 years of continuous growth and development

Little Impressions is the home based business creating and framing unique plaster cast impressions of babies and infants’ hands and feet. The company also has glass, acrylic and sterling silver ranges too.

It is a low volume, high margin business that allows you to control your work/life balance, driving your aspirations, whilst being there for your own family.

“Our unique franchise proposition offers a low entry point and a real opportunity to grow a successful business that fits into your life,” says Tony Franks of Little Impressions. “It is without doubt one of the most flexible home based, second income businesses on the market with a range of products that are of exceptionally

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.

Ovenu’s 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

high quality.”

Rewarding financially and emotionally, it delivers a product and a service highly valued by the end customer, resulting in referrals and repeat business.

With 20 year heritage in product development and manufacturing, Little Impressions is the brand with ambition and looking for likeminded people to join its team both in the UK and overseas.

Little Impressions is long established and adds new products all the time. It is a highly visible brand with unique products in a largely recession proof market. Its ongoing fees are 100 per cent performance related.

FURTHER INFORMATION tonyf@little-impressions.com www.little-impressions.com

on‑going training and support.

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

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

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

Volume 20.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Advertisement Feature

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

OFFICE PRINTING

MANAGING TO SUCCEED

How OKI helped Homes for Northumberland review the efficiency and effectiveness of its printing resources Homes for Northumberland is responsible for the management of over 8,500 homes on behalf of Northumberland County Council. The company previously deployed approximately 50 devices from a broad range of different vendors. These were scattered across its Blyth headquarters, Alnwick site and Blyth stores depot to support its intensive requirement for general office and administrative printing.

Many of these printers were aging and in need of repair. Without a maintenance contract in place, the company found that the process of carrying out general repairs to the printers was consuming too much in-house IT resource and the team realised that, if not addressed, the problem would grow over time.

The sheer number of printers and the fact that they came from multiple vendors meant that managing stocks of consumables was an expensive and unwieldy process.

Homes for Northumberland decided to look for a single supplier, capable of taking over all responsibility for supply, service and consumables for copy, print, fax and scanning requirements within the company at a fixed cost per print.

Aware of the benefits of the approach, Homes for Northumberland began to look at the possibility of investing in a managed print services (MPS) solution. The company began speaking to printing solutions vendor, OKI, following a recommendation from its IT reseller partner, DP Supplies.

MAKING A PROPOSITION Following an analysis of volumes printed by Homes for Northumberland’s existing printing solutions fleet, OKI proposed an MPS solution, designed to improve printing efficiency and productivity. OKI calculated that this would involve a 42 per cent reduction in devices, while providing more multi-function printers (MFPs) to facilitate the growing need for scanning of documents folders and email.

Homes for Northumberland was so pleased with the OKI MPS proposal that it decided to refresh all the devices at its Blyth headquarters, Alnwick office and Blyth stores depot. It now has a broad range of OKI devices installed, including ES5461 MFPs incorporating copy, print and fax functionality, ES8460 MFPs and smaller models including ES4140s and ES7411s and an ES8430 A3 device for the procurement department.

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Ian Macdonald, ICT Officer at Homes for Northumberland, said, “We did consider other printing solutions vendors. We chose OKI because they listened to what we said we wanted and tailored their solution to our requirements rather than trying to impose an inflexible plan on us.”

The delivery and implementation of the new printers was carried out by DP Supplies.

The process went smoothly with few issues reported. Most users were ‘up to speed’ on the new devices within two days, but OKI did provide training for key users.

SCOPING THE BENEFITS Homes for Northumberland has reported a broad range of benefits from the OKI MPS implementation. It now pays for its printing resource on a cost per page basis, with OKI supplying an invoice on a quarterly basis.

This approach incorporates toner supply and repair and maintenance to the printers.

This saves the housing company money and makes budgeting more predictable. It also acts as an ‘inflation buster’, with the cost per page kept constant for a five year period.

The MPS approach frees up the time of

By standardising on OKI printers and reducing the overall size of the fleet from around 55 devices down to 29, Homes for Northumberland has been able to significantly reduce the volume of toner stock it has to keep Homes for Northumberland’s IT services and support team, which no longer needs to carry out printer maintenance. Typically, it also means less printer downtime as an engineer can be out on site the next day if there are any problems. In addition, OKI provides a customer help desk for issues that can be resolved over the phone.

By standardising on OKI printers and reducing the overall size of the fleet from around 55 devices, including printers, copiers and fax machines, down to 29, Homes for Northumberland has been able to significantly reduce the volume of expensive toner stock it has to keep. Now it simply phones OKI for new consumables whenever it needs them.

Homes for Northumberland also gains

major benefits from the functionality of the printers themselves. The new OKI printers are highly energy efficient which helps keep running costs low. Also, the new MFPs have given Homes for Northumberland new capabilities that it did not have previously.

It can scan a document to email, for example, or it can send an incoming fax to a PC or a network folder, eliminating the need to print. Adding further flexibility, A3 capability is now available to all staff, which was not previously the case.

Users also benefit from access to highquality print management software.

Automatic alerts are sent to the email inboxes of the Homes for Northumberland IT management team to give them a warning

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of when a toner is about to run out.

The new approach also helps save Homes for Northumberland money by cutting the volume of expensive colour printing carried out. Although colour capability is available to all staff, printers are set to mono as standard.

This simple measure is making a huge difference to Homes for Northumberland by significantly reducing the amount of accidental colour printing which takes place across its offices. In addition, setting the printers to output in duplex as standard also helps reduce wastage and associated costs.

User feedback on the printers has been extremely positive with comments that overall print speeds have accelerated since the new printers were installed. Users also feel that Homes for Northumberland has gained by having more trays on many of the printers than were previously available. They can, for example, load letterhead in one tray and standard paper in another. This allows them to accomplish with one printer what might have previously taken two to carry out.

Homes for Northumberland employees have also been delighted by the ability to print securely, a particularly valuable

capability for PAs, human resources staff and senior management, who often have to deal with confidential information.

DELIVERING RESULTS MPS implementations not only enable users to monitor and track their print usage but also help them achieve a broad range of core business objectives including cost reduction containment and control, improved workflow, productivity and operational efficiency, enhanced security and reduced environmental impact.

OKI’s own brand of MPS solutions has delivered all of this and more for Homes for Northumberland.

Further, with economic conditions remaining tough, OKI’s particular brand of MPS is playing a key role in helping Homes for Northumberland achieve improved efficiency.

FURTHER INFORMATION www.oki.co.uk

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Advertisement Feature

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

Apricot online classrooms connect the most isolated and vulnerable pupils

Eco Technology Show provides solutions for efficiency

Apricot Online provides live, interactive teaching online for pupils requiring alternative education provision.

Students enjoy small classes, specially designed interactive activities, and a consequent rapport with teachers that is second to none.

Apricot is designed to be part of a blended learning programme and an access-anywhere solution because they can bring the classroom directly to the student. Whether in a hospital school, PRU, or at home, Apricot effectively overcomes both physical and mental boundaries that prevent these vulnerable pupils from attending mainstream schools. Apricot’s local and nationwide group lessons serve to connect even the most isolated pupils with others around the country, creating opportunities for socialisation, peer assessment, and much needed camaraderie.

Differentiation in lessons is

The Eco Technology Show will take place at the Brighton Centre on the 14 and 15 June 2013. Visitors will be able to source products and information from the build, energy, waste, technology and transport industries from over 100 companies.

The Eco Technology Show places education and networking at the heart of its exhibition.

After a successful debut last year, which saw more than 4,000 visitors interact with 115 exhibitors, this year’s show has switched to a central Brighton venue with a host of new features.

Through its conference and two-day seminar programme, The Eco Technology Show gives legislative, regulatory and market context to the products and services on offer. Visitors can apply to attend the free Smart Business Conference, on the 14 June, addressing opportunities

accomplished through the use of break out rooms, ‘progressive lessons’, and scavenger hunts, where students search through varied resources and activities to find success at their own pace and level. To that end, Apricot is investing more heavily in education ‘gamification’, a pedagogy wherein students are consistently rewarded for their efforts and kept stimulated by the intrigue of the game itself and its play with other students.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01242 604 985 info@apricotlearning online.co.uk www.apricotlearning online.co.uk

FIC (UK Ltd)

for business & the public sector to lower costs and increase return on investment through making resource usage more efficient. There are also over 60 free workshops and talks at the show. Energy efficiency and renewable energy is one topic up for discussion, specifically looking in the context of planning regulations, permitted development and conservation areas. The Green Deal and saving money and avoiding waste through smart procurement will also be addressed.

FURTHER INFORMATION Register for your free ticket at www.ecotechnologyshow. co.uk quoting code GB18.

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 20.2

GAS SAFETY

GAS SAFETY MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE AT THE BELFRY

Advertisement Feature

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

Topics will explore legislative drivers to change, the pressures of welfare reform on costs, a focus on Carbon Monoxide poisoning issues, renewables and a discussion on the pros and cons of using in‑house staff versus Contractors at the Gas Safety Management Conference on Wednesday 24 April 2013 at the Belfry, West Midlands A wide ranging programme of senior speakers and topics has been announced for the Gas Safety Management Conference which is taking place at The Belfry on Wednesday 24 April 2013.

Attended by over 120 senior managers with responsibility for gas safety and who work for Housing Associations and other organisations, the Conference will cover some of the key issues being faced by gas safety managers today. With top industry speakers, debates and focused break-out sessions, the Conference is the first to focus specifically on this sector. The Conference is also the inaugural Conference for the Association of Gas Safety Managers (AGSM) and the first National Inter Authority Gas Forum.

Highlights of the Conference include the Keynote speech given by David Kidney, chair of the Carbon Monoxide All Fuels Action Forum and a former MP and Minister in the Department for Energy and Climate Change.

He will address some of the key legislative drivers which are having an impact on gas safety. The conference will also address: CARBON MONOXIDE – PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE A subject which will be addressed by Chris Bielby MBE, president of the AGSM and a past president of the Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers (IGEM) and Stacey Rodgers, president of the Dominic Rodgers Trust.

COSTS VS COMPLIANCE Charlie Norman, CEO of St Vincents Housing Trust will address the issues faced as welfare reform continues to put pressure on resources and funding.

IN-HOUSE VERSUS CONTRACTORS The debate will be chaired by Keith Simpson of Just Housing (UK) and feature a panel of experienced and knowledgeable Gas Managers.

CORPORATE MANSLAUGHTER This topic will be addressed by Sally Roff, partner at DAC Beachcroft and Trevor Batt of CORGI Technical Services giving case studies and highlighting some of the key issues which need to be faced by senior management.

RENEWABLES IN SOCIAL HOUSING This session will provide valuable information on Renewables in Social Housing with David Matthews, ceo of the Ground Source Heat Pump Association and practical advice from Charlie Norman, ceo of St Vincents Housing Association.

INFLUENCING YOUR BOARD An important issue for all senior management, highlighting risk exposure for the organisation and influencing stakeholders – an important skill for any manager. The session will provide some personal development for delegates with Martin Luckett, a CMI consultant from the Chartered Management Institute.

Break-out sessions including presentations from the IGEM, CMI, CORGI Technical Services, and FLAE (Fire, Legionella, Asbestos

Claire Heyes, joint ceo, CORGI Technical Services

The Gas Safety Management Conference will provide Gas Managers with an opportunity to hear from leading figures in the sector, add their voice to the discussions and learn from their peers and Electrical) given by Ian Softley, MD of SaferSpaces and Neil Haydon of the Electrical Contractors Association. Kevin Winship of CORGI Technical Services will also facilitate the National Inter Authority Gas Forum which will meet to discuss industry agenda topics for 2013 and key industry themes to raise with stakeholders. An accompanying exhibition will feature key suppliers to the sector.

Claire Heyes, joint ceo of CORGI Technical Services commented: “The Gas Safety Management Conference will cover a range of important issues being faced by Gas Managers, giving them an opportunity to hear from leading figures in the sector, add their voice to the discussions and learn from their peers. We are very pleased with the programme of top speakers and the very positive response from the 120 delegates who have already booked.”

The Conference has been organised by CORGI Technical Services in association with the AGSM and National Inter Authority Gas

Forum. A Pre-Conference Dinner takes place on Tuesday 23 April and will feature a talk from Chris Bielby MBE, president of the AGSM, as well as presentations to AGSM members who have passed their Level 4 VRQ qualifications in Gas Safety Management.

The Conference takes place at the prestigious Belfry which is located in Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. Tickets for the Conference are still available and can be booked at www.agsm.uk.com. Discounts are available for AGSM and Gas Forum members.

TICKET INFORMATION Tel: 01256 548040 enquiries@agsm.uk.com www.agsm.uk.com

Volume 20.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

83

Advertisement Feature

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

Visitors now gain CPD points when attending MAP Live – innovative, collaborative, regional roadshows The six, one-day road shows taking place in the spring and summer this year under the banner of MAP Live (www. mapliveltd.co.uk) are attracting even higher levels of support from both visitors and suppliers.

With more visitors registering every day for the free events, it’s plain that the series is filling a need, designed as it is to reflect current market conditions.

MAP Live – standing for Manage Amenity & Pitch – incorporates demonstrations, seminar bursts and networking. The overall topic – how to achieve excellent results on amenity and sports pitches with reduced headcount and budget – continues to resonate with buyers and suppliers alike.

The events open on 24 April at Stoneleigh Park in the Midlands then make their way round England, Scotland and Wales. They are designed to help local authorities, parish councils, contractors, and sports venues find solutions in the current climate, while gaining CPD points in the process.

With more brands confirming every day (just some of the most recently confirmed participants include Avant Tecno, Blec Global,

New Holland, and Worsley Plant; the dealer association BAGMA is also planning to run demo arenas featuring some of the many leading brands represented by their members), the events offer a diverse, innovative range of fresh, forward-looking solutions.

Gary Mumby, director of BLEC (manufacturers and suppliers of specialised landscaping and turfcare equipment) says: “We believe MAPLIVE is going to be the future for manufacturing companies like ourselves. The idea of a regional, well organised, one day event, means

many customers can attend to a working demonstration day in their area. There will be something for everyone.”

The series is devised by Clare Johnson, who has over 25 years of global event experience. The idea for the events germinated when Clare was approached by various companies about running open days and road shows for them.

Listening to feedback and thinking about the vastly different market we are all operating in compared with even three years back, she realised that combining individual days and roadshows gave a whole new proposition that would be regional and relevant on many levels. Independent research showed that purchasers and users also saw great value in the proposition.

Visitors will enjoy a day that’s relevant, local, interesting, free, reflects current market conditions, and helps to make best use of time and money months down the line.

Full details can be found on the MAP Live website.

FURTHER INFORMATION www.mapliveltd.co.uk

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84

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 20.2

JUDGMENT SEARCH CHECKS

30,000 INFORMATION PROFESSIONALS CAN’T BE WRONG

Advertisement Feature

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

2013 sees the online search service TrustOnline celebrate its fifth birthday Launched in 2008 by Registry Trust Limited, TrustOnline is now used by over 30,000 information professionals and individuals each year to deliver reliable judgment search checks.

Registry Trust is a not-for-profit company which operates the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines for England and Wales on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, as well as similar Registers for the jurisdictions of Scotland, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and Jersey.

Jon Hale, chief executive of Registry Trust explains: “Before TrustOnline we undertook manual searches of the Registers, processing the enquiries we received through the post from our customers or in person at our London office. The postal enquiries could take up to five working days to complete and return the information from the Registers. TrustOnline transformed the search process providing search results immediately and online”.

RECORD NUMBERS USING TRUSTONLINE The result is that record numbers of customers from both the public and private sectors now regularly undertake searches through TrustOnline as an essential part of their company’s background checks on individuals and businesses. Customers range from the Police and Trading Standards officers to solicitors and a wide range of financial services, insurance and lettings organisations.

Through TrustOnline members of the public also undertake judgment searches of individuals and companies. These are often

regularly help organisations and members of the public to avoid business dealings with traders which may have financial issues.”

As a not-for-profit company Registry Trust has to cover investment but does not have to pay shareholders. The result is that the business efficiencies realised from TrustOnline could be passed on to its customers. As a direct result of recovering the initial investment in developing TrustOnline, Registry Trust took the unusual step of more than halving the cost of undertaking a search to its customers in 2011.

Perhaps not surprisingly the number of visitors to the TrustOnline website and subsequent searches of the Registers have increased steadily and significantly.

In 2012 a record number, 227,132 searches were received by Registry Trust across all the jurisdictions where it collects court information. This is an increase of 47 per cent on the previous record number undertaken in 2011.

The numbers of searches has increased not just across the private sector in the traditional financial services marketplace, but reducing costs has also stimulated wider usage in the public sector.

INFORMED DECISIONS TrustOnline provides a search of the public Register which means that permission is not needed from the subject to undertake the search and does not leave a footprint once completed. The result is that businesses are making better informed decisions more broadly across their organisations.

The numbers of searches has increased not just across the private sector, but reducing costs has also stimulated wider usage in the public sector pre-checks before a trader is engaged to start work; they also form part of the litigation process which the Court Service advises claimants to follow before deciding whether to take further action through the court.

Jon Hale continues: “In times of financial stress it makes sense to check on the judgment history of companies and individuals you plan to transact with. From the feedback received we know that we

The Registers include over six million records covering £20 billion worth of debt processed through the Courts over the last six years.

Each year one million records are validated and added to the Register and records over six years are removed. The records include the name and address of the defendant, the value and date of each judgment together with the court where the case was registered. All this information is returned

in the report produced from each search where a judgment is present. This is the same information which Registry Trust also provides to the credit reference agencies and lies at the heart of their credit decisioning services for the financial service industry.

To assess whether TrustOnline improves their checking processes companies can trial the service. The result is that SME’s in particular have been able to benchmark their existing service provider. L

Jon Hale, chief executive, Registry Trust

Join the TrustOnline birthday celebrations by undertaking a free trial To assess whether TrustOnline could improve the checking processes of the readers of Government Business magazine Registry Trust is pleased to provide the opportunity to sign up for a free trial.

To take up this offer send an e-mail to business@trustonline.org.uk quoting GB2013 before 30 May 2013. Registry Trust will activate your account which entitles you to free searches to the value of £40 and will send you a return e-mail explaining how to start searching the registers.

This promotion is limited to one trial per individual or company, does not have a cash value and is not for resale.

Further terms and conditions apply and these can be seen at www.trustonline.org.uk

Volume 20.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

85

Advertisers Index

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

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Using convection technology, the heater manufactured from a composite based cement material, with patent pending, has many benefits over existing heaters. It consumes only 230W on its low eco setting and 465W on the high setting.

It can be installed in less than two minutes without the need for hard wiring and can be painted to match the decor of your room. The heater has two heat settings, a built in adjustable thermostat and comes with a two year warranty as standard.

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Trinity ICT is passionate about improving organisations. Its expertise helps companies identify how they can improve both their environment and their teams to realise their full potential.

Trinity works with organisations to understand how they operate and then identifies where technology can help improve performance. This can be as simple as improving meeting efficiency to deployments of tablet technology, BYOD and mobilising the workforce.

A tailored consultancy service allows clients to create long term strategic plans for the acquisition, deployment and utilisation of technology. It covers every aspect of technology within the organisation and focuses on identifying the areas where investment will yield the greatest return.

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slim and take up far less room than traditional heaters.

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essential part in professional development. By developing their staff companies can see huge productivity returns as well as improving morale and staff retention. Trinity ICT works within the business to understand the training needs of the company and the aspirations of their teams. The company can then develop focused, tailored training programs that will deliver against the objectives.

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ADVERTISERS INDEX

The publishers accept no responsibility for errors or omissions in this free service AllStar Business Solutions Ltd Alphabet Ampteam Ltd Apricot Learning Balco AB Bangor University Belvoir Lettings Billmar Consulting Bolle – Safety Brunel University Butler & Young Lift Consultants Ltd Calder & World Of Travel CCT Venues CL Road Markings Ltd Clarion Events Ltd Clearbrew Ltd Commercial Garage Equipment Midlands Ltd Commulite Ltd Comnet Europe Ltd Corgi Technical Services Crown Moran Hotel CWC Services Cybrand Ltd Denios Ltd DSDM Consortium Easy Innovations Ltd Eco Technology Show EDI 4 Business Enersol Flomar Ltd Evac Chair International Ltd Fathom FIC UK First Legal Support First Scot Rail Flowcrete UK Ltd

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14 42 56 82 18 68 76 76 60 70 58, 61 OBC 66 60 48 78 38,39 20 30 83 72 52 39 53, 55 6 61 82 27 24, 26 50 12 82 39 82 61

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 20.2

Genie CCTV Ltd Glatterhaar Fertikeller Gregynog Hall HAAGEN Homerton Conference Centre Ingersoll Rand Security Intelligent Portable Lighting Systems Key Tracker Ltd L Whitakar Services Ltd Labcold Ltd Lensbury Ltd Lingfield Park Marriott Hotel Little Impressions Ltd Lobster Lettings Lowell Financial Limited LPA Group PLC LRQA UK Magic Internet Co Marriott Bristol City Centre Misco UK Limited Modular Portable Buildings Hire Ltd NBC Bird & Pest Solutions Network Logistics UK Ltd Newcastle Flooring Co. Ltd NSL Limited Nvirohaus OKI Printing Solutions Orbital Enterprises Ltd Ovenu P&MM Employee Benefits Pilot Navigation Ltd Point 2 Point PRV Engineering Ltd Ramada Plaza Southport React

30 23 72 IBC 72 28, 31 58, 62 62 58, 62 12 67 66 79 76 10 26 52 39, 40 73 8 22 60, 62 75 73 46, 49 24 80, 81 86 79 70 84 74 32 73 61

Registry Trust Ltd Robinson College Role Plays For Training Ltd Royal Armouries (International) plc Safelincs Ltd Service Master Ltd SETS Slipstop Ltd Speedliner Europe Swallow Evacuation & Mobility Products Sykes Specialist Contracting Ltd Teletraffic UK Ltd The British Psychological Society The Royal Borough Of Kensington & Chelsea The Wessex Conference Centre Thermobile Uk Ltd Thistle Insurance Services Ltd Toyota Material Handling UK Trinity ICT TRT Lighting Ltd Trudium Ltd University of Southampton Uretek Vanmonster VDT Direct Ltd Wagging Tails Wallington Cars & Couriers Ltd Wessex Technical Products Ltd West Midlands Fire Services Wilcomatic Ltd Wilo UK Ltd Winsted Limited Yarnfield Park Training & Conference Centre Zeffa Ltd

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Contact us: +44 (0)113 204 3600 enquiries@calders.org.uk / www.calders.org.uk Calder Conferences: 5 Woodside Court, Clayton Wood Rise, Leeds, United Kingdom, LS16 6RF