Government Business Issue 22.2

HOUSING

PLAY AREAS

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 22.2

Business Information for Local and Central Government DISABILITIES

INDEPENDENT LIVING

Helping the elderly and disabled to remain living at home

HUMAN RESOURCES

LEADERSHIP TRAINING

test The la gy olo techn 81 p news

The skills to be a strong leader during difficult times

FLEET MANAGEMENT | PARKING | OUTSOURCING | CONFERENCES & EVENTS

COMMENT HOUSING

PLAY AREAS

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 22.2

Business Information for Local and Central Government DISABILITIES

INDEPENDENT LIVING

Comment

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

Immediate action required on child sexual exploitation The latest serious case review found Oxfordshire County Council and Thames Valley Police made many errors and could have acted sooner when dealing with shocking cases of child sexual exploitation in which over 350 children are believed to have been targetted by gangs of men in Oxfordshire over the last 16 years.

Helping the elderly and disabled to remain living at home

HUMAN RESOURCES

LEADERSHIP TRAINING

ted?

Connec al Better loc rates Socitm progress b gov we 5 p8

The review found that Oxfordshire council staff did not understand the law around sexual consent and there was an apparent tolerance or failure to be alarmed by unlawful sexual activity. The children were seen as consenting to their abuse and ‘bringing problems upon themselves’. Anne Longfield, England’s children’s commissioner, referred to this as a ‘culture of denial’.

The skills to be a strong leader during difficult times

FLEET MANAGEMENT | PARKING | OUTSOURCING | CONFERENCES & EVENTS

As a result of this and historic abuse cases involving children, including Rotherham, where more than 1,400 girls fell victim to paedophile gangs of mainly Pakistani backgrounds, as well as Rochdale, Derby, Bristol and Telford, police will now prioritise sexual exploitation as a national threat. Proposed changes to the ‘wilful neglect’ offence, first introduced in the Criminal Justice and Courts Act passed earlier this year, will mean that child workers and teachers could face up to five years in prison for failing to act.

For Thames Valley Police, no officers or individuals will face any disciplinary action (although it has referred itself to the Independent Police Complaints Commission).

As we go to press, Oxfordshire chief executive Joanna Simons has resisted calls to resign. However, her £250,000 per-year post is being axed in the summer.

Regarding Rotherham, Ofsted said that in too many instances, Local Safeguarding Children’s Boards (LSCBs) have shown poor leadership, and have failed to adequately challenge slow progress in developing both child sexual exploitation strategies and meaningful action plans.

Urgent action is needed. Money should not be a barrier to ensuring that local government and the police are given the tools they need to make sure these shocking, disgusting and appalling human rights violations are stopped.

Danny Wright

P ONLINE P IN PRINT P MOBILE P FACE TO FACE Business Information for Local and Central Government

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 and Government Technology websites at:

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | www.governmenttechnology.co.uk PUBLISHED BY PUBLIC SECTOR INFORMATION LIMITED

226 High Rd, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055 Fax: 020 8532 0066 Web: www.psi-media.co.uk EDITOR Angela Pisanu PRODUCTION EDITOR Richard Gooding EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Danny Wright PRODUCTION CONTROL Jacqueline Lawford, Jo Golding WEB PRODUCTION Reiss Malone ADVERTISEMENT SALES Steve Day, Nichola Halle, Michael Marius, Bernie Miller, David Morgan, Mark Ohanaka, Charmain Shrieves, Paul Taylor PUBLISHER Kelly Scott ADMINISTRATION Victoria Leftwich, Charlotte Cassar, Vickie Hopkins REPRODUCTION & PRINT Argent Media

© 2015 Public Sector Information Limited. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any other means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the publisher. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the editorial content the publisher cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. ISSN 14700735

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

3

Lone Worker Solutions You’ll Never Work Alone

 24/7 Fully Managed, Hosted or Site Installed Solutions  Scalable and Flexible, allows any sized organisation to cover their staff  Lone Workers can access the system by Phone, Mobile App, Tablet PC, Specialised Lone Working Devices and Satellite Units  Full GPS Tracking  Free Demonstrations at your convenience

Call for a demonstration today

www.voiceconnect.co.uk Tel: 0116 2324640

CONTENTS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS 22.2 07 GOVERNMENT BUSINESS NEWS

17

11 HUMAN RESOURCES

What does a leader need to learn to perform well in a difficult environment?

The CIPD’s Ruth Stuart investigates

17 CIPD LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT SHOW

This May’s event will provide learning and development professionals with ideas and tools to take on new challenges

23 HOUSING: GREEN DEAL 23

Steve Cole of the National Housing Federation examines the benefits and challenges of the Green Deal

27 HOUSING: ENERGY

New regulations will ban landlords from renting out properties that fall below energy efficiency rating E from April 2018

51

31 SUSTAINABILITY LIVE

Sustainability Live is a must attend event for energy and sustainability management professionals working in government

35 FLEET MANAGEMENT

Which councils have the most electric vehicles on their fleet? Dundee City Council takes first place and three other Scottish councils make the top five

41 COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SHOW PREVIEW

The Commercial Vehicle Show this April offers something for everyone involved in transport, distribution and logistics

47 PARKING 35 41

Effective management and investment can extend the life of your car parks, says Kelvin Reynolds, from the BPA

Contents

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

53 OUTSOURCING

Kerry Hallard of the National Outsourcing Association, busts some common misconceptions about outsourcing and lists what the government could

57 DISABILITIES

Government Business examines the range of initiatives available to allow elderly people to remain living independently at home

61 PUBLIC PLAY AREAS

The provision of high-quality public play facilities has a vital role in fighting societal issues, writes API’s Michael Hoenigmann

67 SIGN & DIGITAL UK

The trade exhibition for the sign making, display solutions and digital printing industry, Sign & Digital UK will return to the NEC Birmingham from 24 to 26 March

71 FRANCHISING

The British Franchise Association explains the key personality traits and skills that make successful franchisees

75 CONFERENCING & EVENTS: LEEDS

When it comes to hosting conferences, meetings and events, Leeds is a unique location boasting a diverse portfolio of venues that ensure memorable events

81 GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY NEWS 85 COUNCIL WEBSITES

A look at Socitm’s Better Connected report which examines local authority web and digital performance

88 CUSTOMER CONTACT

Paul Smedley, chair and founder of the Forum advocates that organisations look at the whole customer journey to improve customer contact operations

61 ISS

Turn to UE 13.2 p latest gage 101 for t techno overnment he logy ne ws

Government Business

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

5

LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIPS

NEWS IN BRIEF

Report suggests increased funding for LEPs can unlock local growth A new think tank report sponsored by Lloyds Banking Group recommends that Local Enterprise Partnerships should have as much as £12bn annual funding over the next parliament. ‘The Next LEPs: Unlocking growth across our localities’ explores the future of Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs).

Its findings are based on interviews with central and local government stakeholders as well as ‘interaction’ with all 39 LEPs in order to provide a framework for further financial devolution to LEPs over the next five years.

The report found that 60 per cent of stakeholders rated their LEP to be good or very good but suggests there is room for improvement, and that much of the £18.5bn allocated to LEPs since their 2010 formation has been determined by central priority.

It recommends: that the next government should strengthen LEPs by doubling the £6bn proposed by Lord Adonis in 2014; Local economic spend should be characterised by a ‘dual lock’ approach where both council leaders and the LEP have to sign off on annual budgets, so ensuring that LEPs continue to play a strategic role while maintaining local government’s democratic importance.

It also suggests abolishing the Skills Funding Agency and transferring its £4bn funding to the LEP level, as well as making £280m of annual capital spend available in order to treble the current number of University Technical Colleges by 2020.

The Localis report, authored by Richard Carr, suggests that devolution of funds and powers must be counterbalanced by greater transparency and accountability within LEPs, recommending that LEPs publish their accounts, minutes and board member email addresses.

The report also suggests the possibility of directly electing LEP chairs, and encourages LEPs to address the lack of representation from BME

New London Land Commission

communities (currently 3 per cent) and women (17 per cent) on LEP boards so as to better represent their local business communities.

Launching the report, Alex Thomson, chief executive of Localis said: “The key finding is that LEPs need to remain nimble and unbureaucratic, while retaining their crucial strategic input into local economies. Our research shows that they have the potential to make a massive impact on our national economy in the next parliament if they get the devolution they’re looking for.”

Julian Huppert MP, Liberal Democrat MP for Cambridge, said: “LEPs represent a new way of working with funding and decision-making devolved from government to local people who know their local areas best. This report examines the role they play, how they have been received and how their framework can be reformed to take them forward. It presents a strong analysis of localism in action and offers some interesting concepts for the future.”

Mike Cherry, FSB National Policy Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses: “We welcome this report, particularly the call for small businesses to have greater representation on LEP boards. This echoes the recommendation made in FSB’s report into Local Enterprise Partnerships that called from them to have more resources but not without reform.

Greater transparency is needed to ensure they are READ THE REPORT: accountable to tinyurl.com/nq2uvu8 the taxpayer.”

SOCIAL CARE

Social workers and teachers could face jail for failing to spot child sexual abuse Children’s social workers could face up to five years in prison for failing to protect children from sexual exploitation, the prime minister has announced. David Cameron outlined plans for a consultation on extending the criminal offence of wilful neglect to children’s social care, education and elected council members.

Currently, a criminal charge for wilful neglect, as introduced in the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015, would only apply to professionals who work in adult social care and health workers providing care for adults and children.

The criminal charge for wilful neglect carries a maximum jail term of five years.

The annoucement came as a serious case review is published into Child Sexual Exploitation

GB News

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

(CSE) in Oxfordshire. It follows investigations which revealed social work failings in Rotherham, Rochdale and Derby. Other proposals include a new child sexual abuse taskforce of professional troubleshooting experts in social work, law enforcement and healthin an attempt to eradicate the ‘culture of denial’. Social workers will also be given access to a new national whistleblowing helpline to report bad practice.

Funding of £7m will be given to organisations in 2015-16 to support victims of sexual abuse.

Meanwhile, the Local Government Association (LGA) warned that ‘we need a million eyes and ears to look out READ MORE for our young tinyurl.com/pb5lk4x people’.

A package of housing investments in order to help London meet its need for over 400,000 homes include the establishment of a ‘London Land Commission’. The commission will be tasked with identifying public sector brownfield land that is no longer needed and ensure that sites are fully developed by 2025. Chancellor George Osborne and Mayor of London Boris Johnson also confirmed the creation of nine new housing zones http://tinyurl.com/p6nr4q7

Procurement changes aim to make it easier for small firms The DCLG has unveiled plans to reduce the ‘gold-plating’ of procurement in local government. Local Government Minister Kris Hopkins said: “Small local firms and voluntary groups will be brought in from the cold because for far too long there have been obstacles preventing them from tendering for contracts.” http://tinyurl.com/qxntlzy

DCLG consult on Section 106 changes In order to provide new homes more quickly, the Department of Communities and Local Government is proposing changes to the planning system – specifically Section 106 agreements which can delay the process. The plans include setting time limits in order to complete Section 106 negotiations in line with existing targets. The consultation on the proposals runs until 19 March 2015 Read the consultation http://tinyurl.com/pzdyood

More council action on zerohours contracts After a 20 per cent increase over the last year, councils have been urged to do more in the struggle against zero-hours contracts.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed data showing that the number of workers on a contract with no guaranteed hours amounts to 697,000, which is roughly 2.3 per cent of people in employment tinyurl.com/kacn29a

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

7

LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE

Devolution or bust? ICLGF report recommends releasing as much as £200bn to local government English local government and the services it provides are no longer sustainable in their current form, an independent commission is warning. The Independent Commission on Local Government Finance, set up by the LGA and CIPFA, published its final report on 18 February titled Financing English Devolution.

The commission was tasked with making recommendations for the reform of local government finance and finding better ways to fund local services and promote economic growth in England. It calls for a ten year programme of devolution of powers, funding and taxes to sub-national bodies, starting with those deemed to be ’pioneers’ which are able to reform at a faster pace, and leading to more than £200bn of public expenditure being controlled at a sub-national level.

Around £200 billion should be released from central government control and handed down to local councils, the report argues. Its recommendations will be presented to all of the main political parties with the aim of shaping the debate on the future of local government finance and influencing the next government.

Responding to the Commission’s final report and recommendations, CIPFA CEO Rob Whiteman said: “CIPFA asked the Independent Commission on Local Government Finance to recommend pragmatic solutions which wouldn’t increase government spending, but would allow financial sustainability for public services.

“We welcome that the report establishes a clear direction of travel that central government has the capacity to

implement and though the Commission has done a good job in outlining realistic recommendations, CIPFA believes there is room to go even further.

“The debate around devolution has provided local authorities with a unique opportunity to create a new financial model that allows those delivering local public services to respond creatively even when facing long term financial constraints.”

Local Government Association Chair Cllr David Sparks commented: “This report from the independent commission raises issues which will have a bearing on everyone in this country, now and for generations to come.

“With rising demand, more complex needs and less money to go round, the time for merely talking about changing the way we do things is fast running out.

“The services councils provide will not be able to withstand another five years of cuts without radical reform, and it will be people who rely on good roads, public facilities and care who pay the price.

“It will be vital that this and the next government take heed of the Commission’s recommendations. The Commission’s call for a variable pace of reform is an entirely sensible one. As this report makes clear, it will be important that pioneer areas which first take on new freedoms represent a broad range of types of local authority across all parts of the country.

“For many areas it’s now devolution or bust.”

The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) established the Independent Commission on Local

Recommendations

GB News

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

An independent review of the functions and sustainability of local government, to assess whether local authorities are appropriately funded to fulfil their statutory duties Establishment of an independent body to advise government on local government funding Ending the system of council tax referendums and allowing local authorities to decide council tax levels Allowing local government to retain 100 per cent of business rates A consultation on the detail of a business rates retention reset A review of and improvements to the business rates appeals process Full and clear multi-year finance settlements, to enable effective long-term planning Implementation of fiscal devolution, based on the principles of the Smith Commission Development of additional freedoms for pioneer areas in support of national policy objectives such as economic growth and increasing housing supply Government Finance with the Local Government Association (LGA) in June 2014 to examine the system of funding local government in England and bring forward recommendations on how it can be reformed to READ THE REPORT: improve funding tinyurl.com/oyn38ah for local services.

HEALTHCARE REFORM

Landmark devolution deal sees Greater Manchester take control of £6bn healthcare budget Greater Manchester will begin taking control of its health budget from April after a devolution agreement was reached.

The region’s 10 councils and health groups will take over £6bn allocated for health and social care, with full powers being devolved in April 2016.

Chancellor George Osborne signed the memorandum of understanding, dubbed ‘Devo Manc’. The agreement is part of a plan to close the economic gap between north and south by investing in regions, and would see local leaders, along with Greater Manchester’s new directly elected mayor, control how budgets are allocated.

Deputy leader of Greater Manchester Combined Authority Sir Richard Leese said:

“The first big change is to make sure that a lot of people aren’t entering into needing healthcare that don’t need to do so. People are spending too long in hospital so there will proper care packages available when they return home.”

Ann Barnes, chief executive of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It is not about increasing power, but about increasing the health and prosperity of local people.

“We will have greater opportunities to respond swiftly and effectively to the needs of residents and really transform services for them. They will have a powerful voice in a powerful partnership.”

NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens described the memorandum of understanding as a landmark agreement:

“It charts a path to the greatest integration and devolution of care funding since the creation of the NHS in 1948,” he said.

Responding to the announcement, Cllr Gary Porter, Vice-Chairman of the Local Government Association (LGA), said: “Devolving control of social care and health spending to Greater Manchester is good news for the people who live there and now needs to be replicated for people across the rest of the country.

“We have long argued that truly integrating social care and health and taking decisions closer to where people live is crucial to improving services and keeping older people living in their READ MORE: homes for tinyurl.com/pdf8nq8 longer.”

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

9

IT’S YOUR TIME TO EXCEL. STEP INTO YOUR FUTURE BY GAINING A PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION. Harpar – Experts in distance learning – CLICK, LEARN, QUALIFY SUCCEED. Harpar provides over 2000 qualifications worldwide. We are accredited to deliver the following courses.

ILM Level 5 Diploma in Coaching and Mentoring £899 (inclusive of VAT) CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership £1299 (inclusive of VAT)

CONTACT

www.harpar.com  carol@harpar.com 0113 397 0864

Human Resources

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

Written by Ruth Stuart, research adviser, CIPD

LEADERSHIP TRAINING

GETTING THE RIGHT TOOLS TO THOSE AT THE TOP

Leadership is not an inherent trait of a few exceptional people, but a set of concrete skills, behaviours and knowledge that can be learnt over time. So what does a leader need to learn to perform well in a difficult environment, asks the CIPD’s Ruth Stuart With complex goals, multiple sources of authority and a formalised structure, public sector leadership can be more difficult than in other sectors. Nevertheless, public sector organisations often place a greater emphasis on technical expertise than on leadership development. There needs to be more of a focus on leadership development as a proactive measure rather than a reactive one.

The next crisis could be just around the corner so ideally, in a time of crisis, senior leaders should already be fully equipped with the skills they need instead of learning ‘on-the-job’ when it’s possibly too late. Their development should be considered an investment for the future, matched with the needs of the organisation, rather than a knee‑jerk reaction – and leaders need to understand

why it could have a positive impact on public services and morale in the organisation and is therefore a good investment.

DIFFICULT DECISIONS As Learning & Development (L&D) practitioners wrestle with ever-tightening purse strings in the face of harsh budget cuts, the public sector leaders are increasingly facing difficult decisions on a day to day basis.

Redundancies, pay freezes and decreases in daily spending are all distinct possibilities and so, if leaders are to deliver bad news to hundreds, often thousands of employees, they need to ensure their training is up to scratch. They need to display maximum adaptability, innovation, effectiveness and efficiency, especially in today’s era of weakening public trust in government and to some extent, the public sector itself.

Leadership isn’t an inherent trait of only a few exceptional people, but is a set of concrete skills, behaviours and knowledge that can be learnt and honed over time.

So what does a leader need to learn to perform well in a difficult environment? No organisation is the same and the training 

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

11

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

Work in partnership with Lantra

Futureproofing your workforce

dustries

Apprenticeships are a proven way of creating a more effective workforce: by harnessing fresh new talent and addressing your skills gaps directly, your business will gain the practical skills and qualifications it needs 83% of now, and for the future. companies who employ apprentices rely on their Apprenticeship programme to provide the skilled workers they need.

Talk to us about...

Wiltshire Enterprise offer Apprenticeships in the following areas: Accounting Agriculture Beauty Therapy Bricklaying Business Administration Carpentry & Joinery Catering

Childcare Construction Plant Maintenance Customer Service Design Electrical Installation Engineering & Manufacturing

Gamekeeping Hairdressing Health & Social Care Horticulture IT & Telecoms Landbased Engineering Management

Painting & Decorating Plumbing & Heating Retail Supporting Teaching & Learning Vehicle Maintenance Youth Work

0845 345 2235 • www.wiltshire-enterprise.co.uk

12

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 22.2

Training and Development Training and Development

LEADERSHIP TRAINING  should, of course, be bespoke to fit with the organisation’s needs. While a standard crisis management programme may suffice, a comprehensive leadership development programme could be what’s required.

Whichever is needed, key areas of focus for a leader may include organisational agility, stakeholder management, emergency planning, and possibly related disciplines such as internal and external communications.

It’s also essential that the leader develops the skills to get the best performance out of his or her team of support staff. While the leader might be the figurehead of the organisation, his or her actions will depend on the interactions they have with their team, and so the ability to collaborate should also be a top priority. Decision-making skills are also a must – while any significant decisions will be made in collaboration with a number of executives, the buck does eventually stop with the chief executive so they need to be able to make effective decisions. Similarly, some decisions have to be taken quickly, so the leader needs be aware not just of what takes priority and what matters less, but also what the implications of their decisions might be for the relevant stakeholders.

TRAINING TO SUIT THE INDIVIDUAL There isn’t a definitive environment which is bound to aid learning, but there’s undoubtedly been a shift in recent years to innovative learning methods which create a hands-on experience for the learner. Recent analysis by Portland State University of over 2,000 leaders and senior managers shows that fewer than one in five believe classroom courses are either essential or very useful in building their skills. At the same time, many are using mobile phones to access resources that help them do their job better.

While it’s clear that public sector organisations need to have a concrete plan in place to equip their leaders with the skills they need to deal with tough times, there aren’t hard and fast rules about the content.

However, leadership development is clearly the most effective when it’s been tailored to suit not just the needs of the business, but the learning style of the leader too. L&D practitioners need to initiate dialogues with the leaders to get an idea of how they like to learn and the best way to manage their often very limited amount of time. The leader might best retain information by working with real-life examples, learning with immersive techniques such as roleplays and interviews, while others learn best through simple repetition exercises or accessing bite-sized pieces of content in their own time. Accessibility is an important consideration as time-poor leaders will want

Human Resources

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

It’s also hat al t essenti develops er the leadkills to get the s erformance tp the bes f his or her out o f support team o aff st

to access content using different means.

Everyone likes to view and access information in different ways, but whichever teaching styles are best, we all need time to reflect on our learning if we’re going to retain the information as effectively as possible. New mobile technologies mean that using an app to follow up from a training session – be it on the train, in a coffee shop or on the sofa – is becoming

much more commonplace as a means of reflecting on learning. The opportunity to reflect and continue learning, then, is much more important than the environment where the learning itself takes place.

LEADERSHIP SKILLS The decrease in funding for L&D functions has caused a shift in the role of the practitioner. While previously they would 

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

13

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

Become a management coach and start using a coaching approach with your team today

Professional Accountancy Tutors started as a partnership of qualified accountants dedicated to the provision of high-quality accountancy and payroll training to aspiring professionals. A distinctive approach has been adopted by the partners and the organisation has helped numerous individuals achieve their career objectives.

Coaching Skills for Managers ONLINE COURSES

Gain a qualification from CMI or ILM at level 3, 5 and 7

Professional Accountancy Tutors York House, Empire Way Wembley HA9 0PA

Tel: 0208 7950 750 E-mail: pat4success@btconnect.com www.pat4success.co.uk

Piworx Ltd Process Improvement works... when you have well-trained staff International Specialists in: - TMMi - CMMI - ISO 15504/33000 - Automotive SPICE - COBIT - Soft Skills Piworx Consultants www.piworx.co.uk enquiry@piworx.co.uk

Registered in Scotland, company number 493444 Tel: +44 (0)131 215 1990

14

www.worthlearning.co.uk

(+44)01600 715125

info@worthlearning.co.uk

@worthlearn

Train up your staff to realize … or release their potential

Known internationally as the “Process Professionals”, Piworx consultants have trained hundreds of people in numerous models and skills in 4 continents for over two decades.

On behalf of the TMMi Foundation, Piworx is also now the sole authorised worldwide provider of the Test Maturity Model integration (TMMi) Method (TAM) Assessor and Lead Assessor training programmes for TMMi Professionals.

Providing certifications for the BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis

Piworx provides scheduled public training or in-house training to suit your needs, as well as a comprehensive suite of consultancy and assessment services.

Based in the Edinburgh area in the UK but with a global presence, with offices in Europe and Japan, please contact Piworx by one of the methods given, or visit the register of professionally qualified assessors at: pparegister.com

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 22.2

Train your Business Analysts You will see the return on your investment www.peak-training-solutions.co.uk 0118 9451602

Human Resources

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

LEADERSHIP TRAINING  likely be the sole provider of the training, now their responsibility can be more to act as a facilitator, bringing learners together with professionals who aren’t necessarily trainers themselves, but who already have the skills and experiences needed. For example, an essential skill for a leader is the ability to share bad news with the workforce. Instead of learning from an L&D practitioner, the leader may work with an in-house crisis communications team to learn their techniques from first-hand experience. Communities of practice are increasingly encouraged, with each member sharing whatever skills they can bring to the table. Anyone who has specialist knowledge can then act as a role model and as a ‘teacher’.

The L&D professional can go a step further in this regard, extending his or her role to content curation. In the same way a language tutor might source a range of external resources to enable learning such as a coursebook, a YouTube clip and a magazine clipping rather than creating the materials themselves, the L&D practitioner can be equally resourceful. TED talks, for example, can be a highly useful and engaging component of a training course and are often freely available. The provision of content on a budget has become less about designing it and more about bringing it together. An often untapped and huge source of content is the MOOC (massive open online course). Previously only used by top-end educational institutions such as Harvard and MIT, MOOCS are now entering the corporate sphere, having been adopted by such organisations as Marks & Spencer. Open to all employees regardless of their role, the Marks & Spencer corporate MOOC has enjoyed a fair degree of success – the take-up rate is in the thousands. The key, though, is to ensure that the whole journey from take-up to completion is encouraged.

About the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development

RETURN ON INVESTMENT L&D practitioners preparing to pitch a learning intervention need to ensure that they’re making the strongest possible business case for taking it on. They need to ‘connect’ with the business, maintaining a presence in different parts of the organisation and positioning themselves as an influential strategic leader and effective change agent. The aim is to help shape the organisational direction as a whole. They can achieve this by, for example, attending departmental events and job-shadowing elsewhere in the organisation to gain a deeper connection with other business units. This kind of insight will ultimately improve performance and capability for both the individual and the business. There are few better ways to understand the needs of public sector leadership than by spending time shadowing and to see the challenges they face first-hand.

Another necessity to push the case for ongoing L&D for leadership roles is to use metrics to demonstrate the potential return on investment – what are the outcomes from the training that could potentially impact on the business? Better staff retention, increased revenue, more profit? It’s also possible that the practitioner will need to pitch to the learner themselves.

Again, it’s all about making a definitive case for taking on the learning and outlining what’s in it for the learner – that they’ll learn new skills, stay up date, enhance their career and make the right decisions, with the right presence in different situations.

It seems likely that the public sector is set to feel the bite of austerity well into the next Parliament. Organisational performance has been shown to be strongest when linked with strong leadership practices, and all organisations need to ensure that the figureheads at the top have the skills and abilities at their disposal to bring the organisation through the storm intact. To reiterate, L&D as a whole needs to increase its visibility and position itself as a key business function, assuring decision-makers of its relevance and justifying the allocation of both funds and time for leadership development programmes in good times, and in preparation for the journey ahead. 

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is the professional body for HR and people development. It is the voice of a worldwide community of more than 135,000 members committed to championing better work and working lives.

It has been setting the benchmark for excellence in people and organisation development for more than 100 years. Through our expertise and research we provide a valuable point of view on the rapidly changing world of work. And for its members, it’s the career partner of choice, setting professional standards and providing the expertise to drive the HR and L&D professions forward.

The CIPD is independent and not-for-profit and holds a highly respected Royal Charter. It exists to make work and working lives better. And at a time of unprecedented change it has the vision, the agility and the strength to make a real difference for its members, for businesses, for the economy and for all working people.

The CIPD has links with over 100 similar institutions and associations across the world and are active members of the World Federation of People Management Associations (WFPMA); the European Association for People Management (EAPM); and the International Federation of Training and Development Organisations (IFTDO).

IMPARTING LIFE CHANGING KNOWLEDGE

Tuition Provider & Exam Centre

for ACCA, ATT, CIMA, IAB, IAB, CompTIA, Pearson forAAT, AAT, ACCA, ATT, CIMA, CompTIA Vue IT Programs, Health & Social Care, PTE A+ & Pearsonvue IT Programs.

English Language and Management Courses.

- Open Seven Days a week.

OPEN DAYS: 1ST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH (EXCEPT DECEMBER) Visit

www.rmjpilondonbusinessacademy.com for more information or email:

info@rmjpilondonbusinessacademy.com Crawley: +44 (0)1293 763266

Turn to page 17 to read the CIPD learning and development show preview.

FURTHER INFORMATION www.cipd.co.uk

@RMJPILBA

RMJPI_AAT_NovDec_14.indd 1

15:53 Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS01/10/2014 MAGAZINE

15

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

different. , it s what we do.

Find out why over 2 million learners in the last 10 years chose NCFE as the Awarding Organisation to move their careers forward.

Call 0191 239 8000 Email service@ncfe.org.uk Visit ncfe.org.uk

16

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 22.2

EVENT PREVIEW

CIPD Learning & Development

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

DEVELOPING PEOPLE AND BUILDING CAPABILITY The 2015 CIPD Learning and Development Show will provide learning and development professionals in all sectors with the insights, ideas and tools to take on new challenges Developing people and building capability are vital elements in the creation of agile organisations that are fit for the future. The challenges facing local government means it is more important than ever to equip workforces with the skills and abilities to drive success.

The 2015 CIPD Learning and Development (L&D) Show, on 13-14 May at London’s Olympia, will provide learning and development professionals in all sectors with the insights, ideas and tools to take on new challenges. It will enable them to demonstrate their key role in building organisational cultures that recognise and support continuous

learning, connection and collaboration.

Organised by the CIPD, the professional body for human resources and people development, in partnership with The Open University, the two-day conference and exhibition gives a fresh perspective on L&D and organisational development issues.

The conference programme features 28 sessions in a mix of formats. Leading organisations share their experiences in case-study based sessions, while practical workshops will provide instant, hands-on solutions. Interactive ‘openspace’ sessions will encourage topical debate and creative thinking.

Getting ith w to grips ience neuroscts will concep ing and rn help lealopment deve als foster ion profess ater staff gre ion innovat

CASE STUDY SESSIONS Sessions are also identified by different streams, reflecting the breadth of issues on the L&D agenda. These are: learning and talent development, technologies and innovation, leadership development and coaching, organisation development, and a new stream focusing on neuroscience.

Contributors to case-study sessions include Peter Robinson, head of secondment and interchange programme at Civil Service Resourcing, who will be looking at ways in which collaborative learning partnerships can drive business and people success. He will be joined on the conference platform

by Jabbar Sardar, director of human resources and organisational development at Cafcass and Mark Robinson, captain of Fleetwood Town Football Club.

Alan Nobbs of the NHS Leadership Academy and Paul Morgan, operations director at Caffe Nero, will be sharing their experiences of professionalising leadership to create a high-performance culture.

The Open University’s global business director, Ian Howell and Mike Evans, E

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

17

Just scan the code and walk into the world of Wilo!

Save upto 70% on energy costs with the Wilo Stratos Giga* The new Wilo-Stratos, Wilo-Stratos GIGA and Wilo-CronoLine-IL-E for building automation are already compatible with all communication system worlds thanks to the IF-Module. Do you want to know how you can exploit future potential for efficiency in the building technology of today and save energy costs? Wilo makes it easy! *when compared to an old uncontrolled pump Go to www.wilo.co.uk/consultant for the full story.

T:01283 523000 E:sales@wilo.co.uk

Wilo-Stratos GIGA, the powerful one: For use in heating, cooling and air-conditioning systems High-efficiency EC motor Very high overall efficiency Communication-capable for building automation in all system environments thanks to optionally integrable interface modules ƒ High Efficiency Drive, the drive of the future ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

EVENT PREVIEW  director of operations at the Football League Trust, will look at ways of aligning organisational goals to an integrated skills development programme. Their session on bridging skill gaps to drive competitive advantage will show how effective industry‑education partnerships can enhance employee growth and development as well as organisational productivity.

The conference explores new approaches to learning and development including the use of neuroscience in workplace learning. James Moore, assistant director, Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust and Moira Morgan, senior trainer at Academi Wales, will share their insights on applying neuroscience to develop individuals and high-performance teams.

The CIPD’s head of learning and development, Andy Lancaster and Brian Stanton, global head of customer and product training at Rolls Royce will examine the key shifts that learning and development practitioners can make to prepare for the future and will look at the role of standards and qualifications.

The CIPD has launched a new set of core CIPD L&D qualifications, following extensive consultations with the learning and development community. The updated qualifications reflect new and changing roles within the profession, as well as the latest thinking and research. For example, new units include contemporary thinking in digital learning, social learning, international markets and learning engagement drawing on neuroscience research.

EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS Running alongside the conference, the free exhibition gives suppliers a showcase to preview their own solutions to the L&D demands facing today’s practitioners.

Designed as a highly practical event, the show gives visitors the opportunity to assess hundreds of different tools and techniques at first hand and check out new launches and previews. More than 110 leading suppliers will be taking part covering the whole spectrum of L&D activity including organisational development and change, coaching, talent development, learning evaluation and L&D technologies.

Alongside on-stand activities and expert advice, a free programme of bite-sized updates provides a further source of tips and insights with presentations from suppliers and the CIPD. Topic Taster sessions will keep people up-to-date on key L&D and organisational development issues. For example, the CIPD will highlight the value of employee volunteering as part of your learning and development strategy while the Hay Group will look at the myths and realities of multi-generational work. Apprenticeships, leadership styles and 21st century coaching are among other subjects on the agenda.

An interactive Learning Arena puts the spotlight on innovative learning techniques and visitors will have the opportunity to understand and try out different approaches for themselves. Neuroscience is a hot topic on the conference platform and getting to grips with its concepts will help learning and

Conference delegates and exhibition visitors can also join in discussions on L&D developments before and during the event through online activities and social media such as Twitter (the show hashtag is #cipdLDShow)

development professionals foster greater staff innovation. Exhibition visitors will also find plenty of brain-focused activities and insights in the Learning Arena.

THE LEARNING ZONE The Learning Arena also features a new Ignite Lab. Covering L&D issues at the top of today’s business agenda, these lively five minute presentations led by the CIPD Leaders in Learning Network, give participants the chance to ask quick-fire questions and tap into cutting edge ideas and developments.

Social media and social learning is bringing a new dimension to the way people develop and collaborate as learners. The Technology for Learning Zone provides a hub to explore the issues. Suppliers will be sharing tips, advice and case studies on innovative e-learning technology, from mobile devices to virtual communities. For example, The Open University is holding a session on learning without boundaries that will highlight the way that mobile learning such as OU Anywhere and iTunes U is bringing greater flexibility, enabling students to make the most of their learning wherever they are.

ANNUAL SURVEY The CIPD’s annual Learning and Development survey will also be launched during the show, providing an up-to-date picture of current L&D trends and insights into likely future developments. As well as giving benchmark comparisons in areas such as future budgeting and learning priorities, the survey also explores a number of topical issues. For example, this year the survey includes questions on neuroscience and has a particular focus on learning technologies and productivity.

CIPD research adviser, Ruth Stuart will be sharing key findings from survey in a Topic Taster session at the show. As well as looking at practical ideas and innovations to take back to the organisation, the CIPD Learning and Development Show provides an opportunity for conference delegates and exhibition visitors to focus on their own development.

The CIPD team will be offering advice on the ways that it can support L&D practitioners’ professional development and keep them up‑to-date through membership, qualifications, and new tools and resources. The CIPD stand will be holding free demonstrations and presentations on ways of boosting your professional development and how it supports L&D professionals to advance their careers.

There will also be plenty of networking opportunities at the show. This is an important part of the event, whether it is to link-up with relevant suppliers, get face-to-face expert advice or share experiences with fellow professionals. L

CIPD Learning & Development

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

FURTHER INFORMATION www.cipd.co.uk/LandDShow

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

19

Hard times.

Tender moments.

www.lexisnexis.co.uk/governmentbusiness

OUTSOURCING

SERVICE LEVELS – A CUSTOMER’S PERSPECTIVE

Advertisement Feature

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

Service levels can be effective barometers for tracking the progress of an outsourced agreement. To achieve this, it is vital to have meaningful, adjustable metrics defined early in the relationship As a provider of legal information services for almost 200 years, LexisNexis understands the importance of drafting effective contracts.

Service levels are the primary management tool in an outsourcing contract that get the supplier to focus on areas that matter to the customer; keep the supplier accountable; and make it possible for the customer to determine whether it is receiving value for money for the price of the contracted service.

Service levels can be effective barometers for tracking progress toward the goals of the outsourcing. Key to this is having meaningful, adjustable metrics defined early in the relationship. These should align with the deal objectives and be pegged to remedies that incentivize supplier performance.

DEFINE When stipulating the service levels, the message is clear: less is more. Clearly define the service levels based on the customer’s business objectives and requirements, ie identify the functions it values and assign a priority to those values in its business environment.

by ensuring the supplier performs the services to at least the same level as they were provided prior to the handover date, and compared to well-managed suppliers providing similar services MEASURE THE RIGHT THINGS There are three different ways to measure service levels: Measuring an event on whether it was completed correctly and on time during a specified period; measuring an event on a continuous basis; or measuring a sample to confirm whether it meets the required level.

Be aware that there is an administrative cost to the management, measuring and reporting of service levels. If there are too many service levels the supplier’s performance will be difficult and costly to manage.

Choose fewer metrics with higher stakes; ensure that they can be measured and reported on reliably and economically, and that the outcomes of hitting or missing the service level are clear. Avoid defining multiple service levels measuring the same thing and focus on what matters to the business.

Ensure the supplier collects and reports on its performance regularly, and that failure to do so leads to service levels being deemed unmet. The report should also verify the supplier’s compliance Consider the scope of the services; identify the objectives of the outsourcing arrangement; collect any existing performance data and information available on current measurement tools; prioritise and aggregate this information to come up with a service level definition; and define the actual performance level.

VALIDATE Validate the service levels through negotiation with the supplier. Avoid service level performance holidays or post-signature validation periods at all costs. Customers that have entered into transactions in which service levels are to be agreed post-contract with a subsequent performance review period are almost always highly dissatisfied with the results of their post-contract effort and, as a result, the outsourcing relationship as a whole.

Safeguard the basic level of service

Shift from input to output metrics where possible. For example, instead of measuring how many hours it took the supplier to complete an activity, consider measuring how many of those activities it completed in one hour. This small change in the way of keeping score may help focus the supplier in meeting the customer’s true requirements.

REPORTING Ensure the supplier collects and reports on its performance regularly, and that failure to do so leads to service levels being deemed unmet. The report should be detailed enough to verify the supplier’s compliance (eg by specifying the number of instances of failure to meet the service level and the steps taken to rectify this). Make it a contractual requirement that access will be given to the underlying data supporting the report.

FLEXIBILITY Have the right to add, delete or modify service levels at will. Without this flexibility the customer will lack the means to have an accurate, consistent and fair measurement of the services as they inevitably evolve over the course of the agreement. If possible, build in automatic improvements, including the right to re-weight the allocation of service credits against persistently failing service levels or to reflect your changing business imperatives.

SERVICE CREDITS Service credits incentivise a supplier to meet the service levels and provide the customer with a measure of instant compensation for inadequate or failed performance.

They should not be used as a means to generate discounts, nor should they be the customer’s sole remedy for the supplier’s failure to perform. Ordinarily, the supplier will seek to cap the total monetary amount it puts at risk in any given period in the form of service credits at anywhere between 10 per cent and 20 per cent of the fees it receives during the equivalent measurement period.

EARN-BACKS You could incentivise the supplier to exceed the service levels, e.g offer the supplier the right to earn back service credits if it achieves an overall service level performance average that is higher than that agreed, measured over the same period.

Again, be careful to peg any service bonus mechanism to the service levels that really matter (eg beating problem resolution times). Alternatively, align the supplier’s desire for a bonus with the achievement of the customer’s own critical goals (e.g the payment to the supplier of a percentage of any demonstrative reductions in the customer’s overall IT costs generated as a result of the services over the course of the agreement).  FURTHER INFORMATION Please contact Tom Laidlaw at thomas. laidlaw@lexisnexis.co.uk or learn more at www.lexisnexis.co.uk/governmentbusiness

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

21

ENERGY

...energy efficiency for everyone Combat fuel poverty with the Green Deal.

Greenbuy Energy are authorised & regulated

by The Financial Conduct Authority (ref.650222).

The Green Deal may help your tenants benefit from a home that is more energy efficient, and feel warmer and more comfortable.

Greenbuy Energy offer Housing Associations, Housing Trusts and Registered Providers of Social Housing a flexible and simple solution to help access the Green Deal.

To see how we can help, let our advisors check your property list for FREE, and maximise the benefits to your tenants and your organisation.

To find out more, please email us at info@greenbuy.org.uk www.greenbuy.org.uk/greendeal www.facebook.com/greenbuyenergyltd twitter.com/greenbuy_energy

Housing

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

Written by Steve Cole, National Housing Federation

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

ENERGISING THE UK’S HOUSING STOCK

Steve Cole, policy leader at the National Housing Federation, investigates the benefits and challenges of implementing the Green Deal, the government’s scheme to improve the energy efficiency of the UK’s housing stock Green Deal, the government’s flagship policy to improve the energy efficiency of the UK’s housing stock, has been much debated over the last few years. In the UK, the poorest fifth of households spend more than 10 per cent of their disposable income on energy.

With the second worst energy performance standards in Europe, the government recognised that the UK’s housing stock is crying out for a transformational programme not only to cut carbon emissions, but to end fuel poverty, and resolve the cost of the living crisis that goes hand in hand with the housing crisis. The National Housing Federation and its members fully supported the concept of the Green Deal because it provided the up-front investment at no cost to the property owner or residents and repaid that investment from energy bill savings.

ENERGY BILL SAVINGS As the UK lead in the Powerhouse Europe project to define and map the barriers to delivering nearly zero energy housing in the European Union, I saw first-hand the interest in the programme from our European

counterparts. It’s a rare and satisfying experience to be interrogated by the Austrian’s and the German’s about UK energy efficiency.

The subsequent trials and tribulations of the scheme, in particular its low take-up, are much documented and greater minds than mine, including (to their credit) the team at the

and owner occupiers, should be able to use the savings on energy bills gained through energy efficiency improvements to pay for the cost of those improvements. The problems arose when excessive requirements were piled atop the process, making the process excessively bureaucratic, leading to high

The government has taken a lot of criticism for Green Deal but the programme remains a step in the right direction and is significant to the UK dealing with this very difficult issue Department for Energy and Climate Change, have provided detailed analysis of where the programme could have been better.

The government has taken a lot of criticism for Green Deal but the programme remains a step in the right direction and is significant to the UK dealing with this very difficult issue.

At the heart of Green Deal is a simple and robust idea; that residents, both tenants

costs, complex systems, and a lack of real incentive to buy into. This is exacerbated by the extremely complex factors which influence the energy efficiency of the housing stock.

THE CHALLENGES The issues around complexity and costs of the scheme, as well as credit checks on residents, mean that it was never a particularly viable 

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

23

tomorroW’s energy, today Flogas reneWables can help your business save money and reduce it’s carbon Footprint With 30 years’ experience we can offer the very best in: + Clean, safe and low cost energy for your business + A complete range of cost-effective energy solutions including Solar PV, Biomass, Wind & Heat Pumps + Sustainable RHi & FiT approved solutions that pay for themselves within a few years + Innovative and high-quality technology for all domestic and commercial applications + Fully integrated, turn-key and bespoke designed projects + Seamless project management & transition from your existing system to your new renewable solution

contact one oF our energy experts today: Call us on 0116 258 1410 www.flogas.co.uk

ENERGY EFFICIENCY  scheme for housing associations and their tenants. Furthermore, the need for Green Deal assessments when housing associations often know the energy performance of their own stock well and are in a position to take strategic decisions about renovation, means the much vaunted Green Deal assessments were in reality another layer of bureaucracy.

So what has been done, and what more could be done to deliver on the undoubted promise of this policy?

With both funding rounds oversubscribed, the first thing to say is that the more recent Green Deal Home Improvement Fund (GDHIF) shows there is a real appetite for energy efficiency. It was a simpler process, easier to access for housing associations and prioritised much needed Solid Wall Insulation (SWI). The fund also supported the delivery of multiple measures, moving closer to a whole house approach to energy efficient retrofit, which we know to be more effective in terms of overall cost, improving resident comfort, reducing fuel poverty, and reducing CO2.

UNPRECEDENTED DEMANDS As a result of unprecedented demands, this fund has now been closed to new applications. It is possible that it may be re-opened or even that a successor could be announced. The scheme has been a qualified success. The funding was obviously welcome but the stop start nature of the support has drawn criticism.

Continuity is crucial as the Green Deal does need to evolve rather than be torn up, as both the housing and construction sectors need to know what they are dealing with.

That said, currently it is not a reliable source of funding but could provide ‘bonus’ funding for housing association projects being planned and implemented. We recommend our members look at Green Deal as a potential source of funding for strategically prioritised programmes of work but don’t currently see the scheme as delivering the large scale transformation the UK’s housing stock requires.

This is one of the reasons why, as part of the Homes for Britain campaign to end the housing crisis within a generation, the National Housing Federation is calling for new freedoms and flexibilities for housing associations when it comes to setting rent. Currently, housing associations cannot charge slightly higher rents to offset the build or retrofit cost for more energy efficient property which would reduce the overall cost of living for the resident, via more substantial savings due to lower energy bills, and, if the resident is in receipt of benefits, reduce the cost to the taxpayer. This is before we even get onto the benefits in terms of carbon savings.

While this may sound like carping from a sector about a generous government subsidy, the reality is that housing associations are, in a tough economic climate, investing hundreds of millions in improving the energy efficiency of existing homes above the legally required standard.

However, they are doing so at a loss and support from government is just one plank in enabling them to deliver homes fit for the 21st century.

HOW THE DUTCH DO IT I recently had the privilege of taking part in a study tour to explore how such a scheme could be delivered in the UK. I was struck by the statement of Energiesprong founder Jan-Willem der Group’s statement about the key to the whole process: “Once the target becomes net-zero energy, everything else is simple.” By prioritising outcomes rather than processes, the Dutch, who are operating in a similar economic and political climate to the UK, have been able to bring together housing associations, local government, homeowners, and major construction companies to drive fundamental change to energy efficiency in housing.

The Green Deal is not a million miles from the successful Dutch model and, as such, should not be torn up. With the general election looming it is important that we don’t go back to the drawing board again but take what is good about Green Deal and, by focusing on the long term change our stock needs, evolve it and successfully deliver the change UK housing is crying out for.  FURTHER INFORMATION www.housing.org.uk

Energy efficiency measures included in the Green Deal

Housing

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

Loft insulation – heat rises and it may be leaking into the loft. Insulating lofts, or topping up existing insulation, will keep heat inside living spaces for longer.

Boilers – older boilers tend to lose a lot of heat so they use a lot of energy. High efficiency condensing boilers and air or ground source heat pumps recover a lot of heat so they use less energy.

Create your own energy – technologies like wind turbines and solar panels can capture energy and turn it into electricity of heat for the home.

Windows - homes leak heat through their windows. By replacing windows with double or triple glazed windows, or installing secondary glazing to existing windows, homes can be kept warmer and outside noise can be reduced.

Draught proofing - gaps around doors, windows, loft hatches, fittings and pipework are common sources of draughts. Sealing up the gaps will stop heat escaping the home.

Cavity wall insulation - some homes have walls with a hollow space in the middle. Putting insulation in this space is quick and makes no mess because the work can be done from outside the home.

External and internal sold wall insulation - older homes usually have solid walls. Installing insulation on the inside or outside of the wall can dramatically reduce the heat that escapes the home.

the smith emsley partnership ltd chartered surveyors │ design │ consult

Chartered Surveyors; DEAs GDAs Witnessed Assessors The Smith Emsley Partnership Ltd is a Chartered Building Surveying Practice established in 2003 and grew from strength to strength offering a plethora of surveying services. The company is a GDAO and the two directors and staff are Building Surveyors and are DEAs/GDAs. The company also carries out Witnessed Assessments.

We are a registered RICS Company, are Chartered Building Engineers and are Green Deal Approved.

The services we offer are second to none.

17 Southhouse Grove, Edinburgh 0131 664 7250 Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

25

Ideas at work.

The Met Office, Exeter.

Essential services for business, delivered with energy.

The Met Office’s supercomputer handles and delivers global weather data from hundreds of thousands of locations worldwide. That kind of computer power* also demands resilient infrastructure for energy and ICT. The Met Office has chosen SSE Enterprise as a key partner – for developing high voltage connections and installing campus-wide fibre networks. Because, when we work for you, we like to make your life more predictable. * The Met Office computers perform 1,200 teraflops – a teraflop is a trillion calculations per second.

Call 0845 070 1950 | sseenterprise.co.uk/essential

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Housing

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

DON’T LOSE HEAT OVER IT New regulations have been passed that will ban landlords from renting out properties that fall below the energy efficiency rating of band E from April 2018 From April 2018, landlords will be required by law to get their draughtiest properties to an energy efficiency rating of at least Band E following new energy efficiency regulations that have been passed.

Fuel poor households living in the least efficient privately-rented homes already need to spend on average around £1,000 more to keep warm compared to the average home.

Estimates suggest that on average the difference in a heating bill from the least energy efficient properties and those with an energy rating Band E is £880.

The new regulations will force landlords to upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes currently rated F and G to a minimum of E by 1 April 2018. If they do not, they face being unable to rent them out until they improve the rating.

John Alker, Acting CEO of the UK Green Building Council said: “This is the single most important piece of green legislation to affect our homes and buildings that has been introduced in the whole of this Parliament.”

FINANCIAL SUPPORT From April 2016, tenants will have the right to request consent for improvements, and the landlord cannot unreasonably refuse.

Landlords will be able to rent out properties that don’t yet comply beyond 1 April 2018 for the remainder of their existing rental contracts, but will not be able to renew a contract or let the property to someone new until it is brought up to an E rating.

Financial support for the energy efficiency improvements is available through the Green

and, with government support, landlords can improve their properties at no upfront cost.”

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Amber Rudd said: “These new regulations will drive bills down in some of the worstinsulated homes where up to 1 million tenants are paying too much to keep warm.

It’s also good news for landlords, who can

“This is the single most important piece of green legislation to affect our homes and buildings that has been introduced in the whole of this Parliament.” John Alker, Acting CEO of the UK Green Building Council Deal and Energy Company Obligation. This means landlords do not necessarily have to pay for the new installations themselves – and landlords will only have to make improvements that are cost effective.

Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Edward Davey said: “These new laws will plug the gaps in draughty homes – helping households to keep warm and drive down bills.

“Many of the poorest tenants will benefit

benefit from improved properties with the financial support of the Green Deal and other schemes, and a real boost to the industry.”

INDUSTRY REACTION Speaking about the new rules from a landlords point of view, Richard Lambert, CEO of the National Landlords Association (NLA) said: “The government has struck a delicate balance between making clear what is E

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

27

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

Safeguard against rising energy costs

Green Deal

How Green is your home?

Energy Performance Certificates P: 07462 544 224 E: info@rainbowecosolutions.co.uk www.rainbowecosolutions.co.uk

Warm Front Ltd specialise in providing energy saving measures under the new ECO and Green Deal funding schemes.

You may be eligible for External Wall Insulation, free of charge, subject to benefit criteria and free survey.

Warm Front Ltd provide boiler upgrades and replacement under the new HHCRO funding scheme, and in most cases can be supplied FREE, subject to survey and benefit criteria.

Warm Front Ltd offer cavity wall and loft insulation including solutions for narrow and hard to treat cavities.

Hundreds of commercial clients have already benefited from our energy saving measures.

So far we have prevented 285, 598, 301kg of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere.

The Thermohouse Low Energy Building System is an innovative state of the art system that offers a complete airtight, thermal envelope with a minimum life span of 60 years. With Thermohouse, you can expect a healthier indoor environment, a reduction on energy costs, excellent thermal performances (to meet passive standard if required), elimination of all cold bridging, more creative innovative design opportunities, superior structural strength and an easy to install lightweight system with a substantially reduced building time.

At Thermohouse, we are passionate about providing a solution that suits the home owner by providing a healthier and more environmentally friendly life style and the industry professional by providing them with an opportunity to be part of a new, innovative and modern method of construction that is easier to build, has unlimited design opportunities and is structurally superior to other methods of building.

Our mission at Thermohouse is to supply a building system that is not only sustainable but that has the ability to provide comfort, security and a cost effective solution to the home owner for the duration of their occupancy.

Call us today for further information on our products and services.

020 8752 8016 // www.thermohouse.co.uk

Start saving money and the planet today!

If you’re looking to deliver a successful energy efficient project in your area, we can help!

We specialise in the installation of External Wall Insulation.

With millions of solid-wall properties throughout the UK, external wall insulation can help social landlords and local authorities to achieve their energy efficiency and carbon reduction obligations.

Our team welcomes the opportunity to work with you on your carbon and energy-saving plans.

For more information, contact us: admin@ ecothermuk.com

020 7124 4025 www.ecothermuk.com

28

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 22.2

ENERGY EFFICIENCY E expected and ensuring that there is a realistic prospect of landlords being able to comply.

“Setting the standard at a sensible rather than aspirational level, allowing time to achieve it and granting exemptions if the necessary improvements cannot be funded through the Green Deal or other government subsidies means that these new regulations will not impose an unreasonable burden.

Indeed, where a landlord is in a position to undertake improvements, there will be no good reason not to.

“The NLA actively encourages landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their properties because it’s good business practice: a warm tenant is a happy tenant.”

FUEL POVERTY Jenny Saunders, CEO of the fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA), commented: “The private rented sector contains a high proportion of fuel poor tenants and many properties are not currently fit to rent out. We hope the introduction of the new regulations can help landlords drive up standards in the

sector, deliver more affordable fuel bills as well as reducing carbon emissions.”

The UK Green Building Council’s John Alker, said: “Government deserves huge credit for sticking to its guns as it provides the impetus needed to upgrade our worst-performing, most energy-hungry rented properties and will help to kick-start a multimillion pound market in energy efficiency products and services in the UK.” Ian Fletcher, Director of Real Estate at the British Property Federation said: “Since Royal Assent on the Energy Bill 2011 the property industry has been working constructively with the Government on what form the regulations will take, and this announcement is another welcome step on the road to giving the industry certainty on the detail and method of introduction of this policy.”

But Sophie Neuburg, energy campaigner at Friends of the Earth believes that the rules don’t go far enough: “New rules aimed at ensuring that private rented homes are properly insulated

New d me rules ai g that rin at ensue rented privat s are home sulated y in properl e long ar overdue

Housing

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

are long overdue – but unfortunately these changes don’t go far enough.

“The new regulations only ban the most dangerously cold homes, and are riddled with loopholes which unscrupulous landlords can take advantage of.

“Regulations requiring private rented homes to be insulated to a far higher standard are vital to prevent cashstrapped tenants shivering in heat-leaking homes, and to help reduce the nation’s contribution to global climate change.“ GAINING FEEDBACK A public consultation was carried out between 22 July and 2 September 2014 which sought views across England and Wales on the detail of the regulations. The consultation response can be found on gov.uk for both the domestic sector and the non-domestic The government has also announced it is also drawing up plans for a £25 million fund to support the installation of first-time central heating systems in off-grid households. It says this is on top of an investment of over half a billion pounds over three years to get Britain’s homes warmer and leaking less energy. The government says it will also be announcing its Fuel Poverty Strategy soon. L FURTHER INFORMATION tinyurl.com/o9c43nb

A Managed Green Deal Solution for your Properties We can offer our clients a fully managed Green Deal Solution to install energy saving measures in their properties.

This includes –   

EPC & GDR Surveys Green Deal Plans and Finance Installation of Energy Saving Measures

 Boilers – all types of fuel  External and internal wall insulation  Loft, cavity and room in roof insulation

The advantages of the Green Deal for housing associations and landlords Tenants are increasingly taking the properties’ energy-saving credentials into consideration when looking for somewhere to rent, being able to offer a property with a good rating could give you the edge over your competitors.

As well as helping to attract tenants using the Green Deal to improve a property it could help you retain tenants.

If tenants are in a warm, comfortable, energy efficient property, they may be keen to stay put rather than move elsewhere. Tenant retention means a decreased likelihood of void periods and saves you having to spend time and money finding new tenants.

Another reason you may wish to use the Green Deal scheme is to prepare for planned changes in regulation. By 2018, there will be compulsory minimum energy ratings for rental properties, if you act now you’ll be prepared for when this comes into force.

0131 440 8258 info@greendealeco.org

www.greendealeco.org @greeneco

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

29

from

Climate

replacement for linear fluorescent

• Climate - no maintenance LED array • 50,000 hour lifetime and IP65 rated • 50% energy & CO2 savings versus fluorescent

IP65

• Matches fluorescent appearance

RATED

• Polycarbonate body and diffuser with stainless steel anti-tamper clips as standard • 4ft, 5ft & 6ft, single & twin, emergency, DALI dimmable and corridor function options

50,000

• LED tube version also available

HOURS

3 year

standard

GUARANTEE

1 year

on site WARRANTY

For more information contact Luceco on (01952) 238 100 or visit www.luceco.uk

EVENT PREVIEW

BRUSH-UP ON THE ENERGY AGENDA

Featuring the latest energy management, efficiency and recovery technologies and solutions, Sustainability Live is a must attend event for energy and sustainability management professionals working in local and central government

With y so man lved invo factors eloping in dev e models, abl sustain shops and work rs will be semina in three hosted atres change workshops. the With so many factors

Sustainability Live is the UK’s leading exhibition for innovative energy and sustainability management and returns to the NEC Birmingham from 21 to 23 April 2015.

This year’s event brings together more than 160 participating organisations, including a live content programme of more than 100 expert speakers. Sustainability Live also has an extensive exhibition featuring the latest energy management, efficiency and recovery technologies and solutions. With workshops, seminars, technologies and innovation for both those in senior strategic roles and their operational teams, this year’s show is a must attend event for energy and sustainability management professionals working in local and central government.

ACCESSING PRACTICAL ADVICE The Sustainability Live CPD workshops and seminars comprise of free sessions covering three days designed to help energy and sustainability professionals operate more efficiently, and gain CPD hours. These sessions will offer practical advice about implementing sustainability and energy management initiatives. The action-based seminars cover topics from making the decision about which technology to choose, to ensuring legislative compliance at an operational level, peer-led case studies about retrofitting and engagement and behavioural

involved in developing and implementing sustainable operating models, the workshops and seminars will be delivered across three dedicated theatres.

Concentrating on people, policy, processes and best practice, the Energy Efficiency Theatre 1 will tackle a range of upcoming industry challenges and opportunities.

Of particular relevance to anyone tasked with driving increases in energy efficiency within their organisation, day one’s ‘Energy efficiency road map and priorities for energy managers’ will set out the key challenges, business imperatives and opportunities for the coming year. Chaired by Ant Wilson of AECOM, it will also feature Luke Nicholls of edie.net and Richard Willson, environmental strategy manager of Norwich City Council.

Other standout sessions include ‘Achieving best value from ESOS’ and ‘Implementing environmental management systems – preparing for revisions to ISO 14001’.

The programme for Energy Efficiency Theatre 2, looks at the latest developments in technology, tools and kit. It is here that visitors will be able to find practical solutions to issues such as measuring and monitoring energy usage, strategies for retrofitting, smarter energy procurement and the role of building information modelling. Workshops and sessions include ‘Cutting energy bills

with CHP’, ‘Delivering cost and carbon savings with low-energy lighting systems’ and ‘Low impact buildings – Findings from Innovate UK’ which will explore opportunities for energy efficiency and retrofitting.

Finally, the Energy Recovery Theatre will offer a packed programme that addresses the opportunities and incentives for on-site energy generation. Sessions include the ‘Energy Recovery technology pitch’, where four innovative organisations pitch their latest game changing technologies in a quick fire format session and ‘Innovation in practice: technology trailblazers for municipal waste’, a debate that will examine the pressing issues around securing future feedstock for anaerobic digestion.

Sustainability Live

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

ON THE SHOW FLOOR Operational teams can also make the most of this year’s exhibition, which features the latest innovations in energy and resource management, alongside the industry leading energy recovery technologies and services.

Companies confirmed to date include specialists in metering and controls including Gemini Data Loggers, Energy Metering Technology Ltd and BMSI. Also available are engineering and construction specialists AECOM, manufacturers of PV solar water heating controllers 4eco, ceiling fan experts Airius Europe and energy saving lighting providers Danlers. Other confirmed exhibitors include Shenton Group, Schneider Electric, Bell Lighting, Bowers Electricals, Dalkia, PA Energy and voltage optimisation system Powerstar.

Other industry organisations available to offer learning and advice include The Society of Environmental Engineers, The Energy Institute, The Environmental Association for Universities & Colleges (EAUC), Institution of Sustainability Professionals, Renewable Energy Association (REA), The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) and the National Energy Foundation.

TOPIC TRAILS With so many inspiring ideas and technologies at the event, Sustainability Live has produced four new Topic Trails, enabling visitors to maximise their time at the exhibition.

By allowing them to tailor their journey across the show floor towards their own specific needs and requirements, the trails will match visitors with exhibitors who are offering the most relevant solutions to their specific challenges and concerns.

The Topic Trails for 2015 include ESOS, which will provide hands-on advice from the energy efficiency exhibitors, and energy‑efficient buildings, which focuses on providing information you need to help your buildings perform better. Energy generation is another Topic Trail which will provide an insight into different technologies that will ensure security of supply and therefore business resilience in the future. The last topic is Smarter systems which will take E

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

31

Sustainability Live

32

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

I.C. Electrical – Electrical engineers and contractors I.C. Electrical Ltd offers complete electrical engineering solutions from cost analysis and budget preparation, through to in-house electrical design, including control panel design, HV and LV electrical system design, communications system design, automation system design, small power and lighting design.

Operations are directed from the company’s head office in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire.

I.C. Electrical’s purpose built facility encompasses over 3,000 square feet of office, storage and workshop space. Burton upon Trent has extensive road links and a central location meaning that the company is able to service UK customers readily. I.C. Electrical is therefore regarded nationwide as a ‘local’ service provider.

The company ethos has been built upon quality and reliability, and this is underpinned by the companies’ ISO 9001:2008 BSI Accreditation. Coupled with its

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 22.2

approved contractor status of the NIC EIC and membership with The Profibus Group, Nebosh, and Safe Contractorit is clear that I.C. Electrical offers its wide range of products to customers with full regulatory knowledge, support and skill.

I.C. Electrical endeavors at all times to be much more than an electrical contractor. It also believes in creating firm partnerships with customers by introducing cost saving initiatives and taking a proactive role in site, project and health and safety management.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01283 530666 www.icelectrical.co.uk

EVENT PREVIEW  visitors directly to the suppliers of the latest measuring, monitoring and improving energy and sustainability performance solutions.

Finally the Innovation Zone is another exciting new show feature in 2015.

The Innovation Zone will showcase 16 innovative emerging technologies that are pre‑commercialisation but in the trial stages of development. This will give event visitors an insight into the exciting developments in store for the sector over the coming years and create another vibrant networking and knowledge transfer hub at Sustainability Live 2015.

STRATEGIC LEVEL THINKING This year’s event will feature the new Sustainability Live Conference, a three‑day premium ticketed event, bringing together the business and policy leaders who are finding new ways of building resilience into organisational models.

With the need to find and make efficiencies stronger than ever, many businesses and organisations are already moving towards more sustainable ways of operating and reaping the benefits. With the theme ‘From Risk to Resilience’, the conference will address the strategic needs of senior level delegates and places are strictly limited for qualifying personnel.

Featuring experts from leading brands and institutions, confirmed speakers include Charlotta Lyon, VP corporate affairs Western Europe, Carlsberg Breweries AS, and Matt Sexton, director of corporate social responsibility, B&Q, as well as forecasting and innovation expert Professor James Woudhuysen of De Montford University and BBC business and economics journalist Simon Jack.

Highlight sessions include ‘Energy – the bottom line: use less, make your own, buy smarter’, which takes place on day one and will consider the three main routes to reducing energy cost, including using less, on-site generation and smarter procurement strategies. The session will be chaired by Mervyn Bowden, managing director of

With the coming ESOS deadlines, many organisations will soon have energy saving data in their hands and ‘Powering Change’, on day two, will look at how effective analytics can unlock solutions to sustainability Intuitive Energy Solutions and will feature Paul Crewe, head of sustainability, energy and engineering for Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd, Gio Patellaro, head of energy supply and risk for Marks & Spencer and Scott Borders, company energy engineer for British Gypsum.

‘Funding sustainability’ is a panel debate exploring the risks and opportunities involved with accessing funding for green business projects. Chaired by Simon Jack, the session will showcase insights from speakers including Rob McGrigor, director of Kinetix Corporate Finance and Gavin Templeton, head of sustainable finance for the Green Investment Bank.

With the coming ESOS deadlines, many organisations will soon have energy saving data in their hands and ‘Powering Change’, on day two, will look at how effective analytics can unlock solutions to sustainability. The session will be chaired by Dexter Galvin, head of supply chain for CPD and feature Professor Stephen Evans, director of research in sustainability at the University of Cambridge and Nick Tune group director for BIM and digital products with BRE. Other panel sessions include ‘What is driving the agenda?’ where industry experts examine the social, geopolitical and legislative landscape, and consider what business needs from our next government, as well as the investor perspective.

Another valuable session ‘New models: the system revolutionaries’ will consider how brands and businesses are becoming problem solvers and look to new circular and closed loop models to create a sustainable future.

Finally ‘Beyond compliance’, will explore how EU policy will affect the landscape,

Sustainability Live

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

what role ESOS and ISO 50001 will have, and what will beyond best-practice look like? Chaired by John Mulholland, founder and director of Mulholland Energy Solutions, speakers include Jo Scully, ESOS project manager for the Environment Agency, Colin Hawthorne, energy manager for Jaguar Land Rover and Matt Sexton, director of corporate social responsibility for B&Q. CO-LOCATED EVENTS Sustainability Live also features two co-located events – The Environment and Energy Awards and new event Utility Week Live incorporating IWEX, offering visitors, exhibitors and sponsors numerous additional business and networking opportunities during their visit.

The Environment and Energy Awards take place on day two of Sustainability Live. Now in its 16th year, these awards recognise and celebrate excellence, innovation and best practice within the energy industry and serve as a tribute to the winners’ professionalism and commitment.

Utility Week Live incorporating IWEX is the UK’s first and only exhibition dedicated to the business, operational and technical needs of the UK’s water, electricity and gas utilities. Operational teams, including sustainability managers, energy managers, facilities managers and engineering professionals, can access a range of practical ‘how-to’ sessions that comprise the free, CPD-accredited technical seminars to help turn strategy into practical reality. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.sustainabilitylive.com

Delivering good practice to the energy industry The Energy Institute (EI) is the professional body for anyone working in energy, supporting over 20,000 individuals and 250 companies worldwide. The EI is at the forefront of developing knowledge services, training courses and qualifications for energy managers, working with and for the benefit of the industry by harnessing its members’ expertise.

Effective energy management is now an essential aspect of all successful businesses. The EI’s energy management training framework includes classroom and online training programmes for those involved in any form of energy

management. Free CPD resources as well as tools to increase staff awareness and energy auditing are also available.

The EI also operates the Register of Professional Energy Consultants (RPEC), which is an expert register of professional energy consultants across a range of technical disciplines and sectors. All RPEC consultants are chartered, experienced

and bound by a strict code of conduct and are recognised as meeting the required standards for ESOS Lead Assessors.

To see the complete portfolio of energy management products and services visit efficiency.energyinst.org Information and resources about energy management and efficiency can be found on the Energy Matrix at knowledge.energyinst.org FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 020 7467 7100 info@energyinst.org www.energyinst.org

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

33

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Fleet Management

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

TOP OF THE EV LIST

One third of councils across the UK have at least one electric vehicle on its fleet, according to a new study. But which councils have the most? Scotland takes the lead with Dundee City Council in the top spot, and three other Scottish councils in the top five Scottish councils have come out on top as having the most electric vehicles on their fleet, according to a study looking into which councils in the UK own electric vehicles.

Freedom of information requests were sent

by Intelligent Car Leasing to 433 councils across the UK to find out if they own any electric vehicles, and 95 per cent responded.

The study found that around one third (34 per cent) have at least one electric vehicle. And out of the top five local authorities with the highest number of electric vehicles, four of them are in Scotland.

Dundee City Council had the highest number of purely electric vehicles, with 38 in local operation during the last quarter of 2014.

South Lanarkshire came second with 24 electric vehicles, closely followed

by City of Glasgow, with 22.

Fife Council was in the fifth spot with 17, beaten by the London Borough of Islington in fourth position with 19.

by 2050. This ambitious vision was revealed in its roadmap to plug-in vehicles, Switched On Scotland. It says that electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles will make a substantial contribution to this ambition.

The roadmap includes pledges to install charge points at all main government buildings and to replace Scottish government vehicles with plug-in vehicles, where appropriate, as part of the ongoing vehicle replacement cycle. What’s more, it says it will support public sector fleet operators to access evidence-based analysis to create new opportunities for the deployment of plug-in vehicles.

Scottishave sh council t on top u come o g the most as havinic vehicles electr ir fleet, on the ng to a accordicil EV coun y stud

SCOTTISH AMBITIONS Perhaps the reason for Scotland’s success is the government’s pledge in 2013 for the country’s towns and cities to be free of emissions from petrol and diesel vehicles

TOP OF THE LIST: DUNDEE Dundee City Council has 38 plug-in vehicles on the road, with a mixture of cars and vans which are used across many departments, from corporate laundry, joiners, painters, supervisors and pool cars. This is supported by an increasing recharging infrastructure which currently includes two rapid chargers. A further two rapid chargers were announced in October 2014 thanks to a £22k Transport Scotland grant.

At the time of the announcement, environment convener Councillor Craig

Highest-scoring EV councils Top ten councils with the highest number of electric vehicles: 1 Dundee City Council 2 South Lanarkshire Council 3 City of Glasgow Council 4 London Borough of Islington 5 Fife Council 6 Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council 7 Newcastle upon Tyne City Council 8 Oxford City Council 9 North Lanarkshire Council 10 Lewes District Council

38 24 22 19 17 16 16 14 14 12

Melville said: “This is another important step in our commitment to environmentally friendly transport. These additional charging points will help us to keep up the momentum for electric cars in Dundee by making them even more accessible.”

SOUTH LANARKSHIRE South Lanarkshire Council’s electric vehicle fleet includes plug-in cars, an electric E

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

35

FO R R EG FR IS EE TE TO R DA Y

WORLD – INTERNATIONAL SECURITY FOR AN EVOLVING WORLD – INTERN

The event for those in the public and private sectors tasked with sourcing and delivering protection against terrorist threats • Attend live demonstrations and workshops • Network with over 9,500+ public and private sector attendees • Meet 300+ exhibitors showcasing the latest counter terrorism products and solutions • Discover practical solutions on mitigating the threat of terrorism • Hear from thought leaders on the future of global security

Save £50 by registering for your free exhibition pass at

WWW.COUNTERTERROREXPO.COM/CTBREG Your unique registration code is CTBreg

Co-located with

Follow us on

Supporting associations

ELECTRIC VEHICLES  van, and two electric street sweepers.

The sweepers are deployed within the Council’s town centres and precincts, replacing the previous diesel powered sweepers and are used on a daily basis.

Although initially sceptical over ability and battery performance, feedback from the employees using the electric sweepers has been very positive and all comment on the reduced noise and emissions allowing the units to operate at times the previous diesel powered units could not. Members of the public have often commented on the use of the electric sweepers and the improvement this has made to the local environment.

Although heavier diesel powered sweepers are still required, these are concentrated on the more demanding areas.

Also within the area, Strathclyde Fire & Rescue Service bought an electric vehicle for its community fire station and national training head quarters in Cambuslang, while NHS Lanarkshire has taken on two electric vans to provide services to local hospitals.

The two remaining Scottish Councils in the top five list is City of Glasgow Council at the third spot, and Fife Council at number five. Both councils have a fleet of electric vehicles and charge points, with a growing charging infrastructure.

GreenFleet Scotland Sector fleet of the Year Award in the medium to large category at the GreenFleet Awards.

The council’s electric fleet is powered by renewable wind energy. It’s highways maintenance department runs an electric van which is the first vehicle on call for emergency repairs in the night due to its virtually silent operation. What’s more, council staff are able to use bicycles and electric scooters for getting around the borough.

The fact that over one third of councils in the UK having at least one electric vehicle is a very promising outlook, according to Intelligent Car Lease. At the end of the report, the company said: “Electric vehicles are still expensive to obtain, even when taking into account government grants and incentives.

Therefore many of the local authorities across the UK are presenting themselves as real early adopters; taking up this promising technology at an early stage in its life-cycle.”

It expects even greater uptake as more renewable energy comes onto the grid: “In the UK there is a huge drive to increase renewable energy production (in Scotland there’s a target to make electricity production 100 per cent renewable by 2020). This is making electricity a cleaner form of energy all the time; meaning in a few years from now the benefits of driving an electric powered vehicle will be huge for the environment.” L

After six very successful years, GreenFleet Scotland returns to the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh on 10 April to allow fleet managers to test drive the latest low and zero‑emission vehicles.

NATIONAL SECURITY FOR AN EVOLVING WORLD

ISLINGTON’S GREEN FLEET The first English council on the list, at the number four slot, is the London Borough of Islington, who scooped last year’s Public

FURTHER INFORMATION To see the report, visit tinyurl.com/ord2v6f

Fleet Management

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

There will be over 70 low-carbon, hybrid and electric vehicles available on the day. What’s more, visitors will be able to attend seminars, with presentations on the latest government legislation, grants and offers, innovative technology and alternative fuels, such as hydrogen.

Delegates can also take part in the Fuel Efficient Driving Experience (FEDEx), where we look to establish Scotland’s most frugal drivers of a combustion engine vehicle.

And for the first time this year, there will be an EV Challenge to decide the most frugal electric vehicle driver, with an EV technician measuring the real‑time energy used over a 40‑mile trial.

GreenFleet Scotland is made possible through a partnership with Transport Scotland, the Energy Saving Trust, and Scottish Enterprise.

Register at events.greenfleet.net/scotland

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

37

32 MILE ELECTRIC RANGE

148 MPG

510 MILE COMBINED RANGE

ULTRA LOW CO2 EMISSIONS

WE HAVEN’T JUST MADE HISTORY

WE’RE SAVING DRIVERS £1,000S The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is cutting costs across the country – and if you’re one of Britain’s average daily drivers you can use just a few drops of petrol each day.

This intelligent hybrid decides when it’s more efficient to use petrol or electricity, giving it the ability to deliver a staggering 148mpg1. With an electric range of up to 32 miles the Outlander PHEV easily tackles the UK’s average daily drive on a single charge – and on longer journeys the petrol engine helps out to achieve a combined range of up to 510 miles2. The battery can be charged in just a few hours via a domestic plug socket3, a low-cost home Charge Point4 or one of over 7,500 Charge Points found across the UK. With ultra-low CO2 emissions the Outlander PHEV is exempt from Road Tax and the London Congestion Charge5 – as well as being eligible for drastically reduced Benefit in Kind taxation6. There’s even £5,000 off the list price through the Government Plug-in Car Grant, which means an Outlander PHEV will cost you from just £28,2497, the same price as the Outlander Diesel – and it comes with the same 5 year warranty8.

We’ve made history, you just need to make time to find out how we can save you £1,000s.

We call this Intelligent Motion.

Discover how. Search PHEV. Visit: mitsubishi-cars.co.uk to find your nearest dealer

THE WORLD’S FIRST 4WD PLUG-IN HYBRID SUV

FROM £28,249 - £39,999 Including £5,000 Government Plug-in Car Grant7

1. Official EU MPG test figure shown as a guide for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. 2. 32 mile EV range achieved with full battery charge. 510 miles achieved with combined full battery and petrol tank. Actual range will vary depending on driving style and road conditions. 3. Domestic plug charge: 5 hours, 16 Amp home charge point: 3.5 hours, 80% rapid charge: 30mins. 4. Government subsidised charge points are available from a number of suppliers either free of charge or for a small fee - ask your dealer for more information. Offer ends 31st March 2015. 5. Congestion Charge application required, subject to administrative fee. 6. 5% BIK compared to the average rate of 25%. 7. Prices shown include the Government Plug-in Car Grant and VAT (at 20%) and exclude First Registration Fee. Metallic/pearlescent paint extra. Model shown is an Outlander PHEV GX4h at £33,399 including metallic paint. Prices correct at time of going to print. For more information about the Government Plug-in Car Grant please visit www.gov.uk/plug-in-car-van-grants. 8. All new Outlander PHEV variants come with a 5 year/62,500 mile warranty (whichever comes soonest), for more information please visit www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk/warranty.

Outlander PHEV range fuel consumption in mpg (ltrs/100km): Full Battery Charge: no fuel used, Depleted Battery Charge: 48mpg (5.9), Weighted Average: 148mpg (1.9), CO2 Emissions: 44 g/km.

Government Business Ad.pdf AND 11/02/2015 BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL CENTRAL12:30:46 GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

WHEN ONLY THE BEST WILL DO Choose MiX Fleet Manager

C

M

Y

CM

MY

MiX Fleet Manager offers the latest fleet management technology, with valuable add-ons tailored to Transport and Logistics fleets for example, provides in-cab feedback on driving style to encourage driver self-improvement in real-time. MiX also offers a remote digital download solution for tachograph data, helping to ensure compliance with European driving hours’ legislation.

CY

CMY

K

Want to know more?

Call us on 0121 717 5385 or visit us on stand 4F02 at the CV Show 2015. www.mixtelematics.co.uk

Build a tough & capable 4x4 fleet

Improve your green credentials all aluminium products are recycleable

Vehicle protection | Suspension | Snorkels | Winches | Roof racks | Pro-Lockers Winch bumpers | Aluminium canopies | LED work lights and driving lights

air-bag compatible winch bumpers

Proven in some of the toughest enviroments in Africa Aluminium Plate up tp 6mm in thinkness and painted in patented polymer

the only uprated military spec road legal double beadlock alloy wheels enabling easier driving over soft ground and snow by lowering tyre pressures.

improving on and off road capabilities and increase service intervals with suspension and bush upgrades

Weʼre Exhibiting Stand 4H99

40

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 22.2

tuning night into day

Tel: 01202 423055 E-mail: sales@xs4x4.parts web: www.xs4x4.parts

EVENT PREVIEW

THE SHOP WINDOW FOR CV BUYERS From truck, van, trailer and fork lift manufacturers through to the ancillary service providers, the Commercial Vehicle Show this April offers something for everyone involved in transport, distribution and logistics

More than 400 exhibitors are expected at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show, to be held at the NEC Birmingham from 14-16 April 2015.

It is the meeting place for suppliers and operators and many new products are expected to be introduced over the three days of the show. Business visitors will have the opportunity to see all the vehicles, products and services to help them operate and maintain a safe, efficient and effective fleet. Unrivalled in size, product range and visitor attendance, the Commercial Vehicle Show attracted around 19,000 high quality visitors in 2014.

The 2015 Commercial Vehicle Show has been accredited with international status by the automotive industry’s global body, OICA, the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles.

Commercial Vehicle Show

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

The 2015 l rcia Comme ow has EXHIBITING Sh Vehicle redited with MANUFACTURERS Every aspect of the c been ac tional status UK road transport interna automotive sector will be covered at the Commercial by the ry’s global Vehicle Show: trucks, indust , OICA vans, refrigerated vehicles, curtainsiders, tankers and body

tippers. Visitors to the Show will also see an extensive range of ancillary suppliers to the industry offering products such as handling equipment, insurers, logistics, tyres, telematics, training providers, fuels and lubricant suppliers.

Vehicle manufacturers that will be exhibiting at the 2015 Show include DAF Trucks, Citroën UK, Fiat Professional, Ford, Isuzu, Isuzu Truck, Iveco, Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, Renault UK and Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles. Many are planning new range additions and the Commercial Vehicle Show will be a chance for visitors to see them for the first time.

TRAILERS AND TANKERS In addition to vehicle manufacturers, bodywork and trailer and tanker builders will also be using the Commercial Vehicle Show as their shop window. There are likely to be more tankers and trailers on display than have been seen since 2008 – before the recession.

Among the many exhibitors at the Show in this sector are Al-Ko Kober, Cartwright Group, Doll Fahrzeugbau, Don-Bur, Felbinder UK, Fuller Tankers, Lawrence David, Maisonneuve, G Magyar, RTN, Maxi-Low, Montracon, SDC Trailers, Strongs Plastic Products, Tiger Trailers, Van Hool and Whale Tankers.

Show organisers are particularly pleased to see Don-Bur return to the CV Show after a seven year absence, with the company describing its trailer as a real ‘showstopper’.

Familiar CV Show faces John and Steven Cartwright will be there with their new company, Tiger Trailers. Joint managing director, Steven Cartwright said: “Our decision E

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

41

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

Ever get the feeling you’re being robbed of something?

Se

t on he C e us Introducing the World’s First a St V S t a on-vehicle DPF and Emissions Service nd 4Eh1ow 09

BG 9300 VIA System New BG Air Intake and Emissions System Service Cleans from the air intake, right through the engine to the DPF

Cut Fuel Costs and Reduce CO2 Emissions

“Don’t let poor combustion and soot buildup steal your vehicle’s performance”

EconoSpeed Connect is an acceleration and speed limiting device, designed specifically for commercial fleets.

It works automatically so no on-going driver training is needed and minimal data management is required.

The BG Approach: Other options only tackle the symptom of the blocked DPF itself. BG’s DPF & Emissions cleaning service attacks the real problem poor combustion and the consequence, soot buildup.

DPF Before

DPF After

Results from Frank Massey trial of the Service:

Saves Fuel

Cuts CO2

No Training

“DPF Pressure reduced to 100 mbar ... an incredible result” - Frank Massey

Saves Time

How much will your fleet save?

01869 326710 www.zetaautomotive.com

Before Service: Approx. 800 mbar pressure in DPF After Service: Approx. 100 mbar pressure in DPF

Leaders in automotive solutions and improving garage profitability www.bgprod.co.uk | T: 01284 777934 | Email: info@bgprod.co.uk

2268_PSi Qtr Pg Advert.indd 1

20/02/2015 15:03

Tools & Equipment for Maintenance Vans Equipping a van to be a mobile work area requires the correct tools and equipment.

IN-VEHICLE POWER SUPPLY

INSPECTION LAMPS

See us at

8455 178x125 van ad.indd 1

42

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 22.2

WARNING LIGHTS

WORK LIGHTS

Hall 5 Stand 134

17/02/2015 09:26

EVENT PREVIEW  to leave our positions in the Cartwright family business was driven by our desire to lead the company 100 per cent and to make significant changes for its future success.”

Tanker manufacturers will also be turning out in force and include Felbinder UK, Fuller Tankers, G Magyar, Maisonneuve, RTN Group, Van Hool and Whale.

According to sales director Darren Holland, a new manufacturer of this scale has not been generated in decades. “This has got to be good news for all prospective purchasers. Our first confirmed orders will be delivered during September and we invite all customers to visit us either at the factory or at the CV Show.”

THE COOL PAVILION The Commercial Vehicle Show also includes the Cool Pavilion in Hall 3a, offering visitors a wide variety of refrigerated products and services. Chereau, Coolertech, Gray and Adams, Paneltex, Quinn Vehicles and Solomon Commercials have booked stands, and so have specialist refrigeration equipment suppliers Carrier Transicold, Frigoblock and Thermo King.

Key among the many issues affecting the commercial vehicle industry is operating costs. Fuel, maintenance, driver safety and communications all mean money and telematics can go a long way towards making every penny count for fleet operators.

Telematics systems are increasingly accessible and can be tailored to companies of any size. Vehicle tracking, tachograph analysis, fuel economy or a fully integrated package covering every area of operation are on offer from exhibitors at the Commercial Vehicle Show.

The Commercial Vehicle Show will also see a bigger workshop specialist area in Hall 4, aimed at the passenger car, commercial vehicle maintenance and repair sector, and attracting decision makers from franchised dealers, independent garages, fleet workshops, body repair shops and wholesalers.

Exhibitors in this area are Bradbury Equipment, Brigade Electronics, Gemco, Maha, Maxima, SomersTotalkare and Tecalemit.

Tyres play a critical role in the success of any transport operation, with their importance to fleet safety and performance.

The Commercial Vehicle Show will provide operators with the perfect opportunity to compare tyre suppliers and decide which is best suited to their needs.

Commercial Vehicle Show

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

rs Exhibitotheir w will sho roducts latest p ices and v and sere vehicle includ cturers manufa AF, Fiat, ,D Citroënd Ford an

Vauxhall’s new Corsavan promises CO2 emissions of 90g/km

Fiat will be showing its new Doblo at the 2015 CV Show

NEW VAN LAUNCHES The all-new Vauxhall Corsavan will make its UK debut at the event. It comes equipped with an array of Euro-6 compliant petrol and diesel engines, offering economy up to 83.1mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 90g/km. E

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

43

PUMP FALLING APART Executive Hire NewsFOR 128x91mm ad_6192:Layout 1 20/9/07 12: BUSINESS INFORMATION LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

18 S AT BER 4J U SEE M ND ND NU A E A COM OW, ST SH E CV

Heater Manufacturers

TH

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

1

30/01/2015

09:26

FREE HEALTH CHECK

PUMP FALLING A PART? A

PORTABLE & MOBILE SPACE HEATERS FROM 10KW TO 170KW

PARAFFIN/DIESEL, PROPANE MODELS AVAILABLE

1:4 PAGE.pdf

Is your fuel system slowing down your business?

Triscan are here to help, with a free health check on your fuel management and pump worth £495! triscansystems.com/free-health-check

Buckingham Close, Bermuda Ind. Est., Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 7JT.

Email: info@triscansystems.com Telephone: 0845 225 3100 Web: www.triscansystems.com

Tel: 02476 357960 Fax: 02476 357969

Email: sales@thermobile.co.uk Web Site: www.thermobile.co.uk

The Wiper Specialists!

Isla Components specialises in the manufacture of wiper arms & linkages.

Isla have a large range of wiper blades. It also offers conventional blades, upgrade blades, commercial blades, rear arms and blades for cars and the new type of flat blades for both car and LCV. This range incorporates a “Multi‑Fit Adapter” system, that covers 86% of the market place.

The commercial blades include a range of heavy duty hook blades (9x4 & 12x4 adapters), spray jet blades, with the jet fixed to the blade frame, also a range of saddle fitting blades, from 20” (500mm) to 48” (1200mm).

Isla manufacturer a variety of wiper arms for all types of PSV vehicles and CCTV cameras used in different industries & environments.

Isla have an extensive range of replacement wiper motor & washer pumps for PSV vehicles.

Isla also supplies an extensive range of replacement wiper arms, blades,wiper motors & washer bottles for the Plant & Agricultural sectors.

Isla are able to offer “own branding solutions”.

Our knowledge is extensive, our range is forever increasing! We are an accredited company to ISO9001.

Tel: 01885 485950 www.islacomponents.co.uk Email: sales@islacomponents.co.uk

44

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 22.2

The future in-vehicle monitoring technology VEHCAM – Highly innovative commercial vehicle camera monitoring solution.

This exciting and newly developed product offers up to six cameras, including a reversing camera, live tracker, vehicle diagnostics, Speed and GPS to name just a few.

VEHCAM Ltd, have many years’ experience in installing and developing in-vehicle camera systems to suit any company’s needs.

“Customers benefit from our knowledge and experience throughout the entire process – from initial enquiry through to being assigned an Account Manager to assist with the management of your system.

www.vehcam.com Tel: 0845 140 0201

Our team of Risk Consultants hold Class C+E driving licences and are experienced in monitoring and analysing the data that your VEHCAM will generate.

The system ensures we are able to detect areas for improvement, helps to identify areas in the driver’s skills that could be improved and shows where the driver could have made “a better choice”. This data goes a long way in helping to reduce vehicle accidents, as well as ensuring that vehicle goods are handled in accordance with SWP’s to reduce injuries and stock damage”.

Through the Web Access Platform clients can view their data 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

EVENT PREVIEW

 The revised model continues in the tradition of its predecessor, bringing class-leading payload and a flat loading capacity of 920 litres. Despite the space, the Corsavan remains compact enough to fit into tight parking spaces and narrow city streets.

Driver ergonomics have been improved, with new seats featuring increased support, durability and extended travel, as well as reduced noise, harshness and vibration.

Vauxhall has also added its advanced new IntelliLink infotainment smartphone connectivity to the dashboard, making the Corsavan more practical for businesses on the move.

The new Mercedes-Benz Vito will also be present at the Commercial Vehicle Show. Making its public debut at the 2014 Hannover Commercial Vehicle Show in September it is expected to go on sale in the UK in March 2015. Exterior styling has been completely re-designed to bring Vito in line with the manufacturer’s two other LCVs; Citan and Sprinter.

The new Vito comes in a choice of front- or rear-wheel drive; a first for the 2.8 – 3.2 tonne panel van market sector.

On average Mercedes reckons there’s an improvement in fuel consumption of 20 per cent compared to the current Vito line-up.

FIAT Professional will launch its new FIAT Doblò Cargo to a UK audience at the Commercial Vehicle Show. Originally unveiled at the 2014 Hanover International Motor Show last year, the new fourth‑generation FIAT Doblò features a fresh exterior design, improved engine performance and a new EcoJet version engineered to lower fuel consumption and reduced running costs even further.

The Doblò will also be the first vehicle to bear the FIAT Professional logo on its tailgate, a signature which will appear on all FIAT Professional commercial vehicles in the future.

VAN RESEARCH GE Capital Fleet Services will launch this year’s Company Van research at the Commercial Vehicle Show, with an executive summary being made available for fleet operators in advance of the show.

The research focuses on more than 200 fleet operators’ views and reports on key areas of light commercial vehicle management including changes in replacement cycles and the key trends in LCV fleet management.

The report builds on the success of similar findings unveiled at last year’s CV Show and GE’s Company Car Trends Research, which has become one of the most authoritative sources in the car fleet sector.

Simon Cook, LCV Fleet Commercial Leader at GE Capital, said: “A key part of the GE proposition to van fleet operators is our high level of LCV expertise and with ‘The Company Van in 2015’ we are able to share some our latest research and knowledge into this sector.”

Free copies of the full research will be available at the CV Show 2015 from the GE stand in hall 3, stand C70.

ANCILLARY SERVICES PCL will attend the Commercial Vehicle Show following its successful debut at the show last year. The company will showcase its comprehensive range of tyre inflators and workshop equipment, designed specifically for use in a commercial vehicle workshop.

In particular it will showcase its NEXUS world-renowned digital inflation technology which provides a guaranteed inflation accuracy of ± 0.5 per cent. This enables customers to benefit from superfast nitrogen inflation from their existing air supply without needing to buy, store and handle expensive nitrogen bottles.

The chief advantages of nitrogen’s properties compared to air in a

tyre are that it can offer extended tyre casing and rim life along with improved fuel efficiency. More importantly, due to its inert properties, it provides increased safety in high temperature environments.

What’s more, ATS Euromaster is going to celebrate its 50th anniversary in style at the 2015 Commercial Vehicle Show with its biggest ever stand; 25 per cent bigger than last year.

The tyre and vehicle maintenance specialist has attended the CV Show for more than 10 consecutive years and is keen to celebrate five decades of success as well as promoting the full range of expertise it offers to van and truck customers.

SOLAR POWERED WEIGHT PADS Vehicle Weighing Solutions (VWS) returns to The CV Show with a raft of new and improved products, including a solar powered version of its popular drive-on portable wheel weigh pad – the Apollo PT300.

With a capacity of 2,500kg to 12,000kg per pad and an accuracy of +/- 1% the Apollo PT300 provides a simple, cable or cable-free, way to check vehicle weights. Manufactured from 100 per cent high resistance avionics grade aluminium alloy, it withstands all weather conditions and is easily carried by one person. Solar power charges the internal battery and enables the system to be used for longer periods.

All the systems can be linked to IT systems and database facilities so that vehicle registrations can be stored against vehicle types to ensure vehicles are compliant with legal requirements.

The Commercial Vehicle Show is owned by The CV Show LLP comprising the Road Haulage Association, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and IRTE Services, the trading company of the Society of Operations Engineers. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.cvshow.com

WWW.DOYLESCOMMERCIAL.CO.UK

GE Capital Fleet Services will launch this year’s Company Van research at the Commercial Vehicle Show, with a summary being made available for fleet operators in advance

Commercial Vehicle Show

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

PAYLOADS FROM 1550KG* 20m3 AND 26m3 CARRY CAPACITY FULLY TYPE APPROVED** 3 YEAR WARRANTY ON BODY 33 MPG*** 5T LOW LOADER OPTIONS 18.5t TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT VEHICLES BESPOKE INTERIORS TAIL LIFT OPTIONS TIPPER, DROP AND CURTAIN SIDERS FULLY MANUFACTURER APPROVED

PERFORMANCE

DO MORE

FINANCIAL

ENVIRONMENT

EARN MORE

SAVE MORE

DOYLES COMMERCIAL BODY BUILDING LTD 157 HUMBERSTONE LANE, THURMASTON, LEICESTER. LE4 8HN 0116 264 1030, INFO@DOYLESCOMMERCIAL.CO.UK

* - Based on Boxer L3H1 Floor Cab, Unladen, No Driver, No Fuel, ** - ECWVTA on Boxer and Movano versions and NSSTA on Sprinter and Crafter versions, *** - Movano L3H1 Aduro version

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

45

REGISTER FREE TODAY

21-22 April 2015 Olympia, London www.ambitionexpouk.com

THE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESILIENCE & RESPONSE EVENT Ambition is the key event for anybody involved in the healthcare emergency preparedness, resilience & response (EPRR) community.

The exhibition and conference provides professionals from Government departments, the NHS, councils, local resilience forums, ambulance trusts, fire and police organisations and specialist agencies with the unique opportunity to meet and debate the latest challenges facing the EPRR community today.

Register as a free visitor to the conference and exhibition at

www.ambitionexpouk.com/register Co-Located With

Follow us on

MAINTENANCE

Parking

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

ARE WE FALLING DOWN IN CAR PARK MAINTENANCE? The government recognises the important role parking management plays in keeping our streets safe and free from obstruction, improving road safety and enabling servicing and deliveries to take place in high streets that would become congested if parking wasn’t properly and effectively managed.

In a speech made last year at the parking profession’s annual trade show, Parkex, Under Secretary of State for Transport Robert Goodwill said that the BPA and its members were doing an excellent job because effective parking management is essential for businesses to survive and grow and is critical for a growing economy.

Good quality, well designed and properly maintained car parks can also contribute significantly to the prosperity of Britain’s towns and cities. We at the BPA work diligently towards this by sharing best practice, and we support this with schemes like Park Mark and its “Safe and Sound…?” promotions. In another Master Plan objective, we are promoting the fact that: “All car park owners and operators have a responsibility to ensure that their parking facilities are safer, properly serviced and maintained.”

SOMEONE HAS TO PAY All of this costs money and that is why we believe that so called ‘free parking’ is not viable. There’s no such thing as a free parking place – somebody somewhere is paying for it. This is true everywhere: in town centres, at the beach and in the countryside. Some car parks may be free at the point of use but someone is paying for their upkeep and maintenance. If they are patrolled to keep them safe someone is paying for that too.

So-called free parking is subsidised in some way, either by council tax payers, business ratepayers or a combination of both.

It’s a bit like the NHS, which, as everyone knows, we all pay taxes and National Insurance contributions, which in turn fund the NHS. So it is the same with parking: somebody has to pay.

Smart owners and operators make conscious decisions about the best funding

model for the operation of their parking facilities. If they choose to provide free parking for the users they need to decide how they can afford this. Everyone who provides and operates parking facilities should undertake a proper evaluation to fully appreciate the costs of providing, servicing and maintaining the parking facility and then decide how best to fund it.

It may well be that other income streams provide sufficient funding to enable the parking facility to be properly serviced and maintained and yet free at the point of use. So be it, but at least a conscious business decision has been reached. Alternatively you may decide that people should pay to park, and there are many good reasons to do this, in which case you need to consider your options and with the help of new technologies, your choices are myriad. E

Good quality, ed sign well de operly and pr car parks ned maintaiontribute to can c sperity of the pro ’s towns Britiain cities and

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Written by Kelvin Reynolds, director of policy and public affairs, British Parking Association

Effective management and investment can extend the life of your car parks, says Kelvin Reynolds, from the British Parking Association, who shares some advice on how this can be achieved

47

QUALITY DESIGN • QUALITY MATERIALS • cast standard (UK government endorsed)

Blunt Trauma Protection Tested and certified to uk government (CAST) standard

Solo Shields Bespoke specification available

Scorpion Interlock Shields Public Order Batons

003

FM 56364 BS.EN.ISO 9001:2000

DMS Protective Equipment Ltd Lingen Road, Ludlow Business Park, Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 1XD. United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1584 874679 Fax: +44 (0)1584 876013 Email: enquiries@dmsplastics.co.uk www.scorpionppe.co.uk

MAINTENANCE

Take good care of a car park, look after it, and it will serve you well for a very long time. Ignore it, hope for the best, starve it of investment and TLC and it will quickly deteriorate and degenerate, becoming a drain on resources  PAYING FOR PARKING There are broadly three types of arrangements when parking is paid for. Pay on arrival, pay on departure and pay on account.

Any or all of these systems are capable of taking payment with a variety of payment methods including cash, payment cards, such as credit and debit cards, and by direct charging to prepaid accounts or emerging payment and cash transfer apps.

Pay on arrival is often used when short‑term time-limited parking is provided.

These are typically parking meters, pay‑and-display machines and the like.

All very familiar, easy‑to-use and easy to understand, with absolute certainty that the motorist has paid, and knows when they need to return to their car.

In my view, this option may not be entirely suitable for, say, a healthcare environment for example and its suitability is being increasingly questioned in town centres and elsewhere, unless there is a flat fee arrangement and not a fee based upon the length of time

you are parked. No one can predict how long they are likely to be in an emergency department and increasingly shoppers and visitors want the flexibility to stay longer or simply change their mind when they meet a friend or decide to extend their stay.

In all of those cases pay on departure is likely to be much more suitable and a variety of options exist to cater for this. Commonly, this will be the familiar so-called pay on foot systems, with a ticket or token collected at the entry point to the parking facility. This requires you to attend the pay point on foot, just prior to your departure, pay for parking, have your ticket or token validated, and then drive to the exit, presenting your ticket or token and lifting the barrier so that you may drive away.

These technologies are useful in off-street car parks, with clearly defined entries and exits and which are usually but not always fitted with some kind of barrier system.

Increasingly nowadays barriers are being dispensed with. Instead, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras are

Parking

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

deployed to detect the presence of a vehicle entering or leaving the car park. This allows for better traffic management arrangements with free flow of vehicles. ANPR technologies are connected to the pay point system and payment is commonly made by attending the pay point on foot, keying in or selecting your vehicle registration image from the screen and making an appropriate payment as before. No tickets or tokens are issued in these cases.

One of the real benefits of these ANPR linked systems is the ability to park now and pay later, when later can be anytime up to midnight or sometimes even the next day. ANPR linked to payment systems offers the motorist a wide variety of payment options and allows customers to pay in advance or after the event without penalty, similar to the way that motorists are able to do so for the London congestion charge and Dartford crossing. It is thought that the future of parking lies with advanced technology, allowing motorists to pay for parking and other services seamlessly.

In time this will eliminate penalty charges for the majority of motorists.

Pay on account arrangements include season tickets and permits and other prepaid schemes which can be used effectively for regular users of car parks and facilities like resident parking schemes and business permits. Increasingly motorists are now able to take advantage of registering with a service provider who enables payment to be taken using mobile and smart phone technologies, either via apps or dedicated call centres. This type of service is in routine use in central London, and the option is available in most local authority areas and at many train station car parks. This enables commuters to park the car, jump on a train, and pay for their parking whilst on the journey. The system also sends out reminders when paid for parking is due to expire, giving the motorist the opportunity to top up payment if necessary.

ENSURING EFFECTIVENESS Innovation and new technology, utilising CCTV, ANPR, smart phone apps and the like is transforming the way in which parking is managed and paid for. People who provide parking facilities need to use modern technology to manage parking effectively. But, of course, when these systems are used for enforcement purposes it should be done fairly and responsibly.

Few things are certain in life, and finding somewhere to park is a question on the minds of many people on most days. Those providing or operating parking facilities for clients, customers or the public in general, be it in town centres, business districts, healthcare or education facilities or at a transport hub such as a train station or an airport, have a responsibility to ensure that their parking facilities are safer, properly serviced and maintained. It’s a valuable asset that should be taken care of. E

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

49

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

LEVATO MONO – porcelain paver system Designed for fast cost effective installation over most surfaces; including single ply waterproof membranes and other waterproofing systems using height adjustable/slope correcting supports. Available in 40+ plus colours and finishes in both ultra-realistic timber and stone effects, combining 3D printing and mould making technology, to reproduce identical copies of natural materials and with up to 30 prints available for each paver range , once laid, the eye is unable to discern any replicated pattern allowing for a completely natural looking surface – as specified for Theatre Royal Portico terrace and ZSL external dining areas.

• 20mm porcelain pavers 40x80 45x90 60x60 75x75 30x120 40x120 60x120 • ‘Floating floor’ – installation over single ply membranes • Eternal product - zero maintenance required – offering massive over-life savings • Highly abrasion and stain resistant • Highly slip resistant ; R11 and achieved up to +65 wet in the BS pendulum test • Lightweight – 45kgs per m2 • High load bearing and impact resistance • Timber & stone effects ; 40+ finishes available • Ideal for balconies, roof terraces and piazzas, for both commercial & residential use • Completely non porous • Fire & frost proof • Height-adjustable support from 9mm up to 550mm

t: 0845 2700 696

e: info@thedecktileco.co.uk

www.thedecktileco.co.uk

Scarab Sweepers is a global frontrunner in the design, manufacturing and supply of compact and truck-mounted road sweepers.

Scarab products are all designed and built to a high standard at our manufacturing headquarters in Kent, England.

Our truck-mount models are built on a vehicle manufacturers chassis of your choice from 7.5 tonne to 18+ tonne GVW. Operators can select the type of transmission and power delivery system that best suits their needs.Hopper capacities available from 5.2m3 to 8.2m3 fitted alongside water tanks between 900 and 4200 litres.

If you need something out of the ordinary our design team will work with you to build a bespoke sweeper to your requirements.

Tough on the Streets - Easy on the Environment www.scarab-sweepers.com

50

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 22.2

MAINTENANCE  MAINTENANCE So just how do we ensure Britain’s car parks are prevented from falling down?

Having a considered approach towards maintaining a car park structure is of course of paramount importance. The BPA facilitates a special interest group on the subject of structures and asset management (SAMSIG).

The group is tasked with developing best practice, promoting life care planning and answering questions fielded by the Association’s extensive membership.

So why is maintaining a car park structure so important? SAMSIG chair and director of structural engineering practice at Pyle Car Park Consultants, Russell Simmons, suggests it should be common sense: “Car park structures are similar to any structural asset in that they will degrade over time and need to be maintained. Car Parks are under attack constantly from the elements, perhaps intense heat in the summer, snow and ice in the winter, airborne contaminants and pollution; not to mention cars driving all over them. Once degradation starts it will only get harder to fix and more expensive to arrest the longer it is left, which is why the professionals will always advise you to adopt a life-care plan approach to maintaining the asset.”

About the British Parking Association correct proactive and reactive actions are taken at the appropriate time. There is an old adage which says that ‘a stitch in time saves nine.’ Nothing could be closer to the truth when maintaining a parking facility. Take good care of it, look after it, and it will serve you well for a very long time. Ignore it, hope for the best, starve it of investment and TLC and it will quickly deteriorate and degenerate, becoming a drain on resources and, potentially subject to structural failure, lead to early closure.

Having a proactive approach not only means that the car park looks its best, but will ensure that the structure remains safe for use (a legal obligation) and will remain serviceable for an extended period of time. Neglecting the structure can, (and does in many cases) create risks, reduces quality, increases reactive spend and reduces the number of years that the car park can remain in service.

Local authorities have an obligation to ensure that the car park is being managed safely and cost effectively, and life‑care plans are the way forward. The BPA wants to see more emphasis on life‑care planning for all car parks and appropriate funds set aside to ensure that they are

Local authorities have an obligation to ensure car parks are being managed safely and cost‑effectively. Premature or unplanned closure of multi-storey car parks works against the regeneration of town centres LIFE-CARE PLANS Life-care plans are documents or systems which set out a plan to encourage the regular inspection of the structure and continued dialogue between the owner/ operator and their engineers (in house or via consultants). The correct administration of a life-care plan (in line with ICE, ISTructE and BPA guidelines) will ensure that the

properly serviced and maintained.

Premature or unplanned closure of multi-storey car parks has a detrimental effect on the communities the car parks serve and works against the regeneration of town centres. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.britishparking.co.uk

Parking

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

The British Parking Association (BPA) is the largest professional association in Europe and the recognised authority on parking.

It represents, promotes and influences the best interests of the parking and traffic management professions throughout the UK and Europe.

Its 720 members include manufacturers, car park operators, local authorities, health authorities, airports, railways, shopping centres, bailiffs and consultants. The BPA manages the Approved Operator Scheme for parking on private land and the Safer Parking Scheme.

Launched in October 2007, the Approved Operator Scheme (AOS) is a scheme for BPA members that are involved in parking enforcement services on private land or in unregulated public car parks.

Operators may conduct a wide range of services in this sector, including but not limited to: enforcement, by ticketing or Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras, or services such as back office functions, data management and debt recovery.

The Safer Parking Scheme is an initiative of the Association of Chief Police Officers aimed at reducing crime and the fear of crime in parking facilities.

Safer parking status, Park Mark®, is awarded to parking facilities that have met the requirements of a risk assessment conducted by the Police. These requirements mean the parking operator has put in place measures that help to deter criminal activity and anti-social behaviour, thereby doing everything they can to prevent crime and reduce the fear of crime in their parking facility.

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

51

Streamline Operations. Improve Services. With Less.

Government agencies face the challenge of meeting the rising demand for services in an era of tightening budgets and unprecedented citizen expectations. There are many questions, and Kofax has answers.

Kofax can process, manage and archive information—and enable agencies to engage with constituents where they are, when they want, and on their preferred channel (including mobile/web).

Handle inquiries & applications faster Automate processes & reduce data entry Improve data accuracy & process visibility Streamline case management Accelerate the benefits delivery cycle For further information, please email: mailbox.uk@kofax.com or visit: www.kofax.com

www.kofax.com

OUTSOURCING

Outsourcing

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

HOW OUTSOURCING CAN BENEFIT LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Kerry Hallard, chief executive officer of the National Outsourcing Association, busts some common misconceptions about outsourcing and lists what the government could do to help smooth the path for local authorities that are considering outsourcing additional services

When addressing the All Party Group on losses and cost cutting – a staggering 80 Outsourcing and Shared Services, former COO per cent of the general public do not think at the Cabinet Office Ian Watmore said that the sourcing industry is helping UK PLC, outsourcing and shared services are ‘at the with 22 per cent claiming that they actively heart of the efficiency and reform agenda. dislike the outsourcing industry and only 19 This demonstrates how outsourcing per cent believing that outsourcing was identified as a key focus can help reduce the UK deficit. e by the coalition government Outsourcing is in fact the s u The when they first achieved second largest aggregate s t s i l a i power in 2010. In the employer in the UK, of spec minent e UK’s ongoing state of responsible for over three s e k s a m t a s u j austerity, outsourcing million jobs. It is often , y a od certainly has had, and associated with cost sense t when the d i will continue to have cutting because, more d r t u i f labo a o a central role to play of than not, reducing n o i s i as div d e in the reduction of our costs is a key objective c u d ro country’s deficit. for the companies was inty thousands Somewhat unfairly, and governments using theor ars ago outsourcing is perceived outsourcing. ye f o negatively by swathes of the UK public and politicians alike, CONFUSION largely because it is misunderstood.

In its simplest form, outsourcing is And when Barack Obama himself gets the use of third party specialists to deliver confused by the concept, who can blame a particular business function or process. them? Outsourcing is associated with job It is not to be confused with privatisation.

When a government body outsources an operation, it usually maintains full control and accountability for that service, while privatisation takes ownership away from the government. Furthermore, outsourcing is not to be confused with offshoring – many companies set up facilities of their own offshore, while plenty of outsourcing takes place here in the UK. The use of specialists makes eminent sense today, just as it did when the division of labour was introduced as a theory thousands of years ago. Specialists are experts in their fields and in addition to bringing process efficiencies – brought about through process excellence and technology investments – service providers today also bring productivity improvements and further innovations. In a recent survey conducted with the National Outsourcing Association (NOA) members, 92 per cent of those on the buy-side agreed that outsourcing delivers business value, with 59 per cent planning to increase the scope of their outsourcing over the next five years.

Today, even local government needs to be E

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

53

Outsourcing

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

Nea HR: Human Resource solutions that fit your world of business

MGE Renovation - South London’s property renovation specialists

Some of us are decision makers whilst others of us are the doers. For the most part, all of us have been people serving in employment that sometimes requires an impartial ear to listen and offer relevant and useful HR advice or assistance.

Nea HR prides itself on good, positive, professional relationships built with its clients whilst adding value to its businesses.

Human Resources is an area of business that is directly focussed on the people in employment, or those seeking employment, and all the challenges associated with that. After all everyone is different– one size does not fit all.

Managing people is about understanding people and having patience. Understanding people, their business objectives and working in tandem to achieve them is Nea HR’s aim. Its consultants help manage staff and processes, such as using open communication, motivation and training methods.

Nea HR aids businesses

MGE Renovation is a family run business based in South London, specialising in renovating properties.

The company’s tradesman have over 25 years experience in property maintenance.

MGE Renovation prides itself on a high standard for all of its work, which is why MGE ranks very highly on the independent Checkatrade and rated people website.

MGE Renovation works closely with customers to achieve the best result. It specialises in damp treatment, fitted bathrooms and showers, and also deals with small jobs such as dripping taps, leaking radiators or problems with toilets. Its qualified team also deals with any issues that crop up along the way, such as guttering and fascia work, so there’s never any need to

to keep staff turnover down and retention up, offering a service that adds value.

The company helps manage staff and restructures by providing relevant employment law knowledge and expertise which may have a direct impact on contractual rights.

Whether you are a start-up business or an already established business in need of professional HR services, let Nea HR help you.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: +442089031652 info@neahr.co.uk www.neahr.co.uk

call in anyone else.

MGE Renovation covers; Tooting, Balham, Croydon, Dulwich, Battersea, Clapham, Wandsworth, Wimbledon and surrounding areas.

If you have a property which you would like to convert into flats or bedsits, call for a quote and MGE can provide professional advice on whatever the property requires to bring it up to standard.

The company specialises in renovations large and small, property maintenance, damp proofing, plumbing, plastering, and basement conversions.

MGE Renovation’s aim is always to exceed its customers expectations.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 07583 315423 www.mgereno77.co.uk

Your IT Solutions Specialists Storm Technologies – In a time when both private and public sector IT spending is strained, technologies and services must achieve more with less. Storm Technologies is committed to helping public sector organisations maximise their IT effectiveness and deliver the greatest value for their investment.

To support our claim as a true Value Added Reseller, we offer a wide range of Free of charge services to all of our customers. These services are designed to save you time, money and resources. The Free of Charge services we offer include:

Contact us today sales@storm-technologies.com www.storm-technologies.com Call us on +44 (0)1923 801 080

54

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 22.2

> Pre-Delivery Configuration > Pre-Delivery Testing > Pre-Delivery Imaging > Product/Order Labelling > Asset Bar-Code Labelling > Support Call Logging > Online Account Tracking

OUTSOURCING

A staggering 80 per cent of the general public do not think the sourcing industry is helping UK PLC, with 22 per cent claiming that they actively dislike the outsourcing industry and only 19 per cent believing that outsourcing can help reduce the UK deficit  able to act in a 24 hour global environment – outsourcing will help it do just that.

And it’s a misconception that outsourcing necessarily involves sacrificing quality in order to cut costs. There’s no doubt that in this modern world of social media and mass communication, organisations pay a high price for delivering substandard services. That’s why so much emphasis is placed on the need of ‘more for less’ – the best outsourcing partnerships involve a delicate balance of improved services and reduced costs.

EXAMPLES OF SUCCESSFUL PUBLIC SECTOR OUTSOURCING When you consider the future role that outsourcing could play in the public sector, it’s vital to study current outsourcing relationships and identify what makes them successful. It’s unfortunate that high profile outsourcing failures make for such popular news stories; for every one of those stories, there’s a vast number of outsourcing successes that are not nearly as widely reported.

Take Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council as an example. In 2008, austerity measures placed unprecedented pressures the Council’s controllable budgets, so they entered into a 10-year public-private-partnership with arvarto. Their contract included the delivery of customer services, revenues and benefits, payrolls, pensions, transactional HR, ICT and more. Arvarto consistently achieved the agreed target of 10 per cent savings from day one, made business processes 15-20 per cent more efficient and the partnership retained its Investors in People accreditation, with assessors praising the commitment to the wellbeing of employees from both sides.

Margaret Rawding, Head of Corporate Finance and ICT at Sefton, applauded arvarto’s work. “If more outsourcing engagements were structured in this way, I believe the public sector would be more able to effectively deal with new challenges.”

Margaret was right. Chesterfield Borough Council, one of the first UK boroughs to outsource services, also achieved success, hitting more of its key performance indicators than ever before after outsourcing some of its non-core services. In April, Serco announced that the London Borough of Enfield had opted to extend their IT outsourcing contract with them for a further four years, while Lincolnshire County Council recently signed

a five year contract with the same company involving a range of business process and contact centre services.

Moving away from local councils, three major London hospitals recently entered into a three-way join venture with The Doctor’s Laboratory, a private pathology provider. The £1bn deal will result in the creation of the UK’s largest pathology supplier.

WHERE DO OUTSOURCING AND THE PUBLIC SECTOR CURRENTLY STAND? Recent research conducted by NelsonHall shows that the quantity of UK public sector outsourcing deals rose by 168 per cent last year. 75 per cent of those were onshore agreements kept within the UK, and over half were first-time outsourcing deals, demonstrating that public sector outsourcing is growing more popular. IT is still the service that is most widely outsourced by the public sector, but business processes such as customer services, contact centre services, HR, pensions and payroll are all now commonly outsourced.

At the NOA, we were very pleased to see the new EU procurement laws come into place on the 26th February 2015. The NOA has always argued that more needs to be done to help SMEs with the procurement of public sector contracts, and these new rules should go a long way towards helping SMEs by making contracts more accessible and cutting the cost of the bidding process.

THE NOA’S RESPONSIBILITY One of the main goals of the NOA is to professionalise the outsourcing industry.

That is why we offer outsourcing training, along with qualifications for all levels of outsourcing. We also run the public sector skills academy, a series of courses which are tailored to the nuances of public sector outsourcing.

Using third party specialists that are willing to invest in new technologies and improve processes makes complete economic sense.

That’s why the outsourcing industry is set to continue its growth, but it’s our responsibility to ensure that this happens to the benefit of all parties involved. That means the government, the suppliers, and of course the end consumers of public services. L

Outsourcing

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

Top tips for public sector outsourcing Have a clear vision of your goals – do not outsource without giving the matter proper consideration.

Understand where you want to be and why outsourcing will help.

Be realistic about what can be achieved – outsourcing won’t solve everything in one fell swoop.

Savings from outsourcing can take time to feed through so look first at maintaining and improving services.

Don’t seek to outsource a problem – problems cannot be outsourced easily, and you’ll pay for that.

The outsourcer can work with the outsourcee and advisors to solve the problem, then work out how to outsource it.

Communicate early on with outsourcing bodies, advisors and prospective partners. Advice and best practice are both vital.

Seek to create a partnership – negotiation is not a competition but a co-design process. There must be incentives for both sides to participate.

Be transparent with your activities and business objectives, and ensure that those objectives are aligned with your partner’s.

Steps to improve outsourcing The government must concentrate on becoming a better commissioner of services.

The government also needs to do more to assist SMEs with the procurement of public sector contracts.

Civil servants are often being expected to oversee outsourcing with little or no experience. These personnel deserve proper training before they’re required to manage outsourcing relationships.

FURTHER INFORMATION www.noa.co.uk

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

55

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

CareCheck

Electronic Criminal Record Checks

We provide employers, charities and voluntary organisations with Disclosure Certificates through the Disclosure and Barring Service (Formerly the CRB) and Basic Disclosures through Disclosure Scotland.

Administration fees starting from £4 per application!

Super fast turnaround, applications completed in as little as 24 hours!

Employer notifications, no need to wait for the applicant to inform you of their completed certificate!

Quick and easy registration, you could be submitting your applications online today!

www.carecheck.co.uk Call our support team 0845

56

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 22.2

362 8226

Send us an email info@carecheck.co.uk

DISABILITIES

Independent Living

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

INDEPENDENT LIVING FOR ALL

With the number of over 80s set to double to five million by 2030, Government Business examines the range of initiatives available to allow elderly people to remain living independently at home Government support for the elderly wishing to continue living independently at home has grown in the last few years. The Disabled Facilities Grant, which allows disabled people to make adaptations to their homes, was launched in 2012 and in December last year, Housing Minister Brandon Lewis announced an additional £1 million investment in the housing advice service FirstStop to continue to help older people live independently.

FirstStop works with partners such as Age UK, local councils and home improvement agencies in 15 areas across England, to provide tailored advice and practical support for older people who may be struggling to cope in their own homes but remain determined to keep living independently.

Housing and Planning Minister Brandon Lewis said: “As people get older it is vital that they still have choices which allow them to enjoy healthy, independent and active lives.

Ensuring the right information is available to enable older people and their families make those choices is crucial.

“As we grow older we may not just need to change how we live, we might also need to change the homes we live in. For some older people, this can be an overwhelming prospect, so the free information and advice and practical support provided by FirstStop is invaluable.”

The £1 million funding for 2015 to 2016 will mean FirstStop can continue delivering

its national phone, email and online service to around 250,000 people, helping more older people make informed decisions about how and where they live as they age. It will also enable FirstStop to deliver a minimum of 15 local partner services for a further year, extending their current reach and building on the successes of the last 12 months.

CASE STUDY Mr and Mrs Jackson were referred to Age UK Norfolk’s Housing and Care Options Services following a phone call to the Age UK Norfolk Advice Line.

The Housing and Care Options Adviser supported the couple through the application process for sheltered housing, ensured they were claiming all appropriate benefits and entitlements, assisted the moving in process with the Housing Association and visited to check the couple had everything they needed in place.

Yvonne Costin, Age UK Norfolk Housing and Care Options Adviser, said: “The Housing and Care Options Service is an essential service. In the past 15 months I have helped hundreds of older people with housing issues, many of which have been very complex. Unsuitable housing is a real problem in Norfolk and what on the surface could appear to be straightforward matters are not simple to resolve if you are suffering from ill health or are living below the poverty line.”

To support ple peo elderly remain in to looking ir home, the ent has m n r e v o the g led Facilities a Disab o fund home Grant t ptations ada

DISABLED FACILITIES GRANT To support the growing population of elderly people looking to remain in their own home, the government also has a Disabled Facilities Grant to fund adaptations to homes.

The grant allows disabled people to make changes to their homes to allow them to remain living independently. These include widening doors and installing ramps, and improving access to rooms and facilities, such as stairlifts or a downstairs bathroom. Options also include providing a heating system suitable to the occupiers’ needs, and adapting heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use.

It could also allow them to improve access to and movement around the home to enable individuals to care for another person who lives in the property, such as a child.

Any eligible disabled person can apply for this grant through their local authority, whether they are a homeowner, private tenant or local authority tenant. The council will arrange for an occupational therapist through social services to visit the home to assess which adaptations are needed.

The grant can be used for adaptations that provide better freedom of movement into and around the home or to provide essential facilities. An occupational therapist will look at individual circumstances and recommend the type of adaptations needed.

Mark Prisk, the Housing Minister at the time, said: “For many people, the security of being able to stay in your own home in difficult times can have a real impact on their health and wellbeing.

“That’s why we’ve protected the Disabled Facilities Grant. The £180 million I’ve E

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

57

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

ThyssenKrupp Encasa Life in motion.

Manufactures & Distributors of Homecare mobility products

Electric Rise & Recline Chairs

Electric Profiling Beds and Mattresses Incontinence Pads Nationwide delivery and installation service Highly competitive pricing structures To book an appointment or for more information please contact:

T: 01428 70 80 30 E: sales@onerehab.co.uk www.onerehab.co.uk

Stairlifts Platform Lifts Home Elevators

0800 783 9551 www.tkencasa.co.uk enquiries@tkencasa.co.uk

Life in motion.

Phone: 01903 538617 07971 137387

FOR THE TABLE THAT CATERS FOR BOTH THE ABLE-BODIED AND WHEELCHAIR USER At World of Benches we provide quality, well-built picnic tables at an affordable price. Our picnic tables are in a class of their own – they feature wheelchair access point and no structure under the table as found on all benches. They are also very robust, incredibly strong, and totally unique.

www.worldofbenches.com 58

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 22.2

We also supply standard benches

DISABILITIES  allocated today (28 March 2013) will help to support people across the country through disability and provide some of our most vulnerable with the help they need to live independently for as long as possible.”

Other initiatives that help older people remain living at home include Funding Foundations, the national body for home improvement agencies which provide minor repairs and services for around 250,000 older and disabled people each year.

PLANNING FOR FUTURE NEEDS The planning system reforms in the 2012 National Planning Policy Framework directs local authorities to plan for a mix of housing based on current and future demographic trends, and the needs of different groups in the area, including older people. It says that in order to deliver a wide choice of high quality homes, widen

Other initiatives that help older people remain living at home include Funding Foundations, the national body for home improvement agencies which provide repairs and services for around 250,000 older and disabled people each year opportunities for home ownership and create sustainable, inclusive and mixed communities, ‘local planning authorities should plan for a mix of housing based on current and future demographic trends, market trends and the needs of different groups in the community (such as families with children, older people, people with disabilities, service families and people wishing to build their own homes).’

The National Planning Policy Framework

Independent Living

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

is aimed at making the planning system less complex and more accessible.

It vastly simplified the number of policy pages about planning.

The framework acts as guidance for local planning authorities and decision‑takers, both in drawing up plans and making decisions about planning applications. L FURTHER INFORMATION tinyurl.com/p9h64mj

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

59

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

60

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 22.2

PUBLIC PLAY SPACES

The provision of high-quality public play facilities has a vital role in fighting certain societal issues, such as obesity and inactivity amongst young people, writes Michael Hoenigmann, chair of the Association for Play Industries Obesity and inactivity are rising and young people’s relationship with the outdoors is dwindling. Despite children’s abundance of natural energy, it is adults that may be stopping them from being as active as possible. Evidence shows that adopting an active lifestyle early in life encourages healthy habits in adulthood which means providing children with the time, space and facilities to enable that natural energy.

According to the Association of Play Industries (API), the lead trade body for the UK play sector, the provision of high-quality public play facilities has a vital role to play in tackling these challenges.

Addressing wider societal problems like anti-social behaviour is also essential.

But while every child

has a fundamental right to play (article 31), there are many local communities for whom that right is under threat.

HIGH-QUALITY PLAY PROVIDERS Local authorities, schools, parish councils and others have an important contribution to make in providing much-needed play facilities, and many of these work in partnership with the API. As the UK’s leading experts in play provision, API members design, create and install high‑quality play equipment using certificated products and provide advice on inspection, maintenance and repair. They operate to the highest standards, abide by a strict professional code of conduct, comply with relevant

The n provisioality -qu of high y facilities la public pvital role in has a hild obesity c tackling inactivity and ges challen

FOUR KEY ASKS As the general election approaches, the API urges all political parties to make play a manifesto priority with four key asks.

The first of the four asks is public facilities.

Children are more physically active if they have access to high-quality outdoor play facilities. Well-designed play spaces act as a ‘signpost’ for children to access the outdoor world. Public parks should be hubs for physical activity for people of all ages. Investment in, and subsequent maintenance of, public play facilities should be a government priority, particularly in deprived communities.

The second key ask is local expertise.

Local authority procurement practices are protracted, consume time and money, stifle the development of high-quality play facilities and fail children. Play is a child development issue. Decisions about local play provision should be made by specialists within local authorities who understand the benefits of play and the needs of local communities, not by procurement departments.

Thirdly, school investment should be prioritised. Increased physical activity levels are directly linked to greater concentration and academic attainment. Schools play a key role in encouraging children to be more active throughout the school day. The Sport England Primary Spaces Programme should be extended to every school, with broader scope to incorporate a wide variety of physical literacy activities, not just ball games. E

Written by Michael Hoenigmann, chair of the Association of Play Industries

IS CHILD’S PLAY BECOMING AN ELECTION ISSUE?

safety standards, and are rigorously and regularly monitored and credit-checked for financial security and stability. The association campaigns at the highest levels for policy recognition of the value of active play.

Public Play Areas

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

Evidence of play benefits Evidence shows that play delivers physical, developmental, emotional, behavioural, social and environmental benefits. More information about the evidence around the positive benefits of play can be found in the following resources.

Play for a change: a briefing by Stuart Lester and Wendy Russell of the University of Gloucestershire for Play England (tinyurl.com/llmvtxq).

The Play Return: a review of the wider benefits of play initiatives by Tim Gill (tinyurl.com/orjze2e).

Community benefits of children’s play areas: a policy document by the Association of Play Industries (tinyurl.com/oml6pyj)

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

61

FURNITURE AND INTERIORS Creating inspiring environments where people are motivated to succeed

We work with:

FREE OF CHARGE space planning and design service

•

Schools, Academies & Colleges

•

Government Organisations

•

Local Authorities

•

Architects

•

Contractors

•

Project Managers

THE PERFECT TURNKEY SOLUTION FOR YOUR NEW BUILD OR EXTENSION OR SINGLE PROJECT We can cater for every requirement including; •

Reception

•

Learning Zone

•

Office

•

Washroom and Toilet

•

Staffroom

•

Locker Area

•

Classroom

•

Break Out

•

Staff Seating

•

Sixth Form

•

Library

•

Social and Community Area

•

Hall

•

Meeting Room

•

Dining Area

•

Medical

•

IT Suite

•

Laboratory

•

Kitchen

•

Food Tech Room

Call us on:

0333 123 1142

for a catalogue or an appointment with one of our consultants

www.foursquarefurniture.co.uk

PUBLIC PLAY SPACES

From sensory spaces for toddlers to skate parks, Parkour and social spaces for teenagers, today’s play spaces are engaging, flexible, multi‑use areas with fun and stimulating equipment that appeals to children of all ages and abilities  Finally, the fourth ask should be Ofsted assessment. Active outdoor learning and play at school are as important as PE and sport in encouraging children of all capabilities to be more physically active, as well as improving concentration, classroom behaviour and academic performance. A measurable outcome for physical literacy with agreed minimum levels of physical activity, outdoor learning and play should be mandated in all schools as part of the national curriculum with outcomes assessed by Ofsted.

WHY PLAY MATTERS Evidence shows that play delivers physical, developmental, emotional, behavioural, social and environmental benefits. To ensure high‑quality provision, play buyers need expert advice and guidance. According to the API, there are various key considerations to be taken into account when planning a play area. These are local need and community engagement; provision of play facilities can be an emotive issue so assessing the needs of communities served is important. API members work collaboratively with clients on public consultations and other community engagement initiatives.

Another consideration is funding. Typical spend for a town or parish council is £15,000-£50,000 with local grant initiatives like Awards for All, WREN and Biffa, section 106 agreements and community fundraising the source of most project funding. A phased approach can help spread the cost, encourage more fundraising and future-proof a bigger or longer-term play project. Many play companies offer advice on funding.

Capacity must also be considered. The number of children likely to be playing at any one time is key. Play equipment standards are based on minimum user numbers rather than a large number of children playing at the same time, so the design of a play area should be based on peak numbers. API members will factor this into their design.

Surfacing is also a factor. Safety surfacing absorbs impact so protects children against critical head injury if they fall while playing.

Your play supplier will provide site-specific recommendations.

Safety and accessibility of the proposed play area are key.

Think about how children will get to it, considering any traffic hazards, busy thoroughfares, blind spots, deep or lying water and overhead cables. Use fencing only if required for safety reasons, for instance, as additional security for a toddler play area.

Plan to create a comfortable experience for children and families. Consider seating or picnic facilities, shade and shelter and litter bins if appropriate.

The area must age-appropriate. Maximise play appeal by providing a range of equipment to attract different age ranges. Separate toddler play areas from older children’s equipment to minimise the risk of accidents.

Risk is also a key factor. Children enjoy a degree of risk when playing and actively benefit from it so provide some challenging play equipment for added excitement and fun. Risk assessments needn’t restrict children’s enjoyment so consider installing equipment that provides a real sense of adventure.

MAINTENANCE IS VITAL Wear and tear is inevitable so it’s important to ensure play equipment is robust and durable to ensure maximum longevity, safety and compliance with standards. Safe play requires regular maintenance,

thorough inspection and repair. A Post-Installation Inspection should take place before any new play area opens. The operator or play company should commission a registered, certificated annual outdoor inspector from the Register of Play Inspectors International to do this.

Once complete and satisfactory, responsibility for safety passes to the operator of the play space. An inspection regime is required by national play equipment standard BS EN 1176 and best practice is a three-tier inspection regime which incorporates staff training.

This includes daily or weekly routine visual inspection. Regular observation of the play space by a trained staff member looking for obvious hazards like missing or broken parts, broken glass or vandalism. Moreover, monthly operational inspection is also needed. This entails detailed structural examination of wear, tear and stability of equipment by a trained staff member.

An annual main inspection undertaken by a qualified external RPII annual outdoor inspector ensures compliance with standards and overall safety.

From sensory spaces for toddlers to skate parks, Parkour and social spaces for teenagers, today’s play spaces are engaging, flexible, multi‑use areas with fun and stimulating equipment that appeals to children of all ages and abilities. Adding a well-designed, well‑maintained play area with high quality equipment and strong play value provides immeasurable benefits to local families. Using an API member reassures play buyers they are working with a reputable, reliable and financially stable company with experience and expertise.

For helpful advice, the API website provides a wide range of resources, information and links about fundraising, planning and project guidance, design, safety and risk, plus full details of every member company including examples of recent work. L

Public Play Areas

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

FURTHER INFORMATION www.api-play.org

One Day Tree Safety Course

“Surveying Trees Assessing Risk” © Moderated and Certified by IOSH

Who should attend?

All who have a responsibility for the safety of Trees, for example, School Business Managers, School Caretakers, Green Space Managers, Highway Inspectors, Country Side Wardens, and Golf Course Managers.

What are the learning outcomes?

The ability to self examine your trees and identify obvious Risks.

An understanding of the Priority of Action.

An understanding of the legal implications of Tree Safety.

Written and presented by Ged M. Collins, who is a Technical Member of IOSH and the Director of Global Tree Vision Ltd – GTV. He has 10 years’ experience as a tree surgeon and 30 years as an Arboricultural Consultant to Local Councils. For a decade Ged M. Collins has worked with the Missionaries of the Poor, on Environmental sustainable related projects with the local Lugandan Community in Kampala Uganda.

“Trees are not for life, they are for Generations” © Email: gedcollins@globaltreevision.com Tel: 0161 740 248

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

63

IntroducIng the enterPrISe cLASS

Mc700 SerIeS trAnSforM the wAy you work AffordAble Our devices are manufactured to the highest standards of quality and technology. We are so convinced of the quality and reliability of our products that we offer an extension of the standard warranty to 3 years on all our products.

efficieNT Having the ability to achieve more with your printer means nothing if the device it too big for your office. OKI’s tried and tested LED technology means our devices are compact with modern styling that easily fits into the smallest of offices.

SMArT Making printers affordable and helping customers print smarter is the overriding driving force behind a range of new and updated products from OKI. No matter what your business, we have the perfect print solution for you.

GreeN The new SMART Managed Document Solution from OKI puts the right devices in the right places and allows you to gain control and benefit the environment at the same time.

Print smart with oki With OKI you will not only improve your print-related processes, but you will benefit from real cost savings, measureable efficiency gains and the freedom to focus on what really matters to you: your business.

OKI UK @OKIUK

/OKIUK

Print smart. Print oki

Advanced features that help improve the efficiency of your business Large colour touch screen Height adjustable touch screen interface provides customisable access to a range of standard and

High yield cartridges Reduce user intervention,

bespoke functions facilitated

cost and impact upon the environment

by an open platform

Automatic LED duplex printing Automatic duplex as standard, for cost-effective printing of double-sided documents

Duplex LED copying and scanning Fast and accurate duplex copying and scanning, through 100-sheet RADF. For double-sided documents

Wireless connectivity Optional wireless functionality so that your MFP can be placed

Convenience stapler Built-in convenience stapler as standard, for easy post

Internal Automatic stapler combined with offset paper stacking and duplex printing for advanced document

Flexible paper capacity Three optional paper trays or Large Capacity Feeder (LCF) available (up to 3,160 sheets), to suit your business needs

Enterprise-wide security Secure PIN or IC card release solutions for protected printing of

*MB770dfn and MC780dfn only

Contact Camissa on: 01784 274 378

cleverprinters.co.uk/mC700

Reade Signs the signage experts.. here to help!

• Large format digital printing • Banners & Pop Up Displays • Exhibition Stands • Wayfinding Signage • Window Graphics • Vehicle Livery • Flags • Pavement Signs • Safety Signage

Contact us today to see how you can get the most out of your signage. CALL NOW ON...

Tel: 01252 336000 www.readesigns.com/la Reade Signs 4 Holder Road, Aldershot, Hants GU12 4RH

EVENT PREVIEW

Sign & Digital UK

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

SIGN & DIGITAL UK The leading trade exhibition for the sign making, display solutions and digital printing industry, Sign & Digital UK will return to the NEC Birmingham from 24 to 26 March This year’s event, which is 20 per cent bigger than in 2014 will feature more than 180 of the industry’s biggest name exhibitors, an extensive free-to-attend seminar programme, live product demonstrations, exclusive show offers, practical workshops and much more.

Focusing on the best cutting edge technology, services and practical advice, the event is ideal for those looking to gain understanding of what’s available across the industry and benefit from expert help and guidance.

Learning is at the heart of Sign & Digital UK. There are four education theatres and a series of workshops, which will feature an estimated 35 daily seminars, covering real-world tips and new business ideas.

BUSINESS THEATRE The Business Theatre will be packed with practical sessions identifying new revenue opportunities for business owners looking to expand and improve their services for the year ahead.

Sessions include ‘Exploring the wallcovering opportunity with HP Latex Printing Technology’, ‘Why and how can digital technology be used in new markets?’ and ‘Diversifying your business: insights into training for new market opportunities’.

Martin Horne, Trotec Laser’s managing director will present the ‘Tips and tricks using lasers’ seminar, which will explore how lasers can help solve common problems faced in the sign and print industry.

The seminar will also run through tips and timesaving tricks to help participants unlock their machine’s full potential.

With the UK sign industry facing tighter

regulations governing its activities, complying with changing legislation will be addressed.

The British Sign and Graphic Association will run two workshops to help sign companies get to grips with changing industry legislation.

Covering contentious topics such as requirements under new European standards and the impact of changing planning laws on sign maintenance, the sessions will use practical case studies and Q&A sessions for maximum interaction. There will be a focus on Eurocodes and also CE marking within the workshops to aid both new and established sign companies.

design, sign making & printing and the embroidery and promotional items sectors.

The seminar sessions include a practical step-by-step guide to creating various items including business cards and posters with CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X7. Attendees will also learn how to create and customise their own webstore and how shoppers can customise products using DecoNetwork.

For those working with apparel and promotional items, garment printing, embroidery and appliqué, they will have dedicated sessions in the Wilcom DecoStudio e3 workshop.

SIGNLAB THEATRE Wide-format design and production software specialists, CADlink Technology, will present a series of SignLab seminars focusing on best practice print and cut, sign and display design and production workflows.

Session highlights include an introduction to using dedicated sign-making software packages, including tips and shortcuts on the most common tools used in day-to-day design and production environments.

The ‘SignLab for Mimaki’ session will look at boosting design and production workflows with Mimaki printers. Some of the key areas to be explored include print and cut set-up, utilising time saving tools, supersizing images and easy to use special effects features.

The ‘SignLab for Versaworks’ session will focus on features that enable Roland users to maximise the benefits of Roland’s print and ink technology. Practical skills include contour cut-lines, working with VersaWorks E

g Learnin e h is at t gn & f Si heart o K. There U Digital education r are fou and a series s theatre und 35 daily of aro rkshops wo

ADOBE THEATRE The ever-popular Adobe Theatre will feature five daily workshops, focusing on practical tips and advice for mastering their latest software packages. This includes the ‘Creativity Overload’ session, designed to help people refine their Photoshop editing skills, and the ‘Don’t break the grid’ session, where attendees will be taught countless workflow improvement tips and timesaving tricks.

Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Bridge are some of the other software packages the workshops will focus on sharing practical tips and advice.

COREL THEATRE Combining a range of practical workshops and product demonstrations, the 2015 Corel Theatre is a must-attend for anyone in the

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

67

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

Masonry Protection PROTECTION

• Specifically designed for wall brick facades, concrete, clay roof tiles and mineral surfaces.

• Self-cleaning,

water-repellent, reconstructive.

• Bonds at the

molecular level

• Eco-Friendly, Water based

ProShield actively impregnates and bonds to mineral surfaces such as brick, stone and concrete. By creating a strong but invisible protective surface, water is repelled, protecting against rain penetration, dirt, algae, pollution, oil and other surface contaminates with a ‘lotus effect’ self cleaning action.

ProShield masonry protection treatment not only protects, but actively maintains original colour and look of building structures, whilst allowing masonry to breathe naturally.

ProShield Increases thermal efficiency of structures giving energy saving benefits in dwelling space heating.

Tel: 01260 223311 Scientifically developed - water repellent treatment for mineral surfaces.

info@rapierstar-protect.com

Start saving money and the planet today!

If you’re looking to deliver a successful energy efficient project in your area, we can help!

We specialise in the installation of External Wall Insulation.

With millions of solid-wall properties throughout the UK, external wall insulation can help social landlords and local authorities to achieve their energy efficiency and carbon reduction obligations.

Our team welcomes the opportunity to work with you on your carbon and energy-saving plans.

For more information, contact us: admin@ ecothermuk.com

020 7124 4025 www.ecothermuk.com

68

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 22.2

EVENT PREVIEW

Focusing on the best cutting‑edge technology, services and practical advice, the event is ideal for those looking to gain understanding of what’s available across the industry and benefit from expert help and guidance  colour palette and working with Roland colour profiles and metallic and white ink sets.

The Textile Trail will return for 2015 alongside two exciting new trails, the Retail Route and Materials World. This will highlight any exhibitors with products and services for textile related printing and finishing or display systems including textile printing equipment, embroidery equipment and promotional wear/products.

EXHIBITORS 2015 will welcome a range of companies of various sizes, ranging from small boutique businesses, through to leading industry brands.

Exhibitors booked so far include Signwaves, Applelec, Mida Sign Services, Biesse, Complete CNC Solutions, Nova Chrome, The Magic Touch, Canon UK, Colourgen/ Mutoh, Roland DG UK, Fujifilm, Hewlett-Packard, Hybrid Services/ Mimaki, Amaya, YES Ltd, Resolute DTG, J&B Sewing, Russell & Chapple, Ultraflex Europe, Esko, Ultima Displays, William Smith, MTEX, Agfa Graphics, Paperlinx, Grafityp, Art Systems, Inktec/Jetrix, Atech, i-Sub, Perfect Colours, PrintMax, AG CAD, Antalis, and CMYUK Digital.

Pixalux panel uses LED lighting combined with complex layers of acrylic. Due to its structural properties it can be used to replace wood or metal shelves and panels.

Graphics Printing Technologies (GPT) returns for its fifth consecutive year at Sign & Digital UK with the very latest printers and even more exciting offers on show. GPT will be showcasing the brand new product offerings from Mimaki, including the JFX-200, the JV range and the CJV range. Also from Mimaki will be the hugely successful UJF series of A3 and A2 UV-cure printers for the signage and personalised promotional products industry.

Vivid Laminating Technologies will be returning to Sign & Digital UK to offer a full and complete service to their reseller network.

Vivid will be exhibiting their EM-1600 SH and EM-S1400H Sign wide format laminating systems from their award-winning Easymount range. The Leicestershire-based firm will also be showing their Britishassembled Matrix MX-530P Pneumatic System for SRA3 and B2 prints, a first at Sign & Digital UK for Europe’s No.1 system.

Colourgen is showcasing the new Mutoh ValueJet 426UF desktop flatbed LED UV printer. The new A3+ printer allows direct printing on a wide variety of solid materials and objects up to a thickness of 7 cm.

The Mutoh VJ-426UF will be making its first UK public appearance at Sign & Digital. Colourgen will be running demos on the printer to show exactly what this machine is capable of.

Zünd UK will be demonstrating how its digital cutting systems can be used as part of a fast, efficient printing workflow at Sign & Digital UK. As a guest on the stands of its authorised distributors i-Sub Digital, Canon and CMYUK at Sign & Digital UK, Zünd UK will showcase the Zünd G3 XL3200CV, Zünd G3 L3200CV and Zünd S3 L1200CVE12 digital cutting tables.

City and West End Solutions (CWE) will highlight the need for optimal quality across an entire digital print and finishing workflow – from the machines and inks, to the software, the media and the finishing.

CWE will be demoing a range of kit on their stand including the Summa wide format cutter, showing customers how to get the perfect cut finish, every time.

EXHIBITOR HIGHLIGHTS Fairfield Displays will launch Pixalux – an illuminated display LED panel that will revolutionise retail and commercial displays at Sign & Digital UK. The frameless, double‑sided and extremely bright

PERFECT COLOURS Perfect Colours will bring a full house of new and established products to its largest stand to date. Debuting in the UK at the show is the five colour UV-curable InkTec Jetrix KX6.

The 2.4 x 1.2m flat-bed – which the reseller

ROLAND DG PRINTER PRIZE DRAW Roland DG, a key Sign & Digital UK exhibitor, will be giving away one Roland Texart RT-640 64” wide dye sublimation printer, installation of the machine and a set of Texart inks. Also included with the prize worth over £13,000, is a one-year RolandCare Silver warranty.

The Texart RT-640 has been developed specifically for dye sublimation printing and delivers high performance production, superb quality, and vivid colours. This allows users to add real value to their businesses by offering an extensive range of profitable applications including apparel, signs, interior décor and original goods.

Rudi Blackett, Sign & Digital UK event director added: “We are thrilled with this additional support from Roland DG, a company that has been a key exhibitor at Sign & Digital UK for many years. For visitors to be eligible to win this excellent prize, they must pre-register online and attend the show from 24-26 March. With over 180 exhibitors already confirmed, this year’s exhibition is shaping up to be the best show yet.”

supplies with two years’ free warranty – attains speeds of up to 55sq m/hour using dual CMYK plus four white channels, making it an attractive option for the Sign UK audience.

Able to produce fine art quality at low running costs, the KX6 is a robust and cost-effective option for those transitioning from analogue process or hoping to increase their throughput, being as it is the fastest true flat-bed in its size.

Bright Green Technology will be demonstrating their new range of wide‑angle modules. These modules are made with a patented optical lens that produces viewing angles of 140° for the mini version and 165° for the standard version. Bright Green Wide Angle Modules are an extremely economical way for sign makers to illuminate light boxes that require high lumen output and excellent lighting uniformity.

What’s more, Caslon Limited will be exhibiting some of the unique products in their vast range of finishing and specialised process equipment. These include the Maxit Adhesive System, FoilTech Foiling, Card Cutting and Laminating, all designed to help our customers achieve the maximum profit from their work.

Sign & Digital UK

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

EXHIBITION STANDS Display Makers, industry leaders in exhibition stand design will unveil their new innovative display product, ISOframe Ripple – an all-new, ultra-lightweight, patented semi-flexible system which is set to take the industry by storm.

Josero will be using Sign & Digital UK to show off their wide range of products including The Bubble Free Applicator – a tremendous success since its launch at Sign & Digital UK two years ago, this applicator is one of Josero’s top sellers. The Bubble Free Applicator allows a single operator to mount and laminate a wide range of materials in super fast time whilst eliminating the danger of bubbles or creases. Come to the Josero stand and you’ll see for yourself why people love it.

ALL ABOUT THE PRINT After a successful show in 2014 and an exciting portfolio of new products under its belt, YPS is set to return to Sign & Digital UK this year to give visitors a taste of the extensive range of printing equipment it supplies, along with the care and knowledge its team provides.

A Mimaki, Epson, Canon & Epilog reseller; YPS also offers a broad range of media from the likes of Metamark and Hannemuhle and software from CADlink and Colorgate. Sign making hardware such as the Bubble-Free Applicator, laminators from Kala and cutters from Keencut, Mimaki and Summa add to the company’s comprehensive range, most of which will be displayed on Sign & Digital UK stand. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.signanddigitaluk.com

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

69

Channel your drive into a new career Train with us to become a driving instructor for just £1995 and help to steer futures!

• Flexible training plan tailored to you • Regional & national support networks • Online learning developed by industry experts Visit theaa.com/drivingschool Call 0800 009 4766 The Future of Driving Instructor Training

Franchising

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

FRANCHISING FRANCHISING

THE CHANGING FACE OF FRANCHISING

Franchising is a sector that has changed dramatically in recent years, experiencing substantial growth. The British Franchise Association explains the key personality traits and skills that make successful franchisees Sixty years since Wimpy became the first recorded business in the UK to start using the model, franchising is currently in its healthiest ever position. It generates almost £14bn in revenue annually and employs more people than live in Sheffield, according to the 2013 British Franchise Association/ NatWest Franchise Survey.

Recent growth will have been helped by the buoyancy of entrepreneurial spirit in today’s economy, with a record number of business start-ups last year in the UK. But that’s only one factor.

Franchising is a sector that has changed a lot in recent years, with a community of more than 39,000 franchisee-owned businesses operating across multiple business sectors, it has not been reliant on good economic conditions to thrive.

wider economic weather, franchising has been able to achieve strong growth. It’s no surprise to see it expanding during the largely boom period for the UK of the early-mid noughties – but during the downturn, franchising did something that most sectors couldn’t: it continued to grow. Franchising revenues increased by 20 per cent from 2008 to 2013, during which time the country’s GDP shrank.

From 2003 to 2013, franchising expanded by 42 per cent in terms of its turnover and there was a corresponding increase in jobs created by the sector, with employment in franchised businesses up by 46 per cent to more than 560,000.

Additionally, success rates is another contributing factor in franchising growth. Each year, for more than 20 years consecutively, approximately 90 per cent of franchisees have reported profitability; and less than five per cent of franchisee-owned businesses have closed due to commercial failure. Both those

It’s ng surprisi ny how mas are se businesed: most franchis use the people es of a servic brand e franchis larly regu

GROWING TRENDS Consistent growth is a trend that has helped franchising reach record levels. Whatever the

trends held true in each year of the downturn.

Because franchising is based on replicating proven businesses, it’s been able to consistently achieve a statistically better chance of success than going it alone.

However, it’s important to note that it’s not for everyone. Franchisees follow systems, and if you’re looking for complete control over every aspect of operations then becoming one is probably not right for you. Success rates have been maintained because franchisors understand that, and so do the most free-spirited entrepreneurs.

Furthermore, there’s a vast choice on offer to prospective business owners regarding the sector in which they want to operate; where to base themselves; and the number of options available.

The same proportion of franchises are now run from home as are run from a shop or retail unit (28 per cent). Long gone are the days when fast food and hotels dominated the sector: the number of business sectors and individual brands seen in franchising have both risen exponentially.

There are now more than 930 brands using a franchise model across the UK, which is an increase of 34 per cent since 2003. Both B2B E

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

71

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

Is it the right time to launch your own business? Build your own recruitment firm in both Public & Private sectors

JAN-PRO Cleaning Systems JAN-PRO is a global leader in the commercial cleaning industry and was recently ranked the fastest growing franchise for six years running in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 Awards.

Become an Antal Entrepreneur and build your own recruitment firm.

ANTAL FRANCHISE PACKAGE  

22 years of brand credibility and global network of 120 offices 6-month induction training programme and on-going 24/7 support for franchisees and their staff



National marketing & PR activities



Free job board



Shared clients, candidates and fees



International conferences and other events

Call us today on 0207 467 2528 or email franchise@antal.com

 COME AND JOIN THE

RENTAL REVOLUTION

JAN-PRO will thoroughly train you in all of our processes and guide you on the equipment and supplies you will need to get started. A JAN-PRO franchise does not require you to invest heavily in equipment.

   

Join a rapidly-expanding industry.

Learn and benefit from our training, our processes, our unique guarantee and our reputation.

Invest and grow at a pace that suits you and your individual goals.

Rely on JAN-PRO to take care of the business while you take care of your customers.

Call 020 8090 4999 Email: phil.ryan@jan-pro.com www.jan-pro.com

Become a management coach and start using a coaching approach with your team today

Coaching Skills for Managers ONLINE COURSES

Gain a qualification from CMI or ILM at level 3, 5 and 7

Join the rental

revolution

72

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 22.2

www.worthlearning.co.uk

(+44)01600 715125

info@worthlearning.co.uk

@worthlearn

FRANCHISING  and B2C operations are well represented, with a multitude of professional and personal services available to budding business owners.

SURPRISING FRANCHISES It’s surprising just how many businesses are franchised: most people use the services of a franchise brand regularly, even if they don’t always know it. It might have been the gardening, shopping, a haircut, cleaning the house, taking care of a pet, fixing the car, buying or renting property, caring for elderly family; or professional services such as graphics, coaching, cost management, printing, commercial cleaning, marketing or IT support.

A good illustration is in the number of household brands that have franchises, without being widely known for them.

Thorntons, Clarks Shoes, O2, Domino’s, Dyno-Rod, Toni & Guy, Interlink, Marston (e.t.c) that’s just a handful of the national and international businesses that have franchise operations in the UK. And they’re joined by hundreds of up and coming brands, from regional companies just starting out on their franchise journey to those on the way to joining the above list in the future.

Lastly, the fact that franchising is open to all has helped franchising reach record levels.

At various times in recent years the spotlight has focused on different demographics of business ownership – women, the young, ‘olderpreneurs’, those made redundant and so on. Franchisors were quick to recognise the value of multiple demographics a long time ago: put simply, there are a lot of different businesses looking for different personalities and passions to take on their franchises.

The young are valued for their enthusiasm, creativity and determination, and the backup and support of a franchise is perfectly suited to plug any gaps in knowledge or experience they have. The reverse is true for those entering the sector at a later age, when expertise and skills gained over a career can help shape the business model and provide valued input and a mature outlook. The mean age of all franchisees is around 47 years old, but more new franchisees are aged under 30 than over 50, so there’s a real mix.

Women have been well represented in franchising for some time, and it’s a trend that continues to grow. In 2003 there were already the same proportion of female franchisee business owners as there are in the wider economy today, so it’s no surprise that by 2013 franchising was way ahead of the curve on this front – with 30 per cent of franchises run by women, a figure that has risen steadily over the last decade.

Franchising can be used to secure a long-term future, or as a lower-risk way for people looking to start a business and gain experience before possibly going out completely on their own. Its flexibility to do both is part of the wide-ranging appeal.

So what are the first steps for someone looking into becoming a franchisee?

HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY This old adage should be at the forefront of your mind from the outset. Start with plenty of introspection – careful thinking here can pay great dividends when it comes to looking at the possibilities on offer. Take your time. Here are some areas to focus on: Take time out to list what your skill set can bring to the table. Franchising revolves around transferrable skills – because a good franchise offers substantial initial and ongoing training and support, the overwhelming majority are suitable to people with no prior professional experience in whatever industry the franchise is in.

So consider your top skills – which might be sales, administration, business growth, getting hands-on in a business, marketing, people management, networking – what do you do best?

Franchising

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

FINANCES Finances should not be overlooked. Work out what how much you are willing to invest.

There is a huge range of start-up costs to suit almost every budget, from a few thousand up to hundreds of thousands, but before you fall in love with an idea it’s important to know the ceiling of your liquid capital combined with any funding you can access.

To calculate that, work out how much you have to invest in the franchise; then consider your funding options, which can add substantially to that figure. By far the most popular option is bank lending – banks like the franchise model because they can access historical data from already-trading franchisees – with other sources including family and even franchisors, a few of which will finance the cost of starting up over a period of time for the right franchisee.

Franchising is a sector that has changed a lot in recent years, with a community of more than 39,000 franchisee-owned businesses operating across multiple business sectors, it has not been reliant on good economic conditions to thrive PERSONALITY The type of person you are can be crucial to your business’s outlook, so personality becomes a significant factor. Are you outgoing or introvert? Naturally adept at working with and leading teams, or better on your own? What are you passionate about? Looking honestly at your own traits can give you good insight into the type of operation you’re likely to be successful with.

Combining your personality traits with your skill set can give you a powerful indicator of the franchises that are right for you. Think carefully about them. Finding a business that plays to those strengths will greatly improve your chances of success.

What is your driving force? First, think about what kind of operation you want to run. Do you want to be hands-on, or a business manager and developer? Out on the road or working from home? Is potential profit the most important factor in your decision-making, or is a better work/ life balance higher on your priorities?

Second, the ‘why’: take time to understand what’s driving you to want to become a business owner. Are you tired of working long hours for the reward of others, is it succession planning for your kids, to be a part of your local community, to have control of your own professional life, to take home more money.

There are a plethora of reasons that bring people into franchising. Knowing what yours are is important in determining the franchises on the market that can give you what you’re looking for.

British Franchise Association (bfa) member franchises are looked upon favourably by the major banks, because they understand the strict criteria involved in gaining bfa membership – which includes proof of the financial sustainability to support a network properly, and evidence of previous franchisee success. For franchisees of such reputable, ethical franchisors, banks will typically lend up to 50-70 per cent of the start-up cost, depending on how long they’ve been trading.

As an example, if you have £10,000 to invest, then with an established brand you can own a franchise with a total start-up cost of approximately £35,000 (around 70 per cent bank funding). For a newer brand, it might be more like £20,000.

You must take your personal life and the circumstances of those around you into consideration; discussions with your partner and/or family are crucial, you will need their support when you take the leap into self-employment and many franchisors will want to see that you have it.

Think about what you want to get out of the business and how it might impact those around you. Some franchises (at least in the early days) require more than a 9-5 undertaking, while others are set up for parents and fit perfectly around a young family and the school run.

Be prepared to keep up with the business demands and know that you can do so around your other commitments. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.thebfa.org

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

73

ORTUS learning and events centre new, multi-award winning, A brand high-tech, eco-friendly event and meeting destination in London.

When you visit the ORTUS, it is easy to see why this stunning new venue has picked up so many prestigious awards (9 and counting) in such a short amount of time.

Genevieve Glover, MD Maudsley Learning CIC says, “We are very fortunate to operate such a fantastic, hightech venue that has been so well received by our guests and clients”.

Since opening in 2013, the ORTUS has hosted board meetings, away days, client roundtables, seminars, conferences and interviews for public sector clients which include the Dpt. of Health, NHS England, Public Health England, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Southwark Council and NHS Lambeth Clinical Commissioning Group.

The venue is built from the ground-up with learning in mind with 1500 square metres of dedicated event space and state of the art technology and audio-visual equipment available ensuring events run seamlessly. Five large events spaces can be divided into15 different room configurations which means hosting anything from boardroom meetings to conferences with multiple break-out rooms is possible.

Last December the learning and events centre hosted an event for the Minister for Care and Support, Norman Lamb MP, who met with YoungMinds Vs ‘activists’ to discuss mental health issues.

The event took place on the Mezzanine space creating the perfect platform for an open and frank discussion.

The ORTUS is operated by Maudsley Learning a social enterprise with the vision of supporting and providing world class and accessible learning in mental health and wellbeing. Their vision is delivered through the provision of learning events, training and e-Learning in the field of mental health and wellbeing. Maudsley Learning is a community interest company and subsidiary of a mental health charity attached to a major NHS Foundation Trust in South London.

Event catering and hospitality is provided by an on-site chef operated by specialist and award winning London-based catering partner Vacherin.

Charlotte Lucas, Venue Sales Manager, also mentions the CSR benefits when booking an event at ORTUS, “ The great news is that as per our business plan, any surplus flows to our sole shareholder, the Maudsley Charity, which invests in innovative mental health related projects and infrastructure.”

Special rates for public sector organisations

So next time you’re in need of a great venue for your public sector board meeting, away day, seminar, conference, etc., be sure to contact ORTUS learning and events centre.

It is a fantastic venue in it’s own right but the real bonus is you will be contributing to a worthy cause in the process.

“the multi-award winning ORTUS is owned by an NHS mental health charity and therefore an ideal location for public sector events” *Quote GOVBUS15 to receive a 15% discount on room hire* ORTUS learning and events centre 82-96 Grove Lane, SE5 8SN, London tel: 020 3701 1634 website: www.ortusevents.com email: enquiries@ORTUSevents.com 10 minutes from Blackfriars 10 minutes from Victoria 12 minutes from Farringdon 10 minutes from Canada Water

LEEDS

MEETING IN THE HEART OF LEEDS Leeds is a vibrant and energetic city that’s easy to explore and ripe for discovery.

A city that’s most definitely top of the ‘cool list,’ Leeds has reinvented itself as a modern, cosmopolitan destination renowned for its heritage, culture, fantastic shopping, live music and delicious food.

With its rich heritage, it’s easy to see why visitors fall in love with Leeds. There are listed buildings and Victorian arcades sat firmly alongside a cluster of Europe’s best Higher Education Institutions, stunning landscapes across the region’s National Parks and standout conferencing venues.

When it comes to hosting conferences, meetings and events, Leeds itself is a unique

location boasting a diverse portfolio of venues that ensure truly memorable events.

Alongside the city’s collection of gold AIM accredited venues, more than any other UK city outside London, Leeds also boasts an abundance of one-off spaces. Conferences can be hosted at the home of the Northern Ballet or at Elland Road football stadium, which has a whole host of conferencing options. There’s also a wealth of interesting venue options for evening receptions, networking events and breakout spaces

BOOST THE CONFERENCE PROGRAMME As an economic powerhouse with global reach, Leeds brings together energy, ambition and a wealth of talent and is a recognised thought leader in health and innovation, bespoke engineering solutions, digital technologies and financial services. As part of their extensive and complimentary service, Conference Leeds can assist with access to ambassadors and leading industry figures across the city region to support and boost your conference programme.

Leeds also has the benefit of being extremely well connected, with excellent transport links making the city easily accessible from anywhere across the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. Just over two hours travel by train from both London and Edinburgh, serviced by its own international airport, Leeds Bradford International Airport, and easily 

Written by Conference Leeds

When it comes to hosting conferences, meetings and events, Leeds itself is a unique location boasting a diverse portfolio of venues that ensure truly memorable events

across the city. Why not choose for your delegates to dine among Henry VIII’s original armour at the Royal Armouries, guaranteeing a conference experience like no other.

Conferencing & Events

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

When it sting o ho comes t rences, confe elf is a s Leeds itlocation unique a diverse g boastintfolio of por venues

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

75

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

Quality Registration Services Where the emphasis is on Quality: Affordable and bespoke packages for your event • Customer service • Reliable registration services Colour badges • Data management and reporting • Marketing solutions • Front of House Management User-friendly sales lead retrieval services We provide the best-looking badges to support your brand, as well as sophisticated analysis so that you can get the most out of the data you collect. Please call us if you would like to discuss the possibilities for you.

+44 (0) 845 1307751 76

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 22.2

www.qrs.co.uk

LEEDS

42 The Calls - Meeting room

 accessed by road from the M1 or M62, Leeds is one of the most connected destinations in the UK. To help event planners, Conference Leeds has a dedicated planning team, who offer a free venue search service and make tailored recommendations, including the coordination and collaboration of a number of the city’s distinctive venues.

Conferences & Events

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

TEACHERS GATHER AT LEEDS Last September, the UK’s largest teacher training event, Teach First’s Summer Institute, took place in Leeds for the first time. The event was project managed by Leeds Metropolitan University, in partnership with the University of Leeds, first direct Arena and accommodation providers Unite, Downing and CLV. 3,000 new teachers, tutors and staff members across England and Wales engaged with an innovative initial teacher training curriculum delivered in partnership by 10 University training providers, guest speakers, facilitators and Teach First ambassadors (alumni).

The event included the two-day Teach First Impact Conference, which marked the largest single event in the history of Teach First. This event included the Teach First Exhibition featuring 75 partner organisations, 120 teacher training and professional development workshops and a 120 piece youth orchestra (National Orchestra For All) concert performance in the first direct Arena.

There was also a panel debate by four senior leaders of UKs largest teacher unions and keynote speech was from Tal Ben Shahar, author of international best sellers Happier and Being Happy.

The training curriculum was also complemented by a diverse social programme including sports events and evening activities, which were organised in association with Leeds & Partners – 250 of the delegates competed in the Leeds City 10k road race.

SPORTING EVENTS IN 2015 2015 is set to be an exciting sporting year for the city of Leeds.

Leeds has been selected as a Host City for Rugby World Cup 2015 and is set to host two pool matches on September 26 and September 27, 2015. The city has a long association and passion for Rugby Union, so Leeds is set to come alive for the duration of the tournament, with an exciting fanzone in the heart of the city, Rugby Union heritage tours at Headingley Stadium and amazing food and drink experiences created especially for rugby fans.

Headingly Stadium will host some international cricket matches held in Leeds this year. The Stadium, just 10 minutes from the centre of Leeds, is one of the world’s best known cricket stadiums, which has been the backdrop for key moments across cricketing history, from hosting its first Ashes test match in 1899, to Don Bradman’s famous score of 309 in one day’s play in 1930 and Geoff Boycott’s hundredth first-class century scored during 1977’s Ashes test. In 2015, the 2nd Investec Test match, England v New Zealand, will take place from 29 May to 02 June 2015 and Headingley will also host the 4th Royal London One-Day International on Friday 11 September 2015, where England will take on Australia.

What’s more, following the success of last year’s Grand Départ of the Tour de France coming to Yorkshire, this year a new cycling race has been developed in celebration of the Grand Départ, with the hope of becoming the UK’s flagship competitive cycling race. The Tour de Yorkshire is a new race being held by Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) and Welcome to Yorkshire (WTY), supported by British Cycling and Leeds is set to host one stage of the Tour de Yorkshire, with a mass sportive for amateur cyclists to be held on 03 May, giving keen cyclists the chance to experience stretches of the Grand Départ route.

FOOD & DRINK The annual Leeds Food and Drink Festival embodies the spirit of Leeds, bringing together local businesses, residents and visitors in a two-week celebration of the city and the region’s finest food and drink. The event will take place from 22 May – 7 June 2015 and the event will feature the Yorkshire Food and Drink Show at Millennium Square, held on the final weekend, including live cookery demonstrations, pop-ups 

Here at the Holiday Inn Leeds-Wakefield M1 Jct. 40,we pride ourselves on offering exceptional service along with unique products to ensure we meet your needs.

With our fantastic service and professional team, we look forward to welcoming clients both old and new. Here are just a few reasons why you should choose the Holiday Inn Leeds‑Wakefield M1 Jct. 40:  Homemade food using fresh ingredients  Dedicated conference host to ensure your meeting runs with precision  Packages to suit all requirements  Healthy food options  Spacious and comfortable accommodation To see our other participating hotels, please visit: www.simplyhomemademeetings.co.uk Holiday Inn Leeds-Wakefield, M1 Jct. 40, Queens Drive, Ossett, Wakefield WF5 9BE Tel: 0871 942 9082 Email: events@hileedswakefieldhotel.co.uk www.hileedswakefieldhotel.co.uk Terms and conditions, minimum numbers apply for all the packages. Package available based on the hotels availability. For bespoke ‘room only packages’, upgrade charges apply for any additional services.

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

77

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

Organising a conference shouldn’t be a tall order.

There is an art to building great conferences.

We pride ourselves on being able to transform your ideas into something special.

Call us on 0113 343 6100 or visit: www.meetinleeds.co.uk/origami @meetinleeds

/meetinleeds

VENUE HIRE & CORPORATE EVENTS Leeds City Centre  Conferences  Receptions  Filming Exhibitions  Meetings  Up to 400 guests

Visit: Call: www.leeds.gov.uk/citymuseum 0113 224 3732 78

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 22.2

LEEDS  and food stands to delight culinary minds.

In September, Leeds will be hosting its International Beer Festival, an annual festival in the heart of the city centre. Now in its 5th year, which celebrates craft beers produced through the UK and overseas. Along with hundreds of beers and ciders from the UK, USA, Sweden and Germany, the festival also includes a street food marketing, live music across two stages and other beerrelated activities in the heart of the city centre.

Bugg and Rudimental grace the stages of these intimate venues across the city.

What’s more, Leeds Festival returns for the August bank holiday weekend. One of the UK’s largest music festivals, there are a number of stages across Bramham Park hosting some of the world’s most-loved music names, including Florence and the Machine, The Foo Fighters and Kaiser Chiefs. This year, Leeds Festival is set to be bigger than ever, with over 75,000 tickets available, which include weekend campsite tickets and day tickets. Metallica and Jamie T are among the first names of 2015’s line up which have been announced so far.

Leeds is home to a number of excellent theatres, including Leeds Grand Theatre, West Yorkshire Playhouse, City Varieties and Carriageworks, all of which have extensive programmes across 2015, including performances of To Kill A Mockingbird, King Lear and Hairspray. The city also proudly boasts its own opera company, Opera North and ballet company, Northern Ballet, who tour across the UK and internationally, as well as having a programme of performances

es Delegatne can di y VIII’s Henr among l armour at origina l Armouries, a the Roy nteeing an guara ce like no n experie ther o

GET CREATIVE Leeds is a creative city, with lots to offer the music, theatre and arts scene.

Winner of Best Metropolitan Music Festival at the UK Festival Awards, Live at Leeds is an annual city centre music festival held across a variety of unique venues in Leeds during the first bank holiday weekend in May. The festival will celebrate the best in upcoming local bands, alongside some more established names, featuring a huge number of gigs and other music inspired events.

Acts for 2015 are still to be announced, but previous years have seen Ed Sheeran, Jake

taking place in Leeds throughout the year, including Opera North’s Swanhunter and Northern Ballet’s Romeo & Juliet.

The internationally renowned exhibition, British Art Show 8, will open at Leeds Art Gallery in October 2015. Organised every five years by the Hayward Gallery as part of the Hayward Touring programme, the British Art Show showcases the very best work of both emerging and established artists. It is the biggest touring exhibition of contemporary art in the UK calendar, attracting over 420,000 visitors in its tour to four cities in 2010 and 2011. This year, Anna Colin and Lydia Yee have been selected by a senior panel of curators to curate the exhibition for the British Art Show 8.

Conferences & Events

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

AN INSPIRING BACKDROP As you can see, once the meetings, lectures and networking events are over, delegates will delight in exploring a vibrant and lively city as their conference backdrop. From renowned theatre, ballet and opera, moreish street food and international live music to the wealth of exceptional city centre accommodation, business delegates will relish the opportunity to discover this exciting city in their downtime.

So why not think outside the box and explore the compelling conferencing city offer in Leeds?  FURTHER INFORMATION www.conference-leeds.com

Moor Allerton Golf Club A great place to do business

Business Meetings, Seminars and Conference Facilities We have a range of meeting and conference rooms, perfect for events ranging from small business meetings and seminars to large scale conferences.

With high speed wireless internet you can stay in touch with your business, whilst using the projection facilities in all meeting rooms to get your message across to your audience really effectively.

We complement this with our lounge and dining room where we can cater for over 180 in comfort, with a resident chef who will design menus to your requirements.

This comes with free parking in an out of town location, easily accessed from all major routes and a dedicated In house team to ensure you have everything you need to make your event a real success.

Naturally, if you want to combine business with pleasure you can take advantage of our 27 hole championship golf course at preferential rates.

To find out more about our delegate and room rates contact Gill Pretty on 0113 2661154 or email Info@magc.co.uk

Moor Allerton Golf Club, Coal Road, Wike, Leeds LS17 9NH West Yorkshire Telephone 0113 2661154 Email Info@magc.co.uk Web www.magc.co.uk Twitter @MoorAllertonGC

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

79

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk BespokeHero1_outlined.pdf 1 17/02/2015 14:29:22

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

More than just an electoral software supplier...

More than just an electoral software supplier…

At Halarose we have an exceptional approach to personal service, taking every opportunity to engage with our customers and work with their feedback to ensure our electoral software is approach creative,toefficient and contemporary.

At Halarose we have an exceptional personal service, taking every opportunity to engage with our customers and work with their feedback to ensure our Have a look and seeefficient what we to offer. electoral software is creative, and have contemporary

www.halarose.co.uk

Have a look and see what we have to offer

www.halarose.co.uk

 (01491) 682 120

80

(01491) 682 120

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 22.2

 info@halarose.co.uk  info@halarose.co.uk

CLOUD COMPUTING

UK government’s cloud adoption used NEWS IN BRIEF It’s Dot Scot time as security example to EU countries The Scottish Government has switched

The European Union’s adoption of cloud computing in the public sector is being held back security issues, according to a report by the European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA).

The Security Framework for Governmental Clouds report states that while some EU states have adopted comprehensive cloud strategies and encouraged public sector bodies to shift services to the cloud, others have made little or no headway.

“Very few EU member states have currently developed approaches for cloud computing based on a well-defined and thorough cloud security strategy (including risk profiles, classification of assets, security objectives and measures),” claims the report, the Security Framework for Governmental Clouds.

It continues: “The main security challenges, requirements and barriers in the ‘cloudification’ of governmental services are related to: data protection and compliance, interoperability and data portability, identity and access management, auditing, adaptability and availability, as well as risk management and detailed security SLA [service-level agreement] formalisation.”

The ENISA report suggests that the “security framework should be modelled into four phases, nine security activities and 14 steps that detail the set of actions that we believe each member state should follow for the definition and implementation of a secure ‘Gov Cloud’.

“The generic security framework has been empirically validated through the analysis of four Gov Cloud case studies, namely Estonia, Greece, Spain and the UK. The reallife validation of the security framework also

the home page of its website to a .scot address, and plans to migrate the rest of it’s site to the new national internet domain shortly. The .scot domain is owned by Glasgow-based, non-profit Dot Scot Registry, which was set up with the backing of the Scottish Government and has sold more than 8,000 domains since it was launched in September 2014. It also plans to phase in new email addresses for its staff - http://dotscot.net

DfT and OS announce £3m mapping project

serves the purpose of defining examples of how some EU member states are implementing security into their Gov Cloud approaches.”

The report examines a number of government cloud implementations in the UK, Estonia, Spain and Greece, and provides a series of best practices based on their examples.

“The steps range from taking initial measures to classify services that can be moved to the cloud, conducting a risk analysis and setting security requirements, to selecting security controls and verifying assurances about security offered by cloud providers. They also account for security controls testing and implementation of any ‘remedies’, as well as the termination of cloud contracts and the deletion of data, among other things,” according READ THE REPORT: to law firm tinyurl.com/ocq6qh7 Pinsent Masons.

The Department for Transport will contribute £3 million to help create a digital road map that will give the most detailed information yet to councils and emergency services. The new map, developed by OS, has the potential to improve roads by detailing information such as road widths, traffic calming measures and height and weight restrictions tinyurl.com/mb9rb6x

Data released on Social Enterprise spending

DIGITAL STRATEGY

Digital Today report estimates £500m yearly savings from digital services The Department for Communities and Local Government has published its ‘Local Digital Today’ 2014′report which has urged local government to adopt more digital services to deliver a saving of £500 million per year for the next ten years.

Local Government Minister Kris Hopkins said that councils should learn from town hall, who the report says have adapted quicker to the digital age and are already making increased savings by moving services online.

Councils who are making savings through digital changeovers are saving on average 25% more than last year, but over a third of council are described by the report as “clinging to the analogue age”.

The report added: “These estimates must, of course, be treated with caution but they generate some useful rough figures for debate in these austere times.”

Hopkins said that councils with digital

GT News

IT & COMPUTING FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR – www.governmenttechnology.co.uk

services are “proving that hundreds of millions of pounds can be saved every single year just by waking up to the digital dawn. It is high time the rest of local government follows suit.

“If every council which hasn’t already done so was to learn from those leading authorities they too would be able to make such sensible savings and deliver a better deal for local taxpayers.”

Hampshire County Council is set to be one of the highest saving council as it reduces expenditure by up to £7.5 million with the digital switchover. Council Leader Roy Perry said: “Digital public services offer a significant opportunity to reduce costs and make services more personal, accessible and joined-up around the needs of their users. Digital gives us another opportunity to reduce our asset base, providing the potential to READ THE REPORT significantly increase tinyurl.com/qjqes5w the savings.”

Social Enterprise UK and the Cabinet Office have for the first time published data that enables people to track money spent by both local and central government on social enterprises.

Users can uncover the amount of money spent on social enterprises by total spend and region and the hub also enables users to analyse the top social enterprise suppliers by financial year. A new dashboard was launched on International Open Data Day (21 February) - tinyurl.com/nxcyp9g

Virgin’s £3bn broadband investment - no plans for rural Virgin Media has announced plans to invest £3 billion in its ultra-fast broadband network.

Virgin believes the move will create as many as 6,000 new jobs and boost the economy by £7.7 billion, but will not include consumers in rural areas, many of whom have been struggling to get a reliable, fast internet service for some time. tinyurl.com/nzaldu3

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

81

IT & Computing

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

Azeus Systems Limited – Providing 20 years of experience in successfully-delivered IT solutions Azeus Convene is an electronic meetings solution, more commonly referred to as a board portal solution. Whilst Convene can service the requirements of a board, it is designed to be a tool that can equally service the requirements of the senior management team of any organisation.

Azeus Convene consists of two parts: a portal accessible from any web browser, and an application (app) which can be installed on either an iOS/Android mobile device or a Windows tablet/PC. The portal is where the meetings are organised, papers added and participants invited, while the app is where meetings are published. The portal has a sophisticated permissions system, which means that participants, organisers and system administrators can access only the information that they are authorised to view. It lets participants see only the meetings to which they are invited and the papers which they are entitled to open.

Once a meeting is published, participants can view the meeting offline and start to make annotations. They can choose to make

private annotations that are viewable to only themselves, or shared annotations that will become available to other participants.

Updated meeting papers are automatically sent from the portal to the meeting attendees.

With a version control interface in place, comparing previous versions with the latest paper is easy, and no annotations are lost.

Everyone starts the meeting on the right page of the correct version of the document, ensuring there’s no wasted time sorting through emails or printing out papers. Sharing annotations in advance of a meeting enables participants to make key decisions quickly and focus discussions on the points that matter.

Convene’s interactive presentation and meeting features let you hold a meeting as if everyone were in the same room. When

the presenter turns a page, everyone’s screens follow in sync as long as an Internet connection is available. At the end of the meeting, participants receive a summary PDF file containing all of the papers, as well as their private annotations, shared annotations and action points.

Senior managers spend an average 18 hours of a working week in meetings, but it takes only a five per cent productivity gain to release more than an extra week’s work per year, per manager. Given these statistics, a board portal solution like Convene is worth the investment.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: +44 (0)20 3755 3591 sales@azeusconvene.com www.azeusconvene.com

Digital experts Redrock Consulting helps the UK government meet its ‘red line’ targets The Cabinet Office’s ‘red lines’ for IT contracts published in January was a drive to maximise taxpayer value through stripping out wasteful spend and by creating more competitive, open procurement practices.

Francis Maude, minister for the Cabinet Office, said at the time: “These red lines will ensure the government gets the best technology at the best price and we will be unashamedly militant about enforcing them to provide value for hard-working taxpayers.”

The shake-up, which, at its core, encourages smarter purchasing, realised savings of £3.8bn in 2012-13; half of which was achieved by limiting expenditure on consultants and temporary agency staff as well as cutting marketing spend.

Redrock Consulting is pre-approved to support the Government’s Digital Services Framework and it believes other suppliers can do more. The company has confidently joined the ‘big players’ in the supply of the government’s digital services and have already built a formidable reputation for delivering not just the highest calibre

82

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 22.2

individuals but at best value too. The company now works closely with several public sector agencies including the DWP, the MHRA and the Legal Aid Agency and has already delivered significant savings.

Darren Chapman, a director at Redrock commented: “We have always championed progress and have a reputation for delivering the best digital expertise. What’s becoming increasingly apparent however is the real savings that we deliver too, without

compromising on the talent supplied.

We have access to some of the best Agile expertise available who can confidently support the digital transformation of government.”

With an obvious focus on delivering best value and client service excellence, Redrock says its foundations are impartiality along with the continuity of the individuals supplied. The core values have resonated extremely well with a broad spectrum of government organisations.

Darren Chapman continued: “Clients throughout the public sector engage with us in three ways: either directly through requests for proposals, via our managed services offering or via the GDS framework. In all cases, we understand that that the requirement is mission critical and part of a much, much bigger picture as far as the transformation of public services is concerned.”

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0117 317 1300 www.redrock-digital.co.uk

ICT PROCUREMENT

G-Cloud founder says too many shortcomings remain The founder of the government’s cloud services procurement framework, G-Cloud, has claimed it has had limited success in changing IT procurement and that too many shortcomings remain.

Speaking four years after he first heaped criticism during role as Cabinet Office executive director of the G-Cloud, Chant said improvements were still required. Now a director at technology consultancy Rainmaker Solutions, in his recent outburst at the THINK Cloud for Government 2015 event in London, Chant laid out a raft of criticisms he said need to be addressed to achieve the framework’s full potential.

Chant said: “There are still too many examples of bad practice, too much adherence to the influence of the systems integrators and not enough adoption of agile, iterative and efficient services available through frameworks such as G-Cloud. So much has changed, so much has been done, but we still need to speak openly about the need for change and what is still wrong.”

Chant added that government bodies need to meet payment promises ministers made for small firms, and that buyers across government still needed to be educated about the benefits of G-Cloud. He said: “Create showcases and publish them widely. Create platforms for open collaboration between

buyers and suppliers. And put the Digital Services Framework under Government Digital Service where it belongs.”

Chant’s colleague, Rainmaker founder and former G-Cloud team member Jan Joubert remarked that G-Cloud is not widely adopted outside of central government, and criticised councils for continuing to sign 10-year contracts with suppliers.

Joubert said: “The first thing we need to do is propagate the G-Cloud and Digital Agenda properly right across government.

It is not good enough to contain it to central government and hope for the best.”

He added that transferring responsibility for G-Cloud to the GDS would help make it easier for new suppliers to enter the market: “GDS must be the force that drives Francis Maude’s ‘cloud first’ mandate, not just into central government but into the wider public sector as well - as a priority”.

READ MORE:

tinyurl.com/o88mfbu

GREEN ICT

Green ICT on the agenda broad issues to be addressed The Greening Government ICT 2014, published by the Cabinet Office, provides a progress update for central departments and anumber of arms-length bodies against the government green IT maturity model and roadmap.

This year departments have also assessed the energy that their technology estates consume.

The report includes case studies on how individual organisations are adopting green IT principles, and sets out how the Green ICT Delivery Unit plans to help all departments achieve targets

by March 2015. Departments performed well towards meeting some of the key target outcomes, with more than 70 per cent passing for procurement, print and recycling; but were much less successful for other areas, with a little over 20 per cent passing for network rationalisation, data centre and storage efficiency and storage rationalisation. According to the report, there are broad issues that have to be addressed.

READ MORE:

tinyurl.com/kdovcsm

GT News

IT & COMPUTING FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR – www.governmenttechnology.co.uk

The death of the digital strategy - how organisations become natives Many organisations are in the mindset where they still see digital as a cost factor of the IT function. Some of the more digitally mature businesses and government entities have developed a digital strategy, however they still only view digital as little more than a tactical channel in the marketing mix.

Truly digital organisations have abandoned the digital strategy in favour of a business strategy that is digital at heart. For these entities, digital is not something they do, it’s how they do things, and the most advanced among them reap the immediate rewards of an improved bottom line as well as setting themselves up for success in the current markets and with the customers of tomorrow.

So how do organisations become digital at the core? Digital readiness means integrating digital tools and methods to the three key pillars of business. Each pillar encompasses four focus areas of digital readiness: Digital Business: Your organisation and its operations Strategy: Does your business strategy recognise the new digital realities of the world it operates in?

Leadership: How digitally savvy is your C-suite? Are they committed to make your business digital at the core?

Structure: Are you organised around historically grown silos?

Do the boundaries between them hamper the free flow of information and digital content?

Processes: Do you internally operate at the speed of digital, or are your processes stuck in the pre-digital world?

Digital Market: Your products and services, their consumers and the market at large Products: Are your products and services digitally enabled? Do you deliver what a digital market demands?

Customers : How digitally demanding are your customers?

Partners: Even if you run a smooth digital operation, your partners and suppliers can introduce speed humps and roadblocks Competitors: Do your more digitally advanced competitors shape market demand?

Digital Resources: Your finances, personnel and other assets People — How digitally able are your staff? Is your training program up to speed on digital?

Money: How do you recognise investments in digital in your budget?

Content: Almost every organisation in a world governed by digital and social media is now a publisher and media owner.

What content can you offer the world?

Technology: Are your systems enabling you to seamlessly integrate internal digital processes with external communication and interaction?

David Burgess is the UK CEO of Reading Room, an award winning digital agency specialising in public sector organisations worldwide. www.readingroom.com

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

83

Digitisation: Bringing puBlic sector Businesses into the 21st century From small beginnings in 1954 to becoming the largest uK-owned full lifecycle document management business in 2014, we have based our success with blue chip and public sector organisations on a robust set of values.

These values include expert, professional customer service, a willingness and the capacity to adapt and flex our business systems, and a strong spirit of innovation.

Storage

Find out more about digitisation Scan and our Full liFecycle document management services

Shred

The Crown Estate

Implementing modern systems for heritage-status documents We digitised 70,000 letters and hundreds of title deeds, working with The National Archives to ensure the conservation of records of significance. We have set up fast, secure access to everyday correspondence and legal transactions and our top-level customer service and systems are enabling a super fast-track ‘20-year rule’ review process.



With many public sector bodies looking to reduce paper use through technology, we have seen an upsurge in digitisation projects of all sizes. Restore customers, like those here, can count on an unbroken chain of custody, huge daily scan capacity, leading-edge technology and knowledgeable, unobtrusive staff at all our specialist facilities, nationwide.

Restore Document Management T: 0844 725 5540 E: sales@restore.co.uk www.restore.co.uk



Buckinghamshire County Council

Saving historic records for everyday use We restored thousands of pages of disintegrating large-scale maps and unusual-sized documents for the Land Charges department, then used state-of-the-art large-format IBML scanners to create instant digital access. We have saved valuable local information and helped make room for new work stations in the council’s Storage main office, in line with their strategic centralisation drive.

FS594070

Scan

GB6149

Shred 27458

EMS594071 FS594070

EMS594071

GB18342 GB6149

GB13851 GB18342

27458 50021

50021

GB13851

BETTER CONNECTED REPORT

Council Websites

IT & COMPUTING FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR – www.governmenttechnology.co.uk

Written by Vicky Sargent, a member of the Better connected team

TIME TO ‘TURBO-CHARGE’ DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT

As the Socitm Better connected 2015 survey and report is published and digital local government becomes an issue in the general election campaigns, the debate has moved on, at last, from ‘why local digital’ to ‘how local digital’, writes Vicky Sargent Jason Kitcat, Leader of Brighton & Hove Council gets straight to the point in the foreword to Better connected, the annual report on councils’ digital progress, published today by Socitm, the local authority IT management association. ‘If we are to have any hope of getting ahead of the scissors of doom – the relentless curves of demand growth and budget cuts bearing down on us,’ says Kitcat, ‘we also need to turbo-charge digital transformation across the sector.’

Now in its 17th year, the survey was started shortly after the Internet went

mainstream, in the year Google was founded. Socitm reminds us that there wasn’t a full set of council websites to review until 2003 when Bridgnorth District Council (later reorganised into Shropshire Council) finally launched itself online.

THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE The report reviews the quality of the customer experience of council websites – how easy it is to find information and use online services. In recent years it has also assessed councils’ digital engagement with

the public through social media, email and customer accounts, and explored the extent to which social media and phone channels are joined up with the website offering.

Results of the survey are presented in the report alongside other data, most importantly the website performance survey Socitm runs for council website users to feedback their experience. This year, for the first time, Socitm also gathered information on council website management practice (40 per cent responded), and took a look at the ‘before’ and ‘after’ ranking of councils that had 

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

85

Re FR gi EE ste To r Fo da r y!

The Only Dedicated International Forensics Exhibition and Conference

The meeting place for police professionals involved in forensics, from crime scene to the court room • Attend Free Live Product Demonstrations and Workshop Sessions • Hear and learn from thought leaders from across the world on the future of forensic investigations

• Network with over 3,500 peers from public and private sectors • Meet 70+ suppliers showcasing the most innovative forensics products and services Save £50 by registering for your free exhibition pass at

www.forensicseuropeexpo.com/CTBreg Co-located with:

In association with:

Supported by:

Follow us on:

BETTER CONNECTED REPORT  redesigned their websites in the 12 months prior to the main Better connected survey.

The results are not hugely encouraging.

Or as Jason Kitcat puts it: ‘There is some fabulous digital work out there; some brilliant apps, websites and more as evidenced by this report. But it’s not enough.

If we continue at this pace of change, the transformation will only be ready long after our sector is dead and buried.’

TOP LINE SCORES Better connected’s top line scores show that just 34 councils (eight per cent) have achieved the top, four star ranking. The decline in top ranked sites that occurred in 2014 (from 39

in 2014, nearly half do not show any improvement in the Better connected ranking.

SO WHAT’S TO DO? In the past, reaction to Better connected’s exposure of the sector’s slow pace of change has often been to shoot the messenger, by questioning the survey results, or by denying that digital is important or even appropriate, because ‘local authority customers are not online’ or prefer to ‘deal with people’.

This year’s Better connected launch is happening in an atmosphere that does seem different. The debate has at last moved on from ‘why local digital’ to ‘how local digital’ with calls for change coming from senior

The debate has at last moved on from ‘why local digital’ to ‘how local digital’, with calls for change coming from senior levels in the sector’s policy and decision-making organisations, and ‘local government digital’ even featuring in the pre-election sparring of the main political parties. in 2013 to 32) has been halted, but overall, the proportion of three and four star sites together has declined from 46 per cent to 44 per cent, with more than a quarter (28 per cent) of sites achieving just one star.

The public passes an even harsher judgment: Socitm’s Website performance service recorded sharp rises in visit failure and large drops in visitor satisfaction during 2014.

Most worrying, perhaps, is the fact that of the 63 sites known to have been redesigned

levels in the sector’s policy and decisionmaking organisations, and ‘local government digital’ even featuring in the pre-election sparring of the main political parties.

Labour’s Digital Government Review, for example, makes various recommendations, the most tangible of which are to ‘increase collaboration between central and local government’s digital experts’ (probably meaning giving Whitehall’s GDS a local remit) and creating ‘a new organisation to

work with local authorities to build ‘local digital factories’ that will deliver solutions to common challenges like planning or waste disposal’. This might be taken to mean a funded version of LocalGov Digital, the activity run on a voluntary basis by a group of council web managers.

Council Websites

IT & COMPUTING FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR – www.governmenttechnology.co.uk

TECHNOLOGY TO REFORM Meanwhile the right-of-centre think tank Policy Exchange has published Small Pieces Loosely Joined: How smarter use of technology and data can deliver real reform of local government. Among other things, this recommends establishing ‘A Local Government Digital Service, owned by the sector... that creates and manages a... competitive online marketplace that brought together local authorities that needed particular online services (transactions, apps or data) with individuals, businesses and other organisations that could provide them.”

Jason Kitcat’s prescription, set out in his Better connected foreword, is also the creation of a Local Government Digital Service, although perhaps one with a wider remit than Policy Exchange envisaged. It would be ‘by and for local government; not a centralising force, which I know many would rightly resist.’ Perhaps thinking of the idea of a top-down-imposed single local government website that a number of commentators have proposed, he concludes: ‘We need to do this for ourselves, together – now.’ 

This article first appeared in The Information Daily (www.theinformationdaily.com) FURTHER INFORMATION Better connected: tinyurl.com/nzewaqr www.socitm.net

About better connected Better connected is the annual survey of all 407 UK local authority websites, now in its 17th year. The aim of the survey is to identify and promote good practice in council website design and presentation.

Websites that provide useful content and services and are easy to use encourage citizens to ‘self-serve’ their needs rather that using the more expensive phone or fact to face channels.

Better connected is published by the Society of IT Management (Socitm), the professional association for IT and digital managers working in local public service organisations. The main survey is carried out by a team of reviewers using more than 280 structured questions.

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

87

Customer Contact Written by Paul Smedley, chair and founder of The Forum

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

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

SUCCESSFUL CUSTOMER CONTACT OPERATIONS

Every public service organisation is looking to reduce costs but not all realise the opportunity to improve the customer experience at the same time. Paul Smedley, chair and founder of the Forum advocates that organisations look at the whole customer journey

To start with the obvious, we need to know not only where we want to be, but also where we are starting from in order to define the gap. We then need to bridge this gap, which requires the right mix of skills, involving people from the outset, and working collaboratively. At The Forum, we celebrate success each year through selecting Customer Contact Innovation Award winners, recognising that great innovation transforms the experience of customers or employees and changes the way we work within the wider organisation or community.

Consistent top performance doesn’t happen by chance of course. Great achievers know clearly what their goals are, what their current performance is and how to bridge the gap.

Their first step to success involves building an accurate, complete, shared awareness of their

journey, is given by 2015 Award Finalist, HM Revenue & Customs. They have used natural language IVR to make lives easier for customers, while reducing operational cost by £20million and improving call routing. This greater insight provides far more clarity about the gap and what is needed to bridge it, for instance by helping advisors start the call, with knowing exactly why the customer is calling.

While some bridges are a set of small steps, famous suspension bridges use a different model of support. Here all elements need to be held in tension, with exact calculations. This is precision engineering and we need the right blend of skills and perspectives to build effective solutions. In customer contact operations we also need to understand the overall picture and then deliver our bit, clear not only about our

Consistent top performance doesn’t happen by chance of course. Great achievers know clearly what their goals are, what their current performance is and how to bridge the gap actual starting position – as well as where they want to go. Further steps require building a team with the right mix of skills and involve them from the outset, give them a voice and allow people with expertise to develop this and work collaboratively on a solution within an established framework. Great support, effective team work and checking impact are all equally necessary steps.

2015 Award Finalist, NHS Business Services Authority Innovation Awards, demonstrates how you can start to build an end to end experience for the customer by identifying and extending successful planning principles and systems into a back office environment.

A great example of engagement in long tenure complex environments, is how the central planning team improved turnaround time of customer enquiries by 10 per cent and delivered 11 per cent cost savings in the back office for Patient Services at NHS BSA. They identified the gap and the opportunity, and resourced flexibly to build the right team. They also created a change and a communications strategy that was vital in creating a change of culture that delivered for the customer.

Another example of dramatic cost savings, resulting from transforming the customer

88

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 22.2

own roles but also how we depend on each other. We can’t be effective in isolation which is why collaborative working and cooperation are so fundamental to our success.

FIVE STEPS It’s important to realise that these five steps are not a ladder we climb up once in the process of a project. In fact, all five steps are being used more or less at once and in this way we use the final review step many times, creating many opportunities for learning and improving the end to end customer journey. In The Forum’s experience, what marks out organisations who achieve the most success is the fact that they repeatedly come back with improvements and changes that directly affect the customer’s experience and in doing so reduce the cost of delivering their service. All 14 awards finalists can be heard on 27-28 April 2015 at Customer Strategy & Planning Conference in Newcastle‑upon‑Tyne. They can also be visited during our programme of site visits held during the summer and autumn. L FURTHER INFORMATION theforum.social/conference theforum.social/Awards

Bridging the gap – five steps to success 1 Define the gap: establish a shared awareness of the gap we need to bridge, where we are starting from, where we want to be and the challenges we need to overcome to get there.

2 The roadmap: break it down into stages, keep it all in tension, engineer solutions… don’t start work on solutions until you have analysed the gap!

3 Great support: what do we need?

Data, systems and processes as well as coaching or development and people.

4 Teamwork: blend the right capabilities and perspectives, emotional engagement arises when we spend time to practice and train together, like professional sporting teams.

5 Close the loop: review, respond and generate learning. Do this for every ‘mini-stage’ of the journey to create more opportunities for learning, not just at the end of large projects.

ACCESS SECURITY

SIGN & DIGITAL

AccessCards is a one stop shop for all security consumables with an e–commerce website and friendly knowledgeable staff to help you. AccessCards offers discounted prices on access control system cards, printers and printer ribbons from leading manufacturers.

The company also provides plain and logoed lanyards, yo-yo reels, card holders and visitor pads. In addition there is an online printing portal.

Cost savings are always high on the public sector’s agenda.

Using AccessCards means you are getting the best value as it guarantees to be the cheapest online. The company will also respond to last minute requests efficiently with either same day or next day deliveries to your

Neschen is a leading brand of high quality wide format media, laminate and mounting film for the signage industry. The company’s product range is one of the most comprehensive available.

Although focused around the interior and outdoor signage, exhibition, POS and kiosk sectors, Neschen also produces wallpapers and fabrics that are all suitable for latex printing.

The suitability of this media for latex printing, which is odourless, non-toxic and non-hazardous, is what sets Neschen apart and makes it ideal for public sector industries such as education, healthcare and office environments.

Another beneficial aspect of Neschen media is its book care and repair products; films, adhesives and materials that will increase the lifespan of books, ideal for libraries and school sectors.

More recently, Neschen has launched a new range of point of sale and display media for windows. This range offers clear

AccessCards: Security cards for all situations

office or directly to new members of staff if required.

Using AccessCards can help improve efficiency by keeping all orders in one place and allowing repeat order setup.

This can reduce costs by more than 20 per cent.

If you’re not sure what cards you or your company use, AccessCards will identify the card for you. Just call AccessCards on the number below or send a card for identification and estimate to AccessCards (25 Southampton Buildings, London WC2A 1AL) quoting your name, organisation and email address.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: +44(0) 203 151 0200 info@accesscards.co.uk www.accesscards.co.uk

Your guide through the technology landscape

RISK MANAGEMENT

FIRE PROTECTION

George M Zintilis, PhD, BSc (UCL), Chartered Engineer (MICE, MIMechE), specialises in real estate, projects and facility activities in relation to performance, opportunity and risk management.

His experience includes ten years in risk management on the client side – at Deutsche Bank as director and at Barclays Bank – and over 20 years as a consultant. Zintilis is on the Risk and Business Continuity Committee of the British Institute of Facilities Management, providing good practice guides, training and events to its worldwide membership.

Zintilis has over 30 years of experience in the public and private sectors, in areas such as defence, counter-terrorism measures, bank RE and facilities, oil and gas, nuclear power and airports.

Zintilis & Associates Consulting Engineers (ZACE) has helped organisations benefit through lower risks, lower costs and higher performance when managing their activities and

In 2010-11 there were over 3,000 burn related injuries in the workplace, three of which were fatal. This demonstrates the lifechanging consequences of inadequate thermal protection when working in a high risk environment.

Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, has developed a new range of flame resistant garments for those at risk of exposure to heat and flame in the workplace.

Under the new brand, ArcoPro, all garments offer multi-norm protection and have been designed to excel in the most strenuous of safety tests, including compliance with the Category III requirements of the European Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) directive.

Arco’s product experts have developed a layering system that provides increased levels

Products & Services

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

and opaque for both solvent and latex ink options, with benefits being easy-to-use and re-position.

Since partnering with ArtSystems, the company’s official UK distributor, in 2012, and by being able to offer support to the channel in terms of pricing, volume discounts, marketing and even dealing direct to the end user, the Neschen brand has grown from strength to strength within the UK market.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0115 9380 380 www.artsystems.co.uk

ZACE: Risk and Arco protects with its performance management flame resistant clothing

vendors in RE portfolio, capital projects, facilities services and transformation programmes.

This is best achieved via an enterprise risk system to the ISO31000 standard, which considers the risks for each business objective via a framework of policy, strategy, governance, resiliency, oversight, compliance, controls and delivery. Using the Three-Lines-of-Defence model for delivery, operational oversight and audit, an organisation or department can meet or exceed its business objectives.

FURTHER INFORMATION george@zintilis-zace.com

of protection from heat and flame hazards. This uses ArcoPro garments and those from carefully selected proprietary brands, offering a complete range of base layer, mid-layer, coveralls and outerwear garments. This provides a choice of protection levels to suit a range of budgets.

For more information on Arco’s new flame resistant clothing range or to download the Expert Guide visit: www. arco.co.uk/FRclothing FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01482 611 611 www.arco.co.uk

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

89

Products & Services

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

LANDSCAPING

BUILDING MAINTENANCE

Shopping centres have increasingly become modern living centres for shopping, relaxation and catching up over a coffee. As plants help create a relaxing environment and cleanse the air, by introducing plants into shopping malls and town centres, research has proven this encourages people to stay for longer. Imagine what this can do for the economy.

Established for over 25 years, Europlanters continues to be the leading designers and British manufacturers of high quality glass reinforced plastic (GRP) planters. Working with garden designers, landscapers, architects and gardening enthusiasts, Europlanters offers professional, friendly advice to create a variety of landscape schemes, roof terraces and interior planting displays.

The company offers a wide selection of standard size planters and a bespoke service too.

GRP is an ideal material for plant

A new generation of high reach and gutter cleaning equipment has been launched by SpaceVac Technologies.

Operated from ground level the system has four major features. It removes operational guesswork as it has a close circuit TV camera on the cleaning head; it reaches higher than any other product – four storeys (16 meters) indoors or outdoors; has greater suction power from a Nilfisk Alto vacuum; and its carbon fibre tubes make it much lighter than any other. It’s 40 per cent quicker than any product and the poles have a new locking system to eliminate tube blockages.

Unlike traditional high reach cleaners, it’s extremely lightweight and can be assembled on the ground by one person. To the many health and safety benefits and

Europlanters: Solutions to liven up the landscape

containers in public places as it is low maintenance, strong, highly durable and can be made in any colour. It can also be complemented with company logos or designs.

Europlanters also offers root refreshers – a low maintenance, unique, water saving system. Based in the North West, the company ship the plant containers all over the country by pallet, parcel and via Europlanters own transport to enhance people’s environment.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0161 449 7900 sales@europlanters.com www.europlanters.com

ENERGY

Energy Saving Heating: Saving energy and money

Energy Saving Heating and Lighting Ltd is a pioneer for innovative energy saving inventions and ideas. The company staff has over 30 years experience installing commercial heating and lighting solutions, so you can rest assured you are in safe hands.

The traditional methods of heating and lighting homes and businesses are changing.

Innovative advanced technology is proving that change is good.

Reducing energy levels throughout your property will result in less carbon emissions, creating a better world for everyone.

Heating and lighting is a major part of energy usage and by reducing power consumption, less energy will be wasted.

Energy Saving Heating and Lighting Ltd supplies and installs advanced energy saving heating, lighting and solar panels, as well as the latest LED lighting.

This is helping to reduce energy in homes and businesses.

Some of the company’s customers

90

have saved as much as 80 per cent off energy bills by switching to its energy saving recommendations.

Energy Saving Heating and Lighting Ltd’s energy saving advisers are highly trained and Stroma approved, the company provides a primary or comprehensive survey at your home or business premises.

If you are thinking of energy saving improvements and would like professional advice, contact Energy Saving Heating and Lighting Ltd to arrange a survey.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0843 8866554 www.energysavingheating.com info@energysavingheating.com

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 22.2

SpaceVac launches new generation of gutter and high level cleaners

the elimination of costly scaffolds or cherry pickers, SpaceVac is economical on assembly time – a mere three minutes. The high powered vacuum ensures that gutters and high beams are cleaned faster and more efficiently with less operator time.

You can see how effective the system is by viewing activity on a laptop or smartphone.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01604 760282 info@space-vac.co.uk www.space-vac.co.uk

URBAN REGENERATION

Leading the way towards a ‘zero waste’ future Leafield Environmental is an award-winning UK designer and manufacturer of plastic recycling, litter, grit bins and bollards, with over 20 years’ experience. The company delivers consistent, high quality, tailor-made recycling and highway solutions for local and parish councils, healthcare, education and other public sector services. All products are designed and manufactured under one roof by skilled designers and engineers with a strong commitment to improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Leafield’s new bespoke designs include a revamp of its best-selling Heritage Square litter bin with a new signage kit, to provide flexible poster space for community campaigns, special events or advertising. The company has also launched a stylish multi-waste recycling range in collaboration with Bath Spa University for its newly developed halls of residence.

A unique anti-microbial pedal operated bin which meets the

cleanliness and infection control regulations in the health industry has recently been designed and Leafield’s bollards range includes both modern and traditional styles, road sign bollards and night owl traffic bollards.

A personalisation service to include bespoke branding, straplines and logos etc is also offered.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01225 816500 comms@leafieldenvironmental.com www.leafield-environmental.com

Posters used for illustrative purposes only

OUTDOOR ACTIVITY

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Gardenature is a family run business which has fast become Europe’s number one manufacturer and supplier of high quality products designed specifically for watching all forms of wildlife from the relaxed comfort of your armchair, your garden, out in the wild, or any other natural habitat.

The company has one of the most comprehensive websites available of its kind, dedicated to bringing you a diverse range of easy to use products from wildlife cameras to wildlife habitats, eco friendly and garden recycling products, to garden furniture for public and domestic use. The business has also become very well established with county councils, local authorities, schools and colleges throughout the UK and today this market continues to grow Europe wide.

Gardenature Bird Box Cameras can be found both on the web,

is a leading provider of adventurous activities.

Using a highly qualified, experienced and skilled team, the company offers activities for a wide customer base including: adult groups, schools, colleges, private companies, and family groups.

Yamba UK activities include: abseiling, archery, camping, canoeing, ghyll scrambling (gorge walking), kayaking, mountain days, problem solving challenges, rock climbing, sea kayaking and survival skills.

Yamba UK offers activities as single activities or as part of a longer term development package. It can run day activities or residential programmes; where residential programmes can be camping, glamping, centre or hotel based.

In addition the company also offers the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme, and runs

Nest Box Cameras and Yamba UK: Quality Outdoor Wildlife Watching products Learning Programmes Yamba UK, based in the from Gardenature North West of England,

some garden centres and in high street retail outlet Robert Dyas. The products are recommended and supplied to many different wildlife organisations and the company manufactures the RSPB branded nest box and garden camera kit.

Whether it’s a single nest box camera kit for your garden or a multi camera system on a reserve, Gardenature makes sure that each and every customer is equally important.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01473 327775 www.gardenature.co.uk

SPORTS

SPORTS

Aspect Safety Mirrors (ASM) is a family run business based in Cambridge, undertaking contracts throughout the UK. The company has been supplying and installing shatter-resistant and unbreakable mirror products for over 10 years.

ASM is the preferred mirror supplier and installer for many of the UK’s schools, colleges and universities. Last year the company completed over 300 installations throughout the UK. Head of installations Alex Day said: “We had our best ever year in 2014 with studio and gym installations, working for a wide range of customers within the education sector. Our ‘Pilkington Optimirror’ is a quality product that works brilliantly for functional dance studio and training purposes. We have also had great success with our ballet barres incorporated into mirrors and our portable mirrors, which

As a leading supplier and manufacturer of portable and permanent mirrored solutions to the education sector, Mirrors for Training offers nationwide, full design and installation service from single mirror installations to large bespoke fits covering several walls. No job is too large or too small for the dedicated team at Mirrors for Training.

If permanent mirrors are not your thing, the company can offer single or double sided portable mirrors. Moreover, it can provide the solution to multifunctional rooms where mirrors may be needed for performing arts rehearsals. Portable mirrors turn any space into a training room, which is a popular solution in schools where space is premium.

The mirrors can be wheeled around to where they are required, even for use outside.

They are extremely versatile and can be used for a range

Aspect Safety Mirrors: Mirror specialists for dance studios and gyms

are a fantastic alternative when mirrors cannot be wall mounted.”

Call for a free competitive quotation, advice and information on ASM’s products or visit the websites below.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01223 263555 info@aspectsafetymirrors.co.uk www.dancestudiomirrors.co.uk www.gymmirror.co.uk www.portablemirrors.co.uk

Products & Services

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

residential programmes for schools, colleges and youth groups. BTEC outdoor adventurous activities for schools and colleges is also offered.

At Yamba UK the overall aim is always to ensure that the programme works for the customer, ensuring the quality of delivery.

The company works closely with the customer right through from the initial enquiry to ensure complete satisfaction with your activities. All programmes are bespoke and are designed with your needs, budget and any other requirements taken into account.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 07903 573585 www.yamba.org.uk

Mirrors for Training: offering the highest quality training mirrors

of fitness and performing art activities. You will wonder how you ever managed without them.

It is a fact that approximately 65 per cent of the population are visual learners.

It is a fact that 90 per cent of information that comes to the brain is visual.

And it is a fact that visual aids installed in the classroom improve learning by up to 400 per cent.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01902 791207 www.mirrorsfortraining.co.uk info@mirrorsfortraining.co.uk

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

91

Products & Services

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

CONSULTANCY

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

ADR Facilities Management primarily operate in the healthcare market providing estates and FM support to medical practices, health centres, doctors surgeries and care homes. This includes general compliance works such as testing and servicing the fire alarm systems, emergency lighting, boilers, air conditioning, ventilation, CCTV/security installations and lifts together with PAT testing and legionella testing in accordance with current standards and to meet CQC requirements.

The company also undertakes general services such as domestic cleaning, window cleaning, grounds maintenance, litter picking, gutter clearance, slow clearance and gritting to ensure that clients assets are managed properly and remain in a good and safe condition at all times. Planned preventative maintenance helps to reduce unexpected big bills in the future.

ADR FM has multi-skilled operatives and also undertakes

Davies M&E Partnership has been providing an effective and high quality service to its clients for over 17 years. The business has developed through recognising the objectives of its clients in terms of brief, budget, quality and programme. The company’s honest approach to design ensures clients are part of the design process.

Quality, integrity, knowhow and reliability are the cornerstones of the company’s service, and most of the current client base has been dealing with the company since its practice started. The company believe this is testimony to its dedicated and focussed attention to detail.

Davies FM provides facilities management and technical consultancy to blue chip clients.

It assists with the formation of cost effective PPM maintenance strategies to meet compliance and operational requirements.

A fundamental part of the strategy would be the production

Tailor made facilities management services

general ‘care taker/handy man’ roles to support the premises and facilities on a daily basis.

This includes re-arranging furniture, emptying bins, lamp replacement and odd jobs together with small refurbishment schemes and redecorations.

ADR also provides prescription delivery services to some of its medical practices. The company’s clients are pleased that ADR take away the hassle of managing its premises, so they can concentrate on what they do best, and that they have a single point of contact with one monthly bill.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: +44(0)1952 214098 Mob: 07772 393 538 www.adrpropertygroup.co.uk

PROCUREMENT

PROCUREMENT

Leading electronic tendering services provider Millstream has become a supplier to the UK Government’s G-Cloud framework.

Millstream already operates Scotland’s national e-procurement database, Public Contracts Scotland, and the Welsh equivalent, Sell2Wales.

It is now officially registered as a supplier of Cloud Software and as a service on G-Cloud for its myTenders service.

This is a tender publication and management solution used by hundreds of public organisations to submit fully compliant contract notices to the Official Journal of the European Union and Contracts Finder.

Tim Williams, managing director of Millstream, said: “The government launched G-Cloud to allow public sector bodies to buy cost-effective, cloud-based digital services off the shelf, and joining this framework makes

Storetec is a market leader in delivering document scanning and document storage across the UK. The company make it easier to access, manage, protect and share the data in paper archives. Storetec has won the Document Manager BPO/ Outsourcing/Bureau Business of the Year for two consecutive years.

The Storetec ethos is simple and defined by three core values: experience, trust and knowledge. The company has been scanning, storing and managing documents for over 15 years.

The team is well known for their expertise, outstanding customer service, attention to detail and experience in handling sensitive, information for organisations across the UK and worldwide.

Storetec performs all of their services in house with almost 100 members of staff. The company pride themselves on having top of the range security and currently work with companies

Industry leading public procurement services

92

Effective, high quality facilities management

myTenders available to a whole range of new customers.

The myTenders service is a simple, one-stop solution for buyers, allowing them to publish both low and high value tenders. The online tendering tools allow documents to be shared and submissions received through the portal, through to contract award and debriefing.

The timing of the G-Cloud award is particularly appropriate as it ensures that new tools are available to public bodies, making it much easier for them to comply with the new Public Contracts Regulations which came into force at the end of February.”

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0844 561 0670 www.mytenders.org

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 22.2

of robust tender documents and assistance with the tender process as required. Management of the contractors, in terms of performance and compliance, is achieved through site audits and contractor reviews.

Davies FM undertakes asset surveys and condition reports for use with tender processes, capital expenditure planning and asset management. The provision of a technical help-desk, PPM contract services and full project management are other services valued by Davies FM’s clients.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01244 317 969 contact@daviesfm.co.uk

Turning paper documents into a digital archive

from the UK and across Europe.

Storetec provides a bespoke service including; document scanning, archive and bulk scanning, book scanning, forward scanning, medical record scanning, microfilm and microfiche scanning, and drawing scanning.

It also provides storage, scan on demand, records management, digital mailroom, invoice capture and online document hosting.

Storetec provides a wide range of document scanning and storage solutions, with more than 650 million documents stored electronically on its own online document management system.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01482 608630 www.storetec.net

TRAINING

ICT

Bespoke Professional Development and Training (BePro) is a highly experienced training company, predominantly focused on management and leadership, HR, customer service and sales training, to both individuals and organisations.

BePro’s professional staff has a wealth of experience in management, HR, customer services and sales. The company offers accredited and non-accredited training throughout the country.

BePro has full CMI accreditation for management and leadership training and provides its clients with a qualification from the UK’s leading body in the subject area.

In addition, the company designs and delivers bespoke training packages that directly address its clients organisational needs. BePro works with its clients to carry out a full training needs analysis and selects learning outcomes to meet national standards.

A range of blended learning options are available and can

NET’54 has become one of the key players in the Hungarian IT and telecommunications market, reaching over its borders towards other EU states such as Germany, the Czech Republic, and the UK. Employing over 60 people, the company incorporates flexibility, swiftness, and cost efficiency of medium size companies with the reliability and professionalism of large corporations.

NET’54 supports clients with state of the art technologies and solutions whether developed by its vendors or customised softwares by its own development team.

The company provides IT and telecommunications support for government bodies and corporate clients on several levels. All services are kept under quality control and certified by ISO and vendor audits.

Delivering bespoke training programmes

be fully customised, including one day workshops, full week intensive programmes, distance learning or a mix of tutorials and distance learning.

You can select the best option for your organisation or yourself.

Delivery can be in-house or from BePro’s business premises in either Wilton on Teesside or Stokesley in North Yorkshire.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01642 200 750

System Integration in Large.

Or Small. You Name It.

BUILDING MAINTENANCE

ACCESS SECURITY

A new generation of high reach and gutter cleaning equipment has been launched by SpaceVac Technologies.

Operated from ground level the system has four major features. It removes operational guesswork as it has a close circuit TV camera on the cleaning head; it reaches higher than any other product – four storeys (16 meters) indoors or outdoors; has greater suction power from a Nilfisk Alto vacuum; and its carbon fibre tubes make it much lighter than any other. It’s 40 per cent quicker than any product and the poles have a new locking system to eliminate tube blockages.

Unlike traditional high reach cleaners, it’s extremely lightweight and can be assembled on the ground by one person. To the many health and safety benefits and

AccessCards is a one stop shop for all security consumables with an e–commerce website and friendly knowledgeable staff to help you. AccessCards offers discounted prices on access control system cards, printers and printer ribbons from leading manufacturers.

The company also provides plain and logoed lanyards, yo-yo reels, card holders and visitor pads. In addition there is an online printing portal.

Cost savings are always high on the public sector’s agenda.

Using AccessCards means you are getting the best value as it guarantees to be the cheapest online. The company will also respond to last minute requests efficiently with either same day or next day deliveries to your

SpaceVac launches new generation of gutter and high level cleaners

the elimination of costly scaffolds or cherry pickers, SpaceVac is economical on assembly time – a mere three minutes. The high powered vacuum ensures that gutters and high beams are cleaned faster and more efficiently with less operator time.

You can see how effective the system is by viewing activity on a laptop or smartphone.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01604 760282 info@space-vac.co.uk www.space-vac.co.uk

Products & Services

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

NET’54 stands on firm bases provided by high quality vendors such as Cisco, Avaya, Microsoft, EMC, VMWare, Nice, Verint, and HP, who also enable continuous training and development of its engineers.

The company’s major fields of activity are implementing and supporting unified communications, network infrastructure, voice and video solutions and virtualisation.

In addition, the company also implements and supports cloud technologies, outsourcing, supporting clients business models, and in-house software development with unique products and customising vendors’ solutions.

FURTHER INFORMATION www.net54.hu info@net54.hu

AccessCards: Security cards for all situations

office or directly to new members of staff if required.

Using AccessCards can help improve efficiency by keeping all orders in one place and allowing repeat order setup.

This can reduce costs by more than 20 per cent.

If you’re not sure what cards you or your company use, AccessCards will identify the card for you. Just call AccessCards on the number below or send a card for identification and estimate to AccessCards (25 Southampton Buildings, London WC2A 1AL) quoting your name, organisation and email address.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: +44(0) 203 151 0200 info@accesscards.co.uk www.accesscards.co.uk

Volume 22.2 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

93

Advertisers Index

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

ADVERTISERS INDEX

The publishers accept no responsibility for errors or omissions in this free service AA Developments 70 Access Security Cards 89 ADR Facilities Management 92 Antal International 72 Arco 89 Art Systems 89 Aspect Safety Mirrors 91 Azeus Convene 82 Bespoke Professional 93 BG Products 42 Boxclever Electrical 90 Care Check 56 Centerprise International 16 Clarion Events 36, 46, 86 Davies Facilities Management 92 DMS Protective Equipment 48 Doyles Commercial Body 45 Eco Therm (UK) 28 ES Heating & Lighting 90 Europlanters 90 Extempore Training 12 Fawns 60 Flo-Gas Renewables 24 Four Square 62 Gardenature 91

94

Global Tree Vision 63 Go Direct Lettings.com 72 Green Deal Eco 29 Green Switch Solutions 32 Greenbuy Energy 22 Halarose 80 Harpar 10 Holiday Inn Wakefield 77 IC Electrical 32 Isla Components 44 Jan Pro Cleaning 72 J-Point 68 Jupiter Play Co 60 Kamstrup 32 Kofax 52 Kyocera Document Solutions 8 Lantra 12 Leeds City Museum 78 Lexis Nexis 20, 21 Maudsley Learning CIC 74 MGE Renovation 54 Millstream Associates 92 Mirrors for Training 91 Mitsubishi 38, 39 Mix Telematics 40 MOL 16

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 22.2

Moor Allerton Golf Club 79 NCFE 16 Nea Hr 54 NET 54 Business 93 Nexus Industries 30 Nissan 34 NS&I IFC OKI Systems UK 64, 65 One Rehab 58 Peak Training Solutions 14 Piworx Consulting 14 Professional Accountancy 14 Quality Registration Services 76 Rainbow Eco Solutions 28 Rapierstar 68 Reade Signs 66 Red Rock Consulting 82 Restore 84 Ring Automotive 42 RMJPI London Business 15 Scarab Sweepers 50 Smith Emsley 25 Spacevac UK 90 Spring Chicken 56 SSE Enterprise 26 Storetec Services 92

Storm Technologies 54 The Bradford Hotel 79 The Deck Tile Co 50 The Energy Institute 33 The Senator Group 6 Thermobile UK 44 Thermohouse UK 28 ThyssenKrupp Encasa 58 Tiger Tiger 76 Toro BC Toyota IBC Tribal Education 80 Triscan Systems 44 University of Leeds 78 Vehcam 44 Voice Connect 4 Warmfront 28 Wilo UK 18 Wiltshire Enterprise Training 12 World of Benches 58 Worth Learning 14 Xtreme Sales 40 Yamba UK 91 Zace Risk Management 89 Zeta Automotive 42

Quit smoking for good

Ditch diesels for the all-new Yaris petrol hybrid Desirability

The first non plug-in car to achieve 75g/km CO 2 emissions. Save thousands of pounds lowering costs with just 5% BIK, no road tax, no London congestion charges, great MPG and exceptional Whole Life Costs. And what’s more, by cutting down CO 2 and NO x emissions and eliminating diesel particulates, you can help prevent premature deaths*.

Reliability Rangeability

Sustainability Serviceability Affordability

For help to quit, and an extended test drive, call 0344 701 6186 or visit brilliantforbusiness.co.uk/publicsector New Yaris Hybrid 75g/km CO 2

brilliant for business

*5000 premature UK deaths a year due to combustion exhaust. Environmental Science Technology – Public Health Impacts of Combustion Emissions in the United Kingdom 21/03/12 (COMEAP – Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollution) Hybrid range fuel economy (mpg) Comb. 134 - 32.8; Urban 91.1 - 26.9; Extra Urban 80.7 - 37.9; CO2 49 - 199g/km.

The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results. These are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.

Whatever your challenge, Toro has the perfect fit

Turfmaster 30�

Saves time cutting residential areas

HoverPro

MidSize Mowers/Flail Ideal for grass verges

Great for slopes up to 45o

Z-Master Zero Turns

Super agile, high performance

LT3340

Heavy Duty Cylinder for great cutting versatility

GroundsmasterÂŽ 3400

Combines performance & reliability

For all your turf maintenance needs Find out more at www.toro.co.uk Or to request a demo, contact 01279 603020 - sales@toro.co.uk