Government Business 24.1 by PSI Media

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 24.1

Business Information for Local and Central Government CROWN COMMERCIAL SERVICES

SUPPORTING SERVICE TRANSFORMATION A look at the latest CCS framework agreements

WASTES MANAGEMENT

RECYCLING, REUSE AND RESOURCE EFFICIENCY Analysing the current reuse landscape and the opportunities ahead

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1. Official EU MPG test figure shown as a guide for comparative purposes and is based on the vehicle being charged from mains electricity. This may not reflect real driving results. 2. Up to 33 mile EV range achieved with full battery charge. 542 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: 25mins. 4. Congestion Charge application required, subject to administrative fee. 5. 7% BIK compared to the average rate of 25%. 7% BIK rate for the 2016/17 tax year. 6. Prices shown include the Government Plug-in Car Grant and VAT (at 20%), but exclude First Registration Fee. Model shown is an Outlander PHEV 4hs at £38,999 including the Government Plug-in Car Grant. On The Road prices range from £32,304 to £43,554 and include VED, First Registration Fee and the Government Plug-in Car Grant. Metallic/pearlescent paint extra. 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-vangrants. The Government Plug-in Car Grant is subject to change at any time, without prior notice. 7. All new Outlander PHEV variants come with a 5 year/62,500 mile warranty (whichever occurs first) and an 8 year/100,000 mile traction battery warranty. 8. The 0% APR Hire Purchase Finance plan requires no deposit and is over 36 months. Retail sales only. It is only available through Shogun Finance Ltd T/A Finance Mitsubishi, 116 Cockfosters Road, Barnet, EN4 0DY and is subject to status to UK resident customers aged 18 and over. Finance Mitsubishi is part of Lloyds Banking Group. Offer is only applicable in the UK (excludes Channel Islands & I.O.M), subject to availability, whilst stocks last and may be amended or withdrawn at any time. Offer not available in conjunction with any other offer and is available between 29th December 2016 and 29th March 2017.

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Contents

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

CONTENTS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS 24.1 07 GB NEWS

Theresa May unveils Modern Industrial Strategy; councils announce council tax plans; and Coastal Teams created

12 PROCUREMENT

David Noble, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, discusses the current state of play for procurement professionals and what 2017 may have in store for the sector

14 FLEET MANAGEMENT

For those responsible for running a safe workplace, March’s Health & Safety Event will provide the perfect platform to progress skills and meet with experts

17 FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

53 CONFERENCES & EVENTS

David Waterhouse discusses the various initiatives that will continue to be at the forefront of local and national politics in 2017 and provides a view on what is working, what is not, and crucially, why

25 ECOBUILD

Ecobuild will return on 7-9 March with a renewed focus on enabling sustainable construction for 2017 and beyond. Government Business previews the show

30 LAND DRAINAGE

Bruce Brockway, of the Land Drainage Contractors Association, explains why installing more land drainage to prevent flooding is not so strange a thought

48 HEALTH & SAFETY EVENT

50 SECURITY

21 BUILT ENVIRONMENT 46

Cllr Philip Atkins, vice chairman of the County Councils Network, outlines his hopes for the new year, including fairer funding for county authorities, the LGFS and social care

The University of Cambridge has pledged to have half of its entire fleet electric by 2021. Christine Leonard from the estate management team discusses the benefits of running an electric fleet

2017 will see local authorities continue to implement measures to lower their carbon footprint. Lesley Hinds, of City of Edinburgh Council, discusses the city’s Sustainable Energy Action Plan and other energy saving measures in Edinburgh

46 COUNTY COUNCILS

33 WASTES MANAGEMENT

With the UK recycling rate falling for the first time in six years, Pat Jennings, of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, looks at the group’s recent Reuse in the UK report and discusses the wastes management obstacles in the current reuse landscape

41 FLOOD & COAST

Led again by the Environment Agency, the second edition of Flood and Coast will take place in Telford, 28-30 March 2017, drawing together key stakeholders from the flood and coastal erosion risk management community

Government Business

With it becoming increasingly common for workers to be more mobile in their roles, Craig Swallow discusses the place of lone worker security in today’s world

With a colourful history, distinct culture and beautiful landscape, Wales is the perfect destination for conferences and events, explains Government Business

56 CONFEX & OFFICE*

International Confex, co-located with office*, will open its doors on the 1-2 March at Olympia. Event organisers Mash Media previews both shows

58 PAPER-FREE

As organisations continue to migrate towards a more digital workplace, Bob Larrivee of AIIM looks at the paper-free process and the progress being made within the public sector

60 GT NEWS

£60 million tax reform to fund digital revolution; and e-reader library boost

63 DATA CENTRE WORLD

The technology industry will gather together for Data Centre World, discussing topics covering efficiency, security, automation, routing and switching

67 FRAMEWORKS

GIn the latest analysis of the Crown Commercial Service framework agreements, Government Business focuses on two of the agreements from the end of 2016 – Traffic Management ISS Technology 2 and Turn t UE 15.1 op Multifunctional latest age 60 for Devices, Managed techn governmen the ology t Print and Content news Services and Records and Information Management

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk Volume 24.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Operating in over fifty countries ISS provides services within six different areas: Property Services, Security Services, Cleaning Services, Support Services including Retail and Leisure, Catering Services and Facility Management. For the last four years we have achieved the highest possible ratings by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals® (IAOP®), which is just one more reason why you should consider ISS as your chosen provider. To find out how you can benefit from the experience and skills provided by our 500,000 service professionals, visit www.uk.issworld.com or contact us at iss.government@uk.issworld.com

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INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY

Theresa May unveils new Industrial Strategy Prime Minister Theresa May has unveiled a modern Industrial Strategy to build on Britain’s strengths and secure a future as a competitive, global nation. The Modern Industrial Strategy green paper sets out a plan to improve living standards and economic growth by increasing productivity and driving growth across the whole country. In a bid to ‘align central government infrastructure investment with local growth priorities’, May’s new strategy is expected to involve: investment in science and research; skills development, including in science and technology subjects; driving growth across the whole country; an upgrade to infrastructure; an improvement to government procurement; encouraging trade and inward investment; delivering affordable energy; and cultivating world-leading sectors. The green paper will also set out technologies where Britain has strengths in research and development which could be supported through the government’s new Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, including: smart energy technologies; robotics and artificial intelligence; and 5G mobile network technology. Asked about the relatively low amount of spending earmarked for the policy, Greg Clark,

Business & Energy Secretary, said it was meant to be ‘a consultation on what should be our priorities for a long-term industrial strategy’. The government is also announcing a cash boost of £556 million for the Northern Powerhouse to help create jobs, support businesses and encourage growth. New projects include: a conference centre and hotel at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool; £10 million for the Greater Manchester and Cheshire Life Sciences Fund; further flood resilience measures in Bradford, Calderdale, Craven, Kirklees and Leeds; and a project to pool Goole’s existing rail, sea, motorway and inland waterway links into one site at the new Goole Intermodal Terminal.

Theresa May, Prime Minister

ARTICLE 50

GB News

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Parliament must vote on Article 50 The Supreme Court has ruled that Parliament must vote on whether the government can trigger Article 50. Although the ruling means Prime Minister Theresa May cannot begin talks with the EU until MPs and peers give their backing, the government still expects this to happen in time for the previously set 31 March deadline. During the hearing, campaigners argued that the government’s intention to deny the UK Parliament a vote was ‘undemocratic’ and a breach of long‑standing constitutional principles. Meanwhile, the government argued that under the Royal Prerogative, it could make this move without the need to consult MPs. Reading out the decision, Supreme Court President Lord Neuberger said: “By a majority of eight to three, the Supreme Court today rules that the government cannot trigger Article 50 without an act of Parliament authorising it to do so.” Brexit Secretary David Davis commented: “I can announce that we will shortly introduce legislation allowing the government to move ahead with invoking Article 50. We will work to ensure this Bill is passed in good time for us to invoke Article 50 by the end of March.” READ MORE:

tinyurl.com/zcjjocf

tinyurl.com/zse4drf

BREXIT

DEVOLUTION

Sheffield City Region mayor election delayed until 2018 Elections for a Sheffield City Region (SCR) mayor have been postponed after the High Court ruled that residents had not been properly consulted on details of the plans. The election is set to be delayed until 2018, so that the SCR can consult the public on whether Chesterfield in Derbyshire should join the combined authority, along with Bassetlaw in Nottinghamshire. According to an SCR Combined Authority statement, it was ‘not possible’ to hold the election this May and the authority is ‘working towards a mayoral election in May 2018’. Following the announcement of the delay, groups have called for the move to be scrapped in favour of a whole Yorkshire-wide deal. Initially South Yorkshire was to elect its own mayor this May, with former Sports Minister Richard Caborn and Barnsley Council leader Stephen Houghton expected to run for the nomination. Meanwhile, Stockport’s chief executive Eamonn Boylan is set to become the first full time chief executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. Subject to approval, Boylan will become the first full time chief executive of the

UK to leave single market, May confirms

Greater Manchester Combined Authority, succeeding Sir Howard Bernstein, who combined the role with his role as Manchester City Council’s chief executive. Boylan commented: “Greater Manchester is a fantastic place and I’ve been privileged to work here for most of my career. To now take on the role of Greater Manchester Combined Authority chief executive at this pivotal moment for our city-region is a great honour. I understand the ambition and optimism of Greater Manchester and look forward to working with the Mayor and leaders to ensure everyone in Greater Manchester benefits from our shared success.” READ MORE:

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Prime Minister Theresa May has confirmed that the UK will not remain within the European single market, explaining that remaining in it would mean ‘not leaving the EU at all’. During her Brexit speech on 17 January, May promised to push for the ‘freest possible trade’ with European countries and announced that Parliament would get the final vote on the deal agreed between the UK and the EU. The PM’s speech shed light on a number of areas concerning her Brexit plans including: maintaining the common travel area between the UK and Irish Republic; tariff-free trade with the EU; a customs agreement with the EU; new trade agreements with countries outside the EU; continued ‘practical’ sharing of intelligence and policing information; ’control’ of immigration rights for EU citizens in the UK and UK citizens in the EU; and implementing a ‘phased approach’ to the process. READ MORE:

tinyurl.com/j2ocnx7

Volume 24.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Experience shared.

ROAD MAINTENANCE

COUNCIL TAX

RSTA calls for further action to tackle potholes To mark National Pothole Day 2017, which took place on 16 January, the Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) has published new facts and figures which highlight the deteriorating state of local roads. According to the Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance Survey, it would take 14 years to fix the current backlog of pothole repairs, following decades of under-investment, which would cost approximately £11.8 billion. The same survey highlights that councils reactively repaired two million potholes in 2016. The RSTA, and other road maintenance groups, have argued that it cost £64 to reactively repair a pothole, compared to £53 to repair a pothole as part of a wider planned maintenance programme. This added £22 million more on to the cost of the two million repairs from last year. The Local Government Association (LGA) has recently stated that every English council needs £69 million as a one-time cost to fix their roads, but instead the highway maintenance budget has fallen by 16 per cent since 2015. The RSTA has therefore urged central government to ‘demonstrate a real understanding that the local road network is the essential link to the national infrastructure’ and, because of this, road funding should be ‘ring‑fenced and protected’. The association has urged government to use the new vehicle excise duty, for both national and local road networks, and inject £1 billion a year into a much‑needed programme to address the pothole backlog by investing 2p a litre from the existing fuel duty to fix our roads.

Councils announce council tax increase Surrey County Council has confirmed it is seeking to increase council tax by 15 per cent in a bid to plug a gap in social care costs, a move which will lead to a county-wide referendum. Under current rules, the county council can only increase its tax by an additional 4.99 per cent each year – three per cent of which is ring-fenced for adult social care – and must hold a referendum to raise a larger amount. If backed, the move could mean the current 2016/17 council tax figure for a band D property, £1,268,28, could be pushed up by £190.24 per year. In a statement, David Hodge, council leader, said: “We have to set a budget that will protect vital services for Surrey residents. The government has cut our annual grant by £170 million since 2010 – leaving a huge gap in our budget. “Demand for adults social care, learning disabilities and children’s services is increasing every year. So I regret, despite us finding £450 million worth of savings from our annual budget, we have no choice but to propose this increase in council tax.” Elsewhere, Bristol Council is set to increase council tax by five per cent from April, in a bid to balance its books, equalling just over £6 per month for a Band D household.

In a document detailing its plans, the local authority said it needed to save more than £100 million over the next five years. The paper outlined plans to cut £64 million following a three-month consultation. Cost cutting measures proposed by the council include closing library buildings, cutting bus subsidies, support for the vulnerable and funding for the city’s parks, in addition to increasing parking charges and withdrawing free Sunday parking. Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said government funding reductions and extra demand on services meant the council was in an increasingly difficult situation. The council is now set to begin a detailed consultation at the end of January exploring how to implement some of the savings if they are approved. Additionally, to cover the increased cost of social care and a budget overspend, Norfolk County Council is set to increase its council tax by 4.8 per cent from April 2017, while Glasgow City Council is to increase council tax for the first time since 2005, raising the figure by three per cent. READ MORE:

tinyurl.com/zsz2hdn

HOUSING

tinyurl.com/h44mw62

Construction increase needed to meet UK housing target

ROAD FUNDING

DfT allocates £1.2bn of road funding to councils The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced how its £1.2 billion of road funding will be allocated between councils across England for the 2017 to 2018 financial year. The funding will be aimed at helping councils improve roads, cut congestion and improve journey times. It consists of: £210 million from the National Productivity Investment Fund announced in the Autumn Statement; £801 million to be shared across local highway authorities in England, outside London, to help improve the condition of local roads; £70 million to be shared across local highway authorities in England, outside London, from the Pothole Action Fund which will help repair over 1.3 million potholes; £75 million from the Highways Maintenance Challenge Fund, inviting local highway authorities in England, outside London, to compete for funding to help repair and maintain local

GB News

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

highway infrastructure, such as bridges, lighting and rural roads; and £75 million from the Highways Maintenance Incentive Element which invites councils to complete a self-assessment questionnaire in order to reward those who demonstrate they truly understand the value of their asset. READ MORE:

tinyurl.com/gpgvlcu

A new report by the National Audit Office (NAO) has revealed that a substantial increase in construction is needed if the UK government is to meet its target of building a million new homes by 2020. The NAO stated that the need for housing is increasing at a much faster rate than supply, particularly in London. Projections suggest there will be at least 227,000 new households formed each year between 2011 and 2021, whilst the delivery of the government’s million new homes ambition by 2020 will require 174,000 net additions each year. Additionally, while the report reveals that housing has become more affordable for existing homeowners, it argued housing had become less affordable for first-time buyers, with social housing rents having increased faster than earnings since 2001-2002. Homelessness was also found to be on the rise, with 71,500 homeless households recorded at the end of March 2016. READ MORE:

tinyurl.com/gup8zqs

Volume 24.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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COASTAL COMMUNITIES

COMMUNITY PROJECTS

28 new Coastal Community Teams to be set up

£210,000 to boost community projects The Department for Communities and Local Government has announced a £210,000 funding boost to be shared among Near Neighbours community projects in England. The Near Neighbours scheme brings together diverse communities and different faiths, through a range of activities that improve their lives and the local community in which they live. According to a statement from the DCLG, the first projects set to benefit from the funding include those improving employability through basic literacy and numeracy classes, and those bringing communities together to build personal skills. Lord Bourne, Minister for Faith and Integration said: “This funding boost will help Near Neighbours projects to support individuals to develop important basic skills as well as support projects that encourage greater community integration.” Paul Hackwood, executive director of the Church Urban Fund and Near Neighbours, said: “We are grateful to the DCLG for their support in providing funding for Near Neighbours, which has benefited over one million people so far.”

Coastal Communities Minister Andrew Percy has announced that 28 new ‘Coastal Community Teams’ will be set up across the country and tasked with producing radical economic plans which create jobs along the shore. Each team will be made up of local volunteers, councils and local businesses and will receive an initial £10,000 each to develop a blueprint for economic growth and be offered support from a network geared towards regenerating England’s much-loved seaside areas. The 28 new teams will join 118 existing teams who have worked over two years to help the seaside regain its position as the most popular overnight holiday destination for the British public, with statistics showing around 13.7 million seaside visits in 2015. Commenting on the announcement, Percy commented: “The Great British Coast has enormous potential and we’re determined to see it thrive all year round. “By 2020 we’ll have invested nearly a quarter of a billion pounds in our seaside areas providing thousands of jobs, training places and opportunities along the shore. Now we are backing another 28 coastal

communities with cash and urging them to take back control of their own economic futures. “We want to see radical plans of action and I’d urge these new coastal community teams to go out and create a further wave of enthusiasm along the shore.”

CULTURE

ENERGY

UK City of Culture 2021 competition launched

Independent report backs Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon

A nationwide competition to find the next UK City of Culture has been launched by Minister of State for Digital and Culture Matt Hancock. The competition helps cities develop a broader high quality arts and culture sector, as well as attract increased business investment and boost tourism. Administered by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the competition followed Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture 2008. The first holder of the award was Derry-Londonderry in 2013, while Hull took over the title at the start of 2017. Hancock said: “The UK City of Culture is not only a prestigious title, but as Hull has shown, it is a great opportunity to use culture as a catalyst for economic and social regeneration. It showcases the unique identity of our cities, helps boost tourism, and raises the profile of art and culture. I urge local authorities and partnerships across the whole UK to consider entering the competition and I hope to see plenty of ambitious, exciting and innovative bids for 2021.” Bids for the 2021 competition must be received by 28 April 2017 after which they will be assessed by an Independent Advisory Panel. READ MORE:

tinyurl.com/jtl6ecz

tinyurl.com/j7vx3rx

The Hendry Review, reporting on the strategic role of tidal lagoons in the UK, has backed plans for the £1.3 billion Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon. The independent report into the viability of the renewable energy technology has recommended that the UK builds a world first lagoon to capture energy from the sea in Swansea Bay, a decision that has been widely welcomed across the UK. Charles Hendry, a former UK energy minister, has gathered evidence for nearly a year for his independent government commissioned inquiry, assessing whether, and in what circumstances, tidal lagoons could play a cost effective role as part of the UK energy mix and the potential scale of opportunity for the technology in the UK. Hendry has said that the ‘pathfinder’ project in Swansea would kick-start a tidal industry which could play a cost-effective, reliable and sustainable role in the UK’s energy mix. In addition to this, members of Scotland’s Future Energy Taskforce have urged the Scottish government to take its opportunity to transform the country’s energy sector in its much anticipated ‘Energy Strategy’. Convened by WWF Scotland, the Taskforce, an independent panel of energy experts from

GB News

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tinyurl.com/zevjqdu

industry and academia, is urging the adoption of a bold vision to decarbonise Scotland’s energy system and meet its climate change targets ahead of the Energy Strategy, which is expected to be presented before the end of the month. Among the recommendations is a call for the energy sector to be ‘decarbonised’, plus a plan for ‘the phased introduction of a ban in the use of conventionally fuelled vehicles by 2025’. READ MORE:

tinyurl.com/zwfjqre

Volume 24.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Procurement Written by David Noble, Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply

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

SUPPLY CHAIN

Think procurement is just a process? Following the publication of the CIPS Supply Century – Defining our future profession report, David Noble, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, analyses where the procurement industry is heading Anyone who says they can predict the future is either exaggerating their forecasting ability, or is in possession of a time machine. Surely, no one human can fully have such capabilities, though some try. Futurologists, for one. Futurologists, for there are such professionals, are in demand in many sectors and government departments as everyone struggles to remain competitive and build strong futures for their citizens and customers. A volatile, increasingly unpredictable world means that though there are no guarantees, we should at least try and stay one step ahead of the game in the procurement profession and see how procurement and supply management approaches are likely to change. Building some level of predictability means anyone with a responsibility for buying, needs to take a strategic approach. This means a focus on market development, as well as creation, on creating a keen risk instinct, and understanding those challenges your department will face now, in a few short years and in a few short decades. Procurement professionals, more than ever, need to develop resilient mindsets, where building strong relationships are the key to avoiding any consequences of catastrophic events, or having a strong network where you can tap into different capabilities and sources of advice to build a strong steer in any stormy waters. Easier said than done, so, what are some of the challenges that lie ahead? TECHNOLOGY AND AUTOMATION This is, and will continue to have a big impact. Many of the transactional activities the profession has been performing will cease to exist and will become part of automated functions elsewhere, such as finance departments. To replace this, new skills need to come to the fore, such as a greater understanding of technological advances and to become adept at the management data. And sometimes, managing vast amounts of data, in a way that has never been experienced before.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 24.1

act The imp ing m of upconnot be a Brexit cmated, as it ti e undereshe global mov t o reflectsglobalisation t m from rotectionis more p closed-off and ders bor

Hand in hand with data management, is cyber risk, which has become one of the biggest dangers to life, interfering with health systems and to the financial institutions cementing the world together. The unprecedented number of businesses and public bodies that have suffered an instance of hacking, with the loss of precious data is testament to that. This threat is likely to rise in the coming decades as complex systems gain a momentum that humans will fail to be able to keep up with, without additional skills and networks to support. Technology and data are serious disruptors in business and the public sector, so embracing, understanding, and management is the only way forward as this new world development takes hold.

NON-QUALIFIED BUYERS In a recent survey undertaken by CIPS, on average, the level of procurement’s spend was in the majority of situations, 40 per cent, because almost every other role or profession, had a hand in procurement. For a professional body that has tried to bring non-professionals into the fold, we must now treat buyers in a different way and stop thinking of ownership and land grabbing for the profession, but more about collaboration. Because the boundaries of the profession are being stripped away and professionals must now become more trusted advisers and the strategists of their departments and the teams they work with. Buyers without a background in professionalisation will need more support than ever before, rather than be locked out of that support as non-professionals. These buyers will need the right knowledge, the skills, and capability to procure in ways that

are ethical, sustainable, resilient and effective and they will need to be part of the vast body of knowledge and cross-skilling, with other professional bodies, and experts. We can all learn from each other. And, this approach has also developed within procurement itself. Professionals are now diversifying into non-traditional activities such as mergers and acquisitions, customer bid proposals and product innovation, and these types of changes and innovations will continue and grow apace. As trans-disciplinary approaches are required to break the back of challenging issues, specialists from various disciplines are likely to be helicoptered in for a project for example and then off to support on another piece of work as part of the new ‘gig’ economy. It is estimated that around 50 per cent of all work will be part-time by the year 2030 and the majority will be gig workers. Procurement professionals are likely to be part of the gig movement. RISK AND RESILIENCE Procurement professionals have always had one eye on risk and the other on mitigation and solving the problem of disruption, and that capability will need to be honed and sharpened now, more than ever before. Procurement has always been there to be proactive, design robust supply

chain networks and respond swiftly, but building resilience is the new approach. Supply chains are more global, more intricate and all buyers will need to understand the cost of mitigation at various points, for example at the early negotiation of contracts stage. Plans should become more resilient and robust at the earliest opportunity. Knowing how the true cost of risk transfer works, means closer collaboration with finance teams rather than being at loggerheads. So, we all need to get smarter around risk. According to the CIPS Risk Index powered by Dun & Bradstreet, in 2016, risk was at its highest level since 2013, and understanding what this means for your department means better management of taxpayers’ money and protecting reputation and trust in procurement capability. The impact of upcoming Brexit cannot be underestimated, as it reflects the global move from globalisation to more protectionism and closed-off borders. What this will mean to free trade and free, flowing, flexible supply chains is something that procurement teams can advise and manage. It is likely that relationship

management will become more complex and the new world order a different place from that enjoyed in the last few decades. One thing is certain, to manage those risks, to seek expertise in other areas, suppliers will play an increasingly important role, not just as suppliers of goods and services, but as innovators and also risk mitigators. Decreasing risk in supply chains means suppliers must also have a greater understanding of the risk landscape, and maybe even share the resulting consequences of any disruptions or difficulties – or take strong steps to protect not only their business, but your interests too. AGENTS OF INNOVATION Think procurement is just a process? Think again. Procurement teams are in the best place to understand the many social changes and technological advances in the coming decades. They can take the lead in developing policy and change behaviours in business, with suppliers and amongst the teams that procurement works with. Sustainable procurement means codes of conduct for suppliers, audits to manage change and create incentives to do things better. A professional licence already mandated by some businesses means rogue activities from boards and CEOs can be challenged by the loss of that licence. Social value has become a new force

Procurement

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where localisation provides the impetus to improve communities and local economies. Younger workers want to do good and not just earn a wage. Procurement will manage this eco-system where slaves in supply chains are traced and suppliers are driven to do the right thing. The Modern Slavery Act of 2015 has drawn attention to supply chains and those that manage them as clear evidence of the good that excellence in procurement practice can do. For all this to happen, the perception of procurement needs to change from ‘order taker’ to ‘change leader’ as professionals become the guardians of an enterprise, whether corporation, SME or government department. The professionals themselves must also see themselves differently. They must engage more with internal departments, with colleagues and with partners, to become powerful networks and abandon the image of stationary buyers and pen pushers. L

To read more, the Supply Chain Century paper is available free on the CIPS website, and is a result of our discussions with advisory groups, members, academia and our global community, to understand the procurement landscape of the next twenty years. FURTHER INFORMATION www.cips.org

Volume 24.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Fleet Management

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

FLEET INTERVIEW

Fleet interview: University of Cambridge The University of Cambridge operates several electric vehicles and has pledged to have half of its entire fleet electric by 2021. Christine Leonard from the estate management team discusses the benefits and challenges of running an electric fleet Government Business (GB): Explain a little about the university’s fleet. Christine Leonard (CL): The University of Cambridge has several fleets, of which estate management has the largest. Most of these vehicles are used in the provision of operational maintenance and soft facilities management, with a pool of five cars. In 2011, Sarah Foreman, the head of estate facilities, reduced the estate management fleet size by 16, to 48 light commercial vehicles and five cars. I continued to work to reduce the impact of the fleet on the city’s environment following my recruitment in 2012. At that time, the fleet had two electric vehicles, used by the University Messenger Service. There had been no fleet strategy in place when Sarah arrived and a large proportion of the vehicles were in need of replacement. GB: How did you begin the process of ‘greening’ the university’s fleet? CL: The Sustainable Fleet Management Policy (2015) aims to reduce environmental impact through a combination of cleaner vehicles and fuels, fuel-efficient operation and driving; and by reducing the amount of road traffic it generates. In doing so the fleet minimises fuel and vehicle costs and improves the safety and the welfare of employees while reducing its exposure to the problems of congestion. The strategy will also help meet the requirements of other organisational policies for example, environmental policy, business efficiency, health and safety, and corporate social responsibility. The first step to understanding the optimisation of the fleet was to install vehicle telematics. The ‘trackers’ were fitted in May 2014 and continue to provide data on

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 24.1

mileage and routes as well as utilisation. In 2015, six new electric vans and one grounds utility vehicle joined the fleet. With a target of 50 per cent electric by 2021, a further five electric vans have been procured and the catering section were provided with two EV chiller conversions in October. GB: Which electric vehicles do you operate and why were they chosen? CL: The vehicles are chosen against the specification of the service managers. This will include payload, capacity and the availability of local servicing, as well as good value in terms of capital and running costs. We have eight Renault Kangoo ZEs which are used where payload is not an issue. We also have five Nissan e‑NV200 vans with two converted to chiller vans. The Nissans are used where larger vehicles with the capacity for higher payloads for M&E operations and catering are required. One Polaris Goupil pick-up truck, which is used by the grounds team, fits the requirement for a small utility vehicle. GB: Were there any barriers that had to be overcome before purchasing EVs? CL: The original Kangoos had proven to be reliable and the staff enjoyed driving them. However, the idea of bringing electric

vehicles into the operational teams wasn’t accepted in the early days. The drivers were persuaded by arranging trial vehicles so they were able to try them out for a week or so. The cost of installing charging units was greatly reduced through our electrical engineers installing them for me and linking them to the Building Management System so that the use of electricity is metered. The Plug-In Fleet grants have helped with the initial purchasing cost and gaining Go Ultra Low status has helped in the business case for increasing the electric fleet. GB: How do the drivers view the EVs now? CL: The drivers are very happy with the new vans. What’s more, service managers are fully committed to further reducing the impact of our operations through redesigning the racking and reducing the load through lightweight materials and through removing unnecessary tools and equipment from the vans. The installation of a weighbridge at the site will remove any risk of overloading the new vehicles. The lack of engine noise took a little getting used to, as did the regenerative braking. GB: Describe a typical day of one of your electric vehicles. CL: The estate maintenance vehicles are used mainly within the city boundary to transport the team and their tools

The ity of Univers ge has d Cambri ts, of which flee several management estate e largest – has th ommercial c 48 lighticles and veh s five car

and equipment to service the estate’s grounds and over 350 buildings. Because the mileage is low, electric vehicles are helping to overcome the issue with diesel particulate filters and the regeneration problems caused by short journeys. Most of the vans are charged at the Laundry Farm site on the edge of the city and are on trickle feed due to the capacity of the power source to the site. Timers are being installed to take advantage of low cost, overnight tariffs to bring further savings to running costs and environmental impact. GB: How much have you saved on fuel costs and carbon emissions? CL: Since the Nissans arrived, a saving of 2,330 litres of fuel (£3,190) and 5,979kg of CO2 have been calculated in one financial year.

GB: What are your future plans? CL: We have been approached about introducing hydrogen fuel to the fleet and it is something we would consider when the fuel is more widely available. However, given the short nature of the university journeys, the investment would have to prove to be of value. An assessment of further capacity at Laundry Farm will show whether we can increase the electric fleet to the desired 50 per cent and I would love to install solar power to help make that possible. GB: What advice would you give to other organisations thinking of buying electric vehicles? CL: There is a lot to consider and one of my concerns is the unknown residual value of the EVs when the time comes to replace them,

especially if the plug in grants are diminished. Trialling the vans with the workforce will help allay their fears and check the vehicle suits business needs. Make sure you install meters to help reporting and future business cases. I’m really pleased that the University of Cambridge is helping to lead the way and very proud of our Go Ultra Low status. L

Fleet Management

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This article first appeared in GreenFleet 99, which can be found here: https://issuu.com/psi-media/docs/gf99

Christine Leonard is senior technical support manager for the estate management department at the University of Cambridge. FURTHER INFORMATION www.cam.ac.uk

Volume 24.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

SUSTAINABILITY

Councillor Lesley Hinds, City of Edinburgh Council’s Transport and Environment convener, discusses the city’s Sustainable Energy Action Plan and other energy saving measures in Edinburgh Achieving a sustainable energy future is central to our ambition to improve the quality of life for people here in Edinburgh. We know how much energy matters, particularly to those who struggle with its rising costs, and we’re also well aware of the impact carbon emissions have on the environment – on both a local and an international scale. As a signatory to the Covenant of Mayors, which involves thousands of authorities across Europe, we have committed to increasing energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy in the capital, in partnership with our fellow signatories. We aim to achieve this through our Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP), which has set one of the most ambitious targets in the UK – to reduce carbon emissions by 42 per cent by 2020. We are already making progress – emissions have fallen by more than 26 per cent since 2005. By targeting five key areas – energy efficiency, district heating, renewables, resource efficiency and sustainable transport – the SEAP aspires to transform energy use in Edinburgh by reducing demand, improving efficiency and encouraging local generation. We have a range of new and innovative projects underway centring on sustainable energy, including district heating programmes, water sourced heat pumps, renewable energy schemes and sustainable transport initiatives. Our own energy services company (ESCO), Energy for Edinburgh – an arms‑length council organisation

of which I am a director – is unique amongst ESCOs across the UK in that it will focus on sustainable energy, driving projects in energy efficiency, renewables or district heating. Set up to deliver the SEAP, it will have four principal objectives – to reduce carbon emissions, deliver affordable energy, generate income and encourage wider community benefits. Already the company is engaging with a range of key stakeholders in the city, including those in the private sector.

Written by Councillor Lesley Hinds, City of Edinburgh Council

Striving for sustainability in Scotland’s capital

cut energy costs in the buildings by around 24 per cent, efficiencies will help reduce carbon emissions by around 1,500 tonnes a year. On a larger scale our ongoing organisation‑wide BEMS upgrade will enable us to better monitor and support energy systems, as well as delivering energy efficiencies where possible across our property portfolio. The four year, £3.2 million programme, which began last year, will upgrade or replace the computer systems used to control mechanical and electrical services in buildings like schools. As part of this we will be creating a communication network between individual BEMS in buildings, enabling a central overview to identify faults and monitor performance. This will let us pinpoint areas where efficiencies can be made. Our buildings have also benefited from the launch of the Edinburgh Community Solar Co‑operative, believed to be the largest community‑owned urban renewable energy project in the UK. In October the co‑operative completed a project to install energy‑saving solar panels on 24 council properties, including schools and leisure centres, resulting in cheaper electricity for all those involved and supplying up to one million units of zero-carbon energy a year. It is this kind of collaborative, community-focused working that will enable us to make real progress toward a low carbon, efficient energy future. This drive toward renewable and sustainable energy includes energy from waste, which has been very much a part of a major joint project with Midlothian Council to build a state‑of‑the-art food and residual waste treatment plants serving both councils. The two facilities at Millerhill in Midlothian will reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill while recovering energy from its treatment – enough to power up to 35,000 households a year – as well as heat produced as a by‑product of food waste treatment. E

Facilities Management

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A council s a to lead we want setting the way in a and pro n example resourc viding the es improv needed to ee efficiennergy cy

ADDRESSING ENERGY OUTPUT While the SEAP is our strategic energy plan and involves the city as a whole, encouraging businesses, voluntary organisations, communities and individuals to lower carbon and increase energy efficiency, we are also addressing our own energy and carbon footprint. Towards the end of last year we signed a contract with E.ON’s energy efficiency business, Matrix, to provide upgrades to nine of our buildings including schools, the Usher Hall and the City Chambers. Changes involve the upgrade of Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS), enabling better control of heating and ventilation and new, efficient LED lighting, amongst other improvements. Not only will these

Volume 24.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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SUSTAINABILITY  Another key energy saving project about to get underway in the capital is the large scale upgrade of street lights to energy‑efficient LEDs. Our electricity bill for street lighting is currently around £3 million a year, but by converting 54,000 lanterns we’re set to save an estimated £77 million in energy and maintenance costs over the next 20 years. With energy bills expected to rise significantly over the next decade too this project makes total sense, in addition to the fact it will mitigate the amount of carbon tax we currently pay on street lighting, which is currently around £250,000 a year. SETTING AN EXAMPLE IN EFFICIENCY As a council we want to lead the way in setting an example and providing the resources needed to improve energy efficiency, but we do need the whole city to come together to help us achieve this. From large organisations and businesses to communities and individuals, we want to effect a change in behaviour when it comes to energy use – whether it’s about efficiency improvements in the workplace, promotion of active travel or just thinking about the number of lights you have on at home. Helping to achieve this, the Carbon Literacy Programme, being taken forward by the Edinburgh Sustainable Development Partnership, aims to develop citizens’ and

other stakeholders’ awareness, knowledge and engagement with sustainability through a dedicated course available to organisations. Delivered by peers, it will focus on carbon reduction, as well as developing the skill set of all those who participate. There are, of course, a number of challenges to achieving our target. Edinburgh’s population is growing at a faster rate than the rest of the country, requiring more homes and infrastructure and, as a result, increased use of energy and carbon emissions. As a historic city, our existing mix of housing, tenements and listed buildings may not all be suited to standard energy efficiency improvements, and there is no doubt a challenge in changing the mindsets of consumers and employees when it comes to energy use and sustainable travel choices. But as a city we will take this on together. And this is about so much more than just our city. In December 2016, as part of the Edinburgh Sustainable Development Partnership, we helped launch Edinburgh Adapts, the capital’s first climate change adaptation plan. This aims to help us build resilience to and prepare for the effects of a changing climate. While it focuses on areas such as wildlife protection and awareness-raising amongst the community, it is closely aligned with Sustainable Edinburgh 2020, the council’s framework for

the sustainable development of the city. Under Sustainable Edinburgh 2020, we want to address climate change both by adapting to its inevitable impacts but also by reducing carbon emissions to minimise its effects. As well as lowering carbon emissions by more than 40 per cent, the framework targets a 12 per cent increase in the use of energy from efficient sources across all sectors, renewable energy technologies contributing to at least 40 per cent of energy consumed in the city and a 10 per cent rise in microgeneration capacity. There is no doubt this kind of step-change will take time and effort. But implementing plans and strategies like these has the potential to provide more affordable energy, create new jobs and generate significant investment for the city, as well as other social and environmental benefits. We can’t do this alone though. We rely on the co-operation of fellow organisations and businesses, volunteer groups and individuals, enabling local communities to have a greater role in energy generation and use across the city. Edinburgh is a beautiful city, popular with people who want to live, work, study or visit. I want to see an Edinburgh which can develop sustainably and efficiently whilst maintaining the quality of life we all value. L

Facilities Management

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FURTHER INFORMATION www.edinburgh.gov.uk

Volume 24.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Local Centre

SUSTAINABLE PLACES

Design Council Cabe’s David Waterhouse discusses the various initiatives that will continue to be at the forefront of local and national politics in 2017 and provides a view on what is working, what is not, and crucially, why A new year brings new announcements and initiatives and January 2017 is no exception. Already, we have seen announcements on garden villages and starter homes, while the long-awaited Housing White Paper is due to be published towards the end of the month. The continued challenge with multiple initiatives is how to join up and create thriving, sustainable and inclusive places on the ground.

certainty and consistency to all partners and, critically, including local communities. Getting local plans in place is fundamental, and the recent Local Plan enquiry led by John Rhodes of Quod Planning provided some useful analysis. However, as authorities look at new joint working arrangements and planning across city region areas, slicker investment‑focused local plans are

The ed continu n of io devolut from powers to city all Whiteh rovides the p regions t for leaders n bluepri e locally led to driv owth gr

ESTATE REGENERATION Recent announcements on estate regeneration also need to be considered in the context of city region planning. Growth and regeneration are complimentary and different cities require different solutions. In Liverpool, for example, there is a need to use growth to regenerate some parts of the inner city as well as the outer estates and to explore how new development and growth can stimulate economic development and regeneration in the inner core. This thinking may also apply to other cities in northern England; Hull, Leeds and Manchester for example, where estates should be seen as assets rather than liabilities.

Written by David Waterhouse, Design Council Cabe

Planning for growth – the sum of the parts

required alongside a radical overhaul of the timeframes needed to get these in place. Recent experience suggests that some local authorities are hiding behind local plan timetables to avoid taking difficult decisions on major developments. This is therefore hindering inward investment. This is as much a phenomenon in London as it is in the city regions and counties.

Built Environment

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BACK TO THE FUTURE – GARDEN VILLAGES As someone who was involved closely with the Eco Town programme from 2007 onwards, it is encouraging to see locally led, large-scale planned growth in the form of free‑standing or urban extensions, E

CITY REGION GROWTH At a macro level, the continued devolution of powers from Whitehall to cities and city regions provides the blueprint for empowered leaders to drive locally led growth, given the freedoms and flexibilities that new funding regimes bring. However, the reality is somewhat different. Each City Deal is bespoke with varying degrees of financial freedoms and, in certain cases, the lack of drive on planning is providing a major challenge to the delivery of housing, infrastructure and wider economic growth ambitions. Many city regions are moving towards joint local plan arrangements to help deliver their growth aspirations. There are many examples of excellent joint working to agree spatial plan priorities and mechanisms for delivery, but there are equally authorities who – either through lack of leadership or vision – are unable to seize the mantle and work jointly. The Duty to Cooperate introduced in the 2011 Localism Bill on cross-boundary strategic growth issues has been ineffective in many cases and is providing major blockages to collegiate joint working. The recent example of South Oxfordshire and Oxford City Council is a prime example. It is precisely these overheated housing market areas that require joint approaches to delivery, providing

Built Environment

SUSTAINABLE PLACES  back at the forefront of national political thinking. Reading the zeitgeist is always dangerous, but we should learn from the eco town programme, its ambitions of course were only partly fulfilled, political change and economic crisis notwithstanding. It is vital that garden villages, whatever the scale, are properly planned in a sound policy context and delivered as part of a solution to increasing housing in a location. The location, size, density and facilities of future settlements are vital in order to ensure they are sustainable, have the right amount and type of transport linkages, and are seen as places where people genuinely want to live and work. Delivering growth at this scale requires a number of critical ingredients. The work of Design Council Cabe on the ground points to a number of key attributes required to make delivery happen. Firstly, a joint sense between developer, landowner and the local authority of a shared vision. Secondly, governance and mechanisms that enable joint working to take effect and provide clarity and certainty to all in the decision‑making and delivery of new development. Thirdly, it is vital to have the leadership and skills, on all sides, to deliver. From political and chief officer level at the local authority, to the developer and their teams, the skills and competencies and adequate resources should not be underestimated.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 24.1

Local authorities and planners need to stand firm and be clear about what they want to see out of new developments and to communicate this clearly and frequently to both the developer and local communities A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT Early planning of social and physical infrastructure is vital in creating and providing a sense of place. This relates to the importance of a clear phasing strategy to deliver the housing and infrastructure in tandem and to ensure that

wider issues such as health and well-being are considered in the round and as early as possible. Recent experience from the NHS England Healthy New Town programme suggests that the joining of planning and healthcare delivery systems, while beneficial, is complex.

Language, culture, understanding, commissioning processes, etc, are different and require joint working to ensure optimal outcomes. Many of the sites being supported currently have multiple and various health inequalities which new development and regeneration can help tackle, but only through joined-up working and collaborative planning. Significant experience from Design Council Cabe’s city programme suggests that simple early measures to bring cohesion to the public realm can quickly create unique attributes of place and, allied with social infrastructure, begin to create a sense of community that responds to the opportunities for economic growth while facilitating healthier, more inclusive places to live and work. The shortlisted sites announced on 2 January are interesting for two reasons. Firstly, their geographical location and their relationship to the wider economic mainstream. Some sites are inherently unsustainable due to their location and wider transport connections, others arguably are simply too small and need to be seen as part of a portfolio of housing solutions to a town’s housing need. Delivering development at some of these sites will require strong governance, partnership working and ability to weather political and local community challenges. Design and how a place will function and operate is often key to unlocking community concern for new development.

Built Environment

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THE ROLE OF DESIGN Much of the work that Design Council Cabe undertakes across the country is to provide brokering and enabling support to places undergoing change at various scales. The skills and expertise within local authorities is something that is increasingly subject to change and challenge. Local authorities and planners need to stand firm and be clear about what they want to see out of new developments and to communicate this clearly and frequently to both the developer and local communities. Consistency of message and vision is paramount. This is as much about design as a road layout or orientation of a building. Testing new developments through wide-reaching engagement and mechanisms such as design review is crucial. In our work with cities and boroughs, we always advocate bringing new and fresh thinking at the earliest possible stage to make developments work not only for the local authority and developer, but also for people and businesses that will work, operate and live within them. An individual development is only one element to placemaking, understanding what development and applications mean for policy both current and future is just as vital. The evidence needed to ensure robust and testable policy is again an area where many places are weak, yet the long-term impact on investment and viability of this work is fundamental to success. When delivering development at city region scale – be it garden villages, urban regeneration or estate regeneration – clarity of vision, working in partnership and being clear about the benefits of inward investment and growth are critical. Only then can we work to deliver growth that is transformative, providing much-needed quantity of stock, while also responding to the myriad challenges and opportunities that communities across the country are facing. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.designcouncil.org.uk

When delivering development at city region scale – be it garden villages, urban regeneration or estate regeneration – clarity of vision, working in partnership and being clear about the benefits of inward investment and growth are critical

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EVENT PREVIEW

Showcasing sustainability at Ecobuild 2017 Ecobuild will return on 7-9 March with a renewed focus on enabling sustainable construction for 2017 and beyond. Government Business previews the industry-wide conversation being voiced on the government’s sustainability agenda Ecobuild, the leading exhibition and conference for construction, design and energy in the built environment, returns on 7-9 March with an overarching theme of regeneration, which will be brought to life through an immersive exhibition and conference programme that will redefine sustainability, identify future growth sectors and tackle the housing crisis. For public sector professionals, this presents a unique opportunity

to be part of the construction industry’s debate on the key issues that influence planning and decision making in local and central government. From the implications of off‑site construction and upgrading and retrofitting housing, to exploring different ways in which built environment could help create healthy, thriving communities, those working in the public sector will have access to expert opinions that can ultimately help them make informed business choices.

Ecob has par uild t with Ex nered Offsite plore signific to bring a ant of the e showcase opportuxciting offered nities by technol off-site ogy

Ecobuild 2017

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REGENERATION DRIVE To bring the regeneration theme to life, Ecobuild 2017 will see the show transformed into a ‘city’ – complete with a main street, distinct destinations and special feature attractions. Central to the experience will be Regeneration Drive, a boulevard running through the centre of the exhibition floor, linking different aspects of the show and enabling visitors to experience the very best examples of innovation and creativity from across the built environment. As they make their way up Regeneration Drive, attendees will be introduced to key destinations such as The Arena, City Hall, The Campus, The Gateway and The Performance Lab. The Arena will be home to the Ecobuild conference, staging a range of high level keynotes and panel debates from industry and government thought leaders and innovators across the three days, with speakers including Lord Kerslake, Lord Michael Dobbs, Baroness Young of Old Scone and Lord Foster of Bath. Against a backdrop of political and economic change, with the biggest demands on infrastructure and housing supply, the conference will look at current priorities and the solutions for the future, leaving public sector professionals well-equipped with the insights, tools and connections to make better business choices. E

Volume 24.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

SAW YOU

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EVENT PREVIEW

The show will see sessions hosted by UK‑GBC and the World Green Building Council. UK‑GBC will support Ecobuild with an exclusive content programme exploring sustainability  The show’s sustainability hub, City Hall, will see sessions hosted by the UK-GBC and World Green Building Council. Working in close partnership, UK-GBC will support Ecobuild in delivering an exclusive content programme exploring key issues around sustainability, leadership and innovation. In line with UK-GBC’s leadership and innovation focus, the organisation will host the sustainability theatre housed at Ecobuild’s ‘City Hall’ feature, with a programme of seminars and debates on the hot topics of sustainability including carbon reduction in the built environment, disruptive innovation and healthy workplaces for productive employees. As part of the Ecobuild conference programme, UK-GBC’s chief executive, Julie Hirigoyen, will also chair a series of thought-provoking leadership insight sessions on the future of sustainable housing, workplace and retail.

new and exciting area: the ukDEA District Energy Town Square, host to leading British suppliers and also international pavilions from Sweden and Denmark, two of the most mature district energy markets in the world. The ukDEA District Energy Town Square will act as a focal point for visitors who want to learn about the advantages of local heating and cooling networks. Exhibitors in the ukDEA District Energy Town Square will showcase the latest technology and systems, while a dedicated seminar theatre will host 36 informative sessions, sharing case studies, business models and best practice from the UK, Scandinavia, and beyond. Reflecting growing interest in the sector, each day of the show will focus on a different sector: local authorities; private and public sector housing developers and universities and campus-style networks.

FOCUS ON DISTRICT ENERGY A brand new partnership sees Ecobuild and UK District Energy Association creating a

FOCUS ON OFFSITE CONSTRUCTION In response to the increased government and industry focus on offsite construction,

Ecobuild 2017

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Ecobuild has partnered with Explore Offsite to bring a significant showcase of the exciting opportunities offered by off‑site technology, with the industry’s leading suppliers and a series of daily masterclasses. Explore Offsite at Ecobuild, in partnership with Cogent Consulting, Offsite Magazine and the Offsite Hub, will be a dedicated show area focussed on off‑site technology in the future of construction, through a three-day seminar programme and exhibition. By focusing on technology and product innovation, the extensive calendar of masterclasses and demonstrations will highlight the benefits of off‑site technology across the built environment, from housebuilding to infrastructure. The off‑site exhibition will showcase each of the six main types of off‑site construction: modular volumetric; steel; timber; concrete; roofing and MEP/pods. Off‑site construction is contributing to resource efficiency, the circular economy and diversifying the skill set in the built environment, all of which will be evidenced by a range of leading exhibitors representing the sector at Ecobuild 2017. Explore Offsite at Ecobuild comes at a time when the government is acknowledging the substantial potential of off-site construction. Housing Minister Gavin Barwell is due to look at ways to utilise off‑site technology to build 100,000 modular homes in a white E

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BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT – www.governmentbusiness.co.uk Graphenstone-Green-Generation-ADV.pdf

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www.rockhopperservices.com In the UK 40% of all our energy consumption goes towards heating buildings. By 2050 the government has set a target to reduce CO2 emissions by 80% with decentralised energy sources. This target has incentivised Local Authorities to implement policies to decarbonise their fossil based technologies.

Secondary glazing seamlessly integrated to make your environment:

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Services offered: • Consulting on district heating projects (costing estimation, technical assessment, route surveys, pipe sizing) • Design in 2D or 3D before, during and handover • Pipe selection • Installation • Above ground and plant room works • Commissioning As an established engineering organisation as a core business, Rockhopper can also offer other utility installations such as gas, sewage, water and ducting. Come and see us at our stand exhibition at ECOBUILD between the 7th and 9th March. Location: D187

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Image: The Supreme Court

Having secured several prestigious new projects Rockhopper Infrastructure Services is emerging as a key player in the District Heating industry. With the company’s key drivers being honesty, transparency and quality it has been successful in attaining an ISO9001 accreditation within only three years of its formation and is currently working towards ISO14001 and OHSAS18001

T: 01727 837271 E: enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk www.selectaglaze.co.uk

Visit us at stand C174

EVENT PREVIEW  paper over the course of this Parliament, in a bid to tackle the housing shortage. With the UK also facing a potential shortage of primary school places, the exhibit will feature the latest innovations in off‑site construction to create additional classrooms or add storeys to existing school buildings. Visitors will be able to see how extensions can be manufactured away from the building and craned into place in a matter of weeks – offering a sustainable choice by reducing vehicle journeys and increasing efficiency. CONFERENCE PROGRAMME The housing crisis is one of the key issues to be addressed during the conference and will be tackled in a session titled ‘Homes for all – the best way forward’ (scheduled to take place on the first day of the show), as well as within other discussions. As one of the most serious challenges facing government, the housing crisis will be examined by a panel of experts including Lord Kerslake; Julia Park, head of Housing Research, Levitt Bernstein; Jonathan Goring, managing director, Lovell and Simon Rawlinson, partner, head of Strategic Research and Insight, Arcadis. The panelists will discuss how the industry can deliver high‑quality, sustainable homes that integrate into existing communities and how social housing could be used to abate the housing crisis. In a separate session, scheduled to take place on the second day of the show, Jules Pipe, deputy mayor for planning regeneration and skills, Greater London Authority, along with Graeme Craig, commercial development director for Transport for London, and other high-profile speakers, will be debating ways of achieving the best possible balance between offering affordable housing and other desirable outcomes including sound public transport, without stalling the provision of new homes. Led by Dr Diana Montgomery, chief executive, Construction Products Association; Oliver Campbell, senior development manager, Linkcity, and Brian Berry, chief executive, Federation of Master Builders, an insightful session on the challenges and opportunities presented by Brexit for UK construction will be fundamental to those involved in public sector building and construction. The session (scheduled to take place on the third day of the show) will explore the relationship between the UK construction industry and Europe.

focused on the business case for setting science‑based targets (SBTs) within the industry, while the latter will debate whether retrofit could be a viable form of regeneration. In addition, Terri Wills, CEO WorldGBC, will be chairing a session on the WorldGBC Advancing Net Zero project which is designed to introduce Net Zero certifications into global markets as a starting point for creating emission-free buildings. The panel will discuss the role of the public sector, amongst other factors, in enabling the development of a carbon neutral built environment. The Performance Lab will showcase the latest in building performance and energy efficiency, with content produced in association with Ecobuild’s building performance partner, the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). CIBSE will host daily sessions on indoor health and well‑being, exploring how the WELL Standard relates to existing sustainability standards such as BREEAM and LEED. With construction booming in London, the Performance Lab will also include a session which will examine the impacts of the Greater London Authority’s zero carbon standard, introduced in October last year (scheduled to take place on the second day of the show). Meanwhile, within The Gateway feature area,

Ecobuild 2017

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the ‘Green Infrastructure’ seminar sessions will discuss the various elements of an integrated approach combining green (natural), blue (water) and grey (engineered) infrastructure, to combat the negative effects of climate change and build long-term urban resilience. Topics will range from legislation around water management systems maintenance to the funding and stewardship of urban green and blue infrastructure by public sector bodies in times of austerity. In a case study based session, Chryse Tinsley, landscape planner at Leicester City Council, will be discussing climate proofing in Leicester (scheduled to take place on the third day of the show). The Gateway is also home to the Civils Theatre in partnership with ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers), where visitors will discuss and explore national and community infrastructure developments including major projects. Public sector professionals will be able to learn more about major projects at the industry level and across the entire supply chain. The exhibit, alongside seminar sessions will encourage full audience debates across six key themes over three days, including power, transport, water, waste, gas and smart cities. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.ecobuild.co.uk

Topics will range from legislation around water management systems maintenance to the funding and stewardship of urban green and blue infrastructure by public sector bodies in times of austerity

THE SEMINARS Along Regeneration Drive, visitors will find a host of other destination features and seminars. City Hall is the destination for Ecobuild’s ‘Redefining Sustainability’ seminar programme, where topics include carbon reduction in the built environment, explored in a session hosted by Ecobuild’s strategic lead partner UK Green Building Council (UK‑GBC), as well as possible approaches to social sustainability. The former will be

Volume 24.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Land Drainage Written by Bruce Brockway, secretary, Land Drainage Contractors Association

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WATER MANAGEMENT

Draining before it is raining Bruce Brockway, secretary at the Land Drainage Contractors Association, explains why installing more land drainage to prevent flooding is not as crazy as it sounds During the recent floods, weather presenters and news reporters were repeatedly heard to say ‘more heavy rain is forecast and where this rain falls on saturated and waterlogged land there is the risk of flooding’ – which is, of course, very true. Subsequent reports have then concentrated on flood defences and how to get rid of the water more quickly – even today attention is focused on dredging. But for a different perspective just cast back to the opening statement ‘where this rain falls on saturated and waterlogged land there is the risk of flooding’. But what happens when rain falls on land that is not saturated and waterlogged? The answer is nothing! Unsaturated land acts as a sponge and soaks water up. If all the land in Britain could act as a giant sponge it would soak up enormous quantities of rainfall, significantly reducing the uncontrolled surface run off of water which is what causes waterways and rivers to flood. So, how do you make land into a sponge? You drain it!

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 24.1

SUSTAINABLE STORAGE A little bit of soil science tells you that if you lower the water table of land then you dramatically increase its capacity to store water. Also, this stored water bleeds off slowly through the land drainage which greatly extends the run-off period and reduces flooding significantly. Land drainage provides large scale attenuation of water. What’s more this could be far more cost effective than building flood defences, barrages and all the other downstream measures that are being talked about. To concentrate attention upstream will produce a much more effective long term sustainable solution. Drainage of land is very straightforward and can readily be done

by a long established land drainage industry. Land is routinely drained with perforated pipes to provide optimum growing conditions for plants including agricultural crops, fruit and vegetables, grassland for livestock, and even the turfgrass for your local sports club, golf course, or the park where you take the kids to play and walk the dog on a Sunday morning. The benefits of land drainage, apart from being able to play football on your local pitch or play golf on your course 365 days a year even after heavy rain, are the economic benefits of food production on UK farms which can show up to 30 per cent increase in yield from drained land. Of equal importance, drained land can allow more timely cultivations and sowing and harvesting of crops. Everybody will have sometimes seen on TV undrained crop fields where potatoes or corn has to be left in the ground to rot because the fields are so waterlogged that machinery cannot get onto the ground to harvest the crop. This is why farmers drain land, and why land drainage has an economic benefit to consumers in reducing costs of food production. Soil is drained to get rid of excess water and let air in because plants need air as well as water around their roots to survive. This also provides a more stable soil structure. If you pick up a handful of soil half of it is solid particles, such as sand or clay, and half of it is the spaces

e If all th tain Bri land in as a giant ct could a it would soak s sponge ous quantitiey m tl up enorfall, significan of rain ducing the e re d surfac e l l o r t n unco un-off r r of wate

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between these particles. If all these spaces were full of water the soil would be saturated and you would be holding a handful of mud. If all the spaces were full of air the soil would be very dry and would run through your fingers. Neither condition is good for plants which require soil to be neither wet nor dry but moist. Clearly when soil is saturated like mud it can’t soak up any more water which is why, when there is heavy rainfall on saturated soil, you get flooding. Equally, when there is no water in the spaces and they are full of air the soil is capable of soaking up enormous quantities of water. For plants the ideal is for the spaces to be half water and half air. So even a well-drained soil that provides good growing conditions for plants still has lots of capacity to soak up water in periods of heavy rainfall – 25 per cent or more of its volume. This excess water is then drained away more slowly to restore the right balance for the plants. It can be released to water courses at a controlled rate over a longer period of time which considerably reduces flood risk. RE-ROUTING THE WATER FLOW This is why more land drainage can help prevent flooding – possibly counter intuitive but it does work. Naturally the water drained from land has to be held but this can be done in a controlled way in watercourses, ponds, lakes, reservoirs and wetlands before it even reaches rivers. These can be used to slow water down to prevent it rushing overland into towns and flooding built up areas. Ditches which take the water from drained land can have mini weirs to hold the water in the ditch during periods of high rainfall. Further downstream these can discharge into ponds which on a larger scale can be lakes. To be really sustainable these can be reservoirs to hold water for use as irrigation during the drier summer months – the water can even use the drainage system for subsurface irrigation - the ultimate recycling of water. By controlling the rate of discharge of water from these upstream measures you don’t need to deliberately let land be flooded downstream as sacrifice areas to protect built up communities. There is nothing new in this. Many of the measures taken by our forefathers were designed to hold water back before discharging at a slower rate. Dew ponds were a common feature, along with village ponds which filled up in winter and dried out in summer, and a network of ditches and watercourses which have since been filled in. Even the century’s old ‘ridge and furrow’ land was a form of flood prevention. However, modern techniques can be thrown at this to get the best of both worlds. Controlled drainage is fairly easy to achieve by creating a series of buffers to slow the passage of water. The starting point is control of the water table in the soil which can be done mechanically and is already practiced in Holland. It is being well researched in the USA, not for reducing flood risk, but as a means of reducing pollution of water courses by nitrates which it has been shown to do by up to 50 per cent so is a win win situation. Other simple measures like grass buffer strips and grassed gulleys in fields can slow the run off of water into water courses. As importantly, these buffer strips can also filter out much of the soil particles and sediment that would otherwise be washed into the watercourse and be washed downstream – less soil erosion and hence less need for dredging. A larger scale extension of using vegetation to slow and filter water are grassed waterways which can be used to control water run-off and soil erosion. These are already being used very effectively in the UK and their use should be extended. The ultimate use of vegetation to slow water with added environmental benefits in reducing pollution is using areas of land as a watershed to filter and purify drainage and run off water naturally by allowing it to percolate through surrounding grassland into wetland areas, ditches and streams before being stored in a lake or reservoir. These natural attenuation areas slow the passage of water which not only reduces the flood risk but also allows time for the natural biological action of vegetation to remove pollutants from the water. These areas used as watersheds

to slow and purify water in this way can even result in water being cleaner when it leaves the area than when it arrived. The key to all this is to drain the land in the first place to allow the soil to act as a big sponge to soak the water up so that you can control where the water goes thereafter. ‘Drain before the Rain’ – otherwise, as the weather forecasters predict, you will just get surface run-off which you can’t control, which will result in floods. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.ldca.org

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WASTE MANAGEMENT

DATARAZE: TAKING CONTROL OF DATA DESTRUCTION In an era of heightened information awareness and punitive fines for data breaches, Laura Cooper, client services director at DataRaze, explains the importance of taking control of data destruction for end of life equipment

Recycling ageing IT equipment has become a standard component of operations in recent years. Yet many public sector organisations are still wrestling with the challenge of securely disposing of the data contained on that equipment. INFORMATION VALUE From the NHS Trust with 1,500 redundant data laden hard drives locked in a room, to the local council discovering its recycled equipment has been placed on eBay without any of the data being erased. While in the latter case none of the data was actually used in anger, the fines that can be imposed for data misuse by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) are significant and, with the advent of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) next year, rising. The ICO recently imposed a fine of £100,000 on Hampshire County Council after documents containing personal details of over 100 people were found in a disused building; while Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation

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Trust, was fined £180,000 after the ICO found there had been a serious breach of the Data Protection Act, which was likely to have caused substantial distress. The security risk associated with failing to manage data throughout its entire lifecycle is very significant – and the need to adequately dispose of data when IT equipment is recycled cannot be ignored. RETAIN CONTROL Of course there are a number of highly diligent IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) companies in the market, with robust chain of custody models to securely manage data disposal as part of the overall process. However, should a public sector body allow any of its data to leave the premises? Opting to retain a hard drive shredder such as DataRaze on site ensures redundant or failed drives can be immediately destroyed, providing complete data control – and avoiding any problems associated with the need to securely store old drives. The process is simple and provides that essential audit trail. As soon as a

drive fails or is taken out of service, the serial number, rack number/location, drive make/model and the date/time of failure are input into the system and the drive then shredded. DataRaze provides a photograph of the hard drive and a video of each shred as well as the operator’s identification, date and time. This provides full confirmation of the data destruction to any internal or external auditor. The process is fast, effective and, critically, provides end to end control over data. And this is key. The public sector is under ever greater scrutiny and subject to stringent audit processes across the entire IT lifecycle, from purchase to build, security to refresh and repair and through to end of life. It is therefore essential to ensure end of life equipment is not only recycled but is also subject to rigorous processes for the destruction of data. The costs of failing to take control of data destruction are simply too high to risk. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.dataraze.co.uk

REUSE & RECYCLING

Pat Jennings, of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, looks at the recent Reuse in the UK report and discusses the obstacles to wastes management policy in the current reuse landscape

It is always best to get the bad news out of the way first – so here it is. In 2015, the UK household recycling rate fell for the first time in the six years since the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) began publishing the official statistics and, in real terms, probably for the first time in well over a decade. Of course that figure hides a divergence in performance across the UK. On the plus side, Wales’ rate rose to 55.8 per cent and Scotland delivered a one per cent rise on its 2014 figure of 41 per cent (and both look to have made further progress in 2016), while Northern Ireland saw its rate fall by 0.5 per cent. However, it is England’s 0.9 per cent

Written by Pat Jennings, the Chartered Institute of Wastes Management

Recycling, reuse and resource efficiency – the opportunities ahead

Wastes Management

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

Th stalling e UK’s rec in the perform ycling a of a widnce is part challen er set of how th ges around e UK its futu shapes re policy

drop from 44.8 per cent in 2014 to 43.9 per cent in 2015 that has done the real damage, given that it is responsible for 22.2 of the total 26.7 million tonnes of household waste generated in the UK. While it may seem the least of our worries at the moment, this stalling in the UK’s recycling performance is part of a wider set of challenges around how the UK shapes its future policy; and how we maintain the transition from waste to resource management in which local government waste services have played such a significant

role to date. There are myriad factors at work behind the current recycling stats. Difficult secondary materials markets and loss of domestic reprocessing capacity, cuts to local authority budgets (particularly in England to date) as a result of the austerity agenda, more accurate recording of recycling contamination, fluctuations in the amount of organic waste collected for composting, and collection scheme changes such as charging for garden waste will all have played their part. A number of voices within and around E

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REUSE & RECYCLING  the sector are expressing the view that recycling is ‘broken’ and certainly the value chain is currently fragile for the public and private sector stakeholders alike. With public funding constrained and price downturns and increased volatility in the relevant global commodity markets, no one is in a position to pump more investment into recycling. This is a particular problem at this stage of the curve because we have already picked the low hanging fruit. Without a change in approach, further increases in recycling will be incrementally more difficult and expensive to deliver because it means tackling harder-to-reach audiences, more difficult material streams, and behavioural challenges such as recycling contamination. Neither of these barriers – markets or money – is likely to ease much in the short to medium term, so what can be done? Political vision and sound policy has a big part to play. In contrast to Defra’s somewhat detached stance on waste policy in recent times, Wales has demonstrated that a clear and unequivocal central government steer, combined with targeted funding for local authorities, can produce results and the Scottish government’s equally determined efforts to maintain progress are also starting to deliver. As part of wider strategic plans (e.g. One Wales: One Planet [Welsh Government, 2009], Safeguarding Scotland’s Resources and Making Things Last: Scotland’s Circular Economy Strategy [Scottish Government, 2013 and 2016 respectively]), both countries have sought to bring in measures to increase both the quantity and quality of recycling through statutory targets, increased harmonisation of collection schemes, and a strong focus on food waste. CONSIDERATIONS In addition to the potential lessons to be learned from these frontrunners, it is becoming clear that there is now even more to do, however. And any renewed focus on developing waste and resource policy that is fit for the future needs to take into account a number of additional considerations. The first is the growing consensus that the responsibility and cost of post-consumer recycling cannot continue to rest so heavily on UK local authorities; more needs to be shouldered by producers and consumers. Extending the reach and robustness of the Producer Responsibility concept – where businesses that manufacture, import and sell products are responsible for their end of life environmental impact – has been under consideration for some time and packaging in particular has been the focus of much discussion. In contrast to many other EU countries (and we’ll come back to this topic in a moment), the UK has implemented existing EU Producer Responsibility legislation with a ‘lowest cost to business’ approach where possible; it is estimated, for example, that

the current packaging regime only covers around 10 per cent of the cost of collection and recycling. In addition, and again in contrast to some other EU Members, the UK has not rolled out other Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes to waste streams such as tyres, mattresses and furniture. At the other end of the supply chain, UK consumers have no obligation to recycle or factor waste into their consumption patterns and decisions – hence the recent re-emergence of discussion around the Pay As You Throw (or Save as You Recycle) concept. Whether these are the best options or a more radical rethink is necessary, efforts to ‘reset’ recycling (as suggested by Green Alliance in their recent report Recycling reset: how England can stop subsidising waste) will certainly, among other things, need to assess how cost can be better shared in future. The second major consideration is Brexit, which in theory at least should bring the issue of the UK’s productivity – including resource productivity – right to the top of the agenda in the Prime Minister’s new UK Industrial Strategy. The waste and resources sector is already an important source of valuable feedstocks for UK plc, both in terms of secondary raw materials (for the bioeconomy and manufacturing sectors, for example) and energy terms (biofuels, and

heat and power from thermal treatment facilities), and has the potential to do much more at a national and local level. It also has a role to play further up the supply chain, helping businesses to develop more circular practices that divert discarded materials and products back into productive loops before they even become waste. And here is the Brexit rub. Not only does a huge proportion of the UK’s existing waste legislation stem from EU Directives (Landfill, Waste Framework, Producer Responsibility) but many of the contemporary issues and challenges discussed above, and proposals to address them, have been picked up in the EU’s new Circular Economy package, which includes changes to current waste legislation that are expected to be agreed and finalised this year. In its totality, the package encompasses a number of wide-reaching proposals, including strengthening and extending the Ecodesign Directive to encourage more environmentally responsible and resource efficient design, a specific action plan to reduce plastic waste, new and higher targets for the recycling of household waste, and a more robust approach to EPR, including a push for full cost recovery. While some aspects of the package are still the subject of considerable discussion and disagreement, it does provide a blueprint to maintain forward momentum in the drive E

Wastes Management

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It is England’s 0.9 per cent drop from 44.8 per cent in 2014 to 43.9 per cent in 2015 that has done the real damage, given that it is responsible for 22.2 of the total 26.7 million tonnes of household waste generated in the UK

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www.btruk.com Leading IT Solutions Company specialising in supply and installation through to removal and recycling For over 20 years BTR have been providing IT solutions to a wide range of public and private sector businesses in the UK and across Europe. At BTR we pride ourselves on listening and understanding our customer’s often diverse requirements and providing innovative solutions designed to minimise disruption on image and installations whilst maximising return on asset disposal and recycling. We aim to provide a service that is bespoke to our customer’s exact specification, such as nationwide multi-site installations and removals, local collections of unwanted IT to ensure secure and ethical recycling and disposal. We can work around your business working hours, whether that be out of hours’ collections and installations or whilst your business is in operation; our engineers are fully trained to ensure minimal disruption. We can also provide secure, fully insured storage for new products awaiting rollouts, these items can be imaged, configured and delivered or installed to suit your requirements. Our reverse logistics facility is designed to provide a fast and efficient solution for overstock, end of life and damaged equipment. All BTR engineers and technicians are trained to the highest standards and have full Security Check screening to ensure our strict data security standards are adhered to and each year we successfully process in excess of 50,000 items. In addition to being fully licensed and audited by the Environment Agency, BTR hold both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 to prove we hold ourselves highly responsible when it come to our services and the impact we have on the environment, we also hold the highly acclaimed and coveted ADISA Certification with Distinction. With over 20 years’ experience BTR are perfectly placed to help our customers achieve maximum revenue returns on items as diverse as overstock, end of line and even damaged items that require repair. Our often unique sales channels, excellent customer relations and honest grading enable us to achieve higher than average revenues for our customers equipment.

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Wastes Management

REUSE & RECYCLING  for more sustainable waste management and improved resource productivity. However, as a result of Brexit, it is not clear to what degree the UK will engage with this ambitious future ‘roadmap’. If all applicable EU legislation is brought over in the Great Repeal Bill, then it is possible that the UK could at the very least benefit from the impetus that this new EU package provides to embed resource efficiency principles more fully across material and product supply chains. It may be that like it or not we will have to meet most of the obligations it lays down in order to trade products and recovered materials with the EU in future given the international nature of many supply chains. Or it may be that it – potentially along with other existing waste legislation – is seen as an unwelcome constraint or cost burden on business post-Brexit and falls victim to more ‘red tape’ culling. REUSE BEGINS AT HOME Before we get too gloomy, however, one area of waste policy lends itself readily to unilateral action within the UK’s borders and has the potential to deliver wide-reaching benefits. A report launched by CIWM’s incoming president Professor Margaret Bates last Autumn, Reuse in the UK & Ireland: a ‘State of the Nations’ report, highlights that while reuse has for many years been the ‘neglected child’ of the Waste Hierarchy, it deserves more attention from policy makers, local government, and the waste and resource management industry. The potential benefits of developing a more proactive strategy on reuse, and the positive environmental, economic and social impacts that could accrue, have been documented. In 2013, the Local Government Association (LGA) published its Routes to reuse – maximising value from reused materials report and estimated that reusing an additional 660,000 tonnes of goods and materials could save councils more than £60 million a year in Landfill Tax as well as realise an economic value of around £375 million – a total of up to £435 million of value available each year from diverting this tonnage to reuse. Further illustration of the economic and social impact of reuse is evidenced in Scotland. A mapping exercise by Zero Waste Scotland to quantify the size and scope of the reuse sector in Scotland estimated that around 89,000 tonnes of material, including 12,000 tonnes of furniture, 9,500 tonnes of electrical items and 66,000 tonnes of textiles were being reused with a turnover of approximately £244 million. In terms of employment, the study estimated that over 6,000 (full time equivalent) people were employed in reuse, with an additional 3,000 full time equivalent volunteering positions, and a total of over 13,000 people involved in volunteering in some capacity. Despite these compelling figures and a broad consensus that more could be done to promote and boost reuse, the policy

Last Autumn, the CIWM’s incoming president Professor Margaret Bates launched the Reuse in the UK & Ireland: a ‘State of the Nations’ report

While reuse has for many years been the ‘neglected child’ of the Waste Hierarchy, it deserves more attention from both policy makers, local government, and the waste and resource management industry drivers for reuse are weak and the sector faces a very particular set of challenges – not least that success requires very different stakeholders with different motivations to work together. The report paints a picture of a sector primarily driven by third sector bodies and volunteers with a desire to deliver on anti-poverty, social need and health and well-being agendas. Stopping reusable items from becoming waste is mostly a secondary objective but relationships with the public (and private) waste management sector are core to many reuse operations as many reusable items can only be easily accessed at the point of disposal. Likewise, with responsibilities ranging from waste to procurement, social care and health, local government is uniquely placed to enable, promote and facilitate reuse and to capture some of the environmental, economic, social and well-being benefits, and there are many success stories, a number of which have been included as case studies in the report. Some local authorities are clearly fully engaged with the reuse agenda, employing a strategic and co-operative approach that helps to mainstream reuse operations and increase their efficiency. Across the board, however, the report found that local government efforts to embed reuse and capitalise on the potential benefits

are at best patchy and often depend on the presence of individuals who happen to be committed to developing the necessary partnerships and mutually determined and shared outcomes. Addressing this is seen as important, with one interviewee stating that ‘local government still needs to be the centrepiece of the development of reuse’. COMMON CHALLENGES In exploring some of the barriers that are currently holding back progress, the report identifies a number of common challenges. Firstly, despite the efforts of the LGA, Zero Waste Scotland and others to quantify the overall benefits of reuse, the ‘operational’ business case has not been so well articulated. With no common set of metrics, some of the benefits of reuse can be difficult for individual local authorities to quantify, particularly with regard to the value of the potential contribution to social, employment and well‑being agendas. In light of current budget constraints, negative perceptions vis a vis the level of investment and the likely returns, and limited mechanisms for assessing potential cost savings across multiple departments, the lack of a clear financial argument for action is often enough to relegate reuse efforts to the ‘nice but not essential’ tray. E

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REUSE

& RECYCLING

 Secondly, contractual and procurement barriers are preventing progress. Relationships between local authorities and social enterprises often need to be more flexible than those with a commercial outfit – because of the size of the enterprise, its geographical coverage, or fluctuations in the volume of reusable items it can source and make available, for example. The social enterprise may need upfront support to gear up or develop the business plan to provide the desired service, particularly given that third sector funding flows have all but dried up in the face of the austerity agenda. Successful relationships between local authorities and reuse organisations are often characterised by alternative business models, such as profit sharing, alternatives to reuse credits, mutual promotional and logistical support, and frameworks that formalise the relationship between reuse schemes and meeting welfare and social care needs. With internal resources under pressure, however, many local authorities struggle to dedicate the necessary time and manpower to develop these alternative contract models and partnerships. Concerns about the risk (real and perceived) of engaging with third sector or social enterprises to deliver sub-contracts can also challenge reuse procurement, as can the minimal role of reuse within broader waste management contracts. It is important when procuring new contracts to be very clear about what is actually being procured in terms of service outcomes and to consider other options such as standalone and service-only contracts, the latter being most relevant to Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) where the actual reuse operation is separate from the site management contract. There are also plenty of examples of reuse contacts for specific goods or materials, such as furniture, textiles, WEEE or more bespoke items such as bicycles. In an effort to provide support in these areas, WRAP has recently produced guidance for local authorities (How to include re-use in local authority HWRC procurement, WRAP, 2016) which focuses mainly on HWRCs but also touches on wider issues and partnership opportunities and which includes examples of successful reuse procurement outcomes. Broader procurement rules could also be better aligned with effective reuse strategies, in fact at times these can hinder rather than help. Attempts to formalise and benefit from the work of social enterprises, including with regard to reuse, were made with the introduction of the Public Services (Social Value) Act in 2012. Under the Act, public bodies are meant to take social value into consideration in procurements but it has not had the impact it could have had and is described in the report as a ‘sleeping giant’. These are just some of the barriers relevant to local government involvement in reuse and of course there are clear areas of opportunity too. Bulky collections are one area where the report suggests that the reuse sector could play a more significant role. While there are examples of good practice where reuse organisations are effectively delivering this service, the majority of UK local authorities collect bulky materials for disposal rather than reuse. In addition, although many have introduced a charge for this service, it is not generally sufficient to cover all costs. There is an opportunity, therefore, to consider a ‘spend to save’ scenario in which reuse organisations are encouraged to take over these collections with a long term objective that they should be self-sustaining. To achieve this, reuse organisations may need upfront support in preparing and delivering a business plan, or in raising awareness about what can be collected and how it should be presented. Others may need capital support in terms of vehicles and manpower for the collection. But it can be done and there are a number of good practice examples in this area. The Surrey Reuse Network, for example, currently provides bulky waste collection to a range of local authorities, both working in partnership or delivering the service, or acting as the point of referral for the authority. A consistent approach is being delivered and standards have been raised in terms of the quantity of items being reused and maximum value (in whatever form) being realised from bulky items. A number of larger charities also operate collection rounds in partnership with local authorities to target small reusable items such as textiles, bric-a-brac, books and small WEEE that might otherwise end up in the household waste stream. The

While there are examples of good practice where reuse organisations are effectively delivering this service, the majority of UK local authorities collect bulky materials for disposal rather than reuse

Wastes Management

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

benefits are that the residents receive a convenient service, the charity is provided with additional stock, and the local authority saves money from reduced waste handling and disposal costs. This is a simplified picture of the current reuse landscape and the report contains much more information. What CIWM has taken away from the research is the need to work in partnership with the different reuse stakeholders on a number of fronts, including the development of more robust policy in this area (ideally linked into wider Circular Economy policy development), more awareness raising and consumer communications, best practice sharing and promotion of useful guidance, and facilitating better engagement between reuse organisation, different local authority departments and other end users such as housing associations and homeless shelters. L

We would of course like to ensure that local government is well represented in this work, so please contact CIWM if you would like to be involved. FURTHER INFORMATION www.ciwm.co.uk

UNDERGROUND REFUSE SYSTEMS Find out why every town and city should have them. It’s time to get SMART with waste disposal. contact us at

enquiries@contenur.com

or visit the website

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

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 24.1

Concrete for Life

EVENT PREVIEW

The UK’s largest flood and coastal erosion event Led by the Environment Agency, Flood & Coast will take place in Telford on 28-30 March, drawing together key stakeholders from the flood and coastal erosion risk management community Following some of the most dramatic flood and coastal erosion incidents that the UK has witnessed in recent history, an intensive three‑day conference and exhibition convened by the Environment Agency has been finalised. The UK has undergone some of the most devastating damage from inland flooding and coastal erosion in the past three or four years and according to a recent Environment Agency report in the wake of Storm Angus – the country can expect these weather events to continue. Clare Dinnis, deputy director of Strategy at the Environment Agency and chair of the conference, said: “No one body can provide a fully rounded response to flood risk management. Local flood authorities, the Environment Agency, other risk management authorities and our partners all have a part to play. As do the communities and businesses who face the risk. “We want to bring the whole flood and coast risk management community together to hear from one another, learn from each

other and share perspectives. It is only by listening to those who suffer from flooding that we can truly understand the devastating impacts that we are trying to reduce.” The event will take place from 28-30 March at the Telford International Centre and will draw together key stakeholders from the flood and coastal erosion risk management (FCRM) community, including local authorities, over 150 senior staff from the Environment Agency, civil engineers, infrastructure owners, consultancies, utility companies, contractors, businesses, community groups, flood research consultants and universities from across the country - as well as over 150 key speakers from across the UK and abroad. David Wilkes of Arup, global flood resilience leader and exhibitor at the event in March, said: “There needs to be a genuine and meaningful debate about land-use, a tolerance of flooding

Flood & Coast

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

risk, about how the buildings and public spaces link, about roads, parks, cycle ways and footpaths and other infrastructure will work in normal times and in times of flood.” Flood and Coast 2017 aims to share the latest ideas and showcase up to the minute flood defence solutions to help prevent future flooding for local authorities and stakeholders. The key areas that the event will cover include: coastal flooding and erosion; flood alleviation and water management; emergency planning; infrastructure and cities; modelling and forecasting; partnerships; and people and communities. LOCAL AUTHORITIES This year’s Flood and Coast will have a particular emphasis on attracting local authorities to engage with the Environment Agency and other stakeholders from throughout the country and abroad. Grant Collier, director at Flood and Coast, said: “Last year there was a great deal of interest from local authorities wishing to learn from other stakeholders and there is much that can be learned from thought leaders in the UK and from other countries such as Holland. Flood and Coast 2017 not only has a great deal of content within the technical paid for conference but also has a series of free seminars aimed at local authorities in the exhibition theatre at the free-to-attend exhibition. Visitors can join either the technical conference or the exhibition and the free ‘Seminar Live’ series, but we know from last year many will opt to attend both. Passes are available for both one or three days.”

“It is by liste only those w ning to from flo ho suffer can trul oding that we y the devunderstand impacts astating t are tryi hat we ng reduce” to

THE CONFERENCE The conference programme will E

Volume 24.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Flood & Coast

EVENT PREVIEW

 involve over 150 top speakers across the three days. Amongst others sessions, conference streams will include: Water – Managing the extremes; Is your infrastructure your most important asset?; Planning for Flood Risk; Community leadership on flood and coastal risk; Learning from international cities’ approach to flood risk; Under pressure – responding to a flood emergency; Funding for flood alleviation; Flood Recovery lessons learned; Our cities are the powerhouses of UK economic growth – are we doing enough to make them resilient to flood?; Delivering property level resilience; Community flood groups in their own words – managing local flood risk; Best Practice Training and Support for Lead Local Flood Authorities; The Future of sustainable drainage; Managing the risks to UK’s critical national infrastructure; Developments in Coastal Flood forecasting; Managing the risks to rail and road bridges from scour; Community flood risk planning – what can we offer people at risk and how can they get involved?; Sustainable Coastal communities; Health and flooding – the latest research and how to use it; and Natural flood alleviation in practice. The conference programme has been very competitively priced to appeal to local authority and government departmental budgets. One day passes for full access to the conference start at £195 and three‑day full access start at £387. The exhibition and exhibition theatre seminars are free to attend for all. FLOOD AND COAST 2017 EXHIBITION Alongside the Technical Conference, a free‑to-attend exhibition and a series of free seminars will also be available called the ‘Seminar Live’ series. Some of the products and technology on display include a very effective system designed, manufactured and installed by IBS - glass flood defence

This year’s Flood and Coast will have a particular emphasis on attracting local authorities to engage with the Environment Agency and other stakeholders from throughout the country and abroad systems, the first was installed in Keswick in 2011. IBS also installed the UK’s largest glass flood defence system to protect the village of Paull, near Hull, from future tidal surges and as a part of the wider Hull and Holderness Flood Alleviation Scheme, a project that is providing defences along the Humber estuary together with inland engineering works. At Flood & Coast 2017, as well as showcasing its latest range of engineered defence products including a unique self activating flood barrier and market leading flood security steel doors, UK Flood Barriers will also be unveiling a new, state of the art flood gates – a must see for anyone looking for highly effective, ‘easy operation’ protection. Since last year’s Flood & Coast, Hesselberg Hydro has been very busy repairing and strengthening seawalls along the Essex and Suffolk coastlines. Replacing revetments comprising individual units (concrete blocks) with continuous asphalt revetments provides the client with a robust, flexible, longlasting protection using proven techniques. Projects have been on the rivers Blackwater, Crouch, Thames & Alde as well as along the North Sea coast. Its research and development team in the Netherlands have been involved in a multi‑national project to set up tests to confirm anecdotal evidence that OSA can withstand water velocities of over 10m/s when used to protect spillways. ESG will also be exhibiting and is the UK’s leading provider of testing, inspection and

compliance services, with comprehensive solutions in energy and waste, infrastructure and the built environment. Experts within environmental testing, site investigation, surveys and materials testing, will be on hand to discuss the many ways that ESG can support national targets for flood risk management and response over the coming years at Flood and Coast 2017. Working with primary stakeholders, designers, contractors and suppliers, ESG provides an unrivalled range of independent accredited services, including: land and marine surveys; chemical analysis of soils and water; structural investigations; concrete and earthworks testing; asbestos surveys; ground investigations; contaminated land assessments; noise and vibration monitoring; and metallurgy. ANNUAL FLOOD AND COAST DINNER AND NETWORKING RECEPTION The Flood and Coast annual awards dinner will take place on Wednesday 29 March during which the Environment Agency will present the Special Project Awards. The evening will be hosted by stand up comedian and comedy writer Dominic Holland who has appeared on Have I Got News For You and Never Mind the Buzzcocks. A drinks reception will take place at 17.30 on Tuesday 28 March which is free for all to attend. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.floodandcoast.com

Volume 24.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Flood & Coast

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

Introducing the leading flood fighting system

Specialists in civil and structural engineering

When it comes to flood prevention and flood emergency response, Geodesign has a long, proven record in the UK, across Europe and all over the world, since the 1990s. As a framework partner to the Environment Agency, the company recently delivered more than 10 km of temporary barriers to the EA, to be used across the UK. Numerous local authorities, energy providers and utility companies have chosen Geodesign Barriers as their flood prevention system. BSI Kitemarked since 2003, this easy-to-deploy, flat-packed barrier is available in dam heights of 0.45m, 0.65m, 0.80m, 0.85m, 1m, 1.10m, 1.25m, 1.50m, 1.80m and 2.40m. Geodesign Barriers are free standing and self‑anchoring, with no fixtures to the ground.

Arch Henderson specialises in understanding the needs of port and harbour clients and is recognised for dynamic and creative design work and for consistency of service by its clients. Established in 1919, Arch Henderson is a British consultancy specialising in the design of maritime projects from small scale slipways and pontoons up to £200 million infrastructure developments. Large scale projects in the past three years include the Nigg Enterprise Quay (£19 million), Invergordon (£20 million), BAE C9 Shipyard Redevelopment (£140 million), BAE IEI Shipyard Development (£35 million) and the new Nigg Bay development in Aberdeen (£270 million). Principal offices are located across the UK in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Caithness, Southampton, the Northern Isles and in the Falkland Islands. The firm has specialist skills in marine civil engineering, coastal engineering, geotechnical

Suitable for communities or homeowners –the barriers can be deployed on any ground surface. These flexible barriers adapt easily to local conditions, uneven ground, angles, kerbs and steps. It can also be deployed in water, if needed. With a lifespan of more than 50 years and strong metal behind the plastic membrane, the barriers can be used again and again – giving excellent value for money. The company also provides training for best practice. Lightweight, effective and portable 3,000 and 6,000 LPM flood pumps are also available. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01793 538565 britt.warg@palletbarrier.com www.geodesignbarriers.com

Keeping our businesses open.pdf

CMY

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 24.1

2016-02-16

10:50

engineering, heavy mechanical engineering (moving structures) and industrial structural engineering. Recent projects include deep quays, dry dock redevelopment, marinas, new linkspans/Ro-Ro facilities, diving surveys (in-house) and shipyard/boatyard infrastructure development. Clients come from framework consultancy agreements such as CMAL, BAE Systems and Peel Ports and have also acted as port engineer for several significant ports in the UK such as Aberdeen Harbour and Montrose Port Authority and for various D&B contractors. FURTHER INFORMATION www.arch-henderson.co.uk

FLOOD AND COAST PREVIEW

ASSET MANAGEMENT IS CHANGING

Advertisement Feature

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Graham Kenn, technical director for coastal and river engineering at JBA Consulting, discusses effective asset management and how it is becoming more significant than ever, with increasing physical pressures on assets due to extreme weather and the effects of climate change The majority of our rail network was built in the Victorian era, with most of the coastal structures still acting as primary defences. Asset management teams are developing effective management strategies to replace or repair groups of assets to extend their lifetime and functionality at a system level. This will allow a safe railway network to be maintained in an efficient and cost‑effective way over the coming years. THE LATEST GUIDANCE ON EFFECTIVE ASSET MANAGEMENT The latest guidance suggests that existing asset management policies are reviewed at a national level and allow the management of assets through a risk-based approach taking into consideration whole life-cycle costing. Network Rail’s Wales Route is responsible for the largest number of varied coastal, estuarine and river defence (CERD) assets on the rail network. The Route asset management team realised that they would need to take a different approach for their CERDs to be able to meet the regulatory requirements and the challenges of climate change. As part of their desire for a Coastal Asset Management Strategy, Wales Route commissioned JBA Consulting to help them develop a tool to meet their needs. JBA Consulting, in partnership with the Wales Route, developed an innovative solution that considers not only the physical condition of the asset but also the wider risks posed by coastal processes impacting on the asset and the effects to the rail infrastructure. The coastal processes included in the new methodology are: risk of coastal erosion; risk of wave overtopping; and risk of still water. COASTAL EROSION A primary function of many CERDs is to protect the shoreline against wave action, which could lead to coastal erosion and damage to the infrastructure. The rate of erosion is dictated by factors such as the wave height and period, resistance of the bedrock deposits against which the waves are acting and the distance between the CERD and the infrastructure. The new methodology considers these four component factors, each of which are assigned a score dependent on the individual assessment of risk.

WAVE OVERTOPPING RISK This is a critical factor when considering the coastal process risk posed to a CERD and the rail infrastructure located behind the asset. Wave overtopping on the line can result in the need for speed restrictions or potentially line closure if volumes are significant. STILL WATER LEVEL FLOOD RISK The threat posed by still water level flooding is critical to the assessment of CERD assets and infrastructure risk. If the line is located within an area at risk of still water level flooding and then becomes inundated closure of the line may be necessary, causing disruption to services and in some cases significant financial penalties. CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS In order for the asset management plan to be effective over an extended timeframe, these risks were analysed in the present day but also for three time epochs: 2025, 2055 and 2115. CASE STUDY JBA Consulting has now completed the assessment of over 150 CERD assets across the Route and has developed a comprehensive management plan, which

is in the process of being actioned. The system is now being rolled out across the Western and London North West Routes, considering a further 100 CERD assets protecting many miles of track and infrastructure. New system developments are also underway with a cloud-based storage and viewing platform being considered. Andy Cross, Network Rail Wales Route asset manager, said: “This innovative approach to coastal asset management has put us in a position where we can now look forward in the way we manage our assets”. “It provides the basis for whole life asset management, enabling us to explore further innovations with our supply chain as well as other coastal asset owners. Working with JBA has been refreshing and rewarding as we have jointly developed this smarter approach.”

AssetCoast has won various awards for Innovation presented by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and was a contributing factor to JBA being awarded the NCE100 Technology Champion award. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.jbaconsulting.com

Volume 24.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Local Government Written by Cllr Philip Atkins, County Councils Network

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

COUNTY COUNCILS

A county council perspective for 2017 Cllr Philip Atkins, vice chairman of the County Councils Network and leader of Staffordshire County Council, outlines hopes for the new year, including fairer funding for county authorities, the LGFS and social care Politics in 2016 was turbulent to say the very least. The changes at the top within Westminster will undoubtedly continue to have an impact on local government, so the sector can look forward to another eventful twelve months. Aside from Brexit, expect plenty of the local government narrative to be framed around the ongoing social care crisis, budgetary pressures on frontline services, children’s services, the devolution agenda, and the move to full business rate retention. However, in all the debate over business rate retention, what may have slipped under the radar is the ever-pressing need for a more equitable

funding system for local government. All of the big ticket services and policies outlined above will only be sustainable if fairer funding is placed at the heart of them, based on the real cost drivers for councils of delivering these services in their areas. The current method of financing councils is based on a formula that is outdated, and does not relate to the demographic and demand‑led needs of counties today. As a consequence, they have been historically underfunded compared to comparable upper‑tier councils. DISPROPORTIONATE FUNDING Clearly, the sector has had to grapple (successfully) with an unprecedented efficiency drive, with a 40 per cent reduction in budgets between 2010 and 2015, but in England’s counties, these pressures are more pronounced due to this underfunding. Per head funding for counties is an average of £261, lower than any other comparable local authority type. This figure is less than half of what a taxpayer in inner London can expect; they receive an average of £553 per head for their services. This directly impacts on rural residents, who make up some 25 million of the country’s population, skewing council tax bills up and down England. This disproportionate funding for inner London councils meant that 13 of them were in a position during 2016/17 to freeze or reduce their council tax bills; while virtually every county council had little option but to implement rises. Residents in Westminster paid £669 this financial year; while rural ratepayers were paying close to treble this amount in the likes of Dorset, Lancashire, and Nottinghamshire. Indeed, someone living in a multi-million pound mansion in Westminster pays £1,337.62 less council tax than a Band C home in the

ts Residennster mi in West 69 this paid £6 ear; while ly financiaratepayers rural ing close to y were paeble this tr amount

villages I represent around Uttoxeter. Unfortunately, we are currently in a situation whereby rural residents are unfairly subsidising services enjoyed by residents in more affluent parts of the country. They are being penalised by geography. This is not as a result of financial mismanagement. County authorities have embraced austerity, delivering some of the biggest efficiency savings in the public sector, streamlining support costs and championing partnership working to make themselves more lean, freeing up resource to be spent on frontline services that matter to residents. Counties spend less than two per cent of their budgets on support services, the lowest out of any other local authority type, while our authorities have reduced employee expenditure by 31 per cent over the last Parliament – again, more than any other local authority type. THE UNDER-FUNDING KNOCK-ON EFFECT Yet, going back to the frontline, the underfunding of County Council Network (CCN) member councils also adds considerable pressure to the services we deliver to residents. Counties face some of the biggest demand led pressures on their budgets, due to their size and demographics. Children’s services is one of the biggest areas of expenditure, and referrals grew 11 per cent during last Parliament, which was against a national reduction. The most vivid impact is on adult social care. The care crisis needs no introduction, having been so heavily covered in the national media over the last few months. However, it is more acute in rural areas, which are home to the largest and fastest-growing elderly population, which is forecast to rise by two per cent each year over the next five years. Indeed, demand for elderly care services grew 8.5 per cent during last Parliament. As coverage has shown, it is a pressure that has not abated heading into 2017. Recent criticism levelled at local government over performance is based on overly‑simplistic data that does not break down populations by per-head ratio. It is entirely plausible that the areas with the largest populations, not least the largest elderly concentration, would see higher numbers of delayed discharges from hospital. And the reality is further complex still: care markets, squeezed to the limit, are reducing, and therefore being able to provide care packages at short notice so patients can leave hospital is becoming increasingly difficult for both state and self-funders. The short-term measures announced by the government last month will only have a nominal effect. Re-routing New Homes Bonus money is a welcome and logical step, considering the government is looking to incentivise housebuilding using other means, and the proposal acknowledges the immediacy of the social care crisis. But, considering some

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE INTEGRATION Health and social care integration is an ambition shared by local and central government, and true integration could help pave the way for sustainable local services and care markets, as well as reducing demand on the NHS locally. Here, counties can play a major part in ensuring the integration agenda is a success. Their financial prudence, maximising efficiencies through transforming services, at a time when NHS budgets have been protected, should spread to the wider health service, while counties’ size, expertise, and ability to successfully work with partners, shows they should be trusted to lead this drive for more joined up health services. But integration will only go some way to fixing social care – fairer funding is crucial to any solution for the sector. Around half of county authority budgets are currently spent on social care, illustrating the demand and pressures, yet county per head funding for elderly residents is the lowest of any other local authority type. In essence, funding does not follow need nor demand on local services, and CCN has long called for this to be addressed. Last year, CCN played a pivotal role in securing the DCLG ‘fairer funding’ needs-based review, which will examine the current method of funding councils and could offer the opportunity to redress funding inequalities in the system. Encouragingly, this review, announced last year, is still on the government’s agenda. Before the winter Parliamentary recess, Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said he will report back on the review’s progress this year. In the coming months, CCN will be stepping up its efforts in advocating fairer funding

Local Government

CCN member councils may not benefit at all from this, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) should consider targeted transitional measures for upper-tier councils facing a reduction in funding in order to safeguard frontline life-critical services. Furthermore, frontloading the social care precept, while it will provide a short-term injection of cash, could leave some authorities worse off if they chose that option rather than a two per cent uplift over the next three years. Therefore, intelligent solutions, backed by genuinely new funding, are needed for a long-term solution to adult social care. Last month, Communities Secretary Sajid Javid referenced the innovative work of Oxfordshire, which has driven down its delayed transfers of care through partnership working, clever methods, and targeting resource to where it is most needed, as well as Northumberland; which is well advanced in creating health and social care integration in its communities. This good practice is showcased in counties up and down the country; social care users in counties are most satisfied with the services they receive.

It is more acute in rural areas, which are home to the largest and fastest-growing elderly population, which is forecast to rise by two per cent each year over the next five years for county authorities, and making the case for the acceleration of this review so member councils are well placed to deal with the extreme pressures they face now. FULL BUSINESS RATE RETENTION Speeding up this review is also crucial ahead of another major change on the horizon for local government: full business rate retention. As CCN’s research last year showed, designing a new system will be incredibly complex, and is fraught with risk that pockets of England will prosper, while others stagnate – failing to produce an economy that works for everyone. Yet a fairer methodology of financing local councils is vitally important in designing a business rates system that will work, otherwise the current unfair nature of funding risks being embedded into a system, rendering it unsustainable after only a few years. Establishing a baseline of funding needed for an acceptable level of service delivery, and accounting for counties’ future and current pressures, will ensure the new system is fit for purpose, enabling local economies to flourish and grow. Elsewhere, there will be plenty of other talking points in local government. For example, the two independent reports on structural reform that CCN commissioned generated plenty of debate late last year. Due to the severe financial pressures faced by counties, a number of councils across the country are looking at structural reform to protect and transform services and, due to the huge potential savings generated

from the single county unitary model, enable them to address the significant financial funding pressures they face. CCN released the reports as an evidence base for central and local government, and government Ministers and the Secretary of State have acknowledged their value. Overall, the evidence shows that maintaining county structures in any reform has a convincing financial, non‑financial, and sustainability argument, especially when considering the need for further public service reform. However, each proposal has its own pros and cons; there is no one-size fits all model. And the importance of counties, as England’s biggest and most historic local authorities, cannot be overstated for a government that has placed productivity at the heart of its economic policy. Counties are the biggest contributors to the national economy – generating 41 per cent of England’s GVA, and their potential must be tapped into. However, fairer funding goes hand‑in‑hand with unlocking this potential; creating sustainable local services, putting in infrastructure to generate growth, and ensuring the transition to full business rate retention is a workable model are necessary for thriving local economies. We look forward to working with government on the needs‑based review this year. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.countycouncilsnetwork.org.uk

Volume 24.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Health & Safety Event

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

EVENT PREVIEW

Three days to save a life The Health & Safety Event provides the perfect networking and educational opportunity to anyone responsible for running a safe and efficient workplace, anywhere in the UK. Government Business previews March’s conference at Birmingham’s NEC Public sector delegates at The Health & Safety Event can look forward to a wider array of seminars, features and exhibitors than ever before. The 2017 conference and exhibition, which runs from 21-23 March at Birmingham NEC, aims to provide central and local government professionals with an unparalleled insight into the latest trends and developments affecting the health and safety sector. Organiser Western Business Exhibitions has expanded the event once again, adding new features to the programme and building more alliances with industry organisations to ensure a valuable visitor experience. The event shares its location with three other exhibitions that represent related industries – Maintec 2017, Facilities Management 2017 and the newly‑launched Fire Safety Event, which makes its debut this year – enabling visitors to maximise the value of their visit to the NEC. NEW FOR 2017 New features of The Health and Safety Event include an exciting partnership with the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF), which has chosen to stage the BSIF Safety Awards at the event for the

first time. The BSIF will invite entrants in its Product Innovation Awards to pitch their products to a judging panel in front of a live audience before announcing the winners. The British Safety Council has curated the main conference programme, which has been designed to support the continuing professional development (CPD) of delegates. Best practice guidance will be shared across key industry topics such as workplace well-being, personal resilience, embedding a health and safety culture, mental health and legal compliance, while the impacts of Brexit will also be explored. Additionally, the event’s Safety Dialogue Theatre, sponsored by 3M and the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), continues to expand its line-up, with seminars covering respiratory hazards, training and competence, hearing, fall protection and the groundbreaking Locher Project, which is aimed at encouraging younger people to champion health and safety issues. A line-up of respected panellists will debate these prominent issues in a series of lively discussions. The third seminar platform, Safer Logistics, sponsored by A-Safe and Toyota, offers a programme of seminars providing practical advice on overcoming safety challenges surrounding warehouse and forklift operations. Another area of discussion will be load integrity on HGVs and vans, and how the police, together with the Driver Vehicle Standards Agency, are being trained to carry out stop and inspect operations. Experts believe this will lead to more inspections and prosecutions going forward. Seminars will be led by both sponsors, as well as industry organisations – the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL), the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT), the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) and the Regulatory

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Body for Workplace Transport Training (RTITB). The BSIF and United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) will also be lending their support. The aim of the Safer Logistics is to encourage managers in the supply chain to take a proactive approach to safety. Meanwhile, the NEBOSH Education Pavillion, managed by the National Examination Board of Safety and Health, serves as a central point providing access to a multitude of training providers. This area of the exhibition, centred around a café, has an ‘Ask The Expert’ feature and will also offer enhanced opportunities for networking. Introducing the main conference programme, Louise Ward, policy, standards and communications director at the British Safety Council, explained: “We recognise that many delegates come and sit in all of the seminar sessions during the day because they want to build their CPD. What we’ve tried to do is balance this year’s educational programme so that each day delegates get the opportunity to experience a variety of educational presentations, including legal updates, interactive sessions and best practice case studies. We’ve also deliberately chosen to run with three one-hour sessions each day so that delegates can easily attend the other theatre sessions and really get the most out of all of the presentations on offer.” This year’s event offers visitors a wealth of industry expertise, which reflects the latest thought leadership, key developments in legislation and policy and practice as well as important insights into technological innovations. CONFERENCE SESSIONS Setting the scene on the first morning, Chris Green, a partner at leading law firm Weightmans, will deliver an overview of recent health and safety prosecutions. A year on from its introduction, he will pay particular attention to the impact of the sentencing guidelines over the past 12 months and what the prosecution trend could mean for businesses going forward. Drawing on the positive delegate feedback received at Health and Safety North in 2016, Mark Davies will present a thought‑provoking and highly interactive session that focuses on building personal resilience and the importance of rest and recovery. The director at consultancy 7Futures will draw on his extensive experience of working with elite performers, sports personalities and the military to explain how delegates can manage rest and recovery to maximise their well-being and effectiveness. Founder of the RyderMarsh consultancies, esteemed author and culture change guru Professor Tim Marsh closes the first day with a spotlight on well-being in the workplace. Tim has developed a toolkit on well-being and will offer guidance on how best to address this important issue before going on to provide handy case studies to illustrate good practice.

DISCUSSING EMERGING TRENDS The second day kicks off with a fascinating case study from Sue Greatorex and Richard Byrne of BSS Industrial, part of Travis Perkins Plc. In this session, the commercial director and safety director will highlight the innovative work that BSS is undertaking to achieve effective collaboration with its key supply chain partners on health and safety. Delegates will be particularly interested in the next session – an interactive panel debate chaired by the British Safety Council’s Louise Ward, which brings together a trio of experts from both sides of the legal fence. With senior representatives from law firms Weightmans and Pinsent Masons and a leading figure from the UK watchdog, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the

three panellists will highlight and discuss key emerging trends in regulation before opening up the floor to the audience. Chris Green returns from Weightmans to highlight the HSE’s highly controversial fee for intervention, the sentencing guidelines and new developments emerging from the health and safety regulator’s 2016 strategy. Kevin Bridges, partner at Pinsent Masons, will touch on Brexit and its potential impact in the medium-to-long term. He’ll also emphasise the new sentencing guidelines, how it is playing out and the recent level of fines, arguing that ‘the guidelines should act as an incentive for business to invest properly in good health and safety compliance’. Bringing the second day to a close, behavioural safety and culture change expert Mark Ormond, director at Tribe, will offer a fascinating presentation on the role of effective conversations in driving improvements in health and safety culture and performance. The third, and final, day kicks off with an increasingly important and topical health and safety issue. Launched in January, initially in the construction sector, Mates in Mind is a new mental health initiative, which aims to raise awareness of the prevalence of mental health in the UK. Sponsored by the British Safety Council, the initiative highlights how organisations can play an important

Health & Safety Event

He explained: “Well-being is such a bigger area than safety with far more of a win: win potential. A typical worker is something like 35 times more likely to attend the funeral of a colleague who has committed suicide rather than been killed in an accident. Also empowerment and engagement rates lag well behind the G7 average. Studies worldwide suggest that it’s being tackled piecemeal and often without applying the hard won lessons from safety. I’ll be arguing that we need a holistic, practical and co-ordinated approach – just like the best safety work.”

role in supporting mental health well-being for their workforce. A speaker from the charity, Mates in Mind, will explain how the initiative will work and outline the help and support that is available for workers. Delegates will want to stay around for the second, and final, session at this year’s event – a two-hour mock trial, which gives audience members the unique opportunity to experience a court room situation first hand. Divided into two parts, the trial follows an accident on a construction site that leaves a worker suffering from concussion and broken bones. Audience members will then listen to witnesses present their evidence and hear the judge sum up the proceedings before taking on the role of the jury and casting their guilty or not guilty vote. Led by a team of specialist health and safety lawyers from Pinsent Masons, this fascinating finale to this year’s event will conclude with a wider discussion with the audience, during which the legal team will run through the reasoning behind the final sentence and explore the key legal principles involved. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.healthandsafetyevents.co.uk

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Security Written by Craig Swallow, British Security Industry Association

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

LONE WORKING

Raising security for the lone worker Craig Swallow, chairman of the British Security Industry Association’s Lone Worker section, discusses the place of lone worker security in today’s world In modern day society, it is becoming increasingly common for people to be more mobile in their roles, which can often mean in many cases that they are working alone. There are over six million people in the UK that work either in isolation or without direct supervision across a wide array of industries including transport, healthcare, retail and hospitality.

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TAKING RESPONSIBILITY Employers have a wealth of responsibilities, particularly when it comes to the health, safety and welfare of all their employees whilst at work. Under Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act, employers have a general duty to provide a safe place of work, a safe system of work, competent fellow employees and a common law duty to ensure they take reasonable care for the safety and health of their employees. On 1 February this year, the sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences were revised, with higher penalties being issued to those who do not comply. As a direct result of this, we have seen more organisations, particularly larger ones in both the public and private sector, taking into account the importance of lone worker safety. There have now been many companies fined for health and safety breaches within larger companies, which are defined as those with over £50 million revenue, seeing multi-million pound fines. Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are also being fined £100,000s, which is also a big hit to businesses of their size. In addition to this, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have also pursued individual directors and senior managers, with many fines and custodial sentences being levied. Needless to say, it’s serious business and there is no room for error when it comes to employee safety. Lone workers can be found in a wide range of roles, including security officers, front-of-house hotel staff, motorway services personnel, engineers and delivery drivers.

Working in isolation can either be a regular or occasional occurrence for an employee, but if there’s any chance they will be working alone then it is essential that they are adequately protected. Lone working can be intimidating and also, at times, dangerous, being faced with a number of dangers, including physical violence, verbal threats and even armed robberies. As such, lone worker safety

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 24.1

is not just about safeguarding employees but also offering peace of mind to those involved. The lone worker section of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) is still a relatively young section, comprised of companies that recognised the growing need for businesses to consider lone worker risk. With the implementation of stricter Health and Safety legislation, coupled with the introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter Act in 2007, the market has accelerated over the last five years, with a growing awareness of the cost of reputational brand damage, the cost to insure workers operating out of hours and the desire to recruit and keep quality staff meaning credible employers are taking the subject matter seriously. The UK is the most advanced market in the world when it comes to understanding the topic of lone worker risks and the deployment of dedicated lone worker devices. The UK also benefits from a very joined up relationship between industry providers and the police, which, in a large part, is thanks to the work of the BSIA’s Lone Worker Section. TECHNOLOGY ADVANCES The development of technology and practice in the field of lone worker security has focused on encouraging and enabling lone workers to consider the risks they might face in their roles and subsequently provide

them with the means both to summon aid in the event of an emergency, but also to collect vital information that can be used as evidence should the situation call for it. As a result, there is now an array of lone worker devices on the market, including applications on smartphones and GPS/GSM devices, which connect employees quickly and discreetly with an emergency response system. Such devices are connected to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), which receives and manages activations and can quickly request emergency services or another appropriate response if required. If a lone worker feels that they are entering an area with a potential risk, they can send a pre‑activation message to inform the ARC, if any problems then occur, the device can be activated to summon help. Activating the device triggers a voice call to the ARC, where trained operators monitor the audio channel in real time, enabling them to assess the situation and alert the police if necessary. BS 8484 – ENSURING AN EFFECTIVE POLICE RESPONSE When it comes to lone worker safety, one of the most important factors to consider is whether or not the supplier is certified to BS 8484, the Code of Practice for the provision of Lone Worker Services which was updated and re-published this year. This is absolutely

Security

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

There are over six million people in the UK that work either in isolation or without direct supervision across a wide array of industries including transport, healthcare, retail and hospitality when a level response would Overall, the key message here is that essential as it1ispolice the basis on which thebepolice appropriate. The worker URN system enables an effective lone worker security can only be respond to lone systems and how ARC to bypass the usual 999want route, thereby ensured when sourcing a solution from a they do it. Put simply, if you the fastest ensuring quicker response police. credible supplier. The BSIA recommends response afrom the police, youbymust have a BSOne on-going challenge willa affect that the choice of provider should be based 8484 compliant solutionthat from supplier both employers of lone annually workers and suppliers on their ability to demonstrate compliance accredited and audited to the of lone worker services is the continued with BS 8484, which can be confirmed by a standard. A priority police response cannot focus from the police on when they should copy of a certificate from either the NSI or be guaranteed by a supplier who doesn’t be involved a response to an incident.toIn SSAIB. Members of the BSIA’s Lone Worker meet with BSin8484; it is also important the last that year,the members the BSIA’s Section all comply with BS 8484 and are be sure chosenofsupplier canLone prove Worker Section haveofworked tirelessly with well-established reputable suppliers with they comply by way certification against the NPCC4,to5,ensure that certified ARCs. As a section, we are focused sections and 6 of theappropriate standard. rules of engagement arebefore, used for when a police URN on helping employers of mobile, lone working As mentioned lone worker devices (level 1 response), 101 escalation staff, by delivering highly professional service are linked up to an999 ARC,ortherefore, it is is used. All section unanimously offerings and supporting managers and essential that themembers ARC alsohave meets with supported the work of the police here, as business owners alike in reducing risk. All essential British and/or European standards we recognise the need to avoid their time section members subscribe to a belief that around the physical security of the building, and being wasted. reducing such risks genuinely help deliver our staffresource security vetting and callEmployers handling of lone workers to takeARC heedmust in this clients true value and cost reductions. L response times. Aneed compliant be regard and stick suppliers who comply in operation 24/7toand have the ability to with BS 8484, as that is theira guarantee that FURTHER INFORMATION reinstate services following catastrophic aevent URNsuch Police can beCertification managed. www.bsia.co.uk/lone-workers asresponse a fire or flood. of section 7 of BS 8484:2016 and BS 5979 Cat II are the current standards that an ARC must Protect and monitor your meet as a minimum, lone workers although any ARCs Turn any smart device into a safety tool applying for new accreditations are expected to meet requirements for BS 8591 or EN50518, both of which replace BS5979. The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Security Systems Policy permits these accredited ARCs to StaySafe keeps your staff protected 24/7 be granted a Unique ReferenceMeet Number your duty of care with our intuitive and discreet (URN) by eachpanic UK alerts and accurate location monitoring police force. A trained and certified ARC Contact us today to set up your free trial operator will listen in to audio received from a lone worker device activation, Flexible and Always Low cost & if safe to Easy do so use available scalable speaks totothe user, customisable and then considers this, alongside other information, to determine whether www.staysafeapp.com requesting hello@staysafeapp.com (+44) 844 561 7233

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WELSH CULTURE

Wales – 2017’s idealistic destination for events

Conferences & Events

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

With a colourful history, distinct culture and beautiful landscape, it is not difficult to understand what makes Wales the perfect destination for conference and events. Looking at the boasts of the its cities and coastline, Government Business explains why Wales is virtually tailor-made for meetings and conferences, offering the combination of a wide choice of locations, historic and modern venues, excellent support services, communications, leisure and entertainment. Visit Wales, the body which looks after Wales’ tourism and marketing policy, claims that ‘every corner of Wales has something to discover’, and with three national parks offering a beauty that is hard to match, is it not difficult to agree. Tourism, at its very routes, relies upon the integrity of the national environment, and the coastlines and landscapes of the Welsh land form the basis of the country’s tourism offering - making it a leading operator of sustainable tourism. Back in 2010, Eirlys Thomas, head of marketing networks at Visit Wales, told Government Business that ‘Wales is often described as a hidden gem in the conferencing market’ but that the ‘diversity of offer means we [Visit Wales] can tailor make unique packages to suit specific individual requirements’. But with large funding cuts for the tourism and events industry having taken place since 2010, is

the hidden gem still a popular and desirable destination for those seeking to host conferences, events and public sector meetings – as well as general tourist trips? The results from December’s Great Britain Day Visits Survey certainly suggests so, with the number of tourism day visits made to Wales in the 12 months ending October 2016 increasing by nearly 29 per cent compared to the previous year, while the amount spent has increased by more than 40 per cent. This equates to 96.1 million tourism day visits, with an associated spend of £3,685 million across the 12 month period. Most interestingly, the increase in Welsh tourism is reasonably heightened when analysed alongside the overall British trip figures, which saw an increase of 11 per cent. Spend per visit

The of numbery visits da tourismWales in the o made t nths ending o 12 m ber 2016 Octo by nearly ed increas per cent 29

is now higher in Wales than in Great Britain as a whole, with an average spend of £38 per visit in Wales, compared with £34 per visit across Britain. Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for the Economy and Infrastructure, said of the results: “As one of our measures of tourism performance, it’s extremely good news that such a big increase has been reported in the number of people coming here on day trips and the amount these visitors spend. We had a fantastic spell of weather during October which was sunnier and drier than in 2015, however, the figures show that Wales is still outperforming other areas of the UK – who would have also enjoyed the favourable weather. “This means that our marketing work, the commitment from our industry and the innovative products which we’ve developed is having an impact. This excellent news as we look at bringing the Year of Adventure 2016 in Wales to a close. We’re now looking at working with the industry to deliver an unforgettable Year of Legends in 2017, which will give people even more compelling reasons to visit Wales.” CITY OFFERING Just two hours from London, Cardiff is fast becoming one of the UK’s top destinations for conventions, conferences and business meetings. With E

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Conferences | Meeting Rooms | Events | Accommodation

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The Beaches Hotel is the ideal setting for your meeting, launch or conference. From small interview rooms to large meetings, presentations and receptions, we can cater for your every need. We offer a choice of buffets, finger foods and refreshments for your guests and we are always happy to discuss your special requirements and ideas. We can also offer a range of team‑building activities for your group and we have excellent relationships with top suppliers. Our conference and events coordinator will help with your plans and be on hand on the day to ensure your event is a success. Email: info@thebeacheshotel.com

WELSH CULTURE  historic castles, 5 star waterfront venues, international stadia, and a mixture of prestigious halls and modern facilities, the Welsh capital city is an extensive and cultural destination for corporate events. Known as the fastest growing major urban area in the UK, Cardiff offers a dynamic culture, great value for money, connected transport and a reputation as a major events city. Situated at the heart of the city, Cardiff Castle defines what a prestigious venue should be, perfect for large scale functions or intimate gatherings within its private hire rooms. The medieval interior and decorations, particularly in the Banqueting Hall, provide an enchanting environment for any dinner or banquet. If an impressive exterior is more suite to the planned meeting or event, then Cardiff City Hall has the facilities to cater for the perfect conference, exhibition, awards ceremony or prestigious dinner. Landscaped gardens and broad tree-lined avenues create a picturesque setting, while the versatile Assembly Room, which can accommodate up to 600 delegates for a conference, offers an interior which loses none of the splendour of the exterior. For a more typical venue, Wales Millennium Centre possesses world-class facilities and award-winning hospitality which make it ideal for conferences, business meetings and banqueting. The Centre hosts events of all sizes every week of the year, ranging from small training sessions for 10 people to week‑long conference facilities that can receive 1,000 delegates. Likewise, Cardiff University is accustomed to hosting a wide range of conferences and meetings all year round. With accommodation on campus available during the Summer months, the university also offers a 230 capacity purpose built conference centre and a selection of smaller executive meeting rooms. Remaining on the theme of academic venues, the University of South Wales offer a great choice of high quality, academic venues in South Wales, spanning across Pontypridd, Cardiff and Newport. With ideal transport links, parking facilities and reasonable prices, the locations are available for conferences, meetings, training courses, exhibitions, awards ceremonies and dinners. Uniquely overlooking one of the UK’s most beautiful parks surrounding Cardiff Castle, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama contains an open-air courtyard, a magnificent glass-walled banqueting hall, a renowned concert hall and exhibition gallery. Away from the capital city, Wales’ waterfront city Swansea offers a wide range of conference venues, with delegates able to enjoy a range of unique experiences, from water-based team building exercises, to rural weekend retreats. Like its Cardiff counterpart, Swansea University has the facilities and capability to offer accommodation for large groups. In close proximity to Swansea Bay, Mumbles and the Gower Peninsula, Swansea University also offers a £20 million sports village, including

Conferences & Events

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In 2012, Wales became the first country in the world to have a dedicated footpath along its entire coastline, offering roughly 750 miles of largely unspoilt coastline to its natives and visitors the Wales National Pool, an 80‑station gym and a well equipped sports hall. Also in Swansea, as one of the city’s most noticeable landmarks, The Brangwyn represents a popular centre of social and cultural life, regularly used for functions, award ceremonies, events and concerts. With modern technology, and a multi-million pound refurbishment, the Brangwyn guarantees a unique and quality service, and with a range of rooms available, the building is ideal for large conferences, training days, team‑building activities and corporate meetings. A REASON TO BOAST ON THE COAST In 2012, Wales became the first country in the world to have a dedicated footpath along its entire coastline. That means that it can offer roughly 750 miles of largely unspoilt coastline to its natives and visitors, which can prove an enticing incentive for those visiting the country. A Welsh government report, published in December 2016, which undertook a face to face survey of 1,483 groups on the Wales Coast Path, has found that walkers on the Welsh coast spent £84.7 million in 2014. Quentin Grimley, coastal access project officer at Natural Resources Wales (NRW), said: “It’s good to see so many local people

and visitors exploring Wales’ magnificent coastline. The spectacular Welsh coastline offers walkers numerous options. There are strenuous walks along towering cliffs and rugged headlands, to gentle strolls along sandy beaches or on the promenades of our famous seaside resorts. Linking them all is the 870 mile long Wales Coast Path which runs right around the country’s coast from Chester to Chepstow. Our environment is the most valuable natural asset we have and the Welsh coast is an example of this.” Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel for 2017 features a high-profile, agenda-setting selection of destinations, offering tourists something new that they possibly haven’t thought about before. Reasons for inclusion can be beautiful scenery, amazing adventuring opportunities or exquisite cuisine. North Wales, as the only UK based inclusion, ‘earned its place as a must-see destination for 2017 thanks to the region’s reinvention‘, which has seen an old aluminium works in Dolgarrog redeveloped into Surf Snowdonia and Penrhyn Quarry become the amazing setting for Zip World Velocity. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.visitwales.com

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International Confex Written by Mash Media

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EVENT PREVIEW

International Confex: supporting public sector events International Confex will open its doors on the 1-2 March at Olympia London. The show will co-locate with the Event Production Show and *office to become the biggest global gathering of event professionals in the UK. Event organisers Mash Media preview the shows There will be event organisers of every kind within the International Confex show, from corporate, and public, to PA and with a special welcome to our guests within government sectors. Executives from the public sector will be able to learn from other event professionals, but also benefit from the large quantity, and quality, of event support services and suppliers; making International Confex the perfect place to design and better execute your events programme. Organisers have also curated an educational programme that will speak to event professionals regardless of their level of expertise, and create a personalised experience that will give them all the tools, information and relationships that they need to make their event the very best it can be. INNOVATIVE BRANDS In fact, within the walls of International Confex, you will find over 500 businesses and brands that support the event industry around the world, every day – from venues, catering companies, event technology brands, to event support services. These businesses will be showcasing new event

products that will aid event professionals in creating their perfect event. The show will be split into multiple areas that allows visitors to negotiate every aspect of event creation. Destinations and venues from around the world will lead to event support services; event management companies will lead into event technology. Event theming, branding and marketing will also be represented through some of the most innovative businesses in the industry. The result will be an easily navigable experience for event professionals to get the information and inspiration they want quickly and easily, but also in their own time. The event allows visitors to pre‑schedule meetings with specific businesses ahead of the event, however they are not hosted and so have the option to visit the stands they want, when they want. THE INDUSTRY’S BIGGEST CONFERENCE In addition, International Confex will also see the largest conference aimed at event professionals in the UK, with multiple

The tional Interna ow will sh Confex nto multiple i be split that allows areas o negotiate t visitorsy aspect of ever eation r c t n e ev

streams curated to spread ideas and inspiration specifically to public sector executives. The show has linked in with a series of partners that will contribute to the conference content, including the Global Sustainable Events Summit, AEO, ILEA and the Association of Association Executives. Confex is a proud supporter of the Global Sustainable Events Summit which once again gained critical acclaim for the industry, bringing together speakers from Anglian Water, Formula E, Sky, Delta Lloyd, Ethical Corp, UFI and VM Ware. Organisers of the summit will bring a taste of the event into International Confex in March, with the show also promising several sustainable initiatives on the show floor as well. Also, making up part of the educational programme will be The Sales Conference, in partnership with the AEO, on day one (1 March) of the event. This programme will feature up-to-date trends and motivational sales techniques from opinion leaders across business. Meanwhile a series of sessions ‘fuelled by ILEA’, will look at the perspectives of businesses and brands in engaging the events industry. Again, the content will feature surprising and inspirational sessions that bring to life the role of experience in growing the events industry’s status in business. The Association of Association Executives will once again partner with International Confex to deliver the Association Day on day two (2 March) of the show. Last year the event saw over 400 association buyers in attendance, many of them connected with governmental events, and over half of which chose to attend the educational programme and sponsored lunch created for them to network and share perspectives on association meetings. THE LARGEST TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION On top of the educational programming will be the return of one of the quickest growing features in the show; EventTech 17. The ‘exhibition within an exhibition’ will feature its own education seminar, a specially created

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 24.1

International Confex

‘Tech Play Room’ and will be surrounded by some of the most forward thinking businesses working in global event tech at the moment. Within the show there will be the Event Tech Lab, showcasing new businesses entering the industry with new products that will dictate the lives of event organisers and their delegates for years to come. Again, with the best brands in the business comes the best support services and EventTech 17 will include products from delegate management systems, to social media amplification, from RFID and NFC audience communication, to iBeacons. EventTech is an area that is changing the way the industry operates and event professionals will receive advice and education, as well as inspiration within the exhibition.

and from breakfast briefings to afternoon networking. There will also be plenty of time to spend amongst the businesses and brands that talk directly to secretarial executives. This year, stands will include goods and services from sectors as broad as HR and staffing, venues and events, event management, and health and well-being. Within the show there will even be specialist content for virtual assistants, including a specially curated conference as well as an awards programme. Finally, there will be the *office HR & Career Hub, again perfectly tailored towards the ambitious professional.

*OFFICE: THE PA & EA’S SHOW Finally, visitors to Olympia London, will have the chance to visit *office, the premier event for PA’s, EA’s and office managers. Within the event, the conference programme combines seminars that will aid executives in their day to day roles, from office management to project management, from personal development to professional development. Alongside the seminar theatre will be networking opportunities to share and socialise with peers of every level, from starting out to seasoned professional,

THE INDUSTRY’S FESTIVAL OF EVENTS International Confex will once again co‑locate with the Event Production Show bringing event professionals for both indoor business and outdoor events together again, to share learning. Owners Mash Media will also be encouraging audiences of both shows to visit *office, the PA show, which will also have its own dedicated area with relevant education and the best support services and brands for the PA, EA, executive secretary and office management audience. Outside of this, the shows will also form

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an integral part of UK Events Week which returns for the second time from 27 February – 3 March. The week will bring together content from across the industry, as well as marketing and business, to form a festival of events. The celebration will fly the flag for the events industry and underline its growing influence in the world of sales, marketing, and human resources. Last year the event saw leading brands including MasterCard, Shell, Renault, BAT and Gett, join technology giants including twitter, Facebook and Google, in a series of dinners, seminars and forums, all aimed towards businesses. UK Events Week, will take place throughout the week of Confex, providing new reasons for eventprofs to be in London that week, and soak up even more powerful content. The events industry remains one of the most dynamic places to work in right now. Last year Confex saw thousands of event professionals do business, learn, and network throughout the week, we’re looking forward to inviting them all back in 2017. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.international-confex.com

An inspired thinking space with a range of suites The Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa in Newquay is a cool beachside hotel with coastal chic by the bucket load. The contemporary hotel in Cornwall has 71 cool comfortable rooms and suites, a stylish spa, a laid-back lounge bar and vibrant beachside restaurant. The Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa’s jaw-dropping ocean views are the ultimate backdrop for wild Cornish adventures, coastal getaways and romantic weekend retreats in Cornwall. Wake to the sound of waves breaking on the beach and cast your troubles away in the oasis of cool and calm – Fistral Spa – complete with vitality pool, sauna and nine treatment rooms, the luxury Fistral Spa in Newquay is designed for intense relaxation. Newquay is, unarguably, the coolest of all the Cornish towns and the Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa is the go-to vacation venue

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if you like to live life to the luxe. With an active year round events calendar including the annual surf, skate and music festival Boardmasters, the UK Pro Surfing Association’s spectacular night surfing competition and the Electric Beach music festival, the Hotel’s location overlooking the UK’s top surfing Fistral beach means that it is perfectly positioned to take in the action, and to take on the swells. #CheckInChillOut FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01637 852221 reservations@ fistralbeachhotel.co.uk www.fistralbeachhotel.co.uk

Volume 24.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Paper Free Written by Bob Larrivee, chief analyst, AIIM

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

EFFICIENT WORKPLACE

Will we ever see a paper-free public sector? Bob Larrivee, chief analyst at AIIM, looks at the paper-free progress made by the public sector as organisations migrate to a more digital workplace Few people would dispute that a paper‑free workplace is a hugely attractive proposition. It’s a much-discussed topic and many government departments, including the NHS and Ministry of Justice, now have targets set for going paperless. Sustainability charity WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) has released data that reveals how the average office worker uses up to 45 sheets of paper per day.

More than half of this is considered waste. So there are obvious benefits to the environment that come with using significantly less paper. But for many in the public sector, environmental issues are not a primary concern. What interests them is doing things quicker,

smarter and more efficiently. This means both in terms of delivery of services to citizens, and also within the back-office and administration functions in public sector bodies. How far along are public sector organisations with paper-free, is going totally paper-free a realistic goal and how can it be achieved? DIGITAL SERVICE DELIVERY We live in the era of the connected consumer. People are used to doing almost everything online, from shopping and banking, to booking a doctor’s appointment and submitting tax returns. The latter two would fall under the category of digital service delivery, where citizens use digital or online to engage and interact with different areas of the public sector. Each year AIIM conducts research into the paper-free workplace with both private and public sector organisations and 2016’s findings make for promising reading. The top benefit identified from going paper-free was faster customer or citizen response times. In today’s customer‑focused environment, responding to customers or citizens is a growing priority for many organisations, and higher productivity is important to every organisation.

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THE BACK-OFFICE But it’s the back-office processes that I’d really like to focus on in terms of reducing use of paper. The past few years have seen a major increase in content, data and information in the public sector. This helps improve service delivery and in theory, makes for a more open form of government. Some of this content is in physical form, but much of it comes digitally, which is helping drive the move towards paper-free processes in the public sector. This is borne out in the findings from our recent research, Paper-Free in 2016, Are we there yet?, that shows that significant progress has been made in the on-going move towards going paper-free. People want to go paper-free – around two-thirds of business executives revealed that the demand for paperless processes is on the rise – and there is less paper around. The amount of paper arriving at the door is decreasing for half of organisations (somewhat for 41 per cent and rapidly for nine per cent), while digital inbound documents are increasing for two-thirds of respondents. Paper use in certain functions in the public sector has shown strong signs of reduction. Paper use in human resources (HR) is particularly decreasing in the areas of recruitment and employee lifecycle, and paper use is also decreasing for 41 per

cent of people in accounts payables (AP) and 39 per cent in accounts receivables. This is all enormously positive, but there is still much progress to be made. Most in the public sector are still not taking advantage of managing digitally born/ created information entirely in digital form.

When trying to go paper-free in a public sector department, it is important to remember that taking the first step is better than taking no step at all

THE COMFORT FACTOR The truth of the matter is that for many people, paper still just ‘feels’ right. A good example of this can be found in the review and approval of documents. 65 per cent say they are still signing contracts, orders, booking forms, and more on paper. While more than half of respondents in our research do scan documents, this is mostly just for archiving purposes. So why exactly does paper still exist in so parts of the public sector? People like to have paper to read, take notes, and even share. There is a lack of comfort in the digital forms, and while this could be generational, it is just as likely to be cultural in relation to the organisation itself. Leadership must take the leading role in moving their department forward. There should be a clear vision as to why paper-free is beneficial, and the options available from capture to disposal. Capture is one of the most important elements as it brings the information into the information ecosystem, placing under proper control, making it accessible and available for action. So it seems this would be a prime focal point for many organisations, yet when we asked about

capture, only 10 per cent of respondents indicate they capture to process and use adaptive and intelligent process workflows. GOING PAPER-FREE IN 2017 When trying to go paper-free in a public sector department, it is important to remember that taking the first step is better than taking no step at all. Anyone unsure of where or how to begin should seek professional assistance and/ or training to help them set off on the right path. This includes looking to current suppliers and service providers for guidance, as well as seeking industry advice to teach best practices. But capture should be the starting point for anyone embarking on going paper-free, whether it is digitising paper using scanners, or capturing digitally created information immediately and maintaining it in digital form. The first step to managing and ingesting information into the information ecosystem, business processes, and taking action on it sooner. Mobile capture, and the use of cloud enhance this capability by enabling the remote workforce to engage anytime, from any location, and maintain a level of engagement that mimics those workers who are local

Paper Free

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

and resident within the corporate walls. This extension, resulting from being paper-free, takes operational efficiency, productivity, and responsiveness to a new level. Other important factors to consider are change management and executive level support. The fact that our research consistently highlights a lack of management initiatives for going paper-free, would suggest that board members must get behind going paper‑free, sooner rather than later. Without that support, it will always be an uphill battle. It remains unrealistic to think that all processes in the public sector will be paper-free in the near future, but there are definitely certain processes where paper can be removed. The end is in sight when it comes to going paper-free, but it remains a tiny pinprick in the distance for now. L

Bob Larrivee is vice president and chief analyst of Market Intelligence at AIIM, and an internationally recognised expert and thought leader in the fields of information and process management. FURTHER INFORMATION www.aiim.org

Volume 24.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

GT News

IT & COMPUTING FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR – www.governmenttechnology.co.uk

E-READERS

Council libraries should do more to encourage e-readers A report from Better Connected, the annual survey of local authority website performance, has called on council library services to do more to make it easier for people to sign up and use their e-books, e-magazines and e-audio services. Socitim, creater of the Better Connected service, said that the provision of e-resources opens council library facilities to new audiences, including those unable, or disinclined, to visit the library in person. The survey found that eight per cent of visits to council websites involved using library services online. The survey of county council websites explored the user experience of finding out how to sign up for e-books and resources and asked a series of questions. The survey

report highlighted that those responsible for managing library website pages need to account for the fact that processes for borrowing e-books, magazines and audio

resources are different and more complicated than traditional book borrowing and that readers will often need to download software or apps to do so. They will usually need to sign up for accounts with third party providers in addition to having a library account with the council. Sometimes they will need to be signed in with both accounts at the same time in order to access resources. In this context, the report warned that poor wording and the wrong hierarchy of information can make a huge difference to the user’s ability to complete the task. Lack of attention to detail will lead users to give up or phone for further information. READ MORE:

tinyurl.com/zvezevp

BROADBAND

£440m broadband boost for remote regions The government pledged £440 million in December to help up to 600,000 extra homes and business in the hardest-to-reach parts of the UK get superfast broadband. With the money coming from ‘efficiency savings’ and money reinvested by BT as part of the government’s flagship broadband rollout scheme, the funding will seek to deliver quick and reliable Internet connections to remote areas. So far, approximately 4.5 million premises have been given access to superfast broadband, measured at 24Mbps, through the government’s Broadband Delivery UK rollout, with more than 1.5 million signing up for a faster connection, meaning that more than 90 per cent of the UK can now get superfast broadband. The government paid BT in 2010 to roll out superfast broadband in hard-to-reach areas where providers had said it was not cost-effective to install broadband infrastructure. The agreement stated that BT had to repay some of the subsidy if more than 20 per cent of premises in those areas bought superfast broadband. On average, the take-up has been 30.6 per cent. Karen Bradley, Culture Secretary, said: “Strong take-up and robust value-for-money measures mean £440 million will be available for reinvestment where it matters – putting more connections in the ground. This will benefit around 600,000 extra premises and is a further sign of our commitment to build a country that works for everyone.” READ MORE:

tinyurl.com/zw76kfl

£60m tax reform to boost UK’s digital revolution Communities Secretary Sajid Javid has announced a plan for a £60 million tax reform to make it easier for companies to connect more homes and businesses across England to gold standard full fibre broadband. Currently telecoms networks pay business rates on the fibre infrastructure needed to deliver high quality broadband and mobile connectivity to their customers. However, the Local Government Finance Bill will give these companies a tax break for up to five years on the new infrastructure they lay for full fibre broadband, resulting in a saving of £60 million. According to the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), new tax relief will not apply to existing infrastructure, which it claims, will give companies more of an incentive to move further and faster to get people connected to the best services. The move is part of a £1 billion package of measures by the government, announced at

GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE | Volume 15.1

Autumn Statement 2016, to help communities get digitally connected. The package also includes: a £400 million Digital Infrastructure Investment Fund, at least matched by private finance, to invest in new fibre networks over the next four years; £740 million funding to encourage the market development of full fibre networks in both urban and rural areas; and a coordinated programme of integrated fibre and 5G trials, to keep the UK at the forefront of the digital revolution Announcing the news, Javid said: “We need to have the best possible digital technology and broadband connections if we’re to create an economy that works for all. The Local Government Finance Bill will offer a £60 million boost to deliver ever-faster broadband connections, making UK PLC an ever-stronger competitor on the global stage.” READ MORE:

tinyurl.com/huehbka

CCTV

CYBER BREACH

Cornish councils collaborate on CCTV project

GT News

IT & COMPUTING FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR– www.governmenttechnology.co.uk

Barts Health Trust hit by cyber breach

Eight West Cornwall town councils are working together to launch a ‘ground breaking’ CCTV project to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. Funded entirely by the town councils via council tax, the Town Council CCTV project is the brainchild of Hayle Town Council, who, after installing cameras in their own town, approached other local councils to see if they were interested in joining the project. Consequently, the town councils of Camborne, Hayle, Helston, Penzance, Redruth, Truro, Penryn and Falmouth are now taking part in the project with a total of 80 cameras in operation within these locations. Under a contract awarded to Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety Service (CFRCS), the footage from all 80 cameras is

being recorded and monitored by dedicated and specially trained staff based in the service’s Critical Control Centre in Tolvaddon. Rowenna Brock, from Falmouth Town Council, said: “We know that residents in these towns recognised that CCTV was an effective tool in tackling crime and anti‑social behaviour and wanted it to continue to be used. “Many people have told us that the use of CCTV makes them feel safer in their communities. I am delighted we have been able to achieve this by working with the police and the fire and rescue service and I am looking forward to building on the strong partnership which has been developed.”

APPS

VOICE ID

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Barts Health Trust, England’s largest NHS Trust, has investigated an alleged cyber attack. The trust has said it has ruled out ransomware as the cause, and believes Trojan malware to be behind the breach. In a statement, the trust said: “The virus has been quarantined, and all major clinical systems are now up and running. No patient data was affected, there was no unauthorised access to medical records, and our anti-virus protection has now been updated to prevent any recurrence. “In addition to the trust’s core clinical system Cerner Millennium, Radiology and imaging from X-rays and scans continue to be used. The computerised pathology results service is now back online and processing requests as normal - it may take a day or so to deal with the backlog that built up during the short period when we processed requests manually.” The incident follows a similar attack on the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Foundation Trust in October, when malware was used to encrypt files on the trust’s system and demand a ransom in order to access them again. READ MORE:

tinyurl.com/h979kxp

HMRC launches Voice ID tech Seat app launched for pregnant commuters A new app, Babee on Board, has launched in the UK, aimed at helping pregnant women acquire seats on public transport. The app consists of two companion apps that communicate via Bluetooth and allows pregnant women travelling to send a signal alerting people nearby with the app that they are in need of a seat. The app containing the alert button costs £3.99. Hew Leith, chief executive of 10X, the British innovation consultancy behind the app, explained: “We would rather give it away for free but we need to ensure there’s a barrier so people don’t download it for free and troll those around them. “We are donating 100 per cent of the profits to charity.” READ MORE:

http://tinyurl.com/jln9ll5

HMRC has announced it is introducing a new technology to its services that will recognise a customer’s voice when they call and reduce call times. Currently, customers using the HMRC mobile app can already use their fingerprint to access their information. However, starting this month, some customers calling the tax credits and self assessment helplines will be able to enrol for voice identification (Voice ID). It is hoped the move will speed up the security steps customers are asked when calling HMRC and cut down the length of time customers spend on the phone. According to a statement form HMRC, the enrolment process is straightforward. During the call, the customer will be asked to repeat a vocal passphrase up to five times and then be passed back to an adviser to complete their call. In future calls, the securely stored recorded passphrase will be used to confirm their identity. Ruth Owen, HMRC director general for customer services, said: “Millions of our customers are choosing to use our digital services rather than picking up a phone or pen, with more joining them every day. But we know that not everyone can, or wants to, deal with us online, and so we’re continuing to improve our

services across all contact channels. Voice ID is the latest example of the cutting-edge technology we are using to make it easier for people to manage their tax and tax credits.” READ MORE:

tinyurl.com/ho8sjsr

Volume 15.1 | GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE

Data Centre World

IT & COMPUTING FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR – www.governmenttechnology.co.uk

Data Centre World 2017 Visit BPC Energy at stand J35 from 15-16 March 2017, ExCel London • UPS • Emergency Lighting • Inverters • Frequency & Voltage Converters • Rectifiers • Bespoke Solar Commercial Solutions • Generators Register today for your free tickets. Email: sales@bpc-ups.com Call:

+44 (0)1794 521200

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PFS Fueltec: a reliable supplier in the fuel storage equipment industry PFS Fueltec is pleased to be exhibiting for its fourth year, displaying a range of fuel installation products that the company distributes, designed to store, monitor, supply and clean fuel, with the environmental protection benefits as the priority. Exhibiting in partnership with CC Jensen Ltd and Omegaflex PFS Fueltec aims to give the customer the fuel installation package that they specify, incorporating 21st century technology. CC Jensen has a pedigree of manufacturing fuel cleaning systems that goes back over 60 years, supplying units from stock or custom built to a customer’s requirements that filter fuel to 30 micron absolute, while removing water to less than 100PPM. Omegaflex will be exhibiting its well proven secondary contained stainless steel pipe work system called DoubleTrac. This innovative double wall design includes a UV stabilised Nylon 12

outer layer, providing excellent resistance to weathering, and chemical exposure. Elbows and tee’s available to facilitate installations in restricted spaces, double contained flow through maintained throughout all fittings. Also on view will be the floating suction system from FuelActive that enables you to draw from the top of the fuel tanks, and the Franklin Fuelling management system consisting of fuel management, submersible fuel pumps and double wall UPP pipework. FURTHER INFORMATION www.pfsfuel.co.uk

GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE | Volume 15.1

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90 per cent more efficient than air conditioning EcoCooling direct evaporative cooling products and control systems can be used as a carbon friendly alternative to air conditioning to provide up to 90 per cent energy savings at a fraction of the capital cost of a traditional air conditioning system. Consuming only 10 per cent of the energy of traditional refrigeration based cooling systems, using direct evaporative cooling and ventilation can represent an annual saving of more than £35,000 for a 100kW server room. EcoCooling products are suitable for both retrofit and new build; both types of installations have achieved PUEs of less than 1.1. Advantages of using Direct Evaporative Cooling include: No refrigerants, completely natural cooling process; low running and maintenance costs; low carbon and energy use; exploits the maximum amount of free cooling available; and low energy use even at partial population.

Advantages of Using EcoCooling Products include: experienced innovators in fresh air solutions and controls; free solution consultancy and design assistance; modular systems can reduce capital cost; low cost and flexible control systems; patented products and controls; internal and external product ranges; UK manufacturers - coolers and spares all ex-stock; worldwide remote commissioning; and qualify for salix funding Clients include BT, Cambridge University, Unum and the award winning Aberdeen University and Leicester County Council. FURTHER INFORMATION www.ecocooling.org

EVENT PREVIEW

Blast into Dummy headline to fit the future this space tight of data centres as possible Taking place 15-16 of sam March at London’s ExCeL, Centre Obit, elit eumon doloriatur reprae voluptatur? QuiData officiis cum World will discuss everything from power and energy efficiency escipicipsam hit exerferi quibus, exceaqui omnis sinctatem. La to routing anddolupta switching. Government Business nondata noncentre nossi ute dis rest acescipsant everum que nis previews the show

What started as a small-scale, niche exhibition and conference nine years ago, has grown into a world-leading event, dedicated to tomorrow’s world of data centres. Data Centre World is the biggest gathering and most truly global event in this (or any other) world. Data centres are home to all cloud services and applications – they are the evolving containers of big data and the engine storage to IoT deployment. And today, they are big business. Data Centre World is the global event to showcase everything that’s great, good and innovative in the technology sector… and it’s just got even better. The London ExCeL will play host to Data Centre World on the 15-16 March 2017. Once again the halls will be filled with 20,000 data centre expertise, 600 industry’s visionaries and thought leaders, and 500 world’s finest providers, including companies such as Huawei; Riello; Huber + Suhner; Carel; Siemens; Schneider; Rahi Systems; Brand-rex; Anixter; Minkels; Munters; ABB; Finisar; Rittal; and MPL Technology group. This will be the one space where everyone is gathering. For the first time in 2017, Data Centre World will take pride of place in its very own hall at the ExCeL London to meet the ever growing demand for the event and the latest data centre solutions. Cloud Expo Europe, Cloud Security Expo, Smart IoT, and launch event Big Data World exists just one step beyond the door, creating a universe of the very latest enterprise and technology ecosystems - truly out of this world. With new technologies, products and best practices emerging in the data centre market, comes the pressing need for a new, focused and dedicated showcase. With the introduction of six new content areas on the show floor, including routing and switching, power develop and grow, design and build, physical security, fire & security and finally robotics and automation, Data Centre World will deliver, providing you with everything you need to know for data centres of the future.

Data Centre World

IT & COMPUTING FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR– www.governmenttechnology.co.uk

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ROBOT SOARS Andrew Burgess, consulting director for Symphony Ventures will be discussing the background to Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) “I’m going to be talking about what RPA and AI are,” says Andrew. “How they are impacting business and society in general, and how they are impacting data centre operations. I’ll also describe what I think organisations need to do next to be able to exploit these technologies.” Andrew’s background is originally as an outsourcing consultant: “I advised companies on how to outsource their IT and E

Volume 15.1 | GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE

Data Centre World

IT & COMPUTING FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR – www.governmenttechnology.co.uk

Offering a full suite of data center solutions

How can your data center be more efficient?

Rahi Systems offers a full suite of data center solutions that power service providers, government agencies and enterprises. The firm delivers hardware, software and services that help organisations evolve from a static data center to a dynamic, well instrumented and efficiently managed environment that can respond to today’s business demands. Rahi Systems’ team has the experience and expertise to optimise data centers of all sizes and develop customised solutions that meet the unique needs of each customer. Yet all of Rahi Systems’ solutions are built upon the same core tenets: maximised availability, enhanced security, increased efficiency and minimised costs. The firm has also developed the processes and skill sets to deliver IT solutions to customers globally. Its logistics and distribution teams possess a deep understanding of import and export

Subzero Engineering was founded in 2005. Since then, it has lead the industry in data center containment and airflow management. It custom designs, manufactures and installs hot aisle and cold aisle containment systems. Its cutting edge manufacturing facility located in Utah enables the company to create custom containment systems that have a superior fit and finish as well as incredible durability. Subzero Engineerin also has highly skilled and trained technicians performing installation services. Combined, its people design, manufacture, and install custom intelligent containment to fully optimise your data center cooling. Since its inception, Subzero Engineering has helped numerous companies, including many Fortune 100 companies, make the most of their data center cooling by creating a more energy efficient data center through using custom designed hot and cold aisle containment.

processes, and provide local purchasing, billing, engineering and support resources. Rahi Systems was founded in 2012 by entrepreneurs with deep expertise in networking, data centers, server infrastructure and systems. The company’s growth can be attributed to its culture of customer success, which emphasises a solutionsoriented approach, outstanding support and rapid time-to-value. Rahi Systems is headquartered in Fremont, California, and has offices in India, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Japan and Australia. FURTHER INFORMATION www.rahisystems.com

Paul Ponsonby Limited: a respected specialist in data centre relocation Paul Ponsonby Limited is an award winning specialist distribution and warehousing company based in the heart of the Midlands, servicing the I.T. industry since 1998. The company is fully experienced with the skills and equipment required to complete the most complex transport requirements. Paul Ponsonby aims to provide the highest possible standards of service at all times, allowing customers to concentrate on their own business objectives and leaving them fully confident in the firm’s ability to manage their requirements. Having partnered with many leading businesses, Paul Ponsonby Limited understands that relocating a data centre can be a complex and daunting task. Comprehensive planning is required to put processes and procedures in place to ensure a seamless

transition. Whether you have one server that needs moving or an entire data centre, Paul Ponsonby can provide a solution for you. The company will be exhibiting for the first time at the Data Centre World Exhibition 2017. Visit stand F5 to discuss your specialist requirements further. Paul Ponsonby believes its services are an extension of its customers business and as such, having almost 20 years of experience, you can be sure your project is in safe hands. FURTHER INFORMATION www.ponsonby.co.uk

GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE | Volume 15.1

Subzero DC Engineering is the European arm of the company head quartered in Dublin, forming a custom built 30,000 sq ft facility. From here the company can provide full engineering, manufacturing and installation to any country in Europe. Subzero DC Engineering is proud to be a custom containment manufacturer. Unlike companies who sell products others manufacture, Subzero Engineering build them independently, delivering custom solutions built right inside its factory. Most importantly, as a manufacturer, Subzero Engineering controls the quality, delivery, and costs. This means customers get the best quality with the best price! FURTHER INFORMATION www.subzeroeng.com

Providing fuel protection from delivery to use WASP PFS is dedicated to providing international fuel cleaning solutions for backup power systems. In an industry which invests substantially in back-up generators to ensure business continuity in the event of power failure, often the generator’s stored fuel is over looked. In as little as six months, condensation forming in the fuel tank can lead to sludge, fungus and bacterial infection. These contaminates can result in poor generator efficiency, reduced performance and potentially total power failure leading to high financial costs and an increased carbon footprint. WASP PFS Ltd is the international market leader of quality fuel polishing solutions. The company’s innovative systems prevent contamination by removing microscopic particles of bacteria, sediment, and water; providing protection world-wide including hospitals in the UK, banks in Canary

Wharf, government embassies in Africa, marine vessels in Fiji and data centres in Turkey. W-PFS fuel polishing systems clean at between 10 – 240 lit/ min, include colour touch-screen control, BMS connectivity, AC and DC power options and a wide range of add-ons. As systems are designed and built by in-house mechanical and electrical engineers, the firm has the advantage of being able to provide bespoke built units. WASP PFS offers WB classic and W-PFS premium ranges to suit your requirements and budget. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: +44 (0)1923 606 600 www. wasp-pfs.com info@wasp-pfs.com

EVENT PREVIEW  business functions, but around four years ago, discovered robotic process automation (before it was even called that) and which I immediately realised was going to turn the whole outsourcing market on its head. So I then focused on RPA and, subsequently, artificial intelligence, and now I advise companies on how to automate their businesses using these technologies.” The concept of robotic assistance for human tasks is now a reality and at Data Centre World 2017, it is a hot talking point and one of many world-class presentations, interactive panels and fast-paced discussions. Secure your free ticket today at: www.datacentreworld.com/ GovernmentBusiness

Data Centre World

IT & COMPUTING FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR– www.governmenttechnology.co.uk

With technolnew emergin ogies data ce g in the comes tntre market, h need foe pressing ra focusednew, and ded ic showca ated se

FIBRE GRASP Ludwig Vleugels, managing director, Gigacom Benelux BVBA, discusses the benefits of ‘Automated Fibre Management and Test Systems’ at Data Centre World: “I have over 18 years of telecommunications and datacomms experience with a strong focus on fibre management systems and optical distribution frames,” says Ludwig, who holds a Masters degree in Telecommunications and whose first 10 years of experience began at Raychem / Tyco Electronics. His session demonstrates the benefits of ‘automated fibre management and test systems’ for network construction, service activation, facilities management and service assurance. His presentation will also provide a comprehensive overview of the different technologies, and the most important features of such a system. Ludwig’s current role concentrates on the automation of next‑generation fibre networks for the telecom and datacom industry. “We provide high-end and innovative solutions that dramatically lower cost of ownership, maximise network assets and delight end-user customers,” comments Ludwig. It is at Data Centre World where you will gain a wealth of information and insight into the latest developments and future for this sector. From Microsoft’s regional director Maarten Goet, Groupon’s director of Global Data Centre Operations, Harmail Singh Chatha, manager of Beverly Webb, Data Centre World leaves no space unearthed when it comes to addressing industry noise. The show doesn’t just address things; it bring things to life, cue the return of the live Green Data Centre for the second time in London… To find out more about speakers at Data Centre World 2017 visit: www.datacentreworld.com. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.datacentreworld.com

The return of the live Green Data Centre 2016 saw the world’s first edition of the DCW Green Data Centre. This year the interactive feature returns 155 per cent larger in an out-of-this-world force spanning up to 400m2, and containing over 30 of the world’s leading suppliers including Dunwoody, Fireworks, 2BM, Riello, Uninterruptable Power supplies, Huber + Suhner, IPU Group, Excool and many more. From cooling units and fans, to cables and perimeter fencing. This is the only global feature of its kind at any exhibition and is just another reason to join other delegtates at Data Centre World 2017. Data Centre World is co-located with Cloud Expo Europe, Cloud Security Expo, Smart IoT London and launch event Big Data World collectively making up the UK’s largest business technology event. To claim your FREE ticket to Data Centre World 2017 visit www.datacentreworld.com/MPC and join over 500 international suppliers, 600 globally recognised speakers and over 20,000 industry professionals.

Volume 15.1 | GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE

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Frameworks

IT & COMPUTING FOR THE PUBLIC SECTORâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; www.governmenttechnology.co.uk

Digitising print and copying services A new agreement from the Crown Commercial Service, YPO and ESPO offers public sector and government customers a solution for printer/copier, managed print and records information management needs. Government Business looks at the agreement and summarises Emma Jonesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tips for SMEs in 2017 Multifunctional Devices, Managed Print and Content Services and Records and Information Management (RM3781) is a new procurement solution replacing the expired Multifunctional Devices and Services, Managed Print Services and Print Audit Services (RM1599) and Document Storage and Related Services (RM1689). Developed in collaboration with YPO and Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation (ESPO), this agreement covers a wide range of services from buying multifunctional devices to managing print strategy, storage and scanning services to support digitisation. There are also services to help you appraise, select, and sensitivity review records and audit and consultancy to help optimise print and records management. By combining the requirements customers will be able to move towards a full information management solution.

The agreement provides access to the latest technology, software developments and guidance to help customers move to digital solutions, become more efficient and reduce the volume of paper used, as well as reduce physical storage and retrieval costs, saving both time and valuable space. Additionally, the RM3781 agreement will help to reduce costs and wastage by consolidating devices and storage, and take advantage of proactive consumables management for less waste of toner and paper. Plus, a flexible model for managed print and content management services enables customers to scale up and down so you only pay for what you need at the time, whilst cutting your carbon footprint with new

energy efficient devices, helping to support energy saving initiatives. Moreover, digital storage on secure hosting services will help protect from loss of critical documents, and our records information management services ensure compliance with government security standards, removing the need to check yourself. A LOT OF OPTIONS The Multifunctional Devices, Managed Print and Content Services and Records and Information Management agreement is split into seven lots. Lot 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Print Equipment

and Entry Level Print By Management Software g n i Specifically designed for combin ments e r i organisations of varying E u q the re rs will be e custom ove towards m able to information a full gement mana ion solut

YOU NEED TO COLLABORATE AND SHARE INFORMATION MORE EFFECTIVELY

ENSURE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AND USABLE BY ANYONE, AT ANYTIME, ON ANY DEVICE

At Konica Minolta, we have a strong reputation within the public sector to deliver services that meet the government digital targets, to maximise efficient ways of communicating. Our solutions enhance productivity and significantly reduce costs: • Greater workflow efficiency and archiving security • Effective protection of sensitive data and critical content • Convenient, flexible and secure payment systems Our solutions cut through the complexities of processes by automating and optimising information workflows, making information accessible and compliant. FOR MORE INFORMATION: konicaminolta.co.uk/business-solutions info@konicaminolta.co.uk

0800 833 864

OPTIMISED END-TO-END BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

PURCHASING

 sizes who are able to pre-specify their own requirements based upon the devices available without the need for further competition, Lot 1 can aid smaller organisations who have limited resources, by providing a small range of pre-specified machines to choose from, with the peace of mind of pre-defined terms and conditions from an approved supplier. This makes buying straightforward as there is no need to run a further competition to establish which supplier offers you best value for money. The range of devices available will include the following features: mono and colour capable MFDs with standard network interfaces; consumables including toner and staples (not paper); maintenance and support including training; finance based upon fixed term operating leases and agreed service charges (cost per page). Lot 2 – Multifunctional Devices and Print Management Software and Services Lot 2 offers an extensive catalogued range of MFDs ranging from entry level, standalone to fully networked print room equipment, along with the required software options to support organisations with page output, document workflow and relevant business process requirements. Lot 3 – Managed Print and Content Management Services A fully outsourced service centred around supporting you to centralise, securitise and standardise your office output. The supplier will manage your print strategy, by delivering a new print strategy or optimising your existing print strategy, through the implementation of best practice, more efficient approaches to the printing operation and changing

Frameworks

IT & COMPUTING FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR– www.governmenttechnology.co.uk

The agreement provides access to the latest technology, software developments and guidance to help customers move to digital solutions, become more efficient and reduce the volume of paper they use behaviour across your organisation with ongoing management of the solution. The enhanced content management services will include: document/information lifecycle optimisation; electronic document and records management systems (EDRMS); and hybrid mail. Hybrid mail is mail that is delivered using a combination of electronic and physical delivery. Usually, it involves digital data being transformed into physical letter items at distributed print centres located as close as possible to the final delivery addresses. Lot 4 – Records Information Management Service Records Information Management Service is designed to meet the core requirements of customers in order to drive down costs of physical storage and consolidate and rationalise existing storage requirements. This includes six service lines: offsite records information management service (full end to end service); off-site storage of inactive records; off-site and/or on‑site secure shredding, destruction and disposal services; off-site and/or on-site specialist records management services; off-site and/or on-site combined records information management services; and off-site and/or on-site scanning services.

Lot 5 – Scanning services Scanning service (off and/or on-site). One-off scanning projects and/or bulk scanning and longer term requirements to digitise records (physical to digital). Lot 6 – Sensitivity Review Service Sensitivity review service with the option of a fully managed sensitivity review service or a triage service. Identifying material to transfer to The National Archives for release in the public domain, which will be conducted by experienced and qualified personnel and/ or project managed. The scope includes, but is not limited to: determining the sensitivity of a record(s); considering whether the exemptions support withholding sensitive information; determining whether records should be retained, closed or partially closed; and provide a redaction service for a fully managed sensitive review service. Lot 7 – Audit and Consultancy Services This is an independent audit and consultancy service, covering both print and records management. Suppliers will use their market expertise and knowledge, which will be entirely independent, to support and assist customer strategies with the management of its managed print and E

Volume 15.1 | GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE

Realise tangible savings, gain service confidence and make the concept of shared services and cost centre profitability a reality, with SCC. For more information: www.scc.com/crown-commercial-service-scc/

People do business. We make it work. www.scc.com

PURCHASING  content management requirements and the optimisation of physical storage requirements identifying cost savings and efficiencies. L FURTHER INFORMATION bit.ly/2jam6NZ EMMA JONES TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IN 2017 Emma Jones, the Crown Commercial Service’s representative for small businesses, outlined how the department was making it easier for small businesses to win government contracts in her first CCS blog of 2017. When undertaking her post, Jones highlighted three priorities: simplify – making the procurement process quicker and simpler; innovate - finding new and improved ways of making things work better; and promote - letting business know government is open for business. Here we look at those three priorities in more detail. Simplify Like many businesses, I found the experience of bidding for government contracts lengthy and complicated. We’ve made the process simpler and I’m delighted to announce a trial is underway called ‘Complete Once’, where you will provide information once and it will be saved for future to save you time.

Frameworks

IT & COMPUTING FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR– www.governmenttechnology.co.uk

The Prime Minister announced a review of the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI), which will look at how we can increase the initiative’s impact and give more innovators their first break This year we will be focussing on simplifying the language in contracts and making terms and conditions easier to understand. Don’t forget if you do uncover problems when trying to work with government, you can tell the Mystery Shopper service anonymously who will investigate. Innovate Working with small businesses with new ideas generates innovation in government. The Prime Minister announced a review of the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI), which will look at how we can increase the initiative’s impact and give more innovators their first break. Cambridge entrepreneur David Connell will lead the review and report back next year. I have reported to David on what I learnt from small businesses in 2016. In November, we launched a panel of business experts and this year I will be

working closely with the panel as they use their experience of working with government to challenge and improve key areas of the procurement process. Promote I am passionate about getting out there and meeting businesses face-to‑face, so I’ve been on tour! I’ve hosted roundtables in Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol and London and have spoken at events across the UK, meeting over 100 small businesses. Online, I’ve hosted webinars with buyers across government and working with the Crown Commercial Service and the Cabinet Office, we’ve reached over one million people with the new ‘Government is Open for Business’ campaign. FURTHER INFORMATION bit.ly/2jNIVZL

Approved CCS supplier for • Sensitivity Review Services Experts in • Freedom of Information • Information Governance • Data Protection • Knowledge Management L e a d e r s i n K n o w l e d g e & I n f o r m a t i o n M a n a g e m e n t R e c r u i t m e n t , Tr a i n i n g & C o n s u l t i n g 95 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4JF TFPL ad_HALF PAGE.indd 1

+44 ( 0 ) 20 7378 7068

recruitment@tfpl.com

www.tfpl.com 13/01/2017 14:33:53

Volume 15.1 | GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE

Enabling your organisation to improve

Increase productivity by 20%

Visit us at:

Reduce costs Improve customer service Secure mobile device management Real time field worker visibility Secure mobile device management

www.kirona.com

info@kirona.com

01625 585511

Frameworks

PURCHASING

Traffic and roadside technology goods A new traffic management technology agreement was launched by the Crown Commercial Services in November. Government Business examines the framework and how it is improving government buying

This agreem offers i ent opportu ncreased small b nities for the over 50usiness; with p supplie er cent of rs be SMEs ing

Containing 90 suppliers, over 50 per cent of which are small or medium sized enterprises (SMEs), the Traffic Management Technology 2 framework agreement provides suppliers with access to a wide range of traffic management technology products, solutions and professional services, as well as an opportunity to win new public sector work. The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has reiterated how the agreement continues to showcase the government’s commitment to being ‘open for business’ and buying from smaller enterprises wherever they offer best value. The agreement also allows the possibility to engage with suppliers before entering into further competition. Developed in conjunction with Highways England, devolved administrations, local transport authorities and Transport for London, the Traffic Management Technology 2 agreement supports the government’s commitment to sustainability, offering electrical charging points to support a sustainable transport infrastructure, traffic signals, and parking and access control systems. Traffic Management Technology 2 replaces Traffic Management Technology, which expired on 10 July 2016. Following customer and market engagement, the main objectives

of the new agreement will be: a flexible and scalable solution providing a range of procurement options from direct award for low value commodity items to further competitions for complex/ enterprise projects; streamlined model contract terms and conditions based on the NEC forms of contract. This will minimise contracting effort and barriers to entry for SMEs, whilst providing customers’ with access to an industry approved suite of documents; and optimal choice of suppliers, goods and services giving customers direct access to manufacturers, where appropriate. The agreement has 15 service options (known as ‘lots’): Lot 1 Traffic Signal Junctions, Controlled Pedestrian Crossings and Ramp Metering; Lot 2 Traffic Monitoring and Traffic Enforcement Cameras; Lot 3 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Data Systems; Lot 4 Variable Message Signs; Lot 5 Parking and Access Control Systems; Lot 6 Environmental Monitoring Systems (fixed and mobile); Lot 7 Urban Traffic Management Control and Common Database Systems; Lot 8 Asset Data Capture and Management; Lot 9 Street and Exterior Lighting; Lot 10 Sustainable Transport Infrastructure; Lot 11 Traffic Management Communications; Lot 12 Traffic Management Professional Services; Lot 13 Ancillary Roadside Equipment;

Lot 14 Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS); and Lot 15 Catalogue providing items within the scope of the above lots. BENEFITS AND SAVINGS The Traffic Management Technology 2 agreement includes an extensive range of services from sustainable transport infrastructure and traffic management solutions, to traffic signals, parking and access control systems. This agreement supports the government’s commitment to sustainability and offers increased opportunities for the small business; with over 50 per cent of suppliers being SMEs. Among other noted benefits are: transparency of costs and invoicing; ability to engage with suppliers before entering into further competition; active relationship management of suppliers; an online catalogue covering commodity traffic management technology purchases; use of the NEC3 suite of contracts to make transacting simpler and more efficient for all involved; and guidance and support from commercial professionals at the CCS. With a good selection of suppliers in each lot, the agreement helps achieve best value for money and demonstrable savings through the further competition process. In addition, the online catalogue provides transparency of costs. Where two or more organisations have the same requirement for goods/services, CCS E

Volume 15.1 | GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE

Together, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re making journeys work Award winning road marking, sensing and intelligence solutions

Meet the needs of your road users with our award winning road marking, sensing and intelligence solutions. Proven to improve predictability, reduce congestion, enhance safety and transform driver behaviour. Be it vehicle or cycle detection at traffic signal junctions, MIDAS or ramp metering, junction safety solutions, journey time systems, automated traffic counting, VMS signs or parking occupancy systems; we deliver smarter, safer and more efficient roads, either direct or through our place on Crown Commercial Serviceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s TMT2 framework agreement (under Lots 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 13, 14 & 15).

The journey starts here:

clearview-intelligence.com +44 (0)1869 362800

The framework uses the following suite of NEC3 contracts at call-off

The Traffic Management Technology 2 agreement includes an extensive range of services from sustainable transport infrastructure and traffic management solutions, to traffic signals, parking and access control systems  can manage the procurement. Customers will be asked to share detail of the financial and non-financial benefits obtained by using this agreement free of charge, securing best value by pooling both resource and requirements. ACCESS Those on the framework agreement can direct award or run a further competition, depending on requirements, size, drivers and targets, market knowledge and preference. To use the agreement you should: review the guidance documentation and specification; determine your requirement; and determine

the best option for your procurement – direct award or further competition – and action this in line with the appropriate parameters. Once your supplier has been awarded and you are ready to call-off the agreement, please use the relevant NEC3 contract. When running a further competition, you should award on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT) and must provide suppliers with the methodology behind the evaluation, including the evaluation criteria and weightings that are applied to each criterion. You must provide the suppliers with a

Frameworks

PURCHASING

NEC3: Supply Contract (SC) NEC3: Supply Short Contract (SSC) NEC3: Professional Services Contract (PSC) NEC3: Professional Services Short Contract (PSSC) NEC3: Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) NEC3: Engineering and Construction Short Contract (ECSC) NEC3: Term Service Contract (TSC) NEC3: Term Service Short Contract (TSSC) To find out more and access the agreement please email TMT@crowncommercial.gov.uk. minimum set of information that can be used to help propose solutions to and price your requirements effectively. The NEC3 suite of contracts will be used to make transacting simpler and more efficient for all involved. L FURTHER INFORMATION ccs-agreements.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/ contracts/rm1089

Network Management

Fleet Operations

Informed Personal Travel

•Easing congestion •Improving air quality •Allowing green waves •Detecting & managing incidents

•90% plus on-time performance •Control real-time services •Generate accurate predictions •Control & managing stations

•World-class information portals •Social media interactions •Ultra-low power solar displays with 10-year life

www.cloudamber.idoxgroup.com | cloudamber@idoxgroup.com | +44 (0) 870 333 7101 gov_bus.indd 3

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Volume 15.1 | GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE

Electronic Terminations Ltd, major supplier to Highways, Railways, MOD, Aerospace, and other Central and Local Government agencies. Specialist manufacturer and supplier of heavy-duty weatherproof moulded cable assemblies, including Distribution and Data Link Connection Boxes, lanterns and signalling for Highways. Wide product range also includes roadside “SOS phone” casings, sea and air-borne emergency lighting units, hospital field lighting kits, and search and rescue safety beacons. Experts in testing and refurbishment of items returned from service.



Electronic Terminations



Electrical Components



Complex Cable Assemblies (Looms and Harnesses)



Fibre Optic Assemblies

40 years of engineering expertise and quality assurance. Call us for fast service solutions to all your electronic requirements.

Electronic Terminations Ltd, High Street, Wickham Market, IP13 0RF www.electronic-terminations.com | ursula@electronic-terminations.com | 01728 748111

Roland Flooring, a division of Roland Plastics Ltd, is proud to announce the launch of Durapath, a new permanent ground paving product. Robust and durable, fast and easy to install, eliminating the need for costly tarmac. Innovative design allows penetration of rainwater into the ground whilst being stable enough to take the load of vehicles for:



Car Parks



Pathways and Cycle Paths



Coastal Erosion



Drives and Access Roads

Marker tiles and full colour range available. Tile size 500 x 500 x 50 mm. Call us for all indoor and outdoor flooring solutions.

Roland Flooring, High Street, Wickham Market, IP13 0RF www.rolandflooring.co.uk | ursula@rolandplastics.com | 01728 747777

Picture to follow

GROUNDFLOOR SOLUTIONS

ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS

What are the options when there’s no tarmac road surface and vehicles need to get from A to B, be parked efficiently, whilst enabling clear and safe access for emergency vehicles? Examples are major venues offering cultural or sporting events, festivals and country shows, but it could be at any venue that serves a high volume of traffic. A new permanent and affordable groundfloor solution, Durapath, has been developed. Durapath paving panels, measuring 500 x 500 x 50mm, are made from injection moulded plastic, joined together in one easy ‘click’ and secured in situ with an infill of gravel. The design allows penetration of rainwater into the ground, yet is stable enough to withstand the load of vehicles. Also available are colourful marker tiles for bay marking and guidance.

Electronic Terminations Ltd (ETL – sister company of Roland Plastics Ltd) is a major supplier of electronic components for government and highways, private/civilian, military, shipping and aerospace industries. ETL, one of the UK’s leading companies for design, manufacture and supply of heavyduty and weatherproof moulded cable assemblies. The firm boasts 40 years of engineering/ manufacturing expertise, plus an experienced and readyto-go team of skilled electronic operators, all based in Suffolk. ETL’s product range includes other safety equipment such as search and rescue safety beacons, signalling units and emergency/safety lighting on motorways, in field hospitals, inside ships and on aircraft. ETL products are electronic terminations with complex cable assemblies, requiring durable moulded, weatherproof casings

Durapath advanced orders now welcome

Durapath by Roland Flooring, (division of Roland Plastics), are manufactured to high quality standards in Suffolk, and has oodles of experience in design and engineering. Flooring producers since the 1980’s, the company applies its know-how to producing guaranteed high quality products at competitive prices, combined with excellent customer service. For advance orders or enquiries please get in contact via the contact information listed below or visit the website. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01728 747777 Ursula@RolandPlastics.com www.rolandplastics.com

Weatherproof and heavyduty cable assemblies

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Clearview Intelligence creates innovative solutions that harness intelligence to transform operator and driver behaviour, making travel easy, efficient and safe. With over 40 years’ experience in supporting government agencies and local authorities Clearview Intelligence knows how to keep traffic flowing and enhance safety. The company’s breadth and depth of expertise means it is an expert in recommending the best solution to the issues you face. Whether that be how to reduce congestion, combat persistent speeding, or improve safety where cyclists and motorists share the same space, Clearview Intelligence can help. As a leading provider of intelligent transport systems, the company’s broad portfolio of solutions means it can service many of your needs through its place on Crown Commercial Service’s TMT2 framework

Cloud Amber, an Idox company, is a leading innovator in providing services and developing creative solutions tailored to the requirements of both operational transport managers and the travelling public. Enabling total network management across all forms of transport, Cloud Amber offers a more efficient and costeffective approach to strategic and localised transport control. The firm’s network management solutions ease congestion, improve air quality, detect and manage incidents and promote ‘green wave’ travel It’s fleet operations services can provide 90 per cent plus on-time performance by controlling real time services, while the company’s solutions integrate with all modes and give you the ability to generate accurate predictions Cloud Amber’s informed personal

Frameworks

IT & COMPUTING FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR– www.governmenttechnology.co.uk

to protect looms, electrical/ fibre optic cables, CCTV, or enclosures in metal and plastic. ETL is one of the few companies with the capabilities to reverse engineer obsolete products, along with testing and refurbishment of items that are returned from service. The quality assurance processes at ETL are rigorous, with BS-ENISO 9001-2000 certification held since 1994 and in the final stages of achieving ISO 14001. For any new enquiries get in contact or visit the website for more information. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01728 748111 ursula@electronicterminations.com

Innovative solutions to Committed to minimising transform driver behaviour the impact of traffic

agreement (under Lots 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 13, 14 & 15). Be it vehicle or cycle detection at traffic signal junctions, MIDAS sites or ramp metering, junction safety solutions, journey time systems, automated traffic counting, VMS signs, parking occupancy systems, Clearview Intelligence can provide bespoke guidance to help you deliver smarter, safer and more efficient roads. Let Clearview Intelligence help you meet the needs of your road users with its award winning road marking, sensing and intelligence solutions. The journey starts here. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01869 362863

travel solutions provide worldclass information portals, citizen engagement via social media interactions and end products including ultra-low power solar displays with a 10-year life As a leading partner in delivering intelligent, bespoke and deeply-integrated solutions, Cloud Amber’s portfolio saves time and money for new or replacement solutions, and has a track record in successfully developing and deploying new products to the market. For more information, visit the website. FURTHER INFORMATION mo.tarki@idoxgroup.com www.cloudamber. idoxgroup.com

Volume 15.1 | GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE

Frameworks

IT & COMPUTING FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR – www.governmenttechnology.co.uk

MULTIFUNCTIONAL DEVICES

BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

For over 30 years TFPL has provided recruitment and consultancy services to public sector organisations and large corporate businesses. The company has accumulated a wealth of experience and knowledge relating to the provision of archive, records and information management personnel and projects. TPFL provides complete solutions to knowledge and information problems – whether people, process or technology-related. One of the secrets of TPFL’s longevity is its track record of delivery; the firm has worked with some of the largest public and private sector organisations, helping them to achieve their information, knowledge and records management goals. TPFL is a trusted advisor, able to support clients through periods of change and to help them find, recruit and develop the best talent. TPFL’s key consultancy services

Konica Minolta delivers solutions that provide transformational benefits, which turn your information into a valuable asset. Konica Minolta knows what systems work best, how to implement them and how to manage them to meet individual clients’ changing business needs. The firm believe that workplaces and technologies need to be flexible and adaptive so all efforts are focused on ensuring that people, devices and workplaces work harmoniously together to deliver the best, most productive and enjoyable work experiences. Konica Minolta is committed to innovation and excellence. All its strategies and market shaping technologies empower customers to deliver services that meet the Government Digital Targets to maximise more efficient ways of communicating. As well as delivering information and document efficiencies, the company is also committed to

Giving substance and Solutions to knowledge and information problems shape to business ideas

include; records management, archives, information architecture, SharePoint implementation, library transformation, change management, knowledge management, freedom of information, data protection, sensitivity Reviews, information governance, copyright and GDPR. TPFL also offers training courses in all of the above areas, both on its public course schedule and as bespoke in-house courses. The firm understands the importance of successful, collaborative partnerships and always works with clients to create long-term relationships that ensure future success. FURTHER INFORMATION www.tfpl.com

reducing the environmental impact of its business. Konica Minolta’s highly sustainable approach and ways of working help to reduce the need to print paper, thereby helping to offset the CO2 emissions generated as a result of printing. Konica Minolta works with Central Reprographic Departments (CRDs), which offer a highly secure, fully managed printing service to enable government departments to take advantage of the cost and efficiency savings of printing large scale documents in a more efficient and effective manner. So government departments can save time, money and effort whilst also protecting the planet. FURTHER INFORMATION www.konicaminolta.co.uk

MANAGED PRINT SERVICES

MULTIFUNCTIONAL DEVICES

SCC awarded a position on the CCS framework

Providing tech enabled business process services

SCC has secured a place on the government’s leading Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Lot 2 RM3781 Framework for Multifunctional Devices, Managed Print and Content Services and Records and Information Management. With this landmark award, SCC is providing even better print and information management strategies to drive operational and cost efficiencies via Lot 2. This achievement caps a successful year for SCC with a number of key wins and framework awards, notably: NEPA; CPC; PfH and G-Cloud-8. SCC enables organisations to realise tangible savings, gain service confidence and make the concept of shared services and cost centre profitability a reality. Maximising value and service performance is a top priority. Many customers are on their second MPS engagement and under pressure to cut spend

Capita has the experience and expertise to help its clients deliver modern print services effectively, streamline your current document infrastructure and achieve significant efficiencies and cost reduction. As a supplier on lots 2 and 3 of the Crown Commercial Services RM3781 framework, Capita has been chosen for the provision of ‘multifunctional devices and print management software services’ as well as ‘managed print and content management services.’ Capita’s document and information services brings together a comprehensive and marcet leading portfolio of flexible and powerful document solutions. Contracting authorities can move from slow paper-based processes to high-speed digital communications and connected workflows that manage document delivery across multiple channels. Transformed services can be pushed to the

whilst continually providing the services their public expect. Lot 2 provides a managed approach over the more traditional transactional print or copy supply model, spanning managed print, print room and production print services. SCC stands out based on its experience in the public sector, with a specialist team dedicated to delivering unbiased advice and an enterprise-wide IT Infrastructure portfolio, including secure, cloud based and mobile print solutions. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0121 766 7000 online@scc.com www.scc.com

GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE | Volume 15.1

Cloud and insight gained through detailed analysis and reporting. Managed print services are only one part of Capita’s document and information services offering; which brings together key solutions and functions required by organisations to enable you to transform the way you handle documentation, information and communications. Capita Document & Information Services provides: a fully managed print service; print strategy consulting; MFDs, photocopiers, printers, scanners and faxes; print audits and monitoring; software solutions; print monitoring; flexible Cloud solutions; hybrid mail; digital mailroom services; and support and maintenance. FURTHER INFORMATION www.capita-dis.co.uk

PRINTING

Based in Bourne, Lincolnshire, Warners is a family-run high quality magazine, brochure and catalogue printer specialising in the short to medium run market. Due to the company’s diverse range of machinery, Warners is able to accommodate print runs from 1,000 up to 500,000. The company offers web printing economy with quantities as low as 3,000 copies. Warners can also offer sheeted printing options to suit your printing needs. Additionally, Warners provides a level of flexibility in production that its competitors will struggle to match. Its fully equipped plant means the company offers a solution for just about every aspect of the printing process, from design through to mailing and dispatch. Warners is also certified to ISO9001 and ISO 14001 standards. However you wish to produce your product, the

If you are looking for a print management partner then look no further. Harlow Printing Limited was established in 1947 and has consistently grown each year at a sustainable rate, ensuring all its customers continue to receive a first class service. Harlow Printing’s one-to-one point of contact reduces the amount of time spent sorting your print requirements and ensures you get fast responses to your queries. Utilising the latest technology in Management Information Systems and electronic trading, our customers can place a ‘shopping basket of items’ from a dedicated stock list and have them delivered from its central warehouse in the North of

Warners Midlands – trading for over 90 years

company can offer a solution as well as free impartial, professional requested. Warners also offers free access to the print video library on its website and provides weekly posts on LinkedIn, helping its subscribers hear about news or industry tips. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01778 391 000 sales@warners.co.uk www.warners.co.uk

Supplying print nationally to a range of industries

England, to anywhere in the UK. All the production is done on the company’s own premises, utilising over 20 different print presses, from digital to five colour litho, through to web offset, meaning the company has total control of all print requirements, supplied at a highly competitive price. All products are manufactured under stringent ISO9001/ISO14001/ OHSAS18001 guidelines. Why not contact Harlow Printing for a complete print management service? You’re guaranteed not to be disappointed. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0191 455 4286 sales@harlowprinting.co.uk www.harlowprinting.co.uk

SIGNAGE

COMMUNICATIONS

Supplying the ultimate sign management service

The two way radio, CCTV & communication experts

From signage directing the public around the interior of the premises through to car parking signage, from large scale high level ‘name of premises’ signs right down to nameplates on doors, the public service environment hosts a huge number of signs of every description. It can be a little surprising therefore to discover that it is sometimes difficult to change signage quickly when a need arises. For example, maybe a damaged sign needs replacing, maybe there’s a change of name or a reorganisation of departments, maybe there’s a large requirement for major rebranding. It is good to know that there is a one stop solution at Cygnia Maintenance Ltd. Cygnia has operated since 1995, providing precisely this service to the retail trade on a national scale throughout the UK, and

Zycomm has been providing communications solutions to businesses and security teams across the UK for over 35 years. The company is driven by a strong emphasis on innovation, passion for the work that they do and the experience they have gained along the way. Zycomm specialises in providing support and solutions to logistics, civil engineering projects, construction, distribution, manufacturing and agriculture. Customers who trust Zycomm to provide their solutions include many local councils, universities, airports, NHS hospitals, St Johns Ambulance, Thameslink, The National Trust, Merlin Group, Wilkinson and Warburtons. The company’s ever evolving range of two way radios,

for years has provided an allembracing signage maintenance and repair service within that demanding environment, where no job is too small and no major refit too large. Taking your lead from that retail world will ensure you tap in to the best service available. Cygnia is the UK’s largest provider of sign maintenance and repair services, its network of directly employed maintenance teams throughout the country means that your service is from a local depot regardless of where you are based. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01843 862944 www.cygniamaintenance.com

Products & Services

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

communication products and services include: professional licensed and license free twoway radio and walkie talkies; repeaters and accessories; landlines; mobile phones with bespoke business tariffs; CCTV; vehicle tracking; paging systems; and wireless Bluetooth headsets. What makes Zycomm different is its approach to friendly customer service and long term maintenance packages that keep businesses, events and bars running smoothly. Zycomm is confident that no matter the size of the project, it can provide effective and reliable solutions. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01773 570123 www.zycomm.co.uk

Volume 24.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Products & Services

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

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

With everything under one roof, you better stay the night. You can try for yourself the anything but standard rooms at the Village Hotel Club, boasting a big comfy bed and snuggly duvet, power showers and flat screen TVs. Then there’s Club the must-have room upgrade. Village Hotel offers complimentary wifi and car parking. Starbucks is available in the hotel lobby area with extensive leisure facilities included and a 25 meter swimming pool, 70 seater gym and over 70 classes per week. Guests will have access to a variety of food and beverage to suit every need, including the

Located just two miles from Llandudno Junction railway station (three hours direct from London Euston) and motorway network, Bodysgallen Hall is well placed for business meetings and retreats. Bodysgallen Hall, one of the three Historic House Hotels of the National Trust, is a Grade 1 listed 17th century hall set in 200 acres of private parkland, with spectacular views over awardwinning gardens to Snowdonia, and provides an exclusive environment in which privacy is assured. The discerning business traveller can rely on receiving a professional service from an experienced team, with the executive services and facilities they require, as well as the health and fitness activities they enjoy. Next to the Hall is the restored 18th century stable block skillfuly converted into a split level building accommodating two self-contained rooms each holding up to 40 people. There

Thoughtfully designed rooms for a perfect stay

Verve Grill with contemporary surroundings serving great food and good wine. Think of your favourite local, but with a modern twist and loads of character. At the Village Hotel, you’re guaranteed a great pint, proper grub, live sports and exciting events in a refreshingly different atmosphere. Especilly for confernces and events, the Village Hotel Club has lauched business meetings online, a system which allows you to book business meetings for up to 16 people, stress free! FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01925377535 www.village-hotels.co.uk

CONFERENCES & EVENTS

The United Counties Showground, Carmarthen, is a 52 acre site with a fantastic range of facilities attracting high profile events across south wales. With easy access from the A40 and only five minutes drive to the busy town of Carmarthen, there are a range of facilities and buildings for use. The showground boasts a main ring for any sporting, animals or display activities and a seating area in the grandstand for 200 people under cover from the sun or rain. It houses a large, modern, single span exhibition hall which is light and airy with excellent acoustics. The design of the building makes this a very flexible space for all types of activities, it always feels pleasant and welcoming when occupied. Accessible for large machines with the smooth concrete floors, the building is easily cleaned and can be carpeted for exhibitions. Additional equipment is available

The award winning Galeri Creative Enterprise Centre is a £7.5 million complex located on Caernarfon’s Victoria Dock. With its magnificent waterside location, the setting will amaze you and your guests as well as offering fantastic views of the Menai Straits to the north, Snowdonia mountains as the backdrop and the historic market town and castle a stone’s throw away. Caernarfon also offers a range of accommodation options for your delegates. Whether you are planning an event, conference, product launch, awards ceremony, meeting, training day or gala dinner – Galeri offers a flexible space that can be tailored and dressed to suit your requirements. Galeri offers a unique alternative to more conventional conference centres and hotels, which comprises in a main theatre (394 seats), two studio spaces (100

Delivering the perfect space to host your event

Bodysgallen Hall & Spa: a historic house hotel

on request, including tables, chairs, heaters and marquees. Toilets are located in two blocks with additional toilets available for hire if required for large events. The site is also wheelchair friendly. The showground has hard roadways and hard surface parking facilities near the hall for ease of transportation and is easily accessible from Carmarthen Town centre. The centre can cater for all your needs with famous high street stores and hotels just a short distance away, making your stay more pleasurable. FURTHER INFORMATION www.unitedcounties.org

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 24.1

are two separate entrances, cloakrooms and kitchen, making it ideal for meetings, product launches and exhibitions. Accommodation is offered in 15 bedrooms and suites in the main Hall and 16 individual cottage suites located in the grounds, tastefully decorated and furnished with antiques and collectables. Renowned for its imaginative and seasonally inspired menus from head chef John Williams, the restaurant in the main Hall has been awarded three AA rosettes. Relaxation is found at the Bodysgallen Spa with a range of facilities. FURTHER INFORMATION www.bodysgallen.com

Offering an array of large and versatile spaces

seats each), flexible meeting rooms, café bar and art space. In 2018, a new 2 screen cinema will open on-site, offering even more options for your event. Galeri’s team of experienced in-house staff will ensure that your day runs smoothly from the initial enquiry to the event itself. Galeri can offer everything that you need under one roof – rooms, front of house staff, technical service as well as looking after your catering and refreshment requirements. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01286 685 250 www.galericaernarfon.com

SOFTWARE

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Since 2002, zsah has provided world class UK managed and operated 24/7 infrastructure, cloud and support services to organisations of all sizes in both the public and private sectors. As a UK SME company, listed on both G Cloud and DOS Frameworks, zsah offers public sector organisations a level of technical expertise, support, personalised service and value for money that cannot be beaten. The company’s services include: cloud based Infrastructure (IaaS); cloud platform services (PaaS); integration, technical assistance and support; desktop support; applications design and development. zsah invests heavily in R&D to ensure that its services and staff provide the very best support for your organisation, compliant with all UK government standards. The company works in partnership with clients – customer first’ and

Casella’s flagship air sampling pump, the Apex2, is now approved for use in potentially explosive environments, such as those found in oil refining, mining and more. The slimmest and lightest personal air sampling weighs in at just 490g which means that workers can wear the Apex2 for a full shift with little difficulty. The pump also features the highest flow rate stability on the market, ensuring that it will continue providing reliable results despite the type of dust suspected to be present. With Bluetooth and wireless connectivity; the Apex2 can be monitored remotely when used with Casella’s own ‘Airwave’ software. Now workers do not need to be distracted when take

Managed cloud services for the public sector

100 per cent referenceability are its goals. zsah is also proud of its very high level of ethical standards and company values – respect (for clients, staff and the environment); equality and diversity; ‘we do what we say’. zsah’s Managed Cloud Services are perfectly aligned for all parts of the UK public sector, including central government, local government, agencies, health or education. Please contact zsah for more information. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0207 060 6032 www.zsah.net

IT PROCUREMENT

IT solutions designed with the user in mind In today’s increasingly competitive marketplace, the part that information technology plays in driving your organisation’s success cannot be underestimated. When you need IT solutions designed with your specific business need in mind, come to Troycomm Systems for friendly advice from IT experts. Focused on small businesses located around the UK, we have a range of computer support services to help your business, whilst your staff continue to concentrate on day-to-day operations and the growth of your business. At Troycomm Systems, the company pride itself on being just such a partner. Troycomm Systems offers a comprehensive portfolio of technology, software and services and will act as a single source for all your IT project and support requirements. One review reminisced: “The company moved its IT systems support contract from one of the

larger, £600 million plus revenue IT organisations to Troycomm Systems in 2014. The level of support, availability and SR response is simply outstanding. “Any issues experienced are attended to instantly with resolution falling well within agreed SLA times. Troycomm offers excellent professional services and honest recommendations when compared to ‘other’ companies who prioritise revenue rather than best fit solutions for clients. Five star service.” FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0161 354 1162 support@troycomm.co.uk www.troycomm.co.uk

Casella launches the Apex2 Intrinsically Safe Pump

Products & Services

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

a reading; monitoring specialists can view the status of multiple air sampling pumps on a number of workers simultaneously, in addition to starting, stopping or even pausing the pump from a smart device. The software is simple and easy to use, providing real-time status updates, allowing collected data to be emailed alongside photos and notes, adding context to the data and further simplifying the reporting process. Casella is committed to improving the long term health of workers and provides expert monitoring solutions for noise dust and vibration. To find out more, visit the website. FURTHER INFORMATION www.casellasolutions.com

LAND DRAINAGE

A competitive provider of industrial UAV services

UAVONIC ranks among the most competitive industrial UAV survey service providers in Europe. The firm’s drones are equipped with the most technologically advanced sensors available in order to gather data of the highest quality. We then process this information to deliver complete, customised solutions to our clients from different industrial sectors. UAV flights offer detailed and accurate land survey data for a wide range of legal and commercial uses. With capabilities for precise 3D models of terrain, buildings and other objects. UAVONIC’s advanced photogrammetry workflow enables it to calculate volumes for material stock piles, voids, or depressions in the

ground. The collected images are then processed through software, which creates digital 3D models with precise size and volume of the surveyed material. This enables the user to visually inspect the model at any time and with greater detail. UAVONIC’s services are most widely used when and calculating sizes and volumes of material stock piles, voids, or depressions in the ground. Using its expertise and inhouse software and hardware, UAVONIC’s solutions are tailor-made for the requirements of each client. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0 1536 648 200 uk@uavonic.com www.uavonic.com

Volume 24.1 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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The publishers accept no responsibility for errors or omissions in this free service Adam Architecture Arch Henderson Avery BPC Energy BTR UK Berendsen UK Black Box Network Bodysgallon Hall CPM Group Capita Casella Solutions Clearview Contenur UK Costco CotterRill Cranfield Cygina Maintenance Devine air Dulux Ecocoolings Electronic Terminations EOL IT Services Fistral Beach Ford GJF Fabrications Galeri Caernafron GeoDesign Glasdon UK Gregynog Hall Harlow Printing Hesco Bastion ISS Medicalean Idox information J.P Whelen Plant JBA Consulting Kirona Solutions

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