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Business Information for Local and Central Government URBAN REGENERATION

REVITALISING HISTORIC CENTRES Can historic areas boost a town’s retail appeal?

Comment

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

PICKLES HAS HIGH HOPES FOR HIGH STREETS Communties Secretary Pickles has announced a series of workshops to help towns modernise and adapt their high streets to changing consumer behaviour. Training and mentoring is to be targeted at the leaders of 350 ‘town teams’ across the country (see page 9). But do we simply have too much retail space in Britain?

FLEET MANAGEMENT

HOW TO GREEN YOUR FLEET

Creating a low-carbon policy

WORK TRAVEL

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL PLANS Safer roads, a cleaner environment and reduced business costs

on Informati , p85 hip stewards

of portance The im disposal, IT asset 1 p8

CONFERENCES & EVENTS | SECURITY | FRANCHISING | GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY

Bill Grimsey, former chief executive of Wickes and Iceland, wrote in the Guardian: “Ministers are finally starting to recognise we simply have too much retail space in Britain. There are more than 40,000 empty shops blighting our high streets, and it’s no use clinging to a sentimental vision of the past. We’ve been keeping moribund high streets on a life support machine for years, and it’s time we faced up to reality.” Community energy schemes have been in the headlines. The ResPublica report The Community Renewables Economy: Starting up, scaling up and spinning out, argues that if community owned energy is to become more commonplace, councils must make development easier. It accuses councils of hindering community energy projects, which it says could generate £30m a year in tax revenue for cash-strapped local councils, and drive down high energy bills by increasing competition in the energy market. Read more on page 7. In technology, recent fines dished out by the ICO were levied as a result of poor disposal practices. Within the past 12 months, it has issued two of their largest fines to date. Furthermore, in 2010 the FSA levied a £2.25million fine on one of its members for the loss of backup tapes during a disposal process. On page 81, Steve Mellings, founder of the Asset Disposal and Information Alliance, explains the challenges and importance of IT Asset Disposal. Danny Wright

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226 High Rd, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055 Fax: 020 8532 0066 Web: www.psi-media.co.uk EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Danny Wright ACTING EDITOR Angela Pisanu PRODUCTION EDITOR Richard Gooding PRODUCTION CONTROL Jacqueline Lawford, Jo Golding WEB PRODUCTION Reiss Malone ADVERTISEMENT SALES Julie Holbrook, Bernie Miller, Steve Day, David Morgan PUBLISHER Kelly Scott ADMINISTRATION Victoria Leftwich, Charlotte Casey REPRODUCTION & PRINT Argent Media

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Volume 20.5 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Contents

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

CONTENTS GOVERNMENT BUSINESS 20.5 07 GB NEWS

Pickles announces workshops to help towns modernise; Mixed feelings about Brent Council’s new virtual receptionist

13 ROAD SAFETY

44 HEALTH & SAFETY

17 ROAD EXPO SCOTLAND

46 CONFERENCES & EVENTS

23 SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL PLANS

49 ACADEMIC VENUES

Road safety charity Brake give advice on how to employers can create a sustainable travel plan

The conference at Health & Safety North 2013 will cover a wide range relevant topics affecting the health and safety industry With Scotland hosting the Commonwealth Games next year, it will make an exciting backdrop to your conference or event This country is home to some of the best universities in the world, so why not hold your event in one?

27 FLEET MANAGEMENT

53 SQUARE MEALS

Roddy Graham, chairman of the Institute of Car Fleet Management, examines what makes a successful green fleet policy

A visit to Square Meal’s Venues & Events Live will give you the inspiration to create outstanding events

31 URBAN REGENERATION

55 FRANCHISING

Local authorities are urged to use their town’s historic areas to really enhance their retail offer in a new report by the English Heritage

Discover a range of business opportunities at the National Franchise Exhibition

33 FACILITIES MANAGEMENT The BIFM looks at two governmental finalists from its 2012 Awards

The Emergency Services Show will focus on promoting interoperability and cost-efficiency

39 PRINT

67 CALL CENTRES

How can today’s printing companies maximise the impact of government communications?

The Security Industry Association gives an update on its work on regulating, improving, and promoting the private security sector

Many local authorities have shown that, despite dwindling budgets, road safety is still a priority, writes the IAM’s Caroline Rheubottom We preview the event dedicated to Scottish road professionals

41 SECURITY

79 GT NEWS

Policy Exchange suggests closing non-digital channels and returning savings to taxpayers; Not enough being done to ‘Secure by Default’ suggests McAfee

81 IT ASSET DISPOSAL

The challenges and importance of IT Asset Disposal

83 IT SECURITY

Loss and theft of information from organisations continues to be a significant problem Why do these leaks still occur and what can be done to improve matters?

Government Business

63 EMERGENCY SERVICES SHOW

CCMA’s Ann-Marie Stagg examines how organisations can enhance their customers’ call centre experiences

89 GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

The Public Sector Mapping Agreement creates opportunities, rites the Association for Geographic Information

ISS

Turn to UE II.5 p latest gage 78 for th techno overnment e lo and fe gy news atures

93 EWORLD 2013

Best practices in public procurement will be discussed at this years’ eWorld Purchasing & Supply on 24 September

102 GB COMPETITION Win tickets to Alton Towers

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk Volume 20.5 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

ENERGY

Councils must stop blocking community energy, says think tank A new report from Westminster think tank ResPublica has revealed that community owned energy could grow 89 times its current size if councils stopped blocking and started helping the industry. In Germany, community energy accounts for 46 per cent of all energy produced from renewables. In the UK this figure stands at just 0.3 per cent. The ResPublica report, ‘The Community Renewables Economy: Starting up, scaling up and spinning out’, argues that if community owned energy is to become more commonplace, councils must make development easier. Community energy could generate £30m a year in tax revenue for cash-strapped local councils, and drive down high energy bills by increasing competition in the energy market. But ResPublica warns that councils must step up to the challenge, understand their new role and help, rather than hinder progress. The new study reveals a growing appetite for community owned power. Over the last decade, community energy capacity has increased by over 1300 per cent to nearly 60MW. By 2020, on current trends, the sector will grow nine-fold to 550MW. But with leadership and investment from local authorities and with the right national policy framework, the sector is capable of delivering almost a fifth of total renewable energy capacity – this would be equivalent to 5.27GW by 2020. The growth of community energy is self re-enforcing as two-thirds of communities reinvest or intend to reinvest revenue from renewables in further projects of energy efficiency. The report argues that key to achieving scale is joint ownership, where communities are able to partner with private developers,

local authorities or businesses, with greater capacity, resource and financial capability. But it stresses that there are a number of barriers to be addressed, including funding, financial know-how and legal advice. Local and national Government must work together to understand the financial benefits and help catalyse growth. In particular, this requires flexibility and positive approach from local authorities who could and should lead the way and invest funds in clean energy projects. Recommendations include training for local planners and councillors to make balanced decisions and fully understand the role of local government in energy production. In response to the report, Greg Barker MP, Minister for Energy and Climate Change, said: “I warmly welcome the ideas in this report on helping communities navigate the planning system, and on forming productive partnerships so that they are better able to take an active role in their own local projects. Our aim is to help communities and local businesses seize this READ MORE: exciting tinyurl.com/qfdone5 opportunity.”

COMMUNITY PROJECTS

Troubled Families scheme hailed a success Ministers have been hailing the success of the government’s troubled families scheme, which has successfully turned round the lives of 14,000 households in England in its first 15 months, according to the latest figures. An update on the flagship programme also revealed that councils have now identified 80,000 of the 120,000 families that Prime Minister David Cameron has pledged to ‘turn around’ by 2015. The Department for Communities and Local Government scheme aims to help families who are out-of-work, causing anti-social behaviour and whose children have stopped attending school. Each is given a family worker, appointed by upper-tier councils, who acts as a single point of contact. Upper-tier authorities are then paid by central government based on the success of each intervention. They can receive up to a total of £4,000 once the children are back at school, crime is down and adults are attending back-to-work schemes.

Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles said the fact that programme had already turned round 14,000 families showed it was on course to hit the target of helping 120,000 by 2015. “These figures show that our no-nonsense and common sense approach is changing these families for the better and benefiting the whole community. Considering the often longstanding and deep-seated nature of these families’ problems, it is a huge achievement to have turned so many around in such a short space of time,” said Pickles. Head of the Troubled Families programme Louise Casey said: “Councils deserve credit for taking up the challenge of the Troubled Families programme and achieving results so quickly.” Cameron added: “Every month more and more of the most troubled families are getting help to deal with READ MORE: these issues tinyurl.com/nbs3jx4 head-on.

News in Brief

GB News

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

Public sector workers consider part-time jobs after retirement Nearly one-third of public sector workers are considering returning to work part-time after their retirement due to concerns over how they will be able to cope financially, according to a new poll by financial education firm Teachers Assurance. The poll found that teachers are the most likely public sector workers to come back to work, with half saying they expected to. Nearly one-third of civil servants (30 per cent) are also considering taking on extra shifts, as are 26 per cent of health service workers. The report found that many public sector workers are daunted about their finances after retirement around 41 per cent of respondents across all services said that retirement was a worry for them, a figure that rose to 47 per cent in teaching and to 44 per cent in the NHS, but dipped to 35 per cent for civil servants. READ MORE:

tinyurl.com/olqo2z5

Making it easier to create new parish councils Local government minister Don Foster has announced new measures to make it easier to create a new parish council. The number of petition signatures needed to create a new parish council will be reduced from 10 per cent of the local population to 7.5 per cent. Local authorities will also need to decide on parish council applications within a year, speeding up the decision process. The measures will also make it easier for community groups to set up town and parish councils by removing the need for them to produce a petition if they have created a neighbourhood plan. Foster said: ‘The process for creating parishes will continue to be robust, with the local authority retaining the power to decide whether a new parish should be set up. The difference for campaigners and local councils will be a far easier, quicker and more democratic process.’ READ MORE:

tinyurl.com/ogswzke

Volume 20.5 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Case study

Spiritâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s data capture solution gets a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;good receptionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; from Peaks & Plains When Peaks & Plains Housing Trust needed more reliable handsets offering a good and consistent reception for its mobile workers, it turned to Spirit Data Capture Limited. Spirit recommended Motorola ES400s, along with SOTIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s MobiControl device management system. The new units are already proving to be highly reliable â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and MobiControl has reduced the Trustâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s device support costs.

3HDNV 3ODLQV +RXVLQJ 7UXVW LV D QRW IRU SURĂ&#x20AC;W FRPSDQ\ WKDW SURYLGHV KLJK TXDOLW\ DIIRUGDEOH KRPHV LQ 0DFFOHVĂ&#x20AC;HOG DQG WKH VXUURXQGLQJ DUHD ,WV SXUSRVH is: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Helping to improve livesâ&#x20AC;?. The governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Audit Commission inspected the Trust in 2009 and rated it in the top 10% of housing associations nationwide. The Peaks & Plains ICT team supports all communications, software and hardware across the Trust. The organisation has over 200 users, 80 of whom are mobile users, working within an area covering 200 square miles. They include trade-â&#x20AC;?based plumbers, joiners, electricians etc. and support staff. The team needed reliable handsets for its mobile workers that would be resistant to knocks and drops but would provide a good reception. This is important as the area has a number of black spots for mobile coverage. The previous devices werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t very rugged and frequently got damaged. They were also unreliable in terms of signal strength and battery life. Simon Penaluna, Assistant Director of ICT, says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wanted new devices that would be semi-â&#x20AC;?rugged and that could be used as a phone as well as a data PDA (personal digital assistant). We also wanted to ensure that they wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reach the end of their life within two months of purchasing them!â&#x20AC;? Another limitation imposed on the new handsets was that the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s EDFN RIĂ&#x20AC;FH V\VWHP FDQ RQO\ EH LQVWDOOHG RQ D :LQGRZV 0RELOH RSHUDWLQJ V\VWHP DQG VXLWDEOH GHYLFHV ZHUH EHFRPLQJ KDUGHU WR Ă&#x20AC;QG 7KH 7UXVW KHDUG about Spirit Data Capture Limited from another Housing Association and from research on the Internet. Spirit is an independent specialist in mobile enterprise solutions. It recommended a solution that included SOTIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s MobiControl versatile mobile device management system and Motorola ES400s.

MobiControl is the leading software application for the management, support and security of remote mobile devices. The Motorola ES400 is a cutting-â&#x20AC;?edge mobile enterprise digital assistant (EDA) with comprehensive voice and data capabilities. It is a powerful but pocket-â&#x20AC;?sized device that is ideal for mobile workers. It has enterprise-â&#x20AC;?class durability and a three-â&#x20AC;?inch colour touch screen. It even has a EXLOW LQ ELRPHWULF Ă&#x20AC;QJHUSULQW UHDGHU WR UHVWULFW LWV XVDJH WR DXWKRULVHG ZRUNHUV Simon Penaluna says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Motorola ES400 has a QWERTY keyboard. The reception from the device is much better than other solutions that we had trialled. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very robust and reliable â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in my opinion, the ES400 is the best :LQGRZV 0RELOH GHYLFH DYDLODEOH 7KH 0RWRUROD XQLWV OLQN LQWR 2XWORRN WR provide access to emails and also link into our CORE housing database system, which communicates information about jobs to and from the operatives.â&#x20AC;? He adds: â&#x20AC;&#x153;MobiControl is running well and its extensive functionality allows us to restrict all of the different aspects of the devices and to take control of WKHP IURP WKH RIĂ&#x20AC;FH LI WKHUH DUH DQ\ LVVXHV 7KLV FXWV WKH FRVW RI VXSSRUW for my team, as it avoids the need for them to either travel to the operative RU WR JHW WKH RSHUDWLYH WR UHWXUQ WR WKH RIĂ&#x20AC;FH WR UHVROYH WKH LVVXHV Âľ 6LPRQ FRQFOXGHV Â´6SLULW KDYH EHHQ YHU\ HIĂ&#x20AC;FLHQW DQG KDYH KHOSHG XV by issuing loan devices so that our users could make an informed decision about the most suitable solution. They have offered advice on MobiControl licensing choices and have always been easy to communicate with. I would fully recommend their service.â&#x20AC;?

For further information contact us at: t: 01928 718800 f: email: helen.jones@spiritdatacapture.co.uk www.spiritdatacapture.co.uk

URBAN REGENERATION

TRANSPORT

Pickles announces workshops to help towns modernise

HS2 taskforce looks to maximise jobs

Teams of local ‘experts’ will advise towns on how they can adapt their high streets to changing consumer behaviour from this month. Training and mentoring is to be targeted at the leaders of 350 ‘town teams’ across the country, which were created following the recommendations of the Portas Review. Training will encourage towns to carry out high street health checks; agree what the town centre ‘offer’ will be to residents and visitors; and explain how to make best use of planning powers and new community rights to take over closed pubs or shops. It will also detail how neighbourhood planning should be used to decide what local areas should look like in the future. The workshops will be provided by organisations such as the Association of

Town and City Management, Centre for Local Economic Strategies and Business in the Community. They will advise town teams how to ‘future-proof’ their towns by looking beyond retail and turn high streets into thriving centres of culture, entertainment and social activity for the future. The training will draw on examples of successful high streets across the country that have developed winning strategies and created busy town centres. Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said: “There isn’t a one-size-fits-all model but with the help of these dedicated local high street experts town teams will have the tools to make the changes they want, and support the high streets READ MORE: of the tinyurl.com/or3nrwg future.”

The HS2 Growth Taskforce has staged the first of its regional roadshows in the West Midlands. The group has been formed by the Department for Transport with the aim of devising ways to increase the number of jobs and other benefits form the proposed HS2 line. The route has a total budget of £42.6bn. Members of the independent group include former transport minister Steven Norris, who will meet local business and political figures to discuss the potential of HS2 for job creation. Growth taskforce members will make recommendations to the Government on how HS2 can act as a catalyst for regeneration in the regions. Commercial secretary to the Treasury and chair of the HS2 Growth Taskforce Lord Deighton said: “HS2 is not just a project for London or the station cities and the growth taskforce is determined to see the benefits stretch far and wide across the country. That is why getting out and meeting with our city and business leaders is so vital and will go a long way to informing our final report to the government.” Birmingham City Council leader Sir Albert Bore said research for the regional transport authority Centro has predicted that HS2 would deliver 50,000 jobs, and £4bn of economic growth each year for the West Midlands: “The figures show the benefits of connecting Birmingham and London are more than doubled when the region is also linked with Manchester and Leeds,” he said. Regional roadshows will continue until December with meetings in Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham, Liverpool and London READ MORE: set to be tinyurl.com/oh5q5et confirmed.

PLANNING

CIVIC HALLS

Planning streamlined

Mixed feelings about Brent Council’s £12,000 new receptionist

Planning applications which go to appeal will receive earlier decisions, the Government has announced. In a written Ministerial Statement, Planning Minister Nick Boles announced that secondary legislation has been laid in Parliament which will front-load the appeal process, allowing subsequent stages to take place earlier, while ensuring the process remains fair to all. Key to these changes is the requirement for appellants to submit their full statement of case when they appeal, and at the same time submit a draft statement of common ground for hearings or inquiries. Local planning authorities will need to notify interested parties within one week, and submit their own case within five weeks. The Planning Inspectorate will set earlier dates for hearings READ MORE: and tinyurl.com/m8f32hl inquiries.

Shanice, the virtual receptionist that greets visitors at Brent Council in London, has been labelled ‘silly’ by a councillor Alison Hopkins. The Labour-led Council has invested £12,000 in Shanice, a virtual assistant which is projected on to a screen behind a Civic Hall desk. Shanice, played by actress Shanice Stewart-Jones, is only able to answer a restricted number of questions. She directs people where to go to register a birth or death, apply for a marriage licence, or get married. Lib Dem councillor Alison Hopkins is unimpressed. She told the Evening Standard: “This is a startlingly expensive way of solving the problem. Shanice can’t respond even to basic questions but is limited to a small number of pre-recorded scripts. I hope she has been told one of the commonest questions is: “Where are the toilets?”.

GB News

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

Not everyone loves her smile: virtual receptionist Shanice

Similar to the virtual assistants used at airports to provide information about what can be taken onboard planes, visitors will be able to use a touch screen function to key in READ MORE: their tinyurl.com/qj66p33 question.

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penalties just shy of £1 million – a second conviction in 17 months ends in a £420,000 court bill following a fatal explosion

In brief – magistrates disqualify a director from holding office for two years; and a 10-point TUC “manifesto” for “reclaiming health and safety at work”

3 Pub could have avoided cleaner’s ladder death with purchase of £100 pole brush – Mitchells and Butlers is fined £200,000 after a fall at a Harvester pub

In brief – a US court approves BP’s penalties of $4 billion as part of a settlement over the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster; and an EEF survey reveals fewer manufacturers have a positive view of their relationship with their inspectors

4 HSE News – the HSE approves the removal of

about 800,000 self-employed workers from safety law; the first two months of revenue from the Fee for Intervention scheme point to a significant fall in anticipated annual revenue; the HSE will no longer approve firstaid training and qualifications; Regulations on medical sharps will come into force on 1 April; the HSE rules out consolidation of the core sets of safety regulations; and proposals for consolidating 21 pieces of explosives legislation

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£120,000 fine is the ninth time in a decade that Tata Steel UK/Corus has been convicted of safety failings in cases involving deaths at its British plants, and the 25th occasion on which it has been convicted of safety offences since 2001

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15 Löfstedt: the verdict so far – the latest

position on the implementation of the 26 recommendations in the Swedish professor’s landmark 2011 report

HSE agrees shock RIDDOR reversal The HSE has dropped its proposal that employers and other dutyholders should no longer have to report occupational diseases. The surprise reversal came after the HSE Board discussed officials’ revised proposals on reforms to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrence Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) at a closed meeting on 30 January.

The board also agreed to retain the duty to report non-fatal work-related accidents to members of the public, again reversing a proposal set out in the same autumn 2012 consultation document (HSB 413 p.1). The reforms to major injuries, dangerous occurrences and self-employed workers will, however, go ahead. Duties to report fatal injuries to workers and the public, and overseven-day injuries to workers, remain unchanged. The reforms arise from the HSE’s “fundamental review” of RIDDOR, which was recommended by the Young Review in 2010 (HSB 394 p.5) and endorsed by the Löfstedt Review in 2011 (see p.15). An HSE spokesperson told HSB that the board “had taken note of the consultation responses and was pleased to see a revised proposal from HSE that now addressed some of the concerns.” The board will advise the minister to accept the modified package; subject to approval, the revisions are scheduled to come into force on 1 October. The HSE had proposed removing the requirement to report occupational diseases except where they result from exposure to biological agents. Following concerns raised at consultation, it has now decided employers will have to report occupational cancers, diseases attributable to biological agents and six short-latency diseases (hand-arm vibration syndrome, dermatitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, severe cramp of the arm, tendonitis and occupational asthma, which account for 90% of all ill-health RIDDOR reports to the HSE). The HSE had also proposed removing the requirement to report work-related non-fatal injuries to members of the public who are taken to hospital for treatment. In the light of consultation, however, the HSE will retain this requirement,

although it will make the reporting stipulations and threshold clearer through improved guidance. The other reforms proposed in the consultative document will go ahead: ■ the list of major injuries will be simplified and reduced to 10 types (see box 1, HSB 413 p.5) so that it is more closely aligned with the HSE’s incident selection criteria; ■ the list of 25 dangerous occurrences will be simplified and reduced to 20 so that they focus on higher-risk sectors and activities; and ■ self-employed workers will no longer have to report injuries to themselves. Secrecy undermines credibility The fact that the HSE’s board and officials have responded so positively to stakeholders’ concerns about the RIDDOR reforms is to be welcomed. It is regrettable, however, that the RIDDOR discussion was held in private and that it took until 6 March for the HSE to agree to publish the paper that the board considered. The HSE also published the minutes of the board’s 30 January open meeting in early March, but they contain only the briefest of summaries of the RIDDOR decisions1. The same closed meeting also took important decisions approving the exemption of some selfemployed workers from health and safety law, new Regulations on medical sharps and the retention of the docks ACoP (see pp.9, 6 and 4 respectively). The HSE has variously justified the closed discussions to HSB on the grounds that they involved advice to ministers and legal advice, and also because the HSE wanted to avoid potential public disputes. Past open board meetings show the first two of these excuses are simply invalid, while the third is undesirable at a time of such government hostility to health and safety regulation. All closed discussions do is undermine the credibility of the HSE as a regulator and of the board as the tripartite representatives of stakeholder interests, and give the impression government intimidation works. HF

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EMPLOYMENT

EDUCATION

Employment outlook best for six years according to Manpower survey

Councils facing primary school place shortage, says LGA

The UK’s employment outlook is set to end the year in its best position for six years, according to ManpowerGroup, which has predicted an outlook of +6 per cent in its latest survey. The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is based on responses from 2,104 UK employers. It asks whether employers intend to hire additional workers or reduce the size of their workforce in the coming economic quarter. The figure builds on the third quarter of 2013 when the Outlook was +5 per cent, and ensures that 2013 finishes with the strongest fourthquarter forecast since before the financial crisis. “The jobs market has suddenly become the hottest economic indicator in town thanks to the forward guidance issued by Mark Carney, the new Governor of the Bank of England,” said ManpowerGroup Solutions UK managing director James Hick. “Our survey shows that it’s going to take a while before we get to a situation where 750,000 new jobs are created, which will trigger a review of interest rates. But it also reveals that 2013 has been a game changing year for the UK jobs market in a number of READ MORE: key tinyurl.com/pu5k4r9 sectors.”

Parts of England are at risk of having a shortage of primary school places within the next three years, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned. Towns such as Costessey (Norfolk) and Purfleet (Essex) could have as many as 75 per cent more pupils than primary school places, based on current figures. Rapid population growth and years of under-investment in schools could lead to London boroughs such as Waltham Forest, Newham and Hounslow having 25 per cent more eligible children than school places by 2016. David Simmonds, chairman of the LGA’s children and young people board, said councils faced “unprecedented pressure” in tackling the shortage. “Councils across the country have been increasing places by expanding schools where possible through additional classes or new buildings,” Simmonds said. “However, without enough resource to provide places we are seeing some schools having to take extreme measures, including converting non-classroom space and reducing playground space.” There are shortages across England, but especially in the south and on the fringes of London and the Thames valley. Redbridge,

Ealing, Bristol, Lewisham, Slough, Manchester, Barking and Dagenham, Sutton and Peterborough councils may have to find an additional 20 per cent more places to fulfil demand, the LGA said, while Bedfordshire may need as much as 25 per cent more capacity. The LGA wants the DfE to work more closely with local councils so that planning for increased demand for places can be READ MORE: better tinyurl.com/ka72x3e managed.

PENSIONS

HEALTH

Pensions Regulator publishes first public sector report

LGA produces new progress tool for Health & Wellbeing boards

The Pensions Regulator has published information and research on current practice in eight categories of public service pension schemes, ahead of it taking on an expanded role regulating standards of governance and administration for these schemes. From April 2015, the regulator will set standards of governance and administration in the Local Government, NHS, Teachers, Civil Service, Armed Forces, Police, Firefighters and Judicial pension schemes. Between them these schemes represent about 12.6 million members and more than 22,000 employers (2012 figures). This expanded role was given to the regulator in the Public Service Pensions Act 2013, which received Royal Assent in April. The regulator is currently working on a regulatory strategy and codes of practice and plans to consult on these later in the year. It has published its first report on the governance and administration of public service schemes, together with the findings of an accompanying research survey, which provide an overview of the current arrangements. The findings will help to inform the development of its regulatory approach. The Government’s reforms to the governance and administration of public

service schemes are intended to bring administration practices broadly in line with those applicable in the private sector, provide clearer governance with specific defined roles (such as member and employer board representatives), and will require the publication of more information on a consistent basis, for example. Andrew Warwick-Thompson, the executive director with responsibility for regulating the governance and administration of public service schemes, said: “Our role is to make clear the governance and standards that schemes are expected to meet in order to adhere to legislation. The size and number of memberships of public service schemes means they can face challenges in, for example, maintaining high quality data and records. “Although they are run slightly differently to private sector schemes, we will take a similar approach - prioritising education and enablement but taking action if necessary to make sure schemes are run to a high standard. We plan to monitor and eport on the progress of public service READ MORE: schemes tinyurl.com/pgdrje6 each year.”

GB News

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Health and Wellbeing Boards will be able to track their progress and effectiveness with an online self-assessment tool, launched by the Local Government Association. The boards, were created by the Health and Social Care Act 2012, are responsible for leading and shaping the provision of health care in their local areas. Their responsibilities include driving the successful commissioning and provision of public health services, and improving the health and wellbeing of local communities. Created by the LGA and the Department of Health, Public Health England, NHS England, NHS Confederation and Healthwatch, the self-assessment tool will help boards to assess their performance and develop plans to transform public health services and outcomes for local people. It allows them to evaluate their position using a ‘maturity model’, describing what is expected of a ‘young HWB’, an ‘established HWB’, a ‘mature HWB’ and an ‘exemplar HWB’. Boards can use the tool to explore their strengths and opportunities to improve, and inspire their ambition to develop a clear sense of purpose READ MORE: and tinyurl.com/o589ykl approach.

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A schools safety programme that cut speeding by 75%. No surprises - itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Siemens.

FUNDING

Road Safety

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ROAD SAFETY FUNDING TAKES A HIT

Given the latest road safety figures for 2012, it would seem that all is well again in road safety. After a surprising blip in 2011, with the first rise in road deaths for decades, the 2012 figures showed a welcome return to the long term downward trend that has put the UK at the top of the safety league tables. This is no accident, with coordinated engineering, education and enforcement all playing their part. Experts suggest that safer cars themselves have played the biggest part and future gains will be harder to come by, but in truth the problem with road safety is that it is often very hard to tell exactly what has worked and what has not. Accident reductions have delivered savings to society worth billions of pounds according to government figures. Councils rarely see this however, as the main beneficiary is normally the NHS. ROAD CASUALTY TRENDS Within those 1,754 deaths reported in 2012 (still almost five a day) particular trends are starting to emerge, with improvements on rural roads for car occupants but problems

with overall council services only being cut by six per cent it would seem that road safety is taking a disproportionate hit. Many road safety units are also being closed altogether. As well as losing many years of valuable experience, this may a have a long-term effect on many education programmes which, although often hard to evaluate, are a key part of any road safety strategy. So far the accident figures would seem to suggest the impact has yet to materialise, but the IAM are concerned that we may be storing up problems for the future. Spending cuts must make it more difficult for urban authorities to address cycling and pedestrian issues. The IAM supports segregated cycling facilities and we can also see the benefit of traffic calming and 20mph zones where people live if the appropriate research is conducted first. But such schemes don’t come cheap if they are to operate effectively. Accident savings are often negligible on such schemes, and it is important that they are not oversold but included as part of a package which also aims to provide environmental and quality of life improvements for city dwellers.

The IAM canefits ben see the ph zones of 20m ntial areas e in resid ppropriate if the a arch is rese ted conduc POTHOLE REPAIRS first The other big safety-related

for pedestrians and cyclists (deaths up 10 per cent). This is good news for the shire counties – although motorcycling remains a tough challenge on some roads – but for the many urban authorities in England the need to protect vulnerable road users is going to put them under the spotlight. In the view of the IAM this problem can only get worse as more and more cyclists take to the road while infrastructure improvements lag behind. Factor in a growing issue of elderly pedestrians (as well as intoxicated ones of all ages) and it is clear that future road safety programmes for local authorities are going to be much more focussed on those outside cars than the well-protected people inside them. CUTS IN SPENDING Last year the IAM undertook research on road safety spending by councils and found it had been cut by an average of 15 per cent. A cut was of course expected in these days of budget constraints and deficit reduction, but

Written by Caroline Rheubottom, communications officer at the Institute of Advanced Motorists

Spending cuts are no doubt making it more difficult for urban authorities to address road safety. But despite, this many local authorities are showing that road safety is still a priority, writes Caroline Rheubottom, communications officer at the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM)

challenge for local councils is pothole repairs. Whilst we can see some progress in implementing the many good ideas contained in the Pothole Review, long-term budgets are still lacking. IAM opinion surveys show that pothole repairs and the general state of our roads are top issues for drivers and other road users. Councils that commit to high-profile rectification schemes make it easy to report potholes and, above all, those who make it a top priority for spending will see the benefits in other policy areas. This is important because many drivers do feel that they are overtaxed and are not getting a good deal on transport. Councils which show a more consumer-friendly approach will find it much easier to sell safety schemes, street light turn offs and even parking charges. !

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Taking care of your security needs

Sodexo develops, manages and delivers a diverse range of services, designed to improve the quality of life for our clients and customers. Secure by Sodexo is a bespoke security solution delivered in private and public enterprises, including healthcare, education, defence, corporate and manufacturing. Secure operates in over 160 locations in the UK. Tailored to individual client need, established through a consultative approach, using risk analysis as the basis for each assignment. securesupport.group@sodexo.com www.sodexo-uk.com The Sodexo logo is a registered trademark of Sodexo S.A. ÂŠSodexo 2013.

FUNDING

In 2012 the IAM undertook research on road safety spending by councils and found it had been cut by an average of 15 per cent. A cut was expected in these days of budget constraints and deficit reduction, but with overall council services only being cut by six per cent it would seem that road safety is taking a disproportionate hit # The final piece in the jigsaw is of course local accountability. This is taking many forms under the current coalition government, but in road safety it includes a new local authority road safety comparison site (www.road-collisions.dft.gov.uk). The IAM welcomes this move as it highlights best practice and also puts the spotlight on those councils that are falling behind. Also launched at the same time was the Road Safety Observatory, which provides a one stop shop for research and evaluation of what does and does not work in road safety. These initiatives should stop the constant reinventing of the wheel that we often see. The IAM will also continue to monitor road safety spending and performance and highlight those councils making the largest cuts in safety and maintenance-related spending. For drivers and riders, we should be entering a positive period of openness and accountability, and for councils, they know that they are being evaluated locally and nationally as never before.

Road Safety

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CITY OF YORK COUNCIL City of York Council joined forces with the IAM in 2012 to offer young drivers a free assessment to improve their confidence and awareness on the roads. The scheme was aimed at up to 300 drivers aged between 17-26, living or working in York, and is set to run until 2014. The course, entitled ‘Momentum’ and provided by the IAM, usually costs £40 per person, but has been funded through the Local Sustainable Transport Fund via York Council. The IAM’s Momentum assessment is specially designed for 17-26 year-olds who have passed their basic driving test, and incorporates two modules: an interactive online assessment, followed by an on-road session with an IAM examiner. Momentum does not involve an exam and there is no risk of failure; it is designed to provide an option for young drivers wishing to improve their confidence, awareness and safety. Trish Hirst, City of York Council road safety officer, said: “None of us quite expected the reaction the scheme has received. It has been a fantastic first few days, with the team sending out more than a 100 application forms. Young drivers in York seem extremely keen to take up this opportunity and we are delighted by the response to the scheme.” Simon Best, IAM chief executive, said: “This initiative is a good example of the way councils can work in partnership with voluntary organisations to provide services that are increasingly more difficult to provide amidst budget cuts. York council recognises the importance of safe driving and the safety of young drivers.” City of York Council and the IAM continue to work in collaboration on this project. They are currently exploring different channels to approach young drivers. Each initiative is seen as a partnership, and with a shared objective they strive to get the most out of each project and share the programme with other local authorities as this develops. " FURTHER INFORMATION www.iam.org.uk

CASE STUDIES It would be foolish to believe that since the economic downturn and the knock-on effect of huge cuts being made to Council spending, road safety funding would remain impervious to tightening budgets. But it has become apparent that road safety has taken a bigger hit than other areas in terms of investment. Local authority road safety comparisons have shown that certain areas are being offered very little, if anything, in the field of road safety education and campaigns. However, this is not a blanket generalisation – many local authorities have shown that, despite dwindling budgets, road safety is still a priority. Examples of this positive action can be found in the work of Camden Council and City of York Council. In 2009, Camden Council tackled road safety by reaching out to young people in the area through the production of a road safety drama entitled ‘Crossing Over’, created in partnership with Arc Theatre. This drama was developed as part of the Camden Child Injury Inequality project which aims to address the higher incident rates among teenagers in less wealthy areas and some ethnic groups. The development of the drama was sponsored by Transport for London. ‘Crossing Over’ tells the story of 15 year old Sol, who is killed in a road collision and wakes up to find himself in the in–between world of the Department of Pedestrian Accidents. As punishment, he is sent back to the living world to collect more road traffic victims. Exploring the many causes of road collisions, the drama highlights the consequences of risk-taking behaviour and encourages young people to take personal responsibility for their behaviour on the roads. In November 2009, ‘Crossing Over’ toured secondary schools in Camden, reaching out to hundreds of young residents. A small scale evaluation of the drama concluded that ‘Crossing Over’ was well received by the young people (89 per cent rated it good or very good). In addition, 74 per cent felt that they ‘might’ or ‘definitely will’ act safer on the roads as a consequence of seeing the drama.

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EVENT EVENTPREVIEW PREVIEW

Road Expo Scotland

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

THE EVENT FOR SCOTTISH ROAD PROFESSIONALS

Road Expo Scotland is the ultimate destination north of the border for road professionals looking to source and learn about the latest technology, as well as industry best practice and know-how Road Expo, Scotland’s only event focused on traffic management and highway maintenance, will return for its latest instalment on 6-7 November 2013 at the Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh. Road Expo is the largest event of its kind in Scotland and is the ultimate destination north of the border for road professionals looking to source and learn about the latest technology, as well as industry best practice and know how. The 2013 show will be packed with features offering visitors the opportunity to network with peers, learn from experts and exchange ideas and discover ways to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Over 100 leading suppliers will showcase their latest products and services in the exhibition hall and live demonstration area. CONFERENCE Road Expo 2013 will once again play host to the Transport Scotland and Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland (SCOTS) conference, a free feature that proves extremely popular with visitors. This informative conference will get to grips with what’s hot and topical in Scottish traffic

management and highway maintenance – invaluable for all practitioners wishing to learn about the future of highways and transportation, key developments, cutting edge technology and pressing matters faced by transport users and planners today. Road Expo seminars are free to attend and are CPD certified. Last year, Keith Brown, the Minister for Housing and Transport opened the conference and was followed by speakers such as Ewan Wallace, Chair of SCOTS, and Dr Stephen Thomson, head of environment and sustainability branch, Transport Scotland. This year’s speakers and conference agenda is being finalised and will be available shortly.

a strategic body comprising of transportation professionals from all the 32 councils and the seven regional transport partnerships. The society’s work involves improving performance and innovation in the design, delivery and maintenance of transportation systems. This is done by actively influencing important aspects of transportation at the highest levels in Scottish Government by responding to consultations from Government, providing advice on legislation as it is developed or implemented, advising COSLA, local authorities and stakeholders. SCOTS is also involved in research in key areas which affect local authorities through working with stakeholders such as Transport Scotland. An important role is to encourage networking and sharing of information amongst members and stakeholders. !

Road Expo, nly d’s o Scotlan cused on o event f anagement traffic mturn for its will re nstalment latest i ovember on 6-7 N013 2

SCOTS The Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland (SCOTS) was founded in 1996. It is

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Road Expo Stand D8 ICEE provides bespoke enclosures and associated services to the Highways industry. Schemes worked on include: • Forth Bridge Replacement Crossing • Managed Motorways • Pilot Scheme M42 • BBMM Phase 1,2, & 3. M1, M62 and M4/M5 • M25 • Hindhead Tunnel • Holmesdale Tunnel Refurbishment • Bell Common Tunnel Associated services • Installation

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Commissioning Maintenance Warehousing Staging Turnkey Solutions Bespoke Solutions

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EVENT PREVIEW # TRANSPORT SCOTLAND Transport Scotland is the national transport agency for Scotland. Through the development of transport projects and policies, it supports businesses, communities and services, connecting people across Scotland and beyond. An agency of the Scottish Government, its purpose is to increase sustainable economic growth through the development of national transport projects and policies. During 2012 – 2015 the Scottish Government has allocated a £5.4 billion investment in transport infrastructure and services. Transport Scotland’s priorities for this investment are connecting Scotland and improving reliability and journey times in order to maximise opportunities for employment, business, leisure and tourism. Transport Scotland is focusing on transition to a low carbon economy through low carbon technology and infrastructure, reducing emissions, tackling climate change and improving air quality. Together, SCOTS and Transport Scotland will be holding a topical conference at Road Expo Scotland, covering the latest transport issues affecting Scotland. WHO VISITS? Road Expo attracts a broad range of visitors from both the private and public sector. Last years event was attended by 96 per cent of Scotland’s local authorities. Anyone in the private or public sector involved in highway maintenance and traffic management will benefit from a visit. This includes engineers; architects; road safety; civil engineers; parking; utilities; emergency services; contractors; surveyors; asset management; transport planners; contractors; construction; consultants health and safety; and landscapers. BIGGER THAN EVER Event manager, Steve Walters comments: “Road Expo Scotland 2013 is on target to be as big, if not bigger than last year’s and I’m delighted with the support we have received from the industry and our event partners yet again. We, at Brintex, look forward to delivering what is set to be another quality show for the industry in Scotland. “At Road Expo, visitors are able to see, touch and compare products from over 100 suppliers in one place. This is an effective investment of their time. It’s also completely free to attend with free parking, free lunch and a two day informative conference delivered by Transport Scotland. It’s a truly unmissable event for anyone in this industry.” EXHIBITION There will be over 100 exhibitors showcasing their latest products and services. There will be products and services for highway infrastructure; road safety equipment/systems; traffic control/ monitoring; road building/maintenance; and sign & display technology. Acklea will be on stand J2 and in the demonstration area, and will be showing there 18 ton plastic traffic management vehicle, along with a 7 ton Iveco plastic urban vehicle. The company’s Scorpion crash cushions, which have been tested and passed in at the new 70mph speed limit, will also be available to see at the event. Salt Union, who operates the UK’s biggest rock salt mine, will be exhibiting on stand D15. The company is Britain’s largest supplier of natural rock salt, used by winter maintenance professionals to thaw icy roads. Working in partnership with local authorities and private contractors, the company helps them to maximise benefit from their winter maintenance programme. Routemapper Mobile Mapping systems will be on display on stand H12. The systems provide a powerful combination of highresolution digital imagery and LiDAR with Inertial positioning, enabling a vast range of surveys/inspections to be performed from the office. RouteMapper has been used by government agencies, maintaining agents, rail and bus operators, telecommunications companies and airport authorities throughout the world.

TRL, the UK’s Transport Research Laboratory, will be exhibiting on stand B3. It has over 80 years of knowledge and experience in transport innovation, evidential research and impartial advice. Through the decades, its capabilities have continually expanded to encompass the diverse range of transport disciplines that are an integral part of delivering a successful transport network, including sustainability, attitudes and behaviours, simulation and modelling, climate change, engineering, product development, standards and specifications. This is all supported by world class testing facilities which include impact rigs, a structures hall, pavement test facility, driving simulation centre (DigiSim), pavement monitoring and testing services, air and noise quality monitoring equipment and more.

Road Expo Scotland

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

REGISTER FOR A FREE LUNCH Road Expo Scotland 2013, takes place on Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th November 2013 at the Lowland Hall, Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, Scotland. You can register for Road Expo Scotland on the website (details below) or in the registration area during show open hours. Entry to the show is free, irrespective of whether you register online or on the day, however, registering in advance will save you time on the day of your visit and will entitle you to a free lunch at the show. For environmental reasons the event organisers are not sending out badges. You will be able to collect your badge upon arrival at the show in the registration area. Print out your confirmation email including your barcode to use the self-service terminals or go to one of the registration desks where your badge will be printed for you. " FURTHER INFORMATION www.2013.road-expo.com

Reducing Speed & Increasing Safety through our Community Partnership Programme

DF11 Monitoring Speed in Your Community

www.unipartdorman.co.uk

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Innovative advanced composites design Gloucester Composites is a highly experienced manufacturer of advanced composite products. Its range of products that are used worldwide and are certified by both government bodies and utility companies, alike. The company excels through innovation in advanced composites design, supplying leading manufacturers in the construction, automotive, rail, defence, aeronautical, civil’s and road safety. Gloucester Composites Tricel® division is a UK-leading off-mains drainage solutions provider, supplying septic tanks, and sewage treatment plant and pump stations throughout the UK. The company’s meter box range, KMG Enclosures, manufactures kiosks, new and replacement

electric and gas GRP meter cabinets for the UK market. Certified to British Standards and widely used by utility bodies. Technotrak products ensures “safety on-site” with the comprehensive range of custom road, civil and construction safety products. Cavus is a British sourced and manufactured range of recycled access chambers and composite access covers. Gloucester Composites manufacture in accordance with ISO 9001:2008 standards and is proud to be members of the NJUG and RoSPA organisations. Widely specified, the company’s extensive product range is available throughout the UK. FURTHER INFORMATION www.gloucestercomposites.co.uk

ROCOL: solutions to make your living and working environments safer Since the launch of the very first EASYLINE® Aerosol line-marking system on Tomorrow’s World by Raymond Baxter in 1976, ROCOL® Site Safety and Anti-slip Solutions have been at the forefront of innovation; delivering technically superior products to the market. ROCOL’s mission is to develop superior-performance products and solutions that make our living and working environments safer. From demarcation of pedestrian and vehicular areas to traffic management, its products are found all over the world and across every industry. ROCOL offers a comprehensive range of

spot and survey marking solutions to a wide variety of markets. The most recent additions to the range are the Contractor® fusion and Temporary™ fusion products. Fusion Formulation spot marking paints from ROCOL were developed with the company’s major corporate customers in order to support their social and environmental responsibilities and minimise health and safety risks for the user without compromising the trusted superior performance you would expect from a ROCOL product. Typical applications include: highway maintenance, identification of underground utilities by colour coding, colour/hazard coding for cables and utilities, construction sites, ground maintenance, etc.

Bespoke enclosures and associated services to the Highways Industry

ICEE is experienced in the manufacture of enclosures for the highways industry. By collaborating with various stakeholders, ICEE has manufactured the CEC range for many of the managed motorway schemes, being involved from the onset on the M42 pilot scheme. Other projects the company has worked on include the Forth Bridge Replacement Crossing, the Olympic Regeneration Project and the Hindhead tunnel. ICEE’s knowledge is not limited to highways and enclosures; it has worked to provide a solutions managed waste removal service for the digital switchover in the

Company Profiles

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

broadcast industry and fibre installation within the Hampshire Public Services Network for the telecommunications industry. ICEE provides all associated services, including installation, commissioning, testing and maintenance, either as part of a bespoke solution or as a standalone service. See ICEE on Stand D8 at Road Expo (6-7 November, Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh) to discuss any of your upcoming projects. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: +44 (0) 23 92 230604 www.icee.co.uk

Making our highways a safer place to work and use Unipart Dorman is the largest road lamp manufacturer in the UK specialising in LED technology. It has a proven track record for innovating new products, with safety being at the primary focus. Unipart Dorman’s collaborative approach ensures it continues to deliver high-quality products that meet the needs of its customers – making our highways a safer place to work and use. The company’s headquarters in Southport is home to all areas of the business: from concept design to product manufacturing and distribution. The DF11 is a lightweight unit which can be fixed in a single location or used as part of a rotation programme for

maximum impact, it enables you to gain a greater understanding of your traffic issues by recording the data needed to carry out a complete assessment of speed in the area it’s deployed. Visit Unipart Dorman on Stand C13 at Road Expo 2013 (6-7 November, Edinburgh) to meet the team and understand how the company could help you. One of its new Programme Partners commented: “We were impressed with Unipart Dorman’s attention to detail, workmanship, quality-assurance procedures and the commitment with partnership working with the county council.” FURTHER INFORMATION www.unipartdorman.co.uk

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0113 232 2600 www.rocol.com

Volume 20.5 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

GREENER TRAVEL

GETTING FROM A-TO-B SUSTAINABLY

Commuting and driving for work carries a substantial risk: at least one in three road crashes in Britain involves someone driving for work. Sustainable choices can help reduce exposure to road risk by reducing the number of vehicles on our roads, particularly during busy commuting periods. In addition to the safety impact, driving for work comes with a huge environmental cost. According to WWF, business travel accounts for more than 50 per cent of the carbon footprint of non-manufacturing businesses. It is also a significant proportion of all road travel: commuting and business travel accounted for 37 per cent of miles driven by cars and vans in Great Britain in 2011. Sustainable choices can also help reduce fleet operating costs and travel reimbursement claims, not to mention the positive impact they have on employee wellbeing. The first step towards making sustainable choices is to develop and implement a sustainable travel plan. DEVELOPING A TRAVEL PLAN A travel plan is a strategy to address travel during the working day and to and from the workplace. It is not an anti-car policy, but rather a way of promoting safer, more sustainable alternatives to single-occupancy car travel, and ensuring the right type of transport is used for any necessary travel. A travel plan can also be used to assess whether travel is needed at all, or if alternatives

such as teleconferencing could be used. A travel plan should begin with a survey to establish a baseline for how employees and other site users already travel, and a site audit to identify possible alternatives. This information can then be used to identify new policies that may be required, and set targets for travel reduction. Companies that run fleets can also address their journey planning, vehicle selection and the behaviour of their drivers in order to improve fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impacts. Different types of fleets may require different strategies within their travel plans. Some examples of appropriate policies for different fleet types are given below.

Written by Laura Woods, Research & Information Officer, Brake

Safer roads, a cleaner environment and reduced costs to organisations present a highly persuasive case for implementing a sustainable travel plan, argues road safety charity Brake

Sustainable Travel Plans

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

hybrid buses to reduce emissions. What’s more, they could monitor and reduce vehicle idling time to reduce fuel wastage; closely monitor tyre pressures to improve safety and fuel economy; and investigate the use of electronic acceleration control. Safe and Fuel Efficient Driver (SAFED) training for drivers could also be investigated to make sure drivers are driving in an economic manner. CAR AND VAN FLEETS To ensure car and van fleets are being used as efficiently and safely as possible companies should select the most fuel-efficient and safest vehicles that are fit for purpose. They could introduce SAFED training for drivers, and encourage the use of public transport for business travel wherever possible. They could also ensure meetings are scheduled in locations easily accessible by public transport.; Organisations operating van and car fleets should also review mileage rates to ensure they do not encourage drivers to cover excessive distances. What’s more they could introduce time and mileage limits for business journeys by car to avoid employees spending too long behind the wheel. To help plan the !

able Sustain oices h travel c reduce p can hel to road risk re exposu reducing by ber of the num on the s vehicle ads ro

BUS AND COACH FLEETS Bus and coach fleets already have strong green credentials as they carry so many people, helping to reduce congestion and emissions. Operators can make further gains by ensuring the operator’s own employees use company buses as transport, and promoting bus routes to local companies and offer discounted season tickets to businesses. Bus and coach operators could also consider the benefits of biofuels, renewable fuels, and

Volume 20.5 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

GREENER TRAVEL # most efficient journeys, organisations could use route planning software. Managers should allow enough time for drivers to reach appointments, to decrease fuel use and crash risks. The organisation could also encourage vehicle sharing, rather than employees visiting the same customer in different vehicles; and ban all mobile phone use while driving: if employees need to make a call, they should take the train or bus to allow them to work. TRUCK FLEETS Much of the above advice for bus and car fleets will also apply to trucks. In addition, truck fleets can plan delivery schedules around the most efficient routes, taking into account peak congestion periods; and if vehicles are home-based, aim to schedule the last job of the day as close to the driver’s home as possible, to reduce wasted mileage. THE BENEFITS OF TECHNOLOGY Technology allows some journeys to be avoided entirely, through video conferencing and home working. Fleet managers should work with other departments to ensure video or teleconferencing facilities are available to employees, and promote the benefits with regular awareness raising initiatives. It can be useful to keep a record of mileage saved in this way, to promote the benefits of the system to the Board. In-vehicle technology, such as telematics systems that monitor driver behaviour and provide feedback, can also be a good way to ensure that all drivers are as efficient as possible. Telematics systems allow events such as harsh braking and speeding to be recorded, to ensure that fuel-efficient driving techniques are utilised (see below). These systems often produce a driver ‘score’, based on the individual driver’s habits. These scores can be used to incentivise the safest and most efficient drivers, as well as indicating which drivers may require further training. FUEL-EFFICIENT DRIVING There are simple steps that all drivers can take to save fuel while driving. These include going easy on the accelerator and avoiding over-revving and using an appropriate speed for the conditions, which will often be slower

A travel plan should begin with a survey to establish a baseline for how employees and other site users already travel, and a site audit to identify possible alternatives. This can then be used to identify new policies that may be required, and set targets for travel reduction than the speed limit. Maintaining a safe distance, allowing time and space to anticipate potential hazards to avoid having to slow down and speed up frequently; and using the highest possible gear for the speed travelled will also make for more efficient driving. TAKE THE PLEDGE The Pledge is Brake’s campaign to reduce dangerous and unnecessary driving. It’s a key tool for fleet managers, who can attend a low-cost one-day course equipping them to deliver ongoing safety and sustainability campaigns to their at-work drivers. At its heart are six promises drivers are encouraged to commit to. Firstly it’s to drive slow: at 20mph or slower around communities, slow down on rural roads, avoid overtaking and never break speed limits. The next pledge is to drive sober, not impaired by any amount of alcohol, illegal drugs, or medication that can affect driving. The next pledge is to drive sharp: never drive tired, or when in pain, groggy or stressed, and have an up to date eyesight test. The next pledge is to drive silent: put phones on message service and out of reach when driving, and never fiddle with sat navs or other electronic equipment. The next pledge is to drive secure: drive a well-maintained vehicle, wear a seat belt (or helmet if on a motorbike), and ensure passengers do so as well. The final pledge is to drive sustainably: avoid unnecessary driving to reduce pollution of the planet. Drivers can make the Brake Pledge online, to show their commitment to driving safely. For further information on Pledge courses for managers and to make the Pledge online, visit www.fleetsafetyforum.org. CASE STUDY: THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY The Environment Agency has 11,000 employees across 279 buildings and more than 2,500 other sites. In 2005/6 agency employees drove about 58 million miles. The agency has introduced a travel hierarchy, to encourage employees to choose carbon-efficient travel and thus reduce its carbon emissions. Employees are first asked to consider if travel can be avoided, for example through teleconferencing. If travel is unavoidable, the next step down the hierarchy is public transport or cycling, facilitated by

Sustainable Travel Plans

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

an in-house rail booking system, and a business mileage allowance for cycling. If travel by car is necessary, employees must choose vehicles with the lowest carbon impact and cost. Employees may only use their own car when all previous options have been exhausted. Own-car use is limited to less than 75 miles per trip, and 3,000 miles each year. Since 2005/06 the agency’s car mileage has reduced by 21 million miles, saving about 5,000 tonnes of CO2. All of these policies and organisational tools have reduced the impact of the Environment Agency’s travel as well as reducing the cost. CASE STUDY: BRAKE Brake is clear with its employees that it requires them to avoid driving for work in all but the rarest circumstances. Employees who work in the Brake head office must live within a reasonable commuting distance and are encouraged to travel to work by public transport or on foot or bike. Commuting by car for specific reasons, while abiding by Brake’s Pledge, must be agreed on a case by case basis with managers. Meetings are always arranged to happen in the Brake office (which is easily accessible by train) or at a time and location elsewhere that is easily accessible by public transport. Brake employees are required not to get into any vehicle that they consider to be old and in a potentially dangerous condition, and are required not to travel with any driver that they consider may not drive safely. Parents who work for Brake are required to respect Brake’s campaigns for parents to reduce congestion around school and nursery gates, and to contribute to alleviating this congestion by walking to the school or nursery gates wherever possible. ADVICE FOR FLEETS Sustainable travel plans can benefit employee safety by reducing risk exposure to crashes. All types of fleets can address their impact through journey planning, vehicle selection, and driver training and engagement. By encouraging public transport use, and implementing flexible working, companies can reduce the need for business travel, benefitting the environment and the company’s reputation. " FURTHER INFORMATION www.brake.org.uk

Volume 20.5 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Are Â you Â ready Â to Â switch Â on Â to Â electric Â motoring? Electric Â Vehicles Â are Â no Â longer Â a Â thing Â of Â the Â future, Â theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Â here Â and Â now Â and Â many Â UK Â companies Â are Â already Â reaping Â the Â very Â UHDO EHQHÂ¿WV WKDW WKH\ FDQ SURYLGH â&#x20AC;¢ Â Zero Â CO2 Â tailpipe Â emissions Â from Â the Â vehicle Â â&#x20AC;¢ Â Lower Â running Â costs Â â&#x20AC;¢ Â Considerable Â fuel Â cost Â savings â&#x20AC;¢ Â Rapid Â charge Â facilities Â make Â charging Â quick Â and Â convenient â&#x20AC;¢ Â They Â donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Â have Â a Â noisy Â fuelled Â engine Â so Â run Â almost Â silently Â Electric Â vehicles Â are Â perfect Â for Â pool Â cars, Â (urban) Â delivery Â services, Â short Â GLVWDQFH FRPPXWLQJ DQG WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ RQ IDFWRU\ SUHPLVHV /HW RXU WHDP RI H[SHUWV DQDO\VH \RXU Ã&#x20AC;HHW WR LGHQWLI\ WKH EHVW VXVWDLQDEOH VROXWLRQ DQG Â¿QG RXW KRZ HOHFWULF YHKLFOHV FRXOG ZRUN IRU \RXU EXVLQHVV Fleetdrive Â Management Â Ltd +DUOH\IRUG 0DULQD +HQOH\ 5RDG 0DUORZ %XFNV 6/ '; 7HO Email: Â VDOHV#Ã&#x20AC;HHWGULYH FR XN ZZZ Ã&#x20AC;HHWGULYH HOHFWULF FRP

CARBON REDUCTION

RUNNING A LEANER AND GREENER FLEET

A well thought through green fleet policy will not only tick all the right boxes in terms of corporate social responsibility (CSR) but also deliver significant savings to lower overall operating costs. All you need to do is follow best fleet management practice. GAIN STAKEHOLDER BUY-IN Start by securing stakeholder buy-in for the business case to green the fleet. It won’t be truly successful unless senior management are convinced of the benefits and back the policy. Equally important is to achieve buy-in from employees eligible for a company car or car salary sacrifice scheme. Also beware a bad policy that drives eligible employees down the ‘cash-for-car’ route. Employees who resent having a particular vehicle can also quickly manage to make even a clean, efficient vehicle perform inefficiently. And remember, a badly driven ‘green’ vehicle can prove a bigger polluter than a carefully driven petrol or diesel car. Ensure eligible employees are made aware of any financial savings available to them – low CO2-emitting will reduce Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax and private fuel costs. The more information they are provided with, the more informed will be their decision. Obtaining drivers’ early buy-in to your new green fleet policy will make the objectives much easier to achieve. CALCULATE RETURN ON INVESTMENT Ensure from the outset that you can calculate a return on investment (ROI). Running a fleet is one of the highest overhead costs for any organisation after payroll and facilities. The business case for company vehicles can only be made if they are essential to an organisation’s day-to-day activities or are fulfilling some other purpose such as helping to recruit and retain the best employees in the war for talent or in achieving sales targets. Vehicles are costly assets that need to be professionally managed.

FORMULATE A SENSIBLE FLEET POLICY Care should be taken to not make the green fleet policy too restrictive. If you reduce car choice, you can end up demotivating employees at the very time that you are trying to engage them. Not offering a wide choice can also result in eligible drivers opting for the aforementioned ‘cash-for-car’ alternative. This will be counter-productive as

technological advances. Specifying the lowest CO2-emitting vehicles is no answer either. This can result in driver dissatisfaction, a shift away from company cars towards ‘cash-for-car’, lower operational performance and increased costs. Be particularly careful if considering adopting innovative, new vehicle technology. Electric vehicles may seem the obvious

Ensure eligible employees are made aware of any financial savings available to them – low CO2-emitting will reduce (BiK) tax and private fuel costs. The more information they are provided with, the more informed their decision will be ‘cash-for-car’ drivers tend to run older, less fuel efficient and higher CO2-emitting cars. These ‘grey fleet’ vehicles are less safe, less environmentally friendly and more difficult to manage from a ‘duty of care’ standpoint. Not only will this impact the CSR target of lowering the carbon footprint but could prove more expensive, where employees cover high business mileages.

Written by Roddy Graham, chairman of the Institute of Car Fleet Management (ICFM)

With the opportunity to counter rising fuel prices by opting for more fuel efficient and lower CO2 vehicles, now is definitely the time to think about greening the fleet, writes Roddy Graham, chairman of the Institute of Car Fleet Management (ICFM)

Fleet Management

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

green choice but you need to consider the operational challenges in terms of recharging, service, maintenance and repair (SMR), not to mention depreciation. Running a few electric vehicles in towns !

BE TECHNOLOGICALLY-NEUTRAL Employee buy-in to the fleet choice is essential if you are to maximise the benefits of running a green fleet. No ‘one size fits all’ works. There is no single, green fleet off-the-shelf solution. Certainly, a green fleet policy reliant on a single energy source – petrol, diesel, electric, hybrid, biofuel, LPG – will create problems later on, especially given the pace of

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CARBON REDUCTION # and cities may make sense and send out strong green messages but they are not right for salespersons covering high mileages due to a lack of an adequate nationwide recharging infrastructure and low mileage ranges between recharges. The best fleet policies adopt a ‘technologically neutral’ approach, specifying the lowest CO2emitting vehicles which are right for the job, i.e. ‘fit for purpose’. This usually results in a mix of petrol and diesel plus some hybrid and electric vehicles. Specifying the right blend of low CO2-emitting vehicles will secure two objectives. First, you will be able to gain significant cost savings. Second, you will avoid having to radically review fleet policy every time a significant advance in technology is brought to market. A successful green fleet policy will only be achieved if it delivers the needs of the business efficiently and effectively. Therefore, the requirements of different drivers need to be taken into consideration. What might be the right vehicle for a senior executive might not be the right one for a salesperson carrying around large product samples or a maintenance engineer. Setting the lowest CO2 targets will not work as you will not get buy-in from everyone. The right approach is to set sensible CO2 targets. These should be capable of being applied across all fuel types, regardless of technology.

driving style to optimise their

potential energy savings. Never t Lastly, talk to other ha organisations that have forget t pest had experience of a the che he one running the vehicles t s i you are considering e l i e c m , sin n e adding to the fleet. v i r d never ggest fleet Feedback of practical experience can the bi ter vehile prove invaluable. cost, af ciation, depre el COMPARE COSTS Avoid the mistake of is fu simply comparing monthly rental costs. Fleet costs are far more complex than that and the best method is to compare whole life costs (WLC). While there is no agreed minimum standard, the least that should be included is depreciation, SMR, fuel, funding, insurance, NI, and VED costs. While WLC will ensure that you make more informed decisions you should monitor costs throughout the life of the vehicle to ensure that the objectives of the original business case have been met. INFLUENCE DRIVER BEHAVIOUR Influencing how employees drive through education, tips, training and awareness can quickly achieve significant savings. Major fuel consumption savings can be achieved by reducing engine

revs, coasting in gear and accelerating gently. Promoting a more economical driving style will reduce the risk of accident, the costs involved – both financial and human, and downtime. It can also reduce employee stress. An effective green fleet policy should also insist on proper journey planning.

Fleet Management

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

PROMOTE DRIVING ALTERNATIVES Never forget that the cheapest mile is the one never driven since the biggest fleet cost, after vehicle depreciation, is fuel. At work drivers should always be challenged whether their journey is really necessary or could be covered by other means – an audio, video or web conference call, telephone or e-mail. Where sanctioned, consideration should be given to whether the journey could coincide with some other associated activity, or whether the car journey could be shared with other employees, or public transport used, to reduce costs. If you haven’t already done so, adopting a green fleet policy now should be a top priority. The investment will prove worthwhile in the future. A green fleet policy will secure significant cost savings and underscore an organisation’s CSR credentials. All you need to do is adopt a professional approach to managing your fleet using best practice. " FURTHER INFORMATION www.icfm.com

ASSESS VEHICLES PROPERLY Set clear cost, fuel economy, performance, safety, technical and qualitative evaluation criteria before finalising the vehicle list and conduct a thorough assessment before settling on the final choice list. When assessing potential vehicles, consider Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) ratings. The higher, the better. And remember a model may gain 5 stars one year and receive a lower rating when a newer version comes out. Other factors to be taken into consideration include determining the size and kind of car needed for the job required, i.e. ‘fitness for purpose’, and then evaluating the best performers in that group. To maximise buy-in, enlist the support of drivers in the selection and evaluation process, especially those who will be driving the proposed vehicles on a daily basis. Make sure they are properly briefed on the evaluation process so that their assessment is objective. Testers need to be acquainted with the key features of vehicles under test to understand any special driving characteristics. Hybrids, for example, require a different

Volume 20.5 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Urban Regeneration

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

Flue systems that are A1 A1 Flue Systems is the UK leader in the design, manufacture and installation of commercial and industrial chimney, flue and exhaust systems for public and private sector projects. It has designed and installed flue systems for some of the largest and most prestigious projects in the UK – including a large sporting venue in East London that was the focus of global attention last year. The company designs flue systems that fall into three broad areas: high-rise buildings with purpose-built riser shafts, large fan dilution systems, and free-standing chimneys and mast supports. A1 also installs flue systems for hospitals, schools and crematoriums. Recent notable projects have included the Royal London Hospital and Birmingham Children’s Hospital. In July 2013, A1 Flue Systems was one of the first companies in the UK to achieve CE Marking 2009 accreditation: the first EU directive on the quality and standard of flue systems and ducts that

carry combustion gases. A1 Flue Systems, which celebrated its 40th anniversary this year, is a family-run business that employs 130 people at its 54,000 sq ft factory in New Ollerton, near Newark in Nottinghamshire. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01623 860578 info@a1flues.co.uk www.a1flues.co.uk

Don’t waste money: protect your projects Wedge Group Galvanizing is the UK’s largest hot-dip galvanizing organisation and has a national network of 14 sites strategically located across the UK. Privately owned and with a history dating back 150 years, the company has built an enviable reputation for providing a high-quality galvanizing service to local authorities, government departments and businesses across the country. The company’s hot-dip galvanizing process is an effective alternative to other protective methods as a single treatment protects steel products against weathering, corrosion, and other types of damage for up to 60 years – without the need for maintenance or replacement. As well as this low whole-life cost, it also ensures a consistently high-quality finish time and time

again. An important consideration when budgets are squeezed. Wedge also offers Galvacoat® for products where the protection of galvanizing is needed, but the aesthetic of a painted or coloured finish is also desired. Specifically designed for

use on galvanized steel, this single coat, two-component polyurethane-based paint comes in a variety of RAL colours. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01902 600704 corrosion@wedgegalv.co.uk www.wedge-galv.co.uk

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 20.5

Traditional models win contracts as well as hearts and minds York Modelmaking can help you present an affordable accurate depiction of your Urban Regeneration Schemes. York Modelmaking has been helping architects, developers, town planners and PR companies to win contracts and make sales for over 40 years with its successful use of the latest technologies, combined with traditional hand finishes. Everyone can immediately relate to a physical 3D model. A traditional model is a tactile object that acts as a focal point for discussion, allowing critical design decisions to be made where it counts. With a clear understanding of your proposals, hearts and minds are won over. From initial concepts, through to full presentation models for public consultation, planning applications and augmenting sales, the company’s models are a sound investment.

York Modelmaking works with national corporations, government bodies and small businesses nationwide. The company is happy to discuss how it can be of help to you and will quickly provide quotes where required. Images of its work, along with newsletters, client list and contact details can be viewed at www.yorkmodelmaking.com. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01904 400358 enquiry@yorkmodelmaking.com www.yorkmodelmaking.com

The ultimate destination hotel, situated in the heart of Edinburgh Following an extensive multi-million pound refurbishment of the property, the Point Hotel Edinburgh will convert to DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre in Autumn 2013. This ultimate destination hotel will boast 138 fully renovated bedrooms, in addition to the redesigned restaurant, bar and conference facilities. Stylish and modern convenience will meet old-world charm at DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre. Situated in the heart of the financial district, this historical listed building is within walking distance of many of Edinburgh’s famous attractions. The glass-fronted Conference Centre offers a variety of meeting rooms options for conferences and events. The new meeting rooms will combine flexibility with modern facilities to ensure a space can be offered to suit every occasion.

For a truly exceptional experience choose the Penthouse, with its roof top terrace and spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle and the stunning city skyline. Unwind with a refreshing cocktail in Monboddo or enjoy the elegance of the Bread Street Brasserie, with its modern menu of freshly prepared dishes. General manager Ronald Little said, “Opening the first DoubleTree by Hilton in Edinburgh is a fantastic first for the city and we’re proud of the transformation of this landmark building.” FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0131 221 5555 www.pointhoteledinburgh.co.uk

TOWN PLANNING

REVITALISING HISTORIC CENTRES

Local authorities and town planners are urged to use their town’s heritage and historic areas to really enhance their retail offer in a new report by the English Heritage How historic town centres are impacted by the changing face of retail and shopping, compounded by difficult economic times, is explored in new English Heritage research. The research reveals the latest retail and property trends and the implications for historic high streets and town centres over the next few years. The report, Revitalising Historic High Streets – undertaken for English Heritage by Allies and Morrison Urban Practitioners, in conjunction with Strutt & Parker and in partnership with the Historic Towns Forum – has identified a series of places across England where innovative approaches have achieved successful outcomes despite a backdrop of testing economic times. These success stories range from imaginative reuses of listed market buildings through to town centre strategies focusing on heritage and local identity, to the successful integration of new buildings in a historic part of town. ATTRACTIVE AND VIABLE Baroness Andrews, Chair of English Heritage said: “The challenges are not to be underestimated, but English Heritage believes that local authorities that have made the historic environment central to their retail ‘offer’ can go a long way to creating an attractive and viable high street.” Baroness Andrews continued: “At a time when people are increasingly looking for more to their shopping trips, these success stories show how investing in historic buildings and careful and imaginative use of street patterns in our historic towns and cities, creates successful ‘destinations’, places which attract people because they make shopping a much more pleasant and enjoyable experience.” WHAT CAN COUNCILS DO? The English Heritage has a message to councils and all involved in town centre management: People like visiting and shopping in historic areas. At a time when competitive advantage is ever-more important, a focus on town

centre and high street heritage can be an important part of retaining or even creating successful places and ‘destinations’. They should identify and embrace historic character to sensitively sow the seeds of a successful development scheme. Small scale interventions and strategies (such as many of those in the report) can often prove helpful in addressing current challenges – particularly where they complement each other and create a cumulative effect.

historic character to establish an independent offer can complement the mainstream chains elsewhere in the city. Liverpool One – creating a new town centre alongside the historic centre. In London’s Brixton, initial use of peppercorn rents proved to be a catalyst in finding tenants for what was an under-used yet historic space, generating dramatic increases in footfall and creating a vibrant atmosphere within the listed buildings. It is an excellent example of responding to the current demand for leisure uses. Imaginative remodelling of the listed market hall in Bolton has created modern retail space within the building, while also allowing for public realm improvements in the surrounding area. In Whitstable, the successful redevelopment of a key town centre site has proved a catalyst to steady investment in historic buildings over a long period. Meanwhile in Norwich, Islington, Neston, integrating retail development within the existing historic heart of these places has been achieved without harming their heritage.

Urban Regeneration

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

“The challenges are not to be underestimated, but English Heritage believes that local authorities that have made the historic environment central to their retail ‘offer’ can go a long way to creating an attractive and viable high street” Baroness Andrews, Chair of English Heritage Smaller town centres can create a niche shopping and leisure experience to complement mainstream shopping areas. Commitment to architectural excellence and town planning is vital. Focused long term investment, pooling funds from public and private sources where possible, is essential. Adapting existing buildings and fabric can offer an excellent opportunity for new town centre floorspace. Visitors to town centres are increasingly seeking a strong leisure offer as well as an opportunity to shop. TOWNS THAT HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL Town that have made a successful of utilising and enhancing their historic centres are case studied in the report. Rotherham town centre has used the historic character of the town centre as a positive asset and using public funds to invest and repair has resulted in footfall being up by six per cent in one year. Bold Street in Liverpool shows how using Norwich is just one city where integration of retail development within its existing historic heart has been achieved without harming its heritage

REGENERATION Brian Raggett, partner at Strutt and Parker and contributor to the report, said: “The creation of opportunities that marry the historic features of towns and cities and deliver regeneration are more likely to occur in locations where local authorities help to promote deliverable solutions in attractive retail environments. New developments need to be more imaginative in the way in which existing buildings, including listed properties, are altered and schemes are likely to become smaller in size, around 200,000 to 300,000 sq ft. A greater level of change to the layout of a town’s historic fabric may potentially need to be to embraced, following careful consideration and justification, to help secure the benefits of new investment.” English Heritage will share the research and good practice case studies with local authorities, retailers and developers. The report will challenge those who are doubtful as to what can be achieved and encourage communities to raise their aspirations for the future of their much-loved high streets. " FURTHER INFORMATION Download the Revitalising Historic High Streets report at www.english-heritage.org.uk

Volume 20.5 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Founded in 1999, Class 1 Personnel specialises in the supply of both temporary and permanent staff to over 13 different specialist sectors including Industrial, Catering/Hospitality, Driving, transport and logistics through our three London-based offices. We currently service some of the most prestigious and well-known names in the industry.The growth of Class 1 Personnel is due to the knowledge and skill of our operatives and loyalty of our customers.

Here is what some of our clients say about our service :

We recruit and supply staff in the following disciplines: Q Mechanical and Engineering/Technical: Assembly/Machine operative Q Drivers: All classes/trunking/multidrop/days/nights Q Warehouse & Logistics: Forklift/airfreight/packers/days/nights Q Admin & Clerical/Office: Reception/customer service/telesales ops Q Professional and Technical and Security Q Industrial: cleaners/litter pickers and all other categories Q Construction: labourers/ground workers/ tipper drivers Q Hard and soft FM personnel Q Airside and Landside service provision Q Catering and Hospitality

“You have been excellent in seeing our needs and providing us with good quality and professional staff and for being on call 24/7.”

In addition, our no-nonsense approach to recruitment means we will always deal honestly with you and will not make promises we cannot keep. We believe in keeping recruitment simple by always trying to exceed expectations. We are full corporate members of the REC and operate to industry guidelines at all times.

“Just wanted to drop you a note to say thanks for all your hard work, especially recently when I needed a driver at short notice on 8th May 2013. Thanks to you I have received an ‘Amazing Award’ at work.

The Company is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to fully comply with current legislation. It is our policy to promote Equal Opportunities and to encourage dignity and respect for all in the workplace.

My managers were very happy with the way I dealt with the situation when I got a call from a colleague at 15.00 asking for a 7.5T driver urgently, I called you straight away and within 10 mins you had called me back to advise a driver would be at the depot by 16.00. It is great working with such a professional, competent person who understands our needs and deals with any problems effectively and efficiently, especially when I call you and you are not in the office and still sort my problems out. I look forward to a continuous working relationship with you.”

Ten years on... We have built solid relationships with a wide cross section of the business community from multinational organisations to family run businesses. The key to our success... “The ability to provide high quality staff, at competitive rates, often at short notice.” Our consultants have been specifically recruited for their ability to manage all aspects of the recruitment process; consequently our customers have one point of contact and their requirements can be met effectively 24/7. The future... Whilst the current economic downturn has made the market even more challenging, we continue to supply a flexible workforce. Our temporary staff are not only selected on their experience and ability but also on their flexibility. This flexibility will help us all to grow during these difficult times. For more details on Class 1 Personnel or to see how we can help your business with commercial and operational support please contact Rob Harris, Sales Director or Daniel MacAuliffe in the first instance on the details below. Class 1 Personnel looks forward to being able to support your business.

“Class 1 Personnel are extremely helpful and have supplied drivers at very short notice, they will try where ever possible to provide specific drivers that we request and have not let us down.”

“I would like to extend our thanks to you for helping us deliver excellent production and warehouse operators over the last 4 years. The staff you sent to work with us, doing so with real commitment and professionalism and we are delighted to be working with one of the best production /logistic staffing suppliers in our sector. I would certainly recommend your service and staff to anyone.”

Our MD... Daniel MacAuliffe, MD, prides himself in operating a business that not only aims to meet clients needs but also exceeds all expectations. All Class 1 Personnel employees are engaged in a culture of customer-led service and delivery and every client is dealt with individually with an aim of delivering customer led service. In September 2013, Daniel starts up a new business called “Wild About Roofs” which is a business that will exist to provide eco friendly designed flat roof gardens for areas that are currently not properly utilised. The big focus within everyone’s agenda is eco friendly buildings and design, and “Wild About Roofs” concept is to help convert flat or pitched roofs into environmentally friendly gardens that help the environment.

Telephone: 0208 570 1514 or 07513 605048 Email: robh@class1personnel.com

BIFM AWARDS

EXCELLENCE IN A MAJOR PROJECT The Excellence in a Major Project’ Award focuses on the lasting impact of innovative thinking. A ‘major’ project is one that makes a significant contribution to almost every aspect of an organisation’s operating style and affects the majority of its employees. Babcock DynCorp was a finalist in this category. Babcock DynCorp is a joint venture company set up to manage the seven-year Regional Prime Contract East contract to provide facilities services to military establishments in 12 counties in the east region of the UK. Babcock DynCorp employs around 600 staff with a focus on self-delivering services. Project Enhance Living Accommodation Now (ELAN) was initiated to address a significant shortfall for the Royal Air Force (RAF) in the number of accommodation units available to the desired standard. In 2012, Babcock DynCorp successfully delivered 662 refurbished rooms in 17 accommodation blocks, some of which had been highlighted for possible demolition, across four primary sites in the east region. Project ELAN has been so successful it is now being conducted across the rest of the UK. All work adhered to Babcock DynCorp’s Sustainability Development Management Plan. Project-specific sustainability initiatives included ethical sourcing as part of the procurement process and introducing automated lighting for communal areas so that they are only used when needed. A waste management plan was also instigated. This included separating construction waste into metals, mixed wood, recoverables and general waste, and tracking the disposal of the latter using waste recycling companies. And buildings previously identified for demolition were spared, and instead refurbished, to prevent huge volumes of rubble ending up in landfills.

The 2012 BIFM awards were held at The Grosvenor House Hotel

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE

Written by The British Facilities Management Association (BIFM)

The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) Awards are established as the Awards within the facilities management (FM) profession. Since 2001 the Awards have recognised the very best individuals, teams and projects across the FM industry. They present a fantastic opportunity for winners and finalists to be recognised for everything they bring to the FM profession and the businesses they serve. To be shortlisted for an award – whether as a team member, a client representative or member of the leadership team – is tough and consequently a very worthy achievement, providing a true demonstration of independently evaluated differentiation in a highly competitive market. The rigour of the BIFM expert judges has been the key to making the BIFM Awards a reference point for other awards programmes. Here we look at two Governmental finalists from the 2012 Awards. Looking in detail at where they excelled and why they were recognised.

Facilities Management

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

The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) looks at two governmental finalists from its 2012 Awards, examining where they excelled and why they were recognised PLANNING PROCEDURES Comprehensive planning procedures were developed for project delivery which included a strong communications plan, standardised project execution plans, milestone sign-offs and well-developed cost and risk management plans. It was imperative to offer a high quality finish that displayed value for money. This was achieved in a number of innovative ways including identifying maintenance issues that might arise and redesigning the process. For example redesigning hot water distribution to ensure constant energy efficient provision. The project has not only been a success in terms of exceeding expectations of time, cost and quality, but through the positive feedback from the service personnel who live in the accommodation. The intention was to provide them with their own living area to a standard they deserve, thereby improving their morale and contributing to the Armed Forces retaining dedicated, skilled and professional servicemen. WHAT THE JUDGES SAID The judges said: “At a time when the idea of improving military personnel accommodation

seemed to be impossible due to the high costs involved and the lack of sufficient Government funds, Babcock DynCorp developed a prototype ‘room’ to prove that a refurbishment programme could still be successful with significant cost reductions. The project went ahead. The end-users’ morale improved significantly. The rooms represent an important innovation in that other contractors, with other sections of the military, have adopted the model. SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR Interserve for Project Armada at Devonport Naval Base were highly commended in the category Service Provider of the Year. This Award recognises outstanding service delivery and excellence from any service provider, large or small. The organisation must demonstrate that their services are sustainable, business-driven, and that they deliver highly-effective strategic support to their clients. Entrants must also show evidence of a positive impact to the FM industry. The judges were looking to see how initiatives were aligned to the client’s core business. !

Volume 20.5 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

“Oaksure have provided exemplary and very cost efficient security. Squatters had seriously damaged our building in an attempt to take possession. Oaksure secured the building within 24 hours with an experienced SIA guard. … they have saved us time and money by handling surveyors and prospective tenants and undertaking maintenance.” Dr. Israel – NHS “Oaksure’s services have been exceptional … I have found Oaksure to be professional, easily accessible and responsive to my requests. We look forward to establishing a long-term business relationship.” S. Dhillon – Charles Bentley

BIFM AWARDS  Right from the outset, Interserve understood that a military base isn’t just a place of work. For the majority of military personnel, it’s first and foremost a home-from‑home. That understanding put the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) core business strategy into perspective, and allowed Interserve to pick up this year’s runner up place for its Project Armada at Devonport Naval Base.

infrastructure support needs of the ships and submarines of the Devonport Flotilla. Devonport is also the only site in the UK that refits nuclear submarines. With 5,000 ship movements annually, the base generates around 10 per cent of the income for Plymouth and opportunities for 400 local businesses. The project has delivered for all ranks new single-living accommodation that includes upgraded furniture, fixtures and

To be shortlisted for a BIFM award – whether as a team member, a client representative or member of the leadership team – is tough and consequently a very worthy achievement, providing a true demonstration of independently evaluated differentiation in a competitive market The objective has been to transform a dated facility into a modern vibrant naval community that entices new recruits and offers best-in-class facilities. But it must also preserve the historic and prestigious significance of this leading naval facility. Interserve is improving living conditions and boosting morale through the village concept. People socialise with friends in cafés and bars, do their shopping and live an ordinary life on base. PRIVATE FINANCE INITIATIVE It started in 2004 when Interserve won a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) to create, operate and maintain the MOD’s new Single Living Accommodation at the Fleet Accommodation Centre (HMS Drake) in Devonport Naval Base, Plymouth. Code named Project Armada, the contract was awarded by the MOD’s Warship Support Agency. It has a whole life value of £230 million, a build value of £65 million and delivers support services worth around £12 million per year. The 650-acre site has served the Royal Navy since 1691 and has 15 dry docks, four miles of waterfront, 25 tidal berths and five basins. With 2,500 civilian and service personnel, it fulfils the engineering, logistics and

fitments. Interserve also brought living accommodation into the 21st century with multi-media and broadband technology using IP (internet protocol) transmission. Each cabin has high-speed broadband, freeview television and IP telephone calling – the first military base to provide such a package. Tradition does have its place, and Interserve provides a house manager or head butler to four senior officers’ residences. This formal service dates back to an earlier age when staff were in service. These residences regularly pay host to visiting MPs and members of the Royal family. The formation of a new platoon of injured service personnel returning from Afghanistan required a quick solution for bespoke Disability Discrimination Act compliant barrack accommodation. Within six weeks of the MOD’s initial enquiry, Interserve had surveyed and designed suitable facilities that were constructed on time and within budget. Interserve now delivers the associated cleaning, catering and hotel services within the accommodation. PAY AS YOU DINE The introduction of Pay As You Dine (PAYD) across the military was a universally-unpopular

policy. Devonport Naval Base was the last navy establishment to implement PAYD but the joint working ethos between Interserve and the Navy ensured the delivery of a quality product and service with an innovative approach to the business model. This involved a unique gainshare model involving reinvestment into the facilities by Interserve, which is unique to any MOD establishment. For a little something different, and to improve the recreation and entertainment facilities in the junior rates, Interserve transformed a disused basement storeroom into a sports bar styled as the interior of a submarine. It includes a periscope so people can peek at what their colleagues are doing in the café above. It has portholes on the doors, a control deck on one of the walls and an underwater marine life display behind the bar. Interserve has also improved building maintenance and repairs efficiencies by bringing it back in-house, and cut costs from £370,000 to nearly £170,000 a year. The 24-hour helpdesk accesses real-time web-based performance data to trouble shoot any time of the day. The resolution rate for problems has risen to 99 per cent. Often it is the attention to the finer points of a contract that shine through. In the ward room, Interserve carefully cleans and maintains hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of antique paintings, some which date from the 1700s and depict the battle of The Armada. Just as importantly – and just as carefully – Interserve looks after the thousands of pounds worth of premier wine and antique port in the cellar.

Facilities Management

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WHAT THE JUDGES SAID The judges said: “This PFI has been successful due to a strong collaborative culture between Interserve, the MOD and Royal Navy stakeholders. The funding, as always, is under pressure but Interserve has been able to accommodate changes and accept risk in exchange for latitude over delivery methodologies that are the direct result of the intimate understanding the client and delivery teams have built over the last eight years. Interserve continues to build on its own understanding of what it means to support injured servicemen, which has been developed from discussions and trials by these servicemen to provide functional accommodation with a sense of independence. Retention and occupancy rates are key measures of success and key individuals within Interserve are seen as having positive impact on these figures. Staff retention is high and the Project Armada team is seen as a launch-pad for several promotions among staff to other Interserve projects. L FURTHER INFORMATION Visit www.bifm.org.uk/awards2013 for details of the BIFM Awards 2013. Telephone: 01279 712 620 www.bifm.org.uk info@bifm.org.uk

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We have joined the BIFM to confirm our commitment to providing assistance to FM companies and In‑house facilities teams. We have developed from a specialist move company to a company that can help with many areas within facilities management. We can fully manage relocation projects from conception through to delivery of the move including post‑move support. We provide day to day assistance on BAU activities, from hands‑on support to management of FM database systems. Our experience has helped us grow with our customers to offer a tailor‑made solution. All our staff have training in GxP, which has been beneficial to us and our clients in the pharmaceutical industry. Listed below are examples of some of our core activities. • Project/Facilities management including CAD and space planning services • Complete laboratory and process equipment relocations • Sample and chemical (ADR) transportation • I.T. and office reconfiguration including data and electrical services • Bespoke crate manufacture and Global shipping services If you would like anymore information about us or how we could help you, please feel free to contact us on our details below. Contact us: Telephone: 01438 360209 Email: info@bhlremovers.co.uk www.bhlremovers.co.uk

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 20.5

Professional facilities management services at the heart of your needs Need help with building repairs? Looking to install new equipment? Simply after some impartial advice on a maintenance problem? Building and office maintenance can be a chore, especially if you lack the in-house skills or knowledge to properly undertake it. A service-based business, fitzroviaFM is driven by its success with client referrals and repeat business. Based in Central London (W1T 5HP), the company’s network of a dedicated supply chain and approved network of sub-contractors enables it to deliver on projects, both within the London area and further afield. It covers all aspects of maintenance, refurbishment, dilapidations and repairs

– whether your needs are large or small, temporary or long-term. The company has qualified personnel that tackles a wide range of issues: from plumbers and electricians to decorators and roofing specialists, and all are guaranteed to deliver high-quality services that last. A wealth of skills and services are provided by fitzroviaFM. All

designed to meet your specific needs, delivered by professional and highly skilled tradesmen. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 020 7874 1874 www.fitzroviafm.co.uk

Leaders in thermal road and pothole repairs The Nu-phalt repair process is cost-effective, permanent, seamless, faster, safer and more sustainable. A typical repair can be completed in 20 minutes; all equipment is contained in a single vehicle, enabling two operators to repair the defect quickly and efficiently. Nu-phalt’s unique thermal heaters deliver a first-time pothole repair. With over five years’ experience, Nu-phalt’s customers have proven the system’s suitability for the highways, utilities, retail and export industry. Road defects suitable for the Nu-phalt process are potholes, joint failures, utility tracks, metalwork, cracks and crazing to footpaths. Jetpatcher has recently been added to the Nu-phalt Group offering a wider highways service, supporting both urban (Nu-phalt) and rural (Jetpatcher) requirements.

Through Jetpatcher, Nu-phalt is able to offer over 25 years’ build experience, with more than 596 units sold globally. The process involves clearing the pothole/defect by compressed air, tack coating, filling the pothole with a mixture of aggregate and bitumen and covering with a thin layer of pure aggregate. Jetpatcher is a cost-effective rural facility offering a fast, efficient and sustainable solution facility. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 08442 571570 enquiries@nuphalt.com www.nuphalt.com

SIA-qualified guards for round-the-clock security

Professional high-quality cleaning services

Oaksure can radically cut the financial and social cost of empty buildings. Oaksure provides comprehensive vacant property management. It places 24-hour protection against squatters, metal thieves, vandals and fly-tipping and reduces security costs by more than 80 per cent. Maintenance for the inside, outside and infrastructure of every building is included as a part of the service. The company also saves estate managers’ time by accommodating contractors sent on the owners’ behalf. Oaksure places SIA-qualified guardians to live on-site temporarily at vacant buildings. These guardians are key workers and young professionals who get security industry (SIA) training. In this way, vacant buildings gain comprehensive protection at little expense and young professionals cut the cost of accommodation. Oaksure guardians spend money in the local area, maintain relations in the neighbourhood,

A range of public sector clients rely on Monthind Clean’s professional cleaning services, guaranteeing clean, safe environments for both members of the public and employees. Headquartered in Colchester with an office in Norwich, Monthind has clients across Essex and the east of England. As a long-established company, Monthind’s service offering has grown steadily to include specialist cleaning services, such as deep cleaning, waste management and recycling and pest control. It also delivers biohazard cleaning in all four categories, providing police and other frontline services with specialist services such as the clean-up of drug material, human bodily fluid, human and animal remains, and tackling of infestations. Aside from these specialised services, Monthind’s highly skilled team is trusted by schools, hospitals, police stations, fire

prevent crime from occurring in and around vacant buildings and uphold the appearance of good management. Metal screens and static security guards cannot mitigate these social costs that come from vacancy. Oaksure cuts security and maintenance costs by enabling vacant buildings to be used as temporary accommodation by young professionals. There are an estimated 900,000 empty properties in the UK. Cut your costs and help Oaksure alleviate the housing shortage. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0207 794 8467 info@oaksureproperty protection.com

Facilities Management

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

brigades, power stations and other public sector organisations with the cleaning of day-to-day interior and exterior premises, window cleaning and provision of janitorial services. Monthind’s business model is founded on its reliable, well-trained staff, ongoing vehicle and equipment investment, with a focus on meeting and exceeding their clients’ needs. Call now to invest in flexible, cost-effective and professional cleaning services. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01206 215300 www.monthindclean.co.uk

Volume 20.5 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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

Cargo-handling machinery A fresh approach to for ships, ports, terminals all your printing needs and local distribution Fresh Printing UK offers a of art. Whether you want a Both Cargotec’s cargo and load-handling solutions are used worldwide in all cargo including defence, maritime, construction, distribution and warehousing. With its three major brands (Hiab, Kalmar and MacGregor), it delivers cargo and load-handling solutions across all industries and, with over 750 sales and service locations in more than 120 countries, the business is truly global. Cargotec strongly believes that thinking globally and acting locally is the way to best serve its customers and, to this end, its global network is positioned close to customers and provides comprehensive services that ensure the continuous, reliable and sustainable performance of equipment and systems. The global defence and security industries are served by Cargotec from its Hiab UK Defence Sales operation, based in Shropshire. The company has supplied some

2,500 Multilift Demountable systems (DROPS systems) and several hundred Hiab loader cranes to the UK MOD alone. The UK Fire Service is another user of Hiab systems. Fire services throughout the UK have over 300 demountables, some 80 Moffett truck-mounted forklifts and about 50 Hiab loader cranes in use – testifying to its proven ability and high levels of service throughout the sector. Cargotec has been serving the defence and security industries for over two decades, and worldwide it can point to over 30,000 Hiab systems in daily use.

wide range of high-quality great-value printing services, including those for small, medium and large businesses and individual canvas printing. The company offers services for stationery, business cards, leaflets, brochures and mailers, as well as annual reports, posters, carbonless sets and continuous forms. If you need invitations or security cheque printing, Fresh Printing UK can cater for this, as well as canvas printing memorial printing services. You could have your favourite photos put onto canvas or you can transform your favourite pictures into a unique piece

scenic holiday snap, a wedding photo, a picture from your garden, a family portrait, your favourite old car or a vintage old photograph – it would look “stunning” on your wall. The services on offer from Fresh Printing UK are ideal for anniversaries, birthdays, Christmas, weddings or just that special thank you gift. Various sizes are available at very competitive prices. Contact Fresh Printing UK for more details. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 020 8942 7766 steve@freshprintinguk.co.uk www.freshprintinguk.co.uk

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COMMUNICATION

GET YOUR MESSAGE OUT

By helping clients make use of various modern communication tools such as QR codes and apps, today’s print and creative firms can really help to maximise the impact of communications promotional literature, pamphlet or brochure is absorbed by the reader who can react to the communication. There is always the question of cost, but surely it is the impact of the document and the response to it that provides a return on the investment rather than the production cost. Indeed the development of technology means that in real terms professional printing is now more economic than it has ever been and in a number of cases less expensive than doing the work in-house.

to help members understand

the latest business trends Printers so that their customers now he can truly benefit. t d All this help ensures n a t unders data, so that BAPC members can effectively assist use of clients on their customers in g n i advis lisation, QR developing their own business personaand apps is and create greater codes rt of the success. From simple printing, creative design, all pa m web site development. nor

THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY The British Association for Print and Communication (BAPC) is the leading trade association for the creative industry, which includes the graphic arts, print and communication sectors. The BAPC, run by printers for printers, provides members with a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience. Being frontline – the Association has concentrated on developing services and facilities that will directly help BAPC members and ensure that they are aware of the latest developments within the industry. As industry insiders and business people the BAPC understands the kind of help its members need to ensure that they can provide their customers with the highest level of service. Furthermore the Association provides a raft of information, guidance and training facilities

Written by the BAPC

Print is certainly one of the most powerful and effective communication tools an organisation can use. Today it is not simply a matter of putting images on substrates; it is certainly much more than that. Research has clearly illustrated that people pay much more attention to the printed word than messages (as clever as they might be) received on a mobile phone, tablet or computer. What is printed is invariably read and absorbed with the document having a longer real life span than perhaps digital images. Making use of both technologies results in a very powerful message. Professionally designed and printed documents are certainly effective ensuring that your message, be it a report, study document,

Database and project management to distribution there is a highly capable BAPC member with the tools to provide real help. Members of the BAPC are obliged to work within a Code of Practice and in addition many have a variety of ISO, Environmental and other formal accreditations. In the unlikely circumstance that something goes wrong there is an arbitration service available to help sort out misunderstandings. A print business is now much more than a simple production house. Printers now understand the issues their customers face and for example, understand the use of data, so there is no problem in creating personalised literature which certainly has a greater impact than faceless mass produced, ‘seemingly fits all’ communications. Creating and advising clients on such matters as QR codes and apps is all part of the norm. Couple this with the fact that printers deal with many organisations that helps provide them with a breadth of knowledge and understanding of the latest business trends. This enables them to provide relevant advice and assistance to help maximise the impact of communications. Print on demand is no longer a simple wish but is a reality ensuring that there are no delays in getting your message out there on time and delivered to where you need it. By helping maximise the use of various communication tools, printers can help ensure maximum response. The BAPC ensures that its members are very aware of the difference between knowing the business and knowing how to do business. This knowledge is vital in the ever-changing world we all occupy. By using a member of the BAPC, organisations have access to a huge resource of expertise, information and assistance. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.bapc.co.uk

Volume 20.5 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Security

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

A security guarding service with a difference Acclaimed Security has been supplying security staff for manned guarding, mobile patrols and key-holding, and alarm response for over 20 years and its management has over 28 years’ experience in the security industry. Many clients would like Superman to be their regular guard, but he is a mythical figure, so the company has developed systems that make its guards more like Superman. When you have a lone worker on site, you have a duty of care to see that they are safe and regularly monitored to confirm this. Acclaimed Security has developed its own Check Call System to monitor the safety of the officer and therefore the site. It has further developed a system called Guard Safe, this is deployed around midway between the Check Calls to verify the guard is where he is supposed to be and that he has concluded regular and random patrols to maximise security.

Acclaimed Security Property Protection employs a mobile fleet of marked and unmarked vehicles staffed by specially trained officers utilising video recording equipment. This service combines the benefits of both high-visibility deterrence and immediate response should an incident be detected on premises covered. Acclaimed Security provides services to commercial, industrial, hospitals and councils predominantly throughout Yorkshire. With a turnover of £1.6m, the company is profitable and the majority of its clients have been there for many years – some right from the start of trading. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 07711 693600 royunwin@acclaimedsecurity.com

Why are 50% of outsourcing partnerships exceeding expectations? One-third of public funds are spent with private companies. In spite of the recent headlines, the trend is for this to increase further. A recent survey of 17 government departments revealed that the success stories came from those who were selective about what they outsourced and thought hard about how to contract for services. The drive to outsource more complex services, as the austerity measures bite, requires a step change in the capability of departments. There is an absolute recognition that a fresh approach to procuring and managing outsource services is long overdue. EmberPSS is helping the government succeed in this regard by applying and teaching simple, well-tested and logical best practice, repeatedly and rigorously. All of EmberPSS’ outsourcing initiatives exceed expectations.

The company is proud to have led the delivery of a major procurement exercise releasing cost savings of £220 million and now recognised by the National Outsourcing Association as the Public Sector Outsourcing Project of 2012. Building on 20 years’ experience, EmberPSS is determined to make outsourcing work harder and deliver more for the UK public sector. Contact EmberPSS to discover how the company’s best practice could work for you. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0207 871 1489 sales@emberpss.com

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 20.5

Paul Kessington UK for cost-effective security guards and services Paul Kessington UK is an international professional security association-approved (IPSA) contractor service for the provision of security guarding. The company operates from its Surrey headquarters in Croydon, and was incorporated in 2005 with a company registration number of 5590602. Paul Kessington provides clients with cost-effective professional and comprehensive security guards and services. These include: building site security guards; corporate office security guards; events security guards/stewards and cleaners; security guards for supermarkets and retail outlets; door supervisors; car park security and traffic marshalls; and sub-contract guards for other security companies.

The company’s services covers London and the home counties. The benefits of using Paul Kessington’s services: affordable rates – starting from £8.50 per hour, no minimum hours; SIA-licenced (Security Industry

Authority) security guards; all of the guards used by the company are vetted and insured; all guards are smartly dressed in uniforms; and all members of the security guarding team are experienced to handle any situation. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 020 3371 9489 paulajuwa@aol.com paul-kessington@aol.com

Save up to 40% on your electricity consumption Forum Consultancy has been operating as environmental and energy advisors and project management consultants for more than 10 years. The company has provided carbon reduction advice for universities, as well as for local councils where schools were included in their area of responsibility. Forum Consultancy and its associates can provide advice, ranging from simple energy-saving audits and proposals to more complex requirements for carbon reduction. Many schools and colleges could reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint, with relatively simple changes. Forum Consultancy has the experience to assist with the development of such improvements planned to minimise the risk of disruption to education requirements. Assistance can also be provided for the procurement and installation management,

where required. Previous project management experience ranges from housing refurbishments to multi-million pound design and construction in a number of energy-related industries. Forum Consultancy can also provide advice on the requirements for ISO 50001 and the production of building log books for existing buildings. The company’s director is an approved assessor for the Carbon Trust standard. Forum Consultancy is a member of ESTA and an associate member of CIBSE and the Energy Institute. Forum Consultancy (UK) Limited. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01202 881026 cmogg2@btinternet.com

REGULATION

THE VALUE OF THE PRIVATE SECURITY INDUSTRY

The need for a professional and dependable private security industry is crucial for protecting people, property and assets. To this end, the Security Industry Authority gives an update on its work on regulating, improving, and promoting the sector

Written by the Security Industry Authority

The need for a professional, dependable private security industry is required to protect people, property, assets and operations. These responsibilities cannot always be maintained by the police as the demands for security in society and businesses increase. For this reason it is vital that regulators, government bodies, the police and the security industry work in collaboration to help to build and develop a vibrant, professional and reliable private security industry. The Security Industry Authority is a Home Office non-departmental public body, which regulates the private security industry in the UK; we license individuals undertaking designated activities within the private security industry and manage the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme, which measures private security suppliers against independently assessed standards.

Security

BUSINESS INFORMATION FOR LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

LICENSING Possessing an SIA licence means that an individual has undertaken formal training, gained a relevant qualification, and has undergone criminal record and identity checks. Currently, there are more than 377,500 valid SIA licences held by operatives across the licensable sectors: cash and valuables in transit, close protection, door supervision, key holding, public space surveillance, security guarding, and vehicle immobilisation (Northern Ireland only). There are also more than 949, 000 nationally recognised security qualifications held, ensuring that there is a specified level of competence. That is a huge number of professional qualifications, and a clear demonstration of the commitment of a large number of security professionals. The SIA has also been successful in preventing unsuitable people gaining licences. The SIA has revoked 33,416 licences and refused more than 32,000 licence applications. THE APPROVED CONTRACTOR SCHEME This is a voluntary scheme which measures security suppliers against independently assessed criteria. The Approved Contractor Scheme accreditation provides security buyers with independent proof of a contractorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to quality. There are currently 748 approved contractors and more than 134,000 licensed operatives work for one of these companies. THE FUTURE PROPOSALS In November 2012, the Home Office published a public consultation document on the future regulatory regime for the private security industry. The consultation document was developed in partnership with industry representatives via a strategic consultation group, chaired by the SIA. It reflects input and feedback from many workshops and meetings held around the country. The consultation closed in January 2013, and received nearly 800 responses. A summary of responses will E

Volume 20.5 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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Security

REGULATION  be published by the Home Office later this year. The Scottish Government and the Department of Justice for Northern Ireland have not yet decided whether they will adopt the changes proposed in the consultation. However, both the Scottish Government and the Department of Justice for Northern Ireland have indicated that they are supportive of a consistent UK-wide regulatory regime for the private security industry. The government intends to introduce regulation that is primarily focussed on regulating security businesses, although individuals will still be licensed. The Home Office and the SIA are working together so that legislation will be in place by the end of the year. This will allow the SIA to begin the regulation businesses operating in designated areas of the private security service, in spring 2014. It will be a criminal offence for a business to provide a security service unless the business is approved to do so by the SIA. The SIA will publish an online register of regulated businesses. Businesses will need to demonstrate that they meet the regulation criteria and comply with certain terms and conditions, which will include conformance with the relevant British Standards. In recognition of small and micro businesses, special consideration will be given to their requirements to business regulation, and their terms and conditions. The SIA will continue to maintain a register of individuals authorised to undertake regulated activity within the private security industry. The government recognises that some businesses employ staff directly ‘in-house’ and they will be addressing this as the proposals develop. Industry investment in the Approved Contractor Scheme will be protected. The industry has invested a great deal of time and effort in the ACS, and buyers (including many government organisations) specify that security suppliers are ACS approved. The voluntary scheme is expected to continue in its current form at least until compulsory business licensing is established. In the longer term, depending on new legislation, an industry-led organisation could take responsibility for the voluntary scheme. OTHER PLANS FOR THE FUTURE The SIA will set and ensure licensing standards for individuals and will run an online register. The SIA will continue to make greater use of online technology and will increase the use of e-channels, which will result in: more automation, less paperwork, and a faster, more efficient and more cost-effective service. Individuals will be able to do more online, through the SIA’s online self-service facilities, where they will be able to manage their personal details and renew their licences. This will allow the SIA to phase out the less efficient and more expensive paper and

The government intends to introduce regulation that is primarily focussed on regulating security businesses, although individuals will still be licensed. The Home Office and the SIA are working together so that legislation will be in place by the end of the year telephone based services we currently use. The Private Security Industry Act 2001 requires the SIA to set and approve standards for training, but development of competency specifications has always been undertaken in consultation with stakeholders and based on industry best practice. The government proposes that industry will have a greater role in setting the training requirement for a licence, which will help ensure that training is relevant and meaningful for individuals and reflects industry requirements. BUSINESS AS USUAL Results of the consultation have yet to be formally announced and until then we will continue to work with and listen to

enforcement partners, security suppliers, security buyers and front line staff to ensure that their needs are incorporated as the developments for the future of the industry continue. Raising standards, and combating criminality, especially organised crime, are essential to what the government wants the SIA to continue to do in the future. The SIA will keep the industry and stakeholders informed about plans and timetables for change, incorporating their needs as the developments for the future of the private security industry continue. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk Follow us on Twitter: SIAuk

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Health & Safety

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

EVENT PREVIEW

WHAT’S NEW IN HEALTH & SAFETY?

The conference at Health & Safety North 2013 will cover a wide range relevant topics affecting the health and safety industry and is delivered by some of the most respected figures in the sector The Health & Safety series of regional events, organised by Western Business Exhibitions, is returning to Bolton, but this year will take place at a new venue – the Bolton Arena – on the 9th and 10th of October. The change of venue comes as a result of the event’s growing success, allowing its expanded exhibition to be housed all on one floor. Visitors to the event are given access to a free comprehensive conference programme featuring some of the leading professionals in the UK, and will also see the addition of the new Safety Dialogue Live Panel debates. The conference programme, organised by the event’s official educational partner the British Safety Council, covers a wide range of the most relevant topics affecting the health and safety industry and is delivered by some of the most respected figures in the sector. Opening the conference is Kevin Myers, deputy chief executive, Health and Safety Executive, who will talk on the subject of the ‘Progress on the Latest Health and Safety Developments’. His presentation will provide visitors at the event with an up

to date assessment on the latest health and safety initiatives and developments that have had an impact during the last year. SAFETY CULTURE Focusing on safety culture at the event is Sarah Cudmore, an Industrial Psychologist at Cudmore Consulting. “My seminar is aimed at any manager in any organisation, operational managers as well as health and safety professionals, and will provide an overview of what safety culture is and how it can be measured, in order to understand, actively manage, and thereby improve performance. I’m hoping to make safety culture a more tangible topic for people; to help them feel more confident about what safety culture is and how it can be improved in practical terms.” said Sarah. The presentation offers visitors the opportunity to think about what they would want to measure in a business, thereby providing a ‘thinking tool’ they can take back and use in their own organisations.

The and Health orth Safety Nange of ch 2013’s omes as a venue c the event’s f result o ng success, growi ing it to allow nd expa

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THE LEGAL SIDE On day two of the event legal issues come to the fore as Kevin Bridges, Partner & Chartered Safety and Health Practitioner, Pinsent Masons LLP, delivers a seminar on ‘Health and Safety – Looking back at some Landmark Judgments’. He will explore some of the most significant cases in the last 12 months and consider their impact, both in terms of how prosecutions in future might be defended and what they mean for business. Kevin will also look at the impact the guidance issued by the Sentencing Guidelines Council has had on the level of fines in corporate manslaughter and health and safety cases involving a fatality. “I intend to explain why the pattern over the last three or so years has generally been for the courts to impose higher fines for serious breaches of health and safety laws resulting in death, a trend which has been approved on a number of occasions by the Court of Appeal” added Kevin Bridges. “Employers are unable to insure against these fines,

Opening the conference is Kevin Myers, deputy chief executive at the Health and Safety Executive, who will give an update on the latest health and safety developments

which can have a devastating impact both financially and in terms of public relations.” HEALTH & SAFETY STANDARDS Back by popular demand, NQA’s health & safety sector manager, Jon Wilson, will guide health and safety professionals responsible for legal compliance, policy implementation, incident reductions and behavioural culture in the workplace, through the adoption and implementation of effective and globally recognised health & safety system OHSAS 18001. Content will include the benefits organisations including Unilever and Biffa have enjoyed as a result of having OHSAS 18001 in place. The

session will also feature an update from the Chair of the OHSAS 18001 standard committee, Charles Corrie – regarding how changes to the standard can be managed in advance of its conversion from an occupational H&S assessment series to an international standard ISO 18001. Lisa Fowlie, health and safety adviser at Bangor University will take a presentation on growing your competence in health and safety. This presentation will be looking at growing and developing health and safety competence. Progressing through: the basic roots of learning, the core of essential knowledge and/or practical skills, focused specialisms and extended skills.

As the well as afety S British nference co Council me, there are , program ore practical other, mnars taking semi cross the place a days two

TOPICAL SEMINARS As well as the British Safety Council conference programme there are other, more practical, seminars taking place across the two days. Visitors will be able to see vendors and event partners such as 3M and DuPont host practical seminars. 3M’s seminar will focus on designing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and making sure the effectiveness of the PPE selected is validated for the individual. Whereas DuPont’s seminar will examine if a wearer’s chemical clothing is really protecting them and will lead the visitors through some revealing experiments on commonly used materials in chemical protective clothing. Something new and exciting for this year’s event is the ‘Safety Dialogue’ Live Panel. The Live Panel offers visitors the opportunity to engage with lively debates surrounding the most significant issues, and this year the panel of experts will focus on the issues surrounding Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) and specifically Face Fit testing for masks. The event will also host a substantial exhibition where some of the leading product, service providers and distributors in the health and safety sector are exhibiting. Experts will be available to offer advice on the latest technology and business practices. Health & Safety North is supported by the British Safety Council, Safety Groups UK and recently announced that 3M Safety Solutions is to be the lead sponsor. The event is also officially endorsed by the International Institute of Risk & Safety Management (IIRSM). The event is free to attend but it is strongly recommend that visitors register in advance to facilitate speed of entry and for guaranteed seminar places as these are extremely popular. The full timetable of the conference programme for the 2-day event is on the event website. L

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FURTHER INFORMATION www.healthandsafetyevents.co.uk

Hovmand: lifting and moving technology With its recently introduced Hovmand Impact 70S lifter, the Danish lifter specialist Hovmand has set its sights on new customers. The Impact 70S has a new design, ease of use and is competitively priced. The Hovmand Impact 70S, has the potential to open the door to new opportunities in the work routines. It will increase overall efficiency in the workplace and while adhering to health and safety guidelines. Based on proven technology and 40 years of lifting and moving engineering, the Impact 70S easily lifts and moves 70kgs: in the office, the workshop and any area where things need to be moved around. Hovmand develops, builds and supplies lifters that cover capacities up to 300kgs.

renowned versatility and build quality that have increased production process efficiency with many of the world’s top pharmaceutical, food, automotive, industrial and distribution companies.” The company sports a range of options catering to lifting and moving needs in almost any line of business: standard and fitted lifters equipped to handle, grip and turn reels, boxes, drums and special applications, manually and electronically. Hovmand maintains an engineered solutions department for special applications. Søren Hovmand, CEO of Hovmand, says: “The Hovmand Impact 70S embeds our

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0870 904 7775 www.hovmand.co.uk

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Conferences & Events Written by ConventionScotland

SCOTTISH VENUES EVENT VENUES The Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh

2014: A BIG YEAR FOR SCOTLAND

With Scotland hosting such major events as the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup next year, Scotland will make an exciting backdrop to your conference, meeting or event Scotland is set to be thrust into the global spotlight in 2014. That’s adds a touch of luxury to guarantee a memorable event, while the when the country welcomes the world as it hosts the Glasgow hotel is also home to a further eight flexible meeting rooms. The Commonwealth Games, The Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, and Caledonian can host events for up to 250 guests with WIFI access Homecoming – a year-long celebration of Scottish culture. across all meeting rooms. The hotel also features 241 bedrooms, seven If you’ve never held a conference in Scotland, then now is the perfect suites and a luxury Guerlain Spa. Guests are spoilt for choice with time to start making plans. As well as a warm welcome and stunning four food and beverage outlets, including two restaurants from the natural beauty, this country boasts some of the world’s most Michelin-starred Galvin brothers with their first Scottish venture. sophisticated conference venues complete with state-of-the-art facilities. And if there’s an appetite among your delegates for good food, Like Jamaica’s Olympic gold medal-winning sprinter Usain then TV chef Jamie Oliver’s Italian restaurant, Jamie’s Italian, is a Bolt, one of the stars set to appear in Glasgow in 2014, mouth-watering addition to the site of the Assembly Rooms. things in Scotland don’t stand still for long. A literal example of this can be found at the Edinburgh OPULENT SPACES A International Conference Centre which, following a The unique, A-listed George Street venue re-opened e u uniq the multi-million pound expansion, is now home to last summer following a major restoration and t is p the world’s first hall-wide moving floor system. refurbishment project. Like the EICC, it is a hugely e c n ’s o c um e s The building’s stunning glass atrium provides popular venue, particularly during the Edinburgh u M e a perfect welcome point to the 1600 sq m International Festival, the Music Hall and Ballroom Riversidtreet, which S Lennox Suite – Europe’s most technologically are large, opulent spaces, ornately decorated n i e Ma espok b advanced meetings and events space. The with intricate plasterwork and crystal chandeliers. t s o h n can i moving floor can be reconfigured into numerous As well as additional space and flexible room s n receptio d 1900s layouts, a range of new facilities are available, different set-ups, including flat-floored ate exhibition banqueting for 1,400 guests, a tiered including state-of-the-art background lighting a re-creasgow auditorium for 2,000 and arena mode for 1,400. and sound systems, in-house audio visual, plasma l G screens in the foyer and a fully equipped finishing street LANDMARK PROPERTIES kitchen for exclusive use of the event caterers. After a £24 million investment programme, the Another multi-million pound development has recently iconic Caledonian Hilton Edinburgh was unveiled as the latest taken place at Edinburgh’s Sheraton Grand. The hotel now edition to the Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts portfolio last offers a new dedicated meetings and events complex, complete September. Following this significant investment, the landmark with its own private entrance. With 14 flexible function rooms, property, which sits beneath Edinburgh Castle on the worldthe Conference & Banqueting complex is the largest of its kind in famous Princes Street, The Caledonian, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Scotland’s capital. The Atrium forms the centrepiece of the new marks a spectacular Scottish debut for the luxury brand. events space, offering over 5,400 square feet of floor space for A legend in the hospitality industry, the Caledonian offers a range receptions, exhibitions or break-out sessions. The Edinburgh Suite is of meeting and event spaces that are certain to impress even the the largest hotel function space in Edinburgh, able to accommodate most well-travelled delegates. The newly restored listed Castle Suite up to 1,500 guests for a reception when combined with The Atrium.

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The city of Glasgow will host the Commonwealth Games next year. Superstar athletes such as Usain Bolt and Jessica Ennis-Hill are expected to descend on the city GLASGOW VENUES In the west of Scotland lies Glasgow, Scotland’s biggest city which will next year host one of the world’s greatest sporting events – the Commonwealth Games. Superstar athletes such as Usain Bolt and Jessica Ennis-Hill are expected to descend on the city during two weeks of spectacular action, with Glasgow providing a perfect backdrop. The city is one of the best equipped and most competitive conference destinations in Europe – and the world – thanks to its compactness, ease of access and ‘can do’ culture. The Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) can be found at the heart of Glasgow city centre, with 6,535 hotel bedrooms within two miles of the SECC campus. There are 9,104 hotel bedrooms within 10 miles of Glasgow city centre while the total number of hotel bedrooms for the Greater Glasgow area (within 20 miles of the city centre) is 11,078. The SECC is a world-leading venue, attracting high-profile events from all over the world, including the 2013 Liberal Democrat conference. The venue is undergoing an exciting expansion with the building of the Hydro – which is due to open at the end of this year. With a capacity of 12,000, the stunning new silver building will play host to around 140 events each year. It has been designed to be flexible, accommodating a wide range of conferences and events, including some of the world’s biggest music stars. It will attract an audience of one million visitors a year, positioning it as the fifth busiest entertainment arena in the world, alongside iconic venues such as Madison Square Gardens in New York and London’s O2 arena. The unique façade of The Hydro, made up of pneumatic translucent cushions, will allow natural light to illuminate the foyers during the day and the arena to ‘glow’ at night. Another superb addition to the Glasgow landscape is the Riverside Museum – a five-star VisitScotland visitor attraction. Taking visitors through a fascinating history of transport, the museum is also a flexible exhibition space that offers conference organisers a stunning, iconic waterfront location with a number of event options. A unique concept is the museum’s Main Street, which can host bespoke receptions for 120 people in a beautiful re-created 1900s Glasgow street. The entire museum can be hired out with opening times, offering a maximum capacity of 800. Outside, the museum boasts a large plaza, which can host a range of events, from concerts and rallies to formal functions and fairs, while berthed adjacent is The Tall Ship Glenlee, which can comfortably accommodate up to 200 people – again presenting organisers with further venue options.

due to open in 2015, will boast one of the largest dedicated museumstandard exhibition spaces in Scotland. The facilities at the museum will provide first-class opportunities for conferences and other event events to be held in unique venues. These include the great hall, which will be available to host receptions, while galleries can be hired on a private access basis. There will also be a number of workshops and meeting rooms which will be suitable for the needs of business customers. Also in 2015, Wyndham Hotel Group is creating the company’s first Wyndham-branded hotel in Scotland. Wyndham Grand The Angus, a £60 million hotel and golf development, will be located in Broughty Ferry, Dundee. The luxury facility will boast 187 bedrooms, gourmet restaurant, conference and banqueting suites and a signature Darren Clarke championship golf course.

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THE HIGHLANDS Further north, a journey into the magical Scottish Highlands may be just the thing to get creative juices flowing. Set within acres of manicured grounds, the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness is the perfect blend of historic grandeur, contemporary design and passionate service. On target for completion this December, The Kingsmills Suite will offer 410 sq m of the newest design-led meeting and events space. A relaxing circulation and breakout area, exclusively for guests of the Kingsmills Suite, enables unsurpassed choice of event schedules. Of course, Scotland has many more hotels and conference spaces available and is home to myriad exciting opportunities for unforgettable events. And with so many things happening in Scotland, from its wealth of historic buildings to an abundance of thrilling outdoor pursuits, there are plenty of reasons for delegates to stick around and extend their stay. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.conventionscotland.com

Discover The George Hotel The George Hotel, now a world conference and incentive destination, is situated in the heart of the city on World Heritage Site George Street, also known as The Bond Street of The North. The prestigious location provides easy access to Edinburgh’s business district as well as the city’s major attractions, including The Royal Mile, The Palace of Holyroodhouse and of course, Edinburgh Castle. The George Hotel offers unrivalled facilities for meetings, conferences, banqueting and special events with function rooms, equipped to the highest of standards, accommodating anything from two up to three hundred people. This includes the grand King’s Hall with ornate architectural features and the spectacular Panorama Suite with roof terrace and stunning views stretching from the Castle all the way across The Firth of Forth.

DAZZLING HOTELS Among Glasgow’s dazzling range of hotels is the five-star, £26 million Blythswood Square. Home to a 10,000 square foot Urban Day Spa (the first of its kind in Glasgow’s city centre), the 100-room hotel includes seven suites. The Monte Carlo Suites, beautiful oak-panelled events spaces, offer bespoke private dining menus and a range of flexible room layouts, as well as cutting edge audio visual technology. There is even a custom-designed 52-seater meeting table for those all-important round-table discussions. The Screening Room, meanwhile, is perfect for product launches and presentations. A unique cinema available for private hire, each of the Screening Room’s 40 seats are finished in a custom Harris Tweed fabric. It is important to remember, however, that expansion in Scotland does not begin and end with the events of 2014. In Dundee, work is under way on a £45 million museum that will add significantly to the country’s appeal among the business tourism community. Featuring more than 1,500 sq m of flexible gallery space, the new V&A, which is

Discover Tempus, our stylish and lively bar fast gaining recognition for being one of The Capital’s hot spots for meeting friends for cocktails, or sampling the finest locally sourced produce, cooked to perfection. The George is part of Principal Hayley Hotels and Conference Venues, a collection of key city centre hotels and idyllic conference venues located throughout The UK. We are committed to investing in our properties and have spent over £100 million to improve and restore our sensational portfolio. Aspiring to be the best upscale conference, training and events-led group across Europe, we promise to offer you exceptional levels of service and attention to detail and a lasting impression that makes you want to return time after time.

The George Hotel 19-21 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PB Tel: 0131 225 1251 www.thegeorgehoteledinburgh.co.uk

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Just five minutes from Waterloo, London South Bank University has a range of affordable, spacious and flexible meeting and conference facilities, offering you an exciting venue option in a great zone one location. Whether you are organising a meeting for 5 or a conference for 220 we can help. With superb food, great transport links and recently refurbished rooms our space offers great value for money.

Call 0207 815 7000 or email conferences@lsbu.ac.uk for further details and prices. Our welcoming events team will ensure your event is a success.

View our special offers »

Team up with Imperial for a smarter venue choice over 200 flexible conference and meeting spaces in central and west London for 10 to 750 dressed to impress

DECIDE DUNDEE FOR CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS

020 7594 9494 www.imperial.ac.uk/conferenceandevents

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Corporate Services University of Dundee • Dundee • DD1 4HN t 01382 386751 e corporateservices@dundee.ac.uk w www.dundee.ac.uk/corporateservices

ACADEMIC VENUES

Conferences & Events

Keele Conferences and Events have created ‘Keele Event Services,’ providing event support and management to its association clients

BRING OUT YOUR ACADEMIC SIDE

This country is home to some of the best universities in the world and for the event organiser, they are increasingly providing some of the highest quality conference and events venues available With state-of-the art audio visual support, a mix of old and new facilities and first rate on-site accommodation, academic venues provide a one-stop-shop approach to modern conferencing. Complementing their great facilities, universities are also a great source of speakers and support material, therefore enabling a link with research and development that is being undertaken by the students. But it is not only the organiser and venue that benefits. Profits that are generated from playing host to meetings and events are reinvested directly into the universities. This revenue means buildings can be updated, whilst research programmes and other learning facilities benefit from a boost in resources, helping to pave the way for the country’s next generation of business and thought leaders. A REVENUE STREAM It is because of this benefit that the meetings and events sector is today recognised as a core revenue stream for the academic venue, with its importance placed almost equally as high as the income received from students.

As such, most operate under a dedicated brand with a specialist team managing and continually invest in the upkeep and improvement of their facilities. Where others may have ceased, this investment has continued right throughout the difficult economic climate, with the academic venue being seen as a safe investment, supported heavily by the stable and regular income

to incorporate built-in AV equipment and low energy lighting has been introduced in line with Warwick Conferences’ ongoing commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its venues. The investment forms part of a multi-million refurbishment programme announced in the latter part of 2010. The Sports Centre at Lancaster University, has been awarded the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating which sets the standard for best practice in sustainable design. As well as university members, the state-of-the-art centre is available for conference delegates use, and features an eight lane swimming pool, eight

Complementing their great facilities, universities are also a great source of speakers and support material, therefore enabling a link with research that is being undertaken by the students brought in by students which has been largely unaffected by the economic downturn. Scarman, the largest of Warwick Conferences’ three training and conference centres, re-opened following an extensive £2 million renovation and refurbishment programme in September 2011. As part of this, six syndicate rooms have been upgraded

court sports hall, climbing wall, gym spread across two levels, four squash courts and a studio for dance, martial arts and fencing. Despite this continued investment seen widely across the sector, academic venues have still been able to maintain a competitive offering for delegates. “For academic venues, it is just about E

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 making the most of the facilities that we already have in place when they are not being used by the students,” explains Janette Foster‑Hyde, Liverpool John Moores University. These range from meeting and conference rooms, to IT Suites and full catering services. It is because of this we can often offer a competitive price over a purpose‑built conference centre.”

With large-scale facilities that have been built specifically to create the optimum learning environment, the academic venue is a popular choice for hosting associations and for other large-scale conferences and conventions

FLEXIBILITIES OF OFFERING With large‑scale facilities that have been built specifically to create the optimum learning environment, the academic venue is a popular choice for hosting associations and for other large‑scale conferences and conventions. But with the addition of some of the more unique sections of the university being opened up for use, away from the traditional lecture theatres, they have also become a popular choice for gala events, awards dinners and Christmas parties. Sports facilities are also another great asset, playing host to tournaments and team building for many different groups.

‘The Orchard’, has opened for business on The University of Nottingham’s award-winning main campus. Designed to complement the University‑owned De Vere Venues East Midlands Conference Centre next door, the £20 million hotel complex will provide top class accommodation on University Park with extensive facilities including a roof garden, brasserie and gym. The Orchard Hotel has been built to the highest environmental standards featuring state of the art technology to minimise carbon emissions including a green roof, photovoltaic panels, energy-efficient lighting, heating and ventilation systems.

ACCOMMODATION All of the venues are supported by a vast amount of modern accommodation on site. Where much of this is only available outside of term time, many now have purpose built accommodation or hotels on site, which are useable all year round. In addition, many work closely with neighbouring accommodation providers to offer low cost options to delegates. A stunning new eco-friendly hotel,

LEADING THE WAY Keele Conferences and Events have created ‘Keele Event Services,’ providing event support and management to its association clients, as their annual conferences and events travel around the country. This serves as an extension to Keele Conference Management, the event management and delegate booking support that is

Conferences & Events

Keele Event Services serves as an extension to Keele Conference Management, the event management and delegate booking support that is provided at Keele University

ACADEMIC VENUES

currently provided at Keele University. Sam Booth, Head of Keele Conferences & Events comments: “Keele Event Services is something that we evolved into offering, as a result of reacting to client feedback and also from understanding the needs of transient business. It reflects the importance we place on helping our clients to grow and develop their events, regardless of where they are located.” With advances like this and the investment continuing, academic venues have continued to flourish, with many predicting a positive outlook for the sector. Looking forward, Kirstie Danzey, marketing manager for Nottingham Conferences at the University of Nottingham comments: “For 2013, the new hotel, sited adjacent to the East Midlands Conference Centre will enhance the existing range of conference facilities provided by Nottingham Conferences further. Whilst being a revenue stream in its own right, the new development will have a positive impact on events that can utilise both the EMCC and hotel.” L

Newly refurbished facilities prove popular at Venue Reading The University of Reading has invested heavily over the past 18 months to bring its facilities up to a very high standard in order for it to better compete in the local event market. Set against the stunning backdrop of the 400-acre University Whiteknights campus the newly refurbished Cedars Hotel, with 36 bedrooms and three large meeting areas, is a great place to stop for the night. Alternatively, it can be used to hold all kinds of events, from small residential conferences to company awaydays or training events. The Meadow Suite, located in the magnificent Grade II listed Park House,

and function area that is proving very popular with the local community, for occasions such as wedding receptions and parties, as well as a place for meetings for up to 200 people. The whole Venue Reading team is incredibly proud of the new facilities and look forward to lots of new business over the coming months and years. is another area that has seen plenty of investment with fantastic results. It is now a modern state-of-the-art meeting

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0118 378 5657 info@venuereading.com www.venuereading.com

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Company Profiles

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Make your event truly memorable at Twickenham Stadium

Catering for all needs with affordable facilities at York Conferences

The home of England rugby is where you will find an unrivalled conference and events venue. Located just 20 minutes from Central London and six miles from London Heathrow Airport. With excellent road links from the M25 and M3/M4, and 2,000 on-site car parking spaces, Twickenham is London’s ultimate destination for business and sport. The South Stand conference and event facilities have been specifically designed and are both highly flexible and well-suited to event organisers and their audiences. Twickenham is proud to offer a number of modern facilities that you would not expect to find within a stadium, including its Live Room auditorium with tiered seating for up to 550 delegates, the Rose Suite which can hold meetings and dinners

With years of experience within the industry, York Conferences can cater for every delegate’s needs by offering affordable and high-quality facilities. Based only 10 minutes from the city centre and in the heart of The University of York’s stunning green campus, York Conferences’ venues and accommodation is the perfect place for delegates to meet and relax. York Conferences offers over 200 diverse meeting rooms suitable for all events, seminars, exhibitions, conferences and budgets, with capacities from 130-1,190 delegates. Venues date from historical buildings, such as the Kings Manor, right up to the modern and contemporary Ron Cooke Hub. Bed and breakfast accommodation is available with a choice from a large portfolio of rooms also

for up to 800 guests and the 150 pitch-view meeting rooms. With 25 suites situated across the Stadium able to accommodate events from 60-500 people, over 150 pitch-view meeting rooms, in excess of 7,000 sq metres of integrated exhibition space, onsite four-star Marriott Hotel, and the Twickenham Cellar fine-dining experience for 14 people, a variety of events can be catered for. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 020 8744 9997 conferencesandevents@ therfu.com www.twickenhamexperience.com

Engage employees and solve issues with Wazoku’s Ideation software Idea management platforms allow governments to crowdsource ideas from both internal and external sources to address current challenges. Wazoku’s G-Cloud certified Government Spotlight is currently the only idea-management solution listed in the CloudStore and is the preferred solution for central and local government departments and cross-government innovation. With Government Spotlight, you can engage employees and constituents to help solve complex challenges around service provision, efficiency gains, policy development, budgeting, etc. Government Spotlight helps bring process, structure, data and workflow to the front end of the idea generation, capture, evaluation and prioritisation process. This solution is based on challenges, ideas, social voting mechanics, expertise recognition, a recommendation engine to help route the best ideas to the

most relevant people, integrated workflow to move ideas through a process, review boards to allow for private review panels, and help drive outcomes. Wazoku has worked with Hackney Council, The Social Innovation Partnership and The Department for Education. The company is committed to implementing the best idea-management platform for your department. You will receive top-quality account management to work with you to create the ideal solution that meets your needs.

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 020 8743 5724 sales@wazoku.com www.wazoku.com

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located on the campus: ideal for residential conferences, meetings and exhibitions. There is also the choice to try the award-winning catering facilities that can offer delegates formal dinners in the restaurants or a more relaxed informal buffet lunch. Alternatively light refreshments such as tea, coffee and snacks can be arranged. FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 01904 328431 www.yorkconferences.com

At your service...

Visit us on 18 & 19 September at Square Meal Venues and Events Live 2013. We’ll be on stand B31 to answer all your conferencing questions.

EVENT PREVIEW

INSPIRATION FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT

A visit to Square Meal’s Venues & Events Live will give event organisers the opportunity to discover the UK’s top venues, hear ground-breaking talks from some of the event industry’s biggest names, and get inspired to create outstanding events Square Meal’s Venues & Events Live show will take over the stunning surroundings of Old Billingsgate on the 18-19 September, and bring with it inspiration for anyone who organises any kind of event as part of their job. Now in its ninth year, the show is firmly established as the most innovative, informative and inspiring exhibition in the industry calendar. It attracts over 7,000 visitors, who get the opportunity to discover the UK’s top venues, hear ground-breaking talks from some of the event industry’s biggest names, taste delicious food and drinks and, most importantly, get inspired to

Events and Wine For Events. Join any of the tastings sessions on finding the best drinks for your events without breaking the budget. No need to book, simply register to attend. The Ideas Hub will give you tailored advice on finding the perfect private room or venue with the Square Meal Concierge team. Find out more about Square Meal Rewards and take away a luxury beauty gift from Bliss or Elemis. Quiz Square Meal’s ‘Gurus’ in The Hotseat, who will be ready and waiting to answer any conundrums you have on venues, restaurants, drinks, social media, photography, and marketing.

Turning our attention towards Christmas, Square Meal’s Head of Venues & Events, Graham Hill will give top tips on seasonal party planning and a roundup of this year’s best Christmas packages create outstanding events on any budget. From the atmospheric arches of the vaults, to the light-filled gallery and the marquee on the terrace on the banks of the Thames, Square Meal’s Venues & Events Live brings over 250 top venues and event suppliers from London and around the UK across five floors and all under one roof. EVENT FEATURES Alongside the exhibitors are informative features, such as Fizz For Events, Mixology For

There will also be Bitesize Seminars, which comprises an all-new line-up of some of the industry’s top names, who will be delivering 30 minute seminars on everything from hot new restaurants to wedding trends. All registered visitors are entitled to a free delicious breakfast or lunch, courtesy of Office Diner. Simply make your choice when you register. As you would expect from the Square Meal Venues & Events team, the show will also be filled with tantalising food

to try, from leading canapé creations to treats from top restaurants and caterers. Venues & Events Live Head of Marketing Rachel Harty said: “We believe that no other event industry show can deliver such a strong and varied corporate audience of event organisers. The location in the heart of the City means it is easy for our core visitors to attend, most of whom are subscribers to our Venues & Events guide and have significant events budgets to spend. “For anyone who organises events as part of their job, we promise that you’ll find inspiration with just a few hours out of the office, whether you need the perfect venue, a cool caterer, or the newest in event technology. Venues & Events Live is the only show that takes the business of events seriously, but is actually enjoyable to attend as well.”

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SEMINAR HIGHLIGHTS The seminars will kick off with a look at this year’s hottest restaurant openings, which will be presented by Ben McCormack, Editor of Square Meal Restaurants & Bars. What’s more, all the latest event spaces will be summed up by Square Meal’s Senior Venues & Events Reporter, Damien Gabet. Turning our attention towards Christmas, Square Meal’s Head of Venues & Events, Graham Hill will give top tips on seasonal party planning and a roundup of this year’s best Christmas packages. Square Meal’s Head of Online, Ed Butcher will explain how to harness the power of social media for your events. There will also be a seminar presented on catering trends. From donuts and ‘dude food’ to entirely edible events, this seminar will take you through the food and drink trends that will keep your catering current well into next year. Keynote talks will be given by Green & Blacks founder Jo Fairley and Fay Sharpe, MD of Zibrant, the award‑winning events agency. L FURTHER INFORMATION Free tickets to the exhibition are available at www.venuesandevents.co.uk

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BE YOUR OWN BOSS This mobile franchise does what it says on the tin. The package includes everything you would expect from the only chimney sweeping franchise with bfa accreditation. If you are practical, business minded and want to be your own boss, with loads of support, give us a call or come and visit us at the NEC for the National Franchise Exhibition 2013. For more information visit www.franchisechimneysweep.co.uk or call Louise and Peter on 01635 551454 www.wilkinschimneysweep.co.uk

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EVENT PREVIEW

Franchising

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EXCITING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD

The National Franchise Exhibition on 4-5 October 2013 will give prospective franchisees the chance to discover a range of exciting business opportunities and meet franchise companies face-to-face

The UK’s largest franchise event, the National Franchise Exhibition, is returning to the NEC, Birmingham on 4-5 October 2013. It gives prospective franchisees the chance to discover a range of exciting business opportunities and meet franchise companies face to face. Visitors will also be able to receive free expert advice from industry leaders, as well as attend informative franchising seminars throughout both days. These will be on all aspects of franchising and include several presentations run by the British Franchise Association (bfa), from ‘An introduction to franchising’, for those just starting out, to ‘Essential tips for franchising your business’, for existing business owners. These seminars consist of a panel of knowledgeable experts including lawyers, bankers, consultants and the franchisors themselves. There will be more than 140 exhibitors at the event offering business opportunities across a broad spectrum of sectors such as food and drink, retail, property, homecare, fitness and finance. Many major franchised businesses will be present including

McDonald’s, Cash Converters, Guinot, Belvoir Lettings, Mail Boxes Etc., Anytime Fitness and many more from the UK and around the world.

The 2013 and to explain what you l need to do to fulfil the Nationa ibition h x banks’ lending criteria. E e s i The key to success in Franch prospective raising finance lies gives isees the in the business plan h franc discover a and is an essential o t e c part of the finance g n n a i ch excit f o process. Those who bring e g n ra ses a business plan along to busines the event, no matter what

REAL LIFE EXPERIENCES The Real Franchise Stories seminars will give visitors the opportunity to hear inspiring accounts from people who have already become successful franchisees, talking about the realities of making the transition from being employed to self-employed – including their successes and failures. The Franchise Starting Point will offer potential franchisees free one-to-one advice from experts in all fields including lawyers, bankers, consultants and experienced franchisors. Facilitated by Franchise Finance, the experts at the Finance Clinic are also on hand to offer visitors advice on how to secure finance

stage they are at, will receive free advice on their plan, taking them one step closer to receiving a business loan. The Franchise Resales Pavilion is another exciting feature of the event, offering budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn about the benefits of buying an existing franchise business and discuss resales with exhibiting companies.

HIGH INVESTORS Visitors who are thinking of investing substantial capital in a high return franchise are encouraged to visit the High Investment E

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looking at a change in career? explore the safer way to be your own boss follow your dreams and start your own business

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EVENT PREVIEW  VIP Lounge, sponsored by Platinum Property Partners. This is an exclusive area that is designed to facilitate conversations in private, comfortable surroundings over complimentary tea, coffee and Wi-Fi. Visitors can also learn about high investment options and hot topics at the High Investment Panel Sessions. These feature a number of renowned high investment franchises, offering advice and entering into a discussion with the audience on the important aspects of high level investment franchising. MAKE A DAY OF IT A day out at The National Franchise Exhibition can also be fun for the whole family as there is a Children’s Activity Centre at the event, hosted by The Creation Station. Children, along with a family member, will be able to play with imaginative arts and crafts whilst other members of the group can explore the exhibition.

The National Franchise Exhibition is open from 10am each day, closing at 5pm on Friday 4 October and 4pm on Saturday 5 October. Admission on the door costs £15, but visitors can gain free entry by visiting the bfa website, www.thebfa. org and going to the exhibition section. KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Matt Roberts is co-founder of Bean2Bed. com. The company manufactures, markets and retails an innovative guest bed solution: bean bags with beds inside. They deliver their products across Europe and have franchised in two continents. The products have been featured on the BBC and Channel 4 and are proud to have a number of famous customers. Matt will be talking about his start-up story, the Highs and Lows and will be sharing his tips and advice with the audience. Nathan Littleton is an award-winning entrepreneur with a difference: he entered

The Real Franchise Stories seminars will give visitors the opportunity to hear inspiring accounts from people who have already become successful franchisees, talking about the realities of making the transition from being employed to self-employed – including successes and failures The National Franchise Exhibition is supported by the bfa. This means visitors can be confident in the franchise opportunities presented to them as they have passed the bfa’s strict code of ethics. The bfa will always have a prominent stand to answer questions and help direct you to the right advice and seminars. We also carry information about our full-day seminars and can help guide you in what may be your next franchising steps. Come along and speak to us about any queries you have, what you should be looking out for and who you should be talking to. We’re always happy to talk about everything franchising and as we’re independent and not-for-profit, we have nothing to sell you!

the cut-throat world of business while still wearing his school uniform! So while most of his peers were studying for exams, thinking about university and contemplating a life working for someone else, Nathan was making money, challenging assumptions, asking questions and launching a company that other people would work for. After starting his own business at the tender age of just 12, he has become one of the UK’s brightest young business figures, with more experience in the fast-moving internet industry than many people twice his age. His precocious talent was recognised early in his career. At 15, Nathan was enlisted to teach web design to students at his school, becoming E

Franchising

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About the British Franchise Association (bfa) One of the bfa’s main roles is to help potential franchisees recognise the good franchises and the not-so-good, as well as to help businesses involved in franchising to secure their own position amongst the “good”. This work is not just a philanthropic exercise for reputable and responsible franchisors. It makes good commercial sense. The ability of franchisors to attract potential franchisees to invest in their systems depends crucially on their own reputation, and on the reputation of franchising in general. It was for these reasons that in 1977 the major franchise companies in the UK decided to set up their own association. The British Franchise Association (bfa), was formed to act in the interests of the industry as a whole in assessing and accrediting franchising companies as those which meet its criteria for the structure of the franchise business, the terms of the contract between franchisor and franchisee, the testing of the system and its success as a franchise. Franchisors and professional advisors to the UK franchise industry wishing to be accredited must put themselves forward to the bfa to be tested against its strict and extensive criteria. Only if they successfully pass accreditation are they then able to join the bfa as a member, gain access to the benefits of membership and become represented by the British Franchise Association. FURTHER INFORMATION www.thebfa.org

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Franchising

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Papa John’s continued expansion offers further franchise opportunities

Operate your own business in the residential lettings property sector

Papa John’s continues to expand in the UK. Last autumn saw the opening of the company’s 200th UK store. This year has also seen Papa John’s open a further 21 outlets in addition to some in Welcome Break service stations and begin TV advertising campaigns to support its network of franchisees for the first time. Papa John’s is one of the largest pizza companies in the world, with 225 UK stores and a total of 4,259 internationally – and it is still expanding in 33 markets around the globe. Papa John’s, renowned for its product quality, has opportunities for potential franchisees in the key locations of Yorkshire, Manchester, West Midlands, East Midlands, South West, North East, Wales and Scotland. Papa John’s latest franchisee is Jas Singh in Sevenoaks, Kent, who now employs around 15 staff. This is Jas’s fourth Papa John’s outlet, to the local community.

No Letting Go is the UK’s largest and longest established franchised provider of property inventory management services, with over 40 franchised offices throughout the UK, providing property condition reports to the residential property rental market. Clients include letting agents, property management providers, relocation companies, asset management companies, landlords and property professionals. As one of the fastest-growing companies in the sector, No Letting Go has a reputation as being a leading-edge organisation, evidenced by the investment made in bespoke proprietary software to support tabletbased reporting and online CRM and back office systems.

Anthony Round, business development manager at Papa John’s, says: “As a franchisee, Jas is hardworking and driven by customer service and standards. Sevenoaks is prime territory with an excellent demographic, good market awareness and household count. Jas is keen to serve-up top quality pizza and his thriving business into the area.” Visit Papa John’s at The National Franchise Exhibition, NEC Birmingham, 4-5 October.

The lettings market continues to expand and, in 2012/13, business grew by over 100 per cent. No Letting Go is looking for the best people who are motivated and understand good customer service to open up in a new territory and provide services locally. No knowledge of the residential property sector or of running a business is required as No Letting Go will take you through the process of starting and launching the business, working with you to gain new business locally as well providing you with work through its centrally gained contracts. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0800 8815 366 info@nolettinggo.co.uk www.nolettinggo-franchise.co.uk

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0844 567 0937 enquiries@papajohns.co.uk www.papajohns. co.uk/franchise

The perfect opportunity to be your own boss

Quirky but fun; traditional yet modern

Want to be your own boss? Ever had the ambition to run your own business, but were put off by the risks involved? With a franchise, the chances of success are greatly increased. Did you know, for example, that 91 per cent of all franchisees in the UK are trading profitably? (NatWest/British Franchise Association Survey 2012) So what is franchising? Franchising is a business model where you copy what is proven to work to run your own business. The franchisee (you) pays fees to access the best practise and be supported in the building of your own business by the franchisor (system owner).

Joining nine currently trading franchisees (the first came on board in August 2011), you can expect to receive excellent training and support in this traditional yet modern franchise. Blending traditional methods with modern systems, Wilkins Chimney Sweep – established in 1895 – offers franchisees the opportunity to own and operate a local van-based business offering good returns on investment along with a fun, albeit hard work and slightly grubby, working day. With this “need not want” service working in homes and pubs, all franchisees of Wilkins Chimney Sweep report job satisfaction as very high. John, a Wilkins Chimney Sweep franchisee, recently wrote to the company, saying: “I have a growing business doing something I enjoy and for a customer base who

Franchising is win-win by design. When you do well the franchisor does well so there is high motivation for you to succeed by all parties. What can you afford? In most cases, banks are confident on your chances of success in franchising. For this reason banks often offer up to 70 per cent of the whole investment required to access and build your own business. To find out more and to start your search for a new career, visit www.selectyourfranchise.com/ uk/franchise-match-18.html. FURTHER INFORMATION www.selectyourfranchise.com/ uk/franchise-match-18.html

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 20.5

appreciates my service. I’m a happy man.” John came from a highpressure, well-paid job that he both loved and loathed – and left it to join Wilkins in July 2012.

People from all walks of life are in the team. They are building a customer base year-on-year – with a pay on the day model keeping cash flow strong. Contact the team to find out more on the Wilkins Chimney Sweep franchise opportunity. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01635 551454 franchise@ wilkinschimneysweep.co.uk www.franchise chimneysweep.co.uk

EVENT PREVIEW  the youngest ever council employee in the UK. His expertise in designing and making money from websites has seen him work with some big names, including Aston University and InXpress. He now employs a dynamic team of designers and developers, and won the Institute of Directors’ prestigious Enterprising Young Person of the Year Award. Nathan is now an in-demand conference speaker, inspiring young people throughout the UK to not just dip their toes into world of business, but to jump right in. Not one to pull punches, his straight-talking approach and infectious stories create a powerful ‘can do’ message of hope, enterprise and ingenuity.

Franchise exhibitions can differ dramatically. The National Franchise Exhibition delivers only bfa members and accredited companies, meaning delegates are only dealing with proper franchise businesses

INSIGHT FROM THE BANKS Lorna Smith, Senior Franchise Manager, HSBC, will take a seminar called ‘Discover franchising with HSBC’. Lorna has held a number of managerial appointments within the bank. She spent several years in the branch network before moving to Corporate Banking where she specialised in payments and cash management, advising many large corporate companies. Lorna is one of the most experienced bankers in the UK franchise sector and has a high profile within the franchise industry. She has presented numerous seminars at franchise exhibitions, British Franchise Association (bfa) events and conferences, as well as other franchise and business events. HSBC has had a dedicated franchise unit for over 25 years in the UK and continues to work closely with the bfa and its members to support ethical franchising. The bank has sponsored the prestigious bfa Franchisor and Franchisee of the Year awards for over 15 years. From a Natwest point of view, Colin Chadwick, Director of Franchise Development at Natwest will take a seminar entitled ‘Approaching the bank for finance’. With over 30 years experience

in banking, he is a Qualified Franchise Professional (QFP) and a regular speaker at franchise exhibitions and seminars. His role is to interact with franchisors, business intermediaries and associated bodies to secure franchise business referrals. In 1981, NatWest was the first bank to recognise the potential of franchising by establishing a dedicated team for the sector.

Franchising

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WHO YOU WILL MEET Franchise exhibitions in the UK can differ dramatically in what you see and the advice that you are given. This includes the size of the shows, which can range from small local franchise exhibitions to larger national exhibitions. This NEC exhibition is the biggest franchise expo in the UK each year. The show delivers you only bfa members and specially‑accredited companies being able to exhibit – which means that you are only dealing with proper franchise businesses. Each franchise show will host a selection of franchise brands looking to recruit new franchisees; this show will have around 150. Even if there is only one brand you are interested in, it is worth speaking with other E

Perfect Pizza: one of the UK’s leading pizza delivery and takeaway businesses Perfect Pizza is committed to harnessing technology to develop your business. The company’s website has seen substantial growth in recent years, and provides customers with a secure and simple way to order pizzas. Prospects are excellent as the home-delivery market continues to enjoy growth. Perfect Pizza aims to be one of the top four Pizza operators in the UK, and it is looking for multi-unit franchise partners who can help with that ambition. Time is of the essence as prime territories are moving fast. Perfect Pizza set-up costs are low compared to its competitors: £80k is needed in liquid capital towards the funding of your first outlet; typically the full set-up costs are circa £190k and, dependent on your personal circumstances, you may be able to fund the remainder via bank loans.

Would you be a “Perfect” fit for the company? If you have a high level of enthusiasm and self-belief – and are willing to give your time to building the business – a Perfect Pizza multi-unit franchise operation could be for you. You can be sure of the company’s commitment, but it will need the same from you. Ask any of the Perfect Pizza franchisees and they’ll tell you that you need to be ready to work hard but it’s worth it. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 020 3137 8989 franchise@perfectpizza.co.uk www.perfectpizza.co.uk

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Franchising

EVENT PREVIEW

Not all franchises involve hands-on day-to-day running. These businesses need franchisees who have strong sales, management and business skills. In the ‘Executives in Franchising’ track, delegates can find out which franchises are offering these opportunities  franchise brands to give you a much more rounded view of the industry. Alongside the franchise brands will be a number of professional advisors, such as consultants, banks, accountants and solicitors, who are all experts in franchising advice. This is extremely useful as it means you can pick up lots of great information at absolutely no cost, as well as making several new contacts under one roof. This can be vital as you progress in the industry. Some franchisors will have franchisees on their stands to give you a personal view of franchising and the realities of running your own business. This can be extremely useful in getting a ‘from the horse’s mouth’ point of view – but it is also worth speaking to other franchisees in their network. SEMINARS There are several seminar theatres at the exhibition which will cover many different case studies, insights and presentations. The main theatre is run by the bfa to give very up-front, objective advice for those looking to join a franchise and those looking to franchise their business. These are usually 30-60 minutes long, free of charge and with three guest speakers to cover all core angles. The British Franchise Association (bfa) franchising seminars offer a comprehensive programme covering all aspects of franchising, whether you are considering investing in a franchise or taking the first steps to franchising your business. The seminars consist of a panel of industry leading experts include lawyers, bankers, consultants and the franchisors themselves. All panellists are either bfa affiliated or bfa members. HANDS ON FRANCHISING There are a number of franchises that suit those with practical hands-on skills, who enjoy meeting new people and getting out and about. These franchises need people to become skilled in a certain trade, such as electrician services, domestic services, selling or home improvement. The franchisor will usually offer training and support in skills development. Other franchise models are ‘hands on’ in the sense that they offer the franchisee the opportunity to be trained to deliver franchises services directly – to be trained in plumbing, locksmith services, or whichever trade it may be, to operate on a sole operator franchise basis from a branded van. Usually the van will also be kitted out as part of the franchise package and franchisor’s business model. Such trades franchisees can often become a management franchise, starting out as a sole operator then employing further staff and getting more vans on the road in the franchisees territory. Seminars taken under this topic will cover which franchises are looking for people with these skills. But not all franchises involve hands-on day-to-day running – these businesses need franchisees who have strong sales, management and business skills. In the ‘Executives in Franchising’ seminar track, you will be able to find out which franchises are offering these opportunities. L

Business Doctors: a proven franchising success Business Doctors provides SMEs with a host of specially tailored programmes designed to help them develop effective strategic plans, improve efficiency, boost sales, implicate staff in organisational change and master their supply chain. It is one of the fastest growing business support services in the UK. The Business Doctors network of franchise owners has grown to over 30 since the model was launched in 2008. The aim is simple: to build on its success and bring unique business support services to the largest possible market. If you are: contemplating leaving your current employment, committed to running your own business, or considering whether to go it alone or buy a franchise,

let Business Doctors help you make the right decision. The company is seeking experienced, business-savvy individuals who are good with people and can apply their valuable skills and the company’s proven systems to deliver a truly first-class business support service. Interested? To learn more about Business Doctors, download a free prospectus from the website. Alternatively, drop by for an informal chat at The National Franchise Exhibition (4-5 October, NEC Birmingham, Stand J110). FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0845 219 7077 www.businessdoctorsfranchise.co.uk

FURTHER INFORMATION www.thebfa.org www.franchiseinfo.co.uk

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EVENT PREVIEW

GOVERNMENT TO COLLABORATE AT EMERGENCY SHOW

With its focus on promoting interoperability and cost efficiency, The Emergency Services Show (NEC, Birmingham, 25-26 September 2013) is more relevant than ever before

Interoperability is a hot topic following the recent publication of Improving Efficiency, Interoperability and Resilience of our Blue Light Services. In the foreword, the Rt Hon Francis Maude MP, writes: “We all depend on resilient and effective emergency services. The police, fire and ambulance services are genuine lifesavers, responding to an extraordinary range of incidents on an hourly basis. They do a brilliant job in what are often extreme circumstances, and think little of responding well above and beyond the call of duty. There are many ways in which collaboration and coordination can and should be enhanced… In Britain, we need to examine constantly how we can do things better. “Money is tight, and technology is opening doors that have long been closed. So it makes sense for us to be open-minded to change.” SHOW ENTRY Entry to The Emergency Services Show (25-26 September 2013, Halls 17 and 18, NEC, Birmingham) is free. Visitors will be given access to: over 350 exhibitors (including various government departments); voluntary organisations and charities providing valuable support to blue light services; the latest vehicles and equipment that can help reduce time and costs; training that meets the changing demands of today’s emergency responders; solutions for enabling

the efficient planning and sharing of resources; schemes to empower the community and reduce the burden on the emergency services; opportunities to network with other blue light services to share best practice; free workshops, some of which can be CPD-certificated; and live rescue demonstrations MOVE TO NEC PROMPTS GROWTH Earlier this year, it was announced that the show was moving from Coventry to the NEC in Birmingham to offer improved facilities and larger indoor and outdoor exhibition space. Such has been the demand that the floorplan has now been further expanded to offer additional space within Hall 18. “We have more companies and organisations wanting to exhibit and many of them also want to take larger stands, helping to make the 2013 event our biggest to date,” said David Brown, event director for The Emergency Services Show. “The bigger show and

improved facilities will also help us to build further on the 18 per cent increase in visitor numbers we saw last year.” The NEC is centrally located with excellent transport links to Birmingham International Station, Birmingham Airport and the UK motorway network. Parking for visitors to the show will be free of charge. For more information on the show, including online registration and a live exhibitor list, please visit www.emergencyuk.com/gb.

Emergency Services Show

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FREE ON-SITE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES As well as bringing key training institutions and equipment providers under one roof, The Emergency Services Show provides visitors with free on-site training opportunities in first aid, water and roadside rescue. The growing exhibition for emergency responders has attracted the most respected training providers in the industry, including: The Serco Combined Resilience Team, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service Training Academy, Durham Constabulary’s nationally approved (College of Policing) firearms training facility, the Tactical Training Centre, and the NHS Ambulance Service First Aid Training consortia (NASFAT). Free workshops on offer include 30-minute Continual Professional Development (CPD) sessions run by the College of Paramedics, covering a range of topics from advanced life support to breech birth emergencies. Although designed to help paramedics keep abreast of the latest developments affecting professional practice, other emergency, health and care professions – including the police and fire service – will find these sessions equally beneficial. All attendees will be provided with CPD certificates for inclusion in their portfolios. Physio Control will also be running educational sessions on resuscitation and emergency care. Healthcare professionals visiting the CPDme Stand can sign up for 12 months’ free membership of the online portfolio-building service, designed for maintaining CPD logs. They will also receive a free download of the CPDme App, which enables users to build a print-ready portfolio as well as search, find and book development courses, conferences and training from their mobile or handheld device. LIVE RESCUE DEMONSTRATIONS Fire and rescue services are invited to attend the recovery demonstrations organised by The Road Haulage Association (RHA), which has also joined forces with the Chief Fire Officers’ Association (CFOA) to produce a DVD E

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EVENT PREVIEW  raising awareness of livestock transportation incidents and the key issues facing emergency responders. Copies of the DVD, which includes case studies from fire and rescue service personnel and a large animal veterinarian, will be available to visitors at the show. The nationally adopted six-phase HGV rescue approach will be demonstrated on the Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service stand, using The Ex-Tractor, an HGV “transformer”. Meanwhile, CFOA CNR, SARbot UK Underwater Rescue, Norfolk Fire & Rescue Diving Team, and West Midlands Fire & Rescue will be running demonstrations of water rescue in the Pendigo Lake at the NEC. Many training equipment providers are exhibiting, including training manikin manufacturer Ruth Lee demonstrating its new handcuff training manikin (developed following an enquiry from the personal safety training team at Sussex Police) and the new body recovery manikin aimed at police underwater search and recovery teams. SUPPORT FOR BLUE LIGHT SERVICES Aimed at developing relationships and partnerships between voluntary organisation and the blue light services, the Emergency Response Zone is a networking focus of the show and will feature around 80 emergency services-related charities and not-for-profits. The Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Programme (JESIP) will be returning to the Emergency Response Zone to talk to visitors about its plans to support the work of emergency responders through working together more effectively. The Atrium, NEC Birmingham

Fire and rescue services seeking greater collaboration with the UK’s ambulance trusts will find many stands of interest in this networking area, including: the Independent Ambulance Association, Ambulance Service Institute, Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, East of England Ambulance Service, British Association of Immediate Care, London Ambulance Service, London Ambulance Service Cycle Response Unit, Association of Air Ambulances, College of

Visitors to the stand can obtain up-to-date information on environmental considerations during the response phase, joint working and asset sharing, the environmental impacts of fire fighting foam, air quality monitoring in major incidents and flood incident management. Charities available to talk to include The Blue Lamp Foundation, which provides emergency financial aid to help emergency service personnel injured in the line of duty. Blue Lamp’s PR director, Sharron Ashurst, said: “This will be our first time exhibiting at The Emergency Services Show and we are really looking forward to taking part. Those attending the exhibition are the people who we need to engage with as they are the people that the Foundation has been set up to help and support. “I’ve been a visitor to the show in the past and it is a great event,” Sharron continued. “Bringing all three emergency services together to showcase best practice and all that is new and cutting edge in the sector.” Paramedics and Army Medical Services. The dedicated Search and Rescue Zone brings together RNLI, Maritime & Coastguard Agency, Cave and Mountain Rescue, RAF Search and Rescue, Association of Lowland Search & Rescue, and Mountain Bike Search & Rescue, among others. Police organisations available to speak to will include National Association of Police Fleet Managers and the Home Office CASTAES, which provides technical guidance, advice and support to the police service with respect to vehicles and equipment procurement. HIGHWAYS AGENCY AND THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY Other government departments exhibiting in the Emergency Response Zone at the show include the Highways Agency and the Environment Agency, giving demonstrations of its incident response capabilities and pollution-protection equipment. The Environment Agency is not a “blue light” service but through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with all the English fire services, it ensures that vital pollution-protection equipment is available on scene as quickly as possible. The MOU provides each fire service with fully equipped Environmental Protection Unit funded by the Environment Agency and the fire service crews and deploys it.

Emergency Services Show

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TECHNOLOGY & SOLUTIONS The Emergency Services Show provides a unique opportunity to see, touch and discuss the latest technology, ideas and initiatives focused on improving public safety and assisting all blue light services, voluntary workers and service providers. Exhibitors include leading names in firefighting equipment, search and rescue, extrication, first response, communications, IT, protective clothing and uniforms, vehicles and fleet, vehicle equipment, outsourcing, training, community safety, station facilities, water rescue and medical supplies. “Nothing compares to physically handling new equipment and seeing how it can be used to its full potential. Keeping informed of the latest kit developments – including those that you may see other blue light services using when they attend incidents – is key to improved multi-agency working and should be part of every service’s training programme,” said event director David Brown. GETTING TO THE NEC IS SIMPLE The NEC Birmingham is physically linked to Birmingham International Station and Birmingham Airport, with direct access to UK motorway network and free visitor parking. L FURTHER INFORMATION Entry is free, just register online at www.emergencyuk.com/gb.

Training equipment providers exhibiting at The Emergency Services Show 2013 Amputees in Action; Cardiff International White Water; Class Publishing; Concept Smoke Systems; Coventry University; Emergency Response Driver Training; E-Semble; Haagen Fire; ITLS; Jones & Bartlett Learning; Laerdal; Le Maitre; Minerva Simulator Facilities; MT Training Services; Rescue 3; Ruth Lee; Simulaids; Simulation; TEEX, USA; Training 4 Resilience; University of Wolverhampton; and Vector Command.

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Partnership working..?

Complex outsourcing Solved Contact us today for a complimentary contract health check Advising government with our award-winning best practice Proud to have led the public sector outsourcing project of the year 2012 (National Outsourcing Association)

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CUSTOMER SERVICE

Call Centres

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

HOW CAN I HELP YOU?

Organisations can turn their customers’ call centre experiences into moments that build customer advocacy, or they can deliver something that drives their customers away. The key is to define just how customer-centric you want to be, advises the CCMA’s Ann-Marie Stagg

ONE-STOP-SHOP CONTACT In recent years, a huge effort has been made by the public sector in particular and (if not yet reality everywhere) then the desire to have a multimedia ‘one-stop shop’ surely exists within every government department and local authority. A great deal of progress has certainly been made by the emergency services and it seems clear that enormous energy has been brought into this sector. You need only research the number of public sector winners of customer service industry awards in the last 12 months to be assured that many are competing with the best of the commercial operations. So what does all this mean for customer management? Well, for one thing it means customers are becoming increasingly demanding and much more likely to take their business elsewhere or to complain if they don’t think that you are performing. It also means ‘competition’ is no longer simply your direct competitors; it is anyone creating good customer experiences. Organisations can turn their customers’ call centre experiences into moments that build customer advocacy or they can deliver something that drives their customers away. The key is to define just how customer-centric you want to be and align all the components of service delivery around that point, including the goals of the business, stakeholder expectation, the expectations set by PR and marketing and the measures used to manage the operation. The sets of attributes that create a good customer experience and therefore loyalty E

Written by Ann-Marie Stagg, executive director, the Call Centre Management Association

The last twenty years have seen a revolution happen in our everyday lives – customer service has moved from what was either a long drawn out letter writing process or the prospect of facing a long queue in an office or utility just to get our questions answered or our bills paid. First of all customer service was offered on the telephone and then along came call centres offering immediate, twenty four hour, seven days a week service. My, how our expectations changed. Today it is reasonably estimated that there are now nearly one million people employed in the UK industry and that over 80 per cent of incoming calls are answered within twenty seconds.

ations Organisn their can tur rs’ call e custom periences x centre e ments that into mocustomer build or drive y c a c o v ad ay them aw

Volume 20.5 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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REGISTER NOW! 8 – 10 OCTOBER 2013, The NEC, Birmingham, UK Do you want to cut your energy bills? Looking to identify the most cost effective solar solutions and technologies for your projects? If so, then come along to Solar Energy UK and find out how fitting solar panels to your buildings can save you money during our ½ day seminar sessions geared toward the public sector. • •

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CUSTOMER SERVICE  are no longer simply people, process and technology. These now need to be sandwiched by leadership (what the organisation says it will do) and what it actually measures. This will ensure that the customer strategy is defined and applied across the business and will drive the behaviours needed to successfully execute the customer strategy. A MOTIVATED WORKFORCE At the heart of this is a requirement for the organisation to build a workforce that is highly engaged and working positively in ways that are aligned with the goals and mission of the business. Leaders and managers cannot introduce initiatives successfully without the collaboration of their workforce and the more enthusiastic and committed this collaboration, the more successful the organisation will be. No matter how advanced and impressive customer service technology may become, when it comes down to it, an exceptional customer service experience still relies on the individual who answers the phone personifying the organisation, giving it its voice and moving the process along behind the scenes – whether that’s through a friendly and helpful attitude and a fast response on social media or live chat, or an above and beyond effort toward solving the enquiry via phone, email or help desk. SELECTING AN AGENT The Call Centre Management Association thinks it’s about first impressions. “One of the most critical things when hiring a customer service representative is to pay close attention to what your first impression is in the first 15 to 30 seconds you meet the person and/or talk to them on the telephone; that is about how long it will take a customer to form their first impression. Sir Richard Branson echoed this point in a recent Entrepreneur magazine

article. “To achieve consistently terrific customer service,” he said, “you must hire wonderful people who believe in your company’s goals, habitually do better than the norm, and who will love their jobs. “Make sure that their ideas and opinions are heard and respected; then give them the freedom to help and solve problems for your customers. Rather than providing rules or scripts, you should ask them to treat the customer as they themselves would like to be treated – which is surely the highest standard.” TECHNOLOGY IS KEY Most government agency employees want to work in a role where they feel they’re productive and making a difference each day, but it’s difficult to remain productive and positively engaged when working with processes that you view as inefficient and legacy technologies that border on obsolete. Until recently, the public sector and especially government agencies because of their sheer size and budget constraints have been more apt to continue to work with inefficient and dated processes and tools at the growing expense of employee productivity and engagement. The recent introduction of more cost‑effective cloud-based solutions however has helped government employees increase productivity and satisfaction. The adoption of self-service knowledge bases alone has assisted in multiple ways, the biggest being in a reduction of repetitive

Call Centres

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

About the author Ann-Marie Stagg is the executive director of the Call Centre Management Association in the UK and Vice President of the European Confederation of Contact Centre Organisations (ECCCO). With over twenty years of direct operational management experience in the UK call centre industry she has managed and directed a variety of contact centres for large organisations including the Co‑operative Banking Group; Brakes Food Group; Citi-Financial Europe; Scottish Power; the Automobile Association; Vertex Customer Management and North West Water. phone calls and emails, allowing service and support representatives to focus on quality rather than quantity of interactions which reduces stress and increases job satisfaction. Are there any parts of our lives today that are untouched by the telephone and therefore call centres? It’s tough to think of any isn’t it? L FURTHER INFORMATION www.ccma.org.uk

Leaders and managers cannot introduce initiatives successfully without the collaboration of their workforce and the more enthusiastic and committed this collaboration, the more successful the organisation will be

Company Profiles

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

Air Liquide Offshore: your ‘one-stop shop’

Solar PV giving power to the people

Offshore is a booming global market with a limited number of players. Operating all over the world under tight constraints (safety, environmental, economical), these players need suppliers to provide more than just product quality; they need reliable partners who can provide optimum solutions anywhere in the world, at anytime. Offshore activity is using industrial and breathing gases in large quantities as well as equipment. Air Liquide has been delivering to the oil and gas players for many years. Today, the Group aims to provide them a unique and comprehensive gases and equipment portfolio: a ‘one-stop shop’ worldwide offer that optimises performance and service quality, whilst minimising complexity and risk. Global reach with local support. Air Liquide’s offer encompasses: construction and maintenance; subsea works; well services;

Paul Bevis, managing director of Rentec, says: “I believe we, the building services sector, are in the enviable position of being able to make changes that really can make a difference – perhaps even the difference.” Despite the economic downturn, demand for renewables is as strong as ever, driven by increasing legislation as well as the need to reduce both energy costs and fossil fuel consumption. “Solar PV is an extremely popular low-carbon option,” says Paul. “We are getting enquiries from businesses, schools and farmers as people realise the massive benefits of renewables and the Feed-in Tariff scheme.” This scheme guarantees a minimum payment for all electricity generated by the system, as well as a separate payment for the electricity exported to the grid, whilst providing a large reduction in electricity bills.

supports services and living quarters; analytical and process control; and on-site nitrogen generation. The company understands that it takes more than expertise. It requires close and committed collaboration, with deep relationships built and fostered over time. It is that proximity which allows Air Liquide to get a step ahead, to innovate for its clients. Air Liquide will support you in all aspects of your projects. Where you are. Where you need to be. Air Liquide is here, too. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 07970 234261 Dave.s.cook@airliquide.com www.airliquide.com

Rentec can offer assistance with finance and a free solar scheme is available (subject to status). Rentec can also offer advice on other renewable options, including solar thermal, ground and air source heat pumps, rainwater harvesting, biomass boilers, wind turbines and low-energy lighting. Rentec’s renewables team is ready to offer professional, honest advice. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01202 717060 sales@rentec.ltd.uk www.rentec.ltd.uk

Offshore At Air Liquide, we know that in the world of offshore, certainty is an invaluable asset. So we make sure we offer this certainty. By being where you are. And by being where you need to be. Operating in 80 countries, our offer is truly global and truly integrated. In all offshore activity areas, at every level of the supply chain, we offer a totality of products and service to meet your business requirements. We can bring our logistics and industrial expertise to wherever you are, whenever you need them. Because we’re there too.

Industrial gases for the Offshore industries: l Construction and Maintenance l Subsea works l Well Services l Support Services and Living Quarters l Analytical and Process control l On-site Nitrogen generation

Performance is electric The ultimate in electric van transportation, the CityFort is lightweight. Road legal, congestion and tax exempt. Ideal for waste, facilities management and groundscare. Call now for further information on 05600 759558 Visit www.electricpoweredsolutions.co.uk or email sales@electricpoweredsolutions.co.uk

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GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 20.5

EVENT REVIEW

MAJOR OIL AND GAS EVENT LOOKS TO THE FUTURE

Celebrating its 40th birthday, SPE Offshore Europe staged its biggest conference and exhibition to date in Aberdeen, featuring UK and Scottish ministers and a speech from the Princess Royal

Over the past decades, Aberdeen has grown confidently into its role as Europe’s capital of the oil and gas industry. In the early days of the UK offshore industry in the 1970s and 1980s, Aberdeen was one of the centres from which global companies made numerous North Sea oil and gas discoveries and then went on to develop one of the UK’s major industrial and commercial success stories. In recent years, the city has also transformed into a global exporter of oilfield products and services. The biennial SPE Offshore Europe conference and exhibition has evolved and grown in tandem, and this year it celebrated its 40th anniversary at the Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre (3-6 September). Organised by the Offshore Europe Partnership, a joint venture between Reed Exhibitions and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), the event turned the spotlight firmly on Aberdeen as over 63,000 visitors participated in the event – the world’s largest upstream oil and gas exhibition and conference outside North America. INCREASE OF ATTENDEES The number of attendees was an increase of over 25 per cent on the 2011 event. A record-breaking 1,500+ organisations were exhibiting in the six exhibition halls. Senior representatives from the global industry, UK and international governments and academia came together to lead the sessions during the event. There were double the number of conference keynote sessions and more exhibitors than previously.

The staging of the city’s largest event brought together all sectors of the Aberdeen business community, all aiming to welcome the thousands of international and UK visitors. Malcolm Webb, SPE Offshore Europe 2013 chairman and chief executive of industry association Oil & Gas UK, said: “The UK oil and gas industry is the country’s greatest industrial success story in over a hundred years and this event in Aberdeen served to underline that fact. At the biggest Offshore Europe ever, we’ve addressed the key themes that will require industry focus to sustain activity in the UK Continental Shelf,” he continued. SCOTTISH AND UK MINISTERS A number of Scottish and UK ministers attended, including Scotland’s first minister Alex Salmond; Chancellor George Osborne; Lord Green, UK minister for trade and investment; UK energy minister Michael Fallon;

Fergus Ewing, Scotland’s minister for energy, enterprise and tourism; Sajid Javid, economic secretary to the treasury; Jan Panek from the European commission; and Vince Cable, UK secretary of state for business innovation and skills. The Princes Royal, in her role as Patron of WISE (Women in Science and Engineering), gave an address at the Women in Industry Lunch. Egbert Imomoh, SPE president for 2013 said: “I was honoured to be part of this successful event and to witness the busy exhibit halls, full keynote and technical sessions.” Over the four days of the conference, there were a series of keynote sessions, technical sessions, topical lunches and breakfast briefings, all reflecting this year’s theme of “The Next 50 Years”. The forward-looking keynote sessions featured a mix of senior representatives from international operating companies and contractors, as well as government regulators and politicians.

SPE Offshore Europe 2013

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

DEEP WATER ZONE Following its successful launch in 2011, the Deep Water Zone was an important feature. Deepwater exploration and production is playing an ever-increasing role in the industry, with a growing number of discoveries being made in waters off the coasts of Brazil, West and East Africa, and in the Gulf of Mexico. According to a February 2013 report by energy advisory firm Douglas-Westwood, more than US$232 billion will be spent on deepwater projects between now and 2020. Aberdeen is growing as a centre of subsea excellence and exhibiting companies from this rapidly evolving sector displayed their products and services. Reflective of the global nature of the industry, there was a large international exhibitor presence with participating companies from 37 countries and 33 international pavilions. Korea and Australia both hosted pavilions for the first time. Vasyl Zhygalo, senior exhibition director of Reed Exhibitions, said the 40th anniversary of the event had been a fantastic success. “Our conference and exhibition have been successful in equal measure. There has been an outstanding line up of top industry speakers from global operators and service companies and from government, with standing-room only at many of the key addresses and presentations. We’ve also been overwhelmed at the response from exhibitors. “The show has reinforced Aberdeen’s position as a centre for oil and gas expertise which is exported globally and we have welcomed delegates and visitors from around the world,” Vasyl Zhygalo continued. “We could not have achieved this without the superb support from the many people and organisations who make us so welcome, and I’d particularly like to welcome the blue-light services, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils and the staff at the AECC.” L FURTHER INFORMATION www.offshore-europe.co.uk

Volume 20.5 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

INTRODUCING THE NEW

MC700 SERIES TRANSFORM THE WAY YOU WORK

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TRANSFORM THE WAY YOU WORK With OKI, you will improve not only your print-related processes but you will benefit from real cost savings, measureable efficiency gains and the freedom to focus on what really matters to you: your business. To find out more visit: www.oki.co.uk/MC700

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Case Study

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

Groeneveld’s automatic greasing systems eliminate the need for extra greasing between major services Groeneveld is the leading manufacturer offering a range of automatic greasing systems which eliminate the need for extra greasing between major services, saving your business time and money, hence enabling your fleet to remain in optimum condition for longer. The choice of system depends on fleet requirements. Singleline is an automatic single-line greasing system for trucks and trailers which lubricates all greasing points simultaneously, at the right moment and with the correct amount of grease. CompAlube is a compact greasing system designed for low-maintenance trucks and trailers which have less lubricating points. With CompAlube, automatic greasing remains cost-effective. The benefits of the Groeneveld greasing system include easy installation, reduced downtime, improved maintenance and repair costs, resulting in higher residual value of fleets. The system also reduces wear and increases reliability. Each lubricating point is automatically lubricated while vehicle is in operation, delivering the optimum level of greasing compared to when the vehicle is stationary, eliminating manual greasing and therefore improving safety.

As well as offering automated greasing systems Groeneveld also provide engine oil management systems that can automatically top up the engine oil without the use of manual intervention therefore improving potential health and safety issues and guaranteeing that the engine oil level is maintained at its optimum level in all conditions. Groeneveld specialise in a recognised active safety system, which is modular in design and improves safety particularly in the use of refuse vehicles. This can be added to and can include up to a four camera systems displayed on a split screen inside the cab as well as obstacles detection for front, side and rear zones. All Groeneveld systems can be adapted to suit your company’s vehicles application.

Its range covers the demands of all sizes of fleet, helping to optimise the efficiency and safety for trucks, trailers, LCVs, refuse vehicles, mobile cranes, hook lifts and skips, tippers and emergency vehicles. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01509 600033 www.groeneveld-group.com

The DRIVING FORCE for efficiency In these competitive times, it is vital to keep maintenance to a minimum. We offer automatic greasing solutions that: Reduce downtime, maintentance and repair costs Generate higher residual value Reduce wear and increase reliability. Contact us to find out how our solutions can keep your fleet working more effectively. Your effIcIencY Is our challenge 01509 600033 info-uk@groeneveld-group.com www.groeneveld-group.com

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE | Volume 20.5

Promoting the highest Vending is changing! standards in management Whilst mainstream vending Ireland: operators, suppliers has traditionally focused of commodities, machine and leadership excellence on confectionary products, manufacturers and distributors. The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) is the only Chartered professional body in the UK dedicated to promoting the highest standards of management and leadership excellence. The organisation has over 60 years’ experience championing good management and helping businesses transform their workforces and organisational performance through management and leadership development. As a membership organisation, CMI has been providing practical support and advice to individuals and businesses for decades. It continues to give managers and leaders the tools they need to improve their performance and make an impact. As the only organisation to offer qualifications from Level 2 (GCSE) to Level 8 (PhD), CMI is committed to equipping individuals with the skills they need to be exceptional managers and leaders.

Qualifications and accreditations such as Chartered Manager, combined with products like CMI’s Continuous Professional Development scheme and the online support resource ManagementDirect, support the development of management and leadership excellence across the UK. Through research and policy surveys of its 90,000 individual and 450 corporate members, CMI maintains its position as the premier authority on key management and leadership issues.

carbonated soft drinks and hot drinks, it is now changing. Brands already engaged in vending are demonstrating a tangible commitment to producing healthier products; consumers are actively seeking healthier choices; and government and stakeholders are supporting the adoption of healthier lifestyles through a variety of initiatives, including the School Food Plan. More and more “new” brands are recognising that vending can and should offer options that form part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle. The Automatic Vending Association (AVA) represents all sectors of the vending industry in the UK and

Company Profiles

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

The AVA is committed to continually raising the quality of vending and the AVA logo is synonymous with the mark of quality. The AVA is currently involved in developing an Allergen Awareness programme for all members supplying coffee machines to meet the new legislation coming in 2014. Vending can provide a solution to all your requirements in hydration, snacking and healthy alternatives – just ask members of the AVA. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01494 568960 enquiries@ava-vending.co.uk www.ava-vending.co.uk

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01536 207404 employer.engagement@ managers.org.uk

Remembrance Travel: walk Litterpickers showcase new in the footsteps of heroes litter clearance technology at Saltex and RWM As the national custodian of Remembrance, The Royal British Legion believes that it should be used as a means of educating people about the realities of conflict, those affected by war and the importance of peace. Remembrance Travel for Schools and Young People was created by The Royal British Legion to enable this belief to become a reality. It arranges tours to battlefields and key related sites across Europe and in the UK, designed to bring the past to life and to give students a direct and memorable experience of history and culture, tailored to their curriculum or interests. Tours are led by The Royal British Legion’s trained guides, who encourage participation and debate as they recount the experiences of those who were there. Tour specific support materials linked to curricula or themes are used to create interest and involvement. An Act of Remembrance is held at the end of each tour.

Remembrance Travel offers tours in the UK, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Italy and Poland. Tour durations are from one to five days. As 2014 marks the centenary of the start of the First World War, these tours will have greater relevance and meaning to young people than ever before. Remembrance Travel has been awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge. Tours operated by The Newmarket Group, ABTA and ATOL bonded. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 020 8335 9768 team@remembrancetravel schools.org.uk www.remembrancetravel schools.org.uk

Based in Ledbury, Herefordshire, The Helping Hand Company has been manufacturing Litterpickers since 1965 and prides itself on supporting community groups, local authorities, charities and individuals to keep their local environment clean, green and tidy. Research and development driven, its range of litter clearance products delivers intelligent, comfortable and long-lasting solutions for all environments. Incorporating cutting-edge solutions, ergonomic design and high-quality materials, the Litterpicker range is efficient and useful – and the latest addition to the Litterpicker family doesn’t disappoint, either. New for 2013, The HandiCart litter collection system, with its puncture-proof wheels and lift-off handi hoops, gives complete flexibility and freedom to the user. The option to

segregate litter at source and increasing the collection capacity by 286 per cent (compared to standard bag holders) makes it that little bit easier to meet recycling targets, too. Lightweight and compact, it is more easily transportable than any other litter cart available, making it perfect for use in all rural environments. Team it with the Litterpicker of your choice and you will be fully equipped to tackle rural litter collection. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01531 635 678 sales@helpinghand.co.uk www.litterpickersdirect.com www.handicart.co.uk

Volume 20.5 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Case Study

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

Automate your business processes with the specialists in Microsoft Office-based solutions Microsoft Office – everyone’s using it but are they productive? The Template Company specialises in automating business processes. Why Microsoft Office for the front-end or end result? The Template Company does this because you get so much functionality to leverage and most people are fairly comfortable using Microsoft Office products. This familiarity cuts down the effort required for training when introducing new systems. Whatever document type – whether for external consumption or internal communication – with professionally designed templates and the integrated toolset, the message will be clearer and can be produced more quickly. Whatever standard you have laid out for colours, typeface and size, positioning of graphics and tables is automatically implemented – people now have to work harder to do the wrong thing, guaranteeing consistency across the board. Your process doesn’t even have to be complex, just creating a robust electronic version of a form can save time with the input and extraction of data. Every government department has a unique way of dealing with its workflows,

both internally and externally, with partners and suppliers. The Template Company can automate many of these processes, dramatically improving productivity. Specifically within Microsoft Office, the company can work with any of the applications to suit you and your needs. For example, Excel templates and tools to enable you to get your data and charts into your presentations and documents. All types of financial applications and data modelling can be catered for, as well as the more presentation-focused solutions. In Microsoft Word, The Template Company can create templates for any kind of documentation: from simple stationery to detailed documentation, such as

newsletters, notices, bulletins, invites and mailings. Great-looking reports with robust numbering and easy-to-use layouts. The company can even create multistage electronic forms. For example, at UKTI, The Template Company created invites to be generated internally that at the press of a button became electronic forms to be sent out and filled in. Looking at PowerPoint, templates and add-ins to enable screenshow presentations and printed material – pitchbooks, certificates, posters, newsletters. You can have screen presentation in widescreen or traditional portrait to suit your presentation equipment. Finally, data is king in any organisation. The Template Company has built several SQL Server-based systems for various organisations to support their processes. From commercial travel applications to internal control systems and independent management applications, for example, to manage staff and groups. Contact The Template Company today and transform part of your daily work. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01733 475710 enquiries@thetemplatecompany.co.uk www.thetemplatecompany.co.uk

Microsoft Office – everyone’s using it but are they productive? The Template Company specialises in automating business processes. Typically Microsoft Office is the front end or end result – we do this because you get so much functionality to leverage and most people are fairly comfortable using Microsoft Office products, so the interface feels familiar cutting down the effort required for training when introducing new systems. Whatever document type – whether for external consumption or internal communication, with professionally design templates, the message will be clearer and can be produced more quickly. Excel templates and tools to enable you to get your data and charts into your presentations and documents. Financial applications and data modelling as well as presentation based solutions. All types of Word templates for any kind of documentation. From simple stationery to detailed research – newsletters, notices, bulletins and mailings. Great looking reports with robust numbering and easy to use layouts. Templates and addins for PowerPoint to enable screenshow presentations and printed material – pitchbooks, certificates, posters, newsletters. However you wish to communicate, we can accommodate and improve the process. Data – data is king in any organisation. We have built several SQL Server based systems for various organisations to support their processes. From commercial travel applications to internal control systems and independent management applications, e.g. to manage staff and groups Your process doesn’t even have to be complex – just creating a robust version of a form can save time with the input and extraction of data. Every business has a unique way of dealing with its work-flows both internally and externally with partners and suppliers. The Template Company can automate many of these processes, dramatically improving productivity.

The Template Company_GB20.4 - A5.indd |1Volume 20.5 GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

CONTACT DETAILS Telephone +44 (0)1733 475710 Email enquiries@ thetemplatecompany. co.uk Web www. thetemplatecompany. co.uk Postal address Stuart House – East Wing, St Johns Street, Peterborough PE1 5DD

06/09/2013 11:24

A helping hand for sports pitches with 80 years’ experience in natural and artificial sports surfaces STRI works in partnership with local authorities, schools, colleges and universities, providing support for the design, development and maintenance of all your natural and artificial sports pitches. STRI’s team consists of the most knowledgeable sports turf consultants and advisors, with years of practical experience. The 80-year-old company began offering this service after receiving numerous calls from schools and universities to help improve recently installed pitches; where it was apparent that quality designs and measures had not been followed. STRI’s design and advisory services are used by clients with single pitch sites, multiple sport pitch sites and local authority amenity areas. The company offers independent advice and cost-effective solutions for the design, construction and management of all types of sports surfaces, including football, rugby, cricket, hockey, tennis and multi-sport surfaces. Its specialist environmental team also offers a full range of services to guide clients through the planning process and will liaise with local authorities to attain planning permission for your projects. The team conducts site assessments and ecological surveys and can provide advice on

all environmental and ecological matters. STRI believes in supporting clients to develop good-quality and sustainable sports pitches and surfaces to their requirements, budgets and timings. The company’s consultants and advisors ensure that projects are completed to the required specifications, using good-quality materials and equipment and that each pitch or surface installed reaches the required quality standards. The teams offer support for your natural and artificial sports surfaces. These include: sports pitch/surface design and construction, offering

an independent service with guidance through all stages of your project, including feasibility, landscape, environmental and planning surveys, designs, drawings and specifications, the tender process, appointment of contractors, and drainage and irrigation designs and solutions. STRI provides design, construction and maintenance advice for multi-sports surfaces and sports clubs, as well as drainage and irrigation solutions advice from specialist water management consultants for the installation of new systems or upgrading existing ones. The company also offers management planning, which entails a holistic approach for full understanding of the site and the development objectives and targets. What’s more, the teams give assessments of the effects of a development with impacts, mitigation, compensation and recommendations on appropriate actions to provide the best environmental “fit”. STRI also conducts habitat and species surveys, identifying any issues, potential constraints and management solutions, including Phase 1 and NVC surveys.

Company Profiles

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

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01274 565131 www.stri.co.uk

Scarab is praised by the judges and wins the KEiBA 2013 award for success in International Markets Scarab Sweepers is delighted to have won the KEiBA 2013 (Kent Excellence in Business Awards) award for Success in International Markets. The judges praised Scarab’s willingness to go beyond just selling road sweepers and provide committed after-sales care and welcomed its measured risk-taking to gain new contracts around the world. Scarab was founded in 1979 and from its UK headquarters and manufacturing centre, it offers a wide range of road sweepers with excellent build-quality, superior performance, optimum payload and capacity, all complemented by minimal noise and exhaust pollution. The company is a global supplier with a distribution network around the world, and it can provide stock road sweepers with a wide choice of common options. If you require something a little out of the ordinary, the design team will work with you to give you the bespoke vehicle of your choice. Scarab’s Compact Range of road-cleaning equipment not only includes the renowned Scarab Minor road sweeper, complete with its four-brush sweep system, but now includes a range of street-cleansing vehicles, such

as Compact Scrubber dryers in the form of the Scarab Aquazura and the Scarab Aquadyne, a Compact high-powered washer. Scarab Sweepers export machines to over 30 countries, including Russia, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, this now accounts for 75 per cent of the business turnover. And with key developments, such as offering sweepers in kit form that can be containerised in multiples for shipment around the world. This has not only cut freight costs but enabled the local dealer to reduce import duties. Scarab takes an innovative approach to overseas markets by examining each

country for cultural, behavioural, climate and technological characteristics and tailoring products to meet them. The company’s support service is second to none and constantly strives to keep customers the number one priority. A full range of after sales support is provided, including operator and technician training as well as contract maintenance packages to keep your vehicles at their best. Scarab likes to innovate and push technology and the sweeping industry forward. The company were the pioneers of the environmentally friendly single-engine truckmounted sweeper and continues to dominate the market in this field. It also was the first road-sweeper manufacturer to supply all of its sweepers with a CANbus control and diagnostics system. Scarab is now on the third-generation of CANbus systems. Scarab is proud to say it innovates while others copy. Visit www.keiba.co.uk for more about KEiBA. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01622 831006 scarab@scarab-sales.com www.scarab-sweepers.com

Volume 20.5 | GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

W off ant ou er to r w you ﬁn eb r o d o sit rg ut e a an wh t w iza at wwtion TO .to ? P Pde pd lea sk es se can k.c vis o.u it k

AMBITIOUS COUNCILS POOL RESOURCES The IT department at Cyngor Gwynedd Council has been using TOPdesk’s service management solution since 2005. This year they joined forces with two other North Wales councils and together purchased TOPdesk’s latest version. They not only share a licence, but also best practices.

The WLGA Improvement Fund supports the involvement of Flintshire County Council and Wrexham County Borough Council in this project. The project has been supported by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government.

Councils working together

Sharing costs and processes

In 2011, the Welsh Government and WLGA (Welsh Local Government Association) signed an agreement that would help local authorities to improve their service delivery and cut costs. How? By encouraging the councils to work together across a range of services, from transportation and housing to IT. “When we heard about the agreement,” says Alun Rees, IT Performance Engineer at Gwynedd Council, “we soon realized there was a project that could beneﬁt all North Wales councils: ﬁnding a shared service management tool.” Together with Flintshire County Council and Wrexham County Borough Council, the three councils began looking for a tool they could standardize and all use.

The councils now share a single TOPdesk licence. This brings many advantages, as Alun elaborates: “The licence structure is very costeffective: it lets us share both maintenance and licence costs. We also discussed the wishes of each council, which led to us purchasing the same modules to help standardize our processes. TOPdesk offers the functionality we need, for the best price. It ticked all the boxes, and we even got our Welsh Self Service Desk. Alun is also positive about the additional features that TOPdesk 5 offers. “This version is really adjustable, and I love the overview screen with the Quick Launch Bar and Bookmark feature. The Plan Board is both snazzy and customizable – deﬁnitely worth the upgrade.”

Self Service Desk in your own language

Collaboration for success

Alun, Project Leader, and Sara Edwards, Regional Senior Project Manager, worked with representatives from each council. “We all needed the tool to be ITIL-based, customizable, and economical for purchase.” Moreover, the councils required a customizable Self Service Desk. “Welsh is the official first language in this district. It would really improve our services if our customers could log a call in their own language,” Alun explains. One of the shortlisted companies was TOPdesk. Already a TOPdesk customer, Alun could demonstrate the tool to the project team. “Our IT department uses TOPdesk for the internal support of around 2,500 callers, and just as many PCs. I am familiar with the way we process calls and changes at Gwynedd, so I could easily explain the tool’s benefits to the other councils. They were very impressed with TOPdesk’s options and standardized modules, and decided it would be a good solution for collaboration.”

The councils are planning to go live very soon, and are excited about the prospects. “Our anticipated beneﬁts from the implementation include improved customer communication and timely, relevant management reporting,” says Andy Berry, implementation manager at Wrexham Council. The collaboration has not only helped reduce costs, but also enabled the councils to share best practices. “Because we all use the same system, we can learn from each other and compare the way we work,” explains Alun. Andy agrees. “The TOPdesk implementation has forced us to re-examine how we deal with changes, and helped us formalize our change management process”. “We are very pleased with the outcome of this regional project,” says Alun. “All in all, the North Wales Region is small enough to beneﬁt from collaboration, but large enough to make a difference.”

DIGITAL

News in Brief

Think tank report looks at handing back savings to the taxpayer generated by closing non-digital channels Think tank Policy Exchange has suggested that part of the money saved by closing non-digital channels to government could be returned to citizens as a personal tax refund. The new report, entitled Smaller, Better, Faster, Stronger: remaking government for the digital age says that a digitally transformed government could be up to 8 per cent more effective than if it continued doing business as usual. “This could free up £24 billion a year to be spent on a combination of public service expansion and/or deficit reduction,” says the reports Author Chris Yiu. The report summarises a package of measures that attempt to build on the current ‘digital by default’ agenda. It acknowledges the previous government’s early ambitions for radical digital reform, but in the foreword, Rohan Silva, number 10 policy adviser in the first three years of the coalition, says that Labour ended up throwing too much money at the wrong projects. Author Chris Yiu says that the 2015 digital by default target should be only the beginning of the road – a ‘year zero’. “By 2020 government must move from digital‑by‑default to digital, full stop,” he says. The report urges the government to be bold about switching exclusively to digital for interactions that do not require a face-to-face interaction with the public. Yiu states: “In all sorts of instances, from sending an enquiry into a government department to applying for a driving licence or filling in a tax return, doing the entire process online will be faster and cheaper with no material downside.” The report calls for the government to eliminate paper for all interactions within and between government departments (in Denmark, paper invoicing has been banned in the public

GT News

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

Secure Android on its way for MOD and Government use

sector since 2005). It also says government should issue and accept secure electronic proofs of identity for addressing, tax and the like, and Expose application programming interfaces (APIs) for all government services. “As government services are transitioned to their new open standards digital incarnations, there is no reason why government cannot expose more APIs for developers to work with,” it says. However “serious attention would need to be paid to hardening them against malicious activity”. The Policy Exchange also suggest the government should open up all nonpersonal public sector data, with permanent web resource locators. “To exploit ‘big data’ the government should be prepared to buy in big data analytics on an explicit payment‑by-results basis, splitting any savings realised with an external partner.” The report was sponsored by EE, Intuit, Microsoft and SAS. While its recommendations are aimed at Whitehall, the report says that exploring the deep implications for the wider public sector “would be a promising area DOWNLOAD THE REPORT: for further tinyurl.com/lr96vo2 research”.

The public sector will soon be able to use Android tablets suitable for military, defence, government and wider public sector markets. iPhones and iPads running iOS6 have been available for use in the public sector for some time, but until recently no Android tablets have been approved. The solution will arrive through a partnership between cyber security firm Becrypt and business technology company Getac. The platform is based on Android 4.1 and will be featured on Getac’s ‘rugged’ tablets. READ MORE:

tinyurl.com/p8v8kuu

Not enough being done to ‘Secure by Default’ suggests McAfee survey Research released by Dods suggests that despite awareness in the public sector about cyber-security risks, government officials feel that not enough attention has been placed on ensuring key ‘Digital by Default’ platforms are also ‘Secure by Default’. IT security company McAfee surveyed 815 government employees and the findings indicate that civil servants have concerns about the security posture of priority initiatives being driven by the Cabinet Office. READ MORE:

tinyurl.com/oylre3u

BT to roll out fibre optics in West Yorkshire

INFORMATION MISUSE

ICO fines Islington Council £70,000 for Excel misuse The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has fined Islington Council £70,000 after details of over 2,000 residents were released online due to a basic misuse of Excel. The council published data on 2,375 residents in spreadsheets that contained their health records, if they were a victim of domestic abuse or had special housing needs. This was then hosted online on the What Do They Know? website, accessible to anyone. The data was online for almost three weeks between late June and mid-July, and was only removed when an administrator for the website spotted the issue. The ICO was then informed and it discovered the council had actually been informed of the issue when the first spreadsheet was uploaded, but failed to act, meaning a further two went live with the same issue. It said a basic misunderstanding of

pivot tables within Excel caused the problem. ICO head of enforcement, Stephen Eckersley, said the fine underlined the importance of good, basic IT training for staff handling sensitive data. “This mistake not only placed sensitive personal information relating to residents at risk, but also the highlighted the lack of training and expertise within the council,” he said. “Councils are trusted with sensitive personal information, and residents are right to expect it to be handled in a proper way. Unfortunately, in this case that did not happen, and Islington Council must now explain to residents how it will stop these mistakes being repeated.” Islington Council said it accepted the fine from the ICO and had apologised to residents READ MORE: who were tinyurl.com/nnpe62r affected.

BT has signed a new contract with local authorities in West Yorkshire to expand the roll-out of its FTTC network. The £21.96 million contract will see fibre broadband extended to 97 percent of households and businesses across the majority of West Yorkshire by autumn 2015. As well as providing fibre, the partnership aims to upgrade 100 percent of premises in this area to speeds of more than 2Mbps. READ MORE:

tinyurl.com/njjqwlc

Volume 11.5 | GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE

ASSET DISPOSAL

Recent fines dished out by the ICO were levied as a result of poor disposal practices. Steve Mellings, founder of the Asset Disposal and Information Alliance, explains the challenges and importance of IT Asset Disposal

Technology innovation and changing user demands has seen business IT infrastructure change forever. Technology has become commoditised and a rise in mobility has led to hardware evolving from a fixed point solution to being a multi-faceted, multi-platform environment which permeates business in a far more fluid way than it ever has before. So in an environment of change it’s surprising to find that one of the oldest IT business processes, that of asset retirement, has barely matured. In fact, as changes in technology have advanced the attitude to end of life processing has not kept pace resulting in data often leaving businesses in an uncontrolled and even unidentified business process. Evidence of this can be found from the increasing action taken by the UK data regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Within the past 12 months two of their largest fines to date, £325,000 and £200,000, were levied as a result of poor disposal processes. Furthermore, in 2010 the FSA levied a £2.25million fine on one of its members for the loss of backup tapes during a disposal process.

printer / copier estates as well as traditional technology such as hard drives. Furthermore, these assets are released from the estate more often than just at end of life. What happens when a device fails? Is it sent to a repair shop or simply replaced by manufacturer /supplier? What happens when lease equipment is returned to vendor? When proper consideration is given to transactions which occur at the ‘rear of the building’ it can quickly be appreciated that whilst much resource and funding is given to protecting data when it is on assets which are in life, the same cannot be said when those very same assets still holding data enter the disposal channel. A further problem is how to answer the question of ‘how to sanitize data’. Too many companies think that data only sits on magnetic hard drives and we see policy including phrases such as ‘Must use CESG software’. This sounds great but CESG only approve overwriting tools for magnetic hard drives, so what about other media types? We also see policy documents which state ‘Must ensure all data is eradicated’ and not a lot else. So how is this to be achieved? Where is it done? By whom is it done? In the UK alone there are over 700 IT asset disposal companies, so the question of who to engage with and what selection criteria should be used is also a challenge. ISO 27001 is often used as a sign of competence but

rmore,s e h t r u F appen what ha device when it sent to s fails? Iair shop or a rep replaced by simply ufacturer/ man plier? sup

A SIMPLE PROCESS? So why do companies have such a problem when dealing with what appears to be, at face value, a simple business process? To answer these questions we must first understand what some of the challenges are when disposing of data bearing equipment. One of the issues we see is that businesses fail to understand that data resides on a whole range of devices such as smart phones, laptops, tape, USB sticks, networking and

this is more concerned about management of data created in the business process itself not the act of asset recovery. I’ve personally seen an ISO 27001 company operating from a farm building which had little physical security and even less process control. There is also PAS 141 and BS 8887 which are strong on the preparation for re-use as well as relative environmental permitting and licenses for those companies collecting and processing waste. Clearly we are going to recommend those companies who hold our own Standard as this is written specifically for this business process from a stand point of managing risk throughout the process. This is managed not only through a single audit but also regular unannounced and forensic assessments and with end users benefiting from a free monitoring service our members are being as transparent and open as they can possibly be. The final issue for business is how to show compliance within this business function? As far as the data protection act is concerned the key phrase ‘Appropriate technical and organisational measures’ and so the first question should be introspective; ‘Are we doing everything we could do manage this business process?’ In 99 per cent of businesses we’ve worked with I’d say that that the honest answer would be no.

Written by Steve Mellings, founder, Asset Disposal and Information Alliance

GETTING DISPOSAL RIGHT

Data Storage

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

WHAT CAN YOU DO? As the data regulator, the ICO, has released some guidance notes I’d say the starting point is to familiarise yourself with these requirements. They are straightforward and logical and help businesses have greater control within disposal. The most critical improvement which can be done is through the development or policy which is prescriptive and controlled by strong implementation. In ADISA’s experience this is E

Volume 11.5 | GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE

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RA N T Y

ASSET DISPOSAL  where many end users struggle and clearly a poor IT asset disposal policy means the whole process starts off from a position of weakness. This, magnified by little in house expertise to put these issues right, is coupled with an industry which is cut throat and unregulated, creates an environment which is uncontrolled and offers significant risk to the data controller. It is essential that any policy should encompass all technology and media types and also include not only end of life but also other business processes such as break fix, leasing and back up. It should also include a prescriptive requirement for the act of sanitization against each media type. Whether that is software overwriting, destruction, onsite or offsite should be decided by a risk assessment process as each have their merits and challenges to be overcome. Your policy should then be used to drive processes, procedures and contracts which enable the policy to be complied with. This needs to include not only the act of sanitisation but also the processes surrounding it, most notably how the chain of custody is maintained throughout process. Too many companies believe that to simply receive certificates of data erasure covers them from potential issues but they must think a little bit deeper. If original asset owner doesn’t have an inventory of the items being released then how do they know that all items have been processed? The only evidence they have is of the assets which have made it to the processing bench. What happens if some were purloined by inhouse staff, or lost during logistics, or if your processing agent loses control of the asset and it doesn’t get erased. It’s the items not on the certificates which you need to worry about. Vendor Selection is a significant challenge and is one where many businesses opt for the ‘lowest bid’ approach. It is almost certain that most businesses will engage with third parties for at least part of their data sanitisation requirements and it is essential for this engagement to be formalised and controlled by a contract. When selecting partners tenders are often used but we have seen tenders recently issued where there is an 80 per cent weighting on

Data Storage

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

Vendor Selection is a significant challenge and is one where many businesses opt for the ‘lowest bid’ approach

price and no specification for data destruction. We have seen equipment lists being mailed around the industry asking for the ‘best price’/ and in the small print ‘offer must include data destruction’. All of these practices are happening today and on a regular basis. Do we really think that approaching an engagement in this way shows ‘Appropriate organisations measures’? I don’t think so and more importantly nor does the regulator. ADISA CERTIFICATION Our advice to end users is to look for those companies carrying the ADISA certification or at the very least showing capability of meeting the Standard. Not only are our certified members independently assessed on an on-going basis but via the free monitoring service, our certified members customers receive copies of all audit reports for their own records. In addition, in outsource contracts (for example Health Informatics) then details of who is providing this service is essential for the data controller to know. In many cases the company directly contracted farms the work out to various downstream service providers outside of the control and governance of the data controller.

My closing comment is simple; asset disposal is a process which you can get right. The only real reason companies are still getting it wrong is simply a lack of focus and commitment to this business process. Businesses’ data protection responsibility only ends when that data is no longer available so it is glaringly obvious that the asset disposal process is as important as the rest of information security. Until it is treated as such by the data controller and resource (both financial and professional) is allocated specifically to this process then it is only a matter of time before there will be another headline and this time it could be you making the news. L

Further information To read the ICO Guidance notes go to tinyurl.com/pd3ga3z To download the ADISA ITAD Standard, search for a certified member or download the ADISA Training course brochure go to www.adisa.org.uk

The cabling infrastructure you can rely on The demands of today’s business environment mean we increasingly rely upon the instant supply and availability of information from both colleagues and the outside world. Consider this and then consider the fact that one of the most important components of these modern, business critical networks is often treated as an afterthought: cabling. Excel is a world-class premium performing end-to-end infrastructure solution – designed, manufactured, supported and delivered – without compromise.

The company is a proven system that you can rely on. Not only can you be sure of excellent quality and value from its complete end-to-end copper, fibre and rack solutions, Excel also provides a 25‑year product and application warranty, independent third-party verification and has a feature-rich partner programme to ensure the best installation practice. Excel is an award-winning system and the second largest cabling system in the UK, as reported by BSRIA. Excel is driven by a team of industry

experts, ensuring the latest innovation and manufacturing capabilities are implemented to surpass industry standards for quality and performance, technical compliance and ease of installation and use. FURTHER INFORMATION www.excel-networking.com

Volume 11.5 | GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE

Some of our customers. . .

INFORMATION STEWARDSHIP

Loss and theft of information from organisations continues to be a significant problem. Given the amount of attention to this problem and the wealth of standards and technology available, why do these leaks still occur and what can be done to improve matters? asks Mike Small, London Chapter of the ISACA Security Advisory Group Information is the currency of the 21st Century. People likely would not treat money with the same disregard that they treat information and data. Taking care to look after property that is not your own is called stewardship. Information stewardship is not a new term; it has been in use since the 90s and covers the wide range of challenges involved in managing information as a key organisational asset. These include the management of the whole information lifecycle from ownership to deletion, as well as aspects such as business value, data architecture, information quality, compliance and security. However the focus has previously been on areas other than security. Information leaks and losses occur in many ways, ranging from misuse, mishandling and theft of data by insiders to external attacks on systems and people as well as system failures and accidents. Recently, there has been an increase in the frequency of coordinated attacks on organisations with the objective of stealing information. However, many data breaches stem from mishandling of data or from well-known technical issues for which there are easy remedies. BASIC SECURITY MEASURES NEED CAREFUL ATTENTION The processing of data in datacenters, outsourcers or the cloud has several risk points. From the 2013 Verizon report, the second largest percentage of data breaches were from servers. This was down from last year but still indicates that basic technical security measures, such as configuration and patch management, still need careful attention. The staff in the data centre may have privileged access to systems for administrative purposes. Automated services may also have elevated privileges (backup systems, for example). This privilege may be abused or subverted and data may be stolen or misused. Media need careful handling - there are a number of reported cases of data being found on storage devices that had been disposed of but were later acquired through auction sites. Backup media may be lost in transit.

MOBILE RISKS Portable devices, such as laptops, tablets, smart phones and USB media, are a significant risk. For the first time, according to the Verizon report, the end user-device was the one most likely to have been compromised during 2012. These devices may contain sensitive data and are frequently lost or mislaid by their owners. Data may be misused by insiders by copying to these kinds of devices (often against corporate governance rules). This copying may not be malicious but rather a misplaced attempt to improve efficiency. Data may be printed out and then the printout may be lost or disposed of without due care. Sensitive or regulated data may be emailed outside of the organisation or to people who ought not to have access. As is often the case, the weakest link may be the people in the organisation. Information can be given out inadvertently or deliberately using the phone, fax or postal mail. Only recently, a list of missed UK government targets came to light when an advisor was photographed carrying a document in Downing Street. Documents can be lost inside or outside of the organisation’s premises. Ill-judged conversations in public can be overheard or people can pass information on to increase their social standing. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) provides a large number of examples where personal information has been mishandled. Information stewardship uses good governance techniques to implement information-centric security. Information stewardship involves the business as well as the IT services group. Line-of-business managers, application owners and everyone who touches information are involved, as well as the IT service providers. It creates a culture where the people in the organisation understand the sensitivity of information and the ways in which this information can be put at risk. It applies best practices and uses the most appropriate technologies to protect information. It makes sure that the organisation is resilient to loss of data by protecting information against that eventuality. And, when the seemingly inevitable leakage/loss occurs, information

Written by Mike Small CEng, FBCS, CITP, London Chapter, ISACA

FROM DATA BREACH TO INFORMATION STEWARDSHIP

stewardship provides the resilience necessary to mitigate the damage and restore both the information as well as the trust of users. The COBIT 5 framework makes a clear distinction between governance and management. These two disciplines encompass different types of activities, require different organisational structures and serve different purposes. Governance ensures that stakeholder needs, conditions and options are evaluated to determine balanced, agreed-on enterprise objectives to be achieved; setting direction through prioritisation and decision making; and monitoring performance and compliance against agreed-on direction and objectives. Management plans, builds, runs and monitors activities in alignment with the direction set by the governance body to achieve the enterprise objectives. Implementing information governance comprises three major phases. The initial phase is to understand the business needs and obtain approval for a plan of action. A key objective of this initial phase is to get executive sponsorship. This sponsorship is critical to the success of information governance projects. The second phase is to define the changes needed by the organisation and culture, and leads to a clear assessment of the information risks. The third phase is to implement best practice, secure the infrastructure, monitor the controls and implement continuous improvement.

Data Handling

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

UNDERSTANDING WHAT IS AT RISK In the classical model, information and data have a business owner who classifies its value to the organisation and the impact of threats. The data is then created by and used by business processes; and it is eventually deleted according to policies, when no longer required to be retained. However, information is increasingly created in an unstructured form (like emails, documents, spread sheets and presentations) almost everywhere in the organisation. This explosion in unstructured information changes the balance. Now, anyone who writes an email or creates a document is responsible for recognising the sensitivity and value of the information it contains. Hence everyone in the organisation needs to understand and accept this new responsibility. Big Data also introduces new challenges to information stewardship. Big Data involves absorbing and analysing large amounts of data that may have originated outside of the organisation that is using it. If you don’t control the data collection process, how can you be sure of the data source and integrity? How do you know you have the right to use the data in the way that is being planned? These points are brought out very clearly in a UK report on the use of smart metering of power consumption by utility companies. Human behaviour is one of the key factors to achieving information stewardship. Many factors drive the way people behave and it is a challenge for management to ensure that these are taken into account. E

Volume 11.5 | GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE

Advertisement Feature

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

BUSINESS SERVICE MANAGEMENT

MAKING BUSINESS AND IT WORK TOGETHER FOR YOU

Through Business Service Management (BSM), the time has come for your IT department to be considered the strategic partner you’ve always wanted, not a necessary yet unwanted burden Over the last few years the IT department has made major advances in its efforts to close the preconception that IT is just not aligned with the business needs, but unfortunately the gap is still there and is changing. This misalignment is not that the systems delivered and the infrastructure it runs on are not reliable, it is that the IT department (and all its service providers) are not able to respond at the speed and in a manner that the business now demands. IT has reached a precipice. IT Operations has received much focus over recent years to ensure the basics of good service management were in place but IT has to become even stronger and turn its focus towards being more proactive, speaking more with the business, identifying what the customer needs, and giving IT a new direction. WHAT IS BSM? This is a concept that addresses this situation by ensuring that IT and the business have a better understanding of the requirements they both have and the need for regular and structured communications between themselves. It also introduces a new mindset within the IT department that ensures that not only is Return on Investment (ROI) considered for all projects and investments but that business value is used as a metric for prioritisation and decision making. How is it different to IT Service Management principles? It is fair to say that most of the ‘ITIL processes’ may baffle and confuse the business as to why they are needed (they simply want their systems available when they need them and changed when they need changing). We need a new model (See iCore BSM Model) that shows how service management delivers value to the business and maintains control over service delivery. Business Service Management integrates IT into the business. For too long the business

has seen the IT department as a necessary and unwanted burden and for far too long IT has been playing catch up, trying to demonstrate its value to the business. Many IT departments have reached a level of maturity where they can become considered as the strategic partner the business has always longed for, to deliver competitive advantage, but even these must continue the dialogue with the business and relevant value must continue to be demonstrated. HOW TO DO BUSINESS SERVICE MANAGEMENT There are a number of items that must be in place for BSM to be fully effective, which includes the role of the Business Service Manager. One stumbling block is often that the business does not have defined business processes with goals, Critical Success Factors (CSFs) and outcomes already documented, whilst IT needs to map the IT components to the business processes; and the second challenge is always around costing and usage models. The Business Service Manager role must be fully integrated with the business services and the Business Service Manager has to develop strong relationships across the business and IT, ensuring they are involved in overall strategy, major incidents; major projects/

For too long the business has seen the IT department as a necessary and unwanted burden and for far too long IT has been playing catch up, trying to demonstrate its value to the business changes; service improvement initiatives; and service reporting. The role and the whole Business Service Management ethos must be prevalent across all IT disciplines and particularly Vendor Management; Service Design; Strategic Architecture and Governance. Today’s IT Services must meet increasing demands for enhanced customer experience and satisfy the need for technology reaching out to the end customer as well. WHAT NEXT? The IT department needs to come to terms with Business Service Management through awareness and a readiness review, and then both the business and IT need to

GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE | Volume 11.5

work in partnership and deliver Business Service Management. Easier to say than do but without taking this action then the relationship between the business and the IT department will become increasingly fragile. Jointly, but led by the IT department, there should be a strategic workshop that exposes the gaps between the business and the IT department’s perceptions and agree a strategic direction for these to be closed. This will set the priority for the Business Service Management road map and inform the order in which items should be developed based upon business impact. Once the priorities and strategic approach are agreed then the IT department can start to map business processes, illustrate how IT services align to these

and introduce or develop the Business Service Manager role. This is covered in detail in the iCore BSM Lifecycle. Over time the expectations of the business and IT department will become aligned and all IT deliverables will be able to show how they contribute to the business needs, how they add value, and in what ways IT can move the business forward. For more information about how BSM can help you close that alignment gap contact iCore on the details below. L FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0207 464 8883 info@icore-ltd.com

INFORMATION STEWARDSHIP  Within all organisations, the people have attitudes toward the security of information. The task is to align these attitudes with the needs of the business and how different kinds of information need to be handled. The Business Model for Information Security (BMIS), a model released by ISACA, urges enterprises to adopt an intentional culture of security. Principles from BMIS are now incorporated into COBIT 5, and a new publication, COBIT 5 for Information Security. A guide from ISACA, titled Creating a Culture of Security, explains how enterprises can put one in place. According to this guide, management needs to show leadership; however, creating a culture is not simply a serial process; it requires intentional shaping and direction in a number of dimensions: Changing the perception of security - Security is often seen as a negative thing; something that prevents actions without there being a clear understanding of the risk or the benefits. What is needed is a positive image for security as an enabler. One of the key activities in changing perception is through an internal marketing campaign to rebrand information security in a positive way; Creating information stewardship ‘champions’ - people within the organisation who are respected by the people in the organisation because of their role or their track record are needed to champion information stewardship; Education, Teaching and Mentoring - the value of information should be clearly communicated. This should be supported by clear information security guidance (e.g., policies) and training on how to apply them, and; Rewards and sanctions Everyone should be able to see that information security is practiced in daily operations. There is visible management support for information security and there are clear sanctions against people who deliberately flout the rules. CREDIBILITY PROBLEMS IT organisations have not been well connected to the business and this has led to problems of credibility and to lines of business bypassing the disciplines involved in securely delivering IT services. Many IT organisations are structured

as siloes, each focusing on a different technical area or topics that are not well aligned with what the business and security needs are. Information stewardship involves the whole organisation – not just the new businessoriented IT department. These roles and responsibilities overlap between IT and business. They necessarily involve IT services because that is where the data is held and processed. They involve the business because that is where the information is owned, created and used. The key new role is one responsible for creating and maintaining the information stewardship culture. Everyone who touches information and data has a responsibility for its stewardship. It is important to assign responsibility for creating this information stewardship culture. For example, it could be a specific role or an additional responsibility of the chief information security officer (CISO). However, for this role to be successful, it needs marketing and change management skills as much as it needs traditional security skills. Another key to information stewardship is the adoption of best practices to secure information and IT services. These best practices represent the combined knowledge of the best brains in the industry. However, be selective—not everything will apply to your organisation. In addition, it is important to require any outsourced IT services providers to also follow these standards. Two important sources of best practices are COBIT from ISACA and ISO/IEC27001. CREATING OPTIMAL VALUE COBIT 5 provides a comprehensive framework that assists enterprises in achieving their objectives for the governance and management of enterprise IT. Simply stated, it helps enterprises create optimal value from information technology by maintaining a balance between realising benefits and optimising risk levels and resource use. COBIT 5 for Information Security, builds on the COBIT 5 framework in that it focusses on information security and provides more detailed and more practical guidance for

Data Handling

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

information security professionals and other interested parties at all levels of the enterprise. ISO/IEC 27001:2005 is a well-established standard that provides a code of practice for information security management. It is supplemented by ISO/IEC27002:2005 which provides detailed advice and control objectives. The standard identifies 134 controls and provides detailed advice on this subject. L

About the author Mike Small is a member of the London Chapter of ISACA Security Advisory Group, a fellow of the BCS, and an analyst at KuppingerCole. Mike Small will present at ISACA’s European Computer Audit, Control and Security/Information Security Risk Management Conference (EuroCACS/ ISRM) in September. For details, visit www.isaca.org/CACS-ISRMEU2013.

ABOUT ISACA

With more than 100,000 constituents in 180 countries, ISACA is a leading global provider of knowledge, certifications, community, advocacy and education on information systems (IS) assurance and security, enterprise governance and management of IT, and IT-related risk and compliance. Founded in 1969, the nonprofit, independent ISACA hosts international conferences, publishes the ISACA Journal, and develops international IS auditing and control standards.

ISACA Knowledge Center: www.isaca.org/knowledge-center ISACA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ISACANews ISACA on LinkedIn: http://linkd.in/ISACAOfficial

SpamTitan for unbeatable spam protection in an affordable package SpamTitan Technologies is a leading supplier of email and web security solutions to the education, government and business sectors around the world. Established in 1999, SpamTitan Technologies has continually innovated with the client in mind. With customers in over 100 countries worldwide, SpamTitan continues to offer new and innovative security solutions that ensures IT managers get more from their security budget. With demand for security hardware appliances declining, SpamTitan is an

innovator in offering software-only virtual and cloud-based anti-spam and content-filtering solutions. Launched last month, the new SpamTitan Cloud service gives companies all the benefits of the multi-award winning SpamTitan anti-spam solution, without the high costs associated with deploying and managing local resources. With SpamTitan Cloud, organisations receive unbeatable spam protection, improved network performance, and failsafe reliability in an affordable package.

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Volume 11.5 | GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE

Geographic Information

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

Delivering GIS solutions to the public sector Formed in 1995, Mallon Technology is a leading supplier of data capture/ management services and the design, installation and implementation of geographical information systems (GIS) to government bodies, utilities and business users alike. The company specialises in the delivery of end-to-end GIS solutions and the provision of GIS professionals to work on-site with its clients: ranging from project managers, consultants, quality managers, training staff, spatial analysts and data-capture technicians. Having one of the largest data capture teams in Ireland, with vast experience in GIS data capture at both local and national government level throughout Ireland and Europe, Mallon’s team is extensively experienced in spatial data management, geo-data supply and analysis, remote sensing, training and

consultancy, and it aims to ensure customers always get the most out of their geographical information. Complementing its delivery of GIS services to the public sector, Mallon also provides digital data management services, large format and high-volume scanning, hydrometric chart digitising, software to manage workflow compliance for local

and central government, and consultancy and services in support of EU farm payments. Mallon Technology is a member of IRLOGI and AGI, playing an active role in the GIS industry. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 028 8676 1800 info@mallontechnology.com www.mallontechnology.com

Leading location-based information services With over 20 years’ experience, thinkWhere (formerly Forth Valley GIS) is one of the UK’s leading geographic information system (GIS) consultancies. Public-sector thinkWhere customers have seen the real difference GIS can make: from visualising planning applications to routing bin collections, analysing social trends to mapping and managing assets. GIS is the perfect tool for supporting the diverse nature of public sector services. ThinkWhere has helped local authorities significantly reduce costs and more easily share information by switching them from local GIS systems to location centre, the company’s innovative, online GIS platform. Based on Open Source technologies, location centre reduces the costs, risks and dependencies associated with GIS implementation and provides online access to information, anywhere and anytime.

The company has reduced data management overheads, by providing access to a national datastore of maintained Ordnance Survey and OpenData products. Plus, thinkWhere has given government bodies invaluable insight and advice through its GIS consultancy and Quantum GIS training courses, which have enhanced the skills of staff and allowed migration from commercial to Open Source desktop GIS software. Thousands of public sector staff use thinkWhere’s products and services, saving money, improving service delivery and making efficiencies. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01786 476060 info@thinkwhere.com www.thinkwhere.com

GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE | Volume 11.5

INSPIRE Directive deadlines are approaching: are you ready? Many government institutions and authorities, including local government, are required to be compliant with the EC INSPIRE open-mapping data directive as it is implemented over the next few years. The first compliance deadline, 3 December 2013, is relevant to Annex III data providers – including local government. Snowflake provides data exchange software, training and resources to help organisations like yours achieve INSPIRE compliance. From transforming and harmonising your data, to enabling you to exchange your data with the INSPIRE community via a download service, the company’s GO Loader and GO Publisher products provide the perfect solution. As an INSPIRE SDIC, Snowflake has been contributing to the development and

implementation of INSPIRE since the framework’s inception, supporting organisations with their Annex I, II and III testing. The company knows INSPIRE and is able to help you create and publish compliant data. Don’t miss your deadlines. Get INSPIRE ready. Contact Snowflake today to discuss INSPIRE Essentials training and a free 30-day software evaluation. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 02380 238 232 info@snowflakesoftware.com www.snowflakesoftware. com/markets/inspire/

Innovative software that makes energy monitoring a breeze Do you want to identify ways to save money on your energy bill? Drive behaviour change to a more efficient workplace? Remove the hassle of CRC compliance? E-Mission Management is an energy, cost and carbon management and reporting application. This innovative software allows users to report and manage energy information in real-time. Typically, monitoring will identify ways for organisations to reduce energy costs by 10-20 per cent (Carbon Trust). This service allows you to: produce CRC EES reports – saving you the £15,500 per year KMPG estimates each participant spends on scheme administration; drive change in the organisation – behavioural change starts with knowing what you want to change and then looking at how (“You can’t manage what you don’t measure”); save money – the e-MM software will report your energy use, cost

and carbon emissions in near real-time. This programme helps you identify anomalies and patterns, provides data for compliance, information disclosures, employee engagement programmes and more, and helps you to save energy (and therefore cost); and buy immediately – it is approved by cabinet office GPS for all public sector organisations and private companies, too, to buy off the G-Cloud without going through further tendering. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01452 382218 jh.looney@ sustainabledirection.com www.e-missionmanagement.com

PUBLIC SECTOR MAPPING AGREEMENT

The Public Sector Mapping Agreement allows almost every public sector organisation in England and Wales access to a wide variety of geographic datasets provided by Ordnance Survey. This has had significant impacts on the uptake of geographic information across the public sector and created several opportunities for the provision of new geographic information services to be created, writes the Association for Geographic Information The PSMA was introduced to allow public sector organisations access to high quality geographic information to inform decision making, plan and monitor better service delivery and generally improve efficiencies and service levels. In the past different organisations had access to different datasets negotiated through a range of individual and collective agreements. As a result information sharing between different areas of the public sector could be difficult and costly and some smaller organisations with limited resources lacked access at all. The centralised nature of the PSMA brings this information into the reach of public sector organisations regardless of size and resources, amplifying the benefits this kind of data can bring. The PSMA has been a resounding success with uptake now at over 3000 users since the agreement came in to effect in April 2011. It has delivered real and demonstrable benefits for a wide variety of public sector organisations. For example Blackpool Council are making extensive use of the geographic information available through the PSMA in support of ‘Project 30’ - a major four year programme to address a maintenance backlog to its highway and footway network. Valued at over £500m this network is Blackpool Council’s largest asset and obviously key to the functioning of the town. This network is expensive to maintain and the council, like many others in the UK had underinvested in maintenance over the years resulting in gradual deterioration of the network with dual costs of reduced efficiency and claims for ‘trip and slip’ type accidents. The Highways maintenance management department attempted to increase repair programmes but found it hard to make a solid business case for investment in one area over another, lacking the data to support such decisions. BLACKPOOL SAVINGS With the help of technology partner Gaist Ltd using Ordnance Survey data provided through the PSMA, Blackpool Council was

Written by The Association for Geographic Information

PSMA: IMPLICATIONS FOR MOBILE AND WEB UPTAKE OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

Geographic Information

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

The AGI is a strong supporter of the PSMA as it falls in line with one of the foundation principles of the organisation’s mission – to enable’ greater uptake of geographic information for better governance and benefit to the citizen able to develop a new system of recording, managing and reporting on their highway and footway assets. This provided the platform needed to assess the condition of the assets and determine required maintenance allowing a strong business case for investment. This management system (Gaist Geographical Resource Platform) also allowed for more efficient implementation of investment once it had been secured. Based on savings on the Project 30 programme and projected further savings from the use of PSMA data in areas such as tourism and emergency response planning Blackpool Council expects to save £100 million over the next 25 years. The benefits of the PSMA extend far beyond what may be seen as ‘traditional’

areas for geographic information such as the infrastructure management example given above and have also had a positive impact on service delivery and resource management. For example Cardiff Council managed to deliver savings of £1.3 million on the provision of transport for children with special educational needs. The project allowed the council to optimised the routes and vehicles used allowing for beneficial contract renegotiation and shorter planning time resulting in a more efficient tendering process. As well as the financial benefits the improved route planning means reduced journey times for the children and reduced emissions from the vehicles. As well as the obvious need for up to date and accurate mapping for effective emergency E

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PUBLIC SECTOR MAPPING AGREEMENT  response delivery the data provided through the PSMA has also had interesting implications for preventative care. In Bristol the NHS Avon IM&T Consortium HealthGIS were able to use data provided by both health and social care organisations accessed through the PSMA to produce geographic information on the accessibility of local drug and alcohol treatment centres. This enabled them to compare the provision of services to where the service users lived allowing for more efficient distribution of resources as well as more joined up working between the City Council and the local Primary Care Trust (PCT). SUPPORT The Association for Geographic information (AGI) is a strong supporter of the PSMA as it falls in line with one of the foundation principles of the organisation’s mission , this being to enable’ greater uptake of geographic information for better governance and benefit to the citizen.’ The examples above demonstrate how the PSMA has ensured increased and more coordinated use of geographic information has delivered significant benefits to public sector bodies in terms of more efficient use of resources and significant financial savings. These benefits in turn are passed on to the citizen as they experience better service provision and more efficient usage of finite resources. The huge uptake and considerable success of the PSMA perfectly showcases the role geographic information can play in driving efficiencies across a huge range of services and sectors. High quality, joined up and readily accessible geographic information such as that provided by the PSMA is a crucial part of the data needed to inform everything from strategic decision making on major infrastructure projects to the daily management of local services. Any service or project that has a spatial element benefits from the application of geographic information. With 3000 users the success of the PSMA in widening the knowledge and use of geographic information cannot be doubted. However the massive uptake of data and the huge range of users now accessing this data provide an interesting challenge for the PSMA and the geographic information community in general. With the massive increase in the number and type of users seen through the PSMA there is an increased demand for web and mobile based provision of geographic information. To enable this information to be

A used effectively and on demand The PSMn a outputs can no longer be tied e to a PC with the appropriate has be success g software package installed. n i d n t resou take now a Flexible working and the for access outside of with up 0 users since need the traditional office are 0 0 over 3 reement came driving demand for web and mobile interfaces. the ag o effect in in t 11 SHAPE April 20

One example of such a web based system is in operation in the health sector. SHAPE (Strategic Health Asset Planning and Evaluation) is a web enabled; evidence based planning application that is built around accurate geographic information provided through the PSMA. SHAPE’s strength lies in its ability to link a wide variety of national datasets such as public health and primary care with demographic data. This allows detailed analysis of health care provision and needs including overlaying data such as travel time analysis and this encourages a multidisciplinary approach to health care provision. Another key strength of SHAPE is that it is web based making it easy to access and also allowing it to be extended to new user groups with relative ease. For example it has now been rolled out to local authorities to help them assess the public health needs of their communities. This wide range of access to the same data allows for increased cooperation and joined up working between different authorities and stakeholders in order to deliver better outcomes for the citizen. The comparative ease of integrating new user groups into web based geographical information applications is likely to prove key to further expanding uptake of the PSMA. Training provides the major challenge in these cases but this can also be provided over the web as it is with SHAPE compared to the significant hardware and software costs of traditional programme based services. With the increased provision of 4G services and greatly improved Wi-Fi coverage

Geographic Information

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

mobile is likely to become an increasingly popular platform for accessing geographic information as it already is for a wide range of other business critical applications. This seems especially likely to be true as the PSMA and the increased awareness of the benefits of geographic information expand its usage beyond the traditional GI professional to a range of more casual users. Users in the field and those for whom geographic information only makes up a part of their role are likely to want quick access to relevant data on mobile devices. This could mean sacrificing range of functionality on mobile applications for quick provision of the most relevant data. For example a mobile application could allow users to choose between a number of preset filters applied to a dataset. Whilst this would not translate the full functionality of the application it would enable the user to access relevant high quality datasets within the processing and connectivity limitations of a mobile device. THE NEXT CHALLENGE With continuing improvements in mobile capability as well as an ever increasing and diversifying range of users it is likely that the development of web and mobile applications will be the next challenge in the drive to increase accessibility to geographic information across the public sector. The PSMA has been hugely successful in driving this improvement in access and the AGI foresees that the application of web and mobile technologies will be at the heart of furthering this, along with all the associated benefits to the public sector and to the citizen. L ABOUT THE AGI The AGI exists to represent the interests of the UK’s GI industry; a wide-ranging group of public and private sector organisations, suppliers of GI software, hardware, data and services, consultants, academics and interested individuals. For further information visit www.agi.org.uk

Volume 11.5 | GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE

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

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Cloud Migration Services CTG ensures that clients realise the full planned benefits from the adoption of a new cloud service. CTG’s Cloud Migration Service team has a proven track record in both the design of new cloud services and the migration of clients away from locally deployed application solutions to cloud-based services. CTG’s experience based approach is engineered to ensure that clients realise the full planned benefits from the adoption of a new cloud service whilst ensuring that any potential adverse business impacts are mitigated to deliver an effective implementation that guarantees business continuity. These services are offered via the G-Cloud Catalogue: http://gcloud.civilservice.gov.uk/ CTG can offer these services either in support of its secure information disclosure portal solution or as a vendor neutral specialist. As a leading supplier of secure information disclosure portal solutions to law enforcement agencies, CTG maintains a dedicated security cleared team available to deliver these cloud services into highly regulated environments. This, coupled with our track record in UK and international Healthcare service provision, places us in a unique position to offer the public sector focused and economically competitive solutions via the G-Cloud framework. For more information please contact Haydn Watkins at CTG: Computer Task Group (UK) Limited Email: haydn.watkins@ctg.com Telephone: 0118 975 0877 www.ctg.eu

GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE | Volume 11.5

01/08/2012 14:55

E-WORLD 2013

CUTTING COSTS WITHOUT CUTTING CORNERS

Pedro Paulo, ceo at Gatewit explores research into public procurement costs and the new centralised government procurement department called the Crown Commercial Service (CCS). Pedro will discuss best practices in public procurement in the dedicated public sector conference stream at this years’ eWorld Purchasing & Supply on 24 September at the QEII Centre, London

With lowered public sector budgets locked in for a few years at least, cost cutting and budget efficiency are hot topics. Without wanting to cut services or cause redundancies, the options for reducing spend are limited. The way business is conducted rather than the business itself is the key to this issue and the signs are that local and central government is not only recognising this but acting. In mid-July, the government confirmed it was following through on plans to reform its procurement system for commercial services. An annual £45bn spend on goods and services, such as professional services and energy, used across central departments will be handled by the new Crown Commercial Service (CCS). This will essentially make the best use of the government’s position as the largest buyer in the market and ensure it fully utilises the potential economies of scale. That the government has committed to channelling £45bn of taxpayer money through this new system is an encouraging step and one that should, and will, set it in a leadership role regarding smart procurement practice

among its peers. Those in private enterprise who would like to make savings can also see this as a solid endorsement in reformation of their procurement system as a method of cutting costs.

E-procurement

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

procurement processes in the European Union. CEBR found that the average cost of a UK competitive procurement process is £45,200, the highest of all EU nations. The EU average is £23,900, making typical UK processes 90 per cent more expensive. Public sector procurement competitions cost the government £1,260 to attract each bid, which exceeds the EU average of £800 (58 per cent less than the UK), and places the UK as the fourth most expensive place in Europe to attract bids. Only Denmark, Norway, and Italy recorded higher costs. The large cost may be attributed to this 58 per cent difference if the UK was running competitions with large numbers of bidders, but this is not the case. The average procurement competition in the UK attracts 6.4 bids on average per contract compared to an EU average of 5.9. While the cost per bid is an area that should be scrutinised to cut costs, the bid and cost figures don’t add up to the total £45,200 for an average competition. Perhaps it’s the comparatively higher wages that the UK’s public sector workers enjoy relative to their European counterparts? Again, this adds to the cost but doesn’t quite explain it fully as, while Scandinavian countries typically have higher average salaries, the UK still ranks higher for procurement costs. The most interesting figure for a public body looking to save on procurement is the time it takes for each competition to run. The CEBR report found that the UK has one of the longest public procurement processes in Europe, at 53 days longer than the EU average. The combination of this overextended time frame and high labour costs leads to the inflated figures for the UK government on both buy and sell sides. Another source of cost to the public sector’s procurement budget is fraud, which accounts for £2.3bn of the £230bn the government spends. This figure is based on analysis of the Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses (PESA) report by the National Fraud Authority’s 2012 Annual Fraud Indicator, which shows that procurement fraud is the largest type of public sector fraud. Stepping outside of the government, the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS) say that 40.8 per cent of procurement professionals believe procurement fraud to be a significant risk to their organisation, a risk which is strongest for the construction industry. With large amounts of capital expenditure earmarked for construction and infrastructure spending over the next few years by Danny Alexander (£100bn in E

CEBR he hat t found t cost of average petitive m a UK co ent process m procure 5,200, the is £4 of all EU highesttions na

HOW IS GOVERNMENT MONEY BEING SPENT? In central and local government, costs are larger than the public would guess. According to the Combined Online Information System (COINS) the combined amount spent on central and local government procurement covering all areas of goods and services was £230bn in 2011, split into £140bn and £89bn spent by central and local respectively. This figure includes the cost of the entire procurement chain from running the competitions for contracts to the final purchase of goods and services. Research released recently by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) has found that the UK has the most expensive public

Volume 11.5 | GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE

Company Profiles

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

Apira: trusted by trusts

Apira has operated exclusively in the healthcare IT field for 17 years. During this time it has built up a substantial client base and reputation for delivering excellent quality, insightful and value for money services. The company works within the traditional ICT functions and with clinical and executive leaders in delivering IT solutions to improve patient care. Most of its employees and associates have worked within the NHS, others have a relevant commercial background. We are now experiencing the shift to a health and social care single ICT agenda as the government looks to promote integration across these service areas, and Apira will be assisting with this critical technological and cultural convergence.

World-leading data centres delivered in just 18 weeks

The company is divided into three broad business sectors: information governance and security, IT deployment and management (including procurement), and business intelligence and technical services. Apira brings to bear the combined resources of all its people and experience, to deliver the best and most cost-effective outcome for its customers, and it is able to promote the rapid adoption of best practice within the NHS by virtue of the breadth of healthcare organisations that it has worked for. Contact Apira for more details about any of its services.

Evolving consumer demands are driving a new concept in data centre design. High resilience, low operating costs and true scalability are now at the forefront of all client requirements. Meeting these demands, Cheltenham-based BladeRoom Group (BRG) offers world leading, award-winning, single and multi-storey data centres. Making maximum use of free air cooling, a BladeRoom posts proven world-beating PUE figures (a standard measurement of efficiency) from the first day it goes live: less than 1.20 at 20 per cent IT load for a UK-based facility. Huge savings on all non-IT energy costs, and corresponding environmental benefits. The speed that BladeRooms are built and delivered provides

a compelling financial model for any potential data centre owner or operator. New BladeRooms (whether Tier II, III or IV) can be on-site within 18 weeks of order. Subsequent phases can be delivered even faster. BRG’s clients are leveraging this rapid and scalable deployment method to develop large and small sites in a sustainable manner. Initial capital outlay is reduced, as is any investment risk, allowing the client’s business to grow with demand. In three years, BRG has delivered 29 facilities globally, providing over 15MW of IT capacity. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 01242 663 100 wthornton@bladeroom.com www.bladeroom.com

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: +44 (0) 207 960 9626 mark.jones@apira.co.uk www.apira.co.uk

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E-WORLD 2013  spending already planned out), tightening the procurement and auditing processes and training managers in fraud awareness could mean a small investment that could save billions. Whether these capital investment plans come to fruition or not, the point stands that investing in reducing procurement fraud is an opportunity to cut costs that cannot be missed. WHAT HAS BEEN DONE ALREADY TO CUT COSTS? The route to cost cutting is clear. Efficiencies in the procurement system are the key to ensuring reduced government spending budgets do not impact frontline services. The government has already taken the first major steps to efficiency by moving to eliminate duplicated competitions and making use of its bulk buying power with the new Crown Commercial Service. The adoption of an e-commerce framework, the G-Cloud, which has to be used by all private sector organisations hoping to bid on certain cloud-based IT procurement contracts, is another milestone on the road to a highly cost effective procurement process. Admittedly, there have been complaints about the stringent accreditation process required before a firm is allowed join the system to bid on contracts and, to have a fully functioning system, these issues need to be resolved. In spite of this, there are positive reports coming in from those who see the system in action as it has opened up a formerly restricted, and restrictive, process to smaller firms. In May, there were £3.5m of deals concluded through the G-Cloud, with the highest value contract for a single purchase being a relatively modest £129,000. Opening up the bidding process using e-Procurement cheapens the cost to buyer and seller and enables smaller firms to compete with the monolith suppliers who previously enjoyed almost complete market dominance. Simply put, competition drives prices down. To combat the complaints against the barriers to entry, the Office of Fair Trading has opened an investigation into the process. Its aim is to strip out the unnecessary parts of the system that bar smaller firms and make it easier for increased competition. This comes alongside the government’s announcement of an expansion of the G-Cloud system for other areas. The hope is that once the system is out of beta testing it will be rolled out to other sectors without the current bugs. ANYTHING MORE TO DO? The pace of evolution in the government’s procurement processes is such that each new week there are announcements from various bodies and departments about savings made through system reforms, largely as a result of moving to more advanced technology in the process. E-procurement is recognised as the future of public sector purchasing, with the lower set-up, running, bidding and

E-procurement

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

In 2016 the EU Commission’s ruling mandating eProcurement for all European public sector organisations will come into force. The savings are predicted to be substantial: in the region of £30 billion according to some estimates administration costs as well as the facility offered by having all your procurement tools and information in one place a clear boon for any player in a competition. The UK government has embraced eProcurement already, and further integration of an online system is in the pipeline. It would be great to give the government full credit for its foresight and desire to adopt eProcurement, but it cannot claim it all. In 2016 the EU Commission’s ruling mandating eProcurement for all European public sector organisations will come into force. The savings are predicted to be substantial: in the region of £30 billion according to some estimates. The benefits of an eProcurement system are manifold: better visibility and control over costs, improved spend analysis to identify inefficiencies, easier integration of technology to identify and eliminate fraud are all possible. Not only that, but the systems offer greater competition equality, transparency and easier entry into and participation in a competition. Through the last few years, local and central governments have cut budgets. The fact that there have been no truly major service casualties is testament to both the intelligence and creative thinking of those in charge of the various departments on how to cut costs. However, there will come a time when an

already lean department will face further cuts and real damage will be done. Procurement reform offers an opportunity to find more excess weight and work it off safely leaving behind a thriving and healthy public sector. L

Find out more at E-world on Sept 24 This bi-annual educational forum has been organised in association with CIPS since 2001, attracting 300-400 senior procurement professionals to each event, from the commercial and public sectors. The next event takes place on Tuesday 24th September 2013 at the QEII Conference Centre in London. Case study sessions for the public sector include first-hand accounts from the London Borough of Ealing, Kingston NHS Trust, Surrey County Council and DHL Supply Chain, plus commercial case studies from Network Rail, BG Group and John Lewis Partnership. Register free of charge at www.eworld-purchasing.com

Volume 11.5 | GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE

Case Study

IT AND COMPUTING FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www.governmenttechnology.co.uk

A new breed of intelligent PDU has arrived and is transforming the way data centres are managed With plans in place to consolidate central government data centres by 2015, scaling back the 8,000 data centres used by the public sector and in turn reduce their running costs by 35 per cent over the next five years, have data centre managers (DCMs) considered the vital role that the PDU (power distribution unit) can play in this mammoth project? With energy costs rising, DCMs working for the public sector should stop blindly accepting mounting energy bills and regain control by implementing this new generation of intelligent PDUs to monitor, measure and help understand where the energy is being utilised. The PDU is the lifeblood of a data centre, transferring energy that drives the infrastructure. It sits within the rack, providing straightforward power connectivity and routing for all the IT components. A new breed of intelligent PDU has entered the market which will help DCMs get to grips with the bigger issues of energy costs and downtime, providing the data required to meet the growing demands within the public sector. Imagine the intelligent

GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE | Volume 11.5

PDU as a brain within the server rack actively monitoring the environment, looking for threats from electrical circuit overloads or any physical and environmental conditions. In order to tackle the mounting pressure

on data centres to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, the industry craves a change in mindset. The PDU is the lifeblood of a data centre â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but is also considered the weakest link in the data chain and often ignored. Bringing intelligence to your energy management with the right PDU provides DCMs with the opportunity to achieve a power balance in the data centre, supporting operational, environmental and financial needs. Reducing running costs by as much as 35 per cent will prove to be a monumental task for DCMs and is not made any easier by the unpredictability and uncertainty of energy prices in the next five to ten years. Those who take a proactive approach towards intelligent energy monitoring and steps to reduce wasted energy in the data centre will be half way towards completing this tough government goal and ultimately creating the data centre of the future. FURTHER INFORMATION www.enlogic.com sales@emea.enlogic.com

SQL Server and .NET G-Cloud services from Bluesmith A picture paints a thousand words. If replacing the tyre with Bluesmith’s logo made you smirk or tut, without the need to Google the caption, read on. Bluesmith specialises in the enhancement and conversion of existing bespoke Microsoft applications, to enable them to run in the Cloud, private or public. These are often legacy VB/C# desktop applications or classic ASP systems. Bluesmith designs, builds and integrates new .NET systems

but it excels in the support, maintenance, rejuvenation and migration of legacy IT systems in complex “brown-field site” mixed-technology environments. If you’re wary of software services organisations who claim to be able to do everything and “boil the ocean”, Bluesmith doesn’t make such claims, because it can’t. Whilst the company has a host of technologies under its belts – useful for integration purposes – it only claims to be SQL Server and .NET integration experts. Bluesmith can integrate into your team (or vice versa), work with other technology experts, and integrate .NET with your existing technology stack. Bluesmith can get you back in the swing.

The future is OPn – Ciena Assured Networking Today’s networks are more critical than ever before. Cyber threats are becoming frequent and sophisticated. Consolidation of data and applications to the cloud is increasing reliance of network connectivity to and between datacentres. Networks have to be thought about differently. Ciena Corporation is the network specialist. It collaborates with governments worldwide to unlock the strategic potential of their networks and fundamentally change the way they operate. Ciena’s OPn architecture combines specialist expertise with strategic technology to simplify infrastructure, including deterministic packet transport, advanced coherent optics, automated OTN switching, control plane and unified network

management – so governments can meet their increasing capacity demands while reducing costs. Ciena’s approach to assured networks helps governments build networks that help address today’s growing cyber security threats. The company brings together optical networking with Ethernet, unified by a software suite that delivers industryleading network automation. Ciena provides solutions to advance every mission, including datacentre networks storing vital information and defence networks to ensure national security.

Company Profiles

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

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: +44 (0) 207 012 5555 e-info@ciena.com www.ciena.com www.ciena.com/industries/ government/

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0845 680 6084 enquiry@bluesmithis.com www.bluesmithis.com

Leaders in geographic information systems

Dallmeier: the surveillance solutions provider

Civica GIS supplies leading geographic information systems (GIS), gazetteer management systems and back office solutions, helping organisations across the UK deliver better and more efficient services. Civica’s GIS solutions include web, desktop and mobile and are used by over 1,000 organisations, such as central government departments and agencies, local authorities, blue light services (including over 70 per cent of fire services in England), utility companies and a network of map and digital data resellers. Deployments range in scale from single software licenses to corporate enterprise

Dallmeier has at its disposal more than 25 years of experience in transmission, recording as well as picture processing technology and is an outstanding pioneer of CCTV/IP solutions worldwide. This knowledge is used in the development of intelligent software and high-quality recorder and camera technologies. This enables Dallmeier to not only offer stand-alone systems, but complete network solutions up to large-scale projects with perfectly integrated components. Right from the beginning, the company focused on innovative developments of the highest quality and reliability. Dallmeier is the only manufacturer in Germany that develops and manufactures all components on its own. This includes the entire product range, from cameras to picture storage and transmission to intelligent video analysis and even individually adjusted management systems.

applications, with deployment options ranging from installation on customer infrastructure to fully managed services. Community Map is a web-based GIS, designed to improve engagement with citizens (channel shift) and increase internal data management efficiency by replacing desktop GIS. OpenWINGS is a mobile GIS platform built around a common central GIS hub, designed for improving the efficiency of GIS data use in the field. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0845 071 6220 civicaGIS@civica.co.uk www.civica.co.uk/gis

Quality made by Dallmeier, made in Germany! Over the years, Dallmeier has given fresh impetus to the market with new developments and extraordinary innovations. The world’s first DVR, for example, which introduced digital recording to the entire CCTV industry, came from Dallmeier. The multifocal sensor system Panomera® will have

a similarly groundbreaking effect. This and the extensive experience in the CCTV and IP field have led to Dallmeier’s top position in the international market for digital video surveillance systems. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: +44 117 303 9303 dallmeieruk@dallmeier.com www.dallmeier.com

Volume 11.5 | GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE

Case Study

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

The government increases staff productivity with bring-your-own-device scheme The popularity of personal smartphone and tablet ownership is altering the ways in which we work, enabling us to be always connected and ready to respond. Through bring-your-own-device schemes (BYOD) employers can tap into this trend, making savings and increasing staff productivity. The concept of BYOD is simple: employees use their own devices for conducting their normal work activities – be that at a desk writing reports and sending emails, in meetings referring to documents or on the road recording data from site visits. The whole notion of BYOD is about enabling employees to work flexibly and be more productive. For the public sector, whose expenditure is closely scrutinised, cost-effective solutions for securely delivering modern IT systems are of great importance. With BYOD, organisations can avoid the initial investment needed for purchasing devices and, from an employee perspective, they benefit from a device they are already familiar with. However, what seems like a straightforward concept does present a headache for the IT department, who are concerned with

GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE | Volume 11.5

the potential security risks that BYOD presents. They should not adopt blanket approaches to security as they would on company-owned IT equipment; when employees are using personal devices they don’t want to think the IT department has the capability to wipe their personal data. This is why any organisation considering operating a BYOD scheme should ensure that they have a BYOD policy, to inform their employees exactly how they must protect data on personal devices and what level of access the employer has to the device. To make usability for employees as straightforward as possible, employers could

consider sandboxing business applications, to ensure they are kept separate from personal apps. This would enable the IT department to wipe the business data, should the device be lost or stolen. Organisations could also consider selecting business applications with their own built-in security features: for example, apps that have twofactor authentication for logging-in, automatic log-out after a period of time, and apps that encrypt the data. Nowadays, requests for BYOD are not only coming from younger members of staff who have grown up with mobile technology, but are increasingly coming from board members, directors and senior executives who are looking for ways to work more effectively by being in continuous contact with the office. Although there are security hurdles to overcome with BYOD, the substantial productivity gains certainly outweigh the initial effort of developing a robust BYOD management policy. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0845 200 7829 www.eshare.co.uk/boardpacks

Managed cloud services provider now on G-Cloud III framework InTechnology is one of the UK’s leading providers of Cloud-based data, voice and network services, trusted by a diverse mix of highprofile public and private sector organisations, including The London School of Economics. InTechnology offers end-to-end management of its continuously upgraded services, which are underpinned by its high-availability MPLS network.

InTechnology’s Tier 3 data centres are powered by renewable energy to offer best-in-class colocation, virtual hosting and managed data environments, and its services are supported 24/7/ 365 by an in-house, UK-based service management centre. Having 30 years’ experience in managed IT services allows

InTechnology to support organisations in the delivery of their objectives, offering solutions that provide agility, resilience and cost-efficiency. InTechnology has a wealth of experience in government procurement, having been successful in its applications to all three phases of the G-Cloud framework, most recently securing a place on G-Cloud III. Offering “Infrastructure as a Service, Software as a Service and Platform as a Service”, the company has won a number of prominent customers through the G-Cloud to date. InTechnology holds a number of accreditations, including ISO 9001 and IS0 27001, and is also authorised to process government data marked “confidential”.

Open architectures: more choice, reduced cost LinuxIT’s Open Architectures Readiness Assessment now endorsed by HMG is helping public sector organisations to benefit from reduced costs, whilst complying with government open standards. It’s about innovation, collaboration, reuse and adaptation, which is revolutionising the way government procures and consumes IT and services, whilst reducing the burden on the taxpayer. This widely adopted assessment is extensive in its investigation into the viability of Open Source Software and provides organisations with targets for immediate cost-cutting and on-going operational efficiencies. Delivered with a money-back

guarantee, this service has already identified hundreds of thousands of pounds of cost-savings for public bodies. LinuxIT is an IT Services company with an unrivalled record in deploying best practice Linux and Open Source Software. Employing expertise and reference architectures amassed over 14 years. LinuxIT works with public sector organisations in their use of Linux and Open Source Software for their mission-critical IT systems. To find out more, give LinuxIT a call or find them on G-Cloud.

Company Profiles

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

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0845 606 3002 sales@linuxit.com www.linuxit.com

FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: 0800 983 2522 contact@intechnology.com

eWorld focuses on public sector procurement

Rittman Mead: delivering business intelligence

The acclaimed eWorld Purchasing & Supply event takes place on 24 September at London’s Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre. Featuring a special focus on public sector procurement, it includes seminars and case studies on a range of local government and healthcare organisations. Public sector highlights include a fascinating case study of how the Kingston Hospital NHS Trust has adopted an end-to-end eProcurement solution to improve process efficiency, collaborate more closely with suppliers and optimise its control over demand and spend. In another session, Peter Smith, editor of Spend Matters, hosts an interactive discussion on the key differences between public sector commissioning and traditional procurement, in a bid to discover why some key principles of the latter are often overlooked during the commissioning process. Further case studies include first-hand experiences from

Specialising in Oracle Business Intelligence and Data Integration, Rittman Mead has been providing consultancy, delivery, training and support to government businesses since the company was founded over seven years ago. It is an expert in the field, with a number of Oracle ACEs, including world’s leading expert Mark Rittman, who wrote the books Oracle Business Intelligence Suite Developers Guide and Oracle Exalytics Revealed. Whether you want to implement leading-edge BI technologies, including Oracle Exalytics, RealTime Decisions or Endeca, or want to upgrade to the latest OBIEE or OBIA, then Rittman Mead’s 90-plus team can help. Using the Rittman Mead Delivery Framework, the company

Surrey County Council, the National Sustainable Public Procurement Programme, DHL Supply Chain and the London Borough of Ealing. Plus a range of leading organisations from the commercial sector, such as the John Lewis Partnership, BG Group and Network Rail. Keynotes include the CPO of Deutsche Telekom, Eva Wimmers, exploring procurement transformation, and Dr Sam De Silva from CIPS Global Board of Trustees on strategic commercial contracts. Visit the website for free registration.

will be focused on solving true project problems not just dealing with everyday issues, delivering critical projects on time and on budget. It combines the delivery expertise with deep technical training, and can work on-site to build your capabilities in-house, and help you gain insights on how to circumvent future issues. To learn more, follow @jonmead and @markrittman; visit www.linkedin.com/company/ rittman-mead or see the Blog at www.rittmanmead.com/blog/. Special offer: for a Government Business Health Check, email judy.naas@rittmanmead.com. FURTHER INFORMATION Tel: +44 0 7717 362 433 judy.naas@rittmanmead.com www.rittmanmead.com

FURTHER INFORMATION www.eworld-purchasing.com

Volume 11.5 | GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE

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Advertisers Index

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Win tickets to Alton Towers in the Government Business Quiz..... Find the selected 10 words below located in the advertisements in this issue of Government Business Magazine. Write down the page number and company name to go with each word and email it to: competition@governmentbusinessuk.com 1. Durable 2. Scalability 3. Enlighten 4. Sweets 5. Pothole

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The publishers accept no responsibility for errors or omissions in this free service 4Imprint 102 A1 Flue Systems 30 Acclaimed Security 40 Air Liquide UK 70 Apira 94 Automatic Vending 75 Aviate 50 BHL 36 Bladeroom Group 94 Bluesmith 97 Broden Media 63, 65 Business Doctors 60, 61 C Brewer & Sons 64 Cardiff University 48 Cargotec 6, 38 CentraStage 86 Chalkface 62 Chartered Management 75 Ciena 97 Civica 92, 97 Class 1 Personnel 32 Clear B2B Toyota IFC Computer Task Group 92 Dallmeier UK 97 Ember Pss 66 Enlogic 96 Enphase Energy UK 4 Eshare UK 98 Findlay Irvine 15 Fitzrovia FM 37 Fleetdrive Electric 26 Forum Consultancy 40 Fresh Printing 38 Frontier Software 94

102

GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE | Volume 11.5

Gloucester Composites 20, 21 Groeneveld Transport 74 Hamilton Asset 80 Henry Mills 38 Hunterlodge Advertising 48 ICEE Managed Services 18, 21 Icore 84 Imperial College London 48 Intechnology 99 Jupiter Hotels BC Labcold 60 Language Line 18 Lexis Nexis 10 Lifting Technologies 45 LinuxIT Europe 99 Mallon Technology 88 Mayflex 83 Morse Watchmans 22 Monthind Clean 37 Mzurich Europe 62 No Letting Go 54, 58 Nu-Phalt 36, 37 Oaksure Property Protection 34, 37 OKI Systems UK 72, 73, 100, 101 Papa Johns 54, 58 Pasquali Tractors 70 Paul Kenssington UK 40 Perfect Pizza 56, 59 Point Hotel Edinburgh 30 Renault UK 28 Rentec 70 Revolution Events 99 Rittman Mead 99

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