As part of the government’s Plan for Change, councils are set to receive £69 billion, an increase of 3.5 per cent from 2024-25. Part of this package is a new emergency £600 million Recovery Grant, which will support councils most in need and make sure every penny of public spending is felt by working people.
An additional £3.7 billion of investment will also go towards social care authorities to support adult and children’s services through the Settlement, which will include £880 million for the Social Care Grant. This is an increase of £200 from last month, bringing up the total to £5.9 billion, which will support councils in providing care for adults and children in their communities, taking the pressure off the NHS.
There should be no council that sees a reduction in Core Spending Power, and communities that are largely rural will see an average five per cent increase in their Core Spending Power to ensure these rural communities are best supported. The previous government’s referendum threshold for council tax will remain in tact, which will be maintained at three per cent with two per cent for the adult social care precept to protect local taxpayers.
Alongside extra funding, the government also has plans to suggest how to fundamentally fix the current funding system from 2026-27, by distributing public funding more daily and based on assessed need to make sure councils can deliver high-quality services.
In 2026-27, the government will announce the first multi-year settlement in a decade to deliver greater clarity and stability for councils, as well as fixing the foundations of the... £69 billion for
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT
PM announces Plan for Change
Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a speech at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire that set out the milestones for the government to deliver on its manifesto promises through a Plan for Change that aims to drive real improvements for working people.
These milestones for change intend to track the government’s progress against each of the missions by the end of parliament, ensuring accountability to the public and aiming to build trust with the British people.
These milestones include a new commitment to fast track planning decisions on at least 150 major economic infrastructure projects, alongside the biggest housebuilding and infrastructure push in the last 50 years to boost economic growth nationwide.
Other reforms include having a named police officer in every neighbourhood, as well as recruiting 13,000 additional officers, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and special constables in neighbourhood roles in England and Wales.
Starmer iterated that the government must be more dynamic and innovative in order to achieve its missions, and that this could only be done by working closely in partnership with businesses, civil society, as well as local governments. As part of the intention comes the drive to involve more experts in Whitehall discussions. Drawing on expertise from leaders in their field, the government will be supported and bolstered in their mission to drive tangible progress for the British public.
Prime minister Keir Starmer said: “This government was elected to deliver real change for working people — and that is exactly what we are doing...
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Government announces devolution white paper
The government has announced the English Devolution White Paper, which plans to make devolution the default across a range of government policy areas.
Measures include plans for new powers for mayors across strategic planning.
There are also proposals to create ‘strategic authorities’ across England, bringing together councils over areas that people live and work in, to avoid duplication.
The white paper includes plans to give Mayors unprecedented powers to drive growth, turbocharge housebuilding and improve transport in a transformative ‘devolution revolution’.
England’s regions will be put at centre stage in the government’s Plan for Change missions to grow the economy, deliver the 1.5 million homes and infrastructure needed, and boost opportunity across the country.
Under the plans in the White Paper, Mayors will take a more direct role in plans for their areas than ever before, equipped with a range of new powers across strategic planning, housing, transport and skills.
Mayors in Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Liverpool City Region and the North East will be the first to receive new integrated funding settlements, covering housing, regeneration, local growth, transport, skills, retrofit and employment support...
ROAD MAINTENANCE
£1.6 billion to fix potholes
Councils are to receive £1.6 billion in funding to repair roads and fix potholes.
The funding marks an increase of nearly 50 per cent on local road maintenance compared to last year and should be enough to fix over 7 million extra potholes in 2025 to 2026.
Recent figures from the RAC show that drivers face an average of 6 potholes per mile in England and Wales. The cost of pothole damage to vehicles is around £500 on average.
Each local authority will use its share of the £1.6 billion for 2025 to 2026 to identify which of their roads are in most need of repair and to deliver immediate fixes.
Local authorities in north west, north east and Yorkshire and Humber will receive over £327 million and those in the East Midlands and West Midlands will get more than £372 million. There is over £244 million for local authorities in the East of England; over £322 million for local authorities in the south east and London; and over £300 million for local authorities in the south west.
Prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said: “Broken roads can risk lives and cost families hundreds if not thousands of pounds on repairs. That’s a cost that can easily be avoided by investing properly in our roads.
“Through our Plan for Change we’re determined to put more money back into the pockets of hardworking people and improve living standards. That’s why we’re giving councils funding to repair our roads and get Britain moving again – with a clear expectation that they get on with the job...
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Councils to get new powers to boost housebuilding
Councils are to get new powers to deliver thousands of new homes across the country.
New planning changes have been announced to drive new investment for town centres and economic growth for local authorities.
Local councils will be empowered to buy cheaper land through the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders.
The changes mean that councils, Mayoral Combined Authorities and other public bodies, including Homes England, will be able to directly take control of vacant and derelict land from landowners paying a fair price and not inflated ‘hope value’ costs, where they are delivering in the public interest.
Matthew Pennycook, the Housing and Planning Minister, said: “In our manifesto, we committed ourselves to further compulsory purchase reform to deliver more housing, infrastructure, amenity, and transport benefits in the public interest.
“The consultation we are launching today is the next step in fulfilling that commitment –proposing reforms that will make the process faster and more efficient, enabling more land value to be captured and then invested in schemes for public benefit.”
WALES
£10 million for Welsh towns and cities
The Welsh Government has made available £10m in Financial Transaction Capital to fund regeneration projects across the country.
The Transforming Towns Loans programme supports local authorities with town and city centre regeneration projects and has allocated more than £62m since its launch in 2014.
The scheme has the aim of reducing the number of vacant and underutilised sites and buildings to diversify town centre offers and increase footfall.
The money also encourages more sustainable uses for empty premises.
Local authorities are invited to apply for the town centre loan funding to invest in their communities and deliver regeneration projects.
Applications close on 10 January.
The cabinet secretary for housing and local government, Jayne Bryant said: “Our Transforming Towns Loans programme improves the places where people live and work, creating a sense of place and vibrant high streets.
“Empty and disused buildings are a wasted resource in our communities, and our town centre funding will create job opportunities and bring life back to high streets and disused and forgotten buildings at the heart of their town centres.
“I encourage local authorities to utilise this funding and look forward to seeing their plans to create job opportunities and bring life back to the forgotten buildings in the heart of their communities.”
LONG GUN SERIES
New measures to boost housebuilding
The government has unveiled new measures to boost housebuilding in what is being described as a ‘win-win’ for nature and the economy.
The plans are part of wider proposals for the forthcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill. The bill is designed to play a key role in promoting economic growth, unlocking a new scale of delivery for housing and infrastructure.
The proposals include ‘common-sense changes’ to environmental rules which will support the Government’s commitment to build 1.5 million homes and advance 150 major infrastructure project decisions, while also helping halt and reverse the decline of species and natural habitats.
A new Nature Restoration Fund is planned to enable developers to meet their environmental obligations more quickly and with greater impact.
The proposals set out three steps the government will take to help developers get building while delivering their environmental obligations in a more sensible and strategic way.
Firstly, the government will lead a single strategic assessment and delivery plan for an area instead of an individual site.
Secondly, a public delivery body will consider which actions are needed to address the environmental impact of development across an appropriate area and determine how much developers will pay into the Nature Restoration Fund...
Government tightens rules on waste incinerators: READ MORE
£1.4 billion for Welsh roads: READ MORE
Welsh Government funding for green energy projects: READ MORE
Bradford awarded extra funding as UK City of Culture: READ MORE
Funding announced to tackle homelessness: READ MORE
New legislation to improve bus services: READ MORE
Government relaunches Net Zero Council: READ MORE
FINANCE
BCC Economic Forecast: rising business costs to hit wider economy
The government has unveiled new measures to boost housebuilding in what is being described as a ‘win-win’ for nature and the economy.
The plans are part of wider proposals for the forthcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill. The bill is designed to play a key role in promoting economic growth, unlocking a new scale of delivery for housing and infrastructure.
The proposals include ‘common-sense changes’ to environmental rules which will support the Government’s commitment to build 1.5 million homes and advance 150 major infrastructure project decisions, while also helping halt and reverse the decline of species and natural habitats.
A new Nature Restoration Fund is planned to enable developers to meet their environmental obligations more quickly and with greater impact.
The proposals set out three steps the government will take to help developers get building while delivering their environmental obligations in a more sensible and strategic way. Firstly, the government will lead a single strategic assessment and delivery plan for an area instead of an individual site...
Unlocking the full potential of digital and data
Adopting best practice in how data is captured, managed, and shared, will support the government’s goal to transform the public sector into a data-led organisation and deliver excellence in the delivery of digital-first public services
On October 1, 2024, The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) announced the formation of a 12-strong panel of digital professionals and academics who will help the government make better use of technology across the public sector.
The group, co-chaired by start-up founder Baroness Martha Lane Fox and Chair of the Central Digital and Data Office Paul Willmott, has been established to shape a ten-year vision for a ‘digital centre’ of government to drive innovation, transform services, improve lives, and unlock the full potential of digital and data.
The move follows three Cabinet Office and No.10 units joining DSIT to unite efforts in the digital transformation of public services under one department.
Opportunity to better serve citizens Driven by the tech-focused end-user experiences of firms such as Amazon and Uber, customers – or citizens - now expect
a similar user experience from the public sector as they do from the B2C world. This sentiment is echoed by one panel member, technology entrepreneur and co-founder of Darktrace, Poppy Gustafsson OBE. “It should be as easy to get support from public services as it now is to book a taxi ride or order your shopping online, and there is a huge opportunity for government to make greater use of technology to better serve citizens. Digital and AI can make government more human-scale, with personalised public services that puts power in citizens’ hands and gives people faster access to help and advice,” she said.
Challenge of data management
The challenge of effectively managing the ever-increasing flow of data in, around and out of their organisations - much of which is unstructured - embedded in emails, paper documents, online posts and more, presents the biggest hurdle to the public sector achieving its mission of delivering modern, reliable public services that benefit citizens.
Incoming correspondence, think electoral register forms, passport applications, driving licence applications, council tax statements and more, used to arrive in paper form only, however today, whilst paperbased inputs do still remain, there is also a deluge of digital inputs to be managed.
Another problem is that critical information which needs to be processed manually is often locked in with certain departments or
agencies and stored in disparate systems across the organisation. This needs to change. Information that isn’t integrated into centralised systems can’t be acted on.
Effective data capture is vital
The scale and complexity of data today needs an integrated approach and effective data capture is vital. Public sector bodies must take a holistic approach and have a plan in place to effectively manage the data chaos, which is most rampant at the threshold between physical and digital documents.
Where Kodak Alaris excels is in helping organisations to capture information from paper and other sources right at the point of origin. Accurate data capture is the first step in any digital transformation and is also arguably the most important component in terms of ensuring successful outcomes.
High quality images deliver accurate data
In order to extract reliable accurate data from documents and then process that information for delivery into business systems and workflows, it’s absolutely critical to capture high quality images. The better the image, the more accurate the captured data will be. Scanners from Kodak Alaris are renowned in the industry for their superior image quality. With Perfect Page technology, scanners from Kodak Alaris consistently produce high quality images that are better than the originals, and exceptional paper handling capabilities make
it easy to manage a wide variety of document types and sizes, which helps save critical time on document handling and preparation. Active Feed technology allows for mixed documents to be captured with ease and safely scanned. Pages don’t have to be perfectly aligned when placed in the scanner’s document feeder, as Active Feed Technology jogs the pages to align them for error-free scanning, reducing the need to rescan due to misfeeds caused by poor alignment. And Intelligent Document Protection monitors the condition of paper being scanned using ultrasonic sensors to ‘listen’ for problems and alert the user before jams or misfeeds occur. The scanners also come equipped with automatic barcode reading capabilities. By automatically extracting essential data such as citizen name, NI number, date of birth and address for example, staff don’t have to spend time manually inputting information which also reduces the risk of human error. By harnessing the right technology to advance digital transformation, every government department can benefit from quicker onboarding, accurate communication tracking and status updates in an instant, helping them support their citizens and communities more effectively. M
FURTHER INFORMATION
https://bit.ly/Kodak-Gov
Broadleaf Tree Services is a leading specialised tree surgery company based in the southeast. We are proud to be an Arboricultural Association approved contractor and have been serving Local/County Councils, Highways, Commercial, Utilities and the Domestic sectors in all aspects of professional tree management and services for over 20 years.
Our expert team of professional climbers, groundsmen and machine operators are fully trained to the highest industry standards. We have a wide range of knowledge in all aspects of tree care and maintenance which enables us to provide an excellent and professional service to our clients from start to finish.
We cover the entire Southeast of England, including London and the Home Counties.
National Tree Safety Group launches ‘Common Sense Risk Management of Trees’
Following an extensive review and revision process The National Tree Safety Group has launched its revised 2nd edition of Common Sense Risk Management of Trees
The National Tree Safety Group (NTSG)Drafting Group has worked for over three years in consultation with sector experts, refining and amending the document to provide the most up-to-date advice to landowners who are responsible for the management of trees under their control.
The National Tree Safety Group was formed in 2007 to bring together a cross-section of stakeholders with a shared interest in tree safety to assist those who own and have responsibility for trees, including householders with gardens, rural landowners and farmers, large charities,
public and private sector organisations, and local and national government.
The first edition of its guidance was published in December 2011 and has been widely accepted as a sector standard on how trees should be managed in the context of safety and how a landowner can fulfil their duty of care to staff, visitors and the general public. This 2nd edition builds on that work.
The drafting group comprised members of the following organisations who represent a wide cross section of the sectors at which the guidance is aimed: Arboricultural Association; E
Hertfordshire tree surgery specialists
F Simon Richmond, Treework Environmental Practice; Nev Fay, The London Tree Officers Association; Andy Tipping, Forest Research; Elaine Dick, Forestry Commission; Hilary Allison, NTSG Chair and Jim Smith.
Changes come with time
The first edition of this guidance supported a growing awareness among those duty holders of the need to check their trees and provided guidance on a widely accepted approach to managing risks from trees, based on sectorwide consultation. More than a decade on, the NTSG has taken stock of what has changed, such as the emergence of widespread tree disease, growing public activism and advocacy around the benefits of trees now reflected in government policy, and a number of new legal cases. There are reasons why trees require a specific and unique approach to safety management: as natural organisms they organically change from year to year. While tree diseases are not new, emerging pests and diseases have moved from being isolated problems to impacting a large percentage of the nation’s stock of trees.
This 2nd edition, comprising a Full Guidance Publication and a Summary document, is about an overall approach and lays out the principles behind tree risk management. Its scope is not prescriptive in dealing with tree pathology and failure. The Full Guidance Publication includes Scenarios providing examples of how trees can
Safety and human health are paramount
be managed in practice in different types of ownership and use. Safety and human health are paramount.
The Full Guidance Publication and the Summary are available to purchase as hard copy through the Arboricultural Association’s online bookshop and digital copies can be downloaded from the NTSG website.
Arboricultural Association chief executive officer John Parker said: “We’re really pleased to be strongly engaged with The National Tree Safety Group and assisting it to deliver its messages about better care for trees in the context of safety issues. It has never been more important for all those concerned with tree care to understand that the risks they pose must be balanced with all the benefits they provide.”
Ross Murray, the incoming NTSG chair and forestry commissioner, said: “I am indebted to all the members of the drafting group who worked so hard for so long on this 2nd edition. Their contribution has been instrumental in achieving a valuable tool for landowners who also own trees. I must especially mention Hilary Allison, Forestry Commissioner and Outgoing Chair of the NTSG who has championed the NTSG generally and steered the drafting group by providing high level support, encouragement and advice”. E
The Boward Tree Surgery team
F “The Forestry Commission has been a supporter of the NTSG since its inception and it continues to be so. I look forward to continuing the excellent work of Hilary and previous Chairs so the NTSG’s mission and guidance becomes second nature to all those whose land has trees growing on it”.
You can download the new NTSG Guidance for free here or buy hard copies here .
ARB Approved Contractors
Congratulations to Boward Tree Surgery (Oxford) Ltd for achieving the significant milestone of 40 years as an ARB Approved Contractor, the longest-serving company on the Scheme and the first to reach this anniversary. The Association has sent the team a certificate to mark the occasion, and we asked them to write about the company and its four decades as an ArbAC.
Like most medium-sized tree firms, the work we do at Boward Tree Surgery is incredibly varied. We have built a solid reputation over the years and enjoy established working relationships with many clients both domestic and commercial. Being based just outside Oxford, we work closely with the universities as well as the city council, schools and construction companies etc. Here at Boward Tree Surgery we pride ourselves on our heritage and long-standing history in the industry. We have a base of experience in our upper management gained through combined decades in arboriculture. Company founder and director Michael Boys set the company up in 1978 and we have been an Arb Approved Contractor since 1983. Having started out as a pioneering climber in the late ’60s when the industry was in its infancy, Mike has now (reluctantly!) stepped back from the tools and concentrates on consultancy.
Sam McCree became a director in 2014 and runs the company, having first worked for Boward on Saturdays when he was still at school. He then worked from the ground up, becoming lead climber before taking over the reins as managing director. Sam said, ‘When I got involved the foundations of a good company were there, largely due to Mike’s unparalleled work ethic over many years. It just needed modernising and adjusting as the company grew along with the arb industry as a whole. Mike is a bit of a local legend in “the tree world” and many people in the area have a story or two about his exploits in tree surgery. I will leave it at that!
We work closely with the universities as well as the city council, schools and construction companies
“Things are very different now, even since I started less than 20 years ago. There has been massive progression and development of best practice and methodology, not to mention the obvious health and safety aspects of what is an inherently dangerous profession. There is now an emphasis on mechanisation and risk assessment which may not have always been so prominent.
“Being an ARB Approved Contactor has many benefits to us, not least of all because of the work that is available exclusively to approved contractors. The Arb Association are also a constant source of information and resource to improve the company across all facets.
“Whilst we are always striving to make our work environment a safer place, I think it is important not to forget why most of us got into the industry in the first place, and why we suffer through the rain, the cold, the broken fences, the sawdust, the blunt chains, the late finishes and the broken-down chippers! We spend such
There has been massive progression and development of best practice and methodology
a large proportion of our lives at work, it seems obvious to look for something that you enjoy and this job can offer so much. There are a million ways to earn money that are easier than tree surgery, but, like most arbs will agree, it is a hell of a job.
ARB Approved Contractor is the only comprehensive accreditation scheme for professional tree surgery businesses in the United Kingdom. M
FURTHER INFORMATION
You can find your nearest Arb Approved Contractor here
Weed management for local authorities
The
Amenity Forum sets out how best to manage weeds in public places
Weed management is important for several reasons: aesthetics for one, but also to limit premature degradation of our urban environment through the damage of footpaths and structures. Additionally, weeds can create trip hazards, trap litter and compromise access for the public, especially those with pushchairs or mobility aids.
There are of course many ways in which this perennial problem can be approached, and unsurprisingly the solution is rarely as simple as selecting one solution and expecting it to solve every issue in every place.
Quite rightly there has been a push for land managers to explore what most recently have been described as Integrated Pest Management practices. As the name suggests, these pest management practices seek to combine the best and most appropriate tools to ensure that
the right results are achieved whilst controlling cost, but at the same time giving thought to environmental considerations.
Designing out weeds
The process starts long before the weeds grow. Thoughtful design can engineer out many of the opportunities for weed habitats to establish. Next time you stroll down the high street, or through your local park, observe where the weeds are growing. Invariably they will be at their most numerous in areas where detritus has collected as a consequence of there being little foot traffic, sharp angles within kerb runs and wall lines, or just poor materials selection. Should urban architects have the job of maintaining the spaces that they design, I suspect that we would see far more sweeping curves as well as considerably less block paving. The E
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Local authorities have a significant responsibility when it comes to the control of pests and weeds
F reality is that that modern urban design is now very much influenced by the need to be sustainable in its upkeep, but the vast majority of what we currently maintain is of an age where such considerations were not high on the agenda. Clearly local authorities have a significant responsibility when it comes to the control of pests and weeds within our villages, towns and cities. Not just on hard surfaces, but also within parks, cemeteries but also sports facilities such as pitches, both grass and artificial and also bowling greens and golf courses where turf needs to be nurtured to provide high quality playing surfaces. On top of this, invasive species that have become recognised as a significant problem in recent years and they also must be effectively managed.
Financial pressures
As we are all aware, in recent times councils have had very challenging conditions in which to operate, the financial pressures have been significant and delivering essential services has required careful budgeting in order to balance the books. It is for this reason that a recent Private Members’ Bill that has been introduced by Brighton MP Siân Berry ought to cause great concern. E
Season long residual weed
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what alternative weed control solutions might prove to be effective as an alternative to herbicide application. Notably Cardiff Council commissioned a scientific trial which E
Egholm launches the new Park Ranger 2155
Comfortable, customisable, and environmentally-conscious, the Park Ranger 2155 does it all, whatever your needs
Egholm proudly presents the new Park Ranger 2155 utility machine – an upgraded version of the well-known Park Ranger 2150. The Park Ranger 2155 now offers even more comfort, efficiency, and environmentally friendly operation. The Park Ranger 2155 is not just a utility machine – it’s a future-proof machine that delivers exceptional performance while being mindful of the environment. The Park Ranger 2155 adds to Egholm’s already established range of versatile, multi-purpose machines for sweeping, ground and winter care operations.
Drive with a clear conscience. Drive in comfort
The new Park Ranger 2155 is equipped with a reliable Stage V diesel engine, which not only meets the strictest European emission standards but can also run on HVO100 biodiesel, an ecofriendly CO2-reduced fuel solution.
With lower particle emissions, reduced noise levels, and improved fuel economy, the Park Ranger 2155 enables maintenance work to be carried out with environmental consideration –without compromising performance.
Enhanced comfort and functionality
The Park Ranger 2155 sets new standards for user-friendliness and comfort. Its articulated design ensures outstanding manoeuvrability, even in tight spaces.
Its compact size makes it ideal for use on lawns, where the lightweight construction minimises surface impact.
Operator comfort is prioritised with features like reduced vibrations, easy access to the driver’s seat, and intuitive control of the machine’s functions.
Change attachments in under four minutes
The Park Ranger 2155 is designed for versatility. With a wide range of 19 tailor-made attachments – from suction sweeper units and mowers to snow ploughs and salt and sand spreaders – it can handle a variety of outdoor maintenance tasks all year round.
Attachment changes take under four minutes and require no tools or heavy lifting, allowing operators to switch between tasks without wasting time.
New options
The new Park Ranger 2155 comes with a range of new options that make work both more efficient and comfortable: a rear-view camera with a colour screen, heated side mirrors, front LED working lights, a mechanical seat with armrests, flashlight, and a cup holder.
Danish design with a focus on quality
Egholm is known for delivering top-quality utility machines including the larger City Rangers 2260 and 3070, and the Park Ranger 2155 is no exception.
Manufactured in Denmark by skilled technicians, these machines are the result of innovative design and meticulous production.
All attachments are specially designed to ensure optimal balance and performance, allowing operators to deliver first-class results every day. M
F assessed the viability of two alternatives to the glyphosate-based approach used by the majority of local authorities in the UK. It found that glyphosate has a smaller overall environmental footprint than the two alternatives trialled, which were acetic acid (a highly concentrated vinegar) and a hot foam treatment (a plant-based product which combines hot water with a biodegradable foam). The report can be found online but
suffice to say the results point very clearly to alternatives being heavily compromised.
Integrated approach
So, what should an integrated approach look like? Aside from the aforementioned considerations relating to urban design, there are other key elements that are important, these include: identifying the issue; monitoring its extent; establishing action thresholds; exploring treatment options or combinations thereof; and valuating results.
What is important is to consider sustainability. In reality, that means taking actions that can be sustained without causing detrimental impacts on our environment. Sustainability doesn’t require the blunt instrument that a wholesale ban on the use of very well-regulated plant protection products would be. Instead, what it requires is the deployment of a well-considered regime that draws upon the best elements of practice to control the establishment of weed populations before using the most effective tools to deal with them when they occur.
Let’s hope that when the bill enters its future stages, science and genuine sustainability are what drives the outcome. L
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Housing, health and pests: infestations as indicators of systemic substandard living conditions
One of the key insights from the Labour Party Conference 2024 was that housing challenges do not exist in isolation, writes Jordan McCay, policy and campaigns officer at British Pest Control Association (BPCA)
Having attended the Labour Party Conference 2024, a common theme emerged from the overwhelming number of discussions focused on addressing the UK’s housing crisis.
From panel sessions featuring MPs, housing associations, and social welfare charities, one unifying message quickly became clear - the urgent need to build more homes, maintain existing housing stock, and tackle the broader social disadvantages tied to poor housing conditions.
One of the key insights from the conference was that housing challenges ripple into critical areas such as health, education, and employment.
BPCA’s expertise in pest management complements these discussions, as pest infestations often serve as symptoms and amplifiers of underlying housing problems. Recognising pests as indicators of broader systemic issues enables policymakers, landlords, and communities to address the root causes of substandard living conditions.
Housing as a cornerstone of wellbeing
The conference highlighted how poor housing quality has a cascading effect on individuals and families.
Substandard homes often contribute to severe health problems, including respiratory issues caused by damp and mould, mental health challenges stemming from overcrowding and stress, and diseases spread by pests.
Pest issues are extremely common in social homes due to chronic lack of funding leading to poor maintenance and few long-term strategies being put in place to control infestations.
Latest figures reveal that Scotland’s housing repairs backlog has reached nearly £6m, while the number of social housing tenants taking rat complaints to the Ombudsman has risen tenfold in the past four years, from 71 complaints in 2019/20, to 759 in 2022/23.
Children living in unstable or unsafe housing are particularly vulnerable. Frequent relocations or housing-related health issues can lead to school absences and difficulty focusing, which jeopardises their education and future opportunities.
For adults, poor housing conditions can affect the ability to maintain steady employment. Housing-related stress, numerous moves, and illnesses tied to substandard living environments create barriers to stability.
The conference made it clear that investment in housing must go beyond increasing supply. Ensuring quality and maintenance of existing homes is equally critical.
Poorly maintained homes often have cracks in walls and foundations that allow rodents such as rats and mice to enter
BPCA’s work underscores the importance of addressing pest infestations as part of these broader efforts, as pest control plays a crucial role in improving public health and overall living conditions.
Pests as indicators of housing problems
Pests are not just nuisances; they often signal deeper structural and environmental issues within a property.
Infestations typically arise when housing conditions deteriorate, pointing to problems like dampness, waste mismanagement, or overcrowding.
Damp and structural damage are among the most common issues leading to pest infestations.
Poorly maintained homes often have cracks in walls and foundations that allow rodents such as rats and mice to enter.
These pests not only highlight neglect but also carry harmful diseases like leptospirosis and salmonella, posing serious health risks to residents.
Moisture-loving pests like silverfish, woodlice, and fungus gnats thrive in damp conditions caused by leaking roofs, poor ventilation, or faulty plumbing. E
Overcrowding also increases the likelihood of pest-borne diseases spreading within tightly packed living spaces
F These pests serve as warning signs of maintenance issues that, if left unaddressed, can lead to costly repairs for landlords and local authorities.
Waste mismanagement is another major contributor to pest problems. Overflowing bins and poorly maintained communal spaces attract pests such as cockroaches, flies, and rats.
Cockroach allergens, found in their droppings and shed skin, can exacerbate asthma and other respiratory conditions, particularly in children.
In urban areas with insufficient waste facilities, infestations become more likely, creating public health hazards and further reducing residents’ quality of life.
Overcrowded housing exacerbates pest problems, as increased waste production, connected properties and higher humidity create ideal conditions for infestations.
Bed bugs are particularly associated with overcrowded rental properties. Their bites can cause allergic reactions, insomnia, and significant psychological stress, particularly for families who feel powerless to resolve the problem.
Overcrowding also increases the likelihood of pest-borne diseases spreading within tightly packed living spaces.
The social and economic impact of pests
Pest infestations intensify the challenges faced by residents in substandard housing.
The health risks discussed further endanger the wellbeing of residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and low-income families who cannot afford professional pest control.
The financial burden of pest control often falls on tenants, adding further strain to households already struggling with poor living conditions.
Additionally, the social stigma of living with pests can lead to isolation, embarrassment, and a decline in mental health, particularly for families with young children.
These combined factors mean that people often attempt DIY pest control, which is usually ineffective and occasionally dangerous.
This can lead to infestations growing out of control and spreading to neighbouring properties, and a more expensive pest problem that when it began.
Proactive solutions for better housing
The conference underscored the importance of proactive solutions to tackle housing challenges, however, failed to stress the importance of professional pest control in the housing dilemma.
Addressing the root causes of infestations, such as dampness, waste mismanagement, and overcrowding, is essential for improving housing quality and protecting public health.
Regular property inspections can identify and resolve maintenance issues before they lead to infestations.
Landlords must also be held accountable for maintaining pest-free housing, ensuring tenants do not bear the cost of neglect.
Community education plays a vital role, empowering residents with knowledge about pest prevention and clear reporting channels to address problems swiftly.
Integrating pest management into housing policy is essential. Pests are often the visible manifestation of deeper systemic failings, and addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach.
BPCA views pest control as a critical component of public health and housing strategy, ensuring all residents have access to safe and dignified living conditions, and remains committed to advocating for pest control as part of the national housing conversation.
Pests are often the visible manifestation of deeper systemic failings
Tackling pests as indicators of housing quality is not just about improving living standards but about ensuring that everyone, regardless of income or circumstance, has the right to a safe, healthy home.
In its manifesto released last summer, BPCA set out the disease, distress and destruction that can be caused by public health pests and the role its members have in preventing and tackling pest-related problems that can have direct negative impacts on people’s lives.
Read the manifesto at bpca.org.uk/policy
BPCA members are trained, experienced professionals who are regularly assessed to the British Standard in Pest Management BS EN 16636 and endorsed by the Government via the TrustMark quality scheme.
Professional pest controllers can be found here. M
bpca.org.uk
Hand Placed Concrete Bagwork MSE Soil Filled Bagwork
Biodegradable bags and liners enabling the hand placement of concrete in and around watercourses.
The real savings are not in material costs, but in the time saved in having a ready-to-install product, and not having to dewater the watercourse to place the bagwork.
SoluForm MSE Bagwork is supplied pre-filled with a high quality sand rich topsoil, supplied in a form that is ready to use and assemble on site once it arrives.
It aims to establish and promote vegetation growth on, and inside the bagwork, giving the bagwork structure an improved appearance.
Flooding in a changing world environment
The Property Care Association takes a look at why flooding is becoming worse and more frequent and how we can mitigate this risk
The volume of water on our planet has not changed for eons. Water may change its form from a solid to a liquid to vapour. It cannot be added to or taken away and is therefore a closed system. Flood events globally have evidently become more frequent, but the alarming aspect is the volume and intensity of the flood water is increasing. According to studies, both flash floods and prolonged flooding have become more common, impacting both urban and rural communities. The changing climate exacerbates extreme weather patterns, with more frequent
and intense rainfall events, rising sea levels, and altered seasonal patterns that make certain regions more prone to flooding. Urban expansion, with inadequate drainage systems and reduced green spaces, also amplifies flood risks.
There are several significant factors behind the increased flooding.
Global temperature rise
As global temperatures increase, so does the rate at which polar ice melts, contributing to E
Surrey Basements design and install all aspects of waterproofing to BS8102:2022 the British standard.
We are CSSW surveyors and members of the Property Care Association (PCA) as a waterproofing design specialist. All aspects of basement works considered.
F rising sea levels. Coastal and low-lying areas are at higher risk of experiencing severe flooding due to sea level rise, which also contributes to more intense storm surges during hurricanes and typhoons.
Arctic amplification
The Arctic is warming about twice as fast as the global average, a phenomenon known as Arctic amplification. This rapid warming reduces the temperature difference between the colder polar regions and warmer mid-latitudes. This impacts on the air pressure at higher atmospheric levels.
Jet stream
The jet stream’s strength depends on the temperature contrast between the poles and mid-latitudes. With a smaller gradient due to Arctic warming, the jet stream weakens and slows down. Jet streams that meander due to reducing temperature contrast can lead to blocking patterns that can trap a weather system in place for extended periods. Low
We must mitigate against the impacts of flooding and flood events
pressure trapped systems are often linked to a flood event. Conversely, a persistent high-pressure ridge can result in prolonged heatwaves and drought conditions. The jet stream’s variability can lead to unusual seasonal weather patterns. Spring can sometimes be colder than usual, or summer can start late in some areas, impacting agriculture, ecosystems, and local economies.
Changes in sea level pressure
The warming of ocean surface waters influences sea level pressure (SLP). For example, a warmer ocean surface lowers the sea level pressure above it, which can lead to more intense lowpressure systems over oceans. This change has implications for storm formation, particularly tropical cyclones (hurricanes and typhoons), E
A flood risk assessor should carry out a vulnerability assessment
F which develop over low-pressure areas with warm, moist air. Warmer sea surfaces are thus linked to more intense storms with lower central pressures and stronger winds.
Enhanced storm intensity
Lower barometric pressures in tropical systems (due to warmer sea surface temperatures) can intensify storms, leading to more destructive hurricanes and typhoons. Lower pressure in these systems allows more air to converge and rise, fuelling the storm, increasing wind speeds and rainfall intensity.
The balance of global weather patterns has changed in a relativity brief period. This means that the natural water cycle begins to stutter. Increasing evaporation rates due to higher temperatures and greater surface areas of bodies of water mean that the warmer air holds significantly more water vapour, so when condensation occurs over land, the volume of precipitation and lower air pressures can very quickly overwhelm natural geographical pathways and drainage systems, leading to the flooding of coastlines, inland rivers and waterways (fluvial) Increasingly, because of urbanisation, flash flooding (pluvial) is a now a major concern. Internationally, governments are attempting to lower the global temperatures through various organisations and committees. However, their
attempts to agree and reduce our current position will take many years to reverse and return global temperatures to an acceptable level. So, in the meantime, we must mitigate against the impacts of flooding and flood events. This does not just mean rebuilding or restoring buildings and construction after an event but, we need to protect our communities by providing them with earlier warning of a potential flood to allow building owners time to provide planned protection to their property prior to an event to minimise damage and therefore reduce recovery time after flood water has subsided. Also in areas of high risk of flooding, safe evacuation needs to be addressed and delivered to the emergency services.
Mitigation of flood risk assessment and strategies
An assessment of flood risk is therefore critical to understanding the potential impact to vulnerable high-risk areas within known flood zones. This is addressed at present through various authorities and organisations but needs to be extended to an individual property level. This would provide the property owner solutions to make their buildings more resilient and provide faster recovery time after a flood. The FloodRe second quinquennial report indicated that there is a shortage of competent surveyors in this field and more are required. A competent flood risk assessor should be able to analyse historical data and predictive modelling: reviewing historical flood data helps to predict future risks. Advanced predictive models, which factor in climate change
projections, are essential for understanding how flooding may occur.
They should be able to map flood zones: identifying areas prone to flooding (both coastal and fluvial and pluvial) can help in proactive planning. These maps are vital for city planners, developers, and policymakers in designing infrastructure and land use that account for potential flood scenarios.
A flood risk assessor should carry out a vulnerability assessment: this assesses which areas, communities, and infrastructures are most vulnerable to flooding based on geographic, economic, and social factors. Identifying vulnerable populations, such as those in low-income areas or with limited access to emergency resources, is essential for effective disaster planning.
Property controlling measures –resistance, resilience, and recovery
Analysing the risk potential would then lead to a mitigating design for property resilience against an anticipated flood event. This would need to incorporate the following framework.
Resistance : this focuses on preventing flood water from entering a structure or area. Examples include building flood barriers, levees, and dams, as well as raising building foundations above expected flood levels. Creating water-retentive urban infrastructure, like green roofs and permeable pavements, can help in flood resistance.
Resilience : resilience involves designing infrastructure and landscapes that can endure flooding with minimal long-term impact. For
The probability of flooding and flood events is likely to increases over the next decade
instance, flood-resilient building materials and flood-proof utilities can allow for quicker restoration. Resilience also extends to creating community preparedness programs and ensuring rapid access to emergency services during flood events.
Recovery : recovery strategies focus on the aftermath of a flood, aiming to return the community to normal as quickly as possible. This includes fast-tracking repairs and reconstruction, providing financial aid to affected individuals, and restoring essential services like water, power, and healthcare. Community support systems and governmental relief efforts are key for effective flood recovery. Implementing such a comprehensive flood risk analysis and building design strategy statement emphasising communities can enable better adaption to increasing flood risks before a flood occurrence.
The government has implemented a significant building strategy. Planning authorities will be under pressure to allow these homes to be built in ever increasing flood zones. By assessing a buildings flood risk at a design construction stage, these homes can be constructed with resilience.
The probability of flooding and flood events is likely to increases over the next decade. If nothing is done, property owners will face the full costs of restoring their homes as insurers are less likely to cover the rising costs of building repairs in areas of high risk of flood occurrence.
Around the country, we have a number of flood projects which are doing brilliant work to minimise the effects of flooding in flood zones. However a more coordinated informative and planned approach through trained building assessors accessing the all the guidance and resources developed by these projects will minimise the initial impact damage on a property, reduce restoration costs through resilience and lessen the devastating and frightening effects of flood water to communities and individuals.
Training - what should it be?
Matthew Ferrin, digital project manager at BICSc explains how to get the most out of training staff
I recently attended a conference centred around youth employment. The event had some fantastic speakers who promoted the need for companies to invest in youth, training and progression. It was a great day out, but most of all, it sparked some thoughts on what training really should be.
Training brings results
Now, I’m sure it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that training needs to work for a business. It must supply proven results, either through
increased productivity, improved employee engagement or increased employee retention. There needs to be a genuine business case. And when businesses in the cleaning industry are having their budget squeezed ever more, training becomes a struggle to maintain and deliver.
But if we can for one moment separate from the financial implication of such training costs, I thought that it might be good for us to discuss the benefits of training and why it should be considered by all companies. E
F Training for the employee’s benefit
We first need to understand that training should be useful to the employee and not just the company. Offering training to an employee to enable them to work more effectively is of course a main priority, but perhaps we should understand what the employee would find
We first need to understand that training should be useful to the employee and not just the company
useful to learn more about. Does that employee wish to progress with your company? Do they wish to undertake some training which will help to develop them?
Consider the fact that training is important to your staff. It pushes them to be better, it empowers them with further skill, and it provides confidence in their ability. It also really makes people feel seen, something of huge importance, which can often be forgotten. Remember you are dealing with people and not just numbers on a spreadsheet, so show that you recognise this and present opportunities to train and to progress.
With limited job growth and development being one of the top reasons people leave jobs, it’s too risky to leave your staff out in the cold. So, push them to unlock their talents and keep them onboard.
Training for the business
It is also worth acknowledging the fact that many people simply do not wish to be trained. E
Our aim is to offer the best possible standards available across all the services we offer, drawing from our experience in the relevant sectors. Top quality customer service, managing customer expectations the correct way and our work completed to the highest standard.
We have built a team of well trained and well engaged employees, from cleaners to pest control operatives, highly skilled mobile area supervisors to tradesmen and women.
You will want to train your employees to ensure they can confidently perform the tasks they are set
F Some are set in their ways and do not wish to change. For these situations, we need to relay the fact that everyone can improve upon what they do. And that training is not simply there to push up their productivity. It is there to support them and give them assurance in what they do. It’s also going to make their life a lot simpler if they pick something up from the
training session and there’s rarely a negative to be shown different solutions to problems.
If we look at training from the side of a business, it is a little bit different in terms of what you want to achieve from it. You will want to train your employees to ensure they can confidently perform the tasks they are set. Through clear and concise training, your employees will gain skills which allow them to effortlessly go about their working day.
Picking the right trainer
For the business, you must ensure that you have a trainer who is passionate about what they are teaching. I’m sure we can all relate to the story E
Our Expertise and Current Partnerships
We are proud to have successfully partnered with Croydon Council, providing estate maintenance services and cleaning solutions for vulnerable adults through their Staying Putt and Sheltered Bloc Estate Management programs.
Our services include but are not limited to:
Routine cleaning and upkeep of communal spaces, stairwells, hallways, and outdoor areas to ensure a clean and safe environment including estate gardening.
Compassionate and respectful cleaning services tailored to the unique needs of vulnerable individuals, ensuring dignity and safety in their living spaces.
Intensive cleaning services to restore homes and communal areas to a pristine condition. Sensitive and thorough services to declutter and clean properties affected by hoarding, in compliance with safety and health regulations.
We adhere strictly to all relevant health and safety regulations, including COSHH standards and we are committed to delivering environmentally sustainable services as well as collaborating closely with our clients to create bespoke cleaning schedules that meet specific requirements for IPC and CQC regulations, this helps us keep minimal disruption to residents.
Through our work with the above and other clients such as Abingdon school (SEN) and Practice Plus Group, we have demonstrated our ability to deliver exceptional results on time and within budget.
Practice plus group – health in justice (HMP)
Cleaning for Vulnerable Adults
Blitz Cleans
Hoarding Removal and Cleans
Estate Maintenance
CLEAN GP SURGERIES
F of a schoolteacher from your school whose heart clearly was not in it. I can think of a few from when I was at school. All it did for me was make me lose interest and kill any want to learn. But years later, I would need to learn about a certain subject or process, and I would suddenly find it interesting and would be able to take on board the teachings. The difference? Learning from someone who had interest, passion and a skill for training/teaching. My point here is simple: ensure your trainers want to be there. Ensure they have an interest in being a trainer. And make sure they have your employees engaged.
Top-class training
At BICSc, we pride ourselves on delivering top-class training which works for both the employee and the company, allowing both sides to receive training which improves and builds on the trainee’s skill set. BICSc have in place a group of trainers who can deliver informative and engaging learning. We have built a catalogue of training courses which are available face-to-face or online. This gives the E
Ensure your trainers want to be there. Ensure they have an interest in being a trainer. And make sure they have your employees engaged
Transforming workplaces with superior cleaning services
importance of a pristine, hygienic environment for both employees and clients.
As a BICSc accredited company, we offer topnotch commercial cleaning services tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses and government offices. Our team of trained professionals is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
Reliable and Professional: Our experienced team ensures consistent, thorough cleaning services.
plans to fit your specific requirements.
Eco-Friendly Products: We use environmentally friendly products to ensure a safe and healthy workspace.
Competitive Pricing: Highquality cleaning services at affordable rates.
At Frontline Cleaners Express Ltd, we understand the
Customised Solutions: We provide bespoke cleaning
Lowering cleaning costs through efficiency
The labour cost of any cleaning contract is the most expensive element. It makes sense to tackle efficiency here. At High Shine, we maximise our staff efficiency with good training, equipment and creative thinking of the job spec.
Identifying high and low traffic areas allows for a more targeted spec when setting up a new contract or reformatting an existing one.
High Shine became a nationwide service provider
back in mid-2023 after having been awarded contracts spread across the UK.
At the time we were challenged with providing cleaning services to large retail stores on limited number of days and hours whilst still providing a clean, fresh environment for customers and staff. This at first seemed daunting. However, we soon put together a working formula that we found easily transferable to other sites. This, combined with regular quality audits emailed directly to the client in real-time, satisfying accountability and providing a proactive approach
gave the space to tweak and refine the contract further.
‘Lowering costs through efficiency’ is a phrase we cannot get tired of.
Efficiency allows for the potential reduction in overall cost or allows for better weighting of the schedule.
Consultation with our clients is an important factor when seeking efficiency in the schedule. Office Managers have differing levels of acceptance and it is our job to discover what that is and deliver a service inline with those expectations. M
FURTHER INFORMATION
Find out more here.
BICSc have in place a group of trainers who can deliver informative and engaging learning. We have built a catalogue of training courses
F choice of preference to trainees and enables them to feel more comfortable in their training setting.
If you would like to find out more about BICSc training and what we offer, you can read our full
training prospectus. This brochure details our skills training (these are cleaning skills to help you build upon your cleaning competency) and our Cleanlogic courses (these are supervisor and management level courses to supply you with technical knowledge). You can find the prospectus here
We are ever expanding our catalogue, and we are now improving upon our existing courses with accessibility options. So it’s worth checking our courses when you can! M
FURTHER INFORMATION
www.bics.org.uk
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Future-proof your energy solutions with hydrogen-ready systems
Combined heat and power: the way to net zero by 2050?
GB looks at how combined heat and power is being used in the public sector and its benefits
What is combined heat and power?
Combined heat and power (CHP), sometimes referred to as cogeneration, is a process that captures and utilises heat that is a byproduct of generating electricity, effectively using one fuel source for two processes. The usuallywasted thermal energy is then used to provide buildings with hot water, heating, and can even cool them, alongside generating electricity. In turn, this makes CHP incredibly efficient (up to 90 per cent) compared to traditional energygenerating methods that rely on a power station and a boiler, which have an average efficiency of only 52 per cent.
CHP has become incredibly popular within the last two decades; in 2023, there were 2099 CHP sites across the UK, which represented 7.6 per cent of total electricity generation.
This is no surprise given that CHP is both financially advantageous, and favourable for the environment, and is a particularly attractive investment for public sector properties, many of which require a constant, reliable source of energy. CHP, not relying on an external power plant for electricity, is especially attractive for hospitals and university buildings, which require round-the-clock powering.
What are the benefits of CHP?
Highly efficient, CHP uses little fuel, produces less greenhouse gas than traditional energygenerating methods, and is incredibly economical. Unlike a centralised power station, CHP generates power onsite, separate from the public energy network, which increases fuel security, as well as reducing energy lost E
F through transportation and distribution. By generating their own electricity, public sector organisations can reduce their dependence on a large grid and avoid the risk of power outages, especially critical for hospital buildings.
For many organisations, CHP is the initiative that offers the biggest change to both energy costs and environmental impact, with a payback period of less than five years. Generating heat and electricity together can reduce carbon emissions by up to 30 per cent , and users of CHP typically save around 20 per cent of their energy costs. This is particularly significant as the public sector’s annual energy bill is approximately £3.4 billion annually, and the 2020 Energy White Paper shows that public sector buildings account for nine per cent of the UK’s emissions from buildings. Alongside huge energy savings, organisations and individuals alike can reap the benefits for a plethora of government initiatives, schemes, and levies, that promote the use of CHP as part of the wider mission to decarbonise the nation’s energy by making it a more affordable investment for all.
A potentially lucrative benefit of CHP is that, even when fossil fuels are used, emissions are still reduced. In 2020 alone, CHP lowered UK emissions by 3.5 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e), even though natural gas accounted for 72 per cent of the UK CHP fuel mix that year. Greener strategies, however, like biomass and hydrogen, are on the rise, with a record 17 per cent of CHP fuel mix being renewable in 2023, and harmful gases released by landfills and sewage treatment plants can be harnessed and used in CHP processes.
Generating heat and electricity together can reduce carbon emissions by up to 30 per cent
It is important to note, however, that the movement towards decarbonising entirely is still paramount to the UK’s roadmap towards net zero. An analysis found that CHP would continue to deliver carbon savings throughout the 2020s, but from 2032, CHP methods using fossil fuels would start to increase emissions. A fossil fuel CHP plant established until 2023 would deliver carbon savings over its lifetime (10-20 years, on average), but those deployed later would not. It is especially imperative, then, in 2024, that new CHP plants and strategies increasingly turn towards renewable fuel mixes if they wish to continue to harvest carbon savings, in order to reach net zero by 2050.
CHP and the public sector
With the public sector’s annual energy bill being so high, and the NHS accounting for roughly 30 per cent of it, CHP is a particularly attractive strategy for public sector buildings, with 70 per cent of applications being in hospitals, universities, and residential housing in 2020. CHP can be deployed quickly, effectively, and with few geographical limitations, and is best suited in environments that require a significant and continuous energy source. CHP can give peace of mind to healthcare professionals, policymakers, E
F and councils who can depend on its on-site energy generation.
In 2016, Lord Carter published the report ‘ Operational productivity and performance in English NHS acute hospitals’, which emphasised the potential to save £1.275 billion by increasing efficiency across the estate. Following his report, total NHS expenses for occupying and operating buildings have decreased to £11.9 billion in 2022-23, which was made possible by more than 1,850 energy efficiency schemes deployed across NHS estates since 2018, some of these savings driven by CHP units. 81 new CHP units were installed, and in 2022-23, the NHS reported 3.3 kWh of thermal and electrical energy produced by CHP units. By the 2022-23 tax year, there were 223 CHP units across all UK NHS trusts.
A 2019 report by the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) highlighted that should the UK wish to reach net zero on greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, as implemented into legislation in 2019, emissions from heating buildings would need to be reduced to almost zero. As it stands, UK housing accounts for more than 40 per cent of the country’s carbon
Switching to a greener method of energy production often comes at a high cost
emissions, and so heat networks could have huge potential for carbon savings, many of which are driven by CHP. In 2020, 14,000 heat networks met the energy needs of just under half a million customers across the nation, and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has suggested that heat networks could meet the heat demand of 17 per cent of the UK homes and 24 per cent of commercial and public sector buildings by 2050, with 32 per cent of these fuelled by gasfired CHP. However, the government notes that as the UK’s electricity production becomes increasingly decarbonised, CO2 savings from CHP will decline unless renewable fuels replace non-renewable ones.
Government
CHP initiatives
Switching to a greener method of energy production often comes at a high cost, and so the government has announced many schemes to incentivise organisations to make more environmentally-conscious decisions for their heating and electric needs, without facing a huge financial hit.
The Climate Change Levy is a tax automatically charged to businesses’ energy bills to encourage them to cut their energy consumption and related emissions. Businesses are charged per unit of natural gas and grid electricity, but ethical energy consumption through CHP rewards favourable treatment and reduced taxes. If a CHP system meets
the Combined Heat and Power Quality Assurance Programme (CHPQA – a government initiative for assessing energy efficiency and environmental performance in CHP schemes), they will be exempt from paying. Those that are just below ‘Good Quality’ can still apply to have reductions on their charges.
The GQCHP scheme itself has been a huge motivator in encouraging organisations to adopt low-carbon CHP strategies, as in 2001 (the year GQCHP was introduced), renewable electricity accounted for just 2.6 per cent of all UK electricity generated, but in 2018 this had increased to 33 per cent. That same year, CHPQA Certified CHP accounted for 92 per cent of UK CHP capacity.
The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, financed by Salix, is a government scheme that aims to help public sector organisations reduce emissions from their buildings, and offers grants for decarbonising heating systems and enhanced energy efficiency, including low-carbon CHP programmes. Phase 4 of the scheme opened in October 2024 to cover funding for 2025-28 projects, and a successful CHP operation was put into place in Phase 1 at the Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, where a CHP system replaced coal-fired boilers.
Another project delivered by Salix, the Low Carbon Skills Fund awards investment to help the public sector identity carbon heat upgrade projects, and provides grants for
It is clear that the future of CHP cannot for much longer involve non-renewable fuel sources
expert advice and skills needed to decarbonise the public sector, including effective, low-carbon CHP projects. Phase 5 of the Public Sector Low Carbon Skills Fund had up to £16 million available for decarbonisation projects, and will be delivered in 2024-25.
The future of CHP
While the benefits of CHP over the last two decades cannot be understated, as CHP has resulted in huge carbon and financial savings across the nation for individuals and organisations alike, it is clear that the future of CHP cannot for much longer involve nonrenewable fuel sources. Although carbon savings for natural gas CHP systems have contributed to the UK’s mission towards net zero, as the UK becomes more and more decarbonised, these savings will start to reduce their impact and become less, hampering the UK’s mission. Just as renewable energy sources will pave the way for all energy production in the UK, they will also be key in the future of CHP, as well as the untapped potential of hydrogen. L
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• Charging points up and running in Germany, Sweden, Spain, Poland, France and now in the UK.
• Built- in parking sensor to detect nuisance parking.
• Integrated 6.5 meters retractable cable for convinience, security and to minimise trip hazards.
Our AI location algorithm, mobile app navigation with live status and reservation function round off the solution.
Learning from Dundee’s electrification success
Dundee City Council’s Fraser Crichton shares his work to transform the council fleet to electric, as well as help make Dundee one of the UK’s leading EV-friendly cities
As corporate fleet manager for Dundee City Council, I have been at the forefront of Dundee’s transition to becoming one of the UK’s leading EV cities. With over two decades at Dundee City Council, starting as a Transport Officer, my commitment to transforming transportation began thirteen years ago with an air quality meeting that shed light onto Dundee’s severe air quality issues.
Critically, we learned that Dundee’s transportation system accounts for 35 per cent of Dundee’s carbon emissions. As Scotland’s fourth largest city, Dundee’s unique topography
in the bowl of an eroded volcano traps pollutants, resulting in some of the most polluted streets in the country. This issue, along with the first delivery of Nissan Leafs, kick-started Dundee’s mission for cleaner air and the transition from ICE to e-mobility.
Today, Dundee has one of the largest EV fleets of any authority in the UK, with 223 vehicles making up 30 per cent of our whole fleet. This is facilitated by an extensive network of electric vehicle charging hubs and infrastructure covering the city. E
F How did we get here?
Dundee began its electric journey with its own council fleet. Dundee added the first fully electric vehicles into our fleet in 2011, beginning with four Nissan Leafs - the first EV we had seen that could rival a diesel engine. It was a slow but steady uptake, and it took two to three years for us to have added 20-30 EVs into the council fleet.
Realising the council’s limits, we knew we had to explore other tactics in order to employ our strategy across the whole city. Inspired by a visit to Oslo, we began to shift our thinking to consider energy first and the vehicles second. We refocused on the concept of hub charging using renewable energy in order to electrify Dundee’s taxi fleet – one of the most significant contributors to air pollution in Dundee.
Rather than forcing the taxis to go electric, we offered incentives. This included a £10 reduction in the taxi test fee for EV vehicles and low tariffs. This has led to 35 per cent of taxis and private hire vehicles now being electric. In order to cater for long taxi journeys, we expanded regionally, putting charging infrastructure in hospitals and other authority buildings across
By early 2021, our council electric fleet consisted of over 100 cars
Scotland. Through regular and open discussion with the taxi liaison committee, it was agreed that all new private hire vehicles in Dundee must be electric. Having a large, new sector of Dundee advocating for EVs was a significant stepping stone.
By early 2021, our council electric fleet consisted of over 100 cars, two minibuses, a large mechanical street sweeper - and two 26tonne RCVs, the first fully-electric bin lorries in Scotland (named ‘Bin Diesel and Leonardo Di Charge-io’). By 2030, all 36 bin lorries will be converted to electric, saving an estimated 720,000 kg of CO2.
The council’s all-electric fleet has now travelled over 5.6 million miles, saving an incredible 250,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide. Successfully on the road to electrifying the council fleet, we turned our attention to finding EV solutions for the wider city. E
F Making Dundee an EV-friendly city
We learned many valuable lessons in the thirteen years, which were key drivers in transforming Dundee into an EV friendly city.
Dundee became one of the UK’s leading EV cities by developing a strategy that looked beyond the council to encompass businesses and residents city-wide. We took a holistic approach, partnering with industry leaders in both the public and private sector.
Our four innovative public charging hubs demonstrate successful partner collaborations. At our Clepington Road hub, we collaborated with SWARCO, Connected Energy and Envevo to create a groundbreaking ‘second life’ battery
We also partnered with Bluewater to provide ‘worldfirst’ rainwater harvesting technology, allowing EV drivers access to clean drinking water for free
system that captures excess solar and charges from the grid at off-peak times when tariffs are cheaper. We also partnered with Bluewater to provide ‘world-first’ rainwater harvesting technology, allowing EV drivers access to clean drinking water for free. In addition, we recently unveiled Europe’s first retractable chargers in Dundee, in partnership with Urban Fox. Their UE One auto retracts flush with the ground when not in use, ensuring pavements remain clear and reducing trip hazards.
Other private-public collaboration projects include providing charging points for Ember, the UK’s first all electric inner-city bus service. This service provides the public with an option for green, peaceful travel and helps drive Dundee further towards an electric future.
Ensuring accessibility for all EV drivers
A key aim for us was to ensure that Dundee’s EV charging infrastructure is inclusive for all. Vauxhall’s recent study revealed that just two per cent of on street chargers meet accessibility guidelines, a shocking statistic that highlights E
ISUZU D-MAX: The Ideal Workhorse
Whether on-road cruising, off-road grafting, or a mixture of the two, the Isuzu D-Max’s three models cater for all personal and professional needs
The Isuzu D-Max range has been a popular choice since its launch, satisfying the needs of fleet managers and families alike with its stylish design and SUV-level comfort. The D-Max is a versatile vehicle that boasts impressive capability, durability, and reliability, enabling it to handle any situation.
Kicking off 2025 in style, The Pick-Up Professionals have won three awards already, receiving ‘Best Range & Best Back Up’ from Overlander 4x4, and most recently ‘Pick Up of the Year’ from Company Car and Van. Bringing strong momentum into the new year, Isuzu is readying for the latest version of the D-Max to hit the market.
With versatility in mind, Isuzu splits its models into three ranges:
Business
Engineered for tough work environments, featuring Hill Start Assist, 4WD, ergonomic comfort, and smart safety features like trailer sway control.
All-Purpose
Balancing durability with comfort, these models introduce differential lock as standard, as well as refined interiors, leather upholstery on the DL40, and advanced technology for both professional and personal use.
Adventure
For those seeking top-end capability and premium feel, with its leather upholstery and 9” infotainment unit, the D-Max is the ultimate combination of style and substance.
Coming fully equipped for any task, the versatile Isuzu D-Max is designed for both onroad cruising and off-road grafting. It comes with a fast-engaging shift-on-the-fly 4WD system, high approach angles, and hill decent control.
With 360Nm of torque, a one-tonne payload and a 3.5-tonne towing capacity, the Isuzu D-Max is built for business, ready to get its hands dirty in hauling equipment and trailers.
Furthermore, Isuzu UK is supporting fleets with its Fleet Conversion Centre in Sheerness. The Fleet Conversion Centre aims to maximise the Isuzu D-Max experience, by offering complete solutions which customise the vehicle according to its purposes within a business, whether that be a sole trader, medium-sized organisation, or national company. As an approved government supplier, the facility offers pick-up conversions, livery, and fleet solutions all under one roof. Every purchase comes with a five-year/125,000mile warranty, five-year roadside assistance, and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. A five-star Euro NCAP rating proves why the Isuzu D-Max is the reliable go-to option for fleets.
For more information on the Isuzu D-Max please visit www.isuzu.co.uk or find your nearest dealer at www.isuzu.co.uk/find-a-dealer. M
www.isuzu.co.uk www.isuzu.co.uk/find-a-dealer
One
of the main obstacles to Dundee’s EV transformation has been public perception
F the extent of the issue the EV industry has with accessibility. Guided by the BSI PAS 1899:2022 standard for accessible charging infrastructure, Dundee had the opportunity to embed accessibility into our design process. This standard - along with advice from charities and focus groups with disabled people themselves - directly informed the design of our Clepington Road hub, which we believe goes further than any other UK hub to ensure equitable access. Features include colour coding, longer cables on retention systems, unobstructed pathways and level access.
Our next accessible project is already underway - the Bell Street multi-storey car park. Set to be transformed into yet another pioneering green transport hub, it will feature a reduced number of parking spaces to ensure ample space around each car.
Preparing to make mistakes
One of the hardest but most beneficial lessons learned is that you don’t always get it right the first time. Over the course of Dundee’s electrification, every type of charger was trialled and tested, leading to personal learning curves in understanding battery sizes and
energy capacity. Mistakes are inevitable, but the lessons born from these errors are what’s ultimately going to lead you to long term success.
Effectively communicating with the public
Dundee’s transformation did not happen overnight. One of the main obstacles to Dundee’s EV transformation has been public perception. The dangers of invisible poisonous gases and the need to transition to low carbon vehicles can be difficult to communicate. We counter this by making sure that communities are up-to-date with the newest EV developments, to reassure them that they are a part of Dundee’s bigger vision. While technology and innovation obviously play a large role, getting communities onside has been one of the main drivers of Dundee becoming a leading EV city.
Dundee City now has the best ratio of vehicles per plug-in charger in the whole of the UK; one charger for every sixteen EVs. If we continue on this trajectory we will achieve our aim of becoming a fully electric city by 2035.
Although at its heart this project has been about electrifying the council fleet, we believe that the impact on the city has been much greater. We have become a pioneering force in the uptake of EVs within local governments and a role model for how to successfully transition into becoming an electric city. L
RTX Scotland 2025: Take the high road
Road Transport Expo heads north to Glasgow this year with the launch of RTX Scotland in 2025. Here’s what attendees can expect from the show
The organisers of the successful Road Transport Expo (RTX) are expanding their unique ‘All about the truck’ show formula to Scotland, with the launch of a new event in 2025 – RTX Scotland. This show is a sister event to the original Road Transport Expo held annually at NAEC Stoneleigh (24-26 June 2025). We caught up with Vic Bunby, divisional director at Road Transport Media, organiser of RTX.
How did the idea for RTX Scotland come about?
Plans for RTX Scotland have been in the works for several years, explains Bunby, stemming from the same initial conversations that led to the creation of the award-winning original RTX event.
“When we were first talking to manufacturers about RTX, they expressed a keen interest in having a dedicated event for the Scottish transport industry,” he explains. “Scotland is a
Visitors can expect to see everything from trucks, bodybuilders and trailers to telematics systems, parts and ancillary services
distinct market with its own unique needs and challenges, so we knew there was an opportunity to create something tailored specifically for this audience.” The acquisition of Transport News, a leading Scottish industry publication in August 2019, further solidified Road Transport Media’s commitment to the region and its understanding of the local market.
Will RTX Scotland Run every year
“We want it to, but let’s see how it goes in year one,” says Bunby. “We are feeling very confident though, as we know people want this show, both potential exhibitors and potential visitors, and we’ll be able to announce very soon after the 2025 event if it will go ahead annually.”
How have manufacturers and exhibitors responded to the launch of RTX Scotland?
The initial response from the industry has been very positive, with major manufacturers and brands expressing keen interest in participating in the event, confirms Bunby. “We’re still in the process of finalising the exhibitor line-up, but we’re confident we’ll have a strong representation from across the industry,” he says. “The manufacturers see this as a unique opportunity to engage more directly with their Scottish customer base – which they haven’t had for a long time.
How can industry visitors and exhibitors get involved?
Visitor registration for RTX Scotland will open in mid-2025, with free entry for all attendees. (See details opposite, for how to register your interest). “We’d also love to hear from any Scottish operators that feel they are leading the charge when it comes to key industry topics such as decarbonisation or vehicle safety. We’d love to feature a range of operators, large and small, on our popular Knowledge Zone stage,” Bunby says. Those interested in exhibiting can contact our sales team to discuss available stand options and pricing. There will also be sponsorship opportunities, should this be of interest. “We want RTX Scotland to be a true collaboration between ourselves and the industry,” Bunby emphasises.
“We’re open to ideas and suggestions from exhibitors and visitors alike, as we work together to create an event that truly serves the needs of the Scottish transport sector.”
What can visitors expect at RTX Scotland?
RTX Scotland takes place on 19-20 November 2025 at the SEC in Glasgow, which is easily accessible by car and public transport options. The event dates have been chosen to coincide with the 31st annual Transport News Scottish Rewards, which attracts nearly 600 prominent visitors to Glasgow, and creates a landmark week for the Scottish transport industry.
RTX Scotland will take place in a 5,000sqm indoor exhibition space, showcasing the latest vehicles, equipment and innovations from a wide range of manufacturers and suppliers. Visitors can expect to see everything from trucks, bodybuilders and trailers to telematics systems, parts and ancillary services. In addition to the exhibition, the event will also host a robust conference programme on its Knowledge Zone stage, featuring a variety of speakers, panel discussions, and interactive sessions. The organisers will be working hard to secure the participation of key industry figures, including Scottish operators and government representatives. “We want to create an environment where people can not only see the latest products and technology, but also engage in meaningful discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing the Scottish transport sector,” says Bunby. As with the original RTX event in England, creating the ideal environment for networking will be high on the agenda. There will be plenty of places to relax and chat with colleagues and business contacts, as well as an informal networking drinks reception for everyone on the first evening.
RTX Scotland – the details
19-20 November 2025 at the SEC, Glasgow. Free for all visitors. Registration officially opens mid-2025, but you can register your interest today to be kept in the loop for all show announcements at transportnews.co.uk/ rtxscotland2025 . M
FURTHER INFORMATION
Sales, exhibition and sponsorship enquiries: emma.tyrer@roadtransport.com Show content enquiries, including the Knowledge Zone: hayley.tayler@roadtransport.com
Marmox reaching new heights of performance
Twenty-four years after the release of their renowned Multiboard, Marmox launches sister product Fireboard, and details its game-changing insulation, sound absorption, fire resistance and energy-saving capabilities
When Kent based Marmox UK Limited first introduced its extruded polystyrene (XPS) cored Multiboard to the UK market in the year 2000, the building industry rapidly realised the benefits of using a lightweight insulation panel which could also sustain substantial compressive loads while offering excellent bonding characteristics for plastering and rendering, as well as direct tiling. While today the multi-purpose, energy-saving substrate board is ubiquitous in its applications from social housing refurbishment work to luxury spa developments, its tried and tested polymer concrete coating is helping take a sister product to new heights in the industry.
Manufactured using a blend of Marmox mineral stone wool, Fireboard features the same honeycomb surface structure pioneered by its XPS forerunner and is suitable for both internal and external wall insulation (IWI/EWI) applications. Externally, the A1 non-combustible certified board can serve as a weatherproof render-backer or be used internally across walls and ceilings to take a plaster finish while providing sound absorption properties, along with thermal insulation. The 600 x 1200mm Fireboards are available in thicknesses of 20mm, 50mm and 100mm, with the polymer modified coating applied to both faces. With a nominal density of 150kg/m3, the boards’ core material offers a compressive strength of 90 tonnes/m2, while its high insulation performance will help combat surface condensation, as well as having the potential to cut energy bills.
The new addition to the range has been well received by specifiers and drawn at lot of interest from visitors to the trade shows where Marmox has exhibited this year, including the recent London Build Fire & Security Expo (Olympia, November 20-21st).
The Marketing Manager for Marmox, Grant Terry, commented: “Fireboard is proving to be an important progression for our range, being able
to offer the fire performance that both specifiers and specialist installers are increasingly looking for in light of the Building Safety Act coming into force.”
“Crucially this includes being suitable for installation within façades above 18 metres in height. The boards are easy to cut and install: for instance, to line ceilings in order to help prevent the spread of flames from floor to floor in multistorey buildings. As thin as 20mm, they can be rapidly installed and then finished off with a coat of plaster ready to paint and they also offer impressive acoustic properties, being able to prevent airborne sound annoying neighbours.”
As detailed in an A5 technical brochure which can be downloaded, Marmox Fireboard has been tested to prove compliance with BS EN 1182, EN 1716 and EN13823 (Resistance to fire test) conducted by UKTC, along with other testing completed by the BRE. Indeed, the British manufacturer is proud to announce on its website that: “Marmox Fireboard is a powerhouse solution, designed to tackle fire hazards, intrusive noise and the biting cold, all in one lightweight, easy-to-handle board.” M
FURTHER INFORMATION
www.marmox.co.uk
sales@marmox.co.uk 1634 835290
The golden thread of compliance: building trust and competency in fire safety
Compliance in the fire safety industry is the foundation upon which trust, accountability, and competency are built. It underpins every aspect of fire safety work, ensuring that lives and property are protected to the highest standards says the FIA
This “golden thread” of compliance connects organisations, processes, and individuals, creating a robust framework that provides assurance to end-users, accountability for companies, and clarity for fire safety professionals.
Competency is at the heart of effective compliance. The fire safety industry operates within a regulatory landscape that evolves rapidly in response to lessons learned, technological advancements, and changes in societal expectations. This requires fire safety professionals to remain vigilant, informed, and engaged in lifelong learning. Certification and training programmes play a pivotal role in ensuring that individuals and organisations have the expertise necessary to meet these standards. Competency is not just about knowledge; it is about applying that knowledge consistently and effectively in practice.
A cornerstone of demonstrating competency is third-party certification, which provides an independent validation of a company’s ability to meet industry standards. Third-party certification serves as a consumer protection mechanism, ensuring that organisations are not self-assessing but are rigorously assessed by a UKAS-accredited certification body. These annual audits verify that companies comply with specific British Standards and follow best practices in both technical and business management aspects. As Chris Tilley, head of commercial at the Fire Industry Association (FIA), notes: “Third-party certification isn’t just about compliance; it’s about confidence. It reassures the end-user that the systems and services provided are of the highest standard, inspected and validated independently.”
For organisations working to ensure compliance with BS 5839-1, the British E
F Standard for the design, installation, and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems, achieving BAFE SP203-1 certification is essential. This certification scheme verifies that companies meet the rigorous standards required for these critical systems. Tilley explains, “Achieving BAFE SP203-1 certification is not just a mark of competence; it’s a reflection of an organisation’s commitment to excellence. It shows that the company is not only meeting today’s standards but is also prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.”
FIA training: elevating competency standards across the fire industry
Integral to achieving this level of competency is the Fire Industry Association’s renowned training programmes. As Europe’s largest fire protection trade association, the FIA leads the charge in promoting professional development through comprehensive and accredited training courses. Designed to address the dynamic needs of the fire safety sector, these programmes are instrumental in equipping professionals with the skills, knowledge, and expertise required to maintain and advance industry standards.
The FIA training curriculum is tailored to meet the demands of various roles within the industry. From foundational courses covering fire detection and alarm systems to advanced qualifications for design, installation, and maintenance, the FIA ensures that every participant gains practical and theoretical expertise. These courses are not only developed
Compliance is a collaborative effort that involves bringing everyone together
in alignment with British Standards and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 but are also delivered by seasoned experts who bring real-world experience to the classroom. This combination of rigorous content and practical application fosters a culture of excellence that ripples through the industry. Additionally, FIA training courses, such as the hands-on modules at the state-of-the-art FIA Northwich facility, allow professionals to engage directly with industry-standard equipment. These practical sessions provide invaluable experience, particularly in areas like dry riser systems, hose reels, and portable fire extinguishers. The recently launched Northwich Practical Training Facility further underscores the FIA’s commitment to advancing industry capabilities through cutting-edge resources and training initiatives.
Streamlining certification
To help companies navigate the complexities of certification, structured guidance and support are vital. Initiatives like the FIA’s Route to Certification services provide a clear and manageable pathway to achieving compliance. Whether accessed through an intuitive compliance portal or via on-site consultancy, E
Compliance is the backbone of the fire safety industry
F these services simplify the process, reducing administrative burdens and ensuring that organisations are equipped to meet the required standards. By supporting businesses through this journey, the industry as a whole becomes more resilient and better prepared to face emerging challenges.
Building trust through collaboration and transparency
The golden thread of compliance extends beyond individual certifications or audits. It fosters collaboration among all stakeholders, including building owners, contractors, regulators, and enforcement authorities. This interconnected framework ensures that fire safety is not viewed in isolation but as a collective responsibility. Compliance is a collaborative effort that involves bringing everyone together, ensuring all stakeholders understand their roles and the importance of working collectively to achieve the shared goal of protecting lives and property.
Transparency and traceability are also critical to building trust within this framework.
Comprehensive documentation, whether it’s maintenance logs, inspection reports, or training records, creates a transparent record of all compliance efforts. Such documentation provides clear accountability, ensuring that organisations can demonstrate due diligence in the event of audits, incidents, or stakeholder reviews. For end-users, this transparency translates into trust, reinforcing their confidence in the systems and processes designed to keep them safe.
Innovating for tomorrow while upholding excellence today
As fire safety technologies continue to advance, the integration of new systems and tools into compliance frameworks becomes increasingly important. From smart fire detection systems to digital monitoring platforms, innovations have the potential to enhance safety outcomes dramatically. However, their implementation must be guided by the same principles of competency and accountability that underpin traditional fire safety practices. Third-party certification ensures that new technologies are deployed safely, effectively, and in full compliance with relevant standards.
The FIA Compliance portal serves as a vital resource for ensuring these standards are met. Designed to streamline certification processes, the portal offers tools such as reusable British Standard-compliant checklists, digital certificates, and comprehensive technical reports with built-in calculations for testing and verification. These features help businesses achieve consistency, reduce administrative burdens, and maintain high compliance levels in their fire safety activities.
The portal’s flexible subscription plans cater to different needs within the fire safety sector. Options range from the Standard plan, covering Grade D fire systems and emergency lighting, to the Gold and Platinum plans, which extend support to non-domestic and complex fire alarm systems, respectively. With professionally branded documents, expert-reviewed content, and device-ready formats, the FIA Compliance portal simplifies the certification journey while ensuring that all documentation aligns with industry best practices.
As Chris Tilley aptly summarises, “Compliance is the backbone of the fire safety industry. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about upholding a standard of care and professionalism that protects people’s lives. The golden thread of compliance ensures that everyone; professionals, organisations, and end-users can trust in the integrity of the systems and practices in place.” Through initiatives like its comprehensive training programmes, robust certification support, and the FIA Compliance portal, the FIA continues to set benchmarks for trust, competency, and excellence, ensuring a safer future for all. M
FURTHER
To find out more about the FIA Compliance portal, send an email to fiacompliance@fia.uk.com.
Phoenix bespoke solutions are a multi discipline company, this enables our team to cross over to each of these disciplines, which is particularly beneficial with regard to fire Alarm systems, and valuable during the design process where an innovative approach is required, we can pool our resources to produce a turn key package for our clients.
Early Warning Detection
A recent fire at a waste transfer site in south London was detected by the early warning system designed and installed by PBS Ltd. in this case an aspiration unit (VLi VESDA) detected the smoke and raised the alarm, the on site security where unable to see the smoke at first, however the Fire brigade attended via a call from our central station, due to the early warning the fire rescue team gained valuable time that saved the structure, once under control and extinguished our teams went to work reinstating and replacing the damaged electrical and security systems working 24/7 and within 4 days (total of 10 days from the start of the Fire) production was able to proceed.
Fire safety in waste management facilities
Waste management facilities present a high fire risk and it is important that this is managed appropriately
Waste management facilities play an essential role in the waste management and recycling process by serving as the hubs where waste is collected, sorted, processed, and recycled or safely disposed of. These facilities ensure that different types of waste are managed efficiently and sustainably, and prevent harmful waste from entering landfills or polluting the environment. They also facilitate the separation of recyclables, which can be repurposed into new products. Furthermore, waste management facilities can support waste-to-energy processes, by converting waste into energy.
Waste management facilities require tailored fire safety measures due to the unique fire risks posed by the diverse (and highly flammable) materials they handle. The large and unpredictable volumes of waste, along with complex facility layouts, make it difficult to control fire hazards and in turn,
contain fires once they start. Furthermore, the heavy machinery used in waste processing can generate heat and sparks, which further increases the risk of ignition.
At the same time, the uniquities mentioned above necessitate specialised fire suppression systems. This means that waste management facilities require robust and tailored fire prevention, detection, and suppression measures.
Household waste management facilities handle a variety of waste including plastic, paper, electrical waste and more – all of which pose unique fire hazards, especially when stored together in large quantities.
Paper poses a particular fire safety risk due to the fact that it ignites quickly, with any paper fire spreading quickly. Burning plastic releases toxic gases which presents serious health risks for staff and environmental risks for the E
F surrounding area. Electronic devices pose obvious fire risks, especially if they have been discarded for being faulty.
At the same time, when being processed with heavy machinery, the heat generated or a misfeed could cause a fire very quickly. Compared to other processing plant settings, such as factories, waste management facilities pose a unique risk due to the unpredictability of the items being processed. As the waste is collected from households, it is not known what is included, so managers and plants need to be prepared for anything.
Proper waste segregation is a key part of fire prevention
Fire prevention
Proper waste segregation is a key part of fire prevention. Separating hazardous waste from non-hazardous materials is a key component. This begins at the household level, regular awareness campaigns, at local or national level, can lead to improvements in waste segregation. Temperature control and monitoring in the plant can help to prevent heat buildup and prevent spontaneous combustion.
Regular maintenance is important to prevent sparks, overheating and other ignition hazards. Employees should have regular fire safety training to spot the fire hazards and respond effectively if there is a fire.
Detection
Effective and swift fire detection is essential in waste management facilities. Detection methods include smoke detectors, heat detectors, and flame detectors, each suited to different roles within the facility. Smoke detectors are effective in areas where visible smoke is likely to be present, while heat detectors can be used in environments where smoke may not be immediately noticeable. Flame detectors can detect the infrared or ultraviolet radiation emitted by flames, triggering an alarm before the fire grows. E
SPORTS SURFACE & reclamation specialist
Shred & Recycle Ltd has been the industry leader in uplifting and removal of Sports Surface for over a decade
Our technical consultant has over 30 years of experience within this sector He also holds a Wamitab Degree in waste management and waste processing (which is a legal requirement to operate a facility), developing the best practices on how to handle and manage this waste stream with sustainability. Our facility at Sawtry was the first ever and to this day the only dedicated facility in England. Back in 2011, working with the Environment Agency we created the first-ever piece of industry standards permit which was then called a LRW467 As the waste industry developed a new coding for the waste, it was created by the Environment Agency, which now is 17 09 04 (previously 20 01 99)
Again bei ng the only dedicated company to handle these products, we are the first site in England to gain a bespoke permit to handle this new coding and comply with the strict criteria as set by the Environment Agency
Maximising the waste to get the optimum use by creating end-of-waste criteria is the key to sustainable waste management Creating products that are used in the Equestrian Markets, Sports & Leisure Facilities, Coloured Coated Rubbers for Play sectors, Regrinding Plastics (market depending), Aggregate Recycling, Feed Stock for Pyrolysis Plants, even energy from waste.
Reusing materials for their designed use, creating a better environment following the waste hierarchy as high as possible!
F Suppression
Fire suppression is an integral part of fire safety in waste management. Each facility is different and it is important to consult with experts to get the right system for your facility.
Fire suppression systems can be integrated with fire detection systems.
Water-based systems like sprinkler systems can help control fires in waste storage and processing areas by releasing water to suppress flames. Deluge systems release large volumes of water simultaneously, and are suited for highrisk areas.
Foam-based fire suppression systems are effective in areas with flammable liquids or chemicals. They create a foam blanket that smothers fires and prevents further spread. Foam is particularly useful for fires involving oils, hydrocarbons, and certain chemicals commonly found in waste.
Emergency response and evacuation plans
As mentioned above, staff should receive regular fire safety training, alongside emergency response and evacuation drills. Clear evacuation routes for staff are a must to get people to safety quickly.
Clear evacuation routes for staff are a must to get people to safety quickly
In conclusion, waste management facilities are crucial for sustainable waste handling and recycling, ensuring that materials are processed efficiently while minimising environmental impact. Due to the unique fire hazards posed by the diverse and often highly flammable waste materials they handle, these facilities must implement robust, tailored fire safety measures. Fire prevention strategies, such as proper waste segregation, temperature monitoring, and regular maintenance, are essential to reducing the risk of fire. In addition, effective fire detection and suppression systems are vital for managing fires swiftly and effectively. Emergency response protocols and regular staff training further enhance safety. By combining proactive fire prevention, early detection, and reliable suppression systems, waste management facilities can significantly reduce the risks of fire, ensuring the safety of personnel, the protection of infrastructure, and the sustainability of operations. L
Meeting and event venues in Essex
There are many unique venues for hire in Essex that are suitable for accommodating your meetings, conferences, and events. Conveniently located close to London, the county offers a unique combination of coast, town and country – the perfect backdrop for your next business get-together
Downham Hall Hotel
Offering unrivalled views over the picturesque countryside, Downham Hall is situated near Basildon. The hotel offers the perfect environment for holding events or conference meetings in Essex to suit small teams or up to 90 delegates. Here, you can exclusively hire a room, an entire house, or a large Marquee. Inroom technology, Wi-Fi, in-house catering, free parking, overnight packages and experienced staff are all available for you.
Down Hall Hotel
Based in Hatfield Heath, Down Hall Hotel is fully equipped to handle a range of events with different requirements. With 26 meeting and event spaces to choose from, accommodating 2 to 200 people, all with Wi-Fi and natural
daylight, you’re guaranteed to have your needs met. There are even amazing team building activities on offer, such as clay pigeon shooting, archery, and murder mystery games!
Wivenhoe House Hotel
Just a short drive from the city of Colchester, Wivenhoe House Hotel is a great choice of venue. The hotel offers four unique packages, each equipped to ensure your event runs smoothly from start to finish. You can expect beautiful views from each room, all of which are accessible and well equipped with modern technology and Wi-Fi.
Marks Tey Hotel
Enjoy a stress-free meeting experience at Marks Tey Hotel. Conveniently adjacent to the A12, E
The Sunborn London with its teak wood panelling, spirals staircases, luxury food and beverage outlets to it grand opulent exterior it is truly on for the Uk’s Unique venues being the UK first only super yacht hotel with spacious bedrooms including x suites. It has 5 amazing event spaces which breathtaking views over the Excel London or Canary wharf. We have 2 x bar the Sky lounge located on the 5th floor which has panoramic views over Canary wharf and the Sundown bar that can accommodate up to 200 people in a standing reception for a Birthday or Wedding reception. Both options include an outside deck area to relax with one of the Sunborn signature cocktails. For a more intimate event we have the East India Dock or west India Dock that both have inbuilt AV so you can incorporate a presentation into your meeting or corporate networking event. We would love to hear for you with regards to any inquiries you have for all day meeting , private dining, networking events, Birthdays or Anniversary and Wedding Ceremony and Reception.
SKY LOUNGE DECK
EAST INDIA DOCK
SKY LOUNGE WEST INDIA DOCK BANQUET
Enjoy delicious catering
options to keep your attendees refuelled throughout your meeting, creative room setups and Wi-F
F this hotel has a range of rooms suitable for smaller meetings and events, as well as larger spaces. On arrival, a dedicated conference host will greet the organiser and ensure that you have everything you need. Their conference rooms are accessible with air-conditioning and natural daylight.
Chelmsford City Racecourse
Located in the centre of the county and surrounded by countryside, Chelmsford City Racecourse offers a flexible space – catering for numbers from 50-1000 in their grandstand. There is also outside space available for team building activities and bespoke events. With excellent transport links via the A131, A120 and M11, free car parking and top-class catering, the Racecourse is the ideal venue for those looking for something a little different.
Radisson Blu Hotel
London
Stansted Airport
Enjoy warm hospitality and convenience at Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport. Their recently refurbished conference centre, just a walk away from the main airport terminal, is perfect for business functions with up to 600 delegates. Their 18 sophisticated meeting rooms are specially designed with floor-toceiling windows, providing natural daylight.
Firstsite
Located in Colchester city centre and designed by award-winning architect Rafael Viñoly, Firstsite’s spectacular gold-clad crescentshaped building, locally named ‘the golden banana’, provides stunning hire spaces. Choose from their 190-seat tiered auditorium, hi-spec meeting rooms and vast foyer space for a host of business purposes. From business meetings to large scale conferences, Firstsite’s team are there to help make your event a success.
Park Inn by Radisson, Southend
Plan a meeting or event near Southend Pier at The Park Inn by Radisson Palace Hotel. This historic Grade II listed building on the seafront of Southend-on-Sea offers seven meeting and event spaces, perfect for team away days. With capacity for up to 300 delegates, their team will assist you in delivering an event of any kind, from hybrid multi-site meetings to network events or gala dinners.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Waltham Abbey
Located within the woodlands of Epping Forest, yet also just a few moments from the London underground, Delta Hotels Waltham Abbey has everything you need to make your meeting perfect. Choose from one of their 14 innovative event spaces with the capacity to host events for an intimate 8 to an impressive 280 people. Enjoy delicious catering options to keep your attendees refuelled throughout your meeting, creative room setups and Wi-Fi.
Hylands House, Chelmsford
Hylands Estate is surrounded by 574 acres of parkland and offers an impressive setting for E
The Kia Oval is one of the oldest and most historic stadiums in the world. Situated in the beating heart of London, it is a perfect location for your event. With several spaces across the venue, our knowledgeable team can present bespoke options to accommodate any event.
F business and meetings events. The opulent period house and contemporary Grand Pavilion caters for a range of events for up to 300 people – hire rooms or the entire house. Full and half day packages are available with the option to tailor to your requirements.
Cliffs Pavilion
The Cliffs Pavilion is the largest purpose-built performing arts venue in Essex, not only hosting several performances each year, but it also houses an exclusive accessible venue for events. Situated on Southend’s famous cliffs, The Cliffs Pavilion offers fantastic views across the Thames Estuary and is perfect for a wide range of special functions from a boardroom meeting for 10, a dinner dance for 600 or a conference for 1,630!
Essex Cricket
Situated in the heart of Chelmsford City Centre, you’ll be in safe hands at Essex Cricket Conference and Events. From fundraising dinners to breakfast meetings, they have all the facilities you need to deliver a fantastic event. They boast impressive room hire spaces, superb pitch-facing executive boxes and a diverse range of multi-functional suites, some with their own balcony which overlooks the wonderful cricket pitch.
Holiday Inn Brentwood
Start planning a more sustainable meeting experience within Holiday Inn Brentwood’s Academy Conference Centre. This modern hotel offers excellent facilities including 149 guest bedrooms and 8 naturally lit, versatile meeting spaces which can host meetings or events for up to 120 guests. Their garden patio is ideal for networking in the summer months! Take advantage of their audiovisual equipment, WiFi, and catering options.
The JobServe Community Stadium in Colchester has a well-earned reputation as a leading conference and meeting venue
Holiday Inn Southend
Holiday Inn Southend is located just one-minute from Southend Airport and Southend Airport Train Station making it exceptionally accessible from surrounding areas. The hotels main event room can be divided into three smaller rooms, or alternatively within the hotel’s 1935 Rooftop Restaurant is a private dining room that can be used as a boardroom. Enjoy the views of the airport runway and the Essex countryside from the outside balcony area.
Essex Record Office
The Essex Record Office is Chelmsford’s premier conference venue, offering adjacent parking, a 140-seat lecture theatre, eight flexible spaces, Wi-Fi and modern presentation equipment. The rooms are fully equipped with ceiling mounted digital projectors, wall-mounted screens, whiteboards, and break-out areas that link to some of the meeting spaces. A full range of catering options can be provided at your request.
JobServe Community Stadium
With direct access from the A12, ample parking, and flexible meeting spaces, the JobServe Community Stadium in Colchester has a wellearned reputation as a leading conference and meeting venue. Their experienced team will work with you through every aspect of your event from catering requirements to your AV needs. Choose from their all-inclusive delegate packages or opt for something more bespoke.
Stoke by Nayland
Let creativity blossom in the atmosphere of Constable Country at Stoke by Nayland Resort. With space for up to 400 guests they will tailormake a package to suit you. Why not consider a corporate retreat for your employees? Take advantage of their 10 eco-lodge apartments, which together can accommodate 2-32 guests. The Lodges and adjacent Honey Tye meeting room provide an ideal, flexible environment for team building retreats. M
Keeping people at the heart of research
For any stakeholders you want to reach get people focussed insights you can act on
STAFF /
/
USERS / RESIDENTS / CUSTOMERS
Our experienced team of researchers provide the personal touch during your project, at every point, from designing the questionnaire through to presenting the findings and helping you get the insight that you can take action on
The wheat from the chaff –understanding data and insights
Data can be overwhelming in its volume, complicated, and fiddly, yet is a vital part of organisations and understanding their stakeholders. Survey Solutions offers services that seamlessly interpret, analyse, and present data, so you don’t have to
Today we live in a sea of data, targets, numbers and complex audiences of stakeholders.
Organisations thrive and succeed with understanding their stakeholders and using data effectively, but where there is an excess of data, the insights become hard to find.
So ensuring that the data from feedback is carefully analysed and presented in a clear format that gives a clear indication of what is happening is essential to avoid key insights getting lost in the clutter.
This can be as simple as enabling reports to highlight results for different groups and how they compare with other groups, or as complex as using AI GPT techniques to help summarise and sort out open comments questions and extract value from the qualitative feedback that has been shared.
The additional challenge with having to managed and analyse data is that this is a skill in and of itself … you don’t necessarily need to be an analyst to use the insights and analysis, but if you are starting with the data, then you need tools to turn the data into something useful.
Getting to the meaning in the data
At Survey Solutions we managed this in three main ways.
Firstly we provide access to a sophisticated suite of online reports that allow clients who are NOT experts in data analysis to quickly and easily filter and compare results, and identify strengths and weaknesses.
Secondly we also enable analysis of more complex issues – either our own team of experts, or formatting the data so that internal client data specialists can dig deeper into the results.
And then our experts also prepare reporting –a management commentary or a presentation summarising the results as an executive summary, key metrics, and detailed breakdown of the data.
Throughout any project, our research experts are there to support our clients, starting from working through the questions that are to be asked as part of the feedback exercise, collecting the data and encouraging participation, to the provision of the data in the results portal, and the additional reporting.
We support our clients for up to a year following any research project, responding to queries and new issues that might come up, making it easier to navigate the sea of data that surrounds us. M
The untapped potential in local authority property portfolios
Rather than seeing property portfolios as liability, JLL offers a solution to local authorities to see these assets as opportunities through extensive, hollistic insight
Local authorities face substantial, welldocumented financial pressures due to budget constraints and the rising costs of supporting the most vulnerable people through social care, education and appropriate housing.
Nineteen councils have received exceptional financial support (EFS) from the government to help them balance the books and more are expected to follow with some fearing bankruptcy. Since 2021 six local authorities have declared themselves effectively bankrupt
With medium-term financial plans that are typically stretched very thin, councils are forced to make tough decisions that impact services and local communities.
Many councils see their property portfolios as a burden with large estates that are costly to maintain and, in some cases, underutilised or not fit for purpose. The solution for many is to sell assets to generate quick cash or, conversely, spend on high maintenance costs without a clear long-term strategy. However, this approach misses the potential for these properties to drive real, sustainable outcomes that benefit both council finances and address community needs. Our Property Challenge Framework offers a potential solution to help councils to view their assets as opportunities rather than liabilities. Using a series of ‘lenses’— e.g., service
fit, financial performance, cost efficiency, environmental impact, risk, corporate potential, and real estate opportunity — we can evaluate assets from multiple angles, turning a wealth of data into insights.
For example, decision-makers can see, at a glance, which properties have high operating costs, are environmentally inefficient, or could be better used for something else. Corporate potential refers to identifying properties that have potential to fulfil broader corporate goals like affordable housing, temporary accommodation, or social care infrastructure. Often, if unlocked, these projects can deliver broader and higher returns than simply releasing capital value through sale.
Put simply, it’s about reimagining the property portfolio as a potential engine for change, rather than a collection of buildings to maintain or sell off. This is perhaps even more important at a time when property development viability is challenged and values have often fallen.
It can also help councils to better explore partnerships with institutional investors who are increasingly eager to fund social infrastructure projects. With an accurate overview of the potential of their assets, councils can approach investors with scalable, impactful plans.
Local authorities across the UK have untapped potential within their property portfolios and by reviewing them holistically they could not only alleviate financial pressures but positively impact local communities. M
FURTHER INFORMATION
If your organisation needs support, talk to JLL www.jll.co.uk
Economic development: delivering long-lasting change in our towns, cities and regions
Prior to the general election, the Institute of Economic Development (IED), which represents economic development and regeneration practitioners working for local and regional communities, asked members the question: what is your single biggest ask of the incoming government to support economic development? Tom Stannard explains
Beyond making economic development statutory in local authorities, the overarching call in our Grow Local, Grow National manifesto, five general themes emerged from responses: long-term strategic planning, guided by a UK Industrial Strategy, to allow for wellplanned interventions over multiple years; through greater certainty, and commitment to local economic development, to encourage and enable planning and development of local plans; funding stability, removing competitive funding and allocating according to need, with greater investment/resource to support local economic development; a review of planning legislation and housing growth plan, both of which are seen to be impacting on local approaches to placemaking; and address public sector procurement reform, recognise the importance of robust business cases for
development, and prioritise sustainability/the green economy.
We marked Labour’s first 100 days in government at an IED event in the Autumn, at which a straw poll of delegates found that 67 per cent felt “quite optimistic” about the prospects for economic development in this parliament. Much has happened of course in the past six months, and in fact things have moved forward at pace in many areas.
There have been promising steps towards refreshing the policy framework which is supportive of local government, and the economic development profession in its broadest sense. Momentum has shifted, including the appetite from ministers and civil servants to engage with the sector in supporting mission-led growth. There has been a more serious conversation about a needs-based E
F funding formula for local authorities – which may yet prove to be a big impetus for local growth in deprived areas of the country.
Legislation
The King’s Speech set out a raft of bills to kickstart economic growth, and this emphasis is important for all IED members who are supporting delivery across the UK. Against this backdrop, we know the challenges facing local authorities, housing associations, universities, private developers, and others at the forefront of economic development, which themselves face ongoing financial challenge, must be fully addressed to support this wider ambition.
With the English Devolution Bill, we have seen a new government minded to do more business with mayors, and enable further devolutions. Strength in numbers is clearly the order of the day, but without being overly prescriptive on the mayoral structure. The Autumn Budget also signalled a greater appetite for council reorganisation. But through greater devolution, there is an opportunity for economic development professionals to play a central role in driving forward progressive place-based innovation, with greater regional leverage at our disposal.
Through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, we have seen a renewed emphasis on housebuilding and affordable housing delivery, and an overhaul of the planning system. There remains a need to address the conditions that drive viability and therefore supply, but we are encouraged by the possibility of freeing up greater capital investment for essential projects. Housing and transport are essential for achieving local growth plans, especially outside of London, and they are needed as well as social and economic development infrastructure.
The Skills England Bill, meanwhile, has already led to a new arms-length body of the same name to boost and regionalise training, bringing together businesses, unions and mayoral combined authorities. This will help to equip regions with the skills they need. The government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review is another key moment for this administration, and it can also support the workforce development needs of the broad church of professionals serving economic development.
Hopes for the new government
Importantly, there is a consistency in message. At the Labour party and Local Government
Association conferences in the Autumn, both the PM and Deputy PM restated pledges to national renewal, sustained economic growth, devolution, investment zones, rebuilding public services, and modern industrial strategy. The new Councils of Mayors and of Leaders are meeting, marking important commitments to serious and consistent engagement with local and regional political leaderships across the country.
And, of course, we now have Invest 2035, and a consultation which the IED responded to inviting comment on the subsectors the Industrial Strategy should prioritise. A final strategy and sector plans for each will be published alongside the Spring 2025 spending review.
The success of the Industrial Strategy will depend on a holistic approach that balances emerging sectors with foundational industries, addresses barriers to investment, and empowers local authorities. By creating a more flexible, place-based strategy, fostering innovation, and investing in skills and infrastructure, the UK can unlock the potential of its regions and drive long-term, sustainable economic growth.
Public and private sector economic development professionals undoubtedly have a critical role to play in supporting the acceleration of growth in city regions and clusters of growth sectors across the UK. The IED, in representing practitioners who will be at the coalface of supporting the execution of the Industrial Strategy, is actively seeking a place on the Industrial Strategy Council or to be consulted as part of a taskforce reporting to Council on national strategy, local growth plans and other policy mechanisms.
Support for local authorities
However, in the short and long-term, a stronger financial footing is needed for local authorities. Sector sustainability is key for the Industrial Strategy, and delivery problems are not going away without solving council finances for the long term. The private sector cannot afford to see further council financial failures with the dramatic impact this can have on place reputation and the prospects for investment in local areas. So, we also look forward to a thorough debate on the government’s stated commitment to local government and fair funding based on need.
Whilst headlines in the Budget may have focused on tax raising, the Chancellor is hoping that her measures will restore stability to public finance and provide additional funding for public services. For local government, the immediate injection of £1.3 billion additional grant funding for essential services is welcome, but all eyes are on the Spring 2025 spending review which needs to address the precarious state of local government finances in the longer term.
Despite this, there were also difficult decisions taken in the Budget. Some significant tax rises, amongst which the employer national insurance rise has caused consternation in some sectors of the economy. We now also know that the government intends to cancel levelling up projects worth £100m and scale back the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The OBR’s growth forecasts remain pessimistic at best, which is where the IED must step in with grounded advice to help government achieve its top priority mission.
Given the direction of travel on Industrial Strategy, the case for economic development to
be formally recognised as a statutory function provided by local authorities intensifies. It is a more compelling argument for deprived areas, especially places where the geography of economic growth and historical interventions have been so much harder. If economic development remains non-statutory in local government, then there will also likely be an inconsistency in approaches on statutory local growth plans. This is a serious risk and serious problem for No.10 and the whole “mission growth” endeavour.
We remain in a period of economic transition, and evolution, but it is the hard-working people we represent who can make the difference to our towns, cities and regions. The IED membership nationally has the capacity and the ideas to change sclerotic growth forecasts into bright economic opportunities for the whole country. M
FURTHER INFORMATION
Tom Stannard is chair of the Institute of Economic Development.
www.plantscapeuk.com
info.plantscape@idverde.co.uk
01332 836 140
Rented | Planted | Watered | Purchased
Rented | Planted | Watered | Purchased
Plantscape, supplier of Premier 7 day Watering Planters and Summer Floral Displays to Councils across the UK.
Plantscape, supplier of Premier 7 day Watering Planters and Summer Floral Displays to Councils across the UK.
Horizontal Containers
Whether fixed to railings or acting as a window-box, our versatile horizontal containers bring a splash of colour to even the most unlikely of places.
Educational Planters
Ideal as a growing space for vegetables and will survive without watering for several days. Durable and easy to use Veggie-tables are designed with young gardeners in mind.
Elevated Baskets
Easily fitted, our hanging baskets are available in four standard sizes and in a wide range of colours. A perfect way of bringing colour to your streets.
Floor-Standing Planters
Tree Planters
Capable of creating stunning displays in confined spaces, our floor-standing planters can be supplied in a range of different heights up to 3.5m tall.
Bringing a touch of nature to the concrete jungle, our Tree Planters are available in square or circular shapes and are versatile and easy to maintain.
Wooden Planters
For eye-catching displays with a twist, our wooden planters have an internal waterproof membrane and can be stained and painted in your choice of colour.
