11 March 2016 | Jamie Harris G4S has seen revenues in the UK and Ireland fall 4.2 per cent to £1.52 billion for the year to 31 December 2015. Operating profit in the same region fell by 11.5 per cent to £115 million. Overall group revenue saw a slight fall to £6.86 billion, down less than half a percentage point from £6.89 billion, while group operating profit saw a sharp fall of 27 per cent to £183 million. G4S chief executive Ashley Almanza cited the management of “onerous legacy contracts” in the UK, which were entered into before 2013. He remained positive, however, stating that the business won new contracts with an annul value of over £1.3 billion. Last year’s UK contract wins included a 10-year, £80 million security deal with EDF Energy, an integrated FM contract with pharmaceutical company Bayer, a cleaning deal with Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, and a security contract to oversee guarding and technical services at London’s Thames Tideway Tunnel. Almanza said: “In the current economic environment we expect medium-term demand for our services to grow by around 4-6 per cent per annum.”     Source link

Delegates from over 150 countries meeting in Rwanda reached what was described as a “monumental” deal by agreeing an amendment to the Montreal protocol on the phase out of the use of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), the gases used in air conditioning and refrigeration.   Commenting on the deal Julia Evans BSRIA’s chief executive said “This is excellent news and delivers a deal that is good for the planet. The phasing out of HFCs could help reduce climate change by 0.5C and has the potential to take 70 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by 2050”, Evans continued “for some nations the phasing out period for HFCs is long, which is of concern, but it is hoped that the phase out will develop momentum in the market which could see the transition happen over a reduced period. With active help of the industry, manufacturers of both refrigerants and products can accelerate the adoption of low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants. This is important; as an industry we have a key role to play so let’s act now”. The Montreal Protocol – International treaty designed to protect the environment against the impact of harmful substances – Created in 1987 following the discovery of a large hole in the Earth’s ozone layer over Antarctica – Came into force in 1989 with the main aim of ending the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) – CFCs replaced by hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) – Amendment proposed after scientists discovered, while they pose no threat to the ozone layer, HFCs contribute to global warming by trapping heat radiating off the Earth – The protocol has undergone a number of revisions since it was introduced and has been successful in eliminating more than 100 fluorinated gases”. Source link

Studio Tri, advised by Savills, has let offices in Westgate House, Cardiff to BCR Jobs. The recruitment company has agreed a new three-year lease on the third floor of the building totalling 1,509 sq ft (140 sq m) and will pay an annual rent of £17,500 pa, equating to £11.50 per sq ft (£124 sq m). The property is located in a prominent position opposite the Millennium Stadium on Westgate Street, opposite Cardiff Castle, and is ideally located for Cardiff’s amenities and retail areas, including St David’s Shopping Centre and John Lewis. It is also a short walk to Cardiff Central Railway Station. Occupiers in the vicinity include Lyons Davidson Solicitors, Box UK, RNIB and Otis Lifts.Sarah Boyle, director for BCR Jobs South Wales, says: “After several years in our current location we have been actively seeking an inspirational office space with enough room for our growing team.“Our new fully refurbished office space on Westgate Street offers us plenty of room for our current employees while allowing us to continue with our ambitious expansion plans” Gary Carver, office agency director at Savills Cardiff, comments: “Westgate House is  conveniently located and will enable BCR Jobs to expand within a community of quality occupiers. We are pleased to have secured a reputable tenant in BCR Jobs, who will no doubt benefit from everything Westgate House has to offer.” Source link