A new joint-venture between Scottish Water Horizons and East Midlands-based SHARC Energy Systems will be delivering a first of its kind project in the UK at Campbeltown’s Aqualibrium leisure centre, operated by Argyll & Bute Council. The centre and swimming pool will be heated by the use of ground-breaking technology
Before being sold to Kier, McNicholas Construction recorded a £36 million pre-tax loss in accounts. When buying the civil engineering firm for £24 million, Kier also acquired its debt in July last year. Latest private accounts for McNicholas, which were extended to cover a 15-month period to June 2017 to
How many times have you stood in a store in front of a gorgeous arrangement of yarns, in all the colors of the rainbow, without being able to decide which one to choose for your next project? Many knitters choose their yarn based on color or texture, but there are
One of the world’s largest JCB dealers has broken new ground by commissioning its first Mercedes-Benz vans, most of which are being used by mobile service engineers who provide customers with round-the-clock back-up. Greenshields JCB sells and supports the manufacturer’s renowned range of construction and industrial machinery from headquarters
A new joint-venture between Scottish Water Horizons and East Midlands-based SHARC Energy Systems will be delivering a first of its kind project in the UK at Campbeltown’s Aqualibrium leisure centre, operated by Argyll & Bute Council. The centre and swimming pool will be heated by the use of ground-breaking technology that places a focus on sustainability. “The Aqualibrium project is a significant step for the joint venture and SHARC, demonstrating how our technology provides a real, sustainable and renewable alternative heat service to customers in rural communities as well as urban centres,” said Russ Burton, Chief Operating Officer of SHARC Energy Systems. The £1 million project consists of a state of art installation that will intercept waste water from Scottish Water’s adjacent Kinloch Park Pumping Station. The technology will extract the naturally occurring residual heat, amplify it and transfer it to the clean water network to provide heating to the leisure centre. The low-carbon, sustainable and environmentally-friendly energy system will then heat the 25-metre swimming pool, fitness suite, steam room, sauna and library in the centre. “We are actively exploring ways in which we can utilise Scottish Water assets to facilitate green technology and through the joint venture with SHARC Energy Systems delivering heat from waste-water systems and the fantastic low-carbon benefits which are generated,” said Donald MacBrayne, Scottish Water Horizons Business Development Manager. “We are thrilled that after months of hard work and the launch of the joint venture we are able to bring the Campbeltown project to life. Once complete, the Aqualibrium Centre will benefit from significant carbon savings, helping Argyll & Bute Council meet their carbon reduction targets and lower their heat costs,” he continued. Expected to be completed by November, Aqualibrium is the first project to be delivered by the new joint venture between Scottish Water Horizons, a subsidiary of Scottish Water, and sustainable energy firm SHARC Energy Systems. The work also builds on Scottish Water’s £23m environmental improvement scheme in Campbeltown in 2012, which delivered a state-of- the-art waste-water system and key infrastructure upgrade in the town.
Before being sold to Kier, McNicholas Construction recorded a £36 million pre-tax loss in accounts. When buying the civil engineering firm for £24 million, Kier also acquired its debt in July last year. Latest private accounts for McNicholas, which were extended to cover a 15-month period to June 2017 to bring it into line with Kier reporting, reveal underlying profitability from ongoing contracts remained strong in line with expectations. However, a detailed review of outstanding debtors and work in progress saw the firm book provisions on jobs where final accounts still needed to be agreed. In addition, the loss also took into account changes to estimates used in some long-term contracts and one-off costs in relation to the sale of the business. This re-evaluation of the contracts resulted in the firm’s net assets of £6.8 million in the prior year becoming net liabilities of nearly £32 million, including a £10.9 million pension liability. Over the 15-month period revenue rose £68 million to £248 million, due partly to the extended reporting term, while the average monthly turnover increased 10% to £16.5 million, driven by increased volume from ongoing contracts. McNicholas has secured three contract wins since being acquired by Kier, such as a five year £31 million ‘Gas to the West’ network distribution operation for SGN Natural Gas in Northern Ireland. Other contracts include a £40 million extension until 2022 to the Phoenix Natural Gas contract in Northern Ireland and a one year £30 million contract extension until 2020 for the Network Rail CP5 High Voltage and Electrification and Plant framework. Head of Kier’s strengthened utility division is now former McNicholas chief executive Barry McNicholas, who holds high hopes of securing more work in the upcoming rail and water capital spending period framework renewals.
How many times have you stood in a store in front of a gorgeous arrangement of yarns, in all the colors of the rainbow, without being able to decide which one to choose for your next project? Many knitters choose their yarn based on color or texture, but there are many other factors that affect the quality of a yarn, not to mention the fact that different knitting projects can have specific yarn requirements. The yarn’s fiber is by far, the most important factor, as it indicates how easy it will be to work with the yarn, how the completed garment will feel, how it will drape and how well it will past the test of time. Animal fibers Wool – This fiber is made from sheep fleece. It is one of the most affordable choices, and it is also rather easy to work with, being perfect for all knitters, regardless of their skills. Wool is mainly used for winter clothes, as it breathes well, it has a great resistance to moisture and it is also extremely durable. It can be died in any color and it can be blended with other fibers to achieve a softer texture and more durability. There are also some types of wool which are naturally softer. For example, Merino wool is exquisite, being one of the most luxurious and resilient fibers. For incredibly soft, hand-died merino wool, we advise you to opt for Malabrigo Yarn. This is one of the most versatile and easy to work with types of yarn. Cashmere – This is a luxury wool obtained from the fleece of Cashmere sheep. Its main advantages are its incredibly smooth texture, and its light sheer. It is great for winter clothes as it has good insulation properties, but it doesn’t breathe very well. Moreover, like all types of wool, it is prone to pilling. Angora – Made from the fur of the angora rabbit, this light and silky fiber is the best choice for winter clothes, as it has great insulating properties and it feels amazing. Being a luxury fabric, it can be quite expensive, and it is not suitable for beginner knitters as it is quite slippery and difficult to work with. Alpaca – As the name suggests, this yarn is made from alpaca fleece. Due to its hypoallergenic properties, it is great for babies and people with sensitive skin. However, it is not very easy to work with, as it tends to overdrape. Mohair – Made from the fleece of the Angora goat, mohair is a more luxurious alternative to wool. It is fluffy, elastic, and it doesn’t wrinkle, so it is a great choice for most types of garments. Plant fibers Cotton – This natural fiber is very cheap, it has a smooth texture and a great drape, and it also breathes well. However, as a yarn, it is not very easy to work with, and it is not that durable either. Silk – Although it is produced by insects, silk is a plant based fiber, and one of the most luxurious fibers for that matter. It can be difficult to work with since it can catch easily, so it is better to choose a yarn variety with a high ply. Synthetic fibers Rayon – This type of yarn is very easy to work with. It has a great drape and a soft texture, and it doesn’t retain body heat, so it is perfect for summer clothes. Polyester – This is a mixture of synthetic and natural fibers. It has a good drape and it breathes well, but it can be difficult to work with. Nylon – Its properties are similar to silk, although its texture is not that soft. However, it is more durable, and easier to work with than silk. These are the most popular types of yarn fibers. There are a few other choices out there, but we advise you to stick to the basics, as these fibers have the most advantages. Image source: https://pixabay.com/photo-1479217/
One of the world’s largest JCB dealers has broken new ground by commissioning its first Mercedes-Benz vans, most of which are being used by mobile service engineers who provide customers with round-the-clock back-up. Greenshields JCB sells and supports the manufacturer’s renowned range of construction and industrial machinery from headquarters in Farnham, Surrey, and six other strategically located depots throughout the South-East. The new fleet of 22 vehicles arrived via Rossetts Commercials, which represents the three-pointed star in Surrey and Sussex. They were painted on line at the Mercedes-Benz factory in their distinctive shade of yellow. All but two of the new vans are 3.5-tonne Sprinters, which have been distributed throughout Greenshields JCB’s branch network. They are assigned to members of its 65-strong team of field engineers, who undertake on-site maintenance and repair of equipment – storage conversion specialist Bott racked out the vehicles’ cargo areas to carry tools and a comprehensive stock of spare parts. The Sprinters are all Medium-length Sprinter 314 CDI models with fuel-efficient 143 hp engines, comfortable, well-equipped cabs, and reassuring safety armouries which include reversing cameras. The two other vans are a mid-sized Vito 114 CDI Long, which has been allocated to a senior technician-trainer, and a small Citan 109 CDI Long, now being driven by a workshop foreman. Greenshields JCB has previously favoured another high-profile van brand. Like the two other manufacturers’ dealers also vying for Greenshields’ business, Rossetts Commercials supplied a series of vehicles for trial before finally landing the prestigious order. Key to Greenshields’ decision to partner with Mercedes-Benz was the promise of efficient, 24-hour after sales support from Rossetts and its fellow franchisees with workshops in their new customer’s area of operation. They will be servicing Greenshields’ new vans under Repair and Maintenance Contracts. Simon Hoare, the JCB dealer’s General Manager – Aftermarket, explained: “We guarantee a four-hour response time to machine breakdowns, though we’re often at the customer’s site a lot more quickly. If we’re to make good on this pledge it’s essential that our own vans are reliable, and that if the worst happens we’ll get the support we need.” Like all Mercedes-Benz Vans, Greenshields JCB’s new fleet came with MobiloVan cover, which includes free emergency roadside assistance, as well as three-year, unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranties. “We liked the sound of the Mercedes-Benz back-up,” said Mr Hoare. “Its workshops are open through the night, which should mean that our vans are always available for work when we need them, while the MobiloVan breakdown cover was also an important ‘plus’.” He continued: “The Mercedes-Benz demonstrators were well received by our engineers, and they couldn’t be happier with their new vans. From the company’s point of view, meanwhile, the all-round quality and premium image of these vehicles can only complement our own brand.” Mr Hoare also praised the customer-focused manner of Rossetts’ response to Greenshields’ initial enquiry. “Of the three dealers we invited to tender, the Mercedes-Benz representative was the most professional, and provided the best experience by far,” he recalled. “Rossetts’ Van Sales Executive Tracey Stewart was always available and extremely efficient in replying quickly to our requests for information and quotations, while also providing product literature and other materials for our engineers that was much appreciated.” Greenshields JCB still operates another 50 vans by its previous vehicle supplier. “We plan to replace the balance of the fleet over the next 24 months, and if the manufacturer and Dealer deliver on their pledge then there is a strong likelihood that Greenshields JCB will become a significant Mercedes-Benz user,” added Mr Hoare. www.greenshieldsjcb.com