Over recent years, there’s been a massive push to get companies to invest in robust digital security. On the one hand, this is perfectly understandable given that cybersecurity is the “new frontier” for companies and is therefore the area where there is likely to be the steepest learning curve. On
The second phase of Stoke-On-Trent’s heat network began today (Thursday, 26th Sept) when civic and business leaders, and students from Stoke on Trent College’s Urban Heat Academy attended a ground-breaking ceremony to mark the beginning of the latest 1.4km installation of flow and return pipework. The district heating network is
The Beech Hill area in Halifax, West Yorkshire, has been successfully cleared to make way for hundreds of new affordable homes. Rhodar completed the demolition of three, 18-storey high rise tower blocks, nine garages and a council depot as part of the development project. The 40-week project saw the recycling
Tarkett has been recognised for its commitment to the environment at the Willmott Dixon Better Together Supply Chain Awards. The leader in innovative flooring solutions picked up the Sustainability award. This award acknowledges the supply chain partner who works closely with Willmott Dixon to deliver sustainable initiatives across its project
Over recent years, there’s been a massive push to get companies to invest in robust digital security. On the one hand, this is perfectly understandable given that cybersecurity is the “new frontier” for companies and is therefore the area where there is likely to be the steepest learning curve. On the other hand, it is rather unfortunate that this emphasis on digital security has taken the spotlight off physical security not only because good digital security actually starts with good physical security but also because the real world still has many “old-school” threats which can only be addressed by physical security. Theft and tampering, the main threats to any modern wholesaler or retailer In the old days, most security was about deterring thieves and hence protecting the staff who legitimately handled the goods. This is still a concern, however, these days, tampering is also an issue. This may be as a political statement or intimidation tactic, but it may also be as a stupid prank for social media. For example, the U.S. recently saw a wave of people opening ice cream tubs, licking the contents and then closing the tubs and putting them back in the freezer. This particular “viral prank” appears to have stopped, probably thanks to the police taking real-world action against the “jokes”, but it is entirely possible that it will simply be replaced by another one in the due course of time. No amount of cyber-security will protect against these sorts of threats, but good physical security can be a very effective deterrent. The number one rule of security – secure your perimeter The fewer people can get access to an area, the fewer people are able to cause problems for you. Physical security and traffic barriers at the perimeter of your premises allow you to control who comes in and out of it. They deter opportunists and prevent genuinely accidental trespass. Modern external security systems are both affordable (even for SMEs) and easy to use (ditto). How to choose an external security barrier The choice of the right external security barriers will usually start with three questions: What can I actually fit in my space (given the need for legitimate access)? What can I afford? How much security do I actually need? It’s advisable to approach the questions in this order, since it immediately focuses you on what you can actually do within your space and if you learn that you cannot implement sufficient security for your needs, then the best solution would be to move your business to another location where you can (even if this is a short-term inconvenience). After this, it is recommended to think about what sort of staff requirements you will have for your increased security. The good news here is that it is increasingly possible for security to be managed remotely, at least to some degree. For example, you could use a robust wall (or even a fence) with an electric security gate, which could be monitored with CCTV and an intercom and operated from a control room. Similarly speed bumps, rising kerbs and road blockers all require minimal to no human intervention.
The second phase of Stoke-On-Trent’s heat network began today (Thursday, 26th Sept) when civic and business leaders, and students from Stoke on Trent College’s Urban Heat Academy attended a ground-breaking ceremony to mark the beginning of the latest 1.4km installation of flow and return pipework. The district heating network is led by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, and the latest £1.9m phase follows on from pipes being laid under Leek Road in Stoke earlier this year. Sustainable energy specialist Vital Energi is carrying out this second phase of the works which will take 30 weeks to complete. In addition to providing Stoke-on-Trent businesses and homes with cleaner, greener energy, it will also provide young engineers with a valuable opportunity to learn the latest industry skills. Councillor Carl Edwards, cabinet member for the environment, helped to break the ground on the project. He said: “This network is all about providing sustainable, cleaner and greener energy to power our city for generations to come. We’re a forward looking city, and we are committed to doing all we can to protect and improve our environment. It’s a pioneering initiative – nowhere else in the country is developing a heat network with the ambition and scope that we are underway with. “Careful mapping of our city’s geology has shown us that there is geothermal energy under Stoke-on-Trent, and the deep seam coalmining of the past has helped us to identify its source. It is serendipitous that our energy source of the past could help us in powering our city for the future. Our plans for the network are that it will eventually go on to be powered by these hot underground rocks. “We’re thrilled to be launching this latest phase of works. It is the next stage of a total 18km of pipes that will be installed over the next four years stretching across the city. As the scheme develops, we’ll be talking to businesses and the households to explain how they can be part of the network.” Stoke on Trent College’s Urban Heat Academy will work with contractors and employers involved in the design, installation, management and maintenance of the District Heat Network to provide apprenticeships and work-related training Skills needs already identified include groundworks, site management and surveying. The academy has also identified training on fusion welding, using new automated ultrasonic testing methods, to ensure the pipe work is installed to the highest standards. As part of this work, college staff have travelled to Denmark to work with specialist pre-insulated pipe suppliers. Ryan Johnson, Campus Director at Stoke on Trent College, said: “Over recent months we have seen just how important an issue climate change is, to young people here in the UK and across the world. “It is important that local people realise that Stoke-on-Trent is leading the way in developing greener energy systems and that, right on their doorstep, there are opportunities to get involved in this important work. “As the UK focuses on renewable energy, projects like the District Heat Networks will create new jobs and an opportunity for young people to skill up in new areas of construction.” Vital Energi will be employing a local apprentice, from the College’s Urban Heat Academy, who will be working on the scheme via day release for the duration of the contract works. Ashley Walsh, Vital Energi’s Operations Director (Infrastructure) said: “Projects like this can offer fantastic opportunities to deliver community benefits such as employment and training to local people and we are delighted to be working on such a visionary scheme. This project has, not only the potential to expand and become a major heat network, but also to become one of the first successful geothermal schemes in the UK, making it a truly important contribution to the UK’s energy infrastructure.” The district heat network is a multi-million pound programme that has attracted funding from central government and support from the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). Alun Rogers, acting chair of the LEP, said: “The district heat network demonstrates that Stoke-on-Trent is a city of innovation and will provide sustainable energy for communities and businesses. “A key part of this project is involving engineers of the future – developing their skills in what is an increasingly important sector. “The district heat network is one of our flagship projects. We are a pioneering area in terms of green energy development – improving our environment and bringing wider economic benefits.”
The Beech Hill area in Halifax, West Yorkshire, has been successfully cleared to make way for hundreds of new affordable homes. Rhodar completed the demolition of three, 18-storey high rise tower blocks, nine garages and a council depot as part of the development project. The 40-week project saw the recycling of 150,000 tonnes of brick rubble, 700 tonnes of metal waste, 210 tonnes of general waste and 140 tonnes of hard core. Over 100 operatives were on site during key phases, with one of the UK’s largest excavators – a 120 tonne, 54m super high-reach excavator – used to demolish the flats from the top down. This will help drive forward the regeneration plans for Beech Hill from the Calderdale Together Investment Partnership, a partnership between Together Housing and Calderdale Council. The new homes will be delivered on site over the next five years. This project has received £2.2 million investment from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, through the Leeds City Region Growth Deal – a £1 billion package of Government investment to accelerate growth and create jobs across Leeds City Region.
Tarkett has been recognised for its commitment to the environment at the Willmott Dixon Better Together Supply Chain Awards. The leader in innovative flooring solutions picked up the Sustainability award. This award acknowledges the supply chain partner who works closely with Willmott Dixon to deliver sustainable initiatives across its project portfolio. Committed to “Doing Good. Together.” Tarkett’s has an eco-innovation strategy that is based on Cradle to Cradle® principles and promotes the circular economy, with the ultimate goal of contributing to people’s health and wellbeing, and preserving natural capital. One of the key reasons Tarkett was chosen as the winner for the award was for its Restart® Programme. The initiative is dedicated to the collection of post-installation and post-consumer flooring, with the aim of recycling and reusing it as a new resource. The award was collected on behalf of Tarkett by Mark Burton, Key Account Manager – National Frameworks. Simon Rogers, Marketing Director at Tarkett, commented: “Our aim is to create a future for all, where people and the planet prosper. To achieve this, we have developed a circular economy methodology whereby we responsibly source materials, combat global warming and improve indoor air quality and wellbeing through our products. Being recognised for our commitment to sustainable practices highlights the good we are doing and our positive impact on the environment.” For more information about Tarkett’s sustainability credentials visit https://professionals.tarkett.co.uk/en_GB/.
