VPS Site Security, responsible for Europe’s largest fleet of CCTV Towers, has backed a ‘Secure It, Keep It’ campaign to reduce a rising trend in construction crime. Ireland’s Construction Industry Federation, together with Ireland’s National Police and Security Service reported a 35% rise in construction crime last year. Vehicle theft
Facilities Scotland, the only event dedicated to the Scottish FM and workplace industry, has today announced a host of senior leaders from the UK’s FM and workplace industry who will be taking part in the Facilities Scotland conference programme when the show returns to the SEC, Glasgow on the 12 –
The Leaders Romans Group (LRG) is thrilled to announce the successful completion of another acquisition – GPS Property Management. Based in Ravenshead in Nottinghamshire, the business has been owned and run by husband and wife team, Garry and Sarah Peacock, for the last eight years. The acquisition will see a
Solidor’s ‘Showroom of the Month’ for August has been awarded to Wakefield based B & P Windows for its upgrade on its consumer showsite that is said to have been part of the business from the outset of its 37-year history in West Yorkshire. After 37 years in business, we’ve
18 March 2016 | Jamie Harris The BIFM has announced two more speakers for this year’s ThinkFM conference in London. The ThinkFM: Think Productivity conference, held on 18 May at Milton Court, London and online, will focus on the role of facilities management in unlocking organisational productivity. The BIFM has
Organisers of Facilities Scotland, the only free-to-attend b2b exhibition dedicated to Scotland’s FM and workplace sector, have announced leading FM companies who will be exhibiting at the event which returns to the SEC, Glasgow on the 12 – 13 September 2018. Stannah Lifts, Viridor, Clockwork IT, Harrowgreen, Work Pal and
Automated transport and logistics technology could be adopted on a wide scale at UK airports in the future. A report commissioned by Aberdeen Standard Investment’s AIPUT fund (Airport Industrial and Property Unit Trust) produced jointly by specialist UK aviation real estate consultancy, ChappellKing and Dornier Consulting International GmbH, explores the potential
Facilities Scotland, the only b2b exhibition dedicated to Scotland’s FM and workplace industry, has announced leading FM voices who will speak as part of the 2018 conference programme, when the show returns to the SEC, Glasgow on the 12 and 13 September 2018. Mark Whittaker, business development manager at Integral
There was a time when commercial lighting meant constant maintenance, high costs and enormous inefficiency, and all that without any guarantee that the lights would be very bright. Industrial lighting was a necessity, but good options were thin on the ground. Luckily, those days are over. Today’s commercial LED flood
VPS Site Security, responsible for Europe’s largest fleet of CCTV Towers, has backed a ‘Secure It, Keep It’ campaign to reduce a rising trend in construction crime. Ireland’s Construction Industry Federation, together with Ireland’s National Police and Security Service reported a 35% rise in construction crime last year. Vehicle theft from building sites made up over 40% of these crimes. “This staggering rise in thefts in Ireland is likely to be reflected across the UK and Northern Ireland experience also, where the latest estimates calculate plant and equipment worth up to £2 million a day is stolen from construction sites” comments Mark Wilson, Head of Operations at VPS Site Security. “So little of the stolen tools and equipment are recovered, the key to managing down this cost is to get the security right first time.” VPS Site Security has listed their ‘Great Eight’ Secure It, Keep it checklist tips: Set up CCTV – JCB SmartTowers, with day and night vision cameras, remote control movement and both pre-recorded and live response audible warning systems are “like having several guards 24/7 on site.” Check and secure perimeters Fences or hoardings are effective to keep a compound secure Deploy good lighting especially when the clocks go back (October 28th) Keep the number of gates to site entrance to a minimum Temporary security alarms should be used that can operate without external power and be easily relocated as the construction site develops Control access to the site – and use the CCTV to help monitor and check visitors Store your tools and equipment in a secure area – some sites use sea containers to lock up and store their equipment Report all thefts and suspicious activity on sites to the police VPS Site Security provide inspections for construction sites to help identify potential security weak spots. VPS www.vpsgroup.com Phone: 0330 005 5300
Facilities Scotland, the only event dedicated to the Scottish FM and workplace industry, has today announced a host of senior leaders from the UK’s FM and workplace industry who will be taking part in the Facilities Scotland conference programme when the show returns to the SEC, Glasgow on the 12 – 13 September 2018. The programme will be delivered by leading voices and experts and feature a combination of panel discussions, keynote presentations and case study insights all curated under the theme ‘Building a Scottish FM Powerhouse’. The event comes at a time of great unrest in the UK’s FM industry and Western Business Exhibitions, organisers of Facilities Scotland, have promised sessions will showcase the very best of Scottish FM and give focus on the latest trends shaping the FM market in the region. In addition, these series of talks are specifically designed to give attendees vital information on the state of the FM industry today and help facilities managers enhance their CPD. Tim Else, Director, Western Business Exhibitions comments, “We wanted to design a programme that was pertinent for the FM community in 2018 and of real value to our attendees. The session topics will give members of the industry the opportunity to hear the views from the top and give FM’s visiting the show this opportunity to be part of the conversation. Never has there been a more urgent time for FM’s to get involved in their community and help shape the future of the industry.” SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Wednesday 12th September (Opening keynote session) Can Scottish FM plot a new value-driven path for the sector? A panel discussion featuring Mark Whittaker, business development manager at Integral UK (part of JLL) and Sandy McNaughton, BIFM Scotland chair: Facilities management can often feel like a sector in the doldrums – much of which is down to the constant flurry of negative outsourcing stories in the national press which of course are sometimes justified. Carillion’s collapse, for example, shined a light on areas in need of real reform including public sector procurement and the ‘race to the bottom’ that now pervades the outsourcing of facilities services. But good FM practice does exist. In fact, there are thousands of FM businesses and practitioners across the UK who are doing fantastic work, delivering real value for customers. From FM to workplace: What does this change mean for FM practitioners? Presented by Chris Hood, director of consulting EMEA, Advanced Workplace Associates: A growing movement of individuals and organisations within the FM profession recognise the effective role that facilities managers can play in the design and management of the workplace. Most recently, BIFM members voted to change the name of the 25-year-old membership body to the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management. This shift has huge implications for FM, as it evolves into a more strategic discipline. Chris Hood, director of consulting EMEA at Advanced Workplace Associates, discusses the growing significance of ‘workplace’ to the FM role and how practitioners should prepare for the changes ahead. Are existing FM service delivery models fit for purpose? A panel discussion featuring Sandy McNaughton, BIFM Scotland chair, Mike Floyd, managing director, Atalian Servest FM and Graham Box, managing director – Scotland, Sodexo: The FM market may soon need to develop new service delivery to meet a plethora of contemporary challenges. A panel of experts will discuss the merits of existing service delivery models, and what a new option could look like? Thursday 13th September How do international standards affect me? Presented by Stan Mitchell, CEO, Key FM and former chairman of BIFM: Developing international standards for FM is more important than ever. In an increasingly globalised world, it is now a must that the entire FM community uses the same language and terminology. Stan Mitchell, a past chairman of the BIFM and CEO of Key Facilities Management which is based in Scotland, will guide delegates through the new ISO 41001 Management Systems Standard (MSS). This benchmark standard will enable facilities managers and procurement professionals to assess whether an organisation is fit for purpose to deliver FM, and how that delivery should be structured. Learning & development in FM: What’s next? A panel discussion between Michael Kenny, soft services manager, FES FM, Fraser Talbot, head of professional development, BIFM and Jo Manifold, director of learning & development UK & Ireland, Sodexo The BIFM’s embrace of workplace management as a bona-fide discipline is just one of the factors switching the demands on facilities managers. These new challenges require up to date knowledge and skill sets. A panel of FM professionals and academics will debate the skills today’s facilities managers need to succeed and the steps necessary to become strategic leaders within their organisations.
The Leaders Romans Group (LRG) is thrilled to announce the successful completion of another acquisition – GPS Property Management. Based in Ravenshead in Nottinghamshire, the business has been owned and run by husband and wife team, Garry and Sarah Peacock, for the last eight years. The acquisition will see a new Leaders office open in Ravenshead, to provide sales and lettings services to local residents and to support the neighbouring Leaders’ branches in Mansfield and Nottingham. The original GPS Property Management staff will continue to manage their strong portfolio of over 400 tenancies, whilst building on the business’ excellent reputation by delivering exceptional customer care through our variety of sales and lettings services. Matthew Light, Group Mergers and Acquisitions Director at LRG, says: “Recent months have seen us continue to expand with numerous acquisitions, adding several new portfolios and branches in key markets across the UK. “We are delighted to have acquired this well-respected business and we welcome its staff members to the LRG community. We are confident that they will continue to provide their fantastic customer service to landlords and tenants in Ravenshead, Mansfield and the surrounding areas.” Having now completed on over 150 successful acquisitions, LRG is the property industry’s leading acquirer, adopting a hands-on approach to help business owners achieve their objectives. The vast majority of employees acquired with businesses are retained and go on to enjoy long and successful careers with LRG, taking advantage of the fresh opportunities LRG are able to offer them. For further information on selling your business to the Leaders Romans Group, contact Matthew via email at mlight@lrg.co.uk
Solidor’s ‘Showroom of the Month’ for August has been awarded to Wakefield based B & P Windows for its upgrade on its consumer showsite that is said to have been part of the business from the outset of its 37-year history in West Yorkshire. After 37 years in business, we’ve been able to carefully build a highly regarded installation business in Wakefield with true family values. Solidor has been an exceptional business partner for us over the last seven years and with the new door designer proving hugely beneficial, we’re looking forward to continuing to work together well into the long-term,” said Justin Grafton-Holt, managing director of B & P Windows. Composite doors are a fundamental part of B & P Windows’ product range, which has around three to four installations per week. According to the company, it is seeing trends towards heritage styles and also contemporary doors in anthracite grey. “B&P Windows is the perfect example of a well-respected family business that relies on strong brands. With our marketing programme and online door designer we’re actively engaged with developing sales for our customers, whilst backing this up with world-class service and support for Solidor and also the sister brands of Nicedor and Residor,” said Gareth Busson, head of sales and marketing for Solidor Group. B & P is a family-run business that has been part of the Solidor network for over seven years and one that has also recently launched Solidor’s online door designer. The ‘Showroom of the Month’ initiative has been launched by Solidor as part of the New Development Programme, aiming to reward trading partners on their sales environments. Solidor has been designing, engineering and manufacturing composite doors in the UK since 2004. Each and every Solidor is manufactured by the company’s talented craftsmen in its multi-site production facility in Stoke on Trent, with its doors sold and installed through a nationwide network of experienced and proven installation companies.
18 March 2016 | Jamie Harris The BIFM has announced two more speakers for this year’s ThinkFM conference in London. The ThinkFM: Think Productivity conference, held on 18 May at Milton Court, London and online, will focus on the role of facilities management in unlocking organisational productivity. The BIFM has announced that Dr Jill Miller of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Eugenio Proto of the University of Warwick are to speak at the conference. Dr Miller is to address delegates about setting an aspirational agenda for wellbeing. Dr Miller said: “A healthy workplace is vital for a sustainable productive business. HR and facilities management have pivotal roles to play in making this a reality, along with leadership and management buy-in to the shared value that investing in wellbeing delivers.” Proto is to explore the effect of happiness on productivity, citing guidance for organisations striving to make their workplaces emotionally healthy for their workforce. For those wishing to attend this year’s conference, today is the final day to take advantage of early-bird savings. For more information and to book, go to www.thinkfm.com. Source link
Organisers of Facilities Scotland, the only free-to-attend b2b exhibition dedicated to Scotland’s FM and workplace sector, have announced leading FM companies who will be exhibiting at the event which returns to the SEC, Glasgow on the 12 – 13 September 2018. Stannah Lifts, Viridor, Clockwork IT, Harrowgreen, Work Pal and Nurture Landscapes are just a handful of the UK’s leading facilities manufacturers and suppliers that are attending this year’s event. They join safety and fire safety companies who will also be exhibiting at the co-located events Health & Safety Scotland and Facilities Scotland. All three events are part of the Scotland Works series, which provides a unique opportunity for professionals to access 150+ exhibiting companies and four streams of professional content dedicated to helping them maintain a safe, secure and cost-effective business – all with one free visitor badge. In addition to the plethora of exhibiting companies, visitors to Facilities Scotland will gain access to a free-to-attend CPD accredited professional seminar programme under the theme ‘Building the Scottish FM powerhouse’. The programme features a series of talks from prominent voices from Scotland’s facilities industry who will discuss and debate latest trends shaping the FM market in the region. Tim Else, Director from event organiser Western Business Exhibitions comments, “We are delighted at the quality of exhibiting companies that are taking part in this year’s event.” “Visitors will be able to meet these brands face-to-face and get bespoke advice for their business. It is the ideal platform for FM’s to combine a year’s worth of education and supplier sourcing into just two days.” Free visitor registration is now open at www.facilitiesevents.com
Automated transport and logistics technology could be adopted on a wide scale at UK airports in the future. A report commissioned by Aberdeen Standard Investment’s AIPUT fund (Airport Industrial and Property Unit Trust) produced jointly by specialist UK aviation real estate consultancy, ChappellKing and Dornier Consulting International GmbH, explores the potential efficiency gains from automation across airport-related functions such as cargo-handling and logistics operations, as well as passenger transportation both to and within airports. This includes London’s Heathrow, which recently received the formal support of Parliament for its third runway plans. Nick Smith, AIPUT fund manager, said: “Autonomous technology promises enormous benefits to airports and the service companies that support them, transforming the way airports work and improving efficiency and safety, both for passengers and other airport users. At Gatwick, for example, 90 per cent of the airport’s airside vehicles are stationary at any one time, which is both hugely inefficient and demands a vast amount of space. A much smaller pool of electric-powered autonomous vehicles would drastically cut costs, free up land, reduce emissions, and improve safety. In Düsseldorf, a newly developed robotic car parking system has demonstrated a 60 per cent reduction in required parking space compared with human drivers. He added: “Airports and airport real estate providers need to be ready for the introduction of automated technology as soon as operational and safety regulations permit. AIPUT intends to stay ahead of the curve by embracing automation, working with our tenants and partners to build autonomous technology into our site masterplans; which we believe will adapt and future-proof our UK estate assets, ensuring that our clients’ buildings and facilities will be able to accommodate and benefit fully from the rapid development of autonomous technology.” Trials of a variety of autonomous technological applications have already taken place at several UK airports, says the report. The first trials of automated airside vehicles have been completed at Heathrow in collaboration with IAG Cargo and Oxbotica. Gatwick, meanwhile, recently became the first airport in the world to trial the use of autonomous vehicles to shuttle staff across the airfield, demonstrating that autonomous vehicles can operate safely in highly complex airfield environments. This winter in Norway an autonomous snowplough was tested at Fagernes Airport – a single machine was able to clear an area of 68 acres in an hour. Autonomous technology increases the precision with which snowploughs operate, improving safety during the removal of snow and while driving in formation and low visibility, says the study. The UK Government has signalled its support for the industry, with the announcement of £22.4 million of funding under the Industrial Strategy for off-road self-driving vehicles, which it believes will revolutionise productivity in a range of sectors, including mining, ports and airports. As in many other fields of technological development, airports provide the test bed for a plethora of different autonomous applications, say the researchers. AIPUT, which currently holds two million square feet of buildings at Heathrow, dedicated to supporting the airport’s freight and logistics service providers states that it will ensure “it is at the forefront of planning for and providing the cutting-edge facilities that greater automation will require”.
Facilities Scotland, the only b2b exhibition dedicated to Scotland’s FM and workplace industry, has announced leading FM voices who will speak as part of the 2018 conference programme, when the show returns to the SEC, Glasgow on the 12 and 13 September 2018. Mark Whittaker, business development manager at Integral UK, and BIFM North Region chair joins Sandy McNaughton, BIFM Scotland chair and Lee James, business development director, Churchill Services in the opening keynote session titled Can Scottish FM plot a new value-driven path for the sector? In this session, the panel will draw on their extensive industry experience to discuss what lessons can be learnt from the recent failures in the FM sector, and the necessary steps the industry must take to reinvigorate FM. In his session Strategic FM and the importance of the informed client, Preston Gan, head of business services and strategy at NHS Grampian and winner of the 2017 BIFM Scotland FM Professional of the Year Award, considers how FM can support corporate strategy with the importance of the informed client function to help ‘fuel’ the FM strategy in optimising and adding value to the benefit the overall organisation. Under the theme, ‘Building the Scottish FM powerhouse’, the Facilities Scotland 2018 seminar programme promises to showcase the very best of Scottish FM, panel debates on the latest trends shaping the FM market in the region and beyond and a series of talks that will help facilities managers enhance their CPD. Tim Else, director of Facilities Scotland said: “There is a plethora of fantastic work in the FM sector which is over overshadowed by the extensive negative coverage in the national press.” “The Facilities Scotland 2018 free seminar programme, aims to provide Scottish facilities professionals with access to an extensive two-day programme of sessions featuring a wealth of both technical presentations to help FM’s in their personal development, and industry discussions to help the advancement of the sector in Scotland.” Free registration for the event is now open. Visit www.facilitiesevents.com/scotland for more information.
There was a time when commercial lighting meant constant maintenance, high costs and enormous inefficiency, and all that without any guarantee that the lights would be very bright. Industrial lighting was a necessity, but good options were thin on the ground. Luckily, those days are over. Today’s commercial LED flood lights are cutting edge, offering features previously thought impossible and revolutionising their surroundings. Let’s look at one sports village in Sutton, where tennis and badminton courts were transformed by the adoption of high-quality LED lighting. Better quality light Like most sports, both tennis and badminton need high levels of light in order for players to perform well. There should be minimal glare and shadow, and the court should be as evenly lit as possible. Yet the courts at Sutton Sports Village were dim and in desperate need of an upgrade. Fitted with fluorescent tubes, light level readings were only averaging around 300 lux. The presence of darkness made it hard to spot balls or shuttlecocks until it was too late. The UniBay lighting fixture was designed by UK lighting manufacturers Pulsar in collaboration with England sports bodies and players, and so was a perfect choice for Sutton’s revamp. Whilst most LED lights run using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), the UniBay130 instead uses continuous, flicker-free light. PWM has a strobing effect on fast-moving objects such as a tennis ball, causing a major distraction for players and coaches, whereas the Unibay solution ensures that Sutton’s players can keep their eyes on the ball at all times. As an additional benefit this lighting emits less heat, ideal for somewhere where people are already working up a sweat. The UniBay is recommended and used by professional tennis players because of the superior quality of light that it produces. Significantly cheaper Sutton was paying a premium for its low-quality, high-heat lights. Running costs for the entire club were £31,449 per year, meaning lighting was eating up valuable resources which could be better spent elsewhere. Replacing the commercial lighting produced mammoth savings. The installation of the UniBay130W fittings cut total costs to £7,727 – a £23,721 annual reduction in expenditure – so the centre was left the ample budget to invest in more exciting areas of the sports centre. More environmentally friendly Before making the switch, the carbon footprint of the Sutton Sports Village was at a high level. Per four courts, the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of daily running was 141,523 kg a year. A vast emission of greenhouse gas is common in this sector – the UK’s sports sector buildings emit of a total of 10 million tonnes of CO2 every year – and often a major contributor is commercial lighting. By swapping out fluorescent tube lighting for 16 UniBay130W fittings per court, Sutton Sports Village’s emissions and energy use were cut by 75%. The centre has lowered its environmental impact drastically, whilst improving its light quality and thus its appeal to members. A win all round. Worth the switch So often upgrading lighting is put to the bottom of the pile, but as Sutton has shown, it makes a real and instantly-noticeable difference to quality, cost and carbon footprint. For an easy way to transform your workspace, switching to high-quality LED lighting is absolutely worth it.