Government Business Volume 17.2

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | VOLUME 17.2

The Committee on Climate Change explains carbon budgets and the need for step change

BUILTENVIRONMENTImprove insulation, save energy and money

MONEY MATTERS | FLOOD RISK | TRANSPORT

Please visit www.

governmentbusiness.co.uk

to view the digital edition

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In-depth editorials from government agencies and worldwide experts in counter terrorism will cover:

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03THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

www.governmentbusiness.co.ukGovernment Business | Volume 17.2

MEMBER OF THE PERIODICAL PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION

© 2010 Public Sector Information Limited. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any other means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written

permission of the publisher. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the editorial content the publisher cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. ISSN 1362 - 2541

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE

PUBLISHED BY PUBLIC SECTOR INFORMATION LIMITED

226 High Rd, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055 Fax: 020 8532 0066

EDITOR Sofie Lidefjard ASSISTANT EDITOR Angela Pisanu

PRODUCTION EDITOR Karl O’Sullivan PRODUCTION DESIGN Jacqueline Grist

PRODUCTION CONTROL Reiss Malone

ADVERTISEMENT SALES Debbie Green, Julie Watson, Stephen Day, Kelly Scott,

Kylie Glover, Simon Cooney, Jayne Dula, David Morgan, Julia David, Sally

Brockman SALES ADMINISTRATION Jackie Carnochan ADMINISTRATION Charlotte

Casey, Victoria Leftwich PUBLISHER John O’Leary GROUP PUBLISHER Barry Doyle

REPRODUCTION & PRINT Argent Media

Sofie Lidefjard, [email protected]

Dear Reader,Recent publication of the final estimates of UK greenhouse gas emissions shows a continued decline, and we are now exceeding the Kyoto target of 12.5 per cent below 1990 levels (UK emissions are now 19.4 per cent below 1990). Effective measures in achieving this include installing adequate insulation, replacing old boilers, and introducing carbon budgets, all of which government can lead the way in implementing through incentives and information. GB’s Built Environment section discusses all of this and more, from page 21.

There is still time to enter the second Government Business Awards, taking place 18 March. Nicholas Owen from BBC News will present 15 awards in categories including procurement, building, facilities management, revenue generation, human resources, finance, market research and sustainability. Go to page 8 to find out more about the event and how to enter.

Enjoy the issue.

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk | Volume 17.2

The Committee on Climate Change explains carbon budgets and the need for step change

BuIlTeNVIRoNmeNTImprove insulation, save

energy and money

moNeY mATTeRS | FlooD RISK | TRANSPoRT

Please visit www.

governmentbusiness.co.uk

to view the digital edition

GB 17.2 Pages 1-96.indd 1

04/02/2010 11:12

If you would like to receive 12 issues of Government Business magazine for £95 a year, please contact Public Sector Information, 226 High Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 1ET. Tel: 020 8532 0055, Fax: 020 8532 0066, or visit the Government Business website at:

8www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

P NEWS P FEATURES P PROFILES P CASE STUDIES P EVENTS P AND MORE

Only in Scotland will your conference be truly inspiring.

Scotland provides a stimulating environment to give new

perspective to your own ideas and spur you on to greater heights.

Some of the world’s oldest universities and modern research

institutes nurture fresh talent to follow in the famous footsteps

of alumni, who have changed the world as we know it.

Given Scotland’s reputation as a leading light in the fields of

science, medicine, finance, energy and technology, it’s no

surprise we have conference facilities to match.

And it’s never been easier to get here. So to find out more about

hosting an event in Scotland, log onto conventionscotland.com

Or perhaps that should be unconventional Scotland.

Hi-tech conference centres in stimulating surroundings.You can’t help but be inventive.

Only in Scotland

5102-VS_EICC_Gov_Bus_297x210_June09.indd 1 20/5/09 10:12:10


CONTENTSGOVERNMENT BUSINESS 17.2

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NEWS

GB AWARDSBBC newsreader Nicholas Owen to present second Government Business Awards on 18 March

MONEY MATTERSThe IMMFA talks through some concerns local authorities might have that prevent them from investing in money market funds

Faced head on, fraud prevention could achieve real financial benefits for local government, says CIFAS

BUILT ENVIRONMENTThe Carbon Disclosure Project revealed the need for better integration of carbon reduction strategies within suppliers’ organisational policies

The Committee on Climate Change looks at Carbon budgets – five-year ceilings on emissions of greenhouse gases in the UK

Improve insulation, and save energy and money, says the National Insulation Association

Be part of ecobuild – 2-4 March at Earls Court, London

Sustainabilitylive! is the home of five leading environment

exhibitions, including BEX, ET, IWEX, NEMEX and SB – The Event

FLOOD RISKThe Environment Agency looks back at the 2009 floods in Cumbria and what climate change means for flood planning in the UK

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICESJohn Rotherham, Chesterfield Borough Council, discusses opportunities for generating income from cemeteries and crematoria

FACILITIES MANAGEMENTFacilities management is a multifaceted function that requires a broad range of skills and knowledge

SECURITYCIFAS gives some pointers on preventing data security breaches

CONFERENCES & EVENTSA tour of Leeds and West Yorkshire, highlighting some of the best venues to hold a conference or event

AIM accredited venues must meet stringent criteria, giving buyers genuine reassurance of quality standards

A look at why England’s Northwest has a great reputation as a top business tourism destination

Finding the right venue to hold your conference or event is made easy with venuedirectory.com

The Westminster Collection explains why conference organisers should look closer to home when shopping for venues

We preview the Conference and Hospitality Show which takes place on 18 March in Leeds

TRANSPORTThe Commercial Vehicle Operator Show will showcase a wide range of solutions to optimise fleet efficiency

PARKINGParkex is Europe’s largest dedicated event for the parking industry

TRANSLATION & INTERPRETINGThe ITI offers guidance on working effectively with translators and interpreters

HUMAN RESOURCESEngage for Change gives an eight point plan to drive value from a consultancy investment

Green home technologies to be installed without planning consent

The Scottish Government is set to unveil plans that allows householders to erect their own wind turbine or air source heat pump without needing planning permission. Solar panels, ground and water source heat pumps can currently be installed without planning consent.

A consultation, to be launched this month, sets out circumstances where it would be suitable for people to install such technologies without having to make a planning application. Apart from in conservation areas or World Heritage sites, householders would be able to install the following technologies through permitted development rights without planning permission in certain circumstances.

Battery recycling gets easierFrom 1 February it will be much easier to recycle used batteries, thanks to collection points in shops and other prominent public locations. Recycling facilities are being upgraded as Britain attempts to scale up recycling of batteries from 3 per cent to 45 per cent.

Action on climate change could generate income for councilsRadical action by councils on driving down carbon emissions will help cut fuel bills and reduce global warming Communities Secretary John Denham said recently, as he announced the nine pioneering local authorities that will work with government to develop an ambitious programme of action to tackle climate change. Manchester, Leeds City region, Bristol, Oxford, Northumberland, Haringey, Nottingham, Plymouth and Bournemouth Poole, and Dorset MAA will work with government over the coming 12 months to pioneer and test new local carbon frameworks. The frameworks will promote new and more effective ways of meeting government ambitions on the essential climate change agenda. The eventual aim is to incentivise all councils to significantly reduce their carbon emissions. By working more closely with energy suppliers to develop ambitious plans for 'greening' up domestic and non-domestic properties, increasing the demand for renewable energy, considering how to increase the economic viability of new energy sources, boosting links to heat and energy schemes and make more effective use of surplus energy to power homes could potentially unlock new sources of income for local authorities.

NEWSINBRIEF

ly-tipping Action Wales (FTAW) has launched a new

campaign to raise awareness of the illegal dumping of waste in Wales. In Wales there were 55,300 fly-tipping incidents in 2008/9, with the annual clean-up cost to taxpayers and private landowners in Wales being £3 million. The campaign will inform people

of their legal duty to get rid of their waste responsibly. Householders face fines and imprisonment if their waste is found fly tipped. 72 prosecutions were made in Wales in 2008/9. Forensic techniques and aerial surveillance are increasingly being used to help track down fly-tipping offenders who face fines of up to £50,000 and imprisonment.

F

Campaign launched to combat illegal fly-tipping

ommunities are being given a powerful new way to fix local

problems under new proposals to strengthen the ability of councils to scrutinise all local public services. A new Private Members Bill backed by the government will give every resident the right to hold local service providers to account through their elected representatives on all issues of local concern, such as dug

up roads or threatened local bus routes. The proposed new powers mean councils could legally compel organisations to attend public scrutiny hearings to justify their actions and respond in full to recommendations made by the councils to resolve the problem. This does away with the need to rely solely on the voluntary co-operation of organisations when addressing local concerns.

C

New powers to help residents fix local problems

NEWS

he Public Sector People Manager’s Association (PPMA) has launched a

new web portal – Guiding you tHRu – to help HR managers in the public sector ensure their HR functions are fit for purpose and able to respond to change. Martin Rayson, PPMA HR transformation lead officer, said: "The challenges facing the HR community in the public sector are immense. Local authorities and government departments must change to ensure they are able to meet the growing demands of customers with significantly fewer resources. HR must be at the heart of finding the innovative solutions that will be necessary.

"However, for HR in the public sector to effectively support innovatory change, it too must change, in both shape and outlook. It must deliver high quality, low-cost services and have the skills and imagination to help organisations identify new ways of working and maximise the productivity of their people. "Working collaboratively will be a feature of the public sector and HR must look to maximise its impact by joining with others to find the right solutions." The web portal has been created by the PPMA with the support of the IDeA and KPMG.

T

HR web tool to help public sector manage change

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk Government Business | Volume 17.2

06 THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT



Help for successful delivery of eco-townsHousing and planning charity, the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), has published the 11th and final Worksheet in the Eco-town Worksheet series, sponsored by government, on the effective delivery of eco-towns. The intention of the Delivery Worksheet ‘ensuring eco-towns are delivered’ is to provide background information and guidance that will assist those involved in eco-town delivery. It is not prescriptive, however, it does describe the factors that need to be given serious consideration before reaching decisions about delivery arrangements. John Walker, lead-author of the Delivery Worksheet, said: “Delivering an eco-town requires additional thought and focus over and above ‘normal processes’ and the need for long-term commitment. Many factors that will influence the eventual nature and success of the eco-town will be determined at an early stage, either by conscious action or by default. The premise of this Worksheet is that decision by default is not good enough when we are aiming for an exemplar that can be both a wonderful place in which to live and a source of inspiration and learning for others. Important decisions should be made explicitly, in a transparent manner and with an inclusive approach to delivery through partnership.” The Delivery Worksheet concentrates on the opportunities and responsibilities that will occur when delivering an exemplar eco-town, and on the steps that can be taken to grasp them fully. The guidance draws attention to those subjects that need early attention and continued development.

NEWSINBRIEFNEWS

ouseholds and communities that install low carbon electricity

technologies such as solar panels and wind turbines will be paid for the electricity they generate from 1 April. They will get a further payment for any electricity they feed into the grid, in addition to benefiting from reduced bills. A typical 2.5kW well sited solar PV installation could offer a homeowner a reward of up to £900 and save them £140 a year on their electricity bill.

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband also announced the feed-in tariff levels and published a blueprint for a similar scheme to be introduced in April 2011 to incentivise low carbon heating technologies. The renewable heat incentive will be a world first. The heat incentive could help thousands of consumers who are off the gas network lower their fuel bills and gain a cash reward for greening their heating supply.

H

Financial rewards for low carbon homes

Avon Tyrrell Activity Centre is situated within a beautiful 65 acre estate in the idyllic setting of the New Forest with challenging and stimulating activities on off er to educate minds of any age and ability.We off er Residentials all year round to Corporate Groups, Youth Groups & Schools and specialise in creating bespoke activity packages to suit specifi c needs. By focusing on team development, groups form new bonds and explore the essence of what drives success within a team.

We off er full board accommodation in the Grade I listed House and self-catering accommodation in our 6, 12 and 14 berth lodges.

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RECOGNISING PUBLIC SECTOR EXCELLENCE

THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO creating a business environment conducive to new opportunities, and is making moves towards a reduction in red tape that will enable more small and medium sized businesses to gain entry to the market. These moves will help to create a ‘better value’ climate where public sector buyers have more freedom and flexibility to choose the right solution to meet their needs. The modern procurement process goes through many stages, and involves many people who must work together to obtain the best results. Partnerships, collaborative procurement and the sharing of best practice will all lead to better business decisions being made. The Government Business Awards will take place at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium on Thursday March 18th, and will recognise local authorities and central government departments that have

demonstrated sound business judgement and operational expertise in a range of areas. BBC News presenter Nicholas Owen will announce the winners of 15 awards in categories including procurement, building, facilities management, revenue generation, human resources, finance, market research and sustainability.

AWARDS LISTPublic Safety Award – sponsored by the Health & Safety ExecutivePresented to a local authority project that has increased perceptions of safety and led to a reduction in crime through investment in security and through multi-agency efforts to reduce the crime threat in a specific area. Awarded to local authorities, police departments and other public sector bodies/partnerships.

Social Housing Award – sponsored by CyntraAwarded to a social housing project that has the potential to deliver a measurable change in both the standard of accommodation and the environmental performance of the buildings and associated land. Presented to local authorities, housing trusts and other private/public sector partnerships.

Workforce Training Award – sponsored by SkillsoftAwarded to a local authority training scheme that demonstrates both high levels of staff satisfaction in the level of training provided and an improvement in staff performance as a result of its rollout. Projects can be submitted by third party training providers in partnership with a local government body.

Public Sector Security Award – sponsored by Commend UKAwarded to a local authority or central government building/refurbishment project that considers security as a prime concern and enhances the safety of staff, residents and visitors to the building through the installation of CCTV, monitoring, access control or other innovative security system. Projects must be dated between January 2008 and January 2010.

Central Government Procurement AwardAwarded to a central government agency that is judged to have increased value to the taxpayer through smarter procurement

BBC news anchor Nicholas Owen will present the second Government Business Awards on March 18th at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium


GB AWARDS

HOW TO ENTER

Entry is open to local and central government departments, who are required to submit a 500-word entry statement. The closing date for entries is Friday 19th February. Should your organisation be short listed, you will be invited to the event, which features a champagne reception followed by a three-course lunch. For more information and to enter please go to www.gbawards.co.uk


practice. Entry is open to central government agencies. Details of specific cost saving projects should be included in the entry statement.

Local Government Procurement AwardAwarded to a local authority or regional procurement agency/hub that demonstrates better value to the taxpayer through an improved procurement process. Projects must be dated between Jan 2007 and December 2008.

Environmental Transport AwardAwarded to a local government agency that has implemented cost effective measures to help reduce the environmental impact of local authority transport services. Entry statements should include details of all measures undertaken, including route tracking, workplace travel planning, public transport investment, alternative fuels and promotion/publicity.

Environmental Innovation AwardRecognising a local authority scheme that demonstrates innovation in environmental practice and increases both recycling rates and the awareness of environmental issues to residents. Entry statements should include details of the scheme from its conception through to delivery.

Waste Management AwardPresented to a local authority that demonstrates an environmentally sound and cost effective waste management programme that reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill and provides a high level of service to residents. Projects must be dated between Jan 2008 and Jan 2010.

Sustainability AwardThe sustainability award is presented to a local authority that demonstrates a holistic approach to achieving sustainable paths for all areas of council operation, and promotes sustainability and environmental initiatives to the population effectively. Projects must be dated between Jan 2008 and Jan 2010.

Regeneration Project AwardThis award will recognise a local authority regeneration project that has been completed within budget and has improved the living and working conditions of residents and the local business community. Entry statements should include details of the co-ordination of building, project management, private sector partnerships and publicity initiatives.

Sport & Leisure AwardAwarded to a local authority project judged to have increased the uptake of sports and leisure participation in the area through the provision of first class facilities and innovative activities/promotional campaigns. Partnership projects between local/central government and the private sector are eligible.

Market Research AwardPresented to a local government market research strategy that has enabled the authority to better understand the needs of its citizens, through the use of ad-hoc surveys, regular consultations and new delivery methods/technologies. Awarded to local authorities and private sector organisations working on behalf of local government.

Public Sector Energy AwardAwarded to a public sector energy project that (whether through the procurement of a greener energy supply or the installation of energy efficient plant or equipment) demonstrates real carbon savings and projects a positive environmental image for the authority/department. Awarded to local authorities and central government agencies.

Financial Performance AwardAwarded to the local authority that best demonstrates fiscal prudence and sound financial performance in the 2008-09 period. This award takes many budgetary factors into account, including population, pension fund investments, council tax rates, employee contracts etc.


GB AWARDS

Environmental solutions for the public sector

EVERN TRENT SERVICES, a

leading supplier of water, wastewater and environmental services throughout the UK, have extensive experience of providing solutions to public sector organisations including local authorities, schools and hospitals and the Ministry of Defence. Our Operating Services division has significant expertise in operating, managing and advising on all water and wastewater topics, with core capabilities in asset operation and maintenance legionella risk assessments, rectifications and monitoring and reactive or planned repairs or upgrades to sewers and drains. We operate a twenty-four-seven emergency response service and also offer leakage reduction, billing and water efficiency management services. Our network of experienced and qualified technicians, provide cost effective bespoke solutions, incorporating

industry best practice and technological advancements. Severn Trent Service’s analytical division; STL, provide water,

land and waste analysis in line with regulatory environmental monitoring requirements. One of the most extensively accredited laboratories in the UK, STL are quality and environmentally assured through ISO 17025 and offer MCERTS accreditation for the analysis of soils. We also offer a range of support services including sampling, scheduling, field services, on-site analysis and research and development to help our customers find a solutions package that meets their requirements.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Tel: 024 7647 2904Fax: 024 7685 6575E-mail: [email protected]: www.stsoperatingservices.co.uk/www.stl-ltd.com

S

HSE and local authorities – working in partnership

SE AND LOCAL authorities (LAs)

are responsible for enforcing health and safety legislation. Together, working in partnership, they ensure that duty holders manage the health and safety of their workforce and those affected by their work. HSE has a specific team – its Local Authority Unit (LAU) – dedicated to facilitating partnership working between HSE and LAs. Many of the HSE staff in the LAU have an LA background. This ensures an equal perspective on all health and safety developments and innovations, with the overall aim to make the best use of our respective strengths, and apply

collective resources in the best way to tackle national, regional and local priorities for health and safety. This was further cemented in June 2009, when the

HSE and the LA Representative Bodies published a ‘Statement of Commitment’. This sets out the standards of our partnership working, and commits all parties to work in a close, effectively governed way in order to prevent death, injury and ill health of those at work and those affected by work activities.


Tel: 0207 227 3838 E-mail: [email protected]

H


TOTAL MANAGED PRINT

TOTAL MANAGED PRINT BY OKI Printing Solutions is a portfolio of programmes designed to satisfy the real needs of organisations, whether a single device engagement or the deployment of a bespoke multiple device fleet provided as a result of a detailed assessment, installation and continued monitoring service, allowing review and enhancement throughout the relationship.

VISIBILITY AND CONTROLPrint Optimizer is the first programme to be launched under the Total Managed print portfolio and is designed to provide customers with more control over their print costs by making the often hidden or often unknown costs of printing more visible. It is tailored to the unique needs of the organisation via a proven four step process: assess, propose, implement and manage. “Print Optimizer will revolutionise the way print supports your business,” says Rob Brown, UK business manager, total managed print, OKI Printing Solutions. “By tailoring your printing fleet to the organisation’s workflow and needs, you can improve the productivity, benefit from the latest print technologies, stop worrying about maintenance, and above all, save money.” Print Optimizer has been created to meet the requirements of progressive and challenging organisational environments with multiple printers, scanners, copiers and faxes, as an effective tool to assess the parameters of the organisation and determine how best to improve the system. “It will provide an expert take on your existing fleet, the consumables you use, printing behaviour and how you can get more out of what you print,” Brown explains. Next, Print Optimizer brings the right device to exactly where it is needed. “A review of the printing infrastructure and print volumes allows us to deliver a device-agnostic approach to specific needs,” Brown adds. “As a result you have complete control for the first time, with a clear understanding of printing activities and costs.” The use of the latest technologies reduces carbon footprint of the organisation’s printing activities. In addition, as part of a broad series of initiatives to improve environment performance, the Print Optimizer programme also provides advice, help and training on waste reduction, expert disposal on redundant equipment and a national programme of recycling consumables.

SIGNIFICANT GAINSThe vast majority of organisations still do not know how much printing is costing them. “As a result, they would be astounded to discover that, according to a recent IDC report, it can be as much as 11 per cent of revenue and the adoption of effective print management, organisations can make significant savings in the first year,” believes Brown. “Ongoing analysis, communication, reporting and review are key factors in the engagement,” says Brown. “Total Managed print is not a one-off event: rather, a continuous cycle of re-optimisation is an essential requirement of a successful project. “By drawing on our expertise in work group

printing, we offer a no compromise approach to deliver tangible cost savings and benefits.”


Tel: 01753 819 856E-mail: [email protected]

Managing your printer fleet could save you as much as 40 per cent and increase workflow efficiencies

www.governmentbusiness.co.ukBy Rob Brown, UK business manager, total managed print, OKI Printing Solutions

Global liquidity solutions. Any time.

At HSBC Global Asset Management, we are dedicated to finding innovative, global liquidity and investment solutions

to meet the cash and liquidity management needs of our corporate and institutional clients; including sovereign and

supranational organisations. HSBC Global Asset Management’s liquidity experts partner with companies worldwide

at crucial stages of their cash management processes, from segmenting cash flows to devising and implementing

investment strategies. Our global expertise and local knowledge have seen our clients entrust to us almost US$100

billion* in money-market assets worldwide.

If you would like to discover how HSBC Liquidity could drive optimal solutions for your cash and liquidity needs,

please contact:

Nick Jones – 00 44 20 7991 8431

Simon Blanch – 00 44 20 7024 0392

Rob Gibbins – 00 44 20 7991 0212

www.assetmanagement.hsbc.com/liquidity†To help improve our service and in the interest of security your communications may be recorded and/or monitored.

For professional investors only and not intended for retail clients. *As at March 2009. HSBC Liquidity is a business unit of the local HSBC Global Asset Management entity. The liquidity solutions are provided by local HSBC entities according to local regulatory requirements and some solutions may not be available in certain locations. The information contained herein is not investment advice and does not and shall not be deemed to market funds to the public. Issued in the UK by HSBC Global Asset Management (UK) Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. © 2010 HSBC Global Asset Management (UK) Limited. All rights reserved. 17855/0110/FP09-0585

Global liquidity solutions. Any time.

At HSBC Global Asset Management, we are dedicated to finding innovative, global liquidity and investment solutions

to meet the cash and liquidity management needs of our corporate and institutional clients; including sovereign and

supranational organisations. HSBC Global Asset Management’s liquidity experts partner with companies worldwide

at crucial stages of their cash management processes, from segmenting cash flows to devising and implementing

investment strategies. Our global expertise and local knowledge have seen our clients entrust to us almost US$100

billion* in money-market assets worldwide.

If you would like to discover how HSBC Liquidity could drive optimal solutions for your cash and liquidity needs,

please contact:

Nick Jones – 00 44 20 7991 8431

Simon Blanch – 00 44 20 7024 0392

Rob Gibbins – 00 44 20 7991 0212

www.assetmanagement.hsbc.com/liquidity†To help improve our service and in the interest of security your communications may be recorded and/or monitored.

For professional investors only and not intended for retail clients. *As at March 2009. HSBC Liquidity is a business unit of the local HSBC Global Asset Management entity. The liquidity solutions are provided by local HSBC entities according to local regulatory requirements and some solutions may not be available in certain locations. The information contained herein is not investment advice and does not and shall not be deemed to market funds to the public. Issued in the UK by HSBC Global Asset Management (UK) Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. © 2010 HSBC Global Asset Management (UK) Limited. All rights reserved. 17855/0110/FP09-0585 13THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR GOVERNMENT

SECURITY, LIQUIDITY, YIELD

THE BENEFITS OF INVESTING in money market funds can be summarised by three simple factors:•Securityfromtheconstraintsofthe triple-A fund rating, the diversification of investments and the use of a fund vehicle;•Liquidityfromthesamedaysettlement and daily access for investors; and•Yieldwhichiscompetitivewhen compared to bank deposits. So why have local authorities invested only about seven per cent of their cash1 in money market funds, whereas corporate treasurers have invested around 18 per cent of their cash2 in these funds? It appears that some local authorities still have questions regarding investment in money market funds.

WHERE TO GET INFORMATIONInvestors can obtain information on money market funds from a variety of sources. By law, all money market funds are obliged to publish a prospectus, which is a detailed description of how the fund is set up and makes its investments; a simplified version of this prospectus; and thirdly, annual and semi-annual reports. The simplified prospectus must be offered to investors prior to their purchasing shares or units in the fund. The prospectus and annual/semi-annual reports must be made available to investors without any charge, so investors can simply request these documents from their fund manager or financial intermediary. Because all of these statutory documents often regroup information pertaining to many funds, they can be quite lengthy. Fund managers also publish monthly factsheets which generally provide a brief overview of each fund, its investments and performance. IMMFA money market funds are also required to disclose information about the average maturity of the whole fund, as well as the maturity breakdown of the fund’s investments. If an investor is looking for additional information regarding how the fund is managed, it is best to contact the fund manager directly. Most fund managers have client areas of the website, accessible uniquely via a secured login, which provide detailed, up-to-date data regarding the money market fund’s investments and performance.

FUND MANAGERSWhat if not all of the fund’s holdings are securities that you would invest in? One of the benefits of investing in a money market fund is obtaining the

services of a professional money market fund manager. These fund managers have resources such as credit expertise and analysis that most investors cannot build or replicate, given the costs involved. Professional fund managers use a rigorous process when considering whether or not to purchase securities. For example, fund managers looking to purchase asset-backed commercial paper analyse who the issuer is, how the security would respond to various risk factors (including interest rate risk and credit risk) as well as how the asset-backed programme is structured. If the fund manager determines that the security represents an appropriate investment for the money market fund, the amount of securities purchased will be limited by the fund’s diversification requirements. All money market funds have limits on the amount that they can invest with a single issuer, and IMMFA money market funds have additional limits stemming from the triple-A fund rating. By investing in money market securities via a money market fund, local authorities can benefit from the fund manager’s experience to access a wider variety of instruments should they so wish. However, some funds may invest in securities which a local authority does not wish to own, irrespective of the fund manager’s analysis, the security’s risk profile and the potential diversification benefits of such an investment. In this instance, it is recommended to

raise these concerns directly with the fund manager. Fund managers can then explain the rationale for investing in securities which may be unfamiliar to local authorities. After having these discussions, local authorities can compare the investments of several funds and choose the profile which most suits their needs and risk profile.

CUT OFF TIMESSame-day dealing is good but what if the cut-off times are too early? Traditional money market funds tend to have a cut-off time between 12:30 and 1:30pm GMT. Money market funds invest in a variety of security types, as explained above, and some money market securities have either early cut-off times or sharply lower liquidity in the afternoon. The money market fund’s cut-off time is set so that the fund manager can obtain sufficient liquidity when buying or selling securities and so that the fund’s custodian can ensure that all of the trading in securities can be settled by the end of the business day. Government-only money market funds tend to have a 10am cut-off time, due to the cut-off time for the gilts market. Investors who go directly to the Debt Management Office to purchase gilts would be faced with a similar cut-off time. Whilst there is no way to alter the slightly earlier cut-off time for money market funds, investors can still make use of

Gail Le Coz, chief executive of the Institutional Money Market Funds Association, goes through some concerns local authorities might have that prevent them from investing in money market funds


MONEY MATTERS


these funds. It is possible to initially use money market funds to place more predictable excess cash, and use bank deposits or other short-term investments for the remaining cash balances. This would allow investors to start accessing a diversified range of investments and instruments without changing their cash forecasting process. Over time, the benefits of investing more cash in money market funds can be weighted against the difficulty in changing cash forecasting methods.

THE QUESTION OF YIELDWhat about not knowing the money market fund’s yield in advance? Before examining the questions regarding yield, it is important to remember the position of the Communities and Local Government Committee3: “The primary consideration of local authority investment, as emphasised by CIPFA, should remain security and liquidity; but yield should not be neglected. The risk involved in seeking yield should be mitigated by robust and responsive Codes, guidelines and best practice.” Whilst yield is an important criteria to be considered when choosing an investment for a local authority’s excess cash, it is not the only factor which should be taken into consideration. Yields on money market funds are not known in advance, as the fund manager buys and sells securities every day. A certain percentage of the portfolio is held in securities which mature the next day, meaning that the fund manager may need to reinvest the cash the following day. Also, the fund manager may have to sell some of the securities held by a fund if more investors decide to sell shares in the fund than buy shares on a given day. Most fund managers of IMMFA money market funds buy short-term securities with the intention to hold them to maturity, though the fund manager can decide to sell securities held by the fund to take advantage of changes in interest rates. Although past performance is not a guide to future performance, IMMFA money market funds have generally outperformed seven day LIBID rates over the past two years.

FUND MANAGER’S FEESWill the fund manager’s fees reduce the yield that you receive? IMMFA money market funds have historically offered competitive yields when compared to money market rates. This remains true even once the fund manager’s fees are taken into consideration. It is important to note that the fees charged to a money market fund include the fund manager’s fees as well as expenses such as custody and administration of the securities held in the fund. In exchange for paying the fund’s fees, investors in a money market fund obtain access to a professional cash management team as explained above. The fund manager will employ dedicated portfolio managers and credit analysts to evaluate potential and current investments. It would most likely cost the local authority much more than the fund manager’s fee to directly invest in the range of instruments contained within a money market fund. In conclusion, money market funds can provide a viable means of obtaining both security and liquidity. However, given the variety of funds available, investors should carefully assess any fund and consult with financial professionals before investing.

Notes:1. Local Government Association, June 2009.2. J.P. Morgan Global Cash Management Survey 2009. Figures for EMEA only.3. Seventh Report of Session 2008-09, Local Authority Investments, 12 May 2009.


For responses to additional questions about money market funds, please refer to the “About MMFs” section on www.immfa.org and speak to your fund manager or financial intermediary.


MONEY MATTERS

HSBC Global Asset Management

SBC GLOBAL ASSET Management is the core

global investment platform of the HSBC Group, dedicated to managing institutional and individual assets around the world. HSBC Global Asset Management has approximately has approximately 2,200 employees in 31 countries and territories around the world*. Our primary objective is to manage focused investment strategies which are responsive to client needs while delivering long-term value. Our diverse, global client base includes corporations, public pension plans, insurance companies, endowments and foundations, as well as sovereign and supranational funds. HSBC Global Asset Management draws on the strength of a distinct multi-specialistinvestment model:•Halbis–activefundamental

•HSBCLiquidity–active cash management•HSBCMultimanager– manager of managers/ fund of funds platform•Sinopia–quantitativeThe group has recognised expertise in liquidity funds, emerging markets, alternative investments (including fund of hedge funds), climate change, socially responsible investment and Amanah (Shariah compliant investments).* as at September 30th 2009


E-mail: [email protected]: www.assetmanagement.hsbc.com/uk

H

Invesco Aim – GlobalCash Management

NVESCO AIM Global Cash Management

understands the priorities of good credit management, a high level of liquidity and a competitive rate of return are of paramount importance to Treasurers. For almost 30 years, we have followed the same course which has been the enduring principal behind the management of all our triple-A rated money market funds. What makes us stand out from the rest of the market is our unwavering attitude towards mitigating risk and our uncompromising attention to customer support. These qualities have proven their endurance over the years, none more so than since the beginning of the current credit crisis. Invesco Aim continued to operate its

money market funds as normal and provide customers with the additional information they needed to endorse the security of their investment in the funds. A specialist provider of money market funds since 1980, Invesco Aim currently has US$84 billion (as at 30.11.09) in assets under management in funds based in the United States, Canada and the Republic of Ireland. Invesco Aim is a division of Invesco Asset Management Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority in the UK.


Tel: +44 207 065 3007E-mail: [email protected]: www.invescoaim.net

I

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To view an online demonstration visit:www.experianbi.co.uk/riskauditplus7 or call 0115 901 6017

TAKE A WIDER VIEW.GAIN A DEEPER INSIGHT

Get a wider view of your suppliers with Experian’s Risk Audit Plus.

With powerful information drawn from a variety of sources such as Delphi Score, Days Beyond Terms (DBT), CCJ’s and much more.

Experian’s Risk Audit Plus will help you to better identify the risk that each of your suppliers represents.

To view an online demonstration visit:www.experianbi.co.uk/riskauditplus7 or call 0115 901 6017


LOCAL AUTHORITIES, FRAUD, AND THE FUTURE

BACK IN JUNE, JOHN DENHAM, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, said in a speech to CIPFA delegates: “Local authorities will need to make each taxpayer’s pound work harder than ever…this puts a new premium on creativity and innovation to address local difficulties and drive local improvement.” More recently, in a speech to the RSA in October, he said: “One of the great challenges facing the country is how, at a time of tight public expenditure restraint, we can still deliver high quality public services…the drive for value for money will be at the top of local authority chief executives’ agendas.” Given that it’s not reasonable to keep expecting those hard-pressed chief officers to pull the rabbit out of the proverbial hat, what can they do to achieve what increasingly looks like the impossible? One area that could generate much-needed funds for frontline services would be to stem fraud losses. As the Audit Commission makes clear: “Every pound lost through fraud affects citizens by increasing

taxation and threatening essential services.” In a climate where fraud is rising nationally, fraud prevention presents a sizeable challenge for local government, but one that, faced head on, could achieve very real financial benefits. Clearly, fraud is a problem throughout the economy, and local authorities are no exception.

THE NATURE OF THE PROBLEMThe National Fraud Initiative (NFI), carried out under the auspices of the Audit Commission, in its recent report Protecting the Public Purse highlighted three particular frauds perpetrated on local authorities that “need more attention”. The first is housing tenancy fraud, where applicants for social housing submit false applications, or where a legitimate tenant has been succeeded by someone ineligible for social housing, or where social housing is sub-let for profit. The second is the council tax single person discount. This is where increasing numbers of individuals are fraudulently claiming the 25 per

cent single person discount from their council tax bill. The NFI estimates the cost to taxpayers of those claiming the discount fraudulently (and who so far have gone undetected) to be as much as £90 million a year. The last is recruitment fraud. With the size of the full-time workforce, and the additional complexities involved by the thousands of temporary staff required, local authorities face large scale difficulties in ensuring that all of their staff are honest (without a criminal record), and properly qualified to do the work that they are employed to do. Other types of fraud perpetrated on local authorities, and on which the NFI reported in detail, include:•housingandcounciltaxbenefit fraud (which is estimated to cost local authorities over £200 million annually)•procurementfraud•fraudulentclaimsforsocial care direct payments•bluedisabledparkingbadgefraud

Local authorities are under constant pressure to deliver better public services for less money. One area that could generate much-needed funds for frontline services is to stem fraud losses

www.governmentbusiness.co.ukWritten by Kate Beddington-Brown, head of communications, CIFAS

MONEY MATTERS



MONEY MATTERS

•bogusinsuranceclaims(suchasfrom individuals who claim fraudulently to have tripped on a pavement slab or to have suffered damage to their vehicle from a pothole)•abuseofposition(suchasaclerk fraudulently diverting funds into the wrong bank account for profit).In addition, as a greater range of services provided by local authorities is made available online, councils have the additional challenge of managing the increased risk of fraud by treating credit and debit card e-payment transactions – and the associated data – with the same level of security as they traditionally have done with cash.

IS FRAUD GETTING WORSE OR BETTER?The bad news is that, throughout the economy, fraud is increasing year-on-year and there is no reason why local authorities should be exempt from this. The increase can be attributed to a number of factors, including the recession. Those who might not have turned to fraud in less harsh times are clearly finding temptation all too great as their resources become stretched. Another reason is an increase in organised crime. With organised crime costing the economy as much as £30 billion a year, the Home Office, within its paper Extending our Reach, earlier this year specified the responsibility shared by public bodies – including local authorities – to combat organised crime and to disrupt the lives and activities of organised criminals. The growth in new technology is another reason. The increasing ability to apply online for council services and benefits means that fraudsters no longer have to turn up in person and put themselves at real risk. They can operate at a distance, making fraudulent representations, from the comfort and anonymity of their own home – or indeed, from almost anywhere. They may not in practice even be resident within the local authority’s area. Clearly, the problem is increasingly complex, and there is no room for complacency.

CAN LOCAL AUTHORITIES PREVENT FRAUD?Most local authorities already do a great deal themselves to prevent fraud from occurring, employing teams of investigators and initiating prosecutions where they can, even recovering stolen monies where possible. They

participate in new and established networks to ramp up their fight against fraud. But all of this requires considerable resource. And in any case, some readers will be thinking: “We already do x, y and z, and in addition there is all the work done by the National Fraud Initiative – surely that’s enough?” The NFI, carried out under the auspices of the Audit Commission, is certainly well-embedded in local authority processes. Having been carried out every two years since 1996, it has done much to identify frauds already committed during that period – and during that time has uncovered over £500 million lost to fraud and overpayments. Moreover, the process also takes action towards recovering those funds from the fraudsters and provides advice and guidance on best practice in areas where particular methodologies or types of fraud are identified. So far, so good. But couldn’t more be done? In spite of its achievements and undoubted merits, there are those who argue that, to some extent at least, the NFI could be described as “shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted”. How much better it would be if a good proportion of those frauds could actually be prevented before any money is lost. This would have so many benefits – more funds available for frontline services, less time wasted on trying to collect monies lost to fraud, and less risk of fraud in the first place. Solutions already exist that could support this kind of activity, or provide an alternative, depending on any authority’s appetite and funding regime. These involve the legal sharing of data through a Specified Anti-Fraud Organisation (SAFO) as designated by the Home Office under the Serious Crime Act 2007.

HOW COULD CIFAS HELP?CIFAS – the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service – has been designated a SAFO by the Home Office. During 2008, by sharing fraud data through the CIFAS database, its 260 member organisations reported that they prevented fraud losses of £848 million. The database is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year in real time for members to prevent fraud – and it works in a different way from the NFI. It prevents fraud before it occurs. And, so far as the public sector is concerned, not only could local authorities benefit from membership, but also central government departments and agencies.

At present, all CIFAS members are from the private sector, although a number of public sector organisations are preparing to join. Indeed, the UK Border Agency’s Minister has already announced their intention to do so and active discussions with a number of local authorities are also under way. It is known that fraudsters do not discriminate – research undertaken with the Home Office has shown that the same fraudsters who attack the private sector also attack the public sector, so the same protection is required.

SHARING INFORMATIONLocal authorities could use a SAFO like CIFAS to prevent financial losses through fraud in a number of ways. By sharing data through CIFAS on the frauds they detect, they could share fraud data reciprocally both with other local authorities and with the private sector to prevent fraud. They could, for example, search the database to verify applications for housing benefit, council tax benefit, council tax single person discounts, etc. In doing so, they might find that an application for housing benefit was being made by someone using a false identity, or that in a previous application for a loan (from another CIFAS member organisation), the individual had quoted a much higher income, thus alerting the authority to the likelihood of fraud. If any of the addresses provided by an applicant were linked to a fraud on the database, for example, a local authority could look more closely at the details, enabling their officers after a full investigation, to determine whether the application was genuine and valid, or fraudulent. This would help them to ensure that benefits reach those in real need, and not criminals and opportunists. It would not jeopardise the delivery of benefits and services to legitimate claimants. CIFAS services are available to local authorities either through mainstream credit reference or other agencies such as Callcredit, Equifax, Experian or Synectics Solutions or direct from CIFAS using secure data links. CIFAS is also in discussions with NAFN, the National Anti-Fraud Network.

THE CHALLENGELocal authority chief officers have many challenges: revenues are declining, money is tighter, and demand for services is increasing. As John Denham says: “If money is going to be tight, local councils need to be able to generate new sources of income.” And how much better it would be if, by doing so, they could redirect the resources currently being diverted to criminals and fraudsters back to where they belong: to frontline services for the citizens who really need them.


Please e-mail [email protected]

With organised crime costing the economy as much as £30 billion a year, the Home Office, within its paper Extending our Reach, earlier this year specified the responsibility shared by public bodies – including local authorities – to combat organised crime and to disrupt the lives and activities of organised criminals


Visit the website to view the categorised product finder www.governmentbusiness.co.uk

Could you continue to provide essential services if your top three suppliers went bankrupt tomorrow?

REDIT CHECKING SUPPLIERS at the tender stage is a matter of course but when did you last assess

the stability of your existing supplier base? How would it affect your essential services if they became bankrupt or insolvent? What can you do to ensure this doesn’t occur? Public sector professionals must have the most up to date, comprehensive credit information available to ensure that the service(s) they provide are not adversely affected by the financial situation of their suppliers. Experian’s Risk Audit Plus is a market leading solution providing a detailed report of your existing supplier database. It offers comprehensive information including Commercial Delphi scores to assess the probability of failure, Experian’s Days Beyond Terms payment information, which shows how long they take to pay their invoices, and it also shows any County Court Judgements they have incurred. Viewed from a secure, user-friendly web interface, Risk Audit Plus helps you to make better-informed decisions while also developing preventative actions such as effective contract management strategies. This powerful insight gives you a graphical easy to use display of your supplier risks. Take a tour of Risk Audit Plus – see for yourself how

Risk Audit Plus from Experian can help you to quickly audit, assess and manage supplier credit risks, visit www.experianbi.co.uk/riskauditplus. Once you know about the risk on your supplier base, it’s critical to monitor and continually assess the situation, especially during the current economic downturn. With a choice of over 32 data items to monitor, Experian’s Business Monitoring can notify you of newly filed accounts, a change in directors, or of any adverse information registered against your chosen businesses providing a timely credit risk alert system. Ask about

Business Monitoring being part of your overall supplier risk management package when you enquire about Risk Audit Plus today. Experian is a global leader in providing intelligence to help organisations evaluate the financial stability of potential suppliers, monitor their ongoing financial situation and also manage their own supplier base more effectively.


For further information please call Oliver Abbott on 0115 901 6017 or visit www.experianbi.co.uk

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IOCOTE LTD WORKS with manufacturers of products

associated with environments where hygiene is a priority. These manufacturers incorporate BioCote antimicrobial technology into their products given them built in antimicrobial protection. Together, BioCote Ltd and its manufacturing partners offer an expansive portfolio of high quality products with the ability to reduce cross-contamination within the environments they are located. BioCote Ltd is regarded as the world leader in the application of silver ion technology, providing highly efficacious products, producing cleaner, safer and more hygienic environments. Silver is a natural antimicrobial and has been used for centuries because of its ability to preserve against spoilage. Independent laboratory testing consistently shows BioCote’s silver antimicrobial technology is highly effective against a wide range of disease causing bacteria and fungi. Levels of bacteria have been shown to be reduced by up to 99 per cent over a two-hour period on a BioCote

protected surface, compared to non-protected surfaces where bacteria can proliferate at drastic rates. BioCote Ltd provides continuous proven protection to millions of people every day across the globe. BioCote® antimicrobial protection is applicable to any working environment at risk of cross contamination. With the well publicised outbreak of infectious diseases onboard cruise ships, companies are turning to a more innovative method of defence against a public foe that continues to ride the waves.


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The 3rd Annual Public Sector Transformation Summit 2010

HE 3RD ANNUAL PUBLIC Sector Transformation Summit

is scheduled to take place 18 March at the ICC, Broad Street, Birmingham. Building on the strength of the previous summits, the main premise of the 2010 event is focusing on ‘Maintaining and Improving Public Services in a Reduced Budget Environment’. This event is designed to re-invigorate all public sector transformation professionals with everything they need to know to make each step of the journey of transformation easier, on time and within budget. Following a plenary session, the summit will be split into three streams, which will allow you to focus on the areas which are relevant to your specific area of work: •TransformingCustomerServices,

•TransformingSocialCare Services and•TransformationandEngagement.The event will feature over 35 panels, roundtables and case study presentations on every aspect of transformation during one action packed day. The support of senior figures from central and local government illustrates that the Public Sector Transformation Summit has now been firmly established as the leading Public Sector Transformation event.


Tel: 020 7336 4692Fax: 020 7336 4601E-mail: [email protected]: www.thetransformationsummit.com

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REDUCING EMISSIONS THROUGH PROCUREMENTCLIMATE CHANGE IS A BUSINESS issue and the UK government expects that its suppliers should be taking it seriously. That is the message of a new report published recently by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) which reveals the need for better integration of carbon reduction strategies within suppliers’ organisational policies. ‘CDP 2009 Public Procurement Report for the UK Government’, a report written by climate change consultancy AEA, is the result of an unprecedented collaboration on climate change undertaken by 14 departments and executive agencies, including the Cabinet Office, Department of Business Innovation and Skills, Ministry of Defence, Office of Government Commerce, to encourage their suppliers to disclose their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change related risk.

Speaking on the launch of the report, Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: “Involvement in the CDP Public Procurement Programme provides government and its suppliers with the opportunity to work together to bring about real reductions in carbon emissions through joint working and sharing of best practice. I would like to thank participants in this initiative and would commend future involvement to all those concerned with effecting change in this important area.”

FULL DISCLOSURE?Just over 80 per cent of the 164 supplier companies taking part in the report were able to disclose their emissions, with around 77 per cent disclosing their scope 1 and 2 emissions – direct GHG emissions,

from onsite energy usage, production and other industrial activities. However, the report identified the need to understand all aspects of Scope 3 emissions (indirect), such as supply chain and product emissions for organisations to fully understand and appraise their potential weaknesses. In addition, whilst two-thirds (66 per cent) of organisations have put in place carbon reduction targets demonstrating an intent to reduce emissions, the majority of these are short-term and not in line with the aspirational targets that the UK has set itself. The report highlighted that progress has been made by government departments during the past year in communicating with suppliers that climate change is a business issue and that accountability at the highest level is vital. 68 per cent of organisations

responded by saying that the board or executive committee had overall responsibility for carbon reductions, yet only 32 per cent of those questioned were able to say how responsibility for carbon reductions had been assigned. Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Ian Pearson MP, said: “The government recognises the importance of creating a low carbon, resource efficient economy and is always seeking ways to improve the way government spends its budget on goods and services. Third party suppliers have a big part to play in delivering real change. This is crucial both in the way government procures but also in ensuring the UK maintains its strong leadership in dealing with climate change.” Gwen Ventris, chief operating officer, AEA Europe said: “The report demonstrates

that the issue of carbon reporting and management is becoming more complex and that organisations need to work closely with their partners to fully understand their emissions footprint. AEA has worked with a number of organisations during the past 18 months to help them fully understand their carbon commitments. This will become increasingly important as we move towards the launch of the CRC in April next year.” Paul Dickinson, chief executive officer at CDP, commented: “A significant proportion of those emissions are being generated as a result of what the developed world purchases. Supply Chain emissions often make up the majority of an organisation’s footprint. This report shows that government is seeking to exert its influence through the supply chain.” Participating government departments and executive agencies include: Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), Cabinet Office, Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), Environment Agency, Department for Transport, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Ministry of Defence, NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (PASA), Office of Government Commerce, HM Treasury, Buying Solutions, The Home Office, HM Revenue and Customs.


To download a copy of the report please visit www.cdproject.net

Report demonstrates suppliers to UK government have major role to play in cutting carbon


ABOUT CDP

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is an independent not-for-profit organisation collecting key climate change data from some 2,500 companies around the globe and has assembled the largest database of corporate greenhouse gas emissions and climate change information in the world. Founded in 2000, CDP facilitates the collection of climate change data within investment portfolios – representing some 475 global institutional investors with more than US $55 trillion in assets under management – as well as through corporate and public sector supply chains. To find out more visit www.cdproject.net

Involvement in the CDP Public Procurement Programme provides government and its suppliers with the opportunity to work together to bring about real reductions in carbon emissions through joint working and sharing of best practice. I would like to thank participants in this initiative and would commend future involvement to all those concerned with effecting change in this important area – Business Secretary Lord Mandelson

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Phone calls: We may monitor and/or record calls for security, quality or training purposes. The cost of calls to 0845 numbers may vary so please check with your provider for exact charges.

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MEETING CARBON BUDGETS

THE COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE CHANGE is the independent body set up under the Climate Change Act to advise government on setting and meeting carbon budgets. Carbon budgets are five-year ceilings on emissions of greenhouse gases in the UK. On the recommendation of the Committee, the government recently placed into legislation the first three carbon budgets covering the period to 2023 and based on a target to reduce emissions by 34 per cent in 2020. The Committee’s recommended long-term target to reduce emissions in 2050 by 80 per cent is on the face of the Climate Change Act. The budgets and targets are designed so that together with deep emissions cuts in other developed countries the increase in global temperature would be limited to around two degrees and the probability of temperature increases above four degrees would be kept very low (e.g. less than one per cent). The Committee recently published its first annual report to Parliament on progress reducing emissions in the UK. In the five years to 2008 annual average emission reductions were only around 0.5 per cent. Going forward it is essential that emissions are reduced by 2-3 per cent annually if we are to meet carbon budgets. A step change is therefore required if the pace of emissions reduction is to be accelerated as required.

STEP CHANGE IN POWER GENERATIONThe power sector is particularly important, as the production of cleaner electricity is crucial for both reducing power sector emissions and for applying less-carbon intensive electricity to other sectors of the economy, for example, transport and heat. A 50 per cent reduction in emissions from the power sector is required by 2020, and by 2050, if we are to meet our long-term 80 per cent target, the carbon-intensity of electricity that we use needs to be reduced from around 550gCO2KWh today to under 50gCO2KWh. To achieve this, by 2020 we need to increase the levels of on and offshore wind generation on the grid, to 27 Gigawatts, as well as having three new nuclear power plants and four clean coal plants in operation. To support this transformation, we advised government to look at current power market arrangements and ways of supporting investment in low-carbon power generation, as well as looking at ways to speed up the planning and approvals process. We also advised the government on the approach to

investment in conventional coal generation, and the framework to support development of clean coal; this advice was accepted and reflected in a new framework published by the government in November 2009.

STEP CHANGE IN BUILDINGSIn residential buildings we need to reduce emissions by 35 per cent on today’s levels by 2022. We can achieve this by insulating 10 million lofts and 7.5 million cavity walls by 2015. Alongside this we need to put solid wall insulation in more than two million homes and replace 12 million old boilers with energy

efficient ones. But, we will not achieve the necessary energy efficiency improvement on a piecemeal approach. What is needed is a national programme, led by government, to transform the residential building stock on a house by house, street by street basis. Improving energy efficiency in non-residential buildings and small and medium sized enterprises (SME’s) is of vital importance in reducing emissions from our buildings. The Committee has proposed that there should be a widespread roll out of Display Energy Certificates (DECs) and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). This would provide greater

David Kennedy, chief executive, Committee on Climate Change, looks at the need for a step change


BUILT ENVIRONMENT

It is crucial, that the potential for emissions reductions in the public sector is unlocked, because this can make an important contribution to meeting carbon budgets, encourage behavioural change amongst users of public buildings and underpin government credibility in leading a wider emissions reduction programme



BUILT ENVIRONMENT

transparency, which itself could catalyse emissions reductions, and could provide the basis for new policies (e.g. mandating minimum energy efficiency standards). It is crucial that the potential for emissions reductions in the public sector is unlocked, because this can make an important contribution to meeting carbon budgets, encourage behavioural change amongst users of public buildings and underpin government credibility in leading a wider emissions reduction programme. The central government estate has established target to reduce emissions in central government offices by 30 per cent in 2020 relative to 1999/2000. Interim targets established in the context of agreeing departmental carbon budgets aim to achieve a 17 per cent cut in emissions by 2010/11, with the Department for Energy and Climate Change committing to reduce its buildings emissions by 10 per cent in 2009/10.

STEP CHANGE IN TRANSPORTIn transport, which is responsible for 25 per cent of emissions in the UK, there are opportunities to improve the carbon efficiency of conventional cars as well as a rollout of

electric vehicles. With electric cars, for instance, the Committee has proposed that the UK should aim for up to 1.7 million electric cars and plug in hybrids on the road in 2020. Electric cars are market ready and there is a real scope to reduce the cost of their batteries by 70 per cent, which would mean they could be competitively priced with conventional cars. A charging infrastructure will need to be developed including off street home charging, workplace charging as well as charging at places such as supermarkets and car parks. Emissions in the transport sector could also be reduced through better-planned journeys and greater use of public transport. ‘Smarter Choices’ has been successful where it has been trialled and is a low-cost and economically beneficial measure and should now be rolled out more widely. Delivering the step change will require strong leadership from government, building on its Low Carbon Transition Plan and putting in place a framework for delivery. Achieving carbon budgets is feasible and affordable at a cost of less than one per cent of GDP in 2020. In a world where carbon budgets are achieved we will meet more of our energy needs from low-carbon power, live in well insulated homes with

energy efficient boiler and appliances. We will also work in energy efficient offices and drive more carbon efficient cars including hybrids and electric vehicles. Taking action will improve the security of energy supply and air quality.


Web: www.theccc.org.uk

MR (AUTOMATED METER Reading) is now a topic

that has reached even the furthest corners of the UK plc. The main driver of recent months has been the Carbon Reduction Commitment, or CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, as it is now to be known. Part of the qualifying criteria for CRC was the requirement to consume more than 6GWH of energy though mandatory ‘half hourly’, profile class ‘00’ meters. NOW, the government has mandated that non profile ‘00’ meters that record half hourly consumption (AMR or Smart meters) installed before March 2009 will add to this total, potentially benefiting/burdening or penalising companies them. The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme’s impact on your business (should it qualify) will in 2011 entirely depend upon what are called the Early Action Metrics, whereby a league table is drawn up and your companies relative performance to others is gauged by these metrics. In the first year, a successful installation of AMR across 90 per cent of your portfolio should see you avoid

the associated financial penalties as AMR accounts for 50 per cent of these metrics. The other metric is to achieve the Carbon Trust Standard or other similar scheme. In the second and third year the impact of AMR has doubled, now delivering 40 per cent in the second year and 20 per cent in the third year. This now gives higher emphasis to Early Action changes and reducing more slowly to better recognise your investment in AMR. Of course your company’s ability to reduce its consumption weighs heaviest after the first year, with the difficulties of doing this from estimated invoices, AMR is the best way to prove exactly what you have used.

AMR covers a range of technologies, all of which provide users with timely and accurate access to their utility usage. AMR is available for electricity, gas and water meters, however, in the case of gas and water, a data logger or other similar device needs to be connected to your meter via a pulse output, should a working pulse output be present on your meter. “It is important that your AMR solution is independently

verified, financial and consumption benefits clearly detailed, and that the same company will support you in a year or two’s time when you are asked to prove the results” Jonathan Akers, head of Technical Energy Services at BIU, who provide metering services to RBS, Tesco, One Stop Stores, NCP, Pets at Home, Café Rouge, Poundland, Pret-a-Manger and the 2012 Olympics’ Athletes Village.


Tel: 01253 789 816Fax: 01253 714 131E-mail: [email protected]: www.biu.com

A complex case for a simple solution? Smarter Automatic Meter Reading (AMR)?

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David Kennedy



ORONA ENERGY IS THE LEADING supplier of natural gas to the public sector and british businesses. It works

in partnership to both control energy costs and deliver environmental benefits. Corona Energy aims to build long-term relationships based on trust and mutual understanding. This is why it is one of the fastest growing gas suppliers in the UK. It is managed by a highly skilled team of professionals with extensive industry experience. The team at Corona Energy is able to recognise, understand and meet the evolving needs of customers, especially in the complex multi-site sector in which it specialises. It focuses on exactly what the customer wants and how best to fulfil those requirements. Flexibility, versatility and the ability to respond to ever-changing market conditions and customer needs are at the heart of its offering. The key to delivering these features lies in its people’s skills and experience, plus in its processes and heavy investment in IT. Corona Energy continues to develop and enhance its IT systems to meet the challenges of a demanding market-place. Corona Energy’s ability to meet diverse customer needs has allowed it to specialise in multi-site customers, a sector that is typically more difficult to service. Multi-site customers have a range of needs that are well

understood and accommodated by Corona Energy who supply several household name multi-site customers such as John Lewis Partnership, Co-op and BT as well as many local authorities. It also has thousands of other customers who are not so well known but whose business is equally valued. Corona Energy prides itself on adopting an environmentally responsible approach. It was among the first gas suppliers to offer e-billing which, by eliminating most of the paperwork, reduces the customer’s administration time and costs significantly. It also pioneered the offer of Automated Meter Reading (AMR), an exciting development in the world of gas metering which

has made estimated bills and manual reads a thing of the past, allowing the user to focus on energy efficiency and procurement matters. Corona Energy is a company that believes in building partnerships with customers. It aims to build long-term relationships based on trust and mutual understanding whereby the ever changing needs of the customer can be met in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.


Tel: 08442 64 64 64Fax: 0870 24 29 665E-mail: [email protected]: coronaenergy.co.uk

Corona Energy – a leading supplier of natural gas to the public sector and british businesses

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Visualise your carbon footprint

CO3D IS A PIONEERING piece of

software that simplifies the process of calculating your carbon output. In a user-friendly interface you recreate your business activities in an interactive virtual world, accounting for every carbon emission from staff to equipment. Once analysed the system displays areas where carbon emissions can be reduced and gives the user the option to trial new energy-saving measures in their virtual world before having to implement them, saving time, manpower and money. Eco3D can suggest improvements in every area of your business enabling you to meet reduction targets by making performance improvements, thus allowing you to reach informed decisions on future carbon reductions. These decisions can be made easily from information provided by the software without the need to trial potentially expensive alternatives.

No technical expertise or knowledge of carbon disclosure is required, making this unique in the marketplace for its ease of use and simplicity. Reduce energy bills, improve productivity, manage carbon reductions and improve understanding with Eco3D. To find out more about how Eco3D can help you to make a smooth transition to fulfilling your carbon disclosure requirements and save you money contact CyberPharm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tel: 0845 409 55 38E-mail: [email protected]: www.eco3d.co.uk

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Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC): Are you ready?

IME IS RUNNING OUT and costly compliance

penalties are looming. Starting in April 2010, the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) is a mandatory and legally binding emission-reduction scheme covering all public sector organisations. The CRC regulation requires that you monitor and accurately report your carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from your direct energy use on an annual basis. Failure to do so will result in costly compliance penalties. An annual league table will be published, ranking each participating organisation based on their performance. CloudApps is the leading provider of low-cost, low-risk CRC solutions that are helping organisations of all sizes to comply with the CRC legislation. CloudApps solutions can help you to avoid costly penalties by providing accurate and automated CRC submission documents,

directly from your energy use data. CloudApps solutions can further help you maximise your cost savings through emission reduction programs that will lower both your energy consumption and your operational costs. Lastly, CloudApps solutions will help you to communicate your emission reduction results to all your key stakeholders. The Carbon Trust reports that over 100 organisations have already collectively saved over £50m per annum as a result of reducing carbon emissions.


Tel: 0845 052 1384E-mail: [email protected]: www.cloudapps.com

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IMPROVE INSULATION, SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY

THE WAY A BUILDING IS CONSTRUCTED, insulated, ventilated and the type of fuel used, all contribute to its carbon emissions. A worrying fact is that, for over half of all homes in the UK, a significant proportion of the money spent on energy is literally being thrown out of the window as a result of inadequate levels of insulation, with around 50 per cent of the heat being lost through the roof and walls. The National Insulation Association (NIA) is a not for profit organisation representing over 90 per cent of the home insulation industry in the UK. As a membership organisation, it actively supports the government’s accelerated programme for insulation and its intention to raise awareness not only of the amount of heat lost through inadequate insulation, but also

the amount of money that householders can save by having their home properly insulated.

GOVERNMENT TARGETSAt the NIA’s annual conference in December 2009, the Under Secretary for the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), David Kidney MP, announced the government aims to insulate the lofts and cavity walls of every suitable home by 2015. He also stated that up to seven million homes would have received more substantial ‘whole house’ changes, including solid wall insulation by 2020 and by 2030, a 29 per cent reduction on 2008 household emissions. Mr Kidney stated that: “We have set very ambitious targets to reduce CO2 emissions

in the UK and energy use in buildings, both homes and non-domestic, accounts for a very substantial part of this. Insulation is the crucial technology that will help reduce energy demand and reduce emissions.” He added: “This is not just about climate change, but insulation forms a pivotal part of our drive to improve the thermal performance of our housing stock and reduce household energy bills. With the average family spending over £1,000 a year on heating and powering their homes, insulation is a quick win with short pay back periods – and so is increasingly more important in these tough economic times.” The NIA states that there are currently nine million cavity walls and 15 million lofts that require insulation. Research carried out by the Association also shows that over two thirds of people do not realise just how much heat is lost through uninsulated walls and roofs (50 per cent of heat is lost through the roof and cavity walls and a shocking 45 per cent through solid walls alone). Neil Marshall, NIA chief executive, commented: “Meeting the targets may be challenging but they are achievable. What is needed is a co-ordinated delivery plan, adequate levels of funding, a dedicated insulation programme and a major government-backed awareness campaign.” The cost of insulating the loft and cavity walls is relatively modest at around £500 including a subsidy under the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target programme and will save the average home around £265 per year in energy costs. Homes with solid walls cost slightly more to insulate, but the energy saving is significantly higher – around £550 per year (walls and loft). So what types of insulation are available?

SOLID WALL INSULATIONThe UK’s housing stock is estimated at approximately 24.5 million dwellings and, of that, approximately 36 per cent are non-cavity wall construction – solid brick, solid stone, pre-1944 timber frame and non-traditional (i.e. concrete construction). It is estimated that there are around seven million properties with solid walls that need insulating. Improving the thermal efficiency of solid wall properties is therefore an area that has massive potential for the future as there has been little work done to date. More and more individuals are now starting to recognise the advantages of insulating such homes and there are many cost-effective solutions available.

With homes producing over a quarter of the UK’s carbon emissions, the onus on reducing their carbon footprint has never been greater for householders

www.governmentbusiness.co.uk Written by the National Insulation Association


BUILT ENVIRONMENT


Solid walls can be insulated either externally or internally and either option will greatly increase comfort, while also reducing the running costs and the associated environmental impact. For older properties in need of re-rendering or re-pointing (both of which are expensive procedures), external cladding is an alternative solution that will replace the need for this job as well as provide far better thermal performance. Internal insulation typically consists of either dry lining in the form of flexible thermal linings, laminated insulating plasterboard (known as thermal board) or built-up system using fibrous insulation such as mineral wood held in place using a studwork frame.

CAVITY WALL INSULATIONCavity wall insulation is an inexpensive, easy-to-install process that sees the insulation material injected into the cavity between the inner and outer leaves of brickwork of the external wall of a property. There are a number of different insulating materials, but they all work in the same way to cut heat loss. Cavity wall insulation work is carried out according to guidance laid down by the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency (CIGA) and workmanship and materials are covered by the independent 25 year CIGA Guarantee to provide homeowners with reassurance and peace of mind. See www.ciga.co.uk for details.

LOFT INSULATIONWith as much as a third of heating costs escaping through the roof, loft insulation is a very effective way of reducing heating bills. While most UK homes already have some degree of loft insulation installed, for the majority this is inadequate and should be topped up to today’s standards of 270mm. The NIA recommends that installing loft insulation should be carried out by

professionally trained experienced NIA members – to avoid technical risks. For example, a high standard can only be achieved by insulating across the top of the ceiling joists as well as between them and including the loft hatch. Pipes and tanks also need to be insulated to avoid freezing and other key considerations include ventilation to avoid condensation and safety aspects of electrical wiring and fittings. If everyone in the UK installed 270mm loft insulation, we could save around £520 million and nearly three million tonnes of CO2 every year.

DRAUGHT PROOFINGOne of the most inexpensive and instantly effective energy efficiency measures for a home – yet often overlooked – is draught proofing. In fact only a quarter of all dwellings in the UK are adequately draught proofed. Regardless of weather conditions, expensive heat will leak through ill-fitting doors, windows and any unsealed gaps in the property. There are several types of materials available to help prevent air leakage, which include: brushes, sealants and extruded strips of profiled foam and rubber. Good quality draught proofing materials will carry the BS 7386:1997 approval mark and will not only prevent expensive heat loss and save energy, but will also increase comfort levels whilst guarding against ingress of bad weather leading to the damage of internal decoration. The NIA recommend that this is carried out by a professional approved installer to ensure the greatest benefits are achieved.

THE NEXT STEPA large proportion of householders are unsure if they have insulation measures already installed in their home or whether it reaches the recommended standards. NIA approved installers provide free home surveys and are experienced to recommend the most suitable

and practical insulation options for each individual property. They also have access to information regarding grants and subsidies to help make the cost of insulating homes even more affordable and accessible to all. The NIA recommends contacting one of its installer members as they are not only trained to the highest standards but also governed by a strict Code of Professional Practice.


For more information about the NIA, including a list of members throughout the UK, visit the website at www.nationalinsulationassociation.org.uk


STABLISHED IN 2001, OHES Environmental was initially set up to manage environmental

incidents in the petrochemical industry. Since then the company has grown to become one of the leading oil loss investigation and remediation management specialists in the UK and Ireland managing over 800 environmental incidents every year. Growth has brought a diversification of services, with the development of a comprehensive range of consultancy disciplines including contaminated land, ecology, fisheries and protected species work. OHES comprises of experienced senior consultants, a good number of which are ex-Environment Agency Protection Officers and pollution control specialists. On a daily

basis OHES manage incidents where the environment is at risk or has been damaged. Our involvement in such incidents is to provide emergency support and advice to our client; facilitate an emergency response to protect human

health, property and the environment; recommend and implement the most effective and cost effective pollution control strategies; investigate the nature and extent of any contamination and determine and execute the most appropriate and cost effective remediation strategy. Throughout any incident OHES is mindful of the need to control costs and through its actions minimise the risk of damage to the environment and prosecution by enforcing authorities.


Tel: 0870 240 3329 Fax: 0118 977 2147E-mail: [email protected]: www.ohes.co.uk

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Providing practical environmental solutions

SAVINGS THROUGH INSULATION

•Byinstallingsolidwallinsulation, savings of around £400 a year on heating bills can be made and reducing emissions by around two tonnes of CO2 each year.•Byinstallingcavitywallinsulation, savings of around £115 a year on heating bills can be made and reducing emissions by around 610kg of carbon dioxide CO2 each year.•Byinstallingloftinsulation savings of around £150 a year on heating bills can be made reducing emissions by around 800kg of carbon dioxide CO2 each year.•Byinstallingdraughtproofingaround doors and windows, savings of around £25 a year can be achieved on heating bills, reducing emissions by around 130kg of carbon dioxide CO2 each year.•Whatevertheinsulation, installing adequate measures will result in a warmer home, reduce bills and save carbon.

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Make the most of water.

Relaxing, invigorating, fun: Hansgrohe showers and mixers. Effici-

ent and energy-saving through innovative technologies: EcoSmart

reduces the flow rate while AirPower pleasantly enriches the water

with air. Limescale can simply be rubbed off thanks to the QuickClean

technology. For more information contact Hansgrohe, Units D1 and

D2, Sandown Park, Trading Estate, Royal Mills, Esher KT10 8BL,

Telephone 01372 465655 or email [email protected].

Website www.hansgrohe.co.uk


EMERGING GREEN TRENDS

COMBINING AN 850 EXHIBITOR-STRONG product showcase with more than 100 free conference and seminar sessions and dozens of interactive educational attractions, Ecobuild connects formal learning with practical experience, and with products and suppliers. Almost 35,000 visitors attended Ecobuild 2009, including some of the most influential organisations and individuals responsible for some of the most valuable construction projects across the UK and beyond. Ecobuild 2010 is expected to be another spectacular event.

WORLDCLASS EVENTThe biggest event in the world for sustainable design, construction and the built environment, Ecobuild has doubled in size every year since its launch in 2005. Ecobuild strives to reflect the preoccupations of the sector it serves – championing the emerging green construction movement at its start, engaging and encouraging debate and discussion, and now, in the current economic climate, seeking out and highlighting the continuing opportunities for sustainable construction. That’s why the best-known names in the sector continue to choose Ecobuild as their most important marketing platform. More than 850 suppliers exhibited at Ecobuild 2009 – the biggest showcase of sustainable construction products anywhere. Ecobuild is also the definitive source of information for specifiers across UK construction and beyond – 34,617 visitors attended in 2009, to meet suppliers, take part in more than 100 free conference and seminar sessions, and to get hands-on experience at dozens of interactive attractions.

NEW FOR 2010Every Ecobuild brings new initiatives and 2010 is no exception with a whole host of special events planned already. The Energy Saving Trust will be making an even bigger impression at Ecobuild 2010 by sponsoring visitor registration, highlighting its services specifically for construction professionals and building managers to every visitor who registers for Ecobuild next year. The finalists of the annual British Home Awards will be announced at Ecobuild and their entries showcased in a series of presentations. The Ecobuild Fringe programme brings together a variety of events from exhibitors, supporters and partners, all taking place in or around Earls Court.

ATTRACTIONSEcobuild’s attractions provide hands-on, practical experience combined with expert advice.

Designed to complement Ecobuild’s seminars, many attractions feature live demonstrations, showing products and techniques in action. The Ecobuild conference is presented by the most highly regarded commentators from across design and construction. Its agenda reflects the most pressing issues for the sector – how construction can recover from recession, new models for housebuilding, keeping sustainability at the heart of the industry, the roadmap for standards and regulation, and how to make renewable generation happen. Over 100 free seminar sessions, delivered by leading professionals and practitioners, provide invaluable guidance in achieving low and zero carbon construction, and a more sustainable built environment. The topics are presented under streams such as future energy, regulations revealed, simplifying standards, guides & tools, refurbishing Britain, urban planning & public realm, sustainable by design, and beyond construction. Challenging, thought-provoking and entertaining events are the hallmark of the Ecobuild Arena, where high profile commentators from all walks of life take on

the big issues and take a look at the built environment from a different perspective.

CITYSCAPEOne attraction to look forward to is Cityscape, which takes green infrastructure as its theme. It will tackle the inter-connected challenges facing the urban public realm – social, economic, environmental – and looks to the improvements that urban green space can deliver by encouraging walking, meeting, playing and relaxing, and creating a closer sense of community. It will also look at green infrastructure’s role in delivering environmental benefits:•mitigationoftheurbanheatislandeffect•improvingairquality•reducingnoise•floodmanagement•localfoodproduction•woodlandcropsforenergyproduction•protectingandenhancingbiodiversityThis is described through an imposing cube of green walls built to illustrate the different systems available for large-scale urban

Ecobuild is the world’s biggest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment


BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Over 100 free seminar sessions, delivered by leading professionals and practitioners, provide invaluable guidance in achieving low and zero carbon construction, and a more sustainable built environment

Insulation at thetop of its class

Did we mention thatJablite, our high-performance, low-impactEPS is rated an A+ by theBRE Green Guideto Specification.*In assessments alongside otherpopular insulation materials,researchers discovered that EPShas an Ozone Depletion Potential(ODP) of zero and a very low GlobalWarming Potential (GWP).

Produced using low-impact methods,it’s also easy to recycle. All useful stuff to know when you’restruggling to choose the right insulation for your next project.

And who would have thought that the most environmentally-friendly insulation would also be the most cost effective?

Find out more: www.jablite.co.uk/aplus0870 444 8769Vencel Resil, Infinity House, Anderson Way, Belvedere, Kent DA17 6BG

*4th Edition 2009 BR501 † Densities of 128 kg/m3 and 140 kg/m3

come and see us at

02-04 March 2010earls court, london

2623 Jablite TICK 88x125 ad:2623 Jablite TICK 88x125 ad 26/1/10 16:36 Page 1

Q-Grip® Slip Resistant Decking byHoppings Softwood Products Plc

0800 849 6339www.qualitydecking.co.uk

Q-Grip® Canterbury slip resistant decking Q-Grip® York slip resistant decking

There is more to Altherma... There is Space Air

www.spaceairsolutions.co.uk

The most accredited air to water heat pump

Space Air are the only company in the UK to provide bespoke altherma packages, making it easier to install saving time and money.

Fully MCS Accredited

See us at

Stand 2150

QP_Altherma_GOVERNMENT BUSINESS MAGAZINE .indd 1 26/1/10 14:35:27


installations and designed by Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winner, Patrick Collins in association with Capita Lovejoy, the land planning division of Capita Symonds. A new and innovative component of urban green infrastructure, green walls reduce temperatures, increase evaporative cooling as well as reducing rainwater run-off and enhancing biodiversity. The green walls give way to a thought-provoking interior space in which visitors can learn about other aspects of green infrastructure through a series of videos and presentation materials set out by Natural England.

ECOBUILD INSTALLEREcobuild Installer is a new attraction for 2010, aimed primarily at those involved in providing heating, electrical and plumbing services. As a variety of government initiatives start to encourage the installation of micro renewable energy systems, Ecobuild Installer will make sense of the products, the market and the opportunities

through a series of practical demonstrations by Plumb Center, as well as over 30 free seminar and training sessions, embracing two key themes, installer business and practical installer. Installer business:•thebusinessandcommercialadvantages of becoming trained and equipped to install micro generation products including case studies of businesses which have already taken advantage of the opportunity •usingexistingskillsanddeveloping new ones: the types of training available, why it’s important, how they relate to each other, and who provides it•howtoprofitfromtheemergingnew market in micro renewable installation and maintenance, how to educate the customer, and recommend and specify the best micro generation solutionPractical installer:•demystifyingmicrogenerationsystems and understanding the key issues in

installing and maintaining them •acomprehensiveintroductiontoinstallingand maintaining solar thermal, solar PV, biomass, wind, and heat pump products and solutions •anintroductiontoretrofittingmicro generation products and how to connect them to existing systems

PRODUCTS AND SERVICESRenewable energy & micro generation: bioenergy, BIPV, heat pumps, CHP, PV, solar-thermal, and small scale wind. Water management & efficiency: flood management, groundworks & drainage, rainwater harvesting, sustainable urban drainage systems, water recycling, and sanitary appliances & fittings. Building services & management: air conditioning systems, heating systems, lighting, management & building systems, mechanical & electrical services, ventilation. External works: hard & soft landscaping, living roofs & walls, external lighting, outdoor fittings, and street furniture & signage. Substructures: groundworks, foundations, proofing, and basements. Building Structures: building frames, concrete framed systems, concrete structures, steel framed systems, steel structures, stairs, floors & beams, sustainable flooring, timber frame systems, timber structures, insulated concrete formwork, and external walling. Building Completion: blinds & shading, cladding & curtain walling, doors, windows, glass & glazing, insulation, and roofing. Building Systems: kitchen & bathroom pods, and modular & prefabricated buildings. Building materials: adhesives, aggregates, masonry, concrete, mortars & limes, natural materials, timber decking, plasters & renders, engineered timber, blocks & bricks, and recycled materials. Professional services: architectural & design services, books & reference guides, education, research & consultancy, financial services, printed & online media & resources, planning services, professional bodies, recruitment, recycling services, refurbishment services, sustainability consultancy, trade associations, training, and software. Finishing products & materials: flooring, wall & ceiling finishes, coatings & paints, surfaces, and roof finishes. Fittings: kitchen & bathroom fixtures & fittings, appliances, fixings & fastenings, contract furnishings, and furniture & accessories. Special activities & requirements: materials handling, plant & equipment, and testing & research.


Tel: 020 7763 5929E-mail: [email protected]: www.ecobuild.co.uk


BUILT ENVIRONMENT

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

Tuesday 02 March•Countingthecarbon,measuringtheprogress•Secondgenerationsustainability:zerocarbonwithoutthebling•Copenhagenconsequences:howstrongisthepoliticalwillforalowcarbonBritain?•Thechallengeforconstruction•Newhomes,newthinking,newmodels•Astrategyforenergy:saveitordecarboniseit?

Wednesday 03 March•Refurbishmentbegins•Clarifyingthezerocarbonconundrum•International&green:learningfromaroundtheworld•Construction:thecornerstoneofagreenrecovery?•Makingrenewablegenerationhappen•Mindingthegap:finding240,000newhousesperyear

Thursday 04 March•ZeroCarbonnewnon-domesticbuildings–rhetoricorreality?•Joiningupinfrastructure•Greenexpectations:canthepropertysectorreallybechanged?•Onlyconnect:codes,standardsandregulationsreview

We’ve got a right CAD working in our offi ce

The Solidworks® CAD software enables you to create your ideas before we turn them into reality.

This stunning Helical staircase offers sweeping elegance and harmony to its surrounding at Express Park in Somerset.

Visit our website, view the gallery and fully appreciate what we can achieve for you.

Turning Ideas Into Reality

Spiral Construction Limited Helston, Cornwall, TR13 0LWTel: (01326) 574497 Fax: (01326) [email protected] www.spiral.uk.com

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www.governmentbusiness.co.uk Visit the website to view the categorised product finder

Sustainable insulation productsfromJablite

ABLITE IS A market-leading manufacturer

of expanded polystyrene (EPS) and supplies a range of bespoke insulation products and solutions to the construction, civil engineering and house building markets. Jablite is acutely aware that improving the energy-efficiency of the built environment in today’s world is one of the most important responsibilities facing the construction industry, which is why the company has in place strict environmental and sustainability policies. EPS is a proven insulation material, widely regarded as one of the most effective currently on the market, due to its high thermal performance, sustainability, cost-effectiveness and long-term durability. EPS is free from HCFCs, completely inert and 100 per cent recyclable. These sustainable properties have lead to the material being awarded

an A+ rating in the BRE’s (British Research Establishment) Green Guide to Specification, the highest rating available. Jablite is a highly durable insulation material that has been widely used in the construction industry for over 30 years. We have innovative products for the insulation of floors walls and roofs all of which can be designed to meet and exceed Building Regulations and the Code for Sustainable Homes.


Tel: 0870 600 3666,Fax: 020 8320 9110E-mail: [email protected]: www.jablite.co.uk

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Space Air to showcase its products at Ecobuild

ELEBRATING ITS 30TH year

within the environmental services industry, Space Air will be exhibiting at Ecobuild, stand 2150. The stand will strongly feature the popular Space Altherma air to water inverter heat pump system, designed to provide a low carbon footprint alternative to the conventional fossil fuel central heating boiler. Space Altherma is suitable for all domestic, small commercial, new build or refurbishment applications. There will be an emphasis on the award winning value added services that Space Air provides, such as its unique accessory items, after sales care, product training and more, showing why Space Air has developed an industry leading status since its foundation in 1980.Also on display:•Theallinone‘Altherma’ Monobloc air to water heat pump system.•Thelatest‘hightemperature’ Altherma air to water system•AsamplingfromDaikin’s market leading range of air

to air heat pump systems, for year-round heating and cooling suitable for residential up to large commercial applications •Daikin’smodularheat recovery ventilation system – ideal for homes, schools and hospital applications•Andtheadditionalbenefitsof Space Air’s services and support.We hope to see you at Ecobuild – stand 2150.


If you would like to make an appointment with one of our representatives at the show, we will be happy to arrange this for you in advance, simply call: 01483 252 240 or e-mail [email protected] to request an appointment.

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Sustainable timber decking, cladding and mouldings by Hoppings

LIP RESISTANT DECKING Q-Grip®

slip resistant decking by Hoppings has enhanced grip properties and is ideal for slip sensitive areas on commercial decks such as schools, outdoor smoking areas and public places in general. Q-Grip® is a combination of selected softwood timber and slip resistant injection applied aggregate strips. Q-Grip® is supplied as FSC or PEFC certified as standard and comes with a 15 year warranty against fungal decay. Pre-painted timber cladding Q-Clad™ pre-painted timber weatherboarding is available in both white and black, in barn effect or rebated. The black barn effect product is mainly used on barn conversions and commercial property the white is designed to be over painted with your choice of colour and is thus has many applications. Q-Clad™ is supplied

as PEFC certified as standard and comes with a 10 year warranty against fungal decay. Q-Line® represents a wide range of second fix mouldings in solid pine and pre-primed MDF and planed square edge sections in solid pine. Supplied as FSC/PEFC certified on request.


For more information call sales at Hoppings Softwood Products – Epping on 01992 578877 or Lingfield 01342 844408. Alternatively go to www.hoppings.co.uk where further information is available.

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Stroma’s experts to attend Ecobuild

TROMA IS PLEASED to announce that it will be

exhibiting at London’s Ecobuild, this year. Technical representatives from across the group will be on hand to discuss Stroma’s capabilities with individuals seeking bespoke solutions and services. Collectively these services include: certification and training for energy and code assessors, CRC consultancy and project management, building energy performance assessment, testing and improvement, aM&T software, and sustainable design for new and retrofitted housing. Stroma is currently involved in several multiple-building performance improvement schemes; one significant example being a project for the Isle of Man Government, aimed at reducing CO2 emissions and running costs across the island’s schools. Looking forward to Ecobuild, director Robert Coxon, comments: “Helped by various government

initiatives, there is increasing acceptance of the need for improved energy performance of new and existing buildings. Stroma is excellently placed to help clients achieve such targets. Our stand at Ecobuild reflects our serious capabilities in this regard, albeit presented in a light-hearted way. Watch this space.”


Stroma will be located at stand 1637, near the theatre, in Earls Court 1. To reserve a consultation slot, or for further information, please call 0845 6211 111 or e-mail [email protected]

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MuckBuster/WindBuster – the future of renewable energy

EAB ENERGY LTD, based in Hampshire UK,

is a designer and manufacturer of renewable energy mirco generation systems, specialising in anaerobic digestion and wind energy, for local installations. Our patented ‘MuckBuster™’ is a self-contained anaerobic digester, set up to process animal manure, organic waste or septic waste. We offer various size systems to suit most private and small commercial installations. The MuckBuster™ converts what used to be waste, into biogas. The biogas can be used to create electricity & heat water. In addition, the MuckBuster™ unit provides you two additional product, a source of organic fertilizer ready for spraying or ground injection and dry mulch which can be re-used as animal bedding. The patented ‘WindBuster™’ is a 5kW vertical axis wind turbine with 5 extruded plastic blades designed by fluid dynamic engineers. The

unique blade and material design collects the maximum power at a power coefficient of >0.35, with low cut-in speed of 2.5 m/s. The wind energy is harvested from all wind directions without the need to track the wind direction. The WindBuster™ rotates at a maximum of 330 rpm. It has been specifically designed to be flat roof or ground mounted.


Tel: +44 1425 483442Fax: +44 1425 200411E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.seabenergy.com

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Energy saving showers from Hansgrohe

ANSGROHE, THE shower and bathroom specialist,

invites you to visit them at Ecobuild on stand 2220 in Hall EC2. Since exhibiting last year Hansgrohe has achieved a number of accolades for their attractive portfolio of water and energy-saving showers, mixer taps and thermostatic mixers. The Crometta 85 Green shower is the most decorated in terms of awards; thanks to a combination of devised flow regulation and central air intake, this clever hand and overhead shower delivers just six litres of water per minute while still providing a great shower. Achievements include winning the ‘Environmental Innovation Award for Bathrooms’ for 2009, inclusion in the BMA water-efficiency labelling scheme, the Waterwise Marque and most recently being added to the Water Technology List as part of the government’s Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme. This allows businesses to

write-off 100 per cent of their spending in the first year when they invest in any approved product that saves water. In addition to water-saving fittings, Hansgrohe will present their Pontos AquaCycle. This unique indoor grey water recycling system takes water from the shower, bath and sink and recycles it for flushing toilets and urinals, cleaning, washing clothes and watering gardens.


Tel: 01372 465655 Web: www.hansgrohe.co.uk

H

Spiral Construction takes centre stage at Ecobuild 2010

NE OF THE UK’S leading manufacturers of spiral

and helical staircases, Spiral Construction provides an extensive range of material and style options - combining cutting-edge design with the highest quality materials and the highest standards of craftsmanship. Our products feature in prestigious projects throughout the UK, across commercial, residential, health, leisure and retail applications. We work with architects, designers and contractors and have been involved in a wide range of public and private sector construction projects – delivering stunning designs that meet both aesthetic and performance objectives. Taking centre stage at Ecobuild will be our Wachenfeld system. Featuring a unique tread reinforcement system, which negates the need for support brackets, the system has been specified in schemes across Europe and is available in a wide range of material finishes – including marble, granite, glass and stainless

steel, as well as steel trays to receive carpet or concrete. A balustrade system accompanies the staircase solutions – again with a choice of materials, including stainless and powder coated steel – as well as the option of curved or facetted infill panels in glass or perforated steel. Ecobuild is the perfect platform to showcase our extensive range and to demonstrate to visitors the great scope and design versatility that we provide.


Ecobuild – Stand No 2095Tel: 01326 574 497Fax: 01326 574 760E-mail: [email protected]: www.spiral.uk.com

O

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BIFM pulse.indd 1 17/11/09 10:03:41

The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme is here...

Are you ready?

www.greenshootsinc.co.uk

Green Shoots has developed a “one-stop” CRC plan to:

1. Guide you through the legislation with a strategy toavoid the penalty pitfalls and maximise your returns.

2. Deliver a best practice energy management strategy,system and principles to you and your staff.

3. Deliver you the winning strategy and innovations youwill need to beat the competition and win at the CRC.

Get in touch or come and meet Green Shoots on StandF38 at Sustainability Live! and find out more about:

The Green Shoots CRC Plan

The IEMA backed Acorn initiative is a staged approach to the ultimate implementation of an Environmental Management System to a recognised standard such as ISO 14001. The scheme is broken down into five manageable

phases, which are outlined in BS8555. Each stage is recognised by certification, providing a clear indication of your environmental credentials.

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so get in touch to find out more.

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Certification & Training to: ISO/TS 16949 (Auto Quality)

ISO 9001 (Quality) ISO 14001 (Environmental)

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Product Certification

VCA HQ, 1 Eastgate Office Centre Eastgate Road, Bristol, BS5 6XX

Tel: +44 (0)117 952 4126 Fax: +44 (0) 117 952 4104

[email protected], www.vca.gov.uk


SETTING A SUSTAINABLE AGENDA

AS THE UK OFFICIALLY CLIMBS OUT of recession, albeit at a growth rate of 0.1 per cent, many businesses are feeling more optimistic about the future. One sector that has continued to grow despite the economic downturn is that of sustainable business. With legislative demands such as the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, due to start in April, a new renewable energy strategy on the table to water efficiency measures along with proposals for the roll-out of smart metering, businesses are busy searching for the right sustainable solutions to implement. One place to find many of the answers will be the NEC Birmingham 20-22 April where five of the UK’s leading exhibitions for the water, environment, energy, land and sustainable business sectors can be found under one roof at Sustainabilitylive! 2010. From large multinationals to SMEs and the public sector, Sustainabilitylive! brings together experts in the field and decision makers across a range of industries, all shaping the UK business approach to move to the low carbon economy of the future, along with hundreds of exhibitors, thousands of visitors and a host of insightful seminars, conferences

and interactive features. So what’s in store for visitors to Sustainabilitylive! 2010?

BROWNFIELD EXPO (BEX)BEX is the UK’s national event for contractors, land users, environmental consultants and influencers from both public and private sectors, and a meeting place for specifiers and providers of contaminated land solutions and remediation technologies. BEX also hosts a seminar programme covering all the latest developments in legislation and innovation affecting the sector, featuring hot topics such as in-situ land remediation, rapid testing, soil washing and flood management along with a session dedicated to skills and training.

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY (ET)ET is the UK’s largest gathering of suppliers for environmental best practice solutions, offering systems ranging from air pollution control through to waste management. Of the 7,725 people attending Sustainabilitylive! in 2009, more than 40 per cent were specifically seeking environmental solutions, making ET the best market place for both buyers and suppliers.

Running alongside the exhibition will be three separate days of seminars dedicated to addressing issues challenging the sector. Advantage West Midlands will take charge of the seminar programme for one day with a panel of experts discussing the theme of achieving low carbon business opportunities. Another day is dedicated to air pollution issues, covering topics such as monitoring emissions – how to ensure compliance with current legislation, airborne contamination control and sustainable odour control in urban environments. A new focus for Sustainabilitylive! 2010 is the low carbon transport challenge. The Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership is holding a one-day seminar as part of ET, where greener fleet management, electric fleet vehicles and road transport climate targets are amongst the topics that will be discussed. Amongst those present in the accompanying green transport exhibition area will be Birmingham University and its hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, LowCVP, Peugeot, and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Also on display elsewhere in the exhibition will be one of the first electric Porsche’s in the world – the Greenster 911 Targa – located on the BeBa Energy stand.

IWEXInternational Water and Effluent Exhibition (IWEX) continues to stand as the UK’s largest water and effluent gathering, attracting an even larger share of Sustainabilitylive! attendees, with close to 50 per cent looking for water solutions, and buying or specifying products and technology from separation to storage and all stages in between. British Water, in association with IWEX, will be running a two-day summit – Working in a Changing Water Industry – discussing the challenges facing the industry today. Day one will focus on the UK market, with topics including innovation, procurement strategy, carbon footprinting, and impact on the supply chain, while day two will look at the international perspective, with water scarcity, risk management and market selection all on the agenda.

NEMEXNational Energy Management Exhibition (NEMEX) is the UK’s largest and longest-running exhibition and networking event for the energy and renewables industries, providing a forum for the latest innovations

Sustainabilitylive! is the home of five leading environment exhibitions: BEX, ET, IWEX, NEMEX and SB – The Event


BUILT ENVIRONMENT



organised via an online booking system, which is due to go live by mid-March. With 11 categories covering key areas in the environment, land, energy and sustainability sectors, the Environment and Energy Awards is a real showcase for the best in sustainable business practice. Presented at a glittering gala dinner on the evening of Tuesday 20 April at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham, highlights include the Innovation Award for Remediation Technology. Previous winners range from the largest multinationals to small businesses and the public sector, with names such as Transport for London and the Metropolitan Police standing alongside Centrica and Mitsubishi as outstanding performers in sustainability. With a record number of entries this year, the evening promises to be an exciting celebration of excellence.

SIGN UP TODAYSustainability has firmly moved into the mainstream of best practice in business, and brings its own rewards. This is echoed by Stephanie Wray, managing director of Hyder Environment, speaking about their sponsorship of Sustainabilitylive! 2010: “Hyder Environment is proud to announce our support for Sustainabilitylive! once again this year, as headline sponsor of the event. As part of a leading advisory and design consultancy with particular specialisation in the environment, water, energy, transport, property, industry and resources sectors, we feel that Sustainabilitylive! provides a highly appropriate forum for the exchange of ideas and an ideal environment to get closer to our clients. “Contracts secured as a direct result of our involvement with last year’s show bear out the fact that legislative, policy and corporate responsibility drivers are resulting in organisations having a greater focus on issues of sustainability and the triple-bottom line as we climb out of recession. It is a differentiator for our clients and sound economic sense. “Sustainability is at the heart of Hyder’s business and Sustainabilitylive! brings together the best and latest innovations and practice in responding to the challenges and opportunities of climate change. We look forward to contributing to the excellent conference and seminar programmes which provide a platform for some of business’s most inspiring leaders and our experts will of course be delighted to welcome visitors to the Hyder Environment stand.” Sustainabilitylive! aims to equip businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to compete in the low carbon economy.


To register for free attendance and get up-to-the-minute news on exhibitors and the features programme, or to exhibit, visit www.sustainabilitylive.com or call +44 (0)20 8651 7106.

Confirmed speakers reflect the mix of business and the sustainable agenda with representatives from Galliford Try, Hewlett Packard, InterfaceFLOR and Jewson joining the Environmental Industries Commission, SocEnv, UK Green Building Council and WWF. This is one of the most rewarding elements of SB, says Idle: bringing together lots of different businesses from different sectors and giving people in the audience the opportunity to find out about things they may not have known – water footprinting for example – and learn from the experience of leading companies. The business influence is clearly seen in this year’s sponsors of SB – The Event: BSI, Computer Associates, NQA, Parsons Brinckerhoff, powerPerfector, Scott Wilson along with Sustainabilitylive! headline sponsors Hyder Environment show the merging of regulators, business and sustainable solutions providers. When asked what session he was most looking forward to, Idle’s response was instant: lessons from Copenhagen. In his view, while many think that Copenhagen was disastrous, he doesn’t believe that a different outcome could have been expected: “This was a good starting point, given the scale of the challenge. For the first time we now have agreement from all the major countries that we can’t afford a two degree increase in global temperatures. I believe that we shouldn’t be disappointed by Copenhagen but look forward to the work ahead – although how we’re going to get there is a different matter!”

ASSOCIATED EVENTSUK Trade & Investment continues its long-standing relationship with Sustainabilitylive!, hosting another of its hugely successful ‘Meet the Buyer’ events, with representatives from China, Egypt, Mexico, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey and USA, and meetings can be

and solutions in energy management systems and energy efficient technologies. Alongside a packed exhibition hall featuring 70 of the biggest and best names in energy, NEMEX will also host not one, but two, seminar theatres, highlighting the importance of the energy sector in responding to today’s business challenges. Sessions range from standards and legislation, through energy in buildings to energy management and demand response, renewables and co-generation along with behavioural change.

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS – THE EVENTFollowing the run-away success of last year’s latest addition to the Sustainabilitylive! fold, Sustainable Business – The Event, attracting almost 70 per cent of total attendees, there’s a high degree of excitement surrounding this year’s show. The brainchild of Sustainable Business magazine editor, Tom Idle, SB – The Event stands out from the crowd of ‘green’ exhibitions and conferences for one simple reason, he says: “This is the business angle. It’s not just about the environment, it’s not just about energy – it’s about the whole approach and takes it back to the bottom line. And of course it ties in beautifully with the ethos of Sustainabilitylive! and the huge range of technologies and sectors that are represented there. Basically this show is not just for the energy and environmental managers, it’s for the finance directors too.” This high level snapshot of the response of business leaders to the climate change agenda will feature topical panel sessions and speakers from well-known end users, providing experience reports on themes ranging from corporate strategy, lessons from Copenhagen, reporting sustainability, travel and transport, effective communications, environmental footprints and climate change regulation – threat or opportunity?

BUILT ENVIRONMENT



Acorn – a commitment to sustainability

EDUCING THE environment impact of your business

is important and when you consider the potential benefits you can see why. On one level it demonstrates clear commitment to improving your environmental performance and on another it has the potential to make a real difference to the bottom line. Having developed processes to support sustainable operation it makes sense to have them backed by formal certification. For some, this may seem like a daunting prospect, particularly if resources are limited. However, the IEMA backed Acorn scheme provides a staged approach to certification with recognition along the way. The scheme is broken down into five manageable phases, providing a road map to the ultimate implementation of an EMS to either ISO 14001 or EMAS. One of the key decisions you will make will be your choice of certification partner.

VCA is a Government body with extensive experience of providing management system certification services. VCA service is based around the cornerstones of integrity, experience, a ‘value-add’ ethos and the very highest levels of customer service. With a global network, VCA offers certification and training services for ISO/TS 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, Acorn, EMAS and OHSAS 18001.


Tel: 0117 9524126Fax: 0117 9524104E-mail: [email protected]: www.vca.gov.uk

R

Real world solutions to modern world problems

IVA GLOBAL IS HELPING hundreds of companies and

public offices throughout the UK to achieve reductions in water consumption never before thought possible. In many cases we can reduce consumption by over 50 per cent – we even guarantee at least a 25 per cent reduction. This, obviously, has a dramatic effect on water and energy costs. Following a simple survey, which normally takes no more than one hour, we produce a detailed water usage audit tailored to your organisation’s specific circumstances and highlighting areas where unnecessary consumption can be eliminated. This is entirely free of charge and is yours to keep. Whether recommendations are implemented immediately, or kept on file for future reference, at least you have the necessary facts. Changes can be carried out quickly and easily, yet they have a significant bearing on both environmental and financial issues. Often the improvements are so dramatic that many

facilities can expect a payback on their investment within their current financial year. Please see our website to give you an idea of what modern systems can do, alternatively we will be happy to send you our 10MB Product Introduction presenter.


Tel: 0151 345 9464Fax: 0151 808 0156E-mail: [email protected]: www.rivaglobal.net

R

Green Shoots Inc – CRC expertise and sustainability solutions

REEN SHOOTS INC is a dynamic new sustainability

consultancy and technology provider that specialises in energy efficiency and the UK government’s new CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme. Made up of sustainability consultants with expertise in different aspects of sustainability Green Shoots offer a flexible service that is tailored to the client’s needs. Several of the team have in-depth knowledge on the government’s new CRC Scheme and Green Shoots will be launching “The Green Shoots CRC Plan” on stand F38 at Sustainabilitylive! to help businesses get the right systems in place for best practice energy management and to provide a strategy to optimise performance in the scheme and league table over competitors. Green Shoots also has in-house project management and engineering expertise that can provide an end-to-end solution

for energy efficiency improvement including advice on the various different sustainable technologies available and which ones will work best for your business. Come and see Green Shoots Inc on stand F38 of Sustainabilitylive! if you want to meet individuals with a flexible approach, the expertise that you need and a positive “can do” attitude that will energise you and your team, get your staff on side with the sustinability and energy efficiency agenda and optimise your business’s performance on energy and carbon.


Tel: 07703 657 886E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.greenshootsinc.co.uk

G

Succeed in the CRC with npower’s m3 programme

ISITORS TO NEMEX can get detailed guidance

on saving energy and reducing carbon emissions from npower’s team of specialist advisers. npower will be advising visitors on how to succeed under the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC) and the financial and reputational benefits of taking early action. With the CRC live from April, businesses need to develop plans to manage participation. npower’s ‘m3’ programme has been designed to guide businesses on an ‘energy management journey’ focused on cost, energy and CO2 savings. This includes ‘encompass professional’, a monitoring tool that analyses energy in detail and combines this with company production levels and

weather patterns to calculate future usage. This information is then used to devise strategies to reduce consumption, costs and carbon. The ability to calculate future energy use and emissions will be a huge benefit to companies in the CRC. Other tools include ‘academy’ training for staff to reduce energy use; ‘capitalise’, advice on capital investment in energy saving equipment; and ‘horizons’, guidance on renewable energy use. npower’s seminars on the CRC and capital investment are must sees for any businesses wanting to reduce energy consumption. See the seminar programme for more details.


Visit npower at stand P15 or www.npower.com/crc

V

Bridging the gap between ICT, the Network,Data Centre and your Physical Security Needs

IP Expo is now in its 5th year andattracts over 7,000 IT professionalsacross all verticals with a particularstrength in public sector andfinance. IIPSEC has welcomed morethan 10,000 visitors, delegates andexhibitors over the past three yearsto what has become a recognisedcalendar event in the UK, Europe and beyond.

This arrangement will now allow exhibitors, delegatesand visitors to both events to move freely between IPEXPO and IIPSEC, engage with one another, enhancingthe overall participant experience and furtherincreasing the knowledge base within both sectors.The structure and educational content of IIPSEC willremain as strong as ever and the "spending qualitytime with quality people" ethos will continue tounderpin the event.

For exhibitors, the opportunity to present anddemonstrate products and services to more that 10,000potential customers are unparalleled and with theevent now located in the prestigious Earls CourtComplex in the heart of LONDON, it represents a verypositive development for visitors, delegates andexhibitors alike.

Paul Hennings, Event Director commented, “We are allaware of the continued convergence between thephysical security, life safety and IT worlds with the IPUserGroup and the IIPSEC team having always been atthe cutting edge, so when an opportunity such as thisarises we take it very seriously. We all know that forNetworked Security and Safety Applications to grow andthrive it is essential that the industry learn to engagewith the IT industry as a whole and the IP infrastructureplayers in particular and this relationship with IP EXPOwill provide such a platform. Immediate reaction fromexhibitors and visitors has been extremely positive”.

Paul added. “I believe that this is a significant moveforward helping to increase the awareness andacceptance of new IP based applications across manymarket areas and I am sure that you will agree, this isan extremely exciting development. Having workedclosely with the IP EXPO team over several years wehave been able to identify many areas of synergy andare keen to make Earls Court in October the centre ofthe IP Universe”.

IIPSEC’s partners, Imago Communications organisers ofIP EXPO are equally excited about the prospect offurther growth into "Application Areas" and arecommitted to delivering a first class technology event.

“We are pleased to be working withPaul and his organisation tofacilitate the co-location of theIIPSEC event with our flagship IPExpo event. I have long thought thatthe next evolution of IP Expo will bebuilt on new network devices andapplications which are nowleveraging the core IP Network much akin to theaddition of voice a decade ago. The co-location andImago’s relationship with IIPSEC fast-tracks our entryinto the Life Safety, Building Systems and Security arenaand is an exciting addition to our autumn hub. It isparticularly exciting from the audience perspectivebased on the level of interest we saw this year at IPExpo in CCTV and surveillance seminars. I personallylook forward to working with Paul and his team todeliver this event” – Adam Malik, Content Director andGeneral Manager Imago Communications

The IIPSEC and IP Expo teams hope that therescheduling of the event does not cause you anyinconvenience and that they can rely upon yourcontinued support.

For further details, exhibitor enquiries and visitorregistration visit www.iipseconline.com

We are pleased to announce that IIPSEC 20ten, Europe's Premier IP based Security Technology eventhas been re-scheduled and co-located with the UK's No.1 IP infrastructure event IP Expo and moved toLondon Earls Court 2 on 20 - 21 October 2010

The Latest in IP Based Security and Safety Technologies

• Surveillance & CCTV• Access Control, Time & Attendance• Intruder Detection & Alarms• Fire Detection & Evacuation• Integrated Security/Safety Solutions• Audio, Intercom & Messaging• Biometrics and Visual Content Analysis• Transmission & Comms Systems• Building Management Systems• Remote Monitoring & Hosted Services

SECI 20T E N

IIPSEC 20ten at the IP EXPOEarls Court 2, LONDON20th to 21st October 2010Enquiries: +44 (0)870 7870 546 - Email [email protected]

An Event Focused on Network Centric Security & Life Safety Technology

www.iipseconline.com

co-located with

NOW at Earls

Court 2 London. 20 - 2

1 October 2

010

GT_FEB_page 27/1/10 4:28 PM Page 1


FLOODING IN BRITAIN

LAST NOVEMBER, THE LAKE DISTRICT experienced the perfect storm – relentless heavy rain combined with ground that was saturated and rivers that were full – and unprecedented flooding resulted. Extreme weather that leads to flooding, like that experienced in Cumbria, is becoming more common. It is only going to get worse as climate change brings wetter winters, stormier weather, rises in sea levels and greater extremes in weather conditions. So climate change must be incorporated into all future flood mitigation planning.

RECORD-BREAKINGThe rainfall levels experienced in Cumbria last November were the highest ever recorded in the UK in a 24-hour period. Bridges that had stood for decades were washed away and no defence could have prevented the

widespread flooding witnessed. The floods peaked on Thursday 19 November, England’s wettest day ever on record, with 314.4 mm of rain falling in 24 hours at Seathwaite. Some 1,500 properties flooded, mostly in Cockermouth, Keswick, Workington, Ulverston, Eamont Bridge and Kendal. The locations where flooding took place have all suffered flooding before, but Cockermouth and Workington experienced river levels much higher than previously recorded. Residents in villages and towns across the Lake District were evacuated. The town of Cockermouth was the worst affected, with up to 200 people rescued by inland lifeboat, or RAF helicopter, due to flood depths in excess of 1.5 metres and roads becoming impassable. The flood damage to homes, businesses and crucial infrastructure will cost the UK millions. The personal cost to those individuals

and families is immeasurable. Tragically one policeman lost his life when a bridge over the River Derwent collapsed in Workington.

MINIMISING DAMAGEThe Environment Agency, with the invaluable support of police and emergency services, worked tirelessly to respond to the flood crisis. The Environment Agency’s officers worked around the clock to minimise flood damage. In the lead up to, during and in the aftermath of the Cumbrian floods, our staff checked and repaired flood defences, inspected reservoirs, monitored river levels, cleared debris from drainage grates and watercourses, and most importantly warned to the public of flood risk. We issued seven severe flood warnings and 85 flood warnings across the North West, North East, Midlands and Wales. Our floodline received almost 27,000 calls in a 24-hour period at the height

Phil Rothwell, head of Flood Strategy at the Environment Agency, looks back at the 2009 floods in Cumbria and what climate change means for flood planning in the UK


FLOOD RISK

Flooding is wet, dirty, nasty and sometimes dangerous. Lives can be lost, homes can be lost and businesses severely disrupted. That is why fl ood risk assessment is so important. A major fl ood may happen only once or twice in a lifetime but its effects can be devastating.

At joc consultants we understand fl ooding, in all its forms. We specialise in fl ood risk assessment, working in close consultation with the Environment Agency, providing advice to clients in the private and public sectors in connection with planning applications or planning enforcement matters.

For more information, contact:JohnO’ConnoratjocconsultantsLtd,Park Farm House, Leathley Lane, Leathley,Otley,WestYorkshire,LS212JU.

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of the floods, and we issued more than 76,000 warnings directly to people via telephone, fax, text or e-mail, through our flood warning service. High volume pumping equipment, along with specialised boats and crews from across the county, were brought in to the North West to support the efforts of local Environment Agency officers. The national resilience team provided back up to local crews.

AT RISKWhile the events in Cumbria last November were extreme, flood risk is not confined to the Lake District. One in six homes in England is at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea, or surface water from overflowing drains. 2.4 million properties are currently at risk of flooding from rivers or the sea – 570,000 of which have a significant chance of flooding. This could rise to 900,000 by 2035 without a significant boost to current flood defence funding levels. It is not just homes that are under threat from flooding, but also crucial public infrastructure. 55 per cent of water treatment works and pumping stations, 14 per cent of electricity infrastructure, 2,400 schools and 2,400 doctors’ surgeries in England are situated in flood risk areas, along with some 4,000 km of roads and 2,500 km of railway. The annual cost of damage to residential and

commercial property from flooding in England, as well as the cost of further disruption, damage to infrastructure and loss of business, could rise from £2.5 billion to £4 billion by 2035 unless funding for defences is increased. The Cumbrian floods further demonstrated the importance of strengthening investment in flood prevention, warning and response.

PLANNING AHEADSince summer 2007, the Environment Agency has completed 106 flood defence schemes, providing increased protection to over 63,800 properties. By 2015, planned flood defence schemes will reduce the flood risk for an additional 200,000 homes across England and Wales. Over the past 10 years, more than 250,000 additional households have benefited from investment in new or improve defences. Although much work is already being done to improve flood defences across the England and Wales, further investment is needed if we are to mitigate the increased flood risks caused by our changing climate. Investment in the building and maintaining of flood defences will need to almost double to £1 billion a year by 2035 as climate change increases the risk of coastal erosion and flooding from rivers and the sea. Investment alone is, however, not the answer. Financial support needs to be complimented by

increased co-operation between organisations and communities involved in flood prevention. With climate change bringing more intense and frequent flooding, better community understanding, greater financial support and increased co-operation between organisations will help ensure England and Wales be better prepared for flooding in the new decade.


Sign up to our free flood warning service at www.environment-agency.gov.uk or by calling 08459 881 188.


Phil Rothwell

FLOOD RISK

Damfast takes the market by storm

MAJOR MIDLANDS CITY council ordered 50 Damfast

flood doors a couple of years ago, and they have been so satisfied with the product that they have since ordered another 1,000+. They are not alone, as various other councils have also benefited from relying on Damfast to protect their properties. At £90 + VAT, the standard Damfast unit is the lowest cost flood barrier on the market. It is also the simplest, the lightest and the quickest protection available. Damfast is a channel-and-panel device. Nylon channels are simply attached each side of the doorway, and the robust ABS panel slides in within seconds at times of risk. The standard unit measures approx 1000mm x 750mm, and is easily cut on site to provide a precise watertight fit. For bigger openings, Damfast units can be supplied up to three metres wide. Damfast vent covers are also at the budget end of the market, costing only £15 + VAT

for a double-airbrick cover. The most recent addition to the Damfast range is AutoDam – a revolutionary, patented invention that automatically seals doorways whenever floods threaten. The made-to-measure stainless steel unit is fitted underground in front of vulnerable areas, and the butyl protective sheet rises with water levels to protect the property. With no electrics or technology to go wrong, AutoDam is easily maintained and prices start at only £750, plus fitting.


Tel/Fax: 01604 810507E-mail: [email protected]: www.damfast.co.uk

A

Protect your organisation against flood damage

HOUGH MOST FLOOD damage

is expensive and traumatic, it can usually be replaced or fixed. But nothing can restore certain flood-damaged objects. Such effectively irreplaceable items include the residents sentimental possessions in care homes; exam coursework in schools; medical or legal records; and archive documents. Yet because these are everyday items, they cannot always be stored safely away in protected spaces. So how can you keep them safe when the floodwaters rise? The FloodBag is a unique patented solution that promises complete protection against total submersion. Recognizing that you can’t always prevent flood waters entering a property, FloodBag aims to stop precious items from getting damaged where they are. Offered in a range of sizes, it consists of large bag made

from multilayer dry-suit material, sealed with a 100 per cent waterproof zip and with special valves to limit flotation. It is easy to store and transport to where needed. Then it is simply and quickly unrolled, the items placed in it, zipped and left in situ to defy the elements. No training or tools are needed. And, once cleaned, a FloodBag can be used again and again. Hence it offers extremely cost-effective and practical protection in relation to the value of the contents.


Tel: 0800 046 7898E-mail: [email protected]: www.floodbag.co.uk

T


A SENSITIVE APPROACH

IN LOCAL AUTHORITIES ACROSS the UK, the question of self-financing for bereavement services is a common topic for discussion and a frequent source of controversy for the local media. In the present context of local government austerity and grim financial forecasts, bereavement services managers are taking a much more proactive approach to income generation. For some time now, general fees and charges for burial and cremation services have been rising at a faster pace than the general rate of inflation. The importance of keeping in step with neighbouring authorities is increasingly being recognised as good practice, as is the need to identify and promote new sources of revenue to capitalise on the trend towards greater customisation of funeral arrangements. Increasingly we are hearing of arguments in favour of economic charges for the burial and cremation of the dead as more authorities are moving towards recovering a higher proportion of their expenditure from fees and charges. High profile local media coverage, however, is generally couched in negative terms and is not hugely supportive of the added financial burden this places upon the bereaved. So what does this mean for local burial and cremation authorities, and how should they respond to the self-financing argument?

FINDING FUNDSMaximising income from chargeable services is, naturally, a desirable objective for most local authorities. Logic suggests that the investment needed for necessary refurbishments and new service offerings is a legitimate charge on mainstream local government resources, which according to the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy were already supporting cemetery services to the tune of more than £46m in 2006/07. The majority of crematoria, on the other hand, generally record a significant surplus (i.e. more than £149m in 2006/07), although there was a substantial difference in the range. Significantly, there was a very wide dispersion in the charges made for cemeteries, suggesting that for most local authorities there is potential for further income generation, simply by adjusting charges to match the average. Furthermore, according to recent research by Mintel for Axa Sun Life Direct, the average cost of a funeral in the UK in 2008 was £2,549 and researchers estimate that this will continue to rise by a third over the next half decade. Cemetery and crematoria fees account for around 15 per cent of this total, and modest increases in this element are hardly likely to prompt shopping around by the bereaved to

find a cheaper option. Therefore the risk of loss of business to competitors is less significant than might otherwise be anticipated. Yet despite the potential for further income generation, it seems that many burial and cremation authorities have been slow to respond. The Chartered Institute for Finance and Accountancy found in their research that in 2006/07 income from cemeteries had fallen, resulting in higher net expenditure. On the other hand, there had been a steady increase over the last five years in income from crematoria. The research highlights to some extent the confusion and contradictions that currently undermine the concept of economic charging, particularly for cemeteries. Many local authorities seem hooked on the notion that their charging structure should recover the full current cost of the service. Yet significant management costs arise from the inherited obligation to maintain large tracts of land containing the dead of previous generations, which logically should fall to be met by the whole community, rather than by existing users of the service. Clearly, there is a need for greater dialogue within local government about the legitimate division of cost burdens between existing users and the wider population so that managers can be clear and respond to the issue in ways that protect users from unfair cost burdens whilst improving their environmental resources for their communities.

UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUEThe first step in understanding the issue – and therefore the opportunity for realistic charging – is to realise that improving value for money in bereavement services is about more than the financial bottom line. Emerging evidence seems to suggest that there is a significant value to be placed upon the amenity and environmental benefits of public open space, particularly in the inner cities. Research for the Commission for the Built Environment found that the value of the physical assets that constitute an open space is just one element of the wide-ranging benefits that they can bring to society. This reinforces the argument that correct pricing for bereavement services essentially depends on creating a culture that recognises and places a value upon the mental, physical and environmental well-being that the service delivers in addition to the very direct and simple function of the disposal of the dead. Initially this may sound a little abstract, but it is both fundamental and logical. It is about defining with much greater precision

the contribution, and therefore the costs and benefits the service brings to the whole community and then demonstrating how the cost burdens should be shared. It means turning a philosophy, through policy and practice, into a sound justification for charging. Supporting bereavement services from taxation, essentially Council Tax and government revenue support for local authorities should be a win-win for service managers. It can ensure that the bereaved, particularly low-income groups, are protected from the economic impact and the hardship of unrealistic pricing, thus supporting social inclusion objectives, whilst enhancing environmental resources and community well-being. But it is important that burial and cremation authorities take an holistic view of the services they are providing so that they can ensure that they have a proactive strategy for pricing.

IN PRACTICEHow would such a strategy look in practice? Firstly, it would involve an assessment of the correct charge on the wider community of maintaining historical assets inherited from previous generations. Cemeteries in particular are a huge financial burden, but society in general does derive a benefit from them both environmentally and socially in terms of the historical record they provide. Those costs are correctly attributed to sources other than direct charging and should be taken out of the equation. Secondly, there should be some element of competitive analysis in the broadest sense. Disparities in pricing between different authorities are difficult to justify and should be investigated thoroughly to identify missed opportunities for legitimate charges and to explore the rationale and methodology for calculating the direct costs of the service that should legitimately fall to be met by current users. There is some evidence to suggest that straightforward increases in charges would be appropriate and justifiable in some cases. Finally, a calculation of the direct costs of providing the service, discounting historical costs, should provide an indication of the economic charges to be applied that would ensure recovery of a fair contribution towards expenditure that can be expected from current clients of the service. This approach would have the benefit of bringing greater clarity to in the valuation of bereavement services, ensure more consistency in charging policy between authorities and correct the balance of financial burden-sharing between the bereaved of today and the wider community.

There are many opportunities for generating income from cemeteries andcrematoria.JohnRotherham,EnvironmentalServices,ChesterfieldBorough Council, takes a logical approach to the self-financing question


ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES




HE COMMERCIAL Department at CED is a major supplier of natural stone products to urban regeneration projects

and town centre developments nationwide. Working in conjunction with the company’s well-established depot sale outlets, the Commercial Department at CED offers an industry leading range of natural stone materials suitable for almost every project. Supplying stone products to projects both large and small, the Commercial Department at CED are well versed in delivering multi-container loads of setts and paving, to providing bespoke bench and water feature stones. The company’s knowledgeable estimating team are ready to provide you with prompt and competitive prices; happy to offer free advice on the proposed materials for your project in terms of size, strength and overall suitability. Often involved at specification stage, the

Commercial Department at CED ensure that the materials chosen are correct and provides

its clients with a good looking, functional space that will stand the test of time. CED logistics personnel have many years experience in providing quality service, ensuring shipping and delivery dates are met to the satisfaction of their clients. They will keep you fully informed of progress from production through to site delivery. Always on the look out for new and interesting additions to its product line, the company remains sensitive to current concerns regarding sustainability and the ‘carbon footprint’.


Address: 728 London Road West Thurrock Essex RM2 03LU Tel: 01708 867237 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.ced.ltd.uk

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The specialists in natural stone materials


CEMETERY MANAGEMENT

“IN THE RIGHT SETTING AND WITH GOOD design, a new cemetery can be truly iconic and even a statement of architectural brilliance. And given the technology now available, burial facilities could even provide revenue for local authorities, instead of being a drain on finances.” Mr Smith’s company is pioneering a revolution in cemetery design and construction. COSTAll too often, councils carry on with the traditional ‘public service’ approach to burial grounds and memorialisation, with most sites operating at a significant financial loss, he argues. “Burial is a choice made by the minority and subsidised by the majority.” Cost of the average burial plot over 75 years to the local authority is between 500-1,000 per cent more than the fee charged, due to management and maintenance of the burial site. This compares with crematoriums, where the “ash to cash” business generates significant revenues for local authorities and private practice alike. Due to poor returns, many cemeteries have fallen into disrepair following cost cutting of maintenance budgets. CDS has completed a number of church yard and cemetery regeneration projects, turning dilapidated sites into beautiful wildflower parks and pockets of much needed natural, green landscape in the heart of run-down city areas. More pressing though is the need to re-think

new cemetery solutions as the large municipal Victorian cemeteries run out of capacity. “New public and private cemeteries are being built in numbers not seen since 150 years ago. Now is a great opportunity to make strategic changes in our burial concepts,” says Mr Smith. He wants local authorities to provide “an architectural and environmental legacy for future generations to enjoy.”

First, the mass produced black polished granite plinth and plate lawn memorials should be consigned to history, he says. “We should reject those depressing so-called burial villages, with their sterile seas of gravel and cast concrete, reminiscent of the 1960’s urban jungle.”

“Memorial parks should instead be a complementary blend of striking sculptures and stunning natural landscape design, with the financing helped by the dead and enjoyed by the living.. The most beautiful cemeteries we have seen around the world have always been notable for their simplicity and harmonious balance between memorialisation and soft landscaping.

A design succeeds when visitors can be inspired by the dynamism of the setting at any time of year, season to season.” MAINTENANCEA beautiful cemetery need not come

Cheaper and easier to maintain and build, more beautiful and inspirational – that’s the futureforBritishcemeteries,saysJustinSmithofCemeteryDevelopmentServicesLtd(CDS), the UK’s largest independent cemetery design and management company


In the right setting and with good design, a new cemetery can be truly iconic and even a statement of architectural brilliance. And given the technology now available, burial facilities could even provide revenue for local authorities, instead of being a drain on finances. All too often, councils carry on with the traditional ‘public service’ approach to burial grounds and memorialisation, with most sites operating at a significant financial loss

Proposed plan phase 1 Proposed plan phase 2



at a high price, he says. “With modern technology and design, maintenance costs can be cut by 60 per cent.” Lessons can be learned from the US. “In Palm Springs, California we saw a truly inspirational design with open space only interrupted by copious planting of ornamental tress. Memorialisation was by way of bronze plaques laid flush with the ground. Mow-over vases provided the bereaved with the option of personalising their loved one’s grave. This design was very easy to maintain.” SOLUTIONS FOR THE FUTURESolutions for the future might include the “Super Cemetery”, he suggests. “In the same way that a number of local authorities use a single crematorium under joint management, a single large cemetery could service a number of burial authorities more effectively, and provide a stunning, up-to-date facility with efficient use of labour and resources.” “Alternatively, councils could consider partnerships with private investors. That’s what’s happening now in South London; the largest private cemetery investment since Victorian times is building a facility at a cost of £28million. When completed, this cemetery will provide a testament to modern landscape design and give the bereaved a quality of burial service not seen since the reign of Queen Victoria.” Mr Smith believes that burial fee structures should be “sensibly reviewed” to reflect the true cost of operating a cemetery, and allow proper investment in upkeeping and future proofing. “Fees are currently inappropriately low, which has been part of the problem and has led to cemetery dilapidation.” PROFITABLE FACILITYCemetery Development Services aims to help local authorities to locate, design and develop cemeteries to ensure the creation of a profitable cemetery facility. In suitable geographical locations, Local Authorities can be brought together to develop a single cost effective burial solution. The company has undertaken 80 feasibility studies over the past four years, and has completed the building of five cemeteries this year. “A further 20 are on the drawing board,” says Mr Smith.


CDS LimitedThe Old FarmhouseWest Park FarmHaynes West EndHaynesBedfordMK45 3RDTel: +44 (0) 1234 740845Fax: +44 (0)1234 740945E-mail: [email protected]: www.cdscemeterys.co.uk


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A VITAL FUNCTION

FACILITIES MANAGERS HAVE A CORE role to play in any organisation. They free up an organisation’s time to get on with its core business operations by taking control of a mix of essential, non-core services. Facilities managers increasingly require more skill and knowledge in a broad range of areas. As well as the need to cut costs, comply with health and safety legislations, and keep people and estates secure, facilities managers now must also proactively manage a building’s impact on the environment. Facilties management also needs to meet the short term needs of the building-users, such as temperature control and lighting, so that employees have the best possible environment to work in. Recognising the vital, multifaceted role that facilities managers now have, the sector is flourishing and provides identifiable and meaningful career options for facilities management professionals.

SECURITYMost offices contain high value goods such as computers and IT equipment on-site, which

are extremely attractive to thieves. Facilities managers have a major role to play in keeping buildings secure from threats such as theft but more crucially, from threats against people. Together with security managers and IT managers, facilities management professionals must ensure that security measures are adequately considered and correctly implemented to protect the building from attacks. This means they need a much greater awareness of security issues and legislation, and to be involved in the delivery of all types of security across an organisation. In addition, roles need to be clearly defined when it comes to security. Facilities managers, security managers and even IT managers

need to jointly agree the security provision, whichever department it falls under. But it’s not just physical or virtual attacks that could stop the day-to-day operations. There is also the possibility of an infection spreading which could result in an organisation having to close, such as the swine flu pandemic which has seen many schools close. A rigorous cleaning regimen should be implemented, including the disinfecting of surfaces that are continuously touched throughout the day, such as door handles. Facilities managers could also put up posters reminding staff the importance of washing hands to prevent the spread of infection. Regular and strategic disinfecting will be essential for protecting the health of staff and ensuring business continuity.

Facilities management is an all-encompassing role that requires a broad range of skills and knowledge and is vital to the smooth-running of any organisation


FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

Recognising the vital, multifaceted role that facilities managers now have, the sector is flourishing and provides identifiable and meaningful career options for facilities management professionals



FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

ENERGY MANAGEMENTThe facilities manager may also be responsible for managing the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme (formerly known as the Carbon Reduction Commitment), which is the UK’s mandatory climate change and energy saving scheme, due to start in April 2010. The scheme is designed to improve energy efficiency in large organisations. It will operate as a ‘cap and trade’ process, providing a financial incentive to reduce energy use by putting a price on carbon emissions from energy use. Organisations will have to buy allowances equal to their annual emissions. The overall emissions reduction target is achieved by placing a ‘cap’ on the total allowances available to each group of CRC participants. Within that overall limit, individual organisations can determine the most cost-effective way to reduce their emissions. This could be through buying extra allowances or investing in ways to decrease the number of allowances they need to buy. Organisations that are eligible for CRC are those that have at least one half-hourly electricity meter (HHM) settled on the half-hourly market. They also qualify if their total half-hourly electricity consumption exceeded 6,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) during 2008. Initially, the Department of Energy and Climate Change estimate around 5,000 organisations will qualify, including supermarkets, water companies, banks, local authorities and all central government departments. Qualifying organisations will have to comply legally with the scheme or face financial and other penalties. With facilities management incorporating so many areas, it is no surprise that outsourcing certain functions has grown in popularity. Outsourcing can help organisations keep costs down and also addresses other problems such as having a lack of in-house resources or a lack of in-house expertise. The facilities

manager however would have to manage such contracts, and may even be responsible for the procurement of such contracts.

SKILLS FOR FACILITIES MANAGEMENTWe’ve seen that facilities management is a multifaceted function that requires a broad range of skills and knowledge. But how can FM professionals develop their skills? One way could be through Asset Skills, the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for facilities management, housing, property, planning, cleaning and parking. It is a government licensed, UK-wide organisation set up to improve the skills of people working in these industries to boost productivity and competitiveness. Its work is steered by employers, both large and small, who inform what type of training

and vocational qualifications are needed to meet current and future skills requirements.In facilities management, Asset Skills works to raise the industry’s profile, promote careers and develop new occupational standards and qualifications, particularly at entry level. It also works with higher and further education providers to raise awareness of FM and ensure the range of new training is available on the market. Other projects in FM include the Public Service Skills Framework (PSSF), a new programme that trains public sector support staff in customer service and other key skills. The scheme is for employees such as local authority cleaners, school caretakers or hospital porters. Asset Skills would like to hear from public sector employers interested in the PSSF. For more information, visit www.assetskills.org

O YOUR PROJECT TEAMS refuse to talk to each other? Do they always

end up arguing or just ignoring the project manager? What are you going to do? Particularly now that your funds have to be used ever more efficiently and effectively? For project managers working in central government organisations, the UK Government recommends professional membership of the Association for Project Management (APM). Their qualifications cover those aspects of project management considered fundamental to the professional management of projects. The Management Skills Centre is an

Accredited Training Provider for the APM. It provides open and in-house courses for both the Introductory Certificate (2-day) and APMP (5-day) qualifications. These courses complement the Prince2 methodology by emphasising those aspects excluded or only partially covered by Prince2. “For leadership positions emotional

intelligence competencies account for up to 85 per cent of what sets outstanding managers apart from the average.” So in addition, the MSC provides in-house courses on Team-building, Negotiation and Conflict Management, Motivation and Leadership. A simple four-dimensional

tool of proven worth may be used to analyse team and individual performance. Workshops and coaching can be provided where necessary.


Tel: 01892 506872E-mail: [email protected]: www.managementskillscentre.com

D

The experts in project management training



Ventilation system cleaning from Indepth Hygiene Services

NDEPTH HYGIENE SERVICES is the UK’s leading

supplier of specialist cleaning services for ventilation systems. Our services are retained by leading companies and organisations in the public and private sectors. The introduction of the Fire Safety Order in October 2006 has turned the spotlight on the importance of having grease extract ventilation systems cleaned to ensure the removal of fire hazardous grease deposits. At a recent seminar a spokesman for the fire authorities stated “uncleaned grease extract ventilation systems present probably the greatest potential fire risk in buildings with catering facilities”. He was referring to the typical grease extract system which takes grease laden air via ducting from the kitchen canopy to exhaust to atmosphere. As ducting often runs above, or through occupied areas, the safety of building occupants can be at risk from a fire arising from just a

cooking spark or flash. Thorough cleaning is essential to safeguard the safety of building occupants. In hospitals and healthcare premises there is a health risk for building occupants. Micro-organisms find ideal conditions of humidity and temperature within the ventilation ducting to propagate and be disseminated into the ambient atmosphere, causing health risks to patients, staff and visitors potentially from MRSA. Ventilation systems require regular cleaning to eliminate these hazards to health.


For a free ventilation system assessment of risk please call 020 8661 7888 or e-mail [email protected]

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Conflict management and security training

BA TRAINING AND Recruitment Limited and

affiliated companies world-wide, provide cost-effective protection and crime management solutions to its clients. Our team have a broad spectrum of expertise and experience and have operated within the Middle East, Africa, Afghanistan, the United States of America and Europe. We are comprised of former protection officers, military, police personnel and corporate security executives. Incorporated in 2008 by unification of a few very select companies, our ethos is to train to the highest standards available and to continue to be client and quality driven. With interests across Europe and Africa, we offer a wide range of training and operational services. The collective experience and operational knowledge of our team spans well over 50 years in the protective and corporate sectors. Our team have designed bespoke courses and training solutions

to a wide variety of corporate, state and diplomatic support staff. Our trainers continually upgrade and refresh their training methodologies and qualifications to provide the highest quality and professionally relevant courses. All of our instructors well exceed the industry standards and Level Three in Delivery of Conflict Management. In addition, they all have provable experience in the sectors in which they instruct.


Tel: 01744 627863Fax: 0161 386 8708E-mail: [email protected]: www.pbagroup.com

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‘Study Time’ – solutions to stationery budget problems

D BALLS RECENTLY announced a range of

measures to save two billion pounds from school budgets at the next spending round. As part of this he expects head teachers to save 10 per cent from their resource budgets! This represents, for many schools, a choice between continuing to purchase known products and having to buy less of them, or choosing to continue to provide resources by purchasing more competitively priced alternatives. Luckily, as far as stationery products are concerned there is an answer. ‘Study Time’ is a high quality range of classroom stationery products sourced from major manufacturers around the world. Fully compliant with all UK and EEC regulations it offers schools a highly competitive option that can maximise the use of their budgets without compromising quality or performance. There is a full range of graphite and coloured pencils including learner’s pencils in both traditional hexagonal or the ‘Easy Grip’

triangular shape, whiteboard markers in both traditional and ‘pen style’ versions and handwriting pens in either the traditional format or triangular shape. Standard, jumbo oil and water soluble pastels, sharpeners (plastic, metal and battery), wrapped plastic erasers and water based fibre tips are some of the other products available. Available in a variety of packaging including classpacks and Gratnells trays.


R.J.GrayLtdTel: 01582 500600Fax: 01582500601E-mail: [email protected]

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70 per cent of kitchen fires start in ventilation canopies and ducts

E ARE SPECIALISTS IN the manufacture, design,

installation and cleaning of extraction systems to your complete satisfaction. At Fan Rescue, we recognise the value of knowing your needs. With over 35 years combined experience in the business, we take your needs seriously and recognise the potential consequences of unprofessional work. Our service employs highly skilled engineers who provide the right service and support, giving you the benefit of personal service at competitive prices. We believe that business is about relationships... and that leadership is about trust. Therefore, we work hard to build solid working relationships with you, our clients. Tell us what your needs are and we

will do our best to deliver more than your expectations. In this way, we aim to reach your goals and become your leading supplier of extraction system services.

Clients include: Blenheim Palace, Camberley Adult

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Tel: 01420 477 570Fax: 01420 477 882E-mail: [email protected]: fanrescue.co.uk

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In these tough times, we recognise the need to cut costs, but know that protecting communities and reducing the fear of crime has never been more important.

Using the very latest technology, we can help you consolidate your systems and allow your partners easier, faster access to CCTV images – delivering both cost savings and quicker justice. So for a safer Britain, let us bring it all together.

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18551693_SAFERBRITAIN_CCTVDATA_AD_JUL_09_v7.indd 1 4/11/09 08:05:21


THE DATA SECURITY IMPERATIVE

“PEOPLE’S DATA HAS A VALUE. IF YOU had £10,000 you would be unlikely to leave it in the boot of your car – you would put it in a safe or deposit it with a bank. In the same way, people’s national insurance numbers, health records and bank details are valuable assets and organisations must take adequate steps to protect such personal data.” So says Mick Gorrill, the Assistant Information Commissioner with responsibility for investigations. His point is particularly pertinent given that, during the past two years, 711 organisations across the public, private and third sectors have reported breaches of data security to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). During that period, 209 breaches have been reported by the private sector, 209 by the NHS, 247 by other public sector organisations, and 46 by the third sector and others. The two most common types of breach were as a result of theft (231) and lost data or hardware (173).

REPERCUSSIONSBy anyone’s standards, that is not a good record and, with proposals in hand to introduce fines of up to £500,000 for serious data breaches from 2010, organisations across all sectors will have even more reason to put their house in order. The wording of a recent press release by the ICO might also give public sector bodies particular pause for thought: “The ICO is also increasing its auditing role to ensure greater compliance with the Data Protection Act and new powers contained in the Coroners and justice Bill would give the ICO formal inspection powers across government.” Further proposals in hand to punish the ‘knowing or reckless misuse of personal data’ with custodial sentences underline the growing seriousness with which data protection is now being viewed.

WHY IT MATTERSThe reason why the security of personal data is so important, of course, is because of the problems that a breach can cause, both for the organisation and its reputation, and for the individuals whose data has been lost or stolen. The potential for identity fraud as a result of a data breach is well-known. And with CIFAS – The UK’s Fraud Prevention Service – reporting an increase of more than 36 per cent in victims of impersonation during the first nine months of 2009 when compared with the same period in 2008, there is no room for complacency. CIFAS chief executive,

Peter Hurst, explains: “In this climate, mass data breaches fan the flames of a fire that is already perceived to be out of control. And while there is no firm evidence yet that the well-publicised breaches have led to fraud, it does not mean that it will not happen in the future. It is all too conceivable that fraudsters are merely biding their time.”

ADVICE ON BEST PRACTICEHigh profile data breaches have, of course, already led to a good deal of best practice advice and guidance designed to help government departments reduce the risk of losing personal data. The Cabinet Office/CSIA website, for example, includes the following Cabinet Office publications: Data Handling Procedures across Government and Cross Government Actions – Mandatory Minimum Measures. Other useful sources include the ICO’s website, of course, and the Personal Data Guardianship Code produced by The British Computer Society. Public sector organisations and others are also raising their game by ensuring that their data security meets stringent standards. Ways of doing this include accreditation through the International Standard on Information Security, ISO/IEC27001, using a Communications-Electronics Security Group Listed Adviser Scheme (CESG CLAS) consultant, as well as developing specific Codes of Practice in consultation with experts to meet particular and complex needs.

PREVENTATIVE MEASURESHere are a few pointers on preventing data security breaches:•Ensuringthephysicalsecurityofallhardware.•Vettingallstaff,consultants,contractorsand people working in out-sourced services who will have access to data – or to equipment on which data is stored – to ensure that they have no history of fraud or other crime.•Whistleblowingprocedurestoenableany attempts at intimidation by criminals, or any abuse of established processes, to be reported.•Thoroughinductionforallstaff in data security procedures.•Highlysecuredatacentre,servers, etc, to which any physical access is restricted and logged.•Ensuringthatthebasicsareright (firewalls, software, spyware, etc).•Ensuringthatallstafflocktheirequipment whenever they leave their work station.

•Ensuringthatthesystemsdepartmentcan monitor network and system performance to detect any unusual activity.•Undercertaincircumstances,barring access to external e-mail and internet for staff working with personal data, to prevent data being supplied to third parties outside the organisation.•Regulatingandloggingtheuseof media players, iPods, CDs/DVDs, portable storage devices, mobile phones, etc.•Carefuldisposalofconfidentialwaste (including anything bearing personal data).•Useofauthentication(suchasdigital certificates or two factor) to access data as a minimum requirement.•Useofencryptionandproper password management.•Undertakingathoroughriskassessment to produce a data security best practice document that is regularly reviewed.•Classifyingdatatoensurethataccessis restricted to those who absolutely require it.•Theuseofaudittrailsandlogsbothfordata access and data movement to ensure that every use of data and every change to data can be tracked back to an individual. This should include monitoring patterns of data access.•Continuousmonitoringandsecurity testing to ensure that data security is maximised, and adapting systems whenever vulnerabilities are identified.•Ifadatabreachoccurs,notifytheInformation Commissioner, follow the Guidance on data security breach management on the ICO’s website, use experts to institute a thorough investigation, and ensure that there is a data breach response plan in place. Consider taking out CIFAS Protective Registration (www.cifas.org.uk/pr) for those whose data has been breached to protect them from the risk of identity fraud.Peter Hurst concludes: “Although many organisations across all sectors are now doing much to improve their approach to data security, the impending legislation will help to ensure that no-one is tempted to rest on their laurels. This can only be good news for individuals, as it should help to prevent a further explosion in the already high level of identity fraud.”


E-mail: [email protected]

With proposals in hand to introduce fines or custodial sentences for serious data breaches, organisations need to get their house in order when it comes to data security

www.governmentbusiness.co.ukWritten by Kate Beddington-Brown, head of communications, CIFAS

SECURITY


COUNTERING TERRORISM IN A CHANGED WORLD

Counter Terror Expo is the only major international exhibition and conference of its kind to take place in the UK, dedicated to addressing the continuing worldwide threat from terrorism. The Pre-eminent specialist event will take centre stage at London Olympia 14-15 April. The event, now in its second successful year, broke expected attendance figures by a factor of 50 per cent when in excess of 4,000 qualified personnel from government, military, law enforcement, intelligence and private sector organisations from the UK and Overseas attended the 2009 edition at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London. Such was the success of the event, that the event was moved to Olympia, to accommodate the demand for exhibition space and to accommodate a much expanded conference and specialist workshop programme. Counter Terror Expo brings together the world’s leading thinkers in the counter terrorism arena through the annual event. The event provides a platform for those tasked with turning strategy into meaningful deliverables from across the globe. The event seeks to foster much closer ties between agencies tasked with preventing terrorist outrages and is actively supported by leading organisations such as: NATO, The Security Institute, Intellect, London First, National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) and Association of Chief Police Officer (ACPO). LATEST TECHNOLOGIESThe event comprises an extensive high-level conference, multiple supporting specialist workshops and one of the biggest technology exhibitions of its kind in the world today. The secure exhibition seeks to showcase the latest specialist security technologies, products and solutions which form a crucial part of counter terror capabilities internationally. Leading companies involved in the exhibition include: Thales DLJ UK who are the headline sponsors, Rapiscan Systems, EADS, Lockheed Martin, Smiths Detection, Panasonic, Bosch, L-3 Security & Detection Systems, Bruker Daltonics, Zaun Fencing, RSDecon, Corus Bi-Steel, Allen Fencing, G4S Technology, Gunnebo, and many others. Counter Terror Expo’s key component is a conference featuring over 90 leading international expert speakers who will debate the most critical and topical issues concerning the international counter terrorism community. Over two full days, the conference will debate

how we should ensure a multilateral response to terrorism, tackle threat diversity, counter transnational terrorism, deliver critical national infrastructure and provide cutting edge security for high profile international events, amongst many other issues. Organisations speaking at the event include: United Nations, Australian Federal Police, NATO, European Commission, Home Office, European Union, Danish Security and Intelligence Service, Office of Cyber Security, Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI), Swedish Defence Research Agency, London First, London Fire Brigade, and Interagency Council for Applied Homeland Security Technology (ICAHST), The Pentagon and many more. WORKSHOPSAlongside the main conference, Counter Terror Expo will also feature a range of practical and technology focused free-to-attend workshops. The workshops format will allow an in depth look at specific technologies being deployed in the counter terrorism arena. The technologies will be explored through a series of real life case studies to provide understanding on the equipment and its role in the fight against terror. Topics covered for 2010 include: CBRNE Detection and Protection, Building and Facilities Protection, CCTV and Surveillance, Perimeter Protection and Intrusion Detection, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), EOD and IEDD, Information and Communication Systems, and Human Factors & Training. The event is being held just under 18 months after the Mumbai terrorist attacks and against the backdrop of London soon becoming the focus of world attention as it plays host to the upcoming Olympic Games. High profile sporting events and their star performers like the Olympic Games represent a high value target and in the challenge to protect them from a terrorist atrocity, it is becoming increasingly evident that some countries are better equipped than others. The commando style terrorist attack against the visiting Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore last year, served to emphasis what many in the counter-terrorism and security fields have known for a long while; that in uncertain times the idea that the global and unifying nature of sport can be reflected in all the venues at

which it is practiced no longer holds true. The challenge of securing major sporting events is one that the major sports governing bodies such as the International Olympics Committee (IOC), Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), International Cricket Committee (ICC) and very many others have to come to terms with as the risk of terrorist attack

becomes increasingly acute. This challenge will be explored in-depth

Counter Terror Expo 2010 will deliver a focused and comprehensive information programme through the conference streams, technology workshops and an exhibition of products from over 250 dedicated solution providers


SECURITY


at the forthcoming Counter Terror Expo. The event brings the counter terrorism experts

together with those tasked with the unenviable role of keeping

sport safe, to debate the issues faced and help to identify best practice solutions to address current and future needs. Delegates with special

responsibility and a professional interest in sports security will be immersed over

the two days of Counter Terror Expo in the terrorist threat to crowded places,

the implications for those tasked with ensuring a safe and secure environment and the methodologies and techniques

necessary to ensure sport remains safe. Sporting events present some pretty big security challenges and not least because of the sheer number of spectators who attend them. The United Kingdom has

long experience in staging safe and secure international sporting events. But the UK will soon face its ultimate challenge when it plays host to the 2012 Olympic Games. Lessons learned from the biggest security challenge in the sporting world, have clear application in the wider sports community. The range of threats we face in the modern age is constantly changing and the countermeasures in place must therefore constantly evolve to effectively meet them. In recent years the threat of terrorism has increased considerably. High scale terrorist attacks such as 9/11 and 7/7, expose the rising power of terrorism and poses the question of how to deal with such extremist and fragile issues. FATAL FLAWThe attempted downing of Northwest Airlines (NWA) flight 253 as it approached Detroit

Metro airport on Christmas Day has exposed a fatal flaw in US intelligence gathering and dissemination and renewed calls for greater levels of information sharing amongst agencies nationally and internationally. The incident has particular resonance for speakers and delegates at the forthcoming Counter Terror Expo conference and exhibition, over two full days high level attendees will review issues such as intelligence sharing and greater cross border cooperation in the fight against international terrorism. The Northwest Airlines (NWA) flight 253 incident is a textbook example of how systemic failures and human factor issues conspired to allow a lone individual with direct links to al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula to get far too close for comfort to achieving a goal of blowing up a passenger jet over a major United States city. In light of this incident President Obama has ordered a full scale review of the incident in order to ensure it doesn’t happen in the foreseeable future. The lessons learned from this review will doubtless filter down and be subjected to peer review at this globally significant Counter Terror Expo event. Principal conference themes with particular importance in light of current events include Building Cooperation across Europe and Internationally to Combat Terrorism in the Current Climate; Cooperative Counter Terror Strategies with South East Asian Countries; Facilitating Transatlantic Action in Response to Terrorism; and The Role of the United States in Countering the Changing Face of International Terrorism amongst others. GLOBAL THREATToday the threat from terrorism is a global one which demands global inter- regional and domestic solutions working in harmony to protect our citizens. By drawing together knowledge and expertise from in and around the world, Counter Terror Expo seeks to provide viable solutions to effectively safeguard the public with a goal not only to prevent terrorism but ultimately defeat it. “We are delighted at the unprecedented interest in and demand for this mission critical event and Counter Terror Expo 2010 is set to become the biggest and most talked about event of its kind,” comments Peter Jones, managing director, Niche Events.


Counter Terror Expo 2010 will be held on the 14-15 April at Olympia in London. Further information on the event can be found by visiting www.counterterrorexpo.com or by contacting Nicola Greenaway, operations director, +44 (0)20 8542 9090 or e-mail: [email protected]


SECURITY

SHAKEPRICES START FROM

£35+ VAT

Standard Package Per Person

Armouries Drive, Clarence Dock, Leeds LS10 1LT Email: [email protected] Tel: 0113 220 1990

www.rai-events.co.uk

Preferential Rates at Local Hotels including the on site hotel Express by Holiday Inn

please ask our sales staff for more details.

Day DelegateRate

Day DelegateRate

S TA N D A R D PA C K A G EEvent Manager - Dedicated Function ManagerRoom Hire - Main Meeting Room Hire (8am - 5.30pm)Standard Catering - Registration Refreshments - Tea / Coffee / Mineral Water / Orange Juice & Biscuits

£35.00 + VAT per person

E X E C U T I V E PA C K A G EEvent Manager - Dedicated Function ManagerRoom Hire - Main Meeting Room Hire (8am - 5.30pm)Executive Catering - Registration Refreshments - Tea / Coffee / Mineral Water / Orange Juice & BiscuitsLunch with Tea / Coffee / Mineral Water / Orange Juice AfternoonRefreshment - Tea / Coffee / Mineral Water / Orange Juice & Biscuits £49.00 + VAT per person

Day DelegateRate

Executive AV Package Data Projector / Projection screen suitable for the room booked / Lectern, P.A. System with Wired Microphone / AV Technician (8am-5.30pm)Car Parking - On site parking in the adjacent secure 24hr manned multi story car park (1,650 spaces) for the duration of your event with us.

P R E M I E R PA C K A G EEvent Manager - Dedicated Function ManagerRoom Hire - Main Meeting Room Hire (8am - 5.30pm)Premier Catering - Registration Refreshments - Tea / Coffee / Mineral Water / Orange Juice & Danish PastriesMid - Morning Refreshments - Tea / Coffee / Mineral Water / Orange & BiscuitsLunch with Tea / Coffee / Mineral Water / Orange JuiceAfternoon Refreshment - Tea / Coffee / Mineral Water / Orange Juice and a selection of Cakes. £55.00 + VAT per person

Day DelegateRate

Fruit Baskets at all refreshment breaksPremier AV Package - Data Projector / Projection screen suitable for the room booked Lectern, P.A. System with Wired Microphone, Laptop, 2 x Radio Microphone, AV Technician (8am - 5.30pm) Car Parking - On site parking in the adjacent secure 24hr manned multi story car park (1,650 spaces) for the duration of your event with us.

Lunch with Tea / Coffee / Mineral Water / Orange JuiceAfternoon Refreshment - Tea / Coffee / Mineral Water / Orange Juice & BiscuitsUP

DAY DELEGATE RATE A4 AD OPTION 3 (2).indd 1 13/1/10 16:33:33


A WARM WELCOME TO WEST YORKSHIRE

LEEDS AND WEST YORKSHIRE HAS seen a huge growth in meetings and events into the region over the last five years; particularly in meetings from the public sector. According to the latest independent research on the meetings and events industry in West Yorkshire, the total expenditure by delegates amounted to £777 million from 5.79 million delegates; accounting for 56 per cent of all business visits to Yorkshire. The figures come from the Yorkshire Business Tourism Research report, carried out by Yorkshire Forward, which forms part of the annual UK Events Markets Trends Survey (UKEMTS) research, a nationally recognised industry benchmark.

IN THE TOP FIVELeeds has also been named in the top five meetings destinations in the UK for the 3rd year running. The British Meetings and Events Industry Survey 2009 (formerly the UK Conference Market Survey 2007) named Leeds as the 5th most popular choice for corporate meetings ahead of strong competition from cities such as Glasgow, Newcastle-Gateshead and Nottingham. The survey researches the buying habits and preferences of over 600 conference

organisers and is widely considered to be the most reliable benchmark in the industry. Nicola Lockwood, head of Conference Leeds, the super-convention bureau for Leeds and West Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted with these figures. We had a really busy year in 2009 and despite the recession, 2010 is shaping up to be our busiest year ever.” She added: “There has been a huge growth in hotels and meeting venues in the city over the last five years, we are delighted to be holding more and more public sector events. The choice of venues to suit all budgets, together with the support that Conference Leeds offers to organisers has put us in the top five of meetings destinations in the UK.”

A QUALITY DESTINATIONThe destination has also raised its games in the quality and standard of venues on offer – over 40 venues have achieved the coveted Meetings Industry Association (MIA) AIM Higher Accreditation, the highest number of accredited venues for any region outside of London. Two of the venues have been awarded the coveted GOLD star award – Weetwood Hall Hotel and Conference Centre and the Royal Armouries International. The MIA’s AIM scheme is endorsed by

Visit Britain, the national tourism body which is encouraging all meetings venues in England to become AIM accredited to provide assurance to conference and event organisers that venues can demonstrate consistently high meetings standards and have met stringent assessment criteria. Venues in the Leeds and West Yorkshire area have worked with Conference Leeds (the Convention Bureau for Leeds and West Yorkshire) to achieve the status and give the area a competitive edge in the meetings industry.

SURGE IN DEVELOPMENTSThe success of Leeds and West Yorkshire as a conference desination is partly due to the surge in development offering a great choice of meeting venues at a price to suit most budgets. The pace of development continued throughout 2009 with the opening of high profile venue The Rose Bowl; Leeds Metropolitan University’s state of the art conferencing facility. The dramatic signature glass five-storey facility, situated behind the Civic Hall in the heart of the city’s Civic Quarter offers dedicated conference and events space for a wide range

Modern, unique, traditional, academic – Leeds, Bradford and West Yorkshire offer a mixed bag of conference venues to suit your needs


CONFERENCES & EVENTS

CRAIGLANDSTHE

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GET OUT OF THE CITY!

01943 886456 • www.craiglands.co.uk • [email protected] CRAIGLANDS HOTEL Cowpasture Road, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 8RQ

Set on the edge of the inspiring Ilkley moor and Yorkshire Dales national park yet 10 minutes from Motorway, Rail and International airport connections.

•Excellent conference and events space 7 function/meeting rooms with capacities

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61 ensuite bedrooms, award winning restaurant, free WiFi, parking for 200 cars and 4 acres of grounds able to accommodate external team building events.


of events for up to 600 delegates. Hotel development continued to grow too, with the new City Inn opening its doors to guests. Part of the new Leeds Granary Wharf regeneration project, City Inn is located adjacent to Leeds train station and next to the canal. With 333 bedrooms and a 360 degree panoramic view of Leeds from its spectacular Sky Lounge 13 floors up, the hotel promises to be a great addition to Leed’s conference venues.

UNVERSITY CONFERENCINGDevelopment continues into 2010. The University of Leeds’ state-of-the-art on campus accommodation is proving popular amongst conference organisers with over 20,000 bed nights sold to date, even though it doesn’t open until next year. The eagerly anticipated £27.1 million Storm Jameson Court with 459-bedrooms opens to delegates in June 2011. Richard Handscombe, head of sales and marketing for the University of Leeds

conferencing, events and accommodation said: “We’re delighted with the amount of interest that Storm Jameson Court has received from conference organisers. The impressive building, which for the first time enables us to offer en-suite rooms at the heart of the campus, helps to move us into the premier division of UK conference venues and is set to rival anything in British higher education.” Work began this year too on The Queens Hotel exciting new 8th floor project. In the city centre and adjacent to the railway station, the Queen is a 4-star standard hotel proud of its Art Deco Heritage. Its existing 217 stylish bedrooms and 16 flexible conference spaces are being supplemented by an exclusive QClub Floor. With nearly half a million pounds being

invested in the redevelopment, the new QClub Floor will incorporate 18 executive guest rooms and suites. Guests will enjoy exclusive access to the executive lounge, complete with complimentary bar, first-class meeting space and a dedicated concierge as well as unrivalled views of Leeds’ skyline. QClub is set to launch later this spring. Award winning Rudding Park Hotel near Harrogate is also undergoing development in 2010. Independently owned luxury country house hotel has recently been named ‘Number One Hotel in the UK’ in the 2010 TripAdvisor® Travelers’ Choice Awards which honour the world’s finest hotels. Work began this month to extend a further 34 bedrooms and additional leisure facilities to the hotel; the building programme will be completed by November next year. Simon Mackaness, chairman of Rudding Park, commented: “At Rudding Park we strive to provide our guests with the best possible

facilities and service. The creation of our new bedroom wing will provide a further 34 bedrooms, as well as a small spa and gym, and will further enhance our award winning property by providing the luxury facilities our guests are seeking. We are delighted to be working with a local team of advisers and contractors to build this extension.”

BRADFORD – CELEBRATING CULTUREBradford is establishing itself as a meetings destination with a difference. With a £2 billion re-generation plan underway creating a new look City centre, a newly acclaimed accolade as Unesco’s first “City of Film” and a celebration of its diverse culture; Bradford is making its mark on the meetings industry. Bradford is shaping itself into a

dynamic, exciting new destination offering visitors an unusual destination with great value; where business tourism features highly on the city’s priorities.

VENUES WITH A DIFFERENCEBradford hotels and venues are diverse and can offer meeting venues and accommodation to suit most tastes and budgets; from stylish boutique-style hotels such as the Great Victoria to the 2,000 capacity ALCC – West Yorkshire’s largest conference venue. The Great Victoria, built in 1867 and originally a railway hotel, is a landmark Victorian building which over the years, has been a favourite haunt for wealthy merchants, stars of the stage, rock & pop and political leaders. Today it is one of the most stylish and contemporary hotels in Bradford with 70 super chic, individually styled luxury bedrooms and suites, the ever popular Corniche Restaurant & Grill and the RBar. The fourth floor is the ultimate in luxury loft living in a city hotel, with 13 loft style bedrooms and suites with rich, opulent interiors created by Browning and Baize. Close by, the Midland Hotel offers a stunning architectural backdrop too. Built between 1885 and 1890 by the Midland Railway Company, the hotel was a showpiece for the railway company’s northern operations, and is of particular architectural interest, with some of the finest Victorian interiors in the city, including the Victorian Passageway with its floor to ceiling Burmantoff tiles. Today sees a hotel that has undergone a transformation, with investment to all areas of the building, restoring it to its original greatness; with magnificent public areas and extensive meeting facilities. In contrast the modern Hilton Hotel in the city centre offers a wide choice of purpose built meeting rooms, international dining in the City 3 Restaurant and internet connections in all 120 bedrooms.

THE CITY OF FILMNamed in summer 2009 as the world’s first “City of Film” Bradford has been recognised for its continuining contribution to the world of film, an accolade that can be appreciated by visitors to the National Media Museum in the heart of the city.The National Media Museum offers a top-



There has been a huge growth in hotels and meeting venues in the city over the last five years, we are delighted to be holding more and more public sector events. The choice of venues to suit all budgets, together with the support that Conference Leeds offers to Organisers has put us in the top five of meetings destinations in the UK

On the A642 halfway between Wakefield and Huddersfieldwww.ncm.org.uk tel 01924 848806

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The Thornbury Centre

Whether it be a completeconference venue or just a room fora meeting – The Thornbury Centre has thesolution in a convenient mid Leeds-Bradford location.

The St. Margaret’s Hall is a unique venue with a curved,wood ceiling and stained glass windows. The John Day Hall is a spacious multi-purpose room adaptable to a wide variety of situations.Breakout / meeting rooms can accommodate up to 35 people.

The Centre has an on-site catering facility, a manned reception and lots of communal space to take a break. It is easily accessed by all motorway networks, boasts on-site parking facilities and good public transport links.

Thornbury Centre, Leeds Old Road, Bradford BD3 8JXTel: 01274 666649 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.thornburycentre.com or visit our website in progress (where you can access a virtual tour of the Centre) by going to www.wordpress.com and search for Thornbury Centre.

• Dedicated, distraction free & unique environment• Immediate access to A1M, M1 & M62• Close to Leeds, Harrogate & York• Range of fl exible suites for 20-500 delegates• Unlimited free parking• Competitive rates

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quality corporate experience with five floors of spectacular galleries, two auditoria and the IMAX ® experience – all housed within a magnificent glazed frontage. The events team are on hand for everything from conferences in the auditoria to canapé receptions, intimate dinners in the museum galleries or even team building to create a TV programme in the museums very own working TV studio. Close to the city centre but with a real get-away-from-it-all feel there is a wide range of country hotels and venues such as Marriott Hollins Hall Hotel, a magnificent Victorian country home, beautifully modernised with lots of meeting space, wonderful views and an 18-hole golf course; and modern, 800 seat Cedar Court Hotel offering excellent road access conveniently located just off the M606 and M62.

REDEVELOPMENT PLANSThe city has unveiled an ambitious new “master plan” which includes the showpiece City Park Project. Work has started on a 70 week build to redevelop the City Centre and City Hall; creating stunning water features, Europe’s largest, in the heart of the city. Part of the plans includes the development of a new 120 bedroomed Jurys Inn for the city. Based on a unique ‘park in the city’ concept, this vision for Bradford is designed to change people’s perceptions of living, working and playing in the city centre. Known as ‘The Bowl’ this area of the centre will play host to an innovative mirror pool. This tranquil body of water can be drained quickly to create a large space for public events such as ice-skating, outdoor theatre and art installations. Complementing the mirror pool in the Bowl will be a dynamic Business Forest office park, the Interchange transport hub and an enlarged and enhanced Exchange Square Concert Hall (St George’s Hall). The area in the centre is quickly becoming a cultural focal point with a selection of cafes, restaurants and bars framing City Hall. Culturally Bradford’s diversity is celebrated in a host of options for entertaining. Recognised nationally as home to some of the UK’s finest Asian cuisine, Bradford also offers country pubs, highly regarded local ales and the spectacular Edwardian Theatre – the Alhambra. Bradford celebrates its culture through special events such as the Midland Hotel’s “taste of Asia” weekends where guests are invited to learn more about traditional Asian customs, visit a sacred religious site, experience ‘Bollywood’ entertainment and learn the secrets of creating one of the most popular food dishes in the UK, curry, demonstrated by celebrity chef Gita Mistry. Further afield, yet perfect for partner or social programme visits, is the delightful World Heritage Village of Saltaire, at the heart of which is Salt’s Mill, a colossal old mill building now home to the one of the largest David Hockney collections in the world. A little further afield is the literary village of Haworth, home of the Brontë sisters and a fantastic spot to absorb the atmosphere of the moors.

GREAT VALUE FOR MONEYOne of Bradford’s most appealing features for meetings and events in the current economic climate is its value for money. Research has showed that Bradford venues day delegate rates and 24 hour rates are below the national average, whilst still retaining the high standard of service offered by Yorkshire venues. For example Bradford hotels such as The Midland and Cedar Court offer day delegate rates (ddr) from as little as £24 and 24-hour rates from just £99, compared to national averages of £43 and £123 ddr and 24 hour rate.

ACCESS Access has always been good to Bradford and West Yorkshire, sitting as it does at the heart of the M1 and M62 motorway network; but recent improvements have led to even greater choices of how to get to the destination. Trains run regularly between Bradford and London with a journey time of approximately three hours and during peak times a half hourly service operates. Leeds Bradford International Airport also flies to over 40 British and European destinations including London, Edinburgh, Belfast, Amsterdam, Dusseldorf and Paris. The rapidly expanding airport has recently announced a £70 million

investment plan, over the next five years which will enhance the exisiting facilities and support the airports expanding flight programme.

SUPPORT SERVICESConference Leeds provide a Convention Bureau for Bradford ad West Yorkshire – a team of dedicated professionals who are on hand to provide friendly advice to help Conference Organisers manage an event every step of the way. From an initial enquiry through to post event follow up – the team offer a range of free services to make event planning as easy as possible. Services include:•Animpartialvenuefindingandbookingservice,givingaccessto over 200 venues across West Yorkshire, the free venue finding service will provide organisers with full accurate event costings including the main venue, accommodation and support services •Accommodationbooking.Easytobookaccommodation for delegates – with preferential rates from venues•Sitevisits:TheConferenceLeedsteamarehappytoorganise and host a tour of potential venues and accommodation•Assistancewithsourcingexperiencedprovidersof transport, technical equipment, and entertainment •Traveladvice•Adviceonsocialprogrammesandpartneractivities•Provisionofdelegateinformationpacks


Tel: 0113 2206351 E-mail: [email protected], Web: www.conference-leeds.com



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A MARK OF APPROVAL

AS A MEETING OR EVENT BUYER, THE thing you want most from a venue when holding an event is value for money. This fact has been confirmed in each of the Meeting Industry Association’s (MIA) quarterly research reports, The Actual Impact of the Credit Crunch. In its most recent report, published in December 2009 and covering research conducted in October and November last year, the association found that 100 per cent of government buyers felt value for money was the most critical factor on which they base their decision when selecting a venue. Value for money does not mean cheap, it’s about providing a quality standard that meets expectations based on the price paid for services delivered, as MIA member Trevor Miller, Leicester Conferences, University of Leicester, explains: “The industry must continue to focus on offering value for money within packages and deals and ensure that service and quality levels are maintained.”

IMPROVING VENUE STANDARDSThe MIA assists its members to achieve exceptional quality standards, while delivering industry Best Practice based value for money with its AIM accreditation. Launched in March 2007, AIM was developed by the MIA, in association with the Best Practice

Forum, because it recognised that a system for grading venues and meetings suppliers within a standardised criteria, including a heavy focus on the value proposition, would drive venues at all levels to rethink how they achieve increased value for their clients. In the wake of these research results, perhaps it’s not surprising that throughout 2009 and already in 2010, the now well established AIM accreditation is being adopted by a growing number of venues and endorsed by leading organisations in the UK business tourism industry, including tourism organisations, regional development agencies, destination management partners, online venue search facilities and other meetings industry trade associations. Nick Milne, MIA chairman and conference manager at Robinson College, Cambridge – a venue that has achieved AIM at Silver level – comments: “AIM is very effective at addressing the requirements of meetings’ organisers in terms of customer service and meeting facilities and I believe that is why it has become a success for the industry in such a relatively short space of time.”

WIDESPREAD INDUSTRY ENDORSEMENTEndorsement of AIM from organisations across the business tourism sector in the UK

began with the MIA’s decision to make the accreditation available to non-MIA members via the AIM direct scheme. The initiative brought endorsement from VisitBritian (in England) and was followed by special AIM-based programmes sponsored by the North West Development Agency, Conference Leeds and Cumbria Tourism. A special agreement with MIA’s fellow trade association, MPI (Meetings Professionals International) gained support from the association and its members, and in November 2009 Visit Wales encouraged all venues in the country to seek to achieve the accreditation. Jane Landstrom, senior product marketing executive, Visit Wales, explains: “The AIM scheme is growing in popularity across the entire country and as the MIA continues to take the scheme forward with improvements to areas such as accessibility and sustainability, we are happy to endorse it as a national standard for Wales.” More recently, in January 2010, ABPCO (Association of British Professional Conference Organisers) endorsed the accreditation to its members and Visit Manchester has launched its own meetings standards improvement programme that will bring 60 venues in the city into MIA membership and AIM achievement. Jane Evans, MIA chief executive, who spearheaded AIM, comments: “The AIM accreditation really began to show its true potential in 2009, with a host of influential organisations representing many sectors of the industry endorsing the scheme. Widespread endorsement not only proves AIM’s credentials as a standards raising tool, but it also raises its profile amongst industry buyers. It’s when the majority of them insist on a venue’s achievement of AIM that the accreditation will really make its mark and have an extreme effect in driving the industry forward.”

STRINGENT GRADING CRITERIAThe appeal of AIM is that it offers buyers genuine reassurance of quality standards. The buyer knows that an AIM accredited venue has achieved 50 grading criteria that include: the location and accessibility of the meeting rooms and facilities provided by the venue, the suitability of the lighting and heating in meeting rooms, the levels of security at the venue, how often the rooms are cleaned and decorated, whether the space and furniture are adequate and suitable, the provision of in-room services such as power sockets, what is supplied at no extra charge and how transparent the published prices are. These items and more have already been checked on the buyer’s behalf, so buyers know they can rely on an AIM

AIM accredited venues must achieve 50 grading criteria including accessibility, location and transparent pricing, giving buyers genuine reassurance of quality standards



Contact us now for your FREE Conference Leeds brochure:Tel: 0113 247 6501/2 Email: [email protected]: www.conference-leeds.com

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SC020363


accredited venue. To see a full list of AIM criteria visit www.aimaccredited.co.uk.

COMPLIANCEAIM accredited venues and suppliers must also comply with 10 legal acts, relevant to the services they are supplying, which include:•Health&SafetyatWorkandFireSafety•DisabilityDiscrimination•EmployersLiability•DataProtection•Sale&SupplyofGoods•TradeDescriptions•ConsumerProtection•Weights&Measures•RaceRelations,SexDiscrimination,Disability Discrimination and Age Discrimination.•LicensingLaws

BUYER DRIVEN CHANGESigns that industry buyers are using the AIM accreditation as a guide to a venue’s suitability are increasingly apparent, especially as VisitBritain is encouraging the DCMS (Department for Culture Media and Sport), and other government departments, to include achievement of AIM as a part of their meetings venue and supplier procurement criteria. The MIA’s vision is a meetings industry that is ready, willing and able to deliver what meetings organisers need, when they need it; on time and to budget. Evans believes meetings and events buyers have a role to play in helping the industry achieve this: “AIM empowers meetings buyers to drive industry improving change, and I think they have a responsibility to play their part. We all want a healthy and competitive industry that is able to attract both national and international meetings, providing wealth and employment, while benefiting those that use it. Meetings are still an essential communications tool and the more successful they are can determine the

success of the businesses that use them. Buyers can help strengthen the industry by voting with their budgets. Only using AIM accredited venues will force those that have not committed to continuous improvement and best practice to do so, strengthening this vital UK industry.”

AIM EXPLAINEDThere are three levels of AIM achievement, the standard Entry level, which is a condition of MIA membership, and Silver and Gold levels, known as AIM Higher, which demonstrate compliance with a more stringent set of criteria. Venues that want to ‘AIM Higher’ must complete a self-assessment form which consists of ten sections with five questions in each. To achieve AIM Higher, venues also have to produce a portfolio of evidence in support of an application. An external assessment is then carried out at the venue by an independent examiner, who determines whether AIM Silver or AIM Gold should be awarded. Once achieved, AIM Silver and Gold are renewable every three years. The MIA currently has 355 members, of which 300 are AIM accredited venues and 76 AIM accredited suppliers and a further 15 businesses will achieve accreditation in the coming weeks. The association also has 196 registered buyer members. Their membership is free of charge and they receive similar benefits to venue and supplier members such as free attendance to networking events and low rates on MIA conventions. To date, seven members have achieved the accreditation at the much coveted Gold level and four at Silver.

FINDING AN AIM VENUEIt’s easy to find an AIM accredited venue: search on the MIA’s own websites, www.mia-uk.org and www.aimaccredited.com, or use either one of two of the industry’s leading online search

portals including, www.venuedirectory.com and www.latemeetings.com. Each has included AIM as a key feature of the searches they offer. venuedirectory.com has included AIM achievement as a searchable field within its search criteria. This means that users are able to specify that searches on venuedirectory.com only return those venues that have achieved AIM. Michael Begley, commercial director at venuedirectory.com, comments: “Our users require us to deliver a wide variety of quality venues and including AIM achievement as a usable search criteria makes it easier for them to find the right venue for their event.” LateMeetings.com has included venues that have achieved AIM at the top of relevant search results, featuring them above all other returned results. Achievement of AIM Higher levels, Silver and Gold, are highlighted to provide further indication of the venues’ commitment to quality and value based service propositions.

AIM FOR A BETTER RECOVERYAs the industry recognises the signs of recovery in 2010 and spend on meetings slowly begins to increase, getting value for money will remain a vital element in achieving the increasingly essential return on investment required from event budgets. What better reason can those responsible for procurement of meeting space need to insist on AIM accreditation from venues? And if not that, perhaps this expression of passion for excellence from AIM Gold achiever, Andrew Crane, general manager of the National College for School Leadership, best summarises the more subtle benefits of the AIM accreditation: “The whole team is very proud to be the first venue to be awarded AIM Gold. It’s a badge which will show our clients we are dedicated to achieving excellence and to be a market leader in providing services to the meetings industry.”



STABLISHED IN 2002, the Mandolay Conference Centre has fast become the

chosen venue for many prestigious events. Impressive by design and diverse in nature, our state of the art facility has made Mandolay become synonymous with the highest levels of comfort and service. The Mandolay Conference Centre has been designed in such a way as to be flexible enough to hold in excess of 500 delegates at any time. Soundproof walls between each room can be removed and refitted to provide numerous combinations of size and shape depending on the format of the event. Offering facilities such as independently

operated contemporary lighting, an integral projection and audio system, air condition and

a well dedicated team for support. Offering outstanding, state of the art facilities and excellent service the Mandolay is constantly reviewing the needs of the business professional and offer impressive facilities. Experienced managers are available 24hrs a day to ensure the highest levels of service and technical support. Whether you require specialised stage sets, an extra flip chart or just extra time because you have run over we are always at hand.


Tel: 01483 303030Fax: 01483 534669 E-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.guildford.com

E

Mandolay Hotel and Conference Centre

Welcome to more

VILLAGE hotelsWelcome to more

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR 22 UK HOTELS VISIT:www.village-hotels.co.uk

FOR BUSINESSThe Hub meetings & conferencingUnique dedicated meeting and events facility featuring:

• Versatile meeting rooms • Unlimited refreshments• Conferencing for up to 250 delegates • Flexible delegate package options

Additional hotel facilities include:

• En-suite bedrooms featuring: • 300 free car parking spaces at all hotels · VILLAGE luxury ZZZzzz Beds • Free wireless internet throughout • Flat screen TVs • Air conditioning • iPod docking stations*

FOR LEISUREVILLAGE health & fitness featuring:• State-of-the-art Technogym • Steam room fitness equipment • Fitness and aerobic studios• Large swimming pool • Sauna

FOR PLEASUREthe victory pub & kitchen• Traditional pub food served in a friendly atmosphere with a selection of beers, local ales and wines and live sports events

verve grill• Fresh and creative seasonal menus in relaxing and contemporary surroundings

Starbucks• Your favourite Starbucks™ coffee and cold drinks plus a selection of sandwiches, wraps, pastries, cakes and sweets*

TWO MORE PREM HOTELSVILLAGE Prem signifies our premium hotels with a higher specification and wider choice of facilities offering our guests even more. VILLAGE hotel Farnborough & VILLAGE hotel Solihull NOW OPEN.

*Only available at certain hotels


ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST HAS A GREAT reputation as a top business tourism destination. Developments such as the Arena and Convention Centre in Liverpool and investment in Manchester, such as the development of MediaCityUK are attracting international conferences and exhibitions to the region. Elsewhere, investment in infrastructure is making the Northwest an increasingly attractive area to do business. Not only has public transport improved – for example it now only takes approximately two hours to get from London to Liverpool, Manchester or Chester – but the Northwest also boasts three international airports; Manchester, Liverpool and Blackpool. An increase in training facilities is also helping to ensure that the Northwest is constantly evolving its business tourism product. Both Manchester and Liverpool are heavyweights in the conference and incentives market. They offer world-class venues and state-of-the-art facilities, as well as a growing accommodation stock to match and some of the best experiences available within England.

CREATIVE CONFERENCINGManchester is fast becoming synonymous with MediaCityUK, a 200 acre site at Salford Quays that will be an internationally significant hub for the media and creative industries with the UK’s leading broadcast, media and technology companies at its heart. The multi-purpose centre will also provide a fantastic meeting

space with a Main Piazza, which will be the principal focal point and will be able to hold 4,000 people. The spectacular Piazza will be almost twice the size of Trafalgar Square, with landscaped gardens, seating areas and Wi-Fi connectivity. It will provide a natural meeting and networking point, as well as a potential venue for key outdoor events. Manchester offers an innovative and impressive range of conference venues, including the convention quarter with

Manchester Central Convention Complex, seating up to 9,000 delegates, a range of hotels and 2,500 bedrooms within a five-minute walk. With an additional 250 venues throughout Greater Manchester ranging from the vast MEN Arena and futuristic Urbis, to lecture halls at Europe’s largest university campus Manchester is internationally recognised as one of the UK’s leading conference destinations. Manchester has a great sporting heritage too and from the Theatre of Dreams,

Manchester United’s famous Old Trafford home, to the City of Manchester Stadium and Lancashire cricket ground – soon to house The Point, a new 1,000 capacity meeting and function space – Manchester’s stadiums offer something a little out of the ordinary.

CAPITAL OF CONFERENCING Less than an hour west along the M62 is Liverpool. The 2008 European Capital of Culture has reinvented itself as the ‘Capital of

Conferencing’ following billions of pounds of investment in state-of-the-art venues, improved transport links and a fantastic visitor experience. Among the showpiece developments is the £164 million award-winning Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool (ACC Liverpool), situated on the city’s World Heritage waterfront. It has hosted many high-profile events including the prestigious BBC Sports Personality Of The Year Awards and continues to offer exceptional facilities.

England’s Northwest is a dynamic and diverse region with a vast array of quality venues to suit events of every shape, scale or style



MEET IN ENGLAND’S NORTHWEST

Both Manchester and Liverpool are heavyweights in the conference and incentives market. They offer world-class venues and state-of-the-art facilities, as well as a growing accommodation stock to match and some of the best experiences available within England

LOW WOOD,WINDERMERE

LANCASTER HOUSE,LANCASTER

THE WATERHEAD,AMBLESIDE

THE WILD BOAR,CROOK Nr WINDERMERE

STORRS HALL,WINDERMERE

MIDLAND HOTEL,MORECAMBE

For more information visit: www.elh.co.uk/conferences

Conferences with ENGLISH LAKES HOTELScFor enquiries and further information, please contact our Group Sales Office:

Low Wood HotelWindermereCumbriaLA23 1LP

T: (015394) 39469F: (015394) 39475 E: [email protected]

English Lakes Hotels boasts six ver y distinctive hotels with some of the most spectacular conference and meetings locations in the Nor th West of England, renowned for their magnificent scener y and warmth of hospital ity. From 4 star lake shore hotels in the hear t of the Lake Distr ict, to the premiere venues in Nor th Lancashire .

Conference centres for large exhibitions, corporate events and training courses in dedicated conference suites for up to 340 delegates or small intimate meetings in fantastic boardrooms and sophisticated business centres offer ing a range of some of the latest equipment and faci l it ies.

Terms & ConditionsQuote Go Bananas when speaking with Marriott Representatives, Limited availability, Offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotions. Special rates available at Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel, Manchester Airport Marriott Hotel, Worsley Park, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Renaissance Manchester Hotel and the Preston Marriott Hotel.

GO BANANAS WITH MARRIOTT HOTELS IN THE NORTH WEST

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24 Hour Delegate rates from £135 per person

Quote: Go Bananas

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Another huge investment project was the £1 billion Liverpool One development. The 42-acre site now houses 160 new shops, two hotels, apartments, a 14-screen Odeon Cinema, multi-storey car park, and a green oasis in the heart of the city that links the development to the waterfront. On top of this, Liverpool One offers a selection of modern restaurants to compliment the city’s existing eateries. Liverpool’s bedstock also has a lot to offer, with a 310-bed Jurys Inn and the 132-bed Staybridge Suites both conveniently located next to ACC Liverpool. More hotels have recently been added to the city, helping to build its growing portfolio. The Hilton Liverpool offers a prime, city centre location for business guests, eight meeting rooms and an extensive conference and event suite. The Novotel Liverpool is also new to the city and boasts state-of-the-art equipment and a fantastic meeting space.

No mention of Liverpool would be complete without The Beatles. The Hard Days Night is the world’s first Beatles-themed hotel, and each of the 110 bedrooms features a specially produced piece of Beatles artwork. The hotel is in a prime location too, just minutes from Mathew Street and the world-famous Cavern Club.

BY THE SEASIDEFollowing the completion of a major £40 million investment programme and located on Southport’s elegant Promenade, the stunning and versatile Southport Theatre & Convention Centre offers additional exhibition and meeting space. The centre is just a short walk from dining and leisure facilities making it the perfect venue for any conference organiser. The centre offers award-winning customer service personnel who will provide a friendly and efficient service. The technical specification is of an excellent standard and the Centre now also

offers a two-tier theatre auditorium with 1,631 seats. The auditorium also has eight VIP rooms backstage to accommodate 80 people. There is also a 1,000 square metre Exhibition Hall that can be used to create six private meeting rooms. Just down the road on England’s Golf Coast you’ll find Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa. The hotel recently underwent an extensive £10 million development and delegates can now enjoy a round of golf or a spot of pampering between meetings. It’s the UK’s only PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association) residential golf academy. Southport also offers a boutique hotel, The Vincent. Situated along the town’s tree-lined, mile-long Lord Street shopping boulevard, it features a members’ bar, and penthouse complete with an outdoor Jacuzzi. It is home to V-Grand Galleria, a stylish space for events or conferences. Further up the coast is Britain’s favourite seaside resort. Home to a number of high-capacity venues, including the Winter Gardens, Blackpool is fortunate to benefit from a range of conference hotels. Blackpool’s Grand Theatre is a great venue. This 1057-seat theatre is also Blackpool’s community theatre.Blackpool is also reinventing itself and has an ambitious plan that will transform the resort physically and take it forward to provide a stylish new seafront that will provide spaces for education, leisure and entertainment. Other developments include a dedicated cultural and civic quarter. Blackpool also offers a growing selection of top-quality, award-winning accommodation including Number One South Beach, The Beach House and the five-star Four Seasons Town House. You’ll also find some excellent larger hotels including the Big Blue Hotel. GET ACTIVEThrills and spills are not necessarily confined to Blackpool in this diverse region. Cumbria is the adventure capital of the UK and the place to try your hand at kite surfing, paragliding, horse riding or even ghyll scrambling. It’s the perfect place for some team building or just burning off some excess energy. Honister Slate Mine near Keswick offers an adventure climbing system that uses a permanently fixed cable to guide you to areas not easily reached on foot. As if climbing up the rock face of an old miners’ route isn’t thrilling enough, you can now descend on the purpose-built zip wire. Alternatively, if you’d rather stay on the ground, get the team off-roading with a 4x4 driving experience with Kankku. Cumbria also offers a range of unique venues that provide inspiring surrounds for a conference or business meeting. Rheged boasts a variety of conference and meeting rooms for up to 260 delegates, ideal for conferences, fairs, festivals, product launches and exhibitions. You’ll also discover unique meeting areas including Carlisle Racecourse,



URBIS, Manchester

conference venuesWestmorland

two outstanding locations in Cumbriaa better business outlook

For more information call 01768 860 009 oremail [email protected] (T&Cs apply, all rates ex VAT)

WESTMORLAND HOTEL

• 1 minute from M6 J.38• 82% AA Rating• Red Rosette Restaurant• 24 hr rate from £108pp• Locally sourced menus• Lakeland views

westmorlandhotel.com

THE RHEGED CENTRE

• 2 minutes from M6 J.40• Award winning venue• DDR from £30pp• 256 seat auditorium• Dinners for up to 400• Green Packages

rheged.com

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GREAT DEALSFOR GOVERNEMENT AGENCIESON INDOOR AND OUTDOOR EFFECTS

CALL US ABOUT OUR MULTIMEDIA SPECTACULARS, INTERACTIVE EFFECTS, LIGHTING AND VISUAL PRODUCTS!

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Cartmel Park Racecourse and Conference Centre and Forum Twenty Eight, an arts and entertainment centre with conference facilities.

CHESHIREAt the other end of the region is Cheshire, which also offers some unusual venues including Chester Racecourse, the oldest racecourse in Britain, the internationally renowned Chester Zoo and Tatton Park, an impressive historic estate with wonderful gardens. Cheshire combines a unique past with a modern, dynamic approach to business. Dotted throughout the glorious Cheshire countryside are an array of grand stately homes, historic estates and impressive gardens of distinction, many of which offer first-class conferencing facilities in idyllic surroundings. In Chester you can also enjoy a stroll around the most complete set of Roman city walls in Britain and stand under the famous Eastgate Clock to look down over the cobbled streets. The area boasts an astonishing number of delightful hotels that offer great conference facilities. You’ll find venues with video conferencing, computer and video facilities with audio support, high standard business dining restaurants, as well as a huge range of leisure facilities for those who like a full workout or relaxing spa after a hectic board meeting. What’s more, because Cheshire boasts stunning countryside, you’re bound to find a nearby golf course or two. As well as purpose-built conference centres and university campuses, Chester and Cheshire present a huge selection of 3,4 and 5-star hotels.


Contact the England’s Northwest Conference Research Unit on 0161 238 4584 and [email protected]



HOOSING THE RIGHT venue is a prerequisite for the success of any meeting

or conference. Renowned world wide for magnificent scenery and warmth of hospitality, the Lake District and North West have a lot to offer. English Lakes Hotels has some of the most spectacular conference and meetings locations in the North West of England. From four star lake shore hotels in the heart of the Lake District to the premiere venues in North Lancashire, offering a range of conference facilities that rival anything in the UK. Low Wood offers a purpose built conference centre with nine meeting rooms, the largest

accommodating three hundred and forty delegates theatre style. Lancaster House’s dedicated conference centre comprises of

15 meeting rooms catering for up to 180 delegates. For the more intimate conference setting, there is the famous Art Deco classic The Midland located along the famous Morecambe promenade, or the spectacular Georgian Mansion, Storrs Hall; an important business meeting hideaway is provided by The Wild Boar or The Waterhead, which offers a stylish venue with contemporary chic in abundance.


Tel: 015394 39440Fax: 015394 39475E-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.elh.co.uk/conferences

C

Conferences at English Lakes Hotels

Chester City Centre

MediaCityUK, Manchester



HEN IT LAUNCHES ITS soft opening this month, Park Plaza Westminster

Bridge London will bring a whole new meaning to the word “flexible”. Situated on the foot of Westminster Bridge in the heart of London’s buzzing South Bank with views to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London features 2,700 square metres of meeting space including 35 meeting rooms and 1,021 contemporary guest rooms – all under one roof. Meeting planners are attracted to the unique design of the hotel’s convenient “layered” meeting space layout. Located on three consecutive conference floors with dedicated lifts and stairs, conference guests can quickly and easily move from one meeting room to another. A dedicated group check-in area, 24-hour business centre and seven Park Suites, which can accommodate up to 160 people theatre-style, are grouped together on the first conference floor. One floor below, the hotel offers 13 bespoke Plaza Suites, ranging in size from 36 square metres to 235 square metres. The Plaza Suites, which can be combined to

create large meeting spaces or separated for smaller syndicate rooms, can accommodate up to 1,200 for a cocktail reception. The 1,200 square metre pillar-free Westminster Ballroom and approximately 520 square metres of pre-function space are located on the third conference floor. The ballroom, which is divisible into four, can accommodate 1,400 attendees theatre-style and 1,000-plus for dinner. In addition, the hotel will offer 11 executive boardrooms, each with views over the city of London. Both business and leisure guests will appreciate the contemporary guest rooms and choice of 54 suites and penthouses. Spacious Superior Rooms measure an average of 27

square metres whilst Studio Rooms, which provide a separate sitting room, average approximately 36 square metres. Guest room features include 37-inch LCD flat-screen televisions, bedside lighting controls with dimmers, a workstation with international electrical outlets and a mini-bar with separate refrigerator. Sleek bathrooms provide separate bathtubs and glass-enclosed showers, vessel sinks, under-counter night lights and makeup mirrors. The hotel’s dining experiences will be headlined by 1WB, a signature brasserie-style restaurant crafted by

renowned chef Joel Antunes. Best known in the UK for his work in 1990s creating London’s Michelin-starred Les Saveurs, Antunes has returned to London following a decade abroad. Other offerings will include Ichi Sushi and Sashimi, Primo Bar, and the ultimate Italian coffee bar experience, espressamente illy. Other hotel amenities include two executive lounges, a 24-hour business centre, and private suite check-in area.


For information about Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London, visit www.parkplaza.com/london

Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London Hotel – flexible meetings, spacious rooms, ideal location

W

Alton Towers Resort – a unique location for your event

HE ALTON TOWERS Resort provides an amazing and

unique location for any event. It caters for all occasions from hosting large residential conferences, awards dinners, team building activities, dinner dances and fantastical corporate family fun days to smaller meetings and departmental away days. The Resort boasts a fully equipped Conference Centre within metres of the two themed Hotels, where we can meet the accommodation requirements of the largest of conferences. Tremendous packages for conferences and meetings are available at the award-winning Alton Towers Conference Centre which has a daily and overnight option tailored

to your requirements. A whole host of added extras are available allowing you to shape and enhance your next event. The

Resort boasts one of Europe’s largest waterpark’s, a

luxurious spa, two 9-hole adventure golf courses and

the UK’s favourite Theme Park. The Resort is an extraordinary location to host

corporate away days offering a combination of

high quality corporate venue facilities together with thrilling rides, sure to blow away the corporate cobwebs.


For further information on our exclusive Government Rates for 2010 please call the Events Team on 0871 222 9934 or visit www.altontowers.com/events

T

Conferencing at Newcastle University

EWCASTLE UNIVERSITY’S

mission statement notes that they will ‘play a leading role in the economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England.’ The role of the Conference Office therefore is to encourage business visitors to the region, either as conference delegates or organisers; in addition to offering venues for the local community. Recent developments have vastly improved what the Conference Office can offer. By 2010 a £200m investment will see the exciting and vibrant transformation of the University’s buildings and public spaces, creating a campus for the twenty-first century. The recent refurbishment of the Herschel Building, providing 4 up-to-the-minute lecture theatres sitting up to 375 people, with adjacent concourse area and

break-out rooms, has become the Jewel in the Crown of venues offered. Refurbishment of several accommodation sites, offers a varied selection of residential opportunities. The recently completed Castle Court comprises 98 en-suite

rooms and offers high spec accommodation located a short walk from the city centre, on a site which can also offer both large and small meeting space. We look forward to welcoming many visitors to enjoy the reality of our Vision for the Future.


Tel: 0191 222 6318/6296Fax: 0191 222 5333E-mail: conference-team @ncl.ac.ukWeb: www.ncl.ac.uk/conferenceteam/

N


GETTING IT RIGHT

ECONOMIC PUNDITS’ INDICATIONS THAT the British economy is moving slowly out of recession are little consolation for those still experiencing difficult times. The fact is that few are expecting a dramatic upturn or significant return to growth, and the meetings and events industry like many others has suffered dramatically during the recession. Budgets remain tight, delegate numbers are down and there is ever more emphasis on procurement control and the need to show a return on investment. Surely though, buyers are entitled to ask the market to provide what they need to make their events a success in good times as well as bad? It’s true that in the face of this adversity the count of businesses that have gone under grows daily, but it is also true that opportunities still exist if venues can deliver what a client requires.

EXCELLING FOR CLIENTSOne company, venuedirectory.com, the venue data market leader, is on average generating £1 million in confirmed business for its clients

weekly. The company has created a web-based system, GRATIS, that enables event organisers and agents to find the precise venue they need to suit clients’ requirements from a database of over 8,000 venues based on over 200 search terms. The system also generates a professionally formatted colour proposals at the tap of a button and when the venue is chosen by the client, it tracks spend for every delegate through every stage of the event. venuedirectory.com commercial director, Michael Begley comments: “We’ve made considerable investment in research and development to create the GRATIS system. It is now the search tool of a number of leading agents making a massive impact with speed, presentation and reporting functionality. The fact that we’re already generating an average of £1million a week in confirmed business for clients is more than encouraging. We’re looking forward to discussing GRATIS and all its benefits with additional potential users

when we formerly launch the system at this year’s International Confex exhibition.”

RETURN ON INVESTMENTIn addition to venue search and tracking spend for agents, venuedirectory.com allows venues that promote their properties on the website to pull financial reports from tracking data captured for their venue by GRATIS agents. This means the venue’s management can see how many enquiries the system has generated for them at any given period of time. When bookings have been made, the system provides full details of the booking journey from enquiry to confirmation and clearly ascertains the venue’s return on investment.

RETURNING THE INDUSTRY TO SUCCESSvenuedirectory.com’s development of GRATIS is an example of business acumen and innovation driving success; those wishing to succeed should consider applying similar measures to their business model. Clearly, what this company has done is unique to it, but each organisation has a choice to either deliver satisfactorily or to excel, adapting to change, driving innovation and ultimately finding the right way to provide clients in their sector with what they require. It’s an age old business rule, simply ‘give the customer what they want’. The fortunes of the industry will be turned around when those businesses within it consider the problems its buyers are facing and provide effective solutions.

PRODUCT CONFIDENCEWhen achieving value for money and ensuring a return on investment are critical to clients, venues need to demonstrate extreme confidence in their product. With thousands of venues listed on venuedirectory.com, and 200 consultants within 21 agencies licensed to use GRATIS, venuedirectory.com is entirely confident in its products and guarantees their success. “The venuedirectory.com website and GRATIS system have been designed to deliver optimum results for clients. It’s not something we leave to chance, once onboard, we work with clients to ensure they achieve what they expect from their investment with us and furthermore, we guarantee their success,” comments Begley. It’s an exciting time for the meetings and events industry, a time of change and development. Each company will be judged by its response to the challenges set by their clients, some will succeed, some will fail, but ultimately the industry buyer is entitled to expect progress and those that deliver it are those that will prosper.

venuedirectory.com has created a web-based system that enables event organisers to find the right venue from a database of over 8,000 venues based on over 200 search criteria



The venuedirectory.com website and GRATIS system have been designed to deliver optimum results for clients. It’s not something we leave to chance, once onboard, we work with clients to ensure they achieve what they expect from their investment with us and furthermore, we guarantee their success – Michael Begley, venuedirectory.com commercial director

An ideal venue for events from 20 to 400 guests.

■ Meetings and seminars ■ Private dining■ Conferences ■ Product launches■ Receptions ■ Exhibitions

For further information or to book contact us on 020 7766 0134, email [email protected] or visit www.iwm.org.uk/churchill

Hold exclusive events at the secret wartimeheadquarters in the heart of Westminster

CABINETWARROOMS_NOV09:CABINETWARROOMS_NOV09 11/11/09 14:05 Page 1


THE HEART OF LONDON

THE WESTMINSTER COLLECTION (TWC) is a unique business tourism marketing collective that serves to remind the world that Westminster, in the heart of London, is still the pre-eminent business tourism destination with an abundance of excellent venues, hotels and services that cannot be beaten. The mix of historically, architecturally and culturally significant buildings that provide the baseline for TWC venues and members are second to none. These range from historical palaces such as Banqueting House in Whitehall to the contemporary and wholly secure facilities of The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre (QEIICC) on Broad Sanctuary in the very heart of Westminster’s parliamentary and governmental organisations. The Collection also features charities, associations and academies whose striking and solid buildings in key locations have been sustained, beautifully restored, refurbished and upgraded into some of the most up-to-date quality facilities in London today. The Church is also well represented with three landmark properties that have established themselves as venues for all manner of important events, as well as acting as centres of ecclesiastical governance. The Collection also includes an excellent selection of award-winning hotels, each with their own distinctive personality, attributes and style. New to the Collection, but as interesting to those looking for a venue of distinction and

character, are the Private Member’s Clubs that through TWC can offer their exciting selection of facilities for functions and receptions.

THE QEIICCThe leading venue for government events, The QEIICC is uniquely situated in the shadow of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye. A premier purpose built venue, it offers the finest facilities to meeting planners and combines modern comfort with the very latest in technology, including internet access and wireless PC connection throughout the Centre. The QEIICC has four main auditoria, seven conference rooms and over 20 smaller meeting rooms across seven floors. Catering for 2-2,500 delegates, the conference rooms and smaller meeting rooms can be used in a variety of combinations to meet the needs of each specific event. The catering is provided by Leith’s at the Centre who can cater for as few as five and up to a maximum of 930 for a silver service dinner. The in-house AV department, Interface, offers solutions to all audio visual requirements including staging and set design, presentation design, production management, data and video production, live camera recording, lighting design and worldwide satellite links. The Centre is renowned for the experience and professionalism of its staff, the quality and reliability of its services, its high level of security and use of leading-edge technology.

MAJOR PLAYERSGone are the days when you could just open the spare rooms in your very large building that were no longer fully required for the original purpose it was built, throw in a few audio visual props and conference chairs and consider this was enough to bring in the business you wanted. Today it is a very different environment with very high expectations, standards and levels of commitment required in abundance on all fronts. Take the financial commitment alone. A survey of TWC members carried out in 2009 revealed that, between them, in excess of £125 million had been spent on capital investment and refurbishment programmes during the past five years. An earlier survey of members established that turnover for The Collection, at that time, amounted to over £70 million with as much as a third of that again assessed as having been turned away due to incompatibility, or unavailability, or both. TWC members, therefore, are major players in maintaining the all important business tourism revenue that is vital to Westminster and London’s economy. The economic impact benefit, as a result, is substantial and measured as three to four times greater than that derived from leisure tourism. And the concept for TWC, officially launched in October 2003, was simple. It was to ensure that primary facilities and venues in Westminster marketed themselves collectively to ensure that the location in which they sat, that was such an integral part of why they were sought after in the first place, got a dedicated and independent voice within a membership environment that brought them results. Now, with close to 60 carefully selected venue, hotel, associate and affiliate members that represents the strength of what Westminster can offer the event organiser and planner, TWC is an established first point of contact and one-stop-shop for these important services. TWC has seen sustained growth of its membership with a new ‘Affiliate’ category also created to allow organisations such as, Westminster Kingsway College, The London Apprenticeship Company and The Society of London Theatre to complement the Westminster brand and the full membership.


Visit www.thewestminstercollection.co.uk or contact René Dee at [email protected]

The Westminster Collection reminds readers to look closer to home for a top destination for their corporate gatherings and events




GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS

THE CONFERENCE AND HOSPITALITY Show 2010 is being held at Saviles Hall, Royal Armouries Leeds on Thursday the 18 March from 9.30 until 4pm. Delegates can register to attend the event for free on www.conferenceandhospitalityshow.co.uk. Previously known as The Big Wow and Northern Venue Show, the show has been re-branded The Conference and Hospitality Show 2010 in line with its new emphasis on being business focused – establishing itself as the show to attend to meet with Northern venues and suppliers face-to-face and explore practical ideas for enhancing their meetings and events. Emma Cartmell of Event Management 360 has been appointed as show organiser, taking over from Royal Armouries International. The show has previously been organised by staff at the Royal Armouries themselves but has grown so much over recent years that it was felt that an independent organiser would be able to devote more time and resources to the show. Emma Cartmell said: “We have re-branded the show in line with our plans to make it a must-see exhibition for organisers wanting to get down to business in 2010. We understand that these are challenging times economically and we wanted to bring a new focus to the Show – giving organisers access to offers and the latest information from key venues and suppliers from across the North and also practical, hands on ideas for making budgets work harder.”

NEW FORMATThe Show which is the biggest event of its kind in the North of England, is expecting to attract a record number of visitors in 2010 with its new format, which includes: •Over40venuesandsuppliersincluding Weetwood Hall Hotel and Conference Centre, De Vere Hotels, Radisson Group, The University of Leeds, the R & B Group and Savilles Audio Visual•Acareersdeskforpeoplewanting to get on in the events industry•Thedemozonewhereorganiserscan find inspiration for their next event•Astrongseminarprogrammefocused on practical, innovative ideas for making the most of tight event budgets.It is the only Northern based meetings industry exhibition of its size and its popularity is down to the diversity of its exhibitors (venues and suppliers), its creative and informative seminar programme, the fact that it is a one day show and above all typical Yorkshire practicality – the show is very much about

hands on solutions for event organisers and getting down to the business of meetings.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?The show is aiming to attract executive PAs, event agencies, the public sector and membership and trade associations and is very focused on targeting these sectors. The programme has been designed very much

with these sectors in mind and offers visitors:•apackedonedayprogramme•thechancetomeetface-to-facewithover 40 exhibitors attending from chain hotels such as De Vere and Radisson SAS, the University of Leeds, independent venues such as the Feversham Arms hotel in North Yorkshire, and suppliers to the meetings industry such as Saviles and the R&B Group

The Conference and Hospitality Show 2010 will allow visitors to get to know Northern venues and meet suppliers face-to-face, as well as explore practical ideas for enhancing their meetings and events




•anexcitingnewdemozonewhere visitors will be treated to demonstrations on how to make their events that bit more special and memorable for clients, with demonstrations from a mixologist from Casino ALEA creating fabulous cocktails and cookery demonstrations from the UK’s only Michelin starred Indian cuisine chef.

MAKING THE MOST OF BUDGETSIt will also feature a critical seminar programme focusing on innovative ideas for making the most of organiser’s budgets – Challenging times call for innovative ideas. Offering visitors the latest industry ideas in maintaining standards but saving money, the show’s seminar programme will feature some of the industry’s top speakers who have addressed the current economic climate head-on and offer some practical, sound advice on keeping ahead of business in the new decade. Speaker Jonathan Rayfield from the Aspect Design Group will present a session on Identifying your company DNA, unique characteristics such as the product, service, customer care that mark a company out from the competition. Identifying your DNA will enable visitors to market more effectively, to find your differential and to communicate this to their customers and prospects. The show is also an opportunity to experience the legendary Yorkshire Welcome with the chance to uncover a myriad of new prospects from two-for-one delegate offers, exclusive restaurant offers, money saving ideas, new conference software to make life easier and the chance to win a “Sex and the City” break to New York.

CAREERS IN THE INDUSTRYThe show also features a careers desk – to emphasise the range and challenges of careers

in the Industry. The organisers are keen to have a ‘volunteer’ programme operating during the show where students can participate and gain vital industry information The event is being sponsored by Conference Leeds and Hospitality, and Events North. Nicky Lockwood, head of Conference Leeds, said: “In true Yorkshire spirit the new Conference and Hospitality Show is about getting business done and making events the best they can be in these

challenging economic times. Emma is putting together a great exhibition which will show why Yorkshire offers such great value for money and how our venues and suppliers will go that little bit further to make events special. It is a must-see event in conference organisers’ calendars.”


www.conferenceandhospitalityshow.co.uk



OYAL ARMOURIES Museum and SAVILES Hall are in the idyllic setting for your next

conference, exhibition or banquet. Set in a stunning prestigious waterfront location, Clarence Dock is home to the Royal Armouries Museum and SAVILES Hall which are adjacent and provide the perfect setting for your next event. There is onsite car parking for 1,650 vehicles and 850 hotel bedrooms within a five minute walk. As the owner of SAVILES Hall and the sole events organiser in the Museum, Royal Armouries (International) plc provides all aspects of corporate hospitality and event management for a variety of events, from award winning exhibitions and conferences

to international association meetings, product launches, banquets, and award ceremonies. The two venues are situated in the heart of

Yorkshire and are well served by Leeds city centre which was recently proclaimed as the ‘Knightsbridge of the North’ with exclusive high street shopping, four and five star hotels, Michelin star restaurants and a raft of authentic trendy bars. Leeds is the ideal location with excellent road, rail and air links. So why wouldn’t you use these two great venues? Come to Leeds, conference at SAVILES or the Royal Armouries and see what success is like.


Tel: 0113 220 1990Fax: 0113 220 1997E-mail: [email protected]: www.rai-events.co.uk

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Two unique venues in the heart of Yorkshire

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SMMT and the SMMT logo are registered trademarks of SMMT Limited and are used with their permission.

Tevo LimitedUnit 14 - 16Wooburn Green Industrial EstateThomas RoadWooburn GreenBuckinghamshireHP10 0PE

Tel: +44 1628 528034Email: [email protected]: www.tevo.eu.comPlease quote ref: Tevo009


FINDING FLEET SOLUTIONS

ORGANISERS OF THE COMMERCIAL Vehicle Operator Show say that more than 200 exhibitors have already signed up for this year’s event, many of these are regular exhibitors at previous CV Shows. With the transport industry firmly in the

grip of recession in early 2009, the CV Show Partnership reluctantly took the decision to cancel the 2009 CV Show. So the new CV Operator Show, from 13 to 15 April at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, is the first major road transport and automotive service industry meeting place since 2008. It is aimed at fleet truck and van operators, as well as owner drivers.

Commercial Motor, its sister title Motor Transport and website RoadTransport.com are official media partners for the Commercial Vehicle Operator Show. “We’re delighted to be working with the show as its media partner,” Reed Transport

Group publisher Andy Salter explained. “We have a lot of exciting and innovative ideas to help the show and exhibitors promote themselves to the market.”

ADVANCE REGISTRATION “If you register online for free tickets to the CV Operator Show, Reed Transport Group will e-mail you a direct link to the digital, online

copy of the CV Operator Show Guide well before the event in April,” said Bob Sockl, organiser of the CV Operator Show. “Listing exhibitors as well as their stand numbers, details of exhibits and plans for the entire show, the guide will help you plan your visit to the Show. Advance registration also means you can pick up your pre-printed free entry ticket on the door when you arrive, and beat the queues.” There will also be hard copies of the show guide in both Motor Transport and Commercial Motor a few days before the Show. Pre-registration means you’ll also beat the queues at the exhibition entrances, making the most of your time there. And as a bonus, for registering online you’ll get £2.00 off the price of the event’s Early Bird Breakfast. So the message is, get registered as soon as possible. By mid-January, potential Show visitors were registering on the Show website – www.cvoperatorshow.com – at a rate more than 50 per cent up on the weekly registration rate for previous CV Shows. This is another good omen for success. The organisers expect the event will

Running a vehicle fleet is a far more complex business than simply sourcing and purchasing vehicles. In recognition of this, the Commercial Vehicle Operator Show will showcase a wide range of solutions to optimise fleet efficiency


TRANSPORT

The Show covers a broad spectrum of products and services to support your business and is expected to attract visitors from all areas of the road transport industry

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deliver millions of pounds worth of business to an already wide and growing range of firms. The Show covers a broad spectrum of products and services to support your business and is expected to attract visitors from all areas of the road transport industry. For three days the CV Operator Show will be the hub of the industry, with firms using it as the main platform to launch new products and services. Major tyre manufacturers and tyre service firms will be at the Show, with ATS Euromaster, Goodyear Dunlop and Michelin featuring a wide range of their tyres for fork lift trucks through to road-going tyres for the biggest of the heavy mob. Each supplier will be taking orders at the show, offering special ‘show only’ prices and deals.

RIGHT VAN MANAccording to the Commission for Integrated Transport (CfIT), the last 10 years has seen a 40 per cent increase in van use. This will not come as a surprise to LCV operators, whose vehicles are employed across an ever-widening range of purposes. Evidence of the trend has been seen at recent CV Shows, with the increasing number of options available to visitors adding value to a van or light truck. 2010 will be no different, with leading converters showcasing a variety of ways to get best use of a van or light truck. Variety is the spice of life for the likes of Chambers, Eberspacher, Tevo and Sortimo, as their solutions are presented for just about every operator need. Several new van launches are also expected around the time of the CV Operator Show, with Fiat, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault and Vauxhall taking advantage of the focused attention of media and commercial vehicle operators to promote their products. As new vehicle purchases were put on hold by operators last year, the focus of this year’s CV Operator Show fits well with the delayed replacement cycle. It is important that operators know how to keep existing fleets running longer and more efficiently, so the show will have a firm engineering focus. Since 2004, when light vehicle manufacturers first appeared at the CV Show, the number of visitors operating LCVs has grown from less than 30 per cent to 52 per cent, representing almost 15,000 buyers last year. The trend to increased use suggests even more interest next April, so make sure you put the CV Operator Show in your diary.

REVING UP FOR THE WORKSHOPThe show also covers the complementary and vital maintenance workshop and service garage sector – including franchised or independent garages, bodyshops, motor factors, fast fit and parts and accessory retailers. “In simple terms, the people that keep the UK’s vehicle fleet running will find the CV

Operator Show, together with Workshop 2010, a must-see event. Its unique nature will give visitors the opportunity to see a huge range of those vital support services under one roof,” said Sockl. “We expect most of the visitors will be looking for service and repair solutions.” New exhibitors are signing up for the Show’s Workshop area, the most important automotive trade and garage equipment shop window this year. This, too, is on course for success. Each aspect of the vehicle maintenance business will be covered in a dedicated location, giving visitors a one-stop shop to update their knowledge of the latest and upcoming technology. Big, well known firms like Somers Totalkare and Stertil will showcase their latest kit alongside a host of other equipment suppliers. Diagnostics takes the lead for many exhibitors, with increasingly clever technology to help cut workshop costs by fast fault-finding on every make and model of car, van and truck. Autodiagnos and Omitec will be there too, while Texa plans to build on its success at last year’s CV Show. V-Tech and Launch X431 have both booked big stands, with special show offers and will provide valuable technical advice to visitors.

Garage equipment firms are also booking space – Bradbury, Gemco, Maha and Tecalemit are amongst the ‘blue-chip’ companies exhibiting in 2010, attracted by past successes at the CV Show.

ALL-IMPORTANT TRAININGTachodisc will use its stand at the CV Operator Show to help promote its wide range of transport training. The firm offers training at operators’ sites its premises, including Operator and Driver Certificates of Professional Competence and courses on drivers’ hours, digital tachographs, working time, defect reporting, safe and economical driving, customer care and more. Many exhibitors will use their stands as an interactive showcase for visitors, providing technical updates, advice and guidance on the latest technologies. This offers an excellent opportunity for visitors to contribute to their individual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes. Every operator of vehicles is under tremendous pressure to operate their fleets as efficiently as possible. However, they must also comply with an enormous amount of legislation that is imposed on


Every operator of vehicles is under tremendous pressure to operate their fleets as efficiently as possible. However, they must also comply with an enormous amount of legislation that is imposed on them. At the Show, visitors will be able to find out from VOSA about its approach to enforcement and compliance, and talk to other exhibitors to find out how to improve the environmental performance of their vehicles

TRANSPORT



TRANSPORT

them. At the Show, visitors will be able to find out from VOSA about its approach to enforcement and compliance, and talk to other exhibitors to find out how to improve the environmental performance of their vehicles. The UK road transport industry is already considered one of the safest and most efficient in the world, and the CV Operator Show offers more opportunities to improve. The latest technology will be on offer from companies like Cybit, TomTom WORK and Roadtech, already major players in UK and European markets. The vital science of logistics means that however well maintained a vehicle fleet may be, to take the long route anywhere means that your fuel bill and operating costs are increased. Use of good fleet management and route planning systems helps cut mileage and fuel. Less fuel used also means lower emissions, so everyone is happy! Networking opportunities offered by the Show should not be under-estimated, and the Show gives visitors and exhibitors alike the chance to update themselves on both product and industry news. The Commercial Vehicle Operator Show at the National Exhibition Centre will be open from 08:30 to 17:30 on Tuesday 13 to Thursday 15 April inclusive. The event is owned by the CV Show LLP, comprising the Road Haulage Association, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and IRTE Services Ltd, the trading company of the Society of Operations Engineers. Crystal Communications manages the organisation, stand sales and marketing on behalf of the Partnership.


Web: www.cvoperatorshow.com

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the whole of the United Kingdom Specialising in School & Social Services Transport they are the leaders in the country covering all the UK with training teams in easy reach of your area, being accredited by many professional organisations including the Confederation of Passenger Transport, RHA and FTA. Members of NACT and The Association of Trainers as well as holding BS EN ISO 9001:2008 Quality awards you are assured of the best Professional Quality Service available, in training or assessing. Training is delivered at your locations and are one or multiple day courses. They

comprise of a combination of theory and, practical hands on, all designed with you to meet your training needs and protect staff. The Risk Assessing Service can be a root and branch assessment or just cover individual route

risk assessments or monitoring. This is achieved by travelling on each route or shadowing looking at boarding/alighting points, route hazards, securing, lift and manual handling procedures, vehicle and equipment condition. Driving assessments can also be included if required. They also offer a contract monitoring and/or an operator Quality Assurance scheme to ensure that contract operators are delivering a safe and legal service as required.


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The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

HE CHARTERED Institute of Logistics

and Transport in the UK (CILT) is the leading professional body for transport, logistics and integrated supply-chain management. As the focus for professional excellence and the development of the most modern techniques in logistics and transport, the Institute aims to encourage the adoption of policies that are both efficient and sustainable. CILT has 19,000 members involved in all sectors of transport, logistics, supply-chain functions of manufacturing and retail, national government and local authority departments, universities and research establishments. The Institute provides access to best practice, using a variety of activities, including newsletters, articles and research, meetings, seminars and events. Join the

Institute today and access:•Qualificationsandtrainingto enhance your skills and knowledge•Leadingindustryevents•MarketIntelligencedatabases•Fellowprofessionalsnetwork•KnowledgeforcomplianceTo find out how membership of CILT can keep you or your organisation ahead of the competition contact us today!


Tel: 01536 740104Fax: 01536 740101E-mail: [email protected]: www.ciltuk.org.uk

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On-vehicle weighing solutions from Red Forge

ED FORGE LTD is the UK’s leading specialist in

on-vehicle weighing solutions with a superb range of axle load indicators and on-vehicle weighing equipment specifically designed and manufactured for use in the heavy and light goods vehicle environment. Red Forge products offer simplicity, practicality and reliability with the reputation of a first class aftercare service. Other products such a reversing sensors, bleepers, cameras, hazard beacons and hand wash units can also be supplied and installed by our highly trained installation team whilst your

vehicle is in our workshops. For use in electric vehicles and fork lift trucks, the Red Forge Warmawork™ is a uniquely designed solid state in-cab heater. It offers unsurpassed practicality, reliability and increased productivity for electric vehicles and fork lifts used in cold conditions.


Company Address: 9 Palmers Road, East Moons Moat, Redditch, Worcs, B98 0RFTel: 01527 526112Fax: 01527 523862E-mail: [email protected]: www.redforge.co.uk

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EVO LIMITED manufactures and supplies modular vehicle racking and storage solutions. They are

BS EN ISO 9001 accredited and with 28 years experience in the field Tevo provides a comprehensive one-stop-shop facility for mobile workshop conversion spanning various sectors of industry including utility companies, local authorities and specialist trades. Tevo takes the time to understand their customer’s requirements and offers consultation along with state of the art CAD Design in order to provide efficient and cost effective solutions for business needs while matching budget, from a basic racking and shelving system through to a complete turn-key custom design. In addition accessories and specialist equipment are available to compliment interior and exterior fittings including onboard power, lighting, warm air heaters, flooring and linings, steps and tow bars, locks and security devices, roof vents, roof racks and pipe tubes as well as corporate livery. Various supply options are offered to suite all business requirements; self-assembly, ‘while you wait’, on-site and factory fitted installations whether it be for a single vehicle or a whole fleet. By building very close working relations with the vehicle manufacturers Tevo is

also able to offer the convenience of the ‘one-stop-shop’ option where a new vehicle can be received directly from the manufacturer and then undergo a full conversion from basic panel van to fully equipped customised mobile workshop before receiving the manufacturers Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) ensuring the vehicle is fully operational when it leaves Tevo’s premises. More recently Tevo has introduced their secure online Build Management facility where the vehicle’s installation progress can be obtained online, 24/7, enabling effortless up to the minute updates on the project’s status. The wealth of products available, range of

installation options and Tevo’s dedication to customer service mean the company is now the trusted partner of many fleet operators as well as individuals and small businesses looking to provide a safe and productive working environment out on the road.


For further information about Tevo and its products and services available visit www.tevo.eu.com or if you would like to talk to someone in more detail about your vehicle requirements contact the Tevo Sales Department on 01628 528034. (Quoting REF: TEVO010)

Tevo – a leading manufacturer and supplier of modular vehicle racking and storage solutions

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With one of the largest parking enforcement operations in the country, and over 300 delegates having been through our training centre, we’ve got the experience to offer training second to none.

What’s on offer? CCTV training – BTEC Level 2 Intermediate Award inCCTV Enforcement Operations• Dedicated courses: small classes and knowledgeable trainers from one of the largest enforcement operations in the UK.

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Camden Council – leadersin enforcement training

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THE FUTURE OF PARKING

PARKEX 2010, EUROPE’S LARGEST dedicated parking exhibition, will take place at Earls Court in the heart of London from 2-3 March 2010. Parkex is organised on behalf of the British Parking Association (BPA) and showcases the very latest in parking management, parking equipment, parking software and innovations in parking enforcement, access control and car park services from over 120 exhibitors. Parkex meets the needs of the industry professional, by creating an effective space where leading suppliers of parking technology products and services can meet their customers in an informal setting, geared to their requirements. As well as showcasing the latest technology, it also offers a knowledge forum and a unique networking opportunity as over 90 per cent of UK local authorities will be represented as visitors to the show. Parkex 2010 has the support of four event partners: Bemrose Booth, Civica, Equita and NSL Services Group, representing leaders in the parking industry spectrum from ticketing and enforcement to consultancy and urban management solutions. The event offers the partners a unique platform to communicate with their industry, build relationships and discuss new services and products, and the organisers are delighted to have them on board.

INFORMATIVE SEMINARSThe extended free-to-attend Parkex seminar programme is now well regarded as the forum for the parking industry, where leading parking experts will cover both on and off-street parking topics focusing on relevant, topical issues that are affecting the parking professional. Each day the seminars will be split into two themes: ‘Driving Issues’ and ‘Raising Standards’ which underpin the work of the BPA. Patrick Troy, Chairman of the BPA, will open the programme on Tuesday 2 March at 10am and the sessions that follow will including spokespeople from leading parking organisations. With numerous sessions each day, this year’s programme provides an in-depth look at a diverse range of topical issues, including:•Environmentalsolutionsforticketing•Paybyphone•Hospitalparking•Bluebadgefraud•Carparkmanagementfrom disrepair to distinction•Baliffandenforcementchallenges

CAREER POINT The Parkex ‘Career Point’ will offer expert advice on training and career opportunities

from the industry’s leading recruitment specialists. The Institute of Parking Professionals (IPP) will be available on stand C12, to give advice on maintaining the high standards of professional skill, ability and integrity among individuals working in the UK parking and parking related industry. Visitors looking for a more creative take on parking will be able to see the shortlisted entries for the international ‘Think Outside the Parking Box’ competition, hosted by Design Boom in collaboration with Nissan. The competition involved over 3,000 designers from 96 different countries to create a new vision for parking, visitors can see the top 50 entries which we will hope will inspire the parking industry to ‘think outside the box.’ Exhibitor confidence is high and there is continued interest in the sell-out show, as Bill Butler, Parkex 2010 exhibition director, comments: “Parkex 2010 in London has generated a huge amount of interest from exhibitors and visitors, with the event reaching a sell out two months before the doors open to visitors. This really confirms to me the strength of feeling about Parkex within the industry, particularly in these challenging times. There will

be lots for visitors to see, with all the familiar parking brands taking part, alongside plenty of new exhibitors who will be displaying the very latest technology, services and fresh ideas that will help visitors solve their parking problems.’’

PRODUCTS AND SERVICESThis year’s Parkex is set to display a truly fantastic range of products and services including the latest energy saving products, high performance weatherproofing systems, map-based traffic orders software, mobile parking and civil enforcement solutions. Visitors can obtain expert advice, research and compare the very latest products and services from all the leading suppliers, including NSL Services, Bemrose Booth, Equita, Metric Parking Group, WPS, ZEAG, APT Ski-Data, Motorola, Parkeon, Park Mobile and many more. For the most up to date exhibitor list visit the website. Read on for a highlight of what not to miss when you visit: Another Level Car Parks (Stand Z26) returns to Parkex to showcase its demountable modular deck Car Parking System, for hire or sale. The fully galvanized steel decks simply span existing car parks without central supports

Parkex showcases the very latest in parking solutions, giving visitors an informal setting to discuss their requirements with suppliers and industry experts


PARKING

Parkex meets the needs of the industry professional, by creating an effective space where leading suppliers of parking technology products and services can meet their customers in an informal setting, geared to their requirements



The specialists in natural stone materials

HE COMMERCIAL Department at CED

is a major supplier of natural stone products to urban regeneration projects and town centre developments nationwide. Working in conjunction with the company’s well-established depot sale outlets, the Commercial Department at CED offers an industry leading range of natural stone materials suitable for almost every project. Supplying stone products to projects both large and small, the Commercial Department at CED are well versed in delivering multi-container loads of setts and paving, to providing bespoke bench and water feature stones. The company’s knowledgeable estimating team is ready to provide you with prompt and competitive prices; happy to offer free advice on the proposed materials for your project in terms of size, strength and overall suitability. Often involved at specification

stage, the Commercial Department at CED ensure that the materials chosen are correct and provides its clients with a good looking, functional space that will stand the test of time. CED logistics personnel have many years experience in providing

quality service, ensuring shipping and delivery dates are met to the satisfaction of their clients. They will keep you fully informed of progress from production through to site delivery. Always on the look out for new and interesting additions to its product line, the company remains sensitive to current concerns regarding sustainability and the ‘carbon footprint’.


Address: 728 London Road West Thurrock Essex RM2 03LU Tel: 01708 867237 E-mail:: [email protected] Web: www.ced.ltd.uk

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Camden Council – leaders in CCTV enforcement training

INCE 2005, Camden Council has provided CCTV enforcement

training to some of London’s leading enforcement authorities. With over 300 delegates having completed our course, our London Councils approved course is a prerequisite for all London authorities that carry out civil enforcement of parking and moving traffic using CCTV. This year we continue to expand our training centre by also offering the 1889 Level 2 Certificate for Civil Enforcement Officers accredited by City and Guilds. The qualification is a Vocationally Related Qualification (VRQ) and provides the essential knowledge required for a CEO to enforce parking controls fairly, accurately and consistently. The course also specialises in Conflict Management Training, which gives the learner an understanding of how

to effectively deal with workplace violence. Camden Council is the only local authority in London that offers the 1889 CEO qualification. Our CCTV classes are small to maximise the learning experience. They are taught by knowledgeable trainers in a state-of-the-art digital training suite to give delegates all the training they need to provide a professional and efficient enforcement service. The results speak for themselves: we have a 94 per cent pass rate that includes clients from London’s leading enforcement authorities.


Tel: 020 7974 4671E-mail: [email protected]: www.camden.gov.uk/cctvtraining

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and normally there is no need for foundations, making this system incredibly quick to install. The car park is 100 per cent reusable, once removed there will be no evidence that such a structure had been in place. Alpha Parking (Z3a) will be exhibiting the latest in their parking solutions for local authorities and the private sector. Visitors to their stand can sign up for a five minute free consultancy session where Alpha Parking will answer any parking related questions regarding Civil Parking Enforcement, Traffic Orders, using ParkMap, optimising your Car Parks, Training, Control Parking Zones, and Signs and Lines. INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONSBuchanan Computing (Stand Z10) will launch TraffWeb: an intuitive but powerful system for map-based internet and intranet access to orders and parking places for authority staff and public access. Buchanan Computing are providers of ParkMap, the UK’s most widely used system for making traffic orders and managing on-street parking controls and moving vehicle restrictions, such as speed limits. Win a bottle of vintage champagne on Stand 15. Spot five mistakes on a fake blue badge at Blue Badge Fraud Investigation’s stand and enter a draw to win a bottle of vintage champagne to take home with you. BBFI is an investigation and prosecution organisation drawn from highly trained and experienced police and members of the home office and local government. Have a go at driving around some of the world’s Formula One racing track circuits using a simulator system at Chandler’s Certificated Baliffs and Enforcement Officers on stand A10. The driver with the fastest lap will win a racing experience day at Brands Hatch for themselves and a £300 cheque sent to a charity of their choice. Designa (stand B13), established supplier

of ‘Pay on Foot’ barrier systems, will feature their full PM ABACUS System, complete with fully integrated ANPR system and a SLIMPARK system. They will also be demonstrating their ‘MID software’ – a Management Information Dashboard that enables the viewing of all important statistical data on one easy to read screen. The latest ‘QED’ luminaire de-population battens will be previewed on stand Z14 by Energy Converservation Solutions. These battens exploit the higher light output of Triphosphor tube use made possible by ‘Save It Easy’ retro fit converters to reduce the number of fluorescent tubes in multi-tube luminaires - further increasing energy economy. The Group Fast Park, provider of a unique patent pending parking deck that can afford to be permanent in a “turnkey” complete package, will be demonstrating its latest parking facilities installed in UK and throughout Europe. The original and innovative system is distributed at international airports, hospitals, local authorities, shopping malls and railways stations and can offer many different benefits including fast construction and minimum disruption to an ongoing parking operation and to users. Visit them on stand Z1.

STRICTLY COME PARKINGImperial Civil Enforcement Solutions (ICES) is inviting all visitors to ‘Strictly Come Parking’ at its Ballroom on Stand D4. The enforcement management and notice processing specialist will show how its commitment to close working partnerships has transformed operational procedures for different types of enforcement authorities. Ben and Becky Milan-Vega, semi-finalists in last year’s Britain’s Got Talent, will also perform a variety of stunning routines on the ICES dance floor to demonstrate the benefits of effective partnership in practice.

Jacobs have significant experience in the collection of Road Traffic Charges currently working in partnership with 47 local authority clients in England and Wales. Using the latest technology, including digital pens, client web and ANPR software, Jacobs make a real difference to our client’s collection rates. Visit JBW Group on stand C23 to find out more about their dynamic, intelligence-led and innovative debt management and enforcement solutions. JBW Group offer a 21st century service, dispelling old myths that surround the enforcement industry and take a modern approach that exceeds the usual industry standards. They deliver an ethical, discrete and intelligence led approach to enforcement that is firm but fair. Liberty Services will be exhibiting their full range of parking products and services including PCNs, carriers, permits and notebooks. To compliment its full back office processing system they will be launching a new document scanning and payment processing service in partnership with Documetric aimed at providing the most efficient and technologically advanced mail out, in service in the UK. Parkex also sees the launch of its P600 and P1000 pay and display machines supplied by Island, one of best available on the market with a comprehensive maintenance and repair service. Metric Group Ltd will be showcasing the latest developments in pay & display equipment with the Aura and Accent machines, new developments with the powerful WebASLAN back office software will be on show. Hardware solutions of note will be the wave & pay credit/debit card machine, ANPR integration and bank note acceptance. The technical team and sales staff from Metric will be on hand to provide full demonstrations of all their equipment and back office solutions.


ASF CONSTRUCTION Chemicals offers a range of car park waterproofing, surfacing, repair and

protection systems using the latest epoxy and polyurethane technologies. With many years’ experience gained worldwide in a variety of climatic and service conditions, BASF has specified, manufactured and supplied over 1 million m² of performance waterproofing, surfacing, repair and protection products to an international list of car park owners. The CONIDECK® range of crack-bridging and non crack-bridging, wear-and-tear resistant car park deck coatings includes systems for both exposed and covered decks. CONIDECK® systems are solvent-free and provide exceptional tensile strength and elastomeric capability.

Double the thickness of most products, they use a multi-layer build up system to ensure optimum performance in even the harshest environments. Spray application speeds up the installation

process and gives controlled thickness. CONIDECK® car park systems are approved by the British Board of Agrément, have been independently tested to, and fulfil the requirements of, the German OS-F specification for crack-bridging coating systems designed to take traffic and hold the French ATEX approval. All systems are installed by specialist contractors with the back-up of skilled BASF personnel who can assist in drawing up the right specification for every application.


Tel: 0161 485 6222Fax: 01527 503576E-mail: [email protected]: www.basf-cc.co.uk

B

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PARKING


THE RIGHT TO BE INFORMED

TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETING in the public sector has changed dramatically in the past 20 years. In accordance with the Human Rights Act 1998 Article 6, 3a, everyone has the right “...to be informed promptly, in a language which he understands and in detail, of the nature and cause of the accusation against him...” and (3e), “...to have the free assistance of an interpreter if he cannot understand or speak the language used in court.” Today we must cater for a greater variety of languages and dialects than ever before in an increasing number of situations covering all aspects of public life including housing departments, job centres, benefit offices, social services, police, prisons and the courts. According to recent research, total UK public sector spend on translation and interpreting is currently £500 million and forecasts predict that this figure is set to rise substantially in the future. It is crucial that the public sector ensures it is working with high quality translation

and interpreting professionals, not just to be confident it is receiving a good return on investment, but to ensure it fully meets the stipulations of the Human Rights Act 1998.

CHALLENGESA key challenge is balancing spend with quality. It can be very tempting to hire the services of the cheapest and most geographically available translator or interpreter, but due to the very nature of the work being carried out in a different language, it can be impossible for the client to ascertain the quality of the translation or interpreting taking place. I have heard of various cases where non-professional interpreters pass themselves off as qualified, and have actually carried out interpreting assignments in serious situations. This can be very dangerous especially in the health and criminal justice system. Such imposters may have an unethical agenda and may not interpret

accurately, resulting in a wrongful conviction or incorrect patient information.

THE WAY FORWARDIt is essential to check qualifications and credentials. This too is a challenge as there are an estimated 10,000 people in the UK who market themselves as ‘professional translators and interpreters’. Obvious checkpoints are confirming qualifications, references, and memberships of professional bodies. Employing a member of a professional body will provide you with a translator or interpreter who has at least met stringent admissions criteria and who signs up to a Code of Professional Conduct; quite often these professionals take part in Continuing Professional Development to maintain the currency of their skills. A professional will always be happy to provide evidence of qualifications and memberships; interpreters, for example, will often hold the Diploma in Public Service

Alan Wheatley, general secretary of the Institute of Translation & Interpreting (ITI), discusses the importance of using only qualified and experienced translators and interpreters, and offers guidance for working effectively with them


TRANSLATION & INTERPRETING

Language Line ServicesHelping you to deal with local problems at a local level

Every day, we help staff in over 300 local government organisations nationwide to assist thousands of Limited English Speaking citizens, in diverse communities, facing challenging situations.

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Wherever you need usDedicated to the provision of the highest quality professional interpreting and translation services - nationwide.

Helping to implement best practiceEasy access, from any phone, to telephone and Face-to-Face interpreting, transcriptions and translations to meet the varied requirements of the community. Confi dentiality and a strict Code of Conduct and Ethics are always at the heart of our service. We are committed to help you to sustain your pursuit of service excellence and improving public confi dence.

With whatever suits you bestWhatever circumstances you face, we are on-hand to provide the most appropriate solution by the swiftest possible means. Consistently delivering high quality services and value for money is our primary goal.

You can rely on usTo work in fully accountable partnership with you, using our breadth of experience to support your strategic policies and operational procedures. We will work with you on practical and simple solutions, proven to reduce overall spend, improve delivery, meet ever growing expectations, and to build trust and confi dence across your constituents.

Call us on 0800 169 2879 or visitwww.languageline.co.uk andwe will introduce you to ourgovernment sector team.



a mistranslation of a document can have dramatic and long-term consequences. A mistranslated witness statement or patient or claimant notes could have serious detrimental consequences for all parties. It can be extremely useful to identify language champions among your staff. These people can keep abreast of local community needs and new language requirements and forge strong relationships with language providers.

SMOOTHING THE PROCESS FURTHERThe use of technology can be a great benefit to dealing with situations swiftly and cost effectively. However, care must be taken not to rely too heavily on automatic

•introduceeveryoneanddefinetheirroles•establishsomegroundrulesto ensure communication only takes place through the interpreter•stressthattheinterpretercanonly communicate what is said and cannot offer any additional information or advice•ensurethateveryonespeaksdirectlyto each other, do not speak to the interpreter•maintaineyecontactwiththe client, if culturally appropriate•speakclearlyandnaturally•summarisethediscussionatregular intervals to ensure that everyone understands everything that is being said•askyourselfwhetheryoubelieveeveryone understands and if you have obtained all relevant information. How will you know and by what measure can you be sure?

GET FEEDBACKAfter the discussion it is good practice to obtain feedback from the interpreter – particularly regarding any difficulties in the interpretation or with any personalities – and to check that the interpreter has not been traumatised in any way. Remember that conveying sensitive information can be equally distressing for the interpreter. Translation is no less of a problem. In fact,

Interpreting (DPSI) and be listed on the National Register for Public Service Interpreters. Translation companies should have or be working towards a recognised certification standard such as ISO, or the recently introduced European Quality Standard BS EN15038. Employing freelancers can be a simple process. ITI, for example, offers a free to use internet directory of qualified translators and interpreters who work in a combined total of over 150 languages. Creating a relationship with locally based language service providers within your immediate ethnic communities will be a rewarding experience for all concerned.

USEFUL TIPSOnce you have your professional translator or interpreter in place it is important to know how to work with them and provide training to staff who will work alongside the translator or interpreter. For social services, face-to-face interpreting is always the preferred way of working, while police, courts and prisons may be able to make use of video conferencing in the future. Some simple basics can help ensure the process runs smoothly. Here are some examples of best practice in a situation requiring an interpreter:

ABOUT THE ITI

The Institute of Translation & Interpreting (ITI) has over 3,000 members worldwide and is one of the UK’s primary sources of information on language services for government, industry, the media and the general public. ITI promotes the highest standards in the profession and its members play a key role in promoting cross border trade in products and services.


Language Line ServicesHelping you to deal with local problems at a local level

Every day, we help staff in over 300 local government organisations nationwide to assist thousands of Limited English Speaking citizens, in diverse communities, facing challenging situations.

Always thereHelping to reduce your cost of service and increase your time to serve local residents at any time you need us throughout the year. Reducing the pressure in providing equal access to public services for all.

Wherever you need usDedicated to the provision of the highest quality professional interpreting and translation services - nationwide.

Helping to implement best practiceEasy access, from any phone, to telephone and Face-to-Face interpreting, transcriptions and translations to meet the varied requirements of the community. Confi dentiality and a strict Code of Conduct and Ethics are always at the heart of our service. We are committed to help you to sustain your pursuit of service excellence and improving public confi dence.

With whatever suits you bestWhatever circumstances you face, we are on-hand to provide the most appropriate solution by the swiftest possible means. Consistently delivering high quality services and value for money is our primary goal.

You can rely on usTo work in fully accountable partnership with you, using our breadth of experience to support your strategic policies and operational procedures. We will work with you on practical and simple solutions, proven to reduce overall spend, improve delivery, meet ever growing expectations, and to build trust and confi dence across your constituents.

Call us on 0800 169 2879 or visitwww.languageline.co.uk andwe will introduce you to ourgovernment sector team.



translation programs as these will never deliver the level of accuracy required. Face-to-face interpreting should always be used for complex situations or when discussions are likely to be lengthy. This ensures a more caring, personal service and creates a greater understanding of the communication process because the interpreter is able to identify and respond to cultural body language and religious beliefs that may not be obvious to public sector staff. Telephone interpreters should be considered

in emergency situations for immediate assistance to help establish facts. It is also the case that some individuals may actually prefer to use telephone interpreting as it is more anonymous. However, it is remote and not recommended in all cases. With recent technological developments, the potential for video interpreting is worth exploring. Video is no substitute for face-to-face interpreting, but it can provide a practical compromise between

face to face and telephone interpreting. Video could also work well for Sign Language and perhaps even lip speaking, while text to speech is advisable for the visually impaired or illiterate.

THE FUTUREWith increased citizen mobility we could find that there are more non-British EU citizens choosing to come to the UK, so our requirement for professional translation and interpreting services could increase. The best way to handle the growing demand for translation and interpreting is to consider the advice offered in this article: always use qualified professionals; train staff in how to work with interpreters; invest more, not less; identify language champions to keep abreast of local community needs and new language requirements; and finally, forge strong relationships with language providers.

ITI – HERE TO HELPITI has 3,000 members, all of whom demonstrate their commitment to the profession by joining the organisation and adhering to a strict code of conduct. This is essential in an unregulated profession. There are various levels of membership ranging from fellow (FITI), qualified member (MITI) to corporate membership. To become a MITI, translators and interpreters must successfully complete the rigorous application process where only those who can prove their educational qualification, experience and commitment succeed.


For further information visit the ITI website at www.iti.org.uk. The Directory of Members offers a list of qualified members.


S A WELL-ESTABLISHED company Link Translation Bureau Limited is a corporate member of the Institute of

Translation & Interpreting and is a long-standing member of the local Chamber of Commerce. This guarantees our professional standing and ensures that the highest possible standards in translation and interpreting are maintained. We provide translations from English and into English for government bodies, the National Health Service, major European and worldwide companies in all subjects including legal, technical (all engineering fields), medical, patents, chemical and pharmaceutical matters. Using our in-house translators, who have over 40 years joint experience, together with a panel of external, highly skilled professional translators and interpreters we are able to

exploit their specialist knowledge in particular languages and subject areas to match each of your assignments to the right person. Our clients regularly use our professional interpreters in the courts, for social service matters, for medical and legal consultations, during visits to HM prisons, at business meetings and at conferences etc. Our rates are very competitive and

vary depending on the language you require, the subject matter, the volume and the urgency involved.


Tel: 0151 709 3173Fax: 0151 707 2457E-mail: [email protected]: www.linktranslation.co.uk

A

Professional translation and interpreting services


LOST IN TRANSLATION? BRIDGING LANGUAGE BARRIERS IS NOT easy. In order to make informed decisions you must first understand the information that is presented to you and then you need to be able to communicate with your ‘gegenüber’. In today’s financial climate cost-effective and integrated solutions are paramount to ensure the correct allocation of public funds. Not only do you need to be aware of the best and most efficient services available, but also know how to best procure them and how to access the right expertise when you need it. Having worked on a multitude of projects with the European Union and UK government agencies we know how diverse the needs in the public sector are. We have experience in all areas of public services, including work undertaken for the European Court of Justice and are intimately familiar with the process whereby contract relationships are initiated and maintained in government bodies and organisations. Establishing a real need and process is important, but often requires a detailed analysis. Who required translations or interpretations - and when? How have these been managed previously? Where can improvements be made? With our consultancy services we can help answer these questions and develop processes to ensure economy and transparency. However, sometimes you just need to get the job done quickly. You need a trusted partner you can call to handle projects on a large scale, but who is also agile and flexible enough to respond quickly. We will help you communicate across language barriers - on time, every time, and on budget.

HIGH QUALITY SERVICEWhen you nurture a professional relationship it is worth looking at the focus of the provider you choose. Delivering a high quality service is one thing, but are you benefiting from the latest developments in the language industry? Are you getting the best quality, the best prices and the transparency you deserve? The language industry is evolving fast and so should your provider. We are leaders in Collaborative Innovation (CI), delivering added value and practical solutions from European transformational linguistic research to all types of organisations. We constantly reassess our business to provide cutting-edge, validated translation and interpreting services, as well as language technologies that accelerate multilingual communication, make available multilingual documents and drastically reduce operating costs.

FLEXIBLE APPROACHOur innovative, flexible and focused approach to ensuring customers’ success is valued by leading global enterprises, government and

non-government agencies alike. LTC offers seasoned expertise in all aspects of authoring, managing and delivering content in multiple languages including time and cost saving technologies such as workflow management, machine translation and translation memory. Whether you need to translate a single document or every component of a work process, you will have access to our secure, online client portal, providing a safe and convenient means to collaborate, with full transparency in the process. You’ll be impressed with the way we handle your project, from beginning to end. Armed with a team of highly skilled project managers, in-house translators, and with the help of cutting-edge technology, LTC provides high quality translation services in over 80 languages across a broad spectrum of subject areas. A dedicated, highly trained project manager will act as your single point of contact, and work as part of your team to coordinate all your translation needs in the timescale you require. We use our proprietary business system, LTC Worx, to track and manage all projects, resources, deadlines and files. LTC Worx supports the project manager throughout the whole translation management process, allowing you access to monitor the progress at every stage.

We have an extensive translator database that includes specialists in diverse subject areas including computing, software, telecommunications, finance, law, medicine and engineering. Our translators are thoroughly vetted and tested before they are able to work on our clients’ projects. We assign only native speakers of the target language and appropriate subject area knowledge to any given project. Now that we are approaching 20 years of experience in the language industry, we have learned a thing or two and we know that the key to our success lies in the quality and reliability of the services we provide. Standardised quality control is built into our methodology at all stages, in the procedures we follow and in the tools we use. Engage LTC in a consultancy arrangement, and you have access to the collective resources of a global leader in language technology. Consultancy services from LTC help you streamline work processes, while selecting the best-of-breed technologies for your business requirements.


LTC, 5-7 Kingston Hill, Kingston uponThames,Surrey,KT27JNTel: +44 (0)20 85492359E-mail: [email protected]: www.langtech.co.uk

Let LTC’s innovative solutions help you clear the path




A GOOD INVESTMENT

THE PUBLIC SECTOR IS REGULARLY berated for spending literally billions of pounds on management consultants. Why are consultants used and how can we be sure they are worth the money spent on them? As public sector spending becomes ever more scrutinised, those using consultants will be in the spotlight, having to justify expenditure and prove value. With this in mind, I present an eight point plan to ensure you drive value from your consultancy investment.

CLARIFY THE NEEDWhat is the added value you are looking for that cannot be found internally? Consultants can be used for many reasons, accelerating change, driving better performance, building improved service, operational improvement, supporting reorganisation and restructuring, developing and supporting the delivery of strategy and

change, advising on brand and reputation, and supporting cultural transformation. That’s quite a list, and there are many others too. Be clear about the specific deliverables you are looking for from consultancy support, ensure you are confident that this expertise is not available within your organisation. Consultants add value where they bring experience, insight and proven results from addressing similar challenges across a range of organisations and when they are able to transfer the knowledge, skills and capability they can bring to the recipient organisation in a way that will enable the in house team to sustain the improvement that has been invested in. Sometimes consultants are useful in breaking through internal politics or in bringing insight into the board room that otherwise might not find a ready access route. Whatever the intent, be sure to clarify expectations with your selected consultant in advance but also be ready to have preconceptions challenged – there just might be some further value to be gained that was not previously identified.

PURCHASE WITH KNOWLEDGEBe clear about the range of consultant expertise and the breadth of service proposition on offer. When considering using a consultant be sure to consider the nature of the support being

sought in order to more clearly define the nature of the consultancy organisation to invite to help. The larger, well-known consultancy firms will have specialist areas dealing with a range of areas. Alternatively there are smaller, boutique firms that will specialise in specific disciplines. Some consultancies will sport large teams, others much smaller ones. Some will be respected for particular individuals who are recognised leaders in their field. Expertise, approach and fit should all be determinants of your selection approach. Where liaison with senior representatives of your organisation is likely as a key part of the consulting assignment, or where negotiating with or convincing the senior leadership team is a likely pre-requisite to success, you will want to be sure that the personalities in the consulting team have skills, confidence and experience to manoeuvre a successful

path. The consultant is your ambassador. Ultimately whether they succeed to transform or fail to convince, will reflect back on you as the champion of their appointment.

TARGET THE INVESTMENTSpecify the objectives sought and be clear about measures to test attainment. You might well assume this is standard good practice, but it’s compelling just how many assignments can be either misdirected or shift off track. Clear objectives, specific outcomes, measurable targets and distinct milestones set against a clear project timetable will help to maintain focus and discipline. A steering group of representatives from the various functions or teams with an interest in the end result of the project will be a good discipline for effective governance and, depending on the nature of your organisation, a range of project teams from areas with more specific interest in the outcome of the project, reporting into the steering group, will add further depth to input and insight as well as greater opportunity for managing the output and enabling effective take up of conclusions.

WORK CLOSE & COLLABORATIVELY Integrate the consultant and the consulting team with the internal team. Avoid a sense of external expertise creating solutions to be

adopted by the indigenous staff who receive the guidance as spectators. The closer your partnership with the consultant, the better the insight they will be able to develop, the more effective the consultant’s rapport with you and the organisation the greater the likelihood of skills and knowledge transfer. Work on the partnership, establish an effective collaborative working relationship and integrate the consulting team with your own.

FOCUS ON RESULTSResearch, insight and plans are essential to the consultants toolkit. Indeed these are all part of the process you are paying for to ensure proposals are well informed and effectively calibrated. At the end of the day, however, your success as a leader will be evaluated on what has been achieved, what has changed, how value has been delivered or whether service has radically improved. This means a focus on outcomes, on actions and forward process more than a review of circumstances, conditions and opinions Ensure your consultancy insight and input is well balanced towards the future, towards ensuring how recommendations will be applied, how behaviours will change and how progress can be sustained. Research insights are useful guides, but they are not essential navigators of future progress. Making change happen is where the challenge lies, keep the pressure on your consultant to ensure delivery of practical programmes that will enable change to happen and enhance performance in measurable ways.

ENABLE ENGAGEMENTPlans which are not applied are ideas that are simply pie in the sky. Effective employee engagement is the driver of value of your consultancy investment. Transferring the consultants proposals to practical activities which staff enjoy participating in, is the single biggest challenge to driving value and providing proof of the benefits of investment in your consultancy spend. Effective engagement requires more than good communication, although communication is a key ingredient. Engagement is not something we can demand of anyone. People elect to be engaged – they cannot be coerced into doing so. Successful application of the outcome of your consultancy investment will require colleagues at all levels to have a real opportunity to explore, and understand why the consultants have arrived at the conclusions they have. Methods of implementation are therefore key. Directions and instructions demanding change will never lead to enduring value or sustained success.

With public sector spending under scrutiny, those that use consultants may havetojustifyexpenditure.JeromeReback,partneratEngageforChange,gives an eight point plan to drive value from a consultancy investment


HUMAN RESOURCES

As public sector spending becomes ever more scrutinised, those using consultants will be in the spotlight, having to justify expenditure and prove value


Personal exploration, learning and deduction supported with clear information about purpose and impact is the route to success.

DIVE, DON’T DRIVEPeople are not good at responding positively to instructions other than in crises situations. Driving instruction from the top will lead to a wide mass of employee spectators who have little sense of connection to the vision looking to be achieved and perhaps only temporary conviction to the process or approach proposed to deliver the desired result. Diving deep will, however, lead to more energy, wider ownership and, most likely, greater insight. Diving deep requires seeking input on solutions from staff deep down in the organisation and licensing them to take responsibility to initiate change where they work. Some consultants adopt an external expert advisory type role others adopt a more facilitative, coaching approach. You will need to decide which approach is likely to lead to more sustainable added value in your organisation but, ultimately, it is employee ownership that will determine the long-term impact of your consultancy investment.

ALIGN AND REFINEA systemic approach is required if consultancy assignments are to deliver wide benefit. Many organisations are presently aiming to break down barriers between different parts of the structure, looking for ways to encourage and improve innovation and hoping to gain the benefits of collaboration across different parts of the organisation. Consultancy assignments which enable reflection across organisation divides and which are licensed to impact cross-organisational systems or procedures will lead to greater and more sustainable successes than those which, for whatever reason, are stuck in a single part of the structure. Look to expand horizons and do so by creating cross-organisation steering groups and working parties to seek input in a collaborative fashion. The alignment challenge comes in many forms. Another common consultancy blind spot can be the fit of the consultancy project with other programmes or initiatives impacting the organisation, either at the time of the consultancy programme delivery or previously that staff will recall and reference as a reason why this new programme is likely to fail. Use communication to ensure a clear understanding of the link between one initiative and another as well as between the suite of initiatives and the organisation’s overall Vision and strategic goals. Use collaboration to ensure that the impact of programmes are aligned, rather than competing and that their introduction to the organisation is practical, pragmatic and realistic.


E-mail: [email protected]


HUMAN RESOURCES

ENGAGING FOR PERFORMANCE

Organisations with engaging leaders and engaged staff outperform less engaged competitors. Our research clearly shows that engaged leaders and employees deliver better performance, faster change and more attractive workplaces. Employee engagement is a cross generation driver of oganisation performance. Engaging organisations attract and retain the most talented people and their people are creative, productive, challenging and committed. How can you spot an engaged organisation? First there will be laughter, enthusiasm and determination pouring from the people. It will be a place you come away from as a visitor thinking: “I would like to spend some time there too.” From our latest research we believe that engaged organisations demonstrate ten engagement tell tale signs: •Devolvedleadership•Devolvedaccountability•Devolvedstrategy•Devolvedstructures•Devolvedprocesses•Sharedpurpose•Sharedvision•Sharedresponsibility•Sharedlearning•SharedinnovationWe have drawn these insights from our work and writing. CEOs talk to us about the challenge of engaging their leaders and people as being about devolving absolutely as much as possible but sharing purpose, vision and crucially responsibility for performance, social obligation and compliance with regulatory requirements. The key to this balance between devolvement and sharing is being clear about what is not negotiable – the givens – and the invitation to others to share power. In moving to become an organisation that engages its people, the thrust of leadership shifts from control

and supervision to guidance, freeing leaders up for more creative work and the encouragement of others. Engaging leaders and employees is largely a question of leadership philosophy. What practical process can be followed to create such a way of working? We think there are six:•Engagingfoundations:Organisations with vision, strategy, values & brand that clearly differentiate•Engagingleaders:Leaderswhoareclear, believable and trusted; inclusive and appreciative; known and generous with their presence; connected; respected and standard bearers of ethics and reputation•Engagingforchange:changeis managed in an inclusive way with the hierarchy being turned upside down to drive performance bottom up•Engagementcapabilityfortheline: leaders at every level who are tuned into their impact on others and who have competences which enable those around them to contribute, be listened to and make a difference•Engagingcommunications: communications which are inclusive and themselves a role model and a visible sign of the engaging organisation•ROE–returnonengagement:Clearly agreed expectations of engagement, how to recognise where it exist and the drivers which contribute to it that are specifically measured and reported on.Engage for Change is the most focused advisor on engaging leaders and employees to drive performance, change and creating compelling places to work. We can help you define your engagement challenge and navigate you through these six steps to create a more engaging, better performing organisation. To help move your organisation up an engagement gear, contact us via [email protected].



The publishers accept no responsibility for errors or omissions in this free serviceAlton Towers 70

ANPR International 84

GeoDrilling 2010 20

Avon Tyrrell UK Youth 7

BASF 82

BIFM 34

Biocote 40

British Independent Utilities IBC, 24

BT Security Solutions 50

CDS 44

CED 84

Cedar Court Leeds/Bradford 59

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport 78

Cloudapps 25

Corona Energy 25

Counter Terror Expo BC

Craiglands Country Retreat & Conference Centre 56

Cyberpharm 25

English Lakes Hotels 66

ESTA 20

Experian 16

Fan Rescue 49

Flood Emergency Service 41

Green Shoots Inc 34

Hansgrohe 28

Health and Safety Executive 9

Hoppings Softwood Products 30

HSBC 12

Indepth Hygiene Services 49

Invesco Aim 15

IP UserGroup 38

JOC Consultants 40

Kensington Conference and Events Centre 72

Labcold 46

Language Line Service 88

Link Translations Bureau 90

London Borough of Camden 82

Management Skills Centre 48

Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert 66

Mandolay Hotel & Conference Centre 62

Park Plaza 60

Marriott Hollins Hall 56

Midland Hotel 56

National Coal Mining Museum for England 58

Nicholsons Nurseries 40

npower 22

OHES Environmental 27

OKI Printing Solutions 10

Osney Media 19

PBA Training & Recruitment 49

Phoenix Training 78

QEII Ceonference Centre 72

Red Forge 78

Rheged Centre 68

Riva Global 20

R.J. Gray 49

Rosetta Translation 86

Royal Armouries 54

SEaB Energy 33

Space Air 30

Spiral Construction 32

STL 9

Stroma 30

Tevo 76

The Language Technology Centre 91

The Thornbury Centre 58

Tortuga Covers 41

VCA 34

Vencel Resil 30

Village Hotels 64

Whetherby Steeplechase Committee 58

Yorkshire Sculpture Park 58

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Government Business Volume 17.2

Documents

Transcript of Government Business Volume 17.2