Such
is the number and breadth of products being introduced by Bohle at next
year's Glassex that the company says that visitors could justify their
visit to the event just to see what the tools and consumables manufacturer
has to offer.
The new additions range from sophisticated glass processing machines to
test equipment, and from advanced cutting wheels to precision power tools
- with all being continuously demonstrated to the crowds that inevitably
gather wherever the firm takes a stand.
Amongst
the sophisticated processing machines Bohle is bringing to the NEC in
March is a new concept for dry arissing of glass. The Bohle twin-belt
compact dry arrissers have the option of an air floatation table to make
the process even easier and productivity is significantly improved by
easy belt change and set up.
Another device that drew huge attention when it was shown at Glasstec
is the Glass Buddy, an electronic device designed to analyse the characteristics
of single pane, laminated glass and insulated glass panels up to 50mm
thickness and even installed multi-pane insulated glass units. Previously,
several devices were required to obtain information such as the thickness
of the glass, the glass construction and the possible coating but Bohle's
Glass Buddy does it all with just one device.
Bohle has developed a new high performance cordless wet drilling machine
for hole diameters of between 5 and 70 millimetres which avoids cracking
and other damage that occurs when drilling ceramic tiles, stone and other
hard materials. The new drill operates on 18 volt rechargeable batteries,
allowing it to be used flexibly, whilst mains-independence makes it completely
safe in wet environments. The drill offers three operating speeds (450/1450/2000
rpm) and the integrated water cooling system results in shorter drilling
times and a longer service life for drill bits. A range of diamond drills
enable vibration-free drilling.
Even the humble tungsten carbide cutting wheel receives a makeover with
the Cutmaster Gold from the Silberschnitt product family. Combining cost
reductions with the highest quality performance, the Cutmaster Gold offers
a service life of at least ten times longer than a conventional cutting
wheel. This is especially effective when cutting laminated glass or the
lateral edges on a float glass production line. The product is capable
of more than 250 kilometres of cutting performance on float glass lines.
Bohle managing director Gary Dean says it's the best display of new products
from the company to be seen for years at Glassex: ‘We have something
for everyone, from large factory-based machinery and systems to the sort
of tools and treatments that can make a huge improvement to busy installers.
And of course, we will have a team of experts to demonstrate how to get
the most out of our products. We want visitors to see for themselves how
effectively and efficiently our machines work.’
Established in 1923, Bohle is a major manufacturer and supplier of tools,
machines and supplies for glass processing in the glass trade and industry,
with a worldwide presence. The company is renowned for its variety of
machines for professional grinding, drilling, sawing, sandblasting and
fusing of glass as well as vacuum lifting equipment.
Web: http://www.bohle.ltd.uk
Plastmo
Gets Up Front at Glassex 2007
Plastmo
Profiles will take front position at the main entrance of Glassex on stand
B060 with the company’s biggest ever stand, following up last years'
hugely successful show.
The
2007 show will form the launch pad for a number of major announcements
during the year and in particular the launch of a range of branded hardware
which is designed to offer improved performance and better cost effectiveness
for fabricators. Plastmo says that the front position at the show is a
reflection of its recent successes and a demonstration of its increasing
prominence as one of the major systems companies in the UK market.
In addition to the branded hardware, the company promises a number of
other developments including the availability of foiled finishes on the
Charisma vertical slider, pre-cut and pimple steel options, new Vogue
slim sash and Vogue mid 'T' and 'Z' sections.
Robert Thiroff, sales and marketing director comments: ‘We've had
another great year and increased our market share and that's thanks to
customers both old and new. We listen and we act and this simple philosophy
is really driving the business forward.’
Robert concludes: ‘If you want to find out why fabricators are switching
to us then come and speak to us at the show, we've a lot to offer.’
Tel: 01604 790780
Email: rthiroff@ukf.net
Conservatory
to be Won from Affordable
With
their first visit to Glassex in 2007, Blackpool based Affordable Window
Systems have a host of products on display on their stand, including a
conservatory that one lucky winner will take home!
'All visitors to the stand are eligible to enter the competition,' explains
Eddie Gaughan of the company. 'The 3.5m x 3.5m PVCu conservatory has an
Ultraframe roof with a gable front and has a value of £4000, so
it is well worth visiting our stand and entering. The winner will be announced
at the end of the show.'
The competition has been organised to coincide with their first visit
to Glassex. Manufacturing PVCu and aluminium windows as well as complete
conservatory systems, the company views Glassex as an ideal opportunity
to show off their range of products.
'Alongside the conservatory, we will be exhibiting a diverse range from
our portfolio, including bi-fold doors and black foiled PVCu,' continues
Mr Gaughan. 'The Glassex shows opens up for us a huge window of opportunity
to target specifiers and installers all under one roof for the duration
of the show.'
As a manufacturer of both PVCu and aluminium systems, this year's Glassex
is of particular relevance to Affordable Window Systems as there is renewed
focus upon the growing trend towards aluminium in fenestration, with the
Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) supporting the show. 'We are delighted
to be part of the new look Glassex and look forward to a strong exhibition
reaching decision makers in both the public and private sectors,' concludes
Mr Gaughan.
Network
VEKA Suspends Two Members after Quality Checks
Network
VEKA has upheld its principles and suspended the membership of two installation
companies following a routine inspection of their working practices.
The
decision of the organisation's Steering Group was immediately communicated
to the two companies, which were instructed to remove all Network VEKA
branding and materials and to cease using its Ten-Year Insurance Backed
Guarantee. Their compliance will now be monitored.
‘It is never a comfortable decision, especially in a difficult market,’
said Network VEKA Managing Director John Ogilvie.
‘But when our reputation is built on strict adherence to the standards
we set, we really have no choice but to uphold those standards.
‘Obviously we want to boost membership numbers as much as possible
but we will not do that at any cost; a slight setback in numbers is a
small price for averting a string of dissatisfied customers.’
Both of the companies had been accepted as members within the previous
12 months.
Suspensions are far less common since the organisation raised its vetting
standards for new applicants in 2004 but up to that point it had excluded
around six members a year. Since that time, all applicants must have been
trading for at least a year and provide five consumer references, access
to accounts and more information on home addresses in the case of sole
traders and partnerships.
Web: http://www.vekauk.com/networkveka.htm
Kevin
Hill Appointed As GGF's Regional Chairman
Kevin
Hill, managing director of one of the UK's largest and longest established
trade frame fabricators John Fredericks, has recently been appointed as
the Glass and Glazing Federation's regional chairman for the Yorkshire
and Lincolnshire region.
Kevin
will chair regular regional meetings and represent members' interests
within his region which has more than 70 company members.
Nigel Rees, chief executive of the GGF, said:
'The GGF strives to represent all its members and regional activities
form a major part of our strategy to achieve this. We are absolutely delighted
that Kevin has taken on the role as regional chairman. He is a very experienced
individual with a strong track record and has worked extensively with
many trade associations before. He will surely be an asset both to the
GGF and its many members.'
Kevin added:
'There are more than 4,000 fabricators and 9,000 installers in the UK,
many of whom are represented by the GGF, so I'm naturally very pleased
to be joining the Federation as regional chairman. It's an exciting role
and I'm looking forward to building on the GGF's strong foundations and
proud heritage. I'm also looking forward to meeting as many members as
possible over the coming months and helping them to make positive changes
to their businesses within a challenging industry.'
Kevin has more than 20 years experience in the building products sector
both in the UK and overseas, including 12 years with glassmaker Pilkington.
He has also held general management and board level positions at Owens
Corning, leading French heating company Chaffoteaux and Baxi Group.
The Glass and Glazing Federation is the recognised leading authority and
voice for employers and companies within the flat glass, glazing, window,
home improvement, plastics and applied window film industries in the UK.
With members in over 1,000 business locations, there is a GGF member in
almost every UK town. All its members have been vetted to ensure quality
of service.
Kevin Hill
John Fredericks Plastics Ltd
Tel: 01422 314100
khill@johnfredericksplastics.com
Website: www.ggf.org.uk.
Provincial
Invests in Automated Machinery for Super Spacer®
Irish
sealed unit manufacturer Provincial Glass & Mirror Ltd has invested
£750,000 in a fully automated For.EL line to manufacture sealed
units using Edgetech's leading warm edge technology Super Spacer®.
Provincial, who has been an Edgetech customer for four years, previously
manufactured sealed units using traditional aluminium spacer bars but
switched to Super Spacer because of its superior performance.
The machinery will be housed in the company's new state of the art factory
in Limerick. The company's joint directors are Brian O'Riordan and Mike
O'Donoghue.
Brian comments: 'The new line will increase our production to 3,000 units
a week and make a huge difference to our customers,' comments Brian. 'Not
only will we be able to offer superior products but we will also be able
to offer quicker lead times. There is no comparison between Edgetech and
other spacer bar suppliers because Edgetech also supplies us with a complete
package which will help our business grow.'
Edgetech
Tel: 02476 705570.
Low-Cost
Call Charges from the Industry's First Specialist Provider
Connect
UK, the industry's first specialist provider of low cost landline telephone
calls, was established four months ago by Mike Crewdson to operate exclusively
with window fabricators and installers.
The company guarantees to save customers up to 25% on landline calls as
well as saving them money on line rental too. The company has made a promising
start and already includes a number of the industry's major players among
its client portfolio.
Mike
explained:
‘The savings are genuine. Total Glass have saved over 30% on their
call charges and that will add up to more than £6000 every year.
We produced savings of over £5000 each year for Emplas Window Systems
and profile bending company Radius Plastics is already saving more than
£2000.
‘There was a gap in our industry for a no-nonsense package with no
hidden charges. Connect UK is very transparent in call charging and line
rental. We buy call time in serious bulk from the largest provider in
the UK and pass on low cost calls to our customers. There are real savings
to be made on line rental too.’
Connect UK says it is very easy for customers to switch over to them.
There is no change to hardware or telephone numbers and no pre-fix dialling.
The only difference customers notice is that they receive a monthly bill
at much lower prices.
For the next 6 months, Connect UK will offer a free new telephone system,
with up to 30 extensions, for any company who switches their calls and
line rental to the company. If customers are happy with their current
phone system, then the call savings will be even higher.
Mike concluded:
‘So few companies realise just how much they are being overcharged
for their landline calls, and many owners are simply too busy to look.
We would really welcome the opportunity to see how much we can save you
and we have made it really easy for you to action.
‘All you have to do is fax or post your last telephone bill, with
only one page of itemised calls, to Connect UK, or call us for full details.
We will then get back to you very quickly. You can always call me on my
mobile too. I think you may be pleasantly surprised at just how much money
you can actually save.’
Contact Mike Crewdson at:
Connect UK Data Ltd, 6 Delph Court, St Helens WA9 5GL
Telephone: 01744 743290
Fax: 01744 743111
Email: support@connectukdata.com
Mike's mobile: 07801 622575
Web: http://www.connectukdata.com
PVC
Group Appoints Torkington to Head Building Plastics Division
The
PVC Group has announced the appointment of Jon Torkington to head Pulse
Building Products, a new division of the company established to distribute
a range of products manufactured by the Group through a national trade
counter network.
Torkington
is uniquely qualified to achieve success with Pulse: as the former managing
director of Scotplas in eight years he took the company from just four
loss making outlets to thirteen branches, sales of £11 million and
healthy profitability. His qualifications for the position at Pulse are
compounded by successful spells at distribution operations Vanplas and
Builder Mate.
Under Torkington's guidance, Pulse Building Products is intended to build
a national network that will distribute PVC building products, including
roofline, cladding and trims that are manufactured by PVC Group subsidiaries.
Pulse will enjoy the cost and efficiency advantages of PVC Group's 'closed
loop' capabilities that include raw materials and every stage through
to recycling.
46 year old Jon, married with three children, says that he is delighted
to have the challenge of creating something from scratch:
‘With just two outlets Pulse Building Products is starting virtually
from nothing, which is very stimulating. But we have superb resources
within PVC Group that I have never had the advantage of previously, with
which to combine with some highly successful business models. There remains
a place in the market for a building plastics distribution operation that
is quick on its feet, highly competitive and which offers the right products
when and how the customers want them.’
Pulse Building Products currently has trade counters in Glasgow and Sunderland
with three further branches planned for 2007 and ten by July 2008.
Tel: +44(0)1663 750221
Web: http://www.pvcgroup.co.uk
Investment
in Staff and Systems Brings Rewards to Glazerite
At
a time when many PVCu companies have been feeling the pinch, Network VEKA
fabricator Glazerite Windows Ltd has recorded some of its most profitable
months of trading in the company's history.
Productivity
results recently published show that the Wellingborough based company
had already exceeded the current growth target set for 2006, with figures
up by 50% on the same period last year. Investment in staff, machinery
and new technology has strongly influenced the company's heightened productivity
and, says sales and marketing manager, Chris Reeks, the numbers speak
for themselves.
‘All profits made over the past year have been fed back into consolidating
our position within the marketplace,’ he explains. ‘£360,000
is being invested in an eight head frame welding line, due to be commissioned
in the first quarter of 2007, which will increase our manufacturing capacity
to 1000 frames a week from the current 800. This will bring the level
of investment over the past 18 months to over £1 million, and we
still have more investment planned.’ In preparation for the growth
in volume, more dedicated and experienced support staff have taken up
roles within the sales and order processing department to enhance the
level of service and communication to the customer. ‘By introducing
Mel, Jon and Annie into our team we have been able to build upon our commitment
to the customer to provide an unparalleled level of service and care,
something we pride ourselves in at Glazerite’.
Glazerite is always looking to the future and how new technology can help
the company’s customers manage their time more effectively and improve
the service between them. ‘We have been working closely for some
time with our software partner, Business Micros, to introduce a system
of online ordering and quoting that our customer can access online form
any broadband connection,’ continues Chris. ‘This gives them
the flexibility to do accurate quotations at any time of day or night,
to submit their orders online and retrieve information such as costings,
glass sizes and margin reports instantly without the need for cumbersome
software programmes to be installed on their computer.’
Tel: 01933 443222
Email: info@glazeritewindows.co.uk
Web: http://www.glazeritewindows.co.uk
UAP
- Making a Difference in Nepal
Most
of UAP's products are manufactured to the company’s own specification
in China and India, and like many successful companies UAP believes that
it has a social responsibility to the wider community. Managing Director
David Jennings has committed UAP to sponsor the building of five township
schools in Nepal over the next five years.
Nepal
borders both India and China and has major cultural and commercial influences
from both countries. However, the country having been in the grip of civil
war for over 15 years, is poor in the extreme. More than half the population
of a little over 26 million is unable to read or write, and this lack
of education is having a serious impact upon the nation's ability to grow
and develop.
UAP has teamed up with North West of England based charity DWCW which
raises funds to assist with projects in Nepal, specifically in education
and, most significantly, the recent immunisation program against TB, the
number 1 killer in the area.
The location of Nepal bridges the two nations of India and China that
supplies UAP, furthermore, Nepal has a long association with Britain,
famously embodied in the Brigade of Gurkhas, a universally admired regiment
that has seen service in many British conflicts around the globe since
1817 when troops from Nepal first enlisted in the East India Company's
forces.
Building schools is a significant project that has real longevity, and
UAP has committed to building a school a year for the next five years
under the scheme title The UAP-Nepal Community Schools Project.
UAP's David Jennings says that, ‘We aim to set aside some of our
profits for the building of these schools in Nepal. Our goal is for each
school to be located in a different Nepalese township, and we aim for
each school to educate up to 200 pupils a year. Each school will be run
under the The UAP-Nepal Community Schools Project banner. As each school
is built we will be providing the funds for desks and other essential
school equipment. This project will make a real difference in the townships
in which they are located and have major long term benefits for those
communities.
‘We
have chosen to commit to the school building project for the long term
rather than build just a single school and leave it at that.’
Each school will be dedicated to the memory of individuals who are important
to UAP staff. The first completed school will be dedicated to Philip Jennings,
the late brother of David.
‘It is extremely satisfying to be able to dedicate schools in memory
of people close to UAP staff’, continues David.
The completion of the project requires nothing from UAP's customers or
suppliers.
David explains, ‘All we want our customers to do is to continue supporting
UAP by buying our products. Not only are they buying great products at
great prices, but the warm feeling they get from also supporting this
great community project is completely free of charge.
‘In the future, once the education level is up to a standard, it
is UAP's hope that we can assess the prospect of building our own manufacturing
facility in the regions to provide ongoing employment and allow the people
of Nepal to help themselves.’
David concludes, ‘UAP is proud to be able to undertake this project.
It has given everyone at UAP and everyone connected with the company a
real buzz of excitement and a sense of purpose. Many people want to be
able to do something more useful and more purposeful than providing a
simple donation of money, the bulk of which everyone realises, is dissipated
by overheads. UAP is lucky to be teamed up with the DWCW as we all now
feel a real sense of purpose and every one of our customers and suppliers
will be doing their bit in supporting The UAP-Nepal Community Schools
Project.’
Tel: +44 (0) 161 763 5290
Email: uap@btconnect.com
Web: http://www.universal-imports.com
Bespoke
production, presentation and pricing software from Windowlink is playing
a key role in a new range of PVC-U products from Wymar.
Windowlink has tailored its Focus Plus package to help Wymar fabricators
manufacture and sell a vertical sliding sash window recently introduced
by the Worcestershire systems company. Similar software for Wymar's patio
door system and a new bi-folding door has also currently been developed
by Windowlink.
Wymar
is the distributor for the established Renaissance PVC-U vertical slider,
and this is seen to complement its own range of casement windows and doors.
‘This style of window is an increasingly popular option for new build
and replacement contracts,’ explains Wymar's John Evans, who is overseeing
the introduction of the new window. ‘The Renaissance is a proven
product and combines the traditional look of timber with the low maintenance
and thermal efficiency benefits of PVC-U.’
As a satisfied Windowlink customer, Wymar had no hesitation in approaching
the software developer about sales/production software for its new product
lines. The company's bespoke Focus Plus package has been set up with all
the relevant Renaissance profile data, sizes and design options for fabricators
to produce accurate cutting sheets. To create the required style and specification
they simply work through the on-screen checklist, which includes options
such as trickle vents and decorative extras such as horns and Georgian
bars. In addition, the product is available in a range of colours and
these can be reproduced on the software. As an extra facility, fabricators
can also print out order acknowledgements and delivery notes directly
from the program.
Fabricators can also use their Focus Plus software to produce professional
looking presentations for their customers, complete with accurate prices
courtesy of the integrated pricing module. ‘The program has lots
of useful facilities built in, so the potential is there for those companies
who want to take it to the next level,’ says John Evans.
Wymar is equally impressed with Windowlink's responsive approach and flexibility
during the development process. John Evans continues, ‘Everyone there
is very helpful and they have been more than happy to tailor the package
to suit individual customers' requirements.’
Wymar reports significant interest in its new vertical sliding window
and believes customers who decide to add this option to their range will
find Windowlink's Focus Plus a must-have tool for making fabrication easier
and reducing potential order errors and paperwork. ‘The software
is extremely user-friendly and we've had very positive feedback from the
customers we've supplied it to so far and I'm sure there will be many
more in the future.’
Tel: 0870 7701640
Web: http://www.windowlink.com
Quinn
Plastics is Star of Virgin Radio Campaign
When
Talbot Designs was asked by designers, 3D Studios, to recommend a sheet
material to make a huge transparent star for use in London's Christmas
decorations, the company chose Quinn PETG as the most suitable for this
difficult application.
Virgin Radio was running an on-air and online promotion called the Virgin
Radio Big Star based upon a 42 sq ft star suspended above London's popular
Regent Street.
Quinn Plastics' 5mm clear PETG product was creatively used by Talbot Designs
to make the giant star centrepiece. Quinn PETG is an easily moulded product,
with low water absorption and high impact properties, making it the perfect
choice to develop this unique outdoor promotional piece.
The
positioning of the star on London's Regent Street, which runs from north
to south of the city, with winds travelling from the north side, deemed
it absolutely necessary to use a material with extremely high structural
strength.
Silwood Plastics Ltd, of Brackley, Northants, supplied the sheet cut to
size after working with Talbot to identify a material that combined high
transparency with outstanding toughness to cope with the environment in
Regent Street. Debbie Coxall, of Silwood Plastics, commented, 'We were
happy to recommend Quinn PETG for this demanding job, which also involved
a high degree of fabrication and on site assembly.'
David Andrews, Marketing Director from Virgin Radio, added, 'We were really
pleased with the physical promotional piece for the Virgin Radio Big Star
campaign. The material used worked brilliantly to create the desired effect
initially sought after by our designers. This campaign centrepiece was
definitely the 'star of the show'!'
The star was packed full with an undisclosed amount of Virgin Radio Big
Star cash hanging in the balance until a lucky listener guessed the exact
figure of the sum contained within the realms of the lucky star.
Upon guessing the correct amount of money within the star, the lucky winner
from Buckinghamshire collected £108,125.25.
Quinn Plastics is Europe's foremost supplier of transparent plastic sheet.
Its key products are: Quinn XT (extruded PMMA), Quinn CAST (cast PMMA),
Quinn PC (Polycarbonate), Quinn PS (Polystyrene), Quinn PETG (PETG), Quinn
SAN (Styrene AcryloNitrile), Quinn HIPS (Impact Modified Polystyrene)
and Quinn SPC (Multiwall Polycarbonate).
Quinn Plastics also has operating facilities in the UK, Germany, France,
Slovakia and the Czech Republic, as well as sales and support operations
in all major European countries. For further information, please visit
http://www.quinn-plastics.com.
Quinn Plastics is a division of Quinn Group, a leading pan-European manufacturer
of construction industry products. Quinn Group employs over 5,500 people
in Ireland, UK and Europe, and has been in business for over 30 years.
The Quinn Group had sales in 2005 in excess of EUR1.2bn.
Martindales
Cruises Through 1,000 Man-Hours-a-Month on IT
Martindales,
the UK supplier of uPVC, timber and aluminium replacement doors and windows
to the insurance industry, has crashed through a crucial milestone - its
IT team is now spending more than 1,000 man-hours each month on managing
and upgrading systems.
'We're in the urgency business. We get a call when somebody has suffered
building damage or a break-in, and we need to move as fast as humans and
technology will allow to fix a customer's problem,' said Phil Martindale,
founder and Managing Director of Bolton-based Martindales.
'Not only are we representing ourselves, we're representing our customers,
the insurance companies, so we need to be absolutely on-the-ball.
'Consequently, we designed and built our own combined IT and communications
system, and we're developing, upgrading and enhancing it virtually every
day with the implementation of new ideas.
'We have five full-time staff who work on programming and hardware - this
means that not only are we meeting the demand of our insurance and trade
customers today, we're getting ahead of the game.
'Like every business in a competitive market - and ours is about as ferocious
as you come across - we need efficiencies. Efficiencies are driven by
a combination of speed and volume, but without compromising customer service.
That means better, faster and ever more reliable IT and communications.'
Martindales has a powerful communications system involving telephony,
hand-held pocket-sized PCs and satellite tracking.
'We are able to take a call relating to a repair or replacement, get it
in to our system and prioritise and schedule it according to the assessor's
location, our raw material stock, manufacturing stage, location of fitter
and van and location of householder or business in a matter of seconds.
'Our IT does it for us, and is virtually 100% accurate and reliable. We
are then able to keep customers informed of progress, but the system also
enables us to reschedule - even ahead of plan - in some cases and circumstances.
'We now do in a few seconds what previously took hours.'
Web: http://www.martindales.ltd.uk
Homag
at Centre of Essexford Production
Essexford
Joinery is one of Ireland's leading manufacturers of bespoke fire doors,
doorsets, flush doors and architectural joinery components. With a modern
factory and high tech factory at Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, the company
supplies direct to architects, specifiers and major building contractors.
The
product range at Essexford is diverse, working with both hard and softwoods
as well as veneered panels. The company also produces architraves, framing
and other architectural joinery to match the door products.
At the centre of the company’s production is a Homag BOF 211 CNC
router with a customised specification and heavy duty frame and working
head. Essexford invested in the Homag router after intensive research
into the machinery market.
However Homag's superior engineering and technology won through along
with the expert technical help that the company received from Homag Ireland's
Andy Jones.
Essexford Senior Supervisor Bruce Leatham says that the Homag BOF gives
the company huge flexibility and the required capacity and accuracy that
ensures the quality of both products and service.
The Homag BOF at Essexford has an extended 5m bed with a dual clamping
system specified for the company so that it can work both door blanks
and frames. The machine is also equipped with an 18 plate tool changer
so that all operations are carried out with minimum chip to chip time
loss. This includes routing and all other operations possible with the
C (4th) axis. Other operations on the machine include sawing, drilling
and mortising in 360 degree rotation with special aggregates.
Gavin White is the machine operator at Essexford and says that the Homag
WoodWop software loaded on the CNC controller gives the company ultimate
flexibility. Bruce Leatham explains that Essexford has to be able to react
to a huge range of design requests in batches down to single orders. Flexibility
is the key and the Homag BOF is giving Essexford the confidence to sell
the products and services on the basis of guaranteed quality. This is
central to the ongoing growth and success of the company.
Tel: 01332 856500
Email: info@homag-uk.co.uk
Web: http://www.homag-uk.co.uk
Small
Business Champion to Choose
On
the entry form for British Small Business Champions (BSBC) 2007 businesses
are asked to suggest the ideal prize that would benefit them.
The winning business will be given £10,000 to spend as specified.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) which launched BSBC in 2003
has opted for this flexible prize because it feels that it is the businesses
which are entering that really know what would boost their business.
Suggestions from businesses which have entered so far include:- office
equipment; marketing expertise and solar panels but the majority focus
on something that would recognise the efforts of their staff including
a weekend away and team building.
The winning business will also have a donation of £5,000 made to
the charity of its choice. This is because the FSB knows that so many
of its members support a particular, often local, charity. This
business will also get £20,000 of advertising in the FSB's magazine
'Business Network' and be presented with a splendid trophy to keep.
BSBC 2007 invites entries from thriving, established businesses
(trading for rmore than five years) with up to 50 employees (including
sole traders.) UK small businesses have until 31 January 2007 to
apply for BSBC 2007. There is no fee to enter and businesses do not have
to a member of the FSB.
Every entry will be allocated to one of six geographical regions:- Central;
North; South; Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland. Regional judging will
be in February and the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony
in each of the regions during March and April. The regional winners go
forward for national judging. All regional finalists will be invited
to the national awards celebration dinner in London next June where one
business will be announced as the British Small Business Champion 2007.
There are a number of ways to get an entry form and find out more about
BSBC 2007. Interested businesses can go to http://www.fsb.org.uk/bsbc,
where the application form can be downloaded, or they can telephone 07901
795045, or e-mail bsbc@fsb.org.uk.
Corus
UK Fined £1.3 million for Blast Furnace Deaths
Steelmaker
Corus UK Ltd has been fined £1.333 million and ordered to pay £1.74
million costs following charges brought by the Health and Safety Executive
(HSE). Three workers died in 2001 from a blast furnace explosion at the
company's Port Talbot site.
Stephen Galsworthy, Andrew Hutin and Leonard Radford were fatally injured
in a massive explosion within Blast Furnace no. 5 at the Corus works on
8th November 2001. At Swansea Crown Court, the company pleaded guilty
to two charges of failing to ensure the safety of their employees and
others brought by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under the Health
and Safety at Work Act 1974.
In a statement at the conclusion of the case, HSE Director for Wales,
Terry Rose said:
'Having met with the families of Mr Galsworthy, Mr Hutin and Mr Radford
over the last five years I want to pay tribute to them. I have seen their
grief and frustration, and we should all recognise that whatever has happened
today cannot bring back their loved ones. Fines are insignificant alongside
that.
'This was systematic corporate management failure at the Port Talbot works.
Proper management attention may have broken the chain of events which
led to the explosion.
'I hope Corus, and indeed the iron and steel industry worldwide, learn
from Port Talbot and make sure that those lessons are put into practice
in their management systems, and maintained. This must be a wake up call
for the industry. The process is centuries old but the risks need to be
managed to the highest modern standards.'
The explosion was caused by water in the furnace coming into sudden contact
with hot material. As water turned into steam it expanded rapidly, creating
pressure, which blew a confined vessel apart.
Terry Rose went on to say, 'As far as we can establish an explosion of
this magnitude is unprecedented in any blast furnace anywhere in the world.
'The proper design, maintenance and operation of the water cooling system
is vital to the safe operation of the furnace and the ability to detect,
and stop, water leaking into the furnace in quantity is very important.
Corus failed to do this in relation to Blast Furnace 5. Those failings
were spread over many years, with many different people involved. That
is why HSE prosecuted the company, rather than any individuals.
'Since the event, HSE has continued to work with Corus to improve its
safety management, and will continue to do so but none of this can bring
back the men who died, or guarantee that it can never happen again.'
World
Class New Business Court Unveiled for London
Plans
for the biggest dedicated business court in the world were unveiled on
December 14th by Her Majesty's Courts Service. The high-spec building
to be built on Fetter Lane near the Royal Courts of Justice will match
and maintain the UK's world-class reputation as the first choice for business
law.
UK high quality legal expertise on international business law cases already
contributes hundreds of millions of pounds to the UK economy.
The new Business Court, which will be called the Rolls Building, will
provide a dedicated centre of excellence that will continue to build on
that reputation. For the first time the specialist jurisdictions of the
High Court dealing with business disputes will be brought together under
one roof.
Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor, Lord
Falconer, said:
'The new Business Court will house a world class institution to match
the UK's world class reputation for business law which attracts cases
from across the globe. The UK's legal reputation in the business industry
is already highly respected across the world: this tailor-made building
will cement that reputation and put us head and shoulders above our world
competitors. The new building will greatly improve current facilities
and we are working closely with Delancey and Invista to deliver a high
specification building for court users.'
Delancey and Invista will construct a new 260,000 sq ft building at Fetter
Lane of which HMCS will occupy 145,000 sq ft on a long lease. The new
'super court' - believed to be around four times bigger than its nearest
competitor - will provide 29 courtrooms, 12 hearing rooms (for related
work such as bankruptcy hearings), 44 public consultation rooms, better
waiting facilities for parties involved in proceedings as well as administrative
office space for HMCS staff and judicial accommodation.
It will replace the existing facilities of the Commercial Court and the
Technology Court at St Dunstan's House - also on Fetter Lane - which are
no longer suitable for the volume of work the court handles.
Announcing the new contract, Chief Executive of HMCS Sir Ron De Witt said:
'The new Business Court is symbolic of the new modern forward-thinking
HMCS: a service fit for the 21st century. Our aim is to ensure that businesses
have the best facilities for commercial dispute resolution and to provide
a first class service for court users. This court will ensure our position
in the global arena as a centre of excellence.'
The new building will also provide enhanced acoustic standards in courtrooms,
improved natural daylight and ventilation and will have upgraded IT facilities.
Bringing together under one roof various aspects of commercial dispute
resolution, it will incorporate work carried out by the Chancery Division,
the Commercial Court and the Technology and Construction Court. It will
deal with all business related jurisdictions of the Royal Courts of Justice
such as patent issues, trademark disputes, technical construction cases,
admiralty cases (arresting of ships) and international contract disputes.
The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman John Stuttard welcomed
today's announcement:
'The pre-eminent international reputation for commercial dispute resolution,
and thus its contribution to the success of the business of the City,
has been in danger of being undermined from poor courtroom and support
facilities. 'The new Business Court will ensure that London can build
on its reputation as the leading centre for commercial dispute resolution
and can continue to compete internationally.
'HCMS has recognised the central issue of providing a world-class facility
to house a world class judiciary.'
The Business Court will be located at the heart of legal London, and,
administratively, will remain part of the Royal Courts of Justice Group.
A planning application has now been submitted to incorporate the design
of the new courthouse. Subject to satisfactory planning permission being
granted construction is due to commence in the new year and the new courthouse
is expected to be operational by 2010.
270
Self Assessment Tax Returns Filed Online Last Christmas Day
While
many of us spent last Christmas Day relaxing in front of the TV, with
a box of chocolates and a new pair of socks, 270 people were using the
time to file their self assessment returns online.
Amazingly, over that four-day holiday period, more than 6,000 tax returns
were filed over the internet at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk.
Not only that, but while many people were preparing to usher in the New
Year, 3,054 people filed their returns online on 31 December. Another
1,776 individuals were in a suitably fit state on New Year's Day to log
on to the internet and file their returns online.
In the run-up to the 31 January self assessment filing deadline, HM Revenue
& Customs (HMRC) is encouraging taxpayers to get their returns in
early, to avoid the rush.
'We always recommend that people file their tax returns early, avoiding
the busiest periods, and we are pleased to see taxpayers following our
advice, even at Christmas and the New Year,' says Mike Shipp, HMRC Director
of Self Assessment.
'Filing online is an easy, convenient and secure way to submit your tax
return. But first you will need to register for the online service. In
return we will send you a PIN number to activate your account. It can
take up to seven days to process the activation PIN number, so make sure
you register as soon as possible.
Go to http://www.hmrc.gov.uk
and select 'Self Assessment' from the 'do it online' menu.'
If you need help with your return, you should visit HMRC's website - in
particular the self assessment web pages at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa.
If that doesn't answer your questions, call the self assessment helpline
on 0845 900 0444, which is available seven days a week between 8.00am
and 8.00pm.
The helpline will be open from 8.00am until 4.00pm on Christmas Eve and
New Year's Eve, but is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's
Day.
Remember, the final deadline for completing and filing your self assessment
Tax Return and paying any money owed is 31 January. If you miss this deadline
you will receive an automatic £100 penalty for late filing and you
will be charged interest on any money paid late.