Business and Industry Today Issue 366

New expansion & exciting times ahead for Orion

Orion MIS are industry leading, independent experts in system integration and automating processes.

Established in December 2018, by Danny Grigg and Chris Smith, Orion has gained unprecedented growth since its inception.

“The company was established in 2018 by myself and Chris Smith. We started out working from a spare bedroom, before growing and purchasing our first premises in Chichester with only four of us,” recalls Danny Grigg, Director.

Over the last three years, Orion has grown exponentially, becoming one of the fastest growing independent integrators in the UK. Central to this is the company’s customer-focused approach that ensures they are always put first. By doing this, Orion has been able to provide cost-effective solutions such as retrofit upgrades as well as full turnkey solutions for their blue chip clientele.

With a combined wealth of over 15 years of experience in the industry, the Directors have built a well resourced team that both understands the solutions they provide and also have a wide ranging skillset to deliver these, such as designing, installing and maintaining automation equipment within warehouses and distribution centres. The primary objective for Orion is delivering unrivalled customer service, whilst also providing maximum operational efficiency for every solution.

“We are a truly independent integrator. We look at warehouse operations and find the most efficient way to run that system. This can be through technology, software, mechanical components and handling equipment. Our fundamental objective is to save our customers time and money,” said Danny.

Providing a comprehensive service from solution design to installation and support, Orion boasts extensive experience as engineers in a multitude of industries, providing the company with the clear understanding of how to deliver a successful automation project.

As a truly independent integrator, Orion are able to

access the whole of the market. This makes them capable of providing the absolute best solution for their customers requirements, whilst providing the very best usability and ROI.

“We provide fresh, efficient and innovative ideas and we’re not tied to any one solution. Due to our manufacturing capabilities, we do not sell one solution. We look at what’s readily available for the customer or determine if they need something bespoke. This results in a collaborative relationship with our customers,” added Danny.

By working in collaboration with their customers, Orion are well placed to understand the end to end process, thereby being able to increase the operational efficiency of the solution much more easily. To achieve this, Orion is dedicated to visiting their customer’s site, gaining a full scope of their customer’s process. Once that is understood, they

will then begin to analyse the best solutions, before discussing these with them.

“We are very flexible and our services are designed for engineering by engineers. We have a team of world class designers and lead times. We look at your operations as a whole and we find the best way to run things.”

Danny expanded, “Historically we have provided our services for warehouses and distribution centres, but are now diversifying to work in other markets. The technology used to be highly priced meaning it was often limited to larger companies who were able to afford it. However, as automation is rapidly becoming a necessity to expand businesses, Orion aim to reduce this barrier to entry and make it accessible to all. It’s important for us to help the latest technology trickle down from some of the blue chip companies to SMEs.”

Advancing upon its latest success, Orion has recently moved & expanded its operations to a new million pound facility in Fontwell, Chichester. This 5,500ft2 location will allow for more room to design innovative ideas that prove Orion is a leader in engineering excellence that customers can rely on.

Danny elaborated, “We have seen aggressive growth and this year we have moved to a new million pound facility. In doing so, we have been able to greatly enhance our assembly & manufacturing capabilities, which also provides the opportunity to more than double our current staffing levels in 2022.”

Orion are not slowing down, with plans for future projects already being discussed and expected to keep them very busy well into 2022. With demand to continue increasing for automation in the short to medium term, Orion is determined to further its success into 2022. “We are surging forward to 2022. We really want our new building to become a centre of excellence in engineering. We want the building to be home to talent, enthusiasm and new innovations.”

T 0333 335 5269

www.orionmis.co.uk

Recycling Solutions Company of the Year

Sustainable recycling solutions

of materials compacted through the balers supported the Co-op in reducing the number of lorry movements in moving materials to recycling centres and mills around the UK. The partnership was a glowing success to which Co-op stated its wishes to continue working with Presona more in the future.

Established in 2008, in just 13 years Presona UK has grown to be one of the world’s leading manufacturers of baling equipment. Founded with a vision to make recycling easier and more efficient for its customers, Presona has morphed into an establishment to which its employees and customers still remain at the core of its ethos.

With its main head office based in Tomelilla, Sweden known as Presona AB, Presona UK is able to draw upon its resources and synergies from the global presence Presona has established. From customer service to technical expertise, Presona has been essential in supporting and raising the consistent standard of efficiency and professionalism within the recycling industry. One of the most important areas in which Presona’s experience helps to deliver innovative products and services designed to save customers time and money is through the development of its balers, conveyors and waste extraction systems, all of which are designed to meet these objectives. Furthermore, Presona equally works to reduce stress within the recycling environment by identifying and resolving pinch points and providing operator training, comprehensive preventative maintenance programmes and a 24/7 support whenever needed.

Presona work within many industries, whether you’re a recycler, logistics company, manufacturer or retailer, Presona has a goal to improve all companies recycling performance. Recruiting many highly skilled staff with advanced technological and industry knowledge has built the backbone of which enables Presona to develop excellent products and services. Its team of compassionate, friendly, and professional people are on hand to design, install and maintain all Presona products and services ensuring maximum efficiency and efficacy with minimum stress.

As a solution-based company, Presona only sell a product or service to a customer if it can make a positive benefit, thus being to improve time management, profits and smooth out operations. Presona only produce the highest quality recycling process equipment that are designed with the latest and most effective technology and methods available.

Presona produce its own range of balers that are some of the most efficient balers on the market with some savings of up to 60% on conventional shear balers. “We supply our own range of baling equipment capable of producing anything from 40 tonnes of pressure right up to 270 tonnes. Our balers will process a range of recycling materials like paper, cardboard, plastic and some metals, into dense bales for easier, more cost-effective shipping. Other benefits include time, team and money, meaning that our balers and equipment will

give more time to our customers and time to focus on other areas of their business. Our equipment will make their team more effective at their job due to less manual intervention from staff on our fully automatic equipment. With the mixture of saving customers time and giving their team other areas to work on, this will in turn save them money on expenses within their business,” stated Richard Portas, Customer Accounts and Marketing Manager. Presona offer a range of balers that can be used to compact materials such as municipal and solid waste, packaging materials, textiles, carpets, metals, RDF and SRF and more. There is also a series of fully automatic LP Range balers for larger, heavy-duty applications throughputs. Its latest invention the MP 270 MH ‘Mega’, is a baler designed to reduce multi baler sites down to the need for just one baler. Its capable of producing 270 tonnes of pressure giving exceptionally dense bales of cardboard, plastic and paper, and up to 45 tonnes per hour.

Chain belt conveyors are an integral part of recycling and waste management plants. Presona has a rich history of designing and supplying bespoke conveyor systems to support its LP series balers. The PreVaya is Presona’s latest conveyor system which is better suited to rugged environments and easier to maintain and upgrade than any others on the market. The PreVaya can be used with any make of baler and can be tailored to individual requirements, material and footprints. Designed to solve recycling/ waste problems by including high side walls and a system to accommodate exceptional tonnages, it’s heavy-duty, galvanised inside and out and service-friendly. “The PreVaya is modular construction that saves on downtime as there is no need for specialist tools like cutters and welders, it’s a simple case of unbolting, replacing, check and leave,” said Richard.

In 2020, Presona helped ethical retailer Co-op further reduce its carbon footprint with the installation of two new balers and Presona built conveyors at the firms Avonmouth and Andover Distribution Centres. The Co-op group used the balers to compact the recovered store materials for recycling and reuse into new films and boxes. The production

In further support to the recycling industry, Presona can design, build and install custom, cost effective materials recycling sorting plants. A typical plant can be designed for two or more fractions with an annual material flow of between 30,000 to 300,000 tonnes. From start to finish, Presona take complete responsibility for the contract, project planning, design, erection, commissioning and ongoing maintenance of the plant.

Some production processes can result in lots of small material offcuts where a manual collection system can be inefficient. Presona create bespoke waste extraction systems to combat this issue. Its designers will create a system with the optimum air and material flow capacity via the most effective number of suction points whilst minimising energy consumption. These can be used as a standalone plant or can be seamlessly integrated with Presona balers and conveyors for an unparalleled system.

Presona’s products and services provide critical benefits to its customers thanks to its carefully thought-out innovations and extensive technical know-how. Its products and services allow customers to be more productive with their time and expenses that would once have been lost through unnecessary and inefficient recycling processes.

Delivering a structured, fair and consistent service, Presona’s products offer a solution that has been tried and tested for many years. Taking ownership to constantly improve, allowing no room for complacency, Presona is always pushing the boundaries of innovation to make further solutions for better recycling processes.

For more information, see below.

T 01278 444527

sales@presona.co.uk

www.presona.co.uk

Farm Business Innovation 2021 Review Part 1 – Top Exhibitors

Inspiring rural entrepreneurs

Farm Business Innovation 2021, held at Birmingham’s NEC from 10-11 November, brought visitors an incredible two days full of unmissable insights into the latest revolutionary products transforming the industry.

Farm Business Innovation is Europe’s largest event for farmers, country house estates, and landowners who are forward-thinking and looking to diversify into the leisure, hospitality and tourism industries. Colocated with 5 other shows, the show had everything visitors needed to generate more income from their land.

66% of all farm businesses in England also run other enterprises – such as farm shops, wedding venues and B&Bs – generating an income of £680 million in 2017-18, to the UK economy. The event was specifically designed to enable visitors to meet the faces of the industry, with 1,000 leading exhibitors ensuring visitors were able to try, touch and test all of the latest products, solutions, and systems from across the globe that are driving innovation.

Profitable visitor experiences for land and property owners

Plus an incredible line-up of speakers allowed visitors to choose from over 500 seminars, where key individuals and experts in their field shared their insights and expertise, and divulged their own secrets to success, enabling visitors to return to their own business armed with ambition and brimming with ideas and inspiration.

Farm Business Innovation 2022 returns to Birmingham’s NEC from 2-3 November this year. This is our first pick of the best exhibitors from last year’s event, listed here in alphabetical order: ACE Solar Energy Ltd, Amberside Energy, Axiom Utilities, Bluefield Houseboats, Box Leisure Recruitment & Brilliant Trails. Details can be found on this page.

www.farmbusinessshow.co.uk

The cutting edge of leisure recruitment

If you’re seeking recruitment or looking to hire, Box Leisure Recruitment is your only choice. As specialists in recruitment of the UK Holiday Leisure and Recreation industry, Box Leisure Recruitment prides itself on empowering leisure businesses with only the best recruitment match. Here to connect the person to the business and the business to the person, Box Leisure Recruitment ensures the perfect partnership connection.

Leaving no stone unturned, Box Leisure Recruitment fully understands the needs of the client and the candidate ensuring only the best business to leisure connection. Covering a number of sectors including management, food and beverage, shift leaders, front of house, lifeguards, chefs of all levels, sports and leisure, maintenance, fitness instructors, sales representatives, and many more, Box Leisure Recruitment aims to match your chosen career with only the best employers guaranteeing the highest level of leisure industry professionals.

Box Leisure Recruitment believe recruitment has three sides, The Client, The Candidate and themselves, ‘The Agency’. Box Leisure Recruitment works to combine and connect all sides of the triangle delivering a fully comprehensive, professional solution. Creating synergy and unity throughout the leisure recruitment process, Box Leisure Recruitment’s long-term partnerships with many national and independent leisure companies has enabled them to build a solid foundation that provides a first-class seamless recruitment service.

“Specialists in recruitment of the UK Holiday Leisure and Recreation Industry. Dedicated to the career management of Leisure Professionals.”

“Cutting no corners in Recruitment”

We pride ourselves on empowering leisure businesses with only the best recruitment match. As Specialist recruiters we are at hand to ensure we have found the best match for your business. We are here to connect the person to the business and the business to the person. Making sure the partnership connects perfectly.

Why Box Leisure?

“We don’t cover any other sectors of recruitment, so we have no distractions. Each and every consultant has first-hand experience working within UK Holiday Resorts, Hotels or Directly on the leisure front line.”

“We understand the business”

“Our obligation to you”

We don’t just say this we do it. We believe that recruitment has three sides, The client, The candidate and us “The agency” by working together and seeing all sides of the picture. We will endeavour to create synergy and unity in the box leisure recruitment process. See our testimonials for what our clients and candidates say about us.

For more information, see below.

T 0161 359 6110 – Holiday Resort Recruitment

T 0161 359 4660 – Hotels, Fitness and Recreation Recruitment info@boxleisurerecruitment.co.uk

www.boxleisurerecruitment.co.uk

Developing and regenerating ‘bluefield’ sites

Living on or near water has been proven to boost your health and wellbeing. Bluefield Houseboats creates high quality space on the water, combining a unique modular system with modern technology to regenerate and upcycle previously inaccessible ‘bluefield’ sites into usable space. We aim to offer the “same standard of living on water, as on land”, meaning no compromises when you step onto any of our houseboats.

Our products have been specifically developed to meet the needs of different markets. The R Series is our top of the range houseboats suitable for full time occupation with either 2 or 3 bedrooms.

The M Series houseboats have a more boat like aesthetic for a marina environment and are available as 1 or 2 bedroom designs. The FP Series houseboats have been developed for the holiday let market, suitable for lakes and inland waterways, and are available as 1 or 2 bedroom designs.

If you are a marina owner, a hotel, holiday park or

landowner with available water space on your site, or a local council looking for sustainable solutions to the housing crisis, then we have a houseboat to meet your needs.

Bluefield Houseboats also offers commercial houseboat units and a bespoke design service.

T 028 9099 7140

info@bluefieldhouseboats.com

www.bluefieldhouseboats.com

Brilliant Trails’ award-winning, innovative approach to trail design are widely recognised within the tourism industry throughout the UK and Ireland.

Brilliant Trails Harnessing has a passionate and creative vision; its unique products offer fun and educational experiences for visitors across a wide range of sectors. Designed to promote exploration and discovery to create interest and engagement for visitors, Brilliant Trails offer innovative trail development and sensory trail products wherever needed. To those in agriculture who are pursuing additional revenue sources, a well-designed trail will increase visitors, business and profits.

The Brilliant Trails team have

experience in farm diversification, and its team of creative design experts can transform any open space into gorgeous interactive woodland trails. The team will work with you to understand your goals and draw up a design to exceed your expectations.

There are many ways to increase revenue through your trail: sell tickets and charge a fee for the trail, make the trail free but have a shop or stand on-site to sell local goods and items, and many more. Unlike projects such as glamping, a trail will maintain the integrity of your land, allowing others to enjoy the beauty of your property, whilst providing you with the most significant return on investment.

T 028 2565 4114 shout@brillianttrails.com www.brillianttrails.com

Cut your energy costs by 70% with self-financing solar panel PV

ACE Solar Energy Ltd are specialists in solar energy installation and renewable technologies. Designed to maximise your renewable energy generation and enhance savings, ACE Solar Ltd install the highest-quality, most efficient Photovoltaic Solar PV panels and battery storage energy systems available in the UK market.

There is no better time to be saving money on your energy consumption. ACE Solar Ltd can advise on the best solution to fit your needs. With the price of electricity Solar can be self financing and pay for itself in under 4 years. We have lease purchase plans available which pay for themselves with the energy saving alone.

ACE Solar Energy Ltd has a team of experts on hand with vast amounts of experience to advise on new technologies that can also heat your house cheaper than gas or oil.

Offering some of the most competitively priced solar installations in the UK, get in touch today to receive a free no obligation quote or free site visit from one of their available consultants.

Ideal for use in domestic and business properties, marked

as the best investment with returns of over 15% Photovoltaic Solar PV panels can be used to heat your house for free when used with Infra red panels, while drastically reducing your gas bills.

T 01562 228177

M 07427 142005 simon@acesolarenergy.co.uk www.acesolarenergy.co.uk

Axiom Utilities appointed to provide Carbon Neutrality for Go Ape!

Axiom Utilities Ltd exhibited at the Holiday Park & Resort Innovation Expo 2021. It was our first ‘in person’ event for some time and both attendance and interest in our services was excellent.

We focused on two services at the show:

● Helping organisations reduce their carbon footprint and becoming Carbon Neutral

● Providing refunds from energy suppliers through auditing historic bills

Go Ape visited Axiom’s stand at the expo, enquiring about Carbon Neutrality. Following the event Axiom were appointed to provide our Net Zero service. Axiom uses the PAS2060 accreditation providing long term commitment to carbon reduction with ethical offsetting.

Claire Schofield, Head of People at Go Ape, advised, “We selected Axiom to deliver our Carbon Neutral status following their genuine and uncluttered approach.”

Go Ape! is an outdoor adventure company which runs

tree top ropes courses at locations across the UK. The sites are in some of the UK’s most valuable and beautiful environments, ensuring their presence has the lowest possible impact. Axiom Utilities provide a full range of energy, environmental and carbon management solutions ranging from carbon footprinting, energy reduction through to energy procurement.

For information, contact: consultancy@axiomutilities.com

Solar & Battery Storage Project Developers

Amberside Energy originate and develop utility solar and energy storage projects from origination to ‘ready to build’ with a grid-led technology. Over the years it has developed high accuracy algorithms which predict where new renewable energy or energy storage schemes could connect to the grid. Its project development service enables the use of electrical grid intelligence and planning data to pinpoint project locations. Marrying streamlined data with experienced human input, Amberside Energy can identify land which they believe has strong potential to be granted planning permission.

The company has a strong investor support network that offers ongoing assistance with acquiring, managing and disposing of energy generation assets. Working alongside the client’s legal team and technical assessor, Amberside Energy provides added commercial and technical value. Its knowledgeable, highly skilled team of experts deliver financial and modelling components of each mandate, giving complete reassurance that these key areas are delivered by specialists in their field.

The company’s central aim is to help clients protect the Net Asset Value of

their assets and optimise their yield; therefore, Amberside Energy provide asset and performance management which is set up for investors to protect the value of their projects. Each member of the team boasts extensive experience managing assets for bluechip companies and has the advanced technical knowledge of electrical engineering and system design that underpins all key decisions.

T 0330 2210 626

info@ambersideenergy.com www.ambersideenergy.com

Accretech: The RDS Precision decision

Given the intense competition between engineering subcontractors it is often the businesses with unique selling points that stand out from the crowd. One such successful company is Washington, Tyne and Wear based RDS Precision Engineering. In addition to establishing a reputation for delivering on time and on budget, the busy company’s main differentiator is its highly developed quality ethos. To help ensure the premium quality of the company’s output, regular investments are made in high-precision inspection equipment.

The latest addition to RDS Precision Engineering’s impressive quality control department is an Accretech SURFCOM NEX 041 CNC measuring station that provides the company with high-precision, two-dimensional contour and surface roughness measurement capabilities.

RDS Precision Engineering was established in 1991 by brothers Robert and David Bone with the aim of becoming a successful independent supplier of precision engineered components. Due to the quality of the company’s output and the efficiency of its services, the business soon achieved its founders’ ambitions. To enable RDS to increase its capacity and expand its range of precision manufacturing services, over the past three decades regular investments have been made in a range of CNC machine tools and advanced inspection equipment.

Explaining the recent Accretech purchase. RDS Precision Engineering Director, Rob Bone, said, “A policy of regular investments has resulted in our skilled staff now having access to a wide range of fist-class inspection equipment. As a BS EN ISO 9001 certified business that counts many companies involved in technically demanding industries as customers, quality has always been, and will continue to be, our number one priority.

“We use a selection of standard inspection equipment, such as CMMs and vision measuring systems. Also, given the demanding specifications and challenging dimensional tolerances of many of our components, we also use highly-precise specialised metrology equipment, such as our recently purchased advanced Accretech CNC contour and roughness measuring system.

“The decision to purchase the Accretech system was

Caring for the

a simple one. Some time ago, a major customer of ours searched the market for an easy to use CNC measuring station that could deliver high-precision, two-dimensional contour measurements, although several alternative systems failed to match the business’ exacting standards, a SURFCOM NEX 041 proved to be the ideal solution.

“As we were recently looking to upgrade our inspection capabilities in this area, given our customer’s exceptionally high precision standards, the in-depth research they had undertaken before their Accretech purchase, and as a result of their recommendation, we also recently invested in a SURFCOM NEX 041.”

The SURFCOM NEX 041 is an advanced, CNC measuring station that delivers high-precision, two-dimensional, physical contour measurement.

Ideal for the manual or CNC, high-precision measurement of contour geometries on demanding applications, such as ball screws and large bearings, the advanced Accretech system has an impressive contour measuring accuracy of ±(0.8+|2H|/100).

In accordance with Accretech’s philosophy of providing the highest standards of precision with trouble-free operation, thanks to the use of kinematic magnetic holders, the SURFCOM NEX 041’s contour styli can be swapped out effortlessly and with high positioning accuracy. Also, to enable even the most difficult to reach workpiece positions to be inspected a wide range of contour measuring styli are available.

environment one

flame photometer at a time

BWB Technologies, known for its industry leading blue flame photometers, is going green with environmental action. The company is proud to be the first flame photometer manufacturer to be actively giving back to the environment, not only through a comprehensive environmental protection policy, but in addition to committing to plant at least 50 trees for every flame photometer they sell internationally, with a further commitment of planting 1,000 trees for every company employee by 2025.

Hozan Edwards, Managing Director,

said, “The time has long passed for companies to start taking responsibility for their carbon footprint. Considered as industry

Ideal for use by both novices and experienced quality control personnel, user-friendly SURFCOM NEX 041’s ACCTee operating software is extremely intuitive. In addition to measurements being fully automated, the system’s calibration and adjustment procedures are also simple procedures.

Rob Bone continued. “Following a trouble free installation and operator training, as the SURFCOM NEX 041’s operation is so straightforward our staff soon mastered its operation. Now in regular use, our new Accretech machine is proving invaluable. For instance, we were previously using a shadowgraph to measure a regularly manufactured family of parts with demanding angular contour specifications and struggling to achieve the required levels of precision.

“Now, we are able to load each of these parts onto the SURFCOM NEX 041, recall the relevant program and instigate a precise, fully automatic CNC measuring routine. Not only has the Accretech machine improved our precision standards related to these challenging components, it has also slashed the time taken to inspect them. In fact, as our contour inspection routines have been automated, now, after the operator has loaded each part onto the machine, he is able to perform other duties while waiting for inspection cycles to be completed.

“So successful has our use of our SURFCOM NEX 041 been, soon after its installation, we returned to Accretech UK to purchase an additional T-stylus set that now allows us to make very accurate contour measurements inside small bores in both downwards and upwards directions. This allows us to measure complex geometries and diameters deep inside bores that were prevously very difficult or impossible to measure.”

Accretech designs and manufactures a wide range of high-precision, cost-effective instruments for the accurate and efficient measurement of workpiece surfaces, forms and contours. Used throughout the world by quality conscious businesses involved in some of the most demanding industries, such as the automotive, aerospace and medical sectors, Accretech products are found in both quality departments and in serial production situations on assembly lines.

Accretech’s extensive range of contour measuring

devices allow workpieces features, such as angles, radii, distances and coordinates to be quickly inspected with high levels of precision. Rather than using the ball screw and nut arrangement, employed in less capable systems, Accretech’s products benefit from the use of advanced linear technology.

This superior arrangement results in significant reductions in mechanical wear and ensures that all products retain their accuracy specification and remain maintenance free. These advantages provide users with considerable cost savings over the life of each system.

As all users’ contour measuring needs differ, SURFCOM NEX machines can be specified with the addition of a wide range of modular accessories and sensors, guaranteeing the delivery of systems that exactly matches their intended use. The availability of these accessories and sensors means that Accretech systems remain ‘future-proof’ as they can be modified as users’ inspection needs change.

Contact: Tim Wood

T +44 (0)2476 651774 woodt@accretech.eu

New Additel 673 Advanced Digital Pressure Calibrators

leaders within the sector, we hope that others will now follow suit and take action to minimise their impact on our natural resources.”

The announcement came on World Earth Day as the company rolled out its latest generation of Flame Photometers boasting a wide range of operational upgrades from previous systems, and building upon the award winning core platform that continues to push the boundaries of possibility from flame photometric analysis.

T +44 (0)1787 273451 www.bwbtech.com

ABLE announces alliance with Ex-Machinery

ABLE Instruments & Controls is delighted to announce a new alliance with Netherlands-based company Ex-Machinery.

Ex-Machinery is a specialist in the manufacture of industrial, certified explosion proof cameras, HVAC equipment and Wi-Fi Systems, and ABLE will be taking on the role of sole UK distributor for the high specification ARMADEX ATEX digital camera.

The ARMADEX Ex-M OZC is the only explosion proof camera that is equipped with a 5x optical zoom function. The ATEX Camera is suitable for use in ATEX Zone 2 (Gas). The compact yet rugged camera body is shockproof against drops up to 1.8m, waterproof up to 25m, freezeproof up to -10°C and dustproof.

The inclusion of a Zone 2 camera will add significant strength to ABLE’s ATEX portfolio of inspection

and communication equipment available from our eCommerce platform and represents a strategic supporting and complementary product to our industrial process control instrumentation.

Ex-Machinery’s flair for innovation is evident in the many key features that put the ARMADEX ahead of the competition and ABLE looks forward to using its considerable experience of applying measurement solutions for hazardous areas to promote this excellent product.

T 0118 931 1188

info@able.co.uk

www.able.co.uk www.247able.com

Chamois Metrology Introduce the New Additel 673 Advanced Digital Pressure Calibrators to Provide a Smartphone Like Experience coupled With the Ability to Simultaneously Measure Pressure and a Transmitter or Switch for Pressures up up to 60,000 psi (4,200 bar)

Chamois Metrology introduce the new ADT673 Advanced Digital Pressure Calibrators which include a smartphone like touchscreen and graphical interface for a completely new way of interfacing the calibrator.

The ADT673 Advanced Digital Pressure calibrators come with a built-in barometer and are available in pressure ranges from ± 2.5 mbar to 4,200 bar and come standard with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless communications, as well as a type-C USB port and cable (RS-232 and 4-20mA output communications are optional).

Additel 673 calibrators provide an accurate pressure calibration solution for gauges, transmitters, and switches. Each calibrator contains a built-in barometer sensor which allows for the pressure reading to display in gauge pressure or absolute pressure with a simple menu selection. The ADT673 series contains HART communication capabilities and can measure in mA, or V, and supply 24V loop power. It has a dual

readout display showing the pressure on one display and mA, V or a pressure switch on the other display. Each calibrator comes with an ISO-17025 accredited certificate of calibration. It is compatible with Additel’s Link mobile app and 9502 Additel/Log II software, which enables the ability to monitor & display the realtime pressure measurements in a table or graphically. The Additel 673 Advanced Digital Pressure Calibrators are available now. For more information, visit: www.chamois.net or contact us for a virtual or in-person demo on 01926 812066 or email: info@chamois.net

Measurement. Test. Technology.

Established in April 2019 by Rob Stockham, GI Systems Ltd is backed by decades of professional technical experience within a wide range of industries to develop business for data acquisition, condition monitoring, test and measurement products, and engineered systems in the UK.

Based in the Midlands, GI Systems Ltd is centrally placed in the UK to support industries and customers across the country. In addition, GI Systems Ltd has partner companies throughout the UK that are well placed to help extend the company’s reach to wider markets and applications for instrumentation, measurement, test, data acquisition systems and condition monitoring.

Backed with over 40 years of professional technical experience, GI Systems Ltd work within a wide range of industries including aerospace, automotive, oil and gas petrochemical, process, power, utilities and more. It provides solutions from just a few measurement points to large scale systems, with open, distributed, and flexible architectures. Specialising in vibration, thermal, stress, strain, torque, and many standard forms of sensor signals, GI Systems Ltd delivers beginning to end projects that demand leading edge design and engineering through to final handover of commissioned systems.

GI Systems Ltd is proud to be the UK sales partner for Gantner Instrumentation GmbH and Manner Sensortelemetrie GmbH. Gantner Instruments is a global company specialising in test, measurement and data acquisition products and systems for vibration, thermal, stress, strain, process, and digital signals.

Gantner Instrumentation is renowned for providing project and user value

where precision, data acquisition speed, flexibility and benefits from open, complimentary operability with industry standard platforms.

Manner Sensortelemetrie has a high reputation for providing rotating machine and part measurement telemetry for torque, speed, strain, temperature, and in particular for demanding applications found in cutting edge product testing and development. Similar to Gantner Instrumentation, Manner Sensortelemetrie have some of the worlds most recognised major automotive and aerospace companies as users of its products and systems. The support in development of electric vehicle drives, drive lines and battery systems, is a typical example of an important application that contributes to both companies’ activity.

We spoke with Rob who mentioned, “I am very pleased to have been recognised in 2020 as a ‘Fellow’ of the Institute of

Engineering Technology (FIET), this reflects a longstanding contribution to the industry for furthering the understanding of ‘Functional Safety’ and standards such as 61508. I was a founder of the IEC 61508 Association and a past Director of The CASS Scheme Ltd.”

Furthermore, Rob has a fundamental understanding of the UK nuclear industry requirements for the rigour and depth of substantiation for ‘Smart’ (microprocessor based, programmable) devices. These are used in safety-critical applications using the EMPHASIS methodology for establishing ‘Production Excellence’ in a supplier’s company processes and products.

Over the years, Rob has been a key speaker at events around the UK and abroad and has made presentations to the IET, Institute of Measurement & Control and other end users. His extensive knowledge of experience has enabled him to deliver talks to the nuclear industry on topics such as, Process Instrumentation and Measurements, Fieldbus, Data Acquisition, Functional Safety (IEC 61508) and ‘Smart’ Instrument assessments.

GI Systems is pleased to be engaged and challenged by its customers and their applications, knowing it is supported by its own experience

and knowledge, but more importantly, by Gantner Instruments and Manner Sensortelemetrie, who are competent, professional, and capable leaders in their technologies.

If you wish to know more about GI Systems and its partners, visit: www.gismtt.com or email your applications and questions to: info@gismtt.com –they look forward to hearing from you.

Or, to meet them in person, GI Systems Ltd will be a sponsor and supporting The Institute of Engineering Technology conference for Nuclear Engineering for Safety and Security, held in Manchester on 16th March 2022 (https:// nuclear.theiet.org). GI Systems Ltd will also be exhibiting at the Engineering Integrity Society – Instrumentation, Analysis and Testing Exhibition, held at Silverstone Race Circuit on 17th May 2022 (https://e-i-s.org.uk/ instrumentation-analysis-testing-exhibition-2022). T 01323 332105 www.gismtt.com

Electrical testing, the future

“Cost of ownership, for facility management firms, has always been a prime consideration in the design of our electrical testers,” said Brendan Beaver, the Manager of Metrel UK Limited, based in Epsom in Surrey. “Our design teams have, for the last sixty years, brought innovative designs to market, not always under our name but as design subcontractors for better known brands.”

“However since we have been selling under our own name, Metrel has been quite disruptive in the market. Rather than using the conventional custom liquid crystal displays we have used dot matrix screens. This has allowed us to adopt a much more flexible approach to testing, whether it be PAT testing or electrical installation testing, permitting us to respond to new and changed regulations without the need for our customers to purchase prated testers.”

Always up to date

“Four years ago when we launched our class leading multi-function testers, MI 3152 and MI 3155, which both have full colour touch screens, electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) or car chargers were almost unknown, let alone a protocol for testing them both electrically and functionally. However, Metrel’s product managers and engineers trawled the standards to understand the requirement for testing and set to work building the first EVSE adaptor. Because it mimicks an electric vehicle, it gives access to the whole electrical charging system, without opening the box, giving access for electrical testing. Standards required a CD to protect the system and the choice is to use an expensive B type or combine some form of DC protection breaking the circuit at 6 mA with an A type RCD. The vast majority of EVSE manufacturers have opted for the latter, so a special DC RCD trip test had to be devised, as well as a good, repeatable stable loop test. A test sequence was written of functional test, voltage measurement, a suite of earth loop and fault current measurements and a full auto CD test on both the AC and DC breaker and loaded in the firmware of the new instruments. Rather than behaving like other tester

manufacturers, we did not say to early purchasers of the testers, “unlucky get another tester”. Instead Metrel has a policy of making instrument upgrades available FREE. And not when the user takes the tester to be calibrated, but immediately it is released using the Metrel website.”

Familiarity saves money

Brendan continued, “Our new tester, be they multi-functional tester, PAT testers, power quality analysers or earth testers are all designed on the same firmware platform, so that when a user move from one machine to another, is familiar with not only the look and feel of the tester but also the way it works. This familiarity saves time and reduces errors. Additionally, the Metrel electrical safety management software (MESM) can handle all the testers’ results. Our multi-function testers do all the tests you would expect; voltage, insulation resistance, continuity, RCD testing, a high current and an enviably repeatable non-trip earth loop impedance tests, in which user have every confidence. These can be accessed through the single test menu or can be initiated through the memory management system for consistent testing regimen. The test results can be stored on-board, but more of that later.”

Some special tests for you

“More unusual tests pertinent to FM applications, this more than capable pair of testers can perform are functions like illumination measurement for work stations and emergency lighting using one of a pair of light meter accessories. The results can be committed to the memory for your records.”

“Another really useful function is cable tracing not just when fault finding but also on those occasions when one is expected to change an office layout

at the drop of a hat. The multifunction tester acts as the signal generator while a detector accessory traces the cable runs around the walls and floors. On this occasion the results can't be recorded on the machine but in the real world.”

“Power quality is another suite of tests you would not expect on a multi-function tester; however Metrel let your technician watch the power drawn by a circuit, and the harmonics and the load current to improve the balance. Using the current function with a clamp you can also measure the earth leakage current by placing the lines and neutral with in the jaws, a simple and subtle method of problem solving.”

“The combination of 3-wire and stake-less earth electrode resistance measurement is extremely useful on first installing an earth stake and then for monitoring its ongoing performance to ensure there is no risk to the machine operators. I could go on and talk about other tests but I don’t want to bore you.”

Memory like no other

“I do want to finally to tell you about the incredible memory management system on both these touchscreen testers,” said Brendan. “It out classes any of the storage and downloading system found on any other testers. For the last twenty plus years, tester manufacturers have been trying to sell the merits of downloading instruments. It is only now that the Metrel machines allow the operator to actually abandon their pencil!”

“You build a schematic of each job, from a complete premises electrical system, the output from one distribution board, to a single circuit that you are modifying, either on the tester itself or in the software package that comes with the tester.”

“Testing can then be done in one of two ways, Firstly it can be done a test at a time from the single test menu and the result stored against the point in the circuit for later use. Or much more powerfully, when building the schematics of the electrical system from

the drawing, the electrical test manager can decide which tests they want done on what and prescribe the tests against parts of the system.”

“The operator can see the testing to be done, and do it in any order they fancy. If they can’t remember the connections to make, touching the ‘?’ on the screen will display the help diagrams so they can get ahead. Because the testers hold all the latest edition of the Wiring Regulation tables in memory, it can advise whether the test is a pass or fail. Of course, that decision is finally left with the engineer, if it is satisfactory it can be stored at the press of a single button, and a full keyboard allows notes to be made against it too. The machine shows what tests are still to be done and where there are failures to investigate further.”

“Once back in the office the tester is connected to the MESM software via a USB connection, you hit the ‘get data’ button and tell the system which IET certificate you want filled, Installation, EICR, Minor Works or EVSE.”

“When the visionaries mooted downloading test instrument, this is how they meant it to be.”

T 01924 245000 info@metrel.co.uk www.metrel.co.uk

OnRobot’s new release

Compact & versatile: PS216-Q200/-Q210 pull-wire switch

The Schmersal Group launches a new pull-wire switch that can be used as a signal generator to start machines, open electrically operated guard doors and gates and as a light switch in lift shafts. Key benefits of the new PS216 switch are its compact dimensions and extreme versatility, enabled thanks to high degrees of protection under EN 60529 and suitable for use in a wide range of temperatures.

Thanks to IP66 degree of protection, the PS216 pull-wire switch is protected against dust and strong water jets and thanks to IP67 degree of protection, is also protected against temporary submersion in water. The switch can be used in ambient temperatures ranging from -30°C to +80°C.

Another practical benefit is that the PS216 operates according to the ‘start/stop principle’ in that it remains switched on after initial actuation and subsequent release.

New from OnRobot is a flexible electric gripper with integrated vacuum for palletising and slip sheet handling tasks. 2FGP20 is a versatile electric gripper for palletising heavy cardboard boxes, open boxes, and other containers that cannot be gripped with vacuum.

It is ideal for palletising heavy and/or poor-quality boxes, and boxes that cannot be gripped from the top, as well as for transferring and Pick & Place heavy and/or large items.

● Highly versatile palletising gripper with wide stroke and customisable arms to handle heavy or open boxes, shelf-ready products, and other containers that can’t be gripped with a vacuum

● Integrated vacuum gripper handles slip sheets without changing the gripper or requiring other handling methods

● Off-the-shelf gripper saves significant engineering effort and shortens deployment time

● Electric gripper offers fast out-of-the-box deployment without the complexity and costs of external air supply.

For more information or enquiries about any of our products, contact our General Manager, Vikram Kumar: T +45 26 79 67 06 North-europe@onrobot.com

Or for product information, visit our website at: www.onrobot.com or follow us on social media for the newest releases and trends in EOAT.

Interface Force

Measurements: Force, torque and pressure measurement

Interface Force Measurements has been supporting UK industry with the highest quality force, torque and pressure sensors for more than 25 years.

You can benefit from our experience whenever you contact us about your next measurement application, experience gained helping designers and engineers across multiple industrial sectors.

We’ll use our experience and product knowledge to help you select the best sensors for your application from our wide range of sensors from some of the world’s best sensor manufactures, including:

● Interface Inc – single, dual, 3 and 6 axis load cells and torque transducers

● AMTI – six-axis load cells and force plates

● GP50 – pressure and temperature sensors for oil/gas, aerospace, automotive food/ beverage and general industry

● DDM – miniature pressure sensors for automotive R&D

● XSensor – pressure mapping systems for bed/ mattress, seating, automotive R&D, tire testing applications and impact testing for seats, airbags, helmet and protective equipment

We can also help with your data collection needs with our range of amplifiers, displays and software what will work with our and other manufacturers’ sensors.

So, if you have a force, torque or pressure measurement challenge that you’d like our help with, please contact us:

T 01344 776666

info@interface.uk.com

www.interfaceforce.co.uk

Only when the switch is actuated and released a second time is the latch released and the switch switched off.

The PS216 pull-wire switch comes in two versions – the Q200 has a holding force of 45 N and is suitable for wire lengths of up to 50 m, while the Q210 has a holding force of 70 N and can be used with wires stretching up to 100 m. Pulling on the pull wire actuates the switch function in the pull-wire switch.

Other distinctive features of the PS216 include cable entry via M20 or M12 connector and six different NC/NO contact variants.

Contact: Steve Watkins swatkins@schmersal.com www.schmersal.co.uk

Forecyte Online Condition

Monitoring Powered by Nidec

Forecyte is the remote vibration/temperature monitoring system manufactured by NIDEC and promoted by GES as part of our machine condition monitoring programme, used by many customers throughout UK & Ireland. The Forecyte system allows continuous vibration monitoring of any equipment over an unlimited period of time and at recording intervals determined by the user.

GES Group's 5 Pillars of Expertise

GES Group established in 1972 as Grants Electrical Services (NI) Ltd., the Company has grown and developed into GES Group, a leading Electrical and Mechanical Engineering business, now serving customers throughout Ireland, the UK and Europe.

Currently employing over 80 staff, including many professionally trained and accredited Engineers, we respond quickly to Industry's ever-changing demands and needs, while offering geographic coverage to many of our customers. Traditionally AC/DC motor rewind and re-manufacture specialists, we have developed our portfolio as a market leader to now provide an extensive range of technically advanced products and services.

Industrial

Hydrogen Compatible pressure measurement

ESI has launched a Hydrogen Compatible range, including a general industrial, high pressure and high accuracy solution, as well as a digital transducer, available with a combination of ATEX and DNV-GL certification on selected models.

What is Hydrogen Compatibility?

Samples of the materials used in the manufacture of the range were tested based on ISO 111142:2017 in accordance to the European Regulations EC 79/2009 and EU 406/2010 to determine an ‘embrittlement index’ of the

material when placed in a saturated environment over extended periods of time. Results have provided a pass rating to the compatibility of the material against Hydrogen.

The material

A blend specialist Titanium alloy designed to withstand harsh and demanding environments, along with a non-oil-filled sensor and high integrity stainless steel housing results in a robust and versatile unit that offers excellent media compatibility.

The Hydrogen range also benefits

from Silicon on Sapphire (SOS) sensor technology, providing outstanding performance, stability and highly accurate pressure measurement.

Applications

Digital Edge Subsea

Digital Edge

●

For more information on Hydrogen, contact ESI on 01978 262255 or email: sales@esi-tec.com

Subsea supplies the oil and gas industry with its digital video recording system.

The company, established more than 10 years ago, has nurtured strong customer relationships that has allowed for honest customer feedback, and this has been incorporated into the development of the Version 5 Edge DVR.

Conversations continue and now Digital Edge are pleased to be able to offer further software that will help their customers to serve their clients better.

Data Archive App

Digital Edge will soon release a data storage and back-up solution that uses an integral app within Edge architecture, to avoid needing a 3rd party app. Edge Archive handles the transfer of data from the internal DVR drives to Client storage, either on a NAS, a Raid, or a phased delivery to multiple external hard drives.

Being a Native app, the data transfer ensures that the quality of Live recordings are not impacted by a 3rd party program trying to access the same file that the DVR app is currently using. Ensuring recorded data integrity and quality is of the highest importance.

Archive can act as a Simple data mirror of the correct internal drive data folders, or can be used to create multiple simultaneous backups of Client Deliverables. This can be done in continuous backup or a phased approach, ie. after each dive. For more information or a demonstration of the system, contact: info@digitaledgesubsea.com or visit: www.digitaledgesubsea.com

Frankfurt

Laser Company presents 1535nm Erbium Glass Lasers

The new FERT-1535-XXXμJ-Q is a series of ‘eye-safe’ 1535nm diode-pumped passively q-switched Erbium glass lasers with pulse energies between 40μJ to 400μJ and peak powers between 10kW and 80kW. The output beam has a diameter of 0.2mm with divergence ≤12mrad. The operating temperature range is very wide and covers a range from -40°C to +65°C. With dimensions of just 34mm x 18mm x 7.7mm (LxWxH) they are very compact. These features and the high reliability make them the optimal laser source for applications like laser range-finding, laser imaging and surveying equipment.

sales@frlaserco.com

www.frlaserco.com

Across every industry, manufacturers are working to meet growing customer demand in a globally competitive market

depths, for example, some parts require more than one set of inserts to produce a completed hole, and the high level of hardness of some workpiece materials causes rapid tool wear. To overcome this challenge, UNISIG programs its machines to detect wear and predict when a tool will reach its breaking point, allowing operators to prevent a failure that could stop the line.

For further process efficiency, deep-hole drilling machines should have either a CNC or programmable logic controller.

Both can integrate with other control systems and interface with a controller in the work cell. Systems such as a fully automated barrel cell are capable of unmanned, lights-out production with efficient programming.

Deep-hole drilling equipment’s application-specific configurations suit the production of parts that necessitate techniques and processes that go beyond the easy capabilities of general-purpose equipment. In years past, many manufacturers thought of this kind of specialized

equipment as old-fashioned and a drag on production. But with the right equipment – and a partner with the right engineering and applications expertise – deep-hole drilling in work cells can keep up with the productive factory environment that manufacturers need to succeed.

Further information on all machines of the B Series and the complete UNISIG machine program is available at: www.unisig.de or follow the company on LinkedIn and Twitter (@UNISIG).

Despite a widening skills gap, by organising advanced technology into highly optimised work cells, manufacturers are maximising productivity through automation.

Specialised equipment, like a deep-hole drilling system, often is challenging to integrate, which quickly can create production schedule bottlenecks. To eliminate the risk, shops that perform deep-hole drilling should seek out OEMs that understand the needs of high-production manufacturers and have the capabilities to bring technology into the factories and work cells of the future.

Deep-hole drilling systems, which can produce holes that exceed a 20-1 depth-to-diameter ratio, are a unique class of manufacturing equipment because of the focused tasks they conduct. An increasing number of machining centres boast deep-hole drilling capabilities, but these machines simply cannot operate at needed speeds, particularly for parts that require exceptionally high accuracy. Manufacturers that must perform deep-hole drilling capable of rapid production and high throughput should instead select machines designed for the task.

Automating holemaking

These shops increasingly opt for deep-hole drilling systems that also work with automation. In a typical deep-hole drilling work cell configuration, such as one for producing rifle receivers or automotive shafts, the equipment can use automation to time its cycle completion to mesh with other production processes. For straightforward automation, conveyors and pick-and-place robots move and position parts for deep-hole drilling with exacting repeatability and accuracy while automatic toolchangers, doors and inspection stations keep parts moving swiftly into, out of and around the cell.

Because deep-hole drilling tends to apply to long, cylindrically shaped parts, workpiece configuration eases or complicates some aspects of automating load-in and load-out cycles tied to drilling operations. Workholding axes, for example, can provide automatic part gripping with pneumatic or hydraulic chucks operated through advanced controls for deep-hole drilling systems. In this configuration, machines can pick up a part, drill it and set it back down on a conveyor or part collection area.

In deep-hole drilling systems themselves, specialised designs also offer automatic chucking, while robottending systems can add further flexibility with end-of-arm tooling, workholding and measuring systems.

As the automation configuration grows more complicated, however, manufacturers require an OEM that can act as a collaborative partner to find available solutions or engineer individualised products for unique applications or production lines. Shops that depend on deep-hole drilling as part of a high-production environment should seek a partner that has a demonstrated record of working directly with manufacturers to modernise processes and create robust automated work cells.

Gundrilling application

UNISIG, for instance, worked with a manufacturer of rifle barrel receivers to help it accommodate growing demand and relieve production bottlenecks. The manufacturer’s older gundrilling machines were replaced by a multiplespindle machine, the UNI25HD. It had the power and controls necessary to apply indexable gundrilling tools, significantly improving feed rates.

To enable fast one-piece-flow manufacturing, UNISIG integrated the system via automation for in-feed, pickand-place, conveyor loading and automatic clamping, which fed two lathes that turned the parts. The result was an effective work cell that produced more than 100 parts an hour, a dramatic financial and process improvement.

The viability of automated deep-hole drilling production can depend on tool life and part length. At extreme

Acoustic treatments for existing plants

Noise reduction strategies for your plant and facility

When your plant was originally built, it was likely relatively isolated, but with continued development of land close to industrial sites, there may be an issue of noise pollution. There are several options available to reduce the noise emitted.

Change noisy fans

Old fans and pumps are noisy; they are prone to collecting debris that means they grow noisier with age. Consequently, the first step to noise reduction is to replace loud fans and pumps throughout your plant.

Creating enclosures

Enclosures are made from acoustically treated metal and have multiple applications. They can house a plant in a single unit, providing a means of controlling sound waves and protecting the plant from the external environment.

Acoustic lining

Bespoke silencers, acoustically lining of cowls and acoustically treated surfaces are all methods of noise reduction available.

Transcool Systems Ltd can design, manufacture and install bespoke noise reduction strategies for your plant and facility.

T 01903 733911 info@transcoolsystems.co.uk www.transcoolsystems.co.uk

Lascar Electronics Hospital air disinfection system with Lascar’s

PanelPilotACE display

Compromised air quality in hospitals can increase the severity of infections in patients and negatively impact staff. According to significant research articles, over 35% of infections can be transmitted through the air. These types of infections can leave particles suspended in the air for extended periods of time. Scientific Air Management, created the S400 to reduce these transmissions in critical areas. The S400 is a mobile air disinfection unit designed to remove airborne contaminants, pathogens, and odours of all types. The device utilises Lascar Electronics’ SGD 43-A programmable TFT panel meter, chosen primarily for its programmable interface and ease of use. The free configuration software supplied with the panel meter enabled Scientific Air Management to design and create a multi-page user interface. The design utilised two PWM outputs to control fan speed and illumination of the UV bulbs. The SGD 43-A also displays the HEPA filter runtime to ease maintenance and ensure efficient operation.

Lascar recently designed and manufactured a PCB that eases the assembly process and greatly speeds up the production time of the completed assembly. Lascar proudly helped Scientific Air Management meet the high demand for S400 devices, supplying them to hospitals during the COVID-19 crisis.

T 01794 884567 sales@lascar.co.uk

www.lascarelectronics.com

MISTRAS

the world’s largest suppliers of integrity and inspection services. We specialise in providing innovative asset integrity solutions for all projects using enhanced services that include asset monitoring, engineering services, advanced and conventional NDT.

Please contact +44 (0)1954 231612 info@mistrasgroup.co.uk | www.mistrasgroup.co.uk

The green revolution: How microfactories can change the face of fashion

By Mark Sollman, Product Manager EMEA, Mimaki Europe

With the all-important COP26 Climate Change Conference having taken centre stage in November, there is no time like the present for the fashion world to rally together in stepping up sustainability efforts and getting carbon emissions under control. Globally, the fashion industry is now estimated to account for around 10% of greenhouse gas emissions and 20% of wastewater, making the pursuit of greener production methods more pertinent than ever before. Thankfully, we are seeing a new era of production enter the fashion arena, with the increasing emergence of technologically advanced, highly automated microfactories.

Simplified supply chains and minimised risk

The microfactory setup brings production in-house and on-demand, minimising the cost of not only storing stock, but also of shipping it and responsibly disposing of unsold items. Where recent geopolitical events have highlighted the fragility of global supply chains, microfactories offer a unique independence from these systems, empowering garment manufacturers to future-proof their businesses, become less reliant on external systems and suppliers, and reduce the risk of disruptions.

A boosted bottom line and a greener future

Facilitating savings in a whole line of resources, from physical storage and production space to

time and energy, microfactories ultimately have the potential to significantly increase profitability for

garment manufacturers, with the additional benefit of being easily scalable as production increases. Perhaps even more compelling, however, are the environmental considerations. Demonstrated on a small scale through Mimaki’s recent project, the environmental benefits inherent to microfactory production will have an even greater impact as it becomes more prolific and commonplace throughout the fashion world, with the potential to effect meaningful environmental change as adoption increases in the years to come. In short, watch this space!

T +31 (0) 20 462 7640

www.mimakieurope.com

Along with reducing unnecessary waste through on-demand production, microfactories have a smaller ecological footprint than traditional garment production and require no water use during the production process, making it not only a faster solution, but a greener one too.

Last year’s FESPA saw Mimaki team up with fashion designer Carolina Guzman to bring her designs to life in real time at the show, setting up its own working microfactory live on-site to take her designs from screen to garment within just a day. Guzman’s designs were created using Mimaki’s TS100-1600 Sublimation Printer, before being transferred to textile, digitally cut and finally pieced together. Devised with a string of ethical and environmental objectives threaded throughout, the microfactory also exclusively utilised eco-friendly Greentex fabric, and any remaining material was donated to Sheltersuit: a wind- and waterproof coat that can be transformed into a sleeping bag, which is provided free of charge to homeless people and refugees.

Through working with a number of strategic partners – including transfer printing expert, Klieverik; paper solutions specialist, Neenah Coldenhove; and digital cutting equipment provider, Summa –Mimaki was able to produce a collection of unique, high-quality garments live on the stand during the tradeshow, demonstrating to visitors from more than 100 countries some of the key reasons that microfactories seem set to change the future of fashion…

Unparalleled speed and versatility

Where traditionally, apparel manufacturing has centred on a production chain model of sourcing materials and producing garments in bulk, microfactories are now enabling on-demand, on-location production, making it possible to create everything from unique, one-off pieces and samples right through to entire product lines – all at unprecedented speeds. This means greater flexibility and customisation, enabling designers to modify or update designs and respond to market trends as they occur.

Issue 431 February 2022

SUSTAINABILITY TOD AY

A&S appointed as ISO for SulNOx

Earlier this year

A&S International Ltd (A&S) became an Independent Sales Organisation (ISO) for SulNOx Group plc. The Reading based A&S team has been in the industrial lubrication distribution business for 47 years and represents a range of machinery lubrication and bioremediation brands via a global network of more than 50 distributors. “As a business, we always search for specialist, unique & sustainable products that can reduce the maintenance & operating costs of our clients as well as importantly also helping the environment. Having watched the SulNOx product range grow the past few years, we are excited to be able to introduce these unique environmental fuel conditioners to our global distributor team – helping their clients to achieve their NET ZERO targets & meet ESG goals as soon as possible,” said Angus Macdonald, one of the Directors & Co-Founders at A&S International.

A&S has a range of UK based SulNOx evaluations taking place – generally for companies with large fleets of diesel vehicles – to prove SulNOx's capabilities to reduce CO2 emissions by 30% while also impressively reducing fuel consumption by up to 10%. With a mix ratio of 1:2,000 just one 5 litre container of SulNOx is enough to effectively treat 10,000 litres of diesel fuel! https://aands.international/our-brands/sulnox/ https://sulnoxgroup.com/news/appointment-of-newdistributor/ https://sulnoxgroup.com/partners/

Panduit board names next CEO

Panduit has announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Shannon McDaniel as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President effective January 1, 2022. McDaniel, who currently serves as the company’s chief financial officer, will succeed current CEO and President Dennis Renaud, who will retire at the end of 2021.

“As a results-focused leader, Shannon brings his collaborative mindset to the role, drawing from his commercial and financial background, while leveraging the power of Panduit to move the company forward,” said Panduit Executive Chair, Andrew Caveney. “Shannon has also built the trust of our employees, and the Board is confident that he will apply his deep industry knowledge & keen business acumen to lead Panduit.”

McDaniel has served in a variety of leadership positions over his 30 year career. Prior to joining Panduit as CFO, he excelled in global financial leadership roles during his 14 years with Eaton Corporation, including serving as the company’s Director of Finance for its EMEA electrical business and Vice President of Finance for the Americas systems and services group. Following his planned retirement, Renaud will continue supporting the transition in an advisory capacity through the first quarter of 2022.

T +44 (0)20 8601 7200

www.panduit.com

McDaniel, CEO, Panduit

Environmental Consultancy of the Month

The Sol commitment to sustainability

In this issue of Sustainability Today, we are pleased to announce Sol Environment Ltd as our Environmental Consultancy of the Month, for its pioneering work in the sustainability and the emerging low carbon and renewable energy markets. Sol predominantly provides regulatory and planning support services to developers and funders who are looking to either build large scale industrial, commercial, or residential developments. The company works across the board in multiple sectors and generally deliver the suite of reports, assessments and applications needed to demonstrate that a development aligns with policy and meets the required short and long term targets for low carbon and the circular economy.

Global warming, climate change and the need for much higher levels of environmental sustainability have placed a heavy burden on all residential and commercial developers and triggered a huge number of corporations to search for ways to become more carbon neutral. It is this pressing need that underpins the services that Sol Environment Ltd provide and was the sole reason for its foundation in 2010.

“COP26 has highlighted an urgency for companies to become more aware of global matters and the action they need to take towards carbon neutrality. The emerging growth of this sector has been positive for us as providing low carbon technology and sustainable solutions is the underlying backbone of the business.

“Our services are directed towards providing regulatory compliance, technical assessments and ongoing assurance for all new and existing developments in the low carbon and renewable energy sector, and as such we specialise in the provision of Environmental Permitting, Compliance Assurance, Energy, Carbon and Lifecycle Assessment Assessments and BREEAM to name a few,” said Steve Butler, Director/Owner Sol Environment Ltd (Sol).

“As the sustainability agenda has been pushed further up the list of importance, whereas 10 or so years ago these services were bespoke and limited only to specialist developments, we are now finding that pretty much all developments irrespective of scale or type are needing to demonstrate how they are contributing to the net-zero aspirations of government policy.”

Established by Steve in Bristol in 2010, Sol is a dedicated environmental practice that provides specialist consulting services focused on low carbon, sustainability, and renewable energy. Sol is only a small company in comparison to other consultancy giants but has a project and client portfolio that rivals a number of much larger players.

“Being small in the sustainability space is not necessarily a disadvantage,” states Steve Butler. “Because we are niche, highly experienced and highly focused in the areas that we operate, our team is bigger than most of the ‘in-house’ teams within larger companies. Consulting is a

relationships business, being flexible, adaptable and pragmatic has made us the more favourable choice for a number of our clients – we very much form part of the client team, as opposed to being remote partners, which seemingly is not how all consultancies operate.”

After over 20 years of working in the environmental sector both within heavy industry and as a consultant, Steve identified a gap in the consulting market where his then employer did not serve. Not wanting to be pigeonholed in an existing company, Steve decided to create an independent consultancy to provide services in the areas that most interested him with a with a key focus on the delivery of services in the renewable energy and low carbon sector.

Sol deliver their low carbon and sustainability services across many sectors including renewable energy, industrial, commercial, and residential. The work has organically grown from small scale discrete project support work to the delivery of integrated long-term sustainability and ESG strategies for large organisations. They now work in various capacities for some of the biggest brands in the world and are proud to be working with the likes of Amazon, Aldi, NHS, Aviva Investors, Persimmon, Peel Ports, Viridor and many more. They are also very excited to be working with a number of new Private Equity funded companies such as Green Lithium, Big Atom and Powerhouse Energy.

“Everything we do supports our clients in achieving their carbon and sustainability goals. Some clients have a clear vision and others call upon us to help them form that vision, no matter what the situation we can provide services that add value to an organisation… We offer clear and pragmatic regulatory and sustainability advice across a wide range of development types,” said Steve.

Sol’s mantra is to provide concise and focused advice and to tailor the project team and deliverables to meet the clients’ needs.

Some of the more interesting work that has been carried out by the company is in the areas of alternative fuel, biofuels and chemical recycling. They have been fairly instrumental in a number of regulatory positions relating to ‘End of Waste’ and are very active in the areas of next generation hydrocarbons, hydrogen and advanced biofuels. All of these services will be key as the world transitions to a low carbon and hydrogen economy.

“We primarily work with clients and/or projects that aim to genuinely improve sustainability. Our tagline ‘Consulting Sustainability’ is not just a saying, it’s the reason we do what we do. We are 100% focused on delivering the right project to the right people.

“Our services are completely transferable and individual, we adapt our services to different clients depending on their specific needs. From planning to regulatory work, our services help every project get delivered. Whether a client is investing in, constructing or operating a particular development, we have services that support the entire lifecycle of a project,” stated Steve.

As well as some of the newer sector areas, Sol provides ‘conventional’ support in all aspects of environmental due diligence and can offer rapid, assignable Phase 1 support, detailed operator assessments and detailed site regulatory inspections as required.

Most notably, Sol has over 20 years’ experience in environmental permitting & considers itself a leader in the delivery of complex Environmental Permits in the emerging renewables technology sector. In addition, Sol has the in-house expertise to provide support in all of the technical assessments required for successful determination with the EA, NRW and Sepa. With ever-changing legislative requirements being imposed on companies across many industrial sectors, Sol offers a range of compliance assurance services which are aimed to assist in all levels of organisational management. Having proven experience of working with small, medium, and large corporations for many years, Sol’s services are well trusted and highly respected in this area.

Despite the trauma of the last 18 months relating to COVID, Sol has experienced a dramatic increase in the demand for its services, especially in the areas of large low carbon infrastructure projects.

“We have recently become involved in the delivery of a number of very large infrastructure projects in Teesside and the North West, all of which are nationally significant. These projects include hydrogen generation plants, chemical recycling facilities, waste to energy plants and a number of biofuels developments. It is clear that the government’s policy to decarbonise by 2050 has driven a lot of investment in this sector and is driving a lot of the work that we are being approached to deliver. It is most likely we will be looking to expand regionally and therefore it is an obvious move to open new offices in these regions to better facilitate this work. Inevitably, being located local to these huge areas of growth will generate more work and opportunities within the region. As such we expect Sol to experience 50% growth over the next two years,” said Steve. For more information regarding Sol Environment and the Services it offers, please see below.

T 01684 572727 (Malvern)

T 0117 9372811 (Bristol) enquiries@sol-environment.co.uk www.sol-environment.co.uk

Recycling & Waste Management

M&J Recycling continues growth journey under new ownership

Ahlström Capital, a Finnish family-owned investment company, has now acquired all M&J Recycling activities – formerly Metso Outotec Waste Recycling. “M&J Recycling is well positioned to drive sustainable development in our portfolio. Ahlström Capital invests in companies that can develop into leaders in their own industry and we see good value creation potential in M&J Recycling,” says Lasse Heinonen, President and CEO of Ahlström Capital. No practical implications for customers or partners

Ahlström Capital wants to safeguard M&J Recycling’s strong DNA, and for the individual customer or partner, the new owner can only be good news. The business will continue as before, so the change of ownership will have no practical impact. Customer contact will remain unchanged, and the company will continue to be present in the current markets and with the exact same people.

Ravo 5 eSeries

Unrivalled zero emission mid-sized sweeping from Fayat Environmental Solutions

Developed by Ravo, Scarab Sweepers’ sister company and member of the Fayat Environmental Solutions division, the 5 eSeries is the culmination of years of extensive research and development. The result? A road sweeper that sets the standard in electric compact performance.

With a shift in focus to find alternative solutions to power municipal vehicles, the 5 eSeries is a viable option for any local authorities that are looking to meet the demands of their operation, while also cutting their emissions.

The all-electric sweeper, which boasts a 5 cubic metre hopper capacity, has an incredibly high compaction rate, a long service life and low operating costs – making it the ideal tool for

“We are delighted to have found a new owner for our business, whose strategic thinking and ambitions are so well aligned with ours. As an independent company focusing on waste recycling, we can act faster and be more customer-oriented in the future. There is no doubt that our new owner will put us in a good position to exploit our growth opportunities even further,” says Uffe Hansen.

For more information, please contact:

Dan Fairest, UK Area Sales Manager M +44 (0)7431 885553

daniel.fairest@mjrecycling.com www.mjrecycling.com

long shifts in urban and suburban areas. Thanks to the hydropneumatic suspension system and automatic level control, the machine also provides a comfortable ride for its operators. For more information on the machine or to organise a demonstration, please contact the Scarab Sales department on +44 (0)1622 831006 or email: scarab@scarab.fayat.com

Air & Gas Testing & Monitoring The ECOLUTION

IMS introduces its retrofit SCRT system for London NRMM and HS2 Emissions Compliance

With the ongoing focus on ‘Air Quality’ and tackling of the current climate crisis, we envisage further development of rules, regulations, and laws governing the levels of emissions we’re allowed to emit into the atmosphere within our planet. As London is the ‘technical’ capital of the world, it is at the forefront in setting standards for the rest of the UK, and potentially the rest of the world.

IMS has developed the Next Generation of ‘Stage V’ Emissions Reduction Technology that combines a DOC, DPF, SCR/ASC Catalyst with an Electronically Controlled AdBlue Dosing Package. The unit is bespoke to client requirement to help reduce all legislated primary and secondary emissions & is certified by the Energy Saving Trust.

Using 30 years of experience within our sector, we will endeavour to help London and other Cities reduce Air Pollution in their quest towards Net Zero. Businesses can then remain up-to date and compliant making their engines as clean as can be, raising awareness and putting them ahead of any changes likely to take place. Time for the Ecological Revolution – or what we call: the ECOLUTION.

T +44 (0)1509 506792 sales@silencers.co.uk www.silencers.co.uk

Recycling & Waste Management

Delivering low carbon solutions with modular technology

EnviroChemie UK has recently signed a contract with Abbey Ecosse Ltd to design and build an Anaerobic Digestion system at the Forss Business and Energy Park in Scotland. The plant will treat waste products from whisky distilling, producing biogas, which will be converted to bioenergy, to be utilised in the site’s ‘decentralised smart energy network’. The plant is part of the Ecosse North Coast Energy Network (ENCEN) project working alongside other green technologies to produce low carbon heat and power for the business park.

EnviroChemie has established a reputation for energy and resource efficient technologies for water and wastewater treatment and recycling, specialising in developing and implementing sustainable customised solutions in different industries.

convenient way to help monitor and optimise plant operation. Using a smartphone, tablet or desktop computer, you can get a remote overview of the status of the entire plant with:

t Real-time data monitoring, including trend graphs and performance analysis

t Remote monitoring (optional)

t Digitised plant inspection rounds and checklists

t Customised alarm and maintenance management

This means you can minimise the amount of work required on site, reduce costs and even optimise operation to make it more efficient.

To use your water resources more efficiently, seek practical advice from our advanced water treatment specialists.

For more information, please contact Lester Young at: lester.young@envirochemie.uk

Or visit our website at: www.envirochemie.co.uk

We offer a holistic range of ‘Made in Germany’ branded products and services based on biological, membrane filtration and chemical-physical processes, whose pedigree relies on its long list of research achievements and patents. EnviroChemie adopts a partnership approach in which client specialised needs and characteristics form the basis for individual design, planning, engineering, building and commissioning of treatment plants.

Plant solutions for water treatment and resource recycling or biogas production save valuable resources and energy. We continuously develop the technology lines for physico-chemical, biological and membrane technology water treatment, created in our own research department. Customerspecific solutions can be tested in our own technology centre or in pilot plants.

EnviroChemie is a member of the EnviroWater Group, a network of companies with specialists in the solution of a broad range of requirements for sustainable water treatment.

The EnviroChemie solution for ENCEN incorporates established anaerobic technology with innovative membrane separation. This will convert a high proportion of the organic waste to Biogas, and produce a high-quality water for discharge, both reducing the sites carbon footprint and minimising the environmental impact.

The solution will be delivered in a modular format, with the majority of the technology being built offsite. This will mean a quicker installation and commissioning phase but also allow for repeatability of the solution at other locations.

The project is being developed under the Scottish Governments Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme (LCITP) and will contribute to the region’s pathway to ‘Net Zero’ carbon emissions.

Neil Robertson of Abbey Ecosse said, “We selected the EnviroChemie technology solution after an extensive technology assessment by Ricardo Energy and Environment based on the options available in the market at this scale. Working in partnership with EnviroChemie has produced a highly innovative solution to achieve our net zero requirements.”

The EnviroChemie WaterExpert™ digital platform will also be incorporated, as part of the ongoing plant operation.

The WaterExpert™ app offers an easy and

Cyclones can play a role in negative emissions processes (removing CO2 from the atmosphere). Here’s how.

Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (so called BECCS) is the process of using biomass, such as trees, crops, or residues, for energy production through thermal decomposition processes such as combustion, pyrolysis and gasification, while capturing the carbon in that biomass before it is released back into the atmosphere. BECCS is assumed to have a prominent role in many integrated assessment models of climate change, mainly due to its presumed low cost in the future. It is considered as the most fundamental Carbon Reduction Pillar by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), among other two alternatives: Natural Solutions (planting trees) and Direct Capture (Machines to Remove CO2 from the Air and Permanently Store it Underground). CO2 removal technologies have been highlighted as a necessity if emission reduction targets are to be achieved. Such technologies will help alleviate pressure on sectors which are difficult to decarbonise by 2050, such as aviation and others.

Thermal decomposition processes at high temperature have always been a very good application for cyclones since these can separate particulate matter (PM) from air streams with reduced pressure drop, negligible downtime and low CAPEX and OPEX. Biomass furnaces used across industries benefit from cyclones to reduce PM emissions to the atmosphere. Similar applications can be found in biomass dryers present in wood-based panel board and pellet plants. Nevertheless, all these industries face PM emission limits that cannot be met by regular cyclones anymore and need to invest in much more costly

alternatives such as Bag Filters & Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs).

Acknowledging that cyclone efficiency could be improved by scientific research instead of empirical means, Advanced Cyclone Systems (ACS) developed a revolutionary model for predicting and optimising cyclone efficiency considering how inter-particle clustering/agglomeration affects cyclone efficiency (the PACyc model).

From coarse particle pre-separation proportioned by compact and low pressure drop cyclones (Terras de Santa Maria Biomass Powerplant in Portugal – pictured left) to fine particulate capture with high-end geometries, ACS provides solutions for a wide range of industrial cases, being able to reach emissions down to less than 30mg/Nm3 which can be compared to those of ESPs. Indeed, these new high efficiency cyclones can help on the economics of many plants and industrial boilers using renewable fuel, maintaining a theoretic zero CO2 balance).

But can cyclones play a role in negative emissions also? Yes, they can!

CO2 is not solid and thereby it is impossible for it to be captured or filtered. However, several technologies are emerging for the conversion of biomass to fuels and thereby storing CO2. That includes the conversion of woody biomass to biochar through fast

pyrolysis (thermal decomposition at extremely low O2 levels). For danish company Frichs or Brazilian company ZEG, for instance, ACS supplied cyclones to recover biochar after biomass pyrolysis. Biochar stores large amounts of CO2 and can be applied in the soil as a fertiliser.

Furthermore, the gases originated through pyrolysis can be combusted to produce energy after which CO2 can be captured by several alternative means such as chemical absorption with amine scrubbing (liquid) or by solid sorbents such as calcium oxide, among others currently being developed. ACS is presently involved in the development of new carbon capture technologies where specific sorbents can best target CO2 for a more efficient capture leading to far better economics for the whole process. That will be fundamental for these projects to gain traction and achieve the scale of emissions mankind demands in the future.

Contact

T +351 226 003 268 info@acsystems.pt www.advancedcyclonesystems.com

Recycling & Waste Management

Fantastic news for sustainable wind turbine decommissioning!

research and development program looking at recovery and recycling solutions for the problematic decommissioning of wind turbines.

Quite rightly, there has been an increasing uptake in wind farming globally. However, while this substantially decarbonises our energy, there are downsides. One being the complex decommissioning process which ends with 98% of the material being landfilled.

This global move towards wind power has made one thing certain. The next 20 years will see an exponential increase in end of life turbines.

At PyroCore we have begun an R&D programme to investigate the potential for recovery of glass fibre from decommissioned wind turbines. After a series of successful preliminary tests, Pyrocore has been awarded a substantial grant from Innovate UK to fund a 6 month research project aiming to develop a commercial solution for glass fibre recovery and a decarbonised and sustainable disposal route for all current and future wind turbines.

Contact T +44 (0)1275 740280 info@pyrocore.com www.pyrocore.com

Water Management

Drains have standards too!

Study links microplastic in human poo with bowel disease

Apotential link between microplastics and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been flagged up by a new scientific study, reports Bluewater, a world leader in sustainable water and bottle solutions for homes, businesses and public dispensing. Researchers at Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China, discovered that people suffering from IBD had more microplastics in their poo than those without the disease, which can cause symptoms ranging from persistent diarrhea to abdominal pain, weight loss,

For decades the drainage industry has strived to improve public understanding of the importance and fragility of their drainage systems. A fight against floods, pollution and the unnecessary build-up of fat in our sewer network has reinforced the need to regularly inspect and maintain the network, which in most cases is now over 100 years old.

Tens of millions of pounds are spent each year on surprisingly advanced and regulated methods of inspection and renovation to maintain our networks. Employing ‘No Dig Technology’, a means of inspection and repair without excavating the pipes, helps significantly in keeping these costs down, spreading the budget across a wider area, satisfying the fifty year life expectancy for customer's peace of mind. Sharing and analysis of inspection data from a CCTV inspection survey, enables contractors to identify and pinpoint an issue to conduct permanent localised repairs at reduced cost. Whether for pre-adoption (house purchase in domestic terms), or reactive purposes (repeat blockages, or subsidence investigation) these methods are widely used in the UK and across the world.

Viewline CCTV Inspection reports embrace this joined up approach and have been widely adopted by insurance claim handlers and contractors up and down the country for this purpose. The reports intricately inform those carrying out repairs (and customers alike), of what needs to be done to keep the drain in good serviceable condition. The technology is available at a domestic level with reports including photographs and in depth descriptions, making inspection the first invaluable step towards utilising No Dig systems and helps tremendously in decisions which could save you hundreds of pounds.

T 01752 358142 enquiries@viewline.tv www.viewline.tv

Environmental Testing & Monitoring

Sauermann

The new range of analysers from Sauermann has been entirely redesigned by in-house R&D engineers, bringing the very latest technologies to the combustion gas analysis market. The three new measurement instruments – the Si-CA 030, Si-CA 130 and Si-CA 230 models – set a new performance standard for professionals across residential, commercial and industrial applications.

The new range of Si-CA analysers builds on Sauermann’s 45 years of experience in the theoretical and practical aspects of combustion gas analysis. After reviewing feedback from HVAC-R engineers working with every kind of combustion equipment, the group’s combustion experts developed devices that deliver dramatic efficiency and productivity gains.

All three models – the 030, 130 and 230 – connect wirelessly to the free Sauermann Combustion app for Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, allowing engineers to control the analyser remotely, view measurement results in real time, and compile them into ready-to-export reports.

The new Si-CA range of robust, compact, lightweight and intuitive devices takes combustion gas analysis to the next level, with cutting-edge digital technology delivering the speed and reliability that HVAC-R engineers need. The analysers are entirely designed, manufactured and serviced in-house at Sauermann’s production line and metrology laboratories.

Contact: Ernest BATE, Business Area Manager, Sauermann UK Ltd

T +44 (0)1253 340170

ernie.bate@sauermanngroup.com

www.sauermanngroup.com

and fatigue.

Bluewater senior research scientist Ahmed Fawzy, PhD, said this is the first study to report the different concentrations of fecal microplastics between patients and healthy people. “The study provides yet more alarming evidence of the pervasiveness of microplastics. It is deeply concerning that these non-biodegradable materials that are literally present everywhere are entering and accumulating in our bodies,” Fawzy said.

The researchers noted their findings, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, did not conclusively show that microplastics were causing IBD and said more research was needed to corroborate and develop an explanation for the link. Nonetheless, the researchers said their study provided “evidence indicating that a positive correlation exists between the concentration of fecal MPs & the severity of IBD”. For more information, please contact Dave Noble, head of PR and Communications Director, at: david.noble@bluewatergroup.com or on his cell at +44 (0)7785 302694.

Engineering Solutions Company of the Month

Intelligent innovation for water solutions

At Sustainability Today, we take pride in showcasing the very best services provided by companies that offer a wealth of benefits and solutions that are innovative, sustainable and reflect a commitment to their environmental responsibilities.

As such we are pleased to announce Water Process Solutions as our Engineering Solutions Company of the Month.

Established in 2014 by the current Directors, Mr Clive Dean and Mr Kevin Jeeves, the company was formed by a group of senior Wallace & Tiernan Engineers and management with many years of experience in the industry.

Water Process Solutions is a provider of engineered solutions to a wide range of water treatment problems. Its primary role is to provide the best products, practice and practical engineered solutions to suit client’s desires and process applications. Water Process Solutions pride itself in providing engineered solutions to water and wastewater treatment applications across the global marketplace.

UK based, Water Process Solutions’ main office is located in Aylesford, Kent where it manufactures and distributes a variety of products through its innovative design, vast experience and focused service support.

Water Process Solutions are specialists across many market sectors but specifically focus on municipal drinking water and wastewater treatment, precision chemical metering for the energy sector, process water for the food, drink and pharmaceutical markets.

As the exclusive and approved master distributors, manufacturers and representatives for UGSI Chemical Feed, Inc. across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Water Process Solutions are always continuously looking to develop new products and partnerships that meet marketplace demands and specific client requests. Boasting an extensive client portfolio, Water Process Solutions has worked with and provided many UK water service companies including United Affinity Water, Scottish Water,

Yorkshire Water, United Utilities, with many products, engineering and technical support.

“At Water Process Solutions, we provide some of the most trusted brands and products in the chemical metering and feed industry – many of which have roots that date back over 30 years. We’ve taken those reliable and tested designs and improved them to keep pace with today’s materials and control options,” stated Aran Bray, Director.

The provision of engineered solutions provided by Water Process Solutions underpins its comprehensive product portfolio. Its product range offers value to a range of applications within areas of drinking water, wastewater, leisure resorts, food processing, breweries, mining, power generation, facilities management and mainstream industrial processes. “Our products are ideal for anyone that has a need to accurately dose a chemical in to a process stream.

What sets us apart is our ability to design and produce bespoke solutions to solve customers’ application problems and not just provide standard products. We have continued to develop some of these products to apply them in different applications and industries,” said Aran.

The customer will always remain the number one priority for Water Process Solutions. Maintaining and delivering the highest level of customer service is key to its clients, partners and own company’s success. Its current product

portfolio covers Polyblend, Encore® Pumps, dry polymer make-up systems, lime feeders, Electrochlorination and Varea Meters® and is continually being added to. “The products we provide are extremely robust, reliable and have the longevity to last with no compromise to the quality,” stated Aran.

Recently released, Water Process Solutions brought two new products to market via UGSI acquisitions: Fluid Dynamics and PSI Electrochlorination. In the future, Water Process Solutions plan to develop possible acquisitions of their own whilst also representing other products and partners not yet sold or present in the UK. By putting these current future goals in place will enable Water Process Solutions to further develop its overall strategic direction and further grow within the global market.

T 01622 719945

enquiries@waterprocesssolutions.com

www.waterprocesssolutions.com

Environmental Testing & Monitoring

New pressure gauges MAN SC/

LC from Kobold

Introducing the latest version of the electronic digital pressure gauge, MAN-SC for battery powered applications and MAN-LC for 24Vdc power with IO-link.

t Alpha-numeric

14-segment reflective LC display screen, full 5-digit display, and digit height of 16mm

t Electronic screen module with 90o incremental rotation; for side mounted or inverted installations

t Adjustable gauge head position

t Capacitive touchpads access

t kPa, MPa, bar, mbar, psi, kN, N, torr, inWC, mmWC, inHg, USR Measuring units

t Password protected peak memory, and reset function

t 9V Lithium battery with 22,500 hours (2.5 years)

t A zero (tare) for calibration

t Optional rubber protective case cover

t Measuring ranges from -1…0...+1,600 Bar

t Range of process connection threads with diaphragm and hygienic process connections if required.

T 01623 427701 info.uk@kobold.com https://koboldnews.co.uk

Environmental Consultancy of the Month

Achieve your sustainability goals with Comply Direct

In this issue of Sustainability Today, we are pleased to announce Comply Direct as our Environmental Consultancy of the Month.

With the race to a net zero carbon economy by 2050 in full flow, it’s vital you don’t let your business fall out of the big picture. Comply Direct has been empowering and supporting organisations with their sustainability aspirations since 2006 and provides a broad range of services to accommodate all environmental needs.

“We are an expert, independent environmental consultancy and approved producer compliance scheme. We provide cost-effective, innovative, and integrated environmental solutions designed to support organisations with their sustainability goals,” said Emily Baker, Marketing Coordinator.

When Gareth Roberts, Executive Chairman, founded Comply Direct, he envisioned to not only create one of the UK’s largest compliance schemes but to provide a premium quality, flexible service that fully encompasses all things environmental. Built upon three core values: Trust, Commitment and Respect, Comply Direct hold these at the centre of all its operations, communications and customer service.

Comply Direct offer a wide range of services, focused around environmental consultancy and waste compliance acting as an extension of their customers’ team and a full environmental partner. “We provide specialist consultancy services for mandatory compliance and voluntary sustainability areas, including sustainable packaging (support in preparing for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the UK Plastic Packaging Tax), Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS), SECR, ISO 14001, ESG, zero waste to landfill solutions and recycling for materials and WEEE. We are also a government approved producer compliance scheme for packaging compliance, WEEE compliance and also provide a batteries compliance service in line with the UK waste regulations. We additionally offer assistance with International Compliance for organisations who have obligations overseas,” stated Sarah Foster, Managing Director.

Led by the ever-changing global agenda, Comply Direct has developed a consultancy that offers a wide range of services in order to support organisations in meeting their environmental aspirations. Drawing on its 16 years of experience, the company has established an inhouse team of expert carbon and energy management consultants.

Comply Direct can help organisations at every stage of the carbon management pathway, from measuring emissions, to target setting, reducing emissions and offsetting.

Their Carbon Management service is designed to help organisations effectively measure and manage their carbon emissions whilst understanding where greenhouse gas emissions are generated within their business, in order to take proactive action towards Net Zero. By actively managing your organisation’s carbon and energy you can gain a competitive advantage by demonstrating an environmental responsibility alongside preparing for future legislation. In addition, companies will be meeting the progressing expectations of their consumers and wider supply chain, who are becoming proactive in only engaging with companies addressing this within their organisation.

Comply Direct’s team of carbon experts can help a vast range of industry sectors via their Carbon Management pathway. One of their recent successful projects was partnering with Metro Shipping to undertake an organisational carbon footprint exercise. As the first step on the measure, target, reduce and offset

carbon management pathway, the exercise extended to all areas under operational control within the UK and was conducted to the internationally recognised GHG Corporate Standard Protocol. The partnership saw Metro Shipping fully offset their current emissions through purchasing verified carbon offsets which allowed them to take responsibility for the emissions already released whilst taking steps to reduce future emissions.

Recently, businesses have been under pressure to make ESG related disclosures and investors are increasingly considering ESG factors as standard in the investment process. ESG stands for Environmental, Social and Governance and is the umbrella term for sustainable and responsible finance components, that in recent years has derived from both a change in market of consumer preferences and a shift in non-market pressures, such as climate change conditions and environmental policies. ESG is used as a framework to manage risk and capture opportunities and its key objectives aim to create positive social and environmental outcomes, and long-term sustainability roadmaps for organisations. Want to make sure your organisation is resilient? Comply Direct’s ESG consultancy service provides expert

support and advice by helping businesses build an ESG proposition, encompassing completion of a materiality assessment, conducting employee surveys, data collection and analysis, and delivery of a recommendation report for improving all ESG areas.

Additionally, Comply Direct offers a bespoke service to help companies move forward with their packaging aspirations. This includes plastic tax impact assessment, guidance on design for recyclability, assistance in recycled content validation, and advice on extended packaging data.

Despite the challenges COVID-19 presented to many businesses, Comply Direct has continued to grow and achieve success throughout the pandemic. “Over the past couple of years, we have welcomed hundreds of new customers and our employee numbers have grown to accommodate this. We have recently invested in new systems to prepare businesses for the increasing importance of managing environmental data and will continue to develop these systems. Our recently launched improved data management system, Sustainability Integrated Database (SID), will ultimately encompass functionalities for all aspects of a business’ environmental data, from plastic tax through to international and carbon,” said Emily.

There are exciting times ahead for the environmental consulting sector and Comply Direct has a fully participative roadmap illustrating how they will build on the knowledge and services required for the post COP26 world. “We are also working towards our B Corp certification, requiring us to measure our complete social and environmental performance. From supply chain and input materials to charitable giving and employee benefits, B Corp Certification verifies that a business is meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

As we navigate the changing environmental legislative landscape, B Corp will support in shaping our strategic direction within our fiveyear roadmap,” said Jessica Aldersley, Director of Talent, Culture & Operations.

For more information, see below.

T 01756 794951 info@complydirect.com

www.complydirect.com

Drainage Company of the Month

Drain specialist turns 30

In this issue of Sustainability Today, we have selected Lanes Group plc as our Drainage Company of the Month, sharing its plans to support charities to celebrate a major milestone.

The drainage specialist with the famously bright pink livery is gearing up to mark its 30th birthday this year with a focus on celebrating its teams’ achievements and helping people in need.

Lanes Group plc began as a one depot drainage company in Leeds, West Yorkshire, in November 1992, employing 15 people with a turnover under £500,000. It now operates 20 depots and 12 utility hubs across the UK, with more than 2,300 employees and an annual turnover of over £220m, making it the UK’s largest drainage and wastewater specialist.

Lanes Managing Director, Wayne Earnshaw, says, “It’s exciting to have contributed to Lanes’ transformation over the last three decades and I strongly believe there are many more successful years to come. What began with one small depot has become a company that, every day, solves the UK’s biggest drainage and wastewater challenges. With highly-skilled and committed teams using the most sophisticated drain

maintenance technologies in the world.”

Wayne Earnshaw’s father, Allan Earnshaw, and Graham Tattersall triggered the company’s rapid development when they bought Lanes for Drains from its founder, John Lane. Through a process of careful acquisition, new depot openings and service development, the rebranded Lanes Group has maintained that impressive and sustainable growth, while remaining a family-run business.

“Lanes is a business built on family values, where caring about the wellbeing of our people and supporting their success is important to us,” says Wayne Earnshaw. “It’s a reason why so many of our colleagues have been with us for many years as Lanes has grown.”

Lanes will also use the anniversary to thank Lanes teams for their contribution as essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic – keeping the nation’s sewers flowing, and delivering vital services to thousands of businesses & countless householders.

The company’s 30th anniversary plans include a major fundraising challenge that aims to turn the country Lanes pink, as teams will be invited to raise money for the company’s nominated charities.

Lanes is relied on by companies big and small, and many government organisations and public agencies, to deliver a comprehensive range of drainage services, which have won a string of industry awards. It has also become one of the UK’s largest wastewater maintenance service providers. Clients include Thames Water, Severn Trent, Yorkshire Water, Scottish Water, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, Northumbrian Water and United Utilities.

In 2019, it backed its strong support for sustainable business and the environment by launching Unblocktober, the world’s first monthlong action campaign to safeguard sewers, rivers and oceans.

Every October since then, Unblocktober has persuaded thousands of people to take time not to dispose of damaging fats, oils and grease (FOG) and plastics, including wipes, down sinks and toilets.

Other key milestones include:

t In 1998, the creation of the Lanes Rail Division, which now operates a £multimillion contract delivering drainage and FM services for Transport for London, as well as working for Network Rail, Crossrail and HS2;

t In 2007, the launch of a new national sewer rehabilitation and lining division, based in Manchester, which delivers lining services across the UK, and is a leader in ultraviolet CIPP lining;

t In 2015, the acquisition of AQS Environmental Solutions in Ireland, Lanes’ first non-UK investment, with AQS going on to enjoy its own success, expanding & growing its services.

In 2020, Lanes launched its latest business venture, setting up Lanes Infrastructure to deliver excavation and ducting installation services for the broadband industry.

The Lanes-i launch has been a big success, with the business building a rapidly growing portfolio of contracts, aided by an innovative business model that combines digital operational systems with industry-leading safety & quality standards.

T 0800 526 488

www.lanesfordrains.co.uk

Sustainable Solutions Company of the Year

540 WORLD’s 2022 sustainable services surge ahead

In this issue of Sustainability Today, we have selected 540 WORLD as our Sustainable Solutions Company of the Year.

540 WORLD is a leading, gold standard provider of C2C® sustainability solutions for businesses and green material innovators, who are looking to future-proof their product, project, eco-brand, business, infrastructure, government or sustainable educational institute.

“We uniquely matchmake clients to C2C Certified® verified sustainable materials and products, so they can avoid greenwash, poor quality and unhealthy products. We have a global network to support commercial innovations programmes and we are able to quantify and verify our metrics like embodied carbon through digitech and science-based Cradle-to-Cradle Certified® products. Our C2C® focused, evidence-based consulting approach is unique in the UK and our Partners are the most experienced team in this sector,” said Chaline Church, Founding Partner.

Reflecting on the last year, 540 WORLD has seen a whirlwind in 2021, wonderfully topped off by Business and Industry Today’s ‘Sustainability Company of the Year Award’ in December and game-changing circular economy consulting work with the Environment Agency and some great commercial B2B engagements.

“2021 was like paddling after a moving wave to start, now we are surfing down the wave at pace and transforming the built environment to safe, sustainable and circular construction,” added Chaline.

This pace is exactly what 540 WORLD was hoping for, to design waste and unhealthy products out of our environment. The company is incredibly pleased with the authentic partnerships that it has secured, to help enable

Cradle to Cradle® design enrich our infrastructure and commercial buildings.

In terms of recent developments, 540 WORLD is pleased to announce some game-changing world-firsts and innovative sustainable material developments for the circular economy at Futurebuild (1st-3rd March 2022), on their interiors, materials and digital impact keynote stages. In addition, the company has the largest ever UK Cradle to Cradle Certified® products collaboration showcase, being Futurebuild’s key ‘Circular Innovation Partner’ in their central position at London’s ExCeL: https://bit.ly/3A5Tezo

Chaline expressed, “The A&D market should not miss Futurebuild’s live exhibition. There really are some incredible, show-stopping innovations for interiors/ exteriors and in digitech, to enable a waste-free future. This is critical for impacting financial and socio-environmental metrics for companies seeking to hit their ESG targets and quantify their sustainable choices including embodied carbon.”

540 WORLD’s Futurebuild collaboration includes, Accoya® wood, International Timber, Eco Foundry growing walls, Ege carpets, Graphenstone paint, Grohe sanitary fittings, Honext fibre panels, Magna Glaskeramik glass, Mosa tiles, myUpcyclea AI platform, Shaw Contract carpet tiles and Whitecroft lighting, to name a few.

As the company looks to its future, 540 WORLD maintains many ambitious plans. In the short-term, the company would like to grow and train new staff to provide a larger team to support the research, innovations and cpd-type upskilling, it’s involved in. In the long term, 540 WORLD will continue to invest in new products to help fast-track ‘green’ innovations in collaboration with its partners and see the built environment truly transformed into a regenerative Cradle to Cradle® design model.

For more information, visit: www.540.world to easily find some of the incredible certified materials in the UK’s first free C2C® Design Directory and get in contact if you own, develop or retrofit commercial buildings – let's build back restoratively and healthily, good for people and planet.

info@540.world https://www.540.world

World’s first Accoya® fender made by International Timber for 540 WORLD and the Environment Agency’s TEAM2100

CARS Review – Top Exhibitors

For vehicle recyclers and dismantlers

The Complete Auto Recycling Show (CARS) is Europe’s largest event for the end of life vehicle recycling and dismantling industry, and was held at Coventry’s Stoneleigh Park from 29-30 September 2021.

CARS features: 70+ speakers over 2  conference theatres, live material processing demonstrations, 80+ exhibitors  & a range of  free to attend networking events  including: Meet the Buyer, Association AGMs, Skills Lab training sessions, informal evening entertainment, off site tours and more.

Meet and network with more than 1,700 vehicle dismantlers, authorised treatment facilities, vehicle salvage yards, used car spares and parts traders, metal recyclers, scrap metal merchants, brokers, transporters and more.

CARS offers visitors the chance to take part in sessions and workshops delivered by leading experts tackling key industry opportunities and challenges. Visitors can stay up to date with developments in legislation, material prices, the future of the industry, technology, social media and PR, global markets and much more.

CARS returns to Coventry’s Stoneleigh Park next year from 24-25 May 2023. This is our pick of the best exhibitors from last year’s event, listed here in alphabetical order: Aston Lark, Green Car Depollution, Premier Components & Wickens. Further details can be found on this page.

Contact www.cars-expo.com

Aston Lark has specialist knowledge of the metal recycling and vehicle dismantling industries which stretches to over 25 years. We have built up vast experience over this time and fully understand the needs of your business. A solution can be provided for the smaller dismantling site, as well as vehicle salvage yards and large metal recycling facilities with shedding plants, shear balers and suchlike.

Our team aims to visit every site to offer a bespoke review of your insurance requirements and provide guidance around risk management of your business with support from quality insurers we work with.  We have a dedicated in-house claims team on hand when you need us

the most, and can provide periodic reviews and reports as required.

We can arrange:

t An insurance package for vehicle recyclers

t Combined Liability including products and spoilt smelts

t Property damage with cover for plant items in the open

t Stock cover which can include non-ferrous metals

t Fleet insurance

t Marine and transit

For details, please contact Steve Walker or Dan O’Brien on 01384 375555.

Faster, stronger, smarter

Green Car Depollution is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of ELV Depollution & Dismantling Equipment.

Our equipment is designed specifically for the Vehicle Recycling Industry. We understand that time is money in this industry which is why we have designed our equipment with speed and efficiency at the forefront. We also know that strength and durability is necessary, that’s why of our systems are built with high grade steel and robust structure. Our vehicle lifts and stands also reflect this with their huge 4.5T SWL.

We proudly supply the industry’s busiest operations such as Recycling Lives, Synetiq, ASM, CoPart and many more.

Our comprehensive range of equipment offers everything an ATF needs to depollute and dismantle vehicles and light commercials in a fast and safe way. As well as state of the art systems for draining vehicle contaminates, we supply lifts and stands for tipping cars, which are very popular with those selling/exporting parts. Other products include Catalytic Convertor

Cutters, Tyre Rim Punch (for separating alloy/ steels from tyres). We can also offer a full range of Aircon Recovery equipment and on-site F-gas training – we come to you!

If you are looking to speed up and improve your vehicle recycling process, get in touch.

Contact

T +44 (0)1684 298084

izzie@greencardepollution.com

www.greencardepollution.com

Premier Components

Premier Components is a multi product (full line) buyer of used automotive parts, Starter Motors, Alternators, Turbos, Engines, A/C pumps, etc – please see our website at: www.premiercore.com for full details.

No matter where you’re based or what quantity of core units you have, you will benefit from talking to the experts.

Your surplus stock could be one of your best assets and we want to help you capitalise on that. Premier Components is a market leading company here in the UK, with a real global presence.

Whether it’s cars or light commercial vehicles, gasoline or diesel, Premier Components is experienced enough to handle the entire process. From the moment our highly skilled buyers carefully inspect

and grade your components, you’ll know you’re getting the best market value and helpful impartial advice.

Once a valuation is agreed, our team will arrange everything from an immediate payment to the packing and transport.

For more information on how we can provide your business with the most suited used parts solution, call the purchase department today.

T 01789 722903

M 07483 011630

Mark.hoey@premiercore.com

Bucking trend in pharma packaging with in-house recycle plant

Pharmaceutical blister packaging is the preferred method of storing pills and capsules, due to its excellent preservation qualities, tamper evidence, and ease of tracking medication dosage.

However, they are a composite of PVC and aluminium, making them difficult to recycle, meaning billions of blister packs end up in UK landfill each year. Additionally, any remaining medicine in discarded packs has the potential to contaminate waterways and ultimately enter the food chain.

Pharmaceutical packaging’s eradication from landfill remains a priority. Following a successful application for a government grant, Central Pharma now has an in-house recycling plant that can recycle 100% of the blister pack material into a powder-based material that can be safely reused to create new blister packs.

Nutty about plant-based and recyclable film

Met Foods, the award-winning, plant-based, dairyfree people, is an AA BRC allergen free facility, with two separate factories producing a range of gut-friendly coconut and almond based yoghurts and spreads for food service.

This latest initiative from Central Pharma aligns with WRAP’s 2025 Plastics Pact targets and provides significant carbon emission and energy consumption benefits compared to production of blister packs from virgin material, while also removing billions of tonnes of PVC (plus discarded medicines) from landfill.

The service is currently being offered to pharmaceutical manufacturers and is due to be made available for public use in early 2022.

T +44 (0)1234 989000 info@central-pharma.com www.centralpharma.com

It has been revolutionising plant-based products since 2011, launching the UK’s first ever coconut milk yoghurt to market followed by the UK & Europe’s first almond milk yoghurt, giving consumers a healthy and delicious product that wasn’t soy or dairy based. Not only are their products a tasty relief for those who are lactose intolerant (approximately 15% of the UK population) but also cater to the ever-growing vegan community satisfying the appetite for dairyfree, plant-based products that can be enjoyed daily. When Met Foods Ltd wanted to make their packaging

more environmentally friendly, they worked closely with National Flexible to launch recyclable yoghurt alternatives for Nush and COYO Organics.

“We are really pleased with the packaging; not only does it look bright and eye catching, it is recyclable. Sustainability is important to us and our customers, we want to ensure our products are easily recyclable and as kind to the planet as possible. National Flexible helped us make this as easy as possible for our customers wanting to reduce their packaging waste.”

T 01274 685566 www.nationalflexible.co.uk

Transfer Systems

COMBUSTION & HEAT TRANSFER SYSTEMS

• Waste to Energy Systems

• Thermal Oxidisers

• Control Systems

• Skid Systems –Pumps, Valves, Pipework +44 (0)1423 879944 mail@process-combustion.co.uk www.process-combustion.com

Industrial Spare Parts Company of the Month

For all your spare part needs

In this issue of Business and Industry Today, we are pleased to announce Spareparts-shops.co.uk as our Industrial Spare Parts Company of the Month.

From parts for pallet trucks, forklifts, rough terrain equipment and sweepers, to engine parts trailer parts, earthmoving equipment and drive technology, there is an expansive range of equipment available for every need. However, recently Spareparts-shops. co.uk has broadened its range of parts for scrubber dryers and sweepers and has added more joysticks, wheels for scissor lifts and aerial platforms to its online shop.

Spareparts-shops.co.uk was established in 2005 by Marco Haakman who is still the current owner and Managing Director. With experience of working within the industrial spare parts business, Marco

endeavoured to set up his own company. Combining his industry knowledge and experience with the emergence of online shopping from the year 2000, he embarked upon the opportunity to develop an online shop for companies in need of spare parts for forklift trucks and pallet trucks. Over the years, the range of products on offer have expanded further into parts for combustion engines and aerial equipment, as well as a complete range of universal technical items such as ball bearings, lighting and maintenance products. Since 2013, a very comprehensive online parts programme was launched for sweepers & wet-scrubbing machines & in that same year, parts for the various earth-moving machines were also added to its product portfolio.

Spareparts-shops.co.uk’s main office is located in the Netherlands with a support point in Manchester and a shipping warehouse based near Birmingham.

“We are especially valuable to our customers because we help them find the right spare part. It is not necessary for them to have a part number. Step by step we guide them to the part that needs to be replaced. When we have offered the right part, we can often deliver the part via DHL the next day. This is how we prevent unnecessary downtime of our customers equipment,” stated Marco.

Spareparts-shops.co.uk products and services provide a number of benefits to its customers, which has helped the company expand in the market. “We offer excellent support in finding the right parts for our customers (even old) equipment. The fact that we are also attractively priced due to our efficient way of working and that we can usually deliver the next business day, ensures that our customers often remain loyal to us,” said Marco.

Serving mostly medium to smaller sized companies, Spareparts-shops.co.uk operate in a variety of sectors such as industry, ports, retail, warehouses, agricultural, construction, and many more. Its exemplary service makes them an ideal spare parts provider not just for any company that has to maintain and repair their own machinery, but also to repair and service contractors who are servicing the equipment of third parties. “One unique benefit our customers receive from our service is that when other companies come to us for spare parts from our wide range of machines and branded products available, it in turn, helps to further expand their own customer base,” stated Marco.

British Adhesives & Sealants Association

BASA is one of the most active technical adhesives and sealants associations in Europe, providing high value and contributing to business performance for its members.

With membership increasing each year, we provide an extensive library of information and advice on the importance of regulations & standards for the adhesives & sealants industry in the UK and Ireland. This is underpinned by active technical and business programmes and every year more than 600 staff from member companies

Since COVID-19, sales have increased specifically from customers who have now switched to online shopping. The customer service team has worked tremendously hard in keeping up to date with the abundance of phone and email orders received, guiding customers through their purchasing process.

Marco expanded, “In the future we plan to add more technical information to our parts on the internet for our customers. In addition, we are expanding our range with spare parts for machines like (mini-) excavators, shovels and telehandlers.”

Continuing its quest for further growth, Marco explained the next exciting prospect for the company. “We are working with a small team that are interested in all kinds of machines. It is like a sport for us to find that part that our customer can use to repair their machine from all the thousands of spare parts available.”

T 01253 928019

contact@spareparts-shop.co.uk

www.spareparts-shop.co.uk

participate in BASA activities and more than half the membership are involved with our working parties.

The aim of BASA is to be the umbrella organisation for adhesive and sealant manufacturers in the UK and Ireland, including the supply chain and service & equipment suppliers to the industry.

BASA supports its members by representing & promoting the industry, offering guidance on technical and compliance issues and providing networking opportunities for members.

A free Croner business helpline,

REACHReady discounted membership, insurance, finance, recruitment and testing benefits and FEICA affiliation are part of your subscription each year. Members can promote their business through the BASA website, with a free company profile listing in the online directory, at exhibitions and through sponsorship at events.

T 03302 233290

www.basa.uk.com

Delivering flexibility for your contract synthesis projects

CHEMUK 2021 returned to the Birmingham NEC this year for what turned out to be another highly successful gathering. The show saw attendees from across the UK’s chemicals, chemical products and chemical-using industries converging to see the very latest plant, equipment, supply chain materials and services driving operational performance, plant and process efficiency, futureproofing, safety, compliance and supply chain fulfilment.

Radleys was one of 350 leading exhibitors at the show, where it was able to interact with attendees and showcase some of its latest equipment such as the Mya 4 Reaction Station and the Reactor-Ready Lab Reactors + AVA

Software.

Radleys is a trusted leading company by Contract Synthesis and pharmaceutical companies around the world. From research to process development chemistry, Radleys consistently deliver for CRO, CDMO and CMOs. Experts in specifying the right equipment for your contract synthesis, Radleys allows you to focus on great chemistry.

Its flexible, trusted and specialised services allow the company to quickly react to projects and with its precise temperature control equipment, users can scale up with confidence with precise temperature control every time.

Taking place on 15-16 September,

CHEMUK 2021 was a jam-packed two day event that included 150+ expert speakers, feature session and panels discussing the big trends, challenges, opportunities and innovations affecting the UK’s chemical industries.

Save the date, Radleys will be exhibiting at ACHEMA 2022 on 4-8 April.

www.radleys.com/contract-synthesis

Powering progress, defining your future

Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) is a seminal event for global defence and security, held in partnership with the UK Ministry of Defence and Department of International Trade.

The biennial defence and security event proceeded as planned from 14-17 September 2021 at London's ExCeL with a new digital offering running alongside the much-anticipated live exhibition.

After a lengthy global shutdown of the exhibition sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, feedback from across the defence and security industry showed a strong appetite to come back together in person at DSEI – an event that provides a critical and unmissable forum for many thousands of companies. A range of new online opportunities to complement the live event were introduced. ‘DSEI Connect’ is a digital platform that will bring participants from around the world together with those attending the event in London to create a flexible and accessible ‘hybrid’ format.

Event Director, Grant Burgham, said, “The industry came back together at DSEI and we welcomed exhibitors, speakers, visitors, delegations, Government stakeholders, and the Armed Forces for a week of exclusive demonstrations and

DSEI 2021 Show

After a year and a half of COVID restrictions, the Defence and Security Equipment International show 2021 was the first exhibition that European Springs and Pressings was able to attend in 2021. It was great to be back at a live show to meet and talk in person with other attendees and industry professionals.

DSEI is the largest fully-integrated defence and security show in the world. As we manufacture products for the defence, security and aerospace industries, it was important for us to attend this event for the first time.

presentations.”

DSEI is held biennially at ExCeL London. This edition hosted over 1,000 companies at the live event and through its complementary digital platform, DSEI Connect.

DSEI returns to London’s ExCeL from 12-15 September 2023. This is our first pick of the best exhibitors from last year’s event, listed here in alphabetical order: Advanced Blast & Ballistic Systems Ltd, Callen-Lenz, Challenge Coins UK, DMS technologies, European Springs and Pressings, Gardner Aero Defence Solutions Ltd & MilDef. Further details can be found on this page and the next.

www.DSEI.co.uk

Gardner Aero Defence Solutions Limited

Since the inception of the business five years ago, GADS expanded its remit as a leading consultant in military defence and aerospace. Providing both independent consultancy and realisable solutions to primes in the industry and military defence agencies, GADS now has collaborative partnerships in the Middle East (ARMYTEC in Israel) and the Asymmetric Strategic Partnership in Florida USA.

Our core competencies are in Concept Innovation (mainly

Challenge Coins UK

Established in 2017 by former serviceman, Tom Newey, Challenge Coins UK is setting the standard for challenge coins, recognition awards and commemorative coins.

for air vehicles), formulating business ventures and Management Services; these remain at the forefront of our capability.

The recent innovation of the next generation of Hypersonic Weapons was a significant feature for us at DSEI last year

and we are now involved in the formulation of the necessary defence solutions and the next generation of air vehicle based threat representation as a key element in national defence.

GADS contact: David Gardner FRAeS – Director www.gads.uk.com

The expo is renowned for the strength and seniority of those that attend, including senior officials, industry buyers and over 3,000 international VIPs and official delegations. The show gave us the opportunity to exhibit alongside prime and tier 2 suppliers, top UK and international delegations and UK and international defence ministers. Others who attended the event included senior procurement staff teams, prime contractors/OEMs, pre-qualified industry visitors, SMEs, system integrators, subcontractors, major manufacturers, service providers and defence media.

As the world’s largest defence and security community gathering, the event had great energy and buzz surrounding it. With 8 halls, international pavilions from 6 continents and over 1,000 companies in attendance covering aerospace, land, naval, security, joint, future technology, manufacturing, medical and space sectors, there was plenty to see and do in an optimal business environment.

T 0208 663 1800 info.bec@europeansprings.com www.europeansprings.com

Vehicle Global Acceleration Mitigation

Advanced Blast & Ballistic Systems Ltd. (ABBS) has developed a highly advanced system (VGAM™ –Vehicle Global Acceleration Mitigation) using rocket motors to counteract the lifting effect of mines and even large IEDs on armoured vehicles. It is now possible to keep the occupants safe from injury in circumstances which would otherwise have resulted in possibly fatal spinal, neck, and internal injuries.

The ABBS technology provides game-changing tactical capability in terms of mobility and manoeuvre. A current DARPA call for proposals titled ‘Redefining Possible’ describes in two words exactly what the VGAM system does, potentially enabling our forces to essentially ignore conventional minefields and simply drive through them with relative impunity. The effect on the psychology and confidence of soldiers in the vehicle will be huge when the fear of hitting an IED is removed.

Another ABBS market is the new breed of electric Vertical Take Off and Landing aircraft (eVTOLs) which will be used in the Urban Air Taxi role where they will be operating at low level where bird strikes and other

hazards to aircraft exist. ABBS believes that our safety system using a parachute and rocket motors to control emergency landings will be essential to save lives.

Contact: Roger M Sloman, Managing Director M +44 (0)7989 381057 r.sloman@abbs-usa.com www.advanced-blast.com

Redefining Possible

Coins are a perfect way to recognise service, loyalty and achievement within your business.

Mirroring a form of recognition that the armed forces would give to one of their members, a coin to acknowledge the service length of a staff member feels traditional and apt. The coins can have a bronze, silver or gold finish to represent varying lengths of service or achievement.

A coin will certainly withstand the lifespan of a bunch of flowers or a box of chocolates and is a more tactile and lasting alternative to a certificate. Designs are customised with company branding and words or phrases of choice to reflect the award category.

Coins can be given in one of our premium logo printed presentation boxes to take things up a level.

Design is included in the pricing and the whole process from enquiry to delivery can be complete in six weeks.

Call 0333 335 1012 or email: sales@challengecoinsuk.com to get started.

ABBS has just opened a new US company Active Safety System Technologies Inc to market the ABBS technologies in the USA.

Investment opportunity in ASST now open: https://wefunder.com/activesafetysystemtechnologiesllc

Legal Disclosure: https://rb.gy/vlitox

Advanced Blast & Ballistic Systems Limited

Contact: Roger M Sloman (Managing Director)

Tel +44 (0)7989 381057

r.sloman@abbs-usa.com www.advanced-blast.com

Linear Rocket Motors (LRM ) igniting on top of Snatch Land Rover to eliminate Global Acceleration caused by 6kg mine blast under vehicle

Callen-Lenz

Battery systems from DMS technologies

DMS technologies has over 30 years’ experience in the development of battery systems to meet specific requirements, particularly in rugged, remote, and extreme environments. We exhibited at DSEI in 2021 displaying some of our latest developments alongside our more established products and systems.

The Red Flash™ Portable Power Pack, using the highest-grade AGM batteries, is designed to operate in the harshest environments, reliably delivering large peak currents to start all types of vehicles. This is

Callen-Lenz is a UK market leader for innovative novel aerospace solutions, with 5 unmanned aircraft systems currently under development for various customers.

We have deliberately evolved a wide and diverse skills base and business streams, incorporating; technical and operational services, platform and product development, production, marketing and support. In-house Callen-Lenz has the skills for whole air system rapid prototyping; design, manufacture, test and evaluation, plus consultation with regulators and airworthiness.

In 2021 Callen-Lenz secured £4.75M of investment to accelerate its growth from 50 full time employees to the current workforce of over 70. Plus, investment for infrastructure, tools and market expansion. This allowed Callen-Lenz to secure more orders than the preceding 3 years – clearly demonstrating our repeat and new customers’ confidence in our ability to deliver.

One customer said “They’ve been one of the most active and driven organisations in the sector in the sense of looking to exploit current capability and to improve its evolution...”

Jonathan Webber, CEO, stated, “…We have delivered strategic growth performance despite the challenging two years of global pandemic. Our teams have expanded in-house capabilities, strengthened our order book and broadened our customer-base. Our highly skilled and growing workforce are further building the foundation for our next phase of growth, encompassing the unmanned and urban air mobility domains.”

For more information, please contact: Piers Hankinson, Business Development Manager, Callen-Lenz T +44 (0)1722 744946 enquiries@callenlenz.com

MilDef has developed and manufactured rugged electronics for over 20 years, serving the global defence market with world-leading customised solutions. MilDef provide combat proven rugged IT products, designed to perform in the toughest conditions. From small form factor computers to switches and monitors, MilDef have the specialist experience required to help our customers build mission critical solutions and be employed in the harshest conditions.

MilDef offers a comprehensive range of products that have been proven on land, at sea and in the air, in service with international defence and security organisations across the globe. The product range includes high-performance modular computer systems, notebooks, PDAs, tablets, displays, power supplies and our networking range in its ground-breaking 19”/2® form factor.

Our mission is to be the most innovative and flexible player in the defence and security industry, with a combination of high-performance products, outstanding customer service, extensive experience in engineering disciplines, and a corporate spirit based on honesty and integrity.

We are exhibiting at 3CDSE and DVD this year to showcase our new products including a Robot Controller for unmanned operations and our handheld DH8 and DF10, designed to further enable the dismounted operator.

For further information on our products, visit: www.mildef.com or contact us at: salesuk@mildef.com

the product that we are the most known for, however, we have also worked with the Royal Navy to specially design and test IPX rated protective battery packs to power Miniguns mounted on decks.

We will work with you to understand the operational requirements, as well as work through NDA’s, testing, delivery schedules and through-life support.

We understand that in today’s tough marketplace costs need to be reduced without compromising on quality,

we work with a wide range of chemistries so that we can offer you the best fit or your needs.

If you are wanting to work with us to bring your project to life, please call us on +44 (0)1794 525400 or email us at: sales@dmstech.co.uk

Responsibly Sourced Materials

Warehouse & Logistics

Bradshaw releases third-generation T800

As the leading four-wheel 8-tonne tow tractor on the market, the T800 has been a popular model for over 25 years. Used in airports for baggage towing, line feed in manufacturing, waste movement for bin towing, and many more applications. The T800 is a versatile and robust workhorse.

The new T800 retains its robust build, durability and reliability that has made it a firm favourite. The third generation 8-tonne tow tractor from Bradshaw now features electronic steering, enhanced suspension, a new front axle, larger wheels, new brakes, a redesigned cab, and sharp modern looks that provide operators with a market-leading level of ride, comfort, and handling.

Electronic power steering replaces hydraulic steering, offering enhanced steering performance, making it easier for the vehicle to turn and manoeuvre at lower speeds. The use of electric motors over hydraulic systems eliminates the need for a pump, hoses, and hydraulic oil, helping simplify maintenance. The removal of the hydraulic pump has made the vehicle considerably quieter, reducing vehicle noise by 20dB. Furthermore, the T800’s steering advancements paves the way for an automated tow tractor!

Electronic braking and speed control

Five individual braking systems protect tow tractor and operator. The T800 features new responsive hydraulic drum brakes to all four wheels and offers increased durability, maximising productivity and reduced servicing costs. The T800 also includes electronic regenerative braking under deceleration, automatic hill hold, and automatically applied transmission parks brakes for greater safety assurance. The T800 incorporates an AC control system enabling a high level of controller setup, while dynamic speed sensing prevents over-speeding in all directions.

Robust build

The T800, with its solid frame construction and reliable components, ensures long-term reliability and durability. The low maintenance AC traction motor offers more power and performance while simultaneously reducing operating costs, and the builtin thermal protection minimises service downtime.

Contact T +44 (0)1780 782621 enquiries@bradshawev.com www.bradshawev.com

The leaf spring suspension has been reconfigured providing the firmness required for towing applications while providing a smooth and comfortable ride. The new larger pneumatic profiled soft solid puncture-proof tyres provide greater stability, traction and handling.

From the outside, the differences between the second and third generation T800s are obvious. The mark II’s curvaceous panels have been replaced with a strong and angular design, matching the design ethos of modern-day automotive design.

A redesigned sturdy wrap-around bumper plate protects the vehicle against impacts and damage. Inside the vehicle, the changes are instantly notable. The soft touch control panels and instruments enhance the working environment, which now includes USB connectors for keeping phones and electrical equipment charged and integrated cup holders.

T800s are available with a range of cab options; uncabbed, cabbed with no doors, cabbed with PVC doors, and cabbed with twin slam doors, allowing the T800 to be configured for a wide range of indoor and outdoor operations.

Efficient towing performance

As standard, the T800 is equipped with a 20mm pin multi jaw tow hitch with various size options, making the 8-tonne tow tractor compatible with multiple trailers. The T800 includes inching buttons as standard to assist coupling, offering ease and precision when aligning tow tractor and trailer.

Batteries

The T800 utilises a powerful 48-volt system, with the choice of four standard batteries; 240Ah, 315Ah or 375Ah lead-acid batteries or a 255Ah gel maintenance-free.

For standard run-time operations, a lift-out battery suits many applications. For extended run-time applications where battery change is an operational requirement, the T800 has the option of a side exit by either forklift or roller bed.

Highbays that work, 125 years of quality and innovation

Lightweight

Whether using a ladder or scissor lift, mounting heavy luminaires above your head is difficult. The new Highbays from Tungsram are extremely lightweight when compared to the light output. Up to 60K lumens can be produced from a single fixture – traditionally you would expect weights of 5kg+. These highbays have all unnecessary weight stripped out whilst maintaining the required amount of heat dissipation to ensure a long life.

Built-in sensors

Energy savings are at the top of most customer’s agendas, so the expectation is that lighting is on only when needed. Auriso and Duros have on-board sensors that control lighting based on motion (SN), daylight harvesting and motion sensing (RFM) or simply on/off (RFS). These features avoid electricians having to install secondary sensors, saving time and money.

Prefabricated brackets

Typically, brackets are an add-on accessory that are often forgotten

Weedon Direct introduces exclusive packaging range

As eCommerce corrugated packaging consumption has increased, with an increasing trend to buy online, we launched our own online store, Weedon Direct, earlier in the year. This enables our online customers to buy directly from a manufacturer to cut their packaging costs.

To meet demands specifically in the warehouse and logistics industry, we have now tailored a section of our online store directly to the industry.

Europcar Mobility Group UK appoints CBVC to manage fleet

Europcar Mobility Group UK has appointed fleet management specialist, CBVC Vehicle Management, to manage its allocated company car fleet.

when ordering. Highbays turn up on site and there is no way to mount them. The Duros and Auriso have brackets built into the fixture. If suspension is required, Y-cables or pendant mounting options are also available.

Other important features:

● Power consumption: 64-430W

● Luminous flux: from 10 to 60klm in 5klm steps

● Efficacy: 135-161 lm/W

● Colour temp: 3000K, 4000K, 5000K

● CRI: 70, 80

● Temperature range: -30 to +50ºC

For more information, contact: robert.evans@tungsram.com

Pick bins

The new range of pick bins are the ideal solution for customers looking for warehouse storage, ensuring easy, clear-cut organisation. Manufactured from single wall corrugated cardboard, they are commonly used as picking and storage bins in several different industries for small to large components or items. Each bin features a lowered front panel for ease of access to goods. Thanks to their folding design, cardboard picking bins are simple to assemble & do not require any glue or staples.

Corrugated layer pads

Corrugated layer pads are ideal for high-speed packing operations and

commonly used as pads, dividers and partitions. These corrugated sheets are an inexpensive, useful addition to any packing operation, providing additional protection to items which do not need to withstand significant pressure or weight.

Range of cardboard boxes

As the UK’s leading independent manufacturer of corrugated packaging, we offer a range of great value boxes in popular sizes, held in stock and available for immediate delivery. We have single wall or more robust double wall corrugated cases, all 0201 style.

We welcome you to visit our online packaging store at: www.weedondirect.com

This new UK agreement is in line with Europcar Mobility Group’s ‘One Sustainable Fleet’ programme which aims at the ‘greenification’ of the Group’s fleet year after year. The UK contract with CBVC will also support the Group’s plans by encouraging staff take-up of electric vehicles (EVs), as well as helping reduce benefit in kind (BIK) taxation.

A global leader in car and van hire, Europcar Mobility Group UK operates from over 120 locations in the UK offering its business and leisure customers a choice of petrol, diesel & electric cars and vans. Recognising that the vehicles it offers to its own employees are an important part of its carbon reduction plans, it is working with CBVC to enhance its own company car scheme.

Through the CBVC Driver Vehicle Selection Portal, Europcar Mobility Group UK employees that opt for electric will be able to trade up

Mike Manners, CBVC Vehicle Management

to the next grade of vehicle. Plus cash allowance drivers wanting to capitalise on ultra-low BIK EVs will be able to opt back into the company car scheme. Crucially, CBVC is using whole life costs to generate multibrand vehicle lists, with its expertise not only helping employees to go electric, but its multi-bid acquisition and enhanced levels of service also delivering lower costs for the Europcar business.

www.cbvcvehiclemanagement.co.uk

www.europcar-mobility-group.com

Cleaning, Health & Safety

Environmental Science Hygiene Limited (ESH) goes into the production of premium hygiene products in Nigeria

Over six months ago, Environmental Science Group (ESG) announced that it was opening a new 30,000ft2 facility in Lagos, Nigeria. The new facility, trading as Environmental Science Hygiene Limited (ESH, Nigeria), went into full production in November 2021 with a number of highquality alcohol-based Liquid and Foaming hand sanitisers that are safe and effective. ESG has over 25 years of technical and

scientific knowledge in developing chemical product formulations & writing GHS Safety Data Sheets and Hazard Sheets for COSHH.

A new website at: www.palmtreehygiene. com has been created specifically for product sales and distribution. The foaming hand sanitiser is also available from Amazon at: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/ B092BWR8Y4

The Palm Tree Foaming Hand Sanitiser is unique and different from other current products for the following reasons:

● Some species of palm tree sequester carbon more than ten times the level of other common tree species

● Commercialising sap from palm trees enables investment in palm tree afforestation, encouraging carbon capture and biodiversity

● Ethanol derived from the various species of palm tree has health benefits including maintaining healthy skin

● Neither oil palm nor any of its derivatives are used in the manufacture of the products.

T +44 (0)1354 653222 sales@envsciencegroup.com www.envsciencegroup.com

Alcohol and drug testing in the workplace post-lockdown

Despite the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions in the UK, vigilance remains essential when it comes to safety and hygiene in the workplace.

The vaccination programme is a clear success, yet even those who are double-vaccinated can still catch and transmit the virus.

These hygiene concerns have led some businesses and organisations to scale down their alcohol and drug screening activities for fear of breaching the ‘hands, face, space’ recommendations. Latest government guidance states that ‘Everyone should be cautious while managing the risks as cases of COVID-19 remain high.’

So how can employers safely reinstate or introduce drug and alcohol screening without compromising COVID safety?

Suzannah Robin, a drug and alcohol safety expert at AlcoDigital, says it’s important not to substitute one risk for another by ignoring the dangers that misuse of drugs & alcohol can present at work.

“Research has shown that levels of drug and alcohol misuse have increased during the pandemic. More people are drinking at home, and now that pubs and clubs have reopened, some are making up for lost time by overindulging during nights out.

“No employer wants to be a killjoy, but at the same time they have a legal duty to protect the safety of staff by ensuring that these issues do not create risk in the workplace.”

For further information about AlcoDigital, please visit: www.alcodigital.co.uk or contact the team on 020 8454 7372. Keep up to date with AlcoDigital news and events on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/alcodigital

WernerCo urges tower safety training

WernerCo, the leading access equipment specialist which manufactures BoSS® towers, is urging workers and employees to carry out PASMA training to ensure the safety of professionals working on-site as restrictions are lifted across the UK.

Falls from height remain one of the biggest causes of workplace accidents, with the construction sector accounting for a significant proportion of these, so ongoing training is essential to ensure safe work at height practice when using towers.

Sophie Ellam, Product Manager for WernerCo, comments, “With lockdown and a reduction in construction output over the past year some workers and employees may not realise their PASMA cards may have expired. Also, with output

increasing, more companies will be looking to take on employees, some of whom may not have had the appropriate training.

“PASMA training remains safe to do so with the current restrictions in place and there is a range

of courses to ensure employees are fully qualified and up to date with the latest guidance.”

The PASMA accredited Towers for Users course is designed for those who are responsible for specifying, assembling, dismantling, using, altering, moving and inspecting access towers. The course runs for one day and provides both theoretical and practical training on tower legislation, PASMA codes of practice, hazards associated with using mobile access towers, and what should be avoided.

WernerCo is an approved PASMA training centre and offers industry standard training programs on the safe use of mobile access towers and low-level access equipment. For more information, visit: www.bossaccesstowers.com/services/training

Storage Solutions Company of the Month

Expanding capabilities with storage

In this issue of Business and Industry Today, we are pleased to announce Whittan as our Storage Solutions Company of the Month.

From creating the space to store hundreds of tonnes of Pampers nappies to protecting Stella McCartney’s couture archives, there is no better name than Whittan to handle all your storage solution needs.

Whittan is an accumulation of eight trusted companies put together through acquisition to form one unified group which for the past five years has been trading under the brand name the Whittan Group. The associated trusted brands include Apex, Link51, Probe, LinkLockers, PolypalUK, HiStore, Storage Direct, and LinBins. From Apex which was founded in 1937 to LinBins who were the latest addition to the group in 2016, each brand has years of experience in the industry and are reliable and trusted amongst customers. Operating out of its five factories across the UK, Whittan also and one other factory in Spain.

The Whittan Group takes pride in being members of the Made in Britain organisation and has been supporting British business and British people for over 70 years. “Our business is split with 75% in the

UK and 25% in Western Europe and further afield. We are proud to have such a vast and flexible range of storage solutions that have been manufactured and designed here in the UK. Our trusted brands are well-known and trusted within the UK industry and what unifies us is our reliable service and expertise to create the most efficient storage solutions for our customers,” said Jon Templeman, Chief Executive Officer.

As a leading UK B2B manufacturer of storage products, including pallet racking, shelving, personal storage lockers, cupboards, plastic containers and workbenches, Whittan design solutions for both industrial and commercial

Business Products & Services

iObeya expands global footprint with five new office openings

iObeya, the Enterprise Visual Management company, recently announced the opening of five new regional offices: Singapore, New York, London, Hamburg, and Rotterdam.

These new offices join the company’s Paris headquarters and existing offices in Seattle and Tunis. The new offices will aid in iObeya’s global expansion goals, including supporting 500 global organisations around the world. In 2021 alone, iObeya added nearly 80 enterprise customers from both the Fortune 500 and CAC 40 as demand for visual management software skyrocketed during the pandemic. The result has seen iObeya’s global revenue grow by 70% year-over-year.

Each new office represents an opportunity to shape the regional business landscape, especially as industries adapt to a post-pandemic environment, by helping enterprises accelerate their Lean, Agile and Industry 4.0 transformations. The New York office, led by Philippe Collin, will drive adoption among US east coast enterprises including those in manufacturing, financial services,

pharmaceuticals, and energy, while the US west coast headquarters in Seattle, led by Robert Iracheta, will strengthen iObeya's foothold among US west coast enterprises, especially those in the technology sector.

Eric Bangerter will oversee Singapore and Asian operations across a variety of industry verticals, particularly manufacturing and technology.

From the Hamburg office, Tobias Windbrake will deepen iObeya's reach among manufacturers and enterprise brands in the DACH region while Frédéric Cornec will oversee operations in Benelux and Nordic countries from the Rotterdam office with a focus on manufacturing, technology & retail.

Rounding out the newly-established team is Christopher Tudway, who will expand iObeya’s reach in the UK and Ireland with an emphasis on pharmaceuticals and finance.

www.iobeya.com

“Storage Direct joined us in 2001, and we have recently revamped our e-commerce structure. Storage Direct provide a quick, efficient way of ordering your everyday requirements. We noticed a shift in people’s buying behaviour and with the advancement of online ordering we believe Storage Direct will be invaluable to business going forward,” explained Jon.

environments including offices, schools, warehouses, and retail environments. All products are manufactured in the UK to ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 quality and environmental standards.

Whittan also provide a complete service solution including project management, expert installation, maintenance, training and inspection. Every employee of Whittan is trained to an extensive level offering customers an unrivalled quality of service. “Whether it’s a whisky company or something completely different such as fashion, we can guarantee we have experience in working with companies from every sector. Our expertise allows us to make measured decisions and offer customers the best solution to optimise their space. Sometimes conventional pallet racking systems are not the most efficient solution. For example, we have worked with various fashion retailers where we have completely transformed the configuration of their storage space by implementing automated garment hanging solutions,” said Jon.

A complete rebranding has been important in widening the company’s appeal to offer scalable solutions and opportunities for growth to every customer and every environment. With the recent growth of e-commerce since COVID-19, moving into the digital realm was inevitable for Whittan.

Research and Development 101

Could your business be eligible to claim tens of thousands back in tax relief?

The HMRC Research and Development Tax Scheme was created to encourage business innovation and stimulate the economy, through supporting firms to bring new products and services to market.

What is R&D?

Research and development (R&D) tax credits are a valuable government incentive that reward UK businesses for investing in innovation. It is a powerful source of funding for businesses looking to grow and develop new products, services, procedures, and internal systems.

There is a misconception that to qualify for R&D tax relief a business must employ people in lab coats and be undertaking scientific research, but that is not the case. Any type of research and development could qualify.

What types of business can claim?

Any UK limited business can

claim. There are no restrictions on the type or size of business although there are different types of R&D scheme depending on whether you fit HMRC’s guide as being a SME or large company.

Does the project have to be successful?

No, there is no rulethat says you need to have a finished product or service brought to market. The research/development phase is enough for you to qualify.

How do I claim the money?

For profitable businesses, the benefit is applied as a reduction in corporation tax. If a claim is historical, the monies will be claimed back as a repayment of overpaid corporation tax.

More information on R&D tax relief can be found on the Government’s website here: www.gov.uk/guidance/ corporation-tax-research-anddevelopment-rd-relief

For more information, visit: https://randdspecialists.co.uk/

After a recent investment into its facilities in Milton Keynes, further investment is going to be key in making future operations more efficient. “After our recent rebrand last year, there are certain areas where we are keen to expand into next; we want to increase our repair and maintenance service, specifically to large building products wholesalers, as they have hundreds of installations in their stores put in by us and others that need continuous upkeep, as well as seeking to grow our business in parts of Europe. We are very excited for the next five years as we begin to see the fruition from the decision to combine all our storage brands, products and solutions within one group,” stated Jon.

For more information, see below:

T 01952 682251

enquiries@whittan.com

www.whittan.com

UK businesses aren’t walking the talk on D&I reporting

Study reveals disconnect between D&I intent and reality is hampering progress

While UK businesses increasingly acknowledge the importance of D&I, ‘Driving D&I: Diversity reporting with impact’ from Radley Yeldar reveals that time, budget and organisational constraints are holding back the kind of transparent, ambitious D&I reporting that will power decisive progress.

In a sign that corporate attitudes to D&I are maturing, four in five HR decision-makers believe their organisation is telling a transparent story on D&I and 70% believe it should be mandatory to publicly report progress.

While attitudes are shifting, organisations are yet to followthrough and prioritise action over talk. Just over one in ten of FTSE 100 organisations are reporting on D&I, and only half of respondents report their D&I strategy.

The good news is that many in influential positions are cleareyed on what more needs to be done. Two fifths want their organisations to collect more D&I data, a third want to see D&I data published more widely and 22% want to see more transparency.

The report reveals that while organisations are taking action to improve diversity and inclusion – there is lack of clarity on how they should be communicated. This is a missed opportunity for companies to tell a cohesive story and ultimately drive progress towards a better workplace.

Download it here: https://ry.com/requestpublication?publication=5205

T +44 (0)20 7033 0700

hello@ry.com

https://ry.com

Components & Accessories Company of the Month

WDS Components celebrates its 70th year anniversary

WDS Components adds new products to its range on a weekly basis.

In this issue of Business and Industry Today, we are proud to announce that we have selected WDS Components as our Components & Accessories Company of the Month.

WDS Components is a leading European manufacturer and a global supplier of standard parts, machine accessories and components.

Established in 1952 under the name Woodside Die Sinking Co. Ltd, this year the company sees its impressive 70th anniversary.

WDS Components maintains a modern European manufacturing facility which is integrated with its Global Distribution Centre, providing controlled and effective stock management. Utilising this control, the company is able to offer unrivalled lead times for

customers, as the end to end process is managed in house resulting in orders being delivered to specification and importantly, on time.

WDS Components holds a diverse range of products, with a big emphasis being placed on providing continuous stock, high quality, superior performance, unrivalled choice and excellent value for money. Through this ethos, WDS Components ensures that its products are manufactured to internationally recognised and accredited quality standards, which are regularly and independently audited.

The company strives to stay ahead of the crowd, and regularly reviews the market to evaluate its product offering, with a view to ensure that its customers needs are met, now and into the future. As such,

Excelling in its expertise and design capabilities, WDS Components is equipped with the tools and skills to be able to offer a bespoke design if needed, offering an in-house design and manufacturing solution. WDS Components maintains a team of highly experienced, knowledgeable employees who offer support through every stage, from product selection or design to dispatch and after sales service.

In recent developments, WDS Components launched their Stock Guarantee last year. Stock Guarantee is exactly what it says on the tin; a product which is guaranteed to be in stock. Stock Guarantee is currently being offered on a growing number of WDS Components’ products and the company is that confident that if a Stock Guarantee product is not in stock, then the company will give its customers a 10% discount off that Stock Guaranteed item. If you would like to find out which products are Stock Guaranteed, look out for the 'Stock Guaranteed' logo across its website to see what's included.

WDS Components has also recently undergone many internal changes including changes to senior management, a new FD, new Sales & Marketing Director and has seen an increase in both its digital and sales teams.

In regards to the COVID-19 pandemic, WDS Components did face new challenges, especially with the supply to OEM’s being affected and as the economy slowed, some areas of manufacturing slowed down as well. Showcasing its resilience, WDS Components was able to maintain its operations efficiently through the pandemic and did not make

any cuts as a result of COVID-19.

As the company looks towards its future, WDS Components is committed to constantly developing and expanding its product offering for its customers, while also providing competitive pricing and guaranteeing high levels of stock. WDS Components looks forward to its 70th year in operation and plans to continue growing, through ‘good old fashioned organic growth.’

For any further information on the company or to view its products, please see the details featured below.

T 0333 0435443

www.wdscomponents.com

Building Products & Services

Major milestone for proud Bradford business

The Hamilton team were especially delighted to be named ‘Installer of the Year’ within weeks of the business celebrating its 25th birthday in December.

As well as ‘Installer of the Year’, Hamilton was also crowned winner in the Refurbishment – Insulation/Render Finish category and the Refurbishment Insulation/ Brick, Clay, Ceramic, Stone Finish category, and received a Highly Commended in the same category.

Hamilton won the Refurbishment –Insulation/Render Finish category for its work with The Casey Group on Fitzwarren Court, where K Systems helped deliver modernised aesthetics and improved

TYDE expands sales team

TYDE, which is a Thomas Dudley business, is proud to announce the expansion of its UK based Sales Team. Joining TYDE’s sales team are Ash Meah, David Scarlett, Leigh Randell and Jamie Abethell (pictured from left to right).

Experienced Specification experts Ash and David join TYDE as Specification Managers for the North and South of the United Kingdom, respectively, to further build relationships within the Specifications sector. Both Ash and David have a wealth of knowledge within the plumbing and specification markets having over a quarter of a century of combined experience.

thermal performance on one of Salford’s highest residential buildings.

Hamilton claimed the top spot in the Refurbishment Insulation/Brick, Clay, Ceramic, Stone Finish for its work with Inco Contracts on Palmyra House in Warrington, where Aliva UK Ltd helped visually and thermally improve a 1960s concrete-framed tower block with planning conditions that made for a challenging finish. The building’s U-value was reduced from 1.2 to just 0.28W/m2k as a result of the work.

Contact T 01274 666166 enquiries@hamiltonfirst.co.uk www.hamiltonfirst.co.uk

Also joining TYDE’s sales team are Leigh Randell and Jamie Abethell. They have each spent many years working within this exciting market sector and are well versed in the needs of merchants of all sizes.

Both have a commitment to building relationships within the merchant sector in the South East and South West of England. They will work closely with key accounts providing account management, product and sales support as well as helping to promote the TYDE product brands of Dudley, Epson and Beta.

Paul Weddle, Business Unit Director for TYDE, says, “We are delighted to welcome Ash, David, Leigh and Jamie to TYDE. Our new team members have in excess of half a century of experience between them, so we are confident that their experience and professionalism will help to make our combined sales team the best in the industry."

To find out more, visit the TYDE website at: www.thomasdudley.co.uk/tyde

Hamilton (Building Contractors) Ltd picked up three impressive trophies at this year’s prestigious Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA) Awards.

Electrical & Electronics LOCKEN provides access management for Scottish Power Networks – Iberdrola Group – new HQ

Constant Power Services expands into Scotland

Constant Power Services is pleased to announce that due to continued growth across the business we are expanding and increasing our coverage across the UK by opening a new office in Scotland.

With the head office in Letchworth and an office by Canary Wharf, this new office will provide the business with an additional base from which to maintain a high level of customer service and swift response to our customer base.

With over 4,000ft2 of warehouse and office space and located between Glasgow and Edinburgh our offices are in a prime position to service the north of the UK. Our northern regional product sales manager, Paul Gallagher, and service sales manager, Jo Whiteley, are looking forward to welcoming you to our offices along with Kevin Wilson, Constant Power

Services Ltd’s Managing Director.

He comments, “I’m delighted that we have finally been able to take this step in opening a facility in one of our most important areas within the UK. It’s been a long-held ambition of mine, and one that I’m sure will enable us to continue growing our presence and activities within the Scottish market.”

Constant Power Services has been operating in the UK for over thirty years, has a wealth of experience in the electrical

industry and has found that in order to provide the very best support to our customers, having readily accessible spares, parts and products are key to providing cost-effective solutions. Constant Power Services Ltd, Unit

Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPN), a subsidiary of global energy leader Iberdrola Group, is continuing to build on its partnership with industry-leading access control solutions provider, LOCKEN to secure its vast energy network, and its new, impressive St. Vincent Street headquarters, is the largest single-use office to be built in Glasgow for 25 years.

In 2018, the company joined forces with LOCKEN to complete the energy industry’s most ambitious access control project. Gaining momentum since then, there are now 14,000 electronic locks deployed, including the areas within the new Scottish Power HQ.

In order to fulfil SPN’s access configuration needs, the contactless smart key combines the advantages of a traditional mechanical lock with a state-of-the-art electronic solution, with the information exchanged between the key and the cylinder by magnetic induction, rather than by an electrical contact. This allows almost instantaneous opening of the lock and ensures reliability of the hardware, preventing any risk of contact failure caused by oxidation or dust lodged in the cylinder.

The solution includes a Bluetooth module, which links to the user’s smartphone, using the MyLocken app. It is capable of offering centralised control and case-by-case, realtime access control, reaching standards of security that are usually only available from online access control systems and significantly boosts compliance with the industry’s applicable security standards.

Nick Dooley, MD at LOCKEN UK Ltd, explains, “It is great to follow the success of this ongoing rollout across the SPN infrastructure and to see how it is continuing to improve the organisation as a result, from benefits to health and safety procedures for employees and contractors to compliance with regulations and security standards.

“Our innovative solution allows simple, flexible, efficient access management, which has been integrated with SP Energy Networks’ existing software systems, providing improved operational efficiency and enhanced capabilities.”

For further information about LOCKEN, visit: www.locken.eu or find us on LinkedIn or telephone 0203 691 1610.

Road Rail Equipment Company of the Year

UK market leaders in road rail equipment

In this issue of Business and Industry Today, we are delighted to announce that we have selected GOS Tool & Engineering Services Ltd. as our Road Rail Equipment Company of the Year.

GOS Tool & Engineering Services Ltd. (GOS) is a market leading manufacturer of Road Rail Vehicles (RRVs) and specialist rail infrastructure installation and maintenance equipment solutions. The company also exports to several oversea markets.

Established in 1966 by Bill and Colin Gregory, Jack Jenkins and Penry Morgan, GOS has built a rich heritage in engineering. Both Bill and Colin already had a small engineering business and Jack, and Penry had some experience and good contacts with the local aerospace company called Doncasters’. In the early 1980s, Bill bought out some of the other shareholders as they retired and by 1995 when Bill was near retirement his son Wayne, the current Managing Director decided to join the business. Current Director Neil Gregory, older brother of Wayne joined GOS in the late 1990s and through the years the company has gone from strength to strength.

From its location in Blaenavon, South Wales, GOS maintains a three-acre site near the old Iron Works in the town. A privately owned company, GOS has established an industry leading reputation among its customers in the rail equipment markets. GOS

has been involved in the road-rail market since 2009 and rail is now over 90% of the business.

In addition to their market leading range of RRV’s, based around the Doosan 140, 170 and 235 range of excavators, GOS has designed and manufactured a range of wagon-based modules. The company also offers a broad range of ancillary equipment including: Rail Trailers and Trolleys, Steel and Concrete Sleeper Layers, Lifting Beams, Cable De-coilers and Grabs. GOS exports worldwide and can adapt many of its designs for use on most Rail Gauges

One of the biggest assets for the company is its highly experienced design team, who specialise in the design, manufacture and commissioning of the wagon mounted bespoke equipment including cable

hauling, infrastructure installation, and maintenance equipment.

In terms of one of the company’s most recent projects, GOS designed and built a series of wagon-mounted cable handlers for the purposes of transitioning the England-France electricity interconnector through the Channel Tunnel. The Cable Monorail System (CMS) Hauling Units (HU) was built in accordance with the UK Network Rail Railway Group Standard RIS-1702-PLT, for the use of On-Track-machines travelling and working on the UK Network Rail infrastructure. The machine has had incredible success and has been approved for mounting to UK domestic registered TIPH Type 80t Container Flats (KFA Wagons). A total of five hauling units were built.

The wagon mounted cable handler modules include bespoke fabricated hydraulically operated stabilisers, 15T GP Utility Winch driven by a Hagglunds hydraulic motor and a tower gantry complete with pulley sheaves and bearings. It also comes complete with an acoustic enclosure containing: a 400L Diesel bunded fuel tank, Bosche Rexrother Hydraulic Power Unit, JCB TC4 129kW Elec Engine 4 cylinder with emission compliance US-EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage IV and Firetrace automatic fire suppression system.

As the company looks ahead, GOS plans to continue developing the business and growing its industry presence, with a look to expand its market further

in Europe. Expansion is an important focus for GOS and the company hopes to also increase its product range, once more regulated products are approved over the next 12 months.

In closing, we caught up with Neil and asked him how the company feels upon receiving our award, he told us that, “We are absolutely delighted to receive this award. Its great motivation for the work force. Everyone has seen some tough times with the pandemic, so any award is good internally for the staff and recognising their hard work.”

T 01495 790230

enquiries@gosengineering.co.uk

www.gosengineering.co.uk