Welcome to our March edition. Explore our hand-picked features on innovative companies across the industry.
On page 5, we feature Professor Shearbomb Ltd as our Arboricultural Consultancy of the Month. With over 15 years of industry experience, Professor Shearbomb Ltd blends cutting-edge science with practical arboricultural solutions. In this feature, we focus on what state-of-the-art tools are used to assess a tree’s internal condition with minimal damage, as well as shine a light on the company’s consultancy and educational services.
changing environment of consumer demand.
One of our Top Exhibitors from the show was Technical Outdoor Solutions – a specialist outlet for outdoor centres providing rope course construction, training, technical advice and equipment for the outdoor industry, as well as inspections for all PPE and Ropes Course facilities.
Other show previews: Commercial Vehicle Show 2025.
Consultancy of the Month 5
Professor Shearbomb Ltd is a leading arboricultural consultancy based in the Southwest of England. The company name honours founder Phil Johnson’s expertise.
Company of the Month 7
On page 8, we have a full review of The Land, Leisure and Tourism Show 2024 that took place at Birmingham’s NEC on the 6-7 November. As the UK’s largest event for rural businesses, holiday parks, leisure and attractions, the show covered sustainability and innovation for the future whilst combatting the challenges of the
Global Machinery Solutions 7 On the Cover
Other topics covered: Warehouse & Logistics, Cleaning & Hygiene, Print & Packaging, Industrial, Business & Franchising, Electronics, Health & Safety.
Don’t forget to send us your latest Business, Industry and Sustainable news and updates & email us: info@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk
Production Manager, Robert Sharp – production@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk Accounts Department, Paul Whitaker – 0121 824 4742 accounts@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk
For more information or format requirements, see our Media Pack
Unless stated as news, the entire content of this publication is advertorial based. To place an advertorial or an advert, please call 0121 550 7510. Visit www.businessandindustrytoday.co.uk for current issues.
Global Machinery Solutions has been providing highquality machinery across the UK, Ireland and Europe for more than 20 years.
Land, Leisure & Tourism Show Review 8-13
The Land Leisure and Tourism Show, the UK’s premier event dedicated to rural businesses, holiday parks, and tourism, returned to Birmingham’s NEC from 6-7 November 2024.
Industrial 14-19
As surgical instrument manufacturers pursue greater throughput while facing increased labour costs, automating the medical instrument manufacturing process has become a necessity.
Print & Packaging 20-21
DS Smith Hellas, leading fibrebased sustainable packaging company in Greece, announces the completion of the upgrade of its box plant in Korinthos.
Commercial Vehicle Show Preview 22-23
Since its inception in 2000, it has evolved into the largest and most influential gathering of commercial vehicle manufacturers, dealers, distributors, and suppliers.
BAIT is sponsored by Professor Shearbomb
Ltd – see them on page 5
Health & Safety
Schmersal launches new light grid versions
Series SLC440COM/ SLG440COM: more flexible in use thanks to higher ranges and the enhanced functions of the SLC Assist app
Schmersal is set to launch new versions of its SLC440COM-H/ SLG440COM-H series safety light curtains and grids. With ranges of up to 30 metres (SLC440COM) and 60 metres (SLG440COM), they offer reliable hand and body protection and enable monitoring over greater distances with only minimal installation effort.
In addition, the safety light curtains and grids have a Bluetooth LE interface, which, with the ‘SLC Assist’ app developed by Schmersal, displays status notifications from devices and provides comprehensive diagnostic data. The new version of the ‘SLC Assist’ app now offers even greater functionality – as an example, the app can now also be used to calculate the required safety clearance to the danger area.
operating status of the light grid/curtain to be called up on a smartphone or tablet in real time. The Schmersal app also offers extensive support for statutory testing and documentation, such as through an integrated operating hours counter and the capture of the switching frequency of the outputs.
SLC440COM/SLG440COM series safety light curtains and grids secure danger areas and areas in applications such as presses, robot cells and palletising systems. Due to their increased
ranges, the new versions of the SLC440COM/ SLG440COM can now also be used to reliably protect very large production systems, conveyors or the platforms of autonomous underground railways. With the help of deflecting mirrors, entire areas can also be secured and monitored with just one safety light curtain or grid. This solution reduces both the installation effort and the acquisition costs.
The Bluetooth interface and the app enable all status and diagnostic data regarding the
A-SAFE accelerates global safety revolution
A-SAFE, a global leader in workplace efficiency and safety solutions, recently announced three strategic leadership appointments to drive its international expansion and innovative digital transformation strategy.
Chris Tickle returns to the business as product and marketing director. Previously serving as technical innovation director from 2019-2022, Tickle brings a wealth of experience in industrial design and new product development. His expertise will be crucial in accelerating A-SAFE’s IoT-driven efficiency and safety solutions, building on his prior work with Fathom3, the multidisciplinary innovation and development hub under the A-SAFE group umbrella.
Matt Lane joins A-SAFE as SBU Technology Sales Director, bringing decades of expertise in B2B business modelling and sales strategy. Lane
will drive the global expansion of A-SAFE’s innovative smart solutions, RackEye™ and CONEK™, revolutionising workplace efficiency and safety. This strategic appointment underscores A-SAFE’s commitment to IoT integration in manufacturing, reinforcing its leadership in smart manufacturing innovation.
A-SAFE Canada welcomes Donald Redford as the new managing director. With a wealth of experience spanning over 25 years in industrial leadership, Redford is set to lead the charge in implementing A-SAFE’s go-to-market strategy and boosting revenue across Canada. Known for driving profitable sales growth in diverse markets and with a strong commitment to workplace efficiency and safety, Redford is wellpositioned to steer A-SAFE’s Canadian operations toward continued success. www.asafe.com
The new version of the app now also includes a function for determining the safety clearance to the danger area in accordance with EN ISO 13855. Thanks to the intuitive user interface, all essential data can be easily captured and the calculated results retrieved. The app also suggests specific products from the Schmersal range: A single click takes the directly to the corresponding product in the Schmersal online catalogue.
The ‘SLC Assist’ app from Schmersal is available for Android and iOS devices.
Contact: Steve Watkins, Marketing Manager T 01684 571987 swatkins@schmersal.com www.schmersal.co.uk
Self-contained emergency showers
Aqua Safety Showers are a major UK manufacturer of self-contained safety showers. These vital pieces of site equipment help your staff, contractors and visitors stay safe from the effects of harmful chemicals in emergency situations. Our emergency showers are ideal for any location, even sites without suitable plumbing.
Built to withstand robust conditions and designed to be highly visible day or night, a self-contained emergency shower gives you peace of mind that you are meeting with the required health and safety regulations. A self-contained emergency shower will deliver tepid water continuously, allowing full-body rinsing. Many optional extras available to suit site requirements.
contained eyewash stations for emergency eye washing.
Explore our full range of products on this website and please feel free to contact our team if you have
a technical or product selection question or would like a quote.
We also offer a range of self-
Get in touch today via: sales@aqua-safety.com or call 01942 318096.
Arboricultural Consultancy of the Month
Beyond the bark: Science-led arboricultural solutions that deliver results
In
this issue of Business & Industry Today, we are delighted to feature Professor Shearbomb Ltd as our Arboricultural
Consultancy of the Month
Professor Shearbomb Ltd is a leading arboricultural consultancy based in the Southwest of England. The company name honours founder Phil Johnson’s expertise and a memorable moment at the Visual Tree Assessment Seminar in Germany, where Dr Professor Claus Mattheck, a global authority in tree biomechanics, affectionately dubbed him ‘Prof Shearbomb’.
With over 15 years of industry experience, Professor Shearbomb Ltd blends cutting-edge science with practical arboricultural solutions. The consultancy specialises in providing bespoke tree risk management and preservation strategies for private landowners, local authorities, and commercial clients.
Phil explains, “Our expertise lies in saving large, valuable trees through Internal Tree Inspections. We use stateof-the-art tools such as the PiCUS 3 Sonic Tomograph, PiCUS TreeTronic 3 Electrical Resistance Tomograph, and the IML Resi-PD400 Microdrill. These allow us to assess a tree’s internal condition with minimal damage, helping clients make informed decisions about actual tree risk and safe tree retention.”
By using this advanced technology, Professor Shearbomb
Ltd can see beyond the bark, assessing internal decay, structural weaknesses, and early-stage rot long before they become visible externally. This science-led approach not only prevents unnecessary tree removals but also ensures that trees posing a real risk are identified and managed appropriately.
With increasing environmental concerns and poor urban tree establishment rates, saving mature trees is more critical than ever. Large trees provide unmatched ecological benefits, from carbon sequestration to biodiversity support and urban cooling.
As Phil points out, “The reality is that retaining one healthy, mature tree safely can prevent the need to plant a thousand saplings down the line. Most newly planted urban trees fail within the first five years, so keeping established trees standing is one of the most effective ways to combat climate change.”
Beyond their aesthetic and environmental value, trees provide tangible benefits to human health and well-being. They act as natural air filters, improving air quality by absorbing pollutants, and have been shown to reduce stress and enhance mental health in urban environments. Additionally, the cooling effect of trees helps to mitigate the urban heat island effect, reducing energy costs by providing shade and lowering temperatures. These combined benefits highlight the importance
of preserving large trees wherever possible.
In addition to consultancy services, Professor Shearbomb Ltd is spearheading industry-wide education on these tree assessment techniques. The team is developing a specialist training programme, ensuring that arborists, landowners, and decision-makers understand how to use assessment tools effectively. By promoting the adoption of evidence-based evaluations, they aim to make a lasting impact on arboriculture.
Professor Shearbomb Ltd is actively engaging with industry professionals, attending global trade shows, and contributing to discussions on best practices in tree management. The company is committed to raising awareness of internal tree inspection methods and their crucial role in sustainable arboriculture.
For expert tree management solutions and to explore how science-led assessments can protect valuable trees on your land, contact Professor Shearbomb Ltd today.
M 07792 173372
phil.johnson@shearbomb.com www.shearbomb.com
Business & Franchising
The International Franchise Show 2025: Find your dream franchise
Following the overwhelming success of the 2024 edition, the International Franchise Show is set to return to London’s Excel on the 11th and 12th of April 2025. This year, the event promises to be bigger, more dynamic, and even more engaging as we continue to lead the way in the global franchising industry.
In 2024, we welcomed a record-breaking 11,474 attendees and saw a remarkable 91% of exhibitors rebook for 2025, highlighting the event’s essential role as the premier platform for franchising professionals. Our unique ability to bring together franchisors, investors, and industry leaders to network, collaborate, and share knowledge has made the International Franchise Show the must-attend event of the year.
Highlights for 2025:
1. Biggest Ever Seen Exhibitor Showcase – In response to growing demand, the 2025 show will feature an even larger and more diverse range of exhibitors from a wide variety of industries. With opportunities spanning food, retail, home services, and beyond, attendees will be able to explore all of the most new and exciting franchise opportunities from around the world.
Franchise Association (IFA), we are forging new relationships with key industry players across Europe, North America, and Asia. The result will be even greater opportunities for networking, crossborder collaboration, and international growth.
3. Expert Seminars and Keynotes – The 2025 show will feature even more valuable learning experiences with expert-led seminars and keynote presentations from entrepreneurs like Lucy Campbell, CEO of Right at Home UK, and Siobhan Percy, Head of Marketing at XplorerGroup. Renowned franchising professionals, successful entrepreneurs, and industry thought leaders will share their insights on topics such as scaling a franchise, navigating legal challenges, the future of franchise technology, and more. The IFA will once again host high-impact sessions designed to equip both new and experienced franchisees with the tools they need for success.
2. International Partnerships and Networking – We are excited to announce that we will be expanding our global reach in 2025. In addition to our longstanding partnership with the International
4. Interactive Features and Live Demos – Our commitment to innovation continues with the introduction of interactive features and live demonstrations, offering attendees the opportunity to get hands-on experience with the latest franchise products, services, and technologies. From virtual reality walkthroughs to live cooking demos from top food franchise brands, the 2025 show will be an immersive experience like never before.
Tell Money supports Griffin’s launch as UK bank
Tell Money, a leading fintech open banking provider, is set to play a crucial role in the launch and growth of Griffin Bank, a new UK Bank established to help companies build and launch financial products, following their $24 million funding round and attainment of a full banking licence. Leveraging its state-of-the-art tell.gateway service, tell. money will support Griffin by providing essential compliance and open banking capabilities, driving innovation and growth in the dynamic fintech landscape.
As a key player in the open ecosystem, tell.money ensures that Griffin adheres to the PSD2 legislation, which mandates secure and standardised easy to integrate access to financial data for third-party providers. With its cutting-edge gateway service,
tell.money streamlines regulatory complexities, allowing Griffin to focus on platform development and providing exceptional financial services to its customers.
tell.gateway enables the seamless integration of PSD2-compliant APIs into any account provider (ASPSP).
This means that Griffin can effortlessly enable Third Party Providers (TPPs) to integrate open banking services, enhancing the overall user experience and functionality of their platform.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Griffin and support their remarkable growth in the BaaS market,” said David Monty, tell.money CEO. “Through our tell.gateway service and strategic partnerships, we are able to empower Griffin with open banking compliance, seamless integration, and operational support as a service, enabling them to focus on driving innovation and delivering exceptional solutions for their clients.”
As tell.money continues to empower innovation in the fintech industry, its collaboration with Griffin reaffirms its commitment to customer-centric open banking and the open ecosystem.
www.tell.money
5. Networking Opportunities – With more exhibitors, more visitors, and an expanded agenda, the networking potential at the International Franchise Show 2025 will be unparalleled. New networking zones, private meeting areas, and exclusive business matchmaking sessions will make it easier than ever to meet the right people and form longlasting partnerships.
As always, the International Franchise Show remains dedicated to uniting the global franchising community. In 2025, we will continue to facilitate collaborations that drive growth, share valuable insights, and foster an environment where franchisors and franchisees alike can thrive. With a growing focus on sustainability, innovation, and diversity, the 2025 edition promises to be an even more forward-thinking event that reflects the evolving landscape of the franchise industry.
Mark your calendars now for the 2025 edition of the International Franchise Show on April 11th and 12th at the Excel London. Whether you’re looking to invest in a franchise, expand your business, or simply gain insights into the franchising world, the show is the place to be.
GET YOUR FREE TICKET HERE: www.thefranchiseshow.co.uk
New event launched funding scheme
The University of Roehampton and BIG South London hosted an event that introduced an Innovation Voucher funding scheme to help businesses work with academic experts to achieve their business goals.
The Innovation Vouchers, worth up to £5k, enabled businesses and charities to work with an academic researcher from the University of Roehampton on a specific project of key importance to their growth. This could be anything from market research or product development and testing to marketing, strategy development or research assistance.
The event was an opportunity for businesses and charities to hear from other organisations and academics that have successfully undertaken an Innovation Voucher project and its benefits and be matched with academic experts who most closely map to their business requirements.
Paul Kirkbright, South London Partnership and BIG South London, says, “Businesses can gain so much
knowledge and value from working with a university. At this event, we aimed to create connections, spark collaborations, and demonstrate with practical case studies how voucher funding can be used. If you’re a local organisation which has never had the opportunity to engage with the University of Roehampton, I would urge you to find out more.”
The scheme was open to businesses and charities in any sector, with focuses on mental and physical health and wellbeing, business sustainability and growth and green skills and the built environment.
www.big-knowledge.co.uk
Global Machinery Solutions
Global Machinery Solutions has been providing high-quality machinery across the UK, Ireland and Europe for more than 20 years.
The company was originally established as BE Recycling Ltd in 2004 as the UK-appointed distributor for Bandit Industries selling the beast recyclers, woodchippers and stump grinders – with approved sub-dealers in Europe.
It joined the Buckle family’s Heathpatch group in 2006 as Global Recycling Solutions and has since grown to be one of the most trusted and reliable distributors of specialist machinery to the forestry, recycling, construction, aggregates and confidential shredding industries.
The Long Bennington depot is home to a large parts warehouse with more than £2m worth of stock, which helps engineers to repair machines even more quickly. Plus, customers can buy parts online and either have them delivered or collect them from the trade counter.
There’s been a particular focus on the forestry industry recently with Global now offering a wide range of woodchippers, stump grinders from Bandit, Pezzolato, Pronar and Jo Beau. The team is also keen to showcase the versatility of construction and recycling machines and how they can be used as part of certain woodland operations.
Within the construction world, Global distributes SANY’s range of excavators, telehandlers and other roadwork machinery. Excavators are ideal for forestry management, and Global has been working with tree professionals to demonstrate their capabilities –particularly in the confines of a densely wooded area.
tonnes per month. Managing Director, Paul Boyle, said, “We’re an important cog in the growing construction and recycling sectors so having the right equipment is extremely important. I am delighted how Global Machinery Solutions have helped us achieve this with our shredder and excavator – and grateful for their continued support.”
Meeting people, chatting to them and demonstrating how their wide range of machines can benefit businesses and individuals is another big focus for Global and each year the team hits the road to attend various events.
After a rebrand to Global Machinery Solutions in 2022, the company is now the only UK-approved distributor for a range of world-renowned brands, including Bandit, Jo Beau, Norwood, Frontier, Pezzolato and Anaconda. It’s also a dealer for leading excavating and recycling machinery manufacturers SANY and Pronar.
Customers range from sole traders to major European infrastructure companies and there’s a huge emphasis on looking after them before, during and after they invest in a new machine.
Global has a centrally-located depot in Long Bennington, Nottinghamshire – and another in Mildenhall, Suffolk – meaning the team is accessible from all corners of the UK & engineers are never too far away to assist when needed.
The shift towards sustainability has seen a surge in the sawmill market too and Global has seen an increase in professionals and hobbyists enquiring about the Norwood and Frontier sawmills so they can process their own timber.
One customer who’s benefitted from Global’s forestry expertise is Suffolk farmer Mick Murfitt. He now owns an excavator, woodchipper and sawmill to manage his 65 acre woodland and producing timber for his own fencing and outbuildings.
They’re already gearing up for a packed show season and taking various state-of-theart machines from Bandit, SANY, Jo Beau, and Pezzolato to industry-leading forestry, landscaping, recycling and construction exhibitions.
Mick said, “The excavator, sawmill and woodchipper are now fundamental in my operations. I had never milled or processed wood before I met Global Machinery Solutions’ Andy Dudley – and without his advice and onsite demonstrations, I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish what I’ve done on the farm. His knowledge is exceptional, and I can’t thank him enough.”
Recycling machines, which are widely used by skip hire businesses for example, are also useful for the forestry industry to shred and repurpose green waste, rather than taking it to landfill.
Freedom Recycling’s investment in a new Pronar shredder and SANY excavator has seen its wood and waste processing capability increase to 700
Global Machinery Solutions is incredibly proud of the industry reputation it has achieved. It hopes to continue its outstanding level of growth and aspires to become one of the best-known machinery distributers across the industries it supplies, while creating significant employment opportunities.
Machines are available for sale or to hire.
For more on specific machines, click the photo. T +44 (0)1476 568384 sales@globalmachinerysolutions.co.uk www.globalmachinerysolutions.co.uk
Bandit 12XPC woodchipper
Norwood LumberMax HD38 sawmill
Bandit SG-40 stump grinder
Pronar PRO S.1 recycling shredder
Mick Murfitt with his SANY SY50U excavator
Freedom Recycling’s MRW 2.85G recycling shredder
Land, Leisure & Tourism Show Review – Top Exhibitors
Are you a holiday park owner, rural business leader, or leisure attraction manager looking to innovate and grow your business? The Land Leisure and Tourism Show, the UK’s premier event dedicated to rural businesses, holiday parks, and tourism, returned to Birmingham’s NEC from 6-7 November 2024.
This year was the most exciting yet, offering an unmissable platform for networking, learning, and discovering the latest industry innovations.
This show was designed to empower businesses in the land, leisure, and tourism sectors with practical tools and actionable insights to drive growth and success. Whether seasoned professional or new to the industry, the Land Leisure and Tourism Show offered a diverse and dynamic environment where fresh ideas, new suppliers, and expert knowledge came together to help unlock potential.
Spanning two major zones, Holiday Park, Resorts, Food and Beverage, and Family Attractions,
Unlock growth
the event brought together a broad spectrum of exhibitors showcasing everything from interior furnishings to cutting-edge ticketing software. This was the chance to connect with top suppliers, discover innovative products, and explore the latest solutions tailored to enhance guest experiences and streamline operations.
In addition to the exhibition, the show featured over 40 expert-led seminars and workshops across two theatres: the Maxxton Theatre and the Hoseasons/Cottages.com Theatre. These sessions were tailored to provide attendees with insights and practical knowledge to help businesses in the land, leisure, and tourism sectors grow and thrive.
These were some of the must-attend sessions:
● WR Partners delivered an essential seminar on tax efficiency for diversified rural businesses. Topics included inheritance tax, VAT implications, and capital allowances, ensuring attendees are equipped to manage their finances more effectively.
● Alton Towers’ Social Media Editor hosted a hands-on workshop on creating compelling
short-form video content for social media. Visitors could bring their footage to the session and leave with a ready-to-post video highlighting their business’ unique selling points.
● WebBox Digital expert Sean Giles shared his insights in a session titled ‘25 Must-Haves for Leisure and Tourism Websites in 2025’. With more than 15 years of experience in digital marketing, Giles offered practical strategies to boost a website’s performance and increase conversion rates.
Land, Leisure & Tourism Show returns to Birmingham’s NEC from 5-6 November 2026. This is our pick of the best exhibitors from last year’s show, listed here in alphabetical order: Citation, Gailarde, Go Zero, ICE Trikes, Igne, LeisureBench, Outdoor Play UK, ParcVu Systems, Quintas Cleantech, Technical Outdoor Solutions & Up Acre. Further details can be found on this page and the next five.
www.lltshow.com
Land, Leisure & Tourism Show Review – Top Exhibitors
Booking Experts and ParcVu: A new powerhouse in holiday park management
Here at ParcVu, we are thrilled to share some exciting news. We have recently forged a valuable partnership with Booking Experts, a prominent provider of software services to the Hospitality sector in Europe. This collaboration is set to bring about groundbreaking developments in the world of holiday parks, offering an enhanced and innovative experience for our customers.
Unleashing new market opportunities
Booking Experts brings to the table a cutting-edge bookings platform, coupled with top-tier CMS, marketing, and payment solutions that seamlessly complement the existing offerings of ParcVu. Their wealth of knowledge and expertise in the hospitality industry across Europe presents a tremendous opportunity for both new and existing ParcVu customers, enabling us to unlock fresh market potential and reach new heights of success.
Elevating customer solutions
The investment made by Booking Experts into ParcVu is poised to elevate our existing range of solutions, allowing us to provide our UK customers with more advanced and accelerated results.
This means an even more efficient and effective approach to delivering value for our clients. Experience the enhanced solutions firsthand by getting in touch with ParcVu today!
Leadership and continuity
In the midst of this exciting development, it’s important to note that the ParcVu leadership team will continue to steer the ship in the UK, remaining deeply invested in the company. With the support of Booking Experts as our trusted partner, we are poised to maintain and build upon the successes achieved in recent years, ensuring a seamless continuity of service and innovation. Stay connected with us as we evolve and grow!
A future of technological advancement
As we embark on this new journey, we are eagerly looking forward to harnessing our combined strengths and expertise to deliver the most comprehensive and technologically advanced platform for holiday parks in the UK and Europe. This partnership represents the dawn of an exhilarating new chapter – the convergence of Booking Experts and ParcVu is set to drive a significant transformation in the holiday park sector.
Join ParcVu Booking Experts on the journey
We are thrilled to be at the forefront of this revolution, & we invite you to join us on this incredible journey as we pave the way for a new era in the world of holiday parks. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to push boundaries, innovate, and redefine the holiday park experience. Get in touch with us to learn more about this exciting partnership and the future of ParcVu and Booking Experts!
Is it better than the competition?
With this merger, Booking Experts & ParcVu have become one of the strongest solutions in the UK market. Get in touch with us to find out what we can do for your business – and you decide.
T 01244 661777
info@parcvu.com www.parcvu.com
Building exceptional outdoor spaces for businesses
Since 2001, LeisureBench has been a trusted provider for businesses across diverse sectors to design, manufacture, and install high-quality outdoor furniture that inspires comfortable & sustainable spaces.
From bespoke pieces to ready-to-go options, we manage every detail from start to finish, making the whole process smooth and stress-free for you and your team.
Sustainability is a core pillar of LeisureBench’s business. We believe that great furniture should not only look good but also do good for the planet. That’s why we’re proud to be certified by the Fore Stewardship Council (FSC), ensuring that all the timber we use is sourced responsibly from forests managed for sustainability. We also offer a range of eco-friendly products made from recycled plastic, reducing waste and supporting a circular economy. By choosing LeisureBench, you’re not
only enhancing your outdoor spaces but also making a positive impact on the environment.
At LeisureBench, we’re committed to quality and reliability – our design-led, budget-friendly furniture is built to last, while our delivery and installation team get it right every time.
Our services include:
Design
Manufacturing
Bespoke
Installation
Project Management
Let’s start designing your outdoor space today! Email:
Land, Leisure & Tourism Show Review – Top Exhibitors
Slash your water bills
The borehole solution for landowners and leisure businesses
With water bills set to rise again in April, many landowners and leisure businesses are bracing for yet another hit to the bottom line. But what if you could cut those costs dramatically without sacrificing water supply? That’s exactly what we demonstrated at the Land, Leisure and Tourism Show, where one visitor walked away with a £22,000 saving on his annual water bill.
His business was using 50 cubic metres of water per day, a huge cost when reliant on a mains supply. By installing a water borehole for him, we enabled him to extract the maximum allowed without requiring an abstraction licence, covering 40% of his water needs effectively for free.
The result? Instant savings, long-term security, and no need to fear future price hikes.
If your business relies on large volumes of water – whether for holiday parks, golf courses, farming, or hospitality perhaps –you’re literally pouring money down the drain by relying on mains water. We’ve been drilling and maintaining private water supplies for decades, helping businesses like yours take control of their water costs.
Why private boreholes make financial sense for high water users:
● Massive savings – we can calculate exactly how much you’ll save and when your investment will be cost-neutral.
● End-to-end service – from feasibility assessments and drilling to filtration, maintenance, and compliance, we handle everything for you.
● Nationwide coverage – whether you’re in Cornwall, Carmarthen, Cumbria or the Cairngorms, (or anywhere in between!), we drill, install and maintain boreholes across the entire UK.
Worried about upfront costs?
We understand investing in a borehole might seem like a big step. But when you’re
haemorrhaging money on water bills, doing nothing is the costliest decision of all. With mains water prices only going one way, a borehole gives you stability, independence, and long-term savings.
Ready to take control of your water costs?
If you’re fed up with rising bills and want to know if a borehole could work for your business, let’s have a chat. No jargon, no pressure, just clear, honest advice on whether a borehole is the right decision, and if so, how much you could save with a private supply.
Talk to our borehole experts at Igne today. Your future self (and your bank balance) will thank you.
T 01544 267980 hello@igne.com www.igne.com/water-wells
Land, Leisure & Tourism Show Review –
Gailarde: A trusted supplier of textiles & homeware for the leisure sector
Gailarde has been supplying highquality textiles and homeware to the hospitality sector for over 40 years.
As a family-run business, they take pride in delivering exceptional service, making procurement seamless for their customers. Their core product collections include bedding, linen and towelling and in recent years they have expanded into the provision of homeware, including inventory packs, soft furnishings and furniture.
Understanding the challenges of managing multi-site operations,
Gailarde offers tailored solutions to ensure consistency, quality, and value across all accommodation levels – from independent holiday parks to luxury resorts. Their inventory packs, bespoke welcome kits and brand-standard collections simplify the sourcing of essentials.
As proud members of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association and the UK Housekeepers Association, they are committed to industry excellence. With global purchasing power, they offer competitive prices, while their sustainability credentials – including a Gold EcoVadis rating – demonstrate their commitment to responsible sourcing. Their UK-based distribution centre ensures fast, reliable nationwide service.
Gailarde helps businesses simplify procurement with high-quality products, competitive pricing, and sustainable solutions. To learn more, contact Head of Hospitality, Lesley Twinn, at: lesley@gailarde.com or call 07483 044012.
Expert ropes course construction, training & inspection
As a specialist outlet for outdoor centres, Technical Outdoor Solutions provide rope course construction, training, technical advice and equipment for the outdoor industry, as well as inspections for all PPE and Ropes Course facilities.
For over 20 years, Technical Outdoor Solutions has been a leader in designing and building adventures in the outdoor and ropes course industries. Its expert team delivers personalised, highquality services, from bespoke designs and detailed concept drawings to construction using the latest materials.
Named a European Ropes Course Association (ERCA) certified training and inspection body, Technical Outdoor Solutions has partnered with adventure parks, holiday parks, local authorities, recreational businesses, schools, landowners, individuals, educational centres, and the Armed Forces.
Technical Outdoor Solutions specialises in sport and work-at-height equipment, turning your bespoke ideas into reality. Whether you need a low ropes course, assault course, zip wires, high ropes course, giant swings, jump bags, or
more, its team delivers tailored solutions to meet your needs.
Be sure to check the website for the latest training courses available throughout 2025. These include Operational Inspection and Maintenance Course (OIMC), PPE Inspector Course, and ERCA Traditional High Ropes Instructor and Generic Rescue Combined.
Outdoor Play UK is a family run business who love to design and manufacture innovative and unique wooden playground equipment. We offer an inhouse service from concept to installation to meet any bespoke requirements for our clients.
Alongside this we have a comprehensive range of standard products for all ages and abilities that are themed or traditional in design and function. From combine harvesters to giant creatures, to tractors, trains and boats, all of any size we can provide a solution to your play area needs.
Using PEFC laminated timbers and other high-quality materials to enhance the aesthetic and durability of our products we have a proven track record across all market sectors within the UK.
Please visit: www.outdoorplayuk. co.uk to find out more about our services and products, from there feel free to connect with us to arrange a free no obligation design and consultancy experience with our knowledgeable sales and design team. Alternatively, please call us on 01803 814523 to begin your journey with us.
Land, Leisure & Tourism Show Review – Top Exhibitors
Get ahead of the Employment Rights Bill
On 10th October 2024, the government published the Employment Rights Bill laying out the first wave of Employment Law reforms they’ve proposed. This has been called “the biggest upgrade to rights at work for a generation”, and, sitting at 158 pages, includes a lot that you need to prepare for. But there are a few that might have a greater impact on your business, so the experts at our partner Citation have broken down a few of the more important ones that you need to know about.
Day one unfair dismissal rights
Labour are removing the two year qualifying period for the right to make an unfair dismissal claim – it’ll now be a right from day one. You can still use probationary periods but you’ll need to follow a fair and transparent process and prove a fair reason for dismissal.
● What now? Review your contracts, especially the probation and dismissal procedures to make sure they’re compliant. These amendments might be best done by a professional, and advice may be needed to navigate the increased risks of short service dismissals.
Tackling harassment
On 26th October 2024, the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 came into force, and employers now have a duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment. The Employment Rights Bill extends this to include ‘all’ reasonable steps, and now includes an extra duty to prevent third party harassment too.
● What now? Review your policies, risk
assessments and training – and click here to download our full Worker Protection Act guide
Changes to Statutory Sick Pay
Labour have committed to scrapping the lower earnings limit requirement and 3 day waiting periods for SSP making SSP payable from the first day of sickness absence.
● What now? These changes will increase the cost of sickness absence, and you’ll need to review your absence management processes to ensure you have robust systems in place to manage sickness absence levels within your business.
Of course, this hardly scrapes the surface of the change you need to be ready for, but it’s important that you’re proactively adapting to change so you can secure your future. If you’re struggling to stay on top of it all, call our advice line on: 0161 504 0843 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday for free, confidential advice that puts you first.
www.citation.co.uk
Land, Leisure & Tourism Show Review – Top
Hotels reap benefits of EV charging with Go Zero
Charging provider Go Zero is helping hotels across the UK attract EV drivers and unlock new revenue streams by providing intelligent, reliable and convenient charging solutions.
With over 1.4 million fully electric vehicles now on UK roads, the demand for convenient hotel charging has never been higher. On-site charging facilities save EV drivers a trip to a public charge point, making charging more convenient and hassle-free and giving them a better overall guest experience. Go Zero’s pre-bookable charging provides peace of mind, encouraging repeat visits and boosting guest satisfaction.
Andy Gray, chief revenue officer at Go Zero, said, “As EV driver numbers grow ever higher, charging
Future proof the farm
Up Acre helps farmers diversify unproductive and marginal land without fees, subscriptions, or hassle. Secure your farm’s future in minutes at: www.Up-Acre.co.uk
is becoming as essential as Wi-Fi. Reliable, convenient charging enhances the guest experience, can boost occupancy rates, and is a
key differentiator in a competitive market.”
Go Zero works with the whole spectrum of hotels – from big names like Holiday Inn Express, Crowne Plaza and voco, to boutique properties including The Dial House Hotel in Bourton-on-theWater and The Chequers at Burcot. The charging provider’s diverse client base demonstrates the versatility of its charging solutions.
With sustainability a growing priority, Go Zero helps hotels meet demand, improve guest experience, and progress towards any environmental targets.
Discover more at: www.gozerocharge.com
Good solar farm design gives birdlife a boost
Green energy is booming in the UK as the government strives to meet its commitment to net zero by 2050. Despite this, public myths persist about the negative consequences of renewables, chief among them being concerns over the impact on local wildlife.
options include dual use land with solar panels providing shade for crops or livestock, known as agrivoltaics.
The budget is proving to be a challenge for landowners across the UK. Many worried farmers are looking to diversify their land to protect the future of their farms and businesses. Introducing Up Acre, one of the UK’s most advanced land diversification websites. Helping advise farmers with the best options available. Only ever working with marginal or unproductive land.
How it works:
● Visit: www.up-acre.co.uk enter your postcode, and draw your land with the mapping tool
● After analysing millions of data points, you can pick options specifically suited to your land.
● Click apply for the option you like
● This books you a call with a member of their expert team who will get the ball rolling for you.
Up Acre believes diversification should support farming, not replace it – ensuring farms run for another generation, not just another year.
No fees. No subscriptions. No hassle. Get started today at: www.up-acre.co.uk –alternatively, for any questions or just a chat, you can email: info@up-acre.co.uk or call 0203 941 7069.
At their best, solar energy projects benefit all stakeholders – including the local ecosystem. This is why at Quintas Cleantech we develop solar projects in partnership with landowners and communities, designed to exist in harmony with their surroundings – not only by minimising the impact of construction but also through features that enhance biodiversity, like seeding wild plants to attract pollinating insects and the birds that feed on them. Other design
This approach was vindicated recently in a study by the RSPB and University of Cambridge, which found that well-designed UK solar farms actively encourage birdlife, including threatened species. Co-author, Dr Catherine Waite, said, “If you manage solar energy production in a certain way, not only are you providing clean energy but benefitting biodiversity.” Quintas Cleantech is determined to stay at the forefront of UK solar development in tune with nature.
Learn more at: www.quintasenergy.com/ cleantech/development-uk
ICE Trikes: A new accessible exciting cycling experience
Hand built in Britain, ICE Trikes was one of our Top Exhibitors from Land, Leisure & Tourism Show 2024, where they showcased their innovative, superb performance recumbent trikes.
Trikes offer a comfortable, safe, and stable cycling experience, making them an excellent addition to any fleet. Their accessibility ensures that guests or visitors who may struggle with traditional bikes can still enjoy the ride. Whether you run a holiday park or a cycle hire business, ICE Trikes offer the perfect way for your customers to explore the outdoors – whether it’s a leisurely countryside ride or an exhilarating journey
through forest trails. With comfortable, accessible seating, user-friendly controls, and a sleek yet rugged design, these trikes are a valuable addition to your fleet.
Recumbent trike cycling can be incredible fun, especially if you were to take a ride on the VTX –officially the fastest trike in the world! Offer your guests a unique cycling experience they will simply love.
Contact Phil at ICE for more details.
T 01326 378848 philz@icetrikes.co www.icetrikes.co
Spotlight on Quirepace: Supplier and manufacturer of innovative products to industry
Quirepace is an SME manufacturer and supplier specialising in supplying niche equipment to primarily industrial and healthcare customers.
Portable Industrial Vacuum Cleaners
Under the BVC – British Vacuum Cleaners –brand, Quirepace specialise in manufacturing Industrial Vacuum Cleaners for industry. The BVC brand is best known for the heavy-duty UK manufactured units that deliver the best of traditional, solid, British manufacturing and engineering.
In the industrial workplace, hazards from dusts and spilled product fall into two distinct categories; the first is dusts that are hazardous to health. This category includes obvious products like asbestos and silica dust, but any dust that can be breathed in by the operator or other personnel in the workplace is likely to be hazardous to health to a degree. Industrial Vacuum Cleaners with M-Class and H-Class filtration ensure hazardous dusts are appropriately handled when being recovered.
The second category is dusts that are hazardous in the environment. The obvious category is dusts that can potentially cause an explosive atmosphere, particularly organic products like sugar and flour. Some products fall in to both categories such as wood dusts, which are both hazardous to health and potentially explosive. ATEX rated Industrial Vacuum Cleaners must be specified for use in ATEX zones.
Exhausters and Blowers
At the heart of most of the BVC range of Industrial Vacuum Cleaners is a BVC multi-stage turbine manufactured here in the UK at Fareham. Quirepace also supply a range of side-channel exhausters and blowers manufactured in Italy by Esam.
Together, the UK manufactured BVC multistage units plus the Esam side channel machines offer a range of units to satisfy every potential requirement for the supply of both positive and negative pressure air to industrial manufacturers and processors.
The choice of which type is more appropriate for the application depends to some extent whether it is more important to maintain either a consistent pressure, or a consistent air flow as demand changes; a side channel will tend to vary the pressure against any resistance to maintain a constant flow, whereas a BVC multistage unit will tend to vary the flow to maintain a constant pressure. Quirepace’s expert sales team can guide the user towards the most appropriate solution.
Central Vacuum Cleaning Systems
BVC Multistage vacuum pumps are ideal for smaller centralised vacuum cleaning installations. Typically these will have 2-3 simultaneous operators and a fixed pipework network distributed around the facility to serve the various use locations.
Quirepace design and build central vacuum cleaning systems up to around 30kW, with configurations for hazardous dusts and ATEX environments. A wide range of hoses and tools is available to suit all requirements.
Pneumatic Tube Systems
Pneumatic tube systems are the best solution for moving small payloads up to around 3kg quickly between multiple locations within a facility. In industry, the principal use for Quirepace pneumatic tube systems is to transport samples for
QC testing from the production floor to the on-site laboratory or testing location.
A range of different systems is offered to meet all possible requirements, from the simplest pointto-point ‘Diana’ system, to complex computercontrolled networks. Tube sizes range from 60mm to 200mm, with 75, 110, and 160mm diameters being the most common sizes.
Using a pneumatic tube system for rapid transportation of small payloads, is not only efficient, it also enhances health and safety by removing the requirement for people to walk samples through production areas.
Garment and PPE Dispensing and Tracking Equipment
Utilising a similar RFID tracking system to that used in Pneumatic Tube Systems and with other technological synergies as industrial electromechanical equipment, this new range of equipment in the Quirepace portfolio is designed to dispense, track and recover garments, items of PPE and indeed, anything else to which an RFID tag can be attached.
The system consists of dispensers, retrieval units and a robust software system that tracks every item as it is dispensed to individual users allowing managers to know at any time how many garments or items of PPE are in circulation, who has them, how long they have had them and when they have been returned.
UNISIG’s approach to automating surgical instrument manufacturing
As surgical instrument manufacturers pursue greater throughput while facing increased labour costs, automating the medical instrument manufacturing process has become a necessity. However, integrating automation into the gundrilling process for drilling deep holes in extremely precise surgical instruments in lights-out operation is a major engineering challenge requiring more than simply pairing a robot with a deep-hole drilling machine.
The right machine, tools and process must all come together to create small holes with extreme precision in difficult-to-machine materials such as titanium and surgical stainless steel. More importantly, the entire system must flow from a unified concept where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
To meet these challenges, UNISIG developed its UNE6-2i-750-CR dual independent spindle gundrilling machine. The UNE6-2i is capable of gundrilling hole diameters ranging from 0.8-6mm in part lengths measuring up to 30 inches with depth-to-diameter ratios from 20:1 to more than 100:1. The machine has a maximum combined drilling speed of 28,000rpm and a 3,000psi (207) bar programmable flow-based coolant system with dedicated pumps for each spindle to ensure precise coolant pressure control.
Automating hundreds of cycles of precision manufacturing, however, is not possible unless the overall operation is considered from the outset. Surgical instrument manufacturing is a sequential process: parts must be loaded into the machine in a particular way for specific operations that happen in a specific order.
Workpiece length, shape and configuration determine
where it is gripped by the robot when loaded into a machine, moved from spindle to spindle for drilling, residual cutting fluid removed, & returned to the pallet. Where a part is gripped impacts where it is clamped for drilling to ensure accuracy. Every variable along the process chain must be considered and accounted for, and the
calculus is detailed and complicated.
Then there are unique customer needs and requirements. The equipment and process must accommodate a variety of part families and hundreds of parts to increase runtime and efficiency. Operators must be able to change over part types and programming without calling in an automation specialist, and the entire process must be controlled from a central interface. Add to the mix that everything must be packaged in as small a footprint as possible, and the scope of the engineering challenge comes into focus.
UNISIG’s approach to solving these problems, however, results in targeted automation that enhances the existing benefits of gundrilling, ensuring a solid foundation for reliable process-wide automation.
At its core, the automated UNE6-2i is a purposebuilt machine with automation embedded in its design, not added as an afterthought. Flexibility and adaptability are maximised by a harmonious, interdependent mechanical, software and operational planning scheme.
To meet size constraints, a 6-axis robot was embedded in the machine with a pallet system on the backside of the machine, allowing easy operator access from the front to setup the machine without compromising ergonomics. The configuration enables quick setup changes between prototype and proving operations and full production runs.
The robot automatically repositions the workpiece from the front of the first spindle into the rear of the second spindle without operator input. The process of drilling a part from both ends in a single-piece flow is unique to UNISIG. Workpieces with enlarged features on one side are loaded from the rear of the collet, solving a common problem in gundrilling medical surgical instruments with full automation.
Control of the UNE6-2i and a computer are consolidated into the Human Machine Interface (HMI), a menudriven touch screen system for easy, intuitive operation. Training and operator engagement with the system is significantly reduced due to user-friendly UNISIG controller menus and prompts.
UNISIG’s comprehensive and integrated approach to automating medical part manufacturing is a vision that sets it apart in the industry. It’s more than drilling the impossible hole. It’s a commitment to understanding and to the research that drives continuous improvement and innovation for automated part production at its full potential.
Further information on all machines and the complete UNISIG machine program is available at: www.unisig.com or follow the company on LinkedIn and Twitter (@UNISIG). You will also meet us at the EMO 2024 show in Hannover, Germany, from 22-26 September.
Environmental Integrated Solutions Ltd (EIS): VOC Abatement and Odour Control Systems
CECO Environmental (EIS) provides market-leading solutions such as VOC abatement, odour control and acid gas removal for industrial applications requiring air pollution control. Offering turnkey solutions, EIS offers comprehensive, compliant solutions across the global industrial sector. With all eyes on air quality, EIS is dedicated to safer, cleaner solutions to protect people, the planet and industrial equipment. The sales and design offices are based in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, with equipment manufactured globally. EIS was formed in 2005 by four experienced colleagues who had worked together within the abatement industry for many years.
Favourable acquisition
In 2020, EIS was acquired by CECO Environmental: A global player serving industrial air, industrial water and energy transitions markets through engineered systems and industrial process solutions headquartered in Dallas, USA. CECO Environmental has industrial expertise dating back over 150 years and now across more than 40 countries. In January this year, CECO Environmental was ranked 20 on the prestigious Forbes 2024 list of America’s Most Successful Small-Cap Companies. CECO Environmental works actively to optimise air quality and the energy value chain through bespoke solutions for petrochemical processing, power generation, refining, midstream oil & gas, EV production, general industrial, poly silicon fabrication, battery recycling, water/wastewater treatment and much more.
This acquisition has further leveraged CECO’s North American supply chain for EIS and given CECO access to the European production partners through EIS. This consolidates EIS as a UK hub for CECO’s industrial solutions, allowing for a greater push across European industrial markets.
Spotlight on EIS
EIS operates as a worldwide solutions provider in air pollution control, specialising in turnkey VOC abatement, odour control and air pollution control systems. The best solutions are selected for air pollution control applications from our range of technologies available.
These include:
● Regenerative Oxidisers (RTO)
● Recuperative Oxidisers
● Direct Fired Thermal Oxidisers (DFTO)
● Catalytic Oxidisers
● Zeolite Concentrators
● Carbon Adsorption Systems
● Dust Extraction & Air Filtration Systems
● Heat Recovery Systems
● Ductwork Systems.
“EIS operate in a variety of industries which are not exclusive of automotive and automotive parts, chemical and process industries, can manufacturing, waste and water industry, printing and flexible packaging, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, electric vehicles and EV battery plants and many more.”
“With various technologies and solutions available to us, EIS have a reputation as experts in the field with strong project management capabilities. EIS are known for robust and reliable designs while providing energy efficient solutions,” explains Peter Hill, Sales Manager, Environmental Integrated Solutions Ltd, CECO Environmental.
Case study: Supporting EV manufacturers EIS are currently working on a large project for an electric car manufacturer with air to water heat recovery. The heat exchanger recovers up to 3,000kW of heat per hour. The hot air from the RTO preheats boiler water. This is then
pumped back to the central heating hub.
Looking to 2025: Future developments
“During 2024, EIS exhibited at CHEMUK24 for the first time: It’s the UK’s largest annual event dedicated to the development, manufacture and management of chemicals and formulated products. We were fortunate that this year’s event had a record attendance and we’re now looking for new opportunities to showcase our solutions. This year, we also joined forces with NEPIC- who mainly operate in the North East as we felt that this cluster of businesses offered an idea opportunity to work alongside other process providers, manufacturers and professional partners engaged in the usage of our technologies.”
“Looking to 2025, there are impending legislative changes in emission regulations in the water industry, particularly regarding methane and nitrous oxide. EIS is actively working with partners to provide solutions with abatement systems for the water industry sector on their journey to Net Zero.”
For more information on how EIS can support your industry, please see the details below:
T +44 (0)121 550 7079 phill@OneCeco.com www.eisuk.co.uk
MAC Solutions: Empowering businesses with smarter IT & industrial solutions
At MAC Solutions, we provide tailored, technology-driven solutions designed to streamline IT and industrial operations, ensuring businesses stay efficient, secure, and competitive. Our expertise spans cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, industrial networking, and operational technology (OT) security, delivering seamless integration and robust protection for your digital and industrial ecosystems.
Simplifying IT management
Managing IT can be complex, but MAC Solutions makes it simple. We offer managed IT services, cloud solutions, and infrastructure optimisation to ensure your business runs smoothly. Our proactive approach helps minimise downtime, enhance system performance, and reduce ITrelated stress so you can focus on growing your business, not managing IT challenges.
Enhancing business efficiency
technology works seamlessly and efficiently to support your business goals. By reducing operational bottlenecks and leveraging smart automation, we help organisations maximise productivity and improve system reliability.
Securing your data & systems
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, making security a top priority for every business. At MAC Solutions, we provide comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, including threat
networking, industrial automation, and open platform communications (OPC) to help businesses optimise and protect their industrial environments. Our solutions enable real-time monitoring, secure remote access, and seamless industrial connectivity, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum efficiency.
A trusted technology partner
With MAC Solutions, you’re not just getting a service provider you’re working with a technology partner that is dedicated to delivering the right solutions for your business. We take the time to understand your challenges, tailor solutions to your needs, and provide ongoing support to ensure lasting success.
detection, firewall protection, data encryption, and risk management. Our managed security services ensure continuous monitoring and rapid response to threats, keeping your critical data and systems safe from cyberattacks.
Efficiency is the backbone of success, and we specialise in optimising workflows and automating processes to help businesses operate smarter. Whether it’s through cloud adoption, industrial software integration, or custom networking solutions, we ensure your
Industries today require secure, connected, and scalable solutions to maintain efficient industrial operations. We specialise in hardened
Whether you’re looking to secure your operations, enhance efficiency, or simplify IT management, MAC Solutions provides the expertise and technology to make it happen. Let’s build a smarter, more secure, and more efficient future together.
Contact T 01527 529774 sales@mac-solutions.co.uk www.mac-solutions.net
Industrial
A Short History of CBAM
To understand CBAM and its purpose, it’s important to first note that markets like the EU, UK, and USA introduced Emission Trading Schemes (ETS) years ago to ‘tax’ energy-intensive industries and reduce carbon emissions.
Industries such as cement, power generation, and steel were included under ETS regulations.
However, EU-based producers subject to ETS faced higher production costs compared to overseas competitors in regions without equivalent carbon pricing. This created a competitive disadvantage for EU producers. Many buyers therefore sought material and product supply from cheaper markets, countries without the emissions rules of the EU. Global carbon emissions greatly increased because of this.
precursor materials or products covered by CN codes under CBAM and you export to the EU, it will likely affect you.
To address these issues, the EU introduced the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). CBAM applies a carbon price to imports of certain goods, ensuring a level commercial playing field for EU producers. It aims to prevent ‘carbon leakage’ – the relocation of production to countries with lax emissions rules – and incentivises global manufacturers to adopt greener practices.
Does it affect you?
There are seven main categories, with the metals sector one of the hardest hit. If you have
Understanding CBAM and what to do about it has been the subject of much confusion. The transition period leading up to 01 January 2026 is crucial for businesses to adapt to the new regulations, so now is the time to act.
Demystifying CBAM and making it work for your business
Auditel helps companies navigate CBAM compliance obligations and manage financial risks. They also ensure that businesses not only meet the regulatory requirements but capitalise on opportunities for innovation and sustainability in their operations.
Auditel supports companies by providing:
● CBAM Readiness Assessments
– Comprehensive evaluations to determine your current state of preparedness and identify critical gaps.
● Customised Training and Workshops
– Tailored training sessions for teams to understand CBAM requirements and learn how to manage and report emissions effectively.
Practical CBAM Support
Struggling with data gathering, whether in your business or with your subcontractors and suppliers? Need help with calculations, submissions or navigating legislation? Auditel has practical support packages to ease the burden.
M 07886 283211
ukmetal@auditel.co.uk www.auditel.co.uk
Mixing and dispersing technology specialist ystral at the European Coatings Show
Innovative process engineering solutions for more energy and resource efficiency
The energy- and resourcesaving production of lacquers, paints and coatings is the focus of ystral’s trade fair appearance at ECS 2025. The European Coatings Show and Conference will take place in Nuremberg/Germany from 25 to 27 March.
The mixing and dispersing technology specialist ystral projects, designs and manufactures mixing, dispersing and powder wetting machines as well as process systems, which are used worldwide in various industries. At ECS, ystral is focusing on the enormous efficiency gains that
are possible in the production of lacquers, paints and coatings with innovative process technology.
“We would like to enter discussions with manufacturers in these industries about how they can significantly reduce the energy and resource requirements of their processes – and how we can support them with our technologies, our in-depth industry knowledge and our expertise, which has grown over decades,” says Dr Hans-Joachim Jacob, Senior Expert Process and Applications at ystral.
In Hall 4 (Booth no. 4-553) the company is presenting two technologies, the powder wetting and dispersing machine YSTRAL Conti-TDS and the YSTRAL Jetstream Mixer, which enable energy and process time savings of up to 90% compared to the agitators and dissolvers commonly used in the production of lacquers and paints.
Further information
A white paper by ystral on the topic, ‘Saving energy using more efficient process technology; 8 levers for more energy efficiency in the production of paints, varnishes, printing inks & coatings’, can be downloaded from: https:// ystral.com/whitepaperenergy-paints-coatings
An online seminar with Dr. Hans-Joachim Jacob on the topic, ‘The Magic of Making Paint – Innovations in Paint Production’ is available free of charge at: www.ystral.com/ innovations-in-paint-production
Further information on ystral’s presence at the European Coatings Show 2025 can be found at: https://ystral.com/en/ecs-2025
For more information on ystral, contact the regional UK office (S3 Processes Limited) in Derbyshire: T 0845 505 3530 info@s3process.co.uk www.s3process.co.uk https://ystral.com
High performance over a long period: 3M™ Cubitron™ 3 High-Performance Abrasives
The introduction of 3M™ Cubitron™ 3 High-Performance Abrasives marks a significant step forward in the manufacturing industry. The technology, a result of extensive research and development, will fundamentally change the way companies worldwide conduct grinding operations.
In a time of change and increasing demands in the manufacturing landscape, the pursuit of excellence is crucial. The introduction of 3M Cubitron 3 fibre discs, grinding wheels, and cloth belts makes grinding processes faster, more efficient, and safer. Through patented breakthroughs in abrasive grain shape and molecular bonding technology, this new product line delivers exceptional performance levels.
Durable
High performance over a long period
Thanks to a significantly higher cutting speed, companies can process more parts with fewer resources, leading to increased productivity. For example, 3M™ Cubitron™ 3 fibre disc 1182C delivers up to 61% faster cut rate compared to previous generation 3M™ Cubitron™ II fibre disc 982C. Also, the disc lasts longer than conventional competitor products: with the 3M™ Cubitron™ 3 fibre disc 1182C, up to 34% more material can be removed compared to a conventional fibre disc. 3M™ Cubitron™ 3 Cut-off wheels last up to 3X
longer compared to previous generation Cubitron™ II Cut-off wheels. This means more parts can be processed with fewer disc changeouts needed and less downtime.
Less noise, less vibration
Reducing hand-arm vibration and noise contributes to employee well-being and supports employers in creating safer working environments. The 3M™ Cubitron™ 3 fibre discs can help reduce hand-arm vibration up to 88% and reduce noise levels by up to 70% compared to highquality competitive grinding wheels.
and sustainable
The development of 3M™ Cubitron™ 3 HighPerformance Abrasives also took into account the increasing automation, which helps to maximise the efficiency of automated manufacturing processes. The durable abrasives and packaging with recycled materials meet the industry’s sustainability goals and help reduce the ecological footprint.
Winning Abrasive Combinations
Winning Abrasive Combinations bring together engineered excellence of Cubitron™ and Scotch-Brite™ abrasives, to help unlock the full potential of industrial process. While Cubitron™ Performance Abrasives
help deliver outstanding performance in grinding and cutting, Scotch-Brite™ abrasives enhance safety and productivity across cleaning, preparation and refining. Scotch-Brite abrasives, made with non-woven fibres, provide a quality finish faster, reducing rework. The Clean & Strip XT-PRO disc is designed to efficiently remove rust, paint, or mill scale without altering surface geometry and easily delivering quality finish. It also helps reduce hand-arm vibration by up to 90% compared to wire brushes, typically used in cleaning applications.
By combining engineered abrasives, processes can be streamlined faster and easier across all steps involved. With breadth of solutions, Winning Combinations can involve any abrasive pairing tailored for specific process requirements to deliver superior results, reduce process times, and improve overall productivity. For more details, please refer to our Winning Combinations Flyer.
Further information at: https://engage.3m.com/ ASD-Winning-Combinations-en
Print & Packaging News
‘Plug & Print’ promise applies to SAP Shop Floor environments
SAP ranks among the leading ERP systems worldwide. Especially in the food and packaging sectors, SAP plays a key role in the efficient organisation of supply chain processes. As so many LEIBINGER customers come from these sectors, the industrial printer specialist will be offering SAP users even greater convenience, security and efficiency when connecting printers to SAP Shop Floor in the future.
In collaboration with the Freiburg-based SAP digitalisation experts at 4IoT GmbH, their SAP Shop Floor Connect add-on has been expanded to include a LEIBINGER printer library. This enables all LEIBINGER printers to be connected to SAP Plug & Play in a standard application.
Michael Wöhrmann, Director of Business Development at LEIBINGER, is delighted with the successful
integration, “This represents a significant advantage for our customers, as LEIBINGER printers can now be integrated into the SAP world much more quickly and efficiently. With this work as a foundation, essential customer printer-related business processes can be automated. All printer data and messages are directly available. For instance, automated order releases or production feedback into the SAP system are conceivable. All printer data and messages are directly available.”
LEIBINGER customers who use SAP now benefit from a clearly organised dashboard where they can view all status data, error messages and process data, including consumables levels (ink and solvents).
www.leibinger-group.com
More reliability in coding & marking for the food industry
Packaging leader SÜDPACK and industrial printing specialist LEIBINGER have joined forces to meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions. The first joint project is testing the suitability of CIJ inks for printing on recyclable films for packaging food that is sterilised following the packaging process. The tested system combination of packaging and printing solution saves food manufacturers time and ensures investment security.
Today, packaging films are expected to be resourcesaving and recyclable to support a circular economy. The EU Packaging Regulation requires all packaging on the EU market to be recyclable by 2030. As a result, composite materials are being increasingly replaced by monomaterials. If these monomaterials are not equipped with a barrier function that prevents ink components from migrating to food, they may
only be printed with harmless ink. This raises the requirements for the production, coding & marking of packaging films.
The packaging market is experiencing very fundamental changes. And it is with this in mind that SÜDPACK is continuously expanding its portfolio of recyclable film solutions. The company is developing monomaterials that are very much on par with previous composite materials – both in terms of convenience and protection. For printing and coding this type of food packaging, LEIBINGER offers industrial inkjet printers and develops special continuous inkjet (CIJ) inks together with SIS Ink Solution, a LEIBINGER Group company. The interaction of these components is the focus of the joint project between SÜDPACK and LEIBINGER.
www.leibinger-group.com www.suedpack.com
Hugo Beck expands machine range
Hugo Beck, a leading innovator in horizontal film and paper packaging machines, has introduced significant upgrades to its product line, enhancing the capabilities for e-commerce, mail order and logistics applications.
The new paper e-com rapid machine model introduces improved speeds and efficiency to Hugo Beck’s existing portfolio. Capable of a maximum packaging speed of 900 cycles per hour, the new machine offers packaging with two sewn sides and two glued sides, ensuring secure and precise fitting shipping bags. By automatically adjusting the shipping bag size to accommodate varying product dimensions in both length and width during production, the paper e-com rapid enables efficient packaging of different product sizes in a mixed batch.
The paper e-com rapid is the latest addition to Hugo Beck’s machine line for e-commerce applications. Alongside its predecessor, the paper e-com fit, users now have access to two performance classes tailored to meet the demands of sustainable paper packaging for the e-commerce, mail order, and logistics sectors.
The paper e-com fit allows for the storage of two paper rolls of different widths. After scanning the product, the machine determines the necessary paper web width and selects one of the two paper rolls, thereby minimising paper use. In contrast, the paper e-com rapid achieves higher packaging speeds by utilising two identical paper webs.
www.hugobeck.com
DS Smith completes €17.6 million investment
DS Smith Hellas, leading fibre-based sustainable packaging company in Greece, announces the completion of the upgrade of its box plant in Korinthos. The €17.6 million investment will lead to a further 30% increase in the plant’s production capacity. At the same time, it aims to upgrade equipment and amplify the quality of the products for innovative packaging solutions and capacity enhancements.
The investment in the Korinthos box plant is part of an overall €33.9 million investment plan and inaugurated with the upgrade of the Ierapetra box plant. The investment plan being implemented over the course of two years at DS Smith’s three box plants in Greece is expected to significantly enhance
production capacity, improve energy efficiency, and contribute to the company’s sustainability and
innovation goals in the packaging sector.
The company’s box plant in Korinthos is equipped with a state-of-the-art Bobst Master DRO machine to upgrade printing capabilities and improve energy efficiency. In addition, a 2.8m Fosber Corrugator machine was installed to enhance the operational capability of the site and optimise the allocation of the plant’s resources, leading also to improved efficiencies. Furthermore, the company constructed a building extension of 825m2 to accommodate the new corrugator, and completed the construction of the new 3,300m2 raw materials warehouse.
Contact www.dssmith.com
The UK’s ultimate event for road freight, transport, distribution, and logistics
Since its inception in 2000, it has evolved into the largest and most influential gathering of commercial vehicle manufacturers, dealers, distributors, and suppliers. This event, held at Birmingham’s NEC from 29 April to 1 May 2025, is where the industry’s leaders – senior decisionmakers, directors, managers, and engineers – come to see the latest innovations in vehicles, trailers, equipment, and cutting-edge technology.
For those who keep the wheels of industry turning, this is the unmissable event of the year. It's where you gain essential insights, uncover next-level practices, and stay ahead of the toughest challenges and emerging trends. This is your chance to connect with peers, drive your business forward, and solidify your position in the industry.
Attending The Commercial Vehicle Show is crucial for anyone serious about the future of road freight, transport, distribution, and logistics. This is your chance to connect with industry leaders, explore the latest innovations, and stay at the forefront of key trends and challenges. Don’t miss the chance to experience the groundbreaking technology that will keep you ahead of the competition.
Visiting the Commercial Vehicle Show offers a unique chance to explore the latest innovations in road freight transport, distribution, and logistics – all in one place.
Whether you're interested in cutting-edge vehicles, equipment, and technology, or seeking insights into industry trends and challenges, this event is a must-attend. It’s the ideal platform for networking with key decision-makers, connecting with suppliers, and staying ahead of the competition.
Exhibiting at The Commercial Vehicle Show provides unmatched access to the key decision-makers driving the road freight, transport, distribution, and logistics sectors. It’s the ultimate platform to showcase your products, elevate your
brand, and connect with potential customers and industry leaders.
This year, over 15,000 road freight, distribution, and logistics professionals will take over the NEC for the Commercial Vehicle Show – the ultimate event for the UK and Ireland’s road transport sector. This is where the serious players connect.
The Commercial Vehicle Show is the only event in the UK where fleet operators can meet industry leaders, discover game-changing products, and find solutions to streamline operations and reduce costs. This is where the best in the business come to drive the industry forward and set new standards.
This year, the Commercial Vehicle Show is focused on maximising your ROI. With a revamped floorplan, new features, new content, and a range of new initiatives throughout the year, you’re guaranteed a marketing campaign and exhibiting experience finely tuned to your customers. Our team is here to act as an extension of your own, ensuring you build important relationships and kick-start your sales pipeline.
www.cvshow.com
Cleaning & Hygiene
Flowcrete takes on hygiene at Foodex 2025
Flowfresh, an antibacterial flooring solution from Flowcrete is made with the food and beverage industry in mind. This flooring solution can kill up to 99.9% of bacteria through silver ions that attack bacteria and viruses on the floor’s surface. Chemical resistance is also a key factor for this flooring, meaning that it can withstand dropped produce, as well as cleaning chemicals that may be used across the facility. In addition to antibacterial properties, Flowcrete’s Flowfresh HF has an impressive anti-slip profile that is especially useful in wet processing areas.
Minimising the risk of listeria from the outset is crucial for maintaining a contamination-free environment. Once an area is contaminated, the
pathogen can spread via insects, staff clothing, or aerosolisation from improper cleaning. Given the impact that any form of contamination can have on food and beverage facilities, addressing the root causes of contamination is essential.
Flowcrete, a brand of Tremco CPG UK and leading manufacturer of seamless resin floor coatings will be participating at Foodex 2025, the premier event for the food and drink processing, packaging, and logistics industries. The exhibition will take place from 7-9 April 2025, at the NEC Birmingham, UK.
At Foodex 2025, Flowcrete will be located at Stand M74, presenting their hygienic flooring solutions. Visitors to Flowcrete’s stand will have the opportunity to experience firsthand the innovation and quality that sets Flowcrete apart in the Food and Beverage sectors.
We look forward to seeing you at Foodex 2025!
Contact www.flowcrete.eu
Meet Jangro Ai Beta: The smart cleaning assistant
Jangro, the UK & Europe’s largest network of independent janitorial and cleaning distributors, is thrilled to unveil Jangro AI Beta. This revolutionary virtual assistant is designed to provide instant support for all cleaning and hygiene needs.
Powered by artificial intelligence (AI), Jangro AI Beta is available 24/7, offering efficient and accurate assistance whenever it is needed. The first AI chat feature available on the platform is dedicated to carpet maintenance, with lots more to follow.
Users can interact with this intelligent virtual assistant to get practical advice on the best techniques for cleaning various carpet fibres, along with product recommendations and trouble-shooting tips. This smart tool offers instant, reliable guidance to help keep carpets looking their best and make their maintenance easier than ever.
the-art feature across other areas of its business. Whether customers are seeking product information, placing an order, using its online Learning Management Solution (LMS), or needing expert advice, Jangro AI Beta will be able to assist.
Jo Gilliard, CEO of Jangro, comments, “At Jangro, we are committed to applying cutting-edge technology to enhance our customers’ experience. The introduction of Jangro AI Beta marks a significant step forward in providing instant, reliable support, initially for all carpet care needs. We are excited to expand this innovative feature across other areas of our business, ensuring that we offer our customers the very best possible assistance, anytime they need it.”
Jangro is set to expand this state-of-
For more information, please visit: www.jangro.net/resources/jangro-aifor help with carpet care, interact with Jangro AI Beta at: https://carpet-ai. jangro.net
The best-kept secret in the cable industry: Ultrascreen
The demand for high-voltage cables to distribute electricity is high and growing fast. Supply is outstripped and new factories are being built all over the world. Look at the audacious Morocco project to link sunny and windy Morocco with the UK. And see ‘The surprising key to a clean energy future’ in Bill Gates’ blog.
High voltage is necessary to minimise the energy loss in transmission. It means that the insulation in the cables, whether under the sea or over land must be flawless. Especially for submarine cables repairing defects or damage on a cable is very expensive. So you would think that online quality checking in manufacture would be vital and commonplace. Yes and no. Yes it is vital, no it is not commonplace. In fact there is only one system that can examine HV cable insulation as it is being made, and that is Acuity’s ultrasonic Ultrascreen. An offline system for manual inspection of cable joints, Ultraprofilor, uses the same technology to 3D visualise joints in even more detail.
identifying defective lengths to cut out of reels that would otherwise have been scrapped.
Our technology is in factories of several global cable-makers. All our clients jealously guard the knowledge of the presence of our technology – hence the title of this piece. We have enabled recovery of cable worth millions by
Cable buyers have therefore not been aware of the benefits of having cable scanned in detail prior to shipment, although this is now beginning to change.
The professional bodies in the industry
are showing interest in using our data, potentially for certification.
As the cable market expands so must we, to learn more about our products and about collaboration, please get in touch at: info@acuityproducts.co.uk
For further information, please visit: www.acuityultrasonics.com
Warehouse & Logistics
New Coperion compact design FFU universal gate valve
Coperion has developed a new discharge gate valve for controlled bulk material flow from storage bins and hoppers to downstream process steps. This valve is suited for a variety of applications in the chemical and plastics industries with its impressively compact yet very robust construction.
One particular feature of this new discharge valve is that it closes securely and reliably while material is flowing, but usually also when the product column is stationary, making this a perfectly suited gate valve for demanding applications.
This new valve that is well thought out in design and construction secures operators a singularly reliable technology solution and makes installation and maintenance simple.
Coperion manufactures this discharge valve using a precision casting process, enabling its compact and lightweight design. Its intelligent geometry, select guide elements and the form of the seal ensure that the FFU universal gate valve can be used for a wide variety of applications with the most diverse demands – even in combustible areas (ATEX).
This new geometry is what allows the gate valve to be used in the usual way even when the bulk material is stationary and best of all, its high-quality, robust construction ensures dependable operation over time. Various models with manual or pneumatic drive are available in sizes DN 150 to 400 (6 to 16 inches) and can be implemented in a variety of customer-specific options.
www.coperion.com
ByBox rebrands as Thinventory
In a move that marks a new chapter in its history as a leading software and supply chain management provider, ByBox is excited to introduce its new name Thinventory.
Operating under the new brand, tech specialist Thinventory enables clients including leading brands with large numbers of field engineers to securely collect and return equipment and parts at convenient places near their points of service.
Operating in 31 countries, Thinventory delivers 30 million items per year, with 99.7% of deliveries made on time. Thinventory works with leading brands to support vital infrastructure
Forterro launches Orderwise Cloud
Forterro, the European provider of software solutions to the industrial midmarket, has announced the launch of Orderwise Cloud, its solution tailored to the specific requirements of retail, wholesale, warehousing and e-commerce companies.
Orderwise has worked with companies in those sectors for more than three decades, and the launch of Orderwise Cloud will meet customers’ increasing demands to bring Orderwise's features, functionality, and innovation to the cloud. It is a SaaS solution and enterprise-grade Cloud platform that reduces total cost of ownership (TCO) and provides customers with enhanced security, greater accessibility and improved access to innovation, with additional functionality embedded.
“The needs of our customers are always our main priority, and the launch of Orderwise Cloud is the step that SMEs in retail, warehousing, wholesale and e-commerce have wanted,” said Carrie Tallett, Orderwise Product Manager, Forterro. “Combining our sector experience and expertise with cloud benefits such as scalability, accessibility, high availability and functionality makes a compelling prospect. Approaching
digital transformation can be daunting for SMEs, and Orderwise Cloud helps accelerate that journey while also delivering improved business performance.”
Orderwise Cloud is fully integrated with eBay and Amazon and can be customintegrated with various platforms a customer might be using. It comes with a range of features and functionality valued by companies looking to enhance or automate workflows. As a cloud product, it is fully scalable, and the reduced tech stack costs mean reduced TCO, with less specialist staff costs, no more hardware refreshes or cap-ex planning and the avoidance of unplanned spend. This frees up capital for other purposes.
www.forterro.com/en
including hospitals, telecoms, utilities and data centres.
Inventory management systems ensure Thinventory customers can securely deliver to smart lockers, reducing the distance engineers need to travel to pick up and return items.
Executive Chairman, Stuart J Miller, said the change of branding represented the latest step forward for the company, which was launched in 1997.
Stuart said, “We are thrilled to announce that ByBox has rebranded to Thinventory to reflect our evolution and continued commitment to providing innovative tech-driven solutions for a growing number of customers.
“We started out with a mission to simplify distribution and secure inventory closer to the point of use, helping customers meet tight service level agreements at lower costs. Our network of 45,000 lockers worldwide has been pivotal in achieving this.”
www.thinventory.com https://vimeo.com/1013208539
support businesses to stay in front of the regulations as the world of logistics, shipping and dangerous good changes,
