Welcome to our April edition. Explore our hand-picked features on innovative companies across the industry.
This issue is sponsored by FleetCheck – developers of the UK’s most recommended Fleet Management Software.
As the UK’s transition to zero-emission vehicles accelerates, fleet operators are facing one of the most significant turning points in decades.
On page 14 we feature an article that acts as a wake-up call for every business that relies on vans to keep things moving. With a looming supply shortfall and a regulatory push that’s rapidly changing the rules of the game, FleetCheck has some practical strategies and tools to help you adapt.
On page 12, we have a full preview of the Commercial Vehicle Show that will be held on the 29 April – 1 May 2025 at the NEC in Birmingham. One of our Top Exhibitors at the show is Tom-Lock, who will be located at Stand
On the Cover
Thermal Vision International 9
5A110. Tom-Lock transforms commercial vehicles into efficient workspaces with fully customisable storage solutions. They will be showcasing their heavyduty Retractable Frames – regarded as the next leap in van innovation, as well as their Tom-Lock Configurator (TLC), ideal for dealers to create precise 3D layouts complete with real-time weight and pricing, ready for SketchUp export. Page 16.
Other show reviews: Land, Leisure & Tourism Show 2024.
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.
Industrial 4-11
ABLE Instruments is the exclusive representative for sales and service in the UK and Ireland for the Micronics UX5000 Fixed ATEX Approved, Zone 1 Ultrasonic Clamp-On Flow Meter.
Commercial Vehicle Show Preview 12-16
Since its inception in 2000, it has evolved into the largest and most influential gathering of commercial vehicle manufacturers, dealers, distributors, and suppliers.
Energy & Power 17
ENERGYNEST, the global leader in thermal energy storage solutions, has signed a commercial agreement with thin-film technology business LEONHARD KURZ.
Industrial Cleaning 18
Industrial cleaning machines from Tennant can play an important role in helping teams on site manage the silica dust challenge.
Warehouse & Logistics 19
Delegates from the wooden pallet and packaging industry heard how new regulations will soon impact on their businesses at a general meeting of the Timber Packaging & Pallet Confederation (TIMCON).
Land, Leisure & Tourism Show Review 22-23
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.
– see them on page 14
Sales surge sign of returning confidence
UK industrial manufacturers are riding high on a wave of newfound confidence, as figures reveal an uplift in sales revenue and purchasing.
Small and mid-sized firms saw their average sales jump by 7% in the third quarter of this year, while the number of purchase orders (POs) placed with suppliers was also up by 101%, according to a report from inventory management software provider Unleashed.
the tenth biggest rise in POs.
Revenue and POs were both up by 88% across the manufacturing sector – signalling high confidence among consumers, retailers and other businesses.
Industrial manufacturers – which includes machinery, raw materials and equipment – saw the tenth biggest jump in sales out of all the 12 manufacturing categories analysed. It also saw
Ergo Real Estate secures lettings
Aver, a joint venture between NFU Mutual and Ergo Real Estate, has completed on two key lettings at its logistics facilities in Oldham and Ergo Park Sheffield. These leases take the total prime industrial space leased across the Aver Property fund in 2024 to 1.147 million ft2
After collaborating with Ergo to deliver a power upgrade and planning permission at Ergo Oldham, Inspired Global Cuisine, part of the Iceland Group, has committed to 369,251ft2, on a 15 year lease.
Therco-Serck Ltd has taken a 10 year lease of 25,387ft2 at the final available unit at Ergo Park Sheffield, completing the tenant line up alongside Tesla, Sainsbury's and UPS.
Ergo began 2024 with similar vigour, announcing a lease with Boughey Distribution for Novus Point, a 332,000ft2 warehouse in Lymedale. This deal was closely followed by the final letting at its prime industrial estate in Stafford, Ergo 66 to Hill Helicopters; designers, manufacturer and innovators in aviation.
By mid 2024, Ergo had also let 354,000ft2 at Fradley Park Lichfield to Super Smart Service, a leading global e-commerce fulfilment service provider.
Agents acting for Aver on Ergo Oldham were CBRE, Cushman & Wakefield and DTRE. Knight Frank and CPP acted at Ergo Park Sheffield.
www.ergo-re.com
Ted Bromley-Hall, Managing Director at UK landscaping products manufacturer IBRAN, said, “Customers are becoming ever more price focused but don't want to sacrifice quality in pursuit of it. We've made a concerted effort to highlight the fact that all our products are made here in the Midlands, using raw materials sourced locally. The benefits of this to the customer are that they are able to work
on an assured margin, knowing that layers of handling aren't inflating their price point.”
The report also shows that industrial manufacturers are buying more inventory in anticipation of further orders.
It comes as the government announced in its recent Autumn Budget an investment of £13bn next year to ‘rebuild Britain,’ which includes 1.5m new homes and infrastructure projects. Funding for existing multi-million pound schemes like the Innovation Accelerator have also been extended in the West Midlands.
The latest IFR figures show just how far British manufacturing has to climb in terms of automation adoption. Now down to 23rd in the global robot density league table, the UK has just 119 robots per 10,000 workers, against a global average of 162. If we remove the automotive sector from these statistics, the picture is worse still, with just 69 robots per 10,000 workers. The UK has also dropped out of the top 10 world manufacturing rankings for the first time, falling to 12th place.
Outdated perceptions of robots as complicated, difficult to programme and inflexible have prevented some manufacturers from taking the plunge, potentially impacting their ability to be competitive on both the domestic and international stage. In fact, today’s industrial and collaborative robots are user-friendly, easy to configure and simple to operate, with many plugand-play options now available.
What’s more, robot suppliers such as FANUC, as well as
our system integrator partners, can help to further reduce the risk of investing in automation, and make a project more attractive to potential funders. Using our automation experience and expertise, we work with manufacturers across all sectors to understand the problems they need solving, ensuring they get the right solution, at the right price, at the first time of asking.
In conclusion, today’s automation solutions are flexible, affordable and easy to use. They can help to solve labour challenges, improve product quality and consistency, increase output, and ultimately boost the UK’s overall productivity. The time for manufacturers to invest is now.
FANUC will be exhibiting at Smart Factory Expo 2025 in conjunction with a number of its system integrator partners on Stand 5/F40, NEC Birmingham, 4-5 June 2025.
www.fanuc.eu/uk/en
Building the future
Northumbria University has announced the installation of new cutting-edge 3D construction printing technology that can print concrete structures faster, cheaper and more sustainably than conventional methods. This advanced technology will enable the testing and validation of concrete elements which could be adopted by industry, positioning Northumbria as a leading hub for sustainable construction innovation in the North East.
Transforming the way we build is a vital factor in reaching net zero commitments in the UK and around the world. According to a 2024 UN Environment Programme report, the buildings and construction sector contributes significantly to global climate change, accounting for around 21% of global greenhouse gas emissions. With widespread use across the construction industry, concrete is a major source of carbon dioxide, generating around 8% of all emissions globally.
The University has teamed up with world-leading 3D construction printer manufacturer, Luyten 3D, and UKbased, award winning sustainable technology company, Changemaker3D, to establish the new capability within Northumbria’s Structures Laboratory within its Mechanical and Construction Engineering department. The addition of the new technology was supported by a Royal Society Research grant – a prestigious funding opportunity for scientists in the UK.
3D concrete printing boasts time, energy, resource and money-saving credentials, with Luyten 3D’s projects in Australia showing it can enable up to 60% reduction of construction waste, 70% reduction of production time, and 80% reduction of labour costs when compared to hands-on construction projects.
www.luyten3d.com
www.northumbria.ac.uk www.changemaker3d.co.uk
Micronics UX5000 ATEX Zone 1 Ultrasonic Clamp-On Flow Meter
ABLE Instruments is the exclusive representative for sales and service in the UK and Ireland for the Micronics UX5000 Fixed ATEX Approved, Zone 1 Ultrasonic Clamp-On Flow Meter. The UX5000 offers a non-invasive, easy-to-install solution for precise flow measurement, requiring no process downtime.
Certified for hazardous area use in Zones 1 and 2, it features an intrinsically safe measurement system with wet-calibrated, matched transducers for reliable accuracy. The UX5000’s design includes a separate display (DCSIU) and measurement unit (RMU) for flexible installation.
Made in the UK, this cost-effective flow meter is well-suited for harsh and heavy-duty applications across industries like chemicals, water, and oil, with applications such as liquid hydrocarbon flow measurement in oil processing and various flow measurements in the chemical industry.
Features:
● Non-invasive, efficient, and easy installation, no process downtime
● Certified for use in hazardous areas (ATEX Zone 1/2)
● Reliable measurement accuracy
● Separate Display (DCSIU) and Remote Measurement
● Unit (RMU) allows flexibility in installation
● Cost effective metering for harsh, heavy-duty applications
● Single and Dual Channel Options
● Remote System Setup and Monitoring
● Exceptionally low price point
The UX5000 uses a cross-correlation transit time algorithm, transmitting ultrasonic beams between downstream and upstream transducers to measure flow velocity. The slight increase in ultrasound speed, caused by liquid movement in the pipe, results in a time difference T1-T2, and is directly proportional to flow velocity.
The UX5000 clamp-on flow meter is designed for use in ATEX/hazardous areas, offering protection up to and including Zone 1. It provides easy setup through Modbus RTU or Bluetooth, making it highly versatile for various applications in challenging environments.
To enhance this functionality, we offer an optional upgrade: the latest Zone 1 compatible Windows-based tablet hardware, the Aegex 100M. This device enables users to set up, commission, and communicate with the UX5000, as well as download logging data, all via Bluetooth. The key benefit is that this can be done directly in the Zone 1 area, eliminating the need for hotwork permits or process shutdowns, thus improving efficiency and safety.
Dust-free transfers
Clean, efficient & secure handling of bulk material with Volkmann UK
In manufacturing, nothing matters more than keeping staff safe. Right behind that is the need for efficiency. Staying competitive means constantly improving transfer rates, cutting costs, reducing waste, and boosting profitability. The key? Smart automation that streamlines processes and eliminates inefficiencies.
When it comes to material transfer, Vacuum conveying is the preferred method over mechanical systems like augers and belts. They offer dust-free, energyefficient transfers, protecting staff and the environment while driving efficiency further. This automation reduces manual handling, prevents contamination, and ensures safe, hygienic material transport.
conveyors are compact, lightweight, and easy to clean which reduces downtime. They gently transfer fragile, hazardous, or abrasive materials and seamlessly integrate into existing systems, optimising production.
Volkmann UK provides custom bulk material handling solutions, including Drum Discharge Systems, Bulk Bag Unloading Stations, and Rip-and-Tip Dump Stations. They offer free, no-obligation on-site trials to ensure the perfect solution for the Food, Pharma, AM, and Chemical industries.
Discover how Volkmann UK can transform your production with innovative, efficient, and safe material handling solutions. Contact Volkmann UK today for a brochure or to book a trial. Visit their website for more details.
BASA is the umbrella organisation for UK and Irish adhesives and sealants manufacturers and focusses on technical and legislative aspects and on promoting awareness of the industry and technology by providing guidance on technical and compliance issues to members via a library of documents on the website.
We are the voice of the adhesives and sealants industry and an information source for manufacturers and suppliers. We lobby on behalf of members and liaise with Government on legislation, keeping Members well informed of UK, EU and International proposals and initiatives.
industry’s drive for safer products. BASA members work hard to formulate innovative products that positively contribute to the sustainability agenda whilst maintaining performance and durability.
BASA will be available at Stand Q90 and hopes to continue to reach more potential members, looking at ways to support its manufacturers post Brexit and help them to navigate potential new legislation and trade rules.
Volkmann UK leads the industry in vacuum conveying with high-quality, ATEX-certified equipment for both dust and gas explosion zones. Their
T +44 (0)1494 512228 mail.uk@volkmann.info https://volkmann.info/en
With the growing concerns around the environment and using sustainable products and raw materials, BASA is dedicated to helping its members minimise harmful chemical usage and educate the public on the
Contact: Lorna Williams, Chief Executive Officer, British Adhesives & Sealants Association
T +44 (0)330 223 3290 lorna@basa.uk.com www.basa.uk.com
SIOR reappoints Paul Danks
The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors® (SIOR) has reappointed Paul Danks, SIOR.FRICS, Non-Executive Chairman at BE Design Group and Consultant at 3PL Real Estate, to serve another two-year term on the SIOR Board of Directors as International Representative.
Danks, an industrial and logistics specialist, has been a member of SIOR since 2009. With over 40 years of experience as a trusted advisor to leading occupiers worldwide, his work focuses on business transformation and the implementation of strategies to reduce cost, enhance value, and ensure that maximum efficiencies, general wellbeing, and the achievement of sustainability objectives are derived from the occupation of real estate.
"It's a great honour to be reappointed to this position," said Danks. "SIOR has made a huge impact on my career. It’s been an incredible past few years serving this organisation, and I’m excited to continue aiming high and elevating SIOR to new heights, together with a phenomenal group of CRE leaders.”
SIOR is a global organisation with a European chapter and members across the UK and Europe. Danks was President of the European Chapter from 2020 to October 2022, after which he was appointed to SIOR’s global board.
Collaboration: Zulu Kuki X Balena
In a bold and visionary partnership, artist-designer Zulu Kuki and material science company Balena are revolutionising footwear design. This pioneering collaboration merges the worlds of footwear design and technology, innovation and sustainability, setting a new benchmark in the fashion industry. With the debut of their latest creation, this collaboration is pushing the limits of what’s possible, blending cuttingedge 3D printing design with material innovation.
At the heart of this collaboration is BioCir®flex3D, Balena’s material celebrated for its outstanding performance and biodegradability. With Zulu Kuki’s creative genius, they’ve crafted a 3D-printed shoe that defies conventional aesthetics, inspired by the sleek lines of automotive culture. The shoe is more than just a visual masterpiece – it’s a modular, customisable marvel with interchangeable soles and socks, allowing wearers to personalise their footwear like never before.
This partnership doesn’t just create a product; it reshapes the future of design. By uniting state-ofthe-art technology with sustainable materials, Zulu Kuki and Balena are driving the industry forward, proving that design, innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
The design of Zulu Kuki’s 3D-printed shoe represents a bold departure from traditional footwear aesthetics. Rejecting the conventional clog look, Kuki's approach focuses on modularity and customisation, allowing the shoe to adapt to various needs and styles. The design draws inspiration from automotive culture, particularly the sleek lines and functional elements of 70s racing cars, like the Porsche 935. This influence is evident in the shoe’s integration of air intake-like features and its overall dynamic form.
https://zulukuki.com www.balena.science
New jobs at robotics specialist
A Birmingham automation specialist in robotics is preparing to create new jobs after receiving £200,000 in funding from business lender UKSE. Mechatronic Production Systems Limited, based at Kings Norton Business Centre, will add seven new roles to its current staffing level of 35 employees after securing the funds to meet growing demand from manufacturers seeking to increase productivity by automating their facilities.
Mechatronic supplies factory production and robotic process automation to some of the world’s leading automotive, industrial, medical device and aerospace companies. Mechatronic aims to expand its operation following the backing from social impact funder UKSE, which works with companies across the West Midlands unable to secure investment from mainstream banks.
Celebrating 35 years of trading, Mechatronic offers customers full turnkey and automated solutions from concept to installation through to training and service support. This year also sees the 10 year anniversary of the launch of Robopod, Mechatronic’s flagship product providing customers with a modular and portable ”plug and play” robotic solution which can be linked to form a flexible production line or operated in isolation to automate a process.
Providing strategic loan and equity packages of up to £1m to generate growth, create jobs and bolster the economy, UKSE’s team based in Cannock supports SMEs across Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry, Staffordshire and Telford.
www.ukse.co.uk
Cooksongold to pioneer precious metals use
Birmingham-based Cooksongold has launched a new industrial division to pioneer the use of precious metal additive manufacturing (AM) for a range of performance-critical applications.
Part of HM Precious Metals, Cookson Industrial, will provide an end-to-end service comprising of consultancy, R&D, NPD and production. This includes conventional and subtractive manufacturing alongside its additive capabilities; all of which will be managed from its Birmingham head office and manufacturing site.
manufacturing offers organisations a new frontier for performance in extreme environments, where traditional alloys have failed to meet the thermal and material application challenges presented. Cookson Industrial aims to help organisations looking to explore the technology to de-risk their development, simplify their supply chains and shorten time to market.
All precious metal powders are available for purchase in small batches up to 15kg, or for use in Cookson Industrial’s state-of-the-art additive manufacturing facility in Birmingham. This currently comprises six EOS Precious M 080 and M 100 AM machines, alongside a Renishaw AM 500S Flex single laser AM machine.
The use of precious metals in additive
The company develops and manufactures a broad range of gas atomised precious metal powders on site, including gold, silver, platinum and palladium powders; all of which are refined from recycled sources where possible.
Cookson Industrial has already partnered with the University of Birmingham to explore the development of precious metal alloys for additive manufacturing applications across the aerospace, healthcare and glass fibre manufacturing industries. Both organisations were jointly awarded a £750k Early-stage Prosperity Partnership funding from the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
www.cookson-industrial.com
At Thermal Vision Industrial, we understand that thermal imaging projects can be as simple as data confirmation during the production process to part of a complex condition monitoring alarm system.
So, whether you have a single project specific requirement or you are looking to set up an array of sensors to protect your assets, we specialise in customising camera packages to meet your project requirements and budget.
Contact: David Jones M 07946 620361 dave@thermalvisionresearch.co.uk www.thermalvisionindustrial.co.uk
Violating laws on forced labour
Lithium-ion batteries are at the heart of the transition from fossil fuels, but fundamental supply chain changes are needed to eliminate widespread forced labour and child labour abuses.
Research by AI supply chain risk platform Infyos has identified that companies accounting for 75% of the global battery market have connections to one or more companies in the supply chain facing allegations of severe human rights abuses. Most major battery manufacturers and end batteries applications are exposed including many of the world’s largest automotive, energy storage and electronics brands.
This new industry data is compiled from evidence on Infyos’ AI supply chain risk platform using thousands of government datasets, NGO reports, news articles and social media sources. Infyos’ AI technology is developed
specifically for the battery industry to automate the gathering, cleansing and classification of unstructured data to identify and assign confidence ratings to allegations of human rights abuses with accuracy and speed that previously was not possible.
The AI-driven platform is working with some of the world’s largest renewable energy and automotive companies to combine open-source data with additional proprietary data sources to identify which companies a customer may be connected to across the supply chain and where there is exposure to or allegations of human rights abuses.
The widespread human rights abuses identified range from people being forced to work in lithium refining facilities under the threat of no or minimal pay to five-year-old children mining cobalt materials out of the
ELMET at Fakuma 2024
At Fakuma 2024, ELMET presented its expanded portfolio of dosing systems with various equipment levels for LSR injection moulding at booth A5-5306. Together with the triedand-tested TOP 5000 P and 7000 Pro, the new Top 3100 and TOP 700 models cover a wide range of different customer requirements in terms of footprint, drum size and degree of automation. An upgraded pump is now also capable of processing particularly highly thixotropic or stable materials.
at Fakuma 2024. It offers processors the same high precision as Elmet's highend dosing systems, and it also meets the same high requirements in relation to all internationally applicable norms and safety standards. However, its features are slimmed down to the key components for the basic application, without compromising on performance, process stability or service life.
ground in hazardous conditions. Severe human rights incidents are occurring globally, especially in resourcerich countries with fragile and corrupt governments like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar.
Contact www.infyos.com
STX Next integrates RAG for Linde
Visitors to the trade fair were able to see the TOP 700 dosing system in action at Arburg’s booth. While at Momentive Performance Materials’ booth (A4-4307), a TOP 7000 Pro dosing system showedoff its capabilities as part of a joint project together with Momentive and Sumitomo. Elmet also constructed the cold runner mould installed there.
The TOP 3100 LSR dosing system will make its debut
It differs from other Elmet-systems in terms of the achievable level of automation and the available optional equipment, including the number of additive lines, drum change automation, and accessibility. This allows those users who run processes with clearly defined requirements over extended periods to invest only in the equipment level they actually use on a dayto-day basis.
UK industrial and logistics assets outperform real estate market
A wall of overseas capital is ready to be deployed into UK industrial and logistics assets in 2025 as the sector continues to outperform the wider commercial real estate market, according to the latest research from Lambert Smith Hampton.
LSH’s Keeping the Faith report identifies a groundswell of demand and says any knock to sentiment from global economic and geopolitical volatility, including Donald Trump’s new tariffs, is likely to be short-lived.
2024 ended strongly, with a Q4 industrial and logistics investment volume of £2.7bn driving the annual total to £8.2bn, the fourth strongest year on record. LSH says 2025 promises more of the same, with overseas capital ready to be deployed from a mix of existing and new market entrants. It forecasts total returns of 8.4% per annum between 2025 and 2028, putting it ahead of all other core property sectors.
STX Next, a global leader in IT consulting, has successfully enhanced the knowledge retrieval capabilities of large language models (LLM) for Linde, a leading global industrial gases and engineering company. STX Next’s experienced development team harnessed a range of technologies for the project including retrieval augmented generation (RAG), to transform the way employees carry out their everyday work queries.
Linde required assistance in developing an internal tool to facilitate knowledge retrieval across their multinational organisation. The goal was to design a simple, top-quality, and secure system that could quickly and reliably answer everyday work-related questions.
After a thorough analysis of the customer’s needs, STX Next’s dedicated team proposed the implementation of new AI-based tools and features. This started with the creation of a retrieval augmented generation tool that combines document retrieval with LLM generation to allow the language model to provide relevant information. First, the model searches the document database for the answer and then responds directly to the user.
The incorporation of these features resulted in significant benefits for Linde and its employees in everyday work. Specifically, users can now quickly find answers to questions about internal policies, eliminating the need to sift through multiple search engines or consult colleagues.
Sound fundamentals in the occupier markets and robust structural drivers will underpin the sector’s continuing outperformance, it says.
The data show that although supply is running ahead of demand, the market has returned to a healthier balance, equivalent to the pre-pandemic position.
Industrial and logistics accounted for 33% of the combined volume of investment across the UK’s three core commercial sectors in 2024, significantly ahead of the long-run annual average of 19%. The total volume of investment into the sector also ran ahead of offices for the first time in history in 2024, reflecting comparatively weak investor sentiment in the latter. www.lsh.co.uk
Thanks to its multilingual capabilities, the system also allows users to ask questions in one language and find answers in documents written in another. This enables access to information that was previously out of reach.
www.stxnext.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
Supertracker launches ‘Proudly British’ campaign
Supertracker, the renowned wheel alignment equipment manufacturer and supplier, is launching its ‘Proudly British’ campaign, a renewed commitment to supporting UK garages and workshops through high-quality, homegrown engineering.
With a history spanning over three decades and now operating under the ownership of fellow British company Straightset, the initiative highlights how the brand is responding to growing demand for reliable, innovative and locally manufactured equipment.
Since its acquisition three years ago, Supertracker has prioritised long-term resilience, investing in innovation, boosting nationwide support and enhancing manufacturing capabilities to stay closely aligned with the needs of the UK automotive sector.
“Our investment in green laser technology for our alignment systems, for example, addresses the real-world conditions our customers work in daily,” says Andrew Bates, Managing Director of Supertracker.
Supertracker has also introduced larger hanger castings to better serve the wide range of tyre sizes in today’s market, and offered a variety of storage solutions to suit a wider range of space requirements.
Whilst focusing on increasing nationwide support capacity, to now offer one of the most comprehensive wheel alignment servicing coverage in the UK, Supertracker also invested in internal development and training facilities, as well as embraced tighter compliance standards, including third-party wheel alignment calibration across its rigs.
With live demonstrations planned for The Commercial Vehicle Show (April 29 – May 1, Stand 5/B38) and Automechanika Birmingham (June 3–5, Hall 18, Stand X78), Supertracker will showcase their full range of wheel alignment equipment for car and commercial vehicles.
www.straightset.co.uk www.supertracker.com
DRIVING GLOBAL FLEET SAFETY & INNOVATION
Motormax® is a leading provider of advanced fleet safety solutions. Our cutting-edge vehicle electronics are designed to enhance safety, prevent incidents, and drive operational efficiency. 0121 353 3663 www.motormax.co.uk
Introducing the Zeliox energy management system
Eberspächer expands its portfolio with the Zeliox product line, the innovative mobile All-in-One power solution. From Compact energy systems to scalable high performance setups, the Zeliox provides clean, efficient and secure power.
Energy on the move – that’s what Eberspaecher’s Zeliox energy management system offers. The ease of installation and fast charging times set new standards in mobile power supply. Following on from Eberspaecher and Zeliox’s successful conclusion of a joint venture agreement, visitors to the Commercial Vehicle Show 2025 will be able to experience the products from 29th April to 1st May on Stand 5D101. With multiple versions and expansion options, Zeliox delivers clean, uninterrupted power for tools, appliances and accessories.
Also at the show, Eberspaecher will be exhibiting its proven product families of air and water heaters. The 3rd generation Airtronic features quickly available heat with optimised power consumption, while the Hydronic offers a particularly high heating output
Motormax
Motormax, a leader in fleet safety solutions, will showcase its latest innovations at the CV Show 2025, including the groundbreaking MaxConnex platform. Visitors can explore AI-powered dashcams, Direct Vision Standard Progressive Safety System kits, Safetymax alerts, advanced sensors, DVR solutions, and Rapid Fit plug-and-play wiring looms.
MaxConnex is a Cloudbased platform that provides realtime driver monitoring, AI-driven analytics, and automated reports to improve fleet safety and efficiency.
of up to 12kW. EasyStart Pro, as an intelligent permanently mounted operating element, and the Internetbased EasyStart Web control system ensure straightforward operation via app or browser.
Not forgetting a range of air conditioning systems from roof-top mounted solutions to A/C, HVAC or EHVAC with PTC elements for electric vans. All variants can be rapidly adapted to different vehicles and are easy to install.
For technical details of the Zeliox system, see: www.eberspaecher-zeliox.com
Contact: Tina Backhouse, UK Marketing Officer tina.backhouse@eberspaecher.com www.eberspaecher-climate.com
sensors, and alerts to enhance driver awareness, reducing incidents with customisable warnings and vehicle immobilisation features.
OnSight, designed for heavy-duty construction vehicles, uses four AI cameras and perimeter lights to create a 360 degree safety zone, alerting drivers to nearby hazards.
Motormax's AI Driver Safety Monitor detects driver fatigue, distraction, and unsafe behaviours, sending real-time alerts and event data for training programs.
Rapid Fit simplifies the installation of safety equipment, reducing downtime and preserving vehicle warranties with its UKmanufactured wiring looms.
Safetymax integrates cameras,
Experience these cutting-edge solutions at Stand 5F30, next to Ford. Stay updated via LinkedIn or visit: www.motormax.co.uk –you can also call us on 0121 353 3663.
Commercial Vehicle Show Preview
The 2025 diesel van crisis: How to safeguard your fleet
The clock is ticking. The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, introduced on 3rd January 2024, sets the government’s pathway to ensuring all new cars and vans are zero emission by 2025.
But here’s the problem: many businesses feel electric vans don’t currently suit their needs, and the diesel van supply is about to take a massive hit.
The shortfall that could stall your fleet In 2025, a mandated 16% of new van sales must be electric.However, with just 22,155 electric vans sales projected for the year – far below the 56,000 target – the industry is already falling behind and could face potential fines of well over £600 million.
The result? Manufactures are now scrambling, trying to avoid potential penalties by capping
the production and sale of diesel models, with some even threatening to abandon the UK market altogether. This could create a staggering supply shortfall of 215,000 vans.
Future-proof your operations with the right tools
● Extend the Life of Vehicles – To address potential supply restrictions, you may need to keep your existing vehicles for much longer, extending the typical 4-year replacement cycle for diesel vans.
● Preventative Maintenance and Defect Management – The right fleet management system simplifies maintenance, enforces pre-use checks, and helps catch issues early – reducing unplanned VOR, extending vehicle lifespan, and keeping your fleet safer and more efficient.
● Consider the Used Van Market – You may look to the second-hand market to find suitable replacements for diesel vehicles.
● Record Keeping and Data Collection –With fleet management technology, routine SMR and defect management will generate vital data – helping you track wear, control costs, prioritise replacements, and keep your fleet roadworthy.
● Step Up Your Road Risk Management – Standards such as CLOCS, FORS, and
the ESG Scope 3 for larger operators, are becoming even more important, setting industry benchmarks for compliance and best practice.
Navigating the road ahead
Managing the ZEV transition isn’t just about vehicles – it’s about having the right fleet management tools to stay ahead. Whether you need smarter maintenance strategies, datadriven insights, or compliance support, we’re here to help.
Come and visit us at Stand 5E122 at the CV Show to explore solutions that keep your fleet running efficiently.
Want to dive deeper into the ZEV Mandate? Scan the QR code to access our whitepaper and get expert insights on safeguarding your fleet.
www.fleetcheck.co.uk
Bradshaw unveils new all-electric, compact RCV line-up for smarter urban waste management
Bradshaw Electric Vehicles, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of electric vehicles and waste management solutions, has launched a new range of Refuse Collection Vehicles which are specifically engineered to tackle the challenges of urban waste collection.
The Refuse Collection Vehicle range, which includes the Goupil G4, the longwheelbase G4L and Bradshaw’s pedestrian PFB1500, are each expertly designed to improve how local authorities and waste management companies operate in confined urban areas.
All three models have been made available in 3 body configurations; hopper only, hopper and bin lift as well as hopper, bin lift and compaction arm.
Both the Goupil’s and Bradshaw’s RCVs are compact, agile, highly manoeuvrable and ideally suited to towns, high streets and pedestrianised areas. Their compact dimensions enable access through street barriers and around street furniture, while electric powertrains ensure a silent and pollution-free operation, making them an efficient alternative to traditional refuse collection methods.
The road-legal Goupil G4 is available with two lithium
battery options, offering either a 62-mile or 101mile range on a single charge. The standard G4-RCV has a 2.0m3 hopper and a payload of up to 740kg and works with 120, 240, and 360-litre bins. The G4L Long-Wheelbase adds 500mm to its chassis, increases the volume to 3.5m3 and works with larger 660-litre bins.
Based on the popular PFB1500, which is available with a number of body options, including cage body, Bradshaw’s pedestrian-controlled walk-along RCV is designed to tackle the challenges of urban waste collection in areas with high pedestrian footfall and limited vehicle access.
The pedestrian-controlled RCV handles 120, 240 and 360-litre bins and features a corrosionresistant aluminium hopper. The ergonomic tiller head provides a comfortable and precise operation and can be driven easily with either hand. With five braking systems, automatic hill hold, and advanced
safety features, it ensures safe operation on slopes. All three RCVs feature corrosion-resistant aluminium bodies with a 90° tipping angle for easy waste disposal into larger containers or larger RCVs for satellite operations, streamlining waste collection rounds and reducing overall time on the streets.
The vehicles are set to be showcased for the very first time at the Commercial Vehicle Show at Birmingham’s NEC later this month on the Bradshaw EV Stand 5A60.
With increasing pressure on local authorities to reduce emissions and improve air quality, traditional diesel-powered waste vehicles are no longer viable. Bradshaw’s latest offering addresses these concerns by providing a zero-emission, cost-effective solution tailored for urban environments.
The Goupil G4 RCV in particular arrives at a crucial time for waste management operations following the introduction new recycling regulations coming into effect on 31st March 2025, requiring businesses across England that produce more than 5 kg of food waste per week being legally required to segregate food waste from general waste.
Kernow Oils
Kernow Oils is proud to announce it will be attending the 2025 show representing Castrol to provide advice and guidance on commercial vehicle oils designed to deliver superior engine protection and efficiency for businesses.
The right engine oil plays a critical role in maintaining the efficiency and longevity of commercial vehicles. Castrol’s advanced oils, including the Castrol Vecton product range, incorporate ‘System 5’ technology, designed to optimise the performance of modern engines and maximise fuel efficiency. This technology actively adapts to the needs of the engine, offering enhanced protection against wear and sludge build-up, even under the most extreme driving conditions.
Castrol Vecton oils provide exceptional long-term performance, reducing the frequency of oil changes and maintenance, which leads to significant cost savings for fleet operators. With ‘System 5’ technology, these oils help to improve fuel economy, extend oil drain intervals, & reduce the risk of engine downtime, making them the ideal choice for heavy-duty trucks, vans, & other commercial vehicles.
Contact T 01780 782621 enquiries@bradshawev.com www.bradshawev.com
“The benefits of Castrol Vecton with ‘System 5’ technology are clear – reduced maintenance, longer engine life, and enhanced fuel efficiency,” said Mark Jones – Marketing Manager at Kernow Oils. “We’re proud to offer this innovative product range to our customers, providing them with the ultimate solution for reducing operating costs and optimising fleet performance.”
For more information or advice on Castrol Vecton and other Commercial Vehicle Oils, or to discuss how Castrol products could save your business money. Come and visit us at the CV Show on Stand 5G74
For more information on Castrol’s commercial vehicle oils, visit: www.kernow-oils.co.uk or call 01736 757002 or email: info@kernow-oils.co.uk
Tom-Lock Van Racking: Smart. Strong. Durable.
Tom-Lock transforms commercial vehicles into efficient workspaces with fully customisable storage solutions.
Tom-Lock’s heavy-duty Retractable Frames will be the next leap in van innovation. Following rapid growth across Europe, TomLock is ready for the UK and Ireland.
With the Tom-Lock Configurator (TLC), dealers create precise 3D layouts complete with real-time weight and pricing, ready for SketchUp export. Thanks to detailed scans of any van model, every design fits perfectly.
ENERGYNEST signs commercial agreement with LEONHARD KURZ to decarbonise industrial manufacturing facility with its thermal storage
ENERGYNEST, the global leader in thermal energy storage solutions, has signed a commercial agreement with thin-film technology business LEONHARD KURZ, to implement an innovative powerto-heat system with thermal storage.
ENERGYNEST’s power-to-heat technology will decarbonise over 70% of the heat demand at KURZ’s Sulzbach-Rosenberg facility, reducing natural gas consumption by more than 3.5GWh per year, and cutting more than 700 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Industrial manufacturing including chemicals companies like KURZ, and others in production of food and beverage, and paper and pulp, have heavy heat requirements and outputs. ENERGYNEST’s thermal storage enables these companies to draw electricity from the grid or on-site renewables at times of low prices, create heat on-demand and reduce reliance on higher carbon gas, producing a positive outcome both for these industries and for the environment.
ENERGYNEST CEO, Alex Robertson, said, “Electrification
of industrial heat is essential for decarbonising global manufacturing and supply chains. By partnering with LEONHARD KURZ, ENERGYNEST is showcasing a scalable and effective decarbonisation strategy that can be replicated worldwide. This agreement proves that industrial energy transition is not simply a necessity. It’s happening now.”
ENERGYNEST’s turnkey power-toheat solution, featuring a 3MWe electrical heater and a 12MWhth ThermalBattery™, will be integrated into KURZ’s existing thermal oil infrastructure, providing stable, ondemand heat while drastically reducing the facility’s reliance on natural gas.
The landmark agreement is ENERGYNEST’s first power-to-heat deal, and the first-of-its-kind powerto-heat with thermal storage. The deal demonstrates the scalability of ENERGYNEST’s technology and shows that it can rapidly decarbonise large swathes of hard-to-abate industries. Front footed companies with ambitious
Energy Minister visits Liverpool
Marking the first ministerial heat network visit under the new government, Minister for Energy Consumers, Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, stopped by Liverpool’s Mersey Heat Network Energy Centre. Led by Peel Group’s district heat network specialist Ener-Vate, and being delivered in partnership with low carbon solutions specialist, Vital Energi, the heat network has been twice funded by the Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP) and will provide low carbon heating and hot water to existing and new build regeneration projects for the locale, with plans to scale up to expand to a wider regional area.
The Mersey Heat Network Energy
Centre is a true success story for the industry. The project was initially awarded £1.3m worth of funding in round 2 towards the first phase of its heat network which would connect new homes and businesses within the development. It was later awarded £6.2m in round 8 to fund one of two 3MW low-carbon heat pumps and an expansion to include Liverpool’s Three Graces buildings.
The Liverpool Waters regeneration development, spanning 2.3km across the city’s northern docks, will benefit from low carbon heat and hot water from a Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP), harnessing heat from the Leeds/Liverpool Canal. The innovative Energy Centre, which is being designed and built by Vital Energi, will reduce Liverpool’s carbon footprint and improve the energy-efficiency levels of over 6,700 new homes, 1.3 million sq feet of commercial space, the Titanic Hotel and conference spaces.
decarbonisation targets are getting ahead of the curve using thermal storage – testing its applicability and the carbon and cost savings and flexibility it affords at their plants, well before mandatory net zero targets start to bite.
As ENERGYNEST’s first commercial thermal storage deal in the German market, this milestone underpins the Company’s growth in Germany’s industrial manufacturing sector, following successful deals including with Yara, ENI, and Avery Dennison.
This project is a blueprint of how to decarbonise energy intensive industrial manufacturing sectors.
ENERGYNEST is in active conversation with many of the players in food and beverage, paper and pulp, chemicals, steel and cement, focused on customers with a strong commitment to decarbonising operations, stated net zero ambitions and a commitment to the energy transition.
Contact: Mareike Schumm T +49 152 0880 5725 msc@energynest.com
Nexergy Holdings PLC and Lorentz collaborate
Nexergy Holdings PLC, an industry leader committed to enhancing sustainable energy solutions, is proud to announce a strategic collaboration with Lorentz, a visionary company pioneering the production of green hydrogen. This partnership marks a significant step towards advancing the sustainable energy landscape and addressing the increasing demand for environmentallyfriendly fuel sources.
Production of green hydrogen is expected to commence in 2024, with the potential to reshape the future of energy and transportation.
Commenting on the collaboration, Jason Turner, Managing Director of Nexergy said, “Green hydrogen serves as a highly efficient and eco-friendly form of fuel, utilising water and solar energy to power vehicles and industries. This collaboration aims to leverage Lorentz's ground breaking technology to commercialise green hydrogen, positioning it as a viable alternative to traditional fuel sources.” Furthermore, the partnership is set to provide seamless integration into existing infrastructure, facilitating widespread
access to this innovative energy solution.
The potential applications of green hydrogen span multiple industries, with endorsements from key players such as Airbus, BMW, and JCB. Representatives from Airbus have expressed confidence in hydrogen as a crucial technology for achieving low-carbon commercial aviation by 2035, highlighting its significance for the aerospace industry. Additionally, BMW's Chairman of the Board of Management, Oliver Zipse, emphasised the pivotal role of hydrogen in enabling emission-free mobility on a global scale.
Lorentz’s patented technology, with an initial project site planned in Spain, is poised to revolutionise sustainable hydrogen production, paving the way for decarbonisation in the energy sector and beyond. Through harnessing renewable sources like wind and solar, the process employed by Lorentz promises to significantly reduce carbon emissions, offering a compelling solution for a greener energy transition.
www.nexergyholding.com
Industrial Cleaning
Ibstock Brick team up with Tennant for a clean sweep in silica dust environments
Ibstock Brick is the UK’s leading manufacturer of clay products and employs nearly 1,400 people in the UK spread over 19 sites.
The sites are located throughout the UK and most have associated quarrying operations at or near to them. In order to meet the increasing demand for the supply of bricks, Ibstock Brick has extended its manufacturing capability at the new Ibstock site in Coalville, Leicestershire.
The new factory can produce 100 million bricks per annum, coupled with the existing manufacturing on site; it will mean 190 million bricks per annum total output from the Ibstock site, or an amount equivalent to around 28,000 new homes per year.
The challenge
Silica is a natural substance found in materials common on construction sites, like concrete, rocks and sand. The dust created by cutting, grinding or drilling concrete products can contain respirable crystalline silica. Over time, exposure to these silica particles causes scarring in the lungs.
Silica dust poses health and safety and compliance challenges in many work environments. Controlling the extremely fine dust is a complex task requiring both proper engineering controls and effective housekeeping practices.
The control of airborne silica dust is a constant challenge for industries that create the dust.
The key to preventing silica exposure is to keep silica dust out of the air. That’s a tall order for giant manufacturing sites like Ibstock Brick. Former methods like
broom sweeping are neither efficient nor effective, which is why Ibstock Brick contacted Tennant to help find a solution.
Industrial cleaning machines from Tennant can play an important role in helping teams on site manage the silica dust challenge, and can support silica exposure control plans that help create safe, healthy, productive work environments, and work toward OSHA compliance.
The solution Tennant offers three types of dust control methods that can be used to support silica control housekeeping requirements. As Tennant developed its offering, they worked closely with Ibstock Brick to test their HEPA enabled S20 sweeper.
The Tennant S20 is a versatile and durable mid-sized industrial sweeper with a three-stage primary filter system, plus the option was made available for a 4th stage HEPA dust filter.
The S20 picks up everything from dust to broken glass in shopping centres, warehouses and industrial facilities, has a compact size that manoeuvres easily, and features innovative Tennant technologies that reduce costs by extending run times, improving operator safety and simplifying maintenance.
design helps keep bulky debris, moisture and dirt in the hopper removing 90% of particulates from the air stream.
● Stage 2 – SweepMax® Plus Cyclonics Longer filter life with exclusive cyclonics dust control that removes an additional 90% of dust particles from the air stream before reaching the filter.
● Stage 3 – Canister Nanofibre Filter MERV 15rated, flame retardant Donaldson Ultra-Web® filter loads and shakes-back 70% more effectively, and provides cleaner air from filtering sub-micron dust particulates down to .5 microns at 99% efficiency.
● Stage 4 – HEPA Dust Filter Dry system providing a filtration efficiency of 99.97% to .3 microns.
Ibstock Brick’s new Eclipse site was awarded the Industry Pledge Award for measures to control dust within a factory.
"A HEPA filter has a special filter media that can clean to a very high standard by removing microscopic particulate from the air,” said Jamie Harris, Head of Industrial for Tennant Company in the UK.
Based on Ibstock Bricks testing, the HEPA filter should last at least six months, possibly up to a year depending on the customer’s application. Proper usage and maintenance practices will help increase the effectiveness of the machine’s filtration stages and the life of the HEPA filter.
Filtration stages
● Stage 1 – PermaFilter™ Tennant engineered
"Without the Tennant Machines we would not be able to keep the site clean and safe, the S20 and T20 in particular helps us maintain a clean site and are easy to use and do a great job helping us keep the dust levels low on site and help us keep the floors clean and safe." – Ibstock Brick Hygiene and Cleaning Supervisor for Ibstock Eclipse.
"Tennant have provide us support and helped us identify machines that have helped us in keeping the new factory clean. The Tennant equipment helped us gain the Industry Pledge Award for measures to control dust within a factory in December 2018 which is something that we are very proud of and would have not achieved this without the Tennant machines that we have on site." – Senior Production Manager for Ibstock Eclipse.
Arrange a free on-site machine demonstration at your facility – contact your Tennant account manager or Danny Cross on 0161 728 8306 or email: danny.cross@tennantco.com, and view the full range online at: www.tennantco.com
TIMCON meeting hears implications of incoming packaging rules
Delegates from the wooden pallet and packaging industry heard how new regulations will soon impact on their businesses at a general meeting of the Timber Packaging & Pallet Confederation (TIMCON).
Held in Manchester at the end of February, the event featured presentations on the development and implementation timelines of new UK and EU packaging rules. In an update on the Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), Marcus Kirschner of German association HPE said European recycling targets are set to increase to 25% this year and 30% by 2030.
As the EU continues to develop the new rules, Kirschner said the packaging industry was seeking greater clarity on PPWR definitions – and acknowledged the role of continued industry lobbying by organisations such as HPE, FEFPEB, and TIMCON in securing key exceptions and special considerations for wood pallets and packaging.
Meanwhile, David Daw of environmental compliance specialist Valpak outlined the expected impact of Extended Produce Responsibility (EPR) regulations on the UK industry, adding that finalising complex details
could lead to a delay in the implementation of the new regime.
The meeting also featured updates on the wooden pallet and packaging sector from Heikki Vidgren of AFRY – which produces TIMCON’s monthly market index - and the worldwide timber market by Rob Driessen of pallet and packaging wood purchasing specialist Connec3.
Jeff May, Deputy Chief Executive of the Construction Products Association (CPA), gave an overview of the construction industry’s
priorities including its sustainability goals of decarbonising industry and ensuring compliance with government expectations.
TIMCON President, John Dye, said, “TIMCON meetings always aim to provide key updates for our membership, and our speakers this time gave essential insights into the changes in packaging rules that will affect their businesses in the months ahead. This meeting also showed how important our engagement in the lobbying process is to achieving positive results for our business – and the fantastic turn out shows how much our members value the opportunity to hear first-hand and discuss updates on regulations and other aspects of the business.”
“Working closer with pallet and packaging using industries, our forest-based sector counterparts, and our international colleagues makes all our businesses stronger and in today’s increasingly complex global market, is more important than ever.”
For more information or images, please contact TIMCON: T +44 (0)116 274 7357 info@timcon.org
L-R: Rob Driessen, Connec3; David Daw, Valpak; Jeff May, Construction Products Association (CPA); John Dye, TIMCON; Heikki Vidgren, AFRY; and Marcus Kirschner, HPE
Fairness First seal for SÜDPACK
SÜDPACK receives the Fairness First seal for responsible behaviour and high transparency in communication with its employees, business partners, and customers. This seal is awarded by diind GmbH to distinguish companies whose products and processes reflect their own ethical principles and values and who are also committed to compliance with ecological, economic, and social standards. The awards ceremony took place on September 11 and 12, 2024 during the BIG BANG FESTIVAL of the DUP Unternehmertag in Berlin.
The Fairness First seal confirms that responsibility, appreciation, and fairness are always top priorities for SÜDPACK. With sustainable
innovations and initiatives as well as the implementation of recyclable material loops, the family-owned company sees itself as a trailblazer for sustainability in the film and packaging industry. At the same time, the company is committed to the wellbeing of the people along its supply chains and generates added value for its stakeholders.
In order to achieve its ambitious goals, SÜDPACK pools targeted actions in its Sustainability Strategy 2030. The key pillars of the strategy are compliance and corporate governance as a legal and actual regulatory framework, as well as sustainable efficiency. With the SA8000 certification, the declaration of principles on respecting human rights, the implementation of a whistleblower system, and the new Supplier Code of Conduct, the company has already taken important steps to achieve its goals. Sustainable efficiency along with lean management, digitalisation, and responsible production aim to improve efficiency in the value-added processes.
www.suedpack.com
Parade Label WS Linen
Sappi Europe, the leading global manufacturer of speciality papers, is expanding its portfolio of wet-glue wet-strength label papers with a linen embossed version of its successful Parade Label WS label paper. Produced at Sappi’s Gratkorn mill in Austria, the new Parade Label WS Linen exhibits excellent printing and converting results – targeting applications such as returnable beverage bottles. It boasts outstanding results both in terms of performance and visual appeal.
The paper’s launch at the beginning of October coincides with the completion of Sappi’s significant investment project at its Gratkorn site. Two years ago, in September 2022, Sappi announced the investment of tens of millions of euros in a state-ofthe-art technical infrastructure at the site. The project was aimed at ensuring production capacities
Gainsborough Engineering
Situated in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, Gainsborough Engineering Company Ltd was founded over 55 years ago and manufacture high quality vertical form fill seal and film feed stand up pouch machines for a variety of industries.
Machines within the Vertical Form Fill and Seal range can produce bag widths between 50mm to 600mm. Pillow pack, gusseted, block bottom and four corner seal formats are all achievable.
Other options available include: gas flushing, euroslots, tear notches, carry handles & air relief holes.
Options of standard intermittent pneumatic operated jaws as well as full servo driven and continuous film feed machines which allow speeds of up to 140 packs per minute dependent on film, product and feed system are available.
The GHP250 stand up pouch machine produces pouches up to 250mm wide from reel film. Creating packs from reels of film allows
the customer to be in charge of their own quality and saves money against purchasing pre-made pouches.
Working with other trusted UK based machine manufacturers, Gainsborough Engineering can provide full turnkey solutions tailored to suit the customers working practices and products. Producing manufacturing lines for our customers from product feed to end of line and everything in-between.
T 01427 617677
M 07767 307091
sales@gains-eng.co.uk www.gains-eng.co.uk
of wet-strength, alkali-resistant label papers in the future and at establishing its position as a fullrange supplier of label papers over the long term.
● Validation results: confirmed precision and speed for premium brands
● Investment project at Gratkorn mill successfully completed
● Sappi: a reliable partner for the beverage industry
Parade Label WS Linen: impressive performance and visual appeal
Sappi’s Parade Label WS, a wetstrength and alkali-resistant label paper, which is now established on the market, has convinced users worldwide with its impressive printing and finishing results. With the company’s latest new product – Parade Label WS Linen – Sappi continues its success story with wet-glue label papers. This one-side double coated wet-strength paper primarily targets wet-glue label applications, such as returnable beverage bottles.
www.sappi.com
Barford Equipment Ltd
Barford Equipment Ltd is an industry-leading manufacturer of mobile screening and materials handling equipment. With a history dating back to 1840 as Barford and Perkins, the company has a long pedigree in the manufacturing sector and with an extensive growing global dealer network across Europe, North America, Asia and Australasia, offers unparalleled products and services.
Barford exhibited at the iconic Hillhead 2024 from 25-27 June at Hillhead Quarry, Buxton. Hillhead is renowned for live machinery demonstrations and Barford brought along the impressive 750J Tracked Dual Power Jaw Crusher and the R6536TR Tracked Stockpile Conveyor.
The Jaw Crusher measures 700 x 500 (28” x 20”), with outstanding features such as a reversible jaw, 88Kva diesel generator, also operational as mains plug in. This vibrating grizzly feeder is a hardox lined hopper, with feed sensor (auto feed system) and has a
radio remote for feeder stop/start. At a weight of 19,000kg, this is designed to fit into a 40ft container and has options for fines belt on 180° swivel, and dust suppression on site.
The radial Stockpile Conveyor measures 65ft x 36”, with masterful hydraulic drive slewing wheels, crawler tracks at feed hopper, and rubber lined feed hopper. With a hydraulic raise/lower, this conveyor has galvanised inner telescopic legs and galvanised roller guards with a category 2.2 engine.
To enquire about all equipment, including used machinery or to become a dealer, see the website below: https://barford.com
Celebrating 50 years of innovation in driveline solutions
At the recent Hillhead Show, MIT proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking half a century of excellence in delivering top-tier driveline solutions for OEM machinery manufacturers in the off-highway and industrial sectors, including quarrying, mining, recycling, and construction. This milestone event highlighted MIT’s unwavering commitment to innovation and its role in enhancing operational efficiency and reliability in demanding environments.
MIT excels in managing supply lines and ensuring seamless integration for OEMs, complemented by tailored aftermarket services, maintenance, and parts supply. This approach extends the lifecycle of machinery beyond its warranty, providing essential support through repair and overhaul capabilities for specialised off-highway vehicles.
In collaboration with renowned brands such as Twin Disc, Transfluid, Reich, and ZF, MIT offers OEM-
approved servicing for all driveline components, including engines, transmissions, differentials, and axles. Whether for emergency repairs or routine maintenance, MIT’s skilled engineers are equipped to assist both on-site and at their specialist workshop.
MIT’s presence at Hillhead 2024 underscored its dedication to supporting OEM manufacturers and end users in achieving their operational goals.
For more information on MIT’s innovative driveline solutions and aftermarket capabilities, visit: www.mitgroup.co.uk
G&M Radiator: 60 years of cooling
G&M Radiator was founded in 1964 and is still a privately owned family business. In recent years, prudent acquisitions have resulted in the G&M Group which consists of several companies working in different fields of the Heat Exchange Industry. The combined expertise and strengths of each company has established the G&M Group at the forefront of this market.
G&M Radiator manufacture using copper/brass, non-ferrous and aluminium materials. The manufacturing facility can accommodate both large and small production runs. The workforce is highly skilled, experienced and adaptable with many having over 25 years’ service with the Company.
We supplement our range of manufactured product with a large and varied stock of radiators, oil-coolers and other heat exchange products which we source from leading high-quality suppliers across the globe.
From receipt of an original sample heat exchanger, we can have our version drawn up & manufactured and a finished unit ready to ship in as little as 4 working days. This short development time means we are constantly adding to the huge range in our extensive catalogue.
Designs and drawings are created in-house using the latest CAD/
CAM software which allows a short development process for new projects. Our on-site wind tunnel ensures new designs can be quickly confirmed and tailored to the client’s requirements.
Our production process uses the very latest metal punching and forming technology and equipment as well as traditional presses. This equipment is maintained by a dedicated team of in-house engineers and craftsmen. The ability to produce our own unique tooling is a huge advantage and one that we are rightly proud of.
The Company has long been an advocate of documented process controls and as such has operated to an accredited ISO Quality System for many years.
Contact T 0800 690 6143 sales@gm-radiator.com www.gm-radiator.com
Land, Leisure & Tourism Show Review –
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 –
Sportsafe: Working with holiday, outdoor leisure, council and rural innovators to expand businesses through sport, fitness and play
Sportsafe supports the next generation through safety and innovation in sports, fitness and play. We were delighted that the Land, Leisure and Tourism Show enabled us to meet with other equally likeminded and dynamic companies.
These challenging times demand the diversification and maximisation of the reach of expertise, products and services. With 28 years’ experience to draw on, 70 staff members, and over 10,000 customers across the UK, Sportsafe is well-placed to advise and support holiday and leisure providers, rural businesses, and councils in enhancing their playground and outdoor fitness installations.
“It was inspirational to be at the Land, Leisure and Tourism Show and to meet such a range of forwardthinking businesses and visitors looking to diversify into the leisure, hospitality and tourism industries,” says Sportsafe’s Project Sales Manager, Mark Harris. “It was a real pleasure to be able to offer the fitness and play expertise, services and products to support these ventures.”
centres, county councils, holiday parks, plus fire, police and NHS authorities. This variety of client base means that our qualified teams of engineers are well-used to ‘thinking outside the box’ and using their impressive experience and expertise to create bespoke playground and outdoor fitness installations for each and every client.
Furthermore, to ensure the safety of your users and the longevity of your installation, Sportsafe provides professional annual safety inspections and servicing, repair & maintenance services. Our online shop also offers a huge range of outdoor, indoor, sport, fitness and play equipment and resources to meet every requirement.
Whether you are unsure how to make the best of your current site to increase footfall for your business, or you are already brimming with ideas to enhance your customers’ play and fitness experience – Sportsafe is ready. There’s a whole world of play and fitness waiting for you!
do get in touch with Sportsafe. We look forward to hearing about your unique situation and then drawing on our knowledge, expertise, services and products to support you and keep your customers safe on every step of your journey.
Sportsafe’s current clients include schools, sports
If you are looking to diversify or improve your existing, leisure provision, council facilities, or rural site, please
Give us a call on 0333 300 0032, email us at: headoffice@sportsafeuk.com or join us on live chat at: www.sportsafeuk.com – and have a look at our advisory blogs on our website, plus articles in ‘Physical Education Matters’ (The Association for Physical Education).
Premium outdoor leisure pods: Built to last, designed for excellence
Founded in the heart of the Northwest, The British Pod Co. was established by a group of friends united by their passion for the great outdoors. With years of extensive knowledge developing Eco Friendly Timber Framed Houses, research and development throughout the UK, the team has gained unrivalled expertise in combining comfort, durability, sustainability, and style to create premium outdoor buildings that are built to last. Every unit is crafted to British building control specifications, ensuring unbeatable quality and long-term resilience.
At The British Pod Co., we are committed to offering not only high-quality but also affordable leisure solutions. Our range of luxury outdoor pods is designed to transform any outdoor space into a stylish, comfortable retreat, perfect for glamping, leisure stays, or even a permanent extension to your home. Whether you're looking for a serene escape or an upscale getaway, we have a pod to suit every need.
glamping experience. This premium leisure pod features a fully equipped kitchenette, a beautifully designed shower room, double bedroom and a spacious mezzermaine bedroom providing a luxurious stay in the heart of nature. Every detail is meticulously crafted, ensuring durability and comfort without compromise.
For those seeking a peaceful retreat, The Incline offers a serene escape with its distinctive incline roof, its bespoke interiors combine contemporary style with a refined, tranquil atmosphere, making it the ideal space to unwind.
New to the range, the Elite Net-Zero Pod redefines sustainable luxury. Designed with a minimal carbon footprint in mind, this pod offers optional off-grid capabilities and a green roof. Built with eco-friendly materials, it achieves carbon-neutral standards, blending sustainability with luxury to create a perfect harmony of nature and indulgence.
Co. comes with a range of optional extras to further personalise your space. Whether it's bespoke composite or red cedar cladding, flooring, or even custom-designed bunk beds, we ensure every pod meets your specific needs and preferences.
Built to withstand the test of time and the elements, our pods are truly unbeaten for structural quality, offering a unique blend of style, functionality, and sustainability that is second to none.
Discover more about our premium outdoor leisure pods and how they can elevate your outdoor experience below.
T 01524 956914
sales@thebritishpodcompany.co.uk
Our flagship model, The Apex, is the ultimate
Each Leisure pod from The British Pod
https://thebritishpodcompany.co.uk
XPO Logistics launches Connect Europe
XPO, a leading provider of innovative and sustainable end-to-end logistics solutions across Europe, today announced the launch of Connect Europe, a unique solution that simplifies the management of shipments to 25 European countries, from single pallets to full loads. This marks an important milestone in the company's ongoing commitment to innovation and operational excellence in logistics, addressing today's challenges while anticipating future needs across Europe.
Connect Europe consolidates companies' international shipping needs using a single point of contact, reducing intermediaries and the administrative and operational complexities associated with international transport. The goal is to
make international freight shipments more accessible to all types and sizes of companies operating in an increasingly complex cross-border environment.
With Connect Europe, enterprises of all sizes can be assured of consistent, high-quality service thanks to streamlined processes and a robust, integrated network of more than 150 transport and distribution centres across Europe. Connect Europe draws on XPO Logistics' decades of experience in international transport, operating with more than 8,000 own trucks, 12,000 trailers and a distribution network that delivers over 60,000 pallets daily.
Sustainability, a key pillar of the XPO strategy, is central to Connect Europe. The company offers customers the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint by using alternative fuels such as HVO, biogas, and electricity, which are available as part of the XPO Low Emissions Sustainable Solution (LESS®) decarbonisation initiative.
Contact www.xpo.com https://europe.xpo.com
Nulogy and Kinaxis announce partnership
Nulogy, a leading provider in supply chain collaboration solutions, and Kinaxis, a global leader in supply chain orchestration, have announced a partnership to develop cutting-edge solutions for brand manufacturing supply chain networks worldwide.
The new partnership aims to catalyse fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and life science brands and their supplier networks to work together more effectively through digital transformation solutions, thereby mutually improving costs, service and revenue. Combining the supply chain orchestration capabilities of Kinaxis with the collaborative external manufacturing specialisation of Nulogy will enable customers to share forecasts and order information with suppliers and receive inventory capacity information faster.
Nulogy’s purpose-built multienterprise platform enables greater responsiveness in the supply networks of leading FMCG and life science brands, including L’Oréal, Colgate-Palmolive, and Church & Dwight, as well as their extended suppliers and hundreds of sites around the world.
“Given the speed and volatility of today’s global market, it is more important than ever for brand manufacturers to digitally synchronise with their supplier communities in order to respond with agility,” said Jason Tham, CEO at Nulogy. “Through our partnership with Kinaxis, we look forward to collaborations that will elevate the performance of supply chain networks around the world.”
Kinaxis Maestro is the AI-infused end-to-end supply chain orchestration platform for fast, intelligent decisionmaking. Trusted by renowned global brands to provide agility and predictability to help navigate volatility and disruptions, Kinaxis has been a leader in supply chain planning for over 40 years.
www.nulogy.com
Cleaning & Hygiene
TSA and De Montfort University look to set new standard for healthcare laundry wash processes
The Textile Services Association (TSA) recently presented a new standardised test protocol for evaluating the disinfection efficacy of laundry wash processes at its spring conference. This marks the latest stage in the ongoing partnership between the TSA and De Montfort University (DMU). The research aims to provide accurate information and usable methods of ensuring hygienic cleaning of textiles, particularly in relation to sectors more vulnerable to infection, such as healthcare.
The new protocols were developed following a four-year research project led by Professor Katie Laird at DMU, which was funded and supported by the TSA and other national associations from Europe and America. Professor Laird and her team have extensive experience in studying healthcare textiles and have previously investigated the survival of microorganisms on textiles and specific wash processes required to decontaminate laundry, among other topics.
The importance of creating an effective standardised test for evaluating hygienic cleaning is something that Simon Fry, owner of specialist
laundry firm Micronclean Ltd and a TSA board member, has been focussing on since joining the TSA over eight years ago.
The TSA reached out to Professor Laird and began funding research with the aim of creating standardised testing protocols that definitively measure how many pathogens are killed by laundry washing processes.
In order to achieve this the DMU team needed to study existing infection controls and the current processing methods for healthcare laundry. They also needed to understand the attitudes and knowledge of healthcare staff in terms of infection control policies and how these apply to textiles. Alongside funding the research, the TSA also organised surveys of both its members in the UK as well as overseas to help build a clearer understanding of the landscape.
The test developed by Professor Laird and her team accurately demonstrates the disinfection efficacy of laundry during a wash processes in a way that can be used throughout the healthcare sector, whether it is in outsourced laundries or on-premise laundries.
The test involves placing a sample of inoculated fabric within a membrane, which looks similar to a teabag that allows water and chemicals through but stops bacteria from escaping, meaning that the effectiveness of the decontamination of the laundry process can be properly evaluated. This allows for a like-for-like comparison of different washing methods and equipment types, and how effectively they kill bacteria present on textiles, helping to ensure that infection control standards are maintained.
Professor Laird's team will continue their research into improving hygiene in laundry, focusing on spores that aren't killed thermally and biofilms that form inside laundry equipment.
For more information on the new testing protocols, visit: www.tsa-uk.org
