Products & Services Review Issue 822

Hygiene trio join forces

Danish food hygiene equipment expert joins forces with Warrington hygiene solution provider Christeyns Food Hygiene and application partner H&M Disinfection Systems Ltd, to offer unique turnkey solution

The leading family-owned supplier of detergents and disinfectants, Christeyns Food Hygiene, has joined forces in a tri-partner initiative with specialist producers of world-renowned equipment manufacturer Foamico and hygiene equipment specialists H&M Disinfection.

This partnership provides the confidence that hygiene operations need to deliver world-class cleaning in the demanding food, dairy and beverage industries from design and supply to effective cleaning and disinfection.

For over 30 years, Christeyns Food Hygiene has produced effective formulations of detergents and disinfectants for all applications in the food, dairy and beverage industries with customers from across a range of household consumer brands and suppliers to the UK’s food retailers. As part of family-owned Belgium parent company, Christeyns NV, the firm draws on the expertise and knowledge of a multinational team of experts.

Foamico is an independent

manufacturer of superior cleaning solutions in the food, dairy and beverage industries. Its core business is to develop, manufacture and deliver reliable and efficient cleaning solutions for surface and open plant cleaning worldwide. Operating in 50 countries, Foamico’s key focus in on food safety with a reputation for – innovation and reliability.

Having worked with CFH for three decades, H&M Disinfection Ltd have built a reputation for providing high quality, bespoke hygiene application equipment, which is the cornerstone of many customer’s food safety management systems. The partnership was formalised last year to provide customers with a more streamlined service in the provision of top-quality formulations and equipment.

In partnership, the three firms are committed to improving customer’s hygiene operations through effective detergents and disinfectants and the highest quality of bespoke equipment. The new strategic alliance will allow the provision of a unique turnkey solution to the food,

Kärcher’s new CV 30/2 Bp cordless vacuum brush

Kärcher is excited to introduce its cutting-edge vacuum brush, the CV 30/2 Bp, designed for professional users. Ideal for diverse settings such as hotels, retail spaces, and public facilities, this machine facilitates the effortless deep cleaning of both carpets and hard floors.

The CV 30/2 Bp Adv is a professional battery-powered vacuum cleaner that stands out for its excellent cleaning performance and user-friendly design. With a compact 3-litre capacity, this upright brush-type vacuum is versatile on both carpet and hard surfaces, automatically adjusting to different floor types. It effectively cleans textile floors, leaving them thoroughly cleansed and straightened. The vacuum's low ground clearance makes it ideal for cleaning under beds and fixtures in buildings or

hotels, with a convenient roller brush self-cleaning function activated by a foot switch, ensuring fast and hygienic operation. The ON/OFF switch, eco!efficiency mode, and LED display for remaining battery runtime add to the machine’s innovative features.

The new CV 30/2 Bp, offers userfriendly operation with the convenience of cordless use – operators don’t have to contend with cables, search for power outlets, or switch outlets when moving between rooms during cleaning. This cordless vacuum brush is designed to intelligently recognise the type of surface it is cleaning by adjusting its suction power accordingly for different flooring.

The roller brush of the CV 30/2 Bp thoroughly cleans carpet fibres and removes ingrained dirt. A surface nozzle, available as an accessory, facilitates cleaning in hard-to-reach areas and corners. Thanks to its particularly flat design, the CV 30/2 Bp also enables cleaning underneath low furniture such as shelves, sofas, or beds.

Contact 01295 752065 www.kaercher.com/uk/professional

dairy and beverage industries in the UK supplying chemicals required to achieve food safety coupled with the equipment critical to delivering those products to the food contact surface.

“This is a major step for us and our customers,” states CFH Operations Director, Andy Bethel. “Three specialist companies coming together to provide excellent equipment, control systems and reliable pump-sets, combined with specialised formulations, will ensure our customers have a one-point solution for both chemistry and application equipment they can rely on.”

Christeyns Food Hygiene: www.christeyns.com Foamico: www.foamico.com H&M Disinfection Systems: www.hmdis.co.uk

Motorscrubber launches shock

Following three years of intensive product development and over 1,500 hours of rigorous testing, MotorScrubber’s patented invention, SHOCK, is now available.

The SHOCK floor scrubber is a ‘detail’ cleaning machine, focusing on cleaning small floor spaces, including under and around toilet bowls, under partitions and units, as well as stairs and into corners and edging. It boasts the lowest profile oscillating cleaning head in the world at just 50mm/1.96” in its wings and 105mm/4.17” at its highest point. This provides a professional clean under partitions, obstacles, units and other low spaces – areas large scrubbing machines simply cannot reach.

a 90 degree pivoting yoke, users can seamlessly transition from cleaning floors to skirting boards and risers with a ‘flip’ of the head.

SHOCK features Lightweight and Heavyweight modes as it benefits from a quick-change 1.8kg weight kit, allowing cleaners to choose between increased downforce for cleaning floors, or improved manoeuvrability for cleaning stairs, steps and risers. With

Powered by our ergonomic battery backpack, SHOCK offers a 50 minute runtime and a quick-change battery, allowing cleaning teams to complete tasks more efficiently.

Please visit: www.motorscrubberclean.com for more information.

CONTENTS 822

EDITOR’S NOTES

As editors of Products & Services Review, we are committed to delivering innovative, thought-provoking content that empowers our readers to make informed decisions in an ever-changing marketplace.

Welcome to the special edition of Products & Services, featuring a comprehensive coverage of the much-anticipated Lamma Show 2024. This year, Lamma continued to be the cornerstone event for agriculture professionals showcasing cutting-edge technology, machinery and services. Lamma 2024 welcomed over 40,000 attendees and 600 exhibitors of which we have picked our Top 5 Exhibitors from the show that include Abbey Machinery, CAPITAL Seating, Manitou UK Ltd, Reesink Agriculture, and TEXA UK. See them on page 6.

Printwear & Promotion Live 2024 was back at the NEC Birmingham from 25th-27th February but with a major difference. For the first time, P&P Live 2024 was co-located with Sign & Digital UK, giving P&P Live a much-needed boost. From innovative printing techniques to sustainable solutions, we delve into the show and bring you the Top Exhibitors that caught our eye including Candle Thread, Indie Ink, Payper, and SockMonkeyz. See them on page 8.

COVER STORY

Other topics covered: Cleaning & Hygiene, Process & Manufacturing, Print & Packaging, Protective Cases, Building, and Fire Safety.

We hope you enjoy this month’s edition.

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gina@productsandservicesreview.co.uk

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Robert Sharp Production Manager production@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

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Paul Whitaker Accounts Manager 0121 824 4742 accounts@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

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Gina Burton Editor

Gillian Harding-Moore Director – Marketing

Leading the way in recyclable pump technology

The first Quantex pump was invented by Quantex Founder, Dr Paul Pankhurst, to create a less expensive, more accurate alternative to a peristaltic pump. Several years of R&D and customer collaborations, led to the successful development of several off-the-shelf, recyclable pumps with varying flow-rate ranges. In June 2021, Quantex was acquired by PSG, an operating company of Dover Corporation and now sits alongside 14 other pump and flow measurement brands.

Since the acquisition, Quantex has moved its headquarters to Duisburg, Germany where it benefits from the established resources and clean room facilities already in place for other PSG brands: PSG Biotech Quattroflow, Almatec, and Hydro. Quantex’s London office and dedicated manufacturing plant in High Wycombe are still in operation.

“Quantex is the leading provider of recyclable pump technology, where, instead of the pump being a part of the fixed equipment, it is attached directly to the liquid packaging – similar to the way a tap is already

connected to a bag in box of wine. But instead of pressing the tap and allowing liquid to dribble out using gravity, the pump is clipped into a motor drive in the fixed equipment, and the product is dispensed accurately, at a range of precision flow rates suitable for all kinds of liquids. When the product supply is finished, you simply replace the bag and pump with a new bag and pump,” stated Gillian Harding-Moore, Director – Marketing.

Quantex’s system is extremely hygienic and requires no costly cleaning or maintenance. The Quantex pumps also maintain vacuum capability which equips them with the ability to handle high viscosities such as mayonnaise, hair conditioner, or glue, and can evacuate the bag by 98%.

“The pumps can also reverse cycle which is widely used for cleaning the nozzle at the end of each dispense by sucking the product back into the pump. Another very exciting capability is its in-pump dilution option, where it can pump high-ratio concentrates, and accurately mix them with water at the point of dispense. This takes water out of the distribution channel, saving the customer both money and carbon emissions from shipping their products around the world,” added Gillian.

With the drive to save single-use plastic waste, the wealth of benefits of using Quantex pumps has been recognised by UK and European supermarkets, who have been attempting to trial refill stations, where consumers bring their reusable bottles to refill in stores instead of using single use pre-packaged goods. Dispensing liquids has been proving to be too expensive and labour intensive for shop-floor staff.

“Quantex technology provides the key enabler for scaling up refill in supermarkets, with a low maintenance, low cost and flexible solution that can be standardised for dispensing virtually any fluid. Quantex is working with several refill equipment manufacturers, who are designing their

next generation of dispensers around the Quantex system.” Gillian continued, “Several global brands and retailers are excited by the early prototypes that allows product replenishment to be 75% faster, with no cleaning or maintenance, and no drips that cause dangerous slip hazards in supermarket isles. The aim is to provide a better refill experience for consumers and therefore, encourage more refill adoption. The first machines are planned to be in European supermarket trials in 2024. It is an exciting market to be in, as it is just the beginning of a big change to the way we shop, and Quantex is is one of the key enablers of the movement.”

As the company looks ahead, in addition to Refill, Quantex is moving into the Biopharma market, aligning with other Dover brands; PSG Biotech and Quattroflow®. Gillian added, “Since Quattroflow pumps are the most trusted and widely used pump brand in the biotech market, the Quattroflow team have used their extensive experience to suitably develop the Quantex technology. By adding these single-use microdosing rotary pumps to the PSG Biotech portfolio, we will be strengthening our PSG Biotech offering, broadening our range of pump and flow measurement solutions, not only from upstream and downstream applications but to cell and gene therapy and lower-flow laboratory applications.

Facing the heat: Tackling diesel engine efficiency with heating technology

New environmental legislation has created an engineering challenge for heavy-duty diesel engines. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitric oxide (NOx) emissions must fall below stricter standards. At the same time, greater engine efficiency has resulted in a corresponding loss of exhaust gas temperature, leading to lower catalytic activity.

This is particularly concerning when it comes to NO x emissions for cold start and low load cycles, as a lot of thermal inertia is produced in the aftertreatment system. Here, Jeff Diestelmeier, Vice President and General Manager Energy and Environmental Technologies Business Unit at industrial technology company Watlow, explores how heating technology can improve diesel engine efficiency.

In the past, manufacturers of heavy-duty vehicles have been able to meet emissions standards by making small, incremental improvements in the engines themselves. These newer, stricter standards will require more of a ‘systems’ approach because of the engineering challenges involved.

To achieve the newer, stricter standards, automobile and truck manufacturers will need to look at other elements of the system –specifically, adding heat to exhaust to increase catalytic activity. An advanced heating strategy has already been shown to be the most efficient means of meeting these NO x emissions standards. In fact, a small heater placed at the intake of the aftertreatment system enables its rapid and efficient heating, even during cold start and low load operating conditions. However, having a practical means to power and control this type of heater has been a barrier for implementation.

www.watlow.com

The new alternatives in power conversion

Power conversion is commonly achieved through phase-angle controllers, transformers and power supplies. But these solutions can either damage heaters, or take up large amounts of space or make it incredibly hard to measure and control the power flow. Watlow’s power conversion technology solves these issues by providing the ability to bring voltage up or down smoothly without having to introduce a bulky power supply. Watlow temperature controllers, such as POWERGLIDE®, are capable of modulating the amplitude of the output voltage, allowing the voltage to step down from 208 volts to as low as 20 volts.

Lowering the voltage in this way is a great way to drive low-impedance heaters. It can reduce the power distribution rating with smaller fuses and wires, which saves money and space. It can also protect ceramic heaters from breaking. Watlow’s power conversion technology also achieves high power quality without the high cost and added space of a DC power supply.

Power conversion is an essential element of many heating applications. Yet most current power conversion technology is not well suited to cases where heaters are fragile, have ceramic components, or have to ensure safe operation across the globe. No longer do devices have to be engineered around power quality issues. Instead, smooth, stable power changes are possible across a huge variety of outputs, and noise is reduced drastically.

Contact www.watlow.com

How data paves the way for greener thermal systems

Watlow’s new WATCONNECT panels, integrated with Data Insights, continually gather a wide range of data including system power, process values, set points, panel environment and wiring terminal temperatures. This comprehensive data allows the panel to perform the following key functions. This includes monitoring power and temperature controller health to prevent unplanned downtime to enable maintenance, detecting failed elements, facilitating pre-ordering of replacements and scheduling maintenance activities. Additionally, Data Insights also enhances system reliability and prompts maintenance activities to avoid unplanned downtime, while monitoring panel environmental data and providing alerts for changes in environmental conditions that could lead to system failure.

sensors, temperature controllers and power controller products, all in a complete thermal loop solution. The WATCONNECT L and XL sizes are particularly suitable for large industrial applications, specifically in the petrochemical industry.

Implementing predictive control in process heating can effectively address common challenges in petrochemical processing such as coking and fouling, heater failure and the gradual pace of electrification. This approach necessitates the integration of cutting-edge technology, alongside expertise in thermal systems and data analysis. When both elements are combined, they facilitate the development of environmentally friendly and more efficient systems and processes.

These panels afford an integrated solution that includes heaters,

Contact www.watlow.com

Spotlight on LAMMA 2024

LAMMA 2024 was unmissable, with over 600 exhibitors and 40,000 attendees, it was the one-stop shop for the UK farming industry and was held this year from 17th-18th January at the NEC Birmingham. With all the latest advancements in agricultural machinery, technology and equipment, LAMMA 2024 attracted over 40,000 attendees.

Here at Products & Services Review, we picked our Top Five exhibitors from across the show:

u Abbey Machinery: This Irish-based manufacturer makes agricultural machinery for slurry and manure handling, grassland management and animal feeding equipment.

At LAMMA 24, the team showcased slurry tankers, diet feeders and LESS applicators and was mentioned in the Agriland LAMMA Recap

for its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainabilitynotably the Abbey Diet Feeder and Low Emission Slurry Spreading technology comply with sustainability best practice. Nice work!

u CAPITAL Seating: Based in Leicester, this distributor of suspensions seats for agricultural machinery is partners of leading brands such as Grammar and KAB. With a focus on improving driver safety and comfort across all types of vehicles, the company also offer observation camera systems. The team were on hand to showcase its winning range of Grammar and KAB agricultural seats, including a range from the USA. There were special prices for LAMMA 2024 visitors on the range of observation camera systems.

u Manitou UK Ltd: Industry-leading with agricultural telescopic handlers and articulated loaders for a wide range of heavy-duty tasks. The Dorset UK team showcased a range of Manitou machinery to attendees and were delighted to pick up the Bronze Award in the Best Environmental Innovation Award for the preview of the MLT625e: Manitou’s first 100% electric telehandler for the agricultural market. Congratulations!

Greenhill Heatguard Evolution System

Greenhill Systems is the largest supplier of Heatguard roof sheeting and associated products across the UK and Ireland: mainly to the agricultural, equestrian and commercial sectors.

Greenhill Heatguard sheet is a robust, triple wall polycarbonate sheet with a co-extruded UV layer, protecting the sheet and anything underneath by impeding 98% of detrimental UV rays.

The dual-function athermic pigment within the sheet restricts the heat from direct sunlight, while simultaneously optimising natural light to pass into the building.

This results in a brighter building, enhancing the wellbeing and production rates of livestock, with the removal of hotspots, shadowing and overheating on hotter days. The resulting brightness reduces the cost of artificial lighting, leaving an energy cost reduction for owners.

Benefits:

◆ Athermic pigment contained in the sheet

◆ Reduces heat build

◆ Optimum levels of diffused natural daylight

◆ Improved conception rates

◆ Shorter calving interval

◆ Improved feed intake

◆ Improved health

◆ Increased herd production

◆ Improved working environment

◆ Savings on energy and lighting

◆ Lower your carbon footprint

◆ Re-engineered side laps and 10% heavier makes it the strongest sheet of its kind on the market

◆ Shorter payback period than traditional roof coverings

u Reesink Agriculture: Division of Reesink UK Ltd is an exclusive distributor for Farmtrac. The Cambridgeshire-based team showcased five Farmtrac tractors, including the FT25G: The industry’s first all-electric tractor. With zero emissions, the lithium-ion battery can power for six hours straight on one charge. Perfect for all yard and paddock tasks and comes with an onboard charger.

u TEXA UK: Global leaders in diagnostic equipment across cars, bikes, trucks, marine and offhighway vehicles. The Lancashire-based team were showcasing the wide range of diagnostic solutions for the agricultural market, with live demonstrations by technicians. For off-highway diagnostics, TEXA supply the Navigator TXT Multihub, Axone Voice, Axone Nemo 2 and Axone Nemo Mini for the tough terrain of farming.

Save the date: LAMMA 2025 15th-16th January 2025 https://www.lammashow.com

Jefferson Tools makes successful LAMMA debut

Exciting news from Jefferson Tools! They’re gearing up for another stellar appearance at the upcoming 2025 LAMMA Show, where they’ll be showcasing their renowned range of tools tailored specifically for agricultural use.

As a trusted leader in the tool industry, Jefferson Tools is known for its commitment to innovation and quality. At their first attendance of the LAMMA Show in 2024, they showcased latest range of agricultural tools, specifically crafted with the industry’s needs in mind. Their booth boasted a wide array of products including air compressors, welding equipment, storage solutions, hand/power tools and much more, attracting a diverse range of professionals eager to learn more about the company.

suit the needs of the agricultural community. One standout product which gained rave reviews is the 25-piece Combination Spanner Set. Farmers love its practicality for quick repairs, with the entire set conveniently fitting snugly within the cab of a tractor.

But Jefferson Tools doesn’t stop there. They’re already planning to make next year’s LAMMA Show even bigger and better, promising an even wider range of innovative tools and experiences for attendees.

If you’re attending the LAMMA Show, be sure to swing by the Jefferson Tools booth for a first-hand look at their latest offerings and to chat with their friendly team. Don’t miss out on the chance to see why Jefferson Tools is a trusted name in the agricultural tools and equipment industry!

Contact 01244 646048 sales@jeffersontools.com https://jeffersontools.com Contact 07715 005770 07734 374160

What sets Jefferson Tools apart is not just their top-notch products, but also their dedication to customer feedback. Farmers visiting their booth will have the opportunity to provide first-hand insights, helping Jefferson Tools fine-tune their offerings to better

In 2023, Steeper invested in Arkad 3D printing technology, revolutionising our insole manufacturing process and reducing environmental waste by 60% Page XX

* 80% less corrosive than rock salt (fewer pothole)

* Environmentally friendly (all natural/contains no urea)

* Concentrated so less product needed

* Available in easy to carry buckets (5kg) with scoop or 1.2kg shakers

* Also available in covered tonne bags to store outside

* No handling or storage restrictions

CONTENTS 822

EDITOR’S NOTES

Each month, we aim to bring you the latest and most reliable information in healthcare, and we believe that our focus point piece on ProVen Biotics is a testament to that commitment. On page XII, we unveil the power of probiotics through an exclusive interview with Adrienne Benjamin, Registered Nutritionist at ProVen Biotics who explains the numerous ways probiotics can improve health, introducing us to some of the latest innovative products by ProVen.

Gina Burton Editor

As we explore the intersection of technology and healthcare, it becomes clear that companies such as Cognitec are driving significant advancements. As our featured Biometric Technology Company of the Month, on page V, we speak to Elke Oberg, Marketing Manager about Cognitec’s commitment to cutting-edge facial recognition solutions.

On page XXIII, we learn about the extensive range of meticulously crafted courses from Medline Consultancy’s Training Academy. These programs cover a wide spectrum of topics including clinical skills development, mental health courses, regulatory compliance, medications administration, leadership training, and first aid courses.

As the healthcare landscape evolves, so do the tools and technologies within it. Our featured article on Lightweight Mobility explores its mission that revolves around facilitating clients and clinicians in sourcing optimal products paired with tailored clinical solutions to meet diverse needs. Page XXIV.

On pages VI-VIII we feature a full review of The Dyslexia Show 2024 and a list of our Top Exhibitors. Other show reviews include: Best Practice London 2024 and Digital Health Rewired 2024.

COVER STORY

Evidence indicates Diabetic Insensate Patients can benefit from similar or reduced plantar pressure levels when using 3D-printed insoles compared to EVA insoles

CONTACTS

PUBLICATION MANAGEMENT

Kimberley Best Publication Manager 0121 824 7700

kimberleybest@productsandservicesreview.co.uk

EDITORIAL

Gina Burton Editor 07483 931474

gina@productsandservicesreview.co.uk

PRODUCTION

Robert Sharp Production Manager production@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

ACCOUNTS

Paul Whitaker Accounts Manager 0121 824 4742 accounts@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

Contact Sales on 0121 824 7700 info@healthcarematters.uk www.healthcarematters.uk

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The entire content of this publication is advertorial based. To place an advertorial or an advert, please call 0121 824 7700.

HEALTHCARE MATTERS

ECOGRIT HEALTH & SAFETY MATTERS

COGNITEC BIOMETRIC TECHNOLOGY COMPANY OF

THE READING DOCTORS DYSLEXIA SHOW 2024 REVIEW –

LEFT & WRITE DYSLEXIA SHOW 2024 REVIEW –TOP EXHIBITORS

PLUG-N-GO ELECTRIC VEHICLES MATTERS

PROVEN BIOTICS HEALTH & WELLBEING COMPANY OF

SIMPKINS EDWARDS BEST PRACTICE LONDON SHOW REVIEW –TOP EXHIBITORS

W&P TRAINING TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT MATTERS

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SPONSORED BY

Face recognition software

known persons. The anonymous facial analysis computes data to analyse demographics and track people flow.

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are proud to feature Cognitec as our Biometric Technology Company of the Month.

Cognitec is the only company worldwide that has worked exclusively on face recognition technology since its inception in 2002. Headquartered in Dresden, Germany, the company also has sales and support staff in offices located in Rockland, MA and Sydney who serve clients in the Americas and the Asia-Pacific regions. In 2022, Cognitec was acquired by Salto and is now part of the SALTO WECOSYSTEM.

Founded by a team of experts who recognised the growing demand for biometric software and hardware solutions, Cognitec specialise in automated face recognition software and hardware solutions.

We spoke to Elke Oberg, Marketing Manager, who gave us further insight into Cognitec as a whole and its services.

“Our software and hardware solutions are used by governments and private enterprises worldwide to perform facial image database search, recorded video investigation, real-time video screening and people analytics, border control, and biometric photo capture.”

“Our products are really easy to use, flexible, extendable, and take into account current industry standards, allowing for easy customisation and integration; we also provide excellent technical support and training. We are a small company, so customers can still reach us on the phone and get instant emergency support, even on-site. Because of this, clients are able to develop and sustain personable relationships with our team.”

“For the healthcare industry, Cognitec has developed FaceVACS-VideoScan. This superior piece of technology is market-leading and essentially recognises people’s faces in live video streams and video footage, compares them to image databases, and instantly finds

“This is ideally used in any healthcare setting to identify visitors, patients, residents, banned persons and intruders in real time,” added Elke.

Cognitec’s technology stands out for its versatility, seamlessly adapting to a diverse array of industries, applications, and environments. Whether it’s enhancing security and surveillance measures, safeguarding data privacy, or optimising customer analytics, Cognitec’s facial recognition solutions have solidified their position as industry frontrunners. Trusted by hundreds of clients globally, it consistently delivers top-tier facial recognition solutions tailored to meet a spectrum of needs and challenges.

“We are present in many vertical markets including governments (border control, law enforcement, ID document agencies), casinos, clubs, banks, healthcare and aged care, critical infrastructure and smart cities, and airports.”

“We are continuously improving our algorithm performance and recognition methods, addressing user demands for face matching with very large image databases, low-quality images, very high throughput, and the highest possible matching accuracy. Alongside increasing biometric performance, we are also working on making our products

even more user-friendly and standardscompliant, whilst providing clients with excellent training to understand biometric concepts, privacy considerations, and technology limitations.”

Cognitec’s commitment to cutting-edge facial recognition solutions is unmistakably evident in its robustness, versatility, innovation, and precision. As the company forge ahead with investments in ongoing research, the future looks promising and full of continuous improvements and advancements, particularly in enhancing technology for the healthcare industry. We eagerly anticipate the next wave of innovation from Cognitec as it continues to redefine the landscape of facial recognition technology.

Review - Top Exhibitors

The UK’s leading exhibition dedicated to dyslexia and neurodiversity

The Dyslexia Show 2024 took place on the 15th–16th March this year at the NEC in Birmingham. With a primary aim to empower and provide understanding to those with Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and Neurodiversity, the show strives to foster a deeper insight into the various ways in which education, parents, the workplace, and individuals themselves can offer support and awareness.

The show included various sections that were specifically aimed towards education, parents, the workplace, and individuals.

For teachers, specialists, teaching assistants and other individuals in the working field, Dyslexia 2024 created a dynamic platform that offered an abundance of invaluable resources and support to professionals dedicated to the education and wellbeing of individuals with dyslexia and neurodiversity.

The professional development seminars included many knowledgeable speakers who shared best practices in the field of dyslexia and neurodiversity as well as a deeper understanding through featured workshops and talks.

The show did a remarkable job in celebrating and supporting parents and wider family members whilst raising awareness and understanding of dyslexia and neurodiversity. A wealth of professionals who specialise in dyslexia and neurodiverse fields were on hand to share best practices and guidance, equipping parents with invaluable knowledge to navigate the complexities of the education system and offer unwavering support to their young ones.

neurodivergent traits to gain a deeper understanding of their own needs. It opened their eyes to the support that’s around them and how to access it. Showcasing cutting edge technologies, products and services, the show also highlighted and served as a catalyst for change and the future of what’s to come.

Dyslexia 2024 offered a unique opportunity for high-powered organisations and senior leaders to come together and explore the impact that neurodiversity has in the workplace. It more than succeeded in raising awareness and unlocking the potential of individuals with dyslexia and other neurodivergent conditions.

The event for individuals took place on the 16th, and was an exclusive event designed to embrace neurodiversity whilst creating an inclusive society that celebrated the unique strengths and talents of every individual. The show provided an opportunity for individuals with dyslexia and

After such a successful event, we eagerly anticipate Dyslexia Show 2025 that will be taking place next year on the 15th-16th March 2025 at the NEC in Birmingham.

This is our pick of the best exhibitors from this year’s event, listed here in alphabetical order: Autopress Education, Left ‘n Write, The Dyslexia Shop, The Reading Doctor & VA Matchmaking. Further details can be found on the next two pages.

For more information, keep an eye on the latest announcements below: https://dyslexia.show

The Reading Doctor: Bespoke tuition and school intervention service

The Reading Doctor, a bespoke tuition and school intervention service, traces its origins to 2012 when it was founded by Deborah Salsbury, a qualified primary school teacher (pictured). Deborah’s journey began in Bromley, Greater London, where her career evolved into specialised group intervention teaching, focusing on providing equitable access to learning for all students.

Driven by her passion for ensuring reading success, Deborah pursued further training, becoming an Intervention Lead and undergoing training with The Institute of Education in London as a Reading Recovery Teacher. This additional expertise reinforced her belief in the pivotal role of reading in a child’s educational journey.

In 2012, Deborah took a bold step, fully committing herself to teaching reading and establishing The Reading Doctor. This marked the beginning of a transformative endeavour aimed at empowering students to unlock their full potential through literacy.

The Reading Doctor’s services extend beyond traditional classroom settings. Deborah’s dedication led her to reach out to schools with high numbers of disaffected learners, as well as assuming the role of lead reading teacher at a school for children with behavioural and learning difficulties. Through these initiatives, Deborah sought

to ensure that every child, regardless of their challenges, had access to quality education.

The Reading Doctor is now the intervention of choice for maverick school leaders and is established in over 50 schools across the UK. The Reading Doctor network extends to 34 branches. Every Reading Doctor is a qualified teacher with many having additional specialist expertise in the field of education.

Deborah’s personal experiences, including having a daughter with dyslexia, have strengthened her belief in the potential of every child to succeed with the right support and encouragement. Her approach goes beyond imparting reading skills, focusing on nurturing self-belief in her students and instilling a positive self-image as learners.

The Reading Doctor’s commitment to excellence and dedication to making a difference have garnered numerous industry awards, including Woman Franchisor of the Year, National Tutoring Awards, and recognition from Kent Women in Business. These accolades serve as a testament to Deborah’s enduring impact on the field of education and her unwavering commitment to empowering students through literacy.

In summary, The Reading Doctor is not just a tuition service – it’s a testament to the transformative power of education. Founded on the principles of compassion, dedication, and belief in the potential of every child, The Reading Doctor continues to be a beacon of hope, empowering students to overcome obstacles and embark on a journey of lifelong learning.

Deborah Salsbury, Founder/Director of The Reading Doctor Ltd, 07796 676998 www.thereadingdoctors.com

Review - Top Exhibitors

The term SEN covers a wide range of needs from visual impairment to multi-sensory impairment, language and communication, social difficulties and much more. The Dyslexia Shop stocks thousands of carefully selected products and teaching resources designed to help adults, children and infants with SEN and learning difficulties.

Established by the Page family, who themselves have a history of Dyslexia, Honor, Tim and Howard, all behold a true passion for providing high-quality products that really make a difference to not just learning, but to everyday life.

Its large portfolio consists of many products that come in a range of different formats to help those with Dyslexia. Items such as books to help with handwriting, numeracy and mathematics, Dekko comics, Dcode dyslexia

and structured learning are all available online. Other items such as stationery, visual stress products i.e. reading rulers, testing kits, coloured overlays, teaching aids, electronics, software, and learning at home products are also available too.

The Dyslexia Shop showcased some of its products and services at the Dyslexia Show 2024 earlier this year. Located at Stand: B304, the company inspired other like-minded individuals and professionals with their own experiences and products that have helped them to overcome some of the challenges that come with having Dyslexia whilst inspiring the next generation.

For more information, please see below: 01394 671818 hello@thedyslexiashop.co.uk https://www.thedyslexiashop.co.uk

Left-handed in a righthanded world?

How do you support left-handed children in learning to write? Are there specific tools or techniques you recommend for left-handed children when they’re learning to write?

These are both frequently asked questions by parents when they are trying to help their left-handed child to learn to write. Mark Stewart is the owner of ‘Left n Write’ in Worcester and for over 29 years, Mark and his wife Heather have been specialising in the advice and provision of everything left-handed, from handwriting to cooking!

Left ‘n Write is a small independent online store that stocks many left-handed items from stationery to scissors, kitchen equipment, gardening tools as well as handwriting learning kits.

Mark and Heather (an ex-teacher) are also advocates of equality in both education policies and resources. Having a left-handed son themselves inspired them to spearhead the campaign to have specific guidelines on helping lefthanded children included as part of initial teacher training and within current in-service training.

They are both well versed in the education sector, having co-written books together that include the ‘Left Hand Writing Skills’ set of three handwriting practice books, ‘So You Think They’re Left Handed?’ book as well as designed a ‘Writewell’ mat and other educational resources.

Mark runs in-person training for Early Years and schools, and has produced a new downloadable interactive training video for CPD.

If you’re interested in finding out more, please see below: 07747 605107 info@leftshoponline.co.uk www.leftshoponline.co.uk

Revolutionising Business Admin: How VA Matchmaking connects you with the perfect Virtual Assistant

Matching the right Virtual Assistant (VA) with the right business requires careful consideration of the business’s needs, the VA’s skills, and the compatibility between the two.

VA Matchmaking, founded by the visionary Lydia Robinson, is transforming the business landscape by intuitively connecting companies with the perfect Virtual Assistants. This innovative approach not only matches individuals based on their skills, personality, and expertise but also fosters long-term, positive relationships.

Lydia, along with her team of Virtual Assistants, bring a wealth of experience in marketing and

administration. Each team member has previously held roles as Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants, or in management positions, ensuring a diverse range of skills and backgrounds to choose from.

In 2023, VA Matchmaking launched a dedicated Hub to support neurodiverse business owners, addressing their unique administrative needs and enhancing their business operations. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to inclusivity and tailored support, making it a revolutionary force in business administration.

At the recent Dyslexia Show 2024, VA Matchmaking highlighted its extensive range of services tailored for individuals in this sector. Whether you already have Access to Work funding or are seeking support through the program, VA Matchmaking offers a proven and comprehensive process to manage your online portal submissions for the Government’s Access to Work Scheme.

If you would like to discuss how Lydia can help you, please see below: 07578 415716

lydia@vamatchmaking.co.uk www.vamatchmaking.co.uk

Pret A Manger go live with Terryberry’s bespoke Employee Benefits Platform and Wellbeing Hub

P

ret A Manger have become the latest company to go live with Terryberry’s complete Employee Benefits Platform alongside a Wellbeing Hub, which is designed to support employees’ physical, mental and financial wellbeing.

As part of the launch, Pret A Manger will now have access to a new Offers and Discounts platform, designed to help support employees during the cost-of-living crisis. With the platform giving users potential savings of up to £3,000 per year. Alongside a recognition platform that will connect all 8,000 employees in the UK, and encourage a culture of recognition across all locations.

Emma Spencer, Senior Pay & Benefits Manager at Pret A Manger, said, “We are excited and delighted with our

new bespoke one-stop benefits and wellbeing platform. This now allows all our employees across the UK to access their Benefits and Wellbeing offerings in one easy to access platform and App.

“We were really impressed with the new features that Terryberry were bringing to their benefits and wellbeing platform. This played a big part in our decision to partner with Terryberry as we could see great potential and knew the impact this would have for our teams.”

If you are interested in an all-in-one Engagement, Reward, Recognition and Benefits platform for your business, you can get in touch at: www.terryberry.com/gb/contact-us

Contact: Ben Pritchard 0344 826 2008 bpritchard@terryberry.com www.terryberry.com/gb/360recognition-platform

HEALTHCARE ESTATES Matters

WhosOffice online success helps care sector with shift planning and staff leave management

Kent-based WhosOffice.com is helping the care sector manage staff shifts and leave planning. Currently used by many businesses to manage staff holidays and shift rotas online.

WhosOffice’s CEO, Reg Groombridge (pictured), has seen a noticeable shift in the way companies are managing essential HR tasks like co-ordinating staff time off and shift patterns.

“All companies, including large care homes, hospital pharmacies and the care sector generally are more sensitive than ever to key staff not being available at vital times during a shift. Management, including local managers, need to have a clear vision of whos on shift, day off, who’s on leave or even off sick and be able to plan tasks accordingly to the correct staff.”

Knowing who’s on shift or available to cover a shift is the key to success along with who’s qualified to cover certain essential roles and tasks.

J

ust wanted to share details of a lovely care home interior that Access 21 has recently designed and completed.

We provided building and decorating services, interior design ideas, furniture, upholstery fabrics, curtains/ blinds and artwork to refurbish all the communal areas of the home, creating very different areas with linking themes that are both practical yet beautifully stylish. Consultancy and works all followed in a logical sequence to maximize time planning and minimize disruption.

Excellent communication between the client and ourselves together with the wide range of services and choices that we were able to offer

contributed to the success of this fantastic project. We even visited with a furniture van and samples so that residents and staff could try out items for size and comfort before choosing a wide selection.

Getting in touch

What would you like to do to update your home? Even with a small budget, we can work with you to achieve the look you desire, and we have no minimum order requirements or long-contracts. We would be delighted to help!

Please contact Eda or Karen at: info@access21ltd.co.uk or visit our website for inspiration: www.access21interiors.co.uk

“As there continues to be pressure caused by the shortage of skilled and qualified personnel, you need online systems that your whole team can use to see accurate information, wherever they’re located – at head office, care home based, on-site or on the move.”

Ever-rising employee expectations have created a stronger business case for investing in HR technologies. When WhosOffice launched in 2015 it was one of the very first online staff shift and leave planners, and many businesses still used paper forms or spreadsheets to track time off. Now, companies of all sizes are modernising their operations to help them attract and retain the best people. Please contact

SDS is a leading UK designer and manufacturer of specialist doorsets for healthcare and clinical environments.

It said, “Our doorsets are designed for their application and environment, so whatever your requirement, we have the right doorset for you, including lead-lined variants. Our range of door systems has been created based on our experience in the

and is designed to offer a one-stop solution for compliant, highperformance doorsets comprising doors, frames, vision panels, and ironmongery solutions, all of which are fully backed up by the relevant test data and certification.”

Electric Vehicle Charging

Plug-N-Go provide turnkey funded solutions for businesses who are looking at installing or increasing EV charging points in car parks, on a risk and cost-free basis and takes care of the following:

: Site design and transition plans.

: Concession agreements.

: Infrastructure installation.

: Operation of charge points.

: Proactive maintenance plans.

: Revenue share schemes.

: Control & monitor charge point use.

: 24/7/365 dedicated EV call centre.

: Promotes charge point availability.

: Manages customer reports and site upgrades.

Plug-N-Go provide fully or part funded AC & DC charging solutions for public facing carparks ensuring that the site owner generates an income

from the charging points, whilst providing facilities for their working fleet, staff and the local community. We work with the client to navigate the appropriate grant funding schemes to ensure that available funding is secured and can provide ‘top up’ funding for any shortfalls to deliver the optimum solution.

“Our expertise is in the business and public sector, working with Local Authorities, hotels, commercial retail spaces, health care sectors and many more. We offer an A-Z solution from site survey, designing and installing, monitoring and proactive maintenance and what’s more, we futureproof all our sites, with many power supplies pre-wired below ground. Where possible, we tap into our expertise in renewable energy and power using solar or wind energy and with thousands of registered users now using the Plug-N-Go app – we are helping the country go electric. Our charging stations appear on Google Maps or advertised through partner networks such as Zapmap and Allstar,” explained Keith – CEO.

Plug-N-Go designs solutions to provide immediate and future planned needs, with a collaborative approach to ensure that reliability and control is at the heart of the final solution.

The design process incorporates the client energy strategy for the building and ensures that innovation and options are considered including energy conservation, Battery Energy Storage Systems and load management, where this is not possible,

we also manage the delivery of new DNO energy connections to facilitate the installation of the charging network.

Understanding the full consumer experience to EV charging is key to delivering a network that works for everyone, is reliable and supported. We do this by ensuring that the design is robust, the installation is comprehensive, and the operation of the network is proactively monitored, maintained, and supported 24/7/365 by our specialist EV team at the AA.

Our experience comes from working with Government departments, local authorities, Healthcare organisations and the asset management companies to ensure your asset works for you.

To find out more about bespoke solutions, across a wide range of charging equipment models, speeds and volumes, please see the website below: 0203 657 9672 info@plug-n-go.com https://plug-n-go.com

TECHNOLOGY & SOFTWARE Matters

Revitalise your gut: ProVen Biotics unveils the Power of Probiotics

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to feature Proven Biotics as our Health & Wellbeing Company of the Month

ProVen Biotics is a research-led brand, supported by more than 30 years of research and development relating to the gut microbiome and the use of probiotics to support its composition and function. Since its inception in 2012, ProVen Biotics has consistently provided product formulations that have undergone rigorous clinical research, demonstrating their efficacy in complementing antibiotic therapies and alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), to name two of the primary areas of research.

As the parent company to ProVen Biotics, Cultech Ltd stands as a renowned global brand, distinguished as a pivotal manufacturer of probiotics serving companies worldwide. With a comprehensive facility, the company ferments its own probiotic strains, oversees manufacturing and packaging of supplements, and orchestrates distribution and marketing across more than 20 countries worldwide.

The company’s aim has always been to produce efficacious products based upon comprehensive primary research and development. Cultech Ltd has been

instrumental in supporting ProVen Biotics with its expertise in developing cutting-edge probiotic formulations.

We spoke to Adrienne Benjamin, Registered Nutritionist at ProVen Biotics who explained some of the latest innovative products ProVen has introduced to the market.

“So far in 2024, we have already published two clinical trials and launched two new products, one of which is specifically related to our study on the use of probiotics alongside antibiotics in adults. Our new ATB Intensive product, contains our Lab4 probiotics blend along with a beneficial yeast called Saccharomyces boulardii and is designed to be taken alongside and following a course of antibiotics.”

“In the past couple of years, we have also invested heavily in our own fermentation facility and identified ways to improve our packaging to extend the shelf-life of our products. We are now also offering products with prebiotic and post-biotic ingredients and are in the process of re-branding our range to ProVen Biotics (from ProVen Probiotics) to reflect these changes.”

“We always have a continuous programme of new product development and technological improvement at ProVen, that is generally driven by our clinical research studies and understanding of emerging trends in the industry.”

ProVen’s commitment to quality control throughout the manufacturing process is exceptional. From the start, ProVen was

set up to take the best of everything the founders had learned in their previous careers in science and antibiotics and to show people that probiotics really do benefit family health. The two founders are Dr’s Nigel and Sue Plummer, both microbiologists, who established Cultech with a strong ethos of integrating probiotic research and developing innovative new products founded on robust clinical evidence. ProVen’s quality assurance and transparency with its customers is founded upon this evidence base, which supports the efficacy and effectiveness of all ProVen products.

As a clear leader within the probiotics industry, ProVen has shown its commitment to research and development both to support the efficacy of its own probiotic blends and to the development of the probiotics industry as a whole using its own collective understanding of the human microbiome.

“We invest heavily in all kinds of research and have a team of more than 20 research scientists committed to this goal, who work continuously on contributing to industry research (in vitro, in vivo and clinical) and to new product development.”

“We have been researching our Lab4 probiotics blend for more than 20 years and this is the bacteria consortium that we build our ProVen products around. Through our clinical research, we have shown real benefits across multiple conditions and needs using this specific blend – two strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis and Bifidobacterium bifidum.”

“Most of our products contain this live bacteria blend with other nutrients to support specific health needs, and in the past five years or so we have also studied other key bacteria strains to understand how these strains might further enhance our clinical results.”

“One key strain that we have used is Lactobacillus plantarum, which we combined with the Lab4 consortium in our ShapeLine product and, more recently, we have undertaken research combining Lab4 with a well-researched beneficial yeast, known as Saccharomyces boulardii,” stated Adrienne.

Furthermore, we are committed to developing products for specific life stages, including menopause, a natural part of aging, the symptoms and health risks associated with which can vary widely among women. In the past year, we have been working to identify ways it can add value to our products to support women going through this transition and have developed our Menopause Plans – Rebel and Rebel Up. By offering these free with bundles of some of their physical products, ProVen work to help educate customers on the importance of gut health in supporting general health – in this case, to support women with aging and hormonal health.

One recent satisfied customer was Jennifer Stoute, a two-time-Olympian and ex-TV Gladiator, who discovered ProVen products and approached the company wanting to work with them after she had been taking them for a year and found they had worked well for her. Jennifer is now part of the inspiration behind the ‘Menopause Rebel’ plans.

ProVen’s brand reputation, market success and considerable R&D investments have already demonstrated the growth and success of the company, but there is still so much more to come. Adrienne explained:

“We are constantly investing in research and new product development and, as a result, we have grown our brand into a significant force internationally. ProVen products are now available throughout the world, including the USA, China, Hong Kong, South Africa, Ireland, Spain, the Baltics, Scandinavia and the Netherlands, and we are moving into more new markets each year.”

“A key part of our brand culture is to continuously innovate from both a manufacturing process and a product development perspective. We now control the supply chain from bacterial strain fermentation to finished product production and we will continue to develop new product lines and innovative approaches to probiotic delivery to support health outcomes.” For

Best Practice London 2024: A resounding success at Olympia, London, UK!

Best Practice London 2024, hosted by CloserStill Media, concluded with resounding success, bringing together close to 2,000 healthcare professionals, industry experts, and community members for an enriching and insightful event.

The exhibition, held at Olympia on 28th29th February, showcased the latest advancements, best practices, and innovations in general practice, fostering collaboration and driving excellence in healthcare delivery.

Achieving 137% of our attendee target, and over 130 exhibitors, Best Practice London 2024 offered a dynamic platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and

professional development. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with leading healthcare providers, discover cutting-edge technologies, and participate in interactive workshops and seminars designed to enhance clinical practice and patient care.

“It was great meeting with loads of new leads in a sector, we had previously underutilised,” remarked Lee Webb, Engagement Executive at Surgery Connect.

Looking ahead, Best Practice is excited to announce the next edition of Best Practice Birmingham, scheduled for 9th-10th October 2024 at NEC Birmingham. Building on the success of this year’s event, the next edition promises to be even bigger and better, with

over 180 exhibitors already confirmed and now only 10 stands remaining!

This is our pick of the best exhibitors from this year’s event, listed here in alphabetical order: Healthcare Monitors & Simpkins Edwards. Further details can be found on this page and the next.

For more information about the largest General Practice event in the country; Best Practice Birmingham this October, please visit: https://www.bestpracticeshow.co.uk/ become-exhibitor-sponsor or contact Ian Reynolds, Group Event Director. Direct Phone: 02476 719683, email: bp_team@closerstillmedia.com.

Simpkins Edwards: Industry-leading firm of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers

Simpkins Edwards are an industry-leading firm of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, delivering exceptional service and expertise, for over 50 years.

We work with healthcare professionals and business owners, providing detailed management accounts, KPI analysis & benchmarking, and tax planning & advice. Our commercial approach, including quarterly strategy meetings, allows business owners to ‘know their numbers’ and feel confident making decisions. Simpkins Edwards offer all the traditional accounting services too, giving you peace of mind to focus on your patients, your team and your business.

We pride ourselves on our ability to handle complexity whilst delivering the right solutions tailored to the specific needs of each client. Our team is driven by a shared commitment

to building a strong reputation, ensuring sustainability in all our practices, and achieving commercial success. Our clients operate across the UK, and are serviced from one of our 5 offices across the South West.

Reputation: Our reputation is built on integrity, collaboration and quality. Our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of commercial and operational excellence breeds the trust of our clients and the respect of our peers. In 2023, we were honoured to be recognised as a finalist in the Community Impact category at the Xero Awards and received the Highly Commended award for Employer of the Year at the Exeter College Apprentice and Employer Awards.

Sustainability: By actively fostering a culture of team wellbeing and continuous development, we recruit, develop and retain the best talent, ensuring our continued success as an independent firm. Beyond the office walls, we’re committed to supporting our local community with initiatives such as volunteering days and sponsorships of small businesses/teams. Amongst our clients, we advocate sustainable practices; from promoting responsible strategies to implementing eco-friendly business practice, we strive to create a sustainable future.

Commerciality: In today’s dynamic business environment, commercial expertise is what sets us apart. We understand the challenges and

opportunities facing businesses of all sizes, and we’re here to help you navigate them with confidence. Our business is always innovating, by bringing in additional subject area expertise, and integrating new technology, which allows us to guide our clients towards their business objectives and drive profitability.

At Simpkins Edwards, we’re not just focused on today’s numbers – we're committed to your longterm success.

Contact Seb Beard, Healthcare Partner, sbeard@simpkinsedwards.co.uk

Jenna Clark, Director of Healthcare Services, jclark@simpkinsedwards.co.uk

https://www.simpkinsedwards.co.uk/ sectors/healthcare

“Every surgery should have one” Dr Mike Dixon, LVE, OBE MA MB BS DRCOG

The Best Practice London Show 2024 held at Olympia London from the 28th29th February was one of the biggest yet, confirming its reputation as the largest gathering of general practice HCPs from across London and the South East region. NHS England featured on this year’s programme, with keynote speakers discussing major challenges and opportunities facing Primary and Secondary Care, Pharmacy First Initiatives and GP access.

Having access to digital patient information is a necessity for the smooth running of busy GP practices and, in this arena, Healthcare Monitors was one of our Top Exhibitors for innovative, next-level digitally-enhanced technology.

Healthcare Monitors’ M9-PGT is a medically-approved, metrology tested standalone health monitor that can be installed in GP surgeries and hospital settings. The M9-PGT allows patients to take their own blood pressure, height, weight and BMI without any supervision. Patients are guided through the process with audio and images and takes around 90 seconds.

With PatientPod software, patients can also be prompted to answer lifestyle questions such as smoking and alcohol status, physical activity, ethnicity and more. All results and answers are automatically SNOMED coded before filing individually, as a batch or deleted.

Warning messages can be displayed to the patient if their BP or BMI reading is over or above set thresholds and an optional alarm sounded in real time on a reception PC. SystmOne sites can also create a task automatically. All recent measurements are available to view for monitoring purposes with any high or low readings highlighted.

Healthcare Monitors have over 2,000 monitors in the field, along with the adaptable PatientPod integration, where patient measurements and responses to lifestyle questions can be stored against their record in EMIS, TPP SystmOne & Vision.

The monitors save time and money by increasing the efficiency of staff and replacing unnecessary appointments with automatic contactless monitoring. A study at a surgery in February 2024 based on 70 patients using the system per week estimated an annual saving of £9,525.13 when compared to the time and cost of an experienced HCA. When combined with QoF or QAIF points, this saving could be increased significantly.

Save time and increase your QoF points and sign up for a free, no obligation, one month trial today for your GP surgery or healthcare setting.

Speak to the expert staff at Healthcare Monitors today: 01299 250321 info@healthcaremonitors.co.uk https://healthcaremonitors.co.uk

Need 2 Succeed

Inspiring

animating communities

Delivering Nationally Accredited Training for Social Prescribers

Need 2 Succeed is an industry-leading accredited centre approved by four major UK Awarding Bodies: NCFE, SEG Awards and NOCN. With an expert team of specialist trainers, teachers, and assessors, providing vocational qualifications, adult learning programmes and short courses, the provider offers services in London, the Home Counties and across the UK.

Established 18 years ago in 2006 by founder Roberto Mobile, Need 2 Succeed provides a range of training solutions for those working in or planning to work in Health Care, Social Care, Education, Children & Young People and Wellbeing Sectors, as well as further commercial and accredited training. The provider is now based at the New Croydon Campus of London South Bank University.

To suit varying learning styles and to fit around existing work or family commitments, Need 2 Succeed provides work base professional qualifications and continued professional development (CPD) through a blended mixture of daytime, evening, and weekend online, class based

and 1:1 coaching and assessments. Through an emphasis on quality knowledge-based courses, the company has supported over 200 professionals achieve their qualifications and career development, with nationally accredited courses and over 100 CPD short courses to choose from, with many of these funded through government programmes.

The courses are all delivered by experts in their chosen fields, with many locations to choose from and a high 95% success rate across the board. The training provided by Need 2 Succeed is ideal for:

: Social Prescribing Link Workers, Health and Wellbeing Coaches and ICB’s/PCN’s across the country

: Those working in the non-profit, public and health sector

: Anyone seeking to develop knowledge and skills in working with children, young people, and local communities

: Business and management staff looking to increase professional development with more specialised skills and knowledge

The Level 3 Certificate in Social Prescribing has been recently added to the training portfolio, at a time when the NHS is recruiting for over 5,000 social prescribers by the end of 2024. Need 2 Succeed is one of only two training providers delivering this highly sought-after qualification, with the company offering exceptional quality, price and added value.

The SEG Awards Level 3 Certificate in Social Prescribing is a UK recognised qualification which enriches understanding of social prescribing and provides those already working in this role with enhanced knowledge and understanding. The NHS view social prescribing as a key driver of Universal Personalised Care. This interconnective approach allows people to tap into groups, activities, and local services to enhance health and wellbeing and is facilitated by social prescribing link workers, PCN’s and CCG/ICB’s.

The SEG Awards Level 3 Certificate in Social Prescribing cover modules such as: delivering community-based solutions, offering vulnerable adults’ holistic support, managing caseloads, and measuring outcomes to improve support mechanisms.

As part of its commitment to quality first training, Need 2 Succeed provides a thorough initial assessment of care for all learners to establish a need-led personalised training plan from the offset. Each learner is assigned an individual assessor/ tutor throughout the duration of the course.

For all queries and further course details, please see the website below: 020 7871 9941 info@need2succeed.co.uk www.need2succeed.co.uk

Established in 2001, we remain a family run business passionate about supporting Health and Social Care Providers & Local Authorities to improve and develop their services to the most vulnerable people in our society.

Our team have all worked in the industry. The directors have owned and managed their own residential and domiciliary care businesses and

W&P Compliance & Training Services

many of our advisors and associates are former, CQC inspectors, Health Professionals or Local Authority Commissioners so we have a wealth of experience and expertise available to our customers.

Our extensive range of products and services are up to date with the latest industry Standards and Regulations and are competitively priced.

We provide a straightforward, no nonsense approach to supporting our customers. These strong customer relationships mean our products and services evolve using real case studies, such as feedback from a CQC inspection or a new contractual requirement from a local authority. This intelligence is a key component in how we develop our products and services, which ensures they reflect what is going on at the front line as well as the strategic level.

Whether you are just starting your own care business, going after your first local authority contract, looking to purchase a new set of Health and Social Care Policies, or just need some support or training to move your business forward, W&P has all the skills and expertise you will ever need to help your business grow.

Please contact 01305 767104

https://www.wandptraining.co.uk

W&P supporting Health and Social Care providers across the UK

W&P has been supporting Health and Social Care providers with its business planning, compliance and training requirements since 2001, including:

● Policies and Procedures for Domiciliary, Residential, & Clinical Service providers in England, Scotland & Wales.

● Policies and procedures for Learning Disability Services in England.

● Policies and Procedures for nonregistered services in England

● Staff training packs – i.e. Management of Medicines.

● Accredited on-line distance learning training courses.

● Compliance Audits/Mock Inspections

● Tender writing and Bid support

● CQC Registration Support

● General Business Advice and Guidance

New for 2023!

● Updated CQC compliance webinar

● Values Led Recruitment and Retention Webinar

● Children’s Policies and Procedures

● New Online Policy Portal –Manage, read and share your policies at the touch of a button.

For this and much more, please go to our website at: www.wandptraining.co.uk or call us on 01305 767104, we are here to help.

Digital Health Rewired 2024

Digital Health Rewired is the sector’s most popular conference and networking event welcoming thousands of members from the diverse digital health community.

Digital Health Rewired 2024 took place on the 12th-13th March at the NEC in Birmingham. National leaders, NHS teams and industry experts came together to tackle the latest challenges of digital, data and innovation across nine dedicated stages of CPD-accredited educational content.

Nine brilliant female digital leaders, trailblazers and pioneers who are transforming health and care graced the stages at Rewired24. The stages were the Innovation Stage, Patient Engagement Stage, Digital Nursing and Midwifery Summit, Best Practice Showcase Stage, Integrated Care Stage, Digital Leadership and Teams Stage, Digital Transformation Stage, AI, Data and Analytics Stage, Smart Health Stage, Cyber Security Stage.

The 2024 programme showcased everything from the best examples in health service transformation

at scale in the NHS and internationally, to virtual wards, intelligent workflow systems, and keynote speeches on how we should be addressing the nation’s priorities and funding.

Some key themes from the 2024 show included transformation, leadership, integrated care, AI, digital nursing, cyber, smart health, and patient empowerment. Particularly in the healthcare industry, new technologies can hold enormous potential for groundbreaking medical breakthroughs. We are at an age now where there are so many new products and services becoming available to enhance productivity, create solutions and build further awareness. Attendees were able to use Horizon Scanning to identify these new products and emerging innovations at any given timepoint, creating engagement, talking points and links to suppliers.

Rewired Pitchfest is the place where digital health start-ups are invited to compete for the opportunity to showcase their idea or solution to a unique audience of NHS leaders and investors. This is always a highly anticipated part of the Digital Health Rewired Expo. Pre-revenue start-ups: very early-stage start-ups, which will likely have an MVP and Post-revenue start-ups: who have sufficiently progressed to having multiple paying clients, can both enter, and the winning start-up gets the chance at an NHS test bed site, courtesy of Pitchfest partner, CW+.

The 2024 Revenue Generating Category Winners were Goggleminds: a training and assessment platform to help healthcare professionals and students practice and learn lifesaving skills faster.

The 2024 Pre-Revenue Generating Category Winners were Upfront Diagnostics: first time winners who have created a blood test for large vessel occlusion stroke diagnosis called ‘LVOne,’ enabling a faster and more accurate stroke diagnosis that improves treatment and can help clinicians saving lives.

Digital Health Rewired 2025 will take place in Hall 8 at the NEC, Birmingham on the 18th-19th March 2025.

This is our pick of the best exhibitors from this year’s event, listed here in alphabetical order: Blum Health, DPM Digital Health & Novari Health. Further details can be found on the next one and a half pages.

Please contact https://digitalhealthrewired.com

The Challenge: Improving Trust & ICS

Referral

Pathways

Non-urgent referral pathways are becoming more complex as trusts merge, ICSs mature, and clinical networks deliver services across various settings and procedures (e.g., cardiology, endoscopy, mental health, orthopaedics). This complexity is heightened by multiple EPR systems and a reliance on email and paper. Each type of referral has different workflows, from intake to triage to routing, making efficient management difficult and necessitating extensive administrative support.

The Solution Trusts and ICSs can manage these complex pathways, demonstrate increased efficiency (in some cases by over 50%), productivity, workforce capacity and a financial return on investment by implementing Novari Health’s award-winning specialist referral management software.

Novari Health solutions are widely implemented in Canada and Australia, two publicly funded health services very similar to the NHS.

Our software receives referrals from multiple sources including eRS, and enables patient referrals to be assessed, triaged, and routed to the most appropriate care setting by the clinical and administrative users.

KPI’s, such as time from referral to treatment, can be tracked. Real-time dashboards provide administrative and clinical users referral worklists, waiting list management, and enable easy identification of patients nearing or having breached referral/treatment target dates.

Integration with other digital systems (e.g., EPR, etc.) ensures a feedback loop so referring practitioners are updated about their patients’ progress as they move through the system. Duplicate referrals can be identified and managed early in the process.

The technology includes patient engagement functionality and can send text messages and email to collect and share information before, during and after receiving care, reducing clinical and administrative time and cost.

Each deployment of our software is co-designed with our client’s specific pathway or patient flow requirements, irrespective of complexity, referral type, care, or service

model such as single point of access. Novari solutions can be deployed at individual trust level, clinical network, or a geographical area such as an ICS.

Artificial Intelligence

Data transparency in the hands of those co-ordinating and providing care combined with load balancing patients across all available providers results in more efficient and equitable use of NHS resources. AI process mining allows organisations to easily identify bottlenecks in referral pathway workflows and target resources where they are needed.

Novari is a Microsoft partner and has a proud history of integrating with Access Rio and other EPR’s, (e.g., Oracle Health, Epic, Meditech, GP systems, national eRS systems, etc.).

For more information, contact Angela Single, Director of UK Business Development, at: asingle@novarihealth.com or visit: www.novarihealth.com

Navigating DCB0160: Ensuring Clinical Safety Assurance within Digital Health Deployment

DCB0160 is a critical standard that all healthcare organisations in the UK must comply with when deploying Digital Health systems. DPM Digital Health Consultancy Ltd are at the forefront of regulatory compliance services. Within our multidisciplinary team, we have a collective experience of over 75 year’s digital health including nurses, pharmacists, GPs, AHPs and regulatory affairs consultants.

What is DCB0160?

4) Maintaining a Hazard Log to identify, analyse, evaluate and mitigate clinical risks

of Digital Health systems. Compliance with DCB0160 is not only a legal requirement, but also demonstrates an organisation’s commitment to clinical safety and responsible deployment of health technology. It helps build trust with clinicians, patients and regulators that the Digital Health system has been thoroughly evaluated for clinical risks.

Conclusion

DCB0160, official title of ‘Clinical Risk Management: it’s Application in the Deployment and Use of Health IT Systems,’ is a standard that provides a framework for healthcare organisations to ensure the Clinical Risk Management of Digital Health systems they implement. The key requirements of DCB0160 include:

1) Establishing a Clinical Risk Management process throughout the Digital Health project lifecycle

2) Appointing a qualified and competent Clinical Safety Officer to oversee clinical risk management

3) Implementing a Clinical Risk Management Plan to control and monitor clinical risks

5) Producing a Clinical Safety Case Report to summarise the clinical safety position of the deployed Digital Health system and the clinical risk management process and activities undertaken

6) Reporting and investigating any clinical safety incidents that occur at any stage of the Digital Health project lifecycle

Why is DCB0160 Important?

DCB0160 is a critical standard because it helps ensure that Digital Health systems deployed within the healthcare sector are clinically safe and do not pose unacceptable risks to patients. By mandating a robust clinical risk management process, the standard aims to prevent patient harm that could result from software failures, incorrect usage, or unintended consequences

DCB0160 is a critical standard that all healthcare organisations in the UK must adhere to when deploying digital health systems. By establishing a structured clinical risk management framework, the standard helps safeguard patient safety and promote the responsible use of Digital Health systems.

Understanding and implementing the requirements of DCB0160 is essential for any healthcare provider looking to leverage the benefits of health technology while prioritising clinical safety.

Dean Mawson, Clinical Director & Founder DPM Digital Health Consultancy Ltd, 07840 049772

dean.mawson@dpmdigitalhealth.co.uk

https://dpmdigitalhealth.co.uk

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanmawson-3804521a @DeanMawson

Award-winning Digital Health Consulting and product delivery

Blüm Health provides Managed Services and Product Delivery (bespoke development) to public and private sector organisations across the UK and internationally.

By building and connecting solutions for exceptional outcomes and redefined results, we support healthcare ecosystems to become more digitally mature. Founded by a team of clinicians and engineers, they specialise in bridging the gap between healthcare excellence and technological

NURSING & CARE Matters

innovation. They pride themselves on their extensive experience in ideating, building, and executing innovative projects, and they have

built a portfolio of full scale solutions for Hospitals, Universities, and industry partners both in the UK and internationally. They are passionate about regulatory compliance, scalability, and patientcentricity and this comes as standard across their products and services.

Having recently won the Medilink North of England NHS Partnerships award, Blüm have a strong track record of delivering digital transformation through consultancy

services or product delivery. This allows them to provide an end-to-end capability to increase organisational productivity, workforce capability, and patient outcomes. The team also supports Private sector organisations through bespoke development and regulatory compliance.

Blüm currently operates across the UK and US and are being supported by the Department for Business and Trade in delivering their value overseas, being featured on their ‘Go Global’ showcase. Blüm are on a number of frameworks which allows public sector organisations easier access to the suite of products and services on offer from Blüm.

3D-printed insole usage expands to diabetic insensate patients after successful pilot study

In early 2023, Steeper invested in Arkad 3D printing technology, revolutionising our insole manufacturing process and reducing environmental waste by 60%. This technology offered reduced waiting times for patients and fantastic clinical outcomes using conservative insole treatments. We have continued to develop the technology and improve our insole products, and we’re thrilled to announce the results from our latest academic study conducted in collaboration with the Biomedical Engineering Department at the University of Hull.

Led by Dr Harriet Talbott, Medical Engineering Programme Director at the University of Hull, the University conducted in-shoe pressure tests using TekScan technology and finite element analysis. After completing 120 tests with 5 participants, comparing plantar pressures of 3D-printed insoles to EVA insoles at base depths of 3mm and 6mm, we have concluded that 3D-printed insoles are a suitable treatment option for Diabetic Insensate Patients.

Evidence from the study indicates Diabetic Insensate Patients can benefit from similar or reduced plantar pressure levels when using 3D-printed insoles compared to EVA insoles. In addition, none of the plantar pressures recorded throughout the testing reached pressure values that would trigger an ulceration. And, with the advantage of significant reductions in CO2 levels, it makes choosing Steeper 3D-printed insoles an obvious choice for the benefit of patients, and the environment.

Steeper Group are grateful to Dr Harriet Talbott and her team at the University of Hull for conducting this study and providing these invaluable insights. We

look forward to offering our high-quality 3D-printed insoles to all of our patients throughout the UK, helping to create life’s turning points, together.

Pilot Study Results : 3mm 3D-printed plantar pressures across the tests demonstrated an average of 90.7 Kilopascals (kPa) of pressure. 3mm EVA in comparison demonstrated 94.7kPa average plantar pressures. Although 3D-printed demonstrated a slight reduction in pressure compared to EVA, there was no statistical difference between the two comparisons. : 6mm 3D-printed insoles demonstrated an average of

82.2kPa of plantar pressure, and EVA demonstrated 95.2kPa. Indicating a small statistical significance in favour of 3D-printed plantar pressure improvement.

: Both 3D-printed and EVA demonstrated a reduction of plantar pressures when compared to barefoot, with average barefoot plantar pressures for the test subjects of 182kPa.

: None of the plantar pressures recorded throughout the testing reached pressure values that would trigger an ulceration.

: Plugs across both 3D-printed and EVA offloaded equivalently.

Please contact +44 (0)113 270 4841 orthotics@steepergroup.com www.steepergroup.com

Oral healthcare now available to your care home

L

ura Care, a company specialising in dental care services for care homes and day centres, has opened its first operational centre in the United Kingdom in Hampton Hill, from where it will provide dental services in London, the South East and parts of the East of England.

to promote preventative health and healthy habits.

MoliCare® celebrates 40 years of incontinence protection, every day

MTheir objective is to break the mobility barrier to care for dependent people or people with mobility problems who due to their condition cannot access the oral health services they need. Its mobile services model enables the company to carry out treatments on-site to avoid transfers to clinics whenever possible.

Lura Care, who are registered with the Care Quality Commission, also carry out free, no-obligation initial assessments on-site to evaluate the oral health condition of residents and their dental care needs, as well as training activities in care homes

The company also offers flexible and interest-free financing options for treatments, and reinvests a portion of the revenue back into the centres through bonuses to help improve their services.

Also present in Spain and Italy, Lura Care has provided their services to more than 1,000 care homes and day centres, and has attended to more than 100,000 patients.

oliCare®, the global incontinence brand, is celebrating 40 years of supporting people, carers and healthcare professionals with solution-based pads, pants and skincare products. The product range has been designed to help the everyday needs of those living with incontinence and bladder weakness, with the care of the skin at the heart of the MoliCare® brand.

MoliCare® has developed a range of pads and pants, which feel like underwear. Over the last forty years, the brand has continued to focus on protection, security, and comfort as the core criteria for its product performance.

HARTMANN, the company behind MoliCare®, continues to invest in and develop in their products. This includes the introduction of new technology to the MoliCare® Premium Form range of large

shaped pads that now features a new absorbent core known as ADL (Acquisition Distribution Layer). The ADL layer contains super absorbent polymers treated with Citrate, which neutralise the urine, for better skin health. In addition, the ADL layer now features a new channel, set within the pad to help to distribute urine. Both innovations improve the feeling of dryness by over 70%, again demonstrating MoliCare®’s commitment to skin care.

Medical training designed to empower individuals in their respective fields

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to feature Medline Consultancy as our Medical Training Company of the Month.

Medline Consultancy is dedicated to delivering bespoke solutions that precisely meet the distinctive requirements of its clientele. Comprised of a team of dedicated professionals, the consultancy harnesses its extensive expertise to offer expert consultancy services spanning event medical cover, training, first aid, and medical supplies.

Medline’s new Training Academy launched only last year in 2023, and has since delivered over 150 courses through various channels including face-toface, blended and online learning.

We spoke to Phil Cracknell, Chief Executive Officer at Medline who explained the Training Academy in more detail.

“We offer an extensive range of courses from Annual Refreshers to First Aid, Food Safety, Health and Safety, and many others. We have formed our training academy faculty based on our trainer’s individual experience, knowledge and skills to deliver high quality education. They each bring in addition to their training and assessing qualifications a broad range of professional experience from across their respective sector. We are completely flexible to deliver courses at our own venues or at a venue that better suits the client.”

At the heart of the Training Academy’s offerings are meticulously crafted training programs that cater for professionals involved in a range of different

industries and sectors. From Health and Social Care to Education, Early Years, Construction, Food and Licensed venues and many more, these programs cover a wide spectrum of topics including clinical skills development, mental health courses, regulatory compliance, medications administration, leadership training, and first aid courses.

Another key focus area for Medline Consultancy is technology and innovation. From a single plaster to custom kits, Medline Consultancy believes that quality should not come at an expansive cost.

“We aim to offer a high-quality range of first aid and medical supplies which make us a reliable one-stopshop to fulfil all our client’s emergency needs. We can accommodate a wide range of requirements, ensuring that every customer receives a personalised and satisfactory experience. We stock products covering airway management, infection control, first aid boxes and consumables as well as infection control products. We are proud to stock a number of brands which are recognised within the sectors and used/trusted by professionals.

Medline Consultancy is run and owned by medical professionals, therefore the strategic advice and solutions to its clients truly set them apart, allowing them to keep ahead of the latest advancements and best practices across the healthcare sector.

Medline Consultancy has recently introduced another product to its First Aid and Medical Supplies portfolio. SmartSafe™ Patient Property Bags offer all round peace of mind and help to safe-guard a patient’s belongings. They’re clear, secure, durable and easy to use, and what’s more, each SmartSafe™ Property Bag comes with a unique bar code tracking system, ensuring your patients belongings are returned to them safely after treatment.

Two new Safeguard Medical products worth noting are the Tactical Mechanical Tourniquet (TMT™) which is a hemorrhage control device specifically designed for massive hemorrhage control of an extremity, and The Emergency Bandage® which is a multifunctional hemorrhage control solution with FDA approval as a non-pneumatic tourniquet.

Medline Consultancy stands as a beacon of excellence in healthcare education and professional development.

Embracing freedom: The evolution of Lightweight Mobility solutions

In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to feature Lightweight Mobility as our Healthcare & Mobility Equipment Company of the Month.

Founded in 2022 by Sean Taylor, Lightweight Mobility swiftly emerged as a pivotal player in elevating the mobility and enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities. Its mission revolves around facilitating clients and clinicians in sourcing optimal products paired with tailored clinical solutions to meet diverse needs.

With over 35 years of collective experience in the healthcare mobility and rehabilitation sector, Sean and his team are dedicated to delivering unparalleled service and support to individuals of all ages across the UK. By partnering with renowned global manufacturers, the company endeavours to match clients with the perfect products that meet their unique requirements.

“We work with individuals, clinicians, purchasing groups, case managers, residential and nursing

homes. We are not a standard mobility company that sells standard products. We pride ourselves in helping

clients, clinicians and healthcare facilities in finding the right equipment that works for them and the care providers.”

“We provide assessments, sales and servicing of mobility and other equipment, we also help clinicians look for equipment and trials and help with the populating of reports. Our services then enable the clinicians to concentrate on the clinical application of these. We also have a rental service working on both a short or long-term basis for many products that enable case managers to justify the capital outlay for the client,” stated Sean.

Based in Rugby, Lightweight Mobility is ideally situated to meet the needs of clients located in both the North and South of the UK. “We provide nationwide coverage through strategic partnerships with leading experts across the UK, each boasting extensive

experience in the field. Our network allows us to seamlessly match the expertise and products to the specific needs of clients, ensuring tailored solutions delivered locally,” added Sean.

The company’s product range typically includes lightweight manual and powered wheelchairs, mobility scooters, sensory products, chair lifts, car hoists and other assistive devices designed to meet the diverse needs of users with varying levels of mobility impairment.

One product range worth noting is the ADELPHI care chair. Manufactured by Primacare, this British manufacturer is a specialist of seating solutions and an expert in assistive technology. Lightweight Mobility stock over 13 different models of the Primacare range from the ADELPHI TRIO to the AFFINITY. This range is truly flexible and very popular, offering chairs designed for home comfort and specialist healthcare settings.

For clients interested in portable carbon fibre lightweight powered mobility options, Lightweight Mobility stock the QUICKIE Q50 R Carbon. Known as the ideal option for consideration when choosing a folding powerchair, it weighs a mere 14.5kg (without batteries) and is foldable within seconds.

Navigating the plethora of mobility options can be daunting. Lightweight Mobility simplify the process by collaborating with independent therapists who conduct assessments and guide you in selecting the perfect equipment tailored to your needs, whether it's for your home, workplace, or travel. This personalised service, a rarity in the industry, enhances accessibility and ensures you find the ideal solution. Clients consistently praise this unique offering for its invaluable assistance in enhancing their mobility experience.

If you’re interested in finding out more, please see below: 07488 367164 lightweightmobility@gmail.com www.lightweightmobilityandseating.co.uk

Colour Graphics plugs a sustainable hole in the market with Soyang Europe

The Walsall-based large-format print company began using Soyang SL-F04 Premium Solar Greyback Frontlit Banner material in response to a rising demand for PVC-free banner work

Walsall-based large-format print business Colour Graphics has revealed how its use of Soyang’s SL-F04 Premium Solar Greyback Frontlit banner material has allowed the company to expand its sustainable offering and win profitable new work from environment-focused customers.

Established more than 25 years ago, Colour Graphics offers a wide range of printing services including largeformat signage, exhibition displays, marketing materials and event graphics.

While demand for its print services in general has been on the rise, Colour Graphics noted a particular increase in interest for banner printing, specifically more planet friendly solutions. In response, the company took the decision to begin offering PVC-free banner printing, allowing customers to select a more sustainable option.

Having worked with Soyang Europe for nearly 10 years, Colour Graphics again turned to the specialist supplier for a solution. After testing a number of products, Colour Graphics identified Soyang’s SL-F04 Premium Solar Greyback Frontlit banner material as the ideal product to meet the demand for more environmentally friendly banners.

A 100% polyester woven fabric coated with a grey back, Soyang SL-F04 banner material offers users a smooth surface and full opacity, making it an effective solution for printed applications such as banners, roll-up banners and home décor.

The fire-resistant fabric – available in widths of up to 5m – is compatible with UV, Latex and (eco) solvent printing technologies. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, it is also degradable and Oekotex Standard 100 Certificated.

“There is a big stigma around the use of PVC, and we were getting asked a lot for non-PVC materials when producing

Written by Ella Faulkner,

banners,” Colour Graphics’ Sales and Marketing Manager James Birch says. “As we have such a strong relationship with Soyang Europe, we knew they would be able to help us find a solution.”

The decision has proved hugely popular with Colour Graphics customers, with James revealing that the company has been able to win new work from clients that themselves have a strong focus on limiting their environmental impact.

Colour Graphics has been running the material on its new Matic Hera impulse welder, allowing it to produce all sorts of short to medium-term banner pieces such as pocket banners and café banner systems.

“We tested out a few non-PVC banner materials with the impulse welder and were really impressed with the results of the Soyang product. Non-PVC banner material is notoriously tricky to weld; we’re really pleased to add this high-performing material to our own range,” James adds.

“By offering this new service, we are plugging a hole in the market created by the stigma of PVC and the need to satisfy environmental requirements,” James continues. “For some of our customers, they need to hit certain sustainability targets; our new non-PVC offering helps them to achieve this.”

“Soyang Europe supported us every step of the way in selecting the material and we are delighted with the result.”

Internal Sales

Spotlight on Printwear & Promotion Live 2024

Printwear & Promotion Live (P&P Live) 2024 was back at the NEC Birmingham from 25th-27th February 2024 but with a major difference this year. Following low attendance since the COVID pandemic, a strategic partnership this year saw a record number of visitors. For the first time, P&P Live 2024 was co-located with Sign & Digital UK, giving P&P Live a much-needed boost. Over half of this year’s P&P Live exhibitors were so pleased with the quality of footfall that they have already booked for next year’s show.

P&P Live has been running for thirty-five years and is a permanent fixture in the garment decoration industry calendar, with all the latest trends in the equipment, clothing lines and related accessories sectors. This year saw 140 exhibitors and a record number of 7,500 visitors across the three-day extravaganza.

This year’s show saw lots of live product demonstrations and an action-packed Seminar Programme with experts from the printing and embroidery sectors. From top clothing brands, clothing distributors, decoration equipment and accessories suppliers including embroidery, direct to garment, transfer, sublimation and screen-printing brands, visitors had access to a wide range of exhibitors.

We have hand-picked four Top Exhibitors that caught our eye at P&P Live 2024 below:

1) Candle Thread: Made its debut at P&P Live 2024, this company is one of the largest producers of embroidery thread in the world, producing 100 million spools of thread per year. With 40 years’ experience and certified premium across eight countries, Candle Thread offers 800 different shades and doesn’t bleed colour. Candle

Thread holds Oeko-Tex and ISO 9001 certification, as part of its commitment to industry standards for sustainability and quality assurance.

2) Indie Ink: This Made in Britain manufacturer showcased the new DTF Ultra range of inks, the only UK manufacturer DTF ink on the market. All the inks from Indie Inks are Oeko-Tex certified, contain no glycols and the company use 100% renewable energy and offset all deliveries with a UPS carbon offsetting scheme.

3) Payper: Italian textile manufacturer in premium workwear (PPE and technical clothing) and corporate wear (casual, sport and elegant clothing) and exports throughout Europe. The catalogue has over 2,000 products, with new products every year fresh from the Italian R&D HQ.

4) SockMonkeyz: This sock and hosiery Leicester manufacturer was established back in 1935 and has continued to produce a wide range of socks for markets. With access to cutting edge machinery, the team can provide bespoke sock productions for customers, from knitted, print or embroidery designs.

This is our pick of the best exhibitors from this year’s show, listed here in alphabetical order: Henbury Brands & SockMonkeyz. Further details can be found on this page.

Save the date: Printwear & Promotion LIVE! 2025 (co-located with Sign & Digital) NEC Birmingham 23rd-25th February 2025

https://printwearandpromotionlive.co.uk

HENBURY: The premium choice

Are you ready to elevate your sock game to the next level? Look no further! Introducing our bespoke socks, meticulously crafted right here in the UK with a touch of British craftsmanship with small runs of only 36 pairs.

At Sockmonkeyz, we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality and attention to detail. Each pair of our bespoke socks is lovingly crafted by skilled artisans, right here in the heart of the UK in Leicestershire. From the initial design concept to the final stitch, every step of the process is infused with British expertise and precision.

So why settle for massproduced socks when

you can step into style with our bespoke creations? Whether you're dressing for a special occasion or simply elevating your everyday look, our socks are sure to make a statement. Experience the difference of British craftsmanship and discover the joy of wearing socks that are made just for you.

Visit: www.sockmonkeyz.co.uk to explore our collection and start designing your own bespoke socks today. Step into style with Sockmonkeyz – where quality meets customisation, and British craftsmanship shines through.

Drop us an email at: sales@sockmonkeyz.co.uk and let us create some unique designs for you.

Smart casual re-defined. Henbury’s clean and contemporary range of corporate wear has the perfect balance for the working environment, providing a capsule collection fit for any workplace. The range puts forward modern thinking in design and fabric as it introduces both sustainable fabrics and styles created to inspire confidence. Innovated with fabric surfaces intended to add printed and embroidered personalisation and branding.

Polos and T-shirts

Made to perform, cotton and polyester polo shirts are industry leading with countless benefits to the wearer, including 60° wash suitability on particular styles. Catering to large teams, wide colour and size ranges are present.

Knitwear

Luxury layers, popular blends such as the 50% Cotton/50% Acrylic range has an impressive 12 styles that bounce back after every wash for a continuous professional appearance.

Shirts + Trousers

Stylish shirts and contemporary chinos combine to make power pairings for corporate wear. Taking body shapes and preferences into mind, there are cuts to fit all industries and end uses. Buttoned up smartly or layered over a t-shirt, they always make a statement.

Layers

Made for the season, the cold-weather companions range from sweats, to puffers, to lighter mid-layers-perfectly designed to balance out the elements.

View the full range and find out where to buy at: www.henbury.com

A case… but not just any case

You

may think a case is just a case. But if you take a look beneath the surface, it becomes a whole lot more complex; protective casing in particular.

When looking to shield essential and valuable equipment the importance of a case takes us to a new level. Take, for example, the need to transport a highly prized bike on a round trip of 10,000 miles for a world record time trial or the field deployment of a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) for reconnaissance sorties or the protection of the infamous Ashes urn. The difference between each application is huge however the overall requirements of the clients are the same. Secure storage, safe transportation and deployable or operational on arrival.

case, AirShip, allows ease of portability and has some incredible weight to volume ratios, perfect where weight limits are vital.

The perfect formula for protective casing Protective cases can be manufactured using many different materials; rotomoulded or injection moulded polyethylene polymer, aluminium, plywood or a super lightweight honeycomb polypropylene, each to fulfil different or specific requirements. The decision which material to use is driven by many factors such as payload, terrain, portability and handling – military applications encounter some of the most extreme environments and they typically use rotomoulded or Amazon Cases because they are accredited to military standards (MIL-STD 810). A newly designed super lightweight

As for internal protection and supporting the equipment itself, the large majority of cases will include some degree of custom design foam. The selection of appropriate foam types and densities is critical in ensuring the safety of the case contents.

In addition, some designs have also included complete drawer units, dividers or partitions – all custom made for each individual customer requirement. In the example referred to earlier, the

deployable UAV has a scissor lift mechanism fitted to the case that provides a platform for assembly. We have a complete array of customer testimonials or you can refer to the product pages for more details.

It is reassuring to know that by choosing a market-leading manufacturer like us, you are also gaining decades of manufacturing experience. Together with associated accreditations and patents that exist today. If that isn’t enough to go by, our stats and facts are also impressive:

u Equipment stable in temperatures -40°C to +70°C

u Accreditation to military standards (MIL-STD 810); drop, shock, vibration

u Many products have assigned NATO stock numbers

u Achieves ingress standards, IP65: dust, dirt water

u Design and manufacturing for over 40 years

We use only the very best raw materials and adheres to the most stringent standards. Applying first-class design and workmanship to our manufacturing expertise.

To see the complete range of protective cases available from CP Cases follow this link.

For information about the cases that are accredited MIL-STD and IP65 please contact us

Sterile ventilation solutions from Exi-tite

Healthcare facilities are required to provide clean, safe environments. To achieve this, the NHS ensures that any installed specialist building services meet the highest criteria. Managing Director, Andrew Robinson, explains why Exitite is leading the way with sterile ventilation solutions in line with technical memorandum HTM-03.

Exi-tite is a trusted advisor, designer and supplier of industry-leading ventilation products that provides sterile environments that comply with HTM-03 to specific applications such as healthcare, pharmaceutical, food manufacturing and ATEX. By handling all design, support and supply needs in-house, we maintain close relationships with consultants, installers and end users to ensure problem-free project delivery.

HTM-03

Using the healthcare technical memorandum HTM-03 as guidance, air handling unit (AHU) construction must meet strict criteria to prevent contamination. This includes smooth stainless steel internal panels and filter frames, low leakage dampers, copper or finless frost coils and access doors with two-stage openings.

help avoid additional costly and time-consuming processes, such as producing drawings in CAD and Revit.

Decentralised applications

Some buildings, particularly those of older construction, find that their ventilation needs to be improved in particular areas, possibly due to poor initial design or an area change of use. Retrofitting equipment that can provide ventilation in an energy-efficient manner can be costly or prove difficult. To combat this, Exi-tite uses the Wolf CGL solution. This energy recovery product is about the size of a small wardrobe and is

Ventilation equipment construction is essential, and so too are correctly designed systems able to control the room's air pressure, humidity levels and temperature. Exi-tite is an HVAC specialist and, with extensive experience, has developed climate control methods that can utilise energy recovery without mixing supply and extract air, thereby maintaining sterile environments.

In partnership with leading German manufacturer Wolf, our bespoke modular systems can meet any specification and, in turn, any retrofit requirements, turning existing AHUs into sterile, highly-efficient systems with reduced downtime.

Belfast City Hospital

Further installations have seen AHUs placed in a compound with a service corridor equipped with hand wash basins and hosepipe connections to maintain a sanitised environment while conducting AHU maintenance. Exi-tite’s internal design services

designed to fit through a standard room door. Ductwork can be installed in various configurations on the unit to serve a dedicated space and provide energy recovery and CO2-regulated ventilation with a range of filtration options in a silent manner.

Exi-tite’s extensive HVAC experience and strong relationships with specialist manufacturers, consultants, installers, and end users mean we are perfectly placed to deliver your project to the highest standards.

To find out how Exi-tite can assist with your project, please contact: sales@exi-tite.com or call +44 (0)288 556 7674.

The compact Wolf CGL portable energy recovery ventilation system is designed to fit through a standard room door

Wolf Flex HTM03 compliant vertical modular AHU with energy recovery and DX installed at Belfast City Hospital

Exi-tite Revit drawing of two modular HTM compliant AHU with service corridor

Cirrus Research plc is a leading expert in the creation and distribution of noise measurement instruments. Established to innovate solutions for noise monitoring, their product range includes sound level meters, noise dosimeters, and environmental noise monitoring systems. Cirrus Research is dedicated to improving health and safety in workplaces and communities by providing precise, reliable tools for noise assessment and management.

Established in 1975, Dual Pumps Ltd is a leading supplier of pumps, fluid handling components, agricultural & industrial spraying products, pressure washers, pressure wash accessories & cleaning equipment. Preferred supplier for many leading manufacturers, distributors, hire shops across a broad range of industries in both the UK and export markets.

PET TRADE INNOVATIONS was founded in 2016 to bring new innovations and ideas to the pet trade.

We are master distributors for the UK and European markets dealing with major accounts in both the pet and vet sectors. We also offer consultancy, coaching and help for companies and individuals wanting to launch new products or grow sales.

For over 50 years, CP Cases have been at the forefront of designing and manufacturing an extensive range of bespoke cases and 19 inch racks, which is why we have the perfect formula to provide innovation, durability and high-performance cases to a range of industries, including security, medical, broadcast and much more.

ELAFLEX LTD are based in Hertfordshire. We are the prime suppliers for the UK and Irish markets of all ELAFLEX products including ZVA nozzles, petrol pump hoses, breakaway couplings, and products for CNG, LNG, H2, Chemical, Pharma, LPG, Bitumen and Aviation refuelling industries. Discover our Rubber Bellows and bespoke hose reels! We also operate from Stockport, near Manchester.

Visit elaflex.co.uk and explore more with our product configurators.

Aqua Safety Showers are on hand to ensure your workers remain safe, just about everywhere. Our range of emergency products and equipment offer protection against serious injury and are all built to exceed ANSI/EN safety standards. We have the flexibility to adapt, modify or design bespoke units for each individual customer in our UK manufacturing facility.

Kingston Engineering is a leading UK precision engineering company with expertise in manufacturing precision machined components and assemblies. Our specialism is in producing bespoke power screws, manufactured to the highest quality standards. We provide solutions to complex and challenging precision projects, based on our extensive precision engineering experience, expertise and cutting-edge technology.

Soyang Europe is a leading manufacturer and distributor of digitally printable wide-format and superwide-format media and surface coverings for the multiple industries including sign & display, design, marketing, construction, and décor. Additionally, Soyang Hardware offers leading edge wide and superwide format print production hardware solutions from many of the industry’s biggest and best-known printer brands.

We offer high-quality Explosion Protection and Spark Protection equipment from our wide range of Vent Panels, Flameless Vents and Isolation Valves as well as Sensors, Environmental and Safety Protection and our NEW Raptor Spark detection kits.

We provide consultancy, calculations and a free initial site visit.

Chevronshop is a division of Bluelite Graphics, a pioneer and UK market leader in the supply of chapter8 compliant vehicle chevrons and graphics. We have a growing design list of products that fit over 110 models of vehicles used in service across the UK. In 2021, the company celebrates its 15 year anniversary of supplying chevrons and graphics to not only the UK but worldwide customers.

Canterbury Christ Church University experience the benefits of Aico’s IoT Technology in student housing

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) has started upgrading their alarm systems to Category LD1 and implemented the HomeLINK Connected Home Solution to monitor indoor air quality and increase proactive maintenance within their student accommodation. CCCU have supported thousands of students in achieving their potentials, injecting talent and knowledge into the economy. The University offers student accommodation at a range of prices to suit the budgets of their students. Their accommodation guarantee means all students are guaranteed a place in accommodation during their first year.

British Standard BS 5839-6:2019+A1:2020 covers recommendations for fire alarm systems in all domestic premises, covering both new-build and existing properties. The University were looking to upgrade their domestic smoke alarm systems to Category LD1 in some of their student housing. Category LD1 is a high level of protection with coverage in all areas where a fire could start. CCCU were receiving call-outs for alarm activations and needed a solution to reduce the number of call-outs to nuisance alarms. CCCU wanted to identify trends in activations and improve resident engagement by equipping students with the knowledge and awareness around Home Life Safety to reduce nuisance activations.

CCCU also wanted to be able to monitor temperature, humidity and Carbon Dioxide, gaining actionable insights into condensation, damp & mould risk, and indoor air quality to create healthier, safer homes.

Canterbury Christ Church University are experiencing the benefits of IoT technology in student housing and have put plans in place for a further rollout of HomeLINK devices with the support of their Regional Specification Manager, Brad Wain.

“The Gateway system with instant notifications has helped us to identify which students are triggering the alarms and then addressing the issue. The added benefit of the Environmental Sensors has led us to prioritise some remedial works to improve thermal efficiency of certain properties. Overall, so far it has shown how technology can benefit us as landlords, and plans are already in place to roll out across more of our properties.” –

CCCU Estates Team

The Gateway extracts information from the HomeLINK Environmental Sensors and sends it to the HomeLINK Portal, allowing the University to drill deeper into data using various reporting tools. This data has enabled CCCU to make decisions on work that needs to be carried out in the properties to improve ventilation or insulation, and work towards becoming more sustainable.

The installation of the Gateway & Environmental Sensors in CCCU’s student accommodation has proved to tackle more problems than initially intended. Insights from the Environmental Sensors have highlighted key areas that needed addressing in terms of ventilation and insulation. However, it has also assured the University that all of their alarm systems are working as they should. Thanks to the Gateway, if any event was to arise, multiple people would be alerted, replacing the need for wardens to visit the property.

“I was thrilled to see CCCU implement Aico’s HomeLINK technology. Student accommodation providers play a key role in supporting these students through some hard years and providing these properties with not only LD1 multi-sensor protection, but Environmental Sensors to monitor the air quality that these students are living in, showcases the utmost care and consideration to the students staying in these properties.” – Brad Wain, Regional Specification Manager, Aico

Contact 01691 664100 enquiries@aico.co.uk www.aico.co.uk