4 benefits of offering whitelabel reseller printing services
What if you could take the shackles off your print business and manage any volume of work without increasing overheads?
Discover print without limits – discover white label printing reseller services.
Every business reaches its limit. A garage can only fix as many cars is it has mechanics and bays. A hairdresser can only deal with a set number of customers, unless someone changes the number of hours in a day. And there’s a limit to the amount of time a print shop can spend bringing in new business, because sooner or later someone has to get the print projects completed.
Except that last one’s not entirely true.
What is white label printing?
With white label printing services, a potentially infinite team of resellers offers your print services under their brand. They bring in the clients. They build the customer relationships. They carry out the design and revisions.
But you handle the printing, supplying it to each reseller using their own branding, so the customer gets the swift, seamless service they expect from the brands they trust.
FREE DOWNLOAD: 2024 Print Industry Report
What products can be white label printed?
Pretty much anything you can think of. From flyers, leaflets and calendars to the sort of branded products you’d either sell at gigs and festivals or give away at expos and conferences.
Think tote bags, water bottles, mugs, towels, caps and other wearables.
Benefits of white-label printing for resellers
1) Control overheads
There’s a lot of cost involved in setting up a business. For any company where printing’s
involved, the skill and experience of the printer and the cost of the equipment are two of the biggest overheads
White label printing services enable a reseller to offer all the printed products they wish without taking on any of the cost or risk of setting up their own print shop.
2) Make product development easy
Suppose a company’s branded products have been a big success, and now it wants to expand or diversify the range. If it was handling the printing inhouse, that might mean bringing in fresh equipment or expertise, all of which would increase the cost and risk of introducing new products.
That makes experimentation more challenging. It’s harder to give new strategies a try when the cost of failure is high.
As a reseller, however, there’s no risk, as the print partner is already set up for a wide range of print products. It means you can test, try and switch much more easily to help you develop just the right product mix.
FREE DOWNLOAD: 2024 Print Industry Report
3) Avoid stock issues
Print inventory costs money. You need somewhere to store it. You need to manage it. And if it doesn’t get used, it’ll be taking up valuable storage space.
But a white label printing reseller can avoid print material stock issues entirely, because they’re not the ones doing the printing. That doesn’t just mean they save on storage space. It means there’s no time spent managing and rotating stock, no time spent ordering and taking delivery, and no time or money spent disposing of surplus materials.
4) Stay flexible
The problem with running a print shop is that, once
Written by Ella Faulkner, Internal Sales
you’ve invested in it, you need to keep feeding it so that it earns its keep. For white label printing resellers, business is nimbler. Quiet parts of the year don’t leave people and equipment idle and unused. Peak season doesn’t place demands on the print team that they can’t manage.
For a reseller, the natural ebb and flow of business through the year is much easier to balance by simply dialling up/down the amount of work sent to the printer.
And as the market shifts and adopts new trends (e.g. on demand services or eco-friendly products), it’s much easier to respond fast.
Benefits of white-label printing – for printers
White label printing makes a huge amount of sense for resellers. But it makes sense for print shops too.
Because when your resellers are the ones handling the customer queries, marketing the brand and designing up the products, you can focus on what you do best.
That means you can enjoy real economies of scale
You don’t have to employ designers, marketers or salespeople. You can just get on with the business of print.
As your growing army of resellers increase the throughput of jobs, you can also take advantage of print automation to ensure that scaling the orders doesn’t have to mean overheads increasing at the same scale.
All of which means more profit for you.
FREE DOWNLOAD: 2024 Print Industry Report
Talk to Soyang
A growing white label printing services business needs a print materials partner it can rely on to enable it to scale fast and respond swiftly to its customers. Talk to Soyang about how we can help you
Contact +44 (0)161 765 3400 sales@soyang.co.uk https://soyang.co.uk
CONTENTS 829-830
EDITOR’S NOTES
Welcome to our January edition. Explore our hand-picked features on innovative companies across Software, Education, Transport and many more sectors.
Featured on page 5 is jobmate, our ERP Software Company of the Month. Named as one of the first providers of Native Cloud ERP software to SMEs and mid-market organisations who were required to report under MTD, the key three verticals jobmate focuses on are: Transport and Logistics, Field Service and Construction services (i.e. HVAC).
In this issue we have a number of show reviews from 2024 for you to explore: Road Transport Expo (RTX), SOLEX (Summer Outdoor Living Exhibition), Childcare & Education Expo, GLEE, The World of Learning Conference & Exhibition, The Motorhome and Caravan Show, The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event, and CIPD Festival of Work.
For over 20 years, AEL Outdoor Solutions has been at the forefront of innovative outdoor solutions for the UK’s hospitality industry, offering stylish umbrellas, awnings, premium furniture, and lighting. Turn to page 4, where we spotlight AEL as one of our Top Exhibitors from SOLEX 2024, showcasing their expertly engineered products with premium fabrics and advanced sun safety – perfect for elevating any outdoor space.
Other topics covered: Print & Packaging, Manufacturing & Engineering, Leisure & Tourism, Cleaning & Hygiene, Health & Safety, Warehouse & Logistics.
We hope you enjoy this month’s edition.
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SOLEX (Summer Outdoor Living Exhibition) is the premier event for all things outdoor living. This dynamic three-day exhibition brings together the leading outdoor leisure brands, offering an extensive selection of top-tier products tailored for outdoor leisure, BBQ enthusiasts, and garden furniture buyers.
SOLEX 2024 was held at Birmingham’s NEC from 9th-11th July 2024. There was a remarkable variety of products on display designed for trade professionals and business visitors who are passionate about outdoor living. SOLEX provided the ideal platform to connect with vendors, explore innovative products, and stay ahead of the latest industry trends.
SOLEX caters to both the retail and contract markets offering buyers a unique opportunity to preview the latest trends that will grace shop floors in spring/summer 2025. SOLEX 2024 offered nine distinct product areas, including garden furniture and shading, barbecues, garden decoration, leisure buildings, outdoor spa and heating products,
outside entertainment solutions and outdoor living accessories from some of the biggest brands in the industry including Bramblecrest, Celtic Leisure, Daro Trading, Firmans, and Garden Furniture Global.
The ‘Ultimate Party Night’ which coincided with the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-finals, created a vibrant and relaxed atmosphere which was perfect for networking, and the BBQ Hero Competition was also another highlight.
The Loving Outdoor Living area was back for a third year running where visitors sampled delicious food and experienced the latest BBQs, Grills, Firepits, and Outdoor Heaters in action. The second day of the show closed with the Fire Food and Outdoor living Evening that ran in partnership with BBQ magazine taking place in the show’s Loving Outdoor Living Zone. Six teams took part in the Chicken Euro’s competition where they competed for the grand prize of the BBQ Hero Trophy! TV personality and horticulturalist David Domoney and BBQ Magazine’s esteemed chef, farmer, and events guru Ian Jones (BEM) hosted the event, creating a fun,
The Trade Exhibition for Summer Living Royalcraft Garden Furniture
memorable and hilarious evening for everyone involved.
This year’s event: SOLEX 2025
Tuesday 8th–Thursday 10th July 2025 Hall 5 – NEC Birmingham | 09.00–17.30 Tuesday & Wednesday 09.00–15.00 Thursday.
This is our pick of the best exhibitors from last year’s show, listed here in alphabetical order: AEL Outdoor Solutions & Royalcraft Garden Furniture. Further details can be found below.
For more information, please see below: https://www.solexexhibition.com
A new year, a new outdoor space
F
or over 20 years, AEL Outdoor Solutions has been transforming outdoor environments with innovative solutions tailored to the hospitality industry. As the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of commercial furniture and structures, AEL is your go-to choice if you’re looking to start a new year with a new look. From stylish umbrellas and elegant awnings to premium furniture and ambient lighting, AEL offers a comprehensive range of products designed to impress.
At the heart of AEL’s offerings is the outstanding GLATZ parasol range. With over 125 years of expertise, Glatz, a Swiss family-owned company, has established itself as a global leader in crafting premium umbrellas that
excel in innovation and style. Last year, AEL proudly showcased Glatz products at SOLEX 2024, where its team demonstrated in-depth product knowledge and showcased the remarkable application of Swiss technology by Glatz.
AEL stocks a vast range of Glatz products with unique styles and purposes. Whether you’re looking for Centre Post Umbrellas or Cantilever Umbrellas, choose Glatz because of their precision engineering, premium fabrics, sun safety design, longevity, and stain & water-resistant technologies.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the Glatz range, or any other product, get in touch below: 0118 9230 300 sales@aelsolutions.com https://www.aelsolutions.com
Royalcraft Garden Furniture specialises in premium outdoor furniture crafted to enhance your garden or patio. Renowned for its durability, comfort, and stylish designs, Royalcraft offers a diverse selection of furniture to complement any outdoor space –whether it’s a cozy balcony or an expansive garden.
Our collections include:
u Luxury Dining Sets: Perfect for hosting outdoor meals with family and friends.
u Lounge Sets: Elegant and comfortable seating for relaxing afternoons.
u Sofas and Armchairs: A blend of style and comfort for your garden retreats.
u Bistro Sets: Ideal for small spaces or charming garden corners.
u Storage Solutions: Designed to keep your outdoor space organised and clutter-free.
u Pergola Structures: Some of the best on the market, offering practical features and an eyecatching design to transform your outdoor area.
Whether you prefer weatherresistant materials like wicker, metal, or wood, Royalcraft Garden Furniture is committed to delivering long-lasting products that enhance your garden’s beauty and functionality.
Click onto our 2025 Interactive Brochure below: Royalcraft Home & Garden Catalogue 2025 (flippingbook.com)
0800 014 6214 info@royalcraft.co.uk https://royalcraft.co.uk
jobmate: The future of operational cloud software starts here
We are delighted to feature jobmate as our ERP Software Company of the Month in this issue of Products & Services Review.
jobmate was created in 2018 as one of the first providers of Native Cloud ERP software to SMEs and mid-market organisations who were required to report under MTD.
Company founders: Chris and Wendy Dalton are both experienced business leaders, with expertise ranging from startups to fortune 500 Director. With the introduction of MTD (Making Tax Digital) in the UK, Chris and Wendy saw that MTD compliance required a micro-ERP where data was collected through digitalisation of workflows and integrated into an accounts package – with vertical reporting.
Democratising ERP
Traditionally, ERP has been ‘on-prem’ and exclusive to those that could afford it, with a select number of highly expensive organisations serving the upper-end of the business markets. However, the jobmate founders saw this changing, especially with tax legislation driving smaller businesses into requiring more mobile-friendly, featureled and cost-effective ERP solutions.
The advent of Native Cloud hosting is a much understated yet very significant
event, whereby the operating system and the data storage (database) is hosted by a cloud service provider (typically AWS or Azure). This means highly secure, scalable, low cost and easy connectivity with other Native cloud software which may be required for specialist services.
jobmate is hosted in the AWS cloud and is leveraging this global facility; the founders knew competitors would struggle to change old habits and high costs structures, but as true pioneers, they created a market-leading opportunity, and jobmate was born for scale-up to global enterprises.
Deep dive into jobmate jobmate focuses on the digitisation of actual work tasks, procurement of items, stock management, workflows, HR, planning, customer service, assets, costings, quotes and invoicing. In fact, complete data collection of every action and function within an organisation to enable instant financial assessment and managerial decision making for any business.
jobmate is not a FMS Financial management system: it is an ERP system. There is a significant difference to many other software providers of CRM, FMS, MRP etc, who often ‘piggyback’ the ERP terminology as they try to emulate ‘True ERP.’
Founder insight
“The number one key problem jobmate addresses is the user interface with
software: designing from the mobile to the desktop, offering as standard, Android and Apple apps, designed for desktop access as a PWA (Progressive web application which sizes automatically to any screen) – for example with jobmate there are no overly-complicated and expensive devices, or the high servicing and maintenance costs which come with them.”
“The key three verticals jobmate focuses on are: Transport and Logistics, Field Service and Construction services (i.e. HVAC) However, businesses which have any form of job management workflow can use jobmate, as it can be customised to all working methods.”
“jobmate is all about leveraging the latest technology: the tech’ world is changing fast and software development is becoming global, but it’s not all about software development, rather it’s about ERP business knowledge. jobmate are business people not developers. We understand business outputs and deliverables and focus on efficiency and cost reduction,” explains co-founder: Christopher Dalton.
Christopher Dalton, Co-founder of Jobmate
Road Transport Expo 2024 review:
‘It’s all about the truck!’
The award-winning third edition of the Road Transport Expo (RTX) was back to wow the summer crowds at NAEC Stoneleigh from the 4th–6th June.
With over 280 leading suppliers, the show attracted visitors from the truck sector, including HGV fleets. From tipper, trailers, tyres, to safety equipment and much more, all the latest models were on show over the three-days. Licensed HGV drivers were invited to test drives new models in the ‘Ride & Drive Experience’ including new cutting-edge batteryelectric, biogas and Euro-6 diesel models on a bespoke track.
This year saw 10,500 visitors flock to the show, an impressive 24% increase on 2023, with fleet operators, manufacturers and industry experts are converging on NAEC. The footfall was impressive: 70% of the visitors were owners, directors or managers and a further 64% had purchasing or specifying influence.
Hot topics this year included fleet carbonisation, technology innovation, freight crime and vehicle compliance, with these topics and more discussed in the Knowledge Zone. The ‘Inn on the Green’ was the networking zone for new and old colleagues to catchup throughout the event.
The covered International Truck of the Year (IToY) Trophy was handed to the delighted Volvo Truck UK and Ireland for the FH Electric: a battery-operated truck. As part of Net Zero targets, electric trucks are starting to make traction across the industry. Furthermore, Volvo brought 20 trucks to the Expo including the exclusive showcasing of the FM Low Entry: a zero-tailpipe-emission truck.
With sustainability the talk of the show, the BP Pulse EV charging station provided much interest for HGV
safety systems. This included the DV BSIS system and AI Sky View 360 cameras. The DV BSIS system includes winning features such as blind spot information and a left turn audible alert to warn of cyclists on the road.
decarbonisation. Whilst the cost of installing chargers remains a large barrier for many, BP is offering instead a ‘charging as a service’ approach, where the cost is recovered instead from the pence per kWh charged.
With so many new models on display, there was a real buzz around the show. One of the highlights was the long-distance eTruck from MAN Truck & Bus manufacturer. Dispelling myths about electric trucks, this truck can power up to 800km (497 miles) daily, runs at a gross weight of 42T, and has a power output of 330kW and torque output of 3,150Nm. The first eTruck was recently delivered to the Elfein Group.
The customised bright orange T 480 High Tubo Compound 6x2 Tractor from Renault caught the eye of many visitors, with its colour-coded windscreen pillars, mirror covers and glorious interior. The customised dashboard, and stylish red-stitched steering wheel impressed many. The Renault team explained that trucks can all be customised at the factory. Renault now supplies the largest range of zero tailpipe-emission trucks across the UK, making it a formidable force on the path to Net Zero.
Tyres are always a problem for the circular economy across the sector, so kudos to Vaculug for prioritising sustainability at the core of its operations. The company retreads tyres by taking old grade one or two casing and retreading it into a new tyre, thereby extending the longevity of the tyres.
Sticking with tyres, Hankook Tyre UK brought along its range of commercial vehicle tyres, including the e-SMART City AU56: a new electric bus tyre line. This tyre has been expertly designed with a low rolling resistance, reduced noise and can easily withstand instant torque and heavy loads. The AL51 and DL51 tyres can be regrooved and retreaded, to further support sustainability goals.
For war history buffs, the distinctive WWII khaki D-Day Landings truck was a poignant reminder of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. The nationwide auctioneer Manheim brought the truck along, which has been lovingly restored to its former glory. This truck was part of the first 80 to land on Juno Beach in 1944. Manheim has seven centres across the UK, with more than eight auctions monthly of trucks, trailers, plant and machinery.
With such a successful show this year, exhibitors are invited to book for the return show next year. It is the perfect opportunity to showcase all new models and innovations to the wider truck sector.
The great thing about RTX is that everyone is welcome: the smaller companies right alongside globally-leading players. CMG exhibited for the first time this year: a nationwide-fleet assistance business. The company has a fleet of 150 vehicles, including the all-important 50 recovery trucks. The coverage is carried out seamlessly through a partnership with more than 500 contractors, with services including vans, trucks available to recover HGVs.
With road safety a perennial issue, Exeros Technologies was on hand to showcase its fascinating range of AI
This is our second pick of the best exhibitors from last year’s show, listed here in alphabetical order: Air Brake, International Tyres & Roger Dyson Group. Further details can be found on the next page.
Save the date:
Road Transport Expo 2025 24th-26th June
NAEC Stoneleigh
https://roadtransportexpo.co.uk/rtx2025/en/ page/home
Driving forward with Fortune Truck Tyres!
F
ortune Truck Tyres was one of our Top Exhibitors at Road Transport Expo 2024 (RTX) held at NAEC Stoneleigh from the 4th-6th June.
Fortune Truck Tyres are manufactured by Prinx Chengshan in their state-of the art facility in Thailand and distributed exclusively by International Tyres in the United Kingdom. Prinx Chengshan are within the top 25 largest tyre producers globally (announced 24th largest in 2024), and in the Top 5 Chinese manufacturers of Truck Tyres, and boast a long and distinguishable history, crafted with sustainable and intelligent manufacturing.
Fortune Truck Tyres have over 50 SKUs, with solutions for most vehicle types and applications found across the UK. The On Road range: FAR603 (Steer) & FDR606 (Drive) are TUV certified, an accreditation only given to tyres that perform ‘above the industry average.’ The FAR 603 tyre for example is a durable, high-mileage, all position axle tyre providing enhanced stability and the joy of precise steering performance. Designed for steer and trailer applications, this tyre is perfect for regional, or highway driving conditions, even in extreme weather. The excellent
lateral grip provides short braking distances, giving extra reassurance on the roads. The impressive features include: multi-angle grooves, smart ‘Movematic’ sipes, optimised casing shape, cool running/highly abrasionresistant tread compound and cuttingedge LCI technology.
The Fortune Truck Tyres also provide users with exceptional Usable Rubber Ratio’s (A measurement of Tread Depth vs Tread Width) that will bring assurances to fleet operators looking to find some value in their total cost of ownership, especially given the tyres can be extended into multilives (all Fortune Truck Tyres are regroovable and retreadable).
For more information regarding the Fortune Truck Tyres, please click on the following link: linktr.ee/FortuneTruckTyresUK or contact: 0121 552 6888.
Reverse Smart: Revolutionising reversing safety
With over 35 years of expertise in ABS/EBS braking systems, Doctor Air Brake Ltd, led by director Jeff Lowe, has developed a world-class Autobraking safety solution — Reverse Smart. Designed for all commercial vehicles and plant machinery, Reverse Smart sets the industry standard for both reversing & forward safety.
in tight, high-risk environments like schools and city streets, Reverse Smart prevents accidents where pedestrians might go unnoticed by drivers.
This innovative system uses radar technology unaffected by weather conditions, dirt or even tar, as we use this on Tar sprayers ensuring reliability in all conditions. Mounted to the vehicle, the radar continuously maps the surroundings, similar to air traffic control monitoring aircraft. If an object or person enters the danger zone, the system delivers in-cab visual and audible alerts. If the risk increases, the brakes are automatically applied for 3 seconds, giving drivers critical time to assess the situation via cameras or mirrors.
Ideal for Refuse trucks, Road sweepers, Tippers, Rollers & vehicles operating
Manufactured in-house in the West Midlands, the E11 Type Approved system is customisable to meet individual customer needs.
For more information on how Reverse Smart can enhance your fleet’s safety, watch our YouTube video: https://youtu.be/ LcAUrGeEGrU, please visit our website: www.air-brake.com or email Doctor Air Brake on: john.grindey@air-brake.com today.
Roger Dyson Group: Always leading the way
The Road Transport Expo works very well for us. It is local to our Worcestershire Head Office manufacturing site which makes it easy for us to move our exhibits and stand personnel without them incurring extra cost for hotels.
As a smaller company, it gives us a chance to the attend the Expo and take a larger stand area to accommodate our big displays of vehicles and equipment where visitors can see our exhibits totally without being jammed in, nose to tail. The lower exhibiting cost give us the opportunity to take more space and display our vehicles as they should be
displayed, giving visitors the opportunity to look at the total vehicle and equipment in a calm and friendly environment.
The highlight of the Expo at Stoneleigh is that it is located very near to the centre of England, it has a good road network, giving people from all parts of the country the opportunity to travel and visit the Expo and enjoy the friendly, busy but calm environment.
and always around to help visitors enjoy the atmosphere and to see so many large vehicles and products on display.
This is our fourth Expo exhibition at Stoneleigh; people know where to find us, the exhibition has come of age in a good environment where everything is on one site that is required, making a visit to the Expo an enjoyable and pleasant time and we, as an exhibitor, enjoy this time and look forward to the new 2025 Expo giving us the opportunity to display our new vehicles and products at a relatively new, but well respected exhibition for the transport industry. The organisers are very friendly, co-operative
Contact https://www.rogerdyson.com/ home.html https://www.facebook. com/p/Roger-DysonGroup-100088164986622 https://www.instagram.com/ rogerdysonuk https://www.linkedin.com/ company/roger-dysongroup/?viewAsMember=true
MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Manufacturer’s multimillion pound move
One of the UK’s leading steel door manufacturers has moved to a new £6 million production facility. Robust UK have relocated to their brand-new factory on Lymedale Business Park, in Newcastle-under-Lyme which is more than double the size of their previous premises in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent.
New machinery has been invested in which will increase capacity, reduce lead times and provide smoother fabrication and precision – all with the aim of benefitting their customers.
The firm, who employ over 150 staff and manufacture many thousands of door sets every year to customers across the UK, have more than 40 years’ experience in making custommade steel door solutions.
The company’s custom-built powder coating line is also now one of the largest in the UK, as a result of the move.
Robust UK was founded in 1999 and supplies an extensive range of products including fire and security doors, personnel doors, and glazed and louvered options. All doors are custom built to order.
The door manufacturer, who became part of the Novoferm Group in 2019,
have ambitious plans for the new facility with a target to grow by 50% by 2030 and beyond.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to mark the site’s official opening, attended by a number of industry guests including the Novoferm Chief Executive Rainer Schackmann, Tony Doba, Director/Senior Managing Executive Officer and Kaz Tanaka, General Manager at Sanwa Holdings Corporation (Novoferm’s parent company).
Robust UK’s new website is currently being constructed: www.robust-uk.com
To find out more, please call: 01782 592900 or email: sales@robust-uk.com.
Busting the automation myths: 7 reasons to embrace robotics
By Carl Patrick, Robot Sales Manager – Machine Tool Automation, FANUC UK
The UK is currently the world’s sixth largest economy and eighth largest manufacturing nation . But despite being the third biggest aerospace manufacturer, and boasting a worldleading premium automotive sector, there remain concerns around labour shortages and our low productivity rate. These issues are – and always have been – linked to automation.
were installed in the UK in 2022 – 54% more than in 2015. But the productivity gap persists and reluctance to invest in automation is still a major challenge, especially among SMEs.
The membership of the new Government led SME Business Council was unveiled this morning, as their first meeting was held at No10 Downing Street, Westminster.
The Council, chaired by Small Business Minister, Kevin Hollinrake MP, has been set up by the Government to reaffirm its commitment to the UK’s 5.6 million SMEs. The Council will serve as a forum for action orientated engagement between small businesses, representative organisations, and HMG, providing an opportunity for small businesses to shape actions in agreed priority areas, and give feedback on Government policy ambitions for UK small businesses.
barriers (including access to procurement).
Jomas Associates, a business at the forefront of providing Engineering and Environmental solutions to the Construction Industry across the UK, are delighted to have this opportunity to contribute to shaping policy decisions that will empower SMEs, and drive growth in the economy.
Almost every business in the country is a small business (99.9%) who in turn support 27 million jobs across the UK, accounting for £4.5 trillion of annual turnover.
In order to remain competitive, industrial companies need to produce more goods, to a higher quality and in less time. Since the first industrial revolution through to the current fourth iteration, automation has been proven to boost productivity. Yet whereas the UK was once the world leader in its adoption, we now rank a lowly 25th in the world for robot density, with 98 robots per 10,000 workers. Germany, the leader in Europe, boasts 415 .
There are some signs of improved take-up, however; 2,534 new robots
By working with a reputable, experienced automation expert, manufacturers of all sizes can reap the benefits of robotics and ensure their business continues to thrive for years to come. For more information on how FANUC’s range of robot and cobot solutions can transform your manufacturing enterprise, please visit: www.fanuc.eu/uk/en
1) https://www.themanufacturer.com/articles/ uk-manufacturing-sector-climbs-to-eighth-inworld-rankings-make-uk-analysis 2) IFR report, 2023
The Council will be a powerful voice for small businesses within Government and has been tasked with overseeing three key areas – Access to finance, skills and support as well as, removing
Link to Government’s announcement: https://www. gov.uk/government/news/smecouncil-membership-revealedahead-of-first-meeting
https://jomasassociates.com
Childcare and Education Expo: Education in Celebration
From the 27th to the 28th of September, the Childcare and Education Expo was held at the Coventry Building Society Arena. The twoday event was presented for Early Years and Primary practitioners and presenting the visitors with the potential tools to enthuse, stimulate and inspire the attendees plus offering a range of educational opportunities for them to apply within their home settings.
The event has, since 2010 with its inception, welcomed over 40 thousand professionals, ranging from Practitioners, Childminders, Managers, Nursery owners, Teachers and Headteachers. This year, the Expo offered over 80 exhibitors, 30 hours of CPD seminars and 40 speakers from the nursery and early year’s settings.
The events Managing Director, Emma Barrett said of the event, “We are thrilled to bring even more interactive elements and opportunities for support this year, ensuring that everyone leaves with valuable insights and connections.”
The new elements and opportunities referred to included a SEND conference specifically for Early Years practitioners, CPD seminars providing discussions with industry leaders on the changes coming to the industry plus insights on how to deal with them and the free workshop programme that, on this occasion, offered interactive and wellbeing options for the practical side of the classroom to the mental and physical support needed in the early years setting.
There were a number of key speakers that attended the event, including Stephen Morgan MP, who discussed his engagement in the field and his thoughts on the early education environment and Kate Silverton, former BBC presenter and journalist, now a child therapist, who led a seminar on how parents can create the best environments for their children and discussion of her book ‘Why there’s no such thing as naughty.’
Additional contributions to the event included Alice Sharp who is a well-known teacher, trainer,
Elklan: Training to support children’s language and learning
Empowering early years practitioners: Enhancing speech, language, and communication skills
In the ever-changing landscape of early years education, creating strong speech, language, and communication skills is vitally important. Elklan, a leader in this area, offers comprehensive training and accreditation to empower early years practitioners to enhance these essential skills among children.
Speech and Language Support courses
Elklan’s ‘Speech and Language Support’ courses are designed to equip practitioners with practical strategies to support children’s communication development. These courses explore the complexities of speech and language acquisition, providing tools to identify and support children with Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN). Participants gain Level 3 accreditation, reflecting a high standard of professional development.
Communication Friendly Settings (CFS) Award
The Communication Friendly Settings programme is Elklan’s fastest-growing training initiative, yielding significant impacts on both staff and children within early years environments. The process begins with select staff completing Elklan’s acclaimed 10-week Speech and Language Support course. These Lead Communication Practitioners (LCPs) then cascade core messages and strategies to the entire staff through five bite-sized sessions called Communication Counts. Elklan provides comprehensive support throughout this process, including mentoring from an experienced Elklan
Tutor. Upon successful completion, the setting is accredited as ‘Communication Friendly,’ creating an environment that enhances and develops children’s communication skills.
Let’s talk courses
Elklan’s ‘Let's Talk’ courses are tailored for parents and practitioners, focusing on practical strategies to support young children’s communication development at home. This course empowers parents and carers to create enriching language environments, facilitating better outcomes in children’s speech and language skills.
Benefits and outcomes
Elklan’s training programmes have demonstrated significant positive outcomes. The ‘Talking Matters’ initiative, independently evaluated by the University of Sheffield, revealed that children receiving Elklan support progressed by an average of seven months in language development, compared to two months
author and entrepreneur and John Parnell, who is better known as the ‘Hoop Guy’ from Britain’s Got Talent, who lent some light relief in the interactive workshops.
The Marketing Executive from the Childcare and Education Expo, Elizabeth Hearn, said, “This event really is a must for anyone who works in the industry. It helps to inspire and drive the future of early year’s education and is also a fun day out for all who attend.”
The next Childcare and Education Expo for 2025 will again be at the Coventry Building Society Arena and will run from the 26th September and the 27th September 2025.
This is our pick of the best exhibitors from last year’s show, listed here in alphabetical order: Elklan. Further details can be found below.
Contact www.childcareeducationexpo.co.uk
in control groups. Practitioners reported increased confidence and a broader range of strategies to support children’s communication needs.
Moreover, settings that achieved Communication Friendly Status reported improvements in children’s attainment. For instance, St Thomas’s C of E School observed that after implementing Elklan strategies, more children achieved higher levels in writing, with notable progress among boys.
Conclusion
Elklan’s evidence-based training equips early years practitioners with the skills to create communication-rich environments, leading to enhanced language development and improved educational outcomes for children. By investing in Elklan’s programmes, early years settings can ensure they provide the best support for children’s speech, language, and communication needs, laying a solid foundation for their future learning and wellbeing.
Contact Charlie McLachlan, Elklan Director of Marketing & Business Development, charlie@elklan.co.uk www.elklan.co.uk www.elklan.co.uk/Training/Practitioners
Glee is the UK’s leading garden and outdoor living trade show, hosting the most exciting brands, innovative products and inspiring garden retail insights. Glee 2024 took place on the 10th-12th September at the NEC in Birmingham, attracting hundreds of visitors interested in all things Home & Garden.
Glee’s diverse mix of products makes it unique, setting it apart from any other industry event. Where could be better than Britain, the true home of gardening, to find fresh perspective, merchandising ideas, breaking trends and new products that will set you apart from your competition.
Marking its 50th Show, Glee has nurtured the art of garden retail to become the UK’s leading garden
and outdoor living trade show for many years. As the central hub for the garden industry, Glee gives exhibitors an essential opportunity to connect with key, purchase-ready buyers.
The Show is carefully curated to put brands in the best position to be discovered by the buyers that matter most to businesses. It’s the perfect platform to launch new products, discuss ideas and increase brand awareness. From exhibitor toolkits to the innovators zone, all awards and initiatives are designed to celebrate and promote individual brands!
Hosting 400+ exhibitors and 130 new brands, the quality of products at Glee 2024 was unmatched! The Show incorporated lots of festivities to celebrate its 50th anniversary, including an unforgettable anniversary
Grass Gains: Bulk up your lawn
Introducing Grass Gains, a premium organic lawncare range designed to meet the needs of modern homeowners who prioritise quality, sustainability, and ease of use. Co-founded by ex-Premier League footballer Henri Lansbury, Grass Gains combines fresh ideas, cuttingedge technology, and a passion for excellence to deliver a lawncare experience like no other.
Grass Gains products are pet and childfriendly, providing peace of mind for families who want a beautiful lawn without compromising safety. The organic ingredients are free from harmful chemicals, making it safe for kids to play and pets to roam. With a strong emphasis on eco-friendliness, the entire range is designed to be sustainable, with recyclable packaging that’s easy to reseal, keeping the product fresh and effective for longer. Grass Gains stands out with fresh, modern packaging that reflects the highquality, eco-conscious products inside.
At the heart of our range is a brand-new, controlled-release premium lawn feed, crafted with cutting-edge technology to nourish your lawn steadily over time. Unlike traditional products, this formula ensures a long-lasting, consistent growth cycle. It features a unique gold prill – a small, encapsulated pellet that releases nutrients slowly, much like a footballer’s winning goal that lingers in the minds of fans long after the match. This gold prill not only ensures that
your lawn gets the nutrients it needs but also represents the spirit of victory and excellence – a nod to Lansbury’s football career.
Products in the range include:
u One-Shot Wonder: A liquid fertiliser designed to provide a 24-hour green-up for your lawn. It holds onto moisture and uses a drip-feed process to hydrate plants. This means your lawn stays nourished and hydrated even in dry conditions, making it ideal for drought-prone areas.
u Black Edition: A 100% organic, yearround root starter fertiliser designed to strengthen root development. Ideal for new lawns or reviving tired grass, this product provides essential nutrients for healthy
party sponsored by Shark Ninja! The Show also honoured Glee’s industry greats with the Glee Hero awards. The Overall Glee New Products Award went to Ecofective Slug Stoppa, Sipcam Home and Garden. The winning Talent Store team, Nemesia, made up of Lucia Hopcraft and Annie Gundry won with 556 votes. They showcased their Urban Oasis display which showed how houseplants can create and transform urban spaces. Glee’s Hero Award went to the people who have made a lasting impact on both the industry and Glee over the past 50 years. The two categories included: The Character of Glee's 50 years, and Most Influential Person of the past 50 years.
From gardening innovations to marketing plants, the seminar programme delivered inspired live content and exclusive insights and trend forecasts for the year ahead. The live content on The Stage was inspiring and practical, including talks titled ‘Is Everything Rosy in the Garden? Unearthing the Trends Influencing the Garden and Outdoor Living Sectors,’ ‘Exploring New Technologies and Their Impact on Gardeners and The Businesses Supplying Them,’ and ‘Marketing Plants Online and IRL.’
This is our pick of the best exhibitors from last year’s show, listed here in alphabetical order: Ebtech Glasshouse Systems & Grass Gains. Further details can be found on this page and a half.
Contact https://www.gleebirmingham.com
growth throughout all seasons.
u Super Seed: Our best-selling seed blend, Super Seed is coated with Head Start Gold treatment, promoting optimal germination. It also contains Red Creeping Fescue, perfect for covering shaded areas and ensuring a lush, green lawn even in lowlight spots.
In summary, Grass Gains offers a range of organic, sustainable lawncare products that provide effective solutions for every lawn. With One-Shot Wonder, Black Edition, Premium Lawn Feed and Super Seed, Grass Gains makes it easy to achieve a healthy, beautiful lawn that’s safe for pets, children, and the environment.
Contact 020 3861 5929 sales@grassgains.co.uk https://www.grassgains.co.uk
Ebtech Glasshouse Systems Ltd offer everything from a full Design and build turnkey package for your commercial glasshouses or polyhouses from conception to completion, along with maintenance, spare parts, service contracts and glass washing.
Benching and benching systems, Energy saving, shade and blackout screening, heating, irrigation, climate control systems, electrical, inspection services and reports.
Garden Centre Specialists offering
full design and build, bespoke turnkey project solutions tailored to your individual requirements.
We offer New & Used structures, existing building extensions, renovation, conversions, polycarbonate replacement, composite insulated panels, repair and maintenance.
Composite cladding system specialists, Widespan or Venlo style, Portal Frame Buildings, pack houses, boiler houses, plant rooms and warehousing.
Renewable energy systems, air, water & ground source heat pumps, solar panels and solar car ports.
All your Horticultural requirements provided as turnkey or stand-alone projects. Find out how we can help your business grow.
LEISURE & TOURISM PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Bracknell business marks
20 years of care for the community’s much-loved pets
I
n 2004, when Myspace was the top dog of social media and Motorola’s iconic Razr flip phone was barking up a storm, something else would launch that would leave indelible paw prints on the community for years to come. Petpals would open its doors in the area, ushering in a new era of premium pet-care services to the town’s furry friends and their devoted owners alike. With April marking two decades since the launch of the local business, the Petpals team is excited to celebrate this momentous occasion with their furry friends (and their much-loved owners too!).
First opening under the management of Nick Skinner, Petpals Crowthorne swiftly established itself as a cornerstone of the pet-loving community, shortly followed by Petpals Bracknell. Following significant growth, Nick entrusted the business to one of his loyal customers, Ruth Wall, in 2009.
A testament to the enduring relationships and reputation cultivated by Petpals with its customers, it came as no surprise that in 2018, when Ruth decided to retire, the role was assumed by yet another familiar face in the Petpals family. Peter Lea, a devoted pet parent and former customer himself, decided to leave behind the
corporate world and step into the role with a deep commitment to upholding the standard of exceptional care set by his predecessors. Petpals Crowthorne is now known as Petpals Wokingham & Sandhurst and, along with Petpals Bracknell, has grown considerably over the last six years.
To find out more about Petpals Bracknell’s range of pet-care services, please visit: https:// www.petpals.com/area/bracknell
Cardiff entrepreneur clinches top spot in prestigious Welsh business award
Business owner, Oli Ford of My Window Cleaner
Cardiff City & the Vale, is celebrating a huge success after being crowned the winner of the prestigious Federation of Small Business (FSB) Celebrating Small Business Awards 2024 in Wales.
Aged 29, Oli has been honoured by a panel of judges with the Franchise Business Award for performing exceptionally well in all areas of his business and will be presented with the accolade at a ceremony in Cardiff on 28th March.
Launched in February 2022, My Window Cleaner has become a core pillar of the local home services industry and is the number one rated window cleaning business in Wales. Serving hundreds of households in the last year alone and transforming the community’s expectations of a historically unreliable and inconsistent service, Oli sees this award as further motivation to reach more people in Cardiff and to transform his business and operation into a true community-driven place to help foster positive change.
The FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards celebrate the best small businesses from the length and breadth of the country, offering national recognition for those who have made the biggest impression over the last 12 months. As a finalist, Oli Ford will now proceed to the national UK finals taking place on 9th May in Blackpool.
Contact https://www.mywindowcleaner.co.uk
Asda’s
Food Guard, a leading food safety consultancy, today released an analysis of Asda’s food hygiene ratings for the first half of 2024. The data, sourced from Food Gov UK and analysed by Food Guard’s Food Safety Expert, Louis Ryan, reveals a concerning pattern in the supermarket giant’s hygiene standards.
Key findings for Asda:
Total stores analysed: 1,190
Stores rated ‘Pass’: 1,461
Stores rated ‘1’ (Major Improvement Necessary): 14
Stores rated ‘2’ (Improvement Necessary): 82
Stores rated ‘3’ (Generally satisfactory): 20
Stores awaiting inspection: 1
The data shows that while 1,461 Asda stores received a ‘Pass’ rating, indicating good compliance with food hygiene standards, a total of 116 stores fell below this benchmark. Of particular concern are the 14 stores that
The Cleaning Show 2025 to highlight innovations leading the future of cleaning
The Cleaning Show, the UK’s largest cleaning and hygiene event, will return to the ExCeL London from 18th–20th March 2025, showcasing the latest innovations that are shaping the future of the cleaning sector. With over 130 exhibitors offering solutions to sectors such as facilities management, healthcare, hospitality, retail, and contract cleaning, the show will provide visitors with a first-hand look at the latest innovations in cleaning technology, sustainability, and business management.
data on the sustainability benefits of Tork products. This program will help to empower attendees looking to make informed, impactful decisions that reduce their business’ environmental footprint.
A focus on sustainability Sustainability continues to be a major theme in the industry, with several leading companies set to demonstrate their commitment to eco-friendly innovations at The Cleaning Show 2025. Tork, a global leader in professional hygiene, will introduce its Focus4 Sustainability program, which helps businesses meet their environmental goals by providing clear, reliable
Next-gen air freshening solutions Innovations in air freshening will also be on display, with P-Wave launching its Slant6 Midnight Coast limited edition urinal screen for highend hospitality venues. The Slant6 offers the highest fragrance load-to-plastic ratio of any urinal screen, outperforming standard 30-day screens and providing a unique anti-splash design.
Registration for The Cleaning Show 2025 opened on 31st October 2024. Entry remains free, but visitors should pre-register online. To register and find out more about this year’s event, please visit: https://cleaningshow.co.uk/london
The OTL Group toasts 40 years of success
An Aberdeenshire company which exports its worldbeating products across the globe is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
The OTL Group’s interests are diverse spanning offshore cleaning, firefighting foams, foam testing and infection control products. Since opening for business in 1984, it has grown to encompass four divisions, over 200 products and almost 30 staff.
Torry, Aberdeen, before expanding into our purpose-built facilities at Gourdon. We now have our offices, warehouses, workshops, lab and testing facilities and we’re actively exploring how we can expand the site to facilitate further growth.”
Managing Director David Evans explained, “Right from the start, we have always been about four things –great products, being as environmentally sustainable as possible, great people and great customer service.”
“In the early days, we worked from small facilities in
“We started out with our Sobo range of rigwash and industrial oil degreasers and then expanded into firefighting foams which are used to suppress fires offshore and in high-risk sites like chemical plants, as well as in the marine and aviation sectors. We’re known for developing highly effective, specialist products.”
Contact https://www.the-otlgroup.com
received the lowest rating of ‘1,’ indicating that major improvement is necessary.
The 82 stores rated ‘2’ also represent a significant challenge, indicating that improvements are necessary across a substantial portion of Asda’s store network.
Food Guard calls on Asda to take immediate action to address these issues, particularly in the stores rated ‘1’ and ‘2’. The consultancy
also suggests a comprehensive review of Asda’s food safety training and implementation processes across its entire network.
Consumers are advised to check the hygiene ratings of their local Asda stores and to be vigilant about food safety when shopping.
Contact www.foodguard.io
Source new solutions and ideas for your organisation
The World of Learning Conference & Exhibition is a two-day event that brings together leading experts, brands and professionals from the Learning & Development (L&D) community under one roof. Last year’s event took place at the NEC in Birmingham from 8th-9th October 2024, and offered an unrivalled opportunity for L&D professionals to learn, discover, interact, and network.
The carefully curated conference programme offered delegates the opportunity to hear from thought-leaders from the L&D community, in an informative yet informal setting. Combining a mix of interactive presentations, thought-provoking panel sessions, and lively debates, delegates came away with practical solutions and fresh ideas to apply within their own businesses.
Alongside the conference was the free-to-attend Exhibition that showcased a wide-range of solutions in everything from AI learning and coaching & mentoring to experiential and immersive learning. The event was marked as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for L&D professionals looking for a complete blend of learning solutions and inspiration.
Visitors also had access to 70+ seminars and sessions, as well as interactive zones and features including: the Mental Wellbeing zone, the Business & Networking Lounge, World, the Immersive Learning Suite, Learning Design Live seminars, and more. By combining extensive research with authoritative input from key industry figures, the World of Learning 2024 conference programme provided an up-to-the-minute overview of the vital issues facing senior L&D professionals.
Visitors were inspired by the learning & development of industry leading thinkers and practitioners, and discovered all the current issues affecting L&D professionals today, whilst looking ahead to the future of workplace learning.
The event offered a fantastic platform for L&D professionals to expand their platform, share experiences, and collaborate. Each visitor went away gaining valuable insights from L&D experts on the latest industry challenges and how to overcome them. The 2024 show offered an abundance of free content, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of L&D with free seminars and exclusive
show features, as well as discovering new tools whilst experiencing a complete blend of learning solutions and inspiration from industry-leading providers.
The World of Learning Conference & Exhibition returns this year to Birmingham’s NEC from 7th-8th October 2025.
Further details can be found on this page. https://www.learnevents.com
Operational Excellence Accelerator launched in 2024
L
eadership development consultancy, Melior Esse, have brought this flagship development programme to market aimed at developing your operational leaders of tomorrow.
Accelerate your operations leaders into accomplished and effective professionals with their blended learning program, designed to strengthen your operational leadership. Participants will transform from hands-on managers into strategic leaders by mastering the application of strategy, structure, data, objectives, and team motivation.
Each module, supported by their expert coaches,
includes practical exercises where participants will present improvement suggestions to your senior leaders, directly contributing to the enhancement of your operation.
If you find management apprenticeships demand too much time off the job, and more traditional development programmes feel a bit too generic, then this product could be the ideal choice to develop your managers into forward thinking leaders whilst improving your business systems and culture in the process.
Rob Mackley, Managing Director Red Box Webdesign,
“I would whole heartedly recommend this programme to any business owner that’s growing that business knowing that you’ve got a strong operational leader driving things in the same direction as you.”
Take advantage of our free 45 minute consultation by booking a slot here: https://calendly.com/vince-hannant/opsaccelerator-strategy
0333 3356073 https://melioresse.co.uk
Immersive spaces: How theatricality
We are delighted to recommend our Immersive Spaces’ Company of the Month: Sandpit Creations to our readers
Immersive Spaces are designed to impact all our five senses through beautifully curated installations. Sensory themed experiences are now possible with everything from fibreglass modelling, carpentry, textiles, through to cuttingedge prosthetics, 3D modelling and robotics. If you were lucky enough to catch the ongoing Vincent van Gogh immersive art exhibition touring the country recently, this is a prime example of how impressionistic art can literally ‘come to life’ through projected moving images and physical installations.
Sandpit Creations were one of the teams working behind the scenes on the ‘bedroom’ section: inspired by van Gogh’s iconic ‘Bedroom in Arles’ painting. Bringing the room to life, visitors now experience the painting in a physical space, with the trademark wooden bed, side chair and floor contrasting with the red bed cover and sea blue walls. It’s visually arresting and gives a completely new meaning to art exhibitions.
With the advent of e-commerce, virtual art and museum tours, many shoppers and art lovers simply click at home for next-day delivery, negating the need to visit shopping centres or art galleries. The pandemic shifted our cultural mindset towards retail
therapy and virtual art in general – but what if there was a way to entice consumers back into physical spaces?
“One way of doing this is through carefully curated immersive experiences/spaces. This could be interactive multi-sensory experiences or installations, all through storytelling elements, interwoven with integrated brand identity. Consumers love to be enchanted and surprised and this can come in the form of bespoke brand carpentry, fibreglass modelling, textiles, to touchscreen technology, 360° visual, sound, light displays, in integrated interactive environments. Experiential retail, art or installation design creates positive experiences for shoppers, pushing boundaries in visual merchandising and artistic experiences,” explained Sandpit Creations Founder and Director, Dan Barr.
Sandpit Creations was established in 2023 and yet this newcomer has already been a finalist in The Access All Areas Event Production Awards: ‘Ones to Watch Category’ and won the ‘Most Innovative Theatre & Events Creative Workshop 2024’ in the South East England SME News Enterprise Awards.
With the intriguing mantra, ‘see you in the sandpit!’ the award-winning team of creative/concept designers, scenic artists, textile specialists, creative technologists, prop makers, carpenters, sculptors and metalworkers have largely known each other for years, having previously collaborated on the Crystal Maze Live Experience.
“We are a young, diverse group of creatives who thrive on eclectic projects, offering a non-prescriptive
approach to all project briefs. Sandpit Creations offers a unique intersectionality between many trade and creative industries and have worked on a wide range of exciting projects from immersive bar experiences like the Alcotraz prison bars and Moonshine Saloon, micro-electronics in London’s infamous Sherlock Holmes Museum, We’re Going on A Bear Hunt installations at Wakehurst: Kew’s wild botanic garden and imaginative carpentry and textile installations at the new CBeebies Rainbow Adventure at Westfield Shopping Centre.”
Sandpit Creations are like DC creative superheroes. Defeatist words ‘impossible’ or ‘difficult’ don’t exist in their vocabulary and the team attracts the best freelancers across the industry. Thriving on the weird, wonderful and idiosyncratic, they don’t just do the extra mile, they re-invent the wheel.
“With our creative theatre background, we can work on any projects from seasonal Halloween or Christmas decorations in shopping centres, through to life-size installation models for hotels, bars, restaurants, water parks and corporate spaces.”
“We can create ‘old-school’ nostalgic magic, with carpentry and textiles, like the van Gogh bedroom, bespoke custom props for the Alcotraz bars, through to a recent ingenious ‘Mind Control Safe Game’ for a trade show exhibition. The headset detects electrical signals in the brain to measure levels of focus and when optimal focus has been achieved, the dials on the safe start moving and when the green light is activated, the contestant can claim the prize inside the safe. The safe can be customised for different companies to use on exhibition stands during trade shows and in such a competitive market, it’s an eyecatching feature to draw professionals to your stand with purchasing power and potential sales leads.”
“This country is a hive of creative activity across multiple sectors and we want to be in the thick of it. We are open to all commissions across all sectorsthe more outlandish the better! and can happily work on specific briefs or come up with our own ideas.”
Creatives shun AI as cheating, says new research from Designit Dudley College
Creatives are continuing to play it safe when it comes to using AI and avoiding it in the belief that it’s a ‘creative cheat,’ according to new research from Designit, the Wipro-owned global experience innovation consultancy.
Some 84% of creatives see AI as merely a helpful assistant, and a significant minority believe strongly that using AI as part of the creative process amounts to cheating.
The findings come from a Designit poll that canvassed 1,200 creatives, including leading industrial, product and UX designers, on their feelings about using AI as part of their creative processes.
Qualitative feedback included one respondent likening AI to ‘an enthusiastic junior prospect with exceptional math skills.’ Another
respondent commented that the use of AI was inevitable but likely to be abused in the creative sector in the same way ‘as steroids are to the fitness industry.’
The poll findings from practising creatives chimes with those from a smaller student survey carried out as part of Designit’s recent AI residency at the School of Visual Arts which revealed that future designers see a reliance on AI as cheating.
Contact www.designit.com
It’s a wrap: Drovo agrees exclusive UK OOH display partnership with Bolt
Drovo, the UK’s market leader in transit media advertising technology, has today announced a new partnership deal with mobility giant Bolt. The agreement sees Drovo become the singular promotional display partner for Bolt’s fleet of hybrid taxis nationwide.
The combination of Drovo’s innovative technology and Bolt’s fleet coverage will ensure that on-vehicle advertisements make an unparalleled impact on outdoor audiences in London. Audiences’ familiarity with Bolt’s branded fleets and positive brand perceptions associated with the company will further enhance advertising effectiveness for Drovo’s clients.
Bolt’s drivers are the most active in the UK, primarily operating in densely populated areas including central London. Drovo’s
of Technology unveils new universal access STEAM Hub in partnership with Millennium Point
Dudley College of Technology has revealed its brand new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) hub that will enhance education and accessibility within the community. The project, funded by Millennium Point has transformed an existing space which the college had outgrown into a dynamic space fostering innovation and creativity in students.
Nestled beneath Dudley Castle, the renovation of the current Design & Technology room, formerly an elephant house, is a result of collaboration between dedicated staff and students, and the financial aid provided by Millennium Point Charitable Trust.
Approximately £17,500 of the total grant has funded the purchase of a wide array of cutting-edge equipment, including a 3D scanner compatible with 3D printers, height-adjustable workbenches, a laser cutter, and an F24 Greenpower kit-car. This array of tools is designed to cater to learners of all abilities, and empower an inclusive educational environment.
Part of the Millennium Point funding will also enhance the STEM library,
making it a valuable resource for local Dudley Academies Trust (DAT) schools and the broader community. This vision extends to Brierley Hill’s Inspired Art and Design Centre, which is under consideration as a dual site for the STEAM Hub, offering specialised support for students with SEN.
The iZone, Dudley College’s upcoming purpose-built engineering block, is another integral part of this project. Boasting a laser cutter and an existing printer, the iZone epitomises the hightech aspirations of the STEAM hub initiative.
Contact https://dudleycol.ac.uk
advertising partners can therefore expect to receive maximal reach, increased on-street impressions and boosted brand awareness from their campaigns.
The association with Bolt makes Drovo the largest committed transit media fleet in the UK, while the longstanding nature of the agreement allows for more efficient branded vehicle wrapping turnarounds, lower-cost campaigns and smoother scalability for its advertising clients.
Contact https://bolt.eu/en-gb https://www.linkedin.com/ company/drovo
In a world where being a digital nomad is rapidly gaining popularity thanks to technology and the power of the internet, UK virtual phone number provider, Xpatfone has conducted a study to identify the best destinations for remote workers. Utilising the Travellers’ Choice Awards, Best of the Best Destinations 2024, Xpatfone has meticulously ranked these locations based on criteria essential to the digital nomad lifestyle.
50% rise in Google searches for ‘digital nomad jobs’ In response to the 50% surge in Google searches for ‘digital nomad jobs’ between February 2023 and February 2024 (rising from 2,400 to 3,600 searches), Xpatfone initiated a study aimed at identifying the most favourable destinations for digital nomads among TripAdvisor’s top-ranked travel spots.
The data provides valuable insights for the growing community of digital workers looking at crucial factors such as the internet cost and download speed, mobile phone plan pricing, and the cost of accommodation for a month.
Hanoi: The best destination for digital nomads
Hanoi, Vietnam, emerged as the ideal location for digital nomads, not necessarily topping all criteria but consistently ranking in the top 5 for 4 out of 5 criterias. The city’s internet cost and accommodation affordability were particularly impressive, securing 3rd and 4th places, respectively.
Kathmandu’s remarkable rise in digital nomad rankings
Kathmandu, Nepal, experienced a significant leap in its appeal to digital nomads, ascending from the 24th position in TripAdvisor’s rankings to an impressive 6th place in Xpatfone’s study. It stood out for offering the most affordable accommodation, ranking 3rd in mobile plan affordability, and 6th for the cost of internet data.
Contact https://xpatfone.com
Record breaking attendance
The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event returned to the NEC in Birmingham on the 5th-6th June 2024. This dedicated garage and bodyshop event allows end users to focus on their core skills and requirements, as well as gain access to 60+ free skills training sessions and demos on all the latest technologies and products for the garage and bodyshop sectors.
The Show saw a significant increase in attendance from its inaugural edition in 2022. Attracting 120 exhibitors that combined to a total of 180 suppliers and 5,125 industry professionals, the Show more than established its place as the national face to face event for suppliers of tools, technology and training to showcase their latest developments, with last year’s event giving exhibitors the opportunity to meet over 1,500 detailing business owners.
UK Trio: Vehicle Customising, Refurbishing & Detailing made its debut at the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event in June 2024, providing a platform for detailing and customisation professionals to access the latest products, tools and techniques for their trade. With the growing profession for vehicle refurbishment, customisation and detailing in the
UK, the event placed a spotlight on the trade marking it as one of the most important gatherings for the community in 2024.
Centred around the Vehicle Customising & Detailing Hub in association with the UK Detailing Academy (UKDA), the 2-day event hosted an interactive exhibition, live demonstrations, workshops and discussions with leading industry experts. Topics covered included everything from car wash & care to paint correction, leather repair, scratch & chip repair, paint protection film (PPF), wrapping, brake calliper painting and more. The entire event layout was well received and served as a dynamic learning and networking platform to experience first-hand the latest products, trends and technologies.
The 2024 Show was a huge success! With the UK Aftermarket in the midst of its biggest shift in living memory as it transitions to EV and ADAS-enabled technologies, coupled with rapidly advancing service and repair technologies, the need for this event had never been stronger.
Exhibitors chose UK Garage and Bodyshop Event as the place to launch more than 25 new products, showcasing the latest advancements in service and repair products, diagnostics, and garage equipment direct to visitors.
The UK Garage & Bodyshop Event is organised by Messe Frankfurt UK Ltd, owned by Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH.
The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event will return on the 3rd-4th June 2026 at the NEC in Birmingham but its sister event Automechanika Birmingham will be returning on the 3rd-5th June 2025.
This is our pick of the best exhibitors from last year’s show, listed here in alphabetical order: BM Catalysts, MANN+HUMMEL & Selson Air Jacks. Further details can be found on this page and the next.
Contact https://garage-and-bodyshop-event. uk.messefrankfurt.com/birmingham/en.html
Selson Air Jacks: A sustainable solution for the automotive industry
Manufactured in the UK, the Selson Air Jack embodies British ingenuity and a commitment to sustainability. Designed for longevity, these highquality jacks are built to last, minimising the need for frequent replacements. However, recognising the importance of resource conservation and circular economy principles, Selson has developed a comprehensive repair program that extends the lifespan of its products while delivering significant cost savings for users.
Selson Air Jacks are uniquely designed for easy repair and refurbishment, its modular construction, with no welding and all parts readily replaceable, allows for efficient component-level servicing, this approach minimises waste by preventing perfectly functional components from ending up in already overcrowded landfills, significantly reducing needless waste and contributing to sustainability targets. We simplify the program for users with
fixed-cost servicing and the option to use recycled parts, keeping costs down while fully managing the process for you. While our jacks may not be the cheapest on the market upfront, their long-term value and repairability ensure you only need to purchase them once, minimising overall costs and environmental impact.
The impact of the Selson Repair Program is undeniable. In one recent case study, a customer saved over £100,000 in 2024 alone by opting for repairs instead of replacements. These impressive results highlight the program’s economic viability and underscore its environmental benefits. By extending the lifespan of its products, Selson helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new equipment and minimises the consumption of valuable resources.
When considering your next purchase, factor in the long-term costs and environmental impact.
Recognising the global significance of this approach, Selson is actively expanding its repair program internationally. By training distributors and encouraging users to embrace repair and reuse, Selson is driving a shift towards a more sustainable future for the automotive industry. This commitment to sustainability aligns with industry trends and demonstrates Selson’s dedication to responsible manufacturing practices.
The Selson Air Jack, with its robust design, comprehensive repair program and commitment to sustainability, represents a smart investment for businesses seeking both economic and environmental advantages. Reach out today to discover how our repair program can save your business money while reducing its environmental impact.
Contact 01670 712112 sales@selson.com https://www.selson.com
BM Catalysts launches two garage-focused initiatives at UK Garage and Bodyshop event
Garage Pro and Rewards Pro programmes gather widespread popularity
BM Catalysts, Europe’s leading manufacturer of aftermarket hot end emissions products, has successfully launched two new initiatives aimed at supporting UK garages: BM Garage Pro and BM Rewards Pro.
BM Garage Pro is an e-learning platform designed to help technicians enhance their product knowledge.
The training scheme offers an array of video content, helping technicians get up to speed on the latest technical and product information, while receiving an official certificate from the company upon completion of each course.
Unveiled at the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event on June 5th–6th, both programmes received an overwhelmingly positive response from garages and other industry leaders.
The initiative provides garage professionals with access to invaluable technical content and news updates, creating a community dedicated to long-term professional development, helping to futureproof the aftermarket and enabling technicians to stay ahead of evolving emissions control technologies and regulations.
BM Rewards Pro is a rewards scheme where garages can earn points, or an extended manufacturers’ warranty, for installing and registering BM Catalysts products.
These points can then be redeemed for a reward of
choice from thousands of items ranging from the latest technology to branded merchandise.
The launch of these initiatives at the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event was a major success. Technicians and notable industry figures eagerly visited the BM Catalysts stand to learn more about the programmes and sign up.
Mark Blinston, Commercial Director at BM Catalysts, said, “We’re so excited to finally introduce BM Garage Pro and BM Rewards Pro, which reflect our commitment to supporting both UK garage professionals and motor factors alike. These initiatives are the result of extensive research and development to ensure they meet the needs of installers and we’re confident that they will help bolster knowledge and ultimately enhance businesses throughout the aftermarket.
“The widespread interest and positive feedback we’ve already received highlights the demand for quality training and loyalty programmes in the industry.”
For more information about BM Catalysts and its new initiatives, please visit BM Garage Pro and BM Rewards Pro: https://bmgaragepro.com https://www.bmrewardspro.com/welcome
MANN+HUMMEL (UK) Ltd: Exhibiting at the UK Garage & Bodyshop Show (NEC, Birmingham)
MANN+HUMMEL is a global market leader in filtration, with 22,000 employees based at over 80 locations worldwide, making 32 filters a second for cars, machinery, and life-science applications.
Founded in 1941 in Ludwigsburg, Germany, the company is still family owned and originally focused on engine filtration for vehicles. As time has gone on and the company has developed, MANN+HUMMEL now also diversify and offer filtration solutions for alternative markets such as water, air and industry whilst retaining its expertise with the ever-changing vehicle market and the rise of Electric Vehicles (EV’s).
With the MANN+HUMMEL UK subsidiary based in Wolverhampton, the UK Garage & Bodyshop show at the NEC is a perfect forum to exhibit our Automotive Aftermarket brands – MANN-FILTER and WIX Filters.
MANN-FILTER is the UK’s No1 brand for garages. MANN-FILTER does not differ in specification from any filtration MANN+HUMMEL provides to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s, i.e. well-known vehicle brands), so is renowned for its quality and reliability.
WIX filters is our quality aftermarket brand, and offers a quality, respected filter product at an affordable price, backed by years of experience within the industry.
With the Garage & Bodyshop show aimed at mechanics, garages, and the automotive aftermarket, we get invaluable exposure to the people actually using and fitting our products. We use distributors (motor factors) as our route to market, so to meet our customers customer (the mechanics and garages) gives us a really tangible interaction with the people that trust our brands for their business.
Due to the central location of the NEC and the targeted audience, the Garage & Bodyshop show is a perfect addition to our marketing strategy. We get visited by people not just from the midlands, but all over the UK and hence is a highlight of the year.
justifies our attendance. We also have staff from multiple departments of MANN+HUMMEL (UK) on our stand, which makes us an immersive and welcoming brand and not just a pushy ‘sales’ focused experience.
With 2025’s Automechanika UK show at the NEC (the Garage & Bodyshop show’s bigger brother), we will again be at Birmingham to welcome visitors from across the UK to the world of MANN+HUMMEL.
The opportunity to give technical information, demonstrate existing and new products first-hand and offer a face to a massive brand more than
Contact 01902 384081 www.mann-hummel.com
Follow new legislation and guidance for safety, says AEI Cables
Cables leader AEI Cables is highlighting the need for the supply chain to be aware of the various pieces of legislation and guidance in the selection of cables to help make Britan’s buildings safer.
The systems powered by these cables – including smoke and heat extraction systems – assist fire services in firefighting and a safe evacuation in the case of life safety.
The company has been communicating the importance of following the technical guidance for the selection and installation of cables for Category 3 Control fire performance cables under the revised British Standard BS8519: 2020. These cables reduce harmful smoke, toxic gases and flame spread in the event of a real fire.
At the same time, AEI Cables has been raising awareness of the Building Safety Act 2022 which makes new demands on the supply chain in the interests of safety and governance.
The Act – introduced from October 2023 – makes new requirements for
‘higher-risk buildings’ which are those deemed to be of at least 18 metres in height or at least seven storeys containing at least two residential units.
Under the terms of the Building Safety Act, a Principal Accountable Person who fails to register an occupied higher-risk building ‘without a reasonable excuse’ will be liable to either a fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years.
For more information, see the AEI Cables website: www.aeicables.co.uk, contact: 0191 410 3111 or email: sales@aeicables.co.uk.
Edinburgh Fringe
Inspired by the work of world-leading trauma expert, Dr Gabor Maté, Adaptation: Enough Already – a spellbinding gig theatre piece with live music and immersive projections – prepares to drive corporate social change at the Edinburgh Fringe, 31st July-24th August, with its warning to business leaders, HR directors and JEDI managers (responsible for Gender Equity) that businesses must radically reduce their expectations on women to prevent an escalating epidemic of autoimmune disease.
Women account for around 80% of all autoimmune disease cases, with a higher incidence among women of colour Adaptation: Enough Already, written/produced by former corporate training dynamo and founder of Vegas Nerve Productions, Samantha Graham, shines a light on the sociocultural and epigenetic factors that trigger such epic proportions of ill health, including the outmoded gender constructs that keep women (and men) limited to certain roles.
Tilda, played by Kathy Owen (Dune: Part Two/Third World Cop) is a
busy working Mum, caught in the unsatisfying squeeze between huge responsibilities at the office, the invisible mental and emotional loads at home, and a yearning to remember who she is and what she loves. Add menopause, unspoken social norms that she’s unwittingly internalised, teenage kids, an ageing mother – and there you have it: enough already!
For more info & tickets for Adaptation: Enough Already, please visit: https://www. vegasnerve.live/adaptationenough-already
A-SAFE marks 40 years with Red Dot Award win Sarah Piddington, Health, Safety and Wellbeing expert
A-SAFE, the global leader in advanced polymer safety guardrails, barriers, and bollards, has been recognised with an esteemed Red Dot Award for Product Design 2024 for its Industry 4.0-ready, active racking management product RackEye, powered by its IoT safety and efficiency platform, Conek.
This recognition celebrates A-SAFE’s remarkable journey of innovation, quality, and industry leadership as the Elland-based company celebrates 40 years in business.
The Red Dot Award, established in 1955, is recognised as one of the most prestigious design competitions globally. A-SAFE’s accolade in the ‘Industrial and Manufacturing Equipment’ category underscores the company’s excellence in safety technology. The winning products Conek and RackEye, help manage warehouse safety by detecting impacts to racking and barrier systems. It provides real-time alerts and powerful insights enabling preventative action. Conek will be showcased alongside other winning
products at the Red Dot Museum, in Essen, Germany, for the next year.
Founded in 1984 by the Smith family, A-SAFE has transformed from a small family business into a global powerhouse in industrial safety solutions. Over the past 40 years, A-SAFE has pioneered high-performance polymer barriers, revolutionising safety standards and mitigating downtime for blue-chip companies and Fortune 500 industry giants. Now run by brothers James and Luke Smith, the new generation of innovators, A-SAFE tirelessly continues to challenge the boundaries of safety and technology.
For further information, please visit: www.asafe.com
& founder of Safe and Well Together
Sarah Piddington (pictured)is one of the world’s leading advisors on Health & Safety, workplace wellbeing and leadership development. Sarah was the Interim Global Director of Safety at BT, reporting directly to the Board and launched her own advisory business Safe and Well Together in 2011.
With over two decades of working with blue-chip companies and organisations ranging from easyJet and BT, to Monzo, Deliveroo and British Transport Police, today, Sarah’s work goes far beyond physical safety. Encompassing good mental health, teaching on topics such as sleep and nutrition, Sarah delivers unique programmes informed by psychology, and the intricacies of the brain, through neuroscience and bridging the gaps to empower leaders and to nurture teams.
Supporting everyone from the Board and C-Suite to the construction
site workers, Sarah enables executives and managers to meet their professional development and health and safety objectives.
Born and bred in Australia, Sarah has used her childhood challenges including bullying and adoption to develop resilience and the power of self-advocacy, which she attributes to her business success.
Following a life-threatening illness, Sarah redefined her sense of purpose, which propelled her into a career dedicated to safeguarding and empowering others. Since realising her calling in H&S, holistic wellbeing forms a crucial element of her programmes which perfectly align with her personal core values.
Contact https://safeandwelltogether.com
CIPD Festival of Work 2024: Shaping the future of work with innovation, insight, and connection
Over 11,480+ festival-goers were in attendance of CIPD Festival of Work on 12th13th June 2024 at ExCeL London.
This unique Festival goes beyond skill development; it’s about building connections, and attendees played a crucial role in shaping the vibrant atmosphere over the two days. Taking into account feedback from previous years, the 2024 lineup was refreshed with immersive features and an expanded range of product and service solutions. The Festival was packed with engaging, interactive content led by inspiring thought leaders and industry experts, providing valuable networking opportunities and immersive activities across the Festival floor.
There were 130 content sessions across 7 stages: Workplace Transformation on the Main Stage, EDI, Employee Experience, Internal Comms, L&D, Responsible Business and Wellbeing. Over the course of two days, attendees united to celebrate the future of work, gain valuable insights, and forge new connections. The sessions covered a wide range of important topics, including mental health, internal communication, and accessibility.
Angela Senior, a self-employed consultant stated, “The CIPD Festival of Work was a great platform to learn, listen, discuss and bring attention to crucial topics like mental health. We STILL need to shift mindsets and reduce stigma around mental health, especially as this week is Men’s Mental Health Week. Sharing insights and raising awareness through social media posts can make a significant impact. Be prepared for more updates! First talk of the day and so insightful and makes me look back at my own personal journey!”
Another key topic covered on Day One of the Festival was AI and the future of automation. Dr Daniel Holme led an interesting session, asking the
important question ‘what does the right automation look like for your business?’ Stacey Dooley MBE and Elliot Rae also gave two thought provoking sessions on how we can break barriers and ignite change. Day Two welcomed Dex-Hunter-Torricke whose presentation on ‘The Global Tapestry: Decoding the future of technology, leadership and society,’ had the audience gripped.
Always a favourite part of the Festival, The Wellbeing Hub offered tai-chi and BSL sessions, as well as discussions on hackathon and tasty treats including smoothies and pancakes.
The atmosphere was positively glowing, with a real excitement for the future of work. As thousands of festival-goers used the Festival to network and explore new innovations, they were immersed in a backdrop of incredible artists, fun activities and leading organisations, when combined, created an unforgettable atmosphere for everyone involved.
The event featured a diverse range of exhibitors, from first-time participants to seasoned, wellestablished professionals. We have chosen three exhibitors to focus on: INTOO, AdagioVR and Digital Internal Investigations.
INTOO is a global HR consultancy specialising in outplacement solutions. Leveraging extensive industry knowledge and experience, INTOO delivers tailored strategies designed to address the specific needs and challenges of each business. Whether providing outplacement services that support both employers and employees or offering career development programs to unlock the full potential of talent, INTOO partners with organisations to enhance workforce performance, develop skills, and facilitate seamless transitions as business requirements evolve.
AdagioVR aims to make transformative mental health techniques, once limited to clinical settings, accessible to individuals seeking improved wellbeing. Over 28 months, it developed a unique suite of methods combining multiple therapies to reshape emotional experiences and influence future responses. Leading this innovation is AdagioVR, the world’s first behavioural engineering tool for wellbeing and performance, delivered via virtual reality. Trusted by the NHS and UN, it targets core triggers, beliefs, and behaviours behind issues like stress, trauma, and addiction, while enhancing leadership and performance. Created by a Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the programme provides a personalised journey using techniques backed by trauma treatment proven over twice as effective as standard therapies.
Digital Internal Investigations specialises in digital forensics, transforming the way companies address workplace disputes by uncovering critical digital evidence. To safeguard a company’s reputation, they provide in-depth knowledge through digital evidence reports, enabling informed decision-making, swift action, and quick resolution. Every digital device –whether a laptop, mobile phone, or tablet – leaves a trace, and Digital Internal Investigations is adept at collecting and analysing these traces in the workplace. With over three decades of experience, the company has a proven track record in providing and interpreting digital evidence for UK courts.
The CIPD Festival of Work will be back this year on 11th-12th June 2025 at ExCeL London.
This is our pick of the best exhibitors from last year’s show, listed here in alphabetical order: AdagioVR, Digital Internal Investigations & INTOO. Further details can be found on the next two pages.
Contact https://www.festivalofwork.com
In times of change, helping people with their Careers is ever more important, explains
INTOO’s Managing Director, Owen Morgan
INTOO are a Career Transitions & Employability Solutions provider.
u Our Coach-led, high-tech approach is tailored to your needs
u We support over 100,000 global career transitions annually
u Our service covers 102 countries delivered in 37 languages
u We have access to over 2,160 – Experienced and local career coaches
u Our projects range in size from 1-10,000 people
In times of uncertainty and disruption people look to their employers to help them through challenges, Career Transition services can help people at all levels and across all sectors deal with these challenges quickly, effectively and with the minimum disruption to the business. Whether individuals are remaining in post and having to deal with new employment options or are leaving (often as a result of redundancy) supporting employees with career choices is paramount.
Indeed the value of career transition support to employees is revealed in our recent research survey; Future World of Work Report 2024 revealing that 78% of respondents see career transition support (or outplacement) as significantly beneficial. This isn’t just about offering a safety net for departing employees; it’s about enhancing your company’s brand reputation, fostering loyalty, and reducing
litigation risks. In today’s competitive market, companies that neglect transition support risk losing trust and credibility. Manage this process the right way, get our guide
Many companies still view career transition support as an optional extra rather than a necessity. This mindset presents a significant challenge, particularly as we face an increasingly volatile job market. To truly capitalise on the range of support available, HR teams should:
u Educate Stakeholders on the value of career-transition support beyond mere cost.
u Leverage Technology to deliver personalised, flexible support that aligns with individual career goals.
u Appreciate that career support has evolved to address broader employee needs including career-pivots, upskilling, reskilling, portfolio careers and retirement as well as simply jobsearch.
u Embed ‘Career Thinking’ into the organisational culture as a symbol of commitment to employee wellbeing and development.
By partnering with experts like INTOO, who are at the forefront of this evolution and understand the nuances of career transitions, companies can ensure their outplacement strategies are both effective and empathetic, offering real value to departing employees and meet your specific organisation needs, emphasising transition success, please get in touch
Contact +44 (0)808 164 2220 https://www.intoo.com/uk
Transformational mental wellbeing solutions in VR
By Robbie Jones, Commercial Director
I’m writing this piece in the unique position of someone who has launched and run large-scale trade events and now (gratefully!) finds himself on the other side of the table as a supplier and buyer on show floors. Now more than ever, your time is a cramped commodity, so the rules when deciding whether or not to trade in a day to attend a trade show are simple: are the content and exhibitors at this event going to transform my job, my department, my year, and will I be left behind in the years to come if I don’t absorb the tools and education this event-organiser is presenting? Because of the failure of organisers to acknowledge these as the only questions that matter, more often than not – out of that endless wash of brochures, boasts about meaningless numbers, irrelevant keynote speakers and the chaos of throwing suppliers and buyers together on a floor with email and social blasts and without consultancy – the answer is No. For People & Culture leaders, the exception to the rule last year and doubtless again in 2025, June 11th-12th, London ExCel, was the CIPD Festival of Work.
I decided that AdagioVR, our company, had to exhibit and sponsor, a decision that for the first time as a start-up led to a substantial ROI for us. AdagioVR is the world’s first mental health and high performance business that uses scalable tech to deliver permanent and preventative, clinically underpinned support for individuals and organisations through virtual reality experiences. Co-founded by one of the world’s leading psychiatrists, Dr Pawan Rajpal, working with the NHS, United Nations and now the business world, we are an antidote for People & Culture leaders jaded by a wellbeing vendor landscape that has failed to make any impact on talent attrition, absenteeism and worse. What impressed me most about Jade Scaffardi, Claudia Laing and the brilliant team at Festival of Work was their approach to partnerships: Dr Rajpal’s career is remarkable because of his groundbreaking work in autism and ADHD, and to see this event-organiser proudly associated with Autism Unlimited, BSL, the NHS (one of our partners) and building both a Wellbeing Village and a DEI stage, was the green light we needed.
Managing physical and mental health is a complex topic and, to be addressed seriously, DEI and High Performance as focus areas for People & Culture leadership have become non-negotiable overlapping with wellbeing and HR. The artists on these stages provided expertise and frameworks from their own professional careers to help the delegates assess existing or develop new frameworks for an ever changing world. Despite Keynoting on different stages, our Co-Founder
and CEO, Sanya Rajpal, and Author Elliot Rae both demonstrated this. The only way we can drive high performance, wellbeing, inclusivity and accessibility – in other words, to shape the talent and the culture we want in work – we need everything under the HR umbrella to interact. This means empowering your L&D, Wellbeing, and DEI teams to trade that day this year, get down to Festival of Work, learning and investing in better tools together. Your bottom line and the wellbeing of your people are going to remain correlational whatever your product and marketing strategies look like.
Contact 07471 100780 robbie@adagiovr.com https://www.adagiovr.com
Pawan Rajpal,
Jade Scaffardi, Group Commercial Director, CIPD Festival of Work
WAREHOUSE & LOGISTICS PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Italy’s Globalpesca selects Dematic to add automation to new cold storage warehouse
W
arehouse automation and software specialist Dematic has recently signed a contract with Globalpesca – a leading Italian provider of frozen foods and food services to the hotel, restaurant, and catering industries – to ensure operational efficiencies at a new low-temperature warehouse for frozen goods.
Headquartered northwest of Milan in Gravellona Toce, Italy’s Piedmont region, Globalpesca S.p.A. is a familyowned business whose roots date back nearly 125 years.
Due to rapid growth in the hospitality and catering industry in Italy, food service companies must be able to manage higher order volumes and be prepared to continuously improve service levels. Globalpesca recognised that automation would support its operations by bringing improvements in two key areas: better planning and managing of its inbound product process and better handling in storage and restocking of its picking areas.
The Dematic solution is going to be installed in a new warehouse facility adjacent to Globalpesca’s distribution centre in Gravellona Toce. The solution calls for a self-supporting
structure designed to meet the load and temperature requirements of the warehouse, the second temperaturecontrolled warehouse adjacent to the distribution centre.
The 24-metre high new warehouse covers approximately 1,400 square metres. The Dematic solution includes two RapidStore® UL1200 stacker cranes with an option of an additional one for future expansion plans, a pallet transport system using BK25 conveyors, and two Ergopal picking workstations with an option for a third workstation. Installation and commissioning are scheduled to be completed by early 2026.
For more information on Dematic, please visit: dematic.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.
Almost half of warehouse workers struggle with their mental health, but the tide is
Given the horror stories in the press around Amazon warehouses and the treatment of staff, a new survey of warehouse workers in the UK has found that the picture is improving, with various measures and technological integrations easing mental health in the workplace.
World Mental Health Day which featured on October 10th 2024, the study, undertaken by leading warehouse management software company StoreFeeder, found that while 42% of warehouse workers have seen their mental health suffer because of their job. That figure rising among younger workers, under the age of 35, to 60%.
That follows the narrative in the media and other surveys, which
NF Global Logistics expands use of Descartes e-Customs solution
Descartes Systems Group, the global leader in uniting logisticsintensive businesses in commerce, announced that U.K. based freight forwarder NF Global Logistics has expanded its use of the Descartes e-Customs solution to manage customs compliance for specialised goods consolidation import and export services across continental Europe (‘groupage services’). NF Global has realised significant productivity gains since deploying the solution to automate traditionally manual customs clearance processes and meet rising customer demand for import and export declarations post-Brexit.
“We manage growing volumes of customs entries across road, sea and air freight, some of which are extremely complex requiring multiple commodity codes. In addition, as a specialist provider of groupage services into Europe, we offer a customs guarantee, which means our compliance with HMRC, auditability and traceability have to be immaculate,” said Howard Nickerson, Managing Director, NF Global. “Without the Descartes solution, facing the additional demands that Brexit placed upon the freight forwarding
and customs compliance sector, we simply would not have been able to fulfil customer demand for services with our existing levels of resources. The software essentially underpins our business productivity and operations.”
Descartes e-Customs is a secure, webbased solution that helps filers, such as NF Global, submit data to HMRC and other government agencies through a concise, easy-to-use interface. From template-driven declarations, client-specific data and the ability to duplicate previous declarations, the solution can adapt to the multiple ways that companies operate.
Contact https://nfglobal.co.uk https://www.descartes.com
Whave suggested half of Amazon workers suffer burnout. This report, which surveyed workers at warehouses of varying size and industry, follows a similar pattern with almost 70% of people working in warehouses of over 500 employees seeing their mental health suffer, while it’s entry level staff that struggle the most.
However, things were beginning to change according to the results, with 43% of workers stating they care about the company they work for and around 80% not expecting to change industries as a result of their mental health.
Contact www.storefeeder.com
hen Scottish high-end alcohol label printing company, Spirit Label Solutions, moved into a new £5 million warehouse, they asked local business Electrical Solutions to come up with a lighting scheme, and with the help of Luceco, they delivered the solution.
Blank canvas
Starting from scratch in an empty warehouse, Luceco carried out a survey of the site to decide the best indoor, outdoor and emergency lighting for the space.
This warehouse had to double up as both a printing warehouse and an office space, so the lighting had to be suitable for both applications, as Chris Bryant, Group Managing Director of Electrical Solutions (Scotland) explains, “The brief we were given by our contractors, Advanced Building Contractors Ltd, was to supply a lighting scheme for a manufacturing space and a small office in the same
warehouse. The client had limited knowledge of lighting, so working with Luceco we were able to recommend the appropriate lighting and fittings for the job.”
The perfect solution LED lighting provides the perfect solution for industries that require the LG1 recommended Colour Rendering Index (CRI), as it has only a small oscillation in light output and eliminates the strobed effect often caused by traditional lamped luminaires.
Following the site survey and lighting design, Spirit Label Solutions chose to use Luceco’s Elara Bay, cost-effective LED luminaires ideal for high ceiling mounting positions in industrial and warehouse environments, and surface mounted LuxPanels for the office spaces.
Contact https://www.luceco.com/uk
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.
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.
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.
Electrolab Biotech is a leading manufacturer of bench-top bioreactors and fermenter systems. With over 30 years’ experience designing and building bioreactor systems in the UK, you’ll find the partner you can trust to deliver the equipment you need. We offer the same high level of service and support to all our customers.
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.
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.
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.
