ISSUE 75 OCT/NOV 2011
INSIDE THIS ISSUE MATTHEWS HAULAGE LTD SEE PAGE 4 IBP HAULAGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
H BROWN & SON RECYCLING
SEE PAGE 5 IBP RECYCLING COMPANY OF THE YEAR
LYPPARD AND WARNDON FRYERS
SEE PAGE 12 IBP CHIPPY OF THE YEAR
IBP COMPANY OF THE MONTH
Dawson Shanahan IBP COMPANY OF THE MONTH At a time when businesses are cutting costs and looking to save money in light of the recession, Hertfordshire-based Dawson Shanahan are bucking the trend by investing in new technologies, their workforce and the engineering sector as a whole. The business, which boasts over 60 years experience, recently gave an insight into its future plans for expansion and investment with an open day that was attended by a number of experts and VIPs. Dawson Shanahan is one of the few commercial success stories in the area, with a strong, growing export market to Europe, North America and the Far East representing 80% of its turnover. The business is one of only three specialists in Europe to offer independent cold forming process, employing over 50 people in its 2,800 mÇ purpose-built factory in Potters Bar and 30 more in its Wales-based production plant. Cold-forming is a process which involves no material removal whatsoever and therefore wastes nothing as scrap. The raw material is deformed or extruded on a press using specialised tooling and although machining is sometimes performed afterwards, many features can be cold-formed as finished, reducing material cost, machining time and excess waste. Such a process leaves parts stronger and more durable than an equivalent part machined from solid and
meets the demands of a wide range of sectors including aerospace, automotive, electronics, laser, medical, packaging, plasma, power distribution, telecoms and welding. Although there are a number of companies throughout the UK working in cold-forming, Dawson Shanahan are one of the only businesses uniquely combining this process with precision machining under one roof, together with the world leading technology to cold form stainless steel. Dawson Shanahan are pioneers of the latest technology and invested heavily in new CNC milling machines and laser cutting machines, reviewing their machinery and facilities on a regular basis each year.. The company offers a complete solution, with everything from prototype to production being designed and manufactured in house to reduce both manufacturing lead time and cost for customers, creating a one-stop shop. Quality control is of paramount importance to the firm, which is why Dawson Shanahan is proud to have
gained numerous accreditations during the time they have been in business. Accreditations including ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001 and TS16949, have enabled the company to gain a broad OEM customer base and develop a global presence encompassing over twenty countries. This emphasis on delivering the highest quality products with outstanding customer service has allowed Dawson Shanahan to win regular and major orders from such globally recognised brands as Ford, Volvo Group, Renault Trucks and Mack Trucks. Dawson Shanahan’s roots go back almost a century to the early 1920s when Edward Dawson, the current Chairman’s father, started a mobile engine rebuilding business in North London. His business grew apace with car ownership and helped him to gain an enviable reputation as a first rate engine rebuilder, as well as later contributing to the war effort with a component for the anti-lock braking system for heavy bombers. Almost simultaneously, in South London, Fred Shanahan had become well known in the same engineering rebuilding sector. The pair decided to join forces creating Dawson Shanahan in 1943, one of the first ever UK companies to make copper components for power semiconductor devices. Made from nearly pure copper, (Oxygen-Free High Conductivity Copper – OFHC) these were difficult devices to machine so development in this sector led Dawson Shanahan to develop cold forming processes to reduce material and machining time. Today, the business continues to run within the same family, still maintaining the traditional values for quality that it has always upheld. Dawson Shanahan continues to be one of the leading cold
forming businesses in the UK and also boasts an unrivalled reputation for excellence in CNC copper machining. The company specialises in the machining of market-leading, bespoke copper components across a range of industries worldwide. Their revolutionary CNC machines for the precision manufacture of copper components ensure accurate and tight tolerance standards at a lower cost, making them the global source of cold formed and CNC machined copper components. Dawson Shanahan has developed unique and innovative techniques to ensure the highest quality at the lowest price, even for industries that demand components from pure copper and oxygen free highconductivity copper (OFCC). In addition to their full range of copper alloys, Dawson Shanahan also cold form and machine parts from zirconium copper, tellurium copper and chromium zirconium. Such work was on display at the open day, which focused on a grinding cell with custom built high speed slot, groove and centreless grinding machines, component finishing and cleaning systems, and the creation of a new production area aimed at medical and aerospace components, giving recognised trade professionals a glimpse into one of the UK’s most dynamic engineering companies. For more information contact Dawson Shanahan on:
Telephone: 01707 602000 Fax: 01707 602049 Web: www.dawson-shanahan.co.uk Dawson Shanahan Ltd, Cranborne Industrial Estate, Potters Bar, EN6 3JN
IBP ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2011
Woodstones Coaches Ltd
IBP TRANSPORT COMPANY OF THE YEAR
With over 50 years experience in the trade, Kidderminster-based Woodstones Coaches has been a front runner in the Midlands transport scene for decades and is as deserving as any business, of our Transport Company of the Year Award 2011. The family-run transport business offers a friendly and reliable service, with a modern fleet of 12-70 seater coaches that are maintained to the highest standard and available for hire 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Woodstones Coaches was originally founded in 1957, relocating to its current purpose built and modern premises in 1983. The business has a fleet of 6 vehicles that are engaged in a variety of school contract and private hire work across the West Midlands, with a policy to replace a third of its fleet every year. The first 70 seat vehicles arrived at Woodstones Coaches in 1998, being replaced by Volvo based examples in 2003, 2006 , 2009 and awaiting delivery of 2 new ones in 2012, making these the fifth generation of the model to serve the company. By replacing its coaches on a regular basis the business is able to reduce its carbon footprint, with all coaches being Euro IV standard or higher, in order to provide lower carbon emissions. All of the vehicles that Woodstones operate are maintained in both the company's purpose built workshop and by a local Volvo dealer. All of the staff that are employed by the company are professional and have an extensive understanding of the requirements needed in being a coach driver and with a large proportion of its contracts being with schools each driver is checked to the enhanced level of CRB. With a dedicated team of highly skilled engineers and a full back up service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across the UK, Woodstones ensure that each customer has peace of mind in reaching their required destination. With the belief that all of its customers should be able to enjoy the benefits of the coaches, Woodstones ensure that they are accessible for everyone. Wheelchair access is available via a side lift that is located at the side centre entrance of each 53 and 57 seat vehicle, with the capacity to accommodate and secure one wheelchair in place with the appropriate straps to combine with the occupants seat belt. All of their coaches are equipped with ‘hands free’ communication equipment. If
problems occur, it is possible for both drivers and head office to communicate and resolve potential issues. Woodstones fleet is available for all types of passenger transport including contract hire / private hire, such as to transport guests to and from weddings, parties or other event destinations. With all coaches fitted with LED destination equipment, front, side and rear Woodstones are able to input wording, to a customer’s reasonable requests. This can be carried out from the company premises, but they do require advance notice. The front sign can hold two lines of scrolling text or single pages with text and LED images. The side can take scrolling message or single page text and the rear sign is square and capable of holding an image or initials. It is important to Woodstones as a company that their fleet is as modern and
well-equipped as any, in order to provide ultimate satisfaction and comfort for passengers. With the fleet updated whenever possible and staff trained to the highest standards with regular quality checks carried out, Woodstones Coaches will surely remain at the top of its market for many more years to come. Such focus on customer satisfaction, vehicle maintenance and consistent high performance rates has earned Woodstones Coaches the title of IBP Transport
Company of the Year, singling the business out from its competitors.
For more information contact Woodstones Coaches Ltd on:
Telephone: 01562 823073 Web: www.woodstones.org.uk Woodstones Coaches Ltd, Hoo Farm Industrial Estate, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY11 7RA
IBP ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2011
Matthews Haulage Ltd IBP HAULAGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Given that Matthews Haulage Ltd was set up over three decades ago by two men who admit they knew 'very little about' the haulage trade, it may strike some as surprising to learn not only that the company is still going strong as they celebrate their 36th year in business but it has also been named the IBP Haulage Business of the Year 2011. For Matthews Haulage is no longer the small operation it was and its joint owners, Nick and Trevor Matthews now boast barrel-loads of knowledge on the haulage industry after learning through the trade over that time. In 2004 Trevor Brown joined the company to add even more experience and he was made a director in April 2010. After being offered delivery work by a couple of local companies, Matthews Haulage quickly grew and expanded its services to other businesses. With initial goals being very modest, the company grew into one of the most recognised local haulage firms not only in their native Hertfordshire territory, but also nationwide. Matthews Haulage, a part of Pall-Ex, the UK's No.1 network for distribution of palletised freight, specialise in the distribution and storage of goods across the UK and Europe. Goods are delivered on a next day or economy (2-3 days) service and do not always have to be palletised. Joining Pall-Ex gave Matthews Haulage the ability to say yes to any job their customers ask of them, even if they do not have a vehicle going to the area required. Just as with deliveries done on the company’s own fleet, Pall-Ex can accommodate timed, AM/PM, tail-lift and Saturday deliveries and also cover most of Europe. Matthews Haulage can also arrange collections from anywhere in the country to go anywhere in the country. The business boasts a modern fleet of vehicles capable of transporting various
market sector although all goods do have to be ambient and non-hazardous. As a family-run business, everyone at the company is able to provide a personal and local service to all clients, whether they are ordering one pallet or twenty pallets – they can get on with producing the goods and Matthews Haulage will get them where they need to be.
goods of different weight and size. From the company’s 44 tonne Scania Tractive unit able to carry up to 28 tonnes, to its 26 tonne Scania six-Wheel rigid curtainsiders capable of carrying 16 standard size or 20 Euro size pallets up to 16 tonnes in weight and its 18 tonne Scania 4-Wheel rigid curtainsiders capable of carrying 14 standard pallets and ten tonnes in weight, there is no job too big or small. If you need a vehicle dedicated to you, Matthews Haulage is happy to enter into a contractual agreement, whereby you have your livery on their vehicles without a contract, subject to conditions. All vehicles have Navman real time vehicle tracking. Additional to the company’s transit facilities, it also boasts extensive secure warehousing and storage facilities and are happy to give quotations upon request for short and long term
agreements. Furthermore, the business also has the facility for online booking and telephone credit card payments. Customers are also able to view the progress of jobs and print PODs. With a large focus on the needs of every individual customer, Matthews Haulage run regular checks and hold frequent team meetings to ensure that their staff is always offering the very best service to customers. The company trades on the notion that every client, no matter how big or small, is a prestigious client and deserves the finest service they can offer, which is one of the defining factors why companies keep returning to Matthews Haulage for repeat business. Dealing largely with SMEs, Matthews Haulage do not focus on any particular
It is quite a remarkable tale of a small business, founded upon no knowledge, defying all the odds to become one of the most thriving business' in the region. Director Nick Matthews comments: “Having started with no experience, we now have 36 years of experience in this service industry. We have made mistakes and learned from them and now consider ourselves to be an exceptional haulier. You must remember it is not rocket science moving goods but it is surprising how many hauliers make hard work of it. I cannot remember the last time we failed a delivery by way of mistake within our operation. We get held up in traffic jams etc like anybody else but we never fail operationally. It is amazing how many of our competitors do!” For more information contact Matthews Haulage on: Telephone: 01992 553737 Fax: 01992 551360 Matthews Haulage, Mead Lane, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG13 7BB
IBP ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2011
H Brown & Son Recycling
IBP RECYCLING COMPANY OF THE YEAR
When it comes to recycling, very few firms have the expertise and the passion that H Brown & Son Recycling put into their work. After being in business for 86 years they know more than most about delivering exceptional customer service and upholding high work ethics. Still run today by the Brown family that established the company back in 1926, H Brown & Son Recycling offer a modern service with an authentic approach to business, making them a worthy winner of the IBP Recycling Company of the Year Award 2011. Specialists in commercial, industrial and domestic container hire, H Brown & Son Recycling provide containers ranging from 1100 litre wheelie bins to 40 cubic yard Roll-on Roll-offs. You can choose from standard open Roll on-Roll-offs or compactor, with both able to collect special and difficult waste. Ideal for construction work, they are cost effective methods for high volumes of waste. Likewise with skips, H Brown & Son Recycling offer standard open, lidded and compaction products with a range of specialised containers for special and difficult waste. Their full range runs from 316 yards open and 8-16 yards lidded with a drop door option on 4 and 8 cubic yard skips for easy access when loading. H Brown & Son Recycling also offer 1100 litre wheelie bins to shops, offices, factories and producers of dry, nonhazardous waste. These come with a locking option on the lid and are hygienic and easy to clean. Furthermore, their rearend loader compaction vehicles, used for both Wheelies and RELs, are available for customers, allowing waste to be contained inside the vehicle, leaving the container at the customer’s site permanently. Service containers range from 8-16 cubic yards. H Brown & Son Recycling have come a long way since the company was using a horse and cart to deliver clay, coke and coal to the pottery industry and have a firm nose for future development. Today, the company recycles 100% of all waste, due to the completion of their state-of-theart SRF (Solid Recovery Fuel) facility. New technology enables the business to recycle the 25% of previously non-recyclable waste that used to go to landfill. The SRF facility processes the residual waste left after the initial segregation process (where recyclables are diverted into separate
For more information contact H Brown & Son on:
Telephone: 0800 783 3236 waste streams) and produces a renewable form of energy from the remaining waste which is used to fuel EFW (Energy From Waste) plants. As well as general waste, the business is also a scrap metal merchant, offering competitive prices for ferrous and nonferrous metals and offer this service to the general public. The company also offer a cardboard-only service for commercial customers, as well as recycling all wood that they deal with, offering a commercial wood skip service and recovering all wood from mixed loads of general, demolition and construction waste. As a family-run business, H Brown & Son Recycling offer a personal and friendly customer service, building on the ethos of which the company was first founded upon. With all their staff trained in delivering excellent customer service and such an eye on development and current initiatives, it looks like H Brown & Son will continue to be a success story for many years to come.
Web: www.wasteman.co.uk H Brown & Son Recycling, Nevada Lane, Sneyd Industrial Estate, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 2BY
IBP ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2011
Renault Trucks Midlands IBP DEALER OF THE YEAR Whilst many companies have been tightening their belts over the past 12 months and looking to save funds wherever possible, Renault Trucks Midlands has been enjoying new contracts from such established companies as Hingley Transport, Perkins Haulage and Lloyd’s. The Tipton-based business has been winning business all over the region as well as retaining existing customers as a consequence of their outstanding after sales service, earning Renault Trucks Midlands the honour of IBP’s Dealer of the Year. Renault Trucks is the second biggest company in the Volvo group, whose presence in the heavy duty vehicle sector is based on the development of four reference brands on the world market: Renault, Volvo, Mack and UD (Nissan Diesel). Renault Trucks designs, manufactures and distributes the biggest and most diversified range of vehicles and services on the market. Renault Trucks Midlands is part of Renault Truck Commercials, the biggest Renault Trucks dealer group in the UK. Renault Truck Commercials operates from eleven strategically located dealerships across England and Wales. From its Midlands base, the business happily serves the wider region, offering repairs, servicing, MOT testing and mechanics as well as selling new and used vehicles as fleets or single purchases. The business prides itself on the outstanding after sales service it offers all customers. When you choose to purchase a one-off vehicle or fleet from Renault Trucks Midlands, they do not leave you to drive away with just your purchase. On top you also benefit from their excellent after sales service which includes a 24/7 breakdown and recovery service, regular vehicle testing and checks and ongoing technical support. The Renault fleet of trucks is as varied as it is extensive with such models as the Magnum, Master, Midlum, Lander, Kerax and Premium available for sale at very competitive prices. Such an impressive range has enticed new custom from the likes of Joseph Holloway, Stokes Haulage and R Adams & Son over the past few months – just three of the many new clients to benefit from Renault’s ongoing after sales support package. As well as offering new vehicles for sale, Renault Trucks Midlands also stocks a wide range used Renault vehicles ranging from small vans to articulated units. All used vehicles are sold under their unique Truckplus programme, which allows customers to search for certain used makes and models, come with a comprehensive 96 point vehicle check, 6 months mechanical breakdown insurance, road-side assistance and low mileage to ensure you get the most out of your new vehicle. In addition, Renault Trucks Midlands is also happy to arrange additional support packages including finance and lease options as
well as extended mechanical breakdown insurance. When it comes to breakdowns and roadside recovery, this is another area of the business that has been greatly improved over the past 12 months. Renault Trucks Midlands is now able to respond to an emergency breakdown call anywhere throughout the Midlands within just 6090 minutes of receiving an initial call. With emergency lines open all day and night an engineer is regularly calling the workshop and the client to keep everyone updated with the progress of a repair, you can be sure that you are being kept up to date with the work on your vehicle. The business is also happy to lend vehicles to those whose current vehicle requires a lot of work, to ensure that you are not left off the road for too long. In fact, the staff at Renault Trucks Midlands is so dedicated to their customers that everyone has recently increased their working hours due to demand, to ensure that there is always somebody available at any time of day to see to your repairs. The company’s in-house testing facilities are of the most up-to-date and high industry standard, with equipment available for tachographs, headlight beams and brake rolling testing. By making frequent improvements to their facilities and equipment, Renault Trucks Midlands has been able to increase its MOT pass rate from an average of 80% up to 90% in the last year, offering customers an even bigger chance of getting their vehicles out on the road. It is not surprising that Renault Truck Commercials’ facts and figures for the past 12 months are so impressive due to the strict quality standards procedure that the firm has in place. As
well as receiving thorough examination and inspection of the business’ facilities and services by an external company every four years – the next inspection is by the RAC in October – the company also runs its own quality inspections and reviews every eight weeks throughout the year. By keeping standards extremely high and training workforce each year in an effort to keep all staff performing to the very best of their abilities, Renault Trucks Midlands has ensured that it is amongst the front runners in the trucking industry. The business treats both its customers and its staff well, which is why much of the company’s workforce has remained loyal to the company for a number of years. As well as utilising the experience from some of the older workers, Renault Trucks also likes to invest in the workers of tomorrow and holds an apprenticeship scheme for students in the Midlands, recruiting locally whenever possible. Such a mix of youth and experience ensures that clients are receiving the very best possible service at all times from enthusiastic, highly skilled and specialised staff. Renault Truck Commercials prides itself on being a company that consistently meets the needs and requirements of each individual customer, exceeding all expectations. On the rare occasion a customer is not satisfied, they speak with the customer straight away to learn where they can improve their service for future reference. An indication of the high level of customer service surrounding the service offered by Renault Trucks Midlands was 2009’s Motor Transport Dealer of the Year award, an honour that is voted for by the clients of each individual dealer in the UK. Renault Trucks Midlands beat off stiff competition from the likes of Mercedes and Scania in order to win the award and are celebrating again after beating such dealers in the competition to find IBP’s very own Dealer of the Year for 2011.
For more information contact Renault Trucks on:
Telephone: 0121 505 0300 Fax: 0121 505 0333 Web: www.renault-trucks.net/midlands Renault Trucks Midlands, Power Way, Black Country New Road, Tipton, DY4 0PW
IBP ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2011
Stanair Industrial Door Services Ltd IBP INDUSTRIAL DOOR COMPANY OF THE YEAR 2011 Stanair Industrial Door Services Ltd is no stranger to a recession. In fact since becoming established in 1974 the business has already ridden out three of them and continues to trade well throughout the Midlands. With a sincere promise to either secure or repair your door on the first engineering visit, you will avoid any costs if they fail to meet such a bold target. Never before has the company broken its own promise and never before has it failed to deliver on its aims. In fact the business has enjoyed so much growth and success over the last 12 months that it has recently taken on three new sales staff members to meet with overwhelming demand and has been named IBP’s official Industrial Door Company of the Year 2011. Stanair supplies, installs and maintains virtually any kind of industrial door or shutter. The product range includes industrial doors and shutters of all types, through to acoustic folding partitions, and a complete range of physical security products, including security shutters, collapsible gates, barring systems and access control systems. The company’s staff are all highly trained and experienced in repairing all kinds of different doors and shutter systems. In fact Stanair even maintains the doors at the vast Cardington Hangar near Bedford where Gotham City was built for the recent Batman films and the firm’s doors were actually seen in the Dark Knight film! Whether it is a dent or lock repair you require or even an adjustment to a door frame size Stanair is your number one point of contact for a professional and timely service. Whilst most firms can respond to an emergency call out within four hours Stanair like to go that one step further and guarantee to have an engineer on the scene within two hours of an initial call. Where a job is not urgent, Stanair can respond punctually to an agreed date and time. With a fleet of 42 vehicles and over 70 staff there is literally no job too big or small for Stanair. What’s more, as Stanair’s managers personally man the 24 hour emergency lines, you can be sure that you are receiving the fastest response possible in the industry even at 3am on a Sunday morning!
“We were the first company in the industry to guarantee your doors will be secured or operational on the first engineering visit or you won’t pay a penny. When someone calls Stanair 24 hours a day, they know that an engineer will be there normally within two hours from receipt of their call, often sooner.” He added: “Our business has been built on that guarantee. Customers trust that we will deliver – and we try very, very hard not to let them down.”
As it approaches its 38th year in business Stanair owes much of its success to it staff many of whom have been working with the company over a number of years. As Investors In People Stanair offers a number of training programmes to staff and management to ensure that everybody is consistently working towards a very high standard. A previous winner in the National Training Awards, the business takes great pride in its recruitment policy and is a strong believer that you cannot put a price on experience – a philosophy that has helped both the staff grow with Stanair and the company grow with its clients. With many blue-chip companies regularly calling upon Stanair for their door and shutter repairs, the business enjoys long lasting relationships with many of its clients as well adding new business all the time. As a business that is always looking to offer its customers more, Stanair purchased Shire Security in 1996, which installs and maintains intruder alarms, access control, fire alarms and CCTV. Working together the two companies are able to offer complete physical and electronic security solutions to local businesses. Recently Shire Security set up a new division to supply and maintain fire extinguishers to its clients across the Midlands.
With a total of four sites situated in Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes, Peterborough and Rugby, Stanair is heavily involved in a number of community projects across the Midlands. Such local initiatives that the company has become involved in includes sponsorship of sports teams and local award ceremonies for education and business. Recently Stanair donated £2,000 to become a Friend of Northamptonshire Community Foundation. It even helped one of its own senior engineers revive his amateur racing career with the loan of a trailer and van at weekends. Stanair is a strong believer in investing in the workers of the future and does all it can to give others a good start in life. The business treats its surrounding communities as well its clients and as a member of the Door and Hardware Federation a SAFEcontractor and IS0 9001 certified business you can be sure that you are only receiving the best service from Stanair. Michael Markham, Managing Director believes the company’s solid performance is down to two simple things: “Stanair has a fantastic reputation for service and quality,” he said. “We spend most of our time ensuring we live up to our customers’ expectations. And we spend the rest of our time investing in training and development for our staff.
As one of the UK’s very first specialist industrial door repair specialists when it was set up 37 years ago in Kettering it is testament to the success of the company that Stanair Industrial Door Services Ltd is still leading the market nearly four decades on. With a very large emphasis based around customer service Stanair always look to meet every specific need of every individual customer and on the rare occasion a customer is not satisfied the business asks what it can do in the future to improve. It is through this kind of awareness and engagement that the business has been able to remain one of the most sought after and highly praised businesses within the Midlands.
For more information contact Stanair Industrial Door Services on:
Telephone: 01536 482187 Web: www.stanair.co.uk Email: info@stanair.co.uk Unit 2, Henson Way, Telford Way Industrial Estate, Kettering, Northants, NN16 8PX
8
SAS REFRIGERATION A PERSONAL AND FRIENDLY SERVICE When Steve Smith left his job and set up a refrigeration company on his own fifteen years ago, he would never have dreamed that a decade and a half later he would still be going strong having ridden out an economic recession. What is even more commendable is that SAS Refrigeration is still run solely by Steve himself, with sub-contractors used for larger jobs, enabling customers to receive a personal and friendly service, unlike any larger business could offer. Stoke-on-Trent-based SAS Refrigeration supply refrigeration and air conditioning units to the commercial trade, working with such clients as private schools, nursing homes and colleges. Supplying both second hand and new units, SAS Refrigeration has built a reputation within the Midlands for exceptional quality and
professionalism, which has enabled Steve to enjoy even more business through word of mouth recommendations. With over thirty years experience in the trade, there is no better man than Steve to contact when you require refrigeration or air conditioning units or need your current units maintained or repaired. Steve boasts extensive knowledge of the industry and with his experience, he can complete a job in a matter of hours, no matter how big a job it may be. Always one to look for new ways of expanding the business, Steve introduced a catering shop to SAS Refrigeration’s services 12 months ago and began repairing, maintaining and fitting catering and kitchen fittings for customers throughout the Midlands. Although refrigeration remains the most part of the business’ services, Steve has seen the catering side of his work take off quite quickly over the last year and plans to introduce it to businesses in the region in the coming months.
A host of clients have remained loyal to SAS Refrigeration over the last 15 years, staying with the company for their refrigeration needs and receiving the very best service. SAS Refrigeration are able to respond to call out charges for repairs within 24 hours and once they arrive, get the job completed straight away to a very high standard so there is no waiting around for the right tools for the job. As the recession dies down, Steve is looking at expanding his client base outwards and offering the same quality service to companies within the wider
Midlands region, preparing the business for another 15 years of success. For more information contact SAS Refrigeration on: Mobile: 07976677928
Telephone/Fax: 01782320403 t/f Catering shop:
Telephone: 01782 313311 Fax: 01782 327260 SAS Refrigeration, 9, Loganbeck Grove, Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire ST3 5UF
COVENTRY GOLF CLUB ONE OF THE LEADING CENTRES FOR GOLFING EXCELLENCE IN THE UK It was 125 years ago when Harold Smith first introduced the game of golf to Coventry. A keen all-round sportsman, Harold played cricket for Staffordshire and first came across golf upon a visit to London where he encountered the game at Royal Blackheath. Upon his return to Coventry, Harold was so mesmerised by the sport that he got together a number of friends and acquaintances with the aim of establishing golf in the city. On April 18th 1887, Harold and his associates founded Coventry Golf Club, with nine holes on Whitley Common; this at a time when golf had not yet been played in America and was only a small sport in England. Over a century later and Coventry Golf Club remains one of the leading centres for golfing excellence in the UK. Only last year the club was awarded the English Golf Environment Award and the Golf Mark Award, the EGE Award is presented in recognition of clubs that have put into place environmental issues such as preserving natural habitat, bird and wild life conservation and tree planting schedules etc., the GM Award identifies junior and beginner friendly golf facilities and Coventry Golf Club has been recognised as meeting the official quality standard for a structured environment for junior golfers to develop their skills with support from qualified coaches. Coventry Golf Club has hosted numerous Professional and Elite Amateur Tournaments. For example in 1974, a young Severiano "Seve" Ballesteros Sota played his very first professional
number of fun events – and a very bright future, Coventry Golf Club continues to be one of the finest centres for the sport in the country. Easily accessible, it is easy to reach from all areas of the UK, close to major motorways and just off St Martins Road in Coventry. It is a place that has nurtured the careers of many golf professionals but also acts as a fun place for amateurs to come and learn the sport. Ideal for business trips and large excursions, Coventry Golf Club offers the ideal environment for team building exercises and enjoyable days out. With many prestigious tournaments still played there today, Coventry Golf Club has come a long way since Harold Smith first brought the sport to the city over one hundred years ago. competition at Coventry. Another example was the Piccadilly Tournament played at Coventry from 1973 to 1976, during which the winners were, Peter Oosterhuis in 1973, Maurice Bembridge in 1974, R.A.Shearer in 1975 and Sam Torrance in 1976. Even now Coventry Golf Club has been chosen as an Open Championship Regional Qualifying venue from 2008 to 2012. The success of the club is not surprising, for it is one of the most attractive inland courses in the country, providing an exciting challenge to all golfers with its gently undulating parkland course of 6590 yards in length with a par of 73 and an SSS of 72 made up of 5 par 5’s, 9 par 4’s and 4 par 3’s. The course boasts a number of varied tree types, such a green policy owing much to the foresight of the then professional Norman Roffe. Groups of fir and silver birch were planted in 1960 together with cherries, whitebeam, chestnut and young beech trees, many of which were donated by individual club members. The policy is still upheld and enforced today by club professional Phil Weaver who is chairman of the P.G.A and presides over the opening ceremonies at the Ryder Cup competitions. Phil’s involvement has resulted in 18 tree-lined holes making the course so attractive today.
Coventry Golf Club welcomes golfers of all ages from juniors down to experienced players with coaching plans to suit. Juniors are offered the chance to enter national tournaments at their discretion, whilst teams and ladies can also take advantage of competitive fixtures. Ladies of the club also have their own committee where they control the operation of the ladies section with representatives on the management committee. The facilities at the club are second to none and suitable to cater for all parties big and small. The clubhouse is well furnished with a comfortable lounge on the upper floor offering panoramic views of the course. A fully licensed bar is also provided for members, guests and day visitors complete with snooker table, a card table and casual seating. The club also boasts a sun terrace with outdoor seating, tables and parasols where you can enjoy a meal or cool drink whilst enjoying some breathtaking local views. Furthermore, Coventry Golf Club also boasts its own club shop where a large range of golfing gear and accessories can be purchased. With such a rich history – the club is celebrating 100 years at the Finham course next May with a
For more information or to book a team day out at Coventry Golf Club, contact:
Telephone: 02476693937 Web: www.coventrygolfclub.net Email: secretary@coventrygolfclub.net Coventry Golf Club, St Martins Road, Finham Park, Coventry, CV3 6RJ
Page 9
Dytecna Ltd ONE OF THE LARGEST DEFENCE MANUFACTURERS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS IN THE UK For 64 years Dytecna has remained one of the largest defence manufacturers and service providers in the country. The privately owned independent business group has five locations in the UK namely, Malvern in Worcestershire, Weybridge in Surrey, Fareham in Hampshire, Welshpool in Mid Wales and Hereford in Herefordshire, and has been providing engineering design, manufacture and logistic support to the UK and overseas defence and security customers since its inception in 1947. With over 300 permanent employees working on sensitive defence, national security and industrial programmes, Dytecna provides a vital supply line to the armed forces and other overseas defence and security organisations. Over many years Dytecna has built a strong brand reputation as a company that designs, installs and integrates a variety of tactical and operational systems all with full through life support, into vehicles, buildings, transportable containers and small marine vessels. Major customers are in the Defence and Homeland security business sectors where close working relationships have been developed with Government Agencies, Commercial Suppliers and major UK and non-UK Defence Prime Contractors. The business boasts a wide range of specialist areas, acting as a one stop shop for clients. They see a project through to the finished article beginning at the design stage and working hard until final installation, testing and delivery. Dytecna has extensive experience in Mechanical, Electrical, Digital and Software design for Vehicle Platforms, Transportable Shelters, fixed and deployable Communications Installations and non-specific engineering projects all utilising specific and bespoke software systems. Dytecna’s metal fabrication facility provides an in-house capability for the manufacture of a wide variety of metalwork. The metal fabrication facility boasts a pair of high-speed Amada laser cutters that provide precise repetition laser cutting in steel, light armour, aluminium and some composite materials. This capability, as well as a hightech range of Drilling, Cutting, Milling and Welding equipment, also encompasses a high tech range of drilling, putting, bending, punching, milling and welding equipment. This enables Dytecna to provide a total inhouse capability for the manufacture and assembly of mechanical systems. Dytecna also has an extensive Electro-Mechanical and Electronic Manufacture and Assembly capability at its Malvern establishment specialising in the manufacture of a wide range of electro mechanical modules and an extensive range of multi way wiring harnesses.
apprenticeships, recruiting local people wherever possible. As well as supporting local schools and colleges, Dytecna also plays its part in supporting a number of local charities and is a supporter of the Help for Heroes campaign due to its close relationship with the UK military.
Dytecna has been used as a partner in major consortia where Mobile, Static, Man Portable and Rapid Deployable Integrated solutions are required, these primarily to operate over exacting terrain and critical environmental conditions. From experience gained in various direct defence programmes, the company has had exposure to a wide range of wheeled, tracked, soft and hard skinned military platforms, as well as fitted-for-role and general service vehicles. Conversely, other systems that Dytecna have worked on in the past have been man portable, based on lightweight fully populated transit case configurations populated with ruggedised commercial equipment, cable interconnections and antennae. These have been for rapid deployment and operation from vehicles or temporary HQlike locations. Ultimately, they offer all manner of defence systems and logistics support tested and trialled to high specification and can help whatever your related query. With a reputation for delivering the finest output possible and keeping high profile products secure, Dytecna has been trusted with a wide range of key military projects including recent work on the US manufactured armoured – mine protected Husky vehicles and the new tactical Falcon deployable trunk communications system. All projects are designed months in advance of the manufacturing and engineering processes, being worked on with care throughout the production, assembly, integration and testing stages. As well as running a series of acceptance tests themselves on completed work, Dytecna also have access to an outside testing facility which they use to carry out extensive evaluation and stimulation trials. When it comes to subcontracting work, Dytecna must ensure they work with the very best, in order to retain their reputation as a company with high quality output and fast turnaround. Typically, Ledbury-based Intime Engineering has been working with Dytecna for a number of months and was specially selected for contracting amidst a number of other firms. With over 30 years experience in producing high quality machined components for industries such as the MOD, oil and waste industries, they can guarantee the kind of quality and discretion that Dytecna require for such products as aluminium enclosures and circuit board spacers. Such is the remit for defence and national security work that
Dytecna is often called upon to produce results in shortened timescales against urgent operational requirements in current theatres of conflict. Normally a full project from design to integration would have once taken anything from three to four years, today the business can have a full project completed in twelve to eighteen months and individual products securely integrated in just five days! This is down to the outstanding equipment and facilities that Dytecna boasts at each of its sites. Regular checks are carried out on the technology and operational equipment used at all plants and facilities updated whenever necessary to ensure that Dytecna are always using the very best modern equipment. Furthermore, the business offers the full range of prototyping services required for Design Validation, Verification and Certification carrying out certification tests for EMC, TEMPEST and other Environmental Quality Standards. As an EN ISO 9001-2008 company that operates a continuous staff development ethos, you can be sure that the service and products you receive from Dytecna are amongst the very best in the industry. By regularly investing in people, Dytecna can be sure they boast highly qualified and skilled staff in every area of their operations. The business understands that experience is invaluable which is why much of its workforce has remained loyal to the firm for a large number of years. As well as the more experienced heads, Dytecna invest heavily in the local community and offers work experience placements and
Just as Dytecna looks after its staff and local communities it also takes great care of its customers who are kept constantly updated on the company’s progress throughout a specific project by business liaison and regular technical and commercial progress meetings. The company delivers customer-critical services through the provision and support of high value performance critical assets. These are flexible solutions that optimise capability, cost of ownership and availability, making through-life management a viable reality. As a customerfocused company offering a complete high quality turnkey service, Dytecna has often been a preferred practitioner in its marketplace for the past six decades. The business continues to invest in its workforce and facilities; its vision is to be a leading engineering solutions, technology systems and support service provider in the UK and international markets. This achievement is well on its way to being met.
For more information contact Dytecna on:
Telephone: 01684 579000 For your local outlet, visit: www.dytecna.com To contact Intime Engineering:
Tel: 01531 633450 / 634300 Fax: 01531 635197 Web: www.intime-eng.com Email: info@intime-eng.com Intime Engineering (Ledbury) Ltd, Lower Road Trading Estate, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 2DH
10
WYKE FARMS Wyke Farms has been producing awardwinning cheddar for over 150 years and has grown to become the largest family-owned cheese maker in Britain selling over 12,000 tonnes annually. An amazing achievement for the Clothier family, but what is their secret? It all started in 1861 when the Clothier family first started making cheddar for local delis, shops and pubs, then in 1902 Grandmother Ivy organised the production by fine tuning the family recipe, one that has been closely guarded by the Clothiers. The family have been making butter and cheese to this original family recipe ever since and by staying true to the traditional values of cheddar production they have become the fastest growing cheddar brand at a rate of 82% year on year. Ivy’s grandsons, Richard and Tom now run the cheese making operations with their father John, whilst her other two Grandsons David and Roger run the family dairy farming operations. The four grandchildren share Ivy’s passion for cheese making where flavour, texture and taste are paramount. They believe that this attention to detail is the reason that their cheese has won more awards at national cheese shows than any other, and over 150 awards during its 150th year!
CHEZ JULES
FOOD & DRINK cheddar marks our achievement today. Here’s to the next 150!” Wyke Farm’s award-winning range of delicious Cheddars and butter includes tangy, full-flavoured Just Delicious Extra Mature Cheddar, Simply Gorgeous Vintage Cheddar, which is carefully matured over a minimum of 15 months, So Mellow Mild Cheddar, and Super Light Cheddar for growing kids and those watching their cholesterol. It also features the Best Mature Cheddar in the World, an award given to its Rich & Cream Mature Cheddar and Mature by Nature Organic Farmhouse Cheddar, which is made specially for those who prefer organic foods (suitable for vegetarians and are GM-free). Ivy’s passion is on full display in the bold, characterful taste in Ivy’s Vintage Cheddar as well as Ivy’s Original Butter, which is slightly salted for a pleasing tang (also available in unsalted).
“To say we are proud is an understatement,” said Richard Clothier, third-generation family member and managing director. “150 years is something special. Today, as a family
business we still base all our recipes on our Grandmother Ivy’s original. We see this year as a chance to remember where we started, and 150 awards (and counting) for our
OFFERING A MOUTH-WATERING MENU THIS DECEMBER Rustic French bistro Chez Jules is offering a mouth-watering menu this December as it gears itself up for Christmas bookings. With three course dinners available for just £22, Birmingham’s Chez Jules is your number one destination for Christmas dining this year. With such delights as parsnip soup, baked salmon, parfait duck liver and chocolate tart for desert, Chez Jules boasts dishes to get your taste buds tingling. Situated at the very heart of Birmingham city centre in New Street, Chez Jules sources the freshest, local produce for use in all the meals it serves up meaning that you could be eating fruit and vegetables from the surrounding countryside areas or fish and meat from Birmingham’s famous outdoor market. Aside from their varied Christmas menu, favourites at Chez Jules include such traditional dishes as Coq au Vin and Moules Marinieres, served alongside more modern dishes and their homemade desserts like Crème Brulee and Tarte Tatin – whatever tickles your tastebuds, you will
find something to suit! Chez Jules aim to create a relaxing, sophisticated environment in which to dine. The main area of the restaurant is set out in refectory style seating allowing them to cater for very large parties easily, ideal for special occasions, birthday parties or office parties. The restaurant can seat up to 150 people comfortably at the restaurant’s famous long bench tables. Furthermore, private functions can be arranged for parties of more than 150 people served buffet style, making it the perfect place to hold your office Christmas party. With staff on hand at all times to tend to your every need and a head chef who has worked for the restaurant for over 12 years, a meal at Chez Jules is both enjoyable and hassle-free, which is why many people return to the restaurant for future meals and special events. In fact, Chez Jules is regularly used as a destination for charity events or to host nearby theatre casts for meals.
Wyke Farms cheese and butter is made with the milk from their cows grazing the lush pastures of the Mendip Hills in the centre of the Cheddar making region in Somerset. Wyke Farms cheese and butter products are available nationwide and can be found in Asda, Co-op, Makro, Morrisons, Tesco and Waitrose.
FOOD & DRINK When Chez Jules is not preparing its menu for Christmas, entertainment is not something that is rare, for it plays host to a live music act at least once a month. The restaurant’s local band, Strumpit are performing to diners on New Years Eve this year, making Chez Jules the popular choice for great tasting food and enjoyable entertainment this holiday period. For more information contact Chez Jules on:
Telephone: 0121 633 4664 Fax: 0121 633 4669 Web: www.chezjules.co.uk Email: info@chezjules.co.uk
IBP ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2011
Page 11
THE ANCHOR INN
FOOD & DRINK
One of the most idyllically located pubs in the region has recently undergone a management change and along with it, a refurbishment and expansion to make it even more appealing for tourists and regulars alike. The Anchor Inn, based in Wyre Piddle, Worcestershire was taken over in August by Alan McCormick and his talented team and already they have stamped their mark on the business. As well as redecorating the pub’s interior, Alan has also expanded its dining facilities to include a second restaurant serving up a myriad of sumptuous Italian dishes. Alan’s head chef has an abundance of experience in the cooking trade and knows more than most the secret to great tasting dishes, which is why The Anchor Inn uses only the freshest, local produce in all its meals. The other restaurant on the premises continues to serve up the tastiest traditional pub classics. As a family pub, children are always welcome on the premises and there is even a special children’s menu featuring kid’s favourites and smaller portions. Food is presented with style and the flavour is perfect, whether you choose their signature burger, the amazing 14-hour slow roasted pork belly, roasted fillet of bream or a flatbread club sandwich; you will not be disappointed. That doesn’t mean that The Anchor Inn can’t be visited for a quick pint though, for the bar serves up a selection of beers, wines, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks to suit any pallet. Entertainment is also ripe with local musicians and singers performing live at least once a week. It is ultimately the pub’s location that provides its USP though, backed onto a
beautiful stretch of the River Avon, The Anchor Inn’s outdoor seating provides spectacular views on a bright Autumn day, with the woodland opposite clad in coppery colours and broods of ducks paddling happily in the shimmering waters. The stepped garden terraces also provide breath-taking views over Pershore and Wick to Bredon Hill. It is a location that sees a lot of boaters dropping in for a meal and a drink as well as regular visitors travelling as far as Birmingham and Coventry for such a relaxed and natural environment. Unlike larger pub chains, The Anchor Inn does not charge over the odds to enjoy a drink or a meal in such idyllic surroundings. It is Alan’s belief that good, quality food needn’t cost the earth. “We want everyone to enjoy our food so it is priced accordingly. In today’s market, everyone is feeling the pinch and we need to compete with the large brands who appeal price wise to our customers.”
THE KINGS HEAD
The Kings Head in Worcester has just refreshed its menu ready for Christmas and is ready to serve up a variety of tasty dishes made with the freshest ingredients for the holiday season. The new menu, which will run right up into Spring next year, offers something for anyone with one of the biggest choices in the county. From traditional fish and chips to Italian linguini, Malaysian curry and camembert in a box, dishes from all over the world make it onto The Kings Head menu, offering an excellent choice for customers. The Kings Head has come a long way since it was taken over by the Scoff and Quaff management team four years ago and has been turned from a biker watering hole into a unique bar and grill. Having recently undergone a refurbishment just 18 months ago, The Kings Head is looking as attractive and sophisticated as ever. The result sees a fantastic traditional building reinvigorated with stunning design to offer something new to Worcester with a real neighbourhood feel through a fabulous blend of the contemporary and the classic. Walk through the door and feel the warm, relaxed atmosphere - from the bar to the upstairs grill restaurant area, the Kings Head is a really versatile space. You’ll feel just as comfortable enjoying a drink at the bar as you would tucking into an intimate romantic dinner.
With a new, fresh approach to creating Children are also welcome at The King’s Head meals to remember, The Anchor Inn has and can take advantage of a specialist been revolutionised and found its ideal children’s menu that offers favourites such as marketplace in rural Worcestershire. With pizza, chips an beans or sausage, mash and the new management determined to make a peas. Alternatively, staff at The Kings Head are success of the premises and tasty food happy to serve up half an adult’s portion of served up in two, state-of-the-art anything on the regular menu for half the price. restaurants, The Anchor Inn in Wyre Piddle In fact, as far as flexibility goes, The Kings Head will remain the place to be for many more could not be more accommodating. As well as years. offering Barbary Duck Breast on the Grill menu and similar specialist dishes, there is also a set For more information contact menu available from which you can enjoy two The Anchor Inn on: course meals for just £11 or three for £15.
Telephone: 01386 556059
Web: www.anchorinnwyrepiddle.co.uk Email: eat@anchorinnwyrepiddle.co.uk The Anchor Inn, Wyre Piddle, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 2JB
The Kings Head’s drinks selection is just as varied as its food options. With a wide range of beers available both bottled and on draught, including the ever popular Peroni, you will find the ideal drink to wash down your meal. The pub also offers well managed ales and a
FOOD & DRINK
selection of wines and spirits as well as soft drinks. Whether it’s a quick brunch, lunch, a quick bite after work, a social gathering, a celebration, a business lunch, a private dinner or just for drinks, then the Kings Head is ideal for you to eat, drink and have a good time! For more information contact The Kings Head on:
Telephone: 01905 726 025 Web: www.kingsheadsidbury.co.uk Email: info@kingsheadsidbury.co.uk The Kings Head, 67 Sidbury, Worcester, WR1 2HU
12
Elite Fryers: The Lyppard Fryer and The Warndon Fryer IBP CHIPPY THE YEAR With Worcester’s Warndon Fryer recently re-opening its doors following a buyout from Elite Fryers, the premises could not possibly have better personnel in charge. For The Warndon Fryer is run by the same owners behind the successful Lyppard Fryer; a chip shop that has been named one of the top two chip shops in the UK in the past and is this year’s IBP Chippy of the Year. Luca Gabriel, proud owner of both shops, has put a lot of his own time and work into restoring The Warndon Fryer, in Old Warndon, Worcester, converting it from a forgotten old, abandoned shop into one of the primary takeaway stores in the local area, working around the clock to ensure that it stayed open for business throughout its refurbishment. Like The Lyppard Fryer, that sees people travelling from as far afield as Bournville to taste its produce in Ankeridge Green, The Warndon Fryer also
prides itself on using the freshest ingredients. The takeaway stores work very closely with contractors who hand pick the best local produce for them to use in their foods. Such a way of acquiring produce costs the chip shops thousands of pounds a year but is the only way to ensure that the food on sale always has the same, sumptuous taste and flavour. This means that their fish and chips always taste the same, enabling the two shops to offer consistent quality. Visiting Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and fellow Midland counties for the freshest vegetables, the leanest meat and the tastiest fish, all ranked Grade A, has enabled The Lyppard and Warndon Fryers to establish a glowing reputation for serving up some of the most delicious food in the region. Employing a combined total of 15 people, the chip shops operate
FOOD & DRINK
seasonal menus with new items added four times a year. As well as traditional fish and chips, kebabs, chicken and sausage dishes, the shops also offer vegetarian options as well as a healthy foods menu that boasts delicious salad items like wraps and sandwiches. Open both lunch times and late at evenings, with the Warndon Fryer open all day on Fridays and Saturdays, you can enjoy their tasty dishes at any time for modest prices – there is even a 99p menu for those looking to eat on a budget. Although owned by the same people, the two chip shops are not run as part of a franchise. While they do both fall under the Elite Fryers umbrella, they are both managed as individual stores and retain their own unique personalities. With each store actively engaging in their respective communities, they offer much more than your regular chippy. With a number of accolades
already on the mantelpiece of The Lyppard Fryer and The Warndon Fryer set for a bright future, you surely won’t rue making the choice to eat at Elite. For more information contact The Lyppard Fryer on:
Telephone: 01905 729990 The Lyppard Fryer, Lyppard Centre, Ankerage Green, Warndon, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR4 0DZ And The Warndon Fryer:
Telephone: 01905453250 The Warndon Fryer, 6 Cranham Drive, Old Warndon, Worcester, WR4 9PA