National property maintenance provider Facilities Services Group (FSG) has launched a new service to enable organisations to comply with the current Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2007, relating to the inspection of air conditioning systems
FSG Compliance Services, part of the FSG Group, has introduced this service through the company's dedicated HVAC team.
The inspection offers a turnkey process, providing a survey, recommendations and any necessary remedial action.
With 162 operatives working across the UK, FSG Compliance Services has extensive knowledge of statutory regulations - advising clients of their legal responsibilities and providing peace of mind regarding the safe operation of their business outlets.
Ken Passey, Operations Director of FSG Compliance, said: "If a building operates an air-conditioning system then the owner is duty bound by the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive to instruct an energy inspection to be carried out.
- All air conditioning services over 12KW should have been inspected by January 2011.
- The inspection is mandatory and fines may be imposed for organisations that are found to be non-compliant.
- We provide a detailed report on the condition of the system, which will give legal compliance for that building, avoiding legal penalties and also helping to improve environmental credentials for the business."
To find out more call 0844 9802 500 or view www.facilities-services-group.co.uk/current-campaign.html for more information.
FSG operates the inspection service in line with the TM44 guidelines set out by the Industry Working Group comprising of ACRIB, BRE, BSRIA, FETA, HVCA, IoR and Summit Skills.

Listening is key to telecoms company success
A spade is definitely a spade when it comes to telecoms for specialist ground works and civil engineering company O’Brien. But according to the Warwickshire based company, finding a telecoms supplier with the same clear-cut approach was a challenge.
Office manager Kate Beckett explained: “We were after a straightforward telephone system, with 30 extensions to simply make and receive calls. Because our current system was only seven years old, we wanted to make sure there was a certain amount of future-proofing and potential for growth, but I really didn’t want to have to become a telecoms expert to be able to make an informed purchase.”
“We asked several companies to advise on systems and I was astonished at some of the blatant up-selling techniques they employed. I had a crash course in learning what we didn’t want. A single company stood out for its ability to listen; Armstrong Bell. They provided not only a competitive quote, but were able to give clear and easy to understand answers to our questions, so much so, that I had to ask ‘what’s was the catch’. As it turns out, there wasn’t one, and we have been delighted with the service from both the provider and the phone system.”
“Before asking for quotations, I had done some research and understood what we needed. I welcome advice from suppliers, but do not appreciate anyone trying to over-sell. For a couple of our staff, we have taken advantage of the system’s feature to connect to smart phones as though they were ordinary extensions, which was one facility we didn’t consider in the original specification, but it’s really useful. With the exception of Armstrong Bell, everyone was offering ‘extras’. I really didn’t want extras. I was happy not to want extras! We’re a busy civil engineering office, not a call centre, so we don’t need to monitor the phone performance of our colleagues, we just wanted phones that work.”
Armstrong Bell sales manager Jeremy Binns said: “O’Brien’s current phones were on their knees and expanding the system wasn’t feasible. We have provided a new NEC SV8100 system, which is quietly sophisticated, easily able to fulfil all of the company’s requirements as well as offering other facilities, which can be activated in future, should their requirements change.”
“What we have done for O’Brien is quite simple, they asked for a phone system and we supplied and installed one. What they were asking for matched what they needed and that’s exactly what we provided.”
Kate Beckett concluded: “Now Jeremy and the team have proved that they can listen, I’m happy to look at their quotes for call routing and mobile phones, but I wouldn’t have entertained the idea if they had offered that as part of their proposal for the phone system.”

FSG Overseas Maintenance Works At Landmark Falkirk Wheel
National property maintenance provider Facilities Services Group (FSG) was on hand to support British Waterways with extensive cleaning and inspection works at the iconic Falkirk Wheel boat lift.
FSG - which works with British Waterways nationally to deliver reactive and planned maintenance works - oversaw the health and safety aspects of the project, and supervised the cleaning works on-site.
Maclean and Speirs, were nominated as the cleaning specialist sub-contractor, while Sale Associates Consulting Testing and Inspection Engineers carried out a condition survey on the paint system on the structure.
Paul Anthony, Operations Manager at FSG Reactive, said: "After the scope of work, method statements, risk assessments and environmental considerations were finalised, the work on cleaning the structure was scheduled.
"The project was carried out in the hours of darkness for several evenings in order to prevent disturbance to the boat lift's day-to-day operations, and the process was supervised under task lighting by FSG Contracts Manager Jason Ling and FSG Supervisor Gordon Jamieson.
"It was very rewarding to have the opportunity to get involved in maintaining a landmark symbol."
The Falkirk Wheel boat lift was completed in 2002, to restore navigability across Scotland on the historic Forth & Clyde Canal and Union Canal, whilst providing a corridor of regenerative activity through central Scotland.
It is the only rotating boat lift of its kind in the world, and is regarded as an engineering landmark for Scotland.
Find out more about FSG Group at www.facilities-services-group.co.uk
Picture Caption - Facilities Services Group has recently undertaken maintenance works at the Falkirk Wheel. Picture courtesy of thefalkirkwheel.co.uk

Time Running Out On SKY Switchover Subsidies
Managing Agents urged to act now to prepare for digital switchover
The UK’s digital switchover is now in its final stages, with major TV regions such as Meridian and London set to switch by 2012. Sky has developed a specialised Communal TV Solutions team to help managing agents prepare for the Digital Switchover (DSO) and for a limited time only is offering subsidies on its Shared Dish solution. However these end on 30 November, so managing agents need to act now if they are to benefit from this additional support. 
It would appear that some property managers are unclear on preparations for switchover and are concerned about the perceived cost implications. Sky’s Communal TV Solutions Team has attended around 1,500 meetings with managing agents and residents committee members since its launch, helping to explain the process and discuss the options available to them. 
Pascal Wharton, Head of Sky Communal TV Solutions, comments: “When we're helping flats make preparations for switchover, our experience is that around half of them will require at least some work to get them fully digitally ready. Ideally this should take place a year or so in advance of switchover to avoid the pressure of working to a tight deadline, but in reality many managing agents are delaying decisions until the last minute because they believe the work will be costly and stressful.
“They have also told us that they want a single point of contact who can manage the process for them. Our specialist team offers this and assures property managers have a smooth and affordable switchover.”
So why Shared Dish? This system is particularly suitable for private apartment blocks and comes at a very competitive price. The Sky service includes a dedicated project manager and expert installers to guide property managers through the entire installation process. In addition, in many cases Sky offers substantial subsidies starting at 50%*, depending on the complexity of the installation and cabling work, to make the costs more manageable. These are only available until 30 November 2011 so managing agents need to get the ball rolling on their switchover preparations as soon as possible.
The Shared Dish system delivers digital satellite TV signals to each flat in a block from a single discreet rooftop dish, so residents don’t need their own mini dishes, only their own set top box. Cables are run directly from the Shared Dish to the set-top boxes in the flats of Sky subscribers. As part of the Shared Dish package Sky will help with the communication to residents, as well as providing a quality guarantee for the system and a variety of maintenance options. 
Pascal Wharton adds: “Reaching an agreement with residents over switchover plans can be a huge headache for managing agents. The Sky Communal TV Solutions team can help by attending residents meetings, explaining the process and reassuring residents, so that a solution can be found to suit all involved.  We take the needs of the residents on board before deciding which system will work best.”
An alternative to the Shared Dish system is Sky’s Integrated Reception System (IRS), which is a “platform-neutral” solution, offering residents a choice of TV provider. It works by distributing signals to multiple flats from a single multi-purpose reception unit.  A discreet faceplate is fitted in each flat, so that residents can choose either to watch free-to-air programmes on Freeview or Freesat (where available), or to subscribe to Sky TV (including Sky+ and Sky+HD). This cost-effective system comes with a variety of maintenance and leasing options.
Pascal Wharton concludes: “Managing agents can be assured that whatever the size or situation of their block, Sky has a suitable system available to help them prepare for switchover.  We advise on an individual basis, block by block, and take into account the needs of residents, to provide the very best solution for all involved.”  
To find out more about preparations for digital switchover and the subsidies which end on 30 November, managing agents should visit www.sky.com/managers or call 08442 410 331 for a free estimate, and get in touch with the Sky Switchover Team. 

* Shared Dish Subsidy: Only available on a Shared Dish system. This subsidy is based on a standard externally cabled system design and is inclusive of earth bonding. Sky will contribute towards the cost of materials. There could be other factors that could impact the cost of installation in your particular block, such as internal cabling costs.

Steelcase Launches Roomwizard II
Steelcase, global leaders in office furniture and workplace solutions, have launched their new RoomWizard II, an innovative product helping teams organise meetings and book public spaces.
According to a recent Steelcase Workplace Survey, 40% of workers waste up to thirty minutes a day searching for a place to do group work.* The RoomWizard seeks to drastically reduce this.
How people go about scheduling space varies widely within organisations, between buildings and across individual spaces. First-come-first-serve, post-it notes and even corporate calendar systems haven’t proven effective.
The newly redesigned RoomWizard is a web-based room scheduling system that solves this dilemma, allowing employees to easily book rooms or spaces ahead of time. With its easy ‘Red Light/Green Light’ feature, it is easier than ever to see at a glance what areas are free.
Kim Williams of Steelcase explained: “In today’s interconnected business world, workers need to be able to collaborate without being interrupted. With RoomWizard II when workers need a space to meet, whether it’s open or closed, they can reserve it instantly and get to work.”
RoomWizard works with a variety of calendaring systems, allowing meeting spaces to be managed via web, laptop or smart phone. It can also be controlled directly from its touch screen face.
It can also be used with Steelcase’s Snap Tag App. The iPhone app captures whiteboard notes, connects with RoomWizard II and sends the content directly to meeting participants.
For further information please contact Ramsay Smith or Chessie da Parma at Media House International on 0207 710 0020.

Real-time risk analysis of water hygiene and Legionella bacteria with Opuz
Opuz is an innovative, live software platform providing real-time risk analysis of water hygiene and Legionella bacteria for the prevention of Legionnaires’ disease.
It helps facilities, building and estates managers to meet their water hygiene legislative requirements through instant access to live information, ensuring peace of mind regarding statutory compliance.
Delivered by SMS Environmental Ltd, Opuz’ live data access enables a comprehensive overview and constant monitoring of facilities, properties, assets and maintenance activities. This facilitates real-time, live risk assessments which in turn result in quicker response times.
The integration capabilities of Opuz are unique. It connects a powerful database fed with integrated information gathered by managers and workers on PDAs or manually input, acting as an electronic logbook and live risk assessment. The software can give a total history on individual assets of all sizes from installation onwards. 
Functionality reflects the industry’s 24/7 needs. Opuz is web-based on a highly secure site so is accessible wherever there is an internet connection. It is fully integrated with any PDA or Smartphone so is a proven mobile data-gathering system, and it can be integrated with organisations’ existing IT systems.
SMS Environmental is one of the UK’s leading providers of water hygiene and Legionella control services. It now offers consultancy, monitoring and controlling services in conjunction with Opuz, to enable organisations to meet their water hygiene legislative requirements and create a safe environment for all. Opuz can also be used by compliance services providers for any type of assets.
Gavin Harris, Managing Director at SMS Environmental, said: “We are introducing a pioneering new statutory compliance system which could help transform the way risk analyses are performed. Opuz’ ‘real-time’ analysis is a valuable and cost-effective tool that helps building managers comply with the law, and, very importantly, demonstrate that they are complying with the law.”
If you would like to learn more about Opuz, SMS Environmental will be available at the IOSH National Safety Symposium 2011, due to be held at The Oxford Belfry, Oxfordshire, from 4-6 September.
Otherwise, for further enquiries about Opuz, please contact Gavin Harris on G.Harris@sms-environmental.co.uk or call 01189 306 348.

Facilities Services Group Appoints UK Development Manager
National property maintenance provider Facilities Services Group (FSG) has appointed Simon Ogunby to the role of UK Development Manager.
With a strong track record and in-depth experience within the facilities management marketplace, Simon joins FSG to develop and grow its Hard FM business. He was previously Sales Director of Romec.
From its head office in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, FSG provides a national Hard FM service, including planned and reactive maintenance, statutory compliance, building fabric maintenance - and a knowledge-packed client portal, which attracts one client a minute to log on.
Delivery is achieved through FSG's 250 directly employed tradespeople and backed up by 20 field service managers, with a strong focus on technology to deliver a prompt and efficient service.
Simon said: "FSG is a forward-thinking, client focused company, which offers value for money services to clients and is well-positioned for future growth."
Find out more about FSG Group at www.facilities-services-group.co.uk

Facilities Services Group Secures Swinton Deal
National property maintenance provider Facilities Services Group (FSG) has secured a major new service contract with Swinton Insurance, the UK’s largest high street insurance broker.
FSG is carrying out reactive maintenance and minor works at two of the insurer’s corporate offices, as well as 300 retail sites across England and Wales.
From its head office in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, FSG provides a national service including reactive maintenance, compliance and managed services solutions.
Delivery is achieved through FSG’s 250 directly employed tradespeople and backed up by 20 field service managers – with a strong focus on technology to deliver a prompt and efficient service.
Mark Coates, Purchasing Manager at Swinton Insurance, said: “We awarded the contract to FSG based on factors including costings, the quality of references and the fact they have both the people and the commitment to drive the account forward.
“Their financial stability, industry experience and the quality of portal and Management Information reporting were also important to us.”
George Lilley, FSG’s Managing Director, said: This is a significant contract for us, and it reflects our ability to deliver a consistent, quality-led service nationwide, which is responsive to client needs.”
FSG specialises in integrated facilities management services across the retail, leisure and property sectors and was formed as a brand in 2008 through the merger of leading retail and leisure companies including Circle Britannia, Serviceline and Atlanta Facilities.
Find out more about FSG Group at www.facilities-services-group.co.uk

Fire detection from Fike delivers big savings
When asked to tender against a detailed specification for a fire detection installation based on conventional technology, Spectrum Security Solutions of Faridabad in India decided that a better solution was possible.  Accordingly, the company put forward an alternative proposal for a project that included eight, thirteen-floor tower blocks.  Spectrum Security was successful in winning the contract by proposing a system based on fire detection products from Fike which offered greatly reduced complexity and installation costs.
The original specification for this major project had been drawn up on the belief that using conventional fire detection products, rather than addressable types, would help keep costs down - which proved not to be true.
When Spectrum Security analysed the project requirements in detail, it found that 575 detectors were needed plus 600 call points and 120 sounders. With conventional equipment, eight control panels would also be necessary – one for each of the tower blocks – plus a central repeater panel in the site’s security control room. The total amount of cabling using this approach would have been in excess of 50,000 m.
Having worked extensively with Fike, Spectrum Security knew that their products could be used to implement a more effective, versatile and far more economical system. The company therefore put forward a solution that was a combination of addressable and conventional technologies. Though this was a major deviation from the original specification, it was readily accepted by the project managers because of its apparent technical and financial benefits.
The solution developed and implemented by Spectrum Security uses addressable detectors throughout, providing far greater flexibility than a conventional non-addressable system. Where necessary detectors with a built-in sounder were used, eliminating the cost of separate sounders and the time needed to fit and wire them.  Perhaps even more beneficial for this project, Fike addressable detectors have integral facilities for the connection of digital input signals from external devices. This enabled Spectrum Security to connect up to five call points to each detector, eliminating the need for separate input/output modules and significantly reducing the amount of wiring associated with the call points.
Additional savings were realised through the use of the versatile Fike Quadnet® control panels, which can support up to four loops per panel and up to 200 connected devices per loop. Spectrum Security found that the requirements of the whole site could be successfully addressed with a single Quadnet® panel, instead of the eight conventional panels and central panel originally specified.
An important consequence of the Fike implementation was the reduction of the overall cabling requirement for the project to less than 15,000 m - an enormous 70% reduction in cabling materials and the associated installation costs.
While the Fike products helped to make the installation of the fire protection system faster and much more cost effective, there were other clear benefits for this project.
In particular, Spectrum Security values the versatility of the detectors, which incorporate not only optical smoke and fixed temperature modes, but also a rate of temperature rise mode which the company has found to be invaluable in achieving a fast response to fire. Further, the detectors have built-in fault isolators. These proved to be especially useful during the commissioning of the system, and operationally they are beneficial in allowing the system to continue to function with a single short-circuit on the loop cable.
For further information please contact Fike Safety Technology on T: 01633 865 558, E: fstinfo@fike.com or visit http://www.fike.com/corporate/subukfst.asp

Gold again for Lanes in the RoSPAs
It seems that Lanes has the Midas touch when it comes to the annual RoSPA Health and Safety awards, as the Group announced that it had won Gold for the second year running.
Speaking after the ceremony at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel, a delighted John Glover, Lanes Group H&S Manager, who last year promised that 'there would be more RoSPA trophies to come', said:
"I cannot emphasise enough what this means to us. It is a real testimony to the absolute focus, sheer effort and continued investment we give to good health and safety practices, right across the Lanes Group.
"It is a fantastic achievement, and clearly demonstrates to our employees, clients and suppliers alike just how important health and safety is to us."
David Rawlins, RoSPA's awards manager, said: "Lanes Group has shown a commitment to protecting the health and well-being of its employees and others. Organisations which do this deserve to have such dedication recognised.
"As well as there being clear ethical reasons and legal requirements for good health and safety management, there is also a strong business case. RoSPA is delighted to publicly honour organisations which have demonstrated their work to improve performance in this sphere."
Further Information: Michelle Ringland, marketing manager Lanes Group plc t: 0161 788 2266 e: michelle.ringland@lanesgroup.co.uk

Third annual World FM Day highlights FM’s contributions to the workplace
Facility management associations and professionals on six different continents celebrated the contributions facility management makes to international business and the built environment during the third annual World FM Day on 23 June 2011.
Global Facility Management Association member organisations and others held public events around the world to recognize the important role facilities management plays in business strategy, organisational development and environmental sustainability. Activities included governmental partnerships, public information campaigns, networking events, seminars and workshops, luncheons, award presentations and social media outreach.
Global FM Awards for Excellence in Facilities Management During the World FM Day 2011 celebration, the second annual Global FM Awards for Excellence in Facilities Management were announced. These awards recognise efforts by individuals or teams in the FM industry who made a positive contribution to the knowledge, application, and communication of strategies to promote sustainability and improve the work environment.
The 2011 Platinum Award for Excellence in FM went to BBC Workplace, the unit responsible for the British Broadcasting Corporation ’s corporate property portfolio.BBC Workplace was recognized for creating an innovative solution for operating large property portfolios at multiple sites.
The Gold Award for Excellence in FM was presented to MITIE Facilities Management. The focus of the award entry was on the “Passengers with Reduced Mobility ” (PRM)technology developed by MITIE Facilities Management for London Luton Airport. This technology improves services to a group of passengers for whom travel can be challenging.
The Silver Award for Excellence in FM recipient was Hines Gerenciamento de Propriedades for the Hines Green Office Programme. This voluntary programme is a global initiative that focuses on bringing eco-efficiency already worked into its constructions to administrative offices.

Belzona Demonstrates their Solutions at the Annual Facilities Maintenance Open Day
On the 24th May 2011 Belzona enjoyed their 2nd annual customer Open Day at their Technology Centre based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire focusing on Facilities Maintenance. Guests were invited to learn about the alternative maintenance solutions on offer from Belzona Polymerics Limited.
Over 45 customers from Scotland all the way down to Cambridge, covering a multitude of industries including food manufacture, housing associations, petroleum distribution, confectionery, police service, water and wastewater, architects, defense and local councils were given the opportunity to meet the team at Belzona and gain an insight into what Belzona has to offer.
The aim of the open day was to give attendees a better understanding of the polymeric solutions offered to repair, protect and improve their facilities and to educate on traditional repair methods versus using modern materials.
The agenda for the day covered a range of areas including modern solutions to complex roofing problems and overhead concrete repair solutions from Belzona. In addition, guests were engaged by some large scale product demonstrations in Belzona’s new state of the art demonstration facilities, where experts were on hand to answer questions. This was a great way for attendees to experience first-hand how simple the products are to use.
Gordon Cairns, National Sales Manager for Belzona explained ‘This event has confirmed facilities managers within our target markets have an appetite to better understand modern alternatives to traditional maintenance methods. In an effort to deliver better value, managers are becoming increasingly open minded and embracing innovative technology. The Facilities Management Open Day supports Belzona’s aim to educate industry through Continual Professional Development (CPD) to architects, specifiers, end-users and contractors. Full details are available on the Belzona UK website www.belzona.co.uk/seminars.’
One of the most effective demonstrations titled, ‘Waterproofing Water with Water’ involved using a powerful hose against a wall of the Belzona building which had been coated with Belzona 5122 (Clear Cladding), a clear water repellant product for masonry surfaces. This demonstration showed the effectiveness of water based polymers to deeply impregnate the substrate and then to shed water without totally sealing the surface, allowing the surface to breathe and repel any entrapped water.
To give Belzona staff and open day guests a chance to network and share experiences, a slightly windy, Big Belzona Barbeque was held for lunch.
Belzona will be holding similar events in the near future across a range of industries including the Petrochem and Food and Drink industries. If you are interested in participating in a future Belzona open day, please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Services Department on 01423 567641 or alternatively sales@belzona.co.uk

Supplier of Distinction Awards program
Jones Lang LaSalle recently launched an annual Supplier of Distinction Awards program that recognizes top supplier partners that play a vital role in elevating our firm’s ability to deliver the highest caliber of service, value and innovation to our clients.
In the program’s inaugural year, five companies were recognized within four categories:
Energy & Sustainability:  Sabien Technology Ltd
Based in the United Kingdom, Sabien specializes in providing proven and commercially viable technology to reduce carbon emissions and energy usage for private and public organizations. Sabien’s M2G intelligent boiler load optimization system generates significant gas savings at each of the Jones Lang LaSalle client sites where it is installed.                        Minority Supplier: DEB Construction, Inc.
DEB Construction, Inc. is a premiere general contractor in the commercial construction industry, with emphasis on financial markets, critical facilities, and healthcare. DEB is recognized for its professionalism, performance and enthusiasm in support of two large Jones Lang LaSalle client accounts in the banking industry.
Service Excellence: ABM Janitorial Services, Inc.  
ABM supports all facets of the firm’s integrated facility management business from corporate client portfolio to individual owner/occupier buildings and services including janitorial, reception, landscaping, security, and mail distribution. ABM is recognized largely on service performance and costs savings delivered to healthcare clients of the firm.
Service Excellence: More Than Safety 
More Than Safety, a United Kingdom-based company that provides professional work wear, has made significant contributions to Jones Lang LaSalle’s engineering self-delivery service model within the EMEA region. The firm collaborated with Jones Lang LaSalle’s engineering team to develop industry-leading work wear and tooling standards to enhance safety.
Total Cost Management: Compass Group
Compass Group, a global leader in foodservice management and support provides services in 50 countries across the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Compass is recognized for its consistent delivery of cost savings and cost avoidance to Jones Lang LaSalle clients in industries ranging from consumer products to pharmaceutical.  
The award recipients were selected through a comprehensive evaluation process by Jones Lang LaSalle’s Global Strategic Sourcing Board amongst a pool of hundreds of supplier partners. In 2010, the winners represented provide service delivery on integrated facilities management-based client accounts within multi-regional geographies.
The 2010 Jones Lang LaSalle Suppliers of Distinction were recognized during Jones Lang LaSalle’s Management Training Conference in Austin, Texas on May 18.
Since all of our supplier partners play an integral role across the globe in the exceptional service delivery we provide our clients, we will continue to recognize our top performers and challenge all of our suppliers to continuously improve service, add value and innovate.
All of our supplier partners are eligible to win the Supplier of Distinction Award. We look forward to recognizing many more of our partners in the years to come.
For more information on our Supplier of Distinction Award program, please contact Marc Campbell.  
2010 Supplier of Distinction Award winners
Back row (left to right): Marc Campbell - Jones Lang LaSalle; Alan O'Brien - Sabien Technology; Michael Svadgis - The Compass Group; Darren White - More than Safety; Eric Crabb - ABM Janitorial Service; Geoff Newman - Sabien Technology; Gerry Donovan - Jones Lang LaSalle Front row (left to right): David Rodenhiser - Compass Group; Adam Vali - DEB Construction; Sue White - More than Safety; Lane Williams - ABM Janitorial Service; Keith Martin - DEB Construction

Auction House outsource security to The Keyholding Company
The Keyholding Company, one of the UK’s leading commercial keyholding and alarm response companies has been awarded a contract to provide security services to the prestigious Lots Road Auctions in Chelsea, London.
For over 30 years Lots Road Auctions has been providing both contemporary and antique items for sale. Since 1979 an eclectic selection of furniture, paintings, carpets and textiles, needleworks and decorative items have been filling the salerooms where around 600 lots are auctioned every Sunday.
Lots Road Auctions comprises approximately 16,000 sq. ft over two floors and incorporates two main salerooms and smaller display areas, in addition to a number of administrative offices.
The Keyholding Company is contracted to provide Alarm Response services to the auction house, providing a rapid 24/7 response if an alarm is activated.
Nick Carter, Auctioneer at Lots Road Auctions tells us: “The showrooms are always full of furniture and there are lots of mirrors and pictures hanging on the walls. The alarm has occasionally been activated as a result of furniture dislodging when it may have been placed in a slightly precarious position or if a picture has fallen from a wall during the night.”
“There was also an occasion where a strong breeze may have moved a hanging lot tag from a chandelier which activated the alarm. We can’t expect staff to attend activations in the middle of the night for something of this nature, when they’ve already spent a long day at work.”
“It gives us great peace of mind to have a professional keyholder on board to manage this important role on our behalf.”
“It means that staff don’t need to respond at vulnerable and anti-social times, which is not only inconvenient, but could potentially put them in a dangerous situation.
“Speedy response to an alarm activation is crucial and we can be assured that The Keyholding Company will dispatch a Key Warden to attend premises, usually within 20 minutes of an activation.”
“On arrival at the site, the Key Warden will verify the cause of the activation and then carry out a thorough security check of our premises. The Wardens have all carried out a full recce of the premises and know the building inside out, so they can check it quickly and efficiently and take appropriate action without delay.”
“The Key Warden will then contact our alarm company and if a break-in has occurred, they will liaise with Police. If necessary, they will organise for contractors to attend on our behalf, make good any damage and re-secure the premises as quickly as possible. A detailed report of the incident is then provided the following day.”
“Outsourcing our alarm response to The Keyholding Company has proven invaluable to us. They’ve demonstrated that the security of our premises is their priority and they’re committed to providing a professional, reliable and efficient service that is second to none.” Concludes Carter.
For more information, please visit www.keyholding.com or call 0800 064 4357.

SAS Direct offers new Horizon
As part of its expanding product catalogue, SAS Direct has launched Horizon, a new range of mineral fibre suspended ceiling systems. The Horizon system offers contractors a competitively priced ceiling system that provides outstanding fire and acoustic performance.
The full package comprises of a Horizon square or rebated edged mineral fibre ceiling tile, SAS International White Tee-Grid and rigid E-Mac Hanger brackets.
A special paint coating method is used on Horizon ceiling tiles, which are hardened as standard. This added durability provides extra protection against damage during transportation and ongoing maintenance. The tiles also feature a fine micro perforation and are designed to resist humidity, meeting the modern demands of heating and cooling, as well as being tested to provide an acoustic attenuation level of 34dB and fire protection of 60 minutes.
Incorporating pre-formed E-Mac Hangers into the package provides contractors with a cost-effective option as time onsite is kept to a minimum for it removes the need to snip, punch or fold, or apply angle cleats. They also provide additional health and safety benefits as they are supplied ready to use with no cutting required, resulting in less wastage onsite.
The Horizon tiles are suspended from SAS International’s popular Tee-Grid. This robust and competitively priced product for ceiling contractors has one of the highest galvanised steel content grid products on the market. Easy to install, the Tee-Grid has a strong modular appearance and is double stitched for strength and rigidity.
Paul Golden, Managing Director at SAS Direct comments: “Offering innovative solutions is at the core of our business and enables us to maintain our strong proposition. We will continue to answer industry demand by supplying cutting-edge products at competitive prices.”
Available at SAS Direct depots across the UK, for either pick up or next day delivery, contractors can also benefit from the staff’s extensive technical knowledge of products and advice on installation.
With a defined product range that relates directly to the contractor and the trades, SAS Direct Depots provide SAS International manufactured products and associated products for a range of fit-out solutions at competitive prices. For further information and depot locations visit the SAS Direct website which provides detailed descriptions and technical information of the wide selection of products available www.sasdirect.co.uk.

Bennett Hay, Hotel FM operator appointed by Land Securities
Bennett Hay, the hotel style support service operator, has continued its flying start over the last 6 months with a major new contract win.
Land Securities has chosen Bennett Hay to provide a commercial café, hospitality, fine dining and event management services for one of their prestigious London buildings.  Under a five year contract Bennett Hay will deliver very high quality food and front of house service for up to 4000 customers. 
Land Securities appointed Bennett Hay for their innovative solutions and scope to provide higher quality extended added value service to tenant companies, thanks to the extra efficiency afforded by the Hotel FM concept. 
Hotel FM draws on best practice in luxury hotel management, promoting flexible front-of-house teams which work with greater synergy and flexibility through multi-skilling, allowing responsibility sharing and clear communication across different departments.
Anthony Bennett, Director at Bennett Hay said: “We are very excited by this opportunity and look forward to implementing Hotel FM at the home of this prestigious client.  Industry leading businesses are switching on to the benefits of an integrated, hospitality-focussed approach to FM delivery, where the quality of service delivered in the workplace contributes to the daily wellbeing and performance of a company’s workforce.”

Cablofil wins appetising accolade
The benefits of using steel wire tray cable management in the food manufacturing sector were recognised this week when Cablofil picked up a finalist award at the Food Processing Awards for an installation at Nestlé’s plant in York.
UK managing director of Cablofil, Paul Courson (right), received the prestigious accolade from the editor of Food Processing magazine, David Strydom, in recognition of the essential role played by the Cablofil system during the refurbishment of the confectionary production plant.  Not only did the use of the Cablofil steel wire tray system ensure a fast and trouble-free installation in a complex manufacturing environment but it also helped to deliver Nestlé’s strict hygiene standards.
Commented David Strydom: “Factory infrastructure such as the Cablofil system is often an unsung hero in a food processing environment but we were impressed not only by the design and quality of the product itself but also by Cablofil’s sector-specific understanding of the installation challenges and how they might be addressed.”
Installed by Connaught, the Nestlé project involved around 3km of Cablofil steel wire tray in a wide variety of widths and depths.  It was installed as suspended rows from a specially constructed steel frame, used as risers and installed on the equipment itself on both Aero and Kit Kat production lines.
Commented Paul Courson: “Cablofil has considerable experience in the food processing industry and has become a preferred supplier to Nestlé, thanks to our expertise and the quality and flexibility of our system.  We are delighted to have gained this recognition from the food processing sector and will continue to build on our food-related customer base.”

Servest slashes costs & environmental impact at the Science Museum
Servest Multi Service Group – which delivers bespoke facilities management services to the visitor attractions sector – has helped the Science Museum save costs and improve environmental performance by introducing a range of biologically based cleaning products.
Servest has been responsible for cleaning the Science Museum for the past fifteen years – along with a range of additional specialist services including: grounds maintenance, window cleaning, pest control and portering. Now, Servest and the Science Museum as a partnership have shown their commitment to environmental sustainability through the introduction of this innovative range of cleaning formulations.
Following a successful performance for the Servest Group in South Africa, the ph-neutral Nu-Kleen range developed by Innu Science was selected. All of these cleaning solutions are produced according to good practice manufacturing guidelines, certified by EU Ecolabel and exceed the criteria of all other known certifying bodies. They boast ultimate biodegradability of over 90% in 14 days and 99% over 28 days, are tested according to OECD standards and also contain absolutely no VOC's, EDTA, SLS or SLES.
This unique and innovative approach means high performance cleaning while leaving the smallest ecological footprint possible. All the products used at by Servest at the Science Museum have neutral pH levels and include: de-scaler and polish, stain remover, urine odour eliminator, multi-surface cleaner and floor cleaner.
For Sue Dixon, Visitor Experience Operations Manager at the Science Museum, it is crucial to have a service provider that adopts a partnership approach integrating fully with the museum team. It must also deliver added value through bundled services while providing expertise and costs savings whilst offering one contact for all requirements.
Another key attribute of Servest is its proven ability to provide pro-active solutions to aid its clients’ commercial performance. This was first demonstrated when it introduced a joint waste management procedure for the Science Museum in conjunction with another client, the locally based Natural History Museum. The result was greater efficiency and reduced costs for both parties. Now, with this latest introduction of cutting-edge cleaning techniques, Servest has again combined raised standards while saving money.
Sue Dixon said: "Servest has been working with the Science Museum, South Kensington for the past 15 years. The last contract was awarded in May 2008 for a further 3 years and extended (before the term was served) for a further 2 years in 2010.
“The nature of our building - which is spread across 7 floors, several office blocks and most importantly galleries which are open to the public - requires a diverse approach to ensure that cleaning standards are maintained to a high standard. In addition, as we regularly hold evening corporate events they need to be flexible around the times the cleaning can be undertaken. Servest has successfully delivered the requirements of the contract in a professional way and played a part in the museum achieving World Class Service accreditation during which cleaning standards were assessed.
“On this latest development, we are extremely impressed with the smell and the quality of the cleanliness since adopting the new cleaning products. Commercially, the cost savings are beneficial and most notably it helps us in our ongoing aim to reduce our environmental impact across all aspects of the museum.”
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