Spie Matthew Hall launches mobile support service to further enhance its FM offering
SPIE Matthew Hall, the leading multi technical and support services company, has invested in the further expansion of its Facilities Management offering with the launch of its Mobile Support Service.
The Mobile Support Service operates through a national network of offices located within key cities. Providing maintenance, repair and installation services for all Mechanical, Electrical and associated building services, together with the existing Fire Engineering Test and Inspection business, this focussed mobile service has been established to support and compliment the SPIE Matthew Hall’s Facilities Services business.
Recognising the clients’ needs for a responsive, personal and effective service, SPIE Matthew Hall has opened a new 24 hour call centre which co-ordinates the mobile operation and offers telephone support to its customers and technicians. The national call centre will ensure a fast and friendly response to all enquiries along with the planning and progress of works necessary to ensure jobs are completed on time and within budget as well as keeping clients fully informed.
David Gannon, General Manager of SPIE Matthew Hall’s Mobile Service explains: “The SPIE Matthew Hall business has proven experience within Facilities Management and the Mobile Support Service is a further extension of this capability. Our technicians are located throughout the UK and will provide an efficient and effective response to our customers’ needs. By maintaining a defined region of clients, our technicians quickly become familiar with customers requirements, expectations and on site procedures. The result is a mobile solution that, in order of priority is focused on service quality, efficient delivery, reliability, value for money and adds value to the SPIE Matthew Hall FM business.”
Drawing on SPIE Matthew Hall’s extensive experience in the provision of specialist maintenance, the Mobile Support Service provides a wide variety of services, from Mechanical and Electrical services, air conditioning, fire protection, heating & ventilation to water hygiene.
For further information visit www.spiematthewhall.com

New sales and operations appointments for 7 Day Catering
Contract caterers 7 Day Catering have made several new additions to their management team as the company looks set for significant growth in 2009.
Nigel Grayson joins as Sales Manager, working on driving new business in
the North East and Yorkshire areas. Formerly at regional caterer P&A, Nigel has wide experience in contract catering and has previously worked for Autograph.
Two new Operations Managers join the existing team in managing the company’s increasing number of contracts, which is now nearing 200. Chris Veal will be overseeing business in the South East and Ian Eke, who was previously Support Manager for 7 Day, will be responsible for contracts in the South West.
Maintaining a high level of support to clients through regional teams has always been of vital importance to 7 Day Catering, who pride themselves on providing the highest levels of customer care.
Debbie Taylor, Regional Operations Director at 7 Day Catering commented on the new appointments: “The new personnel bring with them a wealth of experience in the contract catering industry, and I am certain that they will be not only be an asset to their particular region, but to the company as a whole.”
For further information visit: www.7daycatering.co.uk.

Tansun build on Sorrento success with IP-Rated model
Tansun, the world’s leading manufacturer of quartz electric heaters has launched a powerful heating system designed especially for hard-to-heat factories and warehouses.
The launch of the energy-efficient Sorrento IP is timely - coming at the same time as the Carbon Trust is offering interest-free loans of up to £200,000 as an incentive to SME’s to invest in green technology, including more efficient heating systems. There are no arrangement fees and the application process is straightforward.
Under the offer, businesses have up to four years to pay back the loan, during which time energy bills will be reduced – often more than compensating for repayments. Carbon emissions will also be cut therefore helping the environment.
Tansun’s modular Sorrento IP can either be used as an individual heater or built up into heating banks with up to a maximum 12 Kw output, thereby creating a bespoke system tailored to suit individual purposes.
Because unique quartz-electric technology means only people themselves are heated, rather than the air around them, the Sorrento IP is ideal for large hard-to-heat buildings as valuable heat is not wasted on redundant air space. Also, they can be teamed with Tansun’s variable controllers which not only add to their energy efficiency but also maximise user comfort.
Furthermore, as an IP-rated weatherproof heater, the Sorrento IP can be permanently fixed either inside or outside for year-round use.
Sorrento IP can be quickly installed by a qualified electrician with minimum disruption to existing operations and the system can easily be added to or altered to suit different needs and developing requirements.
It requires very low maintenance and has a long lamp life averaging 7,000 hours, remaining effective over time with a constant level of heat Utilising Philips advanced infrared technology, the quartz gold-series lamp is available in 1kw, 1.5 Kw and 2.0Kw power options. A multi-directional bracket allows for easy vertical and horizontal adjustment.
For more information about Tansun heaters visit www.patio-heating.co.uk

Belzona helps restore famous London landmark
Belzona Polymerics Limited together with Blunt Construction Limited one of Belzona’s Approved Specialist Applicators have recently completed a project by applying a Belzona high performance liquid applied membrane system as a lead alternative to help restore one of London’s historic landmarks, The Monument.
The works are part of a much larger £4.5 million project, carried out by Principal Contractor CWO Ltd and funded by the owners of The Monument; The City of London Corporation to restore the famous structure built in 1678 and dedicated to the 1666 Great Fire of London.
This is one of four listed historic buildings where Blunt Construction and Belzona products have been specified by Julian Harrap Architects. Julian Harrap, Principle for Julian Harrap Architects explained,
“We have previously worked with Blunt Construction applying Belzona products on the refurbishment of the listed early 20th century wind tunnels at Farnborough over a period of five years in which we had a productive and cooperative relationship. This application was also supported by the Belzona Technical department. We felt that the repair to The Monument was another opportunity in which we could work with Blunt Construction. The Belzona solutions helped avoid the need to replace lead flashings which would be expensive and potentially damaging. The Belzona product’s weatherproofing capability is beneficial for safe guarding the Portland stone for the foreseeable future.”
Blunt Construction’s Specialist Applicators began preparations by first applying a sealer coat to the surface at the base of The Monuments column to help ensure high adhesion of the Belzona 3131 (WG Membrane). Five coats of Belzona 3131 (WG Membrane) was then applied by brush with layers of mesh bonded between the coats to give greater strength and resistance to cracking.
This Belzona product was chosen as it would provide an alternative to lead that would fully encapsulate and protect the sandstone from future deterioration. The product was specially colour customised to match the rest of The Monuments stonework.
Belzona Polymerics offer a wide range of liquid applied polymeric membrane systems for the long term repair and protection of buildings and structures. These products can be used to avoid costly implications such as expensive replacement costs, disruptive structural work, safety hazards and reduced life of the structure.
By using a cold applied cost effective repair and protection system, this innovative Belzona membrane also provides an excellent lead alternative with weatherproofing capabilities, subsequently preventing moisture ingress and future deterioration. This solution is at a fraction of the time and cost of using lead.
For more information on Belzona’s Approved Contractor Specialists or Belzona Products please contact Belzona Customer Services department on 01423 567641.

Philips Lighting’s new LED catalogue to include a 3 year warranty on all LED luminaires
Philips Lighting’s new LED product catalogue is now available showcasing a comprehensive range of inspiring LED lighting solutions for every application ranging from retail and hospitality to commercial, architectural and exterior lighting. In addition, all Philips LED luminaires now come with a 3 year warranty underlying its commitment to providing high quality LED solutions with outstanding performance and reliability you can trust.
As Paul Coggins, UK Director of Philips Professional Lighting Solutions, explains, “ Philips Lighting works with some of the best architects and lighting designers in the world providing lighting solutions to achieve projects that both inspire and innovate. Our new Philips “Solid State of the Art” catalogue showcases our extensive range of ground breaking LED lighting solutions which we hope will inspire your imagination to do the same.”
The first section ‘Be inspired’ is full of examples from around the world of the startling results that can be achieved with LED based lighting solutions. Here, you will find everything from coloured to white light solutions, simple small-scale retail applications to major initiatives that transform entire buildings
The second section ‘Be informed’ provides a detailed overview of the products and LED sources, luminaires and controls that enable such freedom and creativity in lighting. For each product, the specific characteristics and related benefits are given in an easy-to-access manner. In this way, you can identify the optimum solution for applications ranging from indoor and outdoor to functional, decorative, general or accent lighting
Be inspired! To order your copy email lighting.uk@philips.com
For further information, please contact:
Barbara Neate, Philips Lighting,
Tel: 00 44 1483 293 071,
E-mail: Barbara.neate@philips.com

EnergyPlus Program to Reduce Stellar's Energy Consumption
GSH Group Inc has announced a long-term energy management contract with Stellar Management for 2 Rector Street in New York. They will utilize its energyplus program to reduce the facility's energy consumption through engineering best practices.
The team of energy engineers will carry out several capital improvement projects at 2 Rector Street, a 400,000+ square-foot Class A office building built in 1909. Located between Trinity Place and Greenwich Street in the World Trade Center submarket, GSH will offer immediate energy management services to reduce its energy usage, including the design and installation of a customized building management system, upgrades to energy-efficient lighting systems, and an insulation project on the facility's steam pipes. To ensure the property continues to operate efficiently on a regular basis, they will also monitor the facility and its energy usage daily. With the energyplus program, it is predicted savings of 270 tons of CO2 emissions each year at 2 Rector Street.
"We are excited to begin a partnership to increase the energy efficiency at 2 Rector Street," said Adam A. Roman, a Vice President at Stellar Management. "We believe the energyplus program will drive energy consumption down and increase the green profile of our facility."
"We are very proud to be working with Stellar Management Company on such a high-profile asset in the heart of the downtown submarket," said Jamie Reynolds, co-CEO of GSH Group. "By implementing the energyplus program at 2 Rector Street, we will not only increase the building's energy efficiency, but will also enhance its tenants' experience as well."
Stellar Management is a New York based owner-operator of more than 23,000 apartment units and three million square feet of office space in the USA. Formed in 1986, Stellar has cultivated a respected reputation in both residential and commercial real estate investment and management.

Gleeds awarded National FM contract by Enterprise Inns
Gleeds are to provide FM services in a groundbreaking deal with Enterprise Inns, the UK's leading specialist leased and tenanted pub operator, with over 7,500 Public Houses. Gleeds have been appointed by Enterprise Inns to provide their integrated web-based helpdesk as well as their modular cost management system, known as FM2.
Before implementing a new FM strategy, Gleeds first undertook a review of the existing service provision and found that there were performance issues which needed to be addressed. Within an impressive timescale of just five weeks, they have introduced their web-based helpdesk for an initial phase covering 1,100 of the company’s public houses which ensures that all activities at any one of the pubs are well managed, from the initial call from the landlord, right down to completion by the relevant contractor. The scope of the helpdesk covers the management of all maintenance-type work to the building fabric or any of their electrical and mechanical services.
Neil Malik, responsible for FM2 said, “Our service is already in place in many national retail outlets as well as a UK-wide chain of care homes. The appeal of our service is that, not only do we provide the help for the built environment, but in this case the publican knows exactly how much it is going to cost – vital when public houses are facing tough economic challenges at this time.”
He went on to add, “FM2 is a modular FM financial management system developed by cost managers for cost managers which can aid clients in making substantial savings over the life-cycle of their properties. This paperless system sits with both the client and contractor and enables them to share real-time data, meaning that objective business decisions can be made and implemented quickly. If you have a problem with the plumbing, you want it fixed quickly, at a cost that is acceptable and you want to know this information beforehand not after the job is completed “
Ian Mynett, Divisional Facilities Manager at Enterprise Inns added, “We are delighted that Gleeds and Enterprise Inns will be working together using such an innovative FM solution.”

Robertson Wins Major FM Contract At Centre for Health Science in Inverness
Robertson Facilities Management has won a prestigious contract with Highlands and Islands Enterprise to carry out all hard and soft facilities management services for Phases one, two & three of the stunning £23m Centre for Health Science in Inverness.
The contract will run for three years and requires Robertson to extend services beyond its current role to service Phase one of the Centre for Health Science to all 3 Phases - a total area, now in excess of 105,000 sq ft, located on Old Perth Road in Inverness.
The contract at the Centre for Health Science - a centre for excellence in healthcare and biotechnology research, education and business development, funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, is a significant win for Robertson who continue to expand their provision of full FM services within the commercial marketplace.
Sean Hunter, Regional Manager for Robertson Facilities Management, said: “This is another important landmark win for Robertson FM, when the company was first established ten years ago in 1999, it was tasked with supporting the wider Robertson group in winning PFI contracts in the education and healthcare sectors throughout Scotland and north-east England, now we are a significant player in our own right within the FM industry
“To retain Phase one, and win Phases two and three of the Centre for Health Science is particularly pleasing for the business as it is one of the first where we have been awarded a full FM contract via the OJEU procurement system. Not only is the contract for the Centre for Health Science one of our first of this kind, but it is especially prestigious in terms of the nature of the building, what it’s used for and the type of services required. For example, the building has brought together public, private and academic partnerships from NHS Highland, NHS Education for Scotland, Universities of Stirling, Aberdeen and the Highlands and Islands MI and Lifescan Scotland. Facilities include the Inverness Dental Centre, The Highland Diabetes Institute, a department of nursing and midwifery, Highland Health Science Library and a Clinical Skills Centre.
He adds: “The building is aesthetically stunning with fabulous public art work. It’s very technical and the nature of the clients means that once mobilised, our 15-strong team will provide a full FM service including landscaping, cleaning, security, reception, events management, mail room, estate management and car parking services.
“We recognise that working in a live healthcare environment requires working sensitively as a good partner and a good neighbour and have demonstrated this through many of our PFI projects - not least at New Craigs Hospital, another of our Inverness projects. We have delivered exemplary services in the first phase of this contract and are delighted with this latest win and there is potential for a further fourth phase with the Centre for Health Science in the future.”
“Gillian Galloway, Project Director for Centre for Health Science added: “We at the Centre for Health Science are looking forward to working with RFM to ensure the aspirations of those organisations resident in the building are fully realised.”

BIFM and ECA become Partners in FM Excellence
The Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) and the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) have signed a formal 'Partners in FM Excellence' agreement.
The agreement was signed today (5th March 2009) at the ECA's headquarters in West London by BIFM Chief Executive Ian Fielder, ECA President Allan Littler and David Pollock, ECA Group Chief Executive Officer.
It follows several months of discussion about ways in which the two organisations can work together to deliver enhanced benefits to their members. The agreement will forge closer links between the ECA and the BIFM, particularly in the provision of information services to members. It will also result in greater collaboration on influencing policy makers in Government and on projects dealing with issues such as sustainability, accreditation schemes and other industry standards.
Commenting on the agreement, Ian Fielder said: "I'm delighted to have reached this agreement with the ECA. The BIFM recognises that facilities management is, by its very nature, a collaborative enterprise. Our members will welcome the chance to access the expertise of the contracting community and to share best practice. This approach is increasingly important to reducing the environmental impact of building occupancy."
ECA Chief Executive Officer, David Pollock said: "In a rapidly changing marketplace we recognise the need to form strong alliances with other prestigious industry bodies with similar aims and objectives. We welcome the opportunity offered by this partnership with the BIFM to share ideas and services and to promote our members’ mutual interests."
The agreement specifically commits both parties to work together to develop and promote excellent FM standards; to provide shared access to member benefits and services; and to collaborate on development issues.
One of the first practical benefits of the agreement will be that members of the two associations will have access to many of the protected features on each other's websites.
The BIFM provides information, education, training and networking services for over 12,000 members.
The ECA represents the interests of 3,000 member companies involved in electrical installation work. Collectively, the member companies have an annual turnover of more than £5 billion, employ over 30,000 operatives and support 8,000 apprentices in craft training.

£7.7 million order is biggest ever order for Kershaw Group
The Kershaw Group has received the biggest single order in its history for a major hospital project in Northampton.
Kershaw Mechanical Services has won the £7.7 million mechanical work for the Residential Mental Health Facility at St Andrews Hospital.
The 16 month contract is the third repeat order at the site for Kershaw, working with main contractor G B Building Solutions.
In all, the £46 million scheme will provide residential men’s health facilities, similar to the previously completed Malcolm Arnold and Smyth House on the same site.
Sales director Ian Greenstock said: “Parts of the Kershaw Group date back more than a hundred years, and Kershaw Mechanical Services has been in existence since 1947.
“We’ve seen consistent growth for decades, now turning over more than £40 million. But it’s still thrilling to beat all previous records wi th a single order like this.”
Ian added: “We are looking forward to working with G B Building Solutions on yet another major construction project.”

Environmental hero
Futures Supplies & Support Services Ltd, based in Croydon, has been presented with its Green Heroes 2009 Wall Shield in recognition of its environmental project – Focusing on the Future.
The trophy was presented by top botanist and TV personality Professor David Bellamy OBE and Warren Edmondson of Nettoyer Media, aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh, on 13th February.
The Shields are awarded annually in recognition of companies, councils and communities carrying out projects that enhance the environment and wish to share their experience and knowledge with the world.
The judges commented: “As a distributor of cleaning products, Futures Supplies has taken the decision to be responsible retailers and supply products which are effective but safe, and give guidance to all its customers. It believes that business is not just about the bottom line, but about the future too.”
The award-winning project will be featured in the next Green Book, the world’s only work of reference on environmental best practice. Futures Supplies also won a Green Apple Award, which was presented in November during a special prize giving ceremony at the House of Commons.
The Green Apple Awards campaign is run by The Green Organisation, an independent, non-political, non-profit organisation that recognises, rewards and promotes environmental best practice around the world.
Its supporters include the Environment Agency, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and various other professional bodies.
National Organiser, Roger Wolens commented: “Organisations that go the extra mile and become Green Heroes are demonstrating a serious commitment to the world around them. They invest in a better future for us all and deserve to be recognised for their efforts.”
Futures Supplies is an award winning, established independent trade supplier of washroom and cleaning products including the Ecover range. The company’s objectives are to deliver service, quality, value, reliability and sustainability through continuous improvement. More details on the company, its products and environmental project can be found at www.futures-supplies.co.uk

Work Inc founder jointly spearheads Nethercoats MBO
Bespoke manufacturer and interiors specialist Nethercoats has been purchased in a management buy out led by joint managing directors Jon Stanger and Jacqui Withnell and finance director, Helen Thain for an undisclosed sum.
Withnell, a founder of office design and fit out business Work Inc, heads Yorkshire-based Nethercoats with Stanger, who started as a furniture designer at the age of 16 and has two decades of experience with the company. The directors are backed by a 45-strong team.
The business, set up by Eric Nethercoat in 1968 and run by his sons Paul and John since the early 1990s, delivers bespoke manufacturing and interiors across the commercial office, leisure and retail sectors. Clients span blue-chips such as HBOS, small and medium sized enterprises and design and build companies.
Said Withnell, who has amassed 25 year’s expertise in the interiors and facility management sectors and managed a 60-strong team as MD of Work Inc’s interiors division: “We’re off to a flying start with a healthy pipeline of orders. We’ve secured a major commission for the Research and Development arm of Unilever, as well as new contracts with regional fit out companies.
“The company’s powerful track record is reinforced through its technical and engineering expertise in bringing great design to life.”

UBS Secure Income Property Fund buys ground lease in Dunfermline as fund reaches GBP 100 million
UBS Global Asset Management’s Global Real Estate business announced recently that the UBS Secure Income Property Fund (UBS-SIPF) has acquired the heritable interest in the Asda supermarket, St. Leonard’s Street, Dunfermline from Threadneedle Asset Management for GBP 3.3 million, reflecting a net initial yield of 3.95%.
The property, which is highly reversionary, comprises a 56,077 sq ft store and produces a rental income of GBP 138,000 per annum. The ground lease, which has 72 years unexpired, provided for a rent review in March and five yearly reviews thereafter on an upward only basis.
Commenting on the acquisition, Charles Crowe, Fund Manager at UBS-SIPF’s Investment Adviser, said: “This acquisition brings UBS-SIPF’s total investment to almost GBP 100 million with 9 investors and 25 assets. In these volatile and uncertain times it is reassuring to see the fund producing a positive return for calendar year 2008 of 7.0%, making it the best performing fund within the “All Pooled” fund segment of the IPD UK Pooled Property Fund Indices (IPD PPFI).”
UBS-SIPF is an open end Jersey property unit trust investing in Ground Leases and targets a 200 basis point yield premium over the benchmark gilt, the Index Linked Treasury Gilt 2055. The Fund currently has an asset value of more than GBP 100 million.
Colliers CRE represented UBS while CBRE acted for the vendors.

Royal opening for new IHT offices
On 25 February 2009, HRH The Princess Royal officially opened the new London office of The Institution of Highways & Transportation (IHT) on Britannia Walk, EC1.
IHT acquired the shell and core building and appointed Area Sq to co-ordinate the Design and Fit-Out including the installation of all new services including Mechanical, Electrical, IT, A/V, Security and Furniture.
IHT’s brief to Area Sq was to create a contemporary facility for permanent staff that encouraged communication and incorporated a high quality flexible meeting space on the lower ground for members to house their annual Council meeting. Area Sq completed the 13 week project on time and on budget.
As an Honorary Fellow of the Institution, HRH was given the opportunity to tour the impressive new premises and view the state of the art facilities. A few special guests were in attendance at the prestigious occasion, including IHT President David Tarrant, Deputy Speaker of Hackney Councillor Ünlüer and representatives from IHT’s Council and Technical Boards.
HRH discussed the various aspects of the fit-out project with representatives of Area Sq, including Oliver Hammond, MD of Area Sq London. HRH showed a particular interest in the environmental aspect of the building, asking questions about energy efficiency.
After being introduced to Institution staff and hearing about the important work carried out by the different departments of IHT, HRH The Princess Royal gave a short speech and unveiled the specially commissioned plaque to commemorate the opening.
IHT President, David Tarrant said that he was delighted that the Princess Royal had honoured the Institution by formally opening the new offices.
“The new premises provide an excellent base for staff and members to operate from and ensure that we continue our policy of sound, long term investment for the future. All in all a day to celebrate and my thanks go to everybody involved in making the move such a great success.”

Barclays launch new initiative to help UK business through recession
Barclays Commercial Bank has launched a new initiative to assist its clients in battling recession. The Turning the Corner programme combines practical guidance, workshops, industry discussions and networking events to offer business services firms owners and managers specific skills and knowledge that will help them in meeting the unique challenges, and identifying potential opportunities, the current recession presents.
As part of the programme, a series of industry focused events have been scheduled throughout the next few months. The ‘Inside Track’ events will provide an opportunity for businesses from a variety of sectors to learn from their peers what is being done to adapt, survive and in some cases thrive during the current climate. The events will be facilitated by high profile speakers and chaired by industry leaders.

RoSPA calls for radical overhaul of Health & Safety
A significant reduction in needless harm and easily preventable suffering would result if the UK’s health and safety system underwent a radical overhaul, RoSPA has told a HSE Executive consultation.
In its response, the safety charity says it is time for the HSE to develop a new dynamic between its work and the wider health and safety market, linking its activities much more closely to the hard work of the thousands of professionals who help to ensure effective risk management in the workplace.
The HSE’s consultation entitled “The Health and Safety of Great Britain: Be part of the solution” closed this week.
RoSPA’s response, which was prepared with input from the Society’s National Occupational Safety and Health Committee, draws attention to the true size of the UK health and safety problem which includes work-related road injuries. It also highlights the fact that the business case for controlling losses that result from accidents and ill health is now even stronger in the midst of a recession.
It says: “HSE faces sharper challenges in delivering its mission with fewer resources. RoSPA argues consistently that the Government must continue to address the question of HSE funding. On the other hand, even with additional resources it is clear that HSE cannot deliver sustainable improvement acting in isolation. The ‘HSE-centric’ view of the health and safety system which has been prevalent in the past must now be abandoned for good.
“Business and people in the workplace - rather than the regulator - need to be placed at the heart of the ‘system’. HSE needs to make it clear that it sees health and safety professionals as key allies and equals in the struggle to get casualty figures down and not mere auxiliaries.
“Indeed, the title of the consultation document, ‘Be part of the solution’, might be seen as undervaluing the substantial contribution of the tens of thousands of health and safety activists outside HSE who have been working on this important agenda, many of them for decades. And it might also be seen as ignoring the fact that millions of workers, together with their line managers, safety reps and directors, especially in better performing businesses, are already well and truly ‘on the case’ when it comes to tackling health and safety.”
Among the specific recommendations made by RoSPA are: a new focus on proactivity by the HSE, encouraging organisations to go public on their health and safety performance so the HSE can target its resources more effectively; the development of a national health and safety services network, which is kept completely separate from enforcement activities, to help firms identify the services they need; and the use of non-HSE professionals in investigations and remedial programmes.
Tom Mullarkey, RoSPA chief executive, said: “Improved health and safety performance, particularly at a time of recession, can only be achieved through more creative working between the HSE and other health and safety bodies. The HSE needs to establish new and imaginative relationships with other key actors across the health and safety delivery landscape.
“In the coming months, we hope we will have the opportunity to develop these ideas into programmes that will actually save lives and reduce injuries.”

Bilco Supplies Hatches For Top London Development
Bilco, has completed delivery of roof access hatches for apartments at the largest public square built in the UK for more than a century.
Dalston Square in Hackney, East London, includes landscaped open spaces, a new public library and new retail facilities as well as new homes.
The homes are eco-friendly one to four bedroom houses and apartments, built using sustainable building materials and incorporating systems to reduce energy consumption and domestic waste.
Bilco has supplied three of its new NB-50T roof access hatches which were installed on the rooftops of the building. The hatches were supplied to Allan Roofing Ltd, which installed them as part of its roofing contract. The main contractor was Barratt Homes.
The development features a green roof – a roof partially covered with vegetation and soil, planted over a waterproofing membrane. Due to the high degree of insulation that they provide, green roofs are known for their ability to provide a constant temperature throughout the year.
The NB-50T is part of Bilco’s recently improved roof hatch range which provides increased thermal insulation and reduced air leakage. The modifications help architects and engineers meet the requirements of Part L of the Building Regulations.
The three 760 mm by 1,370 mm hatches will provide safe and convenient access to get on and off the roofs for maintenance work.
All Bilco hatches are of aluminium construction and provide roof access by means of a vertical ladder, ship stair or full-sized stairway. Every roof hatch is equipped with a unique counter balanced compression spring mechanism to provide smooth, easy, one-person operation.
They are all fitted with automatic hold-open arms which ensure that the hatches cannot be blown closed – a potential health and safety risk if the cover was to fall back onto the person exiting onto the roof.
Gavin Minnis, procurement manager at Allan Roofing Ltd, said: “We have used Bilco products on previous jobs and we know that they will provide us with a product that meets our specification. The roof access hatches meet the key requirements of reliability in operation and offer long life with easy maintenance and testing. They have also been swift and easy to install.”
James Fisher, general manager at Bilco, said: “Bilco specialises in working with our clients to provide them with products that meet their specific needs. We were able to meet all requirements for roof access at this project.

T R Freeman wins another contract on £65m London housing scheme
T R Freeman has won a second contract on a major housing regeneration scheme in London.
The architectural metal roofing and cladding company has been awarded £100,000 of work on phase four of Stonebridge, by contractors Countryside.
In 2007 T R Freeman worked on a £500,000 project on the estate, installing roofs made with a mix of Kalzip, stainless steel and copper.
In this new contract, the company will be installing Kalzip roofing together with stainless steel cladding echoing the theme of the previous phases.
The project, in Harlesden, London, is a major regeneration project with 552 homes already built in the first three phases.
Gary Webb, Managing Director of T R Freeman, said: “Repeat work is always very special to us as it proves we did a great job the first time round.
“I’m delighted we can work with Countryside again and look forward to many future projects together.” T R Freeman has been in Cambridge since being formed more than 120 years ago and is now part of the well-known Kershaw Group.
The group employs 183 people with a turnover of £35 million.
It is heavily involved in the local community, including a sponsorship of Cambridge United’s away shirts.