FMs at ease with moves and relocations, says PHS survey
Despite the fact that most office moves happen with less than three months notice and with no formal process to guide them, most are also well managed by FMs and are completed quickly and to budget, according to the 18th PHS Quarterly Facilities Management Survey, which was published in January 2008. Half of the facilities professionals interviewed also said that they couldn’t have improved on their last move, suggesting that FMs are comfortable with this regular process.
The Survey, in which 202 facilities managers were interviewed by telephone in October 2007, investigated the role of the FM and others in the planning, management and implementation of office moves; encompassing all types, ranging from whole premises moves to internal or departmental moves within the same building and site closures.
It revealed a good degree of mobility within the UK business community, with well over half of surveyed organisations having moved three times or more in the past three years, and nearly half expecting another move within 6 months.
Respondents were questioned about the most recent moves carried out by their organisations; the most common of which were internal or departmental moves (carried out by 66% of respondents), followed by moves to new premises within the same area (25%). Less than 5% of moves involved a major geographic relocation; while the most popular reasons for moving were expansion (38%) and internal reorganisation (31%).
Encouragingly, nearly half of all respondents (48%) had recycled or reused furniture and other office items internally following their move, while over a third (37%) had used external suppliers for recycling or disposal.
A number of differences emerged between the responses of public and private sector FMs. The private sector moved more frequently, and more often to accommodate business expansion, while the public sector moved more for internal reorganisation purposes. The public sector had the edge when it came to planning and organisation though, spending more on hiring suppliers to help (including removal companies, architects and designers), receiving more notice before a move and planning its moves further in advance. Public sector respondents were also more likely to involve the help of a specialist property department.
Peter Cohen, chief executive of the PHS Group plc, comments, “The PHS Quarterly FM Survey was launched for the benefit of our customers, to reveal interesting and relevant facts for Facilities Managers about their industry and about the practices and opinions of their peers. We hope the results of this survey will inform and support the business community in reviewing procedures for moves and relocations.”
Further enquiries: KellyAnne Ralph, PHS Group plc, tel: 029 2080 9090, email: kellyanneralph@phs.co.uk.

Bbi establishes M&E division
Beacons Business Interiors (Bbi) has established a mechanical and electrical consultancy division to work across its three offices in Brecon, Gloucester and Leeds.
The move has come about due to an increased demand from clients requiring professional services independent of Bbi’s design-and-build capacity.
To facilitate this, these services will be carried out through Bbi’s subsidiary company, PJE Business Solutions.
The new division will provide a range of extended services including mechanical and electrical design, building services maintenance and maintenance management, building and building surveys, energy surveys and consultancy, project management, contract administration and quantity surveying.
To help grow this division, Bbi has appointed an M&E new business sales manager who will be responsible for driving sales to further grow the M & E team. Joanna Stiles, 35, from Oxfordshire, has 14 years experience in the sector specialising in UPS and air conditioning systems.
Joanna joins Bbi from Daikin Air Conditioning UK in Surrey where she was national account manager, generating new business and providing clients with technical and commercial advice.
At present, the M&E division comprises three staff who are all qualified engineers.
The department reports to Paul Carey who has been working for Bbi for four-and-a-half years as group M&E director. He said, “At Bbi we’ve always offered an M&E service, but we have usually carried out work as part of design projects, rather than on a consultancy basis.
“We’ve seen a growing demand from our clients in this sector, and as part of our growth strategy we wanted to consolidate our experience and establish a dedicated division to concentrate specifically on M&E contracts and consultancy services.
“Our M&E team can assist from feasibility stage, through detailed design, tender and implementation to ongoing support with maintenance management.
“We don’t intend to become an M&E contractor as we’re keen to keep our existing supply chain in place. Instead we’re aiming to support the existing team structures at Bbi, acting as designers and project managers for mechanical and electrical projects.”

BAFE Training For Palace Fire Fighters
Six fire fighters from the brigade responsible for fire protection at one of London’s most iconic landmarks, Buckingham Palace, and also Windsor Castle, the official residence of Her Majesty the Queen, completed the four day ST104 scheme for the maintenance of portable fire extinguishers, led by BAFE trainer Joe Lewis-Warren.
Fire protection at the royal residence is obviously a prime focus given not only the importance of the buildings themselves but also the often priceless artefacts and treasures contained within them.
Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain’s sovereigns since 1837 and is one of the most famous building facades in the world, with some 775 rooms, all of which need protecting from the threat of fire.
For further details please contact: Terry Martiny, BAFE. Tel:020 8541 1950. Email: info@bafe.org.uk

Marshalls plc announce new Tegula Kerb Angles and Radius Units
We are pleased to announce the introduction of an enhancement to our well known and much loved Tegula Kerb Sett. The Tegula kerb angles and radial units are a welcome addition to this firm favourite.
Often small units require cutting on site to create detail which can be an intricate and complex process. Developed to reduce on site cutting, the new Tegula kerb angles and radial units are available in Traditional and Pennant Grey.
Marshalls’ kerb portfolio is being continually evolved to offer our customers industry leading solutions to satisfy real on site issues and needs.
Manufactured at our Sandy works, the Tegula kerb angles and radial units provide design flexibility for the most exacting schemes.
If you would like further information, please contact: Diane Kay, Commercial PR Manager, Marshalls plc. DDI: 01422 312911, www.marshalls.co.uk

New European report highlights emerging psychosocial risks in the workplace
Working environments are changing significantly with the introduction of new technologies, materials and work processes. Changes in work design, organisation and management can produce new risk areas resulting in increased stress levels and may finally lead to a serious deterioration of mental and physical health. A new report by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work shows that the main psychosocial risks are related to new forms of employment contracts, job insecurity, work intensification, high emotional demands, violence at work and a poor work-life balance.
Jukka Takala, Director of The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) states: "Working life in Europe is changing at an ever-increasing speed. Job insecurity, multiple jobs or high work intensity can all lead to work-related stress and put workers' health in danger. Constant monitoring and improving of psychosocial work environments are necessary to create quality jobs and retain workers in good condition."
Work-related stress is one of the biggest occupational safety and health (OSH) challenges faced in Europe and the number of people suffering from stress-related conditions caused or made worse by work is likely to increase.
In the UK, the 2007 Psychosocial Working Conditions (PWC) survey by the Health and Safety indicated that around 13.6% of all working individuals thought their job was very or extremely stressful.
Emerging psychosocial risks have been explored in an expert forecast and are presented in this new report, the third in a series on new and emerging risks issued by the European Risk Observatory (ERO), an integral part of EU-OSHA.

Conference to look at a major cause of workplace deaths
Preventing workplace transport accidents, which claimed 66 lives last year, will be the aim of a conference run by RoSPA and the Health and Safety Executive.
The Managing Workplace Transport Risks Conference: A Matter of Life or Death will include briefings on current accident and enforcement trends and effective solutions to safety issues related to the use of vehicles in places of work.
A focus will be the HSE's new Route Map, which brings together details of legislation, guidance and good practice relevant to managing workplace transport risks.
Provisional figures show 52 workers and 14 members of the public were killed in accidents involving workplace transport in Britain in 2006/07. In the same year, workplace transport accidents also led to 1,677 major injuries and 4,233 other injuries requiring people to have more than three days off work*.
Held on Wednesday, May 14, in the Concourse Suite at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, the conference will run alongside Safety & Health Expo.
Ian Hetherington, Chief Executive of Skills for Logistics, will be the keynote speaker.
Carol Grainger, Programme Manager for the HSE's Workplace Transport Programme, will outline accident statistics and solutions related to the main types of workplace transport accident: people being hit by vehicles; people falling from vehicles; objects falling from vehicles onto people; and vehicles toppling over.
Jayn Johnson, a Health and Safety Inspector from the HSE, will explain what she looks for in terms of workplace transport, including management and supervision, site layout, vehicle selection and maintenance, operational issues, such as tipping, and driver competence.
There will also be a presentation by the Freight Transport Association, and case studies from Menzies Distribution and MacLellan International Limited.
Roger Bibbings, Occupational Safety Adviser at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said: "Workplace transport is a key feature of a huge variety of work settings, and can include everything from lorries and cars moving around a site to the use of diggers and fork-lift trucks. The need for its effective management, as well as the management of occupational road risk, therefore cuts across industry boundaries.
"Our speakers will cover a range of important issues, including the culture associated with the use of vehicles at work and the need for good communication between clients and contractors. Delegates will also have the opportunity to network and learn how others are dealing with this critical aspect of workplace safety."
Full conference details, including an online booking facility, can be found at www.rospa.com/nec/. Alternatively, email events@rospa.com or call 0121 248 2120 for more information.
· These figures do not include deaths and injuries from work-related road crashes.

Survey Shows Business Continuity Comes of Age as New Certification Takes Off
It’s rare for a new British Standard to attract as much interest as the latest Business Continuity standard - BS 25999 has attracted. It has seen unprecedented demand and being quoted as the fastest ever selling British Standard as well as more downloads during the public consultation phase than ever before. So it’s no surprise that in a poll that was carried out this month showed that 60% of companies are now considering certification to BS 25999 – bringing Business Continuity planning and management right to the top of the corporate agenda for the first ever time.
Paul Lanham Global Marketing Manager for BSI Management Systems says “It would seem that at last companies are now taking Business Continuity seriously and investing in a framework to ensure that they have structures in place so that if a crisis hits they are prepared for it. Since the introduction of this standard and certification we have seen new types of organizations who have not traditionally embraced independent verification to standards as well as existing ones who see it as an extension of their risk management initiative. Many organizations are using the standard and evaluating certification against it to gain competitive advantage while others are using it as a management and assurance tool in their supply chain - ensuring a continuity of supply being a major issue for most. So far we have certified the first two organizations in the world to BS 25999 (TDG plc and SunGard) and have many more lining up which is also unusual bearing in mind that the Specification standard (Part 2) was only published in November.”
There has been a lot of pressure for such a standard from both the private and public sectors underlining the importance of Business Continuity within the business environment. According to the BSI there have been many drivers for the standard including Civil Contingencies and Homeland Security type legislation, rising insurance premiums, investor focus on risk, the trend towards outsourcing, protection of corporate reputation as well as the opportunity to reduce the cost of responding to tenders.
“It is hard to overstate the importance of BS 25999 – not just to the organisations that adopt it, but to the UK economy as a whole,” agrees Keith Tilley, managing director UK and senior vice president Europe, SunGard Availability Services. “The Standard provides real clarity, helping organisations ensure they can continue to serve their customers in an increasingly uncertain world.”

Smart-Tint: switchable glass units
Now you can control the amount of daylight and solar heat that enters a building through windows, skylights and conservatory roof glass - at a click.
Simply by switching the glass between clear and opaque, you can have the ultimate in privacy – when you want it - but without the hassles of installing and maintaining expensive blinds or shades.
Smart-Tint Insulated Glass units are the ultimate in energy saving, as you control just how much infrared heat enters the room through your windows or roof glass, saving a fortune on air-conditioning or heat-control fans – especially in the conservatory.
Switchable glass has been around for some years now but with prices around three times more per square metre than Smart-Tint, this amazing technology dream glass remained just that – a dream. Apart from wealthy individuals or corporations this type of glass has never been commercially viable. The rest of us have had to make do with blinds, which sometimes can cost as much as two-thirds of the price of a conservatory!
Until now.
Roof-Maker, manufacturer of specialist energy-control Reflex glass units for conservatories and skylights, is the first in the UK to offer a switchable glass unit at affordable prices. And when you compare the additional savings you make in not having to install blinds, the value of Smart-Tint becomes truly exceptional. The company has an exclusive licence to manufacture units with this technology at their hi-tech Leicester factory for supply to the UK market.
With Smart-Tint you can now choose between free energy passive heat gain from the sun when the glass is clear, or 95 per cent solar heat rejection in its opaque state.
The glass tint is controlled by a low voltage current that is applied to the unit which scatters direct sunlight for optimum glare control. If more internal light is needed on a dull day, or for maximum outlook, then the glass is readily switched back to clear for good light transmission.
This “makes Smart-Tint the most energy efficient glass on the face of the planet!” says Scott Nicholas, Managing Director of Roof-Maker, “as you control solar heat gain dependant upon the weather and time of year – it’s like having two glass units in one!”
Easy to install plug-in low voltage connections from the units to a range of control switches allow for easy installation in any glazing system.
The make-up of the Smart-Tint glass unit provides a U-value of 1.2, which can in the clear state be used to gain maximum passive solar heat energy on cooler days, or on hotter days in the opaque state block the solar heat by up to 95 percent - but still let in ambient diffused light without any glare!
How it works is that a multi layer film coating on the inside of the toughened glass unit reacts to a very low voltage current, changing the glass between a clear or an opaque state.
Smart-Tint switchable glass can also be used for privacy as well as for UV and IR control and is supplied with an easy-clean coating on the outside for low maintenance and surface protection. Smart-Tint units come with a 20 year unit seal warranty and are tested for durability with a life expectancy of 30 years on the switching performance.
Contact Roof-Maker Ltd on 0116 269 6297 for a demonstration of this glass unit with real WOW factor!

Marmoleum® creates a vibrant new look while protecting against infection
Patients and staff at the Countess of Chester Hospital are enjoying a soothing and welcoming ambience thanks to Forbo Flooring Systems’ Marmoleum®. Fresh and vibrant, the new floorcovering is an effective ally in fighting hospital acquired infections from the ground up.
The installation at the Clinical Haematology and Oncology Unit improved facilities for patients undergoing chemotherapy, immunotherapy and other treatments for cancers and blood disorders.
Marmoleum® is proven to kill MRSA and the winter vomiting virus, due to inherent bacteriostatic properties, thereby limiting the spread of infection in hospitals.
Marmoleum® is a linoleum floorcovering made from sustainable raw materials. A Topshield water-based surface finish ensures incredible durability and low maintenance costs, allowing wards to be cleaned more effectively.
The architects were The Design Büro (Leamington Spa) Ltd.
Rob Gibbs, Director, The Design Büro says “The Design Büro has specified Marmoleum® at the hospital since its first project, as they are delighted with its performance, functionality and appearance. The fact that Marmoleum® is ecologically sound swings the choice against vinyl when cost, performance, and colour ranges are equal. The interior designer chose Marmoleum® for this project as the wide colour range really gave free reign to their imagination in meeting the clients brief for a modern stylish non-institutional Unit.”
The installation saw Marmoleum installed in treatment wards, reception areas and waiting areas in a combination of tile and sheet in a variety of colours.
The Design Büro specified that impervious sheet covering be used which was robust, good looking and easy to clean & maintain - complying with the Health Technical Memoranda. The general circulation areas were generally tiled, with non-welded joints, whilst the wards were welded sheet, for fully impervious finishes.
Kevin Eccles, Capital Projects Manager, Countess of Chester Hospital said “After full consultation across the Trust, Marmoleum® was chosen for its appearance, hygiene and durability. The Trust wanted to create a warm and welcoming environment that met healthcare standards without looking institutional. Patients and staff alike are delighted with the results.”
For further details please contact (01592) 643777 or visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk

Myhome Carpet and Fabric Cleaning provide fast and effective solution for facilities managers
The condition and appearance of carpets and upholstery speaks volumes about a business from the moment someone enters the premises.
Dirty and stained floor and furniture coverings will give a negative impression and detract from the perception of an organisation.
As well as projecting the wrong image to staff and visitors, poor maintenance also has the potential to cause a variety of health problems and increases the wear and tear damage.
But essential cleaning is all too often put on the backburner to avoid any operational interruption caused by having rooms out of action.
That’s where Myhome Carpet and Fabric Cleaning - the UK’s premier carpet and upholstery cleaning company – can help.
A professional deep clean from Myhome Carpet and Fabric Cleaning will restore the original look and lustre of your floorings and fabrics, with the minimum of disruption.
The company’s advanced dry-cleaning system means downtime is kept to an absolute minimum as serviced areas are quickly available.
Using an electro-magnetic cleaning process which extracts deep-seated dirt by bombarding dirt particles with electrical charges, combined with specialist cleaning agents, the Myhome Carpet and Fabric Cleaning system involves minimal moisture, therefore ensuring that drying time is rapid.
The process also involves the use of specialist vacuuming equipment which fully extracts every particle and pollutant from within the foundation of the fabric, helping to remove dust mites that trigger asthma attacks and inflame allergies
Carpets are ready to use just one hour after the clean is completed and curtains can be cleaned in situ while hanging.
Operating nationwide, its teams of highly-trained, skilled technicians guarantee to eradicate even the most stubborn stains, instantly transforming your premises.
The fast, effective service reduces unsightly traffic lanes, removes chewing gum and eliminates germs and odours, leaving your carpets fresh and hygienic.
As well as routine cleaning, the company also offers an emergency service, responding rapidly to clean up spillages.
Over the last decade, Myhome Carpet and Fabric Cleaning has built an extensive commercial client base which includes offices, hotels, pubs, nursing homes and leisure centres, as well as a host of high street retailers.
Staff will schedule the service at a time that’s convenient for your business - overnight, early mornings, evenings or weekends.
Weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual service plans are available as a cost-effective way of controlling your expenditure.
For complete peace of mind, all employees undergo strict vetting procedures - including police checks - so clients can be assured of the highest levels of security and reliability.
To make a booking or for further information, please call Myhome Carpet and Fabric Cleaning on 0800 137 772.

Energy Saving Trust launches £250k drive to boost numbers of ‘Green’ company cars
The Energy Saving Trust has launched a two-month campaign to encourage businesses with smaller fleets throughout the UK to consider the impact of their company cars on the environment.
There are three million company cars in Britain, which emit an estimated 17.5 million tonnes of CO2 every year – around 25 per cent of total UK car emissions. A recent study by the Energy Saving Trust found that British businesses could save a total of £2.6 billion a year by adopting green fleet policies.
And the Energy Saving Trust is now calling on managing directors of companies with a car fleet of 50 or fewer vehicles to take action to reduce carbon emissions by contacting a free advice hotline and signing up to an email bulletin service.
Nigel Underdown, head of transport advice at the Energy Saving Trust said: "Companies with smaller fleets cannot justify a fleet manager and will not necessarily have anyone focused on their fleet full time. The Energy Saving Trust is here to fill that expert role for companies with fewer than 50 vehicles.
"We can provide your company with access to experienced fleet experts who can offer impartial advice, tailored to your individual business needs. I would urge all companies to take advantage of this free service and save money as well as the environment."
By calling the Energy Saving Trust’s Small Fleet advice hotline on 0845 602 1425, businesses can arrange to speak to a green fleet expert who can advise on the best ways to reduce vehicle emissions, cut fleet operating costs and improve a company's social and environmental reputation.
Free impartial advice on eco-driving (driving in an efficient manner), managing fuel and driver expenses reimbursement, driver training, mileage reduction, health and safety, low carbon fuels and vehicle choice can also be obtained.
As part of the two-month campaign – which includes adverts, advertorials, media relations, direct mail and telemarketing – the Energy Saving Trust has commissioned a comprehensive study into the business community’s transport needs and habits and how these impact the environment. The findings of the study – Behind the Wheel II – will be announced in early March.
According to the Energy Saving Trust’s first Behind the Wheel report, which looked into the business case for greener company car fleets, many organisations wrongly believe that implementing a greener fleet policy will cost them money, not save it.
However, the report found that a company with a fleet of 50 vehicles could save up to £45,000 a year by implementing green fleet policies.
Department for Transport figures also show that every year over half of all new vehicles registered to drive on Britain’s roads are company cars.
In addition to the Small Fleet advice hotline and regular e-bulletin, businesses in England and Wales with a fleet of 50 or more vehicles (20 or more in Scotland) can carry out an Energy Saving Trust Green Fleet Review. A Green Fleet Review is a free, tailored, independent review of all aspects of a company’s fleet from an environmental perspective.
For further information log on to www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/fleet

Maysand wins Port of Liverpool contract
North west restoration and conservation specialist Maysand Limited has been awarded a £500,000 contract to clean, repair and repoint the exterior of the landmark Port of Liverpool Building — one of the renowned ‘Three Graces’ at the Pier Head in the city.
Built in 1907 of Portland stone in the Edwardian Baroque style, the Port of Liverpool Building is undergoing a £10 million refurbishment by owner Downing, one of Liverpool’s largest commercial property landlords.
Maysand found its expertise sought early on, after being appointed to the project by in-house contractor George Downing Construction, when its first task was to help refine the schedule of works.
MD Bryn Lisle explains: “We carry out this kind of work on historic structures regularly, so we were able to get involved with practical advice.
“We’re carrying out a “masons’ clean”, a low pressure, ‘nebulous’ water spray which gently agitates the limestone to wash away any grime on the surface. And we’re doing the whole of the exterior so we’ve brought in electric pumps to deliver the 500 gallons per hour needed to supply the cleaning units at the right pressure — even when they’re being used up at roof level.
“As well as the cleaning team, a repointing gang, several teams of stonemasons and a repair crew who will re-pin the stone with stainless steel in isolated areas, will all be working on the project throughout.”
Maysand began work on the Grade II* listed building — originally built for the Mersey Docks and Harbour Co — last September, and will finish in Summer 2008.
John Walsh, Project Manager for Downing, says he’s more than happy with Maysand: “This is the first time we’ve worked together but Maysand has already proved that our confidence in its capabilities was well founded. Performance levels are good and it is clearly a very professional operation.” he comments.

Topping out of cutting edge KPMG headquarters
In February the final beam was hoisted onto the 400,000 square feet tower, 15 Canada Square, which Canary Wharf Group (CWG) has pre-sold to KPMG. The ceremony was attended by over 200 guests including executive management from KPMG and CWG, the construction team, as well as representatives of consultants and contractors. The last beam was hoisted into place at the top of the 16 storey building after being signed by key people involved in the project including John Griffith-Jones, Chairman of KPMG in the UK and George Iacobescu, CEO Canary Wharf Group.
KPMG’s new office, which is scheduled for occupation by the end of 2010, aims to be leading edge in terms of its environmental and sustainability features. KPMG and Canary Wharf Contractors Limited (CWCL) are working towards some ambitious targets for the building