One brand – many strengths for Tarkett
Having been part of the global Tarkett Group since 2004, Tarkett-Marley Floors has looked to consolidate its business activities, increasing efficiencies and ensuring continued growth. As this process is now well underway, the company is taking an important step forward by focusing on one brand under one name - ‘Tarkett’.
Tarkett’s manufacturing plant, located at Lenham in Kent, is now the Group’s centre of excellence for the production of slip resistant flooring, the majority of which is distributed within the UK market. Together with Tarkett’s other production facilities, located in 12 countries, the Group has a production capacity of over 350 million square metres of floor and wall coverings.
Always at the forefront of research and development within the industry, Tarkett has pioneered a number of important innovations, including PUR treatments that protect against scuffs and stains and make cleaning easier. Nowadays, third generation PUR treatments dramatically reduce the amount of water, detergents and energy needed in cleaning and maintenance regimes by as much as 50%, providing an environmental benefit.
Tarkett is also leading the way in recycling initiatives, recycling more than 130,000 tonnes of material per year. It is also the only flooring manufacturer with its own dedicated recycling plants, located at Clervaux in Luxembourg, Ronneby in Sweden and Sedan, France.
Tarkett Commercial produces a number of specialist products such as electrostatic control, acoustic and sports flooring as well as more traditional safety flooring, compact and luxury vinyl tiles and linoleum products. Several of these have now been assessed under the BRE Environmental Profile scheme, meaning Tarkett offers the widest range of resilient floorcoverings which achieve an A rating under the BRE Green Guide to Construction. Tarkett Residential further strengthens the company’s product offerings with a wide selection of wood, vinyl and laminate flooring solutions for private residential projects.
By combining and optimising its five guiding principles of System, Service, Savings, Style and Design, and Sustainability and Environment, Tarkett is able to offer its customers truly ‘Intelligent Flooring Solutions’.
For more information about the Tarkett Group or to request further details on their extensive product ranges please contact: The Customer Services Department, Tel: 01622 854040.
Email: uksales@tarkett.com.
Website: www.tarkett-commercial.com

Bbi completes SunGard disaster recovery centre and wins new project
Brecon-based Beacons Business Interiors (Bbi) has completed work on a £2m state-of-the-art disaster recovery centre in Leatherhead.
The design-and-build contract, carried out for SunGard Availability Services, involved the conversion of a 64,000 sq ft warehouse into a disaster recovery centre that will be used as a temporary working office by large blue-chip organisations.
Bbi has doubled the building’s potential occupancy to 1,800 staff with the installation of a mezzanine floor as well as providing new desks and conferencing, meeting and break-out furniture.
Bbi also installed lifts, ceilings, partitioning, decoration and carpets, as well as kitchen, toilet and shower facilities. The centre contains over 7,000 new data cables and ports and new mechanical and electrical plant including UPS and generator back-up.
Simon Oldroyd, account director at Bbi said, “This was a relatively complex project that had to be completed within a short time scale.
“The result was fantastic, even if we say so ourselves! Our work has led to our company being awarded another contract to refurbish SunGard’s headquarter building in Bracknell.”
For SunGard’s headquarters in Bracknell, Bbi has been appointed to refurbish the building with new carpets and furniture, and to design and build break-out spaces and a new conference suite.
Karl Smith from SunGard said, “This is the first contract we have awarded Bbi and we’ve been delighted by their professional and original approach.
“Their service and delivery far exceeded our expectations and we’re looking forward to working with Bbi in the future.”

Ascom’s Solution to the Corporate Responsibility Question
Risk management of staff loneworking or operating in a threatening or hazardous environment is now an agenda-leading item. Ascom has many years experience providing wireless based communication and alarm solutions specifically designed to meet these challenges.
As wireless personal alarm specialists, Ascom has a range of technologies based on WiFi, DECT, IP DECT and Paging platforms. These offer levels of functionality to suit every situation and can be tailor-designed to fit your specific operational requirements.
For individuals or groups of staff to have the means of raising an alarm with them at all times, without depending on fixed point buttons or telephony, is at the heart of the Ascom solution. This includes automatically generated real time alerts for conditions such as ‘man-down’ or ‘no movement’.
Ascom also provides several different solutions for identifying the exact location of alarms that have been raised, and to comply with post event reporting, recording and storing responses as they happen.
However at their most sophisticated level, Ascom solutions can completely integrate with your legacy communication systems, allowing for example, direct dialling to handsets from a hard-wired PBX, messaging from existing alarm or building controls, even transfer of production data direct into the hands of relevant staff.
For the full picture visit Stand C71 or the website www.ascomws.co.uk; email sales@ascomws.co.uk; or phone 01732 742014.

Marshalls Announce New Blister Tactile Paving Sizes to FRP Range
Creating vibrant, healthy and most importantly, safe public areas increases quality of life for all users. Tactile paving is an important functional element of creating safe paved areas and can assist greatly in achieving the above objective by providing detectable sensory indications of potential hazards for the visually impaired.
To complement the already comprehensive range of tactile, demarcation and deterrent paving, Marshalls is pleased to announce the introduction of 400x400x65mm Fibre Reinforced Blister Tactile Paving to the product portfolio.
The new Fibre Reinforced option significantly reduces the chance of cracked or broken flags at drop kerbs subject to traffic overrun, thus reducing trip hazards to the visually impaired.
The patented STRUX fibre technology allows the blister tactile unit to remain intact under failure increasing its product performance, functionality and prolonging its life cycle.
Produced at our St. Ives works, available in red and buff, the new FRP Blister Tactile Paving units comply with the Building Regulations Part M, The Disabled Persons Act 1981 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and 2004.
Key Facts: Sizes: 400x400mm, Thickness: 65mm, Colours: Red and Buff
www.marshalls.co.uk, Tel: 0845 3020600

Paxton Access' Long range reader offers total convenience at car park access points
Paxton Access the UK’s number one manufacturer of access control has developed the Long range reader specifically for car park gates and barriers. Compatible with Switch2 and Net2 the reader’s maximum read range of 5m means that a user’s hands free token can be read without them having to leave their vehicle.
The 5m read range also means that a single reader will accommodate vehicles of different sizes, as opposed to other systems that require a dedicated reader for lorries and another for cars. “It’s an incredibly economical and reliable way of introducing access control to car parks. The integrated hands free interface means that there’s no need to dig trenches in order to lay ground loops; consequently labour time and costs are greatly reduced!” says Adam Stroud, Sales and Marketing Director, Paxton Access.
“We thought there was a need for a reader to provide rigorous car park security while being financially viable for all businesses,” says Adam. Car park barriers fitted with the Long range reader will open automatically for drivers with a valid hands free token; a convenient feature especially on wet days. Anyone without a valid token will be prevented from entering a car park as the barrier will remain closed.
Adam also believes that the reader will be useful for a number of other applications. “I think it will help streamline the movement of stock in factories, warehouses and depots. When used with automatic door openers it will mean that anyone using a forklift or pallet truck will be able to go through a door without having to stop and present a token.” It will also help sites to provide access for the disabled as required in the disability discrimination act (DDA), something every business needs to be aware of.
Paxton Access Ltd tel: 01273 811011, tel (outside UK): +44 1273 811011

Uninteruptible Power Supplies Ltd provides Royal protection
London’s prestigious Victoria and Albert Museum has contracted Uninterruptible Power Supplies Ltd to supply, install and maintain a new 120KVA UPS system in its upgraded information and communications centre.
The V&A – the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design – has been undergoing an ambitious renovation programme since 2001. “The museum may be one of the oldest in the country, but its new IT infrastructure is state-of-the-art,” said Ed Fosbrook, Senior Facilities Manager at the V&A. “It’s vital that all our systems are protected from power failure and disturbance. “
“When awarding the contract we considered not only UPS system performance but also the nature and quality of the installation and maintenance services. We felt that the offer from UPS Ltd was very strong on both counts.”
Peter Bentley UPS Ltd sales director remarked, “Having assessed the power protection requirements of the V&A, we proposed the PowerWAVE9000DPA.
The 3-phase rack-format UPS system has high availability, operates with class leading efficiency and power density, and has the lowest carbon footprint in the market.
“Its advanced decentralised parallel architecture (DPA) removes single points of failure, enabling near zero downtime and the lowest mean-time-to-repair – minimising disruptions to the V&A’s IT systems. The system is fully flexible which facilitates right-sizing to its critical load, keeping energy costs to a minimum.”
Founded in 1852 and occupying 12.5 acres of building and gardens in London’s ‘Albertopolis’ district, the V&A houses a permanent collection of 4.5 million decorative arts and design objects in 145 galleries and attracts more than 2.5 million visitors every year.
For further information contact Peter Bentley, Uninterruptible Power Supplies Limited, Telephone: 0118 981 5151. Email: sales@upspower.co.uk
Web: www.upspower.co.uk

Alton Towers Rides High With Evac+Chair
Leading evacuation chair manufacturer Evac+Chair International has just provided the UK’s number one theme park resort Alton Towers with a number of evacuation chairs for some of the park’s top attractions.
Alton Towers aims to provide comprehensive disabled access at its resort, and Evac+Chairs have been installed on the rides Spinball Whizzer, Oblivion, Corkscrew and Air in order to safely evacuate mobility-impaired visitors in the event of an emergency.
Linda Hoskins, health and safety coach at Alton Towers commented, “Alton Towers makes every effort to ensure that the resort, and where possible the rides, are accessible to all our visitors. We looked towards Evac+Chair as part of the solution to this. We have installed Evac+Chairs on four popular rides, which will enable us to evacuate disabled guests off the rides should the need arise.” The Evac+Chair enables a single user to evacuate a person of up to 150kg quickly and easily down a flight of stairs. This is achieved by intelligent design using continuous belts to provide controlled descent over stair nosings in proportion to passenger weight. The chairs can be used on even steep stairways, with an angle of descent of up to 40°. A slimline Evac+Chair model is also available for use on narrow stairs.
The theme park’s organisers are very pleased with the chairs, with Linda Hoskins adding, “We have been very happy with the service provided by Evac+Chair. We can now rest assured that all our guests, both disabled and able-bodied, can be evacuated safely from the rides.”
Further information is available from Evac+Chair International on 0845 230 2253 email: info@evacchair.co.uk or by visiting the company’s website at www.evacchair.net

Innovative design from Architectural Ceramics
Architectural Ceramics (UK) has launched an exciting series of new products, specially selected for their visual and technical excellence, whilst bringing innovative ideas to tile and mosaic design.
Products include an extraordinary range of gigantic porcelain tiles in 1200x1200mm, with a choice of colours and finishes, including metallic and an R11 bush-hammered surface. The large dimensions push the boundaries of tile design to provide new geometrics for spectacular interior design and outdoor architectural projects such as cladding. The range is also available in smaller modular sizes and has complementary mosaic and decors.
For a sensual tactile experience, there’s a beautifully smooth or skin-effect collection called Black & White. Furthermore to add a touch of glamour to interiors, the stylish Freestyle collection of wall and floor coverings offers eight vibrant colours with a hint of metallic sparkle, available in sizes up to 900x900mm in a natural or polished finish.
There’s also a whole host of new mosaic designs including a unique collection of crystal glass and Riverstone blends; a range of metallic and ceramic 3-dimensional shapes; and even a natural coconut mosaic.
For more information please visit www.ACTILES.co.uk

Marshalls Modern Method of Construction:
Contractors attend Machine Lay Conference
Contractors from across the region took part in a Marshalls plc Machine Lay event recently to discuss the increasing demand within the construction industry to utilise modern, automated handling and installation methods to deliver safe working practices and to assist in delivering projects on time and to budget.
Marshalls has recognised this demand and has fully committed to lead the industry in the development of Machine Lay paving solutions incorporating product, plant and installation.
Contractors discussed how modern methods of installation of concrete block paving can now deliver new levels of speed, efficiency and quality above traditional installation methods, particularly on larger areas, and positions concrete block paving as an aesthetic, functional and cost effective alternative to other wearing courses.
Marshalls is currently the market leader in providing Machine Lay technology and has developed a unique Machine Lay training course which gives operatives a chance to receive expert instruction and gain qualifications accredited by the Road Industry Training Bureau (RITB) which is recognised by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). The HSE has agreed to work closely with Marshalls to develop best practice for all machine lay activities and are fully supportive of the excellent training provided by Marshalls.
Delegate Mark Read of On Level Paving believes the Marshalls Machine Lay conference was much needed and said “Marshalls’ backup support and expertise, combined with their quality product offering ensures that communications between contractors, installers and Marshalls are working at their very best. I believe that Marshalls go to great lengths, like no other organisation in this sector, to ensure the Machine Lay process is effortless and efficient.”
He added “it was great to get together with other contractors and installers on the day to discuss our opinions and learn more about the excellent Machine Lay training courses which Marshalls are pioneering. I found the day invaluable in terms of knowledge gathering and it has certainly helped everyone pull together to help deliver best practice using the machine lay process.”
Marshalls Machine Lay team briefed contractors on the new range of Machine Lay Block Paving including the introduction of a 60mm Keyblok 45 degree format; a 60mm Tegula Random Stretcher Course and a new 80mm Tegula 90 degree block for use in heavily trafficked areas.
Marshalls is committed to fostering ‘working partnerships’ with all partners within the supply chain to provide unrivalled design services, technical expertise and customer support. Marhalls has the most comprehensive range of machine lay product literature of its kind at present and the full range of Marshalls products can be seen at www.marshalls.co.uk/select.

Existing buildings come more into focus with regard to ‘Green Issues’
A parliamentary inquiry is being launched into what ministers, city leaders, property owners and occupiers need to do to cut carbon emmissions from offices, shops and factories reported by the British Property Federation to be the first to look at existing buildings, which are arguably the real problem.
BPF Spokesperson said “Buildings contribute just under half of all carbon emissions and so moves to increase their efficiency are crucial to curbing such emissions”
As the government recognises it needs to focus more on existing buildings to meet the increasing need for reductions in carbon emissions, we were pleased to see the following report from the University of Sheffield regarding their collaboration to help cut energy costs and by doing so highlight some of the very simple measures that can be taken to support the emissions reduction.

University helps local company go green
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have used their expertise to help a local engineering company prepare to significantly reduce their energy consumption and become more environmentally friendly.
DavyMarkham Ltd worked with engineers at SABRE - a joint venture between the University of Sheffield and the Building Research Establishment – to cut the costs of their energy bills. The company, which has a large workshop situated in the industrial heartland of Sheffield, was concerned that the working areas were not energy efficient.
Researchers from the University’s School of Architecture and the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering carried out a number of assessments and tests on DavyMarkham’s office blocks and workshops, including an infra-red survey, in order to understand the company’s current energy usage.
They discovered that significant reductions in energy could be made through simple refurbishment and education of staff, for example on the benefits of utilising natural daylight. They estimated that a 60% improvement is possible with simple modifications to the company’s office blocks. While in the main production sheds, they concluded that the majority of the energy losses were associated with unwanted ventilation rates due to leaks in the fabric which if addressed could save a further 30%.
DavyMarkham are now working on a detailed action plan based on the University’s recommendations. The first step has been to establish an energy conservation committee involving staff from the shop floor to management.
Ian Ward, from the University’s School of Architecture (Building Energy Analysis Unit) and one of the researchers involved in the project, said: “Many companies are keen to become more environmentally friendly and save money on energy bills but are not always aware of how they can do this effectively. Our expertise and research in this area means that we are able to provide real solutions that are of benefit to both the company and the environment.”
Kevin Parkin, Managing Director at DavyMarkham, said: “The University’s work has kick started us into thinking about our energy usage and the impact this has. Working with the researchers has made a big difference to the company, not only to our energy bills, but also to our attitudes on sustainability.
“The reports produced by the University were easy to understand and gave achievable recommendations. Before joining the University’s Managing Directors Club I had no idea that we had access to a wide range of people and services right on our doorstep. All businesses in the local community should be aware of the wealth of expertise the University has to offer.”
For more information about how the University can help local businesses, contact Ian Proctor of SABRE, on 0114 2225715 or email I.Proctor@sheffield.ac.uk