P C Henderson wins export award at this year’s North East Business Awards

Sliding and folding door hardware manufacturer, P C Henderson, has been crowned the winner in the Export category at this years’ North East Business Awards – Durham, Sunderland and South Tyneside region.

Shortlisted against two other leading companies from the region, P C Henderson went through two rounds of judging before being announced as the winner at a prestigious awards dinner held at Ramside Hall in Durham.

The awards, held in association with the North East England Chamber of Commerce, is the biggest of its kind in the UK and aims to celebrate successful and innovative businesses achieving fantastic things in the North East of England. Attended by over 400 people, a total of 12 awards were given out on the evening across a variety of categories. P C Henderson will now go on to compete against the winners of the Northumberland and Teesside heats in order to win the overall Export Award for the North East of England.

Commenting on the good news, Trevor Cossins, Managing Director at P C Henderson, said “We are delighted to be once again recognised for our exporting achievements. Taking a tailored and localised approach to each specific market has allowed us to significantly grow and sustain the exporting side of the business. This has resulted in us now exporting to over 70 countries worldwide and our export sales accounting for over 65% of our total business sales”.

Sponsored by the Port of Sunderland, the Export Award aims to encourage and recognise companies that have generated substantial and sustained increases in export activity. Judging criteria for the award took into account the level of exports in relation to the size of the company, barriers that the company has had to overcome as well as the complexity of markets entered.

Paul Olvhoj, Sales Manager at Port of Sunderland and a member of the judging panel for the award commented “In a very strong category we believe P C Henderson showed a real strategy for growth into new markets, they really impressed with a clear global vision backed up by strong marketing work”.

This is now the second time that P C Henderson has been commended for its exporting successes and achievements, the company was awarded SME Exporter of the Year at last year’s North East Export Awards.

P C Henderson has been driving its expansion into new geographic markets with recent focus on USA, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and UAE. The company’s outstanding export strategy has seen its sliding and folding door hardware specified across the globe in hotels, restaurants, offices, shops, homes, warehouses as well as agricultural, industrial and educational buildings.

For more information please visit www.pchenderson.com.
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Altro retains its place in the prestigious Sunday Times Top 100

Altro has been ranked 83 in the coveted Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For 2018 list. This is the 11th time the family-founded, Letchworth-based company has featured in this prestigious list.

The Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For list is the annual ranking of ‘the cream of Britain’s happy and motivated workforces’. With more than 1,000 companies registered to take part, it is considered the most extensive research into employee engagement carried out in the UK.

Altro’s 350 UK employees were invited to take part in the survey, which asked questions about how the support they receive from the company, their training and development and opportunities for career growth, amongst others. The company again scored well, showing a continued commitment to employees.

Altro’s CEO, Richard Kahn, said “We are delighted to be selected for the eleventh time as one of the top 100 companies to work for in the UK. Since 1919 we have kept an ethos of family in the workplace, as we value our employees and the contributions they make. We are happy to see that our employees agree, which means we are continuing to provide a supportive and family-orientated environment that we have always committed ourselves to for nearly 100 years.

 

For more information please visit www.altro.co.uk.
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Vortice launches new website

Vortice has launched its new website for the UK market at www.vortice.ltd.uk. The site is mobile-friendly and in keeping with the group’s corporate websites around the world. Customers can order online, view technical details for each product and compare different products by specification.

Finance and Marketing Manager Hayley Powell said “We hope our customers find our new UK website easy to access, navigate and to purchase from. It contains a mine of information about all of our products as well as details about our CPD programme and BPEC installers training course.”

The new website includes details of distributors around the UK as well as downloadable product catalogues and details of how best to obtain technical and design advice.

For more information please visit www.vortice.ltd.uk.
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New CIBSE Accredited Seminar Explores Heat Interface Unit Test Standard from BESA

Evinox Energy has launched a new CIBSE accredited CPD seminar following the introduction of the first UK test standard for Heat Interface Units from BESA (British Engineering Services Association).

This new standard is regarded as an important step towards improving the overall performance of British district heating schemes and its key objective is to enable the performance of different HIUs to be evaluated within the context of typical UK operating conditions. Thereby enabling heat network developers to consider the performance of specific HIUs against design requirements.

Until now, it has been a common misconception that heat interface units are “one size fits all”; results from the BESA tests show that this certainly isn’t the case for today’s modern systems – the network design and HIU specification must be closely matched to ensure optimum performance and the HIU must deliver the widest delta T and lowest return temperatures possible in all operational modes.

The Evinox seminar explores all aspects of the test regime and discusses how for the first time, designers and specifiers will be able to see the impact of a specific HIU on their network. Entitled “Understanding the BESA Test Standard for HIUs (VWARTS and All)”, the seminar is accredited by The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and provides credits towards consulting engineers’ Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

This 60-minute seminar is ideal for M&E consultants or housing providers interested in finding out more about the latest standard for communal & district heating systems and can be held at client’s premises or at the Evinox Energy offices in Chessington.

Contact Evinox today to arrange a seminar on 01372 722277 or complete the contact form on the website.
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Rinnai hot water – instant, continuous, limitless and sensibly economic

Installers, specifiers and end users’ installers have the most practical and economically viable solution for all domestic and commercial hot water heating and delivery needs in Rinnai’s comprehensive range of energy efficient A rated, electronically controlled continuous flow gas fired units and systems.

The natural gas or LPG water heaters guarantee a limitless supply of accurately temperature controlled safe and useable hot water, time after time after time to any type or size of site or application. The Rinnai range delivers energy saving performance and low greenhouse emissions through new low NOx burner technology.

All units and systems can be installed as stand-alone or manifolded to provide unlimited hot water for the largest of all commercial sites such as big hotels, busy gyms, high rise offices etc.

Water temperature is and can be pre-set through easy-to-use built in digital controls, eliminating the risk of scalding and potentially eradicating the need for thermostatic mixing valves. Water can be used simultaneously at several points of delivery with no fluctuation of temperature. The newly updated Rinnai Infinity range is designed for use directly off the mains, with no need for large, ungainly and energy inefficient storage vessels.

For example, Rinnai’s Infinity 16i continuous flow water heater is designed to meet the hot water needs of domestic and light commercial applications. The Infinity 16i, weighing just 18kg and measuring less than 675mm (H) x 139mm (W), has a delivery capacity of 15.2 litres per minute, at a temperature rise of 25°.

Rinnai Heavy Duty water heaters are high efficiency gas continuous flow water heaters with outputs up to 69kW. The Rinnai Heavy Duty HD50i Internal water heater is a wall hung, gas fired, continuous flow water heater capable of producing hot water at 770 litres per hour at a 50°C rise. The HD50i has a 125mm concentric flue which can be extended up to 15m, less 1m per 45° bend.

Compact and reliable, the HD50i operates between 1-10 bar pressure, which is suitable for mains and systems with boost pumps. Incoming water temperatures in excess of 60°C are accepted, making the HD50i suitable for secondary return systems. Water can be delivered at high volume with minimum gas consumption. All models have full electronic ignition with no pilot light and operate on demand only, consuming no gas when not in use.

All Rinnai internal HDC condensing continuous flow water heaters, are room-sealed, power flue appliances while the external weatherproof models have forced exhaust which enables them to be compact, saving both floor and wall space.

Rinnai’s unique condensing technology incorporates two heat exchangers to achieve optimum water heating generated from every cubic metre of Natural Gas or LPG. The condensing process delivers up to 95% thermal efficiency, which translates to significant energy savings when compared to standard on-demand water heaters or conventional stored systems.

For applications where the use of stored hot water cannot be avoided, i.e. in refurbishments where there may be a constraint on the amount of gas available, usually through the gas main size, Rinnai’s ‘pack’ system covers this shortfall by fitting a small amount of storage capacity.

Rinnai Gas Hot Water Storage Pack represents the best value-for-money solution on the market today with everything delivered direct to site in one complete package

The pack consists of up to five heavy duty water heaters with an equal number of flue kits (for internal heaters) or an equal number of pipe cover boxes (for external models) and sufficient valve packs. Also included is one hot water storage vessel (stainless steel 300L, 500L or 800L glass lined steel) along with necessary valves and one primary pump with valves and one unvented kit. Add to this an expansion vessel of either 50L or 80L capacity, and all relevant valves. Common header flue systems are also available to further stream line the installation.

Typical applications for the commercial ranges include cafés, nurseries, factories and offices, laundries, hotels and restaurants, sports clubs, shower blocks in caravan parks – and many more.

Rinnai has also embraced renewables in the form of the Rinnai Booster, which, it claims, is the most energy efficient boosting solution on the market today. The water heater maximises solar gain, as it only functions and consumes energy when more hot water is needed to boost the solar gain, meaning that the true impact of solar is being achieved. The rest of the time the unit is inactive.

Rinnai continuous flow hot water systems deliver on all levels in a cost effective and practical manner. Easy to install and operate the units provide a flexible and energy efficient solution for domestic applications and for all sectors of business and industry.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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Richard Reeve to take Axim to new heights

TPG, The Parkside Group Limited is pleased to announce that Richard Reeve, Sales Director will be exclusively looking after one of its major divisions, Axim Architectural Hardware.

Richard has been with TPG for 15 years and is excited to take the leading hardware brand to even greater heights. Richard said, “Axim is one of the most trusted brands in the industry for reliability and quality. Axim celebrated 30 years of business last year and having worked throughout the industry I know that the Axim TC-8800 series of Concealed Transom Closers is well known for its superb long-term performance and as part of TPG, Axim, is backed up by market leading delivery to its European wide distributor and partner network.”

Over the last 30 years Axim has extensively developed its product range to include all the hardware that top quality commercial doors require. Richard commented that “Everyone knows the top performer the Axim TC Series of Concealed Closers, however, I am not sure that everyone is aware of how extensive the Axim product range is. The Axim PR Series Panic Exit range is comprehensive, and the Axim Panic Exit Locking Handle is one of the most high-quality products I have seen which fits across the entire range.”

The Axim branded product range includes Emergency and Panic Exit Devices that are certified to BS EN 179 and BS EN 1125, a range of handles including D-handles, Lever Handles, Pad Handles, Pull Handles and Tube Handles, Floor Springs which can take a door weight of up to 150Kg, Locks including Mortice, Dead Latch, Extension Flush Bolts for security slave doors.

The Axim TC-8800 Series of Concealed Transom Closer will fit most major manufacture’s doors and has 3 different strengths. The TC 9900 is a universal closer which is ideal for repair and maintenance and where closers have failed, the TC9900 offers a fast solution without the need for costly repairs.

Richard continues “Axim is known very well in the aluminium door industry, however the Surface Mounted Door Closer, the Axim FC Series, offers a solution for both aluminium and timber doors, in fact it even comes as standard with fixings to suit both materials. This means that installers and distributors can minimise the closers they carry, and the Axim FC-1000 Series has been tested for Fire Rating to BS 476-22 1987.”

Offering innovative solutions has been at the fore of Axim and launching new products such as the Axim ES-2100 Electric Strike a remote access product that offers installers a reduction in installation and maintenance time. The Axim LK-2100 Reversible Deadlatch offers a non-handed solution which means that installers and distributors can reduce their stock-holding by only stocking one Deadlatch instead of two.

Last year Axim had a face-lift with a new revamped logo, which joined the new website and Technical Literature which offers extensive technical, specification and installation information with speedy navigation to get you to the place you need to be.

Axim designs and supplies a comprehensive in-stock range of transom closers, panic exit devices, electric strikes, deadlatches, surface mounted door closers, floor-springs, flush-bolts, letter-plates, locks and handles through a pan-European distributor supply chain.

For more information please contact Axim on 0208 685 9685, email axim@parksidegroup.co.uk or visit www.axim.co.uk

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Built Environment as key to solving country’s productivity conundrum

Former Director-General of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Lord Digby Jones has cited the UK’s Built Environment priorities of housing and infrastructure as key to solving the country’s productivity conundrum, providing the younger generation with homes and jobs to deliver economic growth for the country.

Speaking at the launch of the Built Environment Communications Group (becg), Lord Jones said “With our growth forecasts dropping and productivity remaining stubbornly low, housing and infrastructure, alongside skills, are the vital economic drivers as we navigate through Brexit. Our next generation needs Parliament to unite its focus on their future for the sake of the country’s prosperity.”

Lord Jones’ comments were made at the launch event of becg, the UK’s largest specialist communications agency for the Built Environment. Formed from the rebrand and repositioning of the Remarkable Group and incorporating the heritage, expertise and team from specialist property communications agency HardHat, becg will have a 90-strong national team across eight UK offices. This has created one brand, with a clear mission to deliver expert counsel and multi-disciplinary communications services for the Built Environment sectors.

Reflecting Lord Jones’ comments, becg chief executive Stephen Pomeroy said: “Our Built Environment impacts on every aspect of our lives. For our country to succeed we need a better Built Environment that supports our economic growth and provides the foundation for society to thrive. Our next generation is at the heart of this – giving them the homes and jobs they need to help our economy flourish.

“We know that this success can be hindered by national and regional policy, media misunderstanding and barriers and delays to planning and development – there is no quick fix, but effective and expert communication has a clear role in helping to resolve the frustrations and ensure quality and quantity. Working together across public and private sector, we can address the challenge of delivering a better Built Environment.

“In becg, we have created a UK market leader to advise those who are deliverers of our evolving Built Environment. As a multidisciplinary agency we will continue to provide expert advice with unrivalled national, regional and local networks to provide our clients with solutions that deliver commercial value, maximise opportunities and reduce risk.

“Too often, crucial Built Environment projects can be delayed due to a lack of understanding of the benefits they can bring to individuals, communities and the wider economy. At becg we are dedicated to communicating the vision of our clients as they shape a better Built Environment, and to genuinely engage with government, media and stakeholder communities.”

becg’s client base spans all aspects of the Built Environment, with residential and commercial property – including land acquisition, development and housebuilding; energy and environment – including energy generation and supply, recycling and waste management; and infrastructure – including transport, health, education and retail.

To find out more about becg and its specialist communications offering for the Built Environment, visit: www.becg.com.

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Alumasc launches BIM Level 2 for ‘all metal’ Rainwater

Alumasc Rainwater, part of Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS), is the first and only manufacturer to provide BIM Level 2 content (Building Information Modelling) for a complete range of metal rainwater – Aluminium, Cast Iron and Steel. This means specifiers, engineers and contractors can now access the files they need for metal rainwater from one BIM model.

The leading manufacturer of metal rainwater systems has developed its BIM files so specifiers and contractors can benefit from a new slimmer version too. This has been completed in response to feedback and requests from customers to receive smaller files.

BIM files from Alumasc Rainwater are modelled to achieve an accurate external space envelope and connection detail. But file sizes increase with model detail, so in the new slimmer model it has been stripped of non-essential details such as logos, small radii, internal strengthening ribs, fasteners & fixings. This means files can be accessed much more easily and quickly.

BIM is a process for creating and managing information on a construction project across the project lifecycle. Introduced by Government in 2011 initially for public sector projects, the benefits of BIM can be realised for the private sector too. The aim of BIM is to improve efficiencies, reduce risk, encourage better planning, and reduce operational costs. 3D models are developed based on information assembled by manufacturers, architects and specifiers and updated at key stages of a project.

BIM files for Alumasc Rainwater’s all metal range can be downloaded from www.alumascrainwater.co.uk. For more information call 01536 383810.
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The silence of international design

Setter Architects in Israel have designed stunning new offices for several international companies, including Palo Alto Networks, one of the world’s most innovative technology organisations. The link between these projects is the way their interiors all benefit from high performance acoustic ceilings manufactured by Troldtekt in Denmark.

Palo Alto Networks is a company involved in developing cyber defence solutions. Located on the 24th floor of a complex of multi-storey office towers in a colourful and historical part of Tel Aviv, the design inspiration is the introduction of eclectic low-tech external elements to the interior. These include steel window profiles and garage doors, exposed bricks, old textured glass to divide public spaces and historic artefacts.

All employees, including managers, work in open spaces located at the perimeter of the floor, alongside the windows. Transparent high partitions enable intimacy and improve acoustics, yet allow the urban feel of the outside environment to flow in.

Palo Alto benefits from stunning aesthetics and controlled environments which absorb the sounds and reverberations from hard surfaces and the natural echoes of a very busy offices. The superior acoustic performance of the ceilings is combined with different forms of lighting, air-conditioning and amplifiers. Apart from high sound absorption, other benefits include durability and natural breathability coupled with low cost performance and sustainability as documented by Cradle to Cradle certification at silver level.

Troldtekt natural wood wool ceiling panels are widely specified throughout the UK, Europe and internationally for many different buildings as well as for refurbished interiors. They are available in various sizes and in four grades from extreme fine to coarse. Although most are used in their natural untreated state, they can also be painted in virtually any RAL colour.

For samples and comprehensive technical information tel 01978 664255 or visit www@troldtekt.co.uk.
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Rinnai – combined heating and hot water systems

Rinnai is now offering a complete package in a combined heating and hot water system for all commercial and domestic applications.

Rinnai is offering three sizes of boiler –50kW, 75kW and 100kW –to its range of HE continuous flow gas water heaters, thus giving a one-stop shop to installers. The package, for all a site’s heating and hot water needs – are delivered direct to site or wherever needed. Rinnai can also offer compete flexibility when it comes to designing combined systems.

Lots of installations utilise Rinnai’s proven, energy efficient continuous flow water heaters use multiple units for example, schools, hotels and gyms and spas. Now installers can very easily manifold two or three Rinnai Infinity continuous flow water heaters with, for example, two boilers via a common flue and on the same cascade rig.

Rinnai UK Associate Director Chris Goggin says “System thinking is what is going to give us the edge as we head into a future where fuel prices are going to need to be managed with pin-point precision.”

This ‘system thinking’ approach has led Rinnai to offer a service to design and deliver a complete heating and hot water system in one easy to install, fully specified and energy efficient ‘pack’ delivered direct to site meeting all the demands of the client in one seamless operation.

“Why would busy installers and end users want waste their time planning and then assembling all the parts of a jigsaw when Rinnai can specify, design and deliver the total solution?”, says Goggin.

“System thinking is so much more effective from design to delivery, through installation and throughout the system’s life time,” concludes Goggin.

A total solution including water heaters, flues, scale protection, unvented cylinders, valves, prefabrication racks, advanced BMS controls – even water sampling equipment – can be specified, designed and delivered by Rinnai.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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