Quality visitors with money to spend

ACR Show hailed a success by exhibitors.

The ACR Show, the UK’s only dedicated event for the refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation, heating and heat pump sectors took place at the NEC, Birmingham from 16th – 18th February. There was a notable increase in the quality of visitors, with exhibitors reporting multiple leads and orders.

The decision to include h&v companies was a hit with visitors – nearly 30% expressed an interest in ventilation equipment and over a quarter, heating. Heat Pumps accounted for half the visitor number. The demand for air conditioning & refrigeration equipment was as strong as ever. 70% of visitors highlighted air conditioning equipment as an area of product interest. 55% were interested in refrigeration equipment; 41% refrigerants and a quarter, refrigerated display equipment. And they had money to spend too; nearly 40% of visitors had a budget of £200,000 or more.

Global air conditioning giant Gree is currently challenging the status quo in the UK HVACR market with the launch of Gree UK Limited, so there was naturally a lot of interest in what the company had to say at the event. Commenting at the end of a successful first day, sales director Tim Mitchell said: “Today has certainly been productive for us; it appears that decision makers are at the show and are specifically seeking us out.”

Commenting on behalf of Fujitsu, sales & marketing director, Ian Carroll, said: “We were very pleased with how The ACR Show went. This year, we welcomed a record number of visitors to the Fujitsu stand. Our new product ranges were well received and the show presented a good opportunity for customers to meet the team.”

Stanley Handling’s extensive range of powered stair climbers won rave reviews from exhibitors and visitors alike. Designed to safely move items like hot water tanks, boilers, furnaces, gas cylinders, major appliances, plumbing and heating supplies more, the event generated over 100 enquiries. Managing director, Graham Sharp said: “The ACR Show has opened up so many doors for us; we didn’t have a single time waster. It’s just a shame the event is only every two years. We’ll definitely be back.”

In addition to the 100+ companies exhibiting at the show, visitors enjoyed an extensive seminar programme on range of topics that affect their working day. Leading experts shared knowledge and advice in three seminar theatres: the Air Conditioning & Heat Pump Theatre sponsored by GREE; the Refrigeration & Cooling Theatre, sponsored by Opteon Refrigerants from Chemours and the Training & Careers Theatre, sponsored by Toshiba Carrier. Sessions included: Major issues of interest in BIM; Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery for commercial applications; New developments in Refrigerants and more.

Training & Careers was a key theme at this year’s show with the introduction of a dedicated theatre and national skills competition taking place at the event. The new CPD accredited Training & Careers Theatre, sponsored by Toshiba Carrier, covered a range of topics pertinent to the industry including TM44 inspections – reasons and benefits; the new Building Controls Professional Assessment and how it is helping to raise standards in the controls sector; the Index SEI that is destined to replace COP (Coefficient of Performance); the heat pump market and the effects of the government ditching green incentives; the PURR report; major issues of interest in BIM; energy efficiency from an engineer’s perspective and much more besides.

Silvia Romano, a member of the European partnership for Energy and the Environment secretariat addressed delegates in the Training & Careers theatre on the second day of the show. The EPEE represents the European heating, cooling, refrigeration and heat pump industry is very much committed to supporting the implementation of the EU F-Gas Regulation and its ambitious phase-down objectives. That is why EPEE is developing a new tool, the so-called “Gapometer”, aiming at defining a route towards a successful phase down of HFCs in Europe and will identify the biggest risks of gaps between required and actual progress. Silvia said: “We very much appreciated the opportunity to speak at such a key event on the calendar, particularly for UK stakeholders.”

The ACR Show also hosted the national SkillFRIDGE competition for the first time. The competition provides a potential launch pad for apprentices in the sector to compete internationally at vocational skills competition, WorldSkills. In August 2015 Team UK had great success with Chris Baillie (BA Refrigeration Ltd, and South East Regional College, Belfast) gaining silver medal and runner up at the WorldSkills competition in Sao Paulo Brazil.

“The national skillFRIDGE competition allows apprentices studying level 3 RAC to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and emotional intelligence in a pressurised environment,” said national SkillFRIDGE competition manager and lead assessor, Mark Forsyth.

The competition final required the six competitors demonstrate recognised industry skills and deliver on three main objectives. As such competitors had to demonstrate a core ability to follow instructions and solve problems in order to produce a ‘cold space’ at specified temperature and at the same time ensure an energy efficient refrigeration system.
The winner was Ashley Wilson, an RAC level 3 student at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) Northern Ireland and an apprentice for A1 refrigeration Ltd.

Ashley won over tough competition from Chris Hoy (South Eastern Regional College NI), Kaine Finlay (Eastleigh College), Scott Thomson (Glasgow Kelvin College), Adam Hussain (College North West London) and James Hughes (The Manchester College).

Ashley said “I am very proud to have won SkillFRIDGE, and honoured to have been given the opportunity to experience a great event like this, it really helps you think more about the workplace”.

The ACR Show was backed by all of the leading trade associations, including the Institute of Refrigeration (IOR), which also held its annual conference at the show; the Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA); Refcom; the Building and Engineering Services Association (BESA), British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF), Association of European Component Manufacturers (ASERCOM) and the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA).

For more information visit www.acrshow.com.

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Explore Offsite in the Housing Sector

23 & 24 March 2016 –NEC, Birmingham

The nation’s media has been reporting on a UK housing crisis for many months, but is there now a climate for change in the industry?

For those in the construction sector with fresh ideas and innovative technologies, this nationwide crisis has the potential to change the norm which governs the ways new homes are built. Experts have hailed offsite construction as the only way to respond to the demand for new housing. Moving the construction of houses into factories enables the build to take place both efficiently and economically, making the national shortage of labour less of a concern.

In order to rectify the current shortfalls, modern and innovative methods of construction must be adopted to provide sustainable, energy-efficient homes at a rapid rate. As a responsible housing provider there are many commitments to fulfil – environmentally, socially and financially. Achieving set objectives using traditional construction methods is a challenge – it is clear we have to build better homes at a faster pace. Social landlords have an obligation to their tenants to build sustainable, energy efficient homes.

Explore Offsite in the Housing Sector is your opportunity to involve yourself in the industry’s new ideas and technologies. Taking place 23 & 24 March 2016, at the NEC, Birmingham, the event will be a platform for construction clients, architects, engineers and contractors to come together and pave a way forward for the industry and the housing sector.

With an outstanding line-up of industry figures confirmed to share their expertise over the two days, this combined conference and exhibition is an essential event for any professional looking to delve a little deeper into the liveliest and most promising topic in UK construction.

Speakers include:

  • Video Address: Brandon Lewis MP – Minister of State for Housing and Planning
  • Tom Bloxham MBE – Chairman, Urban Splash
  • Rory Bergin – Partner: Sustainable Futures, HTA Design LLP
  • Oliver Novakovic – Technical and Innovation Director, Barratt Developments
  • Alex Goodfellow – Managing Director, Stewart Milne Timber Systems
  • Andy von Bradsky – Chair, Housing Forum & PRP Architects
  • Aidan Wilkie – Deputy Director: Housing Division, Department for Communities and Local Government
  • Tony Woods – Offsite Specialist, LHC
  • Stephen Wightman – Managing Director, Caledonian Modular
  • Calum Murray – Director, CCG (Scotland)
  • Jerry Harkness – Regional Development Director, Circle Housing
  • Jeremy Kape – Director of Property Investment, Affinity Sutton
  • Jeff Maxted – Director of Technical Consultancy, BLP Insurance
  • Peter Andrew – Deputy Chairman, HBF
  • Tom Ground – CEO, Legal & General Homes
  • James Pickard – Director, Cartwright Pickard
  • Ian Heptonstall – Director, Offsite Management School
  • Rob Charlton – CEO, Space Group
  • Stuart Carr -Director, Chapman Taylor Architects
  • Andrew Orgorzalek – Partner, PCKO Architects
  • Richard Jones – Partner, Arcadis LLP & Deputy Chair, Housing Forum
  • Simon Tanner – Y:Cube Development Consultant – YMCA
  • Greg Cooper – Pre Construction Manager, B & K Structures
  • Andrew Waugh – Director, Waugh Thistleton
  • Jay Shaw MBE – Head of Business Development, Snoozebox
  • Steve Reid – Chief Technical Officer, Enviga Geothermal

To book your ticket, or inquire about exhibitor opportunities, please visit our website at www.exploreoffsite.co.uk or call 01743 290001.

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New Date for PICV CPD

Marflow Hydronics has scheduled in a new date for its CPD training course on Pressure Independent Control Valves.

The CPD course is being held in Birmingham on 4th May and is free for anyone to attend. The half day session provides delegates with knowledge on how PICVs work, innovative pipe layouts and how to make systems more economical, including the introduction of electronic balancing. It’s aimed at consultants, designers, specifiers and key influencers who want to learn more about the products, improve their skills and specify, purchase or commission a PICV.

Nick Martin, Technical Manager at Marflow Hydronics says “PICVs are growing so much in popularity due to their numerous benefits, but to really get the best out of them then a user needs to fully understand them. Our course is set up to provide delegates with the knowledge they need to truly optimise the many advantages of the product.”

Places are limited, strictly on a first come first served basis, so immediate registration is recommended. To register or for more information visit www.marflowhydronics.co.uk/events, call 0121 358 2012 or email training@marflow.co.uk.

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GEZE UK is ‘The Automatic Choice’

GEZE UK has published a new technical guide to provide contractors, fabricators and architects with the information they need to specify the most appropriate and effective automatic operator.

Easy-to-use, ‘The Automatic Choice’ brochure encompasses GEZE’s extensive range of sliding, swing, revolving and folding doors including the latest Powerturn swing door drive and the Slimdrive range. This is supported by information and advice about how to specify the right products when taking in to account accessibility requirements, sustainability and industry regulations.

Available to download from the company’s website or in hard copy, the guide features double page spreads dedicated to each product with technical drawings and photography showcasing the products in situ across a range of different buildings. The detailed product data pages make comparisons between products quick and easy.

As well as GEZE’s complete range of automatic operators, it includes information about supporting products such as activation devices and safety systems, as well as advice about supply and installation, and repair and maintenance contracts.

Andy Howland, sales director of GEZE UK said: “We have worked hard to ensure that ‘The Automatic Choice’ technical guide is an invaluable tool for anyone looking to specify an automatic operator. It provides a comprehensive overview of all our automatic door systems allowing comparison between the benefits and functionality of different products to be carried out with ease.”

“This technical guide provides contactors, fabricators and architects with a good introduction to our range of products so they can make informed choices and select the best product for the job.”

‘The Automatic Choice’ brochure is available to download from GEZE’s website. Alternatively call 01543 443015 or email info.uk@geze.com for a printed brochure.

For more information www.geze.co.uk.

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GEZE UK supports BD Architect of the Year Awards

Leading door and window control system manufacturer, GEZE UK has reinforced its commitment to architects and specifiers by sponsoring an award at the BD Architect of the Year Awards.

The Office Architect of the Year Award is open to architects working on the design of offices whether new built or refurbishments of existing structures. Eight leading architects have been shortlisted, and the winner will be announced at the London Excel Platinum Suite on Wednesday 9th March. Hosted by Stephen Fry the prestigious event will be celebrating the 12th edition of the awards and will be held on the evening of Ecobuild’s Architecture day.

Speaking about the awards, Kaz Spiewakowski, managing director of GEZE said: “We work closely with architects on a daily basis to help make their vision become a reality and are delighted to be sponsoring the Office Architect of the Year Award.

“The quality of all the practices shortlisted demonstrates just how much talent there is in the UK and reinforces the country’s position as a centre of innovative architectural design.”

Founded in Germany in 1863, GEZE is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of door and window control systems. Investing millions in research, development and manufacture of innovative solutions, GEZE sets the global standard for advanced door and window technology.

For more information about GEZE’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk.

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Armstrong Ceilings set to debut at Resource 2016

Armstrong Ceilings’ sustainability guru also set to present recycling and Cradle to Cradle case studies.

Leading UK manufacturer Armstrong Ceilings is debuting at Resource 2016 AND delivering a presentation in the exhibition’s #buildcircular learning hub seminar.

The company’s sustainability manager Jeremy Sumeray will talk on the Wednesday (March 9th, 2-3pm) about how architects and specifiers can take lifecycle into account in specification via the use of appropriate materials and resource-efficient product design.

He will also discuss how these factors drive innovation, what the motives are and what the payback is for owners, using case studies that show how Armstrong has recycled old ceilings and installed Cradle to Cradle-certified products to provide safe, healthy and endlessly reusable materials as lifecycle thinking in practice.

Armstrong’s stand (R8030) at the event, which co-locates with Ecobuild (March 8-10) at ExCel, will reinforce the company’s position as the world’s first mineral ceiling tile manufacturer to win Cradle to Cradle certification for a single tile, and then a complete range, as well as its pioneering of ceiling recycling schemes in the UK.

Visitors to the stand will be entered into a prize draw to win a Cradle to Cradle certified Herman Miller Setu chair.

For more information please visit www.armstrongceilings.co.uk.

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Chapter House of St Paul’s Cathedral becomes a more ecologically efficient office

Grade II* Listed Chapter House is a striking building sitting adjacent to the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral, it was designed by Christopher Wren and his son and built between 1712-1714.

The building was originally used as accommodation for the Dean and other members of the Chapter. However, after suffering severe damage during the Second World War it was refurbished in the 1950s into offices, and has since been viewed as the administrative heart of the Cathedral.

Recently Chapter House underwent a major revamp to bring it up to modern and ecological office standards. A key requirement was to improve the thermal insulation throughout the building, retaining the buildings heat and reducing energy bills.

As a specialist in the design, manufacture and installation of secondary glazing, Selectaglaze was specified as its tested products can reduce heat loss by up to 50%. This can be achieved by the bespoke fitting of the secondary glazing alongside the use of high performance seals.

A number of Selectaglaze slime line products were used to suit the various window styles and sizes. These units were mainly chosen as the units are discreet, and a reversible adaptation and are accepted by heritage agencies across the UK.

Over 120 units have been installed in six different colour finishes to match the existing frames.

Established in 1966 and Royal Warrant holders since 2004, Selectaglaze has a wealth of experience working in all building types, as well as an extensive range of products to suit all projects.

For further information, literature and test results, please contact Selectaglaze on 01727 837271/e-mail:enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk or visit: www.selectaglaze.co.uk.

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It’s a cover up!

Although modern renovation plasters are a superb alternative to tradional types; don’t overlook the possibilities impervious coverings – along with hybrid and insulated plasterboards. So says Hudson Lambert, director of Safeguard Europe.

Impervious coverings come in a few varieties, yet easily the most popular are meshed cavity drainage membranes. These are attached to walls using special fixing plugs, and then can be plastered over using traditional gypsum, lime or other plasters. Effective as they are, it should be remembered that despite a notional air gap behind the membrane, these systems are not breathable and will drive rising damp further up the wall unless controlled at source using a high specification remedial damp-proofing cream or rod.

More recently, fleeced DPMs are a natural development from meshed cavity drainage membranes. First, a flexible waterproof adhesive is applied to wall, then the fleeced DPM applied over adhesive and, finally, traditional plasters can be applied on top.

These have the same disadvantages as meshed cavity drainage membranes; yet are faster to apply and their lower profile makes it easier to blend them in with existing plaster finishes.

Beyond these two types of membrane are new systems based around ‘hybrid’ plasterboard. The design intention of these is to utilise the convenience of plasterboard, yet enhance it to reliably allow its on walls susceptible to damp. This is especially useful in situations where speed is important (e.g. tenanted properties where decanting may be inconvenient) and decoration can take place as soon as the system is installed (when using dry joints rather than a plaster skim).

Although they are not suitable where wall surfaces are particularly uneven, they are Breathable (except where foil-backed or insulated plasterboard is used) and BBA approved types are available – which acts as reassurance to clients such as local authorities.

Installation is relatively straightforward: water-repellent/salt-disrupting silane cream is applied to wall and plasterboard applied in the traditional way (although water/salt resistant MS-polymer adhesive is used instead of traditional gypsum-based plasterboard adhesive). ‘Synergistic’ chemistry ensures a high strength chemical bond between the silane cream and the MS-polymer adhesive (due to covalent bonding between the silane components of both materials).

While a plaster skim is usually applied over the plasterboard, using a ‘dry jointing’ method allows the fastest results – and means walls can be re-plastered and re-decorated in less than 24 hours.

If required, the system can be used in conjunction with insulated plasterboard. However, as is always the case when using internal wall insulation, certain precautions are required to minimise condensation risk and it will hinder drying out of the wall compared with when standard (porous) plasterboard is used.

For more information please visit www.safeguardeurope.com.

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A cool solution from SE Controls for Sydney’s Netball Central

Netball Central, Sydney Olympic Park’s state of the art netball complex, is using a natural ventilation solution from SE Controls’ Australian systems partner, Unique Window Services (UWS), to deliver precise, energy efficient control over indoor air quality and temperature at the centre.

The natural ventilation system uses four compact SE Controls NVLogiQ zone controllers, which constantly monitor a range of indoor air quality parameters, including carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature and humidity to maintain a comfortable environment for teams and spectators.

Air quality in each of four zones in the centre’s upper and lower levels are monitored by the NVLogiQ units and if it exceeds any of the pre-defined environment set-point limits the controllers trigger the automatic opening of high and low level louvres to provide ventilation or cooling.

In normal operation, the principle of thermal stacking is used with warm stale air being vented through the high level vents, which has the effect of drawing cooler and fresher replacement air into the building via the low level louvres.

In addition to the NVLogiQ controllers, 10 dedicated SE Controls PSUs were also installed as part of the system, which ensure each louvre responds precisely to the signals received from the controller and provides the correct level of ventilation.

The system is also configured to provide night purge cooling at the end of each day, which not only helps reduce the internal temperature, but by fully opening the vents it also ensures that stratified air is removed along with any airborne pollutants that have built up during the day.

Shane Grice, UWS Managing Director, explained: “As an SE Controls technology partner, we have access to their advanced monitoring and control systems, which allow us to design and install highly effective and efficient ventilation solutions, which have proven to be of significant benefit on this an a number of other key projects.”

He added: “The demand for highly energy efficient building is an essential part of managing the global environment, and for prestige buildings, such as Netball Central, it’s important that they set the standard for low energy cooling and building management solutions.”

Further information on SE Controls’ products, solutions and projects can be obtained by visiting www.secontrols.com or calling +44 (0) 1543 443060.

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NEW – Stannah Stairiser CR: The slimmest platform lift on the market – updated!

The already ground breaking Stairiser range has some exciting new updates! The lift is designed to carry one person safely up a straight or curved stairway – seated in a wheelchair, or on the fold down seat provided – for when a passenger lift simply isn’t an option.

The Stairiser CR, or ‘curved rail’ model, now boasts the same compact drive motor as its sister ‘straight rail’, or SR, range. This means the lift fits in tight squeeze public places, improving access for wheelchair users, whilst keeping the stairway free for regular use.

Stairiser CR is now not only easier to use and maintain but it is also more energy efficient. The updated unit uses a single-phase power supply rather than the previous three-phase and a new state of the art digital diagnostic display helps you identify any problems and shows running times. This means a skilled Stannah engineer can now identify a fault over the phone and arrive ready with anything you might need to get your lift back in perfect working order. With a new improved speed of up to 0.15m/s, the Stairiser CR is now offering reduced journey time whilst maintaining rider comfort.

Previously a charged extra, radio controlled hall calls are now as standard – they can be portable or wall mounted, so no messy wiring or disruptive builders work will slow your installation down. For added reassurance, battery backup is supplied as standard.

Our Stairiser inclined platform lifts are ideal access solutions, if your building cannot accommodate a vertical lift, helping you offer an even bigger welcome to wheelchair users.
For internal or external use, both models are fully automatic and easy to operate by the wheelchair user and /or a companion, carrying one person seated in a wheelchair or on the seat provided.

The Stairiser SR and CR are available with different mounting configurations for maximum flexibility, for load requirement and building type and comes in a wide range of platform sizes and finishes. All statutory guidance is met, including the Equality Act 2010.

For full information on the new features of the Stairiser CR, visit the Stannah website: www.stannahlifts.co.uk/platform-lifts/inclined/

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