Stuart O'Brien, Author at Facilities Management Forum | Forum Events Ltd - Page 61 of 87
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Stuart O'Brien

Last call for the Total Security Summit
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Time is running out to secure the remaining complimentary VIP delegate spaces and supplier stands at the Total Security Summit, which takes place on October 8th & 9th at the Renaissance Hotel in Manchester.

The Summit is a highly-focused event that brings security professionals together for one-to-one business meetings, interactive seminars and valuable networking opportunities.

Over two days delegates will meet with credible suppliers who will be able to talk through projects, concerns and obstacles, offering the best advice as well cost saving solutions.

Confirmed solution providers include F-24 Ltd, Alternative Systems Protection, Dataminr, Frontier Pitts, Gallagher, Gunnebo, Lenel, Nedap, S2 Security, Simons Voss, Touchless Biometric Systems, Touchstar, TYSO/Johnson Controls, VSG, Brit Sec, Burg-Watcher, Cathexis Europe, Dual Stream, GMS Group, Key Tracker, Meyertech, Risco Group, Thorn Security, Vicon Security and more.

Confirmed delegates include representatives from Allsaints, BBC, Bristol UWE, CEX, Discovery Communications, Elysium Healthcare, Fulham Football Club, Greggs, Jaguar Land Rover, JD Sports, Lloyds Bank, Manchester Airport Group, NuGeneration, Rank Group, Save the Children International, South West Yorkshire NHS Trust, Skybet and Gaming, Tesco Stores Plc, The Hut Group, Virgin Media, Whitbread Group PLC, University College London, Zurich and more.

Delegates will also learn about the latest security trends in educational seminar sessions led by some of the industry’s leading lights, including a keynote from Christine Morrison, Director, CMA Training. Other sessions include:-

The Road To The Truth – Why Would I Admit My Wrong Doing?

Alan Grocott, WZ EU Instructor, Wicklander-Zulawski Europe

Counter Terrorism Top Tips for Business

Chris Phillips, MD, The International Protect and Prepare Security Office

GDPR – What Has It Done For The Security Industry?

Simon Hinks, GDPR Practitioner, PMA Ltd

Luke Webster, Portfolio Manager at Forum Events, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by demand for the Summit, which promises to be our biggest yet – we look forward to welcoming everyone for two days of business and networking.”

To secure a complimentary delegate place, call Leanne Webster on 01992 374066 or email leanne.webster@forumevents.co.uk.

To attend as a supplier, call Haydn Boxall on 01992 374084 or email h.boxall@forumevents.co.uk.

For more information, visit www.totalsecuritysummit.co.uk.

Do you offer FM Software solutions? We want to hear from you!
By:

Each month on FM Briefing we’re be shining the spotlight on a different part of the facilities management market – and in October we’ll be focussing on FM Software services.

It’s all part of our new ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help FM industry buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re a supplier of FM Software services and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Stuart O’Brien on stuart.obrien@mimrammedia.com.

Here are the areas we’ll be covering, month by month:

October – FM Software

November – Asset Management

December – Business Continuity

For more information on any of the above, contact Stuart O’Brien on stuart.obrien@mimrammedia.com.

GUEST BLOG: How IoT is changing the waste water industry
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Kelly Potter, Marketing Associate, Transcendent Corporation

Water is perhaps one of the most precious natural resources. With rapid urbanization, the resource is becoming scarce quickly.

For organisations and systems that operate in the water industry, there has been the dependency on Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems to monitor some parts of the water distributions systems, yet the practical limitation of its installation points has restricted its use.

As stated in IoT and Hospitality, “The number of connected devices will grow by two billion objects in 2006 to a projected 200 billion by 2020.” With the growing number of connected devices, the water industry is taking advantage of IoT sensors to monitor water levels, chemical leaks, and even regulate water flows.

IoT in water treatment uses the concept of smart sensors installed at various points in the water system. These sensors collect data and send it back to the monitoring systems. This data could include, water quality, temperature changes, pressure changes, water leak detection, and chemical leakage detection.

In the simplest form, IoT in water treatment lies a reliable communication technology that is used to send data from physical objects over a wireless channel to a computer with smart analyzing software. Smartphones and tablets can have apps that connect to the cloud or be integrated with an EAM CMMS system to access the IoT sensor data in real-time. This technology can help technicians, engineers, and other facility management staff to get insights wherever they are or places engineers typically can’t reach.

An IoT enabled smart water sensor can track quality, pressure, and temperature of water. In fact, a sensor solution can measure liquid flow and can be used by a water utility company to track the flow across the whole treatment plant. This can also be a handy tool to incorporate with an EAM CMMS so you can track all the data for the plant in one easy solution. Engineers can then access this data, interpret the data, and make suggestions and send to the facility manager.

IoT can also play a role in leak detection and send an immediate alert to a remote dashboard. These notifications are immediate where as if an engineer had to check the levels by hand or on foot it could take hours for a problem to be detected. Now, it allows the engineer to address the issue faster, find a solution, and move on to the next task.

Lastly, another huge benefit to IoT in wastewater management is the detection of residual chemicals after treatment. This can be used to calculate the efficacy of the selected treatment process and ensure the release of chemicals stays within permissible limits.

This type of sensor can also help detect and reduce the spreading of legionella throughout a facility. Legionella is spread through mist, such as from air-conditioning units of buildings and can be very dangerous for employees. IoT has many benefits and can increase the productivity of staff, keep them out of harm’s way, and reduce unnecessary costs for facility management.

How an EAM/CMMS Can Help the Waste Water Industry

An EAM organizes the physical and fiscal information of enterprise assets on one platform, follows the work flows associated with managing assets, supports the business processes of managing the receiving, assigning, deploying, and retiring assets. From an operational perspective, it tracks the physical whereabouts of the assets, who have custody of them at any point of time, and the physical condition of the assets.

The CMMS tracks the maintenance activities and costs for the equipment that require maintenance. mEAM tracks the entire enterprise asset portfolio, including IT and physical assets, equipment and buildings, fixed assets and consumables, while CMMS tracks a subset of that.

EAM will track the life cycle of your water system allowing staff to prepare for maintenance in the future to protect not only your assets but your consumers.

An EAM combined with the benefits of IoT software can increase productivity among staff, decrease risk of injury for staff, and reduce unnecessary costs that are being spent in a reactive manner rather than a preventive or proactive approach.

Kelly Potter is a Marketing Associate for Transcendent Corporation. She has lived in Tampa for four years and graduated from the University of Central Florida with a B.A. in Communications and a Minor in English-Writing. Kelly has written hundreds of blogs focusing around EAM CMMS technology and the use of these solutions within facilities around the world.

CASE STUDY: The Restaurant Group – Energy Reduction Strategy
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By Alan Little, Business Development Manager, ECA Group

The Restaurant Group Plc (TRG) is a significant player in the UK casual dining market, operating over 500 restaurants and pubs which include Frankie and Benny’s, Chiquito, Coast to Coast, Garfunkel’s, Firejacks, Brunning & Price and Joe’s Kitchen.

They also operate a concession business which trades over 60 outlets across more than 30 brands, primarily in UK airports.

One of TRG’s core principals is sustainability and as such a decision was taken in 2013 to implement an energy management programme to reduce wastage across all sites.

ECA manage TRG’s entire portfolio and provide energy procurement, bill validation, compliance and energy management services.

ECA’s Approach

ECA created a strategy to monitor and highlight energy wastage which included regular and detailed consumption analysis, tailored reporting, remote management of exceptions directly with sites, site surveys and behavioural change sessions.

Historic consumption data was analysed against operational hours and other site benchmarks to create profile targets for each meter and site. Monitoring of HH & AMR data on a daily basis using profile usage alarms detected consumption outside targeted thresholds.

These were investigated by speaking directly to site staff to determine the cause and put measures in place to prevent recurrence.

Where a cause could not be established remotely a site survey was arranged to investigate possible causes and rectify issues on site where possible.

Some of the issues that were regularly identified included, broken equipment, misunderstanding of how to use equipment settings for the best effect, and general wastage behaviours such as having equipment on when it is not required.

ECA also attended local and national group events to deliver energy saving tips and advice to TRG staff.

Results

ECA has provided its Virtuous Energy reduction service since 2013 and has achieved year on year savings averaging 5.3% against a target of 2.5%. Last year (2017) we achieved savings of around £500K.

ECA Group – TRG Group Service supplier of the Year

In July this year ECA were awarded service supplier of the year, a fantastic achievement as they were selected from over 100 suppliers.

ECA are still providing this service to TRG and we expect further savings going forwards.

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: Simplicity Storage – Smart storage for agile workspaces
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By Simplicity Storage

With a traditional office move a desk, chair and pedestal or locker goes with each member of staff. But how about when a business moves to a more agile, flexible way of working?

We find project managers talk about the percentage of hot-desks that’s needed. Usually looking to provide a 60% or 70% desk-to-person ratio. But when we start talking to them about storage they’ll ask for a locker per person or even more. That’s something we’ll challenge them on. Because how can you have a flexible office space when you don’t have flexible storage?

Our Simplicity storage solution is dynamic and flexible. Staff can move from one floor to another without any help from facilities management. Each locker has an LED light which shows green when vacant and red when in-use. The user taps their building or storage access card on the front of the locker and pushes the door to open it. It’s then assigned to that user.

We also offer a software package called Releezme. The software integrates with access control and HR systems. It allows the client to automate system enrolment. And sends automated notifications to users. Plus, while we can’t create storage rules for our clients, Releezme will manage that for them.

People underestimate how important the software is. For example, one of our clients has three locker user groups. Everyone in theory has a dynamic locker. But if you’re a full-time employee who doesn’t open your locker for 21 days it’s will block your access. The facilities team can then generate a report of blocked lockers. So, it’s giving them detailed information to make a business decision going forwards. Saving office space, management time and ultimately money.

If you’re looking for custom-made smart storage contact our team for a quote today.

simplicitystorage.co.uk

GUEST BLOG: Clamping down on your business’ energy costs in 2018
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By Flogas

Energy bills are becoming a bigger focus for businesses around Britain — with the average organisation spending around £4,000. Becoming energy aware (and energy smart) can not only help businesses boost their bottom line, it can also dramatically reduce their carbon footprint – making for a more profitable, greener company all round.

The cost businesses are facing

Cost has changed over time, which has led to this newly found focus on energy supply. For most SMEs, gas and electricity charges now make up a considerable chunk of their monthly outgoings – taking a hefty portion of their profits. The majority of UK businesses are using between 15,000 and 25,000 kWh of power per year, but annual consumption figures for large business and industry can reach in excess of 250,000 kWh.

How will this impact the final bill? The latest data shows that businesses in the UK are spending an average of £3,061 on their annual electricity bills, and an additional £856 a year on gas. Small businesses in particular fare slightly better – but with the average electricity bill for an SME reaching £2,958 (and that’s before putting business mains gas into the equation), it’s still a considerable outlay.

A plan for cost reduction

Many industries will benefit from the right energy supplier and there are plenty ways to create a plan.

  1. Becoming more aware of your energy use

Before you make any core decisions around your energy plan, you must assess how much you actually use and how much it is currently costing you. The average unit prices in the UK are currently 14.36p per kWh for electricity and 4.25p per kWh for gas, with standing charges on top of this. Finding out your business’s annual usage figures – and knowing when your contract is due to come to an end – means you’re well equipped to accurately compare your current supplier’s prices with others on the market.

  1. Look at a range of energy suppliers

Research into other energy suppliers too. Ahead of your contract ending, it’s worth finding out how much switching could save you. And, whether you use a broker, online search or go direct, make sure you don’t limit yourself to the Big Six. Switching to a smaller business energy supplier could mean significantly lower bills, and benefits like better customer service.

  1. Analyse your current contract agreement

There’s plenty of energy suppliers willing to give you a better deal, so make sure you look at your current one before any renewals. For example, an extended fixed-term contract could help protect you against future price rises, giving some valuable peace of mind and making budgeting easier. Or there might be an additional discount on offer if you opt for a Direct Debit payment plan.

  1. Get a smart meter

Talk to your supplier about fitting a smart meter. That way you’ll know exactly how much your business energy supply is costing you day-to-day – and because you only pay for what you use, there’s no need for estimated billing or meter readings. As well as saving on monthly charges, it can also help you wise up to your company energy use and make better decisions on where you might be able to curb your consumption. Energy management software can also help provide useful insight for larger businesses.

  1. Find out where your energy is being used

There’s always room for improvement when it comes to your business’ energy use. It could be as simple as making sure computers are switched off outside of office hours, or putting your lights on a timer, but encouraging employees to find more efficient ways of working is a great place to start. Some companies even introduce incentive schemes to help foster better habits, offering staff tangible rewards for greener behaviour.

  1. Save

Always think of the bigger picture when it comes to energy consumption and try investing in equipment that understands the importance of efficient energy use.  While this approach might come with a heftier price tag in the first instance, any piece of kit that helps save energy on your everyday operations will pay for itself and more in the long run.

*Statistics from BusinessEnergy.com and article brought to you by gas mains supplier, Flogas.

Last chance to confirm your Energy Management Summit place
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The Energy Management Summit takes place on October 1st & 2nd and time is running out to secure the remaining complimentary VIP delegate spaces and supplier stands.

The Summit is a highly-focused event that brings energy management professionals together for one-to-one business meetings, interactive seminars and valuable networking opportunities.

Over two days delegates will meet with credible solution providers who will be able to talk through projects, concerns and obstacles, offering the best advice as well cost saving solutions.

Confirmed solution providers include ebmpapst, Waterscan, Centrica, Resource Data Management, Root3 Lighting, Energy & Technical Services, ecagroup, Nicotra Gebhardt, IWTM, Veolia, Noveus Energy, VINCI Facilities, Haven Power, Inspired Energy, Powerstar, Verco and more.

Confirmed delegates include representatives from Affinity Water, Arriva Trains, BT, City of London Corporation, City of Westminster, DHL Global Forwarding, InterContinental Hotels Group, Kettering General Hospital, Leeds Building Society, Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, London Borough of Waltham Forest, London Luton Airport, Lucozade Ribena Suntory, Oxford University Hospital NHS, FT, Pinewood Studios Group, The Co-Op, The Guinness Partnership, UPSand more.

Delegates will also learn about the latest energy management trends in educational seminar sessions led by some of the industry’s leading lights, including a keynote from journalist Andy Pag on his experiences with energy efficient travel and sustainable living. Other sessions include:-

How To Achieve Significant Energy Savings In Legacy HVAC Equipment

Tony Wright, Divisional Director (Upgrade) Market, ebm-papst UK Ltd

Procurement: Frustration Or Facilitation?

Tony Morris, Procurement Consultant, SPC

Understanding Your Energy Culture: The Hearts And Minds Tool

Matthew Lawrie, Chartered Psychologist, Energy Institute (Culture Regeneration Associates Ltd)

ESOS Phase II – Routes to Compliance

David Eynon, Associate Director, Energy and Technical Services Ltd

Lisa Rose, Event Manager at Forum Events, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by demand for the Summit, with technology driving interest and innovation in the sector – we look forward to welcoming everyone for two days of business and networking.”

To secure a complimentary delegate place, call Clare Element on 01992 374068 or email c.element@forumevents.co.uk.

To attend as a supplier, call Lisa Rose on 01992 374077 or email l.rose@forumevents.co.uk.

For more information, visit www.energymanagementsummit.co.uk.

UK & EU energy firms voice Brexit concerns in open letter
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UK and EU companies have united in calling for strong action in the Brexit agreement on climate and energy to foster prosperity and enhance abilities to tackle climate change.

In an open letter to European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and UK Prime Minister Theresa May no-deal Brexit scenario, they say, would lead to an increase in UK energy bills, undermine action on climate change and threaten the supply chains of strategically important industries such as offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery technology.

The group, which includes France’s EDF Energy, trade body Energy UK, Unilever and others, says it’s in the clear commercial interests of the UK and EU to maintain standards and rules as close as possible to those we have now.

It says: “The continued implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change is essential to provide clear, long term and stable signals to guide business investment in low carbon infrastructure. To achieve this, the EU27 and the UK need to ensure that the Facilitative Dialogue process results in strong global climate ambitions without undermining economic growth. It will be important for the EU27 and the UK to demonstrate international leadership by cooperating in exploring long term emission targets early in this process to catalyse increased ambitions from other countries. In this regard, we recognise that both the EU Commission and the UK Government see long term net-zero GHG emissions targets as a vital element of the Paris Agreement. We would welcome further guidance on how this could be achieved at the 24th Conference of Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, in December this year.”

You can read the full letter here.

The open letter reflects earlier warnings from a House of Lords committee and other energy professionals, who are widely acknowledging that any new friction on energy trading between the UK and EU could push up household bills, particularly if a ‘no deal’ Brexit scenario comes to pass.

Securitas completes MK Group Security acquisition
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Securitas Security Services UK Ltd (Securitas) has confirmed its acquisition of Milton Keynes Security Services Ltd and its associated companies, together trading as MK Group Security.

Securitas has acquired the entire shareholdings in the MK Group Security companies, the expertise and customer portfolio of which its says will ‘perfectly complement’ the existing Securitas business.

As part of the Securitas Group, MK Group Security will continue to deliver local, professional security services to clients and will transition to operate under the Securitas brand by end 2018.

MK Group Security, founded in 1992, supplies security services in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas.

With more than 90 employees, specialising in both static and mobile security services, MK Group Security operates from its operations hub in Milton Keynes, with a strong focus on the SME market.

Securitas claims the deal means no other security provider layers six services: On-site, Mobile, Remote, Electronic security, Fire & Safety and Corporate Risk Management.

The acquisition also sees Securitas continue to build its electronic alarm surveillance services and mobile security services for small and medium-sized businesses across the UK, as part of its Vision 2020 strategy.

Peter Watson, Managing Director, MK Group Security, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for MK Group Security, for our officers and for our clients – Securitas is a leading global player in the security industry and there are huge opportunities for development and growth.”

Do you offer Waste Management solutions? We want to hear from you!
By:

Each month on FM Briefing we’re be shining the spotlight on a different part of the facilities management market – and in September we’ll be focussing on Waste Management services.

It’s all part of our new ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help FM industry buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re a supplier of Waste Management services and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Stuart O’Brien on stuart.obrien@mimrammedia.com.

Here are the areas we’ll be covering, month by month:

September – Waste Management

October – Asset Management

November – FM Software

December – Business Continuity

For more information on any of the above, contact Stuart O’Brien on stuart.obrien@mimrammedia.com.