Stuart O'Brien, Author at Facilities Management Forum | Forum Events Ltd - Page 72 of 87
Posts By :

Stuart O'Brien

Interserve lands five-year Thomas Cook contract
By:

Interserve has won a five-year contract with Thomas Cook to deliver facilities services across the company’s UK priority portfolio.

The deal will bring both corporate and retail locations and services together for the first time to help Thomas Cook deliver a high-quality experience for employees and customers.

Interserve delivers facilities management services across Thomas Cook’s 180,000 square foot corporate estate, including cleaning, security, maintenance, reception and electrical services at offices in Manchester and Peterborough and its Falkirk contact centre.

Discussing the new deal, Sam Warden, head of procurement and property at Thomas Cook UK said: “Interserve has demonstrated its ability to provide a value for money and consistent service across our corporate and retail facilities.”

Headquartered in the UK and FTSE listed, Interserve operate on gross revenues of £3.6 billion a year with a workforce of over 80,000 people worldwide.

AM Services Group secures University of Hull deal
By:

Facilities management company AM Services Group has begun a new three-year contract to provide the University of Hull with out of hours security services across its main campus student village, The Lawns.

The University has recently undergone a £200 million investment programme including £9.5 million revamp of Middleton Hall to transform it into a high-end performance and concert venue and a £28 million health campus housing a simulated hospital ward, intensive care unit and operating theatre.

Adrian Cresswell, Managing Director for AM Services Group, commented: “Working in partnership with the university’s facilities team, our focus will be on providing a great customer experience, supported by the innovative use of technology and staff training.”

John Findlay, Facilities and Security Manager for the Estates Directorate at the University of Hull, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with AM Services Group. It is vital that we provide the very highest standards throughout our facilities to support the state-of-the-art learning and research environment.”

Total Security Summit

Last chance! Secure your place at the Occupational Safety & Health Forum
By:

What do London City Airport, the RFU and Vodafone have in common..?

…They are all attending the Occupational Safety & Health Forum on February 7th 2018 to source innovative and budget-saving suppliers, learn from industry experts and network with their peers.

Would you like to join them? BOOK YOUR FREE PLACE HERE.

This one-day event will set you up for the rest of 2018 and beyond. As our VIP guest, we’ll provide you with a bespoke itinerary of meetings with suppliers who match your requirements and upcoming projects. No hard sell and no time wasted.

You can also attend educational and insightful seminar sessions, and network with peers who share your challenges.

You’ll be joining 65 senior safety & health professionals, with delegates representing:

Alpha LSG, Associated Independent Stores, AXA Partners, Chanel, Greencore, Heathrow Express, Kaplan International, Kelly Group, London City Airport, Natixis, Office Depot, Oxford Instruments Nanoscience, Queen Mary University of London, Rugby Football Union, Sibelco, Sonoco Alcore, Stonbury, St Raphaela’s Hospice, The London Clinic, The Market Research Society, Vita Cellular Foams, Vodafone and many more.

Would you like to join them? Click here to book online, or to find out more contact Paige Aitken on 01992 374079 / p.aitken@forumevents.co.uk.

Alternatively, if you’re an industry supplier and would like to showcase your services at the Occupational Safety & Health Forum, contact Lisa Rose on 01992 374 077 / l.rose@forumevents.co.uk.

Listed Building

Incredible listed buildings available to buy on the open market
By:

By Lycetts

In England and Wales, there are around 500,000 listed buildings. Steeped in heritage and oozing character, many of us can only dream of owning one of these historic abodes. However, there are plenty of listed buildings on the market for those with the cash and desire to buy.

Here, we’ve compiled a list of the UK’s best listed buildings. So, why not take a look and find your favourite?

County Durham Castle

When it was constructed: 1765

Location: Castle Eden, County Durham

Building grade: Grade II

Market value: £2,990,000

Overview:

The castle in Durham is a popular destination for anyone visiting this historic city. A nine-bedroom property, it also features 14 acres of woodland and lawns, a palm house orangery, a tone-style wine vault, and a cupola dome that will remind you of Rome’s Basilica. Inside the castle, you can see a sweeping staircase, a formal drawing room, a games room and two storeys of furnished bedrooms with en-suites.

Dalmoak Castle

When it was constructed: The Dalmoak estate has been around since the Middle Ages, but Dalmoak Castle was built in the 1860s by architect, Alexander Watt.

Location: Renton Road, Dumbarton, G2 4HQ

Building grade: Grade I

Market value: £1,700,000

Overview:

This gothic-style building is a stunning mansion house with bags of character. With a tower and a near symmetrical castellated mansion house, you’re greeted by a central hall with an imperial set of stairs, while the property’s interior also features a drawing room with ceiling plasterwork, scagliola columns and stained-glass windows.

The Chantry

When it was constructed: During the 1500s and restructured in 1937.

Location: Honiton, Devon

Building grade: Grade I

Market value: £775,000

Overview:

If you’re searching for a new home with equally impressive interiors and exteriors, The Chantry is for you. Surrounding the property are beautiful gardens, and within these, you’ll get to enjoy a thatched summerhouse and huge glass house. Even better, if you call this your home, you’ll also have access to a beautiful stream that serves as a tributary of the River Otter, which borders the property to the north-east.

Aside from the incredible grounds, the inside of this listed building is just as spectacular. When covering his History of Devonshire, Richard Polwhele described the ancient newel staircase as a “remarkable staircase of heart and oak”. The property is traditionally built of mellow local flintstone. Plus, there’s also a large, inglenook fireplace featuring Beer Stone dressings and an old bread oven in the property’s heavily beamed dining room.

Hayes Manor

When it was constructed: 1500s

Location: Viney Hill, Lydney, Gloucestershire, GL15

Building grade: Grade II

Market value: £750,000

Overview:

Found on a hillside looking out over miles of countryside, Hayes Manor offers amazing views across the Severn Vale. This 16th century home has four bedrooms, a detached stone privy, long private drive, over an acre of gardens, and an array of period features. Even when you drive up to the property, you can see that you’ll have more than enough space for family, friends, parties, and more.

De Vere House

When it was constructed: Unclear.

Location: Water Street, Lavenham, Suffolk, CO10

Building grade: Grade I

Market value: £995,000

Overview:

This grandiose building is steeped in history. Once home to England’s second-richest family and then under the ownership of a man fabled to have been the true author of the works attributed to William Shakespeare — Edward De Vere — the stories within these walls are endless. This house’s exterior features a herringbone design, exposed timbers, leaded mullions, and ornate carved timbers. As you approach it, you’ll be mesmerised by the carved stature of a huntsmen at either side of the main door.

If the De Vere House looks familiar, you might recognise it from the film: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! Inside, you’ll find a stone spiral staircase, timber frames, traditional fireplaces, and Medieval and Tudor wall paintings.

Dukes Place

When it was constructed: Early 1400s

Location: Mereworth Road, West Peckham, Kent, ME18 5JH

Building grade: Grade I

Market value: £2,975,000

Overview:

Dukes Place is unmistakably Tudor in design and structure. Get close enough to appreciate it, and you’ll find open fireplaces, exposed timbers, lattice windows, vaulted ceilings, and oak sills and doors.

If you’re keen to find a home that you can enjoy all year round, Dukes Place is ideal. There’s a tennis court and vegetable garden complete with a series of raised beds and a greenhouse to make the most of in warm weather, while the cosy interior creates a wonderful atmosphere on dark days and nights. Dukes Place is also home to a detached ragstone building that has been converted into secondary accommodation and is found next to a heated swimming pool!

The Old Coach House

When it was constructed: Built in the 18th century, though remodeled in the mid-19th century.

Location: Badger, Shropshire, WV6 7JP

Building grade: Grade II

Market value: £650,000

Overview:

Found in beautiful Shropshire, The Old Coach House features wooden hatches and timber frames for a captivatingly rustic look. Originally used as a coach or cart house, the property today includes a granary on the first floor, an oak-framed orangery and conservatory, integrated double garages, and about 0.25 acres of private gardens.

The Mill House

When it was constructed: Information not available.

Location: Shotesham, St. Mary, Norfolk

Building grade: Grade II

Market value: £695,000

Overview:

Found close to a village pub and six miles from Norwich, The Mill House is a Georgian property with a vaulted ceiling and south-facing terrace. If you’re a fan of this era, it’s well worth considering if you’re in the market to buy. The Mill House has four bedrooms and collection of outbuildings. However, some consider its best feature to be that it overlooks the breathtaking River Tas.

Whittington Old Hall

When it was constructed: Constructed in the 1600s, but restored in 1891.

Location: The parish of Whittington, Lichfield, Staffordshire

Building grade: Grade II

Market value: £825,000

Overview:

This six-bedroom home offers a graveled driveway, 16th-century features, brick garage, and workshop area. Whittington Old Hall is one of Staffordshire’s first great houses and features an incredible exterior of red brick with sandstone quoins and dressings.

Close to the centre of Lichfield and wonderfully laid out over three floors, Whittington Old Hall is one to beat. Find a 19th century Jacobean-style timber fireplace, floor-to-ceiling oak paneling, and a stair window designed with stained glass and enigmatically etched with the motto: “WHERE ‘ERE / WE ROAM / AN ENGLISH MOTHER / IN AN ENGLISH HOME”.

Wilton Castle

When it was constructed: During the 1300s. However, it was partly demolished to make way for a house in the 16th century. After falling into disrepair, it was adapted during the 1800s.

Location: Wilton, Ross-On-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 6AD

Building grade: Grade I

Market value: £1,495,000

Overview:

Wilton Castle offers unparalleled grandeur. From its moat and Great Tower, to its dungeon and spectacular surrounding land, you’ll feel like a Lord or Lady here. Found beside the River Wye, this listed building has only recently been the subject of a restoration programme. As a result, the five-bedroom property now offers its buyer manicured gardens and around two acres of landscaped grounds.

At almost 700 years old, the castle house features architectural vestiges from the Norman, Tudor, Elizabethan, Georgian and Victorian eras.

This article was researched and created by listed building insurance provider, Lycetts.

Sources:

The Castle:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4941734/Grade-II-listed-castle-complete-sale-3million.html

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1001311

De Vere House:

https://www.lpoc.co.uk/properties-for-sale/property/de-vere-house-water-street-lavenham-suffolk-co10/

The Old Coach House:

https://www.lpoc.co.uk/properties-for-sale/property/old-coach-house-badger-shropshire-wv6-7jp/

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1367638

Dukes Place:

https://www.lpoc.co.uk/properties-for-sale/property/dukes-place-mereworth-road-west-peckham-kent-me18-5jh/

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1070672

Dalmoak Castle:

https://www.lpoc.co.uk/properties-for-sale/property/dalmoak-castle-renton-road-dumbarton-g2-4hq/

The Mill House:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/property/period-property/9821700/Britains-best-listed-buildings-for-sale.html?frame=2459965

Whittington Old Hall:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/property/period-property/9821700/Britains-best-listed-buildings-for-sale.html?frame=2459972

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1038870

Hayes Manor:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/property/period-property/9821700/Britains-best-listed-buildings-for-sale.html?frame=2459973

The Chantry:

https://www.lpoc.co.uk/properties-for-sale/property/the-chantry-honiton-devon/

Wilton Castle:

https://www.lpoc.co.uk/properties-for-sale/property/wilton-castle-wilton-ross-wye-herefordshire-hr9-6ad/

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1214349

ABM UK launches FM training for kids
By:

ABM UK has launched a training scheme for 11-year olds.

The initiative, Junior Engineering Engagement Programme (JEEP) will be offered to 36 Year 7 children from three London Borough of Ealing secondary schools – Brentside High School, Northolt High School and Featherstone High School.

Running from January to July 2018, the pilot will engage pupils in engineering and facilities management with interactive sessions, and educate them that careers in their sectors are full of opportunities and earning potential.”

Pupils will receive a certified qualification from the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM), which will work as a credit towards an apprenticeship or further course should they decide to pursue a career in the industry when they leave school.

Discussing the initiative, ABM UK said that it “recognises that despite Government initiatives like The Apprentice Levy and the introduction of T levels, businesses have a responsibility to safeguard the future.”

Shure move for Vives University as it upgrades AV
By:

Belgium’s Vives University has upgraded its wireless microphone systems with Shure’s Microflex products.

Working with Bruges-based AV installer, Deltavox Projects, the University upgraded seminar rooms and theatres to include Access Point Transceivers and a single or dual set of transmitters, along with Microflex wired gooseneck microphones fitted to all lecterns.

“Our aim was that we wouldn’t have any more problems with our wireless systems, and we are very pleased with this installation,” said Andrew Clauw, Vives University’s head of AV and IT services. “In the past, I had to go to the classrooms every week to adjust settings and ensure the systems were operating well. But since the new systems were installed, I haven’t been called to the rooms once for this reason.”

Vives University College employs more than 1,200 staff and has more than 13,000 students enrolled across five campuses: Bruges, Courtray, Ostend, Roulers, and Thourout.

 

www.shure.com

SWR and Newstar join forces
By:

Two of the largest waste companies have announced plans to merge.

Hampshire-based Specialist Waste Recycling Limited (SWR) and Buckingham-based New Star Environmental (Newstar) will come together to create SWRNewstar.

The merger see the new company become one of the largest waste brokers in the UK, with an annual turnover in the region of £41 million.

Both companies founded the Waste Management Broker Association earlier in 2017.

Discussing the move, Newstar chairman Keith Brown said: “The joining of two of the largest brokers in the UK Waste market gives us unrivalled expertise in the property management, grocery, retail, leisure and automotive sectors of the market. This will allow the new organisation – SWRNewstar – to deliver further growth from these sectors.”

Andy Butler, CEO of SWR added: “We could see there was a huge amount of synergy between SWR and Newstar and, following the successful launch of the WMBA, we knew there would be a lot of portfolio gain from working together strategically. SWR and Newstar already have some impressive clients in the waste management space, and as a joint venture I am confident that we can only elevate this further.”

Both SWR and Newstar plan to stay at their current office locations.

Total Security Summit

Don’t miss out on the Total Security Summit!
By:

The Total Security Summit is a unique opportunity to meet innovative suppliers who can help with your projects for 2018 and beyond.

Would you like to attend? This two-day event takes place on March 12th & 13th 2018 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, London Stansted.

Click here to register your place.

This is unlike a traditional expo or conference. As a VIP guest, you will be provided with a bespoke itinerary of meetings with suppliers who match your requirements – no time wasted and no hard sell.

Products and services covered by attending suppliers include:

– Access Control and Biometrics
– Business Continuity and Risk Management
– CCTV
– Fire Solutions
– IP / IT Security
– Lone Worker Security
– Loss Prevention Solutions
– Perimeter
– SIA Security Training
– Screening and Scanning
– Transit

In addition, you’ll get to attend inspirational seminars and network with like-minded senior security professionals.

And all hospitality, including all meals and refreshments, overnight accommodation and an invitation to a gala dinner is included.

Register today to secure you place!

Or for more information, contact Leanne Webster on 01992 374066 / email leanne.webster@forumevents.co.uk.

Alternatively, if you’re an security industry supplier and would like to showcase your products & services at the event, contact Haydn Boxall on 01992 374 084 / h.boxall.forumevents.co.uk.

Energy Management Summit

Find the partners you need at the Hotel Summit
By:

If you’re a facilities or operations manager within hotels or hospitality, you could find the partners you’re looking for at the Hotel Summit.

This unique event takes place on June 4th & 5th 2018 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, London Stansted.

It’s specifically organised for senior professionals who are directly responsible for purchasing and procurement within their organisation, and those who provide the latest and greatest products and services within the sector.

The Hotel Summit is entirely free to attend and, as a VIP guest, you will be provided with a bespoke itinerary of face-to-face meetings with innovative and budget-saving suppliers.

In addition, you can attend a series of insightful seminars and network with like-minded peers.

All hospitality is complimentary, including overnight accommodation, meals and refreshments and an invitation to our gala dinner with entertainment.

To register your attendance, click here.

All delegates to the Hotel Summit will also receive VIP invitations to all 2018 Hotel Designs networking events.

Find out more by contacting Victoria Petch on 01992 374082 / v.petch@forumevents.co.uk.

Alternatively, if you’re an industry supplier and would like to showcase your products and services at the event, contact Jennie Lane on 01992 374 098 / j.lane@forumevents.co.uk.

BSIF-High-Visibility

GUEST BLOG: Winter’s here – Time to light yourself up!
By:

By the British Safety Industry Federation

During the winter months when shorter days mean reduced visibility the dependence on high visibility workwear to identify employees is increased hugely. High visibility clothing is a key part of the workforce PPE and millions of pounds is spent on it every year within the UK.

All PPE must be correctly tested and certified to meet the appropriate European standard, this includes all high visibility clothing. If it meets the standard, then it is effective for the job it was designed to do, and users of the garment are protected to the appropriate level that the product was designed for.

However, there has been a huge increase in Fake and substandard PPE and in particular high visibility garments being sold within the UK. This causes a massive problem because it is threatening the safety and in some cases the lives of people who think they have taken the necessary precautions to protect themselves with high visibility clothing only for them to actually not be properly protected.

A number of items are available that claim CE approvals but in reality, they have not been appropriately certified. Even worse, some items are in fact counterfeits of existing products. In our experience these products just do not perform as they should, putting lives at risk. There have been court cases brought against several high street retailers and fines handed out for the sale of substandard high visibility clothing. It is imperative that when you buy a high visibility item you should check that it is authentic and up to the standards required.

To provide the highest level of protection and comfort, there are a number of specifications to which your high visibility garments should adhere.

EN 20471 (High visibility)

EN 20471 is the European standard for high visibility clothing and deals specifically with specifications of high visibility clothing. When purchasing high visibility workwear, it’s important to remember that only yellow and orange vests are fully compliant with the EN 20471 standard. Reflective tape on high visibility garments must also be at least 50mm wide.

To help with sourcing authentic and appropriate PPE, BSIF run the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme, members of the scheme are companies who manufacture and distribute PPE within the UK. They declare that they are committed to selling only certified authentic PPE to the market place. They are independently audited to make sure the products they sell, including high visibility garments ,are up to standard and offer the correct protection levels to end users. By using a Registered Safety Supplier, end users can assure they are sourcing ‘up to the task’ equipment, something that every employee has to have.

Registered Safety Suppliers can be found by visiting www.bsif.co.uk/rsss