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The natural appeal of stone is the inspiration for the Aeon Collection’s newest designer radiator. Marbella reflects the increasing popularity of stone in contemporary homes using this erstwhile cool material for room heating.

Specially selected pieces of tactile, polished or matt natural stone are interspersed with horizontal belts of mirror polished or brushed matt stainless steel to create a sculptural design of contrasting materials. A choice of three stones – polished black granite, polished beige marble and matt beige travertine – offers a tone to suit a variety of decoration schemes. A bespoke service, sourcing and matching stone to client specification is also available from Aeon.

Each stone section of the Marbella measures 60 x 40 cm and radiators can be made from two, three or four sections, depending on room requirements. Outputs range between 1678 watts and 3349 watts. Models with a fixed towel bar in co-ordinating stainless steel finish are available for bathroom or kitchen use.

Prices start from £980 (+VAT) for a two-section (850 x 600 mm) Marbella radiator in limestone and brushed matt stainless steel without towel bar. Mirror polished Marbella radiators are available from stock whilst brushed matt models can be delivered within 4-6 weeks.

Radiators in the Aeon Collection are made from the highest-grade solid stainless steel. All designs in the hand-finished range carry a 20-year guarantee.

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A Thorworld modular platform system was chosen by Interserve Retail & Interiors as the most convenient method of loading vehicles from a building with no loading bay.

Interserve is a joinery manufacturer and interior fit out specialist which produces and installs high quality bespoke work for the shop, office and leisure sectors. With an annual turnover of £22 million, it is a preferred contractor to John Lewis, Debenhams, Sports World International and Thomas Cook.

Amongst prestigious work recently completed was a £1.8 million contract for up-market London store Fortnum and Mason, which included the fitting out of a £600,000 wine bar. A contract to fit out the Law Courts in the former Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh will begin soon.

The Christchurch, Dorset company recently moved to new 40,000 sq ft offices and workshops as it needed extra space to cope with an increase in business.

Because the building has no loading bay, Interserve looked for a safe and cost-effective method of loading vehicles with finished products, such as bars, counters, reception desks and display cases.

It considered using forklifts, or a vehicle tail lift when available, but this was ruled out as being too complicated and time consuming. Building a permanent concrete ramp was thought to be too inflexible.

The solution came in the form of a Thorworld mobile platform system that delivers a high degree of simplicity and flexibility.

The system comprises of a specially made 3,000kg capacity mobile yard ramp measuring 7m long x 2.4m overall width x 2.25m usable width, with Durbar treadplate flooring.

At the top end of the ramp Thorworld fitted a work platform measuring 3.6m x 2.4m x 1.3m. It was tailor-made to the client's specifications with the addition of a second dock leveller so that two vehicles of differing heights can be loaded at the same time.

The drawbridge type dock levellers each measure 1.5m x 1.5m and have a 3,000kg capacity.

Pallet trucks or wheeled trolleys take shrink-wrapped joinery items up the ramp to the platform and into delivery lorries. Although the ramp is bolted to the ground, the bolts can be easily removed and it can be towed to a new location by fork lift if required.

Interserve intends to build a canopy over the new loading platform system so as to protect staff and product from bad weather.

The £2 million investment in the building also included the purchase of several new items of SCM production machinery; a Record 100 AL CNC router, a Sigma Plus beam saw, and an M3 multi-rip saw.

The environmentally friendly building, which features a biomass boiler for space heating, as well as the provision of solar hot water, was a finalist in the Sustainable Building Awards organised by the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and a local newspaper.

Thorworld mobile yard ramps are ruggedly built, with a steel superstructure and solid beam construction, and are ideal for the fast loading and unloading of vehicle trailers and containers by fork truck – particularly where there is no raised loading dock.

Available as Standard, Deluxe and Super Deluxe (light, medium and heavy duty) models, with 7,000 kg, 10,000 kg, 12,000 kg or 15,000 kg capacities, they can be purchased outright or hired through the company's specialist RentARamp operation with a sale or return option.

Hydraulically operated down to 890mm, the ramps have a serrated open grid deck for positive traction in all weather conditions and fully meet all European safety standards and directives.

Bespoke models can also be supplied to meet individual customer requirements and a comprehensive service and maintenance back-up facility is available to help ensure that the ramps are always kept in top condition.

Thorworld provides a one-stop, single source for a wide range of high quality loading & unloading equipment and loading bay accessories & safety aids, such as: dock shelters & seals, dock levellers, dock plates & boards, dock & vehicle bumpers, wheel chocks, modular loading docks and mobile yard ramps, as well as the Truckloada mobile yardlift and the Dockloada scissor lift platform.

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Easilift Loading Systems has supplied cutting-edge loading bay equipment to three major new purpose-built Tesco distribution centres at Livingston, Lichfield and Goole, in contracts valued in excess of £9 million.

For the one million sq ft Livingston distribution centre, including the RSU centre, Easilift supplied bespoke exterior modular dock leveller pods for 162 of the 179 loading bays, with the free-standing pods installed on the outside of the bays; avoiding the loss of internal floor area and providing a confined, insulated, hygienic, weatherproof area – with resulting energy saving potential and health & safety benefits due to the elimination of any cross traffic.

Each pod is fitted with swing lip type 'PowerRamp' dock levellers and insulated electrically-operated sectional overhead 'PowerDoors'. Collapsible type 'PowerShelters' are fitted to 108 of the bays, with inflatable versions to accommodate double-deck trailers for the remainder.

A further 17 scissor lift dock pods, designed to integrate with Tesco fixed bed double-deck trailers, are equipped with scissor lifts. They are capable of carrying 36 roll cages and an operator safely between the two fixed vehicle beds and the loading dock.

The lifts incorporate a number of high-tech features in order to improve safety and maximise efficiency. For example, the re-levelling feature continually repositions the platform within 3mm of the preset dock height throughout the loading and unloading process, ensuring that cages can be safely rolled between the platform and the warehouse floor at all times.

Each of the pods, which have been designed to accommodate the normal reversing action of a trailer without the need for a mechanical wheel stop, are equipped with sectional overhead 'PowerDoors' to the front and rear, plus inflatable dock shelters.

Similar Easilift pod systems, with swing lip type 'PowerRamp' dock levellers and 'PowerDoors', have been supplied for 100 of the 108 bays at Tesco's new 850,000 sq ft Fradley Park, Lichfield, regional distribution centre.

Collapsible 'PowerShelters' are fitted to standard height dock leveller bays, with inflatable type versions fitted to the high dock leveller bays. A further eight pods were equipped with 36 cage scissor lifts, plus insulated sectional overhead 'PowerDoors' and shelters.

The 700,000 sq ft Goole national distribution centre was almost identical to Lichfield, with Easilift pod systems comprising swing lip type 'PowerRamp' dock levellers and 'PowerDoors' supplied for 100 of the 108 bays.

Collapsible 'PowerShelters' are fitted to standard height dock leveller bays, with inflatable type versions fitted to the high dock leveller bays. And, once again, a further eight pods were equipped with 36 cage scissor lifts, plus insulated sectional overhead 'PowerDoors' and shelters.

All of the loading bays at the three distribution centres feature Easilift integrated control panels, traffic lights and dock lights, with insulated sectional overhead doors provided for vehicle maintenance units and trailer wheel guides for goods in bays.

Easilift Sales Director, Dave Whyatt, said: “We have worked closely with Tesco for a number of years to develop our modular dock pod system to fully meet their stringent requirements.

“That a company of Tesco's status continues to equip its new distribution centres and stores with Easilift loading bay equipment is a ringing endorsement of the quality and reliability of our products and the high levels of service we deliver to all our customers.”

Easilift is part of the Loading Systems International group, one of Europe's foremost manufacturers of loading bay equipment, and in addition to its UK operation it has other sales companies in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The company provides everything necessary for the safe, efficient and profitable operation of loading bays. This includes dock levellers, dock shelters, dock seals, dock pods, doors, high speed doors, vehicle restraints and lifting platforms. We also offer a complete range of accessories and safety aids, from dock plates, dock bumpers and wheel guides, to traffic lights and integrated control systems.

Easilift was also one of the first loading bay equipment suppliers to achieve the prestigious SAFEcontractor Health and Safety Accreditation. SAFEcontractor is a scheme that independently assesses the health and safety competency of contractors in a variety of fields and, as such, confirms to prospective clients that effective policies and systems are in place.

It has an extensive customer list that is a roll call of some of the biggest names in UK manufacturing, retailing, logistics, distribution and the service sector. And, reflecting the extremely high levels of customer satisfaction achieved, more than 60 per cent of new orders come from existing customers.

Easilift's continued successful development is due in no small part to the positive commitment of its staff, plus its extensive facilities which include an in-house design team, together with experienced engineers available to advise on the most efficient and productive installation, whether as a new project or refurbishment.

This is complemented by a full installation and after-sales service, which includes the provision of preventive maintenance programmes designed to avoid costly and disruptive loading bay down-time.

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Sirrus by Gummers has launched its brand new Product Source and Price Guide – a must have brochure for anyone specifying commercial showers and water controls.

Filled with full colour product photography the new Sirrus brochure is a great research point for specifiers seeking premium water controls that have been specifically designed to withstand the rigours of commercial application.

From the very first page, this new brochure makes specification for all commercial washrooms easier than ever, providing both industry information and technical data including flow rates.

Each market sector has its own section at the front of the brochure to confidently navigate you to the right product for your project. In addition, throughout the brochure, each Sirrus product is categorised to show its suitability for specification within a broad range of commercial applications. A brand new section on “Inclusive Design” highlights washroom products that can be used by everyone, but are particularly suitable for those with limited dexterity.

In addition to offering the largest range of TMV3 approved thermostatic blending valves and shower valves, Sirrus also offers a range of HTM64 compliant products. From shower panels and timed flow controls to a wide range of thermostatic showers supplied with and without kits, commercial specifiers will be spoilt for choice.

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GET has introduced a new range of black/white & colour observation systems that combine the latest in technology with the ultimate in compact design. Suitable for domestic premises, this easy to install range offers the latest in camera technology to give the sharpest imagery whilst using a unique, discreet style of camera.

When activated, these cost effective systems can automatically switch over the television channel meaning there is no need to buy a secondary monitor. These cameras also offer one way audio and can operate in temperatures down to -5oC degrees without freezing and offer an added moisture protection system so the lens won’t mist up.

Wireless versions are available, allowing you to position cameras in difficult to reach places, as well as remote control operated pan and tilt cameras that can be used to monitor larger areas.

The new CCTV range has all the time saving installation features and sophisticated styling associated with GET products.

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LinX by Vent-Axia is a comprehensive, new range of equipment for contractors designed to deliver reliable, high quality ventilation at a value for money price. The new range is available nationwide, ex-stock, through Vent-Axia’s extensive wholesaler distribution network.

Vent-Axia has developed the LinX range to cover a wide range of residential and commercial applications. It includes 19 models of bathroom and 11 kitchen models fan in three different designs, Eclipse, Vent-A-Light and MiniVent. To satisfy ducted applications, LinX by Vent-Axia provides four in-line models. The range is complemented by the inclusion of two hand dryers specifically targeted at the fast-moving contract market. Meanwhile, LinX MasterVent offers contractors a simple to install whole house MEV system.

The LinX by Vent-Axia commercial fan series features in-line, window and wall mounting fans in a choice of three different sizes. To support quick and easy installation of these residential and commercial products, LinX by Vent-Axia also includes a wide selection of flexible and rigid ducting, grille, switching and control options together with a comprehensive range of accessories.

“Getting over the counter access to the right product at the right price is what it’s all about for many contractors” says Simon Osborne, Head of Marketing at Vent-Axia. “LinX by Vent-Axia provides just that. It’s a range that covers all the bases in terms of typical applications, is great value for money, widely stocked and with the Vent-Axia brand behind it, this range has the pedigree of quality that’s so important for contractors and their customers.”

As the market-leading brand in ventilation, Vent-Axia has developed LinX to offer optimum ventilation performance and long-lasting reliability. All products in the range meet or exceed relevant building regulation requirements for complete peace of mind and are fully supported by Vent-Axia’s quick response, technical support team.

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Following the resounding success of their Kubota Live! Roadshow in 2006, and also the more recent Kubota Live! At Rockingham Castle event in May 2008, Kubota has now planned a further series of Kubota Live! events, during September, across England, Scotland and Wales.

Running from 2nd – 25th September, the Kubota Live! Roadshow 2008 provides visitors with a unique opportunity to put a range of world leading Kubota mini excavators through their paces in a realistic working environment.

No ticket or invitation is required, just turn up at the venue that suits you best and get 'hands on' experience of their market leading minis, with the chance to win the 30,000th Kubota mini excavator to be sold in the UK.

Kubota will be featuring a comprehensive selection from the world's widest minis range, which comprises 19 different base models from 850 kg to 8 tonnes, including highly versatile zero tail swing machines.

You’ll also get the chance to drive the exciting, class-leading RTV 900 rough terrain vehicle and to try out some of the market leading Kubota ride-on mowers, compact tractors and agricultural tractors up to 128hp.

The new 60-95hp M40 Series tractors are powered by Kubota's world renowned Tier III compliant, low emission, direct injection diesel engines, with the two larger models being turbo charged.

Lightweight, with a short wheelbase, these next generation tractors combine high power to weight ratio and a host of advanced features with class-leading manoeuvrability and performance.

Kubota Live! enables visitors to see and try out virtually the entire range of Kubota mini excavators, ride-on mowers and tractors, all at the same time and in one location, with the chance to compare different models and specifications side by side.

Open from 10.00am to 4.00pm, with free entry and car parking, Kubota Live! 2008 will take place at the following locations:

2nd September 2008
Oatridge Agricultural College, Ecclesmachan, Broxburn, West Lothian, EH52 6NH.

4th September 2008
East Durham & Houghall Community College, Burnhope Way, Peterlee, County Durham, SR8 1NU.

9th September 2008
Knowsley Hall, Prescot, Merseyside, L34 4AG.

11th September 2008
Welbeck Estate, Welbeck, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, S80 3LR.

16th September 2008
Huntingdon Racecourse, Brampton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 4NL.

18th September 2008
Newbury Racecourse, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 7NZ.

23rd September 2008
Westpoint Centre, Clyst St. Mary, Exeter, Devon, EX5 1DJ.

25th September 2008
Chepstow Racecourse, Chepstow, Monmouthshire, NP16 6BE.

As the UK, European and world leader in mini excavators, Kubota machines have a legendary reputation for quality, performance, reliability, versatility and excellent residual values, coupled with outstanding dealer support, making them the ideal tool for many different applications and end-users, from civil engineering to landscaping and plant hire companies to owner operators.

And all Kubota minis, from 1.5 tonne upwards, incorporate their unique 'ANTI-THEFT' system. This complete, easy-to-use security device was the first and is still the only one of its kind fitted as standard equipment by a mini excavator manufacturer – providing extra peace of mind without extra cost.

For further information about the Kubota Live! 2008 Roadshow contact your local Kubota dealer, pre-register by calling Tel: 0800 023 1111, register online at Web: www.kubota.co.uk/kubotalive or just turn up on the day.

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In most homes lighting accounts for 10 to 15 per cent of the electricity bill and without rapid action by 2030 the amount of energy used for lighting will be 80% higher than it is today.

GET has addressed this issue by launching a range of low energy drum luminaries. The range of wall and ceiling fittings is suitable for domestic and commercial lighting applications.

The luminaries are quick and easy to install and are manufactured from high grade polycarbonate making them vandal resistant and flame retardant. The luminaries use compact fluorescent lamps for affordable running costs and energy efficiency. Emergency lighting and outdoor options are also available.

For more information contact the GET sales hotline on 01707 601601 or circle the reader response number.

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Weatherite Building Services has installed new air conditioning systems at three libraries run by Wolverhampton City Council.

WBS supplied and installed Daikin Sky Air Super Inverter Heat Pump wall mounted split systems in each of the server rooms at the libraries in Penn, Long Knowle and Bilston.

The work was completed quickly and on time causing minimum disruption to the libraries. Weatherite has developed a good working relationship with Wolverhampton City Council, having carried out a number of successful projects for the authority in the past.

WBS is part of the £40m Weatherite Group, one of the UK’s leaders in air conditioning and air handling equipment.

WBS has expanded its activities to cover other sectors of the building services market including heating, ventilation, boiler house refurbishment, water, control systems and electrics as well as all aspects of commercial air conditioning systems, offering a single source choice to its customers which includes full project management, design, installation and commissioning capabilities.

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Dulux Trade is proud to have taken part in the construction industry's first virtual sustainability exhibition called 'Sustainability Now'.

This unique virtual event highlighted the essential issues that matter right now for those creating a sustainable built environment.

Exhibitors were thought leaders in sustainability. Key issues such as energy performance certificates, the Code for Sustainable Homes and energy were covered.

Visitors to the virtual Dulux Trade stand:

• Read about a new era in paint sustainability and performance. The recently launched Ecosure paint range offers the perfect balance of both.
• Discovered how using the Diamond Range can extend maintenance cycles.
• Saw how up to 20% less light energy can be used by specifying unique and innovative Dulux Trade Light & Space colours.
• Read about 'Natural Paints'.
• Learnt about the Environmental Wash System, which provides an environmentally responsible way of washing out brushes and rollers.

An exhibition visitor commented “Extremely professional and very impressive. I think that Sustainability Now is leading the way in providing accessible and relevant information in a format which is suitable for national dissemination.”

James Green, Trade Communications Manager for Dulux Trade commented “Sustainability Now was an excellent opportunity for us to demonstrate our leadership in sustainability amongst the paint manufacturers. We are committed to developing products with sustainability built in without compromising on the products' quality. The Ecosure paint range from Dulux Trade, which has been launched recently, represents an approach to meeting sustainability that's grounded in scientific rigour and was developed in conjunction with leading independent sustainability experts 'Forum for the Future'. The Environmental Impact Analyser (an analytical tool), devised by 'Forum for the Future' – is used to measure the environmental impact of the range.”

What is a virtual exhibition?
A virtual exhibition is a conference that is held completely online, by using the latest in virtual event technology. It runs directly from your internet browser without the need for any downloads or installations. As with a real conference or exhibition, you can explore booths, attend seminars and chat to exhibitors and peers in real time.

Who attended?
Attendees consisted of architects, clients, consultants, engineers and house builders involved in sustainable projects, interested in learning about zero carbon developments and the implications of recent legislature to their businesses.

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