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Since the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order came into force in October 2006 guest houses and hotels in the Southwest have had to bring their Fire Protection up to scratch and Argos Fire Protection Services, one of the first companies in the Southwest to be BS EN ISO 9001-2000 accredited, have regularly chosen detectomat’s RCP 6B Wireless detect, wire free, fire detection system as the best solution for the job.

Small business owners, particularly those in the tourism industry, recognise the inconvenience of installing conventional fire alarm systems, which require time and labour to install and cause a lot of disruption and mess to a business which accomodates customers 24/7. Steve Oliver of Argos says “Having considered various options, the choice of the detectomat wireless system was an easy one for our many tourism customers throughout the Southwest.”

The detectomat Wireless detect system includes optical smoke detectors with integral sounders, break-glass call points and heat detectors. The most important factor in Argos’ recommendation of the detectomat system is that hotels and guest houses do not have to inconvenience their customers. Whereas a conventional system may take 10 days to install, the detectomat system takes only 10 hours. A definite bonus in, for example, country house hotels and Cornish cottages is that there is no need for the installation of wiring which would damage solid walls and decoration. And because all the detectors have integral sounders, the Wireless detect system does not require the installation of separate sounder circuits. Furthermore, because there is no need for cabling, labour costs and mess are kept to the minimum. In summary, hotel and guest house owners are delighted with the financial savings.

Polraen House Hotel near Looe in Cornwall is a case in point. An 18th century hotel where a great deal of costly decoration had recently been done, the last thing Gill Bridges needed was mess and disruption – a wireless system which had to be compliant with the Act at an affordable cost was just what she was looking for. Argos thoroughly explained how the system worked and she was not encouraged to overpurchase. In the event there was a completely seamless changeover and Gill has recommended the Wireless detect system and Argos to many other small hotels.

Similarly, Duncan Burton of Deganwy Guest House in Looe in Cornwall was delighted both with the service received from Argos and the detectomat system. “I’ve already recommended the system to other similar businesses because there was no need to disturb guests or close off any rooms during the fast installation. I confess to being sceptical at first because the quote for the system was so much lower than others I received, but I have been very pleasantly surprised.”

detectomat’s Wireless detect system has also been in place in the Camilla House Hotel since summer 2007. Simon Chapman already had an old fashioned system which did comply with the regulations but for peace of mind he felt a new system should be installed. “Argos installed it during Camilla’s busiest period within only one day, meaning that no business was lost and none of my customers was in any way disturbed.”

There is vast potential for replication in hotels and guest houses throughout the UK. Indeed, detectomat’s Wireless detect system is ideal for any business where disruption would cause a loss of business and continuity, including HMOs, retail premises and small factories and workshops.

Argos was selected because of their many years experience and good relationships with the Fire Services, who see the detectomat system as a cost effective solution. They also give the customer complete reassurance with rigorous service visits every 6 months in accordance with British Standards.

This project demonstrates the clear benefits from using radio wire-free fire alarms to provide fire protection in businesses where fast installation and minimum disruption is essential.

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Following the National Trust’s acquisition of the Tyntesfield estate in 2002, a survey and monitoring project was carried of the six species of bat that roost or breed there. Among them, greater horseshoe bats traditionally gather in spring in the stable block before moving on to summer roosts elsewhere. The stables formed part of a £16.5 million renovation, so the roofing underlay had to form part of an environment conducive to the bats. A number of products were tested for suitability and Klober’s Permo Air was found to offer the best combination of texture, colour and air permeability. Specialist restoration and conservation contractors Ellis and Co. istalled the underlay which was chosen because its UV stabilised polypropylene fleece and dark surface were found to be perfect in trials” Buildings Surveyor Kate Gunthorpe added, “When restoring buildings of this age and significance we have to have a thorough understanding of the building and make decisions really carefully”. Permo underlay was also used in National Trust renovation work at Calke Abbey.

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The very first VRVQ system delivered to the UK was installed in the Guildford offices of Space Airconditioning plc, Daikin distributors since 1980.

Daikin’s unique VRVQ system has been specifically developed to replace the outdoor and indoor units of similar systems, originally designed to operate with HCFC R22 (or HFC R407C) refrigerant – without the need to replace the interconnecting pipe work!

Traces of old refrigerant and oil mixing with new refrigerants and oils can cause equipment malfunction. Typically, when upgrading to new equipment, it is recommended that all existing interconnecting pipe work be replaced at the same time as the outdoor and indoor units. This can be extremely costly and cause great disruption within the building.

Daikin developed new technology to capture and contain any contamination in the old pipe work, thus enabling new VRV outdoor and indoor units to be connected to existing pipe work, greatly simplifying the installation process.

Space Air ensured that the first VRVQ system available to the UK was earmarked to replace a VRV ‘K Series’ R407C system. In this example, the existing refrigerant pipe work and ceiling cassette fan coil units were retained. Only the outdoor condensing units and internal branch selector boxes were replaced.

Commenting on the installation, Space Air’s technical after sales manager, Sibat Butt said. “It is quite usual for new Daikin equipment to be installed in our own premises, but normally it would be destined for our training suite or a showroom. On this occasion, we chose to replace the system serving our main offices as the energy efficiency advantages satisfied one of our planned ISO 14001 objectives.” Mr Butt continued. “The project was completed over one weekend and the only impact on the office staff was the temporary imposition of a few ceiling tiles being removed on Friday afternoon. By Monday morning the new VRVQ based system had been fully commissioned and was up and running, many staff being none the wiser that any change had taken place.”

Daikin VRVQ, supplied by Space Air, affords all the operating and energy efficiency benefits of a completely new installation, at a fraction of the cost. Installation can be phased for added convenience and increased capacity can be achieved where required.

VRVQ is a must to consider if you are planning to upgrade your older VRV/VRF Air Conditioning system.

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One of the UK’s most patriotic plant hire firms has applied its distinctive Union Jack livery to four Kubota U30-3 zero tail swing mini excavators after adding them to its fleet.

Birmingham-based Savage Plant Hire, whose eye-catching equipment is a familiar site across the Midlands, has bought the 3.3 tonne machines in a deal which represents its biggest investment in Kubotas to date.

The move marks a change of direction for Savage, which has traditionally filled its yard exclusively with machines manufactured by JCB. The company’s joint owner, Paul Savage, said that the firm has rung the changes in its fleet of minis because the reliability of the Kubota U30-3 is unrivalled and their excellent resale value will help Savage to enjoy a healthy return on investment.

Kubota is the UK, European and world-leading manufacturer of mini excavators and the U30-3 is one of eight zero tail swing machines in its range, which is in itself the largest selection available from a single manufacturer. A key feature is its width of 1.55m, which, together with zero tail swing, will allow Savage’s customers to access and carry out excavating and trenching work in the tightest of surroundings.

Sitting between the existing 2.5 tonne U25-3 and 3.5 tonne U35-3 models, the U30-3 generates 26.0kN of maximum digging force at the bucket and has a maximum reach of 5.060mm at ground level, with a maximum digging depth of 3,060mm.

It also comes complete with Kubota’s unique key-based ‘ANTI-THEFT’ system which is approved by Thatcham, the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre. This accreditation is recognised by insurers, so that in addition to providing increased machine security, this should help achieve a worthwhile insurance saving.

Savage Plant’s decision to buy the U30-3s follows a trial period when the company purchased three Kubota minis in order to win the business of a local authority customer which had specified Kubotas for a grave-digging contract three years ago.

“We’d always used JCBs and I wouldn’t really have considered Kubota but for the fact that the client specifically wanted them,” said Paul Savage.

“Over time the machines proved to be everything expected of them and we were pleasantly surprised. You hear lots of claims from manufacturers about their machines, and they’re not always borne out. But the Kubotas did everything we were told they would do, and more, and we were very impressed.”

The defining moment came when it was time to sell the machines. Savage prides itself on providing up-to-date plant and is therefore committed to disposing of its existing equipment at the three year mark. When it took the Kubotas to market, the firm was delighted with how well they held their price.

“A large percentage of our machines are operated by the people who hire them, so consequently they do get worked hard,” added Paul. “Despite this, we never had one problem or breakdown with the Kubotas and what’s more, after three years they showed very little wear and tear.

“Other than routine servicing they needed very little maintenance and as a result the running costs were very low. So although buying more Kubotas is a break with tradition for us, there is no doubt in our mind that we have made the right choice.”

Savage’s machines – which have been specially liveried in their yellow colour scheme to match the rest of the company’s range – were supplied by the local Kubota dealer, Avon Equipment Sales, based in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Zac Clulow, sales director at Avon, said: “Savage Plant Hire is famous for its association with JCB, so getting them to make such a significant investment in Kubota machines is a real coup.

“This is testament to the performance and build quality of the Kubotas, which prove time and time again that they are simply the best machines of their type on the market.

“Paul was extremely impressed with the resale values achieved through his previous machines and we are delighted that he has returned to purchase these U30-3 models. I am sure that they will prove to be extremely valuable additions to his fleet.”

Kubota has 19 mini excavators on the market, ranging from 980kg to 8 tonnes, and they are all known and respected for their quality, performance, versatility, reliability, durability, resale value and overall value-for-money, combined with outstanding dealer support.

They also come with an industry-leading three year warranty as standard.

Richard Harrison, Kubota (UK) Ltd – Construction Equipment Sales & Marketing Manager, said: “Our U30-3 is widely recognised as the best machine of its size on the market and we are confident that they will give Savage Plant Hire excellent service.

“They incorporate a host of advanced high-tech features and equipment and, thanks to their exceptional reliability, provide unbeatable value-for-money.

“Established machines such as the U30-3, new models and continuing enhancements to our world-leading product range should help ensure Kubota’s continuing leadership of the mini excavator market for many years to come.”

For more information about their market-leading machines and to find out why more people choose Kubota than any other mini excavators contact: Kubota (UK) Ltd – Construction Equipment, Dormer Road, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3UN. Tel: 01844 214500, Fax: 01844 216685, Email: sales@kubota.co.uk Web: www.kubota.co.uk

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When you’re looking for the best form of heating for a major refurbishment project, under floor heating should be an option you consider. The wide range of options available from market leaders Polypipe allows even the most demanding refurbishments to benefit from under floor heating.

One such project is Thornhill House, a wonderful property overlooking Carsington Water in Derbyshire and situated within a Conservation Area. The property has recently been purchased and is now benefiting from complete refurbishment from its previous usage as an office to a gorgeous luxury home.

Polypipe Underfloor heating was selected for both the first and second floor.

The system was specified by Craig Jones, the installer working on the project and designed by Nigel Parkes, Director of the Underfloor Warehouse, in Whetstone, Leicestershire. Craig has recently started his own business – Thermal Energy Developments – but has been working with and fitting Polypipe products for more than five years and has built an excellent working knowledge of the Polypipe range of products.

The Underfloor Warehouse specialises in specifying and designing bespoke energy efficient systems for a wide range of very different projects from loft conversions, to new kitchens, and from large office or apartment complexes, to individual refurbishment projects.

Craig specified Polypipe’s Solid Floor system for the ground floor because it’s ease of installation and reliable performance. This system uses unique lightweight plastic red floor panels which are easy to lay and can be cut to size. Once laid, the Polyplumb heating pipes, are then walked into the panel, at the required distances and to optimum bends radii to ensure a desirable even heat pattern.

This Polypipe solid floor system means other refurbishment work can carry on during and after the installation of floor heating pipework as the panel protects all pipes from inevitable site traffic. The system is powered by a Newby Air to Water heat pump, which at 400% efficient is both effective and very kind to the environment.

The solid floor system allows virtually any flooring product to be laid over the screed giving the interior designers complete freedom – and of course, no radiators.

System designer Nigel says the product design makes life easier for those working on the project: “It’s an excellent product – very flexible and simple to use, making the under floor heating system installation both fast and accurate . Added to that, the pipe layout ensures heat output is uniform across the whole room making it easy to regulate and control.

On the second floor, Craig specified Polypipe’s new Modular Heating Panel (MHP) system. This product is very straight forward to install, and as with all Polypipe under floor systems, it’s reliable and offers excellent performance. Modular Heating Panels are a new product which has been specifically designed for new build and refurbishment projects and in particular for the upper floors of buildings. MHP offers a pre configured solution where all the floor heating system components are supplied fitted within complete panels which are simply connected together on site. Installation is much quicker than traditional underfloor solutions and the panels fit perfectly between the joists and connect easily to the heat source.

At Thornhill House, MHP was laid in every room on the second floor, utilising a total of 125 square meters of the product. Craig says it’s a dream product for this particular type of installation: “In my experience, MHP offers the best of all worlds – it’s just as easy to install from below as it is from above. Regardless of the type of refurbishment, new floors or new ceilings, there’s no extra work required to fit the product.

Nigel Parkes from Underfloor Warehouse says: “The Polypipe products range and options make the use of underfloor heating as straightforward as it gets. There’s a product for most requirements and in many cases a combination of Polypipe products will be the best solution – the arrival of modular heating panels has been a God send for first floor jobs where you can fit them from below with ease. Plus, the MHP product is available in three widths to fit standard joist widths and two lengths to fit a variety of room sizes – making them easy to incorporate.”

Nigel reckons it’s an ideal product from an energy efficiency point of view as well: “For those looking for energy efficiency it’s an excellent product too. The Polypipe product is laid just in those areas that need it. When designing the system, I asked Craig for the room layouts and the position of any fitted furniture to avoid heating those areas unnecessarily, saving time and cost. And of course using underfloor heating, the rooms will be left free of radiators, giving much more freedom to the interior designers. The system we have used will be more economical to run than radiator-based systems too, as underfloor heating demands a lower temperature output from the heat source. Underfloor heating systems are ideal to use with ground source or air source heat pumps this installation to will achieve the same levels of comfort you’d expect from a traditional heat sources.”

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Hospital managers and specifiers working on healthcare projects are frontline in the fight against infection and know only too well the difficulties encountered in halting the spread of deadly bugs such as MRSA.

Enforcing rigorous cleaning regimes, coupled with high levels of personal hygiene for patients, staff and visitors, is imperative. However, there is growing awareness that building products specified for use within healthcare environments can play their part in preventing the spread of infection.

And that’s where market-leader Marshall-Tufflex’s new Odyssey Biocide cable containment system comes in.

Odyssey Biocide is the first three compartment PVC-U cable containment system with a fully curved profile to be manufactured from a material with biocidal properties.

It is a development of Marshall-Tufflex’s hugely popular Odyssey cable containment system, a favourite with architects and designers keen to use a more aesthetically-pleasing trunking system.

Odyssey Biocide has been specifically developed to neutralise bugs such as MRSA, E-Coli and salmonella. This is achieved by the addition of a silver-based formulation to the PVC-U extrusion process. Mixing the biocide agent with the PVC-U during manufacture delivers a resilient product with an even spread of antibacterial properties throughout its whole. Should the trunking get scratched, Odyssey Biocide continues to do its job, unlike some competitor products that are coated with a biocidal finish. Once scratched, germs can penetrate the surface layer of these products and breed unchecked.

The antibacterial agent used in Odyssey Biocide in no way changes the properties, performance or appearance of the cable containment system. Indeed, because the system looks no different to its non-antibacterial stablemate Odyssey, Marshall-Tufflex is differentiating it with packaging. Odyssey Biocide is finished with a protective red film that peels easily off once installation is underway, or complete. It is also supplied in a green sleeve to further protect and identify it.

In contrast, standard Odyssey is finished with a blue protective film and supplied in a clear sleeve.

“Quite obviously there is no substitute for meticulous cleaning regimes and scrupulous personal hygiene in healthcare environments such as hospitals,” said Marshall-Tufflex Product Manager Chris Scott. “However, Odyssey Biocide is an additional weapon that can be used to great effect in the fight against superbugs and other infections.

“It is one simple, easy and cost-effective measure that can be taken to help safeguard health. It works silently, invisibly and round the clock, killing bacteria and preventing cross-infection. Hospitals that have fitted products treated with silver-based protection have reported a drop in bacteria levels of more than 90%.

“We are incredibly excited about Odyssey Biocide and the positive impact it could have in a large number of environments, for example schools, care homes, dental surgeries, medical centres and even sports centres. There may even be a good argument for specifying it into almost any public area with high footfall and/or the risk of cross-infection,” added Mr Scott.

Odyssey Biocide has achieved ISO22196:2007, which measures the performance of antibacterial-treated plastic products.

It is a welcome addition to Marshall-Tufflex’s product portfolio, given that the Sussex manufacturer already operates within the healthcare arena with its established and well-respected MT Conquest Series of bed head service units. The horizontal and vertical units are designed to accommodate gas, vacuum, nurse call, power, entertainment or lighting. They accept all popular nurse call systems, and data/gas valve outlets. MT Conquest can be designed to match the requirements of individual projects, be they new-build or refurbishment schemes for hospitals, medical or laboratory environments, clean rooms etc.

Odyssey Biocide is compatible with Marshall-Tufflex’s revolutionary MT32 power connection system, the first ‘plug and play’ compact connector system designed for rapid fit that is rated and approved to 32 amp. Patented technology enables this to be achieved by Marshall-Tufflex.

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FAKRO GB’s new Product Selector and Price List provides valuable information on every aspect of roof window performance and choice. With the regular introduction of new products and design improvements affecting FAKRO’s diverse range of roof windows, it contains essential guidance on U-values, recommended pitches, ventilation and flashings. Details of every type of roof window are included, in addition to information on light tunnels, access roof lights and the newly launched modular, solar thermal panel system. Once the type and size of window has been chosen, similar guidance enables the choice of finishing accessories and glazing options to be made.

One consistent element of feedback from roof window purchasers is the wish that more research had been done into the types of roof window available. FAKRO’s Product Selector and Price List enables readers to gain a detailed insight into what will work for their project and budget. It also shows how the company’s increasingly diverse range is being used for their contribution to interior design and contains valuable information on every aspect of roof window performance. With details of the latest technological improvements, FAKRO sheds crucial light on factors affecting quality, performance and sustainability. New products include the Balcony Roof Window, High Pivot Roof Window and modular, solar thermal panel system. FAKRO Solar panels have been designed to for positioning 'in-roof' and be installed using with roof windows of the same size using the same flashings. For an 'at a glance' guide, the back page contains details of every Fakro roof window and size.

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ELGA Process Water SDI Inclusive+ for deionised water with quality monitoring

ELGA Process Water has launched SDI Inclusive+ for companies who need deionised water but whose capital expenditure budget has been cut. SDI Inclusive+ is the latest addition to ELGA Process Water’s successful SDI product range, offering all the features of the standard SDI Inclusive package with the addition of continuous deionised water quality monitoring instrument.

SDI or Service Deionisation, a simple way to water purification. ELGA Process Water supplies you with a cylinder containing mixed bed ion exchange resins which you simply connect to a tap to produce high purity deionised water. When the resins are exhausted ELGA Process Water delivers a replacement cylinder and collects the exhausted one for reprocessing.

SDI cylinders are easy to install with no training required, so you can be up and running in no time. There’s no capital outlay and ELGA Process Water provides you with a book of vouchers for ongoing cylinder regeneration. Once you have used them all you just purchase another book.

Take out an SDI Inclusive+ rental agreement and ELGA Process Water will supply you with a duty and spare cylinder, a connection kit and a choice of water quality monitor from the entry level battery operated MiniBIP, to top of the range digital instruments with communications facilities to suit the most critical applications.

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The centre piece of the Alain Ducasse restaurant at the Dorchester Hotel in London is the stunning TABLE LUMIERE that seats up to six guests, who will be served a “menu surprise” created especially by Executive Chef Jocelyn Herland.

The table is almost completely surrounded by a luminescent, oval curtain made of cotton voile and over 4,500 cracked fibre optic strands, which drop dramatically from the ceiling. Crescent supplied supplied the cracked glass fibre optic looms or this which are powered by the CREAD068 projector, so the whole curtain effect only consumes around 80 Watts.

Patrick Jouin compares sitting at this table to walking into a cloud. While diners at the TABLE LUMIERE will be able to hear the buzz of the restaurant, they will be screened from view. A vaisselier placed next to the table contains a stunning collection of Hermès china, Puiforcat silverware and Saint-Louis crystal, which has been exclusively sourced for the TABLE LUMIERE.
Light & Design Associates were the lighting designers, Crescent would like to thank them for their support on this project.

More about the CRE068AD EFO (Efficient Fibre Optics) projector:

Crescent EFO is a revolutionary new lighting system offering all the benefits of Fibre Optic Lighting with the added advantage of energy efficiency. Technological innovations from Crescents parent company, Energy Focus, in solid core optical fibre and light collecting systems in EFO give crisp, white light with an efficiency way beyond what has been possible with Fibre Optics up to now.

Revolutionary optics Energy Focus’ patented Compound Parabolic Collector (CPC) is at the very heart of the new EFO system. The CPC collects the light generated by the 68W AC HQI lamp directly from the arc tube, and, at the same time directs the light beams to the ideal angle (35 degrees max) to efficiently launch the light into the fibre.

The CPC non-imaging system mixes the colour and gives a much more even distribution. This in turn obviates the need for any mixing or randomising of the optic fibres in the port to achieve an even light output across the various tails of the fibre harness

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Mitsubishi Electric has just secured ISO14001 recognition for its Sales and Marketing function in a move which brings the Living Environmental Systems Division (LES) in line with the company’s many manufacturing facilities around the globe.

“As one of the leading companies in the UK air conditioning market, we wanted to mirror the environmental commitment that our manufacturing plants have already demonstrated and ISO14001 is the best way of independently achieving this,” explained Martin Fahey, the company’s Green Gateway Initiative Manager.

Companies undertaking ISO14001 have to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to reducing their impact on the environment by cutting waste, unnecessary travel and lowering overall resource and energy consumption.

“Achieving ISO14001 demands the total buy-in of all staff which is another reason we wanted to do it,” added Fahey. “We realise that the big corporate statements businesses make can be meaningless unless they are wholeheartedly endorsed and accepted by staff.

“Having achieved this world-class standard, we know that we have merely started a process that will continue to help us grow our business in the most ethical and sustainable ways possible.”

The company is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of commercial heating, cooling and ventilation equipment, and is a pioneer in the use of air source heat pumps for the residential sector.

Mitsubishi Electric has now entered the power generation market with an advanced range of photovoltaic equipment. These have the ability to make renewable power generation achievable in any building.

“All of the initiatives including the decision to pursue ISO14001 stem from the Company’s Green Gateway Initiative, which fits perfectly into the Corporation’s global vision,” added Fahey.

The development of energy efficient buildings remains a long-term goal of Mitsubishi Electric under its framework for realising a sustainable planet – Environmental Vision 2021. This stands at the core of the company’s commitment to the environment, and outlines targets that the company aspires toward and that it can measure itself against.

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