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Young event-rider, Georgie Spence (18), who is currently on the World Class Program, which provides training for future Olympic potentials, has secured a major sponsorship deal with the world-leading Mapei Group.

The privately-owned Italian company is the world’s largest manufacturer of adhesives, sealants and general building products and is already recognised as a major sponsor of international cycling, motorsport and the Italian national football team.

This is the chemical giant’s first step into the equestrian sector and is seen as a major boost for this talented rider, as well as for the horse industry.

Said Mark Louch, Managing Director of Mapei UK Ltd: “We are delighted to continue our company tradition of sports sponsorship and welcome Georgie on board.”

Georgie is currently competing in her first season in Young Riders, having previously held the Under 18 national title in 2006 and was a member of the Junior European Team silver squad. She also took a creditable second place in the Under 25 CCI*** at the recent Bramham International Horse Trials on Running Brook II and has been shortlisted for the British Young Rider team on all four of her top horses.

For further information please visit Georgie Spence, and for further information on Mapei please visit Mapei.

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The lovely old Grade II listed Harte and Garter Hotel, superbly located in the centre of historic Windsor, re opened in October after an in depth and highly successful £7.5million refurbishment programme. Dating back to the 19th century, the hotel is rich in high ceilings, attractive cornices and dark wood furnishings and sympathetic restoration has preserved most of its Victorian splendour and heritage, albeit blended now with the style and luxury of a 21st century showpiece.

Its many contemporary additions include Daikin VRV and SkyAir air conditioning, a new and luxurious boutique spa complete with treatment rooms and sauna, new and upgraded bedrooms and bathrooms and extensively refitted restaurant and public areas.

The new air conditioning, installed by Air Cool Engineering Systems Ltd, Stevenage, Herts, comprises three 2 pipe VRV heat pump and six 3 pipe VRV heat recovery systems. Heat recovery air conditioning is supplied to the hotel bedrooms by means of floor standing chassis type fan coil units housed in casings purpose designed to blend with the room decor and to the spa and restaurant via ceiling ducted units. A combination of ceiling cassette and wall mounted units also supply certain of the public areas with heat recovery air conditioning.

Heat pump air conditioning is utilised in the main for the open plan areas such as the ballroom and meeting rooms with Sky Air split systems serving the bar and private dining rooms. Internal design temperature is maintained at 210C on a year round basis.

Heat reclaim ventilation is provided for the kitchen, bar and private dining areas by two Daikin VAM units, which exchange the temperature and humidity of incoming fresh air to match the prevailing indoor conditions, thereby reducing the ventilation cooling and heating loads otherwise placed upon the air conditioning systems.

The air conditioning and heat reclaim ventilation systems are controlled by a Daikin Intelligent controller located in an office off the reception area and connected to wall mounted remote local temperature controllers throughout the hotel

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Alumasc’s M.R. Swisrail Insulated Render System has been chosen for an innovative apartment development in Cherstey, Surrey. This monolithic system is specifically tailored to the needs of lightweight frame construction. It not only achieved the exceptional levels of insulation required but also met the need for a ‘drained system’ around a unique curved tower feature.

Developed by Countryside Properties, the Phoenix Apartments comprise one and two bedroom units. The scheme features four landmark buildings including a cylindrical tower that forms the centre piece. Over 1700m2 of Swisrail was specified by the architects, KDS Associates, because it could offer a highly efficient insulation board that achieved a ‘U’ value of 0.20 W/m2K. The 140mm extruded polystyrene insulation needed to achieve the U value can be used with a drained system, unlike most other products on the market which are limited to 120mm insulation.

NHBC approved Swisrail is based on Swistherm, the principal M.R. Insulated Render System for new building applications. Swisrail incorporates a series of steel rails and channels that provide a 25mm drained cavity between the insulation and the steel frame to comply with NHBC guidelines. Swisrail provided a solution that could be installed quickly and easily around the tower.

The aesthetic benefits of Swisrail were also important to the specifiers. The scheme includes some retail units and a renovated Grade II listed house that provides a striking contrast to the glass and render of the new buildings. Swisrail is a contemporary architectural solution based on lightweight renders with textured finishes, in a wide choice of colours – enabling the architects to select a finish that fulfilled their design brief.

Lightweight M.R. ST Silicone and Mineral top coats are available in rolled or dragged surface textures. The render is highly resistant to impact damage and requires minimal routine maintenance. The choice of insulation materials includes mineral wool for non-combustibility and expanded polystyrene for economy, whilst either mineral wool or cork, when combined with M.R. ST Mineral decorative renders, provide a faÇade solution composed entirely of natural materials.

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Worcester has one of the most comprehensive ranges of oil-fired boilers in the UK having extended its range of floorstanding oil-fired boilers this year with the introduction of a further twelve high efficiency, SEDBUK ‘A’ rated Greenstar Camray boilers suitable for internal and external installations.

The Greenstar Camray, Utility, Utility System and External boilers, which are available in outputs of 12/18kW, 18/25kW and 25/32kW, have been added to the existing Greenstar Heatslave, Utility and Danesmoor ranges and are the first condensing boilers from the Camray stable.

Latest internal models have been designed with either the same or smaller dimensions as standard efficiency Danesmoor or Camray boilers making them an obvious choice for homeowners wishing to upgrade to a high efficiency, SEDBUK ‘A’ rated boiler.

Compared to the regular Camray models, the new generation Camray boilers offer increased siting flexibility and feature a range of advancements including advanced Riello RDB cross-firing burner technology and optional plug in time control for maximum efficiency.

The latest range of internal Camray models has been designed to be highly insulated and remarkably quiet in operation, making the boilers suitable for installation in the kitchens, utility rooms, cellars or boiler houses.

The Greenstar Camray 12/18 model is suitable for a small to medium sized, one bath flat, house or bungalow whilst the 18/25 model is suitable for a medium sized house and the 25/32 model is suitable for a large sized, two bath apartment, house or bungalow.

In addition to the internal boilers, three new Greenstar Camray external models are also available for increased siting flexibility in properties with restricted floor space. Available in outputs of 12/18, 18/25 and 25/32, each model is built with a secondary heat exchanger technology to maximise efficiency and features a high quality insulated weatherproof cabinet (IP45 ingress protection rated) with built-in frost protection.

Martyn Bridges, director of marketing and technical support, said: “The Camray brand is a favourite amongst many installers who are impressed by its outstanding design, performance and value for money.

“At Worcester, we recognise that high oil prices will increase consumer demand for high efficiency oil-fired boilers, which is why we are committed to advancing our Greenstar oil-fired boiler range into the condensing era. All the new Camray and Heatslave models being introduced will exceed the legislation requirements put in place in April 2007, and are SEDBUK A rated for efficiency.”

The Greenstar Camray series is suitable for connection to a fully pumped primary water system. A gravity hot water system is not compatible with the Greenstar Camray oil series.

For more information on Worcester’s product range call 08705 266241 or visit www.worcester-bosch.co.uk

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David Bellamy and The Green Organisation have recognised roofing products manufacturer Hambleside Danelaw Ltd as 'Green Heroes' in tribute to the Group's environmental best practice.

The recognition is for companies, local authorities and communities who have previously won Green Apple Awards and who have taken their commitment to the next level by helping others to support the environment.

Hambleside Danelaw has won three Green Apple Awards, the last of which was for the Group's Stormforce 225 high performance GRP valley trough range in November 2006. The manufacturing processes for the range involve reduced waste and the replacement of virgin raw material by materials generated from recycled products. With a life expectancy in excess of 45 years, the valleys can be recycled at the end of their service.

Hambleside Danelaw was recently given Planet Positive™ certification by leading carbon solutions company dcarbon8 because its design and production processes embody an environmentally responsible footprint which is imperative to receiving certification. The Planet Positive™ mark will inform contractors that Hambleside's business carbon footprint, the volume of greenhouse gasses generated by the company's manufacturing and distribution processes, is more than offset by activities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

After receiving the Green Heroes award from David Bellamy at a ceremony in London, Robin Jeffery, Hambleside's vice-chairman, said: “Although more suppliers and contractors in the building industry are taking sustainable development seriously, the battle is far from won. Even when there is an understandably strong temptation to minimise costs, builders should always check the environmental performance and quality standards of the materials that they are sourcing. This avoids additional repair and maintenance costs for the building occupier later on.

“Hambleside Danelaw and like-minded building product manufacturers will continue to promote the message that 'it pays to go green'.”

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Three Altherma air to water split heat pump systems, supplied by Daikin Airconditioning UK Ltd, specified by Helix Consulting, Dunfermline and installed by Enviroheat Ltd, Carnock, Fife, provide heating for a new special young persons centre in Croftmalloch, Whitburn, West Lothian. Opened at the end of October, the centre is an integral part of the West Lothian Children’s Services Plan 2005/08 and provides a secure and disciplined yet friendly family environment for up to 6 young persons at any one time.

The single storey building comprises young persons and staff bedrooms (one with wheelchair facilities), lounges, kitchen/dining room, family room, office and a general common area plus toilets and bathrooms etc.

The heat pumps are connected to under floor heating that is provided to most rooms – some 240m2 of the 270m2 building in fact. The systems are designed on a water flow temperature of 420C (Altherma can provide water at 250C to 550C), which is supplied by two type 006 and one type 007 systems (6.8kW and 8.4kW nominal heating capacity respectively). The systems each comprise an outdoor unit (ERYQ) and an indoor unit (EKHBH) known as the ‘Hydrobox’ and located in the plant room along with the under floor heating manifolds. Nominal COPs of these units are 4.34 and 4.05 respectively.

The compact inverter driven outdoor condensing units are mounted at high level on an outside wall of the building and can operate in external ambient temperatures as low as -200C. Although Altherma can also be used for the supply and temperature regulation of domestic hot water, in this particular installation it is dedicated solely to the heating circuit.

The Hydrobox includes a built in user interface set to the required flow temperature, a programmable 7 day timer, a weather compensator and a number of other useful features. For complete flexibility the Altherma system can also be connected to most room thermostats on the market, providing the user with the choice between a single room thermostat or a fully programmable controller.

Altherma is enjoying rapidly increasing use throughout the UK and its inherent energy efficiency, low CO2 emission levels, clean operation and low investment characteristics enabled the consultant to satisfy West Lothian Council that it represented a genuinely flexible and cost effective alternative to a traditional gas boiler, even more so since the cost of laying on gas to the site would result in yet further expense.

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Global building solutions company CEMEX have supplied their ReadyPave™ Chelsea Setts concrete block paving for a college theatre refurbishment project. The Athlone Hall, originally constructed in the1960’s, is the performing arts centre for Framlingham College in Framlingham, near Woodbridge, Suffolk and is both a theatre and concert venue. The interior of the building has undergone a complete refurbishment programme by specialist theatre design consultants, Theatretech, but the exterior walkways and disabled access also required reconstructing to meet current legislation requirements. A paving system was required which would harmonise with the surrounding areas and also provide safe access for pedestrians and the less physically able.

“We were looking to create an appearance in sympathy with the splendour of our original buildings and yet make a fresh, dynamic impression to this state of the art theatre. The paving has helped us to achieve this by enhancing the exterior through the use of a wide range of quality materials in addition to providing a safe and practical environment for our pupils and visitors”, said Andrew Payn, the Operations Director at Framlingham College.

ReadyPave™ Chelsea Avenue Setts were chosen in Burnt Elm and laid in a formal bond pattern to provide a traditional appearance which complements the architectural styles of the period College building and the Athlone Hall. The 60mm thick block paving system is capable of coping with both heavy pedestrian traffic and low speed cars and commercial vehicles.

CEMEX manufactures a wide range of building materials including Block Paving, Architectural Masonry and Dense and Lightweight blocks, as well as a wide range of Concrete Roof Tiles and associated fittings.

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M&E contractor Longcross Engineering has become the 15,000th licensee of AMTECH’s FastTest Test & Inspection software

In extending its use of AMTECH’s FastTest software to increase productivity, Longcross Engineering, the M&E division of Longcross Group, has recently purchased the 15,000th licence for this market-leading Test & Inspection software. The event was celebrated with the presentation of champagne and a specially commissioned trophy to the company’s Testing and Commissioning Manager Tony Taylor.

“Using FastTest is a quick and efficient way of producing accurate, validated test certificates and gives us around 40% time savings compared to other methods,” Tony explained. “The ability to print certificates onto plain paper makes the production of extensive certificates very cost-effective and there are a number of useful tools to increase productivity. New users also find it very easy to use, so they’re up and running in a short space of time,” he continued.

Longcross has been using AMTECH’s FastTest and ProDesign packages for several years and increasing the number of FastTest licences is proving invaluable in managing a rapidly growing portfolio of M&E contracts. “Making smart use of technologies such as FastTest helps us to maintain high levels of service to clients across a wider range of projects,” said Operations Director Daryl Fortune. “With prestigious clients such as Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s and HM Prisons, the quality and consistency of our service is a number one priority,” he added.

Tony Taylor’s department is responsible for verifying testing and commissioning data from all of the company’s electrical installation projects. “FastTest takes care of a lot of the routine work and has dramatically reduced the amount of paper we have to handle. This enables us to respond to customers’ needs faster and more efficiently,” he concluded.

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Fiat Light Commercial Vehicles in the UK is changing its name and logo, as of today (Friday 29 June).

The new brand name is Fiat Professional, and the new logo underlines both the brand’s identity as a part of Fiat Group Automobiles, and its obvious international vocation.

The word Professional highlights the brand’s aspiration to give the image independent status, while at the same time accentuating its ability to respond to the needs of professional customers. The most obvious proof of this is the fact that it has represented a day-to-day ally in the working world for over a century, with a role in the economic and social development of many countries.

Fiat Professional in the UK comprises 162 dealers, more than 70 of which are specialised, working to strict standards regarding the display of new and used vehicles, with workshops specialised in maintenance and repairs, and qualified sales personnel with specific training.

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For over 20 years EES Data have provided estimating software and database information services to many of the UK's leading Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Contractors.

EES Data now offers three levels of professional software for Estimating and Project Management. Each system has been designed to be easy to use and is upgradeable to the next version.

System Level 1.
The EES Data LITE System designed for use as a starter package for the smaller contractor. Includes Basic Estimating, with a Printable Book of Installation Guidance Times.

System Level 2.
The EES Data PRO System designed for use by the larger contractor. Estimating for all types of Commercial or Industrial projects, including major installation works in excess of a million pound in tender value. This system includes all the features that the larger contractor would expect in a heavy weight estimating package including B of Q take off.

System Level 3.
The EES Data PRO+PLUS System designed for use by the larger contractor includes all the features of System 2 detailed above PLUS Project Management Control. This system includes Application for Payment, Job Cost Monitoring and Stock Control.

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