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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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The Proudfoot Group, a Scarborough-based independent retail chain, and innovative lighting solutions company Sola Skylights are pioneering the use of energy-efficient natural lighting and other ‘sustainable’ practices, taking advantage of the Seamer store’s need for renovation to develop an exciting new type of retail outlet – the ‘eco-store’.

Refurbishment of the 61-year-old store (the chain’s first) has already started and, according to Terry Petch, Project Manager for the renovation (also manager at another Proudfoot store), once the renovation is complete (ETC end of July 2007), the 4,000-f2 store will be a model of eco-friendly energy efficiency. Plans include using space-age insulation materials, heat exchange pumps which produce three kW of power for each kW they use, ultra high-efficiency refrigeration compressors, a solar-powered water heater, and on the roof of the store, solar cells and (if the town council gives permission) a wind turbine to generate electricity. In addition, a total of 28 ‘Sky Tunnels’ will channel daylight down to the store interior, reducing energy costs, creating a pleasant atmosphere for customers and staff – and showcasing the store’s products in natural daylight.

Petch made the decision to use Sky Tunnels after discussing the options with Sola Skylights’ Peter Wood – concluding that their flexible-tubing skylights would not only be much easier to install than comparable systems used on a previous project, but also would cost significantly less. Not a difficult choice, then.

“There is a growing demand for products that are low on energy use, and we focus on making it not only easier, but more cost-efficient, for builders and contractors to meet that demand,” says Wood. “Sola’s Sky Tunnels can be fitted in a variety of types of rooms and buildings, and we are hoping we can convince more architects and developers in general that it is a good idea – and not as complicated or expensive as they might think – to use natural instead of artificial light.

Another high-tech solution being implemented in the store’s conversion is the use of Tri-Iso 10 (also known as Triso-Super 10), an extremely thin, yet thermally super-effective insulation material. Based on a material originally developed by NASA (later adapted for building use by ACTIS), a 30-mm thickness is equivalent to 210 mm of mineral wool, making it possible to incorporate exceptional thermal efficiency without sacrificing aesthetic considerations in the design and execution of the ‘green’ re-fit.

“We opened one of the country’s very first supermarkets, so it is most appropriate to be once again leading the way, developing an entirely new, environmentally friendly type of supermarket,” says The Proudfoot Group’s Joint Managing Director, Ian Proudfoot. While they’re at it, they appear to be the “early adopters” of an entirely new approach to building, as well.

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Weatherite Building Services has installed kitchen extract canopies at Waitrose supermarket in Bloomsbury, London.

WBS were awarded this contract – worth over £19,000 – by J A Sylvester Mechanical Services Ltd to design, manufacture and install the canopies in the store’s kitchen area. This project follows Weatherite’s successful completion of similar works at Waitrose stores in Droitwich and Cheltenham.

Each canopy contains an ultra violet light that uses ozone technology to break down and destroy residual grease and odour, ensuring that no cooking smells are emitted from the building.

Mike Turton, sales director, WBS, commented: “Having researched the different odour control methods, we selected the UV solution for Waitrose as this met the planning conditions and provided the best solution.

“Not only does the system comply with the local authorities stringent requirements, the reduced build-up of grease in the ductwork means that there is a greatly reduced requirement for ductwork cleaning.”

Mike added: “From the simplest hood design to the most sophisticated energy saving ceiling ventilation system, we can provide the complete solution for all types of kitchens.”

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

More recently 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. WBS now offers a single source choice to its customers which includes project management, design, installation and commissioning capabilities.

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Ground breaking LumiTec technology is behind Light & Space, the latest innovation from Dulux Trade. This pioneering new colour range reflects up to twice as much light*, making rooms look and feel more spacious and contributing to potential energy savings.

Light & Space uses cleaner tinting recipes and paint components resulting in surfaces that are more reflective and less absorbent of natural or artificial light. As such, significantly more light is effectively reflected and distributed around a space.

Smaller windows and energy efficient, or lower wattage, light bulbs are increasingly being used throughout building design and fit outs, following demands by Building Regulations Approved Document Part L that as little energy as possible is lost through the building fabric and fittings. However, this does affect the levels of light in a room. Dulux Trade’s new Light & Space colour range has been developed to combat this problem.

Tests have shown that when comparing Light & Space with a standard paint of similar hue and chroma it is possible to have up to 20%** smaller windows and yet still achieve the same levels of light within a room. When it comes to distributing artificial light, Light & Space has also been proven to achieve the same average level of illumination, using up to 20%** less lighting energy.

Ian Bradshaw, Group Brand Manager for Dulux Trade, said: “Now lighter doesn’t have to mean whiter. The innovative new Light & Space colour range means that, for the first time, designers aren’t restricted to using white paint to brighten up a room. With 27 colours available, designers aren’t just contributing to the demands of Part L, it will also be easier to meet Part M guidelines at the same time. A truly functional, aesthetically superior solution.”

Light & Space can be specified in Diamond Matt or Flat Matt finishes.

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Mitsubishi Electric has issued a reminder of the value of regular check ups for heating and cooling systems to ensure that they do not waste money or energy and perform well throughout the coming winter months.

In order to maximise efficiency of performance and ensure that staff stay warm or cool, whatever the British weather produces over the coming months, Mitsubishi Electric is calling on all facility managers and operators of air conditioning to check and see that installed systems are set to work to their optimum running performance.

“It may sound obvious, but its incredible how many people don’t think about how their air conditioning system is performing until they hit a problem,” says Philip Ord, Mitsubishi Electric’s City Multi Product Marketing Manager, referring not only to Mitsubishi Electric’s comprehensive range, but any system currently in use.

“People wouldn’t dream of driving their cars for thousands of miles without regular visits to the garage to make sure that the cars are performing well and an air conditioning system is exactly the same,” adds Philip.

“Filters that are clogged in air handling units result in the system’s performance being reduced and energy wasted. Vents blocked by accident or on purpose can also reduce the performance of the system.”

Regular check ups for systems, just like for people, help you get the most out of your air conditioning and ensure that you save energy and money.

Systems maintained in accordance with manufacturers’ preferred standards will run better, cost less in energy and reduce problems associated with disputes between hot and cold staff.

“We are advising everyone to carry out regular pre-winter checks on installed systems,” concludes Philip.

Mitsubishi Electric offers a full health check and system evaluation service for all City Multi systems. Further details can be obtained by calling the company on 01707 282880.

The drive for better maintenance is one of the key elements of the Green Gateway Initiative™, Mitsubishi Electric’s 10-point plan to help the country save over 3 million tonnes of CO2 per year by 2016. For further details visit www.greengatewayinitiative.co.uk.

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The latest Glidden Trade Colour Card is now available, showcasing an extended colour range.

Supporting the brand’s new livery and improved product formulation, the colour card has been updated to include Glidden Trade’s new contemporary colour range of 90 exclusive ICI colours, plus standard BS 4800 and RAL.

The colour card’s design has an improved layout that ensures easy colour selection. It also includes advice on health and safety issues and application case studies. A new fandeck format is also available, which also includes NCS1 and NCS2 ranges.

Craig Frost, senior brand manager for Glidden, said “The range has been extended in response to calls for a wider colour choice from Glidden. We are finding that increasingly, even when projects need to stick to strict budgets, the scope is widening when it comes to colour schemes. By extending the colour range, Glidden can meet both budgetary and design requirements.”

Supported by new in-store POS, the Glidden Trade Colour Card is available directly from merchants, or can be ordered from the ICI Paints website www.icipaints.co.uk or www.glidden.co.uk

Launched just over ten years ago, Glidden Trade has seen tremendous growth in recent years in the UK trade market to become number three in the trade paint market. This investment in colour collateral is aimed at building on this success, with continued activity planned throughout 2007.

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Hepworth Building Products has expanded its range of domestic channel drainage products by introducing the HepFlow Polymer Concrete Channel Drain.

Lightweight and easy to fit, HepFlow Polymer Concrete gives installers a wider choice when specifying applications for domestic driveways and pedestrian areas around residential properties.

The new channel drain is suitable for class A15 applications, so ideal for use around garden paths, walkways, patios, barbecue areas, pool surrounds, laundry rooms, domestic driveways and stepped areas. It comes complete with galvanised grating and fixing mechanism and is 75% lighter than traditional concrete, making for easy installation.

Tony Robinson, Market Development Manager at Hepworth Building Products comments: “The introduction of the HepFlow Polymer Concrete Channel Drain complements our existing range of domestic channel drainage products including the HepFlow Polypropylene Channel Drain and the Hepworth PVC Threshold Drain. All three applications offer a complete and integrated surface water drainage system for domestic applications.

“With no special tools required, fitting a domestic channel drainage system could not be simpler. “

The launch of the HepFlow Polymer Concrete Channel Drain is accompanied by the Domestic Channel Drainage System Product Guide, which highlights features and benefits of the complete range and includes step by step installation instructions. This piece of literature is available to download from www.hepstore.co.uk

The HepFlow Polymer Concrete comes in one metre lengths with an overall depth of 80mm.

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