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Temporary ice-rinks have attracted visitors with tens of thousands square feet or real ice created thanks to ICS Cool Energy temporary cooling solutions.  

Southampton, Feb. 9, 2022 – ICS Cool Energy, an international market leader specialising in complete temperature control solutions for manufacturing process and facilities applications, announced that it closed the 2021/2022 season with a record number of temporary ice-rink projects successfully delivered across the UK and Channel Islands. ICS Cool Energy has worked with Rink Operators throughout the UK providing them with hire chillers, temporary power solutions, cable and distribution to supply refrigeration for the popular temporary ice-skating rinks.

“Demand for ice-rink cooling keeps growing. It was particularly noticeable this year, when skaters of all ages, from across the UK, from Aberdeen to Guernsey, and from Cardiff to the Scarborough have been looking forward to have a superb experience and forget about the pandemic reality,” said Simon Ward, Hire Sales Manager at ICS Cool Energy. “After last year and all the uncertainty of the pandemic and its effect on the events industry, we didn’t want to let people down. We used all our resources to ensure that ice rinks could operate and bring much needed release for the skaters and the operating companies.”

“Reliability during the hire period is a must and at ICS Cool Energy, we build in contingency in to all our packages. This includes multiple chillers, each with multiple circuits and compressors, running and standby pumps, correct system readings on pressures and temperatures, and also telemetry when required. Our hire systems have been maintained at all times to keep the ice surface fresh even in the constantly changing weather conditions, including rain, sunshine and ice-melting temperatures,” continued Simon Ward.

ICS Cool Energy has supplied cooling to customer mats from 250m² up to 1200m², all requiring the correct flow rate and pressure evenly across the mat. Throughout the season from November to January, a typical ice rink requires the chillers to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days per week with required cooling capacities varying from 100kW up to 480kW at a -12 degrees Celsius fluid off temperature. This duty is supplied using a glycol mix through the customers mat system.

“With over 30 years of experience, our technical engineering teams have developed a wealth of know-how and experience in delivering flexible and reliable temperature control solutions for the ice-rinks and across many leisure sectors,” said Simon Ward. “We manage the full project including delivery, installation, commissioning of the equipment and 24/7 on call service throughout the hire. That’s why we’ve been the trusted partners for such extraordinary projects throughout the UK.”

With national coverage as well as across Europe, ICS Cool Energy customers benefit from one dedicated point of contact for all their temporary equipment needs and a wide range of hire solutions suitable for any type of application, including many leisure sectors.

For more information on ICS Cool Energy complete process temperature control solutions, please visit https://www.icscoolenergy.com/.

The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) is delighted to announce the first candidate to be enrolled on the new Compressed Air and Vacuum Technician (CAVT) apprenticeship.
 
Owen Webb, from Alton Compressor Services Limited (Alton) in Fareham has begun his training to coincide with this year’s National Apprenticeship Week and is the first young engineer in the UK to benefit from the scheme.
 
Owen’s training will be delivered by Semester Learning and Development (Semester), also the first provider in the UK to run the apprenticeship.  Using its proven online learning platform, Owen can train around his other work commitments.  Scott Margison, Managing Director of Semester explains:
 
“Following conversations with both the BCAS Training and Development Committee as well as the team at Alton, we could see the value that the CAVT apprenticeship would offer. In particular, how it could meet the urgent market requirement to develop specific skills related to compressed and vacuum systems.
 
“We are therefore proud to be the first training provider to offer the new CAVT apprenticeship and are really looking forward to working with Owen as he progresses through the variety of modules.  Our online delivery means that he can work flexibly, and at a pace which fits around his work schedule.
 
“Owen will benefit from a dedicated course tutor, alongside individual subject experts and an NVQ assessor.”
 
Commenting further, Jordan Sainsbury, Managing Director at Alton added:
 
“Owen started with us in October last year and initially, we were looking at a number of engineering training courses to help with his training and development. However, none of these offered any in-depth insight into the field of pneumatics, or the specifics of our industry. 
 
“So, when we learnt about the new CAVT apprenticeship, we were really keen to find a provider that would be able to deliver the training.  Scott and the team at Semester have been really enthusiastic throughout the process and we are all so proud that Owen will be the first person in the UK to kickstart the scheme!”
 
“Working in a family-run business like ours and managing multiple priorities can make it more difficult to schedule training.  The online approach really suits us.  Owen can schedule his apprenticeship modules around the daily demands of a busy service and engineering department.  We can’t wait to see how he progresses!”
 
During the three-year apprenticeship, candidates will learn how to commission compressed air and/or vacuum equipment and their associated systems, alongside service and maintenance, fault diagnosis, repair and system optimisation.
 
The course will also include the development of transferrable skills, which can be provided via BCAS training courses including working safely with compressed air and compressed air treatment technology to name a few.
 
The final two years will be more focused on developing the key engineering skills required by the industry, including installation, commissioning, service and repair of compressed air and vacuum systems.
 
Roy Brooks, Technical Development Officer at BCAS added:
 
"We are delighted that Owen will be undertaking the new apprenticeship, helping to plug the skills shortage of qualified engineers. The standard ensures that upon successful completion, the apprentice achieves a national apprenticeship, academic qualifications and may apply for the professional recognition of EngTech with The Society of Operations Engineers.
 
“We look forward to seeing how Owen progresses, paving the way for the latest generation of compressed air and vacuum technicians.”
 
 
To learn more about the CAVT apprenticeship and to view the full occupational standard, visit https://elearning.bcas.org.uk/compressed-air-and-vacuum-technician-cavt/
 
To learn more about Alton, visit www.altoncompressorservices.co.uk/

Houghton International, a leading innovator in the field of electro mechanical assets repair, maintenance and life extension, competed against companies from across the UK, before securing two awards at the Make UK National Awards. The company was awarded the noteworthy prize of SME Manufacturer of the Year and came runner-up in the Developing Future Talent category. 

The award has been developed to champion businesses with less than 250 employees who have blazed a trail within the manufacturing sector. Winners have proven that they have led by example and developed progressive best practice for others in the industry. They have shown exceptional initiative, boldness and dynamism, as well as exemplary management practices. 

Houghton International was commended for its company culture and innovation-led approach. Their people strategy, which combines extensive training and development opportunities with a range of employee benefits and a bonus scheme, also received recognition. Houghton International also received credit for its established apprenticeship programme, which has seen many apprentices rise to senior roles within the company.

Many have struggled to come to terms with their new reality following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Houghton International rose to this challenge. Its approach to wellbeing during this time was praised by the Make UK judges, particularly the hard work and dedication the company has to its customers and employees. 

“These awards are a testament to the dynamic companies and individuals working in engineering and manufacturing,” commented Dawn Huntrod, regional membership manager for Make UK in the North East. “The sector remains at the heart of creating wealth in the North East and, as we re-build our economy, there will be a bright future for companies and individuals that make the most of their talent.”

Michael Mitten, CEO of Houghton International, commented, “Taking home not one, but two national accolades from the Make UK awards really is an incredible achievement. It’s a testament to our positive, innovation-led culture, excellent people, and the way we go about our business with integrity at the heart of all we do.”

Houghton International plans to build on this win by continuing its innovation-led approach as the business looks to the future and how it can best support established and emerging sectors in a rapidly electrifying world.

For more information about the company’s innovative approach, visit Houghton International.

Ultimo and ICT Netherlands, an ICT Group company, have joined forces to help asset-intensive companies improve the efficiency of maintenance activities. The partnership connects Ultimo’s Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) cloud platform to HoloNXT, the mixed reality platform provided by ICT Netherlands, to improve knowledge sharing and enable virtually-assisted remote maintenance. Both companies showcase their joint solution on the Maintenance Dortmund 2022 event, on the 30th and 31st of March in the Dortmund Messe.

HoloNXT is a platform designed by ICT Netherlands to connect online data with the physical world. The result is a Digital Twin offering infinite possibilities. Integrating this online data with Ultimo’s EAM platform improves communication and information sharing around asset management and maintenance activities. Operations and technical services managers can look remotely at a physical asset and have all crucial maintenance and operational data made available through HoloNXT. The information and instructions can then be visualised on a HoloLens, a tablet or a smartphone to help the technician perform the job correctly on the field.

Michel Manders, Operations Manager at ICT Netherlands, said: “Installations are becoming more complex, and knowledge is slowly ageing away. New professionals need support and more intelligent guidance to fulfil their jobs in a safe and efficient way. Collecting and analysing data, machine learning and artificial intelligence are hot topics at the moment, but if you don't pay attention to how that data is visualised, or how the user interacts with it, opportunities are missed. In the end, there will always be crucial decisions to be made. HoloNXT is a solution for managing the challenges that the knowledge ages away and the increasing complexity of installations.”

Patrick Beekman, Partner Solution Manager at Ultimo, added: “Sharing Ultimo data from assets and related maintenance processes through standard APIs makes it very easy to use the services from HoloNXT directly via the Ultimo platform. This provides many benefits. For example, you can use your digital twin to train new employees, share knowledge or give instructions remotely using the AR functionality to assist colleagues working onsite.”

About Ultimo Software Solutions
Ultimo Software Solutions supplies the #1 Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) Cloud platform 'Ultimo.' The software is used by more than 2,000 customers globally in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Logistics, Infrastructure, and Utilities. It offers customers in these sectors many advantages such as increased uptime, the management of costs, increased equipment lifespan, ease of adherence to laws and regulations, and the ensurance of a safe working environment. Ultimo provides all this with an unparalleled Return On Investment due to fast implementation processes, seamless integrations, and Self-Service application management. The company was formed in 1988 and has offices in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
www.ultimo.com

Sandvik Machining and Manufacturing Solutions reveals 266% customer growth in 2021 from its tooling inventory management software business, CRIBWISE. The impressive growth is a result of further strategic developments within its Design & Planning Automation division. 

These include new strategic partnerships globally, such as vending supplier Kardex Remstar, the world’s largest provider of vertical storage solutions, as well as adoption from new and existing customers in key markets.  
There has also been an increase in licences which has risen in the last year by 220% with the likes of Valmet, in Sweden, and Sandvik Mining and Rock, in Finland, signing up to the SaaS provider. This is proof that, to manufacturers of all sizes, the cost-reducing cloud-based software is breaking down technology-reluctant barriers held by many traditional tooling and machine shops.

CRIBWISE helps manufacturers to take control of their tooling inventory and related processes. It is modular, customisable and easy to integrate for all sizes of machine shops. It helps improve productivity and machine life by reducing administrative time, hours spent searching for tools and production and maintenance delays. It also cuts unnecessary expenditure due to over-purchasing and over-stocking.  

With a 68% reduction in time spent acquiring tools since integrating CRIBWISE, Jani Savinainen, Supply Chain Manager at Sandvik Mining and Rock says: Digitalisation is an essential part of the manufacturing and supply chain nowadays. You need much more agility, a seamless flow between different operations. CRIBWISE is the perfect match to our needs.”

Head of CRIBWISE, Joakim Johansson, says: “Manufacturers have really embraced cloud-based solutions over the last couple of years. Not only has integration become easier, more secure and more customisable, it’s really helping businesses reduce their costs. With a cloud-based solution like CRIBWISE, our subscription fee is nominal but it can have a seismic impact on reducing tooling costs which can easily run into tens of thousands of pounds or euros. A company like Valmet will have reduced tooling and equipment inventory costs by as much as 20% last year.”

He adds: “Looking at 2022 and beyond, we are really excited about further expansion in key markets with a continued focus on our customers and partners. It’s going to be a great year for software development too as we add further value with product developments that respond to customer needs.  Right now we are launching a new Artificial Intelligence stock optimization feature based on historical purchase lead times and consumption. This was in response to feedback and will bring further streamlining for our customers and a lot less manual work.”

To find out how CRIBWISE could help boost your business, click here. 

MSC Industrial Supply Co. UK, a premier distributor of Metalworking and Maintenance, Repair and Operations supplies to industrial customers, is launching an innovative project with business partner Next Gen Makers to make it easier for its West Midlands-based customers to find and recruit Engineering Apprentices.

The online Engineering Apprenticeship Finder platform, developed by Next Gen Makers, will launch in National Apprenticeship week 2022 beginning 7 February and will signpost young people looking for Engineering Apprenticeships within the West Midlands region to a range of vacancies.

Over 50 high schools and colleges are set to receive access to the platform for their students, with Next Gen Makers also delivering webinars for career leaders in partnership with the Black Country Consortium.

Several of the region’s leading engineering apprenticeship training providers are also partnered with the project, including BMet, Make UK, Dudley College, Black Country & Marches Institute of Technology, City of Wolverhampton College and South Staffs College.

In November 2021 MSC, acquired a 49% stake in Next Gen Makers; a move it believes will help address the engineering skills shortage. The Engineering Apprenticeship Finder project is the first of several new initiatives to be launched because of this partnership and represents a direct solution to help match relevant individuals to the apprenticeship opportunities of MSC’s customer base of engineering and manufacturing firms in the West Midlands region.

 “2021 was a poor year for recruitment into engineering apprenticeships, with total starts falling considerably,” said Adam Tipper, Managing Director of Next Gen Makers. “We have become acutely aware that one of the barriers preventing the filling of the many available engineering apprentices is  lack of awareness of these opportunities by young people interested in starting a career in the sector... This project is aimed at raising awareness of these opportunities across the West Midlands.”

MSC and Next Gen Makers have partnered for two years to explore and understand the true challenges of the manufacturing sector and identify specific skills shortages. In addition to the Engineering Apprenticeship Finder project in the West Midlands, Next Gen Makers partners with engineering firms on a national scale to help them identify their skills gaps in an everchanging market. Its Best Practice Programme equips manufacturers with the tools they need to better plan for, attract and retain apprentices. Through the programme, Next Gen Makers provides a host of best practice resources and peer-to-peer discussion forums. This enables manufacturing firms of all sizes to adopt new practices that have been proven in other successful apprenticeship schemes.

Next Gen Makers has recently partnered with Make UK to develop an Engineering Apprenticeships Employer Kitemark, which recognises companies that achieve a best practice benchmark and endorses them as an exemplary employer of apprentices. This helps make businesses more attractive to young engineers and assists them in finding placements that offer genuinely prosperous career opportunities.

https://www.mscdirect.co.uk

Hire Association Europe (HAE) is promoting careers and training in the hire industry, including the unmissable programmes through HireTrain, at the 2022 Executive Hire Show in the CBS Arena, Coventry from February 9-10.

The national event for tool, plant and equipment hire executives is the perfect platform for the benefits of signing up to HireTrain, a dedicated training group for everybody in the hire industry. Supported by HAE and ConstructionSkills, HireTrain aims to raise standards by developing and facilitating quality training for all staff.

The cost-effective programmes offered by HireTrain will enable HAE members to increase profit, boost turnover, improve safe working practices and reduce staff turnover.

Despite the ongoing impact on businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, HAE remains committed to attracting people from all age groups, skill sets and backgrounds, to boost the workforce in the tool, plant and equipment hire sector. The Association is a gateway of the DWP’s Kickstart Scheme, a multi-million-pound government initiative designed to create thousands of high-quality work placements for young people aged 16-24 who are at risk of long-term unemployment.

HAE is also showcasing the benefits of apprenticeships to employers as part of National Apprenticeship Week (7^th to 13^th February). Encouraging more young people into the industry creates a sustainable skills base through vocational training and academic options that will contribute to the UK’s major construction projects of the future.

Industry-leading SafeHire Certification Scheme will be another key feature on the HAE stand (C32) at the show. It allows customers to approach tool and equipment, plant hire including event hire companies with confidence, as it proves a firm’s competence in upholding high standards in health, safety, environment and quality of equipment as well as a well-trained workforce. 

Paul Gaze, HAE EHA Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our training programmes like HireTrain cover everything from equipment usage through to health and safety and other key business skills. Working with key partners we are able to offer apprenticeships, management and leadership programmes. Through HAE’s accredited providers we can also offer NEBOSH, IOSH and Driver CPC, offering something of relevance to companies of all sizes.”

The Executive Hire Show is a premier trade-only event open to hire executives throughout the UK and Ireland, as well as attracting visitors from Europe and beyond. Senior executives from national hire operations attend the show, along with large numbers of independently-owned hire outlets.

For more information on HAE’s services call 0121 380 4600 or visit hae.org.uk

or eha.org.uk

Leading trade body for the hire and events industries Hire Association Europe Event Hire Association (HAE EHA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Neil Bravery, Managing Director of SHC Hire Centres, as Chairman of the Main Board. Neil takes over the reins from Brian Sherlock of Brandon Hire Station, who stepped down as Chairman after three years in the role.

Neil brings with him extensive experience, having been part of the Tools, Plant & Equipment Board and the HireTrain Committee. He also helped lead the development of the Digger & Dumper Safety Working Group which aims to drive change across the industry and eliminate fatal accidents. As HAE EHA looks onwards and upwards to the future, this new appointment brings with it exciting times ahead as the sector is set for a strong bounce back after the events of the last 18 months.

The Association thanked Brian Sherlock for his hard work over the last three years, and it goes without saying that the last year and a half in particular has been one of the most challenging times for those working in the hire and events industries. This of course has had a huge knock-on effect for the inter-connected web of industries that rely on these sectors. Outgoing chairman Brian praised the Association’s resolute approach during this difficult period, and commented that “HAE EHA were relentless in their actions to reignite events and keep the tool and equipment sector trading.”

Dealey Environmental, a specialist in environmentally friendly pest control, has reduced the resources required to manage its mobile workforce by 50 per cent following the implementation of latest field service management software from BigChange. Offering the full range of environmental protection services including bird control, fumigation, grounds maintenance and cleaning, Dealey has been pioneering environmentally friendly products and service since its inception in 1954. Using the BigChange platform, Dealey has further improved its green credentials with a significant reduction in paperwork and has boosted its customer experience with automated reporting.

“Before BigChange we were killing trees not just pests!” commented Martin Cobbald, Managing Director of Dealey Environmental. “We consumed paper at an unsustainable rate and not only was this bad for the planet it was bad for us and for our clients. We had paper everywhere, except where it was meant to be, and it took a huge amount of my time to schedule jobs, manage the team and liaise with clients.

“Around this time, I was introduced to the concept of ‘lean management’ which focusses on continuous improvement and optimising resources,” he continued, “I was also recommended BigChange and realised the fit between our aspirations, the model for a successful business and the BigChange solution, and we haven’t looked back.”

Dealey Environmental, based in Suffolk, offers a wide range of services in the field of pest control and wildlife management. Serving clients in the food manufacturing, bioscience, farming and haulage sectors – in fact any business with pests, Dealey is one of the few companies that will look to address the cause of an issue rather than just the manifestation. Where remedial action is required Dealey uses the best equipment with the latest chemicals and adheres to the most stringent audit standards.

Since implementing the single platform CRM, Job Scheduling, Live Tracking, Field Resource Management and Online Portal, from BigChange, Dealey records all customer interactions, automatically schedules routine tasks and captures site visit records, including photographs, for auditing and reporting. HR uses vehicle tracking reports to further reduce paperwork and reduce the monthly payroll resource and the online library has made new recruitment inductions and training more efficient and effective.

“Since the first meeting BigChange talked our language making an effort to understand our business and our needs,” Cobbald concluded. “There is always someone available with guidance, insight and patience, and I know that as we continue to grow BigChange will grow with us.”

www.bigchange.com

2022 marks the 70th anniversary of Belzona — an industry-leading designer of epoxy-based repair composite materials and protective coatings.

It all began in 1952 by flame spraying steel with zinc to provide corrosion protection to steel structures. Since then, the company has expanded into safeguarding various assets from corrosion and erosion produced by different factors. Belzona has been able to combat these issues through its dedication to continuous research and development of polymeric systems; engineering a wide range of the most reliable and multipurpose products available.

Belzona’s specialised products are suitable for metal, rubber, concrete, and other surfaces. All Belzona products undergo a series of rigorous tests performed both in-house and by third-party laboratories. Belzona materials demonstrate a superb resistance to erosion, corrosion, abrasion, chemical attack, and physical impact. Unlike many traditional repair methods, Belzona solutions are safe, easy to work with, do not require specialized tools, and offer a fast return to service.

For 70 years, Belzona has built a legacy on providing effective solutions and unparalleled customer service to our worldwide base established in over 120 countries. Join us this year in celebrating our collective achievements!

For more information, please visit: www.belzona.com