Successful cellar awards attract customers to winning pub

With over 42 prizes to be won, ranging from 6 top national prizes of £1,000, to regional prizes of £200, the Innserve Best Cellars Awards 2012 are proving to be the most successful in the company’s history.

In the current financial climate publicans across the UK are keener than ever to attract and retain clientele. Serving good, well kept beer is one way to achieve this. The Best Cellars Awards provide an excellent opportunity to highlight to existing and potential customers, the care and attention that goes into delivering great pints.

Gerry Collins, licencee of The Hut Pub in Uxbridge, a two-time recipient of a Regional Best Cellars Award - in 2010 and 2011 - is one publican that is benefitting from being an award winner. Mr. Collins commented, “Winning an Innserve Best Cellars Award has proved to be invaluable. Our customers are delighted to be drinking in a pub that has been acknowledged for taking care of its beer. Word of mouth has also quickly spread and despite the recession, we’ve actually seen the number of drinkers increase. The plaque on the wall is also a great talking point.”

Steve Lakin business support manager at Innserve said: “Although cellars are hidden away from most customers, the best licensees take great pride in their cellar management because they realise the rewards this can deliver. Maintaining award winning cellars by keeping products in good condition, reducing wastage, improving stock control and making the movement and handling of stock easier can certainly pay dividends. Recognition with a Best Cellars Award is proof to customers that good beer is being served in the pub”

Mr. Lakin added,

“The Hut Pub cellar management was outstanding. Not only did Gerry maintain an excellent line cleaning regime - with stock well organised - but the cellar environment was a safe place for all members of staff to work in.” 

This year there are six prizes up for grabs: three nationwide prizes of £1000 for best cellar and three of £1000 for best newcomer. Cellars will be judged on a range of criteria, including cellar management, line cleaning, glassware and staff training. The closing date for entries is May 5, 2012. For further information about the Innserve Best Cellars Awards 2012 visit www.innserveltd.co.uk/competition

Harvard launching new drivers at Light & Building

Harvard Engineering, world leader in the design, development and manufacture of LED drivers and control products for the lighting industry, is launching a number of innovative new drivers in hall 4.0 on stand D21 at Light & Building in Frankfurt next month.

Following the success of the CLQ Twin Driver, the company is launching DALI and Analogue 1-10V dimmable versions. The power factor corrected CLQ Twin driver has a fully isolated, SELV output delivering up to 2 x 33W of power. The new DALI version will allow logarithmic dimming from 100% to 5% output current and has the capability to turn off completely. The Analogue version will offer 100% to 5% linear (1-10V) dimming.

Harvard will also be launching a new range of Phase Mains Dimmable Drivers. The Phase driver is believed to be the most compatible retrofit dimming product on the market, delivering unrivalled smooth leading and trailing edge dimming, with reduced peak currents through a bespoke soft start circuit at the mains input.

Alongside this, for the first time ever, Harvard will be bringing together its two most successful product portfolios – LeafNut and CoolLED – to offer limitless possibilities for outdoor lighting, through a new range of high power outdoor LED drivers. The drivers will be available in single and multi channel variants of up to 200W, with DALI, SwitchDim and SmartNight versions also being launched at the exhibition.

Michael McDonnell, sales and marketing director at Harvard Engineering, commented,

 “We are really pleased to be launching so many exciting new products at Light & Building. Our product portfolio is growing rapidly and we are looking forward to seeing the interest in these new drivers.”

Harvard will be in Hall 4.0 on stand D21 at Light & Building, from 15th to 20th April.

Harvard:

Established in 1993, Harvard has grown to be a leading player in the LED lighting and wireless street lighting industries. Harvard’s innovative range of products includes the CoolLED range of high performance LED drivers and LeafNut, the revolutionary wireless remote monitoring system for street lighting.

Awards:
2011 – Winner of the Orange Innovation Award at the National Business Awards
2011 – Winner of the Innovation award at the Wakefield Express Business Awards
2011 - Winner of a Queen’s Award for Enterprise, within the Innovation category
2010 - Winners of the Yorkshire Forward Innovator/10: Innovation in Action Award
2010 - Winners of the Light Sources & Controls Award at the Lighting Design Awards


www.HarvardEng.com

Clugston secures £7.7m Academy project

Artist’s impression of the new Academy

Clugston Construction, one of the North’s leading privately owned building and civil engineering contractors - with offices in Leeds, Scunthorpe and Hebburn – has successfully secured its first project under the Partnership for Schools (PfS) Contractors Framework.

Announced as preferred bidder for Cleethorpes Academy, Clugston Construction will start work on the £7.7m project in June 2012. Work is expected to be completed by September 2013.

The re-development will be one of just a handful of prestige projects taking place across the UK under the PfS framework - the Government's delivery agent for capital investment programmes into schools.

Central to the project is a brand new two-storey teaching block, which will accommodate 19 new classrooms. It will be built within the confines of the existing teaching blocks and will have a visually attractive, double-height glass entrance hall. Existing blocks around it will be refurbished to the highest specification. To minimise disruption to students and staff, students will be transferred into blocks as they are completed, allowing work and study to coincide simultaneously.

The showpiece of the new Academy will be a new Sports Block incorporating a four-court sports hall, a gymnasium and a superb fitness suite, set on a mezzanine level overlooking the atrium. The sports hall building will be 45 metres from the Academy field perimeter, which is 36 metres further away from local residents than the existing sports hall.

Cleethorpes Academy chief executive David Hampson said today:

"I am very happy as chief executive of the Academy to be able to offer this facility for students. We have worked very hard in conjunction with the preferred bidder, Clugston Construction, on this project, to generate a scheme that is not only visually attractive but extremely workable for staff and students, and we look forward to the beginning of work in June 2012."

Phil Bond, one of the Academy sponsors and chair of governors, said

 "After a lengthy process, the sponsors are delighted to be in a position to welcome Clugston Construction, a local firm, as our preferred bidder. Senior officers of the Academy have been working tirelessly over the last few weeks to create what we think are imaginative and innovative plans that will result in buildings and refurbishments that the whole community will be proud of."

Steve Radcliffe managing director of Clugston Construction said,

" With our design team partners Mabers and Ramboll, we are delighted to have been selected by the Academy following stiff competition through the National Partnerships for Schools Framework, and excited to be working with David (Hampson) and his team to deliver a scheme that will have a long term impact. We are particularly pleased to be involved with projects that benefit out local community.  Members of our staff attended the school before it gained Academy status and others have children who will benefit from the new scheme, as future students.”

 Clugston Construction is a privately owned building and civil engineering contractor and a member of the Clugston Group, which was established 75 years ago by the current chairman’s father. Operating from three regional offices across Northern and Eastern England, the company has built a reputation for safely delivering a wide variety of services and projects. For further information about Clugston visit www.clugston.co.uk.

UK Lighting manufacturer launches new energy efficient lower watt HID lamps

Contrac Lighting, a leading manufacturer of lighting solutions for the retail, industrial, commercial and leisure industries, has announced it is one of the first companies in the UK to replace standard 400W HID packages in their luminaires with the Venture Lighting 320W Energy Saving (ES) package and the standard 250W HID with the 200W ES.

The new products bridge the gap between standard HID lamps - which are estimated to account for 80% of the market - and the new style ‘high-end’ fluorescent lamps.

The 320W and 200W HID packages provide customers looking to use traditional style HID Lowbays, Highbays and Floodlights with a commercially attractive, more energy efficient alternative, delivering 20% savings, no difference in light output - compared to traditional style HID lamps – and no change in set up costs (see also attached 250W/200W ES comparison table).

This range of advanced energy saving HIDs also offer up to double the lamp life and vastly improved lumen maintenance as standard. With Contrac using this energy saving technology as standard in their traditional style bodies, it gives the option of them being easily integrated into existing applications as and when required, avoiding costly complete refurbishment expenditure.

Anne Shone, managing director at Contrac Lighting commented,

“The new energy saving HID lamps are the first of their kind. We are excited to be at the forefront of the market in launching this new technology. The new lighting solutions not only help our customers save energy and money, but reduce carbon emissions as well.”

Phil Croker Venture Lighting’s OEM sales manager said

“In the current climate lighting plays a huge role in meeting the government’s targets for reducing carbon emissions. It’s fantastic that Venture Lighting Europe are able to work with such a reputable and long standing customer in Contrac Lighting, to promote the new products that are available in HID. This proactive approach that Contrac are taking ensures that end users are receiving key information about the full range of lighting solutions available. For a long time HID has been perceived as old and inefficient but with Venture Lighting’s innovative range of energy saving products coupled with the expertise of our OEM’s such as Contrac Lighting, HID lighting solutions can realise an exciting new identity.”

Both the 320W ES and 200W ES HID packages also meet Contrac’s first brand philosophy of only using trusted first brand lamp and control gear manufacturers.


About Contrac Lighting

Established in 1986, Contrac Lighting has established a reputation for designing and manufacturing lighting solutions for the retail, industrial, commercial and leisure industries from its facility in Goole East Yorkshire. The company prides itself on its ability produce bespoke fittings to suit customers individual requirements when needed. The company maintains an in-house policy in all areas of operation resulting in a flexible team of thirty people, capable of managing highly technical projects within achievable deadlines. For further information about Contrac Lighting visit www.contrac-lighting.co.uk

SAFE as houses

EMSc (UK) Ltd, manufacturer of the Star® range of energy saving solutions - including the UK’s leading voltage optimisation system Powerstar - is pleased to announce it has been awarded SAFEcontractor accreditation, which recognises very high standards of health and safety practise.

Dr Alex Mardapittas, EMS managing director commented:

 “At EMS we are driven by our desire to maintain a high standard of health and safety across all aspects of our business and we are committed to ensuring the welfare of our employees, contractors and clients at all times.”

He added:

“This accreditation demonstrates the high standards of health and safety practices we operate under and our commitment to ensuring these high standards are upheld.”

John Kinge, Head of Risk at SAFEcontractor said:

“Major organisations can no longer run the risk of employing contractors who are not able to prove that they have sound health and safety policies. More companies need to understand the importance of adopting good risk management in the way that EMS has done.”

SAFEcontractor is a leading health and safety pre-qualification assessment scheme, dedicated to promoting higher standards of competence and compliance through the provision of relevant industry specific and tailored health and safety assessments for all professions and sectors. It is the fastest growing health and safety accreditation scheme in the UK, with more than 160 major clients and almost 18,000 contractor members.



About EMSc UK
EMS is renowned for designing and manufacturing the Star® range of energy saving products. In addition to the market leading Powerstar voltage optimisation solution, the company also manufactures Airstar and Hotelstar, products that allow companies, organisations and hotels to reduce their energy costs as well as reduce their carbon emissions.

2011 - Winner Innovation of the Year Award Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Awards
2010 - Winner of the Yorkshire Forward Innovator/10: Innovation in Action Award
2006 - Winner of the CARE4AIR AWARD
2006 & 2004 SMART Award for Innovation

About Powerstar

Powerstar:

Can save an average of 12-15% (up to 26.1% savings recorded) of electricity consumption.

Is fully designed and manufactured in the UK. All Powerstar components, including even minor items such as the paint, are sourced from UK manufacturers. The Powerstar design and any associated software are designed by EMSc UK Limited.

Requires no maintenance and has a 15 year warranty.

Comes with guaranteed savings.

Will improve the life expectancy of electrical equipment.

Will improve the power quality (reduce harmonics and improve the power factor).

Has the highest efficiency and provides better savings than any other voltage optimisation system sold in the UK (on the same load and same voltage reduction).

This has been proven in independent tests by the electricity supplier RWE npower.       

RWE npower commented: We did a trial with Powerstar and one other supplier. Powerstar showed a larger overall saving compared to the other supplier. In addition, it improved the power quality more. Powerstar was the better system in all aspects, including the technical design and capabilities.

Powerstar® is the registered trademark of EMSc (UK) Ltd.

SAFE as houses

EMSc (UK) Ltd, manufacturer of the Star® range of energy saving solutions - including the UK’s leading voltage optimisation system Powerstar - is pleased to announce it has been awarded SAFEcontractor accreditation, which recognises very high standards of health and safety practise.

Dr Alex Mardapittas, EMS managing director commented:

“At EMS we are driven by our desire to maintain a high standard of health and safety across all aspects of our business and we are committed to ensuring the welfare of our employees, contractors and clients at all times.”

He added:

“This accreditation demonstrates the high standards of health and safety practices we operate under and our commitment to ensuring these high standards are upheld.”

John Kinge, Head of Risk at SAFEcontractor said:

“Major organisations can no longer run the risk of employing contractors who are not able to prove that they have sound health and safety policies. More companies need to understand the importance of adopting good risk management in the way that EMS has done.”

SAFEcontractor is a leading health and safety pre-qualification assessment scheme, dedicated to promoting higher standards of competence and compliance through the provision of relevant industry specific and tailored health and safety assessments for all professions and sectors. It is the fastest growing health and safety accreditation scheme in the UK, with more than 160 major clients and almost 18,000 contractor members.

Ends

About EMSc UK
EMS is renowned for designing and manufacturing the Star® range of energy saving products. In addition to the market leading Powerstar voltage optimisation solution, the company also manufactures Airstar and Hotelstar, products that allow companies, organisations and hotels to reduce their energy costs as well as reduce their carbon emissions.

2011 - Winner Innovation of the Year Award Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Awards
2010 - Winner of the Yorkshire Forward Innovator/10: Innovation in Action Award
2006 - Winner of the CARE4AIR AWARD
2006 & 2004 SMART Award for Innovation


About Powerstar

Powerstar:

Can save an average of 12-15% (up to 26.1% savings recorded) of electricity consumption.

Is fully designed and manufactured in the UK. All Powerstar components, including even minor items such as the paint, are sourced from UK manufacturers. The Powerstar design and any associated software are designed by EMSc UK Limited.

Requires no maintenance and has a 15 year warranty.

Comes with guaranteed savings.

Will improve the life expectancy of electrical equipment.

Will improve the power quality (reduce harmonics and improve the power factor).

Has the highest efficiency and provides better savings than any other voltage optimisation system sold in the UK (on the same load and same voltage reduction).

This has been proven in independent tests by the electricity supplier RWE npower.       

RWE npower commented: We did a trial with Powerstar and one other supplier. Powerstar showed a larger overall saving compared to the other supplier. In addition, it improved the power quality more. Powerstar was the better system in all aspects, including the technical design and capabilities.

Powerstar® is the registered trademark of EMSc (UK) Ltd. 

Free energy efficiency seminar in Hull

The Deep in Hull.

Humberside companies are invited to attend a free Continuing Professional/Personal Development (CPD) seminar aimed at highlighting how to reduce operating costs and improve overall energy efficiency. The event, hosted by EMSc (UK) Ltd, manufacturer of the Star® range of energy saving products, will take place on Wednesday 21st March at The Deep in Hull.

The seminar, which will feature presentations by industry experts and keynote speakers, will identify low carbon initiatives, look at energy legislation and explore commercial and domestic voltage optimisation solutions.

Speaking about the event, Nick Lee, marketing manager at EMSc (UK) Ltd said:

“This free seminar is aimed at helping businesses learn how they can benefit from voltage optimisation and the guaranteed cost savings the technology offers.”

Voltage optimisation is a simple, cost-efficient way to control a building’s incoming voltage in order to maximise energy savings and Powerstar, EMSc (UK) Ltd’s voltage optimisation system, is recognised as being the most efficient voltage solution in the world – it can save up to 26.1% of total electricity consumption and related CO2 emissions without compromising the supply to electrical equipment. The payback period after installing the product is typically between 0.8 and 2.5 years.

The seminar is free to attend, will take place from 9:30 am until 1.00 pm, and will include a buffet lunch and networking opportunities. Attendees will be awarded with training certificates and self-assessment forms on completion of the event.

Bookings can be made via www.powerstar.co.uk or by calling 01709 836200