Business and Industry Today Issue 401

February ● Issue 401

Practical

Solutions for

crop & wildlife

protection

Page 5

Scan the QR Code to visit

the Laronkarn website

Witron

Page 11

Interface Force

Page 13

Walter Geering

Pages 22-23

Tel: 0121 550 7510 ● www.businessandindustrytoday.co.uk ● Visit LinkedIn or Twitter or Download our iOS app or Android app

Editor’s Comments

Welcome to our February

edition. Explore our

hand-picked features on

innovative companies

across the Automation,

Test & Measurement,

and Leisure sectors.

On page 5, we feature

Laronkarn as our

Agricultural and Environmental Conservation

Company of the Month. As well as reflecting

on the company’s remarkable history and the

challenges it has overcome, we feature their

product range that offers proven protection

against wildlife damage while supporting

efficient land management, and learn more

about Putley Services Limited, a branch of

Laronkarn that was established to manage ondemand,

small-scale packaging, ensuring cost

efficiency, flexibility, and full control over quality.

On page 20, we have a full review of The Land,

Leisure and Tourism Show 2024 that took

place at Birmingham’s NEC on the 6th-7th

November. As the UK’s largest event for rural

On the Cover

Practical Solutions

for crop & wildlife

protection 5

Contacts

BAIT Sales Manager, Harriet Parfitt – 0121 550 7510

harrietparfitt@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

Editorial, Gina Burton – 07483 931474 – gina@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

Production Manager, Robert Sharp – production@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

Accounts Department, Paul Whitaker – 0121 824 4742

accounts@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

businesses, holiday parks,

leisure and attractions, the

show covered sustainability

and innovation for the

future whilst combatting

the challenges of the

changing environment of

consumer demand.

One of our Top Exhibitors

from the show was Core Conservation,

featured on page 21. Winners of Best

Innovation in Insulation at the Build-It Awards

2024, the company specialises in addressing

dampness and insulation issues in old and

listed buildings. This feature highlights their

professional damp surveys, TermoRasante

Aerogel MGN – the ideal slimprofile insulating

option, and Roman Waterproofing Lime

plasters, in particular, RINZAFFO MGN.

Other show reviews: Tomorrow’s Warehouse

2024.

Got news to share?

Email: gina@businessandindustrytoday.co.uk

For more information or format requirements, see our Media Pack

Unless stated as news, the entire content of this publication is advertorial based.

To place an advertorial or an advert, please call 0121 550 7510.

Contents

Quarrying & Mining 4

Boliden, Epiroc and

ABB have passed

a new technology

milestone by

successfully

deploying the first fully battery-electric

truck trolley system.

Automation & Robotics 6-7

By providing 360-

degree visibility

into warehouse

operations,

DexoryView

enhances inventory management and

operational decision making.

Warehouse &

Logistics 11

Cable Services Group

announces a major

advancement in its

logistics capabilities with

the addition of five new

cable drum trailers now based at each of

its five UK branches.

Test, Measurement &

Monitoring 13

One of Interface

Force’s customers,

a leading tyre

manufacturer, has

significantly accelerated their product

development process by leveraging the

advanced capabilities of the XSensor Tyre

Pressure Mapping System.

Industrial 18-19

Machinery Supplies

UK goes further than

other suppliers by

offering additional

services such as

Laser Slat Cleaners.

Land, Leisure & Tourism

Show Review – Top

Exhibitors 20-24

The Land, Leisure and

Tourism Show brings

together a range of

industries to provide

inspiration, opportunities and

innovation to enhance your business offerings.

BAIT is sponsored by

– see them on

pages 6-7

Quarrying & Mining

G&M Radiator: 60 years

of cooling

G&M Radiator was founded in 1964 and

is still a privately owned family business.

In recent years, prudent acquisitions have

resulted in the G&M Group which consists

of several companies working in different

fields of the Heat Exchange Industry. The

combined expertise and strengths of

each company has established the G&M

Group at the forefront of this market.

G&M Radiator manufacture using

copper/brass, non-ferrous and

aluminium materials. The manufacturing

facility can accommodate both large and

small production runs. The workforce

is highly skilled, experienced and

adaptable with many having over 25

years’ service with the Company.

We supplement our range of

manufactured product with a large and

varied stock of radiators, oil-coolers and

other heat exchange products which

we source from leading high-quality

suppliers across the globe.

From receipt of an original sample heat

exchanger, we can have our version

drawn up & manufactured and a finished

unit ready to ship in as little as 4 working

days. This short development time

means we are constantly adding to the

huge range in our extensive catalogue.

Designs and drawings are created

in-house using the latest CAD/

CAM software which allows a short

development process for new projects.

Our on-site wind tunnel ensures new

designs can be quickly confirmed and

tailored to the client’s requirements.

Our production process uses the very

latest metal punching and forming

technology and equipment as well as

traditional presses. This equipment

is maintained by a dedicated team of

in-house engineers and craftsmen. The

ability to produce our own unique tooling

is a huge advantage and one that we

are rightly proud of.

The Company has long been an

advocate of documented process

controls and as such has operated to

an accredited ISO Quality System for

many years.

Contact

T 0800 690 6143

sales@gm-radiator.com

www.gm-radiator.com

Boliden, Epiroc and ABB

make first battery-electric

truck trolley system for

underground mining a reality

Boliden, Epiroc and ABB have

passed a new technology milestone

by successfully deploying the first fully

battery-electric truck trolley system on

an 800-meter-long underground mine

test track in Sweden, with a 13% incline.

This means the mining industry is a step

closer to realising the all-electric mine of

the future, with sustainable, productive

operations and improved working

conditions.

The achievement of the collaboration in

Boliden’s Kristineberg mine in northern

Sweden marks a critical moment for the

mining industry as it continues to face

rising pressures to balance increased

outputs of critical minerals and metals

with lower carbon emissions and energy

usage. Demand for minerals critical to

society’s clean-energy transformation

is predicted to increase between 1.5 to

seven times by 2030 according to the

IEA1, making electrification a priority.

In tandem with reducing carbon

emissions, the electrification of mining

also promises improved health and

safety for the industry’s workforce. By

deploying this system, the collaboration

partners aim to prove that the

underground working environment can

be significantly improved, with less

emissions, noise and vibration while

reducing the total cost per ton.

Each partner has provided a unique

set of expertise to this development

process, clearly demonstrating the value

of industry collaboration. Epiroc has

added dynamic charging to its proven

battery-electric Minetruck MT42 SG and

battery system, and the trolley solution

is equipped with ABB’s DC converter,

HES880 inverters and AMXE motors to

enhance the power.

https://global.abb/group/en

4

BAIT is sponsored by – see them on pages 6-7

Agricultural & Environmental Conservation Company of the Month

Laronkarn: Practical solutions

for crop & wildlife protection

In this issue of Business and Industry Today, we are delighted to showcase Laronkarn as

our Agricultural and Environmental Conservation Company of the Month

Our customers know their land better than

anyone. We understand that listening is the key

to effective consultancy. This customer-led focus

allows us to deliver practical, effective solutions

while providing management tailored to each

client’s needs. Whether you're a farmer, forester,

or amateur gardener, we ensure you receive a

service tailored exactly to your requirements,

no more, no less. Our commitment to honesty

and transparency means we’ll always give you

a straight answer, whether that’s about product

suitability, application rates, or alternatives that

better suit your needs.

A family business built on expertise

Laronkarn is a family-run business with deep

roots in farming. That hands-on experience has

shaped a practical, solutions-focused approach.

When challenges arise, we work through them.

This mindset continues to drive Laronkarn today,

ensuring straightforward, effective support for

our clients.

With expertise spanning engineering, agriculture,

and regulatory affairs, we cut through jargon to

provide clear, practical guidance at all times.

Now, as a new generation joins the family

business, they bring modern expertise in

science communication, ensuring that complex

information is delivered clearly and concisely to

customers.

We believe in what we sell, which is why we

never shy away from feedback. We’re always

looking for ways to improve our services and

the information we provide. We don’t just sell

products; we ensure they work. If you’re ordering

too much, we’ll say so. If a product isn’t the right

fit, we’ll be upfront. We continually assess and

update best practices, ensuring our advice and

recommendations reflect the most effective and

practical solutions available.

A history of problem-solving

In 1963, Lt. Col. Rufus Stone

developed Curb ® Garden Powder

(MAPP 18644) to stop elephants

damaging tea drying huts in

Assam, India. His bitter repellent

worked and the results spoke

for themselves. Recognising its

effectiveness, he patented the

formula in 25 countries and went

on to establish Sphere Laboratories

(London) Limited.

By the 1970s, Sphere needed

specialised regulatory expertise

to continue business within

the EU. Over time, we built

extensive experience in regulatory

submissions for animal repellents,

leading to the formation of

Laronkarn Limited. This enabled

the successful registration and

commercialisation of Curb ® Liquid

Crop Spray (MAPP 18643) and

Curb ® Garden Powder (MAPP

18644), both still essential for

crop protection today.

In 2012, we faced another

challenge. Large-scale packaging

suppliers couldn’t handle smallbatch

production cost-effectively.

Instead of compromising, we

established Putley Services Limited

to manage on-demand, small-scale packaging,

ensuring cost efficiency, flexibility, and full control

over quality.

In 2017, Kwizda initially approached Laronkarn

for support in gaining UK registration for TRICO ®

(UK Authorisation No. 2022/00361), a deer

repellent used in forestry, agriculture, and

conservation. This led to an ongoing partnership

that strengthened TRICO ® ’s presence in the UK.

TRICO ® has since become a practical solution

to deer browsing, trusted across Europe and

beyond.

Focused on results

Trusted by farmers, foresters, and gardeners,

our products offer proven protection against

wildlife damage while supporting efficient land

management.

Each client’s needs and environment are unique,

and we recognise that no two applications are

the same. The success of a product isn’t just

about what’s in the container, it’s about how

it’s applied, when it’s used, and the specific

conditions of the land. We take the time to

understand these factors, ensuring our guidance

is tailored to the client, their land, and the wildlife

pressures they face.

We focus on practical, field-tested solutions

– not marketing claims. We provide practical,

field-tested solutions that work.

T +44 (0)1684 899306

www.laronkarn.co.uk

BAIT is sponsored by – see them on pages 6-7 5

Automation & Robotics

Dexory announce $80 million

in Series B funding

Andrei Danescu, CEO and co-founder of Dexory, discusses his growth

aims for the company and how they plan to spend the money

Tell us about the Series B funding round that Dexory

has closed. How much has been raised and who has

invested?

We have raised $80m in Series B funding. The round

was led by DTCP, with participation from Latitude

Ventures, Wave-X and Bootstrap Europe, along with

existing investors Atomico, Lakestar, Capnamic and

several angels from the logistics industry.

How much has Dexory grown since it launched its

autonomous warehouse robots and software platform

18 months ago?

We have experienced exponential growth since

introducing the solution to the market 18 months

ago. To think that at that time we were less than 100

employees in the company and we have grown to a

company of over 150 full time employees.

Not only have we grown from a people point of view,

but we have expanded to new markets. Earlier this year

we announced our expansion to the North American

market, and just in September we announced that we

are opening our new North American headquarters in

Nashville, Tennessee.

We have also expanded our customer base significantly

since introducing the technology to the market. In the

US we have on-boarded many new US based customers

such as GXO, GE Appliances, JAMCO Group and Nidec

while also expanding our European and Middle East

footprint across DB Schenker, ID Logistics, Unipart,

Maersk, Yusen Logistics, and many others. Sector wise,

we now cover a variety of businesses with a logistics

arm – from the usual contract logistics customers to

eCommerce players, traditional retailers, manufacturers

and cargo handlers showing the scalability of our

product and model across all warehouse types.

Can you tell us a bit more about the current

investment landscape and what it looks like?

What are the opportunities and challenges and why

there is such an interest in deep technology firms at

the moment?

When it comes to full stack, deep tech companies, we

found that investors who really understand this space

care about three things: defensibility, time to value and

market potential.

As a full-stack technology company we demonstrated

defensibility. Our tech stack (software, autonomy,

robotics engineering etc.) is completely proprietary,

giving us the opportunity to create the best technology

for this industry. We’ve also proven the ability to own

the entire value-chain from design, to production,

customer deployment and after sales support.

The commercial traction has greatly reduced the

risk profile from a business perspective. We have a

wide range of customers converting at record speed,

driving both a strong top-line growth and healthy unit

economics.

This traction is in line with a huge appetite of the

sector to embrace automation and AI as concepts have

turned into reliable products with incredible value at

scale. Being a fast to deploy, quick to get value solution

makes us the obvious choice for both those starting

their automation journey as well as those adding to

their current stack.

This fuels both our ambition, and investors’ ambition to

partner with us – as we are just scratching the surface

of true supply-chain automation. There is still a lot of

work to be done, but we have incredibly supportive

investors, all aligned behind our mission.

How much do you think the global logistics

automation market will grow over the next few years?

Some market research companies expect that the

market size will reach between $217bn and $220bn by

2033. This growth is largely fueled by advancements in

automation technologies, including robotics, artificial

intelligence and machine learning. These technologies

will enhance productivity, reduce costs and improve

workplace safety in sectors like eCommerce,

manufacturing, and transportation logistics.

Key drivers for this growth include the rise of

eCommerce, the increasing complexity of global supply

chains and the demand for faster and more reliable

deliveries. While ‘traditional’ robotics companies have

seen growth, what the industry will be looking into next

is how they can orchestrate these automations and

extract even more value from the data that is generated

across the supply chain on a daily basis.

Why do you think that the robotics and automation sector

is an industry investors need to be taking seriously?

I think it is because of the growth potential of the

market. When we look at the warehousing industry, it is

one of the oldest industries on the planet. As a species

we have been moving and storing goods around the

world. As such it is an industry that has – over time –

developed processes and ways of working that it has

by and large stuck to for decades.

Where many enterprises have gone through different

digital transformation projects, the warehousing industry

has tended to lag behind. However, due to the pandemic

and the shift in consumer behaviours, many companies

are having to re-evaluate how they optimise their

warehouse performance and how they are able to ensure

that the right goods go out to the right customers at the

right time and mitigate any costly errors in the process.

How will Dexory’s solutions capitalise on the

market trends?

Our mission has always been to provide a true

digital twin of warehouses. Over the next 12 months,

DexoryView will evolve into a must have platform to

orchestrate and optimise warehouses. Combining the

sheer volume of proprietary data we collect with AI

technology and with a deeper understanding of our

customers, we are able to tap into new functionality

that supercharges their existing performance – so they

can serve their own customers better, faster and yet at

a lower cost.

To support this, our data collection technology –

our robots – will be able to capture an even broader

range of information from warehouses (equipped

with enhanced perception capabilities) seamlessly

navigating busy sites at all times. This will be fed into

our AI pipeline to extract even more insights about the

goods, racking, space, movements and mathematically

orchestrate the use of all resources. Overlaying these

onto our highly interactive and intuitive cloud platform

will allow our customers to find and test opportunities

that bring even more tangible revenue uplift – not just

at a warehouse level but across their supply chain.

Do you have examples of how Dexory’s platform has

made an impact in distribution companies?

By providing 360-degree visibility into warehouse

operations, DexoryView enhances inventory

management and operational decision making. The

platform’s capability to perform rapid warehouse

scans and create digital twins of warehouse spaces

allows for optimised performance and future scenario

simulations. Organisations such as DB Schenker have

been able to increase their inventory accuracy by

6% and maintain it daily, whereas businesses like ID

Logistics have been able to reduce manual inventory

investigations by 41% in just two months to free up

valuable time for other critical tasks.

Contact

letstalk@dexory.com

https://www.dexory.com

6


Business

Half of UK business

travellers fear cyberattacks,

but organisations

are failing to address risks

More than half of UK business

travellers (52%) are concerned about

becoming victims of a cyber-attack,

rising to 62% of frequent travellers

(travelling at least monthly), according

to a recent survey by global travel

risk management company, World

Travel Protection. Globally, these

concerns are even higher, with 60%

of all business travellers and 70% of

frequent travellers concerned about

cyber threats.

The Opinium* survey of 2,000 business

travellers in the UK, the United States,

Canada and Australia finds that UK

organisations are lagging behind their

international counterparts when it

comes to addressing cybersecurity

risks. One in four UK business travellers

(25%) says their organisation does not

ask them to take any cybersecurity

measures when travelling, compared

with the United

States (10%),

Canada (9%)

and Australia

(11%).

The most

common

cybersecurity measures required

by organisations include installing

anti-virus software (22% UK vs.

27% globally), setting up two-factor

authentication (21% UK vs. 27%

globally), using VPNs on mobile devices

(20% UK vs. 24% globally) and avoiding

unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots (19% UK vs.

23% globally).

Furthermore, the survey finds

that companies are not providing

cybersecurity training (17% UK vs.

20% globally) to their travelling teams.

Contact

www.worldtravelprotection.com

*Opinium online survey conducted with 500

people, who travel for business at least once a

year in each of the countries, the UK, the United

States, Canada and Australia, from 1st–8th

February 2024.

Surrey business makes

global impact

BBP

Book Brilliance Publishing is thrilled

to announce its partnership with

B1G1 (Buy1Give1), a global initiative

that transforms everyday business

activities into opportunities to

create positive, lasting impacts on

communities worldwide. As a proud

‘Business For Good,’ Book Brilliance

Publishing integrates giving into the

core of its operations, ensuring that

every book published is tied to a

meaningful cause.

In line with our mission to empower

authors and inspire change, Book

Brilliance Publishing has adopted

the B1G1 philosophy by linking our

services to tangible, life-changing

projects. Whether it's providing

access to education, clean water,

or supporting environmental

sustainability, every Book Brilliance

Publishing book will contribute to

making a difference where it's needed

most. This partnership is a reflection

of our values – collaboration,

integrity, and a desire to give back.

Brenda Dempsey, CEO and Founder

of Book Brilliance Publishing says,

“We believe in the power of words

to change lives. Now, through our

partnership with B1G1, we can

expand that impact beyond books

and stories, helping communities

around the world thrive. This initiative

aligns perfectly with our vision for

creating a better, more connected

world.” Brenda lives in Epsom, Surrey,

but is originally from Scotland.

Book Brilliance Publishing is proud

to weave purpose into its business

fabric, contributing to a better

tomorrow while continuing to deliver

high-quality publishing services.

Together with our authors, we are not

only shaping stories, but also helping

to shape the future.

For more information about

Book Brilliance Publishing

and its titles, please visit:

www.bookbrilliancepublishing.com

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8


Subsea & Offshore

Oliver Valvetek to supply critical equipment for

Chevron’s Jack St Malo Field Development

Oliver Valvetek is proud to announce that

a batch of high-performance valves will

soon be heading to the Gulf of Mexico,

specifically for use in the Jack St Malo

field development, operated by Chevron.

These valves will play a vital role in

subsea operations, where they will be

mounted on the Subsea Christmas Tree’s

ROV panel.

While the precise application remains

confidential, it is typical for such valves to be

integrated into the Subsea Christmas Tree

(XT) system. These systems are essential

for offshore oil and gas production,

controlling the flow of hydrocarbons from

the seabed to the surface.

In an innovative twist, these valves will

be uniquely equipped with a Position

Indicator for Remote Operated Vehicle

(ROV) verification of their operation.

This feature provides ROV operators

with clear, real-time feedback on valve

status, enabling precise open/close

indication. The valves in question are

multi-turn designs, which makes accurate

ROV verification particularly crucial. This

enhancement will ensure smooth and

safe operation in the challenging subsea

environment.

The Jack St Malo field development

is one of Chevron’s flagship projects

in the Gulf of Mexico, an area rich

in untapped energy resources. It is

located approximately 280 miles (450

kilometers) off the coast of Louisiana

in the deepwater region of the Gulf,

where Chevron is working to maximise

production while maintaining the highest

safety and environmental standards.

Oliver Valvetek continues to support

the energy industry with its world-class

engineering and innovative solutions,

solidifying its reputation as a trusted

partner for critical subsea applications.

For more information on Chevron’s Jack

St Malo field development, please visit:

Chevron’s Jack St Malo Project Overview.

T +44 (0)1565 632636

sales@valves.co.uk

https://www.valves.co.uk/valvetek

How can Polymeric Solutions

support a more sustainable

Marine Industry?

The marine industry plays an essential

role in steering the course of global

commerce the total value of the annual

world shipping trade has reached more

than $14 trillion (US dollars). According

to the United Nations (UN), a staggering

90% of everything we consume is

transported by sea. Given the colossal

size of the marine industry, it is essential

to implement a range of strategies to

enhance its sustainability. For example,

it is imperative to discover a more

sustainable fuel source, and finding

solutions that enhance

energy efficiency will be

crucial.

Of these strategies,

advanced coatings and

repair composites play a

significant role, offering

not only the promise

of efficiency gains and

cost savings but also

a seamless alignment

with the broader goals

of the Blue Economy.

The UN iterates that the

Blue Economy should

‘promote economic growth,’

while at the same time

ensuring environmental

sustainability of the oceans and coastal

areas. By simultaneously reducing costs

and fortifying assets, these solutions,

such as those produced by Belzona,

echo these Blue Economy principles,

steering the marine industry towards a

more sustainable future.

Want to learn more about Belzona in

the marine industry?

Click Here: https://www.belzona.com/

en/industries/marine.aspx

Subsea & Offshore News

Innovative energy sector

safety software launched by

AG Consultancy

AG Consultancy, the SAP

solutions specialists, has

launched the first tool of its

kind designed to overcome

challenges posed by the

implementation of global health

and safety standards and Ex/

ATEX inspections

in the oil and gas

industry and wider

energy sector.

The Aberdeen based

business – which

also has an office in

London – has now

unveiled the programme to companies,

with North Sea operator Spirit Energy

becoming the first to adopt the solution.

At the 2024 SAP Customer Success

Awards, Spirit won the Sustainability

Hero category for use of the solution.

‘Smart Ex’ allows businesses to

undertake Ex/ATEX inspections internally

within SAP without the need for third party

products which can lead to difficulties

and inefficiencies in managing multiple

IT solutions lacking a ‘single source of

truth.’ The fully integrated solution is

an end-to-end tool which encompasses

planning, execution and

analysis and covers the

full life cycle of Ex/ATEX

inspections.

Deepal Ratnayaka,

Director SAP consultancy

services at AG Consultancy

(pictured), said, “For the

oil and gas sector – and

wider energy industry

– the problems posed by the

use of multiple platforms when

undertaking Ex/ATEX Inspections

are significant and the challenges

for companies can be demanding.”

The software – which is designed to

be regularly updated with the latest

technology including Artificial Intelligence

and machine learning – manages various

types of inspections including integrity

inspections, compliance checks, tool

calibrations and maintenance checklists.

It complies with safety standards

IEC60079, NEC500/505 and ATEX and

a digital auditing trail allows for full

traceability of inspections.

https://www.agcapps.com


Warehouse & Logistics

SGS achieves

HMRC Excise

Registered

Consignor status

SGS is pleased to

announce that its

trade facilitation

services team

in the UK has

achieved HMRC

Excise Registered

Consignor status.

The award enables SGS to initiate the excise

movement in the HMRC Excise Movement and

Control System (EMCS) with authorisation to raise

Electronic Administrative Documents (e-ADs) and

generate Administrative Reference Codes (ARCs).

The result will be the seamless movement of goods

from any UK seaport or Eurotunnel entry point to

warehouses with minimal delays.

Import duty declaration and VAT (where applicable)

will be handled by SGS, while excise duty remains

suspended during transit to the bonded warehouse.

SGS is already an approved Excise Registered

Consignor in the EU, where its team in the

Netherlands facilitates the continuous movement of

excise goods within the EU under duty suspension.

An industry leader in customs solutions

SGS, through its trade facilitation service (TFS)

provides an end-to-end customs solution, including

customs software, European transit solutions, customs

duty guarantees and brokerage services – all managed

in-house by its teams across the UK and Europe.

The company supports governments, agencies and

the private sector with trade facilitation – reducing

supply chain complexity, securing duties and

taxes, and verifying products’ compliance of with

regulations.

With a unique offering, SGS provides businesses

worldwide with customs software, European transit

solutions, custom duty guarantees and brokerage

services – all delivered by its in-house experts.

Working with colleagues throughout Europe, SGS can

provide a complete end-to-end customs solution.

Find out more about SGS e-customs services:

https://try.sgs.com/en-gb/ecustoms-services

Losyco, expert for intra-logistics on

rails, introduces patented AllRounder

wheelsets, an easy-to-install solution

for taking heavy loads around

corners on the floor-level LOXrail

system. Two rollers mounted at

an angle can be rotated in

opposite directions

in order to realise

effortless 90° turns

at junction points. This

enables rail layouts with linking and crisscrossing

lines without the need for additional, highmaintenance

shunting equipment. The timesaving

and cost-efficient solution reduces the

installation effort, even in halls with complex

floor plans. Barriers like supporting pillars are

simply avoided. The wheelset design ensures

minimal friction due to the very small contact

XPO Logistics launches new multimodal

transport corridor between

Belgium and Turkey

XPO, a leading provider of innovative and sustainable

end-to-end logistics solutions across Europe, is

expanding its multimodal transport solutions with the

launch of a new corridor between Antwerp, Belgium,

and Istanbul, Turkey.

Approximately 2,600km long, the new route combines

road and rail transportation methods, reducing

transit time from ten days to eight compared to road

transportation alone. This significantly enhances logistics

capabilities between these pivotal trade hubs, enabling

companies to move greater volumes of products between

Belgium and Turkey.

This new multimodal route offers significant environmental

benefits, including a notable reduction in CO 2

emissions. Rail

transport produces approximately 80% fewer emissions than

traditional road transport, which equates to approximately

3,100kg less CO 2

emitted per trip on this route.

As the need to decarbonise intensifies, XPO Logistics

anticipates that customers will continue to seek out

multimodal and alternative transportation solutions. The

opening of the

company’s latest

corridor further

underscores its

commitment

to expanding

multimodal

routes, building

on existing rail and road services between Barcelona,

Spain, and Bettembourg, Luxembourg; Le Boulou and

Calais, France; and Domodossa, Italy, and Duisburg,

Germany. In addition, XPO operates short sea shipping

routes between the ports of Liverpool, UK, Santander,

Spain, Barcelona, Spain, and Savona, Italy.

Multimodal transport is a key part of XPO’s suite of

low-emission sustainable solutions (LESS ® ), which assist

companies in decarbonising their supply chains and

achieving their sustainability targets.

For more information, please visit: xpo.com,

email: europe.xpo.com or follow us on Facebook,

Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

GLP Clean Energy begins installation

of solar project at logistics centre in

Mönchengladbach, Germany

GLP, a leading global business

builder, owner, developer, and

operator of logistics real estate,

digital infrastructure, renewable

energy, and related technologies,

announces that GLP Clean Energy,

its renewable energy business in

Europe, has begun the installation

process of a rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system at Unit

II of GLP’s logistics centre in Mönchengladbach, in

Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia region.

The solar PV plant will initially have a total solar PV

capacity of 3.8MW, supplying the equivalent of 784

German households. The plant will be equipped

with 9,432 solar modules, the total area of which

is equivalent to the size of three football fields. The

facility’s tenants will all have access to the sustainable

power produced by the PV system without any

Patented AllRounder wheelsets for transport platforms

area between the rollers and the

guide rail. Thereby, even loads

weighing several tons can be

easily moved across the rails and

around corners by hand. The new

solution is also useful for

re-routing transport

platforms back to the

start of the line. Fitted

with four wheelsets, the

new AllRounder transport

platforms for flexible maneuvering carry payloads

up to 10 tons on the LOXrail 25 system. LOSYCO

will adapt them to customer requirements in

terms of dimensions and track widths.

T +49 521 945 643 0

info@losyco.com

www.losyco.com

investment required by them and at a

discount compared to the utility rate.

Meanwhile, surplus power will be fed

into the local energy grid, offering the

community a dependable supply of

sustainable electricity.

The steel framework needed to

support the solar modules has already been installed

and the next phase of the project is now underway

to mount and align the panels on this structure. With

around 400 new solar modules being installed each

day by 30 fitters, this step is expected to be completed

by Christmas. In parallel, 6KM of new cables are being

added daily, to reach a total length of 120KM. The

commercial operation of the plant is expected to be

achieved by mid-Q1 2025.

www.glp.com/global

10



Cable Services Group invests in new cable drum

trailers to enhance UK distribution

Cable Services Group, a leading distributor of

specialist electrical equipment and components, is

pleased to announce a major advancement in its

logistics capabilities with the addition of five new

cable drum trailers now based at each of its five UK

branches. This strategic investment has increased

the company’s capacity for single drum deliveries

while streamlining the collection of empty drums

from sites across the country, resulting in greater

service efficiency and cost savings for customers.

Cable Services will use the trailers in conjunction

with its existing fleet of Mercedes flatbeds, Sprinters

and Hiab. This new facility will improve service

delivery times and eliminate the need for external

agencies or third-party logistics. By adopting this

self-sufficient approach, Cable Services will maintain

control over every stage of the delivery process,

enhancing fuel efficiency and minimising delays for a

more streamlined and environmentally

conscious service.

With this investment, Cable Services

Group will continue to improve service

standards and guarantee responsive,

reliable and rapid deliveries to sites

nationwide. Customers can now

also benefit from a next-day delivery

service, subject to stock availability

and order specifications.

Commenting on the expansion of

the company’s logistics capabilities,

Jason Bostock, Managing Director

of Cable Services Group, said, “We

are constantly innovating to meet

the ever-changing needs of our

customers. By investing in five new

cable drum trailers and stationing them at each

of our branches, we can offer a reliable, agile and

dynamic delivery service. This consistent approach

ensures that materials arrive at our customers’ sites

exactly when they need them, regardless of location.

I am incredibly proud of our team’s success in

completing all the required training and continuing

to provide the best possible experience for our

valued customers.”

To ensure the success of this expansion, the group’s

transport team underwent rigorous training, and

all drivers now hold Class C and Class C1 licenses.

This training not only ensured that the team had

the necessary skills to handle and deliver cable

drums efficiently, but also that they met all relevant

compliance and safety standards.

Cable Services Group is dedicated to providing

exceptional, customer-focused solutions. With

a nationwide presence, it excels at delivering a

comprehensive range of electrical equipment backed

by industry expertise. This new logistics capability

will ensure that the group continues to meet the

unique needs of its customers throughout the UK.

T 01978 340450

sales@cableservices.co.uk

www.cableservices.co.uk



Rushlift wins UKMHA

Archies Award for Dealer

Member of the Year

Rushlift, the national

full-service provider

of materials handling

equipment (MHE), has

won the UK Material

Handling Association’s

prestigious Dealer

Member of The Year

Award at the Archies

2024, an industry

accolade that recognises

Rushlift’s commitment

to excellence in service,

innovation and customer

satisfaction.

The trophy was presented to Jason

McNally, Director Rushlift MHE, at a

major gala awards dinner held at the

Hilton Metropole, Birmingham, on

Saturday 14th September, in front of

an audience of industry leaders. The

UKMHA Dealer Member of The Year

Award is one of the most coveted

accolades in the material handling

industry.

As a national full-service provider of

MHE Rushlift is free to source from

any supplier of industrial equipment,

acting as a ‘one stop’ point of

contact for all equipment needs,

from counterbalanced forklift trucks,

warehouse trucks, cherry pickers and

access equipment, to ride-on cleaning

machines, side-loaders, racking and

conveyor systems.

Rushlift has six national depots

located strategically across the UK

and over 150 highly qualified field

engineers on the road at any one

time, enabling the company to issue

a guarantee that an engineer will be

on-site within four hours.

For further information on Rushlift,

go to: www.rushlift.co.uk

Pall-Ex Group announced

as Veterans into

Logistics Gold Patron

Pall-Ex Group has

received the Veterans

into Logistics Gold

Patron status in

recognition of its

commitment to

encouraging and

supporting veterans

into the logistics

industry. As Gold

Patrons, Pall-Ex Group

have committed to

funding a minimum of

three veterans to get

their HGV licenses,

in a bid to provide them with new

opportunities in employment.

Veterans into Logistics is a Greater

Manchester-based charity, founded to

provide training and support to ex-forces

personnel with the aim of creating routes

into the logistics sector. By providing HGV

training and employment opportunities

to veterans, Veterans into Logistics

hopes to offer those leaving the Armed

Forces meaningful and successful

employment when faced with civilian life.

The positive impact that the organisation

has had on the Armed Forces community

is notable, helping to successfully

transform the lives of hundreds of

veterans by offering HGV training, CPC

licences and employment advice.

Pall-Ex Group have been long-standing

supporters of the Armed Forces

community, receiving the Employer

Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold

Award from the Ministry of Defence

in recognition of its ongoing work

to support veterans, reservists and

their families. With a commitment to

supporting those who serve, Pall-Ex

Group has pledged to help veterans find

new and rewarding careers outside of

the Armed Forces.

www.pallex.co.uk

www.fortec-distribution.co.uk

www.pallexlogistics.co.uk

Going places with FATH

GmbH’s warehouse wonder

Saving employees

time when moving

around large

industrial sites

makes perfect

sense. Enabling

shop floor staff

and support teams,

plus their stock

or equipment, to

swiftly reach the

required areas

within sprawling

production sites

and distribution

centres can help manage peak

periods or minimise downtime.

Gaining popularity in commercial

premises is the FATH eTRIKE

Platform Scooter which offers

an easy to integrate, quiet and

emissions free intra-facility transport

solution. Available supplied with

puncture proof

tyres, and simple

to maintain,

this e-mobility

innovation offers

a top speed of

15km/h. It has

the ability to

take payloads

over 250kg (inc. rider), deliver

a range of up to 40km and

offers optional accessories

for comfort and safety.

Typical customised

uses include

having cargo

or tool

boxes fitted,

cleaning

stations or

waste bag

holders attached or even

mounting shelves for spares, testing

equipment, scanners and printers.

FATH UK’s MD David Hayes says,

“They’re simple to operate and

don’t require a licence making them

suitable for multi-shift and multiuser

applications. Should a test ride

be required just get in touch and the

FATH UK team will happily visit as part

of the site demo service we offer.”

More details and a Mario Kart race

style intro video are available to

view here: https://www.etrikescooter.com/platform-scooter

T 01252 346610

info.gb@fath24.com

www.fath24.com

12


Test, Measurement & Monitoring

Driving tyre

testing up

a gear

In the competitive world of tyre manufacturing, staying

ahead of the curve requires innovative solutions that

provide detailed insights into tyre performance.

One of our customers, a leading tyre manufacturer, has

significantly accelerated their product development

process by leveraging the advanced capabilities of the

XSensor Tyre Pressure Mapping System. This cuttingedge

technology enables dynamic tyre testing, offering

invaluable data that conventional methods simply

cannot match.

The challenge

Our customer needed to collect tyre footprint data

in a dynamic environment at speeds up to 80km/h.

While they had been successfully using the XSensor

Tyre Pressure Mapping System since 2014 for static

measurements, the challenge was to capture data

under real-world driving conditions. Traditional

methods, such as driving over a glass plate with a

high-speed camera underneath, provided images

but lacked the detailed pressure and load distribution

data necessary for comprehensive analysis.

The solution: XSensor Dynamic Tyre Pressure

Mapping System

The XSensor Dynamic Tyre Pressure Mapping System

offers a portable and repeatable method for recording

tyre footprints at speeds up to 140km/h (86mph). This

system collects pressure distribution data frame by

frame as the vehicle passes over the sensor, providing

a wealth of information that can be saved, replayed,

analysed, and exported in various formats.

System components

1) Sensor: Measuring 40.6 x 40.6cm with over 65,500

sensor points, capturing data at 450 frames per

second and up to 206Nm/cm² (300psi).

2) Sensor Packs: Four packs that scan the sensor and

Dry conditions – XSensor output alongside

photo of tyre

connect to a high-speed data logger.

3) High-Speed Data Logger: Saves data to an SD card.

4) Movement Sensor: Triggers the data logger to start

collecting data.

5) HS Pro V8 Software: A comprehensive software

package for live viewing, data analysis, and export of

numeric data, AVI files, and images.

Testing process

The tests were conducted over two days, with dry runs

on the first day and wet runs on the second. The goal

was to measure a current production tyre, a prototype

tyre, and a competitor’s tyre at three different inflation

pressures (100%, 75%, and 50% of normal inflation

pressure) and two speeds (40km/h and 80km/h).

Each test run was repeated to ensure accuracy and

repeatability. See the short video below, showing the

two tests in slow motion.

Dynamic tyre testing in action – watch video

The video shows two consecutive tests – the

XSensor system collects pressure distribution

data frame by frame as the vehicle passes

over the sensor: https://youtu.be/

hqXknDb3BlI?feature=shared

dynamic load at different inflation pressures.

● Pressure distribution: It measured the pressure

and force generated, offering a clear picture of

performance under different scenarios.

● Water clearance: The wet tests highlighted the

effectiveness of different tread patterns in clearing

water, with visual evidence of water forming a bow

wave at lower inflation pressures.

Benefits

The XSensor system offers several advantages:

● Enhanced understanding: Manufacturers gain a

deeper understanding of tyre performance under a

wide range of conditions.

● Informed development: Data-driven insights enable

informed decisions on changes to tyre dimensions,

compound, sidewall rigidity, and tread patterns.

● Cost and time efficiency: The ability to conduct

tests quickly and repeatedly speeds up product

development and reduces costs.

Conclusion

The XSensor Dynamic Tyre Pressure Mapping System

is a game-changer for tyre manufacturers, providing

unparalleled insights that drive innovation and improve

product performance. By adopting this advanced

technology, our customer has not only accelerated their

development process but also gained a competitive

edge in the market.

Dynamic tyre testing – find out more

● Learn more about the XSensor Dynamic Tyre

Pressure Mapping System.

● Download the XSensor datasheet.

● Contact us to discuss your application for dynamic

tyre testing.

Contact

T +44 (0)1344 776666

info@interface.uk.com

https://interfaceforce.co.uk

XSensor display showing different pressure

patterns for varying levels of tyre inflation

Key findings

The dynamic testing provided detailed

insights into how tyres perform under various

conditions:

● Load and speed: The system captured how

the tyre footprint changes shape under

Wet conditions – XSensor output


Industrial

Automation inspiration:

Can UK manufacturing

raise robotics uptake by

learning from Europe?

Despite punching well above

our weight as a manufacturing

powerhouse, the UK is in

danger of slipping down the

international rankings unless

we increase our levels of

automation. Now sitting at 25th

in the global robotics league

table 1 , we are the only G7

nation outside the top 20 and

have been eclipsed by most of

our European counterparts in

terms of numbers of robots per

10,000 workers, including Italy,

Belgium, Switzerland and the Czech

Republic. Here, factory automation

leader FANUC, which has subsidiaries

across the world, examines the potential

reasons behind the UK’s reluctance to

automate – and asks what we can learn

from our continental cousins.

An improving picture

The benefits to UK manufacturing of

robotics and automation technology are

greater than ever, helping us to meet

net zero targets, boost productivity

and underpin our key industries. And

with an estimated 70,000 vacancies

Feasibility studies with

Dynamic Imaging Ltd

With the Applications

and Installations

of Machine Vision

technology growing daily

with new technology

forging new frontiers,

selecting the right

solution, technology

and partner seems to

be ever harder. With

AI and faster technology giving options

but also somehow uncertainty.

A feasibility study is a smart way to

determine the likely success or failure

of your next vision project. A low-cost

way of evaluating the technology and

tools, a low-risk exploration of the

best design.

The best feasibility study is built on

real-world experience and installations;

however, project teams are increasingly

over-stretched without real-world

experience. This creates concern about

delivery or worries about the return on

investment.

If your team lack the resource or

experience and are worried about

making the right choice of vision

approach, or technology, then maybe

Dynamic Imaging Ltd can help navigate

a good path through the options.

in manufacturing, robots are also

alleviating the longstanding labour

shortages which have only worsened

since Brexit and COVID.

In regard to automation uptake, it is

certainly an improving picture. Led by the

automotive sector, UK robot installations

were up by 3% in 2022, with operational

stock growing by 7%. But at just 98 robots

per 10,000 workers we are still well

behind European leaders Germany (415).

www.fanuc.eu/uk/en

1. IFR World Robotics Industrial Report 2023

Dynamic Imaging deliver feasibilities,

consultancy and development services

which is vendor independent to our

client’s exacting requirements across a

range of sectors including automotive,

pharmaceutical and military.

At the recent UKIVA Vision show,

Dynamic Imaging Ltd demonstrated

how combining the latest linescan,

triggering and light technology

increased system reliability and

feature delivery whilst lowering overall

cost. Using one camera and multiple

wavelength Drew Lear Technology

DLX technology and Halcon software

acquisition, colour, 740nm and 850nm

images were all delivered from one

pass under the camera.

New website online soon!

T +44 (0)203 989 5887

info@dynamic-imaging.co.uk

www.dynamic-imaging.co.uk

IPFL stays at the cutting

edge of manufacturing with

abilities unique in Europe

One of Britain’s most advanced

manufacturing firms can now offer

capabilities that are unique to Europe

following the installation of new

equipment.

IPFL, based in Waltham Abbey in

Essex, has added the BMF S230 3D

Microprinting system to its technology

suite. Developed by Boston Micro

Fabrication, the S230 has a resolution

of 2 microns (μm) - about the same size

as a typical bacterium.

This brings unparalleled levels

of precision and accuracy to the

micromanufacturing industry, and

IPFL’s S230 is the only example of its

type in Europe. This emphasises IPFL’s

continued presence at the cutting edge

of the latest developments in bespoke

plastic and additive manufacturing and

production.

With this new equipment, IPFL can

achieve resolutions and tolerances that

far exceed current norms and industry

standards. It is especially suited to

applications that require micro-scale

components with complex geometries.

This includes the growing field of

microfluidics which allow the creation

of intricate body-on-chip devices for

Strategic business

relocation and expansion

increases jobs for Hull

Achilles Properties

purchase of a new

facility at Malmo Road

in late 2022 and a long

lease granted to Endent

Energy was the start

of a phased relocation

and expansion plan in

Hull. It began with North Sea Ventilation

& Air Conditioning Limited (NSV&AC)

taking occupation in January 2023

and concluded with the relocation of

Thermoplant Offshore Services Limited

(TOSL) in December 2023.

Endent Energy’s relocation has also

helped protect jobs at TOSL and NSV&AC

and opened new job opportunities

for further staff growth in the local

community for years to come.

The programme began in earnest when

planning was granted to erect a factory

extension to the existing site, increasing

the manufacturing floorspace from

17,500ft 2 to 23,500ft 2 and providing

additional on-site parking. Integral to the

programme, was Endent Energy’s long

term commitment to Hull and the local

economy.

Working with local contractors, B&H

Building Ltd, work began on-site in

advanced biomedical research and

micro-connectors for electronics and

micro-electromechanical systems

that other processes cannot produce

effectively or consistently.

This new system complements

IPFL’s existing array of advanced

manufacturing technology and builds

on the BMF 10μm that IPFL is already

operating. The microprinting systems sit

alongside other additive manufacturing

systems, CNC machining and more

traditional fabrication methods. This

makes IPFL a one-stop shop for all sorts

of manufacturing, from rapid iteration

and prototyping to series production.

https://www.ipfl.co.uk

Summer 2023. As part the building

programme, and in keeping with Group’s

environmental commitment, roof solar

panels were installed to feed the on-site

power requirements, as well as supplying

surplus energy back into the National

Grid. To assist with the building works

a Grant was secured from the Hull and

East Yorkshire LEP’s Growing Places

Fund, enabling TOSL to relocate the

laser machine and other sheet metal

equipment from its existing premises

at Craven Street.

The successful building works were

bought in on schedule, and the extension

handed over in Autumn 2023.

Contact

http://www.thermoplant.co.uk

14


Industrial

Charles Day Steels unveils revolutionary

Laser Bevel Cutting Technology!

A pioneer in metal profiling, Charles

Day Steels, proudly announces

the launch of their progressive

50-degree Laser Bevel Cutting

machine.

This innovative addition

to their extensive suite

of laser cutting and

profiling services promises

to redefine efficiency

and precision in metal

fabrication.

One of the stand-out features of

the new laser is its unparalleled

versatility, enabling cuts at any

angle up to 50 degrees from a 12kW

laser power source. Set to revolutionise the

industry with its ability to eliminate the need for

manual grinding and weld preparation,

this investment serves as a powerful

complement to their existing

Waterjet Bevel capabilities.

The new machine boasts a

large 6,510mm x 2,600mm

bed, allowing for the rapid

processing of substantial

bevel parts up to 40mm thick.

This advancement ensures

a seamless transition from

cutting to assembly, offering

drastically reduced postprocessing

time and labour costs.

The ability to laser bevel cut offers two

key benefits. First, it significantly cuts costs

for downstream fabrication by providing parts that

are already prepped for fabrication with weld preps.

This eliminates the need for additional preparation,

saving both time and money. Second, it efficiently

handles parts that would otherwise require bevelling

or countersinking through traditional machining

methods, which are both expensive and

time-consuming. By incorporating laser

bevel cutting, the process becomes more

streamlined and cost-effective. This is

particularly effective when dealing with

harder material such as wear and amour

plate which carry with them the challenges

of machining harder materials.

Charlie Day, grandson of the Founder

and Sales and Business Development

Director at Charles Days, spoke about

their latest investment:

“With the launch of our new Laser Bevel

Cutting technology, we are taking a

significant step forward in our service capabilities by

providing fabrication-ready parts in a single process.

This addition means we can offer clients the very best

value not just in our cutting service, but also through

reduction downstream fabrication costs.”

Established in Sheffield, the city of steel, Charles Day

continues to lead the way in profile-cutting innovation,

leveraging over four decades of expertise and cuttingedge

technology to serve their customers across

various sectors, including construction, automotive,

and aerospace, all with industry leading capacity and

reliability.

For more information regarding Laser Bevel Cutting

and Charles Day’s services, or to request your free bevel

sample, please get in touch with their team today.

T 0114 244 5544

sales@daysteel.co.uk

www.daysteel.co.uk

16


Industrial

Expert supplier of new and used sheet metal

machinery: Supporting the circular economy

with exceptional customer service

Machinery Supplies UK Ltd is a

supplier of new and used sheet

metal machinery, service spares

consumables and accessories.

Established in 2020, though still a new

company, owner Andy Naylor brings

a wealth of experience spanning over

35 years. The resident expert team of

machine operators, software engineers

and electronic & hydraulic engineers

are on hand to help match customers

with the right machinery and parts,

even if they aren’t in stock.

With a focus on premium customers

service, Machinery Supplies UK offers

a 24/7 Support Network for customers

around the country and prides itself on

its ‘can do’ winning attitude.

“I have been working with sheet

metal machinery since I left school

in the mid-1980’s and now we sell

the machines I used to operate.

With a truly international outlook,

we have sold machinery to the USA,

Taiwan, Europe as well as all over

the UK. The latest cutting-edge laser

welding machinery is coming from

China and I travel there regularly

to meet with these high-end

manufacturers,” explained Andy.

Machinery Supplies UK provides the

following new and used machinery

With a focus on premium

customer service,

Machinery Supplies UK

offers a 24/7 Support

Network for customers

around the country and

prides itself on its ‘can

do’ winning attitude

and solutions to customers both

in stock and on-site available for

demonstration without team of

experts:

● Fiber Laser cutting machines

● CNC Punching Machines

● Press Brakes

● Used Machinery

● Material storage solutions

● Deburring equipment

● Laser cleaning equipment

● Fiber laser welding

● Laser parts and maintenance

● Laser accessories

Fiber Lasers are widely used across

industrial environments for a range

of actions from marking, welding,

cutting, cleaning, drilling, and

much more and are renowned for

advanced-precision. Furthermore,

many companies appreciate the

smaller carbon footprint, low

maintenance and operating costs

of Fiber Lasers. The engineers

at Machinery Supplies UK offer

support across most makes of

Fiber Lasers and currently have the

following two machines for sale:

● NEW compact 3M x 1.5M 3kW

Fiber Laser: Manual pullout

table complete with chiller,

extraction filtration system,

with Maxphotonics laser source.

Full price: £59,000: including

installation and warranty.

● NEW 3M x 1.5M 6kW Fiber

Laser: Changeover table, chiller,

extraction filter, with Raycus laser

source. Full price: £119,000:

including installation and

warranty.

There is also a selection of used

laser machines available of various

kw and size ranges with chiller,

extraction, software and fully

installed package. This is a great

addition to the circular economy,

for those looking to invest in secondhand,

reconditioned machinery, as

part of sustainable best practice.

Machinery Supplies UK goes further

than other suppliers by offering

additional services such as Laser

Slat Cleaners: designed to reduce

18


Industrial

QUALITY SHEETMETAL EQUIPMENT

SHEETMETAL MACHINERY

CHECKED | TESTED | INSTALL | TRAINING | WARRANTY

Upman Handheld Fiber Laser Welding Machine

> 4x Faster than Mig or Tig Welding

> Low Heat input, Minimal part distortion

> Fast and easy to learn

> Wobble Head with Multi functions

> Weld, cut, clean

> Auto Wire feed

> Built in factor presets

Easy to Learn

Built-in factory presets for welding and cleaning

reduce learning curves, new welders can be

trained within the hour and experienced welders

realize an immediate increase to productivity.

Highly Productive

High-speed welding that is 4x faster than TIG,

with simple material preparation and minimal

post-finishing, plus wobble head and wire feed

options for consistent high-quality results.

Keep your

Laser Bed

Stats Clean

Highly Capable

Easily weld and clean thick, thin and reflective metals

with low heat input from < .040” (1.0mm) up to 1/4”

(6.35mm) with minimal part distortion, improved visual

appearance and increased overall part quality.

T. 07743 989565 E. info@ukmachinery.uk

ukmachinery.uk

part scratching and keep extraction

flowing, part and parcel of laser

bed longevity. This includes the

240v/415v models for varying

kW laser powered machinery.

Furthermore, the Rhino Parter

Hammer is renowned for making

the removal of tabbed laser cut

parts much easier, using a handy

automation impact vibration to

break the tabs.

The wide selection of Press Brakes

include makes such as Amada,

Trumpf and Bystronic from small

compact to large tonnage and

bed sizes, all fully checked tested,

serviced and prepared and comes

with a full warranty. The team can

provide tooling at an extra cost

and all machinery is installed

on-site, with full training given to

operators. These press brakes can

bend thick materials across various

applications from construction,

automotive, aerospace, agriculture

to oil and gas.

TRUMPF is widely considered to be

the pinnacle of German machinery

manufacturing across the entire

machine tool, laser and electronics

sectors. Regarded as a world-leader

in machine tools for flexible sheet

metal processing, the TRUMPF CNC

Punching Machines are in high

demand across the UK and further

afield. The expert engineering team

at Machinery Supplies UK provide

an extensive range of TRUMPF

accessories from cartridges,

multitools, collars, die adaptors and

expert advice as well as spares and

consumables.

“Our DEBURRING machines also

offer exceptional value, adding the

final finish and touch to the laser

cut parts. From simple deburring

to re-graining, our process of

materials solutions are available

to fit customer requirements.”

“We are forever liaising with our

NEW equipment suppliers in order to

bring only the premium UK market

high quality sheet metal working

equipment, couple with our faultless

aftersales support.”

“Our new state of the art East

Yorkshire showroom will be opening

later this year, when we will invite

new and existing customers from

across the industry. Watch this

space!” added Andy.

For more information, please

email: info@ukmachinery.uk or

visit: www.ukmachinery.uk


Land, Leisure & Tourism Show Review – Top Exhibitors

Land, Leisure and Tourism Show:

Shaping the Future of Tourism

The National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham opened

its doors to The Land, Leisure and Tourism Show for two

days on the 6th–7th November 2024.

As the UK’s largest event for rural businesses,

holiday parks, leisure and attractions, it offered vital

opportunities to collaborate, network and boost brand

recognition. The Land Leisure and Tourism Show

encouraged sustainability and innovation for the future

whilst combatting the challenges of the changing

environment of consumer demand.

To develop the delegates potential skill set in such

a changeable environment, the Land, Leisure and

Tourism Show, provided three distinct zones to illustrate

the opportunities available.

The Family Attraction Zone was a vibrant hub of activity,

drawing businesses from a diverse range of industries,

including gaming and entertainment, virtual reality,

ticketing software, costume supply, performance

arts agencies, and logistics. Showcasing the latest

innovations and trends in family entertainment, the

Zone featured everything from thrilling immersive

experiences and interactive exhibits for adrenaline

seekers to expert insights into the future of family

attractions and entertainment.

The Holiday Park, Resorts and Events Zone looked

to explore the latest innovations within tourism, as

well as the challenges resort managers, owners and

event organisers face in the current market. The Zone

enabled event organisers, park owners and others that

were new to the industry to discover the latest products

and services, as well as explore investment prospects

and networking opportunities. Featuring exhibitors such

as MetPow, Light Sauce, Maxxton Software, The Ice

Bath Co., and many more, this Zone opened doors to

many potential business development opportunities,

providing a dynamic platform to explore and capitalise

on various avenues for business growth within the

leisure and tourism sector.

Formerly the Leisure F&B Expo, the Leisure, Food and

Beverage Zone provided businesses with an individual

showcasing of products and services designed to

maximise growth potential within the supply chain.

It showcased a range of both traditional culinary

experiences with the latest trends in dining including

everything from innovative beverages to trending food

and diverse cuisines, this Zone offered a sensory

journey where attendees could taste, sample and

discover new flavours.

LLTS was also co-located with The Farm Business

Innovation Show, to help farmers and landowners find

different ways to diversify and optimise their land. This

Show showcased all the options available to landowners

to assess, analyse and optimise the potential for their

long-term use of their holdings. Whilst diversification

may be a focus for The Farm Business Innovation Show,

the visitors could interact within workshops dealing with

issues such as renewable energy, agritourism and direct

sales that draws away from the traditional income driven

markets for landowners and farmers.

Across the range of the programs provided, there were

over 40 seminars from industry experts. Considered

subjects included navigating social media streams

to control narrative, maximising revenue through

membership options, the potential opportunities in brand

loyalty, alternative land management, utilising social

media promotion options and succession planning.

The Land, Leisure and Tourism Show attracted a footfall

of just under 12,000 and provided over 400 exhibitors.

A number of these top exhibitors showed their expertise

and experience over the two days.

The Silver Award in Innovation for 2024, was presented

to Core Conservation. Core Conservation achieved

the coveted trophy by the creation of a state-of-the-art

insulation product that, whilst improving insulation

does not add complimentary thickness. With its myriad

options the potential opportunities for development

include fixing issues such as mould and cold bridging

whilst addressing the conservation standards, in listed

buildings for example, due to its’ flexibility and ability

to stay breathable. It is with this unapparelled product,

that it became a standout innovation in the industry.

Walter Geering was an exhibitor at the

Land, Leisure and Tourism Show who

showcased their credentials of luxury but

with a sustainable heart. Cantered within

the hospitality industry, Walter Geering has

been at the forefront of sustainability since

the company foundation in 1903. With over

120 years of development, the company

presented products from bio-degradable

packaging to luxury fragrances and highend

manufacturing that sets an elevation

of brand in line with a new standard in

environmental responsibility.

In comparison, Cromartie Hobbycraft

exhibited at the event with their range of arts

and supplies. This family-owned ceramics

and arts & crafts supplier has expertise in ceramics

spanning over 70 years. Their interactive exhibition

offered paint your own pottery to hands on craft

projects, offering exhibitors a consumer experience,

second to none.

The Land, Leisure and Tourism show excelled in

illustrating the evolution of the tourism industry. As

products advanced rapidly in line with ecological

policies, tourism challenges, and initiatives to boost

consumer loyalty, the Land, Leisure, and Tourism Show

2024 was designed to foster collaboration among

interconnected industries. The event served as a

dynamic meeting place, bringing together businesses

and professionals to explore innovative solutions and

future trends.

Always finish reviews with the details for the next show.

Land, Leisure and Tourism Show 2025 will take place

on the 5th-6th November at the NEC, Birmingham.

This is our pick of the best exhibitors from last year’s

show, listed here in alphabetical order: Agri Gem, Core

Conservation, Cromartie Hobby Craft, ET Planning &

Walter Geering. Further details can be found on the

next four pages.

www.lltshow.com

20


Building friendly renovation

solutions for old & listed

buildings

Core Conservation has

earned prestigious

accolades, solidifying

its position as a

trusted leader in

the field. From Most

Trusted Building

Conservation Specialist in 2023, to Best

Innovation in Insulation at the Build-It

Awards 2024, the company specialises

in addressing dampness and insulation

issues in old and listed buildings.

Its comprehensive range of services is

available nationwide and include lime

plastering, rendering, waterproofing,

and tanking to internal and external

insulation, coupled with expertise

that ensures durable and sustainable

solutions for heritage properties.

Core Conservation offers professional

damp surveys using a holistic approach

tailored to old buildings. With expertise

in moisture movement, materials,

and renovation practices, combined

with advanced tools, they identify and

address the root causes of damp issues.


For insulation,

TermoRasante Aerogel

MGN is the ideal slimprofile

insulating option.

Its highly breathable,

super-insulating thermal

plaster regulates thermal bridging, eliminates

condensation, and prevents mould. Its

high aerogel content delivers exceptional

insulation in a thin form factor, outperforming

other forms of aerogel due to the Knudsen

effect, which enhances thermal performance

by restricting gas movement in nano-cavities.

For waterproofing, Roman Waterproofing

Lime Plasters are ideal, in particularly

RINZAFFO MGN. It’s one of the most

unique products that is breathable,

waterproof and salt-resistant, suitable for

a wide range of specialist applications.

For more information on products and

projects, please get in touch below:

T 01342 300598

office@coreconservation.co.uk

Webshop: http://www.romanlime.co.uk

https://www.coreconservation.co.uk

Step into the wonderful

world of ceramics with

Cromartie Hobbycraft

Cromartie Hobbycraft

is proud to be a

family-run business

with more than 78

years of experience

in the art and

crafts, and ceramics

industry. We are

committed to being

your trusted partner,

providing high-quality

products and expert

support to help you

unlock creative potential.

We supply an extensive range of

materials from ceramics and pottery

bisques to essential crafting supplies,

all at competitive prices. Whether

you’re a holiday park, craft village,

paint-your-own pottery studio, or part

of the broader leisure industry, our

goal is to empower you with everything

you need to inspire creativity and

captivate your customers.

Our dedication goes far beyond simply

supplying materials. We are invested

in your success, offering ongoing

support and expert advice whenever

you need it. Our experienced team

is always on hand to help you find

the right solutions and navigate

challenges, ensuring that your

business thrives today and continues

to grow for years to come.

Let’s create something amazing

together

If you’re ready to take your creative

projects to new heights, we’re here

to help. Get in touch with Cromartie

Hobbycraft – where imagination meets

expertise, and innovation shapes the

future of creative industries.

Contact

www.cromartiehobbycraft.co.uk

Is your land development ready? The 5 most common

planning mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Avoid these pitfalls to save time, money, and stress

If you’re looking to develop your land – whether for

a glamping site, renewable energy project, or farm

diversification – securing planning permission is a

crucial step. However, common mistakes that lead to

costly delays or outright refusals. Here are the five

most frequent errors and how you can avoid them.

1) Failing to check planning policy first

Many landowners submit applications without fully

understanding local and national planning policies.

Councils have strict guidelines on what is permitted,

particularly in rural areas, Green Belt and Areas of

Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Before submitting

an application, check your local authority’s planning

framework and speak with a planning consultant to

assess feasibility.

2) Ignoring environmental and traffic impacts

Developments that impact the environment, wildlife,

or road access often face local objections. For example,

a glamping site may require ecological surveys, and a

storage development might need traffic assessments.

Address these factors early with expert reports to

strengthen your application.

lengthy delays. Working with a planning consultant

ensures your application is comprehensive and

professionally presented.

4) Underestimating local opposition

For larger proposals, neighbour objections can derail

even the most promising projects. Engaging with the

local community early – explaining benefits such as

local job creation or sustainability – can help gain

support. A well-handled public consultation can

significantly reduce objections.

5) Not considering alternative routes

If full planning permission seems challenging, alternatives

such as permitted development rights or prior

approval may be possible and offer a faster and more

cost-effective solution. Understanding these options

can help you achieve your goals with fewer hurdles.

How to get your application right the first time

Planning permission is a complex process, but avoiding

these common mistakes can save you time and money.

If you’re unsure where to start or have already faced

a planning refusal, expert guidance can make all the

difference.

3) Submitting poorly prepared applications

A vague or incomplete planning application is a fast

track to rejection. Councils expect detailed site plans,

environmental considerations, and justifications for

development. Missing key documents can result in

Need planning advice? Contact ET Planning

today for expert guidance on securing permission

for your next project:

T 01344 508048

www.etplanning.co.uk



Walter Geering at the Land

Leisure and Tourism Show: A

look back and a glimpse ahead

This year, Walter Geering had the privilege of exhibiting

at the Land Leisure and Tourism Show – a key

event in the industry’s calendar that brings together

accommodation providers, holiday park operators, and

tourism businesses from across the UK. Held at the

NEC in November, the event

was a fantastic opportunity

for us to showcase our

innovative products, connect

with industry leaders, and

share insights into the future

of guest experience.

Our presence at the show

Our exhibition stand

was a hub of activity

throughout the event,

drawing in visitors eager

to explore our sustainable

and bespoke solutions.

Featuring an engaging loop video that highlighted our

core product categories – including miniatures, floating

dispensers, essential cleaning packs, classic kitchen and

consumable packs, and our sought-after Dog and Pet

Welcome Packs – our stand successfully demonstrated

why Walter Geering is the trusted supplier for hospitality

businesses looking to enhance their guest experience.

One of the most exciting aspects of our presence at the

show was the launch of new product offerings.

Launching officially in March 2025, Walter Geering

showcased the first plastic free, single dose toiletry

solution for the hospitality sector. A Shampoo,

Condition and Body Wash Sheets that dissolve upon

use. We also introduced our Luxury Welcome Pack

Packaging, providing premium presentation options for

accommodations looking to impress their guests from

the moment they arrive. Additionally, we showcased

our Bespoke by Walter Geering service, which allows

clients to personalise their packs with branding, tailored

contents, and unique packaging.

Jessica Marson’s speaker slot

A highlight of the event was our very own Jessica

Marson, Head of Sales and Marketing, taking the

stage for a speaker session in the Cottages.com/

Hoseasons Theatre. Jessica shared valuable insights

on the evolving expectations of today’s travellers,

discussing how hospitality

providers can differentiate

themselves through

sustainable solutions, thoughtful guest touches,

and seamless operational efficiencies.

The talk delved into the growing importance of

sustainability in hospitality, with Jessica outlining

how Walter Geering is leading the charge in providing

eco-friendly alternatives without compromising quality

or guest satisfaction. She also addressed how guest

welcome packs can be more than just an amenity –

they can be a brand-building tool that enhances the

overall stay experience and fosters customer loyalty.

What’s next for Walter Geering in 2025?

With a successful exhibition behind us, we are looking

ahead to 2025 with exciting plans in the pipeline.

Our focus remains on innovation, sustainability, and

customer experience, ensuring we continue to provide

exceptional products tailored to the evolving needs of

the hospitality industry.

Key initiatives for 2025 include:

● Expanded eco-friendly ranges: We are committed

to further enhancing our sustainable product

offerings, with new biodegradable and refillable

options in development.

● New market expansions: Beyond hotels and holiday

parks, we are expanding into a broader range

of industries where our welcome packs can add

significant value.

●

●

Enhanced reward programme: A relaunch of our

customer loyalty scheme will provide new incentives

and benefits for our partners, making it even more

rewarding to work with Walter Geering.

Strategic partnerships: We aim to collaborate

with industry partners to develop exclusive product

lines and bespoke solutions that cater to niche

accommodation providers.

The Land Leisure and Tourism Show was just the

beginning of what promises to be an exciting year ahead.

We are grateful for the conversations, connections, and

opportunities the event provided, and we look forward

to continuing to support the hospitality industry with

cutting-edge solutions in 2025 and beyond.

For those who missed us at the show, feel free to reach

out – we’d love to discuss how we can help enhance your

guest experience with tailored, sustainable solutions.

Contact Jessica Marson, Head of Sales and

Marketing: jessica.marson@waltergeering.co.uk

or contact: 01233 658085.

To speak to a sales team member, email:

sales@waltergeering.co.uk or call: 01233 658085

option 2.

For an exclusive order discount to readers,

email: marketing@waltergeering.co.uk quoting

ref: ‘Business & Industry’ for your exclusive

discount code.

22



Eliminate Algae and

Moss using Sapphire Pro

Removing algae and

moss from hard surfaces

without using a specialist

product can make things

worse in the long run. This

is because spores can be

spread while you brush

or wash, allowing them

to reattach and regrow

quickly.

Sapphire Pro is a curative

algaecide formulated

specifically for use on hard surfaces.

Used correctly, it will eliminate

algae and moss quickly and prevent

regrowth. In the right conditions,

results can be seen within a few

hours.

Sapphire Pro is a plant derivative and

has a very low environmental hazard

classification making it safe to use

both for environment and operator.

It will not foam up in a watering can

or spray tank and can be used at any

time of year.

Sapphire Pro can be used on nearly all

hard surfaces, including:

● Most building materials

● Pavements and paving blocks

● Patios

● Driveways

● Steel

● Zinc

● Aluminium

● Tiles

● Bitumen

● Exterior wood and decking

● Plastic

● Glass (exterior walls of a

greenhouse)

● Stones

● Non-grassed athletic tracks

Sapphire Pro does not need to be

applied through a pressure washer;

it can simply be diluted at the correct

rate, sprayed on and left to work.

Contact Dave Rowsell for more

information and trade prices:

M 07706 313721

dave.rowsell@agrigem.co.uk

www.agrigem.co.uk

Evelyn Ecology connect with

landowners interested in

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

Attending the

Land, Leisure

& Tourism

Conference

was a fantastic

opportunity for

us at Evelyn

Ecology to

connect with

landowners interested in Biodiversity

Net Gain (BNG). As an ecological

consultancy, we work with landowners

to unlock the value of their land by

creating habitat banks that generate

biodiversity units for developers needing

to meet their planning requirements.

The event provided a great platform to

engage with a wide range of landowners,

from farmers looking to diversify their

income to estate managers exploring

long-term conservation strategies. Many

were keen to understand how BNG

schemes work, what commitments are

involved, and how they could benefit from

the growing market for biodiversity units.

Throughout the conference, we had

productive conversations with potential

partners, as well as planning and

landscape consultancies interested

in collaborating. With around 45

new leads, we left the event feeling

Get ahead of the Employment Rights Bill

optimistic about the future of BNG

and the role we can play in facilitating

sustainable land use.

Overall, the conference reinforced

the strong appetite for BNG among

landowners. We look forward to following

up with our new contacts and turning these

discussions into meaningful projects.

If you are a business in need of

ecology or BNG assessments,

or a landowner looking to diversify

your income, please contact:

Kimberley.Kershaw@evelynecology.com

to find out how we can help.

www.evelynecology.com

assessments and training – and click

here to download our full Worker

Protection Act guide.

Changes to Statutory Sick Pay

Labour have committed to scrapping the

lower earnings limit requirement and 3 day

waiting periods for SSP making SSP payable

from the first day of sickness absence.

On 10th October 2024, the government

published the Employment Rights Bill

laying out the first wave of Employment

Law reforms they’ve proposed. This has

been called ‘the biggest upgrade to rights

at work for a generation,’ and, sitting at

158 pages, includes a lot that you need to

prepare for. But there are a few that might

have a greater impact on your business,

so the experts at our partner Citation have

broken down a few of the more important

ones that you need to know about.

Day one unfair dismissal rights

Labour are removing the two-year qualifying

period for the right to make an unfair

dismissal claim – it’ll now be a right from day

one. You can still use probationary periods

but you’ll need to follow a fair and transparent

process and prove a fair reason for dismissal.

● What now? Review your contracts,

especially the probation and dismissal

procedures to make sure they’re

compliant. These amendments might be

best done by a professional, and advice

may be needed to navigate the increased

risks of short service dismissals.

Tackling harassment

On 26th October 2024, the Worker

Protection (Amendment of Equality Act

2010) Act 2023 came into force, and

employers now have a duty to take

reasonable steps to prevent sexual

harassment. The Employment Rights Bill

extends this to include ‘all’ reasonable

steps, and now includes an extra duty to

prevent third party harassment too.

● What now? Review your policies, risk

● What now? These changes will increase

the cost of sickness absence, and

you’ll need to review your absence

management processes to ensure

you have robust systems in place to

manage sickness absence levels

within your business.

Of course, this hardly scrapes the

surface of the change you need to be

ready for, but it’s important that you’re

proactively adapting to change so

you can secure your future. If you’re

struggling to stay on top of it all, call our

advice line on: 0161 504 0843 between

9am and 5pm Monday to Friday for free,

confidential advice that puts you first.

Contact

https://www.citation.co.uk

24


The search for Britain’s

best topiary artist:

Henchman launched its

inaugural Topiary Awards

Calling all budding home

gardeners and topiary

artists! Henchman,

the leading garden

ladder expert, was on

the lookout for Britain’s

best topiary artists

to enter its inaugural

Topiary Awards.

Launched on 20th

March 2024 to mark

the first day of a new spring season, the

awards had been designed to celebrate

the art of topiary and recognise those

who demonstrate exceptional skill,

creativity, and passion in shaping and

maintaining incredible living sculptures.

With two categories announced – one

for best professional topiary and one for

best home garden creation – individuals

of all backgrounds and skill levels were

encouraged to enter their favourite

pieces of work.

An esteemed panel of topiary experts and

horticulturalists including; Elizabeth Hilliard,

Editor of European Boxwood and Topiary

Society (EBTS)

magazine TOPIARIUS;

Michael Buck, Head

of Horticulture at

Creepers Nursery;

Andy Bourke,

professional topiarist

and better known as

The Hedge Barber;

and Owen Simpson,

Managing Director at

Henchman, evaluated

each submission based on creativity,

craftsmanship, and overall impact.

The winners were then announced at

last year’s RHS Hampton Court Flower

Festival, where they received a trophy,

a high-value prize bundle of Henchman

products, an annual membership to the

European Boxwood and Topiary Society

and a day trip for two to one of the EBTS

UK’s day-long garden trips.

For more information on how

to participate and for full

terms and conditions, please

visit: www.henchman.co.uk/

henchman-topiary-awards

Bracknell business

marks 20 years of care

for the community’s

much-loved pets

In 2004, when Myspace

was the top dog of social

media and Motorola’s

iconic Razr flip phone

was barking up a storm,

something else would

launch that would leave

indelible paw prints on

the community for years

to come. Petpals would

open its doors in the area,

ushering in a new era of

premium pet-care services

to the town’s furry friends

and their devoted owners alike. With April

marking two decades since the launch

of the local business, the Petpals team

is excited to celebrate this momentous

occasion with their furry friends (and their

much-loved owners too!).

First opening under the management of

Nick Skinner, Petpals Crowthorne swiftly

established itself as a cornerstone of the

pet-loving community, shortly followed by

Petpals Bracknell. Following significant

growth, Nick entrusted the business to

one of his loyal customers, Ruth Wall,

in 2009.

A testament to the

enduring relationships

and reputation cultivated

by Petpals with its

customers, it came as

no surprise that in 2018,

when Ruth decided

to retire, the role was

assumed by yet another

familiar face in the

Petpals family. Peter Lea,

a devoted pet parent and

former customer himself,

decided to leave behind

the corporate world and step into the role

with a deep commitment to upholding the

standard of exceptional care set by his

predecessors. Petpals Crowthorne is now

known as Petpals Wokingham & Sandhurst

and, along with Petpals Bracknell, has

grown considerably over the last six years.

To find out more about Petpals

Bracknell’s range of pet-care services,

please visit: https://www.petpals.com/

area/bracknell

*UK Pet Food, UK Pet Population 2024: Top

10 Pets

Leisure & Tourism News

Leading ladder specialist

receives prestigious double

global design award for

setting a new standard

Leading garden ladder specialist,

Henchman, has been awarded the

prestigious iF Design Award 2024 for

not one, but two of its pioneering garden

products – the Fully Adjustable Tripod

Ladder and Henchman Lifting Harness.

Created and produced

in partnership with Tone

Product Design, both

of Henchman’s new

innovations received

the esteemed accolade

following a rigorous twostage

design evaluation

by a team of independent

experts.

Widely considered as one of the most

important design awards in the world,

this year saw over 10,800 innovations

entered from 72 countries, with only

the highest quality products being

shortlisted.

Setting a new standard in safety at

height, the new and improved Fully

Adjustable Tripod Ladder came to

market in the summer of 2023. The

innovative product is the only of its

kind on the market to

be certified to EN131

standards, featuring three

individually adjustable legs

with extra wide feet, patentpending

hedge-proof locking pins and a

platform with guardrail, allowing users to

work wobble and hands-free. Available

in both standard and pro ranges, the

ladders range from 5ft to 16ft.

Find out more about the awards

and view the winners at:

https://ifdesign.com/en

To browse Henchman’s range of

ladders and gardening equipment visit:

https://www.henchman.co.uk

Alitex is setting a new standard

for employee wellbeing in the

horticultural industry

Alitex, a leading manufacturer of

premium glasshouses, is setting a

new standard for employee wellbeing

and supportive workplace culture in

the horticultural industry. A Perennial

study revealed that 85% of employees’

mental wellbeing in the industry was

poor or below average. As a leader

in the industry, Alitex is proud to be

a role model to other companies and

share its comprehensive approach to

staff wellbeing, aimed at nurturing an

encouraging, inclusive, and growthoriented

workplace culture.

“At Alitex, our employees are the heart

and soul of our company, and their

wellbeing is our top priority,” said Tom

Hall, executive chairman and owner

of Alitex (pictured). “We believe in

creating an environment where our team

members feel valued, supported, and

empowered to thrive both personally and

professionally. Through ongoing learning

opportunities, access to a beautiful

work environment with green spaces,

and encouraging team members to get

involved in our philanthropic activities,

we aim to set a new standard for

employee wellbeing in the horticultural

industry and help implement widespread

changes across the sector as a whole.”

This commitment is reflected in a series

of programs that go beyond mere

checkboxes and are designed to foster

a nurturing and inclusive workplace,

and make employees feel appreciated

and supported every step of the way.

These include a weekly mood survey,

where employees rate their feelings

and share highlights of their week, as

well as the ‘Alitex Champions’ program,

which celebrates acts of kindness and

helpfulness among peers. Recognising

the importance of professional support

services, Alitex has also partnered with

Myndup to provide counselling, therapy,

and life coaching to all employees.

To find out more about Alitex, please

visit: www.alitex.co.uk


Commercial Vehicle & Fleet Management

NEOL Copper Technologies

and IAAPS unveil impressive

fuel efficiency test results

Significant fuel savings and

reduced carbon emissions

through the use of innovative

no-SAPS & zinc-free engine

oils are now possible for the

commercial fleet sector, as

revealed by NEOL Copper

Technologies, a UK-based

manufacturer of new generation

high-performance technical

lubricants, after a series of tests

conducted at an independent

state-of-the-art advanced

propulsion R&I lab IAAPS, a

spin-off from the University of

Bath, which demonstrated fuel

economy gains of up to 5%.

The tests were carried out on a 3-yearold

ex-commercial rental Ford Transit

Custom van, affectionately named ‘Bob

Van Go’ and powered by Ford’s 2.0 litre

EcoBlue engine.

‘Bob,’ a hard-worked van with

over 100,000 kilometres on the

odometer, was equipped with an

array of measurement instruments

and embarked on his next 12,000

kilometres — without ever leaving

the IAAPS facility. Through a rigorous

simulation of real-world delivery

scenarios typical of ‘white van’

operations, it became undeniably

clear that advancements in lubricant

technology can significantly boost

the efficiency of heavily used light

commercial vehicles (LCVs), restoring

their original performance.

Over the course of 12,165 kilometres

(7,559 miles) — equivalent to nine trips

from Land’s End to John O’Groats or

two round-trips from London to Istanbul

— ‘Bob’ was put to the test by a robot

driver, enduring 170 test cycles over

228 hours while carrying a simulated

500kg payload.

www.neol.world

www.iaaps.co.uk

idem telematics and

b.telligent present AI

assistants for dispatching

and fleet management

idem telematics, one of Europe’s

leading providers of transport

telematics, and data & AI consultancy

b.telligent are fundamentally

changing the way transport fleets

are dispatched and managed:

an AI assistant for the cargofleet

3 telematics platform, based on

Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service,

allows dispatchers to control complex

logistics tasks via voice command,

maximising efficiency and userfriendliness

in the transport industry.

The solution will be presented for the

first time at IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024.

One of the leading European providers

of transport telematics, idem

telematics, and the consulting firm

b.telligent have joined forces to bring

transport logistics into a new era: at

IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024, they will

present their new AI-powered voice

assistant, which enhances the awardwinning

telematics platform cargofleet

3 with the capability of natural voice

and text dialogue. This collaboration

combines Azure OpenAI Service with

idem telematics’ comprehensive

understanding of the needs of the

logistics industry. The new ‘cargofleet

assistant’ acts as a virtual dispatcher

that understands natural language input

and independently handles complex

questions: ‘Which vehicles need to go

to the workshop in the next 14 days?,’

‘Show me all refrigerated vehicles

with temperature deviations,’ ‘Which

vehicles have a critical axle load and

need to be reloaded?,’ ‘Which vehicle

was at Riedweg in Ulm at 12:30 on 17th

September?,’ ‘Which vehicles have hardly

been moved?’ – The system answers

such queries promptly and precisely.

Contact

www.idemtelematics.com

26


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Engineering

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