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XPS achieves ISO 14001
Milton Keynes based XPS has proven its green credentials by achieving ISO 14001 for its commitment to environmental issues. The accreditation provides a framework for the business to manage its processes and activities by focusing on proactive management and ensuring employee involvement in defining roles relating to the organisation’s environmental policy.
Pat Dean, director of compliance at XPS, said: “ISO 14001 is an obvious measurement tool for XPS and is recognised by both our clients and suppliers. This accreditation has educated us in how to use fewer raw materials and energy and reduce the amount of waste we produce, making us a more environmentally friendly company.”
XPS managing director, Emma Bowman Smith, said: “It has been a great year for XPS and as the business continues to grow, we are keen to demonstrate our commitment to a greener way of working. This accreditation means we will intrinsically improve our working practices, benefiting both the environment and our business.”
Ignoring leaves could be money down the drain
Falling leaves at this time of year are regularly blamed for everything from trains running late to people slipping and injuring themselves - but despite these unusual events regularly making the headlines it is actually drains that suffer most as a result of leaves.
Workplace equipment provider Slingsby, which supplies more than 35,000 products to all industries, always experiences a surge in drain maintenance products at this time of year as workplaces try to avoid having to call in the professionals.
Lee Wright, marketing director of Slingsby, said: “Blocked drains are a common problem at this time of year and cause nasty smells and even flooding. However, in the majority of cases these can be fixed quickly and easily, without the need for a drain cleaning company or plumber, as long as the drain is cleared before too much of a build-up occurs.
Leaves decompose quickly so they are easy to dislodge and clear. If the blockage is near the surface you may be able to simply lift the cover and scrape out any covering material to ensure it cannot re- block the drain. You should always wear a strong pair of gloves to do this. If the blockage is out of reach there are a wide range of products available in order to dislodge it. It’s also possible to buy chemicals to dissolve blockages but they must be handled extremely carefully and there are also environmental issues to using these in some areas.”
Manbat acquires Battery Power Systems
Manbat, the UK’s largest battery distributor, has substantially increased its presence in the industrial battery sector with the acquisition of Battery Power Systems Ltd (BPS) of East Kilbride.
BPS is a leading independent that supplies the forklift, floorcare, emergency power and electric vehicle sectors with batteries, chargers and service on a national basis. With this acquisition, Manbat immediately becomes one of the country’s largest suppliers in the 2- Volt, 6-Volt and 12-Volt industrial traction battery sector.
Manbat’s managing director, Steve Sheppard, said: “The acquisition fits well with Manbat’s desire to strengthen its position within the industrial battery sector and generally into markets additional to automotive. It is also a good indication of parent company Eco-Bat’s desire to support Manbat in its expansion plans and now means that Manbat’s industrial division is a £9 million turnover business.”
For BPS, George Wotherspoon added: “Although prior to our talks with Manbat we had no thought of selling the business, it was clear during our conversations that there was an obvious synergy with the two businesses and a comfortable relationship was quickly formed between our organisations. We are now looking forward to an even brighter future together as our combined strengths will allow us to grow more quickly.”
Manbat also confirmed that all 35 members of staff currently employed by BPS will remain with the business and that BPS will continue to be headed by commercial director, Keith MacDonald.
www.manbat.co.uk
Preventing infection: opinion is divided
A combination of measures would improve the rate of infection control in NHS healthcare institutions, according to a new survey. Cleaning industry blog - www.cleanleanhealthcare.org - found that opinion is divided on the most efficient ways in which infection can be tackled.
Those taking part in an online questionnaire pointed to three different issues to help reduce infections. They were: making hand washing compulsory for all visitors; using stronger cleaning products; and trying different cleaning methods - each with 25% of the total votes polled. Other considerations voted as of less importance were improving staff in prevention methods and turning the issue into a national campaign.
James Blackhurst, managing director of Jigsaw Cleaning Systems which runs the blog, said: “This tells us that the people using our site - many of whom are NHS professionals themselves - are divided and that they believe the answer perhaps lies in a combination of improvements. At Jigsaw, we thoroughly examine the methodology of cleaning against the products and materials being used, and we find that this combination gives us the improvements in effectiveness and cleanliness. This approach also brings with it time - and financial - savings. Of course, there are also the issues of staff training and technology which people should bear in mind. We welcome these views and we are continually asking for feedback from healthcare professionals to support our own data.”
Cleaning company wins environmental award
Alliance Cleaning Company has received the ‘environmental business of the year’ award in competition with hundreds of organisations.
Chairman, Danny Bishop, said: “We won against some very large firms because we’re the only carbon neutral UK contract cleaning business offering on-site carbon neutrality advice to clients. We check processes and equipment, task-by-task, site by site. Our award follows two years of teamwork between our staff and customers working together to reduce their carbon footprints.”
Since 2009, Alliance has introduced many environmental initiatives ranging from sustainable resourced paper, buying biodegradable products, electronic invoicing, and the use of energy efficient equipment, including replacing seven vehicles with hybrid Toyotas.
50 year celebration for Frank
OCS has recently congratulated Frank Stevens who has worked with the company for 50 years as a window cleaning operative. Frank Stevens joined the company in 1961 when OCS was a well established cleaning company. At the time, he lived in Southampton, Hampshire, and built up a window cleaning round of retail outlets in the town centre. Today, 68 year old Frank still continues his rounds, supporting stores around the county of Hampshire with both external and internal cleaning.
Since Stevens began his career, the window cleaning industry has seen many changes which have brought untold benefits in terms of health & safety and service efficiencies for clients. The bosun’s chair has been replaced by abseiling, three part ladders by water-fed pole systems, and rope cradles - where the window cleaner’s partner literally pulled them up the building on a rope - by electric cradles.
Ted Jasper, Stevens’ manager, said that he can always be relied upon: “He is a fantastic, model employee and I could do with another 10 like him! He is a very dedicated worker and I can trust him to get on with things. He is always keen to help out and sorts out any problems with no worries or grumbling.”
Martin Gammon, managing director of OCS, said: “The company has seen a lot of changes over the last 50 years and it’s amazing to know that Frank has been with us the whole time. People like Frank enable us to provide first class customer service through their dedication and commitment and by really knowing the business inside out.”
