You know the installation of automated gates take place at all time of the year, and the lead up to Christmas is one of the busiest times for installer, so make your holiday break a good one.
News Flash .......
HSE to back the use of their logo on the gate safety document .08/12/2011
HSE to finally back the gate safety document which is now over a year old and was originally put together by Easy Gates Distributors with help and advice by ASO, Aesif, DHF ,and the HSE.
The main sticking point was the use of the HSE Logo to back the document released from within the industry hear in the UK, and simplifies the requirement of the Machinery Directive & British Standards. So why do we need this approval by the HSE! So that installers finally have a working document similar to an onsite guide ‘a point of reference for all to use’. Now I don’t need to tell you that you can spend a lot of time going in circles on such projects, and this one has been doing the circuit for well over a year. The end result and outcome however will be worth the effort for all of those involved, a worthy document and simplified for modern day use.
I have seen several draft copies of the near finished document, and had some input myself on behalf of Aesif and it members with regards to detail in information, my only hope that a speedy conclusion can now be achieved.
John Birkett AESIF
AESIF TAKES A LOOK AT JUST A FEW FOR THE ARTICAL FORM PAST YEARS 'AESIF 10 YEARS ON'
Remember this artical
Once upon a time a certain district of Nottingham - 29 January 2008
was infested by a huge dragon, whose poisonous breath "had many a city slain," and whose hide" no spear nor sword could pierce." Every day a virgin was sacrificed to it, until the time came for the King's daughter to be bound before being devoured, when St. George appeared, and thrust his lance into the monster's mouth, and killed it on the spot.
You know every now and then you come across a gem, and our industry is no exception to this rule, can you imagine our surprise one Saturday morning calling for an appointment to talk about AESIF with an installer / fabricator, which turned out to be Local sculptor Robert Stubley, and it would seem he has amazingly flown his lair in Middle Earth, and landed in Sneinton, right here in Nottingham.
Local sculptor Robert Stubley has put Sneinton on the map by creating the Sneinton dragon, a work of art with a fifteen foot wing span, is seven foot high and took three months to prepare and build.
Sculptor Robert says it's what the people of Sneinton asked for. He says they were probably impressed by the two dragons he placed outside his own home. Robert in the past had worked on the north sea rig’s, but came back to Nottingham, his passion for sculpturing art is plain for all to see “working in factories or fabrication shops is not for me says Robert”. “I’ve been a welder for years and after seeing Gaudi’s work I decided to have a go at a sculpture. This is definitely my best so far and I just hope everyone else likes it.”
Robert also makes bespoke metal gates and railing if you are looking for something different, and all are suitable for gate automation and are professionally installed.
The magnificent stainless steel Sneinton dragon is being dubbed as sitting at the one main gateway for the east side of Nottingham, and Robert Stubley is all for such types of public art. He believes more should be encouraged around the city and beyond.
"I’ve worked on the continent and it's everywhere. It's just fantastic. It just makes the place different somehow."
Dove of peace
Robert Stubley talks about his new creation: with John Birkett, Michael Pringle, AESIF
If you are interested in Roberts sculptor’s or indeed giving Robert a commission for a bespoke pair of metal gates suitable for automation, please contact AESIF e-mail tammy@aesif.org.uk. The Automation system will be installed for you by a professional installer and certificated. “Can you imagine being the proud owner of such an individual piece of bespoke art, that can only increase in value, and be the topic of conversation for years to come.”
Story by Johnny B AESIF
A short trip to the sunshine - 11 September 2007
"A nice way of life". On Thursday the 6th September 07, I was invited to visit the premises of Nice SpA in Italy, accompanied by a group of installers that install Nice screens, and automation. The installers whom trade in several geographical locations around the UK, were accompanied by sales representatives for both sides of the business, and headed by MD Ian Alderson of Nice UK.
Flying from Gatwick into Marco Polo Airport, we landed at about 12.30am their time, the airport is located just out side Venice. A fourty minute coach journey later, and we have arrived at Oderzo and Nice Headquarters. The building integrates and compliments warehousing and office space, with contours that seemingly flow into the landscape of the open rural planes and vast vineyards, than blend into the back drop of the Dolomite Mountain Range in the back ground.
Departing from the coach we were greeted by Davide Pesca "Nice SpA" his job is in assisting sales and helps to look after the Nice subsidiaries, Davide would be looking after us during our two day visit, I am pleased to say that Davide later turned out to be a witty, knowledgeable, and an engaging travelling companion to all members within our group, and made time for everyone. To sum this young man up in one word would be "charismatic" and a big thank you from all.
Davide guided us through to the reception which opened into a large open space, the hub of the open floor offices, this area is designed to create a new way of experiencing the workplace: bright and airy open-space offices stimulate communication and encourage teamwork, the building boasts some serious and calming pieces of working art.
In reception we were met by Alessandro Spagnol head of all Nice subsidiaries including UK sale exports, as he greeted Ian "Nice UK" it was plain to see that these two business men have a special working relationship, by the general feeling of zeal and commarardery, which created an infectious atmosphere that was felt by the group. Alessandro escorted the party up to the first floor by the way of an oval stairway, we entered into the open glazed connecting lobby with its glassed link, that looks out into the tranquil outdoor garden.
Walking around the corner we entered the bar area, where refreshments and a light buffet had been provided, during this time Anna Bertoldero "marketing manager at Nice SpA" made a brief appearance, Anna had the responsibility for organising our hotel accommodation, and the evening entertainment which was first class thank you Anna, I will catch up on this subject later, Alessandro chatted informally with sale representatives and generally mixed with installers and made everyone feel at ease. "The bar being a meeting place to relax after work".
I wondered out onto the open balcony to take in the breathtaking view of the open countryside, to quote one installer "its all about making new memory's" the air was still and quiet, with clear skies and brilliant sunshine, which was in contrast to the winds that blow the dark clouds across the mountains in the distance, the tallest peaks shimmering with ice, that transformed transparent shells and seemed to blend into the horizon.
I talked to an installer he’d had a dream, the same one since he was twenty, I was speaking to that man at the age fifty one. He said that people stand about and wait until the morning, but don't they know tomorrow never comes, but you could see that twinkle in is eye, as he smiled then turn and walked away.
The point being that you have to take chances from day to day in life, or your aspirations and goals will not be forefilled.
After lunch we had a guided tour of the officers, then it was up to the second floor to see the new product display room, this area is presently undergoing fitting out process,
next stop, and we took our seats in the shell shaped auditorium for a brief but informal presentation on the Nice range of products, with a question and answer session at the end. The set up in this room is very nicely set out and unusual in design, the room fitting snugly into the buildings skeleton and frame work, utilising the maximum of space and works really well.
The premises, designed by architect Carlo Dal Bo, fits in perfectly with the surrounding landscape,
with its body of water flowing over almost 12,500 square feet, with a contrasting granite stepping stone path way to the front elevation, the vast expanses of barley whose hues change with the seasons.
The subtle LED lighting that changes colour and illuminates, to show the building at its best at dusk.
Parking is provided in the way of a underground parking facilities, to maximise on space. "One cannot help feeling that the Nice way of life flows both from the concept of their products, through to the ergonomically designed architecture, thus feeding a spirit of accomplishment, pride, and a successful growth and expansion that the company can feel proud of today ".
The new headquarters, with just over 12,000 square metres of storage space and 7000 square metres of offices. The new premises also offer recreational spaces: a restaurant, relaxation area, a gym featuring a sauna and steam bath.
My thanks go to all those special individuals who shared in the new memories and friendship, on a short but interesting trip to the sunshine.
John Birkett
BFT Joins the SOMFY Group : - 02 March 2004
Early in the start 2004 the Italian automation equipment manufacturer BFT announced that they had joined the SOMFY group.. The press release from Giancarlo Bonollo - BFT's Chairman reads:
"Considering the fast evolution of the market, with its continually increasing demand-related needs, BFT has decided to make a significant step forward in its marketing strategy by joining SOMFY group.
Quoted i the Paris stock exchange, SOMFY is an international group, which is present with its brand in over 50 countries around the world, with 45 branches and 3,200 collaborators from all five continents. Its annual turnover amounted to 500 million euro in 2002.
This important change, which responds to the company's desire to achieve significant objectives and guarantee increasingly tough competition in the marketplace, marks the starting point for continuous and fruitful collaboration between parties."
"The new partners recognise that our market segment is different from theirs and for this reason they wish to start up a business area specifically dedicated to our market for the purpose of accelerating our growth.
I will personally continue to follow the company in the role of managing director. Certain that I will be able to count on your previous collaboration for the achievement of these objectives, I would like you to inform your collaborators about this union and to reassure them with regard to the continuity of BFT's strategy, its products and distribution network."
Source: BFT Press Release 2004v
Buying electric gates. - 31 May 2006
What do I need to Know !....... Electrically operated gates are for the protection of persons, and property, and should be safe in all aspects of use by others. The following information is for your consideration in making the right choice, and an informed understanding of the products, before purchasing such a system. Automatic gates properly installed are good value for money and will give years of trouble free use, in your coming and goings and also keeping those precious to you safe.
I am looking for electrical gates:
Electrically operated gate or gates are generally purchased for security and give the owner of such products peace of mind, but in the thrill of searching for quality products, remember to pay attention to the "safety aspects". Installers may be trying to work within your budget but at what Price! you rely on installation companies to give advice and information on the right safety aspects of such installations.
Typically the installer in quoting knows that the competition will try to keep the installation cost down, and may not always supply you what is needed, for Example: Manufactures make up trade kits for special purchase to installers, these kits represent good value as a starter price for any installation "but are not designed to suit your specific needs, at your entrance way", this can only be achieved by an on site risk assessment. An Aesif member will always pay attention to your specific needs, preferring to explain the requirement for any additonal safety features that your installation may require.
How much will they cost.
I would like to have a single 12 ft decorative timber hook back Gate installed with automatic arm operator, I have power to the gateway.
OK, I would presume that the gate is to hang of existing post The example is a guide price only, a typical Cost: single good quality timber hook back Gate around £ 290 Automation 4m arm operator £545 Installation Materials £80 Labour £450 Total = £1,365.00 AESIF approved installer, servicing can be quoted for quality assurance. Distance and travelling time has not been built into this price and you need to take this into consideration.
I have had two quotations for metal gates and automation with prices from as little as £2,000 to £5,000 but what will I get for my money, I am worried that the overall job might be poor quality, or if I do get any problem's I cannot get the installer back.
OK the following sentence is only to be used as a guide, in formulating the approximate costs for such installations,
A typical pair of 4 m x 2m decorative metal gates supplied with underground automatic gate motors, and installed to property's in the Midlands & North East region, will cost around £4,700 subject to Vat, and fitted to the following, gravel / tarmac / block paving drive way's.
"This estimate does not include the installation of the mains cabling down to the gate way",and need to be priced separately, as with any cost in relation to transportation and delivery of gates and goods to site.
So how did we arrive at this price.! A strong set of metal gate's cost around £1,200 to £1,500 powder coated, with the option to galvanise the gate, this would be an extra, and prices are typically a round £350 added to the cost of manufacture. A good quality underground automation system to suit this type of installation will cost from around £1,250 for electromechanical to £1,500 for hydraulic unit components ready for fitting. You also need to add the cost for localised cabling and installation material accessories of about £250 for the civils. What about the intercom system, a standard intercom starts from £100 to £300 with digital key pad.
It normally take's an average of three days for two men to install, supply, and commission, this type of gate installation subject to weather conditions. The Labour costs being around £1,600 on average.
Costs: Gates £ 1,500 Automation £1,250 Intercom £100 Installation Materials £250 Labour £1600 Total = £4,700. Installed by a professional they will stand the test of time, and when installed by an AESIF approved installer, servicing can be quoted for quality assurance.
The moral of this story is you don’t get something for nothing. So make sure that all contractors quote on a like for like bases, and never compromise safety.
A time to relax and chillout. - 24 September 2007
"Nice SpA continued":
At 4.30 p.m. we departed the Nice offices for a short drive to the coast arriving at Jesolo and our accommodation at the Auropa Hotel.
Our gracious hosts had left nothing to chance the hotel was directly on the sea front with all the facilities, including sun lounge's and swimming pool looking out over the Adria Sea, each person having their own room. From the balcony in my room I could see the "Dolomite Mountain Range" looking out in one direction, and palmed sea front parade and Ocean beyond on the other.
We all gather in the bar on the seaward side of the hotel about 5.30 p.m. for drinks with our sales representatives from "Nice UK", until now I haven't spoken about them. Our representatives name is Paul Triandafilou,
Paul is responsible for sales accounts on the gate automation side and includes independent distributors within the Midlands area for Nice UK. This was only the second time that I had really had time to exchange commentary and pleasantries, with regards to product and the general direction that Nice UK was taking.
OK so lets slip back in time twenty four hours, and my inclusion onto the guest list, Paul was placed with the unenvied task at short notice, of sorting out my accommodation at Gatwick UK over night, and spent considerable time in rearranging the programme for the days events, to include and accommodate my collection, and drop off.
A Big thank you Paul much appreciated. I must say that Paul looked after his party of travellers without falter, making sure that no one was left behind or indeed left out, and this guy worked tirelessly through out the oncoming evening to make sure that all guests had equal attention.
Now this is not as easy as you may think when you have Mick Pringle "Heritage LDK"
and we teamed him up with Darren Morris "D G Morris Installations" Darren bless him, lost his luggage at Marco Polo Airport, apparently it did not arrive on the Flight, leaving him in his shorts and teashirt, and the bill to re-kit himself out.
Digressing back to the story line, and we then turn this pair, into a trio, enter Colin Mayatt-Wells "Bankhouse Electric Gates" and you have got your hands full. OK so now throw in yours truly " Mr tea total" and, its my birthday to boot OOP's. I have to say that every one got on really well, and mixed in together. We all had a really good time. Paul's other guests included:
Ian Jewitt "Total Fire & Security" Charles Paynter & Mark Curtis "H B Paynter Ltd"
Representative Peter Brown’s party included: David Barnard "Boundary Automation" Paul Johnson & Paul Ralph "Door & Gate Craft" Clive Millgate "Auto Systems Industries"
On the screen side of the industry Representative Richard Ablitt’s party included: David Morgan "David Morgan Blinds" Peter Gratton Davey & James Walker "Torbay Blinds Ltd" John Osmond "Prima Awnings" Colin Browne & Ron Cooper "The Garage Door & Awning Company" Colin Luke "Tamar Designs Ltd"
Introduction over, the lively lads set out to the restaurant in town with our host Davide around 7.30 p.m. and settled in for our evening meal.
The Italian's dine long in to the evening and the food is flowing all night long, for those whom wished it, there are several courses, including a couple of glasses of wine or beer.
About 10.30 p.m. Alessandro and Anna briefly joined our party enrapsulating with the fun of the party mood. About 1.30 a.m. I made my weary way back to the hotel for a good nights sleep.
Next morning bright as a button I was up about 6.50 a.m. so took a stroll along the Sea Front, the air crisp and the sound of the sea braking gently against the golden sands, well it’s got to be the best way to start the day. Breakfast at 8.00 a.m.
Then we all embark to the coach, and we head for Nice Two. This is the centre where Nice carries out research and development.
In an adjacent building there is the production lines for the Nice screen manufacturing. Picture below shows the climatic chamber test, where a robus sliding gate motor is put to the test in very cold conditions.
We have a short but informative look at the new products that Nice will be bringing in this year in the comfort of the lecture room, then we depart about dinner time for a restaurant for our midday meal.
We head of back to the Coast about 2.00 p.m. for rest and relaxation Paul our rep is entertaining everyone down by the pool with his backwards somersaults of the diving board, Mark Curtis joining in the fun, and showing us all how to get a bad back!. Nice one Mark.
The evening time came round once more and the partying started much as the night before and every one had a good time,
with plenty more good food and wine to go round.
The next day Saturday we departed back to the UK, and the return to reality.
My special thanks to MD Ian Alderson of Nice UK. For the invitation to Italy.
Thanks also to all the Reps whom gave up their time, and worked long into the evenings.
Our Host’s Alessandro, Anna & Davide for an excellent itinerary, which was varied and most interesting.
But most of all, to all those special individuals who shared in the new memories and friendship, on a short but interesting trip to the sunshine.
Regards John Birkett Mike Pringle WISHING YOU ALL A PROSPEROUS 2012 HAPPY NEW YEAR
AESIF