James Barrett, Managing Director of Barrett Steel’s General Steels Division

Barrett Steel has continued on the acquisition trail with the purchase of Parson & Crosland of Middlesbrough and Austin Trumanns of Newry, Northern Ireland, both from the Murray Group. Both companies will join the growing portfolio of Barrett Steel’s General Steels Division, saving more than forty jobs across the two sites, and safeguarding the existence of two long-established employers for their individual communities.

Austin Trumann will trade as Barrett Steel Ireland, while Parson & Crosland will continue to trade under its existing name.

Barrett Steel has a strong record of investing in its businesses and has a proven track record in applying exacting customer service levels. The Group’s acquisition of Austin Trumann Ireland and Parson & Crosland will provide their customers with a much improved level of service and access to a wider range of products and services than previously offered.

James Barrett, Managing Director of Barrett Steel’s General Steels Division, says: “We are delighted to be welcoming Austin Trumanns and Parson & Crosland to the Barrett Group. Both companies have a long, successful history with a strong presence in their respective communities, and Barrett Steel is committed to maintaining local ties, supporting employees, customers and the general public.

“We will be taking our lead from the customers of both businesses as to what products and services they require. Barretts are committed to investing in its businesses and ensuring that our customers are provided with services that are delivered using the latest innovations in plant and equipment in all areas of the business.”

More information is available from Chris Lamb, Group Marketing Manager, Barrett Steel,
e: chris.lamb@barrettsteel.com, t: +44 (0)1274 682281

Photo available from Chris Macpherson, Chapelfield PR, e: chris@chapelfieldpr.com, t: 01204 842818.

Karen Tems, host of The Business Network Preston Group.

The Preston group of The Business Network will present a real alternative to retirement planning at its next monthly meeting at Stanley House, Mellor on Thursday, 17 May 2012.

The free pre-lunch seminar asks the leading question: “Would you like to increase your retirement fund without contributing any more to it?” when network members, Georgina Cox and Mark Worrall of Real Alternative Investments, present “Are your retirement dreams looking more like a nightmare?”

Georgina and Mark will illustrate how, by taking control of existing pensions funds, a real difference can be made to retirement incomes. They ask: “Do you know how much income your pension will provide? We will show you how to make changes that benefit you, not the fund managers.”

The Business Network host, Karen Tems, who also runs monthly events in South Manchester, Pennine Lancashire and Bolton & Bury, explains:

“One of the reasons why the events are such a hit is our educational seminars, which are offered free of charge by members to fellow members. Many regard the events as a vital part of their professional development. Our strength lies with our enthusiastic members. The Business Network is a supportive association of business and professional people who are generous with both their time and advice.”

Key decision makers have been using The Business Network platform to meet and grow new business contacts in a relaxed and friendly environment. The events have helped businesses to thrive in challenging economic times. Following a tried and trusted formula, members connect with like minded people to develop productive and long term business relationships.

For more information or to reserve your place at the Preston seminar and networking lunch on 17 May, 10.30am – 2.00pm, at Stanley House, Mellor please visit www.business-network-preston.co.uk or email Karen Tems, e:karen@business-network.co.uk, tel: 0161 797 7710 / 07530 287629.

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PHOTO: Karen Tems, host of The Business Network Preston Group. (Hi-res image available from Ros Nuttall, email:rosalind@chapelfieldpr.com, tel: +44(0)7702 310743 / +44(0)1204 842818), www.chapelfieldpr.com .

A revolving stage from Movetech UK brings life to the BBC’s coverage of The National Lottery Awards Show

’s rental depot in North London provided the solution with a revolving stage that was set to reveal the draw console with a dynamic flourish, creating an air of excitement and anticipation in the studio, and also for the viewers at home.

“I’d designed the The National Lottery Awards Show in previous years,” explains Alex Craig, “but the difference this time around was to reveal the live Lotto draw at the end of the programme.

“I realised that using a turntable would offer a solution and, accompanied by music, lights and pyrotechnics, would create an exciting visual moment.

“The smoothness of the revolve was paramount, given that the National Lottery draw masters were pre-positioned on it, revealing themselves and the Lotto machine as it turned. Reliability was also imperative: the live draw was too important to be interrupted through technical issues!

“I’d used revolving stages from Movetech UK before, so they were my first port of call. They were efficient at providing the information asked for, from pricing to technical specifications and logistics, and delivered. The BBC, The National Lottery and myself were all very pleased with the result.”

Movetech UK’s rental manager, Matt Forrest, was charged with ensuring all went well on the night.

“As this was a live show we were under a great pressure to make sure that all went to plan.

“Installation was straightforward for us: we installed the turntable at the LWT London on the Friday ready for the live show on the Saturday evening , setting pre-set markers ready for the ‘reveal’ of the Lotto draw machine, which was placed behind a screen for the greater part of the show.

“It all worked perfectly.”

The National Lottery Awards are an annual search to find the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects.  All the projects entered in the competition had already received National Lottery funding and the Awards recognise the difference that these projects make to local communities, and celebrate the achievements of the people behind them.

More information on The National Lottery Awards 2011 and the winners across all seven categories are at www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk.

More information on Movetech UK is available from t: +44 (0)1204 525 682, e: rental@movetechuk.com or from the website at www.movetechuk.com/rental.

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PHOTOS are available from Chris Macpherson, email: chris@chapelfieldpr.com, tel: +44 (0)1204 842818, www.chapelfieldpr.com.

Networking at the recent first anniversary celebrations Business Network Pennine Lancashire

The Pennine Lancashire group of The Business Network will be going for gold at its next networking lunch at Stanley House, Mellor on Tuesday, 15 May.

The free pre-lunch seminar asks the leading question: “Does your business Go for Gold?” when network member, Karen Credie of KMC HR Consulting, presents “Potential for excellence – getting the best out of yourself and your employees”.

Karen, who has 20 years’ experience in HR, believes there is more to HR than writing contracts and policies. She wants her audience to take a fresh look at HR and asks: “Do you want to get more enjoyment out of your working day? Do you want to see your employees flourish and reach their true potential? Do you want to feel challenged, motivated and appreciated? Then I can help.”

The Business Network host, Karen Tems, who also runs monthly events in Preston, South Manchester and Bolton & Bury, explains:

“One of the reasons why the events are such a hit is our educational seminars, which are offered free of charge by members to fellow members. Many regard the events as a vital part of their professional development. Our strength lies with our enthusiastic members. The Business Network is a supportive association of business and professional people who are generous with both their time and advice. “

Key decision makers have been using The Business Network platform to meet and grow new business contacts in a relaxed and friendly environment. The events have helped businesses to thrive in challenging economic times. Following a tried and trusted formula, members connect with like minded people to develop productive and long term business relationships.

For more information or to reserve your place at the Pennine Lancashire seminar and networking lunch on 15 May,10.30am – 2.00pm, at Stanley House, Mellor, please visit www.business-network-pennine-lancashire.co.uk or email Karen Tems, e:karen@business-network.co.uk , tel: 0161 797 7710 / 07530 287629.

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Photos are available from Ros Nuttall, email:rosalind@chapelfieldpr.com, tel: +44(0)7702 310743 / +44(0)1204 842818, www.chapelfieldpr.com.

John Entwistle, Chairman of Movetech UK, has died, aged 77

John Entwistle, Chairman of the British Turntable Co, (now known as Movetech UK), and a stalwart of the local business community has died, aged 77, after a short illness.

Born in Bolton, the son of John Entwistle Snr, owner of the respected Entwistle & Walker car dealership, John Entwistle was passionate about his home town and a champion of North West business.

He became a successful entrepreneur at the tender age of 24 when his father asked him to design and build a turntable for his car showroom. He had seen car turntables at exhibitions and felt they also had a place in the showroom.

With an engineering background but working as a cost accountant at De Havilland in the town, John Entwistle Jnr set to work on the project. This first unit was such a success that, in 1959, he founded Bolton Turntable Co at Flash Street Mill and left De Havilland to work on building his own future. The company has gone from strength to strength, designing and manufacturing revolves and revolving stages from 12cm in diameter to 33m in diameter and a range of industrial transporters and moving equipment that incorporate the firm’s Hovair air film technology. It has exported to more than 140 countries world wide.

Throughout his working life John Entwistle was committed to putting Bolton on the business map. He was a Council Member of the Bolton & Bury Chamber of Commerce for many years, served on the Three D’s regeneration project, and was the instigator behind Bolton WIDE, a public/private partnership that was established to promote and develop the area to the west of Bolton in the M61 corridor. Some of this area is now known as Middlebrook, home to thriving retail and business parks, the prestigious Reebok Stadium and De Vere Whites Hotel. It also includes other parts of Horwich, Chequerbent and Wingates Industrial Park.

John Entwistle regularly opened the doors of his business to young people and the University of Bolton to promote the value of engineering and manufacturing, which he felt were key to Bolton’s prosperity.

He also worked with Commonwealth Games and Council officials to put Bolton on the map during the Manchester Commonwealth Games 2002.

In 2008 John Entwistle won a Special Achievement Award at the Bolton & Bury Business Awards for his lifetime’s work in helping make British Turntable a leading company in the world.

Although enjoying the odd round of golf, John Entwistle continued to work part time in the business after handing over the reins to his son, Tim Entwistle. As Chairman he continued to research future opportunities for the business and develop special projects. His son, Russell, also works in the business as purchasing manager.

John Entwistle is also a published author. In 2008 he published his autobiography, Bolton Born and Bred and, in 2011, a novel, Dreams Really Do Come True. At his death he was working on two further novels and a pictorial history of British Turntable.

John leaves behind his wife, Elizabeth, six children and ten grandchildren. The funeral will take place on Monday 21^st May 2012 in Christ Church, Heaton at 12 noon followed by committal in Overdale Crematorium West Chapel at 1:00pm. Floral tributes or donations if preferred maybe sent payable to The Christie Endocrine Unit CC04100 (cheques only please made payable to the charity, no cash). All inquiries, floral tributes and cheque donations to Shaw and Son Funeral Directors, The Old Parsonage, 20 Park Street, Bolton, BL1 4BD, tel 01204 526218

Barrett Steel is at Truckfest to introduce the Load Choker load restraint system to the UK.

Barrett Steel will introduce the Load Choker load restraint system to the UK at Truckfest at the East of England Showground in Peterborough, 6th-7th May 2012 in the presence of its inventor, Anthony Bourne, who is coming over from Australia to take part in the UK launch.

Load Choker has the potential to solve everyday challenges when securing difficult loads, making the driver’s life easier and safe. Health and safety risks are significantly reduced, while faster unloading times and major reductions in tie-down time also improve multiple delivery runs.

By maintaining pressure and “choking” the load to restrict movement in all directions, Load Choker provides greater restraint ability in emergency situations and offers a huge improvement over traditional belly strap methods. Designed and developed by a truck driver for truck drivers it presents a leap forward in load securing techniques, particularly when restraining awkward loads such as loose packs of steel or timber.

Models are available to suit both transport webbing and chains.

The strap choker or chain choker provides an even tension throughout the load restraint assembly, securing material firmly in place in a wide variety of applications. Material is choked to prevent movement in all directions, and double the tension can be achieved by the 2 to 1 mechanical advantage of the ‘pulley’ effect of the choker.

Already in daily use in Australia and New Zealand, Load Choker has been developed and refined to stand up to constant and rigorous use, creating a strong, durable and reliable product manufactured to the highest quality.

Barrett Steel is offering the Load Choker to the UK in an exclusive distribution rights deal with its Australian owners. It can be ordered online via the new website.

More information on the Load Choker is available from Kevin Davis, t: 01724 290965, e: kevin.davis@loadchokeruk.com, w: www.loadchokeruk.com.

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Photos are available from Chris Macpherson, Chapelfield PR, e: chris@chapelfieldpr.com, t: 01204 842818.

Taylorsteel’s new circular saw reduces lead times and provides cleaner cuts

Taylorsteel (North West) of Oldham, part of the Barrett Steel Group, has increased output and cut lead time from order to dispatch from six to two days by installing a KASTOvariospeed C15 circular sawing machine. This is the first machine of its type to be introduced to the UK. The CNC machine, which is equipped with automatic cut piece sorting, is up to 10 times faster at cutting than Taylorsteel’s bandsaws, two of which have now been redeployed within the Group.

Taylorsteel specialises in black and bright, carbon and alloy steels and is part of Barrett’s growing Engineering Steels Division.  When the business growth initiative at Taylorsteel prompted close analysis of the types and sizes of materials being sawn, Managing Director, Paul Carter, found that 85 per cent of the 1,200 cuts performed each day involved steel of 150 mm diameter or less, accounting for 50 per cent of tonnage throughput.

He said, “It was immediately apparent that half of our business could be made dramatically more efficient by investing in a circular saw. We identified the Kasto machine with multiple order programming capability and automated cut piece sorting as the best machine.

“When cutting alloyed steels such as EN19 and EN24 it is around 10 times quicker than our bandsaws, while on softer steels like EN8 the variospeed can be even faster.”

Customer perception of Taylorsteel’s service has been enhanced since the circular saw was installed.  The material arrives a lot faster, and users have noticed that the quality of the cut faces is much better than when it was bandsawn. It is now so smooth that frequently bar does not have to be faced prior to machining.

Other benefits include a reduction in swarf on batches of sawn and sorted billets or bars, and, according to Paul Carter, an estimated 100-fold decrease in the amount of coolant consumed by the circular saw compared with a typical bandsaw.

Taylorsteel opted for a 10-position, chain-type infeed magazine, separated by divider pins, each position holding up to six-metre lengths of stock for processing. It uses proprietary Kasto software running on Siemens hardware and contains in-built knowledge of the optimum speeds and feeds for cutting a wide range of materials with different types of blade. The database can be customised and extended by the user.

A pulling vice with a stroke of two metres automatically feeds each length of material successively through the saw, so orders are completed with minimal operator attendance during the day. Batch size ranges from 10-off to several thousands.

As well as Taylorsteel in Oldham, Barrett Steel’s Engineering Division includes a centre in Bradford that concentrates on supplying precision strip and sheet to the global gaskets market, and operations in Sheffield, Montrose and Houston, Texas that major on nickel alloys and other exotic materials. Industries served include power generation, oil and gas, aerospace and automotive.

More information on Taylorsteel  and the Variospeed is available from Paul Carter on 0161 621 9840, email paul.carter@taylor-steel-northwest.co.uk,  www.taylor-steel-northwest.co.uk.

Photos are available from Chris Macpherson, Chapelfield PR, email: chris@chapelfieldpr.com, tel: 01204 842818, www.chapelfieldpr.com.

Stunning stills and videos have been created by The Flower Repertoire using a small display turntable from Movetech UK and a bespoke built control unit.

Movetech UK has helped Don Dennis of The Flower Essence Repertoire Ltd demonstrate the nature of orchids and their essences by supplying a small turntable with a versatile control box. The revolving turntable and controller allow him to rotate an orchid at time-lapsed intervals to create stunning slideshows and videos of the orchids coming into bloom as well as allowing stills to be taken from various angles.

The resultant videos are a stunning example of what can be achieved with a little imagination and engineering know-how from Movetech UK, who have turned a simple display turntable into a practical, functional piece of equipment for the photographer.

Don Dennis explains: “I’ve been growing orchids for about 15 years and make flower essence remedies from these orchids, mainly for the complementary health therapy market.

“Photos are important as they help our customers gain a better understanding of the nature of the essences made with them.

“Creating rotational views of orchids manually, using the timer interval function on my camera, was tough on my knees, as it involved turning the orchid in 700 increments every 4 seconds. The time-lapse work was even more wearing. I needed a turntable.

“An internet search found the very helpful folk at Movetech UK, who listened to my somewhat bizarre request and proceeded to build a prototype to my specifications. After a few short trials, I was able to create the rotational views very easily, and with far less pain to my knees. But I also realised I wanted to create something else new – a rotational time-lapse video. This sort of video is very rare in the world of time-lapse photography, and seemingly non-existent until now in the world of orchid photography.

“And so it was that a Movetech UK engineer created a marvellous control box, with more or less complete flexibility of control as to the length of run-time, the speed of rotation during the run-time, and the length of each pause between the very brief runs of the motor. The control unit enables the turntable to be set on a continuous rotation at speeds ranging from 4 rpm to one-thousandth that speed, and for the timed pause I normally set the 3 primary controls to enable a tiny turn every 2 minutes, with a full revolution taking about 45 hours.

“The “Orchid” Turntable has shown itself to be very well-engineered, entirely trustworthy and reliable. I am sure that in the fullness of time I shall be purchasing another.”

More videos can be viewed at:
http://www.healingorchids.com/otherorchidvideos.html and
http://www.facebook.com/LivingTreeOrchidEssences?sk=videos.

Further information on Movetech UK’s standard range of display turntables and other movement technology is available from t: +44 (0)1204 537680, e: info@movetechuk.com or from the website at www.movetechuk.com.

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Images are available from Chris Macpherson, email: chris@chapelfieldpr.com, tel: +44 (0)1204 842818, www.chapelfieldpr.com.

Mutech Ltd's MD, Colin Cameron, appointed Chair of L/6/10 Committee

Mutech Limited’s Managing Director, Colin Cameron, has been elected Chairman of the L/6/10 Committee. Colin Cameron, who takes up the reins from Bryn Spencer, is one of only two ABMEC (Association of British Mining Equipment Companies) representatives on this prestigious committee.

The appointment acknowledges Colin Cameron’s wealth of electronics expertise particularly in the intrinsic safety industries. He comments: “I am delighted and honoured to be given this opportunity, particularly when membership of the organisation is increasing and British manufacturing is continuing to grow. I want to look after the interests of equipment manufacturers and to contribute to the continual development of international standards.”

L/6/10 comprises manufacturers, users, certification and government bodies, offering a UK perspective to the international committee. L/6/10 is the sole route for UK input into the IECx scheme. In addition it is a forum for interaction with BIS on European concerns on ATEX and similar issues.

The L/6/10 committee reports to the British Electrotechnical Committee (BEC), the UK Committee for IEC and Cenelec. The L/6/10 is responsible for issues relating to the safety of electrical and mechanical equipment used in hazardous areas (the IECEx scheme), including the oil, gas, mining and landfill industries.

The announcement of the new L/6/10 committee chairman closely follows the appointment of Sarah Varney as the new Director General at ABMEC. Sarah Varney, who was previously Operations Director at Mutech Limited, takes over the post from Ruth Bailey.

Mutech Ltd designs, builds and tests ATEX and MSHA approved products for customers in the fields of mining and other hazardous areas. The company has 25 years experience in electronics design and manufacture of intrinsic safety equipment for leading companies worldwide.

More information is available from Mutech Ltd, tel: 0161 872 0400, email: julia.cameron@mutech.co.uk , www.mutech.co.uk .

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PHOTO: Images are available from Ros Nuttall, email: rosalind@chapelfieldpr.com, tel: +44 (0)7702 310743 / +44 (0)1204 842818, www.chapelfieldpr.com.

Mutech celebrates its Silver Jubilee in style.

Salford-based Mutech Limited, one of the UK’s leading electronics design and manufacturing companies, celebrated its Silver Jubilee on 27th March 2012 with a champagne reception at its premises, followed by a celebratory luncheon at the new, state-of-the-art Salford City stadium. The event was attended by the Mayor of the City of Salford, Councillor Eric Burgoyne and the Mayoress, Val Burgoyne.

Presentations were made by Clive Memmott, Chief Executive, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Andy Gurnell, General Manager, Electronics Yorkshire, Willie McGranaghan, Deputy Director and Mine Manager, the National Coal Mining Museum, and by John Wilkinson, OBE, Chairman, Salford City Reds RFL Club.

Mutech Limited, which has recently been awarded Investors in People Gold status, has established an enviable reputation for its expertise in both design and manufacture, and has become a dominant force in a number of industries, particularly hazardous areas such as mining, oil and gas. The company’s high quality work embraces the wide spectrum of electronics, from specification, circuit design, software development, through approvals and testing, to prototype and low volume production.

In his speech to Mutech’s guests, Clive Memmott said: “I’m certainly not an advocate of biggest is always best – what is important is the consistency of the quality we deliver to our customers and this seems to be at the heart of the Mutech success story: innovation in electronics design and manufacturing underpinned by an absolute commitment to quality.”

Colin Cameron, Mutech Limited’s Managing Director, comments: “We are proud to be celebrating our 25th anniversary with an expanding order book and a 20% increase in high calibre staff within the last six months.”

Describing the company’s vision and plans for the next quarter century, and beyond, he continues:

“We aim to become the leading Centre of Excellence for electronics design and manufacturing, particularly in intrinsic safety, and to establish the company as a key partner in other markets. Strong product development, combined with a commitment to customer service, will continue to shape our future and we can look forward to many fruitful years ahead.”

Mutech Limited designs, builds and tests ATEX and MSHA approved products for customers in the fields of mining and other hazardous areas. It is a member of the Association of British Mining Equipment Companies (ABMEC) and Electronics Yorkshire.

More information is available from Mutech Limited, tel: 0161 872 0400, email: julia.cameron@mutech.co.uk , www.mutech.co.uk .

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Images are available from Ros Nuttall, email: rosalind@chapelfieldpr.com, tel: +44 (0)7702 310743 / +44 (0)1204 842818, www.chapelfieldpr.com.