News
Survey finds 86% of social
landlords are not fully
prepared for digital switchover
Digital switchover may have begun, but www.sky.com/communaltv. It provides
a survey carried out by Sky has found that information and advice on different
many landlords are not fully prepared – in aspects of the digital switchover, including
fact only 14% of social sector landlords switchover dates for all the UK regions.
have made all the changes necessary, in Talking about the survey results, Pascal
order to go digital. The remaining 86% are Wharton, Head of Sky Communal
still not fully prepared. The results are Solutions, said: “We suspected that not
available on the social landlord page on everyone would be ready for digital
Sky’s dedicated website for communal TV switchover, but were surprised that only
– www.sky.com/communaltv. This site 14% of the major social sector landlords
contains information and help that social were fully prepared. Flats are usually
landlords need for the switchover. dependent on a communal TV system and digital switchover creates for housing
The survey of over 400 of the country’s it looks like some residents may be in professionals. Whether looking to upgrade
largest social sector landlords (400+ danger of being faced with a blank screen or replace an existing system and
properties each) came back with rather unless adequate provision is made.“ whatever the size or style of the block,
surprising results. It found that only 14% It is becoming increasingly important Sky can create bespoke communal
were fully ready, while 74% said that they that landlords put solutions in place. The solutions to suit all budgets, using Shared
were only partially ready, and the Selkirk transmitter in the Scottish borders Dish and Integrated Reception System
remaining 12% said they weren’t ready at has already had its analogue signal turned solutions.
all. Although some of the landlords were off for good in November 2008. In 2009, Digital UK is the independent, non-
from regions not set to go digital for the 14 other areas are due to switchover, profit organisation leading the process of
next couple of years, the survey results starting with parts of South Devon from 8 digital TV switchover in the UK. Jane
indicate that there April, and digital switchover will affect 4.6 Ostler, Director of Housing from the
is still work to be million households in the coming year. organisation comments: “Housing
done to make sure Pascal adds: “Our website and providers have an important role to play in
they are not dedicated team of experts can advise on ensuring the success of the UK’s digital TV
caught out by the all areas related to digital switchover and switchover. Those in areas that have
switchover. explain what systems are available. Our already made the switch were well
Anyone who is aim is to make the whole process as prepared and we would encourage
still not ready for simple, hassle-free and cost effective as landlords and tenants everywhere to
the digital possible, and we even have local ensure they are ready well ahead of
switchover should specialists who have in-depth knowledge analogue TV signals being switched off in
visit the Sky of specific geographic areas and are their region. Digital UK offers independent
communal TV familiar with the buildings.” advice on switchover and provides a
website – Sky recognises the challenges that dedicated website for housing providers.”
Minister for Recycling lends support to ‘Every Can Counts’
The drinks can industry’s new recycling The Every Can Counts programme links
programme, Every Can Counts, has businesses with recycling service
received support from the Minister for providers, and supports their recycling
Waste and Recycling. Jane Kennedy MP efforts by providing a range of branded
visited a business in central London to find communications resources to help them
out how it is using the programme to launch and promote drinks can recycling to
encourage employees to recycle the drinks their employees.
cans they consume whilst at work. During The Minister visited i-level, a leading
her visit the Minister congratulated the digital marketing agency, at its central
industry for recognising the importance of London offices to see Every Can Counts in
encouraging recycling beyond the home. action. Although i-level has always recycled
Launched in October 2008, Every Can paper, its 140 staff were keen to recycle
Counts aims to improve levels of recovery more of their rubbish. Working with
Norman Lett of Ball Packaging, Jonathan Thornton
of aluminium and steel drinks cans which London-based recycling company Paper
of Rexam both representing the BCME & UK
are used outside the home – estimated to Round, i-level recently introduced drinks
Canmakers with Jane Kennedy MP launch the
be over 40,000 tonnes of metal. It is jointly can recycling using the resources available
Every Can Counts campaign
funded by the organisations representing from Every Can Counts, including branded home, so it makes sense to extend that to
the major drinks can manufacturers – collection boxes. Campaign materials our working environment. Every Can
Beverage Can Makers Europe (BCME) and including posters and screensavers are Counts will help companies large and small
UK Canmakers – together with WRAP being used to encourage staff to take part. to make a practical contribution towards
(Waste & Resources Action Programme) Commenting on i-level’s recycling increasing recycling in the workplace.”
and the aluminium and steel packaging programme the Minister said: “We are www.everycancounts.co.uk
producers and reprocessors. already doing really well at recycling at
www.onlinebfm.co.uk news 13
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