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I N D U S T R Y N E W S
Samsung signs up HRP
Samsung has stepped up its drive to capture a
Gas Safe Register
significant slice of the UK air conditioning market by
forging a strategic alliance with nationwide specialist
exceeds expectations
wholesaler HRP Ltd. The move makes Samsung’s DVM
Gas Safe Register now has more than 121,000 registrations
Plus III (VRF) range available nationally through a newly
for engineers and 56,500 for businesses – exceeding
formed specialist HRP subsidiary, Samsung Air
expectations for the first year in a matter of months.
Conditioning Centre (SACC), and Samsung split
The strong response from those wishing to work legally on
systems available through HRP’s extensive branch
gas means the Gas Safe Register has also reached not only
network.
those registered with the previous organisation but also those
Jonathan Pettitt, Samsung national sales manager,
who may have left the industry for a period or have been
says the ground-breaking alliance with HRP is a major
working illegally.
part of Samsung’s UK growth strategy for air
Peter Eldridge, chief executive of Gas Safe Register, said:
conditioning: “The UK is an important market for air
“It is a strong vote of confidence in the Gas Safe Register and
conditioning and the alliance with HRP will significantly
suggests that engineers and businesses recognise the
extend our reach with the full range of DVM Plus III and
importance of being registered. We have been very clear that
split systems.”
we would operate a robust and clear system and that
Samsung distribution sales manager Paul Wilkins
enforcement and investigation would play a major part.
says: “HRP will give us national capability to deal with
“The message appears to be getting through and two
immediate volume growth, while SACC will get us closer
recent high-profile prosecutions should help to convince
to specifiers through a team of people who are fully
people still working illegally that they will get caught.
trained and dedicated to the Samsung brand. We
Ensuring that all gas work is undertaken by competent and
already have a network of specialist distributors in place
registered engineers will help us in our ultimate aim of
– now we can offer larger numbers of specifiers and
making Great Britain and the Isle of Man safer places to use
installers easy access to Samsung products, technical
gas appliances.”
support and training facilities.”
Initial results from research undertaken at recent consumer
Mandy Pilgrim, HRP Group managing director says:
roadshows indicates around half of respondents are already
“With Samsung we have developed a bold and different
aware of the change.
alliance which will enable us to grow the DVM Plus III
“These initial results are positive and give us a good
business through our new wholly owned subsidiary,
foundation to build upon but leave us in no doubt about the
SACC. It will give specifiers the advantage of dealing
amount of work still to be done.
with ‘manufacturer’s representatives, while installers
“Gas Safe Registered engineers and businesses also have
will enjoy the convenience of purchasing through a
a role to play in speaking to their own customers, ensuring
major wholesaler with a widespread branch network.”
their advertising and signage carries the new branding and
She says in addition to providing training on
making sure everyone knows how important it is to keep Gas
Samsung air conditioning systems at its Slough training
Safe. The brand essentially belongs to the industry and we all
centre, HRP will open a dedicated Samsung training
have a responsibility to promote it” added Peter.
centre elsewhere in its network of service centres.
PROXIMITY DETECTION WATER
Awarding Excellence
SHUT-OFF VALVES
The ICE Engineering Excellence Awards 2009 recipients are: A new footbridge in Aylesbury – the
Bourg Walk – was named both Overall Winner 2009 and recipient of the Large Project Award (£5
million and above). The Bourg Walk improves pedestrian and cyclist access from the South of
earn extra BREEAM Points by fitting these all washroom areas
Aylesbury to the town centre, reducing congestion, improving the health of residents and
facilitating future growth. Extensive liaison with local communities and stakeholders ensured
Normally closed valves from 1/2" to 2" sizes
minimal disruption during construction and the footbridge’s elegant structure – a complex
combination of concrete, steel and glass – was highlighted for its contribution to the aesthetics
of the town centre.
Lakeside Energy from Waste Plant, Colnbrook, was Highly Commended within the Large Project
Category for its use of international multi-disciplinary teams of engineers who together employed
advanced design and construction methods to deliver a visually appealing building which should
result in maximum energy generation from waste incineration. Judges noted also the difficult
environmental and health and safety factors which impacted the demolition and construction
process, especially given the site’s proximity to Heathrow Airport.
The Emms Centre at Cranleigh School, Surrey, was Highly Commended within the Large Project
Category. Successfully managing the health and safety concerns of construction within the confines
of a working school, this new building incorporated bold engineering solutions to create a new focal
centre and inspirational communal space for students. This new building was also recognised by
the judges for its sustainability, incorporating two small wind turbines and rainwater harvesting.
The Mill Lane Footbridge Replacement Scheme, Bracknell, received the Small Project Award
(under £5 million) and was highlighted by judges as an example of how civil engineering design and
construction can provide sustainable and innovative solutions that minimise cost and are both
practical and aesthetically pleasing. The new 32.5m central parabolic steel arch suspends a 3.0m
Room Empty Room Occupied
wide steel deck, providing cyclists and pedestrians with a safe route across the A3095 linking
Bracknell with Crowthrone and Camberley.
The improved transport links to the Pools in the Park Leisure Centre, Richmond upon Thames,
were Highly Commended within the Small Project Category. Attention to detail and extensive liaison
with all stakeholders ensured that any solution met the requirements of all involved. Judges
highlighted the environmental challenges which had to be overcome as part of the scheme and
praised the level of communication with all customers.
The River Lambourn Restoration, Newbury, received the Environmental Award. This project’s aim
was to restore the River Lambourn, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), to that of chalk
For more information on our full range of
stream with fast flowing water over a clean river bottom. The judges were particularly taken with the
care shown during construction to prevent damage to adjacent lime trees, the subject of Tree
water & energy saving products please contact Preservation Orders. They were also impressed by the careful use of soft engineering solutions that
are sympathetic to the natural environment and will require minimal future maintenance.
ROBERT PEARSON & COMPANY LTD
Grafton Lock Refurbishment, Lechlade, West Oxfordshire, was Highly Commended within the
Environmental Category. Originally built in 1896, the lock at Grafton was in need of repair, and the
Tel: 01985-850954 sales@robertpearson.co.uk
project’s scope extended to include a new canoe portage and bank protection work. Judges were
impressed with the careful consideration given to local wildlife, with an otter and 5000 fish of
various species protected during the works. The judges were also pleased to note the use of local
labour for the lock woodwork and that the tropical wood needed was acquired from a sustainable
Reader Reply No 4
source.
6 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JULY 2009
VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.bsee.co.uk
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