Solihull Solihull Chamber Patrons


VR project boosts safety


A local college has joined forces with a national rail firm to produce a series of health and safety videos using virtual reality (VR). Hi-tech students from Solihull College have


commissioned the VR project for Virgin Trains, who were impressed when they saw a demo of work done by the students during the past year. Solihull College uses VR extensively, and has a


state-of-the-art VR lab at Blossomfield Campus. Virgin asked the college to help its health and


safety team with training after seeing the students work. Now, college students will create VR scenarios inside a train to help with training on how different incidents might be dealt with. Garry Hall, head of safety for Virgin Trains,


said: “I have found the college very easy to work with. They have given us lots of options as to how we can use VR to assist us with our safety initiatives and training. “The students that came to see our training


facility were extremely knowledgeable regarding what could be achieved. We really look forward to seeing how they turn ideas into something that could benefit our on-board teams and customers by reducing accidents”.


State-of-the art: Simon Hunt and computing students at Virgin’s training centre


Computing degree level students will now be


working on the first stage of the project. The staff will use physical training within a carriage first, then the virtual reality assistance as a refresher. Simon Hunt, course leader for BSc VR &


Games Design, said: “This sort of project is invaluable. It gives students the opportunity to do a real life degree level project but with support and guidance. This is how they can apply what they are studying to a real scenario.”


Hotel launches


new £1.1m spa A four-star hotel based in Warwickshire has launched its new £1.1m spa facilities. Ardencote Destination Spa, based at the


Ardencote hotel, promises a ‘tranquil atmosphere’ and ‘unrivalled surroundings’. The new facilities feature a Himalayan salt


sauna, aromatherapy steam room, Tyrolean kilo sauna, foot spas, ice fountain, monsoon shower, relaxation and tranquillity lounges. Ardencote managing director Dale


Huckerby said: “Over the years Ardencote Spa has attracted a loyal following, Destination Spa is the result of guest feedback and detailed planning, providing our Spa guests with a truly unique experience.” Ardencote has 110 bedrooms, an 18-hole


golf course, 18 conference rooms and a brasserie bar and restaurant. The hotel is surrounded by 83 acres of countryside and a three acre lake, complete with island and pavilion.


February 2019 CHAMBERLINK 49


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