Issue 15, Vol 1

FEDERATION NEWS

Autumn Conference

There was a good turn out of delegates at the FSDF’s Autumn Conference held at the De Vere Oulton Hall Hotel, Nr Leeds. The event comprised a networking dinner on the evening of October 14th and full day’s conference and workshops on October 15th.       Click here

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COMMITTEE FOCUS

Technical and Safety

Working at height - WAHR

A recent meeting between FSDF, BFFF and HSE had achieved some significant progress. Click to read more

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Fire Guide Review

Click to read more

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First aid management for harness suspension when working at height

Following completion of an evidence based review of published medical literature on the effects of a fall triggering harness suspension, HSE confirms that no change should be made to the standard first aid guidance for the post recovery of a semi conscious or unconscious person in a horizontal position, even if the subject of prior harness suspension. Click to read more full article

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Zero tolerance on leaks

The Institute of Refrigeration's Real Zero campaign is spearheading the industry's attempts to achieve significant reductions in carbon emissions due to refrigerant leakage from installed systems. Much of the focus of the Real Zero campaign and general media coverage is the environmental damage these leaks cause. Click to read more full article

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With the increased use of R290 (propane) and R1270 (propene)

With the increased use of R290 (propane) and R1270 (propene) in commercial systems, particularly in the retail sector, reliable guidance on safety is of paramount importance. Manufacturers are increasingly turning to the Institute of Refrigeration for guidance. Fortunately, the IOR's Code of Practice for flammable refrigerants published in 2008 can provide them with the information they need. With this, they will be able to safely apply hydrocarbon refrigerants in their systems, from commercial appliances to chillers and split AC systems with charge sizes above 150 g. Click to read more full article

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Business Affairs

Meat supplier chooses Visidot for traceability

German meat supplier Westfalenland Fleischwaren has implemented Image ID’s Visidot supply chain traceability software. Click to read more full article

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Logistics Management

How does Freight Best Practice's online benchmarking tool is helping operators save money ?

How do you know if you run an efficient fleet with the best possible fuel consumption? Your fleet may be using more fuel than similar operations. The only way to find out is to benchmark your figures with other, similar, operators. Click to read more full article

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Norbert launches CPC training centre

Norbert Dentressangle Logistics UK is investing in a new learning and development centre to provide certified CPC training at its head office in Northampton, as well as appointing an operational training manager. Click to read more full article

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BUSINESS NEWS

Reed Boardall's aerobatics champion supports talented water skier

THE YOUNG BOROUGHBRIDGE WATER-SKIER WHO IS GETTING HELP (AND SPONSORSHIP) FROM REED-BOARDALL¹S AEROBATICS CHAMPION! click here for full article

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Rural Payments Agency - Notice to Traders Alert for All Traders

Notice to Traders has been published on the RPA website - click here for link

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Pilkington saves £250K a year with TDG

Glass manufacturer Pilkington is outsourcing the UK distribution of its finished products to TDG and is on target to save £250,000 a year. click to read more

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Barloworld starts lengthy partnership with Irion Sideloaders

Barloworld Handling has announced an exclusive UK supply agreement with Irion Sideloaders, offering a product range designed to handle long and awkward loads such as timber and piping.click to read more

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Transport sector is 'hesitant' to recruit

Recruitment firm and driver agency Manpower has unveiled the weakest hiring intentions in the transport sector for 17 years.click to read more

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New general manager for Oakland International

Oakland International, has appointed Ed Ross general manager, overseeing all operational activity for the company's Midlands depots based in Redditch and Alcester.click to read more

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The way that you send your company tax return is changing

Here’s what you need to knowWhat's changing?- Click here

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Wincanton scoops award for Heinz contract

Wincanton has been presented with the “Special Award for Customer and Customer Results” in the North of England Business Excellence Awards 2009, in recognition of the operation it runs in partnership with HJ Heinz at Heinz’s Kitt Green plant.click here to read more

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CBI NEWS

CBI

CBI welcomes the government's low-carbon plan to find out more

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LEGAL UPDATES

 

Surviving the swine flu outbreak - what can employers do? to find out more

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Autumn Conference

There was a good turn out of delegates at the FSDF’s Autumn Conference held at the DeVere Oulton Hall Hotel, Nr Leeds. The event comprised a networking dinner on the evening of October 14th and full day’s conference and workshops on October 15th.

A full and very informative speaker programme was kicked off with a detailed analysis of the frozen and chillled food market place.   Brian Young, Director General  of the British Frozen Food Federation, walked through the range of food categories and identified the growth fluctuation over last three years, and identified the likely  front runners. Two presentations followed, exploring Climate Change initiatives, the first one from Lindsay Harris, Deputy Director Sustainable Business and Resource Efficiency, Defra, who gave a presentation addressing how the Government can help businesses reduce their carbon emissions. Following this Julie Gartside from Enviros talked about the FSDF Climate Change Agreement and also the new Carbon Reduction Commitment being introduced in 2010. This is being aimed at ‘large non-energy intensive’ organisations such as retailers, banks and public sector bodies. However it will also affect many industrial companies that carry out operations not covered by a CCA.

Dr Mick Jackson Chief Executive Officer from Skills for Logistics discussed how the FSDF will be working with them to improve skills development in food logistics for FSDF members, following a signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. After the lunch break three interactive workshops took place on: Climate Change, Supply Chain Sustainability and Health and Safety. This format proved to be invaluable with positive feedback from the delegates who attended.

In an exhibition held alongside the conference, delegates had the opportunity to meet some of the FSDF Associate Members who supply products and service to the Food Logistics sector.

 

 

 

 

 

Brian Young, Director General BFFF .

Many thanks go to all the delegates and sponsors for their support at this worthwhile event.

 

We would also like to wish Rita Ellis from FSDF a Happy 65th Birthday that was celebrated at dinner on the evening of October 14th.

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Working at heights - WAHR

A recent meeting between FSDF, BFFF and HSE had achieved some significant progress with a jointly agreed revised supplementary guidance for cold store use being prepared by BFFF. This would be read in co-ordination with PM28.

A draft had been circulated to Technical Committee members for comment and minor adjustment where necessary, with the objective of achieving complete agreement in early 2010.

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Fire Guide Review

The revision of the current Fire Guide has started with a report back to Board in early 2010.

Edwin Bowater of FJB, Peter Clayton of ISD Cold stores, and the BFFF would contribute with the objective of completion in early 2010.

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First aid management for harness suspension when working at height

Following completion of an evidence based review of published medical literature on the effects of a fall triggering harness suspension, HSE confirms that no change should be made to the standard first aid guidance for the post recovery of a semi conscious or unconscious person in a horizontal position, even if the subject of prior harness suspension.

The sometimes quoted suggestion of recovery in a semi-recumbent or sitting position was considered to be without any sound evidence base and may prove dangerous through prolonging the lack of blood return to the brain.

When contemplating working at height, and in particular when considering the use of a fall arrest system, employers need to consider any emergency or rescue procedures that may be required and the drawing up of an emergency and rescue plan. It is not acceptable just to rely on the emergency services. Emergency procedures need to be considered for reasonably foreseeable circumstances. The measures need to be covered in the risk assessment and planned prior to the work activity being carried out. The key is to get the person down safely in the shortest possible time and before the emergency service response. If employers cannot do this, then harness work is not the correct system of work. Motionless head up suspension can lead to pre-syncope [light headedness; nausea; sensations of flushing; tingling or numbness of the arms or legs; anxiety; visual disturbance; or a feeling they are about to faint] in most normal subjects within 1 hour and in a fifth within 10 minutes.

A report of the review and the full list of recommendations have now been published on the HSE website.

View the full report RR708 [620KB]

See also:

Advice for first aiders responding to harness suspension incidents

 Basic advice on first aid at work [150KB]

The other key recommendations on advice to first aiders responding to harness suspension incidents are:

No change should be made to the standard UK first aid guidance of ABC management, even if the subject of prior harness suspension.

A casualty who is experiencing pre-syncopal symptoms or who is unconscious whilst suspended in a harness should be rescued as soon as is safely possible.

If the rescuer is unable to immediately release a conscious casualty from a suspended position, elevation of the legs by the casualty or rescuer where safely possible may prolong tolerance of suspension.

First responders to persons in harness suspension should be able to recognise the symptoms of pre-syncope. These include light headedness; nausea; sensations of flushing; tingling or numbness of the arms or legs; anxiety; visual disturbance; or a feeling they are about to faint.

The literature review revealed no documented cases of suspension trauma occurring during industrial use of fall protection. The term “suspension trauma” is one that has developed as a parlance amongst many who work in the fall protection industry and training sector. It is used to describe the situation of a person falling into suspension in a harness and then becoming unconscious. In this scenario the loss of consciousness is not due to any physical injury, but rather, it is thought that orthostasis, motionless vertical suspension, is responsible. “Trauma” is therefore an inappropriate term which may be better replaced by the descriptive term “syncope” which is the sudden transient loss of consciousness with spontaneous recovery, as may occur with a simple faint.

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Zero tolerance on leaks

The Institute of Refrigeration's Real Zero campaign is spearheading the industry's attempts to achieve significant reductions in carbon emissions due to refrigerant leakage from installed systems. Much of the focus of the Real Zero campaign and general media coverage is the environmental damage these leaks cause. There's no doubting that this is considerable; in 2005, leaking supermarket refrigeration systems emitted the equivalent of 2,000,000 tonnes of C02 into the atmosphere (that's the equivalent of flying from London to New York over 2,500,000 times). This alone is reason enough to need to put an end to refrigerant leakage but let's not forget that there are financial benefits to be gained from stopping refrigerant leakage. This is good news in the current economic climate.

A 15% drop in refrigerant charge can lead to a 100% increase in running costs. If an estate has 1,000,000kg of refrigerant in its systems and that loses just 20% of its charge over the year, at £15/kg this equates to a £3m loss. Refrigerant charge doesn't decrease of its own accord - if it's decreasing it's because there's a leak. And these figures aren't scare-mongering or worst-case scenarios either. Across a large estate, they are far from unrealistic.

Understanding

The Real Zero campaign aims to build a clearer understanding of where and why leakage occurs and how to prevent it. In doing so, it highlights what those of us in the leak detection industry have known for some time - it's not the big, one-off leaks that are the cost, it's the substantial number of smaller ones.

The Institute has put together a list of thirteen points in a refrigeration system where leaks can occur: the shut-off and ball valves, the Schrader valves, flare joints, mechanical joints and flanges, pressure relief valves and fusible plugs, shaft seals, condensers, line tap valves, pressure switches, 0 rings, capillary tubes, return bends on evaporators and condensers and condensate tray pipework.

Now, some of these leaks are due to poor or unskilled maintenance, and these can be ironed out through ongoing training. But the vast majority come about simply due to routine wear and tear. On the plus side it means that engineers can be educated in spotting the signs and can repair or replace during routine maintenance visits. On the minus side, it means that if a part starts to fail a couple of days after the maintenance visit, it won't be picked up until the next time.

Multi-point detection

So what can be done to reduce refrigerant leakage? The answer lies in fixed multipoint leak detection equipment. These systems are able to monitor each of the thirteen at-risk locations as well as any other specific points of a site's refrigeration system that have been DIXELL'S expanded range of xWeb monitoring systems from Thermofrost Cryo consists of five systems, the smallest able to monitor up to six sensors or electronic controls, and the largest 225.

All xWeb systems allow remote monitoring via the internet using a standard web browser, whilst the most sophisticated version also provides full highlighted as leak hotspots. Providing 24 hour automatic logging, monitoring and alarming of refrigerant leaks, it is the equivalent of having an engineer permanently leak-checking every pressure point of your refrigeration system. In the quest for energy efficiency, we tend to look for the biggest energy wasters. But we forget that lots of little problems create one big one. Leak detection stops the little problems stacking up and can help to make a£3m a vmg. It so provides the means by which we can re lace our emissions and contribute to a more environmentally responsible future.

Parasense 01452 724123

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With the increased use of R290 (propane) and R1270 (propene)

With the increased use of R290 (propane) and R1270 (propene) in commercial systems, particularly in the retail sector, reliable guidance on safety is of paramount importance.

Manufacturers are increasingly turning to the Institute of Refrigeration for guidance. Fortunately, the IOR's Code of Practice for flammable refrigerants published in 2008 can provide them with the information they need. With this, they will be able to safely apply hydrocarbon refrigerants in their systems, from commercial appliances to chillers and split AC systems with charge sizes above 150 g.

The IOR code for flammable refrigerants is indispensable reading for anyone designing hydrocarbon refrigerant systems. It takes guidance from the latest revision of EN378:2008 (Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - safety and environmental requirements) and shows how it is applied in practice.

It defines minimum standards for safety in the design, installation, commissioning and service for systems which use flammable (group A2 and A3) refrigerants. The Code was prepared by the IOR Technical Committee, with input from members who have in-depth expertise in the application of flammable refrigerants and the associated standards.

Key areas of guidance in the safety code of practice are:

- Properties of common (and uncommon) flammable refrigerants;

- Component design;

- System design and installation, including useful flow charts to determine maximum allowable charge amounts and room sizes;

- System testing and commissioning;

- Maintenance, including typical schedules and guidance on repair;

- Documentation.

An important area covered is the assessment of electrical devices, to determine if they are sources of ignition. The code outlines the leak simulation test which should be carried out if potentially sparking electrical devices are used.

The test will show if these devices are safe in the event of a worst case leak, or if they should be replaced with sealed or solid state types or sealed into an IP67-rated electrical box.

The code also includes guidance on minimum air flow rates, so that in the event of a leak the flammable refrigerant is dispersed.

The IOR Service Engineer's Section has a good practice guide for service engineers on handling flammable refrigerants in commercial applications. This covers key aspects such as risk assessment, cylinder transport, charging procedures, recovery, repair and leak detection.

The hydrocarbon safety code is one of a series published by the Institute in 2008. Other subjects include A1 refrigerants (nonflammable), ammonia and carbon dioxide refrigerant. They can be downloaded from www.ior. org.uk. Jane Gartshore is president of the IOR.  (FSDF is a member of ACRIB - Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board, of which IOR are a fellow member).

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Meat supplier chooses Visidot for traceability

German meat supplier Westfalenland Fleischwaren has implemented Image ID’s Visidot supply chain traceability software.

The company ships 600,000 product packages every day, but as deadlines were getting increasingly tighter it needed to boost efficiency.

Westfalenland Fleischwaren has replaced its hand-held scanning procedure with a faster and more accurate, fully automated scan-to-stock Visidot Reader, for product arriving from the production line conveyors.

Another Visidot gate automatically captures outbound pallets stacked with multiple packages and matches the barcode labels data with customer orders, ensuring zero shipping errors.

The whole process is completed within seconds. Both applications are fully integrated with Westfalenland Fleischwaren’s ERP system.

Bernd Karla, Westfalenland's director of logistics, said: "In order to meet today's ever-tighter deadlines and maintain our high standard of product quality and safety, we were seeking innovative technologies to improve logistics processes and optimize operational efficiency.

“Visidot's unique technology provides the speed and accuracy we need and can be easily implemented with our operation.”

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How does Freight Best Practice's online benchmarking tool is helping operators save money ?

How do you know if you run an efficient fleet with the best possible fuel consumption? Your fleet may be using more fuel than similar operations. The only way to find out is to benchmark your figures with other, similar, operators.

Now that is possible, with Freight Best Practice's (FBP) free online benchmarking tool (OLB), which enables operators to compare their fleet with those of their peers. It works by bringing together similar companies to share information on an anonymous basis. Each participant regularly loads detailed information about his or her fleet’s performance onto the system. In return, they receive key performance indicator (KPI) reports, giving in-depth information and showing how they compare to other firms. These go far beyond simply measuring fuel consumption. They include: ∎ Number of safety incidents and accidents per 100,000 miles % Vehicle utilisation % Empty, running Time utilisation Percentage of first-time deliveries Late deliveries Damaged deliveries Fuel consumption.

A considerable amount of information on every vehicle is fed into the system. This can include the depot the vehicle is allocated to, the power of the truck, the average weight carried, the type of operation, percentage of time on motorways, the Euro standard of the engine, and whether the vehicle is usually driven by a full-time or an agency driver.

Scott Hardy, principal consultant on the project, says that some 40 operators are regularly using the system. "We want to develop a larger mass of operators to encourage others to use it. This will create a snowball effect, as the more people who use it, the more detailed comparisons we can produce," says Hardy.

One operator that is pleased with the system is Ian Barclay, operations director of Aspray Transport, a Midlands-based next-day delivery operation. "It is useful to know the fuel consumption figures that other operators are achieving. Even if there is only a small difference, I want to know, because then I can do something about it," he says. His benchmark report shows a 15% difference in fuel consumption between the best and worst of the comparable fleets. "We are about the middle," he says. He also benchmarks his own depots using the system. The worst performing depot has an average fuel consumption of 14.9mpg, while the best achieved 16.3mpg. This was affected by terrain, as the best-performing vehicles operate in a flat area.

Inputting the data

"Putting the information into the system was difficult at first. We had the information in our fleet-management system, but we had to work hard to transfer it manually into the benchmarking system," says Barday. This was solved by Chevin, the project technology supplier, producing a link into Aspray's Roadbase software system.

 

"There are also potential benefits with insurance rates because we can show how we compare on accidents with the industry average," says Barclay. "It gives us some leverage when the insurance company says it wants a 20% increase in premiums." He now wants to use the system to find out the percentage of tyres that are regrooved and will also look at empty running.

Barclay sums up his view: "As someone who has been 30 years in the industry and is cynical, I must say that it has worked well for us. Open your mind and have a good look at it"

 

However, less happy is Paul Abbott, operations director at Northamptonshire haulier Knights of Old. "We are evaluating it the principle is right, but there is a lot of work involved in providing the information. To be fair, I think that FBP would prefer less, but more accurate information. There was always going to be a settling down period. "I have to ask who it is for, and at whose expense? Is it for the customer, to see what the contract is worth?" asks Abbott He is also worried the data could be used to help introduce road charging, or to force operators to meet efficiency targets based on benchmark information.

"We are committed to support this project as we see a lot of benefits in being associated with FB P. It is about how much management time we have to give to it," he adds.

David Pink, MD of Kent-based Dodd's Group, offers an even harsher analysis. "Even when we compare our own depots there can be differences in fuel consumption," he says. "There is strong seasonality, with fuel consumption depending on the weather. Also a vehicle might be full one way and empty on its return. These factors can distort the figures." Another factor is local terrain. "From our Sittingbourne depot we probably use a gallon of fuel to get onto the motorway going to London because of the hills," says Pink. If your operation falls below the benchmark average, however, FBP recommends using interventions. These involve making changes to the vehicles and operations and using the benchmark figures to see which creates the greatest improvements.

A HELPING HAND

Some operators have found it time-consuming to provide the information that the benchmarking system requires. This is being made easier. There is a formatted spreadsheet available on the benchmarking website that can help. In addition, technology provider Ghevirthas a template that can be used by all system providers. FBP is working with Chevin, to create an automatic interface.

"This is the ultimate solution," says FBP'sHardy:

FIND OUT MORE...

Operators can access the system at www.freigtbestpractice.org.uk/benchmarking  A Guide to Fuel Efficiency Intervention Trials has been published by FBP at www.freightbestpractice.org.uk

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Norbert launches CPC training centre   

                                                                                  

Norbert Dentressangle Logistics UK is investing in a new learning and development centre to provide certified CPC training at its head office in Northampton, as well as appointing an operational training manager.

The move comes ahead of the introduction of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence, which becomes effective across Europe in September.

Training will be accredited by the Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training to ensure all new and existing drivers meet training requirements.

Chris Grey has been appointed operational training manager and will be responsible for organising this activity and ensuring all drivers at Norbert Dentressangle UK receive the required training.

Chris Dolby, Norbert Dentressangle learning & development manager, said: “The in-house training is designed to confirm and expand on the existing knowledge and skills of each driver. Delivered in conjunction with our safe driving plan, we can be confident that our drivers fulfil CPC requirements and continue to be safe, courteous and fuel-efficient drivers.”

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THE YOUNG BOROUGHBRIDGE WATER-SKIER WHO IS GETTING HELP (AND SPONSORSHIP) FROM REED-BOARDALL'S AEROBATICS CHAMPION!

After an outstanding performance at the European Water Ski Championships in France, Boroughbridge student Michael Woodgate came home to a warm welcome from Reed Boardall Transport, the locally-based company which was his main sponsor.

Michael, 16, was met by Tom Cassells, managing director of Reed Boardall Transport, the leading frozen and chilled food distributors based at the Reed Boardall Group¹s cold storage and transport centre alongside the A1.

Out of 50 competitors from ten countries, Michael came an impressive 10th overall after completing three demanding disciplines - the slalom, tricks and jumps. In the under-17s, his team came fourth, missing third place by a slim margin.

In the national championships earlier this year he came second overall having come third in the slalom, second in jumps and first in tricks and he is currently the national tricks champion.

Michael¹s passion for water skiing started at the tender age of four during a family holiday to Lake Windermere but after an early accident, he turned his back on the sport until he was ten.

³My uncle and aunt, Keith and Mandy Broughton and my parents are all involved with Calmwater Bay Water Ski Club near Knaresborough, so it¹s thanks to all of them that I tried again,² said Michael. ³They realised my talent and have helped me a huge amount.²

These days Michael trains at larger premises in Rochdale, Lancashire, as he needs more space to complete his various disciplines.

Given that he is a full-time student at Boroughbridge High School, where he has just moved on to the sixth form, his determination is evident. After school every Friday he goes by train to Rochdale for a full weekend of training. But his biggest problem is funding his sport.

³I have been working at the General Tarleton Inn at Ferrensby for some time but now I¹ve started sixth form I only have time for school work and water skiing. It¹s an expensive sport. I¹ve received some funding from the Three Sisters Water Ski Club in Wigan and the 1332 Club in Ripon and I¹m really grateful to companies like Reed Boardall and Calmwater Bay who helped meet the shortfall for my first overseas event.²

And now the pressure is on again. Michael has just three weeks to raise funds to go to a Spanish event where he aims to get a score which will improve his international ranking.

Tom Cassells understands only too well the challenges Michael faces: As well as his demanding job running Reed Boardall Transport, he is a pilot and is currently British aerobatics champion.

³Michael is doing all the right things and if he can keep the commitment going he will continue succeeding. To get to the top of your sport is truly exhilarating ­ particularly when it involves 100 per cent precision,² he said.

³Many of the pilots I compete with fly professionally as a full-time job. As an amateur my schedule is a bit like Michael¹s ­ I work all week and fly at the weekends.²

And the day job is no mean feat. Reed Boardall operates from a single site on the A1(M) at Boroughbridge and dlievers up to £10 million of food each day. The 112,000-pallet cold store and vehicles operate 24/7 collecting frozen and chilled food from manufacturers, consolidating at Boroughbridge and delivering on to supermarkets, wholesalers and food service suppliers. The critical mass, infrastructure and a workforce of more than 600 people ensure that Reed Boardall is one of the UK¹s most efficient operators for the continuous replenishment of frozen and chilled foods.

For more information visit www.reedboardall.com

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Rural Payments Agency - Notice to Traders Alert for All Traders

 

Please note that the following Notice to Traders has been published on the RPA website, www.rpa.gov.uk under RPA Schemes/External Trade/All Commodity Advice/Trader Notices:39/09 - Information from HM Revenue and Customs - C1221 notice of amendment to an Export Declaration containing a claim for Export Refund.

 

 

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Pilkington saves £250K a year with TDG

Pilkington's Simon Clarke said: "The biggest advantage of using TDG is that it can manage our transport centrally. Previously, individual sites were largely unaware of each others movements when they were organising their own deliveries and consequently there were a lot of duplicated routes and unused capacity.

"There are significant savings to be made by co-ordinating the sites. Already, TDG has calculated they will use up to 20 per cent fewer vehicles. Added to that, as a Europe-wide business, they are able to negotiate more favourable deals on vehicle leasing than we could.”

TDG’s system interfaces with Pilkington every ten minutes, so transport from all the business units can be optimised. Nick Mancz, TDG general manager for Pilkington, added: “We look at the whole order pool dynamically and plan the vehicle routes accordingly.

“An added benefit to this approach is that it has led to significant improvements in management information which has enabled Pilkington to provide an even better service to its customers.”

Almost half of the company’s process business units have now moved to TDG since the implementation of the business began in 2008, and it is expected that all the UK deliveries will be made by TDG’s system by early 2010.

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Barloworld starts lengthy partnership with Irion Sideloaders

Barloworld Handling has announced an exclusive UK supply agreement with Irion Sideloaders, offering a product range designed to handle long and awkward loads such as timber and piping.

Barloworld, one of the largest suppliers of materials handling equipment in the UK, will provide nationwide sales and service support for the Irion brand. The Irion product range is designed for handling long and awkward loads in industries such as textile, wood, timber, building products, steel, cable and aluminium. Its strong durable construction is ideally suited to tough outdoor applications where performance, reliability and operator comfort are of paramount importance.

Graham Jones, general manager UK Sales at Barloworld Handling, comments, “We are committed to providing a complete portfolio of durable and reliable handling equipment with superior support for our customers. The Irion range gives a wider choice in specific industry sectors.”

Irion, a division of the Terra group of companies, is one of the leading sideloader brands in Europe with manufacturing facilities in Austria and France. The DFQ fixed wheel range is available with diesel/LPG options, hydrostatic transmission, fully enclosed operator cab, a lift capacity between 4 and 8 tonnes and lift heights of up to 8m. Irion products are available with an extensive range of options and attachments to suit specific application needs.

“To date, Irion has had little exposure in the UK but with the backing of the Barloworld support infrastructure it represents an excellent new solution in our portfolio to help businesses operate efficiently, reliably and at reduced cost when handling long and bulky loads,” adds Graham Jones.

Barloworld specialists provide free site surveys and advice on all elements of a material handling fleet including service, finance, short term hire and fleet management.

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Transport sector is 'hesitant' to recruit

Recruitment firm and driver agency Manpower has unveiled the weakest hiring intentions in the transport sector for 17 years.

Its quarterly Employment Outlook survey found that intentions to recruit in the transport sector are expected to slump by a net 13% between October and December. Manpower quizzed 2,100 UK employers in all industry sectors in order to compile the survey.

The agency says transport sector employers are more pessimistic than other UK employers, with Britain's national net employment outlook set to fall by just 2%.

The slump follows a predicted 4% drop in road transport hiring intentions in Q3 2009. Simon Edwards, head of driving and logistics at Manpower, says: "This hesitancy has, in part, been fuelled by large-scale job losses across the sector, especially at major hauliers, as these businesses look to streamline their existing operations."

However, Edwards believes that there will still be a demand for drivers in the run-up to Christmas, and advises employees to remain flexible.

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New general manager for Oakland International

Oakland International, has appointed Ed Ross general manager, overseeing all operational activity for the company's Midlands depots based in Redditch and Alcester.

Ross has worked for DHL, Christian Salvesen and more recently Eliza Tinsley where he held the post of operations director.

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The way that you send your company tax return is changing

Here’s what you need to know      

                                                                                                            

What's changing?

From April 2011, under Government proposals, all companies, clubs, societies, associations and other unincorporated bodies will have to:

· file their company tax returns online for all returns delivered after 31 March 2011 for accounting periods ending after 31 March 2010, using a specified XBRL* data standard for accounts and computations; and

· pay their Corporation Tax (CT) electronically.

Please note from April 2011 HMRC will not accept:

· a company tax return filed on paper when it should have been filed online

· any returns fited online with accounts and computations sent as Portable Document

Format (PDF) attachments.

This autumn, we will be improving HMRC's CT Online service to accept accounts and computations filed online using XBRL. Don't worry: you don't have to be an XBRL expert, your software will do the work for you.

To coincide with the new CT Online service, HMRC will be also be introducing its own CT filing software in Autumn 2009, which will have XBRL built in. The software allows the online filing of the company tax return (CT600/accounts/computations) and supplementary pages A, E & J only.

Please note if you are already using HMRC's existing CT filing software product, it's important that you save all your information before the new CT filing software product is launched in the autumn, to ensure you don't lose your data.

We are working closely with commercial software providers and we expect that there will be a range of commercial software packages available by April 2011, many of which will offer greater coverage e.g. more supplementary pages than HMRC's own CT filing software. If you are already using a commercial software package, or you are planning to use one, please check with your chosen software supplier that the product will be upgraded to allow you to file and meet the new requirements by April 2011.

What is XBRL?

XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) is an international IT data standard designed to make it easier to report financial information between businesses and on the Internet. Using it allows you to file data directly from accounts and tax preparation software and tax filing systems. *The specified XBRL data standard you must use is Inline XBRL (iXBRL) which allows the data you file to retain your layout and branding. You may want to speak to your accountant or finance director about iXBRL and discuss the options with them. These include using an accounting package that embeds iXBRL functionality into your underlying records during the course of the year, or just using iXBRL enabled software to prepare the final accounts at your year end. Apart from using the iXBRL data standard and filing online there are no changes to the normal process of preparing and filing your Company Tax returns. Whether you choose to use commercial software or HMRC's own CT filing software product, you don't have to wait until April 201 1 to file online - you can take advantage of the benefits of filing online well before then. The CT Online service is: Intelligent - automatic tax calculations mean you'll know straightaway how much you need to pay Reassuring - an immediate on-screen confirmation message lets you know we've got your return safely Available - complete and file your return at a time that suits you - the online service is available 24 hours a day Flexible - you can store your completed online return easily, as well as print out a copy for your records too. Helpful - as well as filing online, you can use the online service to: · View your account details, liabilities and payments and your current balance. · View and amend your company's _ contact details online, for example communication address, phone numbers, email address · View and amend your agent details. · Pay electronically or tell us no payment is due for a particular accounting period. Signing up to the CT Online Service If you haven't signed up to use our CT Online service, it's really easy to register and enrol. Simply go to our website and select 'Corporation Tax' from the do it online menu on the left-hand side. Click on 'register' in the new user section and follow the on-screen prompts. It will only take a few minutes to give us your details, create a password of your choice and be given a User ID. We'll send you an Activation Code (PIN) in the post within 7 days, and then you're ready to start. www.hmrc.gov.uk

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Wincanton scoops award for Heinz contract   

                                                                                   

Wincanton has been presented with the “Special Award for Customer and Customer Results” in the North of England Business Excellence Awards 2009, in recognition of the operation it runs in partnership with HJ Heinz at Heinz’s Kitt Green plant.

The company received the award from the Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP at the annual awards dinner at the Royal Armouries in Leeds.

The 13-year partnership has seen Wincanton manage a dedicated 350,000 sq ft automated warehouse at Kitt Green, providing national distribution for all the HJ Heinz brands via a fleet supported by the wider Wincanton network.

It has developed a range of cost-saving solutions including a model which gives an accurate cost of delivering individual product lines in differing pack formats.

 

Wincanton also provides an on-site packing service, processing more than 8.4 million cases for promotional purposes each year.

David Teale, chief executive of North of England Excellence, said: “The awards assessors were impressed by the way in which the Wincanton-Heinz operation has established large pockets of efficiency and excellence.

“Award winners like these are setting an example to other businesses by leading the way forward in the face of recession. Organisations which can raise standards and improve their business processes and performance will be well placed to cope with the current downturn and will be in better shape when the upturn arrives.”

Ms Winterton, minister for Yorkshire and The Humber and minister for Regional Economic Development and Co-ordination, said: “I congratulate the winners of these prestigious awards and thank all the businesses and organisations from the North of England who took part.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase the excellent business management we have in the North of England and celebrate the commitment to continuous improvement.”

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CBI welcomes the government's low-carbon plan

The CBI welcomed the government's low-carbon transition plan setting out the UK's path to a decarbonised economy. CBI Director of Business Environment, Neil Bentley, said that business has been urging the government for a long time to set out a detailed roadmap to get the UK on course to a low-carbon future, and that the strategy was a promising start. However, questions remain over the ability of these plans to attract the £150bn of private sector investment needed to renew the energy infrastructure, improve energy security, and allow the UK to meet climate change targets. The CBI also called for action to speed up reform of the national planning system and engage consumers to help stimulate demand for energy efficient products and services.

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Surviving the swine flu outbreak - what can employers do?

Over the coming months it is predicted that businesses will face serious disruption as swine flu continues to spread. There are a number of steps employers can take to ensure their businesses can cope if their workforce is substantially reduced.

Employers also have a legal obligation to take steps to prevent the spread of the illness amongst employees. In this article, Joanna Harber highlights some of the key issues employers need to consider.

Health and safety obligations Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, an employer must do everything reasonably practicable to provide a safe and healthy workplace for its employees. In the context of swine flu, this duty extends to taking steps to prevent the spread of the disease in the workplace. Employers should provide their staff with clear advice and updated information on the symptoms of the disease, the importance of staying at home if displaying symptoms and the need to seek medical advice. Employers should consider sending home employees who display symptoms, in order to reduce the risk of the illness spreading. If an employee contracts swine flu, employers should also take steps to identify other staff members or clients/ customers who have been in close contact with the sick employee.

Organise cover

Employers should draw up a list of employees within the organisation who can cover critical roles and tasks in the event that a key member of staff is absent. They should also consider training other members of staff in unfamiliar tasks to ensure maximum flexibility.

 

Managing absenteeism

Absenteeism can have a detrimental impact on any business. Employees may be off work having genuinely contracted swine flu or they may be ‘pulling sickies’. Others may need time off to care for a family member or to make last minute childcare arrangements if the school or nursery closes. Employers will want to prevent staff using the swine flu outbreak as an excuse to take extra time off. In light of government advice to call the national swine flu help service and stay away from GP practices, it may be difficult to confirm whether an employee has actually contracted the illness, or for employees to obtain doctor’s certificates. Short-term sickness absence should be managed robustly; employers should follow their normal sickness policies and insist on compliance with reporting procedures.

 

Remote working

Employers should, where possible, be flexible in dealing with absences and bear in mind other working arrangements. Home working could be a practical solution provided the employer has the necessary IT systems in place to cope with an increase in remote working.

Time off for dependants

If a nursery or school temporarily closes due to the swine flu outbreak, s.57A of the Employment Rights Act 1996 gives a statutory right for employees to take unpaid time off to deal with unforeseen events regarding dependants. The right is limited to a ‘reasonable’ amount of time off to allow the employee to deal with immediate issues and make longer term arrangements.

Joanna Harber

joanna.harber@hilldickinson.com