Tag Archives: PPE

News

Students go for gold at ‘Trade Olympics’ and skills events with top industrial supplier

STUDENTS competed in a Trade Olympics and exhibition driven by a leading industrial supplier.

Deeside and Rhyl-based GE Tools held events in partnership with Grwp Llandrillo Menai and Coleg Cambria.

Coleg Llandrillo Rhyl saw dozens of Construction and Engineering learners battle for medals in plumbing, carpentry and joinery, brickwork, motor vehicle services, vehicle body repair and fabrication and welding, while also welcoming sector businesses on-site.

The previous evening, Coleg Cambria Deeside hosted an open event, attended by GE Tools and manufacturers and suppliers from across the area.

Chris Owen, Managing Director of GE Tools, said the “incredible response” from attendees at both institutions bodes well for the future of these trades in North Wales and beyond.

“We had two brilliant days with the colleges and there was a fantastic atmosphere among the learners and industry representatives,” said Chris.

“Across both campuses we had an incredible response, with hundreds of people taking part and attending, so we thank them for their support.”

He added: “The main aim of the Trade Olympics was to inspire confidence that this is a strong sector with many career opportunities, and I think the learners embraced that.

“We are fortunate to have two of the best colleges in the country on our doorstep, with skilled lecturers and outstanding facilities, so for the students there is no better platform for them to go on and be successful.”

Ian Hogg, Assistant Principal at Coleg Cambria’s Institute of Technology and Site Lead at Deeside, echoed those words.

He said: “We felt it would be great for potential new students to see a range of quality tools, equipment and safety wear used by industry on display, so we thank Chris and the team for bringing everything together.

“It created a real buzz on the evening for all the visitors, parents and students alike; there was also positive feedback from the manufacturers and suppliers, who plan to get more involved in the future with our students.

“They suggested safety talks and training on the use of equipment as just two examples of how they could engage our learners. Thanks again to GE Tools for your continued support.”

Meanwhile, Coleg Llandrillo say the Trade Olympics demonstrated the ability and passion of their students in a pressure situation.

“They really enjoyed themselves and gained much needed experience in a competitive environment, giving them the confidence to go forward and enter Welsh, national and international competitions,” said Salah Berdouk, the college’s Assistant Principal for Computing and Creative Industries, Construction and Engineering.

“We want them to get excited about the career choice they have made and become proud of their achievements.

“Thanks again to GE Tools for their part in a fantastic day, and for generously supplying prizes for the winners and everyone who took part.”

For more information on GE Tools, visit www.getools.co.uk or contact sales@getools.co.uk.

Alternatively, call 01244 836968 and follow them on social media at @getools.

Construction, News

Director says goodbye to top North Wales industrial supplier after 30 years

ONE of the driving forces behind a leading industrial supplier says goodbye this week after more than 30 years with the business.

GE Tools director Neil Coleclough joined the Rhyl and Deeside-based company in 1988 and has helped oversee a period of sustained growth

The 59 year-old plans to spend more time with wife Christine and family, pursuing hobbies including photography, walking and yoga.

Neil follows GE Tools founder Gordon Evans into retirement and is confident new managing director Chris Owen – who has more than 20 years’ experience with the organisation – will lead them to an even brighter future.

“It is strange to be leaving after a third of a century but it’s the right time and the company is in safe hands,” he said.

“We have always had an incredible team with a positive, hard-working attitude and I am confident they will continue to go from strength to strength.

“I’ll miss all of them, and our fantastic customers, but after so many years here and out on the road I look forward to getting my camera out and actually stopping and enjoying some of the places I’ve driven past over the last three decades!”

Born in Blackley, Manchester, Neil was raised in Bangor and was working in a Llandudno hotel when he met Christine in 1980.

The unsociable hours saw him switch to Mochdre-based sweeper machine manufacturers Danline Ltd, where he learnt the value of diligence and high standards from esteemed colleague, Maurice Tadman.

Rising to the role of production controller, Neil later moved to Barrow Hepburn Equipment in Deiniolen, where a chance meeting with Gordon Evans – then working as a sales director – would lead to him taking the leap and helping establish GE Tools.

“Things were so different back then, everything was paper-based and when the fax machine arrived in the office it blew everyone’s minds,” said Neil.

“Gordon was representing a company we worked with and after speaking on numerous occasions we identified a gap in the market and saw the potential in launching a new business supplying tools to industry.

“He did so, and I soon joined him before we later became equal partners and took it forward.”

GE Tools has always been at the forefront of advances in technology, notably ecommerce, which they capitalised on immediately.

“We were selling online before many of the global giants you see today,” said Neil.

“From Vale Road we grew and grew, first regionally and then alongside some of the biggest names in the trade.

“Most of my focus was on customer development, and the customer has always been at the centre of my thinking – that has never changed.

“We were successful in bringing onboard some very significant accounts that included Pilkington Special Glass, Ferodo, Wylfa and Trawsfynydd power stations and Hotpoint, to name but a few.

“And from there we have continued to deliver, innovating and opening a base in Deeside to extend our footprint into the North West – I could not be more proud of what we have achieved together.”

He added: “There have been so many highlights and of course challenges; the Coronavirus pandemic has been tough for everyone, but we diversified and managed to remain profitable throughout.

“In fact, the name GE Tools doesn’t begin to describe what we do. From PPE to school uniforms and cutting-edge machinery and equipment from international brands such as Gedore, Makita and Sandvik, we do so much more.

“We have built a team of dedicated, long-serving employees who share the company’s vision. They are without doubt our biggest strength, and I can’t wait to watch them take GE Tools to even greater heights.”

For more information, visit www.getools.co.uk or contact salesdesk@getools.co.uk. 

News

North Wales tool business powering growth after 30 years in the trade

A LEADING industrial supplier is powering its way to future growth after more than 30 years in business.

GE Tools is one of the largest independent distributors of tools, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), hygiene products and personalised workwear in North Wales.

Based in Deeside and Rhyl, the company is recruiting new staff to meet demand and revamping its digital and web presence having forged partnerships with top international brands such as Gedore, Makita, Sandvik, Portwest, Ambersil and SC Johnson.

A proactive member of the Troy Group – number one in the UK for industrial engineering supplies – GE Tools has grown year on year since being launched in 1988.

However, they have never experienced a period like this one, and attributed the firm’s resilience and growth to the hard work and dedication of their workforce.

Having taken “rapid action” to meet the challenges brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic last Spring, Director Chris Owen (pictured) said: “We recognised straight away that we needed to evolve and adapt to meet changing customer needs, and prioritised ‘mission critical’ stocks as early as March last year.

“Throughout Covid we have managed to continue supplying our customers and supported schools and frontline workers with vital PPE, and as the country begins to emerge from restrictions, we are in a strong position moving forward.”

He added: “Like most companies, we were in uncharted territory, but the existing relationships we had with our customers and supply chain partners enabled us to keep going.

“Customer service is what really sets us apart; we care about these long-standing partnerships and when they needed us, we were there. That goes both ways, which is why we are coming out of this pandemic with a clear vision of how we want to grow further in the future.”

With a dedicated team of experienced professionals across the two sites, GE Tools operates in numerous sectors including manufacturing, food services, education, defence, construction, and renewable energy.

They distribute to clients all over the world and have expanded their offering to include personalised ordering portals, qualified technical support and guidance, dedicated account managers, and vendor managed inventories.

Due to increased demand across Wales and the North West for their same/next day delivery service, fellow Director Neil Coleclough says they will be taking on additional staff this summer.

“The last 15-16 months have given us the opportunity to reflect on what we do, what we want to achieve and what really matters to us as a business,” he said.

“And, ultimately, how we can best serve new customers and those who have been with us on this journey over the last three decades and more.

“We’ve gone from selling tools – which is still a key part of what we do – to adding a lot of value through our expertise and by going the extra mile with a more personalised service on both the retail and distribution sides.”

General Manager Steven Evans, whose father Gordon founded the business, added: “Given our position on the border of North Wales and Cheshire there is a lot of scope to grow even further and target other sectors, which is something we are aiming for this year.

“The pandemic has shown us all that you have to be able to adapt and learn from your environment. There was no rehearsal for the challenges of the Coronavirus, but we have taken a lot from it and, if anything, the existing relationships we have went from strength to strength, especially with schools, colleges, and businesses.

“We are very much part of the community and were pleased to be able to help them when they needed it most. Everyone at GE Tools is proud of that and looking forward to seeing what the next chapter in our story looks like.”

For more information, visit www.getools.co.uk or contact salesdesk@getools.co.uk. Alternatively, call 01745 361010 and follow them on social media at @getools.

COVID-19, News

What do businesses need to do to deliver a COVID-secure workplace?

By Kevin Rowe, Managing Director of SafetyBuyer.com

The four months since the imposition of lockdown conditions in the UK have been long and challenging for organisations across the country. However, the restrictive conditions brought about by COVID-19 are now starting to lift and, little by little, businesses are getting back to something approaching normal.

Nevertheless, as the government has been keen to stress, the progress the country has made on combating coronavirus remains tentative and potentially fragile. This means that all businesses still have to maintain a rigorous approach to site safety and hygiene to keep COVID-19 at bay, even as they welcome workers and customers back to their stores, offices, warehouses and other facilities.

As such, all companies need to be aware of the most effective measures they can take to ensure that everyone on site remains safe and protected from the threat of coronavirus, while maintaining their journey back towards business as usual.

Plan out what you will need

Before making any move to allow workers or customers back on to a site, your business will need to put together a detailed plan of how it will tackle potential COVID-19 risks. Examples include:

– Performing a deep clean of your premises and equipment prior to reopening
– Arranging for regular cleaning and disinfection of workspaces on a regular basis, including assigning a rota of responsibilities for this
– Rearranging your working areas or storefront to maintain safe distances between members of staff, customers and visitors
– Investing in appropriate personal protective equipment to minimise the risk of infection
– Referring to government guidance on COVID-19 risk assessments, as can be seen here: https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/working-safely/risk-assessment.htm

Control who enters the site

Controlling the number of people on your site at any given time is going to be essential in these early stages of lockdown easing. This can be achieved through the following measures:

– Placing strict limits on the number of visitors, and making sure that previous guests have left the premises before letting anyone else in
– Using custom-designed floor signs, coloured tape and markings to control the flow of foot traffic and ensure physical distancing for those queueing or passing through
– Setting up drop-off and collection points for essential deliveries
– Introducing protective plexiglass screens to protect staff who need to interact with customers
– Continuing to make use of phone calls and videoconferencing for meetings that do not need to happen in person

Keep everyone focused on hygiene

Hand washing, surface hygiene and regular disinfection are among the most effective tools for preventing the transmission of COVID-19. This message can be reinforced through the following steps:

– Provide handwashing facilities with running water, soap and paper towels, as well as disinfectant sprays, wipes and hand gel for people to regularly clean their hands, belongings and gear
– Replace communal or shared equipment with individually-assigned tools where possible
– Install no-touch doors, switches or other fittings
– Use safety signs and notices to remind staff of the proper ways to stay hygienic

Facilitate social distancing

Everyone in the UK will now be aware of the need for social distancing. Your workplace should be adapted to make this possible in the following ways:

– Rearrange desks and working areas to maintain greater distance between staff
– Use digital communication instead of face-to-face meetings and avoid the exchange of physical paperwork where possible
– Encourage the use of contactless payments over cash handling
– Stagger shift patterns and break times to minimise the number of workers on-site at any given time
– Use floor signs and markings to demonstrate safe social distancing limits
– When maintaining a two-metre distance is not possible, provide PPE and other safety aids to stay in line with the latest “one-metre plus” rule

By taking these steps, it should be possible to establish a productive and effective new way of working that keeps COVID-19 at bay, while ensuring your organisation is able to get back on track. Now more than ever, a commitment to strong safety standards is a prerequisite for getting ahead as a business – and this is a lesson that should be remembered even when COVID-19 is a thing of the past.

About the author:

Kevin Rowe is the owner and managing director of SafetyBuyer, a leading UK retailer of health and safety supplies with a strong reputation for excellent service. He is highly experienced in B2B direct marketing, and enjoys sharing his experiences and insights with the business community.

Health, Manufacturing

Furniture Manufacturer Sofas by Saxon now producing PPE for NHS workers

Lancashire-based furniture manufacturer Sofas by Saxon has started to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) for NHS workers and is encouraging other businesses to step up and do the same.

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the company has been unable to make or deliver any furniture for the last few weeks. So, they made the difficult decision to close their workshop and furlough their production staff until things stabilise.

However, when Managing Director Matt Deighton saw that the UK’s healthcare professionals were in desperate need of PPE, he wondered whether the company could help. Some manufacturers, such as Burberry and Barbour, were already helping other areas of the UK, and he wanted to support the NHS workers in Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

Over the Easter bank holiday weekend, he reached out to local ‘scrubs hubs’ on Facebook. These are communities of people already trying to fill the gap caused by the PPE shortage, and they were able to give him all the information he needed, from what kinds of fabric were required to where scrub sewing patterns can be found.

There were still other challenges to overcome, though. For example, the fabric used to make scrubs is in very high demand at the moment, so they had to reach out to a lot of different contacts before they were able to source the fabric they required.

They also had to make sure their sewing machines could handle such a thin fabric, as they’re used to dealing with more robust materials like leather and velvet. Fortunately, all of their tests were successful.

The company spoke to their furloughed employees and asked if they would be willing to help make PPE for the NHS on a voluntary basis, in line with the social-distancing guidelines. They received a fantastic response and were able to reopen their workshop to start production. All of their scrubs will be donated, free of charge.

On top of this, Sofas by Saxon has been cutting fabric for local sewers and even turned their premises into a pick-up and drop-off point. So, independent makers can drop off the likes of scrubs, gowns, and visors, and healthcare professionals can stop by to collect supplies for their teams.

They’re also urging people to support their local ‘scrub hubs’, which are made up of people who are often spending their own money on supplies to make PPE that they can donate. If anyone would like to learn more or help support the fantastic volunteers at the Manchester, East Lancashire, and Cheshire Scrub Hub, they have a Go Fund Me page, where donations go towards buying essential raw materials for the PPE equipment.

Based in Bolton, Sofas by Saxon is predominantly helping the east Lancashire area. The team is well aware that many other regions need this kind of assistance, though, and so are encouraging other companies to do what they can to support their communities.

They recommend that your first step should be to contact local ‘scrub hubs’ on Facebook to find out how to help, but the company is also more than happy to support other organisations in getting their PPE production off the ground. Any manufacturing businesses looking for advice can contact the Sofas by Saxon team by emailing sales@sofasbysaxon.com.

Matt Deighton, Managing Director of Sofas by Saxon, said: “With so much bad news circulating at the moment, we’ve all felt quite down and helpless for the last few weeks. But, being able to contribute and support those on the frontline has helped to put a spring back in all of our steps.

“Our staff, who otherwise would have been sitting at home with nothing to do, have told us they love that they’re able to come in and volunteer for a great cause. It really helps to have a sense of purpose, and I’m so glad we’re able to support our local health workers at this difficult time.

“Like us, there’ll be a lot of companies out there who have had to shut down their operations, leaving their factories empty. So, I really want to encourage other businesses to use their time and resources to help, if they’re able to. Not only can you be proud of doing your bit, but it will also be great for staff morale, and is sure to give you a lot of satisfaction.”

Employee Benefits, Health, Health and Safety, News

Comfort: top priority when choosing safety eyewear, reveals research

From research among over 500 UK companies, Specsavers Corporate Eyecare reveals that comfort is the overriding requirement for safety eyewear, in addition to protection.

Asked which features and benefits are the priorities when choosing prescription safety eyewear for employees, the majority, 57%, selected comfort. This was followed by the opportunity for employees to actually try on the glasses for comfort and fit, selected by 40%.

In a perhaps more surprising aspect of procurement requirements, aesthetics also featured heavily, with 30% of employers looking for availability of designs for both men and women, while 27% were concerned with style. A quarter (25%) of employers were interested in the brand of safety eyewear, which may be about fashion but may also be about reputation for safety and robustness.

Cost was a consideration for nearly a third of employers, with 29% stating this as a feature they consider when selecting safety eyewear.

Jim Lythgow, director of strategic alliances at Specsavers Corporate Eyecare said:

‘Of course protection is the major concern for safety eyewear, but it is also very important that safety glasses look and feel good. If they are comfortable, fit well and look stylish, then employees are far more likely to actually wear their eye protection.’

The ability to try on safety eyewear was the second most popular requirement, linked to the main criteria of comfort. It is possible to procure safety eyewear from a variety of sources, including online and paper catalogues. There is, however, no substitute for evaluating different frames in person. While the choice of safety glasses will be dictated to some extent by the setting and task, there is still often a wide range of options available to the employee, which can only be truly assessed in person. Professional one-to-one fitting advice is a vital part of the process.

Jim Lythgow concluded:

‘It is very positive that employers are aware of the many additional features and benefits of eye protection and that they understand the importance of comfort, fit, and even aesthetics. It is crucial that employees are happy with their safety eyewear, as this is half the battle in it being worn consistently.’

The figures:
In addition to protection, which other features and benefits do you look for when choosing prescription safety eyewear for your company’s employees?
• Comfort 57%
• Ability to try on for comfort and fit 40%
• Designs for men and women 30%
• Low price 29%
• Style 27%
• Brand 25%

To find out more about prescription safety eyewear, visit: www.specsavers.co.uk/corporate

Charity & CSR, Community News, Environment, North of England

Yorkshire-based safety company partners with local community groups to support flood clean-up efforts

Following the recent floods across South Yorkshire, which have cost many their homes and businesses, the UK’s leading safety company, Arco, has stepped in to help in the worst-affected areas, working with local groups and donating protective equipment and flood clean-up kits.

Doncaster Young Farmers mobilised 100 of its members to undertake clean-up operations in Fishlake Village. To keep the team safe, and to assist with the clean-up, Arco donated flood kits and equipment including: Tyvec coveralls, respiratory masks, hard hats, safety glasses, wellies, gloves, mops and buckets, shovels, squeegees and disinfectant. Arco also provided tea, coffee, sugar and paper cups to the team helping them keep going during the clean-up.

In addition to this the local Arco retail store manager in Doncaster, Simon Walshe, quickly identified where Arco could be of help and approached local flood donation centres to see what was needed. Donations of essential kit have been given to St Peter’s Church Community Group (Bentley) and Stainforth Town Hall (Fishlake).

David Evison, managing director at Arco, said,

“As a business with long-standing roots in Yorkshire and a leading safety company, we recognise how severely the floods have impacted many communities and wanted to help those affected.

“Our team’s expertise enabled us to quickly identify the critical issues and best solutions, boost stock of essential equipment and get it delivered to those who needed it.

“As flooding looks set to continue we advise everyone to be prepared, be aware and take action. This time of year is risky for both the public and businesses, as the winter weather takes its toll. We want to ensure our customers are prepared and safe and we can provide expert advice and a comprehensive range of solutions to improve safety whatever the weather.”

Arco, the UK’s leading health and safety expert, has recently launched a campaign to enable businesses and services to deal with extreme winter weather, so they can keep workplaces both safe and open throughout periods of extreme temperatures, heavy snow/rainfall and icy conditions.

To offer further assistance, the safety expert also has a number of advice sheets available online for businesses to download, to aid in the planning, preparation and clean-up of extreme winter weather events including flooding.

Health and Safety

Don’t let your business freeze to a halt this winter

UK Safety Experts offer businesses advice on how to plan for extreme weather

Climate experts are warning Britain could be facing one of the coldest winters in 30 years with the “Beast from the East” set to return. With January and February 2020 set to be among the coldest for decades, Britain could be hit with temperatures of -14C.

With freezing weather potentially costing the UK economy up to £1bn a day, extreme weather conditions severely disrupt work, close or damage sites and put employees at risk.  Arco, the UK’s leading health and safety expert, aims to enable businesses and services to deal with extreme winter weather, so they can keep workplaces both safe and open throughout periods of extreme temperatures, heavy snowfall and icy conditions.

Arco is urging businesses to plan ahead this winter and begin preparations well in advance so they can be ready to take action promptly should they need to, rather than waiting for the situation to become urgent. To offer assistance, the safety expert has a number of advice sheets available online for businesses to download, to aid in the planning, preparation and clean-up of extreme winter weather events including snow, ice and flooding.

Through an easy to use mobile app, Arco is offering advice on de-icing and salting best practices. Using the app businesses can calculate the amount of salt required for each site and per application, estimate the salt requirement for the entire season, and receive weather alerts based on personalised parameters.

Niall Robinson, product and procurement manager, from Arco says,

“It is vital businesses ensure they are prepared for when the weather turns wintry. We advise all our customers to be prepared, be aware and take action. All businesses should have a Business Continuity Plan and begin to make preparations well in advance.

“Essential steps include stocking up on the necessary workplace safety items and kit for employees and ensuring that equipment is well maintained and in good working condition. We want to ensure our customers are prepared and safe during the winter months, which is why we offer expert advice and a comprehensive range of solutions to keep workplaces both safe and open whatever the weather.”