News
Is that the only way into the basement?
We were recently asked to deliver 4 x 250kg 4-drawer fire proof filing cabinets into the basement of an Edwardian office building. But the only way to get these cabinets into the basement was through a trap door from the hallway entrance. Armed with a site survey, the crew arrived with a stair robot, aluminium plates, a 2t gantry large enough to do the job but small enough to manoeuvre inside the 
restricted access and plenty of time to complete the task
Kris & Martin were pleased on how well the job had gone. Kris said afterwards, “I was a bit worried when I couldn’t get the gantry hook to move across the top of the beam but a few apologies to the client in advance of a few whacks with the hammer clearly did the trick. Martin added, “It’s not an everyday occurrence that we get installations like this but the challenging ones are still the most fun”
Bishopsgate’s Frozen Planet Employee
When one of the team asks to broaden his education and experience by taking a 6 month sabbatical abroad, initiatives such as this are always well received and where possible supported. But it is pretty rare that that opportunity is to work in the Antarctic to support the British Antarctic Survey Team!
In the UK, Wayne works closely with the operations and customer services team at our Royal Wootton Bassett headquarters. He remains an invaluable member of the team and his ‘can do’ attitude makes him very popular with customers and colleagues alike.
In the Antarctic, Wayne has taken on the role as Station Support Assistant for the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) Team. His daily duties involve all domestic duties on the station including catering duties, waste handling, laundry and night watch checks and any other duties as deemed appropriate by the Station Management. A team of 3 Saint Helenian’s work on a 2 week day shift followed by a 1 week night shift to enable the daily maintenance of the base.
But it’s no
t all work as Wayne describes below
“I have also had the opportunity to visit Fossil Bluff, a small base camp, which involves working out in the field with one other person giving weather brief reports to pilots, refuelling aircraft and basic daily up keep of the camp. I have been privileged to provide co-pilot assistance (this includes having ‘a go’ at flying the plane under the pilot’s supervision – which is an awesome experience) on short one day trips to field workers delivery and/or collecting supplies. The wild life is spectacular and amazing and is one of the highlights that my time here has allowed me to enjoy. As for stories about the cold, well….there are days when you feel the cold but unbelievably there are days that feel hot….no kidding, it’s so easy to get sun burnt due to the ozone being so thin. Eye and skin protection is paramount!
Weekends bring the opportunity to snow board; do mounting climbing, boating, hiking or wildlife watching etc and so far I’ve done it all! Visiting ships are a regularly sight and opportunities to go on board is welcomed. Recently a visiting ship with researchers allowed me to go out to sea and to assist the scientist with their research”
He adds, “I have been lucky enough to experience all of the above and more and it’s with huge thanks to Tim Bloch and all at Bishopsgate for allowing me to take this opportunity to experience life in one of the most exotic places on earth. I have been made to feel that I am still very much an invaluable employee of Bishopsgate and I will undoubtedly be eternally grateful for”
Wayne returns in the Spring so watch this space for updates
We often say that Bishopsgate are a ‘can do’ company and can make deliveries in the toughest of environments. Well here is your proof!
Fiat 500s are not that big…are they?
I was reminded of a conversation that I had recently when I was asked, “What is the largest product that you have ever moved?” Thinking of the recent past, I replied that we had helped at an exhibition and a prestigous product launch of the new Fiat 500 in central London for TENESO Italy.
He said to me, “I know the model you mean…but they are not that big are they?”
Take a look at the attached! This modified Fiat 500 was ‘craned’ onto the top of a disused office building to take up its prime position in central London where the whole of Oxford Street and its thousands of shopppers could see. You will see Selfridges nestling in the background of the photograph
Bishopsgate’s project team have the know how and the capability to take on ‘one off’ projects such as this and it certainly tests their ingenuity and innovation skills. Sometimes, you need this when handling the bread and butter work too but is never as exciting or as impressive to the outside observor.
Since this launch, the Fiat 500 has gone from success to success and I have no doubt that the impressive marketing support has helped positi
Bishopsgate helps install UK’s first privately owned electric vehicle rapid charging station
Minister of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Norman Baker MP, today gave a boost to low emission motoring by visiting Retford to unveil the UK’s first privately owned rapid charging station for Electric Vehicles
The publically available station, which can recharge an Electric Vehicle battery in as little as half an hour, has been installed by Bishopsgate Specialist Installations at the HQ of family run company RCS in Retford, Nottinghamshire, just 3 miles off the A1 that connects London and Edinburgh.
“At RCS, we are passionate about the environment and have already invested in both renewable energy and our own fleet of electric vehicles” said Michael Todd, RCS Managing Director. “This new rapid charging point is the next step in our own environmental programme and, being so close to the A1, it provides a convenient addition to the UK charging infrastructure for motorists and companies that have embraced electric vehicles”
“The adoption of electric mobility is a reality. All major car brands have either already introduced their electric car models or are planning a launch within the next 1 to 2 years. In the meantime, the rollout of charging infrastructure is accelerating across Europe. Fleet owners, utilities and service operators are convinced of the need for DC rapid charging. The possibility to quickly recharge will help potential buyers overcome the hurdle of range anxiety. That’s why the UK needs DC charging – in addition to the existing AC infrastructure- to further drive electric mobility,” said Hans Streng, Senior Vice President and General Manager of ABB’s Product Group EV Charging Infrastructure
Bishopsgate received the machine from TENESO Europe SE partner eijgenhuijsen bv precisievervoer to make the UK final mile delivery and installation. As part of the service, the Bishopsgate team helped out with the installation work that included positioning the cabinet onto the concrete base, bolting the cabinet to the floor and connecting the units up to the mains electrical supply. They worked under the direction of staff from ABB, a Swiss Company specialising in power and automation technology that in the summer of 2012 acquired Epyon, the Dutch based pioneer in charging infrastructure for electric cars
Ted Adams, who was responsible for the operation was pleased with how everything went and added, “We are delighted that Bishopsgate were able to support TENESO Europe SE in this installation and to do our bit to make our contribution to environmental conservation. I can certainly see these cabinets outside lots of company premises and fast food restaurants in the not too distant future”
But the final word should be left to the client. “First of all, thanks for all your help sorting out the delivery for RCS. Everything went incredibly smoothly and the guys from Bishopsgate did a wonderful job, very impressive!” Dr Stuart Butterfield, Manager, Technology & Services Product Group EV Charging Infrastructure.
Cake for the boy’s
We are proud of the reputation and relationships we have built over the years and our staff regularly receive a great deal of positive feedback for the work that they do. We are thanked by letter, with flowers, alcohol and with some work we recently carried out for a European client…by cake!
“You should have received some information in regards to a cake we have ordered to show our appreciation towards Alex, Adam and Chris’s brilliant service. Fingers crossed all of the boys are in when the cake arrives. Please give them our best. You should be very proud of your personnel – these boys take service to a whole new level. So approachable, enthusiastic, helpful and effective. They really made our day, thank you again for that”
Angelica & Martin
This was a first for Bishopsgate but a really warm and generous way of thanking the team. I would like to say that I had seen the cake in all its glory but when I managed to get into
the office, it had all gone!
Out with the not so old and in with the very New
It’s out with the not so old and in with the very new for Wiltshire based, Bishopsgate Specialist Installations. Bishopsgate have just seen delivery of 4 Mercedes Benz trucks to add to their existing modern fleet. 12 new vehicles have been acquired in 2011 and each and every one of them has been equipped to a very high and impressive specification that includes full height tail lifts and rigid box sides.
managing director, Tim Bloch states, “ The decision to expand our fleet at this time will allow us to extend our delivery capability and will directly benefit our customers with faster transit times. A modern fleet in our new distinctive livery is helping us to promote our brand to a wider audience, and increase our delivery capability, our reliability and the modern Euro 5 engines are providing us with excellent economy too
The company will continue investment in network expansion, ground infrastructure, personnel development and improved processes to support our business growth”.
New TENESO Europe SE hub in Frankfurt, Germany
When you next land at Frankfurt Airport, take a closer look out of the plane’s window. Right next to the airport, about 2km away from the runway, Simon Hegele, TENESO Europe SE’s German partner, is currently building the group’s largest logistics centre on an area more than 80,000 square metres. At the site, Simon Hegele is expanding its capacities in its spare parts and service logistics portfolio. Located in this building, it will also become the TENESO Europe SE’s central hub for European high tech traffic .
With the proximity of the airport and local motorways, the location is easily accessible and has direct links with national and international couriers, express delivery and parcel services.
Construction work on the new site began in May 2011 and is progressing well. The first halls and their complete infrastructure were completed in October and the final building work will be finished by the end of 2011. Take a look for yourself at http://hagen-edv.de/Baukamera/cam1/.
As soon as the first two halls are completed and the storage technology is installed Draeger Medical will be one of our first customers to move in. Other customers are set to follow in our multi user warehouse. According to Dieter Hegele, “There will be plenty of room for more customers. We want to expand our services for current and future customers in this logistically ideal location”
Bishopsgate & Teneso Europe SE back at Multimodal 2012
Bishopsgate & Teneso Europe SE will be back at Multimodal 2012
Teneso Europe SE is the European leader in specialist transportation and distribution providing delivery, positioning, installation, storage and integrated logistics expertise for sensitive or valuable equipment that requires special care.
Our highly trained, professionals are experienced and skilled in the delivery and handling of medical, computer, office, ATM and electronics equipment with exceptional attention and safety.
With an outstanding reputation and unparalleled customer service at each of our European centres combined with the very latest transport, machinery and IT, we can support your business and manage each logistical stage, in each country, through one point of contact www.teneso.eu
We look forward to seeing you at Multimodal 2012 at the NEC Brimingham between the 1st and the 3rd May 2012
To register as a visitor or for more information about visiting Multimodal 2012 please use the following link: http://www.multimodal.org.uk/htm/sitemap)visitors.htm
Swindon’s Under 14′s rugby team start the season with winning ways
Specialist logistics company Bishopsgate were out in force for the Swindon U14’s rugby match v their local rivals. Proudly wearing their new Bishopsgate kit for the first time, they secured local bragging rights by winning in a competitively fought game watched by their biggest crowd of the season
Tim Bloch, Bishopsgate’s managing director said, “We moved into the area approximately 5 years ago and we now see ourselves very much as a local company. I have always been a great fan of grass roots rugby and I wanted to put something back into the local community. When Swindon Rugby Club asked me support their U14’s, it just felt like the perfect fit!”
Vince Badminton, Swindon Rugby’s vice chairman said, “We have a great set up at Swindon Rugby club and Bishopsgate’s generous support is invaluable in helping the junior section grow. We may not be the best team in the league but we will certainly qualify now for ‘best dressed’”, he quipped.
This was echoed by the team who just couldn’t wait to get their new shirts well and truly mucky. As anyone who has played rugby knows that is the most fun you can have with a brand new shirt!
Bobby joins the Swindon Customer Services team
We have found just the man to add to the expanding customer services team in Swindon. Robert Langford, known as Bobby, started working for the Ward Thomas Group in 2008, during the holiday periods while studying for a ‘Forensic and Investigative Studies’ degree at Coventry University. We certainly feel that these skills will come in useful when we try to reconcile the tuck box monies at the end of the week! Bobby has been brought in on a full time basis to help support the team. ”I find the working atmosphere very refreshing and I am really looking forward to getting to know my clients” I am sure that you will join me and wish Bobby well in his new career.