HEALTH & SAFETY MATTERS THAT SURROUND MEZZANINE FLOORS

Although mezzanine floors have been used extensively in commerce and industry for many years, they are now becoming even more popular as the price of property escalates. The beauty of mezzanine floors is that they allow the creation of extra floor space within the existing footprint of the building, eliminating the time and expense involved in taking on a major new development. At the same time they can maximise use of "wasted" space and eliminate relocation expenses. However, when fitting a mezzanine there are a number of health and safety points that need to be addressed.

Guardrails

Safety recommendations dictate that guardrails should be provided to give users adequate reassurance at the exposed perimeter of raised platforms where persons are liable to fall more than 0.5m. These come in various forms from tubular and solid rails with ball type standards to vertical bar and architectural balustrades. Toe plates, minimum 100mm high, are required to all horizontal areas above 0.5M from ground level.

Staircases For Access and A Means of Escape

This is practically the ‘be all and end all’ of mezzanine design. Whether it is a structure to enable additional levels for manufacturing or storage – or a structure to carry conveyors or plant and equipment – a principal tenet of the design is to ensure that people on the structure have a safe and readily available means of getting off the floor, to a safe location. Staircases form the primary link between differing levels of floors, platforms and walkways as well as providing an escape route in the event of fire. It is vitally important that adequate consideration is given to design characteristics such as ‘rise’ and ‘go’. This will be governed by suitability for purpose, anticipated frequency and volume of use. As with platforms, stairs may be fitted with solid or open type treads. Risers may be closed but are more usually open for industrial applications. Wider stairs are far safer and some authorities stipulate minimum requirements. Care must also be exercised in checking for adequate headroom. Helical staircases are more user-friendly than spirals and are generally suited to much larger volumes of pedestrian traffic. Spiral and Helical staircases and architectural metalwork in general create a particularly demanding set of challenges.

Platforms

Platforms, Gantries and Bridges play an important role in providing safe access for plant and equipment. Different environmental conditions demand different materials. As a quick guide, for general conditions, and most applications, Galvanised Mild Steel is appropriate. However, Stainless Steel should be used in saline conditions or around potable water and Aluminium Alloy can be used in places where high humidity is experienced.

Column Guards

Column guards are designed to keep the mezzanine secure from the potential damage caused by forklifts or other material handling equipment striking the structural columns. Column Guards take the brunt of any damage instead of the mezzanine support column.

Pallet Gates

Pallet Gates are manufactured to safety standards to eliminate accidents in platform loading areas. Primarily there are two types available dependent on use and cost. The most commonly used are up and over pallet gates, which are fitted at the edge of the mezzanine and are surrounded by a handrail. When needed, they lift up and over providing a clear area for pallets to be lifted or placed. If pallet access is not a paramount issue sliding pallet gates can be fitted. These work with the handrail to slide back on themselves.

Loading Plates

Mezzanines are constructed for a specific loading. When a property is sold and is reoccupied, the mezzanine may be required for a different function. In which case it is important that a loading plate is located near the staircase, giving all essential loading information. The Mezzanine Floor Company has found that giving these details not only saves many hours of research but also negates any problems about whether or not a mezzanine can be extended.

As the price of property soars, more and more businesses are looking for ways of maximising the amount of space available to them. When considering the installation of a mezzanine floor it is important to contact a professional company that can advise on all aspects of building and health and safety regulations.

THE PAPER MONSTER – WHAT TO DO WITH THOSE ARCHIVE FILES

By Charlie Jeary, Sales Manager - Storage Division, Spaceway Group

Although we are led to believe that we are moving toward a “paperless” world, there are still many records and documents that must be retained. All companies are required to keep details of their accounts for six years and some government and legal regulations necessitate documents being stored for up to 40 years. Professional companies such as lawyers, accountants, financial firms and insurance companies are required to keep very detailed records, often for decades, whilst hospitals, GP’s, schools, dentists, veterinary practices and local government are needed to retain information for extensive periods on patients, pupils and homeowners.

Managing the storage of large quantities of documents can become unmanageable, expensive and inefficient. However nowadays there are several solutions to the problem. Using a specialist document storage company, creating a special in house archive storage facility or introducing mobile shelving can all be used to overcome the problem.

DOCUMENT STORAGE COMPANIES

Many businesses and institutions are finding that specialist document storage companies provide a useful and efficient means of dealing with storing large quantities of files and free up space in their offices. Archive storage units offer a modern, clean, dry and insulated environment for archive boxes and their contents. Companies such as the Spaceway Group fit out storage units for document archive companies providing them with the necessary infrastructure to enable daily box retrieval rates of between 3% and 6%.

Archive racking systems are designed to store boxes either two or three deep and two or three high. Designed as a multi-tier racking system with walkways and lifts for access and picking, multi-tier racking systems are more cost effective than installing mezzanine floors, as they require no fire protection, incurring no rates and enabling a higher density of storage.

SETTING UP YOUR OWN ARCHIVE STORAGE

Companies that want to store their documentation themselves either on or off site require a specialist company to install a storage facility that will specifically meet their requirements. Usually fitted out in the basement of a building or in a dedicated area, a two-tier racking system with staircases and walkways for picking provide the best solution. Often offering a cost effective solution for companies, such as legal firms that need to store materials for a number of years, such systems can be designed for a company’s specific needs to provide maximum box capacity balanced against easy retrieval.

MAXIMUM PRODUCTIVITY WITH MOBILE SHELVING

Mobile shelving systems (commonly known as roller racking within the storage industry) deliver high density and compact storage. They are a cost effective method of utilising valuable floor space allowing a company to increase its storage capacity by 220% compared to traditional filing cabinets and is especially popular in environments where rent is too high to waste valuable space on storage. As well as saving space, mobile storage systems are ideal where sensitive or expensive items are stored because the shelving can be closed up and locked to restrict access.

Mobile shelving systems eliminate the need for several access aisles. Because the shelving moves along floor tracks, the space for only one aisle is needed. When an item is required the particular shelving bay is identified and an adjacent aisle is created by moving the mobile units apart, mobile shelving is opened and closed by either hand operated pull handles, hand wheel driven mechanical systems or electrically operated using small electric motors with push button control.

When deciding on the best storage for your company start with the basic questions that drive storage infrastructure development: What are the true requirements of the business and their applications? Setting clear application requirements for performance, availability, and recoverability will determine the appropriate storage environment – whether it is outside storage, setting up your own system or maximising floor space in your office. Once you have defined your requirements, you can take inventory of your current storage assets and determine the best way for your company to proceed.

PART L2B OF THE BUILDING REGULATIONS TWO YEARS ON

By Malcolm Jeary, Managing Director of the Spaceway Group

All new building regulations are almost guaranteed to send those involved into a spin, and this is proving the case with Part L2B that came into effect on the 6th April 2006. Designed to conserve fuel and power in existing buildings other than dwellings, all fit out work carried out on existing buildings may need a different approach.

The most controversial part of L2B is proving to be the consequential improvements aspect to buildings larger than 1000m2. This is where an improvement to one element of the building triggers general improvements to another, subject to the technical and economic criteria. A new building fitted out to category A standard has to fulfil Part L2A. But the subsequent tenant fit-out has to comply with part L2B, which could trigger consequential improvements. Taken literally, adding a new fan coil to an office that has had the partitioning changed could trigger consequential improvements, although this is plainly nonsensical. This is why it is important that the fitout company knows its way around L2B regulations.

One of the key requirements to Part L2B is: “To provide energy efficient and properly commissioned fixed building services with effective controls”. When considering improvements, the general requirement is to consider all thermal elements including heat gains and losses through thermal elements and other parts of the building fabric as well as pipes, ducts and vessels used for space heating, space cooling and hot water services.

Insulation is at the top of the agenda when approaching the fitout of offices in an existing building. It is important that all walls are insulated to improve insulation including stud and track walls. It is also important to insulate dry lined walls and ceilings.

When considering where to site offices within an existing structure, it is important to reflect on whether or not the office will be located in an existing heated area. If the building is being enlarged, for example by the installation of a mezzanine floor or by building offices in a stores area, which does not have heating, then it is important that heat and cooling losses in the newly created offices meet Part L2B. Should the area have a concrete floor, then the regulations state that insulated raised access floors should be used, where feasible, to improve thermal quality. Regardless of efficiency, all heating and cooling systems should be upgraded if more than 15 years old.

Lighting controls also play an important factor in L2B regulations. Any general lighting system with average lamp efficiency of less than 40 lamp lumens/circuit Watt should be upgraded by either a new luminaire or with improved lighting controls. Controls should be provided in order to avoid unnecessary lighting during times when daylight levels are adequate. Automatically switched lighting systems should be subject to risk assessment for safety reasons. Energy saving lamps are also available for most situations.

The thermal performance of windows and doors also need to be considered. The L2B regulations state that where windows, roof windows, roof lights or doors are to be provided, reasonable provision must be given to the draught proofing of units. In order to comply with the new regulations it is normally necessary to replace existing windows and doors.

Economic feasibility requires a simple payback not exceeding 15 years. Simple payback is the amount of time it will take to recover the initial investment through energy savings and is calculated by dividing the marginal additional cost of implementing an efficiency measure by the value of annual energy savings achieved by the measure. Part 2LB gives effective examples which includes upgrading most heating, cooling and air-handling systems which are over 15 years old. Introduction or increases to micro-generation systems (low and zero carbon technologies or LZC) are considered economically feasible if they have a pay back period of 7 years or less.

The list of challenges in the development of existing office and public buildings is extremely long both in terms of project management and technical success. Balancing regulations and guidelines for energy performance, indoor climate, acoustic and lighting conditions whilst maintaining flexible use of space and improved working conditions within sustainable and attractive buildings can prove to be problematical. For this reason it is important the company’s moving to or developing an existing building refer to specialist fitout companies such as Spaceway South to ensure that they meet Part L2B of the building regulations.

SPACEWAY CREATES NEW OFFICE LAYOUT FOR MARTIN GRANT HOMES

When Martin Grant Homes, one of the major private house building companies in the South of England, needed to generate additional space at its headquarters in Dorking, Surrey, it turned to the Spaceway Group to create a new office layout that would enable it to accommodate more staff, help improve communication and provide airy and pleasant surroundings. Spaceway has undertaken a complete turnkey operation for Martin Grant Homes including design, all building and electrical work and the supply of office furniture.

Looking for an interior space solutions company that had the inspiration and technical ability to provide it with a prestigious and functional headquarters, Martin Grant Homes contacted a number of companies to gauge the calibre of design and products supplied before deciding on the Spaceway Group.

“Spaceway’s submission was by far the most impressive”, says John Malovany, Group Finance Director of Martin Grant Homes. “Not only did Spaceway have the vision we wanted but Spaceway’s management team also had a wealth of experience and expertise which gave us great confidence”.

To create the additional space on the ground floor of the two-storey building, it was decided that the existing cellular offices would need to be demolished and the area turned into an open plan environment. This necessitated Spaceway demolishing the existing ground floor offices, retaining just the meeting room. Now, with the groundwork finished, Spaceway set about creating the optimum office solution to accommodate directors, senior managers and administrative staff from the drawing office, land department and customer care, surveying, buying and sales.

A new suspended ceiling was installed and seven cellular offices created for directors utilising Komfort Polar glass partitioning which was specially commissioned with Martin Grant Homes’ manifestations on the glass. The offices were equipped with storage walls to provide maximum storage and the areas carpeted using Milliken Vortex quality carpet, which has a 10-year guarantee.

So that the electrics and cabling for the 27 workstations was out of sight, Spaceway cut channels into the floor and columns and then decorated throughout. A VRF air conditioning system was installed which enabled Martin Grant Homes to utilise the Government’s Capital Enhancement Scheme.

To complete the work, Spaceway supplied the 27 workstations with pedestal desks with wire management trays in maple together with operator chairs and screens. The directors’ offices were equipped with bow-fronted workstations in maple with silver work-fronts and executive chairs. Finally, Spaceway supplied the meeting rooms with tables and cantilever chairs and the reception area with visitor chairs.

“Spaceway pulled out all the stops and fast tracked the project so that all works were completed quickly”, concluded John Malovany. “We are very happy with the finished project and found Spaceway a pleasure to work with. We are so delighted with Spaceway’s work that we have asked them to quote for refurbishment work to be undertaken at our St. Albans offices”.

SPACEWAY LAUNCHES NEW KOMFORT VELOCITY RANGE

When it comes to fast delivery, Komfort’s new Velocity lives up to its name. Aesthetically pleasing and easily reconfigured the Velocity range can be delivered in just two weeks.

Offering streamlined elegance coupled with precision engineering, Velocity desks have numerable technical features that ensure the range has total adaptability thereby allowing businesses to create and recreate multiple workstation arrangements. Beams can be reduced in size to accommodate smaller work surfaces and the inclusion of non-handed legs guarantees that desks can be interchangeable.

The addition of cpu holder and cable access in beam and legs underlines that the Velocity range is specifically geared up for the modern environment. The adjustable crank height option meets DDA regulations enabling Velocity desks to be adjusted for wheelchair users. Together these technical innovations equate to a high degree of flexibility to cope with ongoing and frequent changes.

Desks are available in a wide range of options and permutations to cater for the most demanding requirements ranging from curvaceous to angular shapes. For example, Velocity’s distinctive wave desks blend appealing aesthetics, quality and design with exceptional functionality.

The perfect marriage of practicality, affordability and elegance, Velocity is available in a choice of work surface styles and wood veneers to suit differing requirements. The addition of removable dividing screens give privacy and improve acoustics, plus a range of storage units, both mobile and static in metal and timber, give support to the Velocity traditional style of furniture for today’s modern office.

Successfully creating a totally co-ordinated interior, which can be matched with Komfort’s partitioning, screens, doors and storage walls, Komfort’s new velocity range from Spaceway encompasses simple practicality and flair with functionality and adaptability. Available in a choice of two veneers for delivery in just two weeks, Velocity can also be supplied in other finishes or as a special order with a delivery date of around four weeks.

SPACEWAY LAUNCH NEW ARCHIVE STORAGE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

With space a premium for many companies that wish to have their own archive storage, Spaceway, a leading UK provider of integrated interior space solutions, has developed StackiTall™, an innovative solution for maximising storage space for archive boxes and self-store.

Three years in the development, StackiTall™ allows for a greater number of mobile storage units to be accommodated in a confined area through a unique system that enables the units to be pulled forward and back rather than the normal left to right. This allows easy access to boxes and enables additional units to be installed, as space is no longer needed for units to be pushed along to make way for access.

Designed in collaboration with Compact Storage, the StackiTall™ system uses a welded chassis to ensure long-term durability. Grouted, levelled floor tracks take into account uneven floor surfaces and floor infill and ramped access points ensure personnel can operate the system efficiently whilst complying with all Health & Safety issues.

Additional safety measures include integral stops on the tracks and an anti-tilt device for operator protection. Each unit is fitted with special decorative end uprights to improve aesthetics and to contain the locking mechanism.

Statistics show that small businesses move location up to four times during the first 10 years of trading. Storing items, off site is now becoming an accepted practice and more flexible than taking filing systems from location to location. StackiTall™ enables companies to fit out a small area off-site and then add to the system as their business grows.

Established in 1976, Spaceway is recognised as one of the UK's leading providers of integrated interior space solutions for private sector businesses and public organisations. Located in Romsey, Hampshire but serving customers across the South and Midlands, the company provides an integrated approach to space solutions that includes mezzanine floors, partitioning, suspended ceilings, storage systems, special structures as well as furniture and small parts storage.

SPACEWAY’S SAC EQUIPS LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY’S NEW £15M SPORTS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE

The Storage and Consumables Division of Romsey based Spaceway Group, a leading UK provider of integrated interior space solutions, has won the order to fit out Loughborough University’s newly opened Sports Technology Research Institute with the Bott Workshop Equipment range.

The £28,000 order, which comprises of workbenches, drawer cabinets, mobile cabinets, storage cupboards and ancillary items, has put the finishing touches to the newly opened state-of-the-art Institute. The £15M building will be home to the University’s internationally acclaimed Sports Technology Research Group which will use the facilities to develop cutting-edge technology to assist the country’s elite athletes in their preparation for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as significantly enhance research, innovation and enterprise in the sport and leisure sector throughout the region, and beyond.

Commenting Steve Carr, Technical Services Manager at the Institute said: “Spaceway advised us on the best products to meet our specific requirements. The service they provided us could not have been bettered. The best workshop facilities in the University have now been further enhanced with Bott’s advanced equipment.”

Spaceway's Storage and Consumables Division (SAC) specialise in the sourcing and supply of warehouse, workshop and materials handling equipment, as well as furniture and storage equipment for your office. The company provides a single source solution thereby saving companies the necessity of searching through catalogues and web sites.

SAC are dealer partners with Bott Limited, whose range of Workshop and Storage Equipment is designed on a modular principle. Different products may be combined to produce a vast range of workshop solutions. Built from quality raw materials using advanced design and manufacturing processes, Bott products will give many years service in the harshest of industrial applications.

Over the past 20 years, the Sports Technology Research Group has worked with some of the biggest names in the sporting goods industry including Adidas, Callaway Golf, Canterbury of New Zealand, Head, Umbro, New Balance, Nike, Reebok, Speedo and Sports World International (Dunlop Slazenger) on the design, simulation, testing and manufacture of sports equipment.

Spaceway responds to DDA with visual aid for doors

Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) - Visual aid for doors

Doors that are constructed entirely or primarily of glass can present real problems to the visually impaired and unless manifestly defined, contravene the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and Part M of The Building Regulations relating to Access and use of a building. Now, Romsey based Spaceway one of the UK's leading providers of integrated interior space solutions has launched Vision Aid For Doors, which assists the visually impaired when approaching an open door.

Manufactured by Komfort Office Environments, the new vision aid is suitable for all its non-fire rated doors. Manufactured in nylon and measuring 900mm long x 25mm wide x 1.5 mm thick and with 8mm radiused corners top and bottom, the self-adhesive strip is inserted into the door's leading edge to provide enough distinction to highlight the edge against its surroundings.

The door strips are available in a range of 12 standard colours and have been specifically developed to comply with Guidance Notes M13 of the Building Regulations amended September 2004. Commenting, Malcolm Jeary, Chairman of Spaceway South says: "As specialists in fit outs and refurbishments, we ensure that all the products we use fully comply with the DDA. Komfort's new Vision Aid for Doors is a simple but effective product that offers a contrast against most door edge finishes".

The DDA applies to businesses and to providers of services to the public where access to their building is impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people. The Act outlines the duties placed on those providing goods, facilities or services to the public and those selling, letting or managing premises. The onus is placed directly on owners and managers of public buildings and private offices to make access provision for the disabled.

Established in 1976, Spaceway is recognised as one of the UK's leading providers of integrated interior space solutions for private sector businesses and public organisations. Located in Hampshire but serving customers across the South and Midlands, the company provides an integrated approach to space solutions that includes mezzanine floors, partitioning, suspended ceilings, storage systems, special structures as well as furniture and small parts storage.

Spaceway expands its fleet of service vehicles

Spaceway expands fleet of service vehicles

Romsey based Spaceway South, one of the UK's leading providers of integrated interior space solutions, has expanded its fleet of service vehicles following the purchase of two new vans from Hendy Ford in Chandlers Ford. The new, short wheelbase Ford Transits, one with a raised roof, have been sign written in Spaceway South's distinctive livery by Andean Signs in Swanwick. The vans have been acquired on a three-year lease, through the Bank of Scotland, to accommodate Spaceway South's expanding customer base, which includes public sector business and private organisations.

The vans have been fitted out to carry tools and equipment for one-site installations. One van will be utilised by Spaceway's specialist team involved in installing mezzanine floors, racking and shelving systems and the other for its team fitting partitioning and suspended ceilings.

Commenting, Malcolm Jeary, Managing Director of Spaceway South said: "Having an up to date fleet of service vehicles is not only important for reliability but also for our image. The new trucks are an excellent advert for the company as they travel around".

Spaceway South has been at the forefront of delivering integrated interior space solutions since Managing Director, Malcolm Jeary, established the company in 1976. Comprising of Spaceway South and SAC, the company offers its customers a total service that incorporates project management, design, office interiors, storage & racking, partitioning, mezzanine floors and consumables.

Spaceway tackles cleanroom partitioning with Komfort's new versatile and unique CX System

Precision CX is specifically manufactured for industrial cleanrooms and medical environments.

Romsey based Spaceway South one of the UK's leading providers of integrated interior space solutions has launched Precision CX, a totally flexible and unique bi-panel partition system manufactured specifically for industrial cleanrooms and medical environments. Produced by leading partition manufacturer, Komfort, Precision CX combines ease of installation with the provision of a state-of-the-art anti-microbial coating protection system that increases the level of defence against bacteria and other micro organisms.

Being fully demountable and relocatable CX allows the replacement and reconfiguration of panels to take place quickly and easily without affecting adjacent panels. Factory produced steel panels come with pre-bonded Sterivin vinyl and plasterboard reducing installation time, allowing faster occupation of critical areas and ultimately reducing cost. Sterivin has been produced exclusively for use in Komfort Cleanrooms.

The Precision CX system is designed to help maintain a clean environment by designing out dust ledges and sites for microbial and other contamination through the use of proprietary dry gaskets. A unique head extrusion allows the fitting of formed or flat coving dependent on location and specification. An adjustable recessed levelling base detail enables the vinyl flooring to be coved up the plinth, providing a flush interface between floor and wall and around glazed units.

Special pre-formed junctions can be utilised to further quicken on-site construction. Alternatively, cut-panel intersections negate the need for accurate surveys, when used in conjunction with the patented coving detail. The design of the central steel stud allows the void depth to be increased up to 600mm. This enables the partition to carry and conceal services such as electrics, gas, air-handling ducting, water and data cabling, all critical requirements in a cleanroom environment.

The environmental pre-finished metal surfaces of the Precision CX system are produced using a specially formulated product for controlled environmental surfaces, called CES400. Manufactured by Corus, the pre-finished steel can be treated with Corus AssureÔ technology, a specially formulated coating with MicrobanÒ anti-microbial protection that targets harmful organisms on the environmental surface and helps reduce the risk of microbial cross-contamination. Bacteria that land on the surface either from environmental or cross-contamination routes will be prevented from growing and will die.

The pharmaceutical, biological, medical device and micro-electronic industries demand the highest standards of cleanliness in controlled environments. In addition, increasing public awareness of hospital-acquired infections has put the spotlight on healthcare professionals. Komfort, Corus and Spaceway have combined their expertise to help deliver state-of-the-art partitioning system that addresses the needs of hygiene critical industries and healthcare professionals.

Spaceway offers a clear view on heating

SGG Termovit Elegance glass radiator range

Radiators are rarely a beautiful sight, but now thanks to the launch of the award winning SGG Termovit Elegance glass radiator range from Spaceway South, they can be as impressive as the other trappings of an inspiring modern office. Far cheaper to purchase than conventional gas or oil-based central heating, the glass radiators incur no maintenance costs, as the radiator itself has no working parts.

A hundred percent energy efficient, the radiators have no visible heating elements, no transformer and provide a heat output of 1000w/m2. As the radiators are operated mainly with radiant heat, the glass radiators create minimal air turbulence, thereby dispensing considerably less dust around rooms compared to conventional heating systems.

Available in two unique designs, either clear or with an elegant screen-printed motif, the glass radiators can be permanently mounted to either the floor or wall using cylindrical stainless steel fittings. Alternatively, robust stainless steel feet allow easy and flexible use as an upright, which can be moved from one part of the room to another.

A remote control thermostat with an average range of 20 metres is capable of controlling any number of radiators. This enables the creation of different radiator groupings within an office, assuring ideal heat distribution. All thermostats are radio noise suppressed so that two or more thermostats do not interfere.

Using an operating voltage of 220/230V, the glass radiators are built using 2x6mm laminated safety, splash proof glass. Eradicating unsightly heaters and radiators, the slim design uses less physical space than conventional heaters and their total transparency makes a room appear larger.

Easy and quick to install, no walls need to be opened and no pipes laid, all that is needed is an electrical socket and the remote-control thermostat to regulate the ambient temperature to the desired level. When decorating, the radiators are simply removed from their fittings so that walls can be easily painted behind.

CE/TUV GS certified the SGG Termovit Elegance glass radiators have been awarded the IF Design Gold Award and the Red Dot Design Award. A timelessly elegant glass radiator offering superior heating property the SGG Termovit Elegance is one of the most innovative and best designed heating systems in the world.

Expanding Spaceway enhances its project management team with two new appointments

Expanding Spaceway enhances its project management team with two new appointments

Romsey based Spaceway South, one of the UK's leading providers of integrated interior space solutions, has made two new appointments to strengthen its project management team. James Wylde, previously a Technical Draughtsman with Spaceway, has been promoted to Estimator, and James Warner takes over the role of Project Co-ordinator from his previous position as Estimator.

James Warner has extensive experience in project engineering having worked as a Contracts Manager with a commercial soft furnishings company prior to joining Spaceway in 2003. His new role will require him to manage Spaceway's many fit-outs by co-ordinating the different elements needed to ensure the successful completion of a project including cost management, ordering plant and materials, organising a programme of activity and arranging a debriefing meeting to analyse the finished project.

Prior to joining Spaceway in 1999, James Wylde was a Draughtsman for a mezzanine and interiors company. As Estimator, he will be responsible for translating drawings into estimates, which will involve him carrying out day-to-day liaison with Spaceway's sales team and negotiating prices with suppliers.

Commenting on the new appointments, Managing Director, Malcolm Jeary says: "These promotions reflect our determination to offer top quality service and prices to all our customers as well as providing them with seamless project management from the beginning to the conclusion of each and every assignment".

Established in 1976, Spaceway is recognised as one of the UK's leading providers of integrated interior space solutions for private sector businesses and public organisations. Located in Hampshire but serving customers across the South and Midlands, the company provides an integrated approach to space solutions that includes mezzanine floors, partitioning, suspended ceilings, storage systems, special structures as well as furniture and small parts storage.

Spaceway's designs beefs up Precor's headquarters

Spaceway's designs beefs up Precor's headquarters

When fitness equipment company, Precor Products, needed to expand its UK headquarters following the purchase of the company by the AMA Corporation, Precor Products turned to Spaceway South to reconfigure its existing head office to provide it with an additional office space. A continuation of a long-term relationship that began in 2003, Spaceway South has provided Precor Products with 200 square metres of extra offices.

Precor Products is a fast expanding company that supplies complete fitness packages to private gyms, leisure centres, hotels, education establishments, corporations and the MOD. In late 2003 the company was acquired by the AMA Corporation, a European competitor that has invested in Precor's site at Finchampstead to help centralise the Group's operation.

Having already successfully carried out a major project for Precor Products in 2002, Company Secretary, Gill Scrutton, had no hesitation in asking Spaceway South to draw up designs for expansion.

"Spaceway had managed the redesign of our building so well in 2002 that we had no hesitation in choosing them again for the new development", says Gill Scrutton.

"The company always gives attention to detail and comes up with helpful suggestions. In addition they employ excellent staff who know exactly what they have to do and are always courteous".

Spaceway South submitted designs to Precor Products, that provided them with the additional space required by installing a FlooriTallÔ mezzanine floor, moving existing partitioning, fitting new Komfort Kameo partitioning and suspended ceilings. Finally, Spaceway installed all electrics, lighting, floor covering and air conditioning.

Originally established in Seattle, USA in 1980, Precor Products first opened in the UK in 1993. The company retails a wide range of gym equipment including elliptical fitness cross-trainers, treadmills, cycles, climbers, stretch trains and strength training systems. Its world leading brands of Wilson, Atomic, Suunto and Precor are supplied to both domestic and commercial customers through its dealership network.

Established in 1976, Spaceway is recognised as one of the UK's leading providers of integrated interior space solutions for private sector businesses and public organisations. Located in Hampshire but serving customers across the South and Midlands, the company provides an integrated approach to space solutions that includes mezzanine floors, partitioning, suspended ceilings, storage systems, special structures as well as furniture and small parts storage.

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