Edition 15 - Spring 2008

Welcome to the Spring edition of 'Connected' the Charlestown Newsletter. We hope there is something of interest for everyone in the Newsletter.

The web site has been updated with a slight change in format, please feel free to log on and browse www.charles-town.co.uk.  Updates of regulations and health and safety changes have been incorporated as well as revised FAQ’s.

Charlestown Data and Telecom Services
CDTS has been busy installing fibre inter connectors between buildings for a major beverage company as part of a multimillion pound expansion to it existing production and bakery facilities.

Data and telephony projects have been completed for a range of companies including Utilities, Local Government, Financial Institutions and a Housing Trust.

Cooper Electrical Services
CES has been the busiest department by far over the past 3-months.

The 24 apartment, six storey new build in the centre of Bradford has been completed and handed over on time and in budget. The 16 apartment new build in Leeds has also been completed on time and in budget.

The major refurbishment contract for a major distribution company in Cheshire has also been completed. This project included electrical remedials, fire alarm installation and emergency lighting installations.

CES is currently providing electrical services to a major government contractor and a government department as well as design and installation of fire alarms and emergency lighting to an engineering manufacturer.

CES is also contracted to be onsite in early May on a 30 apartment new build in Bradford after designing the electrical, fire alarm, emergency lighting, security alarm and access control elements.

Technical Height Services
THS has been carrying out installation services to both utilities and public service companies. These have included telecontrol, base station and dispatcher installations on towers and buildings.

THS has tendered for the site maintenance of 85 radio sites after completing the initial 5 year contract. THS was successful and has been awarded the contract for another 5 years. This is a major contract for Charlestown Ltd and provides work for the rigging teams during the summer months while enabling the rigging teams to work on various Festive Light Projects throughout the winter months.

Festival Light Services
FLS is looking to win a second major city contract in the north of England. FLS already has a 3 year contract for a large city including outlaying areas.

Longer term contacts provide a solid customer and work base enabling Charlestown Ltd to grow in a planned and structured way.

It is part of the Charlestown Business Plan to carry-out a both installation and maintenance projects across the whole spectrum of Charlestown’s disciplines.

Health & Safety/Personnel
Charlestown Ltd has had its Health and Safety audit and has passed with flying colours.

Sabine is busy at the moment processing all staff details to enable accreditation with the Electro technical register.

Sabine is also in the process of gaining ISO14001 accreditation. Good Luck.

Charlestown has undertaken its annual staff development interviews, which are a useful tool for all parties to air their views and demonstrate commitment. The following courses have been identified and booked for various members of staff, the courses include Tower Climbing, Risk Assessment, Andrews Courses, Manual Handling, Electrical Design, PASMA, First Aid and 17^th Edition Electrical Regulation Update courses.

Planning Permission for the new offices has still not been granted. November 2007 was the expected decision date and even with weekly phone calls to the Bradford Council Planning department no decision date is forthcoming.

The Social Whirl
March has passed and management, staff and guests enjoyed the annual Marie Curie Daffodil Ball at the Cedar Court Bradford. Even the “Emmerdale Table” could not quieten down the Charlestown Crowd!

Our next issue of “Connected” will be out in June; which will be packed with news, views and events.

Richard Lofthouse and Robert Chapman