Clearview South December 2013 - Issue 145 | Page 76

BUSINESSNEWS CONCERNED OVER REPORTS OF MISAPPLICATION OF GLASS SURFACE TREATMENTS The Glass and Glazing Federation was concerned to hear of a potential health risk in the application of glass surface treatments (protective coatings) in UK factories. The issue has been raised by GGF Members, that some factories are not taking the necessary precautions to protect their staff from inhalation of toxic particles when spraying protective coatings onto glass. The GGF will discuss the issue at its next Health and Safety Committee Meeting with a view to determining the dangers of misapplication as well as trying to gauge the scale of the issue and if necessary provide additional guidance to Members and the wider industry. Giles Willson, GGF Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Technical Affairs commented, “The issue has been raised and we understand there have been instances of misapplication of glass surface treatments in the UK and abroad. Having listened to our Members’ concerns we will go through the GGF Health and Safety Committee to establish the potential risks and if any further action or investigation is required.” For further information go to: www.ggf.org.uk HOME BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURS’ JUGGLE-STRUGGLE After surveying its members, iHubbub, Britain’s fastest social networking community for home-business entrepreneurs, found that most people starting up a business struggle with a number of vital requirements for their home office. Generally 35% of the people surveyed said that they worked from their spare bedroom with 17% having their own study. Up to 12% worked in their bedroom, all of which shows a fierce determination to start up their own business. When asked what items they felt are the most important for setting up a home office, desktop PCs won the vote with a whopping 60% compared to home office furniture coming in second with a 7% vote, almost a draw with a desk phone of 6.44%. A big jump between first and second place! Strangely enough, a question comparing the preference of using a desktop PC or laptop showed the latter outbid the former, 220 against 161. Many of those surveyed reported using their family PC ‘just to get going’. Crucially, on the all-important question of Internet connection and communication, home broadband came in at 271 against 259 for personal mobile devices used when starting up a business. Only 25 of the people surveyed actually use business broadband. Exeter Benefits From The Merging Of Its Two Largest Glass & Glazing Suppliers Two reputable glass and glazing suppliers in Exeter have combined forces in providing Exeter with a first class service. Exeter Glass Centre, located at Sowton Industrial Estate, and Mackenzie Glass & Glazing, located at Marsh Barton, have now merged as Exeter & Mackenzie Glass Centres, with Mackenzie joining Exeter Glass Centre in being part of the family run business, Cornwall Glass & Glazing 76 DEC 2013 Group. The merger has widened the service area to Devon and the South of Somerset. The merger strengthens the position of the most comprehensive supply and installation service of glass and glazing products from both Glass Centres in Sowton and Marsh Barton. This will give customers the flexibility and convenience to collect and liaise with the branches from both locations in Exeter, managed by Mark Herbert and both within easy reach of major transport routes including the M5 and A30. With over 30 colleagues in the sales office, estimating, glazing and production along with 10 delivery and glazing vehicles, Exeter & Mackenzie Glass Centres now boasts of the largest glazing operations in the South West. www.exeterglasscentre.co.uk, [email protected], Sowton: 01392 364 364, Marsh Barton: 01392 258 538 To read more, visit www.clearview-uk.com