Pro Installer April 2015 - Issue 25 | Page 40

40 APRIL 2015 PRO INSTALLER PRO MOTORING www.proinstaller.co.uk The Greenest gets Greener As part of its ongoing commitment to making its innovative Inliten windows and doors the greenest and most sustainable products on the market, Camden has recently taken delivery of a number of new Volvo FH trucks from fleet partner, Dennison Commercials. Multibillion-pound Northern transport ‘revolution’ Trains and roads in the north of England are set for a radical overhaul as part of multibillion-pound government plans to improve transport in the region. Ministers say the investments will help to create a northern economic powerhouse, with cities able to pool their resources to create jobs and strengthen growth. They are to outline the plans in a Northern Transport Strategy report to be published on Friday in conjunction with Transport for the North following research into rail-improvement options by Network Rail. Chancellor George Osborne said: “Connecting up the great cities of the north is at the heart of our plan to build a Northern Powerhouse. This report has the potential to revolutionise transport in the north and we will work closely with TfN to help make it a reality.” Journey times slashed It is hoped the plans will lower journey times and make fares simpler, while helping drivers by reducing congestion on motorways. Building on the concept of HS3, the plans could see 140mph trains reduce Liverpool to Manchester travelling times to around 20 minutes at a cost of £13 billion. Further proposals aim to cut journey times between Sheffield and Manchester from the current 48 minutes to 27 minutes and could add up to around £19 billion. Meanwhile, fares will be revised to make them more straightforward and an Oyster-style smart travel card could be introduced. Road-widening schemes On the roads, connections between east and west may be transformed by a tunnel under the Peak District, while a Hybrid Bill planned for the next Parliament will include schemes to widen the M1, M6 and M62. Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “No government has given such attention to the infrastructure of our great northern cities and how to deliver a world- class, integrated transport network for the north. The proposals announced today will reduce journey times while increasing capacity and connectivity, enabling growth. “Creating a Northern Powerhouse of jobs, investment and prosperity, is a key objective of the Government’s long-term economic plan. We are planning for transport and growth in a new joined-up way. Today we set out a comprehensive strategy for the northern economy which will help the north pool its strengths. TfN gives the north a powerful new voice.” Source: www.citb.co.uk “Volvo is the perfect fit for us,” says Stephen Clements, Camden’s Transport Manager. “It’s an innovative company, constantly looking to keep ahead of the competition; they’re market leaders; they’re committed to the highest levels of quality; and they’ve a great record in environmental sustainability – an ethos and set of values that reflect everything we do at Camden.” “We had the FH’s on trial, and during that time the performance of both the trucks and Dennisons was outstanding,” adds Brian. “From a reliability perspective, the trucks were excellent; we didn’t lose a single day’s productivity from reliability issues. But the big bonus for us is the fuel efficiency coupled with a huge reduction in our CO2 emissions.” “Last year, we delivered over 750,000 window and door units to trade customers the length and breadth of Britain, from Inverness to Penzance. This year, that figure will be over one million units. With a five day turnaround promise, fleet reliability is huge to us, and our customers put their confidence in us to deliver on time, every time.” ‘end to end sustainability cycle’ “The new trucks are liveried in Camden’s striking green and black colour scheme – a colour scheme which reflects our total commitment to sustainability. Thanks to our unique in-house recycling and co-extrusion capabilities, the market leading Inliten window and door range boasts an 80% recycled content, whilst still maintaining a 100% virgin skin. That end to end sustainability cycle is something that nobody else can offer, and saves up to 100 tonnes of waste from going to landfill every week! The new trucks will add even further to that environmental commitment.” Pick up the PRO Installer, FREE, from one of over 600 trade counters.