Road pollution is a major concern for many people and councils across the country have implemented measures to try and reduce harmful emissions such as traffic calming, car sharing, congestion charging schemes and in some cases, areas prohibiting all traffic.
However, a far simpler way to reduce the pollution from road vehicles would be to switch to Liquid Petroleum Gas, or LPG, as Autogas’ Emma Bartle explains: “Motorists can rest assured that going green is made easy with LPG. It represents a realistic alternative to petrol and diesel, with more than 14.6 million vehicles worldwide making the most of its environmental and financial benefits.
“In the UK the popularity of LPG is increasing as motorists look to help the environment and reduce their carbon emissions. However, the environmental impact from road vehicles is far deeper than just CO2; vehicles running on LPG do produce far less carbon dioxide, but they also emit far fewer of the other harmful emissions such as oxides of nitrogen and microscopic particles, known as PM10s, which are found in diesel and petrol and have a damaging effect on the environment(1).”
By choosing to run an LPG-powered vehicle, as well as helping the environment, motorists can reap the benefits of using a cost-effective fuel by enjoying spending on average 40% less on fuel. And in most cases, the cost of conversion can be recovered in less than two years(2).
In addition, motorists in and around London can also apply for exemption from the congestion charge and all LPG vehicle owners can anticipate increased residual vehicle values.
There are now more than 1,400 public access LPG refuelling sites with the majority of these on petrol forecourts. Autogas Limited, a joint venture between Calor and Shell, currently supplies around 220 outlets in the UK. A full list can be found at www.autogas.ltd.uk.
- Ends -
Notes to editors
Follow AutogasLPG on Twitter
(1) Vehicles running on LPG produce 17 per cent less carbon dioxide than petrol and 2 per cent less than diesel, but also 120 per cent less oxides of nitrogen than petrol and a staggering 2,000 per cent less than diesel, and up to 120 times less small particle (PM10) emissions than diesel vehicles.
(2) Converting a vehicle to run on LPG can be done quickly and easily by an approved converter and costs around £1,800. Based on current fuel prices and an annual mileage of 20,000 miles it would take around 22 months to recoup this initial cost. (Payback period equates to 22.03 months based on official combined consumption figures published on www.renault.co.uk for 2.0 16V Laguna Sport Tourer assuming a 20% reduction for LPG. National average fuel prices taken from www.fleetnews.co.uk.) In order to calculate potential fuel savings, Autogas has made a savings calculator available on its web site: www.autogas.ltd.uk.
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
BUSINESS BOOM MEANS RETAILER ON THE MOVE
A well-known west London retailer is on the move after outgrowing its current home.
After 40 successful years based on Kings Street, Chiswick Volkswagen, is relocating to a new site at Gillette Corner on Great West Road, with the refit costing approximately £400,000 to complete.
As part of the relocation the retailer is looking to employ up to ten new staff and change its name to West London Volkswagen, reflecting the area it will occupy.
Chiswick’s and soon to be West London’s brand manager, Shaun Kirby said: “It is a very exciting time for everyone associated with the business.
“The new larger premise represents a huge investment in local people and provides a stable working environment for employees.
“We will be relocating in stages, with the full move complete by March.”
The 1300m², new site is twice the size of the old Chiswick site and initially will house four highly trained technicians. This is expected to grow to ten when the centre is fully up and running, with new jobs likely to be created.
Shaun added: “One of the most exciting changes about the move is the Gillette Corner site will offer the area a fully integrated state-of-the-art Volkswagen approved service and parts centre. Later on in the year the centre will also be able to offer MOTs to customers.
“The new showroom has a contemporary feel, allowing customers to view the full range of Volkswagen passenger vehicles in a friendly and relaxed environment.
“Customers will also have the option to browse over 35 used cars outside, whilst being protected from the weather by overhead canopies.
“I’m looking forward to seeing customers old and new at the new premises and hope to offer many years of good quality service as we did at our old home.”
The move will be finalised with a VIP event, which is scheduled for March.
Visit the new West London site from Monday 8th February on Great West Road, Brentford or telephone 020 8996 5380 to book an appointment.
After 40 successful years based on Kings Street, Chiswick Volkswagen, is relocating to a new site at Gillette Corner on Great West Road, with the refit costing approximately £400,000 to complete.
As part of the relocation the retailer is looking to employ up to ten new staff and change its name to West London Volkswagen, reflecting the area it will occupy.
Chiswick’s and soon to be West London’s brand manager, Shaun Kirby said: “It is a very exciting time for everyone associated with the business.
“The new larger premise represents a huge investment in local people and provides a stable working environment for employees.
“We will be relocating in stages, with the full move complete by March.”
The 1300m², new site is twice the size of the old Chiswick site and initially will house four highly trained technicians. This is expected to grow to ten when the centre is fully up and running, with new jobs likely to be created.
Shaun added: “One of the most exciting changes about the move is the Gillette Corner site will offer the area a fully integrated state-of-the-art Volkswagen approved service and parts centre. Later on in the year the centre will also be able to offer MOTs to customers.
“The new showroom has a contemporary feel, allowing customers to view the full range of Volkswagen passenger vehicles in a friendly and relaxed environment.
“Customers will also have the option to browse over 35 used cars outside, whilst being protected from the weather by overhead canopies.
“I’m looking forward to seeing customers old and new at the new premises and hope to offer many years of good quality service as we did at our old home.”
The move will be finalised with a VIP event, which is scheduled for March.
Visit the new West London site from Monday 8th February on Great West Road, Brentford or telephone 020 8996 5380 to book an appointment.
Friday, 5 February 2010
HiQ dealing with a battery of breakdowns
The HiQ fast fit network is promising to provide some care and attention to motorists’ car batteries, after reporting a surge in sales during the freezing start to 2010.
For the month of January alone, the network dealt with 36 per cent more flat battery breakdowns than December 2009, and 32 per cent more than January 2009.
The HiQ network believes that January has been the busiest in its history in relation to battery related problems, as scores of motorists call in for emergency help.
And now, in an attempt to help drivers stay away from a trip to the forecourt in future, HiQ is offering some tips to prolong the life of their car batteries.
Participating centres will also offer free checks, complete with a clean and greasing of terminals.
HiQ’s marketing manager Geraldine McGovern said: “Battery malfunctions are very common, particularly during the cold weather that we have been experiencing.
“We would encourage motorists to avoid keeping car lights and headlights on for a long time when not necessary. Also, if they turn off the air conditioning system when not needed, the battery will not be weakened as much.
“We would like to offer free battery checks, because a build-up of rust and corrosion can lead to problems in start-ups as a result of a loss of electrical contact. We can check this.
“If any powdery layers can be seen forming around the battery terminals, then action should be taken.”
HiQ is attempting to position itself as the fast fit network of trust and recently celebrated its first anniversary as a fully franchised network.
By the end of 2010, the network will attempt to grow to 185 centres, all of which boasting new, award winning corporate identity.
For more information about HiQ and its attempts to become the fast fit network of trust, click on http://www.hiqonline.co.uk/
For the month of January alone, the network dealt with 36 per cent more flat battery breakdowns than December 2009, and 32 per cent more than January 2009.
The HiQ network believes that January has been the busiest in its history in relation to battery related problems, as scores of motorists call in for emergency help.
And now, in an attempt to help drivers stay away from a trip to the forecourt in future, HiQ is offering some tips to prolong the life of their car batteries.
Participating centres will also offer free checks, complete with a clean and greasing of terminals.
HiQ’s marketing manager Geraldine McGovern said: “Battery malfunctions are very common, particularly during the cold weather that we have been experiencing.
“We would encourage motorists to avoid keeping car lights and headlights on for a long time when not necessary. Also, if they turn off the air conditioning system when not needed, the battery will not be weakened as much.
“We would like to offer free battery checks, because a build-up of rust and corrosion can lead to problems in start-ups as a result of a loss of electrical contact. We can check this.
“If any powdery layers can be seen forming around the battery terminals, then action should be taken.”
HiQ is attempting to position itself as the fast fit network of trust and recently celebrated its first anniversary as a fully franchised network.
By the end of 2010, the network will attempt to grow to 185 centres, all of which boasting new, award winning corporate identity.
For more information about HiQ and its attempts to become the fast fit network of trust, click on http://www.hiqonline.co.uk/
Thursday, 4 February 2010
Act now - CGT rates can only rise says tax specialist
Leading Black Country law firm Higgs & Sons is urging shareholders in private companies to take advantage of current low Capital Gains Tax rates, ahead of anticipated rises.
With CGT rates as low as 10-18 per cent, now is the perfect time to seriously consider succession planning, according to Susheel Gupta, partner at Higgs & Sons.
Susheel said: “We have already seen income attacked with the new 50 per cent rate, which comes into force in April, and further increases are already announced for April 2011.
“The budget deficit is expected to exceed £170 billion. We can expect more tax rises in the pre-election budget due this March and, almost certainly, significant tax rises in a post election budget. Accordingly, the relatively low capital gains tax rates currently enjoyed are an easy target for the Chancellor.”
Susheel suggests where shareholders have a succession route already in mind, be it to other family members or to a management team, they must ask how long will CGT rates stay as they are.
He adds: “Where the price is right we can structure the deal to crystallise clients’ capital gains tax liability at the current low rates. In six months time it may be too late.”
Similarly, other simple tax planning measures should be taken to mitigate their tax exposure, advises Susheel. “Business owners are facing a double whammy where turnover is down but tax rates up, but there are simple measures they can take to help them through this situation.”
Ways to minimise tax exposure include:
· Ensuring the correct business structure is in place to maximise effective tax rates at business, shareholder and employee level
· Accelerating income payments, dividends and/or bonus payments to fall before 6 April 2010 (i.e. whilst the top rate of income tax remains at 40 per cent)
· Where possible, dividing share ownership between family members or other business entities to maximise tax reliefs that may be available
· Keeping key staff incentivised through the use of tax efficient share schemes while cash flow is tight.
Susheel emphasises how tax planning in the current climate has never been more important, with a number of measures available to businesses to save money. Companies wanting to find out more can contact Susheel Gupta at Higgs & Sons on 01384 342 100.
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
WATCH YOUR SCREEN WASH LEVELS
A Greater Manchester van centre has issued a safety warning to motorists following the recent ‘Big Freeze’.
The region’s official Volkswagen’s Van Centre has been inundated with motorists whose windscreen washer pumps and jets have failed during the cold weather, because they haven’t had the correct additives in their washer bottles; leading to many being unable to see safely through the windscreen.
In 2009 the centre fixed just six pumps or jets that had either stopped working or had blown a fuse, but in the first three weeks of 2010 over 25 have been repaired or fitted with a new fuse.
“The prolonged cold weather had led to an astonishing number of drivers experiencing pumps or washer jets freezing and either breaking or the fuse blowing,” said Jim Hobson, general manager, Volkswagen Van Centre Manchester.
“This can lead to windscreens becoming almost impossible to see through and an obvious safety hazard for motorists.
“To alleviate future problems in freezing conditions, motorists simply need to ensure the washer bottle is filled with a mixture of water and the correct additives.
“This should ensure the pump, pipes and jets work whatever the temperature, giving a safe clear screen for drivers to see through.”
With further cold weather forecast Jim is advising all motorists check their washer bottles are filled with correct levels of water and additives.
He added: “Any van drivers unsure about the correct levels can call into the Volkswagen Van Centre and one of our trained service advisors will help.”
For more information simply go to www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/van-centres/manchester/
The region’s official Volkswagen’s Van Centre has been inundated with motorists whose windscreen washer pumps and jets have failed during the cold weather, because they haven’t had the correct additives in their washer bottles; leading to many being unable to see safely through the windscreen.
In 2009 the centre fixed just six pumps or jets that had either stopped working or had blown a fuse, but in the first three weeks of 2010 over 25 have been repaired or fitted with a new fuse.
“The prolonged cold weather had led to an astonishing number of drivers experiencing pumps or washer jets freezing and either breaking or the fuse blowing,” said Jim Hobson, general manager, Volkswagen Van Centre Manchester.
“This can lead to windscreens becoming almost impossible to see through and an obvious safety hazard for motorists.
“To alleviate future problems in freezing conditions, motorists simply need to ensure the washer bottle is filled with a mixture of water and the correct additives.
“This should ensure the pump, pipes and jets work whatever the temperature, giving a safe clear screen for drivers to see through.”
With further cold weather forecast Jim is advising all motorists check their washer bottles are filled with correct levels of water and additives.
He added: “Any van drivers unsure about the correct levels can call into the Volkswagen Van Centre and one of our trained service advisors will help.”
For more information simply go to www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/van-centres/manchester/
Monday, 1 February 2010
AMTICO INTERNATIONAL HITS THE DANCE FLOOR
Nightclub and bar operator, Brook Leisure, has substituted its traditional wood flooring in favour for vinyl in a move to improve the venues longevity without sacrificing its stylish interiors.
The Barnsley based chain, which manages over 20 bars and clubs across the region, turned to Amtico International for its latest refurbishment projects.
The late night operator provides revellers with Cuban themed bars based on the street parties of Havana, aptly named Che Bar after the legendary Che Guevara. Its CoCo nightclubs, with capacities of up to 1,200, offers a more sophisticated and stylish environment for clubbers.
Durability, low maintenance and cost were key factors in the decision to switch from its traditional wooden flooring as Brook Leisure’s Design Manager, Glyn Dyer, explains.
He said: “Our venues have to withstand a high footfall and therefore we operate an approximate seven year refurbishment programme for each of the sites to ensure the standards are maintained.
“Previously we have used real timber to create the desired warm look but the wear and tear is really not good. Spillages and heeled shoes result in the floor looking scratched and dull with warping and black marks emerging from areas not able to dry out well enough. An annoyance for the cleaners, club managers and ultimately the company’s reputation.
“The Spacia range from Amtico International was very comprehensive, its extensive wood range captures the characteristics of natural wood but unlike the real thing doesn’t dent, fade or warp over time creating a spectacular finish night after night.”
The unique multi performance system delivers unrivalled durability and unbeatable appearance retention. Its urethane surface provides a toughened and scuff resistance surface while its performance layers are impregnated with ceramic for improved slip resistance, all crucial for the leisure industry.
The warm tones of Antique Oak, Walnut Chocolate and Ebony Wood clearly define the separate areas of the club, “The Spacia range inspired us to be more creative than before, creating a stunning appearance which we then enhanced with lighting.” added Glyn.
The sparkling metallic effect of Urban Metal Frost from the Amtico collection was chosen for the dance floors in the CoCo venues. Strategically positioned lights created an impressive reflective effect for dancers.
Approximately 1500 square meters of Amtico flooring was used across the three clubs in Bradford, Barnsley and Blackpool. “We aim to complete our refurbishments within six to eight weeks as a closed club is not good for business. The speed of installation over our previous timber flooring enforced our decision to choose Amtico.
“We worked with Amtico installers AAG Investments Ltd for the Barnsley and Blackpool sites and Contract Floors UK Ltd in Bradford. Both companies were recommended by Amtico International, their swift installation comfortably fitted into our schedule and we couldn’t fault their craftsmanship or service.”
Each venue has seen a reduction in its maintenance costs. “The flooring not only looks good but is easy to maintain. Cleaning is faster and simple and unlike natural floors we don’t have to sand or re-varnish to revive its beauty. The floor is looking just as good today as the day it was installed.”
“Our first experience with Amtico International has been very positive and we would certainty consider using their products again for our future refurbishments. Their extensive portfolio of flooring has inspired us to develop even more stunning new looks.”
Sian Lewis, UK Marketing Manager at Amtico International, said: “We are delighted to be working with Brook Leisure. Our versatile range has the highest levels of durability and performance making it ideal for the hospitality and leisure industry.”
Amtico International has 40 years’ experience in designing, engineering and manufacturing some of the most innovative and resilient flooring products in the world. The company delivers flooring solutions to industry and business as well as domestic environments.
For further information, please contact Sue Foster on 01902 714957 or email suefoster@connect-group.com.
For further information, please contact Sue Foster on 01902 714957 or email suefoster@connect-group.com.
MOTABILITY DRIVERS PRAISE VOLKSWAGEN ADVISOR
An aftersales specialist from Belfast Volkswagen has been recognised by the nation’s Motability drivers for her outstanding customer service.
Alison Apsley, from Isaac Agnew Volkswagen, was awarded the prestigious title of Northern Ireland’s Motability Aftersales Specialist, following a public vote from drivers of motability cars.
Having joined the Boucher Road retailer 11 years ago as a warranty and service administrator, Alison has dedicated the past five years to motability, helping to make customers’ motoring experiences more enjoyable and hassle-free.
The annual Motability Supplier Awards organised by The Motability Scheme recognises the very best individuals and dealerships across the UK.
The Motability scheme – run by not-for-profit organisation Motability – enables disabled people to use the government motability allowance to buy a new car at an affordable price, as well as have any necessary adaptations made.
Speaking of her delight at receiving the award, Alison said: “It was a lovely surprise to receive this award and a real honour to know that customers have voted for me”
Brian Robinson, Isaac Agnew’s managing director added: “ With over 6,000 motability customers Alison does a first-class job ensuring all their servicing and aftercare needs are met.
“Alison’s award is testament to her hard work and dedication and we are very pleased to have her as part of our team.”
For more information on the Motability service at Isaac Agnew please call 028 9023 4477.
Picture caption: Alison Apsley presents her award.
For more information contact Sue Foster on 01902 714 957 or suefoster@connect-group.com
Alison Apsley, from Isaac Agnew Volkswagen, was awarded the prestigious title of Northern Ireland’s Motability Aftersales Specialist, following a public vote from drivers of motability cars.
Having joined the Boucher Road retailer 11 years ago as a warranty and service administrator, Alison has dedicated the past five years to motability, helping to make customers’ motoring experiences more enjoyable and hassle-free.
The annual Motability Supplier Awards organised by The Motability Scheme recognises the very best individuals and dealerships across the UK.
The Motability scheme – run by not-for-profit organisation Motability – enables disabled people to use the government motability allowance to buy a new car at an affordable price, as well as have any necessary adaptations made.
Speaking of her delight at receiving the award, Alison said: “It was a lovely surprise to receive this award and a real honour to know that customers have voted for me”
Brian Robinson, Isaac Agnew’s managing director added: “ With over 6,000 motability customers Alison does a first-class job ensuring all their servicing and aftercare needs are met.
“Alison’s award is testament to her hard work and dedication and we are very pleased to have her as part of our team.”
For more information on the Motability service at Isaac Agnew please call 028 9023 4477.
Picture caption: Alison Apsley presents her award.
For more information contact Sue Foster on 01902 714 957 or suefoster@connect-group.com
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