January
A-Strip Environmental Awarded 3 Year License.
A-Strip Environmental is pleased to announce the awarding of a renewal of a three-year full asbestos licence from the HSE to undertake work with asbestos. The award of the prestigious three-year licence, rather than the more cautious permissioning of a one year license, will help A-Strip Environmental to stand out as a beacon of quality in a crowded marketplace, and will enable the company to plan effectively for its long-term future improvement and expansion. Senior Partner Mr Chris Hoggarth stated that the granting of permission to continue his business plan was a "great boost for the company and all its employees, building upon previous licence permissioning awards in 2006 and 2007", and that where future expansion into new markets is concerned, "asbestos was always the key that would open the door". Mr Hoggarth also expressed his gratitude to those who have contributed to the company's success to date.
A key reason for the three-year licence being awarded was the electronic infrastructure put in place by our ICT Manager Sean Robinson. The HSE inspector was particularly impressed with the proprietary SnapShot Asbestos Management (S.A.M.) System, which allows for easy electronic inputting, editing, archiving and searching of documents. The HSE seemed pleased with the progress A-Strip Environmental has made with regard to the adoption, integration and development of this new technology within the organisation, with sophisticated systems in place that enhance our ability to deliver quality services far beyond our client's expectations".
Another reason for the company being on such a sound footing on which to face the future is the financial stewardship of Eric Miller, whose accounting skills and leadership qualities have provided the framework within which the company's employees can operate. Eric's drive and determination are qualities the company would be much the worse off without. Eric described the two years he has been involved with A-Strip as "a challenge I will remember forever" without his contribution, the company would not be in such a strong position as it is in today.
-Edited by: "Stephen Howse"
February
New home for North East asbestos firm.
A-Strip Environmental is continuing to evolve and develop as they celebrate their 5th anniversary with a move to a new office. Positive continued growth and success with securing contracts for 2 and 3 years respectively with government bodies will assist them in delivering above their turnover target of £1.5million. The successful asbestos removal firm has now completed the installation and setup of infrastructure within its new facilities and has achieved the best start to any year of trading so far in its history. The company is now established at Point Pleasant Industrial Estate where they believe they can continue to grow and fulfill their ambitions.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for us as now we have the means to build on all of the hard work we've already done establishing A-Strip Environmental at the forefront of asbestos removal" said Senior Partner Chris Hoggarth, "As a result of careful planning and management, we can further realise our ambitions and continue to evolve as a company".
The move to the new office represents the latest in a string of changes and innovations for the company. The premises have been undergoing transformation with regards to installation of a structured cabling system and purchase and configuration of fault resistant IT server technology. Continued bespoke development of the SnapShot Asbestos Management system – an online asbestos management tool for use in the industry – has played a significant role in allowing the continued growth and expansion of their operations and facilities.
Founded in 2006, A-Strip now employs 30 people and has had great success both in the private and public sector working on large and small projects. This unique blend of expert asbestos removal and management combined with trailblazing IT solutions has made A-Strip Environmental a force to be reckoned with.
Chris Hoggarth, A-Strip (left) and Peter Bould, Lloyds TSB (right), after agreeing financial backing.
-Edited by: "Jamie Mercer"
March
Taking Stock of the Situation.
A-Strip is pleased to announce the implementation of a brand new stock-taking protocol, brought about thanks to the hard work of Cameron Elkin and Rob Stitt.
The pair have spent the last fortnight organizing the tools and equipment into clear sectors making the process of finding items more efficient therefore allowing the asbestos operatives to prepare for jobs with greater ease.
"It's been a lot of hard work. A lot of blood, sweat and tears are in that stock room" said Rob, who joined A-Strip two weeks ago to manage the stock room, "But I think in the end it's going to be worth it because now everything is easier to find, the stock is linked in with our bespoke software and we've got some plans in place for the future".
"Eventually, we want to get more hi-tech" added IT specialist Cameron, "We want to implement RFID [radio frequency identification] technology allowing us to gather information electronically and we will have the stock room office set up very soon too."
This is just one of the many developments that continue behind the scenes that put A-Strip Environmental ahead of the competition.
(Above) A-Strip Environmental Store House.
April
School's Out for Asbestos
A-Strip Environmental is making efforts to have asbestos removed from every school in the North East of England.
This month, schools in the area are being contacted about their asbestos situation and A-Strip is offering their services – including a free consultancy.
"Asbestos can seem like a daunting and challenging problem to deal with" said Chris Hoggarth, senior partner at A-Strip, "But it doesn't have to be.
"This is about making schools a safe environment for both staff and pupils by effectively managing the asbestos and removing it if necessary."
Photo by Brian Lane Winfield MooreThere has been increasing pressure from the National Union of Teachers as well as from law firms such as Irwin Mitchell, based in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Roger Maddocks, a specialist in industrial disease and senior partner with Irwin Mitchell said: "People need to remember that it is not just industrial workers that may be affected – we have already seen a number of cases in which asbestos has affected teachers and nurses.
"The Government and official bodies have known about the risks for many years and yet nothing has been done to rid our schools of this deadly substance. This needs to change."
Approximately 4,000 Britons die each year from asbestos related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma and figures show that cases of mesothelioma are on the rise.
"There has been a big increase in the number of teachers dying from asbestos-related cancer" Said Ian Grayson, the Tyne and Wear NUT national executive member. Once you are exposed to asbestos, you may not notice the effects it has until 30-40 years after initial contact.
For a free copy of our Asbestos in Schools brochure, please use the contacts page.
Edited by: "Jamie Mercer"
