Radwraps launch new glitter range

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Radwraps

Radwraps have launched its new glitter range of Radwraps radiator covers.

Radwraps covers are magnetic and are proven to be 118% more efficient at reducing heat consumption than their wooden counterparts. Depending on the customer's wishes, they can be used for that sole reason, or they can provide a dual purpose by livening up a room, whether it be blending in with the wallpaper or displaying a striking design, such as a colourful pattern or a photograph.

Now, the new glitter range of Radwraps covers will add even more colour and vibrancy, and the plethora of sparkles will ensure that what was once a regular household item, with one of these covers, can be the most eye-catching feature of any lounge or bedroom. The sparkles and sequin-effects ensure that these covers add some glitz and glamour to a room, whilst also saving energy. They are also available in a range of colours, with pink being a favourite so far.

James Maddocks, director at Radwraps, commented: “Due to huge interest in glitter and massive demand from our customers, we had to develop a glitter range. We went back to the drawing board, and we designed a Radwrap range to sparkle and marvel at the same time, using the highest quality 3D materials coupled with our specially-formulated magnetic sheet, and so we now have the glitter range.”

The new glitter covers add an additional layer to Radwraps' feature set, and continue what has been another very successful year for the Birkdale-based business, which has also entered into the Benelux market and has plans for further future expansion across the continent.

To find out more about the glitter Radwraps covers, or for additional information about the organisation, visit www.radwraps.co.uk.

Radwraps goes Dutch and launches new website for Benelux market

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Radwraps

Radwraps have recently announced the launch of a new Dutch website aimed at the Benelux market.

The company, based in Birkdale on Merseyside, have been keen to expand their business into new international territories for a long time, and after many product tests and strong positive feedback from customers overseas, Radwraps have taken their biggest step yet to accommodate this region with the introduction of the Dutch language-speaking website.

Huge growth for both the business and its product line are planned as a result of this move, which represents the organisation's first dip into the European market. In addition, the site is set to be the first of many as Radwraps begins its march across the whole of Europe.

The website uses the Dutch language, so its primary customer base will be the Netherlands, but the site and the products on offer to this section of the continent will also cover Belgium and Luxembourg, allowing the company to branch out further in the short-term.

Although the team are very excited at this huge milestone in the company's history, directors James and John Maddocks would like to stress that their organisation will remain at its base in Birkdale, using local employment and keeping the central hub of the business in the Liverpool City Region. The announcement of the Dutch website represents an expansion for the business rather than an operational move to the Benelux area.

Radwraps provides a range of radiator covers which can be fitted within seconds and brighten up a room, as well as blending in with wallpaper. They also act as a safe method of preventing burns, as they cover the hot surfaces of the radiator framework.

Having operating for more than three years following many years of further research and development, this news takes Radwraps to a new level, as the business finds itself now entering the European market for the first time, with high customer demand and keen interest from corporate partners already established.

James Maddocks commented on the organisation's big step into Benelux: “Our expansion into the Benelux regions and the Dutch site has been the result of two years of development and research into the market, and finding our ideal partners in this region which has been very successful. We are extremely excited about this new venture and we can’t wait to get going on the first of many European ventures. The future’s bright.”

Sander Ju, one of Radwraps' partners based in the Netherlands, added: “We are extremely excited to bring Radwraps to the Benelux region. Early on, we identified Radwraps to be a fantastic product for our region, and we are thoroughly looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship.”

So, if you are visiting Holland, Belgium or Luxembourg in the near future and you happen to see a striking radiator cover, there's an excellent chance that it has been supplied from Radwraps thanks to its new European expansion!

Check out the new Dutch website for Radwraps at www.radwraps.nl.

You can learn more about the Radwraps products and their benefits by visiting www.radwraps.co.uk.

Huge depth to brand new Active Music Joystick Level 6 Software

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Active Music Joystick

Active Music Joystick have just released their brand new Music Joystick Software Level 6, which has the most in-depth core set of features of any AMJ software to date.

As well as providing the benefits of Levels 1-5, this page of software (which requires either a Thrustmaster or MADCATZ joystick to operate) offers a particularly special product.

Level 6 contains 80 tunes which can be used in conjunction with Kanon singing; they mostly come from the renowned Der Kanon book, which is a Western-European tradition of classical music. The tunes include light-hearted children's favourites such as Row The Boat and Brother John, as well as ancient classical Mozart music and the works of such composers as the famous Italian, Dona Nobis Pacem.

The software also includes .aiff samples for Kanon singing, which are played with traditional instruments such as cello, and which can be formatted by the joystick for normal playback. You have further options than just regular playback or recording back tunes, though: you can modify the playback feature with the option to delay this up to four times, which creates a Kanon effect.

In addition, you can create up to four instrumental delays and four vocal delays during each tune, and if you have eight channels open in the software, you can play eight different sounds at once.

Music Joystick Software Level 6 has microphone connectivity, allowing you to sing along to the tunes and thus create your own audio. This can be modified with a delay up to four times as well, allowing you to create the exact moment when you form Kanon singing, as well as providing you with greater control over your voice, such as enhancing the quality of your vocals and the pitch of your singing.

If you happen to play a tune that you really like and you wish to purchase that song, a simple double-click directs you to buy the song via Windows Media Player or iTunes. This can be done without the use of a joystick, making the process even easier.

Music Joystick Software Level 6 is available for the reduced price of £10.00 at www.forumliverpool.net, and you can also purchase the Thrustmaster and MADCATZ joysticks here for £32.00 each. In addition, Levels 1-5 of the Music Joystick Software can be purchased for £20.00 each.

To find out more about Active Music Joystick or to purchase any of the products, you can get in touch by calling 0151 280 1080 or by emailing fuchsjoystick@forumliverpool.net.

Mark Armstrong

• Copywriting

• Proofreading

• Social media management

"High quality work for an affordable price"

Mark Armstrong provides freelance writing, proofreading and social media management for businesses! Whether it's writing stories, checking your articles or talking to your Twitterati, Mark delivers a high-quality service based around your company’s needs. See how you can get in touch with Mark below!

"Mark possesses excellent skills and has an eye for a good story, and exceeds expectations."

Copywriting and proofreading projects and monthly social media management packages begin from £100.00, with discounts available tailored to your business. To find out more, contact Mark at the details above and he will get back to you!

“I found Mark to be professional in his approach and extremely helpful and understanding to the needs of my business. There was no pressure to purchase and his flexibility in tailoring our contract was outstanding. His skills and knowledge in the field of social media got our approach organised and then on track. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Mark!”

You can get in touch by:

E-mail: markarmstrong.liverpool@googlemail.com
Phone: 07947648191
Tweet: @writebase

You can check out Mark’s writing elsewhere on writebase.blogspot.com, and you can view other examples at the links below!

http://thestudentreview.co.uk/2016/04/how-a-graduate-went-freelance/

https://www.digitalconfig.com/importance-using-professional-web-designer/

Some of Mark's current and previous clients are listed below!

Categories announced and nominations now open for SOTB Charity Awards

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Switch Onto Business

The categories have been officially announced for the upcoming Switch Onto Business Charity Awards.

The Awards will celebrate the entrepreneurial success of start-up businesses in the city of Liverpool, recognising the skills and talents of the future generation of business leaders within the city region. The ceremony will provide a night of glitz and glamour, and the awards themselves will honour those who have made the strongest achievements over the last twelve months.

The categories for nominations are as follows:

Entrepreneur Of The Year Award

This will be awarded to the person who has foreseen opportunities and taken calculated risks. They will be innovative, creative and self-motivated.

International Student In Business Award

Those who are flexible, have the ability to manage and adapt to change, have a positive approach and have the ability to take ownership can win this award.

Best New Business Award

Anyone who set up after January 1 2014 is eligible. To win, you must have gotten yourself noticed and set the standard as to why your business could be the best in your field.

Supporting New Businesses To Succeed Award

This will be given to an organisation that can demonstrate how their products and services assist businesses to succeed by offering achievable and realistic solutions, together with an understanding of what businesses need to succeed.

Best Business Development Programme Award

To win this award, you must support interventions to develop businesses; and not just the business, but also the business owners by offering personal and professional development which has made a real difference.

Best Social Enterprise Business Award

To be eligible, your business must be a charity, CIC, Social Enterprise or a local authority who has made its mark and exceeded expectations over the last 12 months (from June 2015).

Best Contribution To Supporting New Businesses Award

Banks, Financial Service Institutions, marketing companies, accountants, legal authorities and educational businesses and organisations, all of which recognise the needs of business to help them succeed, are eligible to win this prize.

Best Business Mentor Award

This will be awarded to an individual who goes that extra mile, and is dedicated and passionate about helping and supporting others.

Innovation Award

To be eligible, you must have developed something new and different, a service or product that stands out and makes an impact.

Apprentice Of The Year Award

To win this award, you must be an apprentice who has achieved beyond expectations, and has taken ownership for personal development and has been recognised for the contribution made to your organisation.

Lifetime Achievement Award

This will see an individual recognised for making a significant contribution to the city or a sector within the city over the course of their career.

You may nominate for different categories for the same individual or business.

Entry is completely free. To enter yourself, another businessman or woman or an organisation, please send an email to info@switchontobusiness.co.uk. You must specify the category and the name, email address and contact telephone number for the nominee, and include 'SOTB Awards Nomination' in the subject field. Please also send your details and let us know if you would like your identity to be disclosed to the nominee.

All entries are treated in the strictest confidence and the information provided will only be used for the purpose in which it is intended. Once received, the nominee will be contacted to be advised of their nomination.

The SOTB Charity Awards ceremony will take place at Crowne Plaza Liverpool, Princes Dock on Thursday October 6, and begins at 18.30.

You can now purchase tickets for this event for £75.00 per head. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or a title sponsor, you can purchase tables for £1,000.00 and £3,000.00 respectively.

To purchase tickets or for further information, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/switch-on-to-business-charity-awards-2016-tickets-26697976366.

Innovative new options provided by Level 3 Software from Active Music Joystick

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Active Music Joystick

You can now purchase Music Joystick Software Level 3 from Active Music Joystick.

As well as retaining the core elements of the first two levels, the third model provides a wealth of new features and control options.

This programme, which requires both AMJ joysticks (Thrustmaster and MADCATZ), allows you to control up to 30 Midi devices. You can perform all tasks that the previous Midi keyboard did, as well as being able to play chords, far-stretched tone combinations and all chromatic notes, covering the entire scale from A to a to g. In addition, it has an easy switch to go between four octaves that can be accessed by the tip of your fingers.

The software includes an additional page; one page contains stand-out parts of Level 2, and the new page provides the option to play Midi for any device. It plays the same notes, but it allows you to put these sounds on four octave layers via the wheel.

Level 3 allows you to play as many tones and chords as your fingers can reach, and in any order depending what you consider to be most logical. Amongst the tools are a slider that covers around 100 programmes, channels, a bend option (via a stick) and volume controls. Attack-release values are also here, and have a distinctive control-out selection from the slider.

In addition, there is a special switch included for preparing the main chords I, II, III, IV, V and VI minor. There is also the option to use a kit, which if you a strong drummer allows you to have even more fun if you use this software with a partner. Finally, depending on the octave layer, you will discover a wide variety of elements in regards to audio and voice control.

Music Joystick Software Level 3 is available for £20.00 at www.forumliverpool.net, and you can also purchase the Thrustmaster and MADCATZ joysticks here for £32.00 each.

To find out more about Active Music Joystick or to purchase any of the products, you can get in touch by calling 0151 280 1080 or by emailing fuchsjoystick@forumliverpool.net.

Brand new Charity Awards ceremony to recognise new businesses at Crowne Plaza

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Switch Onto Business

Switch On To Business and the Business Development Club are introducing the inaugural Switch On To Business Charity Awards ceremony to recognise the efforts of new business start-ups, Future Talent and supporters within the Merseyside area.

The evening, which is being promoted in conjunction with several BDC members such as Wedding Planners Guild UK, will play host to the presentation of several prestigious charity honours.

Set to take place on Thursday October 6, the event will emanate from the well-established Crowne Plaza Hotel, which boasts great sight-lines overlooking the River Mersey. In addition, there will be a special charity auction to benefit Claire House Children’s Hospice.

The SOTB Charity Award evening will also include guest speakers, business showcases, a three-course dinner complete with wine and additional forms of entertainment, all in addition to the Reward and Recognition Ceremony.

The event will be televised on Bay TV Liverpool, the presentation of which will include interviews with sponsors and guests. All sponsors will receive advertising space in the Awards programme brochure and in the November edition of Switch On To Business Magazine.

Roz Gladden, Lord Mayor of Liverpool, and Gary Millar, the city’s former Lord Mayor, will be amongst the special guest speakers, with several more to be announced over the coming weeks.

Lin Boyd, founder of the Business Development Club and co-director of Switch Onto Business, commented: “This is a massive opportunity to demonstrate the power of collaboration. Businesses are coming together to utilise their skills, products and services, and the event is a platform to showcase. The ceremony will demonstrate how we can create opportunities for new and existing businesses within the City Region, utilising services such as event planning, production, photography, PR and offering experience to students and graduates – our future talent. It will be a fabulous evening of celebration and acknowledgement, and it will showcase Liverpool and the talent within.”

Jackie Lee, co-director of Switch Onto Business and partner of the Business Development Club, added: “This is what Switch Onto Business is all about: collaboration, building relationships, showcasing and celebrating success. Claire House is our nominated charity, and we are so pleased to be able to support them in this way. Here’s to a fabulous event!”

Yvonne Bennett, director at Wedding Planners Guild UK, said: "I am thrilled to be working with SOTB on this event. It will be such a prestigious event, and a great chance to recognise the efforts of so many people. The event will create plenty of opportunities for new businesses, and it will raise plenty of funds for Claire House. I'm really looking forward to this awards evening!"

Beth Pochin, Merseyside Corporate Fundraiser at Claire House Children’s Hospice, added: "We are so thrilled to be the chosen charity for this special awards ceremony. It means so much to everyone at Claire House to receive support from the amazing team at SOTB, and we can’t wait to celebrate the achievements of lots of remarkable local businesses and entrepreneurs on the night."

The SOTB Charity Awards ceremony will take place at Crowne Plaza Liverpool, Princes Dock on Thursday October 6, and begins at 18.30.

You can now purchase tickets for this event for £75.00 per head, or you can purchase a table of ten for £750.00. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or a title sponsor, you can purchase tables for £1,000.00 and £3,000.00 respectively.

To purchase tickets or for further information, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/switch-on-to-business-charity-awards-2016-tickets-26697976366.

New Level 4 Software from Active Music Joystick boasts enhanced features and depth

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Active Music Joystick

Music Joystick Software Level 4 is now available from Active Music Joystick.

The fourth model builds upon the features of the first three levels and adds much more control and depth, serving as an open live sample processor and composer of music.

This programme contains 10 units of Ircam France objects, with five available in runtime within the main setting, whilst unit ten can only be used with the addition of a music box, and the remaining units can only be used with full programming.

These are the full details of the units:

Unit 1 shows the fundamentals of wave-processing, including loop and range settings (two sliders control these), sample rate haus-position (choose 0.5 for ½ rates with a low octave, 1 for a normal rate, -1 for a reverse rate and 2 for a double rate with a high octave); eight changes from the starting point; two regulations for the volume (which can be managed by both sliders and the main joystick); a selection of .aiff numbers along with a confirmation button that includes page changes; and a trigger play option with a reset button.

Unit 2 includes some motion changes, such as ten presets for MDSR curves. These are controlled by set-domain time frames, with X1 representing the duration of sound.

Unit 3 has filters and opens an extra page which boasts a cool Ircam visualisation of the frequency-with-gain system, and it has the option to add volume to lift the fundamental mains up. The particular stand-out aspect of Unit 3 is that you can use the right joystick to do all of the filtering manually as it is audio- and visual-controlled (the fourth model of software requires two joysticks for use on all units). In addition, there are 40 automatic ejies developments within the three parameters, where you can just find a number and play it.

Unit 4 has reverberation; you can open this unit by turning it on with a slight movement of the left slide, and from there you can decide the eight parameters.

Unit 5 involves transposing, as it gives you the option to transpose within the eight steps, and sounds can follow these changes of transposition.

Units 6-9 can only be used if you have access to the music box codes from Ircam, as these are of the highest quality and are DJ-compatible. You can look on Ircam’s official website at www.ircam.fr for more information on how to access these codes.

Unit 10 plays the samples in the same manner that they would be played in the first model of AMJ software; consider Unit 10 to be the basic setting to play tunes in model 1.

Music Joystick Software Level 4 is available for £20.00 at www.forumliverpool.net, and you can also purchase the Thrustmaster and MADCATZ joysticks here for £32.00 each.

To find out more about Active Music Joystick or to purchase any of the products, you can get in touch by calling 0151 280 1080 or by emailing fuchsjoystick@forumliverpool.net.

Radwraps and LJMU to carry out new experiments to identify energysavings

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Radwraps

Radwraps and Liverpool John Moores University will be working together once more in the coming weeks to conduct additional experiments.

The previous experiments carried out by both parties earlier this year found that by replacing a wooden radiator cover with a Radwrap, this would be 118% more efficient, resulting in a major saving on heating bills.

The upcoming experiments, forming a project known as the Low Carbon Eco-Innvatory, will take a more in-depth look into the potential savings that the use of Radwraps radiator covers could provide, and a laboratory will be created at relevant areas of the university with a full scale set-up for radiators which will include the likes of fitted boilers.

The goal is to determine whether, with a more in-depth analysis, Radwraps covers can provide further energy reductions and increased heat savings.

The Low Carbon Eco-Innvatory is an ERDF-funded collaboration between LJMU and the University of Liverpool, and the project will also be supported by a number of interns working at LJMU.

Alex Nurse, University of Liverpool, commented: “This is a great project, which will help us to reduce the city region’s carbon emissions whilst also developing some of the collaborations between the university and industry. This work should allow Radwraps to be able to access a host of new and exciting business opportunities.”

The experiments will last for several weeks, followed by a thorough analysis of the results which will come from the tests, at which point the official results of these experiments will be released to the public.

Radwraps have been operating for almost three years after many years of research and development, and they continue to grow in prominence as more and more people discover the benefits of its radiator covers, both from the savings in energy output (the reduction of heat output) and the opportunity to make the radiators look fantastic and aesthetically pleasing, to the point of perhaps becoming a focal point in a home environment.

James Maddocks, director at Radwraps, added: “This is a great project, which will help us to reduce the city region’s carbon emissions whilst also developing some of the collaborations between the university and industry. This work should allow Radwraps to be able to access a host of new and exciting business opportunities.”

You can learn more about the Radwraps products by visiting www.radwraps.co.uk. You can also find out more about the project by contacting Tony Seasman on A.Seasman@ljmu.ac.uk, or by contacting Alex Nurse on A.Nurse@liverpool.ac.uk.

Music Joystick Software Level 1 now available

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Active Music Joystick

Music Joystick Software Level 1 is currently available from Active Music Joystick.

There are five levels of software, each with varying levels of features and detail aimed at the skill set and musical knowledge of the user.

Level 1 is a beginner's package, primarily aimed at young children and is designed to give them a basic introduction on how to use the joystick to create music.

Music Joystick Software Level 1 is easily installed via a CD, and the software has the same features whether it is used on a desktop PC, a laptop or on an Apple Mac.

The purpose of the software is to allow users to use the Active Music Joysticks to control musical sounds, which for the Level 1 package consist of sine waves.

It allows users via the joysticks to make decisions which other instruments cannot do, such as adjusting pitch, managing volume and switching between notes, in the same manner of a musical keyboard or a piano (A-G notes)

The joysticks connect via a USB cable, and both the Thrustmaster and MADCATZ joysticks can be used for this beginner's level of AMJ software.

The joysticks have similar button and toggle stick features to your typical videogame control pads, except that in this case the primary functions of the joysticks are to control musical audio.

They also include a reset button so that you can start afresh, should you choose to do so, and a slide stick which allows you to create a "high-to-low" effect with the music; in addition, you can press multiple buttons to create tunes which have more than one note or pitch audible at specific points.

The Level 1 software is a perfect starting point for those interested in controlling and creating music, as well as for young children who want to understand the difference between musical sounds and the range available by making minor adjustments to the pitch and note.

Through practice and understanding, one can quickly begin to create unique tunes or even existing forms of music, such as nursery rhymes or national anthems.

The software and associated joysticks are currently exclusive to the UK market, but they can be installed and used on computers anywhere in the world, making them a unique commodity if you are, say, based in the United States or in China.

Music Joystick Software Level 1 is currently available for £20.00 at www.forumliverpool.net; here, you can also purchase the Thrustmaster and MADCATZ joysticks for £32.00 each.

To find out more about Active Music Joystick or to purchase any of the products, you can get in touch by calling 0151 280 1080 or by emailing fuchsjoystick@forumliverpool.net.

New joystick products from Active Music Joystick

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Active Music Joystick

Active Music Joystick is currently promoting its brand new products, which are designed to assist young people, particularly those suffering from autism or disabilities.

The joysticks are part of the musical instruments in that their button combinations and functions allow for musical sounds to be played, and when connected to a laptop through software programming, they control music on the computer itself by playing songs, their own inventions or existing tunes. The joysticks act as controllers, which boast two axes, a turn-stick, flexible levers and a range of face buttons.

The Thrustmaster and MADCATZ joysticks have similar functions to create notes, adjust volume and change the pitch of tunes, but possess physical differences based on a user's preferences.

The Thrustmaster is a high-resolution joystick made of solid material and has two large button fields. Its functions alternate between those who are right-handed and those who are left-handed, and it lights up when the stick passes the centre-point.

The MADCATZ is a two-levered joystick which can be dismantled for travel, and has several functions for the thumb to perform at the same time, whilst its head is designed as a wheel.

Other features of the instrument include the use of the sine wave, a special and simple sound created within the computer; the software providing an understanding of scales, in particular the harmonic scale; and allowing a chance to look at pitches as frequency numbers. In addition, each joystick comes with a tutorial CD to introduce users to the product and allow them to quickly learn its functions.

Young children will enjoy the opportunity to practice using computer equipment in an easy-to-handle, straightforward and clear fashion given the design of the buttons and the flexible nature of the joystick. Previous experiments have found that children enjoy how soothing the music is to the ear; they can be creative, or play different tunes. There is variety as the genres covered include folk, Christmas and pop.

But the joysticks are of even greater benefit to autistic children, and those with learning difficulties. Users can feel and touch the joysticks, and make music with their hands and their arms. There is the chance to play their own melody or to replay tunes from their memories. They can understand and practice how to play notes in time, understand and play different characters of colour and wave structures, try out musical phrases, and learn about articulation. The tutorial nature and the overall set-up mean that there is no such thing as a wrong piece of music with this device, and it assists users in becoming a part of the digital society.

Most importantly, the joysticks allow users to recognise and play tunes which, with further use and training, could open the door for kids to lead a singing group or participate in a small orchestra. Music is easily detectable, and the joysticks act as a medium to express one's inner feeling.

As for existing musicians and technicians, the ability to change tunes and adapt one's singing to music makes the joysticks a good training device for any budding choir singers, and those who aspire to work in a technical role within the music industry. So, the joysticks are beneficial to a wide range of people and skill sets.

Both the Thrustmaster and MADCATZ joysticks and the associated software are now available online for £32.00 each at www.forumliverpool.net.

To find out more about Active Music Joystick or to purchase any of the products, you can get in touch by calling 0151 280 1080 or by emailing fuchsjoystick@forumliverpool.net.

Brabners pledges support to Crisis for 2016

L-R: Hayley Watson, Rebecca
Benbow, Lucie Osborne, Laura Kent,
Rupert Jackson, Amanda Morris,
Alis Fray (Crisis), Jayne Croft
and Lorraine Turner

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Brabners

Commercial law firm Brabners has nominated Crisis, the national charity for single homeless people, as its chosen charity for 2016.

The charity works to end homelessness by delivering life-changing services and campaigning for change.

Crisis was chosen by employees following a vote; Brabners has a dedicated charity committee who will organise fundraising events over the coming year, although fundraising began before Christmas, when staff raised over £3,550 to support the Crisis at Christmas campaign.

Forthcoming events in the calendar include the Charity Challenge, an action-packed weekend of canoeing, cycling and hill climbing in the Lake District where teams from different companies across the North West compete to finish the course in the fastest time.

There is also the return of ‘The Big Idea’, an apprentice-style contest involving one team from each of the firm’s offices competing against each other to raise money for the charity. Staff will also be encouraged to volunteer and participate in charity collections and events.

Mark Brandwood, Managing Partner at Brabners, commented: “We are delighted to be working with Crisis during 2016. Our CSR programme is thriving – all at Brabners are very keen to support charitable endeavours. We are looking forward to getting involved in a wide range of volunteering and fundraising activities to raise both money and the profile of the charity across the region.”

Crisis helps people rebuild their lives through housing, health, education and employment services and works with thousands of homeless people across the UK.

Kate Farrell, Director of Crisis Skylight Merseyside, added: “We are delighted to have been chosen as Brabners’ Charity of the Year for 2016. With their help, thousands of homeless people will come to Crisis to learn, find jobs and build confidence; helping them to leave homelessness behind for good. We would like to thank everyone at Brabners for their generous support and we look forward to working with them throughout the year.”

Last year, the firm raised over £24,800 for its chosen charity for 2015, Alder Hey Children’s Charity.

Radwraps are 118% more efficient

James Maddocks, director at
Radwraps, and John Maddocks,
owner of Radwraps.

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Radwraps

Recent research by Liverpool John Moores University has found that using a Radwraps radiator cover instead of a wooden cover could improve the efficiency of the radiator by up to 118%, more than double the wooden cover efficiency, thus having a significant impact on heating bills.

Radwraps provides a range of radiator covers which can be fitted within seconds and brighten up a room, as well as blending in with wallpaper. In addition, they act as a safe method of preventing burns, as they cover the hot surfaces of the radiator framework.

And thanks to this study, held in conjunction with LJMU and funded via the European Regional Development Fund, it has now been proven how effective they are in reducing heat consumption.

With the assistance of Jacqueline Gilroy at Liverpool Vision, Radwraps approached the Low Carbon Hub at LJMU with the idea of holding simulations using its decorative radiator covers to determine how big of a difference their products make. To do so, a domestic central heating system was created whereby the tests could be conducted in specific and fair conditions. This included keeping the external room temperature at 20ºC, and using double panel radiators with a length and width of 600mm.

The Radwraps team wanted to get a heat comparison between radiators that were using a Radwrap cover and a wooden cover. The results showed that, when using a Radwrap, the efficiency of the radiator heating system can reach up to 68%, whereas for a wooden cover, it could only reach 31% for a certain water flow rate, far outweighing the predictions made beforehand.

James Maddocks, director at Radwraps, commented: “This figure is huge, something we could have only imagined when we started, and it could have major implications towards lowering our carbon emissions.”

And given the outcome of the study, James has calculated that the country could make a massive financial saving by using Radwraps, along with a potential saving of over £1 billion in Europe as a whole:

“If every home in the UK which has wooden covers fitted were to replace one of them with a Radwrap, the country could save up to £75 million a year in energy costs. And if every home in Europe did the same thing, the result would be a huge saving of up to £1.5 billion in energy costs.”

Radwraps have been operating for almost three years after many years of research and development, and they are growing in prominence as more and more people discover the benefits of its radiator covers, both from the savings in energy output (the reduction of heat output) and the opportunity to make the radiators look fantastic and aesthetically pleasing, to the point of perhaps becoming a focal point in a home environment.

James added: “Radwraps are already being utilised in nurseries, schools, nursing homes and houses in general across the UK as we speak. Savings are being made and emissions are being cut, which are helping to lower our carbon emissions for this generation and for generations to come, not to mention that they look amazing with any image or design.”

You can learn more about the Radwraps products by visiting www.radwraps.co.uk.