Calling all
Southport Manufacturers
THE British Automation and
Robot Association (BARA) is looking for all Southport manufacturers
that wish to take advantage of the latest government funding to
improve efficiencies and create more jobs. The initiative available
to all sizes and types of manufacturers, but mainly small and medium
sized enterprises, aims to improve competitiveness, raise
productivity and ultimately create more jobs for the region.
The programme involves the Government paying for an independent
Automation Consultant to visit the premises, carry out a detailed
assessment and write a report.
Southport Manufacturers to Benefit from Jobs Created by Robots!
Contrary to common belief, almost without exception, automation and
robotics actually increase the number of jobs and raise profit
margins through greater capacity and efficiency.
Mike Wilson Chairman of BARA said:- "The recently launched
government funded Automating Manufacturing Programme will provide
great assistance to companies looking to use automation to improve
competitiveness and drive growth. We at BARA are aware that there
are many Southport companies that would qualify and benefit. Together we could help make UK manufacturing some of the
best in the world and create more jobs that Southport needs."
It takes 5 minutes to apply for a government funded Automating
Manufacturing review and will result in a totally independent
automation expert carrying out an initial assessment, visiting
premises to conduct a confidential detailed review and provide a
report. To apply please contact via sending an
email for further information
to Grant Collier.
Energy price cut announcement
sparks new price war
THE announcement from 1 of
the big 6 energy suppliers that they would cut their gas prices
could sparks a price war. EDF Energy said gas bills will be cut by
5% after a decline in wholesale prices. It is thought the other
energy firms will follow suit with similar price cuts. The news
comes on the same day as a report from the consumer group Which?
that placed EDF among the worst for customer satisfaction.
The report stated that the 6 major
energy companies received over four million complaints in 2011, with
billing being a common problem for customers. However, most don’t
make a claim for compensation and as a result, £4 million of
compensation remains unclaimed.
Danny Jatania, CEO of Pockit said that they welcome the cuts in
energy bills, but there are still more ways for customers to enhance
savings. Danny said:- "Whether the energy companies increase
or decrease their prices, there will always be a large contingent of
people who are paying over the odds for their gas and electricity
and savings can be made by shopping around. Customers shouldn’t
simply be searching in terms of price comparison, they should also
pay closer attention to other benefits they can receive from the
energy firms that will help them save money. For example, many
cashback rewards can be generous and are definitely worthwhile. Some
companies are also fitting smart meters that will help customers to
save money by providing accurate bills. Quite often, customers begin
to make savings when they are aware of their bills and the current
prices they are being charged but the report from Which? shows that
too many costumers aren’t taking this seriously enough. Once all the
energy firms convert to simpler pricing structures, it will be much
easier for customers to assess how much they are paying and how
their payments can be reduced." |
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New look Aquax
UK set to grow in 2012
ON London, 11 January 2012
the P1 AquaX UK is set to go from strength to strength in 2012
thanks to progressive category changes, the introduction of modified
skis and a major overhaul of the calendar.
This season AquaX UK will be contested by riders in three new
classes whilst Promoter Powerboat P1 has added an all-new AquaX UK
Cup in response to massive interest from potential new riders. All 5
races are being staged alongside the P1 SuperStock national
powerboat championship in a combined event under the title
‘Grand Prix of the Sea’.
"We have had an incredible response to our 1st season of racing and
lots of potential new riders have contacted me to say they’ll be
racing in AquaX this season. We have had very positive feedback from
the riders and now have a clear strategy to broaden the series’
appeal." commented AquaX Championship Manager Lisa Barsby.
The change in format is designed to make AquaX even more accessible
so the Amateur and Elite categories are gone opening the new classes
to more riders. Technically skis remain strictly stock except for
handling modifications and like for like (no performance gain)
replacement parts.
Newcomers will still qualify for the reduced rate RYA Race licence
fee and stand a chance of collecting the Rookie of the Year Award at
the end of the season. The age limit in the 200 class will be
lowered to 16 years at the time of competition, whilst in all other
classes will remain at 17 years at the time of competition.
The 2012 AquaX Championship Classes are as follows:-
► AquaX 200 - modified 2-stroke and stock
naturally aspirated 4-stroke 160bhp and below
► AquaX 250 - stock 4-stroke including
turbo/supercharged 250bhp and below
► AquaX 300 - stock 4-stroke including
turbo/supercharged 300bhp and below
Championship points will not be awarded in the AquaX Cup as its
purpose is to spice up competition for the overall winner on the
day. The AquaX Cup is open to all, including those with modified
craft falling outside the new class structure, but who want to
experience the thrill of racing in AquaX.
"AquaX Cup opens up the racing and makes it more competitive
for all the riders as it brings more potential skis into the ring.
Although there are no points, the AquaX Cup riders can fight for
overall victory and if they win the race can claim the top step of
the podium and the weekend’s glory." added Barsby.
New venues Eastbourne and Hull join favourites from last season
Plymouth, Cowes and Liverpool:- Barsby said:- "We have a
new-look calendar with two new venues and much easier access for the
racers. I am really looking forward to July when
we will team up with the Eastbourne Extreme Festival giving us the
opportunity to launch skis from the beach and create a really
colourful and exciting atmosphere. Hull is another new venue with a
great marina location in walking distance from Hull’s city centre.
The high banks of the river Humber will provide excellent views of
the race course, allowing the spectators to get close to the
action."
P1 ‘Grand Prix of the Sea’ events 2012:-
► Saturday, 19 May to Sunday, and 20
May – Plymouth
► Saturday, 16 Juneto Sunday, and 17 June
– Hull
► Saturday, 14 July to Sunday, 15 July –
Eastbourne
► Saturday, 25 August to Sunday, 26 August
– Cowes
► Saturday, 15 September to Sunday,
16 September in Liverpool, but it is subject to
change!
The 2012 P1 AquaX UK Series is being launched on Thursday, 12
January 2012, at the Autosport International Show for the second
year running. Both P1 AquaX and Superstock UK will be exhibiting on
Stand 6245 throughout the show until 6pm on Sunday, 15 January 2012. |