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The mercury scarcely hits 30 degrees Celsius in the UK, but as summer approaches, it’s down to employers to make sure working conditions are just right for workers, according to one of the UK’s most prolific suppliers of a whole range of materials handling equipment, such as pallet trucks and platform lifts.

PalletTrucksUK, which has a long history of supplying equipment to a whole host of businesses, knows first-hand what impact the weather can have on a business, and according to the managing director, it’s down to business leaders to take the lead and ensure conditions are constant – before the sun hits its peak.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at PalletTrucksUK, said, “Although it’s important all year round to think about working conditions and temperatures, in the summer this is even more important. It is often easier to warm up a workplace than it is to cool one down, so getting it right from the offset is imperative.

“Overheated workers are less productive, irritable, and at risk of dehydration and illness – which can cause serious damage to individuals and the business. So investing wisely in the right equipment is something employers should think about sooner – rather than later.”

There is no law surrounding workplace temperatures in the UK. Left entirely at employees’ discretion, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 does lay down particular requirements for many aspects of the working environment. Regulation 7 deals specifically with the temperature in indoor workplaces and states that ‘during working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable.’ Highlighting fluid guidelines, it does provide employers with a sense of control, while protecting workers from impractical temperatures.

Air conditioning systems are often the number one choice for employers who operate warehouses and other buildings that get warm easily. Ensuring a workplace has good ventilation can also help significantly. However one of the best ways to ensure workers don’t overheat in the summer is to provide robust equipment that they can rely on. Cutting down on the amount energy used to carry out manual tasks, reliable equipment can prevent workers from overheating when British summer time is at its peak.

PalletTrucksUK has one of the largest ranges of equipment available to purchase online. Ideal for a range of businesses in varying sectors, reliable equipment can make a huge difference to a business all year round – not just in the summer months.

The news that Britain’s economy has showed signs of picking up pace as a result of the global economic recovery, warehouse and materials handling suppliers, Pallet Trucks UK, has urged businesses to make the most of this upturn in fortune to enable them to compete and maintain a strong hold of the economy.

Rising exports, combined with a strong demand from households, has been highlighted as critical factors driving the UK forward as it emerges from an edgy 10 months post Brexit vote. Add that to the still uncertain global economy as a result of the recession which took hold almost a decade ago, those who have weathered the storm have been through many ups and downs.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at PalletTrucksUK, said, “With such an unsettling time leaving many businesses feeling downbeat, the news that the economy is on the up in the UK will be music to many leader’s ears. Adding an air of confidence to a business going forward, now is the time to take steps to cement their place in business world to ensure they stand the best chances of survival going forward.”

The news was released after analysts at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) looked at the economies of 30 developed economies. Stating that there are “tentative signs of growth gaining momentum”, they measured business orders, corporate confidence, and stock market moves to in a bid to anticipate moves in the economy over the coming six to nine months.

The OECD’s reading is not quite up to the long-term average of 100, but is not far off. The indicators show the 30 developed OECD economies should experience “stable growth momentum” over the coming months, with countries including France, Italy, and Japan all steady. The United States, Canada and Germany’s economies however are all expected to gain momentum.

One of the industry’s most recognisable names, Pallet Trucks UK, has reaffirmed its commitment to consumers by highlighting how good quality equipment can lead to more satisfied customers.

The company, which has over three decades of experience working in the sector, is well aware of the difference reliable equipment can make to a business and its procedures. Having spent years supplying pallet trucks, stacker trucks and a myriad of other reliable equipment to a whole range of industries, it knows full well how investing behind the scenes can create a ripple effect and lead to happy end-consumers for the companies with the sight to invest at their heart.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Pallet Trucks UK, said, “The majority of businesses rely on repeat custom. And the finest way to almost guarantee customers keep coming back is to go above and beyond to not only meet their needs – but exceed them too. And for a large portion, this starts behind the scenes.”

Pallet trucks are the first place to start according to the experts. These come in a range of models to suit all needs and environments. Incredibly cost-effective, they make light work of moving large and heavy items. For packed warehouses that rely on stacking stock to conserve room, electric scissor lifts are a must. Able to reach great heights, these heavy duty tables come in handy every single day.

Lastly – according to the experts – forklift truck extensions are indispensable for large businesses. By making forklifts inherently more useful, they extend reach to make day to day duties simpler, and importantly, quicker.

Last year the UK produced more start-up companies than ever before. And this year is set to break records just the same. With such stiff competition, how can UK start-ups ensure they stand out and cement their future?

PalletTrucksUK, one of the largest suppliers of pallet trucks, forklift fork extensions and lift tables to businesses, has offered start-ups and small businesses tips on which units are best to invest in for small companies who need a bit of oomph behind their small workforce.

Lift tables are indispensable for businesses where the lifting and lowering of goods is imperative. They provide a safe, secure and robust platform, ensuring safety at all times. Depending on the size and weight capacity needed, these start at just over £1000 ex. VAT, which although may seem like a large outlay to new companies, the production benefits offered by these far outweighs the initial price tag.

Manual stackers are another key ingredient in the start-up menu. They easily solve any lifting conundrum thanks to their strong and reliable build. Depending on what these stackers will be used for entirely depends on what businesses need to look for. Some businesses need them to tilt, while others needs vary much more so will need a stacker with adjustable legs. However for the entry-level stacker, businesses are looking at under £450 ex. VAT for a quality assured platform stacker.

“For equipment that brings so many benefits, these really do offer excellent value for money,” said Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at PalletTrucksUK. “When companies first start, the attentions are very much focussed on the purse strings, and it can sometimes be hard to see the wood for the trees. But sitting down and going through what needs to be done daily will help make things clearer. Then it is up to business owners to look at ways they can improve production and streamline processes going forward. And often, that includes investing in equipment.”

Moving skates are the last piece of the puzzle according to the experts. Incredibly cost-effective, they start at around £40 ex. VAT for a one tonne capacity skate, and offer incredible safety credentials. Used for gliding heavy and large objects from one area to another they cut down on injury and make the process inherently faster.

All businesses want to streamline the efficiency of both staff and processes, but sometimes that is easier said than done. However for businesses that rely on the movement of goods, efficiency can be easily upped by focusing on logistical processes.

PalletTrucksUK, one of the largest suppliers of pallet trucks, forklift fork extensions and lift tables to businesses all over the UK, has reiterated exactly how efficient logistics can positively impact a business.

As the business world becomes increasingly more competitive, keeping customers happy is one of the most important parts of running a company in order to guarantee customer loyalty. It has been stated that it costs, on average, five times more to acquire a new customer than it does to retain one, so keeping existing customers happy will help to ensure repeat custom and cut down on the marketing and lead generation aimed at new customers. And proficient logistics are at the heart of this. Reliable logistics helps to cut down on the amount of time wasted getting products to customers, while potentially even minimising the costs of doing so. These savings can then be passed on to the customer.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of PalletTrucksUK, said, “By investing in the everyday logistics, businesses can reap a myriad of rewards. From financial benefits to staff and customer satisfaction, the pluses efficient logistic operations can bring within a business really are unparalleled.”

Labour costs can also be reduced by using logistics correctly by cutting down on the number of people needed to undertake tasks. This will free up the time of the other employees and allow them to concentrate on other areas of the business which can help it to grow, develop and change, as needed, to stay ahead of competitors

Britain’s construction industry fared better than expected last month due to a strong performance in residential builds. Despite usually slowing down towards the end of the year, the sector has continued to rebound from the dip after the referendum earlier in the year. And PalletTrucksUK, one of the leading suppliers of pallet trucks, stacker trucks and other essential materials handling equipment, has advised companies to capitalise on the industry growth and push forward with new developments by stocking up on premium equipment.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at PalletTrucksUK, said, “The construction industry is the key to the country’s growth lock. If things are looking up, the construction industry thrives, and if things are looking less than bright, it seemingly grinds to a halt. The news that the industry is back on track after a lull is great news for the country as it shows there is investment interest and signs of growth for the coming year. However this doesn’t mean that businesses can take their finger off the pulse.

“The term ‘strike while the iron is hot’ has never been more apt than it is when talking about the construction sector at present. It is up to companies to make the most of the opportunities on offer to cement their future.”

In the wake of the referendum result, many sectors were taking cautious steps. As a result, the country’s sectors seemingly plunged into a decline that lasted for months. But the end of the year has brought back confidence with most sectors reporting strong recoveries.

But overall, activity in the construction sector expanded for the third month in a row, and at a faster pace than predicted by economists. The main reading on the Markit/CIPS UK construction purchasing managers’ index (PMI) sat at 52.8 last month, which was not only at an eight month high, but was also up from 52.6 in October.

Although great for the country, and of course the ever fragile construction industry, this announcement was swiftly followed by the news that the pound’s sharp fall is raising import costs for businesses – resulting in the steepest rise in prices for more than five years.

“It is up to businesses to look at ways they can save money in the long-term should prices continue to rise,” added Phil. “Investing in quality equipment may seem like a big expense for firms now, but it will add up to large savings in the future by helping to streamline processes and reduce the need to fix or replace it in just a few short years. And by doing so now, they will beat the expected further inflation rises.”

The New Year is almost here. And after a rather turbulent 2016, many retailers will be looking at the upcoming year with hope and ambition. And according to Pallet Trucks UK, there are ways companies can ease themselves into 2017 easily and effectively. And one of the best ways is by adding simple moving skates to their fleet of operations.

The company, which has more than three decades’ experience working within the materials handling industry, is a leading provider of a range of equipment that helps businesses improve their efficiency, and moving skates, according the company, are one of the most compact yet most efficient pieces of equipment.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Pallet Trucks UK, said, “Moving skates are often overlooked due to their small size – but don’t be fooled; these little pieces of equipment are extremely useful when it comes to moving stock around the workplace. Despite their slight nature they are extremely tough and as a result can hold up to an incredible 6 ton of stock.”

Not only does their strong nature make moving bulky boxes easy, but they are also an incredible piece of safety equipment by helping to keep employees free from injury. As the moving skates are nimble, items are easily placed onto the skates and glided across floors with a simple push or pull. This helps to take the strain off employees’ backs and reduce the risk of avoidable harm.

The SF60 Fixed Machinery Skate 6 ton skate is the ideal addition to workforces that need to move heavy objects. It comes with a 6 ton capacity, laid on six nylon rollers for added strength. Coming in at £96.78 plus VAT, the time savings associated with it will soon mean it has paid for itself. For those looking for an even easier tool, the SFW03 Moving Skate with handle does the same job, but is fitted with a strong handle to make pushing or pulling items simpler. Priced at just £54.60 plus VAT, it comes with a tough three ton capacity and is built on four nylon rollers, which allows the weight to be distributed evenly.

“The simple moving skates can really make a comprehensive difference to businesses by improving everyday production which then helps to increase profit margins,” said Phil. “But due to their compact form, are certain not to get in the way when it comes to day to day operations.”

With the news that 15 high street stores closed every single day in the first half of 2016, PalletTrucksUK, one of the longest standing suppliers of warehouse and manual handling equipment in the UK, has challenged high street stores to invest in their bottom line in order to keep up with their increasingly competitive online rivals.

There’s no denying that online shopping has become the leading retail method for many. Consumers both young and old have reaped the benefits of online shopping for years, while the introduction of next day delivery has been the real clincher for businesses, getting rid of the pet hate for customers waiting for their items to arrive

Despite this however, there are many who still visit shops in search of their next purchase. And these are the people high street businesses can target according to the experts.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of PalletTrucksUK, said, “Businesses solely on the high street may be worried about the up and coming festive season as this can often be make or break for them – either pushing up profits and giving them a boost right before the slower months of January and February, or be the final nail in the coffin if they have been struggling.

“Despite reports of online sales increasing almost on a weekly basis, there are still millions who head to the high street when shopping, so it’s important they don’t count themselves out just because they don’t have a large online presence. In fact, the best way to stay competitive is to invest wisely.”

In this competitive marketplace where industries, fashions and trends move very quickly, it’s important for businesses to stay ahead and keep up with this – which is where bottom line investment comes in. By ensuring that logistics equipment is reliable and stock can be moved quickly will ensure it hits the shelves faster than ever – and may even beat the time it takes for a customer to order an item and wait for it to be delivered.

Logistics and warehouse equipment, such as pallet trucks, moving skates and platform lifts, are all key to ensuring distribution centres, warehouses and large stock rooms run efficiently and are able to cope with demand from customers.

“If high street businesses are concerned about the challenge from online companies, now is the time to do something about it,” added Phil. “It really cannot be emphasised enough the importance of improving the bottom line in order to compete with the increasing challengers set by the online industry.”

PalletTrucksUK is made up of industry experts. The whole team know the products inside out and as a result, is able to advise on the best equipment to suit individual needs

As the cold weather rears its head for another year, businesses up and down the country are having to change the way they operate when it comes to their equipment. Whether equipment is used inside or outside, the impending cold and wet conditions can wreak havoc for pallet trucks and other manual handling equipment.

PalletTrucksUK, one of the longest standing companies in the country supplying warehouse equipment, such as pallet trucks, moving skates and platform lifts, has urged businesses to up their maintenance game to ensure the equipment stays in top condition and operating right through to spring.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of PalletTrucksUK, said, “It’s vital that full maintenance is carried out on a regular basis – but particularly during the winter months. Extreme temperatures, like those often seen in winter, can have serious implications for manual handing equipment. The strain on machines caused by the cold weather can reduce the reliability of key components of many trucks, potentially causing batteries to fail, tyres to split or crack and harm any fluids used to operate the machinery. And of course, any repairs required as a result of damage can prove to be costly.”

One of the best ways in to stop the winter months from causing problems with hand pallet trucks and lifting equipment is to implement a thorough daily checklist. If a company already has this in place, it’s advised to review it an add tasks as necessary to meet the needs of the cold weather. For pump trucks, an overall check of the pump is vital; checking brakes, fluids and lights are all in good working order will ensure it is able to operate at maximum capacity – safely.

As well as the cold weather, winter also bring with it shorter and darker days. As a result, it’s important that businesses invest in visibility equipment to ensure all workers are safe at all times. High-visibility clothing and additional internal and external lighting in winter can significantly help to improve visibility and reduce the chances of accidents, mistakes and damage to everyday equipment and workers alike.

However it isn’t just the cold employers have to watch out for. Many warehouses utilise both indoor and outdoor spaces, which means that often works and equipment can bring the outdoors in when it comes to wet weather. Ensuring businesses put down the appropriate signage and mats down will minimise the risk of serious injury and damage.

The team at PalletTrucksUK are experts in the sector. Having worked in the industry for many years, they know the ins and outs of the materials handling world and how to ensure businesses stay safe and ensure they invest wisely.

PalletTrucksUK has been one of the leading suppliers of warehouse equipment for over three decades. A key supplier to businesses of all sizes and in all sectors, their robust pallet trucks, stackers, platform lifts and moving skates but to name a few, have played a large role in helping businesses to improve their offering and grow significantly. And a big part of that has been their innovative nature and ability to meet the needs of a wide range of customers’ needs. Continue reading Pallet Trucks UK boasts specialist pallet trucks to suit all needs →