Avant Tecno (UK), the Norfolk-based subsidiary of Finnish compact loader manufacturer has come of age celebrating 21 years of service.
And to mark the occasion the company has launched its latest machine plus a new warranty package.
Avant have added their most powerful machine to their 8 series range – the Avant 860i Stage V. The largest of the Avant loaders, although still compact, it benefits from a greater lifting capacity of 1,900 kg, a greater reach of 3.5m, and a turbocharged Kohler KDI 1903 TCR 42 kW/57 hp diesel engine. The machine also complies with the latest emissions regulations and boasts many additional features to previous models, including an improved GT cabin with better visibility and usability, in addition to the best ergonomics in its class.
Also in recognition of 21 years of service in the UK, Avant are offering all of customers a 3 year or 3,000 hour hassle free warranty with any new machine purchased in 2020. This also has the option to be extended to a 5-year warranty, particularly suited to those who purchase their products as part of a 5-year finance package.
Since its launch in the UK, the Avant team has grown to 9 people and has sold in excess of 5,000 loaders through their network of 16 regional dealers, providing the UK with almost 30 sales points. With a product range of 8 model series and more than 200 different attachments, no other manufacturer offers the range of compact loaders and attachments that Avant do.
Based in Bridgham, Avant set up their permanent UK base in 1999 offering a full service inclusive of sales and marketing to servicing and repairs to show their full commitment to the UK market.
Managing director, Raimo Ala-Korpi, said : “We wanted to mark our 21st birthday here in the UK by giving something back to our loyal customer family who have supported Avant over the years. Our team in Finland designed the 800 series in answer to customer demand for a more powerful loader yet still remaining versatile and compact. The first 860i loader was delivered to the UK last month and we have already pre-sold more than 20 of these models to both new and existing customers in a variety of industries such as farming and agriculture, landscaping, construction and equestrian to name but a few. Our extended warranty, which is across our whole range of machines, shows our faith in our product when it comes to performance and lifespan, and our ongoing commitment to our service.”
Hörmann has introduced a new mobile vehicle blocker into the market – 
the Oktablock.
Certified as a single module, the Oktablock range has been designed to offer an easy to install, temporary security solution, without the associated costs of fixed security bollards or blockers.
The bollard can be installed easily and removed quickly through the use of a standard crane or forklift truck, without the need for any specialist equipment, in-ground fixings or technical knowledge.
Ideal for areas where fastenings in the subsurface are not possible for structural or aesthetic reasons, the Hörmann OktaBlock can be arranged individually, in rows or offset, offering a completely flexible solution to meet each venue’s specific requirements.
The Oktablock’s axisymmetric geometry has no predefined impact side, which means the angle of the collision is inconsequential.
Wolfgang Gorner, managing director of Hörmann UK, said: “Hörmann is renowned across the world for providing the highest standards in safety, security and functionality across its entire product portfolio. Our latest move into the perimeter protection sector bolsters our already impressive offering, with the launch of Oktablock setting a new standard within the industry for temporary vehicle blockers.
“Our team of experts are currently working closely with our nationwide network of distributors to supply Oktablock to the UK market, ensuring we help clients achieving the highest levels of security, whilst meeting the individual requirements of their upcoming outdoor events.”
The Hörmann OktaBlock also offers an option for narrow streets and pavements or cycle paths, which can often be effectively secured with just one unit. Blockers can be used to an unlimited width, as well as in a sluice arrangement or with defined passage points for emergency and rescue vehicles.
The Hörmann OktaBlock is certified according to internationally recognised standards BSI PAS68:2013 and IWA-14-1:2013 standardised crash test N2/N2A. This means the blockers have been tested to withstand the force of an unmanned N2/N2A category truck with a test weight of 7.5 tonnes and a speed of 50km/h, with an impact energy of 750,000 joules.
The blockers are also tested against the technical guidelines of the German police for mobile vehicle blockers. The maximum impact energy of this test is 986,000 joules and includes tests on wet roads involving impact angles below both 45o and 90o.
Construction Partnership UK has gone into administration.
CPUK is a privately-owned contractor with over 20 years of experience delivering a wide range of high-quality building services across both the private and public sectors. The Company mainly operates across the North of England and the Midlands undertaking new build and refurbishment contracts carried out under traditional and design & build arrangements across most building sectors in the value range £1 million – £25 million. Its diverse workload includes the construction of education & healthcare facilities, sport & leisure facilities and office & retail premises together with all aspects of residential development.
Steven Muncaster and Sarah Bell of Duff & Phelps Ltd have been appointed joint administrators
“CPUK has come under increasing pressure over the past 12 months due to a combination of factors including an increasingly competitive market and raw material price increases,” said Steven Muncaster. “The Company exhausted all options in terms of finding a solution to the current financial issues, caused by a combination of problem contracts and bad debts. The combined effect of these, coupled with the uncertain outlook for the construction industry in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic has caused a drain on the Company’s cash reserves and it had no other option but to appoint Administrators.”
Due to the current and ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, the business temporarily ceased to trade, and all staff were placed on furlough leave by the Company prior to the Administration. The employees of the company will remain on furlough leave and the joint administrators are now looking at a sale of the business and assets of the company as a going concern in the first instance.
Safetyflex Barriers, a Coventry company that manufactures anti-terrorism products, is celebrating a decade of government help with expanding into international markets.
Safetyflex Barriers has been assisted by the Department for International Trade (DIT) at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce since 2009, and has seen exports grow to over a third of its business.
Safetyflex invented and manufactures ‘Truckstopper’ bollards and barriers>
The company has benefited from several DIT programmes to help reach new markets and grow business overseas, and received funding to help create a strategic export action plan and exhibit at international trade shows.It has also received advice from numerous commercial teams within embassies, including the US and Australia.
Rob Gerrard, director at Safetyflex Barriers, said: “When we began exploring the overseas market, we sought advice from the DIT before drawing up an export strategy focused on partnering with in-territory distribution partners.
“With that approach and with DIT support, we have since landed major contracts in Europe, the US and Australia to help secure a range of locations including government buildings, sports venues and public realm projects.
“We have also recruited distributors in Germany, South America, Belgium and Sweden, and are now exploring markets in India, Middle East and Asia.
“Export now accounts for 35 per cent of the business and is expected to grow to 50 per cent in two years, so is making a significant contribution to the success of Safetyflex.”
Safetyflex marked the 10 years of DIT support by presenting Parminder Hayer, international trade adviser from Department for International Trade at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, with a miniature bollard.
Parminder said: “Rob and his team are a real international success story – but one very much started and based in the Midlands.”
West 
Sussex Supplier AVS has restarted operations at all of its branches, with each offering operating a range of delivery and trade only collection services.
The company had shutdown the bnranches for two wereks but in line with Government directives is now able to offer the restricted services.
• Lead time on delivery for ALL orders is around 10 working days
• Please only visit a branch if you have a confirmed collection slot
• The government is supporting our decision to trade. read more
CLD Fencing Systems has set up a Rapid Response Physical Security Team during the COVID – 19 crisis.
The team made up of key physical perimeter security advisors from CLD and members of the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) around the UK are able to provide front line services such as the NHS, HM Armed Forces and Supply depots with rapid foundation free fencing to protect staff, supplies and equipment.
The RRPST operates a 24/7 policy, where any front-line service can contact CLD for support and a dedicated webpage has gone live.
ATG Access has launched its latest generation in bridge protection systems – the Populus Bollard system.
This is the second bridge security system the company has brought to market and is designed specifically for bridge applications.
The new system, which achieved both the IWA 14 and PAS 68 standards at tests undertaken at the MIRA testing facility in March 2020, was able to arrest a 7.5-tonne vehicle traveling at 48 kph (30 mph) at a 30-degree angle.
The system requires excavation of just 40mm and is installed without bolting, mechanical fixings or any upstand. It requires no finishing surface treatment to the highway to conceal the top of the product,allowing it to be installed in any carriageway conditions.
