LATEST NEWS

Andron is proud to support its client the Overgate Shopping Centre in Dundee as it fulfils its responsible recycling targets. Records demonstrate that the facilities management company has managed to help Overgate increase its recycling rate to 93.4 per cent during the last quarter of 2011.

As part of their facilities management service, Andron collects, removes and disposes of general, confidential, hazardous and recyclable waste, with a focus on waste minimisation and increased recycling. Through improved segregation and recycling streams, Andron has improved the shopping centre's waste operation as well as bringing it closer to its ultimate goal of sending no waste to landfill in 2015.

The cost of landfill waste disposal is on the rise, which highlights the importance of consistent, precise and timely waste management data collection to drive continuous improvement. Andron has developed a comprehensive data collection procedure to determine the root causes of waste as well as alternative approaches to reducing and recycling. Effective waste solutions have been put in place, based on a through and on-going analysis of Overgate's waste composition. By hand-sorting sample waste taken from the centre, Andron can determine the type and relative quantity of material that is disposed of. This sampling strategy enables Andron to make recommendations, influence staff and tenants' attitudes to waste disposal and challenge why waste is generated in the first place. It also provides valuable information to forecast strategic waste management plans, set targets and conduct performance reviews.

As a result of Andron's waste strategy, Overgate has seen a significant decrease in the waste that it diverts from landfill. The average total waste not sent to landfill between April 2011 and December 2011 was 88 per cent. In the months of October and December, this total peaked at 100 per cent, as no waste was diverted to landfill.

Andron's Regional Manager for Central Scotland, Yvonne Nicol, said: "I am pleased that the hard work of our staff and management team in Overgate and the tenants' enthusiasm has resulted in 100 per cent recycling in the last two out of three months. Staff have been proactive and are working to meet the changes in legislation being implemented in Scotland in 2013 and our client's target of no waste to landfill by 2015."

Jan 2012

Andron was delighted to join forces with its client Union Square, to sponsor the shopping centre's inaugural awards ceremony which celebrated the very best in retail service.

The ceremony was held at the Aberdeen shopping centre on October 4th 2011 and celebrated the accomplishments of 11 retailers, recognising their excellence in customer service. Mystery shoppers marked shops in areas such as personal service, dealing with specific situations and going the extra mile to be helpful. Andron is always supportive of outstanding customer service and was happy to help make the event a great success.

Andron utilised its supplier chain partners to full effect, enlisting Keenan Recycling, one of Scotland's leading organics recycling specialists, Bagnall & Morris Waste Services and PHS Direct amongst others trusted and reliable supply chain partners. Each one made a financial donation to make the event a huge success.

Andron's Regional Manager, Colin Strachan, said: "I would like to congratulate all the winners of the Retailer Awards and applaud Union Square for hosting such a great event. We expect that the success of this event will urge the team at Union Square to establish this as an annual event."

Oct 2011

Andron has been awarded an extension to the national cleaning contract for Clydesdale Bank and Yorkshire Bank branch and head office networks. The agreement will continue for a further four years, through National Australia Bank and Corporate Occupier Solutions Ltd (COS).

Andron secured its first Clydesdale Bank contract more than 25 years ago, and won the National contract in 1998. In 2002 it secured the contract for both Clydesdale Bank and Yorkshire Banks networks. Since then Andron has enjoyed a successful working partnership, now providing multi-services at over 500 single sites across the UK.

Andron's Managing Director, Ron Stewart, said: "The successful growth and retention of the NAB contract demonstrates our continued best-in-class service and our capabilities to continually improve our delivery model. The award of this additional contract is testament to the strength of our partnership with NAB, which we look forward to continuing with one of our most prestigious and important clients."

Sep 2011

Andron is pleased to announce a further extension to their existing portfolio with Lancashire County Council. Andron has been a proud service provider to the local authority since 2007, constantly developing the contract to include multiple sites, now totalling 53. Andron has recently acquired an additional contract to provide security services to seven community centres sites and the portfolio has further increased to include another 19 sites.

Following the closure of a Lancashire-based cleaning company, Andron was selected as the supplier of choice to take charge of 13 school and six library contracts previously managed by the local firm. Andron was the natural choice to take over the contracts as they had previously successfully delivered high calibre services to in excess of 34 Lancashire County Council sites.

Delighted to take on the challenge, teams were mobilised quickly and within 48 hours operations were up and running. The project was managed on a director level from start to finish with Andron's Operations Director Paul Orru overseeing the project. Paul said: "We began by looking carefully at the requirements of each site. Where we could rationalise the hours we did so by implementing new shift systems and spreading resources without impacting on the level of service."

Paul added: "To safeguard service continuality and encourage a smooth integration, we needed to complete a number of tasks in a short time scale. Top of our agenda was to appease the worries of the 80 employees who were transferring to Andron. We conducted an in-depth TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment Regulations) consultation during which we introduced operatives to Andron and our services as well as providing the opportunity for operatives to voice their concerns. Further to this we managed our key operational resources quickly, utilising our strong links with our supply chain partners to supply uniforms, equipment and chemicals to each site so that we ready for the contract commencement date."

Sep 2011

Andron is proud to support a new charity shop in Liverpool's St John's Shopping Centre, set up in conjunction with the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is the only charity in the UK wholly dedicated to beating lung cancer, the biggest cancer killer in the world. The foundation funds research into the early diagnosis of the disease and provides support to those affected by cancer and their families, as well as helping people to stop smoking.

The charity has a number of shops across Merseyside and recently unveiled the new store in Liverpool city centre. St John's Shopping Centre has chosen to support The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation during the next year and as a trusted supplier to the centre, Andron has pledged it support alongside organisations including OCS and NG Bailey.

Andron contributed to the project by supplying free labour to clean the shop unit which was located outside of their usual contract location. They also provided waste management services, removing and recycling any unwanted equipment left behind by the past tenants.

Retail Operations Manger for St Johns Shopping Centre, Len Griffiths, thanked everyone involved. He said: "I would like to offer my thanks on behalf of both Land Securities and the St Johns Shopping Centre management team for the most valued contributions. The team effort resulted in a very fast turn around."

Regional Manager for the North of England, Andrew Caunce, commented: "Andron is proud to be part of this initiative as we are committed to helping our local community and aiding socially responsible activities designed to benefit groups and individuals. We are always pleased to support our clients in their charitable endeavours."



Sep 2011

Andron is proud to announce that it has been awarded its highest score to date by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and remains an officially accredited supplier through its Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS ).

The approved contractor accreditation logo reassures Andron's clients that they have chosen to work with one of the very best security providers in the industry. This has been further proved as Andron has surpassed its November 2010 SIA audit score of +92, significantly improving its operating standards to score a previously unsurpassed +98.

This high result has positioned Andron in the top five per cent of companies audited in 2011.

Nov 2011

Andron is delighted to announce the opening of a major new office located in the centre of London.

Due to an increasing number of contracts secured in the capital city, Andron has made the move to London, operating from a prime location south of the Thames. 'The Biscuit Factory' will be home to the London team, serving clients in and around the city.

With great links to Canary Wharf and London Bridge, Andron is perfectly placed to capitalise on the new business opportunities that the area has to offer, as well as continuing to work hard with existing clients.

Andron is recognised as one of the emerging facilities management contractors for the London region, already providing services to leading organisations such as Clydesdale Bank and Broadgate West.

The relocation aims to support Andron's development of its London portfolio as well as improve its customer service standards by hosting more face-to-face appointments with existing clients.

Nov 2011

Andron has announced that it has successfully retained its contract to provide security services to the St Giles Shopping Centre in Elgin, for a further 12 months.

Andron has serviced the St Giles Shopping Centre for the last three years on behalf of Montagu Evans, and has successfully secured the extended contract terms through the longevity of this successful relationship. St Giles and Montague Evans both remain very satisfied with the continuous, reliable and dependable services that they have come to expect from Andron.

Andron has exhibited an understanding of the site and its need for a contingency plan. Consequently St Giles has benefited from dedicated site-based resources to cover all types of planned and unexpected absences, supplementary requests and unforeseen incidences, ensuring an arrangement that has always had the ability to deliver.

Despite having a well-established track record with the St Giles Shopping Centre, Andron has committed itself to implementing further contract improvements and significant cost savings. The renewed contract which commenced on 1st November 2011 will see an alternative rota and a methodology that focuses on careful resource rationalisation whilst maintaining the existing service quality.

Andron's Regional Manager for North Scotland, Colin Strachan, says "Andron is delighted to continue working with the St Giles Shopping Centre. This is a perfect example of our close working partnership with Montagu Evans and the support and commitment of our site staff and management support team as well."

Nov 2011

Andron is delighted to announce the expansion of its current cleaning services contract with Lancashire County Council to include security services..

Andron has serviced Lancashire County Council since 2007 as part of a multi site contract including 27 primary schools and high schools, as well as colleges throughout Lancashire. Year on year, additional sites have been added to the cleaning contract due to the high quality service delivered by Andron. Subsequently, seven new community centres have been added to the contract, this time under the service provision of security.

The seven community centres sites had not previously been secured by an external contractor, therefore it was necessary that Lancashire County Council received a cost effective, competitive proposal that improved upon their previous security. Andron has therefore made changes, implementing a mobile patrol team to make regular patrols, driving down the manned hours whilst implementing a team fully vetted to SIA standards. These alterations go a long way in enhancing the quality and efficiency of the service that Lancashire County Council receives.

Andron's Security Operations Manager, Neal Kirton, said: "Andron has a wealth of experience in the security sector, across a number of disciplines. This experience has once again been drawn upon as we work to expand our security services by supplying an effective and efficient mobile service.

Neal added: "Our long term strategy includes plans to expand the security division of Andron and become further recognised for our professional security services."

Aug 2011

Andron Facilities Management is delighted to announce that Broadgate West, located in the heart of the country's capital and home to international finance and banking organisation, has selected Andron as its supplier of choice for cleaning services.

Following a rigorous selection process, Andron was chosen to deliver daily cleaning, specialist periodic cleaning, washroom services and window cleaning to the 42,000 square metre development. Commencing on September 12th 2011, 50 staff will TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment) transfer to Andron as a result of the contract award.

The contract will run for at least five years and was awarded to Andron due to its innovative approach and its valuable proposition. Changes have been already been implemented and alterations to the service structure and delivery model have begun to enhance the quality and efficiency of the cleaning services that Broadgate West receives.

Andron's Regional Manager for London and the south, Daniele Lucia, said: "We are delighted to have won the contract for cleaning services at Broadgate West. This prestigious development is a very welcome addition to our existing portfolio, and complements Andron growing presence within the London region. We are very much looking forward to working with the Broadgate West team and developing an excellent working relationship over the next five years."

Sep 2011

Andron has a reputation to be proud of and its people help to make the company truly great. As testament to their high standards of service and performance, a group of Andron employees have been nominated for a prestigious award after going beyond the call of duty to provide an exceptional level of service.

John McCulloch, Eileen Fleming and Helen Allardice, who are part of the Andron team overseeing the cleaning and maintenance of Dundee's Overgate Shopping Centre, spent several hours of their own time cleaning sewage after flooding was caused by torrential storms earlier this year.

Heavy rain caused drains at the Overgate Shopping Centre to overflow, filling shops and stockrooms with dirty water. The team quickly volunteered to stay behind after their shifts had ended to clean up the areas affected. Their actions have been recognised by Land Lease, who chose to put them forward for an 'Exceptional Response' award in the company's annual awards event.

The special event will see the Dundee-based team compete for the accolade against eight others from different shopping centres in a glittering awards ceremony in London in November.

Jane Ottaway, Andron's Human Resources Manager, said: "We are proud of the team who showed dedication and great spirit to help out in a time of difficulty. Andron has a reputation for employing people who strive to go that extra mile and we wish John, Eileen and Helen the very best of luck for the awards in November."

Nov 2011

Andron's success in the retail sector has received a boost after being awarded the contract as Clydebank Shopping Centre's cleaning services provider.

Andron began working with Clydebank Shopping Centre near Glasgow on August 18th 2011, after a competing in a competitive tender process. Attention to detail and knowledge of the site's requirements, coupled with a complete over-haul of services ultimately led to Andron's contract bid being successful. The contract will run for three years and includes a comprehensive range of tailored services including, cleaning, waste management and grounds maintenance.
 
This contract to deliver facilities management services to one of Glasgow's premier shopping destinations further proves Andron's ability to manage services to retail centres across the UK. Andron's ever-growing portfolio of shopping centres currently includes:

Dundee's Overgate Shopping Centre, Bon Accord and Union Square Shopping Centre in Aberdeen, Golden Square Shopping Centre in Warrington and Rochdale's Exchange Shopping Centre.
 
 
Andron's regional manager for South Scotland, Yvonne Nicol, said: ""We are pleased to restart our relationship with Clydebank Shopping Centre and are looking forward to developing and strengthening this partnership with centre manager Andrew Forrester and his team. We are excited to be part of a team that creates a vibrant retail environment".

Aug 2011

Andron Facilities Management has joined forces with PHS Direct to reduce its impact on the environment whilst still delivering the highest standard of cleaning.

With environmental issues high on Andron's agenda, the company decided to prove its commitment by becoming part of the initiative that is dedicated to using chemicals which comply with all relevant European Legislation regarding their environmental impact.
 
Andron is committed to its environmental responsibilities and understand that it is also a high priority for its clients.
 
Andron's Operations Director, Paul Orru, said: "Government legislation relating to environmental issues is ever growing and every responsible organisation is reviewing its impact on the environment.  We feel it is important that we do all we can to introduce innovative ideas to our daily operations to meet our own objectives and to reduce Andron's - and ultimately our clients'- carbon footprint."
 
Andron's relationship with leading cleaning product and chemical supplier PHS Direct supports the use of innovative products and fully utilises their expertise as a supplier chain partner. PHS sources unique product ranges that are formulated to ensure that environmental impacts are kept to an absolute minimum. This arrangement fits perfectly with Andron's environmental objective; to offer environmentally responsible products to our clients.
 
Andron has chosen to use Evans Vanodine products, formulated using a unique system to assess the overall environmental impact of the products' manufacture, use and disposal. This system is referred to as the 'Wright Environmental Impact Rating' (WEIR).
 
Paul added: "Andron is aware that every chemical used has some impact on the environment therefore we strive to understand to what degree this is and in what way they are harmful. We have a responsibility to make educated product choices and we are able to do this due to the conscientious work of PHS and its supply chain partners."

Aug 2011

Andron is thrilled to join forces with the BeOnsite organisation to provide disadvantaged people with industry relevant training and a firm footing on the road to employment.

BeOnsite is a national not-for-profit company created by Lend Lease to address the skills and training needs of people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Working with partner organisations, BeOnsite has aided the development and delivery of useful training since 2007 in line with industry legislation and modern construction techniques.

Andron and BeOnsite hosted an employment day at Warrington's Golden Square Shopping Centre and whittled 20 eager candidates down to three after a series of individual and team activities. The initiative proved to be a huge success with the selected candidates entering into work trials in early September. The participants undertook the roles of painter and decorator, cleaning operative and porter at the shopping centre.

Andron's Human Resources Manager, Jane Ottaway, said: "We are very pleased to participate in the BeOnsite initiative at Golden Square. It gives Andron the opportunity to offer people from disadvantaged backgrounds the chance to develop work-based skills which will enable them to take up jobs within their chosen career path."

Jane added: "We would like to wish all of the candidate's good luck for the future."

Aug 2011