In The News
Buy Standard Size Access Covers Online 24/7
In January, Howe Green launched a new sales enabled site www.accesscovers.co.uk in response to global growth in e-commerce and customer demand for maximum availability. It features a select range of our most popular Howe Green metal fabricated access covers, hatches and accessories in a range of standard sizes.
Trouserless Commuters Brave the Winter Weather
So, did you join the trouserless commuters that braved the winter weather across the world on the National No Pants Subway Ride in January? This global phenomenon started off as a mere comedy prank 12 years ago but with cities including London, New York, Madrid, Mexico and Berlin all taking part, it seems going to work in your undies is a popular pastime!
HSE75 meets German Demand for Presicion Engineering
An unerring reputation for excellence has always given German manufacturing the competitive edge. Their appreciation of precision engineering and quality is renowned the world over, making it all the more flattering for Howe Green products to have received such a surge of interest from the German market in recent months.
Businesses in the East look further afield to boost Export Trade
Exports from the East of England to non EU countries are growing faster than in any other UK region according to the latest Trade figures released by HM Revenue & Customs. Growing at 16.4% year on year, non-EU exports now account for 43.8 per cent of the region's trade as opposed to 36.5 per cent in 2011. Exports to the recovering US market have grown 28 per cent year on year with the total value of exports from the region during reaching £6.7 billion in the last quarter of 2012.
Viva Las Vegas! - NAHB 2013
Howe Green exhibited at the 2013 NAHB International Builders' Show in Las Vegas alongside our US distributor FF Systems Inc. Organisers had estimated that 50,000 people would attend this year's three-day event, but numbers exceeded expectations, reaching over 62,000. The Show was certainly buzzing with activity, offering another piece of evidence that the US economy is recovering, particularly in the real estate and home-building sectors.
Meet Chris George - Business Development Manager
We are delighted to welcome Chris George, our new Business Development Manager to the Howe Green team. 35-year old Chris joined us at the end of February and has been focused on furthering his specialist knowledge of access cover solutions and the specific needs of our customers as part of his professional development.
Howe Green has the Wintergarden covered
UK manufacturer Howe Green has supplied its high quality 5000 and 7500 Series stainless steel access covers for The Wintergarden, Bluewater's newly re-designed food village. Having undergone a multi-million pound redevelopment, The Wintergarden re-opened to shoppers this month with a new 3,900 sq ft restaurant served by seven big brand food concessions and providing the centre with 50 per cent more covers.
Howe Green launches eCommerce website
Howe Green, the leading UK developer and manufacturer of access cover solutions has announced the launch of its e-commerce site.
Howe Green access covers keep The Tramshed on track
Howe Green's access covers were chosen for The Tramshed EC2, the latest Mark Hix venture, offering diners a simple but ultimately trendy steak and chicken experience in an impressive post-industrial space.
Howe Green's tree pit covers keep The Wintergarden growing greener
Bluewater's new social dining experience at The Wintergarden is open for business. Featuring different seating areas created with an intelligent blend of materials, colours and finishes, the contemporary new dining space designed by Leslie Jones incorporates seven ornamental trees to add to the aesthetics and help bring a touch of the outside in.
Not all Doom and Gloom for Construction Industry
Industry forecasts do not make for happy reading. The story they tell is long, sad and painful with what looks like another tough year ahead until 2014 when the first glimpses of recovery are predicted to appear. Director Richard Centa finds some positives for us to reflect on now that London 2012 is over and we consider the opportunities for construction in the capital.
Green School chooses Howe Green for Access Covers
Eco-friendly St Bernadette’s Primary School in Antonshill, near Stenhousemuir opened its doors for the first time this month. The energy-efficient building design was the work of Falkirk Council Architects with the construction delivered by Kier Scotland. Featuring solar-paneled water heating, recycled newspaper insulation and many other green initiatives, the new school is set to meet BREEAM’s Very Good sustainability objectives.
HG100 Channel Drainage for Bolton's Super School
Our super channel drain product was recently chosen for Bolton’s ‘super school’. The HG100 Channel Drain provided client Kier Northern with an effective and attractive drainage solution to remove water from around a multisensory pool area at the new £36m ultra-modern site of Bolton’s St Catherine’s Academy and The Firwood School.
From East Coast to West - Howe Green venture further into the US
The U.S. Census Bureau has reported that total construction spending increased 0.4% in June to $842.1 billion at a seasonally adjusted rate marking the third consecutive monthly increase. Good news for the US’s hard-hit construction industry and an encouraging sign for Howe Green and our US partner FF Systems Inc.
We took the step to expand our global distribution network with full coverage of the US and Canadian territories last year and working alongside FF Systems Inc, we have been proactive in marketing our range of floor and wall access solutions to the U.S. design and construction industry.
Hey Joe... meet the newest member of the Howe Green team
23-year old Joe Thomas is the newest member of the Howe Green Team. A creative chap by nature, Joe’s interests include urban art photography and spray painting – onto canvas that is, not public toilets thankfully! Currently learning the ropes as an Estimator, Joe has been with the company for 6 months now and is busy getting to grips with the technical and sales aspects of the role.
Emirates Air Line launches for London 2012
Howe Green’s 5000 and 7500 Series aluminium access covers have been installed in both the North and South Terminal buildings of the first urban cable car in the UK. Terrazzo flooring contractor TRI, chose Howe Green’s aluminium covers to provide easy, reliable and durable access to essential under-floor services for The Emirates Air Line; Transport for London’s gondola link across the River Thames from the Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks.
Howe Green Access Covers On Board the Cutty Sark Project
Howe Green access panels have been installed in the newly re-opened Cutty Sark visitor attraction. The world’s last surviving tea clipper was officially re-opened by Her Majesty The Queen on 25th April at its home in the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, having undergone extensive works that required almost every inch of the 143-year old vessel to be conserved.
Emirates Air Line Access Covers for River Thames Gondola link
One of the most high profile jobs currently in progress is the Emirates Air Line, Transport for London’s gondola link across the River Thames. This is the first urban cable car in the UK and the line crosses the river from the Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks linking two important Olympic sites. Howe Green is delighted to have been specified for the project and our 5000 and 7500 Series Aluminium access covers have been manufactured to order for both the North and South Terminal buildings in order to provide easy and reliable access to essential services.
Director Richard Centa explains why new product development is all in a days work
Howe Green is the industry’s access specialist. Best known for design and manufacture of top quality access covers for floors, walls and ceilings, Howe Green access covers have been first choice for some of the biggest and most prestigious building projects around the world.
At the NAHB International Builders’ Show Orlando
More than 51,000 attended the National Association of Home Builders’ International Builders’ Show (IBS) at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida last month. Exhibiting there for the first time, we showcased our stainless steel and aluminium floor access panels in association with US distributor FF Systems Inc and alongside their own gypsum-faced wall panel ranges.
Meet Rob Centa
As an existing Howe Green customer, it is highly likely that you will already know Rob. He is a Director at Howe Green and one of the four Centa brothers running the family business. The youngest member of the board (as he often likes to remind his brothers), Rob has worked his way through the ranks over the past 23 years and is now responsible for pricing, production and making sure that every order is manufactured safely, delivered on time and to the highest quality specs.
Howe Green help achieve the UK's renewable energy targets
We support intelligent energy Having had Photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on site this summer. Intelligent energy initiatives are always on our agenda at Howe Green.
A big new world for M&M’s
No doubt Mars Inc, Boris Johnson, the UKTI and indeed anyone in the Capital with a sweet tooth were delighted to see M&M’s World arrive in London’s West End this summer. The confectionery mega-store is the first of its kind in Europe and is big enough to house more than 100 double-decker buses. It spans 35,000 square feet over four floors and is reported to offer shoppers a ‘retail-tainment’ experience. The London store joins M&M’s World New York, Orlando and Las Vegas and features 7 feet high statues of the M&M’s characters, giant interactive screens inside a 1960’s London Bus, video links to all floors, a vibrant zebra crossing and a wall of chocolate in a rainbow of colour.
Howe Green's 5000 Series stainless steel panels were installed in a range of different internal areas as well as with a wide variety of different types of flooring.
HG100 keeps the beer flowing from Surrey Hills
The Surrey Hills Brewery is an independent brewer with a highly acclaimed and award-winning portfolio of beer and real ale. One of the UK’s micro-brewing success stories, the company recently increased its production and relocated to the prestigious Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking; the UK's largest single estate vineyard.
Over 20 metres of Howe Green’s HG100 Channel Drain was installed when existing estate buildings were refurbished and a new extension built at Denbies to accommodate their new housemates.
No Conkers please - we’re British!
Bad news for conkers as many British schools have now banished them from their grounds for fear of being sued by parents. Fair enough you may think, given the nature of the game, but when we also hear reports that children in UK schools are being made to wear goggles when using blu-tak, and that football in the playground and even running in some cases is forbidden too, one has ask if health and safety has reached ridiculous new heights?
The HSE estimates the cost to employers of slips, trips and falls alone to be around £512 million every year. Howe Green panels are precision made to avoid distortion. The cover sits flush with the outer frame for a smoother transition between the floor and the cover assembly when properly installed.
New US Distributor Ready for Growth
We are delighted to announce that we have officially landed Stateside and expanded our distribution network with full coverage of the US and Canadian territories through our newly appointed partner FF Systems Inc.
Meet Sue Marler
Sue is our ever-so-slightly quirky New Business Development Co-ordinator. She’s been with Howe Green for 3 years and has trained and studied over that time to build her technical knowledge and experience of the industry in order to take on her current sales-oriented role.
Peter Goes Coast to Coast
Our Managing Director Peter Centa took on a 140-mile coast-to-coast cycling challenge to raise funds for his local amateur boxing academy.
Lessons to be learned at City of Westminster College
City of Westminster College opened the doors of its new landmark £102m Paddington Green Campus to students in January. The project was one of the lucky few that successfully secured - and then actually received - capital grants from the ill-fated Learning and Skills Council (LSC), once described as Britain’s largest Quango. When the LSC was abolished 2 years ago this month, many colleges around the country were left high and dry, in limbo and in the red after development schemes were cancelled.
Where there's brass...
Metallic colours and finishes are among the hottest trends in interiors this year with ‘warm and comforting’ as well as ‘glamour and opulence’ coming through strongly as the minimalist look begins to fade. Certainly, we are finding that brass finished covers are still very much in demand for interiors, especially overseas. We also know that designers and building professionals often find themselves with the challenge of sourcing a reliable and cost effective solution in brass and that this is not always an easy task. Here, we discuss some of the potentially serious problems and pitfalls with many of the brass edged access covers readily available in the market.
Meet Tony Beach
As a Howe Green customer, it is highly likely that you already know Tony. He is our Technical Sales Manager and has been with the company for 14 years, where he has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in a variety of different roles. Tony will advise on your specification and handle the project from initial enquiry right through to delivery.
Wall Access a Must says HSE
At the end of last year, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued a Safety Notice raising the issue of access to gas flues in private and public housing. It was aimed at homeowners, tenants, landlords, managing agents, house builders, local authorities and anyone involved in the gas service industry including installers and engineers on the Gas Safe register.
Howe Green at Old Trafford
A year ago this month, Howe Green was thrilled to be involved in the celebrations at Old Trafford marking 100 years of one of the most famous football stadiums in the world. Manchester United decided it should honour the occasion by leaving a long lasting tribute and a time capsule was buried at the stadium containing a variety of club memorabilia.
Howe Green leads the way on the North East fitness trail
Howe Green’s modular channel drain systems have been specified and installed at Gateshead Council’s brand new and recently opened Heworth Leisure Centre and Blaydon Leisure and Primary Care Centre.
The contracts were secured following the success of a bespoke drainage solution Howe Green created originally for the £8million refurbishment of Gateshead Leisure Centre.
Howe Green appoints FF Systembau s.r.o as new partner in Eastern Europe
Howe Green, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of fabricated metal access covers is pleased to announce the appointment of FF Systembau s.r.o as its new partner in Eastern Europe.
FF Systembau s.r.o manufactures quality access solutions for wall and ceilings at their sophisticated and highly equipped production facility in Slovakia from which the business also supplies its sister companies in Germany, Italy and Poland for efficient distribution across all central and eastern European areas.
Howe Green Access Covers and Entrance Matting chosen for new Ebbsfleet International Station
A range of access panels and entrance mats, manufactured by leading producer Howe Green, have been fitted internally and externally at the domestic section of Ebbsfleet International Station, a station serving SouthEastern Rail’s new high speed rail service.
Connecting the county of Kent to Stratford and St. Pancras, the new rail link will significantly reduce commuters’ journey times. Running on the same tracks as the Eurostar, it is a leading project for SouthEastern Rail and marks Britain’s first domestic high speed rail service. As such a prominent station, it was expected that flooring would be subjected to foot traffic from tens of thousands of passengers. This led to the specification of Howe Green’s hard wearing access panels and entrance mats.
In Our Industry - Export Markets Are Key
The Office for National Statistics said that imports and exports rose to their highest level for almost two years in June giving UK manufacturing a long-awaited glimmer of hope. Exports increased by 4.3% to £22.4bn, with the value of goods bought by non-European countries reaching an all-time high. So, with the global trade deficit shrinking by more than expected, it seems that we all continue to look to exports to lead the UK recovery.
Visedge Series - Aluminium Floor Access Covers For Flexible Floors
The development of a floor access product for flexible flooring systems began 12 years ago when Altro, the flooring and wall-cladding specialist, highlighted a specific need. We responded immediately...
One Hyde Park - An Extra-Special Special!
The sale of the penthouse at One Hyde Park, Knightsbridge has been highly publicised in the national press recently. Going for a record-breaking £140m, it is the most expensive apartment in Britain...
Meet The Team - Introducing Sarah Bray
If you call Howe Green with an enquiry or need a project priced, Sarah is the lady in the know and will most probably be taking your call. She is our Sales Estimator and has been with the company for nearly five years. Ask any of her colleagues and they will tell you she is friendly, enthusiastic and always willing to help...
Howe Green CPD Seminars At Altro London Showroom
Howe Green and leading flooring and wall cladding specialist Altro, have enjoyed a close working relationship spanning many years. The launch of Altro’s new Showroom in the heart of London back in February 2009 was a major step forward for the company and we were delighted when they recently offered us use of the facility for our CPD seminars and training programme....
Team Howe Green - The Sri Lanka Challenge
The Lanka Challenge is a holiday with a difference and this year’s event saw 30 tuk-tuks racing across Sri Lanka facing challenges along the way...
Howe Green's A Hit In Dubai
Mirdiff, Dubai, has long been a hit with ex-pats and locals for its outstanding dining, leisure and shopping precincts – and it’s about to get a whole lot better thanks to the Mirdiff City Centre mall. ...
Howe Green Floor Access Panels Prove A Big Hit At Custard Factory
Built by Sir Alfred Bird, the inventor of instant custard, around a century ago to manufacture his famous dessert, the Custard Factory has recently been revamped as an arts and media quarter for Birmingham...
Kings Cross Gets On Track With Howe Green's Tough Access Panels
For the development of the Northern Ticket Hall, a sizeable extension of King’s Cross tube station, London, the specification of materials had to be carefully considered. To provide access to essential under floor services, access panels that offered fire resistance along with the ability to withstand massive amounts of foot traffic were required...
Ashmolean Museum Gets Priceless Help From Howe Green Access Panels
Founded in 1683, the Ashmolean Museum at the University of Oxford is the world’s first university museum. It recently underwent renovation and extension to meet the needs of modern institutions and to cater for the thousands of visitors who attend the world class attraction every year...
Gateshead Gets Active With Howe Green
As part of an £8million refurbishment of Gateshead Leisure Centre, the centres changing facilities have been completely upgraded. As part of this an effective and attractive drainage solution to remove water from the floors of the showers and changing areas was required. To achieve this, Howe Green provided its innovative HG100 channel drain system.
Howe Green Lets Off Steam At Roman Baths
The only one of its kind in the world, The Roman Baths in Bath is visited by tens of thousands of people each year. As part of a makeover to upgrade the visitor experience further, Event Communications suggested the introduction of a 5 metre long see through glass floor to provide visitors with a dramatic view of the main drain from above...
Howe Green Provides Access At Liverpool John Moores University
Safe housing of vital underfloor building services at one of the country’s impressive new academic buildings, architects specified access panels from Howe Green...
New 1050 Access Cover From Howe Green – We’ve Got The Outside Covered!
Cabot Circus is a massive £500 million integrated urban regeneration scheme that includes residential, retail, leisure, offices and new landscaping. At its centre is a glass roof the size of one and a half football pitches, making inside the new outside
Hundreds Of Howe Green Visedge Covers Installed At Romford’S New PFI Hospital
Over 200 Visedge floor panels have been supplied by Howe Green to Romford’s new PFI Hospital...
Howe Green Has It Covered At The UK’s First Palm Restaurant
One of America’s largest family owned chain of fine dining restaurants has headed over to British shores, opening up the first UK Palm restaurant in Belgravia. ...
Howe Green Mighty Fine For Loch Fyne
Whether it be for the building of a new restaurant, hiring of staff or cooking the food, the UK’s best known seafood restaurants always insist on doing it to the best standard possible...
London, Barcelona And Moscow - Howe Green Matting Goes Intercontinental
Offering the very finest in porcelain figurines, Lladro has boutiques located in some of the most ...
Howe Green Access Panels Top Choice For Barking Central Development
Lying in the Thames Gateway, the Barking Central development is key to the area’s regeneration. A series of municipal buildings centred around a new town square that won a European Prize for Public Urban Space, it used Howe Green’s 7500 Series access panels to cover vital building services on a colonnade walkway....
Easy Access At Heathrow Airport’s T5 Thanks To Howe Green
When it came to providing access to essential building services within the largest free-standing structure in the UK, the natural choice was Howe Green, market leaders in the design and manufacturer of access panels. Designed by architects Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners for client BAA, Heathrow airport’s Terminal 5 (T5) marks the start of a new era for the airport and for passengers...
