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This position has now been filled.

You will need to have the ability and experience to manage a Logistics operation in a fast moving and demanding environment, for the UK’s leading provider of Service and Maintenance for sports equipment.

You must have general engineering experience, good geographical knowledge, with the ability to plan engineers work throughout UK, all this needs to be applied while working under pressure.

The ideal candidate will ideally have a proven track record in logistics management and planning with a proven track record of delivering quality service .You will need to provide reports weekly directly to the company directors.

You will need to be well presented, organised and articulate . You will need to be able to work on your own initiative and have the ability to make decisions with confidence and be competent with IT systems. You would ideally have previous experience of working with public sector companies such as councils and have excellent people skills.  You will have the opportunity to achieve outstanding results in a fast moving industry and will receive rewards that reflect your performance.

If you feel you can fill this role please send us your CV

Wivenhow Town FC coach Julian Dicks receiving donation of training gear from Sportsafe MD

Read the article on the Evening GAZETTE SITE

Sportsafe Boss Jon Neill donated equipment to his old school as reported in the local Colchester Press:

10:51pm Wednesday 30th April 2008

A SPORTS equipment firm boss has said thank you to his old school by donating equipment worth thousands of pounds.

Jon Neill admits he had an “unspectacular” career as a pupil at Colchester’s Sir Charles Lucas Arts College - but he more than made up for it later by building a business with 11,000 schools and sports centres as clients.

The 39-year-old, who started Sportsafe UK in 1996 from the garage of his home in Great Horkesley, now employs 38 staff at a 13,000sq ft warehouse at Eastgates, Colchester.

He manufactures, supplies, installs, repairs and maintains sports fitness equipment and currently has contracts with 46 councils.

Mr Neill recently visited the sports centre at Sir Charles Lucas in Greenstead, to present manager Nick Foxley with a Precor USA EFX 546 cross trainer and a Precor USA C956 treadmill, worth a combined total of about £5,000.

He said: “It’s nice to give a little something back to the school and I would like to do more for them in the future.

“I personally had a good time and enjoyed my days at Sir Charles Lucas.”

The credit crunch and looming recession is definitely a hot topic in the press at the moment. Children are also keenly debated, or to be more specific, the supposed threat of obesity and lack of physical exercise that children nowadays are supposedly exposed to.

Both of these could be good for business if your business is soft play. This is because the credit crunch means that many stay-at-home mothers will have to find work to bolster the family income, and parental concern means they will be looking for childcare that offers active play. However, with more and more childcare and soft play facilities springing up, how can you stay one step ahead of the rest?

Softplay Wonder Wave

The secret to setting up and running a successful soft play facility is offering what both parents and children want. Parents want a clean, safe and secure environment where they can leave their children, happy in the knowledge they will be well cared for. Children just want to have a whale of a time. Both can be achievable, but in order to get things right it is important to do your homework before you start building your business.

Safety First

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents give excellent advice on their website (http://www.rospa.com) together with a list of safety standards that will need to be met, such as those for covering fire, lighting, toilet facilities, electrical installations, gas equipment, etc. They also detail the safety inspections and associated record keeping, that will be needed, together with notes on cleaning routines and training of staff.

St. John Ambulance (http://www.sja.org.uk) offers various first aid courses, a must for those working with children. Their Early Years First Aid course is aimed at professionals working with younger children and shows how to deal with various accidents and emergencies that can occur, for instance choking, asthma and diabetic emergencies, head injuries, seizures, etc.

Safety and first aid training for staff is extremely important to ensure that children are kept safe. In addition all members of staff should undergo a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check as part of the recruitment procedure. Information on how to use the Disclosure Service can be found on the Criminal Records Bureau website (http://www.crb.gov.uk).

Business Considerations

Setting up a business, especially one connected with children, and the associated safety concerns, can be daunting. Everything from Risk Assessments, Planning Permission, Design and Maintenance to arranging Bank Loans can seem like a minefield. The most important thing to remember is that the point of a business is to make money, so financial considerations must be at the top of your list. Seek business advice on the viability of your business to be successful, Business Link (http://www.businesslink.gov.uk) is a good place to start. Search out a well qualified accountant to make sure you receive sound and independent financial advice. The Institute of Chartered Accountants (http://www.icaewfirms.co.uk) offers a full list of members who specialise in business advice, such as feasability studies and company formation.

Sportsafe UK Ltd Softplay Service

Sportsafe offer design and installation of soft play centres as well as offering individual softplay equipment ( e.g. Softplay Wonder waves, Softplay Cogs, Softplay Mushrooms,Softplay Columns,Softplay wedges to name a few) Based in Colchester, Essex (http://www.sportsafeuk.com) can offer a nationwide service which includes a total project management service if required. Whether you need advice on premises, or even help with planning permission, they can plan everything and even offer assistance sorting out the finance and leasing options.

What facilities to offer

The best way to decide what facilities to offer is to ask parents what they would like to have available to them. Clients can be very choosy – getting them through the door is hard enough, but keeping them coming back for more is even harder. Go out into the marketplace and ask questions. This will give you more of a feel of what is expected. Explore other successful centres and ask yourself why they are successful and how they could be improved – think like a consumer!

Deciding on Soft Play Premises

The most important consideration is the size of the building. Basically it needs to be big enough to accommodate all the soft play equipment and structures, toilets, canteen facilities, office areas, etc. Most often soft play centres are out-of-town locations which may have the benefit of adequate parking, but parking is often an issue with regards to obtaining the necessary permissions. Planning permission will generally need to be sought for change of use and you will need expert advice with regard to this. Contact the Local Authority Planning Officers and ask for their initial thoughts on the project. It is also very important to make sure you have good disability access

Choosing  Soft play Equipment

Before deciding what equipment you need, the most important thing is to choose the right supplier who can offer high quality equipment, together with maintenance and repair services. Make sure they are very experienced in the leisure industry, with full knowledge of the necessary regulations governing your business. Basically, before you part with your money, make sure they are experts and that you will benefit from their expert knowledge. If you are unsure exactly what layout you require specialist firms usually offer a design service, and some such as Sportsafe U.K. (0844 581 0550) offer site visits for  free.

Although there are many firms offering to provide equipment cheaply, their ‘stack it high and sell it cheap’ policy generally means a poorer quality product with no back-up. This will prove very costly in the long run.

You will need to decide what age range you will be catering for and use equipment that is age appropriate. Also, you need to make sure that the equipment encourages lots of different play activities to promote exercise, balance and co-ordination skills.

Further Ideas

Once you have decided on the play equipment - here are some other ideas to think about:-

• · Ensure you have adequate and safe parking facilities in the vicinity. If your customers cannot get their children to you easily they will go elsewhere.

• · Make your soft play facility a great experience for adults too.

• · Quality food is very important, both for children and parents. Make it a taste sensation. Offer proper vegetarian and vegan meals on your menu and remember cross contamination issues – don’t use the same serving utensils for vegetarian and meat dishes. Healthy snack options are essential, but also think about having ‘quality’ cakes and dishes for parents. Even a simple panini can be well presented. Think quality cappucino and skinny latte - this will encourage parents to spend time (and money) and could spin off to a café that is every bit as successful as the soft play element, especially if it provides a convenient but very pleasant meeting point. Provide high chairs for busy mums.

• · Make it spotlessly clean – dirty facilities will send alarm bells ringing for prospective clients – it is probably the number one complaint you will hear from disgruntled parents who have used other facilities.

• · Your staff will make or break your business. Keep them well trained and motivated to do well. Have more than adequate supervision to allay any worries that parents may have.

• · Have separate toilet facilities for adults and children if possible. Consider low sinks for washing tiny hands, non-slip flooring surfaces, hygienic dryers. Have quality soaps and hand lotions in the adult facilities. Think ‘quality hotel’ feel – even using the loo can be made a pleasant experience for mum! Ensure there is adequate space in the toilet facilities, after all if mum is taking little Johnnie to the loo, she may have another two children with her and it can be very uncomfortable negotiating three children in a cramped area. Don’t forget wheelchair users and make sure you offer good disability access. Above all keep the toilet facilities absolutely spotless and have a regular rota to make sure they are.

• · Have a separate area for babies and toddlers which is very well supervised and keep older children out. It would be very easy to have a five year old running into a much younger child and causing an injury. Think ‘accident’ and make sure it cannot happen.

• · Consider a private area for breast-feeding mums.

Marketing

Parents will not find you if they don’t know about you, so shout it from the rooftops! Marketing is a necessary and often expensive exercise, so look for ways to get your message across for free. Your local press are always looking for stories, so give them yours and tell them what it is you want to achieve. If there are other centres in your area, think about what you offer that is better – ensure you are maximising the potential of your unique selling point.

Have a grand opening ceremony and invite as many people as possible, including the mayor. Get your picture in the papers and keep it there by letting your local papers know when you have a special promotion or new activity coming up. Most schools run a newsletter for parents, make sure you get a mention. Have your leaflets in all the right places – anywhere you can think of where potential clients will be.

Above all, take time to think through the various factors and if you still feel you have the commitment to the idea, but perhaps find some aspects a little overwhelming, call in experts to help you out.

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Reporting to Department Managers/Directors

You will need to have the ability and experience to manage a sales office in a fast moving and demanding environment, for the UK’s leading provider of Service and Maintenance for sports equipment.

You will need to demonstrate improvements of our already high levels of customer service. To be able to work to targets with regards to sales, lead generation, conversions and to continually show improvements throughout the sales department in all areas.

The ideal candidate will ideally have a proven track record in managing existing customers by increasing sales with these customers and by also generating new business in existing markets whilst also exploring new markets. To manage the contracts we hold throughout the UK and maintain the sales performance of these contracts. To provide reports weekly directly to the company directors.

You will need to be well presented, organised and articulate as you may have to undertake meetings with County Councils at officer level as well as dealing directly with our customers. You will need to be able to work on your own initiative and have the ability to make decisions with confidence and be competent with IT systems. You would ideally have previous experience of working with public sector companies such as councils and have excellent people skills. In return you would receive job security in these uncertain times, a salary of above average remuneration, a generous bonus scheme, as well as other benefits. You will have the opportunity to achieve outstanding results in a fast moving industry and will receive rewards that reflect your performance.

The following trampoline safety points are provided as a general guide of Do’s and Dont’s to consider when using a trampoline safely.Please read the disclaimer notice

• Never allow trampoline use without a properly qualified coach being present. Trained ‘spotters’ should be present and both the coach and the spotters should regularly review their own training to ensure they are kept up to speed with the latest developments in trampoline safety issues.
• Trampolines should be fitted with end decks/spotting decks and crash mats securely fitted and regularly serviced and maintained. Ensure the trampoline is set up on a completely level surface. Consider netting. Double check that the trampoline and safety devices meet current British Standards.
• Protect the trampoline from unsupervised use, check access procedures and keep doors locked when necessary.
• Look at the area around the trampoline, ensure there are no obstacles or objects in the way, such as other gym or playground equipment, litter, light fittings, wires, poles, etc. Keep the area around the trampoline clear except for the provision of safety mats. Make sure emergency personnel (such as ambulance personnel) have clear access to the trampoline site.
• Prepare an individual Health and Safety Manual for the trampoline and review procedures regularly. An Accident Book must be kept up to date and in line with Health and Safety Executive requirements. Appoint a Safety Manager to oversee all safety procedures. Have set emergency procedures in place. Carry out regular risk assessments. A minimum of one suitably qualified first-aider should be present at all times.
• Appoint a suitable person to carry out daily checks and arrange planned inspections and maintenance (Sportsafe UK can offer advice on the frequency and documentation of inspections). British Safety Standard 1892 Part 1`states ‘It is important that all physical education apparatus is maintained in a first class safe condition.’ If there is any damage to the equipment it must not be used at all and such damage should be reported to the Safety Manager for further action.
• Ensure notices indicating safety procedures and rules are displayed in prominent places and ensure these meet legal requirements.
• No food or drink should be consumed in the trampoline area.
• ROSPA recommend a minimum age of 6 years old for children using trampolines. Only allow young children to bounce at a low level.
• Never allow anyone to go underneath a trampoline as a trampoline can depress considerably when an individual is bouncing. Also have a ‘clearance area’ around the trampoline that other children are not allowed to come into.
• Only ever allow one person to use the trampoline at a time.
• Children must not be allowed to jump off the trampoline. Strict entry and exit procedures should be enforced.
• Coaches should ensure children are carefully monitored and do not try any moves for which they are not ready and able. Ensure users do not jump too high.
• Minimise distractions around the trampoline to ensure trampoline users have full concentration. Smoking should not be allowed in the trampoline area, as this can be extremely off-putting to trampoline users. Keep noise levels down to the bare minimum.
• Limit the time allowed on the trampoline – tiredness increases the risk of accidents.
• No jewellery (including ear studs) should be worn and clothing should be suitable (i.e. no metal/sharp objects or loose clothing). Socks must be the non-slip variety. Never allow trampoline users to go barefoot. Check trampolining shoes to ensure they offer good grip and protection.
• Never allow users access to the trampoline when feeling ill or tired. Check whether the user is using medication via a health questionnaire and take advice from the Safety Manager if necessary. If in doubt do not allow use of the trampoline.

Accidents will happen, but with adequate supervision and attention to safety issues the risks can be substantially minimised.

If you have any concerns regarding whether your trampoline and associated areas meet up-to-date safety requirements contact us

Extract from Article by Ruth Orvis written for Sportsafe UK

Useful Links

www.rospa.com

www.british-gymnastics.org

Please note any safety advice is provided for information purposes only and that the publisher,author and third parties do not accept reposibilty for any injury ,loss,accident or damage to any individual or property occuring directly or indirectly as a result of applying information from this guide.

Local award winning company Sportsafe UK Ltd has introduced a new online gym parts store to compliment sales of sports and fitness equipment.
Sportsafe UK Ltd based in Colchester Essex has diversified its business by offering e-commerce functionality to new and existing clients via its website. Customer service is a key focus of Sportsafe and the e-commerce channel offers a convenient alternative for enquiries or orders.

“Gym owners faced with upgrading or repairing equipment can prolong the life of their machines and save money by overhauling current equipment and replacing worn out parts ,especially in these recessionary times!” says Jon Neill Managing Director.

“The availability of online parts is quite limited throughout the UK so we hope our new service will benefit Gym owners nationwide offering them wide access to OEM and patent parts for many leading brands” says Stuart Parkins Online Manager”

The company website located http://www.sportsafeuk.com was redesigned and went live for ordering during August 2008.

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