New Gas Boiler Installation showing engineer fitting a new gas boiler

“Boiler Plus” – What you should know

With a view of protecting the environment for generations to come, the Government has published its Clean Growth Strategy highlighting key policies and proposals meant to tackle greenhouse gas emissions. Amongst these, one of the changes will see new standards being imposed on new boiler installations.

Generally referred to as “Boiler Plus”, the new legislation will require all boilers installed from April 2018 to have a new Erp (Energy-related Product) rating of 92% or higher and they must also have a programme timer and a thermostat. Most homes already benefit from this, however it will now become a requirement not just an extra option. In addition, combi boiler will also have to have at least one of the following energy-saving measures installed: flue gas heat recovery systems, load compensating thermostat, weather compensating thermostat or smart thermostat.

What are my options?

  1. Flue gas heat recovery systems: This system improves your boiler efficiency by reusing heat from your boiler rather than wasting it. In some instances, this technology might already be incorporated.
  2. Load compensating thermostat: This addition is able to adjust the radiator temperature according to the temperature in the home.
  3. Weather compensating thermostat: Similar to load compensating thermostats this system will adjust according to the outside temperature.
  4. Smart thermostat: This can be accessed using a smartphone or tablet allowing you to adjust the temperature even when you are not home.

Are you getting a new boiler installed anytime soon? Then be sure to check that it adheres to the new standards. With Arktek, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. We value customer satisfaction and always strive to deliver the best services.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the option of getting a new boiler, give us a ring on 0191 516 6911 or go to our website https://www.arktekheating.co.uk/ for a Free boiler quote.

Product Spotlight: ThermaBead Cavity Wall Insulation

The winter season always brings with it an inevitable spike in the energy bill. According to the Energy Saving Trust, about a third of all the heat lost in an uninsulated home escapes through the walls. As a result, people living in such properties will be spending more to keep themselves warm and in addition, will also increase their carbon footprint.

Does my house have a cavity wall?

Properties built after the 1930’s tend to have two brick walls. The gap between the inner and outer walls is known as a “cavity”. If the space of the cavity is at least 40mm between bricks and held together with wall ties then cavity insulation is suitable and recommended.

 

 

 

Arktek aims to provide the best quality of service to its customers and has a strong commitment to maintaining its quality standards. This is why we are offering the ThermaBead cavity wall insulation system which has been identified as having several advantages over standard fibre insulation.

Benefits of ThermaBead:

  1. Lower U value: Heat lost through materials is measured as a U value. Depending on the property and the length of the cavity, installing the ThermaBead product can improve the U value by approximately 70%, making it up to 20% more efficient than standard fibre insulation.
  2. Ease of installation: Using all weather specialist equipment, installation can be done in one day. Due to the unique nature of the fast flowing beads, the process requires fewer and smaller drill holes than other insulation systems and ensures all possible areas are filled.
  3. Flowability: The special flow properties of the beads allow the system to achieve a superior cavity fill, ensuring no cold spots and addressing settlement issues identified in other materials.
  4. Moisture Dissipation: Unlike other fibrous materials the special beads used to insulate the wall do not possess the same absorption properties and will not allow water to accumulate allowing a safe dispersion of moisture.

Considering the above points, our team has reached the conclusion that ThermaBead offers an easier and more effective solution to making your home warmer and more environmentally friendly. In addition to being a BBA(British Board of Agreement) and KIWA approved product, all work comes with a 25 year Insurance Backed Guarantee through GDGC. With potential savings of up to £250 per year this is the ideal solution for your home in regards to cavity wall insulation!

If you would like to know more please give us a ring on 0191 516 6911. For more information on the product you can check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brJfhvO3sQQ

Arktek Gas Engineer

Don’t cut corners with gas

Gas Safe Register has launched a campaign encouraging people to avoid using illegal fitters or doing any unsafe DIY repairs when working with gas appliances and we explain why you should care.

What is the Gas Safe register?

Replacing CORGI registration in 2009, the Gas Safe Register became the official list of gas engineers who are qualified to work safely and legally on gas appliances. By law, all gas engineers must be on the Gas Safe Register, but there are unregistered gas workers out there.

How can I tell if an engineer is registered?

All Gas Safe registered engineers carry a Gas Safe Register ID card. Before any gas work is carried out always check the card and make sure the engineer is qualified for the work you need doing.

How can I keep my family safe?

Badly fitted and poorly serviced appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas. You can’t see it, taste it or smell it, but it can kill quickly with no warning.

Protect yourself and your family from the dangers by following these simple steps:

  • Only use a Gas Safe registered engineer to fit, fix or service your appliances
  • Get your gas appliances regularly serviced and safety checked every year
  • Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm
  • Check for warning signs such as lazy yellow flames or black marks or stains around the appliance.
  • Know the six main signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning – headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness.

Always ask for a Gas Safe registered engineer and always ask to see their ID card. Check it, don’t risk it! If you suspect anyone to be working illegally report them to Gas Safe Register. For more information and to find and check an engineer go to www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500

Remember – Don’t Cut Corners and always use a Gas Safe registered engineer for any gas work.

 

Arktek Promise

We aim to get it right the first time, every time. All our engineers are registered and ready to help. If you need a helping hand why not give us a ring on 0191 516 6911. For more information you can also visit our website: https://www.arktekheating.co.uk/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arktek Group Limited’s Commitment to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Version: January 2018

Introduction

On the 25th of May 2018 the new EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will come into effect changing the way businesses gain and use customer data. Superseding the 1995 EU Data Protection Directive, the new regulation will address the growing importance given to customer data.

Commitment Statement:

Arktek Group Limited is committed to being GDPR compliant, both as a Data Controller and Processor, ahead of its implementation date. We have always taken in consideration our customers privacy rights. We will continue to do so and we will make the necessary steps to ensure our customer data is protected within the new standards. Having recently undertaken a Readiness Assessment, we feel confident in our ability to make all the necessary amendments to our policies and procedures. In addition, we are also committed to ensuring that our partners and subcontractors are compliant with GDPR and aware of any changes in our regulations.

What are we doing?

  1. We are working with QMS International and keeping up to date with information published on the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) website.
  2. Having understood how the new regulation will have an impact on the business, Arktek Group Limited has taken the necessary first step in identifying any gaps by reviewing its readiness. We have been advised that at this moment there are no badges that can confirm GDPR compliance status. However, it was suggested that for a company of our size following the standards of ISO 270001 would be sufficient. We are currently working towards gaining this accreditation and hope to do so by the end of Q2/2018.
  3. Using a self-assessment tool, we are monitoring our progress in making any necessary changes in our policies and procedures.
  4. We have appointed a member of the Management team to be responsible for GDPR compliance.
  5. Developing data mapping techniques for processing and storing personal information.
  6. Reviewing marketing activities to make sure they are in line with the new policies.

What is next?

Artkek Group Limited is excited for the opportunity to once again prove to our customers the value we place on delivering high quality services in all aspects of the business. We are taking the necessary steps to be GDPR compliant and feel confident in our ability to do so well in advance of the 25th of May 2018 deadline.

 

GDPR useful links:

For more information about GDPR you can refer to these links:

https://ico.org.uk/

https://www.eugdpr.org/eugdpr.org.html

 

 

 

 

Copyright Arktek Group Limited 2018. This information is provided for customer guideline purposes only and should not to be relied on for any reason. It is subject to change or removal without notice.

General Data Protection Regulation

On the 25th of May the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will come into effect. The new legislation addresses changes which have occurred in the digital environment since the creation of the 1995 EU Data Protection Directive. This will require businesses to align their policies with the new rules and reassess how they treat their customers data. Although this is an European Union directive, Brexit will not be a saving grace for companies looking for an easy way out as official’s state that UK data protection rules will align with the EU’s GDPR.

Arktek Group’s Commitment

At Arktek we consider the new regulation to be another opportunity to strengthen our promise to our customers. We pride ourselves in our high-quality standards and our motto of “get it right the first time, every time”, as a result we have taken a proactive approach in addressing the changes before they come into effect. This past week, Mark Grover delivered a three day GDPR Readiness Assessment on behalf of QMS International and helped us identify ways in which we can improve.

The results showed we have a good foundation to build on and using the information presented to us we will review our policies and address any gaps. In addition, we will be using data mapping techniques for processing and storing personal information, undertaking a data protection impact assessment and tracking our progress of GDPR readiness using the self-assessment tool provided.  We are aiming to finalise our changes by the end of February and will update in due time as we make progress on our journey to being GDPR compliant.

Conclusion:

While some may see the new regulations as a hindrance to their business, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. By adhering to the new security standards and principles stipulated by the GDPR, companies will be able to clean up their data and maximise the effectiveness of their communication efforts whilst protecting their customers. In addition, the increased transparency that companies need to showcase will only lead to better relationships with their clients, ones based on trust and loyalty. Ultimately, whether you are a customer, a data processor or data controller the new regulations will be beneficial to all and will bring about a new era in the way companies and customers interact.

For more information and news regarding the GDPR you can refer to the Information Commissioner’s Office website: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr/

David Richardson

Operations Director Appointment

Exciting News! – Arktek Group Limited is pleased to welcome our new Operations Director – David Richardson.

David has extensive operational experience delivering to the energy industry, this has included: the Lead role in British Gas’ Warm up North Scheme and 5 years of delivering the Eco obligation for the utility companies through the Mark Group. More recently David has worked as the Regional Operations Manager for the JLA Group covering Scotland and the North of England.

David will play a key role in ensuring Arktek’s continued growth and development. We look forward to an exciting year for Arktek – watch this space!

The Washington Riding Centre

Washington Riding Centre Sponsorship

The Washington Riding Centre

As part of Arktek’s commitment to working in the community, we will be running regular updates on the charities and organisations we are working with.

The Washington Riding Centre operates from their purpose built, BHS Approved Riding Centre, seven days per week, all year round. They have been in Washington since 1977, having originated in South Shields in 1964.
They currently provide approximately 130 children and adults with a range of disabilities and learning difficulties with riding lessons every week.

Arktek are delighted to be able to offer their support to such a worthy organisation.

All Smiles in the Admin Office

Welcoming Smiles

All Smiles in the Admin Office
All Smiles in the Admin Office

We don’t like to boast too much, but isn’t this the most amazing set of smiles from an office you are likely to see?

I think the slogan ‘Better by Smiles’ could be used for the Arktek team, don’t you?

 

Staff Meeting

Arktek Staff Meeting

Staff Meeting
Staff Meeting

It is important that our staff are kept in the loop about all changes that affect the way we run our business and even more vital to deliver feedback about how well we are performing.

Our regular staff meetings are part of our Kaizen strategy of continuous improvement that we apply rigorously to our operations.

Only by measuring our processes can we determine where to make improvements that will have the most positive impact on the way interact with our clients.