Clearview 225 - August 2020 | Page 8

INDUSTRYNEWS FACIAL RECOGNITION/TEMPERATURE CHECK INTEGRATED WORKPLACE SOLUTION » AB ACCESS CONTROL, THE ACCESS control unit of aluminium manufacturing and installation company AB Glass, has rolled out an innovative solution that will help companies get their workforces up and running again as the COVID-19 lockdown ends – safely. Alan Brayley, Managing Director of AB Glass, said: “As a lot more companies start to return to the workplace, they will be keen to implement all precautions and safety measures they can to ensure the safety and peace of mind of their employees.” The company is offering the installation of a cutting-edge access control system for premises - including commercial offices, factories or apartments - that incorporates facial recognition software with the ability to assess the body temperature of the individual seeking access to a building or premises. The equipment has a temperature accuracy of plus or minus 0.3 degrees Celsius as long as the person is standing between 0.3 and 0.7 metres away. It can be wall-mounted or free standing and programmed to set off an alarm if the temperature indicates a person might be ill. www.abglass.co.uk RAFFLE RAISES OVER £2000 FOR GM FUNDRAISING » AN INDUSTRY MAGAZINE HAS helped raise over £2000 for GM Fundraising in an online raffle. Fourteen impressive prizes were kindly donated, including a table for ten at the Glass Times Raceday at Haydock Park or Epsom Downs in 2021, a Fortnum & Mason Hamper donated by Edgetech, and a round of golf for four donated by Epwin Window Systems. Since it was established in 1995, GM Fundraising has raised nearly £2 million for Hope House Children’s Hospices; which provides palliative care for children with life limiting conditions and support for their families. 85% of Hope House’s £5.5 million care costs are met through charitable donations and GM Fundraising is its largest single donor. GM Fundraising is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and had hoped to raise over £200,000 for the charity. Gary Morton, founder of GM Fundraising, said: “Charities have been hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic because so many fundraising events and opportunities have had to be postponed. Huge thanks to Glass Times and everyone in the industry who bought a ticket.” www.gmfundraising.co.uk Group looking to acquire installation companies » AN INDUSTRY VETERAN WITH 30 years’ experience has announced plans to build a group of installation companies and is currently seeking potential acquisitions. Neal Harper’s new venture will be under the ‘Sustainium Group’ brand and holding company, although businesses will continue to operate under their own name. Neal commented: “Over the years I’ve met many owners of window companies who want to sell or retire, but domestic double glazing companies are notoriously difficult to sell. Some of these owners have spent years building a great name and reputation, and have loyal staff they want to look after. My aim is to acquire a small number of these firms and continue the great work of these owners. “Some firms have had a surprise upturn in work, but the reality is it is harder than ever to run a business and maintain margins, with rising costs and more demanding customers. Red tape and onerous regulations are adding fuel to the fire, so it’s no surprise many business owners are looking for a way out – especially if they’ve been in business a long time.” www.sustainium.co.uk 8 » AUG 2020 » CLEARVIEW-UK.COM