Pro Installer August 2016 - Issue 41 | Page 40

40 AUGUST 2016 PRO INSTALLER PRO MOTORING www.proinstaller.co.uk GLAZING FIRM CHOOSES MERCEDES-BENZ Black Country firm Brital RKG has invested in a pair of white vans from Mercedes-Benz, after winning a prestigious contract to refurbish The Mailbox shopping complex in Birmingham city centre. For over 20 years, the business based in Wednesbury, West Midlands, has specialised in the installation and repair of high performance aluminium glazing systems encompassing windows, doors, shop fronts and curtain walling. Supplied by dealer Midlands Truck & Van, the firm’s new vans are dynamic Sport 116 BlueTEC variants of the latest-generation, mid-sized Vito range. They ride on 17-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels and feature colour-coded bumpers, chrome trim and sidebars as well as custom sport mats. Founded by managing director Dave Grigg, Brital RKG also supplies architectural aluminium, glass and louvre systems to customers throughout the UK and Ireland. Last year, the company turned over a record £1.8 million. This achievement owed much to The Mailbox contract. “That was the biggest job we’ve done to date.” Dave recalled. “We had a team of 20 on it for ten months - a very big commitment for a business of our size. But it gave us a great opportunity to demonstrate our ability to handle major, high-profile projects, and I’m confident that it will now be a springboard for future success.” Gibraltar. “Midlands Truck & Van sales executive Rob Lynock also arranged a competitive finance deal,” he added. The Vito Sport 116 BlueTEC is powered by a 2.1-litre twin-turbo diesel that meets Euro 6 emissions regulations and is capable of 47.1 mpg (combined cycle). Safety equipment fitted as standard includes Adaptive ESP®, ATTENTION ASSIST, Crosswind Assist and driver and passenger airbags. The Vito Sport also comes with a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty and MobiloVan cover. britalrkg.co.uk Brital RKG’s mixed-marque fleet of 17 vans includes one other Mercedes-Benz, a 2009 Vito. The Compact and Long-bodied Vito Sports new vans have been assigned to ‘fixers’ Adrian Clarke – who is married to Dave’s daughter – and Nick Dudley, who use them to transport tools and equipment, including laser levelling devices, to and from jobs. “The lads are both made up with these vehicles, which is not surprising because they’ve been really spoilt,” said Dave. “Their Vito Sports are loaded with ‘spec’ including air conditioning, comfort seats with armrests and multi-function steering wheels for hands-free operation of the satellite navigation, phone and entertainment systems.” He said reliability, fuel efficiency and safety was important as the company did a lot of miles with recent trips to Scotland and Police tips to keep your vehicle safe South Yorkshire Police has issued tips to tradespeople to help them keep their commercial vehicles safe. Sheffield police crime reduction officer Dene Tinker said South Yorkshire Police’s stance on vehicle crime was that prevention is better than cure. He said: “Vehicle crime is invasive. It affects our communities and families, both financially and emotionally. It typically comes in three forms: theft of a vehicle, theft from a vehicle or damage. There are simple things you can do to minimise the chances of you becoming a victim.” He gave these tips: • Fit additional locks - especially to any side-sliding and rear doors. • Always lock your vehicle. Especially whilst on site, in a residential area or in the street. • Fit an alarm. Insurance companies will often give a discount for properly installed and approved alarms. • Never leave personal documents or satnavs in the vehicle’s cab. • It may not always be easy, but try not to leave tools or equipment in your vehicle overnight. • Think about where you park. Prevent anyone getting into the back of the van by parking up against a wall, side by side or back to back with another vehicle. • Always try to park in a well-lit, open location. Park in areas covered by CCTV if possible. • Keep your van keys safe while you are working never leave them in your vehicle. • Security mark all your tools and equipment to make items uniquely identifiable. You can do this using your postcode and house number, written in UV pen. • Make sure you have fully comprehensive insurance for your vehicle. Thieves will often ‘smash and grab’ causing damage that is expensive to repair and may take you off the road for several days. Find more information at www.southyorks.police.uk ‘Vehicle crime is invasive. It affects our communities and families, both financially and emotionally’