robinson services - service link - spring 2010

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• Even more of a safe bet for Security• New wins this Spring• Yes you can says David Robinson

• Odyssey staff told to get on your bike• Buttercrane staff flushed with success• Dream Team stars in Belfast Marathon• Robinson Services scores with Hockey

Sponsorship

Inside this issue...

A Safe Bet forSecurity Services

S U M M E R 2 0 1 0

0353 ServiceLink_ Spring2010_Layout 1 26/05/2010 9:26am

Welcome to the Summer issue of Service Link for 2010, ourcustomer magazine whose aim is to keep you up to datewith developments within Robinson Services.

Difficult times continue but new contract wins for The RoyalVictoria Hospital, Sprucefield Shopping Centre, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Services and the Cordia HotelGroup show how our product offerings are still held in high regard in this difficult trading climate.

Inside read how David Huxley, Security Services Manager feels now we achieved our new security accreditationwhich will help customers and prospects alike - congratulations to David and all his team for this tremendousrecognition. Congratulations are also in order to our Cleaning Team at Buttercrane Shopping Centre who wonthe Loo of the Year Award and are flushed with success!

We try to encourage staff in Robinson Services to involve themselves with charitable activities. So read inside howThe Dream Team - from which I was unfairly excluded on ageism ground by the team leader Beverlee Moag-Walker I hasten to add - participated in The Belfast Marathon to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer and how ourSecurity team at the Odyssey received a Shine A Light award for Children with Cancer by simply getting on theirbike. In addition our sponsorship of Antrim Sixes Hockey tournament in its 50th year shows how we also try tosupport local initiatives

There are always changes at Robinson Services and we welcome more new additions to our Sales and Laundryteams with the appointment of Kerry Mooney, Sales Manager Laundry and Hygiene divisions and Sam Auld ournew Production Manager in the Laundry. In addition as the company continues to grow and develop across allthe group divisions in Northern Ireland, England and Scotland – we added 2 more high flying appointments withBrendan Martin and Emma Williamson joining us as Customer Relationship executives.

Finally – it would be remiss of me not to mention Jimmy Fullerton, our longest servingemployee with 45 years service – in case you wondered, no I was not even bornwhen Jimmy joined the original Waveney Laundry in Ballymena - congratulations toJimmy and thanks for all your hard work and dedication over the forty five yearswith the company.

Enjoy your summer holidays wherever you travel.

David J Robinson, Managing Director

Welcome

Contact us...Name Title Email Contact NoDavid J Robinson Managing Director [email protected] 028 9442 9717Shirley Anne Cornett Company Accountant [email protected] 028 9442 9717

Maureen Totton Director [email protected] 07801 808 884Gareth Lester Operations Manager [email protected] 07801 856 317Lorraine Smyth General Manager - Laundry Division [email protected] 07792 341 110Beverlee Moag-Walker Business Development Manager [email protected] 07872 501 494David Huxley Security Services Manager [email protected] 07894 047 164Kathleen O'Loughlin Human Resource Advisor [email protected] 07872 645 430Shauna McQuillan Health & Safety and Training Advisor [email protected] 07525 236 906Anne McKee Operations Manager [email protected] 07894 438 045Jennifer Quinn Operations Manager [email protected] 07889 137 447Leon Gilchrist Office Administrator [email protected] 028 9442 9717Terry McAllister Receptionist [email protected] 028 9442 9717Kerry Mooney Sales Manager [email protected] 07974 417 534Emma Williamson Customer Relationship Executive [email protected] 07889 648 981Roisin McAuley Customer Relationship Executive [email protected] 07590 778 287Libby McCartney Customer Relationship Executive [email protected] 07956 542 490Gavin Watt Hygiene Supervisor [email protected] 07912 087 296Martin Christie Distribution Supervisor [email protected] 07813 676 271


Robinson Services SecureApproved ContractorScheme (ACS) Status forSecurity DivisionLooks like we are even more of a Safe bet forSecurity Services too as we receivedconfirmation that Robinson Services is anapproved contactor under the SecurityIndustry Authority (SIA) scheme. We areamongst the first local companies toachieve this accreditation. Unlikemany companies, we have beenaudited and accredited in threesecurity disciplines – namely‘Manned guarding, CCTV andKeyholding’. The score we receivedplaces us in the top 25% of allsecurity companies audited in thewhole of the UK.

David Huxley, Security ServicesManager at Robinson Services is justlyproud of this achievement andcommented: “We are confident that this isalso a true reflection of our capabilities anddesire to deliver a world class security service. Weare happy to provide existing and potential clients witha copy of our audit report and score for full perusal on request.

Choosing an ACS accredited supplier for the provision of your contract security services will helpyou to meet your security obligations to your staff, shareholders and other stakeholders.

Approved contractors are demonstrably committed to customer service and the compulsorylicensing of their staff. This means our customers can rest assured that every private securityoperative we deploy on their premises will be working within the law. The status of the ACS isrecognised by the police and offers the potential for enhanced working relationships. The aim is toprovide practical benefits through 'joined-up' police, business and community initiatives.”

David Robinson, Managing Director , Robinson Services was equally delighted with thisaccreditation: “By using our Security Division you can be confident that our employment practiceshave been extensively and independently assessed in respect of quality and best practice.

You can expect effective customer-focused procedures in place to overcome any issues that arise inservice delivery. The ACS Standard encourages service customisation, rather than 'off-the-shelf'packages. This will help ensure that the services delivered more closely reflect your preciserequirements.”


Beverlee Moag-Walker gets Hot Under The Collarwith Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue ServiceContract Win for Robinson Services

Why do women fall so easily for men in uniforms? Well now at Robinson Services all the girls havea chance to explain why as the Laundry Division has secured the contract to provide Laundry servicesto all 28 Fire Stations in Northern Ireland for the next three years.

Beverlee Moag Walker, Business Development Manager at RobinsonServices was delighted that the company had secured this

prestigious contract and commented: “We are pleased to havesecured this contract to further support the NIFRS, as we alreadysupply them with mat services and we are sure we will deliver ahigh quality product to them as they continue to deliver a fireand rescue service and work in partnership with others toensure the safety and well-being of our community.Much as I would like to I must however stress that I will

NOT be taking a greater interest in this contract than isnormal. Surely every girl loves a man in uniform don’t they?”For further information contact David Robinson on

028 9442 9717 or by e mail to [email protected]

New wins thisSpring...As we continue to offer excellent value for money and award-winning service the wins just keep on coming.

Getting Spruced Up for SpringSprucefield can look forward to a makeover as RobinsonServices have been awarded the Contract for the on siteCleaning Services at this major shopping centre in Lisburn.Maureen Totton, Director Robinson Services was delighted tosecure such a high profile contract. “The new contract will employ 12 team members and we will be we responsible for the cleaning andhousekeeping of the shopping mall and adjacent toilet facilities. Our outdoor grounds crew have a variedand vast list of daily tasks including trolley collection and storage, waste management and seasonalgritting as well as the general upkeep and external maintenance of this highly prestigious site. We lookforward to working with Tim Honeyford and his team - the day to day running of the project will be in thevery capable hands of Joe Martin on site Supervisor who will be supported by Jennifer Quinn OperationsManager.” Tim Honeyford, Sprucefield Centre Manager welcomed Robinson Services on Board andcongratulated Maureen Totton and the company on being awarded the Tender following a full andcomprehensive tender process.


Five Star Treatment Securesanother Hotel Win forRobinson Services

Hot on the heels of securing the business for The Park Avenue and Park Plaza Hotels, RobinsonServices have secured further hotel wins with thecontracts for both Hygiene and Laundry for 2 IbisHotels, part of the Cordia Hotel Group in Belfast.The two 3 star hotels based in Belfast boastcollectively 180 modern rooms with all rooms

ensuite and non smoking. The Queens Quarter hotelis located 1km from Belfast City Centre and Queens

University. The city Centre hotel is located downtownwithin Belfast City Centre and both are ideal hotels for

business or leisure trips to Belfast.Lorraine Smyth, General Manager of Robinson Services Laundry

division paid tribute to the staff at the laundry division whose professionalism and enthusiasm iscontinuing to reap the rewards of hard work since the move to the new premises, The JamesRobinson Building in Antrim in April 2009. “We are looking forward to working with General ManagerMrs Gabriella Palazzini of the City Centre Hotel and General Manager Deirdre McNally of the QueensQuarter Hotel. Roisin McAuley, Customer Relationship Executive for Robinson Services will be responsiblefor ensuring that we live up to our promise of “It’s Our Business to Support yours” and exceeding customerexpectations at each and every level.”

Robinson Services – Quite Simply a MoreSecure Choice for Parking at Foyleside andThe Royal Victoria Hospital…

Robinson Services’ success with its expanding Security Division continues with theannouncement that the company has been awarded two further contracts which commenced

at the beginning of March to provide additional security services to Foyleside Shopping Centre -Northern Ireland’s largest shopping centre and the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. Foyleside’s carpark consists of over 1,500 spaces over five storeys whilst the RoyalVictoria Hospital contract covers 2,200 spaces in NorthernIreland’s largest hospital complex.David Huxley Security Services Manager, RobinsonServices was delighted to add to the growing list

of new Security clients since the divisioncommenced operating towards the end of2008. “We are delighted to have secured thisadditional contract with Foyleside Shopping

Centre and are looking forward to working withAndy Barr and all the team – our addition of theRoyal Victoria Hospital contract confirms that oursystems and operational procedures are equally athome in this environment as it is in a shopping centre.”


Yes You Can Says David Robinson at Ulster Bank Networking Eventin BallymenaEntrepreneurs got the chance to hear from business people who have ‘been there and done it’ at an event in The Tullyglass House Hotel in Ballymena including our own David Robinson.Sitting alongside “our” David was David Patton of Patton Group, Sam Morrison Jnr of ClockworkOrange clothing chain, Steven Montgomery of Montgomery’s, Ballymoney Street, entrepreneurand author Ron Immink and Sam McIlveen of the Belfast Telegraph.The event, organised by smallbusinesscan.com and supported by Ulster Bank, Ballymena Chamberof Commerce and The Belfast Telegraph, involved discussion about starting and growing a business.Ron Immink, one of the founders of the smallbusinesscan.com network, said: “The thousands ofentrepreneurs and innovative small businesses out there need support and advice to make the most of their ideas and talents.”David Robinson was delighted to participate and commented: “ It is a pleasure to get theopportunity to meet other people in the business community and share knowledge and bestpractices – I would encourage other small business owners to grasp the opportunities that thesenetworking events provide – commercial or simply sharing ideas and thoughts – if you think

networking is a waste of time my message is simple – think again.”


And get on their bike they did as they raised over £1500 for childrenwith cancer by taking part in a sponsored cycle ride at the Odyssey.

David McAnally, one of 16 security officers who took part in thisevent which involved riding static keep fit exercise bicycles in

the Odyssey over 2 nights was delighted that they managedto raise such a significant sum.

“The team at The Odyssey who took part gave up theirown time to participate and are to be commended for theirefforts and we were delighted to receive the Shine a LightAward presented to us by way of recognition.”

Mark Merritt, our Site Security Manager at the OdysseyPavilion was delighted with this initiative of his team at theOdyssey as Robinson Services always strive to putsomething back into the community.“As the business continues to grow we always look to become

involved in community projects – we encourage the teams at ourvarious locations to look at innovative ways and David McAnally

and his team certainly achieved that objective - although I have toconfess to being a little worried when he told me they had been asked

to get on their bike!”

Robinson Services Staff told to Geton their Bike at the Odyssey

Robinson Services Dream TeamSupport Marie Curie Cancer CareIn Belfast Marathon

Well done to the “Dream Team” from Robinson Services – Anne McKee, Beverlee MoagWalker and Shirley Anne Cornett who joined the Marie Curie Daffodil Runners and donnedtheir running shoes instead of the usual stilettos and braved the 26.2 miles to support thisworthy cause in this year's Belfast City Marathon.

Beverlee Moag Walker, Dream Team leader commented: “Every step we took helped usprovide more nursing care to those who need it most. The money raised will help Marie Curienurses continue to provide care to terminally ill patients and theirfamilies in their own homes – free of charge.”

The Dream Team finished in a very credible 350th placein a time of 3 hours 50 minutes and 42 seconds – a full30 minutes in front of David Robinson who also tookpart as a member of the Dunadry Country Clubrelay team. Beverlee concluded:“We were awareDavid was running as he had requested he join theDream Team. However as we knew he could notstick the pace we were setting decided to leave himbehind – nevertheless a credible performance for aman of his advancing years.”


Pressing Onwards and Upwards as Robinson Servicescontinues to invest in key people with the appointment of SamuelAuld, the newly appointed Production Manager for the LaundryDivision as it continues to secure new business.

Samuel joins the company bringing with him over 20 years productionexperience in the manufacturing industries of plastics and textiles within Northern Ireland.Samuel will oversee the entire production process including KPIs from start to finish includingthe production staff of 30 employed in the James Robinson building in Antrim. Samuel fromMallusk will report to Lorraine Smyth, General Manager, Robinson Services Laundry Divisionand is looking forward to the challenges that this new position brings.

Lorraine Smyth, welcomed Samuel to Robinson Services and commented:“We are delighted to have attracted someone of Samuel’s calibre to this important position within

the laundry division as we continue to grow and secure new business. We are sure his productionexperience and ability will enable us to further refine our processes for the customers benefit and wewish him every success in his new role. ”

Pressing Onwards andUpwards as Robinson ServicesAppoint New ProductionManager for Laundry Division

Robinson Services Appoint New SalesManager for Laundry andHygiene Divisions

As Robinson Services continues to grow further proof of theircommitment to invest in key people comes in the shape of KerryMooney, the newly appointed Sales Manager for the Laundryand Hygiene Division.

Kerry joins the company bringing with her a wealth of salesexperience in the Laundry and Washroom sectors withinNorthern Ireland. Kerry will head up the Sales Team of fiveresponsible for promoting the two divisions of Hygiene and

Laundry and reports to Beverlee Moag Walker, BusinessDevelopment Manager, Robinson Services.David Robinson, Managing Director welcomed Kerry to Robinson

Services and commented:“We are delighted to have attracted someone of Kerry’s calibre to this

important position within the company. We are sure her experience and ability willstand up to each and every challenge that our business sector brings and we wish her every successin her new role. ”


No need to panic… we have not had a increase in crime in SarahJane Robinson House - as our security business grows we havemade further appointments to our ever expanding security teamwith the appointment of two additional Operational SupportManagers.

Ronnie McCann, who has been one of our Stalwart ControlCentre team for the last year now looks forward to a morecustomer facing function. Ronnie has many years of experiencein the NI security industry. In addition we welcome newcomerPaul Andrews to the company as Operational Support Manager.Paul comes with a long history in the security industry and bringswith him a huge amount of experience and expertise.

David Huxley, Security Services Manager was delighted tostrengthen an ever increasing Security Team. “As the business continues togrow we need to invest in additional support to ensure we deliver in line with our ownand our customers high expectations - the addition of Ronnie and Paul to our Operational SupportTeam will ensure we meet those expectations.”

Increased Security Required atRobinson Services

Well it seems like it as Robinson Services continues to invest in key areas with the businesswith the appointment of Brendan Martin and Emma Williamson, the newly appointedCustomer Relationship Executives as they continue to secure new business. But not any oldcustomer relationship executives - Brendan is currently studying for his private pilot’s licencewhilst Emma is an accomplished snowboarder.

Brendan joins the company bringing with him over 10 years sales experience in the electronicsecurity industry within Northern Ireland. Brendan will cover the territory from Belfast toBallymena and also Carrick to Larne. Emma Williamson brings almost 10 years fields sales basedexperience within the laundry, confectionery and print supplies industries and will cover aterritory from Newry to Enniskillen.

David Robinson, welcomed Brendan and Emma to Robinson Services andcommented: “We are delighted to extend our Sales Support team

with these appointments. We understand the need to supportour customers in the field and are sure that both Brendan’s

and Emma’s experience will help us to continue to growand secure new business whilst provide additionalsupport to our current customer base.

We are sure their sales experience and ability andtheir personal passions in the blue skies and beyondwill stand us all in good stead and we wish them every

success in their new roles. ”

To Infinity and Beyond as RobinsonServices Appoint Two New High FlyingCustomer Relationship Executives


The 50th Annual Six A Side hockey tournament took place onceagain at the Antrim Forum from Tuesday May 18th to Saturday 22May 2010 with over 110 teams taking part. The Antrim Forumhosted the only surviving hockey sixes tournament inNorthern Ireland which was great news for Antrim-basedcompany Robinson Services, the tournament sponsors.

The company’s Managing Director David Robinson,explains, ’It was great to support the Antrim Sixes in thissignificant year. We like to live up to our Robinson Groupslogan ’It’s Our Business to Support Yours’ – and what couldbe better than supporting a local event of this nature in such apractical way?’

Drew Francey – Antrim Sixes tournament organiser welcomedthe partnership with the Robinson Services and commented: “As the Antrim Sixes started out for its 50th tournament it was particularly pleasing to enter into this partnership once again with Robinson Services – through team work andprofessionalism we both have enjoyed many successes over the years and we hope to share many more together at Antrim Forum in the future.”

Buttercrane Shopping Centre, Newry has won a National 5 star Grade Loo of the Year Awardin the latest search to find the best ‘away from home’ toilets in the UK.

Buttercrane’s entry was in Retail Shopping Centre category and it was the only shoppingcentre in Northern Ireland to win an award. A proud Peter Murray, Centre Managercommented: “It’s certainly not just a bog standard award. The Loo of the Year Awards have

been identifying the best in Britain since 1987 and are recognised as standardsetters for all those who provide ‘away from home’ facilities for staff,

customers and visitors. I am very proud that Buttercrane’s toiletfacilities have been crowned ‘king of the thrones’ and it is all

down to our superb cleaning staff, who I would like to thankfor all their hard work.

The quality of public toilet facilities is a very emotiveissue and Buttercrane, in conjunction with our cleaningcontractor, Robinson Services, endeavour to provide thevery best facility possible at all times.”

David Robinson, Managing Director at RobinsonServices concluded: "We are delighted to see Buttercrane

Shopping Centre win this prestigious award and Imust pay tribute to the hard work and excellent

service provided by the team in the Centre-this was undoubtedly one of the contributing

factors in the winning of this award."

Buttercrane ‘Flushed’ WithSuccess In Loo Of Year Awards

Robinson Services Score Again with AntrimSixes Hockey Tournament Sponsorship


Robinson Services Staff Set theStandards with nomination for TheNIHF 2010 Hotel & GuesthouseHousekeeping AwardsThe Northern Ireland Hotels Federation have commenced the2010 Housekeeping Awards and Robinson Services aredelighted to announce that with our joint workingpartnership at the Park Plaza Belfast International Hotel wehave two team members short listed for an award.Kathleen Kennedy, Accommodation Services Managerrepresenting the Park Plaza Hotel and Barbara BoydAccommodation Services Supervisor, Robinson Servicesare in for a full assessment day on the 23rd February -should they then be successful they will be informed at aGala Luncheon on the 11th March at the Wellington ParkHotel Awards ceremony.Maureen Totton, Director Robinson Services commented:“Housekeeping is a very important role in tourism. Housekeeping staffensure that guests have a great stay and come away with a positive view ofour accommodation products. One of the key objectives of this competition will be to highlight thisrole, recognising the excellent work that housekeeping staff perform every day.It is a team competition with two people on each team and is designed to be fun and educational.There are no written tests and no interviews!The competition sponsored by Bunzl, Ecolab and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. Assessment willinclude normal housekeeping duties including bed making, tea trays, final inspections, spillages andhazardous substances - we wish Kathleen and Barbara

Rose Mitchell Steams ahead to SecondPlace as Laundry Division Team Press onto Complete NVQ Level 2 Training Course

While eight key members of the Laundry divisionteam based in the new James Robinson Building inAntrim completed an NVQ Level 2 LaundryOperations training course – the first of its kind to beheld in Northern Ireland, Rose Mitchell, our AssistantCalender Supervisor attained 2nd place in allNorthern Ireland in a competition on herdevelopment as a result of the training.

This training and assessment of the candidatesstarted in August and was made up from thefollowing units: Health & Safety, Check in & classifyitems, Wash process using washer extractors, Tumbledrying OR Finishing flat work and Packing & presentation.

Lorraine Smyth, General Manager for Robinson Services Laundry Division commented: “This was a work based programme and was both classroom and practical based and covers all the aspects for the laundry staff to carry out their duties more effectively within the laundry. The candidates on successfully completing the course gained the NVQ level 2 in Laundry Operationsand we were not surprised at Rose’s achievement- with over 37 years Service in the Laundry divisionwe half expected her to be taking the course due to her tremendous knowledge and expertise. Her achievement in coming second in all of Northern Ireland is well deserved and we wish her well on her visit to Stormont to receive this recognition.”

Jimmy Fullerton - 45 Years of Keeping TheFaith at Robinson Services Laundry Division

In these fast changing times that we live it is rare for someone to have a job for life –ten years, twenty even seems the exception rather than the rule.

Well not in the case of Jimmy Fullerton from the Laundry Division who celebrated forty fiveyears, yes forty five years as man and boy with the laundry division.

Just think about – the Beatles were in their hey day as “Ticket toRide” got to number One in the Pop charts and a certainyoung George Best was helping Manchester United claimthe league title in only his second season.

Lorraine Smyth, General Manager at the LaundryDivision who has worked with Jimmy for twenty three ofthose forty five years was on hand to pay tribute toJimmy who also celebrated his sixtieth birthday at aspecial presentation in the James Robinson Building. “It is hard to put into words the feelings we have for aman of Jimmy’s stature. Perhaps it is the forty five yearsworking in the laundry industry that has kept you young atheart and we look forward to working with you for many moreyears to come.”


SARAH JANE ROBINSON HOUSE

RATHENRAW INDUSTRIAL ESTA

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NE ROAD, ANTRIM BT41 2SJ

TEL: +44 (0)28 9442 9717FAX: +44 (0)28 9446 3336

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robinson services - service link - spring 2010

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