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PORTABLE PARTITIONS COMPANY GETS ENVIRONMENT & SAFETY ACCREDITATION

As well as great value and effective flexible space solutions the Portable Partitions Company is always seeking to offer its customers peace of mind.

Therefore the company is very proud of its ongoing commitment to protecting the environment and the welfare of its staff and customers.

 

 

In recognition of this we have acquired CHAS accreditation. CHAS (The Health & Safety Assessment Scheme) is a highly recognised accreditation scheme and authority on health & safety management. They set industry benchmarks and provide reassurance to both clients and contractors.

 

 

 

Along with our health and safety credentials the scheme also recognises our environmental commitment too. Portable Partitions Company products are  made from 76% recycled materials (the cardboard core).

Throughout our manufacturing process our Environmental policy ensures we keep material waste to a minimum and wherever possible unavoidable waste is sent for further recycling.

 

Also aiding us in our efforts to keep our carbon foot print down, we use electric to power our vehicles used for sales and business development purposes.

Managing Director Alex Ayres commented “These are exciting times and I’m proud that the Portable Partitions Company has embraced the need to stay committed to protecting the environment and the welfare of its staff and customers.

The CHAS accreditation is a recognition of that, but our commitment for providing our customers with peace of mind goes beyond this. We believe our products and services can help them to utilise their own facilities in an environmentally sustainable way. Using portable partitions to create flexible space avoids the need for costly construction work and the future cost of making alterations and the building waste that can create.”

GIVING YOU PEACE OF MIND

To learn more about our products and how we can help solve your flexible space requirements in a safe and environmentally friendly way please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our sales team now. sales@portablepartitionscompany.co.uk or call 01684 298833

 

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HELPING UNIVERSITIES TO CREATE THE RIGHT EXAM CONDITIONS

The Portable Partitions Company has assisted universities and colleges, such as University of the West of England (UWE), to create the perfect conditions for their students when undertaking their examinations through the use of portable screens.

For UWE the challenge was to create the right space and acoustics within the University’s multi-use exhibition centre to accommodate around 1,500 students sitting various exams.

 

THE CHALLENGE

The building’s usual purpose being to host events and showcase work done by the students. The wide open space providing the perfect setting for large audiences or exhibitions. However, as every student knows, sitting an exam can be an extremely daunting, and for many an acutely anxious, experience. This is further exacerbated by poor exam venue conditions.

Dawn Stephens, UWE Central Examinations Manager commented, “Walking into the building, the space was a vast area that we felt would be extremely daunting for the students when about to sit an exam. It was with this in mind that we approached the Portable Partitions Company to help us create a more ‘friendlier’ environment.”

THE SOLUTION

The Portable Partitions Company proposed to split the area into six separate sections seating up to 250 students each, using 70 of their acoustic screens allowing between 30-55% sound absorption within the space.

Alex Ayres, Managing Director of the Portable Partitions Company says, “The order from UWE is testament to the quality, flexibility and durability of our products. For this project we visited the university to determine the best layout and once agreed set up the system to ensure it met the brief. Though the specific purpose of the products were to create the perfect exam conditions, the screens have also been used to create flexible space solutions for exhibitions, seminars and other events taking place at the university throughout the year.”

Dawn continues, “We chose the Portable Partitions Company above other suppliers as their portable screens are great quality, extremely durable and flexible – ideal for our needs. We needed a system that we could erect and dismantle easily and that we knew when it was put into storage would be in perfect condition when used again.

THE OUTCOME

Along with the many hundreds of the University’s graduates, the exam season was a great success for the Portable Partitions Company and its specialist expertise in delivering flexible space solutions.

Portable Partitions Company Room Dividers allow any space to be sectioned into separate areas or rooms to be set up instantly within an open plan office. Key benefits of the system include:

  • Really simple assembly
  • Ultimate flexibility – panels fold back when not in use
  • Sound absorbing yet light and completely portable
  • Provide privacy or security
  • A choice of six different heights and lengths
  • Compact storage – stored folded back making use of limited space
  • Made from 76% recycled material
  • Bespoke products can be produced to meet specific requirements
  • Standard products are available for purchase or hire.

“In addition, the team we dealt with were extremely helpful and personable at all times during the process, being happy to talk through the options and suggest solutions that would work for us. They truly were great to work with and we would definitely recommend the Portable Partitions Company to our peers.” Dawn Stephens, UWE Central Examinations Manager.

To find out more about our range of portable screens visit our online store now or get in touch with our sales team on 01684 298 833

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WHY VISUAL COMMUNICATION WORKS AND HOW OUR PRODUCTS HELP TO DELIVER IT

Its been said that people only remember 10% of what they hear, just 20% of what they read, but 80% of what they see.

room divider 360
Wewantanycar.com used the Portable Partitions Company to help deliver their product message

With so many businesses and brands busy trying to grab the attention of their customers or audience, its clearly more efficient to use memorable visual imagery, rather than just words, to express ideas or to share information. Particularly if you want people to remember your message.

This is why we have developed large format printing options across our entire range of Portable Partition Company products. These not only deliver flexible space solutions but also present powerful visual tools which can help deliver your key product or brand messaging.

 

 

ALS Controls used our modular wall system to deliver their brand and product awareness

Andrew Steward MD of ALS Controls commented “We used the Portable Partitions Company to produce our module wall complete with a bespoke large format print finish.”

“The turn-around from order to deliver was just a matter of days which met with our urgent operational need. Plus the large format printing quality was exceptional and the end product creates a striking visual showing our product and brand.”

 

 

Here are some great reasons why visual communication is and will remain the most effective means of telling people your story.

The BBC used our products to create ‘brainstorming’ space in their offices

ITS MORE FLEXIBLE THAN WORDS CAN SAY

A single image can convey an idea that would take several sentences if you had to describe it in words. Moreover, an image makes sense to everybody despite cultural, geographical, ethnic or language differences among people. Therefore, using visual communication would allow you to deliver the message more persuasively to the diverse audiences.

 

 

The Egypt Centre Museum used our products to create a visually inspired customer journey

VISUALS MAKE AN IMPACT

Images have a higher chance of evoking an emotional response than a set of words, written or spoken. Emotion drives our ability to remember details and experiences better. Positive emotions naturally generate positive memories.

INCREASES CREDIBILITY OF YOUR MESSAGE

“Seeing is believing”. An image is not just a way to get the attention of your audience, but it is also a way to win their trust. A couple of catchy sentences about your brand will get your target market to look your way, an image can reinforce the credibility of that message.

 

 

 

ITS A POWERFUL TOOL

These benefits are the reasons why you should always incorporate visual communication when you are trying to make your message memorable. Whether you are setting up for a trade show; creating flexible, yet inspiring, working space or trying to create the right environment for your brand; visual communication is the key.

 

 

Our products are used to convey ideas and inspire new ones

Visual communication is truly a powerful tool you can use in any circumstance. We have the product ranges to meet all your flexible space planning requirements and with our large format design and print we can help deliver your visual communication needs too. Visit our online store to select your preferred product for bespoke printing. Or get in touch with our sales team now sales@portablepartitionscompany.co.uk

 

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CREATING LEARNING SPACE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL

HOW DO YOU ASSESS CLINICAL COMPETENCE IN A REAL WORLD SETTING? 

An objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is a modern type of examination which is increasing being used by health science education organisations. And the Portable Partitions Company has gained invaluable expertise in this growing area of health education.

The OSCE  is designed to test a candidate’s clinical performance and competence in skills such as communication, clinical examination, medical procedures as well as the rapid evaluation and interpretation of results.

It is a hands-on, real-world approach to learning that keeps examinees engaged, allows them to understand the key factors that drive the medical decision-making process, and challenges them to be innovative and improve the efficiency of decision-making.

Sounds like the perfect means of assessing the next generation of medical professionals as they progress through their learning. But how can a multi faceted OSCE be facilitated in a real world setting without compromising the day to day operations of the NHS?

To help solve this King’s College London turned to the Portable Partitions Company to assist them in creating a real-world, if temporary, clinical environment within London’s Olympia exhibition hall venue.

And they are not the only medical school turning to our expertise and products to create the right OSCE environment. Warwick Medical School have also been using our acoustic portable screens to help create the right setting for their students to learn the essential clinical excellence they’ll need once qualified.

 

Using products such as our Room Divider 360 and Modular Wall, which benefit from acoustic absorption performance, the Portable Partitions Company have been installing temporary OSCE facilities since 2011 on a hire basis. Installations have varied from requirements of thirty to over two hundred units.

Operationally the challenge is to ensure the set up meets the exact requirements of the clinical assessment team and allows for the smooth flow of dozens of medical students as they move from one structured setting to the next.

“Its like a military operation” comments Portable Partitions Company Sales Director Alex Ayres. “We have to ensure the products are on site and set up to the exact specification the evening prior to the OSCE. The products need to offer privacy, sound absorption and enable flexible use of the space available. They also need to be quick to remove as the space required for the OSCE is often needed for other purposes immediately after, or the cost of renting the required space so expensive. Everything needs to be off site within a matter of hours so the area can revert back to its usual function.” 

Screenflex Freestanding product is the perfect portable screen solution for rapid installation and removal

The Portable Partitions Company offers a range of products, available for hire or purchase, which are perfect for this demanding requirement. To view our range of products and to obtain a hire quote visit our online hire shop now. Or if you are looking to purchase you can visit our store.

 

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TURNING WATERLOO STATION INTO A FILM STUDIO

HOW DO YOU TURN WATERLOO STATION INTO A FILM SET DURING RUSH HOUR?

Shooting a blockbuster movie on location comes with a unique set of problems. Especially when the location in question is one of the busiest places in London. That was the challenge facing the Pinewood Studios production team during the making of The Bourne Ultimatum staring Matt Damon.

Within Waterloo Station’s busy platforms and concourse areas the production team needed to set up secure temporary work areas for make up artists, wardrobe, rehearsal areas and green room space for the many extras involved in the filming. The production team at Pinewood Studios turned to the Portable Partition Company to help provide the right solutions using our Room Divider products.

But this isn’t the only claim to fame for our screens… They have also been used in the making of National Treasure 2 staring Nicholas Cage and The Golden Compass with Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig.

However until now our screens have always played a supporting role. But that is all set to change with Sony’s new production of The Girl in A Spider’s Web, where our sleek 360 Polycarbonate product will make its on screen debut.

The previous productions the spaces created needed to be quick and easy to set up and the Room Divider products provided by the Portable Partition Company were the perfect solution.

The products had to be easily manoeuvrable to meet a rapidly changing spatial requirement. And with space being at such a premium, whenever not in use, our products needed to take up as little space as possible when being stored. As well as providing security and privacy they had to create a pleasant, if temporary, working environment for both the cast and crew.

All our products are available for either purchase or hire and bespoke solutions are available. Our Room Divider products offer a variety of colour and finish options as well as other benefits such as sound absorption.

Our 360 Polycarbonate Screens set to make their ‘Screen Debut’

Even if you’re not filming the next blockbuster, if you need an effective and flexible solution to meet your spatial planning requirements don’t hesitate in giving our team a call today on 01684 298833 or contact sales@portablepartitionscompany.co.uk

 

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STYLE, COMFORT, VERSATILITY – NO LONGER AN EXTRAVAGANT EXPENSE

Facilities & premises managers need to know that they’re making the most of their workspace. The time of cubicles and satellite office space has gone a long time ago, and in the era of collaborative working and corporate flex, many managers these days need to accommodate multiple needs within the same space.

This works quite well until you need to partition your workers for more than one project at a time. At that point you realize that putting up a wall through the middle of your office is neither feasible nor cost efficient.

This is where Portable Partitions come in.

 

The Project At A Glance

Who: Jones Lang-LeSalle

Product Used: 360 Acoustic Portable Room Divider Poly/Fabric hybrid

Solution Overview

Portable Partitions Company, are the market’s leading supplier of portable room dividers and mobile partitions engineers and manufacturers in the UK. PPC were approached by Jones Lang LaSalle to help create a dynamic multi-purpose office space for one of their clients. The goal was to create an easy way to partition a large and open office space, with the ability to set up alternate partitions on different days, quickly and efficiently.

Manuel Ortega, Senior Facilities Manager for Jones Lang LaSalle commented, ‘Currently my client has one large room on the lower ground floor of their office block that is generally used as a corporate playground. By utilising portable room dividers, this room has now been turned into a more flexible work/game space.The client wanted to incorporate bright and vibrant colours that matched the office’s current colourful and stylish outlook.

Luckily, Portable Partition’s 360 Acoustic Portable Room Divider was a perfect fit. In fact, the dividers were used to convert a large amount of previously underutilised space into a hub of activity. Most notably, a large section of dividers was used to create a conference room, right in the middle of the office, with perfect privacy and sound isolation.With these room dividers the client managed to:

  • Convert one large and uncomfortable office space into several separate rooms
  • Create an impressive conference room for team meetings.
  • Reduce the overall noise from other coworkers for all the employees in the office

The client seemed more than satisfied with one of the employees noting:

“I can’t believe we suddenly have a huge conference room in our office. It’s awesome.”

The Room Divider 360

The Room Divider 360® is a high-quality portable partition that helps you maximize the use of your facility’s space. We proudly build this room divider in our workshop in Tewkesbury enabling us to despatch directly, often for next day delivery.

This partition features a fully tackable, noise-reducing surface for posting signage or other documents. Each panel rotates 360° for infinite configuration possibilities using a patented 360 degree hinge. Unlike piano hinges used by other folding partitions, The Room Divider 360® hinge allows each panel to turn any direction, at any angle. Our patented no-pinch seams between each panel also reduce the possibility of fingers getting pinched.

The Room Divider 360® also features a full panel end member, which increases acoustical properties by trapping sound, and also creates a finished look when used as an entrance. This feature also eliminates the tripping hazard caused by the U-frame design of other systems. Non-marking, low profile casters provide low clearance, meaning additional noise reduction and a lower center of gravity. There are no loose parts to lose, and The Room Divider 360® arrives fully assembled.

Each panel has an elegant extruded aluminium frame which makes it strong yet lighter than partitions with steel frames. Each aluminium panel frame is joined through a unique cast aluminum corner joint providing superior strength and durability.

For more information visit www.portablepartitionscompany.co.uk and speak to one of our consultants

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Flexible Learning Space – Does It Sound Right?

FLEXIBLE LEARNING SPACE – DOES IT SOUND RIGHT?

As schools embrace the flexibility benefits of open plan innovative learning spaces, educators increasingly need to understand the role acoustics play in these larger spaces and the potential negative impact of poor acoustic control.

In schools especially, children find it harder than adults to hear due to their still developing neurology and lack of experience of predicting words from context.

“We would never teach reading in a classroom without lights. Why then would we teach in ‘acoustic darkness’? Speaking to a class, especially of younger children, in a room with poor acoustics, is akin to turning out the light” – Professor John Erdrich, Scientific Counsel in Acoustics.

In a classroom setting where comprehension is everything, it’s important to create an environment that maximises the signal to noise ratio, especially for those furthest from the teacher. Allowing students to separate the background noise from person talking.

The need for those responsible for managing the acoustics of learning spaces to address this issue is further enhanced by the implications of the School Premises Regulations and the Equality Act.

Children due to their ongoing neurological and cognitive development cannot always ‘second guess’ what is been said if they cannot hear things clearly. This can lead to a loss in concentration, impacts on learning and in some cases disruptive behaviour.

Poor acoustics can hinder collaborative working within groups of younger children and make comprehending spoken instructions difficult. These conditions can lead to significant issues for children with learning difficulties.

Requirement E4 from the Building Regulations states: “Each room or other space in a school building shall be designed and constructed in such a way that it has the acoustic conditions and the insulation against disturbance by noise appropriate to its intended use.” Building Bulletin 93 sets out the guidance for acoustic performance within learning space.

Adrian James, one of the BB93 authors, summarises the current obligations placed on Local Authorities or the School Client Body: The School Client Body is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Regulations; they consist of both the Commissioning Authority (normally the company, trust or charity which owns the school buildings) and the School Entity, which is the body having day-to-day control of the School and may be represented by the Head teacher or Governors.

For those responsible the key is to have just the right amount of reverberation. Reverberation is when sound continues to be present in a room because of sound reflecting off of surfaces such as desks or chairs. In general the greater the reverberation time, the harder it is for young ears to understand.

In a classroom, it is important to have a short reverberation time, but enough for the space to not feel “dead”, which can make it hard for students at the back of the room to hear.

The Department for Education has issued a number of building bulletins for schools relating to acoustic reverberation within learning spaces with a guidance of 0.6 seconds of sound reverberation for new build and 0.8 seconds for refurbished space. However the additional provisions for Special Educational Needs (SEN) criteria suggest 0.4 – 0.6 seconds should be the standard.

So how can those responsible for learning spaces combat reverberation whilst continuing to embrace the innovation of open plan flexible space?

Using portable partition screens with acoustic properties to enhance the learning environment

Wall-Mounted Classroom Dividers for Schools

By using StraightWall Acoustic Portable Partitions by the Portable Partitions Company open learning space can be easily sub-divided. This can help schools and other learning establishments to maximise the benefits of flexible space whilst also ensuring they create the right environment for learning.

The panels are engineered and manufactured in the UK with composite acoustic honeycomb cell core panels, fibreglass sheet layers to both sides and covered in specialist acoustic fabric for superior performance.

They are lightweight and easy to move, adjust and store. When not required they can be simply rolled away for quick and easy storage.

 

For more flexible space partition solutions visit www.portablepartitionscompany.co.uk now and speak to one of our consultants.

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Get Creative With Custom Art On Your Portable Partition

room divider 360

We offer a nearly endless range of options for our portable partition walls. Since room and office spaces can vary in size and shape, it’s important to provide enough customised options to accommodate spaces large and small. From varying heights, widths, styles, colours, and fabrics, our partitions offer something for everyone!

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Photo Studio Gets Organised With Portable Partition Walls

portable partitions divider

Located in Malibu, Florida, the J. Paul Getty Museum exhibits a variety of ancient art and antiquities ranging from countries like Greece, Rome, and Etruria. The in-house photography studio (the Getty Villa) works to meticulously capture both the art and grounds on a regular basis. To add further flexibility to their photo studio, the museum sought a partition wall to divide the open space into two smaller spaces. A portable partition in particular was desired to accommodate various room sizes depending on scope and sizes of studio projects.

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